bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Effect of Removing Bandage Contact Lens on the Days 3 and 5 Following Photorefractive  Keratectomy
Authors: Daryabari Seyed-Hashem , Jadidi Khosrow , Mosavi Seyed Aliasghar , Naderi Mostafa
Published: March 2021

AIM: To compare the outcomes of removing bandage contact lens (BCL) on days 3and 5 after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).Methods: One hundred patients underwent PRK (totally 200 eyes) were enrolled in the present study. The subjects were assigned to two groups. BCL removal was performed in group 1 on the day 3 after PRK from the right eye, but the removal in the group 2 was performed 5 days after the surgery from the left eye. Then, data obtained from both groups were compared. To evaluate complications, the subjects underwent slit-lamp examination in all visits.Results: Filamentary keratitis (FK) was observed in one eye in both groups. The frequency of haze was higherin group 1; however, it was not significant between two group. Using mixed model analysis, significant differences were observed in the rate of complications as well as pain and eye discomfort scores between the groups (P <0.05). No major complication was reported.Conclusion: Majority of post PRK corneal epithelial defect is healed on day 3. However, keeping BCL for 5 days postoperatively, instead of the three days produces slightly lower rate of total complication.
Modeling and Analysis of the Material Removal Rate for Ultrasonic Vibration-assisted Polishing of Optical Glass BK7
Authors: Liang Yingdong , Zhang Chao , Chen Xin , Zhang Tianqi , Yu Tianbiao , Zhao Ji
Published: March 2021

The emergence of ultrasonic vibration-assisted polishing technology has effectively improved the machining accuracy and efficiency of hard and brittle materials in modern optical industry, however, the material removal mechanism of ultrasonic vibration-assisted polishing (UVAP) still needs to be further revealed. This paper focuses on the material removal mechanism of ultrasonic vibration-assisted polishing of optical glass (BK7), the application of ultrasonic vibration to axial vibration and the atomization of polishing slurry, the material removal model was established. Based on the analysis of the relationship between the nominal distance d of the polishing pad and the actual contact area distribution, the prediction of the material removal profile is realized. In addition, the effects of different parameters on the material removal rate (MRR) were analyzed, including polishing force, spindle speed, abrasive particle size, ultrasonic amplitude, feed rate, and flow-rate of polishing slurry. Based on the motion equation of abrasive particles, the trajectory of abrasive particles in the polishing slurry was simulated, and the simulation results show that the introduction of the ultrasonic vibration field changes the motion state and trajectory of embedded and free abrasive particles. The new model can not only qualitatively analyze the influence of different process parameters on MRR, but also predict the material removal depth and MRR, providing a possibility for deterministic material removal and a theoretical basis for subsequent polishing of complex curved surfaces of optical glass.
Optical Coherence Tomography Biomarkers of Photoreceptor Degeneration in Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Gong Yuting , Xia Honghe , zhang anlin , Chen LiJia , Chen Haoyu
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Several parameters on optical coherence tomography (OCT) have been suggested as biomarkers for photoreceptor degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa (RP). This study is to investigate which OCT parameters can serve as the earliest biomarkers in RP.Methods: OCT line scans of the horizontal meridian were conducted in 22 eyes of 22 RP patients and 30 eyes of 30 healthy controls. Longitudinal reflectance profiles were obtained using ImageJ at every 5 pixels. The following parameters on OCT were quantitatively measured: 1) relative optical intensity (ROI) of ellipsoid zone (EZ) and interdigitation zone (IZ); 2) thickness of outer nuclear layer (ONLT), photoreceptor (PRT), inner segment (IST) and outer segment (OST). The variations of these parameters across different regions were analyzed. Results: From fovea to peripheral retina, all the OCT biomarkers declined before disappeared, except IST and IZ-ROI. There was no identifiable declining zone for the IST and IZ-ROI between the normal and disappeared zones. The earliest biomarker was the shortening of OST and reduced IZ-ROI, followed by the shortening of PRT, EZ-ROI, then IST, and finally, ONLT. All these biomarkers had significant correlations with best-corrected visual acuity, except ONLT.Conclusion: In retinitis pigmentosa, EZ-ROI, IZ-ROI, PRT, OST, IST and ONLT are valuable biomarkers of photoreceptor degeneration. OST and IZ-ROI may serve as the earliest biomarkers.
Information interactions between prefrontal cortex and hippocampus during performance of a spatial working memory task
Authors: Zhang Wei , Guo Lei , Liu Dongzhao , Xu Guizhi
Published: March 2021

