bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information Flow to Increase Support for Tidal Energy Development in Remote Islands of a Developing Country: Agent-Based Simulation of Information Flow in Flores Timur Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Ramachandran Rohit , Kularathna A. H. T. Shyam , Matsuda Hirotaka , Takagi Ken
Published: March 2021

BackgroundPublic awareness is crucial for successful deployment of tidal energy, a renewable energy source that can provide clean electricity to remote islands. However, considering public attitudes on tidal energy are not well known, especially in developing countries, a barrier exists in implementing public engagement strategies. This study aims to contribute by identifying strategies for information provision – the initial step in public engagement – and estimate how these can be engaged to enhance support for tidal energy among the local public in a remote area of a developing country, in this case, Flores Timur Regency, Indonesia, considering their socio-cultural background.MethodsIn this paper we employ statistical analyses using Multinomial Probit modelling to identify the key variables that shape information flow. The aptness of the variables is then verified using post-estimation techniques for their use as input parameters for simulation of the information-flow in the field study area. Agent-Based Simulation (ABS) is employed to replicate the actual conditions in Flores Timur regency, Indonesia and simulate the flow of information through the local community.ResultsAccording to the Multinomial Probit estimations, the people belonging to the top hierarchical group show a higher probability to support tidal energy compared to the members belonging to the lower groups. Understandably, it takes around twice as many information flow cycles to disseminate information to the members of the lowest hierarchical group, compared to the members of the top hierarchical group. Results also show that increasing the amount of available information has a positive impact on information dissemination.ConclusionsThis study found that information provision is highly effective with propagation of information that specifically highlights the individual benefits, rather than the community benefits of tidal energy. Additionally, savings in terms of cost, time, and effort can be realized if the most influential members of the local community are targeted initially before including all other stakeholders. The study also found that locals absorb more information and increase their support for tidal energy when additional data is made available. Finally, albeit long-term strategy, information provision becomes most effective when the local population gains higher educational capabilities.
Escherichia coli harboring mcr-1 on a Novel Plasmid in a Mink
Authors: Chang Weishan , Wang Xinxing , Peng Jun
Published: March 2021

Background: Antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli from mink can be transmitted to human through water environment. Therefore, it is necessary to routinely detect the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes of mink. Methods: In the current study, we described the characterization of an mcr-1-positive Escherichia coli isolate from a dead mink in Dongping Lake, China. The molecular characterization of plasmids was also investigated. Results: The strain was resistant to colistin, but it remained susceptible to several other agents, including amikacin, piperacillin-tazobactam and all carbapenems. Escherichia coli Mink_1 belonged to sequence type 140. Whole genome sequencing(WGS) showed that two plasmid, pM1mcr and pM1ctx, coexisted in the same bacterial. Blast and phylogenetic tree imply that epidemic plasmids are vehicles for the dissemination of colistin resistance genes among the Enterobacterale. Conclusion: Restrictive and rational use of antibiotics in animal husbandry should be taken to reduce the dissemination of mcr-1.
Determinants of Diarrheal Diseases among Under Five Children in Jimma Geneti District, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, 2020: a case-control study
Authors: Mosisa Dejene , Aboma Mecha , Girma Teka , Shibru Abera
Published: March 2021

Background: Globally, in 2017, there are nearly 1.7 billion cases of childhood diarrheal diseases and it is the second most important cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children in low-income countries including Ethiopia. Sanitary conditions, Poor housing, unhygienic environment, inadequate safe water supply, cohabitation with domestic animals that may carry human pathogens, and lack of storage facilities for food combining with socio-economic and behavioral factors are the common determinates of diarrhea diseases and had a large impact on diarrhea incidence in most of the developing countries Methods: A Community-based unmatched case-control study design was conducted on 407 systematically sampled under-five children of Jimma Geneti District (135 with diarrhea and 272 without diarrhea) from May 01 to 30, 2020. Data was collected using an interview administered questionnaire and observational checklist adapted from the WHO/UNICEF core questionnaire and other related literature. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis were done by using SPSS version 20.0 Result: Socio-demographic determinants such as being a child of 12-23 months age (AOR 3.3, 95% CI 1.68-6.46) and parents/legal guardian’s history of diarrheal diseases (AOR 7.38, 95% CI 3.12-17.44) were significantly associated with diarrheal diseases among under-five children. Environmental and Behavioral factors such as unavailability of handwashing facility nearby latrine (AOR 5.22, 95% CI 3.94-26.49), lack of hand-washing practice at critical times (AOR 10.6, 95% CI 3.74-29.81), improper domestic solid waste disposal practice (AOR 2.68, 95% CI 1.39-5.18) and not vaccinated against rotavirus (AOR 2.45, 95% CI 1.25-4.81) were found important determinants of diarrheal diseases among under-five children. Conclusion: Unavailability of hand-washing facility nearby latrine, parent’s/legal guardian’s history of last two weeks diarrheal diseases, improper latrine utilization, lack of hand-washing practice at critical times, improper solid waste disposal practices, and rotavirus vaccination status were the determinants of diarrheal diseases among under-five children identified in this study. Thus, promoting households through the provision of continuous and modified health information on the importance of sanitation, personal hygiene as well as vaccination against rotavirus, which is fundamental to decrease the burden of diarrheal disease among under-five children.
Influence of severity of total bile acids and mode of delivery on the perinatal outcomes in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Authors: Kong Chengcai , Mei Fenglin , Xue Pingping , Cao Jingyun , Li Yong , Dong Yishan
Published: March 2021

