bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Football and Team Handball Training Postpone Cellular Aging in Women
Authors: Hagman Marie , Fristrup Bjørn , Michelin Rémi , Krustrup Peter , Asghar Muhammad
Published: March 2021

Aims: Several hallmarks of aging have been identified and examined separately in previous exercise studies. For the first time, this study investigates the effect of lifelong regular exercise in humans on two of the central aging hallmarks combined. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 129 healthy, non-smoking women, including young elite football players (YF, n=29), young untrained controls (YC, n=30), elderly team handball players (EH, n=35) and elderly untrained controls (EC, n=35). From a resting blood sample, mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated and sorted into monocytes and lymphocytes. Telomere length, mitochondrial (mtDNA) copy number and mitochondrial function (PGC-1α and PGC-1β expression) were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results: Overall, young women showed significantly longer telomeres and higher mitochondrial function, but lower mtDNA copy number compared to elderly subjects. A multivariate analysis showed that YF had 22–24% longer telomeres in lymphocytes and MNCs compared to YC. In addition, YF showed 19–20% higher mtDNA copy number in lymphocytes and MNCs compared to YC. The two young groups did not differ in PGC-1α and PGC-1β expression. EH showed 14% lower mtDNA copy number in lymphocytes compared to EC, but 3.4-fold higher lymphocyte PGC-1α expression compared to EC. In MNCs, EH also showed 1.4-1.6- fold higher mitochondrial function. The two elderly groups did not differ in telomere length.Conclusion: Elite football training and lifelong team handball training are associated with anti-aging mechanisms in leukocytes in women, including maintenance of telomere length and upregulation of mitochondrial function.
Oxygen saturation changes in relation to the use of gloves: an uncontrolled before and after intervention study
Authors: Pérez Rocío Nieto , Gascón María Martínez , Guisado-Clavero Marina , Ares-Blanco Sara
Published: March 2021

Background: Nurses have had an essential role in health promotion (hand washing, social distance and wearing a mask) during COVID-19 pandemic. However, some patients wear gloves, which is a possible barrier to proper examination. The aim of this study was to determine the difference in oxygen saturation measurement with or without the use of powder-free nitrile gloves.Methods: A prospective quasi-experimental before and after study was conducted in a primary care practice (PCP) from Madrid. Intervention consisted in measuring oxygen saturation (SpO2) for each participant covering a finger with a powder-free nitrile glove and a posterior measure without glove. Data collection was obtained from June to July 2020 with patients of the PCP. Variables included were demographic data (age and sex), respiratory medical history and suspicion of COVID-19. Descriptive statistics were expressed as frequencies or means with its standard deviation (SD). Effect of gloves was obtained performing Student’s t-test and agreement was determined by Bland-Altman analysis. Data was stratified by age range.Results: 177 patients participated in the intervention, mean age was 58.7 (SD: 18.8) years and 53.7% were female, 19.8% had smoke habit, 18.1% had respiratory medical history and 27.7% were suspicious COVID-19 case. No differences were observed in SpO2 intervention across age groups (p value 0.058 with gloves and 0.150 without). There were statistical significance difference in: patients <50 years (SpO2: +0.65), 50-75 years (SpO2: +0.62), females (SpO2: +0.79), smokers (SpO2: +0.60) and COVID suspicious cases (SpO2: +0.64). Bland-Altman analysis was performed, mean difference was -0.56 ± 1.38% (95% CI, -0.77 to -0.35), and the limits of agreement were -3.32 and 2.19%.Conclusions: The use of powder-free nitrile glove do not change SpO2 with pulse oximetry in general population. However, those patients with potential lung affection might have measures without gloves. Nursing is crucial to educate and prevent from COVID-19 infection.
Two Novel Human Anti-cd25 Antibodies With Antitumor Activity Inversely Related to Its Affinity and in Vitro Activity
Authors: Song Deyong , Liu Xiu , Dong Chuangchuang , Sha Chunjie , Ning Zhenfei , Wang Qiaoping , Han Jing , Liu Hong , Xu Hongguang , Zhang Huimin , Xing Pingping , Zong Mengqi , Li Ying , Liu Guangsheng , Shao Xin , Dou Changlin
Published: March 2021

High tumor regulatory T (Treg) cell infiltration is associated with poor prognosis of many cancers. CD25 is highly expressed on tumor Treg cells and is a potential target for Treg deletion. Previously characterized anti-CD25 antibodies appear to have limited efficacy. Here we identified two human anti-CD25 antibodies, BA9 and BT942, which demonstrated strong tumor growth inhibition in both early and late-stage animal cancer models. BT942 had weaker binding and cytotoxic activity to human CD25-expressing cell lines than BA9. But BT942 showed a stronger anti-tumor effect and resulted a higher expansion of CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells in tumor microenvironment at the mouse MC38 model compared to BA9. As CD25 is transiently expressed on activated Teff cells, it is likely that BT942 with lower affinity can distinguish high expression Treg and low expression Teff and therefore cannot kill Teff cells effectively. Such a combination of BT942’s abilities may underline its stronger effect. BT942 also demonstrated higher tumor growth inhibition in combination with an anti-PD1 antibody. Pharmacokinetic tests of BT942 in cynomolgus monkey demonstrated a half-life of 206.97±19.03 hours. No toxicity efficacy was seen in mice efficacy or monkey examinations. BT942 appears to be an excellent candidate for cancer immunotherapy.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibition by Major Tanshinones From Salvia Miltiorrhiza and Selective Muscarinic Acetylcholine M4 Receptor Antagonism by Tanshinone I
Authors: Prajapati Ritu , Park Se Eun , Seong Su Hui , Paudel Pradeep , Fauzi Fazlin Mohd , Jung Hyun Ah , Choi Jae Sue
Published: March 2021

Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are considered important therapeutic targets for Parkinson's disease (PD). Lipophilic tanshinones are major phytoconstituents in dried roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza that have demonstrated neuroprotective anti-Parkinson effects against dopaminergic neurotoxins and the inhibition of human monoamine oxidase (hMAO)-A. Since MAO-B inhibition is also considered an important therapeutic approach for PD, we accessed the potential of three abundant tanshinone congeners in hMAO-A and hMAO-B inhibition in vitro. In our study, tanshinone I (1) exhibited the highest potency against hMAO-A, followed by tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone with IC50 values less than 10 μM. They also suppressed hMAO-B activity with IC50 values lower than 25 μM. Although the hMAO-A inhibitory activity of tanshinones has been reported, the mechanism of enzyme inhibition and binding sites are yet to be studied. Thus, we conducted enzyme kinetics and molecular docking studies to evaluate the mode of enzyme inhibition and interactions. Proteochemometric modeling further predicted mAChRs as potential targets of 1 and an in vitro functional G-protein coupled receptor assay confirmed the selective M4 antagonist nature of 1. These findings indicate that 1 is a potential therapeutic molecule for managing the motor dysfunction and depression associated with PD.
Local and Network Behavior of a Bistable Vibrational Energy Harvester Considering Periodic and Quasiperiodic Excitations
Authors: Karthikeyan Anitha , Ramesh Arthanari , Moroz Irene , Duraisamy Prakash , Rajagopal Karthikeyan
Published: March 2021

Vibrational energy harvesters can exhibit complex nonlinear behavior when exposed to external excitations. Depending on the number of stable equilibriums the energy harvesters are defined and analyzed. In this work we focus on the bistable energy harvester with two energy wells. Though there have been earlier discussions on such harvesters, all these works focus on periodic excitations. Hence, we are focusing our analysis on both periodic and quasiperiodic forced bistable energy harvester. Various dynamical properties are explored, and the bifurcation plots of the periodically excited harvester shows coexisting hidden attractors. To investigate the collective behavior of the harvesters, we mathematically constructed a two-dimensional lattice array of the harvesters. A non-local coupling is considered, and we could show the emergence of chimeras in the network. As discussed in the literature energy harvesters can be efficient if the chaotic regimes can be suppressed and hence we focus our discussion towards synchronizing the nodes in the network when they are not in their chaotic regimes. We could successfully define the conditions to achieve complete synchronization in both periodic and quasiperiodically excited harvesters.
Investigation of Genetic Markers for Intramuscular Fat in the Hybrid Wagyu Cattle With Bulked Segregant Analysis
Authors: Zhu Yun , Han Liyun , Li Peng , Kang Xiaolong , Dan Xingang , Ma Yun , Shi Yuangang
Published: March 2021

Bulked Segregant Analysis（BSA）is a rapid strategy for identifying genetic markers in specific regions of the phenotypical population and it has been widely used for QTLs mapping in smaller mixed F2 and F3 populations. We applied a modified BSA method to assessed genome-wide homozygous and heterozygous linkage patterns in the Chinese Wagyu Beef Cattle F2/F3 mixed population. Two overlapped regions from F2 and F3 populations on autosomes were found with high-density heterozygote alleles between high and low intramuscular fat groups. Regions from 24.8M~29.6M of chromosome 23 were identified as most significantly correlated to the intramuscular fat in our samples. We also identified other 4 potential loci on chromosomes 5, 9, 15, and 21 correlated with Intramuscular fat. This study provided a novel low-cost method for QTLs mapping and identify molecular markers of phenotypical changes in a small mixed population.
Δ 9 -Tetrahydrocannabinol Promotes Functional Remyelination in the Mouse Brain
Authors: Aguado Tania , Huerga-Gómez Alba , Torre Aníbal Sánchez-De la , Resel Eva , Chara Juan Carlos , Matute Carlos , Mato Susana , Galve-Roperh Ismael , Guzmán Manuel , PALAZUELOS JAVIER
Published: March 2021

Background: Research on demyelinating disorders aims to find novel molecules able to induce oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation to promote CNS remyelination and functional recovery. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most prominent active constituent of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa, confers neuroprotection in animal models of demyelination. However, the possible effect of THC on myelin repair has never been studied. Methods: By using oligodendroglia-specific reporter mouse lines in combination with 2 models of toxin-induced demyelination, we analyzed the effect of THC on the processes of oligodendrocyte regeneration and functional remyelination. Results: We show that THC administration enhanced oligodendrocyte regeneration, white matter remyelination, and motor function recovery. THC also promoted axonal remyelination in organotypic cerebellar cultures. THC remyelinating action relied on the induction of oligodendrocyte precursor differentiation upon cell cycle exit and via CB1 cannabinoid receptor activation. Conclusions: Overall, our study identifies THC administration as a promising pharmacological strategy aimed to promote functional CNS remyelination in demyelinating disorders.
Association of Heavy Metals with Overall Mortality in a Taiwanese Population
Authors: Liu Yi-hsueh , Wang Chih-Wen , Wu Da-Wei , Lee Wen-Hsien , Chen Ying-Chih , Li Chiu-Hui , Tsai Chun-Chi , Lin Wen-Yi , Chen Szu-Chia , Hung Chih-Hsing , Kuo Chao-Hung , Su Ho-Ming
Published: March 2021

