bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Left in limbo”: Exploring how patients with colorectal cancer interpret and respond to a suspected Lynch syndrome diagnosis
Authors: den Elzen Nicole , Joseland Sharelle L. , Saya Sibel , Jonnagadla Sowmya , Isbister Joanne , Winship Ingrid , Buchanan Daniel D.
Published: October 2021

Background

A diagnosis of suspected Lynch syndrome (SLS) is given when a tumour displays characteristics consistent with Lynch syndrome (LS), but no germline pathogenic variant is identified. This inconclusive diagnosis results in uncertainty around appropriate cancer risk management. This qualitative study explored how patients with CRC interpret and respond to an SLS diagnosis.

Methods

Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 15 patients with CRC who received an SLS diagnosis, recruited from cancer genetics services across Australia. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Participant responses were compared with appointment summary letters from cancer genetics services.

Results

Participants’ interpretations of genetic test results were found to vary widely. While this variation often aligned with variation in interpretations by cancer genetics services, participants also had difficulties with the complexity and recall of genetic test results. Participants had a range of psychological responses to the uncertainty that their results presented, from relief to disappointment and doubt. Cancer risk perceptions also varied widely, with participants’ interpretations of their genetic test results just one of several influencing factors. Despite this variability, almost all participants adhered to cancer risk management advice, although different participants received different advice. All participants also communicated any cancer risk management advice to first-degree relatives, motivated by protecting them, but information communicated was not always consistent with advice received.

Conclusions

Our study findings highlight the variability in patients’ interpretations of their diagnosis, cancer risk management and family communication when a diagnosis of SLS is received, and provide novel insights into how healthcare professionals can better support patients with SLS.
Preparation of a new coating of graphene oxide/nickel complex on a nickelized metal surface for direct immersion solid phase microextraction of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Pasandideh Yalda , Razmi Habib
Published: October 2021

Background

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a versatile sampling and sample preparation technology that possess a significant application in the extraction and pre-concentration of a broad range of micro-pollutants from different kind of matrices. Selection and preparation of an appropriate fiber substrate and coating materials have always been the main challenges of the SPME procedure. This paper introduces a high-efficiency metal-based SPME fiber with a new chemical coating of nickel/graphene oxide/nickel tetraazamacrocyclic complex (Ni/GO/NiTAM).

Result

The Ni/GO/NiTAM sorbent was electroless deposited onto the surface of an aluchrom (Alu) wire, and then the prepared fiber was employed for the extraction and pre-concentration of some PAHs before their HPLC–UV analysis. The prepared fiber characterization data were assessed using FE-SEM, EDX, XRD, FT-IR, and BET techniques. The method validation parameters, including the linearity range (LRs: 0.10 to 200.0 µg L−1), the limit of detection (LODs: 0.03‒0.30 µg L−1), and the limit of quantification (LOQs: 0.10–1.00 µg L−1), under optimal conditions. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of intra-day, inter-day, and single fiber repeatability (for the samples spiked at 25 µg L‒1) were in the range of 0.32–2.94, 1.20–4.09, and 1.42‒4.39%, respectively. In addition, the technique recoveries (RR %) and enrichment factors (EF) were in the range of 83.10‒107.80% and 83–164, respectively.

Conclusion

The fiber fabrication was simple, and the applied materials were also economical and easily accessible. Alu metal has high physicochemical and mechanical stability and thus can be a good alternative for the substrate of the fragile commercial SPME fibers. High rigidity and durability, long service life, and high extraction capability are some of the other advantages of the offered fiber.
Citrulline deiminase pathway provides ATP and boosts growth of Clostridium carboxidivorans P7
Authors: Li Xiangfei , Han Rumeng , Bao Teng , Osire Tolbert , Zhang Xian , Xu Meijuan , Yang Taowei , Rao Zhiming
Published: October 2021

Background

Clostridium carboxidivorans P7 is capable of producing ethanol and butanol from inexpensive and non-food feedstock, such as syngas. Achieving improved ethanol and butanol production in the strain for industrial application depends on the energetics and biomass, especially ATP availability.

Results

This study found that exogenous addition of citrulline promoted accumulation of ATP, increased specific growth rate, and reduced the doubling time of C. carboxidivorans P7. In heterotrophic fermentation experiments, the addition of citrulline increased intracellular ATP by 3.39-fold, significantly enhancing the production of total alcohol (ethanol + butanol) by 20%. Moreover, in the syngas fermentation experiments, the addition of citrulline improved the level of intracellular ATP and the biomass by 80.5% and 31.6%, respectively, resulting in an 18.6% and 60.3% increase in ethanol and the alcohol/acid production ratio, respectively.

Conclusions

This is the first report that citrulline could promote the growth of C. carboxidivorans P7 and increase the level of intracellular ATP, which is of great significance for the use of C. carboxidivorans P7 to synthesize biofuels.
Improvement of thermostability and catalytic efficiency of glucoamylase from Talaromyces leycettanus JCM12802 via site-directed mutagenesis to enhance industrial saccharification applications
Authors: Tong Lige , Zheng Jie , Wang Xiao , Wang Xiaolu , Huang Huoqing , Yang Haomeng , Tu Tao , Wang Yuan , Bai Yingguo , Yao Bin , Luo Huiying , Qin Xing
Published: October 2021

Background

Glucoamylase is an important industrial enzyme in the saccharification of starch into glucose. However, its poor thermostability and low catalytic efficiency limit its industrial saccharification applications. Therefore, improving these properties of glucoamylase is of great significance for saccharification in the starch industry.

