bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of COVID-19 on Maternity Services in Selected Public Health Facilities from the Priority MNCH Counties in Kenya
Authors: M Matiang’i , D Okoro , P Ngunju , J Oyieke , B Munyalo , E Muraguri , R Maithya , R Mutisya
Published: August 2021

Background: Covid-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, affecting both developed and developing countries. Maternity services in low resource countries are adapting to provide antenatal and postnatal care midst a rapidly shifting health system environment due to the pandemic. Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of COVID-19 on maternity services in selected levels III and IV public health facilities within five MNCH priority counties in Kenya. Method: A two-stage sampling approach was used to select health facilities. The study employed cross-sectional and observational retrospective approaches. Data was collected from Maternity facilities managers and registers in a total of 28 levels III and IV facilities. Open Data Kit (ODK) formatted tools were used to collect data. Data was analysed using STATA Version 15. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square and fishers exact tests were used to analyse data. For all tests, a p-value <0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: A total of 31 midwifery managers were interviewed and a total of 801 maternity records (400 before COVID and 401 during COVID-19 pandemic) were reviewed from levels III (66%) and IV (34%) facilities. The managers indicated that Antenatal Care (ANC) visits had reduced (67.9%), referrals of mothers with complications got delayed (29%), mothers feared delivering in hospitals (64.5%). The managers reported that New-born care services were most affected by the pandemic (54.8%) followed by ANC services (45.2%). Facility records revealed a 19% higher ANC attendance before COVID than during the pandemic. Neonatal deaths increased significantly during Covid-19 period ((P=0.010) by 38%. Live births significantly increased during the pandemic (p <0.0001). Significant increases also observed in mothers who developed labour complications (p=0.0003) and number of mothers that underwent caesarean sections (p <0.001) during the pandemic period. Conclusion: The fear of the Covid-19 pandemic had a cross-cutting effect on utilisation of maternity services.
Gambaran Pengetahuan Ibu Tentang Tindakan Pra Hospitalisasi Pada Balita Dengan Diare Di Ruangan Anak Rsud Dr. M. Haulussy Ambon Tahun 2019
Authors: Kiriwenno Erlin , Dusra Epi , Mokoende Frichilia Reza
Published: August 2021

Diare didefinisikan sebagai bertambahnya defekasi (buang air besar) lebih dari biasanya/lebih dari tiga kali sehari, disertai dengan perubahan konsistensi tinja (menjadi cair) dengan atau tanpa darah (Roni, 2010). Menurut sumber dari WHO dan UNICEF tahun 2009 menyatakan bahwa penyakit diare di dunia masih menempati peringkat kedua penyebab kematian pada anak di bawah lima tahun salah satu faktor penyebabnya adalah Pengetahuan ibu yang minim tentang tindakan pra hospitalisasi pada balita mereka. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian Non Eksperimen bertujuan untuk mengetahui ada tidaknya hubungan antara pengetahuan ibu dengan tindakan pra hospitalisasi pada balita yang terserang diare di wilayah kerja RSUD dr. M. Haulusi Ambon sepanjang bulan September 2019. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian Deskriptif Analitik dengan metode Cross Sectional. Sampel penelitian ditentukan dengan menggunakan metode total sampling yang berjumlah 20 orang. Instrumen Penelitian menggunakan kuesioner. Pengolahan data dengan menggunakan SPSS 24, menggunakan uji Chi_Square dan tingkat kemaknaan 0,05. Hasil Penelitian ini terlihat angka probabilitas hubungan antar variabel pengetahuan dan variabel pra hospitalisasi adalah sebesar 0,25. Angka probabilitas 0,25 < 0,5 maka hubungan kedua variabel tersebut positif dan tidak signifikan. Dalam hal ini berarti sebenarnya ada terdapat hubungan antara pengetahuan ibu tentang pra hospitalisasi pada Balita dengan diare di ruang anal RSUD dr. M. Haulussy Ambon.

Kata kunci: pengetahuan ibu; tindakan pra hospitalisasi; penyakit diare
Gambaran Perilaku Pertolongan Pertama Ibu pada Balita dengan Gejala ISPA di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Perawatan Kairatu Tahun 2019
Authors: Martahan Rusnani , Rumaolat Wiwi , Rumaolat Wiwi , Rumbia Jumita , Rumbia Jumita
Published: August 2021

ISPA merupakan salah satu penyakit yang tergolong air borne disease (penularan penyakit melalui udara) yang terjadi tanpa adanya kontak dengan penderita maupun benda yang terkontaminasi. Adapun tujuan dari dalam penilitian ini adalah gambaran perilaku pertolongan pertama ibu pada balita dengan gejala ISPA di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Perawatan Kairatu. Desain penelitian yang digunakan dalam penilitian ini adalah deskriptif dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Puskesmas perawatan Kairatu pada 13 September-13 Oktober 2019. Sampel penelitian yang digunakan adalah 32 orang cara pengambilan sampel pada penelitian ini adalah accidiental sampling. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian gambaran perilaku pertolongan pertama ibu pada balita dengan gejala ISPA di wilayah kerja puskesmas geser kabupaten seram bagian timur tahun 2020, sebagian besar balita yang berkunjung ke puskesmas dengan gejala ISPA ringan sebanyak 14 responden (43,8%) dan sebagian besar perilaku pertolongan pertama ibu yaitu cukup sebanyak 15 responden (46,9%) dari total 32 responden

