bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A preclinical model of Brugada syndrome using CRISPR Repair in human cardiomyocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells: plattform for drug screening
Authors: El-Battrawy Ibrahim , Zhoang Rujia , Cyganek Lukas , Schimanski Theresa , Zhang Feng , Hohn Alyssa , Xu Qiang , Huang Mengying , Laio Zhanxing , Qiao Lin , Yang Zhen , Li Yingrui , Zhao Zhihan , Li Xin , Albers Sebastian , Maywald Lasse , Mueller Jonas , Dinkel Hendrik , Saguner Ardan , Janssen Hans , Swamy Narasimha , Xi Yannic , Lang Siegfried , Kleinsorge Mandy , Duru Firat , Borggrefe Martin , Diecke Sebastian , Akin Ibrahim , Zhou Xiaobo
Published: March 2022

Aims: Gene variants the calcium channels have been associated with
Brugada syndrome (BrS). The investigation of the human cellular
phenotype and the use of drugs for BrS is still lacking. Methods and
results: This study recruited cells from a BrS patient carrying a
missense variant (c.425C>T/p.S142F) in CACNB2 with
uncertain significance as well as from three healthy persons.
Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs)
generated from skin biopsies of healthy persons and the BrS patient
(BrS-hiPSC-CMs) as well as CRISPR/Cas9 corrected cells (isogenic
control, site-variant corrected) were used. HiPSC-CMs from the BrS
patient showed a significantly reduced L-type calcium channel current
(ICa-L). The inactivation curve was shifted to a more positive potential
and the recovery from inactivation was accelerated. The protein
expression of CACNB2 from the BrS-patient was significantly decreased.
Moreover, the correction of the CACNB2 site-variant rescued the changes.
In addition, the peak sodium current was significantly reduced as
compared with the controls consistent with the reduction of the
amplitude and upstroke velocity of action potentials in BrS-hiPSC-CMs.
Arrhythmia events were more frequently detected in BrS-hiPSC-CMs. In
cells without arrhythmic events, carbachol induced the occurrence of
arrhythmias with a higher chance in BrS-hiPSC-CMs than in healthy cells.
Whereas ajmaline (sodium channel blocker) did not increase arrhythmic
events, bisoprolol (beta-blocker) at low concentration and quinidine
decreased arrhythmic events. Conclusions: The CACNB2 variant
(c.425C>T/p.S142F) causes a loss-of-function of L-type
calcium channels and is pathogenic for this type of BrS. Bisoprolol and
quinidine may be effective for treating BrS with this variant.
Presenting Characteristics, Comorbidities, and Outcomes Among 390 Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19 Pneumonia in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Araç Songül , Özel Mehmet , Aslan Aydın , Alpar Süleyman , Araç Eşref
Published: March 2022

Aim: Covid-19 mortality rate varies according to age and the presence of
chronic disease. In this study, demographic characteristics,
comorbidities, presenting symptoms, physical examination findings,
laboratory findings, and administered drugs of the discharged or
deceased patients admitted to our hospital and hospitalized with the
COVID-19 diagnosis were compared to investigate the factors that affect
mortality Methods: A retrospective study was performed and included
COVID-19 pneumonia patients. 390 consecutive discharged or deceased
patients, who were hospitalized in our hospital between March 20 and May
20, 2020, after detection of pneumonia and diagnosis of COVID-19, were
included in the study. Result: Of the 390 patients included in the
study, 352 (90.25%) were discharged after recovery, while 38 (9.75%)
were deceased. The average age of all the patients was 49.46±17,86, the
average age of the discharged patients was 47.19±16.76, and the average
age of the deceased patients was 70.42±13.7. The average age of deceased
patients was significantly higher. Of all the patients, 40.8% was PCR
positive Conclusion: The present study revealed that the drugs that
patients take due to their comorbidities have no effect on the prognosis
of the disease and that the presence of comorbidity itself is indicative
of the poor prognosis. Taking into account the PCR positivity of 57.9%,
even in deceased patients, we believe PCR is inadequate in the
diagnosis, and CT is much more valuable in this regard.
Regional Epidemiology and Associated Risk Factors of PPR
Authors: Ullah Munib , Li Yanmin , Munib Kainat , Zhang Zhidong
Published: March 2022

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute, highly contagious, world
organization for animal health (OIE) notiﬁable and economically
important transboundary viral disease of sheep and goats and caused by
PPR virus (PPRV), which belongs to the genus Morbillivirus of the family
Paramyxoviridae. The disease is endemic across Asia, the Middle East and
African regions and is considered to be a major obstacle to the
development of sustainable agriculture across the developing world due
to huge burden for the economy and development of the affected countries
and has recently been targeted by the OIE and the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) for eradication with the aim of global elimination of
the disease by 2030. In this review, the regional epidemiology of PPR
outbreaks and associated risk factors with special reference to the
PPR-affected countries in South， Central and East Asia is
comprehensively discussed.
The pangenome of environmental Gram-negative bacteria and its hidden, but promising, biotechnological potential
Authors: Covas Claudia , Figueiredo Gonçalo , Gomes Margarida , Santos Tiago , Mendo Sonia , Caetano Tania
Published: March 2022

