bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria among Pregnant women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Prevalence, Causal agents, and their Antimicrobial Susceptibility
Authors: Bizuwork Ketema , Alemayehu Haile , Medhin Girmay , Amogne Wondwossen , Eguale Tadesse
Published: December 2020

BackgroundAsymptomatic bacteriuria (ASBU) is an important health problem among pregnant women particularly in low income countries. This study aimed to estimate prevalence of ASBU, to identify causal bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility among pregnant women attending antenatal care centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. MethodsHealth facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May, 2019, where 281 pregnant women with no symptom of urinary tract infection were examined using standard microbiological techniques. Women whose urine sample carried greater than or equal to 105 colony forming unit (CFU) of bacteria per milliliter was considered to have ASBU. Antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates was investigated using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method on Muller-Hinton agar plates.Results Out of 281 pregnant women examined, 44 (15.7%) had ASBU and none of the factors tested in the current analysis were significantly associated with occurrence of ASBU (p < 0.05). The most frequently isolated bacterial species were Escherichia coli 17(30.2%), Proteus, 13(23.2%) and Entrococcus 11(19.6%). All of the E. coli, Citrobacter and Klebsiela isolates and 84.6% of Proteus species were resistant to ampicillin. All bacterial isolates were resistant to at least one of antimicrobial agents tested. Resistance to three or more antimicrobials was detected in 15 (88.2%) of E. coli, 10 (76.9%) of Proteus, and 6 (54.6%) of Entrococcus isolates. Resistance to as high as 7 antimicrobials among E. coli and Proteus isolates and 9 antimicrobials among Entercoccus isolates was detected.ConclusionsRoutine screening for ASBU during antenatal visit is likely to result in early treatment and minimize complication to the mother and fetus. Assess sensitivity of isolates to commonly prescribed antimicrobials rather than treating empirically is recommended.
Parathyroid Hormone Injection Versus Vertebroplasty in the Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture in Old Age: A Retrospective Study of 58 Female Patients
Authors: Kook Incheol , Kang Byeong-Jik , Park Ye-Soo
Published: December 2020

Background: While the indications of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in osteoporosis prevention and management have been established, its indications in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures remain unknown. This study aimed to compare the effects of intervention (percutaneous vertebroplasty followed by anti-resorptive agents) and conservative treatment (PTH administration) in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures, as well as to investigate the optimal duration of PTH administration. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using data of patients treated for osteoporotic vertebral fractures between January 2015 and November 2019. Treatment was selected based on the patient’s age, comorbidities, and patient’s preference after explaining the expected advantages and disadvantages of each treatment. Group C was administered PTH injections once weekly, whereas Group I underwent vertebroplasty followed by the administration of anti-resorptive agents. Radiological and clinical parameters were analyzed between two groups.Results: This study enrolled 58 patients (77 vertebrae). Group C included 24 patients (38 vertebrae) with average age of 77.50 ± 7.19 years (range, 65–85 years), average bone mineral density (BMD) of −3.39 ± 0.86 (range, −2.5 to −5.8), average follow-up period of 27.47 ± 7.60 weeks (range, 12–49 weeks). Group I included 34 patients (39 vertebrae) with an average age of 76.20 ± 8.67 years (range, 65–92 years), average BMD of −3.35 ± 0.91 (range, −2.5 to −5.1), average follow-up period of 30.82 ± 10.95 weeks (range, 16–59 weeks). There was no significant difference between the two groups in initial demographic, clinical and radiographic parameters. Group I showed significantly better clinical and radiological outcome during the last follow-up. Regarding side effects in Group C, two cases of dizziness (8.3%), nausea and vomiting (8.3%) were reported. In Group I, cement leakage was found in 26 vertebrae (66.7%), and cement leakage complications were observed in four patients (11.8%). Conclusion: Conservative treatment using PTH injection demonstrated slower pain relief and lesser suppression of vertebral height loss than vertebroplasty. However, PTH injection demonstrated a lower risk of procedure-related complications. The patient’s age, preference, and general condition with respect to the procedure’s risk should be considered when determining treatment options for osteoporotic vertebral fracture in old age.
Vulnerability Assessment of Resource-based Cities Based on Entropy Weight-topsis Model: A Case Study of Karamay, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Ju Xiaoyu , Liu Juhao , Zhao Xiaodong
Published: December 2020

The vulnerability of a city is an important index to evaluate the healthy development of a city, and also an important guide to the harmonious and sustainable development of resource-based cities. This paper constructs the vulnerability assessment system of resource-based cities from four dimensions of resources, ecology, society and economy, and puts forward the Entropy Weight-TOPSIS model to study the dynamic changes of urban vulnerability in the resource-based city—Karamay. The research results show that the urban vulnerability score of Karamay rose steadily from 2008 to 2017, but the overall vulnerability score was always between 0.1 and 0.2, indicating that the urban vulnerability of Karamay has not significantly improved and is still in the stage of extremely fragile economic and social comprehensive development. The ecological vulnerability, social vulnerability and economic vulnerability of Karamay show a good trend of improvement, and social development contributes the most to the comprehensive vulnerability of the city, while the score of resource vulnerability shows a significant decline. Resource development and utilization is still the key to determine the healthy and sustainable development of Karamay.
Cardiac and Sympathetic Baroreflexes Remain Functional During Local Anesthesia With Vasoconstrictor-free Mepivacaine in Humans
Authors: Furutani Chiaki , Isono Kazushige , Asahina Hironao , Higuchi Yudai , Miyahara Kota , Miyazaki Hironori , Oda Yuki , Irifune Masahiro , Jarvis Sara , Ogasawara Tadashi , Okada Yoshiyuki
Published: December 2020

