bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exosomal lncRNA SHNG7 Promotes High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Progression and Function As ceRNA to Target Notch1 By Sponging miR-34a-5p
Authors: Cui Jing , Lu Xue , Gu Weiting , Yuan Cunzhong , Zhang Hui
Published: November 2021

Serous ovarian cancer, especially high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) has a high mortality rate, and its five-year survival rate is only 30%. The reason for the difficulty in diagnosis and treatment is that the origin and pathogenic mechanism of HGSOC are still poorly understood. In this study, we tried to explore the molecular mechanism of lncRNA SHNG7 in regulating proliferation, invasion and migration in HGSOC. The expression of lncRNA SHNG7 was upregulated in cancer tissues, and was closely correlated with poor outcomes. LncRNA SHNG7 promoted cell proliferation, invasion, migration and influenced the cell cycle of cancer cell lines. Furthermore, lncRNA SHNG7 could function as competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) via directly sponging of microRNA-34a-5p, which further regulating the expression of Notch 1. Moreover, lncRNA SHNG7 could be carried by exosomes and the exosomal lncRNA SHNG7 promoted angiopoiesis. Taken together, our results proved that lncRNA SHNG7 could function as ceRNA and contribute to HGSOC progression, which provided a novel prognostic and therapeutic marker for HGSOC.
Ursodeoxycholic Acid Exhibits Anti-inflammatory Activity against Concanavalin A-induced Immune Hepatitis in Mice
Authors: Ji Guixian , Liu Man , Zhou Yi , Zhong Weilong , Wang Xiaoyi , Chu Hongyu , Liu Xin , Maimaitiaili Maimaitiabudu , Wang Bangmao , Zhou Lu
Published: November 2021

ObjectiveIt was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on concanavalin A (ConA)-induced immune hepatitis in mice and determine the molecular mechanism. MethodsFemale C57BL/6J mice were randomly classified into Control, ConA, and ConA+UDCA groups. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to detect the expression of hepatic inflammatory factor tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and receptor-interacting protein (RIP)3 mRNA. The percentages of immune cells in liver and spleen were detected and analyzed by flow cytometry. ResultsUDCA decreased the serum ALT and AST levels, down-regulated the expression of cytokine TNF-α mRNA and necroptosis marker RIP3 mRNA in the liver tissue, up-regulated the percentages of immunomodulatory myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in liver and spleen tissues, and down-regulated the accumulation of liver macrophages of mice with immune hepatitis. ConclusionsUDCA attenuates ConA-induced hepatic inflammation in mice by reducing the production of hepatic inflammatory factors, inhibiting the expression of necroptosis signal proteins in hepatocytes, down-regulating the accumulation of hepatic macrophages, and increasing the percentage of MDSCs with immunomodulatory properties.
The Common Targeted Organ in Zebrafish Embryos Exposed to Eight Toxic Chemicals
Authors: Gao Yongfei , Yang Pengyuan
Published: November 2021

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos are widely used in toxicity tests, especially in investigations on chlorinated or brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and metals. A key challenge in environmental risk assessment (ERA) is how to clarify the same or different sites of toxic action in a species after exposure to the individual chemicals or chemical mixtures and further provide the common toxic sites or organs for risk assessment of chemical mixtures. In this study, zebrafish embryo was used to evaluate the sublethal toxicity (gas bladder damage) of tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) isocyanurate (TBC), Chlorinated paraffins (CPs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), and Cu, Cd, Pb, Ag, Zn, and corresponding sublethal molecular levels (and inflammation-related enzymes [deiodinase (DIO) enzymes]) in fish through optical microscopy methods. The tested chemicals all caused failed inflation of the gas bladder, as indicated by activity inhibition of type 2 iodothyroxine deiodinase enzyme. We put up with the common targeted sites or organs for further studying the toxic mechanisms underlying the chemical mixtures.
Relationships of First Trimester Body Mass Index and Weight Change with Persistent Organic Pollutants Concentrations in Canadian Pregnant Women
Authors: Levesque Marianne , Ouedraogo Mariame O. , Fakhraei Romina , Harvey Alysha L.J. Dingwall , Bratton Elizabeth , Walker Mark C. , Dodds Linda , Gaudet Laura M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxic chemicals with demonstrable effects on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. The associations of early pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and antenatal weight changes with circulating POP concentrations are poorly understood in the Canadian context. The objective of this study is thus to examine the relationships between first trimester maternal BMI, weight change from pre-pregnancy to 6-13 weeks of pregnancy (early gestational weight change), and first trimester plasma POP concentrations among Canadian pregnant women.
Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected as part of the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study. We determined the POP concentrations across first trimester BMI category (underweight/normal weight, overweight, class I & II obese, and class III obese) and early gestational weight change categories (weight loss, weight neutral/gain) and tested for overall differences using Kruskal-Wallis tests. Associations between first trimester maternal BMI and early gestational weight changes with the plasma concentrations of 41 POPs measured in the first trimester were further evaluated using unadjusted and adjusted censored regression models.
Results

Eleven of 41 POPs were detectable in at least 50% of the MIREC participants and could be analyzed for their relationships with first trimester BMI and weight change. The majority of POPs were inversely associated with first trimester BMI after controlling for the main confounding variables. Although not statistically significant, POP plasma concentrations tended to be generally higher in participants who lost weight compared to those who gained weight or whose weight stayed relatively stable from pre-pregnancy into the first trimester.
Conclusions

