bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of the Knops blood group: separating fact from fallacy
Authors: Moulds J.M.
Published: May 2021

It has been more than 10 years since the topic of “high-titer, low-avidity” (HTLA) antibodies was reviewed in Immunohematology. We have learned a lot about these antibodies in the past 10 years and that knowledge has helped us to understand some of the unusual characteristics of these antibodies. Furthermore, it has helped us to name and delineate the various associated blood group systems. Although we will begin with a general review of HTLAs, this manuscript will focus on the recent findings in the Knops blood group system.
Immunohematology 2002;18:1–8.
Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia with mimicking anti-c and -E specificities
Authors: Hsieh H.-Y. , Moroney D. , Naumann D. , Hata J. , Vosnidou N. , Kessinger R. , Shahab N. , Hakami N. , Smith D.
Published: May 2021

An 18-month-old male was admitted to a hospital with a hemoglobin of 4.1 g/dL and a reticulocyte count of 53 percent. There was no history of prior transfusion. Serologic evaluation revealed the presence of both a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) and an indirect antiglobulin test (IAT). The patient’s red blood cells (RBCs) typed as group A, C–D–E–c+e+ (cde/cde). Evaluation of the IAT revealed the presence of anti-c and anti-E. All other major antibodies were ruled out. Upon adsorption of the patient’s serum with ficin-treated Cde/Cde RBCs, both antibody specificities were adsorbed; however, the antibodies were not adsorbed with native (untreated) Cde/Cde RBCs. Furthermore, the autoantibody was not adsorbed by Rhnull cells, thereby suggesting Rh specificity. The serum was incompatible with cde/cde RBCs and compatible with Cde/Cde RBCs. The patient was successfully transfused with Cde/Cde RBCs followed by resolution of his anemia, as evidenced by an increased and stable hemoglobin. It was concluded that the autoantibody had mimicking anti-c and -E specificities. This is a report of an unusual case of autoimmune hemolytic anemia because the Rh autoantibody appeared to have dual mimicking specificities, and the patient’s RBCs were antigen negative for one of the antibody specificities, i.e., anti-E.
Immunohematology 2002;18:19–22.
Moderate hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) due to anti-Rh17 produced by a black female with an e variant phenotype
Authors: Brumit M.C. , Carnahan G.E. , Stubbs J.R. , Storry J.R. , Reid M.E.
Published: May 2021

The Rh blood group antigen e is of high incidence and has many epitopes. Partial expression may occur, more commonly in black persons. Individuals with e variant phenotypes can make antibodies to epitopes they lack. While some of these antibodies may be specific for an antigen, e.g., hrB, others, like anti-Rh17 (anti-Hro), show broader specificity, compatible only with D–– and Rhnull red blood cells (RBCs). Anti-Rh17 in persons of the D–– phenotype has been reported to cause mild to fatal HDN. We report an example of anti-Rh17 produced by a black female with an e variant RBC phenotype that caused moderate HDN. A panel of seven monoclonal anti-e demonstrated her RBCs carried a variant e antigen, and her genotype was RHD, RHce by PCR-RFLP analysis. Amniotic fluid with ΔOD450 values from 30 to 35 weeks’ gestation predicted moderate HDN probability by the Liley method. At 38+ weeks, a viable 3165 g female infant was delivered. The infant’s direct antiglobulin test was 2+ with anti-IgG. Total bilirubin rose to 14.2 mg/dL within 48 hours. Indirect bilirubin peaked at 14.7 mg/dL. The bilirubin responded to triple phototherapy. The infant was discharged on day 6. Potential for infant morbidity due to anti-Rh17-mediated HDN and the importance of specifying risks to women with this antibody if they contemplate pregnancy are discussed.
Immunohematology 2002:18:40–42.
Significance of platelet-reactive antibody screening for patients facing frequent platelet transfusions
Authors: Tasaki T. , Fujii K. , Gotoh K. , Satoh S. , Takadate J. , Sasaki S. , Tachibana M. , Yamamoto K.
Published: May 2021

It is not clear whether platelet-reactive antibody screening is clinically significant for patients facing frequent platelet transfusions. On the basis of data from 96 patients who had been examined for platelet-reactive antibodies by the mixed passive hemagglutination method for a variety of reasons, we investigated the following three issues retrospectively: (1) the relationship between platelet-reactive antibodies and the occurrence of problems in platelet transfusions, such as refractoriness or nonhemolytic reactions;(2) the influence of a history of transfusion on the production of those antibodies; and (3) the effect of screening for those antibodies on the prompt administration of appropriate platelet components. More than half of the platelet transfusion-related problems were associated with platelet-reactive antibodies. For patients with a history of transfusion, the mean period before a clinical problem occurred with platelet transfusions was 9 days,compared with 66 days for those without such a history. Accordingly, during the period, patients with a history of transfusions received fewer units of platelets and had fewer donor exposures than did patients without such a history. On the other hand, most patients who had been screened in advance for those antibodies received appropriate platelet components without delay, whereas an average of 10 days was needed before those who had not been screened received compatible platelets. The patients who had not been screened were transfused with 68 units of random platelets on average during the period. When frequent platelet transfusions are anticipated, especially for patients with a history of transfusion, screening for platelet-reactive antibodies beforehand would be helpful for prompt administration of appropriate platelets, although problems, such as the cost of those platelets and the burden on donors, remain to be resolved.
Immunohematology 2002;18:104–108
Discrepancies in Rh(D) typing of sensitized red blood cells using monoclonal/polyclonal anti-D reagents: case report and review
Authors: Padget B.J. , Hannon J.L.
Published: May 2021

