bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APRIL/BLyS deficient rats prevent donor specific antibody (DSA) production and cell proliferation in rodent kidney transplant model
Authors: Bath Natalie M. , Verhoven Bret M. , Wilson Nancy A. , Zeng Weifeng , Zhong Weixiong , Coons Lauren , Djamali Arjang , Redfield Robert R.
Published: October 2022

APRIL (A proliferation inducing ligand) and BLyS (B Lymphocyte Stimulator) are two critical survival factors for B lymphocytes and plasma cells, the main source of alloantibody. We sought to characterize the specific effects of these cytokines in a kidney transplant model of antibody mediated rejection (AMR). We engineered APRIL-/- and BLyS-/- Lewis rats using CRISPR/Cas9. APRIL-/- and BLyS-/- rats were sensitized with Brown Norway (BN) blood (complete MHC mismatch). Twenty-one days following sensitization, animals were harvested and collected tissues were analyzed using flow cytometry, ELISPOT, and immunohistochemistry. Flow cross match and a 3 day mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) was performed to assess donor specific antibody (DSA) production and T-cell proliferation, respectively. Sensitized dual knock out Lewis rats (APRIL-/-/BLyS-/-) underwent kidney transplantation and were sacrificed on day 7 post-transplant. Sensitized BLyS-/- had significant decreases in DSA and cell proliferation compared to WT and APRIL-/- (p<0.02). Additionally, BLyS-/- rats had a significant reduction in IgG secreting cells in splenic marginal zone B lymphocytes, and in cell proliferation when challenged with alloantigen compared to WT and APRIL-/-. Transplanted APRIL-/-/BLyS-/- rodents had significantly less DSA and antibody secreting cells compared to WT (p<0.05); however, this did not translate into a significant difference in AMR seen between groups. In summary, our studies suggest that APRIL and BLyS play a greater role in DSA generation rather than AMR, highlighting the role of cellular pathways that regulate AMR.
Perspectives of clinical pharmacists on the provision of pharmaceutical care through telepharmacy services during COVID-19 pandemic in Qatar: A focus group
Authors: Alhmoud Eman , Al Khiyami Dania , Barazi Raja , Saad Mohammed , Al-Omari Ali , Awaisu Ahmed , El Enany Rasha , Al Hail Moza
Published: October 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created unprecedented pressures on healthcare systems and led to the widespread adoption of telepharmacy services, a practice that was not previously established in the state of Qatar.

Objective

The -study aimed to explore clinical pharmacists’ (CPs) perspectives and experiences in utilizing telepharmacy for the provision of pharmaceutical care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A descriptive, qualitative approach using face-to-face focus group (FG) discussions was used. CPs across Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) were purposively invited to participate in the study. FG discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and validated. Transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Recruitment continued until a saturation point was achieved.

Results

We conducted five focus groups that included 23 CPs and led to seven themes. Overall, CPs reported inadequate preparedness for the practice of telepharmacy, which they perceived as challenging. The primary perceived benefits of telepharmacy were decreased infection exposure risk, improved quality of care, improved patients’ satisfaction, and enhanced workplace efficiency and productivity. The main highlighted risks of telepharmacy were related to threatened patient confidentiality, missed pharmaceutical care opportunities, and negatively impacted professional rapport with other healthcare providers; and the major perceived challenges were low digital health literacy, complex illnesses and medication regimens, lack of standardized protocols, and inadequacy of resources and cultural resistance for virtual care. Participants recommended standardization and training, resource allocation, and proper service promotion as potential facilitators of telepharmacy practice.

Conclusion

The current study revealed that despite perceived barriers, pharmacists identified several benefits of telepharmacy and recommended potential facilitators that should be used to integrate and sustain the practice of telepharmacy in the future. Future studies should investigate the impact of telepharmacy on clinical pharmacy interventions and patient outcomes.
Resveratrol therapy improves liver function via estrogen-receptors after hemorrhagic shock in rats
Authors: Wolf Alexander , Fink Tobias , Hinkelbein Jochen , Mertke Thilo , Volk Thomas , Mathes Alexander
Published: October 2022

Background

Resveratrol may improve organ dysfunction after experimental hemorrhagic or septic shock, and some of these effects appear to be mediated by estrogen receptors. However, the influence of resveratrol on liver function and hepatic microcirculation after hemorrhagic shock is unknown, and a presumed mediation via estrogen receptors has not been investigated in this context.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-300g, n = 14/group) underwent hemorrhagic shock for 90 min (MAP 35±5 mmHg) and were resuscitated with shed blood and Ringer’s solution. Animals were treated intravenously with vehicle (1% EtOH), resveratrol (0.2 mg/kg), the unselective estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 (0.05 mg/kg) or resveratrol + ICI 182,780 prior to retransfusion. Sham-operated animals did not undergo hemorrhage but were treated likewise. After 2 hours of reperfusion, liver function was assessed either by plasma disappearance rate of indocyanine green (PDRICG) or evaluation of hepatic perfusion and hepatic integrity by intravital microscopy, serum enzyme as well as cytokine levels.

