bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimally Invasive versus Conventional Lumbar Interbody Fusion at L5–S1: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Yoo Sun-Joon , Kim Kyung-Hyun , Chin Dong-Kyu , Kim Keun-Su , Cho Yong-Eun , Park Jeong-Yoon
Published: April 2022

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the radiologic and clinical outcomes of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) and conventional posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) at the L5–S1.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent posterior lumbar fusion (MIS-TLIF and PLIF) at only the L5–S1 and were followed up for more than 12 months. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), diagnosis, comorbid conditions, fusion rate, perioperative results, and pre- and postoperative radiographic parameters at the L5–S1 level, pelvic parameters and degree of spondylolisthesis, and clinical results were analyzed.Results: A total of 102 patients (46 male, 56 female) with a mean age of 57.1 years were evaluated. Fifty and fifty-two patients underwent MIS-TLIF and PLIF surgeries, respectively. Radiologic parameters increased from their preoperative measures at the last follow-up study; similarly, there were no intergroup differences. The fusion rates in the MIS-TLIF and PLIF groups were 86% and 82.7%, respectively. The subsidence rates in the MIS-TLIF and PLIF groups were 6% and 3.8%, respectively. There was no intergroup difference in terms of fusion rate and subsidence. Clinical outcomes also gradually improved after surgery in both groups without intergroup differences.Conclusion: In L5–S1 posterior spinal surgery, there was no significant difference between MIS-TLIF and conventional PLIF. Considering the operation time and estimated blood loss, MIS-TLIF is more effective than PLIF surgery in terms of postoperative health care and economics.
The Effect Of Light Compressive And Tensile Orthodontics Forces On Sclerostin And Periostin Expressions In Human Periodontal Ligament Cells: An Invitro Study
Authors: sharifi nastaran , Akhoundi Mohammad Sadegh Ahmad , hodjat mahshid , haghighipour nooshin , veysari setareh kazemi
Published: April 2022

BackgroundOrthodontic treatment induces bone resorption on the compression side while on the tension side stimulates bone formation. The process involves a complex interaction of signalling molecules. The aim of the present study is to assess the expression of key regulatory proteins associated with bone remodeling, cell proliferation and apoptosis in response to different types of orthodontic forces at varied time points in periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. Materials and methods and ResultsPDL cells were isolated from extracted teeth and were divided into two groups based on the type and time of applied forces: Group 1 exposed to compressive forces for 0, 6, 24, 48, 72 hours and group 2 imposed to equi-axial tension forces in 1Hz frequency and 10% elongation in 0, 24, 48, 72 hours. Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was applied to evaluate the gene expression. The secretion of Sclerostin and Periostin was assessed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining (DAPI) was used to evaluate apoptosis.The expression of Sclerostin(SOST) elevated at protein and gene levels under compression force while the application of tensile force induced the expression of Periostin(POSTN), Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2) and reduced SOST expression in a time-dependent manner. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), the marker of proliferation increased under tensile force. The compression forces induced apoptosis and increased gene expression of apoptotic regulators, Caspase9, and B-cell lymphoma 2(BCL2). ConclusionThe periostin and sclerostin play important role in orthodontic loads and their expressions under compressive and tensile forces are affected by both variables of time and type of applied forces. Application of compressive stress increases apoptosis while tensile force induces cell proliferation.
Increased accumulation of recombinant proteins in soybean seeds via the combination strategy of polypeptide fusion and suppression of endogenous storage proteins
Authors: Yang Jing , Zhang Yuanyu , Niu Lu , Xing Guojie , Zhao Qianqian , Zhong Xiaofang , Yang Xiangdong
Published: April 2022

Background: Soybean seeds show great potential as a safe and cost-effective host for the large-scale production of biopharmaceuticals and industrially important macromolecules. However, the yields of desired recombinant proteins in soybean seeds are usually lower than the economic threshold (1% of total soluble protein, TSP) for potential commercialization. Here, a recombination strategy of the polypeptide (maize γ-zein, or elastin-like polypeptide, ELP) fusions and suppression of endogenous storage proteins (glycinin or conglycinin) via RNA interference (RNAi) was exploited to improve yield of the target protein in soybean seeds. Results: Transgenic soybean plants harboring both the polypeptide-fused GFP and glycinin/conglycinin RNAi expression cassettes were generated and confirmed by molecular analysis. On the glycinin suppression background, average accumulation levels of recombinant zein-GFP and GFP-ELP proteins were significantly increased as compared to that of the unfused GFP, reaching to 2.69% and 2.30% TSP in the immature seeds, and 3.49% and 4.31 % TSP in the mature seeds, respectively. However, no significant differences were detected in the glycinin or conglycinin suppression backgrounds for the same polypeptide fusion constructs, though suppression of one of the storage proteins in soybean seeds led to a significant increase of the other. Moreover, the increases in the recombinant protein yield did not affect the total protein content or the protein/oil ratio in soybean seeds Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the fusion of the foreign protein with polypeptide tags together with the depletion of endogenous storage proteins can significantly increase the expression of recombinant proteins without affecting the total protein content or the protein/oil ratio in soybean seeds.
The impact of COVID-19 on individual oral health: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Dickson-Swift Virginia , Kangutkar Tejashree , Knevel Ron , Down Sarah
Published: April 2022

