bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of Intranasal Polyvalent Vaccination for Pulmonary Alveolar Macrophage and Neutrophil Functions in Calves
Authors: Gomes Renata , Batista Camila , Souza Fernando , Santos Kamila , Bertagnon Heloisa , Pituco Edviges , Ribeiro Claudia , Libera Alice Della
Published: May 2020

Background: Vaccines undoubtedly represent a promising and much needed approach to combatting infectious diseases, but there is also increasing evidence that they exert nonspecific effects, and these effects may be beneficial but also sometimes detrimental. Thus, here we sought to explore the effect of intranasal vaccination on the functions of pulmonary alveolar macrophages and neutrophils in calves of different ages.Results: Respiratory clinical signs and impaired microbicidal and phagocytic activities were observed for the alveolar neutrophils and vacuolized macrophages in the vaccinated calves compared with those in the unvaccinated calves, particularly at 15 days of age.Conclusions: Our results indicated that the use of some polyvalent attenuated and modified live virus vaccines in early stage of calves’ life, especially those under 15 days of age, should be restricted to farms in which the cattle are at a higher risk of contracting these viral infections, particularly considering the importance of alveolar macrophages and neutrophils against bacterial pathogens in a period of intense pulmonary challenge.
Preliminary establishment of a spinal stability scoring system for multiple myeloma
Authors: Yao Xingchen , Shi Xiangjun , Xu Ziyu , Tan Jie , Wei Yanzhe , Qi Lei , Zhou Zihao , Li Lihong , Du Xinru
Published: May 2020

Background

A spinal stability scoring system for multiple myeloma (MM) was established via evidence-based literature and expert advice, and it was used to evaluate spinal stability in multiple myeloma patients.
Methods

The Delphi method was used to establish an expert consensus and establish a spinal stability scoring system for multiple myeloma. The clinical data of 72 patients with multiple myeloma with spinal involvement in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed.
Results

The grading system included 6 first-level indicators and 29 second-class indicators; the 6 first-level indicators were the following: the position of the spinal lesions, the degree of pain, the number of segments involved in the spinal lesions, the changes in the spinal images, the complications and the neurological function. After weighting the significance of the indicators, the highest total score possible was 24; a score of 0–10 corresponded to stable, 11–17 corresponded to potentially unstable, and 18–24 corresponded to unstable.
Conclusion

The scoring system, which is based on the disease characteristics, typical symptoms and spinal imaging manifestations in multiple myeloma patients, can be used to guide clinicians in evaluating the spinal stability of MM patients and determining the spinal instability caused by multiple myeloma over time, thereby providing evidence for MM patients to choose protective interventions.
Trial registration:

As this was a retrospective study, it did not require ethical approval.
Outcome Comparison of Arthroscopic versus Mini-open Technique for Ankle Arthrodesis
Authors: Wang Junliang , GE WENPING , HU WENSHAN , LIN FENG , LIU YUJIE
Published: May 2020

Background

Ankle arthrodesis is considered to be the gold standard for the treatment of end-stage ankle diseases. At present, the commonly used methods of ankle arthrodesis include open ankle arthrodesis, arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis and mini-open ankle arthrodesis. The authors analyze and compare the clinical efficacy and related complications of arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis and mini-open ankle arthrodesis in the treatment of end-stage ankle disease.
Methods

From January 2007 to June 2018, 56 patents with end-stage ankle joint pathology were treated with arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis and mini-open ankle arthrodesis. There were 30 cases in arthroscopy group, including 19 males and 11 females with an average age of 49.6 years old (ranged, 32 to 71); while 26 cases in mini-open group, including 18 males and 8 females with an average age of 48.3 years old (ranged, 43 to 65). The operative time was calculated with use of computerized operative and anesthetic records. The pain visual analogue score (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot ༆ Ankle Society ankle and hind foot score (AOFAS), fusion rate, complications rate, length of hospital stay, operation time, and tourniquet time were compared between the two groups of patients.
Results

51 patients were followed up for 15–35 months (mean, 22.5 ± 1.5) months. The bony fusion was achieved in all patients. The average time to fusion was 12.4 weeks (range, 10–16 weeks). The VAS score 3 days post-operation was (6.37 ± 0.69) points in the arthroscopy group and (7.61 ± 1.05) points in the mini-open group, there was significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). The VAS score and AOFAS score between the two groups pre- and post-operation have statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). At the last follow-up, VAS score was (1.55 ± 0.57) in the arthroscopy group and (1.43 ± 0.73) in the mini-open group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The AOFAS score was (85.32 ± 2.96) points in the arthroscopy group and (86.72 ± 3.05) points in the mini-open group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Arthroscopic ankle fusion was associated with a shorter tourniquet time and shorter length of hospital stay compared to mini-open ankle fusion (P < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference between two groups in terms of operation time (P > 0.05). Wounds healing was satisfying during the follow-up in the arthroscopy group. But the wounds healing was delayed in two patients of the small incision group. All patients were satisfied with the surgery.
Conclusion

Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis and mini-open ankle arthrodesis have satisfactory curative effect and fusion rate. Arthroscopic assisted ankle arthrodesis has more advantages, including small incision, less injury, and low morbidity.
The effect of particulate matter reduction by indoor air filter use on respiratory symptoms and lung function: A systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Park Hyung Jun , Lee Ho Young , Suh Chong Hyung , Kim Ho Cheol , Kim Hwan Cheol , Park Young-Jun , Lee Sei Won
Published: May 2020

BackgroundExposure to particulate matter (PM) is a key public health issue, but effective intervention has not yet been established. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis has been conducted to assess the relationship between the use of air filters, one of the most-studied interventions, and respiratory outcomes in patients with chronic respiratory disease.MethodsWe systemically reviewed intervention studies on PM using Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases up to September 2019. Studies that included data on PM level changes and respiratory symptoms or lung function in patients with respiratory diseases were eligible for inclusion. Effect estimates were quantified separately using the random-effects model.ResultsSeven studies were included in our study. Air filter use reduced indoor PM2.5 by 11.45 µg/m3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.88–16.01 µg/m3). Air filter use improved predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) by 3.60% (95% CI: 0.29–6.90%). Air filter use was not associated with a significant change in respiratory symptoms (odds ratio: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.62–1.08).ConclusionThe findings from this systematic review suggest that a role for air filter with respect to reduced indoor PM and increased lung function. Further studies in high density PM regions may provide additional information on this role.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO: on review ID 156258
Cardiopulmonary bypass duration is an independent predictor of adverse outcome in surgical repair for acute type A aortic dissection
Authors: Zhang Kai , Pan Xu-Dong , Dong Song-Bo , Zhu Kai , Zheng Jun , Xu Shang-Dong , Sun Li-Zhong
Published: May 2020

Objective
Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a life-threatening condition that requires surgical intervention. This study investigated the relationship between cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) duration and stroke or early death in ATAAD patients receiving total aortic arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk procedure (TAR with FET).
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Beijing Anzhen Hospital from December 2014 to June 2016. Patients receiving TAR with FET for ATAAD were included. CPB duration was recorded during the operation. Adverse outcome (AO) was defined as 30-day mortality or stroke. In total, 258 consecutive patients were ultimately analysed. In addition, as the primary outcome, AO was compared using propensity-matched scoring (PS).
Results
The incidence of AO was 13.6% (n = 35). The 30-day mortality rate was 10.8%, and the stroke rate was 9.3%. Patients were aged 47.9 ± 10.6 years old and were predominantly male (76.0%). The average CPB duration was 224.3 ± 58.7 min. The duration of CPB was an independent predictor of AO occurrence after adjusting for confounding factors through multivariable logistic regression analysis (OR 1.101, 95% CI 1.003–1.208; P = 0.042). After PS matching, 33 matched pairs were created. In the matched analysis, CPB duration remained an AO risk factor (OR 1.178, 95% CI 1.032–1.345; P = 0.015).
Conclusions
CPB duration is an independent predictor of adverse outcome in surgical repair for ATAAD. The underlying mechanisms of this association are key for the development of improved prevention strategies.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Depression in Postnatal Women in the Case of a Low-Income Country; Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Necho Mogesie , Abadisharew Merid
Published: May 2020

BackgroundMaternal mental health in the postpartum period is essential for the optimal development of the newborn and appropriate breastfeeding practices. Despite this, a shortage of concrete evidence exists regarding the magnitude of postpartum depression and associated factors. This meta-analysis study was therefore done to fill such a gap.MethodsPubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE were investigated with no time limitation. A manual search for a reference list of articles was also done. Relevant data were extracted using Meta XL package and analysis was done Stata-11 meta-prop package. Heterogeneity was checked with Cochran's Q-statistics and the Higgs I2 test. Furthermore, sub-group and sensitivity analyses were done. Egger's test and funnel plots tests were engaged to identify publication bias.ResultsA total of 16 studies that assessed 11400 postpartum women in Ethiopia were included. The average estimated prevalence of postpartum depression was 21.9% (95% CI: 18.98, 24.77). The pooled prevalence of postpartum depression was higher in studies that used SRQ-20; 24.6% (95% CI: 18.42, 30.84) than studies that used PHQ-9; 18.9% (95% CI: 11.52, 26.28). Moreover, the pooled estimated prevalence of postpartum depression was slightly higher in the southern part of Ethiopia (22.6%) than Addis Ababa (21.2%). Poor marital relation (pooled aOR = 3.56) (95% CI: 2.50, 4.63), unplanned pregnancy (pooled aOR = 3.48) (95% CI: 2.18, 4.79), previous history of depression (pooled aOR = 4.33) (95% CI: 2.26, 6.59), poor social support (pooled aOR = 4.5) (95% CI: 3.34, 5.56), domestic violence (pooled aOR = 3.77) (95% CI: 2.62, 4.92), family history of mental illness (pooled aOR = 4) (95% CI:1.56, 6.56), use of substance (pooled aOR = 4.67) (95% CI:4.00, 5.34), low income (pooled aOR = 2.87) (95% CI: 1.59, 4.14), stressful life event (pooled aOR = 3.5) (95% CI: 1.39, 5.87) and perinatal complications (pooled aOR = 3.8)( 95% CI: 1.45, 6.15) were among the associated factors for postpartum depression in Ethiopia.ConclusionMore than one in five women was with postpartum depression and factors such as poor marital relations, history of depression, poor social support, domestic violence, unplanned pregnancy, family history of mental illness were related to it. Therefore, maternal postnatal care services should be geared to incorporate this public essential health concern.
Long-term Outcomes and Quality of Life Following Parotidectomy for Benign Disease: A Cohort Study
Authors: Plath Michaela , Sand Matthias Sand , Plinkert Peter K. , Baumann Ingo , Zaoui Karim
Published: May 2020

