bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficiency comparison between dry and humid cultures for clinical outcome of the in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer
Authors: Xu Weihai , Zhang Lin , Zhang Ling , Li Shishi , Shu Jing
Published: March 2021

Background: In this study, we compared the in vitro embryo development, embryo transfer outcome and the offspring outcome in the in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) between dry culture (DC) and humid culture (HC). Methods: Our study was divided into two parts. Firstly, we determined the fertilization rate, cleavage rate and high-quality embryo rate from 21 cycles in the DC group (N=262 oocytes) and HC group (N=263 oocytes). Secondly, we determined the embryo transfer outcome and the offspring outcome in DC group (N=184 cycles) and HC group (N=136 cycles). Results: Compared with the HC group, significant increase was observed in the high-quality embryo rate (66.1.2% vs. 55.3%, p=0.037) and implantation rate (49.8% vs. 40.6%, p=0.027) in the DC group. No statistical differences were observed in the pregnant outcome and birth defect of the offspring (p>0.05). Compared with HC, DC was associated with a higher high-quality embryo rate and a higher implantation rate after embryo transfer. Conclusions: No statistical differences were noticed in the offspring conditions between the two culture modes. Taken together, DC may serve as a promising method for IVF-ET.
Higher Titer Hepatitis B Core Antibody Predicts a Higher Risk of Liver Metastasis and Worse Survival in Patients With Colorectal Cancer 
Authors: Li Ziyao , Li Shaofei , Tao Hangbo , Zhan Yixiang , Ni Kemin , Gong Jianfeng , li guoxun
Published: March 2021

Purpose: This study aims to the find the association between HBV infection and postoperative survival and the risk of liver metastasis in colorectal cancer patients.Methods: Patients who underwent curative surgical resection for colorectal cancer (CRC) between January 2011 and December 2012 were included. Patients were grouped according to anti-HBc. Differences in overall survival (OS), time to progress (TTP) and hepatic metastasis-free survival (HMFS) between groups and significant predictors were analyzed.Results: 327 colorectal cancer patients are comprised of 202 anti-HBc negative cases and 125 anti-HBc positive cases, and anti-HBc positive cases are further divided into high-titer anti-HBc group (39) and low-titer anti-HBc group (86). High-titer anti-HBc group had significantly worse overall survival (5-Yr, 65.45% vs. 80.06%; P < .001), time to progress (5-Yr, 44.26% vs. 84.73%; P < .001) and hepatic metastasis-free survival (5-Yr, 82.44% vs. 94.58%; P = .029) than low-titer group. Multivariate model showed anti-HBc ≥ 8.8 S/CO was correlated with poor overall survival (HR, 3.510; 95% CI, 1.718-7.17; P < .001), time to progress (HR, 5.747; 95% CI, 2.789-11.842; P < .001) and hepatic metastasis-free survival (HR, 3.754; 95% CI, 1.054-13.369; P = .041) in the anti-HBc positive cases.Conclusion: Higher titer anti-HBc predicts a higher risk of liver metastasis and a worse survival in anti-HBc positive colorectal cancer patients.
A sustainability of a multi-component education program (ABC of Healthy Eating) after three months and nine months: the socioeconomic context in improving nutrition knowledge in Polish teenagers
Authors: Wadolowska Lidia , Kostecka Małgorzata , Kowalkowska Joanna , Jeruszka-Bielak Marta , Tomaszewska Marzena , Danielewicz Anna , Hamulka Jadwiga
Published: March 2021

Background: Nutrition knowledge, through its direct influence on dietary behaviours, can be considered as an important factor that indirectly influences human health. Dietary behaviours are formed in childhood, and many of them are relatively stable over time. It follows that changing dietary behaviours and developing nutrition knowledge should take place before undesirable dietary habits become established. The study aimed to evaluate the sustainability of a multi-component education (ABC-HEat) program related to healthy nutrition and lifestyle after three months and nine months and to assess the socioeconomic context in improving teenage nutrition knowledge.Methods: The study was designed as a clustered, controlled, education-based intervention. A sample was chosen and allocated into either an educated group (under intervention) or a control group (outside of intervention). The study covered 464 students 11-12-year-old (educated/control 319/145) from primary schools in locations covering the entire territory of Poland. In the educated group, data were collected three times: before education, after three months and after nine months to measure the short- and the long-term effect of education, respectively. In the control group, data were collected in parallel. Changes in nutrition knowledge score (NKS, points) by sex, residence, family affluence scale (FAS) were the main outcome measures. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate chance of no increase in the NKS with two reference categories: any increase or an increase by ≥ 4 points.Results: The increase in the NKS was significantly higher in the educated group than in the control group – three months after education on average by 1.4 to 2.7 points (all P < 0.001) in the total sample and all subgroups (girls, boys, rural residence, urban residence, low FAS, higher FAS), and nine months after education in rural residents by 2.2 points (P < 0.001) and in the total sample by 0.4 (P < 0.05). In the educated group, the chance of no increase in the NKS was higher in urban than rural residents after three months and nine months (adjusted odds ratios [OR] and 95% Confidence Intervals [95% CI]: 3.63, 1.80-7.31 and 2.99, 1.60-5.59, respectively, both P < 0.001) using the increase in the NKS by ≥ 4 points as a reference.Conclusions: The multi-component education program improved the nutrition knowledge of teenagers in the short-term regardless of socioeconomic variables, but in the long-term this effect was visible only in rural residents. It suggests that a special path of nutrition education addressed to urban teens may be required.
Flexible Ceramic Nanofibrous Aerogels with Hierarchically Entangled Graphene Networks Enable Full-Frequency Noise Absorption
Authors: Zong Dingding , Cao Leitao , Yin Xia , Si Yang , Zhang Shichao , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: March 2021

