bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presentation and outcome of central serous chorioretinopathy with and without pachychoroid
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sampurna , Saurabh Kumar , Das Sudipta , Gorhe Sukanya , Dsouza Zubin , Roy Rupak
Published: July 2022

BackgroundPresent study compared clinical features and outcome of Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) with and without pachychoroid.MethodsIt was a retrospective, longitudinal, record-based study which included eyes with CSC. Patients underwent spectral domain optical coherence tomography and differentiated between pachychoroid and non-pachychoroid groups.Results250 eyes of 250 patients were divided into pachychoroid and non-pachychoroid with 125 eyes in each group. Mean age of patients in pachychoroid and non-pachychoroid groups were 45.7 ± 9.4 years and 47.4 ± 10.2 years respectively. Mean initial best corrected visual acuity(BCVA) was 0.40 ± 0.42 in pachychoroid and 0.39 ± 0.38 in non-pachychoroid group(p = 0.9). Mean final BCVA was 0.37 ± 0.9 in pachychoroid and 0.21 ± 0.33 in non-pachychoroidgroup(p = 0.04).36(28.8%) eyes in pachychoroid and 60(48%) eyes in non-pachychoroid group had spontaneous resoluti on of CSC (p = 0.007). A total of 39(31.2%) eyes in pachychoroid and 13(10.4%) in non-pachychoroid group had recurrent CSC at the end of follow up.ConclusionCSC eyes with pachychoroid had more recurrent episodes and less spontaneous resolution compared to CSC eyes in non-pachychoroid group. Final visual acuity was worse in eyes with CSC and pachychoroid. These findings need to be validated in a larger sample size with prospective study design.
Biodegradation potential of polypropylene by jellyfish nematocyst protein
Authors: Sharma Amreen Nisa , Raguraman Vasantharaja , Subrahmanian Supriya , Dhinakarasamy Inbakandan , Gopal Dharani , Kasivelu Govindaraju
Published: July 2022

Plastic pollution is one of the major global problems and a serious anthropogenic concern in coastal and marine ecosystems. Increased accumulation of plastics into the aquatic environment by anthropogenic sources results in disruption of the aquatic ecosystem and functions. Several variables impact biodegradation, ranging from microbe species to polymer type, physicochemical qualities, and environmental circumstances. In the present study, the nematocyst protein was isolated and extracted from the lyophilized nematocyst samples using three different mediums such as distilled water, PBS, and seawater. The total protein content of venom proteins was 39 mg/mL. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the interaction of venom protein with polypropylene and had the ability to breakdown potential was studied using ATR-IR, phase contrast bright-dark field microscopic, and scanning electron microscopy studies. Results suggest that the jellyfish nematocysts protein has the ability to break down potential polypropylene material without any external physicochemical process.
Efficient optical plasmonic tweezer-controlled single-molecule SERS characterization of pH-dependent amylin species in aqueous milieus
Authors: Fu Wenhao , Chi Huanyu , Dai Xin , Zhu Hongni , Mesias Vince St. , Liu Wei , Huang Jinqing
Published: July 2022

It is challenging to characterize single or a few biomolecules in physiological milieus without excluding the influences of surrounding molecules and micro-environments. Here we utilize optical plasmonic trapping to construct a dynamic nanocavity, which reduces the diffraction-limited detection volume and provides reproducible electromagnetic field enhancements for high-throughput single-molecule surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) characterizations in crowded aqueous environments. Specifically, we study human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (amylin, hIAPP) under different physiological pH, where two types of low-populated transient species of hIAPP are characterized as β-sheet-containing structures among its predominant helix-coil monomers, driving irreversible amyloid developments even after a post-adjustment of pH. Our results might provide profound mechanistic insight into the pH-regulated amyloidogenesis and open a new door to investigate complex biological processes at the single-molecule level.
Are best practice followed in manufacturer labels of medicines used in Sri Lankan state hospitals?
Authors: Janani Tharmalinga Sharma Jegath , Senadheera Savini Gunitha , Samaranayake Nithushi Rajitha
Published: July 2022

Background: Labelling of medicines can greatly impact the quality and safety of medicine use. Regulatory requirements of labelling must be met in a country.Aim: This study assessed the availability of vital information, and adherence to local regulatory guidelines as specified by the Guidelines on Labelling of Medicines (GLM) V1.0 of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), Sri Lanka in primary and secondary labels of medicines used in a selected state hospital. Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of 300 medicine labels using an online random number generator and considering the annual estimation list for state hospitals as total population (1032 medicines). As procurement of medicines to state sector hospitals are done through a central unit, medicines used at the study hospital represented medicines used in all state sector hospitals in the country. A checklist was developed based on NMRA guidelines, selected medicine labels were obtained from the study hospital and were reviewed against the checklist. Results: Among 300 labels assessed, 171(57%) were orals, 108(36%) were injectables, and 21(7%) were external preparations or local applications. Almost 40% were substandard medicine labels which did not include at least one of the essential information required by the regulations, and the strength was not indicated in the primary display panel of 5.3% of medicines. Further, 5.0% of labels of different strengths of the same medicine or different medicines of same manufacturer looked alike. However, 89.6% complied with the recommended format of the generic name followed by its pharmaceutical form and strength, and 84.0% specified its pharmacopeial monograph. Conclusion: Although most labels contained basic medicines information, majority did not completely fulfil the regulatory requirements specified in GLM V1.0 which could challenge both quality and safety of medicine use. Divergence from the specified standards was observed throughout the study, which challenges the safe and quality use of medicines.
Quantitative Proteomics Analysis Revealed the Potential Role of lncRNA Ftx in Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Sun Xiangfei , Jiang Ying , Li Qingbao , Tan Qi , Dong Mingliang , Cai Bi’e , Zhang Di , Zhao Qi
Published: July 2022

