bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of therapeutic plasma exchange treatment on short-term mortality of critically ill adult patients with sepsis-induced organ dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kuklin Vladimir , Sovershaev Michael , Bjerner Johan , Keith Philip , Scott L. Keith , Thomas Owen Matthew Truscott , Szpirt Wladimir , Rock Gail , Stegmayr Bernd
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The impact of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) on short-term mortality in adult patients with sepsis-induced organ dysfunction remains uncertain. The objective of the study is to assess the effect of adjunct TPE in this setting through a comprehensive literature review.

Methods

The National Library of Medicine’s Medline, Ovid (Embase), the Cochrane Library database and clinicaltrial.gov from January 01, 1966, until October 01, 2022, were searched for terms: therapeutic plasma exchange, plasmapheresis, sepsis, and septic shock. We reviewed, selected and extracted data from relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and matched cohort studies (MCSs) comparing short-term mortality in critically ill adult septic patients treated with standard therapy versus those receiving adjunct TPE. Risk of bias was assessed in the RCTs using Cochrane Collaboration tool and in MCSs using ROBINS-I tool. Summary statistics, risk ratios (RRs), and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random effects model.

Results

This systematic review included 937 adult critically ill septic patients from five RCTs (n = 367) and fifteen MCSs (n = 570). Of these total, 543 received treatment with TPE in addition to standard care. The meta-analysis includes all five RCTs and only six MCSs (n = 627). The adjunct TPE treatment (n = 300) showed a significant reduction in short-term mortality (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.47–0.74, I2 3%) compared to standard therapy alone (n = 327). The systematic review of all 20 trials revealed that adding TPE to the standard therapy of critically ill septic patients resulted in faster clinical and/or laboratory recovery.

Conclusions

Our comprehensive and up-to-date review demonstrates that adjunct TPE may provide potential survival benefits when compared to standard care for critically ill adult patients with sepsis-induced organ dysfunction. While results of this meta-analysis are encouraging, large well-designed randomized trials are required to identify the optimal patient population and TPE procedure characteristics prior to widespread adoption into practice.
Application of a recombinant novel trypsin from Trichinella spiralis for serodiagnosis of trichinellosis
Authors: Han Lu Lu , Lu Qi Qi , Li Yang Li , Zheng Wen Wen , Ren Pian , Liu Ruo Dan , Cui Jing , Wang Zhong Quan
Published: January 2024

Background

The excretory/secretory (ES) antigen of Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae (ML) is currently the most widely used diagnostic antigen to detect T. spiralis infection. However, this antigen has certain drawbacks, such as a complicated ES antigen preparation process and lower sensitivity during the early phase of infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the features of a novel T. spiralis trypsin (TsTryp) and evaluate its potential diagnostic value for trichinellosis.

Methods

The TsTryp gene was cloned and recombinant TsTryp (rTsTryp) expressed. Western blotting and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to confirm the antigenicity of rTsTryp. The expression pattern and distribution signature of TsTryp at various life-cycle stages of T. spiralis were analyzed by quantitative PCR, western blotting and the immunofluorescence test. An ELISA with rTsTryp and ML ES antigens was used to detect immunoglobulins G and M (IgG, IgM) in serum samples of infected mice, swine and humans. The seropositive results were further confirmed by western blot with rTsTryp and ML ES antigens.

Results

TsTryp expression was observed in diverse T. spiralis life-cycle phases, with particularly high expression in the early developmental phase (intestinal infectious larvae and adults), with distribution observed mainly at the nematode outer cuticle and stichosome. rTsTryp was identified by T. spiralis-infected mouse sera and anti-rTsTryp sera. Natural TsTryp protease was detected in somatic soluble and ES antigens of the nematode. In mice infected with 200 T. spiralis ML, serum-specific IgG was first detected by rTsTryp-ELISA at 8 days post-infection (dpi), reaching 100% positivity at 12 dpi, and first detected by ES-ELISA at 10 dpi, reaching 100% positivity at 14 dpi. Specific IgG was detected by rTsTryp 2 days earlier than by ES antigens. When specific IgG was determined in serum samples from trichinellosis patients, the sensitivity of rTsTryp-ELISA and ES antigens-ELISA was 98.1% (51/52 samples) and 94.2% (49/52 samples), respectively (P = 0.308), but the specificity of rTsTryp was significantly higher than that of ES antigens (98.7% vs. 95.4%; P = 0.030). Additionally, rTsTryp conferred a lower cross-reaction, with only three serum samples in total testing positive from 11 clonorchiasis, 20 cysticercosis and 24 echinococcosis patients (1 sample from each patient group).

Conclusions

TsTryp was shown to be an early and highly expressed antigen at intestinal T. spiralis stages, indicating that rTsTryp represents a valuable diagnostic antigen for the serodiagnosis of early Trichinella infection.

