bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benefits of Stryphnodendron adstringens when associated with hydrogel on wound healing in diabetic rats
Authors: de Souza de Aguiar Patricia , Correa Áurea Pandolfo , Antunes Flavia Tasmin Techera , de Barros Ferraz Alexandre Falcão , Vencato Suele Biehals , Amado Gabriela Jouglard Vasques , Wiiland Elenir , Corrêa Dione Silva , Grivicich Ivana , de Souza Alessandra Hubner
Published: February 2021

The plantStryphnodendron adstringensis a species of legume in the genusStryphnodendronthat is found in Brazil. It is also known as “barbatimão-verdadeiro” and it is popularly used in folk medicine due to its healing properties. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the healing activity of hydrogel, together with anS. adstringenshydroalcoholic extract, in diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Methods: The phytochemical analysis of theS. adstringenshydroalcoholic extract was evaluated through HPLC and its antioxidant activity was measured by the DPPH assay. The cytotoxicity, the scratch assay, and the fibroblast cell proliferation were also evaluated. Forty (40) Wistar rats were submitted to an excision for a full-thickness wound of 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm in their dorsum. The animals were treated twice a day over 16 days, with a rich layer of the corresponding treatment: Hydrogel; Hydrogel associated with 5%S. adstringenshydroalcoholic extract (H + SAHE);S. adstringenshydroalcoholic extract (SAHE); Collagenase with Chloramphenicol; or Carbopol. Morphological and histological analyses of the injury were performed. Results: The phytochemical analysis of SAHE indicated the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins, and flavonoids. The hydroalcoholic extract showed strong antioxidant activities (IC50 = 25.56 ± 1.04 μg/mL). H + SAHE induced the fibroblast proliferation (148 ± 6.9%) and it was not cytotoxic. The association with H + SAHE showed a more pronounced healing activity than did the other treatments in the non-diabetic animals and in the diabetic animals, hence, promoting angiogenesis and reepithelialization. Conclusion: Under these scenarios, this study has demonstrated effectiveness in the recovering wounds of diabetic rats.

Graphical abstract
Serotonergic and noradrenergic response of ethanol extract; opioidergic response of ethyl acetate extract of Dicranopteris linearis L. leaf
Authors: Billah Mohammad Mustakim , Chowdhury Ayreen Sonia , Nawrin Kashfia , Mostaq Saqline , Rayhan Md. Abu , Tushar Razwanur Rahman
Published: February 2021

Background

Dicranopteris linearis L. is among the popular tribal plants used for various ailments, although many of its pharmacological potentials have not been investigated yet. The neuropharmacological potentials of the leaf, including sedative-anxiolytic potential, were previously studied however, the antidepressant activity was yet to be examined. Thus, this study was aimed to investigate the serotonergic, noradrenergic and opioidergic response of D. linearis leaf extracts.

Methods

The plant leaf was extracted in three solvents- water (DLAQ), ethanol (DLET) and ethyl acetate (DLEA) and applied each in 200 and 400 mg.kg− 1 per body weight of Swiss Albino mice. Forced Swim Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST) were conducted to evaluate antidepressant potential. In FST, latency and duration of immobility, swimming and climbing time were recorded. In TST, immobility, swinging, curling and pedaling were observed. Alongside, preliminary screening through acute toxicity study and pentobarbitone induced sleep test were performed.

Results

Both in FST and TST, the duration of immobility was reduced by the standard imipramine and DLET 200 and 400. In FST, DLEA 200 and 400 increased the climbing time suggesting noradrenergic mechanism of action and decreased the swimming time suggesting deficit of serotoninergic mechanism of action. Interestingly, DLET increased both the parameters presenting a dual action. However, in TST, DLEA decreased immobility but increased swinging and curling response which indicated its opioidergic mechanism. On the other hand, DLET proved to mediate through serotonin and/or NA reuptake mechanism by having decreased curling time.

Conclusion

Among the three extracts, the ethanol extract proved to be more potent. DLET mimicked the standard imipramine in all parameters except for the curling behavior. The result thus suggests D. linearis as a potent antidepressant agent however, recommends its medicinal use after further investigation to identify bioactive compounds.
Shaping migration at the border: the entangled rationalities of border control practices
Authors: Achermann Christin
Published: February 2021

This article analyses how border guards as members of a state organisation shape the movement of non-nationals into the territory of a nation state. Based on ethnographic fieldwork on the Swiss Border Guard (SBG), it explores the rationalities—understood as stabilised ways of reasoning and acting—that characterise practices within this state organisation. Combining organisational and structuration theory with a street-level bureaucracy perspective allows for a differentiated analysis of the various facets of border guards’ everyday work. Four rationalities of border-control practices are identified and compared: security, humanitarian, cost-calculation, and pragmatic rationality. I argue that, by considering both the specific goals and imperatives of border control and the characteristics of street-level bureaucrats acting within a state organisation, these entangled logics explain the complex and incoherent social reality of border control. More generally, the results contribute to organisational theory by pointing to the importance of taking into account that multiple entangled rationalities structure the practices of an organisation’s members.
The ACE and ACTN3 polymorphisms in female soccer athletes
Authors: Wei Qi
Published: February 2021

Objects

We investigated the association of ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms with the performance of Chinese elite female soccer athletes for the first time.

