bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical non-negative matrix factorization using clinical information for microbial communities
Authors: Abe Ko , Hirayama Masaaki , Ohno Kinji , Shimamura Teppei
Published: February 2021

Background

The human microbiome forms very complex communities that consist of hundreds to thousands of different microorganisms that not only affect the host, but also participate in disease processes. Several state-of-the-art methods have been proposed for learning the structure of microbial communities and to investigate the relationship between microorganisms and host environmental factors. However, these methods were mainly designed to model and analyze single microbial communities that do not interact with or depend on other communities. Such methods therefore cannot comprehend the properties between interdependent systems in communities that affect host behavior and disease processes.

Results

We introduce a novel hierarchical Bayesian framework, called BALSAMICO (BAyesian Latent Semantic Analysis of MIcrobial COmmunities), which uses microbial metagenome data to discover the underlying microbial community structures and the associations between microbiota and their environmental factors. BALSAMICO models mixtures of communities in the framework of nonnegative matrix factorization, taking into account environmental factors. We proposes an efficient procedure for estimating parameters. A simulation then evaluates the accuracy of the estimated parameters. Finally, the method is used to analyze clinical data. In this analysis, we successfully detected bacteria related to colorectal cancer.

Conclusions

These results show that the method not only accurately estimates the parameters needed to analyze the connections between communities of microbiota and their environments, but also allows for the effective detection of these communities in real-world circumstances.
Changes in the growth, ileal digestibility, intestinal histology, behavior, fatty acid composition of the breast muscles, and blood biochemical parameters of broiler chickens by dietary inclusion of safflower oil and vitamin C
Authors: Amer Shimaa A. , Mohamed Wafaa A. M. , Gharib Heba S. A. , Al-Gabri Naif A. , Gouda Ahmed , Elabbasy Mohamed Tharwat , Abd El-Rahman Ghada I. , Omar Anaam E.
Published: February 2021

Background

The effects of safflower oil and vitamin C (Vit. C) inclusion in broiler chicken diets on the growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility coefficient “AID%” of amino acids, intestinal histology, behavior, carcass traits, fatty acid composition of the breast muscle, antioxidant and immune status for a 35-day feeding period were evaluated. A total of 300 three-day-old Ross chicks (58.25 g ± 0.19) were randomly allotted in a 2 × 3 factorial design consisting of two levels of vitamin C (0 and 400 mg/kg diet) and three levels of safflower oil (0, 5, and 10 g/kg diet).

Results

An increase in the final body weight, total body weight gain, total feed intake, and the relative growth rate (P <  0.05) were reported by safflower oil and vitamin C inclusion. Dietary supplementation of safflower oil and vitamin C had a positive effect (P <  0.05) on the ingestive, resting, and feather preening behavior. Vitamin C supplementation increased (P <  0.05) the AID% of lysine, threonine, tryptophan, arginine, and valine. Safflower inclusion (10 g/kg) increased (P <  0.05) the AID% of methionine and isoleucine. Safflower oil inclusion increased (P <  0.05) the levels of stearic acid, linoleic acid, saturated fatty acids, and omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3) in the breast muscle. In contrast, the supplementation of only 10 g of safflower oil/kg diet increased (P = 0.01) the omega-3/omega-6 (ω-3/ω-6) fatty acids ratio. Vit. C supplementation increased (P <  0.05) the CAT serum levels, SOD, and GSH enzymes. Dietary supplementation of safflower oil and vitamin C improved the intestinal histology. They increased the villous height and width, crypt depth, villous height/crypt depth ratio, mucosal thickness, goblet cell count, and intra-epithelium lymphocytic lick cell infiltrations. The serum levels of IgA and complement C3 were increased (P <  0.01) by Vit. C supplementation and prominent in the 400 vit. C +  10 safflower Oil group.

Conclusion

A dietary combination of safflower oil and vitamin C resulted in improved growth rate, amino acids AID%, intestinal histology, welfare, immune and antioxidant status of birds, and obtaining ω-3 and linoleic acid-enriched breast muscles. The best inclusion level was 400 vit. C +  10 safflower Oil.
Circulating levels of IL-33 are elevated by obesity and positively correlated with metabolic disorders in Chinese adults
Authors: Tang Haoneng , Liu Ning , Feng Xiaojing , Yang Yanyi , Fang Yiyuan , Zhuang Siqi , Dai Yufeng , Liu Meilian , Tang Lingli
Published: February 2021

Background

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) plays a pivotal role in regulating innate immune response and metabolic homeostasis. However, whether its circulating level is correlated with obesity and metabolic disorders in humans remains largely unknown. We aimed to address this gap by determining IL-33 serum level and its downstream type 2 inflammatory cytokines interleukin-5 (IL-5) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) in overweight/obese population, and analyzing the specific associations between IL-33 and obesity metabolic phenotypes.