Results

Compared to vehicle controls, administration of resveratrol significantly improved PDRICG, hepatic perfusion index and hepatic integrity after hemorrhagic shock. The co-administration of ICI 182,780 completely abolished the protective effect only with regard to liver function.

Conclusions

This study shows that resveratrol may improve liver function and hepatocellular integrity after hemorrhagic shock in rats; estrogen receptors mediate these effects at least partially.
Real-world effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccination in older adults: Cohort study using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: Streeter Adam J. , Rodgers Lauren R. , Masoli Jane , Lin Nan X. , Blé Alessandro , Hamilton Willie , Henley William E.
Published: October 2022

Background

The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) is recommended for UK older adults, but how age moderates effectiveness is unclear.

Methods

Three annual cohorts of primary-care patients aged≥65y from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink selected from 2003–5 created a natural experiment (n = 324,804), reflecting the staged introduction of the vaccine. The outcome was symptoms consistent with community-acquired pneumococcal pneumonia (CAP) requiring antibiotics or hospitalisation. We used the prior event rate ratio (PERR) approach to address bias from unmeasured confounders.

Results

Vaccinated patients had higher rates of CAP in the year before vaccination than their controls, indicating the potential for confounding bias. After adjustment for confounding using the prior event rate ratio (PERR) method, PPV23 was estimated to be effective against CAP for two years after vaccination in all age sub-groups with hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 0.86 (0.80 to 0.93), 0.74 (0.65 to 0.85) and 0.65 (0.57 to 0.74) in patients aged 65–74, 75–79 and 80+ respectively in the 2005 cohort. Age moderated the effect of vaccination with predicted risk reductions of 8% at 65y and 29% at 80y.

Conclusions

PPV23 is moderately effective at reducing CAP among UK patients aged≥65y, in the two years after vaccination. Vaccine effectiveness is maintained, and may increase, in the oldest age groups in step with increasing susceptibility to CAP.
The effect of antiretroviral therapy initiation on vitamin D levels and four oral diseases among Kenyan children and adolescents living with HIV
Authors: Seminario Ana Lucia , Kemoli Arthur , Fuentes Walter , Wang Yan , Rajanbabu Poojashree , Wamalwa Dalton , Benki-Nugent Sarah , John-Stewart Grace , Slyker Jennifer A.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The impact of antiretroviral treatment (ART) on the occurrence of oral diseases among children and adolescents living with HIV (CALHIV) is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ART timing on vitamin D levels and the prevalence of four oral diseases (dry mouth, dental caries, enamel hypoplasia, and non-herpes oral ulcer) among Kenyan CALHIV from two pediatric HIV cohorts.

Methods

This nested cross-sectional study was conducted at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. CALHIV, 51 with early-ART initiated at <12 months of age and 27 with late-ART initiated between 18 months-12 years of age, were included. Demographics, HIV diagnosis, baseline CD4 and HIV RNA viral load data were extracted from the primary study databases. Community Oral Health Officers performed oral health examinations following standardized training.

Results

Among 78 CALHIV in the study, median age at the time of the oral examination was 11.4 years old and median ART duration at the time of oral examination was 11 years (IQR: 10.1, 13.4). Mean serum vitamin D level was significantly higher among the early-ART group than the late-ART group (29.5 versus 22.4 ng/mL, p = 0.0002). Children who received early-ART had a 70% reduction in risk of inadequate vitamin D level (<20 ng/mL), compared to those who received late-ART (p = 0.02). Although both groups had similar prevalence of oral diseases overall (early-ART 82.4%; late-ART 85.2%; p = 0.2), there was a trend for higher prevalence of dry mouth (p = 0.1) and dental caries (p = 0.1) in the early versus late ART groups. The prevalence of the four oral diseases was not associated with vitamin D levels (p = 0.583).

Conclusions

After >10 years of ART, CALHIV with early-ART initiation had higher serum vitamin D levels compared to the late-ART group. The four oral diseases were not significantly associated with timing of ART initiation or serum vitamin D concentrations in this cohort. There was a trend for higher prevalence of dry mouth and dental caries in the early-ART group, probably as side-effects of ART.
Transcranial direct current stimulation over the primary motor cortex improves speech production in post-stroke dysarthric speakers: A randomized pilot study
Authors: Wong Min Ney , Baig Faisal Nouman , Chan Yeuk Ki , Ng Manwa L. , Zhu Frank F. , Kwan Joseph Shiu Kwong
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The current study investigated the therapeutic potential of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on speech intelligibility, speech-related physiological and vocal functions among post-stroke dysarthric patients.

Method

Nine chronic post-stroke dysarthric patients were randomly assigned to the stimulation or sham group. The stimulation group received 2mA of anodal tDCS over the left inferior primary motor cortex for 15 minutes, while the sham group received 30s of stimulation under the same settings. All the participants received 10 daily 15 minutes of individualized speech therapy targeting their dominant phonological process or phonemes with the greatest difficulty. The outcome measures included (1) perceptual analysis of single words, passage reading and diadochokinetic rate, (2) acoustic analysis of a sustained vowel, and (3) kinematic analysis of rapid syllable repetitions and syllable production in sentence, conducted before and after the treatment.

