bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency of Antibiotic Resistance of Escherichia Coli and Klebsiella Pneumoniae by Production of TOHO-type β-lactamases at Saint Camille Hospital, Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)
Authors: Sougué Serge , Mètuor-Dabiré Amana , Ouermi Djéneba , Tiemtoré Yasmine Rahimatou Wend-Kouni , Zohoncon Théodora Mahoukèdè , Bangré Yasmine Aminata , Kabré Elie , Simporé Jacques
Published: November 2020

Background: Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) appeared some years after the introduction in hospital environment of unhydrolysable or extended-spectrum cephalosporins. Several studies have been reported on the blaTEM, blaCTX-M and blaSHV genes in ESBL producing Enterobacteria, however very few studies reported in the literature are related to blaCTX-M subgroup blaTOHO. TOHO enzymes were responsible for healthcare-associated infections in hospitals and in the community. In Burkina Faso, data related to these types of enzymes were scarce. The purpose of this study was to detect TOHO enzymes in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in order to know the prevalence of infections related to bacterial resistance due to TOHO enzymes at Saint Camille Hospital of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso).Materials and methods: The study was conducted firstly by microbiological identification of ESBL-producing by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae using API 20 E gallery; secondly the antibiogram was performed by the diffusion method and finally the molecular characterization was made by conventional PCR to search for the blaTOHO gene. The visualization of the specific bands was made using the ultraviolet lamp (Gene Flash) for the photography of the gels. Data were entered and analyzed using Excel 2013 and EPI Info version 6.0 software. A p-value < 0.05 was considered as significant.Results: We obtained at all 39 strains constituted by 21 (53.8%) Escherichia coli and 18 (46.2%) Klebsiella pneumoniae. Molecular characterization showed the presence of the blaTOHO gene in 25 bacterial strains (64.1 %). Conclusion: It was therefore established in this study the existence of blaTOHO gene at Saint Camille Hospital in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. Our study made it possible to know the distribution of the blaTOHO gene in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Implication of BAG5 Downregulation in Metabolic Reprogramming of Cisplatin-resistant Ovarian Cancer Cells via mTORC2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Jia-Mei , Zhang Qi , Hao Liang , Jiang Jing-Yi , Huyan Ling-Yue , Liu Bao-Qin , Yan Jing , Li Chao , Wang Huaqin
Published: November 2020

Background: Ovarian cancer is the most frequent cause of death among gynecologic malignancies due to the absence of an early effective diagnostic approach. Although the majority of patients typically respond well to the first line of chemotherapy based on platinum compounds and taxanes, recurrence and chemoresistance limits its clinical utility. Remarkably, cancer stem cells (CSC) tend to form minimal residual disease after chemotherapy and exhibit recurrent potential. The ability of cancer cells to reprogram their metabolism has recently been related with resistance to chemotherapies.Methods: BAG5 expression was studied in 16 cisplatin-sensitive and 8 cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer tissues by Western blot. BAG5-induced cell proliferation, migration and invasion were investigated by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, wound healing and Transwell assay. To investigate whether BAG5 is implicated in metabolism regulation, mitochondrial function was monitored by real-time measurement of changes in the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and glycolysis was also determined by measuring the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR). Immunohistochemical staining measured correlations between BAG5 and Bcl6, Rictor in most ovarian serous adenocarcinoma tissues.Results: The current study found BAG5 expression was decreased in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells and clinical tissues. Our data demonstrated that BAG5 knockdown was implicated in metabolic reprogramming and maintenance of cancer stem cell (CSC)-like features of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells via regulation of Rictor and subsequent mTORC2 signaling pathway. In addition, the current study demonstrated that Bcl6 upregulation was responsible for repression of BAG5 transactivation via recruitment on the BAG5 promoter in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer. The current study also demonstrated reverse correlations between BAG5 and Bcl6, BAG5 and Rictor in ovarian serous adenocarcinoma tissues. Conclusions: Collectively, the current study identified the implication of Bcl6/BAG5/Rictor-mTORC2 signaling pathway in metabolic reprograming and maintenance of CSC-like features including cisplatin-resistance in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells. Therefore, further studies on the mechanism underlying regulation of metabolic reprogramming and CSC-like characteristics of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells may contribute to the establishment of novel therapeutic strategy for cisplatin-resistance.
Efficient and Genotype Independent Maize pollen Transfection Mediated by Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Zuo-Ping , Zhang Zhong-Bao , Li Xiang-Long , Zhang Chun , Yin Long-Fei , Yu Rong , Wei Jian-Hua , Wu Zhong-Yi
Published: November 2020

