bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal diagnosis of a novel pathogenic variation in the ACAN gene presenting with isolated shortening of fetal long bones in the second trimester of gestation: a case report
Authors: Toscano Paolo , Di Meglio Lavinia , Lonardo Fortunato , Di Meglio Letizia , Mazzarelli Laura Letizia , Sica Carmine , Di Meglio Aniello
Published: June 2021

Background

Heterozygous mutations of the ACAN gene are a major cause of different evolutive growth defects in the pediatric population, but were never described as a cause of fetal skeletal dysplasia.

Case presentation

A G1 at 21w + 3d came to our institution for the second-trimester ultrasound and a skeletal dysplasia with prevalent involvement of limb’s rhizomelic tracts was suspected. Amniocentesis followed by CGH-array was performed, with normal results. An examination by NGS of some genes associated with skeletal dysplasias showed a novel pathogenic variant of the ACAN gene: c.2677delG.

Conclusion

Sequence variations of ACAN were never described as a possible cause of fetal skeletal anomalies to date. In this case report, we describe the first prenatal diagnosis of skeletal dysplasia associated with a pathogenic variant of ACAN.
Prognostic nomogram for hepatocellular carcinoma with radiofrequency ablation: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lu Zhenhua , Sun Zhen , Liu Chengyu , Shi Xiaolei , Li Rui , Shao Weiwei , Zheng Yangyang , Li Yao , Song Jinghai
Published: June 2021

Background

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to analyze the prognostic factors of HCC patients treated with RFA and to develop nomograms for outcome prediction.

Methods

A total of 3142 HCC patients treated with RFA were recruited, and their data were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Univariate and multifactor Cox analyses were performed to identify independent prognostic factors. These factors were integrated into a nomogram to predict 3- and 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). Consistency indices and calibration plots were used to assess the accuracy of the nomograms in both the internal and external cohorts.

Results

The median follow-up periods for HCC patients treated with RFA were 27 and 29 months for OS and CSS, respectively. Marital status, age, race, histological grade of differentiation, tumor size, T stage, and serum alpha-fetoprotein levels at the time of diagnosis were identified as prognostic factors for OS and CSS. Additionally, M stage was identified as risk factors for OS. These risk factors are included in the nomogram. The calibration plots of the OS and CSS nomograms showed excellent consistency between actual survival and nomogram predictions. The bootstrap-corrected concordance indices of the OS and CSS nomograms were 0.637 (95% CI, 0.628–0.646) and 0.670 (95% 0.661–0.679), respectively. Importantly, our nomogram performed better discriminatory compared with 8th edition tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage system for predicting OS and CSS.

Conclusions

We identified prognostic factors for HCC patients treated with RFA and provided an accurate and personalized survival prediction scheme.
Influence of preoperative corticosteroid treatment on rate of diagnostic surgeries in primary central nervous system lymphoma: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Scheichel Florian , Marhold Franz , Pinggera Daniel , Kiesel Barbara , Rossmann Tobias , Popadic Branko , Woehrer Adelheid , Weber Michael , Kitzwoegerer Melitta , Geissler Klaus , Dopita Astrid , Oberndorfer Stefan , Pfisterer Wolfgang , Freyschlag Christian F. , Widhalm Georg , Ungersboeck Karl , Roessler Karl
Published: June 2021

Background

Corticosteroid therapy (CST) prior to biopsy may hinder histopathological diagnosis in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Therefore, preoperative CST in patients with suspected PCNSL should be avoided if clinically possible. The aim of this study was thus to analyze the difference in the rate of diagnostic surgeries in PCNSL patients with and without preoperative CST.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective study including all immunocompetent patients diagnosed with PCNSL between 1/2004 and 9/2018 at four neurosurgical centers in Austria was conducted and the results were compared to literature.

Results

A total of 143 patients were included in this study. All patients showed visible contrast enhancement on preoperative MRI. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of diagnostic surgeries with and without preoperative CST with 97.1% (68/70) and 97.3% (71/73), respectively (p = 1.0). Tapering and pause of CST did not influence the diagnostic rate. Including our study, there are 788 PCNSL patients described in literature with an odds ratio for inconclusive surgeries after CST of 3.3 (CI 1.7–6.4).

Conclusions

Preoperative CST should be avoided as it seems to diminish the diagnostic rate of biopsy in PCNSL patients. Yet, if CST has been administered preoperatively and there is still a contrast enhancing lesion to target for biopsy, surgeons should try to keep the diagnostic delay to a minimum as the likelihood for acquiring diagnostic tissue seems sufficiently high.
Seasonal sensitivity and psychiatric morbidity: study about seasonal affective disorder
Authors: Fonte Aníbal , Coutinho Bruno
Published: June 2021

Background

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a recurrent depressive disorder which usually begins in the fall/winter and enters into remission in the spring/summer, although in some cases may occur in the summer with remission in the autumn-winter. In this study the authors evaluated the association between seasonal changes in mood and behavior with psychiatric disturbance.

