bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
serUM-Px Liquid Biopsies Predicts Mortality in Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Herrspiegel Christina , Plastino Flavia , Lardner Emma , Seregard Stefan , André Helder , Stålhammar Gustav
Published: May 2022

PurposeTo develop a prognostic test based on serum samples obtained at diagnosis of uveal melanoma (UM).DesignRetrospective cohort study.SubjectsEighty-three patients diagnosed with primary melanoma in the choroid or ciliary body at St. Erik Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden between 1996 and 2000. Serum samples from peripheral blood were obtained at diagnosis and kept at -80 °C until this analysis.MethodsProteome profiling of 84 different cancer-related proteins was used to screen for potential biomarkers. ELISA was then performed to evaluate the serum levels of the best candidates. Receiver operating characteristics were used to define thresholds for metastatic risk. A prognostic test that stratifies patients into low, intermediate, and high metastatic risk categories was developed (serUM-Px) in a training cohort and tested in a validation cohort.ResultsOf the 83 included patients, 43 (52 %) were female. The mean tumor diameter and thickness was 9.8 mm (SD 3.7) and 4.9 mm (SD 2.3), respectively. Twenty-two patients succumbed to metastatic UM and forty-two patients died from other causes. The median follow-up for the 19 survivors was 22.7 years (IQR 22.3-23.0). In proteome profiling, five proteins (Leptin, Osteopontin, Progranulin, Tenascin C and DLL1) were included for further analysis. After ELISA of individual proteins, Leptin and Osteopontin were selected for inclusion in the serUM-Px prognostic test. The test was developed in a training cohort (n=17) and then validated in an independent cohort (n=62). Patients had gradually shorter metastasis-free survival and greater incidence of UM-related mortality in competing risk analysis with increasing metastatic risk category (p = 0.02 and 0.027, respectively). In multivariate Cox regression, serUM-Px was an independent predictor of metastasis with tumor diameter, tumor thickness and patient age at diagnosis as covariates (hazard ratio 2.4, 95 % CI 1.0 to 5.3).ConclusionsserUM-Px, a prognostic test based on a single peripheral venous blood sample at the time of UM diagnosis, stratifies patients into low, intermediate and high metastatic risk categories. It predicts metastases many years in advance in a validation cohort with very long follow-up. Future studies should aim to confirm these findings prospectively.
Mapping of Livestock Value Chains as a Tool for Understanding Disease Risks in Agro-Pastoral Systems of Kajiado County, Kenya
Authors: Mochabo Kennedy Miyoro , Onono Joshua Orungo , Oluga Gabriel Aboge , Nanyingi Mark , Mbaria James , Fevre Eric , Baylis Mathew
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND
Ruminant production plays a major role in the Kenyan livestock sector, but they face a myriad of disease threats including zoonoses. The objective of this study was to map the ruminant livestock value chains and describe disease risks and their implication to pastoral livelihoods in Kajiado South sub-county, Kenya. This area is characterised by a highly intertwined wildlife-livestock-human interface which is ideal for transmission of zoonoses and other livestock diseases to connected systems and farms.
METHODS
The study used a cross-sectional design, where primary sampling units were people including pastoralists who operated in critical livestock value chain nodes including slaughterhouses, slaughter slabs and livestock markets. Data were collected using focus group discussions (FGDs), semi-structured interviews (SSIs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) using published participatory methods including listing, probing and pairwise ranking.
RESULTS
A number of constraints to livestock production including diseases, poor extension services and drought were encountered in the study area. In the disease constraint, they treated their animals by themselves, whichlead to misuse of drugs thus to antibacterial resistance. The kind of diseases they may contract due to their livelihoods were mentioned among others, anthrax, brucellosis, Rift Valley Fever, tuberculosis, tapeworms and rabies, in that order. Foot and mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy skin disease (LSD) were mentioned across the FGDs that using the animal products, the pastoralists came down with similar flu symptoms.
CONCLUSION
From the pastoralists’ point of view the inputs in the value chains were self-medication of their animals leading a possible misuse of drugs without proper withdrawal periods; they were able to identify the disease risks including zonooses they were faced with. A better understanding of infection processes at the along the ruminant value chains is needed to minimise disease transmission, and it is this which this study aimed to improve.
Dual-channel ratiometric colorimetric sensor array for quantification and discrimination of o-, m- and p-phenols
Authors: Lan Chengwu , Meng Lei , Xu Na
Published: May 2022

The determination of trace o-, m- and p-phenols in food samples was of great significance, but it is still very challenging due to the low concertation and complex matrix. In comparison to traditional sensors based on “Lock-and-key” strategy, the sensor arrays that mimicked human olfactory system exhibited excellent universality and efficiency in assays of structural analogues. Herein, we described a costless and robust colorimetric sensor array for ratiometric quantification and discrimination of o-, m- and p-phenols. The obtained Cu2(OH)3Cl with peroxidase-like (POD) activity was served as nanozyme to accelerate oxidation of 3,3’,5,5’ -tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) with H2O2. UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy displayed remarkable enhancements both at 652 nm and 450 nm, individually attributable to formation of single and dual electron-oxidized TMB (TMBox) substances. Then varied phenols regulated the absorbance via specific electron transfer processes. With the two peaks as dual signals, a ratiometric colorimetric sensor was designed to monitor different phenols. The ratio (I652/I450) was recorded to quantify phenols sensitively, where internal reference ruled out interferences from environment and equipment. Moreover, a ratiometric colorimetric sensor array was also explored for simultaneous discrimination of o-, m- and p-phenols. By integrating with colorimetric fingerprints and principal component analysis (PCA), each phenol was distinctly discriminated even at a very low concentration. This work demonstrated the reliability of a ratiometric colorimetric sensor array for identification of multiple phenols.
Designing a Model for Villager Empowerment to Access Self-sufficiency, Case Study: Zanjan Province
Authors: Ganjkhanloo Azra , Poursaeed Alireza , Samani Roya Eshraghi , Vahedi Marjan
Published: May 2022