Objective
This study aims to decode the proteomic signature of cardiomyocytes in response to lncRNA Ftx knockdown and overexpression via proteomic analysis, and to study the biological role of lncRNA Ftx in cardiomyocytes.
Methods
The expression level of the lncRNA Ftx in cardiomyocytes cultured in vitro was intervened, and the changes in protein levels in cardiomyocytes were quantitatively detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The key molecules and pathways of the lncRNA-Ftx response were further examined by GO, KEGG, and protein interaction analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 2828 proteins are quantified. With a 1.5-fold change threshold, 32 upregulated proteins and 49 downregulated proteins are identified in the lncRNA Ftx overexpression group, while 67 up-regulated proteins and 54 down-regulated proteins are identified in the lncRNA Ftx knockdown group. Functional clustering analysis of differential genes revealed that the lncRNA Ftx is involved in regulating cardiomyocyte apoptosis and ferroptosis and improving cellular energy metabolism. In addition, Hub genes such as ITGB1, HMGA2, STAT3, GSS, and LPCAT3 are regulated downstream by lncRNA Ftx.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that lncRNA Ftx plays a vital role in cardiomyocytes and may be involved in the occurrence and development of various myocardial diseases. It provides a potential target for clinical protection of the myocardium and reversal of myocardial fibrosis.
VALD-3 suppresses triple negative breast cancer progression via Caspase 3/GSDME-dependent pyroptosis
Authors: Li Hongling , Pan Xuhong , Li Linyu , Song Pengfei , Chen Xin , Ma Weijie , Shao Xiangxiang , Wang Yongying , Zhou Xuan
Published: July 2022

yroptosis, an inflammatory form of Programmed cell death (PCD) and so far, the function of Schiff base compounds in pyroptosis cell death has not been reported. Here, we show that VALD3, a Ligand derivative of Schiff base, treated Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells exhibited specific pyroptotic characteristics, including cell swelling, balloon-like bubbling and inflammatory cytokine release through pore formation in the plasma membrane, eventually suppressing the tumor growth of TNBC. In addition, Western blot analysis revealed that the cleavage of Gasdermin E (GSDME),was related to the activation of caspase-3 in TNBC cells treated by VALD3. Consistent with this, treatment with zDEVD-FMK,a caspase-3 specific inhibitor,reduces VALD3-induced GSDME–N-terminal fragment cleavage and pyroptosis. Mechanistically, VALD3 elevated the level of reactive oxygen species(ROS)and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK)phosphorylation.NAC,a ROS scavenger,reversed the pyroptosis and JNK phosphorylation in MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 treated by VALD3. Activated JNK recruited Bax to mitochondria to form a heterodimer with Bcl-2, which stimulated the release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm, followed by caspase-3 activation and GSDME-depended pyroptosis in TNBC cells. Therefore, in TNBC cells,VALD-3 treatment induces the ROS/JNK/Bax-mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Thereby activating Caspase-3 and inducing cleavage of GSDME to execute pyroptosis. These findings bring an unexpected concept that GSDME-dependent pyroptosis is an unrecognized mechanism by which VALD3 eradicates neoplastic cells, and provide new insights into the clinical application of anticancer therapeutics.
Implementation of Virtual Reality for Teaching Auscultation to 3rd Year Medical Students
Authors: Dotsenko Edward , Sholkava Mariya , Novikova Tatsiana , Dotsenko Konstantin , Marozau Aliaksandr , Makarevich Pavel , Lisavets Aliaksandr
Published: July 2022

Background.
Auscultation is one of the fundamental skills of a doctor in the physical examination of the patient. Virtual reality (VR) training has been used last several years in medical education. The aim of the project is to compare the effectiveness of lung and heart auscultation training using traditional teaching methods and virtual reality technology.
Methods.
The study was conducted the Belarusian State Medical University. 77 students of 3rd year studying clinical medicine were divided into 2 groups: a group of students who studied in virtual reality (VR protocol, n = 28), and a comparison group - students who studied without using virtual technology (classic scenario, CS protocol, n = 49). VR auscultation was taught using the Oculus Quest 2 headset with software that allows auscultation of the heart and lungs. The study continued throughout the semester.
Results.
When listening to the control records of lung sounds after the end of training, it turned out that VR group students recognized sounds somewhat better than the students of the CS group (54.5 vs 38.3%), p = 0.010. Heart sound recognition in the VR group was slightly better compared to the CS group (44.6% vs 37.0%), p-0.232. At the final control of testing the knowledge retained on auscultation, which was carried out 3 months after the end of the study of auscultation, it turned out that long-term results were better in the VR group. In recognizing lung sounds, students on the CS protocol performed slightly better (41.7% versus 36.9% for the VR protocol). On cardiac auscultation, the situation was reversed: the VR protocol group recognized sounds in 56.1% of cases, versus 25.4% in the CS protocol group. In all, VR group recognized 47.6% respiratory and heart sounds versus 33.4% in C group, p-0.003.
Conclusion.
Our data suggest that VR technologies are quite superior in learning efficiency as compared to traditional teaching methods of auscultation and can be used as a supplementary form of teaching.
A Chinese girl like atypical Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome caused by a novel heterozygous mutation of the EP300 gene
Authors: Bai Zhouxian , Li Gaopan , Kong Xiangdong
Published: July 2022