To assess the associations between mode of delivery and pregnancy outcomes in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) based on the severity of maternal hypercholanemia. A hospital-based retrospective cohort study was performed between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019. Among the 177 women with mild total bile acids, 123 (69.5%) had a vaginal delivery and 54 (30.5%) underwent a cesarean delivery, of which 42 (23.7%) were planned and 12 (6.8%) were unplanned. Among the 50 severe ICP women, 13 (26.0%) had a vaginal delivery and 37 (74.0%) underwent a cesarean delivery, of which 26 (52.0%) were planned and 11 (22.0%) were unplanned. Severe ICP was associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery (P < 0.001), low birthweight (P=0.001), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (P < 0.001). Women with severe ICP (aOR, 5.017; 95% CI 1.848–13.622), planned cesarean delivery (aOR, 5.444; 95%CI 1.723–17.203), or unplanned cesarean delivery (aOR, 5.792; 95%CI 1.384–24.236) had increased risks of adverse fetal outcomes compared to controls. Both planned and unplanned cesarean delivery are associated with a higher incidence of adverse fetal outcomes and severe ICP than vaginal delivery.
Functional and anatomical characterization of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor subtypes of the rat spinal cord involved in somatic pain relief
Authors: Mousa Shaaban A. , Shaqura Mohammed , Khalefa Baled , Li Li , Al-madol Mohammed , Treskatsch Sascha , Schäfer Michael
Published: March 2021

Background: Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) orchestrates our body’s response to stressful stimuli. Pain is often stressful and counterbalanced by activation of CRF receptors along the nociceptive pathway, although the involvement of the CRF receptors of subtypes 1 and/or 2 (CRF-R1 and CRF-R2, respectively) in CRF-induced analgesia remains controversial.Methods: This study aimed to examine CRF-R1 and CRF-R2 expression within spinal cord of rats with Freund’s complete adjuvant-induced hindpaw inflammation using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, radioligand binding, and immunofluorescence confocal analysis, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and radioligand binding. Moreover, paw pressure algesiometry examined antinociceptive effects of intrathecal (i.t.) CRF and their possible antagonism through CRF-R1 and/or CRF-R2 selective antagonists as well as opioid receptor antagonist naloxone.Results: Our results demonstrated mainly CRF-R2 mRNA, protein, binding sites and immunoreactivity in dorsal horn of rat spinal cord. In parallel, i.t. low, systemically inactive doses of CRF as well as CRF-R2 agonists elicited potent antinociceptive effects which are dose-dependent and antagonized exclusively by i.t. CRF-R2 (K41498), but not CRF-R1 (NBI35965) antagonist. Moreover, i.t. CRF elicited inhibition of somatic pain that was dose-dependently reversed by the opioid antagonist naloxone. Consistently, double immunofluorescence confocal microscopy showed CRF-R2 on enkephalin (ENK) containing inhibitory interneurons in close opposition of incoming, mu-opioid receptor-immunoreactive nociceptive neurons but not on pre- nor on postsynaptic sensory neurons of the spinal cord.Conclusion: Taken together, these findings suggest that i.t. CRF or CRF-R2 agonist inhibits inflammatory somatic pain which occurs most predominantly through CRF-R2 receptors located on spinal enkephalinergic inhibitory interneurons resulting in endogenous opioid-mediated pain inhibition.
Lycopene Supresses Palmitic acid-induced Neuro-oxidoinflammation via Attenuation of Oxidative stress and NF-κB-p65 activation in Female Rats
Authors: Ugbaja Regina Ngozi , James Adewale Segun , Ugwor Emmanuel Ifeanyichukwu , Akamo Adio Jamiu , Thomas Funmilola Clara , Kosoko Ayokulehin Muse
Published: March 2021

Neuroinflammation can be triggered by certain nutrients. Effect of lycopene against palmitic acid-induced neuroinflammation in female rats has not been explored. This study evaluated the effects of lycopene against palmitic acid (PA)-induced neuroinflammation in rats. Thirty rats (weighing 150–200 g) were randomised into six groups (n = 5): Normal control, PA control, PA + lycopene (0.24 mg/kg), PA + lycopene (0.48 mg/kg), lycopene (0.24 mg/kg), and lycopene (0.48 mg/kg), respectively. After seven weeks of PA challenge including two weeks of lycopene treatment, brain was excised for analyses. The PA-induced significantly (p < 0.05) increased adenosine deaminase, monoamine oxidase-A, nucleotides tri-phosphatase, 5’-nucleotidasea, acetylcholine esterase, myeloperoxidase activities, and malondialdehyde level, reduced significantly post-treatment. Conversely, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, and reduced glutathione levels decreased (PA control) by 43%, 34%, and 12%, respectively, compared with the Control. Also, PA triggered a decrease in the brain phospholipids (11.43%) and cholesterol (11.11%) levels, but increased triacylglycerol level (50%). Furthermore, upregulated expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, and NF-ĸB-p65 in the PA control were attenuated, while decreased IL-10 was upregulated after treatment. Severe vacuolation in PA control was normalized by lycopene. This study concludes that, lycopeneameliorated PA-induced neuroinflammation, probably via attenuation of oxidative stress, and downregulation of TLR4/ NF-κB -p65 axis.
Nasal HFOV Versus Nasal IPPV as a Post Extubation Respiratory Support in Preterm Infants - a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Seth Soutrik , Saha Bijan , Saha Anindya Kumar , Mukherjee Suchandra , Hazra Avijit
Published: March 2021

