bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Strains of Culex Flavivirus and Hubei Chryso-Like Virus 1 From the Anopheles Costai in Western Kenya
Authors: Lwande Olivia Wesula , Näslund Jonas , Sjödin Andreas , Lantto Rebecca , Luande Verah Nafula , Bucht Göran , Ahlm Clas , Agwanda Bernard , Obanda Vincent , Evander Magnus
Published: October 2021

Background The continued development of advanced molecular tools, for instance DNA barcoding for identification of species and improvements of sequencing technologies is something that we have utilized in our vector surveillance research in order to discover viruses, both novel and already known viruses. MethodsMosquitoes (n=251) were captured using BG sentinel traps in May and July 2019 in Busia County, western Kenya. The mosquitoes were homogenized and screened in pools of ten (10) for presence of mosquito-borne viruses using virus isolation, PCR, and sequencing methods. ResultsNineteen (19) mosquitoes generated results that indicated presence of a flavivirus. Barcoding of those positive mosquitoes revealed Aedes aegypti (1), Mansonia uniformis (6), Anopheles costai (3), Culex pipiens (5), Culex spp (1), Coquilletidia metallica (2) and Culex quinquefasciatus (1). By using an NGS target enrichment protocol specific for viruses, known as the Twist Comprehensive Viral Research Panel (CVRP) (Twist Biosciences), complete genome sequences of two viruses were identified. One was the single-stranded RNA Culex flavivirus, encoding a polyprotein, and the other was double-stranded RNA Hubei chryso-like virus 1. Both viruses were found in the same Anopheles costai mosquito and the homogenate showed cytopathogenic effect in both Vero B4 and C6/36 cells. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that the Culex flavivirus was closely related to a Culex flavivirus isolated from Uganda in 2008. All four Hubei chryso-like virus 1 segments clustered closely to the virus strains isolated from Culex australicus in Australia in 2015. ConclusionsThe detection of both viruses in a single mosquito indicates coinfection. The study findings shift our focus not only to pathogenic mosquito-borne viruses, but also to insect-specific viruses and other novel viruses and their role in the virus transmission cycle.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibit the Proliferation and Migration of Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes in Rheumatoid Arthritis via Exosome-mediated Delivery of miRNAs
Authors: Mi Liangyu , Li Na , Gao Jinfang , Peng Xinyue , Zhang Na , Huo Rongxiu , Liu Ying , Fu Maomao , Zhang Liyun , Xu Ke
Published: October 2021

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by aggressive and symmetrical polyarthritis. Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes(FLSs)play a central role in the pathogenesis of RA. The abnormal expression of miRNAs in RA FLSs mediates RA joint inflammation，synovial hyperplasia，and tissue destruction; MSC-Exos-derived miRNAs are a potential RA treatment strategy. This study aimed to investigate the hUCMSC-Exos can deliver miRNA to RA FLSs and affect their biological properties. MethodsPrimary hUCMSCs were isolated and cultured by tissue adherence method，and surface markers were identified by flow cytometry. We used differential centrifugation combined with ultrafiltration to obtain hUCMSC-Exos and identify them；The primary RA FLSs were isolated and cultured by trypsin digestion，then surface markers were identified by flow cytometry. We labeled the RNA of hUCMSC-Exos. hUCMSC-Exos was co-cultured with RA FLSs then the dyed RA FLSs were observed with a fluorescence microscope. GV493 with siRNA target sequences that could knock down Ago2 transfected hUCMSCs. Real-time PCR and Westen blot analysis Ago2 levels in hUCMSCs and transfected hUCMSCs to determine knockdown efficiency. Lentivirus GV493 with the target with the highest knockdown efficiency to transfect hUCMSCs，named hUCMSCKD3-Ago2. Then hUCMSC-Exos，hUCMSCKD3-Ago2 -Exos，hUCMSC NC-Exos were extracted by the differential centrifugal method combined ultrafiltration method，then were identified. The real-time cell analysis was used to detected the proliferation and migration of RA FLSs in different concentrations of hUCMSC-Exos. Finally，we used the optimal concentration of hUCMSCKD3-Ago2 -Exos and hUCMSC NC-Exos to intervene in RA FLSs. ResultsAfter incubation with hUCMSC-Exos and RA FLSs，the hUCMSC-Exos accumulated in the blue nuclei of RA FLSs. hUCMSCNC-Exos and hUCMSCKD-Ago2-Exos inhibited the proliferation and migration of RA FLSs compared ，particularly the hUCMSCNC-Exos had the significant inhibitory effect. ConclusionshUCMSC-Exos RNA can be taken up by RA FLSs，and hUCMSC may affect the proliferation and migration of RA FLSs via exosome-mediated delivery of miRNA.
Antiviral Nanostructures That Reduce the Viability of Coronaviruses SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-NL63
Authors: Jaggessar Alka , Yarlagadda Prasad KDV , Spann Kirsten
Published: October 2021

