bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Michelangelo, the Duck and the Rabbit
Authors: Miranda Medina Juan Felipe , Galarza Flores Marisol Cristel
Published: January 2021

The concept of modes of existence of semiotic entities underlies (post)Greimasian semiotics, yet it seems to have received little attention. Modes of existence can be used in different senses. For Greimas, from the perspective of narrative semiotics, when Michelangelo first receives a block of marble and decides to sculpt the David, his intention is in a virtual mode; as Michelangelo progresses he ends up bringing the David into existence, and his intention comes to the realized mode. In Fontanille’s tensive semiotics, however, modes of existence can have to do with how one can narrow or broaden the scope of our apprehension of the David as our eyes look at it in order to produce a meaningful experience. In this work, the perspectives of narrative and tensive semiotics are contrasted both theoretically and practically applying both to a number of examples. In order to identify all possible modes of existence and all the possibilities of transitioning from one to the other in the examples presented, we resort to the method of finite-state automata from computer science. In the end, we propose a robust narrative account of modes of existence that relies on narrative semiotics for its definition, but into which intent and apprehension from tensive semiotics can be integrated. This work calls for the need of establishing a syntax of modes of existence, since both Greimas and Fontanille construe them as being necessary to account for the production of signification.
Inteligencia emocional y competitividad en docentes de instituciones educativas emblemáticas Tarma
Authors: Paredes Pérez Marco Antonio , Gonzales Borda Juan Carlos
Published: January 2021

Objetivo. Determinar la relación entre inteligencia emocional y competitividad en docentes de instituciones emblemáticas de la provincia de Tarma, Métodos. Enfoque cuantitativo, tipo básica, nivel correlacional, la muestra fue no probabilística intencional y estuvo conformada por 120 directivos y docentes de 02 instituciones emblemáticas. Resultados. Existe relación significativa entre inteligencia emocional y competitividad docente, puesto que p-valor hallado fue de 0 y el valor del coeficiente de correlación de Spearman fue de 0.930. Conclusión. La inteligencia emocional es un predictor altamente fiable de la competitividad y capacidad docente, por tanto, deben implementarse programas de capacitación permanentes, que permitan fortalecer tales capacidades dentro de un marco de sostenibilidad y progreso educativo.
Penerapan Quick Response (QR) Code Berbasis Web Di Puskesmas Payung Sekaki Pekanbaru
Authors: Ken Rio Agizki  , Hayami Regiolina , Mukhtar Harun
Published: January 2021

Puskesmas staffing data certainly cannot be separated from data that can change at any time. Changes to the data must be stored properly. At Puskesmas Payung Sekaki the attendance system is still using paper as an employee attendance data file, so that frequent loss of data and double data on absenteeism makes mistakes for the staffing of Puskesmas Payung Sekaki. Supporting Puskesmas staff every day must go to the Puskesmas to attend attendance when they come and go home, so that fraud arises in making attendance by making attendance care.Attendance system using the QR Code, can easily search data and minimize fraud in attendance care, because the QR Code must scan. The QR Code scanning results will be saved in the database. The QR Code is made with the Puskesmas Employee Identification Number. The results obtained from the Implementation of the Quick Response (QR) Code for the attendance of Puskesmas are able to facilitate employees in making attendance and the head of administration to get information on the attendance of Puskesmas Payung Sekaki employees.
Interactions between the cannabinoid and the serotonergic systems in modulation of pain perception
Authors: Nocheva Hristina , Sabit Zafer , Bakalov Dimitar , Grigorov Evgeni
Published: January 2021

The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of cannabinoids and serotonergic system on nociception in intact rats and after heat stress. Cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor (5НТ1А) agonists and antagonists have been administered according to different experimental designs (alone and in combinations) in intact male Wistar rats, as well in animals subjected to one hour of heat stress. Pain perception has been evaluated by Paw pressure test. Our results pointed out that cannabinoids and the serotonergic system interact in nociception in intact animals as well as after heat stress. Cannabinoids seemed to have less prominent role in such interaction in intact animals than after heat stress. The interplay between the two systems probably involves different mechanisms in intact animals and after heat stress with time-dependent effects. The interaction between the cannabinoid and the serotonergic systems exerts a modulating rather than mediating effect on h-SIA.
Therapeutic guidelines for the treatment of cystic fibrosis
Authors: Becheva Maria , Atanasov Petar
Published: January 2021

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex, systemic autosomal recessive disease that affects the functions of the respiratory system, the digestive tract and all exocrine glands. The frequency for Europe averages 1: 2500 to 1: 3500 live births. The total number of patients with cystic fibrosis in Bulgaria is about 180. About 10% of the patients are diagnosed at birth. About 60–70% of patients are diagnosed before they reach one year of age. Respiratory symptoms predominate in the clinical picture in patients with cystic fibrosis and determine the prognosis in more than 90% of the patients. The treatment of patients with cystic fibrosis is strictly individualized, pharmacological and non-pharmacological and requires a comprehensive therapeutic approach. The complex therapy also includes bronchodilators, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, respiratory rehabilitation in combination with general body massage. Continued courses of broad-spectrum antibiotics are required to suppress chronic infection. With the progression of the disease, complications such as atelectasis, pneumothorax and pulmonary hemorrhages are observed. The establishment of specialized centers with trained and experienced professionals is essential in order to provide optimal patient care. These include frequent clinical evaluations, follow-up of complications, and early interventions for the treatment of patients with cystic fibrosis.