Methods

217 subjects were enrolled and divided into three groups: healthy control (HC) subjects, metabolically healthy overweight/obese (MHOO) subjects and metabolically unhealthy overweight/obese (MUOO) subjects. Circulating levels of IL-33, IL-5 and IL-13 were measured using ELISA analyses. Multivariate regression analyses were further performed to determine the independent association between IL-33 and obesity metabolic phenotypes.

Results

Circulating levels of IL-33 were significantly elevated in subjects of MUOO group compared with HC group and MHOO group, while no significant difference was observed between the latter two groups in IL-33 levels. Consistent with this, serum levels of IL-5/13 were higher in the MUOO group compared with HC and MHOO groups. After adjusted for all confounders, MUOO phenotype was significantly associated with increased IL-33 serum levels (OR = 1.70; 95% CI 1.09–2.64; p = 0.019). With the MHOO group as the reference population, higher circulating level of IL-33 was also positively associated with MUOO phenotype after adjusting for confounders (OR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.20–1.88; p = 2.91E−4). However, there was no significant association between MHOO phenotype and IL-33 levels (p = 0.942). Trend analysis further confirmed the positive correlation between MUOO phenotype and IL-33 level (p for trend = 0.019). Additionally, IL-33 was significantly and positively correlated with diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (TC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil and IL-5 only in MUOO group, while inversely correlated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in MHOO subjects.

Conclusion

Circulating levels of IL-33 were significantly elevated in overweight/obese Chinese adults with metabolic disorders. Increased levels of IL-33 were positively associated with metabolically unhealthy overweight/obese phenotype and several metabolic syndrome risk factors.
Retraction Note: Prevalence and predictors of timely initiation of breastfeeding in Ghana: an analysis of 2017–2018 multiple indicator cluster survey
Authors: Apanga Paschal Awingura , Kumbeni Maxwell Tii
Published: February 2021

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-020-00335-3.
Cranial organs at risk delineation: heterogenous practices in radiotherapy planning
Authors: Vogin Guillaume , Hettal Liza , Bartau Clarisse , Thariat Juliette , Claeys Marie-Virginie , Peyraga Guillaume , Retif Paul , Schick Ulrike , Antoni Delphine , Bodgal Zsuzsa , Dhermain Frederic , Feuvret Loic
Published: February 2021

Background

Segmentation is a crucial step in treatment planning that directly impacts dose distribution and optimization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inter-individual variability of common cranial organs at risk (OAR) delineation in neurooncology practice.

Methods

Anonymized simulation contrast-enhanced CT and MR scans of one patient with a solitary brain metastasis was used for delineation and analysis. Expert professionals from 16 radiotherapy centers involved in brain structures delineation were asked to segment 9 OAR on their own treatment planning system. As reference, two experts in neurooncology, produced a unique consensual contour set according to guidelines. Overlap ratio, Kappa index (KI), volumetric ratio, Commonly Contoured Volume, Supplementary Contoured Volume were evaluated using Artiview™ v 2.8.2—according to occupation, seniority and level of expertise of all participants.

Results

For the most frequently delineated and largest OAR, the mean KI are often good (0.8 for the parotid and the brainstem); however, for the smaller OAR, KI degrade (0.3 for the optic chiasm, 0.5% for the cochlea), with a significant discrimination (p < 0.01). The radiation oncologists, members of Association des Neuro-Oncologue d’Expression Française society performed better in all indicators compared to non-members (p < 0.01). Our exercise was effective in separating the different participating centers with 3 of the reported indicators (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our study illustrates the heterogeneity in normal structures contouring between professionals. We emphasize the need for cerebral OAR delineation harmonization—that is a major determinant of therapeutic ratio and clinical trials evaluation.
Changes in epigenetic profiles throughout early childhood and their relationship to the response to pneumococcal vaccination
Authors: Pischedda Sara , O’Connor Daniel , Fairfax Benjamin P. , Salas Antonio , Martinon-Torres Federico , Pollard Andrew J. , Trück Johannes
Published: February 2021

Background

Pneumococcal infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in young children and immaturity of the immune system partly underlies poor vaccine responses seen in the young. Emerging evidence suggests a key role for epigenetics in the maturation and regulation of the immune system in health and disease. The study aimed to investigate epigenetic changes in early life and to understand the relationship between the epigenome and antigen-specific antibody responses to pneumococcal vaccination.

Methods

The epigenetic profiles from 24 healthy children were analyzed at 12 months prior to a booster dose of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-13), and at 24 months of age, using the Illumina Methylation 450 K assay and assessed for differences over time and between high and low vaccine responders.

Results

Our analysis revealed 721 significantly differentially methylated positions between 12 and 24 months (FDR < 0.01), with significant enrichment in pathways involved in the regulation of cell–cell adhesion and T cell activation. Comparing high and low vaccine responders, we identified differentially methylated CpG sites (Pvalue < 0.01) associated withHLA-DPB1andIL6.

