bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Detection of Lactate Produced by Foodborne Presumptive Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Ozoglu Ozum , Uzunoglu Aytekin , Unal Mehmet Altay , Gumustas Mehmet , Ozkan Sibel Aysıl , Korukluoglu Mihriban , Altuntas Evrim Gunes
Published: December 2021

Background: The detection of lactate is an important indicator of freshness, stability, and storage stability of products as well as degree of fermentation in food industry. In addition, it can be used as a diagnostic tool in patients’ healthcare since it is known that the lactate level in blood increases in some pathological conditions including septic shock, tissue hypoxia, and sepsis. Thus, determination of lactate level plays an important role in not only food industry but also health fields. At this point, biosensor has become important to detect lactate due to having many advantages like rapid, cheap and easy to use. Methods and Results: In the current study, amperometric lactate biosensors based on lactate oxidase immobilization (with nafion 5% wt) were designed and limit of detection, linear range and sensitivity values were determined, which were found as 31 μM, 50-350 μM and 0.04 μA.μM-1.cm-2, respectively. Then, it was used for the measurement of lactic acid produced by 6 different and morphologically identified presumptive lactic acid bacteria (LAB) which were isolated from different naturally fermented cheese samples for this study. Then, the biosensors were used to perform lactate measurements successfully within 3 minutes for each sample even few of them were out of the limit of detection. Conclusion: Electrochemical biosensors should be alternative and quick solutions for measurement of lactate metabolites instead of using classical methods which are required long working time. Besides, it is the first study to measure lactate produced by foodborne LAB as real sample with a biosensor.
Wall Pressures In a Channel Flow Obstructed By a Line of Inclined Rods: Invariant Groups and Semi-Empirical Correlations
Authors: Herrero Víctor , Ferrari Hernán , Marino Raul , Clausse Alejandro
Published: December 2021

An experiment is conducted in a rectangular channel obstructed by a transverse line of four inclined cylindrical rods. The wall pressure around the perimeter of a central rod and the pressure drop through the channel are measured varying the inclination angle of the rods. Three assemblies of rods with different diameters are tested. The measurements were analyzed applying momentum conservation principles and semi-empirical considerations. Several invariant dimensionless groups of parameters relating the pressure at key locations of the system with characteristic dimensions of the rods are produced. It was found that the independence principle holds for most of the Euler numbers characterizing the pressure at different locations, that is, the group is independent of the inclination angle provided that the inlet velocity projection normal to the rods is used to non-dimensionalize the pressure. The resulting semi-empirical correlations can be useful for designing similar hydraulic units.
CCN1 coordinately regulates intestinal stem cell proliferation and differentiation through integrins αvβ3/αvβ5
Authors: Won Jonghoon , Choi Jacob , Jun Joon-Il
Published: December 2021

Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) at the crypt base contribute to intestinal homeostasis through a balance between self-renewal and differentiation. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating this homeostatic balance remain elusive. Here we show that the matricellular protein CCN1/CYR61 coordinately regulates ISC proliferation and differentiation through distinct pathways emanating from CCN1 interaction with integrins αvβ3/αvβ5. Mice that delete Ccn1 in Lgr5+ ISCs or express mutant CCN1 unable to bind integrins αvβ3/αvβ5 exhibited exuberant ISC expansion and enhanced differentiation into secretory cells at the expense of absorptive enterocytes in the small intestine, leading to nutrient malabsorption. Analysis of crypt organoids revealed that through integrins αvβ3/αvβ5, CCN1 induces NF-κB-dependent Jag1 expression to regulate Notch activation for differentiation and promotes Src-mediated YAP activation and Dkk1 expression to control Wnt signaling for proliferation. Moreover, CCN1 and YAP amplify the activities of each other in a regulatory loop. These findings establish CCN1 as a novel niche factor in the intestinal crypts, providing new insights into how matrix signaling exerts overarching control of ISC homeostasis.
Water Quality as Affected by Quarry Activities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Okafor Odera Chukwumaijem , Njoku Chima
Published: December 2021

The study was done in 2018, 2019 and 2020, during which quarry activities effects was determined on water qualities in Ebonyi State, Southeastern Nigeria. The following locations were selected: 0 – 50 m from quarry locations at Ishiagu, Umuoghara and Ngbo were selected with Non quarry location situated 3 km away from each location as control. Collected water samples were analysed for selected physical properties, chemical properties and heavy metal concentrations. The experimental design was carried out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with F-LSD at (p < 0.05). The results obtained were compared with the established standards. Physical parameters studied in the sites within 0 – 50 m from quarry sites were higher than that of control and are within the recommended standards. Similarly, chemical parameters were higher the sites within 0 – 50 m from quarry sites than that of control and are within the standard, except pH in 2018 at Ishiagu and Umuoghara and pH of control in the three years of studied. Lead, cadmium and iron recorded values in sites within 0 – 50 m which were higher than that of control and the recommended standards whereas zinc observed in Ishiagu in 2018, 2019, 2019 were above standard and control. Zinc observed in Umuoghara and Ngbo were within standard but some values are either higher or lower than control. Based on the results water bodies in quarry sites should be subjected to treatment processes before domestic use to avoid ailments associated with water polluted with quarry activities.
Thymoquinone Improved Nonylphenol-Induced Memory Deficit and Neurotoxicity Through its Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects
Authors: Lotfi Mandana , Kazemi Sohrab , Ebrahimpour Anahita , Pourabdolhossein Fereshteh , Satarian Leila , Eghbali Atiyeh , Moghadamnia Ali Akbar
Published: December 2021

