bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological and transcriptomic analyses of the effects of SlBRI1 expression levels on drought tolerance in tomato seedlings
Authors: Nie Shuming , Yang Zaijun , Wang Dan
Published: February 2021

Background: Brassinosteroids (BRs) not only influence plant growth and development but also regulate the various stress responses of plants. BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE 1 (BRI1) acts as a BR receptor, sensing the BRs and then activating BR signaling. In this study, how SlBRI1 regulate the drought resistance of tomato have further been researched at physiological and transcriptomic level. Results: We obtained SlBRI1-overexpressing and SlBRI1 weak mutant (abs) plants in the same background to research the underlying mechanism in drought resistance. In this study, physiological analyses revealed that abs plants had a higher net photosynthetic rate and less wilting than MM plants; abs plants also had lower H2O2 and O2− accumulation through higher antioxidant enzyme activities under drought conditions. RNA-Seq analysis showed that 768 (53.9%) of 1425 drought-induced genes and 418 (49.8%) of 840 drought-repressed genes were regulated by abs in the same direction under normal conditions. Moreover, 158 drought-induced and 43 drought-repressed genes are further upregulated and downregulated in abs plants under drought conditions, respectively. An in-depth analysis of these DEGs revealed that abs regulated the expression of genes related to ABA metabolism and polyamine biosynthesis as well as oxidoreductase activity genes under normal and drought conditions. Furthermore, analysis of transcription factor expression suggested that abs affected drought tolerance mainly through the regulation of WRKY, ERF, bHLH and MYB transcription factors. However, the expression of most of these genes was the same or opposite in SlBRI1OE plants compared to the MM group. Conclusion: Our results establish that SlBRI1 expression level was negatively involved in drought responses of tomato. Furthermore, our study provides valuable information for future breeding to appropriately reduce the expression of SlBRI1 and improve drought resistance without affecting plant growth.
Development of the Exercise in Cancer Evaluation and Decision Support (EXCEEDS) Algorithm
Authors: Covington Kelley R , Marshall Timothy , Campbell Grace , Williams Grant R , Fu Jack B , Kendig Tiffany D , Howe Nancy , Alfano Catherine M , Pergolotti Mackenzi
Published: February 2021

PurposeIndividualized triage to exercise and rehabilitation is recommended to optimize health, functioning and well-being across the cancer continuum. However, ability to identify and triage the right survivor to the right exercise or rehabilitation service at the right time is a barrier. We developed an evidence-based algorithm to identify survivors’ need for pre-exercise medical clearance and support individualized triage to appropriate exercise/rehabilitation care.MethodsFrom literature review, we synthesized defining characteristics of exercise/rehabilitation services and patient characteristics associated with safety and efficacy of each service. We developed a visual model to conceptualize need for high/low specialized care, then organized patient characteristics into a risk-stratified framework. We conducted an iterative review process with a multidisciplinary expert panel until consensus was reached for the preliminary algorithm. ResultsWe describe eight defining features of the four levels of exercise/rehabilitation and provide a conceptual model of need for high/low specialized care across the cancer continuum. The preliminary Exercise in Cancer Evaluation and Decision Support (EXCEEDS) Algorithm includes a risk-stratified series of eleven dichotomous questions, organized in two sections and ten domains. Conclusions﻿The EXCEEDS algorithm provides an evidence-based solution to facilitate integration of exercise into routine oncology care via a common language to describe exercise/rehabilitation services, a practical model to conceptualize an individual’s need for specialized care, and step-by-step decision support guidance.
The Chinese version of Post-traumatic Growth and Depreciation Inventory – Expanded version (PTGDI-X) for cancer survivors
Authors: Ho Samuel M.Y. , Cheng Chih-Tao , Shih Shih-Ming , Taku Kanako , Tedeschi Richard G.
Published: February 2021

Many patients with cancer report positive changes often refer to as posttraumatic growth (PTG). Some of these self-reported PTG may represent maladaptive illusions created by individuals to cope with the illness. A recently established Post-traumatic Growth and Depreciation Inventory – Expanded version (PTGDI-X) includes both PTG and post-traumatic depreciation (PTD) items. This inventory may provide a more balanced picture on the phenomenological world of cancer survivors. We examined the Chinese version of the PTGDI-X’s applicability to cancer patients, and examine how PTG and PTD were related to posttraumatic stress symptoms. Two hundred sixty-five cancer survivors in Taiwan completed the Chinese version of the PTGDI-X, along with the PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5 to measure post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the factor structure of the PTGDI-X established in a multi-national study fit our data from cancer patients modestly well. The PTD score had a significant and positive correlation with PTSD symptoms, whereas the PTG and PTSD showed a significant curvilinear relationship in the form of an inverted U-shape. This study’s results indicate that PTG and PTD are separated constructs with differential relationships with cancer outcomes. The Chinese version of the PTGDI-X is a viable instrument for psycho-oncological research. The PTD scores can provide useful information to guide cognitive interventions to reduce distorted cognitions. In contrast, the PTG scores can provide further information on the phenomenological world of cancer survivors. In this study, clinical implications and future studies were considered.
Impact of Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy on Quality of Life in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer Receiving Platinum-based Chemotherapy
Authors: Hung Hsing-Wei , Liu Chien-Ying , Chen Hsiu-Fang , Chen Shu-Ching
Published: February 2021

