bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Features of Imported Chinese COVID-19 Patients Following Chinese Inactivated Vaccines Injection Abroad
Authors: Li Jianwu , Jiang Na , Zeng Qing-Lei , Zhang Yue , Chu Yao , Jin Wenni , Liu Yi , Shi Wan , Yang Miao , He Weihan , Han Qing , Ma Le , Xu You , Guo Yaling , Zhang Lei , Ji Fanpu
Published: June 2021

Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination has been demonstrated as an effective way to reduce the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and only a few vaccinees suffered from SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, limited data concerning the clinical features of these vaccinees infected with SARS-CoV-2 can be identified. Methods We retrospectively collected and analyzed epidemiological and clinical characteristics data of the imported COVID-19 cases who received Chinese inactivated vaccines abroad. Data were extracted from electronic medical records from a designated hospital in the Shaanxi Province of China between March 22 and May 17, 2021. Results Totally, 46 confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection patients were enrolled. The mean age was 40.5 years (range 20-61), 41 (89.1%) are male. Eighteen (39.1%) patients were from Pakistan. Fourteen (30.4%) patients had at least one comorbidity. Forty (87.0%) and 6 cases were fully vaccinated and partly vaccinated. The time interval between vaccination and infection was 88 days (IQR, 33-123), 31 (67.4%) and 15 (32.6%) were asymptomatic and symptomatic cases, respectively. Fever (3/46, 6.5%) was the most common symptom; however, none had a body temperature higher than 38.0℃, and no severe case was observed. Notably, the rate of SARS-CoV-2 shedding discontinuation at 7 days after hospitalization in asymptomatic cases was higher than symptomatic one (93.5% vs 40%, P < 0.0001). Conclusions Individuals who received Chinese inactivated vaccines abroad remain have the probability to be infected with SARS-CoV-2, but all the vaccinees infected with SARS-CoV-2 were asymptomatic or had mild symptoms with favorable clinical outcomes.
Detection of High Frequency of MAD20 Allelic Variants of Plasmodium Falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein 1 Gene from Adama and its Surroundings, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: File Temesgen , Chekol Tsegaye , Solomon Gezahegn , Dinka Hunduma , Golassa Lemu
Published: June 2021

Background: One of the major challenges in developing an effective vaccine against asexual stages of Plasmodium falciparum is genetic polymorphism within parasite population. Understanding the genetic polymorphism like block 2 region of merozoite surface protein (msp-1) genes of P. falciparum enlighten mechanisms underlining disease pathology, identification of the parasite clone profile from the isolates, transmission intensity and potential deficiencies of the ongoing malaria control and elimination effort in the locality. Detailed understanding of local genetic polymorphism is an input to pave the way for better management, control and elimination of malaria. The aim of this study was to detect the most frequent allelic variant of the merozoite surface protein (msp-1) gene of P. falciparum clinical isolates from selected health facilities in Adama town and its surroundings, Oromia, Ethiopia.Methods: A total of 139 clinical isolates were successfully amplified for msp-1 gene using specific sets of primer. Nested PCR amplification conducted, using specific primers targeting K1, MAD20, and R033 alleles followed by gel electrophoresis for fragment analysis. Based on the detection of a PCR fragment, infections were classified as monoclonal or multiple infections.Result: 19 different size polymorphism of msp-1 gene were identified in the study, with 67(48 %) MAD20, 18 (13 %) K-1 and 18 (13 %) RO33 allelic family. Whereas, the multiple infections were 21(15 %), 8(5.8 %), 4(2.9 %), 3(2.2 %) for MAD20+K-1, MAD20+RO33, K-1+ RO33, and MAD20+K-1, RO33, respectively. The overall Multiplicity of Infection (MOI) was 1.3 and the expected heterozygosity (He) was 0.58 indicating intermediate falciparum malaria transmission.Conclusion: The status of msp-1 allele size polymorphism, MOI and He observed in the study revealed an intermediate genetic diversity of P. falciparum clinical isolates, indicating that the ongoing malaria control and elimination effort should be intensified to effectively monitor the potential malaria resurgence in the study area. Moreover, deriving force that led to high predominance of MAD20 allelic variant revealed in such malaria declining region demands further research.
Validation of the Wistar-kyoto Rat Kept in Solitary Housing as an Animal Model for Endogenous Depression Using Voxel-based Morphometry
Authors: Yoshii Takanobu , Oishi Naoya , Sotozono Yasutaka , Watanabe Anri , Sakai Yuki , Yamada Shunji , Matsuda Kenichi , Kido Masamitsu , Ikoma Kazuya , Tanaka Masaki , Narumoto Jin
Published: June 2021