Nonylphenol (NP), a well-known endocrine-disrupter chemical, has several harmful effects on the central nervous system including neuroendocrine disruption, cognitive impairment, and neurotoxicity. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a main bioactive compound in the black seeds of Nigella sativa that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of TQ against NP-induced memory deficit and neurotoxicity in rats. To induce memory impairment, NP (25 mg/kg) was used as gavage in male Wistar rats for 21 days. TQ (2.5, 5 and 10mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered in NP-treated animals. The morris water maze test was performed to assess spatial learning and memory. The hippocampal tissues were isolated from the brain for histopathological evaluation. Biochemical, molecular and cellular tests were performed to quantify oxidant (malondialdehyde; MDA)/antioxidant (superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reduced glutathione (GSH) parameters as well as markers for astrocytic activation (glial fibrillary acidic protein; GFAP) and neuronal death (alpha-synuclein; α-syn). Results showed TQ (5 mg/kg) significantly improved NP-induced memory impairment. Histological data revealed a significant increase in the number of necrotic cells in hippocampus, and TQ treatment markedly decreased this effect. The GSH and TAC levels were significantly increased in TQ-treated groups compared to NP group. The molecular analysis indicated that NP increased GFAP and decreased α-syn expression and TQ treatment did the reverse. In vitro study in astrocytes isolated from mice brain showed that TQ significantly increased cell viability in NP-induced cytotoxicity. This study strongly indicates that TQ has neuroprotective effects on NP-induced neurotoxicity through reducing oxidative damages and neuroinflammation.
Hierarchical NiMn Double Layered/Graphene with Excellent Energy Density for Highly Capacitive Supercapacitors
Authors: Gupta Gopal Krishna , Diwedi Arpita , Sharma Anu , Shandilya Kaushik
Published: December 2021

In the present article, highly capacitive NiMn-LDHs/GO composite of electrode material has been the synthesized for supercapacitor energy storage. Various analytical techniques (particularly X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and scanning electron microscope (SEM)) have been employed to characterize the as-synthesized NiMn-LDHs/GO. The Microscopic images obtained using HRTEM analysis clearly reveal the formation of lattice fringe pattern (lattice spacing as ~ 0.22 nm) for GO, whereas SEM images shows highly porous nature. The super-capacitive performance of the as-synthesized electrode material have been accessed through an electrochemical work station comprising of a 3-electrode system. The working electrode made up of NiMn-LDHs/GO (Active material) on Ni foil (working electrode) with the help of PVDF (binder), has shown specific capacitance of 1964 F g−1 at current density of 1 A g−1 with Galvanostatic charging/discharging (GCD) technique. It has also shown remarkable cyclic stability with a capacitance retention of 98% after 2000 cycles. The high-power density (401 W/kg) and energy density (17.78 Wh/kg) signify the high-level electrochemical supercapacitor behaviour in charge storage applications.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of CYP450 gene family in Cucumis sativus L.
Authors: wang hongyu , Li Pengfei , Wang Yu , Chi Chunyu , Ding Guohua
Published: December 2021

The cytochrome P450 (CYP450) gene family plays a vital role in basic metabolism and enhances plant resistance to stress and pests. However, little information is available on the genome-wide characterization and evolutionary relationship of the CYP450 gene family in Cucumis sativus L. In the present study, a genome-wide bioinformatics analysis was performed, including gene structure, conserved motif, cis-acting promoter element, evolutionary analysis, collinearity, subcellular localization, and expression profile. The gene expression profile of CYP450 was verified using transcriptome sequencing and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. A total of 165 P450 genes were identified in the cucumber genome. These genes were classified into eight subfamilies and unevenly distributed on seven chromosomes. Subcellular localization predicted that most of P450 genes were located in chloroplasts and a few were located on the plasma membrane. CYP450 genes were differentially expressed in different tissues and in response to salicylic acid (SA) treatment. The sizes of all cucumber P450 proteins ranged from 317 to 1,056 aa, the theoretical isoelectric points ranged from 5.05 to 10.31, and the molecular weights ranged from 36,095 to 121,403 KD. This study provides a theoretical basis for further research on the biological functions of the P450 gene in cucumber plants.
Development And Validation of An Eco-Friendly and High-Throughput HPLC Method To Quantify Pyrethroid and Pyriproxyfen in Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets
Authors: Walker Kyle J. , Williams Christopher T. , Oladepo Folasade O. , Lucas John Richard , Malone David , Paine Mark J.I. , Ismail Hanafy M.
Published: December 2021

Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) are essential to preventing malaria transmission. The LLINs should last for at least three years, even after repeated washings. Currently, tracking insecticides in LLINs is cumbersome, costly, and requires specialized equipment and hazardous solvents. We therefore developed a low-resource, high-throughput method for detecting insecticides in LLINs. In order to extract insecticides from polyethylene, LLIN samples were heated for 45 minutes at 85oC in 1-propanol-heptane containing dicyclohexylphthalate as an internal standard. Sample size was reduced to ~0.2 g for reduced extraction volume, which is 90% less than what was recommended. We optimized HPLC chromatographic conditions to assess pyrethroid and pyriproxyfen content in polyethylene-based LLINs. The method is capable of quantifying levels ≥ 0.0015% permethrin, 0.00045% alpha-cypermethrin and 0.00025% pyriproxyfen (w/w) in polyethylene, allowing tracking the insecticides before and after LLINs use. A variety of LLINs can be evaluated with this method, including those with 1% pyriproxyfen (pyriproxyfen-LLIN) or 2% permethrin (Olyset® Net), 1% pyriproxyfen and 2% permethrin (Olyset® Duo), or 0.55% pyriproxyfen combined with 0.55% alpha-cypermethrin (Royal Gaurd®). Analysis of 120 samples (40 nets) per run can be done with high precision and accuracy, reducing labour time and costs whilst reducing the environmental impact of organic solvents.
Homogenous Multifunctional Microspheres Induce Ferroptosis to Promote the Anti-hepatocarcinoma Effect of Chemoembolization
Authors: Chen Minjiang , Li Jie , Shu Gaofeng , Shen Lin , Qiao Enqi , Zhang Nannan , Fang Shiji , Chen Xiaoxiao , Zhao Zhongwei , Tu Jianfei , Song Jingjing , Du Yong-zhong , Ji Jiansong
Published: December 2021

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is one of the main palliative therapies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is also regarded as a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. However, drug-loaded microspheres (DLMs), as commonly used clinical chemoembolization drugs, still have the problems of uneven particle size and unstable therapeutic efficacy. Herein, gelatin was used as the wall material of the microspheres, and homogenous gelatin microspheres co-loaded with adriamycin and Fe3O4 nanoparticles (ADM/Fe3O4-MS) were further prepared by a high-voltage electrospray technology. The introduction of Fe3O4 nanoparticles into DLMs not only provided excellent T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) properties, but also improved the anti-tumor effectiveness under microwave-induced hyperthermia. The results showed that ADM/Fe3O4-MS plus microwave irradiation had significantly better antitumor efficacy than the other types of microspheres at both cell and animal levels. Our study further confirmed that ferroptosis was involved in the anti-tumor process of ADM/Fe3O4-MS plus microwave irradiation, and ferroptosis marker GPX4 was significantly decreased and ACSL4 was significantly increased, and ferroptosis inhibitors could reverse the tumor cell killing effect caused by ADM/Fe3O4-MS to a certain extent. Our results confirmed that microwave mediated hyperthermia could amplify the antitumor efficacy of ADM/Fe3O4-MS by activating ferroptosis and the introduction of Fe3O4 nanoparticles can significantly improve TACE for HCC. This study confirmed that it was feasible to use uniform-sized gelatin microspheres co-loaded with Fe3O4 nanoparticles and adriamycin to enhance the efficacy of TACE for HCC.
Inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Pulmonary Embolism Severity: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Li Yukun , Ye Wenjing , Chen Xi , Guo Xuejun , Gu Wen
Published: December 2021

Background: Inflammatory cytokines are involved in the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and may influence the mortality. But the association between their levels and severity of pulmonary embolism (PE) is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association of inflammatory cytokines and PE severity. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who were admitted to Xinhua Hospital with a confirmed diagnosis of PE between Jan 2019 and Apr 2021. Inflammatory cytokines were compared among different severities of PE groups. Spearman rank-order correlation analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between cytokine level and PE severity. In addition, we estimated the association between comorbidities and PE severity by using multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Results: A negative correlation between IL-8 level and PE severity was found (r=-0.466, P=0.018). Comorbidities of coronary heart disease [3.76 (1.99-7.10) (P=0.000)], deep venous thrombosis [2.40 (1.15-5.01) (P=0.019)], respiratory failure [2.92 (1.33-6.4) (P=0.007)] were correlated with the severity of PE. Conclusions: IL-8 level is negative correlated with PE severity. Patients with comorbidities regarding coronary heart disease, deep venous thrombosis, and respiratory failure may have higher risk to surfer a more sever PE.
Motor Point Heatmap of the Calf
Authors: Schriwer Elias , Juthberg Robin , Flodin Johanna , Ackermann Paul W.
Published: December 2021