Purpose: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common adverse event of cancer treatment that may affect quality of life (QoL). The purposes of this study were to: assess the levels of CIPN, depression, general QoL, and CIPN–related QoL; and identify the factors related to CIPN–related QoL and general QoL in patients with advanced lung cancer (LC) receiving platinum-based chemotherapy.Methods: This cross-sectional study examined patients with advanced LC who received platinum-based chemotherapy from the thoracic oncology inpatient wards of a medical center in northern Taiwan. Structured questionnaires were used to measure patients’ CIPN, depression, general QoL, and CIPN-related QoL.Results: Of the 93 patients with advanced LC studied, 53.8% and 47.3% reported CIPN–sensory impairment and CIPN–motor impairment, respectively. The most common CIPN symptoms were difficulty getting or maintaining an erection and difficulty in climbing stairs or getting up out of a chair. Poor CIPN–related QoL was associated with more CIPN–sensory and more CIPN–motor impairment. Poor general QoL was associated with a higher level of depression, more CIPN-sensory impairment, and a higher cumulative dose of chemotherapy.Conclusion: More than half of LC patients report impairment related to CIPN. This finding highlights the importance of treating these symptoms which significantly impair QoL. A holistic approach — including patient health education, dietary adjustment, nutritional supplements, aerobic exercise, and balance training — is needed to relieve the distressful peripheral neurological symptoms and emotional distress of CIPN during and after treatment for advanced LC.
Research on multi-sensor measurement system and evaluation method for roundness and straightness errors of deep-hole parts
Authors: Song Ci , Wang Xibin , Liu zhibing , Chen Hui
Published: February 2021

Precision deep-hole parts are widely used in various fields of industrial production and their machining quality has a great impact on fatigue limit, geometric accuracy, and stability of products. Since roundness and straightness errors are essential technical indexes to evaluate the machining quality of deep-hole parts, accurate measurement and effective evaluation of them are of great significance to ensure the performance of related products. A multi-sensor integrated device that can measure two kinds of shape errors simultaneously was developed based on laser displacement sensor, two-dimensional position-sensitive detector, angle sensor, and laser distance sensor. Aiming at the problem of roundness error evaluation, the solution process of the control points of the minimum zone circle was optimized by calculating the distance between points and searching according to the polygon removal rule. Besides, the rotating projection method was used to evaluate the straightness error effectively. Eventually, the effectiveness of the measuring device and the shape error evaluation method was verified by experimental research.
A Missed Opportunity: Underutilization of Inpatient Behavioral Health Services to Reduce Injection Drug Use Sequelae in Florida
Authors: Coye Austin , Jones Mackenzie T , Bornstein Kasha J. , Tookes Hansel E. , Onge Joan E. St.
Published: February 2021

Background: People who inject drugs (PWID) suffer high morbidity and mortality from injection related infections (IRI). The inpatient setting is an ideal opportunity to treat underlying substance use disorder (SUD), but it is unclear how often this occurs.Objectives: To quantify the utilization of behavioral health services for PWID during inpatient admissions for IRI.Design: Data for all hospital admissions in Florida in FY2017 were obtained from the Agency for Healthcare Administration.Subjects: Hospitalization for IRI were obtained using a validated ICD-10 algorithm and treatment for substance use disorder was quantified using ICD-10-Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) codes.Main Measure: Behavior health services associated with IRI admissionsKey Results: Among the 20,001 IRI admissions, there were 230 patients who received behavioral health services as defined by ICD-10-PCS SAT codes for treatment for SUD.Conclusions: In a state with a large number of IRI, only a very small portion of admissions received behavioral health services. Increased efforts should be directed to studying referral patterns among physicians and other providers caring for this population and increasing utilization of behavioral health services.
Spatiotemporal variations in groundwater and evaporative demand drive ecophysiological functioning of a phreatophyte in drylands
Authors: Torres-García Maria Trinidad , Salinas-Bonillo Maria Jacoba , Cleverly Jamie R. , Pacheco-Romero Manuel , Cabello Javier
Published: February 2021

Water is the main limiting factor for groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) in drylands. Predicted climate change (precipitation reductions and temperature increases) and anthropogenic activities such as groundwater drawdown jeopardize the structure and functioning of these ecosystems, presenting new challenges for their management. We developed a trait-based analysis to examine the spatiotemporal variability in the ecophysiology of Ziziphus lotus, a phreatophyte that dominates one of the few terrestrial GDEs of semiarid regions in Europe. We assessed morpho-functional and hydraulic traits along a naturally occurring gradient of depth-to-groundwater (DTGW, 2–25 m) in a coastal aquifer, and throughout the growing season of the species. Increasing DTGW and salinity negatively affected photosynthetic and transpiration rates, increasing plant water stress (lower predawn and midday water potential), and positively affected Huber value (sapwood cross-sectional area per leaf area), reducing leaf area and likely, plant hydraulic demand. However, higher atmospheric evaporative demand fostered higher transpiration rates and water stress. Differences in climatic conditions throughout the growing season drove temporal variability in Z. lotus responses along the DTGW gradient, with warmer and drier conditions promoting carbon assimilation and water loss more intensively at shallow water tables. This multiple-trait analysis allowed us to identify plant ecophysiological thresholds related to the increase in DTGW and evaporative demand during the growing season. These findings highlight the existence of tipping points in the ecophysiological functioning of phreatophytic plants in drylands, which contribute to disentangle the functional responses of the related GDEs under groundwater detriment because of climate change effects.
Clinicopathological and Prognostic Features of Hepatitis B Virus-associated Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma: A Single-Center Retrospective Study in China
Authors: Chen Dao-guang , Chen Gang , Wang Chang , Ke Long-feng , Wu Hui , He Hong-ming , Yang Yu , Chen Yanping
Published: February 2021