Graphical Abstract
Experimental hut and field evaluation of a metofluthrin-based spatial repellent against pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles funestus in Siaya County, western Kenya
Authors: Agumba Silas , Moshi Vincent , Muchoki Margaret , Omondi Seline , Kosgei Jackline , Walker Edward D. , Abong’o Bernard , Achee Nicole , Grieco John , Ochomo Eric
Published: January 2024

Background

Spatial repellents (SR) may complement current vector control tools and provide additional coverage when people are not under their bednets or are outdoors. Here we assessed the efficacy of a metofluthrin-based SR in reducing exposure to pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles funestus in Siaya County, western Kenya.

Methods

Metofluthrin was vaporized using an emanator configured to a liquid petroleum gas (LPG) canister, placed inside experimental huts (phase 1) or outdoors (phase 2), and evaluated for reductions in human landing rate, density, knockdown and mortality rates of An. funestus, which are present in high density in the area. To demonstrate the mosquito recruiting effect of LPG, a hut with only an LPG cooker but no metofluthrin was added as a comparator and compared with an LPG cooker burning alongside the emanator and a third hut with no LPG cooker as control. Phase 2 evaluated the protective range of the SR product while emanating from the centre of a team of mosquito collectors sitting outdoors in north, south, east and west directions at 5, 10 and 20 feet from the emanating device.

Results

Combustion of LPG with a cook stove increased the density of An. funestus indoors by 51% over controls with no cook stove. In contrast, huts with metofluthrin vaporized with LPG combustion had lower indoor density of An. funestus (99.3% less than controls), with knockdown and mortality rates of 95.5 and 87.7%, respectively, in the mosquitoes collected in the treated huts. In the outdoor study (phase 2), the outdoor landing rate was significantly lower at 5 and 10 feet than at 20 feet from the emanator.

Conclusions

Vaporized metofluthrin almost completely prevented An. funestus landing indoors and led to 10 times lower landing rates within 10 feet of the emanator outdoors, the first product to demonstrate such potential. Cooking with LPG inside the house could increase exposure to Anopheles mosquito bites, but the use of the metofluthrin canister eliminates this risk.

Graphical abstract
Cas13b-mediated RNA targeted therapy alleviates genetic dilated cardiomyopathy in mice
Authors: Li Jiacheng , Xuan He , Kuang Xin , Li Yahuan , Lian Hong , Yu Nie
Published: January 2024

Background

Recent advances in gene editing technology have opened up new avenues for in vivo gene therapy, which holds great promise as a potential treatment method for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The CRISPR-Cas13 system has been shown to be an effective tool for knocking down RNA expression in mammalian cells. PspCas13b, a type VI-B effector that can be packed into adeno-associated viruses and improve RNA knockdown efficiency, is a potential treatment for diseases characterized by abnormal gene expression.

Results

Using PspCas13b, we were able to efficiently and specifically knockdown the mutant transcripts in the AC16 cell line carrying the heterozygous human TNNT2R141W (hTNNT2R141W) mutation. We used adeno-associated virus vector serotype 9 to deliver PspCas13b with specific single guide RNA into the hTNNT2R141W transgenic DCM mouse model, effectively knocking down hTNNT2R141W transcript expression. PspCas13b-mediated knockdown significantly increased myofilament sensitivity to Ca2+, improved cardiac function, and reduced myocardial fibrosis in hTNNT2R141W DCM mice.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that targeting genes through Cas13b is a promising approach for in vivo gene therapy for genetic diseases caused by aberrant gene expression. Our study provides further evidence of Cas13b’s application in genetic disease therapy and paves the way for future applicability of genetic therapies for cardiomyopathy.
COUP-TFII regulates early bipotential gonad signaling and commitment to ovarian progenitors
Authors: Ferreira Lucas G. A. , Kizys Marina M. L. , Gama Gabriel A. C. , Pachernegg Svenja , Robevska Gorjana , Sinclair Andrew H. , Ayers Katie L. , Dias-da-Silva Magnus R.
Published: January 2024

Background

The absence of expression of the Y-chromosome linked testis-determining gene SRY in early supporting gonadal cells (ESGC) leads bipotential gonads into ovarian development. However, genetic variants in NR2F2, encoding three isoforms of the transcription factor COUP-TFII, represent a novel cause of SRY-negative 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular differences of sex development (T/OT-DSD). Thus, we hypothesized that COUP-TFII is part of the ovarian developmental network. COUP-TFII is known to be expressed in interstitial/mesenchymal cells giving rise to steroidogenic cells in fetal gonads, however its expression and function in ESGCs have yet to be explored.

