bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inactivation of Polyomavirus SV40 as Surrogate for Human Papillomaviruses by Chemical Disinfectants
Authors: Hufbauer Martin , Wieland Ulrike , Gebel Jürgen , Steinmann Jochen , Akgül Baki , Eggers Maren
Published: November 2021

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are non-enveloped DNA viruses infecting cutaneous and mucosal squamous epithelia. Sexually transmitted HPV-types that are carcinogenic to humans such as HPV16 can induce cervical and other anogenital cancers. Virus transmission through fomites such as inadequately disinfected gynecological equipment is a further potential transmission route. Since HPV cannot be easily grown in cell culture, polyomavirus SV40 has been used as a surrogate virus when testing the virucidal activity of chemical disinfectants. So far, studies that have compared the virucidal activity of different disinfectants against HPV and SV40 are lacking. Here, we evaluated the susceptibility of HPV16 pseudovirus and SV40 to seven active biocidal substances using quantitative suspension tests. Ethanol, glutaraldehyde (GTA), dodecyldipropylentriamin (DPTA), and ortho-phthalaldehydes (OPA) were able to reduce the infectivity of HPV16 pseudovirus >99.99% after 5 min. In contrast, isopropanol, peracetic acid (PAA), and quaternary ammonium compounds with alkylamines (QAC) only led to a slight or no reduction in infectivity. Concerning SV40, only GTA (60 min contact time), PAA, and OPA had virus-inactivating effects. In conclusion, the virucidal activity of three out of seven disinfectants tested was different for HPV16 pseudovirus and SV40. In this study, SV40 was shown to be a reliable surrogate virus for HPV when testing isopropanol-, GTA-, QAC-, and OPA-based disinfectants.
Organisational Model and Coverage of At-Home COVID-19 Vaccination in an Italian Urban Context
Authors: Carini Elettra , Cadeddu Chiara , Castagna Carolina , Nurchis Mario Cesare , Lanza Teresa Eleonora , Grossi Adriano , Barbara Andrea , Axelrod Svetlana ,   on behalf of the At Home COVID-19 Vax Team, Goletti Mauro , Parente Paolo
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic called for a reorganisation of the methods for providing health services. The aim of this paper is to describe the organisational model implemented by one of Rome’s Local Health Units (LHU), ASL Roma 1, for the “at-home COVID-19 vaccination campaign” dedicated to a target population and to outline data related to vaccination coverage stratified by health districts. A cross-sectional study was designed to describe the strategies implemented by LHU to deliver at-home vaccination programmes. People eligible for the at-home vaccination programme included patients living in the area of the LHU, being assisted by the district home care centre or not transportable or individuals with social situations that make traveling difficult. Priority for vaccination was given to (I) age > 80 years, (II) ventilated patients with no age limit, (III) very seriously disabled people with no age limit. Patients’ data were acquired from regional and LHU databases. From 5 February until the 16 May, 6127 people got at least one dose of Pfizer-Biontech Comirnaty® vaccine, while 5278 (86.14%) completed the necessary two doses. The highest number of vaccines was administered during the first week of April, reaching 1296 doses overall. The number of vaccines administered were similar across the districts. The average number of people vaccinated at home was 6 per 1000 inhabitants in the LHU. This model proved to be extremely complex but effective, reaching satisfying results in terms of vaccination coverage.
Novel Antigenic Targets of HPV Therapeutic Vaccines
Authors: Boilesen Ditte Rahbæk , Nielsen Karen Nørgaard , Holst Peter Johannes
Published: November 2021

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the cause of the majority of cervical cancers and head and neck cancers worldwide. Although prophylactic vaccines and cervical cancer screening programs have shown efficacy in preventing HPV-associated cervical cancer, cervical cancer is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in third world countries. Furthermore, head and neck cancer cases caused by HPV infection and associated mortality are increasing. The need for better therapy is clear, and therapeutic vaccination generating cytotoxic T cells against HPV proteins is a promising strategy. This review covers the current scene of HPV therapeutic vaccines in clinical development and discusses relevant considerations for the design of future HPV therapeutic vaccines and clinical trials, such as HPV protein expression patterns, immunogenicity, and exhaustion in relation to the different stages and types of HPV-associated lesions and cancers. Ultimately, while the majority of the HPV therapeutic vaccines currently in clinical testing target the two HPV oncoproteins E6 and E7, we suggest that there is a need to include more HPV antigens in future HPV therapeutic vaccines to increase efficacy and find that especially E1 and E2 could be promising novel targets.
Pigs Immunized with the Virus-like Particle Vaccine Are Protected against the Hepatitis E-3 Virus
Authors: Go Hyeon-Jeong , Park Byung-Joo , Ahn Hee-Seop , Kim Dong-Hwi , Kim Da-Yoon , Kim Jae-Hyeong , Lee Joong-Bok , Park Seung-Yong , Song Chang-Seon , Lee Sang-Won , Choi Yang-Kyu , Choi In-Soo
Published: November 2021

