bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxic stress-specific cytoprotective responses regulate learned behavioral decisions in C. elegans
Authors: Hajdú Gábor , Gecse Eszter , Taisz István , Móra István , Sőti Csaba
Published: February 2021

Background

Recognition of stress and mobilization of adequate “fight-or-flight” responses is key for survival and health. Previous studies have shown that exposure of Caenorhabditis elegans to pathogens or toxins simultaneously stimulates cellular stress and detoxification responses and aversive behavior. However, whether a coordinated regulation exists between cytoprotective stress responses and behavioral defenses remains unclear.

Results

Here, we show that exposure of C. elegans to high concentrations of naturally attractive food-derived odors, benzaldehyde and diacetyl, induces toxicity and food avoidance behavior. Benzaldehyde preconditioning activates systemic cytoprotective stress responses involving DAF-16/FOXO, SKN-1/Nrf2, and Hsp90 in non-neuronal cells, which confer both physiological (increased survival) and behavioral tolerance (reduced food avoidance) to benzaldehyde exposure. Benzaldehyde preconditioning also elicits behavioral cross-tolerance to the structurally similar methyl-salicylate, but not to the structurally unrelated diacetyl. In contrast, diacetyl preconditioning augments diacetyl avoidance, weakens physiological diacetyl tolerance, and does not induce apparent molecular defenses. The inter-tissue connection between cellular and behavioral defenses is mediated by JNK-like stress-activated protein kinases and the neuropeptide Y receptor NPR-1. Reinforcement of the stressful experiences using spaced training forms stable stress-specific memories. Memory retrieval by the olfactory cues leads to avoidance of food contaminated by diacetyl and context-dependent behavioral decision to avoid benzaldehyde only if there is an alternative, food-indicative odor.

Conclusions

Our study reveals a regulatory link between conserved cytoprotective stress responses and behavioral avoidance, which underlies “fight-or-flight” responses and facilitates self-protection in real and anticipated stresses. These findings imply that variations in the efficiency of physiological protection during past episodes of stress might shape current behavioral decisions.

Graphical abstract
The Southern European Atlantic Diet and all-cause mortality in older adults
Authors: Carballo-Casla Adrián , Ortolá Rosario , García-Esquinas Esther , Oliveira Andreia , Sotos-Prieto Mercedes , Lopes Carla , Lopez-Garcia Esther , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando
Published: February 2021

Background

The Southern European Atlantic Diet (SEAD) is the traditional diet of Northern Portugal and North-Western Spain. Higher adherence to the SEAD has been associated with lower levels of some cardiovascular risk factors and reduced risk for myocardial infarction, but whether this translates into lower all-cause mortality is uncertain. We hence examined the association between adherence to the SEAD and all-cause mortality in older adults.

Methods

Data were taken from the Seniors-ENRICA-1 cohort, which included 3165 individuals representative of the non-institutionalized population aged ≥ 60 years in Spain. Food consumption was assessed with a validated diet history, and adherence to the SEAD was measured with an index comprising 9 food components: fresh fish, cod, red meat and pork products, dairy products, legumes and vegetables, vegetable soup, potatoes, whole-grain bread, and wine. Vital status was ascertained with the National Death Index of Spain. Statistical analyses were performed with Cox regression models and adjusted for the main confounders.

Results

During a median follow-up of 10.9 years, 646 deaths occurred. Higher adherence to the SEAD was associated with lower all-cause mortality (fully adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] per 1-SD increment in the SEAD score 0.86 [0.79, 0.94]; p-trend < 0.001). Most food components of the SEAD showed some tendency to lower all-cause mortality, especially moderate wine consumption (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] 0.71 [0.59, 0.86]). The results were robust in several sensitivity analyses. The protective association between SEAD and all-cause death was of similar magnitude to that found for the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] per 1-SD increment 0.89 [0.80, 0.98]) and the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (0.83 [0.76, 0.92]).

Conclusions

Adherence to the SEAD is associated with a lower risk of all-cause death among older adults in Spain.
A case of congenital ureteral atresia causing rare upper and lower urinary tract manifestations in a puppy: a case report
Authors: Zalek Megan , Shah Rohan , Bolton Timothy
Published: February 2021

Background

Ureteral atresia is the congenital absence of a ureteral opening, resulting in a blind-ended ureter that fails to terminate at the urinary bladder. Consequently, severe hydroureter and hydronephrosis occur ipsilateral to the atresic ureter. However, hydronephrosis contralateral to severe hydroureter, although reported in humans, is not documented in the dog. Additionally, ureteral atresia has not been reported as a cause for lower urinary tract signs directly related to extramural urinary bladder compression. This report aims to describe these unique manifestations of this congenital urinary tract disease, as well as follow-up findings after successful treatment.

Case presentation

A 4-month-old male Husky puppy was evaluated for pollakiuria, stranguria, and urine dribbling of 1-month duration. During the physical examination, a mass was palpated in the mid-abdomen. Diagnostic imaging and cystoscopy findings were diagnostic for right-sided ureteral atresia with secondary hydroureter and hydronephrosis. The severe right hydroureter caused lower urinary tract signs and contralateral hydronephrosis secondary to regional compression of the left distal ureter and urinary bladder. A right-sided ureteronephrectomy was performed, resolving the stranguria and pollakiuria. Significant reduction in the contralateral (left) hydronephrosis also occurred.