The aim of the article is to familiarize the audience with the therapeutic measures applied in the treatment of patients with cystic fibrosis.
Synthesis and antioxidant properties of some new 5-phenethyl-3-thio-1,2,4-triazoles
Authors: Ihnatova Tetiana , Kaplaushenko Andriy , Frolova Yuliia , Pryhlo Evheniy
Published: January 2021

Novel derivatives of 4-R-5-phenethyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiols were synthesized. The proposed approaches and developed synthetic protocols provided the possibility to design 4-R-5-phenethyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiols and their derivatives have been shown. The antioxidant activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated in vitro by the method of the non-enzymatic initiation of BOD with salts of iron (II). When compared with existing antioxidants, some of our compounds were found to be more potent.
Liquid chromatography – high resolution mass spectrometry screening of Astragalus hamosus and Astragalus corniculatus
Authors: Shkondrov Aleksandar , Krasteva Ilina
Published: January 2021

Astragalus hamosus and Astragalus corniculatus were examined for the presence of flavoalkaloids, acylated and highly glycosylated flavonoids. Non-purified extracts of the overground parts of the species were subjected to ultra-high performance liquid chromatography – high resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRESIMS) analysis and the results were compared to authentic reference substances. A flavoalkaloid of kaempferol was newly identified in an extract of A. hamosus. In addition, three compounds – quercetin and kaempferol flavonoids, acylated with hydroxymethylglutaric acid and alcesefoliside, were found in extracts of A. hamosus and A. corniculatus for the first time.
Innovations comptables pour la biodiversité et les écosystèmes : une typologie axée sur l’exigence de résultat environnemental
Authors: Feger Clément , Mermet Laurent
Published: January 2021

Les recherches en comptabilité sur le thème de la biodiversité et des écosystèmes constituent un champ nouveau et en plein essor. Pour la première fois, quatre grands domaines d’innovation en la matière sont ici identifiés et discutés conjointement, sur la base de leurs différences de périmètres (entreprise, de l’écosystème ou national) et de finalités (logiques de comptabilités de gestion ou de bilan). L’importance de poursuivre le développement du domaine émergent des « comptabilités de gestion écosystème-centrées », qui rend possible l’évaluation et le suivi des résultats environnementaux, est mise en lumière. La typologie proposée apporte une forme de réponse au défi majeur de l’articulation entre les comptabilités privées et les comptabilités collectives dans le champ des comptabilités sociales et environnementales.
Improved Sexual Function After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis
Authors: Rodriguez Jose A. , Hobart Sarah J. , Deshmukh Ajit J. , Menken Luke G. , Ranawat Amar S. , Rathod Parthiv A.
Published: January 2021

Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee is known to affect sexual activity. For patients with osteoarthritis, pain during sexual activity can lead to decreased quality of life and other associated health issues. The authors designed a prospective study to evaluate the effect of total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty on the psychosocial and physical aspects of sexuality pre- and postoperatively. Between April 2009 and December 2011, patients received questionnaires in the mail preoperatively. They were asked to return the preoperative questionnaire before surgery and the postoperative questionnaire 6 months after surgery. Data were analyzed to evaluate the psychosocial and physical aspects of sexuality and participants' subjective assessment of their appearance. Preoperatively, 91% and 67% of patients reported psychosocial and physical issues, respectively. After the arthroplasty procedure, 84% (
P
<.001) and 47% (
P
<.001) of patients reported improvement psychosocially and physically, respectively. Of the patients, 16% reported that arthroplasty adversely affected sexual function, with their predominant fear being joint damage (63%). A greater number of women and patients undergoing hip procedures reported improvement in sexual activity after surgery compared with men (
P
=.02) and patients undergoing knee procedures (
P
=.002). Both hip and knee osteoarthritis and arthroplasty had a significant effect on overall sexual function—psychosocially, physically, and in terms of patients' assessment of their external appearance—with higher rates of improvement seen after hip arthroplasty. Because of the effect of osteoarthritis and arthroplasty on sexual function, this topic should be addressed both pre- and postoperatively. [
Orthopedics
. 2021;44(2):111–116.]
Nearly optimal codebooks from generalized Boolean bent functions over $ \mathbb{Z}_{4} $
Authors: Zhou Junchao , Xu Yunge , Wang Lisha , Li Nian
Published: January 2021