Background: Poor oral health is one of the more prevalent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide and has a significant impact on individuals across the lifespan. International data indicates that dental caries is one of the most prevalent health conditions and a leading cause of preventable hospitalizations. The impacts of COVID-19 on oral health at the practice level are well documented, but gaps in understanding the impact on individual oral health remain. This review addresses this gap. Methods: Using a JBI systematic scoping review process we mapped and summarized the evidence to identify the impact of COVID-19 on individual oral health. Key search terms were developed and a total of 85 studies included in the review. Results: The 85 included studies were conducted 23 countries from 5 regions across the world. The majority (82/85) were quantitative, 2 were reviews and there was one qualitative interview study. Cross sectional surveys were the most common data collection approach followed by analysis of clinical data, analysis of internet trends and other online methods. Five key areas were identified including changes to provision of emergency dental services, provision of routine oral health services, oral hygiene maintenance at home, changes in dietary preferences, alternative models of dental provision and help seeking and attitudes to dental care in the future.Conclusions: This systematic scoping review has demonstrated that the pandemic has impacted on oral health at the individual level. It is important that we are aware of these impacts and ensure that support systems are in place to overcome future periods where access to dental care might be compromised. The provision of preventive care remains a vital first step in ensuring good overall oral health as is paramount during periods where access to dental treatment may be compromised.
A comprehensive study of Iraqi marshlands, with the emphasis on the development possibilities
Authors: Alani Mina A. , Shen Jie , Koko Auwalu Faisal
Published: April 2022

Iraqi Marshes is one of the most important historical heritage in Iraq and in the middle east, it has a very important geographical location and unique architecture and landscape design. For many years, Iraqi marshlands was always appealing to the scholars from all around the word. In 2016, marshlands had been inscribed on the “World Heritage List” during the 40th session if the World Heritage Committee. Marshland’s Inhabits usually enjoy a very unique life style. This area have different kind of animal, birds, and plants. Back in the 90s, there was a destructive action that done by the former Iraqi government which involves drainage of the marshlands, that led the inhabitants to leave the area. After 2003 there was a refolding of the marshlands, however, despite the cultural and historical importance of the marshlands, until now this area is still neglected and not getting the enough attention for development, the paper focus on investigating and fully analyses these area using data collection from literature review for the possibilities of future development and emphasizing the importance of the environmental tourism that can play a major role in Iraq’s national income. The result of the research has shown a poor managements to the marshland, there is no any governmental plans to develop the marshlands. Thus we should shed a light on this area and put its development into consideration.
The Impact of Passive Heating Strategies on Exercise Performance: Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis.
Authors: Cowper Gavin , Goodall Stuart , Hicks Kirsty , Burnie Louise , Briggs Marc
Published: April 2022

Prior to exercise, a warm-up routine has been suggested to be an imperative factor in task readiness with the anticipation that it will enhance performance. Key benefits of a warm-up are the increase of muscle and core temperature, which can be achieved in a variety of ways. An effective way to achieve improvements in core and muscle temperature is by performing an active warm up. However, lengthy transition periods between an active warm-up and exercise performance, is known to decline core and muscle temperature, thereby reducing performance capability. As such, methods are needed to assist athletes during transition periods, to maintain the benefits of a warm-up with the aim of optimising performance. Accordingly, the purpose of this review is to systematically analyse the evidence base that has investigated the use of passive heating to aide sporting performance when a transition period is experienced. A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken following relevant studies being identified using PudMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO. Studies investigating the effects of passive heating strategies during the transition period between an active warm-up and exercise performance were included. The quality of included studies was assessed by 2 independent reviewers using a modified version of the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Seven studies, all high quality (mean = 7.6), reported sufficient data (quality score > 5) on the effects of passive heating strategies on exercise performance. Passive heating strategies used between an active warm-up and exercise, appear to work favourably in all studies which examined peak power output (ES = 0.54 [95% CI 0.17 to 0.91]), however, only a favourable trend was evident for time to completion of exercise performance (ES = 1.07 [95% CI -0.64 to 0.09]). However, such conclusions are only based upon a limited number of well-conducted, randomised, controlled trials. Therefore, more studies are needed to further determine the role passive warming, during the transition period, has on exercise performance. Furthermore, additional research is necessary to determine the optimum procedure for passive warm-up strategies, including environmental conditions, length of time to the wear a heated garment, garment temperature, and the placement of the heating elements embodied into the garment.
What are the factors associated with the quality of life for parents of children affected by neurodevelopmental disorders? Usage of the quality of life survey approved PAR-DD-QOL in general medicine
Authors: Chastang Julie , Boussarsar Emna , Chavannes Barbara , Bonello Kim , Moussaoui Sohela , Skendi Mariela , Gomes Cecilia , Cadwallader Jean Sébastien , Ibanez Gladys
Published: April 2022