Local anesthesia with vasoconstrictor-free mepivacaine is known to not evoke pressor responses. However, it is unknown whether baroreflex function and blood pressure (BP) fluctuations are preserved by using mepivacaine. We tested the hypothesis that mepivacaine reduces baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) without changing its operating point. Beat-by-beat BP, heart rate (HR), and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) were measured upon injection of either saline (CNT) or 3% mepivacaine (MPV) in the apical regions of the premolars and around the mandibular foramen in 10 healthy young men [23±5 (SD) years]. Cardiac and sympathetic BRSs were assessed by bolus injections of sodium nitroprusside followed by phenylephrine HCl, and then determined from the slopes of regression lines between systolic BP and HR and between diastolic BP and MSNA, respectively. HR was significantly higher in MPV than CNT (P<0.05), while there were no significant differences in MSNA, the operating points, or BP fluctuations between MPV and CNT (all P>0.05). Moreover, neither cardiac nor sympathetic BRS in CNT were altered by MPV (−0.71±0.13 vs. −0.78±0.33 beats·min−1·mmHg−1, P=0.41; −0.98±0.35 vs. −0.92±0.16 units･beat−1･ mmHg−1, P=0.73). Cardiac and sympathetic baroreflex functions were preserved and BP fluctuation may be well maintained under local anesthesia using vasoconstrictor-free 3% mepivacaine.
Linking Genomic and Physiological Characteristics of Psychrophilic Arthrobacter to Metagenomic Data to Explain Global Environmental Distribution
Authors: Shen Liang , Liu Yongqin , Allen Michelle A. , Xu Baiqing , Wang Ninglian , Williams Timothy J. , Wang Feng , Zhou Yuguang , Liu Qing , Cavicchioli Ricardo
Published: December 2020

Background: Microorganisms drive critical global biogeochemical cycles and dominate the biomass in Earth’s expansive cold biosphere. Determining the genomic traits that enable psychrophiles to grow in cold environments informs about their physiology and adaptive responses. However, defining important genomic traits of psychrophiles has proven difficult, with the ability to extrapolate genomic knowledge to environmental relevance proving even more difficult.Results: Here we examined the bacterial genus Arthrobacter, and assisted by genome sequences of new Tibetan Plateau isolates, defined a clade, Group C, that represents isolates from polar and alpine environments. Group C had a superior ability to grow at -1ºC, and possessed genome G+C content, amino acid composition, predicted protein stability and functional capacities (e.g., sulfur metabolism and mycothiol biosynthesis) that distinguished it from non-polar or alpine Group A- Arthrobacter. Interrogation of more than 1,000 metagenomes identified an over-representation of Group C in Canadian permafrost communities from a simulated spring-thaw experiment, indicative of niche adaptation, and an under-representation of Group A in all polar and alpine samples, indicative of a general response to environmental temperature.Conclusion: The findings illustrate a capacity to define genomic markers of specific taxa that potentially have value for environmental monitoring of cold environments, including environmental change arising from anthropogenic impact. More broadly, the study illustrates the challenges involved in extrapolating from genomic and physiological data to an environmental setting.
TGF-β3 Regulates Adhesion Formation Through the JNK/c-Jun Pathway During Flexor Tendon Healing
Authors: Jiang Ke , lI Yuling , Xiang Chao , Yuan Yeshuang , Jia Jiameng
Published: December 2020

Background: The injured flexor tendon has poor healing ability, 15 which is easy to cause tendon adhesion. It can affect the recovery of tendon function, which is still a long term and difficult task for surgeons. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) has been widely considered to play an important role in flexor tendon repair in recent years. Aim: This work was to investigate the anti-adhesion and anti-inflammatory effects of TGF-β3 on flex or digitorum longus (FDL) tendon repair rats. Method: Anastomosis models of tendon laceration in the flexion toes of rats were delivered with no treatment, vehicle or TGF-β3 - overexpressed adenovirus vector (ad-TGF-β3) locally to the injured tendon area from day 3 to 8. Subsequently, the expression of TGF-β3, TGF-β1/2, Smad3, Smad7, JNK, phosphorylation (p)-JNK, c-Jun and phosphorylation (p)-c-Jun were detected by western blot, the expression of Mmp9 and Mmp2 by RT-qPCR, the Range of motion (ROM) and sliding resistance by adhesion formation testing, the mechanical strength of tendon healing by biomechanical testing, the pathologic changes of flexor tendon tissues by HE staining, the expression of collagen type III by immunohistochemical staining, and the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, COX2 and IL-1β in serum by ELISA, respectively. Results: Rat models treated with no treatment showed a lower elevation of TGF-β3 and Smad7 expression, and a higher elevation of TGF-β1/2 and Smad3 expression, during day 14 to day 28. Besides, under the treatment of ad-TGF-β3, significantly increase was reflected in the expression of TGF-β3 and Smad7, ROM, as well as mechanical strength of flexor tendon, whereas significantly reduction was shown in sliding resistance, content of inflammatory cytokines, ratio of p-JNK/JNK, p-c-Jun/c-Jun, as well as the expression of TGF-β1/2, Smad3, Mmp9 and Mmp2 genes, as compared to those from vehicle treatment. Meanwhile, TGF-β3 demonstrated better pathologic recovery process with no obvious necrosis or fracture of collagen fibers. Besides, TGF-β3 revealed a significant reduction of collagen type-III expression in the flexor tendon healing tissues. Conclusion: These findings suggested that TGF-β3 effectively protected against flexor tendon injury via regulating adhesion formation.
The First Case of Forearm Crisscross Injury in Children: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Jiang Yikun , Peng Chuan-gang , Qu Ji , Wu Dan-kai , Wang Yan-bing
Published: December 2020