Secondary metabolites (SMs) produced by bacteria from unusual
environments can contribute to mitigate some of the health and
environmental challenges we face. The knowledge of the diversity and
applicability of SMs produced by environmental Gram-negatives is lagging
behind that of Gram-positives. Examples include some members of genus
Pedobacter that produce nonribosomal peptides active against bacteria
listed by the WHO as a priority for R&D of new drugs. Herein, a total
of 233 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) were identified in the
Pedobacter´s pangenome, which encode the biosynthesis of RiPPs (27%),
terpenes (22%), hybrid SMs (17%), PKs (12%), NRPs (9%) and
siderophores (6%). Most of BGCs did not have significant hits with
MIBiG database, which highlights the novelty of their products. From all
species, P. cryoconitis and P. lusitanus encode the highest number and
diversity of BGCs. Giving their applicability and ecological roles, the
BGCs for the production of siderophores and terpenoids were analysed in
detail. It was concluded that some species can be a source of squalene
and novel siderophores and carotenoids, which deserve further
characterization. This study highlights the genus Pedobacter as a
prolific source of SMs, probably with a wide range of biological
activities and applications hitherto unknown.
High-fat breakfast increases bioavailability of albendazole compared to light breakfast: single-dose study in healthy subjects
Authors: Ochoa Dolores , Saiz-Rodríguez Miriam , González-Rojano Esperanza , Román Manuel , Sánchez-Rojas Sergio , Wojnicz Aneta , Ruiz-Nuño Ana , García-Arieta Alfredo , Abad-Santos Francisco
Published: March 2022

Background – Albendazole is a benzoimidazole carbamate drug with
anthelmintic and antiprotozoal activity against intestinal and tissue
parasites. It has been described that the administration with meals
increases albendazole absorption. Objective – Our aim was to compare
the systemic exposure in healthy volunteers of two albendazole
formulations after a single oral dose under fed conditions and to
evaluate the effect of breakfast composition on its bioavailability.
Methods – 12 healthy volunteers were included in a crossover, open,
randomized comparative bioavailability trial including two stages.
Single oral doses of 400 mg albendazole were administered under fed
conditions (a light breakfast in first stage and a high-fat breakfast in
the second) separated by 7-day washout periods. Plasma albendazole and
albendazole sulfoxide concentrations were measured by HPLC-MS/MS.
Results – Albendazole absorption was clearly influenced by the meal
composition. A high-fat breakfast increased albendazole and albendazole
sulfoxide area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) and maximum
concentration (Cmax) by double compared to a light breakfast. The
bioavailability of the two formulations was very similar, although the
sample size was not sufficient to demonstrate bioequivalence because the
intra-individual variability of albendazole was approximately 60%.
Conclusions – The higher albendazole and albendazole sulfoxide levels
when administered with a high-fat meal could be of importance in
clinical practice. Since albendazole labelling recommends its
administration with meals, it is necessary to insist the patient to take
it with a fatty meal so that the effectiveness of albendazole is not
compromised.
Screening, Evaluation and Phylogenetic Identification of Laccase from Trichoderma Species and its Application in Bisphenol Degradation
Authors: Umar Aisha
Published: March 2022

Genus Trichoderma was explored to find out the laccase activity by
submerge cultivation. In this work, ten different Trichoderma species
were isolated from soil samples collected from different sources. These
biocontrol fungi were identified by internal transcribed spacer (ITS)
sequences. Guaiacol (0.04 %) as an enzyme substrate in Plate medium was
used for the selection of maximum laccase enriched Trichoderma species.
This activity was also evaluated by liquid submersion (flask medium).
The absorbance of broth contained laccase was measured by
spectrophotometer (450 nm). Different Trichoderma species were explored
to evaluate the strongest laccase potentials. The proficient Trichoderma
species was T. atroviride yield maximum laccase (2.62 U/mL). Trichoderma
cremeum and T. longipile was medium in laccase potency, while T.
beinartii showed weak laccase secretion ability. Laccase of T.
atroviride was purified by SDS-PAGE and determined the molecular weight
(57 kDa). The laccase confirmation was achieved by amino acid sequences
and constructed the phylogenetic tree for authenticity. The laccase
secreted by T. atroviride exhibited good potential to degrade the toxic
phenolic compound (BPA) efficiently, after 1-h reaction of 5 μg purified
laccase and 0.5 mmol/L ABTS mediator at 28 °C (pH 5.5). The degradation
rate was reached 98.2 %, which demonstrated the great potential to
degrade the bisphenol A.
Current approaches in the therapeutic use of herbal medications for chronic kidney diseases
Authors: Borkar Pranjali , Yadav Vaishali , Tiwari Rajnarayan , Samarth Ravindra
Published: March 2022

A combination of herbal medication and pharma-therapies is usual
practice to treat chronic kidney disease especially in Asian region.
Because of limited treatment options for chronic kidney disease (CKD),
the use of traditional herbal medication to alleviate the urogenital
problems is the alternate therapeutic selection. Only few studies are
available in supporting the usefulness of medicinal plants for CKD,
though people are using it since very long. Many active ingredients of
traditional medicinal plants are unidentified which eventually results
into undetermined toxicities. Here, we made attempt to summarize the
recent outcomes for the use of herbal medicine in treatment of CKD in
human and in animal studies. About 51 studies were found to describe the
utilization of herbal drugs in treatment of CKD in both human and
laboratory animals, 19 studies described the clinical application of
about 14 medicinal plants used against CKD in human and 32 studies
demonstrated the beneficial use of 19 medicinal plants in animal models
and in vitro studies for CKD treatment. To embody the therapeutic use of
herbal medications in CKD, molecular studies need to execute to identify
active components of medicinal herbs and their mechanism of action. A
well-designed clinical trials and rigorous pharmacological studies are
warranted for determination of the safety standards required for
therapeutic agents of herbal medicines.
Circle of Willies dependent coronary artery circulation in a neonate with absent left ventricle, aortic valve atresia and type C interrupted aortic arch.
Authors: Karmegaraj Balaganesh , Ibrahim Syed , Syed Mohamed Razeen , Srimurugan Balaji
Published: March 2022