Empowering or gaining power is considered as a process through which villagers get capability to form and organize themselves in order to increase their self-confidence, ask for their right to choose freely and independently, being able to control the resources, cope with and eliminate poverty. Accordingly, the present study (a descriptive and non-experimental study) aimed to design a capability model for villagers in Zanjan province in order to achieve self-efficiency and assess the model through structural equations modeling. The main components of the intended model were compared through post-event technique, and the variables of self-sufficiency in villagers were validated by using descriptive-correlational design and structural equations modeling. Furthermore, statistical population included all villagers living in Zanjan province among which 384 ones were selected as the sample population through stratified random sampling with proportional allocation through distributing researcher-made questionnaire among villagers in the province. The data related to descriptive and inferential statistics sections were respectively analyzed by SPSS 25 and AMOS 24 softwares. Based on the results of structural equations, financial connector and condition were determined as the most effective latent variables on capability as a mediator dependent variable. Finally, the highest effect on self-sufficiency was observed in capability.
Radiographic structural damage predicted increased epicardial adipose tissue thickness in Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Tekaya Aicha Ben , Mehmli Takwa , Saidane Olfa , Mrad Imtinene Ben , Rouached Leila , Bouden Selma , Tekaya Rawdha , Fendri Ahmed , Mahmoud Ines , Abdelmoula Leila
Published: May 2022

Introduction: There is a growing interest in the role of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) as a novel marker of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. We aimed to assess EAT thickness in spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients compared with healthy controls and to identify its predictive factors.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including SpA patients and age and gender-matched healthy volunteers without traditional cardiovascular risk factors. General and biological data were obtained for all participants. Disease characteristics and therapeutic modalities were recorded at the time of inclusion. Both patients and control groups underwent echocardiography with measurement of EAT thickness. Results: A total of 47 SpA patients and 47 healthy controls were included, with a median age of 36 years and a sex-ratio of 2.35.Ultrasound EAT thickness was significantly increased in SpA patients compared with healthy controls (median value of 3.1 mm versus 2.4 mm; p=0.001). EAT thickness was positively correlated with patient-related parameters (age, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride level). Regarding disease-related characteristics, EAT thickness was positively correlated to age at onset of SpA and negatively correlated to chest expansion. Moreover, EAT thickness was significantly associated with radiographic structural damage (syndesmophytes, bony bridging, facet joint arthritis, and mSASSS score). In multivariate linear regression, age at onset of SpA, triglyceride level, and mSASSS were identified as the independent predictive factors of increased EAT thickness in SpA.Conclusion: SpA patients exhibited significantly more subclinical coronary atherosclerosis than controls. EAT thickness was independently associated with mSASSS score supporting the role of the inflammatory process in cardiovascular risk.
Morphometric Study of the Facial Nerve in the Presigmoid Retrolabyrinthine Approach
Authors: Konan Meleine Landry , Ghomsi Nathalie Christelle , Ouattara Djibril Charles , Chatigre Richard , Gbazi Marc Sidoine , Kamissoko Yaya , Djonde Grace , Kakou Medard
Published: May 2022

Background
The pre-sigmoid retro labyrinthine space is a narrow corridor that provide a shorter approach to the cerebellopontine angle lesion while preserving the audition and the facial nerve function. However, during this approach, the labyrinth and the mastoid segment of the facial nerve are particularly at risk. Although anatomical landmarks have been reported to minimize such risks, in this study, we aimed at producing morphometric data to facilitate the delineation of the vertical segment of the mastoid facial nerve, labyrinth, and jugular bulb during a pre-sigmoid retro labyrinthine approach.
Methods
Pre-sigmoid retro labyrinthine approach was performed on five cadaveric specimens to evaluate the metric relationships of the labyrinth, the mastoid (vertical) facial nerve and the sigmoid sinus within the mastoid bone.
Results
The distance from the sinuso-dural angle to the FN's vertical segment ranged between 10-16mm.The genu of the FN has a mean distance of 12-18.5mm from the cortical mastoid bone. The anteroposterior diameter of the labyrinth from the lateral edge of the lateral semicircular canal to the posterior edge of the posterior semicircular canal ranges from 5-10mm.The the pre-sigmoid dura between the sigmoid sinus and the medial edge of the labyrinth varied between 4 to 19mm.
Conclusions
When working within the narrow pre sigmoid retro labyrinthine corridor, accurate measures of the relationship between the facial nerve, labyrinth and sigmoid sinus are critical for surgeons.
DAB2IP stabilizes p27Kip1 via suppressing PI3K/AKT signaling in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Jiancheng , Deng Zhuo , Pei Xinqi , Lai Jiawei , Wu Kaijie , Qu Weixing
Published: May 2022