BackgroundForearm crisscross injury is rare in children; there is no relevant literature so far. Surgeons lack experience and knowledge in treating this type of crisscross injury. We report a case of forearm crisscross injury in a child for the first time analyze its mechanism, and use minimally invasive treatment to obtain good therapeutic effects.Case presentationAn 8-year-old boy experienced pain in his left forearm when he accidentally fell while skateboarding. Physical examination revealed swelling and deformity of the left forearm. We performed imaging and results revealed left radial head dislocation, left distal radial epiphyseal separation from the shaft, and interruption of the continuity of the dorsal cortex of the left distal ulna. X-ray films of the anteroposterior and lateral positions showed that the radius and ulna were crisscrossed. Diagnosis included superior radioulnar joint dislocation, left distal radial epiphyseal injury, and left distal ulnar fracture. After unsuccessful manual reduction, we adopted a minimally invasive procedure and succeeded. After a 14-week follow-up, the patient had good left upper limb function, no complaints of pain and limited range of motion, and good follow-up results.ConclusionsThis is the first report of a child with a forearm crisscross injury in which the mechanism, as well as the differences from an adult crisscross injury were analyzed. Minimally invasive surgery with intramedullary fixation achieved a good therapeutic effect. Simultaneously, it provides a reference for the treatment of similar patients in the future.
Production and Characterization of Malt and Beer Produced From Wheat Varieties
Authors: Tefera Molla , Admassie Mazaw
Published: December 2020

The objective of this research was to produce beer using local wheat to substitute or minimize imported barley malt. The physicochemical properties of malt beer were studied and the results revealed the alcoholic content in all malt samples ranged between 3.53-6.92 European Brewery Convention (EBC), pH (5.88-6.24), moisture content (6.77-7.35%), total protein (11.39-13.9%) and total nitrogen (1.50-2.44%). Besides, the physicochemical properties of finished beer were also determined and the values of apparent extract, real extract and original extract were found in the range of 1.67-2.86 op, 3.17-4.0 op and 8.04-9.53 op, respectively. The apparent degree of fermentation, color, pH, alcoholic content, bitterness and haziness of wheat beer were found to have 66.68-82.55%, 7.16-9.40 EBC, 4.32-4.61, 3.90-5.40 (%, v,v), 11.8-15.1 and 0.98-1.2, respectively. The results of this study indicates that wheat malt can serve as an alternative raw material for breweries in addition to barley malt.
Increased Mitochondrial Calcium Uptake and Concomitant Hyperactivity by Presenilin Loss Promotes mTORC1 Signaling to Drive Neurodegeneration
Authors: Ryan Kerry C. , Ashkavand Zahra , Sarasija Shaarika , Laboy Jocelyn T. , Samarakoon Rohan , Norman Kenneth
Published: December 2020

BackgroundMetabolic dysfunction and protein aggregation are common characteristics that occur in age-related neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the mechanisms underlying these abnormalities remain poorly understood. Mutations in the presenilin genes are the primary cause of early onset familial AD, but despite their identification over 20 years ago, their role in the disease remains unclear. MethodsThe model system Caenorhabditis elegans was utilized to study the in vivo function of the highly conserved presenilin ortholog SEL-12 in the nervous system. Cell biological and biochemical assays were employed to monitor changes to proteostasis and autophagic flux in sel-12 mutants. Immunoblotting was used to assess alterations to the activity of the mTORC1 pathway, a central inhibitor of autophagy. Genetic and pharmaceutical strategies to reduce mTORC1 activity, and fluorescent reporters and biosensors were expressed in the mechanosensory neurons to measure mTORC1’s influence on proteotoxicity, neuronal health and mitochondrial morphology. Additionally, behavioral response to touch was employed to determine the role mTORC1 activity has in neuronal function in sel-12 mutants. RNA interference by standard feeding methods was used to assess the contribution of autophagy to mTORC1-mediated sel-12 defects. ResultsLoss of SEL-12 results in the hyperactivation of the mTORC1 pathway and mTORC1-dependent reduction in autophagy. This hyperactivation is caused by elevated mitochondrial calcium signaling and concomitant mitochondrial hyperactivity. Reducing mTORC1 activity improves proteostasis defects and neurodegenerative phenotypes associated with loss of SEL-12 function. Consistent with high mTORC1 activity, we find that SEL-12 loss reduces autophagy, and this reduction is prevented by limiting mitochondrial calcium uptake or mitochondrial respiration. Moreover, the improvements in proteostasis and neuronal defects in sel-12 mutants due to mTORC1 inhibition require the induction of autophagy.ConclusionSEL-12 has a critical role in mediating mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and activity. In the absence of presenilin function mitochondrial calcium uptake and mitochondrial activity is increased. This mitochondrial hyperactivity stimulates mTORC1 signaling, which inhibits autophagy and promotes proteostasis decline and neuronal dysfunction in sel-12 mutants. These data suggest that the mTORC1 pathway is a potential therapeutic target for treating AD.
Case-control Study on p73 rs1801173 C > T Gene Polymorphism and Susceptibility to Gastric Cancer in a Chinese Han Population
Authors: Gu Xuyu , Wang Xiaoyan , Pan Huiwen , Gao Zhenjun , Ding Guowen , Fan Yu
Published: December 2020

