bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circular economy: advancement of European Union countries
Authors: Mazur-Wierzbicka Ewa
Published: September 2021

Background

Circular economy (CE) is a development priority of the European Union and it is part of the EU industrial strategy. The transition to a more circular economy is an essential contribution to the EU’s efforts to develop a sustainable, low carbon, resource-efficient and competitive economy. The author focuses her CE-related reflections and research in this paper on the macro-level (research subjects: 28 EU countries), the level which is least represented in scholarly publications addressing CE (as follows from the analysis of literature in the Scopus database). This study aims to fill this gap partially. The aim of this paper is to identify and group the EU-28 countries according to their advancement towards circular economy. CE indicators proposed by the European Commission were used for the analysis. Given the research subjects and after an analysis of the literature they were concluded to be the most adequate. The theoretical part was based on an analysis of the literature, whereas the empirical work used the principal components analysis, hierarchical and k-means clustering and a grade correspondence-cluster analysis.

Results

On the basis of the research, the existence of a “two-speed Europe” was identified in terms of EU countries’ advancement towards CE. Leading countries, those most advanced in pursuing operation according to CE principles, include Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The second pole accommodates EU countries in which transformation towards CE is happening at the slowest pace. This group includes mainly countries of the Central and Eastern Europe and the countries of the south of Europe.

Conclusions

Differentiated levels of advancement of individual countries towards CE result inter alia from the adoption by some of the latter of different development strategies for their economies’ transitioning to circular economy (according to recommendations of EU ministers at the Environment Council in June 2016) and also from the differences occurring in social and economic development (it is mostly noticeable between the EU-15 and the EU-13 countries). Unfortunately, as can be concluded from the effects obtained so far, only a few of the adopted development strategies may be considered effective in meeting the challenges of circular economy according to the European Union’s standards.
EvoLaps: a web interface to visualize continuous phylogeographic reconstructions
Authors: Chevenet François , Fargette Denis , Guindon Stéphane , Bañuls Anne-Laure
Published: September 2021

Background

Phylogeographic reconstructions serve as a basis to understand the spread and evolution of pathogens. Visualization of these reconstructions often lead to complex graphical representations which are difficult to interpret.

Result

We present EvoLaps, a user-friendly web interface to visualize phylogeographic reconstructions based on the analysis of latitude/longitude coordinates with various clustering levels. EvoLaps also produces transition diagrams that provide concise and easy to interpret summaries of phylogeographic reconstructions.

Conclusion

The main contribution of EvoLaps is to assemble known numerical and graphical methods/tools into a user-friendly interface dedicated to the visualization and edition of evolutionary scenarios based on continuous phylogeographic reconstructions. EvoLaps is freely usable at www.evolaps.org.
The association between plasma furin and cardiovascular events after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Liu Zhi-Wei , Ma Qiang , Liu Jie , Li Jing-Wei , Chen Yun-Dai
Published: September 2021

Background

Furin is the key enzyme involved in the cleavage of pro-BNP and plays a critical role in the cardiovascular system through its involvement in lipid metabolism, blood pressure regulation and the formation of atheromatous plaques. NT-proBNP and recently, corin, also a key enzyme in the cleavage of pro-BNP, have been accepted as predictors of prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This cohort study was conducted to investigate the relationship between plasma furin and the prognostic outcomes of AMI patients.

Methods

In total, 1100 AMI patients were enrolled in the study and their plasma furin concentrations were measured. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), a composite of cardiovascular (CV) death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and non-fatal stroke. The associations between plasma furin concentration and AMI outcomes were explored using Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

The results showed a slight increase in mean cTNT in patients with higher furin concentrations (P = 0.016). Over a median follow-up of 31 months, multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that plasma furin was not significantly associated with MACE (HR 1.01; 95% CI 0.93–1.06; P = 0.807) after adjustment for potential conventional risk factors. However, plasma furin was associated with non-fatal MI (HR 1.09; 95% CI 1.01–1.17; P = 0.022) in the fully adjusted model. Subgroup analyses indicated no relationship between plasma furin and MACE in different subgroups.

Conclusions

This study found no association between plasma furin and risk of MACE. Thus, plasma furin may not be a useful predictor of poor prognosis after AMI. However, higher levels of plasma furin may be associated with a higher risk of recurrent non-fatal MI.
Animal bites and post-exposure prophylaxis in Central-West Tunisia: a 15-year surveillance data
Authors: Bennasrallah Cyrine , Ben Fredj Manel , Mhamdi Moncef , Kacem Meriem , Dhouib Wafa , Zemni Imen , Abroug Hela , Belguith Sriha Asma
Published: September 2021

Background

Rabies is a disease that still exists in developing countries and leads to more fatalities than other zoonotic diseases. Our study aimed to describe the profile of human exposures to animals over fifteen years and to assess the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) practices in the governorate of Kasserine (Tunisia) on pre- and post-revolution (2011).

Methods

We carried out a descriptive study using surveillance data from a region in Central-West Tunisia. All humans exposed to animals, residents in Kasserine Governorate and declared to the regional directorate of primary health care (RDPH) from January 1st, 2004 to December 31st, 2018 were included.

