bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitatively Measured Infrapatellar Fat Pad Signal Intensity Alteration is Associated with Joint Effusion-Synovitis in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ruan Guangfeng , Zhang Yan , Zhu Zhaohua , Cao Peihua , Wang Xiaoshuai , Li Jia , Tang Su’an , Chen Tianyu , Han Weiyu , Lin Xin , Chen Di , Antony Benny , Winzenberg Tania , Wluka Anita E. , Cicuttini Flavia , Ding Changhai
Published: April 2021

Background: Abnormal infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) plays a detrimental role in knee osteoarthritis (OA) by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines. IPFP may interact with synovium because of their adjacent anatomical positions; however, whether abnormal IPFP can contribute to effusion-synovitis in knee OA is unclear.Methods: Among 255 knee OA patients, IPFP signal intensity alteration represented by four measurement parameters [standard deviation of IPFP signal intensity (IPFP sDev), upper quartile value of IPFP high signal intensity region (IPFP UQ (H)), ratio of IPFP high signal intensity region volume to whole IPFP volume (IPFP percentage (H)), and clustering factor of IPFP high signal intensity (IPFP clustering factor (H))] was measured quantitatively at baseline and two-year follow-up using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Effusion-synovitis of the suprapatellar pouch and other cavities were measured both quantitatively and semi-quantitatively as effusion-synovitis volume and effusion-synovitis score at baseline and two-year follow-up using MRI. Mixed-effects models were used to assess the associations between IPFP signal intensity alteration and effusion-synovitis over two years.Results: In multivariable analyses, all four parameters of IPFP signal intensity alteration were positively associated with total effusion-synovitis volume and effusion-synovitis volumes of the suprapatellar pouch and of other cavities over two years (all P＜0.05). They were also associated with the semi-quantitative measure of effusion-synovitis except for IPFP percentage (H) with effusion-synovitis in other cavities. Conclusion: Quantitatively measured IPFP signal intensity alteration is positively associated with joint effusion-synovitis in people with knee OA, suggesting that IPFP signal intensity alteration may contribute to effusion-synovitis and a coexistent pattern of these two imaging biomarkers could exist in knee OA patients.
Analysis of Cutting Performance of Tool based on Analytic Hierarchy Process and Grey-fuzzy Evaluation Method
Authors: Yue Daxun , Yue Caixu , Liu Xianli , Zhang Anshan , Li Mingxing , Liang Steven Y. , Li Ming
Published: April 2021

Studies show that in the cutting process, different parameters have different importance to performance indicators. Accordingly, it is necessary to define the importance of different parameters to performance indicators to study the correlation between parameters and performance indicators accurately. In the present study, the side milling process of titanium alloy by the end milling cutter is considered as the research object, analytic hierarchy process and grey-fuzzy evaluation method are used to evaluate the importance of tool geometric parameters and operating parameters on tool wear rate and material removal. It is found that applying the average method to remove the parameter level, makes each parameter calculate the same result. Therefore, it should be combined with other data processing methods to resolve the above problem. Finally, the range analysis method is applied to obtain the optimal parameter level of different parameters for each performance indicator in the orthogonal table. The obtained results show that helix angle has the highest importance comprehensive evaluation value, followed by feed per tooth. For the tool wear rate and material removal amount, the optimal horizontal combination of parameters was obtained successively.
R116C mutation in PRSS1 gene causes hereditary pancreatitis and elevated creatine kinase in one child：a case report
Authors: Cheng Yong Wei , Zhou Shao Ming , Dai Dong Ling
Published: April 2021

Background

Functionally acquired mutations in the PRSS1 gene can lead to autosomal dominant hereditary pancreatitis (Hereditary Pancreatitis, HP). The most frequently reported mutation sites are R122H, N29I, A16V, and R122C. R116C mutation was less frequently reported to be associated with HP. Moreover, there are few reports about association of hereditary pancreatitis with elevated creatine kinase in children.
Case presentation:

We reported a patient presented with repeated abdominal pain and recurrent acute pancreatitis accompanied by elevated creatine kinase. The genomic DNA of lymphocytes from peripheral blood was extracted for whole exon gene analysis. The patient had a heterozygous mutation in exon 3 c.346C > T, resulting in substitution of cysteine at position 116 with arginine (p.R116C). Her father had the same mutation in exon 3 c.346C > T. The diagnosis of hereditary pancreatitis due to R116C mutation in PRSS1 gene was confirmed.
Conclusions

The patient's hereditary pancreatitis is caused by the mutation of PRSS1 gene R116C, characterized by elevated creatine kinase in patient.
Nano-Enhanced Electric-Field Treatment Harnessing Lightning-Rod Effect for Rapid Bacteria Inactivation
Authors: Wang Ting , Brown Devin k. , Xie Xing
Published: April 2021

