bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induced polygenic variability in sesame by combining hybridization and recurrent mutagenesis in F3M3 generation
Authors: Kar Rajesh Kumar , Mishra Tapash Kumar , Pradhan Banshidhar
Published: March 2021

The investigation was made to estimate the combined effects of hybridization and ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) induced mutagenesis on the variability of seed yield and its attributes in F3M3 generation. A total of 15 populations were grown in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. F3M3 results indicated an increase in variability for plant height, number of capsules per plant and seed yield per plant, whereas non significant variability was observed for number of primary branches per plant in mutant populations than respective controls. Increased mean value and increase in variability in the present investigation denoted the occurrence of more favorable mutations and breaking up of undesirable linkages with enhancing recombination. Correlation study in F3M3 generation indicated remarkable changes among seed yield per plant and its component traits and these changes might have come through independent polygenic mutations and enhanced recombination of polygenes affecting different traits. The outcome of this study will facilitate in understanding the effectiveness of combined effects of hybridization and EMS induced mutagenesis for sesame improvement.
Efficacy of Topiramate as Prophylactic Treatment of Severe Migraine in Children attending OPD of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh- a Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Mistry Banita , Begum Shameem Ara , Saha Narayan , Sarker Shyamal , Chandra Mahua , Saha Dipa
Published: March 2021

Background: Migraine is the most common cause of severe recurrent headache in children. Flunarizine (FNZ) is safe and effective drug for prevention of migraine in children. Topiramate (TPM) is also successful as a preventive drug for migraine in children on randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.

Objective: This study was done to observe the efficacy of Topiramate and also perform a comparison TPM and FNZ in patients with migraine of severe intensity in our situation.

Materials & Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial done from January to July, 2018. This study was carried out in the OPD of Paediatric Neurology department, National Institute of Neurosciences, (NINS) Dhaka. Forty Children, 5-15 years old diagnosed as migraine with/without aura with severe intensity were randomized either as in study group (TPM treatment group) and control group (FNZ treatment group). Primary end point of the study was to find out the efficacy and safety of both TPM and FNZ after 4 months of treatment.

Result: Post-treatment frequency of headache/month was significantly decreased in both groups (within group, p <0.001). There was no significant difference considering pre and post-treatment frequency of headache/month between two treatment groups. (pre-treatment p- 0.333 and post-treatment p- 0.401). Adverse events were not significantly different between the groups p<0.387.

Conclusion: Topiramate is equally efficacious as Flunarizine in prophylactic treatment of severe migraine in children.

Bangladesh J Child Health 2020; VOL 44 (3) :153-156
Cockayne Syndrome with ERCC8 Gene Mutation: A Case Report
Authors: Fatema Kanij , Rahman Md Mizanur , Akhter Shaheen
Published: March 2021

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a genetic disorder characterized by growth failure, microcephaly, cognitive delay, visual and hearing disorders. Patients usually present with dysmorphism and global delay. It is an autosomal recessive disorder, mutation of two genes ERCC8 and ERCC6 were observed. We report a 4 year old child who was diagnosed as a case of Cockayne syndrome, based on clinical, neuroimaging and genetic study findings. This case had growth failure, dysmorphism, optic atrophy, global developmental delay, intracerebral calcification and mutation of ERCC8 gene.

Bangladesh J Child Health 2020; VOL 44 (3) :181-183
Notes & News vol. 44(3)
Authors: Editor -
Published: March 2021

Abstract not available

Bangladesh J Child Health 2020; VOL 44 (3) :190-191
Role of Racecadotril in Children with Acute Diarrhea
Authors: Sultana Azmeri , Bishwas Parijat , Islam Shahidul , Ghosh Uzzal Kumar , Iman Kazi , Afroze Sharmin , Sonia Sheikh Farjana
Published: March 2021

Background: Diarrhea is a leading cause of illness and death among children in developing countries. Racecadotril (acetorphan), an enkephalinase inhibitor with antisecretory and anti-diarrheal actions, is an effective and safe treatment for acute diarrhea in adults and children.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of racecadotril as a treatment of acute diarrhea in children.

Methods: This double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in Dr. MR Khan Children Hospital & Institute of Child Health over 1 year (June 2017- May 2018). The study was approved by the ethical committee of the institute. The efficacy and tolerability of racecadotril (1.5 mg/kg) administered orally 3 times daily) as adjuvant therapy to oral rehydration or intravenous fluid were compared with those of placebo in 40 children aged 3 months to 60 months of children who had acute diarrhea.

Results: During the first 72 hours of treatment, patients receiving racecadotril had a significantly lower stool output (grams per hour) than those receiving placebo. The mean (±SE) 72-hours stool output was 54.75± 12.92 g per kilogram in the racecadotril group and 152.50±37.64 g per kilogram in the placebo group (p<0.001). The number of purging is significantly reduced in the racecadotril group than the placebo group (11.95±2.41 Vs 14.85±1.95, p= 0.000) on third day of admission. The duration of hospital stay is significantly lower in the racecadotril group than the placebo group (73.30±23.44 vs. 177.30±25.8. p= 0.000) group. Racecadotril was well tolerated; only 3 patients taking racecadotril had adverse effects like vomiting and 2 patients had hypokalaemia and 3 patients in the placebo group developed vomiting and 1patient developed hypokalaemia which all are mild and transient.

Conclusion: In young children with acute watery diarrhea, racecadotril is an effective and safe treatment along with rehydration therapy.

