bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The development of a novel and powerful biosynthesis platform for expressing huperzine A for the Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wen-Xia Han , Zhong-Wen Han , Min Jia , Han Zhang , Wei-Ze Li , Li-Bin Yang , Fei Liang , Lu Han , Ning Zhao , Xiao-Feng Li
Published: May 2020

Background Huperzine A is an important drug for treating Alzheimer's disease and mainly extracted from the Huperzia serrata . Nevertheless, the content of Huperzine A in Huperzia serrata is very low of 0.007% with growing circle of 8 to 10 years, and the chemical synthesis of Huperzine A still has some insurmountable limitations in the industrialized production. So, the available resources of Huperzine A for clinical treatment of Alzheimer's disease are scarce. The purpose of this work was to construct a biosynthesis platform based on the endophytic fungi from Huperzia serrata . Methods Based on the morphological characteristics and nuclear ribosomal DNA ITS sequences of endophytic fungi to complete the strain identification. Combined alkaloid precipitation with acid dye colorimetry, thin layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis and inhibition activity of acetylcholinesterase determination model to determine the physicochemical properties of the biosynthetic products. Compare the biosynthetic HupA with the listed APIs of HupA by the test of AChE inhibition ability and cytotoxicity in vitro. Results In this work, five endophytic fungi Mucor racemosus NSH-D, Mucor fragilis NSY-1, Fusarium verticillioides NSH-5, Fusarium oxysporum NSG-1 and Trichoderma harzianum NSW-V were firstly found and isolated from the Chinese folk medicine Qian Ceng Ta ( Huperzia serrata (Thunb.) Trevis. (Lycopodiaceae)), which were identified according to their morphological characteristics and nuclear ribosomal DNA ITS sequences. These fungi could effectively biosynthesize huperzine A in liquid culture of 100-400 mg/L which were 1 000 times higher than that of other reported conventional endophytic fungi. Moreover, these fungi with higher hereditary stability could possess the initial express ability of HupA after 40 generations, and the expressed HupA from these biosynthesis systems has the prior physicochemical properties, better inhibition activity of acetylcholinesterase and lower cytotoxicity compared to the listed APIs of HupA. Conclusions These results indicate that the endophytic fungi in this work provide a promising alternative platform for producing HupA at industrial scale by biosynthesis for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Inequalities in stunting among under-five children in Tanzania: Decomposing the Concentration Indexes using Demographic Health Surveys from 2004/5 to 2015/6
Authors: Musheiguza Edwin , Mahande Michael Johnson , Msuya Sia E , Malamala Elias , Philemon Rune , Mgongo Melina
Published: May 2020

Background: Child stunting is a global health concern. It has consequences on child survival, growth, and development. The absolute level of stunting has been decreasing in Tanzania although the prevalence is still high (34%), varying across socioeconomic determinants with a larger burden among the disadvantaged group. Reduction of inequalities in stunting are very crucial as we aim to reduce stunting to 28% by 2021. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the trend, contributing factors and changes of inequalities in stunting among children aged 3 – 59 months from 2004 to 2016 Methodology: Data were drawn from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys. The dependent variable was stunting. The concentration index was used to quantify the magnitude of inequalities in stunting for each year. In order to get the contribution of each determinant on the inequality in stunting, the concentration index was decomposed by using the Wagstaff and Watanabe decomposition methods of the concentration index. Results: Inequalities in stunting insignificantly declined from -0.019 (p<0.001) in 2004 to -0.018 (p<0.001) in 2010 and then to -0.0096 (p<0.001). Disparities in the distribution of wealth index (mean contribution > 84.7%) and maternal years of schooling (mean contribution > 22.4%) increased the levels of inequalities in stunting in all survey years. Rural-urban differences reduced inequalities in stunting although its contribution changed over time. Conclusion: Inequalities in stunting declined, differentials in wealth index and maternal education had increased contribution on the levels of inequalities. To significantly reduce the larder burden of stunting among the disadvantaged groups, initiatives should be embarked on distribution of social services like water, health infrastructures and education.
Home health aides’ experiences of their occupational health: a qualitative meta-synthesis
Authors: Grasmo Sunniva Grønoset , Liaset Ingeborg Frostad , Redzovic Skender Elez
Published: May 2020

