bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Tartrazine and Thymoquinone Administration on Rat Liver
Authors: Demircigil Nursena , Gul Mehmet , Gokturk Nurcan , Kustepe Elif Kayhan , Bag Harika Gozukara , Erdemli Mehmet Erman
Published: May 2022

The current study aimed to observe the toxic effects of Tartrazine, a commonly used dyestuff in industries and foods, on the liver, and investigate whether this toxicity could be eliminated with Thymoquinone coadministration. The study was conducted on 32 200-250 g male Wistar albino rats, procured from İnönü University Experimental Animals Breeding and Research Center. The rats were randomly assigned to 4 equal groups: Control group, Thymoquinone group, Tartrazine group, Thymoquinone + Tartrazine group. The trials were conducted for 21 days. Then, rat liver tissue and blood samples were obtained and biochemical and histopthological examinations were conducted on the samples. Tartrazine administration increased the oxidant and oxidative stress index parameters in the liver tissue, decreased the antioxidant parameters, led to histopathological problems and inflammation in the serum samples. Thymoquinone administration increased the antioxidant parameter levels in liver tissue and decreased serum inflammation levels (p<0.001). Thymoquinone and Tartrazine coadministration reduced the adverse biochemical and histopathological effects of Tartrazine. Tartrazine caused hepatotoxicity via cellular damage in the liver tissue and led to inflammation. Thymoquinone, on the other hand, improved antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We recommend daily consumption of black cumin and its active ingredient, Thymoquinone to reduce Tartrazine toxicity.
Accelerated Carbonates Dissolution Caused by Anthropogenic Acidification - Contrast of Watershed Soils to Lake Sediments in Taihu Region, China
Authors: Tao Yu , Binyang Jia , Rui Wang , Yixiang Deng , Xiaoke Zhuo , Zhonghua Cheng , Chengda He
Published: May 2022

Anthropogenic disturbances have greatly changed the water chemistry in Taihu lake, however, how soil carbonates responded to the long-term human-induced acidification received less attention likely due to the “acid-insensitive” region of Taihu watershed. In this work, we investigated soil carbonate concentrations from different land uses in the upstream of the lake and sediment carbonate profiles in the lake, to explore the linkage of carbonates dissolution in the land and sedimentation in the lake. The result showed that the wheat-rice surface soil, the most acidification-impacted by fertilization and acid deposition, had significantly lower pH than vegetable and wetland soils (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the carbonate concentration in wetland soils, only impacted by acid deposition, was significantly higher than that in wheat-rice and vegetable soils (p < 0.05). The pH profile of fertilized soils, with an increasing trend from the surface to bottom, further indicated the acidifying effect of fertilization. Although the average soil pH across all land uses was 6.6 in the upstream of the lake, remaining carbonate buffering system, the significant carbonate decrease especially in surface soils evidenced the definite carbonate dissolution by acidification, which is cumulative and irreversible. Contrary to the topsoils, the sediment carbonate concentration presented an increasing trend from the depth of 15cm (denoting around the early 1980s) to surface, indicating that lake sediments are major sink of carbonate Ca and Mg from the watershed, particular under an alkaline lake environment caused by frequent algae blooms in the past decades. In addition, Ca/Mg ratio in the sediment, having higher values in a higher pH environment, was quite different from the watershed pattern, suggesting different biogeochemical processes they underwent during their transportation and sedimentation. The effects of acidification-altered re-distribution of carbonate Ca and Mg and Ca/Mg ratio in the terrestrial and aquatic environments deserve wider considerations of ecosystem consequence.
cTBS over the premotor cortex eliminates the primary cortex excitatory effect of the motor imitation task: A randomized control double blind study
Authors: Zheng Ya-Dan , Li Xin , Huang Fu-Biao , Zhang Yao-Wen , Su Liu-Jie , Huang Wen-Hao , Izumi Shin-Ichi , Dou Zu-Lin , Tang Zhi-Ming
Published: May 2022

Background: Motor imitation is an innate ability of animals and human beings. This study uses transcranial magnetic stimulation to interfere with the premotor cortex (PMC) function to determine its contribution to motor imitation tasks.Methods：Forty healthy adults were randomly assigned into two groups (20 participants each): a real continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) and a sham cTBS. Both groups received motor imitation training once. Before training, real or sham cTBS was delivered to the left PMC according to the group. Cortical excitability was evaluated by measuring the motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude of the right first interosseous dorsal muscle before and after intervention. Results: The MEP amplitude for the sham cTBS group was significantly higher post intervention (P < 0.05); For the real cTBS group, no significant difference was found in the MEP amplitude (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Motor imitation training enhanced cortical excitability. The cTBS delivered to the PMC eliminated the excitatory effect of motor imitation on the cortex, suggesting that the PMC is a critical node for the effect of motor imitation training on cortical excitability.
Influence of gas distribution port parameters on in-cylinder working pressure of Annular Connecting Straight Cylinder Engine
Authors: Xu Haijun , Yang Congnan , Cai Tong , Gao Xue , Xu Liyang , Yan Lihao
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a novel type of Annular Connecting Straight Cylinder Engine (ACSCE) is proposed, and an innovative dynamic position gas distribution system based on airway reuse is designed. Combined with the characteristics of the differential rotation of the rotor cylinder, the thermodynamic model of the air-powered working process for ACSCE is established. The mathematical structure model of the gas distribution system is also described, and the influence of different parameters of the gas distribution port, including the position angle, size and shape, on in-cylinder working pressure of ACSCE are analysed. The simulation and experimental results show that the position angle of the intake and exhaust ports of the Central Valve Shaft (CVS) has a greater impact on incylinder working pressure, while the port size of CVS has a relatively small effect, and the port size of the Rotary Valve (RV) also has a great impact on in-cylinder working pressure, while the port shape has less effect. When the intake port position angle φ z 0 = 78°, the exhaust port position angleφ z 0 ' = 30 o , the intake port size d 1 =10 mm , the exhaust port size d 1 ' =14 mm of CVS and the port size d 2 = 6 mm of RV, the ACSCE can be in correct gas distribution state and work stably.
Cell wall water states in poplar（Populus beijingensis W. Y. Hsu）studied by time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance during adsorption
Authors: Zhang Minghui , Zhao Zhihong , Liu Wenjing , Tan Rui , Zhao Wanlei , Wang Bin
Published: May 2022