Traffic noise pollution has posed a huge burden to the global economy, ecological environment, and human health. However, most present traffic noise reduction materials suffer from a narrow absorbing band, high weights, and poor temperature resistance. Here, we demonstrate a facile strategy to create flexible ceramic nanofibrous aerogels (GCNAs) with hierarchically entangled graphene networks, which integrate unique hierarchical structures of opened cells, closed-cell walls, and entangled networks. Under the precondition of independent of chemical crosslinking, high enhancement in buckling and compression performances of GCNAs is achieved by forming hierarchically entangled structures in all three-dimensional space. Moreover, the flexible GCNAs show striking full-frequency noise absorption performances (noise reduction coefficient of 0.56 in 63~6300 Hz) and lightweight features (9.3 mg cm-3), together with robust temperature-invariant stability in –100~500 °C. This strategy paves the way for the design of novel fibrous materials for highly efficient full-frequency noise absorption.
Spatial Distribution of Plankton in Response to Ecological Dynamics in Tropical Shallow Lakes: Insight from Lake Malombe, Malawi
Authors: MAKWINJA RODGERS , Mengistou Seyoum , Kaunda Emmanuel , Alemiew Tena
Published: March 2021

This study assessed plankton density and biomass in an attempt to better understand their spatial and seasonal variation in Lake Malombe. Samples were collected for analysis during the hot dry season (HDS) and cool dry windy season (CDWS). The zooplankton identified were T. cunningtoni (TC), M. aEq. Aequatorialis (MAA), T. neglectus (TN), Bosmina longirostris (BL), Diaphanosoma spp (DS), Nauplii, and Rotifer. These zooplankton groups belong to copepods, Cyclopidae, Cladocera, Ctenopod, and Rotifers. The phytoplankton biomass exhibited a strong seasonal variation with the highest value observed in HDS and lowest in CDWS. Zooplankton such as T. cunningtoni, M. aEq. Aequatorialis, T. neglectus, Bosmina longirostris, Diaphanosoma spp, Nauplii, and Rotifer were dominant during the HDS. The WT, pH, and DO, Chlo-a positively correlated with all zooplankton groups. The Na+ and K+ positively correlated with TC, MAA, DS, Nauplii, and Rotifers. The Cl− positively correlated with DS, Rotifers while, CO32− positively correlated with TC. HCO3− correlated with DS and Rotifers positively while TDS correlated with BL, Nauplii, and Rotifers negatively. Nitrite affected all zooplankton groups negatively while SRP had a positive effect on all zooplankton density. The study revealed that physical-chemical variables, some major ions, and Chlo-a are the most important factors influencing the spatial and seasonal variation of zooplankton density in the lake. These findings demonstrate the interaction between physical-chemical variables, phytoplankton, and zooplankton and highlight the significance of ecological understanding of the complex dynamics of food web system in tropical shallow lakes - under the changing climate.
Ethnoveterinary medicine practices of Guji Semi-Pastoralist People, Suro Barguda District, West Guji Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Ashagre Mersha Eshete , Molla Ermias Lulekal
Published: March 2021

Background: This research aimed to identify and document ethnoveterinary medicinal plants and their associated indigenous knowledge, their preparation, application methods used by traditional healers, and status of their conservation with Guji Semi-Pastoralist People of Suro Barguda District, West Guji Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.Methods: Ethnoveterinary medicinal plants data were collected by interviewing 196 informants (145 males and 51 females). Guided field walks and discussions (group and individual discussion) were used in collecting the data. Quantitative approaches were used to determine the informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), and use value (UV). Ethnoveterinary medicinal knowledge apprehended by different informant categories was compared using t-tests with R- software. Results: Forty-six ethnoveterinary medicinal plant species representing 43 genera and 29 families were identified in the district (Appendix 1). About 26.1% of the families (twelve families) were represented by more than one species. The highest number of species was recorded for Asteraceae (5 species, 10.9%), followed by Euphorbiaceae (4 species, 8.7%) and most ethnoveterinary medicines were prepared from herbs and shrubs than other growth forms. Chopping/pounding the remedial parts and homogenizing them with cold water was found to be the major mode of remedy preparation. All the documented ethnoveterinary plant species were harvested from the wild and observed as exposed for depletion. About 4.4% (two species) of the ethnoveterinary medicinal plants of Suro Barguda District were endemic to Ethiopia.Conclusion: This study indicated that the study area encompasses different species of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants which should be given conservation priority and the local community depends largely on these plants for the treatment of different livestock ailments though the healers had a very high intention to keep their traditional knowledge secrete. The indigenous knowledge of pastoralists about plants (a traditional system of rangeland management) and livestock (breeding different species of livestock (grazers with browsers), as well as their environmental management system (traditional forest, soil, and water conservation system), should be incorporated in the planning and implementation of developmental interventions.
Design and synthesis of new pyrazolylbenzimidazoles as sphingosine 1-kinase inhibitors
Authors: Galal Shadia A. , Omar Mohamed , Khairat Sarah , Ragab Fatma , Roy Sonam , Naqvi Ahmad , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz , Diwani. Hoda El
Published: March 2021

