bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Different Chicken Ovalbumin Extracts on Cell Proliferation
Authors: Ruan Guang-ping , Yao Xiang , Wang Kai , He Jie , Zhu Xiang-qing , Pang Rong-qing , Pan Xing-hua
Published: May 2022

Background: Protein extracts from chicken egg whites were prepared by utilizing different solvents and we studied the differences in proliferation. Methods: The egg white extract was prepared by using lysate, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), saline and pure water. The in vitro mixture experiment was carried out to observe the effect of different egg white preparations on the proliferation of cells. The samples were divided into the following groups:
the control group with media, the original lysate group, the new lysate group, the PBS group, the saline group and the pure water group. Result: The study found that at final concentrations of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%, the differences among the six groups were statistically significant (P less than 0.01, F greater than 100). The results of pairwise comparison showed that the proliferative effect of chicken egg albumin extract prepared by PBS was significantly higher than that of the medium at final concentrations of 20%, 30% and 50% (P less than 0.05). When the fetal bovine serum concentration was only 8%, 7% and 5%, the cell proliferation effect was better than that of the control group with 10% fetal bovine serum, indicating that the chicken egg white extract promoted cell proliferation. This result indicated that the best chicken egg albumin extract was obtained through PBS addition. The quantity of expensive fetal bovine serum could be considerably reduced by supplementing the media with chicken egg albumin extract. Among the solvents tested, PBS was the best solvent for preparing chicken egg albumin extract.
Evidence on the Effectiveness of Covid-19 International Travel Measures
Authors: Lenhardt Amanda
Published: May 2022

Evidence on the effectiveness of travel measures to prevent or slow the spread of Covid-19 and guidance on how and when to apply these measures is limited and the results are mixed. Given the social and economic disruptions that these measures can have, and their potential adverse effects on preventing the spread of the disease, WHO among others have cautioned implementing measures that are not supported by robust evidence. The scope of the search for this report was broad, covering all reported international travel restrictions to contain or slow the spread of Covid-19 and without geographical limitations. The results are therefore more general than restriction- or country-specific and more targeted studies may be omitted from the search due to these wide search parameters. There is general agreement across the literature that some form of travel restriction in the early stages of a disease or variant spread can lead to a slowing of the rate of infections in countries yet to be affected. The majority of studies conducted on travel restrictions adopt a modelling approach, and a systematic review conducted in December 2020 concluded that the quality of observational studies was low to very low (Bou-Karroum et al., 2021). Determining the specific effects of different travel measures is difficult as many studies examine the effects of combined measures. Few studies separate different types of restrictions and much of the modelling on international transmission rates uses data on the movements of people as a proxy for travel restrictions, therefore limiting the ability to observe how measures were implemented except for the timing of measures at different points in the pandemic. Limited country-level evidence was identified for this report and few global studies examine contextual factors that might affect the effectiveness of travel restriction measures. A targeted search for evidence on the effects of travel restrictions on different variants of Covid-19 did not reveal any studies making this distinction.
Advances in understanding the dynamics of weed communities in integrated weed management systems
Authors:   Sustainable Agriculture Science, Rothamsted Research, UK, Storkey Jonathan
Published: May 2022

The shift towards integrated weed management necessitated by the negative unintended consequences of over-reliance on herbicides is a significant challenge for predicting the dynamics of weed communities. In response to this challenge, the novel approach of applying trait-based methodologies to weed science problems has emerged as a solution. This chapter reviews the progress that has been made in the application of this approach to IWM in two areas: 1) the analysis of survey and experimental data from contrasting weed management systems and 2) the extension of the scope of weed population dynamics models by quantifying relationships between traits and model parameters. While great progress is being made in both areas, defining individual IWM approaches in terms of their impact on ecological processes and identifying a standard set of traits that respond to those interventions would be valuable for delivering the full potential of the trait-based approach in the future.
Advances in precision application technologies for weed management
Authors:   Newe Ya’ar Research Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Israel, Lati Ran N. , Gerhards Roland ,   University of Hohenheim, Germany, Eizenberg Hanan ,   Newe Ya’ar Research Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Israel, Matzrafi Maor ,   Newe Ya’ar Research Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Israel, Blank Lior ,   Agricultural Research Organization – Volcani Center, Israel, Christensen Svend ,   University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Published: May 2022

Most PWM related research activity is focused on different aspects of weed scouting and mapping, aiming to optimize the weed detection performances of various sensors and imaging platforms. It seems like other aspects of the PWM pipeline get much little attention, nonetheless, their development and implementation also offers great contribution the success of PWM and for its overall objective of minimizing herbicide application. Complementary application technologies can also facilitate PWM and improve their performances and results. This chapter aims to highlight some of the latest in the field of precise application technology.
Rafael Castillo Gómez, un gran fotógrafo casi desconocido
Authors: Álvarez-Carrasco Ricardo Iván
Published: May 2022

Rafael Castillo Gómez, un genuino virtuoso de la fotografía, trabajó en Lima por más de veinte años, entre las décadas de 1860 y 1880; sin embargo su obra ha sido infravalorada, ya que aquella época estuvo dominada de manera casi excluyente por el francés Eugene Courret. El objeto del presente artículo es redescubrir la trascendente labor iconográfica de Castillo, entre cuyos principales hitos está la fotografía familiar de Daniel Alcides Carrión y otras de sus parientes cercanos.
Pediculosis en los aborígenes del Antiguo Perú
Authors: Paico-Vílchez Emiliano , Paico-Zumaeta Emiliano
Published: May 2022