DS (Child) H J 2020; 36(1) : 8-13
Constrictive Pericarditis Leading to Cardiac Cirrhosis: A Rare Cause of Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Subha Nahid E , Akter Sharmin , Sabiha Aysha , Hasan Md Shariful , Bayes Farhana , Mazumder Wahiduzzaman
Published: March 2021

Abstract not available

DS (Child) H J 2020; 36(1) : 71-74
El arte urbano como patrimonio cultural clave en los distritos culturales y creativos
Authors: García Carrizo Jennifer
Published: March 2021

El arte urbano es un elemento transcendental en los distritos culturales y creativos, pues no hay distrito que pueda concebirse como tal sin este tipo de manifestación. Forma parte del patrimonio tangible del distrito, pues es un activo “duro” que puede verse, tocarse, sentirse, y, además, integra el patrimonio intangible, ya que en muchas ocasiones se vincula a las historias y memorias relacionadas con estos espacios.
Estratégia de ensino durante a pandemia de COVID-19 para profissionais da vigilância em saúde, Minas Gerais: um relato de experiência
Authors: Lopes Marcela Bella , Cordeiro Benedito Carlos
Published: March 2021

A pandemia do novo Coronavírus trouxe desafios importantes não só do ponto de vista do cuidado ao paciente, mas também no campo do ensino-aprendizagem para que os profissionais da saúde conseguissem ter acesso a todas informações para um trabalho seguro e ágil diante de tantas orientações disponibilizadas em pouco tempo. Este estudo, de caráter descritivo, qualitativo, do tipo relato de experiência, foi desenvolvido entre março e abril de 2020, impulsionado pelas dúvidas que chegavam aos coordenadores de vigilância em saúde, epidemiologia e vigilância sanitária de uma regional de saúde de Minas Gerais (MG) quanto às temáticas de vigilância para atuação nos territórios. Assim, objetivou-se desenvolver uma estratégia educacional para quinze municípios de duas regiões de saúde em MG como proposta de educação permanente que fosse capaz de organizar documentos publicados em diversos sites, e superar a dificuldade na busca por informações na rotina do trabalho no início do enfrentamento da pandemia de COVID-19. Os resultados mostraram que a construção de uma estratégia de ensino, como o Guia de Orientações Técnicas nas Ações de COVID-19, motivada pelos trabalhadores da vigilância, favoreceu a organização das orientações técnicas prioritárias a serem usadas pelas equipes dos territórios, possibilitando a autonomia no trabalho e oportunizando ações.
Contribuições da assistência de enfermagem na prevenção de quedas e fraturas na atenção a saúde do idoso
Authors: Leite Airton César , Silva Mariana Pereira Barbosa , Alves Rayssa Stéfani Sousa , Silva Marciele de Lima , Gomes Bárbara Pereira , Almeida Danielle Sousa , Barbosa Flávia Nunes , Avelino Juliana Torres , Mendes Vanessa Bonfim , Santos Marilia Alves do Nascimento , Gomes Maria Rosemary da Silva , Lima Erica Williams de Moreira , Oliveira Jessyca Thayane de Sousa , Farias Shandallyane Ludce Pinheiro de , Silva Márcia Bethania de Sousa , Marinho Rael Lourenço Barbosa , Moura Layanne Cavalcante de , Apolinário Joelma Maria dos Santos da Silva , Araujo Gustavo Baroni , Andrade Tércio Macêdo de
Published: March 2021

Analisar as evidências científicas publicadas acerca das contribuições da assistência de enfermagem na prevenção de quedas e fraturas na atenção a saúde do idoso. O presente estudo trata de uma revisão bibliográfica do método revisão integrativa da literatura, realizado nos meses entre novembro de 2020 a janeiro de 2021. A busca efetuou-se, através da - BVS, utilizando as bases de dados LILACS, BDENF, e por meio da SCIELO. Aderindo-se através dos descritores/palavras chaves: “Cuidados de enfermagem”, “Idoso”, “Acidentes por quedas”, combinados com o operador booleano “AND”. Os enfermeiros realizam ações de cuidados, através do conhecimento dos fatores de riscos e da implementação das ações de prevenção para as quedas em idosos e ações de cuidados imediatos. O profissional de enfermagem, junto com a equipe multidisciplinar, deve ter a visão holística do paciente idoso, portanto o enfermeiro tem que observar o teórico e prático como analisar os fatores de risco para ter embasamento cientifico, como, na Atenção Básica de Saúde, projetar cuidados para cada caso desde orientações plano estratégico de ambiente seguro, utilização de dispositivos auxiliares, medicações utilizadas, analisar o risco e beneficio entre diversas necessidades. A partir da identificação do risco da queda pelo enfermeiro, ele poderá formular um plano de ação e, posteriormente, avaliar os resultados da assistência prestada. Diante desse contexto, as quedas em pacientes idosos acarretam traumas físicos, psicológicos, perda de independência e até mesmo do risco de morte. Dessa forma, é imperativo que profissionais da Enfermagem tenham conhecimento dos fatores de risco para a ocorrência deste evento.
Hand Hygiene by Healthcare Workers: a neglected practice
Authors: Fontana Liliana Berté , Rossato Juliana Marzari , Ferreira Letícia Rodrigues , Zancan Sabrina , Massariol Ana Maria , Moresco Terimar Ruoso
Published: March 2021