Backround:Parotidectomy may be burdened by numerous complications that may worsen subjects' quality of life (QoL). So far, the literature still lacks of long-term data (> 10 years) answering to the question what impacted the patients the most on QOL after parotidectomy compared to well-published short-term data.Methods:A prospective long-term follow-up study was carried out. Participants were divided into three groups concerning the follow-up: short-term (ST; 6 postoperative weeks), long-term (LT; 13 years postoperative) and short- and long-term (SLT) on same patient collective. QOL was assessed by the Parotidectomy Outcome Inventory (POI-8). Demographic and clinical data were collected from all patients. Operative reports were used to classify all parotidectomies as great nerve auricular (GAN) “preserving” or GAN “sacrificing” surgical preparations.Results:74 LT, 57 ST and 33 SLT patients were enrolled in this study. Hypoesthesia posed the major short- and long-term problem whereas facial palsy posed the minor problem. Pain (p < 0.01) and hypoesthesia (p < 0.001) significantly improved from six weeks to 13 years after parotidectomy as well as the overall POI-8 score (p = 0.04). The disease-specific impairment rate decreased from short (≈ 70%) to long-term (≈ 30%) follow-up. Sacrifice of the auricular nerve was associated with hypoesthesia in the ST-cohort (p = 0.028).Conclusion:To our knowledge, this study represents the longest follow-up of patients undergoing parotidectomy. Hypoesthesia significantly improved but still remains on long-follow-up without impacting QOL. As part of the preoperative informed consent, prolonged or permanent hypoesthesia should be explicitly emphasized.Trial registration:This study was prospectively approved and registered by the local Ethics Committee (Project Trial No: S-300/2007 and S-443/2018).
Fertility variation, seed collection and gene diversity in natural stands of Taurus cedar (Cedrus libani)
Authors: Bilir Nebi , Kang Kyu-Suk
Published: May 2020

Background
Seed stand is one of the important seed sources that is essential for global seed production programs. The primary objective of seed stands is to produce seeds as fast as possible. Characteristics of seed stand seeds depend mainly on stand quality, fertility variation and mating system. Individual fertility is an ability to produce progeny to next generation. Prediction of fertility variation is useful for seed production, genetic resources management and gene conservation. In this study, we report how to estimate fertility variation and gene diversity, and discuss its effect on the management of natural stands of Taurus cedar.
Results
Fertility variation and gene diversity were estimated based on the differences of strobilus production in female and male parents from three seed stands of Taurus cedar. A total of 50 trees were randomly chosen from each seed stand, and the female and male strobili were counted for three consecutive years. The coefficients of variation for female and male strobilus production were subjected to estimation female and male fertility variation. The total fertility variation (Ψ) was then estimated from the female and male fertility variation. The effective number of parents (Np) was calculated based on the Ψ. The mean of female strobili ranged from 31 to 150, and that of male strobili ranged between 77 and 828. The Ψ in a good crop year was smaller than in a poor year and the Np varied from 34.7 to 44.2. The Ψ was improved and the Np was increased when strobilus productions were pooled across three years or populations. The equal cone harvest could mitigate the fertility variation among individuals but caused loss of seed production.
Conclusions
The effective number of parents could estimate gene diversity of seeds from natural stands, which was based on the function of correlated fertility variation between female and male parents. Mixing seeds from different years could improve the fertility variation among individuals and increase the gene diversity of seeds. However, a balancing between the effective number of parents and the number of mixed years or populations should be carefully considered for maintaining the gene diversity.
Community Engagement and Building Trust to Resolve Ethical Challenges during Humanitarian Crises: Experience from the CAGED Study in Ethiopia
Authors: Yimer Getnet , Gebreyes Wondwossen , Havelaar Arie , Yousuf Jemal , McKune Sarah , Mohammed Abdulmuen , O’Mathúna Dónal
Published: May 2020

