bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Halomonas Jincaotanensis sp. nov., Isolated From the Pamir Plateau Degrading Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon
Authors: Bu Xuying , Xia Zhanfeng , Liu Zhanwen , Ren Min , Wan Chuanxing , Zhang Lili
Published: February 2022

A Gram-strain-negative, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated strain TRM 85114T, was isolated from the Jincaotan wetland in the Pamir Plateau of China. We identified this isolate was a novel species with an ability to degrade 1-naphthylamine. Strain grew optimally at 30 ℃ and pH 6.0 in the presence of 3% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain TRM 85114T was affiliated with the genus Halomonas, and shared high sequence similarity (97.3%) with Halomonas korlensis XK1T. Strain TRM 85114T contained C16:0 and C19:0 cyclo ω8c as primary cellular fatty acids, Q-9 as predominate respiratory quinone, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phospholipids of unknown structure containing glucosamine, unidentified aminophospholipids, unidentified lipids and three unidentified phospholipids as the major polar lipids. The complete genome of TRM 85114T comprises 3,902 putative genes with a total of 4,126,476 bp and a G + C content of 61.6 mol%. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain TRM 85114T and related type Halomonas strains was 78.6–88.9% and 25.7–39.2%, respectively. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and molecular features, strain TRM 85114T represents a novel species of the genus Halomonas, duo to which the name Halomonas jincaotanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TRM 85114T (CCTCC AB 2021006T = LMG 32311T). Degradation rate of 1-naphthylamine by strain TRM 85114T reached up to 32.0 mg/L in 14 days.
Expression of Klotho in Follicles of Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Clinical Significance
Authors: Song Yali , Ye Wenting , Xie Tingting , Yang Yi , Luo Xiaoqing , Zhou Lili
Published: February 2022

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disease related to infertility in women. IVF-ET is the effective way to treat infertility in PCOS patients. But poor oocytes quality of PCOS patients results in low pregnancy rate and the underlying mechanism is unknown. Klotho, an anti-aging factor, was reported up-regulated in PCOS and related to excessive androgens. However, the role of Klotho in poor oocytes quality of PCOS has not been clarified. Method: We enrolled 72 PCOS and 70 healthy participants who underwent IVF-ET and the follicular fluid was collected. In addition, granulosa cells from 15 patients underwent IVF-ET were collected. The level Klotho in follicular fluid was tested by ELISA. The mRNA level of Caspase-3, Caspase-9, IL-6, TNF, PCNA and GDF9 in granulosa cell were detected by qRT-PCR.Results: Compared with the control group, the level of Klotho, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, IL-6 and TNF in PCOS group was significantly higher, especially in the group of PCOS with hyperandrogenism, while the level of PCNA and GDF9 was down-regulated. Correlation analysis shown that level of Klotho in follicular fluid of PCOS group was negatively correlated with the number of mature oocytes. Similarly, we divided the PCOS group into two groups according to the median of Klotho level and found that the number of mature oocytes is significantly lower in the group of high level of Klotho. In addition, the Klotho level in follicular fluid was also positively correlated with serum testosterone, LH, LH/FSH, menstrual cycle and number of total antral follicles in the group of PCOS. Conclusions: These data suggested that Klotho may act as a new biomarker evaluating the quality of oocytes in patients with PCOS, indicating the severity of PCOS and the outcome of IVF in PCOS patients.
Complications of canine tonsillectomy by clamping technique combined with monopolar electrosurgery without suture – a retrospective study of 39 cases
Authors: Turkki Outi Marita , Bergman Caroline Elisabeth , Lee Marcel H , Höglund Odd Viking
Published: February 2022

Background: Canine tonsillectomy is performed due to acute or chronic tonsillitis, neoplasia, trauma or occasionally brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. Several tonsillectomy techniques are used but information about surgical complications is scarce. This retrospective study of patient records at the University Animal Hospital aimed to investigate complications related to canine tonsillectomy performed by 20-minute clamping combined with monopolar electrosurgery.Inclusion criteria were bilateral tonsillectomy performed with “20-minute clamping technique combined with monopolar electrosurgery without suture or ligation”. Exclusion criteria were unilateral tonsillectomy, tonsillar neoplasia, additional surgical procedures other than tonsillectomy and cases where sutures were used initially, cases where tissue sealing only relied on electrosurgery devices or when the technique was unspecified. The search of the patient records of the University Animal Hospital included a 10-year period. Complications that required additional anaesthesia were defined as major complications. Minor complications were handled during surgery or postoperatively without surgical intervention.Results: Of 39 dogs that fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 11 dogs had one complication and 1 dog had two complications. Altogether, of the 12 complications, 2 were classified as major complications and 10 as minor.The most frequent complication was bleeding from the surgical site; 10 dogs had one incidence of bleeding and 1 dog bled twice, both intra- and postoperatively. Of these 11 dogs, 7 were intraoperative bleedings and 4 were postoperative. The two dogs with major complications were re-anaesthetized due to post-surgical bleeding. No lethal complications occurred and all dogs survived to discharge.Conclusions: Complications such as bleeding are common during and after surgery for tonsillectomy using a “20-minute clamping technique combined with monopolar electrosurgery without suture”. This tonsillectomy technique is not without risk and revision surgery may be necessary.
Bee Venom Phospholipase A2 reduces Tau phosphorylation through inhibition of GSK3β expression
Authors: Yoo Seung Sik , Han Sang-Bae , Yun Jaesuk , Yeo In Jun , Ham Hyeon Joo , Kim Yeonjoo , Son Dong Ju , Park Eui Suk , Rhee Hae In , Hwang Dae-Youn , Park Pil-Hoon , Choi Dong-Young , Lee Won-Kyu , Hong Jin Tae
Published: February 2022

