bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequences of bicycle accidents in children with low rate of helmet use
Authors: YILDIZ LEMAN AKCAN , Tagiyev Anar , TEKŞAM ÖZLEM
Published: January 2024

Background and objectives: Injury patterns in bicycle accidents may vary
depending on patient age and mechanism of accident. We aimed to
investigate characteristics of patients involved in bicycle accidents,
along with mechanisms of accidents and clinical outcomes in children.
Methods: Children admitted to the pediatric emergency department of a
tertiary referral hospital during a four-year period due to bicycle
accidents were included. The mechanism of accident was classified into
two groups; high-energy trauma and low-energy trauma. Statistical
analyses were performed to recognize injury patterns and clinical
outcomes associated with mechanism of accident. Results: 360 children
were included. 2 patients were using helmet. 29 patients required
surgery. 14 patients had clinically important traumatic brain injury. 8
and 2 patients had permanent neurologic sequela and finger amputation,
respectively. In high-energy trauma, significantly more commonly
affected anatomical areas compared to low-energy trauma were
extremities, head and neck, and multiple injuries. Abrasions/soft tissue
injuries, scalp fractures, maxillofacial fractures and traumatic brain
injury were also significantly more common types of injury in
high-energy trauma. Conclusions: In a retrospective cohort with low rate
and no obligatory regulation of helmet use, high-energy bicycle
accidents can cause significant clinical outcomes, including
maxillofacial and scalp fractures, traumatic brain injury, and permanent
disability.
Incidence and clinical significance of FLT3 and nucleophosmin mutation in childhood acute myeloid leukemia in Chile.
Authors: Cabrera María Elena , Monardes Virginia , Salgado Carmen , Cares Carolina , Gonzalez Claudio
Published: January 2024

Introduction. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease
and about one third do not have evident genetic abnormalities. The
mutation of specific molecular markers such as fms-like tyrosine kinase
3 (FTL3) internal tandem duplication (ITD) and nucleophosmin (NPM1) are
associated with an adverse and favorable prognosis, respectively.
Objective. To determine the prevalence of FLT3/ITD and NPM1 in Chilean
children under 18 years and its association with clinical data and
prognosis. Results. Two hundred and thirty-two children with AML were
studied between 2011-2017, median 8.6 years (range 1 month-18). Acute
promyelocytic leukemia (APL) was diagnosed in 29%. FLT3/ITD mutated in
non-promyelocytic AML was 10% (14/133), and FLT3/TKD 3.7% (2/54). In
APL was 25.4% (16/63). In non-promyelocytic AML, FLT3/ITD mutated was
associated with high leucocyte count, median 28.5 xmm3 (n=14) versus
19.4 xmm3 (n=119), (p=0.25) in unmutated cases. In APL was, median 33.6
xmm3 (n=15) versus 2.8 xmm3 (n=47), (p<0.001). Five-year
overall survival (OS) in non-promyelocytic AML with unmutated and
mutated FLT3/ITD, 62.7% and 21.4%, (p<0.001); 5-year event
free survival (EFS) 79.5% and 50%, (p <0.01). Five-year OS
in APL with unmutated and mutated FLT3/ITD was 84.7% and 62.5%, (p
=0.05); while 5-year EFS was 84.7% and 68.8% (p =0.122). NPM1 mutation
was observed in 3.2% (5/155), all non-promyelocytic AML with normal
karyotype. Conclusion. FLT3/ITD mutation was observed more frequently in
APL and associated with higher white cell count at diagnosis. However,
the most important finding was that FLT3/ITD mutation was associated
with lower survival in non-promyelocytic AML.
Is Transesophageal Echocardiogram Mandatory for Patients Undergoing Ablation for Right Atrial Flutter with Uninterrupted Anticoagulants? A Prospective Single Registry.
Authors: Suzat Anne , COSTA ANTOINE DA , Guichard Jean Baptiste , Pierrard Romain , Bayard Geoffrey , Yvorel Cedric , Benali Karim , Isaaz Karl
Published: January 2024

Background. Limited data exist regarding left atrial appendage (LAA)
thrombi and spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC) in patients
with atrial flutter (AFL). Objectives. We sought to evaluate the LAA
thrombi prevalzence in AFL ablation patients compared to atrial
fibrillation (AFib) ablation patients. Methods and Results. 321
consecutive patients referred for either AFib (n = 229) or AFL ablation
(n = 92) were included with a thrombus detected by transesophageal
echocardiography (TEE) in 3.22% (12/321). The percentage of thrombi was
similar between AFL and AFib ablation patients (5.4% [n = 5/92] vs.
3.1% [n = 7/229]; p = 0.3). In the overall population, LAA thrombi
patients had a higher CHA²DS²-VASc score (3 ± 2 vs. 2 ± 1.5; p = 0.048)
and a higher presence of valvular prothesis (25% vs. 4.9%; p=0.003),
with relevant left atrial remodeling such as demonstrated by a higher
left atrium (LA) volume (57 ± 19 vs. 46 ± 17 ml/m²; p = 0.04) and a
lower LAA velocity (0.41 ± 0.3 vs. 0.55 ± 0.2; p=0.04). In patients with
right AFL, patients with LAA thrombi had a higher CHA²DS²-VASc score
(4.4 ± 1 vs. 2.5 ± 1.5; p = 0.008), had more hypertension (100% vs.
53%; p = 0.04) and more diabetes mellitus (60% vs. 18.4%; p = 0.03),
and a more severe LAA echo contrast (80% vs. 5.7%; p
<0.0001). Conclusions. The risk of LAA thrombi is better
related to the presence of valvular prosthesis, CHA²DS²-VASc score and
LA remodelling than the atrial arrhythmia itself.
SPECIES DIVERSITY AND HABITAT USE OF BIRDS IN MENAGESHA SUBA STATE FOREST, CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF ETHIOPIA
Authors: Tilahun Hailu
Published: January 2024