Aim: This project aims to evaluate the quality of life for parents of children affected by neurodevelopmental disorders using the survey approved by Par-DD-Qol.Methods: It is a quantitative, descriptive, and analytical study directed at a population of 130 parents of children affected by neurodevelopmental disorders in the Ile-de-France region between January and May 2019.Results: The main factors associated with better scores in quality of life are the support of the general practitioner as well as being in a relationship. The parents’ level of education, autism spectrum disorders, and delays in the diagnosis are associated with worst results when it comes to the quality of life.Conclusion: Knowing the factors associated with the quality of life allows to target actions needed to support the parents as their well-being is crucial for better general care of the child.
Laboratory Services in the context of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV testing requirements in Copperbelt Province, Zambia. A qualitative inquiry
Authors: Mwanza Jonathan , Doherty Tanya , Lubeya Mwansa Ketty , Gray Glenda E. , Mutale Wilbroad , Kawonga Mary
Published: April 2022

IntroductionReliable and timely laboratory results are crucial for monitoring the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) cascade, particularly to enable early HIV diagnosis and early intervention. We sought to explore whether and how laboratory services have been prepared to absorb new testing requirements following PMTCT Test-and-Treat policy changes in three districts of Zambia.MethodThis qualitative study was conducted in three local government areas in the Copperbelt Province (one urban and two rural) between February 2019 and July 2020. Document review and in-depth interviews with 26 purposively sampled health workers were undertaken. All interviews were analyzed using thematic data analysis, informed by the health system dynamic framework.ResultsThe findings revealed that the health system inputs (infrastructure and supplies, human resources, knowledge and information and finance) and service delivery were unequal between the rural and urban sites and this affected the ability of health facilities to apply the new testing requirements, especially, in the rural based health facilities. The major barriers identified include gaps in the capacity of the existing laboratory system to perform crucial PMTCT clinical and surveillance functions in a coordinated manner and insufficient skilled human resources to absorb the increased testing demands. The centralized laboratory system for HIV testing of mothers and exposed neonates meant facilities had to send specimens to other facilities and districts which resulted in high turnaround time and hence delayed HIV diagnosis.ConclusionNew guidelines implemented without sufficient capacitation of health system inputs and service delivery resulted in gaps in the capacity of the existing laboratory system to perform and meet the diagnostic and treatment needs for PMTCT. This study documented the areas relating to health system inputs and laboratory service delivery where greater investment and support is needed to enable absorption of the new testing requirements.
Another way to be green: pigmented liquid ink in butterfly wings – a novel form of colouration
Authors: Nishida Kenji , Adachi Haruhiko , Moriyama Minoru , Futahashi Ryo , Hanson Paul , Kondo Shigeru
Published: April 2022

A novel mechanism underlying butterfly wing colouration was discovered in two distantly related butterfly species, Siproeta stelenes (Nympalinae) and Philaethria diatonica (Heliconiinae). These butterflies have bright green wings, but the colour is not derived from pigments or nano-structures of the scales or the colour of the cuticular membrane, but from an ink-like liquid retained in the wings. Wing structure differs between the green and non-green areas. In the non-green region, the upper and lower cuticular membranes are attached to each other, whereas in the green region there is a space of 5–10 microns where liquid ink is held and living cells were observed. The green ink was composed of pigments similar to those in the hemolymph, but enriched with carotenoid lutein. This novel discovery sheds a new light on our understanding of the evolution of wing colouration in butterflies.
Arsenic Trioxide (ATO)-Induced Pyroptosis and Activation of Natural Killer Cells in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Su Jia-Yin , Zheng Li-Min , Luo Jie-Si , Wang Li-Na , Huang Li-Bin , Xiang Suoyu , Liang Cong , Sun Xi , Tang Yan-lai , Luo Xue-qun
Published: April 2022

Background: The poor prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is partly due to the immunosuppressive leukemia environment. A therapeutic approach to induce pyroptosis is promising to work on this issue. Pyroptosis, a form of inflammatory cell death, is capable to release pro-immune factors and enhance the infiltration and cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells. Chemical drugs have been verified to enhance anti-tumor immunity by inducing pyroptosis. Arsenic trioxide (ATO), a clinical drug in leukemia, is reported to be effective to kill AML cells, but it’s still unclear about its mechanism in AML. Our research is aimed at exploring the ATO effect on pyroptosis induction and the anti-tumor immunity of NK cells in AML.Methods: Pyroptotic phenomenon was detected by confocal microscopy, Annexin-V / propidium iodide staining, LDH release assay, and western blotting; The release of cytokines was detected by SDS-PAGE, proteomic analysis, ELISA, etc.; AML xenograft models were established to explore the ATO effect in vivo and the anti-tumor effect of ATO treatment was identified by tumor-volume measurement, HE staining and KI67 staining; The activity of NK cells was evaluated by immunofluorescence, flow cytometric analysis, etc.; The differential expressed proteins were identified by quantitative proteomic analysis and western blotting.Results: We first discovered that ATO induced pyroptosis in AML cells and activated caspase-3/gasdermin E (GSDME) pathway to induce pyroptosis, and enhances the release of LDH, HMGB1, and IL-1β. Moreover, we revealed that ATO treatment promoted the proliferation, tumor-infiltration, and degranulation of NK cells in AML and its leukemia microenvironment. The further proteomic clues indicate the potential mechanisms of the ATO anti-leukemia effect in vivo.Conclusions: These findings indicate that ATO treatment induces pyroptosis via caspase-3/GSDME pathway, enhances the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and activates NK cells in AML. Our data identify what is to our knowledge the first clinical drug that induces pyroptosis in AML, revealing the potential anti-leukemic and pro-immune properties of ATO treatment in the leukemia microenvironment of AML, which may be beneficial in reducing the recurrence problems associated with the leukemia microenvironment.
Impact of developing dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury on long-term mortality in cancer patients with septic shock
Authors: Kim June-sung , Kim Youn-Jung , Kim Ye-Jee , Kim Won Young
Published: April 2022

