bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncovering New Challenges in Targeting Glycolysis to Treat Th17 Cell-Mediated Autoimmunity
Authors: Mosure Sarah A. , Solt Laura A.
Published: January 2021

Targeting glycolysis in T helper 17 (Th17) cells presents an attractive opportunity to treat Th17 cell-mediated autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Pyruvate kinase isoform 2 (PKM2) is a glycolytic enzyme expressed in T cells infiltrating the central nervous system in a mouse model of MS, suggesting PKM2 modulation could provide a new avenue for MS therapeutics. In a recent article in Science Signaling, Seki et al. show that pharmacological modulation of PKM2 alters but does not ameliorate disease in a mouse model of MS. These results warrant further consideration of PKM2 modulators to treat Th17 cell-mediated autoimmunity.
The Nonrelativistic Quantum-Mechanical Hamiltonian with Diamagnetic Current-Current Interaction
Authors: Bányai Ladislaus Alexander
Published: January 2021

We extend the standard solid-state quantum mechanical Hamiltonian containing only Coulomb interactions between the charged particles by inclusion of the (transverse) current-current diamagnetic interaction starting form the non-relativistic QED restricted to the states without photons and neglecting the retardation in the photon propagator. This derivation is supplemented with a derivation of an analogous result along the non-rigorous old classical Darwin-Landau-Lifshitz argumentation within the physical Coulomb gauge.
Twitter Sentiment Analysis of Bangkok Tourism During COVID-19 Pandemic Using Support Vector Machine Algorithm
Authors: Sontayasara Thanapat , Jariyapongpaiboon Sirawit , Promjun Arnon , Seelpipat Napat , Saengtabtim Kumpol , Tang Jing , Leelawat Natt ,   Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand,   International School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,   Disaster and Risk Management Information Systems Research Group, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Published: January 2021

In the year 2020, SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, affected many lives and businesses worldwide. COVID-19, which originated in Wuhan City, China, at the end of December 2019, spread over the entire world in approximately four months. By October 2020, approximately 20 million people were infected and millions had died from this disease. Many health organizations such as the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made COVID-19 their primary focus. Many industries, especially, the tourism industry, were affected by the pandemic as many flight and hotel reservations were canceled. Thailand, a country considered one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, suffered much losses because of this pandemic. Many events and travel bookings were canceled and/or postponed. Many people expressed their views and emotions related to this situation over social media, which is considered a powerful media for spreading news and information. In this research, the views of people who were planning to travel to Bangkok, the capital city and most popular destination in Thailand, were retrieved from Twitter for the dates between April 3 and 30, 2020, the period during which the country underwent nationwide lockdown. Sentiment analysis was performed using the support vector machine algorithm. The results showed 71.03% classification accuracy based on three sentiment classifications: positive, negative, and neutral. This study could thus provide an insight into travelers’ opinions and sentiments related to the tourism business. Based on the significant terms in each sentiment extracted, strengths and weaknesses of each tourism issue could be obtained, which could be used for making recommendations to the related tourism organizations.
A Re-Look at Cholera Pandemics from Early Times to Now in the Current Era of Epidemiology
Authors: Ramamurthy Thandavarayan ,   ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases P-33 C.I.T. Road, Scheme-XM, Beliaghata
Kolkata 700010, West Bengal, India, Ghosh Amit
Published: January 2021

Cholera affects about three million people annually and kills several thousands. Since 1817 seven cholera pandemics have been described. While the nature of the strains responsible for the first four pandemics are not known, the fifth and sixth pandemics are associated with Vibrio cholerae O1 classical biotype. In the 1960s, V. cholerae El Tor replaced classical strains worldwide, ushering in the seventh pandemic. El Tor cholera is typified with less severe diarrhea, a lower case fatality rate and a higher percentage of asymptomatic cases. Historically, the Indian subcontinent was thought to be the homeland where cholera originated and has been implicated in spreading of the disease. Cholera broke out in Africa and now seems to be continuous and recurrent, leading to high morbidity and mortality in some countries. Current conflicts in the Middle East have been associated with the breakdown of healthcare systems and the emergence of cholera there in a big way. Several discoveries in the past two centuries helped us to understand and manage the disease. Some of the greatest inventions such as rehydration therapy have saved the lives of countless people afflicted with cholera. Whole genome sequencing of V. cholerae and the modern molecular epidemiology of cholera have led to advancements in understanding of the disease and also how the organism has persisted and re-emerged in new areas during the seventh pandemic. Currently, water, sanitation, and hygiene along with the new generation oral cholera vaccines are considered as important interventions and beneficial public health tools in cholera endemic countries and in areas at risk for outbreaks. This review highlights the pandemics that lead to important discoveries and also the new molecular approach in understanding the epidemiology of cholera.
Feasibility of Personal Sound Amplification Products in Patients With Moderate Hearing Loss: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kim Ga-Young , Kim Jong Sei , Jo Mini , Seol Hye Yoon , Cho Young Sang , Moon Il Joon
Published: January 2021