Spatial working memory (SWM) refers to a short-term system for temporary manipulation of spatial information and requires the cooperation of multiple brain regions. Despite evidence that hippocampus (HPC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) are involved in SWM, how PFC and HPC coordinate the neural information during SWM remains puzzling. In this study, local field potentials (LFPs) were recorded simultaneously from rat ventral HPC and medial PFC during SWM tasks. Then cross-frequency coupling algorithm was used as functional connectivity for construction of undirected networks; Grange causality algorithm was used as effective connectivity for construction of directed networks. Finally, information interactions across two brain regions were analyzed based on undirected and directed networks. Experimental results show that LFPs power in PFC and HPC both decreased over learning days and peaked before the reference point during SWM, moreover, LFPs mainly distributed in theta and gamma. From the undirected aspect, undirected PFC subnetwork and HPC subnetwork have the same effect on information transmission for SWM; the PAC between PFC-gamma and HPC-theta in undirected PFC-HPC network is related to SWM formation and contributes to information interactions between PFC and HPC. From the directed aspect, the effect of information transmission in directed HPC subnetwork is greater than PFC subnetwork; the enhancement of coordination between directed PFC and HPC subnetworks contributes to correct execution of SWM tasks; directed HPC→PFC network plays a predominant role in information interaction; with the increasing of learning days, PFC and HPC tend to be the causal sink and causal source of information flow.
Synergistic action of Viteselen with anti-Fasciola drug as a tool for improving fertility and hemato-biochemical biomarkers  in Fasciola infected Sheep 
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Ghada H. , Abdel-Radi Shimaa
Published: March 2021

Fascioliasis causes public health problems and economic losses all over the world. The present study aimed to evaluate the synergistic action between Viteselen (anti-oxidant) and specific anti-Fasciola drug (Triclalbendazole (TCBZ) for improvement body condition of F. gigantica naturally infected sheep with reference to some hematological and biochemical biomarkers in their sera. Animals were divided into five equal groups include G-1 as control non-infected animals, G-2 to G-5 are Fasciola naturally infected animals. G-2 is non-treated group, animals in G-3 were treated with TCBZ, animals in G-4 were injected by Viteselen and those in G-5 were treated by both TCBZ and Viteselen. The results revealed significant decrease in mean eggs in feces and F. gigantica circulating antigens (FCAg) in sera of TCBZ treated sheep after the 1st week post treatment. Complete disappearance of eggs from feces of drug treated groups was recorded at 21st d.p.t. While the value of FCAg decreased to negative at 14th d.p.t. The highest significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the estimated hematological parameters (RBCs, Hb and TLC), liver enzymes (AST and ALT), oxidative stress and antioxidant markers (TAC, MDA, SOD and GSH) and reproductive hormones (Progesterone and Estradiol) was recorded in animals in G-5 followed by G-3. While non-significant improvement was recorded in animals in G-4 in comparison with those in the control group. This improvement increased with increasing the time post treatment. For conclusion; using of Viteselen in association with specific anti-parasitic drug improved the general health parameters and reproductive performance of the investigated sheep.
Protective Reactions of Seedlings Against Systemic and Local Zearalenone Application to Tolerant and Sensitive Wheat Varieties – Epr Studies 
Authors: Sieprawska Apolonia , Łabanowska Maria , Kurdziel Magdalena , Filek Maria , Skórka Magdalena , Barbasz Anna
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUNDAmong the environmental stressors, which oxidative action is currently widely studied, are mycotoxins. The aim of presented studies was to investigate the response of leaves of seedlings to zearalenone (ZEN) applied directly to leaves and to grains (indirectly) of tolerant and sensitive wheat cultivars.RESULTS Biochemical analyses of antioxidative activity were performed for chloroplasts and showed the similar decrease of this activity independently of plant sensitivity and the way of ZEN application. On the other hand, higher amounts of superoxide radicals (microscopic observation) were formed in leaves of plants grown from grains incubated in solution of ZEN and in sensitive variety. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies showed that upon ZEN treatment larger amount of Mn - aqua complexes was formed in leaves of tolerant wheat cultivar than in those of sensitive one whereas the degradation of Fe-protein complexes occurred independently of the sensitivity of plant varieties. CONCLUSIONThe changes in the quantity of organic stable radicals, which were formed by stabilizing reactive oxygen species on biochemical macromolecules, pointed to the higher ability to their generation in leaf tissues subjected to foliar ZEN treatment indicating the important role of these radical species in protective mechanism mainly against direct toxin action. The way of activation the defense mechanisms depended on the method of applications toxin.
Socioeconomic inequalities in lifestyle risk factors across low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Dieteren Charlotte , Bonfrer Igna
Published: March 2021

Background

The heavy and ever rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) warrants interventions to reduce their underlying risk factors, which are often linked to lifestyles. To effectively supplement nationwide policies with targeted interventions, it is important to know how these risk factors are distributed across socioeconomic segments of populations in LMICs. This study quantifies the prevalence and socioeconomic inequalities in lifestyle risk factors in LMICs, to identify policy priorities conducive to the Sustainable Development Goal of a one third reduction in deaths from NCDs by 2030.
Methods

Data from 1,278,624 adult respondents to Demographic & Health Surveys across 22 LMICs between 2013 and 2018 are used to estimate crude prevalence rates and socioeconomic inequalities in tobacco use, overweight, harmful alcohol use and the clustering of these three in a household. Inequalities are measured by a concentration index and correlated with the percentage of GDP spent on health. We estimate a multilevel model to examine associations of individual characteristics with the different lifestyle risk factors.
Results

