bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Insights Into the Interaction of HPV-16 E6 Variants Against MAGI-1 PDZ1 Domain
Authors: Araujo-Arcos Lilian Esmeralda , Montaño Sarita , Bello-Rios Ciresthel , Garibay-Cerdenares Olga Lilia , Leyva-Vázquez Marco Antonio , Illades-Aguiar Berenice
Published: November 2021

Oncogenic protein E6 from Human Papilloma Virus 16 (HPV-16) mediates the degradation of Membrane-associated guanylate kinase with inverted domain structure-1 (MAGI-1), throughout the interaction of its protein binding motif (PBM) with the Discs-large homologous regions 1 (PDZ1) domain of MAG1-1. Generic variation in the E6 gene that translates to changes in the protein’s amino acidic sequence modifies the interaction of E6 with the cellular protein MAGI-1. MAGI-1 is a scaffolding protein found at tight junctions of epithelial cells, where it interacts with a variety of proteins regulating signaling pathways. MAGI-1 is a multidomain protein containing two WW (rsp-domain-9), one guanylate kinase-like, and six PDZ domains. PDZ domains played an important role in the function of MAGI-1 and served as targets for several viral proteins including the HPV-16 E6. The aim of this work was to evaluate, with an in silico approach, employing molecular dynamics simulation and protein-protein docking, the interaction of the intragenic variants E-G350 (L83V), E-C188/G350 (E29Q/L83V), E-A176/G350 (D25N/L83V), E6-AAa (Q14H/H78Y/83V) y E6-AAc (Q14H/I27RH78Y/L83V) and E6-reference of HPV-16 with MAGI-1. We found that variants E-G350, E-C188/G350, E-A176/G350, AAa and AAc increase their affinity to our two models of MAGI-1 compared to E6-reference.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Thermal, Magnetic Properties and DFT Computations of a Ytterbium(III) Complex Derived from Pyridine-2,6-Dicarboxylic Acid
Authors: Sharif Shahzad , Saeed Maham , Dege Necmi , Bano Rehana , Gilani Mazhar Amjad , Sahin Onur , Ahmad Saeed , Ch Ayoub Rashid
Published: November 2021

A new ytterbium(III) complex, (DMAH2)3[Yb(Pydc)3].4H2O (1) {Pydc = Pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate anion, DMAH = Dimethylamine} has been prepared under mild solvothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The DMAH molecules in 1, generated in situ from hydrolysis of N,N-dimethylformamide are responsible to assemble 2D coordination polymers through N-H∙∙∙O and O-H∙∙∙O hydrogen bonding. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that the complex (1) obeys the Curie Weiss law and the overall magnetic behavior is typical for the presence of weak antiferromagnetic exchange coupling interactions. Theoretical data for geometrical parameters of complex 1 agree well with the experimental data. Large HOMO-LUMO energy gap of 4.33 eV has provided kinetic stability to the complex 1. NBO analysis reflects that intramolecular charge transfer occurred between ligand and metal orbitals with the highest stabilization energy of 1024.04 kcal/mol. The negative electrostatic potential at the nitrogen and dianionic pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate regions confirms that these are dynamic locations for Yb(III) binding.
Evaluation of Mutagenesis, Necrosis and Apoptosis induced by Omeprazole in Stomach Cells of Patients with Gastritis
Authors: Mata Ana Maria Oliveira Ferreira da , Paz Marcia Fernanda Correia Jardim , de Menezes Ag-Anne Pereira Melo , Reis Antonielly Campinho dos , Souza Bruna da Silva , Sousa Carlos Dimas de Carvalho , Machado Sônia Alves , Medeiros Thiago Soares Gondim , Sarkar Chhandan , Islam Muhammad Torequl , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Daştan Sevgi Durna , Alshehri Mohammed M M , Sousa João Marcelo de Castro e , Cavalcante Ana Amélia de Carvalho Melo
Published: November 2021

