bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Double Burden of Ebola and COVID-19 Viral Infections and the Readiness for Safe Surgical Care Provision in Uganda and the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: an Online Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Sikakulya Franck Katembo , Ssebuufu Robinson , Longombe Albert Ahuka Ona , Okedi Francis , Kalongo Michel , Valimungighe Moise Muhindo , Pascal Furaha Nzanzu Blaise , Vahwere Bienfait Mumbere , Mambo Simon Binezero , Mulumba Yusuf , Muyisa Muhindo Muhasa , Sonia Fatuma Djuma , Sekabira John , Fualal Jane , Kyamanywa Patrick
Published: May 2021

Objective: This study aimed at highlighting the extent to which Uganda and the Eastern DR Congo are ready for safe surgical care provision during the double burden of Ebola and COVID-19. Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted in selected National, Regional Referral and General Hospital facilities of Uganda and in the Eastern part of D.R. Congo from 1st August 2020 to 30 October 2020. Data was analysed using Stata version 14.2. Results: A participation rate of 37.5% for both countries (72/192). The mean bed capacity of participating health facilities (HF) was 184 in Eastern DR. Congo and 274 in Uganda with an average surgical ward bed capacity of 22.3% (41/184) of the beds in the DR. Congo and 20.4% (56/274) in Uganda. The mean number of operating rooms was 2 and 3 in Eastern DR. Congo and Uganda respectively. Nine hospitals (12.5%) reported being able to test for Ebola and 25 (34.7%) being able to test for COVID-19. Only 7 (9.7%) hospitals reported having a specific operating room for suspect or confirmed cases of Ebola or COVID-19. Provision of appropriate Personal Protection Equipment to personnel were reported to be available in 60 (83.3%) hospitals. The mean of readiness score for provision of surgical care was 7.8/16 (SD: 2.3) or 60% in both countries with no statistical significance in multiple linear regression analysis (p>0.05). Conclusion: The majority of participating hospitals in both countries had a low level of readiness to provide safe surgical care due to lack of supplies to limit the exposure of Healthcare workers (HCW) to Ebola and Covid-19 viral infections, and poor funding. Governments and non-governmental organizations should work together to enhance health facility supplies and readiness for safe surgical provision in resource-limited settings.
Effects of Chronic Cholinergic Stimulation Associated With Aerobic Physical Training on Cardiac Morphofunctional and Autonomic Parameters in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Gardim Camila B. , Oliveira Ana Catarine V. , Aguilar Bruno Augusto , Philbois Stella V. , Souza Hugo C. D.
Published: May 2021

We investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) the hemodynamic, cardiac morphofunctional, and cardiovascular autonomic adaptations after a protocol of aerobic physical training associated with chronic cholinergic stimulation. Fifty-four SRH were divided into two groups: trained and untrained. Afterward, each group was subdivided into three smaller groups: vehicle, treated with pyridostigmine bromide at 5mg/kg/day, and at 15mg/kg/day. The following protocols were assessed: echocardiography, autonomic double pharmacological blockade, analysis of heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure variability (BPV), and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Physical training and pyridostigmine bromide reduced blood pressure and heart rate and increased vagal participation in cardiac tonic autonomic balance. Associated the responses were potentialized. Pyridostigmine bromide increased the oscillation of low frequency (LF:0.2-0.75Hz) and high frequency (HF:0.75-3Hz) of HRV. However, the association with physical training attenuated HF oscillations. Pyridostigmine bromide also increased LF oscillations of BPV. Both treatments promoted morphofunctional adaptations and associated increased the ejection volume, ejection fraction, cardiac output, and cardiac index. In conclusion, the association of pyridostigmine bromide and physical training promoted greater benefits in hemodynamic parameters and increase vagal influence on cardiac autonomic tonic balance. Nonetheless, pyridostigmine bromide alone seems to negatively affect BPV, while the association of treatment negatively influences HRV.
Generation of Miniaturized Ovaries by in Vitro Culture From Mouse Gonads
Authors: Jang Si Won , Jang Hoon , Choi Hyun Woo
Published: May 2021

The incidence of infertility among individuals of reproductive age has been growing due to genetic and environmental factors, and considerable research efforts are focused on solving this issue. Ovarian development is an overly complex process in the body, involving the interaction between primordial germ cells and gonad somatic cells. However, follicles located in the center of the in vitro ovary are poorly formed or die owing to ovarian complexity, nutrient deficiency, and signaling deficiency. In the present study, we optimized methods for dissociating gonads and culture conditions for the in vitro generation of miniaturized ovaries. The gonads from embryos were dissociated into cell masses and cultured on a Transwell-COL membrane for 3~5 weeks. Approximately 12 follicles were present per in vitro ovary. We observed that miniaturized ovaries successfully matured to MII oocytes in vitro from 150 to 100 µm gonad masses. This method will be useful for investigating follicle development and oocyte production.
Cross-Border Mobility Responses to Covid-19 in Europe: New Evidence from Facebook Data
Authors: Docquier Frederic , Golenvaux Nicolas , Nijssen Siegfried , Schaus Pierre , Stips Felix
Published: May 2021