Sphingosine-1 Kinase (SphK-1) is one of the important enzymes of phospholipids and it is inhibition is one of the therapeutic strategies for different diseases. SphK1 over expression is observed in different types of cancer that indicating its important role in tumor growth. In search of effective SphK-1 inhibitors, a new series of pyrazolylbenzimidazoles was synthesized and evaluated as sphingosine1-kinase (Sphk-1) inhibitors. In order to evaluate the binding affinities of all the synthesized compounds, all compounds were subjected to docking analysis and fluorescence quenching. The results indicated that there is a consistency between the docking and the fluorescence quenching results which revealed that compounds 47 and 48 exhibited significant decrease in the fluorescence intensity of SphK1 as well as they formed stable protein–ligand complexes. In addition, Enzyme inhibition assay was performed and showed effective inhibitory potential towards SphK-1. Moreover, IC50 values was calculated and displayed that compounds 47 and 48 were the most promising compounds. In addition, antiproliferation study for all the synthesized compounds was performed against NCI 60-cell line panel. The target compounds 47 and 48 demonstrated effective antitumor activity inhibitory potential to the SphK-1. Most of these compounds fit well into the ATP-binding site of SphK1 and form significant hydrogen-bonding interactions with catalytically relevant residues as predicted by molecular docking. In this article, insight has been given for the importance of pyrazolylbenzimidazoles as Sphk1 inhibitors and the perspectives that they hold for future research.
Myeloid cell-specific deletion of Capns1 prevents macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype and reduces interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Zhang Li , Zheng Dong , Yan Yue-mei , Yu Yong , Chen Rui-zhen , Li Zheng , Greer Peter A , Peng Tian-Qing , Wang Qiang
Published: March 2021

Background

Calpains are a family of calcium-dependent thiol proteases that participate in a wide variety of biological activities. In our recent study, calpain is increased in the sera of scleroderma or systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, the role of calpain in interstitial lung disease (ILD) has not been reported. ILD is a severe complication of SSc, which is the leading cause of death in SSc. The pathogenesis of SSc-related ILD remains incompletely understood. This study investigated the role of myeloid cell calpain in SSc-related ILD.
Methods

A novel line of mice with myeloid cell-specific deletion of Capns1 (Capns1-ko) was created. SSc-related ILD was induced in Capns1-ko mice and their wild-type littermates by injection 0.l mL of bleomycin (0.4 mg/mL) for 4 weeks. In a separate experiment, a pharmacological inhibitor of calpain PD150606 (Biomol, USA, 3 mg/kg/day, i.p.) daily for 30 days was given to mice after bleomycin injection on daily basis. At the end of the experiment, the animals were killed, skin and lung tissues were collected for the following analysis. Inflammation, fibrosis and calpain activity and cytokines were assessed by histological examinations and ELISA, and immunohistochemical analyses, western blot analysis and Flow cytometry analysis.
Results

Calpain activities increased in SSc-mouse lungs. Both deletion of Capns1 and administration of PD150606 attenuated dermal sclerosis as evidenced by a reduction of skin thickness and reduced interstitial fibrosis and inflammation in SSc mice. These effects of reduced calpain expression or activity were associated with prevention of macrophage polarization toward M1 phenotype and consequent reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-12 and IL-23 in lung tissues of Capns1-ko mice with SSc. Furthermore, inhibition of calpain correlated with an increase in the protein levels of PI3K and phosphorylated AKT1 in lung tissues of SSc mice.
Conclusions

This study for the first time demonstrates that the role of myeloid cell calpain may be promotion of macrophage M1 polarization and pro-inflammatory responses related PI3K/AKT1 signaling. Thus, myeloid cell calpain may be a potential therapeutic target for SSc-related ILD.
LRH-1 High Expression in the Ovarian Granulosa Cells of PCOS Patients
Authors: Yang Xiao , Wang Qiumin , Wang Ying , Song Tian , Zheng Yanjun , Wang Wenqi , Shi Yuhua
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered as one of the most common endocrine disorder with heterogeneity. There are also reports that liver receptor homolog 1 [LRH-1 or nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 2 (NR5A2)] plays an important role in the reproductive system. But up to now, there are no reports related to the link with PCOS and LRH-1. In this study, we aimed to detect the LRH-1 expression in the ovarian granulosa cell of PCOS patients and explore the potential relationship between LRH-1 and PCOS. Methods: 146 follicular fluid sample were collected in this study, including 72 from PCOS patients and 74 from control patients who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). The ovarian granulosa cells were extracted from the patient's follicular fluid by magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) method, and the real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to measure the expression of LRH-1 in ovarian granulosa cells. Then we analyzed the correlation between the expression level of LRH-1 and the clinical characteristics of patient by using Pearson Correlation analysis. Results: The expression of LRH-1 was significantly higher in PCOS patients ovarian granulosa cells than that in the control patients [vs(1.38±0.47)vs(1.03±0.32), t=5.327, p<0.0001], and it was positively correlated with antral follicles counting (AFC) (r=0.3607, p<0.0001)and the serum AMH(r=0.2662, p=0.0012)\LH(r=0.2518, p=0.0022)\T(r=0.2516, p=0.0022) in all patients. No statistical significance between LRH-1 and BMI, FSH, HOMA-IR, DHE-S, progesterone. Conclusions: Compared with the control group, we found that LRH-1 was highly expressed in the ovarian granulosa cells of PCOS patients. Our study has revealed the relationship between the LRH-1 expression and PCOS, which suggested that LRH-1 may play an important role in ovulation disorders. While this finding provided new ideas for the study of the pathogenesis, it also provided a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment for PCOS.
Microbial Profile of Dawadawa Vended in Tamale Central Market
Authors: Hallo Dorcas M , Duwiejuah Abudu Ballu , Naangmenyele Zita , Imoro Abubakari Z , Quarcoo Gernard , Bakobie Noel
Published: March 2021

