bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role for GABAergic Interneurons Subtypes in the Antidepressant Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Lily Bulb and Rehmannia Decoction
Authors: Xue Xiaoyan , Zhang Hongxiu , Pan Jin , Lu Yanting , Mao Qiancheng , Chang Xing , Wang Shijun , Song Xiaobin , Ma Ke
Published: November 2021

Background

Depression is associated with reduced γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and alterations of GABAergic interneurons in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which can be normalized by traditional Chinese medicine formula lily bulb and Rehmannia decoction (LBRD) standard decoction. However, the impact of GABAergic interneurons subtypes including parvalbumin (PV), somatostatin (SST), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), in depressive episodes as well as in the LBRD standard decoction antidepressant effects remains to be elucidated.
Methods

We assessed the effects of LBRD standard decoction intervention on the expression of GABA associated miRNA/mRNA and GABAergic subtype-specific markers in chronic stress induced depression by western blot and qRT-PCR. The lncRNA/miRNA/GABA regulatory axis was verified by luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down assay and then detect its changes in LBRD standard decoction administration with use of immunofluorescence staining and RNA-fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).
Results

In the current study, we found that LBRD standard decoction exerted antidepressant effects based on the results of behavioral tests. Meanwhile, LBRD also revised the reduced GABA levels in depression by increasing the expression of lncRNA Neat1 and Malat1, as well as decreasing miRNA-144-3p and miRNA-15b-5p. Moreover, the expression of SST mRNA and protein in the mPFC tissues from depression group, was significantly lower than those in the control cases, while LBRD standard decoction treatment revised these changes. Whereas, neither chronic stress nor treatment can obviously change the level of PV and VIP mRNA and protein expression. In the SST-positive neurons of mPFC tissues, treatment with LBRD standard decoction resulted in the elevation of Gad-67, VGAT, GAT-3 and an reduction of miRNA-144-3p expression.
Conclusion

Taken together, these findings suggest that SST interneurons may be served as a preferentially vulnerable GABAergic neuronal subtype in depression and LBRD standard decoction antidepressant activities potentially relate to against the SST cells deficits by regulating the miRNA-144-3p mediated GABA synthesis, release.
Phenotypic characterization of four indigenous naked neck chicken ecotypes in Pakistan
Authors: Shafiq Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Tahir , Raziq Fazal , Bughio Erum , Farooq Zahid , Jalees Muhammad Mozam , Rauf Mubasher , Gondal Mushtaq Ahmad , Liaqat Saima , Sarwar Fozia , Azad Ayesha , Asad Tahreem , Arslan Muhammad , Azhar Muhammad , Kamal Rana Amjad
Published: November 2021

A study was conducted to characterize four phenotypes (black, white with black tips, light brown and dark brown) of naked neck chickens [n=320; 80(40♂, 40♀)] for qualitative and quantitative traits at 20 weeks of age. Qualitative phenotypic characterization was based on head appearance, comb type, wattle size, plumage pattern, shank color, spurs prevalence and number of toes. Quantitative phenotypic characterization was based on neck length, keel length, shank length, drum stick length, body length, wing span and circumference. Males and females of all phenotype had plain head and single comb. Plain feather pattern was predominantly most frequent on breast, wing bow, wing bar, wing bay, saddle and tail followed by stippled, penciled and laced. Males had most frequent yellow shanks followed by grey, off-white and green. White black, light and dark brown phenotypes expressed maximum yellow shank coloration whereas grey shanks were most frequent in black birds. Morpho-metric measurements were significantly higher in males than females. Light and dark brown phenotypes had higher values of quantitative traits than those of black and white black. All males and females of naked neck phenotypes possessed four toes, normal spurs and tuft feathers on the ventral portion of the neck above crop. The phenotypic variation observed in indigenous naked neck chickens could provide valuable basic information to develop effective utilization and conservation programs.
Statin in Combination with Xuezhikang Capsules Get More Lipid-Regulating Effects Than Statin Only: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Dongxiong , Feng Huiyan , Li Yigen , Huang Jinzhu
Published: November 2021

Background

To compare the lipid-regulating effects and safety of statin combined with Xuezhikang capsules and statin used alone for hyperlipidemia.
Methods

CNKI, Wanfang database, VIP Chinese Journals, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library were searched to comprehensively collect and screen RCTs of Xuezhikang combined with statin compared with statin used alone for lipid modifying treatment in hyperlipidemia patients from the database built as of September 2021, and the Cochrane 5.1.0 quality evaluation form was used to evaluate the quality of the included literature and The Cochrane 5.1.0 quality assessment form was used to evaluate the quality of the included literature and bias analysis, extract basic study information, primary and secondary outcome indicators, and meta-analysis of the outcome indicators was performed using RevMan 5.3.
Results