Results

A total of 45,564 cases of human exposures to animals were reported over the fifteen-year period of the study with an annual average of 3089.2 ± 403.1. The standardized incidence rate (SIR) of human exposures to animals was 694 per year per 100,000 inhabitants (inh).

The most listed offending animal was the dog (91.3%) and the most reported type of exposure was bites (63.7%). The trend in human exposures to animals increased significantly over time. The number of exposures by vaccinated dogs decreased significantly and by unvaccinated and stray dogs increased steeply. When comparing pre-and post-revolution periods, the yearly average of animal exposures post-2011 was significantly greater than the average prior to 2011 (3200 ± 278.5 vs 2952.8 ± 483) (p < 0.001). The yearly average of animal bites post-2011 was significantly greater than the average prior to 2011 (2260.5 ± 372.1 vs 1609.8 ± 217.9) (p < 0.001). The average number of vaccine doses per animal exposure was 2.4. Concerning PEP protocols, protocol A (2 and 3 doses) was indicated in 79% of animal exposures cases. From 2004 to 2018, a downward trend was noted for protocol A (r = − 0.29, p < 0.001) and an upward trend for protocol B (3 and 5 doses) (r = 0.687, p < 0.001). During our study period, 5 fatal cases of human rabies were declared.

Conclusion

Rabies remains a major public health problem in Tunisia. The political dynamics had an impact on the health care system and rabies control. Preventive measures should be applied adequately to decrease the burden of this disease.
Assessment of a novel ophthalmology tele-triage system during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Scanzera Angelica C. , Chang Arthur Y. , Valikodath Nita , Cole Emily , Hallak Joelle A. , Vajaranant Thasarat Sutabutr , Kim Sage J. , Chan R. V. Paul
Published: September 2021

Background

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a web-based tele-triage system was created to prioritize in-person clinic visits and ensure safety at the University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences during a statewide shelter-in-place order. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of the tele-triage system on urgent visit volume and explore the characteristics of acute visit requests at a tertiary referral eye center.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed acute visit requests between April 6, 2020 and June 6, 2020. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, ANOVA, and bivariate logistic regression were used to compare variables with a p-value of 0.05.

Results

Three hundred fifty-eight surveys were completed. Mean age was 49.7 ± 18.8 years (range 2–91). The majority of requests were determined as urgent (63.0%) or emergent (0.8%). Forty-nine patients had recent eye trauma (13.7%), and the most common reported symptoms were new onset eye pain (25.7%) and photophobia (22.9%). Most patients were self-referred (63.7%), though provider referral was more common in patients with symptoms of new onset lid swelling (p < 0.01), diplopia (p < 0.01), flashing lights (p = 0.02), or droopy eyelid (p < 0.01). Patients presenting with symptom onset within 48 h tended to be younger (45.8 years) versus those with symptom duration of 48 h to 1 week (49.6 years), or more than 1 week (52.6 years; p < 0.01).

Conclusion

This novel tele-triage system screened out one-third of acute visit requests as non-urgent, which limited in-person visits during the initial shelter-in-place period of the pandemic. Tele-triage systems should be implemented in eye care practices for future emergency preparedness.
Prevalence of urinary iodine concentration among school children: in Dessie City, Ethiopia
Authors: Ayalew Birtukan Shiferaw , Hassen Seid Legesse , Marefiyaw Tefera Alemu , Yesuf Mohammed Seid , Abebe Daniel Dagne , Temesgen Minwuyelet Maru
Published: September 2021

Background

Urinary iodine is recommended by the world health organization as the main indicator to assess iodine status in a population. Despite this recommendation little is known about urinary iodine concentration in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the level of urinary iodine concentration among school-aged children.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study design was used to assess the level of urinary iodine from April to June 2019 and a systematic random sampling technique was applied to select study participants. Socio-demographic characteristics were assessed using a pretested structured questionnaire and the laboratory method by Sandell–Kolthoff reaction method was used. Data were cleaned, coded, and entered into Epi data version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 21 software for analysis.

Result

A total of 634 study participants were enrolled in the study with a median age of 12 years (±SD = 2.0). The majority of the children were females (55.4%) and more than half of respondents report the use of iodized salt always. Median urinary iodine concentration was 158.5 μg/L (±SD = 104.1) with minimum and maximum values of 5.1 μg/L and 528.8 μg/L, respectively. The overall iodine deficiency in this study was 18.6% and severe deficiency constituted 7.4%.

Conclusions

The iodine deficiency of the school children aged 6 to 14 in the present study was 18.6% indicating high prevalence. A high proportion of iodine deficiency was observed among females and it increases as age increases. This indicates the need for an additional strategy to control iodine deficiency.
Depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life in a heterogeneous psychiatric sample: conditional indirect effects of pain severity and interference
Authors: Teh Wen Lin , Liu Jianlin , Satghare Pratika , Samari Ellaisha , Mok Yee Ming , Subramaniam Mythily
Published: September 2021

Background

Few studies have examined clinically relevant mechanisms that underlie the association between two important indices of recovery— depression severity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in psychiatric outpatients. This study aimed to explicate the roles of pain interference and pain severity as mediating and moderating mechanisms in the relationship between depressive symptoms and HRQOL.