BackgroundWe use a unique database on Facebook users’ mobility to study the daily evolution of cross-border movements of people during the Covid-19 pandemic. To limit censoring issues, we focus on 45 pairs of European countries, and document the changes in daily traffic during an entire pandemic year. We rely on regression and machine learning models to identify the role of infection threats and containment policies. Permutation techniques allow us to compare the impact and predictive power of these two categories of variables. ResultsIn contrast with studies on within-border mobility, our models point to a stronger importance of containment policies in explaining changes in cross-border traffic as compared with international travel bans and fears of being infected. The latter are proxied by the numbers of Covid-19 cases and deaths at destination. Although the ranking among coercive policies varies across modelling techniques, containment measures in the destination country (such as cancelling of events, restrictions on internal movements and public gatherings), and school closures in the origin country (influencing parental leaves) have the strongest impacts on cross-border movements. ConclusionWhile descriptive in nature, our findings have policy-relevant implications. Cross-border movements of people predominantly consist of labor commuting flows and business travels. These economic and essential flows are marginally influenced by the fear of infection and international travel bans. They are mostly governed by the stringency of internal containment policies and the ability to travel.
WITHDRAWN: Immediate Postpartum Modern Family Planning Utilization and Associated factors among women gave birth public Health facilities, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Demissie Dereje Bayissa , Dadi Heran Worku
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The first 48 hours after a woman has given birth is a crucial period for taking the immediate postpartum contraceptive to prevent unintended pregnancy. However many women do not realize that the time to initiate contraceptive. The postpartum period is a critical period for addressing widespread unmet needs in family planning and for reducing the risks of closely spaced pregnancies.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine immediate postpartum modern family planning utilization and associated factors among women attending delivery at Public Health Facilities in Addis Ababa.Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted from November to December, 2019. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6.0.0 and analyzed with STATA version 14. Data were mainly analyzed using descriptive statistic and binary logistic regression. For the qualitative study purposive sampling technique was employed, and 7 participants were interviewed. Open coded thematic content analysis was used.Result: Of the total of 586 participants, 12.97 % with 95% CI: (10.1, 15.5) mothers were used immediate postpartum contraceptive methods, of which implant was the most frequently used method. Current knowledge of IPPFP (AOR=1.79, 95% CI: (1.02, 3.24)), Attitude towards IPPFP (AOR=1.73, 95% CI: (1.05, 2.85)) and counseled at delivery room (AOR=5.85, 95% CI: (2.57, 13.14)) were associated factors for utilizing contraceptive in the immediate postpartum period.Conclusion: Utilization of immediate postpartum modern family planning was low as compared to previous study done. This study identified that factors associated with utilization of immediate postpartum modern family planning were:- mothers’ knowledge, attitude towards postpartum modern family planning and had been counseled at delivery room were identified factors may increases likelihood of immediate postpartum family planning utilization. Therefore, these factors should be emphatically considered during antenatal care and post-partum care program development and training to improve contraceptive utilize during immediate postpartum period.
Gut Microbiota Associated with Effectiveness and Responsiveness to Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Improving Trait Anxiety
Authors: wang zonghua , xu xiaoxiao , liu shuang , Xiao Yufeng , yang min , zhao xiaoyan , jin cancan , hu feng , yang shiming , tang bo , song caiping , wang tao
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveThe mindfulness based interventions have been widely demonstrated effective on reducing stress, alleviating mood disorders and improving quality of life; however, the underlying mechanisms remained to be fully understood. Along with the advanced research in microbiota-gut-brain axis, this study aimed to explore the impact of gut microbiota on the effectiveness and responsiveness to mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) among high trait anxiety populations.DesignA standard mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) was performed among 21 young adults with high trait anxiety. A total of 29 healthy controls were matched for age and sex. The differences on gut microbiota between the two groups were compared. The changes of fecal microbiota and psychological indicators were also investigated before and after the intervention. ResultsCompared with healthy controls, we found markedly decreased bacterial diversity and distinctive clusters among high trait-anxiety populations, with significant overgrowth of bacteria such as Streptococcus, Blautia, Romboutsia, and decrease of genera such as Faecalibacterium, Coprococcus_3, Lachnoclostridium. Moreover, MBCT attenuated trait-anxiety and depression, improved mindfulness and resilience, and turned gut microbiota more close to that of healthy controls. Notably, high burden of intestinal Subdoligranulum pre-MBCT was associated with an increased responsiveness to MBCT. Decreases in Subdoligranulum post-MBCT were indicative of ameliorated trait anxiety. The tryptophan metabolism pathways were significantly over-represented among high-responders compared to low-responders.Conclusion The significantly increased diversity post-MBCT added evidence to gut-brain communication, and highlighted the utility of mycobiota-focused strategies for promoting effectiveness and responsiveness of the MBCT to improve trait anxiety.Trial registration: Chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR1900028389. Registered 20 December 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=47167&htm=4
Plastic Deformation of Synthetic Quartz Nanopillars by Nanoindentation for Multi-scale and Multi-level Security Artefact Metrics
Authors: Ito Shunya , Omori Toshiyuki , Ando Masao , Yamazaki Hiroyuki , Nakagawa Masaru
Published: May 2021