Results

The results revealed that both the stimulation and sham groups had improved perceptual speech intelligibility at the word level, reduced short rushes of speech during passage reading, improved rate during alternating motion rate, AMR-kha1, and improved articulatory kinematics in AMR-tha1 and syllables /tha1/ and /kha1/ production in sentence. Compared to the sham group, the stimulation group showed significant improvement in articulatory kinematics in AMR-kha1 and syllable /kha1/ production in sentence. The findings also showed that anodal stimulation led to reduced shimmer value in sustained vowel /a/ phonation, positive changes in articulatory kinematics in AMR-tha1 and syllables /pha1/ and /kha1/ production in sentence at the post treatment measure. In addition to positive effects on articulatory control, reduced perturbation of voice amplitude documented in the stimulation group post treatment suggests possible tDCS effects on the vocal function.

Conclusions

The current study documented the beneficial effects of anodal tDCS over the primary motor cortex on speech production and suggested that combined tDCS and speech therapy may promote recovery from post-stroke dysarthria.
Stocking density-induced changes in growth performance, blood parameters, meat quality traits, and welfare of broiler chickens reared under semi-arid subtropical conditions
Authors: Thema Kwena Kgaogelo , Mnisi Caven Mguvane , Mlambo Victor
Published: October 2022

Broiler production in semi-arid tropics must contend with high levels of heat stress, which have implications on stocking density, bird welfare, and profitability. Under these conditions, optimal stocking densities are likely to be lower than expected, thus must be experimentally determined. Therefore, this study investigated growth performance, haematology, serum biochemistry, carcass and meat quality, sizes of internal organs, and stress biomarkers in response to different stocking densities in broilers reared under semi-arid subtropical conditions. Five hundred, day-old Ross 308 broilers (44.0 ± 5.24 g live-weights) were randomly distributed to 25 replicate pens (1.32 m2floor space each) to create five stocking densities: 1) 10 birds/pen (SD10); 2) 15 birds/pen (SD15); 3) 20 birds/pen (SD20); 4) 25 birds/pen (SD25); and 5) 30 birds/pen (SD30). There was a linear decrease (P< 0.05) in overall feed intake and weight gain in weeks 2 and 3 as stocking density increased. However, weight gain showed positive and negative quadratic responses (P< 0.05) in weeks 5 and 6, respectively, as stocking density increased. No linear or quadratic effects (P˃ 0.05) were observed for overall feed conversion ratio, haematological parameters, and meat quality traits in response to stocking density. Symmetric dimethylarginine, alanine transaminase, and albumin levels quadratically increased (P< 0.05) in response to increasing stocking densities. Serum glucose and thigh weight were not affected (P< 0.05) while final body, drumstick, breast, and wing weights linearly declined with stocking density. Increasing stocking density linearly reduced (P< 0.05) the weights of gizzard, proventriculus, caecum, and colon. Stocking density had no effect (P˃ 0.05) on latency-to-lie. It was concluded that higher stocking densities compromised feed intake, resulting in poor weight gains. Based on weight gain trends observed in week 5, it was determined that Ross 308 broilers should be reared at no more than 20 birds/pen (~15 birds/m2or 27.27 kg/m2) under the experimental ambient conditions compared to the much higher globally accepted industry standard of 20 birds/m2.
Distribution and pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana in soil with earthworm action and feeding
Authors: Zhou Xibei , Liang Wulong , Zhang Yanfeng , C. Crabbe M. James , Ren Zhumei , Xie Yingping
Published: October 2022

Earthworm action and feeding have an important impact on a variety of microorganisms in the soil. However, the effects of the earthworm on Beauveria bassiana, a common entomopathogenic fungus in the biological control of pests, have been little studied. In this study, the epigeic earthworm species Eisenia fetida (Savigny) was selected to evaluate its impact on B. bassiana TST05 including its distribution in soil and its pathogenicity to target insects. By testing B. bassiana TST05 distribution, biomass in soil, viable spore germination rate, and pathogenicity to insect larvae after passing through the earthworm gut, the results showed that the activity and feeding of E. fetida promoted the B. bassiana TST05 diffusing downwards in the soil, while decreasing active fungal spores. After passing through the earthworm gut and excretion, the living B. bassiana individuals still had activity and pathogenicity to insects. The germination rate of the viable fungal spores was 15.09% and the infection rate to the insect larvae of Atrijuglans hetaohei Yang reached 62.35%, 80.95% and 100% after infection at 7 d, 10 d, and 14 d, respectively. The results showed that action and feeding of earthworms promoted the distribution of B. bassiana TST05 in soil, but decreased B. bassiana viable spores. This study is important for understanding the interaction between earthworms and B. bassiana in soil and for guiding the scientific application of B. bassiana in the biological control of pests.
Safety of paclitaxel-coated devices in the femoropopliteal arteries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Chenyang , Yin Guosheng
Published: October 2022

Background

Clinical benefit of paclitaxel-coated devices for patients with peripheral arterial disease has been confirmed in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A meta-analysis published in 2018 identified late mortality risk over a long follow-up period due to use of paclitaxel-coated devices in the femoropopliteal arteries, which caused enormous controversy and debates globally. This study aims to further evaluate the safety of paclitaxel-coated devices by incorporating the most recently published data.