Previous studies have shown links between heavy metals and many health issues. However, data on the association between heavy metals and mortality in the general population are still limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between heavy metals and overall mortality in the general population. We enrolled 2,497 participants (1,001 males and 1,496 females) living in southern Taiwan, and measured levels of seven heavy metals: lead (Pb) in blood and cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn) and arsenic (As) in urine. The median follow-up period was 41.8 (4-50) months, during which 40 (1.6%) patients died. Compared to the participants who survived, those who died had higher urine Cd, higher urine Cu and lower urine Mn levels. Multivariate analysis showed that high urine Cd (per 1 mg/L; hazard ratio [HR], 1.352; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.089-1.680; p = 0.006), high urine Cu (per 1 mg/dL; HR, 1.350; 95% CI, 1.151-1.583; p < 0.001), and low urine Mn (per 1 mg/L; HR, 0.717; 95% CI, 0.557-0.923; p = 0.010) were associated with increased overall mortality. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that high levels of urine Cd and Cu and low urine Mn level were associated with increased overall mortality in general population.
Mobilization of Progenitor Cells and Vessel Healing After Implantation of Synergytm in Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Sakuma Masashi , Nishino Setsu , Nasuno Takahisa , Tokura Michiaki , Sohma Ryoichi , Inoue Ken-ichi , Kanaya Tomoaki , Obi Syotaro , Toyoda Shigeru , Abe Shichiro , Attizzani Guiherme , Pereira Gabriel , Bezerra Hiram , Inoue Teruo , Kageyama Michiya
Published: March 2021

This study was aimed to compare the vascular healing process of a SYNERGYTM stent with that of a PROMUS PREMIERTM stent in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).　In 71 patients with ACS, undergoing coronary stent implantation using the SYNERGYTM stent (n=52) or PROMUS PREMIERTM stent (n=19), we measured circulating CD34+/CD133+/CD45null cells and CD34+/KDR+ cells and observed vascular healing at the stented sites using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and coronary angioscopy. On the day 7, circulating CD34+/CD133+/CD45null cells increased in SYNERGY group (P<0.0001), while it did not change in PROMUS group. The CD34+/KDR+ cells also increased in SYNERGY group (P<0.0001) but less significantly in the PROMUS group (P<0.05). The OCT-based neointimal thickness (P<0.0005) and neointimal coverage rate (P<0.05) at 12 months were greater in SYNERGY group, compared with PROMUS group. The coronary angioscopy-based neointimal coverage grade at 12 months was also greater in SYNERGY group (P<0.001). In overall patients, the change in CD34+/KDR+ cells on the day 7 correlated with the OCT-based neointimal thickness at 12 months (R=0.288, P<0.05).　SYNERGYTM stent seems to have potential advantages over PROMUS PREMIERTM stent for ACS patients in terms of vascular healing process at the stented sites.
Prevalence and Factors Associated With HIV in Homeless People
Authors: Magalhães Rosilane de Lima Brito , Brito Giselle Mary Ibiapina , Carvalho Matheus Sousa Marques , Borges Braulio Vieira de Sousa , Valle Andreia Rodrigues Moura da Costa , Silva-Junior Fernando Lopes e , Reis Renata Karina , Galvão Marli Teresinha Gimeniz , Gir Elucir
Published: March 2021

BackgroundInfection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) compromises the immune system of infected people. Homeless people are more vulnerable to HIV infection due to behavioral and sexual factors. The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in homeless people in a capital of Northeastern Brazil. MethodsCross-sectional study carried out at the Reference Center for the homeless population (Centro Pop), in a capital of Northeastern Brazil, from September/2017 to September/2018. Data collected through a semi-structured form including socio-demographic data, risk and sexual behaviors and anti-HIV serology. Data were analyzed using Person's Chi-square test. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (CEP) of the Federal University of Piauí. ResultsA prevalence of 3.9% was detected among the 204 homeless people investigated,, that is, 8-204 of anti-HIV reagent, with statistical significance in relation to sexual practice with people of the same sex p ≤ 0.012 and previous sexually transmitted infection (STI) p ≤ 0.002. There was a predominance of males 87.3%, 66.0% were over thirty years of age, 58.3% had less than 12 years of schooling, 84.8% declared they were non-white, 57.3% had no fixed income, 67.0% professed religion, 89.7% declared to be heterosexual, 71.5% did not use a condom during the first sexual intercourse, 28.4% had had sexual intercourse with people of the same sex, and 41.0% had a history of STI. ConclusionsHIV prevalence was higher than in people in the general population. Results show an association between history of any STI and more time on the streets. And also risk behaviors such as high consumption of alcohol and other drugs, low frequency of condom use, increased number of sexual partners.
The Effect and Mechanism of ICA Regulation of miR-122-5p which from Osteoblasts-Derived Exosomes on Osteogenesis and Migration of BMSCs
Authors: Yang Aofei , Liu Xiangzhong , Yang Lu , Hu Jing , Ning Yu , Cai Hantao , Li Zhanghua
Published: March 2021