Hand Hygiene (HH) is a simple and essential action in the prevention of infectious diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of adherence, technique, and knowledge about HH by healthcare workers and perform an educational intervention. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis with 20 professionals, for six months. We observed and categorized the HH opportunities, evaluated the performance of the correct technique, determined the degree of HH compliance (Positivity Index proposed by Carter, IPC) and applied a questionnaire about HH. The data contributed to conduct training and discussion about COVID-19, using a didactic model of virus. We observed N = 791 opportunities for HH, but only N = 128 (16.18%) were performed, with the correct technique in 80.47% (N = 103). The categories with the greatest number of opportunities for HH were “after patient care” (N = 238) and “before patient care” (N = 214). However, HH occurred only in N = 76 (31.93%) and N = 28 (13.08%), respectively. Comparing the categories, the highest adherence was "after removing the gloves" (53.19%). The degree of HH compliance in this study is lower than that recommended by the IPC (70%). In the questionnaires, workers affirmed to have taken at least one course about HH throughout their careers; few of them mentioned virus as a microbe present in the hands; “Lack of time” was the major reason to not HH. The educational intervention reinforced the importance of the correct HH technique, stimulated adaptations in the hospital structure and in strategies for coping with the emergence of the pandemic.
Células inflamatórias infiltrantes: Perfil e distribuição em carcinomas mamários de gatas
Authors: Berselli Michele , Guim Thomas Normanton , Castro Clarissa Caetano de , Corrêa Luísa Grecco , Rossato Andressa Dutra Piovesan , Silva Luísa Mariano Cerqueira da , Grecco Fabiane Borelli , Bruhn Fabio Raphael Pascoti , Fernandes Cristina Gevehr
Published: March 2021

Tumores mamários malignos têm um número relativamente alto de linfócitos T infiltrantes. Atualmente, os linfócitos B infiltrados em tumores têm sido reconhecidos como um potencial marcador no câncer de mama humano. Este estudo teve como objetivo relacionar fatores prognósticos de tumores mamários ao padrão de infiltrado inflamatório em gatas. Foram analisados protocolos de 38 animais diagnosticados com tumor mamário e obtido dados sobre sexo, idade e raça. As amostras foram avaliadas quanto a distribuição, tipo histológico, tamanho, grau histológico, metástase linfonodal, distribuição celular inflamatória e intensidade da inflamação. Para marcação imunoistoquímica, foi utilizado anticorpo monoclonal anti-CD79a. Houve predomínio de gatas idosas e sem raça definida. Carcinomas tubulares, sólidos e cribriformes foram os mais diagnosticados. Tumores de grau III menores que 2,0 cm foram frequentes. O infiltrado inflamatório total era predominantemente multifocal e de baixa contagem, independentemente do tipo histológico, grau e tamanho. Os linfócitos foram as células mais frequentes e de baixa contagem. A imunocoloração CD79a foi observada na maioria dos neoplasmas, mostrando que linfócitos B e plasmócitos são componentes integrais do infiltrado inflamatório do tumor e de distribuição predominantemente difusa. Células CD79a positivas apresentaram diferenças significativas para distribuição (p=0,038), no tamanho (p = 0,045) e invasão linfática (p = 0,039). Este é o primeiro estudo a quantificar as células inflamatórias do microambiente tumoral mamário de gatas e revela resultados iniciais promissores. As células CD79a positivas constituem uma parcela significativa da população linfocitária do microambiente tumoral e fazem parte da resposta inflamatória associada ao tumor em carcinomas mamários felinos.
Doses de composto orgânico em cobertura na produção de cebolinha
Authors: Martins Bruno Novaes Menezes , Candian Joara Secchi , Colombari Lidiane Fernandes , Rodrigues Marcos Martins , Cardoso Antonio Ismael Inácio
Published: March 2021

Apesar da importância crescente da produção de hortaliças no sistema orgânico, são raras as pesquisas com adubação orgânica em cobertura. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito do composto orgânico aplicado em cobertura na produção de cebolinha. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso, sendo cinco tratamentos (doses de composto orgânico em cobertura: 35,0; 52,5; 70,0; 87,5 e 105,0 t ha-1) e quatro repetições. Foram feitas duas colheitas, a primeira aos 60 dias após o transplante e a segunda 30 dias após a primeira. Foram avaliadas as seguintes características: altura das plantas, número de folhas e massa de matéria fresca por planta. Quanto maior a dose de composto orgânico, maior a produção de cebolinha. A produção por planta na primeira colheita variou de 172 a 334 g, na segunda colheita de 206 a 310 g e a produção total de 378 a 644 g da menor (35 t ha-1) para a maior (105 t ha-1) dose, respectivamente, resultados que confirmam a importância da adubação orgânica em cobertura na produção de cebolinha.
Discontinuous hydration improves germination and drought tolerance in Annona squamosa seedlings
Authors: Santos Júnior José Laurindo dos , Freitas Rafael Silva , Silva Elizamar Ciríaco da
Published: March 2021

The aim of this work was to determine if the discontinuous hydration of A. squamosa seeds benefit its seed germination and if the seedlings from these seeds have a greater tolerance to water deficit through the analysis of growth parameters. The experimental design was a completely randomized, in a 4x3 factorial, with four HD cycles in seeds (zero, one, two and three) and three water treatments (control with daily watering, and cycles of five and ten-intervals days between watering). Plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, dry biomass, root/shoot ratio, leaf area, specific leaf area, and leaf area ratio were evaluated. Discontinuous hydration treatments benefited germination and promoted a better growth of the seedlings under water deficit cycles. The application of three HD cycles increased plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area and dry matter of the seedlings compared to the other cycles. On the other hand, water suppression caused a reduction in the growth of A. squamosa, especially at ten-day intervals between watering. HD cycles in the seeds improved drought tolerance in the seedlings, mainly when three HD cycles are applied to the seeds, suggesting this is a good technique to produce seedlings better tolerant to environments with reduced water availability.
Avaliabilidade do Projeto Vivências e Estágios na realidade do Sistema Único de Saúde
Authors: Souza Eduardo Carvalho de , Ximenes-Guimarães José Maria , Vasconcelos Maristela Inês Osawa , Sousa Maria do Socorro de , Silva Maria Rocineide Ferreira da , Garcia Filho Carlos , Vasconcelos Patrícia Freire de
Published: March 2021