Results

By differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells into bipotential gonad-like cells in vitro and by analyzing single cell RNA-sequencing datasets of human fetal gonads, we identified that NR2F2 expression is highly upregulated during bipotential gonad development along with markers of bipotential state. NR2F2 expression was detected in early cell populations that precede the steroidogenic cell emergence and that retain a multipotent state in the undifferentiated gonad. The ESGCs differentiating into fetal Sertoli cells lost NR2F2 expression, whereas pre-granulosa cells remained NR2F2-positive. When examining the NR2F2 transcript variants individually, we demonstrated that the canonical isoform A, disrupted by frameshift variants previously reported in 46,XX T/OT-DSD patients, is nearly 1000-fold more highly expressed than other isoforms in bipotential gonad-like cells. To investigate the genetic network under COUP-TFII regulation in human gonadal cell context, we generated a NR2F2 knockout (KO) in the human granulosa-like cell line COV434 and studied NR2F2-KO COV434 cell transcriptome. NR2F2 ablation downregulated markers of ESGC and pre-granulosa cells. NR2F2-KO COV434 cells lost the enrichment for female-supporting gonadal progenitor and acquired gene signatures more similar to gonadal interstitial cells.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that COUP-TFII has a role in maintaining a multipotent state necessary for commitment to the ovarian development. We propose that COUP-TFII regulates cell fate during gonad development and impairment of its function may disrupt the transcriptional plasticity of ESGCs. During early gonad development, disruption of ESGC plasticity may drive them into commitment to the testicular pathway, as observed in 46,XX OT-DSD patients with NR2F2 haploinsufficiency.
A new pilot assignment scheme for mitigating pilot contamination in uplink massive multi-input–multi-output (MIMO) systems
Authors: Gidena Haftom Tesfay , Weldemichael Kiros Siyoum
Published: January 2024

Pilot contamination is a serious issue in massive multi–input–multi–output systems which significantly degrades system performance. In this paper, we investigate a new pilot assignment scheme by integrating two-dimensional genetic algorithm with Tabu-Search algorithm (TS) to mitigate the pilot contamination problem. Firstly, we design a two-dimensional genetic algorithm equipped with elitism strategy as a principal algorithm for solving the pilot assignment problem; then, aiming to enhance the convergence speed of the genetic algorithm to the ideal optimal solution, we integrate TS with the genetic algorithm. This integrated pilot assignment scheme, henceforth designated as GATS-PA, is found to be powerful in mitigating the pilot contamination problem. Numerical simulation results verify that the proposed pilot assignment scheme is very close to the ideal optimal solution with few numbers of iterations and outperforms existing methods in terms of enhancing the average uplink rate per user over a wide range of simulation parameters.
Tconns: a novel time-varying context-aware offloading strategy for mobile edge computing
Authors: Zheng Meiguang , Li Jie , Hu Yu , Xiao Hui , Hu Zhigang
Published: January 2024

Mobility is a fundamental feature of mobile edge computing. Due to the mobility of users, the contextual attributes of cloudlets such as server resources and network state will dynamically change with time during offloading, showing time-varying and fuzzy characteristics. To this end, how to make efficient offloading decision to provide low-latency, low-power and highly reliable services in MEC has become a critical issue. In this paper, we propose a time-varying context-aware cloudlet decision algorithm based on neutrosophic set, TConNS $${\text {(The Code of TConNS is available at https://github.com/zhengLabs/NSO)}}$$

(The Code of TConNS is available at https://github.com/zhengLabs/NSO)

. Firstly, we establish a representation model of the multi-dimensional time-varying context of candidate cloudlets, including the mobile residence time. Secondly, we adopt the backward generator of cloud model theory to transform the contextual raw data into a single-valued neutrosophic set with the expression ability for fuzzy information. Finally, we use a series of appropriate operations under the own unique computing system of neutrosophic set to obtain the best cloudlet. Extensive experiments show that TConNS reduces the average response time by about 49% and the average energy consumption by about 46%, and also reduces the number of task failures.
Economy-wide impact of climate smart agriculture in India: a SAM framework
Authors: Ajatasatru Ananya , Prabhu Vishnu , Pal Barun Deb , Mukhopadhyay Kakali
Published: January 2024

In the context of climate change, the Indian agricultural sector treads in a certain duality between promoting food security in response to the increasing population, but at the same time in ensuring environmental sustainability, and sustained economic growth, especially in developing countries like India. The concept of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) emerged from the recognition of this duality. Using the Indian Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) 2017–18, the economy-wide effects arising out of agricultural interventions were estimated, keeping accord with the impacts on sectoral outputs and household incomes from the adoption of varying CSA interventions such as Conservation Agriculture, System of Rice and Wheat Intensification (SRI-SWI) and Natural Farming, fitting the three-pillared criterion of CSA—(1) Productivity (2) Adaptation and (3) Mitigation. Additionally, a shift in cropping patterns from Paddy and Wheat to less emission-intensive crops was also studied. Results show that SRI-SWI provides the highest economy-wide impacts while accounting for lower GHG and water footprint. Alternative crops such as Maize, Sorghum, and Millet have minimal increase in income and output effects while having lower water and carbon intensity compared to rice and wheat. The current study would sensitize policymakers to prioritize suitable policy and institutional measures for upscaling climate smart interventions in India.
Modelling the nexus between finance, government revenue, institutional quality and sustainable energy supply in West Africa
Authors: Kolawole Kayode David , Abdulmumin Biliqees Ayoola , Uzuner Gizem , Seyingbo Oluwagbenga Abayomi , Abdulrauf Lukman Adebayo-Oke
Published: January 2024