BackgroundAvascular necrosis of femoral head（ANFH）is a common disease in orthopedics, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. At present, there is no clear method to solve it in clinical practice. In order to cope with this worldwide problem, many scholars have devoted themselves to the research on the treatment of ANFH. Promoting the osteogenic differentiation and directed migration of stem cells is one of the main ideas for the treatment of ANFH. In recent years, more and more researches have begun to pay attention to Chinese medicine and Chinese medicine extracts. At present, in the field of bone regeneration, epimedium is the most in-depth study of Chinese herbal medicine, and Icariin is one of the main active ingredients of epimedium. MethodsDifferent concentrations of Icariin were applied to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and the optimal concentration of Icariin to promote osteogenic differentiation and migration of BMSCs was observed. Then the exosomes from osteoblasts were combined with the optimal concentration of Icariin to BMSCs, observe the effect of promoting osteogenic differentiation and migration of BMSCs. Using high-throughput sequencing, analyze the composition of osteoblast-derived exosomes, predict the target miRNA, and then use miRNA minic and inhibitor to verify. ResultsThe optimal concentration of Icariin to promote osteogenic differentiation and migration of BMSCs is 1×10-7 M. Icariin combined with osteoblast-derived exosomes can effectively promote the osteogenic differentiation and migration of BMSCs. The top four miRNAs which content in osteoblast-derived exosomes are let-7a-5p, miR-100-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-122-5p, and analysis shows that miR-122-5p is related to osteogenic differentiation , The verification found that miR-122-5p can significantly promote the osteogenic differentiation and migration of BMSCs. ConclusionsIcariin can clearly promote the osteogenic differentiation and migration of BMSCs, and osteoblast-derived exosomes can also effectively promote the osteogenic differentiation and migration of BMSCs, the combination of Icariin and osteoblast-derived exosomes can enhance this effect. In this process, one of its targets is miR-122-5p.
Foveal Avascular Zone Evaluation in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy without Diabetic Macular Edema Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Halfawy Mohamed Mahmoud , Salman Abelrahman Gaber , Said Azza M.A. , Beltagi Tarek El , Karim Marwa A.
Published: March 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Predicting Model for Tumor Budding Status using Radiomics Features of 18F-PET/CT and in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Chong Gun Oh , Park Shin-Hyung , Jeong Shin Young , Kim Su Jeong , Park Jee Young , Lee Yoon Hee , Lee Sang-Woo , Hong Dae Gy , Park Ji Young , Han Hyung Soo
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare radiomics feature on 18F-FDG PET/CT and intratumoral heterogeneity according to tumor budding (TB) status and to develop predicting model for TB status using radiomics feature of 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with cervical cancer.Materials and methodsA total of 76 cervical cancer patients who performed radical hysterectomy and preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT were included. We assessed the status of intratumoral budding (ITP) and peritumoral budding (PTB) in all available hematoxylin and eosin-stained specimens. Three conventional metabolic parameters and a total of 59 features were extracted and analyzed. Univariate analysis was used to identify significant metabolic parameters and radiomics findings for TB status. Predicting model for TB status was built by the LASSO regularization.ResultsThe univariate analysis lead to the identification of 2 significant metabolic parameters and 12 significant radiomic features according to ITB status. Among these parameters, only compacity was remained in multivariate analysis for ITB status (odds ratio. 5.0047; 95% confidence interval, 1.1636 – 21.5253; p = 0.0305). Five radiomics features (Kurtosis, Compacity, Short-Zone Low Gray-level Emphasis, Coarseness, Low Gray-level Run Emphasis) were selected by the LASSO regularization and the predicting model for ITB status had a mean area under curve of 0.810 in training dataset and 0.794 in validation dataset.ConclusionRadiomics features on 18F-FDG PET/CT was associated with ITB status. The predicting model using radiomics features successfully predicted TB status in cervical cancer. The predicting models for ITB status may contribute to personalized medicine in the management of cervical cancer patients.
Comparison of Ray Tracing and Monte Carlo Calculation Algorithms for Spine Lesions Treated with CyberKnife
Authors: Li Jun , Zhang Xile , Pan Yuxi , Zhuang Hongqing , Yang Ruijie
Published: March 2021

Purpose: This study attempts to evaluate Ray Tracing (RT) and Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm for CyberKnife treatments of spine lesions and determine whether MC algorithm is necessary for all spine treatment and analyze which sites of spine lesion for which RT algorithm is comparable to MC algorithm. Methods: The CyberKnife is used for stereotactic body radiotherapy for lesions in the cervical spine (30), thoracic spine (50), lumbar spine (30) and sacral spine (15). Dose was calculated using RT and MC algorithms for patients planned with the same beam angles and monitor units. Dose-volume histograms of the target and selected critical structures are evaluated. Results: The average target coverage of prescribed dose with MC algorithms was 94.80%, 88.47%, 92.52% and 93.41% respectively in cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine. For thoracic spine, RT algorithm significantly overestimates the percentage volume of target covered by the prescribed dose, as well as overestimates doses to organs at risk in most cases, including lung, spinal cord and esophagus. For cervical, lumbar and sacral spine, the differences of the target coverage of prescription dose were generally less than 3% between the RT and MC algorithms. The differences of doses to organs at risk varied with lesion sites and surrounding organs. Conclusions: In the thoracic spine lesions with beams through air cavities, RT algorithm should be limited and verified with MC algorithm, but the RT algorithm is adequate for treatment of cervical, lumbar and sacral spine lesions without or small amount of beams passing through the lungs.
Remediation of 4-Nitroaniline by Plaster-Based Permeable Reactive Barriers Containing Zero Valent Iron (ZVI): Precast Plaster Retaining Wall Blocks for Environmental Applications
Authors: boudia saliha , fernane farida , sharrock patrick j , fiallo marina m.l.
Published: March 2021