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most lethal of the urologic malignancies. We previously discovered that DAB2IP, a novel Ras-GTPase-activating protein, was frequently epigenetically silenced in RCC, and DAB2IP loss was correlated with the overall survival of RCC patients. In this study, we determined the biological functions of DAB2IP in RCC and its potential mechanisms of action. Correlations between DAB2IP expression level and RCC tumor size and patient survival were analyzed, and the results showed that RCC patients with high DAB2IP mRNA level exhibited smaller tumor size and better survival than the patients with low DAB2IP. Compared to control cells, DAB2IP knockdown (KD) cells showed enhanced cell proliferation, promoted G1/S phase cell cycle progression and decreased expression of p27. Mechanism studies demonstrated that loss of DAB2IP promoted p27 protein phosphorylation, cytosolic sequestration and subsequently ubiquitination-mediated degradation in RCC cells. Further studies confirmed that the proline-rich domain in C terminal (CPR) of DAB2IP suppressed AKT phosphorylation and induced p27 phosphorylation on S10. Hence, DAB2IP is essential for p27 protein stabilization in RCC, which is at less partly mediated by PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
A1 adenosine receptor activation inhibits P2X3 receptor-mediated ATP currents in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons
Authors: Hao Jia-Wei , Qiao Wen-Long , Li Qing , Wei Shuang , Li Xue-Mei , Liu Ting-Ting , Qiu Chun-Yu , Hu Wang-Ping
Published: May 2022

Purinergic signaling plays an important role in multiple pain processes. P2X3 receptor is considered to be a target in pain therapeutics, and A1 adenosine receptor signaling is essential for analgesia. However, it is still unclear whether there is a link between A1 adenosine receptors and P2X3 receptors in pain process. Herein, we show that the A1 adenosine receptor agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) suppressed α,β-methylene-ATP (α,β-meATP)-evoked inward currents mediated by P2X3 receptors in a concentration- dependent and voltage-independent manner in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. CPA shifted the concentration-response curve for α,β-meATP downwards, with a decrease of 38.44 ± 5.87% in the maximal current response of P2X3 receptors to α,β-meATP in the presence of CPA. The CPA-induced suppression was blocked by the A1 adenosine receptor antagonist KW-3902 and prevented by intracellular application of either the Gi/o-protein inhibitor pertussis toxin, the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin, or the cAMP analog 8-Br-cAMP. CPA also suppressed the membrane excitability of DRG neurons, with a significant decrease in the amplitude of the depolarization and the number of spikes induced by α,β-meATP in the presence of CPA. Finally, intraplantar pretreatment of CPA dose-dependently relieved α,β-meATP-induced nociceptive responses in rats through peripheral A1 adenosine receptors. These results suggested that CPA suppressed the functional activity of P2X3 receptors in rat primary sensory neurons via A1 adenosine receptor, intracellular Gi/o-proteins and cAMP signaling cascades, suggesting a novel peripheral mechanism underlying its analgesic effect.
Long–Term, Basin–Scale Salinity Impacts from Desalination in the Arabian/Persian Gulf
Authors: Paparella Francesco , D’Agostino Daniele , Burt John
Published: May 2022

The nations on the shoreline of the Arabian/Persian Gulf are the world’s largest users of desalination technologies, which are essential to meet their freshwater needs. Desalinated freshwater production is projected to rapidly increase in future decades. Thus, concerns have been raised that desalination activities may result in non–negligible long–term, basin–wide increases of salinity, which would have widespread detrimental effects on the Gulf marine ecosystems, with ripple effects on fisheries, as well as impacting the desalination activities themselves. We find that current desalinated freshwater production amounts to about 2% of the net evaporation from the Gulf. Projections to 2050 bring this value to 8%, leading to the possibility that, later in the second half of the century, desalinated freshwater production may exceed 10% of net evaporation, an amount which is comparable to interannual fluctuations in net evaporation. With the help of a model we examine several climatological scenarios, and we find that, under IPCC’s SSP5-8.5 worst–case scenarios, end–of–century increases in air temperature may result in salinity increases comparable or larger to those produced by desalination activities. The same scenario suggests a reduced evaporation and an increased precipitation, which would have a mitigating effect. Finally we find that, owing to a strong overturning circulation, high–salinity waters are quickly flushed through the Strait of Hormuz. Thus, even in the worst–case scenarios, basin–scale salinity increases are unlikely to exceed 1 psu, and, under less extreme hypothesis, will likely remain well below 0.5 psu, levels that have negligible environmental implications at the basin-wide scale.
Rare Syringoid Eccrine Carcinoma of the Upper Lip and Nasal Base Treated with Resection and Subsequent Innovative Reconstruction using an Abbé Flap, Turbinate Flaps and Three-stage Forehead Flap: A Case Report
Authors: Dvořák Zdeněk , Pink Richard , Heinz Petr , Michálek Jaroslav , Krsička Petr
Published: May 2022

