bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant Activity of Baby Java Citrus Peel Extract Promotes Lung Tissue Repair in Mice Challenged by Lipopolysaccharides
Authors: Rachmawati Farida ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia, Sari Fikriya Novita , Sakti Sefihara Paramitha , Sakti Muhammad Wisam Wira , Rahayu Sri , Soewondo Aris , Rifa’i Muhaimin ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia
Published: July 2024

Acute lung injury tends to be induced by infection or sepsis that disrupts alveolar and vascular permeability, neutrophil influx, and edema. Those impairments are worsened by the increase of oxidative stress along with hyperinflammation response. Oxidative stress in lung tissue could be indicated by malondialdehyde (MDA) and nuclear fac-tor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression. This research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Baby Java citrus peel extract (BJE) in suppressing oxidative stress and preventing lung injury in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced mice. Twenty-five male BALB/c mice were divided into five groups consisting of untreated (N), LPS (A), and LPS-induced followed by treatment using BJE at various doses: 75 mg/kg BW (BJE-1), 105 mg/kg BW (BJE-2), and 150 mg/kg BW (BJE-3). Lungs were isolated for histopathological analysis also detection of MDA and Nrf2 using flow cytometry. BJE at the dose of 105 mg/kg BW could inhibit the alteration of lung histology following LPS challenge including alveolar and interstitial neutrophil infiltration, proteinaceous debris, and septal thickening. The same dose also showed good potency in suppressing MDA and Nrf2 levels as oxidative stress indicators. Our findings demonstrated the protective effects of Baby Java citrus peel in acute lung injury and oxidative stress prevention after LPS exposure
Acceleration of Organic Compost Supply Using Microbial Consortium Formulation on Various Organic Wastes and their Effect on Sweet Corn
Authors: Tyasmoro Setyono Yudo ,   Agronomy Department, Agriculture Faculty, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia, Saitama Akbar , Zulfikar Aji ,   Agronomy Department, Agriculture Faculty, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia,   Agronomy Department, Agriculture Faculty, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia
Published: July 2024

Organic waste, primarily originating from agricultural sources, remains underutilized in Indonesia, despite its substantial potential as an organic fertilizer. Consequently, it is imperative to comprehend the technology capable of efficiently decomposing organic matter and yielding high-quality compost. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a microbial consortium compris-ing Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Trichoderma sp., and Aspergillus sp. on the decomposition of organic waste derived from rice, sugarcane, corn and as well as to examine its application to sweet-corn (Zea mays var. saccharata). The study used a factorial randomized block design, featuring two primary factors, compost types and their respective doses. This design in total of nine treatments, each replicated three times, thus resulting in a sum of 27 experimental units. The treatments were RSC: Rice straw compost; SLC: Sugarcane leaves compost; CHC: Corn husk compost; D7.5: Compost dose of 7.5 t ha-1; D15: Compost dose of 15 t ha-1; D22.5: Compost dose of 22.5 t ha-1. Moreover, an essential fertilizer, NPK, was applied at a rate of 200 kg/ha. The find-ings demonstrated a substantial impact of both compost types and doses on maize growth parameters, which encompassed plant height, leaf area, chlo-rophyll contentand dry weight. These effects were observed individually, without any interactions between the two factors. Furthermore, these treat-ments exhibited a discernible influence on corn yield. The highest to lowest yields were recorded as follows: CHC (9.29 t ha-1), RSC (8.72 t ha-1), and SLC (8.00 t ha-1). Combining organic compost with chemical fertilizer effectively prevented nutrient loss through denitrification and evaporation, facilitating nutrient retention and controlled release over time.
The Impact of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester on Spinal Cord Inflammation in Mice Model of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Alnawajha Amin ,   Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia, Endharti Agustina , Santoso Sanarto , Santosaningsih Dewi ,   Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia,   Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia,   Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia
Published: July 2024

Since the majority of the current therapies lack effectiveness and efficiency in treating Multiple Sclerosis, in addition to their high cost, monitoring during usage, and the serious side effects associated with using this therapy, which in some cases may be fatal, for these reasons, there is a necessary need for effective therapy in the clinical setting and searching for an alternative therapy that is effective and safe. For this purpose, this study evaluated the impact and efficiency of Caffeic acid phenethyl ester(CAPE) in the amelioration of inflammation and demyelination in the spinal cord of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE) mouse model multiple sclerosis, which could be a candidate therapy for MS. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune T-cell mediated disease, that T- cells become active, and differentiate into Th sub-set.α4β1integrin increased on the surface of T-cells during inflammation, which regulates immune cell cross through the blood-brain barrier into the central nervous system, and causes inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, myelin sheath damage, and neuron demyelination. The in-vivo experiment used mice. The twenty-five mice were divided into control negative, control positive, and three treatment groups. After this, EAE was induced in mice by injecting myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide. The mice were monitored and scored daily for clinical signs. CAPE was orally administered to mice at 5 mg/kg for T1, 10 mg/kg for T2, and 20 mg/kg for T3 for 14 days. Immunofluorescence was used to assess α4integrin, Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to evaluate infiltration of CD3-T cell marker, and Luxol Fast Blue stain was used to evaluate demyelination. We found that CAPE treated mice model had a reduced infiltration of immune cells, demyelination in the spinal cord mice model, and decreasing α4integrin expression. These findings strongly demonstrated that CAPE could be a potential therapy for Multiple sclerosis, as it ameliorated the inflammation and demyelination in mice models.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of C-Type Natriuretic Peptide for Preeclampsia
Authors: Fato Bianca R. , de Alwis Natasha , Beard Sally , Binder Natalie K. , Pritchard Natasha , Kaitu’u-Lino Tu’uhevaha J. , Bubb Kristen J. , Hannan Natalie J.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Preeclampsia is a serious condition of pregnancy, complicated by aberrant maternal vascular dysfunction. CNP (C-type natriuretic peptide) contributes to vascular homeostasis, acting through NPR-B (natriuretic peptide receptor-B) and NPR-C (natriuretic peptide receptor-C). CNP mitigates vascular dysfunction of arteries in nonpregnant cohorts; this study investigates whether CNP can dilate maternal arteries in ex vivo preeclampsia models.

