bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infectious Complications of Cyclin-Dependent Kinases 4 and 6 Inhibitors in Patients With Hormone Receptor-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Bas Onur , Erul Enes , Guven Deniz Can , Aksoy Sercan
Published: March 2022

Aim: The combination of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitors plus endocrine therapy (ET) improved the survival outcomes and became standard of care in the treatment of metastatic hormone-positive breast cancer. However, these combinations increased the risk of neutropenia compared with ET alone. While the infection-related mortalities did not seem to be increased, the exact risk of infections with CDK 4/6 inhibitor and ET combinations is relatively understudied. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of CDK 4/6 inhibitor clinical trials to assess the infection risk of adding CDK4/6 inhibitors to ET.Material and Method: We systemically searched the PubMed database for relevant clinical trials. For each study, all grades and grade 3 or higher infections, upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), urinary tract infections (UTI), pneumonia and febrile neutropenia rates were recorded, whenever available. The hazard ratios (HR) with %95 confidence intervals (CI) of infection risk were calculated via the generic inverse-variance method with a random-effects model.Results: Nine eligible studies were included in the analyses (MONALEESA-2,3,7, MONARCH-2,3, MONARCH plus, PALOMA-1,2,3). In the meta-analysis of these studies, CDK 4/6 inhibitors plus ET arms were associated with increased all grades infections (HR: 1.77 95% CI: 1.56-2.01 p<0.00001), grade 3 or higher infections, (HR: 1.77, %95 CI:1.28-2.43 p=0.0005), UTIs (HR:1.59 %95 CI: 1.19-2.12 p=0.43), and febrile neutropenia (HR:4.28 %95 CI:1.73-10.62 p=0.002) Conclusion: In this meta-analysis, we observed that adding CDK4/6 inhibitors to ET significantly increased all grades and grade 3 or higher infections, UTIs. We propose that a close vigilance for infections is required for metastatic breast cancer patients using CDK 4/6 inhibitors.
Severity of Covid-19 Cases in the Months of Predominance of the Alpha Variant and the Role of Vaccination
Authors: Florensa Dídac , Mateo Jordi , Spaimoc Radu , Miret Carme , Godoy Sofia , Solsona Francesc , Godoy Pere
Published: March 2022

The emergence of new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus may suppose a problem for public health to control the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess and compare symptoms and severity of COVID-19 cases in the months with a predominance of the Alpha variant compared to the Delta variant, taking the effect of COVID-19 vaccination into account. A prospective epidemiological study of SARS-CoV-2 in the province of Lleida was done that aimed to search for differences between the predominance of the Alpha and Delta variants. The information analyzed was the symptoms, specific comorbidities, socio-demographic information and vaccination status. A bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) in order to investigate relationships of symptoms and severity between variants. In the Alpha variant period there was an increased risk of ICU admission (aOR=2.0; 95%CI:1.2-2.3) and death (aOR=2.6; 95%CI:1.8-3.9) and cases were associated with those aged over 85 (aOR=2.1; 95%CI:1.7-2.6) and partially vaccinated (aOR=5.6; 95%CI:3.2-9.9) or unvaccinated (aOR=27.8; 95%CI:19.7-40.5). Regarding the symptoms, fever, cough and vomits gave significant results with aORs of 1.6 (95% CI: 1.5-1.7), 2.0 (95% CI: 1.9-2.2) and 2.5 (95% CI: 2.2-2.9). The results suggest that more severe cases appeared during the predominance of the alpha variant. The risk of ICU admission and the death was higher in the alpha period due to it affecting more elderly people and a lack of vaccination among cases. Fever, cough and vomiting were more frequent during the dominance of the alpha variant.
International disparity of mental disorders burden: New trends of global mental health disparity
Authors: ZHU Huijie , JIANG Haojun , ZHU Zhiping , YAO Zhaoyu
Published: March 2022

Background: Mental illness had been a worldwide concern. Global Mental Health (GMH) had become a movement to fight for Global health inequality. In low-income country, adequate and quality mental health infrastructure, mental health services are not provided equitably to people with mental disorders.Methods: We used the data of global burden of 204countries from 1990 to 2019 in Global Burden of Disease database. The Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) due to mental disorders was treated as an indicator of national mental health. In the GBD Results Tool toolkit provided by the Institute of Health Measurement and Evaluation, retrieved and visualized the data in global burden of disease data. In addition, we used correlation analysis to analyze the correlation between the burden of mental illness and the level of national development.Results: It is found that, mental health had been a global issue which showing a gradual upward trend. There is a significant positive and moderate correlation between national development and the burden of mental disorder. The better the national development, the higher the YLDs Rate caused by mental disorders. The burden of mental illness in low-income countries is not high, but the rate of increase is relatively fast, while the burden of mental illness in low- and middle-income countries is relatively high, but the rate of decrease is apparent.Conclusion: The burden of mental disorders in developed countries is relatively high, but it has shown a downward trend. However, although the burden of mental disorders in developing countries is not large, the growth rate is relatively fast. This may be related to mental health policy. It is high time to notice that mental health had been a global issue. Global mental health movement should be done to narrow the gap between different countries, especially in developing countries.
Bioinformatics-Based Characterization of Key Biomarkers and Immune Infiltration in Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Xu LiuGang , Jiang JianYu , Wang YaJun , Shan YiSi , Zhang JinHu , Yang Li , Cao RuiHong
Published: March 2022