Kata kunci: ISPA; perilaku ibu; pertolongan pertama
Penyuluhan Penyakit Kusta dengan Tingkat Pengetahuan Keluarga Penderita Kusta di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Banggae II Kabupaten Majene
Authors: Nur Akbar , Amalaia Nur , Badau Muhammad Jufri , Selluk Aleks Tampang
Published: August 2021

Leprosy up to now is still one of the problems in public health faced by the Indonesian people, especially in Majene Regency. The emergence of new cases shows that the transmission process is still due to the delay in leprosy in treating them. This study aims to determine the relationship between health education to the level of knowledge, families of people affected by leprosy in the Work Area of Banggae II Health Center, Majene Regency. This quantitative research method used a quasi-experiment research design with a sample of 50 respondents. The results showed that there was a relationship between health counseling on the level of family knowledge of lepers with the SPSS test using a paired T-test with a sig value (P = 0.07) which means there was a relationship. It is recommended to health workers to further improve health supervision and promotion to family members of leprosy patients about leprosy, transmission, treatment, and drug side effects. It is expected that families pay more attention and give moral support to patients so that patients are more confident and diligent for treatment.

Keywords: health education; knowledge; family; leprosy

ABSTRAK

Penyakit kusta adalah penyakit menular menahun yang disebabkan oleh Mycrobacterium leprae yang menyerang saraf tepi, kulit dan jaringan tubuh lainnya. Penyakit kusta sampai dengan sekarang masih menjadi salah satu permasalahan dalam kesehatan masyarakat yang dihadapi oleh masyarakat Indonesia khususnya di Kabupaten Majene. Munculnya kasus baru menunjukkan masih terjadinya proses penularan diakibatkan dari keterlambatan penderita kusta dalam melakukan pengobatan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara penyuluhan kesehatan terhadap tingkat pengetahuan, keluarga penderita kusta di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Banggae II Kabupaten Majene. Metode penelitian ini kuantitatif dengan menggunakan rancangan penelitian quasi experiment dengan jumlah sampel 50 responden. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada hubungan antara penyuluhan kesehatan terhadap tingkat pengetahuan keluarga penderita kusta hasil uji SPSS menggunakan uji T berpasangan dengan nilai sig (P= 0,07) yang berarti terdapat hubungan. Disarankan kepada petugas kesehatan agar lebih meningkatkan pengawasan dan promosi kesehatan kepada anggota keluarga penderita kusta tentang penyakit kusta, penularan, pengobatan, dan efek samping obat. Diharapkan keluarga lebih memperhatikan dan memberi dukungan moral pada penderita agar penderita lebih percaya diri dan tekun untuk berobat.

Kata kunci: penyuluhan kesehatan; pengetahuan; keluarga; kusta
Pengaruh Pelatihan Toileting Terhadap Pengetahuan Ibu dalam Toilet Training Anak Toddler di Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini (PAUD) Arrahman dan Lare Angon Yogyakarta
Authors: Mendri Ni Ketut , Badi'ah Atik
Published: August 2021

One of the nurse's functions is to provide toilet training to children. This study aims to analyze the effect of toileting training on mother's knowledge in toilet training for toddlers at PAUD Arrahman and Lare Angon Yogyakarta. This type of research is experimental with pretest - posttest design with control group. The sample was selected using a random sampling technique that met the criteria, namely mothers who have toddlers in PAUD in the Gamping District, Sleman, Yogyakarta. The first observation was carried out to measure the mother's knowledge about toilet training for toddlers before being given training and the second observation was carried out to measure knowledge after being given training. The difference in knowledge between before and after the intervention was analyzed using the Wilcoxon test, while the difference in knowledge between the intervention group and the control group was analyzed using the Mann Whitney-U test. The results showed that there was a difference in the increase in mother's knowledge about toilet training for toddlers between the experimental group and the control group (p = 0.000). Furthermore, it was concluded that toileting training using pocket books was effective for increasing mother's knowledge in toilet training for toddlers at PAUD Arrahman and Lare Angon Yogyakarta.

Keywords: toileting; toilet training; toddlers; mother's knowledge

ABSTRAK

Salah satu fungsi perawat adalah memberikan pembelajaran toilet training kepada anak. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh pelatihan toileting terhadap pengetahuan ibu dalam toilet training anak toddler di PAUD Arrahman dan Lare Angon Yogyakarta. Jenis penelitian ini adalah eksperimental dengan rancangan pretest - posttest with control group. Sampel dipilih dengan teknik random sampling yang memenuhi kriteria yaitu ibu yang mempunyai anak toddler di PAUD di wilayah Kecamatan Gamping, Sleman, Yogyakarta. Observasi pertama dilakukan untuk mengukur pengetahuan ibu tentang toilet training anak toddler sebelum diberikan pelatihan dan observasi kedua dilakukan untuk mengukur pengetahuan sesudah diberikan pelatihan. Perbedaan pengetahuan antara sebelum dan sesudah intervensi dianalisis menggunakan Wilcoxon test, sedangkan perbedaan pengetahuan antara kelompok intervensi dan kelompok kontrol dianalisis menggunakan Mann Whitney-U test. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada perbedaan peningkatan pengetahuan ibu tentang toilet training anak toddler antara kelompok eksperimen dan kelompok kontrol (p = 0,000). Selanjutnya disimpulkan bahwa pelatihan toileting menggunakan buku saku efektif untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan ibu dalam toilet training anak toddler di PAUD Arrahman dan Lare Angon Yogyakarta.

