bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeted drug delivery using Beeswax derived Albendazole-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles in Haemonchus contortus , an albendazole tolerant nematode
Authors: Sharma Sunidhi , Goel Vanshita , Kaur Pawandeep , Gadhave Kundlik , Garg Neha , Singla Lachhman , Choudhury Diptiman
Published: January 2024

Targeted delivery has not been achieved for anthelmintic treatment,
leading to excess drugs and side effects for therapeutics. For that,
drug-loaded, biocompatible nanoparticles were made using lipids that
helminths uptake as a food source. The formulation showed excellent drug
(albendazole) loading efficiency of 83.3 ± 6.5 mg/g with
sustained-release properties and showed 86.4 ± 3.9 % of drug release
within 24 h. Furthermore, upon ingestion of Rhodamine B loaded particles
by Haemonchus contortus, a time-dependent release of dye was observed in
the alimentary canal followed by dissemination in the whole worm. The
intestinal sustained-release property was shown by the particles that
caused enhancement of albendazole potency for up to 50 folds. Therefore,
this formulation has immense potential as an anthelminthic drug delivery
vehicle that will not only be able to reduce the dose but will also
reduce the drug-induced side effects by enhancing the bioavailability of
the drug.
ANTIPSYCHOTIC PRESCRIBING PATTERNS IN AUSTRALIA: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS
Authors: Pai Nagesh Brahmavar , Acar Mustafa , Juneja Prabhjot , Kouhkamari Mahsa Hosseini , Siva Sinthuja , Mullan Judy
Published: January 2024

Objectives: To examine real-world patterns of antipsychotic use in
Australia. Methods: This retrospective cohort analysis was conducted
using the Australian Commonwealth Department of Human Services
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) 10% sample data. Included data
were for patients aged 16-years or older who initiated treatment for the
first time with a PBS-reimbursed antipsychotic medication for
schizophrenia between July 2013 and September 2017. Patterns of
treatment usage were summarised descriptively. Differences in
prescribing patterns by age and prescribing year were reported.
Treatment persistence was estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods, with
differences explored using log-rank tests. Values of p<0.05
were considered statistically significant. Results: 6,740 patients,
representing 8,249 non-unique patients, received prescriptions for
antipsychotic medications. Patients were aged 16 years to over 85 years
(54.5% were < 55 years) and two-thirds of patients were male
(61%). The majority (62%, n=5139/8249) were prescribed an atypical
oral antipsychotic. Typical long-acting antipsychotic therapies (LATs)
were prescribed 19% of the time (n=1,608/8,249. There was a small
increase in prescribing of atypical LAT and typical LAT and a small
decrease in atypical oral and clozapine prescribing over the study
period. Treatment persistence was greatest in patients treated with
clozapine, than in those treated with atypical LATs. Conclusions: While
the majority of patients receive atypical antipsychotic medications, one
in five continue to user older typical LAT therapies. Patient age and
time on therapy may be associated with choice of therapy. Persistence to
atypical LAT therapy is better than for other treatment modalities in
this real-world cohort.
Graphene-based biomaterials for bone regeneration: A review
Authors: Wu Suqing , Hu Qi , Sun Ranran , Guo Yang , Lu Xiaoqing , Wen Zhaohui
Published: January 2024

In order to solve the problem of bone regeneration, the design of
suitable implant materials and control of its physical and chemical
properties, have become particularly important. Graphene with excellent
biocompatibility, high electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity,
become one of the most exciting application platforms for in bone
regeneration. Nevertheless, how Graphene and the immune
microenvironment, regulating bone regeneration, especially, its
mechanisms remains controversial. Above all, the role of angiogenesis
and antimicrobial activity in bone regeneration cannot be ignored.
Therefore, this article summarizes the relationship between
graphene-based biomaterials and bone regeneration, explores their
mechanisms or signaling pathways in osteogenesis and osteoinductivity,
immunomodulation, angiogenesis and antibacterial properties, and also
discusses the challenges and opportunities of graphene-based
biomaterials with bone regeneration. This summary expects to be a
powerful help in the development of new graphene-based bone
biomaterials.
Fatigue and sleep quality levels of post-COVID-19 healthcare workers and affecting factors
Authors: AKOVA İrem , GEDİKLİ Mustafa Asım
Published: January 2024