Background: Biotechnological engineering of maize to introduce favorable new traits relies on delivery of foreign DNA into its cells. Current gene delivery methods for maize is limited to specific genotypes, and depend on time-consuming and labor-intensive processes of tissue culture. Results: Here, we report a new method to transfect maize that is culture-free and genotype independent. Enhanced green fluorescent protein gene (EGFP) or bialaphos resistance gene (Bar) bound with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was delivered into maize pollens, and female florets of five maize varieties were pollinated. Green fluorescence was detected in 92% transfected pollens and 70% immature embryos. EGFP gene detected by PCR ranged from 29 to 68% in T1 generation of these five transfected varieties, and 7-16% of the T1 seedlings showed immunologically active EGFP protein. Moreover, 1.41% of the Bar transfected T1 plants were glufosinate resistant, and heritable Bar gene was integrated into the maize genome effectively (verified by Southern blot), expressed normally and inherited stably in their progenies.Conclusion: These results demonstrate that exogenous DNA could be delivered into maize efficiently and expressed normally through our genotype-independent pollen transfection system, providing a reliable, fast and large-scale gene delivery choice for most elite maize varieties recalcitrant to tissue culture.
Efficacy of Alcohol/sugar Aqueous Biphasic System on Partition of Bovine Serum Albumin
Authors: Chow Yin Hui , Sahlini Alagan , Ng Hui-Suan , Lan Chi-Wei
Published: November 2020

A green bio-separation alternative can be performed with a non-toxic and biodegradable aqueous biphasic system (ABS) composed of short-chain aliphatic alcohol-based top phase (1-propanol and 2-propanol) and carbohydrate-based bottom phase (glucose, sucrose, and maltose). A model protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was adopted to determine the effects of types and concentration of phase-forming components; protein concentration; and system pH on the protein partition efficiency in the ABS. Results showed that the 1-propanol/maltose ABS gave an overall better partition efficiency of BSA to the alcohol-rich top phase compared to the 1-propanol/sucrose ABS, 1-propanol/glucose ABS, and 2-propanol/sugar ABS attributed to the lower hydrophilicity of 1-propanol and the stronger sugaring-out effect exerted by the maltose. A maximum partition coefficient (K) of 20.01 ± 0.05 and recovery yield (Y) of 95.42% ± 0.01 of BSA were obtained with the 35% (w/w) 1-propanol/22% (w/w) maltose ABS at pH 5.0 which contained 10% (w/w) BSA. The K and Y of BSA in 1-propanol/maltose ABS was further enhanced with the addition of 3% (w/w) of ionic liquids, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([Bmim]Br) as the adjuvants which provides the protein stabilizing effect. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrum (FTIR) analysis revealed that the protein structure remained unaltered upon the separation process.
A Finite Pool of Worry or a Finite Pool of Attention? Evidence and Qualifications
Authors: Sisco Matthew , Constantino Sara , Gao Yu , Tavoni Massimo , Cooperman Alicia , Bosetti Valentina , Weber Elke
Published: November 2020

The Finite Pool of Worry (FPW) hypothesis states that humans have finite emotional resources for worry, so that when we become more worried about one threat, it can decrease worry about other threats. Despite its relevance, no conclusive empirical evidence for the hypothesis exists. We leverage the sudden onset of new worries introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic as a natural experiment to test the FPW. In six metropolitan areas across three countries (USA, Italy, and China) we assessed social media attention, news attention, self-reported attention, and self-reported worries about various threats (climate change, terrorism, economy, and unemployment) throughout the pandemic. As attention to and worry about COVID-19 increased, we find that attention to climate change decreased but worry about it did not. Results are confirmed by further analysis with a large, and nationally representative U.S. sample. We find some perceived similarity between COVID-19 and climate change, but this does not fully explain the positive relationship in worry we see between them. We also find that more negative personal experience with COVID-19 is positively associated with climate change worry even while controlling for relevant covariates. We lastly examine the aggregate effect of COVID-19 worry on support for climate policies and find that greater COVID-19 worry is associated with more cross-partisan support for climate change policies, even when controlling for political ideology and other covariates. In summary, our findings suggest that while there appears to be a Finite Pool of Attention to threats, we do not see evidence of a Finite Pool of Worry.
Peripheral Uric Acid as a Biomarker in Individuals with Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Lu Zhe , Wang Yingtan , Xun Guanglei
Published: November 2020

Background: At present, no well-established biomarkers were ever found to distinguish unipolar disorder (UD) and bipolar disorder (BD). This study aimed to explore whether uric acid (UA) could be a biomarker to distinguish UD and BD. Methods: Peripheral UA of 119 patients with BD in acute stage (AS) and 77 in remission stage (RS), and 95 patients with UD in AS and 61 in RS were measured, so were 180 healthy controls. Results: UA levels in BD group were higher than UD and HC groups regardless of the AS or RS, while differences in UA levels between UD group and HC group were not significant. Differences of UA levels between BD-M and BD-D subgroups were not significant, and UA levels of BD-M and BD-D subgroups were higher than UD and HC groups. Only in UD group, UA levels of drug-use subgroup were higher than drug-naïve/free subgroup, but differences disappeared when analyzed stratified by sex; whether in drug-use or drug-naïve/free subgroup, differences of UA levels between BD-M and BD-D groups were not significant.Conclusion: The study suggests UA levels may be a biomarker of BD to distinguish from UD.
The German Version of the Veterans Rand – 36/12 Item Health Survey: Translation and Adaptation of a Generic Health Assessment Instrument in a Sample of Inpatient Rehabilitation Patients
Authors: Buchholz Ines , Feng You-Shan , Buchholz Maresa , Kazis Lewis E. , Kohlmann Thomas
Published: November 2020