We present a case of Aortic valve atresia (AVA) with type C interrupted
aortic arch (IAA) in a neonate with absent left ventricle and mitral
valve atresia. The hemodynamics of the lesion has been discussed with an
illustrative cartoon.
Comparison of the effects of BiPAP and NCPAP as respiratory support after extubation in infants underwent cardiac surgery
Authors: zheng yirong , xie wenpeng , liu jianfeng , xu ning , cao hua , chen qiang
Published: March 2022

Objective: To explore the difference between bilevel positive airway
pressure (BiPAP) and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP)
as respiratory support after extubation in infants underwent cardiac
surgery. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 83 infants
who underwent repair of atrial septal defect (ASD) or ventricular septal
defect (VSD) in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2020.
According to ventilation mode, the patients were divided into BiPAP
group (n=42) and NCPAP group (n=41). Blood gas index, PaO2/FiO2,
non-invasive ventilation time, extubation failure rate, total enteral
feeding time, and complications of the two groups were measured before
the treatment and at 6 h, 12 h and 24 h after treatment. The two groups
were compared using repeated-measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) and
t-test analysis. Statistical significance was considered to be P
< 0.05. Results: At 6 h, 12 h and 24 h after treatment,
PaO2/FiO2 in BiPAP group was significantly higher than that in NCPAP
group (P<0.05). At 12 h and 24 h after treatment, PaCO2 in
BiPAP group was significantly lower than that in NCPAP group
(P<0.05). There was no statistically significant differences
in non-invasive ventilation time, extubation failure rate, total enteral
feeding time, and complications between the two groups
(P>0.05). Conclusion: Both BiPAP and NCPAP can be used to
improve the ventilation of infants underwent repair of ASD or VSD, while
BiPAP is more beneficial to improve oxygenation and correct carbon
dioxide retention.
Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation on the Bcl-2 mRNA, p21 mRNA, and survivin mRNA Expression in Endometriosis Model Mice
Authors: Dwiningsih Sri , Darmosoekarto Soehartono , Hendarto Hendy , Rantam Fedik , Dachlan Erry , Sunarjo Sunarjo , Wiyasa I W , Widjiati Widjiati
Published: March 2022

Background. In endometriosis, there is an increase in ROS levels and can
cause a damage the DNA structures. Objectives. To analyze the effect of
mesenchymal stem cells on the expression of BCl2 mRNA, p21 mRNA, and
Survivin mRNA in mice with endometriosis models. Material and methods.
This study used 42 female mice which were divided into 3 groups, the
normal mice group (T0), the positive control group, the endometriosis
model group that received placebo (T1) and the endometriosis model mice
that received bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (T2). The stages of
this research are: endometrial biopsy, bone marrow isolation for
mesenchymal stem cell production, mesenchymal stem cell production,
endometriosis model making, mesenchymal stem cell therapy in
endometriosis model mice, cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) sample
collection. Real-time PCR and Examination of Bcl-2 mRNA expression, p21
mRNA expression, and survivin mRNA expression, using real-time PCR
method. Data analysis using ANOVA. Results. There was PKH26 luminescence
as a characteristic sign of homing mesenchymal stem cells in the ovaries
of mice that received mesenchymal stem cells. The values of Bcl-2 mRNA,
p21 mRNA, and survivin mRNA of the three groups were not significantly
different (p> 0.05), although the mean Bcl-2 mRNA
expression in the endometriosis model group given mesenchymal stem cells
was higher than the endometriosis model group. Conclusions. There was no
effect between the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA, p21 mRNA, and survivin mRNA
on the decrease in apoptosis of granulosa cells in the group of
endometriosis model mice that received mesenchymal stem cells.
THE BIVARIATE HORADAM POLYNOMIALS AND HYBRINOMIALS
Authors: SEVGI Emre
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we define the Horadam polynomials and hybrinomials with
two variables x and y; called the bivariate Horadam polynomials and
hybrinomials, respectively. Also, we obtain Binet formula, generating
function and some properties for the bivariate Horadam hybrinomials.
Moreover, we get Catalan, Cassini and d’Ocagne identities for these
hybrinomials. Finally, the matrix representations of the bivariate
Horadam hybrinomials were introduced.
Benefits of Early Combination Antiviral Treatment Containing Favipiravir for COVID-19 in Thailand
Authors: Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya , Sawanpanyalert Narumol , Sirijatuphat Rujipas , Sangsayunh Piamlarp , Intalapaporn Poj , Putcharoen Opass , Manosuthi Weerawat , Palavutitotai Nattawan , Samritmanoporn Worawan , Pungjitprapai Apatcha , Maleesatharn Alan
Published: March 2022

We report the clinical outcomes following implementation of initial
COVID-19 treatment guidelines in Thailand. A composite poor outcome was
defined as death, ICU admission, requiring intubation, or high-flow
oxygen. 744 COVID-19 patients (48.8% male) were included, median (IQR)
age was 37 (27-48) years [8.4% >60 years] and 21.4%
had pneumonia at admission. Admission <4 days from symptom
onset had a reduced risk of poor outcome. In a subgroup analysis,
favipiravir use reduced the risk of a poor outcome for patients admitted
<4 days from symptom onset (OR 0.320 (0.152-0.662), P=0.003).
Thai guidelines now include favipiravir to treat all symptomatic
COVID-19 patients.
ELABORATION AND MODELING THE RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF PHOSPHORIC ACIDS AND STUDY OF THE MgO IMPACT ON THEIR VISCOSITIES
Authors: BELBSIR Hamza , HAMI Khalil EL , MAZOUZ Hamid
Published: March 2022

