bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Misconceptions of High School Students in Salt Hydrolysis Topic Using a Three-Tier Diagnostic Test (TTDT)
Authors: Prianti Tri , Susanti VH Elfi , Indriyanti Nurma Yunita
Published: April 2021

This study aims to find out whether high school students in Surakarta have misconceptions in salt hydrolysis material and to find out which concept is the most misconception experienced by high school students in Surakarta in salt hydrolysis material. This study used a descriptive approach. Data collection techniques using data triangulation technique from the results of the Three-Tier Diagnostic Test (TTDT), formative tests, and interviews. The sample used in this study was determined using a purposive sampling technique. Based on the research conducted, high school students in Surakarta experienced misconceptions in salt hydrolysis material as much as 36.75%, 35.94% Scientific knowledge, 15.63% lack of knowledge, and 10.90% error. Most misconceptions experienced by high school students in Surakarta on salt hydrolysis material occur in sub concepts: a) conclude the acid-base properties shown from salt solutions (49.91%), b) calculate the pH of the salt solution (39.15), c) analyze the reaction salt hydrolysis (37.21%), d) analyze the concept of hydrolysis that occurs in solution (35.98), e) determine the types of hydrolysis of salt (21.87%).
Serum ROBO4 and CLEC14A: preliminary evaluation as diagnostic and progression biomarkers in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Pietrzyk Łukasz , Torres Kamil
Published: April 2021

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important global burden, and the discovery of biomarkers for screening and monitoring is a current challenge. The present study aimed to determine the serum concentration of ROBO4 and CLEC14A in CRC patients and assess the clinical value of these diagnostic and progression biomarkers in CRC.Methods: Serum samples were collected from 32 patients with operable colorectal cancer and from 16 healthy individuals. Blood serum of CRC patients were tested at two time points (before and after surgery). Serum concentration of ROBO4 and CLEC14A were measured using ELISA tests.Results: The serum concentrations of ROBO4 and CLEC14A were significantly higher in CRC patients than non-cancer controls; the concentrations were already higher in TNM stage I + II CRC patients. The sensitivitiy and specificity of ROBO4 and CLEC14A in distiguishing cancer patients form controls ranged from 71.9–100% and from 84.5–100%, respectively. The serum ROBO4 concentration was associated with the TNM stage, depth of invasion, and lymph node and distant metastases. No significant relationship was observed between the CLEC14A concentration and the tumor site or the N and M stages. The level of ROBO4 was statistically lower 3 months after the surgery, compared to the level noted prior to the operation. The concentration of CLEC14A decreased in the postoperative period, compared to preoperative one; however, the decline was not statistically significant.Conclusion: Our preliminary study has provided evidence that ROOB4 and CLEC14A seem to be suitable biomarkers for clinical diagnostic purposes. However, ROOB4 appears to be more appropriate for assessment of CRC progression.
Utilizing environmental DNA for wide-range distributions of reproductive area of an invasive terrestrial toad in Ishikari river basin in Japan
Authors: Mizumoto Hiroki , Kishida Osamu , Takai Kotaro , Araki Hitoshi
Published: April 2021

Understanding the distribution of invasive species and their reproductive area is crucial for their managements after invasion. While catch and observation surveys are still embraced, environmental DNA (eDNA) has been increasingly utilized as an efficient tool for identifying these species in the wild. In this study, we developed an eDNA detection system for an invasive, toxic, and terrestrial toad species Bufo japonicus in Hokkaido, Japan, and applied it to their reproductive area at watershed scale. We found that our system successfully detected their eDNA not only in ponds where their larvae were observed, but also in rivers downstream of the reproductive ponds. Thus, the system provided us an opportunity to estimate watersheds that include their reproductive area by collecting downstream water samples. Applying it to the Ishikari river basin, the largest river basin in Hokkaido (c.a., 14,330 km2), we detected their eDNA at 32 out of 73 river sampling sites. They are composed of eleven sites with species observation records nearby (all the sites with observation records within a 500 m radius) and21 sites without such records. And those eDNA detections were from 14 out of 31 river systems, and they were widespread across the river basin. These results suggest that the eDNA detection system can efficiently estimate the presence of reproductive area of the terrestrial toad even from a distant downstream of the watershed, and that it provides a powerful means of detecting new reproductive area and monitoring further spread of invasive species.
Comparison laboratory data between children with Kawasaki Disease and COVID-19
Authors: Huang Yishuang , Huang Ying-Hsien , Tsai Yuh-Chyn , Liu Shih-Feng , Kuo Ho-Chang
Published: April 2021

Background:　 The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been an emerging, rapidly evolving situation in China since late 2019 and has even become a worldwide pandemic. The first case of severe childhood novel coronavirus pneumonia in China was reported in March 2020 in Wuhan. The severity differs between adults and children, with lower death rates and decreased severity for individuals under the age of 20 years old. Increased cases of Kawasaki disease (KD) have been reported from New York City and some areas of Italy and the U.K., with almost a 6-10 times increase when compared with previous years. We conducted this article to compare characters and laboratory data between KD and COVID-19 in children. Methods: We obtained a total of 24 COVID-19 children from the literature review and 234 KD cases from our hospital via retrospective chart review. Results: We found that patients with KD had higher levels of white blood cell (WBC), platelet, neutrophil percentage, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), and body temperature, while patients with COVID-19 had higher age, hemoglobin levels, and lymphocyte percentage. After performing multiple logistic regression analysis, we found that age, WBC, platelet, procalcitonin, and AST provide identical markers for distinguishing COVID-19 from KD in children. Conclusion: In this COVID-19 pandemic period, clinicians should pay attention to children with COVID-19 infection when high WBC, platelet, procalcitonin, and AST values are present in order to provide precision treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for KD or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).
Female Genital Mutilation of African-Descent Iranians in Qeshm Island
Authors: Arabahmadi Amirbahram
Published: April 2021