Method

Descriptive, cross-sectional study. Participants, students attending higher education and vocational courses (N = 324), were evaluated with the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ) and the Screening Scale for Mental Health (ER80).

Results

Among the respondents, 12.7% showed seasonal affective disorder (SAD), 29.0% showed subsyndromal seasonal affective disorder (s-SAD) and 58.3% did not show significant seasonal affective symptomatology. As for psychiatric morbidity, 36.6% of subjects with SAD and 13.8% of those with s-SAD were considered “psychiatric cases” whereas for subjects without SAD this value was only 3.2%.

Conclusions

There is a statistically significant association between psychiatric morbidity and seasonal affective disorder. This association corroborates the importance of the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire in screening for seasonal fluctuations in mood and behavior related disorders, and the clinical need for recognition of these conditions, particularly associated suffering and disabilities.
Telemedical care and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Stentzel Ulrike , van den Berg Neeltje , Moon Kilson , Schulze Lara N. , Schulte Josephine , Langosch Jens M. , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Grabe Hans J.
Published: June 2021

Background

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are serious psychiatric disorders with a high disease burden, a high number of years of life lived with disability and a high risk for relapses and re-hospitalizations. Besides, both diseases are often accompanied with a reduced quality of life (QoL). A low level of quality of life is one predictor for relapses. This study examines whether a telemedical care program can improve QoL.

Methods

Post stationarytelemedicalcare of patients with severe psychiatric disorders” (Tecla) is a prospective controlled randomized intervention trial to implement and evaluate a telemedical care concept for patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Participants were randomized to an intervention or a control group. The intervention group received telemedical care including regular, individualized telephone calls and SMS-messages. QoL was measured with the German version of the WHOQOL-BREF. Effects of telemedicine on QoL after 6 months and treatment*time interactions were calculated using linear regressions (GLM and linear mixed models).

Results

One hundred eighteen participants were recruited, thereof 57.6% men (n = 68). Participants were on average 43 years old (SD 13). The treatment*time interaction was not significant. Hence, treatment had no significant effect either. Instead, gender is an influencing factor. Further analysis showed that social support, the GAF-level and QoL-values at baselines were significant determinants for the improvement of QoL.

Conclusion

The telemedicine care concept Tecla was not significant for QoL in patients with severe psychiatric disorders. More important for the QoL is the general social support and the level of global functioning of the patients.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00008548, registered 21 May 2015 – retrospectively registered,https://www.drks.de/drks_web/setLocale_EN.do
Occupational noise exposure and the prevalence of dyslipidemia in a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Kun , Jiang Feng , Luo Haibin , Liu Fangwei
Published: June 2021

Background

Occupational noise exposure was related to cardiovascular disease, of which dyslipidemia was an important inducement. This study investigated the relationship between occupational noise exposure and dyslipidemia.

Methods

Four hundred ninety-two occupational noise-exposed workers and 664 non-exposed workers were recruited to conduct environmental noise tests and personal occupational physical examinations. A lasso-logistic regression model was used to estimate the relative risk of dyslipidemia. A restricted cubic spline was used to estimate the association between noise exposure years and dyslipidemia after adjusting for potential confounding factors.

Results

A crude association was observed between the occupational noise exposure (75–85 dB(A)) and dyslipidemia. After adjusting for confounding factors, there was a non-linear relationship between noise exposure years and dyslipidemia (P for non-linearity =0.01). Workers exposed to 75–85 dB(A) for 11 to 24.5 years had a higher risk of dyslipidemia than non-exposed workers.

Conclusions

A positive and non-linear exposure-response relationship was found in workers exposed to 75–85 dB(A) whose exposure years were between 11 and 24.5. Workers had the highest risk of dyslipidemia when exposed for 13.5 years.
Spatial pattern of the population casualty rate caused by super typhoon Lekima and quantification of the interactive effects of potential impact factors
Authors: Zhang Xiangxue , Nie Juan , Cheng Changxiu , Xu Chengdong , Xu Xiaojun , Yan Bin
Published: June 2021

Background

Typhoons greatly threaten human life and property, especially in China. Therefore, it is important to make effective policy decisions to minimize losses associated with typhoons.

Methods

In this study, the GeoDetector method was used to quantify the determinant powers of natural and socioeconomic factors, and their interactions, on the population casualty rate of super typhoon Lekima. The local indicator of spatial association (LISA) method was followed to explore the spatial pattern of the population casualty rate under the influence of the identified dominant factors.

Results

Both natural and socioeconomic factors were found to have significantly impacted the population casualty rate due to super typhoon Lekima. Among the selected factors, maximum precipitation was dominant factor (q = 0.56), followed by maximum wind speed (q = 0.45). In addition, number of health technicians (q = 0.35) and number of health beds (q = 0.27) have a strong influence on the population casualty rate. Among the interactive effects of 12 influencing factors, the combined effects of maximum precipitation and ratio of brick-wood houses, the maximum precipitation and ratio of steel-concrete houses, maximum precipitation and number of health technicians were highest (q = 0.72). Furthermore, high-risk areas with very high casualty rates were concentrated in the southeastern part of Zhejiang and northern Shandong Provinces, while lower-risk areas were mainly distributed in northern Liaoning and eastern Jiangsu provinces.