A total of 14 studies with a total of 2042 patients were included, and the quality of the included studies was low to medium. ①Effectiveness rate: OR=3.63,95%CI[2.69,4.90]; Funnel plot: all within the funnel, but not in accordance with the principle of "aggregation at the top and dispersion at the bottom". ②Total cholesterol: MD=-0.61,95%CI[-0.84,-0.39], The forest plots of each subgroup are to the left. ③Triglycerides: MD=-0.30,95%CI[-0.41,-0.19], The forest plots of each subgroup are to the left,. ④ LDL: MD=-0.33,95%CI[-0.46,-0.20], The forest plots of each subgroup are to the left. ⑤ HDL: MD=0.23,95%CI[0.12,0.35], The forest plots of each subgroup are to the right. ⑥Adverse effects: OR=0.32, 95% CI[0.19,0.55].
Conclusion

The combination of statin with Xuezhikang capsule has better effect on lipid regulation in patients with hyperlipidemia, and can effectively reduce the incidence of adverse events and has better safety. It is recommended that the treatment of Xuezhikang combined with statin can be used as a safer and more effective treatment for patients with hyperlipidemia.
The HuoXue DiTan Recipe Attenuates Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats by Increasing Autophagy Through the PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Jiamei YAO , Cui ZHANG , Yushu YANG , Haiyan YANG , Dan ZHANG , Yongyue SHI , Qiong CHEN , Zhong Guangwei
Published: November 2021

Background

Hypertension-induced left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is associated with a reduction in autophagy, which can be inhibited by disruption of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. The HuoXue DiTan recipe (HDR) is a commonly used prescription that has shown therapeutic effects on hypertension and its complications. However, its mechanisms are still unclear. In the present study, we hypothesized that HDR can regulate the PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and thereby reverse LVH by increasing autophagy in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
Methods

Twelve-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats and age-matched normotensive-control Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were divided into four groups. After 12 weeks of treatment, echocardiographic measurements were made on the left ventricle, blood samples were collected for oxidative stress analysis, left ventricle tissue was processed for hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, and immunohistochemical/ immunofluorescence staining, and TUNEL, RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses were performed.
Results

Compared with age-matched WKY rats, SH rats at 16 weeks of age exhibited significantly greater myocardial hypertrophy and remodeling with abnormal heart function. There was a reduction in autophagy and increase in apoptosis, resulting in an imbalance of oxidative stress manifested as left ventricular hypertrophy and impaired cardiac function. These effects may be related to a decrease in PTEN expression, which leads to activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, resulting in abnormal expression of autophagy- and apoptosis-related proteins. After 12 weeks of HDR administration, blood pressure and ventricular hypertrophy were reduced, MDA and SOD levels and NADPH oxidase activity were better regulated, and gene expression of myocardial hypertrophy markers (ANP and β-MHC) was inhibited. HDR can promote autophagy and inhibit apoptosis, which may be related to regulation of autophagy- and apoptosis-related genes and proteins. HDR can also induce autophagy by enhancing expression of PTEN and inhibiting activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway. Importantly, we demonstrated that VO-Ohpic, an inhibitor of PTEN, could suppress the effect of HDR on LVH in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
Conclusion

In conclusion, these results provide evidence for an important role of HDR in inhibition of left ventricular hypertrophy in spontaneously hypertensive rats, and indicate that it may act by improving autophagy through the PTEN/PI3K/AKT /mTOR pathway.
Parents’ Decision-making for Childhood Immunization and Prevention of Childhood Diseases – A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: NGANDJON Jonas KEMEUGNI , Laengler Alfred , Ostermann Thomas , Kenmoue Virgile
Published: November 2021

Background

The childhood vaccination program (EPI) is claimed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be the most cost-effective intervention to reduce child mortality. Therefore, in low-income countries governments and health authorities invest in vaccination programs to reach herd immunity. However, despite the resources allocated to the EPI, epidemics preventable through vaccines are still reported in these countries. In Cameroon, the Foumbot district in the West region has witnessed measles epidemics since 2010 and in 2013 a polio outbreak was reported.
Methods

The design of this study is a cross-sectional survey. A total of 160 mothers of children between the ages of 12 to 23 months were selected by simple random sampling technique. Pre-tested structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS statistical software.
Results

The outcome of this survey shows that 60% of the children studied were completely vaccinated, 37.75% were partially vaccinated, and 1.25% had not received any vaccine. The logistic regression analysis shows that a poor knowledge of infectious diseases (OR=0.3) was a significant predictor of partial and no vaccination status in children.
Conclusion

Parents’ decision-making for EPI was based on the information and experiences available in the community. Therefore, parents who are poorly educated on VPDs and living in a community with missing information and misinformation about vaccination will probably not complete the EPI. Public health authorities should invest in health education programs with the goal of developing skills for health- seeking behavior in individuals and communities.
Single Image Reconstruction using Novel Super Resolution Technique for Large Scaled Images
Authors: Datta Ramanath , Mandal Sekhar , Umer Saiyed , AlZubi Ahmad Ali , Alharbi Abdullah , Alanazi Jazem Mutared
Published: November 2021

