bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tylosin Inhibited Growth of Chlorella Vulgaris and Raphidocelis Subcapitata by Inducing Oxidative Stress
Authors: Lu Denglong , Ma Zhihua , Peng Jianglin , Zhang Yibo , Liu Shan , Li Qi
Published: June 2021

Two model algae Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) and Raphidocelis subcapitata (R. subcapitata) were generally used to test chemicals with antimicrobial properties during registration process. However, it has been reported that significant sensitivity difference in two algae when exposure to antibiotics. Furthermore, the selection of an appropriate test species play a vital role in evaluate of environmental hazards and risks of compounds. Since the balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant is a crucial factor on alga growth. This experiment is performed to investigate the working of oxidative stress and mechanism of antioxidant defense system of algae under antibiotic stress. A series of concentration of Tylosin (TYN), a macrolide antibiotic, were used to test in this study. Oxidative stress biomarkers (Malondialdehyde (MDA)), non-enzymatic antioxidants (Reduced glutathione (GSH)), antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione Peroxidase (GP), Glutathione S-transferase (GST)) and photosynthetic pigments were measured to investigate antioxidant defense system. R. subcapitata was significantly inhibited with increasing concentration of TYN, whereas no effects on C. vulgaris. The contents of MDA increased significantly when species were inhibited, and thus, activating the antioxidant system, companying with the significantly increasing of SOD and CAT.
Technical Considerations for Reducing The Cost of Robotic Lobectomy for Lung Cancer
Authors: Hashimoto Kohei , Sakamaki Hiroyuki , Kumeda Hirotaka , Agatsuma Hiroyuki , Yoshida Kazuo
Published: June 2021

Background

The cost of robotic assisted surgery is an obstacle to wider implementation. We aimed to evaluate the effect of our strategy to reduce the cost of robotic lobectomy (RL) for lung cancer.
Methods

This single institutional retrospective study included RL for lung cancer between October 2018 to November 2019. We initiated minimal RL (miRL) in September 2019 aiming to reduce the consumable cost, in which we intended to use only bipolar fenestrated (left), long bipolar grasper (right) and vessel sealer (3rd arm) as robotic instrument. Additional consumable cost was calculated based on Japanese catalog price (1USD = 110JPY) to perform RL (excluding robot and maintenance fee, and staplers) compared to our video assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy (VATS-L) (3 ports, no energy device). We then assessed the effect of miRL on the cost and perioperative outcomes.
Results

Twenty-one RATS-L were performed [20 c-stage I and one c-T3(PM1)N0M0]. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the miRL group (N = 6) [age 73(56–76); male 67%; tumor size 18(5–33) mm] and the Control group (N = 15) [age 68(50–84); male 60%; tumor size 13(8–32) mm]. In all cases with miRL, procedure was completed with only 3 arms. The mean (range) additional consumable cost to perform RL compared to VATS-L was significantly reduced in the miRL group compared to the control group [Control 2168(1808–2746) vs miRL 1424(1424–1424) USD, p༜0.01]. There was no conversion to thoracotomy or grade > 4 complications. There were no significant differences in blood loss [Control 25(0-203) vs miRL 30(0-152) g, p = 0.90], operation duration [Control 193(106–284) vs miRL 179(154–211) mins, p = 0.53] or postoperative hospital stay [Control 4(3–10) vs miRL 4(3–17) days, p = 0.87].
Conclusions

With miRL strategy in our cohort, consumable cost for RATS-L was significantly reduced while maintaining perioperative outcomes. Further evaluation with larger number of patients is warranted.
Pharmacoeconomic Analysis of Biologics and Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis from the Standpoint of the Number Needed to Treat Concept under the Japanese Health Insurance System
Authors: Harigane Kengo , Mochida Yuichi , Shimazaki Takayuki , Kobayashi Naomi , Inaba Yutaka
Published: June 2021

Objectives: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of biologics and methotrexate (MTX) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using the number needed to treat (NNT) concept and total actual health care cost.Methods: This study included 121 RA patients with newly prescribed biologics and/or MTX between 2012 and 2017. The NNT was calculated based on the 24-week remission rate of Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI).Results: Remission rates were 76.4% for DAS28-ESR and 45.4% for CDAI in the biologics group and 63.6% and 24.2%, respectively, in the MTX group. The NNT was calculated as 6.4 and 4.2 in the biologics group and 34.2 and 35.2 in the MTX group, respectively. Mean total actual health care costs were 1,044,066 JPY (9,835 US$)/24 weeks per treated patient in the biologics group and 75,860 JPY (715 US$)/24 weeks in the MTX group. Although the effectiveness of biologics was superior to MTX from the standpoint of NNT, the mean total health care cost and mean cost per NNT were much higher in the biologics group.Conclusions: Cost-effectiveness is clearly higher for MTX than biologics from the standpoint of NNT and total actual health care cost under the Japanese health insurance system.
Diversification Through Gustatorial-Courtship: An X-ray Micro-Computed Tomography Study on Dwarf Spiders
Authors: Lin Shou-Wang , Lopardo Lara , Uhl Gabriele
Published: June 2021