Clinical Relevance

Ureteral atresia should be considered as a differential diagnosis for lower urinary tract signs and/or bilateral hydronephrosis in a young dog. Reporting this case expands our knowledge of congenital lower urinary tract disease and the etiology of their manifestations in dogs. Surgical resolution of the congenital ureteral abnormality can result in preservation of renal function in the contralaterally obstructed kidney.
Biomarker profiling for risk of future heart failure (HFpEF) development
Authors: Watson Chris J. , Gallagher Joe , Wilkinson Mark , Russell-Hallinan Adam , Tea Isaac , James Stephanie , O’Reilly James , O’Connell Eoin , Zhou Shuaiwei , Ledwidge Mark , McDonald Ken
Published: February 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of BNP, hsTroponin-I, interleukin-6, sST2, and galectin-3 in predicting the future development of new onset heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in asymptomatic patients at-risk for HF.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of the longitudinal STOP-HF study of thirty patients who developed HFpEF matched to a cohort that did not develop HFpEF (n = 60) over a similar time period. Biomarker candidates were quantified at two time points prior to initial HFpEF diagnosis.

Results

HsTroponin-I and BNP at baseline and follow-up were statistically significant predictors of future new onset HFpEF, as was galectin-3 at follow-up and concentration change over time. Interleukin-6 and sST2 were not predictive of future development of new onset HFpEF in this study. Unadjusted biomarker combinations of hsTroponin-I, BNP, and galectin-3 could significantly predict future HFpEF using both baseline (AUC 0.82 [0.73,0.92]) and follow-up data (AUC 0.86 [0.79,0.94]). A relative-risk matrix was developed to categorize the relative-risk of new onset of HFpEF based on biomarker threshold levels.

Conclusion

We provided evidence for the utility of BNP, hsTroponin-I, and Galectin-3 in the prediction of future HFpEF in asymptomatic event-free populations with cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Vpx enhances innate immune responses independently of SAMHD1 during HIV-1 infection
Authors: Cingöz Oya , Arnow Nicolas D. , Puig Torrents Mireia , Bannert Norbert
Published: February 2021

Background

The genomes of HIV-2 and some SIV strains contain the accessory gene vpx, which carries out several functions during infection, including the downregulation of SAMHD1. Vpx is also commonly used in experiments to increase HIV-1 infection efficiency in myeloid cells, particularly in studies that investigate the activation of antiviral pathways. However, the potential effects of Vpx on cellular innate immune signaling is not completely understood. We investigated whether and how Vpx affects ISG responses in monocytic cell lines and MDMs during HIV-1 infection.

Results

HIV-1 infection at excessively high virus doses can induce ISG activation, although at the expense of high levels of cell death. At equal infection levels, the ISG response is potentiated by the presence of Vpx and requires the initiation of reverse transcription. The interaction of Vpx with the DCAF1 adaptor protein is important for the enhanced response, implicating Vpx-mediated degradation of a host factor. Cells lacking SAMHD1 show similarly augmented responses, suggesting an effect that is independent of SAMHD1 degradation. Overcoming SAMHD1 restriction in MDMs to reach equal infection levels with viruses containing and lacking Vpx reveals a novel function of Vpx in elevating innate immune responses.

Conclusions

Vpx likely has as yet undefined roles in infected cells. Our results demonstrate that Vpx enhances ISG responses in myeloid cell lines and primary cells independently of its ability to degrade SAMHD1. These findings have implications for innate immunity studies in myeloid cells that use Vpx delivery with HIV-1 infection.
What do service providers in Southern Ethiopia say about barriers to using youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents?: Qualitative study
Authors: Habtu Yitagesu , Kaba Mirgissa , Mekonnen Hussein
Published: February 2021

Background

In Ethiopia, the utilization coverage of adolescent-friendly health services (AFSRHs) ranged only from 9 to 55% and it was the lowest of all Sub-Saharan African countries in 2016. Little is known why adolescents were not accessing the existing services to the side of healthcare providers.

Objective

The aim of this study is to explore contextual perceived and actual barriers to accessing AFSRHs by adolescents in Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

Phenomenological study design supplemented with observation was used to explore perceived and actual barriers to accessing AFSRHs in 2020. Criterion sampling was used to select study participants. In-depth interviews with healthcare providers and non-specialist sexual and reproductive healthcare providers were conducted. Transcribed interviews and observations were imported to Open Code 4.02 for coding, categorizing, and creating themes. Finally, barriers to accessing existing services were explained using thematic analysis.

Results

The study explores contextual barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services in five emergent themes. According to providers’ points of view, the barriers include ranging from providers (e.g. poor providers’ competency), health facilities (e.g. supply constraints and unsupportive environment), adolescents (e.g. perceived lack of information and attitude towards SRHs), community (e.g. lack of parental and social support), and broader health system (e.g. poor implementation and multi-sectorial engagement).