Objective: This paper aims to identify potentially related genes of coronary artery disease (CAD) and determine the relationship with immune cell infiltration.Materials and methods: Three datasets (GSE42148, GSE98583, GSE12288) containing coronary heart disease and healthy people are downloaded from the Gene Expression Database (GEO). Use the "limma" package in the "R" software to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the three sets of data respectively, use the "pheatmap" package to construct a heatmap of the DEGs, and draw the venn maps of the three sets of differential genes. The DAVID database is used for the analysis of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). The String platform and Cytoscape software are used to perform protein interaction analysis on differential genes, create Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks on DEGs, and screen hub genes. The CIBERSORTx web version tool performs immune cell infiltration analysis on sample data sets.Results: GSE42148 screened out 227 differential genes, of which 161 were up-regulated and 66 were down-regulated (p<0.05, |logFC|>1.0); GSE98583 screened out 254 differential genes, of which 141 were up-regulated and 113 were down-regulated (p<0.05, |logFC|>1.0). 68 differential genes were screened in GSE12288, of which 33 were up-regulated and 35 were down-regulated (p<0.05, |logFC|>0.38). There are 8 differential genes in the intersection of the three groups of DEGs, namely MAP7, RIPK4, BAALC, CA6, CXCL14, HIST1H2AE, MS4A3, GPR15. With the help of enrichment analysis and the construction of PPI networks, HIST1H2AE and CXCL14 were finally determined as the key biomarkers of CAD. Immune infiltration analysis suggests that B cells naive, macrophages M0 and T cells CD4 naïve are closely related to the pathogenesis of CAD.Conclusion: HIST1H2AE and CXCL14 can be used as key biomarkers of CAD. Inflammation and immune cell infiltration play a key role in the occurrence and development of CAD.
PPAR γ Protects Against Hypoxic Renal Tubular Epithelial Cell Injury in Rat Model: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhu Shi-Qun , Zou Jia-Sen , Chen Xiu-Qi , Tu Li , Jian Shu-Juan , Qin Yuan-Han
Published: March 2022

Background
To explore t function of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPARγ) in renal tissue in acute hypoxic renal rat model injury.
Methods
24 male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group, PPARγ agonist group (rosiglitazone 10 mg/kg.d), PPARγ inhibitor group༈GW9662,1mg/kg·d༉and hypoxia injury group, with six rats in each group. The normal control group without any treatment, the other three groups were exposed to 7500 m altitude for seven hours of acute hypobaric hypoxia. The mRNA and protein expressions of PPARγ, superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukin-1 β༈IL-1β༉ and renal endothelin(ET-1) in renal tissue were detected by using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. The kidney’s morphology was observed by light microscope and electron microscope.
Results
The mRNA and protein expression levels of PPARγ and SOD in hypoxia injury group decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while the mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-1 β and ET-1 increased significantly compared with the normal control group (P < 0.05). After intervention with PPAR agonists, the PPARγ and SOD were elevated significantly, while IL-1 β and ET-1 were decreased significantly compared to the hypoxia injury group. The renal tubule epithelial cells (RTEC) were less damaged and abscission was reduced.
Conclusions
PPARγ protect renal tubular epithelial cells from hypoxia-induced injury. PPARγ agonists can be used as potential target interventions to alleviate acute hypoxic kidney injury.
Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry to the Study of Plasma Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Yang Wenqi , Wu Shaochang , Sun Boyao , Zhang Lijuan , Yan Xiumei , Zhou Haiyun , Li He , Li Huanhuan , Fan Jialin , He Ping , Liu Jinhua , Sun Jingchun , Zhao Longyou
Published: March 2022

Objective
Here, Our study aimed to find the plasma biomarkers related to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) through Liquid chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) technology.
Methods
Tandem mass tag (TMT) quantitative LC/MS proteomics method was used to determine the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the plasma samples of 22 MS patients and 22 healthy controls. and the functional annotations of the DEPs were analyzed by GO and IPA. The candidate protein was validated by ELISA. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the predictive potential of the biomarker.
Results
LC/MS analysis of plasma proteomic identified 88 DEPs among the quantified 375 proteins, of which 39 proteins were up-regulated and 49 proteins were down-regulated. These proteins are involved in immunity/inflammation and Neurological diseases related pathways. A protein panel consisting of Alpha-1-antitrypsin (SERPINA1) and Protein S100-A9 (S100A9) were with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.991. A MS treatment related protein, DPP4, was validated by ELISA.
Conclusion
DEPs related to MS can be found in the plasma proteome, which may become biomarkers for MS diagnosis. Our study layed the foundation for the further application plasma proteomics in the diagnosis of MS.
Functional Vitamin B12 deficiency in Autism
Authors: Russell-Jones Gregory
Published: March 2022