The growth of undesired bacteria can cause numerous problems. Seeking effective and sustainable bacteria inactivation approaches is an everlasting effort. Here, we show that nano-enhanced electric field treatment (NEEFT) can cause rapid bacteria inactivation with a lower applied voltage than bulk EFT. A lab-on-a-chip with nanowedge-modified electrodes is developed, and the bacteria inactivation in NEEFT is visualized and studied in real-time at a single-cell level. Rapid bacteria inactivation (~ 1 ms) occurs specifically at nanowedge tips where the electric field is enhanced due to the lightning-rod effect. Nanowedges with a high aspect ratio are critical for bacteria inactivation. NEEFT works for both immobilized and free-moving cells, where the free-moving cells will be first attracted to the nanowedge tips followed by rapid inactivation. The mechanism study shows that the bacteria inactivation is caused by electroporation induced by the nano-enhanced electric field. The bacteria inactivation performance depends on the strength of the enhanced electric field instead of the applied voltage. Quick pore closure and membrane recovery under moderate NEEFT indicate that electroporation is the predominant mechanism. NEEFT only requires facile treatment to achieve bacteria inactivation, which is safe for treating delicate samples and energy-efficient for large scale applications. It is also expected to find applications for targeted cell inactivation.
Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube-mediated Pulmonary and Systemic Inflammatory Activation
Authors: Young Tamara L. , Mostovenko Ekaterina , Denson Jesse L. , Begay Jessica G. , Lucas Selita N. , Herbert Guy , Zychowski Katherine , Hunter Russell , Salazar Raul , Wang Ting , Fraser Kelly , Erdely Aaron , Ottens Andrew K. , Campen Matthew
Published: April 2021

Background: Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are an increasingly utilized engineered nanomaterial that pose the potential for significant risk of exposure-related health outcomes. The mechanism(s) underlying MWCNT-induced toxicity to extrapulmonary sites are still being defined. MWCNT-induced serum-borne bioactivity appears to dysregulate systemic endothelial cell function. The serum compositional changes after MWCNT exposure have been identified as a surge of fragmented endogenous peptides, likely derived from matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. In the present study, we utilize a broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor, Marimastat, along with a previously described oropharyngeal aspiration model of MWCNT administration to investigate the role of MMPs in MWCNT-derived serum peptide generation and endothelial bioactivity. Results: C57BL/6 mice were treated with Marimastat or vehicle by oropharyngeal aspiration 1h prior to MWCNT treatment. Pulmonary neutrophil infiltration and total bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein increased in a dose-dependent manner, independent of MMP blockade. The lung cytokine profile similarly increased following MWCNT exposure for major inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα), with minimal impact from MMP inhibition. However, serum peptidomic analysis revealed differential peptide compositional profiles, with MMP blockade abrogating MWCNT-derived serum peptide fragments. The serum, in turn, exhibited differential potency in terms of inflammatory bioactivity when incubated with primary murine cerebrovascular endothelial cells. Serum from MWCNT-treated mice led to inflammatory responses in endothelial cells that were significantly blunted with serum from Marimastat-treated mice. Conclusion: Thus, MWCNT exposure induced pulmonary inflammation that was largely independent of MMP activity, but generated circulating bioactive peptides through predominantly MMP-dependent pathways. This MWCNT-induced lung-derived bioactivity caused pathological consequences of endothelial inflammation and barrier disruption.
CHN1 Promotes EMT via the Akt / GSK-3β / Snail Pathway in Cervical Carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Haoqi , Wang Lan , Wang Shufang , Chen Xihua , Liang Min , Zhang Xin , Wang Jiedong , Xu Xiangbo
Published: April 2021

Background: Metastasis and invasion are key points to lead the mortality of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is now a universal explanation for the mechanisms of tumor metastasis. Α-chimeric protein (α-chimaerin, CHN1) plays an important role in the regulation of signal transduction and development. However, the molecular regulatory relationship between CHN1 and CSCC progression involved EMT has not been identified.Methods: The expression of CHN1 in CSCC tissues, adjacent tissues, and lymph node metastases of CSCC patients was detected by immunohistochemistry assay. Upregulation and knockdown of CHN1 was achieved by transfecting the plasmid into CSCC cells. The effect of CHN1 on proliferation was determined by CCK-8 and plate clone formation assay. Changes in migration and invasion capabilities were evaluated by scratch migration assay and trans-well invasion assay. The effect of CHN1 overexpression and interference on xenograft tumor growth was determined by measuring tumor weight and pathological analysis. The expression of EMT-related mRNA was measured by qRT-PCR assay in transfected CSCC cells. EMT-related proteins and Akt / GSK-3β / Snail signaling pathway-related proteins were also evaluated by using western blotting assay.Results: CHN1 was overexpression in CSCC tissues and was associated with lymph node metastasis and low survival of CSCC patients. The overexpression CHN1 promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion bility in CSCC cells. On the contrary, silencing CHN1 inhibited these phenomena. In vivo experiments, the overexpression of CHN1 promoted tumors formed in xenograft tumor mouse model, with increased volume and weight of xenograft tumor. In addition, CHN1 induced the expression of EMT related transcription factors, accompanied by the decreased expression of epithelial markers and the increased expression of mesenchymal markers. The Akt / GSK-3β / Snail signaling pathway was activated by the overexpression of CHN1 in vitro, and the activation of the pathway was inhibited by signaling pathway inhibitor LY294002.Conclusion: These results suggest that CHN1 promoted development and progression in cervical carcinoma via of the Akt / GSK-3β / Snail pathway by inducing EMT.
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Strains Selected From Nature Significantly Increased the Production of 2-Phenylethanol Through Protoplast Fusion
Authors: Lin Lucheng , Xu Zhiwei , Wang Weixia , Wang Kun , Zhu Tingheng
Published: April 2021