Background: Gastritis is a superficial and prevalent inflammatory lesion that is considered a public health concernoncecause gastric ulcers and gastric cancer, especially due to Helicobacter pylori infection. Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, are the most widely used drugs in order to treat this illness. The aim of the study was evaluating the cytogenetic effects of omeprazole in stomach epithelial cells of patients with gastritis in presence and absence of H. pylori, using to this the application of cytogenetic biomarkers and measurements of catalse and superoxide dismutase. Methods: The study included 152 patients from the Gastroenterology Outpatient Clinic of Hospital Getúlio Vargas, Teresina - PI, that reported the continuous and prolonged use of omeprazole in doses of 20, 30 and 40 mg/kg. The participants were divided into groups: (1) patients without gastritis (n = 32); (2) patients without gastritis but with use of OME (n = 24); (3) patients with gastritis (n = 26); (4) patients with gastritis undergoing OME therapy (n = 26); (5) patients with gastritis and H. pylori (n = 22) and (6) patients with gastritis and H. pylori on OME therapy (n = 22). Results: OME induces cytogenetic risks in the epithelium of the stomach due to the formation of micronuclei (group 6> 1,2,3,4,5; group 5> 1,2,3; group 4> 1,2,3); bridges (groups 4 and 6> 1,2,3,5 and group 2> 3,5); buds (groups 2,4,6>, 1,3,5); binucleated cells (group 6> 1,2,3,4,5; group 4> 1,2,3); groups 2 and 3> 1); picnoses (group 6> 1,2,3,4,5), groups 2 and 5> 1,3; group 4> 1,2,3,5); cariorrexis (groups 6 and 4> 1,2,3,5; groups 2,3,5> 1) and karyolysis (groups 2,4, and 6> 1,3,5; groups 3 and 5> 1). These data show that omeprazole induces cytogenetic risks, especially due to infection with H. pylori, thus indicating the clastogenic and/or aneugenic effects, chromosomes changing, gene expression, cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Conclusions: These risks can be attributed to several mechanisms that are still unclear, including oxidative damage, as observed by increases in catalase and superoxide dismutase. Positive correlations between these antioxidant enzymes were obtained with the formation of micronuclei, and negative for picnoses. Thus, the continuous and prolonged use of omeprazole induces genetic instability, which can be monitored, in cytogenetic analyzes, as anticipation for cancer, especially gastric.
The Use of Cell Salvage During Second-stage Reimplantation for the Treatment of Chronic Hip Periprosthetic Joint Infection: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Zunhan , Yang Xuetao , Zhao En-Ze , Wan Xufeng , Cao Guorui , Zhou Zongke
Published: November 2021

Introduction Given the possibility of undetectable infection, the use of cell salvage is relatively contraindicated in cases of reimplantation for chronic hip periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, there is no published data supporting this assertion. The purpose of the current study was to compare the reinfection rate and rate of in second-stage reimplantation for PJI with or without intraoperative cell salvage reinfusion.Materials and methods We identified 125 patients who underwent two-stage exchange for chronic hip PJI between November 2012 and April 2019. The groups of patients who had and had not received intraoperative cell salvage reinfusion were compared with respect to the curative infection-free rate and need for postoperative ABT. We identified independent factors associated with ABT using multiple regression analysis.Results The log-rank survival curve with an endpoint of infection eradication failure was not significantly different between the cell salvage group (98.4%, 95% CI 95.3-99.9%) and the control group (95.3%, 95% CI 90.2-99.9%) at one year (log rank, P = .330). Meanwhile, the rates of postoperative ABT in the cell salvage group were significantly lower than those in the control group (11.5% vs 26.6%, P = .041). In multivariable models, patient age, body mass index (BMI), preoperative haemoglobin level, and intraoperative cell salvage were independent predictors of ABT exposure (P < .05).Conclusions The use of cell salvage during reimplantation in two-stage exchange for chronic hip PJI did not appear to increase the reinfection rate, while it significantly reduced the rate of postoperative allogeneic red blood transfusion. Greater age, lower BMI, lower preoperative haemoglobin, and non-intraoperative cell salvage reinfusion were associated with higher rate of allogeneic red blood transfusion.
Analysis and Test of Conductive Shaft of Large Horizontal NC ECM Machine Tool
Authors: Tang Lin , Zheng Yaze , Shi Chengjin , Zhang Lifeng , Wang Zhao
Published: November 2021

In order to solve the problems of serious heating and easy ablation of conductive shaft in electrochemical machining of special-shaped deep hole with large aspect ratio, the two schemes of single side copper bar and symmetrical copper bar of conductive shaft were studied by ANSYS software. And the conductive shaft scheme based on symmetrical copper bar scheme was determined. The thermoelectric coupling model of the conductive shaft was established to analyze the distribution law of temperature field and thermal deformation of conductive shaft under different working conditions. Through the machining test of special-shaped inner spiral deep hole parts with large aspect ratio, the results show that under the conditions of working current of 15 000 A, feed rate of 5 mm/min and continuous machining for 14 hours, the forming accuracy of the workpiece is ±0.15 mm and the surface roughness is better than Ra0.8 µm. The performance of the conductive shaft is stable and meets the actual processing requirements. The heat dissipation performance of the conductive shaft can be optimized by providing air flow on the upper surface and side at the same time.
Assessment of The Burden of, and Women’s Experience With Screening For, Maternal Perinatal Depression in Kuwait
Authors: Alenezi Rand , Alduosari Madhawi , Alotaibi Aseel M. , Alrasheedi Danah , Alenezi Lolwah , Naser Danah , Alshammari Albatool T. , Alrasman Sarah , Aldein Lulwa J. , Almarabheh Amer J. , Ahmed Jamil
Published: November 2021

Background

Perinatal depression can have a devastating impact upon the health and lives of the mothers and their children. Although guidelines are in place to properly screen women for perinatal depression in high income countries, there still is a possibility that some women may be missed. Identifying women with or at high risk of perinatal depression is even more important during COVID-19 pandemic. This study was aimed to measure prevalence and associated factors of perinatal depression, and to understand the women’s experience of screening for perinatal depression in Kuwait.
Methods

Women who​ ​had recently attended antenatal and postnatal clinics in Kuwait during COVID-19 pandemic were approached through snowball sampling with the help of physicians in Kuwait in a cross-sectional online survey. They answered an online self-administered questionnaire consisting of Edinburgh postnatal depression scale, sociodemographic characteristics, and items about their experience of screening during antenatal and postnatal checkup. Out of the 158 women who answered this questionnaire, 75.3% were in their third trimester of pregnancy and the rest were in the postpartum period.
Results

