bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facility-Level Conditions Leading to Higher Reach: A Configurational Analysis of National VA Weight Management Programming
Authors: Miech Edward J. , Freitag Michelle B. , Evans Richard , Burns Jennifer A. , Wiitala Wyndy , Annis Ann , Raffa Susan D. , Spohr Stephanie A. , Damschroder Laura J.
Published: March 2021

Background: While the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) MOVE! weight management program is effective in helping patients lose weight and is available at every VHA medical center across the United States, reaching patients to engage them in treatment remains a challenge. Facility-based MOVE! programs vary in structures, processes of programming and levels of reach, with no single factor explaining variation in reach. Configurational analysis, based on Boolean algebra and set theory, represents a mathematical approach to data analysis well-suited for discerning how conditions interact and identifying multiple pathways leading to the same outcome. We applied configurational analysis to identify facility-level obesity treatment program arrangements that directly link to higher reach.Methods: A national survey was fielded in March 2017 to elicit information about more than 75 different components of obesity treatment programs in all VHA medical centers. This survey data was linked to facility-level reach scores available through administrative data. Reach scores were calculated by dividing the total number of Veterans who are candidates for obesity treatment by the number of “new” MOVE! visits in 2017 for each program and then multiplied by 1000. Programs with the top 40% highest reach scores (n=50) were compared to those in the lowest 40% (n=50). Configurational analysis was applied to identify specific combinations of conditions linked to reach rates. Results: 125 MOVE! program representatives responded to the survey and had complete reach data. The final solution consisted of 5 distinct pathways comprising combinations of program components related to pharmacotherapy, bariatric surgery, and comprehensive lifestyle intervention; 3 of the 5 pathways depended on the size/complexity of medical center. The 5 pathways explained 78% (39/50) of the facilities in the higher-reach group with 87% consistency (39/45). Conclusions: Specific combinations of facility-level conditions identified through configurational analysis uniquely distinguished facilities with higher reach from those with lower reach. Solutions demonstrated the importance of local context plus specific program components link together to account for a key implementation outcome. These findings will guide system recommendations about optimal program structures to maximize reach to patients who would benefit from obesity treatment such as the MOVE! program.
A New Class of Multi-Armed Antibiotics with Low Risk of Resistance
Authors: Jia Yuexiao , Chen Wenwen , Tang Rongbing , Dong Ruihua , Liu Xiaoyan , Hu Fupin , Jiang Xingyu
Published: March 2021

Antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria is a serious threat to public health. New antibacterial agents with novel structures or targets are urgently needed. Here we discover a new class of multi-armed antibiotics (MAAs) structurally distinct from known antibiotics. MAAs possess a multi-armed structure composed of a nucleus like ethylene, carbon, benzene, nitrogen or triazine, and three or four symmetrical arms like phenylbenzoic acid or 4-methynylbenzoic acid. The independence from a fixed functional moiety greatly increases their molecular diversity and avoids the rapid emergence of resistance. MAAs have excellent antibacterial activities against Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. The action mechanism involves selective internalization into Gram-positive bacteria, inhibition of cell wall assembly and influence on cell membrane. Our study not only identifies seven potential antibiotics but also provides a completely new chemical library for future antibiotic designs. Their unique structure and multiple action mechanism alow us to develop a large family of antibiotics with low risk of resistance.
The impact of the molecular profile of the tumor microenvironment on the prognosis of NSCLC
Authors: Ying Hangjie , Hang Qingqing , Cheng Guoping , Yang Shifeng , Jin Jianan , Chen Qixun , Jiang Youhua , Zhao Qiang , Lai Xiaojing , Chen Ming , Fang Min
Published: March 2021

Purpose The present study was performed to clarify the correlation between macrophages, tumor neo-vessels and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the clinicopathological features of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to explore the prognostic factors of stromal features in NSCLC. Methods Tissue microarrays containing 92 NSCLC patients were studied with immunohistochemistry (IHC). The distribution and quantitative data of CD68- and CD206-positive tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in tumor islets and tumor stroma, and the expression of tumor neo‑vessels and PD-L1, were analyzed by inverted microscopy and Image-Pro Plus 6.0 software. Prognostic analyses with the clinicopathological characteristics and tumor microenvironment features were performed. Results The number of CD68-positive macrophages in each location of the tumor islets and tumor stroma was significantly higher than that of CD206-positive macrophages, and they were significantly correlated (P < 0.0001). Survival analysis revealed that CD68- and CD206-positive TAMs in the tumor stroma and tumor islets were significant prognostic factors (P < 0.05, respectively). Comprehensive analysis of CD206-positive stromal TAMs showed that CD105 and PD-L1 were significant prognostic factors (P=0.045). Moreover, CD68-positive TAMs in tumor islets and the expression of PD-L1 were independent predictors of poor prognosis for NSCLC. Conclusion Thus, the key elements in the tumor microenvironment, including tumor neo‑vessels, macrophages and PD-L1, were heterogenic in NSCLC tissues and had significant roles in cancer invasion and metastasis. The combined analysis of key components in the tumor microenvironment was an important prognostic factor.
WITHDRAWN: Evaluation of the Protective Effects of Ellagic Acid and Taurine on Lipid Profile and Gene Expressions of NF-κB, IL-1β, and TNF-α against Fluoxetine Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Beigi Tayebeh , Satvati Mahdi , Safi Amir , Meshkibaf Mohammad Hassan , Ahmadi Reza
Published: March 2021