Objectives. This study was conducted to investigate the electroacoustic characteristics of personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), to identify whether PSAPs provide adequate gain and output for three common hearing loss (HL) configurations, and to compare the benefits of a representative PSAP (RPSAP) and a conventional hearing aid (HA) for clinical hearing outcomes as a pilot study.Methods. The study comprised three phases: electroacoustic analysis, simulated real-ear measurements (REMs), and clinical hearing experiments. Electroacoustic analysis and simulated REMs were performed for three basic PSAPs (BeethoSOL, EarJJang, and Geniesori2) and three high-end PSAPs (Hearing Able, Olive Smart Ear, and SoriIn) using the Aurical Hearing Instrument Test box with a 2-mL coupler. Four electroacoustic characteristics (maximum output sound pressure level at 90 dB SPL, frequency range, equivalent input noise, and total harmonic distortion) were investigated. By simulated REMs, appropriate levels of the six PSAPs for three common HL configurations (mild-to-moderate high-frequency HL, moderate to moderately severe sloping HL, and moderate flat HL) were determined. Clinical experiments compared the performance of RPSAP to HA, both of which were fitted by audiologists using REMs. Clinical experiments were administered using functional gain, a word recognition test, and the Korean version of the Hearing in Noise Test in six participants with bilateral moderate sensorineural HL.Results. The two high-end devices met all tolerances. One basic and two high-end PSAPs showed appropriate levels for three common HL configurations. In the clinical experiments, the RPSAP showed better performance than unaided, but slightly worse than HA under all test conditions.Conclusion. Certain PSAPs met all specified tolerances for electroacoustic analysis and approximated prescriptive targets in well-controlled laboratory conditions. The pilot clinical experiments explored the possibility that the RPSAP could serve as a hearing assistive device for patients with moderate HL.
Development of a relay-vector control system for a multi-phase semiconductor converter of electric energy
Authors: Panteleev S. V. , Malashin A. N.
Published: January 2021

A system of relay-vector control of current in the circuit of a polyphase electric machine has been developed. For this, on the basis of the analysis of electromagnetic processes in a multiphase semiconductor converter of electrical energy, its discrete mathematical model was created, which takes into account the redistribution of electromagnetic energy by individual spatial harmonic components, depending on the number of phases. Using this mathematical model, a method for relay control of spatial harmonic components of the input current of the converter in the “tube” has been developed. The formation of polyharmonic currents in each of the phases, conjugated in shape and phase with the voltage supplying the converter at each control period, is carried out by means of the optimal voltage vector of the semiconductor switch. To select the optimal control action, the objective function of the minimum deviation of the projections of the base voltage vectors of the semiconductor switch for the j-th combination of the state of the keys from the calculated control action determined by the mathematical model is used. An objective function of this type allows one to take into account different values of the amplitudes of the base voltage vectors of the semiconductor switch in the transformed orthogonal coordinate systems. In this case, there is no need to predict changes in the instantaneous values of the input current for one or two periods ahead, which is ensured by a decrease in the number of iterations to determine the optimal control action. To check the developed provisions, a simulation model of a nine-phase semiconductor converter of electrical energy with a relay vector control system was created. The results of the study of the model confirmed the adequacy of the developed technical solutions, the use of which will ensure the most complete realization of the own advantages of a multiphase electric machine in order to generally improve the weight, size and energy indicators of the autonomous power supply system.
Efficacy of vafidemstat in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis highlights the KDM1A/RCOR1/HDAC epigenetic axis in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cavalcanti Fernando , Gonzalez-Rey Elena , Delgado Mario , Mestre Leyre , Guaza Carmen , Lufino Michele MP , Xaus Jordi , Mascaró Cristina , Lunardi Serena , Sacilotto Natalia , Dessanti Paola , Rotllant David , Navarro Xavier , Herrando-Grabulosa Mireia , Buesa Carlos , Maes Tamara
Published: January 2021

Background Vafidemstat (ORY-2001) is a clinical stage inhibitor of the Lysine Specific Demethylase KDM1A in development for treatment of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. KDM1A demethylates H3K4me1/2 and together with the histone deacetylases HDAC1/2, it forms part of co-repressor complexes recruited by zinc finger factors to control transcription. The exact role of KDM1A in neuroinflammation remained to be explored. Methods Compounds were administered p.o. gavage to mice with MOG35-55 induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis or mice infected with Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus. Immune cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Cytokine and chemokine levels were analyzed by ELISA. Genome wide gene expression in spinal cord and brain were analyzed by two-color microarray analysis and qRT-PCR. Results ORY-2001 improved the clinical score in mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and in mice infected with the Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus. The compound reduced lymphocyte egress and infiltration of immune cells in the spinal cord and prevented demyelination. ORY-2001 was more effective and/or faster acting than a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor antagonist in the effector phase of the disease and reduced the induction of the inflammatory gene expression signature in the central nervous system more potently. Gene expression changes and axonal protection in animals, and protection against glutamate excitoxicity in spinal cord explants support that ORY-2001 has neuroprotective qualities. Conclusions ORY-2001 exerts therapeutic activity in two mouse models of multiple sclerosis. The anti-inflammatory properties of ORY-2001 are being tested in a Phase IIa clinical trial in patients with relapse remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, and in severely ill COVID-19 patients at risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Feather Biodegradation For Feather Protein Lysate/ Feather Meal Mutual Formations: Optimization Using Crude YNDH Protease/Keratinase; Enzyme Partial Purification and Characterization
Authors: Goda Doaa , Bassiouny Ahmad , Monem Nihad Abdel , Soliman Nadia , Fattah Yasser Abdel
Published: January 2021