Major depressive disorder is a common psychiatric condition that is often resistant to medication. The Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat has been suggested as an animal model of endogenous depression; however, it is challenging to translate results obtained in animal models into humans. Solitary housing is a mild stress paradigm that could simulate the environment of depressive patients with limited social activity due to symptoms. We used voxel-based morphometry to directly compare the solitary-housed WKY rat model with data from previous human studies, and validated our results with behavioural studies and correlation analyses. Atrophy in WKY rats was detected in the ventral hippocampus, caudate putamen, lateral septum, cerebellar vermis, and cerebellar nuclei (p < 0.05, corrected for family-wise error rate). Further, locomotor behaviour was negatively correlated with hippocampal atrophy and positively correlated with atrophy of the cerebellar vermis. The regions of brain atrophy validate WKY rats as an animal model for endogenous depression and can aid the translation of study results to humans. Our study also reveals the possibility of a cerebellar contribution to depression.
Hypoalbuminemia, An Independent Risk Factor for Severity and Mortality Affects One Third of Patients in Acute Pancreatitis: Multicenter Prospective International Cohort Analysis
Authors: Ocskay Klementina , Vinkó Zsófia , Németh Dávid , Szabó László , Bajor Judit , Gódi Szilárd , Sarlós Patrícia , Czakó László , Izbéki Ferenc , Hamvas József , Papp Mária , Varga Márta , Török Imola , Mickevicius Artautas , Sallinen Ville , Maldonado Elena Ramirez , Galeev Shamil , Mikó Alexandra , Erőss Bálint , Imrei Marcell , Hegyi Péter Jenő , Faluhelyi Nándor , Farkas Orsolya , Kanizsai Péter , Miseta Attila , Nagy Tamás , Hágendorn Roland , Márton Zsolt , Szakács Zsolt , Szentesi Andrea , Hegyi Péter , Párniczky Andrea , Group Hungarian Pancreatic Study
Published: June 2021

Introduction The incidence and medical costs of acute pancreatitis (AP) are on the rise, and severe cases still have a 30% mortality rate. We aimed to evaluate hypoalbuminemia as a risk factor and the prognostic value of human serum albumin in AP. Methods Data of 2461 patients were extracted from the international, prospective, multicenter AP registry of the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group. Data of patients with albumin measurement in the first 48 hours (n=1149) and anytime during hospitalization (n=1272) was analyzed. Multivariate binary logistic regression and Receiver Operator Characteristic curve analysis were used. Results The prevalence of hypoalbuminemia (<35g/L) was 19% on-admission and 35.7% during hospitalization. Hypoalbuminemia dose-dependently increased the risk of severity, mortality, local complications, and organ failure and is associated with longer hospital stay. The predictive value of hypoalbuminemia on-admission was poor for severity and mortality. Severe hypoalbuminemia (<25 g/L) was an independent risk factor for severity (OR: 48.761; CI:25.276-98.908) and mortality (OR:16.83; CI: 8.32-35.13). Albumin loss during AP was strongly associated with severity (p<0.001) and mortality (p=0.002).Conclusion Hypoalbuminemia is an independent risk factor of severity and mortality in AP, and it shows a dose-dependent relationship with local complications, organ failure, and length of stay.
Prospective evaluation of clinical safety and efficacy of left bundle branch area pacing in comparison with right ventricular sepal pacing
Authors: Liu Xing , Li Wenbin , Zeng Jianping , Huang He , Wang Lei , Tian Shaohua , Wu Mingxing
Published: June 2021

BackgroundLeft bundle branch area pacing (LBBaP) has recently emerged as alternative a new physiologic strategy of pacing to His-bundle pacing (HBP) associated with difficulty of lead implantation, His bundle damage, high and unstable thresholds.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to compare clinical safety and efficacy of LBBaP with right ventricular sepal pacing (RVSP).MethodsFrom February 2019 to May 2020, consecutive pacing-indicated patients were prospectively enrolled and divided into two groups. Ventricular synchrony index such as QRS duration (QRSd), interventricular mechanical delay (IVMD) and septal-posterior wall motion delay (SPWMD), left ventricular function such as left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), pacing parameters, and complications were evaluated in perioperative period and during follow-up.ResultsLBBaP was successful in 45 patients (88.2%), and finally 46 patients underwent RVSP. With LBBaP, the ventricular electrical- mechanical synchrony were similar with the native-conduction system (P = .784). However, the ventricular electrical synchrony (QRSd, 108.47 ± 7.64 vs 130.63 ± 13.63 ms, P < .0001) and mechanical synchrony (IVMD, 27.68 ± 4.33 vs 39.88 ± 5.83, P < .0001; SPWMD, 40.39 ± 23.21 vs 96.36 ± 11.55, P < .0001) in the LBBaP group were significantly superior to the RVSP group. No significant differences in LVEDD (46 [44-48.5] vs 47 [44–52] mm, P = .488) and LVEF% (66 [62.5–70] vs 64 [61–68], P = .759) were noted in both two groups at last follow-up. But, in the subgroup analysis, LVEDD was shorter (46 [44–49] vs 50 [47–58] mm, P = .032) and the LVEF% was higher (65 [62–68] vs 63 [58–65], P = .022) in the LBBaP-H (high ventricular pacing ratio > 40%) group compared with RVSP-H group at last follow-up. There was lower capture thresholds (0.59 ± 0.18V vs. 0.71 ± 0.26V, P = 0.011) at implantation in the LBBaP group than RVSP group, and R-wave amplitudes and pacing impedances did not differ between the two groups. No serious complications were found in both two groups at implantation and follow-ups.ConclusionThis study confirms the clinical safety and efficacy of LBBaP, and that produces better ventricular electrical-mechanical synchrony than RVSP. The event of pacing-induced left ventricular dysfunction is lower in the LBBaP-H group than RVSP-H group.Trial registrationTrial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100046901, Registered 30 May 2021—Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/searchproj.aspx?regstatus=1008001.
Honeybees, Bumblebees and Leaf-cutter Bees Vary in the Effect of a Simulated Pathogen Challenge on Individual Thermoregulation
Authors: Blanchard Victoria , Cresswell James E. , Tarpy David R
Published: June 2021