Background: 2-Phenylethanol (2-PE) is an aromatic alcohol with rose fragrance, which is widely used as an additive in food, tobacco and daily chemical industries. Yeast is the main microorganism producing natural 2-PE, but it is limited by low yield and weak tolerance. Nature and fermented products is a resource treasury of yeasts with excellent traits. Screening strains with good phenotypic traits and conducting breeding by cell fusion for genetic pyramiding is an effective way to improve strains. Results: In this study, 25 strains of 2-PE-producing yeasts were isolated from Chinese brewed samples. Three Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains with good traits in tolerance and 2-PE yield were screened out. The strain LSC-1 produces 2-PE of 3.41 g/L with an increase of 9.3% compared to the industrial strain CWY132. The strain NGER shows good tolerance to 2-PE at the concentration of 3.60 g/L in agar plate, and the thermotolerant strain S.C-1 shows growth ability at 41℃. Two rounds of protoplast fusion were performed with these three parent strains for pyramiding of traits. A fusion strain RH2-16 with high 2-PE yield and increased tolerance was obtained. Using 5 g/L L-phenylalanine as the precursor, RH2-16 produced 2-PE of 4.31 g/L through fermentation conversion and the molar conversion rate of L-Phe reached 115% in 36 h. Compared to the yield of the parental strain LSC-1 and the industrial strain CWY132, 2-PE in RH2-16 increased by 26.4% and 38.1%, respectively. Overexpression of the key enzyme genes ARO8, ARO10, and ADH2 in the Ehrlich pathway in RH2-16 did not increase 2-PE production.Conclusion: Diversified S.cerevisiae strains with different traits can be isolated from the brewing related samples. Protoplast fusion technology can effectively pyramid excellent genetic traits and breed yeast strains with significantly improved tolerance and 2-PE yield. Our research provided a breeding strategy for S.cerevisiae and a strain for industrial production of 2-PE. Overexpression of the key enzyme genes in 2-PE synthesis pathway does not necessarily improve increase production.
Identification of Genes and Pathways of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs acting on Synovia from Women with Knee Osteoarthritis by Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Zhao Chao , Wang Han , Dong Conglei , Kang Huijun , Wang Fei
Published: April 2021

Objective: Through the bioinformatics analysis, to identify the genes and pathways of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSARDs) acting on synovia from women with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and to provide reference for clinical application. Methods: We downloaded the gene microarray datasets with the accession number of GSE55457 and GSE55584 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/) database, including 5 untreated KOA patients, 9 NSARDs treated KOA patients and 2 patients without KOA The samples in the untreated KOA group and the NSARDs treated KOA group were used for main analysis. The samples in the untreated KOA group and the normal control group were used for cooperative analysis. Then we performed robust multi-array (RMA) normalization with affy R programming package. After that, differential expression genes (DEGs) in main analysis and cooperative analysis were identified based on limma package separately. Screening the common DEGs from main analysis and cooperative analysis. Enriched gene ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways of DEGs were obtained through the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). What's more, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and we identified modules of PPI network through Cytoscape to screen valuable targets. The value of gene expression fold change (FC) ≥1.4 or ≤1/1.4, and P <0.05 were used as the screening conditions. P <0.05 and Associated genes count>5 were used as the screening conditions.Results: There were 338 DEGs in main analysis. Among them, 211 genes were up-regulated and 127 genes were down-regulated. There were 7005 DEGs in cooperative analysis. Among them, 6952 genes were up-regulated and 53 genes were down-regulated. A total of 129 common DEGs were identified between main analysis and cooperative analysis. There are 2 biological processes, 3 cell components and 2 molecular functions for the enrichment of differentially expressed genes.Conclusion: NSARDs may play a certain role in synovia from women with KOA by regulating the mRNA expressions of il-6, TNFRSF11A and CSF1R, which may become one of the indicators for monitoring the efficacy of NSAIDs.
Dissociative Symptoms and Psychotic Features in Bipolar Disorder: Impact on Clinical Course and Treatment Response
Authors: Steardo Luca , Carbone Elvira Anna , Ventura Enrica , Filippis Renato de , Luciano Mario , Fazio Pasquale De
Published: April 2021

Background

Dissociative symptoms are widely expressed in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and may precede the onset of the disorder and be a marker of poor treatment response. In the present study we aimed: 1) to assess the relationship between dissociative symptoms and the onset of psychotic symptoms in patients with BD; 2) to assess clinical and socio-demographic characteristics more frequently associated with dissociative symptoms and the response to treatment with mood stabilizers.
Methods

One-hundred patients diagnosed with BD were enrolled in this study. They underwent a semi-structured interview to collect socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Dissociative Experiences Scale-II (DES-II) and ALDA scale were used to assess dissociative psychopathologies and response to treatment with mood stabilizers respectively.
Results

Forty-four percent of patients reported psychotic symptoms on the DES-II scale; BD I patients had a higher total DES-II score than BD II patients. Dissociative symptoms presented a direct correlation with the total number of episodes (p < .000), antidepressant switch to mania (p < .000), seasonality (p < .000), aggression (p < .000), and mixed states (p < .000). higher DES-II scores were reported by patients with poor response to treatment.
Conclusions