BackgroundSexual selection has been considered to promote diversification and speciation. Sexually dimorphic species have been used to explore the supposed effect, however, with mixed results. In dwarf spiders (Erigoninae), many species are sexually dimorphic - males possess marked prosomal modifications. These male traits vary from moderate elevation to bizarre shapes in various prosomal regions. Previous studies established that male dwarf spiders produce substances in these prosomal modifications that are taken up by the female. Since the transfer of substances increases mating probability of males and oviposition rate in females, the dimorphic traits evolved in the context of sexual selection. Here, we explore the evolutionary lability of the gustatory trait complex by investigating 1) if erigonine modified prosomata are inherently linked to nuptial-gift-producing glands, 2) if gland evolution preceded that of the modified prosomal shapes and by assessing 3) the probability of convergent evolution and cryptic differentiation - with the aim of assessing the role of this trait complex in species divergence.ResultsWe reconstructed the position and extent of the glandular tissue along with the muscular anatomy in the anterior part of the prosoma of 76 erigonine spiders and three outgroup species using X-ray micro-computed tomography. We incorporated the location of glands and muscles into an existing matrix of somatic and genitalic morphological traits of these taxa and reanalyzed their phylogenetic relationship. Our analysis supports that possession of glandular equipment is the ancestral state. The manifold modifications of the prosomal shape have evolved convergently multiple times. We found differences in glandular position between species with both modified and unmodified prosomata, and reported on seven cases of gland loss. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the occurrence of gustatory gland in sexually monomorphic ancestors has set the stage for the evolution of diverse dimorphic external modifications in dwarf spiders. Variation among congeners indicates that glandular position is highly susceptible to changes. Multiple incidences of gland loss suggest considerable maintenance costs of glandular tissue and nuptial feeding. Our results demonstrate divergent evolutionary patterns of gustatorial-courtship-related traits, and a likely facilitating effect of this type of sexual selection on speciation
COVID-19 Biomedical Waste Management: Knowledge Assessment Among Medical Professionals in a COVID-19 Dedicated Hospital, a Cross Sectional Study.
Authors: Afsar Aiman Perween , Bains Lovenish , Mishra Anurag , Dabaas Aashima , Mittal Akshit , Aggarwal Sulakshna , Kaur Daljit
Published: June 2021

Background Nations have faced significant challenges with the COVID-19 related biomedical waste since its outbreak. Before the pandemic, Indian hospitals typically generated 500g of BMW per bed each day, which has now risen to about 2.5-4 kg per bed per day. Proper BMW aims to reduce waste generation, ensures efficient collection, handling and safe disposal that it controls infection and improves safety for the medical professionals. Hence, the present study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge among medical professionals regarding biomedical waste segregation , transport and treatment and thereafter provide constructive suggestions to reduce mismanagement practices. Methodology An e-survey was done to assess the knowledge and awareness of management of Biomedical Waste generated due to Covid-19 among Medical Professionals (students, residents and consultants) of tertiary care hospital of North India. Result The average knowledge score about BMW waste generated due to Covid-19 was found to be: for segregation - 27.46%, 59.615%, and 49.8%; transport of waste from site of generation to the site of disposal- 63.66%, 89.1% and 95.2% ; disposal of waste generated- 29%, 71.96%, and 68.24% in students, residents, and consultants respectively. Overall, the knowledge score was 41.4%, 67.98%, and 61.34% among the students, residents and consultants respectively. We found that participants with greater years of experience (residents and consultants) had better knowledge compared to that of the students(p<0.05). Discussion Our study found that the mean score was 56.9% which is comparably more than the knowledge score of few Low and Middle Income Countries but less than the knowledge score of some European countries. Studies have found that the chances of infection directly correlates with the low level of knowledge. This underlines that training aspects of health-care waste management should be strengthened, not only for the practising medical professionals but also of the students so that the current, existing, and future regulations are practiced diligently and uniformly. Hence, it is important that we strengthen the training aspect of medical professionals. Periodic evaluation and assessment should become routine to enforce adherence to waste management.
Appearance of Claudin-5+ Leukocyte Subtypes in the Blood and CNS During Progression of EAE
Authors: Krajewski Dylan , Paul Debayon , Ge Shujun , Jellison Evan , Pachter Joel S.
Published: June 2021

Background: Tight junctions (TJs) are membrane specializations characteristic of barrier-forming membranes, which function to seal the aqueous pathway between endothelial cells or epithelial cells and, thereby, obstruct intercellular solute and cellular movement. However, previous work from our laboratory found that claudin-5 (CLN-5), a TJ protein prominent at the blood-brain barrier (BBB), is also detected, ectopically, on leukocytes (CLN-5+) in the blood and central nervous system (CNS) of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a neuroinflammatory, demyelinating disease that is a model for multiple sclerosis. CLN-5 was further shown to be transferred from endothelial cells to circulating leukocytes during disease, prompting consideration this action is coupled to leukocyte transendothelial migration (TEM) into the CNS by fostering transient interactions between corresponding leukocyte and endothelial junctional proteins at the BBB. Methods: To begin clarifying the significance of CLN-5+ leukocytes, flow cytometry was used to determine their appearance in the blood and CNS during EAE. Results: Flow cytometric analysis revealed CLN-5+ populations among CD4 and CD8 T cells, B cells, monocytes and neutrophils, and these appeared with varying kinetics and to different extents in both blood and CNS. CLN-5 levels on circulating T cells further correlated highly with activation state. And, percentage of CLN-5+ cells among each of the subtypes analyzed was considerably higher in CNS tissue than in blood, consistent with the interpretation that CLN-5+ leukocytes gain preferred access to the CNS. Conclusion: Several leukocyte subtypes variably acquire CLN-5 in blood before they enter the CNS, an event that may represent a novel mechanism to guide leukocytes to sites for paracellular diapedesis across the BBB.
Nitrate modulation of Bacillus sp. biofilm components: a proposed model for sustainable bioremediation
Authors: Gomaa Ola , Kareem Hussein Abd E EL , Selim Nabila
Published: June 2021