This study was carried out to investigate the species diversity and
habitat use of birds in the Menagesha Suba State forest and surrounding
farmland. The study was conducted from July 2018 to January 2019 during
the wet and dry seasons. The study area was stratified based on the
dominant habitat types. A standardized survey technique was employed
using systematically established point counts for all habitat types.
EstimateS software (version 9.1) and Chi-square test were applied to
analyze the data. A total of 122 bird species belonging to 14 orders and
49 families were identified in the study area during the two-season
surveys. There was a statistically significant difference in the
relative abundance of species among habitat types (χ2=81.928, df = 2,
p<0.05). During both seasons, the highest bird diversity was
observed in farmland (H’=3.65), followed by plantation forest (H’=3.52).
The lowest and highest distributions were observed in natural forests
(J=0.77) and plantation forests (J=0.89), respectively. Variations in
the number of bird species were observed among the three habitats.
Species similarity was highest between natural forests and plantation
forests during both the dry and wet seasons. There was a statistically
significant difference in habitat use of bird species among the three
habitat types either when seasons were considered separately (dry
season: χ2 = 22.825, df = 6, P<0.05; wet season: χ2 = 22.186,
df = 6, P<0.05) or when combined (χ2 = 26.658, df = 6,
P<0.05). The Menagesha Suba State forest is rich in endemic
bird species to Ethiopia and shared with Eritrea, and more than 15% of
bird species distributions are locally rare. There is a need for a
detailed study of long duration on the diversity and other ecological
aspects of forest bird species should be conducted to get exhaustive
information.
Pitfalls in the enzymatic characterization of LwCas13a
Authors: Qin Peiwu , Chen Qun , Yuan Xi , Liu Chang , Yu Dong , He Qian
Published: January 2024

The pitfalls in the enzymatic characterization of LwCas13a we
encountered may trouble other colleagues in the future, and we hope to
share this unpleasant experience regarding the issue of leakages in
ion-exchange chromatography
Aortic Valve Regurgitation complicating Blunt Chest Trauma
Authors: Bonnì Enrico , Fazzari Fabio , Curzi Mirko , Donghi Valeria , Rossetto Ludovico , Corrado Egle , Bragato Renato Maria , Novo Giuseppina
Published: January 2024

Aortic valve regurgitation complicating blunt chest trauma is rare. We
describe a case of a 73-year-old male with history of car accident
complicated by sternal fracture in 2002. In 2019 he was a candidate for
liver metastasis resection complicating adenocarcinoma of the rectum
but, for the finding of a holosystolic murmur, he underwent
trans-esophageal echocardiography. This showed severe aortic
regurgitation due to the fracture of the right coronary cusp. Heart Team
decided upon the replacement of the aortic valve with biological
prosthesis. Probably, the blunt chest trauma provoked an initial right
cusp lesion and the regurgitation worsened over time.
β-adrenergic receptor inhibitor and oncolytic herpesvirus combination therapy shows enhanced antitumoral and antiangiogenic effects on colorectal cancer
Authors: Hu Jiali , Chen Cuiyu , Lu Ruitao , Hu Qian , Wang Yang , Li Wanting , Jing Ouyang , Yi Hanying , Zhang Wei , Chen Ling , Huang Weihua , Luo Jia , McLeod Howard , He Yijing
Published: January 2024

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are considered a promising therapeutic
alternative for cancer. However, despite the development of novel OVs
with improved efficacy and tumor selectivity, their limited efficacy as
monotherapeutic agents remains a significant challenge. In this study,
we explored the effect of propranolol, a nonselective β-blocker, on the
antitumor efficacy of the T1012G virus in colorectal cancer models. A
cell viability assay showed that cotreatment could induce synergistic
killing effects on human and murine colorectal cell lines. Moreover,
cotreatment caused sustained tumor regression compared with T1012G
monotherapy or propranolol monotherapy in human HCT116 and murine MC38
tumor models. Additionally, propranolol treatment did not produce a
positive effect on viral replication in vitro or in vivo. Western
blotting showed that cotreatment significantly enhanced the expression
of cleaved caspase-3 in HCT116 and MC38 cells compared with the
propranolol or T1012G alone. In addition, propranolol or T1012G
treatment induced a 35.06% ± 0.53% or 35.49% ± 2.68% reduction in
VEGF secretion in HUVECs (P＜0.01/P＜0.01). Cotreatment further
inhibited VEGF secretion compared with the monotherapies (compared with
propranolol treatment: 75.06% ± 1.50% decrease, compared with T1012G
treatment: 74.91% ± 0.68%; P＜0.001, P＜0.001). Consistent with the in
vitro results, in vivo data showed that cotreatment could reduce Ki67
and enhance cleaved caspase 3 and CD31 expression in human HCT116 and
murine MC38 xenografts. In summary, β-blockers could improve the
therapeutic potential of OVs by enhancing oncolytic virus-mediated
killing of colorectal cancer cells and antiangiogenic effects on
colorectal tumors.
Role of Tumour Necrosis Factor-Alpha promoter 308A/G polymorphism in sepsis and sepsis mortality: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Niu Huining , Li Fujun , Ma Hua , Xiu Limei , Chen Juan , Hang Min
Published: January 2024