Individual authentication using artefact metrics has received increasing attention as a greater importance has been placed on the security of individual information. These artefact metrics must satisfy the requirements of individuality, measurement stability, durability, and clone resistance, in addition to possessing unique physical features. In this study, we proposed that nanostructures of synthetic quartz (SQ) deposited on an SQ plate may provide such sophisticated artefact metrics if morphological changes can be intentionally introduced into the SQ nanostructures at certain positions. We fabricated SQ nanopillars using a mass-production method (namely ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography) and investigated their mechanical deformation using nanoindentation with a spherical diamond tip through loading and unloading cycles. The SQ nanopillars with an aspect ratio of 1 (i.e. diameters D of 100 and 200 nm and heights H of 100 and 200 nm, respectively) could be plastically deformed without collapsing within a specified pillar-array format at programmed positions. The plastically deformed SQ nanopillar arrays demonstrated multi-scale (sub-millimetre, micrometre, and nanometre) and multi-level (shape, area, diameter, and height) individuality authentication and clone resistance capabilities. Because SQ is physically and chemically stable and durable, the individuality authentication will be a highly reliable media on Earth and in space.
Efficient measures to control an outbreak of SARS-CoV2 in an elderly care home and to prevent a spill over into the general population
Authors: Weigl Josef A.I. , Werlang Thorsten , Wessendorf Michael , Helbing Holger
Published: May 2021

Background: The vaccination campaign against SARS-CoV2 in Germany started at the peak of the second wave. An outbreak in an elderly care home occurred in our county at the time of the second vaccination.Aims: To describe a package of measures to control the outbreak and to prevent a spill over into the general population.Methods: After outbreak confirmation a package of measures such as quarantine of the elderly care home, staff and visitors, and their households was implemented. By sequential testing quarantine measures were lifted. Surveillance of staff and residents by rapid antigen test and symptom monitoring was used in parallel.Results: The outbreak was on-going for around 17 days until it was noticed by a symptomatic external staff member as index case. A total of 23 out of 96 (24.0%) residents and 9 out of 114 (7.9%) staff were infected. Three residents died. Effective first dose vaccine coverage was 85.4% in residents, 27.4% in internal and 10.5% in external staff. Given the long latency period the use of household quarantine prevented a spill over into the public. Already 16 days after notification of the index case the outbreak could be declared over.Conclusions: Interferences between vaccination coverage and outbreak characteristics in regard to an extended latency period were observed. Household quarantine of case as well as contact households is of increased importance in the era of vaccination to prevent further spread into the general population until population based control measures and lockdowns can be lifted.
Trametinib Monotherapy for the Treatment of Brain Metastasis from NSCLC: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Pan Tianfan , Huang Xiangzhong
Published: May 2021

Background:BRAF mutation mostly was observed in lung adenocarcinoma, accounting for about 4.9%. It mainly including V600E mutation and other rare mutations, among which non-V600E positive accounted for about 43.3%.Case presentation:We report a case that postoperative recurrence NSCLC with brain metastasis and multiple lymph nodes metastasis, who had been developed hemiplegia. The gene mutation was positive for BRAF non-V600E and a partial response was observed despite brain and multiple lymph nodes lesions after trimetinib monotherapy.Conclusion:Our case shows that trimetinib could potentially be a promising therapeutic agent for chemotherapy-refractory BRAF non-V600E mutant NSCLC patients.
Opioid Consumption Trends in Spain: The Case of the Island of La Gomera (2016-2019)
Authors: Oliva Alexis , Armas Néstor , Devora Sandra , Abdala Susan
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to describe the consumption of opioid drugs in the island of La Gomera over a four-year period (2016–2019) at various levels (island, township and health areas). Data were extracted from the wholesaler in community pharmacies at a population level. Consumption patterns were expressed as number of Defined Daily Doses per 1000 inhabitant /day (DID) and by the number of sold units per 1000 inhabitants and year. A common classification system (ATC) and the two units of measurement proposed enabled comparisons at various levels. Major differences between island, township, and health areas are presented. Little is known about the reasons for these differences. The opioids belonging to the N02AJ groups and N02AX were the most consumed according to the “sold units” parameter, which accounted for 69.48% and 18.59%, respectively. The situation was similar in terms of DID, although with lower percentages, but a significative increase was observed in the use of fentanyl and buprenorphine, around 15% each. The balance between the uses of weak or strong opioids showed differences in La Gomera compared to those nationwide. In mainland Spain, almost 70% of the consumption came from weak opioids versus that of 58.67% in La Gomera. Fentanyl was the most frequently used strong opioid (16.10%) followed by tapentadol and buprenorphine, around 5% each, whereas in La Gomera buprenorphine was the most consumed (15.75%) followed by fentanyl (14.87%) and tapentadol (5.82%). These differences in opioids consumption are most likely explained by different changes on the prescribing habits and sociodemographic characteristics.
Identification of Molecular Subgroups in Liver Cirrhosis by Gene Expression Profiles
Authors: Zhang Ying-xue , Sun Feng-xia , Li Xiao-ling , Liu Qing-hua , Chen Zi-meng , Guo Yu-fei
Published: May 2021