The present study examined the relationship between finance, government revenue, institutional quality and sustainable energy supply in West Africa countries over annual frequency period from 2012 to 2020. To achieve the outlined nexus between study variables, the present study leverages on a battery of panel analysis for robust inferences. The econometric estimators employed are panel random effect regression, generalized method of moment technique. Furthermore, panel Granger causality test is utilized to analyze the direction of flow among the variables for the study. Empirical results revealed that financial development is a significant determinant of energy supply in West Africa countries while a negligible effect was reported for institutional quality and sustainable energy supply. Thus, the present study concludes that finance from financial sector is important in ensuring sufficient energy supply. To this end, this study therefore, recommends that incentives should be given to financial institutions that fund energy generation and transmission as financial development is seen to be significant on energy supply.
Nanotechnology for microglial targeting and inhibition of neuroinflammation underlying Alzheimer’s pathology
Authors: Gebril Hoda M. , Aryasomayajula Aravind , de Lima Mariana Reis Nogueira , Uhrich Kathryn E. , Moghe Prabhas V.
Published: January 2024

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is considered to have a multifactorial etiology. The hallmark of AD is progressive neurodegeneration, which is characterized by the deepening loss of memory and a high mortality rate in the elderly. The neurodegeneration in AD is believed to be exacerbated following the intercoupled cascades of extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, uncontrolled microglial activation, and neuroinflammation. Current therapies for AD are mostly designed to target the symptoms, with limited ability to address the mechanistic triggers for the disease. In this study, we report a novel nanotechnology based on microglial scavenger receptor (SR)-targeting amphiphilic nanoparticles (NPs) for the convergent alleviation of fibril Aβ (fAβ) burden, microglial modulation, and neuroprotection.

Methods

We designed a nanotechnology approach to regulate the SR-mediated intracellular fAβ trafficking within microglia. We synthesized SR-targeting sugar-based amphiphilic macromolecules (AM) and used them as a bioactive shell to fabricate serum-stable AM–NPs via flash nanoprecipitation. Using electron microscopy, in vitro approaches, ELISA, and confocal microscopy, we investigated the effect of AM–NPs on Aβ fibrilization, fAβ-mediated microglial inflammation, and neurotoxicity in BV2 microglia and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell lines.

Results

AM–NPs interrupted Aβ fibrilization, attenuated fAβ microglial internalization via targeting the fAβ-specific SRs, arrested the fAβ-mediated microglial activation and pro-inflammatory response, and accelerated lysosomal degradation of intracellular fAβ. Moreover, AM–NPs counteracted the microglial-mediated neurotoxicity after exposure to fAβ.

Conclusions

The AM–NP nanotechnology presents a multifactorial strategy to target pathological Aβ aggregation and arrest the fAβ-mediated pathological progression in microglia and neurons.

Graphical Abstract
Effects of combined nutrient and pesticide exposure on algal biomass, and Daphnia magna abundance
Authors: Onyango Joel , van Bruggen J. J. A. , Kitaka Nzula , Simaika John , Irvine Kenneth
Published: January 2024

Fertilisers and pesticides are increasingly used in agriculture to improve productivity and protect crops from fungi and insects. However, these farm inputs may lead to adverse effects on aquatic biodiversity through eutrophication and pesticide toxicity. This study aimed to establish the effects of nutrient-only, pesticide-only, combined nutrients and pesticides, and control on the abundance of Daphnia magna, and algal biomass. In each of the treatments, different concentrations of nutrients and pesticides residues were added separately or in combination. Responses were measured every 24 h, and the experiments ended after 168 h of exposure. The experiment was set in four concentration treatments comprising high, moderately high, moderately low, and low concentrations. Data analysis was done using Multiple Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and ANOVA to determine the effect of time, concentrations and the interaction of time and concentrations for each of the treatments on D. magna abundance, and algal biomass. Higher concentrations of pesticide additives were associated with lower abundance of D. magna, and higher algal biomass over the exposure periods. There was a significant reduction in the abundance of D. magna in the combined treatment indicating the toxic effect of pesticide addition. Determination of effect concentrations based on combined nutrients-pesticides experiments becomes important in setting water quality standards, and monitoring the quality status, to avoid underestimating the ecological implications of combined contamination.
Acellular scaffold-based approach for in situ genetic engineering of host T-cells in solid tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Dandia Hiren Y. , Pillai Mamatha M. , Sharma Deepak , Suvarna Meghna , Dalal Neha , Madhok Ayush , Ingle Arvind , Chiplunkar Shubhada V. , Galande Sanjeev , Tayalia Prakriti
Published: January 2024

Background

Targeted T-cell therapy has emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, its application to solid tumors presents significant challenges due to the limited accessibility and heterogeneity. Localized delivery of tumor-specific T-cells using biomaterials has shown promise, however, procedures required for genetic modification and generation of a sufficient number of tumor-specific T-cells ex vivo remain major obstacles due to cost and time constraints.

Methods

Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds were developed and conjugated with positively charged poly-L-lysine (PLL) using carbamide chemistry for efficient loading of lentiviruses (LVs) carrying tumor antigen-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs). The physical and biological properties of the scaffold were extensively characterized. Further, the scaffold loaded with OVA-TCR LVs was implanted in B16F10 cells expressing ovalbumin (B16-OVA) tumor model to evaluate the anti-tumor response and the presence of transduced T-cells.

