bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of farnesol-induced changes in the haemocyte pattern of red cotton bug Dysdercus koenigii Fabricius (Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae)
Authors: Kumar Shailendra , Shazad Mohd , Kayesth Sunil , Gupta Kamal Kumar
Published: September 2022

Background

Dysdercus koenigii Fabricius is a polyphagous agricultural pest of paramount importance. Farnesol is a plant-derived open-chain aliphatic sesquiterpenoid alcohol. It is an intermediate in the metabolic pathway of juvenile hormone biosynthesis. The effects of Farnesol on haemocytes of fifth instar nymphs of Dysdercus koenigii were assessed in the present investigation. The early fifth instar nymphs were treated with doses of 0.05 μL, 0.1 μL and 0.2 μL Farnesol topically and day wise change in the total haemocytes was reported. Different types of haemocytes were identified in the haemolymph based on their morphological characteristics. Difference in day wise distribution pattern of haemocytes was evaluated in relation to dose of treatment.

Results

In normal fifth instar nymphs, age-related variation in the haemocyte count was evident; the haemocyte number increased up to four days and subsequently decreased till six-day when the nymph moulted. The results indicate that Farnesol had an adverse effect on the total number of haemocytes; in treated nymphs the haemocyte count decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The decrease was most prominent in the nymphs treated with a dose of 0.2 μL Farnesol. Based on the morphological characteristics, six different types of haemocytes, viz. prohaemocyte, plasmatocyte, adipohaemocyte, granulocytes, oenocytoids and disintegrated cells were identified in the haemolymph. The percent composition of different haemocytes showed variation depending on the age of the fifth instar nymph and the dose of treatment. In control, the percentages of plasmatocytes decreased up to day 5 and then increased up to 7 days. The percentage of adipohaemocytes increased throughout the nymphal period of the fifth instar, except for a small dip on the fourth day. Granulocytes and oenocytoids showed no clear trend. In Farnesol-treated nymphs, an increase in percent of prohaemocytes was observed in all the treatments. Dose-dependent effects were more prominent after day 5. An increase in plasmatocytes was seen after day 3. A distinct dose-related decrease was reported in adipohaemocytes on all days. Percent of disintegrated cells also showed an increase in all the tested doses of Farnesol on all the days. Granulocytes and oenocytoids showed no definitive trend of change.

Conclusions

Farnesol is a plant sesquiterpenoid and acts as a precursor in juvenile hormone biosynthesis. The application of Farnesol exogenously may disturb haemocyte patterns which may challenge the immune response of insects. Therefore, Farnesol can potentially be used as an alternative approach in pest management.
Screening for non-motor symptoms in Egyptian patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Shaheen Shaimaa , Ali Raed Mohamed , Farghaly Marwa , El-Serafy Omar , Hegazy Mohamed I.
Published: September 2022

Background

Most of the patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) suffer from non-motor symptoms (NMS). Despite their marked effect on patients’ quality of life, NMS remain under-estimated by physicians, patients and caregivers. The aim of this study was to suggest a battery to screen for the presence of NMS in PD patients in the setting of an outpatient clinic and to assess the NMS of PD in Egyptian patients and factors affecting them.

Results

This study was conducted on 50 patients with PD, 35 males (70%) and 15 females (30%) whom their age ranged from 36 to 80 years with a mean of 62.88 ± 8.74 years. All patients were assessed using the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), Apathy Scale (AS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS). The mean age at disease onset was 59.10 ± 9.34 years and the mean disease duration was 3.76 ± 3.16 years. 98% of patients (49 out of 50) had at least one non-motor symptom. The mean MDS-UPDRS scores were 15.74 ± 7.93 for part I, 17.94 ± 11.61 for part II and 42.32 ± 22.74 for part III. The mean score for AS was 9.90 ± 10.66 with 70% of patients considered apathetic. The mean MOCA score was 21.12 ± 4.73 with 38 patients (76%) found to be cognitively impaired. The mean HDRS score was 12.26 ± 8.52 with 34 patients (68%) found to be depressed. The mean PDSS score was 92.22 ± 32.53 with sleep disturbances found in 38 patients (76%). A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the HDRS and PDSS scores (Pvalue < 0.001). Age of patients, age at disease onset and disease duration were not correlated to MDS-UPDRS, AS, MOCA, HDRS and PDSS scores.