METHODS:

Human omental arteries were dissected from fat biopsies collected during cesarean section. CNP, NPR-B, and NPR-C mRNA expression was assessed in arteries collected from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia (n=6) and normotensive controls (n=11). Using wire myography, we investigated the effects of CNP on dilation of arteries from normotensive pregnancies. Arteries were preconstricted with either serum from patients with preeclampsia (n=6) or recombinant ET-1 (endothelin-1; vasoconstrictor elevated in preeclampsia; n=6) to model vasoconstriction associated with preeclampsia. Preconstricted arteries were treated with recombinant CNP (0.001–100 µmol/L) or vehicle and vascular relaxation assessed. In further studies, arteries were preincubated with NPR-B (5 µmol/L) and NPR-C (10 µmol/L) antagonists before serum-induced constriction (n=4–5) to explore mechanistic signaling.

RESULTS:

CNP, NPR-B, and NPR-C mRNAs were not differentially expressed in omental arteries from preeclamptic pregnancies. CNP potently stimulated maternal artery vasorelaxation in our model of preeclampsia (using preeclamptic serum). Its vasodilatory actions were driven through the activation of NPR-B predominantly; antagonism of this receptor alone dampened CNP vasorelaxation. Interestingly, CNP did not reduce ET-1–driven omental artery constriction.

CONCLUSIONS:

Collectively, these data suggest that enhancing CNP signaling through NPR-B offers a potential therapeutic strategy to reduce systemic vascular constriction in preeclampsia.
Impact of Hypertension Duration on the Cardiovascular Benefit of Intensive Blood Pressure Control
Authors: Ling Qianhui , Dong Xilan , Bai Jingjing , Deng Yue , Song Qirui , Cai Jun
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

The optimal timing for initiating intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) treatment remains unclear. While longer hypertension duration is positively associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, it is unknown whether patients with prolonged hypertension can derive similar benefits from intensive SBP treatment.

METHODS:

From the STEP trial (Strategy of Blood Pressure Intervention in the Elderly Hypertensive Patients), 8442 participants with complete hypertension duration data were categorized by hypertension duration ≤5 years, 5 to 10 years, 10 to 15 years, and >15 years. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular events. Hazard ratios were calculated using the Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard model.

RESULTS:

The incidences of the primary outcome increased significantly in patients with hypertension over 15 years than those <5 years in the standard SBP treatment group (adjusted hazard ratios, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.11–2.56]) but not in the intensive treatment group. Each 1-year increase in hypertension duration continuously increased the adjusted risk of major cardiovascular events by 4% (95% CI, 1.01–1.08) up to 20 years, plateauing at an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.27 (95% CI, 1.28–4.04). After intensive SBP treatment, the incidences of major cardiovascular events were similar across different hypertension duration groups, which were 2.22%, 1.69%, 3.02%, and 2.52%, respectively (
P
>0.05). Subgroup analyses indicated a potential sex difference in this relationship between hypertension duration and the primary outcome in the standard SBP treatment group (
P
interaction
=0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Initiating intensive SBP treatment at any stage of hypertension duration could reduce cardiovascular disease risk to a comparable level.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03015311.
Role of Cardiac Biomarkers in Stroke and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Johansen Michelle C. , von Rennenberg Regina , Nolte Christian H. , Jensen Märit , Bustamante Alejandro , Katan Mira
Published: July 2024