Purpose
Fluoxetine by increasing free radicals can cause hepatotoxicity. Ellagic acid and taurine have antioxidant properties. In this study, the protective effects of ellagic acid and taurine against fluoxetine-induced liver damage were examined
Methods
The animals were divided into five groups as follows: group 1: controls receiving corn oil; group 2: receiving fluoxetine 15 mg/kg body weight (bw); group 3: receiving fluoxetine 15mg/kg bw and ellagic acid 50 mg/kg bw; group 4: receiving fluoxetine 15 mg/kg bw and taurine 100 mg/kg bw; and group 5: receiving 15mg/kg bw, ellagic acid 50 mg/kg bw, and taurine 100 mg/kg bw.
Results
Fluoxetine significantly raised serum uric acid, malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), lipids profile, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, and serum interleukin-1 beta; and gene expressions of interleukin-1beta (IL-1B), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Moreover, it significantly decreased (p < 0.05) high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), catalase (CAT), vitamin C, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the liver compared to group 1. Treatment with ellagic acid and taurine significantly elevated antioxidant capacity and decreased hepatotoxic biochemical parameters and cells’ inflammation compared to group 2. Also, the results confirm that treatment with ellagic acid and taurine improved tissue change and liver function.
Conclusion
Our study has concluded the beneficial effect of ellagic acid and taurine against fluoxetine-induced hepatotoxicity. This effect is derived from free radical scavenging properties and the anti-inflammatory effect related to IL-1B, NF-κB, TNF-α.
Long-lasting synaptic regulation of dopamine neurons by astrocytes in the Ventral Tegmental Area
Authors: Requie Linda , Gómez-Gonzalo Marta , Managò Francesca , Congiu Mauro , Melone Marcello , Chiavegato Angela , Arianna Arianna , Pacinelli Giada , Giovanni Marsicano , Papaleo Francesco , Muntoni Anna , Conti Fiorenzo , Carmignoto Giorgio
Published: March 2021

The plasticity of glutamatergic transmission in the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) represents a fundamental mechanism in the modulation of dopamine neuron burst firing and the phasic dopamine release at VTA target regions. These processes encode basic behavioral responses, including locomotor activity, learning and motivated-behaviors. Here we describe a hitherto unidentified mechanism of long-lasting potentiation of glutamatergic synapses on DA neurons. We found that VTA astrocytes respond to dopamine neuron bursts with Ca2+ elevations that require activation of endocannabinoid CB1 and dopamine D2 receptors colocalized at the same astrocytic process. Astrocytes, in turn, release glutamate that, through presynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptor activation coupled with neuronal nitric oxide production, induces long-lasting potentiation of excitatory synapses on adjacent dopamine neurons. Consistent with this finding, selective activation of VTA astrocytes increases dopamine neuron bursts in vivo and induces locomotor hyperactivity. Astrocytes play, therefore, a key role in the modulation of VTA dopamine neuron activity.
Thermal study of clogging during filament-based material extrusion additive manufacturing: Experimental-numerical study
Authors: Taheri Zahra , Esfahani Ali Karimnejad , Ramiar Abas
Published: March 2021

One of the major drawbacks of material extrusion additive manufacturing (AM) is hot-end clogging. This study aims to answer the question, “What thermal conditions lead to clogging during filament-based material extrusion?” Answering this question requires a clear understanding of temperature distribution inside the liquefier. However, this could not be achieved only through experimental measurements. Therefore, numerical simulations were also carried out by developing a 3D finite volume model of the hot-end. The results obtained from numerical simulations show good agreement with experimental measurements. They also give us a detailed picture of the temperature gradient near the nozzle. Moreover, a series of experiments were performed to determine when clogging occurs, and some criteria for avoiding clogging were presented. These results were also compared and combined with the numerical results to investigate the thermal condition leading to clogging. As the results show, overheating the heat barrier increases the length of the filament, whose temperature is above the glass transition temperature. As this length exceeds a critical value, the filament buckles under the extruder motor force and clogging occurs.
Impacts of near‑future ocean warming on microbial community composition of the stomach of the soft‑bottom sea star Luidia clathrata (Say) (Echinodermata: Asteroidea)
Authors: Curtis Michelle D , Morrow Casey D , McClintock James B
Published: March 2021