Objective: The need for home care services is rapidly growing due to an increasing elderly population, earlier discharge from hospital and clients’ preference of being treated at home. While this need increases, there is high sickness absence among home health aides, and research show that home health aides have one of the highest probabilities of being granted a disability pension. A high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders has been reported in occupations with physically demanding work, and this aspect is a major health problem among home health aides. Studies have shown that home health aides find their work stressful, physically demanding and exhausting. The objectives of this study were to summarise peer-reviewed literature on how home health aides experience their occupational health and conduct an ethnographic meta-synthesis with the aim of identifying and describing key concepts across studies. Methods: A qualitative ethnographic meta-synthesis was used to develop new insights into home health aides’ occupational experiences. By using this method, we directed attention to the interpretation of studies, development of concepts and expansion and specification of theories that concern these concepts. The first author conducted searches in the electronic databases CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsycINFO. Results: This meta-synthesis includes 27 articles. The review of these sources identified four key concepts as important to gain an understanding of occupational health among home health aides: exposure to physical demands , physical environmental factors , organisational conditions of employment and psychosocial working environment . Conclusion: The findings in this synthesis are consistent with previous research showing that occupational health among home health aides is a complex phenomenon. Specifically, physical, psychosocial and psychological exposure aspects have potential negative and positive effects on home health aides’ occupational health. In order to increase employee’s well-being, create a healthier workplace that provides well-functioning and high-quality home care services and cope with future health challenges, more investigations into the organisation of home care are needed.
Immune modulation of macrophage response by Cordyceps militaris extracts
Authors: Choi Seoyoon , Song Ahran , Park Yoonjin , Kim Jinkwan , Kim Boyong , Lee Seunggwan
Published: May 2020

Backgrounds: Cordyceps militaris is a well-known medicinal fungus. Cordycepin, a metabolite of this fungus, has strong biological activities against leukemia, oxidative stress, aging, tumors, and inflammation. Methods: HPLC analysis was conducted to measure the content of corydycepin in the extract. Real time PCR was performed to evaluate the cytokines. Immunoactivity including the polarization, phagocytic activity and cellular differentiations were evaluated by flow cytometry. Results: The yields of cordycepin and adenosine in the extract were 11.75 µg and 1.25 µg (per gram fresh mycelium), respectively. From measurements of the bioactivity in the extract, the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in macrophages treated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were found to be approximately 4 and 48 times higher than those in the control, as shown by qRT-PCR. However, cells treated with 1 µg/mL of the extract showed 13 and 10-fold lower TNF-α and IL-1β levels when compared to LPS-treated cells. This was corroborated by flow-cytometry, where their levels were 20 and 14 times lower, respectively. Addition of the extract to LPS-treated cells enhanced M2 polarization and attenuated M1 polarization. In addition, the extract also dose-dependently activated macrophage phagocytosis. Under treatment with the extract conditioned medium, DCs were strongly differentiated toward CD11b+ and Xcr1+ cells as their density were 13.6 and 6.26 times higher than those in the LPS conditioned medium, respectively. Moreover, the number of Treg and NKT cells differentiated in the extract conditioned medium were increased about 1.67 and 6.73 times than those in the LPS conditioned medium, respectively. Conclusions: These results suggest that the C. militaris hydrolytic extract has strong effects on the modulation of immune actors, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, under inflammatory stress.
Factors Enabling Women to Attend Health Facility Delivery in Gullele Sub City, Addis Ababa Ethiopia, A Qualitative study
Authors: Negash Mikias , Haile Bizuwork
Published: May 2020

Background: Maternal mortality is the leading cause of death among women of reproductive age in most of the developing world. Globally, an estimated 300,000 women die as a result of Complications related with pregnancy each year. Health facility delivery is one of the recommended approaches in order to reduce maternal and child mortality rates. Understanding the reasons for choosing institutional delivery helps achieving universal coverage. Methods: a qualitative study design was implemented to collect the required data from pregnant women in Gullele sub-city of Addis Ababa. Data was collected using semi-structured interview guide questions based on predefined themes. The data was then transcribed in Amharic then translated to English and coded based on the themes using NVivo Version 10. Result: a total of 19 women were interviewed and the result showed that awareness about institutional delivery, providers /professionals/ approach, accessibility and availability of materials at health facilities, fear of delivery complication recalling friends or families previous experience, lack of trust on traditional birth attendant and free of charge delivery services at institution level were mentioned as the most important factors for choosing institutional delivery. On the other hand, fear of exposing body to unfamiliar persons, previous normal delivery at home, negligence by health professionals and fear of students who practice at the health institutions were regarded as impeding factors to attend institutional delivery. Conclusion: provider approach, provision of respectful and supportive care, awareness about institutional delivery were among the main factors, so proper counseling of mothers and partners about the importance of health facility delivery, good communication, interactive approach to mothers, awareness creation and linking mothers to health facility for delivery by health extension workers should be improved. Key words: - Health facility delivery, traditional birth attendant, enabling factors, skilled delivery
The Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy Rating Scale (INAD-RS)
Authors: Atwal Paldeep , Midei Mark , Adams Darius , Fay Alexander , Heerinckx Frederic , Milner Peter
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveTo create and validate a clinical outcome assessment for Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (INAD)BackgroundINAD is an autosomal recessive neurogenetic disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in PLA2G6. The downstream enzyme, iPLA2, plays a critical role in cell membrane homeostasis by helping to regulate levels of phospholipids. The clinical presentation occurs between 6 months and 3 years with global developmental regression, hypotonia, and progressive spastic tetraparesis. Progression is often rapid, resulting in severe spasticity, visual impairment, and cognitive decline, with many children not surviving past the first decade of life. To date, no accepted tool for assessing the severity of INAD exists; other commonly used scales (e.g. CHOP-INTEND, Modified Ashworth, Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale) do not accurately gauge the current severity of INAD, nor are they sensitive/specific enough to monitor disease progression. Finally, these other scales are not appropriate, because they do not address the combination of CNS, peripheral nerve, and visual pathology that occurs in children with INADDesign/MethodsWe have developed and validated a structured neurological examination for INAD (scored out of 80). The examination includes five main categories of pediatric developmental evaluation: 1) gross motor-and-truncal-stability skills, 2) fine motor skills, 3) bulbar function, 4) ocular function, 5) temporo-frontal function, and a functional evaluation of the autonomic nervous system. A cohort of patients diagnosed with INAD were followed prospectively to validate the score against disease severity and disease progression.ResultsWe show significant correlation between the total neurological assessment score and months since symptom onset with a statistically significant (p = 6.7 × 10− 07) correlation between assessment score and disease onset. As hypothesized, the coefficient of months-since-symptom-onset is strongly negative, indicating a negative correlation between total score and months since symptom onset.ConclusionWe have developed and validated a novel neurological assessment score in INAD that demonstrates strong correlation with disease severity and disease progression.
Geographic location of health facility and immunization program performance in Hoima district, western Ugandan
Authors: Kwikiriza Nicholas Magambo , Bajunirwe Francis , Bagenda Fred
Published: May 2020