Instructions included with monoclonal Rh(D) typing reagents do not require routine use of an Rh control as immunoglobulin-coated red blood cells (RBCs) rarely yield falsely positive results with low protein reagents. However, the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) Technical Manual recommends a concurrent control be performed on patients’ RBCs that type as group AB, D+. Proficiency testing surveys presented sensitized AB, D– RBCs, which resulted in a positive direct antiglobulin test and, in some samples, spontaneous agglutination in saline. One intent of the surveys was to monitor the accuracy of the reported Rh(D) type. On an initial survey, 19 of 115 (16.5%) participants reported the RBCs as D+. Of these laboratories, 63.2 percent (12/19) had used a monoclonal/ polyclonal blend anti-D reagent. On a subsequent survey, after educational material had been distributed, only five of 113 (4.4%) participants reported the Rh type as D+. Two of these five laboratories had used a monoclonal/polyclonal blend anti-D reagent. As RBCs coated with immunoglobulin may give unreliable results with Rh typing reagents, laboratories should follow the guidelines of the AABB Technical Manual. An appropriate control should be performed whenever RBCs from patients type as AB, D+.
Immunohematology 2001;17:10–13.
Intravenous Rh immune globulin prevents alloimmunization in D– granulocyte recipients but obscures the detection of an alloanti-K
Authors: Stroncek D.F. , Procter J. L. , Moses L. , Bolan C. , Pomper G.J. , Conroy-Cantilena C. , Malech H.L. , Klein H.G. , Leitman S.F.
Published: May 2021

Rh immune globulin (RhIG) has been used to prevent alloimmunization in D– recipients of apheresis platelet transfusions from D+ donors that may contain up to 5 mL of D+ red blood cells (RBCs). Granulocyte concentrates contain approximately 30 mL of RBCs and it has been necessary to give D– recipients granulocyte transfusions from D+ donors. Intravenous RhIG has not yet been demonstrated to be effective in preventing D alloimmunization with granulocyte transfusions. Four D– recipients received multiple D+ granulocyte transfusions from D+ donors and multiple injections of intravenous RhIG at a standard dose of 600 μg for each D+ transfusion. Two D– males with chronic granulomatous disease were given 32 and 13 daily granulocyte transfusions, 18 and 2 of which, respectively, were D+. After the first dose of intravenous RhIG, both patients exhibited circulating anti-D that was undetectable 3 to 4 years later. Two patients with severe aplastic anemia were given 5 and 14 granulocyte transfusions, 4 and 7 of which, respectively, were D+. Both patients died before the effectiveness of RhIG could be assessed. In one of these patients the indirect and direct antiglobulin tests became positive after the first dose of intravenous RhIG, which required that subsequent granulocyte transfusions from D+ donors be crossmatched by immediate spin (IS) testing only. A delayed hemolytic reaction attributed to alloanti-K occurred after granulocytes from a K+ donor were given to this patient. These results suggest that intravenous RhIG can be used to prevent alloimmunization to D in D– patients receiving large quantities of RBCs from D+ granulocyte transfusions. However, anti-D and other passive antibodies from RhIG prohibit the use of the antiglobulin crossmatch with antigenpositive granulocyte donor samples. It may be important to frequently collect new samples to screen for newly formed alloantibodies when IS crossmatches are used in place of the antiglobulin crossmatch. Immunohematology

2001; 17:37–41.
Rapid genotyping of the major alleles at the Duffy (FY) blood group locus using real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction
Authors: AraÚjo F. , Pereira C. , Alexio A. , Enriques I. H , Monteiro F. , Meireles E. , Lacerda P. , Cunha-Ribeiro L.M.
Published: May 2021

The Duffy blood group system has clinical importance due to involvement in transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of the newborn. Recently, the molecular basis of the two alleles, FY*A and FY*B (125G>A), and the mutation situated in the promoter region of the FY gene (–33T>C), have been elucidated. In order to develop an accurate, easy, and rapid genotyping method, we describe a procedure using the LightCycler®. Samples from 53 Caucasian Portuguese blood donors and 7 black, healthy, European individuals were phenotyped with commercial antisera. DNA was extracted from blood samples and the relevant sequences were amplified with the same cycling conditions, using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The melting point of the FY*A allele was 63°C and of the FY*B allele, 55°C. The allele without mutation at the promoter region had a melting point at 64°C and the FY*B silent allele at 58°C. The results in Caucasian individuals were similar to those found in European and American populations. When FY genotyping techniques are necessary, the methodology described is preferable to conventional methods as it is reliable, high speed, and uses small volumes, providing a highly competitive technology for use by a routine laboratory.
Immunohematology 2001;17:42–44.
Low-incidence MNS antigens associated with single amino acid changes and their susceptibility to enzyme treatment
Authors: Reid M. E. , Storry J. R.
Published: May 2021