Background: Sepsis is the most common health problem because of which an
increased proportion of health resources are consumed. Tumour Necrosis
factor alpha also plays an essential role in many diseased conditions
like diabetes, cancer, etc. There have been findings suggesting a high
level of correlation between TNF activity and sepsis susceptibility and
mortality. Thus, the present meta-analysis was carried out to assess the
role of Tumour Necrosis Factor-Alpha promoter 308A/G polymorphism in
sepsis and sepsis mortality. Methods: The meta-analysis was carried out
using the MOOSE guidelines. A total number of 782 articles were
retrieved, out of which only 45 full-text articles were eligible. Out of
that, 24 were used for meta-analysis after checking the quality of
articles. The meta-analysis was carried out using MedCalc Software. The
comparison of TNF factor alpha 1 and 2 among patients was calculated in
the two groups. The odds ratio of these studies was used to construct
the forest plot. Results: Eight studies evaluated the odds of having
increased TNF1 in sepsis conditions. The plot shows that the cumulative
statistics are significant at a 95% confidence level and have a p-value
less than 0.05. The odds of increased TNF2 in sepsis conditions among
Asians is more than in the case of TNF1. The odds ratio of 0.978
indicates that the odds of increased TNF1 in sepsis conditions among
Caucasians are more than in the case of TNF2. Conclusion: The
meta-analysis suggests an association between the G/A allele combination
of TNF-α and sepsis risk in the Asian population compared to the
Caucasian Population.
Heightening awareness in the detection and management of arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse
Authors: Rao Praveen , Tandon Anumeha , Wang Haojie , Blough Britton , Rosenblatt Randall , Roberts William , Meyer Dan
Published: January 2024

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is present in 2-3% of the general
population. A small percentage of these patients develop sudden cardiac
death. Although there have been several clinical, EKG, and imaging
findings associated with sudden death in MVP patients, it is not yet
known which of the risk factors should be weighed more heavily than
other. More importantly, there is no consensus on which patients might
benefit from a primary prevention defibrillator. We present a case of a
young woman who sustained sudden cardiac arrest, and began recovering
after a prolonged resuscitative effort. She ultimately succumbed to
opportunistic infection. In hindsight, she had many of the concerning
findings of arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse. Raising awareness of this
condition can help to reduce risk of sudden death in these patients.
Diabetes Care in an Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Setting: a logic model for service delivery
Authors: Goff Zoe , House Allan , Guthrie Elspeth , Weston Hannah , Mansbridge Laura
Published: January 2024

Aims and Objectives To develop a logic model that illustrates the steps
needed to develop an effective intervention for diabetes management in a
psychiatric inpatient setting, as the point of admission to a
psychiatric inpatient unit may present as an opportune time for
improving diabetes care. Methods We undertook (i) a survey of diabetes
care among inpatients in a Mental Health Trust in England, comparing
care to the National Health Service (NHS) Core National Diabetes
Standards (ii) interviews with key clinical staff to understand
challenges in delivering good diabetes care (iii) a review of current UK
guidance on standards for diabetes care. On the basis of the findings we
developed an initial logic model for service delivery. Results Among 163
inpatients reviewed, 44 (27%) had a diagnosis of diabetes, and only
three (7%) had all three National Institute for Health and Care
Excellence (NICE) treatment targets within range. Staff identified needs
for regular training, better understanding of roles in shared care, and
good quality IT support. We developed a logic model that illustrates the
steps needed to develop an effective intervention for diabetes
management in a psychiatric inpatient setting. Clinical Implications
Admission to a psychiatric inpatient setting provides an opportunity in
which diabetes care may be optimised. The quality and understanding of
diabetes care will need to be enhanced if this opportunity is to be
exploited.
Does The Hounsfield Unit measured in multiple focus in high resolution temporal bone tomography contribute to the diagnosis of otosclerosis?
Authors: Yılmaz Ümit , SİZER BİLAL , çelik ahmet , baylan müzeyyen yıldırım
Published: January 2024

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the function of
high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) densitometry in the diagnosis
of otosclerosis by performing densitometric measurements on the foci
around the cochlea. Materials and Methods: The HRCT images of 0.5 mm
thin-slice axial-sections obtained from 30 patients with otosclerosis,
who had been surgically confirmed and performed computed tomography of
the temporal bone before the surgery, and 30 patients, who had undergone
cochlear implant surgery and had been identified as the control group
were examined. Densitometric measurements obtained from 7 different
points of the otic capsule were recorded as the mean Hounsfield unit
(HU) for each patient. Results: When we compared the patient and the
control groups, a statistically significant difference was found in
densitometric measurements in 6 of the 7 different regions
(p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference
only in the HU 4 region (p>0.05). There was also a
statistically significant difference between these two groups in the
mean HU value obtained by measurements performed in 7 regions
(p<0.05). In addition, no significant difference was found
between both ears in all regions in the densitometric measurements at 7
different points of the otic capsule between the operated and
non-operated ears of these patients (p> 0.05). Moreover, a
negative and significant relationship was found between the bone
conduction hearing threshold and HU4, HU5 and mean HU values according
to the result of the Spearman correlation test. Conclusion: In our
study, it was found that the density around the otic capsule was lower
in patients with otosclerosis compared to normal patients. In addition,
it was found that there was no statistically significant difference in
density between the ear that was surgically confirmed to have
otosclerosis and the non-operated ear in patients with otosclerosis
The Effect of colchicine on the prevention of contrast induced nephropathy
Authors: Kaya Yasemin , Bas Orhan , Kaya Ahmet , Karakas Ahmet , ERDEM Havva , Irende Ilhan , Canakci Ebru , Dugeroglu Harun
Published: January 2024