Permeable reactive barrier (PRB) containing zero valent iron (ZVI), plaster and additives to make a porous composite structure was tested to remove an organic nitro compound as model pollutant. An aqueous solution of 4-nitroaniline (PNA) was passed through a porous plaster composite column and chemical degradation quantified by UV-Vis spectroscopy. PNA was reduced to p-phenylenediamine and the rate of the reduction was strongly related to ZVI amount, pollutant volume, and the contact rate with metal particles. The parameters could be controlled by reactor design and operation. The columns were made to test the materials for making precast plaster blocks containing ZVI. The results showed that such porous plaster blocks could be efficient as retaining walls for environmental applications.
Impact of Ramadan Fasting on Migraine Headache
Authors: Al-Hashel Jasem Yousef , Abokalawa Fathi , Toma Raneem , Algubari Amani , Ahmed Samar Farouk
Published: March 2021

Background: Fasting is known as a migraine trigger for migraine. Muslims fast one month every luminal year. We aimed to study the impact of The Holy month of Ramadan on episodic migraine.Methods: This retrospective study included patients diagnosed as migraine according to The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICDH-3). Both genders, aged between 18 and 65 years were included. The impact of fasting and changing habits during the month of Ramadan was studied. Frequency, severity of migraine attacks and number of analgesic days during Ramadan were compared to those during Shaban, the Immediate previous month to Ramadan. Number of breaking fasting due to migraine was reported.Results: This study identified 293 with migraine with mean age and mean disease duration 37.09 ±9.36, 12.34±9.27 years respectively. Most of them were females(89.1%). During Ramadan month, the patient had significant increase in migraine days 10.42±7.98 compared with 6.90±6.55 migraine days during the previous month (p < 0.001). Also, days of analgesic use (11.32±10.46 versus 6.11±6.69;P<0,001) and migraine severity (7.46±2.39 versus 6.84±2.25; P<0,001) were significantly increased during Ramadan compared to Shaban. Most of the patients completed fasting the whole month of Ramadan. A minority (1.7) could not tolerate fasting whole Ramadan due intolerable migraine headache and 36.5% broke their fasting for some days during Ramadan. Some patients changed previous prophylactic therapy before fasting to reduce the impact of fasting on migraine headache. Most of our cohort (82.3%) continue on the same management plan for migraine during Ramadan. Majority of cohort (75.4%) reported that migraine interfered with their daily activities due to fasting during Ramadan. Conclusion: Ramadan fasting has negative impact on the majority of migraine patients. Physicians should educate migraine patients who to manage their headache and habits before starting fasting.
Lipidomics Profiling of Goose Granulosa Cells Model of SCD Function Identifies a Pattern of Lipid Droplets Associated with Follicle Development
Authors: Yuan Xin , Hu Shenqiang , Li Liang , Han Chunchun , Liu Hehe , He Hua , Xia Lu , Hu Jiwei , Hu Bo , Ran Mingxia , Liu Yali , Wang Jiwen
Published: March 2021

Despite their important functions and nearly ubiquitous presence in cells, an understanding of the biology of intracellular lipid droplets (LDs) in goose follicle development remains limited. An integrated study of lipidomic and transcriptomic analyses was performed in a cellular model of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) function, to determine the effects of intracellular LDs on follicle development in geese. Numerous internalized LDs, which were generally spherical in shape, were dispersed throughout the cytoplasm of granulosa cells (GCs) by confocal microscopy analysis, with altered SCD expression affecting LD content. GCs lipidomics profiling showed that the majority of the differentially abundant lipids classes were glycerophospholipids, including PA, PC, PE, PG, PI and PS, and glycerolipids, including DG and TG, which enriched the glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism and glycerolipid metabolism. As compared with lipidomics, transcriptomics provided differentially expressed genes (DEGs), part of which were assigned to lipid-related Gene Ontology slim terms. More DEGs were assigned in the SCD-knockdown group than in the SCD-overexpressed group. Integration of the differentially significant genes and lipids into pathway enrichment analysis identified potentially targetable pathways in glycerolipid/glycerophospholipid metabolism. These results demonstrated the importance of lipids in providing novel insights to understand follicle development, thus providing a potential lead to new avenues for deciphering the underlying mechanisms of lipid-mediated follicle development.
What Factors Impact Pedestrian and Cyclist Fatalities? A State Level Analysis
Authors: Hafeez Zoabe , Mehta Malvi
Published: March 2021

Background

Pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and fatalities have increased since 2010 after a long downward trend. Trucks and SUVs, collectively called light trucks, have also increased in sales and size, which may affect pedestrians and bicyclists. Additionally, pedestrian and cyclist commuters vary by state and it has been speculated that an increase in such commuters may affect fatalities. Studying vulnerable road users can bestow clues on best practices for infrastructure and public health.
Methods

State level pedestrian and cyclist fatality data was obtained from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration for 2018. Light truck registration by state was obtained from the Office of Highway Policy Information for 2018. Commuters who walk or bike to work were obtained from the American Community Survey from 2009 to 2011, from the latest Centers for Disease Control report. We performed multiple linear regression, accounting for total motor vehicle lane miles per 100 people, also obtained from the Office of Highway Policy Information for 2018. Multiple regression analysis was performed to assess predictors for pedestrian and cyclist fatalities with the predictors variables of light truck registration, lane miles per 100 people, and proportion of commuters who are vulnerable road users. Secondary analysis included simple linear regression of the predictor variables against each other.
Results