Methods

We searched for candidate studies in PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, EMBASE (Ovid) online databases, government web archives and international cardiovascular conferences. Safety endpoints of interest included all-cause mortality rates at one, two and five years and the risk ratio (RR) was used as the summary measure. The primary analysis was performed using random-effects models to account for potential clinical heterogeneity.

Findings

Thirty-nine RCTs including 9164 patients were identified. At one year, the random-effects model yielded a pooled RR of 1.06 (95% CI [0.87, 1.29]) indicating no difference in short-term all-cause deaths between the paclitaxel and control groups (crude mortality, 4.3%, 214/5025 versus 4.5%, 177/3965). Two-year mortality was reported in 26 RCTs with 382 deaths out of 3788 patients (10.1%) in the paclitaxel arm and 299 out of 2955 patients (10.1%) in the control arm and no association was found between increased risk of death and usage of paclitaxel-coated devices (RR 1.08, 95% CI [0.93, 1.25]). Eight RCTs recorded all-cause deaths up to five years and a pooled RR of 1.18 (95% CI [0.92, 1.51]) demonstrated no late mortality risk due to use of paclitaxel-coated devices (crude mortality, paclitaxel 18.2%, 247/1360 versus control 15.2%, 122/805).

Conclusions

We found no significant difference in either short- or long-term all-cause mortalities between patients receiving paclitaxel-coated and uncoated devices. Further research on the longer-term safety of paclitaxel usage (e.g., 8- or 10-year) is warranted.

Registration

PROSPERO, CRD42021246291.
High risk APOL1 genotypes and kidney disease among treatment naïve HIV patients at Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Abdu Aliyu , Duarte Raquel , Dickens Caroline , Dix-Peek Therese , Bala Sunusi M. , Ademola Babatunde , Naicker Saraladevi
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Racial disparities are known in the occurrence of kidney disease with excess risks found among people of African descent. Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene variants G1 and G2 are associated with kidney disease among HIV infected individuals of African descent in the USA as well as among black population in South Africa. We set out to investigate the prevalence of these high-risk variants and their effects on kidney disease among HIV infected patients in Northern Nigeria with hitherto limited information despite earlier reports of high population frequencies of these alleles from the Southern part of the country.

Methods

DNA samples obtained from the whole blood of 142 participants were genotyped for APOL1 G1 and G2 variants after initial baseline investigations including assessment of kidney function. Participants comprised 50 HIV positive patients with no evidence of kidney disease, 52 HIV negative individuals with no kidney disease and 40 HIV positive patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) evidenced by persistent proteinuria and/or reduced eGFR, who also had a kidney biopsy. All the HIV positive patients were newly diagnosed and treatment naïve.

Results

The distribution of the APOL1 genotypes among the study participants revealed that 24.6% had a G1 risk allele and 19.0% a G2. The frequency of the High Risk Genotype (HRG) was 12.5% among those with CKD compared to 5.8% in the HIV negative group and zero in the HIV positive no CKD group. Having the HRG was associated with a higher odds for developing HIV Associated Nephropathy (HIVAN) (2 vs 0 risk alleles: OR 10.83, 95% CI 1.38–84.52; P = 0.023; 2 vs 0 or 1 risk alleles: OR 5.5, 95% CI 0.83–36.29; P = 0.07). The HRG was also associated with higher odds for Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) (2 vs 0 risk alleles: OR 13.0, 95% CI 2.06–81.91; P = 0.006 and 2 vs 0 or 1 risk alleles: OR 9.0, 95%CI 1.62–50.12; P = 0.01) when compared to the control group.

Conclusion

This study showed a high population frequency of the individual risk alleles of the APOL1 gene with higher frequencies noted among HIV positive patients with kidney disease. There is high association with the presence of kidney disease and especially FSGS and HIVAN among treatment naive HIV patients carrying two copies of the HRG.
Individual differences in dissonance arousal/reduction relate to physical exercise: Testing the action-based model
Authors: Harmon-Jones Eddie , Harmon-Jones Cindy
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The present research was designed to test predictions derived from the action-based model of cognitive dissonance theory. These predictions were that dissonance arousal would be negatively related to effective behavior, and that dissonance reduction would be positively related to effective behavior.

Method

Dissonance arousal and reduction were measured using an individual differences questionnaire. Effective behavior was measured as amount of physical exercise obtained from an exercise app that measures exercise using GPS (cycling kilometers over one year; Study 1) and from self-reports (number of days during the previous week; Study 2–3).