Background: This article investigates the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) as a long-held custom in Qeshm Island, which makes many African-descended women face different physical and psychological health problems.Objective: To investigate the prevalence of female genital mutilation in Qeshm Island and the traditional mode of thinking of Afro-Iranian people of the Island about this practice.Methods: This study is based on the descriptive analysis method. The questions of the study are (a) Why female genital mutilation is still practiced in Qeshm Island; (b) What are the mental and physical effects of female genital mutilation on women; and (c) How government or NGOs are fighting against this tradition. The results: This article has found out that female genital mutilation resulted in many lifelong diseases and sexual degradation in African-descended women of Qeshm Island. This article also illustrates that the best way to combat this wrong tradition is to inform people by gradual training without any insult to their beliefs.Conclusion: This study reveals the prevalence of a false tradition and the necessity of behavioral change. In doing so, the government and NGOs' strong actions and attracting the support of the community elders are also needed.
Two-Stage Consensus Reaching Process for Two-Sided Matching Based on the Cloud Model in Large Sharing Platform
Authors: Tong Huagang , Zhu Jianjun , Tan Xiao
Published: April 2021

The sharing economy plays an important role in economic development, and the sharing platform is the core point in the sharing economy. However, the large-scale sharing platform results in low-efficiencies and weak matching. To address the problem, we design a two-stage consensus reaching process for resources sharing in platform. Firstly, considering the time-consuming process of generating satisfaction, we design a new method to generate satisfaction based on large-scale mixed historical data, the cloud model is used to unify the mixed uncertain information. Then, we design a two-stage consensus reaching process to realize the stable matching. For the first stage, we maximize the total consensus of the two-sided individuals. For the second stage, to realize stable sharing, we focus on the individuals’ requirement of consensus, the platform’s strategies, such as discount and scheduling, are used to adjust their consensus. Finally, considering the hierarchy of the two-stage consensus reaching process, we establish bi-level programming to embody the features. We design an improved algorithm to deal with bi-level programming. Also, an industrial internet platform is used as an example to verify the method and algorithm.
Identification, Pyramid and Candidate gene of QTL for Yield-related Traits Based on Rice CSSLs in Indica Xihui18 Background
Authors: Sun Shuangfei , Xiang Siqian , Lv Meng , Zhou Kai , Li Juan , Liang Peixuan , Li Miaomiao , Li Ruxiang , Ling Yinghua , He Guanghua , zhao Fangming
Published: April 2021

Chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) in rice is important for functional analysis and design breeding of target genes. Here, a novel rice CSSL-Z431 was identified from indica restorer line Xihui18 as recipient and Huhan3 as donor. Z431 contained six segments from Huhan3, with an average substitution length of 2.12 Mb. Compared with Xihui18, Z431 increased panicles per plant (PN) and displayed short-wide grains. The short-wide grain of Z431 were caused by reducing of cell length and increasing of cell width in the glume. Then, thirteen QTLs were identified in a secondary F2 population derived from Xihui18/Z431. Among them, six QTLs (qPN3, qGL3, qGW5, qRLW2, qRLW3, qGWT-5-2) were validated by four single-segment substitution lines (SSSLs, S1-S4) developed in F3. In addition, thirteen QTLs (qPN1, qPN2, qPL1, qPL2, qGPP1, qGPP2, qGL2, qGW1, qGW2, qGW3, qRLW5-2, qRLW1, qGWT2) were detected by these SSSLs, while not be identified in the F2 population from Xihui18/Z431. Increase of panicles per plant in Z431 was controlled by qPN3, qPN1 and qPN2. OsIAGLU should be the candidate gene for qPN3 by DNA sequencing. The short-wide grain of Z431 was controlled by qGL3, qGL2, qGW5, qGW2 and qGW3. By sequencing between Xihui18 and according SSSL, three candidate genes for qGL3 and two candidate genes for qGW5 were identified, respectively. In addition, pyramid of different QTLs (qPN1and qPN3; qPN2 and qPN3 etc.) yielded different epistatic effects. These results lay good foundation in molecular mechanism analysis of unreported genes and rice molecular design breeding.
iPSC-induced neurons with the V337M MAPT mutation are selectively vulnerable to caspase-mediated cleavage of tau and apoptotic cell death
Authors: Theofilas Panos , Wang Chao , Butler David , Morales Dulce O. , Petersen Cathrine , Ambrose Andrew J. , Chin Brian , Yang Teddy , Khan Shireen , Ng Raymond , Kayed Rakez , Karch Celeste M. , Miller Bruce L. , Gestwicki Jason E. , Gan Li , Temple Sally , Arkin Michelle R. , Grinberg Lea T.
Published: April 2021