Background
Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome (RSTS) is an extremely rare autosomal dominant inheritable disorder caused by CREBBP and EP300 mutations, while atypical RSTS harbouring variant from the same genes but not obvious resembling RSTS. There are only a few cases of Menke-Hennekam syndrome (MKHK) with variant of exon 30 or 31 of CREBBP or EP300 gene have been reported that not resembling RSTS recent years. Atypical RSTS cannot be accurately classified as MKHK, nor is it easy to identify the obvious classic characteristics of RSTS. The clinical manifestations and genetic variation of atypical RSTS are not fully understood.
Methods
We recruited a Chinese core family with a girl had recurrent respiratory tract infection and developmental delay, the patient was investigated using whole exome sequencing. The detected variation of NGS was verified by PCR-based Sanger sequencing, and the carrying status of candidate variant of her normal parents were also tested. The pathogenity of candidate mutation was predicted by software Mutation Taster, population frequency and sequence conservation of the variation were accounted for, too. Finally, it was evaluated according to standard and guidelines recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. We have made comprehensive analysis of the case through sequencing data and clinical examination information.
Results
The patient with language and motor mild development retardation, she has slight abnormal facial features, mild hirsutism and post-axial hexadactylia of left foot. Her cisterna magna is enlarged to connect with the fourth ventricle, and the ventricular system is enlarged. She has a malacia beside the posterior horn of the left lateral ventricle. The patient has primary low immunoglobulin G and A, but her level of immunoglobulin M content in blood is normal. The patient harbors a novel heterozygous frameshift variant of c.2499dupG in exon 14 of EP300 gene, that it is proved de novo origin. The mutation is judged to be a pathogenic mutation, and it has high-grade pathogenic evidence.
Conclusion
The clinical and genetic evaluation of this case corroborates that clinical features with c.2499dupG in exon 14 of EP300 are less marked than in RSTS2 patient although it is difficult to establish an accurate genotype-phenotype correlation. Our additional case also helps to deepen the clinical and genetic spectrum in this disorder. Our study provides a novel mutation outside exon 30 or 31 of EP300 and enriches the phenotypes related with the gene. We have contributed new variation and disease information for guardians and doctors to broaden the knowledge about EP300-RSTS genotype and phenotype, this may contribute to ameliorate the health management of patients and improve the genetic counseling to the families.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding children with ICU-acquired weakness in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit among Chinese healthcare personnel: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Huang Di , Zhang Weiwei , Peng Weisi , Fan Yi , He Xin , Xing Ruirui , Yan XuDong , Zhou Sijia , Peng YueMing , Luo WeiXiang
Published: July 2022

Background
To explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Chinese medical staff regarding critically ill children with intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) and related factors.
Methods
A Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Questionnaire regarding critically ill children with ICU-AW was distributed to a stratified sample of 530 pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) healthcare workers. The questionnaire consisted of 31 items—with scores of 45, 40, and 40 for each dimension and a total score of 125.
Results
The mean total score of Chinese PICU healthcare workers for the KAP questionnaire regarding children with ICU-AW was 87.36 ± 14.241 (53–121), with mean total knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores of 30.35 ± 6.317, 30.46 ± 5.632, and 26.54 ± 6.454, respectively. The population distribution indicated that 50.56%, 46.04%, and 3.4% of healthcare workers had poor, average, and good scores, respectively. Multiple linear regression showed that gender, education, and hospital level classification influenced the KAP level of PICU healthcare workers regarding critically ill children with ICU-AW.
Conclusions
Overall, PICU healthcare workers in China have an average KAP level about ICU-AW, and the gender and education level of PICU healthcare workers, as well as the classification of hospitals where they work, predict the KAP status of healthcare workers regarding children with ICU-AW. Therefore, healthcare leaders should plan and develop specific training programs to improve the KAP level of PICU healthcare workers.
Attributes of host-specificity better explains the diversified wood-boring longhorn beetles in tropical SW China
Authors: Luo Fang , Rather Shabir A. , Bibi Farkhanda
Published: July 2022