Incubation parameters used for the production of a protein lysate from enzymatically degraded waste feather using crude keratinase produced by laceyella sacchari YNDH was optimized using RSM, amino acids quantification was estimated as well. The optimization resulted in total soluble protein 2089.5µg/ml. The optimal conditions were, time 20.2h, feather concentration 3g% and keratinase activity 24.5U/100ml at pH, 10; and cultivation temperature 50oC. The FPL was found enriched with essential and rare amino acids.In parallel, this YNDH enzyme group had been partially purified and some characteristics of it were studied. Crude enzymes were first concentrated with Amicon Ultra 10k centrifugal filter, and then concentrated proteins were applied to "QFF" strong anion column chromatography. The partially purified enzyme has an estimated molecular masses ranged 6 to 10 kDa. The maximum enzyme activity was observed at 70°C and pH 10.4 when measured by both casein and keratin azure as substrates. Interestingly, keratinolytic activity of this group was not affect by EDTA, PMSF and DTT. Generally the overall characters of this group protease/keratinase nearly the same when its activity was measured with both substrates suggesting that all these 3 protein bands working together as a group of keratinases.
Critical Care Ultrasound Oriented Shock Treatment in Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yin Wanhong , Qin Yao , Zou Tongjuan , Zeng Xueying , Li Yi , Ma Chengyong , Wang Dong , Yang Jing , Kang Hui , Liu Bingyang , Kang Yan , Wang Xiaoting , Chao Yangong , Zhang Lina
Published: January 2021

Objective: To determine whether our established Pathophysiology and etiology treatment for shock based on critical ultrasonography (PESCUS) workflow is superior to standard care in the setting of Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Materials and Methods: This is a prospective randomized controlled study. Critically ill adult shock patients were assigned to critical care ultrasound oriented treatment (CUOT) group who received treatment designed for different phases of shock guided by PESCUS workflow or standard care (SC) group who received standard care without treatment guided by PESCUS workflow.Results: Of the 147 enrolled patients, 77 were assigned to the CUOT group and 70 to the SC group. There were no significant difference between the two groups at baseline. The ICU mortality in CUOT group was significantly lower (29.9% vs. 45.7%, P=0.047). The CUOT group received significantly less fluid than SC group in the stabilization and de-escalation phases. The median duration of stabilization and de-escalation phase of shock in CUOT group was 35.0 [IQR 19.3-59.8] hours compared with 60.0[IQR 24.0-78.0] hours in SC group, p=0.024). Conclusions: Our study suggests utilization of PESCUS workflow can potentially improve ICU outcome in shock patient and avoid unnecessary fluid overload during shock recovery phase. Trial registration: Critical Care Ultrasound Oriented Shock Treatment in ICU, (28/03/2017) NCT03093987，Registered, Retrospectively registered .
Respiratory syncytial virus infection is an underestimated cause of viral pneumoniae in adults
Authors: Schubert Lorenz , Steininger Johanna , Lötsch Felix , Herdina Anna Nele , Monika Redlberger-Fritz , Tobudic Selma , Kundi Michael , Strassl Robert , Steininger Christoph
Published: January 2021

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) testing is generally available in most care centres, but it is rarely performed because clinicians’ seldom suspect RSV to be the underlying pathogen in adults with respiratory disease. Here, we evaluate the impact of broad combined influenza/RSV testing on the clinical practice. Overall, 103 patients were tested positively for RSV. Our study indicates that positively tested patients were mostly of advanced age and suffered from chronic diseases. Mortality was significant in our cohort and higher in patients with advanced age. Further, we report a significant increase in detected RSV cases but also in detection rate. Together, these findings suggest that implementation of a combined influenza/RSV testing led to a significant increase in detection rate, supported clinicians establishing the correct diagnosis and allowed a safe and controlled handling of RSV patients.
Trans-ethnic eQTL meta-analysis of human brain reveals regulatory architecture and candidate causal variants for brain-related traits
Authors: Hoffman Gabriel , Zeng Biao , Bendl Jaroslav , Kosoy Roman , Fullard John , Roussos Panos
Published: January 2021