Methods

Data from 290 outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia (n = 102), depressive (n = 98), and anxiety (n = 90) disorders were examined. Participants completed a set of questionnaires that queried their sociodemographic statuses, current pain severity and interference levels, depression severity levels, and HRQOL. Subsequently, mediation and moderation analyses were conducted.

Results

Analyses revealed that pain interference fully mediated the relationship between depressive symptoms and physical (34% of the total effect) but not mental HRQOL. At high pain levels (+ 1 SD from mean), depressive symptoms may interfere with physical quality of life through pain interference, but this was not present at low pain levels (− 1 SD from mean).

Conclusions

Prolonged pain symptoms could negatively influence psychiatric recovery beyond the physical aspect of HRQOL. These results thus imply a need to detect and manage severe physical pain complaints at the acute stage in psychiatric outpatients.
Imaging surveillance for the detection of ipsilateral local tumor recurrence in patients who underwent oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery with acellular dermal matrix: abbreviated MRI versus conventional mammography and ultrasonography
Authors: Kim Mi Young , Suh Young Jin , An Yeong Yi
Published: September 2021

Background

To evaluate the usefulness of surveillance-abbreviated magnetic resonance imaging (AB-MRI) for the detection of ipsilateral local tumor recurrence (LTR) in patients who underwent oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) by comparing its diagnostic performance with that of mammography (MG) and ultrasonography (US).

Methods

The postoperative MG, US, and AB-MRI findings of the ipsilateral breast and pathological results of 324 patients who underwent oncoplastic BCS using ADM were reviewed. The cancer detection rate (CDR), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) for biopsy, accuracy, and area under the curve (AUC) for each imaging modality were calculated.

Results

A total of 8 ipsilateral LTRs were diagnosed, and most cancers (87.5%) were stage 0 or 1 (median size of invasive cancer, 1.44 cm; range, 0.7–2 cm). The CDRs of MG, US, MG + US, and AB-MRI were 0.009, 0.012, 0.015, and 0.025 per woman, respectively. Three cancers were detectable on only AB-MRI, and the additional CDR of AB-MRI was 0.010. The sensitivity and specificity of MG, US, MG + US, and AB-MRI were 37.5%, 50%, 62.5%, and 100% and 99.7%, 98.4%, 98.1%, and 97.8%, respectively. The PPVs for biopsy were 75%, 44.4%, 45.5%, and 53.3%, respectively. The AUC was significantly higher for AB-MRI (0.989) than for MG alone (0.686, P = 0.0009), US alone (0.742, P = 0.009), and MG + US (0.803, P = 0.04). A total of 66.7% of cancers visible on only AB-MRI were located at the deep posterior portion of the excision cavity, which might have been missed with MG or MG + US due to masking by the ADM filler.

Conclusion

AB-MRI can improve the detection of ipsilateral LTR despite postoperative changes caused by ADM fillers compared to conventional MG and US. Patients who undergo BCS with ADM can be candidates for AB-MRI surveillance considering improved cancer detection and high sensitivity.
Dendrimer-modified gold nanorods as a platform for combinational gene therapy and photothermal therapy of tumors
Authors: Ye Lili , Chen Yaoming , Mao Jizong , Lei Xiaotian , Yang Qian , Cui Chunhui
Published: September 2021

Background

The exploitation of novel nanomaterials combining diagnostic and therapeutic functionalities within one single nanoplatform is challenging for tumor theranostics.

Methods

We synthesized dendrimer-modified gold nanorods for combinational gene therapy and photothermal therapy (PTT) of colon cancer. Poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (PAMAM, G3) grafted gold nanorods were modified with GX1 peptide (a cyclic 7-mer peptide, CGNSNPKSC). The obtained Au NR@PAMAM-GX1 are proposed as a gene delivery vector to gene (FAM172A, regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of colon cancer cells) for the combination of photothermal therapy (PTT) and gene therapy of Colon cancer cells (HCT-8 cells). In addition, the CT imaging function of Au NR can provide imaging evidence for the diagnosis of colon cancer.

Results

The results display that Au NR@PAMAM-GX1 can specifically deliver FAM172A to cancer cells with excellent transfection efficiency. The HCT-8 cells treated with the Au NR@PAMAM-GX1/FAM172A under laser irradiation have a viability of 20.45%, which is much lower than the survival rate of other single-mode PTT treatment or single-mode gene therapy. Furthermore, animal experiment results confirm that Au NR@PAMAM-GX1/FAM172A complexes can achieve tumor thermal imaging, targeted CT imaging, PTT and gene therapy after tail vein injection.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that the synthesized Au NR@PAMAM-GX1 offer a facile platform to exert antitumor and improve the diagnostic level of tumor.
Targeting novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with phytoconstituents of Momordica charantia
Authors: Singh Santosh Kumar , Singh Shailesh , Singh Rajesh
Published: September 2021