Conclusion

These data imply that epigenetic changes that occur during early childhood may be associated with antigen-specific antibody responses to pneumococcal vaccines.
Multi-trait association studies discover pleiotropic loci between Alzheimer’s disease and cardiometabolic traits
Authors:   The VA Million Veteran Program, Bone William P. , Siewert Katherine M. , Jha Anupama , Klarin Derek , Damrauer Scott M. , Chang Kyong-Mi , Tsao Philip S. , Assimes Themistocles L. , Ritchie Marylyn D. , Voight Benjamin F.
Published: February 2021

Background

Identification of genetic risk factors that are shared between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other traits, i.e., pleiotropy, can help improve our understanding of the etiology of AD and potentially detect new therapeutic targets. Previous epidemiological correlations observed between cardiometabolic traits and AD led us to assess the pleiotropy between these traits.

Methods

We performed a set of bivariate genome-wide association studies coupled with colocalization analysis to identify loci that are shared between AD and eleven cardiometabolic traits. For each of these loci, we performed colocalization with Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) to identify candidate causal genes.

Results

We identified three previously unreported pleiotropic trait associations at known AD loci as well as four novel pleiotropic loci. One associated locus was tagged by a low-frequency coding variant in the gene DOCK4 and is potentially implicated in its alternative splicing. Colocalization with GTEx eQTL data identified additional candidate genes for the loci we detected, including ACE, the target of the hypertensive drug class of ACE inhibitors. We found that the allele associated with decreased ACE expression in brain tissue was also associated with increased risk of AD, providing human genetic evidence of a potential increase in AD risk from use of an established anti-hypertensive therapeutic.

Conclusion

Our results support a complex genetic relationship between AD and these cardiometabolic traits, and the candidate causal genes identified suggest that blood pressure and immune response play a role in the pleiotropy between these traits.
An unprecedented occult non-communicating rudimentary uterine horn treated with laparoscopic excision and preservation of both fallopian tubes: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Gitas G. , Eckhoff K. , Rody A. , Ertan A. K. , Baum S. , Hoffmans E. , Alkatout I.
Published: February 2021

Background

Müllerian duct anomalies are congenital malformations of the female genital tract and may be of various types. For decades they have been classified according to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, which mentions unicornuate uterine malformations as the second subgroup. They result from the arrested development of one of the Müllerian ducts and appear in approximately 1/1000 women. These anomalies are usually diagnosed in the second decade of life, because they tend to remain asymptomatic until adolescence and their initial symptoms may vary. Patients present with symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, infertility, and chronic or acute abdominal pain.

Case presentation

We report on a 21-year-old Caucasian German patient who suffered from dysmenorrhea for 7 years. After a transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance tomography of the pelvis was performed, the patient underwent a diagnostic hysteroscopy and operative laparoscopy, and was finally diagnosed with a Müllerian duct anomaly presenting with a non-communicating rudimentary uterine horn. The left tube arose directly in orthotopic location from the cornua of uterus, with no connection to the rudimentary uterine horn or structure.

Conclusion

The anatomic features of this case have not been reported previously and were not consistent with any existing classification. More cases are needed in order to confirm our hypothesis. Gynecologists should always consider Müllerian anomalies as an important differential diagnosis in young patients with abdominal pain.
CD10 marks non-canonical PPARγ-independent adipocyte maturation and browning potential of adipose-derived stem cells
Authors: Chakraborty Smarajit , Ong Wee Kiat , Yau Winifred W. Y. , Zhou Zhihong , Bhanu Prakash K. N. , Toh Sue-Anne , Han Weiping , Yen Paul M. , Sugii Shigeki
Published: February 2021

Background

Effective stem cell therapy is dependent on the stem cell quality that is determined by their differentiation potential, impairment of which leads to poor engraftment and survival into the target cells. However, limitations in our understanding and the lack of reliable markers that can predict their maturation efficacies have hindered the development of stem cells as an effective therapeutic strategy. Our previous study identified CD10, a pro-adipogenic, depot-specific prospective cell surface marker of human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). Here, we aim to determine if CD10 can be used as a prospective marker to predict mature adipocyte quality and play a direct role in adipocyte maturation.

Methods

We first generated 14 primary human subject-derived ASCs and stable immortalized CD10 knockdown and overexpression lines for 4 subjects by the lentiviral transduction system. To evaluate the role of CD10 in adipogenesis, the adipogenic potential of the human subject samples were scored against their respective CD10 transcript levels. Assessment of UCP1 expression levels was performed to correlate CD10 levels to the browning potential of mature ASCs. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot analysis were performed to determine CD10-dependent regulation of various targets. Seahorse analysis of oxidative metabolism and lipolysis assay were studied. Lastly, as a proof-of-concept study, we used CD10 as a prospective marker for screening nuclear receptor ligands library.

Results

We identified intrinsic CD10 levels as a positive determinant of adipocyte maturation as well as browning potential of ASCs. Interestingly, CD10 regulates ASC’s adipogenic maturation non-canonically by modulating endogenous lipolysis without affecting the classical peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)-dependent adipogenic pathways. Furthermore, our CD10-mediated screening analysis identified dexamethasone and retinoic acid as stimulator and inhibitor of adipogenesis, respectively, indicating CD10 as a useful biomarker for pro-adipogenic drug screening.