Our findings lend support to the hypothesis that pregnant women with obesity may have higher bioaccumulation of POPs within their adipose tissues than normal weight pregnant women. Additionally, early gestational weight loss appears to be associated with the highest circulating POP levels. Future studies should focus on the effect of weight changes on POPs concentrations across trimesters.
Tumor Size and Lobular Histology Predict for Higher Pathologic Nodal Stage Regardless of Clinical Presentation of Nodal Disease in Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Ye Linda , Rünger Dennis , Angarita Stephanie A. , Hadaya Joseph , Baker Jennifer L. , Lee Minna K. , Thompson Carlie K. , Attai Deanna J. , DiNome Maggie
Published: November 2021

Purpose: Omission of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is considered for patients with sentinel lymph node-positive (SLN+) breast cancer, but ALND remains the standard of care for clinically node-positive (cN+) patients treated with surgery first. Here, we evaluate differences in patient and tumor characteristics and pathologic nodal stage in patients with positive lymph nodes who underwent ALND. Methods: Retrospective chart review from 2010-2019 identified three groups of patients who underwent ALND for positive nodes: SLN+ (positive node identified at SLN biopsy), cNUS (abnormal preoperative US and biopsy), and cNpalp (palpable adenopathy). Patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy or presented with axillary recurrence were excluded. Results: Of 218 patients, 107 were SLN+, 43 were cNUS, and 68 were cNpalp. SLN+ patients compared with cNpalp were more likely to be younger (56 vs 64,p<.01), pre-menopausal (39%vs15%,p<.01), and white (62%vs37%,p<.01) with more tumors that were progesterone receptor-positive (6%vs21%,p=.02), low grade (35%vs6%,p<.01) and without lymphovascular invasion (11%vs27%,p=.02). SLN+ patients had more pN1 disease than cNUS and cNpalp (67.3% vs 39.5% vs 42.6%, p<.01). Greater tumor size and lobular histology were significantly associated with higher nodal stage in univariable regression analysis of SLN+ patients as well as a pooled analysis of the three clinical groups.Conclusion: Patient and tumor characteristics differ on either end of the nodal spectrum, with cNpalp patients having higher risk features than SLN+ patients. These higher risk features have historically resulted in ALND for patients with clinically positive nodes. However, only tumor size and histology are associated with higher pathologic nodal stage.
The Emergence of Linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus Epidermidis in the COVID-19 Hospitalized Intubated Patients in North Khorasan, Iran
Authors: Azimian Amir , Khosrojerdi Mahsa , GhasemZadeh-Moghadam Hamed , NamdarAhmad-Abad Hasan , Hashemi Seyed Ahmad
Published: November 2021

BackgroundIn the COVID-19 pandemic from 2019 to date, we confront secondary bacterial and viral infections in SARS-CoV2 infected patients, especially hospitalized patients. Coagulase-negative staphylococci, are commensals of the human body and can lead to infections in immunocompromised patients. The antimicrobial resistance is increasingly reported in coagulase-negative staphylococci, especially in Staphylococcus epidermidis. One of the most critical problems is resistance to linezolid in S. epidermidis, observed in Europe since 2014. The aim of this study was to evaluation of bacterial Co-infections and determination of antimicrobial resistance pattern of co-infection isolated strains in North Khorasan, Iran, in the last six-month period. MethodsAfter microbiological evaluation of pulmonary samples of hospitalized intubated patients with signs of bacterial pneumonia, we found co-infection in 11 of 185 patients with S. epidermidis, S. aureus, and Acinetobacter baumani, respectively. Interestingly seven of nine S. epidermidis isolates were linezolid resistant. For identification of the isolates at the species level, we used phenotypic methods and also the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the atlE gene. Selected isolates were characterized by determining their antimicrobial resistance patterns and using molecular methods including SCCmec typing, detection of ica, mecA, vanA, and cfr genes. ResultsAll isolates were resistant to methicillin, and Seven isolates were resistant to linezolid. It should be noted that all nine isolates were positive for the ica gene. Nine of 11 isolated have belonged to the SCCmec I, and two belonged to the SCCmec IV. It should be noted that all patients had the underlying disease and six patients died.ConclusionThe increasing linezolid resistance in bacterial strains becomes a real threat for patients, and monitoring such infections combined with surveillance and infection prevention programs is very important to decrease the number of linezolid-resistant staphylococcal strains.
Perceptions, Current Practices and Interventions of Community Pharmacists Regarding Antimicrobial Stewardship: A Qualitative Study in France
Authors: Durand Claire , Chappuis Aude , Douriez Eric , Poulain Frédérique , Ahmad Raheelah , Lescure François-Xavier , Peiffer-Smadja Nathan
Published: November 2021