Background: Contractions of muscles in the calf induced by neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may prevent venous thromboembolism. However, compliance to NMES-treatment is limited by the use of suboptimal stimulation points which may cause discomfort. Knowledge of where one is most likely to find muscle motor points (MP) could improve NMES comfort and compliance.Aims: To anatomically map the MPs of the calf as well as to calculate the probability of finding a MP in different areas of the calf. Material and Methods: On 30 healthy participants (mean age 37 years) anatomical landmarks on the lower limbs were defined. The location of the four most responsive MPs on respectively the medial and lateral calf muscle bellies were determined in relation to these anatomical landmarks using a MP search pen and a pre-set MP search program with 3 Hz continuous stimulation. The anatomy of the calves was normalized and subdivided into a matrix of 48 (6x8) smaller areas (3x3cm), from upper medial to lower lateral, in order to calculate the probability of finding a MP in one of these areas. The probability of finding a MP was then calculated for each area and presented with a 95% confidence interval.Results: The MP heat map displayed a higher concentration of MPs proximally and centrally on the calf. However, there were wide inter-individual differences in the location of the MPs. The highest probability of finding a MP was in area 4, located proximally and medially, and in area 29, located centrally and around the maximum circumference, both with 50% probability (95% CI: 0.31-0.69). The second highest probability of finding MPs was in areas 9, 10, 16, proximally and medially, all with 47% probability (95% CI: 0.28-0.66). These areas 4, 9, 10, 16 and 29 exhibited significantly higher probability of finding motor points than all areas with a mean probability of 27% and lower (p<0.05) The lateral and distal outskirts exhibited almost zero probability of finding MPs. Conclusions: This MP heat map of the calf could be used to expedite electrode placement and to improve compliance in order to receive consistent and enhanced results of NMES treatments.
Same People, Different Results: Categorizing Cancer Registry Cases across the Rural-Urban Continuum
Authors: Schiefelbein Andrea M. , Taylor Amy K. , Krebsbach John K. , Zhang Jienian , Haimson Chloe E. , Varley Patrick R. , Skala Melissa C. , Eason John M. , LoConte Noelle K.
Published: December 2021

Background: Many rural-urban indexes are utilized in United States cancer research. This variation introduces inconsistencies between studies with a rural-urban component. Recommendations to date on which index to utilize have prioritized index geographical unit over feasibility of index inclusion in analysis. We evaluated rural-urban indexes and recommend one index for use to increase comparability across studies.
Methods: We assessed nine U.S. rural-urban indexes regarding their respective rural and urban code ranges; geographical unit, land area, and population distributions; percent agreement; suitability as continuous variables in analysis; and feasibility of integration into national, state, and local cancer research. We referenced 1,569 Wisconsin Pancreatic Cancer Registry patients to demonstrate how rural-urban index choice impacts patient categorization.
Results: Six indexes categorized rural and urban areas. Indexes agreed on binary rural-urban designation for 88.8% of the U.S. population. As ternary variables, they agreed for 83.4%. For cancer registry patients, this decreased to 73.4% and 60.4% agreement, respectively. Rural-Urban Continuum Codes (RUCC) performed the best with ability to differentiate metropolitan, micropolitan, and rural counties, are available for retrospective and prospective studies, and can be coded continuously for analysis.
Conclusions: Whether a patient was categorized as urban or rural changed depending on which index was used when applied to a cancer registry data set. We conclude that RUCC is an appropriate and feasible rural-urban index to include in cancer research, as it is standardly available in national cancer registries in its 9-code format and can be matched to patient’s county of residence for local research and it had the least amount of fluctuation of the indices analyzed. Utilizing RUCC as a continuous variable across studies with a rural-urban component will increase reproducibility and comparability of results and eliminate the choice of rural-urban index as a potential source of discrepancy between studies. Trial registration: Not applicable
Attenuated replication and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 Omicron
Authors: Yuen Kwok-Yung , Shuai Huiping , Chan Jasper Fuk-Woo , Hu Bingjie , Chai Yue , Yuen Terrence Tsz-Tai , Huang Xiner , Yoon Chaemin , Hu Jingchu , Liu Huan , Shu Jialu , Liu Yuanchen , Zhu Tianrenzheng , Zhang Jinjin , Hou Yuxin , Cai Jian-Piao , Zhang Jinxia , Zhou Jie , Yin Feifei , Yuan Shuofeng , Zhang Bao-Zhong , Huang Jiandong , Chu Hin
Published: December 2021

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron emerged in November 2021 and is rapidly spreading among the human populations. The variant contains 34 changes in its spike protein including 15 substitutions at the receptor-binding domain (RBD). While recent reports reveal that the Omicron variant can robustly escape from vaccine and therapeutic neutralization antibodies, the pathogenicity of the virus remains unknown. Here, we investigate the virological features and pathogenesis of the Omicron variant using in vitro and in vivo models. Our results demonstrate that the replication of the Omicron variant is dramatically attenuated in Calu3 and Caco2 but not in VeroE6 cells. Further mechanistic investigations reveal that the Omicron variant is deficient in transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) usage in comparison to that of WT, Alpha, Beta, and Delta variant, which explained its inefficient replication in Calu3 and Caco2 cells. Importantly, the replication of the Omicron variant is markedly attenuated in both the upper and lower respiratory tract of infected K18-hACE2 mice in comparison to that of WT and Delta variant, which results in its dramatically ameliorated lung pathology. When compared with SARS-CoV-2 WT, Alpha, Beta, and Delta variant, infection by the Omicron variant causes the least body weight loss and mortality rate. Overall, our study demonstrates that the Omicron variant is significantly attenuated in virus replication and pathogenicity in comparison with WT and previous variants. Our data suggest the current global vaccination strategy has forced SARS-CoV-2 into a new evolutionary trajectory towards reduced replication fitness in exchange of better immune escape. These findings are critical for setting policy in the pandemic control and disease management of COVID-19.
WITHDRAWN: Skin Cells State and its Effect on Visual Perception
Authors: Khalifa Samar
Published: December 2021

