bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abernethy malformation with multiple visceral aneurysms: An incidentally detected rare disorder
Authors: Ütebey Ayşe Rüksan , Aykota Muhammed Rasid , Ufuk Furkan
Published: January 2024

Abernethy malformation is a rare congenital vascular anomaly
characterized by the portal vein’s congenital absence and accompanying
portosystemic shunts. This malformation is divided into two subgroups
depending on the superior mesenteric and splenic veins’ drainage to the
inferior vena cava. Abernethy malformation may cause portal
hypertension, hepatic encephalopathy, pulmonary hypertension, and heart
failure in patients later in life. Therefore, it is essential to
recognize this anomaly and follow up regarding these complications.
Moreover, other vascular anomalies and liver masses associated with
Abernethy malformation are rarely seen. Herein, we aimed to present a
rare adult case of Abernethy malformation with multiple saccular
visceral (hepatic, splenic, and renal artery) aneurysms diagnosed
incidentally on abdominal computed tomography. We aimed to emphasize the
radiological and clinical findings of this rare disorder.
Niche selection and dispersal limitation inclined spatial turnover rates of soil fungal community in meadow degradation
Authors: wang yingcheng , Deng Ye , Lu Guangxin , Yu Hao , Du Xiongfeng , He Qing , Yao shiting , Zhao lirong , Huang caixia , Wen xiaocheng
Published: January 2024

The alpine meadow ecosystem, as the main ecosystem of the Qinghai-Tibet
Plateau, has been heavily degraded over the past several decades due to
overgrazing and climate change. Although soil microorganisms play key
roles in the stability and succession of grassland ecosystems, their
response to grassland degradation has not been investigated at spatial
scale. Here, we systematically analyzed the spatial turnover rates of
soil prokaryotic and fungal communities in degraded and undegraded
meadows through distance-decay relationship (DDR) and species area
relationship (SAR), as well as the community assembly mechanisms behind.
Although the composition and structure of both fungal and prokaryotic
communities showed significant changes between undegraded and degraded
meadows, the steeper spatial turnover rates were only observed in fungi.
Mantel tests indicated that edaphic variables and vegetation factors
showed significant correlations to the fungal community only in degraded
meadow, suggesting soil and vegetation heterogeneity contributed to the
steeper spatial scaling pattern. Correspondingly, a novel phylogenetic
null model analysis (iCAMP) demonstrated that environmental selection
was enhanced in the fungal community assembly process during meadow
degradation. Interestingly, dispersal limitation was also enhanced for
the fungal community in the degraded meadow, and its relative
percentages showed a significant linear increase with the spatial
distance, suggesting that dispersal limitation played a greater role as
distance increased. Our findings indicated the spatial scaling of the
fungal community is altered during meadow degradation by both niche
selection and dispersal limitation. This study provides a new
perspective for the assessment of soil microbial responses to vegetation
changes in alpine areas.
Which competencies are required for on-call physicians for home medical care? A qualitative study of homecare providers' experiences in Japan's super-aged society
Authors: Nagano Hiroyuki , Tsugihashi Yukio , Tatsuno Mai
Published: January 2024

Rationale, aims, and objectives: In Japan, many older people hope to
receive end-of-life care at home. In such situations, team-based home
medical care with the support of on-call physicians is needed. However,
to date, necessary competencies for the on-call physicians have yet to
be clarified. This article aims to reveal the competencies for on-call
physicians in home medical care settings. Method: This was a qualitative
study of semi-structured interviews concerning competencies for on-call
physicians in home medical care. This study evaluated digitally recorded
interviews with eight homecare professionals in seven homecare
facilities (three clinics, one hospital, and three nursing agencies) in
Tenri City, Japan. The transcribed data were analyzed by three
researchers using theme analysis. Results: The core competencies were
divided into the following six categories: clinical skills for frequent
complaints, sharing patients’ information in advance, an attitude of
humility, understanding purposes of homecare, understanding general
roles of homecare nurses, and thoughtfulness toward patients and their
families. Conclusion: This study revealed six competencies for on-call
physicians, classified into technical or non-technical skills in home
medical care. These competencies could contribute to developing
effective learning for on-call physicians who support home medical care.
Perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia at a tertiary Hospital in Ethiopia: a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Fessehaye Abraham , Gudu Wondimu
Published: January 2024