Material and methods

The genotype distributions of ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X in the athlete group and the control group of Chinese females were evaluated via PCR and compared. VO2max value was tested as per standard protocol.

Results

Regarding the distribution of ACE polymorphisms, the genotype frequency was indifferent between the athletes (II 40 %, ID 46.7 %, DD 13.3 %) and the controls (II 42 %, ID 48 %, DD 10 %). No difference in the I/D allele frequency was observed between the athlete group and the control group. Regarding the distribution of ACTN3 polymorphisms, the genotype frequency was significantly different between the athletes (XX 0 %, XR 53.3 %, RR 46.7 %) and the controls (XX 16 %, XR 44 %, RR 40 %). The allele frequency was observed no different between the athlete and the control group. The ACE ID and ACTN3 RR genotype combination was associated with higher VO2max values among defenders than among other players. According to VO2max values,The ACE and ACTN3 genotype combinations (II/ID/DD + RR/XR) significantly differed between the athletes and the controls (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results suggested that the Chinese elite female soccer athletes were more likely to harbor the I allele and the R allele and that the combination of ACE II/ID and ACTN3 RR/XR was a synergetic determinant of the athletic performance of females in soccer.
Updating our understanding of situation awareness in relation to remote operators of autonomous vehicles
Authors: Mutzenich Clare , Durant Szonya , Helman Shaun , Dalton Polly
Published: February 2021

The introduction of autonomous vehicles (AVs) could prevent many accidents attributable to human driver error. However, even entirely driverless vehicles will sometimes require remote human intervention. Current taxonomies of automated driving do not acknowledge the possibility of remote control of AVs or the challenges that are unique to such a driver in charge of a vehicle that they are not physically occupying. Yet there are significant differences between situation awareness (SA) in normal driving contexts and SA in these remote driving operations. We argue that the established understanding of automated driving requires updating to include the context of remote operation that is likely to come in to play at higher levels of automation. It is imperative to integrate the role of the remote operator within industry standard taxonomies, so that regulatory frameworks can be established with regards to the training required for remote operation, the necessary equipment and technology, and a comprehensive inventory of the use cases under which we could expect remote operation to be carried out. We emphasise the importance of designing control interfaces in a way that will maximise remote operator (RO) SA and we identify some principles for designing systems aimed at increasing an RO’s sense of embodiment in the AV that requires temporary control.
Study on the photosynthetic characteristics of Eutrema japonica (Siebold) Koidz. under the pulsed LEDs for simulated sunflecks
Authors: Park Jae Hoon , Kim Sang Bum , Lee Eung Pill , Lee Seung Yeon , Kim Eui Joo , Lee Jung Min , Park Jin Hee , Cho Kyu Tae , Jeong Heon Mo , Choi Seung Se , Park Hoey Kyung , You Young Han
Published: February 2021

Background

The sunfleck is an important light environmental factor for plants that live under the shade of trees. Currently, the smartfarm has a system that can artificially create these sunfleks. Therefore, it was intended to find optimal light conditions by measuring and analyzing photosynthetic responses of Eutrema japonica (Miq.) Koidz., a plant living in shade with high economic value under artificial sunflecks.

Results

For this purpose, we used LED pulsed light as the simulated sunflecks and set the light frequency levels of six chambers to 20 Hz, 60 Hz, 180 Hz, 540 Hz, 1620 Hz, and 4860 Hz of a pulsed LED grow system in a plant factory and the duty ratio of the all chambers was set to 30%, 50%, and 70% every 2 weeks. We measured the photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and substomatal CO2 partial pressure of E. japonica under each light condition. We also calculated the results of measurement, A/Ci, and water use efficiency. According to our results, the photosynthetic rate was not different among different duty ratios, the transpiration rate was higher at the duty ratio of 70% than 30% and 50%, and stomatal conductance was higher at 50% and 70% than at 30%. In addition, the substomatal CO2 partial pressure was higher at the duty ratio of 50% than 30% and 70%, and A/Ci was higher at 30% than 50% and 70%. Water use efficiency was higher at 30% and 50% than at 70%. While the transpiration rate and stomatal conductance generally tended to become higher as the frequency level decreased, other physiological items did not change with different frequency levels.

Conclusions

Our results showed that 30% and 50% duty ratios could be better in the cultivation of E. japonica due to suffering from water stress as well as light stress in environments with the 70% duty ratio by decreasing water use efficiency. These results suggest that E. japonica is adapted under the light environment with nature sunflecks around 30–50% duty ratio and low light frequency around 20 Hz.
Need for growing non-Bt cotton refugia to overcome Bt resistance problem in targeted larvae of the cotton bollworms, Helicoverpa armigera and Pectinophora gossypiella
Authors: Shahid Muhammad Rafiq , Farooq Muhammad , Shakeel Muhammad , Ashraf Misbah , Zia Zia Ullah , Ahmad Saghir , Mahmood Abid
Published: February 2021

Background

The effectiveness of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton against target arthropod larvae is decreasing day by day. The comparative effect of Bt expression among Bt cotton varieties and different plant parts was observed against the cotton bollworms: Helicoverpa armigera and Pectinophora gossypiella larvae.