Background Globally immunization coverage for childhood vaccines is below the immunization target of achieving at least 90% coverage with the pentavalent vaccine. In Uganda, a recent survey shows 80% of districts had poor immunization program performance. However, there is significant variation in performance within and between districts. We hypothesized that geographic location of health facility may influence performance of their immunization programs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether geographical location of health facility within a district is associated with performance of the immunization program in Hoima district, western Uganda.Methods We conducted a cross sectional study using a mixed methods approach. The study unit was a health center and we interviewed health workers in-charge of the facilities and reviewed their health facility records. We reviewed the Uganda Health Management Information System (HMIS) 105 reports of six months to obtain data on immunization program performance. Performance was categorized using World Health Organization’s Reach Every District (RED) criteria and classified as poor if a facility fell in category 3 or 4 and good if 1 or 2. We also conducted key informant interviews with immunization focal persons in the district. We examined the association between dependent and independent variables using Fisher’s exact test.Results We collected data at 49 health facilities. Most of the health units (55.1%) had poor immunization program performance. Proximal location to the central district headquarters was significantly associated with poor immunization program performance (p < 0.05). Inadequate commitment and competing interests of health workers in the more urban areas were suggested as possible explanations.Conclusions Proximal location to the urban setting near district headquarters was strongly associated with poor immunization program performance. To be able to reach larger numbers of children for vaccination, interventions to improve performance should target health facilities in urban settings.
Enhanced pyruvate metabolism in plastids by overexpression of plastidial pyruvate transporter in Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Seo Seungbeom , Kim Joon , Lee Jun-Woo , Nam Onyou , Chang Kwang Suk , Jin EonSeon
Published: May 2020

BackgroundThe development of microalgal strains for enhanced biomass and biofuel production has received increased attention. Moreover, strain development via metabolic engineering for commercial production is being considered as the most efficient strategy. Pyruvate is an essential metabolite in the cells and plays an essential role in amino acid biosynthesis and de novo fatty acid biosynthesis in plastids. Although pyruvate can be a valuable target for metabolic engineering, its transporters have rarely been studied in microalgae. In this study, we aimed to identify the plastidial pyruvate transporter of Phaeodactylum tricornutum and utilize it for strain development.ResultsWe identified pyruvate transporter localized in the plastid membrane of Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Transformants overexpressing the pyruvate transporter were generated to increase the influx of pyruvate into plastids. Overexpression of a plastidial pyruvate transporter in P. tricornutum resulted in enhanced biomass (13.6% to 21.9%), lipid contents (11% to 30%), and growth (3.3% to 8.0%) compared to those of wild type during one-stage cultivation.ConclusionTo regulate the pyruvate influx and its metabolism in plastids, we generated transformants overexpressing the plastidial pyruvate transporter in P. tricornutum. They showed that compartmentalizing pyruvate in plastids could be an attractive strategy for the effective production of biomass and lipids with better growth, via enhanced pyruvate metabolism in plastids.
Ultrastructural alterations in Plasmodium falciparum induced by chalcone derivatives
Authors: Sinha Shweta , Radotra B.D. , Medhi Bikash , Batovska Daniela , Markova Nadezhda , Sehgal Rakesh
Published: May 2020

