bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of levothyroxine replacement on proteinuria and renal function in patients with overt hypothyroidism
Authors: Kizilgul Muhammed , Duger Hakan , Koca Fatma Inci , Hartavi Mustafa
Published: April 2022

Objective: Experimental studies demonstrated hypothyroidism leads to volume contraction and a decrease in renal blood flow via hypotension, an increase in vascular resistance and a decrease in renal sodium reabsorption. Recent studies postulated hypothyroidism might decrease the glomerular filtration rate and induce renal protein leakage. We aimed to investigate the effect of levothyroxine replacement treatment on proteinuria in patients with overt hypothyroidism.Design/Methods: Fifty-two patients (40 females, 12 males) with overt hypothyroidism were enrolled in the study. Levothyroxine dose of 1.6 mcg per kg was initiated. 24-hour urine sample was collected for measurement of proteinuria both before and after the replacement of levothyroxine. Demographic, anthropometric, and laboratory measurements were recorded.Results: Mean age, TSH, and free T4 were 40.76 ± 15.13 years, 82.92 ± 51.23 mIU/L, 0.49 ± 0.21 ng/dL, respectively. Mean TSH decreased from 82.92 ± 51.23 to 1.66 ± 1.09 whereas mean free T4 level increased from 0.49 ± 0.21 to 1.33 ± 0.22 (p<0.0001). 24-hour urinary protein decreased with the treatment (from 182.91 ± 122.76 mg/day to 121.35 ± 65.58 mg/day, p=0.0001). Serum creatinine decreased from 0.79 ± 0.19 mg/dL to 0.72 ± 0.15 (p=0.004) whereas GFR increased from 100.87 ± 19.23 to 110.95 ± 22.88 (p=0.0002). Conclusions: While creatinine levels and renal protein loss decreased with levothyroxine replacement treatment in patients with overt hypothyroidism, GFR increased. Hypothyroidism may lead to reversible renal dysfunction; however more comprehensive studies are needed to clarify these findings.
The predictive role of PlGF/sENG ratio in fetal growth restriction of early beginning associated with pre-eclampsia
Authors: Darmochwal-Kolarz Dorota , Chara Anita
Published: April 2022

The aim of the study was to assess the concentrations of Placental Growth Factor (PlGF), soluble Endoglin (sENG), and PlGF/sENG ratio in pregnancy complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR) associated with pre-eclampsia (PE). The study group included 35 patients and the control group − 45 healthy pregnant women. The concentrations of PlGF and sENG were measured with the use of immune-enzymatic methods. The concentrations of PLGF were significantly lower in the study group when compared to controls. The concentrations of sENG were significantly higher in study patients when compared to controls. The PlGF/sENG ratio in the study group was significantly lower when compared to healthy third trimester pregnant patients. The positive correlations have been observed between sENG concentrations and the levels of D-Dimers in the study group. On the other hand, in the study group the negative correlations were observed between sENG concentrations and Prothrombin time, the neonatal birth weight and the duration of pregnancy. The correlations between PlGF/sENG ratio and the markers of disease severity were more profound when compared to correlations of single angiogenic factors and clinical and laboratory markers of the disease. The higher concentrations of sENG and lower PlGF/sENG ratio in the study group can be associated with the impaired process of the vascular formation in placenta. The PlGF/sENG ratio can be useful in the prediction of FGR associated with PE. Moreover, the results suggest the potential usefulness of the PlGF/sENG ratio in the monitoring of the severity of the syndrome.
Preventing effects of Pen Yan Jing Tablets on sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease by inhibiting Akt/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Tang Ping , Wu Zhongrui , Lin Juan , Jiang Yong , Luo Weipeng , Ye Yuxin , Yang Xinrong , Ding Qi , Wang Yiting , Wang Deqin , Lin Baoqin
Published: April 2022

Background: Pen Yan Jing tablets (PYJ), a Chinese patent medicine, has been used for sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease (SPID) effectively. However, the underlying anti-SPID mechanisms of PYJ remain unknown. The Akt/NF-κB pathway plays an important role in promoting inflammation. This study was designed to investigate whether PYJ has preventing effects on SPID by inhibiting Akt/NF-κB pathway.Methods: A rat model of mixed bacteria liquid plus mechanical damage-induced SPID and a cell model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages were performed. After PYJ treatment, the morphology of uteri and extent of pelvic adhesion were observed. The pathological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The protein expressions of CD68, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were identified by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, the viability and NO level of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were calculated by CCK-8 and Griess method, respectively. The tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were detected by ELISA. Protein kinase B (Akt)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway-related protein expressions were assayed by western blot. Results: PYJ not only remarkably alleviated morphological changes of uteri, pelvic adhesion and histological change of chronic inflammation in uteri, but also down-regulated protein expressions of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, MCP-1, COX-2, p-Akt, p65, p-p65 and p-IκBα in uteri. Moreover, PYJ medicated serum inhibited cell viability, NO release, levels of TNF-α and IL-6, and protein expressions of p-Akt, p-p65 and p-IκBα in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Conclusion: Taken together, the preventing effect of PYJ on SPID attributes to the anti-inflammatory activity via inhibiting Akt/NF-κB pathway.
Comparison of Outcomes for Triangular Tarsectomy and Limited Orbicularis Myectomy with Lower Lid Retractor Plication Versus Everting Sutures for Involutional Entropion.
Authors: Abdullah Al-Mujaini , Mehbub Ul Kadir Syeed , Prakash Maurya Rajendra
Published: April 2022