Background
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by to neuronal cell death and neuroinflammation. Neurofibrillary tangle (NFTs) is one of the neuropathological hallmarker of AD. Also our previous study indicated that bee venom leads to neuroprotective effects in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced AD mouse model. Thus, in this study we investigated whether that phospholipase A2 (PLA2) reduces tau phosphorylation and neuroinflammation, and thus ameliorates AD development.
Results
To validate pathological activities in in vivo, we examined of the inhibitory effect of bvPLA2 on memory loss and tau phosphorylation as well as neuroinflammation by subcutaneous injection of bvPLA2 (0.5 mg/kg) to Tg2576 mice. For in vitro study, we examined the effect of bvPLA2 on cell death, tau pathology and neuroinflammation by treatment of bvPLA2 in LPS-activated PC12 cells. Our study showed that bvPLA2 mitigated memory impairment and spatial memory in Tg2576 mice, Agreed with the memory improvement, tau level and phosphorylation of tau were decreased by bvPLA2 treatment. Expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammation-related proteins were also decreased in the brain of bvPLA2-treated Tg2576 mice.
Conclusions
Consideration of reduced tau level and phosphorylation of tau, GSK3β phosphorylation was studied. Phosphorylated GSK3β on Ser9 was significantly increased by treatment of bvPLA2, but a phosphorylated GSK3β on Tyr216 was significantly decreased in the Tg2576 mice brains. These data thus indicate that bvPLA2 prevents memory impairment through reduction of tau phosphorylation.
Computationally assisted design of molecularly imprinted polymers for the detection of estrone
Authors: Liu Jin , Cai Xuhong , Liu Junbo , Liang Dadong , Chen Kaiyin , tang shanshan , Xu Bao
Published: February 2022

Computer simulations are widely used for the selection of conditions for the synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers and can rapidly reduce the experimental cycle time and save labor and materials. Here, estrone molecularly imprinted polymers (E1-MIPs) were designed at the M062X/6-311+G(d,p) level with itaconic acid (IA) as the functional monomer. The imprinted molar ratio between E1 and IA was optimized, cross-linkers and solvents were screened, and the nature of interactions between E1 and IA was explored. The simulated results showed that pentaerythritol triacrylate was the best cross-linker and methylbenzene was the best solvent. Meanwhile, when the imprinted molar ratio between E1 and IA was 1:4, the E1-IA complex owned the largest amount of hydrogen bonds, the lowest binding energy, and the strongest stability. The bonding situation of the E1-IA complex was studied using the atoms in molecules analysis. Finally, the study of E1 selectivity using quartz crystal microbalance sensors verified the correctness of theoretical predictions. The computer simulations and experimental studies could provide theoretical guidance for the selection of imprinted molar ratios, cross-linkers, and solvents to synthesize of E1-MIPs. It also could provide important references and directions for the accurate and rapid detection of E1 in water bodies.
Hindered trench migration due to slab steepening controls the formation of the Central Andes
Authors: Pons Michaël , Sobolev Stephan , Liu Sibiao , Neuharth Derek
Published: February 2022

The formation of the Central Andes dates back to ~ 50 Ma, but its most pronounced phase, including the growth of the Altiplano-Puna Plateau and pulsatile tectonic shortening phases, occurred within the last 25 Ma. The reason for this evolution remains unexplained. Using geodynamic numerical modeling we infer that the primary cause of the pulses of tectonic shortening and growth of Central Andes is the changing geometry of the subducted Nazca plate, and particularly the steepening of the mid-mantle slab segment which results in a slowing down of the trench retreat and subsequent shortening of the advancing South America plate. This steepening first happens after the end of the flat slab episode at ~ 25 Ma, and later during the buckling and stagnation of the slab in the mantle transition zone. The Intensity of the shortening events is enhanced by the processes that mechanically weaken the lithosphere of the South America plate, which were suggested in previous studies. These processes include delamination of the mantle lithosphere and weakening of the foreland sediments. Our new modeling results are consistent with the timing and amplitude of the deformation from geological data in the Central Andes at the Altiplano latitude.
Effects of cognitive behavior therapy on patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kondo Yu , Miki Takahiro , Kurakata Hiroshi , Takebayashi Tsuneo , Takasaki Hiroshi
Published: February 2022