MNS antigens are carried on glycophorin A (GPA), glycophorin B (GPB), or their variants. Antigens at the N-terminus of GPA are sensitive to cleavage by ficin, papain, and trypsin but are resistant to α-chymotrypsin. Antigens at the N-terminus of GPB are sensitive to cleavage by ficin, papain, and α-chymotrypsin but are resistant to trypsin treatment. These characteristics have been used to aid in the identification of blood group alloantibodies. Recent molecular analyses have identified changes in amino acids that are associated with several low-incidence antigens in the MNS blood group system. This review relates the molecular studies with the susceptibility or resistance of these antigens to treatment of intact red blood cells by proteolytic enzymes.
Immunohematology 2001;17:76–81.
Selecting an acceptable and safe antibody detection test can present a dilemma
Authors: Combs M. R. , Bredehoeft S. J.
Published: May 2021

The Transfusion Service at Duke University Hospital has changed antibody detection methods from the use of albumin in indirect antiglobulin tests to low-ionic-strength solution (LISS), and from LISS to polyethylene glycol (PEG) in an effort to enhance the rapid detection of clinically significant antibodies. In 1996, staffing issues required the consideration of automation. Although previous studies indicated that the gel test was not as sensitive as PEG for detection of clinically significant antibodies, we chose to implement the gel test to be used with the Tecan MegaFlex-ID. We performed a retrospective analysis of identified antibodies and transfusion reactions to compare the outcomes of one year’s experience with gel and PEG. We found comparable detection of potentially clinically significant antibodies by both methods and significantly fewer unwanted or clinically insignificant antibodies detected with the use of gel. Fewer delayed serologic transfusion reactions and no transfusion-associated hemolytic events occurred in the year that gel was used. Although we initially found the selection of the gel test to be a dilemma, our ultimate decision appears to have successfully protected patient safety and balanced sensitivity with specificity.
Immunohematology 2001;17:86–89
Improving transfusion safety by electronic identification of patients, blood samples, and blood units
Authors: Marconi M. , Langeberg A.F. , Sirchia G. , Sandler S.G.
Published: May 2021

To evaluate the feasibility of using an electronic identification system to improve safety and documentation of blood transfusions, a handheld bar code scanner and data terminal, portable label printer, and related software were integrated into all phases of the blood transfusion process, including sample collection, laboratory testing, and administration of blood components. The study was conducted in two hospitals, one in Italy and the other in the United States. Each hospital used different laboratory analysers and information systems. A total of 621 blood components were transfused to 177 patients using 331 blood samples with 100 percent accuracy and electronic documentation of all pertinent patient, staff, sample, testing, and component information. Bar code reading and related electronic technology can be adapted to improve transfusion safety and reduce the risk of human errors at all steps of the blood transfusion process.
Immunohematology 2000;16:82–5.
Significant ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn in a group B infant with a group A2 mother
Authors: Jeon H. , Calhoun B. , Pothiawala M. , Herschel M. , Baron B.W.
Published: May 2021

ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) occurs almost exclusively in infants of blood group A or B who are born to group O mothers because IgG anti-A or -B occurs more commonly in group O than in group A or B individuals. We report a case in which clinically significant ABO-HDN occurred in a group B neonate from anti-B of a group A2 mother. The IgG anti-B titer was much higher (256) than that found in a group A1 mother/infant control group (≤ 32). The maternal antibody screen was negative and antibodies to low-frequency antigens were not detected. Therefore, when evaluating unexplained HDN in a group B newborn of a group A mother, it may be relevant to determine the subgroup of the mother. As presented here, anti-B from a group A2 mother may, on occasion, be responsible for HDN.
Immunohematology 2000;16: 105–108.
Moderate hemolytic disease of the newborn due to anti-Hr0 in a mother with the D––/D–– phenotype
Authors: Lenkiewicz B. , ZupaNska B.
Published: May 2021

Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) due to anti-Hr0 antibody is typically severe and often fatal. We report a case of moderate HDN due to anti-Hr0 in a woman with the D––/D–– phenotype. A 33-year-old woman delivered her second child who was mildly jaundiced. The highest level of bilirubin was 26.1 mg/dL on the third day postpartum and the hemoglobin concentration was 14.0 g/dL. The newborn recovered after phototherapy and no mental retardation was noticed after 1 year of follow up. An exchange transfusion was excluded due to the lack of a compatible donor and the physical condition of the mother precluded blood donation. The maternal RBCs were D+C–c–E–e–; only G and Rh29 of the Rh system were expressed. Thus, her probable phenotype was D––/D––. Her alloantibody was identified as anti-Hr0 (anti-Rh17) as it reacted with all red blood cells (RBCs) but not her own, other D-– RBCs, and Rhnull RBCs. The results of the antibody titer (64) and activity in a chemiluminescense test (CLT; 34%) were consistent with a moderate HDN. Family studies were negative for the D––/D–– phenotype and consanguinity was not proved. This is the first described case of moderate HDN due to anti-Hr0. The result of antibody activity in the CLT might be helpful in predicting the severity of HDN in other rare HDN cases. Immunohematology 2000;16:109–111.
Large-scale use of red blood cell units containing alloantibodies
Authors: Combs M.R. , Bennett D.H. , Telen M.J.
Published: May 2021