Results

In the present study, larval mortality of H. armigera was higher than P. gossypiella among selected Bt cultivars. Median lethal concentration (LC50) values were 8.91, 13.4, 14.0, and 36.4 for P. gossypiella, while 5.91, 4.04, 2.37, and 8.26 for H. armigera of FH-142, MNH-886, IR-3701, and FH-Lalazar, respectively. These values depicted that P. gossypiella had more Bt resistance problem than H. armigera larvae. The host range of both targeted insect larvae was different from each other due to the polyphagous feeding nature of the larvae of H. armigera that feed on different host plants, but P. gossypiella attacked only cotton with monophagous feeding habit. It was also notable from results that Bt expression in reproductive parts where the attacked pink bollworm was lower than the American bollworm, so the former had the maximum chance of resistance due to repeated exposure to Bt.

Conclusions

It was concluded that farmers be advised to follow the practice of growing non-Bt as a refuge crop to reduce the problem of Bt resistance in the target arthropod species.
Evaluation of bacteriophages in the biocontrol of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae isolated from cankers on sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) in Turkey
Authors: Akbaba Mustafa , Ozaktan Hatice
Published: February 2021

Background

Bacterial canker and subsequent gummosis are caused by multiple pathogens and lead to significant yield and productivity losses in sweet cherry cultivation in Turkey. This study identified that Pseudomonas syringae pathovars were responsible for bacterial canker on sweet cherry orchards by using classical and molecular methods and evaluated the biocontrol effects of bacteriophages against P. syringae pv. syringae.

Results

Pathogenic bacteria were isolated from samples taken from plants showing symptoms of bacterial canker in cherry orchards located in İzmir and Manisa provinces. Specific pathogens were identified using pathogenicity, phenotypic tests, and simplex PCR. Bacteriophages effective against P. syringae strains were isolated from soil contaminated with pathogens identified in the diseased orchards using an optimized isolation protocol. The biocontrol activity of bacteriophage isolates against P. syringae pv. syringae was tested in vitro and in vivo. The results of pathogenicity tests on immature sweet cherry fruits and micropropagated cherry plantlets revealed 10 pathogenic bacteria isolates from 44 plant samples taken from sweet cherry orchards showing symptoms of bacterial canker.

Conclusions

Ten isolates were identified as Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae. Nine different pure bacteriophage isolates were effective. The results indicated that bacteriophage isolates may demonstrate variable reactivity against P. syringae pathovars.
Mortality and immune challenge of a native isolate of Beauveria bassina against the larvae of Glyphodes pyloalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Pour Sarah Aghaee , Zibaee Arash , Rostami Maryam Gohar , Hoda Hassan , Shahriari Morteza
Published: February 2021

Background

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) attack a wide range of insects. They are considered environmental friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides for pest control. In the present study, virulence of a native isolate of the EPF, Beauveria bassiana Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) was evaluated against the least mulberry pyralid, Glyphodes pyloalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), through bioassay, pathogenic pathways, and immune responses.

Results

The values of 2.6 × 104 conidia/ml and 3.54 days were determined as the median lethal concentration (LC50) and median lethal concentration (LT50) of AM-118 against the 4th instar larvae of G. pyloalis, respectively. The activities of proteases and chitinases in the culture medium containing the larval cuticle were higher than the control medium. Moreover, the total and the differential hemocyte counts of the larvae were significantly changed after injection with AM-118 spores. The highest numbers of total hemocytes and granulocytes were obtained 3 and 6 h post-injection, while the highest numbers of plasmatocytes and nodules were observed 6 h post-injection. The highest activity of phenoloxidase was determined 12 h post-injection by AM-118 spores.

Conclusions

The findings imply on virulence of the AM-118 isolate against the larvae of G. pyoalis although immune responses were triggered by the spores.
Solitary fibrous tumor of the adrenal gland – its biological behavior and report of a new case
Authors: Huisman S. E. , Verlinden I. , van Battum P. , Leijtens J. W. A.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

A solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is an uncommon neoplasm of mesenchymal and probably fibroblastic origin, occurring mainly in the extremities, and pleura. However, a primary involvement of endocrine organs is rare and even exceptional when found in the adrenal gland. Hereby, we describe the 10th report of an adrenal SFT.

Case presentation

A 77-year old man was diagnosed with a lesion in the right adrenal gland during a urologic indicated computed tomography (CT). No symptoms and laboratory anomalies were reported indicating any endocrine activity. Follow up CT-scans showed progressive growth of the nodule for which the patient underwent laparoscopic right adrenalectomy. Histological examination showed a hypercellular spindle cell neoplasm with elongated nuclei and a low mitotic index. The vessels were arranged in a hemangiopericytoma-like pattern with a slight sclerosing appearance. Immunohistochemistry showed a positive staining of neoplastic cells for STAT6, CD-34 and Bcl-2. Translocation analysis using RT-PCR showed no NAB2-STAT6 fusion. The specimen was confirmed as a hypercellular variant of an adrenal SFT.