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of colchicine on
contrast induced nephropathy(CIN). Methods: 42 female rats were included
in the study. Group1 rats were not subjected to any process. Grup2 rats
were given contrast alone. Group3 rats were administered 50μg/kg/day
oral colchicine 12 hours before contrast administration and
simultaneously with contrast. Group4 rats were given 100μg/kg/day oral
colchicine 12 hours before contrast administration and simultaneously
with contrast. Group5 rats were given 50μg/kg/day oral colchicine
simultaneously with contrast. Group6 rats were administered 100μg/kg/day
oral colchicine simultaneously with contrast. Blood samples were
collected before administration of contrast and post-contrast 48th hour,
and blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were studied. At the same
time, kidney tissue were taken and evaluated histopathologically.
Results: It was found that CIN was not developed in Group1 and the
groups administered contrast+colchicine. CIN was observed by 28.5% in
the group administered contrast alone. Mild tubular degeneration was
found in Group2 compared to the other groups(p<0.001).
Evaluating for tubular necrosis and congestion, mild damage was seen in
all groups, while moderate damage was observed in Group2(p=0.05).
Conclusion: CIN was not developed in the groups administered colchicine.
Colchicine may be effective in preventing CIN.
Light stimulate plant nitrogen uptake ability under interrupted N supply
Authors: Hassn Mehedi , Dumbuya Gibril , Assega Habtamu , Matsushima Uzuki , Matsunami Maya , Shimono Hiroyuki
Published: January 2024

Plants take up nitrogen (N) both day and night. However, the molecular
regulation of diurnal changes in N uptake is poorly understood. To test
the hypothesis that light stimulates N uptake during the day, we
examined the long-term effects of interrupted N supply (day only or
night only) under hydroponic conditions. Seedlings experienced 32 days
under daytime-fed (DF), nighttime-fed (NF), or continuous (CT) N supply.
The root N uptake rate (NUR) differed between DF and NF from day 3 of
treatment, after which NUR was significantly increased (by up to 82%)
in DF and NF plants. The increased NUR during each half-day did not
fully compensate for lost access to N during the other half-day,
resulting in lower N accumulation by the end of the treatment. The
reduction was smaller in DF plants, supporting the hypothesis that light
promotes uptake. The root expression of ammonium transporter genes
(OsAMT1;1, 1;2, 1;3) and a nitrogen-assimilation gene (OsGS1;2) was
upregulated by 10% to 200% in both DF and NF plants relative to CT
plants from day 15, more so in NF plants. No significant effect on
OsG6PDH1 (in the pentose phosphate pathway) was detected.
Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Therapeutic Effects in Children with Non-High Risk Neuroblastoma with Spinal Canal Involvement
Authors: Huang Cheng , su yan , CHEN Chenghao , Zhao Wen , Wang Xisi , Yu Tong , Zeng Qi , Ge Ming , NI Xin , Ma Xiaoli
Published: January 2024

Objectives: Summarized the clinical characteristics of non-high risk
neuroblastoma with spinal canal involvement. Patients and Methods:
Retrospective, single center cohort study of non-high risk patients
treated for NB (from March first 2007 to June 30th 2019) with
intraspinal extension. We used the Kaplan-Meier curve to analyze and
describe the prognosis. All patients followed up to April 30th, 2020.
Results: 46 patients were included among the 371 patients. Median age
was 13 months, median course of disease was 1 month and median follow up
time was 39.5 months. The most prevalent initial symptoms were
neurological motor and sensory deficit. The primary sites of the
patients were posterior mediastinum. There were 19 patients divided in
low risk group and others were in middle risk group. None patient died
during the follow up time and 2 patients with progression of the primary
disease. 24 cases received neurosurgical intervention, 18 patients’
muscle strength can recover gradually. 8 patients who with sphincter
dysfunction received laminectomy and all patients recovered normal.
There was an obvious improvement for pain of nerve root in the 17
patients. 14 patients with scoliosis before the laminectomy and the
operation didn’t cause an aggravation of the condition. Conclusion:
There was a short course and young age at diagnosis to the patients. The
primary site usually located in posterior mediastinum. The highest
prevalence of initial symptom was muscle strength abnormal. Neurological
surgery combined with chemotherapy may relieve the symptoms of spinal
canal compression effectively, and improve the quality of life.
On the meshless quasi-interpolation methods for solving 2D sine-Gordon equations
Authors: Shanshan Li , DUAN Yong , Bai Libing
Published: January 2024

This paper is devoted to applying a numerical method for solution of the
2D sine-Gordon equation. The bivariate multiple quadratic
quasi-interpolation ( MQQI ) method is adopted to simulate this
equations, which the first order spatial derivative is approximated by
MQQI, the second spatial and time derivative are approximated by forward
difference. One of the merit of this scheme is its simple structure and
easy implementation. In the meanwhile, we present truncation and total
error of this scheme, high accuracy and efficiency of the method are
verified by numerical experiments. In addition, the optimal value of
parameters are investigated in this article based on Luh [10, 11].
Safety Concern with Electrical Cardioversion of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation with Slow Ventricular Response
Authors: Park Jino , Seol Sang-Hoon , Kim Dong-Kie , Kim Seunghwan , Song Yeo-Jeong , Kim Doo-Il , Kim Ki-Hun
Published: January 2024