Kata kunci: toileting; toilet training; anak toddler; pengetahuan ibu
Supporting Student Success and Persistence in STEM With Active Learning Approaches in Emerging Scholars Classrooms
Authors: Miller David , Deshler Jessica , McEldowney Tim , Stewart John , Fuller Edgar , Pascal Matt , Michaluk Lynnette
Published: August 2021

Over the last several decades, Emerging Scholars Programs (ESPs) have incorporated active learning strategies and challenging problems into collegiate mathematics, resulting in students, underrepresented minority (URM) students in particular, earning at least half of a letter grade higher than other students in Calculus. In 2009, West Virginia University (WVU) adapted ESP models for use in Calculus I in an effort to support the success and retention of URM STEM students by embedding group and inquiry-based learning into a designated section of Calculus I. Seats in the class were reserved for URM and first-generation students. We anticipated that supporting students in courses in the calculus sequence, including Calculus I, would support URM Calculus I students in building learning communities and serve as a mechanism to provide a strong foundation for long-term retention. In this study we analyze the success of students that have progressed through our ESP Calculus courses and compare them to their non-ESP counterparts. Results show that ESP URM students succeed in the Calculus sequence at substantially higher rates than URM students in non-ESP sections of Calculus courses in the sequence (81% of URM students pass ESP Calculus I while only 50% of URM students pass non-ESP Calculus I). In addition, ESP URM and ESP non-URM (first-generation but not URM) students succeed at similar levels in the ESP Calculus sequence of courses (81% of URM students and 82% of non-URM students pass ESP Calculus I). Finally, ESP URM students’ one-year retention rates are similar to those of ESP non-URM students and significantly higher than those of URM students in non-ESP sections of Calculus (92% of ESP URM Calculus I students were retained after one year, while only 83% of URM non-ESP Calculus I students were retained). These results suggest that ESP is ideally suited for retaining and graduating URM STEM majors, helping them overcome obstacles and barriers in STEM, and increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in Calculus.
HITS: Harnessing a Collaborative Training Network to Create Case Studies that Integrate High-Throughput, Complex Datasets into Curricula
Authors: Robertson Sabrina D. , Bixler Andrea , Eslinger Melissa R. , Gaudier-Diaz Monica M. , Kleinschmit Adam J. , Marsteller Pat , O’Toole Kate K. , Sankar Usha , Goller Carlos C.
Published: August 2021

As educators and researchers, we often enjoy enlivening classroom discussions by including examples of cutting-edge high-throughput (HT) technologies that propelled scientific discovery and created repositories of new information. We also call for the use of evidence-based teaching practices to engage students in ways that promote equity and learning. The complex datasets produced by HT approaches can open the doors to discovery of novel genes, drugs, and regulatory networks, so students need experience with the effective design, implementation, and analysis of HT research. Nevertheless, we miss opportunities to contextualize, define, and explain the potential and limitations of HT methods. One evidence-based approach is to engage students in realistic HT case studies. HT cases immerse students with messy data, asking them to critically consider data analysis, experimental design, ethical implications, and HT technologies.The NSF HITS (High-throughput Discovery Science and Inquiry-based Case Studies for Today’s Students) Research Coordination Network in Undergraduate Biology Education seeks to improve student quantitative skills and participation in HT discovery. Researchers and instructors in the network learn about case pedagogy, HT technologies, publicly available datasets, and computational tools. Leveraging this training and interdisciplinary teamwork, HITS participants then create and implement HT cases. Our initial case collection has been used in >15 different courses at a variety of institutions engaging >600 students in HT discovery. We share here our rationale for engaging students in HT science, our HT cases, and network model to encourage other life science educators to join us and further develop and integrate HT complex datasets into curricula.
Should Contralateral Nodules Be an Indication of Total or Completion Thyroidectomy for Patients With Unilateral Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma?
Authors: Ma Tengfei , Wang Haiyang , Liu Jifeng , Zou Jian , Liu Shixi
Published: August 2021

Objective

To determine whether papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients with benign or nonsuspicious nodules in the contralateral lobe have a higher rate of recurrence or worse survival after lobectomy compared to those without nodules in the contralateral lobe.

Methods

Adult patients who underwent lobectomy and were diagnosed with unilateral PTC (2013-2015), were identified from an institutional database. Patients who previously had cytologically benign nodules or nonsuspicious nodules in the contralateral lobe comprised the contralateral nodule (CN) group. Patients who did not have nodules in the contralateral lobe comprised the unilateral nodule (UN) group.

Results

370 patients were included: 242 in the UN group and 128 in the CN group. After a median follow-up of 62 months (range, 16–85 months), recurrence was confirmed in 4.1% patients in the UN group and 5.5% patients in the CN group (p = 0.559). Clinical contralateral lobe PTC was detected in 2.9% (7/242) of patients from the UN group and 3.9% (5/128) of patients from the CN group (p = 0.601). The 5-year contralateral lobe recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 96.8% in the UN group and 97.4% in the CN group (p = 0.396). The 5-year loco-regional RFS rates were 98.4% in the UN group and 97.8% in the CN group (p = 0.690). The 5-year disease-specific survival rates were both 100%.