Background: Preeclampsia accounts for 10 to 15 % maternal deaths
globally, corresponding to 50,000 annual maternal deaths. Twin pregnancy
is a known risk factor for preeclampsia and it is also associated with
increased adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes. Inadequate data
exists regarding the clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes of
twin pregnancies with preeclampsia. Methods: A facility based
case-control retrospective study was conducted; a structured
questionnaire in English language with sections of socio-demographic
data and obstetric characteristics was used to extract data from
maternal charts and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) registry book.
Statistical test of association was done using Chi square for
categorical data; strength of association with OR and 95% CI .Those
variables with P-value of <0.2 on univariate analysis were
entered into multivariable logistic regression analysis and adjusted OR
was calculated Results: The frequency of preterm birth was 61.9% in the
PE group which was statistically different from that observed in the
normotensive ones (33.6%) at p-value of <0.0001. Delivery at
gestational age less than 34 weeks was also significantly higher in the
preeclampsia group (12.7 % Vs. 9% at p-value of 0.001). Conclusions:
In this study, twin pregnancies complicated with PE was associated with
significantly increased rate of preterm birth, including delivery less
than 34 weeks. We recommend a further well-designed prospective analytic
study
Selective activation of adrenoceptors potentiates IKs current in pulmonary vein cardiomyocytes through the protein kinase A and C signaling pathways
Authors: Mi Xinya , Ding Wei-Guang , Toyoda Futoshi , Kojima Akiko , Omatsu-Kanbe Mariko , Matsuura Hiroshi
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Delayed rectifier K current
(I) is a key contributor to repolarization of
action potentials. This study investigated the mechanisms underlying the
adrenoceptor-induced potentiation of I in
pulmonary vein cardiomyocytes (PVC). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH PVC were
isolated from guinea pig pulmonary vein. The action potentials and
I current were recorded using perforated and
conventional whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. The expression of
I was examined using immunocytochemistry and
Western blotting. KEY RESULTS The I current in
PVC was markedly enhanced by both β- and
β-adrenoceptor stimulation with negative voltage shift
in the current activation, although the potentiation was more
effectively induced by β-adrenoceptor stimulation than
β-adrenoceptor stimulation. Both
β-adrenoceptor-mediated increases in I were
attenuated by treatment with the adenylyl cyclase (AC) inhibitor or
protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor. Furthermore, the
I current was increased by
α-adrenoceptor agonist but attenuated by the protein
kinase C (PKC) inhibitor. PVC exhibited action potentials in normal
Tyrode solution which was slightly reduced by HMR-1556 a selective
I blocker. However, HMR-1556 markedly reduced
the β-adrenoceptor-potentiated firing rate. KCNQ1, a
I pore-forming protein was detected as a signal
band approximately 65 kDa in size, and its immunofluorescence signal was
found to be mainly localized on the cell membrane. CONCLUSIONS AND
IMPLICATIONS The stimulatory effects of β- and
α-adrenoceptor on I in PVC are
mediated via the PKA and PKC signal pathways. HMR-1556 effectively
reduced the firing rate under β-adrenoceptor activation, suggesting that
the functional role of I might increase during
sympathetic excitation under in vivo conditions.
Predictive value of Charlson comorbidity index and cofactors on 2-year mortality in older patients with intertrochanteric fractures: a retrospective analysis
Authors: xu jianda , Homma Yasuhiro , Jinnai Yuta , Baba Tomonori , Zhuang Xu , Watari Taiji , Banno Sammy , Kaneko Kazuo
Published: January 2024

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of Charlson
comorbidities index (CCI) and cofactors on 2-year mortality in older
patients with intertrochanteric fractures. 60 cases with unilateral
intertrochanteric fracture were retrospectively analyzed and divided
into Low-CCI group (CCI: 1-4) or high-CCI groups (CCI: 5-6). All the
patients’ electronic hospital records were reviewed. The preoperative
situations (demographic data, comorbidities and fracture conditions),
perioperative situations (wait time, operation time, implant choice,
blood loss, transfusion or not) and postoperative situations
(complications, first time out of bed, function about 1-/2- week and
2-year mortality) were recorded. 51.67% were in low-CCI group and
48.33% in high-CCI group. The survival rates in low- and high-CCI group
were 93.5% and 86.2 % respectively. According to the functional
results of 1- or 2- week after operation, no significant difference was
found (P=0.955, 0.140). Log-rank analysis showed that the main
prognostic factors were blood loss, first time out of bed and
complication (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed that
complication and first time out of bed were significant factor on
survival rate (P=0.029, 0.010). Charlson comorbidities index maybe not
the indicator of 2-year mortality in older patients with
intertrochanteric fractures. In order to improve the prognosis, more
attentions should be paid to reduce the complications and encourage
postoperative earlier excise out of bed.
Proper assignation of reactivation in a COVID-19 recurrence initially interpreted as a reinfection
Authors: Pérez-Lago laura , Martínez helena , pajares Jose Antonio , Gomez Arantxa Diaz , machado Marina , Sola-Campoy Pedro , Herranz Marta , valerio Maricela , Olmedo Maria , Zayas Cristina Andres , Comas Iñaki , Candelas fernando Gonzalez , Bañares Rafael , Catalán Pilar , Muñoz Patricia , Viedma Darío García de
Published: January 2024

A 77-year-old male (Case R) who had had a previous diagnosis of mild
COVID-19 episode, with fever without developing pneumonia or other
complications, was hospitalized 57 days later, due to an acute
cholangitis. He had a prolonged hospital stay with severe biliary and
infectious complications. On Day 23 post-admission, the patient
developed a second COVID-19 episode, now severe, with bilateral
pneumonia, multiorgan failure, and finally died. Initially, Case R
COVID-19 recurrence was interpreted as a reinfection due to the exposure
to a patient with whom he had shared the hospital room, who also had a
subsequent positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. However, whole genome sequencing
data indicated that both cases were infected by different strains and
clarified that case R recurrence corresponded to a reactivation of the
strain involved in his first episode. Case R reactivation had major
consequences, not only leading to a much more severe second episode, but
causing a subsequent transmission to another two hospitalized patients,
one of them with fatal resolution.
The moral sensitivity of midwives
Authors: SAHINER Pervin , Babadaglı Belgin , Er Rahime Aydın , Ersoy Nermin
Published: January 2024