Background
According to data from the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre’s Global Report on Internal Displacement 2019, Ethiopia had the highest number of people newly displaced within their own country due to violence. Several regions in the country experience on-going ethnic tensions and violent tribal conflict, which leaves smallholder farmers suspicious and distrustful of any outside activities in their locale, fearing harm from other ethnic groups. Changes in the central Ethiopian government have also led to suspicion of non-local agencies. The Campylobacter Genomics and Enteric Dysfunction (CAGED) research project’s objective is to improve the incomes, livelihoods and nutrition of smallholder farmers and was conducted during this period of increased tension and violence. The project aims to assess the impact of reducing exposure to chicken excreta on young children’s gut health and growth. To inform the study design, formative baseline field data was collected between March 2018 and February 2019 by a team of trained and experienced human and animal health professionals from the same region, who speak the local language.
Discussion
This research is important to determine whether Campylobacter infection in chickens contributes to illness and stunting in children. Stunting is widespread in humanitarian settings, with major implications for children’s well-being and social inequalities. During this research, violence against other researchers elsewhere in Ethiopia led to mistrust and lack of engagement by the community. Hostile reactions developed until the team was fearful about returning to certain households. The team designed mitigation strategies in response, including establishing two types of community advisory boards. One used pre-existing village elder structures and another included village youth. Data collection team members received training in principles of ethics, consent, and crisis management, and were provided on-going support from local and international principal investigators and the study’s ethics advisor.
Conclusion
Tension and conflict led to mistrust of outsiders which generated fear among the CAGED data collectors The resulting challenges were addressed by innovative strategies which also delayed the research process. The interventions resulted in successful completion of the field activities. The lessons learned are being implemented with other projects being conducted in various parts of Ethiopia.
Impact of Primary Headache Disorder on Quality of Life Among School students in Kuwait
Authors: Al-Hashel Jasem Yousef , Alroughani Raed , Shuaibi Sameera , AlAshqar Abdelrahman , AlHamdan Fajer , AlThufairi Hawraa , Owayed Shaikhah , Ahmed Samar Farouk
Published: May 2020

Background Primary headache disorders have being increasingly reported in younger populations. They can have significant effects on their quality of life and academic achievement and may cause significant distress to their families. Aims and Objectives To assess the burden of primary headache disorder and its impact on the quality of life on school student in Kuwait. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among Kuwaiti primary and middle school students of both genders in randomly selected schools located in two governorates in 2018/2019 academic year. Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire for children and adolescents was used to assess the impact of primary headaches on the quality of life. Results 1091 questionnaires were completed by primary and middle school students of both genders; of whom 466 students (girls 321 (68.88%) were diagnosed with primary headache disorders with mean age 11.98 + 2.03 years. In the month prior to the survey, the effect of the headache was variable. The students lost a mean of 1.99 + 2.015 days of school while they could not perform their usual activities for a mean of 2.84 + 4.28 days. Their parents lost a mean of 2 + 2.03 days of work because of headaches of their children and parents prohibited 5.7% of the students to engage in any activity due to their headaches. Difficulties in concentrations were reported as never sometimes (39.1%), often (24.8%), and always (26%). Majority of the students (?%) experienced a feeling of sadness ranging from sometimes to always. Most of the students (?%) struggled to cope with the headache and 22.4% were never able to cope. Additionally, 19.4% of students reported they did not want others noticing their headache. Conclusion Primary headache disorder can have a significant impact on the quality of life in children. It can affect their engagement in activities and academic achievement. Implementing strategies to properly manage schoolchildren with primary headaches can have profound effects on their quality of life.
Effect of Hypertension on Outcomes of Adult Inpatients with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: A Propensity Score–matching Analysis
Authors: Yang Qing , Zhou Ying , Wang Xinrong , Gao Shan , Xiao Yang , Zhang Weimin , Hu Yi , Wang Yafei
Published: May 2020

Background: Previous studies have shown that Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with underlying comorbidities can have worse outcomes. However, the effect of hypertension on outcomes of COVID-19 patients remains unclear.Research Question: The aim of this study was to explore the effect of hypertension on the outcomes of patients with COVID-19 by using propensity score–matching (PSM) analysis.Study Design and Methods: Participants enrolled in this study were patients with COVID-19 who had been hospitalized at the Central Hospital of Wuhan, China. Chronic comorbidities and laboratory and radiological data were reviewed; patient outcomes and lengths of stay were obtained from discharge records. We used the Cox proportional-hazard model (CPHM) to analyze the effect of hypertension on these patients’ outcomes and PSM analysis to further validate the abovementioned effect.Results: A total of 226 patients with COVID-19 were enrolled in this study, of whom 176 survived and 50 died. The proportion of patients with hypertension among non-survivors was higher than that among survivors (26.70% vs. 74.00%; P < 0.001). Results obtained via CPHM showed that hypertension could increase risk of mortality in COVID-19 patients (hazard ratio 3.317; 95% CI [1.709–6.440]; P < 0.001). Increased D-dimer levels and higher ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes (N/L) were also found to increase these patients’ mortality risk. After matching on propensity score, we still came to similar conclusions. After we applied the same method in critically ill patients, we found that hypertension also increased risk of death in patients with severe COVID-19.Conclusion: Hypertension, increased D-dimer and the ratio of neutrophil to lymphocyte increased mortality in patients with COVID-19, with hypertension in particular.
Exploring the Relationship between Adult Women’s Participation in Recreational Soccer and Self-Efficacy in Rural Kenya
Authors: Barchi Francis , Winter Samantha C. , Thomas Bendettah Methina , Mbogo Daniel , Ammerman Brittany
Published: May 2020

