bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effectiveness Of Antibacterial Therapeutic Clothing Based On Silver Or Chitosan As Compared With Non-Antibacterial Therapeutic Clothing In Patients With Moderate To Severe Atopic Dermatitis (ABC Trial): Study Protocol For A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ragamin Aviël , Fieten Karin B. , Tupker Ron A. , de Wit Jill , Mierlo Minke M.F. van , Jansen Marieke , Bronner Madelon B. , Schappin Renske , Schuren Frank H.J. , Romeijn Margreet L.E. , Arents Bernd , Polinder Suzanne , de Graaf Marlies , Rustemeyer Thomas , Schuttelaar Marie-Louise S. , Pasmans Suzanne G.M.A.
Published: April 2021

Background:Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects 10% to 20% of children and between 2% and 15% of the adults in Western Europe. Since 2000 therapeutic clothing or functional textiles based on silver or chitosan as antibacterial agents were introduced for AD. These agents aim to reduce skin colonization with Staphylococcus (S.) aureus. Increased colonization with S. aureus is correlated with increased AD severity. The antimicrobial effects of silver and chitosan have been demonstrated before. At this point there is insufficient evidence for the effectiveness of antibacterial therapeutic clothing in patients with AD.Methods: This is a pragmatic randomized controlled double-blind multi-center trial comparing the effectiveness of antibacterial therapeutic clothing based on silver or chitosan as compared with non-antibacterial therapeutic clothing in patients with moderate to severe AD. A total of 165 participants, aged 0 to 80, diagnosed with moderate to severe AD are included. The study is performed in the Erasmus MC University Medical Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University Medical Center Utrecht, Amsterdam University Medical Centers and St. Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein. Patients will be randomized 1:1:1 into one of the three intervention groups: Group A will receive therapeutic clothing without antimicrobial agents, group B will receive microbial growth reducing therapeutic clothing based on chitosan, and group C will receive antimicrobial clothing based on silver. All therapeutic clothing is to be worn at night during the 12-month intervention period. Usual care is continued. The primary objective is to assess the effectiveness of antibacterial clothing (silver and chitosan group) as compared to non-antibacterial clothing assessed with the Eczema Area and Severity Index at 12 months compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes include between-group differences in physician and patient-reported outcome measures, topical therapy use, S. aureus skin colonization, and safety. Data will be collected at baseline, after 1 month, 3 months, 6 months an at 12 months. A cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed.Discussion:This trial will provide data on the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and safety of antibacterial therapeutic clothing for patients with AD. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04297215. Registered on 5 March 2020
Distance to Highway and Factory Density Related to Lung Cancer Death and Associated Spatial Heterogeneity in Effects in Jiading District, Shanghai
Authors: Zhang Na , Wang Yingjian , Yu Hongjie , Zhang Yiying , Xiang Fang , Jiang Honglin , Zheng Yingyan , Xiong Ying , Wang Zhengzhong , Chen Yue , Jiang Qingwu , Shao Yueqin , Zhou Yibiao
Published: April 2021

Objective
This study aimed to explore distance to highway and factory density related to lung cancer (LC) death and their spatial heterogeneity in effect.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study by using the data of registered LC patients in Jiading District from 2002 to 2012. Standard parametric model with weibull distribution was used to explore factors related to LC death and the spatial effect of environmental factors were detected by using spatial survival analysis.
Results
Shorter distance to highway (aOR = 1.15, 95% CI:1.03–1.30) and higher factory density (aOR = 1.20, 95% CI:1.05–1.37) were significantly associated with increased risks of LC death, and the associations showed spatial differences in northern and southern areas of Jiading District, respectively. High-risk areas were mainly distributed in the suburbs with a low population density, while low-risk areas were primarily located in the urban areas.
Conclusion
Traffic and factory-related pollution was significantly associated with increased risk of LC death with an obvious spatial heterogeneity.
Contextual Contact Tracing based on Stochastic Compartment Modeling and Spatial Risk Assessment
Authors: Mahmood Mateen , Mateu Jorge , Orallo Enrique Hernández
Published: April 2021

The current situation of COVID-19 highlights the paramount importance of infectious disease surveillance, which necessitates early monitoring for effective response. Policymakers are interested in data insights identifying high-risk areas as well as individuals to be quarantined, especially as the public gets back to their normal routine. We investigate both requirements by the implementation of disease outbreak modeling and exploring its induced dynamic spatial risk in form of risk assessment, along with its real-time integration back into the disease model. This paper implements a contact tracing-based stochastic compartment model as a baseline, to further modify the existing setup to include the spatial risk. This modification of each individual-level contact's intensity to be dependent on its spatial location has been termed as Contextual Contact Tracing. The results highlight that the inclusion of spatial context tends to send more individuals into quarantine which reduces the overall spread of infection. With a simulated example of an induced spatial high-risk, it is highlighted that the new spatio-SIR model can act as a tool to empower the analyst with a capability to explore disease dynamics from a spatial perspective. We conclude that the proposed spatio-SIR tool can be of great help for policymakers to know the consequences of their decision prior to their implementation.
Pediatric Obstructive Sleep-Disordered Breathing is Associated with Arterial Stiffness
Authors: Rossi-Monteiro Eduardo Machado , Sefair Laura Rodrigues , Lima Marcos Correia , Nascimento Maria Fernanda Lima , Mendes-Pinto Daniel , Anschuetz Lukas , Rodrigues-Machado Maria Gloria
Published: April 2021