Results

In this study, a novel glucoamylase-encoding gene TlGa15B from the thermophilic fungus Talaromyces leycettanus JCM12802 was cloned and expressed in Pichia pastoris. The optimal temperature and pH of recombinant TlGa15B were 65 ℃ and 4.5, respectively. TlGa15B exhibited excellent thermostability at 60 ℃. To further improve thermostability without losing catalytic efficiency, TlGa15B-GA1 and TlGa15B-GA2 were designed by introducing disulfide bonds and optimizing residual charge–charge interactions in a region distant from the catalytic center. Compared with TlGa15B, mutants showed improved optimal temperature, melting temperature, specific activity, and catalytic efficiency. The mechanism underlying these improvements was elucidated through molecular dynamics simulation and dynamics cross-correlation matrices analysis. Besides, the performance of TlGa15B-GA2 was the same as that of the commercial glucoamylase during saccharification.

Conclusions

We provide an effective strategy to simultaneously improve both thermostability and catalytic efficiency of glucoamylase. The excellent thermostability and high catalytic efficiency of TlGa15B-GA2 make it a good candidate for industrial saccharification applications.
Association of diabetes and obesity with sperm parameters and testosterone levels: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhong Ou , Ji Lin , Wang Jinyuan , Lei Xiaocan , Huang Hua
Published: October 2021

Background

The present study performed two distinct meta-analyses with common outcomes (sperm parameters); one was performed in obese individuals (and non-obese controls) and the other in diabetic individuals (and non-diabetic controls).

Methods

PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane library, Web of Science, Scopus databases were searched to collect clinical studies related to the effects of obesity and diabetes on male sperm from inception to on 1st February 2021. Statistical meta-analyses were performed using the RevMan 5.4 software. Stata16 software was used to detect publication bias. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed with the Ottawa–Newcastle scale using a star-based system.

Results

A total of 44 studies were finally included in the present study, which enrolled 20,367 obese patients and 1386 patients with diabetes. The meta-analysis results showed that both obesity and diabetes were associated with reduced semen volume (obese versus non-obese controls: mean difference (MD) = − 0.25, 95% CI = (− 0.33, − 0.16), p < 0.001; diabetes versus non-diabetic controls: MD = − 0.45, 95% CI = (− 0.63, − 0.27), p < 0.001), reduced sperm count (obese versus non-obese controls: MD = − 23.84, 95% CI = (− 30.36, − 17.33), p < 0.001; diabetes versus non-diabetic controls: MD = − 13.12, 95% CI = (− 18.43, − 7.82), p < 0.001), reduced sperm concentration (obese versus non-obese controls: MD = − 7.26, 95% CI = (− 10.07, − 4.46), p < 0.001; diabetes versus non-diabetic controls: MD = − 11.73, 95% CI = (− 21.44, − 2.01), p = 0.02), reduced progressive motility (obese versus non-obese controls: MD = − 5.68, 95% CI = (− 8.79, − 2.56), p < 0.001; diabetes versus non-diabetic controls: MD = − 14.37, 95% CI = (− 21.79, − 6.96), p = 0.001), and decreased testosterone levels (obese versus non-obese controls: MD = − 1.11, 95% CI = (− 1.92, − 0.30), p = 0.007; diabetes versus non-diabetic controls: MD = − 0.37, 95% CI = (− 0.63, − 0.12), p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Current evidence suggests that obesity and diabetes negatively affect sperm parameters in men and are associated with low testosterone levels. Due to the limitation of the number and quality of included studies, the above conclusions need to be verified by more high-quality studies.
Improved gut microbiota features after the resolution of SARS‑CoV‑2 infection
Authors: De Maio Flavio , Ianiro Gianluca , Coppola Gaetano , Santopaolo Francesco , Abbate Valeria , Bianco Delia Mercedes , Del Zompo Fabio , De Matteis Giuseppe , Leo Massimo , Nesci Antonio , Nicoletti Alberto , Pompili Maurizio , Cammarota Giovanni , Posteraro Brunella , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Gasbarrini Antonio , Ponziani Francesca Romana
Published: October 2021

Background

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) has a tropism for the gastrointestinal tract and several studies have shown an alteration of the gut microbiota in hospitalized infected patients. However, long-term data on microbiota changes after recovery are lacking.

Methods

We enrolled 30 patients hospitalized for SARS‑CoV‑2-related pneumonia. Their gut microbiota was analyzed within 48 h from the admission and compared with (1) that of other patients admitted for suspected bacterial pneumonia (control group) (2) that obtained from the same subject 6 months after nasopharyngeal swab negativization.

Results

Gut microbiota alpha-diversity increased 6 months after the resolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Bacteroidetes relative abundance was higher (≈ 36.8%) in patients with SARS-CoV-2, and declined to 18.7% when SARS-CoV-2 infection resolved (p  =  0.004). Conversely, Firmicutes were prevalent (≈ 75%) in controls and in samples collected after SARS-CoV-2 infection resolution (p  =  0.001). Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae andBlautiaincreased after SARS-CoV-2 infection resolution, rebalancing the gut microbiota composition.