A fast and novel method for single-image reconstruction using super resolution (SR) technique has been proposed in this paper. The working principle of proposed technique has been divided into three components. In the first component, a low resolution image is divided into several homogeneous or non-homogeneous regions. This partition is based on the analysis of texture pattern within that region. Only the non-homogeneous regions undergo to the sparse representation for super resolution image reconstruction in the second component. The obtained reconstructed region from the second component undergoes to a statistical based prediction model to generate its more enhanced version in the third component. The remaining homogeneous regions are bicubic interpolated and reflected to the required high resolution image. The proposed technique is applied on some Large scaled Electrical, Machine and Civil architectural design images. The purpose of using these images is that these images are huge in size and processing such large images for any applications, is time consuming. The proposed SR technique results the better reconstructed SR image from its very lower version with low time complexity. The performance of the proposed system on the Electrical, Machine and Civil architectural design images is compared with the state-of-the-art methods and it is shown that the proposed system outperforms the other competing methods.
Time-Dependent Effect of Graphene on the Microbial Activity of the Soil Under Single and Repeated Exposures
Authors: Liu Wenjuan , Guo Yufeng , Chai Guoli , Deng Wenbo
Published: November 2021

Graphene (GR) has huge industrial and biomedical potential, and its adverse effect on soil microorganisms has been evaluated in some ecotoxicological studies. These studies focus on a single exposure to GR, but repeated exposures are more likely to occur in soil. In this study, we compared the impact of single and repeated exposures (one, two and three exposures that resulted in the same final concentration) of GR on structure, abundance and function of soil bacterial community based on soil enzyme activity and high-throughput sequencing. The activities of urease and fluorescein diacetate esterase and alpha diversity demonstrate that repeated exposure to GR increase the diversity of soil bacterial diversity after 4 days of incubation following the last application of GR to soil. And the PCoA and sample level clustering tree showed single exposure to GR after 4 days alter the soil bacterial community to some extent, but the difference has been narrowed with the extension of time. During the entire incubation process, no matter what kind of exposure scenarios to GR, the majority of bacterial phylotypes remained unchanged except for Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria according to the relative abundance of phylotypes.
A dual-activity Topoisomerase Complex Regulates both Transcription and Translation
Authors: Su Shuaikun , Xue Yutong , Sharov Alexei , Zhang Yongqing , Lee Seung kyu , Martindale Jennifer , Li Wen , Ku Wai Lim , Zhao Keji , De Supriyo , Sen Payel , Gorospe Myriam , Xu Dongyi , Wang Weidong
Published: November 2021

Topoisomerases solve topological problems for DNA, but whether they function similarly for RNA remains unclear. Here we show that the Topoisomerase 3b (TOP3B)-TDRD3 complex acts on both DNA and RNA. On DNA, TOP3B-TDRD3 binds transcription start or termination regions; and inactivation of TOP3B topoisomerase activity decreases expression of some though not all genes downregulated in TOP3B-KO and TDRD3-KO cells. On mRNA, TOP3B-TDRD3 preferentially binds coding regions of long mRNAs and stabilizes them independently of TOP3B topoisomerase activity. Moreover, ablation of the complex or inactivation of TOP3B catalytic activity alters translation for some mRNAs, suggesting that TOP3B-TDRD3 may solve RNA topological problems. Finally, several schizophrenia and autism-risk genes are bound and regulated by TOP3B-TDRD3 at either transcription or translation. Our data suggest that TOP3B-TDRD3 can regulate transcription and translation by topoisomerase activity dependent or independent mechanisms; and disruption of either function could contribute to pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders in TOP3B mutation carriers.
Pueraria Flos Alleviates Alcoholic Liver Injury Via Regulation of PPARα and MAOA: Deciphering the Effective Forms and Potential Mechanism Based on a Bioinformatics-Integrated Metabolic Profile Strategy and Experimental Validation
Authors: Qu Jialin , Chen Qiuyue , Wei Tianfu , Dou Ning , Shang Dong , Yuan Dan
Published: November 2021

Background: Pueraria Flos, a representative medicinal and edible antidote for alcoholism, has rich clinical experience and remarkable curative effect in the treatment of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). However, its effective forms and hepatoprotective mechanism are remained unknown. Methods: A strategy based on UPLC-QTOF-MS combined with mass defect filtering technique was established for comprehensively identifying prototypes and metabolites absorbed and excreted into rat plasma, urine, bile and feces after oral administration. Then, the absorbed constituents with a relative high level were subjected to the network pharmacology, functional enrichment analysis and molecular docking to clarify the potential mechanism in the treatment of ALD. Furthermore, the therapeutic effect of PF on ALD and predicted mechanisms was further evaluated using a rat model of alcohol-induced liver injury and Western blot analysis. Results: 25 absorbed prototype constituents and 82 metabolites were identified or tentatively characterized with glucuronidation, sulfation, methylation, hydroxylation and reduction as their major metabolic pathways. The constructed absorbed constituent-target-pathway-disease network and docking analysis revealed that 4 metabolic components Te-7XG, genistein-7G-4'S, tectoridin-4'S and Te-7XG-4'S, 2 targets MAOA and PPARA, and 6 pathways related to lipid regulation and amino acid metabolism may play crucial roles in the PF mediated protection against ALD. An in vivo validation in rat further demonstrated that PF alleviated liver injury via activating and suppressing the PPARA and MAOA expression, respectively. Conclusions: The present results not only increase the understanding on the effective form and molecular mechanism of PF mediated protection against ALD, but also promote better application of PF as supplement food and herbal medicine for the treatment of ALD.
Development of An Inflammatory Response-Related Gene Signature To Predict Prognosis and Immunotherapy Response For Patients With Glioma
Authors: Zhao Zhen , Zheng Jianglin , Zhang Yi , Jiang Xiaobing , Nie Chuansheng , Zhao Hongyang
Published: November 2021