Discussion

SFT is a rare neoplasm when occurring in the adrenal gland. Differential diagnosis can be broad because of no defined pathognomonic morphological characteristics. However, NAB2-STAT6 gene fusions are considered a molecular hallmark of SFTs. Therefore, STAT6 immunohistochemistry is a valuable diagnostic tool in differentiating between SFT and histologic mimics. After diagnosing SFT, its biological behavior is difficult to predict. SFTs are mostly benign tumors. Nonetheless, a histological benign-appearing SFT can show malignant clinical characteristics impeding assessment of proper follow up. However, malignancy has not been previously reported in any adrenal SFT case report.
From space back to Earth: supporting sustainable development with spaceflight technologies
Authors: Maiwald Volker , Schubert Daniel , Quantius Dominik , Zabel Paul
Published: February 2021

For the past decades spaceflight has been a driver for technology development in various fields, e.g. generation of electrical power, and computers. Human spaceflight missions, require resources typically scarce (e.g. oxygen) and are usually transferred along with the crew to the respective mission target. Future long-term missions aim beyond Low Earth Orbit (i.e. Moon and Mars), necessitating advances especially in closed-loop life-support systems to guarantee mission autonomy. This requires careful handling of the resources, i.e. minimizing waste and where possible harvesting resources in situ. Similarly, on Earth a sustainable way of life requires careful handling of resources. This paper discusses how both pathways relate to each other and how “settling” Earth sustainably and settling in any space location do not differ in their basic paradigms. It is shown how spaceflight has had an impact on sustainability in the past, which technologies are developed for human spaceflight and how they can be applied on Earth to improve sustainability. Finally, a research infrastructure is presented, which can conduct research on closed-loop technologies, immediately benefiting space and terrestrial applications. This incubator is divided into separate functional modules, which allow testing of technology components. These components can be exchanged to test various permutations of technologies. It is recommended to exploit synergy effects between activities concerning human spaceflight and sustainability by intertwining and coordinating these actions. The technological improvement driven by spaceflight programs can be used to drive sustainability as well.
Plastics: are they part of the zero-waste agenda or the toxic-waste agenda?
Authors: Zaman Atiq , Newman Peter
Published: February 2021

Background

Plastics were considered as a magical material owing to their strong, non-degradable and versatile characteristics. After five decades of mass application, plastics’ property of non-biodegradability has become one of the key concerns for scientists, civil society and government owing to the pollution and damage that plastics cause to our environment. Globally we have generated 8.3bn tonnes of plastics since 1950s and around 9% has been recycled, 12% incinerated and the remaining 79% of the plastics has ended up in the environment. The core question is, should this waste be minimised through the zero-waste agenda or banned through the toxic-waste agenda?

Results

The study analyses the zero plastic waste agenda and the toxic plastic waste agenda. It analyses zero-waste practices at different levels including family to community, industry and city levels. In addition, the study investigates the need to phase out toxic plastics. The study identified the need for both approaches. As plastics promote the throwaway living which is responsible for generating undesirable waste, it should be tackled through better design principles and sustainable consumption practices for the short-term agenda. The study proposes a strategic zero plastic waste framework for moving towards a zero plastic waste society. At the same time, there is a need to identify those plastics that are leading to serious and toxic impacts through micro-particles that necessitate them to be phased out more quickly through transitioning to bio-plastics.

Conclusions

Both zero plastic and zero toxic agendas are urgently needed. The study concludes that at least three things in the short term need to be implemented simultaneously to achieve a zero plastic waste society. Firstly, through zero-waste design - to eliminate creating any unnecessary plastic waste through closed-loop design thinking. Secondly, through responsible and collaborative consumption - to avoid and reduce generating avoidable plastic waste. Finally, through zero-waste management - to prioritise the value, retain the wasted materials and recover all resources. The study also establishes that a new long-term agenda needs to be created to identify those plastics that must be phased out owing to their toxicity. Consequently, the study suggests a process to achieve it in line with the transition to the post fossil-fuel era through United Nations initiatives as a joint action of the Paris Agreement and the Basel Convention.
Medical cannabis for the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome: a retrospective, open-label case series
Authors: Mazza Manuela
Published: February 2021

Background

The use of cannabis for treating fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) has not been comprehensively investigated. Thus, we have assessed the efficacy and adverse events (AEs) of short- and long-term medical cannabis (MC) treatment for FMS.

Methods

Data were obtained from medical reports archived in the pain clinic of Ponderano (Italy; retrospective study). FMS patients, who were resistant to conventional therapy, received licensed MC with various Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) content, as powdered whole flowers (decoction or vaporization) or oil extracts. Demographic and clinical parameters, including Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Widespread Pain Index (WPI), Severity Score (SyS), and side effects, were obtained after 1, 3, and 12 months. Data were analyzed with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for paired data.