Background: To determine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) alone and a combination of physical interventions and CBT on pain, disability, quality of life, and psychological parameters in patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WADs). Methods: Several databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Pooled effects were analyzed as standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed the quality of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.Results: In total, 2,287 RCTs were found; among them, eight were included. Two RCTs, we found low evidence that CBT was better than the wait-and-see control group in improving disability (SMD, −0.61; 95% CI, −1.21 to −0.01) and psychological status, such as fear of physical activity (SMD, −1.04; 95% CI, −1.67 to −0.41), in the short-term. In addition, two RCTs, we found moderate evidence that CBT combined with physical interventions was better than what was advised in improving disability (SMD, −0.29; 95% CI, −0.53 to −0.06) in the long-term. Conclusion: The study found moderately favorable evidence of the combined effect of physical interventions and CBT against advice alone in long-term disability.
Prehospital Diagnostic Algorithm for Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Machine Learning: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Takeda Masahiko , Oami Takehiko , Hayashi Yosuke , Shimada Tadanaga , Hattori Noriyuki , Tateishi Kazuya , Miura Rie E. , Yamao Yasuo , Abe Ryuzo , Kobayashi Yoshio , Nakada Taka-aki
Published: February 2022

Background
Rapid and precise prehospital recognition of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is key to improving clinical outcomes. We tested the hypothesis that the machine learning-based prehospital algorithm shows a high predictive power for predicting ACS.
Methods
We conducted a multicenter observational prospective study that included 10 participating facilities in an urban area of Japan. The data from consecutive adult patients, identified by emergency medical service (EMS) personnel with suspected ACS, were analyzed. The primary outcomes were binary classification models for ACS prediction based on eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). Secondary outcomes were classification models for subcategories of ACS, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We evaluated the model performance based on the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC).
Results
Of the 555 enrolled patients, 388 (70%) were randomly assigned to a training cohort, and 167 (30%) were placed in a test cohort. The XGBoost model for ACS using 43 features performed well (AUC 0.879 [95% CI 0.815–0.935]) in the test cohort. We repeated the analysis with a limited number of selected features, and the performance of the XGBoost model using 17 features remained high (AUC 0.883 [95% CI 0.820–0.939]) in the test cohort. The XGBoost model for ACS using 17 features had a higher AUC than the other four common prediction models: logistic regression, random forest, a linear support vector machine (SVM), and a radial basis function (RBF) kernel SVM. The XGBoost algorithm for prediction of AMI and STEMI using the same 17 features also resulted in high AUC scores of 0.857 [95% CI 0.788–0.919] and 0.871 [95% CI 0.819–0.925] in the test cohort, respectively.
Conclusions
We found that the machine learning-based prehospital algorithms showed a high predictive power for predicting ACS.
LIMK1: A Promising Prognostic and Immune Infiltration Indicator in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Liu Xin , Song Qiang , Wang Daohan , Liu Yubiao , Zhang Zhixiang , Fu Weihua
Published: February 2022

Background
Studies have shown that LIMK1 is upregulated in a variety of tumors and may be a potential target for detection. In this study, we analyzed the expression difference of LIMK1 and its relationship with tumor clinicopathological characteristics and tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer combining public databases and experimental validation.
Methods
The transcriptomic data of LIMK1 with colorectal cancer were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and GEO databases to analyze the expression of LIMK1 mRNA and its correlation with patient prognosis. The protein expression of LIMK1 was obtained from Human Protein Atlas. We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier curves to evaluate the expression characteristics and prognostic differences of LIMK1 in colorectal cancer. STRING was used to analyze the co-expression of LIMK1. The tumor immune estimation resource (TIMER) was used to determine the correlation between LIMK1 expression and immune infiltrates. We verified LIMK1 expression at the level of clinical samples collected from the Tianjin Medical University General Hospital and cell lines using qRT-PCR.
Results
LIMK1 is differentially expressed in different cancer types. The mRNA and protein expression of LIMK1 were upregulated in tumor tissues compared with adjacent tissues in colorectal cancer. The expression level of LIMK1 was positively correlated with the clinicopathological features of colorectal cancer, disease-specific survival (DSS) events (P = 0.002), and lymphatic invasion (P = 0.004). The AUC value of LIMK1 in colorectal cancer was 0.937 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.918–0.957) through ROC analysis. Under the best cut-off value (4.009), the sensitivity and specificity were 98% and 81.9%, respectively. LIMK1 expression is mainly related to CD4+ T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells in the immune microenvironment of CRC.
Conclusions
The high expression of LIMK1 in colorectal cancer is closely related to the clinical features and prognosis of patients. LIMK1 is a promising prognostic indicator that may regulate tumor progression by affecting tumor immune microenvironment in colorectal cancer.
Third-generation cephalosporin resistant gram-negative bacteraemia in patients with haematological malignancy and rationale for surveillance- culture-guided empirical therapy; results from an 11-year multi-centre retrospective study
Authors: Court Jara R. de la , Woudt Sjoukje H. S. , Schoffelen Annelot F. , Heijmans Jarom , de Jonge Nick A. , Bruggen Tjomme van der , Bomers Marije K. , Lambregts Merel M. C. , Schade Rogier P. , Sigaloff Kim C.E.
Published: February 2022