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between p73 C14T (rs1801173) polymorphism and the risk of GC in a Chinese Han population. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted. A total of 577 GC cases and 678 normal controls were recruited. Their genotypes were determined using the SnapShot method. Results: The genotype frequency distribution of the case group and the control group were consistent with the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. No significant difference was found in the distribution of gender, age, and drinking history between the case group and the control group. A correlation was observed between smoking and the incidence of GC (P = 0.006). Three genotypes of CC, CT, and TT were found in the rs1801173 locus of p73. The distribution of the dominant model/recessive model did not significantly differ (P = 0.688; 0.937). No statistical difference was found even after adjustment was performed via logistic regression analysis (P = 0.703; 0.990). The frequency distribution between the two groups also did not significantly differ (P = 0.763). Conclusion: Smoking is related to the occurrence and development of GC. No association was found between p73 rs1801173 C > T SNP and the risk of GC in a Chinese Han population. However, additional larger studies and tissue-specific biological characterization are required to confirm these findings.
Histopathological Features and Immunophenotype of Primary Gastric Invasive Fibromatosis
Authors: Wang Yangkun , Zhang Zhishang , Jiang Bo , Zhu Chaoya , Wang Sunan , Zhao Guang
Published: December 2020

Background To investigate the histopathological characteristics, immunophenotype and differential diagnosis of primary gastric invasive fibromatosis.Methods The clinical manifestations, histological morphology and immunophenotype of 4 cases of primary gastric invasive fibromatosis were observed and related literatures were reviewed.Results Among the 4 patients, 2 were males and 2 were females, aged 28 and 47 years, respectively. The lesions were located in the stomach in 2 cases, the gastric antrum in 1 case and cardia in 1 case. Under the microscope, the tumor was located in the submucosa, growing infiltratingly, and infiltrating into the gastric wall muscularis, serous membrane and extraserous fatty tissue. Tumor cells were rich in cytoplasm, with unclear cell boundaries, long rod-shaped nuclei, deep chromatin, no atypia, and rare mitotic figures. The tumor tissue was composed of proliferating spindle-shaped fibroblasts and collagen fibers, and the cell morphology was relatively uniform, arranged in parallel bundles or staggered weaves. Tumor tissue invaded and destroyed smooth muscle, blood vessels, nerve tissue and adipose tissue of the gastric wall. Immunophenotype: positive expression of vimentin, β-catenin, SMA positive expression; CKpan, EMA, S-100 protein, desmin, CD99, Bcl-2, ALK, CD34, CD117, DOG1, hormone receptors were all negative; The cell proliferation index ki-67 positive cells were 3–5%.Conclusion Primary invasive fibromatosis of the stomach is a relatively rare spindle cell tumor, which needs to be differentiated from tumors and pathological lesions such as inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, plexiform mucinous fibroma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, etc.
Climacteric Symptoms in Postoperative Patients Among Endometrial Cancer, Cervical Cancer, and Ovarian Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: HORIBA YUKO , Yoshino Tetsuhiro , Yokota Megumi , Iwata Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Mimura Masaru , Aoki Daisuke
Published: December 2020