Dissociative phenomena are closely related to the presence of psychotic symptoms in BD, especially in BD I. In a future perspective, this association could represent a diagnostic indicator of BD I have given the close association with psychotic symptoms. Our study shows that several clinical variables transversely indicate a poor response to treatment with mood stabilizers, a worse course of illness, and the presence of dissociative symptoms.
Preliminary Study of Coupling Intervals of Premature Ventricular Complexes in Dogs With Different Cardiac Diseases
Authors: Koster Liza Sally , Abbott Jonathan
Published: April 2021

Coupling interval (CI), the time (ms) from the onset of a sinus QRS to the onset of the following premature ventricular complex (PVC), and their variability (CIV) might predict mortality and elucidate mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis. There has been limited investigation of CIV in dogs. Therefore, we determined CIV and prematurity index (PI) in three groups of dogs with ventricular arrhythmias that were subject to 24 hour ambulatory electrocardiographic (Holter) monitoring. Dogs in group 1 had presumptive arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), those in group 2 had structural heart disease in which patients with valvular heart disease predominated, and those in group 3 had a dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) either phenotype or presumed familial cardiomyopathy. In this preliminary study, we did not find significant differences in indices of CIV between groups. Median PI was lower in dogs treated with antiarrhythmic therapy. Severity of cardiac remodeling, except for left atrial to aortic ratio, were not correlated with CIV. It was not possible to determine the mechanism of arrhythmias in ARVC, DCM phenotype or structural heart disease groups and re-entry, triggered activity, and abnormal automaticity are possible etiologies. The effect of antiarrhythmic therapy demonstrated potential drug effect on CIV. Risk for malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death were not examined. A larger study would be needed to determine if differences exist; if present, this would give insight into possible mechanisms and optimal antiarrhythmic therapy.
The axial load-share ratio in vivo as a supplemental assessment for the external fixator safe removal
Authors: Liu Yanshi , Jia Qiyu , Cai Feiyu , Liu Kai , Zhang Xingpeng , Li Hong , Zhang Tao , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang
Published: April 2021

Background: Timing the fixator removal is vital for a successful external fixation treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of axial load-share ratio in vivo as a supplemental decision support tool for the safe removal of an Ilizarov external fixator.Methods: This prospective observational study consists of 83 patients undergoing tibial or femoral lengthening with Ilizarov circular external fixation in our institution, from January 2011 to October 2019. In group Ⅰ (38 patients), the external fixator was removed based on the surgeon’s clinical experience and radiographs from January 2011 to June 2015. In group Ⅱ (45 patients), from July 2015 to October 2019, the supplemental axial load-share (LS) ratio test was accomplished without the knowledge of the clinical results by another medical team. When the LS ratio < 10% was consistent with the conclusion (dense bone formation was achieved in the distraction zone) drawn from the corresponding routine radiographs by the treating surgeon, the external fixator was removed.Results: There was no statistical significance in demographic data between the two groups (P>0.05). In group Ⅰ, 4 of the 38 patients suffered refracture (the refracture rate was 10.5%) after fixator removal, and bone union was finally achieved with further intervention by intramedullary nail. In group Ⅱ, 36 patients terminated the external fixation after the first mechanical test, and another 9 patients terminated the external fixation at the subsequent test. None of the 45 patients in group Ⅱ suffered refracture (the refracture rate was 0%). There was statistical significance in the refracture rate between the two groups (P<0.05).Conclusions: Adequate assessment of bone regenerate is crucial before removing an external fixator to prevent deformation or refracture. The axial load-share ratio in vivo is a practically quantitative method to supplement radiography and clinical experience for the assessment of regenerate healing, and the axial load-share ratio dropped below 10% is a safe limit for the Ilizarov external fixator removal.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Depression in Obese Adults: A Case- Control Study
Authors: Kamalzadeh Leila , Jolfaei Atefeh Ghanbari , Saghafi Malihe
Published: April 2021

Background: Depression is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders reported in obese population. Amongst the contributing factors of depression, vitamin D deficiency has increasingly drawn attention in recent years. This paper seeks to examine the association between serum vitamin D level and depression in patients with obesity.Methods: This case-control study included 173 depressed obese patients and 174 non-depressed controls. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5) was used to confirm the diagnosis of depression. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), fasting blood sugar (FBS), parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, and BMI were assessed in both groups. The statistical analyses included T-test, Chi-squared test, and multivariable logistic regression.Results: The mean 25(OH)D levels were significantly different between the case and control groups (20.43 ± 15.37 vs. 26.55 ± 13.17, P < .001). Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency was detected in 77.6% and 67.4% of the case and control groups, respectively, which was significantly different (P = .034). Being female, greater age and lower vitamin D levels were associated with greater odds of developing depression (OR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.82-7.02; OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02-1.07; OR = 1.51, 95%CI = 1.16-1.96, respectively).Conclusion: The present study provides additional evidence with respect to the hypothesis that low vitamin D serum concentration is associated with depression in obese adults, and highlights the need for further research to determine whether this association is causal.
Colon Squamous Cell Carcinoma Hidden Under a Small Polyp: a Case Report
Authors: Ji Wen , Chen Weiqing
Published: April 2021

we report a case of colon squamous cell carcinoma incidentally diagnosed based on endoscopic polypectomy. Primary squamous cell carcinomas of the colon and rectum are extremely rare. This is not only a rare case, from this case we need to rethink how to choose the most appropriate polypectomy method.
Correlation Of SOX17, MACC1, c-Met With Clinicopathological Features And Prognosis of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shi Yan , Li Chao , Li Mengyan , Abulajiang Gulinaer , Wang Hui , Su Liping , Liu Wenying , Xu Shanshan , Zhang Wenjing , Ma Yuqing
Published: April 2021

