bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotional blunting in patients with depression. Part III: relationship with psychological trauma
Authors: Christensen Michael Cronquist , Ren Hongye , Fagiolini Andrea
Published: June 2022

Background

This international online survey investigated the experience and impact of emotional blunting in the acute and remission phases of depression from the perspective of patients and healthcare providers (HCPs). This paper presents data on the history and severity of psychological trauma and its potential impact on emotional blunting in major depressive disorder (MDD); differences between patient and HCP perceptions are explored.

Methods

Patient respondents (n = 752) were adults with a diagnosis of depression who were currently taking antidepressant therapy and reported emotional blunting during the past 6 weeks. HCPs provided details on two eligible patients: one in the acute phase of depression and one in remission from depression (n = 766). Trauma was assessed using questions based on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire; emotional blunting was assessed using the Oxford Depression Questionnaire (ODQ). Multivariate regression analyses were applied to examine the relationship between trauma and ODQ score.

Results

A history of any childhood or recent traumatic event was reported by 97% of patients in the self-assessed cohort and for 83% of those in the HCP-assessed cohort (difference, p < 0.01). Patients were more likely than HCPs to feel that this trauma had contributed to their/the patient’s depression (58% vs 43%, respectively; p < 0.01) and that the depression was more severe because of trauma (70% vs 61%, respectively; p < 0.01). Emotional blunting was significantly worse in patients who reported severe trauma than in those who had not experienced severe trauma (mean total ODQ score, 90.1 vs 83.9, respectively; p < 0.01). In multivariate regression analyses, experiencing both severe childhood and recent trauma had a statistically significant impact on ODQ total score (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

A high proportion of patients with depression and emotional blunting self-reported exposure to childhood and/or recent traumatic events, and emotional blunting was more severe in patients who reported having experienced severe trauma. However, history of psychological trauma in patients with MDD appeared to be under-recognized by HCPs. Improved recognition of patients who have experienced psychological trauma and are experiencing emotional blunting may permit more targeted therapeutic interventions, potentially resulting in improved treatment outcomes.
Ethnobotany of traditional medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge in Dawuro Zone of Southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Agize Mathewos , Asfaw Zemede , Nemomissa Sileshi , Gebre Tizazu
Published: June 2022

Background

The study aimed at documenting the indigenous and local knowledge and use of traditional medicinal plants for treating human and livestock ailments in Dawuro Zone of Ethiopia.

Methods

A survey was conducted among traditional healers and native administrators through discussion, interviews, and field observations. The snowball sampling technique was used to select 384 traditional healers in purposefully selected 50 villages spanning seven districts for face-to-face individual interviews. The chi-square test was applied to establish associations between traditional healers’ demographics, the distance between the village site and the nearest natural forest and a health center, and SPSS V.20 software was used for the analysis.

Results

The traditional healers of the study area reported the use of 274 traditional medicinal plant species belonging to 217 genera and 82 families. Asteraceae (11.68%), Fabaceae (9.49%), and Lamiaceae (9.12%) were the foremost frequently used families. Herb species (54.8%) and leaves (65%) were predominantly sourced from the wild environment. The quantity of medicinal plants used (x2 = 278.368, df = 20, P = 0.000) and years of (experience in) traditional healing using herbs (x2 = 76.358, df = 10, P = 0.000) varied with distance from the natural forests. The service charge for healing had strong positive association (x2 = 24.349, df = 5, P = 0.000) with healer’s age (x2 = 309.119, df = 184, P = 0.000) and educational level (x2 = 851.230, df = 598, P = 0.000) with distance of traditional healer's residence from the medical institution. The agricultural activities, urbanization, low or no charge for the healing service, the secrecy and oral transfer of the knowledge, and the demand for medicinal and other multiple purposes species were some of the factors threatening the resource and the associated knowledge as well as the service in the study area.

Conclusion

There are diversified traditional medicinal plants applied for healthcare of the community and domestic animals of the study area. The source of remedies mostly depends on herbs of natural forests, and the leaf was the most frequently used plant part. Developing conservation intervention and sustainable systems of utilization is needed for multipurpose medicinal plants. Finally, integrating with modern system and formalizing, legalizing, and capacitating the traditional medicine practitioners are needed for access of primary healthcare systems to rural communities.
A comparison of ImageJ and machine learning based image analysis methods to measure cassava bacterial blight disease severity
Authors: Elliott Kiona , Berry Jeffrey C. , Kim Hobin , Bart Rebecca S.
Published: June 2022

Background

Methods to accurately quantify disease severity are fundamental to plant pathogen interaction studies. Commonly used methods include visual scoring of disease symptoms, tracking pathogen growth in planta over time, and various assays that detect plant defense responses. Several image-based methods for phenotyping of plant disease symptoms have also been developed. Each of these methods has different advantages and limitations which should be carefully considered when choosing an approach and interpreting the results.