A long-debated question in ecology is whether the hyper-diversity of tropical plant-feeding insects is a direct consequence of high tropical plant diversity or should be attributed to increases in host plant specialization. In this study, we used Cerambycidae (the wood-boring longhorn beetles whose larval stages feed on the xylems of trees and lianas) and plants as study materials to explore which hypothesis is more favoured. Multiple analyses were used to show the differences in host specificity of Cerambycidae in tropical and subtropical forests. From these analyses, we found that the alpha diversity of beetles in tropical forests was significantly higher than that in subtropical forests, but not in plants. And the relationship of plants and beetles is closer in the tropical areas compared with subtropical areas. Our results imply that the wood-boring longhorn beetles show higher degrees of niche conservatism and host-specificity in tropical forests than in subtropical forests. The high diversity of wood-boring longhorn beetles in tropical forests might be explained to a large extent by their more finely partitioned diet-breadth.
Associations between perceived stress and health outcomes in adolescents
Authors: Frida Thorsén , Carl Antonson , Karolina Palmér , Rada Berg , Jan Sundquist , Kristina Sundquist
Published: July 2022

Background
Adolescents are reporting increasing symptoms of anxiety, depression and somatization and an increase in perceived stress is a plausible explanation. The first aim of this study was to examine the occurrence of perceived stress and health outcomes in adolescents, and to evaluate if there are any sex differences. The second aim was to investigate if there is an association between perceived stress and the health outcomes and, if so, possible gender differences in this association. The third aim was to compare samples of adolescent girls and boys from two different European countries to enhance the generalizability of potential findings.
Methods
The sample included 636 students from Sweden and Bulgaria, aged 15–16, 164 (58% males, 41% females, 1% not specified) from Sweden and 472 (71% males, 28% females, 1% not specified) from Bulgaria. Perceived stress and health outcomes were measured by the 14-item “Perceived Stress Scale” (PSS-14), and a shorter version of the questionnaire "Children and Young People in Skåne" (Folkhälsoenkäten, FHE), respectively. T-test and Chi2 and/or Fisher’s exact test was used to compare results between boys and girls from the PSS-14 and health outcomes. The association between PSS and the health outcomes was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation and comparisons between boys and girls were calculated using linear regression.
Results
There were significant associations between perceived stress and psychiatric symptoms in all groups. Adolescent girls in both Sweden and Bulgaria consistently reported higher levels of perceived stress and more psychiatric and somatic symptoms than the boys.
Conclusions
The findings support the idea that increased perception of stress might be a possible explanation for the observed increase in psychiatric symptoms. Evaluating methods for lessening the perception of stress, and their clinical presentation, should be considered in order to reduce the occurrence of psychiatric symptoms in adolescents.
Genetic inhibition of CARD9 accelerates the development of experimental atherosclerosis through CD36 dependent-defective autophagy
Authors: Zhang Yujiao , Vandestienne Marie , Lavillegrand Jean-Rémi , Joffre Jeremie , Santos-Zas Icia , Lavelle Aonghus , Zhong Xiadan , Goff Wilfried Le , Guerin Maryse , Lenoir Olivia , Laurans Ludivine , Bruneval Patrick , Guérin Coralie , Diedisheim Marc , Migaud Melanie , Puel Anne , Lanternier Fanny , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Cochain Clement , Zernecke Alma , Saliba Antoine-Emmanuel , Lavillegrand Jean-sebastien , Tedgui Alain , Mallat Ziad , Taleb Soraya , Vindis Cécile , Camus Stephane , Sokol Harry , Ait-Oufella Hafid
Published: July 2022

Macrophage-mediated innate immune responses contribute to the initiation, progression and complications of atherosclerosis. However, the underlying pathways linking activation of macrophages to atherosclerotic plaque develoment are still poorly understood. We hypothesized that activation of caspase recruitment-domain containing protein 9 (CARD9) plays a determinant role in pro-atherogenic responses in macrophages. We showed that global deletion of Card9 in male Apoe−/− mice as well as hematopoietic deletion of Card9 in female Ldlr−/− mice increased atherosclerosis. Card9−/− chimeric animals displayed more inflammatory atherosclerotic plaques and decreased systemic Th17 responses when compared to Card9+/+ chimeric mice. The acceleration of atherosclerosis was also observed in Apoe−/−Rag2−/−Card9−/− mice lacking T, B, and NKT cells, ruling out a role for the adaptive immune system in the pro-atherogenic effect of Card9 deficiency. Card9 deficiency altered macrophage phenotype with increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, improved lipid uptake, higher cell death susceptibility and defective autophagy. Rapamycin or metformin, two autophagy inducers, abolished intracellular lipid overload, restored macrophage survival and autophagy flux in vitro and finally abolished the pro-atherogenic effects of Card9 deficiency in vivo. Card9 deficiency up-regulated Cd36 expression in macrophages, which blocked AMPK phosphorylation, a key inducer of autophagy. In the absence of Cd36, the pro-atherogenic effects of Card9 deficiency were blunted both in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptomic analysis of human monocytes isolated from CARD9-deficient patients confirmed the pathogenic signature identified in murine models. In summary, we identified CARD9 signaling as a key protective pathway in atherosclerosis, modulating macrophage CD36-dependent inflammatory responses, lipid uptake and autophagy.
Diagnostic Performance of Quantitative Ga-SPECT/CT for Patients with Lower-limb Osteomyelitis
Authors: Nishikawa Yoshito , Fukushima Yoshimitsu , Kirinoki Sonoko , Takagi Gen , Suda Masaya , Maki Toshio , Kumita Shinichiro
Published: July 2022