Los autores detallan el patrón cultural de los aborígenes del antiguo Perú relacionados con los piojos del cuero cabelludo, para lo cual revisaron diversos escritos que nos dejaron los cronistas que se ocuparon del tema. También muestran algunas fotografías de piezas de cerámica de la cultura Mochica en las que han representado espléndidamente a mujeres despiojándose.
Las neurociencias y el reciente Premio Nobel en Medicina o Fisiología 2021
Authors: Guillén Pinto Daniel
Published: May 2022

El Premio Nobel de Medicina o Fisiología 2021 fue entregado a los biólogos moleculares estadounidenses David Julius y Ardem Patapoutian, por sus descubrimientos sobre los receptores de la temperatura y el tacto. Estos descubrimientos nos permiten entender cómo el calor, el frío y la fuerza mecánica pueden generar los impulsos nerviosos por los cuales percibimos nuestro entorno.
El ud al-qamari que llevamos dentro. Gurnah, Premio Nobel de Literatura 2021
Authors: Vivar-Mendoza Aldo
Published: May 2022

Abdulrazak Gurnah fue obligado a dejar su natal Zanzíbar siendo adolescente. Viviendo en el Reino Unido desarrolló su carrera literaria, cuyas influencias van desde el Corán y las Mil y una noches hasta Shakespeare y Joseph Conrad. Nominado dos veces al premio Man Booker, sus obras muestran los choques culturales y religiosos que desde tiempos lejanos ocurren en África del Este, brechas que cuestan cerrarse y acompañan a los exiliados en Europa. Esta perseverancia en la situación colonial y post colonial en sus obras le ha valido el Premio Nobel de Literatura 2021.
Simultaneous Transcatheter Pulmonary Balloon Valvuloplasty and Atrial Septal Defect Closure in Adult Patient
Authors: Wardhani Deasy Eka , Mulia Eka Prasetya Budi , Rachmi Dita Aulia
Published: May 2022

Background: Percutaneous pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty (PBV) has become the first choice of management in patients with valvular pulmonary stenosis, while transcatheter closure in secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) is an alternative therapy besides surgical closure. The combination of PBV and transcatheter ASD closure is an action that is possible to do, but rarely done.Case Illustration: We present a case of 26-year-old woman with severe pulmonary stenosis and secundum ASD.  Echocardiographic examination revealed the presence of severe pulmonary stenosis (mean gradient 99.19 mmHg) and defects in the intra atrial septum (with a size of 1.3 cm). Cardiac catheterization revealed right ventricular pressure of 160 mmHg. This patient then successfully corrected with both procedures ASD closure and PBV simultaneously. Discussion: These procedures have high feasibility, good safety, and shows good effectiveness. There were no complications during the procedures, and a satisfying immediate outcome was obtained.Conclusion: Pulmonary stenosis and atrial septal defects are rare forms of congenital heart disease. Transcatheter pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty and atrial septal defect closure performed simultaneously are promising alternatives, apart from surgical correction.
Doubly Committed Subarterial Ventricular Septal Defect Coexisted with Ruptured Aneurysm of The Right Sinus Valsava
Authors: Maghfirah Irma , Romdoni Rochmad
Published: May 2022

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms (SVAs) are uncommon cardiac abnormalities and most of them are in congenital origin. Some patients may have SVAs that concomitant with ventricular septal defect (VSD). Here, we reported case of a 37-year-old male presented with worsening exertional dyspnoea. Thrills and loud continuous murmur along the left sternal border were discovered during physical examination. Echocardiogram displayed ruptured sinus of valsalva aneurysm to the right ventricle along with supracristal ventricular septal defect (VSD). The patient underwent surgical correction with patch repair and aortic valve replacement. Most cases of SVAs were originated from right coronary sinus. They usually ruptured into right ventricle. Ventricular septal defects often coexisted with this condition. Echocardiography provided a complete evaluation of such cases and prohibited missed diagnosis of other coexistent congenital heart defects.
Identification of The Effect of Hyberbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) on Blood Pressure Lowering Effects in Hypertension Patients
Authors: Susetiyo Karindra Amadea , Subagjo Agus , Syahbani Primadita , Rahmawati Iqlima , Qothi Ikhsanuddin
Published: May 2022

Hypertension is a leading cause of death worldwide including in Indonesia. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that currently the global prevalence of hypertension is 22% (WHO, 2019). In 2018 the prevalence of hypertension in Indonesia reached 34,11% (Riskesdas, 2018). Every year, it is estimated that 10.4 million deaths are caused by hypertension (Unger et al., 2020). Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a therapy with pure oxygen concentration (100%) in a high pressure room (Ortega et al., 2021). In previous studies it was found that HBOT improves the effects of vasodilation (Mihaljevic et al., 2018). However, other studies mention different results. It was found that HBOT initiates vasoconstriction and increases systemic vascular resistance. This causes a decrease in nitrite oxide (NO) production and increase NO oxidation (Goyal et al., 2021). Apart from a variety of different study results, the use of HBOT has indeed been widely studied even though it has not found a clear meeting point on the effects of blood pressure reduction on hypertension patients. Therefore, the author aims to find out more clearly the mechanism and benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy against decreased blood pressure in hypertension patients.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE OF ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES AGAINST MALARIA ENDEMICITY IN THE OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA
Authors: Dirontsho Maphane , Barbara Ntombi Ngwenya , Oluwatoyin Dare Kolawole , Moseki Ronald Motsholapheko , Vincent Pagiwa
Published: May 2022