Elaboration of rheological behavior of phosphoric acids H 3 PO 4 is very
important. In this paper we elaborated experimentally the rheological
behavior of various phosphoric acids produced in Jorf-Lasfar phosphoric
plant in Morocco, including phosphoric acids (PA) of 18%, 29%, 42%
and 54% in P 2 O 5. Thus, we studied the effect of temperature and
density on the rheological behavior of (PA) and the influence of
magnesium monoxide derived from phosphate rock, which has a remarkable
impact on the viscosity of (PA). Rheological measurements are made by
the rotary cylinder rheometer over the range of shear rates (1 - 1000 S
-1). We also were interested to establish the fluid-flow activation
energy (Ea) corresponding to each acid. Our study has been completed by
modeling all the rheological profiles of the acids by the regression of
these profiles to the empirical models of Casson, Bingham, Power-Law and
Herschel-Buckley.
Tracheotomy in COVID-19 Positive Patients - “New Normal” Workflow of Tracheotomy in the Era of SARS/COVID-19 Pandemic A Systematic Review
Authors: Chong Cheryl Zhiya , Png Lu Hui , Teo Neville , Teo Constance , Sewa Duu Wen , Wong Jolin , Ng Shin Yi , Toh Song Tar , Lim Chwee Ming
Published: March 2022

Introduction With the COVID-19 pandemic, a “new normal” on how
surgeons and intensivists perform tracheotomy in COVID-19 patients is
essential. We aim to summarize the recommendations and present the
supporting evidence of these recommendations. Methods A search of
published works on tracheotomy, tracheostomy, COVID-19, novel
coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE/Cochrane
Library. Articles relevant to the practice of tracheotomy on patients
with COVID-19 were selected. The articles were then reviewed and divided
into 4 key categories: 1) Personal protective equipment (PPE) in
COVID-19 positive patients, 2) Adjunctive measures of airway management
before definitive intervention in COVID-19 positive patients; 3) Timing
of tracheotomy in COVID-19 positive patients; and 4) Perioperative
considerations in performing tracheotomy in COVID-19 positive patients.
Results and key points Firstly, enhanced PPE is recommended during
tracheotomy of COVID-19 positive patients. Secondly, adjunctive airway
management before definitive intervention includes the use of high flow
nasal cannulas (HFNC). Thirdly, non-invasive ventilation via continuous
positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bilevel positive airway pressure
(BiPAP) machines are not recommended. Fourth, the general consensus
suggests that timing of tracheotomy should be at least 10 days after
intubation. Finally, percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) is
likely to be associated with a lower risk of transmission of the virus
to healthcare workers (HCW) than a surgical tracheotomy (ST). Other key
precautions would include minimizing the use of diathermy. Conclusions
The “new normal” workflow summarizes the ideal recommendations across
published societal guidelines. Enhanced PPE should be recommended
whenever possible. Adjunctive measures before definitive intervention of
COVID-19 patients should be limited to the use of HFNC, and CPAP/BiPAP
should be avoided. Tracheotomy should be performed after 10 days,
although the long term sequelae of tracheal stenosis and pulmonary
fibrosis should be ascertained with this approach.
OATP1B1 plays an important role in the transport and treatment efficacy of sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wen Jinhua , Zhao Menghua
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT Background: Sorafenib is an anticancer drug used in the
treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma and advanced renal
cell carcinoma. It is a substrate for the human OATP1B1. This study
aimed to assess the role of OATP1B1 in transportation and uptake of
sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma and how OATP1B1 affects the
pharmacodynamics of sorafenib in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Sorafenib
transport was measured in HepG2, HepG2-OATP1B1*1a, HepG2-OATP1B1*1b,
HepG2-OATP1B1*15, LO2, LO2-OATP1B1*1a, LO2-OATP1B1*1b, and
LO2-OATP1B1*15 cells, as well as in HepG2 cells transfected with
miR-148a mimics. The cell viability and apoptosis rate of cells treated
with sorafenib were evaluated. A liver cancer rat model was established
to explore the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of sorafenib after
overexpression of Oatp2. Results: Changes in expression and genetic
mutations of OATP1B1 significantly affected the uptake of sorafenib in
HepG2 and LO2 transgenic cells, and sorafenib uptake by HepG2 was higher
than that by LO2. Genetic mutations of OATP1B1 significantly affected
the cell viability and apoptosis rate of HepG2 cells after sorafenib
treatment. Compared to control HepG2 cells, miR-148a mimic-transfected
HepG2 cells had decreased sorafenib uptake. The inhibitory effect of
sorafenib on cell growth was weakened. PCN significantly increased the
expression of Oatp2 and affected the pharmacokinetics of sorafenib.
Vascular endothelial growth factor levels and microvascular density in
tumor-adjacent tissues decreased significantly, suggesting that
increased Oatp2 expression improves the treatment effect of sorafenib in
a rat model of liver cancer. Conclusions: OATP1B1 plays an important
role in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of sorafenib in
hepatocellular carcinoma.
Differential drivers of intraspecific and interspecific competition during malaria-helminth co-infection
Authors: Wait Liana , Kamiya Tsukushi , Fairlie-Clarke Karen , Metcalf Jessica , Graham Andrea , Mideo Nicole
Published: March 2022