Background: The rapid emergence and global spread of the COVID-19 causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its subsequent mutated strains, has caused unprecedented health, economic and social devastation. Respiratory viruses can be transmitted through both direct and indirect channels, including aerosol respiratory droplets and contamination of inanimate surfaces. Current methods of virus inactivation on surfaces include chemicals and biocides and while effective, continuous, and repetitive cleaning of all surfaces is not always viable. Recent work in the field of biomaterials engineering has established the antibacterial effects of hydrothermally synthesised TiO2 nanostructured surfaces against both Gram-negative and positive bacteria. This study investigates the effectiveness of TiO2 nanostructured surfaces against two human coronaviruses: SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-NL63 for surface-based inactivation. Results: Results show that structured surfaces reduced live infectious viral loads of SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-NL63 by 5 log and 3 log, respectively after 5 hours compared to non-structured surfaces. Interestingly, infectious virus remained present on the control plastic surface after 7 hours exposure.Conclusions: These encouraging results establish the potential use of nanostructured surfaces to reduce the transmission and spread of coronaviruses, by reducing the virus’ infectious period on a surface. The dual antiviral and antibacterial properties of these surfaces give them potential application in high-risk environments such as hospitals and healthcare settings.
Does Rapid Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy At HIV Diagnosis Impact On Virological Response in a Real-Life Setting? A Single Centre Experience in Northern Italy
Authors: Gregori Natalia , Renzetti Stefano , Izzo Ilaria , Faletti Giulio , Fumarola Benedetta , Antoni Melania Degli , Arsuffi Stefania , Storti Samuele , Tiecco Giorgio , Calza Stefano , Caruso Arnaldo , Castelli Francesco , Roldan Eugenia Quiros , Focà Emanuele
Published: October 2021

Background Rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been largely proven efficacious and safe mostly through clinical trials. Further investigations are needed to better define feasibility and acceptability of rapid ART approach in real-life settings. Methods We conducted a retrospective, observational study on newly HIV-diagnosed patients referred to Infectious and Tropical Diseases department of ASST Spedali Civili Hospital of Brescia from September 1st, 2015, to July 31st, 2019. All patients’ baseline characteristics were anonymously extracted from medical records. According to the timing of ART initiation, we distinguished 3 groups of patients (rapid, intermediate and late group) and represented the trend of virological response during a 400 day-period. The hazard ratios of each predictor on viral suppression (HIV RNA < 50 copies/ml) were estimated through Cox proportional hazard model. Results Median time from HIV diagnosis to first medical referral was 15 days and median time from first HIV care access to therapy start was 24 days. Three groups of patients were differentiated depending on ART initiation: within 7 days (rapid group, 37.6%), between 8 and 30 days (intermediate group, 20.6%) and after 30 days (late group, 41.8%). Longer time to ART start and higher baseline viral load were associated with a reduced probability of viral suppression. After one year, all groups showed high viral suppression rate (99%). Conclusions In high-income setting as Italy, rapid ART approach seems to be useful to accelerate time to viral suppression. The latter tends to be great over time regardless the timing of ART initiation.
Maternal smoking status before and during pregnancy and bronchial asthma at 3 years of age: a prospective cohort study from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS)
Authors: Miyake Kunio , Kushima Megumi , Shinohara Ryoji , Horiuchi Sayaka , Otawa Sanae , Akiyama Yuka , Ooka Tadao , Kojima Reiji , Yokomichi Hiroshi , Yamagata Zentaro
Published: October 2021

Background
Maternal smoking exposure during pregnancy is an established risk factor for childhood asthma, but the association between maternal pre-pregnancy smoking status and asthma risk is not well understood. This study examined the association between maternal smoking status before and during pregnancy and bronchial asthma at 3 years of age.
Methods
The data of 75,411 mother-child pairs, excluding the missing data of exposure and outcomes from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS) were used. The association between prenatal maternal smoking status and the risk of bronchial asthma at 3 years of age was determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Results
The percentage of 3-year-old children with doctor-diagnosed bronchial asthma was 7.2%. The distribution of maternal smoking status before childbirth was as follows: Never = 60.0%, Quit before recognizing current pregnancy = 24.1%, Quit after finding out current pregnancy = 12.3%, and Still smoking = 3.6%. Maternal smoking during pregnancy was significantly associated with an increased risk of bronchial asthma at 3 years of age even after adjusting for pre- and postnatal covariates (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–1.57). Furthermore, mothers who quit before recognizing current pregnancy (aOR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02–1.18) or who quit after finding out about current pregnancy (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01–1.23) were also significantly associated.
Conclusions
This study suggested that not only maternal smoking during pregnancy but also maternal smoking exposure of pre-pregnancy or early pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of bronchial asthma in children.
The potential role of CI-679 against artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Tan Nie , Zhao Yuemeng , Ding Yan , Fu Yong , Li Haoxing , Zhang Jian , Zhang Qingfeng , Xu Wenyue
Published: October 2021

Background

The emergence of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) in the southeast of Asia hampers the control of malaria. It is urgent to develop novel antimalarial drug with mechanism different from that of artemisinin.
Methods

The efficacy of Nitroquine (CI-679), which is thought to antifolate, against blood stage parasites in the Plasmodium yoelii (P. yoelii) -infected BALB/C mice model was firstly identified. Then, in vitro assay was performed to investigate its killing effect on 3D7 P. falciparum strain. Finally, the potential effect of CI-679 was also observed on artemisinin-resistant P. falciparum, which is constructed by introducing the C580Y mutation in K13 of the 3D7 using the CRISPR-cas9 technology.
Results