This topical review assesses the growing role of cardiac biomarkers beyond cardiovascular health and focuses on their importance in stroke and dementia. The first part describes blood-based cardiac biomarkers in patients with stroke and highlights applications in the setting of early diagnosis, poststroke complications, outcome prediction as well as secondary prevention. Among other applications, natriuretic peptides can be helpful in differentiating stroke subtypes. They are also currently being investigated to guide prolonged ECG monitoring and secondary prevention in patients with stroke. Elevated cardiac troponin after ischemic stroke can provide information about various poststroke complications recently termed the stroke-heart syndrome. The second part focuses on the role of cardiac biomarkers in vascular cognitive impairment and dementia, emphasizing their association with structural brain lesions. These lesions such as silent brain infarcts and white matter hyperintensities often co-occur with cardiac disease and may be important mediators between cardiovascular disease and subsequent cognitive decline. ECG and echocardiogram measurements, in addition to blood-based biomarkers, show consistent associations with vascular brain changes and incident dementia, suggesting a role in indicating risk for cognitive decline. Together, the current evidence suggests that cardiac blood-based, electrophysiological, and imaging biomarkers can be used to better understand the heart and brain connection in the setting of not only stroke but also dementia.
Growth Characteristics and Quality of Cherry Tomatoes Planted with Nasturtiums, as a Companion Plant, in Building-Integrated Urban Agriculture
Authors: Lee Sunyeong , Lee Hyeona , Yoon Yonghan , Ju Jinhee
Published: July 2024

Background and objective: This study was conducted to promote a companion plant for building-integrated urban agriculture and determine appropriate spatial conditions for planting cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) and nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus), a companinon plant, in response to the increasing demands for eco-friendly agricultural practices in urban.Methods: The growth and quality of cherry tomatoes (CTs) and nasturtiums achieved with different planting ratios were analyzed: CC (when only CTs were planted), C2N1 (ratio of CTs to nasturtiums: 2:1), C1N1 (1:1), C1N2 (1:2), NC (when only nasturtiums were planted) on the rooftop and wall. A one-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the significance of test results based on planting ratios, followed by Duncan's multiple range test at a 95% confidence level. Independent sample t-tests were conducted to examine the growth and quality of CTs between the rooftop and wall.Results: Overall, CTs in CC showed significant growth compared to companion planting with nasturtiums. Among the treatment plots, the CTs in C2N1 had the highest plant weight and sugar concentrations on the rooftop. Similar patterns were observed on the wall. When planted in a 2:1 ratio as a companion plant to CTs (C2N1), nasturtiums had larger leaves and flowers. In terms of leaf size, plant weight, fruit weight, and sugar content CTs appeared to grow better on the wall than on the rooftop when planted with nasturtiums. For optimal CTs growth and quality, it is recommended to plant CTs in a 2:1 ratio with nasturtiums on the wall.Conclusion: Due to the distinctive spatial features of urban agriculture using buildings, specialized management strategies for different crops should be suggested. Further research should focus on a quantitative analysis of fruit and seed quality, as well as on a qualitative analysis to comprehensively understand the potential outcomes.
Reclassification of Green Infrastructure Types and Functions: Focused on Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Kim Hyein , Min Kyunghun
Published: July 2024

Background and objective: Globally, the sustainability of urban areas is being compromised due to indiscriminate urban development, making the creation and management of green spaces increasingly critical. Green spaces play a pivotal role in connecting degraded natural ecosystems, and the concept of Green Infrastructure is gaining prominence as a strategy for managing green networks. A Green Infrastructure (GI) is a network of interconnected green spaces that provide benefits to humans through their utilization and management, fulfilling environmental, social, and economic functions. However, in most urban areas, green spaces lack connectivity between each other and are not managed in an integrated manner. Additionally, the types and functions of green spaces defined by policies and regulations vary, making it challenging to implement GI. Therefore, this study aims to examine and reclassify precursor indicators in order to effectively apply GI to urban strategies. It seeks to discuss management approaches based on GI, with the aim of facilitating its implementation.Methods: The city of Liverpool in the UK has presented a multifunctionality strategy for GI, which has been utilized as a global exemplary case. This study adopts the multifunctionality GI strategy proposed by the city of Liverpool, and reclassifies the types and functions of GI. It selects indicators through Focus Group Interviews(FGI) with GI experts and field surveys. The selected indicators of GI were utilized in a survey for evaluation of multifunctionality. The quantitative data collected through the survey were mapped using overlay techniques, in which led to the deriving a multifunctionality map of GI. In the process of mapping, weights derived from Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) analysis were applied to enhance the reliability of the quantitative data from the survey.Results: In this study, suitable indicators for GI in the study area were selected, and the functionality of each land cover (LC) type was evaluated. As a result, the study area was found to provide multifunctionality within a single land parcel. The highest-scoring LC type is Woodland, and the predominant functional category is Human-Wildlife Coexistence. The lowest-scoring LC type is Cemetery, with the least represented functional category being Timber Production.Conclusion: GI fulfills multiple functions that provide a range of benefits to humans (multifunctionality). To maximize such multifunctionality, it is crucial to manage scores for each functional category according to LC type. GI is not solely focused on specific functions, but also requires strategies to enhance functionalities lacking in LC types with low multifunctionality scores. The GI indicators proposed in this study and the GI multifunctionality assessment can serve as essential data for review when local authorities are formulating spatial plans related to urban areas, green spaces, forests, and other relevant areas.
Vietnam’s Marine Environmental Security: Cross-Border Challenges and Vietnam concept
Authors: Cuong Nguyen Xuan
Published: July 2024