Results

Our findings demonstrate that the scaffolds do not induce any systemic inflammation upon subcutaneous implantation and effectively recruit T-cells to the site. In B16-OVA melanoma tumor-bearing mice, the scaffolds efficiently transduce host T-cells with OVA-specific TCRs. These genetically modified T-cells exhibit homing capability towards the tumor and secondary lymphoid organs, resulting in a significant reduction of tumor size and systemic increase in anti-tumor cytokines. Immune cell profiling revealed a significantly high percentage of transduced T-cells and a notable reduction in suppressor immune cells within the tumors of mice implanted with these scaffolds.

Conclusion

Our scaffold-based T-cell therapy presents an innovative in situ localized approach for programming T-cells to target solid tumors. This approach offers a viable alternative to in vitro manipulation of T-cells, circumventing the need for large-scale in vitro generation and culture of tumor-specific T-cells. It offers an off-the-shelf alternative that facilitates the use of host cells instead of allogeneic cells, thereby, overcoming a major hurdle.
Selective regulation of endophytic bacteria and gene expression in soybean by water-soluble humic materials
Authors: Wang Wenqian , Li Dongmei , Qiu Xiaoqian , Yang Jinshui , Liu Liang , Wang Entao , Yuan Hongli
Published: January 2024

Background

As part of the plant microbiome, endophytic bacteria play an essential role in plant growth and resistance to stress. Water-soluble humic materials (WSHM) is widely used in sustainable agriculture as a natural and non-polluting plant growth regulator to promote the growth of plants and beneficial bacteria. However, the mechanisms of WSHM to promote plant growth and the evidence for commensal endophytic bacteria interaction with their host remain largely unknown. Here, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, transcriptomic analysis, and culture-based methods were used to reveal the underlying mechanisms.

Results

WSHM reduced the alpha diversity of soybean endophytic bacteria, but increased the bacterial interactions and further selectively enriched the potentially beneficial bacteria. Meanwhile, WSHM regulated the expression of various genes related to the MAPK signaling pathway, plant-pathogen interaction, hormone signal transduction, and synthetic pathways in soybean root. Omics integration analysis showed that Sphingobium was the genus closest to the significantly changed genes in WSHM treatment. The inoculation of endophytic Sphingobium sp. TBBS4 isolated from soybean significantly improved soybean nodulation and growth by increasing della gene expression and reducing ethylene release.

Conclusion

All the results revealed that WSHM promotes soybean nodulation and growth by selectively regulating soybean gene expression and regulating the endophytic bacterial community, Sphingobium was the key bacterium involved in plant-microbe interaction. These findings refined our understanding of the mechanism of WSHM promoting soybean nodulation and growth and provided novel evidence for plant-endophyte interaction.
Dietary preferences and quality of life among dialysis patients in Pune: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gokhale Devaki , Kaskar Sehlaa , Bansal Ariti
Published: January 2024

Background

To assess the dietary preference and quality of life among dialysis patients in Pune.

Method

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 127 dialysis patients aged 18–70 through a one-on-one interview to record data on demographic, biochemical, diet preference, and quality of life. The anthropometric and biochemical parameters were recorded with the help of patient reports from the four dialysis centers. A kidney disease quality of life questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life.

Result

The mean age of the dialysis patients was (49.1 ± 12.9), comprising of males (104, 81.9%). (63, 49.6%) of the participants belonged to the normal weight category, followed by the underweight category. No association was noted between diet preference and quality of life, but a significant difference between BMI and personal appearance was observed. Serum calcium levels were highest (64.29 ± 1.0) in individuals in the high category of the effect of kidney disease compared to low serum calcium levels (20.89 ± 14.71) in the low category of the same.

Conclusion

The present study found that diet preferences were affected due to diet restrictions, but their association with quality of life was not significantly proven. The mean for the disease burden was the lowest, implying poor quality of life among dialysis patients. Therefore, providing nutrition education and counseling for dialysis patients is crucial. A detailed dialysis care plan must address all patient requirements, including medication, dietary changes, modifications, and malnutrition screenings.
Relationship between tobacco smoking and hematological indices among Sudanese smokers
Authors: Ahmed Izzut Awad , Mohammed Mahmood Abdalmonem , Hassan Hussam Mohammed , Ali Ibrahim Abdelrhim
Published: January 2024

Background

Tobacco Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality in the world. It is well documented that tobacco smoking is risk factor for many diseases like: cancers, chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and the effects of tobacco smoking on hematological indices gets a little attention: the data is mostly inconsistent regarding the differential of WBCs, a conflicting studies described the effect of smoking on hemoglobin descriptive parameters and a regular monitoring of platelets count in smokers was advised.

Objectives

The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between tobacco smoking and hematological parameters among Sudanese healthy Smokers at Bahri Town.