Conclusion

SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with changes in the gut microbiome, which tend to be reversed in long-term period.
Effects of pre-exercise acupuncture stimulation on heart rate response during short-duration exercise
Authors: Nakahara Hidehiro , Ueda Shin-ya , Kawai Eriko , Higashiura Rui , Miyamoto Tadayoshi
Published: October 2021

Background

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of bradycardia induced by pre-exercise acupuncture on heart rate responses during short-duration exercise.

Methods

A total of 29 healthy subjects underwent two protocols: protocol 1 assessed the effects of manual acupuncture on heart rate response during rest, and protocol 2 tested the hypothesis that the bradycardic effects induced by pre-exercise acupuncture continue during low- and high-intensity exercise. Their average age, height, weight, and body mass index were 21.2 ± 2.0 years, 167.2 ± 8.8 cm, 63.8 ± 12.8 kg, and 22.7 ± 3.5 kg/m2, respectively. In acupuncture stimulations for protocols 1 and 2, an acupuncture needle was inserted into the lower leg and manual acupuncture stimulation was performed at 1 Hz.

Results

In protocol 1 (resting condition), acupuncture stimulation induced a bradycardic response, which continued for 4 min after the cessation of acupuncture stimulation (p < 0.05). In protocol 2, the bradycardic response induced by pre-exercise acupuncture stimulation remained during low-intensity exercise and in the beginning of high-intensity exercise performed immediately after the cessation of acupuncture stimulation (p < 0.05). However, the effects disappeared when post-acupuncture exercise was performed when the heart rate was approximately 140 beats/min during high-intensity exercise. The rating of perceived exertion after exercise differed significantly between the acupuncture stimulation task (7.9 ± 1.6) and no-stimulation task (8.5 ± 2.0) (p = 0.03) only in the low intensity group.

Conclusion

This study may provide new insights into the effect of acupuncture stimulation on psycho-physiological conditions during exercise.
Micronodular basal cell carcinoma of the scrotum: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Younes Mohammad , Kouba Lamia , Almsokar Hanaa , Badran Ayham
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common nonmelanotic skin cancer. It has variable clinical and histological subtypes that vary in their aggressiveness and liability to recurrence and metastasis. Chronic ultraviolet radiation exposure is considered to be the main risk factor for developing basal cell carcinoma; therefore, it typically arises on sun-exposed skin, mainly the head and neck.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 55-year-old Caucasian male who presented with a lesion on the scrotum for 2 years. The lesion was clinically presumed benign and initially treated with curettage. Microscopic examination revealed an incompletely resected micronodular basal cell carcinoma with sebaceous differentiation. Therefore, a second excisional biopsy was performed to completely excise the incidentally discovered malignant tumor.

Conclusion

We report the first case of micronodular basal cell carcinoma arising on the scrotum. The goal of our article is to draw clinicians’ attention to the possible involvement of unexposed skin with basal cell carcinoma, and we highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment due to the aggressive nature of micronodular basal cell carcinoma.
The impact of cross-docked poses on performance of machine learning classifier for protein–ligand binding pose prediction
Authors: Shen Chao , Hu Xueping , Gao Junbo , Zhang Xujun , Zhong Haiyang , Wang Zhe , Xu Lei , Kang Yu , Cao Dongsheng , Hou Tingjun
Published: October 2021

Structure-based drug design depends on the detailed knowledge of the three-dimensional (3D) structures of protein–ligand binding complexes, but accurate prediction of ligand-binding poses is still a major challenge for molecular docking due to deficiency of scoring functions (SFs) and ignorance of protein flexibility upon ligand binding. In this study, based on a cross-docking dataset dedicatedly constructed from the PDBbind database, we developed several XGBoost-trained classifiers to discriminate the near-native binding poses from decoys, and systematically assessed their performance with/without the involvement of the cross-docked poses in the training/test sets. The calculation results illustrate that using Extended Connectivity Interaction Features (ECIF), Vina energy terms and docking pose ranks as the features can achieve the best performance, according to the validation through the random splitting or refined-core splitting and the testing on the re-docked or cross-docked poses. Besides, it is found that, despite the significant decrease of the performance for the threefold clustered cross-validation, the inclusion of the Vina energy terms can effectively ensure the lower limit of the performance of the models and thus improve their generalization capability. Furthermore, our calculation results also highlight the importance of the incorporation of the cross-docked poses into the training of the SFs with wide application domain and high robustness for binding pose prediction. The source code and the newly-developed cross-docking datasets can be freely available athttps://github.com/sc8668/ml_pose_predictionandhttps://zenodo.org/record/5525936, respectively, under an open-source license. We believe that our study may provide valuable guidance for the development and assessment of new machine learning-based SFs (MLSFs) for the predictions of protein–ligand binding poses.
Infinite Geraghty type extensions and their applications on integral equations
Authors: Bardhan R. , Ozel C. , Guran L. , Aydi H. , Park Choonkil
Published: October 2021