The main aim of our study was to retrospectively investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis factors of DLBCL patients with HBV infection in China. We collected 420 patients with DLBCL who were originally diagnosed and treated at Fujian Cancer Hospital, China. In our study, 127 (30.2%) patients were HBsAg-positive. HBsAg-positive DLBCL displayed a younger median onset age (50 vs. 54 years, P=0.002), more frequent involvement of the spleen (19.7% vs. 6.1% , P<0.001), less frequent involvement of the small and large intestine (2.3% vs 11.2%, P=0.003), more advanced disease (stage III/IV: 56.7% vs. 45.1%, P=0.028), and lower expression rate of MYC (49.1% vs. 66.7%, P=0.026). The median follow-up time was 61.9 months. Univariate analysis showed that there was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) between HBsAg-negative and -positive DLBCL (P=0.577). In the HBsAg-positive DLBCL subgroup, age older than 60 years, advanced disease, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), spleen involvement, B symptoms (fever, night sweats, weight loss), and double expressers of MYC and BCL2 had a significantly worse outcome, and patients treated with R-CHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) had a better prognosis. Multivariate analysis further confirmed that spleen involvement and rituximab use were independent prognostic factors in HBsAg-positive DLBCL patients. Our study indicates that HBsAg-positive DLBCL has unique clinicopathological features and independent prognostic factors. Moreover, HBV infection does not appear to affect the prognosis of DLBCL patients, and the use of rituximab significantly improves OS in HBsAg-positive DLBCL patients.
Assessment of Surface Water Quality of Mayur River in Khulna City
Authors: Hashan Md. Mahadi , Moniruzzaman S.M.
Published: February 2021

River water quality is one of the foremost concerns now a days as it plays a significant role in human and aquatic life. Mayur River, located on the northwestern side of the Khulna city, is important from numerous points of view like freshwater reservoir, navigation, water source for irrigation, ground for fishing and the main wastewater route of Khulna city. However along with human interruption, the unplanned and untreated crude dumping of domestic, industrial and household waste into it, the natural flow of the river is totally retarded and the river water quality has been degraded on a large scale due to water pollution. This pollution has colossal negative impact on day to day life of the inhabitants living alongside of this river as they use this water for domestic and sometimes drinking purposes. That is where the significance of assessing the water quality of Mayur River has come from. The core objectives of this study is to assess the water quality of Mayur River and to develop a model using statistical analysis between water quality parameters (WQP) and water quality index (WQI) to interpret relationship among them. Water quality was assessed on the basis of WQI calculation using National Sanitary Foundation water quality index method. The temporal WQI value showed that the water quality in Mayur River got worse in dry season than that of wet season due to dilution. Much higher values were obtained in case of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), turbidity, total solids (TS), chloride, phosphate, nitrate and fecal coliform (FC). Pearson correlation coefficient shows negative relationship among temporal average WQI with other parameters except pH. Regression analysis indicates that 99.7% proportion of variance of dependent variable (temporal average WQI) can be predicted from the independent variables (Dissolved Oxygen (% saturation), BOD, turbidity, TS, pH, temperature change, phosphate, nitrate and FC). Total nine prediction equations were formed using regression coefficients that may be helpful to predict the WQI on the basis of WQP in future.
The Roles of Betulinic Acid on Circulating Concentrations of Creatine Kinase and Immunomodulation in Mice Infected With Chloroquine-Susceptible and Resistant Strains of Plasmodium Berghei
Authors: Olanlokun Oludele John , Okoro Praise Oghenegare , Olorunsogo Olufunso Olabode
Published: February 2021

Complete malarial therapy depends largely on the immunological and inflammatory response of the host to the invading potentials of malarial parasite. In this study, we evaluated the roles of betulinic acid on immunological response, anti-inflammatory potentials and concentrations of creatine kinase in mice infected with chloroquine susceptible (NK 65) and resistant (ANKA) strains of Plasmodium berghei. Serum Interlukins 1β and 6 (IL-1 β, IL-6), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), immunoglobulins G and M (IgG and IgM), C-reactive protein (CRP) and creatine kinas (CK). Furthermore, liver marker enzymes; aspartate, alanine aminotransferases (AST and ALT, respectively) and gamma glutammyl transferase (GGT) were determined. The results showed that betulinic acid dose dependently decreased IL-1 β, IL-6, TNFα and CRP relative to the infected control. The IgG and IgM levels significantly increased in both models while CK decreased insignificantly in both models. Serum AST, ALT and GGT significantly decreased compared to the infected control. These results showed that betulinic acid has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and mitigating effects on malarial infection in mice. Furthermore, the down-regulatory effect of betulinic acid on CK is indicative of decrease in muscle injury which is a major pathological concern in malarial infection and treatment.
Inhibition of Microglia Over-activation Restores Neuronal Survival in a Mouse Model of CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder
Authors: Galvani Giuseppe , Mottolese Nicola , Gennaccaro Laura , Loi Manuela , Medici Giorgio , Tassinari Marianna , Fuchs Claudia , Ciani Elisabetta , Trazzi Stefania
Published: February 2021

BackgroundCDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (CDD), a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by early-onset epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autistic features, is caused by mutations in the CDKL5 gene. Evidence in animal models of CDD showed that absence of CDKL5 negatively affects neuronal survival, as well as neuronal maturation and dendritic outgrowth; however, knowledge of the substrates underlying these alterations is still limited. Neuro-inflammatory processes are known to contribute to neuronal dysfunction and death. Recent evidence shows a subclinical chronic inflammatory status in plasma from CDD patients. However, to date, it is unknown whether a similar inflammatory status is present in the brain of CDD patients and, if so, whether this plays a causative or exacerbating role in the pathophysiology of CDD. MethodsWe evaluated microglia activation using AIF-1 immunofluorescence, proinflammatory cytokine expression and signaling in the brain of a mouse model of CDD, the Cdkl5 KO mouse, which is characterized by an impaired survival of hippocampal neurons that worsens with age. Hippocampal neuron survival was determined by DCX, NeuN and cleaved caspase-3 immunostaining in Cdkl5 KO mice treated with luteolin (10 mg/kg), a natural anti-inflammatory flavonoid. Since hippocampal neurons of Cdkl5 KO mice exhibit increased susceptibility to excitotoxic stress, we evaluated neuronal survival in Cdkl5 KO mice injected with NMDA (60 mg/kg) after a 7-day treatment with luteolin. ResultsWe found increased microglial activation in the brain of the Cdkl5 KO mouse. We found alterations in microglial cell morphology and number, increased levels of AIF-1 and proinflammatory cytokines, and activation of STAT3 signaling. Remarkably, treatment with luteolin recovers microglia alterations as well as neuronal survival and maturation in Cdkl5 KO mice, and prevents the increase in NMDA-induced cell death in the hippocampus. ConclusionsOur results suggest that neuro-inflammatory processes contribute to the pathogenesis of CDD and imply the potential usefulness of luteolin as a treatment option in CDD patients.
NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation Attenuates Neuronal Apoptosis by Upregulating Autophagy through AMPK/Beclin-1 Pathway after Intracerebral Hemorrhage with Ventricular Extension in Rats
Authors: Zhang Zhaoqi , Guo Peiwen , Jia Zhengcai , Chen Tunan , Feng Hua
Published: February 2021

BackgroundIn brain, NLRP3 inflammasome, mainly derived from macrophage/microglia, is involved in proinflammatory and neurodeficits after hemorrhage, and autophagy is vital for neuronal homeostasis and functions. Accumulating evidence suggested that NLRP3 inflammasome and autophagy played an important role in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Thus, this study was designed to further explore the pathogenesis of neurodeficits after in posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus.MethodsAutologous blood injection model was induced to mimic ICH with ventricular extension (ICH-IVH) in Sprague-Dawley rats. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, the NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 was administered abdominally at 1 h after ICH-IVH. Magnetic resonance imaging, neurobehavioral tests, immunofluorescence, western blotting, Fluoro-Jade C- staining, Tunel staining, and Quantitative RNA Sequencing were performed.ResultsIn the acute phase of ICH-IVH, both the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and the autophagy of neurons were upregulated. The activated NLRP3 in macrophage/microglia promoted the release of IL-1β to extracellular, which contributed to excessive autophagy, leading to neurons apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. AMPK/Beclin-1 pathway played an important role in NLRP3-related neurons autophagy. Using MCC950(NLRP3 inflammasome specific inhibitor) treatment after ICH-IVH significantly reduced ventricles dilation, improved neurofunction, down-regulated the release of IL-1β, and alleviated neuroinflammation and excessive autophagy.ConclusionsOur finding demonstrated that NLRP3 inflammasome activated in microglia/macrophage aggravated neurological outcomes and neuronal apoptosis by upregulating autophagy after ICH-IVH, which was partly mediated by the AMPK/Beclin-1 pathway. Therefore, inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the neurodeficits of ICH-IVH patients.
The Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Incident Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Aged Population: A Cohort Study
Authors: Tang Molian , Zhou Yiquan , Wang Jialu , Wan Yanping , Xu Renying
Published: February 2021