There is growing evidence that environmental changes caused by climate change can impact the microbiome of marine invertebrates. Such changes can have important implications for the overall health of the host. In the present study we investigated the impact of chronic exposure to an ambient (28°C) and a predicted mid- (30°C) and end-of-century (32°C) seawater temperature on microbiome modification in tissues of the cardiac stomach of the abundant predatory sea star Luidia clathrata collected in September 2018 from Apalachee Bay, Florida (29°58’N, 84°19’W) in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Diversity (Shannon index) was lowest among the microbial community of stomach tissue when compared to the microbiome of the artificial sea star feed, and aquarium sand and seawater across all three experimental temperature treatments. Moreover, the stomach microbial community composition was distinct between each of the four sample types. Exposure to the highest experimental temperature treatment (32°C) resulted in a significant modification of the composition of the microbial community in stomach and sand samples, but not in seawater samples when compared to those from the current mean ambient GOM temperature (28°C). Importantly, at the most elevated temperature the stomach microbiome shifted from a Vibrio sp. dominated community to a more diverse community with higher proportions of additional taxa including Delftia sp. and Pseudomonas sp. This microbiome shift could impact the digestive functionality and ultimately the health of L. clathrata, a key soft-bottom predator in the northern GOM.
Evaluation of the Anterior Chamber Angle by Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography After Implantable Phakic Contact Lens Implantation in Myopic Eyes.
Authors: Mahmoud Mohamed Salah El-Din , Mohamed Asmaa Anwar , Zein Hosny Ahmed
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the changes in the angle of the AC and lens vault after IPCL implantation by AS-OCT in myopic patients.Methods: A prospective observational study involving 30 myopic eyes which were implanted with IPCL with AS-OCT was used for evaluation of the anterior chamber angle parameters as anterior chamber angle (ACA), angle opening distance (AOD) and, trabecular iris space area (TISA) and lens vault at 1,3 and 6 months postoperatively.Results: There were high significant changes between the preoperative values of ACA, AOD and, TISA and first follow-up after 1 month postoperatively with no significant changes between second and third follow-up after 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Regarding the vault, there were stable vault values with no significant changes after 6 months follow-up.Conclusion: IPCL is a safe method of correction of myopia with stable AC angle narrowing which was monitored by the safe noncontact tool, AS-OCT.
Accuracy of intraocular lens calculation formulas using a swept-source optical coherence tomography biometer in high myopia
Authors: Zhang Chi , Ye Zi , Chen Wenqian , Gao Yi , Ma Tianju , Li Zhaohui
Published: March 2021

Background: To compare the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formulas in cataract patients with high myopia using the measurements of a swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) biometer, the IOLMaster700.Methods: Patients with axial length (AL) equal to or longer than 26.00mm undergoing uneventful cataract surgery were enrolled. Kane, Hill-RBF3.0, EVO, Barrett Universal II, Haigis, and SRK/T formulas were evaluated with the measurements taken by IOLMaster700. The manifest refraction was measured at one month postoperatively. After the mean refractive errors were zeroed out, the mean absolute error (MAE), the median absolute error (MedAE), the standard deviation of prediction error (SD), and the percentage of eyes with refractive errors within ±0.25, ±0.50, ±0.75, and ±1.00 diopter (D) were calculated. A subgroup analysis was based on the axial length.Results: 65 eyes of 65 patients were included. There were significant differences between the absolute refractive errors predicted by these formulas (P＜0.05), but no significant differences between the percentage of eyes within a certain range of refractive errors (P＞0.05). The Kane formula achieved the lowest MAE (0.323D), SD (0.402D), followed by EVO, Hill-RBF3.0, Barrett Universal II, Haigis, and SRK/T formulas. The Kane formula also had the highest percentage of eyes with refractive errors within ±0.50D (80.0%) and ±1.00D (98.5%). The Hill-RBF3.0 formula achieved the lowest MedAE (0.240D). In eyes with an AL ≥ 30.00mm, the Kane formula had the lowest MAE (0.358D).Conclusion: Newer formulas such as Kane, EVO, Hill-RBF3.0, and Barrett Universal II show the highest accuracy in refractive prediction in eyes with high myopia while using the measurements of IOLMaster700. In extremely myopic eyes with an AL ≥ 30.00mm, the Kane formula is the most accurate.
Measuring Independent and Controlled Effects of Age at First Marriage and Age at First Birth on Completed Family Size among women aged 45-49 in Zambia
Authors: Moyo Nkuye , Nanyangwe-Moyo Tina , Qiao Xiaochun , Wu Jilei , Zheng Xiaoying
Published: March 2021