CI-679 could significantly suppress the growth of rodent malaria parasite P. yoelii BY265 at a dose-dependent manner, and even potently kill the parasites in mice when administrated at the peak of parasitemia. Furthermore, CI-679 could also efficiently inhibit the growth of P. falciparum in vitro, with more sensitivity against late phase of parasite. Strikingly, CI-679 can even kill the artemisinin-resistant P. falciparum, which is constructed by the mutation of C580Y at K13 gene, as sensitive as the 3D7 parent parasites.
Conclusion

CI-679 could be explored as an alternative antimalaria drug against artemisinin-resistant P. falciparum, as well as a potential partner of artemisinin-based combination therapies against malaria parasite in the future.
Effects of Pre-Exposure To Waterborne Selenium On Redox Homeostasis and Humoral Innate Immune Parameters in African Catfish, Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Experimentally Challenged With Serratia Marcescens
Authors: Adeyemi Joseph , Ogunwole Germaine A. , Bamidele Olufemi S. , Adedire Chris O.
Published: October 2021

Bacterial infections have been associated with immune dysfunction and oxidative stress in cultured fish species while essential elements could boost immunity and exhibit antioxidant properties in fish. This study was therefore aimed at determining the effects of pre-exposure to waterborne selenium on humoral immunity and redox status of Clarias gariepinus experimentally challenged with Serratia marcescens. Juveniles C. gariepinus were pre-exposed to 50 µg/L selenium for 14 days after which they were challenged with 5 × 103 CFU/mL of S. marcescens via oral gavage for 24 or 48 h. The control fish were not exposed to selenium and not challenged with bacteria. Thereafter, fish were sacrificed, blood collected into EDTA bottles for the determination of plasma nitric oxide levels and respiratory burst, and the liver excised for the determination of reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation, and activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. Fish that were challenged with bacteria without pre-exposure to selenium had elevated levels of nitric oxide, reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation, and a higher activity of glutathione peroxidase and respiratory burst but a significant decrease in the activity of superoxide dismutase compared to the fish that were pre-exposed to selenium prior to bacterial challenge at both 24 and 48 h post-infection periods. The results from this study showed that infection with S. marcescens is capable of disrupting the immune system and redox homeostasis in C. gariepinus, while pre-exposure to selenium has the ability to improve the physiological status of fish that were challenged with bacteria probably through its antioxidant properties.
The Binding Between ROCK1 and KIF2A Signals for the Centrosome Amplification Triggered by High Glucose, Insulin and Palmitic Acid
Authors: Lee Shao Chin , Zhao Meng Lu , Chen Bin
Published: October 2021

Diabetes increases the risk for various cancers without established mechanisms. Centrosome amplification can initiate tumorigenesis in genetically modified cells. However, the findings from genetically modified experimental models may be far away from reality. We have reported that diabetes promotes the occurrence of centrosome amplification in different types of cells, implicating that centrosome amplification is a candidate mechanism underlying the diabetes-promoted tumorigenesis. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of the centrosome amplification triggered by high glucose, insulin and palmitic acid using HCT116 colon cancer cells as an experimental model. We found that KIF2A was localized in the centrosomes. The experimental treatment induced the binding between ROCK1 and KIF2A, although did not increased the protein level of KIF2A. The molecular docking modeling analysis also showed that the two proteins had the binding/interaction potential. We used siRNA of each protein to knockdown their expression level, as a tool to disrupt the ROCK1-KIF2A complex, which attenuated the treatment-induced centrosome amplification. In conclusion, our results suggest that the binding between ROCK1 and KIF2A signals for the diabetes-associated centrosome amplification.
A Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Lamotrigine in the Maintenance Treatment of Chinese Adult Patients With Bipolar I Disorder
Authors: Zhang Ling , Zhang Honggeng , Lv Lu-xian , Tan Qingrong , Xu Xiufeng , Hu Jian , Zi Lu , Cooper James , Phansalkar Abhay , Wang Gang
Published: October 2021

Background: Lamotrigine is approved as a maintenance therapy for bipolar I disorder in many countries worldwide. It was approved in China in 2021. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of lamotrigine in controlling relapse and/or recurrence of mood episodes in Chinese patients with bipolar I disorder.Methods: Patients aged ≥18 years with bipolar I disorder who, during treatment with lamotrigine in a 6–16 week open-label (OL) phase, met response criteria (Clinical Global Impression–Severity [CGI-S] score of ≤3 for ≥4 consecutive weeks and lamotrigine 200 mg/day monotherapy maintained for ≥1 week) were randomised (1:1) to receive lamotrigine or placebo in a 36-week randomised double-blind (RD) phase. The primary endpoint was time to intervention for relapse and/or recurrence of a mood episode (TIME). Post hoc analyses assessed the impact of baseline mood severity on TIME. Safety assessments were conducted throughout the study.Results: Of the 420 patients treated in the OL phase, 264 were randomised to receive lamotrigine (n=131) or placebo (n=133) in the RD phase. A total of 112 patients reached TIME (lamotrigine, n=50/130 [38.5%]; placebo, n=62/133 [46.6%]; adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.93 [0.64, 1.35]; p=0.701). Kaplan–Meier curves for TIME showed no significant difference between groups (p=0.432). Post hoc analyses demonstrated a significant benefit of lamotrigine versus placebo in delaying mood episodes in patients with baseline CGI-S score ≥4 (hazard ratio [95% CI]: 0.52 [0.30, 0.89]; p=0.018) and with baseline Hamilton Depression Rating Scale ≥18 or Young Mania Rating Scale ≥10 (0.44 [hazard ratio [95% CI]: 0.25, 0.78]; p=0.005). Lamotrigine was well tolerated with no new safety signals in Chinese patients with bipolar I disorder. Conclusions: Lamotrigine was not significantly superior to placebo in preventing relapse and/or recurrence of mood episodes in Chinese patients with bipolar I disorder but post hoc analyses suggested a therapeutic benefit in patients with moderate/severe mood symptoms at baseline.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier NCT01602510; 21st May 2012; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01602510.
Beneficial Effect of Postoperative Radiotherapy for IIIA-N2 Non-small Cell Lung Cancer After Radical Resection Analyzed Using Propensity Score Matching Method
Authors: Tian Cuimeng , Liu Guimei , Xu Yongxiang , Xia Guangrong , Zhang Tongmei , Huang Jiaqiang , Liu Fangchao , Li Baolan
Published: October 2021