Aim: We mainly investigated the relationship between the expression of SOX17, MACC1 and c-Met in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and the clinicopathological parameters of the patients and the effect on prognosis.Methods：Expressions of SOX17, MACC1 and c-Met protein in a sample of 232 ESCC and adjacent nontumorous tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. Their relationships and correlations with clinicopathological features and clinical prognosis were analyzed by SPSS 23.0.Results：SOX17 was associated with Vascular invasion (p=0.017) and Nerve invasion (p=0.014). MACC1 was correlated with Tumor size (p=0.039) and TNM stage (p=0.020).c-Met was significantly associated with hematogenous metastasis (p=0.045). The expression of MACC1 was correlated with c-Met (P<0.001). c-Met expression(p=0.021) were associated with OS. Conclusion: SOX17, MACC1 and c-Met may be new diagnostic targets for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. c-Met may be a new therapeutic and prognostic target.
Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome: Prolonged effort intolerance after SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Duyan Murat , Savcıoğlu Ahmet Serbülent , Ozturan Ibrahim Ulas
Published: April 2021

Many new complications have been arising after being infected with SARS-CoV-2. Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome is a new definition for patients with persistent symptoms and prolonged complications beyond 4 weeks of acute COVID-19. In this report, we present two cases of prolonged dyspnea and reduced effort capacity for 4 and 5 months, respectively. A 29-year-old male and 40-year-old female patients, found to be positive in rRT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2, had recurrent admission to the emergency department after having treated for COVID-19. Both of the patients were followed for 6 months. Although all potential cardiovascular, pulmonary and other system pathologies were ruled out, the prolonged dyspnea and reduced effort capacity started to improve after 4 months in the female and 5 months in the male patients. The patients were diagnosed with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. It should be kept in mind that the post-acute COVID-19 syndrome may be a complication in patients with persistent symptoms after COVID-19.
Prevalence of school absenteeism during menstruation and associated factors in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Gelo Amerti , Damena Melake , Geleto Ayele , Kenay Abera
Published: April 2021

Background: Although menstruation is a normal physiological process, it could affect several females’ daily activities. In most low resource settings, where menstrual hygiene management is poor and several schools have no water supply and separate toilet for female students, most school girls miss classes during menstruation. With the emergence of studies on menstrual hygiene management, it is evident that pooling several pocket studies is essential to draw lessons about effects of menstruation on female students’ class participation. Therefore, the aim of this review is to systematically assess the prevalence of school absenteeism and associated factors during menstruation among high school students in sub-Saharan Africa.Methods: The protocol for this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (ID CRD42020223447). Electronic databases such as MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar will be searched for published articles using appropriate key terms. The identified articles will be assessed for meeting the eligibility criteria such as being published in English, conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, contain information on school absenteeism, and conducted in schools. Two reviewers will independently screen the identified articles using titles and abstracts followed by full text review of all potential articles. The quality of the included papers will be assessed using the adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional studies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist will be employed to present the findings. Quantitative findings will be pooled using random effect meta-analysis model while the qualitative findings will be presented using narrative synthesis.Discussion: Analysis of existing evidence of school absenteeism during menstruation is essential for designing appropriate interventions in school and beyond. This review will present credible information that would help in designing evidence-based menstrual hygiene management for improving school attendance during menstruation in sub-Saharan Africa where more than half of female students miss classes during menstruation.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020223447
Dexibuprofen ameliorates peripheral and central risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease in metabolically stressed APPswe/PS1dE9 mice
Authors: Ettcheto Miren , Sánchez-Lopez Elena , Cano Amanda , Carrasco Marina , Herrera Katherine , Manzine Patricia R. , Espinosa-Jimenez Triana , Busquets Oriol , Verdaguer Ester , Olloquequi Jordi , Auladell Carme , Folch Jaume , Camins Antoni
Published: April 2021

Background: Several studies stablished a relationship between metabolic disturbances and Alzheimer´s disease (AD) where inflammation plays a pivotal role. However, mechanisms involved still remain unclear. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate central and peripheral effects of dexibuprofen (DXI) in the progression of AD in APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) female mice, a familial AD model, fed with high fat diet (HFD). Animals were fed either with conventional chow or with HFD, from their weaning until their sacrifice, at 6 months. Moreover, mice were divided into subgroups to which were administered drinking water or water supplemented with DXI (20mg·kg-1·d-1) for 3 months. Before sacrifice, body weight, intraperitoneal glucose and insulin tolerance test (IP-ITT) were performed to evaluate peripheral parameters and also behavioral tests to determine cognitive decline. Moreover, molecular studies such as Western blot and RT-PCR were carried out in liver to confirm metabolic effects and in hippocampus to analyze several pathways considered hallmarks in AD. Results: Our studies demonstrate that DXI improved metabolic alterations observed in transgenic animals fed with HFD in vivo, data in accordance with those obtained at molecular level. Moreover, an improvement of cognitive decline and neuroinflammation among other pathways associated with AD were observed such as beta-amyloid plaque accumulation and unfolded protein response.Conclusions: Collectively, evidence suggest that chronic administration of DXI prevents the progression of AD through the regulation of inflammation which contribute to improve hallmarks of this pathology. Thus, this compound could constitute a novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of AD in a combined therapy.
Effectiveness of empirical anti-pseudomonal antibiotics in patients with recurrent COPD exacerbation: A multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shiroshita Akihiro , Miyakoshi Chisato , Tsutsumi Shunta , Shiba Hiroshi , Shirakawa Chigusa , Sato Kenya , Matsushita Shinya , Kimura Yuya , Tomii Keisuke , Ohgiya Masahiro , Kataoka Yuki
Published: April 2021