Background: Tau post-translational modifications (PTMs) are associated with progressive tau accumulation and neuronal loss in tauopathies, including forms of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Tau proteolysis by caspases, including caspase-6, represents an understudied PTM that may increase neurotoxicity and tau self-aggregation. Methods: To elucidate the presence and temporal course of caspase activation, tau cleavage, and neuronal death, we generated two novel epitope (neoepitope) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against caspase-6 tau proteolytic sites. We evaluated tau cleavage and response to apoptotic stress in cortical neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with frontotemporal dementia (FTD)-causing V337M MAPT mutation. We tested the neuroprotective effect of caspase inhibitors in the induced neurons. We also demonstrated the presence of the tau neoepitopes in postmortem brains from an individual with FTD (V337M MAPT) and an individual with AD, compared to a healthy control.Results: FTLD V337M MAPT and AD postmortem brains showed positivity for both cleaved tau mAbs and active caspase-6. Relative to isogenic wild-type MAPT controls, V337M MAPT neurons cultured for 3 months showed a time-dependent increase in pathogenic tau in the form of caspase-cleaved tau and phosphorylated (p)-tau, and higher levels of tau oligomers. Accumulation of toxic tau species in V337M MAPT neurons was correlated with increased vulnerability to pro-apoptotic stress. Notably, this mutation-associated cell death was pharmacologically rescued by inhibition of effector caspases.Conclusions: Culturing iPSC-derived neurons for three months exposes age-related tau pathologies, including caspase-mediated cleavage, that are also observed in human postmortem brains with abnormal tau deposition. Neoepitope antibodies to caspase-cleaved tau may serve as biomarkers of tau pathology. Furthermore, caspases could be viable therapeutic targets for tau pathogenesis in FTLD and other tauopathies.
Exploring crystal, electronic, optical, and NLO properties of ethyl 4-(3,4-dimethoxy phenyl)-6-methyl-2-thioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro pyrimidine-5-carboxylate (MTTPC)
Authors: El-Mansy Mohamed , Suvitha A. , Narayana B.
Published: April 2021

Both theoretical and experimental studies are briefly discussed to shed lights on crystal shape, FT-IR, electronic, and non-linear Opto-response (NLO) characteristics of ethyl4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-6-methyl-2-thioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate (MTTHPC). Theoretical FT_IR results are in a proper concord with recorded measurements. MTTHPC has TDM (4.78 Debye) and a doublet spins that splits original FMOs into \(alpha(\uparrow , 2.44\text{e}\text{V})\) and \(beta\)(↓,1.28eV) offsets, respectively. MTTHPC is a potential competitor for finest perovskite solar cells (MAPbI3/Au-nanospheres) that possess a band offset (\(3.1eV\)) with conversion-efficiency 24.84%. MTTHPC may be the next chapter for unique avalanche photodetectors (APD). MTTHPC 1st order hyperpolarizability is \(14.15* {10}^{-30 }esu\), surpass reference urea \((\approx 40{\beta }_{urea},\) \({\beta }_{urea}= 0.3728* {10}^{-30} esu\)). Briefly, MTTHPC may be admitted as the next stage in forthcoming NLO technology.
Dry Eye and Dry Skin - Is There a Connection?
Authors: Petriček Igor , Pauk Sania Vidas , Tomić Martina , Tomislav Bulum
Published: April 2021

Aim: To enquire whether patients with dry eye symptoms also report dry skin, whether their perception could be corroborated with objective measurement, and whether dry eye disease might be suspected based on patients' anamnesis.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 50 subjects (25 with and 25 without dry eye symptoms). Schein questionnaire was used to determine the severity of dry eye symptoms. Ocular signs were assessed by conjunctival hyperemia, ocular surface staining, Meibomian gland expression, tear film lipid layer thickness, tear break-up time, lid parallel conjunctival folds, Schirmer test, and meibometry. Skin dryness was assessed by patients' perception of their facial skin dryness and measured by sebumeter.Results: Subjects without dry eye symptoms had self-reported oilier facial skin than those with dry eye symptoms (p<0.001). Sebumetry scores measured on the forehead and cheek were significantly higher in subjects without dry eye symptoms than dry eye subjects (p=0.003). After adjustment for age and gender in a logistic regression analysis, dry eye was independently and significantly associated with dry skin (AOR 0.69, p=0.040), higher LIPCOF score of both eyes (AOR 2.28, p=0.028), lower sebumetry score of the forehead (AOR 0.98, p=0.041) and cheek (AOR 0.98, p=0.041), and shorter TBUT score after gland expression (AOR 0.90, p=0.018). Conclusion: This study showed that ocular dryness was subjectively and objectively positively correlated to facial skin dryness - patients reliably described their skin condition: people with dry facial skin also had drier eyes.
Copenhagen Index versus ROMA in preoperative ovarian malignancy risk stratification: result from the first Vietnamese prospective cohort study
Authors: Tran Doan Tu , Vo Van Khoa , Le Minh Tam , Chuang Linus , Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy
Published: April 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performances of the Copenhagen Index (CPH-I) and Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) in the preoperative prediction of ovarian cancer.Methods: In a prospective cohort study, data were collected from 475 patients with ovarian masses diagnosed by gynecologic examination / ultrasound who were hospitalized at the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital and Hue Central Hospital, Vietnam, between January 2018 and June 2020. ROMA and CPH-I were calculated based on measurements of serum carbohydrate antigen (CA-125) and human epididymis protein (HE4). The final diagnosis was based on clinical features, radiologic and histologic findings, and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2014 stages of ovarian cancer were recorded. Matching the values of ROMA and CPH-I to postoperative histopathology reports resulted in the preoperative prediction values.Results: Among the 475 women, 408 had benign tumors, 5 had borderline tumors and 62 had malignant tumors. The two indices showed similar discriminatory performances with no significant differences (p > 0.05). At an optimal cut-off, the sensitivities/specificities of ROMA and CPH-I for ovarian cancer diagnosis were 74.2% and 91.8%, 87.1% and 78.5%, respectively. The optimal cut-off for CPH-I was 1.89%. The areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) of ROMA and CPH-I were 0.882 (95% CI: 0.849 – 0.909) and 0.898 (95% CI: 0.867 – 0.924), respectively.Conclusions: The introduction of the Copenhagen Index to help stratify the malignancy risk of ovarian tumors, irrespective of menopausal status, might be applied as a simple alternative with a similar efficacy to ROMA in clinical practice.
Process dependent strain behaviour, fractal analysis, and bonding network of nc-Si(SiC) thin films
Authors: Swain Bibhu Prasad
Published: April 2021