Background: An increasing recognition of the need to eliminate malaria infection globally and particularly in Africa where more than 90% of the cases originate, should enhance community awareness and participation in the same. The perennial freshwater of Okavango Delta located in northern Botswana, which is a source of rural livelihoods and a suitable habitat for the malaria-causing mosquito, and where malaria is endemic provides a suitable environment for the study.Therefore,local households’adaptive strategies against malaria transmission in the Okavango Delta were investigated. Materials and Methods: The data used in this paper is a subset or retrospective cohort of 79 households that reported malaria cases/incidences during the first community level household survey conducted from October-November 2015 on 355 households in Shakawe and Ngarange. The households were selected through stratified random sampling in the two study villages. The retrospective cohort household survey was conducted from 7-19 August 2016, in the two study sites. Data were collected through socio-economic survey, key informants’ interviews and focus group discussions. Results: The results obtained indicate that most cohort households embraced several adaptive strategies against malaria transmission.These included, inter alia, knowledge capacity building through attendance of health information and education workshops (69%), modifications of houses structures (49.4%),timing of activities and restricting movement at certain times of the day(43%). Discussion: Although most of the stated adaptive strategies such as house screening were not exclusively aimed towards malaria prevention and adaptation, they nonetheless had postive spill over effect that could be a catalyst for eliminating malaria in the study area.
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND RISK PERCEPTION OF COVID-19 AMONG NIGERIANS
Authors: Abayomi Fadeyi x , Adekunle Olatayo Adeoti , Akanbi Nurudeen Adeboye Muhammed , Joseph Abioye Awosanya , Ibironke Omowumi Oluwadiya , Kehinde Sunday Oluwadiya
Published: May 2022

Background: COVID-19 emerged as a novel disease with global health importance. Personal and collective behaviours have been modified to prevent the spread of this pandemic. This study is aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and risk perceptions of Nigerians towards COVID-19. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between the 30th of April and 17th of May 2020 with a national representative among Nigerians using a combination of online and interviewer administered questionnaire. Results: A total of 1,135 respondents participated in the study with a slight male preponderance (M: F=1.5:1). The mean age of the participants was 42±12.2 years with the majority (77%) between the ages of 26 and 55 years. The majority were aware of the pandemic, mostly through mass and social media. Most of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge of COVID-19 but the unaware minority (0.6%) were likewise uneducated. Educational status had no significant association with attitude towards hand washing and wearing of face mask (p>0.05). Risk perception was however low to moderate despite their concerns for COVID-19 and lack of trust in the governments’ response to the disease. Conclusion: The risk perception of COVID-19 among the respondents is not encouraging, hence more advocacy and public orientation must be done to curb further spread of COVID-19 in our setting.
RHAMNETIN IS A BETTER INHIBITOR OF SARS-COV-2 2’-O-METHYLTRANSFERASE THAN DOLUTEGRAVIR: A COMPUTATIONAL PREDICTION
Authors: B. Rowaiye, Adekunle , Nnamdi Oli Angus , A. Onuh Olukemi , W Emeter Nkoli , Bur Doofan , A. Obideyi Oluwaseun , Cornelius Dayisi Oluyomi , N. Akpa Jude , Birah Lovelyn , E. Omaka Edward , Otibhor Iseghohi Frances , Peace Otitoju Akinbobola , F. Uzor Philip , Nnaemeka Okoyeh Jude
Published: May 2022

Background: The 2’-O-methyltransferase is responsible for the capping of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA and consequently the evasion of the host’s immune system. This study aims at identifying prospective natural inhibitors of the active site of SARS-CoV-2 2’O-methyltransferase (2’-OMT) through an in silico approach. Materials and methods: The target was docked against a library of natural compounds obtained from edible African plants using PyRx - virtual screening software. The antiviral agent, Dolutegravir which has a binding affinity score of -8.5 kcal mol−1 with the SARS-CoV-2 2’-OMT was used as a standard. Compounds were screened for bioavailability through the SWISSADME web server using their molecular descriptors. Screenings for pharmacokinetic properties and bioactivity were performed with PKCSM and Molinspiration web servers respectively. The PLIP and Fpocket webservers were used for the binding site analyses. The Galaxy webserver was used for simulating the time-resolved motions of the apo and holo forms of the target while the MDWeb web server was used for the analyses of the trajectory data. Results: The Root-Mean-Square-Deviation (RMSD) induced by Rhamnetin is 1.656A0 compared to Dolutegravir (1.579A0). The average B-factor induced by Rhamnetin is 113.75 while for Dolutegravir is 78.87; the Root-Mean-Square-Fluctuation (RMSF) for Rhamnetin is 0.75 and for Dolutegravir is 0.67. Also, at the active site, Rhamnetin also has a binding affinity score of -9.5 kcal mol−1 and forms 7 hydrogen bonds compared to Dolutegravir which has -8.5 kcal mol−1 and forms 4 hydrogen bonds respectively. Conclusion: Rhamnetin showed better inhibitory activity at the target’s active site than Dolutegravir.
Three-dimensional underseepage evaluation for Profit Island vicinity levee, north of Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Authors: Tsai Frank , Jafari Navid , Chen Ye-Hong , Cadigan Jack
Published: May 2022