Conclusion

As to providers, adolescents face multiple barriers to accessing youth friendly sexual and reproductive health services. Healthcare facilities and all levels of the healthcare system should implement varieties of approaches to increase access to the services for adolescents. Given the lack of progress in utilization of adolescents- youth friendly sexual and reproductive services, the existing strategy should be re-evaluated and new interventions at all levels of the healthcare system are needed. Moreover, implementation research is required at system level factors.
A qualitative exploration of contraceptive use and discontinuation among women with an unmet need for modern contraception in Kenya
Authors: Ontiri Susan , Mutea Lilian , Naanyu Violet , Kabue Mark , Biesma Regien , Stekelenburg Jelle
Published: February 2021

Background

Addressing the unmet need for modern contraception underpins the goal of all family planning and contraception programs. Contraceptive discontinuation among those in need of a method hinders the attainment of the fertility desires of women, which may result in unintended pregnancies. This paper presents experiences of contraceptive use, reasons for discontinuation, and future intentions to use modern contraceptives.

Methods

Qualitative data were collected in two rural counties in Kenya in 2019 from women with unmet need for contraception who were former modern contraceptive users. Additional data was collected from male partners of some of the women interviewed. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions explored previous experience with contraceptive use, reasons for discontinuation, and future intentionality to use. Following data collection, digitally recorded data were transcribed verbatim, translated, and coded using thematic analysis through an inductive approach.

Results

Use of modern contraception to prevent pregnancy and plan for family size was a strong motivator for uptake of contraceptives. The contraceptive methods used were mainly sourced from public health facilities though adolescents got them from the private sector. Reasons for discontinued use included side effects, method failure, peer influence, gender-based violence due to covert use of contraceptives, and failure within the health system. Five reasons were provided for those not willing to use in the future: fear of side effects, cost of contraceptive services, family conflicts over the use of modern contraceptives, reduced need, and a shift to traditional methods.

Conclusion

This study expands the literature by examining reasons for contraceptive discontinuation and future intentionality to use among women in need of contraception. The results underscore the need for family planning interventions that incorporate quality of care in service provision to address contraceptive discontinuation. Engaging men and other social influencers in family planning programs and services will help garner support for contraception, rather than focusing exclusively on women. The results of this study can inform implementation of family planning programs in Kenya and beyond to ensure they address the concerns of former modern contraception users.
Impacts of pine plantations on carbon stocks of páramo sites in southern Ecuador
Authors: Quiroz Dahik Carlos , Crespo Patricio , Stimm Bernd , Mosandl Reinhard , Cueva Jorge , Hildebrandt Patrick , Weber Michael
Published: February 2021

Background

Since the 1990’s, afforestation programs in the páramo have been implemented to offset carbon emissions through carbon sequestration, mainly using pine plantations. However, several studies have indicated that after the establishment of pine plantations in grasslands, there is an alteration of carbon pools including a decrease of the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the establishment of pine plantations on the carbon stocks in different altitudes of the páramo ecosystem of South Ecuador.

Results

At seven locations within an elevational gradient from 2780 to 3760 m a.s.l., we measured and compared carbon stocks of three types of land use: natural grassland, grazed páramo, andPinus patulaSchlltdl. & Cham. plantation sites. For a more accurate estimation of pine tree carbon, we developed our own allometric equations. There were significant (p < 0.05) differences between the amounts of carbon stored in the carbon pools aboveground and belowground for the three types of land use. In most of the locations, pine plantations revealed the highest amounts of aboveground and belowground carbon (55.4 and 6.9 tC/ha) followed by natural grassland (23.1 and 2.7 tC/ha) and grazed páramo sites (9.1 and 1.5 tC/ha). Concerning the SOC pools, most of the locations revealed significant lower values of plantations’ SOC in comparison to natural grassland and grazed páramo sites. Higher elevation was associated with lower amounts of pines’ biomass.

Conclusions

Even though plantations store high amounts of carbon, natural páramo grassland can also store substantial amounts above and belowground, without negatively affecting the soils and putting other páramo ecosystem services at risk. Consequently, plans for afforestation in the páramo should be assessed case by case, considering not only the limiting factor of elevation, but also the site quality especially affected by the type of previous land use.
Protein signature of human skin fibroblasts allows the study of the molecular etiology of rare neurological diseases
Authors: Hentschel Andreas , Czech Artur , Münchberg Ute , Freier Erik , Schara-Schmidt Ulrike , Sickmann Albert , Reimann Jens , Roos Andreas
Published: February 2021

Background

The elucidation of pathomechanisms leading to the manifestation of rare (genetically caused) neurological diseases including neuromuscular diseases (NMD) represents an important step toward the understanding of the genesis of the respective disease and might help to define starting points for (new) therapeutic intervention concepts. However, these “discovery studies” are often limited by the availability of human biomaterial. Moreover, given that results of next-generation-sequencing approaches frequently result in the identification of ambiguous variants, testing of their pathogenicity is crucial but also depending on patient-derived material.

Methods

Human skin fibroblasts were used to generate a spectral library using pH8-fractionation of followed by nano LC-MS/MS. Afterwards, Allgrove-patient derived fibroblasts were subjected to a data independent acquisition approach. In addition, proteomic signature of an enriched nuclear protein fraction was studied. Proteomic findings were confirmed by immunofluorescence in a muscle biopsy derived from the same patient and cellular lipid homeostasis in the cause of Allgrove syndrome was analysed by fluorescence (BODIPY-staining) and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy.