Conclusion

Overall, we establish CD10 as a functionally relevant ASC biomarker, which may be a prerequisite to identify high-quality cell populations for improving metabolic diseases.
Cocktail of carbohydrases from Aspergillus niger: an economical and eco-friendly option for biofilm clearance from biopolymer surfaces
Authors: Kaur Arashdeep , Soni Sanjeev Kumar , Vij Shania , Rishi Praveen
Published: February 2021

Biofilm formation on both biotic and abiotic surfaces accounts for a major factor in spread of antimicrobial resistance. Due to their ubiquitous nature, biofilms are of great concern for environment as well as human health. In the present study, an integrated process for the co-production of a cocktail of carbohydrases from a natural variant of Aspergillus niger was designed. The enzyme cocktail was found to have a noteworthy potential to eradicate/disperse the biofilms of selected pathogens. For application of enzymes as an antibiofilm agent, the enzyme productivities were enhanced by statistical modelling using response surface methodology (RSM). The antibiofilm potential of the enzyme cocktail was studied in terms of (i) in vitro cell dispersal assay (ii) release of reducing sugars from the biofilm polysaccharides (iii) the effect of enzyme treatment on biofilm cells and architecture by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Potential of the enzyme cocktail to disrupt/disperse the biofilm of selected pathogens from biopolymer surfaces was also assessed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis. Further, their usage in conjunction with antibiotics was assessed and it was inferred from the results that the use of enzyme cocktail augmented the efficacy of the antibiotics. The study thus provides promising insights into the prospect of using multiple carbohydrases for management of heterogeneous biofilms formed in natural and clinical settings.
A mathematical model for fall armyworm management on maize biomass
Authors: Daudi Salamida , Luboobi Livingstone , Kgosimore Moatlhodi , Kuznetsov Dmitry , Mushayabasa Steady
Published: February 2021

Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), a highly destructive and fast spreading agricultural pest native to North and South America, poses a real threat to global food security. In this paper, to explore the dynamics and implications of fall armyworm outbreak in a field of maize biomass, we propose a new dynamical system for maize biomass and fall armyworm interaction via Caputo fractional-order operator, which is not only a nonlocal operator but also contains all characteristics concerned with memory of the dynamical system. We define the basic reproduction number, which represents the average number of newborns produced by one individual female moth during its life span. We establish that the basic reproduction number is a threshold quantity, which determines persistence and extinction of the pest. Finally, we simulate the Caputo system using the Adam–Bashforth–Moulton method to illustrate the main results.
Complete and incomplete Bell polynomials associated with Lah–Bell numbers and polynomials
Authors: Kim Taekyun , Kim Dae San , Jang Lee-Chae , Lee Hyunseok , Kim Han-Young
Published: February 2021

The nth r-extended Lah–Bell number is defined as the number of ways a set with $n+r$
n
+
r
elements can be partitioned into ordered blocks such that r distinguished elements have to be in distinct ordered blocks. The aim of this paper is to introduce incomplete r-extended Lah–Bell polynomials and complete r-extended Lah–Bell polynomials respectively as multivariate versions of r-Lah numbers and the r-extended Lah–Bell numbers and to investigate some properties and identities for these polynomials. From these investigations we obtain some expressions for the r-Lah numbers and the r-extended Lah–Bell numbers as finite sums.
Policy-makers’ views on translating burden of disease estimates in health policies: bridging the gap through data visualization
Authors: Lundkvist Amelia , El-Khatib Ziad , Kalra Nikhila , Pantoja Tomas , Leach-Kemon Katherine , Gapp Christian , Kuchenmüller Tanja
Published: February 2021

Background

Knowledge Translation (KT) and data visualization play a vital role in the dissemination of data and information to improve healthcare systems. A better understanding of KT and its utility requires examining its processes, and how these interact with available data tools and platforms and various users.

In this context, the aim of this paper is to understand how relevant users interact with data visualization tools, in particular Global Burden of Disease (GBD) visualizations, while also examining KT processes related to data visualization.

Methods

A qualitative case-study consisting of semi-structured interviews with eight policy officers. Interviewees were selected by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) from three countries: Canada, Kenya and New Zealand. Data were analyzed through framework coding, using qualitative analysis software.

Results

Policy officers’ responses indicated that data can prompt action by engaging users, and effective delivery and translation of data was enhanced by data visualization tools. GBD was considered valuable for use in policy (e.g., planning and prioritizing health policy; facilitating accountability; and tracking and monitoring progress and trends over time and between countries). Using GBD and data visualization tools, participants quickly and easily accessed key information and turned it into actionable messages; engaging visuals captured decision-makers’ attention while providing information in a digestible, time-saving manner. However, participants emphasized an overall disconnect between research and public health. Functionality and technical issues, e.g., absence of tool guides and tool complexity, as well as lacking buy-in and awareness of certain tools from those less familiar with GBD, were named as major barriers. In order to address this “know-do” gap, user-friendly knowledge translation tools were stated as crucial, as was the importance of collaboration and leveraging different insights from data generators and users to inform health policy.