This project developed a three-dimensional (3D) seepage model to evaluate efficiency of 84 relief wells and factors of safety (FoS) along the Profit Island vicinity levee (PIVL), north of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The PIVL model was built based on US Geological Survey MODFLOW-USG. Moreover, a 3D seepage model of RocScience RS3 was also built for a specific study of relief well experiments conducted by the US Army Corps of Engineers in the 1930s and 1940s. The PIVL model was calibrated with measured piezometric head data and relief well flow rates in 1997. Six flood scenarios were conducted: the extreme flood (56 feet), design flood (52.4 feet), 1997 flood (50 feet), 2008 flood (49.22 feet), 2017 flood (45.55 feet), and 2018 flood (49.1 feet). The modeling results show that FoS are all above 1.5 given relief wells at the 1997 design condition. FoS calculated by the blanket theory are more conservative than those by the PIVL model because designed discharge rates were not observed in the field. In comparison with measured flow rates in 2008, the PIVL modeling result indicates potential clogging at many relief wells. New piezometric data and well discharge data are recommended to re-evaluate factors of safety.
Field Pigging Modeling for Predicting Wax Breaking Force and Wax Removal Efficiency of Disk Pig
Authors: Zhang Xun , Huang Qiyu , Chen Wei , Zhang Yu , Gao Xuedong , Liu Yamei , Wang Yijie
Published: May 2022

Pigging technology is the most common and cost-effective method for wax deposition remediation, but the inability to accurately predict the pigging parameters during the field pigging process causes pipe plugging incidents to occur from time to time. This study developed a theoretical model that incorporates the rheomalaxis elastoviscoplasticity (REVP) of the wax deposit. The concepts of dynamic and static yield stresses were introduced to determine the maximum shear stress in two shear states. The proposed model can accurately estimate the wax breaking force (WBF) and the wax removal efficiency (WRE) under various pigging conditions, according to the experimental results and published data. In addition, the indoor pigging experiments revealed for the first time that a higher pigging speed could increase the WBF while reducing the WRE of the disk pig. The model interpreted these experimental results as a consequence of the rheological behavior of the wax deposit (i.e., the increase in the ramp rate of the shear rate leads to higher dynamic yield stress).
Implication of miR-155-5p and miR-143-3p in the vascular insulin resistance and instability of human and experimental atherosclerotic plaque
Authors: González-López Paula , Ares-Carral Carla , López-Pastor Andrea R. , Infante-Menéndez Jorge , Gonzalez-Illanes Tamara , Céniga Melina Vega , Esparza Leticia , Beneit Nuria , Martín-Ventura José Luis , Escribano Óscar , Gómez-Hernández Almudena
Published: May 2022

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the main cause of death in first world countries, being atherosclerosis, a recurring process underlying their apparition. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that modulate the expression of their target proteins. Therefore, they have emerged as key players in diseases like cancer, diabetes, or CVDs. Methods: Apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice fed a standard type diet (STD) or high fat diet (HFD) for 8 and 18 weeks was compared to wild type (WT) STD-fed groups for the same time. 18 miRNAs were selected (from Pubmed and GEO database) for their possible role in promoting atherosclerosis and were analysed by RT-qPCR in the aorta from the experimental model. Afterwards, the altered miRNAs in the aorta from 18 weeks-ApoE-/- mice were studied in human healthy aortic samples, human early aortic atherosclerotic plaques, and human advanced carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Results: From the 18 miRNAs analyzed, miR-155-5p was overexpressed and miR-143-3p was downregulated in mouse and human atherosclerotic lesions. In addition, a significant decrease of protein kinase B (AKT), target of miR-155-5p, and an increase of insulin-like growth factor type II receptor (IGF-IIR), target of miR-143-3p, were noted in aortic roots from ApoE-/- mice and in carotid plaques from ACA patients. Finally, both miRNAs were studied on vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cell lines. The overexpression of miR-155-5p reduced AKT levels and its phosphorylation in vascular smooth muscle cells. MiR-143-3p overexpression decreased IGF-IIR reducing apoptosis in vascular cells. Conclusions: Our results suggest that miR-155-5p and miR-143-3p may be implicated in insulin resistance and plaque instability by the modulation of their targets AKT and IGF-IIR, contributing to the progression of experimental and human atherosclerosis.Trial Registration: authorization numbers PFS09-007 and PI1442016.
Clinical Observation of Comparing the Efficacy of Three-drug Regimens Containing Olanzapine/Dexamethasone in Preventing Hyperemetic Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV)
Authors: Zhang Min , Zhang Xiaodi , Liu Ding , Bai Bin , Shen Wei , Meng Xiangli , Gao yanxin , Liu Yanting , Qin Shuang , Lu Ping
Published: May 2022