In this paper, based on the theory of \begin{document}$ \mathbb{Z}_{4} $\end{document}-valued quadratic forms we propose several classes of generalized Boolean bent functions over \begin{document}$ \mathbb{Z}_{4} $\end{document}, and new families of codebooks are constructed from these functions. The codebooks constructed in this paper are nearly optimal with respect to the Welch bound, and their parameters are new. Furthermore, some Boolean bent functions are also derived.
Uniform stabilization of 1-D Schrödinger equation with internal difference-type control
Authors: Wang Xiaorui , Xu Genqi , Chen Hao
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we consider the stabilization problem of 1-D Schrödinger equation with internal difference-type control. Different from the other existing approaches of controller design, we introduce a new approach of controller design so called the parameterization controller. At first, we rewrite the system with internal difference-type control as a cascaded system of a transport equation and Schödinger equation; Further, to stabilize the system under consideration, we construct a target system that has exponential stability. By selecting the solution of nonlocal and singular initial value problem as parameter function and defining a bounded linear transformation, we show that the transformation maps the closed-loop system to the target system; Finally, we prove that the transformation is bounded inverse. Hence the closed-loop system is equivalent to the target system.
Cbl-b Is Upregulated and Plays a Negative Role in Activated Human NK Cells
Authors: Lu Ting , Chen Li , Mansour Anthony G. , Yu Melissa J. , Brooks Noah , Teng Kun-Yu , Li Zhenlong , Zhang Jianying , Barr Tasha , Yu Jianhua , Caligiuri Michael A.
Published: January 2021

The E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl-b has been characterized as an intracellular checkpoint in T cells; however, the function of Cbl-b in primary human NK cells, an innate immune anti-tumor effector cell, is not well defined. In this study, we show that the expression of Cbl-b is significantly upregulated in primary human NK cells activated by IL-15, IL-2, and the human NK cell–sensitive tumor cell line K562 that lacks MHC class I expression. Pretreatment with JAK or AKT inhibitors prior to IL-15 stimulation reversed Cbl-b upregulation. Downregulation of Cbl-b resulted in significant increases in granzyme B and perforin expression, IFN-γ production, and cytotoxic activity against tumor cells. Collectively, we demonstrate upregulation of Cbl-b and its inhibitory effects in IL-15/IL-2/K562–activated human NK cells, suggesting that Cbl-b plays a negative feedback role in human NK cells.
Vaccinia Virus Infection Inhibits Skin Dendritic Cell Migration to the Draining Lymph Node
Authors: Aggio Juliana Bernardi , Krmeská Veronika , Ferguson Brian J , Wowk Pryscilla Fanini , Rothfuchs Antonio Gigliotti
Published: January 2021

There is a paucity of information on dendritic cell (DC) responses to vaccinia virus (VACV), including the traffic of DCs to the draining lymph node (dLN). In this study, using a mouse model of infection, we studied skin DC migration in response to VACV and compared it with the tuberculosis vaccine Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG), another live attenuated vaccine administered via the skin. In stark contrast to BCG, skin DCs did not relocate to the dLN in response to VACV. Infection with UV-inactivated VACV or modified VACV Ankara promoted DC movement to the dLN, indicating that interference with skin DC migration requires replication-competent VACV. This suppressive effect of VACV was capable of mitigating responses to a secondary challenge with BCG in the skin, ablating DC migration, reducing BCG transport, and delaying CD4+ T cell priming in the dLN. Expression of inflammatory mediators associated with BCG-triggered DC migration were absent from virus-injected skin, suggesting that other pathways invoke DC movement in response to replication-deficient VACV. Despite adamant suppression of DC migration, VACV was still detected early in the dLN and primed Ag-specific CD4+ T cells. In summary, VACV blocks skin DC mobilization from the site of infection while retaining the ability to access the dLN to prime CD4+ T cells.
Intrinsic Abnormalities of Keratinocytes Initiate Skin Inflammation through the IL-23/T17 Axis in a MALT1-Dependent Manner
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Wang Mingchao , Wang Chenliang , Wang Guifen , Sun Keyong , Xiong Sihan , Cheng Liqing , Yang Dandan , Lin Xin , Zhao Xueqiang
Published: January 2021

Increasing evidence has supported the crucial role of CARD14 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, whereas the precise cellular signaling involved in skin physiopathology remains poorly understood. In this article, we show that neither genetic ablation of Il17a nor elimination of T cells was sufficient to restrain the skin inflammation in a CARD14-E138A-mutation-induced psoriasis-like mouse model, whereas depletion of Il23, which extremely blocked the IL-23/T17 axis, was more effective. Targeting CBM complex by conditional deletion of MALT1 or BCL10 in keratinocytes abrogated both the cutaneous and systemic inflammation of heterozygous Card14E138A/+ mice. Selective inactivation of keratinocyte-specific MALT1 proteolytic activity strongly ameliorated the Card14E138A/+- and Card14ΔQ136/+-induced skin disease, which was reproduced by using the imiquimod-induced mouse model. Together, our results suggest a sequence of events under CARD14-mutation-induced psoriasis condition that keratinocyte-intrinsic activation of CBM complex initiates the skin inflammation depending on the IL-23/T17 axis. Targeting keratinocytes by inactivation of MALT1 paracaspase activity might be a promising therapeutic target for early psoriasis treatment.
Inhibition of the Complement Alternative Pathway by Chemically Modified DNA Aptamers That Bind with Picomolar Affinity to Factor B
Authors: Xu Xin , Zhang Chi , Denton Dahlia T. , O’Connell Daniel , Drolet Daniel W. , Geisbrecht Brian V.
Published: January 2021