Many transfusion services are reluctant to accept red blood cell (RBC) units containing antibodies. We evaluated the impact of accepting routine shipments of our region’s inventory of alloantibody-positive RBC units over a 4-month period. All patients’ samples received up to 30 days after transfusion of such units were evaluated for the presence of passively acquired antibody, and labor and reagent costs were determined. During the study period, we received 259 alloantibody-containing RBC units, and 253 of these were transfused to 187 patients. Follow-up samples were received on 99 of these187 patients, and 10 of these patients had detectable passive antibody in posttransfusion antibody screening tests. Two patients had anti-C and -D and eight patients had anti-D. Due to our negotiation of a small discount for antibody-containing units and the use of 20 units based on labeled phenotype rather than antigen typing in our laboratory, we experienced a net savings of $3814 over the 4-month period. This savings was achieved despite some additional costs incurred, including costs of data entry and additional testing on patients’ samples. We concluded that large-scale use of RBC units from donors with alloantibodies is safe and likely to have a minimal impact on a busy transfusion service’s workload and costs. Furthermore, nationwide use of such units would help alleviate projected blood shortages.
Immunohematology 2000;16:120–123.
SLEEP QUALITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG MALAYSIAN PHARMACY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Authors: MOHAMAD HANAPI NURUL NAJIHAH , ONG SIEW CHIN , OOI GUAT SEE , DAUD NUR AIZATI ATHIRAH
Published: May 2021

University students tend to have poor sleeping pattern, especially those who took professional courses. Poor sleep quality may affect one’s mental and physical well- being and quality of life (QoL). Thus, this study aims to determine the sleep quality of pharmacy students, factors associated with it, and their QoL. A cross-sectional study was conducted using questionnaires involving undergraduate pharmacy students in Universiti Sains Malaysia. The Pittsburgh Sleeping Quality Index (PSQI) was used to determine the sleep quality, while QoL was determined using Short Form-36 Survey (SF-36). Poor sleepers were defined as having a PSQI score of ≥ 5. Independent t-test and Chi-square test were used to compare between variables. A total of 256 respondents completed the questionnaires. Majority (n = 215, 84%) of the respondents were poor sleepers. Results showed a nearly 3-fold increase in the risk of being a poor sleeper among those taking more than 20 credit units (odds ratio [OR] 2.73; 95% [confidence interval] CI: 1.38, 5.39). The mean score for QoL in seven domains was 61.5 ± 20.1. Respondents were shown to have good physical functioning (mean: 87.2 ± 18.4) but having a low score in the ‘energy or fatigue’ domain (mean: 47.0 ± 16.8). One domain in QoL, ‘emotional well-being’, was found to be significantly lower among respondents with poor sleep (p = 0.035). In conclusion, the majority of the respondents had poor sleep quality and a higher credit unit was a factor for poor sleep quality. With regards to QoL, respondents had good physical functioning but poor vitality and sleep quality had affected their emotional well-being.
Assessment of the impact of bank lending on business entities’ performance using structural equation modeling
Authors: Kerimkulova Dinara , Nazekova Minara , Sovetbekova Aizada , Muravskyi Oleksii , Krasovska Galyna
Published: May 2021

The paper aims to assess the influence of bank lending on the performance of enterprises in the real sector. The relevance of the study for different countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine, is shown. Structural equation modeling of the impact of bank lending on the performance of enterprises in the real sector is carried out using Ukraine as an example. Six key indicators of real sector enterprises’ performance for the period of 2007–2019 were selected as an information basis of the study. To assess the abovementioned impact, structural equation modeling was used, i.e., the Statistica program was selected as a software tool to evaluate the resulting model’s adequacy and determine the level of statistical significance of its parameters. The obtained results prove that the business lending sector in Ukraine has significant potential for its development, which ultimately will have a positive effect on the efficiency of the real sector enterprises. Moreover, adopting a balanced state policy in the sector of corporate bank lending can give impetus to the development of the domestic sector of real production and help Ukrainian enterprises overcome the crisis caused by COVID-19.
Negotiating with the Bandits and Endless Security Challenges in Katsina State, Nigeria (2019-2020)
Authors: Maigari Muhammad Abdullahi , Dantani Umar , Arafat Ibrahim
Published: May 2021

The paper assesses the context of armed banditry, cattle rustling, and kidnappings in Katsina State. The activities of the criminals have been on the rise and the security situation deteriorated after negotiation between the State Government and the criminals. The researchers adopted a cross-sectional study design and explanatory research type. A field survey was conducted in Batsari town and two villages: Zamfarawa and Bakiyawa. In-Depth Interviews (IDI) were conducted with some residents of the villages and some armed bandits. A non-probability sampling and snowballing technique were adopted to sample the research participants for the interviews. The study found that the Katsina State Government has not understand fully the security challenge and hence identified the wrong leaders of the criminals for negotiation, this is because there are three categories of criminals in the areas. This incensed some of the groups of criminals to intensify their attacks, kidnapping, and the rustling of livestock.
Modification of porous polyetherimide hollow fiber membrane by dip-coating of Zonyl® BA for membrane distillation of dyeing wastewater
Authors: Mousavi S. A. , Arab Aboosadi Z. , Mansourizadeh A. , Honarvar B.
Published: May 2021