Early and successful extubation prevents several morbidities in preterm newborns. Several secondary noninvasive respiratory modalities exists but with their merits and demerits. Given the superior respiratory efficacy of nasal high frequency oscillatory ventilation (nHFOV), we tried to examine whether nHFOV could reduce reintubation rates compared to nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) during the postextubation phase in preterm infants. Stratified randomisation based on gestational age was done for 86 mechanically ventilated preterm infants between 26 - 37 weeks of gestation within 2 weeks of age, to receive either nHFOV or NIPPV post extubation. The main objective was to compare extubation failure within 72 hours following extubation and secondarily feed intolerance, necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) (> stage 2), hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA), intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) (> grade 3), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), death, hospital stay duration. No statistical difference was noted for primary outcome ( RR 0.8, 95% CI: 0.23 to 2.78; p = 1.00 ) and secondary outcomes . However nHFOV appeared superior in respect to feed tolerance rates, pCO2 washout and hospital stay duration. Conclusion: Extubation failure within 72 hours in infants less than 37 weeks of gestation did not differ between the two groups. However nHFOV seems promising in reducing enteral feeding issues and hospital stay duration . Larger multicentre studies are required for exploring benefits of nHFOV. Trial registration: www.ctri.nic.in id CTRI/2019/07/020055, registration date July 5, 2019
Free-living Turning Rather Than Gait Differentiates People with Chronic Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from Controls
Authors: Powell Dylan , Godfrey Alan , Parrington Lucy , Campbell Kody R. , King Laurie A. , Stuart Samuel
Published: March 2021

Background: Physical function remains a crucial component of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) assessment and recovery. Traditional approaches to assess mTBI lack sensitivity to subtle deficits post-injury, which can impact quality of life, daily function and can lead to chronic issues. Inertial measurement units (IMU) provide an objective alternative for measuring physical function of gait and turning and can be used in any environment. Our recent work has found that turning quality is more sensitive than the quantity of physical activity when comparing chronic mTBI and healthy controls. However, no studies have compared the quality of free-living gait and turning characteristics concurrently in chronic mTBI and healthy controls. This study aimed to determine whether free-living gait or turning is more sensitive in differentiating chronic mTBI from controls.Methods: Thirty-two people with chronic self-reported balance symptoms after mTBI (age: 40.88 ± 11.78 years, median days post injury: 440.68 days) and 23 healthy controls (age: 48.56 ± 22.56 years) were assessed for ~7 days using a single IMU at the waist on a belt. Free-living gait and turning characteristics were evaluated for chronic mTBI and controls using multi-variate analysis. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and Area Under the Curve (AUC) analysis were used to determine outcome sensitivity to chronic mTBI.Results: Free-living gait characteristics were not different in chronic mTBI and controls (all p>0.05). In contrast, all but two (number of turns and average velocity CV) free-living turning characteristics were significantly different between chronic mTBI and controls, whilst controlling for age and sex (Bonferroni adjusted p<0.002). The chronic mTBI group had larger turn angles and longer turn durations compared to controls. ROC and AUC analysis showed turn duration (AUC = 0.92) was the most sensitive measure for differentiating chronic mTBI from controls. Conclusions: Results show that turning rather than gait characteristics were significantly different between chronic mTBI and controls, with turn duration being the most sensitive measure. These results suggest turning is a suitable surrogate biomarker to assess and monitor chronic mTBI.
Intravital imaging of real-time endogenous actin dysregulation in proximal and distal tubules at the onset of severe ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Corridon Peter R. , Karam Shurooq H. , Khraibi Ali A. , Khan Anousha A. , Alhashmi Mohamed A.
Published: March 2021

Severe renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) can lead to acute and chronic kidney dysfunction. Cytoskeletal modifications are among the main effects of this condition. The majority of studies that have contributed to the current understanding of IRI have relied on histological analyses using exogenous probes after the fact. Here we report the successful real-time visualization of actin cytoskeletal alterations in live proximal and distal tubules that arise at the onset of severe IRI. To achieve this, we induced fluorescent actin expression in these segments in rats with hydrodynamic gene delivery (HGD). Using intravital two-photon microscopy we then tracked and quantified endogenous actin dysregulation that occurred by subjecting these animals to 60 minutes of bilateral renal ischemia. Rapid (by 1-hour post-reperfusion) and significant (up to 50%) declines in actin content were observed. The decline in fluorescence within proximal tubules was significantly greater than that observed in distal tubules. Actin-based fluorescence was not recovered during the measurement period extending 24 hours post-reperfusion. Such injury decimated the renal architecture, in particular, actin brush borders, and hampered the reabsorptive and filtrative capacities of these tubular compartments. Thus, for the first time, we show that the combination of HGD and intravital microscopy can serve as an experimental tool to better understand how IRI modifies the cytoskeleton in vivo and provide an extension to current histopathological techniques.
Glaciochemistry and pigment producing ability of bacteria from roof of the world, the glaciers of Karakoram, Pakistan
Authors: Hassan Noor , Rafiq Muhammad , Haleem Abdul , Shah Aamir Ali , Hasan Fariha
Published: March 2021