Conclusion

PTC patients with benign or nonsuspicious CNs have similar recurrence and survival rates after lobectomy compared to those without CNs. CNs alone should not be an indication for total or completion thyroidectomy.
The Parametric Modeling and Two-Objective Optimal Design of a Downwind Blade
Authors: Xu Bofeng , Li Zhen , Zhu Zixuan , Cai Xin , Wang Tongguang , Zhao Zhenzhou
Published: August 2021

To cope with the future challenges to the blade that will be introduced by the development of extreme-scale wind turbines, this study focuses on the optimization design of the aerodynamic shape of a downwind bladeviathe inverse design method. Moreover, the genetic algorithm is used to optimize the chord, twist angle, and pre-bending parameters of the blade to maximize the energy production of the rotor and minimize the flapping bending moment of the blade root. By taking a 5-MW wind turbine as the optimization object, the two-objective optimization design of the downwind blade is carried out, and Pareto optimal solutions in line with the expectations are obtained. After analyzing four representatives of the Pareto optimal solutions, while a more ideal solution is found to sacrifice 9.41% of the energy production of the rotor, the flapping bending moment of the blade root is reduced by 42.92%, thereby achieving the lightweight optimization design of an extreme-scale wind turbine blade. Furthermore, based on the selected four sets of blades, the influence mechanisms of the chord, twist angle, and pre-bending on the optimization goal are analyzed, and it is found that the pre-bending parameter has the greatest influence on the two optimization goals.
AutoMoG 3D: Automated Data-Driven Model Generation of Multi-Energy Systems Using Hinging Hyperplanes
Authors: Kämper Andreas , Holtwerth Alexander , Leenders Ludger , Bardow André
Published: August 2021

The optimal operation of multi-energy systems requires optimization models that are accurate and computationally efficient. In practice, models are mostly generated manually. However, manual model generation is time-consuming, and model quality depends on the expertise of the modeler. Thus, reliable and automated model generation is highly desirable. Automated data-driven model generation seems promising due to the increasing availability of measurement data from cheap sensors and data storage. Here, we propose the method AutoMoG 3D (Automated Model Generation) to decrease the effort for data-driven generation of computationally efficient models while retaining high model quality. AutoMoG 3D automatically yields Mixed-Integer Linear Programming models of multi-energy systems enabling efficient operational optimization to global optimality using established solvers. For each component, AutoMoG 3D performs a piecewise-affine regression using hinging-hyperplane trees. Thereby, components can be modeled with an arbitrary number of independent variables. AutoMoG 3D iteratively increases the number of affine regions. Thereby, AutoMoG 3D balances the errors caused by each component in the overall model of the multi-energy system. AutoMoG 3D is applied to model a real-world pump system. Here, AutoMoG 3D drastically decreases the effort for data-driven model generation and provides an accurate and computationally efficient optimization model.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Carbon Sinks of an Italian Natural Park
Authors: Grossi Giampiero , Vitali Andrea , Bernabucci Umberto , Lacetera Nicola , Nardone Alessandro
Published: August 2021

Natural parks (NPs) have a primary role in supporting people’s welfare by maintaining natural and cultural resources. Various activities, such as those related to conservation of flora and fauna, forestry, agriculture and livestock, residential, and tourism, coexist within the boundaries of NPs. All these activities may contribute as a source or sink of carbon dioxide and, despite some NPs having started to promote their environmental services, there is currently a lack of information on their carbon footprint (CF). Although various international standards have provided guidelines to assess the CF of organizations, a lack of explicit formulation and procedure in these standards makes them difficult to apply, especially when the organizations to be evaluated embed a wide range of biological and anthropogenic activities. The framework proposed in this paper provides for the first time a holistic methodological approach to quantitatively and qualitatively estimate the annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals occurring in NPs. The main data needed for the NP’s GHG inventory were directly collected on-site. The activity data and emissions factors as well as the methodologies involved were all referenced to their data sources, including the use of a biogeochemical model, IPCC equations, Ecoinvent database, and a literature review. This method highlighted that, by emitting 0.55 Mg CO2e ha−1 year−1, the NP generates an annual CF of about 3,300 Mg of CO2e. The agricultural activities with 43.4% of share showed the largest incidence, followed by wild fauna (17.8%), tourism (15.1%), and, to a lesser extent, all the other sectors considered in the assessment. On the other hand, when the annual soil and forest C sequestration rates were included in the balance, the NP contributes to sequester about 3.7 Mg CO2e ha−1 year−1, thus resulting in it being an important C-sink site (i.e., about 22,000 Mg CO2e year−1). By providing granular information on GHG emissions and carbon removals trend, the methodological approach involved in this study could help NPs in both planning effective mitigation strategies and supporting environmental certification processes. CF of NPs could increase tourists’ awareness of the important role that these protected natural areas have in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
A Genomic Catalog of Stress Response Genes in Anaerobic Fungi for Applications in Bioproduction
Authors: Swift Candice L. , Malinov Nikola G. , Mondo Stephen J. , Salamov Asaf , Grigoriev Igor V. , O'Malley Michelle A.
Published: August 2021