Purpose: To assess the outcomes of triangular tarsectomy and limited orbicularis myectomy with lower eyelid retractor plication versus an everting sutures technique for the correction of lower eyelid involutional entropion.Methods: A prospective quasi-study was conducted at two tertiary eye hospitals in Bangladesh between January 2016 and December 2019. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select patients with lower eyelid involutional entropion. Patients in group A underwent triangular tarsectomy and limited orbicularis myectomy with lower eyelid retractor plication, whereas those in group B received everting sutures. All participants underwent regular follow-up and all surgeries were performed by a single surgeon. Results: A total of 58 patients in whom 60 eyelids were affected by lower eyelid involutional entropion were included in the study. The success rate was higher in group A compared to group B (100% versus 86.7%; p <0.50). Recurrence at a one-year follow-up was noted in only four (13.3%) cases, all of whom were in group B. However, patients in group A experienced a higher frequency of minimal postoperative complications, including short-term pain (83.3%) and ecchymosis (40%). Both approaches to entropion correction were successful in terms of cosmetic outcome. Conclusions: Triangular tarsectomy and limited orbicularis myectomy with eyelid retractor plication should be considered the definitive procedure for the correction of lower eyelid involutional entropion with minimal or no recurrence. However, everting sutures represent a minimally invasive and cost-effective alternative which can be considered for patients with comorbidities or contraindications, those afraid of surgery, and those of low socioeconomic means.
Effects of Different Pore Structures on Loading and Sustained-Release of MMC by Hollow Mesoporous Fe(0)@mSiO2
Authors: Chang Ziling , Dong Mengyang , Li Huafei , Yang Yuxiang , Yuan Hongming , Ni Chaoying
Published: April 2022

Herein, we developed the dual-function template method to fabricate hollow magnetic nano-spheres (denoted as HMFe-Si-Cn, n=16, 18) with a mesoporous shell and hollow interior structure using alkyl chain trimethoxysilane templating. The shorter chain template directed formation of HMFe-Si-C16 with size of 119 nm, having disordered inkbottle type mesopores and saturation magnetization of 50.01 emu/g higher than that of HMFe-Si-C18 with cylindrical type mesopores. By contrast, Mitomycin C (MMC) loading efficiency of HMFe-Si-C16 was higher owing to the fact that the pore size, surface area, and pore volume of HMFe-Si-C16 were larger than those of HMFe-Si-C18. Besides, MMC loaded HMFe-Si-Cn hollow spheres showed a clear pH-dependent drug release behavior, having a higher release rate in acidic environments of pH 5.7. For the pH 5.7 and 7.4 release, the release kinetic for HMFe-Si-C16-MMC composites follows pseudo-first-order attributable to its special pore structure. For this reason the inner cavity of HMFe-Si-C16 could be labeled with radioisotope 99Tcm to study the magnetic targeting distribution of HMFe-Si-C16 in vivo, and its cytotoxicity against in vitro HeLa cells was also studied. These results indicate the potential of HMFe-Si-C16 in the magnetic targeted drug delivery system.
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate erectile dysfunction in rats with diabetes mellitus through the attenuation of ferroptosis
Authors: Feng Huan , Liu Qi , Deng Zhiyao , Li Hao , Zhang Huajie , Song Jingyu , Liu Xiaming , Liu Jihong , Wen Bo , Wang Tao
Published: April 2022

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED), as one of the most prevalent consequences in male diabetic patients, has a serious impact on men's physical and mental health, and the treatment effect of diabetic mellitus erectile dysfunction (DMED) is often worse. Therefore, the development of a novel therapeutic approach is urgent. As stem cells with high differentiation potential, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs) have been widely used in the treatment of diseases in other systems, and are expected to be a promising strategy for the treatment of DMED. In this study, we investigated the role of HUCMSCs in managing erectile function in rat models of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and compared the effects of two different injection methods.Methods: T1DM and T2DM ED rats were given labelled HUCMSCs by corpus cavernosum injection and tail vein injection, respectively. ICP and MAP were monitored simultaneously by electrical stimulation four weeks after injection to indicate the erectile function of rats. To track the development and colonisation capabilities of stem cells, we performed EdU assay with penile tissue. The histological changes of the penis were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and Masson’s trichrome staining was conducted to evaluate the smooth muscle content and the degree of fibrosis in the rat penis. Then, we employed specific kits to measure the level of NO, cGMP, MDA, SOD and Fe in penis. Electron transmission microscopy was implemented to observe morphology of mitochondria. Besides, western blot and immunofluorescence staining were performed to demonstrate the expression of ferroptosis-related genes.Results: We found that HUCMSCs improved erectile function in T1DM and T2DM ED rats, with no difference in efficacy between corpus cavernosum injection and tail vein injection. The EdU assay revealed that only a tiny percentage of HUCMSCs colonized the corpus cavernosum, while smooth muscle in the penis expanded and collagen decreased following HUCMSC injection. Moreover, the levels of oxidative stress in the penis of the rats given HUCMSCs were dramatically reduced, as was the tissue iron content. HUCMSCs normalized mitochondrial morphology within corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs), which were characteristically altered by high glucose. Furthermore, the expression of ferroptosis inhibitory genes SLC7A11 and GPX4 was obviously elevated in CCSMCs after stem cell management, but the abundances of ACSL4, LPCAT3 and ALOX15 showed the polar opposite tendency.Conclusions: HUCMSCs can effectively and safely alleviate erectile dysfunction in T1DM and T2DM ED rats, while restoring erectile function by attenuating diabetes-induced ferroptosis in CCSMCs. Additionally, this study provides significant evidence for the development of HUCMSCs as a viable therapeutic strategy for DMED.
Comparison of robot-assisted surgery, laparoscopic-assisted surgery, and conventional open surgery for the treatment of gastric cancer： A network meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Yuan , Tian Zhiqiang , Shen Wei
Published: April 2022