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are the occupational group with
the highest potential to be affected by infectious diseases and
epidemics. Objectives: In this study, it was aimed to reveal the fatigue
and sleep quality levels of HCWs who survived COVID-19 and influencing
factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 133
post-COVID-19 HCWs who applied to internal medicine outpatient clinic
between March 1, 2021 and April 15, 2021 in Turkey. Sociodemographic
Data Form, Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality
Index (PSQI) were used to obtain research data. Results: More than half
of the post-COVID-19 HCWs had fatigued (55.6%) and had poor sleep
quality (59.4%). The mean fatigue and sleep quality score was higher
under the age of 40. Increasing PSQI score (the worse sleep quality),
increased the fatigue 1.54 times. Being female worsened sleep quality
6.61 times, being overweight worsened sleep quality 4.81 times, and
increasing FAS score worsened sleep quality 1.39 times. Discussion: In
this study, it was determined that post-COVID-19 HCWs had high levels of
fatigue and sleep quality. order for the health service to continue
without interruption during the prolonged pandemic process, it is
thought that post-COVID-19 HCWs should be followed up regularly in terms
of possible health problems.
Historical biogeography shapes contemporary ecology: inter-continental contrasts in the community ecology and macroecology of savanna ants
Authors: Andersen Alan , Vasconcelos Heraldo
Published: January 2024

Biogeographic history is an under-appreciated factor influencing the
ecology of biological communities and their macroecological patterns. We
show how contrasting biogeographic histories of tropical savannas in
Australia, Brazil and Africa have led to functionally distinct ant
faunas that display contrasting responses to environmental stress and
disturbance. Australian savannas evolved in association with a desert
biome and its fauna is strongly arid adapted; high diversity is
maintained with increasing aridity and communities are highly resilient
to frequent fire. Brazilian savannas evolved surrounded by rainforest
and has a forest-derived; diversity declines with increasing aridity and
communities are far more sensitive to fire. Africa has a highly
generalized ant fauna that is resilient to fire but diversity declines
with increasing aridity. Such intercontinental differences have
important implications for understanding biodiversity responses to land
management, because the same management action can have different
consequences in different regions. It also means that communities in
different regions are likely to have markedly different responses to
climate change. Our analysis of savanna ants suggests that biogeographic
history should be given more attention in comparative studies of
community ecology and macroecology.
Disordered climate threatens short-distance migrants
Authors: Yang Haile , Yu Luxian , Qi Hongfang , Fu Shengyun , Wang Yang , Yang Jianxin , Du Hao
Published: January 2024

Global climate change has led to a warmer world, changing the migratory
and breeding behaviors of many species, and short-distance migrants may
benefit from climate change. With climate change leading to an
increasingly disordered climate, we show here that a disordered spring
climate disturbs the migration and breeding of a short-distance
anadromous fish. In 2020, on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, an abnormally
low temperature in April delayed the migration rhythm of Gymnocypris
przewalskii by nearly 10 days, while the gonadal development rhythm of
the breeding population was almost normal. The phenology mismatch
decreased the migrating populations by 30–70%, reducing the larval
flux by nearly 80%. This case reveals that for short-distance migrants,
different phenologies within the same species respond to disordered
climates differently, which leads to phenology mismatches and then
threatens the species. Along with increasing local extreme weather and
climate events, short-distance migrants need more attention and
conservation actions.
(ω,c)-asymptotically periodic solutions to some fractional integro-differential equation
Authors: Tiomela Romario Gildas Foko , NGuerekata Gaston
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we establish a new composition theorem for
(ω,c)-asymptotically periodic functions. Then, we use the Banach
contraction principle to investigate the existence and uniqueness of
(ω,c)-asymptotically periodic mild solutions to the fractional
integro-differential equation
u’(t)=\frac{1}{\Gamma(\alpha-1)}\int_{0}^{t}(t-\tau)^{\alpha-2}Au(\tau)d\tau+F(t,u_t),
t≥0 and u_0=\phi \in
\mathcal{B}(\mathbb{X}), where
\mathcal{B}(\mathbb{X}) is a linear
space of functions defined from (-∞,0] \longrightarrow
\mathbb{X} and A is a closed but not necessarily
bounded linear operator of sectorial type
\varpi<0.
Low levels of soluble low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 as a biomarker of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Oto Bilge Batu , Aykut Veysel , Güneş Medine , Korkmaz Rabia , ISMAN Ferruh , Agirbasli Mehmet
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) is a
large multifunctional peptide which plays a role in diverse cellular
processes, including lipid metabolism, cell growth, migration, and
regeneration. sLRP1 (soluble form) can be detected in serum and sLRP1
can serve as a biomarker of atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic
diseases. This study investigated the concentrations of the circulating
serum sLRP1 and explored its potential role as a diagnostic and
prognostic biomarker in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Methods:
Fifty-two patients with diabetic retinopathy and 71 controls were
enrolled based on well-deﬁned eligibility criteria. Venous blood samples
were collected after 12 hours of fasting. sLRP1 concentrations were
measured using the commercially available ELISA in an accredited
laboratory. Results: The mean age of patients and control groups were
63.6 and 48.5 years, respectively. The median disease duration was 8.1
years. The median serum sLRP1 levels were lower in patients with
diabetic retinopathy compared to the controls (2.11 µg/mL versus 2.44
µg/mL, p=0.034). No significant correlation was observed between the
sLRP1 and serum lipid levels. Conclusions: The sLRP1 levels are low in
patients with diabetic retinopathy compared to healthy controls, and
future studies are needed to assess sLRP1 as a potential biomarker in
diabetic retinopathy.
Persistent both superior vena cava (SVC) with subaortic membrane: A case report
Authors: Mohsen Ahmed , Almaghraby Abdallah , Tun Han Naung
Published: January 2024

A persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is seen rare but it is the
most common thoracic venous anomaly .We report a 30-year-old male
presented by repeated attacks of exertional chest pain over the past 2
months that were precipitated by moderate exertion and last for few
minutes and relieved by rest. Echocardiography showed an evidence of
subaortic flow turbulence with a visible subaortic membrane and mild
aortic regurgitation . The Aortic valve was trileaflet with normal
leaflets thickness and excursion . Contrast echocardiography using
agitated saline injection in the left antecubital vein showed an
opacification of the coronary sinus before the right ventricular outflow
tract. Non-invasive transthoracic echocardiography study by agitated
saline contrast can be easily performed to confirm the related venous
anomaly. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest with contrast confirmed
the persistence of both right and left SVCs and then, The patient was
reassured with symptomatic therapy and he was requested a regular follow
up in outpatient clinic. Thus, most adult patients with PLSVC and
subaortic membrane should be reassured by symptomatic management.
MR Molecular Imaging of EGF Receptor-Overexpressing Tumours with Peptide-Targeted Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents
Authors: Fan Yang , Liu Chunping , yao tingshuo , Duan Jianli , Ai Shibin , Liu Xin
Published: January 2024

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is used as a biomarker for
molecular imaging of cancer. Therefore, we synthesized two new
Gd-DO3A-peptide complexes with an EGFR-binding peptide
(NH2-CMYIEALDKYAC-COOH; EBP). To evaluate the effects of agents on
targeting EGFR-overexpressing tumours, especially for more accurate
cancer diagnosis and prognosis by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
EBP-Gd-DO3A and EBP-(Gd-DO3A)3 were prepared. For in vitro cellular Gd
accumulation and MRI analysis, after incubation with EBP-Gd-DO3A,
EBP-(Gd-DO3A)3 or Gadovist® (a clinical macrocyclic agent) at equimolar
Gd concentrations, the EGFR-overexpressing cells showed significantly
higher cellular accumulation of the Gd-containing conjugates than the
non-EGFR-overexpressing cells. While the cellular Gd accumulation with
Gadovist® was nearly the same in all the cells. However, the cellular Gd
accumulation with EBP-Gd-DO3A and EBP-(Gd-DO3A)3 was significantly
reduced in the EGFR-overexpressing cells that were mocked with an
inhibitory anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, demonstrating the involvement
of the EGFR pathway in the transport of both conjugates. In vitro MRI
assays revealed stronger signal enhancement in the EGFR-overexpressing
cells than in the non-EGFR-overexpressing cells. For in vivo
pharmacokinetics and MRI analyses, the biodistribution and MR imaging
was performed in the mice bearing MDA-MB-231 (EGFR-overexpressing) or
U13MG (non-EGFR-overexpressing) tumour xenografts. The biodistribution
and in vivo MRI experiments indicated that the improved target-specific
signal enhancement of EBP-Gd-DO3A and EBP-(Gd-DO3A)3 was due to the
increased accumulation of Gd in the EGFR-overexpressing tumour cells.
The conjugates enabled EGFR-specific tumour MR imaging, demonstrating
the potential clinical translation of these synthesized contrast agents
for EGFR-based MR molecular imaging in vivo.
Altered sleep duration and poor quality of sleep among pharmacy students amidst COVID-19 Lockdown: A South-Indian study
Authors: GEORGE SOPHIA , Chand Sharad , Kurian Kauma , P. Vaidehi Bhat , Roy Emy Susan , Mathew Greeshma , R. Prajnashree , Nath Haritha S , Babu Akshara Theresa , Reist Jeffrey
Published: January 2024