Nanocrystalline silicon embedded silicon carbide, nc-Si(SiC) thin films were deposited on p-type silicon substrates by using a thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with different process temperatures varied from 700-1000oC. The SEM images reveal the Si particles are embedded with SiC thin films. The estimated lattice-strainof nc-Si(SiC) thin films from Williamson-Hall and Scherer formula was varied from 0.00227 to 0.00469 and 0.000855 to 0.00574 respectively. The Raman signature at the 1346.19 cm− 1, 1491.78 cm− 1 and 1570.94 cm− 1 bonding correspond to D, G-Si and G peaks respectively. The estimated band gap from Tauc’s plot of nc-Si(SiC) thin films are 3.17 to 2.87 eV respectively with increasing of process temperature. The observed crystalline size of nc-Si in nc-Si(SiC) is from 21 nm to 27 nm from 700 to 1000 oC respectively. The possible bonding network of core-orbital of Si(2p), C(1s), and O(1s) in the C: ZnO thin films have been discussed by deconvolution with the Origin 2018.
Functionalized Nanosilica for Vulcanization Efficiency and Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber Composites
Authors: Padmanabhan Dileep , Jacob Sinto , Chandra C.S. Julie , C.D Midhun Dominic , P Poornima M , Narayanankutty Sunil K.
Published: April 2021

Accelerator functional character was introduced on nanosilica by the chemical reaction of sodium isopropyl xanthate (SIPX) with nanosilica (NS). Functional characteristics of nanosilica were confirmed by the Elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. This SIPX functionalized nanosilica (SIPX-NS) incorporated natural rubber (NR) compounds were used to evaluate the dispersion of silica in rubber and also the interaction between rubber and filler. The finely dispersed SIPX-NS particles in the NR matrix are revealed from the morphological analysis. Subtle changes in surface chemistry of silica had a profound influence on the dispersibility in NR matrix. NR 4SIPX-NS composite exhibited improved cure time, tensile strength, flex crack resistance and aging resistance relative to those of NR NS composite. This simple, efficient and cost-effective surface modification of silica improved the vulcanization efficiency and mechanical performance of NR composites and has great potential in the fabrication of high-performance polymer composites.
Genetic identification and characterization of chromosomal regions for kernel length and width increase from tetraploid wheat
Authors: Zhou Jieguang , Li Cong , You Jianing , Tang Huaping , Mu Yang , Jiang Qiantao , Liu Yaxi , Chen Guoyue , Wang Jirui , Qi Pengfei , Ma Jun , Gao Yutian , Habib Ahsan , Wei Yuming , Zheng Youliang , Lan Xiujin , Ma Jian
Published: April 2021