Background The link between age at marriage and first birth in explaining completed family size is not always direct, due to heterogeneity in circumstances, that compel individual women to marry or initiate childbearing at a particular age. We analyzed data for 1020 women aged 45–49 in 2014 of the 1965–1969 birth cohort from the 2013-14 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS). Methods We fitted a bivariate and multivariate multinomial logistic regression to establish the relationship between a mother’s age at first marriage and at first birth on completed family size (CFS). Chi-square test of proportions measuring differences in proportions and relative risk ratios (RRR) with confidence intervals at 95% are reported. Results Our results show that the average CFS was 6.7 (95% CI: 6.5–6.9) among women completing their reproductive span in 2014 with mean age at first marriage and birth being 18.3 years (95% CI: 18.0–18.5) and 18.9 years (95% CI: 18.7–19.1) respectively. Women marrying at younger ages and having their first birth at younger ages were more likely (RRR: 1.187; 95% CI: 1.138–1.239 and RRR: 0.195; 95% CI: 0.074–0.511 respectively) to have higher CFS than their compatriots that initiated both marriage and childbearing at or after age 22 controlling for covariates as presented in the controlled model. The independent effects model shows that the risk of having 1–3 children compared to 6 or more children was lower (RRR: 0.073; 95% CI: 0.009–0.611; RRR: 0.136; 95% CI: 0,046-0.402 and RRR: 0.421; 05% CI: 0.135–1.312) for women whose ages at first marriage were < 15, 15–18 and 19–21 respectively relative to 22+. Women with 1–3 children were 2.5 times more likely to use contraception than women with 6 or more children. Conclusion Having no education, being a rural resident and having a medium household wealth all increase the risk of having higher CFS. Women that marry before age 19 have a higher likelihood of having 6 or more children by the end of their reproductive period. The study concludes that apart from a woman’s age at first marriage and first birth, a complex network of factors interact to determined CFS.
Optimization of Benzoguanamine doped PVDF/KI/I2 Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Sundaramoorthy Kannadhasan , Pandian Muthu Senthil , Ramasamy P.
Published: March 2021

Benzoguanamine doped 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% PVDF/KI/I2 polymer electrolytes were prepared by solution casting technique. The crystallinity, surface morphology, ionic conductivity and photovoltaic performance of polymer electrolytes were analyzed. The PXRD studies have confirmed the decreased and increased crystallinity of benzoguanamine doped polymer electrolytes. The surface morphology of polymer electrolytes is discussed using SEM analysis. From the AC-impedance analysis, ionic conductivity of benzoguanamine doped 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% PVDF/KI/I2 polymer electrolytes were calculated as 5.57 × 10− 6 Scm− 1, 1.05 × 10− 5 Scm− 1, 5.95 × 10− 5 Scm− 1, 3.09 × 10− 5 Scm− 1, 1.56 × 10− 5 Scm− 1 and 1.48 × 10− 5 Scm− 1, respectively. The photovoltaic performance of benzoguanamine doped 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% PVDF/KI/I2 polymer electrolytes based DSSCs have achieved 1.5%, 1.9%, 2.8%, 2.5%, 2.3% and 2.1% power conversion efficiency, respectively.
Insights into the interactions between salt molecules: A combined experimental and computational study
Authors: Suresh Suganya , Kandasamy Saravanan , Ammasai Karthikeyan , Poomani Kumaradhas -
Published: March 2021

The proton transfer (PT) complex of 2-amino 4-methoxy 6-methyl pyrimidinium (2A4M6MP) 4-aminosalicylate (4AMSA), C6H10ON3+ C7H6NO3−, (I), and 5-chlorosalicylate (5ClSA), C6H10ON3+ C7H4O3Cl− (II) were synthesized and crystallized. The crystal structures of both salt molecules were investigated by SC-XRD. Further, the calculated ∆pKa values clearly demonstrate that 2A4M6MP is a good salt former when combined with carboxylic acids. Hirshfeld surface analysis provides the quantifying interactions in the solid state and energy framework shows the stability of hydrogen bonding. QTAIM analysis reveals the nature of chemical bonding and electron density distribution of intermolecular interactions of pyrimidine based salt molecules.
Performance evaluation and design criterion of a bistable nonlinear energy sink
Authors: Ding Hu , Wang Guo-Xu , Chen Li-Qun
Published: March 2021

In the evaluation of the vibration mitigation effect of a nonlinear energy sink (NES), the selection of performance measures is important. Based on a square root model, this paper aims to propose new reasonable performance measures and new design criteria of the NES in harmonic excitation. To broaden the application range of the slow invariant manifold, coordinate correction is carried out for the square root model of the bistable NES. Two original performance measures (the displacement amplitude of the main system and the energy dissipation rate of the NES) and two new performance measures (the mechanical energy and the input energy of the main system) are compared. The optimal geometric configuration and response form of the NES are found in different excitation conditions. The results show that the energy dissipation rate of the NES is not competent to evaluate the performance of the NES in harmonic excitation, while the two new performance measures show competence. By adjusting the geometry parameter, the nonlinear vibration absorber with positive linear stiffness and the bistable NES show optimal vibration mitigation effect in small and large excitation amplitudes, respectively. The optimal response form is the periodic response rather than the strongly modulated response.
Diabetes Severity Measured by Treatment Control Status and Number of Anti-diabetic Drugs Affects Presenteeism Among Workers With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mori Takahiro , Nagata Tomohisa , Nagata Masako , Fujimoto Kenji , Fujino Yoshihisa , Mori Koji
Published: March 2021