Results

Thirty-eight patients were included. Thirty, 18, and 12 patients continued therapy for 1, 3, and 12 months, respectively. Significant improvements (p < 0.01) were observed in NRS, ODI, WPI, and SyS at 1 month; in NRS, ODI, and WPI at 3 months; and in NRS, ODI, and SyS at 12 months. Therapy was interrupted by 17 patients (48.6%) owing to nonserious AEs according to the FDA. The most common side effects were mental confusion (37%), dizziness (14%), nausea/vomiting (14%), and restlessness/irritation (14%). The median daily dose of milled flowers administered as THC-dominant MC and hybrid MC (with similar THC/CBD ratio) was 200 mg/day and 400 mg/day, respectively. After 3 months of titration, the median content of THC administered with THC-dominant MC cultivars was 46.2 mg, and of THC + CBD administered as a hybrid MC cultivar, was 23.6 mg + 38 mg. At 3 months, median THC content administered in the oil extract of the THC-dominant MC cultivars was 9.7 mg, while that of THC + CBD administered in the oil extract of the hybrid MC cultivars was 1.8 mg + 2 mg.

Conclusions

MC may represent an alternative treatment for patients with FMS who are unresponsive to conventional therapy. However, its application may be limited by the incidence of nonserious AEs.
Correlating cognition and cortical excitability with pain in fibromyalgia: a case control study
Authors: Tiwari Vikas Kumar , Nanda Srishti , Arya Suvercha , Kumar Uma , Sharma Ratna , Kumaran Senthil S. , Bhatia Renu
Published: February 2021

Background

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal symptoms, primarily attributed to sensitization of somatosensory system carrying pain. Few reports have investigated the impact of fibromyalgia symptoms on cognition, corticomotor excitability, sleepiness, and the sleep quality — all of which can deteriorate the quality of life in fibromyalgia. However, the existing reports are underpowered and have conflicting directions of findings, limiting their generalizability. Therefore, the present study was designed to compare measures of cognition, corticomotor excitability, sleepiness, and sleep quality using standardized instruments in the recruited patients of fibromyalgia with pain-free controls.

Methods

Diagnosed cases of fibromyalgia were recruited from the Rheumatology department for the cross-sectional, case-control study. Cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination, Stroop color-word task), corticomotor excitability (Resting motor threshold, Motor evoked potential amplitude), daytime sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale), and sleep quality (Pittsburgh sleep quality index) were studied according to the standard procedure.

Results

Thirty-four patients of fibromyalgia and 30 pain-free controls were recruited for the study. Patients of fibromyalgia showed decreased cognitive scores (p = 0.05), lowered accuracy in Stroop color-word task (for color: 0.02, for word: 0.01), and prolonged reaction time (< 0.01, < 0.01). Excessive daytime sleepiness in patients were found (< 0.01) and worsened sleep quality (< 0.01) were found. Parameters of corticomotor excitability were comparable between patients of fibromyalgia and pain-free controls.

Conclusions

Patients of fibromyalgia made more errors, had significantly increased reaction time for cognitive tasks, marked daytime sleepiness, and impaired quality of sleep. Future treatment strategies may include cognitive deficits and sleep disturbances as an integral part of fibromyalgia management.
Chronic osteo-articular changes in patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Ferreira Taciana Fernandes Araújo , dos Santos Ana Paula Teixeira , Leal Alexandra Silva , de Araújo Pereira Gilberto , Silva Sheila Soares , Moraes-Souza Helio
Published: February 2021

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease in which a mutation occurs in the β-globin chain gene, resulting in abnormal hemoglobin levels. In an environment with reduced oxygen concentration, red blood cells change their conformation, resulting in chronic hemolysis and consequent anemia and vaso-occlusive crises with injuries to several organs, with a significant impairment of the osteoarticular system. This study aimed to verify the chronic osteoarticular alterations and their association with clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with SCD with a more severe phenotype (SS and Sβ0), on a steady-state fasis.

Methods

Fifty-five patients were referred to a medical consultation with a specialized assessment of the locomotor system, followed by laboratory tests and radiographic examinations.

Results

In total, 74.5% patients had hemoglobinopathy SS; 67.3% were female; and 78.2% were non-whites. The mean patient age was 30.5 years. Most patients (61.8%) reported up to three crises per year, with a predominance of high-intensity pain (65.5%). Radiographic alterations were present in 80% patients. A total of 140 lesions were identified, most which were located in the spine, femur, and shoulders. Most lesions were osteonecrosis and osteoarthritis and were statistically associated with the non-use of hydroxyurea.

Conclusions

There was a high prevalence of chronic osteoarticular alterations, which was statistically associated only with the non-regular use of hydroxyurea.
The relevance of anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies in patients with definite dermatomyositis
Authors: de Andrade Vanessa Posener , De Souza Fernando Henrique Carlos , Behrens Pinto Gustavo Luiz , Shinjo Samuel Katsuyuki
Published: February 2021

Background

To assess the prevalence and clinical relevance of anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies in a representative sample of patients with definite dermatomyositis (DM).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study took place from 2005 to 2020 and assessed 118 adult patients from a tertiary center who were diagnosed with definite DM. A commercial kit was used to detect anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies.