Introduction/Background: The nationwide lockdown enforced due to the
devastating effect of the coronavirus disease -2019 had a definite
impact on sleep health. Objective: To look out for any change in the
duration, pattern and quality of sleep among pharmacy students that can
be attributed to the lockdown. Methods: A google form-based
cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out after approval was
obtained from the institutional ethics committee in the month of July
2021 among 310 pharmacy students. The validated form was electronically
administered after obtaining the volunteer informed consent. All the
data pertaining to duration, pattern and quality of sleep before and
during the lockdown was collected and analysed using STATA version 16.0.
Results and Discussion: Out of the total 310 participants, majority of
the respondents were females 242 (78.06%). The study revealed an
increase in the time needed to fall asleep (p-value<0.001) and
in the total duration of sleep (p-value<0.001). A delay in the
time of sleep in the morning (p-value<0.001) and at night
(p-value<0.001) was also one among the many significant
results. Well known reasons or consequences of disturbed sleep such as
jerky leg movements (p-value<0.001), snoring
(p-value<0.001), frequent nightmares (p-value<0.001)
and anxiety (p-value<0.001) were also increased as a direct
effect of the lockdown. Conclusion: The study has been able to establish
the incidence of significant disturbances in the sleep architecture of
pharmacy students due to the lockdown.
Monoclonal antibody treatments for paediatric severe asthma --outcomes, attitudes and adherence
Authors: Sheppard Megan , Owens Louisa , Gray Melinda , Kevat Ajay
Published: January 2024

Aim: Asthma prevalence in Australian children is amongst the highest in
the world. Monoclonal antibody treatments (biologics) are the fifth step
in the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines to treat severe asthma.
Our retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the treatment effect of
biologics for children with severe asthma at Sydney Children’s Hospital,
assess adherence to treatment and explore attitudes toward home
administration using prefilled injection devices. Method: We collected
data for patients <18 years-old receiving biologics to compare
asthma control six months pre and post initiation of that therapy. We
used participant and parent surveys to assess perceived change in asthma
control and attitudes to home injections. Results: 11 patients were
recruited. Six months post biologic treatment there was a mean reduction
in FeNO by 45% and ACQ-5 by 50% (p<0.01). 3 of the 6
patients requiring regular steroids ceased this treatment. The mean
number of hospitalizations and oral steroid courses decreased by 17%
and 29% respectively, though this was not statistically significant
(p>0.05). We found no significant change in FEV1. Adherence
was high. 73% of patients and carers perceived slightly/much better
asthma control on biologics and 73% of carers indicated they would be
slightly/much happier with home injections. Conclusion: We conclude that
biologic treatment leads to improved asthma control in Australian
children eligible for and prescribed this therapy. Whilst adherence is
high with health center based injections, carers are interested in home
injections to reduce burden of care.
COMPARISON OF ANXIETY LEVELS AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS WITH BECK ANXIETY INVENTORY DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Çelikmen Mustafa Ferudun , Ayvacı Barış Murat , Güner Şükrü Eralp , ozucelik dogac niyazi
Published: January 2024