This study investigated water states in wood cell wall with time-domain magnetic resonance technique during adsorption. The goalswere to differentiate confined free water from cell wall water and verify cell wall water including both boundand confined free water. The hardwood species, poplar（Populus beijingensis W. Y. Hsu）being studied, presented bound water with spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) over 100ms while confined free water in cell wall with T1 within 15 ms. The data showed bound wateras monolayer form appeared when relative humidity (RH) was below 30% while it composed of both monolayer and polymolecular water when RH was over 30% during adsorption.In addition, confined free waterin cell wall formed after equilibrium moisture content reached4.48%. Also the results showed the spin-spin relaxation time for bound water in wood was within 1ms instead of 10ms according to published references.
Medication-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A Review of Cases from the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS)
Authors: Ahdi Hardeep Singh , Wichelmann Thomas Adam , Pandravada Sasirekha , Ehrenpreis Eli
Published: May 2022

Introduction:Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a rare but serious adverse drug reaction (ADR) commonly associated with bisphosphonate and denosumab therapy. Prior research utilized an online, public FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Database to explore this ADR. This data identified and described several novel medications associated with ONJ. Our study aims to build upon the prior findings, reporting trends of medication induced ONJ over time and identifying newly described medications.Methods:We searched the FAERS database for all reported cases of medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) from 2010 to 2021. Cases lacking patient age or gender were excluded. Only adults (18+) and reports from Healthcare Professions were included. Duplicate cases were removed. The top 20 medications were identified and described for April 2010-December 2014 and April 2015-January 2021.Results:19,668 cases of ONJ were reported to the FAERS database from 2010-2021. 8,908 cases met inclusion criteria. 3,132 cases were from 2010-2014 and 5,776 cases from 2015-2021. Within the cases from 2010-2014, 64.7% were female and 35.3% were male, and the average age was 66.1+/-11.1 years. Between 2015-2021, 64.3% were female and 35.7% were male, and the average age was 69.2+/-11.5 years. Review of the 2010-2014 data identified several medications and drug classes associated with ONJ not previously described. They include lenalidomide, corticosteroids (prednisolone and dexamethasone), docetaxel and paclitaxel, letrozole, methothrexate, imatinib, and teriparatide. Novel drugs and classes described between 2015-2021 include palbociclib, pomalidomide, radium 223, nivolumab, and cabozantinib.Discussion:While stricter inclusion criteria and removal of duplicate cases led to fewer overall identified cases of MRONJ when compared to prior research, our data represents a more reliable analysis of MRONJ reports to the FAERS database. Denosumab was the most frequently reported medication associated with ONJ. While unable to imply incidence rates from our data due to the nature of the FAERS database, our findings provide further description of the various medications associated with ONJ and elucidate patient demographics associated with the ADR. Additionally, our study identifies cases of several newly described drugs and drug classes that have not been previously described in literature.
Sex and school type modified effects of depressive symptoms and screen use on substance use among adolescent in Taiwan: findings from a nation wide cross-sectional survey
Authors: Bui Chung , Lin Li-Yin , Lin Chun-Ji , Chiu Ya-Wen , Chiou Hung-Yi
Published: May 2022

BackgroundAmong Taiwanese adolescent, how depressive symptoms, screen use affect on substance use remains unclear. This study aimed to examine (1) the cross-sectional association between depressive symptoms, screen use and substance use ; and (2) the modified effects of sex and school type on those mentioned associations.MethodsWe analyzed 18,509 participants from the baseline survey of the Taiwan Adolescent to Adult Longitudinal Survey in 2015. The outcome was substance use including binge drinking, smoking, cigarette smoking and betel chewing. The main predictors were self-reported depressive symptoms and screen use. Multiple logistic regression was employed to estimate predictors, and a subgroup analysis was performed to assess effect modifications.ResultsAmong 18509 participants, 6.4% reported binge drinking, 5.6% reported smoking, 4.4 % reported e-cigarette smoking, 5.0% reported betel chewing. After adjustments for covariates including sex, school type, BMI, skipping breakfast and social determinants, the associations of depressive symptoms, screen use on substance use were significant. Stratified results indicated that depressive symptoms and screen use employed diverse effects on substance use across subgroups based on sex and school types. ConclusionsDepressive symptoms and screen use were notable factors positively associated with substance use among Taiwanese adolescents. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening public health interventions to monitor substance use, decrease depression, and screen use among adolescents.
Effect of The Temperature and salinity variations on Growth and Carraggenan content Kappaphycus alvarezii in Akle Waters, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Authors: Oedjoe Marcelien Djublina Ratoe , Turupadang Welem Linggi , Kangkan Alexander Leonidas , Sine Kiik G
Published: May 2022