Background

Infections by the SARS-CoV-2 virus causing COVID-19 are presently a global emergency. The current vaccination effort may reduce the infection rate, but strain variants are emerging under selection pressure. Thus, there is an urgent need to find drugs that treat COVID-19 and save human lives. Hence, in this study, we identified phytoconstituents of an edible vegetable, Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), that affect the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

Methods

Components ofMomordica charantiawere tested to identify the compounds that bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. An MTiOpenScreen web-server was used to perform docking studies. The Lipinski rule was utilized to evaluate potential interactions between the drug and other target molecules. PyMol and Schrodinger software were used to identify the hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was employed to assess the interaction between an extract component (erythrodiol) and the spike protein.

Results

Ourin-silicoevaluations showed that phytoconstituents ofMomordica charantiahave a low binding energy range, -5.82 to -5.97 kcal/mol. A docking study revealed two sets of phytoconstituents that bind at the S1 and S2 domains of SARS-CoV-2. SPR showed that erythrodiol has a strong binding affinity (KD = 1.15 μM) with the S2 spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Overall, docking, ADME properties, and SPR displayed strong interactions between phytoconstituents and the active site of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

Conclusion

This study reveals that phytoconstituents from bitter melon are potential agents to treat SARS-CoV-2 viral infections due to their binding to spike proteins S1 and S2.
Reasons for SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and their role in the transmission of infection according to age: a case-control study
Authors: Calvani Mauro , Cantiello Giulia , Cavani Maria , Lacorte Eleonora , Mariani Bruno , Panetta Valentina , Parisi Pasquale , Parisi Gabriella , Roccabella Federica , Silvestri Paola , Vanacore Nicola
Published: September 2021

Background

The locations where children get exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection and their contribution in spreading the infection are still not fully understood. Aim of the article is to verify the most frequent reasons for SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and their role in the secondary transmission of the infection.

Methods

A case-control study was performed in all SARS-CoV-2 positive children (n = 81) and an equal number of age- and sex- matched controls who were referred to the S. Camillo-Forlanini Pediatric Walk-in Center of Rome. The results of all SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swabs performed in children aged < 18 years from October 16 to December 19, 2020 were analyzed.

Results

School contacts were more frequent in controls than in cases (OR 0.49; 95% CI: 0.3–0.9), while household contacts were higher in cases (OR 5.09; 95% CI: 2.2–12.0). In both cases and controls, school contacts were significantly less frequent, while on the contrary household contacts seemed to be more frequent in nursery school children compared to primary school or middle/high school children. A multivariate logistic regression showed that the probability of being positive to SARS-CoV-2 was significantly lower in children who had school contacts or who had flu symptoms compared to children who had household contacts. Results showed a 30.6% secondary attack rate for household contacts.

Conclusion

In our study population, the two most frequent reasons for SARS-CoV-2 infection were school and home contacts. The risk of being positive was 5 times lower in children who had school contacts than in children who had household contacts.
Modeling risks of cardiovascular and cancer mortality following a diagnosis of loco-regional breast cancer
Authors: Leoce Nicole M. , Jin Zhezhen , Kehm Rebecca D. , Roh Janise M. , Laurent Cecile A. , Kushi Lawrence H. , Terry Mary Beth
Published: September 2021

Background

Many women with breast cancer also have a high likelihood of cardiovascular mortality, and while there are several cardiovascular risk prediction models, none have been validated in a cohort of breast cancer patients. We first compared the performance of commonly-used cardiovascular models, and then derived a new model where breast cancer and cardiovascular mortality were modeled simultaneously, to account for the competing risk endpoints and commonality of risk factors between the two events.

Methods

We included 20,462 women diagnosed with stage I–III breast cancer between 2000 and 2010 in Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) with follow-up through April 30, 2015, and examined the performance of the Framingham, CORE and SCOREOP cardiovascular risk models by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and observed-to -expected (O/E) ratio. We developed a multi-state model based on cause-specific hazards (CSH) to jointly model the causes of mortality.

Results

The extended models including breast cancer characteristics (grade, tumor size, nodal involvement) with CVD risk factors had better discrimination at 5-years with AUCs of 0.85 (95% CI 0.83, 0.86) for cardiovascular death and 0.80 (95% CI 0.78, 0.87) for breast cancer death compared with the existing cardiovascular models evaluated at 5 years AUCs ranging 0.71–0.78. Five-year calibration for breast and cardiovascular mortality from our multi-state model was also excellent (O/E = 1.01, 95% CI 0.91–1.11).

Conclusion

A model incorporating cardiovascular risk factors, breast cancer characteristics, and competing events, outperformed traditional models of cardiovascular disease by simultaneously estimating cancer and cardiovascular mortality risks.
Relationship among bats, parasitic bat flies, and associated pathogens in Korea
Authors: Lee Haeseung , Seo Min-Goo , Lee Seung-Hun , Oem Jae-Ku , Kim Seon-Hee , Jeong Hyesung , Kim Yongkwan , Jheong Weon-Hwa , Kwon Oh-Deog , Kwak Dongmi
Published: September 2021

Background

Bats are hosts for many ectoparasites and act as reservoirs for several infectious agents, some of which exhibit zoonotic potential. Here, species of bats and bat flies were identified and screened for microorganisms that could be mediated by bat flies.