BackgroundPrevious studies reported that aged population with overweight had a lower mortality after cardiovascular diseases attack, indicating being thinner might not be better. However, the debate is ongoing what is optimal range of body mass index (BMI) for aged population. We aimed to evaluate the association between BMI and incident diabetes mellitus (DM) in Chinese elderly people.Methods6,489 Chinese elderly people (3,828 men and 2,661 women) with medium age of 69 years (interquartile range: 67-74 years) were included in this cohort study. BMI was measured at baseline (2014). All the participants were further classified into eight groups based on baseline BMI with 2.0 kg/m2 interval: ≤17.9 kg/m2, 18.0-19.9 kg/m2, 20.0-21.9 kg/m2, 22.0-23.9 kg/m2, 24.0-25.9 kg/m2, 26.0-27.9 kg/m2, 28.0-29.9 kg/m2, and ≥30.0 kg/m2. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were annually measured during follow-up (2014-2019). DM was confirmed if either FBG ≥7.0 mmol/L or HbA1c ≥6.5%. We used the Cox proportional hazards regression model to evaluate the association between BMI and incident DM.ResultsComparing individuals with a BMI range of 20.0~21.9 kg/m2 (reference), the hazards ratio for incident DM was 2.07 (95% CI: 1.33, 3.22), 2.07 (95% CI: 1.33, 3.23), 2.18 (95% CI: 1.37, 3.47), 2.68 (95% CI: 1.61, 4.46), and 2.26 (95% CI: 1.17, 4.37) for the group with a BMI range of 22.0-23.9 kg/m2, 24.0-25.9 kg/m2, 26.0-27.9 kg/m2, 28.0-29.9 kg/m2, and ≥30.0 kg/m2 after adjusting baseline age, sex, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and eGFR. Each unit increase of BMI (=1.0 kg/m2) was associated with a high risk of 9% (HR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.14, P for trend<0.001) after adjusting for above-mentioned confounders.ConclusionsHigh BMI was associated with high risk of developing DM in Chinese aged population. To lower the incidence of DM, it is better to be thinner than heavier.
Effect of Rainfall and pH on Musty Odor Produced in the Sanbe Reservoir
Authors: Kim Sangyeob , Hayashi Shohei , Masuki Shingo , Ayukawa Kazuhiro , Ohtani Shuji , Seike Yasushi
Published: February 2021

Harmful cyanobacterial blooms (HCBs) are continuously formed in water systems such as reservoirs and lakes around the world. In particular, geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB), which are made by cyanobacteria, have caused serious musty-odor problems in the drinking water of the Sanbe reservoir in Japan. To investigate the cause of this musty odor, we conducted field observations for five years (2015–2019). As a result, it was determined that the geosmin was caused by the cyanobacteria as Dolichospermum crassum and Dolichospermum planctonicum, and 2-MIB was caused by the cyanobacteria as Pseudanabaena sp and Aphanizomenon cf. flos-aquae. It was also determined that the occurrence of geosmin and 2-MIB are influenced by changes in water temperature and pH due to the inflow of rainfall. Especially, the geosmin and 2-MIB tended to occur in low rainfall conditions. When there is low rainfall, the reservoir changes to an alkaline state due to the consumption of CO2 by the photosynthesis of phytoplankton. In an alkaline reservoir, CO2 exists in the form of bicarbonate (HCO3-); thus, under these condition cyanobacteria will increase because it uses both CO2 and bicarbonate (HCO3-) for photosynthesis. Our study suggests that for solving the musty-odor problem in the reservoir, it is important to control the reservoir’s pH. Moreover, more focus should be place in managing the water quality problem of the Sanbe Reservoir, especially, during low rainfall years. The results of this study will help in addressing odor related water quality problem in other reservoirs.
Performance of the UCLA Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract 2.0 Instrument as a Clinical Decision Aid in the Routine Clinical Care of Patients With Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Zampatti Norina , Garaiman Alexandru , Jordan Suzana , Dobrota Rucsandra Cristina , Becker Mike Oliver , Maurer Britta , Distler Oliver , Mihai Carina
Published: February 2021

Background and objectivesThe University of California Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract Instrument 2.0 (UCLA GIT 2.0) is validated to capture gastrointestinal (GI) tract morbidity in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aims of this study were to determine in a large SSc cohort if the UCLA GIT 2.0 is able to discriminate patients for whom a rheumatologist with experience in SSc would recommend an oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD), and if it could identify patients with endoscopically proven oesophagitis or with any pathologic finding on EGD. Methods We selected patients fulfilling the ACR/EULAR 2013 criteria for SSc from our EUSTAR center having completed at least once the UCLA GIT 2.0 questionnaire, and we collected data on gastrointestinal symptoms and EGD from their medical charts. We analysed by general linear mixed effect models several parameters, including UCLA GIT 2.0, considered as potentially associated with the indication of EGD, as well as with endoscopic oesophagitis and any pathologic finding on EGD.Results We identified 346 patients (82.7% female, median age 63 years, median disease duration 10 years, 23% diffuse cutaneous SSc) satisfying the inclusion criteria, who completed UCLA GIT 2.0 questionnaires at 940 visits. EGD was recommended at 169 visits. In multivariable analysis, UCLA GIT 2.0 and some of its subscales (reflux, distention/bloating, social functioning) were associated with the indication of EGD. In 177 EGD performed in 145 patients, neither the total ULCA GIT 2.0 score nor any of its subscales were associated with endoscopic oesophagitis, nor with any pathologic EGD findings.ConclusionsIn a real-life setting, the UCLA GIT 2.0 was able to detect patients with SSc who had an indication for EGD. This supports the utilization of the UCLA GIT 2.0 as a decision aid in routine care for upper GI tract investigation of patients with SSc.
Unveiling and Addressing Implementation Barriers to Routine Immunization in the Peri-Urban Slums of Karachi, Pakistan: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Yazdani Amna Tanweer , Muhammad Ameer , Nisar Muhammad Imran , Khan Uzma , Shafiq Yasir
Published: February 2021