Background: Although syringoma is a common benign tumor of the sudoriferous gland, there is also an extremely rare malignant form known as syringoid eccrine carcinoma (SEC). While this type of tumor usually exhibits slow growth with deep invasion and a frequent tendency to relapse, it usually does not metastasize. Few patients with SEC have been described in the literature.Case presentation: In this case, a 70-year-old man was diagnosed with an SEC at the same location as a benign syringoma of the upper lip and nasal base that had undergone primary excision 7 years prior. Primary radical resection was performed with immediate Abbé flap reconstruction. Nevertheless, histology revealed positive margins, and 3 additional re-excisions were needed to achieve clear margins. Four months after the initial resection, the patient had undergone an innovative reconstruction technique including not only the Abbé flap but also turbinate flap harvested with functional endonasal surgery and a three-stage forehead flap.Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of the malignant transformation of a benign syringoma after 7 years. In addition, from oncoplastic and reconstructive points of view, the bilateral use of the turbinate flap for reconstructing the intranasal lining of the alar base is unusual, and the use of functional endonasal surgery in nasal reconstruction for reducing the risk of damaging the vascular supply of the flap is innovative and has never been reported for SEC in the literature.
Tormentic acid, a triterpenoid compound isolated from the fruits of Chaenomeles speciose, protected indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal lesion via modulating miR-139 and CXCR4/CXCL12/PLC/ PKC/Rho A/MLC pathway
Authors: He Junyu , Ngwa Adeline Ngeng , Zhang Yuanyuan , He Haibo , He Yumin , Xu Daoxiang , Wang Xiao , Li Jie , Zhang Jihong , Xu Guofan , Wang Junzhi , Zou Kun
Published: May 2022

Our previous study demonstrated that pentacyclic triterpenoids from the fruits of Chaenomeles speciosa had prominent treatment functions on gastric damage patients and animals. However, little has been known about the pharmacological activity and mechanism of its each triterpene component (oleanolic acid, maslinic acid, betulinic acid, ursolic acid, 3-O-acetyl ursolic acid, 3-O-acetyl pomolic acid, tormentic acid (TA)). In current study, we found that TA possessed stronger cell protective effect and promoted proliferation activity on IND-damaged GES-1 cells than other triterpenoids from the fruits of Chaenomeles speciose by bioscreening. Therefore, we selected TA for further research. The results demonstrated that TA might ameliorate the gastric mucosal injury induced by IND, which was associated with accelerating the damaged GES-1 cell proliferation and migration, meliorating the injured rat GBF, ulcer inhibitor, ulcer area and pathologic changes of gastric mucous tissue, reducing the total acidity and volume of the gastric effluents, and raising the gastric pH; Further empirical research indicated that TA dramatically suppressed miR-139 mRNA expression, elevated CXCR4 and CXCL12 mRNA and protein expressions, p-PLC, p-PKC, Rho A, MLCK and p-MLC protein expressions. these data demonstrated that TA avoided gastric mucosal injury by suppressing miR-139 expression and activating the CXCR4/CXCL12/PLC/PKC/Rho A/MLC pathway, thereby boosting the epithelial cell proliferation and migration, and promoting the gastric damaged healing.
Determination of the Positional Relationship of the Second Houston Valve and Peritoneal Reflection Using Computed Tomographic Colonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Murai Shin , Kawai Kazushige , Nozawa Hiroaki , Sasaki Kazuhito , Murono Koji , Emoto Shigenobu , Ozawa Tsuyoshi , Yokoyama Yuichiro , Abe Shinya , Nagai Yuzo , Anzai Hiroyuki , Sonoda Hirofumi , Ishihara Soichiro
Published: May 2022

Purpose: The second Houston valve is used as a surrogate for estimating the position of the peritoneal reflection; however, the concordance between the positions of the valve and peritoneal reflection has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to clarify this positional relationship.Methods: The positions of the second Houston valve and peritoneal reflection were assessed using tomographic colonography and magnetic resonance imaging. In total, 117 patients were enrolled in this study. Results: The positions of the second Houston valve and peritoneal reflection were nearly concordant, although the space between them ranged from -20.7 to 33.9 mm. A peritoneal reflection located further from the anal verge than the second Houston valve was defined as a shallow peritoneal reflection. Male sex, high body weight, and high body mass index showed a significant correlation with a shallower peritoneal reflection as determined by univariate analysis (sex: P=0.0138, weight: P=0.0097, body mass index: P=0.0311). Multivariate analysis revealed significantly shallower peritoneal reflection in males (odds ratio: 2.75, 95% confidence interval: 1.15-6.56, P=0.023).Conclusions: The second Houston valve is located near the peritoneal reflection and can be a useful surrogate marker for estimating its position. In heavier males, the peritoneal reflection tends to be located more cranially than the second Houston valve.
Serum interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 responses in patients after major trauma: a prospective observational two centre study
Authors: Jones M. , Hanison J. , Apreutesei R. , Allarakia B. , Namvar S. , Ramaswamy D. S. , Horner D. , Smyth L. , Body R. , Columb M. , Nirmalan M. , Nirmalan N.
Published: May 2022