Purpose
The association between obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (oSDB) and arterial stiffness, an independent predictor of cardiovascular outcomes, is not well established in children. This study compared cardiovascular parameters between healthy and oSDB children and aimed to identify predictors of arterial stiffness indices in children with oSDB.
Methods
Cross-sectional study realized in a tertiary hospital from June 2018 to January 2020. 48 children (3 to 10 years old) with clinical diagnosis of oSDB and indication for adenotonsillectomy and 24 controls were evaluated. Cardiovascular parameters were measured non-invasively by brachial artery oscillometry with a portable device. The main arterial stiffness indices assessed were augmentation index and pulse wave velocity, both derived from the aortic pulse wave. In the oSDB group, the questionnaires Obstructive Sleep Apnea-18 and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0 were applied.
Results
The oSDB group had higher values of reflection coefficient (p = 0.044) and augmentation index (p = 0.003) than the control group. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that age, female sex, reflection coefficient and systolic volume were independent predictors of augmentation index. Higher pulse wave velocity values were associated with worse quality of life assessed by PedsQL questionnaire. There was no association with OSA-18. The vascular and hemodynamic parameters were similar in both groups.
Conclusion
Children with oSDB have increased augmentation index, an independent predictor of cardiovascular outcomes. The early identification of subclinical cardiovascular changes reinforces the importance of treating the disease, as well as changing lifestyle habits, to prevent complications in adulthood.
The Use of Online Video Consultations in the Aftercare of Orthopedic Patients: a Prospective Case-control Study
Authors: Estel Katharina , Weber Gordian , Fellmer Felix , Richter Luise , Tsitsilonis Serafeim , Willy Christian , Back David Alexander
Published: April 2021

Background: Video consultations have proven to be a powerful support for patient-doctor interactions, not only at times of the Covid-19 pandemic. This study analyzed both patients’ and doctors’ acceptance of an orthopedic telemedical consultation (OTC) and compared the examination results of OTC to live consultation (LC) results for discrepancies.Methods: The study was carried out in an orthopedic department of a German hospital between 2019 and 2020. After written informed consent, patients presented voluntarily for follow-ups by OTC and additionally in LC. Both patients and doctors were evaluated for their OTC experience and attitude (Likert-scaled and open questions, 26 to 28 items). The examination results of the OTC versus the LC were compared using a 12-items-checklist. Data was analyzed by quantitative and qualitative statistics. Results: A total of 53 patient cases were included. The OTC atmosphere was rated as pleasant and the experience as very satisfying (average rating on 5-point Likert-Scale, with 1 as strong agreement: doctors: 1.2; patients: 1.3). Various technical and organizational challenges could be identified. OTC, compared to LC, showed no significant differences in patient history, and for results in inspection, palpation and active range of motion. Only in the functional or “passive joint assessment” LC showed a significantly higher suitability (p < 0.05) compared to OTC. Recommendations for further procedures as a result from the OTC, did not significantly differ from the LC.Conclusion: Because of the positive acceptance and the objective benefit of OTC, with very similar clinical results to LC, OTC is recommendable for orthopedic follow-up examinations. In order to assess the functionality of a joint even better, meaningful digital alternatives for already established examination methods should be further investigated.
Peripheral Inflammation is Associated with brain SPECT Perfusion Changes in Schizophrenia
Authors: FOND Guillaume , GAROSI Alexandra , Faugere Mélanie , Campion Jacques-Yves , LANCON Christophe , Boyer Laurent , RICHIERI Raphaelle , Guedj Eric
Published: April 2021