Objective Chalcones (1, 3-diaryl-2-propen-1-ones) and its derivatives are widely explored from the past decade for its antimalarial activity. To elucidate their mechanism of action on the malaria parasite, the ultrastructural changes with the action of these derivatives in different organelles of the parasite were studied in vitro. Infected RBCs (CQ sensitive (MRC-2) and CQ resistant (RKL-9) Plasmodium strain) were treated with three chalcone derivatives 2, 6 and 7 and standard drugs, i.e., CQ and artemisinin at twice their respective IC50 values for 24 h and then harvested, washed, fixed, embedded and stained to visualize ultra-structure changes before and after intervention of treatment under in vitro condition through transmission electron microscope.Results The ultrastructural changes demonstrate the significant disturbance of all parasite membranes, including those of the nucleus, mitochondria and food vacuole, in association with a marked reduction of ribosomes in the trophozoites and cessation of developing schizonts which suggest multiple mechanisms of action by which chalcone derivatives act on the malaria parasite. The present study opens up perspectives for further exploration of these derivatives in vivo malaria model to discover more about its effect and mechanism of action.
Development of a self-limiting model of Methotrexate-induced mucositis reinforces butyrate as a potential therapy
Authors: Ferreira Ana Rita da Silva , Aa Stijn A.J. van der , Wehkamp Tjalling , Wardill Hannah R. , Klooster Jean Paul Ten , Garssen Johan , Harthoorn Lucien F. , Hartog Anita , Harmsen Hermie J.M. , Tissing Wim J.E. , Bergenhenegouwen Jeroen van
Published: May 2020

Background: Gastrointestinal mucositis remains a significant complication of anticancer treatment, with limited anti-mucositis interventions. Currently, there are few validated in vitro systems suitable to study the mechanisms of mucosal injury. Therefore, we aimed to develop and characterize a chemotherapeutic-induced model of mucositis using 3D intestinal organoids. Methods: Organoids derived from mouse ileum were grown for 7 days and incubated with different concentrations of the chemotherapeutic agent methotrexate (MTX), ranging from 0-1000 ng/ml. Metabolic activity, citrulline levels and cytokine/chemokine production were measured to determine the optimal dosage and incubation time. To link the model to clinical practices, the protective effects of folinic acid on the toxicity of MTX were investigated by pre-treating organoids with (0.0005-50 µg/mL) folinic acid. Given the impact of microbial-derived short-chain fatty acids in epithelial health, we also evaluated the impact of short-chain fatty acid supplementation on MTX toxicity in the organoid model. Results: MTX treatment caused a dose-dependent reduction in cell metabolic activity and citrulline production. Folinic acid treatment reduced MTX toxicity when applied simultaneously or up to 24 hours after treatment. Supplementation of the growth medium with butyrate reduced MTX toxicity. Analysis of organoid gene expression suggests that butyrate may reduce intracellular MTX concentrations by increasing the expression of MTX transporters, including the ABCC1 transporter.Conclusion: MTX causes significant organoid damage, which can be reversed upon removal of MTX. The specific readouts and the protective effects of folinic acid suggest that the model is clinically relevant, and can be used in the future to study mucositis, diminishing the need for animal models. By using the model for intervention, it was found that prophylactic treatment with butyrate might be a valuable strategy for prophylactic mucositis prevention.
Symptoms at disease onset predict prognosis in COVID-19 disease
Authors: Zhou Aiyuan , Peng Yating , Price David R , Peng Hong , Liao Xin , Huang Peng , Liu Wenlong , Xiang Zhi , Liu Qimi , Jiang Mingyan , Xiang Xudong , Guo Peipei , Deng Dingding , Chen Ping
Published: May 2020

Background: The main clinical manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) onset are respiratory symptoms, including cough, sputum and dyspnea. However, a significant proportion of patients initially manifested extra-respiratory symptoms, such as fever, myalgia and diarrhea. Here we compared the different characteristics and outcomes between the patients with respiratory symptoms and extra-respiratory symptoms at illness onset.Methods: The patients admitted to the respiratory departments from eight hospitals out of Wuhan with nucleic acid-positive of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) were recruited. Epidemiological information, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and radiological characteristics, treatment regimens and outcomes data were recorded and analyzed.Results: The median age of the recruited 541 subjects was 43 years (IQR, 33-55). Of the 541 subjects, 404 (74.5%) subjects had initial symptom that were respiratory, while 137 (25.5%) subjects had extra-respiratory symptoms. Respiratory COVID-19 subjects had more secondary bacterial infections (p<0.001), needed the intensive care unit more (p=0.005), non-invasive ventilation more (p=0.004), developed ARDS more (p=0.001) and needed longer to recover (p=0.003) compared to predominately extra-respiratory COVID-19 subjects. The multivariate model showed that age (OR = 1.04, p = 0.01) dyspnea (OR = 4.91, p < 0.001) and secondary bacterial infection (OR = 19.8, p < 0.001) were independently associated with development of ARDS among COVID-19 patients.Conclusion: we identify COVID-19 subjects with dyspnea at disease onset have worse prognosis. We also demonstrate age and secondary bacterial infections to be independently associated with ARDS development in subjects with COVID-19.
Does physiotherapy applied in conjunction with compression brace treatment in patients with pectus carinatum have efficacy? A randomized controlled study
Authors: ALACA Nuray , ALACA İhsan , Yüksel Mustafa
Published: May 2020

