bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VCAM-1 Is Associated With High Cardiovascular Risk Predicted by the Framingham Score: A Cross-Sectional Study With Diabetic Women
Authors: Neri Ane Karoline Medina , Júnior Geraldo Bezerra da Silva , Meneses Gdayllon Cavalcante , Lino Danielli Oliveira da Costa , Martins Alice Maria Costa , Lázaro Ana Paula Pires , Cairutas Rebeca Viana Brígido de Moura , Júnior José Humberto da Silva , Lima Jeruza Mara de Oliveira , Silva Ricardo Pereira
Published: June 2021

Background

The best strategy to establish cardiovascular risk (CVR) in women has yet to be defined, although risk scores are widely used. The inclusion of endothelial biomarkers, such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), to the risk scores could increase their discriminatory power and improve risk assessment.
Objective

To evaluate the association between endothelial biomarkers and CVR in women with type 2 DM (T2DM) and without previous cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Methods

Cross-sectional study, including women with T2DM from Fortaleza, Brazil, from January to October 2017. Women aged 30 to 74 years were included and those with CVD were excluded. Clinical and laboratory data were evaluated (age; time of T2DM diagnosis; hypertension presence and treatment; smoking; body mass index - BMI; systolic blood pressure - SBP and diastolic blood pressure - DBP; glycemic and lipid profiles and serum biomarkers VCAM-1, fibroblast growth factor-23, Syndecan-1 and Angiopoietin-2). The CVR was stratified using the Framingham Risk Score - FRS (version with laboratory tests - laboratory FRS and the one with the BMI - non-laboratory FRS) and the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) risk engine.
Results

In total, eighty-eight diabetic women were evaluated, with mean age 56 ± 10 years and T2DM time of 5 (3–9) years, most of them hypertensive (71.6%), overweight or obese (74%), with altered blood glucose levels (blood glucose 8.53 ± 3.65 mmol/L and hbA1c of 65 ± 1 mmol/mol) and lipids (LDL 27.06 ± 8.99 mmol/L), in addition to high risk according to laboratory (72.7%) and non-laboratory (81.8%) FRS and low risk for any UKPDS score outcome. Regarding the biomarkers, only VCAM-1 showed an association with CVR, mainly with a high-risk classification using laboratory FRS (p = 0.024), even in this population without CVD.
Conclusion

The assessed diabetic women without previous CVD had high CVR in traditional scores (FRS scores) and low CVR in specific score for diabetics (UKPDS score). VCAM-1 may be useful in detect subclinical endothelial dysfunction in women with T2DM and its incorporation into scores may improve the accuracy in risk stratification of women with T2DM.
A Label-free Optical Sensing Platform for Beta-glucosidase Activity Using Protein-inorganic Hybrid Nanoflowers
Authors: Liu Ziping , Liu Shasha , Gao Decai , Li Yanan , Tian Ye , Bai Edith
Published: June 2021

In this work, a convenient, label-free and dual-signal readout optical sensing platform for the sensitively and selectively determination of beta-glucosidase (β-Glu) activity was reported using protein-inorganic hybrid nanoflowers [BSA-Cu3(PO4)2·3H2O] possessing peroxidase-mimicking activity. The nanoflowers (NFs) were facilely synthesized through a self-assembled synthesis strategy at room temperature. The as-prepared NFs could catalytically convert the colorless and non-fluorescent Amplex Red into colored and highly fluorescent resorufin in the presence of hydrogen peroxide via electron transfer process. β-Glu could hydrolyze cyanogenic glycoside, using amygdalin (Amy) as a model, into cyanide ions (CN-), which can subsequently efficiently suppress the catalytic activity of NFs, accompanied with the fluorescence decrease and the color fading. The concentration of CN- was controlled by β-Glu-triggered enzymatic reaction of Amy. Thus, a sensing system was established for fluorescent and visual determination of β-Glu activity. Under the optimum conditions, the present fluorescent and visual bimodal sensing platform exhibited good sensitivity for β-Glu activity assay with a detection limit of 0.33 U·L-1. The sensing platform was further applied to determinate β-Glu in real samples and satisfactory results were attained. Additionally, the label-free optical sensing system can potentially be a promising candidate for β-Glu inhibitors screening.
Clinical Factors and Pre- Surgery Depression Scores Predict Pain Intensity in Cardiac Surgery Patients
Authors: Gohari Jacob , Grosman-Rimon Liza , Arazi Mattan , Caspi-Avissar Noa , Granot Dina , Gleitman Sagi , BSn Jawdat Badarny , Lubovich Alla , Sudarsky Doron , Carasso Shemy , Birati Edo Y. , Kachel Erez
Published: June 2021