Purpose. Peripheral inflammation is frequent in schizophrenia, and plays a major role in pathophysiology, prognosis, and persistence of psychotic symptomatology under treatment. Aim. To determine the correlation between peripheral inflammation and brain SPECT perfusion in stabilized antipsychotic-treated outpatients with schizophrenia, and to determine whether such perfusion changes are correlated to persistent symptoms. Methods. Highly sensitive C-reactive protein blood level (hs-CRP) and brain SPECT perfusion were assessed in 137 stabilized outpatients with schizophrenia. Whole-brain voxel-based associations were searched with SPM between SPECT perfusion and hs-CRP (correlation analysis to quantitative levels and between-group analysis according to a threshold of 3mg/L). The identified clusters were secondarily correlated with clinical symptoms.Results. After adjustment for age, sex, educational level, illness duration, antidepressant, chlorpromazine equivalent dose, tobacco smoking and obesity, a negative correlation was found between hs-CRP level and the perfusion of 4 brain areas: the right inferior frontal gyrus, the right middle/superior temporal gyrus, the left superior parietal lobe and the right postcentral/transverse temporal gyrus (p-voxel < 0.001, k > 80, uncorrected). An increased perfusion of the left amygdala was found in patients with hs-CRP ≥ 3 mg/L compared to those with hs-CRP level < 3mg/L. A negative correlation was found between perfusion of the right inferior frontal gyrus and the persistence of positive, negative and excitement symptoms under antipsychotic treatment. Conclusion. In stabilized patients with schizophrenia, peripheral inflammation is associated with brain perfusion changes that are correlated with the persistence of psychotic symptomatology.
Availability and Reliability in MEC-enabled UAVs for URLLC
Authors: Falcao Marcos , Souza Caio Bruno , Balieiro Andson , Dias Kelvin
Published: April 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
What's behind 68Ga-PSMA-11 Uptake in Primary Prostate Cancer PET? Investigation of Histopathological Parameters and Immunohistochemical PSMA Expression Patterns.
Authors: Rüschoff Jan H. , Ferraro Daniela A. , Muehlematter Urs J. , Hermanns Thomas , Rodewald Ann-Katrin , Moch Holger , Eberli Daniel , Burger Irene A. , Rupp Niels J.
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA-) PET has become a promising tool in staging and restaging of prostate carcinoma (PCa). However, specific primary tumour features might impact accuracy of PSMA-PET for PCa detection. We investigated histopathological parameters and immunohistochemical PSMA expression patterns on radical prostatectomy (RPE) specimens and correlated them to the corresponding 68Ga-PSMA-11-PET examinations.Methods: RPE specimen of 62 patients with preoperative 68Ga-PSMA-11-PET between 2016 and 2018 were analyzed. WHO/ISUP grade groups, growth pattern (expansive vs. infiltrative), tumour area and diameter as well as immunhistochemical PSMA heterogeneity, intensity and negative tumour area (PSMA%neg) were correlated with spatially corresponding SUVmax on 68Ga-PSMA-11-PET in a multidisciplinary analysis.Results: All tumours showed medium to strong membranous (2-3+) and weak to strong cytoplasmic (1-3+) PSMA expression. Heterogeneously expressed PSMA was found in 38 cases (61%). Twenty-five cases (40%) showed at least 5% and up to 80% PSMA%neg. PSMA%neg, infiltrative growth pattern, smaller tumour area and diameter and WHO/ISUP grade group 2 significantly correlated with lower SUVmax values. A ROC curve analysis revealed 20% PSMA%neg as an optimal cutoff with the highest sensitivity and specificity (89% and 86%, AUC 0.923) for a negative PSMA-PET scan. A multiple logistic regression model revealed tumoural PSMA%neg (p<0.01, OR=9.629) and growth pattern (p=0.0497, OR=306.537) as significant predictors for a negative PSMA-PET scan.Conclusions: We describe PSMA%neg, infiltrative growth pattern, smaller tumour size and WHO/ISUP grade group 2 as parameters associated with a lower 68Ga-PSMA-11 uptake in prostate cancer. These findings can serve as fundament for future biopsy-based biomarker development to enable an individualized, tumour-adapted imaging approach.
Investigation of contamination pathway and human health risk assessment from metals in milk from the cows grazing in an industrial area: a mass balance approach
Authors: Chaithanya Muthyala Sai , Das Bhaskar , R Vidya
Published: April 2021

The water bodies within the industrial areas are often used for the disposal of effluents leading to heavy metal contamination in water, soil, and vegetation. However, the impact of this metal enrichment on the food web has not been much explored. The present study investigates the food chain contamination of eight metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) in the milk from the cattle grazing on a shallow lake bed within the industrial town of Ranipet, India, and associated health risk from the consumption in adults and children. The average concentrations were found to be 24.93, 7.08, 3.31, 0.18, 0.12, 0.08, 0.014, and 0.008 in mg/L for Zn, Al, Fe, Cr, Pb, Mn, Cu, and Cd, respectively. The hazard indices ranged from 0.55 to 1.85 for children; the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) values of Cd and Cr were above 10 − 4 for consumption of milk in both adults and children, which signify serious health risk. The mass balance evaluates the primary intake of all the metals, except Al, are from forage; where for Al it is from the soil. The existing milk consumption patterns projected that 531 children and 1279 adults, drinking contaminated milk are at considerable risk. The analyses of tail switch hair samples indicated the cattle are also environmentally exposed to metals indicating their subclinical effect. Hence the study alerts the elevated and often overlooked risk associated with the food chain contamination from milk in the industrial belt and recommends stringent quality control and monitoring.
Interacting roles of COMT and GAD1 genes in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia: A genetic association study of schizophrenia patients and healthy controls
Authors: Kogure Masanobu , Kanahara Nobuhisa , Miyazawa Atsuhiro , Oishi Kengo , Nakata Yusuke , Oda Yasunori , Iyo Masaomi
Published: April 2021