Background
Patients with lower-limb osteomyelitis (LLOM) may experience major adverse events, such as lower-leg amputations or death; therefore, early diagnosis and risk stratification are essential to improve outcomes. Ga-scintigraphy is commonly used for diagnosing inflammatory diseases. Until fairly recently, conventional imaging and SPECT were the most common; however, the diagnostic performance of planar and SPECT imaging for localized lesions is limited. While localized imaging using Ga-SPECT/CT is an emerging approach to improve diagnoses, its diagnostic performance has not been sufficiently evaluated to date. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of Ga-SPECT/CT with quantitative analyses for patients with LLOM.
Methods
A total of 103 consecutive patients suspected of LLOM between April 2012 and October 2016 were analyzed. All patients underwent Ga-scintigraphy with SPECT/CT imaging. Findings were assessed visually, with higher than background accumulation considered positive, and quantitatively, using Ga-SPECT/CT images to calculate the inflammation-to-background ratio (IBR), the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), and total lesion uptake (TLU). Diagnoses were confirmed using pathological examinations and patient outcomes, and diagnostic performances of planar, SPECT, and SPECT/CT images were compared. To evaluate prognostic performance, all patients were observed for 5 years for occurrences of major adverse events (MAE), defined as recurrence of osteomyelitis, major leg amputation, or fatal event. Multivariate Cox regression was performed to evaluate outcome factors.
Results
The overall diagnoses indicated that 54 out of 103 patients had LLOM. IBR, SUVmax, and TLU were significantly higher in patients with LLOM (12.23 vs. 1.00, 4.85 vs. 1.34, and 68.77 vs. 8.63, respectively; p < 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity were 91% and 96% for SPECT/CT with IBR, 89% and 94% for SPECT/CT with SUVmax, and 91% and 92% for SPECT/CT with TLU, respectively. MAE occurred in 23 of 54 LLOM patients (43%). TLU was found to be an independent prognostic factor (p = 0.047).
Conclusions
Ga-SPECT/CT using quantitative parameters, namely, IBR and TLU, had better diagnostic and prognostic performances for patients with LLOM compared to conventional imaging. The results suggest that Ga-SPECT/CT is a good alternative for diagnosing LLOM in countries where FDG-PET/CT is not commonly available.
Women’s values and preferences on low-molecular-weight heparin and pregnancy: a mixed-methods systematic review
Authors: LEÓN-GARCÍA MONTSERRAT , HUMPHRIES BRITTANY , MARABOTO ANDREA , RABASSA MONTSERRAT , BOEHMER KASEY R. , PERESTELO-PEREZ LILISBETH , XIE FENG , PELAYO IRENE , ECKMAN MARK , BATES SHANNON , SELVA ANNA , COELLO PABLO ALONSO-
Published: July 2022

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pregnancy is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is the cornerstone of prophylaxis and treatment of thrombotic events during pregnancy. LMWH has fewer adverse effects than other anticoagulants, does not cross the placenta, and is safe for the fetus. However, the use of LMWH during pregnancy is sensitive to womens’ underlying preferences. The objective of this review is to systematically assess women’s values and preferences research evidence on this topic.Methods: We searched four electronic databases from inception to March 2022, and included studies examining values and preferences of using LMWH among pregnant women at risk of VTE. We followed a convergent integrated mixed-methods design to compare and contrast quantitative (utility and non-utility measures) and qualitative findings. We assessed the certainty of the values and preferences evidence with the GRADE approach for quantitative findings, and with GRADE-CERqual for qualitative evidence. Results were presented in a conjoint display.Results: We screened 3,393 references and identified seven eligible studies. The mixed methods analysis resulted in four themes. Datasets confirmed each other in that: 1) the majority of women consider that benefits of treatment outweigh the inconveniences of daily injections; and 2) main concerns around medication are safety and injections administration. Quantitative outcomes expanded on the qualitative findings in that: 3) participants who perceived a higher risk of VTE were more willing to take LMWH. Finally, we found a discrepancy between the datasets around: 4) the amount of information preferred to make the decision; however, qualitative data expanded to clarify that women prefer making informed decisions and receive support from their clinician in their decision-making process.Conclusions: We are moderately confident that in the context of pregnancy, using LMWH is preferred by women given its net beneficial balance. Integrating data from different sources of evidence, and representing them in a jointly manner helps to identify patient’s values and preferences. Our results may inform clinical practice guidelines and support shared decision-making process in the clinical encounter for the management of VTE in the context of pregnancy.
A real-world pharmacovigilance study of FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) events for Niraparib
Authors: Guo Menglin , Shu Yamin , Chen Guosong , Li Juan , Li Feie
Published: July 2022