Conclusions

These results contribute to the development of more specific policies aimed at safety and successful property protection according to the regional differences during typhoons.
Prevalence and associated factors of HIV testing among reproductive-age women in eastern Africa: multilevel analysis of demographic and health surveys
Authors: Worku Misganaw Gebrie , Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn , Teshale Achamyeleh Birhanu
Published: June 2021

Background

Despite efforts made to reduce the spread of the human immune-deficiency virus (HIV), its testing coverage remains low in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Besides, information on factors associated with HIV counseling and testing among reproductive-age women is not sufficiently available. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the pooled prevalence and factors associated with HIV testing among reproductive-age women in eastern Africa.

Methods

Secondary data analysis was conducted based on the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data conducted in East African countries. We pooled the most recent DHS surveys done in 11 East African countries. A total weighted sample of 183,411 reproductive-age women was included for this study. Both bivariable and multivariable multilevel logistic regression models were fitted. Variables with a p-value ≤0.2 in the bivariable analysis were selected for multivariable analysis. Finally, in the multivariable analysis, variables with a p-value ≤0.05 were considered as significant factors affecting HIV testing.

Results

The pooled prevalence of HIV testing in eastern Africa was 66.92% (95%CI: 66.70, 67.13%). In the multivariable multilevel analysis factors such as the age of respondent, marital status, educational level, HIV knowledge, HIV stigma indicator, risky sexual behavior and women who visit a health facility were positively associated with HIV testing coverage among reproductive-age women. While women from rich and richest households, having multiple sexual partners, being from rural dwellers, late initiation of sex and higher community illiteracy level had a lower chance of being tested for HIV.

Conclusion

The pooled prevalence of HIV testing in eastern Africa was higher than most previous studies. Age of respondent, residence, wealth index, marital status, educational level, HIV knowledge, stigma indicator, risky sexual behavior, women who visit a health facility, multiple sexual partnerships, early initiation of sex and community illiteracy level were significantly associated with HIV testing. There should be an integrated strategic plan to give education about methods of HIV transmission and the implication of HIV testing and counseling. So all the stakeholders should have an integrated approach by giving special attention to the factors that hinder HIV testing to increase awareness regarding the benefit of HIV testing and counseling to control the spread of HIV/AIDS.
En bloc right hemicolectomy with pancreatoduodenectomy for right-sided colon cancer invading duodenum
Authors: Yan Xiao-Luan , Wang Kun , Bao Quan , Wang Hong-Wei , Jin Ke-min , Wang Jun-Yun , Xing Bao-Cai
Published: June 2021

Background

En bloc right hemicolectomy with pancreatoduodenectomy (RHCPD) is the optimum treatment to achieve the adequate margin of resection (R0) for locally advanced right-sided colon cancer with duodenal invasion. Information regarding the indications and outcomes of this procedure is limited.

Method

In this retrospective study, 2269 patients with right colon cancer underwent radical right colectomy between October 2010 and May 2019, in which 19 patients underwent RHCPD for LARCC were identified. The overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), operative mortality, postsurgical complications, gene mutational analysis, and prognostic factors were evaluated. Survival was estimated using Kaplan–Meir method.

Results

Of these 19 patients who underwent LARCC, the OS was 88%, 66%, and 58% at 1, 3, and 5 years. The DFS was 72%, 56%, and 56% at 1, 3, and 5 years. The median operative time was 320 min (range: 222–410 min), and the median operative blood loss was 268 mL (range: 100–600 mL). The OS was significantly better among patients with well-differentiated tumor, N0 stage, and high microsatellite instability (MSI) and in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy. The major postoperative complications occurred in 8 patients (42%), with pancreatic fistula (PF) being the most common. On the basis of the univariate analysis, poorly differentiated tumor, regional lymph node dissemination, MSI status, and no perioperative chemotherapy were the significant predictors of poor survival (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study suggests that RHCPD is feasible and can achieve complete tumor clearance with favorable outcome, particularly in patients with lymph node-negative status.
Structure and process of palliative care provision: a nationwide study of public hospitals in Thailand
Authors: Dokmai Parichat , Meemon Natthani , Paek Seung Chun , Tayjasanant Supakarn
Published: June 2021

Background

The demand for palliative care in hospitals in Thailand has rapidly increased in recent years. Subsequently, the way in which palliative care systems should be arranged to facilitate the care process and patient preparation for their end stage of life is still an ongoing debate among policy makers and researchers. Although palliative care is provided in most facilities, there is no clear protocol for palliative care due to a lack of empirical evidence. Thus, this study attempts to analyse the situation and quality of palliative care provision in Thai public hospitals.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018. A questionnaire with measures concerning hospital characteristics, the structure of palliative care provision, and processes related to achieving a good death was developed. The questionnaire was sent to all 862 public hospitals across 76 provinces, and the response rate was 62.88%. A structural equation model was specified to operationalize Donabedian’s framework. To our knowledge, this is the first nationwide study to investigate facility-level palliative care provision in Thailand.

