bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foxes at your front door? Habitat selection and home range of urban red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)
Authors: Kobryn Halina Teresa , Swinhoe Edward J. , Bateman Philip W. , Adams Peter J. , Shephard Jill M. , Fleming Patricia A.
Published: May 2021

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is one of the most adaptable carnivorans, thriving in cities across the globe. Understanding movement patterns and habitat use by urban foxes will assist with their management to address wildlife conservation and public health concerns. Here we tracked five foxes across the suburbs of Perth, Western Australia. Three females had a core home range (50% kernel density estimate; KDE) averaging 37 ± 20 ha (range 22–60 ha) or a 95% KDE averaging 174 ± 130 ha (range 92–324 ha). One male had a core home range of 95 ha or a 95% KDE covering 352 ha. The other male covered an area of ~ 4 or ~ 6 times this: having a core home range of 371 ha or 95% KDE of 2,062 ha. All five foxes showed statistically significant avoidance of residential locations and significant preference for parkland. Bushland reserves, golf courses, and water reserves were especially preferred locations. Foxes moved quickest (i.e. commuting) when they were in close proximity to roads and slowest (i.e. foraging) when they were further from roads. We compare these findings with a review of the literature for urban fox home ranges. The movement patterns we describe are likely to be common for urban foxes, with half of the published home range estimates for urban foxes (principally based on VHF data) excluding data for ‘lost’ individuals or animals that showed ‘excursions’. It is likely that the home range estimates for these urban exploiters have therefore been grossly underestimated to date. Further application of GPS trackers that allow remote download will vastly improve our understanding of the space use of urban foxes.
Emerging synergies on the co-treatment of spent coffee grounds and brewer's spent grains for ethanol production
Authors: Grammatikos Christos , Stoumpou Vassileia , Barampouti Elli Maria , Mai Sofia , Malamis Dimitris , Loizidou Maria
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Given that the depletion of fossil fuels is an important issue that should be tackled urgently, alternative routes are being sought for biofuels production. This paper, under this context, studied the potential synergies of co-treatment of two kinds of agro-waste (brewers’ spent grains, BSG and spent coffee grounds, SCG) towards the direction of biodiesel and bioethanol production, alleviating at the same time their treatment and management issues.Methods: The technical feasibility of oil extraction and ethanol production was studied and optimized in both laboratory and bench scale. A treatment train including alkaline pretreatment of SCG and dilute acid pretreatment of BSG, neutralization of the solutions by mixing them, enzymatic saccharification and ethanolic fermentation led to the production of bioethanol. Results: The co-treatment of BSG and SCG proved beneficial and optimum experimental conditions were defined by setting the bioethanol production cost as optimization parameter. The lowest ethanol production cost (3.9€/kg) was observed for scenario 4 (SCG/BSG mixture, chemical pretreatment (0.5N, 5h), enzymatic hydrolysis (400 μL/g cellulose, 16h)) and scenario 5 (SCG/BSG mixture, chemical pretreatment (0.5N, 5h), enzymatic hydrolysis (800 μL/g cellulose, 5h)). Further upscaling of the process verified the technical feasibility of process units leading to a further increase of ethanol yield and thus a decrease in the production cost. Conclusion: Conclusively, it was demonstrated that the recovery and extraction of the oil content of BSG and SCG and the achievement of high ethanol yields is technically feasible. Within this context, an integrated biorefinery was presented, making evident that these substrates could reverse the eminent energy crisis via biofuels production.
Spatiotemporal variations of DOM in a typical multi-source watershed in northern China: A fluorescent evidence
Authors: Jin Baichuan , Lin Zuhong , Liu Weiyi , Xiao Yong , Meng Yuan , Yao Xiaolong , Zhang Tingting
Published: May 2021

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the multi-source watershed is of guiding significance for the comprehensive management and the assessment of sustainable safety of the watershed. We investigated the components and spectral characteristics of DOM in North Canal River as a typical multi-source watershed in northern China for the first time, using three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). The relationship between DOM composition and water quality was also discussed. Results showed that the DOM in the North Canal River watershed was mainly composed of two similar humic acid-like components (230, 335/400nm and 260, 360/450nm) and a tryptophan-like component (280/290 ~ 350nm). The intensity of DOM shows obvious seasonal spatiotemporal variations. In terms of time, the relative concentration of DOM in winter is significantly higher than that in other seasons due to the influence of water volume, temperature, and photochemical degradation factors. As for the aspect of space, under the combined effect of land use and multiple sources of pollution, the relative concentration of tryptophan-like in the mainstream was significantly higher than tributaries, while the relative concentration of humic-like components in the tributaries was higher than that in the mainstream. In the North Canal River watershed, the primary sources of DOM are human-derived point sources and agricultural non-point sources in the mainstream, and terrestrial and microbial sources in the tributaries. Moreover, the composition of DOM is significantly related to water quality indicators, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, which shows that DOM can have an indicative impact on the trophic status in the North Canal River. The result of this study may provide an indicative effect and scientific basis for water quality monitoring and pollution controlling in the North Canal River watershed.
Comparison of tumor mutation burden of 300 various non-Hodgkin lymphomas using panel based massively parallel sequencing
Authors: Cho Junhun , Yoon Sang Eun , Kim Seok Jin , Ko Young Hyeh , Kim Won Seog
Published: May 2021