In this study, we generated the HEV virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine expressing 239 amino acids (367–605 aa) of the HEV-3 ORF2 using the baculovirus expression system. The HEV-3-239-VLP vaccine efficacy was evaluated by dividing 12 pathogen-free pigs into four groups: negative control, positive control, 100 μg VLP-, and 200 μg VLP-vaccinated groups for 10 weeks. The pigs in either of the vaccinated groups were administered the corresponding first and booster doses on weeks 0 and 2. At week 4, the positive control and two vaccinated groups were challenged with 106 HEV-3 genomic equivalent copies; viremia and fecal shedding of the virus were identified in pigs in the positive control and 100 μg VLP-vaccinated pigs showed transient viremia and fecal viral shedding. However, no viruses were detected in the serum or fecal samples of the 200 μg VLP-vaccinated pigs. The 100 and 200 μg VLP-vaccinated pigs had significantly higher (p < 0.01) anti-HEV antibodies than the negative control pigs from weeks 6–10 with normal levels of liver enzymes. The 200 μg VLP-vaccinated pigs showed statistically less liver tissue fibrosis (p < 0.05) than that of the positive control pigs. Thus, the novel baculovirus expression system-generated VLP vaccine dose-dependently protects against HEV-3 challenge and may be useful in other animal species, including humans.
COVID-19 Breakthrough Infections and Transmission Risk: Real-World Data Analyses from Germany’s Largest Public Health Department (Cologne)
Authors: Hsu Lea , Grüne Barbara , Buess Michael , Joisten Christine , Klobucnik Jan , Nießen Johannes , Patten David , Wolff Anna , Wiesmüller Gerhard A. , Kossow Annelene , Hurraß Julia
Published: November 2021

Background and Methods: Vaccination is currently considered the most successful strategy for combating the SARS-CoV-2 virus. According to short-term clinical trials, protection against infection is estimated to reach up to 95% after complete vaccination (≥14 days after receipt of all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses). Nevertheless, infections despite vaccination, so-called breakthrough infections, are documented. Even though they are more likely to have a milder or even asymptomatic course, the assessment of further transmission is highly relevant for successful containment. Therefore, we calculated the real-world transmission risk from fully vaccinated patients (vaccination group, VG) to their close contacts (CP) compared with the risk from unvaccinated reference persons matched according to age, sex, and virus type (control group = CG) utilizing data from Cologne’s health department. Results: A total of 357 breakthrough infections occurred among Cologne residents between 27 December 2020 (the date of the first vaccination in Cologne) and 6 August 2021. Of the 979 CPs in VG, 99 (10.1%) became infected. In CG, 303 of 802 CPs (37.8%) became infected. Factors promoting transmission included non-vaccinated status (β = 0.237; p < 0.001), male sex (β = 0.079; p = 0.049), the presence of symptoms (β = −0.125; p = 0.005), and lower cycle threshold value (β = −0.125; p = 0.032). This model explained 14.0% of the variance (corr. R2). Conclusion: The number of transmissions from unvaccinated controls was three times higher than from fully vaccinated patients. These real-world data underscore the importance of vaccination in enabling the relaxation of stringent and restrictive general pandemic control measures.
The Pantanal under Siege—On the Origin, Dynamics and Forecast of the Megadrought Severely Affecting the Largest Wetland in the World
Authors: Thielen Dirk , Ramoni-Perazzi Paolo , Puche Mary L. , Márquez Marco , Quintero José Isrrael , Rojas Wilmer , Soto-Werschitz Alejandra , Thielen Kai , Nunes Ana , Libonati Renata
Published: November 2021

The Pantanal is the largest wetland of the world and one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in South America. An unprecedented ongoing megadrought is severely affecting its ecological functioning, flood pulse dynamics, and fire regime. Regarding this problematic, the present study generates reliable information about the following key issues: 1—Evolution and dynamics, 2—Origin and determinants, and 3—Forecast based on identified determinants and current trends. Results show that the evolution of the megadrought has been differentiable in both, space and time. As for its origin and determinants, Climate Change was ratified as one of the most important threats to the Pantanal, and to vast areas of South America, since a strong correlation was identified between megadrought’s dynamics and the occurrence of intense marine heatwaves at Northern Hemisphere oceanic waters, and more specifically, at the Northeast Pacific. Results also show that the megadrought is expected to continue at both the Pantanal and the surrounding Highlands, at least until December 2023. Thus, an intensification of fires risk, extending now to areas historically flooded or perhumid should be expected, concomitantly to a very negative impact on non-fire-resistant vegetation cover, as well as ecosystem functioning and biodiversity, perhaps even worse than those from 2020, widely covered by the international media.
Ascomycetes versus Spent Mushroom Substrate in Mycoremediation of Dredged Sediments Contaminated by Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons: The Involvement of the Bacterial Metabolism
Authors: Becarelli Simone , Siracusa Giovanna , Chicca Ilaria , Bernabei Giacomo , Di Gregorio Simona
Published: November 2021