Conclusions

Most of the patients with PD were found to suffer from NMS including apathy, cognitive impairment, depression and sleep disturbances. Physicians need to screen their PD patients for NMS on regular basis using the appropriate tools. Self-administered questionnaires could function as reliable screening tools for NMS in PD patients.
Co-creating cultures of sustainability and co-imagining the teaching green building: the use of a participatory Photovoice process in a HPGB context
Authors: Reimer-Watts Kai , Abel Esther , Coulombe Simon , Riemer Manuel
Published: September 2022

Despite understanding the severity of the climate crisis, global action remains highly insufficient to address this challenge. Buildings are significant contributors to climate change due to their substantial global emissions, but can also contribute to urgent climate solutions. High-performance green buildings (HPGBs) can reduce operational building-level emissions dramatically, and potentially offer other benefits that support building users’ wellbeing and sustainable behaviours. HPGBs can provide useful environments to engage and influence culture and can act as publicly visible symbols of emergent local clean economies. However, a gap remains in knowing how best to support the emergence of citizen-led cultures of sustainability (COS) within green building spaces, an effort that could also help address the noted ‘performance gap’ of green buildings that has been linked to occupant behaviours. With the intention of investigating and supporting a growing citizen-led COS in a green building, this study applied an empowerment-based Photovoice method in the context of the HPGB evolv1, located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Six building users (citizens) took and selected photographs, participated in facilitated group discussions and individual interviews, and contributed toward three public exhibitions based on research findings.

Based on thematic analysis, findings suggest building citizens know what a COS means to them, and existing barriers and enablers within/around the evolv1 building toward achieving this. In addition, participants recognized the impact of specific green building features on their own personal sustainability-related values and practices, including the influence of sustainability symbolism within the building environment. Lastly, participants articulated specific recommendations for further promoting and growing a COS at evolv1. Significant themes identified are discussed in relation to and expansion of Cole (2014)’s Teaching Green Building (TGB) Model for Learning, providing preliminary insights into the degree to which evolv1 may or may not presently embody key aspects of a TGB. This study contributes to deepening understandings of how researchers and building citizens can support the emergence of COS within green buildings and related environments, with key takeaways that can be usefully applied to other settings, and theoretical and practical implications. Research findings encourage action toward supporting engaged, citizen-led COS, to advance more sustainable futures.
Ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of Laggera aurita Linn (Asteraceae): A Review
Authors: Julde Sa’adatu Muhammad , Borodo Safiya Bala , Wada Abubakar Sadiq , Ahmad Mubarak Hussaini , Malami Sani , Bichi Lawal Alhassan
Published: September 2022

Background

The plant Laggera aurita (Asteraceae) is a commonly utilized medicinal plant growing as a weed in African countries used in the treatment of many diseases. Besides, several phytochemical and pharmacological studies were conducted to check its phytocompounds and therapeutic potentials. However, there is unavailable information on the plant documenting its ethnomedicinal uses and medicinal properties. Therefore, the current article aims to provide updated information on the ethnomedicinal values, phytochemical compounds, and therapeutic potentials of Laggera aurita for further studies to develop noble bioactive molecules.

Main text

Studies regarding the plant Laggera aurita were sourced from online academic databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed. The search terms used include Laggera aurita, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, and toxicology. The plant has ethnomedicinal applications against epilepsy, cancer, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, malaria, fever, pain, stomatitis, asthma, bronchitis, nasal congestion, infections, rheumatism, dyspepsia, indigestion, constipation, dysentery, and many more. Several phytochemical agents were isolated from various plant parts. Besides, pharmacological studies have shown that the plant has antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, antimicrobial, antimalarial, and antioxidant effects.

Conclusions

Various pharmacological evaluations conducted on the plant have validated the traditional values of the plant Laggera aurita. However, more research is paramount to validate many of the reported traditional uses. Also, the phytochemical molecules need to be screened for biological properties to develop potential therapeutic agents. The plant is relatively safe on sub-chronic administration and slightly toxic in acute studies. Hence, further toxicological studies on the plant are required to establish its safety. There is a need to also standardize doses to establish safety and efficacy.
Chitosan impregnation of coconut husk biochar pellets improves their nutrient removal from eutrophic surface water
Authors: Thongsamer Thunchanok , Vinitnantharat Soydoa , Pinisakul Anawat , Werner David
Published: September 2022

The presence of excess nutrients in water resources can be harmful to human health and aquatic ecosystems. To develop an affordable water treatment method, the agricultural waste material coconut husk was converted into a low-cost adsorbent by thermal conversion to biochar, pelletized without (CH), and with chitosan (CHC), or eggshell powder (CHEG) modifications. The physical and chemical properties of all adsorbents were characterized using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, pHzpc, iodine number and elemental analysis. The adsorption of ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3−), and phosphate (PO43−) in single and mixed solute solutions was investigated for initial concentrations of 10 mg L− 1. Langmuir, Freundlich, Sips, Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) and BET isotherm models were used to investigate the adsorption mechanisms. The maximum adsorption capacity of NH4+ on CH, CHC, and CHEG from mixed solute solution was 5.0, 4.7 and 5.9 mg g− 1, respectively, while the adsorption capacity of mixed:single solute solution was 0.95, 0.93, and 1.04, respectively. CH, CHC, and CHEG had greater ability to remove the cation NH4+ than anions NO3− and PO43− from aqueous solution. The highest maximum adsorption capacity for anions NO3− and PO43− was found on CHEG (1.7 mg g− 1) and CH (6.7 mg g− 1), respectively. NH4+ and NO3− were bound by chemisorption as indicated by D-R isotherm E values (> 8 kJ mol− 1), and enthalpy ∆H values (> 80 kJ mol− 1). In contrast, PO43− adsorption was mainly by physical interaction, including pore-filling, and electrostatic attraction. Pseudo first order and pseudo second order models provided good fits of the sorption kinetics data (R2 > 0.9). The initial concentrations of NH4+, NO3−, and PO43− in surface water sampled from a canal in Bangkok were 10.4, 1.2, and 3.9 mg L− 1, respectively, which indicated eutrophication. At a dose of 20 g L− 1, CHC achieved the best nutrient removal from this surface water, by 24% for NH4+, 25% for NO3−, and 66% for PO43− after 48 h contact, respectively.
Cadophora species from marine glaciers in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: an example of unsuspected hidden biodiversity
Authors: Zhang Bingqian , Li Xiaoguang , Li Guojie , Wang Qi-Ming , Wang Manman
Published: September 2022