Changes in temperature, salinity water associated with growth and carrageenan content. Temperature and salinity determines the performance of seaweeds, and indeed all organisms, at the fundamental levels of enzymatic processes and metabolic function. Carrageenan is extracted from the Rhodophyceae. In this study described the ways in which changes in the environment directly affect seaweeds. We consider the extent to which seaweed may be able to respond to changes temperature and salinity. By prioritizing research in sea water we can rapidly build upon understanding of seaweed to climate change to more effectively conserve and manage coastal ecosystems. This research has been carried out from February to December. This study aimed to determine the effect of temperature and salinity on growth, nutrition and carrageenan content. The specific growth rate was 6.25% day-1 at 290C, 5.19% day-1 at 300C, 4.6% day-1 at 310C, 3.6% day-1 at 330C, 2.08%day-1 at 340C, and 1.9% day-1 at 350C, respectively. We concluded that the productivity decreased as both temperature and salinity increased. It was also observed that ice-ice disease was not present at the temperature of 29 to 32 0C and salinity from 30 to 31 psu, while ice-ice was present at temperature 33 to 35 0C and salinity of 34 to 35 psu. Carrageenan content ( 41.87% − 65.43% ) at temperature of 29 0C – 310C, salinity 30–31 psu on March to June while at temperature 32 0C-35 0C, salinity 33–35 ppt: on July to October 7.27% − 25.20%.
Plant age and soil texture rather than the presence of root hairs cause differences in maize resource allocation and root gene expression in the field
Authors: Ganther Minh , Lippold Eva , Bienert Manuela Désirée , Bouffaud Marie-Lara , Bauer Mario , Baumann Louis , Bienert Gerd Patrick , Vetterlein Doris , Heintz-Buschart Anna , Tarkka Mika Tapio
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Laboratory studies have identified fundamental processes and genetic determinants affecting the growth and stress tolerance of maize, yet they ignore complex field conditions where soil and climate variables interact. In this study, we assess the importance of plant development stage, substrate, and root hair formation on field-grown maize in terms of root gene expression and resource allocation, and shoot element status.Methods: Wild type and root hairless rth3 mutant maize were grown on two substrates, sand and loam and sampled during the 4-leaf, 9-leaf and tassel emergence stages. This period was accompanied with a low precipitation rate. Youngest leaf and whole shoot elemental compositions were assessed by ionome analysis, root gene expression by RNA sequencing and qRT-PCR, and root resource allocation of C and N uptake by stable isotope labeling.Results: Growth stage accounted for the main differences, followed by substrate and root hair formation in all analyses. Lack of root hairs led to significant impacts on shoot growth and total nutrient uptake, but had only a minor effect on root gene expression and momentary leaf nutritional status. During tassel emergence, the concentrations of several elements in leaves decreased, but nutrient transporter expression in roots increased; whereas cell wall formation-related root gene expression and C allocation to roots decreased. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the presence and function of root hairs are a determinant of maize nutrient acquisition and growth, and provide insight on how maize acclimatizes to different substrates and a longer period of low precipitation.
Working in Fours: Generational Communication in the Emergency Department
Authors: Guptill Mindi , Reibling Ellen , Phan Tammy , Khoo Bryant , Lin Stephen , Donham Corbin , Wang Cheryl , Walters E. Lea
Published: May 2022

Background
This study examined the conflicts between different generations working in the emergency department (ED). We sought to record generational differences involving communication preferences, perceived areas of conflict, work motivations, and attitudes regarding work-life balance.
Methods
We developed a survey to assess the physician perspective on generational conflict in the ED. The survey was distributed to members of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).
Results
We received 696 completed responses. Men represented 60% of respondents and the largest proportion of respondents were EPs working in community settings (53%); 11% were residents. Generation representation was smallest for Traditionalist (2%) and largest for Gen X (43%). Seventy percent reported observing conflict due to generational communication with the largest frequency being once a week (26%). In the associated open-ended questions, 247 (33%) provided 316 anecdotal descriptions of observed conflict. Responses clustered into seven themes (ordered by frequency): Work Ethic, Treatment Approach, Technology Application, Entitlement, Professionalism, Work Life/Balance, and Communication Style. Comparing Work Ethic responses, 52–70 year olds reported that younger providers are less interested in “accomplishing anything” while 26–34 year olds resented that attitude. Respondents completing the open-ended questions regarding preventing and responding to conflict provided some insight into helpful strategies including actions supportive of clear communication and standardized policies and expectations. Only 5% of respondents reported that they had discussed generational communication in department meetings with the odds of a woman reporting conflict being less than males (p = .01).
Conclusions
Conflicts in the ED can be attributed to how an individual views the values of someone from another generation. Understanding the frequency and areas of generational conflict in the ED can help medical leaders find strategies to mitigate negative workplace interactions.
A long-range entangled state beyond the paradigm of topological order
Authors: Wang Wei
Published: May 2022