Results

The study results confirmed the relationships between the structure and process of palliative care provision in hospitals. The sufficiency and competency of doctors and nurses and the variety of relaxation equipment were either directly or indirectly associated with the process components relevant to the response to the patient’s needs, effective communication, and respect for the patient’s dignity. In addition, the performance of palliative care research in hospitals was associated with the response to the patient’s needs and effective communication, while the allocation of physical areas was associated with effective communication.

Conclusion

This model can be used to evaluate the overall situation of palliative care provision at the national level. It could also contribute to the development of standard measurements for evidence-based palliative care quality improvement in hospitals.
The relationship between urban and rural health insurance and the self-rated health of migrant workers in Southwest China
Authors: Fu Dingying , Liu Li , Zhang Xuewen , Yu Chuan , Luo Huiqiang , Li Ningxiu
Published: June 2021

Background

Following health insurance reforms, China’s health care system has made great progress. However, there are still huge differences between the urban and rural health insurance systems. For rural-to-urban migrant workers, there may be differences in the use of urban and rural health insurance to improve their health status. This study aimed to determine whether any disparities exist in the relationship between urban and rural health insurance and the self-rated health (SRH) of migrant workers in Southwest China from the perspective of urban and rural segmentation.

Methods

Using cross-sectional survey data on Southwest China in 2016, a representative data sample drawn from 8507 migrant workers was analysed. An ordinary least squares (OLS) model and instrumental variable (IV) estimation were used to analyse the relationship between urban and rural health insurance and the SRH of migrant workers.

Results

Using the IV method to control the endogeneity problems associated with health insurance, this study found that there are differences in the relationship between urban and rural health insurance and the SRH of migrant workers. Urban health insurance is associated with significant improvements in the SRH of migrant workers. Compared with the NRCMS, participating in urban health insurance, including urban employee basic medical insurance (UEBMI) and urban resident basic medical insurance (URBMI), increases the likelihood of migrant workers having better SRH.

Conclusions

There are disparities in the relationship between urban and rural health insurance and the SRH of migrant workers in China. Compared to rural health insurance, urban health insurance has a more positive correlation with the health of migrant workers. Our study shows that it is necessary to integrate urban and rural health insurance to promote social equity.
Efficacy and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in relieving antibiotic-resistant bacterial diarrhea in children: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bi Chao-ran , Jing Wei , Xie Xiao-fei , Liu Yan-jing
Published: June 2021

Background

Bacterial infection is an important cause of diarrhea in children, potentially leading to malnutrition, growth and development disorders, and even death. Antibiotic abuse and resistance are widespread problems worldwide, especially in China. We therefore designed a study to evaluate the clinical efficacy and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in alleviating the effects of antibiotic resistance in childhood bacterial diarrhea and enhancing the sensitivity of pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial has completed ChiCTR registration. The trial will randomly divide 120 children who meet the inclusion criteria into three groups: experimental group 1 (basic treatment + Gegen Qinlian decoction granules + Erbai drink placebo), experimental group 2 (basic treatment + Erbai drink granules + Gegen Qinlian decoction placebo), and control group (basic treatment + Gegen Qinlian decoction placebo + Erbai drink placebo). The main efficacy indicators will be antibiotic use rate and clinical cure rate, and the secondary efficacy indicators will be time to antibiotic intervention, effective rate, and course of treatment determined after 5 days. The following physical and chemical indicators will be measured: routine blood parameters, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, electrocardiogram, liver and kidney function, electrolytes, routine urinalysis, routine stool analysis, and stool culture (including drug sensitivity).

Discussion

The results of this study may provide an objective clinical basis for the use of traditional Chinese medicine in managing antibiotic-resistant bacterial diarrhea in children, formulating relevant guidelines, and demonstrating the use of traditional Chinese medicine for reducing the use of antibiotics.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900027915. Last refreshed on December 4, 2019.
Pathological tau drives ectopic nuclear speckle scaffold protein SRRM2 accumulation in neuron cytoplasm in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: McMillan Pamela J. , Strovas Timothy J. , Baum Misa , Mitchell Brooke K. , Eck Randall J. , Hendricks Nzinga , Wheeler Jeanna M. , Latimer Caitlin S. , Keene C. Dirk , Kraemer Brian C.
Published: June 2021