Perinatal depression was possible in 31 (19.6%) highly possible in 23 (14.6%), and probable in 52 (32.9%) women in our study, indicating an alarming prevalence of the condition in the sampled population. A large proportion of the sample (66.5%) said that they were not aware of a screening process for perinatal depression, whereas only 5.7% said that they were screened for it. In the sample, 65.1% who were not screened for perinatal depression had perinatal depression (P<0.05). The mean scores for variables representing family support and help were higher among the normal women than with perinatal depression (P<0.001). Similarly, women with perinatal depression had scores towards disagreement when they were asked if they could easily talk about their problems and thoughts with their friends (P<0.01).
Conclusions

Maternal perinatal depression was high in Kuwaiti women who were either in their third trimester or had just given birth to a baby. The lack of awareness about the screening process and extremely low levels of screening for perinatal depression indicates the need to improve these women’s access to adequate screening services during and after pregnancy.
Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis Due to Aspergillus Lentulus in a Liver Transplant Recipient: a Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Sun Yao , Zhang Yuyi , Xu Jing , Wang Ting , Shi Xiaoping
Published: November 2021

Background: Aspergillus lentulus, a new species discovered in 2005, is a rare fungal pathogen with reduced sensitivity to antifungal agents. Case presentation: Here we reported a 58-year-old male who underwent a liver transplantation on January 2020 and followed by maintenance immunosuppressive therapy. Then A.lentulus was cultured from his sputum twice and identified by using the MALDI-TOF-MS and confirmed by the reference of RUO database. In the susceptibility tests of the isolate, minimal inhibitory concentrations for amphotericin B, voriconazole, posaconazole, and caspofungin were found to be 0.5 mg/L, 1.0 mg/L, 0.5 mg/L and 8 mg/L, respectively. The patient was improved after treatment with a voriconazole 0.2g q12h orally plus caspofungin 50mg qd intravenously. Conclusion: A. lentulus is easily confused with A. fumigatus and its susceptibility to amphotericin B and azoles antifungal agents is reduced. Therefore, the identification of strain and drug susceptibility test are very important for clinical treatment.
NOMA Resource Allocation Method in IoV Based on Prioritized DQN-DDPG Network
Authors: He Mengli , Li Yue , Wang Xiaofei , Liu Zelong
Published: November 2021

To meet the demands of massive connections in the Internet-of-vehicle (IoV) communications, non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is utilized in the local wireless networks. In NOMA technique, power multiplexing and successive interference cancellation techniques are utilized at the transmitter and the receiver respectively to increase system capacity, and user grouping and power allocation are two key issues to ensure the performance enhancement. Various optimization methods have been proposed to provide optimal resource allocation, but they are limited by computational complexity. Recently, the deep reinforcement learning (DRL) network is utilized to solve the resource allocation problem. In a DRL network, an experience replay algorithm is used to reduce the correlation between samples. However, the uniform sampling ignores the importance of sample. Different from conventional methods, this paper proposes a joint prioritized DQN user grouping and DDPG power allocation algorithm to maximize the sum rate of the NOMA system. At the user grouping stage, a prioritized sampling method based on TD-error (temporal-difference error) is proposed to solve the problem of random sampling, where TD-error is used to represent the priority of sample, and the DQN takes samples according to their priorities. In addition, sum tree is used to store the priority to speed up the searching process. At the power allocation stage, to deal with the problem that DQN cannot process continuous tasks and needs to quantify power into discrete form, a DDPG network is utilized to complete power allocation tasks for each user. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm with prioritized sampling can increase the learning rate and perform a more stable training process. Compared with the previous DQN algorithm, the proposed method improves the sum rate of the system by 2% and reaches 94% and 93% of the exhaustive search algorithm and optimal iterative power optimization algorithm, respectively. While the computational complexity is reduced by 43% and 64% compared with the exhaustive search algorithm and optimal iterative power optimization algorithm, respectively.
Astragaloside IV attenuated TGF-β1- induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular epithelial cells via connexin43 and Akt/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Lian Yonghong , Li Cuiqiong , Li Jianchun , Xie Yongxiang , Liu Qiancheng , Wu Minhua , Shi Wei , Meng Lifeng
Published: November 2021