Background: Sepsis-related acute kidney injury is associated not only with short-term adverse effects but also important long-term consequences. However, differences and results across cancer patients remain unknown. Considering recent advances in both cancer and sepsis management, we were to evaluate the associated factors for occurrence of septic AKI and to determine the impact of septic acute kidney injury on the long-term mortality in cancer patients using a nationwide population-based cohort data with prohibited withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy.Methods: Using data from the National Health Insurance Service of Korea, adult cancer patients who presented to emergency department with septic shock from 2009 to 2017 were analyzed. Cox-proportional hazard model was conducted to evaluate the clinical effect of sepsis-related acute kidney injury requiring dialysis on the 2-year mortality.Results: Among 42,477 adult cancer patients with septic shock (90% solid and 10% hematologic cancer cases), dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury occurred in 5449 (12.8%) admission. Recovery from dialysis within 30-day was 77.9% and overall, 30-day and 2-year mortality rates were 52.1% and 85.1%, respectively. Oncologic patients with dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury were frequently occurred in male, history of hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and patients with hematologic cancer. In multivariate Cox-proportional hazard model showed that dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury had a highest adjusted hazard ratio of 1.5 (95% confidence interval 31.31–1.40) for 2-year mortality.Conclusion: Dialysis-requiring septic acute kidney injury is not occurred commonly (about 13%). However, it had a significant association with the increased long-term mortality which emphasis on the prevention of acute kidney injury particularly in male hematologic cancer patients with comorbidities among the oncologic population.
Accuracy of axial length, keratometry, and refractive measurement with Myopia Master in children with ametropia
Authors: Ye Yuhao , Zhao Yu , Han Tian , Zhang Xiaoyu , Miao Huamao , Qin Bing , Zhou Xingtao
Published: April 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of axial length, keratometry, and refractive measurement with Myopia Master in ametropic children.Methods: In this randomized prospective cross-sectional study, 125 children with ametropia (250 eyes) were recruited (55 boys and 70 girls; age range: 3–15 years). All examinations were performed under full cycloplegic conditions. Measurements of axial length (AL), keratometry, and autorefraction acquired with the Myopia Master were compared with those from the IOLMaster 500, IOLMaster 700, Nidek ARK-1, and manifest refraction. The differences between the different methods were analyzed, and their correlation was assessed by interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), Bland-Altman plot, and correlation test.Results: The ALs (mm) measured with Myopia Master, IOLMaster 500, and IOLMaster 700 were 23.67 ± 1.26, 23.68 ± 1.26, and 23.70 ± 1.25, respectively. The mean values and standard deviations for AL and keratometry readings from these devices were similar (P ≥ 0.059). The ICC analysis also revealed high consistency between the measurements (ICC ≥ 0.943). Additionally, the correlation coefficients were relatively high (r > 0.9, p < 0.001). Although the results of refraction obtained with the Myopia Master were slightly higher than those with manifest refraction (P ≤ 0.024), the agreement between these two measurements was excellent (ICC ≥ 0.858). The percentage of points outside the limits of agreements was < 5.22% in Bland-Altman plots for all analyses.Conclusions: Myopia Master could be a highly efficient tool for clinical use as a three-in-one system (AL, keratometry, and refractive measurements) for screening in children with ametropia.
Anti-fibrotic and antioxidant ameliorative effect of Naringenin against thioacetamide induced liver fibrosis
Authors: Ali Haytham , Afifi Mohamed
Published: April 2022

This work conducted to evaluate the anti-fibrotic and antioxidant role of naringenin (NAR) toward thioacetamide (TAA) induced liver fibrosis. Fifty adult male albino rats randomly divided into 5 groups (10 each); first group kept as control one; the second treated I/P by 200 mg/kg TAA twice a weeks for 8 weeks; the third was gavaged daily with 50 mg /kg/ b.wt of NAR; the fourth was co-treated by TAA and NAR while the fifth was treated with TAA for 8 w then gavaged daily by NAR for 1 month. TAA administration significantly increases the hepatic cell enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP and GGT) in the serum referring to hepatic cell destruction with an increase in hepatic MDA with a reduction in GSH concentrations, antioxidant enzyme activities as well as down regulation of their expression levels. NAR administration either with or after TAA ameliorates this effect suggesting its antioxidant ability. In the fibrotic pathway, TAA treatment up-regulates the expression levels of fibrogenic biomarkers (TGF-β, collagen 1α and fibronectin) genes while NAR down-regulates these genes suggesting its anti-fibrotic ability. Histopathological analysis confirms the biochemical results. In conclusion, NAR ameliorates the deleterious effect of TAA through its antioxidant and anti-fibrotic abilities.
New insight into therapeutic strategy and prognostic predictors in patients with cardiac Behçet's Syndrome: from the Shanghai Behçet's Syndrome database
Authors: Bao Hua-fang , Hou Cheng-cheng , Cai Jian-fei , Jian Kai-tao , Luo Dan , Ye Jing-fen , She Chun-hui , Guan Jian-Long
Published: April 2022