Results

In this paper, we developed two image analysis methods and tested their ability to quantify different aspects of disease lesions in the cassava-Xanthomonas pathosystem. The first method uses ImageJ, an open-source platform widely used in the biological sciences. The second method is a few-shot support vector machine learning tool that uses a classifier file trained with five representative infected leaf images for lesion recognition. Cassava leaves were syringe infiltrated with wildtype Xanthomonas, a Xanthomonas mutant with decreased virulence, and mock treatments. Digital images of infected leaves were captured overtime using a Raspberry Pi camera. The image analysis methods were analyzed and compared for the ability to segment the lesion from the background and accurately capture and measure differences between the treatment types.

Conclusions

Both image analysis methods presented in this paper allow for accurate segmentation of disease lesions from the non-infected plant. Specifically, at 4-, 6-, and 9-days post inoculation (DPI), both methods provided quantitative differences in disease symptoms between different treatment types. Thus, either method could be applied to extract information about disease severity. Strengths and weaknesses of each approach are discussed.
Feasibility and acceptability of a multicomponent, group psychological intervention for adolescents with psychosocial distress in public schools of Pakistan: a feasibility cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT)
Authors: Hamdani Syed Usman , Huma Zill-e , Tamizuddin-Nizami Asad , Baneen Um-ul , Suleman Nadia , Javed Hashim , Malik Aiysha , Wang Duolao , Mazhar Samra , Khan Shahzad Alam , Minhas Fareed Aslam , Rahman Atif
Published: June 2022

Background

Child and adolescent mental health problems are a global public mental health priority. However, there is a lack of evidence-based scalable psychological interventions for adolescents living in low resource settings. This trial was designed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of delivering the World Health Organization’s Early Adolescent Skills for Emotions (EASE) intervention at public schools in a rural sub-district in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Methods

A two arm, single blinded, feasibility cluster randomized controlled trial with mixed-methods evaluation was conducted with 59 adolescents and their caregivers from 8 public schools. In the 4 intervention arm schools, 6 non-specialist facilitators delivered the culturally-adapted EASE group sessions to the adolescents (n = 29) and their caregivers with desired fidelity under the supervision of in-country supervisors.

Results

The participation rate of adolescents in the intervention sessions was 83%. The intervention strategies were implemented by the adolescents. However, attending biweekly sessions at schools was challenging for caregivers with only 50% caregivers attending the sessions.

Conclusions

The results of this study support the feasibility and acceptability of delivering this culturally adapted intervention through non-specialist facilitators in school settings in Pakistan and pave the way to conduct a fully powered cluster randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of intervention to improve psychological outcomes in adolescents.

Trial registration Trial registered with Clinicaltrials.gov prospectively; NCT04254393.
The gut metagenomics and metabolomics signature in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Xu Xinwei , Ocansey Dickson Kofi Wiredu , Hang Sanhua , Wang Bo , Amoah Samuel , Yi Chengxue , Zhang Xu , Liu Lianqin , Mao Fei
Published: June 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic gut immune dysregulation and dysbiosis condition is rapidly increasing in global incidence. Regardless, there is a lack of ideal diagnostic markers, while conventional treatment provides scarce desired results, thus, the exploration for better options. Changes in the gut microbial composition and metabolites either lead to or are caused by the immune dysregulation that characterizes IBD. This study examined the fecal metagenomics and metabolomic changes in IBD patients. A total of 30 fecal samples were collected from 15 IBD patients and 15 healthy controls for 16S rDNA gene sequencing and UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS detection of metabolomics. Results showed that there was a severe perturbation of gut bacteria community composition, diversity, metabolites, and associated functions and metabolic pathways in IBD. This included a significantly decreased abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, increased disease-associated phyla such as Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, and increased Escherichiacoli and Klebsiellapneumoniae in IBD. A total of 3146 metabolites were detected out of which 135 were differentially expressed between IBD and controls. Metabolites with high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating IBD from healthy individuals included 6,7,4′-trihydroxyisoflavone and thyroxine 4′-o-.beta.-d-glucuronide (AUC = 0.92), normorphine and salvinorin a (AUC = 0.90), and trichostachine (AUC = 0.91). Moreover, the IBD group had significantly affected pathways including primary bile acid biosynthesis, vitamin digestion and absorption, and carbohydrate metabolism. This study reveals that the combined evaluation of metabolites and fecal microbiome can be useful to discriminate between healthy subjects and IBD patients and consequently serve as therapeutic and diagnostic targets.
Immediate effect of trunk flexion and extension isometric exercise using an external compression device on electromyography of the hip extensor and trunk range of motion of healthy subjects
Authors: Huang Tian-zong , Kim Suhn-yeop
Published: June 2022

Background

Sacroiliac joints (SIJs) transmitted trunk load to lower extremities through the lumbopelvis. External compression devices across the SIJs could provide stability to the SIJs. A previous study established that using a device known as Active Therapeutic Movement version 2 (ATM®2) has been developed to improve pain and joint range of motion (ROM) in patients with LBP. However, no study has examined the physiological change in the muscle through ATM®2-based exercise thus far. This study aimed to determine the immediate effects of ATM®2 exercise on the contraction timing, back extension endurance, muscle fatigue, and trunk ROM of lumbar and lower limb muscles in healthy subjects.