Background: Although frequent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation has been associated with the isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) in sputum cultures, it remains unknown whether the empirical use of anti-pseudomonal antibiotics can improve outcomes in patients with frequent COPD exacerbations. Research Question: Does empirical use of anti-pseudomonal antibiotics improve the length of the hospital stay in patients with recurrent COPD exacerbation?Study Design and Methods: This multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in seven hospitals in Japan. We included patients aged ≥40 years who were admitted to the hospital with COPD exacerbation more than twice during the study period (April 1, 2008 to July 31, 2020). The primary outcome was the length of the hospital stay. For statistical analysis, a log-linked Gamma model was used. Parameters were estimated using a generalized estimating equation model with an exchangeable correlation structure accounting for repeated observations from a single patient. Covariates included age, body mass index, home oxygen therapy use, respiratory rate, heart rate, oxygen use on admission, mental status, systemic steroid use, activities of daily living, and number of recurrences. Hospital-specific effects were specified as fixed effects.Results: Among 1573 patients with COPD exacerbation, 344 patients and 965 observations of recurrent COPD exacerbations were selected. Anti-pseudomonal antibiotics were used in 173 patients (18%). The estimated change in the length of the hospital stay between the anti-pseudomonal and non-anti-pseudomonal antibiotics groups was 0.044 days [95% confidence interval; -0.077, 0.166]. Interpretation: Use of empirical anti-pseudomonal antibiotics based only on recurrence may not be necessary. Further large-scale studies are needed to more precisely evaluate the effectiveness of empirical anti-pseudomonal antibiotics.
Radial Head Arthroplasty: Does Ligaments Repair Influence Outcomes? A Minimum Two Years Follow-Up Radiographic Multi-Center Study
Authors: Galavotti Cristina , Padovani Sara , Nosenzo Alessandro , Menozzi Margherita , Maniscalco Pietro , Concari Galeazzo , Villani Clemente , Sabetta Ettore , Belluati Alberto , Monesi Mauro , Massari Leo , Pari Carlotta , Cavaciocchi Michele , Calderazzi Filippo , Colozza Alessandra
Published: April 2021

Purpose: The current indication for comminuted radial head fractures is radial head arthroplasty (RHA). The main purpose of this study was to investigate any statistical differences in terms of prosthesis revision or removal and radiographic-degenerative changes by comparing patients who underwent RHA and ligaments repair to those who underwent only RHA implant at minimum two-years follow up. The secondary aim was to delineate a trend profile of RHA implants.Methods: All patients who underwent RHA surgery for traumatic pathology between January 2012 and December 2017 were eligible. Two researchers independently and retrospectively reviewed the patients’ charts and collected the following data: type of prosthesis, associated surgical procedures and revision surgery. They also looked for any radiographic sign of prosthesis loosening, overstuffing, capitellar osteopenia, heterotopic ossification and degenerative changes. No clinical evaluation was performed. Results: In six years 124 RHA were implanted (74 Female, 50 Male, mean age 56). The main diagnoses were: terrible-triad, trans-olecranon fracture and isolated radial head fracture. It was found no significant statistical difference between the two groups, nevertheless the cohort of patients that underwent ligaments repair had a lower revision rate in comparison to the other. Suture of the annular ligament seems to be critical. The overall revision rate was 10.5%.Conclusion:This multi-center study found no evidence that ligaments repair, as an associated surgical procedure, improves RHA longevity, except for annular ligament. Nevertheless, it seems to prevent degenerative changes at mid-term follow-up.
Fig. 3. Relation between per capita income and measures of private (A, B) and public (C) green infrastructure, including the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and fractional tree cover. NDVI and tree cover values are expressed as percentage relative differences to respective district municipality means. Data points represent census tracts and are faded to highlight densities.
Authors: Venter Zander S , Shackleton Charlie M. , Staden Francini Van , Selomane Odirilwe , Masterson Vanessa A
Published: April 2021

Urban green infrastructure
provides ecosystem services that are essential to human wellbeing. A dearth of
national-scale assessments in the Global South has precluded the ability to
explore how political regimes, such as the forced racial segregation in South
Africa during and after Apartheid, have influenced the extent of and access to
green infrastructure over time. We investigate whether there are disparities in
green infrastructure distributions across race and income geographies in urban
South Africa. Using open-source satellite imagery and geographic information,
along with national census statistics, we find that public and private green
infrastructure is more abundant, accessible, greener and more treed in
high-income relative to low-income areas, and in areas where previously
advantaged racial groups (i.e. White citizens) reside.
Figure 2. Photos of plant fibre products: (A) bamboo baskets; calabash from pumpkin and brooms and chicken poops in Eswatini, (B) cane furniture; floor mats and baskets and palm fibre toys in Malawi and (C) baobab fibre mats; and palm and bamboo baskets in Zimbabwe. (Photo credits: Deepa Pullanikkatil (A,B) and Gladman Thondhlana (C).
Authors: Thondhlana Gladman , Pullanikkatil Deepa , Shackleton Charlie M.
Published: April 2021