Two mycoremediation approaches for the depletion of the total petroleum hydrocarbons in dredged sediments were compared: co-composting with spent mushroom substrate (SMS) from Pleurotus ostreatus and bioaugmentation with Lambertella sp. MUT 5852, an ascomycetes autochthonous to the sediment, capable of utilizing diesel oil its sole carbon source. After 28 days of incubation, 99% depletion was observed in presence of Lambertella sp. MUT 5852. No total petroleum hydrocarbon depletion was observed in sediment co-composting with the SMS after 60 days of incubation. 16S rDNA metabarcoding of the bacterial community was performed to evaluate the potential synergism between fungi and bacteria in the bioremediation process. The functional metagenomic prediction approach indicated that the biodiversity of the bacterial genera potentially involved in the degradation of TPH was higher in sediment bioaugmented with Lambertella sp. MUT 5852, which resulted in being mandatory for TPH depletion. Mechanisms of co-substrate inhibition of the hydrocarburoclastic bacterial species, due to the bioavailable organic matter of the SMS, are suggested to be involved in the observed kinetics of TPH depletion, failing in the case of SMS and successful in the case of Lambertella sp. MUT 5852.
The Impact of Predicted Climate Change on Groundwater Resources in a Mediterranean Archipelago: A Modelling Study of the Maltese Islands
Authors: De Biase Michele , Chidichimo Francesco , Maiolo Mario , Micallef Aaron
Published: November 2021

The effects of changes in climate predicted for 2100—reduction in recharge, increase in water demand and sea-level rise—on groundwater volume and saltwater intrusion have been quantified in the Maltese Islands, an archipelago located at the center of the Mediterranean Sea. A three-dimensional density dependent and heterogeneous model, working in transient conditions, was developed based on morphological and geological information. The hydraulic conductivity and porosity of the lithological formations were derived from previous tests and studies conducted on the islands. The complex fault system intersecting the area has also been included in the model. The results show that among the three considered factors affecting groundwater resources, the most significant is the increase in water demand, which is closely followed by the decrease in groundwater recharge. Sea-level rise plays a marginal role. The 80-year simulation period showed that these combined impacts would cause a loss of more than 16% of groundwater volume.
Combined Treatments of Underground Coal Slurry: Laboratory Testing and Field Application
Authors: Zhang Xinguo , Dong Yue , Zhao Jinhai , Gong Bin , Meng Zixuan , Lin Jia
Published: November 2021

During the coal mining process, underground water is generated from the longwall face. In the meantime, the coal cutting process would produce coal particles. Coal slurry is generated in the underground working site, especially for water abundant coal mines. The generated coal slurry is treated to prevent water pollution. Due to the extensively existing of the suspended solid, the traditional process method would often introduce new problems. In this study, laboratory testing was conducted to investigate the characteristics, including the particle size distribution of the coal sludge, coal slurry compositions, slurry viscosity and coal mine water quality. In order to improve the coal slurry treatment efficiency, based on the laboratory results, a novel combined treatment of underground coal slurry is proposed. First, the coarse grained coal slurry is process by a vibrating screening machine. Then, the coal slurry containing fine coal powders is processed through a settling pond. The sedimentation results of the coal solid materials are analyzed. The polymer flocculant is also added into the coal slurry to improve the sedimentation. These combined treats of the coal slurry significantly remove the suspended solid and improve the quality of the coal mine water. Based on the laboratory testing, the specific details of the field applications are designed. The key novelty of this paper is the underground background. All of these treatments are based on the underground environment and are capable of being applied in underground workings. From field applications and observations, these novel combined treatments of coal slurry in the underground site are effective. This study provides a novel method to treat the coal slurry, which has innovations from engineering aspect. These procedures are useful for the underground coal slurry treatment, especially for water-abundant coal mines. The normal coal production is guaranteed and less affected by the coal slurry discharge process. Meanwhile, the water pollution problem is much addressed and the damage of coal slurry to the environment is reduced.
Application of a Single Porous Basket as a Pier Scour Countermeasure
Authors: Lee Wei-Lin , Lu Chih-Wei , Huang Chin-Kun
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a study on bridge pier protection with a single porous basket (SPB) in clear-water experiments. The SPB is a type of combined flow-altering countermeasure. The SPB was installed at a distance ahead of the protected pier. After a series of tests, the results showed that appropriate installation of the SPB was able to effectively adjust the flow pattern to reduce the down-flow motion and horseshoe vortex ahead of the pier. Dominant factors for the pier protection—considered for all tests—included the distance between the basket and pier, submerged depth of the basket, basket length, pier diameter, basket diameter, hole size, porosity, and the flow approaching angle. After evaluating these parameters through laboratory tests, the results of protection were optimized. In optimal conditions, the SPB was able to provide maximum pier protection and decrease the maximum scour depth by as much as 75.53%.
An Analysis of Precipitation Extreme Events Based on the SPI and EDI Values in the Free State Province, South Africa
Authors: Adeola Omolola M. , Masinde Muthoni , Botai Joel O. , Adeola Abiodun M. , Botai Christina M.
Published: November 2021