Large numbers of marine glaciers in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau are especially sensitive to changes of climate and surface conditions. They have suffered fast accumulation and melting and retreated quickly in recent years. In 2017, we surveyed the cold-adapted fungi in these unique habitats and obtained 1208 fungal strains. Based on preliminary analysis of ITS sequences, 41 isolates belonging to the genusCadophorawere detected. As one of the most frequently encountered genera, theCadophoraisolates were studied in detail. Two phylogenetic trees were constructed: one was based on the partial large subunit nrDNA (LSU) to infer taxonomic placement of our isolates and the other was based on multi-locus sequences of LSU, ITS, TUB and TEF-1αto investigate more exact phylogenetic relationships betweenCadophoraand allied genera. Combined with morphological characteristics, nineCadophoraspecies were determined, including seven new to science. Among the new species, onlyC. inflataproduces holoblastic conidia and all the others express phialidic conidiogenesis. All isolates have optimum growth temperature at 20 °C or 25 °C.With more species involved, the currently circumscribed genus became obviously paraphyletic. All members are clustered into two main clades: one clade mainly includes most of theCadophoraspecies which have phialidic conidiogenesis and we refer to as ‘Cadophora s. str.’; the remainingCadophoraspecies have multiform conidiogenesis and are clustered in the second clade, with members of other genera inPloettnerulaceaeinterspersed among the subclades. The results show a high diversity ofCadophorafrom marine glaciers in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and most of them are novel species.
Probiotic fermentation of polyphenols: potential sources of novel functional foods
Authors: Sharma Rohit , Diwan Bhawna , Singh Brij Pal , Kulshrestha Saurabh
Published: September 2022

Fermented functional food products are among the major segments of food processing industry. Fermentation imparts several characteristic effects on foods including the enhancement of organoleptic characteristics, increased shelf-life, and production of novel health beneficial compounds. However, in addition to macronutrients present in the food, secondary metabolites such as polyphenols are also emerging as suitable fermentable substrates. Despite the traditional antimicrobial view of polyphenols, accumulating research shows that polyphenols exert differential effects on bacterial communities by suppressing the growth of pathogenic microbes while concomitantly promoting the proliferation and survival of probiotic bacteria. Conversely, probiotic bacteria not only survive among polyphenols but also induce their fermentation which often leads to improved bioavailability of polyphenols, production of novel metabolic intermediates, increased polyphenolic content, and thus enhanced functional capacity of the fermented food. In addition, selective fermentation of combinations of polyphenol-rich foods or fortification with polyphenols can result in novel functional foods. The present narrative review specifically explores the potential of polyphenols as fermentable substrates in functional foods. We discuss the emerging bidirectional relationship between polyphenols and probiotic bacteria with an aim at promoting the development of novel functional foods based on the amalgamation of probiotic bacteria and polyphenols.

Graphical abstract
Assessment of bacterial diversity associated with assisted reproductive technologies through next-generation sequencing
Authors: Vajpeyee Manisha , Tiwari Shivam , Yadav Lokendra Bahadur , Tank Parikshit
Published: September 2022

Background

To assess bacterial diversity in infertile couples with their biochemical pregnancy outcomes. Using a retrospective case-control study design, participants were recruited for collection of vaginal swab, follicular fluid, endometrial fluid, and semen samples. The microbial composition was analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplification with (MinION) Oxford Nanopore Ltd.

Results

Our findings revealed that age and endometrial thickness had a significant impact on the pregnancy success rate of pregnant (P) and non-pregnant (NP) patients receiving IVF, with high levels of luteinizing hormone, estrogen, and progesterone in the P group. In addition, the partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed a difference in microbial composition between the P and NP groups, as well as a higher microbial abundance in non-pregnant patients compared to pregnant patients. After comparison between pregnant patients and non-pregnant patients, pregnant patients had a higher abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria and a lower abundance of Actinobacteria, Fusobacterium, and Bacteroidetes at the phylum level. Non-pregnant patients had a lower abundance of the probiotics lactobacillus and a higher abundance of infections Prevotella and Gardnerella at the genus level. As a result, a disordered microbiota in non-pregnant patients, characterized by a decrease in probiotics and an increase in pathogens, could be used as a possible marker for a higher IVF failure rate.