Background: No studies have assessed climacteric symptoms after hystero-adnexectomy for endometrial, cervical, or ovarian cancer. Thus, this study aimed to compare climacteric symptoms among patients who underwent surgery for these three cancer types.Methods: We included patients who were registered at a menopausal outpatient clinic between January 1999 and July 2016 after undergoing total hysterectomy, intrapelvic only or intrapelvic plus para-aortic lymph node dissection, and bilateral adnexectomy performed via laparotomy as cancer treatment. The numbers of patients with endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancer were 328, 90, and 107, respectively. We collected the following data: age at surgery, time since surgery, body mass index, menopausal status at surgery, and postoperative adjuvant therapy. Climacteric symptoms were assessed using a patient-reported questionnaire covering 40 parameters. Each symptom was graded from 0 (no symptoms) to 3 (severe symptoms). The total for all 40 parameters was considered as the degree of symptom severity.Results: Multivariate analysis revealed that time since surgery and cancer type had statistically significant effects on climacteric symptom severity. Overall, climacteric symptoms were more severe in patients with cervical cancer than in those with endometrial or ovarian cancer; symptom severity decreased with increasing time since surgery. However, in patients with cervical cancer, symptom severity did not decrease significantly over time, even after >5 years had elapsed since surgery.Conclusions: The severity of climacteric symptoms decreased with time after surgery for patients with endometrial or ovarian cancer but not for those with cervical cancer. Patients with cervical cancer may require more prompt interventions, including symptomatic treatment, and longer follow-up than those with endometrial or ovarian cancer.
A Proposed Method of Sample Preparation and Homogenization of Hemp for the Molecular Analysis of Cannabinoids
Authors: Morehouse Zachary P , Ryan Gabriella L , Proctor Caleb M , Okparanta Akelachi , Todd Will , Bunting Derrick , White Taylor , Parez Steven , Miller Blessida , Colon Veronica , Easparro Brandon , Atwood James , Park YoungChul , Nash Rodney J
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe use of Cannabis sativa, or hemp, in commercial, recreational, and pharmacological applications is on the rise in the United States and worldwide. Many of these applications have guidelines associated with them dependent on the concentration of cannabinoid molecules that keep the products classified as hemp versus marijuana or that allow the producer to comment on the purity and potency of their product. Herein, we propose a method for homogenization of hemp that results in small particle sizes, uniform samples, and does not alter the cannabinoid concentrations during processing, allowing for optimal and reproducible potency testing. MethodsUsing a novel “active grinding media” we homogenized commercially available hemp to analyze approximately 100mg samples of homogenate via sieve analysis and high-performance liquid chromatography to assess the resulting size and potency of the sample when using this methodology. ResultsWhen processing hemp samples with our proposed methodology, we have demonstrated the ability to produce 60.2% of all particles <1.25 mm with increased cannabinoid recovery compared to homogenates with larger average particle sizes. Maintaining sample temperatures below 35° C during processing, we showed that our method does not thermally induce decarboxylation reactions that would result in major cannabinoid profile changes.ConclusionWe have developed a method for hemp processing via homogenization that does not alter the cannabinoid profile during processing, while consistently producing small particle sizes in a uniformly processed sample. This method allows for optimal and reproducible hemp processing when evaluating hemp and hemp-based products being brought to commercial markets.
Biochemical Characterization of purified β-amylase from Dioscorea alata (water yam)
Authors: fadunsin moromoke ajisope , ebuehi osaretin albert , akande idowu , raimi olawale , kolawole oluseyi ayodele
Published: December 2020

Water yam (Dioscorea alata) β-amylase was isolated and purified to apparent homogeneity. The enzyme was found to be monomeric with a molecular weight of 30.1 kDa based on SDS-PAGE and 31.0 kDa based on non-denaturation gel filtration. The enzyme readily hydrolyzed soluble starch, amylose, amylopectin and glycogen. The enzyme was stable over a wide range of pHs (4 - 8). The enzyme has a Km, of 2.24 mg/ml for soluble starch. Activation energy (Ea) for catalysis by β-amylase at 25 0C was 6.45 kcal/mol. β-amylase Contains high content of both acidic and hydrophobic amino acid but low in arginine and histidine. The activation energy (Ea), half-life, free energy change (ΔG‡), enthalpy change (ΔH‡), and entropy change (ΔS‡) for inactivation were 13.92 kcal/mol, 41.25 min, 20.89 kcal/mol, 13.30 kcal/mol and -24.25 cal/mol/K, respectively. The binding profile of β-amylase with epicatechin, quercetin, rutin and gallic acid were all spontaneous with stoichiometric ratio of 1:1. Hydrophobic bonding played a major role in stabilizing the β-amylase-ligand complex. Sodium alginate immobilization of the enzyme improved the Optimum temperature from 40 to 50 0C and changed the optimum pH from 5.0 to 6.0 with retainment up to 67 % activity after 5 cycles of usage. The enzyme would be of importance in manufacturing company based on the kinetics and other parameters reported in this study.
Aqueous enzymatic extraction of palm kernel oil
Authors: Sebayang Firman , Tarigan Juliati Br. , Rizki Mahlil , Utami Ferizha Cinthya , Hutagalung Taslia Anggriwati , Misdawati Misdwati , Karo-karo Justaman A. , Charoensiddhi Suvimol , Sitepu Eko Kornelius
Published: December 2020

Inexpensive enzyme with high hydrolitic activity is required to bring the aqueous enzymatic extraction (AEE) of seed / biomass oil into commercialization. In this study a commercial digestive drug which is mainly composed of amylase and protease enzymes has been applied to extract the palm kernel oil. A single factor experiment evaluated the effect of the ratio palm kernel to water, concentration of digestive drug used, pH, incubation time and temperature on extraction efficiency, free fatty acid (FFA) content and lipid profile in form of monoglyceride, diglyceride and triglyceride. A significant effect was observed for all the parameters and the highest extraction efficiency of 96% with FFA content less than 0.68% was observed in the incubation condition of 1:5 ratio palm kernel to water, 9% w/w of digestive drug, pH of 9, 90 min of incubation time at 45°C. Green metrics assesment confirmed that the AEE process is more green process than the soxhlet method. In comparison with other existing extraction methods, the AEE showed better extraction efficiency against the screw press and supercritical carbon dioxide methods.
Poor blood pressure control and its associated factors among peoples living with Diabetes Mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Akalu Yonas , Yeshaw Yigizie , Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn , Tiruneh Sofonyas Abebaw , Teshale Achamyeleh Birhanu , Angaw Dessie Abebaw , Gebrie Misganew , Dagnew Baye
Published: December 2020