BackgroundThere is a need to develop objective risk stratification tools to define efficient care pathways for trauma patients. Biomarker-based point of care testing may strengthen existing clinical tools currently available for this purpose. The dysregulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of organ failure is well recognised. This preliminary study was carried out to evaluate whether blood concentrations of IL-6, IL-10 and IL-6:IL-10 ratios in the early stages of the illness are significantly different in patients with worsening organ function. MethodsIn this prospective observational cohort study, serum concentrations of IL-6 and IL-10 on days 1, 3 and 5 were measured in 91 major trauma patients using cytometric bead arrays. A composite measure of adverse outcome - defined as SOFA ≥ 2 or mortality at 7 days, was the primary outcome. IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations in early samples (days 1, 3 & 5) in patients who developed SOFA ≥ 2 on day 7 were compared against those who did not. Comparing cytokine concentrations against similar composite outcome groups at day 5 and in groups with worsening or improving SOFA scores (ΔSOFA) at Days 7 and 5 was undertaken as secondary analyses.ResultsOn day 7, 44 (48 %) patients showed adverse outcomes, associated with significantly greater IL-6 concentrations on days 1 and 5. (Day 1: 47.65 [23.24-78.68] pg/mL Vs 73.69 [39.93 – 118.07], P =0.040 and Day 5: 12.85 [5.80-19.51] pg/mL Vs 28.90 [8.78-74.08] pg/mL; P =0.0019). Similarly, IL-10 levels on days 3 and 5 were significantly greater in the adverse outcome group (Day 3: 2.54 [1.76-3.19] Vs 3.16 [2.68-4.21] pg/mL; P =0.044 and Day 5: 2.03 [1.65-2.55] Vs 2.90 [2.00-5.06] pg/mL; P <0.001). IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations were also significantly elevated in the adverse outcome groups on day 5. Conclusions Early IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations are significantly greater in patients who develop worsening organ functions downstream. These differences may provide an alternate biomarker-based approach to further strengthen risk stratification in trauma patients.
A novel pattern-based reversible data hiding technique for video steganography
Authors: Roselinkiruba R. , Shar T. Sree , Julina J. K.Josephine
Published: May 2022

This paper explains a novel pattern based color video data hiding technique based on moving regions detection. In the proposed system first the video gets separated into frames, and Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) compression is applied for every frame. Then, moving objects in the frames are detected and the image is separated into Red, Green, Blue (RGB) channel 2×3 pixel blocks. Further, Euclidean Distance (ED) is used to pair the left over moving pixels into blocks. Based on the hiding capacity of block in each channel, pattern based data hiding process in each channel is implemented. Applying same data hiding methods on all the three channels may affect the quality of the stego image. This can be solved by varying the different data hiding techniques applied on each channels. The proposed Reversible Data Hiding Interpolation with Pixel Value Differencing (RDHI+PVD) method hides the data into the up-scaled image by considering the weights between the pixels. In first channel and second channel, proposed RDHI+PVD and in third channel, only LSB data hiding is applied. Experimental results reveals that the average PSNR, average capacity, RS and PVD histogram analysis attacks obtained on the proposed method performs better than other state-of-the-art techniques.
In-hospital mortality due to extrapulmonary tuberculosis according to clinical and ultrasound features in Chókwè District, Mozambique. Retrospective hospital-based cohort study (2016-2020)
Authors: Nacarapa Edy , Munyangaju Isabelle , Osório Dulce , Zindoga Pereira , Mutaquiha Claudia , Jose Benedita , Macuacua Artur , Chongo Bartolomeu , de-Almeida Marcelo , Verdu Maria-Elisa , Ramos-Rincon Jose-Manuel
Published: May 2022

IntroductionIn resource-limited settings, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has great potential to support the timely diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB).ObjectivesWe aim to determine the in-hospital mortality due to EPTB according to clinical and ultrasound features and risk factors in newly diagnosed patients hospitalized for EPTB in Chókwè district, Mozambique.MethodsWe analyzed routinely collected data from paper medical files and electronic ultrasound records of EPTB in infected patients aged 15 years or older and admitted to Carmelo Hospital of Chókwè from 2016 to 2020. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and adjusted Cox regression analyses were used to model predictors of mortality and time to death.ResultsThe 390 included inpatients with EPTB and ultrasound data contributed a total of 6240 in-hospital person-days of observation. The overall mortality rate was 2.16 per 100 person-days. Adjusted Cox regression showed a higher risk of death in those with abdominal tenderness (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–2.82, p = 0.050), antiretroviral treatment (ART) for more than 90 days (aHR 4.03, 95% CI 1.50–10.78, p = 0.006), and mixed patterns on kidney ultrasound (aHR 2.91, 95% CI 1.38–6.10, p = 0.005). An optimal immunovirological response to ART was a protective factor against death [aHR] 0.12, 95% CI 0.04–0.35, p < 0.001).ConclusionVariables associated with an increased risk of death were male sex, abdominal pain, ART for more than three months (with immunovirological failure or non-response to ART) and having a mixed pattern of kidney ultrasound characteristics. Early detection of these risk factors may have a direct impact on reducing TB mortality, and the POCUS approach to diagnosing EPTB provides a simple, feasible and affordable intervention in resource-limited settings like Mozambique.
Optimal Design of Broadband Optical Waveguide Coupler Using Social Spider Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Singh Amit Kumar , Ranjan Rakesh
Published: May 2022

In photonic integrated circuits (PICs), one of the most crucial building blocks is optical waveguide couplers, which are usually utilized in Mach-Zehnder interferometer-based devices, for instance, power monitors, filters, and N-by-N optical switches.Such devices’ responses are needed to be wavelength insensitively for increment the operating bandwidths, particularly more than the C+L band for real-time applications (the wavelength’s spectral range = 1530 - 1630 nm). Hence, an optical waveguide coupler including a precise and broadband is necessary. In the platform of silicon-on-insulator (SOI), the typical directional couplers have containedtwo parallel waveguides and are broadly utilized in PICs due to their compactness and integrability. To achieve effectiveness in broadband optical waveguide coupler, a new design has been proposed in this work. For optimally designing broadband optical waveguide coupler, Social Spider Optimization algorithm is utilized. The proposed approach is implemented in the platform of MATLAB. And the simulated results have shown that the proposed approach has provided a better Optimal Design of Broadband Optical Waveguide Coupler than the existing approach.
Onychomycosis in Underrepresented Groups: An All of Us Database Analysis
Authors: Moseley Isabelle , Ragi Sara D. , Ouellette Samantha , Rao Babar
Published: May 2022