Conclusions

Policy officers aware of KT are willing to utilize data visualization tools as they value them as an engaging and important mechanism to foster the use of GBD data in policy-making. To further facilitate policy officers’ efforts to effectively use GBD data in policy and practice, further research is required into how users perceive and interact with data visualization and other KT tools.
Multifaceted role of one-carbon metabolism on immunometabolic control and growth during pregnancy, lactation and the neonatal period in dairy cattle
Authors: Coleman Danielle N. , Alharthi Abdulrahman S. , Liang Yusheng , Lopes Matheus Gomes , Lopreiato Vincenzo , Vailati-Riboni Mario , Loor Juan J.
Published: February 2021

Dairy cattle undergo dramatic metabolic, endocrine, physiologic and immune changes during the peripartal period largely due to combined increases in energy requirements for fetal growth and development, milk production, and decreased dry matter intake. The negative nutrient balance that develops results in body fat mobilization, subsequently leading to triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation in the liver along with reductions in liver function, immune dysfunction and a state of inflammation and oxidative stress. Mobilization of muscle and gluconeogenesis are also enhanced, while intake of vitamins and minerals is decreased, contributing to metabolic and immune dysfunction and oxidative stress. Enhancing post-ruminal supply of methyl donors is one approach that may improve immunometabolism and production synergistically in peripartal cows. At the cellular level, methyl donors (e.g. methionine, choline, betaine and folic acid) interact through one-carbon metabolism to modulate metabolism, immune responses and epigenetic events. By modulating those pathways, methyl donors may help increase the export of very low-density lipoproteins to reduce liver TAG and contribute to antioxidant synthesis to alleviate oxidative stress. Thus, altering one-carbon metabolism through methyl donor supplementation is a viable option to modulate immunometabolism during the peripartal period. This review explores available data on the regulation of one-carbon metabolism pathways in dairy cows in the context of enzyme regulation, cellular sensors and signaling mechanisms that might respond to increased dietary supply of specific methyl donors. Effects of methyl donors beyond the one-carbon metabolism pathways, including production performance, immune cell function, mechanistic target or rapamycin signaling, and fatty acid oxidation will also be highlighted. Furthermore, the effects of body condition and feeding system (total mixed ration vs. pasture) on one-carbon metabolism pathways are explored. Potential effects of methyl donor supply during the pepartum period on dairy calf growth and development also are discussed. Lastly, practical nutritional recommendations related to methyl donor metabolism during the peripartal period are presented. Nutritional management during the peripartal period is a fertile area of research, hence, underscoring the importance for developing a systems understanding of the potential immunometabolic role that dietary methyl donors play during this period to promote health and performance.
An acoustic sensor transmitter for in situ assessment of water quality and fish behaviour during chemical treatment of a parasite-infected river system: tag design and practical use
Authors: Alfredsen Knut Tore , Urke Henning Andre , Kristensen Torstein , Kvakland Marte , Gronningsater Aage , Hagen Anders Gjørwad , Alfredsen Jo Arve
Published: February 2021

Background

Behaviour of potential host fish during chemical treatment against the ectoparasite Gyrodactylus salaris is a vital factor in designing treatment strategies, evaluating risk factors and establishing insights into previously failed treatments. The effectiveness of any chemical treatment may be compromised if fish either are forced to, or seek out actively, areas of the river where the water quality is less affected by the chemicals. The aim of this study was to develop and apply an acoustic fish tag for fish localization with sensors for in situ measurement of water conductivity and temperature to investigate fish behaviour before, during and after an aluminium (Al) treatment. The sensor tag allowed discrimination between water qualities, and thereby quantification of exposure to treatment water.

Findings

Adult Atlantic salmon and anadromous brown trout from river Lærdalselva were tagged with external conductivity transmitters and followed daily by a network of passive receivers and by manual tracking 1 week ahead of treatment, during a 2-week aluminium (Al) treatment period and one week after an Al treatment. The results show no avoidance behaviour related to the Al treatment and most of the fish exhibited a behaviour during the treatment that did not differ significantly from the behaviour observed before or after the treatment. Data collected from the tags showed that the fish experienced increased conductivity during Al administration, suggesting successful exposure to treatment water. The tag gave verifiable environmental information and functioned well in the turbulent and acoustically demanding river environment, albeit with variable detection range.

Conclusions

The conductivity and temperature tag provided novel data on fish behaviour and exposure during the Al treatment period. Results show that fish exhibit normal behaviour during this period and no avoidance response can be detected in the collected data.
New ibuprofen derivatives with thiazolidine-4-one scaffold with improved pharmaco-toxicological profile
Authors: Vasincu Ioana-Mirela , Apotrosoaei Maria , Constantin Sandra , Butnaru Maria , Vereștiuc Liliana , Lupușoru Cătălina-Elena , Buron Frederic , Routier Sylvain , Lupașcu Dan , Taușer Roxana-Georgiana , Profire Lenuța
Published: February 2021

Background

Aryl-propionic acid derivatives with ibuprofen as representative drug are very important for therapy, being recommended especially for anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. On other hand 1,3-thiazolidine-4-one scaffold is an important heterocycle, which is associated with different biological effects such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic, antioxidant, antiviral, antiproliferative, antimicrobial etc. The present study aimed to evaluated the toxicity degree and the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of new 1,3-thiazolidine-4-one derivatives of ibuprofen.