The nature of the famed long-range entanglement of quantum many-body systems is the paradoxical coexistence of short-range correlation and nonlocal information which cannot be encoded through constant-depth local quantum circuits. This coexistence is only proved in topologically ordered states and their extensions in 2D or higher dimensions, and is in charge of their fundamental importance in fault-tolerant quantum computation. Here, we broaden the knowledge of long-range entangled states beyond the manifold-topology picture by proving the coexistence in a new concrete example in addition to those well-known ones like the toric-code ground state. The new long-range entangled state reveals an intrinsically different paradigm, it describes quantum matter on the newly experimentally realized fractal lattice geometry in 1.58D where the topological framework is negated, but a self-similarity structure shapes how the nonlocal information is encoded. The new paradigm portrays an exotic quantum order and uncovers the potential of fractional-dimension quantum states in studies relevant to quantum computation.
Fate of Non-Recyclable Plastic Wastes: Material Flow Analysis, Leakage Hotspot Modelling, and Management Strategies
Authors: Rinasti Aprilia , Ibrahim Indradhi , Gunasekara Kavinda , Koottatep Thammarat , Winijkul Ekbordin
Published: May 2022

Low priority on waste management has impacted the complex environmental issue, where this study found out up to 24.3% of waste generation in Jakarta and Bandung is emitted to the waterway due to the high intensity of human activity in the urban area. In this study, we investigated the viable integration between material flow analysis and leakage hotspot modelling to improve the management strategy of the plastic pollution in the water system and open environment. Using the multi-criteria assessment through the plastic leakage from its management, a material flow analysis has developed on the city scale. Comprehensively identifying using potent identification and hydrological characterization, plastic waste from Jakarta city has occasionally estimated 2603 ton discarded to Ciliwung River while the plastics from Bandung Area has contributed to 1547 ton, addressing Cikapundung River as the main tributary of Citarum mainstream in annual basis.
Seasonal variation of antioxidant activity and properties in Ulva lactuca Linnaeus, 1753: A compression study in pre and post monsoon to the northern coasts of the Oman SeaAli Mahdi Abkener*1Corresponding E-mail address: aliabkenar@gmail.com Department of Fisheries Group, Chabahar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Chabahar, Iran.
Authors: Abkener Ali Mahdi
Published: May 2022

Ulva lactuca (Ul) is a green macroalgae that contains commercially valuable molecules components. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare seasonal variations of antioxidant activity (AOA) of U. l. sample harvested from locations of Tang, Chabahar and Gowatr in the northern coast of the Oman Sea (IRAN). Sampling was carried out during April to May (spring) and October to November (autumn) 2020, representing pre- and post-monsoon, respectively. No significant difference (P > 0.05) were observed between samples harvested in pre- and post-monsoon from all three locations, except for the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) content. The FRAP on post-monsoon shows a significant difference between all studied locations (P < 0.05). In this season, the FRAP content was measured 69 ± 0.05; 0.60 ± 0.06 and 0.50 ± 0.06 mg GAE g− 1 for Tang, Chabahar and Gowatr, respectively (P < 0.05). However, a high linear correlation (> 0.95) was calculated for parameters showing a significant contribution by β-carotene (βC) with FRAP content (R = -0.004) in pre-monsoon, as well as total phenolic content (TPC) with anthocyanin content (ACN) (R = -0.013); Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) with total flavonoid content (TFC) (R = -0.010) and radical scavenging activity assay (DPPH) with IC50 content (R = 0.022) in post-monsoon. AOA analysis along with PCA (principal component analysis) in pre-monsoon confirm relationships and FRAP, TPC, ACN and βC determined sample distribution along PC1 (main components 1), while DPPH, IC50 and TFC along the PC2. However, in post monsoons all parameters determined sample distribution along PC1.
The exploration of miRNAs and mRNAs profiles revealed the molecular mechanisms of cattle-yak male infertility
Authors: Zhao Shaokang , Sun Wenqiang , Chen Shiyi , Li Yuchao , Wang Jie , Lai Songjia , Jia Xianbo
Published: May 2022