Background: Cirrhosis is a common clinical chronic progressive liver disease and has become one of the main causes of death worldwide. The condition of liver cirrhosis is complex and there is also clinical heterogeneity. Identifying liver cirrhosis based on molecular characteristics has become a challenge.Methods: To reveal the potential molecular characteristics of different types of cirrhosis, we divided 79 patients with cirrhosis into 4 subgroups based on gene expression profiles. These gene expression profiles were retrieved from the mprehensive gene expression database. In addition, these subgroups showed different expression patterns. To reveal the differences between subgroups, we used weighted gene co-expression analysis and identified six subgroup-specific gene co-expression analysis modules.Results: The characteristics ofWCGNAmodules indicate that TGF - β signaling pathway,viral protein interaction with cytokines and cytokine receptors, including a variety of chemokines and inflammatory factors, are upregulated in subgroup I, indicating that subjects in subgroup I may show inflammatory characteristics; fatty acid metabolism, biosynthesis of cofactors, carbon metabolism and protein processing pathway in endoplasmic reticulum were significantly enriched in subgroup II, which indicated that the subjects in subgroup II might have the characteristics of active metabolism; arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and Neuroactive ligand−receptor interaction are significantly enriched in subgroup IV; we did not find a significant upregulation pathway in the third subgroup.Conclusion: The subgroups classification of liver cirrhosis cases shows that patients from different subgroups may have unique gene expression patterns, which indicates that patients in each subgroup should receive more personalized treatment.
Propagation of Vortex Cosine-hyperbolic-gaussian Beams in Atmospheric Turbulence
Authors: Hricha Zoubir , Lazrek Mohammed , Yaalou Mohammed , Belafhal Abdelmajid
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the propagation properties of a vortex cosh-Gaussian beam (vChGB) in turbulent atmosphere are investigated. Based on the extended Huygens–Fresnel diffraction integral and the Rytov method, the analytical expression for the average intensity of the vChGB propagating in the atmospheric turbulence is derived. The effects of the turbulent strength and the beam parameters on the intensity distribution and the beam spreading are illustrated numerically and analyzed in detail. It is shown that upon propagating, the incident vChGB keeps its initial hollow dark profile within a certain propagation distance, then the field loses gradually its central hole-intensity and transformed into a Gaussian–like beam for large propagation distance. The rising speed of the central peak is demonstrated to be faster when the constant strength turbulence or the wavelength are larger and the Gaussian width is smaller. The obtained results can be beneficial for applications in optical communications and remote sensing.
Non-invasive Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist in Preterm Infants With RDS: Effect of Changing Nava Levels
Authors: Lefevere Julie , Delft Brenda Van , Vervoort Michel , Cools Wilfried , Cools Filip
Published: May 2021

We aimed to examine the effect of changing levels of support (NAVA level) during non-invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV-NAVA) in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) on electrical diaphragm activity. This is a prospective, single-centre, interventional, exploratory study in a convenience sample. Clinically stable preterm infants supported with NIV-NAVA for RDS were eligible. Patients were recruited in the first 24 hours after the start of NIV-NAVA. Following a predefined titration protocol, NAVA levels were progressively increased starting from a level of 0,5 cmH2O/µV and with increments of 0,5 cmH2O/µV every 3 minutes, up to a maximum level of 4,0 cmH2O/µV. We measured the evolution of peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) and the electrical signal of the diaphragm (Edi) during NAVA level titration. Twelve infants with a mean (SD) gestational age at birth of 30,6 (3,5) weeks and birth weight of 1454 (667) g were enrolled. For all patients a breakpoint could be identified during the titration study. The breakpoint was on average (SD) at a level of 2,33 (0,58) cmH2O/µV. With increasing NAVA levels, the respiratory rate decreased significantly. No severe complications occurred.Conclusions: Preterm neonates with RDS supported with NIV-NAVA display a biphasic response to changing NAVA levels with an identifiable breakpoint. This breakpoint was at a higher NAVA level than commonly used in this clinical situation. Immature neural feedback mechanisms warrant careful monitoring of preterm infants when supported with NIV-NAVA.Clinical trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov NCT03780842. Date of registration December 12, 2018.
Kyphoplasty With a New Device: A Comparison Study
Authors: Huang Jian , Chen Ming , Zhou Zongbo , Lu Zhifu , Fu Chuangong , Gou Xuejian , Wu Zuqing , Yan Zhaodong
Published: May 2021

Study design: Retrospective cohort study.Objective: To explore the effect of a new device for kyphoplasty.Methods: 80 patients with kyphoplasty from January 2019 to December 2020 were selected and divided into experimental group (n = 40) and control group (n = 40) according to different surgical methods. The experimental group was treated with new puncture needle puncture technology, while the control group was treated with traditional puncture needle puncture technology. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. The pain improvement was evaluated by VAS score. The operation effect was evaluated by anterior height of injured vertebral body, middle height of injured vertebral body and wedge angle of injured vertebral body. The number of fluoroscopy and the cost of operation were also evaluated.Results: Compared with the control group, the operation time and intraoperative blood loss of the experimental group were significantly less than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant. There was no significant difference in the ratio of anterior height of injured vertebral body between the two groups on the third day and the last follow-up. There was no significant difference in the ratio of middle height of in injured vertebral body between the two groups on the third day and the last follow-up. There was no significant difference in wedge angle of injured vertebral body between the two groups at the third day and the last follow-up. There was significant difference in the number of fluoroscopy between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the operation cost between the two groups.Conclusion: The new surgical method can shorten the operation time and reduce the radiation exposure rate of surgeons, but it has no effect on the operation effect and operation cost.
Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alleviate Concanavalin A-induced Fulminant Hepatitis by Repressing NF-κB Signaling and Glycolysis
Authors: Pan Lijie , Liu Chang , Liu Qiuli , Li Yanli , Du Cong , Kang Xinmei , Dong Shuai , Zhou Zhuowei , Chen Huaxin , Liang Xiaoqi , Chu Jiajie , xu yan , Zhang Qi
Published: May 2021