Background and objective: Since beginning of the 21st century, security in the South China Sea/East Vietnam Sea has emerged as a big problem with degraded maritime environment and serious impacts on the global and regional security and development. Because of territorial disputes and competition among countries, marine environmental security has become an increasingly complicated issue with growing challenges. However, there is no effective coordination mechanism for this problem, thus countries and international organizations must further promote cooperation to make contribution to peace and sustainable development in the South China Sea region. Vietnam is a littoral country in the South China Sea/ East Vietnam Sea with large sea area and 28 coastal provinces and cities. Marine environmental security is closely linked to the development and prosperity of the country. Currently, Vietnam has faced many challenges, such as natural disasters, degraded marine environment, marine plastic waste, sea level rise and many cross-border challenges.Methods: Approaching from the perspective of non-traditional security, especially marine environmental security, on the basis of analyzing the current state of the marine environment, a number of factors and issues raised for Vietnam, for other countries, parties...the author explains the need to raise awareness, develop plans and carry out many actions, especially cooperation between countries and parties to protect the environment.Results: Environmental security in the South China Sea is facing challenges such as natural disasters, marine environmental degradation, loss of ecosystems and biodiversity, ocean plastic waste, rising sea levels and many more. Transboundary environmental issues, Marine environmental security is affected by many factors such as climate change, natural disasters, etc., but the "man-made" factor - caused by humans accounts for more. Peace and security in the South China Sea are common interests of the region and the world. South China Sea security is complex and multi-layered, with unpredictable developments. Vietnam is making efforts to address the challenges of marine environmental security, however, cross-border challenges are bigger. Marine environmental security requires cooperation from countries, international and regional organizations.Conclusion: Vietnam is proactively and actively addressing marine environmental security challenges, participating in international cooperation to resolve marine environmental security issues. Marine Environmental Security in South China Sea is required that all parties raise their awareness and actively take action towards sustainable development. Establishing the South China Sea Environmental Security Forum chaired by the United Nations or ASEAN is an urgent need.
Two new species of the genus Sycanus Amyot & Serville (Insecta: Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) from Vietnam
Authors: TRUONG XUAN LAM , GIANG PHAN THI , NGUYEN DAI DAC , CHAU TRAN PHAM MINH , HA NGOC LINH
Published: July 2024

The genus Sycanus Amyot & Serville, 1843 includes seventy-two valid species distributed in African and Asian regions. Among those species, eight of them, Sycanus atrocoeruleus Signoret, 1862, S. bifidus (Fabricius, 1787), S. croceus Hsiao, 1979, S. falleni Stål, 1863, S. minor Hsiao, 1979, S. rubricatus Stål, 1874, S. sichuanensis Hsiao, 1979, and S. ventralis Distant, 1919, were described and recorded in Vietnam. In this study, we examined species of Sycanus collected from Vietnam based on external morphology, male genital morphology, and molecular phylogenetic analyses inferred from mitochondrial COI sequences. Consequently, two new species, Sycanus thuathienhuensis sp. nov. and Sycanus taynguyenensis sp. nov., were discovered, described, and illustrated here.
Daily physical activity in older adults across levels of care: the HUNT Trondheim 70 + study
Authors: Ustad Astrid , Sverdrup Karen , Tangen Gro Gujord , Døhl Øystein , Vereijken Beatrix , Thingstad Pernille , Skjæret-Maroni Nina
Published: July 2024

Background

Physical activity (PA) is imperative for healthy ageing and is a modifiable lifestyle factor. Accurate, clinically meaningful estimates of daily PA among older adults can inform targeted interventions to maintain function and independence. This study describes daily PA in older adults across levels of care as a first step contributing to the limited evidence on potential associations between PA and the use of care services.

Methods

This study used data from the Trondheim 70 + cohort in the population-based Norwegian HUNT Study. In total, 1042 participants aged 70 years or older with valid activity data were included. PA was assessed using two accelerometers over 7 consecutive days and was classified into PA (walking, standing, running, and cycling) and sedentary behavior (sitting and lying). Data on received care services were retrieved from municipal registers and participants were classified into four levels of care: 1) independently living (81.9%), 2) independently living with low-level home care services (6.5%), 3) recipients of home care services (6.0%), and 4) nursing home residents (5.7%). Time spent in the activity types and duration of bouts are presented across levels of care.

Results

Participants mean age was 77.5 years (range: 70.1–105.4, 55% female) and PA was lower with higher age. Across levels of care, significant group differences were found in the total time spent in PA, particularly in walking and standing. Daily PA, duration of active bouts, and number of daily walking bouts were lower for participants receiving higher levels of care. Standing was the dominant type of PA and walking appeared predominantly in short bouts at all care levels.

Conclusions

This is the first population-based study using device-measured PA to describe daily PA across levels of care. The results showed that low-intensity activities constitute the primary component of everyday PA, advocating for placing greater emphasis on the significant role these activities play in maintaining daily PA at older age. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that activity types and bout durations are related to the ability to live independently among older adults. Overall, these findings can contribute to better target interventions to maintain function and independence in older adults.
Circulating 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and calcium levels, and alkaline phosphatase activity among people living with and without human immunodeficiency virus and injecting drugs in kenya
Authors: Onyango Abel O. , Shaviya Nathan , Budambula Valentine , Orinda George O. , Anzala Omu , Aabid Ahmed A. , Were Tom
Published: July 2024

Background

People who inject drugs (PWID) and living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) are at higher risk of suffering marked derangements in micronutrient levels, leading to poor disease and treatment outcomes. Consequently, this can be monitored by measuring key biomarkers, such as total circulating (serum) 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3), calcium, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for timely intervention. Therefore, circulating levels of 25(OH)D3 and calcium, and ALP activity were determined in PWID and are highly active anti-retroviral treatment (HAART)-experienced or -naive, along with those without HIV infection.