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the anxiety levels of
healthcare workers (HCWs) in hospitals in Istanbul, which is one of the
cities most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study was
conducted online with 177 HCWs (127 doctors, 31 nurses, 15 paramedics, 4
health technicians) due to the pandemic. Beck Anxiety Invantory (BAI)
was used for anxiety levels. Results: The anxiety levels of HCWs were
found as 48% “minimal”, 23.7% “mild”, 17.5% “moderate”, 10.7%
“severe”. The mean BAI score of other HCWs is from doctors (15.94 ±
12.776 vs 9.53 ± 8.868), the mean BAI score of women is from men (14.07
± 10.899 vs 7.61 ± 8.681), for those who have no children, the mean BAI
score is from those with a child (13.77 ± 11.713 vs 9.66 ± 9.260), and
the mean BAI score of those who were over 65 years old or had a relative
with chronic disease at home was higher than the others (14.11 ± 9.752
vs 10.44 ± 9.752) (p <0.05). The mean BAI score of those who
did not examine COVID-19 patients were higher than the examiners (11.47
± 10.693 vs 1.23 ± 10.394), and the mean BAI score of night shift
workers (12.42 ± 11.063 vs 9.515 ± 9.255) than the others
(p> 0.05). Conclusion: Healthcare workers actively working
during the COVID-19 pandemic have high levels of anxiety. Working
conditions of health workers should be improved and psychosocial support
activities for them should be implemented continuously.
Warming causes differential seedling mortalities in tropical tree species
Authors: Liu Yu , He Fangliang
Published: January 2024

Plant–soil feedback (PSF), regulated by both mycorrhizae and soil
pathogens, is a primary mechanism maintaining high tree diversity in the
tropics. But how warming may affect PSF is not well understood. We
conducted warming experiments on seedling survival of a
rhizobia-associated species (Ormosia semicastrata) carrying
coevolved host-specific soil-borne pathogens and an ectomycorrhizal
fungi-associated species (Cyclobalanopsis patelliormis) immune to
soil-borne pathogens. We found elevated temperature lowered seedling
mortality of O. semicastrata, but had no detectable effect on
C. patelliormis seedlings. This indicates that warming weakened
the negative PSF on O. semicastrata but did not affect the
positive PSF on C. patelliormis. The differential warming effects
on seedling mortality of species with different microbial associations
imply that global warming could lead to change in tropical tree
composition. Our study also predicts that global warming would undermine
the role of the JC effect in maintaining tree species diversity in the
tropics.
Study on dynamic changes of microbial community and lignocellulose transformation mechanism during green waste composting
Authors: Zhang Yushan , Chen Mengting , Guo Jingyi , Liu Ning , Yi Weiyi , Yuan Zhongtai , Zeng Lifan
Published: January 2024

The target microbial community in different phases of green waste (GW)
composting and lignocellulose transformation mechanism were studied in
GW composting by using MiSeq sequencing and PICRUSt tools. The results
showed that the composting process could be divided into four phases. In
each phase the temperature, microbial genera, substrate and product were
different. Each phase of the composting appeared in turn and was unable
to jump. Humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) can regulate the
composting process and lignocellulose degradation in the process of
composting material transformation. The calefactive phase and the
cooling phase are the incubation phase of mesophilic microorganisms. In
the calefactive phase, microorganisms decompose small molecular organics
such as FA for growth and reproduction; while in the cooling phase,
microorganisms degrade HA and FA for growth and reproduction. In the
early stage of the thermophilic phase, thermophilic microorganisms
decompose HA for growth and reproduction, while in the later stage of
the thermophilic phase, microorganisms decompose lignocellulose to
produce HA and FA. In the maturation phase, microorganisms synthesize
humus using FA, amino acids and lignin nuclei as precursors. In the four
phases of the composting, different representative genera of bacteria
and fungi were detected. Among which, one bacterial genera,
Streptomyces, and two fungal genera, Myceliophthora and Aspergillus,
maintained high abundance in all phases of the compost. Correlation
analysis showed that some non-filamentous bacteria, actinomycetes and
fungi were significantly correlated, indicating that bacteria,
actinomycetes and fungi had synergistic effect on the degradation of
lignocellulose.
Electronic structure and interaction in CH4@C60 : A first-principle investigation
Authors: Peng Yongjin , huang he , wang changjun
Published: January 2024