It has been known for over 40 years that dietary insufficiency of vitamin B12 in pregnant mothers can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency in the children and is often accompanied by developmental delay. In a previous study we found a deficiency of functional vitamin B2 in each members of a cohort 600 children and adults with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) of various ages (18 months to 34 years). The same cohort has also been assessed for functional vitamin B12 and each member of the cohort assessed was found to have functional vitamin B12 deficiency. The functional deficiency appeared to be related to the functional B2 deficiency, that was attributed to insufficient dietary Iodine, Selenium and/or Molybdenum. The functional B12 deficiency occurred despite elevated serum B12 being found, and hence presents as Paradoxical vitamin B12 deficiency. As such, ASD due to functional B2 deficiency results in Paradoxical B12 deficiency, which differs from classical developmental delay due to vitamin B12 deficiency, as the later is correctable by administration of vitamin B12 alone. In contrast, ASD due to Paradoxical vitamin B12 deficiency, requires resolution of functional B2 deficiency before treatment with vitamin B12 can be effective.
Climatology and Trends in Temperature-Based Agroclimatic Indices Over Western Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Yeşilırmak Ercan
Published: March 2022

Temperature has a control on growth, development and yield of crops. Extreme high and low temperatures can be a limiting factor on crops. Extreme temperatures have accompanied global average temperature increase. Investigating the changes in indices derived using daily minimum and maximum temperatures may provide information about how extreme temperatures related to crop production have changed under global warming. In this sense, it is aimed in this study to investigate the climatology and monotonic temporal trends of a number of temperature-based agroclimatic indices with use daily minimum (TN) and maximum (TX) temperatures recorded over the period from 1966 to 2018 at 36 weather stations across western Anatolia, Turkey. The temperature-based agroclimatic indices were divided into two groups, cold-related and heat-related indices. The cold-related indices included number of frost days (NFD), first fall/winter frost (FFF), last winter/spring frost (LSF), frost period (FP) and accumulated frost (AF), where a frost was defined as when TN is equal to or less than 0°C. The heat-related indices were comprised of plant heat stress day (PHSD), plant heat stress accumulation (PHSA), growing season start (GSS), growing season end (GSE), growing season length (GSL) and growing degree-day (GDD). Significance of trends were assessed using Mann-Kendall test, and the slopes of trends were quantified by Sen’s Slope Estimator. The results firstly showed that southern and western coastal stations have the lowest frequency, intensity and duration of frost as a result of rarely occurring frost events. These stations are also characterized by the highest GDD, the earliest GSS, the latest GSE and hence the longest GSL, even with never-ending growing seasons in many years. They are also exposed to the highest heat stress in terms of frequency and intensity. On the other hand, the stations located in the North-eastern part of the study area have completely opposite character for all indices in comparison to southern and western coastal stations. Trend analysis revealed that frequency of frost events had decreasing trends (i.e., decreased NFD), accompanied by later onset of FFF, earlier onset of LSF, and hence shortened FP and decreased AF. As for growing season indices, in general, GSS occurred earlier, GSE occurred later, and GSL extended. Growing degree-day and heat stress indices had substantial increasing trends, implying that, over the course of study period, the study area have had more thermal accumulation, and exposed to more heat stress that may hinder crop development.
Cystatin SN as a potential marker for gastric cancer and promotes gastric cancer progression
Authors: Xu TingTing , Fan WenJuan , Liu HongYan , Jiang ShuTing , Ge XiaoXiao , Dai YuWan , Yan BeiZhan
Published: March 2022

BackgroundCystatin SN (cystatin 1, CST1) regulates the progression of many cancers and serves as a diagnostic marker; however, its significance in gastric cancer has not been fully elucidated. MethodsWe first analyzed the expression levels of CST1 in gastric cancer dataset in oncomine and UALCAN databases. We next analyzed the relationship between CST1 and prognosis of gastric cancer patients in KM Plotter database and downloaded TCGA GC data to verify this result. We further divided GC patients into two groups according to the level of CST1 expression for GSEA enrichment analysis. Finally, we validated the role of CST1 in gastric cancer by in vitro functional assays.ResultsWe found that CST1 expression levels in gastric cancer tissues were significantly higher than those in normal control tissues and patients with high CST1 expression had a poorer prognosis. GSEA enrichment analysis showed that the main KEGG signaling pathways enriched in the CST1 high expression group were Coagulation, Epithelial-Mesenchymal-Transition, Complement, Apoptosis, Glycolysis. In vitro functional assay confirmed that inhibition of CST1 significantly inhibited the proliferation, colony-formation,migration and invasion ability of gastric cancer cells.ConclusionsOur study shows that the expression level of CST1 correlates with the development of gastric cancer, and CST1 may be used as a diagnostic marker for poor prognosis of gastric cancer.
The Effect of Darkness Treatment on Plasma Melatonin Concentrations and Reproductive Performance in Akkaraman Ewes
Authors: Şirin Emre , Karakaya Serhan , Şen Uğur
Published: March 2022