Background Increases in non-communicable diseases in Kenya are attributed in part to a decrease in physical activity. Although, sports programs for girls and young adult women promote health, reduce risk behaviors and build self-efficacy, similar programs for adult women in Kenya are largely unavailable. The Nikumbuke Soccer League, a recreational soccer program for adult women in southeastern Kenya, is a notable exception.Methods Data for this analysis were taken from a 2018–2019 study of women’s experiences in an adult women’s soccer league coordinated by the Nikumbuke Project in ten communities in southeastern rural Kenya. 702 project members, 229 of whom play soccer, participated in semi-structured interviews containing questions on demographics, self-efficacy, and health. Frequencies were run for all variables with separate bivariate analyses examining socio-demographic attributes and two outcome variables of interest, general self-efficacy (GSE) and participation in soccer. Linear and logistic regressions were run to explore the relationship between women’s self-efficacy and participation in soccer, controlling for socio-demographic covariates.Results The average age of respondents was approximately 40 years with the majority of women being married with three or more children and living below the national poverty line. 40% of women had no formal education, and another 30% had some schooling but had not completed primary education. Results from the linear regression suggest that participation in recreational soccer, controlling for other demographic attributes, was associated with a 1.57 point increase on the GSE scale. Results from the logistic regression suggest that a single point increase on the GSE scale is associated with 8% higher odds of being a member of the soccer program at Nikumbuke, suggesting a bi-directional relationship between self-efficacy and participation in recreational soccer.Conclusion Programs such as the Nikumbuke Soccer League provide adult women with opportunities to engage in recreational physical activity outside of the highly gendered domestic world in which they live. Given its potential to improve women’s health, build self-efficacy, and expand social roles for women, programs like the Nikumbuke Soccer League should be expanded across Kenya and other countries in the region where similar opportunities for women do not currently exist.
Ginsenoside Rg1-Notoginsenoside R1-Protocatechuic aldehyde attenuates low shear stress-induced vascular endothelial cell dysfunction
Authors: Zhang Lei , Li Yuan , Ma Xin , Wang Xiaojie , Zhang Lingxiao , Li Yunlun , Yang Wenqing
Published: May 2020

Background

The Fufang Danshen formula is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for the clinical treatment of coronary heart disease. However, there is no literature reporting the anti-atherosclerotic effect and mechanism of its combination of active ingredients, namely Ginsenoside Rg1-Notoginsenoside R1-Protocatechuic aldehyde (PPR). The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-atherosclerotic effects in ApoE−/− mice and potential mechanism of PPR in low shear stress-injured vascular endothelial cell.
Methods

In vivo assay, ApoE−/−mice were randomly divided into three groups: model group, Rosuvastatin group, and PPR group, with C57BL/6J mice as control group. A variety of staining methods were utilized for the observation of aortic plaque. The changes of the blood lipid indexes were observed by an automatic biochemistry analyzer. ET-1, eNOS, TAX2, and PGI2 were analyzed by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. In vitro, we used fluid shear system to induce cell injury and silenced Piezo1 expression in HUVECs by siRNA. We observed the morphological, proliferation, migration and tube formation activity changes of cells after PPR intervention. Quantitative Real-Time PCR and western blot analysis was applied to observe m RNA and protein expression.
Results

Results showed that PPR treatment reduced atherosclerotic area and lipid level and improved endothelial function in ApoE−/− mice. PPR significantly repaired cell morphology, reduced cell excessive proliferation and ameliorated migration and tube formation activity. In addition, we found that PPR could affect FAK-PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Importantly, Piezo1 siRNA abolished the protection effects of PPR.
Conclusions

In summary, our results suggested that PPR ameliorated atherosclerotic plaque formation and endothelial cell injury by intervening the FAK-PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Piezo1 is a possible target of PPR in the treatment of atherosclerosis. These results indicate that PPR may be apotential drug for atherosclerosis.
Overexpressing PLA2G6 mutations cause symptoms of young–onset dystonia–parkinsonism type 14 and reduction in DHA levels in zebrafish model
Authors: Yeh Tu-Hsueh , Liu Han-Fang , Cheng Mei-Ling , Huang Yin-Cheng , Huang Ying-Zu , Lu Chin-Song , Chiu Ching-Chi , Chen Hao-Yuan , Cheng Yi-Chuan
Published: May 2020