The complement system is a conserved component of innate immunity that fulfills diverse roles in defense and homeostasis. Inappropriate activation of complement contributes to many inflammatory diseases, however, which has led to a renewed emphasis on development of therapeutic complement inhibitors. Activation of complement component C3 is required for amplification of complement and is achieved through two multisubunit proteases called C3 convertases. Of these, the alternative pathway (AP) C3 convertase is responsible for a majority of the C3 activation products in vivo, which renders it an attractive target for inhibitor discovery. In this study, we report the identification and characterization of two related slow off-rate modified DNA aptamers (SOMAmer) reagents that inhibit formation of the AP C3 convertase by binding to the proprotease, factor B (FB). These aptamers, known as SL1102 (31 bases) and SL1103 (29 bases), contain uniform substitutions of 5-(N-2-naphthylethylcarboxyamide)-2′-deoxyuridine for deoxythymidine. SL1102 and SL1103 bind FB with Kd values of 49 and 88 pM, respectively, and inhibit activation of C3 and lysis of rabbit erythrocytes under AP-specific conditions. Cocrystal structures of SL1102 (3.4 Å) and SL1103 (3.1 Å) bound to human FB revealed that SL1102 and SL1103 recognize a site at the juncture of the CCP1, CCP3, and vWF domains of FB. Consistent with these structures and previously published information, these aptamers inhibited FB binding to C3b and blocked formation of the AP C3 convertase. Together, these results demonstrate potent AP inhibition by modified DNA aptamers and expand the pipeline of FB-binding molecules with favorable pharmacologic properties.
EULAR guidelines on ANCA-associated vasculitis in the real life
Authors: Marvisi Chiara , Galli Elena , Manzini Carlo Umberto , Sandri Gilda , Salvarani Carlo
Published: January 2021

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated vasculitides (AAVs) are a heterogenous group of inflammatory diseases which primarily involve small vessels and include granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). They present heterogeneous clinical manifestations, while their diagnosis and management still remain a challenge for clinicians. Nowadays, the treatment is based on two different regimens: the remission-induction treatment and the remission-maintenance treatment. The therapeutic armamentarium has grown over the years, with the aim to lessen adverse effects, improve quality of life of patients and maintain the disease under control. Biological treatments are the future: they act on different pathogenic pathways and may offer in the future a personalized management approach tailored to actual clinical manifestations. The latest guidelines were published in 2015 by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and still represent the vade mecum for the management of AAVs. In this review, we will focus on the principal strategies to treat AAVs. We discuss the remission-induction therapy and the remission- maintenance therapy; we have also distinguished the management of GPA and MPA from that of EGPA, because of their different clinical pictures.
Epidemiological characteristics and determination of spatio-temporal clusters during the 2013 dengue outbreak in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Authors: Punyapornwithaya Veerasak , Sansamur Chalutwan , Charoenpanyanet Arisara
Published: January 2021

Dengue is the worldwide most important mosquito-borne viral disease in humans. A large dengue outbreak occurred in Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2013. The aims of this study were to describe the epidemiology of this outbreak and determine the spatio-temporal pattern in the sub-district with the highest number of dengue cases. Data on patients, including date of illness, were obtained from the Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Center and analyzed descriptively using R statistical software. The geographic location of patients’ residences was determined from available geographical information databases supplemented with coordinated data collection in the field. A space-time permutation model from SaTScan™ was used to determine disease clusters corresponding to space and time. Results showed that Muang District, the centre of the province, had a higher number of cases than the other 25 districts. The Suthep subdistrict, part of Muang District, had most of the patients: 625 subjects distributed between 213 residences. The space-time analysis identified a primary cluster and 7 secondary clusters in different time periods. The primary cluster had 128 patients in a period of approximately 3 months. The number of patients in the secondary clusters ranged between 7 and 65. Most of the clusters occurred in densely populated areas during June and July (the rainy season). The finding from this study may support health agencies to plan surveillance campaigns for people at specified local areas with a high incidence of the disease.
Spatial accessibility to emergency care in Sichuan province in China
Authors: Tang Xuefeng , Deng Yufan , Yang Huazhen , Tian Fan , Li Youping , Pan Jay
Published: January 2021

Timely access to emergency care can substantially improve overall population’s health outcomes. However, currently existed evidence focusing on access to emergency care in China remains insufficient. A better understanding of emergency care from the perspective of spatial accessibility is therefore essential to assist in future healthcare planning. This study provided a brief introduction to the emergency medical service system of China, and assessed the spatial accessibility of emergency care as well as its associated social-economic characteristics based on Sichuan province. Based on populational and hospital administrative data in 2018, we employed the nearest-neighbor method to measure the spatial accessibility while identifying its associated social-economic factors via conventional Ordinary Least Square (OLS) model. The shortest travel time analysis reported a relatively high level of overall spatial accessibility to emergency care in Sichuan. However, substantial geographical disparity in accessibility could nevertheless be observed throughout the province, with the eastern area presenting much higher accessibility than the western area. Regression results suggested that county-level discrepancies in accessibility could be significantly attributed to the variance in local economic development, urbanization level and administrative area. These findings indicated that long-term efforts need to be made by central government on optimizing the allocation of healthcare resources, as well as on fortifying financial support and providing preferential policies for economically disadvantaged regions.
Hyperendemicity, heterogeneity and spatial overlap of leprosy and cutaneous leishmaniasis in the southern Amazon region of Brazil
Authors: De Carvalho Amanda Gabriela , Guimarães Luz João Gabriel , Leite Dias João Victor , Tiwari Anuj , Steinmann Peter , Ignotti Eliane
Published: January 2021