Different techniques are used to achieve pregnancy out of season in sheep. These techniques are mostly performed with artificial and natural hormone injections. In this study, darkness application was carried out as a different technique. This study investigates the effect of the darkness treatment on plasma melatonin concentration and reproductive performance during the out-breeding season (April month) in the Akkaraman sheep breed. The vaginal implant device CIDR (0.30 g progesterone) in all sheep was used for return to the beginning of the follicular development (0.day). The control group (C; n = 25) was synchronized by using natural and synthetic hormones. The dark group (D; n = 25) was exposed to darkness for 13 hours (18:00–07:00h) in a fully environmentally controlled shelter. Ewe was taken blood in a specific program, and melatonin hormone concentrations were determined in Elisa device. At the end of darkness application, melatonin hormone concentration in the darkness applied group (90.83 ± 29.27 pg/ml) was higher than the control group (66.58 ± 21.05 pg/ml) (P <0.01). At the end of the experiment, melatonin concentration was higher in the darkness applied group (89.30 ± 29.57 pg/ml) than the control group (54.44 ± 22.97 pg/ml) (P <0.01). Reproductive characteristics were not different between the groups (P>0.05). According to these results, it has been shown that melatonin hormone concentrations may change with the application of darkness during the out-breeding season in sheep, and ıt is possible to estrus synchronize with this method in the Akkaraman sheep breed.
Knowledge of obstetric fistula and its associated factors among women of reproductive age in Northwestern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Tsega Meskerem , Assebe Tesfaye , Gedefaw Getnet , Demis Asmamaw , Tiruye Getahun , Semahegn Agumasie
Published: March 2022

Background: Obstetric fistula is one of the major maternal health challenges in low and middle-income countries, especially in Ethiopia where child marriage and access to a health facility are main challenges. Obstetric fistula is common among teenage mothers that results in a vast social, economic and cultural sequel. In Ethiopia, particularly in the study area, there is a paucity of research evidence on women's knowledge about obstetric fistula. Therefore, this study aimed to assess women’s knowledge about obstetric fistula and its associated factors at Banja District, Northwestern Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted at Banja District, Northwestern Ethiopia. Systematic sampling method was used to recruit 784 women in the reproductive age from six rural and one urban kebeles. Data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaires through face-to-face interview method. Descriptive statistics, binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed by using SPSS version 24.Results: Of the study participants who had good knowledge about obstetric fistula was found to be 36.4% (95%CI: 32.9%-39.7%). Women who had completed primary education (AOR:3.47, 95%CI:2.01-5.98), secondary and above education (AOR:3.30, 95%CI:1.88-5.80), being a student (AOR: 6.78, 95%CI:3.88-11.86), get counseling about obstetric fistula (AOR:6.22, 95%CI: 3.78-10.24), participated in pregnant women’s conference (AOR:3.36, 95%CI: 1.99-5.66), had antenatal care follow-up (AOR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.39-4.13), being an urban resident (AOR: 3.19, 95% CI: 1.33-7.66), and having access to TV/Radio (AOR:1.68, 95%CI:1.10-2.60) were significantly associated with women's good knowledge about obstetric fistula.Conclusions: One-third of women have good knowledge about obstetric fistula. Therefore, empowering women in education, promoting antenatal care, and reinforcing pregnant women's counselling conference platforms could substantially optimize women's knowledge of obstetric fistula
Comparison of the Vasoconstriction Effect of Phenylephrine and Ephedrine on the Uterine Arteries of Pregnant Rabbits: A CT Imaging-Based Study
Authors: Li Jingjing , Gao Guangjian , Yin Yibo , Hu Zhangrui , Long Xuechen , Guo Zixuan , Jin Xiaoju , Liu Can , Guo Wenjun
Published: March 2022

Background: Hypotension is one of the most common complications during perioperative obstetric surgery and can cause serious adverse reactions in mothers and infants. Phenylephrine and ephedrine are the most widely used vasoconstrictors for preventing and controlling hypotension. However, which of them is the best choice remains unclear due to the lack of solid data on the effects of phenylephrine and ephedrine on uterine placental blood flow. This study aims to investigate the vasoconstriction effect of phenylephrine and ephedrine on the uterine arteries of pregnant rabbits via computed tomography (CT) imaging.Methods: Fifteen near-term pregnant rabbits at 27-29 days of pregnancy were randomly divided into Group P, Group E and Group C. Phenylephrine, ephedrine and normal saline were injected. CT imaging was performed, and the diameters of the uterine arteries were measured to evaluate the contractile response to different drugs.Results: Both phenylephrine and ephedrine induced a similar degree of vasoconstriction on peripheral resistance of the vessels (rostral arteries) (p>0.05). At 5 min and 10 min, the uterine arteries contracted more strongly in response to phenylephrine than ephedrine (p<0.01); after that, there was no significant difference in the diameters of the uterine arteries with the administration of phenylephrine and ephedrine (p>0.05).Conclusion: In summary, compared with ephedrine, phenylephrine had a faster effect, and resulted in stronger contraction of the uterine arteries, indicating a greater impact on placental perfusion. Therefore, in clinical practice, ephedrine has more favorable effects than phenylephrine on uterine and placental circulation.
First report of ToCV and Detection of other Viruses in Field-grown Tomatoes in North-western Region of India
Authors: CHAUDHARY POONAM , Kaur Amritpreet , Singh Balwinder , Kumar Surender , Hallan Vipin , Nagpal Avinash Kaur
Published: March 2022