Background: Community health care accounts for the vast majority of antibiotic use in Europe. Given the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), there is an urgent need to develop new antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions in primary care that could involve different health care providers including community pharmacists. This study aimed to explore the perceptions, currents practices and interventions of community pharmacists regarding antimicrobial stewardship.Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with community pharmacists in France. Participants were recruited through a professional organization of community pharmacists combined with a snowballing technique. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used while developing the interview guide and carrying out thematic analysis.Results: Sixteen community pharmacists participated. All the respondents had good awareness about antimicrobial resistance and believed community pharmacists had an important role in tackling AMR. Some barriers to community pharmacists’ participation in AMS were identified such as difficult interactions with prescribers, lack of time and lack of access to patient medical records and diagnosis. Increased patient education, audits and feedback of antibiotic prescribing, increased point-of-care testing and delayed prescribing were interventions suggested by the pharmacists to improve antibiotic use in primary care. Strategies cited by participants to facilitate the implementation of such interventions are increased pharmacist-general practitioner collaboration, specialized training, clinical decision support tools as well as financial incentives. Conclusions: This study suggests that community pharmacists could play a greater role in infection management and AMS interventions. Further interprofessional collaboration is needed to optimize antibiotic prescribing and utilization in community health care.
Ion transport in a charged conical nanopore filled with viscoelastic fluids: ion current rectification
Authors: Trivedi Mohit , Nirmalkar Neelkanth
Published: November 2021

The ionic current rectification (ICR) is a non-linear current-voltage response upon switching the polarity of the potential across nanopore, similar to the I-V response in the semiconductor diode. The ICR phenomenon finds several potential applications in micro/nano-fluidics (e.g., Bio-sensors and Lab-on-Chip applications). From a biological application viewpoint, most biological fluids (e.g., blood, saliva, mucus, etc.) exhibit non-Newtonian visco-elastic behavior; their rheological properties differ from Newtonian fluids. Therefore, the resultant flow-field should show an additional dependence on the rheological material properties of viscoelastic fluids such as fluid relaxation time (λ) and fluid extensibility (ε). Despite numerous potential applications, the comprehensive investigation of the viscoelastic behavior of the fluid on ionic concentration profile and ICR phenomena has not been attempted. ICR phenomena occur when the length scale and Debye layer thickness approaches of the same order. Therefore, this work extensively investigates the effect of viscoelasticity on the flow and ionic mass transfer along with the ICR phenomena in a single conical nanopore. The Poisson-Nernst-Planck (P-N-P) model coupled with momentum equations have been solved, for a wide range of conditions Deborah number, 1 ≤ De ≤ 100, Debye length parameter, 1 ≤ κRt ≤ 50, fluid extensibility parameter, 0.05 ≤ ε ≤ 0.25, applied electric potential, −40 ≤V ≤ 40, and surface charge density σ = −10 and −50. Four distinct novel characteristics of electro-osmotic flow (EOF) in a conical nanopore have been investigated here, namely (1) detailed structure of flow field and velocity distribution in viscoelastic fluids (2) influence of Deborah number and fluid extensibility parameter on ionic current rectification (ICR) (3) volumetric flow rate calculation as a function of Deborah number and fluid extensibility parameter (4) effect of viscoelastic parameters on concentration distribution of ions in the nanopore. At high applied voltage, both the extensibility parameter and Deborah number facilitate the ICR phenomena. In addition, the ICR phenomena are observed to be more pronounced at low values of κRt than the high values of κRt . This effect is due to the overlapping of the electric double layer at low values of κRt.
Hyaluronic Acid injections for Chronic Tennis Elbow
Authors: Zinger Gershon , Bregman Alexander , Safran Ori , Beyth Shaul , Peyser Amos
Published: November 2021

Background
For most patients, tennis elbow (TE) resolves within six months of onset. For those with persistent and painful TE, nonsurgical treatment options are limited. Thousands of studies have tried to find effective treatment for TE, but usually fail. In this study, we test the hypothesis that injections with hyaluronic acid (HA) are effective at treating chronic pain from TE.
Methods
Patients with a minimum of six months of pain from TE were randomized equally into one of two groups, injection with HA or saline control, and followed for one year. Outcome measures included Visual Analogue Score (VAS pain), the shortened disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) and patient rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE).
Results
Seventeen of the 18 HA-injected patients (94%) completed the study. The average age was 51.9 years and 10 were male. Patients had an average of 28.1 months of pain before entering the study. VAS in the HA group improved from a baseline of 76.4 to 14.3 at 12 months. All 17 patients in the HA group showed VAS improvement above minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of at least 18. PRTEE improved from 67 to 28.1. QuickDASH improved from 53.7 to 22.5. To our knowledge, this improvement is greater than can be seen in any other non-surgical treatment for TE.
Conclusions
HA injections showed significant success in pain relief by three months. Patients continued to improve for the 12-month duration of the study. This study indicates that patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis may benefit from injections of hyaluronic acid rather than having to undergo surgery.
Involvement of trabecular meshwork phagocytic suppression by sympathetic norepinephrine in nocturnal intraocular pressure rise
Authors: Ikegami Keisuke , Masubuchi Satoru
Published: November 2021