Background
Niraparib was approved for the treatment of platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer. The authors retrospectively investigated niraparib-related adverse events (AEs) through data mining of the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).
Methods
Four algorithms were employed to quantify the signals of niraparib associated AEs, using data from the FAERS between 2017 and 2021. MYSQL 8.0, Navicat Premium 15, Microsoft EXCEL 2019 and the GraphPad Prism 8 (GraphPad Software, CA, USA) were used to conduct statistical analysis.
Results
There are 7238157 reports collected from the FAERS database, of which 11701 reports listed niraparib as the ‘primary suspected (PS)’ drug. A total of 97 significant disproportionality PTs conforming to the four algorithms were simultaneously retained. Unexpected significant AEs such as neuropathy peripheral, photosensitivity reaction, gastrooesophageal reflux disease might also occur. The median onset time of niraparib-associated AEs was 18 days (interquartile range [IQR] 4–66 days), and most of the cases occurred within the first months after niraparib initiation. This indicated the need to actively identify and manage AEs during the early stages of niraparib treatment.
Conclusion
Analysis of FAERS data identified niraparib-associated AEs, which supported continuous clinical monitoring, risk evaluations, and further studies.
Relationship between Interleukin 1β (IL-1β) levels of periapical tissue fluid to the levels in in gingival crevicular fluid and serum: A pilot study
Authors: Tee Yin Suan , Ooi Poh Yee , Sultan Omer Sheriff , Rawal Swati Yeshwant , Tan Yen Yee , Soh Jue Ann , Davamani Fabian Amalraj
Published: July 2022

Objective(s): This study evaluated the relationship between periapical interleukin-1β level with the levels of this inflammatory marker in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum after root canal instrumentation procedure. Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from the apical region of teeth, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum from 10 subjects with pulp necrosis and symptomatic apical periodontitis. IL-1β levels were measured using the BioLegend® Legend Max™ ELISA kit. The association between apical, gingival and serum IL-1β levels were analyzed using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. Results: The mean concentrations of IL-1β from the apical region of teeth, GCF and serum, were 10.2912 pg/mL, 13.1748 pg/mL, and 13.6538 pg/mL, respectively. No significant correlation was observed between the levels of IL-1β in the periapical region of teeth, GCF and serum (P>0.05).Conclusion: It may be concluded that the inflammatory processes in the apical region of teeth may not influence the levels of inflammatory mediators in GCF or serum. Clinical Relevance: IL-1β has been known as a central mediator of periradicular and pulpal inflammation. This assessment is carried out to further understand the inflammatory process via chemokine expression in the apical, GCF and serum.
Exosome-derived miR-128 is decreased in Parkinson’s patient plasma that maintains synaptic integrity and protects against both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of neuronal apoptosis in models of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Bhattacharyya Pallabi , Biswas Atanu , Biswas Subhas C.
Published: July 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder resulting mainly from the death of dopaminergic neurons and a consequent reduction of dopamine levels in the mid-brain. Although itis the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in the world, any effective cure or biomarkers for its early detection are not available till date. To address the issue, in this study we have focused on brain-enriched non-coding small RNAs called microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate post-transcriptional gene expression and may be released into the circulating body fluids packaged into membrane-bound extracellular micro-vesicles called exosomes. We identified a particular brain- and neuron-enriched miRNA, miR-128, which was significantly altered in the exosomes derived from the PD patient plasma. This observation was also substantiated by bioinformatics-based data. Furthermore, mechanistic studies on neurotoxin (6-OHDA) based in vitro models revealed an integral role of miR-128 in preventing activation of the transcription factor FoxO3a, thereby inhibiting both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis via down-regulating the pro-apoptotic proteins PUMA and FasL respectively. Known to be highly localized at the synapse, miR-128 was also instrumental in attenuating PD-associated dysregulation of synaptic proteins like PSD-95 and synaptophysin. Additionally, it helped to restore neurite lengths and mitochondrial health, thereby maintaining the overall integrity of neurons. Thus, our study depicts for the first time the mechanistic significance of the altered expression of brain-enriched miR-128 in the exosomes of PD patient plasma and we believe characterization of such exosomal brain-enriched miRNAs as miR-128, is the key to proper understanding, detection and diagnosis of degenerative brain disorders like PD.
CAPRIN1 P512L causes aberrant protein aggregation and associates with early-onset ataxia
Authors: Vedove Andrea Delle , Natarajan Janani , Zanni Ginevra , Eckenweiler Matthias , Bühl Anixa Muiños , Storbeck Markus , Boixet Jordina Guillén , Barresi Sabina , Pizzi Simone , Hölker Irmgard , Körber Friederike , Franzmann Titus Marcellus , Bertini Enrico Silvio , Kirschner Janbernd , Alberti Simon , Tartaglia Marco , Wirth Brunhilde
Published: July 2022

CAPRIN1 is a ubiquitously expressed protein, abundant in the brain, where it regulates the transport and translation of mRNAs of genes involved in synaptic plasticity. Here we describe two unrelated children, who developed early-onset ataxia, dysarthria, cognitive decline and muscular weakness. Trio exome sequencing unraveled the identical de novo c.1535C>T (p.Pro512Leu) missense variant in CAPRIN1, affecting a highly conserved residue. In silico analyses predict an increased aggregation propensity of the mutated protein. Indeed, overexpressed CAPRIN1P512L forms insoluble ubiquitinated aggregates, sequestrating proteins associated with neurodegenerative disorders (ATXN2, GEMIN5, SNRNP200 and SNCA). Moreover, the CAPRIN1P512L mutation in isogenic iPSC-derived cortical neurons causes reduced neuronal activity and altered stress granule dynamics. Furthermore, nano-differential scanning fluorimetry reveals that CAPRIN1P512L aggregation is strongly enhanced by RNA in vitro. These findings associate the gain-of-function Pro512Leu mutation to early-onset ataxia and neurodegeneration, unveiling a critical residue of CAPRIN1 and a key role of RNA-protein interactions.
Typologies of women’s abortion trajectories in Burkina Faso: findings from qualitative study
Authors: Bazié Fiacre , Thomas Haley L. , Byrne Meagan E. , Kindo Boukary , Bell Suzanne O. , Moreau Caroline
Published: July 2022

