bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and risk factors of TINAVI robot-assisted percutaneous pedicle screw placement in spinal surgery
Authors: Zhang Ren-Jie , Zhou Lu-Ping , Zhang Lai , Zhang Hua-Qing , Zhang Jian-Xiang , Shen Cai-Liang
Published: August 2022

Objective

To determine the rates and risk factors of pedicle screw placement accuracy and the proximal facet joint violation (FJV) using TINAVI robot-assisted technique.

Methods

Patients with thoracolumbar fractures or degenerative diseases were retrospectively recruited from June 2018 and June 2020. The pedicle penetration and proximal FJV were compared in different instrumental levels to identify the safe and risk segments during insertion. Moreover, the factors were also assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

A total of 72 patients with 332 pedicle screws were included in the current study. The optimal and clinically acceptable screw positions were 85.8% and 93.4%. Of the 332 screws concerning the intra-pedicular accuracy, 285 screws (85.8%) were evaluated as Grade A according to the Gertzbein and Robbins scale, with the remaining 25 (7.6%), 10 (3.0%), 6 (1.8%), and 6 screws (1.8%) as Grades B, C, D, and E. Moreover, in terms of the proximal FJV, 255 screws (76.8%) screws were assessed as Grade 0 according to the Babu scale, with the remaining 34 (10.3%), 22 (6.6%), and 21 screws (6.3%) as Grades 1, 2, and 3. Furthermore, the univariate analysis showed significantly higher rate of penetration for patients with age < 61 years old, sex of female, thoracolumbar insertion, shorter distance from skin to insertion point, and smaller facet angle. Meanwhile, the patients with the sex of female, BMI < 25.9, grade I spondylolisthesis, lumbosacral insertion, longer distance from skin to insertion point, and larger facet angle had a significantly higher rate of proximal FJV. The outcomes of multivariate analyses showed that sex of male (adjusted OR 0.320, 95% CI 0.140–0.732;p = 0.007), facet angle ≥ 45° (adjusted OR 0.266, 95% CI 0.090–0.786;p = 0.017), distance from skin to insertion point ≥ 4.5 cm (adjusted OR 0.342, 95% CI 0.134–0.868;p = 0.024), and lumbosacral instrumentation (adjusted OR 0.227, 95% CI 0.091–0.566;p = 0.001) were independently associated with intra-pedicular accuracy; the L5 insertion (adjusted OR 2.020, 95% CI 1.084–3.766;p = 0.027) and facet angle ≥ 45° (adjusted OR 1.839, 95% CI 1.026–3.298;p = 0.041) were independently associated with the proximal FJV.

Conclusion

TINAVI robot-assisted technique was associated with a high rate of pedicle screw placement and a low rate of proximal FJV. This new technique showed a safe and precise performance for pedicle screw placement in spinal surgery. Facet angle ≥ 45° is independently associated with both the intra-pedicular accuracy and proximal FJV.
Ethyl loflazepate as a treatment for patients with idiopathic and psychogenic taste disorder
Authors: Sakata Ken-ichiro , Hato Hiroyuki , Sato Jun , Iori Takashi , Ohga Noritaka , Watanabe Haruhisa , Yamazaki Yutaka , Kitagawa Yoshimasa
Published: August 2022

Background

Ethyl loflazepate (EL) is a benzodiazepine derivative that has been reported to activate the gustatory cortex. Our department routinely uses EL as a first-line treatment for idiopathic and psychogenic taste disorders, although little has been reported in the literature with respect to patient outcomes, so we conducted a retrospective study examining its safety and efficacy.

Methods

Between 2008 and 2020, 49 patients (14 males and 35 females; mean age, 62.1 years) were diagnosed with taste disorders and received EL as their only treatment for > 14 days. Severity of taste disorder was evaluated using the paper disc method by Sakai et al., and treatment efficacy was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale, wherein patients gave subjective ratings for their symptoms (reductions by > 50% after administration of EL for 4 weeks were defined as improvements).

Results

Results showed that the improvement rates for patients with idiopathic and psychogenic taste disorders were 55 and 70%, respectively. Additionally, the majority (78%) improved within 2 weeks, and side effects were mild (seven cases with drowsiness and one case with dizziness).

Conclusions

We conclude that EL is an appropriate first-line medication for patients with idiopathic and psychogenic taste disorders.
Brief interventions for alcohol use disorders in low- and middle-income countries: barriers and potential solutions
Authors: Nadkarni Abhijit , Bhatia Urvita , Bedendo Andre , de Paula Tassiane Cristine Santos , de Andrade Tostes Joanna Gonçalves , Segura-Garcia Lidia , Tiburcio Marcela , Andréasson Sven
Published: August 2022