Background: Tumor mutation burden is an emerging biomarker for immunotherapy. Although several clinical trials for immunotherapy in lymphoma have been carried out, the mutation burden of various lymphomas is not well known yet. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare tumor mutation burden of various non-Hodgkin lymphomas using panel based massively parallel sequencing. Methods: We conducted 405 gene panel based massively parallel sequencing of 300 non-Hodgkin lymphomas and investigate the number of SNV/Indel in each lymphoma. Results: The number of SNV/Indel was higher in mature B-cell lymphoma than in mature T- and NK-cell lymphoma.(P < 0.001) The number of SNV/Indel in primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma and primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the central nervous system was the highest, which was significantly higher than that in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (DLBCL NOS).(P = 0.030 and P = 0.008, respectively) The SNV/Indel number in EBV-positive DLBCL NOS was significantly lower than that in DLBLC NOS.(P = 0.048) Peripheral T-cell lymphoma, NOS showed no significant difference in the number of SNV/Indel from extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (P = 0.942) or angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (P = 0.739). The number of SNV/Indel in anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-positive was significantly lower than that in anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-negative (P = 0.049). It showed the lowest SNV/Indel number among all lymphomas.Conclusion: Various lymphomas have different mutation burdens. Thus, tumor mutation burden could be used as a promising biomarker for immunotherapy in lymphomas.
The impact of COVID-19 on clinical trials in the Asia-Pacific region and future implications
Authors: Lui Lucas N.Q. , Tan Aaron C. , Ng Matthew C.H. , Chow Pierce K.H. , Tan Daniel S.W.
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the conduct of clinical trials in an unparalleled manner due to multiple levels of restrictions imposed to control the spread of SARS-CoV2. These restrictions have presented major challenges for clinicians, sponsors, contract research organizations and patients participating in ongoing clinical trials and have necessitated alternative solutions to ensure study and patient care continuity. In this review, we assessed the impact of the pandemic on key metrics of the commencement and continuation of clinical trials in the Asia-Pacific region and the efforts made to mitigate these challenges. Overall, newly initiated studies in 2020, outside of those directly related to COVID-19, were reduced. Access to sites and recruitment were also impacted significantly although recovery has begun in the latter half of 2020. Clinical trials consist of complex workflows across study procedures and site-patient engagements. Based on clinician and industry surveys, the impact of COVID-19 may drive an increase in interest and adoption of virtual, digital technologies and tools to help alleviate the numerous challenges for clinical trial stakeholders. We discuss these new approaches and debate their readiness and appropriateness for widespread use. With ongoing acceleration of the pandemic and the maturation of technology, we expect increasing near-term adoption of virtual and digital methodologies in clinical trials. As a silver lining of the pandemic, these approaches may make studies more patient centric, improve clinical trial efficiency and enhance the experience and care of the patients enrolled on trials.
Assessment of biosafety and toxicity of hydrophilic gel for implantation in experimental in vitro and in vivo models
Authors: Bezdieniezhnykh Natalia , Lykhova Alexandra , Kozak Tamara , Zadvornyi Taras , Voronina Olena , Lukyanova Natalia
Published: May 2021

Background: The assessment of biosafety of pharmacologically active substances is crucial for determining the feasibility of their medical use. There are controversial issues regarding the use of substances of different origins as implants. Methods: We have conducted the comprehensive studies to determine the in vivo toxicity and in vitro genotoxicity of new generation of hydrophilic gel for implantation (production name of the substance "Activegel") to detail its characteristics and assess its biosafety. Results: In vivo studies have shown the absence of clinical manifestations of intoxication in animals and no abnormalities in their physiological condition, general and biochemical blood tests. Evaluation of the site of the gel application showed no inflammatory reaction and evidenced on normal state of tissues of animal skin. The results of the genotoxicity test indicated that the gel did not affect the parameters of DNA comets and, accordingly, had no genotoxic effect on human peripheral blood lymphocytes. When studying the effect of the gel on malignantly transformed cells in vitro, it was found that the gel for implantation did not change the proliferative activity and viability of human breast cancer cells. Conclusions: Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo study using various experimental model systems showed that the hydrophilic gel for implantation "Activegel" is non-toxic.
OCT- A characteristics of neovascular membranes in wet AMD- possible correlation to the prognosis.
Authors: Vidinova Christina Nicolaeva , Antonova Dafina , Guguchkova Pravoslava , Vidinov Kalin
Published: May 2021