While large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified hundreds of loci associated with neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative traits, identifying the variants, genes and molecular mechanisms underlying these traits remains challenging. Integrating GWAS results with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) and identifying shared genetic architecture has been widely adopted to nominate genes and candidate causal variants. However, this integrative approach is often limited by the sample size, the statistical power of the eQTL dataset, and the strong linkage disequilibrium between variants. Here we developed the multivariate multiple QTL (mmQTL) approach and applied it to perform a large-scale trans-ethnic eQTL meta-analysis to increase power and fine-mapping resolution. Importantly, this method also increases power to identify conditional eQTL’s that are enriched for cell type specific regulatory effects. Analysis of 3,188 RNA-seq samples from 2,029 donors, including 444 non-European individuals, yields an effective sample size of 2,974, which is substantially larger than previous brain eQTL efforts. Joint statistical fine-mapping of eQTL and GWAS identified 301 variant-trait pairs for 23 brain-related traits driven by 189 unique candidate causal variants for 179 unique genes. This integrative analysis identifies novel disease genes and elucidates potential regulatory mechanisms for genes underlying schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and Alzheimer’s disease.
The Association of Malnutrition, Illness Duration, and Pre-morbid Weight Status with Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Adolescents and Young Adults with Restrictive Eating Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Authors: Lin Jessica Ann , Jhe Grace , Vitagliano Julia A , Milliren Carly E , Spigel Rebecca , Woods Elizabeth R , Forman Sara F , Richmond Tracy K
Published: January 2021

BackgroundRestrictive eating disorders (EDs) are often comorbid with anxiety and depression, placing patients at risk for more severe disease, worse treatment outcomes, and higher rates of mortality. To identify risks for developing such co-morbidities, we assessed the association of malnutrition, ED illness duration, and pre-morbid weight status with symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescents/young adults (AYAs) with EDs. Methods145 participants with restrictive EDs (anorexia nervosa [AN], otherwise specified eating or feeding disorder [OSFED], avoidant restrictive food intake disorder [ARFID]) were included from the RECOVERY study, a longitudinal web-based registry of AYAs with EDs. We measured malnutrition as percent of expected body mass index (%eBMI), based on participants’ pre-morbid growth trajectory. Outcomes were anxiety and depression scores from the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scales. We used multiple linear regression to examine the association of malnutrition, ED duration, and pre-morbid weight status with symptoms of anxiety and depression. ResultsMean(SD) age was 16.4(3.0) years; 87% were female; 89% white; 85% had AN, 6% OSFED, 10% ARFID. Of these, 2/3 had ED symptoms ≥1 year, 1/3 had previous higher level of ED care (HLOC), and half were taking psychiatric medications. Mean %eBMI was 90% (range 57-112%). Mean GAD-7 was 9.4(5.9) and CES-D was 24(13.8), indicating most participants had clinically significant anxiety and/or depression. Degree of malnutrition was not significantly associated with anxiety or depression adjusting for age, sex, sexual orientation, ED diagnosis, and use of psychiatric medication. Those with longer duration of ED symptoms had higher depression (p=0.038) scores after adjusting for malnutrition, HLOC, length of ED symptoms, and time in our care. Patients with pre-morbid BMIs ≥75th percentile had lower depression scores than those with pre-morbid BMIs <75th percentile (p=0.014).ConclusionsWe find high degree of clinically relevant anxiety and depression in a population of AYAs with EDs. Our findings suggest that factors beyond malnutrition play a role in the co-morbid mood and anxiety disorders in this population. Overall, rapid ED diagnosis and comprehensive treatment for patients with EDs across the weight spectrum—and especially those with psychiatric co-morbidities—will likely aid in recovery.
Language Diversity and Challenges to Communication in Indian Emergency Departments
Authors: Douglass Katherine , Narayan Lalit , Allen Rebecca , Pandya Jay , Talib Zohray
Published: January 2021

BackgroundCommunication in emergency departments (ED) in India is complicated by the country’s immense language diversity. Prior research has revealed challenges in language and communication as barriers to care. Our objective was to quantify language diversity among clinicians in Indian EDs and better understand issues related to clinician-clinician and clinician-patient communicationMethodologyA cross-sectional survey of ED clinicians was conducted. Survey participants were recruited in-person and through email at six partner sites in India. ANOVA and binary logistic regression were used for subgroup analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ED clinicians. Interview data was analyzed using the rapid assessment process to determine predominant themes.Results 106 clinicians completed the survey. On average, clinicians spoke 3.75 languages. 71% used a non-English language to speak to fellow clinicians most of the time. 53% reported at least one critical incident over the last year where poor communication played a part. Interviews revealed challenges including low health literacy, high patient volume,and workplace hierarchy.Conclusions This study is the first to document the impact of language diversity and communication barriers in Indian EDs. The results highlight the need for effective strategies to improve communication that account for the multiple languages spoken by clinicians and patients.
Distinct Polarization Dynamics of Microglia and Infiltrating Macrophages: A Novel Mechanism of Spinal Cord Ischemia/reperfusion Injury
Authors: Yang Lin , Tang Lin , Sun Jingjing , Luo Wei , Wang Pengfei , Xu Junmei , Dai Ruping , Li Hui
Published: January 2021