Objectives
Among patients with haematological malignancy, bacteraemia is a common complication during chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Resistance of gram-negative pathogens to third-generation cephalosporins is increasing. We aimed to provide rationale for surveillance-culture-guided (SCG) empirical therapy for this population.
Methods
Using 11 years of data (2008–2018) from the Dutch national antimicrobial resistance surveillance system, we assessed the prevalence of third-generation cephalosporin resistant Gram-negative bacteria (3GCR-GNB) in episodes of bacteraemia, and the proportion of 3GCR-GNB bacteraemia that was preceded by 3GCR-GNB colonization (identified using surveillance cultures) in the year before.
Results
We included 3,887 patients, representing 4,142 episodes of bacteraemia. GNB were identified in 715/4,142 (17.3%), of which 221 (30.9%) were 3GCR-GNB. In (106/139) 76.2% of patients with a 3GCR-GNB bacteraemia and available GNB surveillance cultures in the preceding year, 3GCR-GNB colonization had been previously identified.
Conclusions
This multi-centre study shows that in patients with haematological malignancy, the majority of 3GCR-GNB bacteraemia is preceded by 3GCR-GNB colonization. To restrict empirical carbapenem use, surveillance-culture-guided empirical therapy is a viable strategy, against the background of high 3GCR rates.
A diagnostic SNP marker to discriminate the European brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri), river lamprey (L. fluviatilis) and their hybrids
Authors: souissi ahmed , Besnard Anne-Laure , Evanno Guillaume
Published: February 2022

I. Background: The European river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis and the brook lamprey L. planeri are two closely related species that are also considered as partially reproductively isolated ecotypes. At the larval stage, they cannot be morphologically distinguished. We aimed at developing a molecular tool to identify early life stages of L. fluviatilis and L. planeri.II. Methods and Results: We first identified Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers with distinct alleles between L. fluviatilis and L. planeri based on RADseq data from 186 individuals collected in France. Then, we developed a quantitative PCR protocol to genotype a species-specific SNP, which was tested on 287 samples including larvae and adults from both species and 17 sites from Western Europe. Results were consistent with morphological identification in all cases except for samples from the Rhône drainage and the Loch Lomond in Scotland.III. Conclusions:This marker allows the identification of larval stages of L. fluviatilis, L. planeri as well as hybrids. The two cases where the marker was not diagnostic might be explained by an isolated and distinct L. planeri lineage in the Rhône drainage, and high levels of admixture among L. fluviatilis, L. planeri and the lake-parasitic form in Loch Lomond.
CD86/Programmed Death-Ligand-1 as a Predictor Ratio for Response to Directly Acting Antiviral Therapy of Chronic Hepatitis in Egyptian Patients
Authors: Attallah AM Attallah , Omran MM Omran , Askary A El Askary El , Omran Omran D
Published: February 2022

Objectives:Predictors of direct-acting antivirals response of HCV serve as assessment methods and help to treat doctors identify patients who are likely or unlikely to SVR. Methods:Egyptian chronic hepatitis C patients (N=300) were divided into 2 groups with 150 patients each. Group 1: received triple therapy (Sofosbuvir, Pegylated interferon, and ribavirin) for 12 weeks. Group 2: received dual therapy (Sofosbuvir and ribavirin) for 24 weeks. For all patients, routine blood markers, extracellular matrix markers, and dendritic cell markers were done. Hyaluronic acid, Collagen IV, Procollagen III peptide, laminin, platelet-derived growth factor and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, were all performed using ELISA. Dendritic cells Co-stimulatory markers (CD40, CD83, and CD86), and co-inhibitory marker (PD-L1) were evaluated by real-time PCR.Results: SVR is associated with a decrease in the extracellular matrix markers and dendritic cell markers. AST/ALT (p= 0.003), Fibroscan (p= 0.024), CDs co-stimulatory markers and PD-L1 (p= 0.05-p< 0.0001) were differentiated between responders and non-responders. Using multivariate analysis exhibited that the decrease in PDL1 levels was significant (p=0.012) and increase significant (p= 0.024) in CD86 associated with SVR. CD 86/ PDL-1 ratio had an AUC of 0.82 for prediction SVR. Conclusions:Baseline CD 86/ PDL-1 ratio was the only marker predicting SVR.
Transient increase in atherosclerotic plaque macrophage content following Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia in ApoE-deficient mice
Authors: Bazaz Rohit , Marriott Helen , Wright Carl , Chamberlain Janet , West Laura , Gelsthorpe Catherine , Heath Paul , Maleki-Dizaji Afsaneh , Francis Sheila , Dockrell David
Published: February 2022

