bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A real-world analysis of anti-atherosclerotic medical treatment and risk factor control in a cohort of vascular surgery patients
Authors: Lopes Alice , Gouveia e Melo Ryan , Soares Tony , Mendes Pedro Luís
Published: February 2022

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of anti-atherosclerosis medicines in patients admitted to a vascular surgery department, the effective control of the target values and its subsequent modification by the vascular surgery team.Material and Methods: A retrospective single-center cohort study of prospectively collected data was performed between May 2017 and May 2018 in a tertiary center. The STROBE guidelines were followed. All patients undergoing a primary elective surgery for carotid disease, aortic aneurysm and peripheral arterial disease were included. ‘Best medical treatment’ was defined as treatment with both anti-thrombotic and lipid-lowering treatment and, when appropriate, antihypertensive and anti-diabetic drugs. Both baseline and post-discharge best medical treatment were recorded. Blood work-up was performed at admission and ‘adequately controlled patient’ was defined if all blood test values were in agreement with the guidelines.Results: A total of 279 patients (78% male; mean age 69 years-old) were included. Optimal medical therapy was registered in 58.8% upon admission but improved to 73.8% (95% CI, 2.197 – 7.781; p < 0.001) after discharge. At baseline, a total of 65.4% of patients were on lipid-lowering agents and of these, only 37% had LDL-C values within the targets. Likewise, only 34.6% of the 78 patients with diabetes had glycated hemoglobin within the normal range. Additionally, 8.5% of the remaining cohort had undiagnosed diabetes.Conclusion: In our current practice, only 75% of the patients receive best medical treatment. Although the admission in a Vascular Surgery department was an opportunity to optimize medical therapy, treatment remains suboptimal in one-quarter of patients. Further efforts should be carried out to alert vascular surgeons to this problem and to find future multidisciplinary solutions that can improve the cardiovascular risk profiles of these patients.
THE COMPOSITION OF CARBOHYDRATE AND FAT CONSUMPTION AMONG OBESE ADOLESCENTS IN SURABAYA AND SIDOARJO
Authors: Florens Christine , Widjaja Nur Aisiyah , Irawan Roedi , Hanindita Meta Herdiana
Published: February 2022

Carbohydrates and fats are macronutrients that have been the most influential factors to obesity. The excess of consumed carbohydrates or fats will be stored as triglycerides in adipocytes. This study aims to analyze the proportion of carbohydrates and fats consumption among obese adolescents from Surabaya and Sidoarjo. This study also revealed the relationship between the proportion with the total calories consumption and body mass index (BMI). This cross-sectional study involved obese adolescents aged 13-18 years old from several junior and senior high schools, conducted during May-September 2020. The subject was selected using a total population sampling method that met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Anthropometries (weight and height) were measured to calculate BMI and determine obesity according to CDC 2000 criteria. A 24-hour-food-recall for the last two days was used to get the dietary information. This study divided carbohydrates consumption into three groups (high (HC), moderate (MC), low(LC)) and fats consumption into two groups (high fats (HF) and non-high fats (Non-HF)). There were 240 obese adolescents participating in this study; 40.4% of them consuming high carbohydrates and 17.5% of them consuming HF on their diets. Although there were several distinctions in carbohydrates and fats composition on diet, the total calorie and the mean BMI were not considerably different based on macronutrients consumption. In conclusion, there were two types of imbalance proportion of macronutrients consumption among our participants, high–carbohydrates-low-fats diet and low-carbohydrates-high-fats-diet.
FOOD INTAKE, FOOD PURCHASING ACCESS, AND STRESS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS OF JENDERAL SOEDIRMAN UNIVERSITY
Authors: Wahyurin Izka Sofiyya , Purnamasari Ajeng Dian , Rahmah Hiya Alfi
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing social restrictions that leads to school form home. Long period of online learning system will likely make excessive food intakes and adolescent would try popular diet, got high stress due to staying at home for a long period of time, and decreased of food purchasing access. This study aimed to describe the food intakes, food purchasing access, and stress level among college students of Jenderal Soedirman University during pandemic period. This study was crossectional design study with data collection using purposive sampling. Total samples were 361 students from Jenderal Soedirman University Students. Descriptive Analytical data was shown using percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Food intake data was collected using 24 hours food recall and food purchasing access was determined by the online questionnaire with question about how the respondents get the access to buy food during pandemic Energy intakes, macro nutrients, vitamins C and vitamins A of Jenderal Soedirman University Students during pandemic era were inadequate compared to their nutritional needs. Most of the students feel stressed during pandemic because they were worried they might get infected by COVID-19 either themselves or their family.
Experimental assessment of regenerative properties of platelet rich plasma on the human skin - a review
Authors: Tresoldi Marco Mario , Faga Angela , Nicoletti Giovanni
Published: February 2022