Background: Fulminant hepatitis is a severe life-threatening clinical condition with rapid progressive loss of liver function. It is characterised by massive activation and infiltration of immune cells into the liver and disturbance of inflammatory cytokine production. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) showed potent immunomodulatory properties, and transplantation of MSCs is suggested as a promising therapeutic approach for a host of inflammatory conditions. Methods: In the current study, a well-established Concanavalin A (Con A)-induced fulminant hepatitis mouse model was used to investigate the effects of transplanting human umbilical cord MSC (hUC-MSC) on fulminant hepatitis.Results: We showed that hUC-MSCs effectively alleviate fulminant hepatitis in mouse models, primarily through inhibiting T cell immunity. RNA-sequencing of liver tissues and human T cells co-cultured with hUC-MSCs showed that NF-κB signaling and glycolysis are two main pathways involved in mediating the protective role of hUC-MSCs on both Con A-induced hepatitis in vivo and T cell activation in vitro. Conclusion: In summary, our data confirmed the potent therapeutic role of MSCs-derived from human umbilical cord on Con A-induced fulminant hepatitis, and uncovered new mechanisms that glycolysis metabolic shift mediates suppression of hUC-MSCs on T cell immunity.
Deficiency of miR-29 a/b1 Leads to Premature Aging and Dopaminergic Neuroprotection in Mice
Authors: bai xiaochen , Wang Jinghui , Zhang Xiaoshuang , Tang Yilin , Han Linlin , Fang Rong , Liu Zhaolin , Dong Hongtian , Li Qing , Ge Jingyu , Ma Yuanyuan , Yu Mei , Sun Ruilin , Wang Jian , Fei Jian , Huang Fang
Published: May 2021

Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. The miR-29s family, including miR-29a and miR-29b1 as well as miR-29b2 and miR-29c, are implicated in aging, metabolism, neuronal survival, and neurological disorders. In this study, the roles of miR-29a/b1 in aging and PD were investigate. MethodsmiR-29a/b1 knockout mice (named as 29a KO hereafter) and their wild-type (WT) controls were used to analyze aging-related phenotypes. After challenged with the neurotoxin MPTP, dopaminergic injuries, glial activation and mouse behaviors were evaluated. Primary glial cells were further cultured to explore the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, the levels of miR-29s in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of PD patients (n=18) and healthy subjects (n=17) were quantified. Results29a KO mice showed dramatic weight loss, kyphosis, along with increased and deepened wrinkles in skins, when compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Moreover, both abdominal and brown adipose tissues reduced in 29a KO mice, compared to their WT counterpart. However, in MPTP-induced PD mouse model, deficiency of miR-29a/b1 led to less severe damages of dopaminergic system and mitigated glial activation in the nigrostriatal pathway, and subsequently alleviated the motor impairment in 3-month-old mice. 8-month-old mutant mice maintained such a resistance to MPTP intoxication. Mechanistically, the deficiency of miR-29a/b-1 promoted the expression of neurotrophic factors in MPP+-treated primary mixed glia and primary astrocytes. In LPS-treated primary microglia, knockout of miR-29a/b-1 inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors, and promoted the expression of anti-inflammatory factors and neurotrophic factors. Knockout of miR-29a/b1 gene increased the activity of AMPK and repressed NF-κB/p65 signaling in glial cells. Moreover, we found miR-29a level was increased in the CSF of patients with PD. ConclusionsOur results suggest that 29a KO mice display the peripheral premature senility. The combined effects of less activated glial cells might contribute to the mitigated inflammatory responses and elicit the dopaminergic neuroprotection in miR-29a/b1 KO mice.
The Neuroprotective Effects of Policosanol on Learning and Memory Impairment in a Male Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Safari Samaneh , Mirazi Naser , Ahmadi Nesa , Asadbegi Masoumeh , Nourian Alireza , Komaki Alireza
Published: May 2021