The prevalence of tobacco use among men ranges from 59.6% (Armenia) to 6.6% (Nigeria). The highest level of overweight among women is 83.7% (Egypt) while this is less than 12% in Burundi, Chad and Timor-Leste. 82.5% of women in Burundi report that their partner is “often or sometimes drunk” compared to 1.3% in Gambia. Tobacco use is concentrated among the poor, except for the low share of men smoking in Nigeria. Overweight, however, is concentrated among the better off, especially in Tanzania and Zimbabwe (Erreygers Index (EI) 0.227 and 0.232). Harmful alcohol use is more concentrated among the better off in Nigeria (EI 0.127), while Chad, Rwanda and Togo show an unequal pro-poor distribution (EI respectively − 0.147, -0.210, -0.266). Cambodia exhibits the largest socioeconomic inequality in unhealthy household behaviour (EI -0.253). The multilevel analyses confirm that in LMICs, tobacco and alcohol use are largely concentrated among the poor, while overweight is concentrated among the better-off. The associations between the share of GDP spent on health and the socioeconomical distribution of lifestyle factors are multidirectional.
Conclusions

This study emphasizes the importance of lifestyle risk factors in LMICs and the socioeconomic variation therein. Given the different socioeconomic patterns in lifestyle risk factors - overweight patters in LMICs differ considerably from those in high income countries- tailored interventions towards specific high-risk populations are warranted to supplement nationwide policies.
Genetic Optimization for Dynamic Spectrum Sharing in Cognitive Radio Networks in Interweave Mode
Authors: D sumithra sofia , Edward.A Shirly
Published: March 2021

Dynamic spectrum sharing among the wireless users is growing demand to increase the spectrum usage. In this paper,, based upon a pricing strategy to overcome the drawbacks of the traditional mechanisms. The proposed mechanism enhances the spectral efficiency of the cognitive users and also motivates the primary users to lease the bands to the cognitive users, with increased primary user revenue. Fairness among cognitive users is also ensured in this mechanism.. Simulation results show that our mechanism increases the spectral efficiency of cognitive users and the revenue of primary users.
Standardized Aronia Melanocarpa Extract Regulates Redox Status In Patients Receiving Hemodialysis With Anemia
Authors: Milosavljevic Isidora , Jakovljevic Vladimir , Petrovic Dejan , Draginic Nevena , Jeremic Jovana , Mitrovic Miroslav , Zivkovic Vladimir , Srejo Ivan , Stojic Vladislava , Bolevich Sergey , Andjelkovic Nebojsa
Published: March 2021

The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of one-month consumption of polyphenol-rich standardized Aronia melanocarpa extract (SAE) on redox status in anemic hemodialysis patients. The study included 30 patients (Hb < 110g/l, hemodialysis or hemodiafiltration > 3 months; > 3 times week). Patients were treated with commercially available SAE in a dose of 30 ml/day, for 30 days. After finishing the treatment blood samples were taken in order to evaluate the effects of SAE on redox status. Several parameters of anemia and inflammation were also followed. After the completion of the treatment, the levels of superoxide anion radical and nitrites significantly dropped, while the antioxidant capacity improved via elevation of catalase and reduced glutathione. Proven antioxidant effect was followed by beneficial effects on anemia parameters (increased hemoglobin and haptoglobin concentration, decreased ferritin and lactate dehydrogenase concentration), but SAE consumption didn`t improve inflammatory status, except for minor decrease in C-reactive protein. The consumption of SAE regulates redox status (reduce the productions of pro-oxidative molecules and increase antioxidant defense) and has beneficial effects on anemia parameters. SAE could be considered as supportive therapy in patients receiving hemodialysis which are prone to oxidative stress caused by both chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis procedure. Additionally, it could potentially be a good choice for supplementation of anemic hemodialysis patients. TRN: NCT04208451 December 23, 2019 “retrospectively registered”
Researching, characterising, co-creating and testing innovations in Paper Health Information Systems (PHISICC) to support frontline health workers decision-making: protocol of a multi-country, transdisciplinary, mixed-methods research programme in three Sub-Saharan countries
Authors: Bosch-Capblanch Xavier , O'Donnell David , Krause L Kendall , Auer Christian , Oyo-Ita Angela , Samba Mamadou , Matsinhe Graça , Garba Abdullahi Bulama , Rodríguez Damaris , Zuske Meike , Njepuome Anthonia Ngozi , Lee Sofia Micael Mandjate , Ross Amanda , Gajewski Suzanne , Muloliwa Artur Manuel , Yapi Richard B , Brown David
Published: March 2021

BackgroundHealth Information Systems (HIS) are crucial to provide data for decision-making and data demands are constantly growing. However, the link between data and decisions is not always rational nor linear and the management of data ends up overloading frontline health workers, who may have to compromise the health care. Despite limited evidence, there is an increasing push for HIS digitalisation, which faces enormous challenges, particularly in remote, rural settings in low- and middle-income countries. Paper-based tools will continue to be used and this warrants efforts to make them more responsive to local needs. Paper Health Information Systems (PHISICC) is a transdisciplinary, multi-country research initiative to create and test innovative paper-based HIS in three Sub-Saharan African countries.MethodsThe PHISICC initiative is taking place in remote, rural settings, in Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique and Nigeria, through partnership with Ministries of Health and research institutions. We began with research syntheses to acquire the most up to date knowledge on HIS. These were coupled with field work in the three countries to understand the current design, patterns and contexts of use, and health care worker perspectives. Frontline health workers, with designers and researchers, used co-creation methods to produce the new PHISICC tools. This suite of tools is being tested in the three countries. Throughout the project we have engaged with a wide range of stakeholders and have kept the highest scientific standards to keep it relevant to health policy in each of the three countries.DiscussionWe have deployed a comprehensive research approach to ensure the robustness and future policy uptake of the finding. Beyond the resulting paper-based tool design innovations, our process itself was innovative. Rather than emphasizing the data management compliance aspects we focused instead on frontline health workers’ decision-making; by tackling the whole scope of health care areas in PHC rather than incremental improvement to existing tools, we developed an entirely new design approach and language for a suite of tools in Primary Health Care. The initiative is being tested in remote, rural areas where the most vulnerable live.
QTL mapping and transcriptome analysis of Sclerotinia-resistance in the wild cabbage species Brassica oleracea var. villosa
Authors: Bergmann Thomas , Menkhaus Jan , Schemmel Markus , Ye Wanzhi , Hasler Mario , Rietz Steffen , Leckband Gunhild , Cai Daguang
Published: March 2021