Recognizing that, over the last several years, extreme rainfall has led to hazardous stress in humans, animals, plants, and even infrastructure, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the characteristics of droughts over the Free State (FS) Province of South Africa in order to determine the future likelihood of reoccurrences of precipitation extremes using the generalized extreme value distribution (GEV) and extreme frequency analysis (EFA). In this regard, daily rainfall datasets from nine South African weather service homogenous climatic districts, spanning from 1980 to 2019, were used to compute: (a) the total annual rainfall, (b) the Effective Drought Index (EDI), and (c) the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI). The SPI was calculated for 3, 6, and 12 month accumulation periods (hereafter SPI-3, SPI-6, and SPI-12, respectively). The trend analysis results of the EDI and SPI-3, -6, and -12 showed that the Free State Province is generally negative, illustrating persistent drought. An analysis of the GEV parameters across the EDI and SPI-3, -6, and -12 values illustrated that the location, scale, and shape parameters exhibited a noticeable spatial variability across the Free State Province with the location parameter largely negative, the scale parameter largely positive, while the shape parameter pointed to an inherent Type III (Weibull) GEV distribution. In addition, the return levels for the drought/wet duration and severity of the EDI and SPI-3, -6, and -12 values generally showed increasing patterns across the corresponding return periods; the spatial contrasts were only noticeable in the return levels derived from the wet/drought duration and severity derived from SPI-3, -6, and -12 values (and not in the EDI). Further, the EFA results pointed to a noticeable spatial contrast in the return periods derived from the EDI and SPI-3, -6, and -12 values for each of the extreme precipitation categories: moderately wet, severely wet, extremely wet to moderately dry, and severely dry. Over four decades, the FS Province has generally experienced a suite of extreme precipitation categories ranging from moderately wet, severely wet, extremely wet to moderately dry, severely dry, and extremely dry conditions. Overall, the present study contributes towards implementation of effective drought early warning systems and can be used to enhance drought related policy and decision making in support of water resource management and planning in the FS Province.
Raspy-Cal: A Genetic Algorithm-Based Automatic Calibration Tool for HEC-RAS Hydraulic Models
Authors: Philippus Daniel , Wolfand Jordyn M. , Abdi Reza , Hogue Terri S.
Published: November 2021

While automatic calibration programs exist for many hydraulic models, no user-friendly and broadly reusable automatic calibration system currently exists for steady-state HEC-RAS models. This study highlights development of Raspy-Cal, an automatic HEC-RAS calibration program based on a genetic algorithm and implemented in Python. It includes a graphical user interface and an interactive command-line interface, as well as libraries readily usable by other programs. As a case study, Raspy-Cal was used to calibrate a model of the Los Angeles River in California and its two major tributaries. We found that Raspy-Cal matched the accuracy of manual calibrations in much less time and without manual intervention, producing a Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency of 0.89 or greater within several hours when run for 100 iterations. Our analysis showed that the open-source freeware facilitates fast and precise calibration of HEC-RAS models and could serve as a basis for future software development. Raspy-Cal is available online in source and executable form as well as through the Python Package Index.
Water Resources and Governance Approaches: Insights for Achieving Water Security
Authors: Julio Natalia , Figueroa Ricardo , Ponce Oliva Roberto D.
Published: November 2021

Integrated river basin management (IRBM) has been proposed as a means to achieve water security (WS), maximizing economic and social well-being in an equitable manner and maintaining ecosystem sustainability. IRBM is regulated by a governance process that benefits the participation of different actors and institutions; however, it has been difficult to reach a consensus on what good governance means and which governance perspective is better for achieving it. In this paper, we explore the concept of “good water governance” through the analysis of different governance approaches: experimental (EG), corporate (CG), polycentric (PG), metagovernance (MG) and adaptive (AG) governances. We used the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) water governance dimensions (effectiveness, efficiency and trust and engagement) as a “good enough water governance” that regards water governance as a process rather than an end in itself. Results indicate that each of the five governance theories presents challenges and opportunities to achieve a good governance process that can be operationalized through IRBM, and we found that these approaches can be adequately integrated if they are combined to overcome the challenges that their exclusive application implies. Our analysis suggests that a combination of AG and MG encompasses the OECD water governance dimensions, in terms of understanding “good enough water governance” as a process and a means to perform IRBM. In order to advance towards WS, the integration of different governance approaches must consider the context-specific nature of the river basin, in relation to its ecologic responses and socioeconomic characteristics.
Characterising risk of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-related acute kidney injury: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lin Sharon X , Phillips Thomas , Culliford David , Edwards Christopher , Holroyd Christopher , Ibrahim Kinda , Barrett Ravina , Howard Clare , Johnson Ruth , Adams Jo , Stammers Mathew , Rischin Adam , Rutter Paul , Barnes Nicola , Roderick Paul J , Fraser Simon DS
Published: November 2021

Background

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed for pain and inflammation. NSAID complications include acute kidney injury (AKI), causing burden to patients and health services through increased morbidity, mortality, and hospital admissions.

Aim

To measure the extent of NSAID prescribing in an adult population, the degree to which patients with potential higher risk of AKI were exposed to NSAIDs, and to quantify their risk of AKI.

Design & setting

Retrospective 2-year closed-cohort study.

Method

A retrospective cohort of adults was identified from a pseudonymised electronic primary care database in Hampshire, UK. The cohort had clinical information, prescribing data, and complete GP- and hospital-ordered biochemistry data. NSAID exposure (minimum one prescription in a 2-month period) was categorised as never, intermittent, and continuous, and first AKI using the national AKI e-alert algorithm. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to explore NSAID prescribing patterns and AKI risk.