A randomized, open-label, parallel-controlled study was conducted to compare the efficacy of two kind of three-drug Regimens containing olanzapine/dexamethasone for the prevention of CINV induced by hyperemetic chemotherapy. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the complete response rates of nausea and vomiting between the two groups. However, the anxiety, depression and sleep quality of the patients in the olanzapine group were improved. It was concluded that the three-drug antiemetic regimen of "olanzapine +palonosetron+fosaprepitant" could effectively prevent CINV caused by hyperemetic chemotherapy, and its effect was similar to that of the antiemetic regimen containing dexamethasone. In addition, the anxiety, depression and sleep disorders of patients in the olanzapine group were all improved to different degrees.Our study has provided a theoretical basis for the clinical application of the three-drug regimen of "dexamethasone removal".
Systematic review of OR to ICU handoff standardization interventions highlights need for focus on sustainability and patient outcomes
Authors: Busch Julian Maximillian Conn , Muralidharan Madhavi , Wu Jasmine , Taranti Laura J Di , Hernandez Enrique Torres , Collard Meredith L , Lane-Fall Meghan B
Published: May 2022

Background: Operating room (OR) to the intensive care unit (ICU) handoff standardization is a well-studied intervention to decrease preventable patient harm. We conducted a systematic review to synthesize findings about OR to ICU handoff intervention sustainability and the impact on handoff interventions on patient outcomes, neither of which are well described in recent reviews of OR to ICU handoff studies.Methods: Inclusion criteria included full papers (i.e., not abstracts) describing original research with intervention descriptions. There were no exclusion criteria. We searched 10 electronic bibliographic databases (including PubMed, Scopus, and eight others) for studies published between 1995 and October 2021 describing OR to ICU handoffs. We used the Cochrane Consumers and Communication Review Group Study Quality Guide to present and synthesize results using the criteria pertaining to the study format and PRISMA guidelines for reporting.Results: Our search yielded 41 papers published between 2007-2021. Thirteen (31.7%) of the studies described a sustainability period following the initial implementation phase that lasted 3-96 months. All studies with a sustainability period showed continued improvement of at least one study outcome. Nine studies measured patient outcomes, including unplanned or early extubations, delayed dosing of antibiotics, unspecified post-surgical complications, ICU-level patient mortality, among others. Of these, 7 (77.8%) reported statistical significance improvement of patient outcomes, but none were able to establish causation. Two studies reported no difference in any patient outcomes.Discussion: Interpretation of the evidence was limited by the risk of recall bias, Hawthorne effect, sampling bias, response bias, and no blinding of participants or personnel. Collectively, the evidence from all the studies examined is subject to both publication and selective reporting within studies. Overall, the studies demonstrate improvement in information exchange and clinician satisfaction with standardization but have not shown to cause improvement in patient outcomes. Only a few of these studies have focused on the sustainability of handoff standardization conventions. Overall, the field is heavily dominated by cardiac research and is lacking in sustainability research and patient outcome-correlated research.Other: Funding: The primary source of funding for this review was institutional funds.Register name: INPLASYRegister number: INPLASY202220035
Comprehensive analysis of a ceRNA network associated with TP53 mutations in liver hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xu Zongren , Gan Hongyan , Li Ruiqian , Jia Junhao , Gao Lin , Yu Zicheng , Peng Jing , Yuan Jie
Published: May 2022