Background. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) after radical resection of stage IIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Subgroups of patients who benefited from PORT were evaluated.Methods. A retrospective review of 288 consecutive patients with resected pIIIA-N2 NSCLC at Beijing Chest Hospital was performed. Sixty-one patients additionally received PORT. The patients were divided into PORT and non-PORT groups according treatment received. Baseline characteristics of the two patient groups were balanced by propensity score matching (PSM) (1:1 matching). Sixty patients in the PORT group and sixty patients in non-PORT group were matched. Results. After PSM, the median survival time of the matched patients was 53 months. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates of PORT patient group were 95.0%, 63.2% and 48.2%, respectively, compared to non-PORT group of 86.7%, 58.3% and 34.5% (P = 0.056). The 5-year local recurrence free survival rate (LRFS) in PORT group was significantly improved (P = 0.001). The effect of PORT on OS and LRFS were analyzed in patients with different clinicopathological features. For subgroups with multiple N2 station, N2 positive lymph nodes≥4 and squamous cell carcinoma, PORT significantly increased OS and LRFS (P < 0.05).Conclusions. PORT moderately improves the 5-year OS of patients with stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC after radical operation, and significantly improves the 5-year LRFS. These results suggest that PORT should be considered for patients with multiple N2 station, N2 positive lymph nodes≥4 and squamous cell carcinoma.
An Examination of Risky Media Use by Preschoolers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fitzpatrick Caroline , Lopes Maira Almeida , Harvey Elizabeth , Garon-Carrier Gabrielle , Berrigan Felix , Asbridge Mark
Published: October 2021

Background

Risky media use in terms of accumulating too much time in front of screens and usage before bedtime in early childhood is linked to developmental delays, reduced sleep quality, and unhealthy media use in later childhood and adulthood. For this reason, we examine patterns of media use in pre-school children and the extent to which child and family characteristics contribute to media use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods

A cross-sectional study of digital media use by preschool-aged children (mean age =3.45, N=316) was conducted at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic between April and August of 2020. Parents completed a questionnaire and 24-hour recall diary in the context of an ongoing study of child digital media use. From these responses we estimated hours of average daily screen time, screen time in the past 24 hours, average daily mobile device use, and media use before bedtime. Parents also answered questions about their child (i.e., age, sex, temperament), family characteristics (parental mediation style, parental screen time, education, income), and contextual features of the pandemic (ex., remote work, shared childcare). Daycare closures were directly assessed using a government website.
Results

Our results indicate that 64% of preschoolers used more than 2 hours of digital media hours/day on average during the pandemic. A majority (56%) of children were also exposed to media within the hour before bedtime. Logistic regression results revealed that child age, temperament, restrictive mediation, family income and education were all correlates of risky digital media use by children.
Conclusions

Our results suggest widespread risky media use by preschoolers during the pandemic. Parenting practices that include using more restrictive mediation strategies may foster benefits in regulating young children’s screen time.
Recommended Maximum Holding Time of Common Static Sitting Postures of Office Workers
Authors: Tahernejad Somayeh , Razeghi Mohsen , Abdoli-Eramaki Mohammad , Parsaei Hossein , Seif Mozhgan , Choobineh Alireza
Published: October 2021

Purpose: A posture maintained for a prolonged period can be harmful to the health of office workers. This study aimed to estimate the recommended ergonomic duration for maintaining different sitting postures.Materials and Methods: Forty healthy male and female students participated in this experiment designed to measure perceived discomforts caused by the maintained common static sitting postures of office workers in a simple ergonomic set up for 4 minutes. The Borg CR10 scale was given to the participants to assess the discomfort in different body parts, before and after each experiment. Based on the mean group discomfort level of 2, the recommended holding time of each posture was estimated.Results: The recommended holding time and its discomfort score for each studied posture was tabulated. The moderate neck flexion had the highest score of discomfort among different neck postures with recommended MHT of 1.61 minutes. The lowest discomfort score was obtained for neutral neck posture (recommended MHT = 2.37 min). The moderate forward trunk inclination (30°) showed the highest discomfort score with MHT of 1.78 minutes among different trunk postures. The lowest discomfort score was obtained for the backward trunk position (back supported) with recommended MHT of 5.92 minutes. Among the most common knee postures, while working at the workstation, the lowest discomfort score was obtained for the knee flexed about 90 degrees, with the recommended MHT of 5 minutes. The lower limbs position with crossing one leg over the other (leg crossing) received the highest discomfort score (recommended MHT = 1.88 min).Conclusions: The recommended holding time in this study may help assess the risk of MSDs in office work and training proper sitting behavior to individuals involved in office tasks.
Staging 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in 963 Consecutive Patients with Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer: Incidence and Characterization of Skeletal Involvement
Authors: Kesler Mikhail , Kerzhner Kosta , Druckmann Ido , Kuten Jonathan , Levine Charles , Sarid David , Keizman Daniel , Yossepowitch Ofer , Even-Sapir Einat
Published: October 2021