Objective: Improved ethical sensitivity allows ethical decision making
and understanding of vulnerable people. The fact that the midwifery
profession requires an intervention in the private and intimate areas of
the woman like childbirth makes it more important for midwives to have
moral sensitivity. Therefore, it was aimed to determine the moral
sensitivity of midwives working in the delivery room. Methods:This
descriptive study was conducted with midwifery who were actively work in
the delivery room. Results:The mean score of the midwives was 3.05 and
the moral sensitivity of the midwives was moderate. Religious belief has
not been shown to be effective in their decisions. According to the
moral sensitivity scale, the subtitle in which midwives were the most
insensitive was conflict. Conclusions: Moral sensitivity of the midwives
was moderate. Moderate moral sensitivity can lead to uncertainty in
midwives’ behavior towards ethical issues. Therefore, more importance
should be given to increasing the moral sensitivity of midwives by using
different methods in ethics education. Keywords: Midwifery, medical
ethics, moral status, moral education, ethical dilemma, What’s already
known about this topic? There is not enough studies with midwives
working in delivery rooms Their moral sensitivities vary Factors
affecting moral sensitivity vary. What does this article add? Evaluation
of the moral sensitivity of midwives working in delivery rooms Relation
between the moral education and moral sensitivity Importance of ethics
course in midwifery curriculum
Moderate grazing significantly increases water use efficiency in alpine meadow on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: WANG Yunying , PEI Weiwei , Cao Guangmin , Guo Xiaowei , Zhou H , Du Yangong
Published: January 2024

Water use efficiency is an important indicator of drought tolerance of
plants. The response was still unclear of water use efficiency to
different grazing intensity and its adaptive mechanisms in alpine
meadow. Here, we analyzed water use efficiency of plant dominant
species, coexisting species and functional group level plants to grazing
intensity by δ13C index in alpine meadow. Furthermore, this study
revealed the driven factors of water use efficiency combined available
nitrogen, soil bulk density, soil organic carbon, soil water content and
evapotranspiration. Grazing increased plants δ13C by 3.37%. Moderate
grazing significantly increased the δ13C of Gramineae by 4.84%
(P<0.05), and increased δ13C of Cyperaceae, Leguminosae, and
Forb by 3.45%, 0.81%, and 1.40% respectively. Some dominant species
and coexisting species have the highest δ13C value under moderate
grazing. This study indicated that moderate grazing significantly
improved the water use efficiency of alpine meadows. Path analysis
resulted showed that the water use efficiency was negatively correlated
with evapotranspiration (P<0.05), soil water content, soil
organic carbon, and soil bulk density. It was positively correlated with
available nitrogen. Our study provides new insights that moderate
grazing help to increase water use efficiency in alpine meadows. In
addition, evapotranspiration may be the main driving factor affecting
the water use efficiency of alpine meadow.
A new linearized difference scheme for time fractional regularized long wave equation
Authors: Liu Xinlong , Wu Lifei , Yang Xiaozhong
Published: January 2024

Fractional regularized long wave (FRLW) equation describes various
physical phenomena in ocean engineering, such as long wave and shallow
water wave with small amplitude, the study of its numerical solution has
important theoretical significance and application value. A new
linearized difference scheme is proposed for Caputo type time fractional
regularized long wave (TFRLW) equation. The time direction
discretization of the scheme adopts L1 approximation of piecewise linear
interpolation, and the space direction discretization is based on the
linearization of the nonlinear term of TFRLW equation. The existence and
uniqueness of the solution of the difference scheme are proved, and the
stability and convergence of the scheme are proved by the discrete
energy method. The analysis results show that the new scheme has spatial
accuracy of 2 order and time accuracy of order. Finally, numerical
experiments verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis and the
effectiveness of the numerical scheme.
Delineating the Role of mutation on the structural stability and conformational landscape of inhibitor-resistant TEMβ-lactamase: A high-performance molecular dynamics simulations Study
Authors: Mukherjee Sandip , Mukherjee Mandira , Mishra Padmaja
Published: January 2024

The gain of function mutations and structural adjustment towards
β-lactamase inhibitors in TEM-type β-lactamase among the uropathogenic
E.coli (UPEC) culminates into treatment complications and demands a
detailed investigation. In this study, uncharacterized amino acid
substitutions, M69L/I84V/W165G/V184A/V262I/N276S in inhibitor-resistant
TEM (IRT) β-lactamase isolated from clinical UPEC were subjected to
extensive molecular dynamics (EMD) simulations for 100 ns to estimate
the parameters such as RMSD, RMSF, the radius of gyration (Rg), Contour
plot (Rg/RMSD) and secondary structure element (SSE), etc. Residue
interaction networks, principal component analysis (PCA), and
correlation heatmaps were generated to predict the relation between
functionally important atomic motions to uncover the structural
stability of the mutants. To avoid the false positive conclusion of the
simulation study, we have performed three identically parameterize
replicas of 100ns each. Alterations in hydrophobic interactions resulted
in conformation changes exhibited as comparable residue interaction
networks. Besides, PCA and porcupine plot analysis based on the ensemble
of structure from molecular dynamics trajectories revealed the
collective atomic motions of the IRT variants that impart structural
flexibility of their active site loop. Therefore, this is the first
study of its kind conducted on IRT mutants that delineate intricate
protein motions that contribute to their stability and folding using
high-performance protein dynamics which is an absolute necessity to
design candidate molecules because of the clinical threat of emerging
resistance against potent β-lactam antibiotics.
Single-dose Intraoperative Steroid Administration Does Not Impact Early Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence
Authors: Agboola Kolade , Dietrich Michael , Karki Roshan , Lodhi Fahad , McGill Trevon , Asirvatham Samuel , Deshmukh Abhishek , DeSimone Christopher
Published: January 2024