Conclusion

Alteration of the microbiota of the reproductive tract or the presence of certain microbes, regardless of the degree of pathogenicity that can affect fertilization, as well as implantation and subsequent embryonic development. This could result in failed fertility treatments and a lower live birth (LBR) rate.
Genistein anticancer efficacy during induced oral squamous cell carcinoma: an experimental study
Authors: Hussein Ahmed M. , Attaai Abdelraheim H. , Zahran Asmaa M.
Published: September 2022

Background

About 7 million people die from various types of cancer every year representing nearly 12.5% of deaths worldwide. This fact raises the demand to develop new, effective anticancer, onco-suppressive, and chemoprotective agents for the future fighting of cancers. Genistein exhibits pleiotropic functions in cancer, metabolism, and inflammation. It functions as an antineoplastic agent through its effect on the cell cycle, apoptotic processes, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis.

Aim of the study

The current study aimed to study the genistein onco-suppressive effects during 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced oral carcinogenesis in hamsters’ buccal pouch utilizing flow cytometry analysis (FMA), as a fast-diagnosing tool, in addition to the histopathology.

Material and methods

The buccal mucosa of adult male Syrian hamsters was painted with paraffin oil only (group 1), DMBA mixed in mineral oil (group 2), or orally administrated genistein along with painting DMBA (group 2B). The buccal mucosa was utilized for flow cytometric analysis and histopathological examination.

Results

Grossly, DMBA-induced carcinogenesis started at the 9th week. Progressive signs appeared in the following weeks reaching to large ulcerative oral masses and exophytic nodules at the 21st week. Histologically, invasive well-differentiated oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) appeared in the underlying tissues from the 12th week, showing malignant criteria. Genistein had delayed clinicopathological change, which started 6 weeks later, than the DMBA-painted hamsters, as mild epithelial dysplastic changes. This became moderate during the last 6 weeks, without dysplastic changes. Flow cytometry revealed that DMBA led to considerable variation in DNA proliferation activity, aneuploid DNA pattern, in 47.22% of hamsters and significantly raised the S-phase fragment (SPF) values, which drastically reduced after genistein treatment.

Conclusion

Taken together, genistein could be employed as an onco-suppressive agent for carcinogenesis. Moreover, FMA could be used as an aiding fast tool for diagnosis of cancer.
Value and imaging findings of the magnetic resonance in the posterolateral corner complex injuries of the knee
Authors: Algizawy Ahmed Abd El-Wahab Mahmoud , Sakr Hossam Moussa , Nassif Mohamed Amin , Bassiouny Ahmed Mohamed
Published: September 2022

Background

MRI is considered the key tool for evaluation of knee injuries, notably the posterolateral corner, due to its complexity and multi-ligament involvement. This prospective study was conducted from September 2020 to September 2021 aiming to clarify the value and possible MRI findings in assessing the posterolateral corner (PLC) knee injuries which can subsequently result in an improvement in the management of these cases, preventing devastating consequences.

Results

The current study was conducted on 30 patients (11 females and 19 males) whose mean age was 42 years. Imaging by a closed magnet (1.5 T) MRI was applied to 30 patients with traumatic history to the knee using: axial, sagittal, coronal T1WI, T2WI, and proton density fat sat sequences. The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) was the most commonly affected ligament. Grade I injuries were the most common form of injuries. Twenty-four (80%) patients suffered from LCL injury, popliteal complex injuries were in 21 (70%) patients, 10 (33.3%) patients had biceps femoris tendon injury, while injury to the popliteofibular ligament was seen in 8 (26%) patients. The arcuate ligament was poorly defined in 6 (20%) patients, indicating that it had torn, lateral head of gastrocnemius injury was seen in 5 (16.7%) patients and 4 (13.3%) patients showed injury to the iliotibial band. Correlation with arthroscopic findings was considered the gold standard of the results whenever available. That was applied to 16 cases who had clinically significant knee injuries and arthroscopy was requested.

Conclusions

MRI is a key tool for determining a correct pre-surgical evaluation and diagnosis. It is critical to have a thorough understanding of the radiological PLC anatomy, as well as the presence of various pathologies on MRI. It allows the determination of whether the tendons and ligaments are partially or completely torn, besides any related injuries preventing possible poor consequences after the restoration of the cruciate ligaments.
Integrated biofertilization using yeast with cyanobacteria on growth and productivity of wheat
Authors: Hamed Seham M. , El-Gaml Naayem Mohamed , Eissa Sherif Thabet
Published: September 2022

Background

The heavy use of conventional mineral fertilization considerably increased wheat growth and yield components. However, the excessive nitrogen fertilization accounts for large expenses on farmers’ budget and has negative environmental drawbacks to soil and water ecosystems. Recently, establishing wheat plants associations with a variety of N2-fixing cyanobacteria and/or growth promoting microorganisms in farming systems as nutrients source is seen as ecofriendly and economically feasible solution.