Neglected tropical diseases characterized by skin lesions are highly endemic in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. We analyzed the spatial distribution of leprosy and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) and identified the degree of overlap in their distribution. All new cases of leprosy and CL reported between 2008 and 2017 through the national reporting system were included in the study. Scan statistics together with univariate Global and Local Moran’s I were employed to identify clusters and spatial autocorrelation for each disease, with the spatial correlation between leprosy and CL measured by bivariate Global and Local Moran’s I. Finally, we evaluated the demographic characteristics of the patients. The number of leprosy (N = 28,204) and CL (N = 24,771) cases in Mato Grosso and the highly smoothed detection coefficients indicated hyperendemicity and spatial distribution heterogeneity. Scan statistics demonstrated overlap of high-risk clusters for leprosy (RR = 2.0; P <0.001) and CL (RR = 4.0; P <0.001) in the North and Northeast mesoregions. Global Moran’s I revealed a spatial autocorrelation for leprosy (0.228; P = 0.001) and CL (0.311; P = 0.001) and a correlation between them (0.164; P = 0.001). Both diseases were found to be concentrated in urban areas among men aged 31-60 years, of brown-skinned ethnicity and with a low educational level. Our findings indicate a need for developing integrated and spatially as well as socio-demographically targeted public health policies.
Gender disparity in COVID-19
Authors: Lipsa Anuja , Prabhu Jyothi S
Published: January 2021

The emerging pandemic of COVID-19 caused by the novel pathogenic human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has caused significant morbidity and mortality across the globe, prompting the scientific world to search for preventive measures to interrupt the disease process. Demographic data indicates gender-based differences in COVID-19 morbidity with better outcome amongst females. Disparity in sex-dependent morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients may be attributed to difference in levels of sex steroid hormones -androgens and estrogens. Evidence suggests that apart from the regulation of viral host factors, immunomodulatory and cardioprotective roles exerted by estrogen and progesterone may provide protection to females against COVID-19. Exploring the underlying mechanisms and beneficial effects of these hormones as an adjuvant to existing therapy may be a step towards improving the outcomes. This article aims to review studies demonstrating the role of sex steroidal hormones in modulating SARS-CoV-2 host factors and summarize plausible biological reasons for sex-based differences seen in COVID-19 mortality.
Intestinal parasitic infections and risk factors among Myanmar migrant workers in northeast Thailand
Authors: Sangwalee Wararat , Rattanapitoon Nathkapach , Thanchomnang Tongjit
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To determine the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections in migrant workers in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Northeast Thailand.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2017 to July 2018 in 600 Myanmar migrant workers. Questionnaires were employed for collecting the demographic data of participants. Stool samples were collected and examined using the formalin-ether concentration technique. Risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections were determined using multiple logistic regressions analyses.

Results:

The overall infection rate of intestinal parasitic infections was 27.67% (166/600). Among the intestinal helminthes observed, hookworm was most abundant (8.67%) followed by Trichuris trichiura (8.50%), Opisthorchis viverrini(4.17%), Ascaris lumbricoides(1.50%), Strogyloides stercoralis(1.17%) and Hymenolepis nana(0.5%). Meanwhile, Entamoeba coli was the most prevalent intestinal protozoa (4.33%, 26/600) followed by Endolimax nana (1.33%), Entamoeba histolytica complex (1.17%), Blastocystis sp. (1.0%) and Giardia duodenalis (0.17%). The study found significant associations between gender and Strogyloides stercoralis infection (OR
adj=5.61, 95% CI=1.18–26.70, P=0.03), workers aged 30 years old were likely to have a lower risk of the T. trichiura infection (OR
adj=0.45, 95% CI= 0.23–0.89). Moreover, the history of consuming raw or undercooked cyprinoid fish was a risk factor of Opisthorchis viverrini infection (OR
adj=2.82, 95% CI=1.22–6.49, P=0.015).

Conclusions:

There remains a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among Myanmar migrant workers in the study area and therefore health screenings for all migrant workers in Thailand are required.
Anopheles gambiae larvicidal and adulticidal potential of Phyllanthus amarus (Schumach and Thonn, 1827) obtained from different localities of Nigeria
Authors: Ozioko Kingsley Uchenna , Okoye Chris Ikem , Okafor Fabian Chukwuemenam , Obiezue Rose Nduka
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To screen phytochemicals in ethanolic leaf extracts of Phyllanthus amarus collected from three different geographical zones in Nigeria and evaluate their effects on larva and adult of Anopheles gambiae.

Methods:

The sample extracts of Phyllanthus amarus prepared with ethanol solvent were tested against Anopheles gambiae at two important developmental stages of its life cycle using slightly modified WHO protocols.