BackgroundGreat disparities in immunization coverage exist in Pakistan between urban and rural areas. However, coverage estimates for large peri-urban slums in Sindh are largely unknown and implementation challenges remain unexplored. This study explores key supply- and demand-side immunization barriers in peri-urban slums, as well as strategies to address them. It also assesses immunization coverage in the target slums.MethodsConducted in four peri-urban slums in Karachi, this mixed-methods study consists of a baseline cross-sectional coverage survey of a representative sample of 840 caregivers of children aged 12-23 months, and 155 in-depth interviews through purposive sampling of respondents (caregivers, community influencers and immunization staff). After identifying the barriers, a further 6 IDIs were then conducted with immunization policymakers and policy influencers to determine strategies to address them, resulting in the development of an original validated implementation framework for immunization in peri-urban slums. A thematic analysis approach was applied to qualitative data.Results49% of children were fully vaccinated, 43% were partially vaccinated and 8% were unvaccinated. Demand-side immunization barriers included household barriers, lack of knowledge and awareness, misconceptions and fears regarding vaccines, and social and religious barriers. Supply-side barriers included underperformance of staff, inefficient funds utilization, unreliable immunization and household data, and interference of polio campaigns with immunization. The implementation framework’s policy recommendations to address these barriers include: 1) improved Human Resource management 2) staff training on counseling, 3) re-allocation of funds towards incentives, outreach, salaries and infrastructure, 4) a digital platform integrating birth registry and vaccination tracking systems for monitoring and reporting by frontline staff 5) use of digital platform for immunization targets and generating dose reminders, and 6) mutual sharing of resources and data between the immunization, Lady Health Worker and polio programs for improved coverage.ConclusionsThe implementation framework is underpinned by the study of uncharted immunization barriers in complex peri-urban slums, and can be used by implementers in Pakistan and other developing countries to improve immunization programs in limited-resource settings, with possible application at a larger scale. Particularly, a digital platform integrating vaccination tracking and birth registry data can be expanded for nationwide use.
Solvent-cast polymeric films from pectin and Eudragit® NE 30D for transdermal drug delivery systems
Authors: Suksaeree Jirapornchai , Maneewattanapinyo Pattwat , Panrat Kamon , Pichayakorn Wiwat , Monton Chaowalit
Published: February 2021

In this study, solvent-cast polymeric films containing ionic liquid lidocaine/aspirin for transdermal patches were developed. Solvent-cast polymeric films were prepared from two polymers, pectin and Eudragit® NE 30D, by drying the polymeric solution in a hot air oven at 70 ± 3°C for 10 hrs. Glycerin was used as a plasticizer. Lidocaine and aspirin were prepared in ionic liquid form and loaded into the patches. The physicomechanical properties of the films were characterized by texture analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction. A scanning electron microscope was used to photograph the surfaces of solvent-cast polymeric films. Eudragit® NE 30D significantly decreased the toughness and rigidity of the films. The transdermal patches were in the amorphous state, and their thermal properties were not changed from blank polymeric films. The surfaces of transdermal patches were rougher than blank polymeric films and revealed the distribution of the drug. Eudragit® NE 30D significantly decreased the trends of entrapment efficiency and in vitro release of lidocaine and aspirin drugs. The kinetic release observed in vitro fitted to Higuchi’s model rather than zero and first order models, indicating that a diffusion mechanism governed the release of the drug from the patch. Thus, the solvent-cast polymeric films from two polymers, pectin and Eudragit® NE 30D, are suitable for transdermal patches loaded with ionic liquid lidocaine/aspirin.
Sodium Pump Na+/K+ ATPase Subunit α1 Targeted Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Mouse Models
Authors: Tang Si , Yang XiaoChun , Zhou Chao , Mei Yan , Ye JiaCong , Zhang XiaoFei , Feng GuoKai , Zhang WeiGuang , Zhang Xu , Fan Wei
Published: February 2021

Purpose: Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging was not efficiently used in early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to lack of appropriate tracers. Sodium pump Na+/K+ ATPase subunit α1 (NKAα1) emerges to be a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker of HCC. Here we investigated the feasibility of 18F-ALF-NOTA-S3, a PET tracer based on an NKAα1 peptide, to detect small HCC. Methods: GEPIA database was searched to obtain the expression characteristics of NKAα1 in HCC and its relationship with the prognosis. PET/CT was performed in orthotopic, diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced and genetically engineered HCC mouse models to evaluate the use of 18F-ALF-NOTA-S3 to detect HCC lesions. Results: NKAα1 is overexpressed in early HCC with a high positive rate and correlates with poor survival. In orthotopic, DEN-induced and genetically engineered HCC mouse models, PET/CT imaging showed high accumulation of 18F-ALF-NOTA-S3 in the tumor. The tumor-to-liver ratios are 2.56 ± 1.02, 4.41 ± 1.09 and 4.59 ± 0.65 respectively. Upregulated NKAα1 expression in tumors were verified by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, 18F-ALF-NOTA-S3 has the ability to detect small HCC lesions with diameters of 2-5mm. Conclusion: NKAα1 may serve as a suitable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCC. 18F-ALF-NOTA-S3 shows great potential for PET imaging of HCC.
Enhanced Third Order Nonlinear Optical Properties of Methyl Orange Dye Doped Potassium Penta Borate Octa Hydrate (MOPPB) Single Crystals Using CW Diode Laser for Optical Limiting Applications
Authors: Kamatchi K , Sr S. , Sangeetha K. , Anuranjani E. , Durairaj M. , Girisun T.C.Sabari
Published: February 2021