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative motor disorder, which is currently incurable. Mutations in many genes have been demonstrated to be the primary risk factors associated with the familial or idiopathic PD; however, the mechanisms underlying these genetic mutations resulting in parkinsonism remains unclear. Phospholipase A2 group VI (PLA2G6) has been shown to regulate lipid metabolism and homeostasis in the nervous system. Previous studies have shown that point mutations in PLA2G6 might be the risk factors associated with the young–onset of dystonia–parkinsonism type 14 (PARK14). However, limited information is available regarding its pathogenic role and the mechanism underlying its function. Methods: To study the role of PLA2G6 mutations in zebrafish PARK14 models, we injected different mutation constructs of human PLA2G6 genes and zebrafish pla2g6 deletion constructs in the zebrafish larvae. We analyzed the locomotion behavior, performed immunohistochemistry to examine the formation of dopaminergic neurons, and identified the defective metabolites affected by PLA2G6 mutations through metabolomics analysis. Results: Injection of human PLA2G6 mutations and zebrafish pla2g6 deletion constructs induced symptoms such as motility defects and reduced number of dopaminergic neurons, and these symptoms resembled those observed in PARK14. These phenotypes could be rescued by treatment with L-dopa. Furthermore, the injection of two PLA2G6 mutation constructs, D331Y and T572I, led to a decrease in the phospholipase activity of PLA2G6 and its lipid metabolites, indicating that these two mutations are the loss-of-function mutations. We further performed metabolomics analysis to identify which lipids are majorly affected by the overexpression of PLA2G6 and PLA2G6 mutants. We found that injecting D331Y or T572I mutation constructs led to higher phospholipid and lower DHA levels. Conclusions: D331Y and T572I injections in zebrafish were sufficient to create a PD phenotypes. In addition, D331Y and T572I are loss of function mutations and cause defective phospholipase activity and reduced the level of DHA. These results have helped us elucidate the role of PLA2G6 mutations in PARK14 and further led to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying PD. The results of this study may also facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies for PD.
Cardiometabolic risk and its association with dietary diversity, activity patterns and the nutritional status of workers in tertiary educational institutions in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Adeomi Adeleye Abiodun , Akande Roseline Oluyemisi , Obiajunwa Chukwubueze , Oduntan Olajuwon , Ogbukwo Ebuka
Published: May 2020

Introduction Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is increasingly being reported as a simple, but accurate measure of cardiometabolic risk, even better than BMI, WHR and even waist circumference. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the cardiometabolic risk using WHtR, and its association with dietary diversity, activity patterns and the nutritional status of workers in tertiary educational institutions in Southwestern Nigeria. Materials and Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among workers in 3 randomly selected tertiary educational institutions in Osun State, Nigeria who were adults (18 years and above). Only apparently healthy people were recruited for the study. Cardiometabolic risk was assessed using WHtR, and respondents were categorized into low risk (WHtR < 0.5) or high risk (WHtR ≥ 0.5). Bivariate and multivariate (logistic regression model) analyses were used to determine the significant predictors of cardiometabolic risk. Level of significance was set at p-value less than 0.05. Results The mean age of the respondents was 45.8 ± 10.4 years, with a male:female ratio of 1:1.1. The mean WHtR among the respondents was 0.53 ± 0.08, and 36.5% had low cardio-metabolic risk while 63.5% had high cardiometabolic risk. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 44.0% and 25.8% respectively using the BMI categories. At bivariate level, there were statistically significant associations between WHtR and age (p < 0.001), gender (p = 0.002), educational level (p = 0.046), marital status (p = 0.022), dietary diversity (p = 0.027) and activity patterns (p = 0.030). When these were entered into a binary logistic regression model, age (p = 0.028; CI = 1.003 to 1.060) and gender (p = 0.010; CI = 1.149 to 2.784) remained the only statistically significant explanatory variables for cardiometabolic risk using WHtR. Conclusion The study found a relatively high prevalence of cardiometabolic risk, overweight and obesity among the respondents, with age and gender being the main predictors of cardio-metabolic risk using WHtR. Therefore, there is a need for early screening for cardiometabolic risk using WHtR, especially among the females.
Estimating the Risk of Ulcerative Colitis-Associated Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Population-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Kridin Khalaf , Damiani Giovanni , Ludwig Ralf J , Bitan Dana Tzur , Cohen Arnon D.
Published: May 2020

BackgroundUlcerative colitis (UC) is a well-known underlying comorbidity in pyoderma gangrenosum (PG). However, the relative risk conferred by UC for the subsequent development of PG is yet to be explicated.ObjectiveTo estimate the magnitude of the association between UC and the subsequent occurrence of PG, thus enabling to assess the PG risk with UC.MethodsA population-based case-control study was conducted comparing PG patients (n = 302) with age-, sex- and ethnicity-matched control subjects (n = 1,497) regarding the presence of UC. Logistic regression models were utilized for univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsThe prevalence of UC was greater in patients with PG than in control subjects (7.3% vs. 0.5%, respectively; P < 0.001). A 15-fold increase in the odds of PG with UC (OR, 14.62 95% CI, 6.45–33.18) was observed. This association retained its statistical significance following a sensitivity analysis excluding UC cases diagnosed up to 2 years prior to PG (OR, 9.88; 95% CI, 3.91–24.97), and after adjusting for confounding factors (adjusted OR, 10.78; 95% CI, 4.55–25.52). The median latency between the diagnosis of UC and the development of PG was 4.59 years. Patients with both PG and UC were younger and had a lower prevalence of smoking when compared to the remaining patients with PG.ConclusionsUC increases the odds of developing PG by 15-folds. Physicians managing patients with UC should be aware of this increased burden. Patients with UC may be advised to avoid additional precipitating factors of PG.
Changes in CT manifestations of patients with mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 in a Fangcang Shelter Hospital
Authors: Jiang Zhongbiao , Tan Chongqing , Jiang Shan , Yu Kun , Wang Yang , Zhu Weihong , Zhang Huiling , Pu Weidan , Deng Haijun , Wen Chuan , Fan Xiao , Jiang Li , Ji Qin , Zhu Li , Lyu Liang , Zhang Lei , Tai Shi , Cai Yuzhong , Tian Yi , Jiang Chuanhao , Wen Lingjun , Liu Yushan , Xiao Kui , Xu Junmei
Published: May 2020