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is important in glaucoma development and depends on aqueous humor (AH) dynamics, involving inflow from the ciliary body and outflow through the trabecular meshwork (TM). IOP has a circadian rhythm entrained by sympathetic noradrenaline (NE) or adrenal glucocorticoids (GCs). Here, we investigated the involvement of GC and NE in AH outflow. Pharmacological prevention of inflow/outflow in mice indicated an AH outflow increase during day. Although TM phagocytosis can determine AH drainage, only NE showed a non-self-sustained inhibitory effect in phagocytosis of immortalized human TM cells. Pharmacological approach and RNA interference identified β1-adrenergic receptor (AR)-mediated cAMP-EPAC-SHIP1 signal activation by ablation of phosphatidylinositol triphosphate regulating phagocytic cup formation. Furthermore, pharmacological instillation in mice revealed the role of β1-AR-EPAC-SHIP1 pathway in nocturnal IOP rise. These suggest that IOP rhythm is partially regulated by this pathway. This first demonstration of TM phagocytosis suppression by NE could be useful in glaucoma management.
Long Non-Coding RNA NEAT1 Promotes HCC Progression via PKM2 and Exosome-Mediated Transfer
Authors: Pan Junping , Hu Yingzhe , Yuan Chenlu , Wu Yafu , Zhu Xinhua
Published: November 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors with high mortality and poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNAs NEAT1 (lncRNA NEAT1) have been found to play an important role in HCC progression. However, the role and potential molecular mechanism of lncRNA NEAT1 in HCC remain largely unclear.
Methods

The role of lncRNA NEAT1 both in vitro and in vivo was investigated, with RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays being performed to determine the interaction among NEAT1 and FOXO3 and PKM2. In addition, HCC cells were treated with exosomes derived from NEAT1-overexpressing HCC cells, and then cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed using in vitro assays.
Results

In this study, overexpression of NEAT1 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells, whereas NEAT1 knockdown exhibited the opposite effects. Mechanistically, NEAT1 was found to recruit transcription factor FOXO3 to PKM2 promoter region and upregulate PKM2 expression. Meanwhile, overexpression of NEAT1 increased tumor growth and metastasis in a mouse xenograft model of HCC in vivo via upregulation of PKM2. Furthermore, overexpression of NEAT1 promoted exosome release from HCC cells. Exosomes secreted from NEAT1-overexpressing HCC cells promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells.
Conclusion

We found that NEAT1 could promote HCC progression via upregulation of PKM2 and exosome-mediated transfer. These data indicated that NEAT1 may be a therapeutic target in HCC.
Crystalline Hydrogen Bond of Water Molecules Confined in a Metal-Organic Framework
Authors: Bae Jinhee , Park Sun Ho , Moon Dohyun , Jeong Nak Cheon
Published: November 2021

Hydrogen bond (H-bond) of water molecules confined in nanopores is of particular interest because it is expected to exhibit chemical features different from bulk water molecules due to its interaction with the wall lining the pores. Herein, we show a crystalline behavior of hydrogen-bonded water molecules residing in the nanocages of a paddlewheel metal-organic framework, providing in situ and ex situ synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy studies. The crystalline H-bond is demonstrated by proving the vibrational chain connectivity arising between hydrogen bonding and paddlewheel Cu−Cu bonding in sequentially connected Cu–Cu⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅coordinating H2O⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅H-bonded H2O and proving the spatial ordering of H-bonded water molecules at room temperature, where they are anticipated to be disordered with a high degree of freedom in their molecular motions. Additionally, we show a substantial distortion of the paddlewheel Cu2+ centers that arises simultaneously with water coordination. Also, we suggest the dynamic coordination bond character of the H-bond of the confined water molecules, by which an H-bond transitions to a coordination bond at the Cu2+ center instantaneously after dissociating a previously coordinated water molecule.
A comprehensive thermodynamic model for RNA binding by the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pumilio protein PUF4
Authors: Sadee Christoph , Hagler Lauren , Becker Winston , Jarmoskaite Inga , Vaidyanathan Pavanapuresan , Denny Sarah , Greenleaf William , Herschlag Daniel
Published: November 2021

Genomic methods have been valuable for identifying RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and the genes, pathways, and processes they regulate. Nevertheless, standard motif descriptions cannot be used to predict all RNA targets or test quantitative models for cellular interactions and regulation. We present a complete thermodynamic model for RNA binding to the S. cerevisiae Pumilio protein PUF4 derived from direct binding data for 6180 RNAs measured using the RNA on a massively parallel array (RNA-MaP) platform. The PUF4 model is highly similar to that of the related RBPs, human PUM2 and PUM1, with one marked exception: a single favorable site of base flipping for PUF4, such that PUF4 preferentially binds to a non-contiguous series of residues. These results are foundational for developing and testing cellular models of RNA-RBP interactions and function, for engineering RBPs, for understanding the biophysical nature of RBP binding and the evolutionary landscape of RNAs and RBPs.
Comprehensive Echocardiographic and Speckle Tracking Strain Analysis in Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis Patients before and after Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy
Authors: Roslan Aslannif Bin , Aris Faten A , Sin Tey Yee , Ashari Afif , Shaparudin Abdul A , Shah Wan Faizal W Rahimi , Jhung Lee Tjen , Beng Koh Hui , Aktifanus Ahmad Tantawi Jauhari , Nuruddin Amin Ariff
Published: November 2021

PurposePercutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy (PTMC) is the first line treatment for rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS). We sought to evaluate 1) changes in 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiographic and strain values and 2) differences in these values for patients in atrial fibrillation (AF) and sinus rhythm (SR) pre, immediately and 6 months post PTMC.MethodsRetrospective study of 136 patients who underwent PTMC between 2011 and 2021. We analyzed their 2D echocardiogram, Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS), Left Atrial Reservoir Strain (LAr-S) and Right Ventricle Free Wall Strain (RVFW-S) pre, immediately and 6 months post PTMC.ResultsAt 6 months, mitral valve area increases from 0.94 ± 0.23cm2 to 1.50 ± 0.42cm2. Ejection fraction (EF) did not change post PTMC (pre; 55.56 ± 6.62%, immediate; 56.68 ± 7.83%, 6 months; 56.28 ± 7.00%, p=0.218). Even though EF is preserved, GLS is lower pre-procedure; -11.52 ± 3.74% with significant improvement at 6 months; -15.16 ± 4.28% (p<0.001). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) improved at 6 months from 1.95 ± 0.43 to 2.11 ±0.49 (p=0.004). RVFW-S increases at 6 months from -17.37 ± 6.03% to -19.75 ± 7.19% (p<0.001). LAr-S improved from 11.23 ± 6.83% pre PTMC to 16.80 ± 8.82% at 6 months (p<0.001) post PTMC. Pre-procedure patients with AF have lower strain values (More LV, RV and LA dysfunction) with statistically significant difference for LAr-S (p < 0.001), GLS (p <0.001) and RVFW-S (p <0.001) than patients in SR.ConclusionPatients with severe rheumatic MS have subclinical left and right ventricle dysfunction despite preserved EF and relatively normal TAPSE with significant improvement seen at 6 months post PTMC. AF patients have lower baseline strain values than SR patients.
Effectiveness of ACB-IP 1.0 Universal Pathogen Free Concentrated Cocktail Convalescent Plasma in COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Hemsinlioglu Cansu , Pelit Nil Banu , Yalcin Koray , Gunaydin Omur Selin , Sahin Nihal Ozturk , Karagacli Esra Savas , Elibol Omer , Demir Sefa Onur , Safak Evren , Turan Raife Dilek , Celebi Goncagul , Kocaoglu Miyase Ezgi , Karakus Gozde Sir , Yurtsever Bulut , Tastan Cihan , Abanuz Selen , Cakirsoy Didem , Kancagi Derya Dilek , Torun Zeynep , Seyis Utku , Elek Muhammer , Zengin Rehile , Kocagoz Ayse Sesin , Cuhadaroglu Caglar , Birgen Nur , Ratip Siret , Ovali Ercument
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUNDThe efficacy of SARS-CoV2 single donor convalescent plasma (CP) varied according to the application time and the amount of antibody that is administered. Single donor CP has some drawbacks; such as the insufficient levels of neutralizing antibody activities, the requirements of blood group compatibility, and the risk of infection transmission. In this study, the safety and efficacy of pathogen inactivated, isohemagglutinin-depleted (concentrated) and pooled CP product was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODSA total of sixteen patients were treated with either single donor CP (N:9) or pathogen-free, concentrated, pooled CP (ACB-IP 1.0) (N:7).RESULTSFive out of six single donor plasma SARS-CoV2 antibody titers remained below 12 s/co, but the antibody titers of all ACB-IP 1.0 plasma were above 12 s/co. SARS-CoV2 total antibody titers of ACB-IP 1.0 plasma were statistically higher than the antibody titers of single donor CP. Mean total plasma neutralizing antibody activity of ACB-IP 1.0 plasma (1.5421) was found statistically higher than single donor CP (0.9642) in 1:256 dilution (ρ<0.01)The mortality rates of the patients treated with ACB-IP 1.0 plasma were statistically lower (p< 0.05) than the patients treated with single donor CP. The administration of either single donor CP or ACB-IP 1.0 plasma to the patients within eight days significantly shortened the length of hospitalization (ρ< 0.01).CONCLUSIONThe present study established ACB-IP 1.0 plasma product as a safe and potentially effective treatment for COVID-19, allowing rapid access to patients in need.TRIAL REGISTRATIONTrial Registration Number: NCT04769245Trial Registration Date: 17.03.2021
Key stakeholders’ views, experiences and expectations of patient and public involvement in healthcare professions’ education: a qualitative study
Authors: Cullen Megan , Cadogan Cathal , George Susmi , Murphy Siobhan , Freeney Siobhan , Fitzpatrick Robbie , Strawbridge Judith
Published: November 2021

Background
Patients and the public have an integral role in educating healthcare professionals. Authentic partnerships between higher education institutions and patients and the public are essential. This study examined key stakeholders’ views, experiences and expectations of patient and public involvement (PPI) including the nature of the involvement and requirements for partnership.
Methods
Purposive and snowball sampling was used to recruit key stakeholders, including patients and members of the public involved in health professions education, and academics interested in PPI. Focus groups were held with patient and public participants, providing the opportunity to gain multiple perspectives in an interactive group setting. Academics with an interest in PPI were interviewed using a semi-structured approach. Topic guides were derived from the literature and piloted prior to data collection. Focus groups and interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved. All data was audio-recorded, transcribed, anonymised and thematically analysed.
Results
Four focus groups were conducted involving 23 patient and public participants (median number of participants per focus group of 6). Nine interviews were conducted with academics (face-to-face [n=8] or by telephone [n=1]). Five themes were developed: previous experiences of PPI, training requirements, challenges/barriers to PPI, facilitators of PPI and future ideas for PPI. All participants held positive views of the value of PPI. Participants had mixed views in terms of training, which depended on the level of involvement, but similar views on the challenges and facilitators for PPI in education. There was agreement that PPI requires institutional vision and investment to build strong relationships and a culture of PPI best practice.
Conclusion
There is a need for more strategic and formal involvement of patients and the public to ensure that that PPI becomes sustainably embedded in health professions education.
Hydrometeorological Consequences on the Water Balance in the Ganga River System Under Changing Climatic Conditions using Land Surface Model
Authors: Hasan Mohd Sayeed Ul , Rai Abhishek Kumar
Published: November 2021