The presence of different pollutants in wastewater hinder microbial growth, compromise enzymatic activity or compete for electrons required for bioremediation pathway. Therefore, there is a need to use a single microorganism that is capable of tolerating different toxic compounds and can perform simultaneous bioremediation. In the present study, nitrate reducing bacteria capable of decolorizing azo dye was identified as Bacillus subtillis sp. DN using Protein profiling, morphological and biochemical tests X-ray diffraction pattern, Raman spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry confirm that the bacterium under study possesses membrane-bound nitrate reductase and that is capable of direct electron transfer. The addition of nitrate concentrations (0–50 mM) resulted in increased biofilm formation with variable exopolysaccharides (EPS), protein, and eDNA. Fourier Transform Infrared spectrum revealed the presence of a biopolymer at high nitrate concentrations. Effective capacitance and conductivity of the cells grown in different nitrate concentrations suggest changes in the relative position of polar groups, their relative orientation and permeability of cell membrane as detected by dielectric spectroscopy. The increase in biofilm shifted the removal of the azo dye from biodegradation to bioadsorption. Our results indicate that nitrate modulates biofilm components. Bacillus sp. DN granular biofilm can be used for simultaneous nitrate and azo dye removal from wastewater.
Recalcitrance of Corn Straw Significantly Correlated to the Heterogeneity in Physicochemical Properties of Cell Wall
Authors: Wang Yufen , Xu Xianyang , Xue Huiting , Zhang Dejian , Li Guanhua
Published: June 2021

Background: Tissue heterogeneity significantly influences the overall saccharification efficiency of plant biomass. However, the mechanisms of specific organ or tissue recalcitrance to enzymatic deconstruction are generally complicated and unclear. A multidimensional analysis for the four parts from twelve corn cultivars was conducted.Results: The results showed that leaf, sheath, pith and rind of corn straw exhibited remarkable heterogeneity in chemical composition, physical structure and cell type, which resulted in the different recalcitrance to enzymatic hydrolysis. High values of lignin, hemicelluloses, degree of polymerization and crystallinity index were critical for the increased recalcitrance, while high value of neutral detergent soluble and pore size generated weak recalcitrance. Interestingly, pore traits of cell wall, especial for microcosmic interface structure, seemed to be a crucial factor that correlated to cellulase adsorption and further affected saccharification.Conclusions: Tissue heterogeneity in physical-chemical traits of cell wall influences the overall saccharification efficiency of biomass. Furthermore, the holistic outlook of cell wall interface is indispensable to understand the recalcitrance and promote the biomass conversion.
Forecasting Inflation in Latin American Countries Using a SARIMA-LSTM Combination
Authors: Peirano Rodrigo , Kristjanpoller Werner , Minutolo Marcel
Published: June 2021

Inflation forecasting has been and continues to be an important issue for the world's economies. Governments, through their central banks, watch closely inflation indicators to make national decisions and policies. Controlling growth and contraction requires governments to keep a close eye on the rate of inflation. When planning strategic national investments, governments attempt to forecast inflation over longer periods of time. Getting the inflation forecast wrong, can result in significant economic hardships. However, even given its significance, there is limited new research that applies updated methodologies to forecast it, and even fewer studies in emerging economies where inflation may be drastically higher. This study proposes to forecast the inflation rate in emerging economies based on the commonly used Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) approach combined with Long Short Term Memory (LSTM). The results indicate that the proposed model based on the combination of SARIMA and LSTM, have a higher accuracy in inflation forecasts as measured by the Mean Square Error (MSE) of the proposed models over the SARIMA model and LSTM alone. The loss function used is Mean Squared Error (MSE), and the Model Confidence Set (MCS) is used to test the superiority of the models in the economies of Mexico, Colombia and Peru.
Knowledge and Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers of Children Under One Years in Boudha
Authors: Deula Anju
Published: June 2021