Objectives: Moderate to severe pain is prevalent in cardiac surgery patients and can increase cardiac complications, morbidity and mortality. The objectives of the study were to assess perioperative pain intensity and to assess predictors of pain post-cardiac surgery, including clinical characteristics and depression. Methods: A total of 98 cardiac surgery patients were included in the study. Pain intensity was assessed using a Numerical Rating System at 1 day pre-operatively and 2 day post-operatively until hospital discharge. Clinical data were recorded and depression scores were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Study of Depression (CES-D). Results: Pain intensity increased significantly during hospitalization from pre-operative levels, surging at 2 day post-operatively. Predictors of high pain intensity were high pre-operative CES-D scores, female gender, cardiac function, smoking and high body mass index (BMI). Significantly higher pre-operative CES-D scores were found in patients with severe pain compared to patients with no pain to moderate pain (18.23±1.80 vs 12.84±1.22, p= 0.01 pre-operatively). Patients with severe pain (NRS 7-10) had significantly higher levels of white blood cells (WBC) compared to patients with no pain-moderate pain (NRS 0-6), (p=0.01). However, CES-D scores were only weakly correlated maximum WBC levels perioperatively.Discussion: Pain intensity significantly increased following surgery, and was associated with depressive symptoms, female sex, cardiac function, BMI, and smoking. These factors may serve as a basis for identification and intervention to help prevent the transition from acute pain to chronic pain.
The Virulence Associated fsr Quorum Sensing System Play Key Roles in Enterococcus Faecalis
Authors: Yue Jinglin , Du Pengcheng , Hua Mingxi , Liu Xinzhe , Duan Ang , Chen Nan , Chen Chen
Published: June 2021

Enterococcus faecalis, a major nosocomial pathogen, has become a top leading cause of hospital-acquired infections including urinary tract infections, endocarditis and bacteremia. It is important to study the epidemiology and virulence characteristics of E. faecalis isolates in order to tailor infection prevention and antibiotic prescribing. In this study, comparative genomic analysis was conducted on 537 isolates from different human origins. The isolates from bloodstream and intra-abdominal lining had the largest and smallest average genome size respectively, while the isolates from open natural orifices (gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, respiratory tract, wound and eye) had medium average genome size. The phylogenetic relationships were expounded that the strain isolation niche is uncorrelated with strain phylogeny. Six clonal complexes generally appeared in different isolation sources. Furthermore, genomic analysis revealed differences at the accessory genome, the functions of different genes mainly pointed to the virulence, drug resistance and metabolism of E. faecalis. Interestingly, fsr quorum sensing system genes affecting biofilm formation had a highest proportion in the blood-derived strains. This study showed the genomic characteristics of different human origins and suggested that fsr quorum-sensing system maybe a contributing factor of bacteremia due to E. faecalis infection.
Prognostic Value of Tumour Size in Colon Cancer – Smaller is Better?
Authors: Lu Siyi , Wang Bingyan , Liu Zhenzhen , Li Fei , Lu Yongqu , Meng Yan , Wang Junwei , Wang Hao , Guo Limei , Zhou Xin , Fu Wei
Published: June 2021

Background: The prognostic value of tumour size in colon cancer remains controversial. This study aimed to reveal the correlation between tumour size and prognosis of colon cancer.Methods: A total of 498 patients with colon cancer were included in this study. The correlation of tumour size with prognosis, mismatch repair status and other clinicopathological characteristics as well as tumour microenvironment was analysed.Results: For stage IIA microsatellite stable (MSS) colon cancer, tumours sized <3.5 cm and ≥5 cm were associated with a poorer disease free survival (DFS) compared with tumours sized between 3.5 and 5 cm (p=0.002). Small tumour size (HR=5.098, p=0.001) and large tumour size (HR=2.749, p=0.029) were found to be independent prognostic factors for stage IIA MSS colon cancer. Moreover, high expression of transgelin (TAGLN), a marker of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), was found to be an independent prognostic factor for poorer DFS (HR=9.651, p=0.009), which was also associated with smaller tumour size (p=0.027).Conclusion: Small (<3.5 cm) and large (≥5 cm) tumour sizes are associated with decreased DFS in stage IIA MSS colon cancer. Enrichment of TAGLN+ CAFs is associated with decreased DFS and small tumour size.
Seed-Specific Expression of Apolipoprotein A-I Milano Dimer in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Transgenic Lines
Authors: Reggi Serena , Onelli Elisabetta , Moscatelli Alessandra , Stroppa Nadia , Dell’Anno Matteo , Perfanov Kiril , Rossi Luciana
Published: June 2021

Apolipoprotein A-I Milano (ApoA-IM) has been shown to significantly reduce coronary atherosclerotic plaques. However, the preparation of cost-effective pharmaceutical formulations of Apo A-I Milano can be limited by the high cost and difficulty of purifying the protein and producing the highly effective dimeric form. The aim of this study was the characterization of rice plants expressing the ApoA-I Milano protein primarily in a dimeric form, specifically in the seeds. The seed-specific 13 kDa rice-prolamin promoter drives the expression of ApoA-I Milano to different caryopsis tissues such as seed coat, aleurone cells, and endosperm, particularly into amyloplast and storage vacuoles. A plant-based ApoA-I Milano production system offers numerous advantages over current production systems, including direct production of the most therapeutically effective dimeric ApoA-I Milano forms, long-term storage of protein in seeds, and ease of protein production by simply growing plants. Therefore, seeds could provide a cost-effective source of ApoA-I Milano for use as a therapeutic.
Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells-derived Exosomes Deliver Mir-21 to Accelerate Corneal Epithelial Wound Healing Through PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Li Xuran , Liu Xiaolong , Zhang Yanyan , Liu Zhiyu , Li Xinyue , Yu Yu , Ye Xiangmei , Li Yang , Yang Dongguang , Teng Yueqiu , Shi Ce , Jin Xin , Qi Sen , Liu Yuting , Wang Shudan , Liu Ying , Cao Fenglin , Kong Qingran , Wang Zhenkun , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2021