Background

Poor blood pressure control among people living with diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the primary causes of cardiovascular complications and death in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, there is paucity of evidence on the prevalence and associated factors of poor blood pressure control in SSA. Therefore, this review aimed to estimate the prevalence and its associated factors among people living with DM in SSA.
Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, African Journals online, Hinari, Google scholar and direct Google to access observational studies conducted in SSA. Microsoft excel spreadsheet was used to extract the data and then exported into STATA/MP version 16.0 for further analysis. Heterogeneity across studies was checked using Cochrane Q test statistic and I2 test and small study effect were checked using Funnel plot symmetry and Egger’s statistical test at 5% significant level. A random-effects model was used to estimates the pooled prevalence of poor blood pressure control with a 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results

Of the 1,043 articles retrieved, 21 articles with an overall sample size of 6308 were eligible for the meta-analysis. After performing random-effects model, the pooled prevalence of poor blood pressure control was 69.8% (95% CI: 63.43, 76.25%). Poor adherence to antihypertensive treatment (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.03–2.80, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.531) and overweight (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.57–3.68, I2 = 0.00%, p = 0.47) were significantly associated with poor blood pressure control.
Conclusions

Only one third of diabetic patients in SSA had achieved target blood pressure. Hence, there is an urgent need for initiatives to improve and control hypertension, and preventive measures should concentrate on modifiable risk factors.
Systematic Review registrations:

The review protocol has been registered in PROSPERO with protocol number of CRD42020187901.
The Prevalence of Sleep Disorders Among Children in Mainland China: A Meta-analysis and Systemic-analysis
Authors: Chen Xianrui , Lin Xiaoxia , Ke Zhong ling , Chen Yanhui
Published: December 2020

Background: We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to identify a reliable estimate of sleep disorders prevalence among children in mainland China and to describe its epidemiological characteristics.Methods: Relevant studies were searched thoroughly via electronic databases included China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang,Weipu,PubMed,Web of Science and Medline databases from inception until December 2020.Prevalence estimates were calculated by random-effects models. The sources of heterogeneity were explored using subgroup analyses and Meta-regression analysis, and publication bias was estimated by funnel plots and Egger’s Test. Results: Overall, 66 studies were included in this meta-analysis, which revealed that the pooled prevalence of sleep disorders was 37.6% (95%CI: 34.3-40.9%)with high heterogeneity (I2=99.6%,P=0.000).The prevalence rate of sleep disorders among males was higher than females (OR:1.01,95%CI:1.05-1.13).In all age groups, the prevalence rates of sleep disorders increased with age, including infancy or early childhood group(33.3%),pre-school group(38.9%), school-age group(43.7%). The prevalence rate in South China (30.4%, 95%CI: 23.9–36.8%) was the lowest, and the highest prevalence rate was in West China (47.4 %,95%CI:35.9–58.9%), which than any other region in China. The point estimate for sleep disorders prevalence obtained using the CSHQ criterion was higher than other criteria.Meta-regression indicated that age group could influence prevalence estimation (P = 0.011).Conclusions: Over the past two decades, the prevalence rate of sleep disorders among children in mainland China has increased, significantly affecting two-fifth of the school-age children. The prevalence rate of sleep disorders in west China was significantly higher than in any other area. There is still a lack of guidelines on children's sleep disorders in mainland China, so future research should pay special attention to the sleep disorders of school-age children and children in economically backward areas.
A Comparative Study on the Influence of Banana and Coconut Fibre on Stabilized Soil Blocks
Authors: Thanushan Kirupairaja , Navaratnarajah Sathiparan
Published: December 2020

Agricultural waste disposal is among the environmental concerns in many countries. Finding economical uses for this waste by incorporating it in a product is the approach often used to overcome the environmental issue. Banana fibre and coconut coir are major agricultural waste products in Sri Lanka and fewer amounts of these are converted into usable products. Manufacturing cement-stabilized soil blocks incorporating these waste materials can reduce the environmental impact. The present research studied the post-peak behavior and durability of banana fibre and coconut coir-strengthened cement-stabilized soil blocks. Banana fibre-reinforced and coconut coir-reinforced blocks were tested for compression, flexural bending, water absorption, sorptivity and resistance against chemicals, wet-dry weathering and freeze-thaw weathering. The banana fibre showed better post-peak behavior in compression and coconut coir showed better post-peak behavior in flexural. Both fibre reinforcements improved the block’s durability against the acid attack, alkaline attack, wet-dry weathering and freeze-thaw weathering. Moreover, the specimen reinforced with coconut fibres was found to exhibit better durability compared to the specimen reinforced with banana fibres.
Challenging the Results and Consequences of Cancer Screening Programs.
Authors: Porzsolt Franz , Kaplan Robert M.
Published: December 2020