Background
The projection from dopaminergic neurons to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) interneurons in the prefrontal cortex is involved in the etiology of schizophrenia. The impact of interacting effects between dopamine signals and the expression of GABA on the clinical phenotypes of schizophrenia has not been studied. Since these interactions could be closely involved in prefrontal cortex functions, patients with specific alleles of these relevant molecules (which lead to lower or vulnerable genetic functions) may develop treatment-refractory symptoms. Subjects and
Methods
We conducted a genetic association study focusing on COMT and GAD1 genes for a treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) group (n = 171), a non-TRS group (n = 592) and healthy controls (HC: n = 437), and we examined allelic combinations specific to TRS.
Results
The results revealed that the percentage of subjects with Met allele of rs4680 on the COMT gene and C/C homozygote of rs3470934 of the GAD1 gene was significantly higher in the TRS group than the other two groups. There was no significant difference between the non-TRS group and HC groups.
Conclusions
Considering the direction of functions of these single-nucleotide polymorphisms revealed by previous studies, we speculate that subjects with the Met/CC allelic combination could have a higher dopamine level and a lower expression of GABA in the prefrontal cortex. Our results suggest that an interaction between the dopaminergic signal and GABA signal intensities could differ between TRS patients and patients with other types of schizophrenia and healthy subjects.
N-glycoproteomic analysis of Ginsenoside Rb1 on a hyperlipidemia rat model
Authors: Ma Yixin , Ning Shunyu , Song Nan , Chen Si , Leng Xue , Jia Lianqun , Yang Guanlin
Published: April 2021

Background: Ginsenoside Rb1, known as Renshen in traditional Chinese medicine, is one of the major bioactive saponins isolated from Panax ginseng C.A.Mey. N-glycosylation is the most common type of post-translational modification in cells. The widespread localization of N-glycosylated proteins (N-glycoproteins) between extracellular spaces and on the cell surfaces give them unique advantages as disease biomarkers and drug targets. Previous study found that Ginsenoside Rb1 could potentially play a preventive role in hyperlipidemia. This study aims to reveal the hypolipidemic effect at the protein modification level. Methods: 24 male SD rats were randomly devided into 3 groups: control group (CON), high fat diet group (HFD) and Ginsenoside Rb1 group (Rb1). Both HFD and Rb1 groups were fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks. The Rb1 group started intragastric administering Ginsenoside Rb1 200 mg·kg -1 ·d -1 at 5th week for 8 weeks, while the CON and HFD group the same amount of normal saline for the same amount of time. Lipid levels and liver histology were assayed to evaluate the effects of Ginsenoside Rb1 intake on hyperlipidemia rats. Furthermore, the workflow by combination of isotope TMT labeling, HILIC enrichment, and high-resolution LC-MS/MS analysis were employed to exploring the mechanisms of regulation role in hyperlipidemia rats.Results: The histopathologic characteristics and biochemical data shows that Ginsenoside Rb1 exhibited regulative effects on hyperlipidemia rats. After being analyzed by N-glycoproteomic, 98 differential N-glycosylation sites on 53 glycoproteins between 2 comparison groups (HFD: CON, Rb1: HFD) were identified. Analyses of N-glycosylation sites distribution found that albumin (Alb) and Serpinc1 were most heavily modified with 6 N-glycosylation sites changed in this work. GO enrichment analysis showed that differential modified glycoproteins were involved in inflammatory response, cellular iron ion homeostasis and positive regulation of cholesterol efflux etc. biosynthetic process. Complement and coagulation cascades was the most significant enriched in the KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Conclusions: This study presents a comprehensive analysis of a new set of N-glycoproteins which are altered by Ginsenoside Rb1 and offers some valuable clues for novel mechanistic insights into the ragulative mechanism of Ginsenoside Rb1. Results from N-glycoproteomic suggest that to suppress hyperlipidemia, Rb1 may regulates N-glycosylation of Alb, Serpinc1, PON1, Lrp1, Cp and THBS1, as well as differentially modified glycoproteins in complement and coagulation cascades, which in turn improve the imbalance of lipid homeostasis.
Prey Refuges in Emergent Vegetation Enhance Diving Beetle (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) Diversity in Urban Ponds in the Presence of Predatory Fish
Authors: Liao Wenfei , Venn Stephen , Niemelä Jari
Published: April 2021

Aquatic plants are important prey refugia for aquatic organisms, and their species richness is positively related with aquatic invertebrate species richness. Yet, little is known about how the quantity of refugia, i.e. aquatic vegetation cover, affect aquatic invertebrate assemblages and their habitat use in different levels of predation risks. Here, we investigated how provision of refugia affects diving beetle (Dytiscidae) species richness and abundance in the presence and absence of fish predators. We found that plant cover affected dytiscid populations differently: (1) At the pond level, dytiscid presence was positively correlated with increasing plant cover, both with and without fish, indicating the importance of emergent plants for aquatic biodiversity. (2) At the microhabitat level, dytiscid species richness and abundance responded positively to increasing plant cover in ponds with fish, but there was no such relationship in fishless ponds, emphasizing that the level of predation risks can alter prey species’ use of prey refugia. Our findings provide evidence that the availability of both vegetated and non-vegetated microhabitats can benefit a diversity of aquatic invertebrates. We suggest maintaining variation in provision of emergent plant cover to retain high habitat heterogeneity in urban ponds to enhance freshwater biodiversity.
Genetic and tumor microenvironment differences between cell cycle progression pathway altered/non-altered patients with lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shan Guangyao , Bi Guoshu , Bian Yunyi , Valeria Besskaya , Zeng Dejun , Zhang Huan , Yao Guangyu , Zhang Yi , Fan Hong , Zhan Cheng
Published: April 2021