Results

The baseline population was 702 265. NSAID prescription fell from 19 364 (2.8%) to 16 251 (2.4%) over 2 years. NSAID prescribing was positively associated with older age, female sex, greater socioeconomic deprivation, and certain comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis) and negatively with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and heart failure. Among those prescribed NSAIDs, AKI was associated with older age, greater deprivation, chronic kidney disease (CKD), CVD, heart failure, diabetes, and hypertension.

Conclusion

Despite generally good prescribing practice, NSAID prescribing was identified in some people at higher risk of AKI (for example, patients with CKD and older) for whom medication review and NSAID deprescribing should be considered.
Shroom3, a Gene Associated with CKD, Modulates Epithelial Recovery after AKI
Authors: Li Aihua , Cunanan Joanna , Khalili Hadiseh , Plageman Timothy , Ask Kjetil , Khan Ahsan , Hunjan Ashmeet , Drysdale Thomas , Bridgewater Darren
Published: November 2021

Background

Ischemia-induced AKI resulting in tubular damage can often progress to CKD and is a common cause of nephrology consultation. After renal tubular epithelial damage, molecular and cellular mechanisms are activated to repair and regenerate the damaged epithelium. If these mechanisms are impaired, AKI can progress to CKD. Even in patients whose kidney function returns to normal baseline are more likely to develop CKD. Genome-wide association studies have provided robust evidence that genetic variants in Shroom3, which encodes an actin-associated protein, are associated with CKD and poor outcomes in transplanted kidneys. Here, we sought to further understand the associations of Shroom3 in CKD.

Methods

Kidney ischemia was induced in wild-type (WT) and Shroom3 heterozygous null mice (Shroom3Gt/+
) and the mechanisms of cellular recovery and repair were examined.

Results

A 28-minute bilateral ischemia in Shroom3Gt/+
mice resulted in 100% mortality within 24 hours. After 22-minute ischemic injury, Shroom3Gt/+
mice had a 16% increased mortality, worsened kidney function, and significantly worse histopathology, apoptosis, proliferation, inflammation, and fibrosis after injury. The cortical tubular damage in Shroom3Gt/+
was associated with disrupted epithelial redifferentiation, disrupted Rho-kinase/myosin signaling, and disorganized apical F-actin. Analysis of MDCK cells showed the levels of Shroom3 are directly correlated to apical organization of actin and actomyosin regulators.

Conclusion

These findings establish that Shroom3 is required for epithelial repair and redifferentiation through the organization of actomyosin regulators, and could explain why genetic variants in Shroom3 are associated with CKD and allograft rejection.
Synopsis of Ozobryum (Pottiaceae, Bryophyta), and Sequential Bayes Evaluation of Genus Integrity
Authors: Zander Richard H.
Published: November 2021

Ozobryum G. L. Merr., once synonymized with Molendoa Lindb., is recognized as a good genus of Pottiaceae based on evaluation of it as a distinctive dissilient genus. Populations from Mexico are described as a new species, O. mexicanum R. H. Zander. The species Anoectangium warburgii Crundw. & M. O. Hill is transferred to Ozobryum. The genus is synthetically evaluated as integral in respect to other genera of the Pleuroweisieae through combination of critical methods of probabilism, including scientific theory, Granger causation, and verificationism, and of evidentialism, including constructivism, likelihoodism, Bayesianism, and analytic methods of classical taxonomy.
The Effect of Bacteriocin Isolated From Lactobacillus rhamnosus on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lipopolysaccharides
Authors: Haghighatafshar Hafizeh , Talebi Reza , Tukmechi Amir
Published: November 2021