Background Non-invasive treatment of pectus carinatum (PC) deformity includes the use of a compression brace and exercises. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of a physiotherapy protocol applied as adjunct to compression brace treatment in patients with PC.Methods The study included 30 male patients between 11–18 years of age. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: a brace treatment only group (Group 1) and a brace and physiotherapy group (Group 2). Patient demographics and disease related properties, protrusion measurements, postural evaluations, deformity perceptions, life quality and treatment satisfaction were evaluated (before and after 12 weeks).Results Although both groups showed improvements based on external chest measurements related to PC protrusion following treatment (p < 0.001), Group 2 had more benefit from the treatment (effect size > 0.36) and displayed greater improvement in maximum protrusion degree and lateral length values (p < 0.05). Additionally, we found that patient perception of deformity, posture, psychological life quality, and treatment satisfaction scores were significantly better in Group 2 (p < 0.05).Conclusion Owing to the satisfaction and additional benefits observed in the physiotherapy group, we think a proper cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal exercise program should be applied concurrently with brace treatment for patients with PC deformity. Nevertheless, long- term outcomes need to be clarified in future studies.Trial registration:The study was approved by the ethics committee (ATADEK-2019-14/11) and retrospectively registered as a clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04167800, 20 November 2019)
Identification of genomic alterations of perineural invasion in patients with stage II colorectal cancer
Authors: Su Hao , Chang Chen , Hao Jiajie , Xu Xin , Bao Mandula , Luo Shou , Zhao Chuanduo , Wang Xishan , Liu Qian , Zhou Zhixiang , Zhou Haitao
Published: May 2020

Background The molecular mechanism of perineural invasion (PNI) in stage Ⅱ colorectal cancer (CRC) remains not to be defined clearly. This study aims to identify the genomic aberrations related to PNI in stage Ⅱ CRC.Methods Using array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH), primary tumor tissues and paracancerous normal tissues of stage Ⅱ CRC from 5 patients with PNI and 5 patients without PNI were analyzed. We also identified genomic aberrations by using Genomic Workbench and MD-SeeGH. Furthermore, Gene ontology (GO) and Pathway analysis for these array-CGH data was performed to determine the most likely biological effects of these genes.Results The most frequent gains in stage Ⅱ CRC were at 7q11.21-q11.22, 8p11.21, 8p12-p11.23, 8q11.1-q11.22, 13q12.13-q12.2, and 20q11.21-q11.23 and the most frequent losses were at 17p13.1-p12, 8p23.2, and 118q11.2-q23. Four high-level amplifications at 8p11.23-p11.22, 18q21.1, 19q11-q12, and 20q11.21-q13.32 and homozygous deletions at 20p12.1 were discovered in Stage II CRC. Gains at 7q11.21-q22.1, 16p11.2, 17q23.3-q25.3, 19p13.3-p12, and 20p13-p11.1, and losses at 11q11-q12.1, 11p15.5-p15.1, 18p11.21, and 18q21.1-q23 were more commonly found in patients with PNI by frequency plot comparison together with detailed genomic analysis. It is also observed that gains at 8q11.1-q24.3, 9q13-q34.3, and 13q12.3-q13.1, and losses at 3q26.1, 8p23.3-p12, 17p13.3-p11.2, and 21q22.12 occurred more frequently in patients without PNI. GO and Pathway analysis revealed that the genes in two groups were enriched in specific pathways.Conclusions These involved genomic changes in the PNI of stage Ⅱ CRC will contribute to reveal the mechanisms underlying PNI and provide candidate biomarkers.
Leishmanicidal effects of resveratrol and its derivatives: a systematic review and meta-Analysis
Authors: Dashatan Nasrin Amiri , Ashrafmansouri Marzieh , Koushki Mehdi , Ahmadi Nayebali
Published: May 2020

Background

Leishmaniasis is one of the most important health problems worldwide. The evidence has suggested that resveratrol and its derivatives have anti-leishmanial effects; however, the results are inconsistent and inconclusive. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of resveratrol and its derivatives on the Leishmania viability through a systematic review and meta-analysis of available relevant studies.
Methods

The electronic databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus were queried between October 2000 and April 2020 using a comprehensive search strategy. The eligible articles selected and data extraction conducted by two reviewers. Mean differences of IC50 (concentration leading to reduction of 50% of Leishmania) for each outcome was calculated using random-effects models. Sensitivity analyses and prespecified subgroup were conducted to evaluate potential heterogeneity and the stability of the pooled results. Publication bias was evaluated using the Egger’s and Begg’s tests. We also followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for this review.
Results

Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. We observed that RSV and its derivatives had significant reducing effects on Leishmania viability in promastigote [24.02 µg/ml; (95% CI 17.1, 30.8); P < 0.05; I2 = 99.8%; P heterogeneity = 0.00] and amastigote [18.3 µg/ml; (95% CI 13.5, 23.2); P < 0.05; I2 = 99.6%; P heterogeneity = 0.00] stages of Leishmania. A significant publication bias was observed in the meta-analysis. Sensitivity analyses showed a similar effect size while reducing the heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis indicated that the pooled effects of leishmanicidal of resveratrol and its derivatives were affected by type of stilbenes and Leishmania species.
Conclusions