The multiple regression model, including proportion of light truck registration, lane miles per 100 people, and proportion of commuters who are vulnerable road users, accounted for 18% of the variability in the outcome variable (p = 0.03). An increased number of vulnerable road users were negatively associated with pedestrian and bicyclist fatality. Additionally, there appeared to be an association between motor vehicle lane miles per 100 people and proportion of light truck registrations that was also significant (p < 0.01).
Conclusion

The variables affecting vulnerable road user deaths are important to understand given their increased risk exposure on the road. This state level study identifies a potential protective variable with increased vulnerable road users being associated with a decrease in pedestrian and bicyclist death rates. Additionally, light truck proportions do not appear to have a significant effect on death rates.
Enzymatic Coupled Mechanical Defibrillation Process for the Production of Corn (Zea Mays) Cob Microfibrillated Cellulose: Preparation, Characterization and Evaluation as Pickering Emulsifier for Oil-In-Water Emulsion
Authors: Tang Teck-Kim , Lee Yee-Ying , Phuah Eng-Tong , Tan Chin-Ping , Kanagaratnam Sivaruby , Wang Yong , Cheong Ling-Zhi , Li Ying , Jamalullail Nurul Aini , Lai Oi-Ming
Published: March 2021

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) is a type of nanocellulose having multiple functionalities. Typically, MFC was produced from mechanical high pressure homogenization process. However, this process is energy intensive and the fibrous nature of MFC often causes instrument blockage. The present study aims to utilize endoglucanse enzyme as environmentally friendly approach to pretreat fiber structure prior to undergoing mechanical defibrillation for the production of MFC from corn cob. Alkaline and bleached pretreated corn cob was treated with endoglucanase Fibercare R from 0% to 2.5% before passing through high pressure homogenizer. It was found that incorporation of 0.02% of endoglucanase was sufficient to soften the corn cob cellulose and further prevent the blockage of homogenizer. Subsequently, the 0.02% endoglucanse treated corn cob was passed through different cycles of homogenization from 0 cycle to 10 cycle for MFC production. It was observed that the water retention, zeta potential and shear viscosity of the MFC increases with homogenization cycle. MFC produced had a gel like consistency. Next, emulsifying stabilizing properties of MFC produced from cycle 0 to cycle 10 as well as their amount from 0 % to 1% were also assessed. Increase in homogenization cycle and the amount of MFC promote emulsion stability as observed from the low creaming index which is mainly attributed to the high shear viscosity and G’G’’ crossover of the emulsion. In all, the MFC derived from corn cob via enzymatic coupled with high pressure homogenization process has the potential to be used as gel like stabilizer in oil-in-water food emulsion system.
Xylitol Production From Sugarcane Bagasse Through Ultrasound-Assisted Alkaline Pretreatment and Enzymatic Hydrolysis Followed by Fermentation
Authors: Thapa Sabitri Siris , Shrestha Smriti , Sadiq Muhammad Bilal , Anal Anil Kumar
Published: March 2021

This study focused on the optimization of xylitol production from sugarcane bagasse by using response surface methodology (RSM). Xylitol was produced through a series of processes, firstly, optimization of ultrasound assisted mild alkaline pretreatment for the xylan extraction from sugarcane bagasse followed by enzymatic hydrolysis of xylan to xylose by enzyme β-1,4-xylanase and finally microbial fermentation of xylose to xylitol using yeast (Candida guilliermondii), bacteria (Corynebacterium glutamicum) and their mixed culture for different time periods (0-96 h). Maximum xylan recovery of 12.059% (w/w) was observed at pretreatment; 0.73 M NaOH, 1:38.55 solid to liquid ratio and 34.77 min ultrasonication. The enzyme concentration of 400 U/g xylan at 48 h of incubation showed the highest xylose production (81.51 mg/g bagasse). Yeast (Candida guilliermondii) resulted in the highest xylitol yield (Yp/s= 0.43 g/g) after 72 h. This bioprocess route can contribute as a suitable alternative for chemical methods of xylitol production.
Post-Translational Cleavage of HMW-GS Dy10 allele improves the cookie-making quality in common wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Wang Yan , Chen Qing , Li Yang , Guo Zhenru , Liu Caihong , Wan Yongfang , Hawkesford Malcolm , Zhu Jing , Wu Wang , Wei Meiqiao , Zhao Kan , Jiang Yunfeng , Zhang Yazhou , Xu Qiang , Kong Li , Pu Zhien , Deng Mei , Jiang Qiantao , Lan Xiujin , Wang Jirui , Chen Guoyue , Ma Jian , Zheng Youliang , Wei Yuming , Qi Pengfei
Published: March 2021