Background: Tomato crop is known to be infected by large number of viruses across the globe causing severe losses in its yield. Accurate information on the distribution and incidence of different viruses is essential to implement virus control strategies. This study provides information on prevalence and distribution of different viruses infecting tomato crop in North-western region of India.Methods and Results: Leaf samples of 76 symptomatic tomato and 30 symptomatic and asymptomatic plants of Chenopodium sp. (weed) were collected from eight villages. DAS-ELISA and/or RT-PCR were used to detect occurrence of nineteen viruses and one viroid in tomatoes. Nine viruses viz. Cucumber mosaic virus, Groundnut bud necrosis virus, Potato virus M, Potato virus S, Potato virus X, Potato virus Y, Tomato chlorosis virus, Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus and Tomato mosaicvirus were detected in 58 of 76 tomato samples. Detection of viruses was confirmed by cloning of specific amplicons followed by sequencing and submission of sequences to the GenBank database. None of the targeted pathogens were found in collected weed samples. Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) was the most prevalent virus (64.47%) followed by Potato virus Y (PVY) (23.68%). Double, triple, quadruple and quintuple infections were also noticed. Phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences was also carried out.Conclusions: Nine viruses infecting tomato crop from North-western region of India were detected. ToLCNDV was most prevalent with highest incidence. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of ToCV on tomato from India.
Dynamical law of the phase interface motion in the presence of crystals nucleation
Authors: Toropova Liubov V. , Alexandrov Dmitri V.
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we develop a theory of solid/liquid phase interface motion into an undercooled melt in the presence of nucleation and evolution of crystals. A set of integrodifferential kinetic, heat and mass transfer equations is analytically solved in the two-phase and liquid layers divided by the moving phase transition interface. To do this, we have used the saddle-point method to evaluate a Laplace-type integral and the small parameter method to find the law of phase interface motion. The main result is that the phase interface Z propagates into an undercooled melt with time t as Z(t) = σ √ t + ε χt 7/2 with allowance for crystal nucleation. The effect of nucleation is in the second contribution, which is proportional to t 7/2 whereas the first term ∼ √ t represents the well-known self-similar solution. The nucleation and crystal growth processes are responsible for the emission of latent crystallization heat, which reduces the melt undercooling and constricts the two-phase layer thickness (parameter χ < 0).
Discrimination between Softwood and Hardwood based on Hemicellulose Content obtained with Portable Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Stagno Valeria , Ricci Sara , Longo Sveva , Verticchio Elena , Frasca Francesca , Siani Anna Maria , Capuani Silvia
Published: March 2022

Wood is a hygroscopic material that can reach an equilibrium moisture content when ambient temperature and relative humidity are constant. Moisture affects all properties of wood, as well as its preservative treatment. The hygroscopic behavior of wood can be attributed to the hydroxyl groups of its constituents. Since hemicellulose shows the greatest water affinity, it can be considered the main responsible for water entering into the wood mass. Below the fiber saturation point (FSP), wood moisture is only stored in the cell walls. Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a relative method used for the evaluation of moisture content distribution in wood and NMR relaxation is an excellent tool to study the hygroscopic behavior of different woods below the fiber saturation point. This work aimed to test the hypothesis of discriminating among softwoods and hardwoods of different botanical species and identifying further sub-clusters of woods on the basis of the NMR proton spin-spin (T2) and spin-lattice (T1) relaxation times of their cell wall water in the hygroscopic moisture range. Towards this goal, a portable low-field NMR instrument was used to develop a specific non-invasive NMR protocol for in situ investigation useful in the wood industry and/or cultural heritage applications.
Optimized Pretreatment Method for Long-Term Transduction Efficiency of AAV Into Rat Bladder
Authors: Wu Yanyuan , Zhou Jiatong , Chen Haojie , Shi Bowen , Ding Jie , Qi Jun
Published: March 2022

Objective
We sought the optimal preprocessing method to improve the long-term transfer efficiency of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors of rat bladder urothelium.
Methods
Rat bladders were pretreated by eight different chemical reagents including PBS, trypsin, poly-L-lysine (PLL), protamine sulfate (PS), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), n-dodecyl-β-d-maltoside (DDM), HCl or NaOH followed by transurethral instillation with AAV2/9-CMV-zsgreen. The transfection efficiency was evaluated by the percentage of urothelium with green fluorescence after 4 weeks.
Results
We employed eight different chemical components and eleven pretreatment methods. The rat bladder was harvested and evaluated without any mortality at 4 weeks post-infection. Compared with other treatment groups, the rate of urothelium transfection is comparatively high in the groups of rats treated with HCl or NaOH. In addition, rats treated with 0.1N NaOH 4 min showed significantly highest transfection efficiency (about 3%). The histopathologic results showed regular morphology of the bladder treated with HCl or NAOH and no significant damage was observed.
Conclusion
Pretreatment with 0.1N NaOH 4 min could improve the transfection efficiency of AAV in bladder urothelium and maintain the transfection efficiency for a long time without pathological damage.
Importance
We found that pretreatment of the bladder with HCl and NaOH can improve the transfection efficiency of AAV for a long time compared to control group. In addition, rats treated with 0.1N NaOH 4 min could have the most significant effect among these strategies, which was discovered for the first time. This could be valuable for future bladder gene therapy.
Is There an Association Between COVID-19 Mortality and Human Development Index? The Case Study of Nigeria and Selected Low/middle Income Countries.
Authors: AMEYE Sanyaolu Alani , Ojo Temitope Olumuyiwa , ADETUNJI Tajudin Adesegun , AWOLEYE Michael Olusesan
Published: March 2022