INTRODUCTION: The objective of the study was to observe whether Cx43 could regulate EMT of RTECs by influencing Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, and whether ASV could inhibit the development of renal interstitial fibrosis by regulating Cx43. METHODS: Lentivirus infection was transfected into RTECs with the final concentration of 50×PFU/ cell to regulate the expression of Cx43.And RTECs were intervened by different doses of ASV. After synchronous culture of RTECs in each group,cell morphological changes were observed and the expression levels of EMT-related indicators, and the expression levels of Cx43, the protein expressions and phosphorylation levels AKT and mTOR in different groups were detected by WB. RESULTS: When the expression of Cx43 in RTECs was regulated by lentivirus infection, the degree of EMT induced by TGF‑β1 and the phosphorylation level of Akt and mTOR were changed accordingly, indicating that Akt/mTOR pathway might be a downstream molecular mechanism by which Cx43 could regulate EMT. After intervention with different doses of ASV, the expression level of Cx43 increased with obvious concentration dependence, and the expression levels of p-Akt and p- mTOR were significantly altered, suggesting that ASV could effectively increase the protein expressions of TGF‑β1-induced Cx43 in RTECs and inhibit the phosphorylation levels of Akt and mTOR. CONCLUSION: Cx43 is the main material basis of RTECs’injury, and ASV could inhibit TGF-β1 induced RTECs transdifferentiation. In-depth study of the mechanism may provide a broad application prospect for the treatment of renal interstitial fibrosis.
Seismic Assessment and Rehabilitation of a RC Structure Under Mainshock-Aftershock Seismic Sequences Using Beam-Column Bonded CFRP Strategy
Authors: Soureshjani Omid Karimzade , Nouri Gholamreza
Published: November 2021

A mainshock is usually accompanied by a group of ground motions. In many design codes, the effects of the seismic sequences have been neglected or underestimated. Aftershocks can increase structural damage or even cause failure. The current study evaluated the seismic behavior of a rehabilitated and as-built RC structure under real scaled mainshock-aftershocks using nonlinear analysis. Verification was done in two modes. The inter-story drift ratio, maximum residual, and relative displacements were studied. The seismic study of the as-built structure showed that the residual displacement grew, on average, more than 90% under the mainshock-aftershock sequence compared to the mainshock-only record. A beam-column bonded CFRP rehabilitation strategy using six layers of T-700 CFRP was chosen based on the specific performance level. The strategy showed the ability to transfer the plastic strain from the columns to the beams, which could be considered as a change from a weak column-strong beam concept to a strong column-weak beam concept. Compared to the as-built structure under the seismic sequences, the rehabilitated structure showed an average growth of 78% in the first-story drift ratio, which was significant. Unlike the as-built structure, seismic sequences caused no growth drift in the rehabilitated structure. It also was observed that the ratio of aftershock PGA to mainshock PGA could have an intensive effect on the seismic behavior of both rehabilitated and as-built structures.
Weak or No Correlation Between Recent COVID-19 Data and Vaccination Rates in France
Authors: Bouanane Mohamed
Published: November 2021

Since August 9, the "health pass" became mandatory in France and applies to many economic sectors and social activities such as commercial catering, trade fairs and exhibitions, healthcare services and medical-social centres, public long-distance transport, and some stores and shopping malls. In addition, since September 30, 2021, the "health pass" has been made compulsory for minors aged 12 and two months to 17 years old. The aim is to better control the spread of the Sars-Cov-2 virus by forcing the entire population to be vaccinated in order to reduce the effects of the epidemic. Since vaccination is currently the only pursued strategy to fight against COVID-19 in the world, we were interested in verifying the explanation often put forward to justify the improvement (due to high vaccination rate) or the recrudescence (due to low vaccination percentage) of the health situation linked to COVID-19. At the same time, several developed countries have launched the injection of a third dose of vaccines following a substantial increase in COVID-19 cases. In this regard, we have studied the correlation between the levels of vaccination coverage (percentage of the vaccinated population) and the various epidemiological variables of COVID-19 in the 101 French departments (territories) during the month of September 2021. The findings of the study indicate no significant relationship between vaccination rates and COVID-19 data.
Unilateral Thalamic Infarction Associated with Rupture of Dissecting Posterior Cerebral Artery in Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report
Authors: Kim Hye Jin , Kang Seongryeong , Kim Young Rak , Kim Kyung Hyun , Choi Yun Jung , Lee Soyoung
Published: November 2021

BackgroundCerebrovascular diseases are well-known complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Among them, cerebral arterial dissection is a rare vascular complication, in which an intimal tear of the blood vessel leads to an intramural hematoma. Cerebral arterial dissection leads to arterial stenosis, thrombosis, and aneurysm, resulting in cerebral infarction or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Herein, we report a case of posterior cerebral artery (PCA) dissection in SLE that presented as unilateral thalamic infarction followed by SAH and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Case PresentationA 16-year-old boy hospitalized with prolonged fever, hair loss, and skin eruption was newly diagnosed with SLE based on the 2019 EULAR/ACR SLE classification criteria. He suddenly complained of headache, diplopia, and impairment of lateral gaze during hospitalization. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed left thalamic infarction, although cerebral vessel inflammation or thrombosis was not observed. Antiphospholipid antibodies such as lupus anticoagulant, anti-cardiolipin antibody, and anti-β2-glycoprotein antibody were not detected. His symptoms improved with high-dose steroid, low-dose aspirin, and mannitol therapy. Five days later, he experienced severe headache and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Brain computed tomography revealed SAH and IVH with hydrocephalus. Even though emergent external ventricular drainage was performed, the ventricle size did not decrease. Transfemoral cerebral angiography revealed a ruptured dissecting PCA pseudoaneurysm, and immediate coil embolization was successfully performed. The patient fully recovered without any neurologic sequelae, although he underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting for hydrocephalus following SAH. ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of PCA dissection in a patient with childhood-onset SLE. Moreover, the subsequent progression from cerebral infarction to SAH caused by PCA dissection makes this case unique. In SLE patients presenting with cerebral infarction and hemorrhage, cerebral arterial dissection and pseudoaneurysm should be considered to achieve favorable outcomes.
Transfer Printing of Perovskite Whispering Gallery Mode Laser Cavities by Thermal Release Tape
Authors: Li Guohui , Zhou BoLin , Hou Zhen , Wei YanFu , Wen Rong , Ji Ting , Wei Yi , Hao YuYing , Cui YanXia
Published: November 2021