Objective
To systematically evaluate the predictive efficacy of robotic-assisted distal gastrectomy (RG) with D2 lymphadenectomy.
Methods
Through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Ovid, and other databases, the English literature comparing three surgical procedures of conventional open distal gastrectomy, laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy, and robot-assisted distal gastrectomy published from 2015 to December 2021 were collected. The included literature's quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Jadad scale, and Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 and R-Studio software.
Results
A total of 13,724 patients were included in 29 publications. Meta-analysis showed that among the three had surgical modalities, the robotic-assisted treatment took the longest time in terms of operative time and was most likely to cause postoperative intestinal obstruction, but performed best in terms of length of hospital stay and had the best postoperative results in preventing abdominal infection, bleeding, anastomotic leakage, pneumonia, and overall postoperative complications.
Conclusion
Robotic-assisted distal gastrectomy is safe and feasible. Patients have an excellent postoperative prognosis, but there are still some problems with the robotic-assisted treatment itself and more aspects to be considered clinically. We expect to improve robotic technology and promote the development of minimally invasive surgery in the future.
Identification of large offspring syndrome during pregnancy through ultrasonography and maternal blood transcriptome analyses
Authors: Rivera Rocío Melissa , Goldkamp Anna Katherine , Patel Bhaumik Narendrabhai , Hagen Darren Erich , Soto-Moreno Edgar Joel , Li Yahan , Kim Chris Nayoon , Miller Cliff , III Fred Williams , Jannaman Elizabeth , Xiao Yao , Tribulo Paula , Estrada-Cortés Eliab , Brau-Rodríguez Astrid Roshealy , Hansen Peter James , Wu Zhoulin , Spinka Christine Marie , Martin Neal , Elsik Chrsitine G
Published: April 2022

The use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in cattle can result in large/abnormal offspring syndrome (LOS/AOS) which is characterized by macrosomia. LOS can cause dystocia and lead to the death of dam and calf. Currently, no test exists to identify LOS pregnancies. We hypothesized that fetal ultrasonography and/or maternal blood markers are useful to identify LOS. Bovine fetuses were generated by artificial insemination (control) or ART. Fetal ultrasonographies were taken on gestation day 55 (D55) and fetal collections performed on D56 or D105 (gestation in cattle ≈280 days). ART fetuses weighing ≥97 percentile of the control weight were considered LOS. Ultrasonography results show that the product of six D55 measurements can be used to identify extreme cases of LOS. To determine whether maternal blood can be used to identify LOS, leukocyte mRNA from 23 females was sequenced. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering grouped the transcriptomes of the two females carrying the two largest LOS fetuses. Comparison of the leukocyte transcriptomes of these two females to the transcriptome of all other females identified several misregulated transcripts on gestation D55 and D105 with LOC783838 and PCDH1 being misregulated at both time-points. Together our data suggest that LOS is identifiable during pregnancy in cattle.
Influence of Machining Surface Finishing on Cavitation Resistance of a GWAW Deposited Cobalt Austenitic Stainless-Steel Coating
Authors: Marczal Mauricio Daniel , Holzmann Henrique Ajuz , Pukasiewicz Anderson Geraldo Marenda , Junior Aldo Braghini
Published: April 2022

The cavitation phenomenon represents a serious efficiency problem for hydro generators. Long repair periods associated with a total equipment stoppage have a significant impact on the effective cost of turbine maintenance. Welding is followed by grinding finish, and depends on the operator’s skill, which can cause significant changes in the profile of the component, as well as in its roughness. Low values of roughness in the recovered surface can reduce the loss of mass by cavitation. Understanding the cavitation phenomenon, associated with the surfaces obtained by different machining conditions, can promote a better understanding of wear mechanisms related to cavitation on machined surfaces. This article has evaluated the mass loss and the roughness profiles produced by different conditions of machining in a cavitation resistant austenitic stainless-steel coating, deposited on to martensitic stainless steel. Polished and ground samples were used as surface condition references. The results indicated that the surface finish obtained by machining influences the cavitation process, mostly in the incubation stage. The cavitation mass loss occurs mainly through pitting mechanisms in micro-burr regions with detachment of adhered material, resulting from machining conditions. As for the evolution of the roughness throughout the experiments, the polished, ground and machined samples showed different behaviors.
Investigation on the cosmic-ray shadow of planets and asteroids
Authors: Zhang Yi , Li Jun , Huang X. Y. , He J. Y.
Published: April 2022