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) ensures adequately accessible water and management for all. Due to the rapid increase in population and industries along the Ganga river, it is necessary to estimate the water budget for fulfilling the demand for water in the future. The M-K test conducted on the Noah-Land Surface Model data for 72 years results in maximum declining trend of water budget in the Yamuna Lower (Q=-3.82BCM/year), and minimum in the Damodar sub-basin (Q=-0.10BCM/year). All the sub-basins show increase in groundwater level (mbgl) except the Kali Sindh, which shows decreasing trend (Q=-0.07 m/year). The extreme severe groundwater drought were estimated using Standard Groundwater Level Index (SGWLI), of the values for the Ram Ganga Confluence (SGWLI=2.44;2005), Upper stream of Gomti (SGWLI=2.06;2014), Ghaghra (SGWLI=2.22;2005), Ram Ganga (SGWLI=2.28;2005), Yamuna Lower (SGWLI=2.13;2007), Kali Sindh (SGWLI=2.30,2.67;2002,2003), Chambal Upper (SGWLI=2.30,2.20;2001,2003), Son (SGWLI=2.02;2010), Gandak (SGWLI=2.37;2010),Kosi (SGWLI=2.08;2012), Damodar (SGWLI=2.72;2010), and Bhagirathi (SGWLI=2.06;2014) were obtained for a period of 1996 to 2016 using a total of 62,050 observed well data.The obtained in-situ point data are converted into the surface raster using geostatistical technique. Our results show declining trend in the water budget of all the 19 sub-basin of the Ganga basin, and also the groundwater drought in several parts. Policy makers will benefit from our findings as they can use them to further UN Sustainable Development Goals such as ending poverty (SDG-1), hunger eradication (SDG-2), clean water & sanitation (SDG-6), socioeconomic development (SDG-8) and climate action (SDG-13) all of which must be accomplished before 2030.
Association of serum methionine metabolites with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tang Yi , Chen Xu , Chen Qian , Xiao Jinghe , Mi Jiaxin , Liu Qiannan , You Yiran , Chen Yuming , Ling Wenhua
Published: November 2021

Background
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is viewed as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Methionine metabolites have been linked to metabolic syndrome and its related diseases. Whether methionine metabolites levels are associated with NAFLD remains unclear. The study aimed to assess the association between methionine metabolites and NAFLD.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included a total of 2814 individuals aged 40–75 years old. All participants underwent anthropometric measurements, laboratory tests and abdominal ultrasonography. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association of methionine metabolites with NAFLD.
Results
Overall, 1446 with and 1368 without NAFLD were enrolled in this study. Participants with NAFLD had significantly higher serum S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) and homocysteine (Hcy) levels, and a lower S-adenosylmethionine/S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAM/SAH) ratio than those without NAFLD (all P < 0.001). After adjusting multiple confounders, odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence interval [CI]) for quartile 4 vs quartile 1 of SAH, Hcy and SAM/SAH ratio were 1.65 (1.27–2.14), 1.63 (1.26–2.12) and 0.63 (0.49–0.83), respectively (all P for trend < 0.01). In addition, serum SAH, Hcy levels and SAM/SAH ratio were significantly correlated with degree of hepatic steatosis (all P for trend < 0.001).
Conclusion
Elevated serum SAH, Hcy levels and lower SAM/SAH ratio were independently associated with the presence of NAFLD in middle-aged and elder Chinese.
Analyzing the Current English Language Teaching Materials in Line with the Academic and Professional Needs and Interests of Diploma Theology Students
Authors: Deressa Wakgari , Tefera Yohannes , Alemu Adege
Published: November 2021

The study aims to analyze the current English language teaching/learning materials in line with the academic and professional needs and interests of diploma theology students in some selected seminaries and theological colleges of Oromia. The study is a descriptive survey that makes use of a mixed-method approach. The data were collected using a questionnaire, interview, and content analysis. The participants of the study were second and third-year diploma theology students, former theology students, theology instructors, and EFL teachers in the seminaries and colleges. All the students were chosen using comprehensive sampling technique, and ten former theology students who were working as priests and evangelists using the snowball technique to fill out the questionnaire. EFL teachers and theology instructors were chosen for the interview. Additionally, the contents of three units of the current English language teaching materials’ were evaluated using the checklist. The study revealed that both students and EFL teachers perceived the teaching materials less assisting the students in their academic and professional contexts. Regarding problems that theology students had in using the English language were the background of the students, the inappropriateness of the teaching materials, the environment in which they grew up, and the ways they were selected for attending the program, which was not academic based but spirituality based. Based on the results of the contents analysis, the contents of the teaching materials hardly meet the needs and interests of diploma theology students. Finally, the researcher developed a sample unit (teaching/learning material) that can be used as a model.
Teamwork in medical education: are medical students team workers?
Authors: Boone Anke , Roelants Mathieu , Hoppenbrouwers Karel , Vandermeulen Corinne , Dubois Marc , Godderis Lode
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Despite the increasing importance of teamwork in healthcare, medical education still puts great emphasis on individual achievements. The purpose of this study is to examine medical students’ team role preferences, including the association with gender and specialty; and to provide implications for policy makers and medical educators. Methods. We used an exploratory methodology, following a repeated cross-sectional design. Data was collected from first year master students in medicine (n=2293) during five consecutive years (2016 – 2020). The Belbin Team Role Self Perception Inventory (BTRSPI) was used to measure medical students’ self-perceptions of their team role. Results. The Team Worker was the most preferred team role among medical students (35.8%), regardless of study year, gender or specialty. Female and male students had similar team role patterns, although female students scored higher on Team Worker (40.4% vs. 29.1%, p < 0.001) and Completer-Finisher (14.0% vs. 8.0%, p < 0.001). Conclusions. Our findings are encouraging due to the increased importance of interdisciplinary collaborations in healthcare. Nevertheless, policy makers and medical educators should prioritize teamwork skills at all stages (i.e. admission to residency) and levels (i.e. in the explicit and implicit curriculum) to ensure their continued development throughout the educational process.
Novel Polymeric Metal Complexes for Dye Sensitizer : Synthesis and Photovoltaic Performances
Authors: Zhang Houpeng , wu xianming , tian yong , wang kaixuan , tang shiyu , zhong chaofan
Published: November 2021