Methods

Bat species were identified on the basis of their morphological characteristics. Bat flies associated with bat species were initially morphologically identified and further identified at the genus level by analyzing the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. Different vector-borne pathogens and endosymbionts were screened using PCR to assess all possible relationships among bats, parasitic bat flies, and their associated organisms.

Results

Seventy-four bat flies were collected from 198 bats; 66 of these belonged to Nycteribiidae and eight to Streblidae families. All Streblidae bat flies were hosted by Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, known as the most common Korean bat. Among the 74 tested bat flies, PCR and nucleotide sequencing data showed that 35 (47.3%) and 20 (27.0%) carried Wolbachia and Bartonella bacteria, respectively, whereas tests for Anaplasma, Borrelia, Hepatozoon, Babesia, Theileria, and Coxiella were negative. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Wolbachia endosymbionts belonged to two different supergroups, A and F. One sequence of Bartonella was identical to that of Bartonella isolated from Taiwanese bats.

Conclusions

The vectorial role of bat flies should be checked by testing the same pathogen and bacterial organisms by collecting blood from host bats. This study is of great interest in the fields of disease ecology and public health owing to the bats’ potential to transmit pathogens to humans and/or livestock.

Graphical abstract
Triple guidance of choledochoscopy, ultrasonography, and computed tomography facilitates percutaneous catheter drainage of infected walled-off necrosis
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wen Xu-dong , Ma Xiao , Zhu Yong-qiang , Jiang Zhi-wei , Huang Shang-qing , Wang Tao , Liu Wei-hui
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) is usually performed to treat acute pancreatitis complicated by infected walled-off necrosis (WON). Insufficient drainage of infected WON may lead to a prolonged recovery process. Here, we introduce a modified PCD strategy that uses the triple guidance of choledochoscopy, ultrasonography, and computed tomography (CUC-PCD) to improve the therapeutic efficiency.

Methods

This study retrospectively analysed 73 patients with acute pancreatitis-related WON from January 2015 to January 2021. The first 38 patients were treated by ultrasonography/computed tomography-guided PCD (UC-PCD), and the next consecutive 35 patients by CUC-PCD. Perioperative data, procedural technical information, treatment outcomes, and follow-up data were collected.

Results

Demographic characteristics were statistically comparable between the two treatment groups (p > 0.05). After 48 h of PCD treatment, the CUC-PCD group achieved a significantly smaller size of the infected WON (p = 0.023), lower inflammatory response indexes (p = 0.020 for white blood cells, and p = 0.031 for C-reactive protein), and severity scores than the UC-PCD group (p < 0.05). Less catheter duration (p = 0.001), hospitalisation duration (p = 0.000), and global costs (p = 0.000) were observed in the CUC-PCD group compared to the UC-PCD group. There were no differences between the two groups regarding the rate of complications.

Conclusions

CUC-PCD is a safe and efficient approach with potential clinical applicability for treating infected WON owing to its feasibility in placing the drainage catheter at the optimal location in real time and performing primary necrosectomy without sinus tract formation and enlargement.
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells combined with gonadotropin therapy restore postnatal oogenesis of chemo-ablated ovaries in rats via enhancing very small embryonic-like stem cells
Authors: Ebrahim Nesrine , Al Saihati Hajir A. , Shaman Amani , Dessouky Arigue A. , Farid Ayman Samir , Hussien Noha I. , Mostafa Ola , Seleem Yasmin , Sabry Dina , Saad Ahmed S. , Emam Hanan Tawfeek , Hassouna Amira , Badr Omnia A. M. , Saffaf Bayan A. , Forsyth Nicholas R. , Salim Rabab F.
Published: September 2021

Background

Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) are a rare population within the ovarian epithelial surface. They contribute to postnatal oogenesis as they have the ability to generate immature oocytes and resist the chemotherapy. These cells express markers of pluripotent embryonic and primordial germ cells.

Objective

We aimed to explore the capability of VSELs in restoring the postnatal oogenesis of chemo-ablated rat ovaries treated with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) combined with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG).

Methods

Female albino rats were randomly assigned across five groups: I (control), II (chemo-ablation), III (chemo-ablation + PMSG), IV (chemo-ablation + MSCs), and V (chemo-ablation + PMSG + MSCs). Postnatal oogenesis was assessed through measurement of OCT4, OCT4A, Scp3, Mvh, Nobox, Dazl4, Nanog, Sca-1, FSHr, STRA8, Bax, miR143, and miR376a transcript levels using qRT-PCR. Expression of selected key proteins were established as further confirmation of transcript expression changes. Histopathological examination and ovarian hormonal assessment were determined.