Several conserved nuclear RNA binding proteins (sut-1, sut-2, and parn-2) control tau aggregation and toxicity in C. elegans, mice, and human cells. MSUT2 protein normally resides in nuclear speckles, membraneless organelles composed of phase-separated RNAs and RNA-binding proteins that mediate critical steps in mRNA processing including mRNA splicing. We used human pathological tissue and transgenic mice to identify Alzheimer’s disease-specific cellular changes related to nuclear speckles. We observed that nuclear speckle constituent scaffold protein SRRM2 is mislocalized and accumulates in cytoplasmic lesions in AD brain tissue. Furthermore, progression of tauopathy in transgenic mice is accompanied by increasing mislocalization of SRRM2 from the neuronal nucleus to the soma. In AD brain tissue, SRRM2 mislocalization associates with increased severity of pathological tau deposition. These findings suggest potential mechanisms by which pathological tau impacts nuclear speckle function in diverse organisms ranging from C. elegans to mice to humans. Future translational studies aimed at restoring nuclear speckle homeostasis may provide novel candidate therapeutic targets for pharmacological intervention.
Collaboration with people with lived experience of prison: reflections on researching cancer care in custodial settings
Authors: Visser Renske , Barber Alyce-Ellen , X Anthony , Wheatcroft Sue , Mullen Philip , Armes Jo
Published: June 2021

Background

Patient and public involvement is increasingly considered important in health research. This paper reflects, from both academic and lived experience perspectives, on involving people with lived experience in a study exploring cancer care in prison and how by doing this it enriched the research process.

Methods

This paper is based on written and verbal reflections of the lived experience researchers and academic researchers involved in a study exploring the diagnosis and treatment of people with cancer in prison. The study comprised interviews with people with cancer in prison, prison healthcare staff, oncology specialists and custodial staff. Lived experience researchers were involved throughout the research process, including co-conducting interviews with patients and analysing interviews.

Results

This paper highlights the importance and value of including lived experience researchers across the research process. We reflect on how lived experience of prison shapes the experience of conducting interviews and analysing data gathered in prison. We reflect on the working relationships between academic and lived experience researchers. We demonstrate how prison research is challenging, but collaboration between lived experience and academic researchers can help to better prepare for the field, to ask more meaningful questions and to create rapport with participants. These types of collaborations can be powerful avenues for skill development for both academic and lived experience researchers, but they require an investment of time and a willingness for shared learning.

Conclusions

For academics and lived experience researchers to collaborate successfully and meaningfully care needs to be taken to develop open, honest and equal working relationships. Skills development for academic and lived experience researchers is important. A commitment to building and maintaining relationships is crucial. Having a third party as a mediator can facilitate and foster these relationships. Particularly with people with lived experience of prison it is essential to put the ‘do no harm’ principle into practice and to have support in place to minimise this.
Diel and seasonal activity pattern of alien sika deer with sympatric mammalian species from Muljangori-oreum wetland of Hallasan National Park, South Korea
Authors: Banjade Maniram , Han Sang-Hyun , Jeong Young-Hun , Oh Hong-Shik
Published: June 2021

Background

Sika deer,Cervus nippon, were originally introduced to South Korea from Japan and Taiwan for commercial farming purposes. Unfortunately, they were released into the wild during religious events and have since begun to impact the native ecosystem and species endemic to South Korea. The study of activity patterns can improve our understanding of the environmental impact of non-native species and their association with sympatric species. Using camera traps, we studied the diel and seasonal activity patterns of non-native sika deer and quantified the temporal overlap with sympatric mammalian species in the Muljangori-oreum wetlands of Hallasan National Park, South Korea.

Results

A total of 970 trap events were recorded for five mammalian species from nine locations during the camera-trap survey. Siberian roe deer (Capreoluspygargus tianschanicus) had the highest number of recorded events (72.0%), followed by sika deer (Cervus nippon) (16.2%), wild boar (Sus scrofa) (5.0%), Asian badger (Meles leucurus) (4.5%), and the Jeju weasel (Mustela sibirica quelpartis) (2.0%). Sika deer had bimodal activity patterns throughout the year, with peaks throughout the spring-autumn twilight, and day and night time throughout the winter. Relating the daily activity of sika deer with other mammalian species, roe deer expressed the highest degree of overlap (∆4= 0.80) while the Asian badger demonstrated the lowest overlap (∆4= 0.37).

Conclusions

Our data show that sika deer are a crepuscular species with seasonal variations in daily activity patterns. Additionally, we identified the temporal differences in activity peaks between different mammals in the Muljangori-oreum wetlands and found higher degree of overlap between sika deer and roe deer during twilight hours.
Screening of some weed extracts for ovicidal and larvicidal activities against dengue vector Aedes aegypti
Authors: Torawane Sarika , Andhale Ramnath , Pandit Radhakrishna , Mokat Digambar , Phuge Samadhan
Published: June 2021

Background

The use of plant-based formulations is an easy and economical method to control insect pests. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate ovicidal and larvicidal potential of ethanolic leaf extracts of four plants,Cyathocline purpurea,Blumea lacera,Neanotis lancifolia, andNeanotis montholonii, and their effects on gut histology ofAedes aegypti(Diptera: Culicidae) larvae. We identified the phytochemicals present in the ethanolic extracts of these plants by LC-MS analysis. The eggs and larvae ofA. aegyptiwere exposed to four concentrations (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg/mL) of crude ethanol extracts for different time durations. We observed egg hatching for 48 h, mortality, and gut histology of the 3rd instar larvae after 24, 48, and 72 h of treatments.