Results

In this work, the influence of different nitrogen (N) levels (100% N, 75% N, and 50% N as urea) and cyanobacteria (Cy) and/or yeast (Y) inoculation each alone or both in combination with different nitrogen levels were assessed on two different wheat (Triticumae stivum L.) genotypes (Sids-14 and Giza-171) through field experiments over two consecutive seasons (2019/2020 and 2020/2021). Although, the full recommended dose (FRD) (100% N) showed the highest chlorophyll (Chl) a, b content during tillering stage, grains quality (NPK-uptake, protein%), and wheat yield components in both genotypes. The integrated inoculation of cyanobacteria and yeast with 50% N, 75% N-fertilization enhanced wheat growth characteristic (Chl a,b) and upgraded soil microbial community (nitrogenase activity and CO2 evolution) in Sids-14 and Giza-171. Cy combined with Y and partial N-fertilization levels enhanced NPK-uptake Kg/fed and protein% in wheat grains in the two wheat genotypes. Moreover, this combination recorded a wheat yield components (plant height, number of spikes/m2, number of grains/spike, 1000 grains wt (gm) and grains yield (tonne/fed) insignificantly different from those obtained by FRD in wheat cultivation.

Conclusion

The integrated application of cyanobacteria with yeast and 50% N or 75% N-fertilization improved soil fertility index and promoted NPK- uptake, protein% and wheat yield components, showing comparable values to conventional chemical fertilization. Cyanobacteria combined with yeast inoculation had socio-economic benefits as  it can save about 25–50% of the required mineral nitrogen fertilizers for wheat crop production.
Design of passive suspension system to mimic fuzzy logic control active suspension system
Authors: Nagarkar Mahesh , Bhalerao Yogesh , Bhaskar Dhiraj , Thakur Ajaykumar , Hase Vaibhav , Zaware Rahul
Published: September 2022

Background

This paper proposes a method for designing a passive suspension system that determines the optimal suspension settings while offering feasible performance near an active suspension system. A mathematical model of a nonlinear quarter car is developed and simulated for control and optimization in MATLAB/Simulink® environment. The input road condition is a Class C Road, and the vehicle moves at 80 kmph. Fuzzy logic control (FLC) action is used to accomplish active suspension system control. An approach for investigating optimal suspension settings based on the FLC control force is described here. The optimized passive suspension system is supposed to have the same suspension travel and velocity as an active suspension system. The least square technique is implemented to optimize the suspension parameters of the passive suspension system.

Results

The initial passive suspension system, FLC active system, and optimized suspension system are simulated in MATLAB/Simulink® environment. It is observed that RMS acceleration for the FLC system is 0.5057 m/s2, which is reduced by 46% (passive suspension system has RMS acceleration of 0.9322 m/s2, which is uncomfortable). For optimized system, RMS acceleration is 0.6990 m/s2. It is observed that the optimized passive suspension system almost mimics the initial FLC active suspension system. For the optimized system, sprung mass acceleration and VDV are improved by 30% and 27%, respectively, compared to the initial passive system.

Conclusion

It is observed that the optimized passive suspension system mimics the initial FLC system. Also, an optimized FLC system has improved health criterion-based results compared to other suspension systems.
Development of gold nanoparticle-based biosensors for COVID-19 diagnosis
Authors: Khan Johra , Rasmi Yousef , Kırboğa Kevser Kübra , Ali Ahmad , Rudrapal Mithun , Patekar Rohan R.
Published: September 2022

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative organism of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which poses a significant threat to public health worldwide. Though there are certain recommended drugs that can cure COVID-19, their therapeutic efficacy is limited. Therefore, the early and rapid detection without compromising the test accuracy is necessary in order to provide an appropriate treatment for the disease suppression.

Main body

Nanoparticles (NPs) can closely mimic the virus and interact strongly with its proteins due to their morphological similarities. NPs have been widely applied in a variety of medical applications, including biosensing, drug delivery, antimicrobial treatment, and imaging. Recently, NPs-based biosensors have attracted great interest for their biological activities and specific sensing properties, which allows the detection of analytes such as nucleic acids (DNA or RNA), aptamers, and proteins in clinical samples. Further, the advances of nanotechnologies have enabled the development of miniaturized detection systems for point-of-care biosensors, a new strategy for detecting human viral diseases. Among the various NPs, the specific physicochemical properties of gold NPs (AuNPs) are being widely used in the field of clinical diagnostics. As a result, several AuNP-based colorimetric detection methods have been developed.

Short conclusion

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the development of AuNPs-based biosensors by virtue of its powerful characteristics as a signal amplifier or enhancer that target pathogenic RNA viruses that provide a reliable and effective strategy for detecting of the existing or newly emerging SARS-CoV-2.
Common and uncommon audio-vestibular findings in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Nada Ebtessam Hamed , El-Gharib Amani Mohamed , Mandour Mahmoud
Published: September 2022

Background

COVID-19 is the new version of the old coronavirus known since 1960, which caused the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) in 2012 and the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003.

Symptoms included fever and cough, diarrhea and vomiting, and neurological symptoms like anosmia.