Results

To systematically address the question if human skin fibroblasts might serve as valuable biomaterial for (molecular) studies of NMD, we generated a protein library cataloguing 8280 proteins including a variety of such linked to genetic forms of motoneuron diseases, congenital myasthenic syndromes, neuropathies and muscle disorders. In silico-based pathway analyses revealed expression of a diversity of proteins involved in muscle contraction and such decisive for neuronal function and maintenance suggesting the suitability of human skin fibroblasts to study the etiology of NMD. Based on these findings, next we aimed to further demonstrate the suitability of this in vitro model to study NMD by a use case: the proteomic signature of fibroblasts derived from an Allgrove-patient was studied. Dysregulation of paradigmatic proteins could be confirmed in muscle biopsy of the patient and protein-functions could be linked to neurological symptoms known for this disease. Moreover, proteomic investigation of nuclear protein composition allowed the identification of protein-dysregulations according with structural perturbations observed in the muscle biopsy. BODIPY-staining on fibroblasts and CARS microscopy on muscle biopsy suggest altered lipid storage as part of the underlying disease etiology.

Conclusions

Our combined data reveal that human fibroblasts may serve as an in vitro system to study the molecular etiology of rare neurological diseases exemplified on Allgrove syndrome in an unbiased fashion.
Emergency physician’s dispatch by a paramedic-staffed emergency medical communication centre: sensitivity, specificity and search for a reference standard
Authors: Chappuis Victor Nathan , Deham Hélène , Cottet Philippe , Gartner Birgit Andrea , Sarasin François Pierre , Niquille Marc , Suppan Laurent , Larribau Robert
Published: February 2021

Background

Some emergency medical systems (EMS) use a dispatch centre where nurses or paramedics assess emergency calls and dispatch ambulances. Paramedics may also provide the first tier of care “in the field”, with the second tier being an Emergency Physician (EP).

In these systems, the appropriateness of the decision to dispatch an EP to the first line at the same time as the ambulance has not often been measured. The main objective of this study was to compare dispatching an EP as part of the first line emergency service with the severity of the patient’s condition. The secondary objective was to highlight the need for a recognized reference standard to compare performance analyses across EMS.

Methods

This prospective observational study included all emergency calls received in Geneva’s dispatch centre between January 1st, 2016 and June 30th, 2019. Emergency medical dispatchers (EMD) assigned a level of risk to patients at the time of the initial call. Only the highest level of risk led to the dispatch of an EP. The severity of the patient’s condition observed in the field was measured using the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) scale. Two reference standards were proposed by dichotomizing the NACA scale. The first compared NACA≥4 with other conditions and the second compared NACA≥5 with other conditions. The level of risk identified during the initial call was then compared to the dichotomized NACA scales.

Results

97′861 assessments were included. Overall prevalence of sending an EP as first line was 13.11, 95% CI [12.90–13.32], and second line was 2.94, 95% CI [2.84–3.05]. Including NACA≥4, prevalence was 21.41, 95% CI [21.15–21.67], sensitivity was 36.2, 95% CI [35.5–36.9] and specificity 93.2 95% CI [93–93.4]. The Area Under the Receiver-Operating Characteristics curve (AUROC) of 0.7507, 95% CI [0.74734–0.75397] was acceptable. Looking NACA≥5, prevalence was 3.09, 95% CI [2.98–3.20], sensitivity was 64.4, 95% CI [62.7–66.1] and specificity 88.5, 95% CI [88.3–88.7]. We found an excellent AUROC of 0.8229, 95% CI [0.81623–0.82950].

Conclusion

The assessment by Geneva’s EMD has good specificity but low sensitivity for sending EPs. The dichotomy between immediate life-threatening and other emergencies could be a valid reference standard for future studies to measure the EP’s dispatching performance.
Characteristics of BRCA1/2 pathogenic germline mutations in chinese NSCLC patients and a comparison with HBOC
Authors: Xu Zheyuan , Wang Yang , Wang Lan , Cui Fengxian , Zhang Libin , Xiong Jian , Peng Hao
Published: February 2021

Background and purposes

The pathogenic BRCA1/2 germline mutations contributed to Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) susceptibility. The features of BRCA1/2 germline mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not been systematically studied. Here we performed the first study investigating the characteristics of pathogenic BRCA1/2 germline mutations in Chinese NSCLC patients and compared them with those from Chinese HBOC.

Methods

Information on BRCA1/2 germline mutations from 9010 Chinese NSCLC patients were collected from available studies and analyzed, and compared with the BRCA1/2 germline mutations from Chinese HBOC BRCA1/2 database (LOVD database, 20,523 patients).