Results

LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of various active compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and flavonoids in the ethanol extracts of all these plants. The extracts of all plants showed ovicidal activity. The extracts ofC. purpureashowed the highest larvicidal activity (LC50at 72 h = 0.088 mg/mL) followed byB. lacera(LC50at 72 h = 0.758 mg/mL) whileN. lancifoliaandN. montholoniiextracts did not show significant larvicidal activity. All plant extracts affected gut morphology in concentration and treatment duration-dependent manner. The plant extracts used in the present study have ovicidal properties and affected the gut histology ofA. aegyptilarvae.

Conclusion

These results suggest thatC. purpureahas the highest larvicidal activity againstA. aegyptilarvae and can be further evaluated for application purposes.
Strategic deviations in optimal monetary policy
Authors: Canetg Fabio
Published: June 2021

This paper investigates the circumstances under which a central bank is more or less likely to deviate from the optimal monetary policy rule. The research question is addressed in a simple New Keynesian dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model in which monetary policy deviations occur endogenously. The model solution suggests that higher future central bank credibility attenuates the current period policy trade-off between a stable inflation rate and a stable output gap. Together with the loss of credibility after a policy deviation, this provides the central bank with an incentive to implement past policy commitments. The result is valid even if the central bank may recover credibility with some probability after a policy deviation. My main finding is that the central bank is willing to implement past policy commitments if a sufficient fraction of agents is not aware of the exact end date of the policy commitment. The result challenges the time-inconsistency argument against monetary policy commitments and provides a potential explanation for the repeated implementation of monetary policy commitments in reality.
Effect of entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, on Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) populations in different onion cultivars
Authors: Ain Quratul , Mohsin Ata Ul , Naeem Muhammad , Shabbir Ghulam
Published: June 2021

Background

Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is the key pest of onions that causes economic yield losses in commercial onion production in Pakistan. In this study, potential of the entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, as a bio agent was evaluated to manage buildup of thrips population on onion crop.

Results

Efficacy tests for EPF were conducted against T. tabaci infesting 3 different onion varieties (Phulkara, Swat 1, and Virio 7). Commercial formulations of B. bassiana strain GHA and M. anisopilae strain ESC-1, were evaluated at 4 different concentrations (108, 109, 1010, and 1011 conidia/ml) under field conditions for 2 years. The efficacy was assessed 3, 5, 7, and 10 days after spray application of the whole onion plant. Efficacy expressed as T. tabaci (nymphs and adults) percent population reduction in comparison to controls. Maximum corrected percent population reduction was observed in onion plants treated with B. bassiana 1011 conidia/ml, i.e., 86.62, 84.59, and 86% in Phulkara, Swat 1, and Virio 7 onion varieties respectively, after 10 days of spray application. While onion plants treated with M. anisopliae 108 conidia/ml showed minimum corrected percent population reduction, i.e., 69.42, 68.45, and 69.11% in Phulkara, Swat 1, and Virio 7 onion varieties respectively, after 10 days of spray.

Conclusions

Beauveria bassiana could significantly reduce thrips population and could provide a better long-term management of T. tabaci on onion. B. bassiana had a high toxic effect against offspring production of the T. tabaci under field conditions than M. anisopliae.
A novel surgical rotation overlapping craniotomy technique for the management of non-syndromic anterior plagiocephaly
Authors: Rady Mohamed Reda , Elhassan Mamdouh Abo , Youssef Omar
Published: June 2021

Background

Nonsyndromic anterior plagiocephaly is one of the most common types of craniosynostosis. Different surgical techniques to correct this deformity have been developed with dissatisfaction among many surgeons. In this study, we describe a novel surgical technique to manage this pathology. The inclusion criteria were patients presenting with non-syndromic anterior plagiocephaly below 1 year of age presenting to the Pediatric Hospital in the period between 2016 and 2019. Surgical time, blood loss, and complications were recorded. The follow-up period was at least 1 year postoperative, and cosmetic outcome satisfactory categories were reported.

Results

Seven patients were included in this study. No intraoperative complications were reported, and no blood replacement was needed in any of the patients. The parents of six patients were completely satisfied (85.7%) with the outcome and partially satisfied in 1 patient (14.3%).

Conclusion

The results of the described rotational overlapping flap technique are promising and can be considered one of the minimally invasive techniques for the correction of this pathology.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension with multiple cranial nerve palsies in 10 years old thin Sudanese boy: case report
Authors: Dafallah Mumen Abdalazim , Habour Elsanosi , Ragab Esraa Ahmed , Shouk Zahraa Mamoun , Izzadden Mohammed
Published: June 2021

Background

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a rare neurological disorder of unknown etiology. It is characterized by symptoms and signs of raise intra cranial pressure, normal brain neuroimaging, and high opening pressure ≥ 280 cm H2O in the presence of normal cerebro spinal fluid constituents.