Inflammatory response plays a crucial role in the development and progression of gliomas. However, the prognostic value of inflammatory response-related genes has never been comprehensively investigated for glioma. In this study, we identified 39 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between glioma and normal brain tissue samples, of which 31 inflammatory response-related genes are related to the prognosis of glioma., The 8 optimal inflammatory response-related genes were selected to construct prognostic inflammatory response-related gene signature (IRGS) through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalized Cox regression analysis. The effectiveness of the IRGS was verified in the training (TCGA) and validation (CGGA-693 CGGA-325 and Rembrandt) cohorts. The Kaplan-Meier curve revealed a significant difference in the OS between the high- and low-risk groups. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) shows the powerful predictive ability of IRGS. Meanwhile, a nomogram with better accuracy was established to predict overall survival (OS) based on the independent prognostic factors (IRGS, age, WHO grade, and 1p19q codeletion). In addition, patients in the high-risk group had higher immune, stroma, and ESTIMATE scores, lower tumor purity, higher infiltration of immunosuppressive cells, higher expression of immune checkpoints, higher expression of TIDE and Exclusion, and lower expression of MSI Expe Sig. Thus, the patients in the low-risk group had significantly higher respond rate of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). A novel prognostic signature incorporated 8 inflammatory response-related genes was associated with the prognosis, immune landscape and the immunotherapy response in patients with gliomas. Thus, the signature can be suitable for future clinical application to predict the prognosis of patients with glioma.
DFT Study On Reaction Mechanism of Di-tert-butyl Phenol to Di-tert-butyl Hydroxybenzoic Acid
Authors: Jin Nengzhi , Zhang Qi-Bin , Liu Rong , Zhou Pan-Pan
Published: November 2021

Experimental studies on the Kolbe-Schmitt reaction and its side reactions have made great progresses, however the relative theoretical studies fall behind. In order to study the mechanism of Kolbe-Schmitt reaction with 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol as reactants, we carried out theoretical calculation studies at M06-2X/Def2-SVP/SMD level of theory using Gaussian 09 D.01 software package. For the reactant 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, the main product and side product can convert to each other due to the dynamic equilibrium. However for 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, the main product is thermodynamically favorable due to its lower Gibbs free energy, while the side product is kinetically favorable due to the lower activation energy barrier. We hope the study can shed light on Kolbe-Schmitt reaction.
Combat Lesion in Triceratops: Histological and Chemical Diagnosis
Authors: D'Anastasio Ruggero , Cilli Jacopo , Bacchia Flavio , Fanti Federico , Gobbo Giacomo , Capasso Luigi
Published: November 2021

In the collective imagination derived from scientific and popular literature, Triceratops often faced each other in combat. Thus, from the second half of the twentieth century, these ceratopsids were described as pugnacious animals. This arises primarily from the interpretation of extracranial fenestrae in ceratopsids being the result of combat trauma. However, the diagnosis of the traumatic nature of these anatomical variants of their neck frill requires evidence of bone healing and remodelling by microscopy analysis. Here, we present the case of the Triceratops horridus known as Big John, which is one of the largest specimens discovered in the Hell Creek Formation (Upper Cretaceous; MT, USA). Its right squamosal bone shows an extrafenestra with irregular margins and signs of inflammation. Microscopy analysis revealed newly formed and healing bone, with histological signs typical of the bone remodelling phase. Chemical analysis revealed sulphur that was derived from glucosaminoglycans and sulphated glycoproteins of the preosseous osteoid substance present in the healing phases of a bone trauma. Histological and microanalytical analyses confirm that the squamosal fenestra of Big John is the result of a traumatic event, which might indeed have occurred during combat with another Triceratops.
Nitrophenyl-group-containing Heterocycles. Part I. Synthesis, Characterization, Anticancer Activity and Antioxidant Properties of Some New 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolines Bearing 3(4)-nitrophenyl Group
Authors: Sayed Eman M. , Hassanien Reda , Farhan Nasser , Aly Hanan F. , Mahamoud Khaled , Bakhite Etify A.
Published: November 2021