Wheat is a major staple food crop worldwide because of the unique properties of wheat flour. High molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GSs), which are among the most critical determinants of wheat flour quality, are responsible for the formation of glutenin polymeric structures via interchain disulfide bonds. We herein describe the identification of a new HMW-GS Dy10 allele (Dy10-m619SN). The amino acid substitution (serine-to-asparagine) encoded in this allele resulted in a partial post-translational cleavage that produced two new peptides. These new peptides disrupted the interactions among gluten proteins because of the associated changes to the number of available cysteine residues for interchain disulfide bonds. Consequently, Dy10-m619SN expression decreased the size of glutenin polymers and weakened glutens, which resulted in wheat dough with improved cookie-making quality, without changes to the glutenin-to-gliadin ratio. In this study, we clarified the post-translational processing of HMW-GSs and revealed a new genetic resource useful for wheat breeding.
Reappraising the Role of Trans-Sphenoidal Surgery in Prolactin-Secreting Pituitary Tumors.
Authors: Mattogno Pier Paolo , D’Alessandris Quintino Giorgio , Chiloiro Sabrina , Bianchi Antonio , Giampietro Antonella , Pontecorvi Alfredo , De Marinis Laura , Olivi Alessandro , Anile Carmelo , Lauretti Liverana
Published: March 2021

Backgrounds: Prolactinomas represent a unique challenge for endocrinologists and neurosurgeons. Considering recent innovations in surgical practice, the authors aimed to investigate the best management for prolactinomas.Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional and monocentric study was designed. Consecutive patients affected for prolactinomas were enrolled if treated with first line treatment with dopamine-agonist (DA) or trans-sphenoidal surgery (TS). Patients carried giant prolactinomas and those with a follow-up < 12 months were excluded. Results: 259 patients were enrolled. The first treatment was DA for 140 patients and TS for 119 cases. 146 of 249 patients (58.6%) needed a second therapy. Mean follow up was 102.2 months (12-438 months). Surgery highly impacted on the cure rate, in particular in females (p=0.0021) and in microprolactinomas (p=0.0020). Considering multivariate analysis, female gender and surgical treatment in the course of clinical history were the only independent positive predictors of cure at the end of 5 years follow-up (p=0.0016, p=0.0005). The evaluation of serum prolactin (24 hours after TS) revealed that 86.4% of patients with post-operative PRL≤10 ng/ml resulted cured at the end of follow-up (p< 0.0001).Conclusion: According to our experience, surgery allows a high cure rate of prolactinomas, particularly in females with microadenoma, with a good safety profile. TS for prolactinomas should be considered as concrete option, during the multidisciplinary evaluation, in centers of reference for pituitary diseases.
Determinants of Numbers on Antenatal Care Visits in Rural Ethiopia: A Multilevel Negative Binomial Regression Analysis
Authors: Azanaw Melkalem Mamuye , Gebremariam Alemayehu Digssie , Dagnew Fentaw Teshome , Dawid Hiwot Yisak , Yemata Getaneh Atikilt , Birhanie Binyam Minuye , Engidaw Melaku Tadege , Asnakew Desalegn Tesfa , Zewde Edgiet Abebe , Tiruneh Sofonyas Abebaw
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Antenatal care (ANC) is an umbrella term used to describe medical care and procedures that are carried out for pregnant women. Data on the number of antenatal care visits can help policymakers to show the gap in service provision. So, the paper determines associated factors of the number of antenatal care visits among women who gave birth in the last five years in rural Ethiopia.Methods: Total weighted sample of 6611 women who gave birth in the 5 years preceding the survey were included from the nationally representative 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. We used multi-level negative binomial regression analysis to consider the hierarchal nature of the data. In the multivariable analysis, variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered to be significantly associated with the number of antenatal care visits. Results: Overall, 27.3% (95% CI: 14.63, 15.76) of women had at least four antenatal care visits during their pregnancy in rural Ethiopia. Age group 25-29 years (adjusted incidence rate ratio (AIRR)=1.13,95% CI:1.02,1.26), household rich wealth status (AIRR=1.17, 95% CI:1.04,1.31), women’s educational status (primary, AIRR=1.19,95% CI:1.08,1.32; Secondary, AIRR= 1.30,95% CI:1.08,1.55; above secondary, AIRR=1.35, 95%CI:1.07,1.71), partner educational status (primary, AIRR=1.16, 95%CI:1.05,1.28; secondary, AIRR=1.22,95% CI:1.08,1.38), and autonomy to decision to their care (AIRR=1.25,95%CI:1.10,1.42) were positively associated individual-level factors with number of antenatal care visits whereas having a birth order of five or more (AIRR=0.80,95% CI: 0.69,0.94) was a negatively associated factor with number of antenatal care visits. Among community-level variables; being in higher community level literacy (AIRR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.59) and higher poverty level (AIRR=0.77, 95% CI: 0.64, 0.92) were significantly associated factors with the number of antenatal care visits. Conclusions and recommendations: The level of antenatal care visits in rural areas was low. Age of women, wealth status, women's educational status, partner educational status, autonomy to decision making in health care, and birth order were the most important associated factors with the number of antenatal care visits. Furthermore, poverty and literacy are also important determinants at the community level. Addressing economic and educational interventions for rural women should be given the top priority.
MRI-Based Assessment of Masticatory Muscle Changes in TMD Patients After Whiplash Injury
Authors: Lee Yeon-Hee , Lee Kyung Mi , Auh Q-Schick
Published: March 2021