Background
Liver cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death and is quantitatively dominated by the liver hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) subtype. Although advances have been made in recent years, further exploration on new HCC carcinogenic mechanisms as well as diagnostic and therapeutic methods in the context of detrimental TP53 abnormalities is indispensable on the way to conquer HCC.
Methods
In this study, competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed on tumor samples stratified by the TP53 mutational status. Prognostic and therapeutic analyses were conducted on the identified network nodes. Multi-source databases were used for validations.
Results
The constructed ceRNA network demonstrated a TP53 mutant-specificity. Additionally, the ceRNA network nodes including AC017104.6, RP5-1092A11.5, RP11-365O16.6 and PTBP1 were all prognosis-related. Further therapeutic correlation analysis unveiled the connection between their expressions and tumor microenvironment fluctuation as well as possible chemotherapy resistance. We also explored the drug sensitivity difference between TP53 wild type and mutant samples, complementing the therapeutic arsenal of HCC. The universality of the key node PTBP1 was verified by transcription and protein level expressions.
Conclusions
This is the first study focusing on the ceRNA network mediated by TP53 mutations and its provoked therapeutic associations in HCC. Our results deepened the understanding of the concomitant alternations brought by TP53 mutations and could benefit future therapeutic development in HCC.
Enhanced Telehealth Home-Monitoring Intervention for Vulnerable and Frail Patients after Cardiac Surgery (THE-FACS Pilot Intervention Study)
Authors: Sarkar Shreya , MacLeod Jeffrey , Hassan Ansar , Brunt Keith , Palmer Krisan , Légaré Jean-François
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND
Frail cardiac surgery patients have an increased risk of worse postoperative outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of a novel Telehealth Home monitoring Enhanced-Frailty And Cardiac Surgery(THE-FACS) intervention and determine its impact on clinical outcomes in frail patients post-cardiac surgery.
METHODS
Frail/vulnerable patients defined by Edmonton Frailty Scale(EFS > 4) undergoing cardiac surgery were prospectively enrolled(November 2019 -March 2020). Exclusion criteria included age < 55years, emergent status, minimally invasive surgery, lack of home support, and > 10-days postoperative hospital stay. Following standard training on THE-FACS, participants were sent home with a tablet device to answer questions about their health/recovery and measure blood pressure for 30-consecutive days. Transmitted data were monitored by trained cardiac surgery follow-up nurses. Patients were contacted only if the algorithm based on the patient’s self-collected data triggered an alert. Patients who completed the study were compared to historical controls. The primary outcome of interest was to determine the number of patients that could complete THE-FACS; secondary outcomes included participant/caregiver satisfaction and impact on hospital readmission.
RESULTS
We identified 86 eligible(EFS > 4), out of 254 patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery during the study period(vulnerable:34%). The patients who consented to participate in THE-FACS (64/84, 74%) had a mean age of 69.1 ± 6.4 years, 25% were female, 79.7% underwent isolated CABG and median EFS was 6(5–8). 29/64 (45%) were excluded post-enrollment due to prolonged hospitalization(15/64) or requirement for hospital-to-hospital transfer(12/64). Of the remaining 35 patients, 21 completed the 30-day follow-up(completion rate:60%). Reasons for withdrawal(14/35, 40%) were mostly due to technical difficulties with the tablet. Hospital readmission, although non-significant, was reduced in THE-FACS participants compared to controls(0% vs. 14.3%). A satisfaction survey revealed > 90% satisfaction and ~ 67% willingness to re-use a home monitoring device.
CONCLUSIONS
THE-FACS intervention can be used to successfully monitor vulnerable patients returning home post-cardiac surgery. However, a significant number of frail patients could not benefit from THE-FACS given prolonged hospitalization and technological challenges. Our findings suggest that despite overall excellent satisfaction in participants who completed THE-FACS, there remain major challenges for wide-scale implementation of technology-driven home monitoring programs as only 24% completed the study.
Climatic Regions Based Molecular Prevalence of Babesiosis and Theileriosis in Cattle and Water- Buffalo in Pakistan
Authors: Zaman Muhammad Arfan , Atif Farhan A , Abbas Rao Zahid , Shahid Zohaib , Mehnaz Saba , Qamar Warda , Qamar Muhammad Fiaz , Hussain Kashif
Published: May 2022

This study was carried out to report prevalence of Babesia (B.) bigemina and Theileria (T.) annulata in cattle and water-buffalo (WB) from southern sandy zone (SSZ), central plain zone (CPZ), and northern arid zone (NAZ) of Pakistan in relation with breed, sex, age, housing system, season and feed. Towards this end, 6,510 blood samples (n = 2,170/each zone) were collected from suspected cattle and WB and were subjected to Giemsa staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Logistic regression and odds ratios were applied for data analysis. Babesiosis and theileriosis was found highest (P < 0.05) in SSZ followed in order by NAZ and CPZ. Prevalence of theileriosis was observed higher than babesiosis and more common in cattle than WB. Prevalence of Babesiosis and theileriosis in cattle in Holstein Friesian (HF) breed, young age (> 16 months), tethered housing system, during summer season and in non-supplemented fed of cattle was found significant (P < 0.05). Prevalence of Babesia and Theileria in WB in Kundi breed, young age, tethered housing system, during summer season was found significant (P < 0.05). Odds ratio analysis showed all the determinants positively associated (OR > 1.00). The present studies provide evidence on endimicity of babesiosis and theirleriosis in the study area and naturally resilience of WB.
Potential biomarkers and immune characteristics of small bowel adenocarcinoma
Authors: Feng Jinggao , Tang Xiayu , Song Liusong , Zhou Zhipeng , Jiang Yuan , Huang Yao
Published: May 2022

Background: Small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) is a gastrointestinal malignancy with low incidence but poor prognosis, and its pathogenesis is still unclear. This study aimed to explore potential disease-causing biomarkers of SBA.Methods: The gene expression datasets of SBA and normal samples were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. First, differential gene expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed. Common genes (CGs) were obtained by intersection of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and optimal modal genes of WGCNA. Subsequently, a protein-protein interaction network was established to screen hub genes, and target genes were obtained by Lasso regression analysis of hub genes. An SBA risk prediction model was established based on target genes. The prediction accuracy of the model was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The levels of immune cell infiltration and activation of immune pathways were compared between SBA and normal samples using the "ggpubr" and "reshape2" packages.Results: A total of 1058 DEGs were identified. WGCNA showed that the signature gene in the brown module was significantly associated with SBA (p = 7E-17), and 469 CGs were obtained. Four target genes (APOA4, APOB, COL1A2, FN1) were identified and showed excellent prediction of SBA risk (AUC=0.965). In addition, active dendritic cells and macrophages showed higher infiltration levels in SBA. Meanwhile, the APC_co_stimulation pathway and parainflammation pathway were strongly active in SBA.Conclusions: Four target genes (APOA4, APOB, COL1A2, FN1) may be involved in the pathogenesis of small bowel adenocarcinoma.
Efficacy and safety of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer: A meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yuegang , Du Yuwei , Xue Chi , Wu Pei , Du Nan , Zhu Guolian , Xu Huimian , Zhu Zhi
Published: May 2022