In this article, we discuss about a series of infinite dimensional extensions of some theorems given in (Shumrani et al. in SER Math. Inform. 33(2):197–202, 2018), (Fisher in Math. Mag. 48(4):223–225, 1975), and (Fogh, Behnamian and Pashaie in Int. J. Maps in Mathematics 2(41):1–13, 2019). We also prove a similar Geraghty type construction for Fisher (Math. Mag. 48(4):223–225, 1975) in an infinite dimension using similar techniques as in (Shumrani et al. in SER Math. Inform. 33(2):197–202, 2018) and (Fogh, Behnamian and Pashaie in Int. J. Maps in Mathematics 2(41):1–13, 2019). As an application, we ensure the existence of solutions for infinite dimensional Fredholm integral equation and Uryshon type integral equation.
Addressing complex pharmacy consultations: methods used to develop a person-centred intervention to highlight alcohol within pharmacist reviews of medications
Authors: McCambridge Jim , Atkin Karl , Dhital Ranjita , Foster Brent , Gough Brendan , Madden Mary , Morris Stephanie , O’Carroll Ronan , Ogden Margaret , Van Dongen Anne , White Sue , Whittlesea Cate , Stewart Duncan
Published: October 2021

Background

Alcohol is challenging to discuss, and patients may be reluctant to disclose drinking partly because of concern about being judged. This report presents an overview of the development of a medications review intervention co-produced with the pharmacy profession and with patients, which breaks new ground by seeking to give appropriate attention to alcohol within these consultations.

Methods

This intervention was developed in a series of stages and refined through conceptual discussion, literature review, observational and interview studies, and consultations with advisory groups. In this study we reflect on this process, paying particular attention to the methods used, where lessons may inform innovations in other complex clinical consultations.

Results

Early work with patients and pharmacists infused the entire process with a heightened sense of the complexity of consultations in everyday practice, prompting careful deliberation on the implications for intervention development. This required the research team to be highly responsive to both co-production inputs and data gathered in formally conducted studies, and to be committed to working through the implications for intervention design. The intervention thus evolved significantly over time, with the greatest transformations resulting from patient and pharmacist co-design workshops in the second stage of the process, where pharmacists elaborated on the nature of the need for training in particular. The original research plans provided a helpful structure, and unanticipated issues for investigation emerged throughout the process. This underscored the need to engage dynamically with changing contexts and contents and to avoid rigid adherence to any early prescribed plan.

Conclusions

Alcohol interventions are complex and require careful developmental research. This can be a messy enterprise, which can nonetheless shed new insights into the challenges involved in optimising interventions, and how to meet them, if embraced with an attitude of openness to learning. We found that exposing our own research plans to scrutiny resulted in changes to the intervention design that gained the confidence of different stakeholders. Our understanding of the methods used, and their consequences, may be bounded by the person-centred nature of this particular intervention.
How often should dead-reckoned animal movement paths be corrected for drift?
Authors: Gunner Richard M. , Holton Mark D. , Scantlebury David M. , Hopkins Phil , Shepard Emily L. C. , Fell Adam J. , Garde Baptiste , Quintana Flavio , Gómez-Laich Agustina , Yoda Ken , Yamamoto Takashi , English Holly , Ferreira Sam , Govender Danny , Viljoen Pauli , Bruns Angela , van Schalkwyk O. Louis , Cole Nik C. , Tatayah Vikash , Börger Luca , Redcliffe James , Bell Stephen H. , Marks Nikki J. , Bennett Nigel C. , Tonini Mariano H. , Williams Hannah J. , Duarte Carlos M. , van Rooyen Martin C. , Bertelsen Mads F. , Tambling Craig J. , Wilson Rory P.
Published: October 2021

Background

Understanding what animals do in time and space is important for a range of ecological questions, however accurate estimates of how animals use space is challenging. Within the use of animal-attached tags, radio telemetry (including the Global Positioning System, ‘GPS’) is typically used to verify an animal’s location periodically. Straight lines are typically drawn between these ‘Verified Positions’ (‘VPs’) so the interpolation of space-use is limited by the temporal and spatial resolution of the system’s measurement. As such, parameters such as route-taken and distance travelled can be poorly represented when using VP systems alone. Dead-reckoning has been suggested as a technique to improve the accuracy and resolution of reconstructed movement paths, whilst maximising battery life of VP systems. This typically involves deriving travel vectors from motion sensor systems and periodically correcting path dimensions for drift with simultaneously deployed VP systems. How often paths should be corrected for drift, however, has remained unclear.

Methods and results

Here, we review the utility of dead-reckoning across four contrasting model species using different forms of locomotion (the African lion Panthera leo, the red-tailed tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda, the Magellanic penguin Spheniscus magellanicus, and the imperial cormorant Leucocarbo atriceps). Simulations were performed to examine the extent of dead-reckoning error, relative to VPs, as a function of Verified Position correction (VP correction) rate and the effect of this on estimates of distance moved. Dead-reckoning error was greatest for animals travelling within air and water. We demonstrate how sources of measurement error can arise within VP-corrected dead-reckoned tracks and propose advancements to this procedure to maximise dead-reckoning accuracy.