The moon shadow and sun shadow of cosmic rays are commonly used to calibrate the angular resolution of the instrument in extensive air shower experiments, measure the proton-antiproton ratio, and study the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). The shadow effect of planets and asteroids in the solar system, on the other hand, has received little attention. If considerable shadow effects can be observed, a novel approach may be developed to calibrate the point spread function and investigate the IMF. In this work, we calculate the sensitivity of observing the shadow effects of planets and asteroids in the next hundred years using LHAASO’s instrumental response as an example. The result shows that the blocking impact of these celestial bodies is minimal; thus, their influence on the direction distribution of cosmic rays is negligible.
The use of readily available laboratory tests for the identification of the emerging yeast Candida auris in Mexico
Authors: Caceres Diego Hernando , Elizabeth González-Durán , Claudia Ríos-Rosas , Dolores Téllez-Saucedo M , Ernesto Ramírez-González J , Gabriela Ramírez-Barrios J , Nancy Martínez-Montiel , Rebeca Martínez-Contreras , Pablo García-Ruíz , Isabel Salazar-Sánchez M , Lucia Hernández-Rivas , Irma López-Martínez
Published: April 2022

Identification of the emerging multidrug resistant yeast Candida auris is challenging. Here we described the role of the Mexico national reference laboratory Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos Dr. Manuel Martínez Báez (InDRE) and the Mexican national laboratory network in the identification of C. auris. Reference identification was performed based on phenotypic and molecular laboratory methods, including growth in special media, evaluation of isolate micromorphology, and species-specific PCR and pan-fungal PCR and sequencing. C. auris isolates were able to grow on modified Sabouraud agar with 10% NaCl incubated at 40°C. With one exception, isolates of C. auris were spherical to ovoid yeast-like cells and blastoconidia, with no hyphae or pseudohyphae on cornmeal agar. C. auris isolates were resistant to fluconazole. Species-specific and pan-fungal PCR confirmed isolates as C. auris. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of two different C. auris clades in Mexico, clade I (South Asia) and clade IV (South America).
Stokes correlation to estimate topological charge from the speckle pattern
Authors: Sarkar Tushar , SINGH RAKESH KUMAR
Published: April 2022

The orbital angular momentum (OAM) of the vortex or helical beam, connected with the topological charge (TC) of the beam, has been used as an alternative degree of freedom to encode and decode the information in the optical signals. Many detection schemes have been established to determine the TC configurations and decode the information at the receiver end of the encoded information from the transmitter end for the free space. However, when the helical beam is transmitted through the scattering medium, its wavefront is spatially scrambled without any direct information about the incident helical beam. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a new approach to estimate the TC of the helical beam from the non-imaged randomly scattered pattern. The technique utilizes Stokes parameters (SPs) of the random field to evaluate higher-order SPs fluctuation correlation. A complete theoretical model of the technique is presented and verified with numerical simulation and experimental tests. A good agreement is found between the simulation and experimental results.
Long non-coding RNA Neat1 promotes acute kidney disease via activation of NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Tang Sydney , Xue Rui , Yiu Wai Han , Chan Kam Wa , Lok Sarah , Zou Yixin , Ma Jingyuan , Li Hongyu , Chan Loretta YY , Lai Kar Neng , Lan Hui Yao
Published: April 2022

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in hospitalized patients and is associated with high mortality. Inflammation plays a key role in the pathophysiology of AKI. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are being increasingly recognized as regulators of the inflammatory and immune response. In this study, we first observed significantly increased urinary and circulating lncRNA Neat1 among 66 hospitalized patients with AKI versus control subjects from a primary care clinic; and among kidney transplant recipients, Neat1 levels were highest after surgery followed by a prompt decline to normal levels in parallel with recovery of kidney function. Next, in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic AKI, in which kidney tubular Neat1 was increased, short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of Neat1 in the kidney preserved kidney function by lowering BUN and serum creatinine/cystatin C, protected against tubular apoptosis and suppressed overexpression of AKI biomarkers KIM-1 and NGAL, leukocyte infiltration and both intrarenal and systemic inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β. Finally, in LPS-treated C1.1 mouse kidney tubular cells, Neat1 was induced via the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway which promoted subsequent activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes via binding with another scaffold protein, Rack1. Silencing of Neat1 in C1.1 cells ameliorated LPS-induced upregulation of IL-6, whereas overexpressing Neat1 alone without LPS stimulation was sufficient to drive C1.1 cells into a proinflammatory phenotype. In conclusion, Neat1 exerts a prominent role in AKI by promoting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and is a potential novel biomarker and therapeutic target for AKI.
LPS-induced complex polarization of astrocytes and microglia in rats
Authors: Zhu Afang , Cui Huan , Su Wenliang , Liu Chaoqun , Shen Le , Yu Xuerong , Huang Yuguang
Published: April 2022