OCT-A i a new imaging modality that provides the opportunity for noninvasive characterization and quantification of the microvasculature in wet AMD.Purpose: The purpose of our study is to outline the different OCT- A characteristics of neovascular membranes in AMD in regard to their correlation with the effect of treatment and prognosis.Methods: In our prospective study 42 patients with wet AMD were enrolled. They were divided in 3 groups: 25 with Type 1 membranes (under RPE), 11 patients with Type 2 membranes and 6 with Type 3 – RAP lesions. They all underwent a complete ophthalmological examination including VA, fundus photography, structural OCT (Rtvue, Optovue) and OCT-A (Angiophlex, Zeiss). All of the patients were treated with aflibercept (Eylea) - 3 injections. They all were evaluated after the third injection.Results: In the group of patients with type 1 CNV usually a medusa shaped neovascular complex with afferent vessel, originating in the choroid was observed on the OCT-A. In 9 cases the vessels were very rough and larger than in the general group.The type 2 CNV we visualized a neovascular network that grows from the choroid vasculature traverses the RPE- Bruch’s membrane complex into the subretinal space. These structures usually had glomeruli like shape.Type 3 CNV is seen on OCT-A as retinal-choroid anastomoses originating in the deep capillary plexus of the retina. The majority of patients improved VA and retinal thickness after the application of Eylea. Only in 9 cases no change was seen. Those were mainly cases with Type 1 CNV and with larger caliber of the vessels.Conclusion: OCT angiography is a new imaging modality capable of revealing the morphological structure of Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 neovascularization in exudative AMD. Visualizing the microarchitecture of the CNV membrane offers the prospect to evaluate the possible responses to therapy. Our results indicate that type 1 lesions, composed of a greater proportion of larger, mature vessels are less responsive to anti- VEGF therapy and are with poor prognosis.
The Affects of Genital Myiasis on the Diversity of Vaginal Flora in Female Bactrian Camels
Authors: Zhi Likang , Ai Dongdong , Yong Ming , Bao Huar , Han Baoxiang , Sun Bo , Tu Ya , Er Demtu
Published: May 2021

Background: One of the most important diseases that affect the reproductive organs of Bactrian camels is called Genital Myiasis. It can cause serious mechanical damage to the vaginal tissue of female Bactrian camels. The accumulation of bacteria in the vagina of female camels can affect their health and reproductive ability. The effect of this damage is commonly found in the vaginal flora and vaginal mucosal immune system. Therefore, this research is a study of the diversity of the vaginal flora and the differences between healthy Bactrian camels and those suffering from Genital Myiasis.Results: Vaginal microbiota samples were collected from two groups of female Bactrian camels of the same age. Illumina Miseq was used to sequence V3-V4 hypervariable genes of 16S rRNA in the samples, and the results showed that the vaginal microflora of the infected camel had a significantly greater OTU value. According to the Alpha diversity index and the level of vaginal pH, the diversity index of the infected camel flora were higher than that of the normal camel flora, and the pH were lower than that of the normal camel flora (P=0.006). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the abundance of dominant genera of Bactrian camel vaginal (P＞0.05), indicating that the structure of dominant flora of Bactrian camel vagina had a certain stability.Conclusions: Overall this comparison revealed the differences and similarities between vaginal flora Bactrian camels in various health states. In addition, this data provides a reference point for understanding the types of bacteria that cause genital myiasis that damages healthy development of Bactrian camels.
Single Session of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Decompensated Cirrhosis: An open-label randomized control trial
Authors: Roy Akash , Premkumar Madhumita , Sharma Anima , Verma Nipun , Singh Surender , De Arka , Chopra Madhu , Taneja Sunil , Duseja Ajay , Dhiman Radha Krishan
Published: May 2021

Background: Modulation of gut dysbiosis with Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is a novel modality and has shown promising results in decompensated cirrhosis (DC). We explored the impact of FMT on prognostic scores, complications, ammonia levels, inflammatory markers [(Interleukin -1 (IL-1) and 6 (IL-6)], and 180-day mortality in DC.Methods: Consecutive patients with DC (MELD12-21) were assigned to either FMT (FMT group) delivered as 30gm freshly prepared stool (from a related stool donor) homogenized in 100 ml of normal saline through a nasojejunal tube or standard of care therapy (SOC group). Outcomes were assessed on days 7, 28, 90, and 180.Results: Eighteen patients each with comparable baseline characteristics (88.8% males; mean age, 46.12±6.23 vs. 47.0±4.54; mean CTP, 9.5±0.71 vs. 9.6±0.80; mean MELD, 16.1±1.71 vs. 1.62±1.81) were allocated to FMT or SOC. Although significant differences were noted in the CTP score on day 7 (P=0.02) and day 90 (P=0.01), MELD and MELD-Na scores were similar at all time points. A non-significant reduction in ammonia levels was seen on day 7 and day 28 (P=0.21 and P=0.17; respectively). IL-1 (P=0.01) and IL 6 (P=0.005) levels reduced significantly on day 28. New-onset variceal bleed (P=0.70), breakthrough hepatic encephalopathy events (P=0.61) and 180-day survival (HR, 2.02; 95% CI, 0.37-11.05; P=0.41). were similar. Although transient gastrointestinal side-effects were common (56.2%), no serious adverse events were noted.Conclusion: Single session FMT in DC is safe and leads to selective improvement of CTP scores and systemic inflammatory markers but offers no survival benefit. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04842539)
Exploring the connection between transdisciplinary co-production and urban stream sustainability solutions: A case study at an urban stream management symposium
Authors: Bixler R. Patrick , Belaire Amy , Faust Kasey , Scoggins Mateo , Gonzalez Ana
Published: May 2021