The production of plant fibre products is
considered a promising pathway for contributing to people’s livelihoods
particularly in developing countries, where economic options might be limited.
However, there are limited comparative studies across countries on plant fibre
products, making it difficult to examine how local and broader biophysical,
socioeconomic, cultural and policy contexts influence craft production patterns
in terms of primary plant resources used, products made and contributions to
livelihoods. Using household surveys for data collection, this paper presents
findings from a comparative analysis of plant fibre craft production and income
in three southern African countries, Eswatini, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
Figure 3. Monthly gross income from fibre craft trade in Eswatini, Malawi and Zimbabwe
Authors: Thondhlana Gladman , Pullanikkatil Deepa , Shackleton Charlie M.
Published: April 2021

The production of plant fibre products is
considered a promising pathway for contributing to people’s livelihoods
particularly in developing countries, where economic options might be limited.
However, there are limited comparative studies across countries on plant fibre
products, making it difficult to examine how local and broader biophysical,
socioeconomic, cultural and policy contexts influence craft production patterns
in terms of primary plant resources used, products made and contributions to
livelihoods. Using household surveys for data collection, this paper presents
findings from a comparative analysis of plant fibre craft production and income
in three southern African countries, Eswatini, Malawi and Zimbabwe
Table 6. Scope of the average economic loss per annum amongst owner households as a result of ecosystem disservices (EDS)
Authors: Herd-Hoare Shannon C , Shackleton Charlie M.
Published: April 2021

This study presents an integrated examination of
both the ecosystem services (ES) and ecosystem disservices (EDS) associated
with smallholder animal husbandry in rural livelihoods in three villages in
southeast South Africa. It recognises the contribution of ES supporting and
resulting from smallholder livestock and poultry production, but also details
the limiting factors or EDS, such as tick-borne disease, birds of prey or
unpalatable rangeland, produced by the same system. Using a mixed-methods
approach, including focus group discussions with various Participatory Learning
and Action (PLA) activities, key informant interviews, household surveys and
land-use change mapping on GIS, we consider the relative value and benefits
from ES after the effects of EDS, as well as the management and strategies that
households adopt to minimise EDS
Ecological patterns and effectiveness of protected areas in the preservation of Mimusops species’ habitats under climate change
Authors: Sinasson Gisèle K. , Shackleton Charlie M. , Teka Oscar , Sinsin Brice
Published: April 2021

Understanding the niche and
habitat requirements of useful and threatened species, their shifts under climate
change and how well protected areas (PAs) preserve these habitats is relevant
for guiding sustainable management actions. Here we assessed the ecological
factors underlying the distribution of two multipurpose and threatened species, Mimusops andongensis and M. kummel, in Benin, and potential changes in the suitable
habitats covered by PAs, under climate change scenarios. Fifty seven occurrence
points were collected for M. andongensis and 81 for M. kummel.
Plant Fibre Crafts Production, Trade and Income in Eswatini, Malawi and Zimbabwe
Authors: Thondhlana Gladman , Pullanikkatil Deepa , Shackleton Charlie M.
Published: April 2021

The production of plant fibre products is
considered a promising pathway for contributing to people’s livelihoods
particularly in developing countries, where economic options might be limited.
However, there are limited comparative studies across countries on plant fibre
products, making it difficult to examine how local and broader biophysical,
socioeconomic, cultural and policy contexts influence craft production patterns
in terms of primary plant resources used, products made and contributions to
livelihoods. Using household surveys for data collection, this paper presents
findings from a comparative analysis of plant fibre craft production and income
in three southern African countries, Eswatini, Malawi and Zimbabwe
A IMPORTÂNCIA DA LIBRAS NA FORMAÇÃO MÉDICA
Authors: Mendes Vanessa Cavalcante , Lima Gyovanna Braz Porto de Queiroz Ribeiro , Lins Maria Alcina Terto , Bomfim Ana Marlusia Alves , Barros Marcia Lúcia Nogueira de Lima
Published: April 2021