Alzheimer's disease (AD) as a neurodegenerative disease is recognized with progressive cognitive function failure, which is determined by beta-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation in extracellular space and hyperphosphorylation of intracellular Tau protein. Aβ stimulates some kinds of active oxygen and causes oxidative stresses and apoptosis. Policosanol (PCO) is a reducing lipid complement, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In the current research, the PCO effects on learning and memory impairment were investigated in a rat model of AD. Healthy adult male Wistar rats (230–250g) were divided randomly into 7 groups (n=6-7): Control, Sham (5 µL of phosphate-buffered saline, intracerebroventricular (ICV) microinjection), AD model (5 µL, ICV injection of Aβ), acacia gum (50 mg/kg, 8 weeks, gavage), PCO (50 mg/kg, 8 weeks, gavage), AD + acacia gum (50 mg/kg, 8 weeks, gavage), and AD + PCO (50 mg/kg, 8 weeks, gavage). Passive avoidance learning (PAL) and memory were assessed by shuttle box, cognitive memory by novel object recognition (NOR), and spatial memory by the Morris water maze (MWM) test. The oxidant and antioxidant parameters were examined at the end of the experiments. According to our results, ICV injection of Aβ caused reduced cognitive memory in NOR, spatial memory in MWM, and passive avoidance in PAL tests. PCO caused a recovery in cognitive memory, spatial memory, and PAL memory. Aβ plaques increased in the AD group, while PCO decreased it. Aβ increased total oxidant status and decreased total antioxidant capacity, whereas PCO reversed these parameters. Our results demonstrated that PCO has neuroprotective effects and can protect learning and memory impairments via its hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects.
Random Forest Model For Predicting IDH1 Gene Expression Based on Volumetric Texture Parameters of WHO Grade II/III Glioma and Peritumoral EdemaRandom Forest Model for Predicting IDH1 Gene Expression Based on Volumetric Texture Parameters of WHO Grade II/III Glioma and Peritumoral Edema
Authors: Lan Wenting , Feng Zhan , Zhang Yan , Zhao ZhengYa , Huang Yi , Ruan Xinzhong
Published: May 2021

Background: The incidence of Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) gene mutation had closed contact with the development and prognosis of WHO grade II/III glioma. This study aims to establish and evaluate the predicting random Forest model for IDH1 gene mutation based on parenchyma and peritumoral edema ADC image texture parameters of WHO grade II/III glioma. Materials and Methods: 146 patients (77 males and 69 females) with histologically confirmed anaplastic glioma were divided into training and validation groups in a ratio of 7:3 according to the requirements of Random Forest Model. The training group consisted of 102 patients (42 IDH1 mutant and 60 wild type) and the validation group included 44 patients (18 IDH1 mutant and 26 wild type). Conventional MRI features of two independent samples (IDH1 mutant and wild type) were evaluated by the Visually Accessible Rembrandt Images (VASARI) scoring system, Texture analysis (TA) of ADC image was based on the entire tumor volume and peritumoral edema and was used as Principal component analysis (PCA) to screen texture features labels. Random forest diagnosis models (VASARI+TumorADC、VASARI+TumorADC+EdemaADC) were constructed on the basis of morphological single-factor variables, texture feature labels. Result: The diagnostic accuracy of the random forest diagnosis model (VASARI+Tumor ADC) was 71.5%, the specificity was 75.40%, and the AUC was 0.769, The model (VASARI+TumorADC +peritumoral edema ADC ) was 80.9%, 79.5% ,and 0.819 correspondingly. Conclusion: The texture parameters of peritumoral edema ADC image were non-invasive markers to predict IDH1 mutational status and they have played a certain role in improving the efficiency of diagnostic model.
Geological and Geochemical Characteristics of Low-Arsenic Groundwater in The Karamay Area Between Two High Arsenic Areas of Xinjiang, China
Authors: Li Qiao , Tao Hongfei , Aihemaiti Mahemujiang , Jiang Youwei , Yang Wenxin , Jiang Jun
Published: May 2021

The groundwater of several regions in Xinjiang, China, including the Kuitun and the Manas River Basins in the Junggar Basin, is heavily polluted with arsenic. However, the arsenic content of the groundwater of the Karamay area located within the Junggar Basin is relatively low and below the recommended drinking water limit. In our study, we analyze the factors that result in this anomaly. The geological and geochemical characteristics of the water-bearing system in this area were investigated by analyzing water samples, carrying out hydrogeological surveys, and statistical techniques. Since the Carboniferous, the geological development and subsequent structural evolution resulted in a lower arsenic concentration in groundwater of the Karamay region than that of the Kuitun River Basin and the Manasi River Basin. The missing high-energy sedimentary environment in the Middle-Upper Permian and the composition of sediments controlled the characteristics of the multi-layer aquifer in this area. We find that the lack of arsenic sources, neutral and slightly alkaline environment, water injection to extract oil, and the Irtysh River Diversion to Urumqi Project, result in better groundwater quality and lower arsenic pollution in this area.
Sildenafil for Asian Adult Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Shi Qianling , Wang Zijun , Yang Nan , Ma Yanfang , Chen Yaolong , Yao Hua
Published: May 2021