Results

19 (20 carriers, 0.22 %) pathogenic BRCA1 and 60 (66 carriers, 0.73 %) pathogenic BRCA2 germline mutations from NSCLC were identified. The carrier frequency of BRCA1/2 in Chinese NSCLC patients (86/9010 = 0.95 %) was significantly lower than that in Chinese breast and ovary cancer patients (1481/20,523 = 7.2 %) (P < 0.001). We found that frameshift and nonsense mutations were the predominant types of BRCA1/2 mutation in NSCLC, with no obvious hot spot mutations. No significant difference in the ratio of frameshift and nonsense mutations was found between BRCA1 and BRCA2 in NSCLC. 5 out of 19 mutations in BRCA1 and 23 out of 60 mutations in BRCA2 were novel mutations found in NSCLC that have never been reported in Chinese HBOC. A trend of higher percentage of BRCA1 nonsense mutations in the carriers was revealed in NSCLC compared with HBOC, while no such difference was found in BRCA2 in all types of mutations.

Conclusions

BRCA1/2 germline mutations from NSCLC exhibited distinct characteristics compared with those from HBOC in Chinese population, including lower carrier frequency than HBOC, higher ratio of nonsense mutations and carriers than HBOC, and novel BRCA1/2 germline mutations never found in HBOC.
Risk of hematological malignancies in the families of patients treated for nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Akhtar Saad , Rauf M. Shahzad , Al-Kofide Amani , Elshenawy Mahmoud A. , Mushtaq Ali Hassan , Maghfoor Irfan
Published: February 2021

Background

Familial clustering of lymphoid and/or hematological malignancies (FHM) provides an opportunity to study the responsible genes. The data is limited in patients with lymphoid and hematological malignancies.

Methods

The lymphoma database was used to identify patients seen in our institution from 1998 to 2019 with nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL). We studied FHM by collecting detailed history of any malignancy in the family (FM).

Results

Two hundred NLPHL patients were identified. Contacting was not possible in 30 patients due to no response to the phone calls (22) and death [1]. 170/200 patients were interviewed; represented 167 families (3 patients with a family member with NLPHL). These 170 patients provided information about 8225 family members. These 167 families had a total of 329 family members with 334 malignancies (including 167 NLPHL patients and 5 members with 2 malignancies each). Of these 167 patients, 77 (46.1%) had no FM while 90 (53.9%) patients had a positive FM; 162 family members with 167 malignancies. Among these 167 families, 31 families (18.6%) had members with FHM +/− solid cancers. These 31 families had 35 family members (25 males:10 females) with 16 lymphomas: diffuse large B cell lymphoma [2], follicular center cell lymphoma [3], chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma [3], non-Hodgkin lymphoma [2], classical HL [2], and NLPHL [4]. Total of 8 leukemia: acute lymphoblastic leukemia [4], acute myeloid leukemia [3], and leukemia - no subtyping [5]. These 35 FHM members are 1st [6], 2nd (16), and 3rd [7] degree relatives of 31 NLPHL patients. There are 4 families with NLPHL in family members; all these 8 NLPHL patients are male and are alive. The median total number of 1st + 2nd +3rd degree members are 81. The decrease in the age of diagnosis from 1st generation to the 2nd generation (anticipation) was noted in 13/17 patients; 2nd generation median age at diagnosis was 29.7 years vs 1st generation age 53 years (developed malignancy 23.3 years earlier).

Conclusion

FHM is frequent in NLPHL. This study provided us many important insights for planning future studies in terms of interviewing technique, time, and resource allocation and genetic testing.
Molecular detection of human papillomavirus-16 among Sudanese patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma and salivary gland carcinoma
Authors: Mohamed Fatima E. , Aldayem Leena N. , Hemaida Maisa A. , Siddig Omayma , Osman Zeinab H. , Shafig Irene R. , Salih Mohamed A. M. , Muneer Mohamed S. , Hassan Rowa , Ahmed Eiman Siddig , Hassan Lamis Ahmed , Bakheet Osama El Hadi , Edris Ali M. M. , Ahmed Ayman , Mohamed Nouh S. , Siddig Emmanuel E.
Published: February 2021

Objective

Human papillomavirus (HPV) gained momentum as a potential etiological factor for many types of cancers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HPV-16 infection among Sudanese patients diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and Salivary Gland Carcinoma. A descriptive, hospital-based study was conducted. 150 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks were collected.

Results

The study population included a total of 150 patients aged between 18 to 87 years with a mean age of 48.8 ± 11.9 years. Based on gender, females constituted 46.7% while males constituted 53.3%. The 150 patients were classified into 40 (26.0%) esophageal, 30 (20.0%) nasopharyngeal, 18 (12.0%) conjunctival, 18 (12.0%) tongue 12 (8.0%) laryngeal, 8 (5.3%) lip, 6 (4.0%) oropharyngeal, 6 (4.0%) mucoepidermoid, and 6 (4.0%) adenoid cystic, and 6 (4.0%) myoepithelial carcinomas. Odds ratio for male and female diagnosed with carcinoma was 1.025 [0.439–2.394, 95% CI]. Molecular detection of HPV-16 revealed a prevalence of 26 (17.3%) patients were positive for HPV-16. According to cancer diagnosis, esophageal SCC patients showed a high proportion of HPV-16; 14/40 (35.0%). A statistically significant difference was seen for the distribution of HPV-16 positive patients based on cancer diagnosis, P value 0.001.
In vitro cytotoxicity of Aspilia pluriseta Schweinf. extract fractions
Authors: Njeru Sospeter N. , Muema Jackson M.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