The Karakoram Mountain Range (KMR) is one of the largest mountain ranges in the world, with ~ 37% of its area glaciated. Here, we present the geochemistry of ice, sediment and meltwaters sampled from Ghulmet, Ghulkin and Hopar glaciers of the Karakoram Range, Pakistan, in addition to the first information on the diversity of pigmented bacteria evaluated using culture-dependent techniques. Geochemical analyses revealed Ca2+ and SO42− to be the most abundant cation and anion species across all glacial samples, respectively. Total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) were found in the sediments of all glaciers studied in current research. Bacterial species were capable of producing a variety of different pigments, including alloxanthin, astaxanthin, bacterioruberin, β-carotene, 19'-hexanoyloxyfucoxanthin, peridinin, violacein and zeaxanthin. Culturable bacterial diversity was studied using two molecular biomarkers, 16S rRNA and rpoB gene, with a total of 82 bacterial strains representing 25 genera identified across all glacial samples. This study provides the first characterization of glacier-associated, pigment-producing bacterial communities from the KMR. Findings are important for considerations of alternative sources of conventional pigment production in industrial fields.
Comparisons of neurotrophic effects of mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue, bone marrow, and cranial bone on chronic spinal cord injury
Authors: Otsuka Takashi , Maeda Yuyo , Kurose Tomoyuki , Nakagawa Kei , Mitsuhara Takafumi , Kawahara Yumi , Kurisu Kaoru , Yuge Louis
Published: March 2021

Background

Cell-based therapies with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered as promising strategies for spinal cord injury (SCI). MSCs have unique characteristics due to difference in the derived tissues. However, relatively few studies have focused on differences in the therapeutic effects of MSCs derived from different tissues. Here, the therapeutic effects of adipose tissue-derived MSCs (aMSCs), bone marrow-derived MSCs (bMSCs), and cranial bone-derived MSCs (cMSCs) on chronic SCI model rats were compared.
Methods

MSCs were established from adipose tissue, bone marrow, and cranial bone collected. Neurotrophic factor expression of each MSC type was analyzed by real-time PCR. SCI rats were established with the weight-drop method and transplanted intravenously with MSCs at 4 weeks after SCI. Hind-limb motor function was evaluated from before injury to 4 weeks after transplantation. Endogenous neurotrophic factor and neural repair factor expression in spinal cord (SC) tissue were examined by real-time PCR and western blot analyses. Furthermore, the neurotrophic effects (i.e., neurite formation and elongation) of each MSC type were verified by co-culture with NG108-15 neural cells.
Results

Although there were no differences in the expression levels of cell surface markers and multipotency, expression of Bdnf, Ngf, and Sort1 (Nt-3) was relatively higher in cMSCs. Transplantation of cMSCs improved motor function of chronic SCI model rats. Although there was no difference in the degree of engraftment of transplanted cells in the injured SC tissue, transplantation of cMSCs enhanced Bdnf, TrkB, and Gap-43 mRNA expression and synaptophysin protein expression in injured SC tissue. In vitro, cMSCs co-cultured with NG108-15 cells promoted neurite formation and elongation.
Conclusion

As compared with MSCs derived other tissues, cMSCs highly express many neurotrophic factors which improved motor function in chronic SCI model rats by promoting endogenous neurotrophic and neural plasticity factors. These results suggest the efficacy of cMSCs in cell-based therapy for chronic SCI.
Effect of COVID-19 on Kawasaki Disease: Decrease Age of Onset and Increase Skin Manifestation
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Hossein , Mortazavi Negar , Salehi Alireza , Fatemian Hossein , Dehghani Seyed Mohsen , Vardanjani Hossein Molavi
Published: March 2021

Kawasaki Disease (KD) is most common childhood vasculitis and cause of acquired heart disease for no apparent reason. There is some evidence indicating infectious agents as possible triggers for KD. During the COVID-19 pandemic, vasculitis has been a presentation of COVID-19 in children.ObjectiveWe performed this study to assess the association between KD and COVID-19.Methods and MaterialsWe evaluated KD hospitalized children during February to September 2020 for COVID-19 (group one) and compared their demographic, clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic findings with KD patients from the same period time in 2019 (group two). We also compared the same data in COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative KD patients in 2020 pandemic period.ResultsSixty eight percent of group one KD patients were positive for COVID-19 during the pandemic period. KD Age of onset in the group one was lower than group two (4.38 years VS 5.5 years, P-value= 0.044). There was no difference in the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic features of the patients during and before the COVID-19 pandemic (p-value > 0.05). Moreover, Comparing COVID-19 positive and negative patients, the incidence of rash was higher within COVID-19 positive cases (p<0.05), and coronary artery abnormalities were more prevalent in COVID-19 negative cases (p < 0.05).ConclusionAdmission rate of KD does not have significant difference during the COVID-19 pandemic but 68% of KD admitted patient were COVID-19 positive. Age of onset for KD during the COVID-19 pandemic was lower and skin manifestation was higher than the same period time in last year.
Simultaneous Supraclavicular Lymph Node Transfer and Lymphovenous Anastomosis for the Surgical Treatment of End-Stage Lymphedema
Authors: Moon Kyung-Chul , Yoon In-Jae
Published: March 2021