Background: The number of people with diabetes is increasing and resulting in major economic losses. Presenteeism accounts for the majority of economic losses, so measures against presenteeism are important. This study investigated the relationship between severity of type 2 diabetes and presenteeism.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among workers over 40 years of age. Participants were classified as normal group or diabetic treatment group using their medical examination results and health insurance claims data. Diabetic treatment groups were described by degree of treatment control: Good (HbA1c <7%), Intermediate (7%≤ HbA1c <8%), and Poor (8%≤ HbA1c). Therapy type was also divided into monotherapy and combination therapy. Logistic regression analysis was performed to predict presenteeism loss using the Quantity and Quality method.Results: Data on 13271 workers were analyzed. Presenteeism loss was significantly higher in all treatment control groups compared with the normal group, particularly for the intermediate and poor control groups. The monotherapy group did not differ from the normal group, but presenteeism loss was significantly higher in the combination therapy group than the normal group.Conclusions: Presenteeism loss in workers with diabetes may be affected by diabetes severity, and even if treatment control was good, presenteeism loss could occur when the number of anti-diabetic drugs was high. Therefore, it is important to provide early intervention and continuous support as a preventive measure against not only diabetes and diabetes-related complications but also presenteeism.
Determinants for Accepting Climate Change Mitigation Policies: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bergquist Magnus , Nilsson Andreas , Harring Niklas , Jagers Sverker
Published: March 2021

Public acceptance is a precondition for implementing climate change mitigation policies. What, then, determines acceptance of these policies? Based on 76 datasets from 34 countries, generating a total sample of 146,817 participants, we report a series of meta-analyses assessing the importance of 15 determinants for accepting climate change mitigation policies. Results show the following: (a) Among policy-specific beliefs, perceived fairness is the most important factor. (b) Among climate change beliefs, knowledge about climate change is weakly related to acceptance. Climate change beliefs, environmental concern, and perceived risk of and problems associated with climate change are all related to acceptance. (c) Among psychological factors, trust is most important. (d) Finally, demographic variables show weak or no relationship with acceptance. These results inform climate policy researchers as to which determinants of acceptance to include in future analyses and provide advice to policymakers about which sentiments they should consider when introducing and communicating intended climate policies.
Exploring the mechanism of astaxanthin against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by network pharmacology and experimental validation
Authors: luo lianxiang , Li Xiaoling , Huang Riming , Luo Hui
Published: March 2021

BackgroundAcute lung injury (ALI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in respiratory disease. Astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant xanthophyll carotenoid, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory activity. However, poor evidence has been reported that whether it has protective effects against ALI.Methods A network pharmacology analysis was carried out combining the construction of the GeneCards database and the Pharmmapper database, The potential active compounds and targets were predicted by compound-target prediction, protein-protein interaction analysis, GO and KEGG pathway analysis. Then, the anti-inflammation effect of astaxanthin was investigated in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells in vitro and LPS-induced ALI mice in vivo.ResultsThe results screened by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that astaxanthin had extensive associations with 25 known therapeutic targets of ALI. These target genes were further found to be associated with pathways involved in inflammatory pathways in ALI, such as the Toll-like receptor signal pathway, TNF signal pathway, Hif signal pathway, and NF-Kappa B signal pathway. Pre-treatment with astaxanthin inhibited the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway and attenuated LPS-increased inflammatory factors in vitro. Furthermore, the administration of astaxanthin significantly protected lung injury in vivo. Subsequently, we validated astaxanthin binds to the TLR4 pocket using molecular docking. ConclusionTaken together, astaxanthin exerts impressively protective effects on LPS-induced ALI in vitro and in vivo via suppressing the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway.
The Typology of the Biocultural Landscape in Slovakia
Authors: Izakovičová Zita , Špulerová Jana , Kozelová Ivana
Published: March 2021

Context. The European Landscape Convention is international strategy that aims to promote landscape protection, management and planning. This must be done on the basis of identification and knowledge of basic landscape types, which were created by the interaction of man and nature during historical development. Objectives. This paper presents a methodological approach for creation and evaluation of representative biocultural landscape classification types in order to elaborate an effective strategy of landscape protection, and proposes a management strategy of sustainable use of representative biocultural landscape types of Slovakia that will ensure the regular maintenance of the landscape in view current global trends and factors affecting the landscape.Method. Our interdisciplinary approach is based on previous classifications of cultural landscape and interaction of natural elements and valuation of the biotic and biocultural value of the landscape. The classification of the biocultural landscape is a result of multi-criteria analysis in GIS and synthesis of maps of potential vegetation, real ecosystem and current land use, abiotic conditions of representative geoecosystems of Slovakia, and other specific statistical data. We assessed the perception and significance of individual landscape types by way of questionnaire survey. Results. In Slovakia, 7 basic types of landscape were singled out, from natural to semi-natural to anthropogenic, within which other subtypes were specified. The individual types were assessed from the point of view of protection of threats to and degradation of the landscape. Conclusions. The most valuable types of biocultural landscape are given insufficient protection at present and new tools and methods of support and protection have to be implemented.
Protective Role of Thymoquinone in Hyperlipidemia-Induced Liver Injury in LDL-R-/- Mice
Authors: Wang Fei , Yang Qin , Hao Yuhua , Wu Yuling , Zhang Xiaoqing , Pei Zuowei
Published: March 2021