A1 astrocytes are activated through M1 microglial secretion, which often be induced via 0.1 mg/kg systemic lipopolysaccharides (LPS). While a larger dose of 5 mg/kg LPS, similar to the dose used for liver injury or sepsis model, was adopted to induce A1. This study was designed to investigate a safer and effective LPS dose to induce A1, and the synchronized changes of other glial phenotypes since both astrocytes and microglia can be activated by LPS. Gene expression changes in 72 specific phenotypic markers of astrocytes and microglia were tested following the administration of systemic LPS ranging from 0.1 to 5 mg/kg, after exposure for 24 h in the cortex, hippocampus and spinal cord, using methods including RT-PCR, co-immunofluorescence, and single-cell RNA sequence. The results showed that anti-inflammatory A2 and M2 phenotypes were also activated by LPS, not the pro-inflammatory A1, M1, and A-pan phenotypes alone. But more A1 than A2 were activated even with low-dose LPS exposure. With respect to microglia, LPS induced a mild and equal level of M1 and M2 activation, indicating 24 h exposure is not proper to stimulate M1. Only several activated markers like C3, Marco and Ym1 showed good consistency among tissues with various dose of LPS. Collectively, systemic LPS induced a rather complex polarization of A1, A2, A-pan, M1, and M2. A smaller LPS dose like 1 or 3 mg/kg could be available to induce A1, and selection of phenotypic markers should be optimized by considering the LPS dose and target tissue.
Reduced neural activity during volatile anesthesia compared to TIVA: evidence from a novel EEG signal processing analysis
Authors: Bickel Amitai , Maimon Neta B. , Molcho Lior , Intrator Nathan , Ivry Shimon , Gavrilov Alexey
Published: April 2022

Background: Post-operative cognitive dysfunction/decline is a well-known phenomenon and of crucial importance, especially in the elderly, emphasizing the significance of selecting the proper anesthetics. General anesthesia can be accomplished by inhalation-based (volatile) or total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA). While their effects on post-operative symptoms have been investigated, little is known about their influence on brain functionalities during the surgery itself. Objective: To assess differences in brain activity between volatile and TIVA anesthetics during surgery. Methods: Seventeen patients who were electively scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, gave written informed consent to participate in the study and were randomly divided to receive either volatile anesthesia (n = 9), or TIVA (n = 8). The level of anesthesia was kept equal in both groups. A single bipolar EEG electrode (Aurora by Neurosteer®) was placed on each participant’s forehead. The electrode presented real-time activity and collected participants’ data during the surgery. The dependent variables included frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, and beta), and three features (VC9, ST4, and A0) previously extracted with the Aurora device and provided by Neurosteer®.Results: All surgeries were uneventful, and all patients showed bispectral index (BIS) scores less than 60. Feature activity under volatile anesthesia (in comparison to TIVA) was significantly lower for the delta, theta, and alpha frequency bands and for the three features (VC9, ST4, and A0). Further analysis showed that the largest difference between anesthesia types was for feature A0. Conclusions: Both EEG frequency bands and novel brain activity features provide evidence that volatile anesthesia further reduces components of brain activity in comparison to TIVA anesthesia. Specifically, A0, which previously showed a correlation with cognitive decline severity and cognitive load, exhibited the most prominent difference between anesthesia types. Together, this study suggests that measuring brain activity during anesthesia using sensitive features can reveal that different anesthesia types may affect brain activity differently, which could affect a patient’s recovery from anesthesia, and consequently reduce post-operative cognitive decline.
The relationship between lung fibrosis, EGFR and disease outcomes in Covid-19 pneumonia: A postmortem evaluation
Authors: Dülger Seyhan Us , Mutlu Nazmi , Ceylan İlkay , Özhan Erhan
Published: April 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the severity of fibrosis in the lung tissue and EGFR positivity in patients who died due to Covid-19 pneumonia, demographic characteristics, comorbidities, biochemistry values, and treatments they receive. Methods: Fifty patients who died with Covid 19 pneumonia were included in the study. Demographic data of the patients, laboratory tests, thorax CT findings, comorbidities, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), intubation times and treatments given were noted. Postmortem Tru-cut lung biopsy was performed. EGFR positivity was examined and grouped as negative, mild, moderate and severe. Data analyzed statistically. Results: EGFR involvement were negative in 11 (22%), mild in 20 (40%), moderate in 13 (26%), severe in 6 (12%) patients. The mean C-reactive protein (CRP), d.dimer and mean length of stay in the ICU were found to be statistically different between the groups (respectively p=0.024; p= 0.003; p=0.016). Methylprednisolone usage dose and presence of comorbidity did not differ significantly in EGFR involvement (respectively, p=0.79; p=0.98). CRP cutoff value for EGFR was 161 mg/L (p=0.02, sensitivity 0.667, specificity 0.659), d.dimer cutoff value was 9.75 (p=0.032, sensitivity 0.667, specificity 0.705). Conclusion: CRP and d.dimer values ​​can be a guide for the severity of pulmonary fibrosis that may develop in severe Covid-19 pneumonia patients . The dose of methylprednisolone used does not make a significant difference in the severity of fibrosis
Variation in the number and position of rDNA loci is one of the driving forces in the diversification and speciation in Nigella (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: Orooji Fatemeh , Mirzaghaderi Ghader , Kuo Yi-Tzu , Fuchs Jörg
Published: April 2022