The outstanding optoelectrical properties and high-quality factor of whispering gallery mode perovskite nanocavities make it attractive for applications in small lasers. However, efforts to make lasers with better performance have been hampered by the lack of efficient methods for the synthesis and transfer of perovskite nanocavities on desired substrate at the quality required for applications. Here, we report transfer printing of perovskite nanocavities grown by chemical vapor deposition from mica substrate onto SiO2 substrate. Transferred perovskite nanocavity has an RMS roughness of ~1.2 nm and no thermal degradation in thermal release process. We further use femtosecond laser to excite a transferred perovskite nanocavity and measures its quality factor as high as 2580 and a lasing threshold of 27.89 µJ/cm2 which is almost unchanged as compared with pristine perovskite nanocavities. This method represents a significant step toward the realization of perovskite nanolasers with smaller sizes and better heat management as well as application in optoelectronic devices.
Optimal Timing for Intermittent Administration of Parathyroid Hormone (1-34) for Distraction Osteogenesis in Rabbits
Authors: Inada Narisaku , Ohata Tetsuya , Maruno Hideto , Morii Takeshi , Hosogane Naobumi , Ichimura Shoichi
Published: November 2021

BackgroundTo date, the usefulness of parathyroid hormone (PTH (1-34)) in distraction osteogenesis has been reported in several studies. We aimed to determine the optimal timing of PTH (1-34) administration in a rabbit distraction osteogenesis model.MethodsThe lower hind leg of a Japanese white rabbit was externally fixed, and tibial osteotomy was performed. One week after the osteotomy, bone lengthening was carried out at 0.375 mm/12 h for two weeks. After five weeks, the lower leg bone was collected. Bone mineral density (BMD), peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and mechanical tests were performed on the distracted callus. The rabbits were divided into three groups according to the timing of PTH administration: four weeks during the distraction and consolidation phases (group D+C), two weeks of the distraction phase (group D), and the first two weeks of the consolidation phase (group C). A control group (group N) was administered saline for four weeks during the distraction and consolidation phases. Furthermore, to obtain histological findings, lower leg bones were collected from each rabbit at two, three, and four weeks after osteotomy, and tissue sections of the distracted callus were examined histologically.ResultsThe BMD was highest in group C and was significantly higher than group D. In pQCT, the total cross-sectional area was significantly higher in groups D+C, D, and C than group N, and the cortical bone area was highest in group C and was significantly higher than group D. In micro-CT, group C had the highest bone mass and number of trabeculae. Regarding the mechanical test, group C had the highest callus failure strength, and this value was significantly higher compared to group N. There was no significant difference between groups D and N. The histological findings revealed that the distracted callus mainly consisted of endochondral ossification in the distraction phase. In the consolidation phase, the chondrocytes were almost absent, and intramembranous ossification was the main type of ossification.ConclusionWe found that the optimal timing of PTH (1-34) administration is during the consolidation phase, which is mainly characterized by intramembranous ossification.
Improving the Mechanical Ductility and Toughness of Injection-molded Polylactide Pieces by the Dual Incorporation of Liquor Waste Derived Spent Coffee Grounds and Oligomers of Lactic Acid
Authors: Terroba-Delicado Enrique , Fiori Stefano , Torres-Giner Sergio , Gomez-Caturla Jaume , Montanes Nestor , Sanchez-Nacher Lourdes
Published: November 2021