Rhythm control strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) can
bring many clinical benefits. However, there is still uncertainty
regarding selection of the optimal rhythm control strategy for
persistent AF. Chronicity, substrate alteration, and underlying
bradyarrhythmias could influence the clinical outcomes. Current
guidelines do not provide a distinct recommendation for electrical
cardioversion in patients with AF with a slow ventricular response
(SVR). We present two cases of sudden cardiac arrest due to sustained
ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation after electrical cardioversion of
persistent AF with SVR.
IL28-B reprograms tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) to promote anti-tumor effects in colon cancer
Authors: Cheng Dalei , Wang Haiyan , Cheng Hongyan , Zhang Hui , Dong Guanjun , Yan Fenglian , Ning Zhaochen , Wei Li , Zhang Xin , Ma Qun , Zhang Junfeng , Xiong Huabao
Published: January 2024

The type III interferon family (IFN-III), including IFN-λ3 (IL-28B), has
antiviral, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory activities. Although IL-28B
anti-tumor effect has been extensively explored, its underlying
anti-tumor mechanism remains unclear. Here, we explored IL-28B effects
on colon cancer. We found that IL-28B significantly inhibited colon
cancer growth in a murine MC38 tumor cell engraftment model.
Interestingly, IL-28B did not directly promote apoptosis or inhibit MC38
tumor cell proliferation in vitro. IL-28B treatment exerted indirect
anti-tumor activity by downregulating M2 macrophages in the tumor
microenvironment. Furthermore, IL-28B inhibited M2 macrophage
polarization in vitro. It also halted M2 macrophage differentiation
predominantly via inhibition of the STAT3 and JNK signaling pathways.
Our findings revealed that IL-28B inhibited M2 macrophages in the tumor
microenvironment to delay colon cancer progression. Our study provides
new evidence of IL-28B anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activities.
Pathophysiological mechanisms of maternal pro-inflammatory mediators in preterm labour
Authors: Adu-Bonsaffoh Kwame , Bayor Fidelis
Published: January 2024

Available therapeutic interventions for managing preterm labour have not
been consistently successful due to controversies related to its
aetiology. However, multiple mechanisms including inflammation play a
significant role in the pathogenesis of preterm labour. The
extracellular matrix of the amniochorion contains collagen fibres that
maintain the tensile strength of the amniochorion, resisting mechanical
stress and preventing rejection of the foetal allograft. Expression of
pro-inflammatory mediators in the amniochorion triggers production of
prostaglandins in the uterus and enzymatic degradation of the resilient
extracellular matrix of the foetal membranes by matrix
metalloproteinases leading to uterine contractions, cervical remodelling
resulting in preterm labour.
Healthcare Workers Perceptions Regarding Antibiotic Use during COVID-19 Pandemic in Lebanon: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mina Sara , Azakir Bilal
Published: January 2024

Aim of the study Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, empirical
antibiotics prescription has increased globally in patients with
COVID-19 for suspected or confirmed bacterial infection. Hence, concerns
have been raised about potential rise in antibiotic resistance that will
create further challenges for antimicrobial stewardship. This
descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess healthcare
workers attitudes and practices regarding antibiotics prescription
during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon. Methods used to conduct the
study The survey was distributed online using GOOGLE forms and included
questions addressing socio-demographic characteristics, trainings in
antibiotics use and healthcare workers attitudes and practices regarding
antibiotics prescription during the pandemic. Results of the study In
total, 399 healthcare workers responded to the survey. Less than half of
them had already participated in antibiotic prescription trainings
before or during the pandemic. However, only 11% participated, mostly
nurses, in antibiotic stewardship program. Azithromycin was the most
prescribed antibiotic with Vitamin C and Zinc used as second line
treatments in COVID-19 patients. In addition, nearly two-third of the
participants reported an increase in antibiotic use during the early
phase of the pandemic and considered that COVID-19 patients are
receiving unnecessary antibiotics. Conclusion This study showed
excessive antibiotics prescription during the COVID-19 pandemic in
Lebanon that needs to be tackled by raising awareness of antimicrobial
stewardship and control measures.
The necessity of early anti-inflammatory therapy initiation in cases with mild-to-moderate COVID-19: A personal experience from an attending pharmacist and his resident
Authors: Ghasemiyeh Parisa , Mohammadi-Samani Soliman
Published: January 2024

I am a professor and attending pharmacist in the field of pharmaceutical
sciences and writer or co-author of at least 5 manuscripts about
different aspects of COVID-19. More than 15 months from the first report
of COVID-19, over 120 million people all over the world infected by this
virus, and more than 2.5 million of them have died. Although different
treatment approaches have been proposed, management of the COVID-19
patients is steal remained controversial. In this regard, I want to
share my personal experience from the exposure to the coronavirus and
the consequence of this infection on my health status. I am a 51 years
old male, known case of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and chronic kidney
disease. During working hours of colleagues in the Faculty of Pharmacy,
I visited one of my colleagues in his office. After leaving the Faculty,
my colleague declares that his RT-PCR test of COVID-19 is positive and
it took 3 days for me to experience the first sign of the COVID-19 as
fever. Many complications have occurred for me during the different
stages of COVID-19 infection that I shared and explained in detail with
the suggested pharmacotherapies. According to the pathophysiology of
COVID-19 infection and my personal experience during COVID-19 infection,
I want to emphasize the necessity of early initiation of
anti-inflammatory agents including corticosteroids and colchicine in
high-risk patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 pneumonia who shows
respiratory system involvement, in order to prevent progression to the
severe and critical stages of this disease.
SINGLE STRAIN PROBIOTIC BIFIDOBACTERIA AGAINST THE SARS-COV-2
Authors: Bozkurt Hüseyin S
Published: January 2024