Background: Inflammation is integral in the pathogenesis and propagation
of atrial fibrillation (AF). Peri-ablation administration of steroids
has been shown to significantly reduce AF recurrence at 3 months. We
sought to determine the effect of intraoperative dexamethasone on early
recurrence at both 3 months and 12 months post-ablation. Methods: A
cohort of 94 adult patients (>18 years) underwent catheter
ablation at Mayo Clinic Rochester from January to March 2019. Only
first-time ablation patients were included, with all re-do ablations
excluded to minimize heterogeneity. Administration of intraoperative
dexamethasone 4 mg or 8 mg was determined by chart review from the
procedure. At our institution, intraoperative intravenous steroids are
administered for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) prophylaxis at
the discretion of the anesthesiologist. AF recurrence was determined by
ECG or cardiac monitoring at less than 3 months or between 3 months and
1 year with an in-person follow-up visit. Results: A total of 36.2% of
patients received intravenous dexamethasone compared to 63.8% who did
not (providing a 2:1 comparison group). The incidence of documented AF
or flutter lasting greater than 30 seconds was 20.6% in the
dexamethasone group versus 21.7% in the non-dexamethasone group, p
value 1.00. AF or atrial flutter recurrence from 3 months to 1 year was
20.6% in the dexamethasone group compared to 21.7% in the
non-dexamethasone group, p value 1.00. Conclusion: These data suggest
that intraoperative intravenous dexamethasone administered during AF
ablation for postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis does not have
a significant effect on AF recurrence rates.
Pregnant women´s views on the timing of prophylactic antibiotics during caesarean delivery: a qualitative semi-structured interview study
Authors: Høgh-Poulsen Sidsel , Bendix Jane , Larsen Maria Mieskiewicz , Virkus Rie , Andersen Anne , Clausen Tine , Løkkegaard Ellen , Axelsson Paul
Published: January 2024

Objective: To gain insight into pregnant women’s preference if given a
choice between getting antibiotic prophylaxis before or after cord
clamping during caesarean delivery. Design: A qualitative
semi-structured interview-study Setting: The interviews were conducted
at a Danish Hospital, with about 4000 births a year. Sample: Fourteen
pregnant women, either considering or having a planned caesarean
section, or scheduled for induction due to post-term gestational age.
Methods: Fourteen individual semi-structured interviews were conducted,
and a systematic text condensation approach was used to analyse the
transcribed interviews. Main Outcome Measures: Patient perspectives.
Results: Ten of the fourteen women favoured antibiotic administration
after cord clamping. Despite any adverse effects to the infant’s
microbiota and increased risk of long-term health outcomes were only
hypothetical and the risk reduction in postpartum infections being well
documented, they did not want to expose their offspring to antibiotics.
Those who preferred antibiotic prophylaxis before cord clamping were
concerned, if they would be able to care for the infant in case of a
maternal infection. Three of the women preferring antibiotics after cord
clamping said they would potentially change preference, if the maternal
risk was higher. Most women preferred to be informed of the use of
prophylactic antibiotic and that the timing has consequences for
trans-placental exposure to the infant. Conclusions: With most of the
interviewed women preferring antibiotic administration after cord
clamping, we suggest patients should be involved in the decision
regarding timing of prophylactic antibiotics before caesarean section.
Funding: None.
Canal network reveals the growth pattern regulations of reef-building corals
Authors: Li Yixin , Han Tingyu , Bi Kun , Chen Junyuan , Lu Jing , He Chunpeng , Lu Zuhong
Published: January 2024

Acroporidae and Pocilloporidae are the predominant reef-building corals
of Indo-Pacific coral reefs. Coral colony is the basic geometric
construction of coral reef, while sustained formation of their calcium
carbonate skeletons is the heart of healthy reefs. However, the reef
forming strategies in coral growth is still obscure. In this study, we
reconstructed 32 representative samples using high-resolution computed
tomography and created canal networks inside skeletal data to
investigate coral growth regulation and related parameters. In Acropora
and Montipora colonies, the polyps are connected as an integral network
by complex canals that perform and regulate physiological processes
including budding, branching, and mineralising. Furthermore, we
visualised coral growth axes and rings, revealing colony growth pattern
regulation. We also drew a skeleton grey-gradient heat map and
calculated coral skeleton ratios to reveal skeletal diversity, devising
a method to quantitatively analyse coral growth. On the basis of the
canal network reconstructions, we hypothesised coral growth strategies
and compared the similarities and differences among the four genera.
This work extends the knowledge of how corals grow their skeleton, what
the major controls are and how skeletal growth varies amongst species,
ensuring further protections of tropical coral reefs.
Telephone Clinic Outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic in an Ear, Nose and Throat Department
Authors: Mallick Sohaib , Balakumar Ramkishan , Drysdale Andrew
Published: January 2024