Methods

This was a cross sectional study conducted during 2022 in Bahri town, Khartoum state. A total of 120 male subjects participated in this study. Of them, 60 healthy non-smokers participants (Control), and 60 age matched smokers who were smoking tobacco for a minimum of 1 year. Smokers group was divided into three major sub-groups with each group contains 20 subjects: Cigarettes smokers (CS), Water pipes (Shisha) smokers (WP) and both Cigarettes and water pipes (shisha) smokers (CSWP). Data was collected through questionnaire interviews and laboratory investigation. A sample of Five ml venous blood was taken for Complete blood count testing using Urite 3000 plus semi-automated hematology analyzer. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Assocation between the variables were estimated and p value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Smokers had significantly higher RBCs count (p = 0.017), Hb level (p < 0.001), WBCs count (p = .017), Neutrophils (p < 0.001), MCH (p = 0.029), MCHC (p < 0.001), RDW (p < 0.001), and PDW (p < 0.001) compared to the non-smokers. In contrast, non-smokers had higher MPV (p < 0.001) and MCV (p < 0.001) levels than smokers. Between the non-smokers and different subtypes of the smokers (CS, WP & CSWP), there were significant differences between the subgroups for all hematological parameters except for PLTs and lymphocytes count. CS had lower levels of MCV (p < 0.001), MCHC (p < 0.001), HCT (p = 0.036), and RDW (p < 0.001) compared to the non-smokers, while both cigarette and shisha smokers had the higher levels of neutrophils count (p < 0.001) and PDW (p < 0.001) compared to the non-smokers.

Conclusion

Smoking affects hematological parameters; smokers had significantly higher RBCs count, Hb level, WBCs count, Neutrophils, MCH, MCHC, RDW and PDW compared to the non-smoker group. WP smoking caused higher levels of RBCs, Hb, neutrophils, MCH and MCHC. PDW was high in smokers’ sub-groups compared to control group, while MPV was lower despite insignificant change In PLTs count.
Building a resilient health system for universal health coverage and health security: a systematic review
Authors: Debie Ayal , Nigusie Adane , Gedle Dereje , Khatri Resham B. , Assefa Yibeltal
Published: January 2024

Background

Resilient health system (RHS) is crucial to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and health security. However, little is known about strategies towards RHS to improve UHC and health security. This systematic review aims to synthesise the literature to understand approaches to build RHS toward UHC and health security.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted including studies published from 01 January 2000 to 31 December 2021. Studies were searched in three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Scopus) using search terms under four domains: resilience, health system, universal health coverage, and health security. We critically appraised articles using Rees and colleagues’ quality appraisal checklist to assess the quality of papers. A systematic narrative synthesis was conducted to analyse and synthesise the data using the World Health Organization’s health systems building block framework.

Results

A total of 57 articles were included in the final review. Context-based redistribution of health workers, task-shifting policy, and results-based health financing policy helped to build RHS. High political commitment, community-based response planning, and multi-sectorial collaboration were critical to realising UHC and health security. On the contrary, lack of access, non-responsive, inequitable healthcare services, poor surveillance, weak leadership, and income inequalities were the constraints to achieving UHC and health security. In addition, the lack of basic healthcare infrastructures, inadequately skilled health workforces, absence of clear government policy, lack of clarity of stakeholder roles, and uneven distribution of health facilities and health workers were the challenges to achieving UHC and health security.

Conclusions

Advanced healthcare infrastructures and adequate number of healthcare workers are essential to achieving UHC and health security. However, they are not alone adequate to protect the health system from potential failure. Context-specific redistribution of health workers, task-shifting, result-based health financing policies, and integrated and multi-sectoral approaches, based on the principles of primary health care, are necessary for building RHS toward UHC and health security.
Test–retest reliability of the FitMáx©-questionnaire in a clinical and healthy population
Authors: Meijer Renske , Schep Goof , Regis Marta , Papen-Botterhuis Nicole E. , Savelberg Hans H. C. M. , van Hooff Martijn
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The FitMáx© was developed as a questionnaire-based instrument to estimate Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF) expressed as oxygen uptake at peak exercise (VO2peak). Test–retest reliability is a clinometric measurement property, which defines stability over time if multiple measurements are performed (i.e. reliability). The present study aimed to assess the test–retest reliability of the FitMáx©-questionnaire in different patient groups.

Patients and methods

A total of 127 cardiac, pulmonary and oncology patients and healthy subjects aged 19–84 years who completed the questionnaire twice within an average of 18 days were included for analysis. Participants were in a stable clinical situation (no acute disease or participating in a training program). To determine the test–retest reliability, the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Standard Error of the Measurement (SEM) was calculated between the first (T0) and second (T1) administration of the questionnaires.

Results

An excellent agreement was found between the FitMáx©-questionnaire scores at T0 and T1, with an ICC of 0.97 (SEM 1.91) in the total study population and an ICC ranging from 0.93 to 0.98 (SEM 1.52–2.27) in the individual patient groups.

Conclusion

The FitMáx©-questionnaire proves to be reliable and stable over time to estimate CRF of patients and healthy subjects.