Background: Abortion is a legally restricted, yet common reproductive life event among women in Burkina Faso; however, women’s abortion experiences vary greatly depending on their social and economic capital, partner involvement, and level of knowledge. Using qualitative data collected from women who reported a recent abortion experience, we used a process of typological construction to classify women’s abortion care-seeking experiences across the lifecourse and social conditions. Methods: An initial quantitative survey among a nationally representative sample of women 15-49 years collected information on women’s induced abortion experiences. Women who reported an abortion in the last 10 years were asked if they agreed to participate in a subsequent in-depth interview (IDI) to learn more about their abortion experience. Twenty-five women were purposively sampled and completed an IDI. Using a process of typology construction, we identified attributes of the women’s condition at the time of abortion and aspects of her abortion experience, created a matrix of attributes and cases, and identified emerging relationships. Three types were identified through this process. Results: Twenty-three IDIs were analyzed and grouped into three types: abortion to delay childbearing in adolescence; abortion to space childbirth among women in union; abortion to avoid childbearing among single mothers. Two cases were identified as outliers. Cases were grouped based on the context of their pregnancy, the reason for the abortion and involved decision-makers, and their patterns of care-seeking, including methods and source used. Conclusions: Structural inequities related to gender and wealth were prominent forces shaping women’s abortion experiences. Comprehensive sexuality education coupled with community-based interventions to promote gender equitable relationships and address social stigma related to women’s sexuality could reduce reproductive coercion and unintended pregnancies.
Screening for lactic acid bacterial strains with potential as probiotics exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidative characteristics in the gut-skin axis
Authors: Shin Min Jae , Lee Chul Sang , Kim Sae Hun
Published: July 2022

In this study, the basic probiotic characteristics and functional properties of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were investigated using two in vitro models of inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and H2O2. Fifteen strains were prescreened out of 60 LAB candidates based on their radical scavenging activity to determine the antioxidant capacity of the strains. The top 15 candidates were further investigated to evaluate their survival rate under low pH and bile salt conditions that mimic the intestinal environment. Three strains, Lactobacillus brevis D70, Lactobacillus pentosus S16, and Lactobacillus fermentum MF10, were capable of scavenging free radicals and survived under artificial intestinal conditions. Therefore, Lact. brevis D70, Lact. pentosus S16, and Lact. fermentum MF10 were selected for further antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and mitochondrial activity examinations via cell models of inflammation and oxidative stress) Among the three strains, Lact. fermentum MF10 showed the highest anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities by downregulating the relative mRNA expression levels of inflammatory biomarkers induced by LPS and upregulating the gene expression levels of antioxidative mediators induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both human HT-29 epithelial cells and human HaCaT keratinocytes. Lactobacillus fermentum MF10 was also capable of regulating mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), which plays a key role in the mitochondrial activity of HaCaT cells. As a result, Lact. fermentum MF10 showed the highest potential for probiotic properties and impacts the immune-related gut-skin axis by altering proinflammatory cytokines, antioxidative biomarkers, and MMP.
A transient increase in Semaphorin 3A biases the axonal direction and induces an aberrant dendritic arborization in human neural progenitors at early stages of neuronal differentiation.
Authors: Ferretti Gabriella , Romano Alessia , Sirabella Rossana , Serafini Sara , Maier Throsten , Matrone Carmela
Published: July 2022

BackgroundSemaphorins (Sema) belong to a large family of repellent guidance cues instrumental in guiding axons during development. In particular, Class 3 Sema (Sema 3) are among the best characterized Sema family members and are the only produced as secreted proteins in mammals, thereby exerting both autocrine and paracrine functions. Intriguingly, an increasing number of studies supports the crucial role of the Sema 3A in hippocampal and cortical neurodevelopment, meaning that alterations in Sema 3A signaling might compromise hippocampal and cortical circuits and predispose to disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. Consistently, increased Sema 3A levels have been detected in brain of patients with schizophrenia and many polymorphisms in Sema 3A or in the Sema 3A receptors, Neuropilins (Npn 1 and 2) and Plexin As (Plxn As), have been associated to autism. ResultsHere we present data indicating that when overexpressed, Sema 3A causes human neural progenitors (NP) axonal retraction and an aberrant dendritic arborization. Similarly, Sema 3A, when overexpressed in human microglia, triggers proinflammatory processes that are highly detrimental to themselves as well as NP. Indeed, NP incubated in microglia overexpressing Sema 3A media retract axons within an hour and then start suffering and finally die. Sema 3A mediated retraction appears to be related to its binding to Npn 1 and Plxn A2 receptors, thus activating the downstream Fyn tyrosine kinase pathway that promotes CDK5 phosphorylation at the Tyr15 residue and the CDK5 processing to generate the active fragment p35. ConclusionsAll together this study identifies Sema 3A as a critical regulator of human NP differentiation thus implying that an insult due to Sema 3A overexpression during the early phases of neuronal development might compromise neuronal organization and connectivity and make neurons perhaps more vulnerable to other insults across their lifespan.
Indications for resection of recurrent lesions in patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma based on prognostic factors: A single-institute retrospective study and brief literature review
Authors: Mashiko Taro , Ogasawara Toshihito , Masuoka Yoshihito , Ei Shigenori , Takahashi Shinichiro , Mori Masaki , Koyanagi Kazuo , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Nakagohri Toshio
Published: July 2022