Skin is the indicator of the human's state of health and whether he or she is fresh or not. The paper investigates the role of skin on visual perception mechanisms to see or detect the freshness degree in other humans through a review of some ideas about this concept. The paper includes the role of skin cells on perception through inhibition and excitation, beauty, and face symmetry
Altered Calcium Permeability of AMPA Receptor Drives NMDA Receptor Inhibition in the Hippocampus of Murine Obesity Models
Authors: Miyagi Yasuyo , Fujiwara Kyoko , Hikishima Keigo , Utsumi Daisuke , Katagiri Chiaki , NIshimura Masahiko , Takagi Hiroshi , Ishiuchi Shogo
Published: December 2021

Evidence has accumulated that higher consumption of high-fat diets (HFDs) during the juvenile/adolescent period induces altered hippocampal function and morphology; however, the mechanism behind this phenomenon remains elusive. Using high-resolution structural imaging combined with molecular and functional interrogation, a murine model of obesity treated with HFDs for 12 weeks after weaning mice was shown to change in the glutamate-mediated intracellular calcium signaling and activity, including further selective reduction of gray matter volume in the hippocampus associated with memory recall disturbance. Dysregulation of intracellular calcium concentrations was restored by a non-competitive α-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) antagonist, followed by normalization of hippocampal volume and memory recall ability, indicating that AMPARs may serve as an attractive therapeutic target for obesity-associated cognitive decline.
CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Gene Editing of Vacuolar ATPase Subunit D Mediates Phytohormone Biosynthesis and Virus Resistance in Rice
Authors: Lu Qinghua , Luo Xiangwen , Yang Xiao , Zhou Tong , Zhang Yu , Lan Ying , Zhang Deyong , Zheng Limin , Li Yixing , Li Li , Zhang Songbai , Liu Yong
Published: December 2021

Background: Vacuolar ATPases (v-ATPases) are proton pumps for proton translocation across membranes that utilize energy derived from ATP hydrolysis; Previous research revealed Osv-ATPases mediates phytohormes levels and resistance in rice. Osv-ATPase subunit d (Osv-ATPase d) is part of an integral, membrane-embedded V0 complex of V-ATPases complex, whether Osv-ATPase d involves in phytohormes biosynthesis and resistance in rice remains unknown.Finding: The knockout mutant line (line 5) of Osv-ATPase d was generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, mutation of Osv-ATPase d did not show any detrimental effect on plant growth or yield productivity. Transcriptomic results showed Osv-ATPase d probably involved in mediating the biosynthesis of plant hormones and resistance in rice. Mutation of Osv-ATPase d significantly increased JA and ABA biosynthesis than wild type. Compared to wild type, mutation of Osv-ATPase d increased the resistance against Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV), however, decreased the resistance against Rice stripe virus (RSV) in rice. Conclusion: Taken together, our data reveal the Osv-ATPase d mediates phytohormone biosynthesis and virus resistance in rice, which can be selected as a potential target for resistance breeding in rice.
Humoral Response among Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease Vaccinated with the BNT162b2 SARS-Cov-2 vaccine - A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Pertzov Barak , Shmueli Einat , Zvi Haim Ben , Massarweh Amir , Barkan Tamar , Ness Assaf , Shostak Yael , Freidkin Lev , Shtraichman Osnat , Kramer Mordechai R
Published: December 2021

Background: Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) are at high risk of severe COVID-19 infection. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic treatment may cause immunosuppression. Nevertheless, their ability to mount an adequate immune response to messenger RNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines was not evaluated. We aimed to evaluate the humoral response after the BNT162b2 vaccine among idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients treated with antifibrotic therapy and among non-IPF ILD patients treated with anti-inflammatory therapy.Methods: We conducted an observational prospective cohort study to evaluate the rate of anti-spike (S-IgG) antibodies after two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine in patients with ILD. The cohort included 40 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) treated with anti-fibrotic therapy and 29 patients with non-IPF ILD treated with anti-inflammatory therapy. For S-IgG titer measurement one serology test was drawn from all patients 4-6 months after the second vaccine dose. Two age and sex matched control groups were created from a healthy control cohort of 107 patients. The study was conducted in Rabin Medical Center (Israel) between June to August 2021.Results: All patients in the anti-fibrotic arm were seropositive (40/40), corresponding to the matched control group (P=1.0). The antifibrotic arm had a significantly lower median antibody titer in comparison to the matched control group (361.10 [ IQR, 207-811] AU/ml vs 820.75 [IQR, 459-1313] AU/ml; P<0.001). Only 48.3% (14/29) of patients in the anti-inflammatory arm were seropositive in comparison to 100% (29/29) in the healthy control group (P<0.001). The anti-inflammatory arm had a significantly lower median antibody titer in comparison to the healthy control group (39.6 [ IQR, 4.25-165] AU/ml vs 970.1 [IQR, 505-1926] AU/ml; P<0.001). Conclusion: IPF patients treated with antifibrotic therapy mount an adequate immune response after 2 doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine, maintain a 100% seropositivity rate, 4-6 months after vaccination. However, their antibody titer was reduced in comparison to a healthy control group. Among patients with non-IPF ILD, treated with anti-inflammatory therapy, 48% were seronegative 4-6 months after the second vaccine dose, moreover treatment with rituximab caused significant immunosuppression, even in comparison to other anti-inflammatory treatments.
Neuromodulatory Mechanisms оf a Memory Loss Preventive Effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in an Experimental Rat Model of Dementia
Authors: Staykov Hristian , Lazarova Maria , Hassanova Yozljam , Stefanova Miroslava , Tancheva Lyubka , Nikolov Rumen
Published: December 2021