Background
Cardiac Behçet’s syndrome (cardiac BS) is rare but lethal. And the influencing factors of prognoses in cardiac BS are not clear. This study was conducted to summarize the features of cardiac BS and find the predictors of unfavourable prognoses for cardiac BS patients.
Methods
Sixty-six cardiac BS patients were included from 1467 BS patients in the Shanghai Behçet’s syndrome database. The median follow-up duration was 4.0 (2.0–7.0) years. The unfavourable prognosis was defined as a compound event containing all-cause death and rehospitalization related to worsened cardiac lesions or postoperative complications. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the predictors of unfavourable prognoses.
Results
In this study, the mortality rate of cardiac BS patients was 10.61% (7/66), and 22 (33.33%) patients experienced two or more surgeries. Ninety-six cases were collected from 66 cardiac BS patients. The effective rates of postoperative biological agents and Janus kinases (JAK) inhibitors in cardiac BS patients were 88.89% (16/18) and 81.25% (13/16) respectively. Former smoking, valve replacement or repairment and poor compliance were found to be the independent risk factors of unfavourable prognoses; preoperative immunosuppressive therapies and postoperative immunosuppressive therapies were independent protective factors for unfavourable prognoses in total cardiac BS. In 65 cases of cardiac BS after aortic valve surgeries, former smoking was an independent risk factor for unfavourable prognoses. Bentall procedure, postoperative traditional DMARDs, postoperative JAK inhibitors or biological agents were independent protective factors for unfavourable prognoses in cardiac BS patients after aortic valve surgeries.
Conclusion
Both preoperative immunosuppressive therapies and postoperative immunosuppressive therapies are necessary for cardiac BS patients. Bentall procedure is recommended to be performed in BS patients with severe AR. Besides biological agents, JAK inhibitors can be used in cardiac BS patients after aortic valve surgeries for promoting favourable outcomes.
An assessment of health consequences of Fossil Fuel energy use in Osun State, Nigeria: Burden and Implications
Authors: Akintunde Temitope 'Sade , Akintunde Adeseye Abiodun
Published: April 2022

Background
The use of fossil fuel energy still persists in all continents of the world especially in Africa. This study was aimed to examine fossil fuel energy usage and its health implication on residents of Osun State, Nigeria.
Methods
This was a cross sectional study done across Osun State Nigeria. The study took place between January to June 2020. 1044 participants were recruited by multi stage random sampling. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain necessary information from the study participants. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS 24.0. P < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.
Results
There were 534 females (51.1%). Fossil fuel energy was common among study participants as 601(57.6%) relied solely on fossil fuel energy compared to 443(42.4%) who uses non-traditional energy sources. There were 534 females (51.1%). Fossil fuel energy was common among study participants as 601(57.6%) relied solely on fossil fuel energy compared to 443(42.4%) who uses modern energy sources. The proportion of people whose annual monthly income is less than one hundred and twenty US Dollars (fifty thousand Naira) is far higher among those who used fossil fuel energy (88.0%) compared to those who used modern energy (59.1%). Electricity consumption accessibility was also more likely among those who used modern energy (91.9%) compared to 52.4% of those that uses fossil fuel energy for daily energy needs.
Conclusion
This study showed that fossil fuel energy use is very prevalent among residents of Osun State, Nigeria. and is linked with many indices of poverty. It is associated with significant health impact including respiratory diseases and poor quality of life. There is need to encourage and implement policies towards effective and efficient energy use among residents in Osun State to reduce the associated long term health impact.
Comparison of the novel WEst coast System for Triage (WEST) with Rapid Emergency Triage and Treatment System (RETTS) - An observational pilot study
Authors: Habbouche Samah , Carlson Tobias , Johansson Daniel , Kjaerbeck Schani , Malm Mathias , Svensson Per-Arne , Holmqvist Lina
Published: April 2022

Background: The majority of Swedish emergency departments (ED) use the triage system called Rapid Emergency Triage and Treatment System (RETTS), which over time has proven to categorize patients to higher triage levels and thus increasing their waiting time and leads to challenges in identifying high-risk patients. In order to achieve a more balanced triage in relation to actual medical risk, the triage system WEst coast System for Triage (WEST) was developed, based on the South African Triage Scale (SATS). The aim of this study is to perform an initial evaluation of the novel emergency triage system WEST compared with the existing RETTS.Methods: Both RETTS and WEST are five level triage systems illustrated by colors. Nurses from each of the three adult EDs of Sahlgrenska University hospital in Gothenburg and the ambulance service assessed and triaged 1,510 patients according to RETTS and immediately thereafter filled out the WEST triage form. Data from each triage report were analyzed and grouped according to the triage color, chief complaint for the ED visit, and outcome of each patient. Data on discharge categories and events within 72 hours were also collected. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistical methods.Results: In general, WEST displayed lower levels of prioritization compared to RETTS, with no observed impact on patients’ medical outcomes. In the RETTS orange group, approximately 50% of the patients were down prioritized in WEST to yellow or green. In contrast, in the RETTS yellow group, more than 55% were down prioritized to green in WEST. The number of patients who had a serious event during the first 72 hours was few. All three patients who died had red prioritization in RETTS, but two had red and one had orange prioritization when using WEST. All these patients were admitted into the hospital. Conclusions: WEST may reduce over prioritization at the ED, especially in the orange and yellow groups of RETTS, with no observed increase in the medical risks. WEST, thus, can be recommended for clinical comparative study.
Therapeutic potential of pupil coroplasty combined with phacomulsification and intraocular lens implantation against uveitis-induced cataract
Authors: Lu Hui , Chen Doudou , Zhu Siquan
Published: April 2022