BackgroundThe translated and culturally adapted German version of the Veterans Rand 36 Items Health Survey (VR-36), and its short form, the VR-12 counterpart, were validated in a German sample of orthopedic (n = 399) and psychosomatic (n = 292) inpatient rehabilitation patients.MethodsThe instruments were analyzed regarding their acceptance, distributional properties, validity, responsiveness and ability to discriminate between groups by age, sex and clinically specific groups. Eligible study participants completed the VR-36 (n = 169) and the VR-12 (n = 177). They also completed validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROs) including the Euroqol-5 Dimensions 5 Level (EQ-5D-5L); Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS); Hannover Functional Abilities Questionnaire (HFAQ); and CDC Healthy Days. The VR-12 and the VR-36 were compared to the reference instruments MOS Short Form-12 Items Health Survey (SF-12) version 1.0 and MOS Short Form-36 Items Health Survey (SF-36) version 1.0, using percent of completed items, distributional properties, correlation patterns, distribution measures of known groups validity, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and effect size measures.ResultsItem non-response varied between 1.8%/1.1% (SFVR−36/RESF−36) and 6.5%/8.6% (GHVR−36/GHSF−36). PCS was normally distributed (Kolmogorov-Smirnov Tests: p > 0.05) with means, standard deviations and ranges very similar between SF-36 (37.5 ± 11.7[13.8–66.1]) and VR-36 (38.5 ± 10.1[11.7–67.8]), SF-12 (36.9 ± 10.9[15.5–61.6]) and VR-12 (36.2 ± 11.5[12.7–59.3]). MCS was not normally distributed with slightly differing means and ranges between the instruments (MCSVR−36: 36.2 ± 14.2[12.9–66.6], MCSSF−36: 39.0 ± 15.6[2.0-73.2], MCSVR−12: 37.2 ± 13.8[8.4–70.2], MCSSF−12: 39.0 ± 12.3[17.6–65.4]). Construct validity was established by comparing correlation patterns of the MCSVR and PCSVR with measures of physical and mental health. For both PCSVR and MCSVR there were moderate (0.4–0.7) to high (> 0.7) correlations with convergent (PCSVR: 0.55–0.76, MCSVR: 0.60–0.78) and small correlations (< 0.3) with divergence (PCSVR: <0.12, MCSVR: <0.16) self-report measures. Known-groups validity was demonstrated for both VR-12 and VR-36 (MCS and PCS) via comparisons of distribution parameters with significant higher mean PCS and MCS scores in both VR instruments found in younger patients with fewer sick days in the last year and a shorter duration of rehabilitation.ConclusionsThe psychometric analysis confirmed that the German VR is a valid and reliable instrument for use in orthopedic and psychosomatic rehabilitation. Yet further research is needed to evaluate its usefulness in other populations.
Effects of microRNA-27a Targeting Smad1 on Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Biological Characteristics of Nucleus Pulposus Cells
Authors: Tang Heng-Tao , Zhang Song , Lu Xin-Chang , Geng Tong-Yu
Published: November 2020

Objective: The present study aimed to analyze the expression of microRNA-27a (miR-27a) in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and its effect on the biological characteristics of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. Methods: An IDD rat model was established, and the expression of miR-27a and Smad1 in the intervertebral disc tissue was detected. An oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) NP cell model was established to simulate the IDD microenvironment, and the effects of downregulated miR-27a on the proliferation, apoptosis, inflammatory response, and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins of OGD-NP cells were analyzed. The target relationship of miR-27a and Smad1 was verified by luciferase reporter assays, and siRNA-Smad1 was transfected to reverse the experiment. Results: The level of miR-27a in the IDD model group was significantly increased, whereas that of Smad1 was decreased compared with the sham group (P<0.05). Inhibition of miR-27a improved cell proliferation, and inhibited apoptosis, degradation of the ECM, and inflammatory response of OGD-NP cells compared with the OGD group (P<0.05). The results of the double luciferase reporter assays indicated that Smad1 was the target gene of miR-27a. Smad1 silencing reversed the increase in ECM proteins induced by inhibition of miR-27a; However, it did not affect cell proliferation and apoptosis. Conclusion: The expression levels of miR-27a were upregulated in IDD and it may be involved in the progression of IDD by promoting the apoptosis of NP cells and ECM degradation by targeting Smad1.
Flotation Performance Analysis on Coal Washery Rejects 
Authors: Palthur Sharath Kumar , Sivrikaya Osman , Pradhan Sushanta Kumar , Nagannor P.C.
Published: November 2020

Coal washery rejected coals and coal slurries have better options in froth flotation as a separation process. In this study, coal slurry received from Sudamdih coal washery, Jharkhand, India, examined for cleaning through fixed cell flotation. The Petrography study of the feed sample showed the presence of vitrinite, semi vitrinite and liptinite and inertinite as major minerals. General full factorial statistical design package (Minitab V17) was used to develop the regression models for the responses like froth height, froth density, recovery and ash content of clean coal. Results showed that experimental responses like froth height, froth density, recovery and ash content were found to be more sensitive to the frother dosage. The coefficient of correlation (R2) values between the experimental and the predicted values of the flotation responses was found to be >0.98 for all the models. Further, flotation tests were conducted for varying pulp density and its effect on recovery, froth height, ash content, tests with five levels of pulp density (8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13%solids by weight). It found that the coal slurry sample from the study area could be cleaned with sufficient efficiency. The cleaned coal is suitable for powder coal consuming industries.
“Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis: Radiological and Microbiological Profile of Patients Presented in an Outpatient Pulmonary Clinic of a Developing Country”.
Authors: Iqbal Nousheen , Irfan Muhammad , Zuabairi Mustafa bin Ali , Ayub Maaha , Awan Safia , Jabeen Kausar , Zuabairi Ali
Published: November 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Structural Network Alterations Induced by ART-naive and ART-treated Subjects Infected with HIV
Authors: Liu Jiaojiao , Wang Wei , Wang Yuanyuan , Liu Mingming , Liu Dan , Li Ruili , Gao Quansheng , Li Hongjun
Published: November 2020