Objectives: To provide a reference for CT imaging changes for patients discharged from a Fangcang shelter hospital, a large-scale, temporary hospital for the centralized treatment of patients with mild to moderate Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to provide essential functions (isolation, triage, basic medical care, frequent monitoring and rapid referral, essential living and social engagement) to them..Methods: Patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 admitted to the Wuchang Fangcang Shelter Hospital who had undergone pre-discharge and previous CT scans were included. Changes in the CT imaging features were defined as progression, no change, improvement or recovery. Basic patient information was obtained, and imaging signs were compared between the two CT scans.Results: A total of 83 patients were included. The median age was 53 years old. The course of disease was 28.3±10.7 days. CT imaging changes indicated progression, no change, improvement, and recovery in 3, 12, 66, and 2 patients, respectively. Between the two CT scans, the imaging signs showed a significant reduction in consolidation, a significant increase in fibrosis, and a reduction or / and thinning of ground-glass opacities. None of the patients showed signs of deterioration on follow-up and thus did not need to return to the hospital for treatment.Conclusion: In the COVID-19 Fangcang shelter hospital, given the shortage of medical staff and lack of medical resources, CT imaging diagnostic methods can be used to accurately discharge patients who had met the discharge criteria for isolation and observation from the Fangcang Shelter Hospital.
A modelling approach to assess wastewater reuse potential for Delhi city
Authors: Goyal Kirti , Kumar Arun
Published: May 2020

Water availability is facing crisis throughout the world because of various factors viz., population growth, climate change, and rapid urbanization, leading to the requirement of treated wastewater as an additional source of water supply. However, the actual amount of wastewater that may be reused depends on many factors such as water demand, availability, cost and social acceptability, etc. In this study, a linear programming model has been developed to identify the amount of treated wastewater that may be used for various applications subject to water availability and demand constraints, taking Delhi city as a case study. The results suggest that wastewater reuse has the maximum potential in agriculture and landscape irrigation use followed by domestic and industrial applications. The framework developed in the study provides useful information for integrated planning and management of the reuse of wastewater in order to augment the existing water supply. It may be modified and used for the estimation of wastewater reuse potential in other areas with similar conditions.
Microporous carbon material from fish waste for removal of methylene blue from wastewater
Authors: Wang You , Peng Qifan , Akhtar Naseem , Chen Xiaonong , Huang Yaqin
Published: May 2020

Microporous fish waste-based activated carbon material (MFC) was prepared, with a large surface area of 2,193.52 m²/g, a pore size of 2.67 nm and micropore and total pore volumes of 0.9168 cm³/g and 0.9975 cm³/g, respectively. Adsorption efficiency of MFC was investigated by removal of methylene blue dye from wastewater. The Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order kinetics adequately described the adsorption process. MFC exhibited a high adsorption capacity of 476.19 mg/g at 30 °C, and reached equilibrium within 1 h. MFC could be an efficient and low-cost adsorbent for cationic dye removal during wastewater treatment.
Investigation of effectiveness of pyrolysis products on removal of alizarin yellow GG from aqueous solution: a comparative study with commercial activated carbon
Authors: Kaya Nihan , Yildiz Uzun Zeynep
Published: May 2020

The increasing use of dyestuff in industrial applications brings with it environmental problems. These dyes, which are an eco-toxic hazard, are common water pollutants, even at very low concentrations in water resources. Therefore, they must be removed in an economical way. In this study, low-cost biosorbents such as pine cone char, walnut shell char, and hazelnut shell char were prepared by pyrolysis process at different carbonization temperatures in the range of 400–700 °C. Biochars with the highest surface area were used to remove alizarin yellow GG from aqueous solution and the adsorption capacities of these materials were compared to commercially available activated carbon. Biomasses and prepared biochars were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric/differential thermogravimetry analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, partial and elemental analysis techniques. Operational parameters such as contact time, temperature, pH, adsorbent dosage, and initial dye concentration were considered as variables for the batch adsorption experiments. Among the biochars used, the highest adsorption efficiency (82%) was obtained in pine cone char (BET surface area 259.74 m2/g) at pH = 3, T = 45 °C, adsorbent dosage of 8 g/L, and initial dye concentration of 20 ppm. The adsorption mechanism has been investigated by applying different kinetic and isotherm models with the aid of time-dependent adsorption data. The adsorption process was best described by Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic model.
Cytotoxic and Antibiotic Potential of Secondary Metabolites from the Lichen Umbilicaria muhlenbergii
Authors: Letwin Lyndon , Malek Ladislav , Suntres Zacharias , Christopher Lew
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Lichens are emerging as a promising natural source of bioactivities of pharmaceutical
interest. The present study aims to contribute to the knowledge of the lichen Umbilicaria muhlenbergii
as a potential source of pharmaceutically relevant anticancer and antibiotic lichen chemicals.