Anaerobic fungi are a potential biotechnology platform to produce biomass-degrading enzymes. Unlike model fungi such as yeasts, stress responses that are relevant during bioprocessing have not yet been established for anaerobic fungi. In this work, we characterize both the heat shock and unfolded protein responses of four strains of anaerobic fungi (Anaeromyces robustus, Caecomyces churrovis, Neocallimastix californiae, and Piromyces finnis). The inositol-requiring 1 (Ire1) stress sensor, which typically initiates the fungal UPR, was conserved in all four genomes. However, these genomes also encode putative transmembrane kinases with catalytic domains that are similar to the metazoan stress-sensing enzyme PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), although whether they function in the UPR of anaerobic fungi remains unclear. Furthermore, we characterized the global transcriptional responses of Anaeromyces robustus and Neocallimastix californiae to a transient heat shock. Both fungi exhibited the hallmarks of ER stress, including upregulation of genes with functions in protein folding, ER-associated degradation, and intracellular protein trafficking. Relative to other fungi, the genomes of Neocallimastigomycetes contained the greatest gene percentage of HSP20 and HSP70 chaperones, which may serve to stabilize their asparagine-rich genomes. Taken together, these results delineate the unique stress response of anaerobic fungi, which is an important step toward their development as a biotechnology platform to produce enzymes and valuable biomolecules.
Hearing Loss in Id1−/−; Id3+/− and Id1+/−; Id3−/− Mice Is Associated With a High Incidence of Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
Authors: Zheng Qingyin , Zheng Tihua , Zhang Aizhen , Yan Bin , Li Bo , Zhang Zhaoqiang , Zhang Yan
Published: August 2021

Inhibitors of differentiation/DNA binding (Id) proteins are crucial for inner ear development, but whether Id mutations affect middle ear function remains unknown. In this study, we obtained Id1−/−; Id3+/− mice and Id1+/−; Id3−/− mice and carefully examined their middle ear morphology and auditory function. Our study revealed a high incidence (>50%) of middle ear infection in the compound mutant mice. These mutant mice demonstrated hearing impairment starting around 30 days of age, as the mutant mice presented elevated auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds compared to those of the littermate controls. The distortion product of otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) was also used to evaluate the conductive function of the middle ear, and we found much lower DPOAE amplitudes in the mutant mice, suggesting sound transduction in the mutant middle ear is compromised. This is the first study of the middle ears of Id compound mutant mice, and high incidence of middle ear infection determined by otoscopy and histological analysis of middle ear suggests that Id1/Id3 compound mutant mice are a novel model for human otitis media (OM).
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha Mediates the Beneficial Effects of Atorvastatin in Experimental Colitis
Authors: Basso Paulo José , Sales-Campos Helioswilton , Nardini Viviani , Duarte-Silva Murillo , Alves Vanessa Beatriz Freitas , Bonfá Giuliano , Rodrigues Cassiano Costa , Ghirotto Bruno , Chica Javier Emílio Lazo , Nomizo Auro , Cardoso Cristina Ribeiro de Barros
Published: August 2021

The current therapeutic options for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) are limited. Even using common anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive or biological therapies, many patients become unresponsive to the treatments, immunosuppressed or unable to restrain secondary infections. Statins are cholesterol-lowering drugs with non-canonical anti-inflammatory properties, whose underlying mechanisms of action still remain poorly understood. Here, we described that in vitro atorvastatin (ATO) treatment was not toxic to splenocytes, constrained cell proliferation and modulated IL-6 and IL-10 production in a dose-dependent manner. Mice exposed to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for colitis induction and treated with ATO shifted their immune response from Th17 towards Th2, improved the clinical and histological aspects of intestinal inflammation and reduced the number of circulating leukocytes. Both experimental and in silico analyses revealed that PPAR-α expression is reduced in experimental colitis, which was reversed by ATO treatment. While IBD patients also downregulate PPAR-α expression, the responsiveness to biological therapy relied on the restoration of PPAR-α levels. Indeed, the in vitro and in vivo effects induced by ATO treatment were abrogated in Ppara-/- mice or leukocytes. In conclusion, the beneficial effects of ATO in colitis are dependent on PPAR-α, which could also be a potential predictive biomarker of therapy responsiveness in IBD.
P-Selectin Glycoprotein Ligand 1: A Potential HIV-1 Therapeutic Target
Authors: Zaongo Silvere D. , Liu Yanqiu , Harypursat Vijay , Song Fangzhou , Xia Huan , Ma Ping , Chen Yaokai
Published: August 2021

Antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is a life-long therapeutic option, remains the only currently effective clinical method to treat HIV-1 infection. However, ART may be toxic to vital organs including the liver, brain, heart, and kidneys, and may result in systemic complications. In this context, to consider HIV-1 restriction factors from the innate immune system to explore novel HIV therapeutics is likely to be a promising investigative strategy. In light of this, P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1) has recently become the object of close scrutiny as a recognized cell adhesion molecule, and has become a major focus of academic study, as researchers believe that PSGL-1 may represent a novel area of interest in the research inquiry into the field of immune checkpoint inhibition. In this article, we review PSGL-1’s structure and functions during infection and/or inflammation. We also outline a comprehensive review of its role and potential therapeutic utility during HIV-1 infection as published in contemporary academic literature.
The Immunological Factors Predisposing to Severe Covid-19 Are Already Present in Healthy Elderly and Men
Authors: Kilic Gizem , Bulut Ozlem , Jaeger Martin , ter Horst Rob , Koeken Valerie A. C. M. , Moorlag Simone J. C. F. M. , Mourits Vera P. , de Bree Charlotte , Domínguez-Andrés Jorge , Joosten Leo A. B. , Netea Mihai G.
Published: August 2021

Male sex and old age are risk factors for COVID-19 severity, but the underlying causes are unknown. A possible explanation for this might be the differences in immunological profiles in males and the elderly before the infection. With this in mind, we analyzed the abundance of circulating proteins and immune populations associated with severe COVID-19 in 2 healthy cohorts. Besides, given the seasonal profile of COVID-19, the seasonal response against SARS-CoV-2 could also be different in the elderly and males. Therefore, PBMCs of female, male, young, and old subjects in different seasons of the year were stimulated with heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 to investigate the season-dependent anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune response. We found that several T cell subsets, which are known to be depleted in severe COVID-19 patients, were intrinsically less abundant in men and older individuals. Plasma proteins increasing with disease severity, including HGF, IL-8, and MCP-1, were more abundant in the elderly and males. Upon in vitro SARS-CoV-2 stimulation, the elderly produced significantly more IL-1RA and had a dysregulated IFNγ response with lower production in the fall compared with young individuals. Our results suggest that the immune characteristics of severe COVID-19, described by a differential abundance of immune cells and circulating inflammatory proteins, are intrinsically present in healthy men and the elderly. This might explain the susceptibility of men and the elderly to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Case Report: Gold Miner’s Lung: A Case of Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonia in Amazonian Forest
Authors: Aissaoui Houari , Chaptal Milene , Thomas Vincent , Louvel Dominique , Adenis Antoine , Drak Alsibai Kinan
Published: August 2021

The hostile conditions at informal and illegal mining sites in the Amazonian forest erode the miner’s health, exposing workers to a broad range of diseases because most of the gold is extracted using mercury (Hg). The Hg vapor used daily at gold panning sites presents an environmental threat to the ecosystems and human health. We report the case of a 58-year-old man who has worked in gold panning for over 30 years, presented with diffuse interstitial pneumonia characterized by bilateral images of ground glass and mosaic opacities on the chest CT scan. Based on the negative differential diagnosis (cardiovascular, infectious, autoimmune or cancer), the context of chronic exposure to Hg in a patient who has been working for decades on illegal gold panning sites, we concluded to a chronic form of heavy metal hypersensitivity pneumonia. This hypothesis was supported by high levels of mercury in blood and urine. Mercury hypersensitivity pneumonia might be more frequent than presently thought with thousands of workers chronically exposed to high mercury concentrations among others pollutants. Medical practitioners should systematically seek for chronic respiratory illnesses associated with pollutants exposure in these vulnerable workers with poor health.
Nonlinear Buckling of Fixed Functionally Graded Material Arches Under a Locally Uniformly Distributed Radial Load
Authors: Lu Hanwen , Zhou Jinman , Yang Zhicheng , Liu Airong , Zhu Jian
Published: August 2021

Functionally graded material (FGM) arches may be subjected to a locally radial load and have different material distributions leading to different nonlinear in-plane buckling behavior. Little studies is presented about effects of the type of material distributions on the nonlinear in-plane buckling of FGM arches under a locally radial load in the literature insofar. This paper focuses on investigating the nonlinear in-plane buckling behavior of fixed FGM arches under a locally uniformly distributed radial load and incorporating effects of the type of material distributions. New theoretical solutions for the limit point buckling load and bifurcation buckling loads and nonlinear equilibrium path of the fixed FGM arches under a locally uniformly distributed radial load that are subjected to three different types of material distributions are derived. The comparisons between theoretical and ANSYS results indicate that the theoretical solutions are accurate. In addition, the critical modified geometric slendernesses of FGM arches related to the switches of buckling modes are also derived. It is found that the type of material distributions of the fixed FGM arches affects the limit point buckling loads and bifurcation buckling loads as well as the nonlinear equilibrium path significantly. It is also found that the limit point buckling load and bifurcation buckling load increase with an increase of the modified geometric slenderness, the localized parameter and the proportional coefficient of homogeneous ceramic layer as well as a decrease of the power-law index p of material distributions of the FGM arches.
Sterility Assurance Across-Sectors—New Paradigms and Tools
Authors: Lambert Byron J. , Hansen Joyce M. , Bryans Trabue D. , Lam Stan
Published: August 2021

The sterility assurance community is facing significant challenges. A relatively recent challenge is the pressure on manufacturing supply chains resulting from the limited availability of capacity for terminal sterilization of healthcare products. The current challenge is finding solutions for innovative new products, especially biologics and combination products, that offer great promise for patients around the world. This challenge will become more prevalent in the future as products advance. This article frames new paradigms and tools being developed to address these challenges. Foundational principles and current realities from each sector are reviewed so that sterility assurance professionals have a solid base from which to build strategies.
Utilizing Probiotics for the Prevention and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases
Authors: Milner Erin , Stevens Benjamin , An Martino , Lam Victoria , Ainsworth Michael , Dihle Preston , Stearns Jocelyn , Dombrowski Andrew , Rego Daniel , Segars Katharine
Published: August 2021