Sars-Cov-2 is a pandemic virus that manifests itself with respiratory
distress as well as leading to symptoms and signs associated with the
gastrointestinal tract. It is especially manifested by the disturbed
immune status, which is also referred to as cytokine storm. Probiotics
are living microorganisms that have been shown to have beneficial
effects on human immunity. The immune modulation effects of some single
strain probiotic bacteria are more evident. Cytokine storm can be
controlled through these immune modulating effects of strain specific
probiotic bacteria.
Dynamics and Pattern Formations in Cross-Diffusion Predator-Prey Models with Stage Structure for Predators
Authors: Xu Hongfei , Wang Jinfeng
Published: January 2024

This paper is concerned with a predator-prey model with stage structure
for the predator, with a cross-diffusion term modeling the effect that
mature predators move toward the direction of gradient of prey. It is
first shown that the corresponding Neumann initial-boundary value
problem in an $n$-dimensional bounded smooth domain possesses a unique
global classical solution which is uniformly-in-time bounded for the
weak cross-diffusion. It is further shown that, in the presence of
cross-diffusion, the models admit threshold-type dynamics in terms of
the cross-diffusion coefficient; that is, the homogenous steady state
keeps stability for weak attractive prey-taxis, while the stationary
patterns will occur for strong attractive prey-taxis. This implies that
such cross diffusion does contribute to the rich dynamics of
predator-prey model with stage structure for predators.
The Relationship of Sex Hormones with Anthropometric Measurements, Biochemical Parameters and Body Fat Distribution and the Effects of These Variables on Fatty Liver in Boys with Obesity and Gynecomastia
Authors: Kızılay Deniz Özalp , Tuhan Hale Ünver , İsmailoğlu Eren , Ateş Şebnem Uysal , Suner Aslı
Published: January 2024

Background: We aimed to investigate the relationship between sex hormone
levels (estradiol (E2), total testosterone (TTest)) and anthropometric
measurements, biochemical parameters, and body fat distribution of boys
with obesity and gynecomastia, and the effects of all these variables,
especially sex hormones, on fatty liver. Methods: This prospective study
included 79 pubertal boys with obesity and gynecomastia between 10 and
18 years of age. The cases were divided into two groups as with (n = 48)
or without (n = 31) fatty liver determined by ultrasonography (USG).
Results: While E2 levels and age, body weight (BW), height, body mass
index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference, and fat mass
of the patients were showing a statistically significant positive
correlation, E2 levels had a negative correlation with high-density
lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (p<0.05). While age, BW,
height, WC, and hip circumference of the patients were showing a
statistically significant positive correlation with TTest, HDL-C levels,
percent of body fat (PBF) (%) and percent of trunk fat (PTF) (%) had a
statistically negative correlation with TTest (p<0.05). There
was no significant difference in terms of sex hormone levels between the
two groups with and without fatty liver (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The main results of this study reveal that as the PBF and
PTF increase, the TTest levels of the patients decrease and as the fat
mass increases, the E2 levels increase significantly. The role of sex
hormones in the pathogenesis of the fatty liver has not been clarified.
Naming CHO cells for bio-manufacturing: Genome plasticity and variant phenotypes of cell populations in bioreactors question the relevance of old names.
Authors: Wurm Florian , Wurm Maria
Published: January 2024

Chinese Hamster Ovary [CHO] cells are the workhorse for production
of modern biopharmaceuticals, with total sales of CHO-produced proteins
exceeding 100 Billion US Dollars/year today. CHO cells are however
immortalised cells with a high propensity for genetic change. Judging
from published culture records, CHO cell populations have undergone
hundreds of population doublings since their origin in the late 1950s.
Different cell populations were established and named during the first
two decades after their generation, such as CHO-Pro-, CHO-K1, CHO-DG44,
CHO-S, CHO-DUK, CHO-DXB-11, CHO-LA, etc. to indicate origin and certain
phenotypic features. These names are commonly used in scientific
publications still today. This article tries to raise questions about
the relevance of such names. We argue that their use creates a false
sense of identity. To substantiate this claim, we discuss the long (and
poorly recorded) history of CHO cells as well as their highly complex
genetics. Finally, we suggest an alternative naming system for CHO cells
which provides more relevant information to the performance of these
cells. Implementation of such a system should improve interpretation and
comparability between laboratories. This, in turn will help scientific
communities and industrial users to attain the full potential of CHO
cells.
The Hydrological Niche Plant Diversity Model in Water-limited Ecosystems based on the Evolutionary Stability Theory
Authors: Han Zhiquan , Zhao Wen-xuan , Wang Han-yue , Liu Tong , Sun Qin-ming , Li Bai-Lian
Published: January 2024