Background
Despite epidemiological associations between community acquired pneumonia (CAP) and myocardial infarction, mechanisms that modify cardiovascular disease during CAP are not well defined. In particular, largely due to a lack of relevant experimental models, the effect of pneumonia on atherosclerotic plaques is unclear. We describe the development of a murine model of the commonest cause of CAP, Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia, on a background of established atherosclerosis. We go on to use our model to investigate the effects of pneumococcal pneumonia on atherosclerosis.
Methods
C57BL/6J and ApoE−/− mice were fed a high fat diet to promote atherosclerotic plaque formation. Mice were then infected with a range of S. pneumoniae serotypes (1, 4 or 14) with the aim of establishing a model to study atherosclerotic plaque evolution after pneumonia and bacteraemia. Laser capture microdissection of plaque macrophages enabled transcriptomic analysis.
Results
Intratracheal instillation of S. pneumoniae in mice fed a cholate containing diet resulted in low survival rates following infection, confirming increased susceptibility to severe infection. Optimization steps resulted in a final model of male ApoE−/− mice fed a Western diet then infected by intranasal instillation of serotype 4 (TIGR4) S. pneumoniae followed by antibiotic administration. This protocol resulted in high rates of bacteremia (88.9%) and survival (88.5%). Pneumonia resulted in increased aortic sinus plaque macrophage content 2 weeks post pneumonia but not at 8 weeks, and no difference in plaque burden or other plaque vulnerability markers were found at either time point. Microarray and qPCR analysis of plaque macrophages identified downregulation of two E3 ubiquitin ligases, Huwe1 and Itch, following pneumonia. Treatment with atorvastatin failed to alter plaque macrophage content or other plaque features.
Conclusions
Without antibiotics, ApoE−/− mice fed a high fat diet were highly susceptible to mortality following S. pneumoniae infection. The major infection associated change in plaque morphology was an early increase in plaque macrophages. Our results also hint at a role for the ubiquitin proteasome system in the response to pneumococcal infection in the plaque microenvironment.
Dual-Targeted Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy for Esophageal Cancer and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Sato Hiroaki , Noma Kazuhiro , Ohara Toshiaki , Kawasaki Kento , Akai Masaaki , Kobayashi Teruki , Nishiwaki Noriyuki , Narusaka Toru , Komoto Satoshi , Kashima Hajime , Katsura Yuki , Kato Takuya , Kikuchi Satoru , Tazawa Hiroshi , Kagawa Shunsuke , Shirakawa Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Hisataka , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi
Published: February 2022

Objective
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a significant role in tumor progression within the tumor microenvironment. Previously, we have used near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT), a next-generation cancer cell-targeted phototherapy, to establish CAF-targeted NIR-PIT. In this study, we investigated whether dual-targeted NIR-PIT targeting cancer cells and CAFs could be a therapeutic strategy.
Methods
A total of 132 cases of esophageal cancer were analyzed for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2), and fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expression using immunohistochemistry. Human esophageal cancer cells and CAFs were co-cultured and treated with single- or dual-targeted NIR-PIT in vitro. These cells were co-inoculated into BALB/c-nu/nu mice and the tumors were treated with single-targeted NIR-PIT or dual-targeted NIR-PIT in vivo.
Results
Survival analysis showed FAP- or EGFR-high patients had worse survival than patients with low expression of FAP or EGFR (log-rank, p < 0.001 and p = 0.074, respectively), while no difference was observed in HER2 status. In vitro, dual (EGFR/FAP)-targeted NIR-PIT induced specific therapeutic effects in cancer cells and CAFs along with suppressing tumor growth in vivo, whereas single-targeted NIR-PIT did not show any significance. Moreover, these experiments demonstrated that dual-targeted NIR-PIT could treat cancer cells and CAFs simultaneously with a single NIR light irradiation.
Conclusion
We demonstrated the relationship between EGFP/FAP expression and prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer and the stronger therapeutic effect of dual-targeted NIR-PIT than single-targeted NIR-PIT in experimental models. Thus, dual-target NIR-PIT might be a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
The microbiota knows: handling-stress and diet transform the microbial landscape in the gut content of rainbow trout in RAS
Authors: Suhr Marvin , Fichtner-Grabowski Finn-Thorbjörn , Seibel Henrike , Bang Corinna , Franke Andre , Schulz Carsten , Hornburg Stéphanie Céline
Published: February 2022

Background: The aim of the present study was to characterize the effects of handling stress on the microbiome in the intestinal gut contents of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from two different breeding lines fed with plant-based diets. Two experimental diets were provided for 59 days to all female trout and half of the fish were shooed with a fishing net twice per day to induce long-term stress (groups 0 and 1) in a fully recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Experimental diets were formulated according to commercial trout diets differing in fish meal (35 % diet F, 7 % diet V) and plant-based proteins (47% diet F, 73% diet V). Results: No differences in performance parameters were found between treatment groups. By using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of the hypervariable region V3/V4 we examined the microbial community in the total gut content of fish at the end of the trial. We discovered no significant differences in alpha diversity induced by one of the two factors within both trout lines. However, the microbial composition is significantly driven by an interaction of stress and diet in trout line A. Otherwise, in trout line B the main factor was stress. The communities of both breeding lines were predominantly colonized with bacteria from the phyla Fusobacteriota, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota and Bacteroidota. The most varying and most abundant taxa have been found to be Firmicutes and Fusobacteriota, where at the genus level Cetobacterium and Mycoplasma are key components in terms of adaptation. Conclusion: We conclude, that microbial gut composition is highly influenced by stress which is presupposed by diet formulation and trout origin but constant microbial diversity and performance parameter.
Socioeconomic Disparities in Healthcare Utilization Under Universal Health Coverage: Evidence From Dubai Household Health Survey
Authors: Malaviya Shreena , Bishai David , Soni Meenu Mahak , Suliman El Daw
Published: February 2022