Purpose: The aim of the study was to elaborate the incidence and type of skeletal involvement in a large cohort of patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer (PCa) referred for Ga-68 PSMA-11 PET/CT staging in a single center.Methods: Study cohort included 963 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed PCa referred Ga-68 PSMA-11 PET/CT study for staging. The incidence of bone involvement, type of bone metastases, extent of disease were determined and correlated with the ISUP Grade Group (GG) criteria, and PSA levels.Results: Bone metastases were found in 188 (19.5%) of 963 patients. Osteoblastic type metastases were the most common type of bone metastases presented in 133 of the patients with malignant bone involvement (70.7%). Slightly more than half of them (54.1%) had "pure" osteoblastic lesions, while the other 45.9% had also intramedullary and/or osteolytic type lesions. Intramedullary metastases were found in 97 patients (51.6%), while 41 (21.8%) of them were "pure" intramedullary lesions. Osteolytic metastases were detected in 36 patients (19.2%), of which 8 were "pure" osteolytic lesions. Bone metastases were found in 10.7% of patients with PSA<10 ng/dL and in 27.4% of patients with PSA>10 ng/dL; in 6.1% of patients with GG≤2/3 and in 8.9% of patients with GG 4/5. In 7.6% of the patients, skeletal involvement was extensive, while 11.9% of patients had oligometastatic disease.Conclusion: Although traditionally bone metastases of PCa are considered osteoblastic; osteolytic and intramedullary metastases are common, as identified on PET with labeled-PSMA.
Are There Correlations Between Facet Joint Parameters and Lumbar Disk Herniation Laterality in Young Adults?
Authors: Ke Song , Yang Ming , Zhang Wentao , Sun Tianze , Zhang Jing , Li Zhonghai
Published: October 2021

Background: We aimed to determine whether there is an association, in young adults, between the occurrence of lumbar disk herniation（LDH）at a given segment and the segment’s facet joint parameters [facet orientation (FO) and tropism (FT)]. In addition, associations between facet joint parameters in the corresponding segment and LDH laterality were also investigated.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 529 patients who were between 18 and 35 years old, who had experienced single-level LDH (L4–5 or L5–S1) between June 2017 and December 2019, and with less than 2 years of clinical history. We included an additional 122 patients with no history of LDH as an age-matched control group. LDH were classified by laterality (left-sided, right-sided, or central herniation). At each level (L4–L5 or L5–S1 segments), we investigated the relationship between facet joint parameters and herniation laterality. Results: FOA values at the L4–L5 level and the L5–S1 level were significantly lower and FT was higher for the LDH group compared with those for the control group. The level at which LDH occurred, FOL, FOR, and FT differed significantly among the three groups. There was a significant association between herniation laterality and FO at the L4–L5 level but not at the L5–S1 level.Conclusions: Abnormal facet joint parameters are significantly associated with LDH. Young adults with higher FT should be paid more attention, to prevent the occurrence of LDH. At the L4–L5 level, intervertebral disk herniation tended to occur ipsilateral to the side with a lower facet joint angle when FT was present.
Epidemiological investigation of thelaziosis in domestic dogs in Beijing, capital of China from 2018 to 2019
Authors: Liu Zichen , Yu Chang , Tan Xiaoli , Chen Ni , Jin Yipeng
Published: October 2021

Background

The first reported case of thelaziosis in human in the world is located in Beijing, the capital of China, in 1917. With the promotion of urbanization, the development trend of the disease is also gradually urbanized. As the capital of China, Beijing has a permanent population of 21.893 million, and the number of domestic dogs in the city has reached more than 1 million. Therefore, the analysis of the prevalence of domestic dogs thelaziosis in Beijing can not only provide strategies for domestic dogs to prevent and control the disease, but also benefit the risk analysis of local zoonotic parasitic.
Methods

The ophthalmology related cases treated in the animal hospital of China Agricultural University from September 2018 to December 2019 were collected. If the domestic dog carries parasites in its ocular, the parasites will be collected for morphological identification of the species, and finally the species will be confirmed by molecular biology. The data were statistically analyzed to analyze the correlation between risk factors and prevalence rate.
Results

Among 3215 domestic dogs examined, 102 cases were found to have ocular parasitic infection, which was identified as Thelazia callipaeda by morphology and molecular biology. The results of risk factor analysis showed that regional, season, field travel history and anthelmintic history had significant effects on the prevalence rate (P < 0.05). The regional distribution of cases thelaziosis in domestic dogs showed an obvious cluster distribution phenomenon. The cases with moderate symptoms accounted for the largest proportion regardless of the number of nematodes carried.
Conclusions