Background. Cancer screening tests have been used in clinical routine for more than half a century, without consensus as to their value. Method. We offer a method to quantify two components of screening programs relevant to their interpretation: the self-selection of participants and the effect of screening on reduction of mortality. Self-selection occurs because patients with a favorable prognosis are more health-conscious and accept screening more often than participants with poor prognosis. Separate quantification of these two components might allow estimates of the effects of screening independent of the effect of self-selection. Result. Using the example of a single prostate screening study, our analysis shows that most of the apparent beneficial effects of screening can be explained by self-selection. We also describe how the Informed Consent process can influence outcomes. Solution. Using similar methods, other published studies can be interpreted in the light of self-selection bias. To avoid these biases, we suggest application of the Pragmatic Controlled Trial design that yields estimates of Real-World Effectiveness as an alternative to Randomized Controlled Trials.
Association Between Ambient Air Pollution and Mortality From Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Wuhan, China: a Population-based Time-series Study
Authors: Yan Yaqiong , She Lu , Guo Yan , Zhao Yuanyuan , Zhang Pei , Xiang Bing , Zeng Jing , Yang Mei , Wang Liang
Published: December 2020

Background: Previous studies have mainly focused on the associations between air pollution and total respiratory disease mortality. However, evidence on the short-term effects of air pollution on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mortality is still not conclusive to date. The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of ambient air pollution on COPD mortality in Wuhan China.Methods: Daily death numbers, concentrations of air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3) and meteorological characteristics in Wuhan between January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2019 were collected. Time-series analysis using generalized additive model was applied to evaluated the association between ambient air pollution and daily COPD mortality. Subgroup analysis by age (<65 and ≥65 year) and sex (male and female) were also conducted. Results: During the study period, we observed a total of 16150 deaths(7.37 deaths per day) from COPD. The daily average concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2 and O3 were 59.03, 90.48, 12.91, 48.84 and 91.77 µg/m3, respectively. In single pollutant model, for every increase of 10 µg/m3 in PM10, SO2, NO2 levels, COPD mortality increased by 0.581%(95CI:0.054%-1.111%), 4.316%(95CI:1.002%-7.738%) and 1.815%(95CI:0.523%-3.125%) at lag03, respectively. No significant associations were found for PM2.5 and O3. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that females were more susceptible to PM2.5, PM10, SO2 and NO2, in addition the concentrations of PM10, SO2 and NO2 were significantly associated with COPD mortality for older adults. In two-pollutant models, the significantly positive associations between SO2 as well as NO2 and COPD mortality remained after adjusting for PM2.5 or O3.Conclusions: Short-term exposure to PM10, SO2, and NO2 are significantly associated with a higher risk of COPD mortality. Female or elderly are more susceptible to air pollution. Further research is required to reveal the underlying mechanisms. The implementation of the environmental protection policy has become urgent.
Role of favipiravir in the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe COVID2 19: a single-center, prospective, observational, sequential cohort study from Hungary 
Authors: SZABO Balint Gergely , LENART Katalin Szidonia , PETRIK Borisz , GASPAR Zsofia , BALOGH Zsofia , BANYAI Zsuzsanna , BANYASZ Emese , BUDAI Jozsef , CZEL Eszter , FRIED Katalin , HANUSKA Adrienn , KISS-DALA Noemi , LORINCZI Csaba , NEMESI Krisztina , KADAR Janos , NAGY Eva Livia , OSVALD Akos , PETROVICZ Edina , RICZU Alexandra , SZANKA Judit , SZATHMARY Beata , SZOMBATI Andrea , TOTH Szilvia , VARNAI Zsuzsanna , WOLLER Orsolya , SZLAVIK Janos , LAKATOS Botond
Published: December 2020

Background: Preliminary data suggests that favipiravir might have a role in COVID-19 treatment. Our aim was to assess the role of favipiravir in the treatment of COVID-19.Methods: A single-center, prospective, observational, sequential cohort study was performed among consecutive adults hospitalized with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 between March–July,2020. Patients were screened for inclusion by a priori criteria, and were included in the favipiravir cohort if SOC+FVP, or the non-favipiravir group if SOC±other antiviral medications without FVP were administered for >48 hours. Treatment allocation was done per national guidelines. For COVID-19 diagnosis and severity, ECDC and WHO definitions were utilized, and daily per protocol hospital follow-up was done. Primary composite end-point was disease progression (14-day all-cause death, need for mechanical ventilation, or immunomodulatory therapy). For statistical comparison, Fisher's exact test and Mann–Whitney U-test were used.Results: In all, 75 patients were included per cohort. In the FVP cohort, chronic heart disease (36/75, 48.0% vs. 16/75, 21.3%, p<0.01) and diabetes mellitus (23/75, 30.7% vs. 10/75, 13.3%, p<0.01) were more prevalent, hospital LOS (18.5±15.5 days vs. 13.0±8.5 days, p<0.01) was higher. Disease progression (17/75, 22.7% vs. 10/75, 13.3%, p=0.13), 14-day all-cause death (9/75, 12.0% vs. 10/75, 13.3%, p=0.8) and need for mechanical ventillation (8/75, 10.7% vs. 4/75, 5.3%, p=0.22) were similar between groups. Immunomodulatory therapies were administered frequently among patients receiving FVP (10/75, 13.3% vs. 1/75, 1.3%, p<0.01). Conclusions: In this study, favipiravir did not seem to affect disease progression. Further data are needed to position this drug among the anti-SARS-CoV-2 armamentarium.
Post-irradiation Hyperamylasemia Is a Prognostic Marker for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Outcomes in Pediatric Population: a Retrospective Single-centre Cohort Analysis.
Authors: Baldo Francesco , Simeone Roberto , Marcuzzi Annalisa , Vidimari Rossella , Ciriello Francesca , Zanon Davide , Maestro Alessandra , Barbi Egidio , Maximova Natalia
Published: December 2020