BackgroundVarious surgical options are available to treat lymphedema, such as direct excisional debulking surgery, suction-assisted lipectomy debulking, lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA), and vascularized lymph node transplantation (VLNT). However, no studies have addressed simultaneous surgery with both LVA and VLNT for patients with advanced-stage lymphedema. Case Presentation A 72-year-old female with bilateral lower extremity lymphedema refractory to nonsurgical management was admitted to our lymphedema clinic. This patient had a history of lymphoma and treated with radiotherapy on right inguinal area 26 years ago. Interestingly, the patient developed lymphedema on both the right and left lower extremities although she had radiotherapy on her right inguinal area. The patient underwent simultaneous vascularized lymph node transfer and lymphovenous anastomosis for treatment of end-stage lymphedema. Significant reduction in circumference and volume of lower extremity was achieved following simultaneous vascularized lymph node transfer and lymphonvenous anastomosis Conclusion The authors recommend simultaneous VLNT and LVA surgeries as the first treatment option for patients with end-stage lymphedema.
The Use of Ondansetron for the Treatment of Nausea in Dogs With Vestibular Syndrome
Authors: Foth S. , Meller S. , Kenward H. , Elliot J. , Pelligand L. , Volk H. A.
Published: March 2021

Background: Vestibular syndrome is often accompanied by nausea. Drugs currently approved for its treatment have been developed to stop vomiting but not nausea. The efficacy of 5‑HT3 receptor antagonists to reduce nausea has been described for chemotherapy, but not for nausea secondary to vestibular disorders.Methods: Sixteen dogs with vestibular syndrome-associated nausea were included in the open-label, multicentric study. The intensity of nausea-like behaviour was analysed before ondansetron administration (0.5 mg/kg i.v.) and 2 h afterwards, using a validated 5-point-scale. The occurrence and frequency of salivation, lip licking, restlessness, vocalisation, lethargy, and vomiting were assessed.Results: All dogs initially showed signs of nausea, whereas only 31% showed vomitus. The intensity of nausea was significantly reduced in all dogs (p≤0.0001) 2 h after ondansetron administration, including the clinical signs of nausea analysed in 11 dogs (salivation [p=0.0078], lip licking [p=0.0078], restlessness [p=0.0039], and lethargy [p=0.0078]) except for vocalisation (p>0.9999).Conclusion: The results provide preliminary evidence of the potential benefit of ondansetron in the treatment of nausea, which was present in all examined dogs. Vomiting was only observed in 5 dogs indicating that nausea can occur separately and should not be perceived only as a preceding stimulation of the vomiting centre.
Novel homozygous mutations in Pakistani families with recessive Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
Authors: Kanwal Sumaira , Choi Yu Jin , Lim Si On , Choi Hee Ji , Park Jin Hee , Nuzhat Rana , khan Aneela , Perveen Shazia , Choi Byung-Ok , Chung Ki Wha
Published: March 2021

Background

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a group of genetically and clinically heterogeneous peripheral nervous disorders. Few studies have identified genetic causes in the Pakistani CMT patients.
Methods

This study was performed to identify pathogenic mutations in five consanguineous Pakistani CMT families negative for PMP22 duplication. Genomic screening was performed by application of whole exome sequencing
Results

We identified five pathogenic or likely pathogenic homozygous mutations in four genes: c.2599C > T (p.Gln867*) and c.3650G > A (p.Gly1217Asp) in SH3TC2, c.19C > T (p.Arg7*) in HK1, c.247delG (p.Gly83Alafs*44) in REEP1, and c.334G > A (p.Val112Met) in MFN2. All the mutations were not reported in the CMT patients. Mutations in the SH3TC2, HK1, REEP1, and MFN2 have been reported to be implicated to CMT4C, CMT4G, dHMN5B (DSMA5B), and CMT2A, respectively. The genotype-phenotype correlations were confirmed in all the examined families. We also confirmed that both alleles from the homozygous variants were originated from a single founder using homozygosity mapping.
Conclusions

This study found five novel mutations as the underlying causes of CMT. Pathogenic mutations in SH3TC2, HK1, and REEP1 have been reported rarely in other populations, suggesting ethnic-specific distribution. This study will be useful for the exact molecular diagnosis and treatment in the Pakistani CMT patients.
Carvacrol attenuates amikacin-induced nephrotoxicity in the rat
Authors: Dost Atta Mohammad , Gunata Mehmet , Ozhan Onural , Yildiz Azibe , Vardi Nigar , Tunc Selahattin , Cigremis Yilmaz , Duman Ahmet Sefa , Colak Cemil , Parlakpinar Hakan
Published: March 2021