Conclusions

We review the utility of VP-corrected dead-reckoning according to movement type and consider a range of ecological questions that would benefit from dead-reckoning, primarily concerning animal–barrier interactions and foraging strategies.
Validation of the Arabic version of the Dusseldorf Orthorexia Scale (DOS) among Lebanese adolescents
Authors: Rogoza Radoslaw , Hallit Souheil , Soufia Michel , Barthels Friederike , Obeid Sahar
Published: October 2021

Background

Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is defined as a pathological preoccupation characterized by obsessive beliefs and compulsive behaviors regarding 'pure' eating behaviors. Many scales have been established and display good results regarding reliability and validity measures, including but not limited to ORTO-R (revised version of ORTO-15), Eating Habits Questionnaire, Teruel Orthorexia Scale (TOS) and the Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale (DOS). Among these, the DOS seems to be a promising measure for multiple reasons. The current paper aims to validate the DOS, a measure of ON, in a non-Western population of Lebanese adolescents.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional designed study, conducted between May and June 2020, which enrolled 555 adolescents (15–18 years old; 75.7% females). Due the coronavirus pandemic outbreak, the data were gathered through snowball sampling using an online questionnaire. The DOS, TOS and ORTO-R scales were used in this study to screen for orthorexic tendencies and behaviors.

Results

We tested four competing structural models of the DOS assessing its factorial validity. The results of the current investigation revealed that the one-factorial model is the best one to represent the structure of the questionnaire. We provided evidence for validity for the DOS through demonstrating that it correlates significantly with other measures of orthorexic behaviours (Teruel Orthorexia Scale and ORTO-R). Finally, we have gathered evidence that the orthorexic behaviours as measured by DOS are not associated with age (r = −.02;p = .589), household crowding index (r = .02;p = .578), and Body Mass Index (r = .04;p = .297). Yet, females as compared to males achieved higher scores (M = 20.07,SD = 6.38 vsM = 18.29,SD = 6.37;p = .005;d = .28).

Conclusion

The Arabic version of the DOS seems to be a structurally valid and internally consistent questionnaire measuring orthorexic eating behavior in a sample of Lebanese adolescents. This tool may be useful for psychologists, psychiatrists, dietitians and other clinicians in the assessment and the treatment of the multidimensional nature of ON.
Class-II dihydroorotate dehydrogenases from three phylogenetically distant fungi support anaerobic pyrimidine biosynthesis
Authors: Bouwknegt Jonna , Koster Charlotte C. , Vos Aurin M. , Ortiz-Merino Raúl A. , Wassink Mats , Luttik Marijke A. H. , van den Broek Marcel , Hagedoorn Peter L. , Pronk Jack T.
Published: October 2021

Background

In most fungi, quinone-dependent Class-II dihydroorotate dehydrogenases (DHODs) are essential for pyrimidine biosynthesis. Coupling of these Class-II DHODHs to mitochondrial respiration makes their in vivo activity dependent on oxygen availability. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and closely related yeast species harbor a cytosolic Class-I DHOD (Ura1) that uses fumarate as electron acceptor and thereby enables anaerobic pyrimidine synthesis. Here, we investigate DHODs from three fungi (the Neocallimastigomycete Anaeromyces robustus and the yeasts Schizosaccharomyces japonicus and Dekkera bruxellensis) that can grow anaerobically but, based on genome analysis, only harbor a Class-II DHOD.

Results

Heterologous expression of putative Class-II DHOD-encoding genes from fungi capable of anaerobic, pyrimidine-prototrophic growth (Arura9, SjURA9, DbURA9) in an S. cerevisiae ura1Δ strain supported aerobic as well as anaerobic pyrimidine prototrophy. A strain expressing DbURA9 showed delayed anaerobic growth without pyrimidine supplementation. Adapted faster growing DbURA9-expressing strains showed mutations in FUM1, which encodes fumarase. GFP-tagged SjUra9 and DbUra9 were localized to S. cerevisiae mitochondria, while ArUra9, whose sequence lacked a mitochondrial targeting sequence, was localized to the yeast cytosol. Experiments with cell extracts showed that ArUra9 used free FAD and FMN as electron acceptors. Expression of SjURA9 in S. cerevisiae reproducibly led to loss of respiratory competence and mitochondrial DNA. A cysteine residue (C265 in SjUra9) in the active sites of all three anaerobically active Ura9 orthologs was shown to be essential for anaerobic activity of SjUra9 but not of ArUra9.

Conclusions

Activity of fungal Class-II DHODs was long thought to be dependent on an active respiratory chain, which in most fungi requires the presence of oxygen. By heterologous expression experiments in S. cerevisiae, this study shows that phylogenetically distant fungi independently evolved Class-II dihydroorotate dehydrogenases that enable anaerobic pyrimidine biosynthesis. Further structure–function studies are required to understand the mechanistic basis for the anaerobic activity of Class-II DHODs and an observed loss of respiratory competence in S. cerevisiae strains expressing an anaerobically active DHOD from Sch. japonicus.
Fissure-first bilobectomy of a giant lung abscess combined with a squamous cell carcinoma via a minimally invasive open surgery
Authors: Uchiyama Suiha , Iizuka Shuhei , Nakamura Toru
Published: October 2021

Background

Fissureless lobectomies are beneficial for preventing prolonged air leaks (PALs). Despite the widespread use of this technique in lobectomy cases, there have been no reports on fissureless bilobectomies to date.