BackgroundTo investigate how the structural connectivity altered in cART-treated HIV patients and cART-naïve HIV patients by conducting Network analysis of Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) data.MethodsWe enrolled 22 cART-naïve, 23 cART-treated and 28 normal controls in our current study. Firstly, the DTI imaging data pre-processing was conducted and the asymmetric 90 × 90 matrix for each participant from their DTI data was obtained with the use of PANDA. Then, we applied a graph-theoretical network analysis toolkit, GRETNA v2.0, to calculate metrics such as small-“worldness,” characteristic path length, clustering coefficient, global efficiency, local efficiency, and nodal “betweenness”. Finally, we took comparisons among the three groups to investigate topological alterations, and we also conducted relevant analysis with current CD4 T cell counts and neuropsychological evaluation.ResultsResults (1) the regional characteristics (nodal efficiency) were altered in CART- and CART+ patients predominantly in the frontal cortical regions; (2) changes in various network properties in CART- and CART+ patients were associated with the performance of behavior functions; (3) Reduced network segregation was associated with lower current CD4 count in cART- participants, suggesting that brain network segregation may be adversely affected by a history of greater immune suppression. (4) Hubs redistributed in HIV subjects especially in cART+ patients. Conclusion1) The regional characteristics (nodal efficiency) were altered in cART-naïve and cART-treated patients predominantly in the frontal cortical regions; (2) changes in various network properties in cART-naïve and cART-treated patients were associated with the performance of behavior functions; (3) reduced network segregation was associated with lower current CD4 count in cART-naïve participants, suggesting that brain network segregation may have been adversely affected by a history of greater immune suppression. (4) Hubs redistributed in HIV subjects especially in cART-treated patients.
Synthesis of Nitrogenase by Paenibacillus Sabinae T27 in Presence of High Levels of Ammonia During Anaerobic Fermentation
Authors: Li Qin , He Xiao-Juan , Liu Peng-Xi , Zhang Hao-Wei , Wang Ming-Yang , Chen San-Feng
Published: November 2020

BackgroundBiological nitrogen fixation catalyzed by nitrogenase is a high energy-intensive process, and thus nitrogenase synthesis and activity are inhibited by ammonium (NH4+). Microorganism fix nitrogen at high ammonium (30-300 mM) concentration has not been reported before.ResultsPaenibacillus sabinae T27, a Gram-positive, spore-forming diazotroph (N2-fixing microorganism, showed nitrogenase activities not only in low (0-4 mM) concentration of NH4+, but also in high (30-300 mM) concentration of NH4+, no matter whether the cells of this bacterium were grown in flask or in fermentor on scale cultivation. qRT-PCR and western blotting analysis supported that Fe protein and MoFe protein were synthesized under both low (0-4 mM) and high (30-300 mM) concentration of NH4+. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry（LC-MS）analysis revealed that MoFe protein purified form cultures grown in nitrogen-limited condition or nitrogen-excess condition was encoded by nifDK and Fe protein was encoded by both nifH and nifH2. The cross-reaction suggested the purified Fe and MoFe components from P. sabinae T27 grown in both nitrogen-limited and -excess conditions were active.ConclusionsOur results indicate that N2 fixation occurs in presence of high (30-300 mM) concentration of NH4+ in P. sabinae T27. Nitrogen fixation under both low and high concentration of NH4+ was catalyzed by the same nitrogenases and the Fe protein was encoded by both nifH and nifH2. Our study will provide a clue for studying the mechanisms on nitrogen fixation in presence of the high concentration of NH4+.
Combining CBP Pharmacophore Construction and Molecular Docking to Search for Potential Competitive Inhibitors of Chitin Deacetylase
Authors: Tang Zizhong , Fu Xiaoli , Huang Lu , Wang Haoxiang , Tang Biao , Xiao Yirong , Wan Yujun , Chen Hui , Yao Huipeng , Shan Zhi , Wang Gang
Published: November 2020

Chitin deacetylase (CDA) is a key enzyme for plant pathogens to evade host defense recognition. However, in the study of CDA inhibitors, only chitin deacetylase from colletotrichum lindemuthianum (ClCDA) was found to participate in the reverse hydrolysis reaction in sodium acetate to acetylate free amino sugar residues into N-acetylated forms. Based on this, we selected 10,632 small molecules from the DrugBank database for computer virtual screening to find new potential CDA inhibitors. First, we use the CBP model with ROC = 0.800 to coarsely screen small molecules. Then we use the LibDock and CDOCKER programs in Discovery Studio 2016 (DS 2016) to dock the best-matched small molecules to identify interactions with key residues on the active site of ClCDA. Finally, we found two potential compounds with good adaptability, high docking score and important interactions with protein active sites. And we confirm that their structures are stable and have multiple non-bonding interactions with important amino acid sites such as ASP50, TYR145, HIS206 and ZN1255 by MD simulations. Therefore, we conclude that the selected compounds are likely to be new inhibitors of CDA. In this research could provide a valuable resource and guidance for CDA-related inhibitors development.
Pregnancy-Related Acute Kidney Injury at High Altitude: A Retrospective Observational Study in a Single Center
Authors: Wang Weiming , Li Xin , Wu Xiaojing , Zhang Muyin , Xu Lili , Li Guohui , Wen Yumei
Published: November 2020