Wetting and fouling have significantly affected the application of membrane distillation (MD). In this work, a dip-coating method was used for improving surface hydrophobicity of the polyetherimide (PEI) hollow fiber membrane. An air gap membrane distillation (AGMD) process was applied for treatment of the methylene blue (MB) solution. The porous PEI membrane was fabricated by a dry-wet spinning process and the hydrophobic 2-(Perfluoroalkyl) ethanol (Zonyl® BA) was used as the coating material. From FESEM, the modified PEI-Zonyl membrane showed an open structure with large finger-like cavities. The modified membrane displayed a narrow pore size distribution with mean pore size of 0.028 μm. The outer surface contact angle of the PEI-Zonyl membrane increased from 81.3° to 100.4° due to the formation of an ultra-thin coated layer. The pure water flux of the PEI-Zonyl membrane was slightly reduced compared to the pristine PEI membrane. A permeate flux of 6.5 kg/m2 h and MB rejection of 98% were found for the PEI-Zonyl membrane during 76 h of the AGMD operation. Adsorption of MB on the membrane surface was confirmed based on the Langmuir isotherm evaluation, AFM and FESEM analysis. The modified PEI-Zonyl membrane can be a favorable alternative for AGMD of dyeing wastewaters.
Epigenetic Landscape of Methamphetamine Use Disorder
Authors: Cadet Jean Lud , Jayanthi Subramaniam
Published: May 2021

The persistence of the addiction phenotype in methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) suggests
the potential presence of epigenetic changes and potential structural adaptations that may drive
the manifestations of MUD in humans. In the present review, we discuss the evidence that documents
the fact that methamphetamine exposure can cause changes in epigenetic modifications, including histone
acetylation and methylation, as well as DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation in a complex
manner that need to be fully dissected. Nevertheless, our work has demonstrated the existence of correlations
between behavioral changes and epigenetic alterations during methamphetamine selfadministration.
We found that prolonged methamphetamine self-administration and contingent footshocks
resulted in rats with compulsive drug-taking and abstinent phenotypes. In addition, rats that reduce
their methamphetamine intake in the presence of punishment showed increased DNA hydroxymethylation
in genes encoding potassium channels in their nucleus accumbens. Moreover, altered
DNA hydroxymethylation in those genes led to an increase in their mRNA expression. Additional
studies revealed decreased mRNA expression of histone deacetylases associated with increased histone
acetylation and induced gene expression in the dorsal striatum. These changes were associated
with a reduction in methamphetamine intake in response to contingent footshocks. More research is
necessary in order to further dissect how pharmacological or genetic manipulations of identified epigenetic
alterations and expression of potassium channels can impact methamphetamine-taking behaviors
or relapse to methamphetamine-taking after long periods of abstinence. Investigations that use discovery
approaches, such as whole-genome sequencing after chromatin immunoprecipitation, should accelerate
our efforts to develop epigenetic therapeutic approaches against MUD.
Flavonoids, the Family of Plant-Derived Antioxidants Making Inroads into
Novel Therapeutic Design Against Ionizing Radiation-Induced Oxidative
Stress in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Behl Tapan , Kaur Gagandeep , Sehgal Aayush , Zengin Gokhan , Singh Sukhbir , Ahmadi Amirhossein , Bungau Simona
Published: May 2021

Background:

Ionizing radiation from telluric sources is unceasingly an unprotected pitfall
to humans. Thus, the foremost contributors to human exposure are global and medical radiations.
Various evidences assembled during preceding years reveal the pertinent role of ionizing radiation-
induced oxidative stress in the progression of neurodegenerative insults, such as Parkinson’s
disease, which have been contributing to increased proliferation and generation of reactive oxygen
species.

Objective:

This review delineates the role of ionizing radiation-induced oxidative stress in Parkinson’s
disease and proposes novel therapeutic interventions of flavonoid family, offering effective
management and slowing down the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

Methods:

Published papers were searched in MEDLINE, PubMed, etc., published to date for indepth
database collection.

Results:

The oxidative damage may harm the non-targeted cells. It can also modulate the functions
of the central nervous system, such as protein misfolding, mitochondria dysfunction, increased levels
of oxidized lipids, and dopaminergic cell death, which accelerate the progression of Parkinson’s
disease at the molecular, cellular, or tissue levels. In Parkinson’s disease, reactive oxygen species
exacerbate the production of nitric oxides and superoxides by activated microglia, rendering death
of dopaminergic neuronal cell through different mechanisms.

Conclusion:

Rising interest has extensively engrossed in the clinical trial designs based on the
plant-derived family of antioxidants. They are known to exert multifarious impact on neuroprotection
via directly suppressing ionizing radiation-induced oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species
production or indirectly increasing the dopamine levels and activating the glial cells.
Anticancer Evaluation of Novel Quinazolinone Acetamides: Synthesis and
Characterization
Authors: Salfi Roshan , Hakim Farhana , Bhikshapathi Darna , Khan Abdullah
Published: May 2021

Background:

According to the global cancer report 2019, the burden of cancer will exceed more
than 18 million, becoming one of the major causes of global mortality rate. There is a pressing need to establish
novel drug candidates for cancer treatment, though many anticancer agents are available in the market owing to
their adverse effects. In recent years, quinazoline and its derivatives have been considered as a novel class of
cancer chemotherapeutic agents that show promising activity against different tumors.