Various host and parasite factors interact to determine the outcome of
infection. We investigated the effects of initial infectious dose and
co-infection with a red blood cell-limiting helminth on the within-host
dynamics of murine malaria. Using a time-series approach to model the
within-host “epidemiology” of malaria, we found that increasing
initial dose reduced time to peak cell-to-cell parasite propagation, but
also reduced its magnitude, while helminth co-infection delayed peak
malaria propagation, except at the highest malaria doses. Using a
mechanistic model of within-host dynamics, we identified dose-dependence
in parameters describing host responses to malaria infection and
uncovered a plausible explanation of the observed differences during
co-infections: in co-infections, our model predicted a higher background
death rate of RBCs combined with greater influx of new RBCs. Such
interactions are key to understanding variation in disease severity, and
could inform field studies of malaria, where co-infection and low doses
are the norm.
A clonal fresh water plants acquires transgenerational stress resistance under recurring copper excess
Authors: Huber Meret , Gablenz Saskia , Höfer Martin
Published: March 2022

Although non-genetic inheritance is thought to play an important role in
plant ecology and evolution, evidence for adaptive transgenerational
responses is scarce. Here, we investigated the consequences of copper
excess on offspring defense and fitness in the duckweed Spirodela
polyrhiza across multiple generations. We found that descendants of
large monoclonal populations (>10,000 individuals) that
grew for 30 generations under copper excess exhibited negative fitness
during the first few generations and positive fitness in consecutive
generations under recurring stress. Similarly, propagating individual
plants for 5 or 10 generations under copper excess decreased plant
fitness when 5 generations and improved fitness when 10 generations
passed between initial and recurring stress. Fitness benefits under
recurring stress were partially associated with avoidance of excessive
copper but not increased flavonoid accumulation. Taken together, these
data demonstrate time-dependent adaptive transgenerational responses
under recurring stress, which highlights the importance of non-genetic
inheritance for plant ecology and evolution.
The Utility of Gas Under Diaphragm on Radiograph in Patients with Perforated Appendix
Authors: Ali Asif , Nawaz Ali , Gul Shahzore , Khan Imran , Parveen Sughra , Musadaq Muhammad
Published: March 2022

Background To evaluate the diagnostic utility of gas under the diaphragm
on abdominal radiograph for patients with a perforated appendix. Methods
A prospective, observational study at General Surgery Department, Jinnah
Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan was conducted between
2018 to 2020. All patients with suspected appendicitis, irrespective of
gender were included in the study. Patients with age younger than 12
years or older than 60 years were excluded from the study. Findings from
the imagings for each patient were noted. The plain radiograph was
looking for “Gas under diaphragm”. All imaging was performed by a
radiologist with experience of five years or more. All data were entered
into a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 24).
Results The appendix diameter was highly significantly associated with
the risk of perforation in patients with appendicitis
(p<0.001). Similarly, the patients with a perforated appendix
have a significantly higher white blood cell count compared to those
without perforation (15.6 ± 5.1 versus 13.2 ± 4.4; p-value = 0.002). It
was found that out of the 76 patients with perforated appendicitis
pneumoperitoneum was positive in 6 (7.8%) patients while out of those
with a non-perforated appendix, 8 (10.5%) had gas under the diaphragm.
Conclusion Gas under the diaphragm on a plain radiograph was detected in
only a few cases with perforated appendicitis. Nevertheless, if
positive, it warrants immediate abdominal surgery and requires
comprehensive investigation.
Light spectra trigger divergent gene expression in barley cultivars
Authors: Monteagudo Arantxa , Río Álvaro Rodríguez del , Contreras-Moreira Bruno , Kiss Tibor , Mayer Marianna , Karsai Ildikó , Igartua Ernesto , Casas Ana
Published: March 2022

Light spectra influence barley development, causing a diverse range of
responses among cultivars that are poorly understood. Here, we exposed
three barley genotypes with different light sensitivities to two light
sources: fluorescent bulbs, over-representing green and red wavebands,
and metal halide lamps, with a more balanced spectrum. We used RNA
sequencing to spot the main genes and pathways involved in the different
responses, and RT-qPCR to validate the expression values. Different
grades of sensitivity to light spectra were associated with
transcriptional reprogramming, plastid signals, and photosynthesis. The
genotypes were especially divergent in the expression of genes regulated
by transcription factors from MADS-box, WRKY, and NAC families, and in
specific photoreceptors such as phytochromes and cryptochromes.
Variations in light spectra also affected the expression of circadian
clock, flowering time, and frost tolerance genes, among others,
resembling plant responses to temperature. The relation between
PPD-H1, HvVRN1, and HvFT1 might explain genotypic
differences. Light-sensitive genotypes experienced a partial reversion
of the vernalization process and senescence-related stress under the
less favorable light quality conditions. The observed light-quality
sensitivities reveal a complex mechanism of adaptation to regions with
specific light quality features and/or possible regulation of light
spectra in plant development during early spring.
The application of optimized clinical pathway in emergency treatment for STEMI patients
Authors: Yu Aiping , Lin Shaoyi , Wang Hongxing , Hu Haochang , Wu Nan , Xu Qinhong
Published: March 2022