Results

The presence of anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies was observed in 10 out of 118 (8.5%) patients with definite DM. The following variables were comparable between individuals with and without anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies: age at diagnosis, sex, ethnicity, disease duration, follow-up period, recurrence rate, complete clinical response, death rate, and cancer incidence. There was no difference in clinical features between groups, except for an increased prevalence of “mechanic’s hands,” joint involvement, and lung disease, as well as a reduced occurrence of skin findings in patients positive for anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies. No anti-Jo-1-positive patients went into remission; they required greater use of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive drugs.

Conclusions

Anti-Jo-1 positivity was found in 8.5% of patients with definite DM. This autoantibody was associated with an antisynthetase syndrome phenotype and might predict clinical outcomes in patients with definite DM.
Health inequality among different economies during early phase of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Aung Myo Nyein , Koyanagi Yuka , Yuasa Motoyuki
Published: February 2021

Background

The new coronavirus outbreak originated in Wuhan, China, started in January 2020 is escalating as a pandemic across the globe in March 2020. It causes unprecedented morbidity and shocked health systems and the supply chains in new epicenters such as Italy, Spain, and the USA, claiming thousands of lives. Meanwhile, the pandemic is reaching swiftly and silently to low-income countries where international media cover less. How likely health outcomes among the countries with different economies may differ during the pandemic has not been reported yet. Methodologically, we conducted an analysis of COVID-19 deaths comparing case fatality rate (CFR) among countries with different income categories, applying COVID-19 global data from the European Centre for Disease Control including 199 countries’ data as of 31 March 2020, in the early phase of the pandemic. We categorized countries into high-income countries (HIC), upper-middle-income countries (UMIC), lower-middle-income countries (LMIC), and low-income countries (LIC) according to World Bank classification by income as of 2020.

Finding

Statistically, countries in different income groups are significantly different in terms of new cases identified in the last 2 weeks and the case fatality rate (MANOVA, P value < 0.001). New tests and detected case numbers shot up in HICs where CFR shot up in LMICs and LICs. The results of this analysis pointed out an important gap among countries with different economic status during the ongoing pandemic.

Conclusion

In the HIC, contact tracing, testing capacity, and outbreak response, as well as clinical services, are strong. In the LICs, there is a low capacity of outbreak response which is reflected by the significantly lower number of diagnostic tests. Consequently, the reported number of COVID-19 cases in LICs may not reflect the actual burden of the pandemic. Without effective prevention, the pandemic can readily break into the weak health system and over-burden the hospitals and clinical services in poor countries.

This finding is showing health inequality between the rich and the poor being amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing such a gap through the local governance and integrated global responses will not only prevent unprecedented deaths, but also preserve the momentum towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Acute vascular complications of femoral veno-arterial ECMO: a single-centre retrospective study
Authors: Laimoud Mohamed , Saad Elias , Koussayer Samer
Published: February 2021

Background

Femoral arterial cannulation to initiate veno-arterial ECMO may result in ipsilateral limb ischemia due to reduced distal blood flow below the insertion point of the cannula. We retrospectively studied adult patients supported with femoral VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock between 2015 and 2019 at our tertiary care hospital.

Results

The study included 65 adult patients supported with femoral VA-ECMO for refractory cardiogenic shock. The studied patients had a mean age of 37.9 ± 14.87 years, mostly males (70.8%), a mean BSA of 1.77 ± 0.27 m2, and a mean BMI of 26.1 ± 6.7 kg/m2. Twenty-one (32.3%) patients developed acute lower limb ischemia. The patients who developed acute limb ischemia had significantly frequent AKI (< 0.001) without significant use of haemodialysis (p = 0.07) and longer ICU stay (p = 0.028) compared to the patients without limb ischemia. The hospital mortality occurred in 29 (44.6%) patients without significant difference between the patients with and without acute limb ischemia. The occurrence of acute limb ischemia was significantly correlated with failed percutaneous cannulation (p = 0.039), while there was no significant statistical correlation between the cut-down technique and occurrence of limb ischemia (p = 0.053). The occurrence of femoral cannulation site bleeding was significantly correlated with failed percutaneous cannulation (p = 0.001) and cut-down technique (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Acute vascular complications are frequent after femoral VA-ECMO. Failed percutaneous femoral cannulation has been, in this study, identified as the most important risk factor for acute limb ischemia and cannulation site bleeding. A careful approach during femoral cannulation is recommended to prevent occurrence of acute limb ischemia and femoral cannulation site bleeding.
Adrenal incidentalomas: imaging challenges—role of MDCT scan versus MRI in evaluating adrenal incidentalomas
Authors: Nawar Monica Maher Amin , Hanna Sameh Abdel Aziz Zaky , El-Sawy Shereen Sadik , Shokralla Sally Yehia
Published: February 2021

Background

The term adrenal incidentaloma (AI), by definition, is an adrenal mass that is unexpectedly detected through an imaging procedure performed for reasons unrelated to adrenal dysfunction or suspected dysfunction. Despite their frequent appearance, the challenge remains in recognizing and treating the small percentage of AI that poses a significant risk, either because of their hormonal activity or because of their malignant histology. The aim of this study is to study the role of MRI, specifically chemical shift imaging (CSI), against various MDCT scans (non-enhanced, enhanced, and delayed) in the characterization of incidentally discovered adrenal masses to offer a way for the patients to avoid unnecessary time and money-wasting imaging modalities used to reach a diagnosis of their incidentally discovered adrenal lesions. We examined a total number of 20 patients with total of 22 adrenal lesions. The mean age was 51.1 ± 15.27.