Global alcohol consumption and harmful use of alcohol is projected to increase in the coming decades, and most of the increase will occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); which calls for cost-effective measures to reduce alcohol exposure in these countries. One such evidence based measure is screening and brief intervention (BI) for alcohol problems. Some of the characteristics of BI make them a particularly appealing choice of interventions in low-resource settings. However, despite evidence of effectiveness, implementation of BI in LMICs is rare. In this paper we discuss barriers to implementation of BI in LMICs, with examples from Latin America and India. Key barriers to implementation of BI in LMICs are the lack of financial and structural resources. Specialized services for alcohol use disorders are limited or non-existent. Hence primary care is often the only possible alternative to implement BI. However, health professionals in such settings generally lack training to deal with these disorders. In our review of BI research in these countries, we find some promising results, primarily in countries from Latin America, but so far there is limited research on effectiveness. Appropriate evaluation of efficacy and effectiveness of BI is undermined by lack of generalisability and methodological limitations. No systematic and scientific efforts to explore the implementation and evaluation of BI in primary and community platforms of care have been published in India. Innovative strategies need to be deployed to overcome supply side barriers related to specialist manpower shortages in LMICs. There is a growing evidence on the effectiveness of non-specialist health workers, including lay counsellors, in delivering frontline psychological interventions for a range of disorders including alcohol use disorders in LMICs. This paper is intended to stimulate discussion among researchers, practitioners and policy-makers in LMICs because increasing access to evidence based care for alcohol use disorders in LMICs would need a concerted effort from all these stakeholders.
Incorporating immersive learning into biomedical engineering laboratories using virtual reality
Authors: Wilkerson Megan , Maldonado Vitali , Sivaraman Srikanth , Rao Raj R. , Elsaadany Mostafa
Published: August 2022

Background

The Covid-19 pandemic caused a sudden shift towards remote learning, moving classes to online formats. Not exempt from this switch, laboratory courses traditionally taught in-person were also moved to remote methods, costing students the opportunity to learn these skills hands-on. In order for instructors to provide course materials effectively and engagingly, non-traditional methods should be explored.

Virtual reality (VR) has become more accessible in recent years. VR simulations have been used for many years as educational tools in high-risk settings such as flight or medical simulations. Immersive VR videos implemented in a remote laboratory course could provide the students with an engaging and suitable learning experience.

To test the effectiveness of VR videos as a tool for remote education, VR videos of the laboratory component of a Biomolecular Engineering course were provided to students. A survey was distributed for students to self-report their experience with the videos. The survey contained quantitative and qualitative ratings of VR as an educational tool.

Results

The survey showed that students (~ 89% strongly agree or agree) believed the videos provided the opportunity to work at their own pace and were an appropriate length. While ~ 74% of students said that the videos provided enough information to understand the tasks, a small percentage felt that the videos improved their retention (~ 16%) and understanding (~ 9%) of the course material. About 28% of the students responded positively when asked about how VR videos improved their engagement with the material. ~ 30% reported confidence in applying the skills learned in the videos in the future and ~ 43% believe the VR videos were an acceptable alternative to in-person labs. Two-thirds of students reported feeling some form of discomfort while viewing the VR videos and 54% reported not using the headset for the videos and using the 3D video feature instead.

Conclusions

As many students reported the videos containing appropriate information, the content of the videos was not an issue. A combination of improved camera quality with motion stability, more comfortable headsets, and a reduction in editing issues could greatly improve the quality and effectiveness of VR videos.
Suppression of VEGFD expression by S-nitrosylation promotes the development of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: He Qiangqiang , Qu Meiyu , Shen Tingyu , Xu Yana , Luo Jiahao , Tan Dan , Xu Chengyun , Barkat Muhammad Qasim , Zeng Ling-Hui , Wu Ximei
Published: August 2022

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGFD), a member of the VEGF family, is implicated in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, and is deemed to be expressed at a low level in cancers. S-nitrosylation, a NO (nitric oxide)-mediated post-translational modification has a critical role in angiogenesis. Here, we attempt to dissect the role and underlying mechanism of S-nitrosylation-mediated VEGFD suppression in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

Messenger RNA and protein expression of VEGFD in LUAD were analyzed by TCGA and CPTAC database, respectively, and Assistant for Clinical Bioinformatics was performed for complex analysis. Mouse models with urethane (Ure)–induced LUAD or LUAD xenograft were established to investigate the role of S-nitrosylation in VEGFD expression and of VEGFD mutants in the oncogenesis of LUAD. Molecular, cellular, and biochemical approaches were applied to explore the underlying mechanism of S-nitrosylation-mediated VEGFD suppression. Tube formation and wound healing assays were used to examine the role of VEGFD on the angiogenesis and migration of LUAD cells, and the molecular modeling was applied to predict the protein stability of VEGFD mutant.

Results

VEGFD mRNA and protein levels were decreased to a different extent in multiple primary malignancies, especially in LUAD. Low VEGFD protein expression was closely related to the oncogenesis of LUAD and resultant from excessive NO-induced VEGFD S-nitrosylation at Cys277. Moreover, inhibition of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase consistently decreased the VEGFD denitrosylation at Cys277 and consequently promoted angiogenesis of LUAD. Finally, the VEGFDC277Smutant decreased the secretion of mature VEGFD by attenuating the PC7-dependent proteolysis and VEGFDC277Smutant thus reversed the effect of VEGFD on angiogenesis of LUAD.