Regioselective cyclocondensation of 2,4-diacetyl-5-hydroxy-5-methyl-3-(3-nitrophenyl/4-nitrophenyl)cyclohexanones 1a,b with cyanothioacetamide fforded the corresponiing 7-acetyl-4-cyano-1,6-dimethyl-6-hydroxy-8-(3-nitrophenyl/4-nitrophenyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-soquinoline-3(2H)-thiones 2a,b in 93-96%. Reaction of compounds 2a,b ethyl iodide, 2-chloroacetamide or N-(naphthalen-1-yl)-2-chloroacetamide (5) in the presence of sodium acetate gave the corresponding p(5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolin-3-yl)thio derivatives 3a,b, 4a,b and 6a,b. In a similar manner, reaction of a,b with other N-aryl-2-chloroacetamides 7a-d gave 2-[(7-acetyl-4-cyano-1,6-dimethyl-6-hydroxy-8-(3-nitrophenyl/4-nitrophenyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolin-3-yl)thio]-N-arylacetamides (8a-g). On heating of compounds 8a-e in ethanol containing anhydrous sodium carbonate, they converted into 7-acetyl-1-amino-N-aryl-5,8-dimethyl-8-hydroxy-6-(3-nitrophenyl/4-nitrophenyl)-6,7,8,9-tetrahydrothieno[2,3-c]isoquinoline-2-carboxamides 9a-e. Structural formulae of all synthesized compounds were characterized on the basis of their spectroscopic data. Also, the applications of most synthesized isoquinolines as anticancer and as antioxidant agents have been carried out and the obtained results are reported herein.
Early Detection of the Wood-boring Insect Semanotus Bifasciatus Using Acoustic Detection Technology
Authors: jiang qi , Liu Yujie , Ren Lili , Sun Yu , Luo Youqing
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND: Semanotus bifasciatus Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is one of the most destructive wood-boring pests of Platycladus trees in East Asia, threatening the protection of ancient cypress species and urban ecological safety. Acoustic detection technology has the advantages of high sensitivity, single wood diagnosis and anti-interference, which can be useful for early identification of cryptic wood boring damage. However, there has been limited research on detection time window and acoustics features that suitable for early detection of forest wood borers. METHODS: In this study, we carried out a manipulated insect infestation experiment by inoculating S. bifasciatus into fresh logs, and the feeding sound signals of S. bifasciatus larvae were recorded in timeseries. Then, nine feature variables were selected to characterize the sounds of larval feeding activity. The best time window for acoustic detection during a single day and the whole larval growth stage was determined. And the optimal models for predicting larval instar and population were established using the stepwise regression (SR) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) approach.RESULTS: (1) The single pulse duration of S. bifasciatus was less than 15 ms, and the peak frequency was approximately 8 kHz; (2) Within a 24-hour day, the feeding sound signals were strongest during 13:00 and 20:00; (3) The feeding activity of larvae was greatest during the 1st to the 3rd instar, declined from the 4th instar, and was lowest at the 5th instar; (4) Weak correlations were found between larval instar and feature variables, r ranging from 0.3 to 0.6. By contrast, the larval population has a strong linear correlation with all variables (r>0.7). Except for Average pulse duration and Peak frequency, there indicated high or severe multicollinearity among other variables (the variance inflation factor, VIF >10); (5) The SR model was optimal for predicting larval instar; its prediction accuracy was R2 = 0.71, RMSEp = 0.42, and RPD = 3.38. Average entropy, Peak frequency, and Average pulse duration had the largest influence on the model. (6) The optimal model for predicting population was the PLSR model, and its prediction accuracy was R2 = 0.97, RMSEp = 61.96, and RPD = 28.87. Except for Peak Freq, the other eight variables had a great impact on the model. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted the suitable detection time window and acoustic feature variables for early identification of S. bifasciatus larvae, and optimal models for predicting its larval instar and population were provided. This work will promote further improvements in the efficiency and accuracy of acoustic detection technology for practical applications, providing a reference for evaluating the early damage of wood-boring pest.
Implementing a Comprehensive Value-based Healthcare System to Improve Pregnancy and Childbirth Outcomes in Urban and Rural Kenya.
Authors: Dohmen Peter , De Sanctis Teresa , Waiyaiya Emma , Janssens Wendy , de Wit Tobias F Rinke , Spieker Nicole , Graaf Mark Van der , Raaij Erik M Van
Published: November 2021

Background: Maternal and neonatal mortality rates in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are still far above the targets of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3. Value-based healthcare (VBHC) could potentially surpass traditional input-oriented approaches to create a high-quality health system and to improve maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) outcomes. This paper describes the implementation of VBHC in urban and rural Kenya with the aim to significantly improve MNCH outcomes.Methods: We developed a theory of change (ToC) and used an incremental cohort-based implementation approach to create short and long learning cycles along which different components of the VBHC framework were introduced and evaluated. We sought to leverage local resources and used a mobile phone-based platform to support pregnant women and MNCH providers throughout the patient journey, using the system for communication, payment and data collection. We created dashboards and used interviews and focus group discussions to gather feedback and to collect the data to describe the implementation process in this paper.Results: We implemented all elements of VBHC, starting small and expanding cohort by cohort. Short and long learning cycles between cohorts enabled implementation of the framework in a relatively short time frame. Data on outputs and outcomes show that the VBHC framework had impact on three levels: Mothers’ improved adherence to maternal healthcare, incentivizing providers to improve quality of care, and transparency of outcomes and costs. This paper describes the implementation process and while the evaluation of health outcomes is ongoing, first results show improved adherence to evidence-based care pathways at a low cost per enrolled person.Conclusion: This study has shown that implementation of the VBHC framework in an LMIC setting is possible with some adaptations to the local context. The incremental, cohort-based approach enabled an iterative learning process, which could support the restructuring of health systems in low resource settings going from a supply-driven model to a value-driven model.Trial registration: Not applicable
Spatial Distribution and Pollution Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soils in the Jiefangzha Irrigation Area of the Hetao Irrigation District, China
Authors: Zhang Qi , Miao Qingfeng , Lu Junping , Yuan Linfeng , Pei Guoxia
Published: November 2021