Bees regulate their individual body temperatures by non-flight thermogenesis (NFT). The effects of a pathogen challenge on thermoregulation in bees generally is unknown, although honeybees have displayed opposing responses between two studies. To establish whether bees in general experience disruption of thermoregulation under pathogen challenge, we investigated a representative species of each of three major bee social backgrounds (honeybees, Apis mellifera; bumblebees, Bombus impatiens; and solitary bees, Megachile rotundata) and measured the body surface temperatures of individual bees as they recovered from cold torpor by NFT after injection with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) solution, which simulated a pathogen challenge. We found that LPS injection affected rewarming in the annually eusocial B. impatiens, but not A. mellifera or the solitary M. rotundata. Specifically, the pathogen challenge increased post-recovery body temperatures by 2 oC in B. impatiens individuals. Our findings indicate that immune responses by individual bees can interfere with thermoregulation, but this effect is not consistent among major bee species.
Ex Vivo Cultivation Of Primary Intestinal Cells From Eisenia Fetida As Basis For Ecotoxicological Studies
Authors: Riedl Simon A.B. , Voelkl Matthias , Holzinger Anja , Jasinski Julia , Jérôme Valérie , Scheibel Thomas , Feldhaar Heike , Freitag Ruth
Published: June 2021

The earthworm Eisenia fetida is a commonly used model organism for unspecific soil feeders in ecotoxicological studies. Its intestinal cells are the first to encounter possible pollutants co-ingested by the earthworm, which makes them prime candidates for studies of toxic effects of environmental pollutants on the cellular as compared to the organismic level. Here, cells are isolated directly from the intestine, maintaining > 90% viability during subsequent short-time cultivations (up to 144 h). Exposure to established toxins comprising silver nanoparticles and metal ions (Cu2+, Cd2+) induced a significant decrease in the metabolic activity of the cells. In presence of microplastic particles (MP particles), namely 0.2, 0.5, 2.0, and 3.0 µm diameter polystyrene (PS) beads as well as 0.5 and 2.0 µm diameter polylactic acid (PLA) beads, no active uptake and no effect on the metabolic activity of the cells was observed. This suggests a tissue rather than cell related basis for the previously observed ecotoxicological effects of MP in case of Eisenia fetida.
Dominant associations of Ensifer medicae-Medicage polymorpha and Ensifer meliloti-Medicago lupulina in farmland and natural ecosystem
Authors: Tang Mingxing , Wang Hao Yu , Qi Xin , Yuan Bao Juan , Bin Zhang , Wang En Tao , Wang Bei Nan , Wang Fang , Liu Zhong Kuan , Liu Xiaoyun
Published: June 2021

Aims

The nitrogen-fixing rhizobia associated with Medicago polymorpha and M. lupulina in Yunnan, China have been poorly documented. This study aims to analyze the diversity of rhizobia isolated from these two Medicago species and investigate the impact of abiotic (soil properties) and biotic (plant hosts) factors on Medicago-associated rhizobia in this region.
Methods

91 rhizobial isolates were characterized by RFLP of 16S rDNA and 16S–23S IGS, BOX-PCR fingerprinting, nodulation assays and phylogeny analyses based on housekeeping and symbiosis genes. The genetic diversity of the rhizobial isolates was assessed by the BOX AIR pattern and Shannon index. Additionally, the correlation of soil properties and rhizobial distribution was determined by the constrained analysis of principle coordinates (CAP) based on Bray-Curtis distance of presence/absence (PA) transformed species data.
Results

All the tested strains fell in the genus Ensifer and divided into two species, E. medicae and E. meliloti. Both host plants and soil properties contributed to the rhizobial diversity. For either E. meliloti or E. medicae, isolates from native host plants tended to be more genetically diverse than those of the same species from non-native hosts. The soil edaphic factor analysis elucidated that nitrogen, organic matter as well as Ca2+ and Na+ are the key factors to shape the biogeographical distribution of rhizobia.
Conclusions

This study evidenced the microsymbiont preference of M. polymorpha to E. medicae and M. lupulina to E. meliloti, but also revealed the considerable impacts of both plant hosts and soil factors on the rhizobial diversity and biodistribution.
Minimal residual disease detection by multicolor flow cytometry in cryopreserved ovarian tissue from leukemia patients
Authors: Zver Tristan , Frontczak Sophie , Poirot Catherine , Rives-Ferraille Aurélie , Leroy-Martin Brigitte , Koscinski Isabelle , Arbez-Gindre Francine , Roux Christophe , Amiot Clotilde
Published: June 2021