Results

Results suggested that individual differences in dissonance arousal relate to less exercise and that individual differences in dissonance reduction relate to more exercise. Statistically controlling for trait approach and avoidance motivation as well as satisfaction with life revealed that dissonance processes predicted exercise behavior over these traits. This pattern of results was generally consistent across the three studies. Moreover, results from Studies 2–3 suggested possible statistical mediators from the exercise commitment literature of the relationship between trait dissonance arousal/reduction and exercise behavior.

Discussion and conclusion

These results highlight the importance of considering dissonance processes as adaptive ones, and they suggest possible ways of increasing exercise behavior.
Tree diversity in agroforestry systems of native fine-aroma cacao, Amazonas, Peru
Authors: Goñas Malluri , Rubio Karol B. , Rojas Briceño Nilton B. , Pariente-Mondragón Elí , Oliva-Cruz Manuel
Published: October 2022

Cocoa cultivation is of considerable economic and social importance to the Amazonas region and is commonly associated with forest species in the region. However, the diversification level and composition of cacao agroforestry systems in Peru are poorly understood. The objective of this study is, therefore, to describe the diversity of tree species in cocoa AFS by plantation age. Accordingly, the number of species of 15 plots covering a total of 1.5 hectares was recorded. Moderately low levels of tree species diversity were reported (H´ ranged 0.89–1.45). In total 17 species were reported throughout the study area. The most abundant botanical family was represented by a single Musa sp. species. The dissimilarity indices show a moderate similarity between the age ranges evaluated (over 62%). Additionally, the IVI indicates that the most important species are used for food and timber apart from providing shade, additionally major of this species are introduced intentionally for the farmers. Based on the observations, it may be concluded that the farmer’s interest in obtaining further benefits from the plot, mostly economic benefits affect the diversification of cocoa agroforestry systems.
Analysis of college students’ canteen consumption by broad learning clustering: A case study in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Yang Chun , Wen Hongwei , Jiang Darui , Xu Lijuan , Hong Shaoyong
Published: October 2022

Investigation on college students’ consumption ability help classify them as from rich or relative poor family, thus to distinguish the students who are in urgent need for government’s economic support. As canteen consumption is the main part of the expenses of the college students, we proposed the adjusted K-means clustering methods for discrimination of the college students at different economic levels. To improve the discrimination accuracy, a broad learning network architecture was built up for extracting informative features from the students’ canteen consumption records. A fuzzy transformed technique was combined in the network architecture to extend the candidate range for identifying implicit informative variables from the single type of consumption data. Then, the broad learning network model is fully trained. We specially designed to train the network parameters in an iterative tuning mode, in order to find the precise properties that reflect the consumption characteristics. The selected feature variables are further delivered to establish the adjusted K-means clustering model. For the case study, the framework of combining the broad learning network with the adjusted K-means method was applied for the discrimination of the canteen consumption data of the college students in Guangdong province, China. Results show that the most optimal broad learning architecture is structured with 14 hidden nodes, the model training and testing results are appreciating. The results indicated that the framework was feasible to classify the students into different economic levels by analyzing their canteen consumption data, so that we are able to distinguish the students who are in need for financial aid.
Efficacy and safety of different antidepressants and anticonvulsants in central poststroke pain: A network meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Chen Ke-Yu , Li Ruo-Yang
Published: October 2022

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different antidepressants and anticonvulsants in the treatment of central poststroke pain (CPSP) by network meta-analysis and provide an evidence-based foundation for clinical practice.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CNKI, APA PsycINFO, Wanfang, VIP and other databases were searched by computer to find clinical randomized controlled studies (RCTs) on drug treatment of CPSP. The retrieval time limit was from the establishment of each database to July 2022. The quality of the included RCTs was evaluated using the bias risk assessment tool recommended by Cochrane. Stata 14.0 was used for network meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 13 RCTs, 1040 patients and 9 drugs were finally included. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that the effectiveness ranking as rated by the visual analog scale (VAS) was gabapentin > pregabalin > fluoxetine > lamotrigine > duloxetine > serqulin > amitriptyline > carbamazepine > vitamin B. Ranking according to the numerical rating scale (NRS) was pregabalin > gabapentin > carbamazepine. Ranking derived from the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) was pregabalin > duloxetine > gabapentin > amitriptyline.

Conclusion

All nine drugs can relieve the pain of CPSP patients to different degrees; among them pregabalin and gabapentin have the most significant effect, and gabapentin and pregabalin also have the most adverse reactions. In the future, more multicenter, large sample, double-blind clinical randomized controlled trials need to be carried out to supplement and demonstrate the results of this study.
M1-like, but not M0- or M2-like, macrophages, reduce RSV infection of primary bronchial epithelial cells in a media-dependent fashion
Authors: Ronaghan Natalie J. , Soo Mandy , Pena Uriel , Tellis Marisa , Duan Wenming , Tabatabaei-Zavareh Nooshin , Kramer Philipp , Hou Juan , Moraes Theo J.
Published: October 2022