Objetivo: Analisar a avaliabilidade do Projeto Vivências e Estágios na Realidade do Sistema Único de Saúde (VER-SUS). Metodologia: Estudo de Avaliabilidade, com abordagem qualitativa, realizado no estado do Piauí. Procedeu-se análise de documentos oficiais do VER-SUS, entrevistas com 32 atores envolvidos na execução do projeto e construção de consensos nos resultados da avaliabilidade. O material empírico foi submetido à análise de conteúdo temática. Resultados: Foram identificados os objetivos e metas do Projeto VER-SUS, bem como sua operacionalização no estado do Piauí, o que subsidiou a sistematização do Modelo Lógico. Este foi submetido à apreciação dos atores entrevistados que participaram da execução do projeto, estabelecendo-se um consenso em relação aos pressupostos, à coerência interna e o problema ser resolvido pelo projeto, considerando-se os resultados esperados e impactos. Considerações finais: Os resultados demonstraram que o VER-SUS é passível de avaliação, pois o modelo lógico permitiu a identificação de dimensões que se constituem focos prioritários de processos avaliativos voltados a aferir sua efetividade, cujo problema principal é a formação de profissionais críticos e sensíveis às necessidades da população e ao fortalecimento do SUS.
Limiares auditivos em frequências altas e emissões otoacústicas em pacientes com anemia falciforme
Authors: Weigert Liese Loureiro , Teixeira Adriane Ribeiro , Geyer Lúcia Bencke , Bittar Christina  Matzembacher , Schweiger Claudia , Seimetz Bruna Macagnin , Ruschel Nathany Lima , Lima Joziane Moraes , Barreto Sérgio Saldanha Menna
Published: March 2021

Objetivo: Verificar limiares auditivos em frequências convencionais e altas frequências e presença de emissões otoacústicas por produto de distorção em pacientes falcêmicos, analisando a variável faixa etária. Método: Coorte observacional, prospectivo, analítico, de fins diagnósticos. Realizada audiometria convencional, audiometria em frequências altas (AAF) e emissões otoacústicas por produto de distorção (EOAPD) em pacientes portadores da doença. Resultados: Foram avaliados 38 pacientes, sendo 16 (42,1%) na faixa etária de 7 a 20 anos de idade e 22 (57,9 %), de 21 a 35 anos. A alteração auditiva na audiometria convencional foi de 6,3% na faixa etária de 7 a 20 anos e 13, 6%, entre 21 e 35 anos. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as faixas etárias (p=0,624). Na AAF, alteração em 25% das crianças e adolescentes e em 68,2% dos adultos. Os adultos apresentaram maior perda auditiva (p=0,021). Não houve diferença significativa na comparação das medidas de relação sinal/ruído das EOAPD entre as orelhas, tanto na amostra total quanto por faixa etária (p>0,05). Não houve associação significativa entre os resultados das alterações das EOAPD e a perda auditiva em frequências ultra-altas tanto nas crianças e adolescentes (p=0,250) quanto nos adultos (p=0,121). Na comparação entre as sensibilidades dos exames AAF e EOAPD, houve diferença significativa entre eles somente nos adultos (p=0,004). Conclusões: Os adultos com maior duração da exposição à doença apresentaram elevação dos limiares em AAF, bem como alteração das EOAPD.
Outorgas consuntivas: análise hídrica no Município de Unaí - MG
Authors: Ferreira Marinaldo Loures , Andrade André Medeiros de , Santiago Wesley Esdras
Published: March 2021

O Brasil é um país privilegiado quanto à disponibilidade hídrica total, no entanto sua distribuição é desigual no território, tornando a outorga um instrumento necessário para o gerenciamento dos recursos hídricos. Portanto, este estudo objetiva analisar as outorgas vigentes e confrontá-las com a demanda dos pivôs centrais instalados dentro do limite do município de Unaí - MG. Para o estudo, foram utilizados dados de outorgas de dominialidade federal disponibilizados pela ANA no portal de Regulação e dados de outorgas no âmbito Estadual disponibilizado pelo Instituto Mineiro de Gestão das Águas – IGAM. Dados estes, manipulados através das técnicas de geoprocessamento para obtenção dos resultados. O município de Unaí possui um total de 420 concessões de outorgas de captação superficial, sendo 346 de dominialidade federal e 74 de dominialidade do estado Mineiro, cuja vazão total outorgada equivale a 56,3 m³ s-1, sendo maior que a demanda calculada de todos os pivôs centrais do município de Unaí concomitante com a cultura do milho safrinha, vazão em torno de 35,1 m³ s-1. Cabe destacar que poderá haver algumas incertezas em relação aos dados, pois sabe-se que ainda existem usos não regularizados, limitando o cálculo da demanda sobre as outorgas existentes nos bancos de dados dos órgãos responsáveis.
THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL ISSUES OF DATA PROCESSING RELATED TO THE PRE-EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP IN THE LIGHT OF THE HUNGARIAN, SLOVAK AND CZECH LABOR LAW
Authors: Certický Mário
Published: March 2021