BackgroundCattle-yak, the first-generation offspring of cattle and yak, inherited many excellent characteristics from their parents. However, F1 male hybrid infertility restricts the utilization of heterosis greatly. The coding genes can transcript into such mRNAs and further translate into proteins to maintain the activities of organisms. MiRNAs are endogenous small noncoding RNA that silenced their target mRNA expression by high complementary binding sites. In recent years, mRNA and miRNA profiles produced by high-throughput sequencer had interpreted the molecular mechanisms of numerous biological phenomena. However, based on the cattle-yak male sterility, the comprehensive comparison of testicular tissue RNA profiles of cattle, yak and cattle-yak have not been conducted. ResultsTesticular histology indicated that the seminiferous tubules became vacuolated and there are few active germs cells can be seen. With the RNA-seq analysis we finally identified 47 up-regulated miRNAs and 34 down-regulated miRNAs in cattle, 16 up-regulated miRNAs and 21 down-regulated miRNAs in cattle and yaks compared with cattle-yak, respectively. Furthermore, we found that the known miRNA bta-miR-7 was commonly down-regulated in cattle-yak group, revealed the vital role of miR-7 in the regulation of reproductive processes. With the target prediction, the coding genes MYRFL, FANCA, INSL3, USP9X, SHF became the regulated candidates. The network analysis of GO to GO and pathway to pathway annotated such hub terms and genes related to many regulatory functions. We also performed GSE GO and GSE KEGG to display the function of DE gene sets authenticated in our previous study and found that the gene sets most enriched in ATP binding, DNA binding, reproduction process and MAPK signaling pathway, uncovered the relevance between the DE genes and cattle-yak male infertility. ConclusionsWe first obtained the compared miRNAs profiles of testicular tissue samples among cattle, yak and cattle-yak and analyzed the fundamental functions of their target genes. As a complement, GSEA of mRNA profiles identified in our previous study was also be conducted. This study preliminarily revealed some miRNAs related to reproductive processes such as bta-miR-7 and such critical regulatory pathways. Our research is of great significance to explore the molecular mechanism of cattle-yak infertility and look for strategies to resolve this difficult problem.
Tibial nerve dynamics during ankle dorsiflexion: Using ultrasonographic stiffness to measure excursion
Authors: Anegawa Keisuke , Nakamura Misaki , Izumi Meika , Kawanishi Kengo , Tsutsumi Masahiro , Kudo Shintarou
Published: May 2022

Decreased nerve mobility and increased nerve stiffness have been proposed as causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome and diabetic neuropathy. The purpose of this study was to measure the stiffness of the tibial nerve (TN) at the ankle joint at positions of plantarflexion (PF) and dorsiflexion (DF) and the mobility (excursion) of the TN during dorsiflexion using shear-wave elastography ultrasonography. Twenty-one healthy adults participated in constant-velocity movements of the ankle joint from the maximum dorsiflexion angle to -20°, and the TN was imaged using an ultrasound imaging system. The maximum flow velocity value and the TN excursion distance per dorsiflexion were then calculated as indexes of excursion using the application software Flow PIV. The shear-wave velocities of the TN at PF and DF were also measured. We observed a relationship between the TN excursion and stiffness that was stronger at 25% dorsiflexion than at 75% dorsiflexion. In addition, the ultrasonographic shear-wave velocity could predict the excursion of the TN if measured under mild plantar flexion of the ankle joint (i.e., 25% dorsiflexion).
Cystic angiomatosis in child: clinical experience and review of literatures
Authors: Liu Li , Li Wen Chao , Wang Zhen Dong , Chen Hui , Liu Guang , Feng Zhi Chun
Published: May 2022

Background: Cystic angiomatosis is a rare disease characterized by the proliferation of vascular and lymphatic channels lined by a single layer of endothelial cells. Here, we reported a child of cystic angiomatosis with multifocal lesion in bone, who was diagnosed by biopsy surgery and evaluated by whole exome sequencing. Case Description: In this case presentation, we report a case of 11-year-old boy who had the pain in chest. Computed tomography revealed the multiple lytic of bone in ribs, clavicle, vertebra thoracalis, skull, mandibula, shoulder blade and so on. Blood test showed that ALP was 393U/L with the normal of 20–110 U/L and VEGF was 287.26 pg/ml with the normal of 0-142 pg/ml. The patient was performed by the biopsy surgery in ribs and diagnosed of cystic angiomatosis by pathological examination. The whole exome sequencing showed the single nucleotide substitutions in the coding region including BRIP1, CHEK2, GRM4, and MUC16. Besides, the up-regulated genes were involved of CASC15, CENPF, ABCA13, ALK, BLM, FGFR3.Conclusions: In this article, we report a rare case of cystic angiomatosis in a child with multiple lesions of bone and abnormal VEGF and ALP in peripheral blood examination. Then, the whole exome sequencing could be performed in order to explore the potential molecular mechanism in the development of cystic angiomatosis.
Metastatic colon cancer cured by Traditional Chinese Medicine combined with Chemotherapy: A case report
Authors: Deng Chengeng , Tang Mengyuan , Liu Zhaoheng
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Colon cancer is a kind of disease very common worldwide and one of the leading causes of cancer morbidity and mortality. Traditional Chinese medicine is widely used in varieties of Chronic diseases treatment. Colon cancer results in a high rate of morbidity and mortality and easily metastasizes. Patient concerns: We report a 71-year-old male patient with a more than 12-year history of old myocardial infarction (OMI) and a more than a 7-year history of diabetes mellitus type 2. Diagnoses: The patient was diagnosed with colon cancer and was asked to resect part of right-sided colon cancer one year ago, and biopsy specimens from the tumor suggested a moderately poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Anastomosis recurrence and pelvic metastasis occurred in this patient was discovered 2 months later. Meanwhile, the liver damage caused by chemotherapy also slowly developed.Interventions: The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy with XELOX (oxaliplatin and Capecitabine) for 8 months after the Laparoscopic radical resection of the right colon cancer. Then, we advised the patient to take Chinese medicine for his condition to remove the hidden danger of metastatic colon cancer in pelvic.Outcomes: The patient was finally cured of metastatic colon cancer after receiving TCM therapy based on long-term chemotherapy. Conclusion: Traditional Chinese medicine can provide an effective way in the process of metastatic colon cancer.
Bargaining with patriarchy through the life course: obstacles faced (and overcome) by women leaders in Kerala’s health sector
Authors: Nambiar Devaki , Benny Gloria , Sankar Hari
Published: May 2022