Methods

Thirty-six healthy subjects (mean age = 23.16 ± 2.3) volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects were instructed to perform ROM test using sit and reach test, back extensor endurance test using Biering-Sorensen test, erector spinae (ES), lumbar multifidus (LM) fatigue and onset time of Gluteus maximus (GM) in prone hip extension using electromyography before and after trunk flexion and extension isometric exercises.

Results

The ROM in trunk flexion showed a significant increase of 7.9% after exercise compared to that before exercise (p < 0.05). Relative GM contraction onset timing significantly decreased after exercise (p < 0.05). The result of the Sorensen test after exercise showed a trend of increase in duration time. Muscle fatigue in the LM, however, showed a significant increase (p < 0.05), whereas muscle fatigue in the ES was reduced without statistical significance.

Conclusions

The results base on this study showed that exercise-based on ATM®2 is an effective exercise protocol with an effect on the biomechanics of healthy subjects.

Clinical trial registration numbers KCT0006728. Clinical trial registration date: 09/11/2021.
Multicomponent exercises to prevent and reduce back pain in elderly care nurses: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Otto Ann-Kathrin , Wollesen Bettina
Published: June 2022

Background

Sports science is making an important contribution to health services research and supports the development of tailored interventions, e.g., in nursing settings. Working in elderly care is associated with a high prevalence of low back pain (LBP). Due to the diverse requirements and high strains, multicomponent programs are essential to address all relevant factors. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a tailored ten-week ergonomics and twelve-week strength training on lifting behavior, strength endurance, LBP, functional impairment and adherence.

Methods

n = 42 nurses were randomly assigned to the intervention (IG; n = 20) or control group (CG; n = 22). They were eligible for participation if they were active in residential care and if they provided written informed consent. Other employees were excluded. The data were collected at baseline, at ten weeks (after ergonomics training), at 22 weeks (after strength training), and at 34 weeks (follow-up). The analysis combined physical tests with questionnaires (Progressive Isoinertial Lifting Evaluation, PILE-Test; Biering-Sørensen-Test; Visual Analog Scale Pain, VAS; Oswestry Disability Index, ODI; self-developed questionnaire for adherence). Group differences were analyzed by Chi2-Tests, ANOVA, and Linear Mixed Models.

Results

The IG showed an improved lifting performance (PILE-Test; 95% CI 1.378–7.810, p = .006) and a reduced LBP compared to the CG (VAS; 95% CI − 1.987 to 0.034, p = .043) after ergonomics training (PILE-Test, F(1,34) = 21.070, p < .001; VAS, F(1,34) = 5.021, p = .032). The results showed no differences concerning the Biering-Sørensen-Test and the ODI. Positive adherence rates were observed.

Conclusions

This approach and the positive results are essential to derive specific recommendations for effective prevention. The study results can be completed in future research with additional strategies to reduce nurses’ burden further.

Trial registration

The trial was registered at DRKS.de (DRKS00015249, registration date: 05/09/2018).
Dose-dependent benefits of iron-magnetic nanoparticle-coated human umbilical-derived mesenchymal stem cell treatment in rat intracranial hemorrhage model
Authors: Chen Kuan-Hung , Chai Han-Tan , Lin Kun-Chen , Chiang John Y. , Sung Pei-Hsun , Chen Chih-Hung , Yip Hon-Kan
Published: June 2022

Background

This study tested whether two doses of human umbilical-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) were superior to one dose for protecting the brain against intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) induced by intracranial injection collagenase and the capacity of ironic-magnetic-nanoparticles (Ir-MNa) coated hUC-MSCs tracked by MRI.

Methods and results

Adult male SD rats (n = 40) were equally categorized into group 1 (sham-operated-control), group 2 (ICH), group 3 [ICH + Ir-MNa-coated hUC-MSCs/1.2 × 106 cells with an extracorporeal magnet over rat head (eCMag)/administered by left internal carotid artery (LICA) at post-3 h ICH], and group 4 (ICH + Ir-MNa-coated hUC-MSCs/1.2 × 106 cells with an eCMag/administered post-3 h ICH by LICA and 24 h by IV) and euthanized by day 28. The result showed that by day 28 after ICH induction the neurological function was severely impaired in group 2 than in group 1 that was significantly improved in group 3 and further significantly improved in group 4, whereas ICH volume exhibited an opposite pattern of neurological impairment among the groups (all p < 0.0001). Brain MRI demonstrated that by 4 h after ICH, Ir-MNa-coated hUC-MSCs were abundantly identified in ischemic area in group 4. The protein expressions of inflammatory (TNF-α/MMP-9/IL-1ß/iNOS)/oxidative-stress (NOX-1/NOX-2/oxidized protein)/apoptotic (caspase-3/mitochondrial Bax/PARP)/fibrotic (Smad3/TGF-ß)/mitochondrial-damaged (cytosolic-cytochrome-C) biomarkers displayed an identical pattern of neurological impairment among the groups (all p < 0.0001). The cellular expressions of inflammation (CD68+/CD11b+)/brain edema (AQP4+) biomarkers exhibited an identical pattern, whereas the neuronal-myelin (Doublecortin+/NeuN/nestin) biomarkers displayed an opposite pattern of neurological impairment (all p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Two doses of hUC-MSCs were superior to just one dose for protecting the brain against ICH-induced damage and Ir-MNa-coated hUC-MSCs offered a well adopted method for tracking hUC-MSCs homing into the brain.
Biological functions, mechanisms, and clinical significance of circular RNA in pancreatic cancer: a promising rising star
Authors: Chen Qun , Li Jiajia , Shen Peng , Yuan Hao , Yin Jie , Ge Wanli , Wang Wujun , Chen Guangbin , Yang Taoyue , Xiao Bin , Miao Yi , Lu Zipeng , Wu Pengfei , Jiang Kuirong
Published: June 2022