Urban sustainability challenges are complex, impacting a wide range of stakeholders. In seeking solutions to sustainability problems, we ask in this case study: does team formation–specifically, single-, multi- or trans-disciplinary teams– impact the process and perceived efficacy of outcomes? It is commonly accepted that sustainable solutions must integrate scientific knowledge from multiple disciplines, coupled with community stakeholder ideas, norms, and practices in ways that link knowledge generation to decision-making and action. However, professionals often express barriers in meaningfully co-producing solutions across disciplinary or departmental boundaries and urban community engagement has traditionally informed, rather than empowered, local citizens. Because of these and other barriers, little empirical work has been conducted in ways that link insights from team science and community engagement to the co-production of knowledge for urban sustainability. Using case study data collected at the 5th Symposium for Urbanization and Stream Ecology (SUSE5), held in February 2020, we explored the impact of bringing different types of teams together to generate solutions to real-world “wicked problems” surrounding urban streams in Austin, Texas. We found that the solutions generated by trans-disciplinary teams–i.e., teams which include multiple disciplines and community members–were on average rated higher by their peers than solutions from single- or multi-disciplinary teams. However, the self-ratings of intra-team interactions of transdisciplinary teams had the highest variability. The findings from this limited, but novel and unique case study highlight the link between diverse actors working to solve complex problems in the service of community and policy change but also the challenges of transdisciplinary teams co-producing knowledge. A better understanding of these challenges can inform institutions and agencies employing a community-engaged process to solve urban sustainability challenges.
Spectral and Physiochemical Studying for Some 8-HQ Complexes
Authors: Mahmood Atheer A. , Ibraheem Kais R. , Hammadi Oday A.
Published: May 2021

In this work, some organometallic complexes with featured characteristics were prepared by linking metallic ions such as Al3+, Zn2+ and Ba2+ to the 8-hydroxyquinoline ligand. Two different solvents, dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), were used to form the solutions of the prepared complexes. The spectral characteristics in the UV, visible and IR regions, and physiochemical characteristics such as melting point, electrical conductivity, solubility and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, of the prepared complexes were studied. Also, the effect of solvent type on the spectral characteristics of these complexes were determined. The prepared complexes and their spectral and physiochemical characteristics were assessed to be used as laser dyes.
Long-term Effects of Uncomplicated Traumatic Hyphema on Corneal and Lenticular Clarity
Authors: Keles Ali , Kosekahya Pinar , Sogut Furkan Emre , Karatepe Mustafa Salih
Published: May 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Increasing endogenous PPARγ ligands improves insulin sensitivity and protects against diet-induced obesity without side effects of thiazolidinediones
Authors: Tseng Yu-Hua , Chuang Lee-Ming , Chang Yi-Cheng , Hsieh Meng-Lun , Tsou Lun , Chen Shih-Yi , Ke Yi-Yu , Hung Ming-Shiu , Hee Siow-Wey , Lee Hsiao-Lin , Nong Jiun-Yi , Hung Fu-Hsin , Huang Jing-Yong , Kao Fang-Chi , Yang Wei-Shun , Chiu Chu-Hsuan , Lin Shih-Yao , Liu Bi-Yu , Tai Chi-Ming , Li Fu-An , Chen Yet-Ran , Chou Ya-Wen , Cheng Jamie , Shih Yvonne , Hsu Chih-Neng , Hwang Juey-Jen , Yeh Teng-Kuang , Cheng Ting-Jen , Chen Tzu-Yu
Published: May 2021

Insulin resistance and obesity are pivotal features of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a master transcriptional regulator of systemic insulin sensitivity and energy balance. The anti-diabetic drug thiazolidinediones are potent synthetic PPARγ ligands and insulin sensitizers with undesirable side effects including increased adiposity, fluid retention, and osteoporosis, which limit their clinical use.
We and others have proved that 15-keto-PGE2 is an endogenous natural PPARγ ligand. 15-keto-PGE2 is catalyzed by prostaglandin reductase 2 (PTGR2) to become inactive metabolites. We found that 15-keto-PGE2 level is increased in Ptgr2 knockout mice. Ptgr2 knockout mice were protected from diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis without fluid retention nor reduced bone mineral density.
Diet-induced obese mice have drastically reduced 15-keto-PGE2 levels compared to lean mice. Administration of 15-keto-PGE2 markedly improved insulin sensitivity and prevented diet-induced obesity in mice. We demonstrated that 15-keto-PGE2 activates PPARγ through covalent binding to its cysteine 285 residue at helix 3, which restrained its binding pocket between helix 3 and β-sheets of the PPARγ ligand binding domain. This binding mode differs from the helix12-dependent binding mode of thiazolidinediones.
We further identified a small-molecule PTGR2 inhibitor BPRPT245, which interferes the interaction between the substrate-binding sites of PTGR2 and 15-keto-PGE2. BPRPT245 increased 15-keto-PGE2 concentration, activated PPARγ, and promoted glucose uptake in adipocytes. BPRPT245 also prevented diet-induced obesity, improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, lowers fasting glucose without fluid retention and osteoporosis.
In humans, reduced serum 15-keto-PGE2 levels were observed in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with controls. Furthermore, serum 15-keto-PGE2 levels correlate inversely with insulin resistance and fasting glucose in non-diabetic humans.
In conclusion, we identified a new therapeutic approach to improve insulin sensitivity and protect diet-induced obesity through increasing endogenous natural PPARγ ligands without side effects of thiazolidinediones.
Increasing burden of nursing care on the treatment of COVID-19 patients in the ageing society: analyses during the first to the third wave of pandemic in Kyoto City, Japan
Authors: Fujita Kohei , Kashihara Eriko , Kanai Osamu , Hata Hiroaki , Yasoda Akihiro , Odagaki Takao , Mio Tadashi
Published: May 2021

Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is associated with a heavy burden on patients’ mental and physical health, regional healthcare resources, and global economic activity. An ageing society such as Japan has many retirement homes and long-term stay hospitals for the elderly and their inhabitants. During the COVID-19 pandemic, disease clusters are often identified in retirement homes and long-term stay hospitals. Although we hypothesize that additional burdens of nursing care for elderly patients will reinforce the anxiety and exhaustion of medical staff and healthcare resources in the ageing society, the actual situation is not well understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the current situation and countermeasures of the COVID-19 pandemic in the ageing society.
Methods
We reviewed COVID-19 patients who required hospitalization at the National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, a 600-bed capacity hospital located in Kyoto, Japan, between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2021. We assessed the characteristics of the COVID-19 patients, disease severity, duration of hospitalization, outcome at discharge, degree of activities of daily living (ADLs), and complications unique to elderly patients.
Results
We enrolled 118 patients who required hospitalization during the study period. Approximately 40% of the patients were aged ≥ 80 years. Dementia (27.1%) was the most prevalent underlying disease, followed by diabetes mellitus (23.7%) and chronic kidney disease (23.7%). Approximately 60% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients had impaired ADL at admission. The COVID-19 patients aged 80 years or older required significantly more longer-term hospitalization than the COVID-19 patients aged under 80 years (15.5 ± 8.2 vs. 13.1 ± 7.7, P = 0.032). In elderly patients aged 80 years or older, approximately 50% of patients had geriatric mental disorders, and approximately 70% had bedridden status and feeding difficulty.
Conclusions
The proportion of elderly patients aged 80 years or older was relatively high during the hospitalization for COVID-19. We should keep in mind that healthcare workers are forced to have an additional burden of nursing care in the ageing society during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, interventions to reduce the burden are urgently required.
Use of continuous ketamine infusion as an adjunctive agent in neonates and infants with refractory and super refractory status epilepticus
Authors: DeVine Mackenzie N. , Gordon Sharon E. , Press Craig A.
Published: May 2021

Background

Continuous ketamine infusions have been studied as an adjunctive agent for refractory status epilepticus (RSE) and super refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) in older children and adults. However, minimal information exists on the efficacy, safety, and dosing for continuous ketamine in neonates and young infants. The purpose of our study was to review the safety and efficacy of continuous ketamine infusions in neonates and infants with RSE and super refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) at our institution.
Methods

Safety and clinical outcomes for neonates and infants who received continuous ketamine for RSE or SRSE at Children’s Hospital Colorado between June 2019 and June 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were included if they were less than or equal to 3 months of age and received continuous ketamine infusion for RSE defined as unresolved seizures despite administration of at least one first- and at least one second-line rescue medication or SRSE defined as unresolved seizures despite administration of third-line agents.
Results

We identified three patients who met inclusion criteria and received continuous ketamine infusion for RSE or SRSE during our study period. Patients included were refractory to an average of six anti-seizure medications prior to initiation of continuous ketamine infusion. Each patient was initiated on a continuous ketamine infusion rate of 1 mg/kg/hr with one patient requiring titration to a maximum of 6 mg/kg/hr. In one case, the concomitant use of continuous ketamine allowed for a reduction in benzodiazepine continuous infusion rate. In all cases, ketamine was well tolerated especially in the setting of hemodynamic instability.
Conclusion

Ketamine may provide a safe alternative in the acute setting in severe RSE and SRSE, especially in the setting of hemodynamic instability. This is the first small retrospective study to document the use of continuous ketamine as a treatment modality in neonates and infants with RSE or SRSE secondary to various underlying etiologies without adverse events.
Increased maternal leptin levels may be an indicator of subclinical hypotyroidsm in newborn
Authors: Karpuzoglu Hande , Ucal Yasemin , Kumru Pınar , Muhcu Murat , Eroğlu Mustafa , Serdar Muhittin , Serteser Mustafa , Ozpinar Aysel
Published: May 2021

Background

Several factors may influence newborn thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations and cause subclinical hypothyroidism in the newborn. A sufficient level of leptin signaling is needed for the normal production of TSH and the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. In our study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between maternal serum leptin concentration during the third trimester of pregnancy and newborn screening-TSH levels.
Methods

This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in clinics of obstetrics and gynecology of a state hospital between June and August 2013. Maternal venous blood samples were collected from 270 healthy pregnant women in the third trimester just before delivery. Measurement of maternal fT3, fT4, TSH, anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) antibodies from serum samples were performed by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Maternal serum leptin levels were determined by ELISA. Dried capillary blood spots were used to measure newborn TSH levels.
Results

Subjects were divided into two groups according to the neonatal TSH levels using a cut-point of 5.5 mIU/L. Median leptin levels were significantly higher in newborns whose TSH levels were higher than > 5.5 mIU/L [13.2 µg/L (1.3–46.5) vs. 19.7 µg/L (2.4–48.5), p < 0.05]. Serum leptin showed a negative correlation with maternal fT4, fT3, and positive correlation with BMI, and newborn TSH levels.
Conclusion