Background: Bacteriocins are heterogeneous inhibitory substances that could affect the bacteria belonging to the same genus. Both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria produce bacteriocins. One of the best sources of producing bacteriocins is Lactobacillus. The aim of this study was to isolate and purify bacteriocin from Lactobacillus rhamnosus and assess its effects on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and synthesis of its lipopolysaccharide. Methods: L. rhamnosus was prepared and cultured at MRS broth and incubated at 37ºC for 24 hours. Then, the medium was centrifuged for the isolation of bacteriocin and the supernatant was considered as bacteriocin. Antibacterial properties of different concentrations of bacteriocin (50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/mL) against P. aeruginosa were assayed by using agar diffusion and broth micro dilution methods. Also, the effect of bacteriocin against lipopolysaccharide synthesis in P. aeruginosa was analyzed by using one unit of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for bacteriocin. Results: The results showed that all bacteriocin concentrations had antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa. The MIC value was 31.25 μg/mL and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 62.5 μg/mL. Also, the synthesis of lipopolysaccharide decreased during P. aeruginosa growth period, and it reached zero after 5 hours. Conclusions: The results of this study showed the antibacterial effect of bacteriocin isolated from L. rhamnosus against P. aeruginosa. In addition, this bacteriocin prevented the lipopolysaccharide synthesis in P. aeruginosa.
The Effect of Endurance Training on Plasma Levels of ICAM, VCAM, and OPG in Rats with Experimental Myocardial Infarction: A Gender-Based Study
Authors: Ashtari Mozhgan , Abedi Bahram , Fatolahi Hoseyn
Published: November 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of four weeks of endurance training (EXE) on inflammatory markers predicting atherosclerosis by gender. Materials and Methods: Forty male and female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups including male myocardial infarction (MI), male MI + EXE, female MI, and female MI+EXE. After the induction of MI with two intraperitoneal injections of isoproterenol (150 mg/kg), the training groups performed an (EXE) program for 4 weeks on a treadmill (speed 18 m/min, 30 minutes, 5 sessions per week). The animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the last training session. Finally, data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance and Fishers’ least significant difference post hoc test. Results: Despite the clinical difference in the training groups, the intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM, 3.74±0.61 ng/mL) was more significant in the female MI + EXE group (P=0.009). Conclusion: In general, despite observing clinical changes, there were no significant vascular cell adhesion molecules and osteoprotegerin (OPG) after EXE in cardiovascular inflammatory factors in male and female rats following MI. Nevertheless, gender had a significant independent effect on the ICAM index. The results showed that ICAM values were higher in female rats in comparison with male rats.
Cannabis sativa L. oil extract affects neuroinflammation, clinical score, and cannabinoid receptor-1 gene expression in C57bl/6 experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Goraki Iman , Shiri-Shahsavar Mohammad Reza , Pourhassan-Moghaddam Mohammad , Khangaldi Sharareh , Khodakarimi Sina , Ebrahimi-kalan Mohammad , Maleki Mohammad Jafar , Beyrampour-Basmenj Hanieh , Ebrahimi-kalan Abbas
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative central nervous system disease derived by immune mechanisms, which ultimately results in clinical debilities. Numerous nutraceuticals have been cited to be effective in treatment of central nervous system complications. Objectives: This study investigated the effect of Cannabis sativa L. seed oil on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Materials and Methods: Female C57bl/6 mice were assigned randomly into three groups (8 in each). Group-A received no myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), group B was immunized by MOG and treated with oil, while in group C animals were immunized and treated with normal saline. Clinical scores were recorded every other day throughout the study and after four weeks, all mice were sacrificed and spinal cords were incised for molecular and histopathological evaluations. Results: Significant differences were observed in mean clinical scores between control and experiment groups (P<0.001). Cannabinoid receptor-1 gene expression increased significantly in treatment group (P<0.001). Histopathologic evaluations also showed a significant decrease in overall infiltrated and vacuolated area and immune cells infiltration into the central nervous system in the treatment group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Cannabis sativa L. oil extract administration alleviated inflammation and paralysis in animal model. Therefore, its oil extract might be useful in soothing inflammatory and auto-immune diseases. However, additional research might be required.
Evaluation of changes in plasma vitamin C levels in brain-dead organ donors
Authors: Milani Soheila , Dalili Amin , Sadeghi Mostafa , Nabizadeh Neda
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Inflammatory events after brain death (BD) generally influence the quality of donated organs and adversely affect the outcome of transplant surgeries. Vitamin C is a natural organic compound with potent antioxidant properties. Changes in serum levels of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) following BD are still unknown. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the changes in serum vitamin C levels in brain dead donors in the time elapsed between BD diagnosis and at once before procurement procedure of donated organs. Patients and Methods: In this experimental study, serum vitamin C levels were measured in 37 brain-dead donors (BDDs) at two time points, primarily on admission (R1) and just before organ procurement (R2). The difference between mean values of R1-R2 was analyzed according to the parameters of brain dead donor’s, which consisted of gender, cause of BD, and type of blood group. Results: A total of 37 BDDs (62.2% male) with a mean age of 26.48±18.1 years were included. Time interval between the two samplings was 40.09±12.10 hours. Overall, there was a statistically significant difference between serum ascorbic acid (AA) levels at admission (R1) and immediately before organ procurement (R2) (P=0.016). However, in terms of the cause of BD and blood type, no significant difference in serum AA at the two-time points was detected (P=0.85 and P=0.79 respectively). Conclusion: Significant differences were observed between serum vitamin C levels in the duration between BD diagnosis and immediately before procurement surgery. Therefore, determining the most effective dose of vitamin C supplementation and the best time to administer it to the patients is highly recommended for future studies.
Resveratrol; an inflammasome inhibitor and a potential therapy for severe cases of COVID-19
Authors: Mahmoudian-Sani Mohammad-Reza , Saeedi Boroujeni Ali , Khodadadi Ali , Houshmandfar Sheyda , Tahmaseby Gandomkari Sima , Alghasi Arash
Published: November 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected more than 126 million people worldwide and deaths exceed two million. Virological features of SARS-CoV-2, including its genomic sequence, have been identified but the mechanisms governing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) immunopathogenesis have remained uncertain. Severe COVID-19 is associated with a cytokine storm, chronic inflammation, neutrophilia, lymphocyte dysfunction, lymphopenia, reduction in T-lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, disruption in viral clearance, and neutrophil/macrophage infiltration in the lungs. In many cases, patients develop acute lung injury (ALI), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and/or multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Resveratrol reduces the expression of inflammasome activators such as thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NrF2) and increases that of the inflammasome inhibitor, i.e., NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1). Resveratrol is able to inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activation of inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS). It affects signaling pathways including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-ĸB) thereby further inhibiting inflammasomes. Because of its anti-inflammasome, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant effects and considering the key role of inflammation and cytokine storm in disease severity and poor patient outcomes, it is concluded that resveratrol can be useful in the treatment of COVID-19. Given the persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges of extensive vaccination in all countries, it is important to achieve more effective treatments to decrease the mortality rate and severity of severe injuries following COVID-19. Given all the effects reviewed in this article, resveratrol at a dose of up to 600 mg per day can be exploited as a potential adjunctive therapy for COVID-19 patients.
Correlation between viral load, histopathologic necroinflammatory grade and fibrotic stage in viral hepatitis
Authors: Ghasemi Basir Hamid Reza , Eini Peyman , Majzoobi Mohammad Mahdi , Moradi Abbas , Tayebi Somayeh
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Liver needle biopsy and histopathology of liver parenchyma are one of the most accurate methods for assessing the severity of inflammation and fibrosis in these patients, which is based on Knodell’s standard system. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between viral load of hepatitis B and C in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with pathologic necroinflammatory grade and fibrotic stage of hepatitis in liver biopsy. Patients and Methods: Pathologic evaluation performed to determine the grade and stage of viral hepatitis by using 5μ sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Masson trichrome and reticulin in unique center. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software. Results: There was a significant relationship between viral load and grade of hepatitis B and C. No association was found between viral load of hepatitis B and C and fibrotic stage of hepatitis. Additionally, relationship between spotty necrosis and portal inflammation with viral load of hepatitis B and relationship between periportal interface hepatitis and viral load of hepatitis C were statistically significant. Conclusion: Despite the association between viral load in PCR and necroinflammatory grade in the histopathology of liver needle biopsy, the relationship between viral load and fibrotic stage is rejected, which can be affected by the duration of the disease.
History of phototherapy in neonatal jaundice and the likelihood of childhood asthma
Authors: Eslamian Mohammad Hossein , Sabzehei Mohammad Kazem , Raeisi Roya , Eghbalian Fatemeh , Moradi Abbas , Hajiloo Mehran
Published: November 2021