Results:

Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, and terpenes were detected in each extract. Among these samples, the extract from northwest exhibited the highest larvicidal activity (LC50=263.02 ppm), followed by southeast and southwest extracts (LC50=288.40 and 295.12 ppm, respectively after 48 h), while the extract from southwest exhibited the highest adulticidal activity (LC50=275.42 ppm), followed by northwest and southeast extract (LC50=301.99 and 316.22 ppm, respectively after 24 h). A 50% larva mortality was almost attained at 600 ppm after 48 h duration of exposure to the northwest extract.

Conclusions:

The tested samples possess strong larvicidal and adulticidal property against Anopheles gambiae which depends on their chemical composition and localities of collection. Further studies are needed to explore the insecticidal activity against a wider range of mosquito species, and to identify active ingredient(s) of the extract responsible for such activity.
Gracilaria changii (Rhodophyta) alleviates bisphenol A-induced adverse reproductive abnormalities in mice
Authors: Ng Chong Lee , Tan Gim Cheong , Yow Yoon-Yen , Gupta Mukesh Kumar , Kwong Phek Jin
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the potential of Gracilaria changii extract in ameliorating the potential adverse effects of bisphenol A.

Methods:

The antioxidant capacity of Gracilaria changii extracted using different solvents (methanol, ethanol, and aqueous) was studied. The mice were administered by oral gavage with bisphenol A (60 mg/kg body weight) for 6 weeks with or without Gracilaria changii aqueous extract. Thereafter, the mice were either euthanized for histology and immunohistochemistry studies or mated to evaluate the pregnancy rate.

Results:

Gracilaria changii aqueous extract showed the highest antioxidant properties compared with extract using methanol and ethanol. The aqueous extract of Gracilaria changii improved the uterus index and uterine lipid peroxidation after bisphenol A exposure, although the uterine expressions of estrogen receptors and complement C3 were not improved. Histological evaluation of the uterus during the estrus stage has revealed that the extract could mitigate bisphenol A-induced adverse effects in the uterus as there was a lower percentage of mice showing abnormalities like decreased eosin staining in the myometrium, and decrease in the number of eosinophil and endometrial glands in the endometrium. Besides, Gracilaria changii aqueous extract improved the pregnancy rate of mice administered with bisphenol A.

Conclusions:

Gracilaria changii extract protects against bisphenol A-induced female reproductive abnormalities in mice which may be mediated via modulation of eosinophil migration, endometrial gland formation, and protein expressions associated with prostaglandins in the myometrium.
Total spinal involvement due to delayed diagnosis and treatment of noncontiguous brucellar spondylitis
Authors: He Jie , Zhang Qiang
Published: January 2021

Rational:

Brucellosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic disease. Any part of the body can be affected by active brucellosis but osteoarticular involvement are the most common symptoms which was reported to vary from 10% to 85%. The spine is the most common site of brucellosis in the bones. However, noncontiguous brucellar spondylitis is rare, only few cases have been reported in the literature.

Patient concerns:

A 62-year-old woman with brucellar spondylitis presented with lower back pain and pain in the right lower extremity for six months.

Diagnosis:

Brucella agglutination test (1:320) and the result of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the diagnosis of noncontiguous brucellar spondylitis.

Intervention:

During hospital stay, the women received intravenous treatment for brucellosis (A combination of doxycycline 200 mg/d, rifampicin 900 mg/d, levofloxacin 0.5 g/QD, and ceftriaxone 2 g/QD was administered for 1 week), The L4-S1 vertebral body was fixed by posterior lumbar debridement.

Outcome:

Six months after discharge, the follow-up radiographic images showed stable vertebral height and good lumbar stability. She complained no discomfort.

Lessons:

Multi-level involvement is an exceptional form of brucellar spondylitis. To the best of our knowledge, only few similar cases have been reported. PCR and bacterial culture is necessary for confirmed diagnosis.
Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects of Heracleum persicum L. extract on rats with gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity
Authors: Akbaribazm Mohsen , Goodarzi Nader , Rahimi Mohsen , Naseri Leila , Khazaei Mozafar
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of Heracleum persicum L. against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Methods:

Thirty-six Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups including control (normal saline), gentamicin (80 mg/kg/d for 10 d), Heracleum persicum (750 mg/kg/d), and gentamicin (10 d) + Heracleum persicum extract at three different doses (250, 500, and 750 mg/kg/d for 40 d). Urine creatinine, urea, protein, and albumin levels were determined. In addition, serum urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10), glutathione peroxidase activity, total antioxidant capacity, kidney malondialdehyde, stereological parameters, and expressions of apoptosis-related genes (p53, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3) were measured. The LD50 of Heracleum persicum extract was determined based on Lorke's method. Histopathological evaluation was also performed.

Results:

In addition to decreased urine protein and albumin, and increased creatinine and urea, co-treatment with gentamicin and Heracleum persicum significantly reduced levels of creatinine and urea, and increased sodium and potassium in serum. Heracleum persicum treatment also improved stereological parameters and serum inflammatory cytokines. There was a significant increase in serum glutathione peroxidase activity and total antioxidant capacity as well as a reduction in malondialdehyde level. Furthermore, treatment with Heracleum persicum extracts downregulated p53, caspase-3, and Bax and upregulated Bcl-2 expressions. In histopathological evaluation, Heracleum persicum extracts showed protection against gentamicin-induced renal damages.