Objective:

To evaluate the anti-cancer potential of the novel class of quinazoline tethered acetamide derivatives
against six different cancer cell lines.

Method:

A novel series of various substituted quinazolinone acetamides were synthesized through a feasible
scheme. The synthetic scheme involves the conversion of benzoxazinone (from anthranilic acid and benzoyl
chloride) intermediate to 3-amino quinazoline-4-one which further converted to the final amide by tethering
with the propionyl chloride employing Schotten-Baumann Reaction conditions. All the synthesized derivatives
characterized by IR, 1HNMR and MASS spectral methods and anti-cancer activity were evaluated by employing
MTT assay for six cancer cell lines and one normal human cell line.

Results:

All the synthesized compounds were screened for anti-cancer activity against six cancer cell lines,
including A 549 (lung), DU 145 (prostate), HT 29 (colon), MCF-7 (breast), SiHA (cervical), B16F10 (mouse
skin melanoma) and one normal human fibroblast cell lines. All the compounds displayed a decent cytotoxicity
profile when compared with the standard drug doxorubicin. Among the synthesized compounds (5a to 5n)
tested, two compounds, 5f and 5g have demonstrated excellent cytotoxicity against SiHA and MCF-7 cancer
cell lines.

Conclusion:

Comparatively most of the compounds displayed decent cytotoxicity potential relative to the standard
drug doxorubicin. Further investigations are needed to establish the detailed mechanism of action of the
developed novel quinazolinone acetamides.
A Cisgenic Approach in the Transformation of Bread Wheat cv. Saratovskaya 29 with Class I Chitinase Gene
Authors: Maltseva Elina , Iskakova Gulnur , Ismagul Ainur , Chirkin Alexandr , Naizabayeva Dinara , Ismagulova Gulnara , Malakhova Natalya , Aitkhozhina Nagima , Eliby Serik , Skiba Yuriy
Published: May 2021

Background:

Bread wheat is one of the major crops grown worldwide, showing high demand for new varieties with traits such as pathogen resistance. As the public acceptance of transgenic plants remains low, a novel approach – cisgenesis – is being developed to introduce the genes from the same or closely related species.

Objective:

This study presents a cisgenic approach used for the transformation of wheat with class I chitinase gene derived from T. aestivum cv. Stepnaya 15, co-transformed with acetohydroxyacid synthase gene that provides tolerance to imidazolinone herbicides.

Methods:

Calli from immature embryos of spring bread wheat Triticum aestivum cv. Saratovskaya 29 were used for co-transformation with two independent Minimal Expression Units (MEUs): class I chitinase and Acetohydroxyacid Synthase (AHAS) gene. For identification of cisgenic plants, genomic DNA was extracted from the leaves of imazethapyr-resistant regenerant plants at the plantlets stage and screened by polymerase chain reaction. The efficiency of transformation was calculated as the relation of regenerated plants with chitinase gene insert to the total number of calli in the experiment.

Results:

The average transformation efficiency in four series of experiments (total number of calli - 2299) was found to be 1.84% (ranging from 0.3% to 3.4%), while total co-transformation efficiency reached 87.93%.

Conclusion:

The high efficiency of co-transformation in the experiment promotes it as a very useful technique for the production of wheat lines, free of the selectable marker gene. To our knowledge, this is the first report of cisgenic bread wheat, where both target and selectable genes are derived from wheat.
Patterns of Associations among Resilience, Risk and Protective Factors in Adolescents with Blindness
Authors: Genet Tsigie , Kumar Raghavanpillai S. , Sulphey Manakkattil M.
Published: May 2021

Aims:

Blindness is a bane to humanity globally, and living with blindness is a challenge to anyone – young or old, educated or uneducated, rich or poor. Many countries have high rates of blindness, and Ethiopia is one. The study aims to explore the level of resilience, the extent of risk, and protective factors operating upon blind adolescents in Addis Ababa.

Background:

Resilience can significantly impact the quality of life of humans. Risk-taking and protective factors found in one's environment are significant predictors of resilience, valid even for the blind. The study intends to explore the level of resilience, the extent of risk, and protective factors operating upon blind adolescents in Addis Ababa.

Objectives:

The objectives identified for the study are:

• To assess the risk and protective factors operating upon Adolescents With Blindness (AWB) and establishing the pattern with which risk factors and protective resources relate to each other and predict resilience.

• To investigate the way the type of onset of blindness and some selected demographic variables relate to resilience among AWB.

Methods:

Data for the study were collected randomly from 80 blind adolescents using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Risk Factors Scale Adolescent Form, and Protective Factors Scale-Adolescent Form. The data were analyzed with t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression.

Results:

Low levels of resilience, presence of higher risk factors and serious lack of protective resources existed among AWB. While risk factors were negatively correlated with resilience, protective factors correlated with resilience positively. The risks and protective resources found in various levels of the environment together accounted for 89.3% of the variance in resilience. Gender, time of onset of blindness, parental education and family income influenced resilience.