This study evaluates some of the neuromodulatory mechanisms of the memory loss preventive effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in a scopolamine (Sco)-induced rat model of an Alzheimer’s disease (AD) type dementia. Our results confirmed that Sco administration induces significant memory impairment, worsens exploratory behaviour and habituation; it increases acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and induces pathological monoamine content changes in the brain prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. ALA administration prevented to a large extent Sco-induced memory impairment; it also improved exploratory behaviour and preserved habituation; it decreased AChE activity, reversing it to Control group levels and corrected aberrant monoamine levels in the brain prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. According to the data available, this is the first time that ALA-induced changes in AChE and monoamine levels in the brain prefrontal cortex and hippocampus (brain structures related to learning and memory) have been demonstrated in a Sco-induced rat model of AD type dementia.
Evaluating an e-Learning Program to Strengthen the Capacity of Humanitarian Workers in the MENA Region: The Humanitarian Leadership Diploma
Authors: Saleh Shadi , Brome Dayana , Mansour Rania , Daou Tracy , Chamas Amar , Naal Hady
Published: December 2021

Background: The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is consistently plagued with humanitarian crises while having little response capacity. Despite their obvious growing need, there exist limited educational opportunities for humanitarian workers to develop their capacity in humanitarian topics. The present study evaluates an online training program, the Humanitarian Leadership Diploma (HLD), which targeted humanitarian workers across the MENA region.Methods: A mixed-methods design was used, comprising short and long-term quantitative and qualitative data, targeting individual and organizational-level outcomes. A total of 28 humanitarian workers across the MENA region enrolled in the program starting September 2019 until October 2020, 18 of which completed the full diploma. Short-term quantitative data such as knowledge assessments, course evaluations, and reflective commentaries were collected from all learners, whereas long-term qualitative data was collected only from those who completed the full diploma and from peers at their organizations, 6 months after completion. Data was triangulated, analyzed using qualitative content analysis, and reported as themes.Results: The program was overall successful given multiple factors reported by participants such as enhanced knowledge, high satisfaction, and improved practice, with some important challenges being identified. Themes under the strengths category related to (1) online learning, (2) significance of diploma, (3) course content, (4) instructors, (5) transfer of learning into practice, and (6) personal development. Themes under the challenges category related to (1) barriers to applying changes in behavior and performance, (2) engagement and interaction, and (3) pedagogical approach.Conclusion: This is one of very few evaluations of locally developed and delivered online learning programs for humanitarian actors in the MENA region. The findings are especially important as they may inform researchers and humanitarian actors looking to design and deliver similar programs in the MENA region or other fragile settings. Key recommendations are discussed in the manuscript, and include to combine synchronous and asynchronous approaches, design concise course materials, limit theoretical pedagogical approaches, ensure topics are contextualized to the region, and consider continuous engagement strategies for learners.
Robust Estimation Method Based on Function Model of Successive Approximation
Authors: Xiaoming Ye
Published: December 2021

In measurement practice, the residuals in least squares adjustment usually show various abnormal discrete distributions, including outliers, which is not conducive to the optimization of final measured values. Starting with the physical mechanism of dispersion and outlier of repeated observation errors, this paper puts forward the error correction idea of using the approximate function model of error to approach the actual function model of error step by step, gives a new theoretical method to optimize the final measured values, and proves the effectiveness of the algorithm by the ability of responding to the true values. This new idea is expected to be the ultimate answer of robust estimation theory.
Evidence of gender equity in pupils’ achievement in phonics, when exposed to adult and children-generated illustrations
Authors: Ibenegbu Christopher Ifeanyi
Published: December 2021