The construction of a model that is capable to describe and explain
plant diversity is a key in community ecology, which is of great
significance in facilitating the analysis and protection of
biodiversity.In this paper, the evolutionary stability theory of
community water resources allocation is studied in ecologically stable
plant communities in water-limited environments, the water consumption
of individual biomass growth is used to quantify the hydrological niche
of the species, and the arithmetic mean and harmonic mean ratio of
hydrological niche of species in the community as a new diversity index
is used to measure the community hydrological niche differentiation. An
new hydrological niche plant diversity model was established, and the
species abundance curve and species area curve including the community
hydrological niche differentiation factor were obtained. Through our
model derivation and verification, we discovered that the distribution
of species abundance in water-limited ecosystems was close to Fisher log
series distribution, which unified and expanded the classical diversity
theories and discovered quantitative relationship: the larger the degree
of community hydrological niche differentiation is, the greater the
number of species is with the same abundance. This paper also provides
an example for the application of the theory of evolutionary stability
to community diversity research.
Predicting the severity of disease progression in COVID-19 at the individual and population level: A mathematical model
Authors: Chirmule Narendra , Nair Pradip , Desai Bela , Khare Ravindra , Nerurkar Vivek , Gaur Amitabh
Published: January 2024

The impact of COVID-19 disease on health and economy has been global,
and the magnitude of devastation is unparalleled in modern history. Any
potential course of action to manage this complex disease requires the
systematic and efficient analysis of data that can delineate the
underlying pathogenesis. We have developed a mathematical model of
disease progression to predict the clinical outcome, utilizing a set of
causal factors known to contribute to COVID-19 pathology such as age,
comorbidities, and certain viral and immunological parameters. Viral
load and selected indicators of a dysfunctional immune response, such as
cytokines IL-6 and IFN which contribute to the cytokine storm and
fever, parameters of inflammation d-dimer and ferritin, aberrations in
lymphocyte number, lymphopenia, and neutralizing antibodies were
included for the analysis. The model provides a framework to unravel the
multi-factorial complexities of the immune response manifested in
SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals. Further, this model can be valuable to
predict clinical outcome at an individual level, and to develop
strategies for allocating appropriate resources to mitigate severe cases
at a population level.
Pterostilbene inhibits influenza virus infection through interaction with NS1 protein
Authors: Wu Wenjiao , Ye Yilu , Zhong Yingyuan , Yan Xiukui , Lin Jianguo , Zhang Zhi , Liu Shuwen , Chen Li
Published: January 2024

With the prevalence of novel influenza strain and drug resistance virus,
it is urgent to develop effective and low-toxicity anti-influenza
therapeutics. Here we found that pterostilbene effectively inhibited
influenza A virus infection. Mechanism study demonstrated that
pterostilbene inhibited virus infection through interaction with
influenza non-structural protein 1 (NS1), in turn promoted the induction
of antiviral type I interferon and impeded the pro-viral PI3K/Akt
pathway activation during influenza virus infection, inducing a
synergistic inhibitory effect against influenza virus infection. Thus,
pterostilbene can be a promising anti-influenza agent for the future
antiviral drug exploitation.
Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities involving $s$-convex function in the first sense
Authors: Tınaztepe Gültekin , EVCAN SINEM SEZER , Kemali Serap , Yesilce Ilknur
Published: January 2024

In this paper we extend some estimates of a Hermite-Hadamard type
inequality for functions whose absolute values of the first derivatives
are $s$-convex in the first sense. By means of the obtained
inequalities, some bound functions involving beta functions and digamma
function are derived as applications. Furthermore, they are used to
obtain an error bound in numerical integration of certain $s$-convex
functions by composite trapezoid rule.
Compliance and challenges of Transmission Based Precaution Practices among Nurses in Jordanian Hospitals during the Novel SARS-CoV-2: A descriptive Study
Authors: Al-Smadi Ahmed , Banihani Salam , Halabi Marwa , Mosa Areej
Published: January 2024

Background: Standard precautions (SPs) practices are of crucial
management skills among Health Care Workers (HCWs) including nurses
against the highly infectious novel virus SARS-CoV-2. Aim of the study:
The study aimed to assess level of nurse’s compliance with SPs, and
identify the main challenges that experienced by nurses during their
work with infected SARS-CoV-2 patient’s. Methods: A cross-sectional
survey design was used. The study was conducted in different sectors
that represent the health care sector in Jordan. 386 nurses recruited
from the different sectors. Results: Data were collected from 386
participants. 66.8% of the participants were female. Most of them
revealed that they were dealt previously SARS-CoV-2 patients (73.6%).
Generally, nurses demonstrated good level of compliance with SPs
practices (71%). The staff reported that they mostly adhere with
performing hand hygiene after all procedures (65.8%). On the other
hand, they were least adherence with maintaining a physical distance of
patient and staff of at least 6ft apart (28.5%). conclusion: It was
concluded that nurses have a good level of SPs practices. Many
challenges were experienced by nurses while caring of SARS-CoV-2
patients.
The impact of ecological memory on microbial community dynamics
Authors: Khalighi Moein , Sommeria-Klein Guilhem , Faust Karoline , Gonze Didier , Lahti Leo
Published: January 2024