Conclusion:

This study presents an all-inclusive picture of the resilience status of AWB’s, the extent of risk and protective factors currently operating upon them under the present context of Addis Ababa. Adolescents having blindness currently living in Addis Ababa are less resilient. They are faced with umpteen risk factors at home, school, neighborhood, community and societal levels.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging: A Promising New Technique for Accurate Identification of the Stria Medullaris and Habenula
Authors: Kheiralla Osama , Abdalkariem Aymen , Alghamdi Ali , Tajaldeen Abdulrahman , Hamid Naif
Published: May 2021

The Stria Medullaris (SM) is a white-matter tract that contains afferent fibres that connect the cognitive-emotional areas in the forebrain to the Habenula (Hb). The Hb plays an important role in behavioral responses to reward, stress, anxiety, pain, and sleep through its action on neuromodulator systems. The Fasciculus Retroflexus (FR) forms the primary output of the Hb to the midbrain. The SM, Hb, and FR are part of a special pathway between the forebrain and the midbrain known as the Dorsal Diencephalic Conduction system (DDC). Hb dysfunction is accompanied by different types of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, and Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). Due to difficulties in the imaging assessment of the SM and HB in vivo, they had not been a focus of clinical studies until the invention of Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), which has revolutionized the imaging and investigation of the SM and Hb. DTI has facilitated the imaging of the SM and Hb and has provided insights into their properties through the investigation of their monoamine dysregulation. DTI is a well-established technique for mapping brain microstructure and white matter tracts; it provides indirect information about the microstructural architecture and integrity of white matter in vivo, based on water diffusion properties in the intra- and extracellular space, such as Axial Diffusivity (AD), Radial Diffusivity (RD), mean diffusivity, and Fractional Anisotropy (FA). Neurosurgeons have recognized the potential value of DTI in the direct anatomical targeting of the SM and Hb prior to Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery for the treatment of certain neuropsychiatric conditions, such as TRD. DTI is the only non-invasive method that offers the possibility of visualization in vivo of the white-matter tracts and nuclei in the human brain. This review study summarizes the use of DTI as a promising new imaging method for accurate identification of the SM and Hb, with special emphasis on direct anatomical targeting of the SM and Hb prior to DBS surgery.
Modeling Heterogeneous Fleet Vehicle Allocation Problem with Emissions Considerations
Authors: Kazanç Hande C. , Soysal Mehmet , Çimen Mustafa
Published: May 2021

Aims:

This study proposes a bi-objective linear integer programming model for heterogeneous fleet VAP with emissions considerations. Profit maximization and emissions minimization objectives are employed to handle economic and environmental sustainability purposes.

Background:

Our literature survey shows that there is no model for the heterogeneous fleet VAP with emissions considerations that simultaneously consider vehicle heterogeneity, penalty costs for unmet demands, and emissions from transportation operations.

Objective:

The model is employed to also make several scenario analyses on sustainable freight logistics management to understand the trade-offs among economic and environmental objectives. In freight transportation problems, decision-makers need to be able to maintain profitability and to reduce emissions.

Methods:

In this study, a bi-objective linear integer programming model is proposed for a heterogeneous fleet Vehicle Allocation Problem (VAP) with emissions considerations encountered in the field of sustainable freight transportation.

Results:

In the numerical analyses, various practical assumptions that can be confronted by decision-makers in real life are discussed. In each analysis, total profit and emissions amounts are revealed along with several other KPIs. The results of the analyses provided in this study could also be useful in terms of understanding the relations among pillars of sustainability in VAPs.

Conclusion:

It is thought that the proposed model has the potential to aid decision-making processes in sustainable logistics management.

In the base case analyses, the total profit obtained under profit maximization is about nine times higher than that obtained under emissions minimization. When the aim is to minimize emissions, the total emissions are found to be nearly one-tenth of that of profit maximization. Supported by also additional scenario analyses, it can be concluded that it might not economically viable to be environmentally-friendly for companies. Therefore, companies have to be encouraged or forced to take environmentally and socially responsible actions through legislation. The analyses demonstrated that various legislative policies on emissions may affect the transportation plans differently in such vehicle allocation systems.
Is Infrared Thermography Reliable to Assess Pain in the Trapezius Muscle Region?
Authors: dos Santos Moraes Talita Leite , Lustosa Luma Soares , Santos Ramos Larissa Moura , Boaretto Sabrina Mondadori , de Matos Dihogo Gama , Neto Jader Farias Pereira , Neves Eduardo Borba , dos Santos Heleodório Honorato , Aidar Felipe J. , da Silva Junior Walderi Monteiro
Published: May 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inter- and intra-examiner reliability of infrared thermography (IT) in skin temperature analysis of people with pain complaints in the upper trapezius muscle.

Methods:

A total of 82 subjects (24.8 ± 6.9 years; 63.8 ± 13.1 kg) of both genders who had moderate (VAS-3) or severe pain in the upper trapezius muscle were evaluated. Skin temperatures of four areas (ROIs) were analyzed by IT using a FLIR camera (model T640SC - Sweden). Each evaluator performed two area analyses at different times.

Results:

The evaluation of the four areas indicated a very strong overall intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for both intra-examiner (Examiner 1: ICC = 0.936; 95% CI = 0.905–0.959; P < 0.001; Examiner 2: ICC = 0.979; 95% CI = 0.968–0.987; P < 0.001) and inter-examiner (Measurement 1: ICC = 0.933; 95% CI = 0.902–0.958; P < 0.001; Measurement 2: ICC = 0.979; 95% CI = 0.968–0.987; P < 0.001). The ICC was regular on ROI 3 in the measurement 1 inter-exam test, and the ROI 1, ROI 2, and ROI 4 values were strong; all points were very strong in measurement 2. The ICC was rated from strong to very strong for both examiners in the intra-examiner test at all points.