The study examined evidence of gender equity in pupils achievement in phonics, when exposed to adult and children-generated illustrations in Njikoka Local Government Area of Nigeria. The study employed a non-equivalent quasi‐experimental 2 x 2 factorial research design. Some 158 primary two pupils from 4 schools were used for the study. The English Achievement Test (EAT) was used to collect data. Three hypotheses were tested. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The results showed that there was a significant main effect for the mode of illustration on pupils’ achievement in phonics F(1,153) = 21.315, p=.000; there was no significant main effect of gender F(1,153) = 1.082, p =.300, and there was no significant interaction effect of mode of illustration and gender F(1,153) = .701, p =.404. The study recommended that since the children-generated illustrations were more effective in teaching phonics and enhancing pupils achievement in phonics, the Ministries of Education should ensure that textbook authors incorporate children-generated illustrations in the instructional materials for pupils in primary schools. Mode of illustration had no differential effects on male and female pupils achievement in phonics. As such the present system of teaching both males and females in the same class should be encouraged. Authors and publishers of children’s books should engage pupils’ in illustrating their books.
Decreased Incidence of Michigan Emergency Department Visits for Febrile Neutropenia Observed After Public Health Measures for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Baracy Michael , Hagglund Karen , Corey Logan
Published: December 2021

Importance: Masking and social distancing appear to decrease the of febrile neutropenia in susceptible populations, especially among patients with hematologic malignancies.Objective: To determine whether COVID-19 infection mitigation efforts, namely masking and social distancing, results in a reduction in the incidence of febrile neutropenia.Design: This was a retrospective cohort study comparing the incidence of FN in the 13 months prior to (Year 0) and 13 months following (Year 1) the public health executive orders (PHEO) in Michigan. Data voluntarily submitted by Michigan emergency departments to the National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP) was queried for all ED visits from April 1st, 2019 to March 31st, 2021.Setting: Population based study.Participants: A population-based sample of patients who reported to a Michigan emergency department and on whom data was captured.Intervention(s): Population based masking and social distancing.Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s): The primary study outcome was the incidence of FN as a proportion of emergency visits in the 13-months before and after COVID-19 mitigations efforts, namely masking and social distancing. We hypothesized that there would be a significant decrease in the incidence of FN in the period following the public health executive orders aimed at reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.Results: There was a total of 8,979,221 total ED visits captured during the study period. In Year 0 there were 5,073,081 recorded ED visits and 3,906,140 in Year 1, a decrease of 23%. There was a significant reduction in the proportion of total ED visits with a diagnosis of FN, decreasing 13.3% across periods (0.15% vs. 0.13%, p=0.036). In patients with a hematologic malignancy the incidence of FN was significantly lower in the period following PHEO (22% vs 17%, p=0.02, Table 2).Conclusions and Relevance: Our study found a significant association between social distancing and mask guidelines implemented on a large public scale with decreased rates of FN, particularly in those with a hematologic malignancy. These findings may be useful in the design of clinical trials as well as informing future recommendations for the prevention of FN.
Patient Reported Urinary Incontinence and Sexual Impotency Following Multimodality Radical Therapy for Prostate Cancer: An Untold Story of Compound Toxicity?
Authors: Haisraely Ori , Lawrence Yaacov Richard , Lewin Ron , Kaidar-Person Orit , Weiss Ilana , Zimlichman Eyal , Berger Raanan , Symon Zvi
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To evaluate urinary continence and sexual potency following radical prostatectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy.Materials/Methods: Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) surveys of patients with localized prostate cancer treated with surgery followed by adjuvant/salvage pelvic radiotherapy (S+RT) were analyzed. A control cohort was primary radiotherapy (RT). Reverse "bifecta" was defined as a score less than 60 in both incontinence and sexual domains. Superior urinary function was defined as a score above 90. The clinically important difference was calculated using a distribution approach.Results: Surveys at least 1 year after treatment were available for 130 S+RT and 374 RT patients. For S+RT vs. RT, the mean urinary incontinence score was 68 [6.25 -100] versus 86.4 [CI-95 39.5-100] (p<0.001), confirming 6.5 points of clinically significant difference. The adjusted odds ratio for superior urinary function was 2.67 (1.7-4.1, p<0.001) for primary radiotherapy. The odds ratio of having both poor urinary and sexual performance (reverse " bifecta") was 0.29 in RT arm (0.14-0.58, p<0.001) when adjusted for age and Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) , group risk stratification, comorbidities and smoking status.Conclusion: In this cross sectional study, Surgery with adjuvant/salvage RT was associated with significantly worse patient reported urinary continence outcomes at 1-year post treatment, lower odds of achieving perfect urinary continence and a threefold risk of reverse ‘bifecta’ with inferior urinary continence and sexual performance. Longitudinal studies of evolving toxicity are required to validate these findings. Patients referred for surgery with a high probability of requiring adjuvant or salvage radiotherapy should be informed regarding the potential composite toxicity of both surgery and radiotherapy.
Effect of Intrauterine Administration of Seminal Plasma for Patients with Recurrent Implantation Failure Before FET: Study Protocol for a Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: CUI ling , Wang Fang , Lin Yonghong
Published: December 2021