Trial registration NTR (Netherlands Trial Register), NL8846. Registered 25 August 2020, https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=NL8846
Cardiac-induced motion of the pancreas and its effect on image quality of ultrahigh-resolution CT
Authors: Holmes Thomas Wesley , Yu Zhou , Thompson Richard , Oshinski John N. , Pourmorteza Amir
Published: January 2024

Recent advancements in diagnostic CT detector technology have made it possible to resolve anatomical features smaller than 20 LP/cm, referred to as ultra-high-resolution (UHR) CT. Subtle biological motions that did not affect standard-resolution (SR) CT may not be neglected in UHR. This study aimed to quantify the cardiac-induced motion of the pancreas and simulate its impact on the image quality of UHR-CT. We measured the displacement of the head of the pancreas in three healthy volunteers using Displacement Encoding with Stimulated Echoes (DENSE) MRI. The results were used to simulate SR- and UHR-CT acquisitions affected by pancreatic motion.

We found pancreatic displacement in the 0.24–1.59 mm range during one cardiac cycle across the subjects. The greatest displacement was observed in the anterior–posterior direction. The time to peak displacement varied across subjects. Both SR and UHR images showed reduced image quality, as measured by radial modulation transfer function, due to cardiac-induced motion, but the motion artifacts caused more severe degradation in UHR acquisitions. Our investigation of cardiac-induced pancreatic displacement reveals its potential to degrade both standard and UHR-CT scans. To fully utilize the improvement in spatial resolution offered by UHR-CT, the effects of cardiac-induced motion in the abdomen need to be understood and corrected.

Relevance statement Advancements in CT detector technology have enhanced CT scanner spatial resolution to approximately 100 µm. Consequently, previously ignored biological motions such as the cardiac-induced motion of the pancreas now demand attention to fully utilize this improved resolution.

Graphical Abstract
Molecular characterization and biocontrol potential of Trichoderma spp. against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. dianthi in carnation
Authors: Zandyavari Nazyar , Sulaiman Mueed Ali , Hassanzadeh Nader
Published: January 2024

Background

Carnation, a major cut flower product cultivated economically in Iran, faces economic challenges due to the devastatingFusariumwilt caused byFusarium oxysporumf. sp.dianthi(Fod). To address this issue, twenty-fiveTrichoderma harzianumandT. virideisolates were collected from the rhizosphere soil of three Iranian provinces: Tehran, Markazi, and Fars. RAPD-PCR was applied to analyze the genetic relatedness of the isolates.

Results

The RAPD profiles showed genetic diversity among the isolates, with two major clusters. The antagonistic potential of the twenty isolates was evaluated against the carnation wilt caused byFod. The results showed that Th1, Th7, and Th2 isolates ofT. harzianumsignificantly inhibitedFodmycelial growth (58, 56.5, and 48.6%, respectively). AmongT. virideisolates, Tv5, Tv4, and Tv7 exhibited the highest antifungal ability to inhibit mycelial growth. All investigated isolates ofTrichodermasecreted volatile compounds that hinderedFodmycelial growth, with isolates ofT. harzianumranging from 9.3 to 67.5% inhibition and those ofT. viridefrom 25.2 to 50.2%. Additionally, the experiment on competitive saprophytic ability indicated that maximum colonization occurred with Th1, Th7, and Th2 isolates at 78.2, 70.8, and 69.8%, respectively. Lastly, the greenhouse experiment showed a complete pathogen eradication or significant inhibition in the infected carnation afterT. harzianumandT. viride. Conversely, control treatment with theFodpathogen died after 90 days.

Conclusions

The investigation suggested thatTrichodermaspp. could be a potential biocontrol agent to mitigateFusariumwilt in carnation and improve production quality, replacing chemical pesticides.
Systemic and local antiinflammatory effect of magnesium chloride in experimental arthritis
Authors: Pinto Ana Carolina Matias Dinelly , de Melo Nunes Rodolfo , de Freitas Carvalho Waleska Vidal , Girão Virgínia Claudia Carneiro , Rocha Francisco Airton Castro
Published: January 2024

Objective

Despite some knowledge gaps in scientific evidence, MgCl2 is largely used for pain relief in musculoskeletal diseases. Mg salts were shown to provide analgesia postoperatively in orthopedic surgery and low Mg levels were linked to arthritis development and severity. We determined the anti-inflammatory activity of MgCl2 in an acute arthritis model.

Methods

Mice received 0.1 mg/25µL Zymosan (Zy) or saline into the knees. Joint pain was evaluated using von Frey test; cell influx, and interleukin (IL)-1 level were assessed in joint lavage at 6 h. Synovia were excised for histopathology and analysis of immunoexpression of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Groups (n = 6/group) received either 90 mg/kg MgCl2/100 µL or saline per os (systemic) or 500 µg/25 µL MgCl2 or saline intra-articularly (i.a.) 30 min prior to Zy.

Results

MgCl2 given either systemically or locally significantly reduced cell influx (p = 0.0012 and p = 0.0269, respectively), pain (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.0038, respectively), and intra-articular IL-1 level (p = 0.0391), as compared to saline. Systemic MgCl2 significantly decreased NFκB (p < 0.05) immmunoexpression, as compared to saline.