Case presentation

Ten years old thin boy presented with severe throbbing headache, vomiting, and visual obscurations for a duration of 10 days. Physical examination revealed body mass index of 14.8, VI and VII cranial nerve palsies. Fudoscopy showed grade 4 papilledema; brain CT and MRI were normal. Lumbar puncture revealed pressure of 300 cm H2O with normal CSF constituents. He was treated with acetazolamide, methylprednisolone, and paracetamol.

Conclusion

Pediatricians need to be more aware of idiopathic intracranial hypertension as it can lead to permanent vision loss.
“If there’s no dill, the taste isn’t right!” A comparison of food plant knowledge between Polish and German descendants in the context of an imagined culinary community in Brazil
Authors: Ludwinsky Rafaela H. , Cavalhieri Amanda E. , Kujawska Monika , Peroni Nivaldo , Hanazaki Natalia
Published: June 2021

Food is a cultural marker investigated by several fields of knowledge. The ecological approach to food plants used in human societies can give us insights into food biodiversity and its connection to cultural identity. In our work, we investigate plant knowledge as part of an imagined culinary community among Polish and German descendants in Santa Catarina, Brazil. We interviewed Polish and German descendants and used an ecological analytical approach to discuss patterns of known plants mediated by culture. One hundred years after immigration, we found that ethnic food-centered memories remain. Polish and German descendants share most resources cited, while the difference between plants’ use lies in the ethnic memories and food preparation. There is a tendency to acculturate ingredients and tastes by immigrants descendants, using native species to recreate dishes. This scenario, which joins native plants’ knowledge and ethnic memories, provides an excellent opportunity to maintain local biocultural diversity in urbanized environments.
Circulating value: convergences of datafication, financialization, and urbanization
Authors: Wagner Julia R.
Published: June 2021

Much scholarship has revealed the interrelationships of urbanization and financialization of cities in the past half century. However, these twin processes are modulating with the advent and application of digital platforms towards the production and experience of urban life. This paper demonstrates how the datafication process of platform urbanism and smart city projects is deeply intertwined with processes of financialization and urbanization. Though materially distinct, these processes converge over a shared purpose to instigate and accelerate the circulation of value in capitalist urban production. This paper examines the urban character of digital economic circulation and the increasingly financialized datafication of urban infrastructures. In foregrounding the circulation of value, datafication both conditions and is conditioned by financialization and urbanization.
A look behind the scenes: COVID-19 impact on depression and perceived stress of UAE population
Authors: Kharaba Zelal , Al-Azzam Sayer , Alhusban Ahmed , Nuseir Khawla
Published: June 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic is taking many lives every day. It affects literally all aspects of life and changes humanity communication tools, mobility, lifestyle, and feasibly their level of perceived stress and depression. The present study aims to investigate the psychological health status in terms of perceived stress and depression among the UAE population in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study in the UAE during the lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Validated assessment tools (PHQ-9 and PSS) were used to assess depression and perceived stress, respectively. Data were analyzed using categorical data and mean± SD for scores of perceived stress, and depression scales were calculated. The SPSS statistical software (version 24.0) was used for data analysis purposes.

Results

Our findings revealed that the pandemic has significantly influenced the daily routine and psychological health. Depressive symptoms were prevalent in 47.8% of the participants. A concerned percent of participants around 84% were anxious. Age, gender, school attendance, and the impact of the pandemic on work performance were the major factors of developing depression and perceived stress symptoms.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has a considerable negative psychological impact on the public in the UAE. The importance of the current study also came from the fact that only very few or no study has holistically evaluated the psychological state of the public during the lockdown in the UAE. The figures that reflect the depression and the perceived stress level among the public during the lockdown also struck our attention. Almost half of the participants in this study suffered from depression. Also, approximately 85% of the same were anxious during the lockdown. These figures should not be overlooked when further psychological assessment studies are conducted.
Endovascular management of middle cerebral artery aneurysms (single-center case series study)
Authors: Elian Mostafa Mohamed Mostafa , Issa Ahmed Sayed Ibrahim , Ibrahim Mohamed Ahmed , Khalil Osama Abd El Wadood , Youssef Farouk Hassan
Published: June 2021

Background

Middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms were usually subjected to treatment by surgery, while endovascular treatment (EVT) was performed only in chosen patients. We assessed the efficacy, safety, and durability in addition to the clinical outcome of EVT when it is regarded as the first-line treatment modality for MCA aneurysms.

Results

We recruited 30 patients with MCA aneurysms who underwent definitive management from July 2017 to July 2018. All those patients were treated endovascularly; 22 patients (73.3%) presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage, and 8 patients (26.7%) had different presentations, including isolated headaches and seizures. EVT was performed for all patients and required the use of a balloon, stent, or double catheter techniques in 13 cases and flow diverter stents alone in two cases. Clinical outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 months. Angiographic follow-up was done by a conventional angiography at 6 months and after 1 year. EVT was efficiently conducted, leading to an outstanding accomplishment (mRS = 1–2) in 29 patients. However, one patient had a thromboembolic complication, followed by death after severe chest infection that was not related to the procedure. Immediate anatomical results included complete aneurysmal occlusion with the establishment of normal cerebral circulation. Angiographic follow-up revealed 24 unchanged occlusions and 5 cases with recanalization that required further treatment.