Breast milk is the best nutrition for babies to achieve proper, growth and development and is said to be the first immunization, but in content of Nepal only one in two child less than age of six months is exclusively breastfed. So this study helped to find the knowledge and their practice regarding exclusive breastfeeding in women living Boudha area. Methodology: This is quantitative study, done by simple random sampling method. Data collection was done by interviewing 194 mothers in community by using structure questionnaire. The data was entered in SPSS v.22, after cleaning and coding, data were analyzed using chi-square statistical test as well as basic descriptive statistics. Results: This study was conducted among mothers of children under 1 year. Total responded were 194 with mean age and standard derivation of 26, 4.01. The minimum age of 16 years and maximum age of 36 years. Majority of the respondents are literate. Most of the respondents 48.5% are house wife, 44.3% monthly earning is below Rs 25000. All the respondents 100% do breast fed their babies. Good numbers of respondents 96.4% have high knowledge on breastfeeding. There is association between knowledge and practice (P value 0.06) and association between education and knowledge (P value 0.00) as well as there is association between occupation and knowledge (P value 0.047). Moreover, the current study found that there is no association between education and practice. Conclusion: Present study shows that knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers living in Boudha are good compare to practice. There should be awareness program needed to address to improve their practice also.
Towards low-energy-light-driven bistable photoswitches: ortho-fluoroaminoazobenzenes
Authors: Kuntze Kim , Viljakka Jani , Titov Evgenii , Ahmed Zafar , Kalenius Elina , Saalfrank Peter , Priimagi Arri
Published: June 2021

Thermally stable photoswitches that are driven with low-energy light are rare, yet crucial for extending the applicability of photoresponsive molecules and materials towards, e.g., living systems. Combined ortho-fluorination and -amination couples high visible-light absorptivity of o-aminoazobenzenes with the extraordinary bistability of o-fluoroazobenzenes. Herein, we report a library of easily accessible o-aminofluoroazobenzenes and establish structure–property relationships regarding spectral qualities, visible light isomerization efficiency and thermal stability of the cis-isomer with respect to the degree of o-substitution and choice of amino substituent. We rationalize the experimental results with quantum chemical calculations, revealing the nature of low-lying excited states and providing insight into thermal isomerization. The synthesized azobenzenes absorb at up to 600 nm and their thermal cis-lifetimes range from milliseconds to months. The most unique example can be driven from trans to cis with any wavelength from UV up to 595 nm, while still exhibiting a thermal cis-lifetime of 81 days.
Insights on the Small Tsunami from 28 January 2020 Caribbean Sea MW7.7 Earthquake by Numerical Simulation and Spectral Analysis
Authors: Xu Zhiguo , Sun Lining , Rahman Mohd Nashriq Abd , Liang Shanshan , Shi Jianyu , Li Hongwei
Published: June 2021

A huge left-lateral strike-slip Mw7.7 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea on January 28, 2020. Thus, a small tsunami was generated as as result of the earthquake. The information and observational data gathered for the earthquake and tsunami, as well as integrating the regional tectonic setting, were used to describe the seismogenic source’s properties. The COMCOT model was used for tsunami simulation, with Okada’s dislocation model from finite fault solutions for MW7.7 Caribbean Sea earthquake published by the USGS. The simulation results were compare to tide gauge records to validate whether the seafloor vertical displacements generated by strike-slip fault caused a small tsunami. We conduct spectral analysis of tsunami to better understand the characteristics of tsunami records. Tsunami simulation results show that the coseismic vertical displacement caused by a strike-slip MW7.7 earthquake can contribute to the small tsunami, and the anomalously large high-frequency tsunami waves recorded by the George tide gauge in 11 minutes after the earthquake were unrelated to the earthquake-generated tsunami. According to spectrum analysis. The predominant period of the noticeable high frequency tsunami wave recorded by George tide gauge is only 2 minutes. This indicates that the source of small tsunami was close to the George station and travelled a distance of ~ 150 km, indicating a submarine landslide caused by the strike-slip earthquake. The comprehensive analysis shows that the small-scale tsunami was not caused solely by coseismic seafloor deformation from this strike-slip event, but that earthquake-triggered submarine landslide was the primary cause. Hence, the combined effect of two sources leads to the small-scale tsunami.
Treatment of Hand and Wrist Fractures with the Stryker Hand Plating System
Authors: Biehl Christoph , Stötzel Sabine , Schock Lydia , Szalay Gabor , Heiss Christian
Published: June 2021

Background: 10% of all fractures occur in the fingers and metacarpal region. Early mobilization with preservation of grip function is the goal of any therapy for these injuries. Osteosyntheses with plates are used in complex fractures that do not allow any other treatment. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the performance and safety of the Stryker Hand System.Patients and Methods: Between 2010 and 2019, 190 patients underwent surgical treatment with plates for fractures of the fingers and metacarpal region. Of these, 140 operations could be analyzed according to the inclusion criteria based on clinical and radiological parameters.Results: Three-quarters of the patients were male. The mean age at the time of surgery was 39.3 ± 15.97 years. Falling was the leading cause for hand fractures, and the commonest were fractures of the shaft (>52%). More than 15% were complex hand injuries with more than one fractured finger. The majority of patients were healthy non-smokers without systemic diseases and relevant medical history. Conclusion: The Stryker Finger Plates are safe implants with good results that are consistent with those reported in the literature. The trend is also toward stable-angle implants for fracture treatment of the finger, in order to enable the earliest possible functional, safe mobilization. The maxim that the extent of the soft tissue injury is responsible for the result continues to apply.Level of Evidence Level: IV; Outcome-study, retrospective
Thymidine Phosphorylase is Increased in Patients with Infection and Could be a Prognostic Marker for Sepsis and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Authors: Zeng Yawei , Huang Guangwei , Li Jin , Hu Lan , Wang He , Wang Chao , Yue Hong , Li Wei , Qi Wenjie
Published: June 2021