Conclusions:

Heracleum persicum exhibits protective effects against gentamicin-induced structural and functional renal impairments.
Anti-senescence and anti-wrinkle activities of 3—bromo—4,5—dihydroxybenzaldehyde from Polysiphonia morrowii Harvey in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Cho Su-Hyeon , Ko Eun-Yi , Heo Soo-Jin , Kim Seo-Young , Ahn Juhee , Kim Kil-Nam
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To investigate the anti-senescence effect of 3-bromo-4,5- dihydroxybenzaldehyde (BDB) from Polysiphonia morrowii Harvey in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF).

Methods:

HDF were subjected to treatment of BDB and then treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce premature senescence. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity in HDF was determined using the SA-β-gal staining method. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured using the 2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate assay. Western blotting assay was performed to assess the level of antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1). In addition, intracellular collagen and collagenase contents were analyzed using the respective ELISA kits. Elastase activity in HDF supernatants was measured from p-nitroaniline release and normalized using total protein content.

Results:

Treatment of HDF with H2O2 increased the activity of SAP-gal, but BDB pre-treatment resulted in the reduction of SA-β- gal activity. Moreover, BDB significantly reduced H2O2-induced intracellular ROS production. BDB also markedly increased the level of GPX1, which was inhibited by 400 µM of H2O2. Furthermore, in in vitro study, BDB significantly increased intracellular collagen content and decreased matrix metalloproteinase-1 and elastase activities in HDF.

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrate that BDB shows anti- senescence and anti-wrinkle activities in vitro.
Negative Impact of Vestibular Suppressant Drugs on Provocative Positional Tests of BPPV
Authors: Gurumukhani Jayanti K. , Patel Dhruvkumar M. , Shah Sudhir V. , Patel Mukundkumar V. , Patel Maitri M. , Patel Anand V.
Published: January 2021

Aims:

To study the impact of vestibular suppressant drugs (VSD) on provocative positional tests (PPT) in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

Settings and Design:

A prospective case-control observational study.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with a history suggestive of BPPV were tested for PPT. Patients with vertiginous symptoms and with nystagmus on PPT were classified as objective BPPV (O-BPPV, control group), while those without nystagmus with no alternate diagnosis were classified as subjective BPPV (S-BPPV, case group). Details of VSD treatment were noted in all the patients. In both groups, patients were instructed to discontinue VSD and were further assigned as the VSD and non-VSD subgroups. Patients were followed for 2 months with PPT every week. PPT positive patients were treated by vestibular rehabilitation maneuvers.

Statistics:

Student t-test with two-tailed, unpaired, was used for continuous scale and Chi-square test for categorical differences between the two groups.

Results:

295 consecutive BPPV patients were enrolled in the study, 55 in the S-BPPV group and 240 in the O-BPPV group. Significantly higher proportion of patients in the S-BPPV group were on VSD at presentation, 80.00% vs. 53.75% (OR 2.52; 95% CI: 1.30–4.86), P = 0.006. In an unadjusted analysis of the S-BPPV group following discontinuation of VSD, PPT became positive in 79.54% of patients as compared to 18.19% in the non-VSD group (OR 35.0; 95% CI: 6.2–197.3), P < 0.001.

Conclusion:

A higher proportion of S-BPPV patients were receiving VSD in comparison to O-BPPV at the initial visit. The PPT converted positive four times higher after ceasing the VSD in S-BPPV patients.

Study Design:

Prospective case-control observational study.
Impact of a Brief Structured Psychoeducation Session on Antiepileptic Drug Adherence and Treatment Outcome in Persons with Epilepsy
Authors: Chahal Savita , Govil Nikhil , Nadda Anuradha , Kaloti Amandeep S. , Gupta Nishu
Published: January 2021

Background:

Poor adherence to antiepileptic drugs is one of the most important causes of treatment failure in persons with epilepsy (PWE). This study was aimed at assessing the impact of psychoeducation on drug adherence and treatment outcome in PWE.

Methods:

It was a prospective cohort study with a pre and posttest intervention design. A cohort of 100 epilepsy patients aged 18–65 years and on antiepileptic drugs for at least 6 months attending the outpatient department was enrolled in the study. Drug adherence was measured by Medication Adherence Rating Scale. A structured eight-domain epilepsy psychoeducation session with pictorial description was given to the study subjects in two parts (group and individually) lasting for a total of 30 min on the day of baseline assessment. Adherence and treatment outcome variables were assessed by an independent observer 4 months after the psychoeducation session. Chi-square test and paired t-test were used to analyze the data using SPSS version 20 with P value less than 0.05 considered as significant.

Results:

There was a statistically significant (P < 0.001) increase in the number of patients who were adherent to medications after psychoeducation session. There was a significant reduction in mean seizure frequency (0.68 ± 0.65) and seizure severity in terms of injuries sustained during seizure episodes post intervention. Regularities in the follow-up visits were also witnessed. A significant decrease in the number of hospital admissions (0.09 ± 0.32), mean inpatient treatment days (0.44 ± 2.19), and emergency room visits (0.19 ± 0.15) was noted 4 months after the psychoeducation session indicative of better treatment outcome.