Background
To evaluate the effectiveness of surgery for recurrent distal cholangiocarcinoma and determine surgical indications based on prognostic factors of primary and recurrent distal cholangiocarcinoma.
Methods
We analysed the outcomes of 101 patients who underwent surgical resection for distal cholangiocarcinoma during 2000–2018 and investigated the clinicopathological factors and prognosis of primary and recurrent distal cholangiocarcinoma.
Results
Of the 101 patients with resected distal cholangiocarcinoma, 52 (51.5%) had relapsed. Seven (13.5%) and 45 patients (86.5%) underwent resection of recurrent lesions and palliative therapy, respectively. There were no major complications requiring therapeutic intervention after metastasectomy. The median overall survival in patients with and without surgery for recurrent lesions was 83.0 (0.0–185.6) and 34 months (19.0–49.0), respectively. Therefore, patients who had undergone surgery for recurrent lesions had a significantly better prognosis (p = 0.022). Multivariate analyses of primary distal cholangiocarcinoma revealed that positive lymph node metastasis, positive portal vein invasion, and recurrence within one year were independent predictors of poor survival. Multivariate analyses of recurrent distal cholangiocarcinoma revealed that recurrence within one year were independent predictors of poor survival. Resection of recurrent lesions improved prognosis.
Conclusions
Radical resection in recurrent distal cholangiocarcinoma may improve the prognosis in selected patients. In particular, patients with negative lymph node metastases, negative portal vein invasion at the time of the first surgery, and where recurrence is more than a year are considered good candidates for metastasectomy.
Tri-level Framework for Realistic Estimation of Concrete Strength using Bayesian Data Fusion of UPV and Guided Coring
Authors: Faroz Sharvil Alex , Ghosh Siddhartha , Faroz Alex Michael
Published: July 2022

Identification of \textit{in situ} concrete characteristic strength (CCS) of deteriorating RC structures directly affects their rehabilitation. Contemporary practices lack the ability to yield CCS or at most produce an unrealistic estimate, because: (i) core tests are few due to technical and economic constraints and their positioning is random, inducing bias in the strength estimate, (ii) non-destructive tests (NDT) are themselves not good estimators of project specific strength, (iii) tests are only local indicators and most practising engineers are unaware of how to process the spatial variability. This paper overcomes these limitations with a novel and implementable framework, for an asset manager to make scientific estimates of CCS. This is a tri-level framework: (1) NDT are performed to capture the spatial variability of the investigated concrete; (2) core extractions are guided by the prior NDT information, to avoid bias in test location selection; (3) NDT and coring results are fused via Bayesian NDT test calibration and updating of the probability distribution of the concrete strength. The proposed framework is implemented for the assessment and rehabilitation of a critical hospital complex in India.
A novel bi-directional heterogeneous network selection method for disease and microbial association prediction
Authors: Guan Jian , Zhang Zhao Gong
Published: July 2022

Microorganisms in the human body have a great impact on human health. Therefore, mastering the potential relationship between microorganisms and diseases is helpful to understand the pathogenesis of diseases and is of great significance to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.In order to predict the potential microbial disease relationship, we propose a new computational model. Firstly, a bi-directional heterogeneous microbial disease network is constructed by integrating multiple similarities, including Gaussian kernel similarity, microbial function similarity, disease semantic similarity and disease symptom similarity. Secondly, the neighbor information of the network is learned by random walk; Finally, the selection model is used for information aggregation, and the microbial disease node pair is analyzed. Our method is superior to the existing methods in leave-one-out cross-validation and five-fold cross-validation. Moreover, in case studies of different diseases, our method is effective.
Nanocellulose/chitosan biohybrid aerogel bead adsorbent for removal of diclofenac sodium from wastewater: preparation, characterization, and adsorption mechanism
Authors: Tang Qi , Qiu Chongpeng , Zhang You , Zhang Xuefeng , Yuan Zihui , Tan Hailu , Wang Lei , Hoop Cornelis F. , Qi Jinqiu , Huang Xingyan
Published: July 2022

In this work, a novel nanocellulose/chitosan biohybrid aerogel (NCBA) bead adsorbent was successfully prepared from oxidized bamboo nanocellulose and chitosan to remove diclofenac sodium (DS) from wastewater. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the preparation of NCBA bead adsorbent. The results demonstrated that the adsorption kinetics were well described by the pseudo-second-order model, and the adsorption isotherms were well fitted by the Sips isotherm model with the maximum adsorption capacity of 321.26 mg/g on DS, which is much higher than most of the previously reported works. The absorption mechanism was governed by electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bond interaction. Moreover, the resulting bead remained a high removal efficiency after 5 regeneration cycles. In summary, it had been proved that the aerogel bead was an efficient bio-sorbent for removing DS from aqueous solutions.