Introduction: The increased risk for childhood asthma in children suffering from hyperbilirubinemia, and those who underwent phototherapy has attracted enormous interest. Objectives: In this study, we attempted to explain the relationship between childhood asthma and phototherapy. Patients and Methods: This case-control study was performed on children aged between 2 and 14 years old with a definitive diagnosis of childhood asthma. A sex and age-matched group of children without any pieces of evidence, of asthma or other respiratory problems were also selected as the control group. The hospital’s recorded files were the primary sources for the information about demographics, history of asthma in neonates or his/her parents, history and time of phototherapy as well as the data on neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Results: In total, 69 children who have asthma and 71 non-asthmatic children as the controls were included in this study. Moreover, these two groups were matched for baseline variables. Comparing the history of phototherapy between the asthmatic and non-asthmatic groups showed a higher rate of phototherapy in the former group (37.7% versus 11.3%; P < 0.001). Accordingly, the risk of asthma could be increased according to the history of phototherapy, up to four times (OR = 4.76, 95%CI: 1.97–11.51, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The risk of childhood asthma can increase if a child had the previous phototherapy. This causal effect is independent of the degree or the age of occurring hyperbilirubinemia, which is the main indication for phototherapy.
Low-Level Laser Therapy Effects on Rat Blood Hemostasis Via Significant Alteration in Fibrinogen and Plasminogen Expression Level
Authors: Arjmand Babak , Khodadost Mahmood , Jahani Sherafat Somayeh , Rezaei Tavirani Mostafa , Ahmadi Nayebali , Okhovatian Farshad , Rezaei Tavirani Majid
Published: November 2021