Nigella is a small genus belonging to the Ranunculaceae family which is presumably originated and distributed in Aegean and the adjacent Western-Irano-Turanian region. Comparative repeat analysis of N. sativa, N. damascena and N. bucharica was performed using low-pass Illumina genomic reads followed by karyotyping and FISH mapping of seven Nigella species using the in silico identified repeats and rDNA probes. High- and moderate-copy repeat sequences occupy 57.52%, 59.01% and 64.73% of N. sativa, N. damascena and N. bucharica genomes, respectively. The majority (47.91% in N. sativa, 39.47% in N. damascena and 51.25% in N. bucharica) of the genomes are retrotransposons (class I transposons), while DNA transposons (class II transposons) contributed to only 1.50%, 1.60% and 2.19% of the genomes. The analyzed Nigella species possess large genomes of about 7.4 to 12.4 Gbp/1C, but only two satellite repeats in N. sativa, one in N. damascena and four in N. bucharica were identified, representing 0.75%, 1.21% and 1.45% of the genomes, respectively. An exceptionally high number of 45S rDNA loci was found in N. hispanica, each chromosome revealed at least one 45S rDNA site and one of them occurs in hemizygous condition. The observed three karyotype groups agreed with the ITS/rbcL-derived phylogeny. The detected variation in chromosome number, type and positioning of satellite repeats and localization of rDNA loci are possibly due to chromosomal rearrangements, rDNA repositioning and copy number changes.
Determination and quantification of bonediol contend in callus and cell suspension cultures of Bonellia macrocarpa
Authors: Castro-Martínez Cecilia , Guzmán Carlos Alberto Lecona , Luján-Hidalgo María Celina , Ruiz-Lau Nancy , Ventura-Canseco Lucia M. C. , Gómez María del Carmen Silverio , Gutiérrez-Miceli Federico A.
Published: April 2022

Plant growth regulators naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 6-Benzylamino purine (BAP) were evaluated at different concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mgL-l) in three different explants (leaf, stem, and root) on the induction of responses morphogenic. In the suspension cell culture establishment, callus obtained from the stem were used and two concentrations of coconut water (20 and 40% v/v) were evaluated to increase the disintegration of the cell suspension. Bonediol was quantified using the HPLC technique in callus obtained from different explants (leaf, stem, and root) and suspension cell cultures. Higher callus formation was obtained in stem explants, with BAP at 1.0 mgL-l indirect organogenesis was obtained and with 2,4-D at 0.5 and 1.0 mgL-l somatic embryogenesis. Bonediol concentration detected was 49.57 mg/g callus, derived from stem explant. During the cultivation of cells in suspension, greater disintegration of the compact calli was observed with 20% coconut water. Bonediol concentration in suspension cell cultures was 24.44 mg/g dry cell. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of growth regulators on callus formation as well as the quantification and determination of bonediol content in callus and suspension cells of Bonellia macrocarpa.
m1A Regulator ALKBH1 and TRMT10B as Potential Prognostic Biomarkers and Related to Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Jiahao , Li Luohong , Huang Sike , Zhang Zhen
Published: April 2022

Background N1-methyladenosine (m1A) RNA methylation is crucial in the carcinogenesis and tumorous molecular pathogenesis. However, the detailed pathogenic mechanism of m1A regulators in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) has not been comprehensively researched. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of m1A in PAAD prognosis and tumor microenvironment (TME).Methods The relationship between m1A regulators and the PAAD prognosis was analyzed with cBioportal database. RNA-seq transcriptome was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases for differential expression analysis. The role of m1A regulators in the PAAD TME was analyzed with TISIDB database and R software. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed by The Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID).Results In PAAD, we discovered 10 m1A regulators correlated to poor prognosis and were all upregulated. While up-regulated ALKBH1 and TRMT10B were associated with a better prognosis in PAAD patients. Further research found that ALKBH1 and TRMT10B significantly upregulated the infiltrating level of immune cells, especially CD4+ T cells. Additionally, they also affected the expression of immunomodulators, including CD276, TMEM173, TNFSF9, etc. Finally, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis proved that ALKBH1 and TRMT10B influenced the PAAD development by regulating the RNA polymerase II.Conclusion Promoted expression of ALKBH1 and TRMT10B was significantly related with a better prognosis in PAAD, the possible mechanism of which might associate with the alternation of the TME. ALKBH1 and TRMT10B were potential prognosis biomarkers and possible immunotherapeutic targets for PAAD.
A novel bivalent anti-c-MET/PD-1 bispecific antibody exhibits potent cytotoxicity against c-MET/PD-L1-positive colorectal cancer
Authors: Sun Zujun , Gu Chenzheng , Wang Xuan , Shang Anquan , Quan Wenqiang , Wu Junlu , Ji Ping , Yao Yiwen , Liu Wenfang , Li Dong
Published: April 2022