Background:The COVID-19 pandemic has helped shine the spotlight on the role of women’s leadership in tackling the world’s health and health system challenges. Women are less often than men occupy positions of leadership in the health sector, even as they may constitute a vast majority of the work force. The South Indian state of Kerala is an exception to this trend, a phenomenon that we sought to understand and contextualise. We undertook a study to understand the personal and professional journeys of some women leaders in the Kerala health sector to determine the antecedents of their leadership positions, the challenges came their way of leadership and strategies adopted to overcome these challenges. We also investigated into how these experiences shaped their styles and approaches to leadership. Methods:We employed a qualitative field research methodology like in- depth interviews among women leaders. Sixteen women leaders were identified from public records and through peer nomination and interviewed in their language of preference following written informed consent procedures. Interviews focused on participants’ professional and personal trajectories, work-life balance, style of leadership, challenges, enablers, lessons learned in their path, and their vision for the health system. Transliterated English transcripts were analysed using a thematic analysis approach and Atlas.Ti8 software by three researchers.Results: Our study participants were aged 40 to around 80 years, from 8 out of 14 districts of the state. Women leaders in Kerala’s health sector faced challenges through the life-course: during their early school education, in professional service as well as in their roles as leaders. There were myriad experiences – including gender stereotyping and discrimination at the intersection of gender and other social identities. Women developed manifold ways of overcoming them and evolve unique – and again myriad - leadership styles. Conclusions: Women leaders in Kerala have faced shared challenges through their life-course to climb up the ranks of leadership and have adopted manifold ways of overcoming them with myriad leadership styles. This reflects various patterns of bargaining with patriarchy, which in turn suggests a feminist consciousness on the part of Kerala women leaders as well as the society in which they are seeking to lead.
Effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of sertraline on the antipredator behavior of Scinax fuscovarius tadpoles
Authors: Barsoumian Hagop Armenio , Martins Aline Franco , Costa José Luiz , Schiesari Luis
Published: May 2022

Sertraline is one of the most commonly detected antidepressants in surface waters, raising concerns on potential, non-intended effects on the behavior of non-target organisms. In this study we experimentally evaluate whether sertraline, at environmentally relevant concentrations, influence the behavior of prey in response to their predators. Our model system comprised tadpoles of the treefrog Scinax fuscovarius as consumers, and larvae of the dragonfly Erythrodiplax sp as predators. This prey-predator system was exposed to sertraline concentrations of 0, 0.1 and 1.0 ug/L. We quantified tadpole activity rates, food intake rates, spatial avoidance, and hiding behavior, all of which are known to regulate predation risk. No main effects of sertraline were observed for any response variable; a main effect of predator presence was observed for spatial avoidance only. Most importantly, a significant sertraline-by-predator presence interaction term suggests that activity rates face to predator presence is influenced by sertraline. We in addition quantified response variables related to swimming kinematics, which are also known to regulate predation risk. Tadpoles exposed to sertraline spent less time swimming, swam for a shorter distance, and demanded more stimuli to initiate swimming. Overall, our results suggest that environmental contamination by sertraline may influence larval amphibian behavior in ways that could influence their fitness.
Acquired peripheral nerve injuries associated with severe COVID-19
Authors: Franz Colin K. , Murthy Nikhil K. , Malik George R. , Kwak Jean W. , D’Andrea Dom , Wolfe Alexis R. , Farr Ellen , Stearns Melanie A. , Deshmukh Swati , Tavee Jinny O. , Sun Fang , Swong Kevin N. , Rydberg Leslie , Cotton R. James , Wolfe Lisa F. , Walter James M. , Coleman John M. , Rogers John A.
Published: May 2022

We diagnosed 66 peripheral nerve injuries in 34 patients who survived severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We combine our latest data with published case series re-analyzed here (117 nerve injuries; 58 patients) to provide a comprehensive accounting of lesion sites. The most common are ulnar (25.1%), common fibular (15.8%), sciatic (13.1%), median (9.8%), brachial plexus (8.7%) and radial (8.2%) nerves at sites known to be vulnerable to mechanical loading. Protection of peripheral nerves should be prioritized in the care of COVID-19 patients. To this end, we report proof of concept data of a wearable, wireless pressure sensor to provide real time monitoring in the intensive care unit setting.
An estriol-eluting pessary to treat pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Long Jingjunjiao , Zidan Ghada , Seyfoddin Ali , Tong Stephen , Brownfoot Fiona C. , Chowdary Prathima
Published: May 2022