Background: To assess the effect of intrauterine administration of seminal plasma for patients with recurrent implantation failure before frozen-thawed embryo transfer. Methods: Trial design: This is a parallel group, randomized (1:1 allocation ratio) controlled trial.Participants: All patients will be recruited from Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital. Inclusion criteria: 1. Women after IVF/ICSI treatment in Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital. 2.Infertile women with a history of recurrent implantation failure. 3.Infertile couples (both male and female) aged between 20 and 39 years;4. Couples who have at least 1 good quality embryos for transfer. 5. Males had negative in infectious disease test. 6. The males have semen. 7. Women who intend to undergo FET after IVF or ICSI or pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). 8. Competent and able to give informed consent. Intervention and comparator: Treatment group receiving intrauterine administration of seminal plasma before frozen-thawed embryo transfer. Main outcomes: Clinical pregnancy after frozen-thawed embryo transfer. Randomisation: Patients will be randomly allocated to either treatment or control group at 1:1 ratio. Random numbers will be generated by using software SPSS 25.0 performed by an independent statistician from Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital. Blinding (masking): Only the data analyst will be blinded to group assignment. Numbers to be randomised (sample size): To account for a 10% dropout rate, we will recruit 174 patients (87 in each group). Trial status: The date of approval is 31rd May 2021, version 2.0. Recruitment started on 1rd June and is expected to end in July 2022. Discussion: Intrauterine administration of seminal plasma before frozen-thawed embryo transfer of patients with recurrent implantation failure may improve clinical pregnancy rate, it has great Page 2 of 14 significance for assisted reproduction. Trial registration: The study protocol has been approved by the ethics committees at Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital. The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100046803. Registered on 28 May 2021.
Multicast Scaling in Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks for Security and Time Efficiency
Authors: Vankdothu Ramdas , Abdul Hameed Mohd , Husnah Fatima , Akkala Subbarao
Published: December 2021

Heterogeneous wireless sensor networks (HWSNs) satisfy researchers' requirements for developing real-world solutions that handle unattended challenges. However, the primary constraint of researchers is the privacy of the sensor nodes. It safeguards the sensor nodes and extensions in the HWSNs. Therefore, it is necessary to develop secure operational systems. Multicast scaling with security and time efficiency is described in heterogeneous wireless sensor networks to maximize network performance while also successfully protecting network privacy. This study evaluates the initial security and time efficiency measures, such as execution time, transmission delay, processing delay, congestion level, and trust measure. Subsequently, the optimal location of the heterogeneous nodes is determined using sigmoid-based fuzzy c-means clustering. Finally, successful cluster routing was achieved via support-value-based particle swarm optimization. The experimental results indicate that the proposed strategy surpasses existing strategies in terms of network delivery ratio, end-to-end delay, throughput, packet delivery, and node remaining energy level.
Case Reports On The Multimodal Management of Refractory Chronic Oncological Pain of The Chest Wall: The Use of The Spinal Erector Plane Neurolysis
Authors: Cardenas John , Vargas-Silva Juan Felipe , Ramirez Alejandro
Published: December 2021

Chronic pain of oncological origin is one of the most frequent complications and is difficult to control, that results in a decrease in the quality of life and disability among patients suffering from this pathology. Primary or metastatic tumors originating from lung, colonic, or breast neoplasms can invade the chest wall, causing progressive respiratory pain and symptoms that require multiple interventions to achieve adequate control. Many of these cases presenting with advanced-stage cancer are often incurable; thus, pain management and palliative care are primary objectives. Multimodal management is the strategy of choice in these cases through the participation of a multidisciplinary team. Analgesic therapy covers the use of potent opioids, opioid rotation, adjuvant analgesics, and interventional pain management strategies. We report two cases of chronic oncological pain of the chest wall refractory to pharmacological analgesic management. The optimization of multimodal management and the performance of neurolysis by phenolization of the erector spinae plane achieved an adequate response.
Identification of RHD allelic variants discovered by atypical typing results on the NEO/Echo platforms
Authors: Hudgins J.P. , Matsushita C. , Tuma C.W. , O’Brien L. , Shulman I.A.
Published: December 2021

Some individuals are at risk of anti-D alloimmunization if they inherit D antigens that are qualitatively and/or quantitatively different than wild-type D. We hypothesized that patients who showed serologically inconsistent, weak, or historically discordant D typing results by microplate direct agglutination (MDA) on NEO or Echo (Immucor, Norcross, GA) might be at risk of carrying RHD allelic variants. The present study was designed to evaluate patients with RHD allelic variants if they presented with weakly reactive D typing results on the NEO or Echo. Patients were selected for RHD genotyping if their specimens showed weak reactivity with either series 4 or series 5 anti-D typing reagent, if the strength of reactivity was ≤1+ on the NEO or Echo, or if historical or current D typing results were discordant with current results. Patients selected for RHD genotyping were also tested by saline tube testing using the same anti-D series 4 and 5 reagents. Genotyping was performed by the Immucor genotyping laboratory in Warren, NJ. Of 80 patients whose samples met study inclusion, 52 (65.0%) were found to have RHD allelic variants. Sixteen patients (20.0%) expressed possible Ceppellini effect reactivity. Most importantly, 51.25 percent of the patients who presented with weakly reactive D typing results by MDA testing on the NEO (≤1+) or Echo (≤1+) had RHD allelic variants that were associated with the potential for anti-D alloimmunization. Laboratories that use MDA testing on the Neo or Echo for D typing should consider that female patients of childbearing age might be at risk of anti-D alloimmunization if they are classified as D+ based on weakly reactive D typing results.