The infection of domestic dogs thelaziosis in Beijing was significantly correlated with regional distribution, seasonal distribution, field travel history and anthelmintic history. There was no significant correlation between the severity of ocular clinical symptoms and the number of ocular T. callipaeda in domestic dogs infected with thelaziosis.
Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Between Ticagrelor and Clopidogrel in Acute Coronary Syndrome: an Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sun Mengyi , Cui Weichen , Li Linping
Published: October 2021

Background: Ticagrelor is currently recommended for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, recent studies have yielded controversial results. Objective: To compare the clinical outcomes of ticagrelor and clopidogrel in ACS patients.Methods: Three electronic databases were queried until April 1, 2021. Major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) was the primary efficacy endpoint. The secondary efficacy endpoints included stroke, stent thrombosis (ST), cardiovascular (CV) death, all-cause death, and myocardial infarction (MI). The safety endpoints were (major and minor) bleeding. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and were calculated to represent the estimated effect sizes.Results: Nine clinical trials and 18 observational studies with 269,935 ACS patients were included. No significant difference was detected in MACE (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.54-1.06, p = 0.11, I² = 66.74%), but ticagrelor introduced a higher risk of bleeding (1.49, 1.14-1.94, 0.00, 63.97%) and minor bleeding (1.57, 1.08-2.30, 0.02, 59.09%) in clinical trials. The secondary efficacy endpoints differed between clinical trials and observational studies. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that ticagrelor showed better therapeutic effects in patients underwent PCI (0.38, 0.23-0.63, 0.00, 0) than those intended for PCI (1.02, 0.70-1.49, 0.93, 68.99%). Meanwhile ticagrelor showed different therapeutic effects on ACS patients of different ethnicities and from different countries.Conclusion:This meta-analysis demonstrated that ticagrelor is not superior to clopidogrel in MACE but is associated with a higher risk of bleeding in ACS patients. Different PCI strategies, ethnicities, and countries may be the factors that contribute to different therapeutic efficacy of ticagrelor.
Mothers’ health care seeking behavior and associated factors for common childhood illnesses in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sume Bickes Wube , Alamneh Yoseph Merkeb , Adane Fentahun
Published: October 2021

Background: Even though healthcare-seeking interventions potentially reduce child mortality from easily treatable diseases, significant numbers of children die without ever reaching a health facility or due to delays in seeking care in Ethiopia. Though there was fragmented evidence on the proportion of mothers' healthcare-seeking behavior and associated factors for common childhood illnesses in Ethiopia, the national level is unknown. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the pooled proportion of mothers' healthcare-seeking behavior and associated factors in Ethiopia from 2008–2019.
Methods: We systematically searched the databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Science Direct for studies conducted in Ethiopia on mothers’ health care seeking behavior since 2008. We have included observational studies, which were published between 2008 and 2019. The report was compiled according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The quality of included studies was scored based on the Newcastle Ottawa quality assessment scale adapted for cross-sectional studies. The data were extracted in Microsoft excel and analyzed using Stata version 14.1 software. We employed a random-effects model to estimate the pooled proportion of mothers' healthcare-seeking behavior in Ethiopia. The presence of statistical heterogeneity within the included studies was evaluated using the I-squared statistic. We used Egger’s regression test to identify evidence of publication bias. The pooled proportion with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was presented using tables and forest plots.
Result: We screened a total of 581 articles. Of these, 14 studies were included in the final systematic review and meta-analysis. In Ethiopia, the pooled proportion of mothers' health care seeking behavior was 50.24% (95% CI: 37.13, 63.35%). Less than 5 kilometers from a health facility (OR, 2.07; 95% CI: 1.50, 2.87), mothers who were aware of common childhood illnesses (OR =2.06; 95% CI: 1.45, 2.91, mothers who had educational levels of primary school and above (OR = 1.82;95% CI: 1.36, 2.43), caregivers at a higher wealth index category (OR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.33. 3.24) were significantly associated with health care seeking behavior of mothers/caregivers.
Conclusion: Overall, in Ethiopia healthcare-seeking behavior of mothers/caregivers for common childhood illnesses is low. Awareness, perceived illness severity, distance from a health care facility, and mothers/caregivers’ level of education were predictors of mothers' healthcare-seeking behavior. Accordingly, increasing the proximity of health facilities and educate mothers/caregivers about the importance of healthcare-seeking behavior were recommended to improve healthcare-seeking behavior.
Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice And Associated Factors Among Employed And Unemployed Mothers In Ethiopia: Comparative Cross Sectional Study Using EDHS 2016
Authors: Minamo Desta Markos
Published: October 2021