CH4@C60 was the first example an organic molecule has been embedded in
C60, and by far the largest molecule. CH4 can rotate freely in the
molecular cage, and the carbon skeleton structure of the C60 has no
obvious deformation. The electronic structure of CH4@C60 and interaction
between C60 and CH4 were studied using quantum mechanical calculation
method. The different reaction sites on C-C bonds in C60 and the weak
Van der Walls interaction between CH4 and C60 were shown clearly. These
results and the orbital interaction between CH4 and C60 were helpful for
understanding and further application of this unique biggest organic
molecule CH4 contained in C60 structure so far.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OCULAR FINDINGS AND LABORATORY DATA IN PATIENTS WITH HOSPITALIZED COVID-19 PATIENTS
Authors: elibol Emine , Güneş Medine , çetin AYŞE şabablı
Published: January 2024

Purpose To investigate the relationship between laboratory blood
parameters and ocular findings in hospitalized moderate or severe
COVID-19 patients. Methods Ophthalmologic examination of 215 patients
who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of COVID-19 was performed in
their beds and their ocular findings were noted. Blood parameters were
compared in patients with and without conjunctivitis like symptoms.
Results Conjunctivitis like inflammatory findings were detected in 15
(7.44%) of 215 moderate or severe COVID-19 patients. There was no
difference between the patients with and without ocular findings in
terms of laboratory findings such as WBCs, neutrophil counts, lymphocyte
counts, NLR, LDH, procalcitonin, D-dimer, CRP, and ferritin. Conclusion
There was a significant relationship between COVID-19 and an acute
conjunctival inflammatory response. Blood parameters that determined
progression in patients with COVID-19 were not significant in terms of
ocular findings.
Na+ K+ compartmentalization in Spinacea oleracea and their effects on its growth anatomy physiology and non-structural carbohydrates
Authors: Abbas Aymen , Siddiq Zafar , Hayyat Muhammad , Zhang Yongjiang
Published: January 2024

Among all the limiting factors in plant growth, soil salinity is one of
the critical factors, but mechanisms of its effects in Spinacea oleracea
especially the compartmentalization of Na+ and K+ need further
investigations. In this study different concentrations of Nacl to S.
oleracea . The objective was to study the growth, anatomy, physiology
and non-structural carbohydrates. The other objective was to investigate
Na+ and K+ compartmentalization in different plant tissues. We found
that application of sodium significantly reduced the studied parameters
of growth, anatomy, and physiology. Maximum amount of Na+ was
compartmentalized in leaf-blade while the minimum in roots. Similarly,
maximum K+ was compartmentalized in mid-rib and minimum in stem. The
Na+: K+ decreased significantly with the increasing salinity
application. Non-structural carbohydrates also decreased. Further, some
significant relationships were also found between Na+, K+ and other
traits. The study concludes that S. oleracea can tolerate salinity
stress up to 80 mML-1. The findings can be helpful to cultivate S.
oleracea in saline areas and can also be useful to cultivate other crops
when successive cultivation of S. oleracea is carried out and Na+ is
absorbed by crop from soil.
Evidence-based optimization of the Post Stroke Checklist: A feasibility study
Authors: Jia Miao , Li Yan , Liu Zhihong , Tu Jinyi , Liu Yue , Lu Huiqi , Huang Simin , Li Jinjun , Zhou Hongzhen
Published: January 2024

Rationale, aims and objectives: The Post Stroke Checklist (PSC) is not
capable of enforcing post-stroke follow-up and needs to be further
optimized. The objective of this study is to describe an evidence-based
optimization of the PSC (the Chinese version of the PSC, C-PSC), and
evaluate its feasibility and usability in clinical practice. Method:
Participants were consecutively recruited from 13 departments in a
specialized hospital. Data were collected from April 2021 to May 2021.
The trained clinicians contacted stroke survivors by telephone calls at
six months since diagnosis. A satisfaction questionnaire was sent to the
participant whilst clinicians completed a satisfaction questionnaire and
the Pragmatic Face and Content Validity Test (PRAC-Test). Then, a
debriefing meeting was held. Quantitative and qualitative data were both
collected. Results: A total of 167 individuals consented to take part in
the study.113 participants completed the assessment at six months and
three were excluded due to missing data. The C-PSC identified a wide
range of unmet needs related to stroke and at least one need was
reported in 76.4% of individuals. The average time taken to administer
the C-PSC was 8 mins. The minimum content validity index for each item
exceeded 0.78 and the average was 0.98 with a scale-content validity
index greater than 0.90. Satisfaction ratings were high for individuals
(8.5/10) and clinicians (9.6/10). The average rating measured by
PRAC-Test was higher than 9.0/10 except for two items. Totally 31
further screenings were conducted and 33 appropriate referrals were
accomplished. Several areas for improvement were identified and revised.
Conclusions: The C-PSC is a feasible and useful measure in enforcing
follow-up caring and promising to be an approach in standardizing
post-stroke follow-up practices.
Psychological Assessment and behavioral Interventions in a young girl with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis
Authors: Sharma Rajni , Anjani Gummadi , Sudhakar Murugan , Jindal Ankur , Suri Deepti , Sil Archan , Saka Ruchi , Singh Surjit
Published: January 2024