Results

Group V displayed significant upregulation of all measured genes when compared with group II, III or IV. Protein expression confirmed the changes in transcript levels as group V displayed the highest average density in all targeted proteins. These results were confirmed histologically by the presence of cuboidal germinal epithelium, numerous primordial, unilaminar, and mature Graafian follicles in group V.

Conclusion

VSELs can restore the postnatal oogenesis in chemo-ablated ovaries treated by BM-MSCs combined with PMSG.
Admission serum myoglobin and the development of acute kidney injury after major trauma
Authors: Tarazona Virginie , Figueiredo Samy , Hamada Sophie , Pochard Jonas , Haines Ryan W. , Prowle John R. , Duranteau Jacques , Vigué Bernard , Harrois Anatole
Published: September 2021

Background

Myoglobin and creatine kinase (CK) are both established markers of muscle injury but their hospital admission values have never been compared to predict post-traumatic acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methods

An observational registry study of consecutive trauma patients admitted to a major regional trauma centre. The primary outcome was stage 1 or more AKI in the first 7 days after trauma. We assessed the association of hospital admission myoglobin or CK with development of AKI both alone and when added to two existing risk prediction models for post traumatic AKI.

Results

Of the 857 trauma patients (median age 36 [25–52], 96% blunt trauma, median ISS of 20 [12–47]) included, 102 (12%) developed AKI. Admission myoglobin performed better than CK to predict AKI any stage with an AUC–ROC of 0.74 (95% CI 0.68–0.79) and 0.63 (95% CI 0.57–0.69), respectively (p < 0.001). Admission myoglobin also performed better than CK to predict AKI stage 2 or 3 [AUC–ROC of 0.79 (95% CI 0.74–0.84) and 0.74 (95% CI 0.69–0.79), respectively (p < 0.001)] with a best cutoff value of 1217 µg/L (sensitivity 74%, specificity 77%). Admission myoglobin added predictive value to two established models of AKI prediction and showed significant ability to reclassify subjects regarding AKI status, while admission CK did not. Decision curve analysis also revealed that myoglobin added net benefit to established predictive models. Admission myoglobin was better than CK at predicting development of significant rhabdomyolysis.

Conclusions

Admission myoglobin better predicts the development of AKI and severe rhabdomyolysis after major trauma. Admission myoglobin should be added in established predictive models of post-traumatic AKI to early identify high-risk patients.
Smart node relocation (SNR) and connectivity restoration mechanism for wireless sensor networks
Authors: ul Hassan Mahmood , Mahmood Khalid , Saeed Muhammad Kashif , Ali Shahzad , Zaman Safdar , Al Awady Amin , Saqib Muhammad
Published: September 2021

Node failures are inevitable in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) because sensor nodes in WSNs are miniature and equipped with small and often irreplaceable batteries. Due to battery drainage, sensor nodes can fail at any instance. Moreover, WSNs operate in hostile environments and environmental factors may also contribute to nodes failure. Failure of nodes leads to disruption of inter-node connectivity and might also lead to network partitioning. Failure to communicate with each other and with the base station can compromise the basic operation of the sensor network. For restoration of connectivity, a robust recovery mechanism is required. The existing connectivity restoration mechanisms suffer from shortcomings because they do not focus on energy-efficient operation and coverage-aware mechanisms while performing connectivity restoration. As a result, most of these mechanisms lead to the excessive mobility of nodes, which itself causes the utilization of excessive battery. In this work, we propose a novel technique called smart node relocation (SNR). SNR is capable of detecting and restoring the connectivity caused by either single or multiple node failures. For achieving energy efficiency, SNR relies on transmitting a lesser number of control packets. For achieving the goal of being coverage-aware, it tries to relocate only essential nodes while trying to restore connectivity. By performing extensive simulations, we prove that SNR outperforms the existing approaches concerning multiple performance metrics including but not limited to the total number of packets transmitted, total distance moved for connectivity restoration, the percentage reduction in field coverage.
Key elements and effects of cardiovascular disease management programs based on community-based participatory research: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Yang Juhyeon , Kim Eunsim , Park Bohyun
Published: September 2021

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are health problems that demonstrate high death and prevalence rates, and exhibit large health inequalities across different socio-economic status. Although interest in community-based participatory research (CBPR) is increasing because of the efforts to improve health equity, not enough literature review has been conducted on CBPR-based CVD management programs. The objective of this scoping review is to identify the key elements that should be considered when developing CBPR-based CVD management programs, and explore the effects of CBPR-based CVD management programs.

Methods

This study will use the databases of PubMed, Cochrane, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) including grey literature. The criteria for selecting literature will be research that was published in or after 2000, applied CBPR, and either developed or implemented CVD management programs. No limit will be placed on the research design or method. Data extraction will be conducted independently by two researchers, and in the case of data mismatch, a consensus will be reached through discussion. The extracted data will be combined through narrative synthesis.

Discussion

This scoping review will identify specific methods in the development and implementation process of CBPR-based CVD management programs, as well as the characteristics of the programs that were shown to be effective. Therefore, it will be able to provide specific guidelines to researchers, government agencies, and local organizations to design and implement participatory health promotion programs related to CVDs.