Several studies demonstrated the favorable effects of platelet rich plasma (PRP) on the skin and promoted its wide use in clinical practice. The growth factors stored in platelet alfa-granules allow for the tissue regeneration and the main fields of application of PRP in current clinical practice are the cartilage and musculoskeletal defects, osteoarthritis and other bone disorders, chronic and difficult to heal wounds, and aesthetic procedures. The relevant number of different PRP preparation protocols may explain the inconsistency of the different clinical outcomes reported in the literature. Despite the technological advances in PRP preparation, the objective assessment of the clinical efficacy of PRP from the literature reports still is difficult due to the low homogeneity of the samples in terms of both inclusion criteria and size. Therefore, it might be useful to establish standardized and reproducible experimental models to confirm and objectively measure the effectiveness of the available clinical results. Many experimental investigations have been carried out to objectively assess the effectiveness of PRP and platelet gel on several tissues. As far as the skin is concerned, the studies carried out to date are limited to fibroblasts in in-vitro culture models or to collagen, vascular supply, epithelium, and hair follicle in in-vivo models. The skin, however, is a very complex organ, where different cell lines coexist and feature complex mutual interaction. A model that combines the advantages of both in-vitro and in-vivo cultures is the ex-vivo model. The demonstration of the platelet derived growth factors effects through the ex-vivo human full-thickness skin culture model is a keystone to support the evidence of the PRP effectiveness, as it represents an objective, fast, reproducible, and ethical investigational method.
The influence of periodic fires on the high Guinean savannas and the carbon stock in Cameroon
Authors: Ndam Aïchetou Pamboundem , Tchobsala Tchobsala , Zéphirin Oumarou , Adoum Dona , Pierre Marie Mapongmetsem
Published: February 2022

The influence of periodic fires in the high Guinean savannas of Cameroon on woody plants and carbon stock is poorly documented. To fill this gap, work was carried out in the high Guinean savannas of Cameroon with the aim of contributing to the assessment of the effects of periodic fires on the woody cover and the carbon stock. The methodology used consists of carrying out semi-structured household surveys and floristic inventories in the Arrondissement of Ngaoundéré III and Ngan’ha, in the Department of Vina. A total of 50 households were interviewed at a rate of 25 per Borough according to a questionnaire prepared beforehand. For the botanical inventories, 02 types of savannah were selected: regularly burnt savannas (shrub savannas, wooded savannas) and those not burned for at least 10 years (shrub savannas, tree savannas). The choice of control savannas was made according to the indications of the peasants. In each of them, the 1km x 20m transects were covered and the diameter at breast height (dbh) of the woody plants was measured using a dbh meter at 1.3 m from the ground for large trees. and at 30 or 50 cm from the ground for shrubs and shrubs. The results show that climate change is palpable in the area. The rains are increasingly rare, the drought has become severe and the agricultural calendar is no longer respected. The specific diversity has become relatively low with 51 species having been inventoried, divided into 46 genera and 23 families. Savannahs that are not burnt produce more biomass than those that are burnt. The perfect illustration is given by the non-burnt tree savannah of Ngaoundere III with an above-ground and root biomass of 102.23 t / ha and 20.70 t / ha respectively. Annona senegalensis (1.27 tC / ha) is the species contributing massively to carbon sequestration in the high savannas of the Vina. Thus, by acting on the availability of plant biomass, fires contribute to the erosion of biodiversity. Adequate measures are urgently needed to limit bushfires.
Delineating the Tissue-Mediated Drought Stress Governed Tuning of Conserved miR408 and Its Targets in Rice
Authors: Balyan Sonia , Kansal Shivani , Jajo Ringyao , Rajiv Behere Pratyush , Chatterjee Rishika , Raghuvanshi Saurabh
Published: February 2022

MicroRNAs act as the cardinal post-transcriptional monitors of gene regulatory networks sculpturing the developmental plasticity and stress responses in plants. Single miRNA target several genes and how the transcriptional regulation of miRNA impacts its pool of targets in different tissues and stress conditions is still elusive. The present study investigated the highly conserved and evolving MIR408 family comprehensively by redefining its evolutionary conservation and diversification in plants followed by detailed functional analysis in rice. MIR408 family comprises three dominant mature forms (21 nt) including a distinct monocot variant. Plant MIR408 family can be divided into six groups. miR408 majorly cleave genes belonging to blue copper protein in addition to several other species-specific targets in plants. Screening of 4726 rice accessions identified 22 sequence variants in 1 Kb upstream (15) and MIR408 region leading to the identification of 8 haplotypes (3: Japonica-specific and 5: Indica-specific). miR408-3p follows flag leaf preferential and drought upregulated expression profile in flag leaf and roots of N22 which seems to be regulated by differential fraction of mCs in the precursor region. The active pool of miR408 regulated targets under control and drought conditions is impacted by the tissue type. Comparative expression analysis of miR408/target module under different sets of conditions features 83 targets exhibiting antagonistic expression in rice. Twelve high confidence targets including 4 plantacyanins (OsUCL6, 7, 9 and 30), pirin, OsLPR1, OsCHUP1, OsDOF12, OsBGLU1, glycine rich cell wall, deoxyuridine 5-triphosphate nucleotidohydrolaseand OsERF7 with antagonistic expression under most conditions. Further, over-expression of osa-MIR408 in drought sensitive rice cultivar leads to the massive enhancement of vegetative growth in rice with improved ETR and Y(II) and enhanced the dehydration stress tolerance at seedling stage.
Principal Component Analysis of Heavy Metals in Atmospheric Aerosols from Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines
Authors: Galvez Maria Cecilia D , Vallar Edgar , Castilla Red M , Mandia Paulito , Branzuela Regine , Rempillo Ofelia , Orbecido Aileen Huelgas , Beltran Arnel , Ledesma Nadine , Deocaris Custer , Morris Vernon , Belo Lawrence Phoa
Published: February 2022