Conclusion

Low-expression of VEGFD positively correlates with LUAD development. Aberrant S-nitrosylation of VEGFD negates itself to induce the tumorigenesis of LUAD, whereas normal S-nitrosylation of VEGFD is indispensable for its secretion and repression of angiogenesis of LUAD.
Atorvastatin for reduction of 28-day mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: study protocol for a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, clinical trial
Authors: Emara Moataz Maher , Elsawy Neamat Hamdy , Abdelaaty Kholoud M. , Elhamaky Amal Salah , Eltahan Naglaa Hamdi
Published: August 2022

Background

Although mass vaccination has reduced the severity of COVID-19, mortality is still high among hospitalized patients. Being a sepsis-like disease, an anti-inflammatory drug as atorvastatin would reduce mortality and severity in COVID-19.

Methods

We designed a randomized clinical trial that recruited 220 COVID-19 patients admitted in the COVID-19 isolation hospital at Mansoura University, Egypt. One hundred ten cases were assigned to receive 40 mg atorvastatin once daily for 28 days, and 110 were assigned to receive placebo. Delta Pharm company supported the study with the drug and the placebo, which mimics the drug as regards the drug package, the tablet color, consistency, and size. All patients received the standard treatment as per the hospital protocol. The Institutional Review Board approval and the informed consent from all participants were obtained.

The primary outcome is the 28-day all-cause mortality. Additionally, we will collect the in-hospital mortality, the need for mechanical ventilation, time to clinical improvement, in-hospital thrombo-embolic events, acute kidney injury, and the hospital and the intensive care duration of stay. We plan to follow the patients up for 6 months for reporting mortality and long-term neurological, psychological, and respiratory consequences.

We will report the un-adjusted 28-mortality using χ2. Then, we will report the adjusted odds ratio with a pre-planned multiple logistic regression model. We will report our results using the point estimate and the 95% confidence interval and the P-value.

Discussion

The additional issue that we would like to discuss is the added workload on the clinicians and the allied healthcare workers who performed research at the time of the pandemic. Therefore, doing research at the pandemic era was, indeed, challenging.

Trial registration

The study was registered at the Clinical Trial Registry (NCT04952350) on July 1st, 2021.
Qualitative interviews to understand health care providers’ experiences of prescribing licensed peanut oral immunotherapy
Authors: Anagnostou Aikaterini , Lawrence Claire , Tilles Stephen A. , Laubach Susan , Donelson Sarah M. , Yassine Mohamed , Nowak-Wegrzyn Anna
Published: August 2022

Objective

This research sought to explore health care providers’ (HCPs) experiences of delivering the first US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Commission (EC) approved peanut oral immunotherapy (peanut OIT; Palforzia). Semi-structured qualitative interviews with HCPs who had initiated treatment with ≥ 3 patients in the first nine months following FDA approval sought to identify challenges faced and successful implementation strategies.

Results

Eight allergists and three nurse practitioners from eight sites based in the United States participated. The HCPs included in this research were motivated to implement this novel treatment, however, entered the process with some reservations. HCPs described how successful implementation of peanut OIT requires them to be thoughtful about their clinic’s abilities to integrate complex, time-consuming treatments into their daily practice. Prior experience of OIT was deemed beneficial, but not essential for implementation and learning from others’ experience was suggested as a way of helping new prescribers overcome perceived and actual implementation challenges. Delivering licensed peanut OIT during the COVID-19 pandemic posed both challenges and unexpected opportunities for implementation. The experiences described have the potential to benefit the wider allergy community by providing practical solutions, successful implementation strategies and opportunities to enhance training and resources.
Association between constipation and the development of asthma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhang Xiangli , Jiang Zhengdong , Wang Guizuo , Wu Hua , Chen Ruilin , Zhang Yongqing , Li Manxiang , Yang Shumei
Published: August 2022

Background

Constipation has been hypothesized to be associated with the increased risk of wheezing or asthma. However, the relation remains a subject of debate. We conducted this meta-analysis to assess whether constipation influences the risk of wheezing/asthma.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies published between 1955 and January 2022. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the quality of each study. Results were pooled using fixed-effects models or random-effects models as appropriate.

Results

In total, 3 original articles with 178,661 participants, which met the criteria, were included in this meta-analysis. Constipation was associated with an increased risk of wheezing/asthma in later life (RR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.24–3.29, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The meta-analysis suggests an association between constipation and the subsequent development of wheezing/asthma. Well-designed and highly standardized prospective studies that adequately address concerns for potential confounding factors are required to validate the risk identified in our current meta-analysis.
A review of more than 2000 cases of site-specific pelvic endometriosis rates by MRI: a guide to minimizing under/overdiagnosis non-invasively
Authors: Hajati Azadeh , Hajati Omid
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To statistically study the incidence of endometrioma and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) in various anatomical sites and to illustrate the significance and potential implications for each site. Furthermore, to improve the knowledge of the community for a non-invasive diagnosis alternative to laparoscopy.

Methods

This study includes 2040 patients who had been referred with clinical evidence of pelvic endometriosis. These patients had been examined and undergone transvaginal sonography by the referring gynecologists. The imaging modality used to discover and locate various anatomical locations of involvement was MRI with contrast. Two radiologists with expertise in endometriosis separately assessed the patients' MRIs and highlighted the involved areas.