Background
In 2013, Dubai implemented the Insurance System of Advancing Health in Dubai (ISAHD) law which required mandatory health insurance for all residents of Dubai effective in 2016. This study compares the effect of the ISAHD on the utilization and out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures for low and high socio-economic status sub-groups.
Methods
The study used the 2014 and 2018 Dubai Household Health Survey (DHHS) a representative survey of Dubai stratified as: 1) Nationals; 2) Non-nationals in households; 3) Non-nationals in collective housing; and 4) Non-nationals in labor camps. The probability that each household would have expenditures was calculated, then multiplied by a weighted estimate of the average total OOP expenditure.
Results
Overall Dubai’s health spending rose from 12.8 billion AED (3.4 billion US $) in 2014 to 16.8 billion AED (4.6 billion US $) in 2017. Concurrently, the OOP share in total health spending in Dubai fell from 25% in 2014 to 13% in 2017. From 2014 to 2018, there were increases in the utilization of inpatient, outpatient and discretionary services for all groups except non-nationals living in camps. In 2018, nationals spent a total of 1,064.65 AED, non-nationals in households spent 675.01 AED, collective households spent 82.35 AED, and labor camps spent 100.32 AED out-of-pocket per capita for healthcare expenditures. During and after the implementation of ISAHD, there was a substantial growth in the OOP expenditure per capita for nationals and non-nationals in households due to increased utilization. OOP spending did not rise for the lower-income non-National households.
Conclusion
Dubai has been successful in reducing the household share of OOP expenditures by shifting the financial burden to government and employers. Emiratis and expatriate households increased their health service utilization after ISAHD but blue-collar workers did not. Remaining non-financial barriers to care for Dubai’s blue-collar workers must be identified and addressed.
Novel configurations of type I-E CRISPR-Cas system in Corynebacterium striatum clinical isolates
Authors: Ramos Juliana Nunes , Baio Paulo Victor Pereira , Veras João Flávio Carneiro , Vieira Érica Miranda Damásio , Mattos-Guaraldi Ana Luiza , Vieira Verônica Viana
Published: February 2022

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) is an adaptative immune system that promotes the degradation of foreign nucleic acids. In this study, we analyzed 10 genomes of C. striatum clinical isolates from the public hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, deposited in the NCBI database. All isolates were submitted to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The occurrence and diversity of the CRISPR system were investigated by bioinformatic tools. Five isolates contained only one CRISPR locus and 4 isolates contained double loci with distinct distributed sites. Our analysis revealed that the isolates exhibited Type I-E gene arrangements and 3 more multidrug-resistant isolates showed alternative gene arrangements of Type I-E not yet described. Phylogenetic analysis of the cas1 gene of this alternative arrangement named here as Type I-E’ showed a cluster in a distinct clade of the cas1 gene of Type I-E CRISPR-Cas system. The GC content of the systems is lower (52.66-54.06 mol%) than GC content of genomic DNA (59.3 mol%) and mobile genetic elements were found in some isolates near the CRISPR-Cas system providing evidence of horizontal gene transfer events. Most CRISPR spacers lack identity indicating that there is a reservoir of unexplored corinebacteriophages and plasmids. Intact phage regions were found in 3 of our isolates ranging from 9.1 kb to 43.8 kb, with regions showing similarity to Rhodococcus and Corynebacterium phages. Our results may contribute to researches about the diversity of the CRISPR-Cas system in C. striatum, where there is still no data published until the moment.
Hematoma Cavity Separation and Neomembrane Thickness are Potential Triggers of Recurrence of Chronic Subdural Hematoma
Authors: Liu Hongbin , Yan Rudan , Xie Fei , Richard Seidu A.
Published: February 2022

Background: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is the anomalous accumulation of liquified blood in the subdural space usually after a head injury in the elderly. Almost all the research on surgical techniques and endoscopic assisted evacuation of CSDH focused on the just the evacuation and not abnormal anatomical structures that causes recurrences. Objectives: We investigated abnormal anatomical structures that triggers recurrence of CSDH during craniotomy as well as burr-hole craniostomy with endoscopic assistance. Materials and Method: We retrospectively analyzed all patients with CSDH who underwent craniostomy and burr-hole craniotomy with endoscopic assisted evacuation of hematoma between April 2017 and November 2020 at our institution. Clinical data obtained was categorized into patient-related, radiology as well as surgery and endoscopic evaluations. Results: A total of 143 patients (109 men and 34 women) aged 43-94 years (mean age, 68.35 years) with CSDH were included in this study. We observed a recurrence rate of 4.9% (7/143). Recurrences occurred between 2-6 months after the operation in patients with recurrences.Our data revealed that, age, hypertension, history of injury, diabetes, antiplatelet or anticoagulant use were not associated with hematoma recurrence. Nevertheless, all the patients with recurrence of hematoma were males. Interestingly, our univariate and multivariate analyses found neomembrane thickness and hematoma cavity separation as independent risk factors (OR,45.822; 95% CI,2.666-787.711; p=0.008) for the recurrence of CSDH (p<0.05). Also, we observed thickened membranes connecting/separating the dura and the thickened arachnoid/pia matters in all the 7 patients with hematoma recurrence. Conclusion: The treatment of patients with CSDH ought to include the identification and resection of abnormal thickened membranes connecting/separating the dura and the thickened arachnoid/pia matters to avoid recurrence. Comparatively, endoscopy showed hematoma cavity separation or neomembrane thickness just as seen during craniotomy.
Exploration of student’s social presence in a web-based discussion for conceptual learning of organic chemistry
Authors: Iyamuremye Aloys , Mukiza Janvier , Nsabayezu Ezechiel , Kwitonda Jean Dieu , Habimana Claude
Published: February 2022