BackgroundRapid restoration of corneal epithelium integrity after injury is particularly important for preserving corneal transparency and vision. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be taken into account as the promising regenerative therapeutics for improvement of wound healing processes based on the variety of the effective components. The extracellular vesicles form MSCs, especially exosomes, has been considered as important paracrine mediators though transferring microRNAs into recipient cell. This study investigated the mechanism of human umbilical cord MSC-derived exosomes (HUMSC-exosomes) on corneal epithelial wound healing.MethodsExosomes extracted from HUMSCs were identified by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and Western blot. Corneal fluorescein staining and histological staining were evaluated in a corneal mechanical wound model. Changes in HCECs proliferation after HUMSC-exosomes or miR-21 mimic treatment were evaluated by CCK-8 and EdU assays, while migration was assessed by in vitro scratch wound assay. Full-length transcriptome sequencing was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes associated with HUMSC-exosomes treatment, followed by validation via real-time PCR and Western blot.ResultsThe exosomes derived from HUMSCs can significantly promote corneal epithelial cells proliferation, migration in vitro and accelerate corneal epithelial wound healing in vivo. Similar effects were obtained after miR-21 transfection, while the beneficial effects of HUMSC-exosomes were partially negated by miR-21 knockdown. Results also show that the benefits are associated with decreased PTEN level and activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in HCECs.Conclusions﻿HUMSC-exosomes could accelerate the recovery of corneal epithelial wounds though restraining PTEN by transferring miR-21, and may represent a promising novel therapeutic agent for corneal wound repair.
Tetraspanin 3, as a Novel Regulator of Intracellular β1 Integrin Recycling, Promotes Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Proliferation
Authors: Su Hongbo , Xu Yitong , Zhang Yao , Jiang Xizi , Zhang Qingfu , Ren Hongjiu , Zou Zifang , Qiu Xueshan
Published: June 2021

Background: The role of tetraspanins in cancer development has been widely reported. However, the expression and roles of tetraspanin 3 (TSPAN3) in solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), have not yet been extensively investigated. In this study, we explored the role of TSPAN3 in NSCLC and its potential role in the trafficking of integrin β1, which is highly expressed in this type of cancer.Methods: The expression of TSPAN3 in NSCLC tissue and NSCLC cell lines was evaluated, and the correlation between TSPAN3 expression and disease progression was assessed. Furthermore, loss- and gain-of-expression studies were conducted to determine the biological function of TSPAN3 both in vivo and vitro. The regulatory role of TSPAN3 in β1 integrin expression and intracellular recycling was studied through western blot, RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence analyses.Results: TSPAN3 was found to be highly expressed in lung cancer cells and tissues. Moreover, high levels of TSPAN3 positively correlated with poor differentiation, lymph node involvement, advanced pathological tumor-node-metastasis stage, and poor prognosis in NSCLC patients. TSPAN3 showed the potential to promote the proliferation of NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, TSPAN3 was found to interact with β1 integrin and Rab11a, thereby facilitating the sorting of β1 integrin into Rab11a endosomes and promoting β1 integrin recycling and upregulation. Conclusions: These findings reveal a novel role for TSPAN3 in the regulation of intracellular recycling of β1 integrin. Hence, TSPAN3 may represent a potentially valuable therapeutic target for NSCLC.
The Impact of Big Data on Banking Operations
Authors: Hasan Morshadul , Le Thi , Hoque Ariful
Published: June 2021

In the current technological advances with the rise of the information revolution through mobile internet, cloud computing, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT), the banking industry is receiving new opportunities and facing critical challenges. It motivates us to develop the proposed research concept to examine how data innovation influences banking operations. We employ the systematic qualitative research methodology based on the existing literature from Web of Science and SCOPUS database to accomplish our research objectives. The findings of this study include the positive implications of big data, challenges, and banking security as essential data-driven banking issues. This research will have a significant implication in the banking industry that big data operation is critical for data-driven banking decisions.
The Cadillac Risk Score Accurately Identifies Patients at Low Risk for In-Hospital Mortality and Adverse Cardiovascularevents Following St Elevation Myocardial Infarction.
Authors: Wilson Ryan S. , Malamas Peter , Dembo Brent , Lall Sumeet K , DO Ninad Zaman , Peterson Brandon R
Published: June 2021

Background: The CADILLAC risk score was developed to identify patients at low risk for adverse cardiovascular events following ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Methods: We performed a single center retrospective review of STEMI hospitalizations treated with PPCI from 2014 to 2018. Patients were stratified using the CADILLAC risk score into low risk group versus intermediate to high risk group. Patients presenting with cardiac arrest or cardiogenic shock were excluded from the study. The primary outcome was adverse clinical events during initial hospitalization. Secondary outcomes were adverse clinical events at 30 days and 1 year following index hospitalization. Results: The study included 314 patients. It was found that patients with a low CADILLAC score had significantly lower adverse clinical events compared to the intermediate-high CADILLAC score group (10/213 (4.7%) vs. 15/128 (11.7%), odds ratio = 0.37, 95% CI 0.16-0.85, p= 0.028). Additionally, patients with a low CADILLAC score had significantly lower adverse clinical event rates at 30 day and 1 year follow up. The mortality rate was 0% for patients defined at low risk by CADILLAC score during hospitalization, as well up to 1 year follow up. ROC curve predicting in hospital event rate showed CADILLAC (C=0.66, odds ratio 1.18; 95% CI 1.04 - 1.33; p=0.0064). Conclusion: Patients defined as low risk by the CADILLAC score following a STEMI were associated with lower event rates when compared to those with an intermediate-high CADILLAC score.
Influence of Particle Distribution on Macroscopic Properties of Particle Flow Model
Authors: Gou Bin , Zhang Mengqi , Mo Jiliang
Published: June 2021