Results

In total, 79.1% were positive for either endometrioma or DIE. We detected both DIE and ovarian endometrioma in 78.2% of positive cases. Isolated endometrioma or DIE was present exclusively in 13.7% and 8.1% of patients, respectively. Uterosacral ligaments were detected as the most common (73.8%) site of DIE involvements and in 2.9% of cases were the sole affected location. Interestingly, very rare independent involvement of the genitourinary tract was seen in two patients.

Conclusions

In this study, MRI was used to assess the likely involvement sites of endometrioma and DIE, as well as the frequency of incidences in various places and their relationships over a large dataset. Understanding the possibly involved sites, their statistics, and their co-existence can provide radiologists with a roadmap for non-invasive endometriosis diagnosis and treatment planning. These principles should hopefully assist reduce under- and overdiagnosis.
Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes encapsulated in pluronic F127 hydrogel promote wound healing and regeneration
Authors: Zhou Yang , Zhang Xing-Liao , Lu Shou-Tao , Zhang Ning-Yan , Zhang Hai-Jun , Zhang Jing , Zhang Jun
Published: August 2022

Background

Large area skin trauma has always been a great challenge for both patients and clinicians. Exosomes originating from human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) have been a novel promising cell-free treatment in cutaneous damage repair. Nevertheless, the low retention rate of exosomes post-transplantation in vivo remains a significant challenge in clinical applications. Herein, we purposed to explore the potential clinical application roles of hADSCs-Exos encapsulated in functional PF-127 hydrogel in wound healing.

Methods

hADSCs-Exos were isolated from human hADSCs by ultracentrifugation. An injectable, biocompatible, and thermo-sensitive hydrogel Pluronic F-127 hydrogel was employed to encapsulate allogeneic hADSCs-Exos, and this complex was topically applied to a full-thickness cutaneous wound in mice. On different days post-transplantation, the mice were sacrificed, and the skin tissue was excised for histological and immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

Compared with hADSCs-Exos or PF-127 only, PF-127/hADSCs-Exos complexes enhanced skin wound healing, promoted re-epithelialization, increased expression of Ki67, α-SMA, and CD31, facilitated collagen synthesis (Collagen I, Collagen III), up-regulated expression of skin barrier proteins (KRT1, AQP3), and reduced inflammation (IL-6, TNF-α, CD68, CD206). By using PF-127/hADSCs-Exos complexes, hADSCs-Exos can be administrated at lower doses frequency while maintaining the same therapeutic effects.

Conclusion

Administration of hADSCs-Exos in PF-127 improves the efficiency of exosome delivery, maintains the bioactivity of hADSCs-Exos, and optimizes the performance of hADSCs-Exos. Thus, this biomaterial-based exosome will be a promising treatment approach for the cutaneous rejuvenation of skin wounds.
Ursodeoxycholic acid production by Gibberella zeae mutants
Authors: Kollerov Vyacheslav , Donova Marina
Published: August 2022

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a highly demanded pharmaceutical steroid widely used in medicine. An ascomycete Gibberella zeae VKM F-2600 is capable of producing UDCA by 7β-hydroxylation of lithocholic acid (LCA). The present study is aimed at the improvement of the fungus productivity. The original procedures for the protoplast obtaining followed by UV mutagenesis and screening of ketoconazole-resistant mutant clones have been applied. The highest yield of G. zeae protoplasts was obtained when using the mycelium in the active growth phase, ammonium chloride as an osmotic stabilizer and treatment of the fungal cells by the lytic enzymes cocktail from Trichoderma hurzanium. The conditions for effective protoplast regeneration and the UV-mutagenesis were found to provide 6–12% survival rate of the protoplasts with superior number of possible mutations. Three of 27 ketoconazole-resistant mutant clones obtained have been selected due to their increased biocatalytic activity towards LCA. The mutant G. zeae M23 produced 26% more UDCA even at relatively high LCA concentration (4 g/L) as compared with parent fungal strain, and the conversion reached 88% (w/w). The yield of UDCA reached in this study prefers those ever reported. The results contribute to the knowledge on ascomycete mutagenesis, and are of importance for biotechnological production of value added cholic acids.

Graphical Abstract
Effect of cell density on decrease in hydraulic conductivity by microbial calcite precipitation
Authors: Eryürük Kağan
Published: August 2022

The effect of number of cells deposited on decrease in hydraulic conductivity of porous media using CaCO3 precipitation induced by Sporosarcina pasteurii (ATCC 11,859) was examined in columns packed with glass beads in the range of 0.25 mm and 3 mm in diameter. After resting Sporosarcina pasteurii cells were introduced into the columns, a precipitation solution, which consisted of 500 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM urea, was introduced under continuous flow conditions. It was shown that hydraulic conductivity was decreased by formation of microbially induced CaCO3 precipitation from between 8.37 * 10−1 and 6.73 * 10−2 cm/s to between 3.69 * 10−1 and 1.01 * 10−2 cm/s. The lowest hydraulic conductivity was achieved in porous medium consisting of the smallest glass beads (0.25 mm in diameter) using the highest density of cell suspension (OD600 2.25). The number of the deposited cells differed depending on the glass bead size of the columns. According to the experiments, 7 * 10−9 g CaCO3 was produced by a single resting cell. The urease activity, which led CaCO3 precipitation, depended on presence of high number of cells deposited in the column because the nutrients were not included in the precipitation solution and consequently, the amount of CaCO3 precipitated was proportional with the cell number in the column. A mathematical model was also developed to investigate the experimental results, and statistical analysis was also performed.
N6-methyladenosine-mediated CELF2 regulates CD44 alternative splicing affecting tumorigenesis via ERAD pathway in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Lai Shihui , Wang Yan , Li Ting , Dong Yihong , Lin Yihao , Wang Liang , Weng Shangeng , Zhang Xiang , Lin Chengjie
Published: August 2022