Background
Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is a fertility-preservation option for women before gonadotoxic treatments. However, cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation must be performed with caution in women with malignancies that may metastasize to the ovaries. For this purpose, detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) in the ovarian cortex using sensitive methods is a crucial step. We developed an automated ovarian tissue dissociation method to obtain ovarian cell suspensions.
Results
We assessed MRD by multicolor flow cytometry (MFC) in cryopreserved ovarian cortex of 15 leukemia patients: 6 with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), 2 with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and 7 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Ovarian MRD was positive in 5 of the 15 leukemia patients (one T-ALL and 4 AML). No B-ALL patient was positive by MFC. Quantitative reverse-transcribed polymerase chain reaction was performed when a molecular marker was available, and confirmed the MFC results for 3 patients tested. Xenografts into immunodeficient mice were also performed with ovarian cortical tissue from 10 leukemia patients, with no evidence of leukemic cells after the 6-month grafting period.
Conclusions
In conclusion, this is the first study using MFC to detect MRD in ovarian cortical tissue from acute leukemia patients. MFC has been accepted in clinical practice for its ease of use, the large number of parameters available simultaneously, and high throughput analysis. We demonstrate here that MFC is a reliable method to detect MRD in cryopreserved ovarian tissue, with a view to controlling the oncological risk before ovarian tissue transplantation in leukemia patients.
Balance strategy in hoverboard control
Authors: Shushtari Mohammad , Takagi Atsushi , Lee Judy , Burdet Etienne , Arami Arash
Published: June 2021

This work investigates how people learn to perform lower limb control in a novel task with a hoverboard which requires maintaining dynamic balance. An experiment was designed to investigate the learning of balance and control strategies: i.e. hip versus ankle strategy. Motor learning was indicated by a decrease in total muscle activation and time to complete a trial. The results further show that participants with no prior experience of riding a hoverboard learn an ankle strategy to maintain their balance and control the hoverboard. This is supported by significantly stronger phase synchrony and lower dynamic time warping distance between the hoverboard plate orientation, that controls hoverboard motion, and the ankle angle when compared to the hip angle. A decrease of 14.2% in the co-activation of the muscles acting on the ankle joint also confirms the adoption of the ankle strategy. The adopted ankle strategy is robust to the foot orientation despite salient changes in muscle group activation patterns.
Towards Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Metallic Powder Production
Authors: MARTINEZ MELCHOR SALAZAR , Lagos-Galván Flavio Américo
Published: June 2021

Intermetallic Fe-Al compounds have become very interesting materials due to their properties, such as good corrosion resistance, high-temperature resistance, high resistance/weight ratios, creep resistance, good wear resistance, and low cost, including some applications where they could replace stainless steels. However, their low ductility at room temperature has limited their use. One of the solutions is to generate powders of these intermetallics and press them in the wished form. Current production methods of this type of powders are very high energy-consuming, polluting, and harmful for handling for human beings. Because of the environmental situation in our planet, it is necessary to develop more environmentally friendly processes, which have lower energy requirements. Therefore, a comparison of a novel water vapor-based FeAl powder manufacture process with Mechanical Alloying (MA), one of the most commonly used processes to produce this type of powder is made in this work. This comparison aims to focus on the advantages of the novel process concerning MA, the last one, considering environmental as well as energy criteria.
Hypoxia stimulates SUMOylation-dependent stabilization of KDM5B
Authors: Zhou Bingluo , Zhu Yiran , Xu Wenxia , Zhou Qiyin , Tan Linghui , Zhu Liyuan , Chen Hui , Feng Lifeng , Hou Tianlun , Wang Xian , Chen Dingwei , Jin Hongchuan
Published: June 2021

Background Hypoxia is an important characteristic of the tumor microenvironment. Tumor cells can survive and propagate under the hypoxia stress through activating a series of adaption response. The study on the mechanism of tumor hypoxia adaption is still of urgent significance to find effective therapeutic targets and strategies. Methods We compared the protein expression of KDM5B in tumor or normal tissues and cell lines by IHC and Western blotting (WB). CCK8 and cell colony formation assay was performed to evaluate the KDM5B caused growth inhibition. The transcriptome analysis, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), flow cytometry analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were for exploring the downstream mechanism. And the SUMOylation assay and Ni-beads pull-down assay and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) were used to illustrate how did post-translation modification (PTM) regulate the KDM5B protein stabilization. Finally, tumor xenograft assay in nude mice verified the findings in vivo. Results We found that lysine-specific demethylase 5B (KDM5B) was upregulated in gastric cancer (GC) under hypoxia condition. The genetic knockdown or chemical inhibition of KDM5B impaired the growth of GC cell adapted to hypoxia. Inhibition of KDM5B caused significant cell cycle G1/S arrest through the transcription upregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1 (CDKN1, also known as p21). Interestingly, the upregulation of KDM5B in hypoxia response was associated with the SUMOylation of KDM5B. SUMOylation stabilized KDM5B protein by reducing the competitive modification of ubiquitination. Furthermore, protein inhibitor of activated STAT 4 (PIAS4) was determined as the SUMO E3 ligase which increased the interaction with KDM5B under hypoxia condition. As the result, co-targeting KDM5B significantly improved the anti-tumor efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy in vivo. Conclusion Taken together, PIAS4 mediated SUMOylation stabilized KDM5B protein through disturbing ubiquitination-dependent proteasomal degradation to overcome hypoxia adaption. Targeting SUMOylation-dependent KDM5B upregulation might be considered when antiangiogenic therapy was applied in cancer treatment.
Tracing climate and land-use instability reveals new insights into the future of Earth’s remaining wilderness
Authors: Asamoah Ernest , Marco Moreno Di , Watson James , Beaumont Linda , Venter Oscar , Maina Joseph
Published: June 2021