The particle flow discrete element models for uniaxial compression and tensile tests of rocks are established to study the influence of the particle distribution randomness on the macroscopic mechanical properties of such model. The results of macroscopic mechanical properties show strong discreteness due to the variance of particle distributions, in which compressive strength, tensile strength and Poisson's ratio follow the normal distribution and the Young's modulus follows the negative skewness distribution. The average values of the macroscopic strength obtained based on multiple calculations with different particle distributions should be used for the calibration of microscopic parameters. According to the relationship between sample size and deviation of macro strength averages, the minimum calculation number required to obtain high-precision macro strength with different confidence levels is given.
LncRNA-KCNQ1OT1: A Potential Target in Exosomes Derived From ADSCs for The Treatment of Osteoporosis
Authors: Wang Shanzheng , Jia Jun , Chen Chang-hong
Published: June 2021

Background

Osteoporosis is a worldwide medical and socioeconomic threat characterized by systemic impairment to bone strength and microstructure. Exosomes derived from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs-Exos) have been confirmed to play effective roles in the repair of various tissues and organs. This study aimed to investigate the role of ADSCs-Exos and a noval long none coding RNAKCNQ1OT1 (lnc-KCNQ1OT1) played in osteoporosis as well as the underlying mechanism.
Methods

MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with different doses of TNF-α (0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10 ng/ml) and then co-cultured with ADSCs-Exos or exosomes-derived from lnc-KCNQ1OT1-modified ADSCs (KCNQ1OT1-Exos). The expression of microRNA (miRNA)-141-5p (miR-141-5p) and lnc-KCNQ1OT1 was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein expression of cleaved-caspase-3, caspase-3 and Bax was determined by Western blot. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The binding sites between KCNQ1OT1 and miR-141-5p were validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay.
Results

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) dose dependently increased miR-141-5p expression, inhibited viability and promoted apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells. However, miR-141-5p silencing or co-culture with ADSCs-Exos attenuated these effects. In addition, KCNQ1OT1-Exos could more significantly attenuate the induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis compared to ADSCs-Exos. Moreover, miR-141-5p was confirmed as the target of lnc-KCNQ1OT1 by luciferase reporter assay.
Conclusions

ADSCs-Exos attenuated cytotoxicity and apoptosis of TNF-α-induced MC3T3-E1 cells. KCNQ1OT1-Exos had a more significant inhibitory effect compared to ADSCs-Exos by the function of sponging miR-141-5p, suggesting that KCNQ1OT1-Exos could be promising agents in osteoporosis treatment.
Determinant of Early Age Sexual Initiation: Associated Factors Among Rural Women in Ethiopia: Evidence From EDHS 2016.
Authors: Mulugeta Solomon Sisay , Gebremichael Shewayiref Geremew
Published: June 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the determinant factors on early age sexual intercourse among rural women in Ethiopia.Methods: This study contains further analysis of the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2016 dataset. A total of 8001 participants of under reproductive age (15–49 years) women, who had at least one set of sexual intercourse, were involved in the analysis. The binary logistic multivariable analysis result was obtained by STATA-14 software. Results: Among the rural women in Ethiopia, more than half (59.6%) of women was experienced sexual intercourse at early age. The higher proportion of experiencing early age sexual initiation among rural women was found in Amhara (18.63%) region. Age of women [(OR= 0.374;95%CI:0.301-0.465) of 20-24 years, (OR= 0.44;95%CI:0.36-0.54) of 25-49 years], geopolitical region [Amhara (OR=1.514; 95%CI:1.25–1.83), Oromia (OR=0.74; 95%CI:0.64-0.905), Somali(OR=0.47; 95% CI: 0.364-0.658), SNNPR (OR= 0.5; 95% CI: 1.13–1.81), and Dire Dawa (OR=0.68; 95% CI: 0.49-0.941)]; women age at first birth (OR=0.3; 95% CI: 0.11-0.5) of greater than 18 years old; HIV/AIDS awareness (OR=0.4; 95% CI: 0.183-1.604, had awareness); chat chewing(OR=1.23; 95% CI:1.03-1.47); willingness at first sex (OR=2.51; 95% CI: 1.22-3.8, by force); marital status [married women (OR=2.52; 95% CI:1.69-3.75); divorced/separated women(OR=2.39; 95% CI: 1.58-3.63)]; and educational attainment [secondary school and above completed (OR= 0.231; 95% CI: 0.183-0.291) and primary level of education (OR= 0.67; 95% CI: 0.06-0.76)] were examined as statistically significant factors.Conclusion: The commencement of early age sexual initiation among reproductive-age women was high. This study suggests that continued programmatic and policy initiatives should be directed to improve adolescent’s overall situation as a means of improving their sexual health.
Uniportal Versus Needlescopic Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: A Comparable Study
Authors: Chuang Jen-Hao , Hsu Hsao-Hsun , Lin Mong-Wei , Huang Pei-Ming , Kuo Shuenn-Wen , Chen Ke-Cheng , Chen Jin-Shing
Published: June 2021