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promise in microsatellite instability-high/mismatch repair deficient (MSI-H/dMMR) advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) immunotherapy,andmany clinical trials have been conducted. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in advanced CRC. Method: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and TheCochrane Library were searched for relevant studies up to September 2021. A retrospective cross-sectional data analysis was performed and Stata 16 software was used for analyses. Results:Sixteen studies including 1503 patients were analyzed. The objective response rate (ORR) of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 was 23% (95% CI: 0.14, 0.31); the overall 1-year survival rate (OSR) was 57% (95% CI: 0.42, 0.73). The ORR of MSI-H/dMMR advanced CRC was 37% (95% CI: 0.25,0.48) and that of microsatellite stable/mismatch repair proficient (MSS/pMMR) disease was 11% (95% CI: 0.06, 0.16). The ORR was 42% in the BRAF mutant subgroup and 19% in the RAS mutant group. The ORR was 14% in the PD-L1(+) subgroup and 32% in the PD-L1(-) subgroup. The rate of adverse effects was 85% (95% CI: 0.80, 0.91). Conclusion: Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in MSI-H/dMMR advanced CRC was associated with improved survival. Anti PD-1/PD-L1 combined with antiangiogenic drugs, targeted agents, or chemotherapy might be effective in MSS mCRC. Immunotherapy was effective for the BRAF mutant and KRAS/NRAS(RAS) mutant CRC. Low expression of PD-L1 was a potential predictive marker for positive response and outcome. The high incidence of adverse events at 85% was worthy of further investigation. Further analysis with a higher number of high quality studies is needed to verify the conclusions.
Evaluation of gaseous ozone virucidal efficacy against virus contamination on foods and packaging materials
Authors: Hu Kailei , Li Haichuan , Zhang Jingmin , Hu Yunfeng , Chen Junran , Han Jian
Published: May 2022

Diffusing of virus can occur through indirectly by contacting with food and surfaces of packaging materials being in the infected environment. Ozone proved effective in decontaminating pathogenic microorganisms on foods. To this end, this study explored the virucidal efficacy of gaseous ozone for foods and packaging materials by using three widely accepted viral surrogates (φ6, MS2, and φX174). The φ6 was highly disinfected (˃1.6-log reduction and 90% inactivation) by gaseous ozone (200 mg/h, 3 min) on foods except for peanut kernel. As observed, the same treatment had a little effect (˂ 0.19-log and 50% inactivation) on φX174 and MS2 on peanut kernel, even at the longer durations under the tested conditions (200 mg/h, 5 min, 6 min). On average, the adsorbed virus surrogates on soybean were better disinfected (˃70% inactivation). Hence, gaseous ozone could be a reliable way for inactivating φ6, φX174, and MS2 on soybean; however, continued efforts are needed to make gaseous ozone more applicable to peanut kernel. Gaseous ozone was effective for the inactivation of φ6, φX174, and MS2 on packaging materials. These results were encouraging as ozone treatment significantly reduced φ6, MS2 (＞1.19-log and 90% inactivation) on kraft paper, plastic, and glass panel, in which φX174 was disinfected over 70%. To conclude, gaseous ozone was an important technology for surface detoxification of foods and packaging materials because it could effectively control φ6, MS2 and φX174, but reducing the levels of viral surrogates on peanut kernel required new conditions.
The insoluble excretion of multi-matrix system mesalazine preparations in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Ohtaki Yuichiro , Uchiyama Kan , Kamiya Hirotaka , Moriizumi Eri , Yamada Moe , Aoki Yuma , Watanabe Toshimune , Kiryu Sachie , Suzuki Shizuka , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Ito Zensho , Ohkusa Toshihumi , Koido Shigeo , Saruta Masayuki
Published: May 2022

Background
Multi-matrix mesalazine (MMX) is an important treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC); however, it is often excreted intact, which increases the risk of relapse. This study aimed to clarify the risk factors for insoluble MMX excretion.
Methods
The subjects were 102 UC patients who were newly prescribed MMX alone to induce remission. Their stools were evaluated on the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), the presence/absence of insoluble MMX excretion was investigated in interviews, and the defecation frequency at the start of treatment and disease type were retrospectively investigated by examining their medical records.
Results
The insoluble excretion rate (IER) was 14.7%. It tended to be higher in the patients with left-sided colitis or extensive colitis, although the differences among the disease types were not significant (p = 0.053). The mean defecation frequency of the patients that reported insoluble MMX excretion was significantly higher than that of the patients that did not report it (6.27 ± 5.28 vs. 3.69 ± 3.17, p < 0.05). The IER tended to be higher among the patients with soft stools (4.5%, 21.9%, and 23.1% in those with BSFS scores of ≤ 4, 5, and ≥ 6, respectively). In ROC analysis of the defecation frequency, ≥ 3.5 defecations was found to exhibit sensitivity and specificity of 66.7% and 65.5%, respectively, for predicting insoluble MMX excretion. In the multivariate analysis, extensive colitis and a defection frequency of ≥ 4 times a day were extracted as independent risk factors for insoluble MMX excretion (OR: 5.041, 95%CI: 1.050-24.217; OR: 3.63, 95%CI: 1.105–11.922, respectively).
Conclusions
The likelihood of insoluble MMX excretion is influenced by defecation frequency and the extent of inflammation. It is important to keep the possibility of insoluble excretion in mind when prescribing MMX.
What dominates the seasonal predictable signals of the East Asian summer monsoon rainfall in addition to the decaying/developing El Niño–Southern Oscillation and spring Arctic Oscillation?
Authors: Ying Kairan , Jiang Dabang , Zheng Xiaogu , Frederiksen Carsten S. , Peng Jing , Zhao Tianbao , Zhong Linhao
Published: May 2022