Background: Macrophages arising from microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) have extensively studied and characterized in spinal corda injury. However, the infiltration of MDMs and the precise phenotypes of the two different populations during spinal cord ischemia and reperfusion injury (SCIRI), remains ambiguous. Methods: The SCIRI model was established by transient aortic occlusion followed by reperfusion. The Basso mouse scale (BMS) was used to quantify hind limb locomotion over the following three weeks. The histopathology of the spinal cord was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and NF-200 histochemistry. In addition, the expression of macrophage polarization phenotype were observed by double immunofluorescences, real-time PCR, and flow cytometry. Results: Compared with the Sham group, all mice in the SCIRI group developed acute paraplegia after reperfusion, gradually recovering neurological function by day 21. HE staining revealed that SCIRI induced evident pathological changes in the spinal cord. M1-type genes (iNOS, TNF-α, CD86, and CD16) were dramatically upregulated, mainly during the 1st week of SCIRI, whereas the M2 genes, CD206, and CD204, were elevated at a later stage. In addition, double-immunofluorescence confirmed in these activated microglia/macrophages phenotypes that CD86 and CD206 were co-localized. Finally, flow cytometry further demonstrated the infiltration of MDMs (CD11b+ CD45high cells) that were principally a pro-inflammatory M1 type, which peaked at day 3 and decreased by day 7 post-injury. Conversely, microglia (CD11b+CD45low cells), rather than invading MDMs, was the principal source of M2 polarized cells.Conclusions: SCIRI induced a transient influx of MDMs characterized by a M1 pro-inflammatory type, whereas resident microglia essentially maintained an M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype at later stage. These findings suggest that there is a differential regulatory role in the two cell populations following SCIRI.
Foreign Direct Investment and Productivity Spillovers: A Firm-Level Analysis of Bangladesh in Comparison with Vietnam
Authors: Arif-Ur-Rahman  , Inaba Kazuo
Published: January 2021

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is expected to generate external effects—usually termed FDI spillovers—for a host country, and these spillovers are thought to have consequences on the productivity of domestic firms. Despite this strong expectation, the empirical findings on FDI spillover are still indecisive. This study examines firm-level panel data to determine the effects of FDI spillover on firms’ productivity in Bangladesh in comparison to Vietnam. We consider both the horizontal and vertical (backward and forward) spillover effects of FDI. We find evidence that Bangladeshi firms gain productivity improvement through intra-industry or horizontal linkages, whereas Vietnamese firms gain through backward linkages. Our findings suggest that increases in foreign presence in the same industry for Bangladesh and in downstream industries for Vietnam are related with increase in output of domestic firms.JEL Code: F2, O1, O3
Mid- to Long-Term Follow-up Outcomes of One-Stage Posterior Lumbosacral or Lumbopelvic Fixation in the Management of Lumbosacral Junction Tuberculosis in Adults
Authors: Xu Zhenchao , Zhang Zhen , Wang Xiyang , Zhang Yilu , Wu Yunqi
Published: January 2021

Background: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the mid- to long-term outcomes of surgical management of lumbosacral junction tuberculosis in adults. Methods: A total of 38 adult patients were treated by one-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion, lumbosacral or lumbopelvic fixation, and postural drainage. All cases were followed up for at least five years. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were gathered and analyzed.Results: All patients achieved clinical cure at the last follow-up. Erythrocyte sedimentation rates decreased to normal levels within three months postoperatively. Postoperative scores measuring pain (visual analog scale), neurological status (Japanese Orthopedic Association score), and patient quality of life (Oswestry Disability Index) all significantly improved compared to preoperative values. Patient-reported outcomes as measured by Kirkaldy-Willis criteria were excellent in 21 cases, good in 16 cases, and fair in 1 case; there were no poor outcomes. Lumbosacral angle increased from the preoperative values of 21.7° ± 1.8° to the postoperative values of 26.4° ± 1.4°, with an angle loss of 1.2° ± 0.7° at the last follow-up. Bone fusion occurred on average 12.8 ± 1.9 months after surgery. No nonunion, pseudarthrosis, loosening or fracture of instruments occurred at the last follow-up.Conclusion: For patients with lumbosacral junction TB, a treatment protocol including one-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion, lumbosacral or lumbopelvic fixation, and postural drainage according to the severity of sacral destruction is a relatively nontraumatic and highly safe procedure. It can be used to reconstruct lumbosacral or lumbopelvic stability and facilitate the healing of TB.
The Cost of Clinical Management of SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) Infection in Ghana: A Cost of Illness Analysis
Authors: Ismaila Hamza , Asamani James Avoka , Lokossou Virgil Kuassi , Oduro-Mensah Ebenezer , Nabyonga-Orem Juliet , Akoriyea Samuel Kaba
Published: January 2021