To explore the characteristics of heavy metal pollution in farmland soils in the Jiefangzha Irrigation Area of the Hetao Irrigation District, Inner Mongolia, 60 samples of the surface soil (0–20 cm) of the irrigation area were collected to detect and analyze the content of the typical heavy metal elements Cu, As, and Pb in the soil. The methods utilized included the single factor index method, the Nemerow index method, the geological accumulation index method, and the potential ecological hazard index method to evaluate their pollution and ecological risks, and these were combined with geostatistical methods using GIS technology to quantitatively analyze their spatial distribution characteristics. The results showed that the average content of Cu, As, and Pb did not exceed the background values in the Hetao Irrigation Area, and the contents showed a moderate variation, with the order of variation as As>Cu>Pb. The multivariate statistical analysis results showed that the three elements, Cu, As, and Pb, had similar sources, being primarily the use of agrochemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides. The semi-variance function model fitting results showed that Pb was a spherical model, and Cu and As were Gaussian models. The Kriging interpolation showed that the contents of As, Pb, and Cu, in general, showed a trend that was higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast, with a change of gradient increasing from the southeast to the northwest. Human activities were the primary factors that were causing the distribution difference.
Transcriptome Analysis of Spleen in Chickens Administered β-glucan Derived From Yeast Cell Wall
Authors: Cao Liting , Zhang Jianrong , Qu Yiwen , Li Weihao , Ma Yue , Liu Juan , Xu Wei , Bi Shicheng
Published: November 2021

Background: Our previous study shown that oral administration of a product contained yeast cell wall polysaccharides enhanced immune responses elicited by Newcastle disease virus and changed microbial community of cecum in chickens.Results: The present study was design to investigate the potential molecular mechanism in relation to the immunomodulation of β-glucan in chickens. Using RNA-sequence (RNA-seq) technique, we identified 198 DEGs in spleen in chickens after oral administration of β-glucan. In addition, these DEGs were significantly enriched in 205 GO terms and 7 KEGG pathways. Conclusions: β-glucan might regulate chicken immune system by regulating expression of genes involved in cognition, cytokines, binding, enzyme activities and multiple signaling pathway.
Complementary feeding hygiene practice and associated factors among mothers with children aged 6–24 months in tegedie district, Northwest Ethiopia: Community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Teshome Habtam ayenew , Yallew Walelegn Worku , Azanaw Jember , Tadege Gardew ayanew , zeleke Agerie Mengistie
Published: November 2021

IntroductionThe hygienic practices of mothers during complementary feeding are crucial in the protection of vulnerable infants and children aged 6–24 months from childhood communicable diseases like diarrhea and malnutrition. However, sufficient evidence on the hygienic practices of mothers during complementary feeding and their associated factors is limited.ObjectiveTo determine the levels of complementary feeding hygiene practice and its associated factors among mothers of children aged 6–24 months in the Tegedie district, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 17 to April 17, 2021, among 576 mothers with children aged 6–24 months in the Tegedie district, northwest Ethiopia. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered by an interviewer and entered into Epi-data version 4.6 before being exported to SPSS version 20.0 for data cleaning and further analysis. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were employed to identify predictors of complementary feeding hygiene practice with p-value < 0.25 that entered into the multivariable logistic regression model. Then variables with a p-value of 0.05 in multivariable logistic regressions were considered statistically significant.ResultsThe prevalence of hygienic practice during complementary feeding of their children aged 6–24 months was 33.6%, with 95% CI 29.7–37.6%) of them had good practice. Living in an urban area [AOR=7.02, 95% CI: (4.14, 11.88)], the presence of a handwashing facility near the latrine [AOR = 3.02, 95% CI: (1.18, 7.70)], the presence of a separate area to store raw and cooked foods [AOR = 5.87, 95% CI: (2.84, 12.13)], and the presence of a three-compartment dish washing system [AOR = 5.70,Conclusion and recommendationThe prevalence of good hygienic practices during complementary feeding among mothers is still low; the district health office and health extension workers should work to improve maternal hygienic practices during complementary feeding.
Delayed Administration of Nafamostat Mesylate Inhibits Thrombin-Mediated Blood-Spinal Cord Barrier Breakdown During Acute Spinal Cord Injury in Rats
Authors: Zhao Chenxi , Zhou Tiangang , Zhao Xiaoqing , Pang Yilin , Li Wenxiang , Fan Baoyou , Li Ming , Liu Xinjie , Ma Lei , Zhang Jiawei , Sun Chao , Shen Wenyuan , Kong Xiaohong , Yao Xue , Feng Shiqing
Published: November 2021