We and others have shown that Aspilia pluriseta is associated with various biological activities. However, there is a lack of information on its cytotoxicity. This has created an information gap about the safety of A. pluriseta extracts. As an extension to our recent publication on the antimicrobial activity and the phytochemical characterization of A. pluriseta root extracts, here we report on cytotoxicity of tested solvent fractions. We evaluated the potential cytotoxicity of these root extract fractions on Vero cell lines by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

Results

We show that all solvent extract fractions (except methanolic solvent fractions) had cytotoxic concentration values that killed 50% of the Vero cells (CC50) greater than 20 µg/mL and selectivity index (SI) greater than 1.0. Taken together, we demonstrate that, A. pluriseta extract fractions’ earlier reported bioactivities are within the acceptable cytotoxicity and selective index limits. This finding scientifically validates the potential use of A. pluriseta in the discovery of safe therapeutics agents.
Hemoadsorption to treat severe iatrogenic intoxication with Patent Blue: a case report
Authors: Taccone Fabio Silvio , Gardette Mickael , Creteur Jacques , Brasseur Alexandre , Lorent Sophie , Grimaldi David
Published: February 2021

Background

Intoxication with Patent Blue V [sodium compound of (diethylamino-4-phenyl)(hydroxy-5-disulfo-2,4-phenyl) methanol] can lead to high levels of methemoglobin and metabolic acidosis. In severe cases and if not rapidly eliminated from the plasma, this can lead to multiple organ failure and death.

Case report

A 27-year-old Asian woman (original from Vietnam) was admitted after ecstasy intoxication resulting in multi-organ failure (acute respiratory distress syndrome, metabolic acidosis, capillary leakage syndrome, renal failure, shock refractory to standard resuscitation). As a consequence, continuous renal replacement therapy and veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were started. Methylene blue administration to reverse vasoplegia was decided, but unfortunately, Patent Blue V was erroneously administered, resulting in a severe clinical picture of methemoglobinemia and tissue hypoxia. As a therapeutic intervention, CytoSorb hemoadsorption was initiated, and rapid and significant reduction in plasma methemoglobin, accompanied by improved hemodynamics and normalization in plasma lactate levels, was observed.

Conclusions

This is the first case describing the application of CytoSorb hemoadsorption in a patient with ecstasy intoxication complicated by iatrogenic administration of Patent Blue V. There is a potential role for CytoSorb in drug intoxication, which needs to be confirmed in larger series.
Sex-dependent effects of prenatal food and protein restriction on offspring physiology in rats and mice: systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: Christians Julian K. , Shergill Haroop K. , Albert Arianne Y. K.
Published: February 2021

Background

Males and females may experience different effects of early-life adversity on life-long health. One hypothesis is that male foetuses invest more in foetal growth and relatively less in placental growth, and that this makes them susceptible to poor nutrition in utero, particularly if nutrition is reduced part-way through gestation.

Objectives

Our objectives were to examine whether (1) food and/ or protein restriction in rats and mice has consistent sex-dependent effects, (2) sex-dependency differs between types of outcomes, and (3) males are more severely affected when restriction starts part-way through gestation.

Data sources

PubMed and Web of Science were searched to identify eligible studies.

Study eligibility criteria

Eligible studies described controlled experiments that restricted protein or food during gestation in rats or mice, examined physiological traits in offspring from manipulated pregnancies, and tested whether effects differed between males and females.

Results

Our search identified 292 articles, of which the full texts of 72 were assessed, and 65 were included for further synthesis. A majority (50) used Wistar or Sprague-Dawley rats and so these were the primary focus. Among studies in which maternal diet was restricted for the duration of gestation, no type of trait was consistently more severely affected in one particular sex, although blood pressure was generally increased in both sexes. Meta-analysis found no difference between sexes in the effect of protein restriction throughout gestation on blood pressure. Among studies restricting food in the latter half of gestation only, there were again few consistent sex-dependent effects, although three studies found blood pressure was increased in males only. Meta-analysis found that food restriction in the second half of gestation increased adult blood pressure in both sexes, with a significantly greater effect in males. Birthweight was consistently reduced in both sexes, a result confirmed by meta-analysis.

Conclusions

We found little support for the hypotheses that males are more affected by food and protein restriction, or that effects are particularly severe if nutrition is reduced part-way through gestation. However, less than half of the studies tested for sex by maternal diet interactions to identify sex-dependent effects. As a result, many reported sex-specific effects may be false positives.
Mapping the spatial and temporal variation of agricultural and meteorological drought using geospatial techniques, Ethiopia
Authors: Senamaw Abebe , Addisu Solomon , Suryabhagavan K. V.
Published: February 2021

Background

Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing play an important role for near real time monitoring of drought condition over large areas. The aim of this study was to assess spatial and temporal variation of agricultural and meteorological drought using temporal image of eMODIS NDVI based vegetation condition index (VCI) and standard precipitation index (SPI) from the year 2000 to 2016. To validate the strength of drought indices correlation analysis was made between VCI and crop yield anomaly as well as standardized precipitation index (SPI) and crop yield anomaly.