This paper focuses on the application of principal component analysis (PCA) to conduct a source apportionment of atmospheric aerosols from 8 sampling locations along the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando River System (MMORS). Aerosols were collected on May 2016 during the same time that water samples were collected. Elemental analysis was conducted using a scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive x-ray (SEM-EDX). Carbon (C), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), sulfur (S), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), bromine (Br), niobium (Nb), barium (Ba), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) concentrations were measured and used as inputs in Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The aerosol samples showed the presence of heavy metals Pb and Hg, elements that were also detected in trace amounts in the water measurements. Concentrations of heavy metals Fe, Pb, Hg in the aerosols were attributed to industrial sources. However, it was determined that the primary source of aerosols in the area were traffic and crustal emissions (C, N, O, Si, Al, Ca). Thus, control of traffic emissions would be more beneficial in reducing aerosol emissions in Meycauayan.
DEVELOPMENT OF UV SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC METHODS AND VALIDATION FOR ESTIMATION OF SIMVASTATIN IN BULK AND TABLET DOSAGE FORM BY ABSORBANCE MAXIMA AND AREA UNDER THE CURVE METHOD
Authors:   Kavya Reddy, Chavhan Vinit
Published: February 2022

To develop two simple UV spectrophotometric methods for simultaneous estimation of Simvastatin (SMV) in bulk and tablet dosage form and validate as per ICH guidelines
Patient information and informed consent for research in elderly: Lessons learned from a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: López-Parra Maria , ZAMORA-CARMONA Francesc , SIANES-GALLÉN Mònica , LÓPEZ-GONZÁLEZ Esmeralda , GIL-REY Maria Dolores , COSTA-VENTURA Helena , BORRÁS-SÁNCHEZ Miriam , RAYO-POSADAS Gemma , ARIZU-PUIGVERT Marta , VIVES-VILAGUT Roser
Published: February 2022

Background: The awareness that research is essential to improve evidence based-care has increased among nursing professionals. When implementing experimental studies, ethical principles must go first among them, the need for the Informed Consent (IC) of subjects participating in research, thus ensuring that the participation is voluntary. This experience was performed within the context of a single-center randomized clinical in elective prosthetic surgery. Obtaining IC for a clinical trial is not without difficulties, especially in the case of vulnerable populations, comprehension problems, under-literacy of subjects and factors associated with senility can be very challenging.Aim: To identify the difficulties during information and obtaining Informed Consent (IC) to participate in a clinical trial in subjects older than 65 years old and to quantify and describe the use of IC in front of a witness. Methods: Mixed methodology study with a qualitative part (focus group with 4 nurses involved in the inclusion of subjects) and a quantitative part describing the characteristics of patients who signed IC. Results: The main difficulties identified are related to comprehension, sensory impairments, education level and time. IC in front of witnesses was used in 17 patients out of 391. Conclusion: The participation of subjects older than 65 years in clinical trials requires an adaptation of the process. The use of IC in front of a witness should always be considered in studies including elderly subjects.
The Effects of Hif-1 Gene on the Expression of IL-10, TGF-β and Versican Genes in Human Bone Marrow and Adipose Tissue Mesenchymal Stem
Authors: fallah fateme , Pourhassan Parasto , Khani Maryam , Burke Bernard , Ebrahimi Marzieh , Sotoodehnejadnematalahi Fattah
Published: February 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow and adipose tissues are often hypoxic. These cells are important in tissue repair as well as in the secretion of anti-inflammatory factors and reduction of inflammation. IL-10 and TGF-β are anti-inflammatory cytokines and play an important role in the immune system by modulating inflammation. Versican is a protein that plays an important role in repairing damaged tissues. In this study, the effect of hypoxia on expression of IL-10, TGF-β and versican genes in MSCs was studied in comparison with normoxia. Flow cytometry for surface markers (CD105, CD73 and CD90) was used to confirm MSCs. Desferrioxamine and cobalt chloride (200 µM and 300 µM final concentrations respectively) were added to the cell culture media to induce hypoxia-mimetic conditions. Western Blotting was used to detect HIF-1α protein and confirm the hypoxia-mimetic conditions in MSCs. The expression of VEGF, IL-10, TGF-β and versican genes in MSCs was evaluated using RT-PCR. Microscopic examination and results of flow cytometry confirmed the mesenchymal nature of the cells. Western blotting results also showed that the expression of HIF-1α gene in MSCs increased significantly under hypoxia-mimetic conditions. RT-PCR analyses showed that the expression of VEGF, IL-10, TGF-β and versican genes in hypoxic conditions increased significantly compared to normoxia in both mesenchymal cells derived from bone marrow and from adipose tissues. The results of this study showed that MSCs in hypoxia can repair tissue and inhibit inflammation by expressing anti-inflammatory cytokines and versican restorative factor.
Postoperative recurrent patterns of gallbladder cancer：possible implications for adjuvant therapy
Authors: Wei Qichun , Yuan Zhijun , Shui Yongjie , Liu Lihong , Guo Yinglu
Published: February 2022