Accelerated loss of Earth’s wilderness over the last five decades underscores the urgency for efforts to retain the conservation value of these areas. Assessing how wilderness areas are likely to be impacted by the future environmental change is fundamental to achieving global biodiversity conservation goals. Using scenarios of climate and land-use change during baseline (1970–2005) and future (2015–2050) epochs, we found that climate change within wilderness areas is predicted to increase by ~ 47%, compared to a 19% increase in land-use change. Half (52%) of all wilderness areas may undergo climate change by 2050, limiting their capacity to shelter biodiversity. More significant changes are especially predicted to occur in the unprotected wilderness that supports unique assemblages of species and are therefore more important for biodiversity persistence. Countries with smaller and disconnected wilderness areas are disproportionately at risk from the combined impacts of climate and land-use change. Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and preserving remaining intact natural ecosystems can help fortify these frontiers of biodiversity.
Optimal CT Contrast Enhancement Protocol for the Fontan Pathway: An Analysis Based on a 15-year Single-center Experience
Authors: Goo Hyun Woo
Published: June 2021

This retrospective study was performed to systemically compare several candidates for optimal contrast enhancement protocols of cardiothoracic CT dedicated for evaluating the Fontan pathway. Of 115 CT examinations from 89 patients, simultaneous injection of contrast agent via the arm and leg veins with 50% diluted contrast agent (group 1, n = 38), 60-second scan delay after leg vein injection (group 2, n = 41) or 3-minute scan delay (group 3, n = 36) was used to obtain optimal contrast enhancement. The degree and heterogeneity of cardiovascular enhancement, image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were quantitatively evaluated. Histogram-assisted semi-quantitative evaluation was performed for heterogeneous enhancement, and a cut-off value indicating heterogeneous enhancement was determined by comparing the standard deviations between the cases showing homogeneous and heterogeneous enhancement. Contrast enhancement of the Fontan pathway, the standard deviation measured in the Fontan pathway, SNR, and CNR were more frequently lower in group 3 compared to groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.001). Homogeneous enhancement of the Fontan pathway based on the histogram-assisted semi-quantitative evaluation was more frequently seen in group 3 compared to groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.043‒0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the standard deviation was an excellent diagnostic test in determining the homogeneity of contrast enhancement (area under the curve = 0.991; 95% confidence interval, 0.988‒0.994; p < 0.001). Standard deviations > 105.1 HU could be considered to indicate heterogeneous enhancement with 73.2% sensitivity and 100.0% specificity. The protocol using a 3-minute scan delay best achieved homogeneous contrast enhancement in the Fontan pathway on cardiothoracic CT among the tested protocols. However, low contrast enhancement, SNR, and, CNR need to be improved.
NAD+ Improves Cognitive Function and Reduces Neuroinflammation By Ameliorating Mitochondrial Damage and Decreasing ROS Production in Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion Models Through Sirt1/PGC-1α Pathway
Authors: Zhao Yao , Zhang Jiawei , Zheng Yaling , Zhang Yaxuan , Zhang Xiaojie , Wang Hongmei , Du Yu , Guan Jian , Wang Xiuzhe , Fu Jianliang
Published: June 2021

Background: Microglial mediated neuroinflammation plays an important role in vascular dementia, and modulating neuroinflammation has emerged as a promising treatment target. NAD + shows anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects in many neurodegenerative disease models, but its role in the chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is still unclear. Methods: The bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) was performed to establish CCH models in Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were given daily intraperitoneal injection of NAD + for 8 weeks. Behavioral test and markers for neuronal death and neuroinflammation were analyzed. Mitochondrial damage and ROS production in microglia were also assessed. RNA-seq was performed to investigate the mechanistic pathway changes. For in vitro studies, Sirt1 was overexpressed in BV2 microglial cells to compare with NAD + treatment effects on mitochondrial injury and neuroinflammation. Results: NAD + administration rescued cognitive deficits and inhibited neuroinflammation by protecting mitochondria and decreasing ROS production in CCH rats. Results of mechanistic pathway analysis indicated that the detrimental effects of CCH might be associated with decreased gene expression of PPAR-γ co-activator1α (PGC-1α) and its upstream transcription factor Sirt1 , while NAD + treatment markedly reversed their decrease. In vitro study confirmed that NAD + administration had protective effects on hypoxia induced neuroinflammation and mitochondrial damage, as well as ROS production in BV2 microglia via Sirt1/PGC-1α pathway. Sirt1 overexpression mimicked the protective effects of NAD + treatment in BV2 microglia.Conclusions: NAD + ameliorated cognitive impairment and dampened neuroinflammation in CCH models in vivo and vitro, and these beneficial effects were associated with mitochondrial protection and ROS inhibition via activating Sirt1/PGC-1α pathway. Keywords: Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, microglia, NAD + , mitochondria, ROS
COVID-19 guidance in humanitarian settings: The need for dynamic guidelines adapted to changing humanitarian crisis contexts
Authors: Odlum Alex , James Rosemary , Mahieu Audrey , Blanchet Karl , Altare Chiara , Singh Neha , Spiegel Paul
Published: June 2021