Conclusion:

The present study proves the efficacy of a structured educational program in improving drug adherence and treatment outcome in a cohort of people with epilepsy.
Production of Thermo-Alkali-Stable Xylanase from Bacillus licheniformis Isolated from Natural Hot Water Geyser
Authors: Malhotra Girisha , Chapadgaonkar Shilpa Samir
Published: January 2021

Context:

Xylanase constitutes 20% of world enzyme market. Significantly, they are used in poultry feed, paper pulp, bakery, and textile industries. In view of the increasing demand of the enzyme, it is vital to develop indigenous strains and scalable technologies for the production of industrial enzymes.

Aims:

The objective of the present paper was to isolate a high-yielding strain of thermo-alkali-stable xylanase-producing bacteria for potential application in paper and pulp and biofuel industry.

Methods:

Sampling for prospecting of suitable organism was carried out from the places with dead and decaying lignocellulosic waste, and then Congo red screening was employed for the primary isolation of xylanase producers.

Results:

We report the isolation of 18 different strains of xylanase producer bacteria from natural hot water geyser of Sohna, Haryana, India. Subsequently, two of these isolates were chosen for further studies based on xylanase yield and desirable properties such as thermostability and alkali stability of xylanase produced.

Conclusion:

Isolate B2 was later identified as Bacillus licheniformis, whereas isolate Y3 was identified as Brevibacillus borstelensis. This strain when cultured at 35°C for 72 h showed xylanase production at 128 U/ml. The molecular weight of xylanase was determined to be 25 kDa. The production was scaled up in a 5-L stirred-tank bioreactor which led to high xylanase concentration of 380 U/ml in the first 48 h of culture.
Clear Cell Variant of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Eyelid, Mimicking Sebaceous Carcinoma
Authors: Dixit Sonali , Gogoi Priyanka , Diwaker Preeti
Published: January 2021

Clear cell variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an extremely rare neoplasm. Here, we report a case of clear cell variant of SCC which presented as an eyelid nodule. A 56-year-old male presented with a painless, small, pedunculated nodule in the left upper eyelid. On microscopic evaluation, tumor cells were arranged in nests and lobules with few foci of necrosis. Tumor cells were polygonal in shape, having abundant clear and vacuolated cytoplasm with peripherally pushed hyperchromatic nuclei. Two main differential diagnoses considered were sebaceous carcinoma and clear cell variant of SCC. On immunohistochemistry, tumors cells were negative for androgen receptor. A final diagnosis of clear cell variant of SCC was made. In a malignant eyelid tumor with clear cell morphology, a differential diagnosis of clear cell variant of SCC should be kept in mind before making a diagnosis of sebaceous carcinoma because sebaceous carcinoma possesses a poorer prognosis.
Architectural and Ultrastructural Variations of Human Leukocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin
Authors: Jasmine Sharmila , Thangavelu Annamalai , Krishnamoorthy Rajapandiyan , Alzahrani Khalid E , Alshuniaber Mohammad A
Published: January 2021

Background:

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) architecture and ultrastructure plays a crucial role in regulating and coordinating the cellular functions and provides a physical architecture, mechanical stability, and biochemical cues necessary for tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis. No study consciously reported the variation in architecture, ultrastructure, and morphology of leukocyte-rich PRF (L-PRF) and injectable PRF (i-PRF).

Objective:

Hence, the present study was aimed to evaluate the fibrin architecture, ultrastructure, and cell contents of autologous L-PRF and i-PRF.

Materials and Methods:

The autologous L-PRF and i-PRF were prepared from blood samples of healthy donors. The morphological and structural variations were assessed by histopathology, atomic force microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscope, and field emission scanning electron microscope.

Results:

Disparity was found on architecture and ultrastructure of L-PRF and i-PRF fibrin network. The variation in platelet and leukocyte concentration attributed to the fibrin conformational changes. L-PRF shows thick fibrins with rough surface, whereas in i-PRF, smooth thin fibrins.

Conclusions:

The current study revealed that there is heterogeneity between L-PRF and i-PRF fibrin matrix architecture, ultrastructure, platelets, leukocytes, and the fibrin content. These speculate that the diameter, width, roughness, and smoothness of fibrin fibers, pore size, and shapes of L-PRF and i-PRF matrix may initiate and mediate the scaffold functions differently.
The changing perspective of clinical trial designs
Authors: Ajmera Yamini , Singhal Sunny , Dwivedi S. N. , Dey A. B.
Published: January 2021

Maintaining health and well-being of the population is a universal priority. Governments around the globe are therefore seeking greater efficiency and better outcomes from researches being held. Although large randomized trials or systematic review of several large trials provides the highest level of evidence, the intricate cost, time, and difficulties of conventional trials have led to questions about their sustainability commanding search for alternative approaches. Demands for improved competences in medical research have led to mounting interest in newer clinical trial designs. This article provides an insight into newer clinical trial designs, including cluster trials, adaptive designs, the master protocols along with their strengths, weaknesses, and which trials design should be opted for in different clinical scenarios.