Thanks to the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the rules on the protection of personal data have entered a new level of protection, which imposes strict requirements on data controllers. One of the most basic, yet very exciting and sensitive areas in the field of personal data processing is the processing of personal data related to employment. However, little attention is paid to the data processes carried out by data controllers prior to the establishment of the employment relationship, to which, of course, the provisions of the GDPR also apply. The purpose of this study is to provide theoretical and practical guidance to data controllers on how to comply with the requirements for preemployment data processing. In the study, I mainly examine pre-employment data processing in a general way in the light of the GDPR, but in order to shed light on the individual issues in dispute, I examine the provisions of Slovak, Czech and Hungarian labor law.
Dlhodobá nezamestnanosť ako spoločensko-ekonomický problém na Slovensku a v EÚ
Authors: Korečko Jaroslav , Suhányiová Alžbeta
Published: March 2021

The development of unemployment is an acute issue that needs to be addressed to prevent, as far as possible. The paper aims to examine selected indicators in the field of long-term unemployment in the European Union and individual regions in Slovakia, to draw relevant conclusions, and to state current developments in the research area. It examines, analyses, and compares selected indicators in the field of long-term unemployment over time (last decade) and space (EU, Slovak regions). The problem of persistent regional disparities between EU countries calls for a long-term and strategic solution. Despite the improving situation in the unemployment rate in Slovak individual self-governing regions over the last five years, we conclude that relatively significant regional differences persist within individual districts of Slovakia.
Microwave Assisted Extraction of L-fenchone from Foeniculum vulgare Mill. in Hexane
Authors: Ansari Madeeha , Javad Sumera , Haider Azeem , Alam Muhammad Mohsin
Published: March 2021

Medicinal plants produce natural chemicals either pure or in the form of mixture of compounds which are diverse in nature. These compounds show activities which are very important for human health such as antioxidant activity, antimicrobial effect, anti-helminths activity, anti-inflammation activity, immune system activation, decrease of platelet aggregation, treatment of diabetes and modulation of hormone metabolism and anticancer property.  Demand of these natural compounds is increasing therefore it is needed to develop the more effective methods for extraction of these compounds. Foeniculum vulgare Mill. is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants used in cure of many diseases. In present study the experimental design was developed for the extraction of compounds specially “L-fenchone”, an essential part of fennel essential oils by Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) from seeds of F. vulgare. Extraction was done in hexane from different particle sizes (40μ and 80μ) of plant material at 600W of microwaves power in 1 and 5 mint. Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GCMS) was used for the quantification of L-fenchone. MAE was proved to be an efficient and rapid method of extraction from seeds of F. vulgare. Highest amount was extracted from 80μ, which was 183.33 mg per gram of plant sample. MAE consumed lesser energy by taking lesser time (5 minutes) for extraction. It proved to be cost effective technique as consumed lesser solvents and samples.
State Policy and National Representation: Marijuana Politics in American Federalism
Authors: Trachtman Sam
Published: March 2021

Members of Congress represent geographically demarcated districts embedded in subnational policy environments. Drawing on policy feedback literature and literature on congressional representation, I argue that, because of this institutional configuration, subnational policy adoption can affect national representation. More specifically, policy reforms in the states they represent can increase pressures members face from organized groups and individuals in their constituencies to promote aligned federal policies. Empirically, I examine the effects of state marijuana legalization. The inferential design leverages differences across the states in statewide citizen initiative institutions, which provides exogenous variation in legalization. Instrumental variables analysis indicates legalization influenced pro-marijuana bill sponsorship and roll calls in the 116th Congress. The evidence points to growing influence of industry in legalizing states—including the ability to mobilize employees and customers—as the key mechanism, thus underscoring the importance of a political economy perspective for studying interdependencies in American federalism.
Density Functional Theory Studies on the Synthesis of Poly(α-Amino Acid)s Via the Amine-Mediated Ring Opening Polymerizations of N-Carboxyanhydrides and N-Thiocarboxyanhydrides
Authors: Bai Tianwen , Zheng Botuo , Ling Jun
Published: March 2021

To synthesize well-defined poly (α-amino acid)s (PAAs), ring opening polymerizations (ROP) of cyclic monomers of α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) and N-thiocarboxyanhydrides (NTAs) are most widely used. In this mini-review, we summarize the mechanism details of the monomer preparation and ROP. The present study used density functional theory calculations to reveal the mechanisms together with experimental phenomena in the past decades. Detailed discussion includes normal amine mechanism and the selectivity of the initiators bearing various nucleophilic groups.
Preoperative Microbiomes and Intestinal Barrier Function Can Differentiate Prodromal Alzheimer’s Disease From Normal Neurocognition in Elderly Patients Scheduled to Undergo Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Duan Mei , Liu Fangyan , Fu Huiqun , Lu Shibao , Wang Tianlong
Published: March 2021

Objective

Emerging evidence links perturbations in the microbiome to neurodegeneration in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and to surgical stress. In this study, we attempted to identify preoperative differences intestinal microbiota (IM) and barrier function between pAD [prodromal AD: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and aMCI] patients and normal neurocognition (NC) patients. Additionally, the potential associations between IM and barrier function, inflammation, and the clinical characteristics of pAD were evaluated.