Background

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, among which lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common type. Identified as a hallmark of cancer, the dysregulated cell cycle progression plays an important role in the promotion and progression of LUAD. This article aims to elucidate the heterogeneity between CDKN2A-CDK/cyclin-RB1 cell cycle progression pathway altered /non-altered patients with LUAD, thus helping us have a better understanding of the effect of the aberrant cell cycle.
Material and Methods

The data of this study were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data portal (https://portal.gdc.cancer.gov/) and UCSC Xena Browser (http://xena.ucsc.edu/), including simple nucleotide variation data, RNA-seq gene expression data, survival data, clinical data, and miRNA expression data. After matching the RNA-seq gene expression data, simple nucleotide variation data, miRNA expression data, and survival data with clinical data, 510 gene and long non-coding RNA expression data, 506 simple nucleotide variation data, 440 microRNA expression data, and 497 survival data were included in this study for further analysis. R software (version 4.0.3) was used for analysis.
Results

After dividing the patients into mutation (n = 57) and wild (n = 453) groups according to the cell cycle progression pathway status, we found no significant difference in survivorship between them. The mutation group had a higher mutational load and mutational rates of various genes such as tumor protein P53 (TP53) compared to the wild group. Subsequently, we analyzed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two groups. Among the 58387 genes analyzed, 302 were upregulated, and 354 were downregulated in the mutation group. Enrichment analysis indicated that these DEGs were closely related to metabolism items and cell cycle-related events. After performing immune cell infiltration analysis, we found the two groups have different patterns of immune cell profiling. Albeit the immune and stromal scores were higher in the wild group, we failed to find any significant difference between the two groups. Finally, we build a computational model to predict the cell cycle progression pathway-related gene mutation by LASSO-binary logistic regression analysis, the predictive accuracy of which is 0.88.
Conclusion

In summary, our study compared the genetic and microenvironment differences between cell cycle progression pathway altered /non-altered patients with LUAD by analyzing the data from TCGA datasets. We hope our findings could improve our understanding of the heterogeneity between the two kinds of patients, thus providing new insight into LUAD patients' treatments.
Mesenchymal stromal cells attenuate pulmonary fibrosis via macrophage
Authors: Tang Zan , Gao Junxiao , Wu Jie , Zeng Guifang , Liao Yan , Song Zhenkun , Liang Xiao , Hu Junyuan , Hu Yong , Liu Muyun , Li Nan
Published: April 2021

Background：Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a growing clinical problem with limited therapeutic options. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cell (hucMSC) therapy is being investigated in clinical trials for the treatment of PF patients. However, little is known about the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of hucMSC therapy on PF. In this study, the molecular and cellular behavior of hucMSC was investigated in a bleomycin induced mouse PF model. Methods: The effect of hucMSC on mouse lung regeneration was determined by detecting Ki67 expression and Edu incorporation in alveolar type 2 (AT2) and lung fibroblast cells. The hucMSC was transfected to express the membrane localized GFP before transplant into the mouse lung. The cellular behavior of hucMSC in mouse lung was tracked by GFP staining. Single cell RNA sequencing was performed to investigate the molecular mechanism of hucMSC on PF. Results: hucMSCs could alleviate collagen accumulation in lung and decrease the mortality of mouse induced by bleomycin. hucMSCs transplantation promoted AT2 cell proliferation and inhibited lung fibroblast cell proliferation. Mouse lung macrophage phenotype was changed after interacting with hucMSCs. By using single-cell RNA sequencing, a subcluster of interferon-sensitive macrophages were identified after hucMSC infusion. These macrophages elevate the secretion of CXCL9 and CXCL10 following hucMSC infusion and recruit more Treg cells to the injured lung. Conclusions: Our study establishes a link between hucMSCs, macrophage proliferation, and PF with potential applications in PF therapeutics. It provides new insights into how hucMSCs interact with macrophage during the repair process of bleomycin-induced PF and play its immunoregulation function.
Benzylmalonyl-Coa Dehydrogenase, An Enzyme Involved in Bacterial Auxin Degradation
Authors: Schühle Karola , Saft Martin , Vögeli Bastian , Erb Tobias J. , Heider Johann
Published: April 2021