Case presentation

A 73-year-old man with an 80-pack per year smoking history was diagnosed with a stage 1 primary squamous cell carcinoma in the right lower lobe. He developed a lung abscess inside the tumor 6 weeks after the cancer diagnosis and a surgical resection was planned. A middle and lower bilobectomy was mandatory because of the interlobar pulmonary artery involvement. We chose a fissureless technique to avoid any cancer dissemination and bacterial spillage. The thoracoscopic view revealed that the tumor volume was too large to flexibly mobilize. The minimally invasive open surgery (MIOS) approach was valuable in that it combined direct vision and a thoracoscopic maneuver for treating even a large, distended mass. He was discharged uneventfully 9 days after the operation.

Conclusions

The fissureless bilobectomy, in addition to preventing PALs, was a feasible option for preventing cancer dissemination and bacterial spillage for a lung abscess. The MIOS was a safe and minimally invasive approach for even a giant abscess that inhibited the flexible mobilization of the lung.
Safety of various parameter sets with navigated microsecond pulsing laser in central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Chhablani Jay , Kalra Gagan , Alkwatli Lubna , Fassbender Bernd , Amoroso Francesca , Chandra Khushboo , Ankireddy Samantha , Maltsev Dmitrii , Striebe Nina-Antonia , Souied Eric
Published: October 2021

Background

Subthreshold microsecond pulsing laser is an increasingly common treatment approach for central serous chorioretinopathy. However, there is no literature available on the safety of microsecond laser using different fluence settings in this disease. While many publications can be obtained from conventional microsecond pulsing lasers, few parameter sets are published with the navigated microsecond pulsing laser. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the safety of different parameter sets in subthreshold microsecond pulsing laser treatments.

Methods

In this retrospective chart review, consecutive patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (> 3 months duration of symptoms) treated with navigated subthreshold microsecond pulsing laser and a follow up of at least five months after microsecond laser application were included. For each patient, the treatment parameters, plan layout, and adverse events related to laser were evaluated. Secondary outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity and anatomical improvements (central retinal thickness).

Results

One hundred and one eyes were included in the observation and followed for a mean of 10 months (range 5–36). Although a larger range of parameter sets and fluence settings have been used, no patient demonstrated adverse events from navigated microsecond pulsing laser. While 88% of the cases demonstrated stability, 13 cases lost five or more letters due to the persistence of the subretinal fluid. In mean, a best-corrected visual acuity improvement of 0.07logMar (± 0.2) was seen (p = 0.02). In 51% of the patients, a statistically significant improvement of the central retinal thickness was noted at the last follow-up with a mean thickness reduction of 70 µm (± 143) (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

In conclusion, none of the used parameter sets lead to tissue damage (when using a cautious titration) and, in summary, lead to an improvement in subretinal fluid and improvement in visual acuity. However, further prospective studies are needed to correctly identify the dependency of the treatment strategy on the outcome criteria.
Media influence on humanitarian interventions: analysis of the Rohingya refugee crisis and international media coverage
Authors: Lee Michelle J.
Published: October 2021

In 2017, the long-festering discriminatory treatment to the Rohingyas in Myanmar, both in law and practice, resulted in the largest cross-border humanitarian crisis in Asia. During the 2016‑2017 Rohingya refugee crisis, the aerial shots of burnt villages and images of people trudging toward the horizon in search of refuge in neighboring nations dominated the Western media. However, for humanitarians, the question of whether the media helps with humanitarian crises remains complicated and unclear. This study examines the effects of media coverage on the Rohingya refugee crisis based on articles from two liberal, elite newspaper sources, The New York Times and The Guardian between 2010 and 2020. The study reveals that the attempts of international pressure to stop the crisis have increased through media coverage and political pressures; however, the number of Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar intensified due to worsening violence and human rights violations committed by the Myanmar army. Findings are discussed using the lens of cultural and ideological context. The study suggests that in Myanmar, where authoritarian military culture is pervasive, there is a limited influence of the international press on the state-sponsored ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya population and questions whether consistent international pressure could have changed the outcome.
Assessment of macronutrients consumption in the diet of adolescent school children in four seasons: a longitudinal study from an urban city in Pakistan
Authors: Abidi Syed Hasan Raza , Almas Aysha , Ghani Abdul , Sabir Sania , Iqbal Romania
Published: October 2021

Background

A healthy diet in the adolescence period is essential for physical, mental, and immunological development. We aimed to assess macronutrient consumption in the diet of adolescent school children using 24 h recalls in four seasons of the year.

Method

This was a longitudinal study conducted from February 2014 to June 2015. The study population included 155 school children aged 7–14 years from an urban school in Karachi. 24HR recall was conducted on 4 random days of the 4 main seasons. A food composition table was developed where the weight, calories, carbohydrate, fat, and protein content of the food items were listed. Macronutrients quantification was calculated by using proportional weight from the food composition table. Food groups were also assigned to each food item including vegetables, fruits, grains, protein foods, dairy products, and oils.