Design

Eighty elderly patients scheduled to undergo orthopedic surgery were consecutively enrolled and grouped as NC, SCD, and aMCI following neuropsychological assessment. IM was determined by 16S rRNA MiSeq sequencing, and PICRUSt was used to predict functional shifts in IM. Furthermore, we investigated the association between IM and plasma claudin-1, occludin, LPS, systemic inflammatory cytokines, neuropsychological assessment, and clinical characteristics.

Results

There was a lower Chao1 index in the SCD group (P = 0.004) and differences in beta diversity among the three groups (PCA: P = 0.026, PCoA: P= 0.004). The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was higher in the SCD group (P = 0.016, P = 0.008), and Firmicutes were more enriched in the aMCI group than in the SCD group (P= 0.026). At the family level, the total abundance of Gram-negative bacteria was higher in the SCD group than in the aMCI group (P = 0.047), and the Christensenellaceae family was detected at lower levels in the SCD and aMCI groups than in the NC group (P= 0.039). At the genus level, the eleven short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria exhibited differences among the three groups. PICRUSt analysis showed that the pathways involved in SCFA catabolism, biosynthesis, and adherent junctions were reduced in SCD patients, and lipid synthesis proteins were reduced in pAD patients. Meanwhile, elevated plasma LPS and CRP were observed in SCD patients, and higher plasma occludin in aMCI patients. The IM was correlated with plasma claudin-1, LPS, inflammatory factors, neuropsychological assessment, and clinical characteristics.

Conclusion

The intestines of SCD and aMCI patients preoperatively exhibited IM dysbiosis and barrier dysfunction, and elevated plasma LPS and CRP were observed in SCD patients.
Detecting Lake Level Change From 1992 to 2019 of Zhari Namco in Tibet Using Altimetry Data of TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason-1/2/3 Missions
Authors: Sun Mingzhi , Guo Jinyun , Yuan Jiajia , Liu Xin , Wang Haihong , Li Chengming
Published: March 2021

Zhari Namco, a large lake in the Tibetan Plateau (TP), is sensitive to climate and environmental change. However, it is difficult to retrieve accurate and continuous lake levels for Zhari Namco. A robust strategy, including atmospheric delay correction, waveform retracking, outlier deletion, and inter-satellite adjustment, is proposed to generate a long-term series of lake levels for Zhari Namco through multi-altimeter data. Apparent biases are found in troposphere delay correction from different altimeter products and adjusted using an identical model. The threshold (20%) algorithm is employed for waveform retracking. The two-step method combining a sliding median filter and 2σ criterion is used to eliminate outliers. Tandem mission data of altimeters are used to estimate inter-satellite bias. Finally, a 27-year-long lake level time series of Zhari Namco are constructed using the TOPEX/Poseidon-Jason1/2/3 (T/P-Jason1/2/3) altimeter data from 1992 to 2019, resulting in an accuracy of 10.1 cm for T/P-Jason1/2/3. Temperature, precipitation, lake area, equivalent water height, and in situ gauge data are used for validation. The correlation coefficient more than 0.90 can be observed between this result and in situ gauge data. Compared with previous studies and existing database products, our method yields sequences with the best observational quality and the longest continuous monitoring in Zhari Namco. The time series indicates that the lake level in Zhari Namco has increased by ∼ 5.7 m, with an overall trend of 0.14 ± 0.01 m/yr, showing a fluctuating rate (1992–1999: −0.25 ± 0.05 m/yr, 2000–2008: 0.26 ± 0.04 m/yr, 2009–2016: −0.05 ± 0.03 m/yr, 2017–2019: 1.34 ± 0.34 m/yr). These findings will enhance the understanding of water budget and the effect of climate change in the TP.
Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation for a Small Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in a Patient Unfit for Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Maletta Francesca , Garberoglio Sara , Bisceglia Alessandro , Ragni Alberto , Retta Francesca , Gallo Marco , Garberoglio Roberto , Papotti Mauro
Published: March 2021

Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency thermal ablation has been proposed as an effective and safe procedure for treating patients who have low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinomas and/or are unfit for surgery. We present the case of a 72-year old male patient with a small thyroid nodule diagnosed as papillary carcinoma after fine needle aspiration. Since the patient had other serious comorbidities, priority was given to other therapies and the malignant thyroid nodule was submitted to active surveillance. After detecting at a follow-up examination a slight dimensional increase of the nodule, the possibility of a radiofrequency thermal ablation was proposed to our patient, who accepted. The procedure was safely and effectively carried out. Follow-up examinations with ultrasonography (or contrast enhanced ultrasound), conducted after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, demonstrated a progressive reduction of size and loss of vascularization in the treated area. The fine needle aspiration was repeated after 6 months: the sample revealed a very poor cellularity composed of inflammatory cells and thick colloid; no residual neoplastic cells were observed. Our experience confirmed what already demonstrated by previous reports: radiofrequency ablation can effectively eliminate small papillary carcinomas, with a very low complication rate. It may be an alternative strategy for the treatment of low-risk, indolent papillary thyroid microcarcinomas, thus avoiding the potential side-effects of surgery in patients at risk for relevant comorbidities.
Serum miR-375 for Diagnostic and Prognostic Purposes in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Censi Simona , Bertazza Loris , Piva Ilaria , Manso Jacopo , Benna Clara , Iacobone Maurizio , Mondin Alberto , Plebani Mario , Faggian Diego , Galuppini Francesca , Pennelli Gianmaria , Barollo Susi , Mian Caterina
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Having previously demonstrated that tissue miR-375 expression in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) tissues is linked to prognosis, the aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of circulating miR-375 levels in MTC patients.