Background： Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is an uncommon malignancy with high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. This study investigates the recurrent patterns of postoperative GBC, with the aim to guide the adjuvant treatments, including the radiotherapy.Methods： Retrospectively analysis the 109 GBC patients who underwent radical surgery in our institution from January 2013 to January 2018. Clinical follow-up revealed 54 recurrent cases, of which 40 had detailed locations of recurrence. The sites of recurrence were recorded and divided into the tumor bed, corresponding lymphatic drainage area, intrahepatic recurrence, and the other distant metastasis.Results： The median follow-up time is 34 months (IQR: 11-64). The median disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were 48.8 months and 53.7 months, respectively. Through univariate analysis, risk factors for DFS and OS include tumor markers (CA199 and CEA), hepatic invasion, perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, TNM staging and tumor differentiation. Through multivariate analysis, risk factors for DFS include hepatic invasion and TNM staging, and for OS is TNM staging only. Of the 40 cases with specific recurrence sites, 29 patients (29/40, 72.5%) had recurrence in the potential target volume of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) which include tumor bed and corresponding lymphatic drainage area. The common recurrent lymph node group included abdominal para-aortic lymph node (No.16, 15/29), hepatoduodenal ligament lymph node (No.12, 8/29), retro-pancreatic head lymph node (No.13, 7/29) and celiac axis lymph node (No.9, 4/29). Twenty cases with recurrences inside the potential PORT target volume were accompanied by distant metastasis, another 11 cases had distant metastasis alone, so totally 31 cases developed distant metastasis (31/40, 77.5%). Of the 31 cases with distant metastases, 18 cases had hepatic metastases.Conclusion： The recurrence and metastasis rates are high in GBC and adjuvant therapy is needed. Up to 75% of the recurrent cases occurred in the potential target volume of postoperative radiotherapy, suggesting that postoperative radiotherapy has the possible value of improving local-regional control. The potential target volume of radiotherapy should include the tumor bed, No.9, No.11, No.12, No.13, No.14, No. 16a2, No. 16b1 lymph node groups.
Arsenic Trioxide Increases Apoptosis of SK-N-BE (2) Cells Partially by Inducing GPX4-mediated Ferroptosis
Authors: Feng Chuchu , Wu Yu , Chen Yantao , Xiong Xilin , Li Peng , Peng Xiaomin , Li Choumou , Weng Wenjun , Zhu Yafeng , Zhou Dunhua , Li Yang
Published: February 2022

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial tumor in central nervous system threatening children’s health with limited therapeutic options. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) has been identified the cytotoxicity in NB cells but the potential mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we attempted to obtain some insight into the mechanisms of cell death induced by ATO in NB cells using proteomic technology. Proteomic analyses found that ATO can affect the signaling pathway associated with ferroptosis, including the upregulation of iron absorption (FTL, FTH1, HO-1), ferritinophagy (LC3, P62, ATG7, NCOA4) and modifier of glutathione synthesis (GCLM); downregulation of glutamine synthetase (GS) and GPX4, which was the critical inhibitor of ferroptosis. Western blot analysis revealing GPX4 expression in SK-N-BE (2) cells decreased after treatment with ATO (7.3 μM), resulting in a loss of GPX4 activity. Our study revealed that ATO may induce ferroptosis in neuroblastoma cell SK-N-BE (2) by facilitating the downregulation of GPX4, ultimately resulting in iron-dependent oxidative death.
The influence of rheumatoid arthritis on higher reoperation rate over time following lumbar spinal fusion -A nationwide cohort study-
Authors: Hong Jae-Young , Park Jin-Sung , Park Se-Jun , Park Jiwon , Shin Gijun
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to compare the rates of reoperation over time following first lumbar fusion between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and non-RA patients. This study was conducted using Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) data. We identified the RA group as 2,239 patients who underwent first lumbar fusion with RA and the control group as 11,195 patients without RA. This reflects a ratio of 1:5, and participants were matched by sex, age, and index surgery date. Index dates were between 2012 and 2013. When comparing the rate of patients undergoing reoperation, the adjusted HR was 1.31(95%CI: 1.10-1.6) in the RA group (p=0.002). In terms of the three-time intervals, the values in the time frames <3 months and 3months-1year were not statistically significant. However, after 1year post-surgery, there was a higher risk of reoperation in the RA group, as demonstrated by the Kaplan-Meier cumulative event analysis. This higher risk of reoperation continued to increase through 5years of follow-up, after which it was stable until the last follow-up at 7years. This population-based cohort study showed that the RA patients had a 1.31times higher risk of reoperation following lumbar fusion than did the controls. This difference was more pronounced after 1year post-surgery.
Comparative Study of Zf-BED Encoding Genes in Land Plants and Their Roles in Cotton
Authors: Hussain Athar , Liu Jinbao , Mohan Binoop , Burhan Akif , Naseem Zunaira , Bano Raveena , Ameen Ayesha , Zaynab Madiha , Mukhtar M. Shahid , Pajerowska-Mukhtar Karolina M.
Published: February 2022