Amikacin (AK) is frequently used in the treatment of gram-negative and some gram-positive infections. However, its use is limited due to nephrotoxicity due to the increase in reactive oxygen radicals. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of carvacrol (CAR) against AK-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Thirty-two Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups as control (Vehicle), AK (400 mg/kg), CAR + AK (80 mg/kg CAR + 400 mg/kg AK), and AK + CAR (400 mg/kg AK + 80 mg/kg CAR) groups. AK and CAR were administered via intramuscular and per-oral for 7 days, respectively. Blood and kidney tissue samples were taken at the end of the experiment. Renal function and histopathological changes were compared, and the relevant parameters of oxidative stress and inflammation were detected. Histopathological findings (necrotic changes and dilatation and inflammatory cell infiltration) significantly increased in the AK group compared to the control group. Also, the rats in the AK group lost weight significantly. It was found that CAR treatment before and after AK significantly improved nephrotoxicity histopathologically (p < 0.05). However, this improvement was not detected biochemically. These results show that CAR treatment before and after AK improves nephrotoxicity in the histopathological level.
Empower Saving Energy into Smart Communities using Social Products with a Gamification Structure for Tailored Human-Machine Interfaces within Smart Homes
Authors: Méndez Juana Isabel , Ponce Pedro , Meier Alan , Peffer Therese , Mata Omar , Molina Arturo
Published: March 2021

Residential buildings can contribute to save energy and to decrement electricity consumption in the world. On the other hand, the Internet of Things has allowed the implementation of smart homes that can profile the users. Nevertheless, end-users are not accepting the smart homes due to behavioral problems and usability problems with the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) or with the household appliances. As a solution, social products promote the interaction between the smart home and the consumer by including gamification features in the interface. Thus, smart homes can interact and compete with other houses to reduce energy consumption. Therefore, this paper proposes a three-step framework that takes advantage of social products to promote interaction between smart homes within a smart community to reduce electrical energy consumption. The first step collects from the literature review, the characteristics of the end-users, the behavioral and usability problems, and the most common gamification elements that teach, engage and motivate the user to reduce energy consumption. The second step proposes the gamification elements required for a tailored HMI in each social product and smart home through a fuzzy logic decision. The third step evaluates the interaction between social products in smart homes and the users to test which smart home is reducing more energy consumption. Finally, a three-level tailored gamified mock-up is depicted: level 1 for a single social product, level 2 for the smart home, and level three for the smart community. This mock-up can be implemented in small communities as residential complexes.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Secretory Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity: Report of Two Cases and Pooled Analysis of the Recent Literature
Authors: Ogawa Masaru , Yokoo Satoshi , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Suzuki Keisuke , Seki Mai , Shimizu Takahiro , Kurihara Jun , Makiguchi Takaya
Published: March 2021

Background: Secretory carcinoma (SC) is a malignancy of the salivary glands, which is similar to SC of the breast in terms of its association with neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) fusion-positive gene. SC is a recently described salivary gland tumor, and there are few reports describing oral minor salivary gland-derived SC. We reported two cases of SC in the oral cavity and reviewed the literature.Case presentation: The patients included a 65-year-old Japanese woman presented with a mass of the upper lip and an 84-year-old Japanese man presented with a mass on the buccal mucosa, respectively. Diagnosis was based on histomorphological and immunohistochemical findings and identification of a specific translocation of the ETS variant 6-neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (ETV6-NTRK3) gene fusion. Case 1 was finally diagnosed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples, while case 2 was diagnosed using fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. Conclusion: It is highly likely for many cases of SC to be initially diagnosed as acinic cell carcinoma (AciCC) owing to their similar histological findings. The treatment strategy for minor salivary gland-originated SC is the same as that for AciCC, but SC is often highly malignant and involves a high risk of cervical lymph node metastasis. Making an accurate diagnosis in cooperation with pathologists and confirming the presence of the ETV6-NTRK3 fusion gene using genetic analysis is important.
SGB Postconditioning Improves Intestinal Barrier Function by Inhibiting Autophagy in Conscious Rats Following Hemorrhagic Shock and Resuscitation
Authors: Li Zhong-Hua , Wang Wen-Di , Sun Qi , Suo Ting-Jiao , Zhai Jia-Yi , Du Hui-Bo , Zhao Zhen-Ao , Li Fu-Long , Niu Chun-Yu , Zhao Zigang
Published: March 2021

Background

Intestinal barrier dysfunction is the critical link of distant organ injury caused by hemorrhagic shock. The role of autophagy in ischemic intestinal injury has been paid more and more attention. Prophylactic treatment of stellate ganglion block (SGB) reduces intestinal barrier dysfunction induced by haemorrhagic shock. This study investigated the role of SGB post-processing on improved bowel barrier function and autophagy-related mechanisms of action after haemorrhagic shock.
Methods

The model of hemorrhagic shock in conscious rats was established, and the rats were treated with SGB, autophagy inhibitor 3- methyladenine (3-MA) at the time of fluid resuscitation. We detected the survival rate, intestinal loop blood flow, intestinal barrier permeability, intestinal morphology, wet/dry ratio (W/D), the intestinal barrier and autophagy marker proteins. Simultaneously, we also observed the effect of autophagy activator rapamycin (RAPA) on SGB.
Results