Methods

A series of 68 patients with MTC was retrospectively retrieved and assessed in terms of their clinicopathological characteristics. MiR-375 levels were measured in all patients’ presurgical blood samples. Both serum and tissue levels were tested prior to surgery in a subgroup of 57 patients. Serum miR-375 levels were also measured in serum from 49 patients with non-C-cell thyroid nodular diseases (non-CTN), 14 patients with pheochromocytoma, and 19 healthy controls.

Results

Circulating miR-375 levels were 101 times higher in the serum of patients with MTC than in all other patients and controls, with no overlap (P < 0.01). No correlation emerged between serum and tissue miR-375 levels. Serum miR-375 levels were higher in MTC patients with N0 than in those with N1 disease (P = 0.01), and also in patients who were biochemically cured than in those who were not (P = 0.02). In the whole series of patients and controls, calcitonin (CT) and serum miR-375 levels were correlated at diagnosis (R2 = 0.40, P < 0.01), but in a U-shaped manner: a positive correlation was found with low CT levels, then the correlation turns negative as CT rises (in MTC patients). A negative correlation was indeed found in MTC patients between serum miR-375 and CT (R2 = −0.10, P = 0.01). On ROC curve analysis, a cut-off of 2.1 for serum miR-375 proved capable of distinguishing between MTC patients and the other patients and controls with a 92.6% sensitivity and a 97.6% specificity (AUC: 0.978, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Serum miR-375 levels can serve as a marker in the diagnosis of MTC, with a remarkable specificity. Serum miR-375 also proved a novel marker of prognosis in this disease. Further in vitro experiments to corroborate our results are currently underway.
Transactive Energy in an Urban Environment: A Case Study of Local Generation and Flexibility Potentials in a Singaporean Urban District
Authors: Zhang Kai , Troitzsch Sebastian , Zhang Si-Yue , Teh Erine Siew Pheng , Subramanian Lalitha , Massier Tobias
Published: March 2021

This article presents a case study of distributed generation and flexibility potential for a multienergy system in an urban district in Singapore. The analysis incorporates real-life data of a local energy system consisting of flexible loads (i.e., district cooling demand from air-conditioned buildings) and distributed generators (DGs) (i.e., waste-to-energy (W2E) generators and photovoltaic (PV) generators) from a representative study area. The demand-side flexibility (DSF) potentials from air-conditioned buildings are derived based on a state-space model and its underlying base load estimation. Besides the conventional consideration of PV system integration in the urban environment, we conducted a feasibility study of the distributed W2E technology deployment and estimated the generation potentials for the study area. Furthermore, to facilitate flexibility and energy exchange, market frameworks are proposed to harvest energy and flexibility from distributed energy resources (DERs) and in the real-time market context in Singapore.
Case Report: Central Nervous System Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome Related to Bacterial Meningitis
Authors: Hu Mengyan , Liu Sanxin , Lu Danli , Zhong Yi , Yu Dafan , Qiu Wei , Lu Zhengqi , Zhang Bingjun
Published: March 2021

Central nervous system immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (CNS-IRIS) describes clinical characteristics that may be observed in previously immunocompromised patients during rapid restoration of immunity function in the presence of a pathogen. There have been no reports about CNS-IRIS related to bacterial meningitis so far. Here, we report a 24-year-old pregnant female patient with bacterial meningitis. Her clinical and neuroradiological condition worsened after induced labor despite great effective anti-infective therapy. CNS-IRIS was considered. Corticosteroids were administered, and the patient gradually recovered. We present the first case of CNS-IRIS associated with bacterial meningitis.
Direct and Indirect Modulation of T Cells by VEGF-A Counteracted by Anti-Angiogenic Treatment
Authors: Bourhis Morgane , Palle Juliette , Galy-Fauroux Isabelle , Terme Magali
Published: March 2021

Vascular endothelial growth factor A is known to play a central role in tumor angiogenesis. Several studies showed that VEGF-A is also an immunosuppressive factor. In tumor-bearing hosts, VEGF-A can modulate immune cells (DC, MDSC, TAM) to induce the accumulation of regulatory T-cells while simultaneously inhibiting T-cell functions. Furthermore, VEGFR-2 expression on activated T-cells and FoxP3highregulatory T-cells also allow a direct effect of VEGF-A. Anti-angiogenic agents targeting VEGF-A/VEGFR contribute to limit tumor-induced immunosuppression. Based on interesting preclinical studies, many clinical trials have been conducted to investigate the efficacy of anti-VEGF-A/VEGFR treatments combined with immune checkpoint blockade leading to the approvement of these associations in different tumor locations. In this review, we focus on the impact of VEGF-A on immune cells especially regulatory and effector T-cells and different therapeutic strategies to restore an antitumor immunity.
Emerging Therapeutics for Immune Tolerance: Tolerogenic Vaccines, T cell Therapy, and IL-2 Therapy
Authors: Moorman Cody D. , Sohn Sue J. , Phee Hyewon
Published: March 2021