Objectives:Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a common disease in young and thin male. Operation has been regarded as definitive treatment for it. However, the operative methods for those patients are under dispute. Our study is aimed to compare the uniportal VATS versus needlescopic VATS for PSP patients in our institute.Methods:From July 2013 to December 2017, the patients who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery for pneumothorax in National Taiwan University Hospital were retrospectively collected. The preoperative condition, surgical results, and postoperative outcomes was analyzed.Results:There were 60 patients undergoing needlescopic VATS and 91 undergoing uniportal VATS during the study period. There was no significant difference between the patients who underwent needlescopic VATS and those who underwent uniportal VATS in their demorgraphic and clinical characteristics. The post-operative pain score was significantly lower in the uniportal VATS group compared to the mini VATS group at day 1 (2.65 ± 1.59 vs. 1.74 ± 1.35, p = 0.001).Conclusion:We have shown that uniportal VATS is an effective and a safe treatment for PSP patients, and it is comparable to needlescopic VATS. Based on these results, we believe that uniportal VATS using a wound protector can be used as an alternative approach for PSP.
Bacterial Predation on T4 Phages
Authors: godon jean-jacques , bize ariane , ngo hoang , cauquil laurent , almeida mathieu , petit marie-agnes , zemb olivier nicolas
Published: June 2021

Background: Bacterial consumption of viruses has never yet been reported, even though bacteria feed on almost anything. Viruses are omnipresent predators for all organisms, but have no acknowledged active biocontrol. The viral biomass undoubtedly reintegrates the trophic cycles, however the mechanisms of this phase still remain unknown.Methods: Here, we used stable isotope probing with 13C labelled T4 phages to monitor the increase of density of the bacterial DNA concomitant with the decrease of plaque forming units. We used 12C T4 phages as control.Results: T4 phage disappearance in wastewater sludge was found to occur mainly through predation by Aeromonadacea. Phage consumption also favours significant in situ bacterial growth. Furthermore, an isolated strain of Aeromonas was observed to grow on T4 phages as sole source of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus.Conclusions: bacterial species are capable of consuming bacteriophages in situ, which is likely a widespread and underestimated type of biocontrol. This assay is anticipated as a starting point for harnessing the bacterial potential in limiting the diffusion of harmful viruses within environments such as gut or water.
Health-related Quality of Life Among People Who Inject Drugs on Methadone Assisted Treatment in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Authors: Haji Shaaban Hassan , Damian Damian Jeremia , Rajab Nahir Ali , Ali Othman Mkubwa , Khamis Asha Ussi , Khalid Farhat Jowhar , Sunguya Bruno Fokas
Published: June 2021

Background: The burden of drug use is growing rapidly in Low- and Middle-Income countries (LMICs) with access to coastlines and most major cities;Tanzania is not exception. Methadone Assisted Treatment (MAT) has a potential to reduce addiction and therefore health and quality of lives. MAT is known to improve health related quality of life and it is essential in addressing a number of drug use related challenges among People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDS). Evidence on the profiles of Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) among PWIDS who are in treatment programmes particualry MAT services, is scanty in Zanzibar, Tanzania, Objectives: To determine HRQOL and associated factors among PWIDS receiving MAT Services in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Unguja, Zanzibar from July to August 2019. A total of 376 PWIDS attending Kidongo Chekundu MAT clinic were randomly selected and enrolled in the study. Data were electronically collected using Open Data Kit (ODK) programme during face-to-face interviews with PWIDS HRQOL was measured using the WHO's Quality of Life questionnaire Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses were used to describe and determine factors independently associated with HRQOL. Results: Of the 376 PWIDS enrolled in this study, Vast majority (92.6%) were male. The mean age of participants at enrollment was 39 (± standard deviation (SD) 8.9). Slightly more than one third (45.5%) were single, 56.4% have a secondary school education level. Slightly more than two third (82.7%) were employed, 42% reported living at Magharibi B districts. High proportion were on MAT services for more than one year (70.2%); had good adherence to MAT services (79%), and were receving 50 – 99 mg of methadodone dose per day (51.1%).The majority of PWIDS (82%) had of high HRQOL. Employed PWIDS [AOR=5.36; 95%CI (1.51, 19.04); p=0.009], and PWIDS who were in the middle wealth quintile [OR=24.15; 95%CI (2.01, 290.30); p=0.012] were more likely to have better HRQOL. Conclusion: In general, PWIDS on MAT services have good HRQOL in Zanzibar. Being employed or having better economic status among were associated with better HRQOL. To effect this there is a need to strengthen multisectoral collaborations, integrated and comprehensive MAT services within the clinic and other related areas with all relevant stakeholders so as to improve health related quality of life among PWIDS.
Effect of targeted fluid minimization and diuretic therapy on hospital- acquired heart failure and adverse outcomes in patients with no preexisting cardiac dysfunction
Authors: Intarawongchot Kwannate , Gonlachanvit Sutep , Puwanant Sarinya
Published: June 2021