Systematic review registration

Open Science Framework 10.17605/OSF.IO/ZW2UY
Cannabis related side effects in otolaryngology: A scoping review
Authors: Phulka Jobanjit S. , Howlett Joel W. , Hu Amanda
Published: September 2021

Background

Cannabis has been rapidly legalized in North America; however, limited evidence exists around its side effects. Health Canada defines side effect as a harmful and unintended response to a health product. Given drug safety concerns, this study's purpose was to review the unintended side effects of cannabis in otolaryngology.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items For Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) protocol was used to conduct a scoping review of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and CENTRAL databases. (PROSPERO: CRD42020153022). English studies in adults were included from inception to the end of 2019. In-vitro, animal, and studies with n < 5 were excluded. Primary outcome was defined as unintended side effects (defined as any Otolaryngology symptom or diagnosis) following cannabis use. Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine: Levels of Evidence and risk of bias using the Risk of Bias in randomized trials (RoB 2) and Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tools were assessed.. Two authors independently reviewed all studies; the senior author settled any discrepancies.

Results

Five hundred and twenty-one studies were screened; 48 studies were analysed. Subspecialties comprised: Head and Neck (32), Otology (8), Rhinology (5), Airway (5), Laryngology (1). Cannabis use was associated with unintended tinnitus, vertigo, hearing loss, infection, malignancy, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, thyroid dysfunction, and dyspnea. About half (54.1%) of studies showed increased side effects, or no change in symptoms following cannabis use. Oxford Levels of Evidence was 2–4 with substantial heterogeneity. Risk of bias assessment with RoB2 was low to high and ROBINS-1 was moderate to critical.

Conclusion

This was the first comprehensive scoping review of unintended side effects of cannabis in Otolaryngology. The current literature is limited and lacks high-quality research Future randomized studies are needed to focus on therapeutic effects of cannabis in otolaryngology. Substantial work remains to guide clinicians to suggest safe, evidence-based choices for cannabis use.

Graphic abstract
Performance comparison between solid phase extraction and magnetic carbon nanotubes facilitated dispersive-micro solid phase extractions (Mag-CNTs/d-µSPE) of a cyanide metabolite in biological samples using GC–MS
Authors: Li Sun Yi , Petrikovics Ilona , Yu Jorn
Published: September 2021

Dispersive-micro solid phase extraction (d-µSPE) has gained increasing attention due to its convenience, effectiveness, and flexibility for sorbent selection. Among a various selection of materials, magnetic carbon nanotubes (Mag-CNTs) is a promising d-µSPE sorbent with excellent separation efficiency in addition to its high surface area and adsorption capability. In this work, two different surface-modified Mag-CNTs, Mag-CNTs-COOH and Mag-CNTs-SO3H, were developed to facilitate d-µSPE (Mag-CNTs/d-µSPE). The cyanide metabolite, 2-aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic acid (ATCA), was selected to evaluate their extraction performance using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. The Mag-CNTs-COOH enabled a one-step derivatization/desorption approach in the workflow; therefore, a better overall performance was achieved. Compared to the Mag-CNTs-SO3H/d-µSPE and SPE workflow, the one-step desorption/derivatization approach improved the overall extraction efficiency and reduced solvent consumption and waste production. Both Mag-CNTs/d-µSPE workflows were validated according to ANSI/ASB 036 guidelines and showed excellent analytical performances. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of ATCA in synthetic urine were 5 and 10 ng/mL, respectively, and that in bovine blood were achieved at 10 and 60 ng/mL. The SPE method’s LOD and LOQ were also determined at 1 and 25 ng/mL in bovine blood samples. The Mag-CNTs/d-µSPE methods demonstrated great potential to extract polar and ionic metabolites from biological matrices. The extraction processes of ATCA described in this work can provide an easier-to-adopt procedure for potential routine forensic testing of the stable biomarker in cyanide poisoning cases, particularly for those cases where the cyanide detection window has passed.
Intra-articular injection of orthobiologics in patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy for knee osteoarthritis is safe and effective – a systematic review
Authors: Betzler Brjan Kaiji , Bin Muhammad Ridzwan Chew Aiman Haziq , Bin Abd Razak Hamid Rahmatullah
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To qualitatively evaluate the current evidence reporting outcomes of intra-articular injection of orthobiologics in patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for osteoarthritis of the knee.

Methods

A systematic search methodology of the PUBMED, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases was conducted in July 2021. The search workflow was in adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The following inclusion criteria were adopted: clinical trials of any level of evidence, reporting outcomes following intra-articular injection of orthobiologics during high tibial osteotomy for knee osteoarthritis, with a minimum number of 10 patients treated. Duplicate data, studies on implanted orthobiologics and articles not written in English were excluded from this review.

Results

Eight studies were included in this review, with a total of 585 patients. Outcomes were discussed based on the types of orthobiologics used: (i) Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), (ii) Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC), and (iii) Injected Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). Two studies utilised PRP, 4 studies utilised BMAC and 4 studies utilised injected MSCs.. Three studies provided Level II evidence and five studies provided Level III evidence. Statistically significant improvements in outcomes were documented in multiple trials, with few patients experiencing adverse events.