Objective
To investigate the change in volume and signal in the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) after whiplash injury based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to correlate them with other clinical parameters.
Methods
Ninety patients (64 women, 26 men; mean age: 39.36 ± 15.40 years), including 45 patients with symptoms of TMD after whiplash injury (wTMD), and 45 age- and sex-matched controls with TMD due to idiopathic causes (iTMD) were included. TMD was diagnosed using the study diagnostic criteria for TMD Axis I, and MRI findings of the TMJ and masticatory muscles were investigated. To evaluate the severity of TMD pain and muscle tenderness, we used a visual analog scale (VAS), palpation index (PI), and neck PI.
Results
TMD indexes, including VAS, PI, and neck PI were significantly higher in the wTMD group. In the wTMD group, muscle tenderness was highest in the masseter muscle (71.1%), and muscle tenderness in the temporalis (60.0%), lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) (22.2%), and medial pterygoid muscle (15.6%) was significantly more frequent than that in the iTMD group (all p < 0.05). The most noticeable structural changes in the masticatory muscles occurred in the LPM with whiplash injury. Volume (57.8% vs. 17.8%) and signal changes (42.2% vs. 15.6%) of LPM were significantly more frequent in the wTMD group than in the iTMD group. The presence of signal changes in the LPM was positively correlated with the increased VAS scores only in the wTMD group (r = 0.346, p = 0.020). The prevalence of anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWoR) (53.3% vs. 28.9%) and disc deformity (57.8% vs. 40.0%) were significantly higher in the wTMD group (p < 0.05). The presence of headache, sleep problems, and psychological distress was significantly higher in the wTMD group than in the iTMD group.
Conclusion
Abnormal MRI findings and their correlations with clinical characteristics of the wTMD group were different from those of the iTMD group. The underlying neuropathophysiology may differ depending on the cause of TMD, raising the need for a treatment strategy accordingly.
Quadratus lumborum block for postoperative analgesia after cesarean section: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Zhao Zhigang , Xu Kaiming , Zhang Yanting , Chen Gang , Zhou Youfa
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the analgesic efficacy of QLB versus controls in women undergoing cesarean section (CS). We systematically searched Cochrane Library, PUBMED, EMBASE, VIP, WANFANG, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Trials were eligible if parturients received QLB during CS. GRADE system was used to assess the certainty of evidence and Trial sequential analyses (TSA) were performed to determine whether the results are supported by sufficient data. Thirteen studies involving 1269 patients were included. Compared to controls, QLB significantly reduced the cumulative postoperative intravenous opioid consumption (in milligram morphine equivalents) at 24h (MD, -11.51 mg; 95% CI -17.05 to -5.96) and 48h (MD, -15.87 mg; 95% CI -26.36 to -5.38), supported by sufficient data confirmed by TSA. The postoperative pain scores were significantly reduced by QLB at 4h, 6h, 12h, 24h, and 48h postoperatively by QLB compared with control. Moreover, the time to first request for rescue analgesic and the incidence of PONV were also significantly reduced by QLB. The quality of evidence of most results were low and moderate assessed by GRADE.
MoO3 Structures Transition from Nanoflowers to Nanorods and Their Sensing Performances
Authors: Hu Li-Bin , Huang Xin-Yu , Zhang Shan , Chen Xue , Dong Xian-Hui , Jin He , Jiang Zhen-Yu , Gong Xiao-Ran , Xie Yi-Xuan , Li Chen , Chi Zong-Tao , Xie Wan-Feng
Published: March 2021

Morphology transformation and crystal growth strategies of metal oxide semiconductors are extensive studied in material science recently, because the morphology and crystallinity of the nanomaterial have significant effect on the physicochemical characteristics. However, understanding the morphology changes of α-MoO3 induced by annealing temperature is still a challenge. Herein, the nanostructure transition of MoO3 induced by calcined temperature has been investigated through XRD and SEM method. It can be found that crystallization is highly dependent on the annealing temperature. In addition, the MoO3 nanoflowers can change into nanosheets at 500 ºC. Afterwards, the nanosheets turn into microrods, especially at 900 ºC due to the growth of MoO3 crystal. On the other hand, MoO3 is a traditional sensing material, which is sensitive to many volatile organic compounds. Thus, the sensing performances of various MoO3 nanostructures were measured. Compared with MoO3 nanoflowers and microrods. The MoO3 nanosheets based sensor has excellent sensing performance towards ethanol, and the maximum gas response value is 8.06.
Central Venous Catheterization by Anesthesia Providers During Laparoscopic Radical Rectal Cancer Surgery: Unnecessary for Most Patients
Authors: Lin Zhenhua , Cheng Minghua , Huang Xiaoe , Li Liping
Published: March 2021

Background: Central venous catheter (CVC) is commonly used in surgery. The purpose of this retrospective study is to investigate whether there is an unnecessary use of CVC in laparoscopic radical rectal cancer.Methods: This is a retrospective review of prospective medical records of patients who underwent laparoscopic radical rectal cancer surgery from January 2015 to May 2019 in our institution. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether CVC was inserted by the anesthesiologist or not, and the perioperative variables of the two groups were compared and analyzed. Patients with CVC insertion were divided into two groups according to their single-lumen or double-lumen, and the perioperative variables of the two groups were compared.Results: Of 344 patients who underwent surgery, 194(56.4%) were without CVC and 150 (43.6%) with CVC. There was no significant difference in operative time, fluid transfusion, blood loss, postoperative parenteral nutrition, and hospital stay (p > 0.05). For patients with CVC, none of the patients underwent central venous pressure monitoring, only 2 (1.33%) patients received a blood transfusion, 11 (7.33%) patients received vasoactive drugs and 3 (2%) patients received postoperative ICU. There was no significant difference in perioperative variables between the single-lumen tube and double-lumen tube groups.Conclusion: For most patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer, CVC is unnecessary and a waste of medical resources.