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is one of the most important oil-producing crops worldwide. The narrow gene pool of oilseed rape hampers its resistance breeding. Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR), caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is one of the most destructive diseases in many oilseed rape growing regions, worldwide. So far, no effective genetic source of resistance to S. sclerotiorum in B. napus germplasm is available, and yet knowledge of molecular plant-fungal interactions is limited. To identify new resistance source against SSR, we generated a segregating F2 population for Sclerotinia resistance with 510 individuals from an interspecific cross between the resistant B. villosa (BRA1896) and a wild susceptible B. oleracea (BRA1909). Genetic mapping using a 15k Illumina Infinium SNP-array resulted in a high-density genetic map that contains 1,118 markers and spans a total genetic length of 792.2 cM. QTL-analysis identified 7 QTLs for Sclerotinia-resistance and 5 QTLs for trichome-phenotype, which explain up to 16.85 % and 34.45 % of corresponding phenotypic variance, respectively. Although a partial co-localization of major QTLs for trichome-phenotype and Sclerotinia-resistance was given, no functional association between these two traits could be validated. In addition, comparative RNAseq analysis suggests that activation of JA- and ethylene-mediated responses plays a central role in the Sclerotinia-resistance, associated with a stronger plant immune response, depressed cell death and elevated phytoalexin biosynthesis in B. villosa. Our data demonstrate that the wild Brassica oleracea complex represents a novel and unique genetic source of Sclerotinia resistance for breeding resistant oilseed rape against SSR.
Characterization of humoral and SARS-CoV-2 specific T cell responses in people living with HIV
Authors: Alrubayyi Aljawharah , Gea-Mallorquí Ester , Touizer Emma , Hameiri-Bowen Dan , Kopycinski Jakub , Charlton Bethany , Fisher-Pearson Natasha , Muir Luke , Rosa Annachiara , Roustan Chloë , Earl Christopher , Cherepanov Peter , Pellegrino Pierre , Waters Laura , Burns Fiona , Kinloch Sabine , Dong Tao , Dorrell Lucy , Rowland-Jones Sarah , McCoy Laura , Peppa Dimitra
Published: March 2021

There is an urgent need to understand the nature of immune responses against SARS-CoV-2, to inform risk-mitigation strategies for people living with HIV (PLWH). We show that the majority of PLWH, controlled on ART, mount a functional adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2. Humoral and SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses are comparable between HIV-positive and negative subjects and persist 5-7 months following predominately mild COVID-19 disease. T cell responses against Spike, Membrane and Nucleocapsid are the most prominent, with SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4 T cells outnumbering CD8 T cells. We further show that the overall magnitude of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses relates to the size of the naive CD4 T cell pool and the CD4:CD8 ratio in PLWH, in whom disparate antibody and T cell responses are observed. These findings suggest that inadequate immune reconstitution on ART, could hinder immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 with implications for the individual management and vaccine effectiveness in PLWH.
Construction and directional evolution of anti-enrofloxacin ScFv antibody for the immunoassay of fluoroquinolones
Authors: Xing Guangxu , Zhang Yunshang , Wang Fangyu , Wen Liuding , Zhang Gaiping
Published: March 2021

A recombinant anti-enrofloxacin single-chain antibody (scFv) was produced for the detection of enrofloxacin. An immunized mouse phage display scFv library with a capacity of 2.35×109 CFU/mL was constructed and used for anti-enrofloxacin scFv screening. After four rounds of bio-panning, 10 positives were isolated and identified successfully. The highest positive scFv was expressed in E. coli BL21. Then, its recognition mechanisms were studied using the molecular docking method. The result showed the amino acid residues Leu121 were the key residues for the binding of ScFv to ENR. Based on the results of virtual mutation, the ScFv antibody was evolved by directional mutagenesis of contact amino acid residue Leu121 to Asn. After the expression and purification, an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IC-ELISA) based on the parental and mutant ScFv were established for enrofloxacin respectively. The IC50 value of the assay established with the ScFv mutant was 1.63 ng/mL, while the parental ScFv was 21.08 ng/mL, this result showed highly increased affinity with up to 12.9-folds improved sensitivity. The mean recovery for ENR ranged from 71.80% to 117.35% with 10.46% relative standard deviation between the intra-assay and the inter-assay. The results indicate that we have obtained a highly sensitive anti-ENR scFv by the phage library construction and directional evolution, and the scFv-based IC-ELISA is suitable for the detection of ENR residue in animal derived edible tissues and milk.
“This is an opportunity for leadership to lead, but leadership has disappeared”: A qualitative case study of clinical and translational scientists during COVID-19
Authors: Leonard Chelsea , Connelly Brigid , Albright Karen , Gilmartin Heather
Published: March 2021