Objectives. We assessed Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of COVID-19 as an indicator to situate the performance of Nigeria relative to other selected countries. From the available open-source datasets, we derived the case fatality rates of the different countries of interest for comparison. The CFRs were calculated as the rate of deaths compared with total cases. The values were compared with the Nigeria’s COVID-19 CFR. Other relevant statistical comparisons were also conducted. Results: The worst performing countries with regards to CFR in descending order were Yemen (19.5%), Peru (9.0%) Mexico (7.6%), Sudan (7.4%) and Ecuador (6.3%) while the best performing nations were Bhutan (0.11%), Burundi (0.19%), Iceland (0.20%), Laos (0.21%) and Qatar (0.25%). The CFR of Nigeria was 1.39%% which falls below the 50th percentile. Other comparison done showed significant difference in the CFR values between countries similar to Nigeria and countries that are dissimilar when HDI is used. (Mann-Whitney U test 126.0, p = 0.01). The trend of the CFR in Nigeria showed a steady decline and flattening of the CFR curve which does not seem to be affected by the spikes in the daily declared cases.
Subsidence Following Cervical Discectomy and Implant-to-bone Ratio.
Authors: Godlewski Bartosz , Bebenek Adam , Dominiak Maciej , Karpinski Grzegorz , Cieslik Piotr , Pawelczyk Tomasz
Published: March 2022

Background
Implant subsidence is an undesirable effect after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). We investigated the relation between the rate of implant subsidence and the ratio of the implant surface area to the surface area of the adjacent bone.
Methods
We analysed 170 disk spaces operated in a group of 104 patients. Two types of implants were used: 1) PEEK (polyetheretherketone) cages and 2) titanium-coated PEEK cages. Patients were randomised to receive a specific implant using a randomisation table. All implants had a surface area of 1.61 cm2. Based on CT images, bone surface areas were calculated for vertebral bodies immediately adjacent to the interbody implants. The implant-to-bone surface ratio was then calculated for each disk space. Implant subsidence was assessed over 12 months of follow-up, and associations between implant subsidence, the type of implant, and the implant-to-bone surface ratio were investigated.
Results
A total of 166 complete measurement data sets were available, capturing changes in intervertebral space and the presence of subsidence. 21% of intervertebral spaces demonstrated subsidence. Subsidence was more frequently associated with higher values of bone surface area and lower values of the implant-to-bone surface ratio. The type of implant (PEEK vs titanium-coated PEEK cages) did not significantly influence the rate of implant subsidence.
Conclusions
Implant subsidence was significantly related to the value of a coefficient representing the ratio of the implant's surface area to the bone surface area of the adjacent vertebral bodies, with subsidence occurring significantly more rarely for coefficient values ≥ 0.37.
Prospection of Indigenous Yeasts from Uruguayan Tannat Vineyards with a View to Their Oenological Applications
Authors: Morera Guillermo , de Ovalle Stefani , -Pombo Paula Gonzalez
Published: March 2022

Prospection of yeasts from oenological environments can provide knowledge of new native strains that are capable of ferment must and positively influence the composition and sensory characteristics of the wine. This work is addressed to the biotechnological characterization of indigenous yeast of Tannat must, an emblematic and widespread vineyard of Uruguay. Fifty-three yeast strains were morphologically characterized and further identified by amplification and sequencing of ITS and D1-D2 regions, grouping into a total of fifteen species. A representative strain of each species was selected and evaluated for its technological traits. In presence of ethanol (6 to 16% v/v) and SO2 (40 mg/L), native Saccharomyces cerevisiae T19-3FS presented the best growth rates and minors lag phase. Of the non-Saccharomyces strains, S. bacillaris T19-3MS stood out for its behavior in vinification conditions, more closely related with Saccharomyces strains. S. cerevisiae T19-3FS, S. bacillaris T19-3MS, S. diversa T19-1FS and P. terricola T19-1FN conducted a successful fermentation process reaching final ethanol concentration ≥ 10% v/v, and showed K + R phenotype, highlighting its potential use in pure starter cultures for the production of finished wines. It also notes that S. diversa T19-1FS exhibits BGL activity making it interesting to explore its possible activity onto non-volatile glycosides during fermentation, to enhance aromatic compounds. Regarding the rest of the NS yeast studied, they could be good candidates for use in mixed-fermentations with Saccharomyces.
Trends and Timing of Interventions in Management of Acute Gallstone Pancreatitis in the United States
Authors: Chkhikvadze Tamta , Bashir Muhammad , Uwagbale Ese , Kwak Ye Eun , Shi Junxin , Vignesh Shivakumar
Published: March 2022