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common childhood infection that in young infants can progress into severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Disease pathogenesis results from both viral mediated and host immune processes of which alveolar macrophages play an important part. Here, we investigated the role of different types of alveolar macrophages on RSV infection using an in vitro co-culture model involving primary tissue-derived human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) and human blood monocyte-derived M0-like, M1-like, or M2-like macrophages. It was hypothesized that the in vitro model would recapitulate previous in vivo findings of a protective effect of macrophages against RSV infection. It was found that macrophages maintained their phenotype for the 72-hour co-culture time period and the bronchial epithelial cells were unaffected by the macrophage media. HBEC infection with RSV was decreased by M1-like macrophages but enhanced by M0- or M2-like macrophages. The medium used during the co-culture also impacted the outcome of the infection. This work demonstrates that alveolar macrophage phenotypes may have differential roles during epithelial RSV infection, and demonstrates that an in vitro co-culture model could be used to further investigate the roles of macrophages during bronchial viral infection.
Development of fermented rice cake containing strawberry showing anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-stimulated macrophages and paw edema induced mice
Authors: Monmai Chaiwat , Choi JeongUn , Rod-in Weerawan , Lee Tae Ho , Park Woo Jung
Published: October 2022

Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) is one of the richest sources containing a wide variety of nutritive compounds. Anti-inflammatory activities of fermented rice cake made of strawberry powder as well as rice powder were evaluated. The fermented rice cake containing strawberry powder (SRC) significantly and dose-dependently inhibited NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells without cytotoxicity. Also, SRC effectively suppressed inflammatory gene expression, including iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. In addition, the production of PGE2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α was significantly reduced. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effect of SRC was investigated using carrageenan-induced paw edema of ICR mice. It was demonstrated that pre-orally administration of SRC at a dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg BW significantly inhibited paw edema induced by carrageenan. This study suggested that the anti-inflammation activities of strawberry rice cake give the potential for increasing the commercialization of rice cake and rice products.
Estimating microbial population data from optical density
Authors: Mira Portia , Yeh Pamela , Hall Barry G.
Published: October 2022

The spectrophotometer has been used for decades to measure the density of bacterial populations as the turbidity expressed as optical density–OD. However, the OD alone is an unreliable metric and is only proportionately accurate to cell titers to about an OD of 0.1. The relationship between OD and cell titer depends on the configuration of the spectrophotometer, the length of the light path through the culture, the size of the bacterial cells, and the cell culture density. We demonstrate the importance of plate reader calibration to identify the exact relationship between OD and cells/mL. We use four bacterial genera and two sizes of micro-titer plates (96-well and 384-well) to show that the cell/ml per unit OD depends heavily on the bacterial cell size and plate size. We applied our calibration curve to real growth curve data and conclude the cells/mL–rather than OD–is a metric that can be used to directly compare results across experiments, labs, instruments, and species.
The role of psychological flexibility in the meaning-reconstruction process in cancer: The intensive longitudinal study protocol
Authors: Kroemeke Aleksandra , Dudek Joanna , Sobczyk-Kruszelnicka Małgorzata
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Meaning-making is an important element of adapting to disease. However, this process is still poorly understood and the theoretical model has not been comprehensively verified yet, particularly in terms of complexity, dynamics, and intraindividual variability. The aim of this study is a deeper understanding of the meaning-reconstruction process in cancer and empirical verification of the integrative meaning-making model of coping extended by the psychological flexibility model. We postulate that psychological flexibility can foster the meaning-making in cancer by building more flexible and workable meaning-making explanations of disease.

Design

A daily-diary study conducted for 14 days in patients following the first autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).

Methods

Participants (at least 150) will be requested to complete the daily-diary related to daily situational meaning, meaning-related distress, meaning-making, psychological flexibility, meanings made, and wellbeing for 14 days after hospital discharge following HCT. Also, baseline and follow-up assessment of global meaning, wellbeing, and meanings made will be performed. Statistical analysis of the data will be conducted using the multilevel and dynamic structural equation modeling.

Conclusions

The study will fill in the gaps in health psychology in the understanding of the meaning-reconstruction process in cancer by within- and between-person verification of the integrative meaning-making model and its extension by the psychological flexibility model. The data obtained will be used in further research on the development of meaning-making by means of interventions based on psychological flexibility.
Magnitude and effects of food cravings on nutritional status of pregnant women in Southern Ethiopia: A community-based cross sectional study
Authors: Fikrie Anteneh , Yalew Abel , Anato Anchamo , Teklesilasie Wondwosen
Published: October 2022

Background

Food cravings is a strong and intense urge to consume a specific food and reported as being associated with overweight and overall caloric intake in pregnant women. However, the nutritional and anthropometric consequences are not well recognized. Therefore, this study aimed to assess magnitude and effects of food cravings on nutritional status of pregnant women in Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study conducted among 586 randomly selected pregnant mothers at Sidama Regional State from June 1–20, 2019. Pre-tested and semistructured face-to-face interview questionnaires used to collect the data. The data were cleaned, coded, and entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and analysed using SPSS IBM version 20. The bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression used to identify the possible factors of food cravings. Principal component analysis used to determine the wealth status of the study participants. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) together with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) used to declare statistical significance.