Single crystals of pure (PPB) and methyl orange dye doped Potassium Penta Borate octa hydrate (MOPPB) are grown by slow evaporation technique at ambient conditions. Single crystal X-Ray Diffraction study verifies the orthorhombic family of both pure and MO doped PPB crystals. FTIR assures the incorporation of MO dye into PPB crystals. The Reverse Indentation Size Effect (RISE) behavior and soft nature of both pure and MO doped PPB crystals are verified by the Micro Hardness Study. Absorbance studies shows PPB possess lower cut-off wavelength at 190 nm due to π-π* transitions whereas MOPPB crystals have two peaks, one at 278.60 nm due to π-π* transitions and the second one at 464.65 nm due to n-π* transitions. The inclusion of MO dye molecules alters the band structure resulting in reduction of bandgap to 5.7 eV (MOPPB) from 5.91 eV (PPB). Kurtz powder test shows green emission in both pure PPB and MOPPB with relative SHG efficiency of 0.45 times and 0.40 times that of SHG output of KDP. Z-scan studies performed with 785 nm laser excitation exposes that both pristine and MO doped PPB crystal exhibit reverse saturable nonlinear absorption and self-focusing nonlinear refraction which is thermo-optic in origin. Two photon absorption induced optical limiting action is demonstrated in both PPB and MOPPB crystals. Increase in NLO coefficient due to MO dye confirms the superiority of MOPPB than PPB for optical limiting applications.
Enhanced Tunability Properties of Pure (Ba,Sr)TiO3 Lead free Ferroelectric by Polar Nano-region Contributions
Authors: Mahmoud Abdelrazek , Moen Samar , Gerges M.K.
Published: February 2021

In the present work, a series compositions of (Ba1-xSrx)TiO3 (0≤x≤0.4) lead-free ferroelectric (BST) were successfully prepared by sol-gel method. The effects of Sr2+ on the optical properties, crystal structure and morphology of BaTiO3 were systematically investigated. Compositions with x<0.4 exhibit single phase tetragonal perovskite at room temperature, while a cubic structure of BST has been detected in the ceramic with x=0.4. Phase transition temperature was shifted toward lower temperature by increasing Sr-doping. Moreover, detailed tunability analysis for the present ceramics confirmed an enhancement by Sr-addition and the maximum values were observed at Sr=0.2. The enhancement back to present multiple components contribute to the dc-field induced dielectric constant, where at low electric fields the Langevin theory indicate present polar nano-region (PNR) contributions into tunability data, however domain switching contributions at high electric field was described by Johnson equation. Ferroelectric properties appraised by P-E loop and positive up negative down (PUND) methods have been introduced. The results shown the remnant polarization appraised by PUND method is much lower than polarization estimated by P-E loop indicate the difference values of Pr is mostly owing to leakage current contribution in P-E method.
Molecular Characterization of a Novel Single-stranded RNA Virus, ChRV1, Isolated From the Plant Pathogenic Fungus Colletotrichum Higginsianum
Authors: Liu Hong , Wang Hui , Lu Xun , Zhou Qian
Published: February 2021

In this study, a novel single-stranded RNA virus was isolated from the plant pathogenic fungus, Colletotrichum higginsianum strain HTC-5, named “Colletotrichum higginsianum ssRNA virus 1” (ChRV1). The complete genome of ChRV1 is 3850 bp in length with a GC content of 52 % and encodes two in-frame open reading frames (ORFs): ORF1 (smaller) and ORF2 (larger). ORF1 encodes a protein with highest similarity to proteins encoded by Phoma matteucciicola RNA virus 1 (PmRV1, 47.99% identity) and Periconia macrospinosa ambiguivirus 1 (PmAV1, 50.73% identity). ORF2 encodes a protein with a conserved RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domain with similarity to RdRps of PmRV1 (61.41% identity) and PmAV1 (60.61% identity), which are unclassified (+)ssRNA mycoviruses reported recently. Phylogenetic analysis of the RdRp domain suggested that ChRV1 grouped together with PmRV1, PmAV1 and other unclassified (+)ssRNA mycoviruses, and had a distant relationship to invertebrate viruses and plant viruses of the family Tombusviridae. This is the first report of a novel (+)ssRNA virus infecting the phytopathogenic fungus C. higginsianum.
Estimating the Costs for Implementing a Maternity Leave Cash Transfer Program for Women Employed in the Informal Sector in Brazil and Ghana.
Authors: Carroll Grace , Vilar-Compte Mireya , Teruel Graciela , Moncada Meztli , Aban-Tamayo David , Werneck Heitor , de Moraes Ricardo Montes , Pérez-Escamilla Rafael
Published: February 2021

BackgroundMaternity leave policies are designed to protect gender equality and the health of mothers in the workforce and their children. However, maternity leave schemes are often linked to jobs in the formal sector economy. In low- and middle-income countries a large share of women work in the informal sector, and are not eligible to such benefit. This is worrisome from a social justice and a policy perspective.MethodsWe developed and applied a costing methodology to assess the cost of a maternity leave cash transfer to be operated in the informal sector of the economy in Brazil and Ghana, two countries with very different employment structures and socioeconomic contexts. ResultsThe relative cost of rolling out a maternity intervention in Brazil is between 2.2 to 3.2 times the cost in Ghana depending on the benchmark used to assess the welfare measure. We applied different scenarios that involve different coverage in weeks to assess the sensibility of the program costs while providing an array of possibilities towards its application. ConclusionsFindings show how a standard methodology that relies on routinely available information is feasible and could assist policymakers in estimating the costs of supporting a maternity cash transfer for women employed in the informal sector, such intervention is expected to contribute to social justice, gender equity, and health trajectories.
Indigenuous Vocabulary Reformulation for Continuousyorùbá Speech Recognition In M-Commerce Using Acoustic Nudging-Based Gaussian Mixture Model
Authors: Ajayi Kehinde Lydia , Azeta Victor , Odun-Ayo Isaac , Azeta Ambrose , Taiwo Ajayi Peter , Chidozie Felix
Published: February 2021