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly malignant solid tumor with insidious onset and easy early metastasis. Despite tremendous efforts devoted to research in this field, the mechanisms underlying PC tumorigenesis and progression remain unclear. Additionally, robust biomarkers and satisfactory therapeutic strategies for clinical use in PC patients are still lacking. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new type of non-coding RNA originating from precursor messenger RNAs, with a covalent continuous closed-loop structure, strong stability and high specificity. Accumulating evidence suggests that circRNAs may participate in PC development and progression. Abnormal expression of circRNAs in PC is considered a vital factor that affects tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, angiogenesis and drug resistance. In this review of relevant articles published in recent years, we describe the basic knowledge concerning circRNAs, including their classification, biogenesis, functions and research approaches. Moreover, the biological roles and clinical significance of circRNAs related to PC are discussed. Finally, we note the questions remaining from recent studies and anticipate that further investigations will address these gaps in knowledge in this field. In conclusion, we expect to provide insights into circRNAs as potential targets for specific PC diagnosis and treatment in the future.
Performance and time improvement of LT code-based cloud storage
Authors: Chakani Nastaran , Mirrezaei Seyed Masoud , Hodtani Ghosheh Abed
Published: June 2022

Outsourcing data on cloud storage services has already attracted great attention due to the prospect of rapid data growth and storing efficiencies for customers. The coding-based cloud storage approach can offer a more reliable and faster solution with less storage space in comparison with replication-based cloud storage. LT codes are the famous member of the rateless code family that can improve performance of storage systems utilizing good degree distributions. Since degree distribution plays a key role in LT codes performance, recently introduced Poisson robust soliton distribution (PRSD) and combined Poisson robust soliton distribution (CPRSD) motivate us to investigate LT code-based cloud storage system. So, we exploit LT codes with new degree distributions to provide lower average degree and higher decoding efficiency, specifically when receiving fewer encoding symbols, compared with popular degree distribution, robust soliton distribution (RSD). In this paper, we show that proposed cloud storage outperforms traditional ones in terms of storage space and robustness encountering unavailability of encoding symbols, due to compatible properties of PRSD and CPRSD with cloud storage essence. Furthermore, a modified decoding process is presented based on required encoding symbols behavior to reduce data retrieval time. Numerical results confirm improvement of cloud storage performance.
Theory of planned behaviour-based interventions in chronic diseases among low health-literacy population: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Paul Biswajit , Kirubakaran Richard , Isaac Rita , Dozier Marshall , Grant Liz , Weller David ,   RESPIRE collaboration
Published: June 2022

Background

Health behaviour can change outcomes in both healthy and unhealthy populations and are particularly useful in promoting compliance to treatment and maintaining fidelity to care seeking and follow-up options in chronic diseases. Interventions to change health behaviour based on psychological theory are more often successful than those without any underlying theory. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) is one such psychological theory which had been found to predict human behaviour with respect to disease prevention and when applied to interventions can change the outcomes of diseases. Most of the research evidence of TPB-based interventions have been from developed world. Evidence is required whether TPB-based interventions can be applied and works in low-resource, low health-literacy settings of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods

The protocol has been developed as per PRISMA-P guidelines and incorporates PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcomes) framework for describing the methodology. Population above 18 years of age and having any chronic disease (as defined for this systematic review) will be selected, while any health or educational intervention based on constructs of TPB will be included. Comparison will be with non-TPB-based interventions or treatment as usual without any intervention, and the primary outcome will be the behaviour change effected by the TPB-based intervention. Intervention studies will be considered, and relevant databases like MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and ProQuest will be explored. Data extraction will done in a standardised form, and risk-of-bias assessment will be done using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tools for such assessment. Narrative synthesis of the selected studies will be done to draw the conclusions, and meta-analysis will be done to calculate the effect estimates with I-squared statistics to describe the heterogeneity.

Discussion

This systematic review will provide new evidence on fidelity and effectiveness of the TPB-based interventions among chronic disease patients from low health literacy, resource-poor background. It will inform of how to plan and use such interventions to change health behaviour in chronic disease patients, particularly in LMIC settings.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42018104890.
Refinements of some classical inequalities via superquadraticity
Authors: Nikolova Ludmila , Persson Lars-Erik , Varošanec Sanja , Yimer Markos Fisseha
Published: June 2022

Some new refined versions of the Jensen, Minkowski, and Hardy inequalities are stated and proved. In particular, these results both generalize and unify several results of this type. Some results are also new for the classical situation.
Factors influencing suicidal tendencies during COVID-19 pandemic in Korean multicultural adolescents: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Park Ju-Young , Lee Insook
Published: June 2022

Background

There is concern that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the psychological wellbeing of many populations, including increase of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescents specifically have experienced direct and indirect impacts on their mentally, resulting in severe depression, self-harm and suicide. This study aimed to identify factors influencing suicidal tendencies and the mental health status of multicultural adolescents in Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 784 multicultural adolescents (Korean fathers and foreign mothers) who participated in the 16th national Korean Youth Risk Behaviour online survey. Research variables were measured using self-reported questionnaires for mental health and suicidal tendencies. Data was analysed using SPSS 26.0 program.