Results

In our study, we found that among CT parameters, APW and RPW showed the highest sensitivity and specificity for detection of lipid-rich adenomas. CSI has also proven to be the best MR technique. However, there is no statistically significant difference in the diagnostic capability of CSI versus the CT washout technique. Both modalities could be conducted, according to specific patient preferences and/or limitations, with comparable highly accurate outcomes.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that a similar diagnostic outcome is obtained from contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) and MRI with CSI of adrenal lesions.
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation at 18F-FDG PET/CT: correlation with clinicopathological characteristics in breast cancer
Authors: Mostafa Nadia M. , Mohamadien Nsreen R. A. , Sayed Mohamed H. M.
Published: February 2021

Background

There is conflicting results of few published human 18F-FDG PET/CT studies about BAT activation in breast cancer (BC). The aim of the study is to evaluate the association between the levels of BAT metabolic activity detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT and clinicopathological characteristics of a tumor in patients with primary BC.

Results

BAT was activated in 16 out of 157 (10.2%) consecutive female patients with BC who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT for initial evaluation. The majority of patients (15/16) had bilateral uptake in the supraclavicular regions. The mean values of the highest SUVmax and total metabolic activity (TMA) of activated BAT were 13.3 ± 9.9 and 79.6 ± 45, respectively. Median outdoor temperature was significantly lower in the activated BAT group (P value=0.035). Patients with BAT activation tended to have a lower median primary tumor size and primary SUVmax, but not statistically significant than those without BAT activation. BAT activation was significantly more frequent among younger age groups (14/16) and patients with lower body mass index (BMI) (10/16), but it was insignificantly more frequent among estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), progesterone receptor-positive (PR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor2 negative (HER2-), invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), grade II, luminal B subtype, high Ki-67 expression level, patients with positive nodal metastasis, and in patients without distant metastasis. TMA was significantly higher among HER2+ patients (P value=0.019), but insignificantly higher among the younger age groups, stages I and II, invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), grade I, luminal B subtype, ER+, PR−, higher Ki-67 expression level, patients with positive nodal, and distant metastasis. BMI and patient’s age were the significant independent predictor factors for BAT activation on multivariate regression analysis.

Conclusion

BAT activation in young age females is sex hormone-dependent, positively associated with less aggressive molecular subtypes of BC, less frequent in patients with distant metastasis. BAT activation may be a prognostic factor that carries a better prognosis in BC.
Research use at the Ministry of Health in Burkina Faso: the decision-makers’ perspective
Authors: Dagenais Christian
Published: February 2021

Background

Despite the increased emphasis placed on the use of evidence for policy development, relatively few initiatives have been developed to support evidence-informed decision-making, especially in West Africa. Moreover, studies examining the conditions under which policy-makers use research-based evidence are still scarce, but they show that their attitudes and opinions about research are one of the main determinants of such use. In February 2017, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Health planned to create a unit to promote evidence-informed decision-making within the ministry. Before the unit was set up, documenting the attitudes towards research at the highest levels of his Ministry appeared profitable to the unit’s planning.

Method

Individual interviews were conducted by the author with 14 actors positioned to consider evidence during decision-making from the Burkina Faso’s Minister of health cabinet. An interview grid was used to explore several themes such as attitudes towards research, obstacles and facilitators to research use, example of research use in decision-making and finally, ways to increase decision-makers’ participation in knowledge transfer activities. Interviews were partially transcribed and analysed by the author.

Results

The results show a mixed attitude towards research and relatively little indication of research use reported by respondents. Important obstacles were identified: evidence inaccessibility, lack of implementation guidelines, absence of clear communication strategy and studies’ lack of relevance for decision-making. Many suggestions were proposed such as raising awareness, improving access and research communication and prioritizing interactions with researchers. Respondents agree with the low participation of decision-makers in knowledge transfer activities: more leadership from the senior officials was suggested and greater awareness of the importance of their presence.