Our results suggest that high leptin levels in the third trimester of pregnancy influence maternal thyroid functions and increase newborn TSH levels. High leptin levels may be a reason for subclinical hypothyroidism.
Public acceptability of a technology-mediated stool sample collection platform to inform community-based surveillance of infectious intestinal disease: a pilot study
Authors: Davies Rowan , Iturriza-Gomara Miren , Glennon-Alty Rebecca , Elliot Alex J , Vivancos Roberto , Nishio Anica Alvarez , Cunliffe Nigel A , Hungerford Daniel
Published: May 2021

Background In the UK approximately a quarter of the population experience infectious intestinal disease (IID) each year. However, only 2% present to primary care, preventing a true determination of community burden and pathogen aetiology. The aim of this pilot study was to gauge public acceptability of a technology-mediated platform for reporting episodes of IID and for providing stool samples. Methods This study employed a cross-sectional online survey design, targeting individuals 16+ years old within Liverpool City Region, UK. Information sought included demographics, comfortability of reporting illness and IID symptoms, willingness to provide stool, and favoured stool-provision method. Univariable logistic regression was used to examine associations between demographic variables and providing a stool sample. Odds ratios (OR) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were produced. Results A total of 174 eligible participants completed the survey, with 69% female. The sample was skewed towards younger populations, with 2.9% aged 65+ years. Nearly a third (29%) had a household income of less than £30,000 per annum and 70% had attained a degree or higher. The majority identified as White British (81%) and 11% identified as ethnicities typically grouped Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME). Three quarters of participants were either ‘Comfortable’ or ‘Very Comfortable’ with reporting illness (75%) and with answering symptom-related questions (79%); 78% reported that they would provide a stool sample. Upon univariable analysis, increasing age – being 55+ (OR 6.28, 95% CI 1.15-117.48), and lower income (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.02-6.60), was associated with providing a stool sample. Additionally, respondents identifying as BAME ethnicities and men may be less inclined to provide a stool sample. Conclusions This study assessed the acceptability of technology-mediated platforms for reporting IID and provision of stool samples in the community. Respondents were biased towards younger, technologically inclined, more affluent and educated populations. Acceptability for reporting illness and providing a stool sample through technology-mediated platforms was high. While older populations were under-represented, they were more likely to provide a stool sample. Qualitative research is required to better reach older and more deprived populations, and to understand potential age, gender and ethnic differences in compliance with stool sampling.
Instruments to Measure E-Cigarette Related Constructs: A Systematic Review
Authors: Park Eunhee , Kwon Misol , Chacko Thomas , Goniewicz Maciej , Li Chin-Shang , Chang Yu-Ping
Published: May 2021

Background Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are relatively new tobacco products that are attracting public attention due to their unique features, especially their many flavor options and their potential as an alternative to cigarettes. However, uncertainties remain regarding the determinants and consequences of e-cigarette use because current research on e-cigarettes is made more difficult due to the lack of valid and reliable instruments that measure e-cigarette related constructs. This systematic review therefore seeks to identify the instruments proposed by researchers in the field that are designed to assess various aspects of e-cigarette use or its related constructs and analyze the evidence presented regarding the psychometric properties of the identified instruments.Methods This systematic review utilized six search engines: PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and EMBASE, to identify articles published in the peer-reviewed journals from inception to June 2018 that contained development or validation processes for these instruments.Results Eighteen articles describing the development or validation of 20 unique instruments were identified. Beliefs, perception, motive, e-cigarette use, and dependence, were the most commonly assessed e-cigarette related constructs. The included studies reported either construct or criterion validity, with 14 studies reporting both. Most studies did not report the content validity; for reliability, most reported internal consistencies using Cronbach’s alpha, with 15 instruments reporting Cronbach’s alpha > 0.70 for the scale or its subscales.Conclusions Twenty instruments with a reported development or validation process to measure e-cigarette related constructs are currently available for practitioners and researchers.
Construction and validation of a clinicopathologic signature for predicting the prognosis of stage II and III colorectal cancer
Authors: You Weiqiang , Cai Zerong , Sheng Nengquan , Yan Li , Wan Huihui , Wang Yongkun , Ouyang Jian , Xie Lu , Wu Xiaojian , Wang Zhigang
Published: May 2021

Background: Various clinical and pathological indicators affect the prognosis of stage II and III colorectal cancer (CRC). Nevertheless, few studies have systematically integrated these indicators to construct a signature for assessing the prognostic risk.Methods: Patients with stage II-III CRC underwent R0 radical resection from 2009 to 2016 were included in this study. All clinical and follow-up data were collected. Our study mainly incorporated an internal training cohort and an external validation cohort from two centers. Data processing and data analysis were performed in the R language. Cox proportional hazard regression was used for univariate and multivariable analyses. The log-rank test was performed to compare prognosis among groups.Results: A total of 1200 eligible patients were included in our study. 8 variables, including T/N stage, lymphatic/vascular infiltration, preoperative CEA, CA125 and CA199, were included and the nomogram was established in the signature for predicting OS. The concordance index of the signature was 0.72. The 3-year and 5-year calibration curves of CRC based on the nomogram showed perfect correlation between predicted and observed outcomes. Obvious differences were observed in the survival of different risk groups (p < 0.001). Patients with low risk score signature had a 5-year OS rate of 77%, whereas patients with high risk score signature had the worst 5-year OS rate (only 8%). Furthermore, our signature also achieved similar performance in external cohort validation.Conclusions: The signature based on clinical and pathologic factors had favorable accuracy for predicting the prognosis of CRC. Therefore, our signature may provide significant suggestions for clinical work, particularly in identifying high-risk stage II and III CRC.
Melatonin Sensitize the Ovarian Cancer Cells to Cisplatin through suppression of PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Baghalsadriforoush Sahar , BAGHERI Morteza , abdirad isa , Sotoodehnejadnematalahi Fattah
Published: May 2021