A Língua Brasileira de Sinais (LIBRAS) é uma língua própria, destinada à comunicação da população surda, a fim de proporcionar uma melhor interação com a sociedade, ao passo que promove a inclusão social e concretiza o princípio da dignidade da pessoa humana. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a influência da Libras na formação dos estudantes de medicina e sua repercussão no atendimento humanizado e integral do indivíduo surdo. Para tanto, realizou-se pesquisa documental nos Projetos Pedagógicos dos cursos (PPCs) de medicina do Estado de Alagoas e pesquisa empírica de caráter quantitativo por meio da aplicação de formulários aos estudantes do 2° e 10° períodos do curso de medicina do Centro Universitário Tiradentes (UNIT-AL). A análise dos PPCs mostrou que a maioria deles se baseia nas Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais (DCNs) de 2014 e identificou que a Libras não é obrigatória em todas as instituições, classificando-a como eletiva ou optativa. A pesquisa empírica evidenciou que, apesar de a grande maioria nunca ter tido contato com um surdo e, principalmente, nunca ter tido a experiência acadêmica de acompanhar um paciente com surdez, os estudantes, em sua maioria, relataram que a Libras é essencial para a vida profissional, pois desperta um olhar crítico em relação à equidade e à inclusão social, proporciona uma maior acessibilidade em assistência à saúde do paciente surdo, além de garantir a humanização durante o atendimento. Constatou-se neste estudo que, apesar de sua importância biopsicossocial para a sociedade em geral, em especial para a formação médica, a Libras permanece frágil no tocante às barreiras de implementação, difusão e incentivo no âmbito acadêmico, já que não é disciplina obrigatória nos cursos de medicina, o que corrobora para a deficiência no processo de humanização da relação médico/paciente surdo, bem como para o desfecho ineficaz da qualidade de atendimento, diagnóstico e tratamento.
Gezo Pekmezinin Reolojik Özelliklerinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: ÇEVİK Mutlu
Published: April 2021

Bu çalışmada, farklı ölçüm sıcaklığı değerlerinde gezo pekmezi örneklerinin reolojik özelliklerindeki değişim incelenmiş ve farklı reolojik modellere uygunlukları test edilmiştir. Ek olarak, pekmez örneklerinin farklı frekans değerlerinde viskoelastik özelliklerindeki değişim belirlenmiştir. Ölçüm alınan tüm sıcaklık değerlerinde pekmez örneklerinin reolojik davranışını en iyi ifade eden modelin Üssel Model olduğu tespit edilmiştir. K ve n değerlerinin sıcaklık değerlerinin artmasına bağlı olarak azaldığı belirlenmiştir. Faz açısı değerlerinin 1’den büyük olması nedeniyle akışkanlık karakterinin elastiklik karakterine kıyasla daha baskın olduğu belirlenmiştir. Başka bir deyişle, pekmez örneklerinin viskoelastik özelliklere sahip olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bu çalışma gezo pekmezi örneklerinin reolojik özelliklerindeki değişimlerin belirlenmesi konusunda literatürdeki gerekli bilgi eksikliğini gidereceği düşünülmektedir.
Comparison of Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Specimens Manufactured Via FDM with Various Inner Geometries
Authors: BACAK Selim , VAROL ÖZKAVAK Hatice , SOFU Mehmet Mahir
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of process parameters on tensile strength for PLA specimens produced by fused deposition modeling (FDM). For this purpose, two different density rates (20% and 100%), printing speeds (100 and 130 mm/s), and nozzle temperatures (180 and 220oC) with three different hatching patterns including elliptical and diagonal (Gyroid, Cross 3D ve Grid) were selected. In the study, higher tensile stress was obtained at a rate of 100%, compared to a 20% density rate. When the samples with a 20% density rate are compared among themselves, the highest tensile stress value obtained was measured as 38.76 MPa for the Grid-patterned specimen produced at a nozzle temperature of 2200C and printing speed of 100 mm/s. Statistical analysis was also done for specimens with a 20% density rate. As a result of the variance analysis (ANOVA) method, the confidence level was achieved as 96%. When comparing in terms of specific strength, it was determined that the closest pattern to the full-filled sample with a specific strength of 5,893 MPa/gr was Cross 3D-patterned sample with a value of 5.458 MPa/gr.
COVID-19 Pandemisinin Semt Pazarcıları Üzerindeki Sosyoekonomik Etkisi: Kocaeli İli Örneği
Authors: AYDIN CAN Bahar
Published: April 2021

Semt pazarcıları, tarım ürünlerinin tüketicilere ulaştırılmasında önemli bir yere sahiptir. Bu çalışmada, koronavirüs (COVID-19) pandemi sürecinin semt pazarcıları üzerindeki sosyoekonomik etkisi araştırılmıştır. Çalışmada önce pazarcıların sosyoekonomik özellikleri incelenmiş, daha sonra pandemi sürecinin ve uygulanan önlemlerin pazarcılar üzerindeki etkisi ortaya konulmuştur. Bu amaçla, Kocaeli’nin Kartepe ilçesinde en büyük pazar yeri olan salı pazarında kayıtlı 60 pazarcı arasından tam sayım yöntemiyle görüşmeyi kabul eden 56 pazarcıya anket uygulanmıştır. Araştırmada, pazarcıların pandemi sürecinde etkilendikleri konuların demografik özellikler ile ilişkisi khi-kare ile test edilmiş ve varyans analizi yapılarak incelenmiştir. Pazarcıların COVID-19 süreci hakkındaki düşünceleri ve uyguladıkları önlemler hakkındaki tutum ve görüşlerinin ortaya konulmasında beşli likert ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre, pazarcıların %89.3’ünün COVID-19 pandemisinin pazardan sağladıkları gelirde düşüşe neden olduğunu ve %96.4’ünün de pazardaki tüketici sayısının azaldığını belirtmişlerdir. Bu süreçte pazarcıların en fazla uyguladıkları önlemler arasında; ürünlerin poşetle sunulması, eldiven kullanmak ve maske takmak yer almaktadır. Çalışmada, pandemi sürecinde semt pazarcılarının sorunları ile ilgili çözüm önerileri de sunulmuştur.