Methods

For evaluation the toxicity degree, cell viability assay using MTT method and acute toxicity assay on rats were applied. The carrageenan-induced paw-edema in rat was used for evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effect while for analgesic effect the tail-flick test, as thermal nociception in rats and the writhing assay, as visceral pain in mice, were used.

Results

The toxicological screening, in terms of cytotoxicity and toxicity degree on mice, revealed that the ibuprofen derivatives (4a-n) are non-cytotoxic at 2 μg/ml. In addition, ibuprofen derivatives reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, for most of them the maximum effect was recorded at 4 h after administration which means they have medium action latency, similar to that of ibuprofen. Moreover, for compound 4d the effect was higher than that of ibuprofen, even after 24 h of administration. The analgesic effect evaluation highlighted that 4 h showed increased pain inhibition in reference to ibuprofen in thermal (tail-flick assay) and visceral (writhing assay) nociception models.

Conclusions

The study revealed for ibuprofen derivatives, noted as 4 m, 4 k, 4e, 4d, a good anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect and also a safer profile compared with ibuprofen. These findings could suggest the promising potential use of them in the treatment of inflammatory pain conditions.
Emerging roles of C1Q tumor necrosis factor-related proteins in metabolic diseases
Authors: Ramanjaneya Manjunath , Jerobin Jayakumar , Bettahi Ilham , Siveen Kodappully Sivaraman , Abou-Samra Abdul-Badi
Published: February 2021

Obesity and insulin resistance are key elements of the metabolic syndrome, which includes type 2 diabetes (T2D), dyslipidemia, systemic inflammation, hypertension, elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). C1Q Tumor necrosis factor-related proteins (CTRPs) have recently emerged as important regulators of metabolism as a core component in the interrelationship between insulin resistance, adiposity and inflammation. To date 15 CTRP members have been identified and most of the CTRPs are dysregulated in obesity, T2D, coronary artery disease and NAFLD. Pharmacological intervention and lifestyle modification alter expression of CTRPs in circulation and in metabolically active tissues. CTRPs enhance metabolism mainly through activation of AMPK/AKT dependent pathways and possess insulin sensitizing properties. Thus dysregulated expression of CTRPs in metabolic disorders could contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. For these reasons CTRPs appear to be promising targets for early detection, prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders. This review article aims at exploring the role of CTRPs in metabolic syndrome.
Domain-general cognitive motivation: evidence from economic decision-making
Authors: Crawford Jennifer L. , Eisenstein Sarah A. , Peelle Jonathan E. , Braver Todd S.
Published: February 2021

Stable individual differences in cognitive motivation (i.e., the tendency to engage in and enjoy effortful cognitive activities) have been documented with self-report measures, yet convergent support for a trait-level construct is still lacking. In the present study, we use an innovative decision-making paradigm (COG-ED) to quantify the costs of cognitive effort, a metric of cognitive motivation, across two distinct cognitive domains (working memory and speech comprehension). We hypothesize that cognitive motivation operates similarly within individuals, regardless of domain. Specifically, we test whether individual differences in effort costs are stable across domains, even after controlling for other potential sources of shared individual variation. Conversely, we evaluate whether the costs of cognitive effort across domains may be better explained in terms of other relevant cognitive and personality-related constructs, such as working memory capacity or reward sensitivity.
Application of Bacillus pumilus isolates for management of black rot disease in strawberry
Authors: Abd-El-Kareem Farid , Elshahawy Ibrahim E. , Abd-Elgawad Mahfouz M. M.
Published: February 2021

Background

Black root rot of strawberry plants caused by Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium solani, and Pythium sp. is a serious disease in Egypt. Biocontrol agents have frequently proved to possess paramount and safe tools against many diseases. The impact of soil treatments with 3 Bacillus pumilus isolates on black root rot disease of strawberry plants caused by R. solani, F., and Pythium sp. under laboratory and field conditions was examined herein on the commonly used ‘Festival’ strawberry cultivar. To increase the bacterial adhesion and distribution on the roots, each seedling was dipped in bacterial cell suspension at 1 × 108 colony-forming units/ml of each separate bacterial isolate for 30 min then mixed with 5% Arabic gum.