Results

The factors influencing suicidal tendencies (contemplating suicide, suicidal plans, and suicide attempts) were sexual intercourse experience (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 7.67, 5.04, 7.10), depressive mood (aOR 1.03, 0.98, 0.97, 0.90), and unhappiness (aOR 13.00, 7.28, 5.56).

Conclusions

In conclusion, the factors that affect suicidal tendencies showed sexual intercourse experience, depressive mood and unhappiness. Screening for suicidal tendencies and suicide prevention programs that consider the significant factors that affect suicidal tendencies should be developed for multicultural adolescents. School health professions and mental health counselors at schools need to emphasize the mental health and psychosocial support needs of senior high school students.
Glass in Rome during the transition from late antiquity to the early Middle Ages: materials from the Forum of Caesar
Authors: Boschetti Cristina , Kindberg Jacobsen Jan , Parisi Presicce Claudio , Raja Rubina , Schibille Nadine , Vitti Massimo
Published: June 2022

Base glasses from the eastern Mediterranean which circulated in Rome between the fifth and tenth centuries bear witness to the persistence of long-distance trade after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. LA-ICP-MS data of vessel fragments, mosaic tesserae and indicators of production excavated in the Forum of Caesar identify a substantial amount of recycled Roman base glass mixed with later Foy.2.1 glass, flanked by Roman Mn and Sb, Foy 2.1, Foy 3.2, HIMT and Levantine I base glass. Recycled compositions have been documented since the fifth century. Base glasses dating later than the seventh century are completely missing, indicating an interruption or a strong contraction of the commercial flows sometime in the seventh century. The identification of a small number of medieval vessels is coherent with the presence in the area of a dwelling context of elevated status. The compositional features of these glasses reflect the intensification of recycling in the eight century, when the commerce of cullet became increasingly international and some fresh glass continued to travel along the Adriatic trade routes.
Ancient rivers shaped the current genetic diversity of the wood mouse (Apodemus speciosus) on the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, Japan
Authors: Sato Jun J. , Yasuda Kouki
Published: June 2022

The current distributions of organisms have been shaped by both current and past geographical barriers. However, it remains unclear how past geographical factors—currently cryptic on the sea floor—affected the current distributions of terrestrial animals. Here, we examined the effects of currently cryptic ancient rivers on current genetic differentiation of the large Japanese wood mouse,Apodemus speciosus, which inhabits islands in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan. Genome-wide polymorphisms were identified by GRAS-Di (Genotyping by Random Amplicon Sequencing, Direct) analysis of 92A. speciosusindividuals. Maximum-likelihood analysis was performed with 94,142 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified by GRAS-Di analyses. Ancient rivers were visualized by Geographic Information System (GIS) channel analysis. Maximum-likelihood analysis showed strong support for the monophyly of each population in the islands in the Seto Inland Sea; it also showed close relationships between Innoshima-Ikuchijima, Ohmishima-Hakatajima-Oshima, Ohmishima-Hakatajima, Ohsakikamijima-Ohsakishimojima, Kamikamagarijima-Shimokamagarijima, and Kurahashijima-Etajima islands. The principal component analyses of the SNPs also supported these relationships. Furthermore, individuals from islands located on the east and west sides of the main stream of the ancient river were clustered on each side with strong support. These phylogenetic relationships were completely congruent with the paleogeographic relationships inferred from ancient rivers. In conclusion, the findings demonstrated that the current distribution of genetically distinct island lineages was shaped by ancient rivers that are currently submerged beneath the Seto Inland Sea, Japan.
Comparison of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and 14 levels in vitreous samples in diabetic and non-diabetic patients: a case control study
Authors: Ünal A. , Baykal O. , Öztürk N.
Published: June 2022

Background

MMP-9 plays a prominent role in inflammation and MMP-14 take part in angiogenesis. The objective of this study is to compare MMP-9 and MMP-14 levels between diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Methods

The patients who scheduled for pars plana vitrectomy were included in our study. Patients are divided into 2 groups: the diabetic group and non-diabetic group. Age, gender, intraocular pressure(IOP), visual acuity (VA) were reported. Color fundus photography, fundus fluorescein angiography, optic coherence tomography (OCT) were performed before and after the operation. MMP-9 and MMP-14 levels in vitreous samples were analyzed with a reader device by ELISA method. Mann–Whitney U test and logistic regressions were used in statistical analysis, p < 0.05 accepted as statistically significant.