Zinc-finger (Zf)-BED proteins are a novel superfamily of transcription factors that controls numerous activities in plants including growth, development, and cellular responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Despite their important roles in gene regulation, little is known about the specific functions of Zf-BEDs in land plants. The current study identified a total of 750 Zf-BED-encoding genes in 35 land plant species including mosses, bryophytes, lycophytes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms. The gene family size was somewhat proportional to genome size. All identified genes were categorized into 22 classes based on their specific domain architectures. Of these, class I (Zf-BED_DUF-domain_Dimer_Tnp_hAT) was the most common in the majority of the land plants. However, some classes were family-specific, while the others were species-specific, demonstrating diversity at different classification levels. In addition, several novel functional domains were also predicated including WRKY and nucleotide-binding site (NBS). Comparative genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics provided insights into the evolutionary history, duplication, divergence, gene gain and loss, species relationship, expression profiling, and structural diversity of Zf-BEDs in land plants. The comprehensive study of Zf-BEDs in Gossypium sp., (cotton) also demonstrated a clear footprint of polyploidization. Overall, this comprehensive evolutionary study of Zf-BEDs in land plants highlighted significant diversity among plant species.
Paeoniflorin Promotes Apoptosis of Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes by Upregulating lncRNA MALAT1 to Inhibit Activation of the Wnt1/β-Catenin Pathway in Collagen-Induced Arthritis Rats
Authors: Yang Fan , Wang Dongyi , Shen Junyi , Han Jun , Zhou Kailun , Zhao Zhiming , Cai Hui , Shang Wei
Published: February 2022

This study explored the effect of paeoniflorin(PAE) on apoptosis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLS) mediated by the Wnt1/β -catenin pathway in collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) rats based on the expression of lncRNA MALAT1. Sprague-dawley(SD) rats were randomly divided into control group, CIA model group, PAE low-dose group, PAE medium-dose group and PAE high-dose group. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was then performed to determine the expression of MALAT1 in rat FLS. Next, the apoptosis rate of FLS was detected by terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling(TUNEL), whereas cell morphology was observed by electron microscopy. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the levels of TNF –α, IL-6, and IL-2 cytokines. The mRNA expressions of Wnt1, β-catenin, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bcl-2 and Bax were determined by qPCR, whereas the protein expressions of Wnt1, β-catenin, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bcl-2 and Bax were measured by western blot analysis. PAE alleviated arthritis in CIA rats in a dose-dependent manner. In CIA rats, PAE reduced arthritis scores and decreased joint histopathological changes. The expression level of MALAT1 was lower in the CIA group compared with the control group, but the expression was reversed after PAE treatment. The expression levels of Wnt1 and β-catenin in the CIA group were increased compared with the control group, and the levels of cytokine TNF –α, IL-6, and IL-2 were raised compared to the control group. However, treatment with PAE decreased the levels of all these cytokines. Besides, PAE could improve the cell apoptosis rate, and increase the expression levels of Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and Bax, reducing the expression level of Bcl-2. PAE may promote the apoptosis of RA-FLS by up-regulating MALAT1 to inhibit activation of the Wnt1/β -catenin pathway, thereby alleviating arthritis in CIA rats.
Impact of Myocardial Fibrosis on Cardiovascular Structure, Function and Functional Status in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Lewis Gavin , Rosala-Hallas Anna , Dodd Susanna , Schelbert Erik B. , Williams Simon G. , Cunnington Colin , McDonagh Theresa , Miller Christopher A.
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Myocardial fibrosis, measured using cardiovascular magnetic resonance extracellular volume (ECV), is associated with adverse outcome in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), but the mechanisms by which myocardial fibrosis exerts this deleterious effect are unclear. We aimed to determine whether myocardial fibrosis causes changes in cardiovascular structure and function, circulating biomarkers and functional status.Methods: Mediation analyses of data from the PIROUETTE (The Pirfenidone in Patients with Heart Failure and Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction) trial were conducted using the Baron and Kenny approach under a structural equation modelling framework to estimate average causal mediation effects, in order to determine whether changes in myocardial ECV, absolute myocardial extracellular matrix volume, and myocardial cellular volume (the mediator variables) following antifibrotic therapy, caused changes in cardiovascular structure and function, circulating biomarkers and functional status (the outcome variables).Results: Regression of myocardial fibrosis correlated with improvements in functional status (6-minute walk test distance [r=-0.28, p=0.021] and KCCQ clinical summary score [r=-0.23, P=0.045]). Pirfenidone had significant effects on the mediator variables, but the only outcome variable that demonstrated a treatment effect was left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p=0.011). The estimated average causal mediation effects of myocardial ECV, absolute myocardial extracellular matrix volume and absolute myocardial cellular volume on LVEF were 6.1%, 21.5%, and 13.7% respectively, none of which were significant (p=0.608, p=0.123 and p=0.186 respectively).Conclusion: Regression of myocardial fibrosis was associated with improvements in functional status. The small improvement in LVEF associated with pirfenidone was not mediated by myocardial fibrosis regression.(PIROUETTE; NCT02932566).
Effects of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on nocturnal blood pressure fluctuation patterns in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Kumagai Hajime , Sawatari Hiroyuki , Hoshino Tetsuro , Konishi Noriyuki , Kiyohara Yuka , Kawaguchi Kengo , Haseda Yoko , Arita Aki , Sasanabe Ryujiro , Shomi Toshiaki
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a well-established treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of CPAP therapy on nocturnal blood pressure (NBP) fluctuations (NBPFs) during rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep, and the NBPF patterns in patients with OSA. Methods: This retrospective study included 34 patients with moderate-to-severe OSA who underwent polysomnography using pulse transit time pre-CPAP therapy and 3–6 months post-CPAP therapy. We investigated NBP and the frequency of NBPFs in REM and non-REM sleep, as well as changes in NBPFpatterns post-CPAP therapy. Results: The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), arousal index, systolic NBP, diastolic NBP, diurnal systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and frequency of NBPFs in REM and non-REM sleep were significantly reduced post-CPAP therapy (all p < 0.01). A higher pre-CPAP AHI was associated with a reduction in diurnal SBP, systolic NBP, and NBPFs post-CPAP (r = 0.32, p = 0.028; r = 0.40, p = 0.019; and r = 0.51, p = 0.002; respectively). However, 58.8% of the patients showed no NBPF pattern change with CPAP therapy. Conclusion: In REM and non-REM sleep, almost all sleep-related parameters, NBP, and frequency of NBPFs significantly improved post-CPAP therapy, whereas NBPF patterns showed varying changes 3–6 months post-CPAP therapy. These results suggest that factors other than OSA influence NBPF pattern changes.
Cadmium bioaccumulation and oxidative-stress-induced DNA alterations in the freshwater cladoceran Moina macrocopa (Straus 1820) following consecutive short-term exposure assessments
Authors: Samarakoon Thilomi , Fujino Takeshi , Hagimori Masayori , Saito Rie
Published: February 2022