This work puts the Circular Bioeconomy’s concept into action, originally valorizing residues from the beverage liquor coffee industry into reinforcing fillers for green composites of polylactide (PLA). The as-received spent coffee grains derived from liquor waste were first milled to obtain the so-called spent coffee grounds (SCGs), which were then incorporated at 20 wt.% into PLA by extrusion. With the aim of improving the compatibility between the biopolyester and the lignocellulosic particles, two oligomers of lactic acid (OLAs), namely OLA2 and OLA2mal, being the latter functionalized with maleic anhydride (MAH), were both added during the extrusion process at 10 wt.%. The resultant compounded pellets were finally shaped into pieces by injection molding for characterization. Results showed that, as opposite to most claims published in the literature of PLA composites based on lignocellulosic fillers derived from soluble coffee wastes, the incorporation of liquor waste derived SCGs increased the ductility of the pieces by nearly 280% due to their high coffee oil content. The incorporation of OLA2 and OLA2mal contributed to improve the impact strength of the pieces by approximately 6% and 12.6%, respectively. The higher performance of OLA2mal was ascribed to a reduction of crystallinity in the green composite due to the chemical interaction by the MAH groups. However, the incorporation of SCGs into PLA slighlty reduced the thermal stability and yielded a dark-to-brown color, whereas it also delayed the disintegration rate of the pieces in controlled compost soil. Therefore, the results attained herein open up novel opportunities for the development of green composites of PLA with higher ductility and toughness through the valorization of liquor coffee wastes.
Can sarcopenia index serve as a predictor of myocarditis from mRNA based COVID-19 vaccine, insights from clustered cases and potential involvement of micro-RNAs in its pathogenesis.
Authors: AbdelMassih Antoine , Shershaby Meryam El , Gaber Hanya , Ismail Habiba-Allah , El-Hussseiny Nadine , Amin Abeer , ElBoraie Aly , Ayad Aya , Menshawey Esraa , Sefein Fady , Osman Ibrahim , Hanafy Maram , AbdelAziz Mariam , Arsanyous Mariem , Khaled-Ibn-El-Walid Mariam , Tawfik Marwa , Habib Menna , Mansour Mina , Ashraf Mirette , Khattab Mohamed , AlShehry Nada , Hafez Nada , ElDeeb Naheel Essam , Ashraf Nirvana , Khalil Noha , AbdElSalam Noheir , Shebl Noura , Hafez Nouran , Youssef Nourhan , Bahnan Odette , Ismail Passant , Kelada Peter , Menshawey Rahma , Saeed Rana , Husseiny Reem , Yasser Reem , Sharaf Safa , Adel Veronia , Naeem Youstina , Nicola Youstina , Kamel Aya , Hozaien Rafeef , Fouda Raghda
Published: November 2021

Background: With the current mass international roll out of several vaccines against SARS-Cov-2, several reports of unheeded complications have made headlines. One of which involves myocarditis with the now FDA fully approved vaccine, Pfizer, and others. We hypothesize through this study that a dysregulated micro-RNA response resulting from such type of vaccines can be involved in triggering myocarditis. Methodology: Embase, Medline and the Cochrane Central Register were used to search for specific keywords such as “mRNA COVID-19 vaccines” AND “Myocarditis” for relevant publications up to 1st of September 2021. The systematic review was performed using PRISMA protocolResults:Literature review has identified 26 cases series and reports involving the development of myocarditis from mRNA vaccines, a total of 89 patients were included. Age range was clearly identified in 66 patients. Among those 66 patients, 94% were below 50 years of age, also out of 89 patients, 94% were males. Myocarditis developed, after a median time of 72 hours of the 2nd dose. 90 of cases of myocarditis developed myocarditis after the 2nd dose, the few patients developing myocarditis after the first dose were either predisposed by a history of myocarditis or a history of previous COVID-19 infection. Conclusion:In conclusion, interpretation of the results in view of the suggested hypothesis, reveals that the micro-RNAs implicated in myocarditis in general are as well implicated in the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19, this can explain why patients having a first dose with a history of COVID-19 can develop myocarditis from mRNA vaccines, also the relatively higher likelihood of this complication in males and younger aged individuals can be explained by the upregulation of key myocarditis related miRNAs in those two strata, due to higher muscle mass and suggests performing a sarcopenia index in recipients of the vaccine to correlate it with the likelihood of this complication. This could later set a cut-off of this easy bed-side index to stratify cases a higher risk of this rare complication.
Which micro-organisms are transferred by healthcare personnel between hospital and home?
Authors: ORHAN Zerife , SÖNMEZ Mehtap , KAYIŞ Arzu , ARAL Murat
Published: November 2021

Background: The aim of ths study was to determine which micro-organisms are transferred from home to hospital, and which from hospital to home, by the hands of healthcare personnel. Methods: A total of 10 doctors and 53 nurses, selected at random according to the clinics where they worked, were included. The study data were collected in two stages. In the first stage, the study participants completed a personal information form. In the second stage, samples were taken from the right and left hands of the healthcare personnel on entering and leaving the hospital.Results: According to the samples taken, there was determined to be greater bacteria production on the hands of the healthcare personnel when entering the hospital. The greatest production was in the least washed area of the right hand (93.7% on entry, 74.6% on exit). Nurses and those working in surgical clinics were seen to have greater bacteria production on both entry to and exit from the hospital compared to other healthcare workers. Conculusion: The study results showed that just as healthcare personnel transferred some micro-organisms from home to hospital on their hands, they also transferred some bacteria to home on leaving the hospital. With the necessary precautions taken to prevent the transfer of micro-organisms to or from hospital, the prevalence of hospital infections will decrease.
Beam Propagation Factor of Hollow Higher-order Cosh-Gaussian Beams
Authors: Saad Faroq , Ebrahim Ahmed Abdulrab Ali , Belafhal Abdelmajid
Published: November 2021