In March of 2020, academic research centers in Colorado were closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Scientists and research staff were required to continue their work remotely with little time to prepare for the transition. This survey study used an explanatory sequential mixed method design to explore clinical and translational researcher and staff experiences of the transition to remote work during the first six weeks of the pandemic. Participants indicated the level of interference with their research and shared their experiences of remote work, how they were impacted, how they were adapting and coping, and any short or long-term concerns. Most participants indicated that remote work interfered with their research to a moderate or great degree. Participant stories illuminated the differences of remote work prior to and during COVID-19. They described both challenges and silver linings. Here we describe three themes that highlight the challenges of transitioning to remote work during a pandemic: 1) Leadership: “This is an opportunity for leadership to lead, but leadership has disappeared”; 2) Parenting: Parents are “multitasked to death” every day; and 3) Mental health: The COVID-19 experience is “psychologically taxing”; The study findings can be used to assist academic, hospital, department, and team leaders in building community, resiliency, and support productivity during current and future crises.
Analysis of light emission and schlieren from short gap high voltage streamer impulses representing lightning
Authors: Mitchard Daniel , Widger Phillip , Haddad A.
Published: March 2021

Light emissions and schlieren structures were simultaneously observed from streamers produced by tens of kilovolts 1.2/50 µs impulses, representing the high voltage component of lightning, applied across a 4 cm air gap between a variety of electrode geometries and a ground plane in an unconfined environment. The results demonstrated that the light emissions and Schlieren structures coincide along the same streamer filaments but on different timescales; the light existing only during the microsecond timeframe impulse whereas the Schlieren continued to develop into the millisecond timeframe, moving towards the centre of the air gap whilst diffusing into the surrounding air within 100 ms. If an electrical breakdown did occur, the Schlieren structures outside the arc remained visible. Streamer formation theory for high voltage impulses is subsequently refined to include the observed Schlieren mechanism.
Prevalence of Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity Among Urban Community-Dwelling Elderly Individuals in Northeastern China
Authors: Yin Hongmei , Li Yuying , Yuan Yi , Wei Jinying , Wu Jing
Published: March 2021

Background: To evaluate the prevalence of chronic diseases and multimorbidity in the elderly population in an urban community in northeastern China.Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among an elderly population (≥60 years) in the community of Changchun, China, in 2018. The following were used: a sociodemographic questionnaire, anthropometric data, and laboratory examinations. A total of 2171 elderly residents (1328 male) were finally enrolled. Data on 5 chronic diseases—hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease (CHD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) —were collected by interviews and physical check-ups and confirmed by physicians.Results: The age-adjusted prevalences of the five chronic diseases (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, CHD and CKD) were the following: 67.60%, 63.30%, 61.50%, 51.00% and 8.98%, respectively, in men and 64.10%, 59.70%, 71.10%, 44.80% and 19.70%, respectively, in women. A total of 77.0% of hypertensive subjects were aware of their hypertension status, and 61.0% had their blood pressure controlled. The awareness rate of diabetes was 82.1%, and the controlled rate was 68.4%. A total of 75.4% of the population had two or more chronic conditions, which is called multimorbidity. The elderly individuals had the highest frequency of multiple chronic conditions.Conclusion: The prevalence of chronic diseases in the elderly was high, and a significant proportion was affected by multimorbidity in urban China. Chronic diseases are important diseases threatening the health of the elderly population.
Single-cell immunophenotyping of the fetal immune response to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection in late gestation
Authors: Matute Juan , Finander Benjamin , Pepin David , Ai Xinbin , Smith Neal , Li Jonathan , Edlow Andrea , Villani Alexandra , Lerou Paul , Kalish Brian
Published: March 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of pregnant women have been infected with SARS-CoV-2. The implications of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on fetal and childhood well-being are unknown. We aimed to characterize the fetal immune response to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing and T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing on cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) from newborns of mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the third-trimester (cases) or without SARS-CoV-2 infection. We identified widespread gene expression changes in CBMC from cases, including upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes and Major Histocompatibility Complex genes in CD14 + monocytes; transcriptional changes suggestive of activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and activation and exhaustion of NK cells and CD8 + T-cells. Lastly, we observed fetal TCR repertoire expansion in cases. As none of the infants were infected with SARS-CoV-2, our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 maternal infection might modulate the fetal immune system in the absence of vertical transmission.
Effect of L-citrulline, L-leucine, and multicomponent exercises on body compositions, physical activity, and amino acid concentrations in older Japanese women with low body mass index: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study
Authors: Kim Mijin , Isoda Hiroko , Okura Tomohiro
Published: March 2021