Background: Dawadawa is a common spice used in most rural homes across West Africa to spike the protein source in meals. This study assessed the handling practices of vendors and the microbial load of dawadawa vended in the Tamale Central Market. Methods: A total of 15 samples were collected from 5 sections of the market using the random stratified sampling technique. Results: Out of the 15 samples collected, 8 samples (53.33%) had Salmonella spp, 1 sample (6.67%) had E. coli and all 15 samples (100%) had Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusions: Samples covered recorded no count of Salmonella spp and E. coli but high counts for Staphylococcus aureus. Factors accounting for the high prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus might be cross-contamination associated with improper handling practices as the human skin is known to be a reservoir of Staphylococcus aureus. Hence, the need for vendors to package dawadawa in neat disposal packs to reduce direct contact.
High Incidence and Mortality of Pneumocystis Jiroveci Infection in Anti-MDA5-Antibody Positive Dermatomyositis: Experience From a Single Center
Authors: Huang Linlin , Fu Qiong , Ye Yan , Lin Yanwei , Yan Qingran , Chen Sheng
Published: March 2021

Background

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) was associated with a significantly higher risk of opportunistic infections that including Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP), a potentially fatal opportunistic infection. However, no prior studies have evaluated the PJP infection in subtypes of IIM.
Objectives

To investigate the incidence rate and mortality rate of PJP infection in subgroups of Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) patients according to myopathy specific antibodies.
Methods

In the first part, 463 consecutive patients with IIM were prospectively followed up for a period of at least one year to analyze incidence of PJP. In the next part, we enrolled 30 consecutive PJP patients with any rheumatic disease were to identify the mortality rate and risk factors by Cox regression. Kaplan-Meier curve with log-rank test was used to access differences in survival.
Results

We found that the incidence rate of PJP in IIM patients is 3.0/100 person-year, while in MDA5+DM patients is 7.5/100 person-year and in MDA5−IIM patients is 0.7/100 person-year. (P < 0.05). PJP typically happened in the first two months for MDA5 + DM patients who have a significant decrease in the CD4+ T cell counts and Lymphocyte counts (P < 0.05). In PJP + patients, the mortality was lethally higher in MDA5+DM patients than those with other rheumatic diseases (83.3% VS. 38.9%, P < 0.05). Unlike patients with other rheumatic diseases, MDA5 + patients seemed not to benefit from prompt anti-PJP treatment. For patients with other rheumatic diseases, anti-PJP treatment within 6 days was confirmed to crucially increased the survival (P < 0.05).
Conclusion

PJP has alarming high incidence and mortality in MDA5+DM patients. Timely treatment for PJP does not improve the prognosis of this particular subtype. Therefore, the necessity of further study of PJP prophylaxis treatment in MDA5+DM patients is verified.
Performance Analysis of Different Slot Waveguide Structures for Evanescent Field Based Gas Sensor Applications
Authors: CHANDRA VEER , Ranjan Rakesh
Published: March 2021

Slot waveguide has emerged as a potential candidate for the design of evanescent field absorption based photonic gas sensors, optical quantum information applications, etc. In this paper, three different slot waveguide structures, i.e., conventional slot, partial-strip-loaded slot, and full-strip-loaded­­­ slot waveguides have been explored to analyze their sensing performance for the methane gas. As the methane gas has the peak absorption at around 3.31 µm, therefore, this has been considered as the operating wavelength for the analysis. In anticipation of improvement in evanescent field ratio in slot region and hence, the sensing capabilities of the gas sensor, the slot waveguide structures have been designed by depositing the germanium layer over the calcium fluoride in different manners. To realize the significant evanescent field and sensitivity along with relatively low propagation loss, the suitable dimension of the slot waveguide structures has been chosen very judiciously. Several waveguide parameters, such as evanescent field ratio, propagation loss, and sensitivity have been chosen for the analysis and comparison of slot waveguide structures, by varying the arm-width and thickness of germanium layer. Simulation results have demonstrated that the full-strip-loaded slot waveguide has the superior performance in terms of higher evanescent field and higher sensitivity, which is followed by the partial-strip-loaded slot waveguide, even for the fixed target value of propagation loss. Moreover, the current analysis may be extended for the design of suitable photodetector that can further enhance the performance of the gas sensor.
Individualized Prediction of Overall Survival for Metastatic Ewing sarcoma of Bone
Authors: chengwei wang
Published: March 2021