Background: As the global strategies to fight the SARS-COV-2 infection (COVID-19) evolved, global response strategies impacted the magnitude and distribution of health-related expenditures. Although the economic consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic has been dire, and its true scale yet to be ascertained, one key component of the response is the management of infected persons which its cost has not been adequately examined, especially in the context of African countries. Methodology: To partly fill gaps in context-specific cost of treating COVID-19 patients, we adopted a health system’s perspective and a bottom-up, point of care resource use data collection approach to estimate the cost of clinical management of COVID-19 infection in Ghana. Findings: We found that resource use and average cost of treatment per COVID-19 case varied significantly by level of disease severity and treatment setting. The cost of treating COVID-19 patients in Ghana from the perspective of the health system ranged from US$282 (GH ¢1,629) to US$23,382 (GH ¢135,149), with an average of US$11,925 (GH ¢68,929). The cost of treatment increased by at least 20 folds once a patient moved from home management to the treatment centre. PPEs and Transportation were the main cost drivers for institutionalised care, whilst investigations (COVID-19 testing) and staff time were for home-based care. Conclusion: Cost savings could be made by early detection and effective treatment of COVID- 19 cases, preferably at home, before any chance of deterioration to the next worst form of the disease state, thereby freeing up more resources for other aspects of the fight against the pandemic. Policy makers in Ghana should thus make it a top priority to intensify the early detection and case management of COVID-19 infections.
Analysis of the Relationship Between Preoperative Arterial Oxygen Partial Pressure and Acute Kidney Injury after Surgery for Tetralogy of Fallot and Explore the Related Risk Factors
Authors: Xu Yaya , Zhu Xiaodong , Xu Lili , Li Zhen , Cao Lulu , Xie Wei , Zhu Yueniu
Published: January 2021

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe complication of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery (CTS). It is debatable whether patients with the low preoperative arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) are more likely to develop AKI after surgery. The study aims to investigate the incidence and possible influencing factors of AKI in patients undergoning the radical operation of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with different preoperative oxygen partial pressure. Methods: In this retrospective clinical study, 36 pediatric patients who underwent CTS were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to preoperative PaO2. We examined the baseline data and outcomes of the study population among groups.Results: Of the 36 patients, 17 developed AKI. Compared with the high preoperative PaO2 group, the low preoperative PaO2 group mostly had severe AKI and persistent, but there was no significant difference in AKI among groups (P＞0.05). In the 48-hour continuous monitoring after surgery, the oxygen metabolism indexes (Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2) were correlated with AKI and there were significant differences among the groups. Conclusions: Low preoperative PaO2 does not significantly increase the incidence of AKI and Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2 is associated with postoperative AKI and persistent.
Human Resource Audit-A Driver for Sustainability in the Health Care System. An Evidence from Romania
Authors: Dobrescu Razvan Mihai , Dumitrescu Corina Ionela , Niculescu Nicoleta , Costuleanu Carmen Luiza
Published: January 2021

The paper aimed a complex audit of human resources effectiveness in the Romanian health care system. People inside the system and the whole Romanian society have realized the importance of providing sustainable services in order to improve the performance indicators in the long run, for the benefit of both employees and patients. As we acknowledge that in developing countries the lack of skilled human resource both in respect to quantity and quality is a major problem, the paper constructs an composite index of sustainability to audit the human resources in the health care system from the perspective of quantity and efficiency in order to improve the access to health services and to ameliorate the quality and safety of medical act. Within the paper, the authors perform an objective audit of human resources emphasizing that a sustainable medical system not only supports expenditures, but also improves quality in the long run. Besides, we consider that sustainable strategy for retaining medical staff, especially in deficient medical specializations, good collaboration between hospitals and higher education institutions regarding training and development of human resources in this field are important factors in achieving sustainability of the health care system.
Single Pulley Double-strand Anchor Suture Fixation of the Coronoid Process in Terrible Triad of the Elbow Injury
Authors: Tarng Yih-Wen , Lin Kai-Cheng
Published: January 2021

Background: Terrible triad of the elbow injury is difﬁcult to manage, and the role of the coronoid process in instability is very important. We describe a simple, modified suture technique to fix a coronoid process fragment using suture anchor fixation.Methods: Eight patients (3 female and 5 male) with coronoid process injuries with the fragment involving <50% of the total height (Reagan-Morrey type I/II) in terrible triad of elbow injury were included. Patients were treated operatively via a lateral Kocher’s approach, and coronoid process fractures were repaired with a single pulley double-strand suture technique. Structures were addressed in a sequential fashion—the coronoid process, radial head, lateral ulnar collateral ligament.Results: All patients were treated with the single pulley double-strand anchor suture technique and the coronoid process fragment was found to be in good contact with the original avulsion site using the method. The final Mayo Elbow Performance Score was excellent (> 90) in 6 patients and good (between 85 and 89) in 2 patients.Conclusions: The single pulley double-strand suture tie method using a suture anchor is a less invasive and simpler fixation method for the repair of coronoid process fractures in patients with terrible triad of the elbow injuries, and results in good outcomes. Level of evidence: Level IV; Case Series; Treatment Study
Comprehensive Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analyses Identify Intracellular Targets for Myriocin to Induce Fusarium Oxysporum F. Sp. Niveum Cell Death
Authors: Wang Hengxu , Wang Zhigang , Xu Weihui , Wang Kexin
Published: January 2021