Methods

This cross-sectional study compared serum concentrations of 25(OH)D3, calcium, and ALP in Kenyan PLHIV and were HAART-naive (n = 30) or -experienced (n = 61), PWID and without HIV (n = 132).

Results

Circulating 25(OH)D3 levels were significantly different amongst the study groups (P < 0.001), and were significantly lower in the HAART-experienced (median, 17.3; IQR, 18.3 ng/ml; P < 0.001) and -naive participants (median, 21.7; IQR, 12.8 ng/ml; P = 0.015) relative to uninfected (median, 25.6; IQR, 6.8 ng/ml) PWID. In addition, the proportions of vitamin D deficiency (55.7%, 40.0%, and 17.4%) and insufficiency (31.1%, 53.3%, and 63.6%) compared to sufficiency (13.1%, 6.7%, and 18.9%; P < 0.001) were greater amongst HAART-experienced, -naive, and uninfected study groups, respectively. Likewise, serum total calcium concentrations were lower in the HAART-experienced relative to HIV-negative (P = 0.019) individuals. Serum ALP activity was also lower in the HAART-experienced in contrast to HIV-negative PWID (P = 0.048). Regression analysis indicated that predictors of circulating 25(OH)D3 were: age (β = 0.287; R2 = 8.0%; P = 0.017) and serum ALP (β = 0.283; R2 = 6.4%; P = 0.033) in the HAART-experienced PWID, and serum ALP (β = 0.386; R2 = 14.5%; P < 0.001) in the HIV-negative PWID.

Conclusion

This study suggests that HIV-1 infection and HAART, including injection substance use, decrease circulating 25(OH)D3, calcium and ALP activity. In addition, age and ALP activity are associated with low circulating vitamin D levels in HAART-experienced PWID. The results highlight the importance of incorporating vitamin D and calcium supplementation in treatment and rehabilitation protocols for PLHIV.
Retinoblastoma patients treated in Sri Lanka from 2014 to 2020: epidemiology, clinical status and correlates of lag time in seeking tertiary care services
Authors: Kugalingam Nirosha , de Silva Deepthi , Abeysekera Hiranya , Nanayakkara Sriyani , Tirimanne Shamala , Chandrasekharan Vishvanath , Jayawardana Pushpa Lalani
Published: July 2024

Background

Retinoblastoma (RB) is a tumour of children < 5 years with a incidence of 1 in 20,000. Around 20 RB cases are diagnosed yearly in Sri Lanka, a lower middle-income country with high literacy levels and healthcare free at point of delivery. Incidence, local and systemic severity and mortality related to RB are reportedly high in low- and middle- income countries in comparison to higher income countries. Aims of this study were to describe demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics of Sri Lankan RB patients attending the designated RB unit at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH), Colombo between January 2014 to December 2020, and determine correlates of lag time (LT) for first tertiary care visit after detecting the first symptom/sign.

Methods

Two descriptive cross-sectional studies (DCSS) were conducted, one on 171 RB patients with demographic and clinical data collected between 2017 and 2020. In 2021, the second DCSS took place where socioeconomic and further demographic data were collected using telephone interviews, recruiting a subgroup of 90 (53%), consenting and contactable RB patient/ parent pairs. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were applied to determine correlates of LT of > 4 weeks for first tertiary care visit. Results were expressed as odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

LRH survey (N = 171): Median age at diagnosis was 15 months (range 1–94 months; IQR: 8–27); 89 (52%) were females. Groups D and E tumours were 25.7% (n = 44) and 62.6% (n = 107) respectively with 121 (71%) enucleations. The number of deaths were 2 (1.2%). Telephone survey (N = 90): Proportion with LT of > 4 weeks for first tertiary care visit was 58% (n = 52). None of the putative risk factors (ethnicity, parental educational level, socioeconomic status, distance from residence to tertiary care unit and receiving financial assistance) were associated with LT in both analyses.

Conclusion

Despite a high proportion with groups D and E tumours and enucleations, mortality rate was low, most likely due to availability of designated tertiary care. No correlates for LT of > 4 weeks for tertiary care presentation were identified. Early RB detection needs rigorous implementation of screening strategies and increased awareness among primary care health workers and parents.
Recombinant human nerve growth factor (cenegermin) for moderate-to-severe dry eye: phase II, randomized, vehicle-controlled, dose-ranging trial
Authors: Wirta David , Lipsky William , Toyos Melissa , Martel Joseph , Goosey John , Verachtert Anthony , El-Harazi Sherif , Karpecki Paul , Allegretti Marcello , Goisis Giovanni , Pasedis Georgea , Mantelli Flavio
Published: July 2024

Background

Dry eye disease (DED) includes neurosensory abnormalities as part of its multifactorial etiology. Nerve growth factor is important for maintaining corneal nerve integrity and wound healing. Cenegermin (recombinant human nerve growth factor) is a topical biologic that promotes corneal healing in patients with neurotrophic keratitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of cenegermin in moderate-to-severe DED and identify an optimal dosing strategy.