Background This study aimed to investigate: 1) the incidence of hospital-acquired heart failure (HF) in patients with no preexisting cardiac disorder, and 2) whether the use of an intervention protocol comprised of targeted fluid minimization and diuretic therapy can reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired HF and adverse outcomes.Methods We conducted a single-center, open-labeled, prospective cohort study enrolling patients with no preexisting cardiac dysfunction who were admitted to the medical wards and had a positive intravenous fluid balance > 4 L within 3 days. We assigned patients in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention protocol (intervention group) or usual care. The primary outcome was hospital-acquired HF. The secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, intensive critical unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilator usage, or prolonged hospital stay > 30 days.Results A total of 98 patients (mean age 66; 52% male) were enrolled (intervention group, 49; usual care group, 49). The incidence of hospital-acquired HF among all patients was 21%. Patients with hospital-acquired had higher rates of in-hospital mortality (48% vs.13%; p = 0.001), ICU admission (33% vs.10%; p = 0.010) and mechanical ventilator usage (62% vs. 35%; p = 0.027). Prolonged hospital stay > 30 days rates were similar in patients with and without hospital-acquired HF. Hospital-acquired HF was not found statistically different between groups (intervention group 18% vs. usual care group 25%; p = 0.460). Patients in the intervention group did have lower rates of subsequent ICU admission (8%vs.23%; p = 0.049) and hospitalizattion > 30 days. (8%vs.27%; p = 0.018) compared with the usual care group. In-hospital mortality and mechanical ventilator usage were not different between groups.Conclusions The incidence of hospital-acquired HF in patients with no preexisting cardiac dysfunction who had a positive cumulative fluid balance of > 4 L within 3 days was not uncommon, about one in five patients. Hospital-acquired HF can lead to increased in-hospital mortality and co-morbidities. Targeted fluid minimization and diuretics did show a reduced rate of ICU admission and prolonged hospitalization. However, no statistical difference in rates of hospital-acquired HF and in-hospital mortality compared to the control group were found.
Updated Distribution of Anopheline Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Hokkaido, Japan, and The First Evidence of Anopheles (Anopheles) Belenrae in Japan
Authors: Sawabe Kyoko , Imanishi-Kobayashi Nozomi , Maekawa Yoshihide , Higa Yukiko , Kim Kyeong Soon , Hoshino Keita , Tsuda Yoshio , Hayashi Toshihiko , Nihei Naoko , Takai Kenji , Kurihara Takeshi , Kobayashi Mutsuo
Published: June 2021

Background: After World War II in Hokkaido, northern island of Japan, at least seven cases of falciparum malaria were reported by 1951. A survey conducted at that time was unsuccessful in implicating any mosquito species as the possible vector. Although active anopheline mosquito surveillance continued until the middle of the 1980s, there is very limited information on their current status and distribution in Japan. Therefore, this study is an update on the current status and distribution of anopheline mosquitoes in Hokkaido based on a 15-year entomological surveillance between 2001 and 2015. Methods: A survey of mosquitoes was conducted at 22 sites in Hokkaido, Japan, from 2001 to 2015. Adult mosquitoes were collected from cowsheds, lakesides, shrubs, and habitats ranging from open grassland to coniferous forest using a CDC miniature light trap enhanced with dry ice, aspirators, and sweeping nets. Larvae were collected from lakes, ponds, swamps, stagnant and flowing rivers, and paddy fields. All specimens were morphologically identified and subjected to PCR-based sequence analysis of the ITS2 region of rDNA. Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using the neighbor-joining method. Results: A total of 46 anopheline specimens were used for the phylogenetic analysis. During the survey, a new member of the Anopheles hyrcanus group, An. belenrae Rueda (2005), was discovered in eastern Hokkaido in 2004. A nopheles belenrae has since then been consistently found and confirmed to inhabit only this area of Japan. Four members of the An. h yrcanus group, A n . belenrae , A n . engarensis , A n . lesteri , and An. sineroides , have been found in Hokkaido. The results also suggest that An. sinensis , formerly a dominant species throughout Japan, has become a rarely found species, at least currently in Hokkaido. Conclusion: The updated distribution of anopheline mosquitoes in Hokkaido, Japan, showed considerable differences from that observed in previous surveys conducted from 1969 to 1984. In particular, areas where An. sinensis was previously distributed may have been greatly reduced in Hokkaido. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a novel An. hyrcanus group member identified as An. belenrae , described in South Korea in 2005. It is interesting that An. belenrae was confirmed to inhabit only eastern Hokkaido, Japan.
Transcriptome Dynamics Reveal Stage-specific and Melatonin-triggered Gene Expression Patterns During the Cashmere Growth Cycle in Capra Hircus
Authors: Li Chun , Feng Cong , Ma Guangyuan , Fu Shaoyin , Chen Ming , Zhang Wenguang , Li Jinquan
Published: June 2021