BackgroundPregnancy-related acute kidney injury (Pr-AKI) is associated with maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. There are few studies focusing on Pr-AKI at high altitude in the literature. Objectivesto investigate the incidence, etiology, clinical features and maternal-fetal outcomes of Pr-AKI in women living at high altitude.Methods6,512 pregnant women attending the Department of Obstetrics＆Gynecology at local hospital from January 2015 to December 2018 were screened for Pr-AKI. Patients with serum creatinine above normal range(>70umol/L) then underwent assessment to confirm the diagnosis of Pr-AKI. AKI was diagnosed and staged based on Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes(KDIGO) guideline. Individuals meeting the Pr-AKI criteria were recruited. Their clinical data were recorded and retrospectively analyzed. ResultsPr-AKI was identified in 136/6512(2.09%) patients. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy(HDP) was the leading cause of Pr-AKI(35.3%). 4(2.9%) women died and the majority(86.1%) had recovered renal function before discharge. Fetal outcomes were confirmed in 109 deliveries with gestational age≥20 weeks. Pre-term delivery occurred in 30(27.3%) cases and perinatal deaths in 17(15.5%). The rate of low birth weight infant(LBWI) and intrauterine growth restriction(IUGR) was 22.0% and 10.9% respectively. 16(14.5%) infants were admitted to NICU after birth. Patients with HDP had a higher cesarean rate(56.3%). More IUGR(25.0%) and LBWI(37.8%) were observed in their infants with a higher risk of admission to NICU(22.0%). High altitude might have an adverse impact on HDP-related Pr-AKI patients with earlier terminated pregnancy and more stillbirth/neonatal death. Logistic regression models indicated that uncontrolled blood pressure, high altitude and advanced AKI were associated with adverse fetal outcomes in HDP-related Pr-AKI patients.ConclusionsPr-AKI was not rare in high-altitude regions and caused severe fetal morbidities and mortalities. Uncontrolled blood pressure, high altitude and advanced AKI were all risk factors for adverse fetal outcomes in Pr-AKI patients, especially for those with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
The Fulminant Index: A Method of Rapidly Differentiating Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes From Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Qiu Junlin , Li Xia , Chen Wen , Ma Xiaoxi , Xie Zhiguo , Huang Gan , Luo Shuoming , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: November 2020

Objectives Fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1D) usually presents with diabetes ketoacidosis(DKA) at the disease onset. Early identification of FT1D is crucial. This study was aimed at investigating whether the fulminant index (FI), including plasma glucose (PG) to glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c) ratio (PG/HbA1c), serum potassiumion (K+) to HbA1c ratio (K+/HbA1c), and serum sodiumion (Na+) multiplied by HbA1c (Na+*HbA1c), is a suitable indicator for early FT1D identification.Methods A total of 76 subjects were enrolled, including 40 FT1D patients and 36 non-FT1D patients with DKA. We utilized receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine the FI cut-off values between FT1D and non-FT1D groups.Results ROC curve analyses showed that the maximum Youden’s index for PG/HbA1c bonding to a cut-off value of 4.39, with the sensitivity of 75.0% and specificity of 77.8% in identifying FT1D from DKA. And optimal K+/HbA1c cut-off value was 0.85 with the sensitivity of 77.5% and specificity of 94.4%. For Na*HbA1c, the best cut-off value was 923.65, and its sensitivity and specificity were 85% and 69.4%, respectively.Conclusions These results suggested FI could work as a suitable and convenient indicator for differentiating FT1D from initial DKA patients, among which the FI (K+/HbA1c) presented the best .
Neuroprotective Effects of Intraoperative Dexmedetomidine Infusion Combined With Goal-directed Hemodynamic Therapy for Patients Undergoing Cranial Surgery: A Double-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chen Pin-Hsin , Tsuang Fon-Yih , Lee Chen-Tse , Yeh Yu-Chang , Cheng Hsiao-Liang , Lee Tzong-Shiun , Chang Ya-Wen , Cheng Ya-Jung , Wu Chun-Yu
Published: November 2020