Results

The results revealed that the year 2009 and 2015 was drought years while the 2001 and 2007 were wet years. There was also a good correlation between NDVI and rainfall (r = 0.71), VCI and crop yield anomaly (0.72), SPI and crop yield anomaly (0.74). Frequency of metrological and agricultural drought was compiled by using historical drought intensity map. The result shows that there was complex and local scale variation in frequency of drought events in the study period. There was also no year without drought in many parts of the study area. Combined drought risk map also showed that 8%, 56% and 35% of the study area were vulnerable to very severe, severe and moderate drought condition respectively.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the study area is highly vulnerable to agricultural and meteorological drought. There was also no year without drought in many parts of the study area. Thus besides mapping drought vulnerable areas, integrating socio-economic data for better understand other vulnerable factors were recommended.
Hydration Model and Evaluation of the Properties of Calcined Hwangtoh Binary Blends
Authors: Lee Han-Seung , Wang Xiao-Yong
Published: February 2021

Calcined hwangtoh is a pozzolanic material that is increasingly being used as a mineral admixture in the concrete industry. This study shows a hydration model for cement–hwangtoh blends and evaluates the various properties of hwangtoh-blended concrete using reaction degrees of binders. First, a kinetic reaction model is proposed for analyzing the pozzolanic reaction of hwangtoh. The reaction of hwangtoh includes three processes: the initial dormant period, boundary reaction process, and diffusion process. The mutual interactions between the binary reactions of cement and hwangtoh are thought to be in line with the items in capillary water and calcium hydroxide. Second, the reaction degrees of cement and hwangtoh are determined based on a blended hydration model. Furthermore, the chemical (chemically combined water and calcium hydroxide contents), mechanical (compressive strength), thermal (hydration heat), and durability aspects (carbonation depth) of hwangtoh-blended concrete are systematically predicted. The results show good agreement with experimental results.
Factors associated with self-efficacy in patients with hypertension: a cross-sectional study from Palestine
Authors: Khairy Salam , Aslan Asala , Samara Ahmad M. , Mousa Ibrahim , Alkaiyat Abdulsalam S. , Zyoud Sa’ed H.
Published: February 2021

Background

Self-efficacy is a widely applied psychosocial concept that is commonly used in association with management of chronic diseases, including hypertension. The aim of this study was to assess self-efficacy of hypertension management and patient-physician communication, as well as the factors associated with self-efficacy and patient-physician communication among patients with hypertension in Palestine.

Methods

We conducted face-to-face, questionnaire-based interviews using validated instruments to assess self-efficacy in managing hypertension (Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-Item Scale (SES6C)) and patient-physician communication (Perceived Efficacy in Patient-Physician Interaction Questionnaire (PEPPI)) in patients with hypertension at the three main primary healthcare centers in Nablus district in northern West Bank, Palestine. We also performed a multiple linear regression analysis to determine the variables independently associated with PEPPI and SES6C scores.

Results

We enrolled 377 participants with hypertension in this study. The average age (measured in years) was 56.8 with a standard deviation of 11.6. The mean PEPPI and SES6C scores were 20.0 (SD 4.4) and 41.1 (SD 10.6), respectively. In a multiple linear regression model, subjects who were city dwellers (B=3.597,p=0.004), and subjects with high education levels (B=4.010,p=0.001) achieved higher PEPPI scores, whereas subjects in the normal weight category (B=5.566,p<0.001) and those with higher PEPPI scores (B=0.706,p<0.001) achieved higher SES6C scores.

Conclusions

We found that impairment in self-efficacy was linked to overweight and obesity, as well as lower patient-physician communication. Moreover, our results showed that lower patient-physician communication was independently associated with low education level as well as non-city residency types. We recommend making the appropriate changes by both the policy-makers and the health care providers to improve the health facilities and its services, especially outside the cities. We also suggest holding specific counseling and training session on the management and control of hypertension.
Alterations in the expression of certain midgut genes of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae and midgut histopathology in response to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1C toxin
Authors: Khalil Hager , Moussa Saad , Zein Haggag S. , Ahmed Dalia S. , Shaurub El-Sayed H. , Elarabi Nagwa I.
Published: February 2021

Background

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) utilization as a biological control agent is highly recommended due to its safety, specificity, and efficiency. Importance of the entomocidal Cry proteins secreted by Bt is dramatically increased subsequent Cry genes transformation into a number of economic crops, rendering them protection against insect attack. In the last decade, insect resistance against transgenic Bt crops is gradually raised in several lepidopteran pests. A better understanding of the processing of Bt Cry1C toxin in the larval midgut of the lepidopteran pest species, the cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.), is very important to characterize the main regulatory elements of Bt tolerance.

Results

The present study aimed to define factors that are involved in insect tolerance toward Bt Cry1C through evaluating the mRNA level of trypsin (Try), aminopeptidase N (APN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cadherin (Cad), and cytochrome P450 (CYP) in both susceptible and cry1C tolerant strains of S. littoralis. Total RNAs were extracted from susceptible and tolerant strains to construct cDNAs. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) showed a significant upregulation of CYP gene in tolerant strain. In contrast, the levels of expression of Try, ALP, and Cad were significantly downregulated in tolerant strain. APN relative mRNA expression did not show significant differences between susceptible and tolerant strains. Histologically, the midgut of late third-instar larvae of tolerant population S. littoralis showed vacuolization of the epithelium and disruption of both the peritrophic membrane and the striated boarder compared to the susceptible strain.