Few research studies evaluating the impact of dermatologic diseases in the United States (US) have adequately included underrepresented groups. All of Us (AoU) is an ongoing precision medicine-based research initiative by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that facilitates research in populations traditionally underrepresented in biomedical research by prioritizing them for data collection. Our objective was to evaluate the burden of onychomycosis in underrepresented groups defined by the framework provided by AoU. The AoU Registered Tier dataset version 5 was used which includes data collected between May 30, 2017 and April 1, 2021. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis linking survey and electronic health record (EHR) data to estimate the prevalence of onychomycosis in underrepresented groups defined by race, ethnicity, age (≥75 years), disability, sexual orientation/gender identity (LGBTQIA+), income (annual household income ≤$35 000) and education (less than a high school degree). The latest All of Us data release includes 329,038 participants. Of these, 251,597 (76%) had EHR data and 13,874 had onychomycosis (overall prevalence, 5.5%; 95% CI, 5.4– 5.6). Multivariate analyses adjusted by tinea pedis, diabetes mellitus, immune compromise, nail psoriasis, and insurance status, in addition to the aforementioned variables, revealed that, compared with White participants, Black and Hispanic participants had a higher adjusted odds of onychomycosis (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.23–1.36 and OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.17–1.31, respectively). Higher adjusted odds of onychomycosis were also observed in underrepresented groups. Our findings suggest a disproportionately high burden of onychomycosis in underrepresented groups, although further studies are needed to replicate our findings and address this disparity.
Proteomic Alterations Associated with Residual Disease in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Treated Ovarian Cancer Tissues
Authors: Penick Emily R. , Bateman Nicholas W. , Rojas Christine , Magana Cuauhtemoc , Conrads Kelly , Zhou Ming , Hood Brian L. , Wang Guisong , Parikh Niyati , Huang Ying , Darcy Kathleen M. , Casablanca Yovanni , Mhawech-Fauceglia Paulette , Maxwell G. Larry , Conrads Thomas
Published: May 2022

Background: Optimal cytoreduction to no residual disease (R0) correlates with improved disease outcome for high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients. Treatment of HGSOC patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, however, may select for tumor cells harboring alterations in hallmark cancer pathways including metastatic potential. This study assessed this hypothesis by performing proteomic analysis of matched, chemotherapy naïve and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT)-treated HGSOC tumors obtained from patients who had suboptimal (R1, n=6) versus optimal (R0, n=14) debulking at interval debulking surgery (IDS). Methods: Tumor epithelium was harvested by laser microdissection from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from matched, pre- and post-NACT treated tumors for twenty HGSOC patients and analyzed by quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Results: Differential analysis of patient matched pre- and post-NACT treated tumors revealed proteins associated with cell survival and metabolic signaling to be significantly altered in post-NACT treated tumor cells. Comparison of pre-NACT treated tumors from suboptimal (R1) versus optimally (R0) debulked patients identified proteins associated tumor cell viability and invasion signaling enriched in R1 patients. We identified five proteins altered between R1 and R0 patients in pre- NACT treated tumors that significantly correlated with PFS in an independent cohort of HGSOC patients, including Fermitin family homolog 2 (FERMT2), a protein elevated in R1 that correlated with disease progression in HGSOC patients (multivariate Cox HR=1.65, Wald p = 0.022) and increased metastatic potential in solid-tumor malignancies. Conclusions: This study identified distinct proteome profiles in patient matched pre- and post-NACT HGSOC tumors that correlate with NACT resistance and that may predict residual disease status at IDS that collectively warrant further pre-clinical investigation.
Hofmeister series salts have an unusual effect on the stability of Toxoplasma gondii Ferredoxin NADP+ Reductase
Authors: Singh Kulwant , Akhtar Md. Sohail
Published: May 2022

The ionic interactions play an important role in the stabilization of native conformation of proteins. Toxoplasma gondii Ferredoxin NADP+ Reductase (TgFNR) remains stable at pH 4.0 however the modulation of ionic interactions leads to the compaction and non-cooperativity in the folding of domains. To gain further insights into the role of ionic interactions in the stability of TgFNR, stabilized at neutral and acidic pH, salt dependent changes in the structure and thermodynamic stability was investigated. The kosmotropic salts (sodium fluoride and sodium sulphate) appears to induce the biphasic response on the structure and stability TgFNR. At pH about 4.0, the addition of low concentrations of kosmotropic salts significantly perturb the existing native like secondary structure of TgFNR, whereas higher quantities of salt reversed the denaturing impact. This is a one-of-a-kind situation that we are unaware of in any other protein. The urea-induced unfolding of TgFNR in the presence of a low dose of salt (100 mM) drastically affected the protein's thermodynamic stability at neutral pH. Increased salt concentrations, on the other hand, reversed the destabilizing effect, and the salts now behave according to their Hofmeister series ranking. Our findings imply that electrostatic interactions are exceptionally significant in the structure and stability of TgFNR, and the abnormal behaviour of the salts may be mediated by the existence of salt bridges, which stabilizes the native conformation of enzyme.
Lung ultrasound in COVID-19 pneumonia: the evolution of technique during pandemic and new scoring protocols. Are we closer to CT scan now? im N I Pirogova Minzdrava Rossii: FGBU Nacional'nyj mediko- hirurgiceskij Centr imeni N I Pirogova Ministerstva zdravoohranenia Rossijskoj Federacii
Authors: Щепарев Иван , Теплые Борис , Киреева Галина Галина , Проценко Денис , Коцюбинский Денис , Бронов Олег , Баланюк Элеонора
Published: May 2022