Methods

One hundred twenty-eight patients diagnosed as COVID-19 with audio-vestibular complaints were subjected to audio-vestibular assessment and were included in the study.

Results

In our study on COVID-19 patients who reported audio-vestibular complaints, hearing loss was found in 43.8% of patients in comparison to vertigo that represented 40.6% of cases. The most common type was sensorineural hearing loss representing 29.7% of patients and which was unilateral and sudden in 35.7% of them. Less commonly conductive hearing loss (CHL) was found in 14.1% of cases the most common form was bilateral mild to moderate CHL (83.3%) due to bilateral middle ear effusion.

Among cases with vertigo, the most common etiology was benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) (42.5%) then uncompensated vestibular neuritis (VN) (31.5%), and lastly, combined BPPV with VN (25%) of cases. Less frequently we found tinnitus in (13.3%) which was bilateral in (64.7%), labyrinthitis (5.5%), and acute VN 5.5%).

The significant increase in the number of audiovestibular complaining cases that were observed in the course of the recurrent waves’ peaks pushed us to study the relationship between the pandemic and the audiovestibular system. The effect of COVID on AV systems is well noticed and management would be mandatory.
Corrections to the thermodynamic quantities of Bose system by the generalized uncertainty principle
Authors: Li Jun-Xian , Zhang Jing-Yi
Published: September 2022

This paper investigated the Bose system in a spherical shell close to the black hole horizon. Several thermodynamic quantities of the Bose system are derived, which are different from those in the flat spacetime, by introducing the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) into the grand partition function of statistical mechanics. The internal energy and the pressure of the Bose system appear to have a correction term of T
6, while the entropy has a T
5 correction term where both the coefficients are functions of the spacetime component g
00 and the brick wall model parameter ϵ. Taking the Schwarzschild black hole as an example, the physical quantities of the shell such as temperature, pressure and entropy are calculated for the final stage of black hole radiation.
Geometrodynamical description of two-dimensional electrodynamics
Authors: Sobreiro Rodrigo F.
Published: September 2022

Two-dimensional pure electrodynamics is mapped into two-dimensional gravity in the first-order formalism at classical and quantum levels. Due to the fact that the degrees of freedom of these two theories do not match, we are enforced to introduce extra fields from the beginning. These fields are introduced through a BRST exact boundary term, so they are harmless to the physical content of the theory. The map between electromagnetism and gravity fields generate a non-trivial Jacobian, which brings extra features (but also harmless to the physical content of the gravity theory) at quantum level.
Weight Loss, Lifestyle Intervention, and Metformin Affect Longitudinal Relationship of Insulin Secretion and Sensitivity
Authors: Vazquez Arreola Elsa , Knowler William C , Hanson Robert L
Published: September 2022

Context

Insulin secretion and sensitivity regulate glycemia, with inadequately compensated deficiencies leading to diabetes.

Objective

We investigated effects of weight loss, an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILS), and metformin on the relationship between insulin secretion and sensitivity using repository data from 2931 participants in the Diabetes Prevention Program clinical trial in adults at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Insulin secretion and sensitivity were estimated from insulin and glucose concentrations in fasting and 30-minute postload serum samples at baseline and 1, 2, and 3 years after randomization, during the active intervention phase. The nonlinear relationship of secretion and sensitivity was evaluated by standardized major axis regression to account for variability in both variables. Insulin secretory demand and compensatory insulin secretion were characterized by distances along and away from the regression line, respectively.

Results

ILS and metformin decreased secretory demand while increasing compensatory insulin secretion, with greater effects of ILS. Improvements were directly related to weight loss; decreased weight significantly reduced secretory demand (b=−0.144 SD; 95% CI (−0.162, −0.125)/5 kg loss) and increased compensatory insulin secretion (b = 0.287 SD, 95% CI (0.261, 0.314)/5 kg loss). In time-dependent hazard models, increasing compensatory insulin secretion (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.166 per baseline SD, 95% CI 0.133, 0.206) and weight loss (HR = 0.710 per 5 kg loss, 95% CI 0.613, 0.819) predicted lower diabetes risk.

Conclusion

Diabetes risk reduction was directly related to the amount of weight loss, an effect mediated by lowered insulin secretory demand (due to increased insulin sensitivity) coupled with improved compensatory insulin secretion.
Association of Systemic Trimethyllysine With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction and Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Wei Haoran , Zhao Mingming , Wu Junfang , Li Chenze , Huang Man , Gao Jianing , Zhang Qi , Ji Liang , Wang Yan , Zhao Chunxia , Dong Erdan , Zheng Lemin , Wang Dao Wen
Published: September 2022

Context

Carnitine has been associated with cardiac energy metabolism and heart failure, but the association between its precursors—trimethyllysine (TML) and γ-butyrobetaine (GBB)—and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains unclear.

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between TML-related metabolites and HFpEF in an Asian population.

Methods

The cross-sectional component of this study examined the association between plasma TML-related metabolites and HFpEF, while a prospective cohort design was applied to examine the association with incident cardiovascular events in HFpEF. Included in the study were 1000 individuals who did not have heart failure (non-HF) and 1413 patients with HFpEF. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry was used to assess plasma carnitine, GBB, TML and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) concentrations.