Background: The intake of citrulline (CIT) and leucine (LEU) can stimulate protein synthesis. However, the efficacy of the combined intervention of CIT and LEU intake with exercise on body composition and physical activity (PA) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the combined effect of CIT and LEU intake and weight-bearing exercises (WBE) and square stepping exercise (SSE) for 20 weeks on body composition, PA, and amino acid concentration in older women with low body mass index (BMI) (16 to 21 kg/m 2 ). Methods: A total of 23 participants practiced WBE and SSE once a week for 75 minutes and were administered supplement (Ex + CIT·LEU group: CIT 0.8 g and LEU 1.6 g; Ex + Placebo group: 3.5 g carbohydrate) twice a day for 20 weeks. Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. PA, including leisure-time, household, and occupational PA, was assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Amino acid concentrations in the blood were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography.Results: Significant interactions were observed in the body weight, BMI, lean mass, body mass, household and total PA, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. The within-group analysis showed that tyrosine of post-intervention measurement (Post) significantly in both groups ( p < 0.05). Body weight, BMI, lean mass, body mass, household PA, total PA, and phenylalanine of Post increased significantly in the Ex + CIT·LEU group ( p < 0.05). Additionally, significant positive correlations were observed between the intake rate of supplements and bone mass ( r = 0.80) and between the practice rate of WBE at home and bone mineral density ( r = 0.66) in the Ex + CIT·LEU group. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the intake of CIT and LEU, with the practice of WBE and SSE, could improve body weight, muscle mass, bone mass, and PA in older women with low BMI, which may prevent sarcopenia and frailty.Trial registration: UMIN000022385. Registered 20 May 2016, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-39 bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&action=brows&recptno=R000025797&type=summary&language=J
Genome-wide association study (GWAS) of seed germination-related traits in rice and identification of candidate genes
Authors: Panhabadi Rahele , Ahmadikhah Asadollah , Farokhi Naser , Bagheri Nadali
Published: March 2021

Background

Genome-wide association study (GWAS) has become an accepted and powerful method for understanding the associations between phenotypes and genotypes. In agricultural production, uniform and rapid germination is an important prerequisite in crop production. Here, a rice (Oryza sativa L.) GWAS with 33,934 SNPs (MAF > 0.05) for eight germination traits including germination percentage (GP), shoot (SL) and root length (RL), root (RFW) and shoot fresh weight (SFW), root (RDW) and shoot (SDW) dry weight, and number of days to germinate (NDG) was performed to define genomic regions influencing seed germination.
Results

Loci (43) with 70 significant germination-associated markers were detected across all rice chromosomes. Some of novel candidate associated genes were: LOC_Os01g26210 (OsWAK6) co-located with qGR-1 that is seed vigor QTL, LOC_Os07g23944 (GH31) with an α-glucosidases /starch lyase activity; id7000519 marker that corresponds to a gene cluster containing glutathione S-transferase and glucan endo-1,3-β-glucosidase co-located with qAG3 germination-related marker, LOC_Os06g47640 (calmodulin-related calcium sensor protein 29) involved in the inhibition of ABA during seed germination, and id4006430 marker that corresponds to a gene cluster containing three GH17 hydrolytic enzyme that are co-located with qHD4 and qGI1 markers.
Conclusion

The germination process is an initial and important step in the production of agricultural products, especially for rice, which is a crop plant that is grown in flooded lands. Here, the genetic diversity of rice genotypes was put under scrutiny for germination. Our GWAS results identified several likely candidate genes for germination traits that will greatly contribute to our understanding of the genetic complexity underlying the corresponding traits. The associated genes with the germination traits can be generally classified as hydrolytic enzymes and regulatory proteins that can directly or indirectly influence germination.
Optimization of the Feeding rate of Anopheles Farauti Colony Mosquitoes in Direct Membrane Feeding Assays
Authors: Timinao Lincoln , Vinit Rebecca , Katusele Michelle , Burkot Thomas R , Schofield Louis , Karl Stephan
Published: March 2021

Background: Direct membrane feeding assays (DMFA) are an important tool to study parasite transmission to mosquitoes. Mosquito feeding rates in these artificial systems require optimization as there are a number of factors that potentially influence the feeding rates and there are no standardized methods that apply to all Anopheline species.Methods: A range of parameters prior to and during direct membrane feeding (DMF) were evaluated for their impact on Anopheles farauti feeding rates; including the starving conditions and duration of starving prior to feeding, membrane type, DMF exposure time, mosquito age, illumination level, blood volume, mosquito density and temperature of water bath. Results: The average successful DMFA feeding rate for An. farauti colony mosquitoes increased from 50 % to 85 % when assay parameters were varied. Overnight starvation and Baudruche membrane yielded the highest feeding rates but rates were also affected by blood volume in the feeder and the mosquito density in the feeding cups. Availability of water during the pre-feed starvation period did not significantly impact feeding rates, nor did the exposure duration to blood in membrane feeders nor, the age of mosquitoes (3, 5 and 7 days post-emergence), illumination during feeding or the temperature (34 °C, 38 °C, 42 °C and 46 °C) of the water bath.Conclusion: Optimal feeding conditions in An. farauti DMFA were to offer 50 female mosquitoes in a cup (with a total surface area of ~340 cm2 with 1 mosquito / 6.8 cm2) that were starved overnight 350-500 µL of blood (collected in heparin coated vacutainers) per feeder in feeders with a surface area ~5 cm2 (with a maximum capacity of 1.5 mL of blood) via a Baudruche membrane, for at least 10-20 min.
Relation Between Quality Improvement Collaboratives and Non-technical Skills Development: a Systematic Review of Complex Interventions
Authors: de Freitas Marise Reis , Paiva Sofia Guerra , Junqueira Beatriz de Freitas , Sousa Paulo
Published: March 2021