Background

Alternative splicing (AS) of genes has been found to affect gene stability, and its abnormal regulation can lead to tumorigenesis. CELF2 is a vital splicing factor to participate in mRNA alternative splicing. Its downregulation has been confirmed to promote the occurrence and development of pancreatic cancer (PC). However, the regulatory role and mechanisms in PC has not been elucidated.

Results

CELF2 was downregulated in PC tissues, which affected tumor TNM stage and tumor size, and low expression of CELF2 indicated a poor prognosis of PC. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that abnormal expression of CELF2 affected the stemness, apoptosis, and proliferation of PC cells. Furthmore, we also found that CELF2 was targeted by ALKBH5 for m6A modification, leading to CELF2 degradation by YTHDF2. Bioinformatic analysis of AS model based on the TCGA database indicated that CELF2 could target CD44 to form different spliceosomes, thereby affecting the biological behavior of PC cells. The conversion of CD44s to CD44V is the key to tumorigenesis. Transcriptomic analysis was conducted to reveal the mechanism of CELF2-mediated CD44 AS in PC. We found that CELF2-mediated splicing of CD44 led to changes in the level of endoplasmic reticulum stress, further regulating the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) signaling pathway, thereby affecting apoptosis and cell stemness. In addition, ERAD signaling pathway inhibitor, EerI, could effectively reverse the effect of CD44 on tumors.

Conclusions

This study indicates that N6-methyladenosine-mediated CELF2 promotes AS of CD44, affecting the ERAD pathway and regulating the biological behavior of PC cells. CELF2 is expected to be a new target for targeted-drug development.
Class of operators related to a $(m,C)$-isometric tuple of commuting operators
Authors: Al Dohiman Abeer A. , Ould Ahmed Mahmoud Sid Ahmed
Published: August 2022

This paper is concerned with studying a new class of multivariable commuting operators know as left $(m,C)$
(
m
,
C
)
-invertible p-tuples and related to a given conjugation transformation C on a Hilbert space $\mathcal{Y}$
Y
. Some structural properties of some members of this class are given.
Biodiesel production from a non-edible source of royna (Aphanamixis polystachya) oil
Authors: Rahman Md. Wasikur , Mondal Asim Kumar , Hasan Md. Shakil , Sultana Marzia
Published: August 2022

Background

Rapid consumption of fossil fuels as well as rising environmental deterioration caused by extreme CO2 emissions has become crucial in searching for a clean and renewable energy source such as biodiesel. The current work is an attempt to produce biodiesel from a potential non-edible feedstock of Aphanamixis polystachya, locally known as ‘Royna’ seed oil in Bangladesh.

Methods

Royna oil was extracted from the seed by Soxhlet extraction method. Biodiesel was synthesized by a three-step process: saponification of oil, followed by acidification of the soap, and esterification of the free fatty acid (FFA).

Results

The result presented showed that royna seed was found to be rich in oil with a maximum yield of 51% (w/w). Several reaction parameters were optimized during biodiesel production in their percentage proportion of oil to a catalyst (1:2), soap to HCl (1:1.5), FFA to an alcohol molar ratio (1:7), and catalyst (1 wt%). As a result, the highest yield of 97% was obtained from 7.5 wt% FFA content oil at 70 °C for 90-min reaction time. ASTM verified standard methods were employed to analyze the physicochemical properties of the as-prepared biodiesel. The structural and surface properties of the royna oil and as-prepared biodiesel were determined by 1H NMR and FTIR spectroscopic methods indicating a complete conversion of oil to biodiesel.

Conclusions

The study investigated the promising viability of royna oil to biodiesel using a three-step conversion route along with the heterogeneous catalysis system to circumvent the current environmental issues.
Effect of dietary magnolia bark extract supplementation in finishing pigs on the oxidative stability of meat
Authors: Menci Ruggero , Khelil-Arfa Hajer , Blanchard Alexandra , Biondi Luisa , Bella Marco , Priolo Alessandro , Luciano Giuseppe , Natalello Antonio
Published: August 2022

Background

Magnolia bark extract (MBE) is a natural supplement with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Its properties suggest that the dietary supplementation in livestock could improve the quality of products. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the effect of dietary MBE supplementation (0.33 mg/kg) in finishing pigs on the oxidative stability of meat. Oxidative stability is of paramount importance for pork, as it affects storage, retail, and consumer acceptance. For the purpose, the fatty acid profile, cholesterol, fat-soluble vitamins, antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase), non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity (TEAC, FRAP, and Folin-Ciocalteu assays), color stability, and lipid stability of pork were assessed.