Conclusion

MgCl2 given systemically or locally displayed anti-inflammatory activity in a severe acute arthritis model reducing cell influx, pain, and cytokine release. MgCl2 operates at least partially via inhibiting NFκB activation. This is the first in vivo demonstration that MgCl2 decreases cytokine release in arthritis, prompting reduction of inflammation and pain relief.
Neuropathological hints from CSF and serum biomarkers in corticobasal syndrome (CBS): a systematic review
Authors: Remoli Giulia , Schilke Edoardo Dalmato , Magi Andrea , Ancidoni Antonio , Negro Giulia , Da Re Fulvio , Frigo Maura , Giordano Martina , Vanacore Nicola , Canevelli Marco , Ferrarese Carlo , Tremolizzo Lucio , Appollonio Ildebrando
Published: January 2024

Corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is a clinical syndrome determined by various underlying neurodegenerative disorders requiring a pathological assessment for a definitive diagnosis. A literature review was performed following the methodology described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews to investigate the additional value of traditional and cutting-edge cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum/plasma biomarkers in profiling CBS. Four databases were screened applying predefined inclusion criteria: (1) recruiting patients with CBS; (2) analyzing CSF/plasma biomarkers in CBS. The review highlights the potential role of the association of fluid biomarkers in diagnostic workup of CBS, since they may contribute to a more accurate diagnosis and patient selection for future disease-modifying agent; for example, future trial designs should consider baseline CSF Neurofilament Light Chains (NfL) or progranulin dosage to stratify treatment arms according to neuropathological substrates, and serum NfL dosage might be used to monitor the evolution of CBS. In this scenario, prospective cohort studies, starting with neurological examination and neuropsychological tests, should be considered to assess the correlations of clinical profiles and various biomarkers.
Revalidating a measurement instrument of spatial thinking ability for junior and high school students
Authors: Thayaseelan Kannaki , Zhai Yanfang , Li Siqi , Liu Xiufeng
Published: January 2024

Spatial thinking is a set of cognitive abilities that enable people to organize, reason about, and mentally manipulate both real and imagined spaces. One of the available measurement instruments is the Spatial Thinking Ability Test (STAT). Given the critical need for spatial thinking ability measurement for junior and high school students, and the popularity of STAT to measure spatial thinking ability, revalidation of STAT is necessary as STAT was developed primarily for university students and validation of the original STAT was based on the classical test theory from which the findings are notoriously sample dependent. We used Rasch modeling to revalidate STAT as it allows parameters to be mutually independent and measures to be interval. The sample included 1340 junior and high school students. Item fit statistics, Item Characteristics Curves, unidimensionality test, and the Wright map provided evidence for the construct validity of STAT measures. The reliability of the instrument was moderate. Wald test for item measure invariance of individual items showed that among sixteen items seven items were variant in measures. The Anderson LR test indicates that the Rasch difficulty measures of STAT were not adequate for invariance. There was no DIF between two subsamples based on gender, suggesting fairness of the instrument in terms of gender. The above results suggest that STAT possesses certain degrees of validity, reliability, and fairness, although there is still room for further improvement.
Pan-cancer analysis identified IGF2BP2 as a potential prognostic biomarker for multiple tumor types
Authors: Zhou Hong-Lu , Chen Dan-Dan , Li Xiu-Ling
Published: January 2024

Background

Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) mRNA-binding proteins 2 (IGF2BP2/IMP2), an RNA-binding protein encoded by the IGF2BP2 gene, exerts its influence across diverse pathological pathways. While accumulating evidence underscores the potential significance of IGF2BP2 in the tumorigenesis of specific cancers, a comprehensive pan-cancer investigation into its role remains absent.

Methods

Consequently, we conducted an exhaustive exploration employing a multitude of databases to elucidate the plausible oncogenic implications of IGF2BP2. This encompassed a comprehensive scrutiny of its expression profiles, prognostic implications, association with cancer-associated fibroblast infiltration, biological functionality in distinct tumor contexts, and plausible correlations with drug sensitivities.

Results

Our findings showed that IGF2BP2 was highly expressed in some types of cancers, but presented at low levels in several cancer types. Furthermore, the role of IGF2BP2 in predicting prognosis exhibited a dichotomous interplay across varied cancer types. Remarkably, observations unveiled the cancer-associated fibroblast infiltration within specific tumors, notably encompassing breast invasive carcinoma of the luminal A subtype, kidney renal clear cell carcinoma, ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma, pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, and prostate adenocarcinoma, and thymoma. Intriguingly, gene enrichment analyses spotlighted the co-expression of IGF2BP2 with genes implicated in pivotal biological processes, including DNA replication and recombinational repair.

Conclusion

Our investigation intricately unveils the potential of IGF2BP2 as a versatile prognostic biomarker across diverse tumor categories. This study bridges existing knowledge gaps and augments the understanding of IGF2BP2’s intricate involvement in tumorigenesis, underscoring its significance as a prospective avenue for therapeutic intervention.