The current paper reports social presence in web-based discussion for their conceptual learning of organic chemistry class. The study examined students-students, students-instructor, and students-leaning materials interactions via the designed web-based discussion. We developed an online forum nicknamed” Universal Chemistry Network to enhance communication among students and teachers in organic chemistry class. A sample of 138 senior five students was purposively selected from two secondary schools located in Kicukiro district, Eastern province in Rwanda. A questionnaire composed of multiple-choice and open-ended questions was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and interpretive analysis were used to analyze data. The results revealed that the use of web-based discussion is the potential and effective teaching method for enhancing students' -student’s and student’s- teacher’s interaction in organic chemistry class also students appreciated this teaching and learning method as it helped them to search for additional information, exchange their ideas, knowledge, and experiences. A web-based discussion was also found to provide the students with the potential confidence and motivation to express freely their ideas. The challenges faced by students during web-based discussion while learning organic chemistry were also examined
Covid-19 and Rural Educational Systems of Goa, India: A Descriptive Short Report of a Government School in Sattari, Goa
Authors: Fale Dattaram , D’Souza Nezlyn Cressida
Published: February 2022

The devastating Sars-cov-2 outbreak of 2020 has affected all functioning systems of the world, as well as highlighted the loopholes in existing systems. As with other services, the educational systems across the globe have been drastically affected. Being a country of people of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, India, a country that has the world’s second-largest school system, has seen a disproportionate effect of the pandemic and the restrictions imposed on the teaching-learning systems of rural and urban environments. As the country suffered through multiple devastating waves of the Covid-19 pandemic, it imposed the longest-running closures of schools. Like other states of India, the education systems of Goa, a lush green state on the West coast of India, has also been affected by the pandemic and related modification of regulations. The rural schools of Goa have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic as compared with schools in urban environments. This paper discusses the case of a government school in Sattari-North Goa, enlightens the challenges faced and initiatives that were taken to tackle the situation.
Extra-Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (EGISTs): A Case Report for A Mischief Entity
Authors: Charif Mohamad Hadi El , Amro Sara , Boulos Fouad , Khalife Mohamad , Shamseddine Ali , Assi Hazem , Sbaity Eman
Published: February 2022

Background: Extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumor (EGIST) is a rare subtype of soft tissue sarcomas with significantly variable presentation, management and prognosis. This makes it crucial to report the different institutional experiences of encountering EGIST.Case Presentation: We report three cases of EGIST diagnosis at our institution for 2 males and 1 female in the 5th, 6th and 7th decades of life, respectively. For the first case, the tumor was initially suspected to be ovarian cancer but biopsy revealed a diagnosis of EGIST and the patient was started on neoadjuvant therapy. In the second case, the tumor was retrogastric and prelim diagnosis was gastric cancer but again biopsy revealed an EGIST histopathology and the patient underwent surgery and adjuvant treatment. For the third case, a previous history of testicular cancer prompted an initial suspicion of recurrence with metastasis but biopsy and immunohistochemistry staining revealed EGIST with related markers. The patient underwent treatment at a different institution in his home country.Conclusion: This report sheds light on the importance of keeping EGIST amongst any differential list for abdominal and pelvic tumors. It also shows that EGIST-focused studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of the different treatment modalities available when utilized specifically for EGIST. This would allow for better oncological outcomes and improved quality of life.
Clinicopathological characteristics of neuroendocrine differentiated invasive breast cancer with simultaneous gastric, colon and lung metastases: a case report
Authors: Wang Yang-kun , Chen Xiao-dong , Liao Xing-hai , Yang Bin-Feng
Published: February 2022

Background: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast with neuroendocrine differentiation and metastasis to the stomach, colon and lung at the same time. Methods: To The histopathological characteristics and immunophenotype of a case of breast invasive ductal carcinoma with neuroendocrine characteristics and concurrent gastric, colon and lung metastases were observed. Results: The histological structure and cell morphology of the primary lesions and metastatic lesions of breast invasive ductal carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation were basically the same, and they were all non-lumen invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. The antibody markers of this case of breast invasive ductal carcinoma were as follows: the primary and metastatic foci were all positive for E-cad, p120 and ER, while PR, HER2, GATA3, Mammaglobin and GCDFP-15 were all negative. The antibody markers of non-breast tissues were as follows: TTF1, CgA and Sym were positively expressed in primary and metastatic foci. This tumour was extremely rare and had characteristic histomorphological changes. Conclusion: The diagnosis of invasive breast carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation should be based on histology and cell morphology, CgA and SyN-positive expression, mitosis and cell proliferation index ki-67 positive cell comprehensive analysis, in order to improve understanding and early diagnosis and avoid missed diagnosis and misdiagnosed cases.
Perspective on the Optimal Diagnostic Approach for Dysphagia Considering Wearing-off Phenomenon in a Patient with Parkinson’s Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Kim Kyoung Tae
Published: February 2022