BackgroundDespite dexmedetomidine may be neuroprotective in patients undergoing cranial surgery by inhibiting neuroinflammation; however, it reduces cardiac output and cerebral blood flow. We proposed that dexmedetomidine infusion combined with goal-directed hemodynamic therapy (GDHT) could improve cranial surgery neurological outcomes without hemodynamic perturbation.MethodsA randomized, double-blind trial was conducted. One hundred sixty adult patients undergoing elective cranial surgery received either dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg kg−1 h−1) or saline during surgery. The goal-directed hemodynamic therapy was used for stroke volume optimization. The proportion of patients who developed postoperative new neurological deficits was compared. The severities of new neurological deficit were assessed by using in-hospital Barthel index changes and the 30-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Postoperative delirium was identified using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICSDC) criteria. The level of a perioperative serum neuroinflammatory mediator, high motility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), was compared.ResultsThe dexmedetomidine group exhibited a lower cardiac index than did the control group (3.0 ± 0.8 vs. 3.4 ± 1.8 L min−1 m−2; p = 0.0482) without lactate accumulation. Fewer patients in the dexmedetomidine group developed new postoperative deficits (26.3% versus 43.8%; p = 0.031) but numbers of patients remained symptomatic neurological deficit before discharge were comparable between the two groups (23.8% vs. 38.8%; p= 0.060). In addition, an attenuated Barthel index decline (−6.3 ± 20.4 vs. −13.6 ± 24.8; p = 0.043), a more favorable 30-day mRS profile (p = 0.013), and a higher incidence of postoperative delirium-free (ICDSC scored 0: 84.6% versus 64.2%; p = 0.012) were observed in the dexmedetomidine group. Furthermore, dexmedetomidine induced a significant decline in perioperative serum HMGB1 level (222.5 ± 408.3 vs. 152.2 ± 280.0 ng mL−1; p = 0.0033).ConclusionsDexmedetomidine infusion combined with GDHT mitigates neuroinflammation during cranial surgery without hemodynamic perturbation, thus achieving neuroprotective effects.Clinical Trial RegistrationProspectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov. (identifier NCT02878707, date of registration: August 25, 2016)
METABOLICALLY HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY OBESITY IN CHILDREN FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE
Authors: Furdela V. , Smiian I. , Furdela M.
Published: November 2020

Introduction. Childhood obesity and associated metabolic comorbidities is a major global health concern. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that confers a substantial increase in cardiovascular disease risk. In the context of the childhood obesity pandemic, a distinct subgroup of youth with obesity less prone to the development of metabolic disturbances, called “metabolically healthy obese” (MHO), recently has come into focus. However, the diagnostic criteria of both conditions are still controversial in children. Therefore, the purpose of our research is to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and metabolically healthy obesity in school-age boys using international reference standards and to recognize the most sensitive metabolic markers.

Materials and methods. This study was carried out at the Ternopil regional hospital (Western Ukraine) and involved randomly chosen 112 boys from rural and urban population; aged 10–17 years (mean ± SD, 14.6 ± 0.25). Height, weight and waist and hip circumferences were measured by standard methods in each patient. Body mass index (BMI, kg/m2), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were calculated by common formulas. Obesity was defined as a BMI  ≥ 2SD for age and gender. Blood pressure was measured and estimated according to European Society of Hypertension guidelines (2016). Biomarkers of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were tested.

Discussion. The study identified prominent physical and metabolic differences in groups of patients with MHO and manifested MS, as well as in the high-risk group for the realization of MS. As a result of this project, MHO and MS were confirmed in 49.11 % and 9.82 % surveyed boys, respectively. The rest of teenagers (32.14 %) based on metabolic disturbances, formed a cluster of the high-risk realization of MS. Moreover, fasting hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance were identified only in patients with manifested MS in 10.91 % and 5.45 % cases, respectively. It was found that the waist-to-height ratio > 0.5 is an informative test of obesity in general, and the waist-to-hip ratio > 0.9 is a sensitive screening tool for abdominal obesity in boys in our population. Based on the results, the triglyceride index is the most sensitive biomarker of insulin resistance compared to triglyceride-to-high density lipids cholesterol ratio and atherogenic coefficient in school-age boys. The results can be applied in pediatric practice for early identification of patients with metabolically unhealthy obesity with WHR and the triglyceride index at the early preclinical stage of MS manifestation.

Keywords
children, metabolically healthy obesity, metabolic syndrome, triglyceride index.
PREVENTION AND CONTROL MEASURES IN DENTISTRY UNDER COVID-19 CONDITIONS
Authors: Litovchenko V. P.
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Given the worldwide spread of acute respiratory disease COVID-19, the WHO announcement of a pandemic and unprecedented quarantine restrictions in March 2020, the problem of organizing measures to prevent the emergence and spread of COVID-19 becomes particularly relevant and undergoes significant additions and improvements.
It should be noted that the risk of transmission of coronavirus disease during dental procedures is defined as extremely high, due to close doctor-patient contact, the use of specific equipment (turbine tip, ultrasonic scaler, airflow, etc.), interaction with biological fluids, including saliva and tissues. At the same time, acute conditions in patients require emergency dental care. In such conditions, it is necessary to comply with anti-epidemic measures, use sterilization procedures for all categories of instruments, as well as the introduction of additional convenient and modern measures to prevent cross-contamination in dental institutions, including checklists, questionnaires and so on.
Purpose: Based on the analysis of theoretical and clinical aspects of the problem of asepsis in the face of new challenges, we aimed to develop an author's "case" of standardized checklists to ensure dental care in the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Methods: Theoretical analysis of literature sources and results of modern research presented in electronic scientific publications included in scientometric databases, such as PubMed, Index Copernicus, Ulrich's Periodicals, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, etc.; generalization of knowledge and practical experience gained during training on the basis of the Dental Medical Center of the National Medical University named after O. O. Bogomolets; survey of respondents using Google forms.
Results. In the context of dental care, the features of dangerous infectious diseases (routes of transmission, resistance, etc.) and appropriate preventive measures were analyzed. The clinical aspects of сoronavirus disease (COVID-19) were considered in detail. As additional anti-epidemic measures (control measures), the author's "case" of checklists was presented: "Assessment of urgency of dental care," "Assessment of risks of possible infection with Covid-19" (to be completed before and 24 hours after treatment).
Conclusions: General and specific precautions are crucial for minimizing the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus disease. Additional solutions are important, including a thorough preliminary examination of patients, including the use of the proposed "case" of checklists (77.4% of respondents from 53 practicing dentists noted the relevance of such questionnaires in their practice) and enhanced asepsis, especially if treating patients with confirmed COVID-19 will be necessary. The main preventive measures aim to prevent other infections (HIV, hepatitis, etc.), the risk of transmission of which increases in the dental office.