Background & Aim The COVID-19 pandemic led to interesting challenges,
when delivering outpatient care during the national lockdown. This was
especially pertinent in Otolaryngology, which is not only very heavily
outpatient based but also very highly procedural focused. It also
presented difficulties for patients shielding due to being deemed high
risk. Following advice given by both the NHS and ENT UK, all routine
clinics were cancelled and telephone consultations introduced to
maintain an ENT service for patients. This study looks at the impact of
telephone clinics in a district general hospital on patient outcomes and
what benefits can be gained from this method of service delivery. Study
Design A retrospective study was undertaken examining telephone clinic
consultations of newly referred patients over seven days during a
nationwide lockdown. This included all adult and paediatric patients
referred routinely. Follow-up patients and 2 week wait referrals were
excluded. Higher risk patients were identified using guidelines listed
by the NHS and the hospital electronic patient database was used to
collect patient information. Clinic outcomes were collected and collated
on Microsoft Excel. Patients were followed up to 8 months. Results Data
was collected from 104 patients. The age ranged from 1 to 91; with 74
patients being seen by consultants, 18 by registrars and 12 by associate
specialists. Outcomes of these consultations showed that 17 patients
were discharged, 15 had outpatient imaging requested, 11 referred to
another specialty, 11 had further telephone clinic follow up, 31 were
given patient initiated follow up and 19 were brought back for
face-to-face appointments. Overall, 57% of patients avoided a hospital
visit and only 17% needed a face-to-face appointment. Of the patients
who were higher risk, 49% were managed remotely. After 8 months there
was no significant morbidity or mortality. Conclusions Almost half of
all higher risk patients avoided coming in to hospital. The majority of
patients were managed remotely and thus reduced the risk and spread of
infection to patients and staff. This shows that telemedicine has been a
significantly useful mode of service delivery during the pandemic and
has further scope in routine ENT outpatient care.
« Photosystem I P700 chlorophyll a apoprotein A1 as exquisite PCR marker to identify diatoms and their associated lineage«
Authors: VINAYAK VANDANA , Khan Mohd , JHA ANUPAM , MANGESH HARISH
Published: January 2024

The morphological characteristics of diatoms are useful for studying
their taxonomy. However, the distinction between closely related taxa
can be very difficult, especially when the morphological characters are
modified by environmental constraints. In the present study, 13 fresh
water diatoms were identified morphologically and cultured to have their
axenic cultures. To check this PCR primers specific for multilocus genes
were designed to amplify and screen 13 fresh water diatom monocultures.
Among the multilocus PCR primers (DRR3, scfcpA, Lhcf11, SIT1, SIT3,
SIT4, LOC101218388, COI-5P, rbcL, rbcL-3P, LSU D2/D3, UPA, psaA and 18S
rRNA) we found that psaA gene, a plant pigment chlorophyll-based primer
amplified all the diatoms. Out of 13 diatom amplicons only two fresh
water diatoms DNA were sequenced. This included Cyclotella meneghiniana
due and Sellaphora pupula. The Sanger sequencing results thus
established that morphologically identified diatom, Sellaphora pupula
exhibited close phylogeny to Sellaphora whereas Cyclotella meneghiniana
had close lineage to marine diatom Thallosiosira.
PRESENT SCENARIO OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN INDIA: SECOND MOST AFFECTED COUNTRY IN THE WORLD
Authors: Bansal Sudhanshu , Gangwar Abhishek Kumar , Sharma Amit
Published: January 2024

Since December 2019 from Wuhan, China coronavirus affected worldwide and
spread pneumonia-like illness, currently named as coronavirus disease
(COVID-19). It is spread through infected droplets; the major symptoms
are dry cough with fever and general weakness. Elders and peoples with
multiple diseases are more like to infected with COVID-19. Using
disinfectant and face mask in public is the main preventive measure.
Here in this review, we revised current knowledge about the disease,
complications, diagnosis methods, and preventive measures.
Efficacy and safety of Bufei Huoxue capsules in treating convalescent patients with COVID-19: A multicentre, double-blind, and randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chen Yuqin , Liu Chunli , Wang Tingping , Qi Jingjing , Jia Xiaoqing , Zeng Xiansheng , Bai Jianling , Lu Wenju , Zhong Bihua , He Wenjun , Xing Yue , Lian Zhan , Zhou Haohao , Yan Junping , Yang Xuejiao , Yu Hao , Zhou Jiawei , Zhou Dansha , Zhong Nan-Shan , Wang Jian
Published: January 2024

Background and Purpose As of 5 March 2021, coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19) has infected more than 116 million people worldwide, with
over 91 million convalescent patients. A decrease in function of
multiple organs has been reported in recovering patients. In China,
traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is recommended to treat patients in
the rehabilitation period; however, its efficacy and safety still need
to be confirmed. Experimental Approach We conducted a multicentre,
double-blind, randomised controlled trial that recruited patients with
COVID-19 during the rehabilitation period. In total, 131 patients were
randomly divided into two groups: 66 in the Bufei Huoxue capsules
(BFHX)-treated group and 65 in the control group. BFHX was administered
orally three times a day (1.4g/dose) for 90 days, and the control group
was administered placebo for 90 days. The primary endpoint was to
evaluate improvements in fatigue symptoms and exercise tolerance. Key
Results After three months of treatment, the six-minute walk distance
(6MWD) of the BFHX-treated group was significantly longer than that of
the control group, compared to baseline. The Fatigue Assessment
Inventory (FAI) was lower in the BFHX-treated group than in the control
group. Adverse event rates were higher in the BFHX-treated group, but
there was no statistical difference between groups. Conclusions and
Implications BFHX may have strong rehabilitative effects on patients
recovering from COVID-19 in terms of improvements in physiological
activities, such as fatigue symptoms and exercise tolerance. The drug
has proven to have favourable safety and effectiveness profiles.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN NUTRITIONAL STATE AND MATERNAL AND PERINATAL OUTCOMES OF PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM WOMEN WITH COVID-19
Authors: Carli Millena de , Stringhini Maria Luiza , Carvalho Ana Paula , Freitas Ana Tereza
Published: January 2024