Background: Myriocin is a natural product with antifungal activity and is derived from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LZN01. Our previous work demonstrated that myriocin can inhibit the growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon) by inducing membrane damage. In this study, the antifungal actions of myriocin against Fon were investigated with a focus on the effects of myriocin on intracellular molecules.Results: Analysis of DNA binding and fluorescence spectra demonstrated that myriocin can interact with dsDNA from Fon cells. The intracellular-targeted mechanism of action was also supported by transcriptomic and proteomic analyses; a total of 2238 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The DEGs were further verified by RT-qPCR. Most of the DEGs were assigned metabolism and genetic information processing functions and were enriched in ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes pathway. The expression of some genes and proteins in ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes pathway was affected by myriocin, primarily the genes controlled by the C6 zinc cluster transcription factor family and the NFYA transcription factor. Myriocin influenced the posttranscriptional processing of gene products by triggering the main RI (retained intron) events of novel alternative splicing; myriocin targeted key genes (FOXG_09470) or proteins (RIOK2) in ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes pathway, resulting in disordered translation. Conclusions: In conclusion, myriocin was determined to exhibit activity against Fon by targeting intracellular molecules. The results of our study may help to elucidate the antifungal actions of myriocin against Fon.
Research on pregnant women suspected of having COVID-19 in the epidemic outbreak area
Authors: YANG Hui , XIE Fan , Zhao Yun , SUN Guoqiang , CHENG Yao , CAO Dongmei , PENG Jing , LI Ruobing , XIE Hui
Published: January 2021

Background

COVID-19 has become a major public health problem around the world. There are limited data on maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women with COVID-19 pneumonia. The purpose of this study is to investigate and analysis the clinical features, imaging findings, related laboratory indicators, treatments and outcomes of maternal-fetal for cases of suspected infection COVID-19 pregnant women in outbreak area in order to provide reference for clinical work.
Methods

A case-control study was conducted to compare clinical features, treatment, maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women with and without COVID-19 pneumonia.
Results

One confirmed patient who was discharged from hospital after a negative RT-PCR result, was readmitted and subsequently tested positive on RT-PCR. The vaginal delivery rate and gestational week of confirmed case group showed significantly lower than 2019 control group. Pulmonary CT images were initially same between confirmed group and suspected group, but changed over time with different trends. The two case groups shared similar dynamic profiles on blood routine test. Four confirmed cases which had COVID-19 antibody test were all positive for IgG antibody and negative for IgM antibody, via both umbilical cord blood and the newborns. Fifteen of newborns (three confirmed and twelve suspected cases) at nearly three months old were tested negative by antibodies.
Conclusions

Pulmonary CT images showed different trends with the extending of time between confirmed group and suspected group. Blood test results weren’t strong enough to make differential diagnosis between two case groups. Perform antibody test can understand the antibody responses mounted in response to the virus, and to identify individuals who are potentially immune to re-infection. Infant obtain COVID-19 IgG antibody from maternal that only may last for less than three months.
Frequency and risk factors of acute kidney injury in ICU patients of Omdurman teaching hospital
Authors: SidAhmed Abdel Mumin , Eltahir Nusaiba Hassan Mohamed
Published: January 2021

Background: acute kidney injury is a common complication in critically ill patients and it is commonly associated with high mortality and morbidity with adverse short and long term outcome. bjectives: The main objective of this study was to determine the frequency of acute kidney injury in ICU patients in Omdurman teaching hospital. And to assess the risk factors associated with the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in a critically ill patient. We also intended to correlate acute kidney injury with the primary disease required admitting to ICU and find out the impact of acute kidney injury in ICU outcomes. Methods: In this descriptive prospective, cohort hospital-based study, 211 patients were studied and followed up during admission in ICU using standardized questionnaire to collect clinical data and investigation Results: a total of 61 patients has been included in the study developed renal impairment during their stay in ICU 39 (64%) patients were males and 22 ( 36%) were female mean age was 41 ± 5 renal impairment developed after mean of 5 days of admission and the most common cause was decreased level of consciousness and severe hypotension. sepsis accounting for 40% of the admission. The outcome in ICU showed that the mortality rate was high up to 41% in kidney injury patients Sepsis account for over 96 % (24 patients) who have passed away. Conclusions: development of AKI in ICU is an important risk factor for poor outcomes in critically setting. Prevention is the best method for avoiding AKI, with the early identification and recognition of high-risk patients.
Intensification of Xylo-oligosaccharides Production by Hydrothermal Treatment of Brewer’s Spent Grains: Use of Extremely Low Acid Catalyst for Reduction of Degradation Products Associated With High Solids Loading
Authors: Swart Lukas J. , Bedzo Oscar Koku Kplorm , Rensburg Eugéne van , Görgens Johann F.
Published: January 2021