Background: Few models have been used to estimate the survival rate of patients metastatic Ewing sarcoma of bone are scarce. We aimed to develop nomograms for predicting 3-, 5-year survival for these patients.Methods: We extracted 686 cases of metastatic Ewing's sarcoma diagnosed between 1973 and 2016 from the Surveillance, Epidemiological and End Results (SEER) database. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis were used to determine independent prognostic factors. The nomograms are based on the results of multivariate Cox analysis. We also evaluate the performance of these prediction models through the analysis of time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve, concordance index, calibration curve and decision curve.Results: Age, surgery, tumor size, treatment method and chemotherapy were considered to be important predictors of overall survival of bone metastatic Ewing's sarcoma. Based on these factors, the nomogram models were established and verified internally. These models have good identification and calibration characteristics. A risk classification system based on nomogram has also been constructed to promote risk stratification of metastatic Ewing's sarcoma and to optimize clinical management.Conclusions: We developed the first nomograms and corresponding risk classification system to predict the survival of patients with bone metastatic Ewing's sarcoma. These easy-to-use tools can help oncologists and surgeons make accurate survival assessments.
A Cell-free Infection System to Study Translation, Replication and Phage-particle Production During Infection of E. coli by Bacteriophage Qβ
Authors: Rasmussen Pernille Skov , Knudsen Charlotte Rohde
Published: March 2021

Background Viruses infect all kingdoms of life, and new species are continuously being discovered. The single-stranded (+)-RNA viruses comprise the largest group of viruses, which includes pathogens such as Dengue virus, Corona virus and West Nile virus. Also, the simple bacteriophage Qβ belongs to this group of viruses. Studies of the mechanism of Qβ infection can increase our general understanding of the single-stranded (+)-RNA viruses, which can be exploited in the pursuit to treat and prevent of diseases caused by pathogenic (+)-RNA viruses.MethodsIn this study, we have analysed the production of infectious Qβ phage particles in three different cell-free infection systems upon addition of the Qβ genome as a template. The cell-free infection systems were based on cell-free protein expression systems: two commercial systems and one custom-made system. We studied the course of infection by analysing the production of viral RNA, proteins and phage particles produced in the cell-free reactions. The replication of the viral RNA was determined by RT-PCR, while the translation of the viral proteins was examined by radiolabelling, and the production of infectious phage particles was evaluated by double-layered plaque assays. ResultsBacteriophage Qβ was found to replicate in two of the three tested cell-free infection systems. Specifically, the viral RNA was replicated, the viral proteins were translated, and infectious phage particles were produced in the cell-free infection systems. The pattern of translation regulation of the viral proteins appeared similar to in vivo infection. Infectious Qβ phage particles were produced at yields of 25.4 × 104 PFU/μL reaction and 2.5 × 103 PFU/μL reaction in the commercial and custom-made system, respectively. Importantly, intact Qβ phage particles were shown not to replicate in the cell-free infection systems under the tested conditions. ConclusionCell-free infection systems can support replication of viral RNA, translation of viral proteins and self-assembly of infectious Qβ phage particles. We provide opportunities for further optimisation of the phage particle yield. Cell-free infection systems can be used in the future to study newly discovered viruses, the development of antiviral and antibacterial drugs, and in biotechnology.
Cultural Significance of Medicinal Plants in Healing Human Ailmets Among Guji Semi-Pastoralist People, Suro Barguda District, Ethiopia
Authors: Ashagre Mersha Eshete , Molla Ermias Lulekal
Published: March 2021

Background: Ethnobotanical studies are useful in documenting, analyzing, and communicating knowledge and interaction between plant diversity and human societies. Indigenous knowledge has developed as a result of human interaction with their environment. Overstocking and farmland expansion has become the main causes of natural resource degradation. Studies on the ethnobotany of the woodland and dry Afromontane vegetation in Suro Barguda District are lacking. So, it was important to study the diversity of medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge to determine the level of their usage, depletion, or conservation.Methods: Ethnobotanical data of traditional medicinal plants were collected by interviewing 196 informants (145 males and 51 females). Guided field walks and discussions (both group and individual discussion) were used in collecting the data. Quantitative approaches were used to determine the informant consensus factor, fidelity level, and use-value. Ethnomedicinal knowledge apprehended by different informant categories was compared using t-tests with R- software.Results: A total of 98 medicinal plant species belonging to 87 genera and 48 families were reported to be used for treating human ailments. Family Fabaceae was represented by the highest number of species followed by Lamiaceae. Four of the medicinal plants were endemic to Ethiopia. Shrubs were more dominant than trees and herbs. Most of the remedy preparations were from freshly collected plant parts; the major way of herbal medicine preparation was through chopping or pounding the plant parts and homogenizing them with cold and clean water; the oral application was the most common route of administration.Conclusion: The study area was rich in having medicinal plants and corresponding indigenous knowledge diversity. Most of the medicinal plants were found to play a multipurpose role across different use categories and consequently, some are under serious pressure challenging their survival. Hence, recorded high use value indices of multipurpose plant species in the study area can be used as signals of high use pressure and can be used as keys to design and implement well-coordinated complementary in situ and ex situ conservation activity to save these widely used plant species.
Diffusion-weighted MRI for differential diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis-like lesions:A pilot study
Authors: Yan Qinqin , Lu Shuihua , Li Tao , Shen Jie , Liu Mengxiao , Grimm Robert , Shan Fei , Zhang Zhiyong , Shi Yuxin
Published: March 2021