Background: Previous studies showed that the door-to-balloon (DTB) time
was significantly related to the prognosis of patients with ST-segment
elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In this study, we were
committed to evaluating the effect of an optimized clinical pathway on
improving emergency treatment for STEMI patients. Method: A total of 315
STEMI patients from January 2018 to December 2019 were enrolled in this
study. The clinical characteristics, results of auxiliary examinations
and relevant indicators were extracted from the medical records. Result:
After optimizing the clinical pathway, the average DTB time in our
hospital was 87.57 minutes, which was shortened by 17.71 minutes
compared with the control (P = 3.0×10-6). In the optimized group, the
time spent in the emergency room was 12.54 minutes less than that in the
control group (P = 0.018). In the various workflows of the emergency
room, the troponin time and ECG time in the optimized group were reduced
by 6.44 minutes and 5.92 minutes, respectively (troponin time: P =
5.0×10-6, ECG time: P = 4.0×10-6). The consultation time was also
reduced by 3.91 minutes in the optimized group (P = 0.043). In addition,
the hospitalization time for STEMI patients was 9.73 days, which was
reduced by 1.15 days after optimization (P = 0.036). Furthermore, the
in-hospital mortality rate was decreased from 5.88% to 2.79% (P =
0.172). Conclusion: The optimized clinical pathway could directly reduce
the DTB time and improve the prognosis of STEMI patients.
REGULATION OF LEAF WATER POTENTIAL IN TREE SPECIES OF THE CERRADO-AMAZONIA TRANSITION IN RESPONSE TO CLIMATE SEASONALITY
Authors: Jancoski Halina , Marimon Beatriz Schwantes , Scalon Marina , Barros Fernanda , Carvalho Eder , Junior Ben Hur Marimon , Oliveira Rafael , Oliveras Imma
Published: March 2022

Leaf water potential is a good indicator of tree species responses to
rainfall seasonality, allowing to better understand water stress effects
on vegetation. We investigated daily and seasonal patterns on leaf water
potentials of 21 dominant species in three distinct vegetation types
from the Cerrado-Amazonia transition to assess how they respond to
seasonal changes in water availability. We found that the variation on
leaf water potential (Ψl) across species was higher in the dry compared
to the rainy season, for all vegetation types. Typical cerrado and
cerradão species showed similar patterns, with higher Ψl regulation
under higher VPD and lower variation in predawn Ψl (ΔΨpd), indicating
root access to soil water even during intense drought. In contrast,
seasonal forest species showed lower regulation under lower VPD effects
in both seasons, and higher ΔΨpd, indicating lower access to deep water
in the soil. These differences revealed two main groups of species:
higher Ψl regulators with a strategy isohydric occurring in both typical
cerrado (savannah) and cerradão (woodland), and lower Ψl regulators with
anisohydric strategy, occurring in seasonal forest. Our results suggest
that seasonal tropical forest species will become very vulnerable to
predicted increases on drought severity in the region.
Improving energy efficiency of barley production using joint DEA and LCA: Evaluation of greenhouse gas emissions and optimization approach
Authors: Jahanbakhshi Ahmad
Published: March 2022

Energy consumption and environmental quality are highly interdependent,
we carried out a study to examine energy efficiency and environmental
emissions associated with rain-fed barley farms in Kermanshah Province,
Iran. Fifty rain-fed barley farms were randomly selected, and production
data collected using questionnaires and interviews. Data envelopment
analysis(DEA) and life cycle assessment(LCA) were used to quantify and
compare environmental indicators before and after efficiency
improvements were applied to the farms. To accomplish this, efficient
and inefficient farms were identified using DEA. Then environmental
emissions were measured again after inefficient farms reached the
efficiency limit through management improvements. The results showed
that by managing resource use, both energy consumption and environmental
emissions can be reduced without yield loss. The initial amount of
energy consumed averaged 13,443 MJ/ha while that consumed in the optimal
state was determined to be 12,509 MJ/h, resulting in a savings of
934MJ/ha. Based on the results of DEA, reductions in nitrogen
fertilizer, diesel fuel and phosphate fertilizer offered the greatest
possibilities for energy savings. Combining DEA and LCA showed that
efficient resource management could reduce emissions important to
abiotic depletion (fossil fuels), human toxicity, marine aquatic
ecotoxicity, global warming (GWP100a), fresh water aquatic ecotoxicity
and terrestrial ecotoxicity
Noninvasive assessment of insulin resistance and diabetes risk among health care professionals in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Gokmen Emel Saglam , Atay Bennur , Yurtsever Sultan , Pilten Saadet , Sit Dede , Atay Ahmet , Yildirim Suleyman
Published: March 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to assess insulin resistance (IR) and diabetes
risk levels using the FINDRISK noninvasive assessment tool in physicians
from a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was
carried out between February-April 2013 on 200 physicians working in a
tertiary. Data was collected using the Finnish diabetes risk score
(FINDRISK) tool, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and fasting insulin. The
Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was
calculated. Results: Age was 25-45 years in 84.5% (n=169) of the
physicians. Half of the participants were consultants, while the
remaining were residents. Mean blood insulin, glucose, and HOMA-IR
levels of the participants were 14.04±13.38 IU/mL, 93.55±10.11 mg/dl,
and‎ 3.39±3.64, respectively. Most of the participants (58.0%, n=116)
were males. The FINDRISK categories were low in 16.5% (n=32), mild in
36.5% (n=73), moderate in ‎‎23.5% (n=47), high in 18.5% (n=37), and
very high in 5.5% (n=11). HOMA-IR was 2.6-33 in 49.5% (n=99), while
impaired fasting glucose (IFG) was present in 24% (n=48) of the
doctors. Majority of the physicians (77.5%, n=155) had a body mass
index (BMI) of ≥ 25 kg/m2, did not exercise regularly (89.0%, n=178),
did not consume daily vegetables and/or fruits (62.5%, n=125), and had
diabetic relatives (72.0%, n=144). The risk of diabetes was higher
among the consultants compared to the residents (p=0.001), which
persisted even after controlling for age. Conclusions: Our findings
suggest that the FINDRISK assessment may use in the screening of medical
doctors for diabetes in Turkey. Diabetes is more prevalent among
hypertensive physicians. Projects are needed to modify the reversible
diabetes risk factors among medical doctors.
QSAR-Quantum Mining on Chern-Simons Topological Geometrics for the generation of a Ligand Targeting COVID-19-SARS-COV-2 SPIKE D614G Binding Sites.
Authors: Grigoriadis Ioannis
Published: March 2022

SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the viral spike (S) encoding a
SARS-COV-2 SPIKE D614G mutation protein predominate over time in locales
revealing the dynamic aspects of its key viral processes where it is
found, implying that this change enhances viral transmission. It has
also been observed that retroviruses infected ACE2-expressing cells
pseudotyped with SG614 that is presently affecting a growing number of
countries markedly more efficiently than those with SD614. The
availability of newer powerful computational resources, molecular
modeling techniques, and cheminformatics quality data have made it
feasible to generate reliable algebraic calculations to design new
chemical entities, merging chemicals, fragmentizing natural products,
and a lot of other substances fuelling further development and growth of
this AI-quantum based drug design field to balance the trade-off between
the structural complexity and the quality of such biophysics predictions
that cannot be obtained by any other method. In this paper, we strongly
combine topology geometric methods targeting at the atomistic level the
protein apparatus of the SARS-COV-2 virus that are simple in machine
learning anti-viral characteristics, to propose computer-aided rational
drug design strategies efficient in computing docking usage, and
powerful enough to achieve very high accuracy levels for this in-silico
effort for the generation of the AI-Quantum designed molecule the
RoccustyrnaTM small molecule, a multi-targeting druggable scaffold
2‐({[fluoro({[(2E)‐5‐oxabicyclo
[2.1.0]pentan‐2‐ylidene]cyano‐lambda6‐sulfanyl})
methyl]phosphorylidene} amino)-4,6‐dihydro‐1H‐purin‐6‐onetargeting
the COVID-19-SARS-COV-2 SPIKE D614G mutation using Chern-Simons Topology
Euclidean Geometric in a Lindenbaum-Tarski generated QSAR automating
modeling and Artificial Intelligence-Driven Predictive Neural Networks.
Finite element analysis on the position of the spiral blade in the femoral head of internal fixation for intertrochanteric fractures
Authors: Liu Gang , Yu Hao , Zhang Wen , Zheng Xiaohan , Ge Jun , Wu Cenhao , Yan Qi , Wang Yingjie , Yang Huilin , Zou Jun
Published: March 2022

Background: Intramedullary fixation is the preferred treatment for AO
type 31A2.2-3.3 intertrochanteric fractures. However, the planting
position of the spiral blade into the femoral head is controversial, and
relative biomechanical studies are sparse. This article aims to
investigate the influence of different position of spiral blade on
fixation of intertrochanteric fracture. Methods: A three-dimensional
(3D) finite element model of a femoral intertrochanteric fracture with
proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) fixation was developed in
which the collum femoris was divided into three parts based on the
length of the spiral blades. Subsequently, we measured the displacement
and stress both the intertrochanteric fracture model and the spiral
blade in nine fixation modalities. Results: When the spiral blade was
placed in the middle position of the femoral neck, the displacement was
the lowest (2.68 mm) and the stress was the least (180.77 Mpa), followed
by the lower position of femoral neck, while the displacement and the
stress of the upper position of the femoral neck were the largest. The
stress decreased stepwise from the tip of the spiral blade to the distal
end of the intramedullary nail. Conclusion: The upper spiral blade
position produced the largest displacement of the finite element model.
A medium-length spiral blade located in the middle of the femoral neck
can achieve a stable fixation, and reduce the cutting effect on the
femoral head, which is recommended for the treatment of
intertrochanteric fractures.
Special functions for solving nonlinear differential equations
Authors: He Ji-huan
Published: March 2022

This paper shows the special functions are a mathematical tool to
solving nonlinear equations. The gamma function is used as an example to
show the one-step solution process for a special nonlinear oscillator.
Comparison with the exact solution and the approximate solution obtained
by the homotopy perturbation method reveals the gamma function method is
extremely simple and remarkably accurate.
Extra-Renal Wilms’ Tumour: Diagnostic challange in pediatric oncology
Authors: Cesur İlknur , Külahçı Özgür , yağcı-küpeli begül
Published: March 2022

Extrarenal Wilms tumors (ERWT) are extremely rare with only isolated
case reports in the pediatric literature. As there are no specific
radiological findings suggesting ERWT, it is difficult to diagnose ERWT
accuaretely without pathological description. We present two cases who
presented with large retroperitoneal masses. Wilms tumor was not
considered in differential diagnosis as the masses were located outside
the kidney. An emphasize on ERWT’s clinical and surgical findings and
differential diagnosis were made in this report.
The characteristics and risk factors of asparaginase-associated pancreatitis in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Kuo Shu-Han , Chen Jiann-Shiuh , Cheng Chao-Neng , Lo Hsiao-Yu , Chen Wei-Che , Lai Fu-Ping , Yang Yao-Jong
Published: March 2022