One of the current research areas is speech recognition by aiding in the recognition of speech signals through computer applications. In this research paper, Acoustic Nudging, (AN) Model is used in re-formulating the persistence automatic speech recognition (ASR) errors that involves user’s acoustic irrational behavior which alters speech recognition accuracy. GMM helped in addressing low-resourced attribute of Yorùbá language to achieve better accuracy and system performance. From the simulated results given, it is observed that proposed Acoustic Nudging-based Gaussian Mixture Model (ANGM) improves accuracy and system performance which is evaluated based on Word Recognition Rate (WRR) and Word Error Rate (WER)given by validation accuracy, testing accuracy, and training accuracy. The evaluation results for the mean WRR accuracy achieved for the ANGM model is 95.277% and the mean Word Error Rate (WER) is 4.723%when compared to existing models. This approach thereby reduce error rate by 1.1%, 0.5%, 0.8%, 0.3%, and 1.4% when compared with other models. Therefore this work was able to discover a foundation for advancing current understanding of under-resourced languages and at the same time, development of accurate and precise model for speech recognition.
Small Quantities of Respiratory Syncytial Virus RNA Only in Large Droplets Around Infants Hospitalized With Acute Respiratory Infections
Authors: Kutter Jasmin S , Meulder Dennis de , Bestebroer Theo M , Kampen Jeroen JA van , Molenkamp Richard , Fouchier Ron AM , Wishaupt Jérôme O , Fraaij Pieter LA , Herfst Sander
Published: February 2021

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory tract infections in young children. The predominant transmission routes for RSV are still a matter of debate. Specifically, it remains unclear if RSV can be transmitted through the air and what the correlation is between the amount of RSV in nasopharynx samples and in the air.Methods: The amount of RSV in air around hospitalized RSV infected infants in single patient rooms was quantified using a six-stage Andersen cascade impactor that collects and fractionates aerosols and droplets according to size. RSV shedding in the nasopharynx of patients was followed longitudinally by quantifying RSV RNA levels and infectious virus in nasopharyngeal aspirates. Nose and throat swabs of parents and swabs of the patient’s bedrail and a datalogger were also collected.Results: Patients remained RSV positive during the air sampling period and infectious virus was isolated up to 9 days post onset of symptoms. In three out of six patients, low levels of RSV RNA, but no infectious virus, were recovered from impactor collection plates that capture large droplets >7 µm. For four of these patients, one or both parents were also positive for RSV. All surface swabs were RSV-negative.Conclusions: Despite the prolonged detection of infectious RSV in the nasopharynx of patients, only small amounts of RSV RNA were collected from air around three out of six patients, which were primarily contained in large droplets which do not remain suspended in air for long periods of time.
Identification of CRF89_BF, a new member of an HIV-1 circulating BF intersubtype recombinant form family widely spread in South America
Authors: Delgado Elena , Fernández-García Aurora , Fernández-Miranda Ismael , Benito Sonia , Montero Vanesa , Gil Horacio , Hernáez Silvia , Muñoz Josefa , Zubero-Sulibarria Miren Z. , Gracía-Bodas Elena , Sánchez Mónica , Romero Jorge del , Rodríguez Carmen , Elorduy Luis , Bereciartua Elena , Culebras Esther , Rodríguez-Avial Icíar , Giménez-Alarcón María Luisa , Martín-Salas Carmen , Gómez-González Carmen , García-Irure José J. , Cenzual Gema , Martínez-Sapiña Ana , Pérez-Álvarez Lucía , Thomson Michael M.
Published: February 2021

Circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) represent a substantial proportion of infections in the HIV-1 pandemic. Among 103 CRFs described in the literature, 16 are BF intersubtype recombinants, most of South American origin, of which CRF12_BF is the most widely spread. A BF recombinant cluster identified in Bolivia was suggested to represent a new CRF_BF. Here, we find that this cluster belongs to a larger cluster incorporating 38 viruses collected in 7 countries from 3 continents, 21 of them in Spain, most from Bolivian or Peruvian individuals, and 12 in South America (Bolivia, Argentina, and Peru). It comprises three major subclusters, two associated with Bolivian individuals and one associated with Peruvian individuals. Near full-length genome sequence analyses of five viruses collected in Spain, Bolivia, and Peru revealed coincident BF mosaic structures, with 13 breakpoints, 5 and 6 of which coincided with CRF12_BF and CRF17_BF, respectively, and grouping in a clade closely related to these CRFs and more distantly to CRF38_BF and CRF44_BF, all circulating in South America. These results allow us to identify a new HIV-1 CRF, designated CRF89_BF. Through phylodynamic analyses, CRF89_BF emergence was estimated in Bolivia around 1984. CRF89_BF is the fifth CRF member of the HIV-1 recombinant family related to CRF12_BF