Background: Cashmere goat is famous for its high-quality fibers. The growth of cashmere in secondary hair follicles exhibits a seasonal pattern arising from circannual changes in the natural photoperiod. Although several studies have compared and analyzed the differences in gene expression between different cashmere growth stages, the selection of samples in these studies relies on research experience or morphological evidence. Distinguishing cashmere growth cycles according to gene expression patterns may help to explore the regulation mechanisms related to cashmere growth and the effect of melatonin from a molecular level more accurately. Results: In this study, we applied RNA-sequencing to the hair follicles of three normal and three melatonin-treated Inner Mongolian cashmere goats sampled every month during a whole cashmere growth cycle. A total of 3559 and 988 genes were subjected as seasonal changing genes (SCGs) in the control and treated groups, respectively. The SCGs in the normal group are divided into three clusters, and their specific expression patterns help to group the cashmere growth cycle into anagen, catagen and telogen stages. Some canonical pathways such as Wnt, TGF-beta and Hippo signaling pathways are detected as promoting the cashmere growth, while Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Jak-STAT, Fc epsilon RI, NOD-like receptor, Rap1, PI3K-Akt, cAMP, NF-kappa B and many immune-related pathways are detected in the catagen and telogen stages. The PI3K-Akt signaling, ECM-receptor interaction and Focal adhesion are found in the transition stage between telogen to anagen, which may serve as candidate biomarkers for telogen-anagen regeneration. Pairwise comparisons between the control and melatonin-treated groups also indicate 941 monthly differentially expressed genes (monthly DEGs). These monthly DEGs are mainly distributed from April and September, which reveal a potential signal pathway map regulating the anagen stage triggered by melatonin. Enrichment analysis shows that Wnt, Hedgehog, ECM, Chemokines and NF-kappa B signaling pathways may be involved in the regulation of non-quiescence and secondary shedding under the influence of melatonin. Conclusions: Our study decodes the key regulators of the whole cashmere growth cycle, laying the foundation for the control of cashmere growth and improvement of cashmere yield.
An Innovative Approach to Determination of Double-Porosity Fractured Aquifers Hydraulic Parameters Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Azari Tahereh , Tabari Mahmoud Mohammad Rezapour
Published: June 2021

Accurate determination of hydraulic parameter values is the first step to the sustainable development of an aquifer. Since Theis (1935), type curve matching technique (TCMT) has been used to estimate the aquifer parameters from pumping test data. The TCMT is subjected to graphical error. To eliminate the error an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is developed as an alternative to the conventional TCMT by modeling the Bourdet-Gringaten’s well function for the determination of the fractured double porosity aquifer parameters. The neural network model is developed in a six-step protocol based on multi-layer perceptron (MLP) networks architecture and is trained for the well function of double porosity aquifers by the back propagation method and the Levenberg-Marquardt optimization algorithm. By applying the principal component analysis on the training input data and through a trial-and-error procedure the optimum structure of the network is fixed with the topology of [3×6×3]. The replicative, predictive and structural validity of the developed network are evaluated with synthetic and real field data. The developed network provides an automatic and fast procedure for the double porosity aquifer parameter determination that eliminates graphical errors inherent in the conventional TCMT. The network receives pumping test data and provides the user with the aquifer parameter values.
Analysis of Medical Disputes and Compensation Costs Associated With Gastric Cancer Surgery at a Large-volume Center
Authors: Kim Amy , Yoo Moon Won
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe incidence and costs of medical disputes in Korea are increasing annually. The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of medical dispute cases and analyze compensation costs in gastric cancer patients who were admitted for surgery at a single large-volume center. MethodsGastric cancer patients who were admitted for surgery and received compensation after filing medical disputes with the legal affairs team at our center between January 2012 and December 2017 were retrospectively registered for the study. The characteristics of and information on the disputes were reviewed and the amount of awarded compensation was analyzed according to different factors.ResultsThere were 20 cases of medical disputes associated with gastric cancer surgery during the study period. In five cases, evidence of medical negligence was detected. There were 17 morbidity cases and four mortality cases. The mean compensation cost paid for settlement was USD 7,502. Length of hospital stay (p=0.009) and morbidity (p=0.004) were significantly associated with compensation.Conclusion﻿Our results demonstrate foundational information on disputes regarding surgery in gastric cancer patients and the accompanying compensation costs for settlement.
A Scoping Review Protocol for Supply Chain Management Systems for Point of Care Diagnostics Services: Optimising COVID-19 Testing Capacity in Resource-limited Settings
Authors: Maluleke Kuhlula , Dlangalala Thobeka , Musekiwa Alfred , Kgarosi Kabelo , Nkambule Sphamandla , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani
Published: June 2021