Background: For humanitarian organisations to respond effectively to complex crises, they require access to up-to-date evidence-based guidance. In addition, the COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the importance of adapting and updating global guidance to context-specific and evolving needs in fragile and humanitarian settings. Our study aimed to understand the use of evidence in humanitarian responses during COVID-19.Methods: We collected and analysed COVID-19 guidance documents, and conducted semi-structured interviews remotely with a variety of humanitarian organisations responding and adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic. We used the COVID-19 Humanitarian platform, a website established by three universities in March 2020, to solicit, collate and document these experiences and knowledge.Results: We collected 180 guidance documents, and after excluding those that did not meet our inclusion criteria, analysed 131. We conducted 80 interviews with humanitarian organisations in the field, generating 61 published field experiences. Although COVID-19 guidance was quickly developed and disseminated in the initial phases of the crisis (from January to May 2020), updates or ongoing revision of the guidance has been limited. Interviews conducted between April and September 2020 showed that humanitarian organisations have responded to COVID-19 in innovative and context-specific ways, but have often had to adapt existing guidance to inform their operations in complex humanitarian settings.Conclusion: Experiences from the field indicate that adopting guidance to respond and adapt to COVID-19 is a complex process requiring innovation and collaboration based on the local context and resource availability. Global guidance aimed at humanitarian actors could be improved through responsive incorporation of contextualised field experiences in a timely manner using real-time feedback loops through online platforms like the COVID-19 Humanitarian platform.
Fly ash application in moorum embankment and its stability analysis using FLAC/SLOPE and Response Surface Method
Authors: Turkane Sagar Dattatray , Chouksey Sandeep Kumar
Published: June 2021

This paper presents the application of fly ash in moorum embankment by partial replacement of moorum with fly ash and its stability analysis has been carried out. An experimental investigation was carried out on moorum blended with fly ash at different proportions of fly ash by dry weight of soil for the moorum embankment stability analysis. The Index properties and strength properties were assessed by performing Atterberg's limit, specific gravity, grain size distribution, compaction test, direct shear test (DST), and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test respectively. The embankment slope stability analysis was performed using FLAC/SLOPE version 8.10 (Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua) software at a various slope angle of 30°, 32°, and 34° and different heights of the embankment of 6 m, 8 m, and 10 m to calculate Factor of Safety (FOS). FOS decreases with the increment of fly ash content, the height of embankment, and slope angle respectively. In addition to the numerical analysis, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based (Face-Centered Central Composite Design) was used to predict FOS. The developed mathematical equation illustrates that the RSM model was statistically significant and the results give a reliable prediction of FOS.
Role of travel and tourism sector in the attainment of Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia: An analytical study
Authors: Ali Anis , A. Salameh Anas
Published: June 2021

Tourism is the main service industry significantly developing in the world. It is recognized as the critical factor in economic improvement in various countries. Saudi Arabia is one of the oldest and most famous spots for pilgrimage tourism due to its Islamic heritage. The study analyzes data available on the websites of the Saudi government to specify the contribution of travel and tourism revenue to the economy and its trend, occupancy of residential, and transportation capacity. A tourism satisfaction questionnaire was administered online to get the responses of Saudi nationals and residents related to tourism infrastructure, facilities, and other tourism services in Saudi Arabia. Ranks and percentage analysis were applied to get the relational satisfaction of tourists. Index numbers, ratios, percentages, and coefficient of variations were applied to get the trend, yearly fluctuations, variations, weights, and contribution of tourism avenues. There is a positive but low degree correlation between tourism revenue and the GDP of Saudi Arabia for the period from 2010 to 2018. The results indicate either negative or negligibly positive revenue growth of the accommodation/hotel services, food services, and air transportation. Two-thirds of tourists are either strongly satisfied or satisfied with essential and other tourism services and facilities in Saudi Arabia. Apart from tourist satisfaction, the Saudi government may consider a variety of services as per the economic level of the targeted tourists, and softening of visiting visa procedures and fees to enhance tourism revenue of major contributors for the positive and progressive development to the economy.
AcknowledgmentThe authors would like to thank the Deanship of Scientific Research, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia, for providing financial support to complete this project (Project No: 2020/02/16978).
ОПЫТ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ СВОЙСТВ МЕСТНЫХ КРОВООСТАНАВЛИВАЮЩИХ СРЕДСТВ
Authors: Липатов Вячеслав Александрович , Северинов Дмитрий Андреевич , Пучкова Елена Леонидовна
Published: June 2021

Bleeding during surgery or in the early postoperative period remains one of the main problems of surgery, in particular surgery of parenchymal organs. At the present stage, various local hemostatic agents are widely used. To select a specific hemostatic agent in certain operations, it is necessary to have an understanding of the properties of various application hemostatic agents, their effectiveness, features of biodegradation, etc. For this purpose, methods for studying the properties of hemostatic agents in in vitro and in vivo experiments are being developed. Purpose of research. Description of the stages and main methods of research of various properties of spongy hemostatic agents based on the authors ' personal experience.
Ergen-Ebevenyn Kariyer Uyumu İle Duygusal Özerklik Arasındaki İlişki: Benlik Saygısının Aracı Rolü
Authors: Yıldırım Hacer , Meral Kadir , Kurtuluş Emin
Published: June 2021