Background: Uveitis is a severe intraocular inflammation with high recurrence rate, which can induce cataract. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of pupil coroplasty combined with phacomulsification and intraocular lens implantation (PPI) in uveitis-induced cataract.Methods: Total 28 patients with uveitis-induced cataract were enrolled. Within 3 months before the PPI, 7 cases accompanied with glaucoma maintained carteolol hydrochloride for lowering intraocular pressure, and 1 case maintained glucocorticoid for anti-inflammation. The baseline characteristics, treatment processes, and outcomes of enrolled cases were retrospectively analyzed. Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining was performed to reveal the histopathological changes of iris tissues.Results: Iris hemorrhage was the only intraoperative complication observed in 2 cases. After the surgery, normal intraocular pressure, right position of intraocular lens, and improved visual gain (BCVA > 0.5) were achieved. Postoperative keratic precipitates was observed in 2 cases, which was recovered within 1 week. During the follow-up of 5-10 years, no recurrence of uveitis was found in 27 cases (96.43%). Uveitis only recurred in one case with the onset of ankylosing spondylitis. HE staining showed iris stroma (all samples), pigment cell hyperplasia in pigment epithelium (n = 9) and stroma (n = 19), inflammatory cell infiltration in iris (n = 7), and neovascularization in iris surface (n = 2).Conclusion: PPI improved the visual gain and prevented the long-term recurrence of uveitis in patients with uveitis-induced cataract, including those with preoperative intraocular pressure abnormality (glaucoma) and inflammation (active uveitis). Uveitis presented stroma atrophy, pigment cell hyperplasia, and inflammatory cell infiltration, even in a quiet state.
Mitochondrial transfer to host cells from ex vivo expanded donor hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Kawano Hiroki , Kawano Yuko , Smith Charles O. , LaMere Mark W. , McArthur Matthew J. , Becker Michael W. , Ballinger Scott W. , Gojo Satoshi , Eliseev Roman A. , Calvi Laura M.
Published: April 2022

Mitochondrial dysfunction is observed in various conditions, from metabolic syndromes to mitochondrial diseases. Moreover, Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) transfer is an emerging mechanism that enables restoration of mitochondrial function in damaged cells. Hence, developing the technology that facilitates transfer of mtDNA can be a promising strategy for the treatment of these conditions. Here, we utilized an ex vivo culture of mouse hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and succeeded in expanding HSCs efficiently. Upon transplantation, sufficient donor HSC engraftment was attained in host. To assess the mitochondrial transfer via donor HSCs, we used mitochondrial-nuclear exchange (MNX) mice with nuclei from C57BL/6J and mitochondria from the C3H/HeN strain. Cells from MNX mice have C57BL/6J immunophenotype and C3H/HeN mtDNA, which is known to confer a higher stress resistance to mitochondria. Ex vivo expanded MNX HSCs were transplanted into irradiated C57BL/6J mice and the analyses were done at six weeks post transplantation. We observed high engraftment of donor cells in peripheral blood as well as in bone marrow. We also found that HSCs from the MNX mice could transfer mtDNA to host cells. This work highlights the utility of ex vivo expanded HSC to achieve the mitochondrial transfer from donor to host in the transplant setting.
Different rhizosphere soil microbes are recruited by tomatoes with different fruit color phenotypes
Authors: Chen Siyu , Sun Yan , Wei Yufei , Li Huan , Yang Shangdong
Published: April 2022

Background: To explore and utilize abundant soil microbes and their beneficial functions, the bacterial and fungal compositions in rhizospheres between red- and yellow-fruited tomato varieties were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing technique.Result: Our results indicated that different soil microbes in rhizospheres of tomatoes were exactly recruited by different color fruit tomatoes. For the reasons as not only soil bacterial community, but also soil fungal compositions were all different between red and yellow fruit tomatoes. For example, Acidibacter, norank_f_norank_o_Vicinamibacterales, unclassified_f__Bacillaceae, norank_f_JG30-KF-AS9, Planifilum, norank_f_norank_o_Subgroup_2, Streptomyces, Nocardioides, norank_f_norank_o_IMCC26256, and norank_f_67-14 were the specific dominant soil bacterial genera, and unclassified_f_Pyronemataceae and unclassified_f_Sordariaceae were the dominant soil fungal genera in the rhizospheres of red tomato varieties. In contrast, norank_f_Birii41, Hyphomicrobium, norank_f_Gemmatimonadaceae and Gaiella were the unique dominant soil bacterial genera, and unique dominant soil fungal genera were not detected in the rhizospheres of yellow tomato varieties. Moreover, a higher abundance of specific soil bacterial and fungal genera in the rhizosphere was found for the red than for the yellow tomato varieties. Conclusion: As tomato fruit color formations are relating to endogenous hormones, and endogenous hormones are partly derived from soil microbes in rhizospheres. According to the different compositions and functions of soil bacteria and fungi were found enriching in rhizospheres of red- and yellow-fruited tomato varieties, it also can be concluded that different soil microbes in rhizospheres exactly are recruited by tomato varieties with different phenotypes related to fruit color formation.
Serum lipidomics reveals novel biomarkers by UHPLC-HRMS to assist the discrimination between colorectal adenoma and cancer
Authors: Chen Hongwei , Zhang Jiahao , Zhou Hailin , Zhu Yifan , Liang Yunxiao , Zhu Pingchuan , Zhang Qisong
Published: April 2022