Methods:

The crude acetone extract of U. muhlenbergii exhibited 13.3 μg mL-1 cytotoxic activity
(EC50) against breast cancer cells (MCF-7), as compared to a cisplatin positive control with EC50 of
5.8 μg mL-1. The antibiotic activity of the crude extract against a gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus
was 22.5 μg mL-1
as MIC. Using silica gel 60 (SG60) column chromatography, the crude extract was
then separated into eight fractions, which were further evaluated for their anticancer activities against
MCF-7 cells. By means of propidium iodide flow cytometry, two of the eight SG60 fractions were
found to cause cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 cells (73.14% of cells) at the G2 phase, which is indicative
of apoptosis and inhibition of cellular proliferation.

Results:

Identification of chemical constituents present in these two SG60 fractions was carried out
with Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) and a lichen metabolite database (Wintabolites). The two
fractions (SG60-5 and SG60-6) were found to contain compounds belonging to the chemical families
depsides, depsidones, anthraquinones, and xanthones.

Discussion:

The SG60-5 and SG60-6 fractions were further fractionated with Sephadex LH-20. Over
15% of the 46 LH-20 fractions obtained from the SG60-5 fraction caused 100% cell death, whereas
32% of the LH-20 fractions derived from SG60 6 fraction reduced cell survival to below 20%.

Conclusion:

This work extends the evaluation of the cytotoxic and antibiotic activities of lichen secondary
metabolites to the species U. muhlenbergii. It presents encouraging results of pharmaceutical
interest that set up lichens as an effective source of new bioactive natural products. Further investigations
are underway to reveal the full biopharmaceutical potential of U. muhlenbergii.
Targeting Autophagic Pathways by Plant Natural Compounds in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Forouzanfar Fatemeh , Mousavi Seyed Hadi
Published: May 2020

Nowadays, natural compounds of plant origin with anticancer effects have gained more attention
because of their clinical safety and broad efficacy profiles. Autophagy is a multistep lysosomal
degradation pathway that may have a unique potential for clinical benefit in the setting of cancer
treatment. To retrieve articles related to the study, the databases of Google Scholar, Web of sciences,
Medline and Scopus, using the following keywords: Autophagic pathways; herbal medicine, oncogenic
autophagic pathways, tumor-suppressive autophagic pathways, and cancer were searched. Although
natural plant compounds such as resveratrol, curcumin, oridonin, gossypol, and paclitaxel have proven
anticancer potential via autophagic signaling pathways, there is still a great need to find new natural
compounds and investigate the underlying mechanisms, to facilitate their clinical use as potential anticancer
agents through autophagic induction.
The Role of Immune and Epithelial Stem Cells in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Therapy
Authors: Binienda Agata , Ziolkowska Sylwia , Hauge Ingvild H. , Salaga Maciej
Published: May 2020

Background:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is categorized as Crohn’s disease (CD)
and Ulcerative colitis (UC) and is characterized by chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI)
tract. Relapsing symptoms, including abdominal pain, increased stool frequency, loss of appetite as
well as anemia contribute to significant deterioration of quality of life. IBD treatment encompasses
chemotherapy (e.g. corticosteroids, thiopurines) and biological agents (e.g. antibodies targeting tumour
necrosis factor α, interleukin 12/23) and surgery. However, efficacy of these therapies is not satisfactory.
Thus, scientists are looking for new options in IBD treatment that could induce and maintain
remission.

Objective:

To summarize previous knowledge about role of different intestinal cells in IBD pathophysiology
and application of stem cells in the IBD treatment.

Results:

Recent studies have emphasized an important role of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) as well as
intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) in the IBD pathophysiology suggesting that these types of cells can be
new targets for IBD treatment. Moreover, last studies show that stem cells transplantation reduces inflammation
in patients suffering from IBD, which are resistant to conventional therapies.

Conclusion:

Both hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are able to
restore damaged tissue and regulate the immune system. Autologous HSCs transplantation eliminates
autoreactive cells and replace them with new T-cells resulting a long-time remission. Whereas MSCs
transplantation is effective therapy in one of the major complications of IBD, perianal fistulas.
The Epigenetic Modification of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) on Cancer
Authors: Yang Linqi , Zhang Wenqi , Chopra Saiyam , Kaur Deeepjyot , Wang Huibing , Li Meng , Chen Pingping , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2020

:

Among the major components of green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most
effective for its anti-cancer characteristics. The bulk of studies provide the mechanisms of suppressive
function of EGCG are involved in alteration of cancer cell cycle, development, and apoptosis through
activation/inhibition of several signal pathways.

:

Another mechanism that explains the multiple effects exerted by EGCG in cancer is the epigenetic
change by DNA methylation or methyltransferases, histone acetylation or deacetylases, and no coding
RNAs (micoRNAs). Furthermore, decontrolled expression of miRNA transcription has been tested to
be directly regulated by oncogenic and tumor-suppressor transcription factors. Recently, several proteins
have been identified as miRNA direct interactors by EGCG. However, the mechanisms explaining
the action of miRNA being modulated by EGCG have not been completely understood yet. This
review summarizes the state of epigenetic change being modulated by EGCG in a variety of cancers
and oncogenic and tumor-suppressor transcription factors.