Results

Plasma GBB and TML were both elevated in patients with HFpEF. After adjusting for traditional risk factors and renal function, TML, but not GBB, was significantly associated with HFpEF. The odds ratio (OR) for the fourth vs first quartile of TML was 1.57 (95% CI 1.09-2.27; P-trend < .01). The OR for each SD increment of log-TML was 1.26 (95% CI 1.08-1.47). Plasma TMAO (P-interaction = 0.024) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (P-interaction = 0.024) modified the TML–HFpEF association. The addition of TML improved the diagnostic value under the multivariable model. In the prospective study of patients with HFpEF, higher plasma TML was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Conclusion

Plasma TML concentrations are positively associated with HFpEF, and higher plasma TML indicates increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Prospective Analysis of Muscle Adiposity in Children With X-linked Hypophosphatemic Rickets vs Control Children
Authors: Nguyen-Khac Virginie , Bonnet-Lebrun Aurore , Linglart Agnès , de Tienda Marine , Berkenou Jugurtha , Mannes Inès , Adamsbaum Catherine , Wicart Philippe , Skalli Wafa
Published: September 2022

Context

Children with X-linked hypophosphatemic (XLH) rickets have muscle weakness that severely impairs their function. Intermuscular and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT and intraMAT, respectively) may contribute to this muscle weakness.

Objective

This work aimed to compare IMAT and intraMAT in XLH children vs typically developing (TD) children.

Methods

A prospective, monocentric cohort study was conducted of XLH (n = 11; aged 10.3 years [6-17]) and TD children (n = 22; aged 10.2 years [5-15.5]). All children underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the lower limbs; IMAT and intraMAT percentages were calculated after manual contouring of each muscle of the thigh and the deep fascia at mid-thigh level.

Results

XLH children were comparable in age but shorter and heavier than TD children (P = .001 and P = .03, respectively). They had smaller muscle length and volume than TD children (P < .001) but there was no statistically significant difference in muscle cross-sectional area between the groups (P = .833). The total percentage of IMAT was higher in XLH children (8.66% vs 3.60% in TD children; P < .0001). In addition, though the total percentage of intraMAT did not differ significantly (12.58% and 10.85% in XLH and TD children, respectively; P = .143) intraMAT was statistically significantly higher in XLH children than TD children in 4 of the 13 muscles studied.

Conclusion

Our results show that IMAT is higher in young children with XLH, independently of obesity and overweight. Further, these results will facilitate both the early prevention of functional and metabolic consequences of the increase in adipose tissue in XLH children.
Risk Factors of Pancreatic Cancer in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The Hong Kong Diabetes Study
Authors: Chan Raymond Ngai Chiu , Lee Teddy Tai Loy , Chou Oscar Hou In , So Jenny , Chung Cheuk To , Dee Edward Christopher , Ng Kenrick , Tang Pias , Roever Leonardo , Liu Tong , Wong Wing Tak , Tse Gary , Lee Sharen
Published: September 2022

Context

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with the development of pancreatic cancer (PaC), but few large-scale studies have examined its predictive risk factors.

Objective

The present study aims to examine the predictors for PaC in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a territory-wide, retrospective cohort study.

Methods

This was a territory-wide, retrospective cohort study of patients with T2DM mellitus older than 40 years with no prior history of PaC. Baseline demographics, use of antidiabetic medications, comorbidities, and biochemical parameters were extracted. Cox regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) with 95% CI. Subgroup analyses based on chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages were performed.

Results

This study consisted of 273 738 patients (age = 65.4 ± 12.7 years, male = 48.2%, follow-up duration = 3547 ± 1207 days, disease duration = 4.8 ± 2.3 years), of whom 1148 developed PaC. The number of antidiabetic medications prescribed (HR: 1.20; 95% CI, 1.01-1.42; P = .040), diabetic microvascular complications (HR: 1.91; 95% CI, 1.30-2.81; P < .001), chronic kidney disease (HR: 1.81; 95% CI, 1.25-2.64; P = .002), use of acarbose (HR: 2.24; 95% CI, 1.35-3.74; P = .002), and use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (HR: 4.00; 95% CI: 1.28-12.53, P = .017) were associated with PaC development on multivariable Cox regression adjusting for the duration of DM, mean glycated hemoglobin A1c, and history of pancreatic diseases. Stage 3A CKD or below was associated with PaC but not stage 3B or beyond.