Objective: To assess the nutritional status of pregnant and postpartum
women with COVID-19 and to verify the association with clinical outcomes
of mortality and prematurity of childbirth. Design: Retrospective
observational longitudinal study. Setting: University hospital in
Goiânia-Goiás-Brazil. Population or sample: 34 patients with confirmed
diagnosis of COVID-19, between June and September 2020. Methods: Medical
records was analysided. All eligble cases was included. The collected
data refer to demographic, clinical, obstetric and neonatal and
anthropometric variables. Main outcome measures: Maternal deaths and
prematury of childbirth. Results: 34 patients were evaluated (n=29
pregnants and n=5 postpartum women), with a mean age of 28.71±4.79
years. Of the total, 91.20% were overweight or obese with a current
average BMI of 32.10±7.67 kg/m2. Of these cases, 14 had previous
diseases, as well as the majority of these are in the overweight group
(n=11) and had clinical complications, with ICU stay and use of
ventilatory support. The clinical outcomes of mortality and premature
birth accounted for 14.70% vs 68.70% of the sample, respectively, with
one death in the eutrophic group and four in those with
overweight/obesity (p=0.38), as well as the 11 premature births, 90.0%
occurred in this group (p=0.47), with an average gestational age of
delivery of 33.56±3.98 weeks. Conclusion: There was no association
between nutritional status and maternal and perinatal outcomes, although
most patients are overweight or obese, with severe clinical
complications.
Haematopoietic and cardiac GPR55 synchronize post-myocardial infarction remodelling
Authors: Puhl Sarah-Lena , Hilby Michael , Kohlhaas Michael , Keidel Linus , Jansen Yvonne , Hristov Michael , Schindler Jakob , Maack Christoph , Steffens Sabine
Published: January 2024

Background and purpose: GPR55 is activated by the endogenous lipid
lysophosphatidylinositol, but also sensitive to cannabinoids and
antagonized by cannabidiol. While classical cannabinoid receptors are
known to crucially impact on myocardial infarction (MI) repair, a
function of GPR55 herein is poorly understood. Thus, we investigated the
role of GPR55 in cardiac physiology and post-MI inflammation and
remodelling. Experimental approach: Following baseline characterization,
permanent MI was induced in global GPR55-/- and wildtype (WT) mice as
well as in bone marrow chimaeras with sole haema-topoietic GPR55
depletion. Sarcomere length was measured in isolated adult, unstressed
GPR55-/- and WT left ventricular (LV) myocytes. Key results: GPR55-/-
deficiency was basally associated with bradycardia, increased diastolic
LV volume and sarcomere length and an immune profile resembling
stretch-induced inflammation. While infarct size and myeloid cell
infiltration were unaffected by the lack of GPR55, chemokine induction
was prolonged until day 3 post-MI. Additionally, GPR55-/- hearts
exhibited a premature expansion of pro-reparative and phagocytic
macrophages paralleled by early up-regulation of ex-tracellular matrix
(ECM) factors 3 days post-MI, which could be mimicked by sole
haematopoietic GPR55 depletion. Moreover, global GPR55 deficiency
mitigated MI-induced foetal gene re-programming and cardiomyocyte
hypertrophy, culminating in aggravated LV dilatation and infarct
expansion. Conclusions and implications: GPR55 regulates cardiac
homeostasis and ischaemia respons-es by maintaining adequate LV filling
and modulating three crucial processes post-MI: wound healing kinetics,
hypertrophy and maladaptive remodelling. While patients might benefit
from GPR55 stimulation post-MI, consumption of GPR55 antagonist
cannabidiol should be carefully considered in view of potential adverse
cardiac effects.
Immunomodulation as a potent COVID-19 pharmacotherapy: past, present and future
Authors: Hertanto Decsa , Sutanto Henry , Wungu Citrawati
Published: January 2024

In the first year of its appearance, the 2019 coronavirus disease
(COVID-19) has affected more than 120 million individuals and killed 2
million people worldwide. The pandemic has also triggered numerous
global initiatives to tackle the newly emerging disease, including the
development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and the attempt to discover potential
pharmacological therapies. Nonetheless, despite the success of
SARS-CoV-2 vaccines development, the COVID-19 therapy remains
challenging. Several repurposed drugs that were documented to be useful
in small clinical trials have been shown to be ineffective in larger
studies. Additionally, the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection
displayed the predominance of cytokine storm in inducing multiorgan
damage. Therefore, the potential benefits of both immune modulation and
suppression in COVID-19 have been extensively discussed. Here, we
reviewed the roles of immunomodulation as potential COVID-19
pharmacological modalities based on the existing data and proposed
several new immunologic targets to be tested in the foreseeable future.
Pilot-scale fermentative production of mannosylerythritol lipids by Pseudozyma aphidis DSM 70725 and their application in the pesticide industry
Authors: Shen Liang , Yang Qining , Jin Mingjie , Ma Kefeng , Long Xuwei
Published: January 2024