Results

Concerning carcass characteristics, dietary MBE did not affect cold carcass yield, but reduced (P = 0.040) the chilling weight loss. The meat from pigs fed MBE had a lower (P = 0.031) lightness index than the control meat. No effect on intramuscular fat, cholesterol, and fatty acid profile was observed. Dietary MBE did not affect the content of vitamin E (α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol) in pork, whereas it reduced (P = 0.021) the retinol content. The catalase activity was 18% higher (P = 0.008) in the meat from pigs fed MBE compared with the control group. The MBE supplementation reduced (P = 0.039) by 30% the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in raw pork over 6 d of aerobic refrigerated storage. Instead, no effect on lipid oxidation was observed in cooked pork. Last, the meat from pigs fed MBE reduced Fe3+-ascorbate catalyzed lipid oxidation in muscle homogenates, with a lower (P = 0.034) TBARS value than the control group after 60 min of incubation.

Conclusions

Dietary MBE supplementation in finishing pigs delayed the lipid oxidation in raw meat. This effect was combined with an increased catalase concentration. These results suggest that dietary MBE could have implications for improving the shelf-life of pork.
Self-medication practices and their characteristics among Iranian university students
Authors: Rahimisadegh Rohaneh , Sharifi Nader , Jahromi Vahid Kohpeima , Zahedi Razieh , Rostayee Zahra , Asadi Razieh
Published: August 2022

Background

Self-medication in students, as educated people, is one of the most important health issues. It is known that inappropriate self-medication is harmful for individuals as it has potential risks, disrupts the drug market and increases the per capita financial drug consumption. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the habits related to drug use and the prevalence of self-medication practices among university students.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 at Jahrom universities/Iran, using an electronic “self-medication practices and medication habits” questionnaire. A total of 848 students from four healthcare and non-healthcare universities participated in the study.

Results

The prevalence of self-medication among students was 44.8%. The most common medicines used for self-medication included cold remedies and sedatives that were used by 33% of the students. About 47% of students stated that they have used antibiotics without a physician’s prescription. The internet and social networks were the source of information on self-medication in about 40% of students. There was no significant difference in self-medication between medical and non-medical students (OR = 0.865, 95% CI: 0.659–1.134). Self-medication in students with underlying disease was higher than students without underlying disease (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.39–5.60).

Conclusions

Self-medication had a high prevalence among students. The best strategy to reduce or eliminate self-medication is to raise students’ awareness and knowledge about potential risk of self-medication practices.
Corpora amylacea are associated with tau burden and cognitive status in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wander Connor M. , Tsujimoto Tamy Harumy Moraes , Ervin John F. , Wang Chanung , Maranto Spencer M. , Bhat Vanya , Dallmeier Julian D. , Wang Shih-Hsiu Jerry , Lin Feng-Chang , Scott William K. , Holtzman David M. , Cohen Todd J.
Published: August 2022

Corpora amylacea (CA) and their murine analogs, periodic acid Schiff (PAS) granules, are age-related, carbohydrate-rich structures that serve as waste repositories for aggregated proteins, damaged cellular organelles, and other cellular debris. The structure, morphology, and suspected functions of CA in the brain imply disease relevance. Despite this, the link between CA and age-related neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD), remains poorly defined. We performed a neuropathological analysis of mouse PAS granules and human CA and correlated these findings with AD progression. Increased PAS granule density was observed in symptomatic tau transgenic mice and APOE knock-in mice. Using a cohort of postmortem AD brain samples, we examined CA in cognitively normal and dementia patients across Braak stages with varying APOE status. We identified a Braak-stage dependent bimodal distribution of CA in the dentate gyrus, with CA accumulating and peaking by Braak stages II–III, then steadily declining with increasing tau burden. Refined analysis revealed an association of CA levels with both cognition and APOE status. Finally, tau was detected in whole CA present in human patient cerebrospinal fluid, highlighting CA-tau as a plausible prodromal AD biomarker. Our study connects hallmarks of the aging brain with the emergence of AD pathology and suggests that CA may act as a compensatory factor that becomes depleted with advancing tau burden.
Collagen wrapping and local platelet-rich fibrin do not improve the survival rates of ACL repair with dynamic intraligamentary stabilization: a retrospective case series after ≥5 years postoperatively
Authors: Eberlein Sophie C. , Rodriguez Vanessa , Hecker Andreas , Schürholz Katharina , Ahmad Sufian S. , Klenke Frank M.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair has been recommended as a treatment principle for ACL tears. Several authors have advocated a potential role for primary repair techniques in the ACL decision tree. However, long-term results have been controversial. This study aims to determine the survival of the primarily repaired ACL after dynamic intraligamentary stabilization (DIS) with and without augmentation.

Methods

Between 2014 and 2019, 102 patients with isolated proximal ACL ruptures underwent DIS repair within 21 days from injury and were available for follow-up either clinically or telephonically after ≥5 years postoperatively. In 45 cases, DIS repair was augmented with collagen fleece wrapping, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) or both. Failure was defined as traumatic re-rupture or conversion to ACL reconstruction. The patients being available for physical examination underwent a.-p. stability measurement with a KT-1000 device. Functional outcome was measured with the IKDC, Tegner and Lysholm scores. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Log-Rank Test and Binominal logistic regression were performed.