A novel acyl-CoA dehydrogenase involved in auxin degradation in Aromatoleum aromaticum was identified as a decarboxylating benzylmalonyl-CoA dehydrogenase (IaaF). It is encoded within the iaa operon coding for enzymes of auxin catabolism. Using enzymatically produced benzylmalonyl-CoA, the reaction was characterized as simultaneous oxidation and decarboxylation of benzylmalonyl-CoA to cinnamoyl-CoA and CO2. Oxygen served as electron acceptor and was reduced to H2O2, whereas electron transfer flavoprotein or artificial dyes serving as electron acceptors for other acyl-CoA dehydrogenases were not accepted. The enzyme is homotetrameric, contains an FAD cofactor and is enantiospecific in benzylmalonyl-CoA turnover. It shows high catalytic efficiency and strong substrate inhibition with benzylmalonyl-CoA, but otherwise accepts only a few medium-chain alkylmalonyl-CoA compounds as alternative substrates with low activities. Its reactivity of oxidizing 2-carboxyacyl-CoA with simultaneous decarboxylation is unprecedented and indicates a modified reaction mechanism for acyl-CoA dehydrogenases, where elimination of the 2-carboxy group replaces proton abstraction from C2.
Identification of the Terpenoid Compounds and Behavioral Assays of Alarm Pheromones in the Vetch Aphid Megoura Viciae
Authors: Song Xuan , Qin Yao-Guo , Yin Yue , Li Zheng-Xi
Published: April 2021

Aphids are destructive insect pests worldwide, and alarm pheromones play a key role in their chemical ecology. However, the composition and key active components of alarm pheromone differentiate among aphid species. Here we conducted a detailed analysis of the terpenoid compounds in the vetch aphid Megoura viciae and its host plant Pisum sativum by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that a variety of terpenoid compounds existed in the aphid, with four major terpene components, i.e., (-)-β-pinene (49.74%), (E)-β-farnesene (32.64%), (-)-α-pinene (9.42%) and (+)-limonene (5.24%), in addition to a trace amount of minor terpenoid components (3.14%). In contrast, the terpenoid compounds were relatively scarce in the host plant, mainly consisting of squalene (66.13%) and its analogue 2,3-epoxysqualene (31.59%) in addition to some minor components. Quantitative analysis of the dynamics of four major terpene components during different developmental stages showed that the monoterpenes increased with continuous development, while the sesquiterpene reached peak at the 3rd -instar; all terpene components remained at a high level in the 4th -instar, with (-)-β-pinene accounting for the highest proportion during all developmental stages. Behavioral assays with single components and mixtures at different concentrations were conducted in a three-compartment olfactometer, revealing that the repellent activities of single components varied in a concentration-dependent manner, but two mixtures (1:44.4:6.5:2.2 and 1:18.4:1.3:0.8) prepared according to the proportions of four major components at the 3rd - and 4th -instar stages maintained a significant repellent activity at all concentrations tested. Our results suggested that (-)-α-pinene and (-)-β-pinene were the major active components of alarm pheromone in M. viciae, but the mixtures of single components play a key role in the alarm behavior of M. viciae. Our study helps to understand the chemical ecology of insects and design alternative control strategies against aphids.
Electrolyte and Acid-base Disturbances in Emergency High-risk Abdominal Surgery, A Retrospective Study
Authors: Cihoric Mirjana , Kehlet Henrik , Lauritsen Morten Laksafoss , Højlund Jakob , Foss Nicolai Bang
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUNDPatients undergoing emergency high-risk abdominal surgery potentially suffer from both systemic dehydration and hypovolaemia. Data on the prevalence and clinical impact of electrolyte disturbances in this patient group, specifically the potential differences in patients with intestinal obstruction (IO) versus perforated viscus (PV) is lacking. METHODSIn this retrospective single center cohort study, adult patients undergoing emergency high-risk abdominal surgery in a standardized perioperative pathway were included. Electrolyte and arterial blood gas analysis were measured prior to and just after surgery. Prevalence and clinical impact of electrolyte disturbances were assessed. RESULTSA total of 354 patients were included in the study. Acid-base and electrolyte disturbances had a high incidence in both groups with preoperative alkalemia dominating preoperatively, significantly more prevalent in IO (45 vs.32%, p<.001), and acidosis being most pronounced postoperatively in PV (49 vs. 28%, p<.0001). Preoperative hypochloraemia and hypokalemia were more prevalent in the IO group (34 vs 20 % and 37 vs 25 % respectively). Hyponatremia was highly prevalent in both IO and PV. Of the electrolyte and acid-base disturbances pre- and postoperative hypochloremia were the only ones independently associated with day-30 postoperative major complications and/or death in patients with IO, OR 2.87 (1.35, 6.23) p= 0.006 and OR 6.86 (1.71, 32.2) p= 0.009 respectively. Hypochloremic patients presented with reduced long-term survival as compared with the normo- and hyperchloremic patients, with postoperative hypochloremia having the most pronounced association (p<0.05). Neither plasma sodium nor potassium showed association with outcome.CONCLUSIONThese observations suggest that both acute high risk abdominal patient have frequent preoperative alkalosis shifting to postoperative acidosis, and that both pre- and postoperative hypochloremia are independently associated with both impaired short- and long-term outcome in patients with intestinal obstruction, which potential implications for the choice of resuscitations fluids. Research on pathophysiology and treatment strategies for electrolyte disturbances are needed in patients undergoing emergency high- risk abdominal surgery.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies reveal NF-kappa B as a strong therapeutic drug target for COVID19
Authors: Ahmad Shaban , Bhanu Piyush , Kumar Jitendra , Pathak Ravi Kant , Mallick Dharmendra , Mishra Vachaspati
Published: April 2021