Based on the second-order moments definition, we investigate in this paper the beam propagation factor of new mathematical model of Hollow higher-order Cosh-Gaussian (HhCG) beams. Two analytical formulae of the M2-factor of HhCG beams are derived. Moreover, numerical simulations are developed to illustrate the effects of the beams orders n and l, the parameter δ and the beam waist ω0 on the M2-factor. The result shows a more general characteristic of higher-order Cosh-Gaussian, Cosh-Gaussian and the fundamental Gaussian beams can be obtained as specials cases of HhCG beams.
PET Imaging Using [18F]olaparib in Mouse Models of Malignant Glioma: Considerations for Molecular Imaging and Radionuclide Therapy Targeting PARP
Authors: Chan Chung Ying , Hopkins Samantha L. , Guibbal Florian , Pacelli Anna , Torres Julia Baguña , Mosley Michael , Lau Doreen , Isenegger Patrick , Chen Zijun , Wilson Thomas C. , Dias Gemma , Hueting Rebekka , Gouverneur Véronique , Cornelissen Bart
Published: November 2021

PurposeRadiopharmaceuticals targeting poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) have emerged as promising agents for cancer diagnosis and therapy. PARP enzymes are expressed in both cancerous and normal tissue. Hence, the injected mass, molar activity and potential pharmacological effects are important considerations for the use of radiolabelled PARP inhibitors for diagnostic and radionuclide therapeutic applications. Here, we performed a systematic evaluation by varying the molar activity of [18F]olaparib and the injected mass of [TotalF]olaparib to investigate the effects on tumour and normal tissue uptake in two subcutaneous human glioblastoma xenograft models.Methods[18F]Olaparib uptake was evaluated in the human glioblastoma models: in vitro on U251MG and U87MG cell lines, and in vivo on tumour xenograft-bearing mice, after administration of [TotalF]olaparib (varying injected mass: 0.04-8.0 µg, and molar activity: 1-320 GBq/μmol).ResultsSelective uptake of [18F]olaparib was demonstrated in both models. Tumour uptake was found to be dependent on the injected mass of [TotalF]olaparib (µg), but not the molar activity per sé. An injected mass of 1 μg resulted in the highest tumour uptake (up to 6.9 ± 1.3%ID/g), independent of the molar activity. In comparison, both the lower and higher injected masses of [TotalF]olaparib resulted in lower relative tumour uptake (%ID/g; P<0.05). Ex vivo analysis of U87MG xenograft sections showed that the heterogeneity in [18F]olaparib intratumoural uptake correlated with PARP1 expression. Substantial upregulation of PARP1-3 expression was observed after administration of [TotalF]olaparib (>0.5 µg).Conclusion﻿Our findings show that the injected mass of [TotalF]olaparib has significant effects on tumour uptake. Moderate injected masses of PARP inhibitor-derived radiopharmaceuticals may lead to improved relative tumour uptake and tumour-to-background ratio for cancer diagnosis and radionuclide therapy.
Correlation between Job Burnout and Fear of COVID-19 among ICU and CCU Nurses
Authors: Golabi Prof. Fatemeh , Aghdam Prof. Mohammad Bagher Alizadeh , Akbarian Hamed , Mazraehshadi Mir Mojtaba Hosseini
Published: November 2021

Background: Occupational burnout among nurses is one of the major factors which affect the quality of nursing care. Assessing the relationship between burnout and its associated factors is one of the most basic things that should be done so that later, actions can be taken to reduce burnout. Fear of COVID-19 is one of the factors that can increase burnout of nurses during the Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic.Aim: To investigate the relationship between job burnout and fear of COVID-19 among ICU and CCU nurses.Methods: The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) were distributed to ICU and CCU nurses (n = 170) at Shahid Madani Cardiac Hospital, Tabriz, Iran, and the correlation between job burnout and fear of COVID-19 was calculated.Results: The results show that the level of emotional exhaustion and reduced personal accomplishment among participants of this study is average, and depersonalization is at a low level. Also, the level of fear of coronavirus is below average among the respondents. The research showed that emotional exhaustion and fear of COVID-19 were positively correlated (p < 0.05), but there was not any significant correlation between depersonalization and fear of Coronavirus; as the relationship between reduced personal accomplishment and fear of COVID-19. In addition, there were significant correlations between age and reduced personal accomplishment, as well as marital status and reduced personal accomplishment (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the results showed that there were not any significant correlations between gender and burnout dimensions, nor between educational degree and burnout dimensions.Conclusion: As job burnout reduces the quality of nursing care, managers must take strategies that reduce job burnout. One of the strategies that they can take is to reduce the fear of COVID-19 by taking wise strategies.
Comparative study of vasodilatation after intra-arterial nicardipine or dantrolene infusion in animal model of cerebral vasospasm
Authors: Lim Jeongwook , Cho Young Dae , Byoun Hyoung Soo
Published: November 2021

Intra-arterial (IA) infusions of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) have been widely applied in treating medically refractory vasospasm. However, surprisingly little is known regarding their vasodilatory duration. This study was undertaken to compare attributes of nicardipine and dantrolene, focusing on efficacy and capacity for sustained vasodilation. In New Zealand white rabbits (N=22), vasospasm was individually provoked through experimentally induced subarachnoid hemorrhage and confirmed via conventional angiography, grouping animals by IA-infused drug (nicardipine vs dantrolene). Controls received normal saline. After chemoangioplasty, follow-up angiography was performed at intervals of 1-3 hours for 6 hours to compare vasospastic and dilated (ie, treated) arterial diameters. Drug efficacy, duration of action, and changes in mean arterial pressure (relative to baseline) were analyzed by group. Compared with controls, effective vasodilation was evident in both nicardipine and dantrolene test groups after IA infusion. Vasodilatory effects of nicardipine peaked at 1 hour, returning to former vasospastic states at 3 hours. In dantrolene recipients, vasodilation endured longer, lasting >6 hours. This outcome suggests that IA dantrolene infused alone or together with a conventional CCB infusion may be a new means of prolonging vasodilatory effect. Further research is needed to assess durations of IA-infused vasodilatory drug based on perfusion status.
TAT-Beclin1 Represses the Carcinogenesis of DUSP4-Positive PTC by Enhancing Autophagy
Authors: Zang Leilei , Song Yanmei , Tian Yanhua , Hu Ning
Published: November 2021