Results

A total of 155 adolescent children aged between 7 and 14 years were approached. Out of the 155 preadolescents and adolescents, 150 (96.7%) agreed to participate. The mean (SD) age of the children was 11.31 (1.6) years, and 59% of all the children were males. Overall mean (SD) daily intake for all seasons was 195.31 (86.87) grams of carbohydrates, 94.77 (71.87) grams of proteins, and 55.87 (30.79) grams of fats. Carbohydrates formed 48.16%, protein 21.92%, and fat 29.93% of the total caloric intake. The mean (SD) daily caloric intake was 1517 (644) grams. Overall, the highest source of calories was from carbohydrate 781 (347) Kilocalories (Kcal), followed by fat 502 (277) Kcal and protein 379 (287). The Carbohydrate intake in 24 h was highest in the autumn; 212.81 (85.37), and there was a significant difference in carbohydrate intake in all seasons (pvalue 0.003). Consumption of discretionary food group was high (31.3%), and consumption of fruits and vegetables was low (29%).

Conclusion

The study reports a suboptimal caloric intake of fewer than 2000 cal/day among the adolescents from school. The highest source of calories was from carbohydrates.The highest consumption of food was in autumn and the least in summer. Fruits and vegetable intake was low, and discretionary food intake was high.
Intracerebral hemorrhage due to moyamoya syndrome as a rare presentation of cerebral rheumatoid vasculitis: a case report
Authors: El-Sudany Ayman Hassan , El-Halawany Salah Hussein , Georgy Shady S. , Zaki Amr S. , Bedros Rady Y. , Mostafa Mostafa Hashim , El-Bassiouny Ahmed
Published: October 2021

Background

Central nervous system affection in rheumatoid arthritis is rare. The most frequently encountered neurological complications with rheumatoid arthritis are peripheral neuropathy and atlantoaxial subluxation with subsequent spinal cord compression. Cerebral rheumatoid vasculitis is not a common complication.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old Egyptian female with history of rheumatoid arthritis for 15 years presented with headache and receptive aphasia. Computed tomography scan of the brain showed recent intracerebral hemorrhage. Digital subtraction cerebral angiography showed moyamoya syndrome angiographic pattern as sequelae of intracranial vasculitis. The patient did well with conservative management.

Conclusion

Cerebral rheumatoid vasculitis is rare, but can be a life-threatening condition. Early management of rheumatoid arthritis is essential to prevent such serious complication.
Effects of photobiomodulation and a physical exercise program on the expression of inflammatory and cartilage degradation biomarkers and functional capacity in women with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized blinded study
Authors: Vassão Patricia Gabrielli , de Souza Ana Carolina Flygare , da Silveira Campos Raquel Munhoz , Garcia Livia Assis , Tucci Helga Tatiana , Renno Ana Claudia Muniz
Published: October 2021

Background

The knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease characterized by degradation of articular cartilage that leads to chronic inflammation. Exercise programs and photobiomodulation (PBM) are capable of modulating the inflammatory process of minimizing functional disability related to knee OA. However, their association on the concentration of biomarkers related to OA development has not been studied yet. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of PBM (via cluster) with a physical exercise program in functional capacity, serum inflammatory and cartilage degradation biomarkers in patients with knee OA.

Methods

Forty-two patients were randomly allocated in 3 groups: ESP: exercise + sham PBM; EAP: exercise + PBM and CG: control group. Six patients were excluded before finished the experimental period. The analyzed outcomes in baseline and 8-week were: the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) and the evaluation of serum biomarkers concentration (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 e TNF-α, and CTX-II).

Results

An increase in the functional capacity was observed in the WOMAC total score for both treated groups (p < 0.001) and ESP presents a lower value compared to CG (p < 0.05) the 8-week post-treatment. In addition, there was a significant increase in IL-10 concentration of EAP (p < 0.05) and higher value compared to CG (p < 0.001) the 8-week post-treatment. Moreover, an increase in IL-1β concentration was observed for CG (p < 0.05). No other difference was observed comparing the other groups.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the physical exercise therapy could be a strategy for increasing functional capacity and in association with PBM for increasing IL-10 levels in OA knee individuals.

Trial registration: ReBEC (RBR-7t6nzr).
Predictors of residual hepatic reserve and hepatic decompensation in cirrhotic patients after ablated hepatocellular carcinoma treated by DDAs or systemic therapy
Authors: Hanafy Amr Shaaban , Mohamed Mohamed Sorour , Taleb Mohamed Abu , Mohammed H. M. , Ibrahim Tarek M. H. , Saber Sameh , Atia Hesham A.
Published: October 2021

Background

Therapeutic interventions for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) particularly in patients with advanced liver disease may lead to more aggravation of clinical and biochemical parameters of liver functions. We aimed to assess the utilization of easily applied variables which evaluate residual hepatic reserve to predict liability for complications and hepatic decompensation in cirrhotic patients with ablated HCC particularly when these patients were exposed to specific medical treatment such as DAAs and systemic therapy for HCC such as sorafenib.

This study included 3 groups with HCC. Group 1: patients with ablated HCC and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class A, who received Sofosbuvir (SOF)-based treatment (n = 250), group 2: HCC patients CTP (A), managed with sorafenib after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) (n = 250) and group 3 as a control group of non-cirrhotic patients (n = 176). Evaluation for all patients was done by routine laboratory investigations including liver and kidney functions, complete blood count, platelet indices and plasma ammonia, upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and estimation of liver volume by ultrasound and liver stiffness (LS) by Fibroscan.