COVID19 caused due to SARS-CoV2, is rampant world wide and human beings with previous history of other major ailments are increasingly at risk of mortality due to this disease in a predetermined manner. Countries have developed vaccines claiming to counter the SARS-CoV2 virus to a great extent. However, convincing evidences are lacking in this regard as mortality post-vaccination is not uncommon, though exact reason of the morbidity is unknown yet. Our current work primarily focuses on molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) targeting NF-kappa B (NF-κB), the well-known human transcription factor that controls innate and adaptive immunity, with an aim to understand its mechanism of action under COVID19 virus load in humans. To understand this, NF-κB was made to interact with spike protein of SARS-CoV2 in an in silico experimental design employing Molecular Dynamics Simulation (MDS) studies. Some interesting findings were made revealing the site of NF-κB at which spike protein of SARS-CoV2 interacts. We attempted to subject some known drugs to be screened based on their docking studies with nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) to MDS studies. MDS Software Schrodinger generated more than 2000 complexes from these compounds and structure exportation was hence not possible. Using the SMILE IDs of 243 ligands, we generated a total of 411 confirmers employing the ligand preparation wizard. These were docked at the active site using the Glide program. A drug named Sulindac sodium (Molecular Formula C20H16FO3S) was found having ability to target NF-κB and can be repurposed for controlling SARS-CoV2 based on the positive results obtained during MDS analysis. This drug showed potency to block the spike protein’s interaction with NF-κB by bringing about a conformational change in the latter. It is hypothesized presently that NF-κB activation that leads to migration of this molecule to nucleus for gene transcription and immunity inhibition, is triggered either directly by binding of spike protein to NF-κB or spike protein’s interaction with some pathway kinase that phosphorylates IκBs, another molecule essential to get released from the NF-κB-IκB complex, to set NF-κB free to get translocated to nucleus for action. Arguably, NF-κB inaction is desired to allow normal immunity to become functional and can possibly be retained using our repurposed drug-based interaction. This work provides a significant lead in the knowledge on drug development for tackling SARS-CoV2 and its various mutant forms by blocking the functioning of the virus in a NF-κB-dependent manner in host tissues and opens up new vistas in controlling critical state SARS-CoV2 disease.
Changes in Chinese Patients' Trust in Doctor:a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: LIU Yuting , WANG Pei
Published: April 2021

Background: To understand how patient’s trust has changed over time in China and explore the influencing factors of the changes.Methods: Databases were systematically searched from inception to Jan 1, 2020 for studies of patient’s trust in China investigating the change of the patient’s trust over time and the factors which influence the trust.Results: The cross-temporal meta-analysis results showed that the total trust, benevolence trust and technical competence trust of Chinese patients decreased rapidly across the year of data collection. The related meta-analysis results showed that trust and patient demographic variables have a weak but significant correlation (gender: r = 0·032; 95% CI 0·012, 0·052; p = 0·002; age: r = 0·079; 95% CI 0·047, 0·111; p < 0·001; education: r = 0·092; 95% CI 0·054, 0·131; p < 0·001). The medical policy stage and patient type had a significant influence on changes of trust.Conclusion: Patients’ trust in doctors have declined with increasing years, and farmer-friendly policy, conflicts and individuals’ characteristics influence patients’ trust.Practice implication: Chinese government should attach importance to the public welfare-oriented policies. Medical institutions need pay more attention to the diverse trust levels of different patient groups and strengthen the training of doctors’ benevolence skills.
Health promotion interventions to increase cervical cancer screening uptake in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Afaya Agani , Konlan Kennedy Diema , Mensah Eugenia , Suuk Amos Nawunimali , Kombat Damata Issahaku , Hayford Linda , Yakong Vida Nyagre
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women and approximately 500,000 new cases are diagnosed yearly. It is increasingly imperative to use effective methods of early detection and initialization of treatment for cervical cancer especially among women from vulnerable poor communities through the initiation of effective health promotion interventions. This study will coalesce the sporadic, and uncoordinated interventions that have been used by researchers to give a single unit that describes and assess the most effective means of health promotion interventions. Methods: The PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review methodology will be used to guide the reporting of this scoping review. The three-step search strategy for scoping reviews will be adopted to electronically search databases such as PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL via EBSCOhost), Web of Science, and EMBASE. After search completion, the citations of the articles will be imported to EndNote X9 (version 1.19.6) reference manager for screening, removal of duplicates, and storage. Two of the researchers (AA, KDK) will independently screen the titles and abstracts in accordance with the inclusion criteria specified in this protocol. The proposed review will consider primary published peer-review articles published articles in English language from 2010-2021. Data extracted from selected studies will include author(s), publication year, country, research design and aim, study population, interventions, outcome measure, and major findings. The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses will be used to assess the quality of the included articles.Discussion: We envisage that the findings from this review will firstly identify the various types of interventions implemented in the sub-Saharan African countries to increase the uptake of cervical cancer screening. Secondly, the findings will provide an overview of the outcome measures and identify effective interventions implemented in all the studies to increase cervical cancer uptake in SSA. Finally, the review will guide future research in developing, implementing, and evaluating appropriate health promotion interventions tailored towards increasing cervical cancer screening uptake.Scoping review registration: The review has been registered in the Open Science Framework with the registration number (osf.io/yad46)
Interstitial Washdown and Vascular Albumin Refill During Fluid Infusion: Novel Kinetic Analysis From Three Clinical Trials
Authors: Hahn Robert , Dull Randal O
Published: April 2021