Methods

This was a phase II, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled, dose-ranging clinical trial in patients with moderate-to-severe DED, including Sjögren’s DED (NCT03982368). Patients received 1 drop of cenegermin 3 times daily (t.i.d.; 20 mcg/mL), cenegermin 2 times daily (b.i.d.; 20 mcg/mL) and vehicle once daily, or vehicle t.i.d. for 4 weeks. Follow-up continued for 12 additional weeks. The primary endpoint was change in Schirmer I score from baseline to week 4. Other key endpoints included rate of responders (Schirmer I test > 10 mm/5 min) after treatment and change in Symptoms Assessment iN Dry Eye (SANDE) scores from baseline to end of follow-up. A 1-sided test (α = 0.025) was used to evaluate statistical significance.

Results

At week 4, mean changes in Schirmer I scores were not statistically significantly different in either cenegermin group versus vehicle (cenegermin vs vehicle [treatment difference; 95% CI]: t.i.d., 2.60 mm and b.i.d., 3.99 mm vs 1.68 mm [t.i.d.: 0.93; −1.47 to 3.32, P = 0.078; b.i.d.: 2.31; −0.08 to 4.70, P = 0.066]). More patients responded to treatment with cenegermin t.i.d. and b.i.d. versus vehicle (t.i.d.: 25.9% [21/81, P = 0.028]; b.i.d.: 29.3% [24/82, P = 0.007] vs 11.9% [10/84]), with statistical significance (set at P < 0.025) observed in the b.i.d. group. Only cenegermin t.i.d. yielded statistically significant (P < 0.025) reductions in SANDE scores versus vehicle, which were sustained up to the end of follow-up (P value range, 0.002–0.008). Eye pain, primarily mild and transient, was the most frequently observed treatment-emergent adverse event with cenegermin. Similar results were observed in patients with Sjögren’s DED.

Conclusions

Cenegermin was well tolerated and although this study did not meet its primary endpoint, significant improvement in patient-reported symptoms of dry eye was observed through follow-up. Larger studies evaluating cenegermin in patients with DED are warranted.

Trial registration

NCT03982368; registered May 23, 2019.
A case of prolonged corneal sulfur foreign bodies and review of literature
Authors: Zheng Kaijin , Li Xiaodong , Qin Xuewei , Long Hang , Wu A-Ping
Published: July 2024

Background

This case mainly describes a relatively rare case of an old mineral-like corneal foreign body that existed for up to 20 years, and did not significantly affect the visual quality of the patient.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old male miner complained of right eye vision loss for 3 years, swollen and painful for 4 months. Admission examination: Best corrected visual acuity was no light perception in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye. Anterior segment examination: A large number of spot-like grayish-brown mineral foreign bodies in the conjunctiva of the nasal conjunctiva, emulsified silicone oil floating in the anterior chamber, Corneal foreign bodies in the right eye were widely distributed in the upper cortex and the proelastic layer. There were fewer foreign bodies in the left cornea. Previous medical history, 20 years ago due to forging and burning sulphur mine explosion, resulting in a large number of ore foreign bodies in the conjunctiva of both eyes. As these corneal foreign bodies did not affect the visual quality of the patient, we adopted a conservative treatment plan, did not remove these foreign bodies, and only carried out symptomatic treatment for the patient’s secondary ocular hypertension. The patient was followed up normally in the outpatient department, and no cornea-related complications occurred up to now.

Conclusions

First of all, it is necessary to understand the source and nature of the foreign body in patients with corneal and conjunctival foreign body injuries. In the second, for the old corneal metal foreign body, when the patient’s visual acuity is stable and there are no symptoms of corneal irritation and inflammatory reaction, it can be Conservative treatment or outpatient follow-up observation. In the end, corneal Optical coherence tomography imaging should not be ignored, which is very important for determining the depth of embedding and the location of the corneal foreign body.
Developmental dyslexia genes are selectively targeted by diverse environmental pollutants
Authors: Yang Yangyang , Zheng Tingting , Tang Qidi , Xiang Bing , Yang Mei , Zeng Jing , Zhou Feng , Xie Xinyan
Published: July 2024

Background

Developmental dyslexia, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, not only affects children’s academic performance but is also associated with increased healthcare costs, lower employment rates, and reduced productivity. The pathogenesis of dyslexia remains unclear and it is generally considered to be caused by the overlap of genetic and environmental factors. Systematically exploring the close relationship between exposure to environmental compounds and susceptibility genes in the development of dyslexia is currently lacking but high necessary.

Methods

In this study, we systematically compiled 131 publicly reported susceptibility genes for dyslexia sourced from DisGeNET, OMIM, and GeneCards databases. Comparative Toxicogenomics Database database was used to explore the overlap between susceptibility genes and 95 environmental compounds, including metals, persistent organic pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and pesticides. Chemical bias towards the dyslexia risk genes was taken into account in the observation/expectation ratios > 1 and the corresponding P value obtained by hypergeometric probability test.