BackgroundRapid and specific diagnostic tests are essential for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing to allow prompt isolation and early treatment initiation if necessary. Currently, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests are the gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 testing but are difficult to implement in resource-limited settings with poor access to laboratory infrastructure. Point of care (POC) testing may be more feasible in resource-limited settings because POC testing is cost-effective, easy to perform, results are rapid, and they can be performed at all levels of healthcare by health professionals with minimal training. To ensure equitable access, it is important that SARS-CoV-2 testing is optimised through well-established supply chain management (SCM). Here we outline a protocol for a scoping review aimed at mapping literature on SCM for POC testing in resource limited settings to guide both future research and the implementation of SARS-CoV-2 POC diagnostics. MethodologyThis scoping review will be guided by an adapted version of the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework. We will search the Medline Ovid, Medline EBSCO, Scopus, PubMed, PsychInfo, Web of Science and EBSCOHost databases. We will search gray literature in the form of dissertations/theses, conference proceedings, websites of international organisations such as the World Health Organisation and government reports. We will include articles reporting evidence published since inception. Language restrictions will not be applied. We will use a search summary table to test the effectiveness of the search strategy. Two reviewers will screen eligible studies using a tool developed for this scoping review. The quality of the included studies will be appraised using the mixed method appraisal tool (MMAT) version 2018. Discussion The proposed scoping review will gather relevant studies on SCM systems for POC diagnostics services globally. We anticipate that this review’s findings will guide future research on SCM systems for POC diagnostics services in resource-limited settings. The results will be published in a scientific journal, presented at relevant conferences and form part of workshops with key stakeholders involved in SCM systems for POC diagnostics services.
Estimating the population of immigrants with syphilis by Bayesian Back-calculation
Authors: Li Chentong , Liu Jiawei , Zhang Yingying , Lei Huan , Xu Jinhu
Published: June 2021

Background Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease and infects tens of millions of people every year. In China, syphilis has its characteristics in spreading patterns: this disease always spreads with the migration of the floating population. But rarely quantitative modeling studies have been conducted in this field.Method Based on the Bayesian back-calculation method and datasets collected in Zhejiang Province, China, a novel model to analyze the syphilis transmission and immigration process is constructed.Results The results show that immigrant patients are the main source of syphilis in the Zhejiang province. By using the PRCC method to analyze the relationship between parameters and infected cases, we find two main effective measures to control syphilis: the patients paying attention to their behaviors and using sexual protection measures.Conclusion With the increase of intensive personnel exchange among different countries and regions, it is becoming more important to study the transmission of diseases within the floating populations. The method we use in this manuscript provides a quantitative research method by using the diagnosed cases. All the methods and models in this manuscript could be used in the studies of other diseases where immigrant patients should be considered.
Clinical study of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation in the treatment of non-lactating mastitis
Authors: Zhou Ying , Wang Shu-Rong , Xu Dong
Published: June 2021

Background

To investigate the clinical value of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation for non-lactating mastitis.
Methods

A total of 53 patients who were confirmed with non-lactating mastitis and all underwent ultrasound-guided microwave ablation from January 2019 to January 2020 were enrolled, including 31 patients with Plasma Cell Mastitis (PCM) and 22 patients with Granulomatous Mastitis (GM). There were a total of 58 lesions, including 32 plasma cell mastitis lesions and 26 granulomatous mastitis lesions. Hospital stay, duration of postoperative lesion reduction, effective rate and recurrence were recorded to observe the clinical efficacy.
Results

In this study, the total effective rate of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation was 98.1 % (52/53). The recurrence rate after 12 months of follow-up was 1.9 %. The average length of hospital stay was (6.3 ± 2.4) days. After treatment, 38 cases were excellent in breast appearance evaluation, and 14 cases were good and accounted for 98.1%. Patients with abnormal preoperative white blood cell results had lower postoperative breast appearance scoring, and there was significant difference in the effect of postoperative breast appearance between normal and abnormal white blood cells (P < 0.05). The average time of lesion volume reduction to 50 % was (28.4 ± 12.7) days, and reduction to 100% was (75.8 ± 31.7) days. There was significant difference in the time of lesion volume reduction between different clinical stages (P < 0.05).
Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation has a high efficiency in the treatment of non-lactating mastitis and the lesion is completely absorbed within a short time, which provides a new idea and better treatment for non-lactating mastitis.
Development of a Hydroxamamide-Based Bifunctional Chelating Agent to Prepare Technetium-99m-Labeled Bivalent Ligand Probes
Authors: Shimizu Yoichi , Ando Masato , Iikuni Shimpei , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Ono Masahiro
Published: June 2021

Hydroxamamide (Ham) is a thiol-free chelating agent that forms technetium-99m (99mTc)-complexes with a metal-to-ligand ratio of 1:2 under moderate reaction conditions. Therefore, Ham-based chelating agents will produce 99mTc-labeled compounds with a bivalent targeting scaffold. For their universal usage, we developed a novel Ham-based bifunctional chelating agent, “Ham-Mal”, with a maleimide group that can easily conjugate with a thiol group, for to preparing 99mTc-labeled bivalent ligand probes. Ham-Mal was synthesized by a four-step reaction, and then reacted with cysteine or c(RGDfC) to produce Ham-Cys or Ham-RGD. These precursors were reacted with [99mTc]TcO4− for 10 min under room temperature to obtain [99mTc]Tc-(Ham-Cys)2 and [99mTc]Tc-(Ham-RGD)2. The cellular uptake level of [99mTc]Tc-(Ham-RGD)2 by U87MG (high Integrin ɑvβ3 expression) cells was significantly higher than that by PC3 (low Integrin ɑvβ3 expression) cells at 60 min after the incubation, and the uptake was significantly suppressed by pre-treatment for 15 min with excess c(RGDfK) peptide. In the in vivo study with U87MG/PC3 dual xenografted Balb/c-nu mice, the radioactivity of U87MG tumor tissue was significantly higher than that of PC3 tumor tissue at 360 min after the administration of [99mTc]Tc-(Ham-RGD)2. These results suggest Ham-Mal may have potential as a bifunctional chelating agent for 99mTc-labeled bivalent ligand probes.