Background and Aims. Increased capillary filtration may paradoxically accelerate vascular refill of both fluid and albumin from the interstitial space, which are claimed to be edema-preventing. We characterized “interstitial washdown” by kinetic analyses of the hemodilution induced by intravenous infusion of crystalloid fluid during 3 distinctphysiological states.Methods. The dilution of blood hemoglobin and plasma albumin was compared by population volume kinetic analysis during and after intravenous infusion Ringer´s solution over 30 min in 24 conscious volunteers and 30 anesthetized patients. Data were also retrieved from 31 patients with ketoacidosis from hyperglycemia who received 1 L of0.9% saline. Greater plasma dilution of hemoglobin as compared to albumin indicated recruitment of albumin.Results. “Interstitial washdown” increased plasma albumin concentration by 0.6 g/L in volunteers, by 1.0 g/L during anesthesia, and by 0.3 g/L in ketoacidosis patients. The albumin concentration in extravascular fluid returning to the plasma was approximately 29, 29, and 22 g/L during the respective infusions, but decreased to an average of 50% to 75% lower during the subsequent 2-3 h. Pronounced washdown was associated with increased capillary filtration (high k12) and, in conscious subjects, with fluid retention due to restricted urine flow. During anesthesia, the main effect was an increase the nonexchangeable fluid volume (“third-spacing”).Conclusions. Fluid infusion induces interstitial washdown by accelerated lymphatic flow and an increase in plasma albumin. The mechanism becomes exhausted after 2-3 hours. Albumin refill helps retain infused volume within the vascular compartment.
Selected ‘Starter Kit’ energy system modelling data for Benin (#CCG)
Authors: Allington Lucy , Cannone Carla , Pappis Ioannis , Halloran Claire , Hirmer Stephanie , Barron Karla Cervantes , Usher Will , Pye Steve , Brown Edward , Howells Mark , Taliotis Constantinos , Sundin Caroline , Sridha Vignesh , Ramos Eunice , Brinkerink Maarten , Deane Paul , Gritsevskyi Andrii , Moura Gustavo , Rouget Arnaud , Wogan David , Barcelona Edito , Rogner Holger
Published: April 2021

Energy system modelling can be used to assess the implications of different scenarios and support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to starting energy system modelling in developing countries, thereby causing delays. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero order energy system model for Benin, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organizations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the dataset can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. These data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and two stylized scenarios (Fossil Future and Least Cost) for 2020–2050. The assumptions used and results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.
Selected ‘Starter Kit’ energy system modelling data for Burkina Faso (#CCG)
Authors: Allington Lucy , Cannone Carla , Pappis Ioannis , Barron Karla Cervantes , Usher Will , Pye Steve , Brown Edward , Howells Mark , Taliotis Constantinos , Sundin Caroline , Sridha Vignesh , Ramos Eunice , Brinkerink Maarten , Deane Paul , Gritsevskyi Andrii , Moura Gustavo , Rouget Arnaud , Wogan David , Barcelona Edito , Rogner Holger , Hirmer Stephanie
Published: April 2021

Energy system modelling can be used to assess the implications of different scenarios and support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to starting energy system modelling in developing countries, thereby causing delays. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero order energy system model for Burkina Faso, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organizations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the dataset can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. These data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and three stylized scenarios (Fossil Future, Least Cost and Net Zero by 2050) for 2020–2050. The assumptions used and results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.
Selected ‘Starter Kit’ energy system modelling data for Burundi (#CCG)
Authors: Cannone Carla , Allington Lucy , Pappis Ioannis , Barron Karla Cervantes , Usher Will , Pye Steve , Brown Edward , Howells Mark , Walker Miriam Zachau , Ahsan Aniq , Charbonnier Flora , Halloran Claire , Hirmer Stephanie , Taliotis Constantinos , Sundin Caroline , Sridha Vignesh , Ramos Eunice , Brinkerink Maarten , Deane Paul , Gritsevskyi Andrii , Moura Gustavo , Rouget Arnaud , Wogan David , Barcelona Edito , Rogner Holger , Cronin Jen
Published: April 2021

Energy system modelling can be used to assess the implications of different scenarios and support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to starting energy system modelling in developing countries, thereby causing delays. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero order energy system model for Burundi, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organizations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the dataset can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. These data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and two stylized scenarios (Fossil Future and Least Cost) for 2020–2050. The assumptions used and results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.