Bu araştırmanın amacı, ergenlerin ergen-ebeveyn kariyer uyumu ile duygusal özerklikleri arasındaki ilişkide benlik saygısının aracı rolünü incelemektir. Araştırmanın çalışma grubu lise eğitimine devam eden, 14-18 yaş arasındaki 379 ergenden oluşmaktadır. Çalışma grubunda yer alan 379 ergenin 134’ü (%35,4) erkek, 245’i (%64,6) kızlardan oluşmaktadır. Araştırma ilişkisel tarama modeline uygun olarak tasarlanmıştır. Araştırmanın gerekli verileri elde etmek için “Ergen-Ebeveyn Kariyer Uyumu Ölçeği”, “Duygusal Özerklik Ölçeği”, “İki Boyutlu Benlik Saygısı Ölçeği” ve “Kişisel Bilgi Formu” kullanılmıştır. Verilerin analizinde ise Pearson Momentler Çarpımı Korelasyon Katsayı Analizi ve Regresyon Temelli Bootstrapping Tekniği kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre, ergen-ebeveyn kariyer uyumunun ergenlerin benlik saygısının anlamlı birer yordayıcısı olduğu görülmüştür. Bununla birlikte ergenlerin ergen-ebeveyn kariyer uyumu ile duygusal özerklikleri arasındaki ilişkide benlik saygısının kısmi aracılık etkisi olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
A Polylactosamine Specific Lectin from Adenia hondala Induces Apoptosis and Necrosis in Human Epithelial Colon Cancer HT-29 Cells
Authors: Inamdar Shashikala R. , Jagadeesh Narasimhappagari , Hiremath Kavita Y. , Belur Shivakumar , Sharma Mamta
Published: June 2021

Background:

Altered expression of N-glycans such as polylactosamine is observed in
colon cancer. AHL, a polylactosamine specific lectin from Adenia hondala from a medicinal plant
from the Passifloraceae family has been reported earlier.

Objective:

The aim of the present study is to study the interaction of AHL with human colon cancer
epithelial HT-29 cells and colon cancer tissues.

Methods:

Cell viability was determined by MTT [3-[4, 5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium
bromide] assay, while cell surface binding, apoptosis by Annexin-V-PI assay and ROS production
using DCFDA [2’,7’ - dichlorofluorescindiacetate] kit method were analysed by flowcytometry,
immunohistochemistry was performed using biotinylated AHL, protein purification by
affinity chromatography using asialofetuin-coupled Sepharose -4B column.

Results:

AHL strongly binds to HT-29 cells with a Mean Fluorescence Intensity of 12.4, which
could be blocked by competing glycoprotein asialofetuin. AHL inhibits HT-29 cell growth in a
dose and time-dependent manner with IC50 of 2.5 μg/mL and differentially binds to human normal
and cancerous tissues. AHL induces apoptosis and slight necrosis in HT-29 cells with an increase
in the early apoptotic population of 25.1 and 36% for 24 h and 48 h respectively and necrotic population
of 1.5 and 4.6% at 24 h and 48 h respectively as revealed by Annexin-V-PI assay. AHL induces
the release of Reactive Oxygen Species in HT-29 cells in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion:

To the best of knowledge, this is the first report on lectin from Adenia hondala which
is not a RIP with apoptotic and necrotic effects. These findings support the promising potential of
AHL in cancer research.
Serum HSP90-Alpha and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Prospective Biomarker
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Ilyas Amber , Syed Basir , Hashim Zehra , Ahmed Aftab , Zarina Shamshad
Published: June 2021

Aim:

This study aims to perform differential protein expression analysis of serum samples
from Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) patients and healthy controls in search of potential
diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarker(s).

Objective:

OSCC is usually diagnosed late, which results in poor survival and high mortality. Identification
of non-invasive prognostic biomarkers is of utmost importance for early diagnosis and
proper management of the disease; hence we used a proteomic approach to identify potential biomarkers
from serum.

Methods:

Serum samples (OSCC n=45 and control n=30) were depleted, and proteins were separated
using 2-D gel electrophoresis followed by identification by mass spectrometric analysis. Gene
expression analysis of identified proteins in malignant and normal tissue was also performed to
complement proteomics studies.

Results:

Among differentially expressed proteins, up-regulation of heat shock protein alpha (HSP90α)
from the serum of oral cancer patients was observed. We also observed elevated levels of
Haptoglobin (HP) along with downregulation of Type II keratin cytoskeletal 1(KRT1) and serum
albumin (ALB) in oral cancer patients. Gene expression studies on identified proteins in malignant
and normal tissue revealed a similar pattern with the exception of KRT1. We believe that elevated
levels of serum HSP90 alpha might be used as a potential biomarker.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest a contribution of HSP90 alpha and other identified proteins in
oral pathology as pro/anti-apoptotic modulators, thus considering their potential as predictive biomarkers.
Polymer-Based Materials and their Applications in Image-Guided Cancer Therapy
Authors: Sun Yang , Ran Haitao , Liu Fan
Published: June 2021

Background:

Advances in nanotechnology have enabled the combination of disease diagnosis
and therapy into a single nano package that has tremendous potential for the development of new
theranostic strategies. The variety of polymer-based materials has grown exponentially over the past
several decades. Such materials have great potential as carriers in disease detection imaging and image
monitoring and in systems for the precise delivery of drugs to specific target sites.

Objective:

In the present article, we review recent key developments in the synthesis of polymer-based
materials for various medical applications and their clinical trials.

Conclusion:

There is a growing range of multi-faceted, polymer-based materials with various functions.
These functions include carriers for image contrast agents, drug delivery systems, and real-time
image-guided systems for noninvasive or minimally invasive therapeutic procedures for cancer therapy.
Nanocrystal Approaches for Poorly Soluble Drugs and their Role in Development of Marketed Formulation
Authors: Agarwal Vijay , Kaushik Nitin , Sharma Pankaj Kumar
Published: June 2021

Background:

Poor solubility of the drug compounds is a significant problem in the pharmaceutical
field; therefore, reducing particle size may be one of the most straightforward and efficient
processes for enhancing the solubility of such compounds. Nanocrystal, a new carrier-free colloidal
drug delivery system with a particle size ranging from 100 to 1000 nm, is thought as a viable
drug delivery strategy to develop poorly soluble drugs.