Background: Hyperlipidemia, a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by elevated levels of plasma lipids, causes serious health problems and can lead to fatty liver and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Thymoquinone (TQ), a major active component of Nigella sativa, can exert a vast array of biological effects. Various studies have reported that TQ protects against liver injury, and we previously reported that TQ reduces cardiac damage in mice fed a high-cholesterol diet (HD). However, few studies have evaluated the effects of TQ on hyperlipidemia-induced liver injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective effects of TQ against liver injury in hyperlipidemia-induced LDL-R-/- mice.Methods: Eight-week-old male LDL-R-/- mice were randomly divided into three groups based on diet: normal diet (ND group, which was the control), high cholesterol diet (HD group), and HD mixed with TQ (HD + TQ group). All mice were fed for 8 weeks. Blood samples were obtained from the inferior vena cava, collected in serum tubes, and stored at −80 °C to investigate the serum lipoprotein profile. Longitudinal sections of liver tissues were fixed in 10% formalin and embedded in paraffin for histological evaluation. The remainder of the liver tissues was snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen for mRNA and immunoblotting analyses.Results: TQ administration significantly reduced liver histological alterations caused by hyperlipidemia. TQ mitigated hyperlipidemia-induced liver injury, as indicated by the suppression of increases in metabolic parameters (total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol), hepatic biochemical parameters (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase), pyroptosis indicators (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor 3, interleukin [IL]-1β, and IL-18), a macrophage marker (CD68-positive cells), and phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase levels induced by the HD.Conclusions: These results indicate that TQ is a potential therapeutic agent for liver injury caused by hyperlipidemia.
Trends in Incidence and Mortality of Tuberculosis in India over past three decades: A Joinpoint and Age-Period- Cohort Analysis
Authors: Dhamnetiya Deepak , Patel Priyanka , Jha Ravi Prakash , Shri Neha , Singh Mayank , Bhattacharyya Krittika
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThe morbidity and mortality burden of tuberculosis has been a major public health challenge in India. Despite various commitments to end the global TB epidemic, India has the highest burden of TB and MDR-TB. To accelerate progress towards the goal of ending TB by 2025, it is imperative to outline the incidence and trend of tuberculosis in India. This study provides the trends in the burden of TB in India, along with age, period and cohort effect of TB. MethodsWe have extracted the TB incidence and mortality estimates from GBD database over the period 1990 to 2019. Joinpoint regression was used to determine the magnitude of time trends in incidence and mortality rates of Tuberculosis by calculating the average annual percent change (AAPC) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). We have analyzed the tuberculosis incidence and mortality trends in India to distinguish age, period and cohort effects by using age-period-cohort (APC) model.ResultsThere has been a decline in age standardized incidence rate in the period 1990-2019. Results from the APC table showed that the incidence and mortality due to tuberculosis in India decreased with the recent cohort. The period RRs of incidence had a downward trend in India in the period 1990-2019. Age standardized incidence and mortality rates of tuberculosis was found higher among males. The period RRs of incidence had a downward trend. Findings show that incidence and mortality were higher in older ages. The cohort effect on the incidence of tuberculosis was found higher among 1990-94 birth cohorts than in the later birth cohorts 2010-14. Wald test results demonstrated that the cohort and period RRs for both sexes and the net drift and local drifts for tuberculosis incidence and mortality were statistically significant.ConclusionHigher incidence and mortality in the older age groups is attributed to poor nutrition and socio-economic status. Improvement in India’s public health facility and strategic programs aimed at eliminating tuberculosis might be the reason behind declining RRs in India. The decline in the cohort RRs signifies the effective measures taken to reduce the burden of tuberculosis in the country.
Correlation between steroid levels in follicular fluid and hormone synthesis related substances in its exosomes and embryo quality in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Yu Li , Liu Miao , Wang Zhenxin , Liu Te , Liu Suying , Wang Beili , Pan Baishen , Dong Xi , Guo Wei
Published: March 2021

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic disorder with various manifestations and complex etiology. Follicular fluid (FF) serves as the complex microenvironment for follicular development. However, the correlation between the concentration of steroid in FF and the pathogenesis of PCOS is still unclear. Methods20 steroid levels in FF from ten patients with PCOS and ten women with male-factor infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization were tested by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in order to explore their possibly correlation with PCOS. Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of core enzymes in steroid synthesis pathway from exosomes of FF were also detected by qPCR.ResultsThe estriol (p < 0.01), estradiol (p < 0.05) and prenenolone (p < 0.01) levels in FF of PCOS group were significantly increased, compared to the normal group, and the progesterone levels (p < 0.05) were decreased in PCOS group. Increased mRNA levels of CYP11A, CYP19A and HSD17B2 of exosomes were accompanied by the hormonal changes in FF. Correlation analysis showed that mRNA levels of CYP11A and HSD17B2 were negatively correlated with percent of good-quality embryos and rate of embryos develop to blastocyst.ConclusionsOur results suggest that increased levels of estrogen and pregnenolone in follicular fluid may affect follicle development in PCOS patients, and the mechanism is partially related to HSD17B1, CYP19A1 and CYP11A1 expression change in FF exosomes.
COVID-19 mRNA vaccine induced antibody responses and neutralizing antibodies against three SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Jalkanen Pinja , Kolehmainen Pekka , Häkkinen Hanni , Huttunen Moona , Tähtinen Paula , Lundberg Rickard , Maljanen Sari , Reinholm Arttu , Tauriainen Sisko , Pakkanen Sari , Levonen Iris , Nousiainen Arttu , Miller Taru , Välimaa Hanna , Ivaska Lauri , Pasternack Arja , Naves Rauno , Ritvos Olli , Österlund Pamela , Kuivanen Suvi , Smura Teemu , Hepojoki Jussi , Vapalahti Olli , Lempainen Johanna , Kakkola Laura , Kantele Anu , Julkunen Ilkka
Published: March 2021