Our findings clearly suggest that the strategies for the treatment of leishmaniasis should be focused on natural products such as RSV and its derivatives. Further study is needed to identify the mechanisms mediating this protective effects of RSV and its derivatives in leishmaniasis.
Exploitation of siderophore producing bacteria Acinetobacter soli (MTCC-5918) for lipids and reactive oxygen species in Chlorella variabilis (ATCC- PTA 12198) through co-cultivation
Authors: Rajapitamahuni Soundarya , Bachani Pooja , Bharadwaj Vamsi , Mishra Sandhya
Published: May 2020

Background

Increased iron uptake via siderophores triggers a series of physiological processes and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which causes damage to proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, resulting into micro algal cell lysis. Moreover, there are reports mentioning oxidative stress is a mediator for increased lipid accumulation in microalgae. The main aim of this study is co-cultivation of the bacteria Acinetobacter soli (MTCC- 5918) and the microalgae Chlorella variabilis (ATCC-PTA 12198) under iron limiting conditions and the threshold value of iron that trigger oxidizing stress to microalgae. Further, the ROS generation in the microalgae C. variabilis was determined in terms of OH, SO2 and H2O2 concentration in the cells while co-cultivation.
Results

The co-cultured biomass contains (45.92 ± 0.74%) lipid content which was about 21% higher than that of the axenically grown microalgae. Carbohydrate content also increased to 40% than that of the control culture. Oxidative stress is a mediator for increased lipid accumulation in microalgae. As growth inhibition triggered due to the generation of high ROS toxicity during iron deficiency an increase in concentration of OH and H2O2 content was observed. In iron sufficient medium ash content of co-cultivated microalgae showed 32% and in iron deficient medium showed 14.23% which shows 44% decrease of ash content. Our novel approach significantly outperforms the involvement of different reactive oxygen species (ROS) in induction and in regulation of chelator release from cells at adequate Fe supply, which is also affecting the growth,lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, pigments, etc.
Conclusions

The findings of the present study highlights that oxidative stress is a mediator for increased lipid accumulation in microalgae that simultaneously becomes an alternative strategy for the improvement of biofuel potential in C. variabilis. The study portraysthe significance of co-cultivation of A. soli and C. variabilis induced oxidative stress (ROS generation) in microalgae caused due to higher uptake of iron via siderophore
Optical properties of doping electrochromic M0.125W0.875O3 (M=Mo, Nb, Ta, Ti, V): A first-principles study
Authors: Cui Yuanyuan , Wang Qinfan , Liu Bin , Gao Yanfeng
Published: May 2020

Tungsten trioxide (WO3) is a representative electrochromic material that can change their optical properties under the action of a voltage pulse and has attracted great interest in the applications of energy efficient windows. Models of various W0.125M0.875O3 and LixM0.125W0.875O3 (M=Mo, Nb, Ta, Ti, V) were built to simulate the bleached and colored state of WO3 materials by first-principles calculations, respectively. The calculations show that doping systems of LixM0.125W0.875O3 (M= Nb, Ta, V) lead to an enhancement of the modulation efficiency in invisible light and a decrease in the modulation efficiency in near infrared region (NIR). Ti doping boosts an excellent high efficiency of NIR modulation, while no modulation was observed in the visible light region. Mo doping remarkably promotes the coloration efficiency in both NIR and visible regions. The specific characteristics of doped WO3 systems deserve more exploration of their application in green house or thermal modulation smart window.
Performance of PURE-LAMP to Detect Declining Prevalence of Malaria in Haiti
Authors: VINCENT Jeanne Perpétue , Existe Alexandre Valcena , Komaki-Yasuda Kanako , Boncy Jacques , Kano Shigeyuki
Published: May 2020

Background Malaria continues to cause burden in various parts of the world. Endemic countries are developing schemes to end this nuisance in accordance with the World Health Organization’s Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030. Haiti, a Caribbean country, is among those aiming to eliminate malaria within a few years. Two surveys were conducted in Haiti in the summers of 2017 and 2018, respectively, during which we aimed to evaluate the performance of the simple and rapid PURE-LAMP (procedure for ultra-rapid extraction–loop-mediated isothermal amplification) method with dried blood spots as an alternative diagnostic method for malaria in the context of low to very low rates of transmission.Methods Febrile and asymptomatic subjects were recruited from three administrative divisions within Haiti. Their blood samples were tested by microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests (RDT), PURE-LAMP and nested PCR to detect Plasmodium infection. The positive rates for the two study periods as determined by the different methods were compared. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and kappa statistics were estimated with the nested PCR results as the gold standard.Results Among 1074 samples analyzed, a positive rate of 8.3% was calculated based on the nested PCR results. Among symptomatic subjects, the rates in 2017 and 2018 were 14.6% and 1.4%, respectively. Three positives were detected among 172 asymptomatic participants in 2018 by PURE-LAMP and nested PCR, and all three were from the same locality. No asymptomatic subjects were recruited in 2017. The PURE-LAMP, RDT and microscopy had respective sensitivities of 100%, 85.4% and 49.4%. All of the testing methods had specificities over 99%.Conclusion The prevalence of malaria was found to have substantially decreased in 2018 in Haiti. A specific focus of infection appeared to require intervention with a sensitive malaria diagnostic method and treatment. This study confirmed the high performance of the PURE-LAMP method with dried blood spots and recommends its use in targeted mass screening and treatment activities in low endemic areas of malaria.
Emergency Department Utilization of Case Managed Patients Following Benign Gynecologic Surgery
Authors: Kelly Elizabeth A. , Keller Cara C. , Sax Megan R , Rossi Rocco A.
Published: May 2020