Moina macrocopa is a toxicologically less explored, yet widely distributed freshwater cladoceran found throughout the world. The present study is aimed at determining the cadmium (Cd) bioaccumulation and Cd-induced molecular and biochemical biomarkers, including DNA damage and antioxidant enzyme responses (i.e., catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities), in M. macrocopa neonates. Cd bioaccumulation was determined using a Cd-sensitive fluorescence probe after acute exposure to Cd. The results indicated a concentration-dependent Cd bioaccumulation, especially in the gut region, where it was statistically significant in neonates exposed to ≥5 Cd μg/L. DNA damage was determined by the randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique after a short-term exposure to sublethal Cd concentrations. Significant DNA alterations were observed in individuals exposed to ≥10 Cd μg/L. Short-term exposure to sublethal Cd concentrations did not change CAT levels. However, low Cd concentrations (10 μg/L) significantly induced GST levels, and higher concentrations (50 μg/L) significantly inhibited the GST levels. Taken together, the results of the present study indicated that bioaccumulation of Cd in M. macrocopa causes oxidative stress even at sublethal concentrations, which may be one of the underlying causes of the observed DNA damage. Furthermore, the findings of the present study highlight the importance of utilizing molecular and biochemical biomarkers for toxicity assessment in cladocerans owing to their high sensitivity and rapid responses even under short-term exposure conditions with low concentrations.
Social Accountability in Medical Education Defined: A Multi-perspective Qualitative Interview Study
Authors: Oudbier Janique , Boerboom Tobias , Peerdeman Saskia , Suurmond Jeanine
Published: February 2022

Background. Nowadays, medical education is mainly bio-medical oriented and societal themes are not systematically integrated. However, medical education has an obligation to align education, research, and healthcare with societal needs. Education in social accountability equips students with the knowledge and skills to be a socially accountable health professional. This study aims to investigate the way educational staff and students in a medical school define social accountability.Methods. A qualitative study was conducted in which 28 educational staff members and 16 students at a medical school in the Netherlands were individually interviewed using a semi-structured interview script. The interviews were qualitatively analyzed according to the grounded theory method.Results. Social accountability is seen as a reciprocal, institutional, context-dependent, and multifactorial construct. The following aspects are distinguished: sustainability, interprofessional collaboration, person-centeredness, diversity, moral issues, and community-based learning.Discussion. We conclude that social accountability in the context of medical education can be defined as follows: A reciprocal relationship between the institution of medical schools and society. This relationship involves the obligation of medical schools to direct their education, research and service activities towards current and significant societal factors such as diversity, sustainability, and moral issues. The community and the patient are central. The formulated definition can be used to guide the implementation of social accountability in medical schools.
Pathways for securing government commitment for activities of collaborative approaches
Authors: Pugel Kimberly , Javernick-Will Amy , Mussa Muhammed , Mekonta Lemessa , Dimtse Desta , Watsisi Martin , Huston Angela , Linden Karl
Published: February 2022