Results

The tested B. pumilus isolates significantly reduced the growth area of these 3 fungi. The two bacterial isolates Nos. 2 and 3 reduced the growth area by more than 85.2, 83.6, and 89.0% for R. solani, F. solani, and Pythium sp., respectively. Likewise, the 3 bacterial isolates significantly (P ≤ 0.05) inhibited the disease under field conditions. Isolates Nos. 2 and 3 suppressed the disease incidence by 64.4 and 68.9% and disease severity by 65.3 and 67.3%, respectively. The fungicide Actamyl had effect similar to that of the 2 isolates. B. pumilus isolates significantly enhanced growth parameters and yields of strawberry plants; isolates Nos. 2 and 3 raised the yield by 66.7 and 73.3%, respectively.

Conclusions

Bacillus pumilus isolates could effectively manage the black rot disease in strawberry herein. Due to the significant impact of the root rot disease on strawberry yield, B. pumilus should be further tested to manage the disease on strawberry on large scale in Egypt.
Vaginal metastasis in solid tumours: our four cases and review of the literature
Authors: Korkmaz Mustafa , Eryılmaz Melek Karakurt , Kerimoğlu Ülkü , Karaağaç Mustafa , Demirkıran Aykut , Demir Emine Türen , Artaç Mehmet
Published: February 2021

Background

Vaginal metastasis should be kept in mind when evaluating the staging tests of all cancers, especially endometrial cancer.

Case presentation

We present four patients with vaginal recurrence who recently applied to our clinic. Three cases were of endometrial cancer and one case of rectal cancer. All patients presented with vaginal bleeding.

Conclusion

Standard treatment for vaginal metastasis has not yet been established. Therapeutic options for vaginal metastasis—separately or in combination—are surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
Three steps approach for preoperative evaluation of tetralogy of Fallot patients: role of 128 MDCT
Authors: Moustafa Sherif Abd El Fattah , Hussein Manar Mansour , Sultan Amina Ahmed , Bilal Maha Mohamed Zaki , El Gamal Mohamed Adel Fetoh , Sobh Donia Mohamed
Published: February 2021

Background

Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common congenital cyanotic heart disease. Advances in surgical repair recently facilitate survival of the affected patients into adulthood with good quality of life. Despite imaging plays crucial role in diagnosis of TOF patients, no single diagnostic modality suffices for complete evaluation of TOF. Thus, different diagnostic tools should be used alone or in combination according to patient’s clinical question. This study aims to find out the agreement between the echocardiography and MDCT in evaluation of TOF patients prior to surgical repair.

Results

Three-step approach used in scanning TOF patients. Firstly, classic TOF findings, MDCT was comparable to echocardiography in overriding aorta (k = 0.6), VSD (k = 0.8), RVH (k = 0.4), and sub valvular pulmonary stenosis (k = 0.6). Echocardiography is superior to MDCT in evaluation of valvular stenosis (k = 0.4). MDCT was superior to echocardiography in supravalvular pulmonary stenosis. Secondary, surgical relevant findings, McGoon ratio calculated in 94.2%, small and major APCs in 45.5% and 28.5% respectively, PDA in 35% and anomalous coronary artery in 5.1%. Thirdly, other TOF-associated anomalies, common: ASD (34.3%) and RAA (28.3%), and persistent LSVC (10.3%). Uncommon: situs ambiguous (2.5 %), PAPVR (1.2%), and IVC anomalies (3.8%). MDCT was superior to echocardiography in surgical relevant findings and other TOF-associated anomalies.

Conclusion

MDCT is a crucial imaging tool for extra cardiac evaluation of TOF patients prior to surgical repair.
Cytotoxic lesion of corpus callosum in cerebral venous thrombosis—a case report
Authors: Ghosh Tamaghna , Tanwar Simran , Chumber Shishir , Vani Kavita
Published: February 2021

Background

Veiled by a myriad of monikers, there has been a growing recognition of cytotoxic lesions in the splenium of the corpus callosum as a distinct clinical entity. Despite the varied nomenclature, they all describe restricting callosal lesions on diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging with near-complete reversibility on therapy. The currently accepted terminology for these lesions is cytotoxic lesions of the corpus callosum (CLOCC). Only one case of CLOCC associated with cerebral venous Thrombosis has been reported in literature to date.

Case presentation

While these lesions have most commonly been linked to antiepileptic drug therapy, we describe a case of a young adult who developed CLOCC in the background of cerebral venous thrombosis. We hypothesize that occlusion of the posterior pericallosal vein led to the lesion in the splenium. Early institution of anticoagulation therapy resulted in complete reversal of the abnormality, leading to full clinical recovery.

Conclusion

Cytotoxic lesions of the corpus callosum may rarely be associated with cerebral venous thrombosis. We emphasize the need for greater awareness, early imaging and aggressive therapy of this potentially curable entity. We further highlight cerebral venous thrombosis as a cause for CLOCC.
Determinants for the use and de-implementation of low-value care in health care: a scoping review
Authors: Augustsson Hanna , Ingvarsson Sara , Nilsen Per , von Thiele Schwarz Ulrica , Muli Irene , Dervish Jessica , Hasson Henna
Published: February 2021

Background

A considerable proportion of interventions provided to patients lack evidence of their effectiveness. This implies that patients may receive ineffective, unnecessary or even harmful care. However, despite some empirical studies in the field, there has been no synthesis of determinants impacting the use of low-value care (LVC) and the process of de-implementing LVC.