Background DUSP4 is a pro-tumorigenic molecule of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). DUSP4 also exists as an autophagic regulator. Moreover, DUSP4, as a negative regulator of MAPK, can prevent Beclin1 from participating in autophagic response. This study aimed to explore whether TAT-Beclin1, a recombinant protein of Beclin1, could inhibit the tumorigenesis of DUSP4-positive PTC by regulating autophagy. Methods First, we divided PTC cancer tissues into three groups according to DUSP4 expression levels by immunohistochemical analyses, and evaluated the relationship between the expression of autophagic proteins (Beclin1 and LC3II) and DUSP4 expression using Western blotting assays. After overexpression of DUSP4 by lentiviral transduction, the roles of TAT-Beclin1 on DUSP4-overexpressed PTC was detected. Results Our results showed that the expression levels of autophagic proteins increased with the increase of DUSP4 expression in PTC carcinomas. In PTC cells, DUSP4 overexpression-inhibited autophagic activity (including Beclin1 expression, LC3 conversion rate and LC3-puncta formation) and -promoted cell proliferation and migration were reversed by TAT-Beclin1 administration. In vivo assays also showed that DUSP4-overexpressed PTC cells had stronger tumorigenic ability and weaker autophagic activity, which was recovered by TAT-Beclin1 administration. Conclusion TAT-Beclin1, as an autophagic promoter, could repress the carcinogenesis of DUSP4-positive PTC, which implies that the addition of TAT-Beclin1 may be determined through detecting the levels of DUSP4 in the treatment of PTC.
Analysis of the Expression and Prognosis for Leukocyte Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor Subfamily B in Human Liver Cancer
Authors: Fan Jing , Wang Lili , Chen Miao , Zhang Jiakang , Li Jiayan , Song Fangnan , Gu Aidong , Yin Dandan , Yi Yongxiang
Published: November 2021

Background: Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B (LILRB), including 5 subtypes, is a group of inhibitory receptors in immune system. The LILRB family is known to be involved in the tumor progression of various cancer types, especially liver cancer. However, the expression patterns and prognostic values of LILRB family members in liver cancer tissues remain unclear.Methods: We used the Oncomine database, GEPIA database, Kaplan–Meier Plotter, Timer, TISIDB and cBioPortal to assess the expression and prognostic value of the LILRB family in liver cancer patients. We also verified the expression of the LILRB family in tumor tissues and tumor-free liver tissues at the protein level by using immunohistochemistry. The STRING website was used to explore the interaction between the LILRB family and their related genes. The DAVID database was used to perform the GO and KEGG analyses. Flow cytometry was used to assess the infiltrated NK cells in liver cancer tissues.Results: Our study revealed that the mRNA expression of LILRB1, LILRB2, LILRB3 and LILRB5 was downregulated, while compared with normal tissues, the mRNA expression of LILRB4 was upregulated in liver cancer tissues. Survival analysis revealed that LILRB2 and LILRB5 mRNA expression levels were significantly associated with OS and DSS and that the mRNA expression of all LILRB family members was significantly correlated with RFS and PFS. Next, we further found that the mRNA expression of all LILRB family members was significantly associated with the infiltration of B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, and neutrophil dendritic cells in liver cancer. Finally, GO and KEGG analyses found that the LILRB family and its related genes were involved in antigen processing and presentation and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity pathways.Conclusions: Our study suggested that LILRB family expression was associated with the prognosis of liver cancer patients and infiltrated immune cells. The LILRB family might be involved in antigen processing and presentation and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity pathways.
The Lockdown Impact Scale for Students (LISS)
Authors: Conroy Ronán M , Fitzgerald Karen
Published: November 2021

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in many student populations learning online in lockdown. While the mental health consequences of lockdown are increasingly understood, the core features of ‘cabin fever’ are poorly described. Methods: We conducted a questionnaire survey of 649 undergraduate medicine and health sciences students. Item content was developed based on current literature and input from student representatives. Results: Mokken scaling identified seven questions that together formed a strongly unidimensional scale which comprised two domains : social isolation/cabin fever and demotivation / demoralisation. Scale scores were significantly associated with depression, self-rated mental health, impaired study efficacy and doomscrolling. Conclusions: The adverse effects of lockdown on student wellbeing appear to be driven to an important extent by an experience of isolation and demotivation that correspond to narrative descriptions of cabin fever. In the foreseeable event of future pandemics, these experiences are a promising target for health promotion in students studying in lockdown.