Results

Our study found that the number of dyslexia risk genes targeted by each chemical varied from 1 to 109. A total of 35 chemicals were involved in chemical reactions with dyslexia-associated genes, with significant enrichment values (observed/expected dyslexia risk genes) ranging from 1.147 (Atrazine) to 66.901 (Dibenzo(a, h)pyrene).

Conclusion

The results indicated that dyslexia-associated genes were implicated in certain chemical reactions. However, these findings are exploratory, and further research involving animal or cellular experiments is needed.
A prospective randomised controlled trial investigating household SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a densely populated community in Cape Town, South Africa – the transmission of COVID-19 in crowded environments (TRACE) study
Authors: Smith Philip , Little Francesca , Hermans Sabine , Davies Mary-Ann , Wood Robin , Orrell Catherine , Pike Carey , Peters Fatima , Dube Audry , Georgeu-Pepper Daniella , Curran Robyn , Fairall Lara , Bekker Linda-Gail
Published: July 2024

Background

South Africa’s first SARS-CoV-2 case was identified 5th March 2020 and national lockdown followed March 26th. Households are an important location for secondary SARS-CoV-2 infection. Physical distancing and sanitation – infection mitigation recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) at the time – are difficult to implement in limited-resource settings because of overcrowded living conditions.

Methods

This study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05119348) was conducted from August 2020 to September 2021 in two densely populated, low socioeconomic Cape Town community sub-districts. New COVID-19 index cases (ICs) identified at public clinics were randomised to an infection mitigation intervention (STOPCOV) delivered by lay community health workers (CHWs) or standard of care group. STOPCOV mitigation measures included one initial household assessment conducted by a CHW in which face masks, sanitiser, bleach and written information on managing and preventing spread were provided. This was followed by regular telephonic follow-up from CHWs. SARS-CoV-2 PCR and IgM/IgG serology was performed at baseline, weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 of follow-up.

Results

The study randomised 81 ICs with 245 HHCs. At baseline, no HHCs in the control and 7 (5%) in the intervention group had prevalent SARS-CoV-2. The secondary infection rate (SIR) based on SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing was 1.9% (n = 2) in control and 2.9% (n = 4) in intervention HHCs (p = 0.598). At baseline, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were present in 15% (16/108) of control and 38% (52/137) of intervention participants. At study end incidence was 8.3% (9/108) and 8.03% (11/137) in the intervention and control groups respectively. Antibodies were present in 23% (25/108) of control HHCs over the course of the study vs. 46% (63/137) in the intervention arm. CHWs made twelve clinic and 47 food parcel referrals for individuals in intervention households in need.

Discussion

Participants had significant exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infections prior to the study. In this setting, household transmission mitigation was ineffective. However, CHWs may have facilitated other important healthcare and social referrals.
Evaluation of transfer ensemble learning-based convolutional neural network models for the identification of chronic gingivitis from oral photographs
Authors: Li Wen , Guo Enting , Zhao Hong , Li Yuyang , Miao Leiying , Liu Chao , Sun Weibin
Published: July 2024

Background

To evaluate the performances of several advanced deep convolutional neural network models (AlexNet, VGG, GoogLeNet, ResNet) based on ensemble learning for recognizing chronic gingivitis from screening oral images.

Methods

A total of 683 intraoral clinical images acquired from 134 volunteers were used to construct the database and evaluate the models. Four deep ConvNet models were developed using ensemble learning and outperformed a single model. The performances of the different models were evaluated by comparing the accuracy and sensitivity for recognizing the existence of gingivitis from intraoral images.

Results

The ResNet model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) value of 97%, while the AUC values for the GoogLeNet, AlexNet, and VGG models were 94%, 92%, and 89%, respectively. Although the ResNet and GoogLeNet models performed best in classifying gingivitis from images, the sensitivity outcomes were not significantly different among the ResNet, GoogLeNet, and Alexnet models (p>0.05). However, the sensitivity of the VGGNet model differed significantly from those of the other models (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The ResNet and GoogLeNet models show promise for identifying chronic gingivitis from images. These models can help doctors diagnose periodontal diseases efficiently or based on self-examination of the oral cavity by patients.
Caries prevalence among children at public and private primary schools in Riyadh: a retrospective study
Authors: Almutairi Budur , Adam Tasneem Rashed , Bustami Rami
Published: July 2024