Introduction Contrary to the recommendation, children under the age of 6 months be exclusively breastfed, many infants are also fed with other liquids such as water, non-milk liquids, and other milks before 6 months. Because of level of education and proportion of employed women in Ethiopia has been increasing gradually. Consequently the practice of exclusive breastfeeding became very lower. The main objective of this study was to assess the magnitude and factors associated with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among employed and unemployed mothers in Ethiopia, using dataset from EDHS 2016. METHOD Data was extracted from Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS-2016). A total of 1089 mothers with infants aged 0 to 6 months in the data set were included in the analysis. Descriptive analysis, chi-square and binary logistic regression models were used. RESULT This study has demonstrated a 64.7%, 95%CI(58.9-70.5) and 75.4%, 95%CI(72.378.2) prevalence of EBF practices among employed and unemployed mothers respectively in the 24h preceding the survey. Other factors associated with EBF practice included being unemployed mother, larger to normal birth weight; infant aged 0-3 month old, infant being male, have radio in the house, infant being wanted, delivery by non CS mode and presence of ANC follow up during pregnancy were found to be significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice. Conclusion the prevalence of exclusive breast feeding practice among employed mothers was significantly lower than that of unemployed mothers. Thus, Having in consideration the impact of appropriate infant and young children feeding practice on children’s nutritional status and mortality rate, policy makers still need to give more emphasis on promotion of exclusive breastfeeding through creating an enabling environment targeting the extension of postnatal maternity leave up to the first six month.
Evaluation of Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Using Ultrasonic Layer-specific Strain Technology and Its Association With Cardiovascular Events: a Long-term Follow-up Study
Authors: Zhang Hebin , Yang Cunxin , Gao Feng , Hu Shanting , Ma Hui
Published: October 2021

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem, autoimmune disease with potential cardiovascular involvement. Layer-specific strain (LSS) analysis is a new method that allows early detection of subtle LV systolic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) systolic function in patients with SLE using conventional echocardiographic measurements and longitudinal strain (LS) and circumferential strain (CS) by LSS. Furthermore, the association between echocardiographic parameters and the occurrence of cardiovascular events was assessed. Methods: A total of 162 patients with SLE (the SLE group) who underwent a dedicated multidisciplinary assessment, including echocardiography, were analyzed at the time of their first visits. The control group consisted of 68 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. LS and CS on endocardial, mid-myocardial, and epicardial layers at 17 cardiac segments were measured. Transmural strain gradient was calculated as the differences in systolic strain between the endocardial and epicardial layers.Results: Compared with control subjects, patients with SLE had significantly lower LV ejection fraction, LS, and CS values in all layers (P<0.05); LV LS and CS gradient were all lower than control subjects(P<0.05). During a median follow-up period of 83 months (interquartile range: 64-95 months), 59 patients (36.4%) developed cardiovascular events. Using multivariate Cox regression analysis, we found that LV endocardial LS (hazard ratio, 1.022;95% CI,0.992-1.046; P=0.037) and CS (hazard ratio, 1.052;95% CI, 1.028-1.046; P<0.001) demonstrated independent associations with cardiovascular events; whereas LV ejection fraction was not significantly associated with cardiovascular events. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that patients with SLE with lower LV endocardial LS and CS (based on the cutoff values of -21.5% and -29.0%, respectively) experienced higher cumulative rates of cardiovascular events compared with those with higher LV endocardial LS and CS. Conclusions: In patients with SLE, LV systolic function measured by LV endocardial LS and CS were significantly lower than that of the control group and were associated with cardiovascular events, potentially representing a new technology to improve risk stratification in these patients.
Evaluation of anthropogenic nexus on groundwater quality through integration of hydrogeochemical processes and water quality index at Nacharam watershed of greater Hyderabad, India
Authors: Kurakalva Rama Mohan , Guddeti Sravya Sai , Nath Anjana , Vemana Eswara Venkata Ravi Kishore
Published: October 2021

Anthropogenic activities such as the rapid leap of industrialization and urbanization constitute a significant concern in megacities and have become a key source of groundwater contamination. Twenty-five (25) groundwater samples were collected from tube wells and handpumps from Nacharam watershed, greater Hyderabad. The water samples were analyzed for 13 physicochemical parameters and major dissolved ions using the standard methods. WQI has been computed using a weighted arithmetic index method and integrated with GIS to identify the hotspots of contamination and their spatial distribution. The analytical data plotted on the Piper diagram showed that dominance of Ca-Mg-Cl (52%) type followed by Na-Cl type of water is dominant in 44% of samples might be resulting due to increase in anthropogenic activities such as discharge of waste water from industries. Results reveal that 96% of the samples exceed the F - concentrations compared with WHO permissible limits suggested unfit for drinking. WQI values indicate that 56% of samples fall in the poor category, 28% belong to very poor water, and 4% are unsuitable for drinking. These findings will provide valuable information to policymakers and stakeholders on the proper management and supply of potable water that reduces human health concerns .
Assessment of a Comparative Bayesian-Enhanced Population-Based Decision Model for COVID-19 Critical Care Prediction in Dominican Republic Social Security Affiliates
Authors: Baez Amado Alejandro , Lopez Oscar , Martinez Maria del Pilar , Ramirez-Slaibe Pedro , Martinez Leticia , Castellanos Pedro Luis
Published: October 2021