Aim

The aim was to identify determinants influencing the use of LVC, as well as determinants for de-implementation of LVC practices in health care.

Methods

A scoping review was performed based on the framework by Arksey and O’Malley. We searched four scientific databases, conducted snowball searches of relevant articles and hand searched the journal Implementation Science for peer-reviewed journal articles in English. Articles were included if they were empirical studies reporting on determinants for the use of LVC or de-implementation of LVC. The abstract review and the full-text review were conducted in duplicate and conflicting decisions were discussed until consensus was reached. Data were charted using a piloted data charting form and the determinants were inductively coded and categorised in an iterative process conducted by the project group.

Results

In total, 101 citations were included in the review. Of these, 92 reported on determinants for the use of LVC and nine on determinants for de-implementation. The studies were conducted in a range of health care settings and investigated a variety of LVC practices with LVC medication prescriptions, imaging and screening procedures being the most common. The identified determinants for the use of LVC as well as for de-implementation of LVC practices broadly concerned: patients, professionals, outer context, inner context, process and evidence and LVC practice. The results were discussed in relation to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Conclusion

The identified determinants largely overlap with existing implementation frameworks, although patient expectations and professionals’ fear of malpractice appear to be more prominent determinants for the use and de-implementation of LVC. Thus, existing implementation determinant frameworks may require adaptation to be transferable to de-implementation. Strategies to reduce the use of LVC should specifically consider determinants for the use and de-implementation of LVC.

Registration

The review has not been registered.
Mutational hotspots and conserved domains of SARS-CoV-2 genome in African population
Authors: Omotoso Olabode E. , Babalola Ayoade D. , Matareek Amira
Published: February 2021

Background

Since outbreak in December 2019, the highly infectious and pathogenic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused over a million deaths globally. With increasing burden, the novel coronavirus has posed a dire threat to public health, social interaction, and global economy. Mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome are moderately evolving which might have contributed to its genome variability, transmission, replication efficiency, and virulence in different regions of the world.

Results

The present study elucidated the mutational landscape in the SARS-CoV-2 genome among the African populace, which may have contributed to the virulence, spread, and pathogenicity observed in the region. A total of 3045 SARS-CoV-2 complete protein sequences with the reference viral sequence (EPI_ISL_402124) were mined and analyzed. SARS-CoV-2 ORF1ab, spike, ORF3, ORF8, and nucleocapsid proteins were observed as mutational hotspots in the African population and may be of keen interest in understanding the viral host relationship, while there is conservation in the ORF6, ORF7a, ORF7b, ORF10, envelope, and membrane proteins.

Conclusions

The accumulation of moderate mutations (though slowly), in the SARS-CoV-2 genome as seen in this present study, could be a promising strategy to develop antiviral drugs or vaccines. These antiviral interventions should target viral conserved domains and host cellular proteins and/or receptors involved in viral invasion and replication to avoid a new viral wave due to drug resistance and vaccine evasion.
Biochemical and histological effects of ethanolic extracts of fruits of Xylopia aethiopica and seeds and leaves of Piper guineense on liver and kidney function in male albino rats
Authors: Imo Chinedu , Arowora Kayode Adebisi , Ezeonu Chukwuma Stephen , Ikwebe Joseph , Yakubu Ojochenemi Ejeh , Imo Nkeiruka Glory , Danlami Godswill Collins
Published: February 2021

Background

The fruits of Xylopia aethiopica and seeds and leaves of Piper guineense are commonly used as spices. Due to their wide use in nutrition and traditional medicine, there is need to examine the biochemical and histological effects of ethanolic extracts of fruits of Xylopia aethiopica and seeds and leaves of Piper guineense on liver and kidney function in male albino rats. The test animals (groups 2, 3 and 4) received 100 mg/kg each of the corresponding extract for 21 days. Group 1 served as normal control and received a placebo of normal saline. The animals were later fasted overnight, sacrificed and their blood collected through cardiac puncture for biochemical indices.

Results

AST activity decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in rats of group 2 compared to the normal control; ALP decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in animals of group 3; while ALT increased significantly (p < 0.05) in group 4. The concentrations of urea and potassium showed significant decrease (p < 0.05) in animals of group 3. Creatinine increased significantly (p < 0.05) in group 2. Concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, sodium and chlorides in the test animals did not show any significant alteration. WBC count increased significantly (p < 0.05) in rats of group 3 and non-significantly (p > 0.05) in groups 2 and 4. PCV increased significantly in rats of group 4 and non-significantly in groups 2 and 3. RBC count and Hb levels increased non-significantly (p > 0.05) in all the test groups compared to group 1. The histoarchitectural states of the liver and kidneys showed no apparent alteration by the different extracts.

Conclusion

The extracts have no apparent toxic effect on the liver and kidneys of the experimental rats, although fruits’ extract of Xylopia aethiopica showed possibility of exhibiting mild liver toxicity.