Probiotics are heavily advertised to promote a healthy gastrointestinal tract and boost the immune system. This review article summarizes the history and diversity of probiotics, outlines conventional in vitro assays and in vivo models, assesses the pharmacologic effects of probiotic and pharmaceutical co-administration, and the broad impact of clinical probiotic utilization for gastrointestinal disease indications.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated From Retail Raw Milk in Northern Xinjiang, China
Authors: Kou Xiaomeng , Cai Huixue , Huang Shudi , Ni Yongqing , Luo Baolong , Qian Hao , Ji Hua , Wang Xingyi
Published: August 2021

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main pathogens causing mastitis in dairy animals worldwide. It is an important opportunistic pathogen of raw milk, and the enterotoxin causes significant food poisoning. Monitoring the antibiotic resistance of S. aureus in raw milk is helpful for a risk assessment of S. aureus. In this study, 62 strains (43.1%) of S. aureus were isolated from 144 retail raw milk samples of different varieties from four regions in northern Xinjiang, China. Among them, the isolation rates at Shihezi, Hami, Altay, and Tacheng were 58.1% (54/93), 12.9% (4/31), 18.2% (2/11), and 22.2% (2/9), respectively. The isolation rate of positive strains in cow milk samples was the highest (61.7%, 37/60), followed by camel milk (35.9%, 23/64), and horse milk (10.0%, 2/20). The results of the classical virulence genes test showed that 12.9% (8/62) of the isolates carried at least one virulence gene. The main genotype was see (6.5%, 4/62), followed by sea+sec (3.2%, 2/62), sea (1.6%, 1/62), and sec (1.6%, 1/62). The analysis of 13 resistance genes and the susceptibility to 12 different antibiotics of 62 isolates showed that 80.6% (50/62) of the strains were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and 46.8% (29/62) were resistant to three or more antibiotics. The isolated strains had the highest resistance rate to penicillin (72.6%, 45/62), and 25.8% (16/62) of the isolates carried the blaZ resistance gene. In addition, 32 strains (51.6%, 32/62) of methicillin-resistant S. aureus were detected. All isolates had the ability to form biofilms. The pulsed-field gel electrophoresis results showed that the 47 isolates revealed 13 major pulsotypes (P1–P13) and 26 subtypes with 80% similarity, indicating the overall genetic diversity in the distribution area and sources of the samples. These findings indicate that S. aureus causes serious pollution of raw milk in northern Xinjiang, which has a negative effect on public health. Therefore, control measures and continuous monitoring should be undertaken to ensure the quality and safety of raw milk.
Establishment of Gut Microbiome During Early Life and Its Relationship With Growth in Endangered Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon)
Authors: Zhu Ying , Li Yudong , Yang Haiqiong , He Ke , Tang Keyi
Published: August 2021

Gut microbiota during early life could influence host fitness in vertebrates. Studies on how gut microbiota colonize the gut in birds using frequent sampling during early developmental stages and how shifts in microbiota diversity influence host growth are lacking. Here, we examine the microbiome profiles of 151 fecal samples from 14 young crested ibis (Nipponia nippon), an endangered bird species, collected longitudinally across 13 time points during the early stages of development and investigated their correlation with host growth. Gut diversity showed a non-linear change during development, which involved multiple colonization and extinction events, mainly associated with Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. Gut microbiota in young crested ibis became more similar with increasing age. In addition, gut microbiota exhibited a strong temporal structure and two specific developmental stages; the beginning of the latter stage coincided with the introduction of fresh loach, with a considerable increase in the relative abundance of Fusobacteria and several Firmicutes, which may be involved in lipid metabolism. Crested ibis chick growth rate was negatively correlated with gut microbiota diversity and negatively associated with the abundance of Halomonadaceae, Streptococci, Corynebacteriaceae, and Dietziaceae. Our findings highlight the importance of frequent sampling when studying microbiome development during early stages of development of vertebrates. The role of microbial diversity in host growth during the early stages of development of birds warrants further investigations.
New Enantiomers of a Nor-Bisabolane Derivative and Two New Phthalides Produced by the Marine-Derived Fungus Penicillium chrysogenum LD-201810
Authors: Ge Yan , Tang Wen-Li , Huang Qing-Rong , Wei Mao-Lian , Li You-Zhi , Jiang Lin-Lin , Li Cheng-Lin , Yu Xin , Zhu Hong-Wei , Chen Guo-Zhong , Zhang Jian-Long , Zhang Xing-Xiao
Published: August 2021