Background: This study aimed to elucidate the characteristics
and the risk factors for Asparaginase-associated pancreatitis (AAP) in
children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) under Taiwan Pediatric
Oncology Group (TPOG)-ALL regimen. Methods: The retrospective
hospital-based cohort study was conducted by reviewing the chart records
of total 191 pediatric ALL patients aged 1-18 years treated with
TPOG-ALL (2002 and 2013) protocols at the National Cheng Kung University
Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan, from 2002 to 2019. The disease incidence,
clinical presentations, laboratory data, complications, and outcomes of
AAP were investigated. Results: The incidence of AAP among 191
ALL children was 4.7%. The incidence was significantly higher in
children treated with the TPOG-ALL-2013 (n=62) than TPOG-ALL-2002
(n=129) protocol (11.3% vs. 1.6%, p= 0.006). Multivariate analysis
identified using TPOG-ALL-2013 protocol was an independent risk factor
for AAP. All of the 9 AAP cases had associated complications, such as
systemic inflammatory response syndrome, thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy,
liver dysfunction, hypoalbuminemia, jaundice, ascites, pleural effusion,
hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Pancreatic necrosis or
pseudocysts developed in 7 (78%) patients. Notably, 1 (11%) AAP cases
developed diabetes mellitus and 4 (44%) had chronic pancreatitis during
a 1-year observational period. None were mortality.
Conclusions: The incidence of AAP was 4.7% in ALL patients
treated with TPOG-ALL protocol. Although a higher cumulative dose of
Asparaginase in TPOG-ALL-2013 may attribute to the pancreatic toxicity,
unidentified factors such as genetic predisposition still need further
study.
Use of dual priming oligonucleotide system-based multiplex RT-PCR assay to detect five diarrhea viruses in pig herds in South China
Authors: Si Guangbin , Niu Jiawei , Zhou Xia , Xie Yongsheng , Chen Zhifei , Li Gen , Chen Ruiai , He Dongsheng
Published: March 2022

In this study, a specific and simple method based on the dual priming
oligonucleotide (DPO) system was developed to simultaneously detect
transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine epidemic diarrhea
virus (PEDV), porcine rotavirus A (PRV-A), porcine delta coronavirus
(PDCoV), and swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV),
associated with the major enteric RNA viruses in pigs. The multiplex
RT-PCR method based on the DPO system simplified the primer design and
did not require optimization of the annealing temperature. Specificity
analysis revealed that the method could specifically detect TGEV, PEDV,
PRV-A, PDCoV, and SADS-CoV without any cross-amplification of other
circulating swine viruses. The limit of detection of the method was as
low as 103–104 copies/μL plasmid of each virus. The method also had
good repeatability, and obvious results were seen in three repeat
experiments with an interval of 45 days. This optimized multiplex RT-PCR
method was used to evaluate 181 clinical swine samples that were
collected from four provinces of China between September 2016 and August
2018. The results showed that the positive detection rates of PEDV,
PDCoV, SADS-CoV, PRV-A, and TGEV were 30.94% (56/181), 17.67%
(32/181), 11.6% (21/181), 9.39% (17/181), and 0.55% (1/181),
respectively. Mixed infection of two or more viruses was also common.
The DPO system-based multiplex RT-PCR could be a useful tool for
detecting enteric virus infections. This method has the advantages of
easy operation, low cost, high detection efficiency, and short running
time for early diagnosis in clinical cases.
Effect of flame speed and explosion pressure on flame quenching performance for in-line crimped-ribbon flame arresters
Authors: sun shaochen , shu yuan , liu gang , ye chen , deng junxiang
Published: March 2022

An experimental system consisting of gas mixing equipment, a sensor
detection system, a data acquisition device, and an electric spark
ignition device was set up to investigate the effect of flame speed and
explosion pressure on flame quenching performance of propane, ethylene
and hydrogen/air mixtures in the in-line crimped-ribbon flame arresters.
The results indicated that under the conditions of the same size of
experimental pipe configuration and the same ignition distance but
different pipe lengths, or the same pipe length but different ignition
distances, the flame arrester successfully stopped the flames at high
flame speed and low explosion pressure, but failed at low flame speed
and high explosion pressure. Then the relationship between flameproof
speed and explosion pressure was derived base on the physical model of
heat conduction, which is proved by experiment and provide more accurate
reference for design and selection of crimped-ribbon flame arrester
DEGRADATION MECHANISM OF FEATHER WASTE BY KERATINASES WITH PROMISING BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
Authors: Kamran Nashmia , Khalil zeeshan Muhammad Zeeshan
Published: March 2022

Feathers account for the major pollutant of the poultry industry due to
its recalcitrant nature. They are composed of keratins that has numerous
application in various fields. The untreated feathers production from
poultry industry are considered major pollutant because of their
resistance towards protease degradation. Chicken feathers can be
enzymatically degraded by keratinases that are secreted by numerous
bacteria and fungi and converted into value-added products. Degradation
by keratinolytic bacteria represent as an alternative for the
development of cost-effective, eco-friendly and cheap source of
nitrogenous fertilizers that are needed for plant growth. The feather
degradation also results in the release of tryptophan that acts as
precursor for the phytohormone. The hydrolysate plays important role in
the seed germination and plant growth. They also serve as an alternative
tool to improve soil biological activities, organic farming and
agro-ecosystems. The mechanism of degradation comprises of the three
steps, sulfitolysis, proteolysis that is followed by deamination. This
review summarizes the progress in the feather degradation by
keratinases, its structure, mechanism of action and feather application.