Four novel polymeric metal complexes with a D-A-π-A motif, BDTT-PY-Cd, BDTT-PY-Zn, BDTT-PY-Cu and BDTT-PY-Ni, were designed, synthesized and characterized. These polymeric metal complexes were made up with Cd(Ⅱ), Zn(Ⅱ), Cu(Ⅱ), Ni(Ⅱ) complexes, thienylbenzo-[1,2-b:4,5-b'] dithiophene (BDTT) and the 8-quinolinol derivative, which were used severally as dye sensitzers’ auxiliary electron acceptors (A), electron donor (D) and π bridges as well as the acceptors (A). Under AM 1.5 irradiation (100 mW cm-2), the devices of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) based on four polymer complexes exhibited short-circuit photocurrent densities (Jsc) of 17.45 mA cm-2, 14.75 mA cm-2, 13.94 mA cm-2, and 12.00 mA cm-2, as well as attractive power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of were 9.73 %, 8.02 %, 6.82 % and 6.12 %, respectively. The photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) and short-circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) of BDTT-PY-Cd, BDTT-PY-Zn, BDTT-PY-Cu and BDTT-PY-Ni decrease in order because the radius and charge number of the metal ion affect the strength of the coordination bond between the metal ion and the ligand. These results provides a new way of development for efficient and stable dye sensitizers in the future.
COVID-19 vaccination rates and SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women in Scotland
Authors: Stock Sarah , Carruthers Jade , Calvert Clara , Denny Cheryl , Donaghy Jack , Goulding Anna , Hopcroft Lisa , Hopkins Leeanne , McLaughlin Terry , Pan Jiafeng , Shi Ting , Taylor John , Agrawal Utkarsh , Auyeung Bonnie , Katikireddi Srinivasa , McCowan Colin , Murray Josie , Simpson Colin , Robertson Chris , Vasileiou Eleftheria , Sheikh Aziz , Wood Rachael
Published: November 2021

We describe SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Scotland in a prospective cohort of all pregnant women in Scotland drawn from national databases. As of mid-October 2021, the Covid-19 in pregnancy in Scotland (COPS) cohort included linked data on a total of 139,136 pregnancies in 126,749 women. Up to September 30, 2021, a total of 22,779 COVID-19 vaccinations had been administered to 16,229 pregnant women. Vaccine coverage was substantially lower in pregnant women than in the general female population of reproductive age (23.7% of women giving birth in September 2021 were fully vaccinated compared to 74.9 % in women 18-44 years). Of the 4,274 cases of COVID-19 in pregnancy (confirmed by SARS-CoV-2 viral reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) between December 2020 (the month the COVID-19 vaccination programme started in Scotland) and September 2021 inclusive, 629 women (14.7%) were admitted to hospital and 89 (2.1%) were admitted to critical care. Of the COVID-19 cases occurring in pregnant women, 81.7% (3,491/4,274; 95% CI 80.5-82.8) were in unvaccinated women. Of the COVID-19 associated hospital admissions, 93.0% (585/629; 95% CI 90.7-94.8) were in women who were unvaccinated at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis. Of the COVID-19 associated critical care admissions 98.9% (88/89; 95% CI 93.9-100) were in women who were unvaccinated at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis. The extended perinatal mortality rate for women who gave birth within 28 days of COVID-19 diagnosis was 15.9 per 1000 births (95% CI 7.8 to 31.0; background rate in 2020 6.3 per 1,000 total births [95% CI 5.7-7.1]; background rate 2019 5.7 per 1,000 total births [95% CI 5.0-6.4]). All baby deaths occurred after pregnancies in women who were unvaccinated at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis. Addressing low vaccine uptake rates in pregnant women is imperative to protect the health of women and babies.
Physical Impairments, Sensory Disturbance and Functional Ability in Cancer Patient With and Without Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms
Authors: Rattanakrong Nida , Promma Noppawan , Saraboon Chanatsupang , Waongenngarm Pooriput
Published: November 2021