Keywords
dental care, prevention, coronavirus disease (COVID-19), checklist.
Floral Visitors to Helianthus verticillatus, a Rare Sunflower Species in the Southern United States
Authors: Strange Nicolas C. , Moulton John K. , Bernard Ernest C. , Klingeman William E. , Sampson Blair J. , Trigiano Robert N.
Published: November 2020

Helianthus verticillatus Small (whorled sunflower) is a federally endangered plant species found only in the southeastern United States that has potential horticultural value. Evidence suggests that H. verticillatus is self-incompatible and reliant on insect pollination for seed production. However, the identity of probable pollinators is unknown. Floral visitors were collected and identified during Sept. 2017 and Sept. 2018. Thirty-six species of visitors, including 25 hymenopterans, 7 dipterans, 2 lepidopterans, and 2 other insect species, were captured during 7 collection days at a site in Georgia (1 day) and 2 locations in Tennessee (6 days). Within a collection day (0745–1815 hr), there were either five or six discrete half-hour collection periods when insects were captured. Insect visitor activity peaked during the 1145–1215 and 1345–1415 hr periods, and activity was least during the 0745–0845 and 0945–1015 hr periods at all three locations. Visitors were identified by genus and/or species with morphological keys and sequences of the cox-1 mitochondrial gene. The most frequent visitors at all sites were Bombus spp. (bumblebees); Ceratina calcarata (a small carpenter bee species) and members of the halictid bee tribe Augochlorini were the second and third most common visitors at the two Tennessee locations. Helianthus pollen on visitors was identified by microscopic observations and via direct polymerase chain reaction of DNA using Helianthus-specific microsatellites primers. Pollen grains were collected from the most frequent visitors and Apis mellifera (honeybee) and counted using a hemocytometer. Based on the frequency of the insects collected across the three sites and on the mean number of pollen grains carried on the body of the insects, Bombus spp., Halictus ligatus (sweat bee), Agapostemon spp., and Lasioglossum/Dialictus spp., collectively, are the most probable primary pollinators of H. verticillatus.
Fresh frozen plasma transfusion in the acute period of isolated traumatic brain injury
Authors: Baranich A. I. , Sychev A. A. , Zakharova N. E. , Savin I. A. , Oshorov A. V. , Polupan A. A. , Latyshev Ya. A. , Potapov A. A.
Published: November 2020

Coagulopathy associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is recognized as one of the risk factors for poor outcome in patients with TBI, however, the safety of using fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is not fully understood.

The objective of the study: to identify the indications for FFP transfusion in the acute period of TBI.

Subjects and methods: a retrospective-prospective observational study included 160 patients aged 18-59 years with isolated TBI in the first 48 hours after injury. Patients were assessed by Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS); patients were divided into two study groups: Group 1 – GCS ≤ 8 points, Group 2 – GCS ≥ 9 points. All patients underwent hemostatic assessment with standard clotting tests (activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin ratio, fibrinogen blood level). In 42 patients, additional thromboelastometry was performed. Specific parameters of FFP transfusion and trauma outcomes were assessed.

Results: according to clotting tests, hypocoagulation was detected in 50.6% of patients; according to thromboelastometry – in 22.7%. FFP was used more often in severe TBI (83%) with a decrease in prothrombin ratio (PR). However, FFP transfusion is associated with an unfavorable outcome: in the case of transfusion, a greater number of deaths and vegetative states were recorded in patients with severe TBI.

Conclusion: in patients in the acute period of isolated TBI, it is preferable to minimize the use of FFP; an isolated decrease in PR should not be a trigger for FFP transfusion.
Ventilator-associated lung injury in the intensive care unit and operating room – what's new?
Authors: Kuzkov V. V. , Lapin K. S. , Fot E. V. , Kirov M. Yu.
Published: November 2020

The prophylaxis of ventilator-associated lung injury (VALI) and postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) is of utmost importance to reduce complications both in the perioperative period of major surgery and in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Protective approach to mechanical ventilation comprises a wide range of measures reducing the damage of the lung tissue associated with the stress and strain phenomena. The implementation of the strategy of high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in combination with alveolar recruitment maneuver has numerous limitations and requires further personalized approaches.