Biosurfactant mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) have great potential in
application as an alternative to chemical surfactants in many fields,
while the low-efficiency production and new-to-market nature largely
limited its real applications. In this study, a high-efficiency
fermentation process to furnish MELs with P. aphidis DSM 70725 was
developed, involving addition of iron salts and Tween 20. Concentration,
productivity and conversion yield of the MELs was improved to 61 g L-1,
0.255 g L-1 h-1 and 0.68 g g-1, respectively, which have about 100%
improvement over the regular fermentation process. This newly developed
strategy was then used to fermentatively produce MELs at the pilot-scale
(1, 000 L). In addition, MELs were found to possess excellent
emulsification activity against xylene, and have phenomenal
antimicrobial activity against U. maydis and C. albicans which is not
influenced by pH, salinity or initial cell density. Accordingly MELs
appear to be superior alternatives to the chemical surfactants
traditionally employed in the pesticide industry.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Sniffin Sticks Test performance in different countries.
Authors: Trentin Sheila , Oliveira Bruno Samuel Fraiman de , Borges Yuri Ferreira Felloni , Rieder Carlos Roberto de Mello
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Olfaction impairment occurs in about 90% of patients with
Parkinson’s Disease. The Sniffin Sticks Test is a widely used instrument
to measure olfactory performance and is divided into three subtests that
assess olfactory threshold, discrimination and identification. However,
cultural and socioeconomic differences can influence test performance.
Objectives: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the
existent data about Sniffin Sticks Test performance of Parkinson’s
Disease patients and healthy controls in different countries and
investigated if there are other cofactors which could influence the
olfactory test results. A subgroup analysis by country was performed as
well as a meta-regression using age, gender and air pollution as
covariates. Results: Four hundred and thirty studies were found and
sixty-six articles were included in the meta-analysis. Parkinson’s
Disease patients showed significantly lower scores on the Sniffin Sticks
Test and all its subtests than healthy controls. Overall, the
heterogeneity among studies was moderate to high as well as the
intra-country heterogeneity. The subgroup analysis, stratifying by
country, maintained a high residual heterogeneity. Conclusion: The
meta-regression showed a significant correlation with age and air
pollution in a few subtests. A high heterogeneity was found among
studies which was not significantly decreased after subgroup analysis by
country. This fact signalizes that maybe cultural influence has a small
impact on the Sniffin Sticks Test results. Age and air pollution have
influence in a few olfactory subtests.
Analysis on the optimal horizontal eye position as well as the effectiveness of a new system for video head impulse test
Authors: Jiang Tao , Li Fei , Yu Jing , Huang Ruonan , Shang Chenyong , Gao Rui , Zhuang Jianhua , Li Wenyan
Published: January 2024

Objective: To identify an optimal gaze angle for precisely evaluating
the function of vertical semicircular canals in video head impulse test
(vHIT) and draw a comparison on the performances among three different
systems for vHIT. Design: Two-center prospective study. Setting:
Participants were sit 1.2 meters away from the wall in a noise-proved
room that dedicated for vHIT experiments. For the gaze-angle projects,
targets were placed on the wall sequentially at the pre-marked lines for
different angles. During the comparison experiments, similar settings
were ensured in both hospitals, like distance to wall and angle of
staring. Same examiner performed the comparison between two systems in
one location. Participants: 26 healthy participants were recruited in
the gaze-angle experiments, 16 of which were further involved in
inter-examiner tests. For the comparison projects, 9 and 13 participants
were recruited, respectively. Any participant with otologic or
vestibular disorders was excluded. Results: Our research showed that
instead of right ahead at 0 degree, when torsion applied at vertical
semicircular canal planes, 25-degree is a better place to set the
targets. At this angle, a more accurate VOR gain was easier to be
obtained. Besides, our evaluations of three different systems showed
that a new vHIT system, VertiGoggles ZT-VNG-I (VG) performed as good as
the long-tested OtometricsICS impulse (Oto) and EyeSeeCam (ESC).
Conclusion: We proposed a new protocol to set the targets 25 degrees
from right ahead after tilt head 45 degrees to evaluate vertical canals
during vHIT. Furthermore, the new VG system is good for clinical
practices.
QSAR-QMMM Cryptographic Mining on Chern-Simons Topologies for the generation of a Ligand Targeting SARS-COV-2 D614G Binding Sites.
Authors: Grigoriadis Ioannis
Published: January 2024

SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the viral spike (S) encoding a
SARS-COV-2 SPIKE D614G mutation protein predominate over time in locales
revealing the dynamic aspects of its key viral processes where it is
found, implying that this change enhances viral transmission. It has
also been observed that retroviruses infected ACE2-expressing cells
pseudotyped with SG614 that is presently affecting a growing number of
countries markedly more efficiently than those with SD614. In this
paper, we strongly combine topology geometric methods targeting at the
atomistic level the protein apparatus of the SARS-COV-2 virus that are
simple in machine learning anti-viral characteristics, to propose
computer-aided rational drug design strategies efficient in computing
docking usage, and powerful enough to achieve very high accuracy levels
for this in-silico effort for the generation of the AI-Quantum designed
molecule of GisitorviffirnaTM, Roccustyrna_gs1_TM, and
Roccustyrna_fr1_TM ligands with Preferred IUPAC Names of
(7aR)‐5‐amino‐N‐[(S)‐ {2‐[(S)‐[(E)‐(amino
methylidene)amino](cyano)methyl]hydrazin‐1‐yl}
(aziridin‐1‐yl)phosphoryl]‐ 1‐[(2E)‐2‐ [(fluoromethanimidoyl)
imino]acetyl]‐7‐oxo‐1H,7H,7aH‐pyrazolo[4,3‐d]pyrimidine‐3‐carboxamide;
N‐{[(2‐
amino‐6‐oxo‐6,9‐dihydro‐1H‐purin‐9‐yl)amino]({1‐[5‐({[cyano({1‐[(diamino
methylidene)amino]
ethenyl})amino]oxy}methyl)‐3,4‐dihydroxyoxolan‐2‐yl]‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl}formamido)phosphoryl}‐6‐fluoro‐3,4‐dihydropyrazine‐2‐carboxamide;[3‐(2‐amino‐5‐sulfanylidene‐1,2,4‐triazolidin‐3‐yl)oxaziridin‐2‐yl]({3‐sulfanylidene‐1,2,4,6‐tetraazabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan‐6‐yl})phosphoroso1‐(3,4,5‐trifluorooxolan‐2‐yl)‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐carboxylate
targeting the COVID-19-SARS-COV-2 SPIKE D614G mutation using
Chern-Simons Topology Euclidean Geometric in a Lindenbaum-Tarski
generated QSAR automating modeling and Artificial Intelligence-Driven
Predictive Neural Networks.
Significance of eco-climatic factors in the distribution of bluetongue in endemic areas in Tunisia
Authors: Hassine Thameur Ben , Sghaier Soufien , Thabet Sarah , Ammar Heni Haj , hammami Salah
Published: January 2024