Objectives:

This review focuses on the nanocrystal approaches and their uses in pharmaceutical applications.
Also, various preparation methods of the nanocrystal are briefly described in this review.
The paper also describes several factors involved in producing stable drug nanocrystals and
provides suggestions for overcoming instability-related issues, like aggregation and Ostwald ripening.
Finally, the specific opportunities and challenges that apply to nanocrystal technology are summarized
in this paper.

Methods:

In this paper, we summarize and discuss the unique features of drug nanocrystals, including
enhancement of dissolution velocity, adhesiveness to the surface, and saturation solubility.
Nowadays, pharmaceutical industries are using different approaches to prepare the nanocrystal,
like the bottom-up approach (precipitation), the top-down approach (wet milling, high-pressure homogenization),
and some other combinational approaches.

Results:

Drug nanocrystals can be administered through different routes. Besides this, the various
fabrication methods and characterization methods may be used to develop and scale up the production
of drug nanocrystals.

Conclusion:

In this review article, the relevance of drug nanocrystals are presented and illustrated
according to the research done by different researchers and finally concluded that marketed formulation
related to nanocrystal are gradually in progression. However, some related and developed formulations
are under clinical trial.
Anterior Labial Alveolar Bone Thickness after Orthodontic Retraction of Anterior Teeth
Authors: Lubis Hilda F. , Rachmawati Aditya , Tanius Stephani
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Correction of skeletal Class II malocclusion generally requires extraction
of the premolars, followed by retraction of the anterior teeth to reduce overjet. Morphometric evaluation
of alveolar bone can be used to study the limitation of tooth movement to avoid adverse effects.
The purpose of this study is to measure the changes in the bone thickness of the maxillary incisors
in skeletal Class II malocclusion patients after retraction and determine the relationship between
changes in bone thickness and the amount of retractions using lateral cephalometric radiographs.

Materials and Methods:

This study was designed to determine the cross-sectional changes in bone
thickness in linear directions after retraction, and the relationship between changes in bone thickness
and the amount of retraction. Bone thickness in the linear directions was measured using digital
cephalometric radiographs.

Results:

The measurement results from tracing 43 lateral cephalometric before and after anterior retraction
treatment showed a difference in alveolar bone thickness at the 9mm level from the CEJ in
a linear direction on the anterior retraction of skeletal Class II malocclusion maxillary incisors (p
<0.05); however, there was no difference observed in alveolar bone thickness at levels 3 and 6 mm
from CEJ in the linear direction and in the angular direction (p> 0.05). Changes in alveolar bone
thickness did not correlate with the amount of incisor retraction (p> 0.05).

Conclusion:

The results showed the change in labial alveolar bone thickness was not significantly
correlate with the amount of retraction.
Development of Digital Health Messages for Rural Populations in Tanzania: Multi- and Interdisciplinary Approach
Authors: Holst Christine , Isabwe Ghislain Maurice Norbert , Sukums Felix , Ngowi Helena , Kajuna Flora , Radovanović Danica , Mansour Wisam , Mwakapeje Elibariki , Cardellichio Peter , Ngowi Bernard , Noll Josef , Winkler Andrea Sylvia
Published: June 2021

Background

Health workers have traditionally delivered health promotion and education to rural communities in the Global South in paper leaflet formats or orally. With the rise of digital technologies, health promotion and education can be provided in innovative and more effective formats, which are believed to have a higher impact on disease prevention and treatment.

Objective

The aim of this tutorial is to illustrate how a multi- and interdisciplinary approach can be applied in the design process of digital health messages for use in the Global South.

Methods

The multi- and interdisciplinary team of the Non-discriminating access for Digital Inclusion (DigI) project digitalized and customized available government-approved paper-based health promotion messages into a screen-suitable format. The team worked closely together and used its diverse expertise to develop digital health messages with disease-specific content in Tanzania’s national language (Swahili) as well as English. The development process included the following phases: a local needs assessment; identification of government-approved health promotion materials in a nondigital format; identification of key health messages; creation of a practical and engaging story, easy to understand for the general public; drafting of a storyboard for an animated video with review, feedback, and revisions; forward and backward translation; audio recording of the story in both languages; finalization and presentation of the animations; development of relevant questions related to the health messages in each domain; and development of web and mobile apps to access the digital health messages.

Results

Between 2017 and 2019, we developed key health messages, quizzes, and animated health videos to address HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, Taenia solium cysticercosis and taeniasis, and anthrax, all of which are of public health importance in Tanzania. Feedback from local stakeholders and test users was included in various phases of the process. The 4 videos and other content are available in local information spots on a digital health platform (DigI platform), established by the DigI project, in both Tanzanian Swahili and English.

Conclusions

Our methodological multi- and interdisciplinary approach ensures that the digital health messages for the public are clear, high quality, and align with the government’s objectives for health promotion. It also demonstrates the diversity of scientific disciplines required when collaborating on a digital health project. We recommend this approach to be applied to the development of other digital health messages for a wide range of diseases.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-10.2196/25128