Introduction: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 is a major health concern worldwide. The objective was to develop a Bayesian model to predict critical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Methods: Sensitivity and specificity were obtained from previous meta-analysis. Using the IVC-COV2 index as pretest probability, likelihood ratios were integrated in a Fagan nomogram for posttest probabilities, generating IVC-COV2 + NEWS and CURB-65 scores values. Absolute and Relative Diagnostic Gains (ADG, RDG) were calculated. Results: The IVC-COV2 index was derived from a population of 1,055,746 individuals and based on mortality divided into high (71.97%) Intermediate (26.11%) and low (1.91%) risk groups. Integrating the IVC-COV2 intermediate + NEWS≥5 and CURB-65 >2 score models found that the Number Needed to Diagnose demonstrated a slight improvement for the CURB-65 model [2.00 (2) vs 2.71(3)]. When comparing diagnostic gains, no statistical differences were found on the IVC-CoV2 NEWS model compared to the CURB-65 model in both LR+ (P=0.62) and LR- (P=0.95). Conclusion: This mathematical model proposed that the combination of a IVC-COV2 Intermediate score plus NEWS or CURB-65 scores yields superior results and a greater predictive value for severity of illness. To our knowledge this is the first population-based/mathematical model for COVID-19 Critical Care decision making.
Prepubertal Stress Following Mild Maternal Immune System Activation Damages Prefrontal White MatterStructure and Related Molecules in Adult Mice Offspring
Authors: Namvarpour Zahra , Ranaei Elahe , Amini Abdollah , Roudafshani Zahra , Fahanik-Babaeid Javad
Published: October 2021

Mild maternal immune activation (MIA) by inflammatory agents such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and prepubertal stress (PS) may individually and collectively affect the central nervous system (CNS) during adulthood. Here, we intend to assess the effects of mild MIA, alone or combined with PS, on prefrontal white matter structure and its related molecules in adult mice offspring. Pregnant mice received either a mild intraperitoneal (IP) dose of LPS (50 μg/kg) on gestational day 17 (GD17) or normal saline. Their pups were exposed to stress from postnatal days (PD) 30 to PD38 or no stress during prepubertal development. We randomly chose 56-day-old male offspring (n=2 offspring per mother) from each group and isolated their prefrontal areas according to relevant protocols. The tissue samples were prepared for structural, histological, and molecular examinations. According to the results, the LPS+stress group had evidence of increased damage in the white matter structures compared to the control, stress, and LPS groups (p<.05). The LPS+stress group also had significant downregulation of the genes involved in white matter formation (Sox10, Olig1, myelin regulatory factor (Aprato et al), and Wnt) compared to the control, stress, and LPS groups (p<.05).In conclusion, although each manipulation individually resulted in small changes in myelination, their combined effects were more pronounced. These changes were parallel to abnormal expression levels of the molecular factors that contribute to myelination.
Applying PSS, mLE, SALI and GALI Methods for Exploring Order and Chaos in Two and Three Dimensional Hamiltonian Systems with Quartic Coupling
Authors: ghamari Mohammed El , Chatar Walid , Kharbach Jouad , Benkhali Mohamed , Masrour Rachid , Rezzouk Abdellah , Ouazzani-Jamil Mohammed
Published: October 2021

In this article, the complex nonlinear dynamics and chaos control have been examined in Hamiltonians systems with quartic coupling through the generalized three-dimensional (3D) Yang-Mills Hamiltonian system with four control parameters. We provide sufficient conditions on the four control parameters of the system which guarantee the 3D integrability in the Liouvillian sense. Therefore, we get a classification of the 3D Yang-Mills Hamiltonian system in sense of integrability and non-integrability. The integrable cases are identified and the detailed calculations of their associated first integrals of motion are given. The nature of the behavior orbits could be distinguished in a fast and efficient way by using a set of reliable methods based on the so-called the evolution of deviation vectors related to the studied orbit. This set of methods includes the Poincaré surface of section (PSS), the maximum Lyapunov exponent (mLE), the Smaller Alignment Index (SALI), the Generalized Alignment Index (GALI). In this view, the chaotic behavior will be explored and the order-chaos transition could be evaluated both in 2D and 3D, when any control parameters on which the system depends vary. Finally, the efficiency and rapidity of these proposed methods are proven by using several numerical illustrative paradigms for identifying whether the system is in chaos or order state.
Ambulatório remoto de Apoio Matricial de Enfermagem no contexto de pandemia da Covid-19: relato de experiência
Authors: SANTANA Isabela de Souza , SOUZA Cristiane Chaves de , SILVA Laís Sousa da , LOURENÇO Bárbara Guimarães , TEIXEIRA Ísis Milani de Sousa
Published: October 2021

O apoio matricial de enfermagem (AME) é uma estratégia especializada que auxilia as equipes de saúde nas condutas e intervenções de enfermagem. Em sua vertente didático-pedagógica, propõe atualizações em saúde aos profissionais, em busca de promover a educação continuada. Entretanto, com a pandemia da COVID-19, atividades extensionistas foram readaptadas para o modelo remoto. Tem-se por objetivo relatar a experiência da adaptação das atividades presenciais para o regime remoto de um projeto de extensão de ambulatório de apoio matricial, em uma unidade de atenção secundária em saúde. O projeto permitiu a produção e divulgação de quatro Podcasts que visaram abordar diferentes temas relacionados à pandemia, incluindo a temática da vacinação contra a COVID-19. Estes obtiveram um alcance de 146 reproduções, mostrando-se uma estratégia eficaz para a continuidade do intercâmbio entre a extensão universitária e a comunidade em tempos de distanciamento social.