Results

Unfavorable outcome and increased incidence of complications during DAAs were independently associated with severity of thrombocytopenia (p = 0.001) at a cut-off 78,000/μl, LS > 20 kPa (p = 0.001), liver volume < 500 ml (p = 0.002), and gamma globulin levels > 4 gm/dl (p = 0.004).

In the sorafenib group, unfavorable outcome and complications were independently associated with PDW/MPV ratio > 2.74 (p = 0.001), level of ammonia > 87 μg/dl (p = 0.001), LS > 25 kPa (p = 0.001), and liver volume < 490 ml (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Non-invasive parameters of residual hepatic reserve are promising tools to guide therapy and avoid further complications in patients with liver cirrhosis and ablated HCC.
Impact of COVID-19 on the performance of emerging market mutual funds: evidence from India
Authors: Maheen Muhammad Sali
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this paper is to examine the widely believed beating capacity of actively managed funds during the market downturn. This popular hypothesis has been tested with the performance of Indian Equity Mutual Funds during the pandemic period. The conditional alphas are estimated using lagged instrumental variables with the fixed effect/LSDV estimator and the sys-GMM estimator in contrast to the OLS estimation from a sample of 1271 schemes for 5 months from 1st March 2020 to 31st July 2020. The study’s findings indicate that the actively managed Indian mutual fund co-moves with the market and does not possess the ability to beat the market. The major implication comes from the application of fixed effect and GMM estimators for the performance evaluation of Indian Mutual Funds’ during the crisis period, and it serves the investors in deciding the profitable investment opportunities.
In vitro, acute and subchronic evaluation of the antidiabetic activity of Atractylis flava Desf n-butanol extract in alloxan-diabetic rats
Authors: Melakhessou Mohamed Akram , Marref Salah Eddine , Benkiki Naima , Marref Cherine , Becheker Imene , Khattabi Latifa
Published: October 2021

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a serious complex multifactorial disorder that imposes huge health and economic burden on societies. Because the currently available medications have many drawbacks, it's important to look for alternative therapies. Medicinal plants utilized in folk medicine are ideal candidates. Therefore, this work assessed the antidiabetic action of n-butanol extract from the whole plant Atractylis flava Desf (BEAF). These ethnomedicinal properties of BEAF were scientifically validated using in vitro and in vivo assays. In vitro antidiabetic effect of the BEAF was conducted using α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase assays. While the antihyperglycemic activity was assessed using two rat models: Alloxan-induced diabetic rats and oral glucose challenged rats. Experimental diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan at a dose of 150 mg/kg and animals with fasting blood glucose levels (BGL) > 200 mg/dL were considered diabetic. Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) was used as a typical drug.

Results

The BEAF at all tested dose levels (100, 250, and 500 mg/kg) showed a significant decrease in blood glucose level in all the two animal models. Besides, the plant extract exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase activity at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL with 76.17% and 89.37%, respectively.

Conclusion

BEAF exerts in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic effects, these results suggest that the plant extract can be a therapeutic resource in the treatment of diabetes and hyperlipidemia.
Formulation, optimization, qualitative and quantitative analysis of new dosage form of corticosteroid
Authors: Nazir Arif , Masih Mumtaz , Iqbal Munawar
Published: October 2021

Background

The objective of the present research work is to develop the entirely new drug product formulation (Ophthalmic Suspension) which belongs to the therapeutic class of steroids drugs (Corticosteroid). There are different dosage forms of Triamcinolone acetonide to treat different systemic as well as topical diseases as per patient symptomatic conditions. Due to non-availability of this active drug (Triamcinolone acetonide) ophthalmic dosage form in the national and international market research work is carried out to enter in this dosage form.

Results

In the formulation design and development, different inactive like polysorbate 30 mg/mL, PEG-12 glyceryl dimyristate 70 mg/mL, ethyl alcohol 10 µL/mL, citric acid 1 mg/mL, sodium citrate 3.5–4.0 mg/mL, BKC 0.15 mg/mL and water for injection have been used at different stages in different proportions during the manufacturing procedure. Gradient HPLC, C18 column, 5 µm, 100 A, 3.9 mm × 300 mm, detector UV/Vis @ 254 nm, column oven, auto-sampler, degasser, is used and this analytical testing method is validated to obtain the accurate results. The excipients play different roles including solvent, antioxidant, solubilizer, emulsifier, antibacterial, preservative, anticoagulant, antimicrobial agent, surfactant and buffers in the stability of active drug for its excellent therapeutic output results. Correlation coefficient factor is greater than 0.999 which indicates that the method has good linearity at proposed concentration against triamcinolone acetonide.

Conclusions

Excellent physical and chemical properties like physical appearance, pH, specific gravity, viscosity, re-suspendability, sedimentation volume is accomplished to meet the requirements of the eye treatment products. On the basis of experimental results achieved during validation process, it can be assumed that the current analysis method is more accurate, precise, specific, linear and consistency indicating in the range of 70 to 130% of the analyte concentration. From the physical, chemical behaviors and chemical assay of the newly developed drug formulation of corticosteroid (triamcinolone acetonide) it is concluded that it can be probably put for further clinical trial in different phases for human use.