Background

To investigate the value of 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diffusion-weighted and intro-voxel incoherent motion imaging (DWI-IVIM) in differential diagnosis of tuberculosis-like lesions.
Methods

78 patients with 99 lesions comprised of 36 tuberculosis (TB), 38 pulmonary malignancy (PM), 25 non-tuberculosis benign lesions (NTB) underwent 3T-MRI examination, including star-volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (Star-VIBE), fast-BLADE turbo spin echo (fBLADE TSE), DWI-IVIM (b = 0,30,50,80,100,200,400,600,800,1000 s/mm2). Signal ratio (SR) of lesions to rhomboid muscle, apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) and IVIM D, D* and f values were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were obtained via the receptor operative curve (ROC). Delong test was used for comparisons of ROCs.
Results

Compared to Mg, the T2SR of TB was statistically significantly lower, with AUC of 0.67[95%CI: 0.55–0.78]. ADCs and IVIM D of TB was evidently higher, with pooled sensitivity of 73.7–84.6%, pooled specificity of 80.2–86.1% and pooled accuracy of 81.1–83.8%. ADC(0,1000) combined with D improved AUC from 0.85 to 0.91. Comparisons of T1SR, D* and f had no differences. As for TB vs. NTB, ADCs had pooled sensitivity of 44.4–69.4%, pooled specificity of 80.0–96.0% and pooled accuracy of 63.9–75.4%. The sensitivity and specificity of D* were 77.8% and 60.0%. IVIM coupled with ADC further revealed no diagnostic improvement. T1SR, T2SR, IVIM D and f had no statistical differences.
Conclusion

T2SR, DWI and IVIM can distinguish tuberculosis-like lesions. The clinical use of pulmonary MRI is extremely suitable for the elderly and immunocompromised patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.
Self-healing and corrosion performance of polyurethane coating containing polyurethane microcapsules
Authors: Fathabadi Hanieh Fathi , Javidi Mehdi
Published: March 2021

In this study, the self-healing behavior of the polyurethane coating containing polyurethane microcapsules was investigated. Microcapsules, with the average size of 99 µm and shell thickness of 11 µm, were successfully synthesized via the interfacial polymerization technique and were incorporated into the polyurethane coating matrix. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope were employed to investigate the healing performance and corrosion behavior of the coatings on the carbon steel substrate. The recorded results revealed that artificial scratches were successfully healed and the coating containing 20 wt% microcapsules exhibited the best healing performance (85% healing efficiency) among all the prepared coatings. The self-healing ability of the coatings were verified via scanning electron microscope. After 24 hours, the healing efficiency attained a reasonable value of 68% during exposure to test solution. It was found that corrosion resistance and coating adhesion were significantly improved by incorporating the microcapsules into the coating.
Photoluminescence Properties and Electrochemical Performance of Fe:ZnO Nanoparticles in Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Sarf Fatma , Kızıl Hüseyin
Published: March 2021

The pure and Fe doped ZnO nanoparticles with varying iron mole percentages of 3%, 4.5% and 6% were synthesized by using co-precipitation. Structural and morphological properties as well as electrochemical properties, serving as anode in Li-ion batteries, were studied. All samples have hexzagonal wurtzite ZnO crystal structure and a slightly shift from x-ray difraction patterns of Fe:ZnO samples have shown that Fe3+ ions substituted by Zn2+ ions. As the percentage of Fe mol increases from 3–4.5%, the size of the particles decreases, and as the percentage of Fe mol decreases from 4.5–6%, it also increases. The emission bands originated due to energy levels generated by ZnO intrinsic defects in all samples. In half cell configuration, 3% Fe:ZnO and 6 % Fe:ZnO anode exhibit rapid capacity fading. ZnO anode with Fe mol percentage of 4.5 % results a substantially enhances sepecific capacity during 50 cycle.
What Impact Have SARS-CoV-2/Covid-19 Pandemic on the Reproductive and Child Health Programme of Bihar in India over the 3 months after nationwide Lock down announcement in March 2020? How SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic era does influence RCH Programme? Immunisation? Maternal Health? Family Planning?
Authors: Kumar Piyush
Published: March 2021