Background: Nafamostat mesylate (NM), an FDA-approved serine protease inhibitor, exerts anti-neuroinflammation and neuroprotective effect on rat spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the time window for NM administration after SCI as well as its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Methods: A series of different first administration time points of NM was tested on rat contusive SCI model. The optimal time window of NM was screened by evaluating hindlimb locomotion and electrophysiology. We performed western blot and immunofluorescence to evaluate the drug target thrombin as well as its downstream Protease activated receptor 1 (PAR-1), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9). Enzyme activity assay was used to test thrombin activity. The permeability of blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) was assessed by Evans Blue leakage. The infiltration of peripheral inflammatory cell was observed by immunofluorescence.Results: The optimal administration time window of NM was 2-12 h. The thrombin specific inhibitor, Argatroban, had similar pattern. The temporal expression pattern of thrombin peaked at 12 hours and returned to normal level at 7 days post SCI. PAR-1, the thrombin receptor, was observed a significant upregulation after SCI. MMP9, downstream of PAR-1, was also increased along with thrombin and PAR1. The most significant increase of thrombin expression was detected in vascular endothelial cells (ECs). NM significantly downregulated the thrombin and MMP9 expression as well as thrombin activity in the spinal cord, especially in ECs. NM administration at 2-12 h after SCI could inhibit the leakage of Evans blue in the epicenter and upregulate tight junction proteins (TJPs) expression. 8 h administration of NM effectively inhibited the infiltration of peripheral macrophages in the acute SCI. Conclusions: Our study provided preclinical data of NM administration time window in SCI model, which is clinically relevant in the acute SCI. We elucidated the protective mechanism of NM through BSCB protection and anti-neuroinflammation via thrombin intervention.
Higher Proportions of a Healthy Gastric Mucosa in Healthy Japanese Adults with Later Birth Year: Analysis of 41,957 Participants
Authors: SAITO Yoko , KIKUCHI Shogo
Published: November 2021

Purpose: In Japan, most gastric cancers are associated with gastric mucosal atrophy caused by chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). To recognize the condition of the gastric mucosa and to determe the infection status of H. pylori are important for predicting the individual risk of gastric cancer. The present study aimed to determine the proportion of Japanese adults with a healthy gastric mucosa (without H. pylori infection) among 12 birth-year groups encompassing 1935 to 1990.Methods: The gastric mucosa was classified as healthy or having gastritis based on routine double-contrast upper gastrointestinal barium X-ray radiopgraphy examination (UGI-XR). The participants were 41,957 healthy Japanese adults. Serum or urine H. pylori antibody levels were also assessed.Results: In total, 25,424 participants had a healthy mucosa without a history of H. pylori eradication. The proportions of participants with a healthy mucosa by birth year were 19.8% (57/288), 27.1% (306/1,128), 32.4% (569/1,756), 37.6% (1,808/4,811), 49.2% (3,207/6,522), 60.1% (3,966/6,550), 71.2% (5,224/7,342), 77.2% (5,114/6,624), 80.6% (3,342/4,149), 85.0% (1,404/1,652), 85.3% (302/354), and 94.7% (125/132) in 1935, 1940, 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, and after 1990, respectively (p for trend < 0.01). All participants with a healthy mucosa showed negative results in H. pylori antibody tests.Conclusion: The proportion of participants with a normal gastric mucosa increased linearly with birth years. Prevalence of a morphologically healthy gastric mucosa may have been increasing, in parallel with prevalence of H. pylori infection has been decreasing.
Enhanced Anti-Cancer Potency Using A Combination of Oleanolic Acid and Maslinic Acid to Control Treatment Resistance in Breast Cancer.
Authors: Avci Cıgır Biray , Sogutlu Fatma , Ozates Neslihan Pinar , Shademan Behrouz , Gunduz Cumhur
Published: November 2021

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of Rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) pathway is a complex intracellular metabolic pathway leading to cell growth, and tumor proliferation plays an essential role in drug resistance in breast cancer. Therefore, in the present study, the anti-cancer effects of oleanolic acid (OA) and maslinic acid (MA) were investigated to improve the performance of the treatment strategy. We investigated the effect of OA and MA on cell viability using the WST-1 method. The synergistic effect of the combination was analyzed by isobologram analysis. In addition, the effects of the two compounds, individually and in combination, on apoptosis, autophagy, and the cell cycle were investigated in MCF7 cells. In addition, changes in the expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR genes involved in apoptosis, cell cycle and metabolism were determined by quantitative RT-PCR. MA, OA, and a combination of both caused G0/G1 arrest. Apoptosis also increased in all treated groups. The autophagosomal LC3-II formation was induced 1.74-fold in the MA-treated group and 3.25-fold in the MA-OA-treated group. The combination treatment resulted in increased expression of genes such as GSK3B, PTEN, CDKN1B and FOXO3 and decreased expression of IGF1, PRKCB and AKT3 genes. The results showed that the combination of these two substances showed the highest synergistic effect at the lowest dose and using MA-OA caused cancer cells to undergo apoptosis. The use of combination drugs may reduce the resistance of cancer cells to treatment. However, further studies are needed to clarify cases.
Association of Newer Definitions of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia with Pulmonary Hypertension and Long-Term Outcomes
Authors: Hwang Jae Kyoon , Shin Seung Han , Kim Ee-Kyung , Kim Seh Hyun , Kim Han-Suk
Published: November 2021