Background: Improvement of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield could relieve global food shortages. Kernel size, as an important component of 1000-kernel weight (TKW), is always a significant consideration to improve yield for wheat breeders. Wheat related species possesses numerous elite genes that can be introduced into wheat breeding. It is thus vital to explore, identify, and introduce new genetic resources for kernel size from wheat wild relatives to increase wheat yield.Results: In the present study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) for kernel length (KL) and width (KW) were detected in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between a wild emmer accession 'LM001' and a Sichuan endemic tetraploid wheat 'Ailanmai' using the Wheat 55K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array-based constructed linkage map and phenotype from six different environments. We identified eleven QTL for KL and KW including two major ones QKL.sicau-AM-3B and QKW.sicau-AM-4B, the positive alleles of which were from LM001 and Ailanmai, respectively. They explained 17.57% to 44.28% and 13.91% to 39.01% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. For these two major QTL, Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers were developed and used to successfully validate their effects in three F3 populations and two natural populations containing a panel of 272 Chinese wheat landraces and that of 300 Chinese wheat cultivars, respectively. QKL.sicau-AM-3B was located at 666.2-685.9 Mb on chromosome arm 3BL. QKW.sicau-AM-4B was located at 639.7-696.4 Mb on chromosome arm 4BL. Comparison with previous studies suggested that these two major QTL were likely new loci. Further analysis indicated that the positive alleles of QKL.sicau-AM-3B and QKW.sicau-AM-4B had a great additive effect increasing TKW by 6.40%. Correlation analysis between KL and other agronomic traits showed that KL was significantly correlated to spike length, length of uppermost internode, TKW, and flag leaf length. KW was also significantly correlated with TKW. Four genes, TRIDC3BG062390, TRIDC3BG062400, TRIDC4BG037810, and TRIDC4BG037830, associated with kernel development were predicted in physical intervals harboring these two major QTL on wild emmer and Chinese Spring reference genomes.Conclusions: Two stable and major QTL for KL and KW across six environments were detected and verified in three biparental populations and two natural populations. Significant relationships between kernel size and yield-related traits were identified. KASP markers tightly linked the two major QTL could contribute greatly to subsequent fine mapping. These results suggested the application potential of wheat related species in wheat genetic improvement.
Troxerutin-mediated C9 inhibition is a disease-modifying treatment for inflammatory arthritis.
Authors: Sahu Debasis , Bishwal Subasa , Malik Md. Zubbair , Sahu Sukanya , Kaushik Sandeep , Sharma Shikha , Saini Ekta , Arya Rakesh , Rastogi Archana , Sharma Sandeep , Sen Shanta , Singh R.K , Nanda Ranjan , Panda Amulya
Published: April 2021

Troxerutin (TXR) is a phytochemical reported to possess anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects. In this study, we aimed to exploit anti-arthritic properties of TXR using an adjuvant induced arthritic (AIA) rat model. AIA induced rats showed highest arthritis score at disease onset and by oral administration of TXR (50, 100, 200 mg/kg body weight), reduced to basal level in a dose dependent manner. Isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitative (iTRAQ) proteomics tool was employed to identify deregulated joint homogenate proteins in AIA and TXR treated rats to decipher probable mechanism of the TXR action in arthritis. iTRAQ analysis identified a set of 434 joint homogenate proteins with 65 deregulated proteins (log2 case/control ≥ 1.5) in AIA. Expressions of a set of important proteins (AAT, T-kininogen, vimentin, desmin, and nucleophosmin) that could classify AIA from healthy were validated using Western blot analysis. Western blot data corroborated proteomics findings. In silico protein-protein interaction study of joint homogenate proteome revealed that complement component 9 (C9), the major building blocks of the membrane attack complex (MAC) responsible for sterile inflammation, gets perturbed in AIA. Our dosimetry study suggests that a TXR dose of 200 mg/kg body weight for 15 days is sufficient to bring the arthritis score to basal levels in AIA rats. We have shown the importance of TXR as an anti-arthritis agent in AIA model and after additional investigation its arthritis ameliorating properties could be exploited for clinical usability.
MSC secreted extracellular vesicles carrying TGF-beta upregulate Smad 6 expression and promote the regrowth of neurons in spinal cord injured rats
Authors: Han Tianyu , Song Peiwen , Wu Zuomeng , Xia Xiang , Wang Ying , Fang Huang , Niu Yang , Shen Cailiang
Published: April 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI) as they can provide a favorable environment for the regrowth of neurons and axons by inhibiting receptor-regulated Smads (R-Smads) in endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs). However, their mechanism of action and effect on the expression of inhibitory Smads (I-Smads) remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from MSCs were able to upregulate the Smad 6 expression by carrying TGF-β. Smad 6 knockdown in NSCs partly weakened the BMSC-EVs-induced effect on neural differentiation. In spinal cord injured rats, we found that in the acute phase of injury, the Smad 6 expression was not reduced by the treatment of TGF-β type I receptor kinase inhibitor SB431542, indicating that the Smad 6 expression was not only mediated TGF-β, the inflammatory factors and BMPs were also involved. However, in the later phase of SCI, the Smad 6 expression was reduced by the addition of SB 431542, suggesting in this phase, TGF-β played a key role on the mediation of Smad 6 expression. In addition, by immunohistochemistry staining, Hematoxylin-eosin staining and BBB scores, we revealed that the early inhibition of TGF-β did not increase the regrowth of neurons. Instead, it increased the volume of cavity and the Caspase-3 expression at 24h post-injury, leading to a wore functional outcome. In contrast the later treatment of the TGF-β inhibitor promoted the regrowth of neurons around the cavity, resulting into a better neurological outcome. Together all these results indicated that Smad 6 acts as a feedback regulator to prevents over-differentiation of NSCs to astrocytes and BMSC-EVs can upregulate Smad 6 expression by the carring TGF-β.
Tandem use of Anti-TNF Agents in Patients with IBD who Fail First Line Anti-TNF Therapy: Real Life Lessons from a National Database.
Authors: Fredericks Ernst , Titus Abigail , Gabriel Shiraaz , De Villiers Willem
Published: April 2021