Background: The present study elucidated the effect of melatonin on oxidative stress status, the expression of pro-apoptotic protein (caspase 3 and cleaved caspase 3), anti-apoptotic proteins (X-linked apoptosis inhibitor protein (XIAP) and Survivin), and the activity of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in human ovarian cancer cell line.Methods: Human ovarian cancer cells (OVCAR3) were treated with cisplatin, melatonin, cisplatin + melatonin, and siRNA Akt. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed using fluorimetric assay in the different groups. Moreover, protein expression of caspase-3, cleaved caspase 3, PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated (p)-Akt, XIAP, and Survivin were determined by Western blotting in all experimental groups.Results: Our results showed that administration of melatonin significantly increased intracellular ROS generation, the cleavage of caspase 3 and phosphorylation of Akt. This effect was more prominent in the combination therapy with cisplatin versus cisplatin alone. Akt siRNA transfection had similar effects on ROS generation, the cleavage of caspase 3, and phosphorylation of Akt. Interestingly, the levels of XIAP, PI3K, and Survivin were not significantly changed by any of these treatments.Conclusions: Taken together, this study suggests that combination therapy of cisplatin and melatonin increases apoptosis in the OVCAR-3 cells by inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and exacerbation of oxidative stress.
Pharmacokinetic-based failure of a detergent virucidal for SARS-COV-2 nasal infections
Authors: Esther Charles R. , Kimura Kyle S. , Mikami Yu , Edwards Caitlin E. , Das Suman R. , Freeman Michael H. , Strickland Britton A. , Brown Hunter M. , Wessinger Bronson C. , Gupta Veerain C. , Von Wahlde Kate , Sheng Quanhu , Huang Li Ching , Bacon Daniel R. , Kimple Adam J. , Ceppe Agathe S. , Kato Takafumi , Pickles Raymond J. , Randell Scott H. , Baric Ralph S. , Turner Justin H. , Boucher Richard C.
Published: May 2021

The nose is the portal for SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting the nose as a target for topical antiviral therapies. Because detergents are virucidal, Johnson and Johnson’s Baby Shampoo (J&J) was tested as a topical virucidal agent in SARS-CoV-2 infected subjects. Twice daily irrigation of J&J in hypertonic saline, hypertonic saline alone, or no intervention were compared (n = 24/group). Despite demonstrated safety and robust efficacy in in vitro virucidal assays, J&J irrigations had no impact on viral titers or symptom scores in treated subjects relative to controls. Similar findings were observed administering J&J to infected cultured human airway epithelia using protocols mimicking the clinical trial regimen. Additional studies of cultured human nasal epithelia demonstrated that lack of efficacy reflected pharmacokinetic failure, with the most virucidal J&J detergent components rapidly absorbed from nasal surfaces. This study emphasizes the need to assess the pharmacokinetic characteristics of virucidal agents on airway surfaces to guide clinical trials.
Enhanced disease progression due to persistent HPV-16/58 infections in Korean women: A systematic review and the Korea HPV cohort study
Authors: Seong Jaehyun , Ryou Sangmi , Lee JeongGyu , Yoo Myeongsu , Hur Sooyoung , Choi Byeong-Sun
Published: May 2021

Background

Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a key factor for the development and progression of cervical cancer. We sought to identify the type-specific HPV prevalence by cervical cytology and assess disease progression risk based on high-risk persistent HPV infection in South Korea.
Methods

To investigate the HPV prevalence by Pap results, we searched seven literature databases without any language or date restrictions until July 17, 2019. To estimate the risk of disease progression by HPV type, we used the Korea HPV Cohort study data. The search included the terms “HPV” and “Genotype” and “Korea.” Studies on Korean women, type-specific HPV distribution by cytological findings, and detailed methodological description of the detection assay were included. We assessed the risk of disease progression according to the high-risk HPV type related to the nonavalent vaccine and associated persistent infections in 686 HPV-positive women with atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions from the Korea HPV Cohort Study. Type-specific HPV prevalence was the proportion of women positive for a specific HPV genotype among all HPV-positive women tested for that genotype in the systematic review.
Results

We included 23 studies in our review. HPV-16 was the most prevalent, followed by HPV-58, -53, -70, -18, and − 68. In women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, including cancer, HPV-16, -18, and − 58 were the most prevalent. In the longitudinal cohort study, the adjusted hazard ratio of disease progression from atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions was significantly higher among those with persistent HPV-58 (increase in risk: 3.54 to 5.84) and HPV-16 (2.64 to 5.04) infections.
Conclusions