Background: The delivery of reproductive and child health services is of utmost importance and prime concern in India particularly populous states like Bihar with limited resources, poor infrastructure and huge demand on healthcare system. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had presented a challenge even for developed healthcare systems around the world. Objectives: The main aim of this research is to find out Impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the Reproductive and Child Health Programme of Bihar in India over the 3 months after Lock down imposition countrywide in March 2020.Settings & Design: Different indicators group of RCH programme (immunisation, maternal & child health, family planning) for state of Bihar were collected and compared from previous year. Materials & Methodology: Secondary data from HMIS of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Government of India for 2019 & 2020 were taken for analysing and understanding of impact of pandemic on RCH programme over 3 months after lock down viz. April/May/June 2020. The data obtained is analysed by using Microsoft Office software.Result: The analysis of secondary data obtained from HMIS of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare website for RCH programme of the state of Bihar shows that the lock down period & initial early phase of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have a negative impact over the delivery of health services as well as the indicators are also affected negatively. Besides the pandemic the state is also having lack of resources, manpower poor infrastructure as well as positive deviance at community level. These are the barriers in fact beside the epidemic. It seems that there is lack of proper plan to deal with such pandemic situation. Conclusion: The State of Bihar has enforced the epidemic disease act but it seems to be insufficient to give the desired results. The barriers of healthcare system and delivery of services should be rectified added with a proper dynamic plan to carry on usual health delivery services even in pandemics. The state of Bihar needs to develop an exclusive plan such as separate RCH cadre to tackle such situations.
Correlation of Genotype and Phenotype in 32 Patients with Hereditary Hemochromatosis in China
Authors: Wu Liyan , Zhang Wei , Li Yanmeng , Zhou Donghu , Zhang Bei , Xu Anjian , Wu Zhen , Wu Lina , Li Shuxiang , Wang Xiaoming , Zhao Xinyan , Wang Qianyi , Li Min , Wang Yu , You Hong , Huang Jian , Ou Xiaojuan , Jia Jidong
Published: March 2021

Background: Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is widely recognized and clinical manifestations of HFE-related HH is well studied in European populations. Less is known about the clinical and laboratory characteristics of non-HFE related HH in Asian population. We aimed to explore the relationship between genotype and clinical phenotype in Chinese patients with non-HFE related hereditary hemochromatosis.Methods: Peripheral blood samples and clinical data of patients with primary iron overload were collected from the China Registry of Genetic/Metabolic Liver Diseases. Sanger sequencing was performed in cases with primary iron overload, for 5 known HH related genes (HFE, HJV, HAMP, TFR2 and SLC40A1) and 2 novel iron homeostasis-related genes (DENND3 and SUGP2). The correlation of genotype and clinical phenotype in these patients was analyzed.Results: Of the 32 patients with primary iron overload (23 were males and 9 were females), non-HFE variants were detected in 31 (31/32, 97%), including 8 pathogenic variants in HJV, 7 pathogenic variants in SLC40A1, 8 likely pathogenic variants in SUGP2 and 5 likely pathogenic variants in DENND3 cases. Among these 31 cases, 4 cases harbored homozygous variants, 2 cases harbored homozygous+ heterozygous variants, 19 cases harbored heterozygous or combined heterozygous variants, and 6 cases harbored no any damaging variants. None of investigated cases carried damaging HAMP and TFR2 variants were found. 8 cases were classified as type 2A HH and 6 cases as type 4 HH, 10 cases as non-classical genotype, and 6 cases had no pathogenic variants from 31 cases. During the statistical analysis, we excluded one case (SLC40A1 IVS3+10delGTT+SUGP2 p. R639Q(homo)) with difficulty in grouping due to combined damaging variants. Cases with type 2A HH have an earlier age at diagnosis. The iron index of cases in type 2A HH and type 4 HH was higher than that in other groups. Arthropathy was relatively rare in all groups. None of cases with type 2A HH developed cirrhosis. Cirrhosis and diabetes are more prevalent in type 4 HH.Conclusions: This is the first comprehensive analysis about the gene variant spectrum and phenotypic aspects of non-HFE HH in China. The results will be useful to the identification, diagnosis and management of HH in China.
Potential Oxygen Consumption and Community Composition of Sediment Bacteria in a Seasonally Hypoxic Enclosed Bay
Authors: Mori Fumiaki , Umezawa Yu , Kondo Ruji , Nishihara Gregory N. , Wada Minoru
Published: March 2021

The dynamics of potential oxygen consumption at the sediment surface in a seasonally hypoxic bay were monitored monthly by applying a tetrazolium dye (2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride [INT]) reduction assay to intact sediment core samples for two consecutive years (2012–2013). Based on the empirically determined correlation between INT reduction (INT-formazan formation) and actual oxygen consumption of sediment samples, we inferred the relative contribution of biological and non-biological (chemical) processes to the potential whole oxygen consumption in the collected sediment samples. It was demonstrated that both potentials consistently increased and reached a maximum during summer hypoxia in each year. For samples collected in 2012, amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) of the bacterial 16S rRNA genes derived from the sediment surface revealed a notable shift in the bacterial community composition before and after the INT assay incubation. Within the bacterial community that was predominated by the ASVs closely related to Woeseia (Woeseiaceae, Gammaproteobacteria), the relative abundance of ASVs affiliated with Arcobacter (Arcobacteraceae, Campylobacteria), a putative sulfur-oxidizing bacterial genus, increased markedly in the summer samples. These findings have implications not only for the group of bacteria that are consistently responsible for the consumption of dissolved oxygen (DO) year-round in the sediment, but also for those that might grow rapidly in response to episodic DO supply on the sediment surface during midst of seasonal hypoxia.
WITHDRAWN: The Impact of ymoA Gene Expression on Enterotoxin YstA Production by Yersinia Enterocolitica Strains With Different Enterotoxic Properties
Authors: Bancerz-Kisiel Agata , Lipczyńska-Ilczuk Karolina
Published: March 2021