Decentralization in many African countries makes local governments responsible for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) service provision. Yet service provision is complex and requires concerted inputs from many actors, thus local governments are increasingly collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. These ‘collaborative approaches’, which bring together diverse stakeholders to solve complex problems facing service delivery, have been found to strengthen service provision when they obtain support and commitment from local government decision makers. However, the ways to obtain this commitment remain understudied. This cross-case comparative study investigated how collaborative approaches in Ethiopia and Uganda obtained government commitment for their activities. Results draw upon experiences of 13 cases where sufficient commitment either was or was not gained. Deep case knowledge of the research team, aided by Qualitative Comparative Analysis, revealed that the collaborative must (a) be seen as legitimate and credible, (b) align activities within government mandates, and (c) demonstrate the value of the activities to decision-makers. Together this strategy provides a reliable way for collaborative approaches to secure government commitment for their activities. Notably, the results also show that commitment can be obtained even amidst turnover and political dynamics.
Analyte Interactions with Oxoporphyrinogen Derivatives: Computational Aspects
Authors: Hill Jonathan P. , Karr Paul A. , Zuñiga Uy Roxanne A. , Subbaiyan Navaneetha K. , Futera Zdeněk , Ariga Katsuhiko , Ishihara Shinsuke , Labuta Jan , D’Souza Francis
Published: February 2022

The binding of anions by highly-coloured chromophore compounds is of interest
from the point-of-view of the development of optical sensors for analyte species. In this review,
we have summarised our work on the interactions between oxoporphyrinogen type host
compounds and different analyte species using computational methods. The origin of our
interest in sensing using oxoporphyrinogens stems from an initial finding involving anionhost
interactions involving a conjugated oxoporphyrinogen molecule. This review starts from
that point, introducing some additional exemplary anion binding data, which is then elaborated
to include descriptions of our synthesis work towards multitopic and ion pair interactions.
In all the projects, we have consulted computational data on host structure and hostguest
complexes in order to obtain information about the interactions occurring during complexation.
Density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations have been extensively used for these purposes.
Mechanism of Action of Ermiao San on Rheumatoid Arthritis Based on
Bioinformatics and Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Ye Zhizhong , Xiao Jianwei , Wang Rongsheng , Cai Xu , Huang Xinmin
Published: February 2022

Background:

Ermiao San, one of the Chinese medicine formulas, has been widely used
to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our previous study has demonstrated that Ermiao San is effective
in treating RA. However, its pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose
of this study was to decipher the potential mechanism of action of Ermiao San in rheumatoid
arthritis (RA) by bioinformatics, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular
dynamics.

Methods:

Gene expression data (GSE77298) were obtained from the GEO database. Differentially
expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by R. The active ingredients of Huangbai (Phellodendron)
and Cangshu (Atractylodes), two main constituents of Ermiao San, and their predicted target genes
were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) platform.
Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes
(KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the overlapping genes between DEGs
of the RA dataset and the predicted target genes of Ermiao San. The gene-gene interaction network
was analyzed and visualized by Cytoscape. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations were performed
to study the interaction between selected target genes (Chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and
matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1)) and active ingredients (quercetin and wogonin) of Ermiao
San.

Results:

A total of 16 potential targets for Ermiao San were identified, with significantly enriched
GO terms, such as cytokine-mediated signaling pathways, oxidoreductase activity, cell space, etc.,
and IL-17 signaling pathway, rheumatoid arthritis pathway, and NF-κB signaling pathway were
identified as enriched pathways through KEGG analysis. CCL2 and MMP1 were identified and
verified to be the targets of both quercetin and wogonin, the two active ingredients of Ermiao San,
by molecular docking and molecular dynamics.

Conclusion:

Ermiao San may target CCL2 and MMP1 via its active ingredients by exerting therapeutic
effects on RA.
CPP-Based Bioactive Drug Delivery to Penetrate the Blood-Brain Barrier:
A Potential Therapy for Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Mehdipour Golnaz , Wintrasiri Milint Neleptchenko , Ghasemi Sorayya
Published: February 2022

Background:

A large number of studies have been conducted on the treatment of glio-blastoma multiforme (GBM). Chemotherapeutic drugs cannot penetrate deeply into the brain paren-chyma due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Hence, crossing BBB is a significant obstacle in developing new therapeutic methods for GBM.

Objective:

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have emerged as new tools that can efficiently deliver various substances across BBB. CPPs beneficial properties, such as BBB penetration capacity, low toxicity, and the ability to achieve active targeting and controllable drug release, have made them worthy candidates for GBM treatment. However, their application is limited by several drawbacks, including lack of selectivity, insufficient transport efficacy, and low stability. In order to overcome the selectivity issue, tumor targeting peptides and sequences that can be activated at the target site have been embedded into the structure of CPPs. To overcome their insufficient transport efficacy into the cells, which is mostly due to endosomal entrapment, various endosomolytic moieties have been incorporated into CPPs. Finally, their instability in blood circulation can be solved through dif-ferent modifications to their structures. As this field is moving beyond preclinical studies, the dis-covery of new and more efficient CPPs for GBM treatment has become crucial. Thus, by using dis-play techniques, such as phage display, this encouraging treatment strategy can be developed fur-ther.

Conclusion:

Consequently, despite several challenges in CPPs application, recent progress in stud-ies has shown their potential for the development of the next generation GBM therapeutics.
Anti-cancer Effects of 5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide-1-β-D-Ribofuranoside
(AICAR) on Triple-negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Cells: Mitochondrial
Modulation as an Underlying Mechanism
Authors: Tripathi Versha , Jaiswal Pooja , Assaiya Anshul , Kumar Janesh , Parmar Hamendra Singh
Published: February 2022

Background:

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known for Warburg effect and defects
in the mitochondria. AMP-dependent kinase (AMPK) activates the downstream transcription
factors PGC-1α, PGC-1β, or FOXO1, which participate in mitochondrial biogenesis. 5-
aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside (AICAR) is an analog of adenosine monophosphate and is a
direct activator of AMPK.