Conclusion

Intra-articular injection of orthobiologics in patients undergoing HTO is safe and effective with good outcomes reported. Due to the lack of high-level evidence, further research is required before this can be considered standard of care.

Level of evidence

III
Biomechanical study of a newly developed continuous double knots technique compared with the 4-strand double-modified Kessler technique for flexor tendon repair
Authors: Wongsiri Sunton , Liawrungrueang Wongthawat
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In this study we compare the biomechanical properties of a novel suture technique that we developed called the continuous double knots technique for repairing flexor tendon injuries with the standard 4-strand double-modified Kessler technique.

Methods

This was an experimental study. Eighty porcine flexor digitorum profundus tendons were harvested and divided randomly into two groups of 40. The first group (N = 40) was repaired using the 4-strand double modified Kessler technique and the second group (N = 40) was repaired using our new continuous double knots technique. The two groups were randomly divided and the ultimate failure load (n = 20) and cyclic testing to failure (n = 20) were compared.

Results

The mean ultimate failure load was 25.90 ± 7.11 (N) and cyclic testing to failure 88 ± 47.87 (cycles) for the 4-strand double modified Kessler technique and 34.56 ± 6.60 (N) and 189 ± 66.36 (cycles) for our new continuous double knots technique. The T-test revealed a significant difference between the 2 techniques (p < 0.05). In terms of biomechanical properties in tendon repair, the continuous double knots technique group had a higher tensile strength than the 4-strand double-modified Kessler technique group. There were also significant differences between the ultimate failure load and cyclic testing to failure for the flexor tendon sutures.

Conclusions

The continuous double knots technique suture technique had significantly higher maximum tensile strength and cyclic testing than the 4-strand double modified Kessler technique in an in vitro study, and in thus an optional technique for flexor tendon repair.
A novel decrystallizing protein CxEXL22 from Arthrobotrys sp. CX1 capable of synergistically hydrolyzing cellulose with cellulases
Authors: Li Rong , Sun Yunze , Zhou Yihao , Gai Jiawei , You Linlu , Yang Fan , Tang Wenzhu , Li Xianzhen
Published: September 2021

A novel expansin-like protein (CxEXL22) has been identified and characterized from newly isolated Arthrobotrys sp. CX1 that can cause cellulose decrystallization. Unlike previously reported expansin-like proteins from microbes, CxEXL22 has a parallel β-sheet domain at the N terminal, containing many hydrophobic residues to form the hydrophobic surface as part of the groove. The direct phylogenetic relationship implied the genetic transfers occurred from nematode to nematicidal fungal Arthrobotrys sp. CX1. CxEXL22 showed strong activity for the hydrolysis of hydrogen bonds between cellulose molecules, especially when highly crystalline cellulose was used as substrate. The hydrolysis efficiency of Avicel was increased 7.9-fold after pretreating with CxEXL22. The rupture characterization of crystalline region indicated that CxEXL22 strongly binds cellulose and breaks up hydrogen bonds in the crystalline regions of cellulose to split cellulose chains, causing significant depolymerization to expose much more microfibrils and enhances cellulose accessibility.
Differentiating prostate cancer from benign prostatic hyperplasia using whole-lesion histogram and texture analysis of diffusion- and T2-weighted imaging
Authors: Xing Pengyi , Chen Luguang , Yang Qingsong , Song Tao , Ma Chao , Grimm Robert , Fu Caixia , Wang Tiegong , Peng Wenjia , Lu Jianping
Published: September 2021

Background

To explore the usefulness of analyzing histograms and textures of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps and T2-weighted (T2W) images to differentiate prostatic cancer (PCa) from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) using histopathology as the reference.

Methods

Ninety patients with PCa and 112 patients with BPH were included in this retrospective study. Differences in whole-lesion histograms and texture parameters of ADC maps and T2W images between PCa and BPH patients were evaluated using the independent samples t-test. The diagnostic performance of ADC maps and T2W images in being able to differentiate PCa from BPH was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results 

The mean, median, 5th, and 95thpercentiles of ADC values in images from PCa patients were significantly lower than those from BPH patients (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed in the means, standard deviations, medians, kurtosis, skewness, and 5thpercentile values of T2W image between PCa and BPH patients (p < 0.05). The ADC5thshowed the largest AUC (0.906) with a sensitivity of 83.3 % and specificity of 89.3 %. The diagnostic performance of the T2W image histogram and texture analysis was moderate and had the largest AUC of 0.634 for T2WKurtosiswith a sensitivity and specificity of 48.9% and 79.5 %, respectively. The diagnostic performance of the combined ADC5th& T2WKurtosisparameters was also similar to that of the ADC5th& ADCDiff−Variance.

Conclusions

Histogram and texture parameters derived from the ADC maps and T2W images for entire prostatic lesions could be used as imaging biomarkers to differentiate PCa and BPH biologic characteristics, however, histogram parameters outperformed texture parameters in the diagnostic performance.