Pelvic organ prolapse affects up to 50% of parous women. Commonly used treatment options have unwelcome attributes; pessaries can cause erosion and estrogen creams need to be applied frequently, which is inconvenient and difficult to administer. This study involved the development of an estriol-releasing pessary utilising 3D printing molds. We incorporated varying amounts of estriol (1%, 10% and 15%) into the silicone pessary. We optimised the mechanical aspects of the pessary so it had a similar strength to commercially available pessaries. We investigated estriol release from the pessary over 3 months. We explored possible interactions between the drug and polymers via FTIR. The MED-4870 silicone ring with similar mechanical strength to pessaries currently used to treat pelvic organ prolapse. The medical pessaries present a sustained release in simulated vaginal fluid over 3 months. The pessary with 10% estriol delivered the optimal dose at 0.8mg each week. Mechanical strength of this pessary showed no difference after emersion in simulated vaginal fluid for 3-month, supporting the long-term application. An estriol-loaded pessary was successfully developed to treat pelvic organ prolapse with sustained release of estriol over 3 months. This pessary provides promising potential to treat pelvic organ prolapse and vaginal atrophy.
Association between surgical tracheostomy and chronic tracheal stenosis: a retrospective, single-center study
Authors: Kuwabara Yuki , Yamakawa Kentaro , Okui Seiko , Miyazaki Erica , Uezono Shoichi
Published: May 2022

Background: Tracheal stenosis is a major complication of tracheostomy. Hence, a smaller endotracheal tube (ETT) tends to be selected for patients with a prior tracheostomy history. However, it likely comes from our trial and error, not scientific evidence, because tracheal stenosis after conventional surgical tracheostomy remains relatively uncharacterized. In this study, we retrospectively examined the association between conventional surgical tracheostomy and tracheal shape as assessed by transverse computed tomography (CT).Methods: Patients who underwent surgery for head and neck cancer during the period January 2010 to December 2013, with a temporary tracheostomy closed within 3 months, were included. Exclusion criteria were tracheostoma before surgery, permanent tracheostomy, or insufficient CT follow-up. Transverse CT slices were measured 2 cm above and below the tracheostomy site (0.5 cm/slice for a total of 9 slices). The minimum cross-sectional tracheal area and horizontal and vertical diameters in transverse CT slices were compared before (baseline [BL]) and 6 months (6M) and 12 months (12M) after tracheostomy. Tracheal stenosis was defined as a decrease in the minimum cross-sectional tracheal area compared to BL.Results: Of 112 patients, 77 were included. The minimum tracheal area was significantly decreased at 6M and 12M compared to BL (BL: mean 285 [SD 68] mm2, 6M: 267 [70] mm2, P <0.01 vs. BL, 12M: 269 [68] mm2, P <0.01 vs. BL), and the localization was predominantly at or above the tracheostomy site at 6M and 12M. Tracheal stenosis was identified in 55 patients at 6M and in 49 patients at 12M without any respiratory symptoms. With regard to horizontal and vertical diameter, only horizontal diameter was significantly decreased at 6M and 12M compared to BL (BL: 16.8 [2.4] mm, 6M: 15.4 [2.7] mm, P <0.01 vs. BL, 12M: 15.6 [2.8] mm, P <0.01 vs. BL).Conclusions: Conventional surgical tracheostomy was associated with decreased horizontal diameter of the trachea (triangulation) and which resulted in decreased cross-sectional tracheal area in more than one-half of the patients without any respiratory symptoms. In patients with prior tracheostomy, regardless of the presence or absence of respiratory symptoms, use of a smaller ETT should be considered.
Immune gene expression analysis indicates the potential of a self-amplifying Covid-19 mRNA vaccine
Authors: Ooi Eng Eong , Ong Eugenia , Yee Jia Xin , Ooi Justin , Syenina Ayesa , de Alwis Ruklanthi , Chen Shiwei , Sim Jean , Kalimuddin Shirin , Leong Yan Shan , Chan Yvonne , Sekulovich Rose , Sullivan Brian , Lindert Kelly , Sullivan Sean , Chivukula Pad , Hughes Steve , Low Jenny , Chan Kuan Rong
Published: May 2022

Remarkable potency has been demonstrated for mRNA vaccines in reducing the global burden of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This vaccine platform has been extended to encode an alphavirus replicase that self-amplifies the full length mRNA and SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) transgene (self-amplifying mRNA or sa mRNA). However, early phase clinical trials of sa-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine candidates have questioned the potential of this platform to develop potent vaccines. We examined the immune gene response to a candidate sa-mRNA vaccine against COVID-19, and compared our findings to the host response to other forms of vaccines. In blood samples from healthy volunteers that participated in a phase I/II clinical trial, greater induction of transcripts involved in Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling, antigen presentation and complement activation at 1 day post-vaccination was associated with higher anti-S antibody titers. Conversely, transcripts involved in T-cell maturation at day 7 post-vaccination informed the magnitude of eventual anti-S T-cell responses. The transcriptomic signature for ARCT-021 vaccination strongly correlated with live viral vector vaccines, adjuvanted vaccines and BNT162b2. Correlation with live attenuated vaccines was weaker. Our findings suggest the potential for sa-mRNA to be further developed to be among the most potent forms of vaccines in our arsenal to prevent infectious diseases.
Workplace violence against nursing interns and patient safety: The multiple mediation effect of professional identity and professional burnout
Authors: Yang Qianqian , Yang Linlin , Yang Chunling , Wu Xia , Chen Yue , Yao Pingping
Published: May 2022