Previously, we generated a novel bispecific antibody (BsAb) targeting c-MET and PD-1 (PDCD1), which can bridge T cells and c-MET positive tumor cells. This study investigated functional mechanisms and antitumor activities of our BsAb against c-MET/PD-L1 (CD274) positive colorectal cancer (CRC). The Cancer Genome Atlas database was used to evaluate c-MET expression in tumor tissues. The expression of plasma exosomal c-MET/PD-L1 in CRC patients was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Western blotting assay was performed to determine expression levels of c-MET and molecular mechanism. The scratch wound healing migration assay and transwell chamber invasion assay were conducted to determine cell migratory and invasive abilities, respectively. A humanized mouse model was used to evaluate antitumor activity of the BsAb in vivo. The BsAb inhibited c-MET/PD-L1+ CRC cell migration and invasion and mediated strong antitumor activity against HCT116 tumors in mice. The BsAb induced the degradation of c-MET protein in a dose and time-dependent manner. The BsAb suppressed the phosphorylation of c-MET downstream proteins GRB2-associated-binding protein 1 (Gab1) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). The BsAb promoted macrophage phagocytosis. Furthermore, the level of plasma exosomal-c-MET/PD-L1 distinguished CRC patients from healthy controls. The BsAb exhibited potent anti-tumor activities by two distinguished mechanisms: inhibition of c-MET signal transduction and promotion of macrophage-mediated phagocytosis. Our BsAb may provide a novel therapeutic tool for patients with c-MET/PD-L1+ CRC, and the status of exosomal-c-MET/PD-L1 may be predictive responsiveness to treatment with our BsAb.
Distribution of Potential Ecological Risks and Sensitivity in Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, Northwest China
Authors: Du Shanghai , Meng Lingjun , Xu Wenyan , Zhao Qunying , Zhao Hongyan , Ma Tianyi , Wu Shengyu , Zhang Wenjing
Published: April 2022

Restricted by factors such as regional climate and natural geographical location, the Altay Prefecture of Xinjiang has a very fragile ecological environment. As a strategic reserve area of non-ferrous metals in China, the mineral resources are very rich, while the Western Development Strategy and "Belt and Road" strategy would cause a certain degree of harm to the regional ecological environment. In order to assess the vulnerability of regional ecological environment, 41 soil sampling points were arranged in Altay Prefecture, and the spatial distribution map of heavy metals in soil was drawn. Among them, the content of Cu and Zn exceeded the soil background value most seriously, accounting for 28.73% and 19.37% respectively. The improved potential pollution risk index method was used to evaluate the risk of heavy metal pollution in the soil environment of Altay Prefecture. The results showed that the area of low risk areas in Altay Prefecture was the largest, accounting for 34.06%. The total area of high-risk and very high risk areas accounts for 24.98%, about 1/4 of the total area. Finally, based on multi-index factors such as topography, precipitation, soil type, soil media, vegetation types, lithology, geological disasters, heavy metal pollution, a comprehensive evaluation system of ecological environment sensitivity was constructed. The ecological environment sensitivity in Altay Prefecture was divided into four levels, and the proportion of each level area from high to low was: medium sensitive area (59.74%)＞low sensitive area (18.79%)＞high sensitive area (12.09%)＞extremely sensitive area (9.38%). Accurate assessment of the pollution risk of heavy metals and the vulnerability of ecological environment is crucial, which will provide scientific basis and theoretical support for the decision-making of relevant government agencies in Altay Prefecture.
Comparison of the analgesic effect of inhaled lavender vs vanilla essential oil for neonatal frenotomy: a randomized clinical trial (NCT04867824)
Authors: Maya-Enero Silvia , Fàbregas-Mitjans Montserrat , Llufriu-Marquès Maria Rosa , Candel-Pau Júlia , Garcia-Garcia Jordi , López-Vílchez María Ángeles
Published: April 2022

Background: It is necessary to treat neonatal pain because it may have short and long-term adverse effects. Frenotomy is a painful procedure where sucking, a common strategy to relieve pain, cannot be used because the technique is performed on the tongue. In a previous randomized clinical trial, we demonstrated that inhaled lavender essential oil (LEO) reduced the signs of pain during neonatal frenotomy. We aimed to find out whether inhaled vanilla essential oil (VEO) is more effective in reducing pain during frenotomy than LEO.Methods: Randomized clinical trial with neonates who underwent a frenotomy for type 3 tongue-ties between May and October 2021. Pain was assessed using pre and post-procedure heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SatO2), crying time and NIPS score. Patients were randomized into “experimental” and “control” group. In both groups, we performed swaddling, administered oral sucrose, and let the newborn suck for two minutes. We placed a gauze pad with one drop of LEO (control group) or of VEO (experimental group) under the neonate’s nose for two minutes prior to and during the frenotomy.Results: We enrolled 142 patients (71 per group). Both groups showed similar NIPS scores (2.02 vs 2.38) and crying times (15.3 vs 18.7 s). We observed no differences in HR increase or in SatO2 decrease between both groups. We observed no side effects in either of the groups.Conclusions: We observed no appreciable difference between LEO and VEO, therefore we cannot conclude which of them was more effective in treating pain in neonates who underwent a frenotomy.
Associations of childhood violence experience and intimate partner violence during adulthood among women in Limpopo, South Africa
Authors: Ross Christina , Gower Amy L , Smith Jessica G , Manenzhe Tovhowani , Netshiongolwe Rabelani , Maphula Angelina , Ingersoll Karen S
Published: April 2022