Conclusions

Obtained data indicated a relationship between exposing to Bt Cry1C toxin and alteration of CYP, Try, ALP, and Cad expression in midgut of S. littoralis. These results may be an evidence for the important roles of CYP, Try, ALP, and Cad in the resistance development and toxicity to Bt Cry1C. The results are useful for further illustrating of Bt Cry1C processing and S. littoralis tolerance.
Prostatic artery embolization performed in anteroposterior projections versus steep oblique projections: single centre retrospective comparative analysis
Authors: Moschouris Hippocrates , Dimakis Andreas , Papadaki Marina G. , Liarakos Athanasios , Stamatiou Konstantinos , Isaakidou Ioulita , Tsetsou Ilianna , Mylonakou Vasiliki , Malagari Katerina
Published: February 2021

Background

To present and evaluate an approach for reduction of utilization of steep oblique angiographic projections during prostatic artery embolization (PAE).

Methods

Single-center, retrospective study of patients who underwent bilateral PAE (from October 2018 to November 2019) and in whom it was possible to embolize PA of at least one pelvic side utilizing anteroposterior projections only (AP-PAE group), with the following techniques: Identification of the origin of PA on anteroposterior angiographic views. Utilization of anatomic landmarks from the planning computed tomographic angiography. Distal advancement of the angiographic catheter or microcatheter in the anterior division of internal iliac artery. Gentle probing with microguidewire at the expected site of origin of the PA. The AP-PAE approach was initially applied to all PAE patients during the study period and when this approach failed, additional steep oblique projections were acquired; patients who underwent bilateral PAE, with both anteroposterior and oblique projections for both pelvic sides, formed the standard PAE (S-PAE) group. The AP-PAE group was compared with S-PAE group in terms of baseline clinical and anatomic features, technical/procedural aspects and outcomes.

Results

Forty-six patients (92 pelvic sides) were studied. AP-PAE was feasible in 12/46 patients (26.0%): unilateral AP-PAE in 9/46 patients (19.5%); bilateral AP-PAE in 3/46 patients (6.5%). AP-PAE group had larger prostates (p = 0.047) and larger PAs (p < 0.001). Body mass index (BMI) and other baseline features were comparable between the two groups (mean BMI, AP-PAE group: 27.9 ± 3.6, S-PAE group: 27.0 ± 3.5, p = 0.451). Mean fluoroscopy time and dose area product were lower in AP-PAE group (46.3 vs 57.9 min, p = 0.084 and 22,924.9 vs 35,800.4 μGy.m2, p = 0.018, respectively). Three months post PAE, comparable clinical success rates (11/12 vs 31/34, p = 0.959) and mean International Prostate Symptom Score reduction (60.2% vs 58.1%, p = 0.740) were observed for AP-PAE and for S-PAE group, respectively. No major complications were encountered.

Conclusion

AP-PAE is associated with significant reduction in radiation exposure and appears to be feasible, safe and effective, but it can be applied in a relatively small percentage of patients.
Egyptian protocol for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors:   Scientific Committee of Ministry of Health (MOH) National Project of Waiting Lists, Egypt, Abd Elbaset Hany Said , Sultan Ahmad Mohammad , Montasser Iman Fawzy , Soliman Hossam E. M. , Elayashy Mohamed , Makhlouf Nahed A.
Published: February 2021

Background

The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic may negatively impact the care of liver transplant candidates and recipients.

Main body of the abstract

Accordingly, each country must have its national guidelines based on the current situation and according to available tools. Liver Transplantation Scientific Committee of Waiting List Project in Egypt was established in 13 April 2020. One of the major objectives of this Scientific Committee is the preparation of national protocol for Transplant Centers in Egypt to deal with living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Conclusions

The protocol highlights basic hospital requirements for LDLT during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the patient selection from the waiting list, management of patients on the waiting list, and post-transplant management.
Stability of amino acids and related amines in human serum under different preprocessing and pre-storage conditions based on iTRAQ®-LC-MS/MS
Authors: An Zhuoling , Shi Chen , Li Pengfei , Liu Lihong
Published: February 2021

Amino acid analysis or metabonomics requires large-scale sample collection, which makes sample storage a critical consideration. However, functional amino acids are often neglected in metabolite stability studies because of the difficulty in detecting and accurately quantifying them with most analysis methods. Here, we investigated the stability of amino acids and related amines in human serum following different preprocessing and pre-storage procedures. Serum samples were collected and subjected to three storage conditions; cold storage (4°C), room temperature storage (22°C), and freezing (−80°C). The concentration of amino acids and related amines were quantified using iTRAQ®-LC-MS/MS with isobaric tagging reagents. Approximately 54.84%, 58.06%, and 48.39% of detectable and target analytes were altered at the 4°C condition, 22°C condition, and when subjected to freeze-thaw cycles, respectively. Some amino acids which are unstable and relatively stable were found. Our study provides detailed amino acid profiles in human serum and suggests pre-treatment measures that could be taken to improve stability.