While HPV-16 was the most prevalent, persistent infections of HPV-16/58 increased the risk of disease progression to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. Therefore, persistent infections of HPV-16 and − 58 are critical risk factors for cervical disease progression in Korea. Our results suggest that equal attention should be paid to HPV-58 and − 16 infections and provide important evidence to assist in planning the National Immunization Program in Korea.
The Effects of Inhaling Hydrogen Gas on Macrophage Differentiation, Fibrosis and Lung Function in Mice with Bleomycin-induced Lung Injury
Authors: Aokage Toshiyuki , Seya Mizuki , Hirayama Takahiro , Nojima Tsuyoshi , Iketani Masumi , Ishikawa Michiko , Terasaki Yasuhiro , Taniguchi Akihiko , Miyahara Nobuaki , Nakao Atsunori , Ohsawa Ikuroh , Naito Hiromichi
Published: May 2021

Background

Acute respiratory distress syndrome, which is caused by acute lung injury, is a destructive respiratory disorder caused by a systemic inflammatory response. Persistent inflammation results in irreversible alveolar fibrosis due to excessive activation of M2 macrophages. Because hydrogen gas possesses anti-inflammatory properties, we hypothesized that daily intermittent inhalation of hydrogen gas could suppress persist acute inflammation by inducing functional changes in macrophages, and consequently inhibit lung fibrosis during late-phase lung injury.
Methods

To test this hypothesis, lung injury was induced in mice by intratracheal administration of bleomycin (1.0 mg/kg). Mice were exposed to control gas (air) or hydrogen (3.2% in air) for 6 hours every day for 7 or 21 days. Respiratory physiology, tissue pathology, markers of inflammation, and macrophage phenotypes were examined.
Results

Mice with bleomycin-induced lung injury who received daily hydrogen therapy for 21 days (BH group) exhibited higher static compliance (0.056 mL/cmH2O [95% CI:0.047–0.064] than mice with bleomycin-induced lung injury exposed only to air (BA group; 0.042 mL/cmH2O [95% CI:0.031–0.053], p = 0.02) and lower static elastance (BH 18.8 cmH2O/mL [95% CI:15.4–22.2] vs BA 26.7 cmH2O/mL [95% CI:19.6–33.8], p = 0.02). When the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were examined 7 days after bleomycin administration, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-4 and IL-13 were significantly lower in the BH group than in the BA group. There were significantly fewer M2 macrophages in the alveolar interstitium of the BH group than in the BA group (3.1% [95% CI: 1.6%-4.5%] vs 1.1% [95% CI: 0.3%-1.8%], p = 0.008).
Conclusions

The results suggest that hydrogen inhalation inhibits the deterioration of respiratory physiological function and alveolar fibrosis in this model of acute lung injury by suppressing differentiation of M2 macrophages in the alveolar interstitium.
Reinforcing and Toughening Modification of PPC/PBS blends with Epoxy Terminated Hyperbranched Polymers as Compatibilizer
Authors: Han Xiaolong , Jin Yu juan , Wang Bohua , Tian Huafeng , Weng Yunxuan
Published: May 2021

Polypropylene carbonate (PPC)/polybutylene succinate (PBS) blends were prepared by melt-blending with terminal epoxy-based hyperbranched polymers (EHBP) as modifier. The thermal properties, mechanical properties, rheological properties and fracture morphology were characterized by dynamic thermomechanical analyzer (DMA), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), electronic universal testing machine, rotating rheometer and scanning electron microscope (SEM), etc. Upon addition of EHBP, the difference between the glass transition temperature of PPC and PBS became smaller, indicating the compatibility of PPC and PBS were improved by EHBP. Furthermore, by adding 0.5phr of EHBP, the impact strength increased from 9.55 kJ/m− 2 to 17.31 kJ/m− 2, the elongation at break increased from 136.29–204.39%, and the tensile strength increased from 10.00 MPa to 16.84 MPa. The fracture surface of the PPC/PBS blends became rough with the increase of EHBP, even with large filamentous structures and tiny holes, which further demonstrated that EHBP acted as an excellent toughening effect on PPC/PBS. Gel content analysis confirmed that both physical and chemical micro-crosslinking were formed after incorporation of EHBP.
Analysis of deformation characteristics of Asymmetric Gradient Extrusion in preparing ultra-fine grained bulk materials
Authors: Fan Junkai , Wang Chengpeng , Zhao Wu , Liu Wei
Published: May 2021

A novel method to prepare ultra-fine grained bulk materials, which is named Asymmetric Gradient Extrusion (AGE), is proposed in this article. In AGE, the cross section of extrusion channel is rectangle and two inclined planes are stagger arranged along extrusion direction. To realize repeating extrusion, the thickness of workpiece is restricted to equal the width of channel’s outlet. The deformation characteristics of AGE was first theoretically analyzed by slip line field. Then, these results were verified and supplemented by finite element analysis. The results reveal that deformation characteristics of workpiece in channel is largely related to the two inclined planes. Two independent deformation zones (TIDZ) can be formed with increasing distance between the two inclined planes. In addition, the accumulated strain generated in the TIDZ is complementary in value. Furthermore, the shearing effects of workpiece subjected in one pass extrusion has been improved. A more uniform strain distribution and higher shearing effect can be generated in AGE, which make it as a very promising method to produce ultra-fine grained bulk materials.