Background: Sepsis, a serious condition caused by infection, can ultimately progress to life-threatening septic shock and multiple organ failure. Hitherto, no reliable markers could be used for the early diagnosis and sepsis is still a challenge for clinicians. We investigated the potential role of thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP) in infection and delved its value in diagnosing sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Methods: This prospective study enrolled infection patients consecutively admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital from November 2019 to January 2021. Non-infection volunteers were used as control (NIC). Blood sample were obtained on day 1, 2, 4, and 7 after admission. TYMP serum levels and its correlation with DIC scores, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, and other laboratory parameters were analyzed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test and the Spearman's Rank-Order Correlation analyses. Results: Eighty-three infectious patients were enrolled. Forty-two patients were diagnosed as sepsis (SP) and 41 were non-septic infection (NSP). NIC group included 20 individuals without any infection. Serum TYMP levels were significantly higher in both SP and NSP groups when compared with the NIC group. TYMP serum levels was further higher in the SP than in the NSP group. The increase of TYMP was positively correlated with DIC scores. TYMP was higher in patients with DIC than those patients without DIC. A positive correlation presented between serum TYMP and plasma D-dimer levels. No positive correlations were found between TYMP and inflammatory markers. TYMP was higher in patients with SOFA score > 1 than those with SOFA score zero. The increase of TYMP is also positively correlated with SOFA score and death risk coefficient, and negatively correlated with oxygen index. By conducting receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, we found TYMP has a specific and sensitive predictive value for diagnosing sepsis and a modest value for DIC. Conclusions: This study is the first time to determine the role of TYMP in infectious disease. TYMP is significantly increased in infectious patients and is further higher in patients with sepsis or DIC. TYMP is positively correlated with acuity markers and has a diagnostic and prognostic value for sepsis and DIC.
Colistin resistance in Gram-negative bacteria analysed by five phenotypic assays and inference of the underlying genomic mechanisms
Authors: Torres Diana Albertos , Seth-Smith Helena M.B. , Jossee Nicole , Lang Claudia , Dubius Oliver , Nüesch-Inderbinen Magdalena , Hinic Vladimira , Egli Adrian
Published: June 2021

Background
Colistin is used against multi-drug resistant pathogens, yet resistance emerges either through dissemination of plasmid-mediated genes (mcr) or chromosomal mutation of genes involved in lipopolysaccharide synthesis (i.e. mgrB, phoPQ, pmrCAB). Phenotypic susceptibility testing is challenging due to poor diffusion of colistin in agar media, leading to an underestimation of resistance. We aimed to compare the performance of four different phenotypic approaches in the context of different molecular mechanism of resistance.
Methods
We compared the performance of Vitek 2® (bioMérieux, AST N242), Colistin MIC Test Strip (Liofilchem Diagnostici), UMIC (Biocentric), and Rapid Polymyxin NP Test (ELITechGroup) against the standard broth microdilution (BDM) method. We used whole genome sequencing (WGS) to infer the molecular mechanisms of resistance. A total of 97 Enterobacterales and non-fermenting bacterial isolates were collected from clinical samples during 2016–2017 and tested for colistin susceptibility. Data was analysed by comparing the susceptibility category (susceptible or resistant) and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC). We determined diversity of isolates by core genome multi locus sequencing typing (cgMLST) and identified antimicrobial resistance genes using NCBI and CARD databases.
Results
Of the 97 clinical isolates, 54 (56%) were resistant by the standard broth microdilution. The highest susceptibility category concordance was achieved by the Rapid Polymyxin NP test (98.8%) followed by UMIC (97.9%), E-test MIC strip (96.9%) and Vitek 2 (95.6%). The highest MIC concordance was achieved by UMIC (80.4%), followed by Vitek 2 (72.5%) and E-test MIC strip (62.9%). Among the resistant isolates, 23/54 (43%) were intrinsically resistant to colistin, whereas 31/54 (57%) isolates had acquired colistin resistance. Of these, mcr-1 was detected in four isolates and mcr-2 in one isolate. Mutations in mgrB, phoQ, pmrA, pmrB, and pmrC genes that led to amino acid changes were encountered in Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter bereziniae resistant isolates.
Conclusions
The Rapid Polymyxin NP test showed the highest categorical concordance and the UMIC test provided MIC values with a high concordance to the standard method. We found colistin resistance in diverse species occurred predominantly through spontaneous chromosomal mutation rather than plasmid-mediated resistance.
Molecular epidemiologic factors contributing to quinolone resistance in clinical multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from Shanghai, China
Authors: Wang Yan , Cai Guoping , Zhang Jinan , Xu Xiaogang , Lu Hongzhou
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe soaring quinolone-resistance rate of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a common pathogen in immunocompromised individuals, has seriously undermined the wide applications of antimicrobials of this class. This study aimed to investigate the emerging key contributors to quinolone-resistance in multidrug resistant K. pneumoniae (MDR-KP) isolates from a clinical setting with continuing point-source infection outbreaks in Shanghai, China. ResultsBetween January and March 2017, a total of 34 K. pneumoniae isolates, including 30 carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP), were selected and characterized from a teaching hospital participating in an ongoing Bacterial Resistance Surveillance Project in Shanghai, China. Two predominant high-risk CRKP clones, ST11-wzi64 and ST15-wzi19/wzi24, caused three point-source nosocomial outbreaks in intensive care unit and/or neurosurgery department potentially by respiratory-route, promoting the co-selection and evolution of multidrug-resistant determinants. Multiple quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) mutations occurred in isolates of ST15 (S83F, D87A; S80I), ST11 (S83I, D87G; S80I), and ST218 (D87A; S80I). Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinants, qnrS1, aac(6’)-Ib-cr, oqxAB, were detected in 32 (94.1%) isolates alone or in combination, spreading accompanied with β-lactamases (mainly, KPC-2-type carbapenemase and CTX-M-type extended-spectrum β-lactamase), 16S rRNA methylases (ArmA and RmtB), and putrescine ABC transporter permease (PotI) variants, independently of QRDR-mutations. AcrR, AcrAB transcriptional repressor, was insertion-inactivated by IS5-transposase in isolates of ST11. Thirteen ompK36 variants associated with specific ST (n=7) and wzi-allele (n=9) clustered into 10 (sub)lineages in the phylogenetic tree possibly affecting the MDR phenotype and the infection outcome of isolates. Isolates of ST11, ST15, and ST218 had frameshift disruptions in OmpK35 coupled with specific GD-insertion at position 134-135 in OmpK36, all showing distinct microevolution clusters of ompK36 genotypes. Seven quinolone-susceptible isolates kept the porin genes integral, including two each CRKPs of ST13-wzi74 (carbapenemase KPC-2 and NDM-1-coproducers) and ST65-wzi72. ConclusionsUnder selective pressures, accumulation of mutations of three types (QRDR, AcrR, OmpK36/OmpK35) and acquisition of resistance-conferring genes has been continuously contributing to quinolone-resistance in clinical MDR-KP isolates, reinforcing the importance of ongoing epidemiologic surveillance on the evolution and transmission of these isolates. Our findings provided detailed mechanistic analyses and epidemiologic implications for further infection control and antibiotic stewardship initiatives.
Characteristics of gut microbiota in 100 children with mycoplasma pneumonia in China
Authors: Bao Chunxiu , Zhao Xiaoyang , CHen Yiliu , Song Yao , Xiao Zhen , Jiang Yonghong
Published: June 2021