Ecological memory refers to the influence of past events on an ecosystem’s response to external or endogenous changes. Whereas memory’s contribution to ecosystem dynamics is well recognized, its role in microbial community dynamics has gained limited attention. Quantitative models of microbial communities have recently shown how resilience and multistability can emerge from interactions between community members under environmental perturbations. Here, we propose a general approach to incorporate memory into dynamical ecological models, and apply it to a topical microbial community model to demonstrate how memory: (1) slows down the overall dynamics, thus enhancing resistance while reducing resilience to perturbations; (2) can prevent state shifts and mitigate hysteresis, thus increasing resilience; (3) favours long transient dynamics, such as long-standing oscillations and delayed regime shifts; and (4) contributes to the emergence and persistence of alternative stable states. These results highlight the fundamental role of memory in key aspects of microbial community dynamics.
Dexamethasone treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Infection presenting as Acute Chest Syndrome in a Pediatric Patient with Sickle Cell Disease (HbSD-Los Angeles): Case Report and Review of the Literature.
Authors: Sabir Aqsa , Calderwood Stanley , Kanathezhath-Sathi Bindu
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT Background: Hemoglobin D – Los Angeles (HbD) is a variant
hemoglobin that can polymerize in the deoxygenated state. When
co-inherited with Hemoglobin S (HbSD disease) a severe sickling syndrome
can result. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 has been associated with acute
chest syndrome (ACS) in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD), but
this complication has not previously been reported in patients with
HbSD. Dexamethasone has been shown to improve outcomes in non-sickle
cell patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia or adult respiratory distress
syndrome (ARDS); however, its use in SCD patients with ACS is
controversial due to a reported increased risk of complications
including vaso-occlusive painful episodes (VOE). Procedure: Case Report
and literature review focusing on the management of pediatric SCD
patients with SARS-CoV-2 associated ACS. Results: A 7-year-old female
with HbSD presented with fever, cough, shortness of breath, hypoxia and
pulmonary infiltrates consistent with ACS. She tested positive for
SARS-CoV-2. She began treatment with dexamethasone (6 mg/ kg/ day
divided BID). She had a rapid recovery without sequalae from steroid
use. Literature review identified 39 pediatric patients with SCD and
COVID-19, of whom 21 (54%) had ACS. Simple transfusion (9 pts) and
exchange transfusion (3 pts) were the most frequently reported
treatment, with hydroxychloroquine (5 pts), remdesivir (1pt), and
tocilizumab (1 pt) also being reported. Three patients were treated with
dexamethasone. All 3 recovered and no adverse outcomes from steroid use
were reported. Conclusions: Further study is needed to determine the
optimal treatment of SARS-CoV-2 associated ACS; however, dexamethasone
should be considered.
A single centre's experience of 23 cases of total rhinectomy for the treatment of nasal vestibule squamous cell carcinoma.
Authors: Chabrillac Emilien , Talawdekar Ashish , Garikipati Satya , Varley Iain , Sionis Sara , Beasley Nigel , Jackson Richard
Published: January 2024

Objectives: This study aims to analyse the management outcomes of total
rhinectomy (TR) for nasal squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) involving the
vestibule, and to identify prognostic factors for disease recurrence.
Design: A retrospective single centre study was conducted between
September 2003 and February 2021 including all patients who underwent a
TR for a SCC involving the nasal vestibule. Results: 23 patients were
included in the study. Tumours originated from the septum (n=12),
vestibule (n=8) or skin (n=3). Six TR (26.1%) were salvage procedures,
after primary radiotherapy or nose-preserving rhinectomy. Seven patients
had a concurrent neck dissection and 17 patients (73.9%) received
adjuvant treatment (14 patients had radiotherapy and 3 had
chemoradiotherapy). After a median follow-up of 32 months, six patients
(26.1%) presented with tumour recurrence. Three patients (13%) had
nodal-only recurrence. The estimated 5-year overall survival,
disease-free survival and disease-specific survival was 67.5%, 66.3%
and 80.7% respectively. Positive excision margins were a predictive
factor for tumour recurrence after TR (p=0.0401). Conclusions: For nasal
vestibule SCCs not amenable to limited surgical resection, TR along with
adjuvant radiotherapy provide good oncological outcomes and should be
considered the main treatment option.
Relationships between the incidence of fire blight in ‘Golden Delicious’ apple trees and nutrient imbalance indices
Authors: Tadayon Mohammad saeed , Saghafi Kobra , Sadeghi Sohrab
Published: January 2024

The multivariate compositional nutrient diagnosis (CND) was considered
to evaluate the nutrient imbalance causing ﬁre blight development in
‘golden delicious’ apple. The CND norms provided for a low-ﬁre blight
severity subpopulation was V*N = 2.813 ± 0.186, V*P = 0.297 ± 0.147, V*K
= 2.660 ± 0.149, V*Ca = 2.442 ± 0.218, V*Mg = 1.188 ± 0.061, V*S = 0.595
± 0.399, V*Fe = -0.952 ± 0.212, V*Mn = -3.132 ± 0.195, V*Zn = -4.040 ±
0.366, V*Cu = -5.032 ± 0.177, V*B = -3.361 ± 0.120, V*Rd = 6.521 ±
0.128. The corresponding sufﬁciency ranges of nutrients for for
imparting moderate resistance in plant against ﬁre blight were N = 2.309
± 0.333, P = 0.185 ± 0.016, K = 1.968 ± 0.170, Ca = 1.645 ± 0.430, Mg =
0.453 ± 0.053, S = 0.269 ± 0.086 in percent and Fe = 345.250 ± 76.213,
Mn = 60.926 ± 11.724, Zn = 26.368 ± 12.943, Cu = 9.088 ± 1.682, B =
48.603 ± 9.509 in mg kg-1. According to the principal component analysis
analysis, leaf Ca, B, S and Zn had a significant effect on the reduction
of ﬁre blight severity index.