Background: Improving the quality of care contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals. Non-technical skills (NTS) such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and use of data for decision-making are the strong points of the learning process of collaboratives for quality improvement in health services.Objective: To evaluate the relationship between the collaboratives and the development of NTS by participating health professionals.Methods: We searched PUBMED, WEB OF SCIENCE, SCOPUS and GOOGLE SCHOLAR (the first 30 pages) and performed a manual search on the IHI (Institute for Healthcare Improvement) website, from Jan 2010 to Dec 2019, for articles published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. IHI Breakthrough Series Collaborative model project studies with pre- and post-data, and SQUIRE compliant titles were included. The qualitative analysis evaluated the study design, year, country, context, target for improvement, health services, duration of intervention, number of participating professionals, evidence of improvement, effectiveness of the intervention, and NTSResults: From 701 identified abstracts, 34 studies were included for data extraction and qualitative analysis. Improvement of the intended results was reported by 76.5% (26/34), of which only 38.5% (10/26) showed sustainability for six or more months. Improvement in NTS was assessed in five studies, but none assessed their contribution to the dissemination and sustainability of improvement.Conclusions: Collaborative initiatives train professionals in improvement science to incorporate evidence-based practices. It is necessary to include, in the measurement plan of these improvement projects, the assessment of the NTS acquired by the professionals and its relationship with the results achieved, the dissemination level, and the success in terms of sustainability of those gains and best practices.Systematic review registration number: Prospero - CRD42020164190
Multiplex Immunohistochemistry and High-Throughput Image Analysis for Evaluation of Spatial Tumor Immune Cell Markers in Human Breast Cancer: Preliminary Results from the Nashville Breast Health Study
Authors: Su Timothy , Wang Shuyang , Huang Shuya , Cai Hui , McKinley Eliot T. , Beeghly-Fadiel Alicia , Zheng Wei , Shu Xiao-Ou , Cai Qiuyin
Published: March 2021

Purpose Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have emerged as predictive biomarkers for cancer prognosis. The clinicopathological significance of spatial TIL subpopulations is not well studied due to lack of high-throughput scalable methodology for large population studies.Methods We established a fluorescent multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) method coupled with computer-assisted high-throughput quantitative analysis. We then evaluated associations of six TILs markers (CD3, CD8, CD20, CD56, FOXP3, and PD-L1) with breast cancer prognosis among 188 tumor samples from the Nashville Breast Health Study. Results Our 5-plex fluorescent mIHC workflow was reliable, highly sensitive, non-interfering, and balanced labeling for three biomarkers per tissue section, which is applicable for high-throughput imaging quantification of spatial TILs in regular laboratory settings. In this study we found that the increased intratumoral CD56+ cells were associated with worse overall survival (OS) (HR, 4.89; 95% CI: 1.26-18.95, highest vs lowest tertiles; Ptrend = 0.022), suggesting the subset of immunosuppressive NK cell phenotypes within tumor bed. Increased stromal PD-L1+ cells (HR, 0.01; 95% CI, 0.00-0.89; Ptrend = 0.042) and a high stromal CD8+/FOXP3+ ratio (HR, 0.00; 95% CI, 0.00-0.12; Ptrend = 0.036) were associated with more favorable OS in stage III-IV breast cancer patients. Conclusion We established a reliable 5-plex fluorescent mIHC and showed that CD56+, PD-L1, and CD8+/FOXP3+ ratio may be important biomarkers for breast cancer prognosis. Further studies with a larger sample size are warrant to further elucidate the association between TILs and breast cancer outcomes.
Clinical Outcomes of Modified Simple Limbal Epithelial Transplantation for Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency in Chinese Population: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Wang Yinghui , Hu Xiaodan , Yang Ke , Zhang Yang , Deng Shijing , Wang Zhiqun , Li Shang , Tian Lei , Jie Ying
Published: March 2021

Objective

To report clinical outcomes of a novel surgical technique, namely simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET), for the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD).
Methods

13 patients (13 eyes) with LSCD who underwent autologous (10 eyes) or allogeneic (3 eyes) modified SLET between 2018 and 2021 were enrolled in this study. Grades of symblepharon, corneal conjunctivalisation, vascularisation, opacification, and visual acuity (VA) were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. In 2 cases, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and impression cytology (IC) were performed to assess the proliferation and degeneration of limbal tissue.
Results

At a postoperative follow-up of 6.5 ± 5.3 (range, 2–20) months, 10 (10/13, 76.92%) eyes maintained a successful outcome. The grades of symblepharon, corneal conjunctivalisation, vascularisation, and opacification were significantly improved after SLET (P < 0.05). Two-line improvement in VA was found in 6 (6/10, 60%) eyes of the successful cases. Recurrence of LSCD occurred in 3 (3/13, 23.08%) eyes and conjunctival cyst occurred in 1 patient. After SLET, morphology and structure of corneal epithelial cells and epithelial transition around the limbal tissue fragments were detected by IVCM and IC.
Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the SLET is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of LSCD. The corneal stroma and hAM can provide protection and nutrition for the limbal stem cells (LSCs) without negatively influencing clinical outcomes. IVCM and IC after SLET can evaluate the effectiveness of surgery and the transition of LSCs and corneal epithelial cells.
Bioactive nanoparticles for boosting tumor immunotherapy via Ca2+ interference mediate TME reprogramming and PD-L1 depletion
Authors: Shi Jinjin , An Jingyi , Zhang Kaixiang , Liu Mengyuan , Zhao Ling , Lu Wenxin , Liu Junjie , Wu Sixuan , Zhang Zhenzhong
Published: March 2021