Marine-derived fungi are a treasure house for the discovery of structurally novel secondary metabolites with potential pharmaceutical value. In this study, a pair of new nor-bisabolane derivative enantiomers (±)−1 and two new phthalides (4 and 5), as well as four known metabolites, were isolated from the culture filtrate of the marine algal-derived endophytic fungus Penicillium chrysogenum LD-201810. Their structures were established by detailed interpretation of spectroscopic data (1D/2D NMR and ESI-MS). The optical resolution of compound (±)−1 by chiral HPLC successfully afforded individual enantiomers (+)−1 and (−)−1, and their absolute configurations were determined by TDDFT-ECD calculations. Compound (±)−1 represents the first example of bisabolane analogs with a methylsulfinyl substituent group, which is rare in natural products. All of the isolated compounds 1–7 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against A549, BT-549, HeLa, HepG2, MCF-7, and THP-1 cell lines, as well as for antifungal activity against four plant pathogenetic fungi (Alternaria solani, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, and Valsa mali). Compound 2, a bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoid, was shown to possess excellent activity for control of B. cinerea with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 13.6 μg/mL, whereas the remaining investigated compounds showed either weak or no cytotoxic/antifungal activity in this study.
Evolving Perspectives on Innate Immune Mechanisms of IPF
Authors: Ishikawa Genta , Liu Angela , Herzog Erica L.
Published: August 2021

While epithelial-fibroblast interactions are viewed as the primary drivers of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), evidence gleaned from animal modeling and human studies implicates innate immunity as well. To provide perspective on this topic, this review synthesizes the available data regarding the complex role of innate immunity in IPF. The role of substances present in the fibrotic microenvironment including pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) derived from invading or commensal microbes, and danger associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) derived from injured cells and tissues will be discussed along with the proposed contribution of innate immune populations such as macrophages, neutrophils, fibrocytes, myeloid suppressor cells, and innate lymphoid cells. Each component will be considered in the context of its relationship to environmental and genetic factors, disease outcomes, and potential therapies. We conclude with discussion of unanswered questions and opportunities for future study in this area.
Nerve Growth Factor Compromise in Down Syndrome
Authors: Do Carmo Sonia , Kannel Benjamin , Cuello A. Claudio
Published: August 2021

The basal forebrain cholinergic system relies on trophic support by nerve growth factor (NGF) to maintain its phenotype and function. In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) undergo progressive atrophy, suggesting a deficit in NGF trophic support. Within the central nervous system, NGF maturation and degradation are tightly regulated by an activity-dependent metabolic cascade. Here, we present a brief overview of the characteristics of Alzheimer’s pathology in Down syndrome (DS) with an emphasis on this NGF metabolic pathway’s disruption during the evolving Alzheimer’s pathology. Such NGF dysmetabolism is well-established in Alzheimer’s brains with advanced pathology and has been observed in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and non-demented individuals with elevated brain amyloid levels. As individuals with DS inexorably develop AD, we then review findings that support the existence of a similar NGF dysmetabolism in DS coinciding with atrophy of the basal forebrain cholinergic system. Lastly, we discuss the potential of NGF-related biomarkers as indicators of an evolving Alzheimer’s pathology in DS.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients Treated With Continuous Positive Airway Pressure: Data From the European Sleep Apnea Database
Authors: Bonsignore Maria R. , Pepin Jean L. , Cibella Fabio , Barbera Calogero D. , Marrone Oreste , Verbraecken Johan , Saaresranta Tarja , Basoglu Ozen K. , Trakada Georgia , Bouloukaki Izolde , McNicholas Walter T. , Bailly Sébastien , Pataka Athanasia , Kvamme John A. , Hein Holger , Mihaicuta Stefan , Grote Ludger , Fanfulla Francesco ,   ESADA Study Group
Published: August 2021

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that resolves under treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). In some patients, sleepiness persists despite CPAP treatment. We retrospectively analyzed data on subjective residual EDS, assessed as an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score (ESS) >10, in patients from the European Sleep Apnea Database (n = 4,853, mean age ± SD 54.8 ± 11.8 years, 26.1% females), at baseline and at the first visit (median follow-up: 5 months, interquartile range 3–13). An ESS > 10 occurred in 56% of patients at baseline and in 28.2% of patients at follow-up. Residual EDS was analyzed in 2,190 patients (age: 55.1 ± 12.0 years, 26.1% females) with sleep monitoring data (median follow-up: 3 months, interquartile range 1–15). Sleep studies during CPAP use were obtained in 58% of these patients; EDS was reported by 47.2% of patients at baseline and by 30.3% at follow-up. Residual OSA, defined as an apnea–hypopnea index >10/h, and insufficient CPAP adherence, defined as nightly use <4 h, occurred with similar frequency in patients with and without EDS at follow-up. Prevalence of residual EDS was highest (40%) in patients with a first follow-up visit at 0–3 months, then it was 13–19% in patients with a first follow-up visit after 4 months to 2 years. The change in ESS (n = 2,190) was weakly correlated with CPAP use (R2 = 0.023, p < 0.0001). Logistic regression showed that an ESS score >10 at the first follow-up visit was associated directly with ESS at baseline and inversely with duration of follow-up, and CPAP use (R2 of the model: 0.417). EDS showed heterogeneity in different European countries both at baseline and at the first follow-up visit, suggesting modulation by cultural and lifestyle factors. In conclusion, residual EDS in CPAP-treated OSA occurred in approximately one in four patients at follow-up; its prevalence was highest (40%) in the first 3 months of treatment and subsequently decreased. The finding of residual EDS in a significant percentage of optimally treated OSA patients suggests that wake-promoting agents may be useful, but their indication should be evaluated after at least 3 months of treatment.