Results

70 eyes of 70 patients who received pars plana vitrectomy were enrolled in the study and divided into 2 groups: 34 patients in the diabetic group, 36 patients in the non-diabetic group. The average age of diabetic patients was 60.14 ± 10.20, and non-diabetic patients was 64.22 ± 11.16, respectively. The average MMP-9 (0.67 ± 0.66 ng/ml) and MMP-14 (0.16 ± 0.45 ng/ml) values in the diabetic group were significantly higher than the average MMP-9 (0.21 ± 0.05 ng/ml) and MMP-14 (and 0.07 ± 0.02 ng/ml) values in the non-diabetic group (P < 0.01). Also, it was observed that MMP-9 and MMP-14 levels increases as the diabetic disease duration increases. The risk of diabetes incidence increased with high levels of MMP-9 and MMP-14.

Conclusion

Due to the higher levels of MMP-9 and MMP-14 in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, these proteins may probably be among the therapeutic targets in the prevention and treatment of retinopathy.
Symptomatic absorption of normal saline during transurethral resection of the prostate: a case report
Authors: Okuma Naomi , Hino Hideki , Kuroki Madoka , Matsuura Tadashi , Mori Takashi
Published: June 2022

Background

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P) could incidentally cause hyponatremia, known as TUR syndrome due to intravascular absorption of non-electrolytic irrigation fluid. Recently, normal saline has been used as an irrigation fluid in a new system named TURis (TUR in saline) to prevent TUR syndrome. However, rapid massive absorption of normal saline can also cause other systemic adverse events.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old man underwent TURis for benign prostatic hyperplasia under spinal anesthesia. The patient lost consciousness which led upper airway obstruction and hypoxia 30 min after the surgery began. Blood gas test indicated hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. While vasoactive agents were ineffective, the administration of bicarbonate significantly improved the symptoms and restored blood pressure.

Conclusion

We experienced a case of hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis with decreased level of consciousness and hypotension during TURis. Administration of bicarbonate, but not phenylephrine, was effective for recovering blood pressure.
The cross-cultural validation of the technology-enhanced social constructivist learning environment questionnaire in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region
Authors: Mohammed Saif Husam , Kinyó László
Published: June 2022

This study’s primary aim is to validate a research instrument in Iraqi Kurdistan middle and secondary schools to explore learners’ perspectives concerning social constructivist learning environments and e-learning outcomes. The research instrument was updated and devised based on Aldridge, Fraser, Taylor, and Chen's (Aldridge et al., International Journal of Science Education 22:37–55, 2000) Constructivist Learning Environment (CLES) Survey. Additionally, it also contains two newly developed rating scales that have been taken from Luckay and Laugksch (Luckay and Laugksch, Research in Science Education 45:1–22, 2015), and a perceived e-learning outcomes scale adopted from Sultan, Woods, and Koo (Sultan et al., Educational Technology and Society 14:149–163, 2011). The instrument included seven prominent social constructivist learning dimensions and plus perceived e-learning outcomes, namely: Respect for Difference, Learner Investigation, Critical Voice, Learner Negotiation, Individual Relevance, Shared Control, Uncertainty and Perceived e-Learning Outcomes. For this study, empirical data were gathered from 1289 upper primary and secondary school students in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. The research instrument possessed factor structure, discriminant validity, and internal consistency reliability based on the results of data analysis. Consequently, the validity and reliability of Arabic language and Kurdish language versions of the survey were verified. Hence, the principal data are sufficient for additional empirical research involving path model evaluation in order to discern any correlations between the variables included in the research model.
Ultrastructural studies on effect of Caesalpinia bonducella and Croton joufra, traditionally used anthelmintics, on Hymenolepis diminuta and Syphacia obvelata
Authors: Gogoi Shyamalima , Soren Amar Deep , Yadav Arun K.
Published: June 2022

Background

The leaves of Caesalpinia bonducella and Croton joufra are traditionally used anthelmintics by the Mishing tribe in Assam, India. In vitro studies have shown them to be effective as anthelmintics. This study evaluates their effects on the tegument of Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda) and the cuticle of Syphacia obvelata (Nematoda) using scanning electron microscopy. The effects were compared with negative control parasites and the one exposed to reference drugs (positive control). Parasites were collected from freshly necropsied animals and were exposed to 30 mg/ml of the methanolic leaf extract of the two plants. Paralysed worms were then processed for ultrastructural studies as per standard methods.

Results

Adult and juvenile H. diminuta exposed to extracts of both the test plants showed damaged scolex, suckers and altered tegument. S. obvelata treated with C. bonducella showed damaged apical region, closed mouth, and a damaged cuticle. Worms exposed to C. joufra showed deformations in the apical region with closed mouth, loss of cephalic papillae, distorted lips and damaged cuticle.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the findings of this study demonstrate that the extract of these plants acts via a tegumental/cuticular mode. This study also validates the traditional knowledge system of the Mishing tribe in Assam, India.
Detection, characterization and virulence analysis of nucleopolyhedrovirus isolated from the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: El Sayed Yasmein A. , Sayed Samy , Magdy Aml , Elmenofy Wael
Published: June 2022

Background

In the present study, detection, characterization and virulence analysis of a field collected nucleopolyhedrovirus isolated from the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was carried out. The obtained isolate, named SpliNPV-YW, was collected from diseased S. littoralis larvae in El-Menoufia governorate, Egypt.