Background: Only about 50% of acute gallstone pancreatitis admissions undergo index cholecystectomy.Aims: We aimed to analyze the national trends in acute gallstone pancreatitis management: the proportion and optimal timing of cholecystectomy. Methods: Adult admissions with acute gallstone pancreatitis and associated procedures were extracted from National Inpatient Sample (2005-2014yy). Patients with index cholecystectomy were identified and divided into early and delayed intervention groups. Trends, complications, mortality, and hospital resource utilization were analyzed. Results: In 991,476 acute gallstone pancreatitis hospitalizations, the rate of index cholecystectomy remained low at 53-55%. Analysis of cholecystectomy complications and resource utilization demonstrated the safest and most cost-effective strategy is to perform cholecystectomy during 24-72 hours of admission. A risk difference of 12.6% in the complication rate was observed between early (<72hrs) versus delayed (>72hrs) cholecystectomy groups. Delay in cholecystectomy to day five or beyond was associated with significantly higher morbidity, mortality, and resource utilization. Conclusion: The rate of index cholecystectomies to prevent recurrent acute gallstone pancreatitis remains significantly low nationally (53-55%). Our analysis demonstrates that cholecystectomy should be avoided in the first 24 hours, and optimal timing for intervention is from 24 to 72 hours of acute gallstone pancreatitis hospitalization. Careful patient selection and timing of definitive operative management are important to ensure the best clinical outcomes and avoid unnecessary healthcare expenses.
Exploration of bimetallic Au@Ag Core-Shell Nanocubes Dimers supports plasmonic Fano resonances
Authors: Maati Lamia Abu El , Alkallas Fatemah. H. , Trabelsi Amira Ben Gouider , Elaissi Samira , Alrebdi Tahani A. , Ahmad Mahmoud
Published: March 2022

We report a theoretical simulation of optical spectra of Au@Ag core/shell nanocubes dimers. The influence of the core/shell size ratio and the dimers separation gap on these spectra have been studied using boundary element method (BEM). The scattering sections of various core/shell size ratio (= 10–80%) with different separation gap (2 to 16 nm) have been numerically determined via Maxwell equations. We have examined the scattering sections along a wide wavelengths range, 250–1500 nm, in visible and IR domain. The edge lengths of 60, 80, 100 and 120 nm of the shell nanocubes have been considered. We revealed the formation of Fano resonance line shape through the investigation of the scattering section variation within the entire wavelengths. The Fano resonance line shape emerges with the variation of the gap between the dimer as well as of the core/shell size ratio. The trace of the Fano interference dip is slightly blue shifted and it is lost above gap separation equal 4 nm. The core/shell dimer with varied core/shell size ratio manipulate and image easily the trace of the Fano resonance dip up to core/shell size ratio equal 50% for gap separation above 4 nm. We demonstrate the important duality of the gap separation and core/shell ratio variation in designing Fano resonance interface. This has a potential effect on applications in nonlinear optics, metamaterial, tunable nanophotonic devices such as filters, wave-guiding, subwavelength optical imaging, chemical and biological sensing.
The Difference in Kinematic Parameters During Gait Between the Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis and Healthy Controls Using an Insole with a Single Inertial Measurement Unit: A Case-Control study
Authors: Yaguchi Haruki , Honda Keita , Sekiguchi Yusuke , Chenhui Huang , Kenichiro Fukushi , Zhenwei Wang , Kentaro Nakahara , Kamimura Masayuki , Aki Takashi , Ogura Ken , Izumi Shin-Ichi
Published: March 2022

Background: Gait disturbance is a critical problem in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee (KOA). The inertial measurement unit (IMU) is small size and lightweight allows for the measurement of patients without physical constraints. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether an insole with a single IMU can detect differences in kinematic parameters during gait between patients with KOA and healthy controls.Methods: Twenty patients with KOA, for whom unilateral total knee arthroplasty was planned, and 13 age-matched control subjects were included in this study. Participants wore shoes with IMU-equipped insoles and were required to walk across an 8-m walkway at a self-selected speed and foot movement data were collected during gait. We compared the spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters on the right side in healthy controls and both sides in patients with KOA.Results: The self-selected walking speed and stride length in the KOA group were significantly lower than those of the controls. The foot extension angular velocity at the toe-off (TO) was significantly smaller on the affected side than on the contralateral side (p<0.001) and in the healthy controls (p<0.001). During the swing phase, foot forward acceleration was significantly smaller on the affected side of KOA compared with healthy controls (p=0.005). Furthermore, foot upward acceleration at the initial contact (IC) in patients with KOA was significantly lower on the contralateral side compared with that of healthy controls (p=0.0167) but not on the affected side (p=0.344), despite a decrease in walking speed. Conclusions:The insole with a single IMU can detect differences in foot kinematics during gait between patients with KOA and healthy controls. Our findings indicate that patients with KOA exhibit a dysfunction of the push-off at TO and shock absorption at the IC on the affected side.
Implementation of a Reference Center for Inborn Errors of Immunity in Latin America
Authors: Ain Ana Carolina da Matta , Barreiros Lucila Akune , Aranda Carolina Sanchez , Neto Antonio Condino
Published: March 2022