Conclusions

The conclusion presents avenues for reflection and action to increase the potential impact of the knowledge transfer unit planned within the Ministry of Health of Burkina Faso. This innovative initiative will be impactful if the obstacles identified in this study and policy-makers’ preferences and needs are taken into account during its development and implementation.
Axial compression capacity of concrete columns reinforced with corrosion-resistant metallic reinforcement
Authors: Wright John W. , Pantelides Chris P.
Published: February 2021

Axial compression performance of concrete columns reinforced with 2304 solid stainless bars and spirals, carbon steel bars and spirals, and 316 L stainless steel clad bars is examined after the columns are exposed to severe corrosion. Two groups of columns were investigated: a control group, and a group submerged in a 5.0% by weight chloride solution subjected to accelerated corrosion. A relatively high impressed current density of 8.5 μA/mm2 was used and after 60 days of accelerated corrosion the columns were tested to failure under axial compression. In terms of mass loss per unit of corrosion energy, columns reinforced with stainless steel spirals and either solid stainless or stainless clad vertical bars were 197% more corrosion resistant than carbon steel. Bars made with 2304 solid stainless steel and 316 L stainless clad materials developed localized pitting corrosion that led to degradation of the concrete cover and a larger drop in axial compression than carbon steel reinforced columns. However, the carbon steel reinforced columns reached lower failure displacements and a corroded carbon steel reinforced column was the only column to experience sudden failure prior to reaching its theoretical maximum axial compression capacity. Axial compression capacity of the columns in both the control and corroded conditions was modeled using concrete confinement models that produced good agreement with the experimental results.
Evaluation of in vitro cytotoxic activity of different solvent extracts of Clerodendrum thomsoniae Balf.f and its active fractions on different cancer cell lines
Authors: Muhammed Ashraf V. K. , Kalaichelvan V. K. , Venkatachalam V. V. , Ragunathan R.
Published: February 2021

Background

Clerodendrumis a genus of about 500 species belongs to the family Lamiaceae. Many species of this genus have been proved for the treatment of various diseases. This study was aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of different solvents and their most active fractions ofClerodendrum thomsoniaeBalf.f. in different human cancer cell lines. Aerial parts of the plant were subjected to Soxhlet extraction. Phytochemical analysis was done by using standard tests. In vitro anti-cancer activity on MCF-7, Hep-G2, A549, HT-29, MOLT-4, Hela, and Vero cell lines were evaluated by MTT assay.

Results

Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of most of the phytoconstituents in ethyl acetate extracts and the same extracts were found to be more cytotoxic activity to cancer cell lines MCF-7,Hep-G2,A549,HT–29, MOLT-4, and Hela with IC50values 29.43 ± 1.44 μg/ml, 43.22 ± 1.02 μg/ml, 56.93 ± 1.41 μg/ml, 60.68 ± 1.05 μg/ml, 69.83 ± 1.33 μg/ml, and 40.02 ± 1.14 μg/ml respectively, while it had no cytotoxic effect on normal Vero cells IC50= 367.5 ± 1.03 μg/ml. Ethyl acetate extracts were selected for the fractionation and MCF-7 cell line was used repeat MTT assay and found that fraction F5 was the most active fraction with IC5017.33 ± 0.54 μg/ml.

Conclusion

These findings have proved thatClerodendrum thomsoniaeBalf.f. have significant cytotoxicity especially for breast cancer cell lines. Further studies are required for the isolation of constituents and to explore the mechanism of action.
Fasting Plasma GLP-1 Is Associated With Overweight/Obesity and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Stinson Sara E , Jonsson Anna E , Lund Morten A V , Frithioff-Bøjsøe Christine , Aas Holm Louise , Pedersen Oluf , Ängquist Lars , Sørensen Thorkild I A , Holst Jens J , Christiansen Michael , Holm Jens-Christian , Hartmann Bolette , Hansen Torben
Published: February 2021

Context

The importance of fasting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in altered metabolic outcomes has been questioned.

Objective

This work aimed to assess whether fasting GLP-1 differs in children and adolescents with overweight/obesity compared to a population-based reference, and whether concentrations predict cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors.

Methods

Analyses were based on The Danish Childhood Obesity Data- and Biobank, a cross-sectional study including children and adolescents, aged 6 to 19 years, from an obesity clinic group (n = 1978) and from a population-based group (n = 2334). Fasting concentrations of plasma total GLP-1 and quantitative CMR factors were assessed. The effects of GLP-1 as a predictor of CMR risk outcomes were examined by multiple linear and logistic regression modeling.

Results

The obesity clinic group had higher fasting GLP-1 concentrations (median 3.3 pmol/L; interquartile range, 2.3-4.3 pmol/L) than the population-based group (2.8 pmol/L; interquartile range, 2.1-3.8 pmol/L; P < 2.2E-16). Body mass index SD score (SDS), waist circumference, and total body fat percentage were significant predictors of fasting GLP-1 concentrations in boys and girls. Fasting GLP-1 concentrations were positively associated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, fasting values of insulin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, C-peptide, triglycerides, alanine transaminase (ALT), glycated hemoglobin A1c, and SDS of diastolic and systolic blood pressure. A 1-SD increase in fasting GLP-1 was associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance (odds ratio [OR] 1.59), dyslipidemia (OR 1.16), increased ALT (OR 1.14), hyperglycemia (OR 1.12) and hypertension (OR 1.12).

Conclusion

Overweight/obesity in children and adolescents is associated with increased fasting plasma total GLP-1 concentrations, which was predictive of higher CMR factors.