Conclusion

Diabetic microvascular complications, especially stage 1, 2, and 3A CKD, were associated with PaCs.
Evaluation of ellagic acid and gallic acid as efflux pump inhibitors in strains of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Macêdo Nair Silva , Barbosa Cristina Rodrigues dos Santos , Bezerra Antonio Henrique , Silveira Zildene de Sousa , da Silva Larissa , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo , Dashti Saeid , Kim Bonglee , da Cunha Francisco Assis Bezerra , da Silva Marcia Vanusa
Published: September 2022

The Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for a number of infections and has been described to exhibit resistance to antibacterial drugs through different resistance mechanisms. Among these, active efflux has been shown to be one of the main mechanisms of bacterial resistance associated with S. aureus. In this sense, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of ellagic acid and gallic acid to reverse resistance by inhibiting the efflux pumps present in S. aureus strains IS-58 and K2068, which express the TetK and MepA flux pumps, respectively. In addition, the toxicity of both compounds was verified in Drosophila melanogaster. Broth microdilution assays were performed to obtain the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of ellagic acid and gallic acid, whereas efflux pump inhibition was tested using a subinhibitory concentration of standard efflux pump inhibitors, gallic acid and ellagic acid (MIC/8), where the ability of these compounds to decrease the MIC of ethidium bromide (EtBr) and antibiotics was verified. Toxicity was evaluated by mortality and negative geotaxis assays in D. melanogaster. Ellagic acid and gallic acid showed no direct antibacterial activity on S. aureus strains carrying the efflux pumps TetK and MepA. However, when we looked at the results for the TetK pump, we saw that when the two acids were associated with the antibiotic tetracycline, a potentiation of the antibacterial effect occurred; this behavior was also observed for the antibiotic ciprofloxacin in the MepA strain. For the efflux pump inhibition results, only the compound gallic acid showed potentiating effect on antibacterial activity when associated with the substrate EtBr for the IS-58 strain carrying the TetK efflux pump. Ellagic acid and gallic acid showed no toxicity on the model arthropod D. melanogaster. These results indicate the possible use of gallic acid as an adjuvant in antibiotic therapy against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Fertility-Sparing Treatment for Early-Stage Cervical Cancer ≥ 2 cm: A Problem with a Thousand Nuances—A Systematic Review of Oncological Outcomes
Authors: Ronsini Carlo , Solazzo Maria Cristina , Bizzarri Nicolò , Ambrosio Domenico , La Verde Marco , Torella Marco , Carotenuto Raffaela Maria , Cobellis Luigi , Colacurci Nicola , De Franciscis Pasquale
Published: September 2022

Background

Fertility-sparing treatments (FSTs) have played a crucial role in the management of early-stage cervical cancer (ECC). The guidelines have recognized various approaches, depending on the tumor stage and other risk factors such as histotype and lymphovascular positivity. Much more debate has centered around the boundary within which these treatments should be considered. Indeed, these are methods to be reserved for ECC, but tumor size may represent the most significant limitation. In particular, there is no consensus on the strategy to be adopted in the case of ECC ≥ 2 cm. Therefore, this systematic review was to collect the literature evidence regarding the management of these patients.

Methods

Following the recommendations in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, we systematically searched the Pubmed and Scopus databases was conducted in April 2022, from the date of the first publication. We made no limitation on the country. We included all studies containing data on disease-free survival, overall survival, recurrence rate (RR), or complete response rate (CRR) to chemotherapy.

Results

Twenty-six studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and 691 patients were analyzed regarding FST. Surgery-based FST showed an RR of between 0 and 42.9%, which drops to 12.9% after excluding the vaginal or minimally invasive approaches. Furthermore, papers regarding FST based on the neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) approach showed a CRR of between 21.4 and 84.5%, and an RR of between 0 and 22.2%

Conclusion

This paper focused on the significant heterogeneity present in the clinical management of FST of ECC ≥ 2 cm. Nevertheless, from an oncological point of view, approaches limited to the minimally invasive or vaginal techniques showed the highest RR. Vice versa, the lack of standardization of NACT schemes and the wealth of confounders to be attributed to the histological features of the tumor make it difficult, if not impossible, to set a standard of treatment.
Modified gun-sight transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt technique
Authors: Lukies Matthew , Moriarty Heather , Phan Tuan
Published: September 2022

Objectives:

Conventional transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) stent insertion is an established procedure with high rates of technical success. However, alternative techniques may increase success rates in the setting of challenging anatomy or limited resources. Originally described as a salvage porto-caval approach, we present a modified gun-sight porto-hepatic TIPS technique.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed identifying patients who underwent modified gun-sight TIPS over a 1-year period. Six procedures were identified, with snares opened in the target hepatic and portal veins, fluoroscopic percutaneous transhepatic puncture through the snares, and wire pulled through-and-through to establish a parenchymal tract. Five modified gun-sight procedures were primary, and one was salvage.

Results:

All modified gun-sight TIPS procedures were technically successful with a single needle pass, with patency and appropriate haemodynamic flow at 2 weeks. Advantages of the technique include fluoroscopic-guided transhepatic puncture utilising typically on-shelf low-cost equipment, without requiring a dedicated TIPS set or endovascular ultrasound. Disadvantages include liver capsular puncture.

Conclusions:

The modified gun-sight TIPS technique is an alternative approach utilising typically on-shelf and low-cost equipment for a targeted fluoroscopic-guided parenchymal puncture.

Advances in knowledge:

The presented technique is an initial description of a novel alternative TIPS technique, which may be useful to consider in challenging cases.