We would like to report our experience in the deployment of an Immunology outpatient clinic that over 14 years became a Reference Center for Inborn Errors of Immunity (IEI) in Brazil, which is located in the city of Taubaté, in the region of Vale do Paraíba, state of São Paulo, responsible for serving a region of approximately 2.5 million inhabitants. During this period, we participated in the pilot project to implement neonatal screening for severe combined immunodeficiency and initiated courses for physicians from basic health units, implementation of classes on clinical immunology in the undergraduate program of medicine, implementation of an outpatient clinic at the city's Faculty of Medicine, in addition to the assessment of patients hospitalized in emergency and intensive care units. Thus, the implementation of a Reference Center for IEI in Latin America proved to be viable and can serve as a model for other services to be initiated. Based on our experience, we suggest some itens for additional IEI centers to emerge.
Study on machining characteristics with variable distribution density micro-texture tools in turning superalloy GH4202
Authors: Yu Xin , Wang Yongguo , Lv Dejin , Ye Zi , Gao Yuan
Published: March 2022

Micro texture tool (MTT) with variable distribution density was proposed, and the novel MTT can adapt to different friction states in the tool chip contact area and maintain good anti-friction and wear resistance. The novel MTTs were composed of two regions with different groove width and distribution density which were prepared on the rake face by femtosecond laser technology. The cutting process were carried out in turning superalloy GH4202. According to the machining characteristics (rake wear, tool wear volume, workpiece material adhesion volume and the chip morphology), the role of variable distribution density in turning were analyzed. The experimental results show that the texture parameters of the texture region near and away from the edge have different effects and mechanisms on the machining characteristics. Compared with non textured tool and uniform textured tool, the proper design of texture parameters of variable distribution density texture can make the MTT have better wear resistance and chip breaking ability when turning superalloy GH4202.
Behavioral problems as a risk factor for Alopecia Areata and another skin disease: a case-control study in Iran
Authors: shahini Najmeh , Derakhshanpour Firoozeh , salami zanireh , kazemian kimia , Vaghari GholamReza
Published: March 2022

Background: Alopecia areata is a dermatological disorder that is more prevalent among the pediatric population. This disease has been linked to behavioral problems in both pediatrics and adults. However, the behavioral problems of the pediatric population have not been widely studied. The present study aimed to evaluate the behavioral problems among the pediatric population in the north of Iran. methods: This case-control study was carried out on the 90 children aged 4-13 who have been chosen by simple sampling and equally enrolled in three study groups; Alopecia areata, another skin disease, and healthy children. The parent’s version of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) was used, and P<0.05 is considered a significant level. Results: The mean age of the patients with Alopecia, other diseases, and healthy population were 9.27, 8.43, and 9.93 years, respectively. The total difficulty score was not significantly different between the alopecia patients and patients with other diseases (p=0.137). The total difficulty score was significantly different among those with alopecia areata and those with other diseases and the healthy population (p=0.003 and p=0.045). Emotional symptoms of conduct problems and peer relationship problems were common in children with alopecia areata compared to the healthy population (p=0.004, p=0.019, and p< 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The pediatric patients with alopecia areata have an increased level of behavioral problems compared to the healthy population. Therefore, pediatric patients with alopecia areata need psychiatric assessments alongside treating their dermatologic concerns.
Dramatic Efficacy of Interferon and Vemurafenib on Psychiatric Symptoms Revealing BRAFV600E Mutated Erdheim-Chester Disease
Authors: Jérôme Razanamahery , Maroua Abdallahoui , Guillaume Chabridon , Agnès Fromont , Georges Tarris , Ahmed Idbaih , Olivier Comby Pierre , Francois Godard , Julien Haroche , Sylvain Audia , Bernard Bonnotte
Published: March 2022

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare histiocytosis with underestimated neurological involvement. Neurological manifestations are heterogenous depending on disease location and mechanisms, but psychiatric symptoms have not been described to date in the clinical spectrum of neuro-ECD. An 81-year-old woman was referred to the hospital because of delirium with auditive and visual hallucinations, severe cognitive impairment and cerebellar syndrome. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed FLAIR hyperintensity lesions in the pons, upper cerebellum peduncles. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis were normal except for an elevated neopterin level in the CSF. Whole-body CT scan (18FDG-PET) showed peri-nephric fat infiltration and aorta adventitia sheathing with radiotracer uptake in the pons, vessels, peri-nephric fat, and bone lesions, which were characteristic of ECD. The diagnosis was confirmed on perirenal tissue biopsy, which also showed a BRAFV600E mutation. Treatment with interferon resulted in resolution of delirium, and BRAF inhibitor subsequently resulted in partial remission of all active sites. This case highlights that delirium can be the first manifestation of neurodegenerative ECD. Interferon and targeted therapy appear to be effective in this situation.