BackgroundDysphagia is a major disability in patients with Parkinson's disease. Unlike its motor symptoms, dysphagia is relatively unresponsive to dopaminergic drugs. However occasionally, swallowing difficulty is significantly affected by the wearing off phenomenon. In such cases, it is difficult to accurately assess the severity of dysphagia if evaluation of swallowing is performed without considering the on-period based on dopaminergic medication.Case presentationHere, we report a case of dysphagia in a patient with Parkinson’s disease severely affected by the wearing-off phenomenon. The patient presented severe oral phase delay with choking symptoms during fluid intake. Massive aspiration was observed on routine scheduled videofluroscopic swallowing study, and an alternative feeding method and maximum diet restriction were prescribed. However, when swallowing evaluation was performed according to the on-period, almost no abnormal function was observed, and after the on/off period-tailored food intake prescription, sufficient nutrition was possible without aspiration.ConclusionIn swallowing evaluation for dysphagia in patient with Parkinson's disease, it is essential to consider the wearing-off phenomenon. Patient-specific swallowing evaluation and diet prescription is needed to establish optimal therapeutic strategies.
The First Case of Clear Cell Sarcoma of Soft Tissue with Purely Plasmacytoid Morphology: A Case Report
Authors: Han Xu , Li Qingchang , Wang En-Hua , Liu Nan
Published: February 2022

Clear cell sarcoma of soft tissue (CCSST) is a rare malignant tumor occurring in the extremities of young adults. The tumor cells arranged in nests and sheets, with clear to eosinophilic cytoplasm separated by fibrous septa. CCSST has been documented to have atypical histopathological features, such as epidermotropism or myxoid differentiation, which may set pitfalls in differential diagnosis. Herein, we report a case of CCSST with purely plasmacytoid morphology which has never been described. The patient, a 15-year-old male, presented with a 5-cm mass in his left inguinal area. He received cryotherapy for a “black mole” on his back two years ago without pathology record. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography examination showed nodules in the left groin and the lung, the latter was considered as metastasis. Needle biopsy of inguinal mass showed tumor cells were uniformly sized, with eosinophilic cytoplasm and eccentric, basophilic nuclei, resembling plasmocytes. Immunostaining showed strong expression of S-100, HMB45, Melan-A, and MUM-1 in all tumor cells, while CD79a and CD38 were negative. Genetic analysis revealed the tumor harboring no BRAF mutations but EWSR1 rearrangement. Accordingly, the diagnosis of CCSST with plasmacytoid morphology was made. This is the first case of CCSST with purely plasmacytoid morphology which should be aware during evaluating and differentiating CCSST from tumors with similar morphology, such as plasmacytoid melanoma and extramedullary plasmacytoma, etc.
The Effect of Web-Based Education Programs on Self-Efficacy and Self-Care Behavior in Quality of Life Among Diabetic Type 2 Patients in Public Hospital
Authors: MALEK TENGKU MOHD MIZWAR BIN T , Ahmad Aini Binti
Published: February 2022

Background: Changing to an intervention method in health education is a very challenging process and requires various transformations. Complications from the increasingly complicated diagnosis of type 2 diabetes cause diabetic patients to experience a deterioration in aspects of diabetic self-efficacy management (DSEM), diabetic self-care behavior management (DSCM) in their quality of life (QoL). Unsuitable environmental factors, increased amputation rates, and lack of information resources of choice for patients, researchers have innovated in type 2 diabetic health education through web-based Diabetic-N-Care education as a moderator to DSEM, DSCM, and QoL and as a method, an alternative to face to face education in Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah Kuala Terengganu.Objective: This study aims to identify the effects of web-based educational programs on diabetic self-efficacy management (DSEM), diabetic self-care behavior management (DSCM) in quality of life (QoL) among type 2 diabetes patients in public hospitals.Method: This study used a quantitative quasi-experimental design of pre-test and post-test. Diabetic-N-Care program was conducted at Orthopedic Clinic Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah Kuala Terengganu for 34 days, where purposive sampling involved type 2 diabetic patients who were divided into intervention groups (IG) (n = 60) and control group (CG) (n = 60). Respondents are the same individual for each phase of measurement.Results: Data analysis method the general linear model repeated measures ANOVA, Split-plot ANOVA (SPANOVA) and paired t-test was conducted on 120 patients to see the effect of using Diabetic-N-Care on IG. The results of Split - plot ANOVA analysis showed a significant overall effect of DSEM, DSCM, and QoL (p = 0.000) on IG. Meanwhile, paired t-test analysis there was a significant mean difference in DSEM, DSCM, and QoL at pre-test and post-test (p = 0.000) to IG compared to CG.Conclusion: Web-based health education can have an impact on DSEM, DSCM in the QoL of type 2 diabetic patients were greater than before confidence, change the old behavior to new behavior to improve quality of life in the long term planning. Therefore, this study concludes that web-based methods such as Diabetic-N-Care need to be widely adapted in current health education methods.