ObjectiveThe present study examined the objective and patient-reported measures of physical impairments, sensory disturbance and functional ability between cancer patients with and without chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) symptoms.Methods41 cancer survivors exposed to neurotoxic chemotherapies were conveniently recruited and completed a single cross-sectional assessment of patient-reported outcomes (VAS for pain intensity and ABC scale) and objective assessments (SWM test, TUG test, 5xSTS test, Romberg test with eyes open and eyes closed, 6MWT, and FAB scale).ResultsCancer patients who had undergone chemotherapy with CIPN symptoms did significantly worse in the SWM test, TUG test, 5xSTS test, Romberg test with eyes closed, 6MWT, FAB scale, and ABC scale (p<0.05) when compared with cancer survivors without CIPN symptoms.Conclusion﻿Cancer survivors with CIPN symptoms have lower physical performance, sensory perception, and functional ability, which may increase the risk of falling and disability. These findings further emphasize the need for effective rehabilitation and interventions to treat CIPN symptoms and related physical impairment and functional deficits.
Propagation Properties of Vortex Cosine-Hyperbolic-Gaussian Beams Through Oceanic Turbulence
Authors: Lazrek Mohamed , Hricha Zoubir , Belafhal Abdelmajid
Published: November 2021

Based on the extended Huygens–Fresnel diffraction integral, the analytical expression of the average intensity for a vortex cosine hyperbolic-Gaussian beam (vChGB) propagating in oceanic turbulence is derived in detail. From the derived formula, the propagation properties of a vChGB in oceanic turbulence, including the average intensity distribution and the beam spreading are discussed with numerical examples. It is shown that oceanic turbulence influences strongly the propagation properties of the beam in the turbulent medium. The vChGB may propagate within shorter distance in weak oceanic turbulence by increasing the dissipation rate of mean-square temperature and the ratio of temperature to salinity fluctuation or by increasing the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy per unit mass of sea water. Meanwhile, the evolution properties of the vChGB in the oceanic turbulence are affected by the initial beam parameters, namely the decentered parameter b, the topological charge M, the beam waist width ω0 and the wavelength λ. The obtained results can be beneficial for applications in optical underwater communication and remote sensing domain, imaging, and so on.
HIV Continuum of Care Among People Who Inject Drugs in Iran
Authors: Ghalekhani Nima , Mirzazadeh Ali , Tavakoli Fatemeh , Mousavian Ghazal , Khezri Mehrdad , Zamani Omid , Mehmandoost Soheil , Haghdoost Ali Akbar , Sharifi Hamid
Published: November 2021

Background:People who inject drugs (PWID) are at higher risk for HIV and may have lower access to care and treatment services when infected. We aimed to assess the HIV continuum of care among PWID in Iran. Methods:We collected data from 2,663 PWIDwho self-reported injection drug use at least once during the past 12 months. They were recruited via respondent-driven sampling to a national bio-behavioral surveillance survey from 11 cities of Iran between June 2019 and March 2020. For participants who were tested positive for HIV in the survey, we asked questions to calculate the proportionwho were 1) aware of their HIV status, 2) linkage to HIV care, 3) initiated an HIV treatment anti-retroviral therapy (ART), 4) retention on ART and 5) virally suppressed (< 1000 copies/mL).Results:Out of 95 PWID were tested positive for HIV, 100% (95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 96,100%) reported that they were aware of their HIV positive status, 57% (95% CI: 46, 66%) were linked to an HIV care service and initiated ART, 49% (95% CI: 39, 59%) retained on ART and only 15% (95% CI: 8, 23%) had viral load less than 1000 cp/ml.Conclusion:Our results indicated that about half of the PWID diagnosed with HIVever started ART, and less than one in six were virally suppressed.Strategies to improve linkage to ART programs, and to improve ART retention and adherence may improve HIV care outcomes among PWID in Iran.
Determination of Genetic Diversity in European Cranberrybush(Viburnum opulus L.) Genotypes Based on Morphological, Phytochemical and ISSR Markers
Authors: yaman mehmet
Published: November 2021

Turkey's plant diversity varies considerably. Many of these plants are native and commercially grown. European Cranberrybush, which is among the fruit species grown economically in the country, is also of interest in terms of health. In this study, it was aimed to determine genetic diversity with morphological, molecular, and phytochemical markers in 24 different genotypes from Kayseri province, which has an important place in the production of European Cranberrybush in Turkey. The results show that wide variations were detected between genotypes in the morphological parameters. While the genotype G13 was the prominent genotype compared to other genotypes in leaf length (130.69 mm), leaf width (135.76 mm) and fruit length (10.01 mm), the range in fruit weights of genotypes varied between 0.16 g and 0.80 g. In ISSR marker analysis, a total of 73 scoreable bands were obtained from 11 different primers, and 44 of these bands were polymorphic bands. The average polymorphism rate in the study was 60.27%, and the similarity index of the genotypes varied between 0.77 and 0.95. Total flavonoid, total phenolic and total anthocyanin contents ranged from 106.28 mg CAE/100 g to 318.87 mg CAE/100 g, 451.23 mg GAE/100 g to 679.57 mg GAE/100 g, 21.36 mg cyn-3-gluc /100 g to 16.48 mg cyn-3-gluc /100 g, respectively. It is thought that the results of the study may be useful to plant breeders in terms of its development and preservation, as well as giving an opinion to the researchers in new studies to be carried out in the European Cranberry.