Results

After a minimum 5-year follow-up, 71/102 (69.6%) DIS repairs were not re-reptured and clinically and/or subjectively stable. Augmentation did not improve survival rates (p = 0.812). The identified factors influencing failure were a younger age and a pre-injury Tegner activity level of ≥7. 95.7% of those patients with an intact ACL repair had normal or near normal knee function based on the IKDC scoring system.

Conclusions

The 5-year overall survival rate of DIS was 69.6%. Collagen fleece wrapping and local PRF application did not improve survival. Patients not suffering failure of repair demonstrated high satisfaction. Nevertheless, the results are inferior to those of established ACL reconstruction procedures.

Level of evidence

Case series, Level IV.
“Competing personas”: aesthetic labor in the Chinese fitness industry
Authors: Wan Renxue
Published: August 2022

Given the proliferation of lifestyle consumption, industries such as the fields of fitness, fashion, and beauty and makeup have experienced rapid growth in terms of employment numbers, leading to fundamental challenges to working patterns. Based on ethnographic data concerning two fitness clubs in Shanghai collected over 13 months and 35 in-depth interviews with managers, fitness trainers, and customers, this article draws on the concept of aesthetic labor to examine how a “persona,” a combination of an ideal physique and a desirable personality in line with the aesthetic tastes of socioeconomically diverse clientele, is developed through the labor process of the fitness trainer. The author introduces the term “competing personas” to characterize shopfloor politics in the fitness industry. By understanding the process of packaging and selling their bodily, gendered, and affective resources as a “game,” fitness trainers draw symbolic boundaries to distinguish themselves from each other, thereby justifying their aesthetic competencies and self-identities. This article distinguishes three types of personas: advisor, friend, and idol, and these types are characterized by different corporeal and affective strategies. The article reveals how the exercise of agency by both male and female workers in the process of persona-building fuels the symbolic reproduction of class and gender inequalities by naturalizing the domination of an ostensibly legitimate taste.
Blood metabolic and physiological profiles of Bama miniature pigs at different growth stages
Authors: Mo Jiayuan , Lu Yujie , Xing Tianqi , Xu Di , Zhang Kun , Zhang Shuai , Wang Yubin , Yan Gang , Lan Ganqiu , Liang Jing
Published: August 2022

Background

Bama miniature pigs aged between six (6 M) and twelve months (12 M) are usually used in human medical research as laboratory pigs. However, the difference in serum metabolic profiles from 6 to 12 M-old pigs remains unclear. This study aimed to identify the metabolic and physiological profiles present in the blood to further explain changes in Bama miniature pig growth. We collected blood samples from 6 M-, eight-month- (8 M-), ten-month- (10 M-), and 12 M-old healthy Guangxi Bama miniature pigs. A total of 20 blood physiological indices (BPIs) were measured: seven for white blood cells, eight for red blood cells, and five for platelet indices. Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry-based non-targeted metabolomic approaches were used to analyze the difference in metabolites. The associations between the differences were calculated using Spearman correlations with Benjamini–Hochberg adjustment. The 100 most abundant differential metabolites were selected for analysis of their metabolic profiles.

Results

There were no significant differences in BPIs at different ages, but the mid cell ratio and red blood cell number increased with age. Seven BPIs in Bama miniature pigs were closer to human BPIs than to mouse BPIs. A total of 14 and 25 significant differential metabolites were identified in 6 M vs. 12 M and 8 M vs. 12 M, respectively. In total, 9 and 18 amino acids and their derivatives showed significantly lower concentrations in 6 M- and 8 M-old pigs than in 12 M-old pigs. They were identified as the core significantly different metabolites between the age groups 6 M vs. 12 M and 8 M vs. 12 M. Half of the enriched pathways were the amino acids metabolism pathways. The concentration of six amino acids (dl-tryptophan, phenylacetylglycine, muramic acid, N-acetylornithine, l(−)-pipecolinic acid, and creatine) and their derivatives increased with age. A total of 61 of the top 100 most abundant metabolites were annotated. The metabolic profiles contained 14 amino acids and derivatives, six bile acids and derivatives, 19 fatty acids and derivatives, and 22 others. The concentrations of fatty acids and derivatives were found to be inversely proportional to those of amino acids and derivatives.

Conclusion

These findings suggest high levels of MID cell ratio, red blood count, and amino acids in 12 M-old pigs as indicators for improved body function over time in Bama miniature pigs, similar to those in human development. This makes the pig a more suitable medical model organism than the mouse. The results of this study are limited to the characteristics of blood metabolism in the inbred Bama miniature pigs, and the effects of impacting factors such as breed, age, sex, health status and nutritional level should be considered when studying other pig populations.
Delineating the relationship between maritime insecurity and COVID-19 pandemic on West African maritime trade
Authors: Sackey Anthony Djaba , Lomotey Bernard , Sackey Abigail Dede , Lee Raphael Ofosu-Dua , Teye Abraham Akwetey , Quarcoo Richmond Kennedy , Bansah John
Published: August 2022