Background: The prognosis of patients with untreated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has historically been poor. Previous studies have recommended that sildenafil was beneficial, but the dose varies greatly. We aimed to evaluate sildenafil effectiveness and safety in dose of 20mg/three times a day (TID) for Asian adult patients with PAH. Methods: Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI and Wanfang Data) from their inception to May 2020 were searched. We included all randomized controlled trials and non-randomized studies of interventions that comparing sildenafil (20mg/TID) versus placebo or symptomatic treatment for PAH Asian adults. Results: Eight studies totaling 364 participants were included. When compared to symptomatic treatment, sildenafil treated patients were more likely to walk 68.3 meters further in six-minute walk distance [mean difference (MD)=68.3 meters, 95% confidence interval (CI) 48.85 to 87.76, P＜0.00001], to achieve an improvement in systemic arterial oxygen saturation (MD=2.48%, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.71, P＜0.00001) and in score on the Borg scale of dyspnea (MD=-0.99 points, 95% CI -1.45 to -0.53, P＜0.00001). The total number of patients with WHO class III and IV also showed downtrend. When compared to placebo, sildenafil was associated with a greater reduction in the mean pulmonary artery pressure (MD=-4.13 mmHg, 95% CI -6.52 to -1.74, P=0.0007) and level of brain natriuretic peptide (MD=-86.16 pg /mL, 95% CI -103.39 to -68.93, P＜0.00001). The most adverse reactions were headache, flushing, dyspepsia, and diarrhea, which were relatively mild. Conclusions: Sildenafil in dose of 20mg/TID is well tolerated in Asian adults with PAH, and associated with statistically significant improvements in exercise capacity, cardio-pulmonary function and haemodynamic indices. The long-term prognosis still needs to be evaluated and confirmed by further trials.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020190582
PrAna: An R package to calculate and visualize England NHS primary care prescribing data
Authors: Jagadeesan Kishore Kumar , Grant James , Griffin Sue , Barden Ruth , Kasprzyk-Hordern Barbara
Published: May 2021

Background
The objective of this work to calculate prescribed quantity of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in prescription medications for human use, to facilitate research on the prediction of amount of API released to the environment and create an open-data tool to facilitate spatiotemporal and long-term prescription trends for wider usage.
Design
We have developed an R package, PrAna to calculate the prescribed quantity (in kg) of an APIs by postcode using England’s national level prescription data provided by National Health Service, for the years 2015–2018. Datasets generated using Prana can be visualized in a real-time interactive web-based tool, PrAnaViz to explore spatiotemporal and long-term trends. The visualisations can be customised by selecting month, year, API, and region.
Results
PrAnaViz’s targeted API approach is demonstrated with the visualisation of prescribed quantities of 14 APIs in the Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) region during 2018. Once the APIs list is loaded, the back end retrieves relevant data and populates the graphs based on user-defined data features in real-time. These plots include the prescribed quantity of APIs over a year, by month, and individual API by month, general practice, postcode, and medicinal form. The non-targeted API approach is demonstrated with the visualisation of clarithromycin prescribed quantities at different postcodes in the BANES region.
Conclusion
PrAna and PrAnaViz enables the analysis of spatio-temporal and long-term trends with prescribed quantities of different APIs by postcode. This can be used as a support tool for policymakers, academics and researchers in public healthcare, and environmental scientist to monitor different group of pharmaceuticals emitted to the environment and for prospective risk assessment of pharmaceuticals in the environment.
Thermal Decomposition and Kinetic Analysis of a Mil-88a Metal-organic Framework
Authors: Moustafa M. G. , Aboraia Abdelaziz M. , Elmasry F. , Butova Vera V. , Soldatov Alexander
Published: May 2021

The thermal decomposition of the MIL-88A metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is studied, for the first time, at various heating rates under air and Nitrogen. The precursors of a MIL-88A material revealed water evaporation and remaining solvent molecules in the framework structure at low-temperatures range while at the high-temperatures range, the organic skeleton collapse; in the meantime, Fe0.94O and the shell of graphitized carbon are formed. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) curves of MIL-88A moved slowly to the high-temperatures region with increasing heating rates. Additionally, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) curves of MIL-88A provided a change in the peak intensity, indicating the difference in the sample weight loss. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the as-prepared sample confirmed the existence of a single hexagonal MIL-88A without any impurities of other phases. However, XRD exhibited two phases Fe0.94O and F0, after annealing. TEM of the annealed sample also asserted the creation of a carbon layer on the surface. The activation energy and kinetic parameter of the MIL-88A material offered higher values as the exothermic peak increased. Interestingly, the thermal decomposition of the MIL-88A material is effective in investigating the temperature effect on the pyrolysis process that can benefit in energy storage applications.
Development of an online suicide prevention program involving people with lived experience: ideas and challenges
Authors: Dreier Mareike , Baumgardt Johanna , Bock Thomas , Härter Martin , Liebherz Sarah
Published: May 2021

Background

Fear of stigmatization, self-stigmatization, and insufficient information can lead to secrecy, reduced help-seeking, lower self-esteem, and lower self-efficacy among people affected by suicidality or suicide. Therefore, we developed an online suicide prevention program aiming to improve knowledge about suicidality and suicide stigma.
Methods

Inspired by the Australian program The Ripple Effect, a German team comprising people with lived suicide experience, researchers, and clinicians was established for developing an online suicide prevention program. Therefore, we oriented on guidelines for evidence-based health information, for reporting on suicide, and on dealing with suicidality. The lived experience team discussed and developed concept, structure, and content of the program. This manuscript presents summaries of protocols from 16 team meetings and 3 written text reviews to outline the program development process. A summative evaluation 3 years after program development began is qualitatively analyzed based on thematic analysis.
Results

Between 2018 und 2021, the lived experience team (n = 10) discussed possibilities of support in suicidal crises, attitudes towards suicide, content, and design of the online program. In a structured process, six members of the lived experience team reviewed the content. Eight persons shared their lived suicide experience in video reports by focusing on constructive ways of dealing with suicidality or a loss by suicide, conveying hope and encouraged people to continue living. Team members recommended greater public and patient involvement from the application stage, as well as more financial and personnel resources.
Conclusions