Brewers’ spent grains (BSG) make up to 85% of a brewery’s solid waste, and is either sent to landfill or sold as cheap animal feed supplement. Xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) obtained from BSG are antioxidants and prebiotics that can be used in food formulations as low-calorie sweeteners and texturisers. The effect of extremely low acid (ELA) catalysis in liquid hot water (LHW) hydrothermal treatment (HTT) was assessed using BSG with dry matter contents of 15% and 25%, achieved by dewatering using a screw press. Batch experiments at low acid loadings of 5, 12.5 and 20 mg/g dry mass and temperatures of 120, 150 and 170 °C significantly affected XOS yield at both levels of dry mass considered. Maximum XOS yields of 76.4% (16.6 g/l) and 65.5% (31.7 g/l) were achieved from raw BSG and screw pressed BSG respectively, both at 170 °C and using 5 mg acid/g dry mass, after 15 min and 5 min, respectively. These XOS yields were obtained with BSG containing up to 63% less water and temperatures more than 20 °C lower than that reported previously. The finding confirms that ELA dosing in LHW HTT allows lowering of the required temperature that can result in a reduction of degradation products, which is especially relevant under high solids conditions. This substantial XOS production intensification through higher solids loadings in HTT, not only achieved high product yield, but also provided benefits such as increased product concentrations and decreased process heat requirements.
Effects associated with insertion of rol genes on morphogenic potential in explants derived from transgenic Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst
Authors: Sarkar Sayantika , Jha Sumita
Published: January 2021

The present study deals with the establishment of rolA-transgenic and rolB-transgenic plants for the first time through Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation, exploiting the inherent morphogenic potential of an important medicinal plant, Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. The rolA-transgenic and rolB-transgenic plants showed integration and expression of rolA and rolB genes respectively, whereas Ri-transformed plants showed integration and expression of rolA, rolB, rolC and rolD genes. Morphogenic potential of different types of explants derived from rolA-transgenic, rolB-transgenic and Ri-transformed plants on basal medium was evaluated. Shoot organogenesis was enhanced significantly in leaf (1.6-fold) and internode (1.4-fold) explants derived from rolA-transgenic plants, rolB-transgenic leaf (2.4-fold) and internode (1.6-fold) explants as well as leaf (5.2-fold) and internode (3.3-fold) explants derived from Ri-transformed plants compared to explants from non-transformed plants. Substantial increase in root organogenesis was also noticed in rolA-transgenic leaf (1.7-fold) explants, rolB-transgenic leaf (3.6-fold) and internode (1.4-fold) explants as well as leaf (4.1-fold) and internode (1.9-fold) explants derived from Ri-transformed plants compared to non-transformed ones. In addition to this, growth of root tip and shoot regeneration was also noticed from Ri-transformed root explants, but not in rolA-transgenic, rolB-transgenic and non-transformed roots. Clones of all three transgenic plants differed morphologically from non-transformed plants; however, rolB gene alone has a pronounced effect in alteration of plant phenotype in B. monnieri. Clones of rolB-transgenic plants were similar in shoot length, internode length, number of nodes/plant and number of leaves/plant when compared with Ri-transformed plant clones
Mental Health Consultations on College Campuses: Examining the Predictive Ability of Social Media
Authors: Saha Koustuv , Yousuf Asra , Boyd Ryan , Pennebaker James , Choudhury Munmun De
Published: January 2021

The mental health of college students is a growing concern, and gauging the mental health needs of college students is difficult to assess in real-time and in scale. While social media has shown potential as a viable "passive sensor" of mental health, the construct validity and in-practice reliability of such computational assessments remain largely unexplored. Towards this goal, we study how assessing the mental health of college students using social media data correspond with ground-truth data of on-campus mental health consultations. For a large U.S. public university, we obtained ground-truth data of on-campus mental health consultations between 2011-2016, and collected 66,000 posts from the university's Reddit community. We adopted machine learning and natural language methodologies to measure symptomatic mental health expressions of depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal ideation, and psychosis on the social media data. Seasonal auto-regressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) models of forecasting on-campus mental health consultations showed that incorporating social media data led to predictions with r=0.86 and SMAPE=13.30, outperforming models without social media data by 41%. Our language analyses revealed that social media discussions during high mental health consultations months consisted of discussions on academics and career, whereas months of low mental health consultations saliently show expressions of positive affect, collective identity, and socialization. This study reveals that social media data can improve our understanding of college students' mental health, particularly their mental health treatment needs.