Introduction: There are many documents about the significant role of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in different processes such as regenerator medicine and bone formation. The aim of this study is to assess the role of LLLT in blood hemostasis in rats via bioinformatic investigation. Methods: The differentially expressed plasma proteins of treated rats via LLLT from the literature and the added 50 first neighbors were investigated via network analysis to find the critical dysregulated proteins and biological processes by using Cytoscape software, the STRING database, and ClueGO. Results: A scale-free network including 55 nodes was constructed from queried and added first neighbor proteins. Fibrinogen gamma, fibrinogen alpha, and plasminogen were highlighted as the central genes of the analyzed network. Fibrinolysis was determined as the main group of biological processes that were affected by LLLT. Conclusion: Findings indicate that LLLT affects blood hemostasis which is an important point in approving the therapeutic application of LLLT and also in preventing its possible complication.
Photobiomodulation (λ=808nm) and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for the Treatment of Acute Rheumatoid Arthritis in Wistar Rats
Authors: Gonçalves Amanda Bezerra , Bovo Júlia Leme , Gomes Bruna Silva , Pigoso Acácio Antonio , Felonato Maíra , Esquisatto Marcelo Augusto Marretto , Filho Gaspar de Jesus Lopes , Bomfim Fernando Russo Costa do
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes inflammation, pain, edema, and articular degradation and its treatment can be based on anti-inflammatory drugs, photobiomodulation (PBM) and/or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) that can decrease cell flow and promote local healing. In the present study, we evaluate the effects of PBM and PRP on acute arthritis in Wistar rats through inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters. Methods: Thirty female Wistar rats were assigned to five groups (n=6, each group): Control, Sham, PRP, Laser, and PRP+Laser. For arthritis induction, all animals of groups Sham, PRP, Laser and PRP+Laser received an intraarticular injection of Zymosan® (200µg) in the right knee. Twenty-four hours post-arthritis induction, PRP was prepared and injected (8 × 105 of platelets) in animals of PRP and PRP+Laser groups. PBM was performed in Laser and PRP+Laser groups by single-dose therapy with the GaAlAs laser (λ=808 nm, P=25 mW, fluence=30 J/cm2 , beam area=0.02 mm2 , t=33 seconds, E=0.825 J, punctual application). After seven days of induction, serum samples were collected and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), nitric oxide (NO) and catalase activity were analysed. Morphological parameters were measured for inflammation areas, cartilage thickness, and C3 protein expression in knee samples. Statistical analysis was performed with an ANOVA test and Tukey’s post-hoc test with a significance level of 5% (P<0.05). Results: NO was lower in the treated groups compared to the Sham group, and TBARS did not show any differences, while catalase showed greater activity between PRP+Laser versus PRP (P<0.05). Inflammatory areas and cartilage thickness were lower in the treated groups compared to Sham (P<0.05), while no differences in C3 protein expression was observed. Conclusion: PBM associated with PRP is better for anti-inflammatory and joint preservation by morphological aspects and NO levels that concern a potential clinical application.
Fractional Micro-ablative CO2 Laser as Therapy in Penile Lichen Sclerosus
Authors: Campolmi Piero , Cannarozzo Giovanni , Bennardo Luigi , Clementi Alessandro , Sannino Mario , Nisticò Steven Paul
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Topical steroids remain the first-line therapy to treat lichen sclerosus (LS), but circumcision may be curative in most cases. Positive results have been obtained by using a fractional micro-ablative CO2 laser to treat genital LS. This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of the fractional micro-ablative CO2 laser in the treatment of penile LS. Case Presentation: Five treatments with the fractional CO2 laser were performed on one 69-year-old man affected by penile LS. A significant improvement in symptomatology was noted after the first treatment session. Complete clinical remission was achieved 14 weeks after the last treatment. Conclusion: The fractional micro-ablative CO2 laser may represent a practical therapeutic approach in penile LS.
Light-Emitting Diode Laser Therapy for Hyperoxia-Induced Retinal Abnormalities
Authors: Abd Eldaiem Maha Sabry , Ahmed Salwa Abdelkawi , Elsaeid Aziza Abdelmonem , Hassan Aziza Ahmed , Ghoneim Dina Fouad , Ibrahim Ahlam Mohammed
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Hyperoxygenation is linked to numerous effects in a variety of organ systems. It can cause tissue damage by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), increasing oxidative stress, and inducing cell death by apoptosis. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy on the retina in response to acute hyperoxia in animals. Methods: A total of 70 Wistar albino rats were evaluated in the present study: 10 rats were designated as a control group, and the rest were exposed to hyperoxia (O2 , 90%) for 3 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks (20 rats each). Each group was divided into two subgroups (n=10), one of which was designated as hyperoxia only. The other was treated with a 670 nm light-emitting diode laser (2 sessions/one week, ~ 9.0 J/cm2 ) in each eye. The animals were euthanized, and their retinas were dissected for analysis of protein content, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), malondialdehyde (MDA), and histological examination. Results: We found that two weeks of hyperoxia induced an increase in retinal protein content (P<0.001), an alteration in the intensities and molecular weights of protein fractions, a significant decrease in the TAC level (P<0.01), and a noticeable increase in H2 O2 and MDA levels (P<0.001). Histological examination revealed fragmentation of the photoreceptors and neovascularization in the outer and inner plexiform layers. Furthermore, the data showed remarkable improvement in the retinal protein contents, oxidative state, and retinal structure after light-emitting diode laser therapy. Conclusion: Light-emitting diode laser therapy was found to be a useful treatment paradigm for reducing hyperoxia-induced retinal damage.
HÜKMÜN AÇIKLANMASININ GERİ BIRAKILMASI: YASAL ŞARTLARIN YERİNDELİĞİ VE KARARIN HUKUKİ ETKİLERİ ÜZERİNE BİR DEĞERLENDİRME
Authors: TÜLAY M. Emre
Published: November 2021

Ceza muhakemesinde erteleme kurumunun yansımalarından olan hükmün açıklanmasının geri bırakılması, uygulamada sıklıkla başvurulan kurumlar arasındadır. Sanığın hukuki menfaati gözetilerek ihdas edilen hükmün açıklanmasının geri bırakılması kurumunun, yasal şartları yönüyle bu amaçla ne ölçüde bağdaştığı, yargılamanın yürüyüşü ve ceza muhakemesine hakim ilkeler ışığında irdelenmelidir. Bu gayeyi takiben eserde, kurumun hukuki niteliği tartışılmış, yasal koşul ve istisnalar değerlendirilmiş, sanık hakkında doğurduğu sonuçlar incelenmiştir. Ayrıca, hükmün açıklanmasının geri bırakılması kararına karşı öngörülen itiraz kanun yolunun kapsamı, itiraz merciin bağlı olduğu sınırlar ve kanun yolu tercihinin yerindeliği ele alınmıştır. Konuyla ilgili içtihat ve doktrinde yer alan görüşler değerlendirilmiş, tespit edilen hukuki sorunlara ilişkin çözüm önerileri paylaşılmıştır.