SGB postconditioning significantly prolonged the overall survival and enhanced survival rate of 72 hours in rats after hemorrhagic shock. SGB post-processing and 3-MA administration improved the intestinal morphology and intestinal permeability, increased the intestinal loop blood flow and expression of ZO1, Occludin and Claudin-1, and decreased the intestinal W/D and LC3 and Beclin-1 expressions, expected for increased P62. Meanwhile, RAPA partially inhibited the effect of SGB on above indices in haemorrhagic shock rats.
Conclusion

SGB postconditioning alleviates the intestinal barrier dysfunction caused by haemorrhagic shock, which is related to the inhibition of excessive autophagy.
Coherence transfer in two-pulse double quantum (DQ) and five-pulse double- quantum modulation (DQM) sequences in EPR: Orientation selectivity, structural sensitivity and distance measurements
Authors: Misra Sushil K. , Salahi Hamid Reza
Published: March 2021

Double-quantum (DQ) coherence transfers in two-pulse DQ and five-pulse DQM (double quantum modulation) EPR pulse sequences, utilized for orientation selectivity and distance measurements in biological systems using nitroxide biradicals, are investigated. Analytical expressions, along with numerical algorithms, for EPR signals are given in full details. Please see manuscript .pdf for full abstract.
Branched 2-amino-1,3-dicyanocyclopenta-1,3-diene
Authors: Ros Francisco
Published: March 2021

Reaction of 2-chloroisobutyrophenonewith two equivalents of malononitrile anion furnishes 2-amino-1,3-dicyano-5,5-dimethyl-4-phenylcyclopenta-1,3-diene. The cyclic compound represents the novel 2-amino-1,3-dicyanocyclopentadiene structure. The unique 1-cyano-2-amino-3-cyano arrangement in the cyclopentadiene brings about a strong polarization of the electronic configuration of the diene system that is conformed by two opposite dipolar halves. The polarized electronic configuration accounts for the extreme persistence manifested by the cyclopentadiene. The compound owns a vivid lemon-hued yellow color consequent to an unusually intense n ®p*absorption of a cyano group in the extensively conjugated compound. This is built up by consecutive one-pot reaction of two molecules of malononitrile carbanion and the ketonic substrate followed by a new tandem carbon-carbon cyclization with final elimination of cyanate ion.
Electrochemical Behavior of Unusual Dimeric Flavonoids Isolated from Fridericia platyphylla
Authors: do Nascimento Jessyane , Ribeiro Geyse , Serrano Silvia , de Lima Roberto , Tanaka Auro , da Silva Iranaldo , da Rocha Cláudia
Published: March 2021

Brazil has the greatest plant diversity on the planet, distributed in different types of biomes. These plants are important sources of biologically active natural products, which are derived from various drugs marketed worldwide. This paper presents an electrochemical study of three unusual dimeric flavonoids, pharmacologically active, isolated and identified for the first time by our research group, in a Brazilian plant (Fridericia platyphylla). The results showed that oxidation processes are favored at higher pH, and mass transport was controlled by diffusion. Brachydins derivatives, Bra-A was oxidized at the lowest potential value (0.48 V vs. Ag/AgCl, KCl(sat)) and Bra-B and Bra-C, presented the highest oxidation potentials (ca. 0.71 and ca. 0.57 V vs. Ag/AgCl, KCl(sat), respectively). This study shows that electrochemistry is one more tool that would help us focus on future bio-pharmacological investigations of these unusual compounds.
Research on halal tourism and hospitality: A bibliometric analysis
Authors:   National Research University Higher School of Economics, Shnyrkova Anna S. , Predvoditeleva Marina D. ,   National Research University Higher School of Economics, Reshetnikova Kira V. ,   National Research University Higher School of Economics
Published: March 2021

The main goal of the research is to identify the currently forming research problems in the area of halal tourism and hospitality which were reflected in the publications of international and Russian authors. The research design is based on the application of methods and tools of bibliometric analysis (Bibliometrix R-package and the “statistical reports”), word cloud formation method. As a result, sources with the largest number of publications were identified, leading research centres with the largest number of publications and citations of publications on this topic were determined as well as the evolutionary stages of priority research areas were pointed out. The limitations of the study are a limited number of publications on halal tourism represented in the Russian problem field. To this end, it is not possible to ensure the comparability of samples from Russian and foreign publications. Besides, due to the difference in the organization of international and Russian citation bases, there is a necessity to use different bibliometric analysis tools, which is also a limitation of the study. The research results provide an opportunity to compare the stages of development of halal tourism research in Russian and international academic literature to determine the place of the Russian studies within the global context.
Phraseological constructions preposition + noun in German and Slovak
Authors:   University of St.Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Ďurčo Peter
Published: March 2021