Results

Transmission electron microscopy showed the presence of typical occlusion bodies with average size of (1.06 × 1.19 µm). Upon digestion using two different endonucleases, PstI and ScaI, no clear difference was detected in the collected isolate (SpliNPV-YW) DNA genome pattern compared to the reference strain SpliNPV-AN1956. The evolutionary analysis of the polyhedrin gene's partial nucleotide sequence revealed that SpliNPV-YW isolate was closed and had a genetic origin with the NPV isolate SpliMNPV-A26-5 that belongs to group II NPVs with identity of 99.7%. The median lethal concentration (LC50) and the median lethal time (LT50) values were estimated for second and fourth larval instars of S. littoralis. The LC50 values were 2.8 × 104 OB/ml for second larval instar and 5.2 × 105 OB/ml for fourth larval instar after 10 days of treatment. Regarding the speed of killing of the viral isolate, the results showed that the LT50 value for the second instar larvae (LT50 = 5.5 days) was lower than that of the fourth instar larvae (LT50 = 6.2 days) at concentrations of 4.3 × 1010 (ob/ml) and 1.2 × 1011 (ob/ml) for second and fourth instar larvae, respectively.

Conclusions

Host specificity and virulence characteristics make SpliNPV-YW isolate a good potential to be utilized as a candidate biopesticide for the control of S. littoralis population in Egypt.
Computational modeling, ligand-based drug design, drug-likeness and ADMET properties studies of series of chromen-2-ones analogues as anti-cancer agents
Authors: Abdullahi Sagiru Hamza , Uzairu Adamu , Shallangwa Gideon Adamu , Uba Sani , Umar Abdullahi Bello
Published: June 2022

Background

In spite of the significant escalation in the depth of our conception and regulation of breast cancer over the past decades, the malady is still a serious community health challenge globally and poses a substantial tasks. Selective estrogen modulators (SERMs) such as Tamoxifen are approved for the therapy of this illness but developed drug resistance and unwanted side effects such as endometrial cancer caused by the long-term Tamoxifen chemotherapy limit their therapeutic applicability. Hence, developing new ER+ drugs with better therapeutic effect is strongly needed. In an attempt to overcome this challenge, this research is aimed at designing novel chromen-2-one analogues with better inhibition capacity against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line via structural modification of the reference compound and predict their activities using a developed QSAR model.

Results

Four models were developed, and the first was selected for the design as it has the highest statistical parameters such as: coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.950), cross-validation coefficient (Qcv2 = 0.912), adjusted R2 (Radj2 = 0.935), and external validation R2 (Rpred2 = 0.7485). Twelve (12) new novel chromen-2-one analogs were designed through structural modification of the reference compound. Their activities was predicted using the selected model, and their pIC50 was found to be better than that of the reference compound and standard drug (Tamoxifen) used in the research. Results of pharmacokinetic study of the designed compounds revealed that they possess drug-likeness properties as none of them violated the Lipinski’s rule of five while ADMET studies confirmed designed compounds 6, 8, 11 and 12 as orally safe and non-toxic. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis was performed between these orally safe designed compounds and the active site of the ER+ receptor and the result showed that they have higher binding affinities than the reference compound and the standard drug used for this research.

Conclusion

Hence, designed compounds 6, 8, 11 and 12 can be used as novel ER+ breast cancer drug candidates after performing in vivo and in vitro studies.
Spermatogenic differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells on three-dimensional silk nanofiber scaffold
Authors: Narimanpour Zeinab , Bojnordi Maryam Nazm , Hamidabadi Hatef Ghasemi
Published: June 2022

Background

Nano-fibrous scaffolds provide a three-dimensional matrix that guides sufficient orientation of seeded cells similar to a natural niche. In this research, we designed a silk scaffold to improve the differention of mouse spermatogonial stem cells to spermatogenic cell lines. Spermatogonial stem cells were collected from neonatal mouse (2–6 days) testes (n=60) using a two steps mechanical and enzymatic method. Cells were seeded on a silk scaffold and were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium, supplemented with 15 % fetal bovine serum and 1000 units/ml leukemia inhibitory factor, and incubated at 32°C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2in air. SEM technique was done for confirmation of seeding cells.

In this study two major groups (i.e., 2D and 3D culture groups) of 30 mice each. Isolated testicular cells from each group were cultured in the absence of silk scaffold or the presence of silk scaffold.

For induction of differentiation, seeded cells on a scaffold were exposed to 1 μM and 50 ng/ml BMP-4. The specific spermatogenic genes, e.g.; VASA, DAZL, PLZF, and Piwil2, were assessed via real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry techniques.Pvalues less than 0.05 were assumed significant. All experiments were performed at least three times.

Results

SEM analysis confirmed the homogeneity of fabricated silk scaffold and average diameter of 450 nm for nanofibers fibers. Silk scaffold induces attachment of SSCs in comparison to the monolayer group. Spermatogonia stem cell colonies were observed gradually after 1 week of culture. Electrospun scaffold supports the differentiation of SSCs to spermatogenic lines. Dates of real-time PCR showed that the expression of meiotic markers, VASA, DAZL, and Piwil2 as related to specific spermatogenic genes, had a significant upregulation in cell-seeded silk scaffold compared to the control group (P< 0.05).