Objectives:

In the present study, we have made an attempt to understand the influence of AICAR on
TNBC cells, MDA-MB-231, and the underlying changes in mitochondrial biogenesis, if any.

Methods:

We investigated AICAR induced changes in cell viability, apoptosis, migratory potential,
and changes in the sensitivity of doxorubicin.

Results:

In response to the treatment of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells with 750 μM of AICAR
for 72 hours, followed by 48 hours in fresh media without AICAR, we observed a decrease in viability
via MTT assay, reduction in cell numbers along with the apoptotic appearance, increased cell
death by ELISA, decreased lactate in conditioned medium and decrease in migration by scratch and
transwell migration assays. These changes in the cancer phenotype were accompanied by an increase
in mitochondrial biogenesis, as observed by increased mitochondrial DNA to nuclear DNA ratio, a
decrease in lactic acid concentration, an increase in MitoTracker green and red staining, and increased
expression of transcription factors PGC-1α, NRF-1, NRF-2, and TFAM, contributing to mitochondrial
biogenesis. Pre-treatment of cells with AICAR for 72 hours followed by 48 hours treatment
with 1 μM doxorubicin showed an increased sensitivity to doxorubicin as assessed by the MTT
assay.

Conclusion:

Our results show that AICAR exerts beneficial effects on TNBC cells, possibly via
switching off the Warburg effect and switching on the anti-Warburg effect through mitochondrial
modulation.
Loss of Weight Gained During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Content Analysis of YouTube Videos (Preprint)
Authors: Tang Hao , Kim Sungwoo , Laforet Priscila E , Tettey Naa-Solo , Basch Corey H
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Many people experienced unintended weight gain during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been discussed widely on social media.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to describe the content of weight loss videos on YouTube (Google LLC) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

By using the keywords weight loss during quarantine, the 100 most viewed English-language videos were identified and coded for content related to losing weight gained during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

In total, 9 videos were excluded due to having non-English content or posting data before the COVID-19 pandemic. The 91 videos included in the study sample acquired 407,326 views at the time of study and were roughly 14 minutes long. A total of 48% (44/91) of the sample videos included graphic comparisons to illustrate weight change. Videos that included a graphic comparison were more likely to have content related to trigger warnings (χ21=6.05; P=.01), weight loss (χ21=13.39; P<.001), negative feelings during quarantine (χ21=4.75; P=.03), instructions for losing weight (χ21=9.17; P=.002), self-love (χ21=6.01; P=.01), body shaming (χ21=4.36; P=.04), and special dietary practices (χ21=11.10; P<.001) but were less likely to include food recipes (χ21=5.05; P=.03). Our regression analysis results suggested that mentioning quarantine (P=.05), fat-gaining food (P=.04), self-care and self-love (P=.05), and body shaming (P=.008) and having presenters from both sexes (P<.001) are significant predictors for a higher number of views. Our adjusted regression model suggested that videos with content about routine change have significantly lower view counts (P=.03) than those of videos without such content.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study indicate the ways in which YouTube is being used to showcase COVID-19–related weight loss in a pre-post fashion. The use of graphic comparisons garnered a great deal of attention. Additional studies are needed to understand the role of graphic comparisons in social media posts. Further studies that focus on people’s attitudes and behaviors toward weight change during the COVID-19 pandemic and the implications of social media on these attitudes and behaviors are warranted.
Patient Telemedicine Perceptions During the COVID-19 Pandemic Within a Multi-State Medical Institution: Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Sharma Pravesh , Sinicrope Anthony R , Sinicrope Pamela , Brockman Tabetha A , Reinicke Nicole M , West Ian W , Wiepert Liana M , Glasgow Amy E , Sangaralingham Lindsey R , Holland Ashley L , Patten Christi A
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

During the COVID-19 pandemic, to prevent the spread of the virus, federal regulatory barriers around telemedicine were lifted, and health care institutions encouraged patients to use telemedicine, including video appointments. Many patients, however, still chose face-2-face (f2f) appointments for nonemergent clinical care.

OBJECTIVE

We explored patients’ personal and environmental barriers to the use of video appointments from April 2020 to December 2020.

METHODS

We conducted qualitative telephone interviews of Mayo Clinic patients who attended f2f appointments at the Mayo Clinic from April 2020 to December 2020 but did not utilize Mayo Clinic video appointment services during that time frame.

RESULTS

We found that, although most patients were concerned about preventing COVID-19 transmission, they trusted Mayo Clinic to keep them safe when attending f2f appointments. Many expressed that a video appointment made it difficult to establish rapport with their providers. Other common barriers to video appointments were perceived therapeutic benefits of f2f appointments, low digital literacy, and concerns about privacy and security.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides an in-depth investigation into barriers to engaging in video appointments for nonemergent clinical care in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings corroborate many barriers prevalent in the prepandemic literature and suggest that rapport barriers need to be analyzed and problem-solved at a granular level.