Background. Triage of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia is very time-sensitive. It allows effective rearrangement of hospital resources and can ultimately result in saving the life of the patient. Challenges of using CT scan in the overwhelmed healthcare system require the search for additional methods to differentiate severe COVID-19 pneumonia. We are proposing a new lung ultrasound (LUS) scoring protocols with good diagnostic characteristics to determine the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia which could be used along with CT scan during triage in emergency settings
Materials and methods. We retrospectively collected data from 161 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia, who underwent both CT scan and LUS within 24 hours of admission. Three consecutive LUS protocols, including two originated by the authors (LUS NMHC), have been tested to find the most reliable for the accurate COVID-19 pneumonia diagnosis (in terms of correlation with chest CT scan). We also tested the ability of LUS to differentiate between disease severity, as found on CT scans, as well as between different outcomes.
Results. Both 16-zone LUS NMHC and 12-zone LUS NMHC protocols showed good ability to differentiate between moderate (50% on CT scan) and severe lung damage (>50% on CT scan). AUC for the ROC curves were almost identical with 0.83 (95% CI, 0.75-0.90) and 0.81 (95% CI 0.73-0.88) for 16-zone LUS NMHC and 12-zone LUS NMHC protocols, respectively. The 16-zone LUS NMHC had optimal cutoff score of 20 with a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 82%, while 12-zone LUS NMHC provided optimal cutoff score of 15 with the same sensitivity but lower specificity of only 73%. Scores from neither 16-zone or 12-zone LUS NMHC protocols were predictive of the patient outcome.
Conclusion. Newly developed 16-zone LUS NMHC and 12-zone LUS NMHC protocols for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia proved to be feasible and had strong correlation with CT-findings. The 16-zone LUS NMHC protocol was more efficient in the triage of patients who had more than 50% of lung damage on CT. Both protocols could be useful in emergency settings and in the healthcare facilities with limited or no access to CT.
Trial registration: retrospectively registered
Non-linear relationship of maternal age with risk of spontaneous abortion: a case-control study in the China Birth Cohort
Authors: Zhang Man , Yang Bo-Yi , Sun Yongqing , Qian Zhengmin , Xaverius Pamela K. , Aaron Hannah E. , Liu Ruixia , Zhao Xiaoting , Zhang Zheng , Dong Guang-Hui , Yin Chenghong , Yue Wentao
Published: May 2022

Purpose Spontaneous abortion is one of the prevalent adverse reproductive outcomes, which seriously threatens maternal health around the world. The current study is aimed to evaluate the association between maternal age and risk for spontaneous abortion among adults in China.Methods This was a case-control study based on the China Birth Cohort, we compared 338 cases ending in spontaneous abortion with 1352 controls resulting in live births. The main exposure indicator and outcome indicator were maternal age and spontaneous abortion, respectively. We used both a generalized additive model and a two-piece-wise linear model to determine the association. We further performed interactive analyses to test the robustness of the association between maternal age and spontaneous abortion in different subgroups.Results We observed a J-shaped relationship between maternal age and spontaneous abortion risk, after adjusting for multiple covariates. Further, we found that the optimal threshold age was 29.68 years old. The adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of spontaneous abortion were 0.97 (0.90-1.06) on the left side of the turning point and 1.25 (1.28-1.31) on the right side. Additionally, none of the covariates studied modified the association between maternal age and spontaneous abortion (P > 0.05).Conclusions Advanced maternal age (>30 years old) was significantly associated with increased spontaneous abortion, supporting a J-shaped association between maternal age and spontaneous abortion.
Novel variants of the sternal muscle in an adult and an anencephalic infant: embryological insights and clinical implications
Authors: Farfán Emilio , Inzunza Oscar , Echeverria Mark , Insotroza Verónica , Gaete Marcia
Published: May 2022

Purpose: The sternal muscle is a supernumerary variant of the thoracic muscles found in 3-8% of the population. When present, it can be unilateral or bilateral, which can produce confusions during surgeries and imagenological examinations. Here we report the finding of the sternal muscle in two human cadavers, one adult and one anencephalic infant.Methods: The sternal muscles were dissected from the fixed human bodies and their morphometry analysed.Results: In the case of the adult, we observed two sternal muscles connected in the superior portion by a central tendon. In the case of the anencephalic infant, we found a bilateral sternal muscle, in which the bellies came from the contralateral pectoralis major muscles. The two sternal muscle variants found here were impossible to categorise according to the current classifications.Conclusions: The sternal muscle displays variants that are still not classified, as observed in the case of the adult and the infant, in which its presence was correlated with anencephaly. We discuss about this muscular variation in the clinical, imagenological and surgical context and propose a developmental link with the occurrence of neural tube closure defects.
Influence of Social networking sites on social capital formation among Emerging adults of Idukki, Kerala
Authors: Thomas Athulya , Kannan Srinivasan
Published: May 2022