Through contributions to discussions and text reviews, the lived experience team shaped decisions in the program development process. While involving persons with lived suicide experience, it is important to consider that suicidality is 1. emotionally challenging, 2. a stigmatized issue, and 3. that the aspect of safety must be a priority. A distinction must be made between the duty of care based on actual risk and inappropriate overprotection. Hereby, transparency, autonomy, and a clear structure appeared to be helpful. For further research, we recommend a structured formative review process of the development of the program. We recommend discussing the purpose and the specific design of the evaluation with a lived experience team in advance.
Trial registration

German Clinical Trial Register DRKS00015071 on August 6, 2018.
An empirical assessment of how the government policies influenced the performance of the SMEs in Zimbabwe
Authors: Musabayana Godfrey Tambudzayi , Mutambara Emmanuel , Ngwenya Tony
Published: May 2021

The Zimbabwean government came up with sound policies that were enacted in order to deliberately empower the SMEs, focusing on their performance, but the main challenge was on the communication, implementation and support of the policies hence their impact was highly insignificant. Primary data showed that the government managed to inform the elite group, its officers who are well versed with SME policies and government intentions were clearly communicated to all the experts in the SME sector, but this information did not reach out to the end users, SME implementers. The failure to inform the lower levels of the SME implementers with the policy information had a negative impact on the performance of SMEs and the government should take this as a learning curve and adopt new strategic framework that is poised to put right what has been incorrectly executed. The poor performance of Zimbabwean SMEs is basically an issue of the government commitment to its policies that support the economic growth. The SME policy issues that were not communicated to the implementers had a ripple negative effect across the whole economy of the country hence the study recommended the crafting of a more robust and home grown strategic framework that corrects the mistake that was made the government.
Stromal cell-derived factor 1 secreted by cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes lncRNA Xist through CXCR4 and facilitates invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Lifang , Chen Wenhu , Li Xiaoyan , Zhao Hongguang
Published: May 2021

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) abundantly exist in NSCLCs and promote tumor progression in most solid tumors. This study investigated the effect of CAFs on NSCLC. CAFs and normal fibroblasts (NFs) were isolated and identified. CAFs or NFs were cocultured with NSCLCs cells. Cell invasion and migration, and expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, SDF-1, CXCR4 and Xist were measured. SDF-1/CXCR4 axis inhibitor ADM3100 or low expression of Xist was added to verify the invasion and metastasis of NSCLC. The binding relationships of Xist, miR-15a-5p and MMP3 were analyzed. The effect of miR-15a-5p overexpression on H1299 was evaluated. Finally, lung metastasis experiment was carried out in vivo. CAFs promoted the invasion and EMT of NSCLC cells by secreting SDF-1. CAFs increased CXCR4 and Xist expressions in NSCLC cells. SDF-1 knockdown or ADM3100 decreased CXCR4 and Xist expressions. Silencing Xist reduced the promotion of CAFs on NSCLC. Xist targeted miR-15a-5p to regulate MMP3. Overexpression of miR-15a-5p promoted the invasion and EMT of NSCLC cells. CAFs caused more metastatic nodules and elevated SDF-1, CXCR4, MMP3 and XIST levels, and lowered miR-15a-5p level. Collectively, SDF-1 secreted by CAFs promotes lncRNA Xist through CXCR4, and Xist targets miR-15a-5p to regulate MMP3, thus promoting invasion and metastasis of NSCLC.
Safe return to elective surgery following a COVID-19 outbreak: an observational study
Authors: Aoyama Akihiro , Yamazaki Hiroshi , Yoshida Atsushi , Maruoka Hayato , Nasu Seiko , Shiroishi Yumi , Eto Masaaki , Ibaraki Takeharu , Okuuchi Noboru , Kuroda Hirokazu , Hasuike Toshikazu , Doi Asako , Yunoki Kazuma , Higashibeppu Naoki , Tachikawa Ryo , Tomii Keisuke , Ishikura Reiichi , Mima Hiroyuki , Takahashi Yutaka , Naito Yasushi , Shinohara Shogo , Sakai Nobuyuki , Kaihara Satoshi , Kihara Yasuki
Published: May 2021

Background

It is a challenging task to resume suspended surgical services following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks. We aimed to investigate the results of the pre-admission screening for patients awaiting surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods

This retrospective study enrolled consecutive 100 patients who underwent surgical procedures under general anesthesia at a single institution in May 2020. For 2 weeks prior to admission, patients were required to avoid nonessential outings and record symptoms and temperatures every day. On the day before admission, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and chest computed tomography (CT) were performed.
Results

Pre-admission PCRs were all negative, and no CT imaging suggested COVID-19 infection, combined with clinical information. As a result, all surgeries were performed as scheduled. No virus was detected from the extubated tracheal tubes in operating rooms. No patients developed COVID-19 infection postoperatively. No nosocomial infection was reported through the study period and for 1 month thereafter.
Conclusions

With 2-week avoidance of nonessential outings before admission for surgery, combined with reverse transcriptase PCR and chest CT shortly before admission, we successfully resumed elective surgeries, confirmed by PCR of extubated tracheal tube swabs, at a hospital that experienced a COVID-19 outbreak.