Exploring the "lung-intestine"axis of gut microbiota is a hot spot in recent years. There have been few studies on the correlation between gut microbiota and asthma and allergies, of which gut microbiota-mediated molecular regulation of the pathogenesis of infectious pathogens is a blind area. Therefore, we investigated gut microecological changes in MPP patients and the gut microecological characteristics of wheezing MPP pediatric patients.30 healthy children, 50 nonwheezing MPP pediatric patients, and 50 wheezing MPP pediatric patients were collected. 16srDNA gene sequencing results showed that there are differences in gut microbiota abundances between MPP pediatric patients and healthy children. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) validation showed that the abundances of Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Clostridium butyricum, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium in the guts of MPP children decreased compared with healthy children. Compared with nonwheezing MPP children, the abundances of Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Clostridium butyricum were significantly decreased in the guts of wheezing MPP children. This indicates that Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Clostridium butyricum are significantly decreased in nonwheezing MPP children and could be potential risk factors for wheezing in MPP children.
Inhaled Nitric Oxide for postexposure chemoprophylaxis of COVID-19
Authors: AbdelMassih Antoine , Hozaien Rafeef , Shershaby Meryam El , Kamel Aya , Ismail Habiba-Allah , Arsanyous Mariem , El-Husseiny Nadine , Khalil Noha , Naeem Youstina , Fouda Raghda
Published: June 2021

Background: Postexposure prophylaxis has been an overlooked strategy in the context of COVID-19. Inhaled Nitric Oxide offers itself as a potential tool in this context. The aim of this systematic review was to depict previous in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrating an antiviral role for NO Methodology:Embase, Medline and the Cochrane Central Register were used to search for specific keywords such as “Nitric oxide” AND “Antiviral activity” for relevant publications up to 1st of June 2021. The systematic review was performed using PRISMA protocolResults:Twenty-one studies were identified depicting an antiviral role for Nitric Oxide. Those studies involved sixteen viruses. Only four of the depicted studies were clinical trials, while three were performed on a murine model. The remainder of the studies involved in vitro experimentation of the role of NO in halting viral replication of several viruses including SARS-CoV-2Conclusion: While early reports of NO role in the treatment of COVID-19 suggested its use for the treatment of established ARDS, NO seems to have a much earlier and more efficient prophylactic role. It inhibits a protease needed for canonical viral replication of SARS-CoV-2, namely Furin, by decreasing calcium's cytosolic levels. This might add a significant tool for postexposure chemoprophylaxis in the at-risk group, especially medical personnel.
Modeling and Monitoring COVID-19 Monthly Infected Cases and Deaths
Authors: ARUNACHALAM RAJARATHINAM
Published: June 2021

The effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic could not have been more profound, with the world encountering health crises as well as enormous economic crises. In this paper, the relationships, and trends in the number of COVID-19 infected new cases and the number of deaths due to COVID-19 in all 37 districts of Tamil Nadu state, India, during the period, 3rd July 2020 to 31st March,2021 based on a panel regression model.
Remote Assessment of Disease and Relapse in Major Depressive Disorder (RADAR-MDD): Recruitment, retention, and data availability in a longitudinal remote measurement study.
Authors: Matcham Faith , Leightley Daniel , Siddi Sara , Lamers Femke , White Katie M , Annas Peter , de Girolamo Giovanni , Difrancesco Sonia , Haro Josep Maria , Horsfall Melany , Ivan Alina , Grace Lavelle , Li Qingqin , Lombardini Federica , Mohr David C , Narayan Vaibhav A , Oetzmann Carolin , Penninx Brenda BWJH , Bruce Stuart , Raluca Nica , Simblett Sara K , Wykes Til , Brasen Jens C , Myin-Germeys Inez , Rintala Aki , Conde Pauline , Dobson Richard JB , Folarin Amos A , Stewart Callum , Ranjan Yatharth , Rashid Zulqarnain , Cummins Nick , Manyakov Nikolay V , Vairavan Srinivasan , Hotopf Matthew
Published: June 2021

Background
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is prevalent, often chronic, and requires ongoing monitoring of symptoms to track response to treatment and identify early indicators of relapse. Remote Measurement Technologies (RMT) provide an exciting opportunity to transform the measurement and management of MDD, via data collected from inbuilt smartphone sensors and wearable devices alongside app-based questionnaires and tasks. Our aim is to describe the amount of data collected during a multimodal longitudinal RMT study, in an MDD population.
Methods
The Remote Assessment of Disease and Relapse – Central Nervous System (RADAR-CNS) program explores the potential to use RMT across a range of central nervous system disorders. Remote Assessment of Disease and Relapse – Major Depressive Disorder (RADAR-MDD) is a multi-centre, prospective observational cohort study conducted as part of the RADAR-CNS program. People with a history of MDD were provided with a wrist-worn wearable, and several apps designed to: a) collect data from smartphone sensors; and b) deliver questionnaires, speech tasks and cognitive assessments. Participants were followed-up for a maximum of 2 years.
Results
A total of 623 individuals with a history of MDD were enrolled in the study. We report 80% completion rates for primary outcome assessments across all follow-up timepoints. 79.8% of people participated for the maximum amount of time available and 20.2% withdrew prematurely. Data availability across all RMT data types varied depending on the source of data and the participant-burden for each data type. We found no evidence of an association between the severity of depression symptoms at baseline and the availability of data. In total, 110 participants had > 50% data available across all data types, and thus able to contribute to multiparametric analyses.
Conclusions
RADAR-MDD is the largest multimodal RMT study in the field of mental health. Here, we have shown that collecting RMT data from a clinical population is feasible. We found comparable levels of data availability in active and passive forms of data collection, demonstrating that both are feasible in this patient group. Our next steps are to illustrate the predictive value of these data, which will be the focus of our future data analysis aims.
Assessing the Impacts of COVID 19 on Livestock Production, Market Value Chain and Health Practices at Selected Districts of East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Haile Geremew , Hirpa Eyob , Amante Morka , Yimer Lema , Furgasa Walkite , Anbase Nemommsa
Published: June 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a newly discovered strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) around the end of December 2019, has had a significant impact on many sectors at global, regional and national levels, including the livestock sector. A questionnaire survey and observational study were carried out from September 2020 to November 2020 with the aim of assessing the impacts of COVID 19 crisis on livestock farming practices, market value chain, animal health care services and human perception towards consumption of livestock products in selected districts of East Wollega zone. Small scale farmers, abattoirs workers, consumers, private sectors involved in the production, processing and distribution of livestock products, hotel owners and veterinarians were purposively selected for this study. According to the present survey the pandemic's has had negative impact on livestock production, market value chain and animal health care practices. Based on the survey 365 (91.25%) respondents agreed as the pandemic was the major challenge on livestock farming practices. The assessment shows that COVID 19 created worst 270 (67.5%) and high impact 75 (18.75%) while about 17 (4%) respondents said the disease has little impact. The major reason mentioned were measures taken by the government such as lockdown, economic decline, low number of manpower due to calls to stay at home and social distance. Observational study indicated that dairy shops, meat shops, and local abattoirs, hotels and restaurants were totally/partially closed especially during the first 6 months of the pandemic. The average monthly income from livestock and their products showed about 60.93% shortfalls (from 1,130,500 birr to 688,800 birr). With regard to consumer perception there was low demand for livestock products such as meat and dairy products and about 164 (41%) respondents were avoiding the consumption of animal-sourced foods mainly due to the perceived disease risk. Regarding animal health services, about 89.75% (365/400) respondents agreed as COVID 19 has indirect impact on the health of animals. The most important animal health constraints during this pandemic were unusual preventive practices such as vaccination and deworming, scarcity of drugs at veterinary clinic, low number of veterinarians and inability to cover cost of drugs and personnel. The present study suggest that the pandemic's impact on the livestock production, product supply chain and animal health services might be continue which will have significant effect on the sustainability of livestock production systems and contribution of livestock subsectors on the house hold and national economy and global food security. It is therefore, essential that the government and other concerned body should give attention to the livestock sector to mitigate the impacts of the disease.
Effects of time-restricted feeding on supramaximal exercise performance and body composition: a randomized and counterbalanced crossover study in healthy men
Authors: Correia Joana M. , Santos Inês , Pezarat-Correia Pedro , Minderico Cláudia , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Mendonça Gonçalo V.
Published: June 2021