Purpose
The mechanisms of colorectal adenoma (CA) transforming colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear, and there are still lacking biomarkers to distinguish CA from CRC. Hence, this study aimed to explore underlying the mechanisms of CA canceration and novel biomarkers to differentiate CA from CRC.
Methods
An ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) method was employed to measure global lipid profiles of 100 serum samples from CA and CRC patients. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were applied to select the differential lipids between two groups. Combining constituent ratio analysis and performance evaluation analysis by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve explored the mechanisms of CA canceration and lipid markers to discriminate CA and CRC.
Results
Serum lipid profiles presented obvious differences between CA and CRC. Totally 85 differential lipids (P < 0.05 and fold change > 1.5) were discovered and mainly involved in fatty acid (FA), phosphatidylcholine (PC), and triacylglycerol (TAG) metabolism with ratio > 63%. 7 lipids served as the putative biomarkers with the area under the curve (AUC) > 0.800. Among them, a lipid panel containing four lipids was selected as the potential biomarkers with excellent performance (AUC = 0.971) and the highest selected frequency to distinguish CA from CRC based on SVM classification model.
Conclusion
The lipid panel could act as the potential biomarkers aiding the early diagnosis of CRC. Metabolic dysregulation of FAs, PCs, and TAGs should be involved in CA canceration, which provides new clues to understand its underlying mechanisms.
The Association Between Respiratory Tract Colonisation with Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborns: 11-years retrospective study in a single tertiary centre
Authors: Gobec Katja , Mukenauer Rebeka , Keše Darja , Erčulj Vanja , Grosek Štefan , Perme Tina
Published: April 2022

Purpose. With this 11-year long retrospective study (2009–2019) we wanted to ascertain the incidence of respiratory tract colonisation of extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGANs) with Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum and if there is a difference in the severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) between preterm infants with proven respiratory tract colonisation with U. parvum and U. urealyticum and without colonisation, controlled for other risk factors for BPD. Methods. We reviewed the medical records of ELGANs 23 0/7–27 6/7 weeks of gestation, tested for U. parvum and U. urealyticum. The causative Ureaplasma species (spp.) were identified using Mycofast Screening Revolution assay based on liquid broth cultures or with the PCR method. Results. This study included 196 preterm newborns. Fifty (25.5%) newborns had Ureaplasma spp. respiratory tract colonisation, with U. parvum being the predominant species. The results showed a slightly growing incidence rate of respiratory tract colonisation with Ureaplasma spp. in the observed period. The incidence rate for 2019 was 16.2 per 100 infants. We also discovered a statistically significant correlation between the severity of BPD and the colonisation with Ureaplasma spp. (p=0.041). Controlling for other risk factors for BPD in the regression model, the preterm infants colonised with Ureaplasma spp. had 4.32-times (95% confidence interval, CI 1.20–15.49) higher odds for developing moderate to severe BPD. Conclusions. Our results suggest that U. parvum and U. urealyticum could be associated with the development of BPD in ELGANs.
Accuracy of pilot balloon palpation in small sized tubes compared to large sized tubes: A prospective observational study
Authors: Ban MinGi , Kim So Yeon , Kim Min Soo , Park Wyun Kon , Song Sei Han , Skin Dongkwan , Kim Hyun Joo
Published: April 2022

Purpose
After inflating the cuff of the endotracheal tube, the pressure of the cuff should be evaluated as to whether it is appropriate for ventilation. The most commonly used method is pilot balloon palpation. This study evaluated whether the size of the tracheal tube influenced the accuracy of pilot balloon palpation.
Methods
A prospective observational analysis of 208 patients intubated with an endotracheal tube of internal diameter (ID) 6.0 or 8.0 was conducted. An anesthesiologist first judged whether the cuff pressure was appropriate by manual pilot balloon palpation, and then measured the cuff pressure with a pressure gauge. If the cuff pressure exceeded 20–30 cmH2O, it was defined as a false recognition.
Results
The intracuff pressure was significantly higher in ID 6.0 tube than in the ID 8.0 tube (41.9 ± 18.8 cmH2O vs. 30.3 ± 11.9 cmH2O, p < 0.001). The number of patients that were mistakenly perceived to have appropriate cuff pressure by pilot balloon palpation was significantly higher in the ID 6.0 group compared to the ID 8.0 group (85 (81.7%) vs. 64 (61.5%), p = 0.001).
Conclusions
The incidence of inaccurate assessment of adequate cuff pressure when determining cuff pressure by pilot balloon palpation was higher in the relatively smaller endotracheal tube size group compared to the larger endotracheal tube size group. Therefore, use of a pressure gauge to confirm adequate pressure is recommended especially when using a smaller tube size.
FGF/FGFR-related lncRNAs based classification predicts prognosis and guilds therapy in gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Qiuxiang , Du Xiaojing
Published: April 2022