Immunocytochemistry founding approved the expression of specific spermatogenic markers; DAZL and PLZF were higher in the experiment group compared to the control (P< 0.05).

Conclusion

It is concluded silk scaffold induces spermatogenic differentiation of mouse spermatogonial stem cells in vitro.
Egyptian evidence-based consensus on clinical practice recommendations for the management of familial Mediterranean fever
Authors: Salah S. , Lotfy H. , Abu-Zaid M. H. , El Gaafary M. , Abdulhady H. , Salah H. , El-Latif E. Abd , Farag Y. , Eissa M. , Maher S. Esam , Radwan A. , El-Shanawany Amira T. , Medhat B. M. , El Mikkawy D. , Mosa D. M. , El Deriny G. , Mortada M. , Osman N. S. , Fouad N. A. , Elkaraly N. E. , Mohamed S. S. , Tabra S. A. , Hassan W. A. , Amer Y. , Nasef S. I. , El Miedany Y.
Published: June 2022

Background

We aimed to provide a consensus, evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treat-to-target management of children living with FMF.

This study was carried out to achieve an expert consensus on a treat-to-target management strategy for FMF using the Delphi technique. The preliminary scientific committee identified a total of 17 key clinical questions according to the Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes (PICO) approach. An evidence-based, systematic, literature review was conducted to compile evidence for the benefits and harms associated with JIA treatments. The core leadership team identified researchers and clinicians with expertise in FMF management. Delphi process was implemented (2 rounds) to reach a consensus on the management recommendations of FMF patients.

Results

Twenty-one expert panel participated in the 2 rounds with a response rate of 100%. A total of 12 recommendations, categorized into 2 sections (4 in the diagnosis section and 8 in management), were obtained. The agreement with the recommendations (rank 7–9) ranged from 85.7 to 100%. The consensus was reached (i.e., ≥75% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed) on all the clinical standards. Algorithms for management have been also developed.

Conclusion

A wide and representative panel of experts established a consensus regarding the management of FMF. The developed guidelines provide a comprehensive treat-to-target approach to the management of FMF for all healthcare professionals who are involved in its management.
On some geometrical aspects of the potential structure of the equations of evolution: The case of Navier-Stokes
Authors: Cirilo Lombardo Diego Julio
Published: June 2022

In this paper we discuss the potential structure of the evolution equations, in particular Navier-Stokes. To this end, the method of prolongation of Wahlquist H. D. and Estabrook F. B., J. Math. Phys., 16 (1975) 1 is introduced and the most general potential for the flow velocity is found, expressing everything in terms of the representative differential forms of the system of equations. Steady-flow and self-similar solutions and conditions are presented and briefly discussed, as well as the most general solution when a general transformation similar to the one given by Cole is introduced into the original system. In this theoretical context, the solution can be associated with a damped acoustic wave. Consequently, a useful application area for the present work is certainly in nonlinear acoustics, as we discuss briefly at the end of this letter.
Relationship of Pathogenic Mutations and Responses to Zoledronic Acid in a Cohort of Osteogenesis Imperfecta Children
Authors: Sun Lei , Hu Jing , Liu Jiayi , Zhang Qian , Wang Ou , Jiang Yan , Xia Weibo , Xing Xiaoping , Li Mei
Published: June 2022

Context

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare, heterogeneous, genetic disorder characterized by bone fragility and recurrent fractures. Bisphosphonates (BPs) are the most commonly used medications for OI, but their efficacy has great variability.

Objective

We investigated the relationship of pathogenic gene mutations and responses to zoledronic acid (ZOL) in a large cohort of children with OI.

Methods

Children with OI who received ZOL treatment were included and were followed up for at least 1 year. Bone mineral density (BMD) and serum levels of β-isomerized carboxy-telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX, bone resorption marker) were measured at baseline and during follow-up. Causative mutations of OI were identified using next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing.

Results

201 children with OI were included. They had initiated ZOL treatment at a median age of 5 years, with mutations identified in 11 genes. After 3 years of treatment, the increase in femoral neck BMD Z-score in patients with OI with autosomal dominant (AD) inheritance was greater than that in patients with autosomal recessive or X-linked inheritance (non-AD) (4.5 ± 2.9 vs 2.0 ± 1.0, P < .001). Collagen structural defects were negatively correlated with the increase in femoral neck BMD Z-score. Patients with collagen structural defects had higher incidence of new fractures (35.1% vs 18.4%, relative risk 0.52, P = .044) and less decline in β-CTX level than those with collagen quantitative reduction. Increase in lumbar spine BMD and change in height Z-score was not associated with the genotype of children with OI.

Conclusion

Patients with OI with non-AD inheritance or with pathogenic mutations leading to collagen structural defects may have relatively poor responses to ZOL treatment, which is possibly associated with their more severe phenotypes. New therapeutic agents are worth developing in these patients.