Dental caries is a global oral health issue, especially critical in children, affecting their growth, nutrition, and education due to school absences or distractions from dental pain. The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between school types (indicative of socioeconomic conditions) and dental caries prevalence among primary school children in Riyadh, alongside assessing the overall caries prevalence among schoolchildren in Riyadh. Retrospective study on 28,343 first and fourth-grade students from 960 public and private schools in Riyadh, using data from the Saudi Ministry of Health (Feb-April 2019). Utilized the DMFT/dmft index for assessment and collected demographic data. Most of the schools were public (76.1%), private national (17.1%), and private international (6.8%). Overall, the mean DMFT index for permanent teeth and the dmft index for primary teeth were 1.78 and 1.94, respectively. 58% of school children had no dental caries, 25% had mild caries, and 17% had moderate to severe caries. Public school children showed a higher caries prevalence than private schools. Oral disease rates were higher in girls than in boys, and grade four students had a higher prevalence than grade one students. Saudi Arabia, a developing nation, faces challenges in addressing oral health, especially in public schools. Targeted initiatives are crucial for awareness, preventive measures, and meeting oral health needs.
Clinical features and risk factors for Sjogren’s syndrome patients suffering from oral candidiasis in Shanxi, China
Authors: Xing Yexing , Shi Honghong , Wang Caihong , Yang Ying
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To investigate the clinical features and risk factors of Sjogren’s Syndrome (SS) patients suffering from oral candidiasis and to provide a foundation for the prevention and treatment of oral candidiasis in SS patients.

Methods

The medical records of 479 SS patients admitted to the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from 2018 to 2020 were analysed to determine the clinical characteristics and risk factors that influence the occurrence of oral candidiasis infection in SS patients.

Results

Patients with oral candidiasis were older than those without oral candidiasis (P < 0.05). Male SS patients had greater oral candidiasis rates (P < 0.05). Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) and stimulated whole saliva (SWS) were both shown to be adversely associated with oral Candida infections (P < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that a low UWS was an independent risk factor for oral Candida infections in SS patients (OR: 0.004, P = 0.023). Greater WBC counts (OR: 1.22, P < 0.001), lower haemoglobin levels (OR: 0.97, P = 0.007), lower serum albumin levels (OR: 0.88, P < 0.001), lower IgG levels (OR: 0.91, P = 0.011), lower IgA levels (OR: 0.75, P = 0.011), and lower IgM levels (OR: 0.91, P = 0.015) were found in patients with oral Candida infections. Patients on immunosuppressive medications (OR: 0.32, P = 0.011), particularly rapamycin (P < 0.001), had a decreased rate of oral Candida infections.

Conclusions

Patients with oral candidiasis were older than those without oral candidiasis. Male SS patients are more likely to have oral candidiasis. Individuals with lower UWS and SWS are more susceptible to oral Candida infection. Oral Candida infections in SS patients depend on their immunological status. Rapamycin may increase the abundance of Treg cells to reduce oral Candida infection in SS patients.
Cervical cancer screening by cytology and the burden of epithelial abnormalities in low resource settings: a tertiary-center 42-year study
Authors: Ezzelarab Sahar , El-Husseiny Amro , Nasreldin Magda , Ali Radwa , Nabhan Ashraf ,   Early Cervical Cancer Detection Consortium, Abdel-Razek Maya , Abdel-Salam Magda , Abdel-Salam Reem , Ahmed Rania , Alloub Amal , Alqenawy Hamdy , Alshabrawy Amal , Awad Nahla , Ayaad Sohair , El-Sallaly Hala , El-Sayed Mortada , Fahmy Ragia , Kasem Asmaa , Moubarak Ghada , Morsi Hasan , Rifaat Ragaa , Sakna Noha , Shehabeldin Zeinab , Zenhom Ahmed
Published: July 2024

Background

Cytological screening remains a high-impact practice, particularly in low-resource settings, for preventing cervical cancer. The examination of screening practices over time and the prevalence of epithelial abnormalities have not been investigated in longitudinal studies in one of the largest countries in the Middle East and Africa.

Methods

Routine healthcare data, between March 1981 and December 2022, were extracted from the database of the Early Cancer Detection Unit in a tertiary referral university hospital in the Greater Cairo Region, Egypt. Cervical smears were obtained using a standardized technique and sent to the cytopathology laboratory for conventional cytology examination by expert pathologists. The anonymous data were analyzed to determine the temporal trend of the number of women screened each year and the prevalence of epithelial abnormalities.

Results

Data included the results of satisfactory smears from 95120 women. The mean age (SD) of the women at the time of screening was 38.5 (10.5). None of the included women received an HPV vaccine. Abnormal epithelial cells were reported in 5174 women (5.44%). Of these epithelial abnormalities, the majority were low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in 4144 women (4.36%). Other abnormalities included atypical squamous cells in 378 women (0.40%), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in 226 women (0.24%), atypical glandular cells not otherwise specified in 184 women (0.19%), adenocarcinoma in 165 women (0.17%), squamous cell carcinoma in 70 women (0.07%), and atypical glandular cells favoring neoplasms in 7 women (0.01%). Women who were at an early age at first intercourse, those who opted for routine cervical cytology screening, and those who were older at screening were more likely to have epithelial abnormalities. The yearly number of screened women was positively associated with the detection of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (correlation coefficient [95% CI] = 0.84 [0.72, 0.91]) and negatively associated with the detection of squamous cell carcinoma (correlation coefficient [95% CI] = -0.55 [-0.73, -0.29]).

Conclusions

The small number of annually screened Egyptian women and the temporal trend in epithelial abnormalities critically demonstrate the need for establishing and scaling up a structured population-based program to achieve the goal of eliminating cervical cancer.