Background: Most nursing interns indicated they had experienced some form of workplace violence on clinical placement, which could be linked to higher adverse events. Prior researches have examined the effects of workplace violence on patient safety, but there have been very few explorations of whether workplace violence affects patient safety through professional identity and burnout among nursing interns. The purpose of this study is to test whether professional identity and professional burnout play mediating roles in the relationship of workplace violence and patient safety among nursing interns. Methods: Our study used a cross-sectional design. The study consisted of 466 nursing interns from three tertiary grade A hospitals in Shandong Province, China. The Chinese version of the Workplace Violence Scale, the Professional Identity Scale, the Chinese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey, the Patient Safety Behavior Scale were used to gather data. Descriptive analysis, t tests, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, the serial multiple mediation analysis were used to analyze data. Results: Workplace violence, professional identity, professional burnout and patient safety were significantly correlated (p < 0.01). Workplace violence can not only have a direct positive impact on patient safety of the nursing interns (effect=-0.3280;SE=0.1492;95%CI: LL=-0.6212, UL=-0.0347), but also have an indirect impact on the patient safety through three paths: the independent mediating role of professional identity (effect=-0.3070;SE=0.1282;95%CI: LL=-0.6495, UL=-0.1399), the independent mediating role of professional burnout(effect=-0.1151;SE=0.0432;95%CI: LL=-0.2246, UL=-0.0456), and the chain mediating role of professional identity and professional burnout (effect=-0.1432;SE=0.0762;95%CI: LL=-0.3338, UL=-0.0331). Conclusion: Workplace violence first had a negative correlation with professional identity and then increased professional burnout, which was in turn related to reduce nursing interns-reported patient safety.
Inflammation and immune activation are associated with risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in BCG-vaccinated infants
Authors: Satti Iman , Wittenberg Rachel , Li Shuailin , Harris Stephanie , Tanner Rachel , Cizmeci Deniz , Jacobs Ashley , Williams Nicola , Mulenga Humphrey , Fletcher Helen , Scriba Thomas , Tameris Michele , Hatherill Mark , McShane Helen
Published: May 2022

Tuberculosis vaccine development is hindered by the lack of validated immune correlates of protection. Exploring immune correlates of risk of disease and/or infection in prospective samples can inform this field. We investigated whether previously identified immune correlates of risk of TB disease also associate with increased risk of M.tb infection in BCG-vaccinated South African infants, who became infected with M.tb during 2–3 years of follow-up. M.tb infection was defined by conversion to positive reactivity in the QuantiFERON test. We demonstrate that inflammation and immune activation are associated with risk of M.tb infection. Ag85A-specific IgG was elevated in infants that were subsequently infected with M.tb, and this was coupled with upregulated gene expression of immunoglobulin-associated genes and type-I interferon. Plasma levels of IFN-\(\alpha\)2, TNF-\(\alpha\), CXCL10 (IP-10) and complement C2 were also higher in infants that were subsequently infected with M.tb.
Integrated PERSEVERE and endothelial biomarker risk model predicts MODS in pediatric septic shock: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Atreya Mihir R. , Cvijanovich Natalie Z. , Fitzgerald Julie C. , Weiss Scott L. , Bigham Michael T. , Jain Parag N. , Schwarz Adam , Lutfi Riad , Nowak Jeffrey , Allen Geoffrey L. , Thomas Neal J. , Grunwell Jocelyn R. , Baines Torrey , Quasney Michael , Haileselassie Bereketeab , Lindsell Christopher J. , Alder Matthew N. , Wong Hector R.
Published: May 2022

Background: Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is a critical driver of sepsis morbidity and mortality in children. Early identification of those at risk of persistent organ dysfunctions is necessary to enrich patients for future trials of sepsis therapeutics. Here, we sought to integrate endothelial and PERSEVERE biomarkers to estimate risk of day 7 MODS and individual organ dysfunctions on day 7 of pediatric septic shock.Methods: We measured endothelial dysfunction markers from day 1 serum among those with existing PERSEVERE data. TreeNet® classification model was derived incorporating 22 clinical and biological variables to estimate risk. Based on relative variable importance, a simplified 6 biomarker model was developed thereafter. Results: Among 502 patients, 173 (34.5%) patients had MODS on day 7. Area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) for the newly derived PERSEVEREnce model to predict day 7 MODS was 0.93 (0.91-0.95) with a summary AUROC of 0.80 (0.76-0.84) upon 10-fold cross validation. The simplified model, based on IL-8, HSP70, ICAM-1, Angpt2/Tie2, Angpt2/Angpt1, and Thrombomodulin performed similarly. Interaction between variables – ICAM-1 with IL-8 and Thrombomodulin with Angpt2/Angpt1 contributed to the models’ predictive capabilities. Model performance varied when estimating risk of individual organ dysfunctions with AUROCS ranging between 0.91 to 0.97 and 0.68 to 0.89 in training and test sets respectively. Conclusions: The newly derived PERSEVEREnce biomarker model reliably estimates risk of day 7 MODS and individual organ dysfunctions in pediatric septic shock. If validated, this tool can be used for prognostic enrichment in future pediatric trials of sepsis therapeutics.