BackgroundUsing a crossover design, we explored the effects of both short- and long-term TRF vs. regular diet on Wingate (WnT) performance and body composition in well-trained young men. MethodsTwelve healthy male physical education students were included. The order of dieting was randomized and counterbalanced, and all participants served as their own controls. TRF was limited to an 8-h eating window and non- TRF involved a customary meal pattern. Participants performed WnT tests and body composition scans at baseline, post-1 and 4 weeks of the assigned diet. Before testing, participants were asked to fill out a dietary record over 4 consecutive days and were instructed to continue their habitual training throughout the study. Energy intake and macronutrient distribution were similar at baseline in both conditions. ResultsWnT mean power and total work output increased post-4 weeks of TRF. Both conditions were similarly effective in increasing fat-free mass after 4 weeks of intervention. However, there was no correlation between change in fat-free mass and WnT mean power after TRF. Neither condition elicited any changes in WnT performance or body composition 1 week post-intervention. ConclusionsThus, long- term TRF can be used in combination with regular training to improve supramaximal exercise performance in well-trained men. Trial registration: This study has been 'retrospectively registered' in Clinical Trials and its registration number is NCT04756635.
Insights into cadmium-induced carcinogenesis through an in-vitro study using C3H10T1/2Cl8 cells: the multifaceted role of mitochondria
Authors: Oldani Monica , Villa Anna Maria , Manzoni Marta , Melchioretto Pasquale , Parenti Paolo , Monti Eugenio , Fusi Paola , Forcella Matilde , Urani Chiara
Published: June 2021

In this paper we report the metabolic characterization of two foci, F1 and F3, obtained at the end of Cell Transformation Assay (CTA), performed by treating C3H10T1/2Cl8 mouse embryo fibroblasts with 1 µM CdCl2 for 24 h. The elucidation of cadmium action mechanism can be useful both to improve the in vitro CTA and to yield insights into carcinogenesis. We previously showed that, despite being both completely transformed type III foci, F1 and F3 foci display different morphologies, proliferative behaviors and gene expression patterns. In this work, the metabolism of the two foci was investigated through Seahorse and enzyme activity assays; moreover, mitochondria were studied in confocal microscopy and reactive oxygen species were detected by flow cytometry. Results showed that F1 focus has higher glycolytic and TCA fluxes compared to F3 focus, and a more negative mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ), so that most ATP synthesis is performed through oxidative phosphorylation. Confocal microscopy showed mitochondria crowded in the perinuclear region. On the other hand, F3 focus showed lower metabolic rates, with ATP mainly produced by glycolysis and damaged mitochondria. On the whole, our results showed that cadmium treatment induced lasting metabolic alterations in both foci. Triggered by the loss of Pasteur effect in F1 focus and by mitochondrial impairment in F3 focus, these alterations lead to a loss of coordination among glycolysis, TCA and oxidative phosphorylation, which leads to malignant transformation.
Abnormal N-glycosylated CPXM1 promotes gastric cancer metastasis through ITGB2 / FAK pathway
Authors: Du Jun , Zhu Mengxiang , Yan Wenwu , Wang Jin Guo
Published: June 2021

Background: To explore the molecular mechanism of CPXM1 in gastric cancer (GC) metastasis.Methods: Based on the difference in expression of CPXM1 mRNA in GC tissues and normal gastric mucosa tissues in public databases, rt-PCR, WB and IHC staining experiments were performed to verify the expression of CPXM1 in fresh GC tissues. Bioinformatics analysis predicts the possible signal pathways of co-expression genes in CPXM1 overexpression group. The malignant phenotypes of GC cells was verified by in vivo and in vitro experiments. Using tunicamycin to inhibit the N-glycosylation of CPXM1 and constructing mutations. The plasmid further validated the specific N-glycosylation sites that affect the malignant phenotype of gastric cancer cells.Results: CPXM1 mRNA expression was significantly increased in GC tissues. The results of IHC staining and WB indicated that there was no difference in the expression of CPXM1 at the protein level. Knocking down CPXM1 expression in HGC-27 cells can significantly inhibit its migration and invasion ability. Increasing the expression of CPXM1 in MGC-803 and BGC-823 cell lines can significantly promote its migration and invasion capabilities. CPXM1 can also promote the adhesion of GC cells and change the cytoskeleton structure. The results of in-vivo experiments show that CPXM1 can promote the metastasis of GC cells in the abdominal cavity of nude mice. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the co-expressed genes of the CPXM1 high expression group were mainly enriched in cell adhesion function, and the experimental results verified that CPXM1 may promote the adhesion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells through the ITGB2/FAK signaling pathway. Through N-glycosylation site prediction and WB results, it was found that CPXM1 had abnormal N-glycosylation in GC tissues. Tunicamycin can reverse the ability of CPXM1 that promote the invasion of GC cells. After respectively mutating the N-glycosylation sites on CPXM1, it was found that N210 site is the key site for CPXM1 to promote the adhesion and invasion of GC cells.Conclusion: CPXM1 is upgraded in GC. CPXM1 can promote the adhesion, migration and invasion of GC cells and change cytoskeleton structure. The N210 site on CPXM1 is a key site affecting the malignant phenotype of GC.