As SARS-CoV-2 has been circulating for over a year, dozens of vaccine candidates are under development or in clinical use. The BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine induces spike protein-specific neutralizing antibodies associated with protective immunity. The emergence of the B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants has raised concerns of reduced vaccine efficacy and increased re-infection rates. Here we show, that after the second dose, the sera of BNT162b2-vaccinated health care workers (n = 180) effectively neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 variant with the D614G substitution and the B.1.1.7 variant, whereas the neutralization of the B.1.351 variant is five-fold reduced. Despite the reduction, 92% of the vaccinees have a neutralization titre of >20 for the B.1.351 variant indicating some protection. The vaccinees’ neutralization titres exceeded those of recovered non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Our work provides strong evidence that the second dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine induces efficient cross-neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 variants currently circulating in the world.
Intimate Partner Violence and Its Association With HIV Testing Among Filipino Women: Results From the 2017 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Pepito Veincent Christian F. , Amit Arianna Maever L. , Tang Clinton S. , Montaus J. Ringgo , Nuguid Edward Joshua M. , Aliazas Neil Andrew Kiamco , Grecia Soidemer Claire C. , Ong Madeline Mae , Reyes Sarah J. De Los , Tanchanco Lourdes Bernadette S.
Published: March 2021

Background: The Philippines is one of the few countries in the world where incidence of both HIV and intimate partner violence (IPV) continue to rise. There is conflicting evidence on the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) with HIV testing however, and such an analysis involving Filipino respondents has not been carried out before. Our paper thus aims to study the relationship between IPV and HIV testing. As a secondary objective, we aim to assess the effect of confiding their IPV experiences to other people on HIV testing. Methods: We used data from the 2017 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey, only including participants on its domestic violence module. We used logistic regression methods for survey data to study the associations of interest. Results: Out of 17,968 respondents, around 16% of respondents reported experiencing any form of IPV, 13% reported experiencing emotional violence, 7% reported experiencing physical violence, and 3% reported experiencing sexual violence, with even a smaller percentage confiding their experience to other people. After adjusting for confounders, those who have experienced emotional violence have a higher odds of HIV testing as compared to those who have never experienced emotional violence. The odds of HIV testing are lower among those who have experienced any form of violence, physical violence, and sexual violence as compared to respondents who have not experienced any form of violence or these specific types of violence. More worryingly, the odds of HIV testing among victims of these types of IPV and have confided with other people are lower than those who have never been a victim of IPV or those who have not confided being a victim of IPV. None of the associations of interest have a statistically significant result. Conclusions: Our results suggest that there is a need to further improve access to HIV testing services among victims of IPV by making tests for HIV and other STIs part of the standard of care for IPV victims. By doing so, we can meet the ‘first 90’ of the 90-90-90 UNAIDS targets.
Genetic Analysis of Porcine Parvoviruses Detected in South Korean Wild Boars
Authors: Park Gyu-Nam , Song Sok , Cha Ra Mi , Choe SeEun , Shin Jihye , Kim Song-Yi , Hyun Bang-Hun , Park Bong-Kyun , An Dong-Jun
Published: March 2021

Porcine parvovirus 1 (PPV1) is a major cause of reproductive failure in pigs; to date, six novel porcine parvoviruses (PPV2–PPV7) have been identified. Here, we detected 11 PPV1, five PPV3, three PPV4, six PPV5, five PPV6, and one PPV7 strain in Korean wild boars. PPV1, -3, and -5, and PPV6, from Korean wild boars harbor conserved motifs within the Ca2+ binding loop and the catalytic center of the PLA1 motif. Intra-recombination among PPV7 strains was also identified. Genetic characterization revealed that PPV1 from Korean wild boars may be similar to virulent PPV strains.
The Effect of Inter-Pregnancy Interval on Primary Postpartum Hemorrhage in Urban South Ethiopia: A Community-Based Matched Nested Case Control Study
Authors: Jena Belayneh Hamdela , Biks Gashaw Andargie , Gete Yigzaw Kebede , Gelaye Kassahun Alemu
Published: March 2021