When lung injury is self-induced by a patient, it becomes an important contributor to VALI and should be timely diagnosed and prevented both before initiation of mechanical support and during the restoration of spontaneous breathing. This review highlights the key mechanisms of VALI and current understanding of protective ventilation. The concept of damaging energy as well as approaches to the personalized optimization of respiratory settings are discussed in detail. Particular attention is paid to the prognostication of the risk factors of VALI and PPC.
ANALYSIS OF THE EFFICIENCY OF WASTEWATER REMEDIATION TECHNOLOGIES USING MICROALGAE
Authors: Nezbrytska Inna , Shamanskyi Sergii , Boichenko Sergii , Kharchenko Galyna , Pavliukh Lesia
Published: November 2020

The object of research: the technology of wastewater remediation. Investigated problem: improving the efficiency of biogenic and toxic elements removal from different types of wastewater and reducing the amount of waste in the removal process. The main scientific results: Possible strains of microalgae, which have ability to absorb biogenic and toxic elements during their metabolism, are identified. It is shown that the use of microalgae is a promising method of wastewater remediation due to their wide availability, the ability to reduce pollution to the established maximum allowable discharge into reservoirs and the ability to accumulate high biomass, which can serve as raw material for industrial products. In particular, Oscillatoria spp. effectively removes chromium, Chlorella vulgaris effectively removes cadmium, copper and zinc, Chlamydomonas spp. effectively removes lead, Euglena gracilis effectively removes nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. It is also shown that the most effective way to solve the problem of restoring the biomass of algae obtained in wastewater is to use immobilized cell systems. The use of immobilized systems can also increase the resistance of cells and the rate of their removal of various pollutants and xenobiotics from wastewater. The area of practical use of the research results: Municipal enterprises for domestic and surface wastewater treatment. Enterprises for the treatment of industrial effluents. Enterprises for biomass processing, production of motor fuels, biogas, organic fertilizers. Innovative technological product: The technology of remediation of domestic, surface and industrial wastewater, which allows to effectively purify these waters from toxic and biogenic elements and reduce pollution of surface water bodies. The technology assumes the absence of waste, as the resulting biomass of microalgae is considered as a raw material for the production of various products. Scope of the innovative technological product: Technological schemes of domestic, rain and industrial wastewater remediation, protection water bodies from pollution, improvement of surface water quality.
Validation of Non-Linear Relationships-Based UTAUT Model on Higher Distance Education Students’ Acceptance of WhatsApp for Supporting Learning
Authors: Yeboah Douglas
Published: November 2020

This study examined relationships among the exogenous constructs of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to identify those that significantly predict others. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 273 distance education students pursuing various diploma, bachelor’s degree and post-graduate diploma programs at the Cape Coast study center of the Institute for Distance and e-Learning (IDeL) of the University of Education, Winneba in Ghana. Proportional stratified random sampling technique was employed to obtain the sample of students. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicated that in acceptance of WhatsApp for supporting higher distance learning, effort expectancy and social influence predict performance expectancy; mobile self-efficacy and facilitating conditions predict effort expectancy; and facilitating conditions predict social influence. Also, mobile self-efficacy was found to significantly predict behavioral intention. We recommend that prior to introduction of a new technology such as WhatsApp for supporting learning, necessary resources and training should be provided by educational administrators and faculty to the students. This would make the students perceive that they can use the technology effectively to bring about gains in their learning; and subsequently accept the technology.
The Prevalence of Malaria amongst Adults in Remote Primary Health Care Facility in South-South Nigeria
Authors: I Oche Prince
Published: November 2020

Malaria is a serious public health burden with high morbidity and mortality in Nigeria accounting for 60% outpatient visits, 30% childhood mortality, 25% infant mortality and 11% maternal mortality, respectively, in the country. Malaria is endemic in Nigeria with consequent high economic burden. Malaria is one of the leading causes of death in Nigeria. The prevalence of malaria is high in Nigeria resulting from several climatic, bioenvironmental and socio-demographic factors. Malaria prevalence is higher amongst dwellers with high poverty and illiteracy levels. The prevalence of malaria was evaluated retrospectively in this study using clinical records over 12 months in a remote primary healthcare facility in South-South Nigeria. The findings show varied malaria prevalence rates amongst the months, with 3 months below 50% and the remaining 9 months above 50%. The overall period prevalence was 56% (541/966). The high prevalence rate reported in this study reflects the endemicity of malaria in Nigeria and is consistent with other reports that malaria prevalence is higher in the south-south Nigeria than observed with other regions of the country. The study prevalence 56% is twice higher than the average national period prevalence of 23%.
Testicular Torsion in an Adult Male: A Case of Neglected Torsion
Authors: Chamileke Nkomba
Published: November 2020

Testicular torsion is a true surgical emergency caused by twisting of the testicle on the spermatic cord leading to disruption of the vascular supply and time sensitive ischemia with or without necrosis of testicular tissue. The annual incidence is 1 in 4000 males under the age of 25 years globally, with peak presentation in adolescents between 12 to 16 years as well in the neonatal period. However, there are rare cases in which adult males present with testicular torsion and this case study explores one such instance looking at it's unique features and at the same time underscoring an important point that torsion can occur outside the bimodal peak. The case report illustrates that age distribution maybe clinically misleading and should not be relied upon for a diagnosis.