On the example of lexico-syntagmatic combinatorics of minimal phrases of the preposition + noun type, a new approach to the study of equivalence from the point of view regarding their collocability, aspects of use, and recurrent lexical expansion models based on large corpora in German in compariosn to Slovak is presented. A special type of German prepositional phrase (PP) with a zero or fossilized article is examined. The zero article or the fossilized article before the noun indicates a higher degree of lexicalization and is therefore of particular interest from the point of view of phraseology. Analysis of PP is primarily carried out in their usual language environment in authentic corpus data. The corpus data in the form of cooccurrence-profiles and recurrent lexical extensions are processed qualitatively from the point of typical reproducible lexical-semantic fields, for which a special lexpan program is used. This approach is used in parallel to find equivalence in the German-Slovak language pair. The article shows the reasons for the polyequivalence of this type of minimal phrases. Convergences and discrepancies between PP and their equivalents do not form clear disjunctive relationships. Factors affecting the equivalence of PP include the divergences of extensional or intensional semantics and the scattered inclusion of aspects of use, typical collocation profiles of the compared PP, and their recurrent extension models. In the German-Slovak comparison, the heterogeneous character of compatible verbs with special features in aspect and type of action also plays an important role. These analyses are evidence for our previous observations, which showed that the equivalent depends on the typical fixed, usual environment and the hypothesis of a proto typical equivalent in the case of PP raises serious doubts.
Money Makes the World Go ’Round: The pecuniary worldview of modern American proverbs
Authors:   University of Vermont, Mieder Wolfgang
Published: March 2021

No matter in what currency, money rules personal and financial life to a remarkable degree, and it is not surprising that international and national proverb collections contain a plethora of examples from antiquity to the modern age. Many monetary proverbs were coined in the United States with modern American proverbs reflecting this preoccupation with pecuniary issues quite distinctly. Based on about 110 such proverbs coined after the year 1900 it is shown that they contain folk wisdom regarding business, trade, sales, purchase, payment, price, etc. with money playing a dominant role. This can be seen as a reflection of a general American worldview or mentality stemming from the fact that capitalism is part of the social and economic structure of the country. The proverbs under discussion are from The Dictionary of Modern Proverbs (2012) edited by Charles Doyle, Wolfgang Mieder and Fred Shapiro. Some of the modern proverbs give solid financial advice, especially regarding investment in the stock market. While many of them indicate a definite preoccupation with materialistic matters and an interest in accumulating wealth, there are also proverbs that deal with such socio-economic aspects as the widening schism between richness and poverty. There can be no doubt that money and wealth in all their iterations are part of the American capitalist worldview. There are numerous other components to the image of a general American mentality, but business and finance certainly belong to it.
Vraag & Antwoord
Authors: van Aert M. , Mahu M. , Wydooghe E.
Published: March 2021

Behandeling van klauwletsels bij runderen
Brachyspira-infecties bij varkens
Oestrussuppressie bij de kat
Vraag & Antwoord
Authors: Boyen P. , Samoy Y. , Polis I.
Published: March 2021

De ziekte van Lyme bij het paard
Wandelen met pups
Peroroale sedatie van honden
Vraag & Antwoord
Authors: Boyen F. , Watteyn A. , Croubels S. , Daminet S.
Published: March 2021

Bordetella bronchiseptica bij varkens
Het gebruik van synacthen
Wetgeving inzake voorschriften
Vraag & Antwoord
Authors: Verlinden M. , Antonissen G. , Haesendonck R.
Published: March 2021

Vaccinatie van hobby- en sierhoenders
Behandeling luchtweginfecties bij legkippen
Bestrijding van vogelmijt bij gezelschapsvogels
Vraag & Antwoord
Authors: Hellebuyck T. , Meganck V.
Published: March 2021

Het kapoenen van hanen
Het bouten van hobbypluimvee
Het aanzuren van melk ter bevordering van de darmgezondheid van kalveren
Ultrasonographic findings associated with uterine migrating grass seeds in eleven dogs
Authors: Benzimra C. , Couturier L. , Gatel L. , Cauvin E. , Gory G. , Rault D.
Published: March 2021

Numerous locations have been reported for vegetal foreign body migration. However, urogenital migration has rarely been documented. In this retrospective study, the ultrasonographic features associated with intrauterine migrating vegetal foreign bodies (grass seeds) are described in one intact and ten ovariectomized bitches. The most common ultrasonographic finding was focal and mild ampullary dilation of the uterus, containing the foreign body outlined by scant intraluminal fluid. There were no changes seen to the uterine wall, except in one dog with uterine perforation, confirmed at surgery. The remainder of the uterus had a normal appearance in 8/11 dogs, while there was a small amount of intraluminal fluid in 2/11 cases. Mild, focal steatitis around the focal dilation of the uterus segment containing the foreign body was observed in one case. The subtlety of these findings suggests that the ultrasonographic diagnosis of uterine grass awns can be challenging. This underlines a discrepancy with other reported migration sites commonly associated with marked inflammation.
Anesthetic management of a pregnant broodmare with gastrointestinal colic
Authors: Miller L. , Gozalo-Marcilla M. , Pollock P.J. , Panti A.
Published: March 2021

Gastrointestinal colic in mares during early pregnancy may require general anesthesia for surgical correction. There is a scarcity of literature identifying anesthetic risk factors associated with negative outcome in the pregnant mare. In this case report, a seven-year-old Thoroughbred broodmare, presenting for the investigation and treatment of colic in the fifth month of pregnancy, underwent surgery for the correction of right dorsal displacement of the large colon. Intraoperatively, interventions for maternal hypoxemia and hypotension were necessary. The mare recovered well from general anesthesia and was discharged from the hospital eleven days postoperatively. In this case report, the successful anesthetic management of a pregnant broodmare is described, and all aspects that may improve the outcome for both mare and fetus are considered, with emphasis on the prevention of cardiovascular and respiratory disturbances.