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing and remitting inflammation of the bowel. Biologic therapy is safe and effective in IBD. Anti-TNF agents were the first biologics introduced for treatment of IBD. As more and more anti-TNF agents joined the market, treating physicians started using ant-TNF agents consecutively when the first agent failed. Data for this treatment choice is scanty and therefore we set out to evaluate tandem use of anti-TNF agents in IBD patients.Method: The South African Gastroenterology Society (SAGES) established a national database for all IBD patients commenced on biologic therapy. We used this registry to evaluate the data for all patients who received consecutive anti-TNF agents. Demographic and clinical details as well as treatment outcomes for all patients were documented. Results: Eight-seven (7.6%) of 1150 patients received consecutive anti-TNF agents. The Crohn’s disease (CD) group had 42 (48%) patients and ulcerative colitis (UC) group 45 (52%). Gender distribution was equal with 45 (52%) male and 42 (48%) female patients. All patients failed the first anti-TNF agent over time, but better remission rates were obtained with consecutive anti-TNF agents. Patients treated with adalimumab during any stage of the study, had a higher rate of dose escalation compared to infliximab prior to switching to next anti-TNF agent. Similarly, side effects were also more significant with adalimumab, although few. Few patients required a switch to a third and further biologic agent. All patients remained in clinical remission over 4 years of the study.Conclusion: It is reasonable to try a second anti-TNF agent when the first agent failed in IBD. Switching between different anti-TNF agents maintained clinical remission and avoided surgery and hospitalisation. This is a cost-effective strategy especially in resource constraint settings. Adalimumab is associated with higher rates of dose escalation and worse side-effect profile
Trigger Videos: A Novel Application of A Tool For Surgical Faculty Development
Authors: Arora Anuj , Hoogenes Jen , Dath Deepak
Published: April 2021

Background Trigger videos have occasionally been used in medical education; however, their application to surgical faculty development is novel. We assessed whether workshops designed to improve surgeons’ intraoperative teaching (IOT), anchored by trigger videos, were useful and effective in inspiring surgeons to improve their IOT.Methods Surgeons from multiple specialties attended one of six faculty development workshops where IOT trigger videos were shown and discussed during break-out sessions. Participants completed questionnaires to 1) evaluate videos via survey and feedback, and 2) identify adoptable and discardable IOT techniques. Teaching techniques were collated to identify planned IOT changes and survey data and feedback were analyzed.Results A total of 135 surgeons identified 292 adoptable and 202 discardable IOT techniques based on trigger videos and discussions, and 94% of participants reported that the trigger videos were useful and encouraged them to discuss and consider new IOT techniques in their own practice.Conclusions Participants reported that the trigger videos were useful and motivating. Surgeons critically reflected on IOT during the sessions, identifying numerous adoptable and discardable techniques relevant to their own teaching styles. Trigger videos can be a valuable tool for surgical faculty development and can be tailored to other medical specialties.
Association Between Occupational Exposure to Domestic Solid Waste and Dental Caries: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Andrade Mariana , Araujo Nara , Vianna Maria Isabel , Cangussu Maria Cristina , Gomes-Filho Isaac , Ribeiro Daniel , Cury Patricia Ramos , Santos Jean dos
Published: April 2021

This cross-sectional study evaluated the dental caries and its associated factors among domestic waste collectors. A total of 301 adult men who worked for a waste collection corporation were included; 171 men worked in direct contact with domestic solid waste and 130 did not. Sociodemographic data, working and medical history were assessed. The decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) index was examined. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with dental status with a significance level of 5%. The overall mean DMFT score was 8.36 ± 5.64. The mean DMFT, missing teeth (MT), and filled teeth (FT) were significantly higher in workers who did not have any direct contact with waste (p ≤ 0.04). In the logistic analysis, DMFT ≥ 8 was only associated with older age (OR = 8.41 [95% confidence interval (95%CI), 5.01–14.12], p < 0.001). Decayed teeth (DT) ≥ 2 was associated with no previous oral hygiene instruction (OR = 2.70 [1.50–4.81], p = 0.001) and no daily dental flossing (OR = 4.26 [1.92–9.43], p < 0.001). MT ≥ 9 was associated with lower education level (OR = 3.33 [1.57–7.10], p = 0.002). FT ≥ 3 had a negative association with low income (OR = 0.42 [0.25–0.70], p < 0.001) and no daily flossing (OR = 0.42 [0.23–0.76], p = 0.004). Occupational exposure to domestic solid waste was not associated with poor dental status. Instead, age, education, income level, and oral hygiene were associated with dental health status. Missing teeth constituted the major component of the DMFT index. Therefore, prevention and oral rehabilitation programs are necessary to improve dental health.
LRRK2 is a Candidate Prognostic Biomarker for Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Chunxiu , Pang Jingjing , Xu Jian , Pan He , Li Yueying , Zhang Huainian , Liu Huan , Xiao Shu-Yuan
Published: April 2021

Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), derived from renal tubular epithelial cells, is the most common malignant tumor of the kidney. The study of key genes related to the pathogenesis of ccRCC has become important for gene target therapy. Methods: Bioinformatics analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were performed to examine the expression pattern and prognostic significance of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) expression and its relationship to clinical parameters. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were performed to verify LRRK2 expression.Results: Bioinformatics analysis showed that LRRK2 expression was up-regulated in ccRCC, which was confirmed in ccRCC tissue immunohistochemically and by protein analysis. The level of expression was related to gender, pathological grade, stage and metastatic status of ccRCC patients. Meanwhile, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that high expression of LRRK2 correlates to a better prognosis; protein-protein interaction network analysis showed that LRRK2 interacts with HIF1A and EGFR.Conclusion: We found that LRRK2 may play an important role in the tumorigenesis and progression of ccRCC. Our findings provided a potential predictor and therapeutic target in ccRCC.
Application of BP Neural Network Model Optimized by Particle Swarm Algorithm in Predicting the Risk of Hypertension
Authors: Yan Yan , Chen Rong , Xu Jian , Huang Jialu , Luo Ling , Liu Hao , Chen Weiying , Lin Chunwen , Ding Yuanlin , Kong Danli , Zhang Qiaoli , Yu Haibing
Published: April 2021

The BP neural network was optimized by particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO), and the PSO-BP neural network model was constructed. The prediction effect of the model was evaluated comprehensively by comparing it with BP neural network model and Logistic regression model. Based on PSO-BP model, the mean impact value algorithm (MIV) was used to screen the risk factors of hypertension, and the disease risk prediction model was established. In the evaluation of fitting effect, the root mean square error and determination coefficient of PSO-BP neural network are 0.09 and 0.29, respectively. In the prediction performance comparison, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and area under the ROC curve of PSO-BP neural network were 85.38%, 43.90%, 96.66% and 0.86, respectively. The results show that the BP neural network optimized by particle swarm optimization has the best fitting effect and prediction performance. The MIV algorithm can screen out the risk factors related to hypertension, and then construct the disease prediction model, which can provide a new idea for the analysis of hypertension.
Timing of Initiation of Calcineurin Inhibitors in Pediatric Haploidentical Transplantation with Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide: Effects on Survival, Relapse, and Cytokine Release Syndrome
Authors: Uygun Vedat , Karasu Gulsun , Yalçın Koray , Öztürkmen Seda , Daloglu Hayriye , Çelen Safiye Suna , Hazar Volkan , Yesilipek Akif
Published: April 2021

The use of unmanipulated haploidentical stem cell transplantations (haplo-HSCT) with post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCY) in children has emerged as an acceptable alternative to the patients without a matched donor. However, the timing of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) used in combination with PTCY is increasingly becoming a topic of controversy. We evaluated 49 children with acute leukemia who underwent unmanipulated haplo-HSCT with PTCY according to the initiation day of CNIs (pre- or post-CY). There were no significant differences in the overall survival analysis between the two groups. The cumulative incidence of relapse at 2 years was 21.2% in the pre-CY group and 38.9% in the post-CY group (p = 0.33). Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was observed more frequently in the post-CY group. Our study shows that the argument for starting CNI administration after CY is tenuous, and the rationale for not starting CNI before CY needs to be reconsidered.
Patient Exposure Through a Free Community Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Clinic Improves Medical Student Comfort With Sexual Health and LGBTQIA+ Topics
Authors: Knecht Richard A. , Lu Claire M. , McLean Sierra R. , Westerdahl J. Skylar , Spivak Adam M. , Keeshin Susana
Published: April 2021

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an established preventative measure for HIV transmission, however not enough providers are prescribing PrEP for their patients. Reasons for inadequate PrEP coverage include discomfort among providers addressing sexual health and lack of adequate sexual health training among medical trainees.Objective: Our aim was to determine if volunteer experience in a free PrEP clinic improved medical student knowledge and comfort level addressing sexual health and PrEP with patients.Methods: An online survey was conducted to determine knowledge and comfort of PrEP, general sexual and LGBTQIA+ health knowledge among medical students who had and had not volunteered at our free PrEP clinic. Results: 269 students across all four years of medical school were surveyed. Demographics among the two groups were similar. Across the 10 primary survey questions assessing comfort with sexual health and PrEP, those who had volunteered reported significantly more comfort than students who had not. Responses between the two groups differed in the proportion of respondents who reported “extremely” or “very” comfortable with these sexual health topics. There were several affirming narratives provided by students regarding the importance of the PrEP clinic in their medical education. There was no difference between the groups in terms of general sexual health knowledge. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that volunteering at a PrEP clinic correlated with higher reported comfort with sexual health, including discussions surrounding PrEP. Given the importance of addressing sexual health topic with patients, we conclude that medical students would benefit from more in-person opportunities to learn about sexual health. This study illustrates the importance of exposure in generating comfort for trainees on sensitive topics which could lead to better sexual health care for patients.
Influence of the Spatial Distribution Pattern of Buildings on the Distribution of PM2.5 Concentration
Authors: Zhang Zhixuan , Shan Baoyan , Lin Qikai , Chen Yanqiu , Yu Xinwei
Published: April 2021