Background: Total body irradiation (TBI) is a mandatory step for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In the past, amylases have been reported to be a possible sign of TBI toxicity. We investigated the relationship between total amylases (TA) and transplant-related outcomes in pediatric recipients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all the patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT between January 2000 and November 2019. Inclusion criteria were the following: recipient’s between 2 and 18, diagnosis of ALL, no previous transplantation, and use of TBI-based conditioning. Serum total amylase and pancreatic amylase were evaluated before, during and after transplantation. Cytokines and chemokines assays were retrospectively performed. Results: 78 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 57 patients were treated with fractionated TBI and 21 with a single dose regimen. Overall survival (OS) was 62.8%. Elevated values of TA were detected in 71 patients (91%). TA were excellent in predicting the OS (AUC = 0.773; 95% CI = 0.66-0.86; P < 0.001). TA values below 374 U/L were correlated with a higher OS. The highest mean TA values (673 U/L) were associated with a high disease-progression mortality rate. TA showed high predictive performance for disease progression-related death (AUC = 0.865; 95% CI = 0.77 – 0.93; P < 0.0001). Elevated TA values were also connected with significantly higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6 and RANTES (P < 0.001).Conclusions: This study shows that TA is a valuable predictor of post-transplant OS and increased risk of leukemia relapse.
Prostate Cancer Specific Exosomal miRNAs in Saliva: a Way to a New and Dependable Screening Method
Authors: Lüdemann Christoph , Reinersmann Jan-Ludwig , Klinger Claudia , Degener Stephan , Dreger Nici Marcus , Roth Stephan , Kaufmann Michael , Savelsbergh Andreas
Published: December 2020

Background: Today, prostate cancer (PCa) is by far the most common cancer type among men. Diagnostic tests for PCa usually involve blood level testing of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and transrectal, ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostatic gland. Both diagnostic tools are unsatisfying in terms of low specificity and poor sensitivity. A general characterization of prostate cancer is difficult since the course of the disease varies individually from latent slow growing to aggressive and rapidly lethal tumors. However, no matter the severity of the disease, a possibility to increase the prognostic chances is the early detection. Regular cancer screening can be an appropriate concept if the tools are right. So far, PSA reaches its limits when it comes to an accurate distinction between cancerous glands and benign processes. miRNAs offer hope to overcome these drawbacks by virtue of their cancer-specific expression. Circulating miRNAs are an active area of current investigation and hold promise to serve a wide range of clinical applications and unwrap a new era in cancer diagnosis and therapeutics. miRNAs have proven their diagnostic potential of becoming a biomolecule of clinical relevance in a variety of human body fluid like blood/serum, urine, and saliva.Methods: We measured expression levels of 16 circulating prostate cancer specific miRNAs in saliva exosomes via qRT-PCR and compared differences between men suffering from prostate cancer and men suffering from other diseases of the urogenital tract, which formed the no-cancer control group. Differentiation strength of significant sequences was determined via ROC curve analysis. Results: hsa-mir-331 and hsa-mir-200b were significantly reduced in patients suffering from prostate cancer compared to the no-caner control group. Diagnostic quality of determined cut off values showed moderate differentiation strength with dependable diagnostic properties. The other 14 examined prostate cancer specific microRNAs showed no significant group differences. Conclusions: hsa-mir-331 and hsa-mir-200b are promising biomarkers for a reliable non-invasive and saliva-based test method in prostate cancer diagnostics. In a synopsis of the results in other studies and against the background of the chastening results of the other miRNAs analyzed, this is exciting news.
Effects of Different Types of Incubators on Embryo Development and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Liu Ji , Zhou Yan-Hua , Wang Xiao-Xiao , Tong Ling-Xi , Li Yan-Hong , Liu Ling , Xu Zhi-Yan , Wang Hong-Hui
Published: December 2020

Background: Different types of incubators have been designed for gamete and embryo culture in the past few years. The main differences of these incubators are humidity, temperature and gas control system, which play important roles in regulating the steady state of culture media. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of different types of incubators (air jacket incubators and water jacket incubators) on embryo development and clinical outcomes in human in vitro fertilization (IVF).Methods: First, the physical performances of different incubators were tested by mimicking routine IVF procedures. After that, in a randomized controlled trial, 1013 cumulus oocyte complexes from 43 patients were equally divided into two groups, fertilized and cultured in two types of incubators to analyze the effects of different types of incubators on embryo development and clinical outcomes. Results: We found that temperature recovery time in the air jacket incubator was significantly shorter than that in water jacket incubator. Although the O2 recovering time was also significantly shorter in the air jacket incubator as compared with the water jacket incubator, no significant differences were observed in the CO2 recovering time between two groups, which was also verified by pH recovering time of culture media. Besides, the temperature of culture medium in the dish covered with oil recovered more quickly in the air jacket incubators than that in water jacket incubators. However, there were no significant differences observed in the fertilization rate, Day 3 high-quality embryo formation rate, blastocyst formation rate, good blastocyst rate and clinical outcomes between two groups.Conclusions: These results indicate that the microenvironment, especially the temperature, in air jacket incubator recover faster than that in conventional water jacket incubator, however, there were no significant differences in embryo development and clinical outcomes between two types of incubators.