Conclusion

EVT of MCA aneurysms is a viable treatment option with positive outcomes in most cases. Nevertheless, the employment of long-term imaging follow-up is compulsory for validating such early results, often with respect to anatomical and functional stability.
An impact of nanocrystals on dissolution rate of Lercanidipine: Supersaturation and crystallization by addition of solvent to antisolvent
Authors: Gadhiya Dolly Tulsibhai , Patel Jayvadan K. , Bagada Arti Arjanbhai
Published: June 2021

Background

Nanocrystals of any drug are pure solid drug particles with a mean diameter in nanometer range. Dissolution is a crucial factor for absorption of medicine in case of water-insoluble or poorly soluble drugs. The aim of this study was to develop nanocrystals of a hydrophobic drug, Lercanidipine, by addition of solvent to an antisolvent with high-speed homogenization to achieve dissolution and solubility enhancement. Addition of organic solvent to antisolvent results in genesis of nanosized particles due to fast nucleation process and rapid mixing. The nanosuspension was formulated using PVP K30 as a stabilizer. Further, nanosuspensions were lyophilized to convert into solid nanocrystals using mannitol as a cryoprotectant. The developed nanosuspensions were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, saturation solubility, and in vitro dissolution studies. Lyophilized solid nanocrystals were characterized for FTIR, SEM, XRD, and zeta potential (ζ).

Results

Central composite design was executed to study influence of amount of stabilizer and solvent to antisolvent ratio (independent variables) on particle size and % drug release at 10 min (dependent variables). The particle size of the developed Lercanidipine nanosuspensions were observed in the range of 302.00 ± 10.58 to 484.33 ± 6.51 nm measured by Zetatrac. A considerable increase was found in the solubility and dissolution rate of the nanocrystals as compared to pure drug. The drug release from Lercanidipine nanosuspensions was increased up to 88.95% within 10 min as compared to pure Lercanidipine which was only 21.53%. The X-ray diffraction study of lyophilized nanocrystals showed sharp and distinct peaks due to an increse in crystallinity of Lercanidipine Particle morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy revealed that nanoprecipitated particles with lyophilization in the presence of mannitol exhibited dendrite needle-like crystals.

Conclusion

The nanocrystal development by antisolvent precipitation procedure using methanol as solvent, water as antisolvent, and low amounts of PVP K30 as stabilizer is a very promising and effective method to increase the dissolution rate of Lercanidipine.

Graphical abstract
The effect of combination of functional and nonfunctional acrylic polymers on transdermal patches of : in vitro permeation, in vivo evaluation using biochemical parameters, and stability studies
Authors: Lal Niharika , Verma Navneet
Published: June 2021

Background

A double-layer transdermal drug-in-adhesive patch of carvedilol was developed using functional and nonfunctional grades of acrylic adhesives, DURO-TAK® 387-2051, DURO-TAK® 387-2510, and DURO-TAK® 87-4098. The patch was designed to provide adequate permeation of the drug up to 2 days, with effective adhesion attributes. An optimized formulation was selected, the effect of the combination was studied and a 180° peel strength test was performed to evaluate adhesive properties. Further, the patch was assessed for in vivo studies on basis of biochemical parameters, skin irritation, and stability studies. The stability study was carried out on optimized fresh (S1) and 6 months old patches stored at room, and accelerated condition (40 ± 2 °C/75 ± 5% RH) using FTIR, DSC, and SEM techniques.

Result

It was studied that the steady-state flux (Jss) or permeation rate of the drug through excised rat skin has relied on the nature of acrylic and the combination of acrylic polymers. The TDDS containing –OH functional group DT 387-2510 with nonfunctional pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) DT 87-4098, with Span 80 as penetration enhancer exhibited maximum flux (19.12 ± 0.64 μg/cm2/h) and form homogeneous and stable blends, controlling permeation of drug at a desired steady rate for 48 h. The data obtained from in vivo studies using biochemical parameters suggested that there were no statistical differences observed in results for the control and treated group while analyzing observations for serum creatinine, glucose test, sodium test, albumin, and potassium (p > 0.05). Also, the optimized formulation showed no sign of localized reactions and was confirmed by a skin histological study indicating the formulation was safe and compatible with the skin. A significant shift of peaks was not observed in FTIR spectra and DSC thermograms of the patches after the stability period.

Conclusion

The investigation reveals that the drug-in-adhesive patch of carvedilol, by a combination of functional and nonfunctional PSAs, provides a good and effective option for controlled delivery of carvedilol. From our findings, it has been concluded that drug in the adhesive patch has been able to provide satisfactory adhesion, drug uniformity, drug permeation, marked positive biochemical results, and good stability.