The diagnostic criteria of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) have been reassessed based on current practices and highest accuracy in predicting long-term outcomes. We investigated the association between BPD severity based on different definitions in terms of long-term outcomes and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This retrospective study enrolled preterm infants born at <32 weeks of gestation. The definition of BPD recommended by the National Institutes of Health in 2001, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) in 2018, and Jensen et al. in 2019 were used. The association between re-hospitalization due to respiratory illness, neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) at a corrected age of 18–24 months, and PAH at a postmenstrual age (PMA) of 36 weeks with the severity of BPD based on these three definitions were evaluated. Among 354 infants, gestational age (26.9 weeks) and birth weight (730 g) were lowest in severe BPD based on NIH 2001 definition. In total, 14.1% of study population experienced NDI and 19.0% were re-hospitalized due to respiratory illness. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for re-hospitalization was highest in grade-3 BPD of the Jensen (2019) criteria (7.45). The adjusted OR for NDI (13.23) and PAH (40.37) were also highest in grade-3 of the Jensen (2019) criteria.Conclusion: Based on recently suggested criteria, severity of BPD is associated with long-term outcomes and PAH at PMA of 36 weeks in preterm infants.
Identification of a Potential Prognostic Signature based on Immune-related Genes in Primary Glioblastoma
Authors: Zhou Zhaoming , Lai Mingyao , Yu Jiayin , Zhou Jiangfen , Hu Qingjun , Li Juan , Li Hainan , Chen Longhua , Wen Lei , Zhou Meijuan , Cai Linbo
Published: November 2021

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a common primary brain tumor with a high incidence in adults with malignant and fast-growing biological characteristics. In this study, we explore the immune-related prognosis markers of GBM at the mRNA level.Methods: The sequencing data and clinical information of GBM patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA). The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were calculated between normal tissues from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database and tumor tissues from TCGA and CGGA. We obtained immune genes from the ImmProt database. The intersection of DEGs and immune genes were defined as the immune-related differential genes (IR-DEGs), based on which, survival associated IR-DEGs were determined by multivariate Cox regression analysis. The survival risk score (SRS) was determined for each sample with the top 6 prognostic associated IR-DEGs. One-year, two-year, and three-year potential survival were predicted by the prognosis prediction model established by multivariate and univariate Cox regression. In addition, we performed CIBERSORT in GBM patients with samples from TCGA cohort; association analysis was performed with prognostic IR-DEGs and immune cells. Furthermore, the influence of prognostic IR-DEGs on the brain tumor microenvironment (TME) was validated in single-cell sequencing analysis.Results: We found 301 IR-DRGs in GBM primary tumor compared with normal tissue, and 19 of them could predict the overall survival (OS) more accurately in GBM patients. Six IR-DEGs (PLAUR, TNFSF14, CTSB, SOCS3, PTX3, and FCGR2B) were selected to construct the SRS, with which, GBM patients were divided into two different groups which combined with high and low risk. The SRS was found to be an independent prognostic factor for GBM and could predict GBM patients’ possible survival with an acceptable efficiency. Moreover, the expression of 6 IR-DEGs and their co-expressed IR-DEGs could influence TME and were associated with GBM prognosis.Conclusions: This study identified a potential immune prognostic signature of glioblastoma, which could enhance the prognosis prediction ability for GBM patients. The immune-related-genes in the TME could potentially benefit the immunotherapy development for GBM patients.
SARS-CoV-2 as a Trigger in the Development of Tourette’s-Like Symptoms: A Case Report
Authors: Hazan Sabine , Nowicki ND John , Jordan Sheldon
Published: November 2021

Background: Reports have been surfacing surrounding CNS-associated symptoms in individuals affected by coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Tourette syndrome is a neuropsychiatric disorder with usual onset in childhood. Gut microbiota can affect central physiology and function via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The authors of this case report describe Tourette’s-like symptoms in a patient resulting from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection disrupting gut microbiota. Case Presentation: This case involves a 16-year-old female that developed acute onset Tourette’s-like symptoms along with neuropsychiatric symptoms after exposure to and infection from SARS-CoV-2. The patient had negative nasopharyngeal (NP) real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) tests for SARS-CoV-2 on five occasions from August of 2020 through June of 2021. The patient’s symptoms continued to worsen over the next six months until next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed SARS-CoV-2 in her stool. Repair of the gastrointestinal microbiota, treatment with nutraceutical and pharmaceutical agents, as well as alterations in her surroundings resulted in dramatic improvement in the microbiome and a significant reduction of symptoms.Discussion: The use of RT-PCR testing to determine the presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2 may be inadequate and inaccurate for individuals that have been exposed to the virus. In addition, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection to the GI tract may cause significant havoc in the gut microbiota which may lead to disruption of the blood brain barrier, disruption to the gut- microbiome-brain axis, and neurological symptoms. Additional testing, eradication of infectious agents, as well as restoration of the gut microbiome are needed to effectively manage and treat this condition.