Yersinia enterocolitica is one of the main causative agents of human diarrhoea and the reservoir and source of infection for humans are pigs. Strains isolated from humans with clinical yersiniosis and diarrhoea are able to produce Yersinia stable toxins – Yst. However, enterotoxin-producing capabilities have been attributed to the ymoA gene which encodes the production of the Yersinia modulator protein – YmoA. The aim of this study was to analyse ystA and ymoA genes expression in Y. enterocolitica strains with different enterotoxic properties, isolated from humans and pigs. The experiment involved two groups of Y. enterocolitica strains producing and not producing enterotoxin YstA, which were isolated from humans and pigs. All these strains were ystA- and ymoA-positive. The relative expression level of the ystA gene was significantly higher than the expression level of the ymoA gene in Y. enterocolitica strains isolated from humans with clinical signs characteristic for yersiniosis. In others, a significant decrease in ystA gene transcription was observed, and the relative expression level of the ymoA gene was significantly higher than the expression level of the ystA gene. Statistically significant differences were not observed in either group of strains isolated from pigs. The results of our study revealed a correlation between the mRNA expression levels of ystA and ymoA genes in Y. enterocolitica strains isolated from humans.
Application of poly (Agar-co-Glycerol-co-Sweet Almond Oil) based organohydrogels as a Drug Delivery Material
Authors: Dudu Tuba Ersen , Alpaslan Duygu , Aktas Nahit
Published: March 2021

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the synthesis, characterization and drug release behaviors of organohydrogels containing pH-sensitive Agar (A), Glycerol (G), Sweet Almond oil (SAO). Organohydrogels, which contained Agar, Glycerol and different amounts of Sweet Almond oil, were synthesized via the free-radical polymerization reaction with emulsion technique using glutaraldehyde or methylene bis acrylamide crosslinkers. Then, the degree of swelling, bond structures, blood compatibility and antioxidant properties of the synthesized organohydrogels were examined. In addition, Organohydrogels which loaded with Ceftriaxone (antibiotic) and Oxaliplatin (an anti-cancer agent), were synthesized with the same polymerization reaction and release kinetics were investigated. In vitro release studies were performed at media similar pH to gastric fluid (pH 2), skin surface (pH 5.5), blood fluid (pH 7.4) and intestinal fluid (pH 8), at 37° C. The effects on release of crosslinker type and sweet almond oil amount were investigated. Kinetic parameters were determined using release results and these results were applied to zero and first-order equations and Korsmeyer-Peppas and Higuchi equations. Diffusion exponential was calculated for drug diffusion of organohydrogels and values consistent with release results were found.
Genome-wide Association Study of Periodontal Pocketing in Finnish Adults
Authors: Tegelberg Paula , Leppilahti Jussi Miikkael , Ylöstalo Atte , Tervonen Tellervo , Kettunen Johannes , Suominen Anna Liisa , Ylöstalo Pekka
Published: March 2021

Background: A genome‐wide association study is an analytical approach that investigates whether genetic variants across the whole genome contribute to disease progression. The aim of this study was to investigate genome-wide associations of periodontal condition measured as deepened periodontal pockets (≥ 4 mm) in Finnish adults. Methods: This study was based on the data of the national Health 2000 Survey (BRIF8901) in Finland and the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study totalling 3,245 individuals. The genotype data were analyzed using the SNPTEST v.2.4.1. The number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets (≥ 4 mm deep) was employed as a continuous response variable in additive regression analyses performed separately for the two studies and the results were combined in a meta-analysis applying a fixed effects model. Results: Genome-wide significant associations with the number of teeth with ≥ 4 mm deep pockets were not found at the p-level of < 5 × 10-8, while in total 27 loci reached the p-level of 5 x 10-6. Of the top hits, SNP rs4444613 in chromosome 20 showed the strongest association (p = 1.35 × 10–7).Conclusion: No statistically significant genome-wide associations with deepened periodontal pockets were found in this study.
Cytokine release syndrome in a patient with colorectal cancer following vaccination with BNT162b2 (tozinameran)
Authors: Turajlic Samra , Au Lewis , Fendler Annika , Shepherd Scott , Rzeniewicz Karolina , Cerrone Maddalena , Byrne Fiona , Carlyle Eleanor , Edmonds Kim , Rosario Lyra Del , Shon John , Haynes Winston , Ward Barry , Shum Ben , Gordon William , Gerard Camille , Xie Wenyi , Joharatnam-Hogan Nalinie , Young Kate , Furness Andrew , Pickering Lisa , Larkin James , Harvey Ruth , Kassiotis George , Gandhi Sonia , Swanton Charles , Fribbens Charlotte , Wilkinson Katalin , Wilkinson Robert , Lau David , Starling Naureen , Chau Ian
Published: March 2021

We present a case of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) that occurred five days after vaccination with BTN162b2 (tozinameran), an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, in a patient with colorectal cancer on long-standing anti-PD-1 monotherapy. The CRS was evidenced by raised inflammatory markers, thrombocytopenia, elevated cytokine levels (IFN-y/IL-2R/IL-18/IL-16/IL-10), and steroid responsiveness.