The efficacy of antitumor immunotherapy is often limited by the highly tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TME). Here, a previously unknown strategy is proposed to synergize the “Ca2+ interference” mediate TME reprogramming and Ca2+-activating PD-L1 depletion for immunotherapy. We discovered that calcium containing nanoparticles could induce significant “Ca2+ interference” effect and simultaneously resetting tumor-associated macrophages toward M1 phenotype and promoting in situ antigen release. Making them as powerful immunostimulants for TME reprogramming without notable toxicity. Meanwhile, we designed a circular aptamer-DNAzyme conjugate (cAD) with tumor-targeting ability and its catalytic shear activity can be specifically activated by Ca2+, which reduces potential autoimmune disorders of PD-L1 antibody. By simple integrating the ultra-high pH sensitive calcium peroxide nanoparticles with cAD into one nanosystem, we demonstrate the nanosystem not only arrests primary tumor progression, but also prevents lung metastasis. In addition, it offers a long-term immunological memory function, which can protect against tumor rechallenge. Therefore, this work provided an alternative strategy for boosting tumor immunotherapy.
Recent Trends in Human Brucellosis in the West Bank, Palestine
Authors: Amro Ahmad , Mansoor Badeeha , Hamarsheh Omar , Hjejeh Diaa
Published: March 2021

BackgroundBrucellosis in Palestine continues to be a significant public health problem due to its impact on the human health, as a result of the high prevalence level of infection in livestock especially in sheep and goats. The purpose of this research was to investigate the epidemiology of human brucellosis in the West Bank over the past 20 years with a focus on recent trends in disease incidence from 2010 through 2020. MethodsWe conducted a long-term descriptive epidemiological study based on the Palestinian Ministry of Health records on human brucellosis from 2000-2020.ResultsThe total number of cases reported in this period was 7935 patients and the average annual incidence rate (AAIR) was 9.4 cases/105 population. Hebron was the most endemic among all studied governorates.The AAIR ranged from 17.9 in 2000 to 15.7 cases/105 population in 2020. The AAIR markedly decreased from 17.9 in 2000, to 2.9 cases/ 105 populations in 2012. A dramatic increase in human cases started from 2013 onwards to mark a peak in 2016. Higher incidence was reported in male (57.1%) and among the age group 11-20 years (29%). A higher number of cases was reported during April, May and June with the highest peak recorded in May, and subsequently exhibiting a gradual decline during autumn and winter. 2850 (62.7%) patients reported contact with animals which included 1783 (62.6%) patients who had contact with sheep, 819 (28.7%) with goats, and 248 (8.7%) with cattle.Moreover, (37.2%) of the patients reported raw milk consumption and (80.9%) reported white cheese consumption. Approximately (30%) had at least one infected household member. Diagnosis was based on the clinical picture and confirmed by laboratory tests. Patients were treated with a combination of Streptomycin and Tetracycline, or Tetracycline and Rifampicin. ConclusionsThe incidence of human brucellosis in the West Bank has markedly increased in recent years. This dramatic increase is linked to the impaired control and surveillance of the disease. Mass vaccination, regular screenings of animals for brucellosis, continuous outreach campaigns on raising public health awareness, monitoring milk and homemade dairy products pose some recommended precautionary measures of coping with the epidemic.
Bone marrow derived CD 34+ cells and leukocytes in 729 children and adults with non-malignant diseases
Authors: Pabinger Christof , Laky Brenda , Heuberer Philipp R. , Kobinia Georg S.
Published: March 2021

Background: To our knowledge, no large studies reporting bone marrow (BM) derived cell counts of children and adults with non-malignant diseases have been published so far. Thus, the primary objective was to evaluate BM-derived CD34+ and leukocyte cell counts in 729 female and male patients of different age groups who underwent autologous cell-based therapy for non-malignant diseases. Methods: For this study, a retrospective data analysis of laboratory parameters including BM-aspirated and post-centrifuge concentrated CD34+ cells and leukocytes was performed. Associations and differences of cell counts between age groups, gender, and diagnose related group were evaluated.Results: Included were data of 187 female and 542 male patients aged between 2 and 75 years, who underwent autologous cell-based therapy for various non-malignant diseases. The median percentage of CD34+ cells of leukocytes was 1.10% in BM-aspirate (BMA) and 0.96% in post-centrifuge BMA concentrate (BMAC). Significant moderate positive correlations were observed between CD34+ cells (count/µl) and leukocytes (count/µl) in BMA and in BMAC. Significant strong negative correlations were detected between age (years) and CD34+ cells (count/µl/kg) in BMA and in BMAC. No significant differences regarding CD34+ cells (count/µl) in BMA were detected between adults, while significant differences regarding cell counts were detected between diagnose related groups, but not between females and males.Conclusions: This study demonstrated BM-derived CD34+ and leukocyte cell counts in BMA and BMAC of 729 patients with various non-malignant diseases. While BM-derived CD34+ cells were significantly higher in younger patients, similar cell counts were detected within adults.