Background: Globally, postpartum hemorrhage remained a leading cause of maternal mortality, accounting for nearly one quarter of all pregnancy related deaths. To decrease postpartum hemorrhage related maternal mortalities to desired level, identifying its risk factors is very crucial to guide interventions. In this regard, little is known about the link between inter-pregnancy interval and primary postpartum hemorrhage in Ethiopia where maternal mortality is one of the highest in the world (412 per 100,000 live births). Therefore, we mainly aimed to assess the effect of inter-pregnancy interval on primary postpartum hemorrhage in urban South Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based matched nested case control study was conducted among 365 women (73 cases and 292 controls). Cases were women with primary postpartum hemorrhage and controls were women without primary postpartum hemorrhage. Cases were individually matched with controls (1:4 ratio) for age group and location. A conditional logistic regression analysis was done using R version 4.0.3 software. Statistically significant association was declared at P < 0.05. Odds ratio and attributable fraction (AF) were used to report effect sizes from the adjusted model.Results: The incidence of primary postpartum hemorrhage was 2.9%, 95%CI: (2.2%, 3.6%). More than half (56%) of primary postpartum hemorrhage was attributed to short inter-pregnancy interval <18 months (AF=56.1%, 95%CI: 6.5%, 79.5%). This could have been prevented if inter-pregnancy interval was increased to 24-36 months. Moreover, primary postpartum hemorrhage was attributed to presence of antepartum hemorrhage (AF=82.4%, 95% CI: 17.4%, 96.2%), prolonged labour (AF=71.8%, 95%CI: 31.5%, 88.4%) and late initiation of breast feeding (AF=78.2%, 95%CI: 47.4%, 90.9%).Conclusions: In this study, inter-pregnancy interval was causally related with primary postpartum hemorrhage. More than half of primary postpartum hemorrhage can be prevented by spacing pregnancy for at least 18 months. Other risk factors for primary postpartum hemorrhage were antepartum hemorrhage, prolonged labour and late initiation of breast feeding. Increasing existing maternal health service utilization (family planning emphasizing on spacing, antenatal care, health facility delivery with early referrals and postnatal care) will contribute for reducing primary postpartum hemorrhage, as the risk factors identified were maternal health service related and modifiable.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy after Hypoglycemia in a Patient with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Kikuchi Kota , Yasui-Furukori Norio , Hasegawa Chie , Watabiki Aimi , Inoue Teruo , Shimoda Kazutaka
Published: March 2021

BackgroundTakotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as “apical ballooning syndrome”, is generally precipitated by endogenous or exogenous stress, and eating disorders have a variety of physical complications.Case presentationWe present a case involving a 37-year-old Japanese female with eating disorders. She was admitted because of emaciation with shortness of breath and tiredness, and her weight was 30.0 kg (BMI 10.5 kg/m2) at this admission. On the afternoon of the first hospital day, a simple measurement caused hypoglycemia of 20 mg/dL, and she lost consciousness. On the night of the second hospital day, electrocardiogram showed negative T waves in II, III, aVf, and V1-6. Ultrasound echo showed hypokinesia at the apex of the heart and hypercontraction at the base of the heart. The left ventricular ejection fraction was 20%. Rest and oxygen administration gradually improved her cardiac function; the left ventricular ejection fraction also improved to 50% based on echocardiography. Finally, her weight increased by 43kg (BMI 15.2 kg/m2) with psychiatric treatment, and she was discharged.ConclusionsThe present case shows the clinical features of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy induced by a hypoglycemic event in addition to underlying anorexia nervosa.
Systemic Inflammation Alters the Neuroinflammatory Response: A Prospective Clinical Trial in Traumatic Brain Injury.
Authors: Lassarén Philipp , Lindblad Caroline , Frostell Arvid , Carpenter Keri LH , Guilfoyle Mathew R , Hutchinson Peter JA , Helmy Adel , Thelin Eric Peter
Published: March 2021

Background: Neuroinflammation following traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been shown to be associated with secondary injury development, however how systemic inflammatory mediators affect this is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to see how systemic inflammation affects markers of neuroinflammation, if this inflammatory response had a temporal correlation between compartments and how different compartments differ in cytokine composition.Methods: TBI patients recruited to a previous randomized controlled trial studying the effects of the drug anakinra (Kineret®), a human recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (rhIL1ra), were used (n=10 treatment arm, n=10 control arm). Cytokine concentrations were measured in arterial and venous samples twice a day, as well as in microdialysis-extracted brain extracellular fluid (ECF) following pooling every 6 hours. C-reactive protein level (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), temperature and confirmed systemic clinical infection were used as systemic markers of inflammation. Principal component analyses, linear mixed-effect models, cross-correlations and multiple factor analyses were used.Results: The development of a systemic clinical infection results in an altered brain-ECF cytokine response (e.g. increase in G-CSF and decrease in PDGF-ABBB, p<0.05 respectively), even if adjusting for injury severity and demographic factors. rhIL1ra administration had a strong effect on the inflammatory response, independently altering different blood (n=6) and brain cytokine (n=3) levels. No substantial delayed temporal association between blood and brain compartments could be detected. Jugular and arterial blood held similar cytokine information content, but brain-ECF was markedly different. No clear arterial to jugular gradient could be seen.Conclusions: Systemic inflammation, and infection in particular, alters cerebral cytokine levels, and rhIL1ra administration potently affects both systemic and cerebral cytokine levels. Cerebral inflammatory monitoring provides independent information from arterial and jugular samples, which both demonstrate similar information content. These findings could present potential new treatment options in severe TBI patients, and stresses the need of adequate monitoring of inflammatory markers.