In this paper, three steps are made. First, an effort is made to show a consequential effect of maritime insecurity on seafarers and marine professionals; they are at risk of a complicated string of processes that impact their lives. Second, there is the risk to the environment and property. Third, the economic cost of traditional maritime crimes is examined against the potential maritime trade expansion from implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Third, the policy and regulatory measures implemented in the region against piracy are assessed to propose additional measures for improvement. Essentially, the study deploys a case study approach with a three-year field observation over the Gulf of Guinea region and is supported by outcomes of various remote interviews, in addition to online surveys conducted over three months—findings are juxtaposed with the estimated cost of piracy and potential implications for policies driving economic advancement. The results showed inadequate maritime surveillance despite enormous legal frameworks amidst the current structures of regional and international corporations. The piracy cost is high and inevitable as a factor of insurance coverage passed onto end consumers. Response to piracy has been reactionary rather than proactive, as attacks have continued in territorial and offshore areas into 2021. The impact will be visible on AfCFTA post-COVID-19. The study highlights the need for a community-based approach to surveillance modelled after the community policing model currently implemented in Ghana.
A comparative study of Botulinum toxin type A versus conventional oral therapy as a second-line treatment of diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Gaber Dina Elsayed , El Deeb Hany M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Diabetes mellitus is commonly complicated by diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Poor adherence to medication is common in diabetic peripheral neuropathy mainly due to common side effects and poor tolerance to medication. Botulinum toxin A intradermal injection has proved efficacy in cases of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, however there is a need to compare its effect to other lines of treatment. The aim of the study was to compare Botulinum toxin type A versus conventional oral treatment as a second-line treatment of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The current study was a comparative study on 30 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy was proved by nerve conduction study. All patients were on carbamazepine. Patients were divided randomly into three groups. First group was add-on duloxetine, second group was add-on gabapentin and the third group was injected intradermal with Botulinum toxin A.

Results

Our study showed that Botulinum A intradermal injection, gabapentin and duloxetine add-on therapy decreased the VAS and PSQI over a 12-week study period and this was statistically significant at p < 0.001*. Botulinum A intradermal injection also decreased the mean of PSQ1 from 17.3 ± 1.8 to 10.9 ± 3.1 in 12 weeks constituting the highest decline in PSQ1 among the three groups and this was statistically significant at p < 0.001*.

Conclusion

Botulinum toxin A injection had a comparable if not superior efficacy to duloxetine and gabapentin as a second-line treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
The impact of effective communication-based care on the childbirth experience and satisfaction among primiparous women: an experimental study
Authors: Shamoradifar Zahra , Asghari-Jafarabadi Mohammad , Nourizadeh Roghaiyeh , Mehrabi Esmat , Areshtanab Hossein Namdar , Shaigan Hoorieh
Published: August 2022

Background

There is insufficient scientific evidence on the effect of communication skills of childbirth care providers on maternal childbirth experience and satisfaction. The present study aimed to determine the effect of communication-based care on the childbirth experience and satisfaction among primiparous women.

Methods

A total of 80 primiparous women participated in this experimental study who were randomly assigned into the intervention and control groups. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) care model, the intervention group received effective communication-based care, and the control group received the routine care. Data were collected using demographic and obstetric questionnaires, Labor Agentry Scale (LAS) and Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R), and Support and Control in Birth (SCIB) scale applied 12 to 24 h after the intervention.

Results

After controlling the effect of confounding variables, the mean scores of childbirth experience (51.23(1.54) and satisfaction (26.03(0.81) in the intervention group were significantly higher than that in the control group (45.33 (1.54) and 22.66 (0.81) respectively; [adjusted mean difference (AMD) = 5.90, CI = 95%: 1.17 to 10.62, P = 0.01] versus AMD =3.37, CI: 95%: 0.87 to 5.87, P = 0.001].

Conclusion

Eeffective communication-based care improved childbirth experience and satisfaction of primiparous women. Therefore, it is recommended that health-care providers should be trained on the communication skills in the delivery room especially during a vital threatened crises such as the Covid pandemic.
The relationship between disease symptoms and restless legs syndrome in adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder without iron deficiency
Authors: Kiraz Seda , Çipil Arif , Ergün Nurbanu
Published: August 2022

Background

This study aimed to investigate the frequency of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and the affecting factors in the attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) group without iron deficiency. Drug-naive ADHD patients were included in the study. Patients without iron deficiency filled out the adult ADHD Self Reporting Scale, the Wender Utah Rating Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Scale scores were compared in ADHD patients with and without RLS. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors associated with RLS.

Results

A total of 120 ADHD patients participated in the study; 53 were predominantly inattentive ADHD patients (ADHD-I), and 67 were ADHD combined type (ADHD-C). RLS incidence was found to be 31.6%. ADHD symptoms, anxiety, and depression were found to be significantly more severe in patients with ADHD accompanying RLS. Also, anxiety and the presence of ADHD predicted RLS.

Conclusions

The presence of ADHD and accompanying anxiety was effective on RLS, regardless of iron deficiency. RLS is a comorbidity that frequently accompanies ADHD, and its diagnosis and treatment should not be ignored. This is the first study to investigate the frequency of RLS and accompanying factors by excluding iron deficiency in the ADHD group.