Autoimmune diseases affect roughly 5-10% of the total population, with women affected more than men. The standard treatment for autoimmune or autoinflammatory diseases had long been immunosuppressive agents until the advent of immunomodulatory biologic drugs, which aimed at blocking inflammatory mediators, including proinflammatory cytokines. At the frontier of these biologic drugs are TNF-α blockers. These therapies inhibit the proinflammatory action of TNF-α in common autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. TNF-α blockade quickly became the “standard of care” for these autoimmune diseases due to their effectiveness in controlling disease and decreasing patient’s adverse risk profiles compared to broad-spectrum immunosuppressive agents. However, anti-TNF-α therapies have limitations, including known adverse safety risk, loss of therapeutic efficacy due to drug resistance, and lack of efficacy in numerous autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis. The next wave of truly transformative therapeutics should aspire to provide a cure by selectively suppressing pathogenic autoantigen-specific immune responses while leaving the rest of the immune system intact to control infectious diseases and malignancies. In this review, we will focus on three main areas of active research in immune tolerance. First, tolerogenic vaccines aiming at robust, lasting autoantigen-specific immune tolerance. Second, T cell therapies using Tregs (either polyclonal, antigen-specific, or genetically engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors) to establish active dominant immune tolerance or T cells (engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors) to delete pathogenic immune cells. Third, IL-2 therapies aiming at expanding immunosuppressive regulatory T cellsin vivo.
How to Train Your Dragon: Harnessing Gamma Delta T Cells Antiviral Functions and Trained Immunity in a Pandemic Era
Authors: Caron Jonathan , Ridgley Laura Alice , Bodman-Smith Mark
Published: March 2021

The emergence of viruses with pandemic potential such as the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus causing COVID-19 poses a global health challenge. There is remarkable progress in vaccine technology in response to this threat, but their design often overlooks the innate arm of immunity. Gamma Delta (γδ) T cells are a subset of T cells with unique features that gives them a key role in the innate immune response to a variety of homeostatic alterations, from cancer to microbial infections. In the context of viral infection, a growing body of evidence shows that γδ T cells are particularly equipped for early virus detection, which triggers their subsequent activation, expansion and the fast deployment of antiviral functions such as direct cytotoxic pathways, secretion of cytokines, recruitment and activation of other immune cells and mobilization of a trained immunity memory program. As such, γδ T cells represent an attractive target to stimulate for a rapid and effective resolution of viral infections. Here, we review the known aspects of γδ T cells that make them crucial component of the immune response to viruses, and the ways that their antiviral potential can be harnessed to prevent or treat viral infection.
Association Between Preadmission Metformin Use and Outcomes in Intensive Care Unit Patients With Sepsis and Type 2 Diabetes: A Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Qilin , Zheng Jiezhao , Chen Weiyan , Chen Xiaohua , Wen Deliang , Chen Weixiao , Xiong Xuming , Zhang Zhenhui
Published: March 2021

Background: Sepsis is a deadly disease worldwide. Effective treatment strategy of sepsis remains limited. There still was a controversial about association between preadmission metformin use and mortality in sepsis patients with diabetes. We aimed to assess sepsis-related mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) who were preadmission metformin and non-metformin users.

Methods: The patients with sepsis and T2DM were included from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care -III database. Outcome was 30-day mortality. We used multivariable Cox regression analyses to calculate adjusted hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI.

Results: We included 2,383 sepsis patients with T2DM (476 and 1,907 patients were preadmission metformin and non-metformin uses) between 2001 and 2012. The overall 30-day mortality was 20.1% (480/2,383); it was 21.9% (418/1,907), and 13.0% (62/476) for non-metformin and metformin users, respectively. After adjusted for potential confounders, we found that preadmission metformin use was associated with 39% lower of 30-day mortality (HR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.46–0.81, p = 0.007). In sensitivity analyses, subgroups analyses, and propensity score matching, the results remain stable.

Conclusions: Preadmission metformin use may be associated with reduced risk-adjusted mortality in patients with sepsis and T2DM. It is worthy to further investigate this association.
Severe Spinal Cord Injury in Rats Induces Chronic Changes in the Spinal Cord and Cerebral Cortex Metabolism, Adjusted by Thiamine That Improves Locomotor Performance
Authors: Boyko Alexandra , Tsepkova Polina , Aleshin Vasily , Artiukhov Artem , Mkrtchyan Garik , Ksenofontov Alexander , Baratova Lyudmila , Ryabov Sergey , Graf Anastasia , Bunik Victoria
Published: March 2021

Our study aims at developing knowledge-based strategies minimizing chronic changes in the brain after severe spinal cord injury (SCI). The SCI-induced long-term metabolic alterations and their reactivity to treatments shortly after the injury are characterized in rats. Eight weeks after severe SCI, significant mitochondrial lesions outside the injured area are demonstrated in the spinal cord and cerebral cortex. Among the six tested enzymes essential for the TCA cycle and amino acid metabolism, mitochondrial 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (OGDHC) is the most affected one. SCI downregulates this complex by 90% in the spinal cord and 30% in the cerebral cortex. This is associated with the tissue-specific changes in other enzymes of the OGDHC network. Single administrations of a pro-activator (thiamine, or vitamin B1, 1.2 mmol/kg) or a synthetic pro-inhibitor (triethyl glutaryl phosphonate, TEGP, 0.02 mmol/kg) of OGDHC within 15–20 h after SCI are tested as protective strategies. The biochemical and physiological assessments 8 weeks after SCI reveal that thiamine, but not TEGP, alleviates the SCI-induced perturbations in the rat brain metabolism, accompanied by the decreased expression of (acetyl)p53, increased expression of sirtuin 5 and an 18% improvement in the locomotor recovery. Treatment of the non-operated rats with the OGDHC pro-inhibitor TEGP increases the p53 acetylation in the brain, approaching the brain metabolic profiles to those after SCI. Our data testify to an important contribution of the OGDHC regulation to the chronic consequences of SCI and their control by p53 and sirtuin 5.