Improvement in the seasonal forecasting of East Asian summer monsoon rainfall (EASMR) remains a great challenge, as it is influenced by varied and complex impacts from (1) external forcings and slowly varying internal variabilities, which are potentially predictable, and (2) internal dynamics on intraseasonal time scales, which is basically unpredictable beyond a season. In this work, a (co-)variance decomposition method is applied to identify the leading potentially predictable (slow) patterns of the EASMR [the seasonal mean rainfall in the region (100°E–140°E, 5°N–50°N) in June–July–August] during 1979–2019 by separating the unpredictable noise (intraseasonal). We focus on the most critical predictable sources that are additional to the decaying (DC) El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), developing (DV) ENSO, and spring Arctic Oscillation (AO) – the three most important and well-recognized predictors for EASMR. We find that (1) the indices that represent the EASMR predictability related to the DC ENSO, spring AO and DV ENSO are the preceding November to March Niño 1+2 sea surface temperature (SST), the April–May AO, and the May Niño 4 SST, respectively; (2) the dominant additional predictable EASMR signals that are linearly independent of the DC ENSO, spring AO and DV ENSO have apparent relationships with the interannual variability of the SST in the western North Pacific, tropical and southern Atlantic, southern Indian, and Arctic oceans during boreal springtime, as well as the linear trend; and (3) by applying a principal component regression scheme to evaluate the EASMR predictability arising from DC/DV ENSO–AO and these additional predictors, the cross-validated fraction variance skill of the total seasonal mean EASMR is 11% (8%–land; 13%–ocean) for the former, and 15% (15%–land; 15%–ocean) for the latter, with a total of 26% that comprises more than 80% of the potential predictability of the EASMR. The considerable skill stemming from the predictors additional to DC/DV ENSO–AO indicates that they are worthy of attention in the seasonal forecasting of EASMR, especially for terrestrial areas.
Differential angiogenic induction impacts nasal polyp tissue growth
Authors: de Góes Hallyson André Nascimento , Amaral Jônatas Bussador do , Almeida Joyce dos Anjos , Voegels Richard Louis , Cruz Leandro Ticlia de la , Thamboo Andrew , Gomes Lígia Ferreira , Pezato Rogério
Published: May 2022

Background: In chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, inflammatory edema drives tissue remodeling favoring anomalous growth of the nasal mucosa, but a proangiogenic contribution of nasal polyp in support of tissue growth is still controversial. The chorioallantoic membrane of chicken embryo model was employed to address the potentiality of nasal tissue fragments to modulate angiogenesis.Methods: Fifty-seven fertilized eggs were implanted with polyp or healthy nasal mucosa tissue or were kept as non-implanted controls. The embryos' size, length, and development stage, and chorioallantoic membrane vasculature morphology were evaluated after 48h. Quantitative computer vision techniques applied to digital chorioallantoic membrane images automatically calculated the branching index as the ratio between the areas of the convex polygon surrounding the vascular tree and the vessels’ area. Results: Mucosal, but not polyp tissue implants, hampered embryo development and induced underdeveloped chorioallantoic membranes with anastomosed, interrupted, and regressive vessels. Vessels’ areas and branching indexes were higher among the chorioallantoic membranes with polyp implants and controls than among those with healthy mucosa implants. Discuss: This study demonstrated for the first time a differential angiogenic induction from nasal polyp tissue supporting tissue growth when compared with healthy nasal mucosa.Conclusion: Nasal polyp presents differential angiogenic induction that impacts tissue growth.
Pediatric Patient with Penetrating Brain Injury by a Pickaxe: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Mansilla Raíssa , Pinguelo Paulo Henrique Reigota , Pilon Bárbara Contarato , Amaral Luís Gustavo Duarte , Martins Fernando Jorge Monteiro , Silva Geraldo Luiz Paraguassu Correia da
Published: May 2022

Head trauma due to falls is often seen in children; however, penetrating brain injury (PBI), the most life-threatening condition of traumatic brain injury (TBI), is exceedingly rare. Herein, we report and discuss the challenges encountered in the surgical and postoperative management of a 13-year-old child patient with PBI by a pickaxe who was admitted to Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 3 and who not only survived but also achieved a good Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) after one year of postoperative follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first case of pickaxe-induced brain injury on the American continent and the youngest survivor of this trauma reported in the literature.