Bluetongue (BT) is an OIE-listed disease of ruminants caused by a
Bluetongue virus (BTV) of the Orbivirus genus within the family
Reoviridae and transmitted by biting midges of the genus Culicoides. BTV
circulation has been described in North African countries and many BTV
emergences in Europe were related to the wind-driven dissemination of
infected midges from those countries. During the fall of 2020 (September
and October), an epizootic of BT linked to BTV4 marked the
epidemiological situation in several delegations of Tunisia with
clinical cases recorded in sheep and cattle. Eco-climatic variables are
known to influence the Culicoides presence and abundance and, therefore,
the probability of occurrence of BT. A logistic regression model (LRM)
was used to examine which eco-climatic variables were most likely
associated with delegations reported BT cases. Eco-climatic variables
included: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Day Land
Surface Temperature (DLST), Night Land Surface Temperature (NLST),
precipitation, elevation, cattle and sheep distribution. Our findings,
based on the LRM, demonstrate that the key factors that contributed
significantly to BT cases distribution among delegations in Tunisia
included DLST and NDVI. Positive correlation between sheep distribution
and rainfall amounts was demonstrated. Statistical analysis focusing on
the most affected delegations during the BT epidemic (the Sahel and the
Centre of Tunisia) demonstrated that the epidemic situation seems to be
a consequence of the combination of the following environmental
parameters: NDVI with values ranging between 0.16-0.3, moderate rainfall
2-4-fold above the normal (10-50 mm) and DLST values between 32 and
34°C.
Preparation and application of a novel chiral stationary phase
Authors: Kang Chuankui , Yu Bing , Ahmed Adeel , Guo Shuaibing , He Xiangqiong , Shen Youqing , Cong Hailin
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT: To improve the chromatographic column’s separation efficiency,
selectivity, and stability, small particle filler has become the new
development direction of liquid chromatography packing. Since the
enantiomers have the same chemical and physical properties, the
separation of the enantiomers can only be carried out in a chiral
environment. Therefore, the chromatographic technique using chiral
stationary phases has become the preferred method for chiral separation.
In this paper, a small particle size chiral stationary phase:
p-methylphenyl urea-β-cyclodextrin chiral stationary phase
(SiO2@PMPU-β-CD) was prepared for the rapid separation of chiral drugs.
First, three kinds of 2 μm C18-modified silica microspheres with
mesoporous structure, non-porous structure, and core-shell structure
were prepared. Then applied to High Performance Liquid Chromatography to
separate the four benzene homologues of uracil, benzene, fluorene, and
naphthalene, the C18-modified mesoporous silica microspheres had the
best separation effect.
Role of myocardial deformation imaging in transfusion-dependent thalassemia---correlation with severity of myocardial siderosis
Authors: Rao Sruti , Hasan Babar Sultan , Hoodbhoy Zahra , Cartoski Mark , Tomredle Rebekah , Mohsin Shazia , Ashiqali Salima , Habib Ibrahim , Tipoo Fateh , Bijnens Bart , Chowdhury Devyani
Published: January 2024

Objectives To study clinical and echocardiographic parameters in TDT
patients, correlating these indices with T2*CMRI. To identify a
deformational imaging metric in LMIC with severe TDT, to allow for early
T2*CMRI. Background TDT requires lifelong transfusions, increasing the
risk of multi organ dysfunction from iron toxicity. The problem is
amplified in LMIC where access to resources maybe scarce, delaying
timely chelation. T2* imaging is the gold standard to non-invasively
estimate myocardial iron, to guide therapy. In resource constraints
areas, we propose the use of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography (STE) to
prioritize those with severe disease to obtain early T2* CMRI. Methods
Twenty-five TDT patients who had undergone clinical, echocardiographic
and CMRI evaluation were included in the study. Age matched controls
with only echocardiographic data were recruited. Spearmans correlation
was used to correlate echocardiographic indices of ventricular function
and strain with T2*. Differences among patients with severe disease i.e.
T2*<10 vs the remaining TDT group and controls was analyzed
using Mann-Whitney U test. Results STE showed moderate inverse
correlation with T2*CMRI for GLS and various indices of regional strain.
GLS and regional strain were lower in patients with severe disease (T2*
<10) when compared with normal controls and the rest of the
TDT positive group (T2* >10) Conclusions Early decrease in
GLS and regional strain, can serve as a useful tool to stratify those
patients at risk of severe iron overload before systolic dysfunction
ensues, serving as an adjunct in LMIC to prioritize T2* CMRI analysis
for intensification of chelation therapy.