Results

The study found that nearly three in five, 309 (58.3%) [95%, CI: 54.2%-62.8%] of the study participants reported food cravings. Meat (71.5%) and Fruits (41.7%) were the most frequently craved. About one-third, 194 (36.6%) of the study participants were undernourished (MUAC < 23 cm). Age of women (20–34 years), government employed, Antenatal Care (ANC), Pica practice, lowest wealth quintile, and skipping meals were statistically associated with food cravings. Whereas, wealth quintile and ability to consume craved food were factors associated with the nutritional status of pregnant women. Moreover, our study result found that maternal undernutrition and food cravings were statistically associated (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The prevalence of food cravings in this study is comparable to the global level. However, the magnitude of undernutrition found to be higher. Thus, health care providers need to take every opportunity to encourage women to adopt healthful dietary practices during pregnancy.
The choice of the objective function in flux balance analysis is crucial for predicting replicative lifespans in yeast
Authors: Schnitzer Barbara , Österberg Linnea , Cvijovic Marija
Published: October 2022

Flux balance analysis (FBA) is a powerful tool to study genome-scale models of the cellular metabolism, based on finding the optimal flux distributions over the network. While the objective function is crucial for the outcome, its choice, even though motivated by evolutionary arguments, has not been directly connected to related measures. Here, we used an available multi-scale mathematical model of yeast replicative ageing, integrating cellular metabolism, nutrient sensing and damage accumulation, to systematically test the effect of commonly used objective functions on features of replicative ageing in budding yeast, such as the number of cell divisions and the corresponding time between divisions. The simulations confirmed that assuming maximal growth is essential for reaching realistic lifespans. The usage of the parsimonious solution or the additional maximisation of a growth-independent energy cost can improve lifespan predictions, explained by either increased respiratory activity using resources otherwise allocated to cellular growth or by enhancing antioxidative activity, specifically in early life. Our work provides a new perspective on choosing the objective function in FBA by connecting it to replicative ageing.
‘Valves’ of the angular vein: Orbicularis oculi, depressor supercilii, and zygomaticus minor
Authors: Iwanaga Joe , Tubbs R. Shane , Kim Hongtae , Hur Mi-Sun
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to elucidate the positional relationship between the courses of the angular veins and the facial muscles, and the possible roles of the latter as alternative venous valves.

Methods

The angular veins of 44 specimens of embalmed Korean adult cadavers were examined. Facial muscles were studied to establish their relationships with the angular vein, including the orbicularis oculi (OOc), depressor supercilii (DS), zygomaticus minor (Zmi), zygomaticus major (Zmj), and levator labii superioris (LLS).

Results

In the upper face of all specimens, the angular vein passed through the DS and descended to the medial palpebral ligament. In the midface, it passed between the origin of the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN) and the inferior OOc fibers. The vein coursed along the deep surface of the inferior margin of the OOc in all specimens. At the level of the nasal ala, the course of the angular vein was classified into three types: in type I it passed between the LLS and Zmi (38.6%), in type II it passed between the superficial and deep fibers of the Zmi (47.7%), and in type III it passed between the Zmi and Zmj (13.6%). In the lower face of all specimens, the angular or facial vein passed through the anterior lobe of the buccal fat pad.

Conclusion

This study found that the angular vein coursed along the sites where facial muscle contractions are assumed to efficiently compress the veins, likely controlling venous flow as valves. The observations made and analysis performed in this study will improve the understanding of the physiological function of the facial muscles as alternative venous valves.
Current treatments against mucormycosis and future directions
Authors: Smith Courtney , Lee Soo Chan
Published: October 2022

Mucormycosis (previously called zygomycosis) is a serious but rare fungal infection caused by a group of fungi belonging to the order Mucorales. These molds exist throughout the environment and generally do not cause serious problems in humans. Mucormycosis mainly affects individuals who are immunocompromised. The clinical manifestations of mucormycosis are wide-ranging; they include sinusitis (pansinusitis, rhino-orbital, or rhino-cerebral) as well as cutaneous, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and disseminate infections. Many uncertainties remain regarding how to control these infections despite the recent addition of triazoles to the antifungal arsenal for treating this infection. Currently, lipid formulations of amphotericin B have become the standard treatment for mucormycosis due to their efficiency. Moreover, a growing body of data supports the need for surgical excision of infected and/or necrosed tissue whenever practical. In this mini review, the current status of treatment options for mucormycosis and recent studies of novel therapeutic options will be presented.
Derivation and External Validation of Machine Learning-Based Model for Detection of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Chen Wansu , Zhou Yichen , Xie Fagen , Butler Rebecca K. , Jeon Christie Y. , Luong Tiffany Q. , Zhou Botao , Lin Yu-Chen , Lustigova Eva , Pisegna Joseph R. , Kim Sungjin , Wu Bechien U.
Published: October 2022

INTRODUCTION:

There is currently no widely accepted approach to screening for pancreatic cancer (PC). We aimed to develop and validate a risk prediction model for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common form of PC, across 2 health systems using electronic health records.