Background and Purpose: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with lifelong health risks, including intimate partner violence (IPV). The Republic of South Africa (RSA) has the world’s highest rate of IPV. We sought to understand how childhood exposure to violence related to women’s experiences of IPV in rural Limpopo, RSA, to inform intervention development.Participants and Setting: Participants were 50 adult women from villages near Thohoyandou and 57 adult female students at the University of Venda.Methods: Participants completed a questionnaire including demographic characteristics. IPV victimization and perpetration in adulthood were measured using the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale. We compared female village residents and university students using descriptive statistics. Multivariable logistic regressions examined relationships between childhood violence exposure and adulthood victimization and perpetration of psychological, physical, and sexual violence.Results: Childhood violence exposure significantly predicted adulthood victimization by minor (\({\chi }^{2}\)(1) = 4.540, 𝑝=.033) and severe psychological aggression (\({\chi }^{2}\)(1) = 6.965, 𝑝=.008), and severe physical assault (\({\chi }^{2}\)(1) = 6.130, 𝑝=.013). Witnessing IPV during childhood predicted women’s perpetration of minor sexual coercion \(({\chi }^{2}\)(1) = 5.971, 𝑝=.015). Community-women were more likely to perpetrate severe physical assault than university women (16.1%) (X^2(1) = 4.10, p = .043).Conclusions: Childhood exposure to violence was significantly related to women’s IPV victimization and perpetration experiences in adulthood. Interventions to promote conflict resolution skills in adult partner relationships and reduce IPV are needed for men and women. Action is needed to minimize ACEs among girls, such as witnessing violence between adult intimate partners.
Pastoral Neolithic Communities of Kenya Subsistence Patterns: Ethnoarchaeological Analysis
Authors: Maina david , Ngari lazarus , Gitu kennedy
Published: April 2022

This paper attempts to reconstruct pastoral Neolithic (PN) communities of southern western Kenya subsistence patterns. Generally, subsistence patterns of PN have mainly been reconstructed through cultural materials and food remains found in the archaeological sites. As the basis of the reconstruction of prehistoric and historic subsistence patterns, these sources are inadequate due to the relative generalization of pastoralists’ behaviors and their choices regarding acquiring, preparation and subsequent disposal of food remains. Fundamentally, the aim of this study was to interrogate the subsistence strategies of PN sites of Ngamuriak using ethnographic study of contemporary Maasai community. Thus, middle range theory whereby ethnographic information was employed to interrogate the findings. Notably, data from one months of participant observation, extensive oral interviewing and administration of the survey to 40 households shows that some of the food consumed by pastoralists’ communities cannot be traced in archaeological data. Key findings demonstrate that a considerable percentage of foods are acquired, prepared, consumed and disposed away from the homestead. On the other hand, pastoralists’ communities will venture into other forms of subsistence such as crop agriculture, fishing or hunting and gathering when circumstances allow hence they are not fixed in livestock as their only mode of subsistence. Finally, diversification is one of the key adaptation strategies that enable nomadic people to settle in one area for a long time. These findings should, therefore, trigger a dialogue on shortcomings of archaeological remains as the only basis of interpreting subsistence patterns of Pastoral Neolithic communities as well as insistence of using better methods such as froth floating in future to search for carbonized seeds in these Pastoral Neolithic sites.
Public Health Expenditure and its relation with Health Status – Evidence from the North Eastern states of India
Authors: Sarmah Bijita , Goswami Nivedita
Published: April 2022

Health of the people is considered highly significant for the socio-economic development of a nation. Investment on health is an investment on human resource development. Hence it is necessary to allocate adequate funds to the health sector in a planned and wise manner. To get a clear picture about the health scenario of north eastern states of India, this paper first tries to analyse the trend of public health expenditure made by both state and central government after the launch of NRHM in the year 2005. Despite the fact that health expenditure exhibits a positive trend but it is yet to reach its target of investing 2–3% of GDP. More focus is to be drawn towards the development of this sector. Therefore it becomes very important to know the relation between health expenditure and health status. Dynamic panel analysis is used and found that health expenditures and health status exhibits positive relation, health status of the people increases with increase in expenditure.
The development and validation of the pandemic medication-assisted treatment questionnaire for the assessment of the impact of pandemic crises on medication management and administration for patients with opioid use disorders
Authors: Leventelis Christonikos , Katsouli Alexandra , Stavropoulos Vasileios , Karasavvidou Anna , Papadopoulos Panagiotis , Barmpas Petros T. , Tasoulis Sotiris , Veskoukis Aristidis S. , Tsironi Maria
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 pandemic and the globally applied restriction measures mainly affect vulnerable population groups, such as patients with opioid use disorders. Towards inhibiting SARS-COV-2 spread, the medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs follow strategies targeting reduction of in-person psychosocial interventions, and increase of take-home doses. However, there is no available instrument to examine the impact of such modifications on diverse health aspects of patients under MAT. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the PANdemic Medication-Assisted Treatment Questionnaire (PANMAT/Q) to address the pandemic effect on the management and administration of MAT. In total, 463 patients under ΜΑΤ participated. Our findings indicate that PANMAT/Q has been successfully validated exerting reliability and validity. It can be completed within approximately 5 minutes, and its implementation in research settings is advocated. PANMAT/Q could serve as a useful tool to identify the needs of patients under MAT being in high risk for relapse and overdose.