Background: Precision classification greatly contributes to the individual treatment of gastric cancer (GC). Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)/receptor (FGFR) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) served as biomarkers for prognosis and treatment response. Hence, identifying FGF/FGFR-related lncRNAs is of importance to precision medicine in GC. Methods: STAD cohort from TCGA was used to identify FGF/FGFR-related lncRNAs. Cox analysis was employed to select lncRNAs with prognosis signature and establish risk score (RS) model. Than the molecular and tumor microenvironment characteristics of GC was estimated in RS groups. Finally, a comprehensive investigation was carried out to identify subclass-specific therapy.Results: We identified some FGF/FGFR-related lncRNAs and established a four-lncRNAs (FGF10-AS1, MIR2052HG, POU6F2-AS2 and DIRC1) RS model. Low RS group displayed high tumor mutation burden and infiltration of immune cells, as well as more sensitivity to immunotherapy or chemotherapy. High RS group showed high infiltration of stromal cells and more oncogenic signatures. In addition, two promising targeted drugs (Panobinostat and Tivantinib) was identified as specific agents for high RS group. Conclusions: Our study not only put forward a novel personalized prognostication classification model according to FGF/FGFR-related lncRNAs, but also provided new strategy for subclass-specific precision treatment in GC.
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody titers and neutralizing antibodies in vaccinated rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Authors: Furukawa Hiroshi , Oka Shomi , Higuchi Takashi , Nakama Moriyuki , Nagai Nobuhiro , Tohma Shigeto
Published: April 2022

Objectives: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A serological test is used to assess the efficacy of vaccination. It has been reported that anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) and neutralizing antibody (Ab) levels are lower following vaccination in patients with rheumatic disease. Here, we investigated anti-SARS-CoV-2 S and neutralizing Abs in vaccinated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in Japan. Methods: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S and neutralizing Abs were quantified in 101 RA patients and 117 controls. Results: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S Ab levels were lower in RA patients than both earlier after vaccination in controls (mean RA 324.1±591.8 SDM-vs.-control 1216.6±854.4 U/ml, P=8.02X10-16) and later after vaccination (324.1±591.8 -vs.582.0±415.6, P=0.0002). The interval between vaccination of the RA patients and serum collection was longer than for controls early after vaccination (142.1±31.6-vs.-98.3±11.2, P=6.54X10-32), but shorter than the later sample from the controls (142.1±31.6-vs.-257.3±11.2, P=1.79X10-94). Importantly, anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing Ab titers in RA patients were higher than in either early or later control samples (10.7±4.9-vs.-8.6±6.6%, P=0.0072, and 10.7±4.9-vs.-3.1±3.7%, P=1.04X10-28, respectively). Conclusion: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S Ab titers in vaccinated RA patients were lower than in controls, but anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing Ab levels were higher.
Vaccine effectiveness of CoronaVac against symptomatic and severe COVID-19 among children in Brazil during the Omicron period
Authors: Florentino Pilar , Alves Flávia , Cerqueira-Silva Thiago , Oliveira Vinicius de Araujo , Júnior Juracy Bertoldo , Jantsch Adelson , Penna Gerson , Boaventura Viviane , Werneck Guilherme , Pearce Neil , Barral-Netto Manoel , Barreto Maurício , Paixao Enny
Published: April 2022

Compared to previous variants, the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant has relatively high infection rates, including among children. Even though severe COVID-19 in children is rare, this group is susceptible to the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in Children (MIS-C), long-COVID and downstream effects of COVID-19, including social isolation and education disruption. There is evidence that vaccination with an mRNA vaccine offers protection against infection and severe forms of COVID-19 for children. However, data on the effectiveness of inactivated virus vaccine, the most used platform worldwide, is scarce during the Omicron period. In Brazil, children between 6 to 11 years are eligible to receive the CoronaVac vaccine. Using a national linked database from January 21, 2022, up to April 19, 2022, during the Omicron dominant period in Brazil, we conducted a test-negative design with 194,258 tests to assess CoronaVac effectiveness against infection and severe (hospitalisation or death) outcomes among children aged 6 to 11 years. The estimated VE for symptomatic infection was 35.0% (95% CI 27.7–41.5) at 0–13 days and 41.5% (95% CI: 34.4–47.7) at ≥ 14 days post-second dose. For severe outcomes (hospitalisation or death) VE was 69.2% (95% CI: 11.7–93.6) at 0–13 days and 63.5% (95% CI: 5.8–90.0). Two doses of CoronaVac in children during the Omicron period showed low levels of protection against symptomatic infection, and modest levels against severe illness.