Background Case management has been shown to reduce the amount of unnecessary emergency department visits among Medicaid or uninsured patients. This study aims to determine whether case management is associated with decreased unnecessary emergency department visits among benign gynecology surgical patients in the first thirty days following surgery.Results Out of 875 patients, there were a total of 58 return visits to the Emergency Department within thirty days and only 6 readmissions. Twenty-four emergency department visits occurred in the case managed group and thirty-eight emergency department visits occurred in the non-case managed group. The two factors that were statistically significant for increase odds of return to the emergency department were type of surgery (inpatient versus outpatient) and case management. The odds for returning to the Emergency Department for those not receiving case management was found to be 4.53 that of the case managed group when controlling for BMI, age, marital status, and type of surgery.Conclusion In an effort to reduce healthcare costs, case management is a promising intervention to help postoperative patients manage their care while minimizing emergency department visits.
Correlation between serum uric acid level and central body fat distribution in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zong Jing , Sun Yi , Zhang Yiqian , Yuan Jin , Wang Xinlei , Zhang Rongping , Zhao Xiaoqin , Zhao Xuying , Gu Yunjuan
Published: May 2020

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between serum uric acid level and central body fat distribution in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Methods A total of 867 patients with T2DM were enrolled. Measurements of central fat distribution were obtained by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Patients were stratified into three groups according to their levels of serum uric acid (SUA). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the association between SUA and central body fat distribution. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the risk factors for hyperuricemia (HUA). Mediation analysis was applied to assess the overall, direct, and indirect mediators of SUA levels.Results Multiple linear regression analysis showed that SUA levels were significantly positively correlated with waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue(SAT), Android fat mass, Gynoid fat mass, fasting c-peptide (F-CP), and area under the curve of C-peptide (P < 0.05 for all). VAT [odds ratio (OR), 2.367; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.078–5.197; P < 0.001)], WC (OR, 1.041; 95% CI, 1.011–1.072; P < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein (OR, 0.274; 95% CI, 0.104–0.727; P < 0.001), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR, 0.966; 95% CI, 0.959–0.973; P < 0.001) were found to be independent risk factors for T2DM patients with HUA. After mediation analysis, BMI and central obesity were found to have different partial effects on the association between SUA and F-CP (P < 0.001).Conclusions In patients with T2DM, HUA was positively correlated with F-CP and central body fat distribution, especially VAT. These results suggest that central obesity may play a role in the positive correlation between HUA and insulin resistance (IR).
Wire Arc Additive Manufactured CuMn13Al7 High-Manganese Aluminium Bronze
Authors: Guo Chun , Hu Bai-Song , Wei Bao-Li , Chen Feng
Published: May 2020

In this work, high-manganese aluminium bronze CuMn13Al7 samples were prepared by arc additive manufacturing technology. The phase composition, microstructure, and crystal structure of the high-manganese aluminium bronze CuMn13Al7 arc additive manufactured samples were analysed using direct-reading spectrometer, metallographic microscope, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. The micro-hardness tester, tensile tester, impact tester, and electrochemical workstation were also used to test the performance of the CuMn13Al7 samples. By studying the microstructure and properties of the CuMn13Al7 samples, it was found that preparation of the samples by the arc additive manufacturing technology ensured good forming quality, almost no defects, and good metallurgical bonding inside the sample. The metallographic structure (α + β + point phase) mainly comprises the following: the metallographic structure in the equiaxed grain region has an obvious grain boundary α; the metallographic structure in the remelting region has no obvious grain boundary α; the thermal influence on the metallographic structure produced a weaker grain boundary α than the equiaxed grain region. The transverse and longitudinal cross sections of the sample had uniform microhardness distributions, and the average microhardness values were 190.5 HV0.1 and 192.7 HV0.1, respectively. The sample also had excellent mechanical properties: yield strength of 301 MPa, tensile strength of 633 MPa, elongation of 43.5%, reduction of area by ​​58%, Charpy impact value of 68 J at –20 ℃, and dynamic potential polarisation curve test results. Further, it was shown that the average corrosion potential of the sample was –284.5 mV, and the average corrosion current density was 4.1 × 10–3 mA/cm2.
ATO /miRNA-885-5p/MTPN axis induced reversal of drug-resistance in cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Yuting , Zhang Wen , Chen Lin , Chen Wei , Xu Shufen , Tang Lingyu , Yang Yang , Li Quanpeng , Jiang Qi , Miao Lin
Published: May 2020

Backgroud:

In recent years, the incidence of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) has increased, and it has become the second most malignant tumor of the hepatobiliary system. Chemotherapy has become the main treatment for cholangiocarcinoma due to its difficulty in diagnosis and rapid progress. Primary drug resistance is the main reason for the poor efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs.
Methods

Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR assays were used to detect the expression levels of myotrophin (MTPN) and microRNA-885-5p(miR-885-5p) in CCA tissues and cells; Cell viabilities treated with arsenic trioxide (ATO), 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) and cisplatin (CDDP) were analyzed by a CCK-8 kit. Luciferase reporter assay detected the relationship between miR-885-5p and MTPN. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed survival time curve.
Results

We found that ATO can reduce the resistance of CCA cells to 5-Fu and CDDP and promote the killing effect of 5-Fu and CDDP. Low-dose ATO played an anti-drug-resistance role through up-regulating the expression of miR-885-5p. Combined with sequencing results and database prediction, we found that MTPN was a direct target gene of miR-885-5p. The sensitivity of CCA cells to 5-Fu and CDDP was increased after MTPN was knocked out. After MTPN knockout, the sensitivity of cholangiocarcinoma cells to 5-FU and CDDP was increased. ATO can reverse chemotherapy resistance induced by overexpression of MTPN.
Conclusions

Our study suggests that the ATO/miR-885-5p/MTPN axis is a potential therapeutic strategy for improving the sensitivity of CCA to chemotherapy.
Similarity Measurement of the Geometry Variation Sequence of Intermediate Process Model
Authors: Li Chunlei , Li Liang , Wang Xiaoye
Published: May 2020

The reuse of machining process, by which the process for a new mechanical part is determined by referencing to the existing and matured processes, is an effective way of improving manufacturing and supporting innovation. To conduct the effective reuse it is necessary to express and retrieve a specific process. A kernel technique of the expression and the retrieval is to measure the similarity of part’s geometry variation during the machining. To address this problem, a general framework of measuring the similarity between parts is proposed in this work. The geometry variation sequence of intermediate process model is established, and then a method to measure its similarity is invented. Two case studies are rendered and the result reveals that the proposed method is effective and can provide the support for the process retrieval and reuse in industry.
MWCNTs - Ni-Cu NPs @ a-C:H thin films: Study of relation between the average diameters of CNTs with optical density and topological characterizations
Authors: Goudarzi Samira , Dalouji Vali
Published: May 2020

In this paper, Ni-Cu NPs @ a-C:H thin films with different content of cooper by co-deposition of RF-sputtering and RF-plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RF-PECVD) were prepared from acetylene gas and Ni and Cu targets. The prepared samples as catalysts for growing multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used from liquid petroleum gas (LPG) by thermal chemical vapor deposition (TCVD) at 825 °C. The films deposited with 5% Cu have minimum value the average diameter of CNTs and were about 100 nm. The fractal dimensions and structural characteristics as well as optical density of Ni-Cu NPs thin films have been investigated. AFM images can estimate the lateral size of the nanoparticles on the films surface. These values for Ni NPs without Cu NPs @ a-C:H thin film and with Cu NPs thin film contenting 5%, 40%, 75% Cu are obtained about 7.2, 5.34, 6.04 and 11.16 nm respectively. The optical density (Dopt) of thin films was obtained from the relation Dopt =

\alpha
t. Films deposited with 75% Cu have maximum value of optical density specially in high energy. The spectral density power of all layers reflects the reverse flow changes,, especially in the high spatial frequency region, indicating the presence of fractal components in prominent topographies. Films deposited with 75% Cu have minimum value of fractal dimension. The diagram of the Bearing Area proportion the height shows the percentage of cavities and single-layers. It can be seen that the single-layer content of all films were about 95%.
Facile synthesis of Rh/Ti3+-TiO2 nanocomposites and its photodisinfection properties on Staphylococcus aureus under visible-NIR excitation
Authors: Zhang Jingtao , Liu Shurui , Wang Qinwen , Yao Jing , Liu Yin , Liu Bingkun , xiao jun , Shi Hengzhen
Published: May 2020

In this study, we synthesized a series of rhodium-modified and Ti3+ self-doped TiO2 (Rh/Ti3+-TiO2) nanocomposites via the one-pot method. We prepared samples of Rh/Ti3+-TiO2, which were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Electron Spin Resonance (ESR), and Uv-vis-NIR analysis. We found that the ability of TiO2 to absorb near-infrared and visible light was significantly improved by the Rh/Ti3+-TiO2 nanocomposites, due to Ti3+ doping as well as modification of Rh. The disinfection properties of these materials were tested using Staphylococcus aureus under visible light and NIR light excitations. The synthesized photocatalyst was found to exhibit significantly enhanced photocatalytic inactivation of S. aureus under both visible and NIR light irradiation, as compared to pure TiO2. This was particularly true with respect to the 5% Rh/Ti3+-TiO2 sample. Our results suggest that the Rh/Ti3+-TiO2 composites could extend the range of optical response range of pure nano TiO2 materials to the Vis -NIR region.