The spatial distribution pattern of buildings is an entry point for controlling the diffusion of pollution particles at an urban spatial structure scale. In this study, we adopted ordinary kriging interpolation and other methods to study the spatial distribution pattern of PM2.5 and constructed urban spatial structure indexes based on building distribution patterns to reveal the influence of building spatial distribution patterns on PM2.5 concentration across the study area and at different elevations. The present study suggests that: (1) Topographic elevation is an important factor influencing the distribution of PM2.5; the correlation coefficient reaches −0.761 and exceeds the 0.001 confidence level. As the elevation increases, the urban spatial structure indexes show significant correlations with PM2.5, and the regularity becomes stronger. (2) The PM2.5 concentration is negatively correlated with the mean and standard deviation of the DEM, the mean and maximum absolute building height, the outdoor activity area, and the average distance between adjacent buildings; and is positively correlated with the sum of the building base area, the building coverage ratio, the space area, the building coverage ratio, the space occupation ratio, and the sum of the building volume. These urban spatial structure indexes are important factors affecting PM2.5 concentration and distribution and should be considered in urban planning. (3) Spatio-temporal differences in PM2.5 concentration and distribution were found at different elevation and time ranges. Indexes, such as the average building height, the average building base area, the sum of the building volume, and the standard deviation of building volume experienced significant changes. Higher PM2.5 concentration yielded a more significant influence of urban spatial structure indexes on PM2.5 distribution. More discrete spatial distributions of PM2.5 yielded weaker correlations between PM2.5 concentrations and the urban spatial structure indexes.
Role of Positive Mental Health in Reducing Fears related to COVID-19 and General Anxiety Disorder in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Mahmood Qaisar Khalid , Sohail Malik Muhammad , Qureshi Waheed Ahmad , Zakar Rubeena , Fischer Florian
Published: April 2021

Background: The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has posed multiple challenges to healthcare systems. Evidence suggests that mental well-being is badly affected due to compliance with preventative measures in containing the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to explore the role of positive mental health (subjective sense of wellbeing) to cope with fears related to COVID-19 and general anxiety disorder in the Pashtun community in Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 501 respondents from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa participating in an online-based study. We performed correlational analysis, hierarchical linear regression and structural equational modeling (SEM) to analyze the role of mental health in reducing fears and general anxiety disorder. Results: The results of the SEM show that positive mental health has direct effects in reducing the fear related to COVID-19 (β=-0.244, p<0.001) and general anxiety (β= -0.210, p<0.001). Fears of COVID-19 has a direct effect on increasing general anxiety (β=0.480). In addition, positive mental health also has an indirect effect (β=-0.117, p<0.001) on general anxiety (R2=0.32, p<0.001) through reducing fear of coronavirus. Conclusion: Based on these findings, there is a need to develop community health policies emphasizing on promotive and preventive mental health strategies for people practicing social/physical distancing.
Supplementation of Micronutrients Against COVID-19.
Authors: Unnithan Ajaya Kumar Ayyappan
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives: There is no pharmacological treatment with proven efficacy against coronavirus disease-19. Certain micronutrients have roles in the maintenance of an effective immune system. From the point of view of public health, it will be good to adopt a nutrional strategy to enhance the immunity of the general population against viral diseases.Method and Study design: A review was done to now the evidence for the antiviral and immunomodulatory properties of micronutrients. A search was done in Pubmed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for the nutrients with proven effect against viral infection. Experimental studies, clinical studies, reviews, and meta-analyses were studied descripitively.Results: There are experimental studies about the effects of micronutrients against viral infection. Vitamins such as A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and folate, and trace elements such as zinc, selenium, iron, magnesium, and copper boost the immune response. The antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E can help in controlling the ‘cytokine storm’, produced by excessive inflammation. Vitamin D can increase anti-inflammatory cytokines. Selenium and zinc can protect the lungs in acute respiratory distress syndrome. There are many meta-analyses on the randomized controlled trials (RCT) about the effect of micronutrients on viral infection. The analyses of the trials supplementing vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and selenium have shown significance. Conclusions: There is level 2A evidence for the beneficial effects of vitamins and micronutrients in improving the immunity against viral infections. So a programme for nutritional supplementation of these can help in fighting the pandemic.
Development and Application of a High Sensitivity Immunochromatographic Test Strip for Detecting Classical Swine Fever Virus Antibody
Authors: Bai Yilin , Jia Rui , Wei Qiang , Wang Li , Sun Yaning , Li Yiwei , Luo Jun , Zhang Gaiping
Published: April 2021

Background: Classical swine fever (CSF) is caused by classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and has lead huge losses to the pig industry worldwide. Although vaccination and other control measures have been carried out, it is essential to establish a rapid valid method for CSF vaccination monitoring and clinical diagnosis. CSFV E2 protein has been well known as a major antigen for antibody detection. It is significant to improve affinity between E2 protein and CSFV antibody to result in a better performance of detection method. Results: In this study, a recombinant E2 extracellular protein (aa 1-331), which was with the native homodimer conformation and had a high affinity with anti-CSFV-E2 monoclonal antibody WH303, was expressed using Bac-to-Bac baculovirus expression system. A novel immunochromatographic test strip based on the recombinant CSFV E2 protein was developed for CSFV antibody detection. The sensitivity of this strip for detecting CSFV standard positive serum was 1:102400, 4 times higher than that of the former developed CnC2 test strip. No cross reaction with other swine virus antibodies was observed. The detection of clinical swine serum samples (n=138) demonstrated that the agreement of the new E2 test strip with three commercial ELISA kits was 88.40% (122/138), 86.23% (119/138), and 96.38% (133/138), respectively. Conclusion: Our data indicate that a novel E2 test strip with higher sensitivity has been developed and can be applied for clinical sample detections, providing a new powerful and simple approach for future monitoring CSFV antibodies.