Conclusion:

IT was reproducible in measuring the upper trapezius muscle skin temperature, and the intra and inter-examiner agreement levels can be used as a reliable tool in clinical practice.
Comparing the Efficacies of Telemedicine and Standard Prenatal Care on Blood Glucose Control in Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Tian Ying , Zhang Suhan , Huang Feiling , Ma Liangkun
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can usually be well controlled by health education and lifestyle management, resulting in better pregnancy outcomes. However, standard clinical prenatal care, which consists of clinic visits every 2 weeks, may not provide sufficient management for women with GDM. Telemedicine demonstrates a potential to fill this gap.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate whether health education and lifestyle management delivered through a WeChat group chat was more effective in controlling blood glucose (BG) than standard clinical prenatal care among women with GDM.

METHODS

In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, women with GDM diagnosed by an oral glucose tolerance test between 23 and 30 (+6) gestational weeks were randomized to a WeChat group chat–based BG management group or a routine clinical prenatal care group. The primary outcome was the change in the glycemic qualification rate during the follow-up period in both groups. The secondary outcomes were pregnancy outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 309 women with GDM participated in the trial, with 162 women randomized to the control group and 147 to the intervention group. No significant differences in baseline characteristics were found between the control and intervention groups. Participants were further divided into 4 groups according to gestational weeks at enrollment for further analysis. The glycemic qualification rate of the intervention group was higher than that of the control group at nearly all time points in Groups 1 to 3, among which 3 time points reached statistical significance: Group 1 at T3 (54.8% vs 83.3%) and Group 2 at T3 (62.5% vs 80.0%) and T7 (75.0% vs 100%). The glycemic qualification rate gradually increased as gestational weeks progressed in both groups, regardless of the intervention method. None of the pregnancy outcomes measured, including delivery mode, premature rupture of the membranes, preterm birth, infant's birth weight, and postpartum hemorrhage, were significantly different between the control and intervention groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This multicenter randomized controlled trial that assessed women with noninsulin-dependent GDM demonstrated that additional instant messaging platforms, such as WeChat, used for health education and lifestyle intervention in China tend to be more effective for BG control than standard clinical prenatal care alone.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03748576; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03748576
Assessment of inter-institutional post-operative hypoparathyroidism status using a common data model (Preprint)
Authors: Lee Joon-Hyop , Kim Suhyun , Kim Kwangsoo , Chai Young Jun , Yu Hyeong Won , Kim Su-Jin , Choi June Young , Chung Yoo Seung , Lee Kyu Eun , Yi Ka Hee
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Post-thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism may result in various transient or permanent symptoms, ranging from tingling sensation to severe breathing difficulties. Its incidence varies among surgeons and institutions, making it difficult to determine its actual incidence and associated factors.

OBJECTIVE

This study attempted to estimate the incidence of post-operative hypoparathyroidism in patients at two tertiary institutions that share a common data model, the Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics.

METHODS

This study used the Common Data Model to extract explicitly specified encoding and relationships among concepts using standardized vocabularies. The EDI-codes of various thyroid disorders and thyroid operations were extracted from two separate tertiary hospitals between January 2013 and December 2018. Patients were grouped into no evidence of/transient/permanent hypoparathyroidism groups to analyze the likelihood of hypoparathyroidism occurrence related to operation types and diagnosis

RESULTS

Of the 4848 eligible patients at the two institutions who underwent thyroidectomy, 1370 (28.26%) experienced transient hypoparathyroidism and 251 (5.18%) experienced persistent hypoparathyroidism. Univariate logistic regression analysis predicted that, relative to total bilateral thyroidectomy, radical tumor resection was associated with a 48% greater likelihood of transient hypoparathyroidism and a 102% greater likelihood of persistent hypoparathyroidism. Moreover, multivariate logistic analysis found that radical tumor resection was associated with a 50% greater likelihood of transient hypoparathyroidism and a 97% greater likelihood of persistent hypoparathyroidism than total bilateral thyroidectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings, by integrating and analyzing two databases, suggest that this analysis could be expanded to include other large databases that share the same Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics protocol.
On the Practical Limitation of The OIC’s Solidarity for Refugee
Authors: Pratisti Siti Aliyuna , Sari Deasy Silvya
Published: May 2021

This article discusses relations between the ethical and the practical sphere of solidarity for refugees in Islam. The study on refugees in this article, however, focused on the political and social context of solidarity; thus, theological exploration will not be the main subject. Theoretical discourse on religion and social solidarity is applied to outline the practical limitations of the principles. As for methodology, the literature review method is employed to engage the normative ethics also documents of the OIC initiatives. We find that the Limitation of solidarity in the OIC countries reflect Redekop’s idea of social solidarity: multidimensional, religion as the source of solidarity, the social ecology of Muslim countries limits the practical implementation of the common rule, social solidarity has a compositional effect and every resource or responsibility has to be distributed, and solidarity is achieved through various social institutions.