METHODS:

This retrospective cohort study consisted of patients aged 50–84 years having at least 1 clinic-based visit over a 10-year study period at Kaiser Permanente Southern California (model training, internal validation) and the Veterans Affairs (VA, external testing). Random survival forests models were built to identify the most relevant predictors from >500 variables and to predict risk of PDAC within 18 months of cohort entry.

RESULTS:

The Kaiser Permanente Southern California cohort consisted of 1.8 million patients (mean age 61.6) with 1,792 PDAC cases. The 18-month incidence rate of PDAC was 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.73–0.80)/1,000 person-years. The final main model contained age, abdominal pain, weight change, HbA1c, and alanine transaminase change (c-index: mean = 0.77, SD = 0.02; calibration test: P value 0.4, SD 0.3). The final early detection model comprised the same features as those selected by the main model except for abdominal pain (c-index: 0.77 and SD 0.4; calibration test: P value 0.3 and SD 0.3). The VA testing cohort consisted of 2.7 million patients (mean age 66.1) with an 18-month incidence rate of 1.27 (1.23–1.30)/1,000 person-years. The recalibrated main and early detection models based on VA testing data sets achieved a mean c-index of 0.71 (SD 0.002) and 0.68 (SD 0.003), respectively.

DISCUSSION:

Using widely available parameters in electronic health records, we developed and externally validated parsimonious machine learning-based models for detection of PC. These models may be suitable for real-time clinical application.
Characteristics and Effect of Anxiety and Depression Trajectories in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Fairbrass Keeley M. , Guthrie Elspeth A. , Black Christopher J. , Selinger Christian P. , Gracie David J. , Ford Alexander C.
Published: October 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Symptoms of common mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, are associated with adverse clinical outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We report trajectories of these symptoms in IBD, patient characteristics associated with different trajectories, and effects on healthcare utilization and prognosis.

METHODS:

We collected demographic, symptom, psychological, and quality-of-life data, with questionnaires at 3-month intervals, over 12 months of follow-up. We collected healthcare utilization and IBD outcomes through notes review. We compared characteristics of those with persistently normal or improving anxiety or depression scores with those with persistently abnormal or worsening scores and the number of flares, glucocorticosteroid prescriptions, escalations of therapy, hospitalizations, or intestinal resections due to IBD activity.

RESULTS:

Among 771 and 777 patients, respectively, worsening or persistently abnormal anxiety or depression scores were associated with increased antidepressant (28.6% vs 12.3% anxiety, 35.8% vs 10.1% depression, P < 0.001) and opiate use (19.0% vs 7.8% anxiety, P = 0.001 and 34.0% vs 7.4% depression, P < 0.001), compared with those with persistently normal or improving scores. These individuals were also more likely to have been diagnosed with IBD in the last 12 months (16.3% vs 5.0% anxiety, P = 0.001, and 15.1% vs 5.5% depression, P = 0.006), to have clinically active disease at baseline (57.1% vs 26.6% anxiety and 71.7% vs 29.1% depression, P < 0.001) and lower quality-of-life scores (P < 0.001). Individuals with worsening or persistently abnormal trajectories of anxiety or depression required significantly more outpatient appointments, radiological investigations, and endoscopic procedures for IBD-related symptoms.

DISCUSSION:

In this 12-month follow-up study, patients with IBD with worsening or persistently high anxiety or depression scores were higher utilizers of health care but were not at an increased risk of future adverse disease outcomes.
Africa and Climate Justice at COP27 and beyond: impacts and solutions through an interdisciplinary lens
Authors: Williams Jhénelle , Chin-Yee Simon , Maslin Mark , Barnsley Jonathan , Costello Anthony , Lang John , McGlade Jacqueline , Mulugetta Yacob , Taylor Richard , Winning Matthew , parikh priti
Published: October 2022

Climate justice needs to be at the heart of the COP27 negotiations in Sharm El Sheikh. Climate justice is not just a financial transaction to protect the environment. It needs to be seen as the protection of the most vulnerable in society after centuries of resource exploitation. African countries disproportionately face impacts of climate change on their environments, their economies, their resources, and their infrastructure. This leads to greater vulnerability and increased exposure to the negative effects of a changing climate. In this article, we highlight the importance of climate justice and its role within the UN negotiations, and ultimately in concrete action. We discuss current climate impacts across key sectors in the African region, with a focus on health, infrastructure, food and water scarcity, energy, and finance. All sectors are affected by climate change. They are interconnected and under threat. This triggers a ripple effect, where threats in one sector have a knock-on effect on other sectors. We find that the current set of intergovernmental institutions have failed to adequately address climate justice. We also contend that a siloed approach to climate action has proven to be ineffective. As we head towards the next set of negotiations (COP27), this paper argues that the economic and social conditions in Africa can be addressed through financial and collaborative support for adaptation and localised solutions, but that this will only be achieved if climate justice is prioritised by the decision makers. This needs to include a global-scale transition in how climate finance is assessed and accessed. Climate justice underpins real effective and sustainable solutions for climate action in Africa.