Background: Social networking sites (SNS) enhance human relationships and decrease space by promoting computer-mediated communication. Emerging adults who interact in the virtual world have a definite role in physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. The paper aims to study the use of SNS and its influence on social capital formation among emerging adults. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted among 455 emerging adults study undergraduate courses in Idukki district following cluster sampling method. The self-reported questionnaire, contained a pattern of SNS usage, self-esteem (Rosenberg scale) and social capital (ISCC). Correlation and Linear regression analyses were performed. Results: Under graduation students studied Arts and Science (56%), Medicine (14%) and Engineering (30%). About 92% were dependent on their parents, 76% accessed SNS. Among them 57% accessed through smartphones. Students spent 60 minutes on SNS a day. More time was spent by Male students (43%) compared to females. Total friends in SNS, close friends and online-only friends were the predictors for Bonding Capital and online-only friends and close friends were predictors for bridging capital of social capital. Conclusions: Three-fourth of emerging adults accessed SNS. Half accessed through smartphones. SNS has contributed positively to social capital formation.
Editorial Page and Table of Content
Authors: Suprayogi Muhamad Nanang
Published: May 2022

Editorial Page and Table of Content
Ampliando conhecimentos sobre a prática das Intervenções Assistidas por Animais a partir de oficinas interativas
Authors: Pereira Viviane Ribeiro , Coimbra Valéria Cristina Christello , Nobre Márcia De Oliveira , De Lima Camila Moura , Sapin Carolina Da Fonseca , Krug Fernanda Dagmar Martins , Capella Sabrina De Oliveira , De Almeida Débora Matilde
Published: May 2022

Objetivo: O presente artigo tem como propósito relatar a experiência vivenciada por integrantes da equipe do Projeto Pet Terapia da Universidade Federal de Pelotas no planejamento e desenvolvimento de oficinas interativas sobre a temática das Intervenções Assistidas por Animais. Metodologia: As oficinas ocorreram durante os encontros promovidos pela Universidade Federal de Pelotas, respectivamente nos anos de 2017, 2018 e 2019. Participaram discentes da graduação, pós-graduandos, docentes e comunidade universitária em geral. Ministradas de forma expositiva e interativa, com apresentações de tópicos e imagens de vivências do Pet Terapia, além da interação dos participantes com cães coterapeutas do projeto. Resultados: a ampliação do entendimento com relação às Intervenções Assistidas por Animais em que se utilizou a metodologia de oficina interativa, apontaram que os participantes compreenderam essa abordagem terapêutica como estratégia passível de ser incorporada aos cuidados de saúde por equipe multidisciplinar. Conclusão: conclui-se que, a realização de oficinas interativas contribui para facilitar a ampliação do conhecimento da comunidade acadêmica e profissionais de saúde sobre as Intervenções Assistidas por Animias como prática complementar de cuidado em saúde.
Synthesis and CNS Activity of Phenytoin Derivatives
Authors: Chauhan Rahul , Verma Shweta , Shrivasatava Alankar
Published: May 2022

Background:

The derivatives of Phenytoin conjugated with various anilines were synthesized.
The synthesized derivatives were evaluated for different physicochemical parameters along with
Log P values using different software programs to discover their ability to cross the blood brain barrier.
The pharmacological activities such as antianxiety, skeletal muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant
were evaluated by using different models.

Objective:

The new Phenytoin derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for different properties to
predict CNS activity. The drugs synthesized by chloroacetylation and then different aniline were added
to it. The compounds were evaluated for their different CNS activity by using different methods.

Method:

The compounds were synthesized by firstly chloroacetylating the phenytoin and then different
substituted anilines were added to it. The compounds were evaluated for antianxiety activity, muscle
relaxant activity and anticonvulsant activity by using different models.

Result:

The number of derivatives of Phenytoin was synthesized and various physicochemical parameters
were optimized which revealed that the compound containing chloro groups such as C2 and
C5 exhibited significant potential when compared with the standard drug Diazepam.

Conclusion:

It was portrayed that the synthesis, computational studies and evaluation of anticonvulsant,
antianxiety and skeletal muscle relaxant activity of new Phenytoin derivatives were carried out.
The compounds were productively synthesized and portrayed by molecular docking studies. The compounds
also exhibit mild to moderate similarity with respect to standard drug. The synthesized drugs
have the potential to be optimized further to engender new scaffolds to treat various CNS disorders.
Continuous Control of Microbiological Contamination of Juice in a Sugar
Extractor
Authors: Iciek Jan , Ludwicki Marek , Błaszczyk Ilona
Published: May 2022

The paper discusses the causes and needs of controlling the level of microbiological
contamination of juice in a vertical extractor and the methods to control the level of contamination.
The requirements and possibilities for controlling the microbiological contamination level
of juice extracted from the vertical extractor are described using redox potential value measurement.
Aerating the extractor in a controlled manner, regulating the pH level of the juice, and implementing
one of the presented proposals on how to record the measurement results will automatically
regulate microbiological contamination levels of the juice in the tower extractor.