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) vasculitis is a rare
multisystem small vessel vasculitis in children. Apart from usual
clinical management, psychosocial issues are also need to be addressed.
We report a young girl with ANCA vasculitis and associated psychosocial
stressors who responded to timely intervention through cognitive
behavior therapy.
Prognostic risk model of immune-related genes in ovarian cancer
Authors: Ding Bo , Yan Wenjing , Wang Shizhi , Shen Yang
Published: January 2024

The prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer (OC) is highly
heterogeneous which hinders to make an appropriate clinical decision.
The study aimed to stratify patients’ prognoses by establishing a risk
assessment model in the context of mRNA levels of immune-related genes
(IRGs). Comprehensive bioinformatics analyses were done using datasets
from The UCSC Xena platform, ICGC Data Portal, The Cancer Genome Atlas
(TCGA), and the Genotype‐Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. LASSO
regression was done to determine the independence of associations of
specific factors with overall survival (OS). Nomogram that combined the
independent prognostic factors was constructed to predict the OS of OC
patients. The tumor microenvironment and immune response were estimated
by cell type identification via estimating the relative subset of known
RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT) and immunophenoscore (IPS). Overall ten IRGs
were significantly associated with the OS probability and were used for
the prognostic model construction of OC patients. According to the
prognostic model, ovarian cancer samples were identified as high- or
low-risk group. A nomogram containing risk score, stage,
histological grade and age could significantly predict 1-year, 3-years,
and 5-years OS probability of OC patients, as well as a higher IPS score
and a higher immunoreactivity phenotype, which were probably correlated
with better immunotherapy response and good prognosis. In conclusion, we
established a reliable IRGs-based risk model with potential prognostic
value for patients with ovarian cancer. Further studies are needed to
confirm these prognosis-associated biomarkers.
GUT MICROBIOTA ACROSS NORMAL GESTATION AND GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS: A COHORT ANALYSIS
Authors: Dualib Patricia , Taddei Carla , Fernandes Gabriel , Carvalho Camila , Sparvoli Luiz , Silva Isis , Mattar Rosiane , Ferreira Sandra , Dib Sergio , Pititto Bianca
Published: January 2024

Objective: High prevalence rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)
is a public health concern worldwide. The mechanism that leads to
glucose tolerance beyond normal physiological levels to pathogenic
conditions remains incompletely understood, and it is speculated that
the maternal microbiome may play an important role. The objective of
this study is to analyze the gut microbiota composition in each
trimester of weight-matched women with and without GDM and examined
possible bacterial genera associations. Design: A cohort study. Setting:
This study was conducted in an outpatient clinic at the Federal
University of São Paulo. Population: 56 women with GDM and 59 without
during their first/second or third trimester of gestation. Methods: They
were submitted to a standardized questionnaire, dietary recalls,
clinical examination, biological samples collection and molecular
profile of the fecal microbiota. Results: There was no difference in the
alpha diversity and in the overall microbiota structure. A higher
abundance of Bacteroides in GDM group was found. A positive correlation
between Christensenellaceae and Intestinobacter abundances with 1-hour
post-challenge plasma glucose and a negative correlation between
Enterococcus and 2-hour plasma glucose level were observed.
Bifidobacterium and Peptococcus abundances were increased in the third
gestational trimester for both groups. Conclusion: The gut microbiota
composition wasn’t dependent on the presence of GDM during the whole
gestation. However, some genera abundances showed associations with
glucose metabolism. Our findings may motivate deepening the knowledge
about physiological and pathophysiological changes in the microbiota
throughout pregnancy, which could have further implications for diseases
prevention.
A New Device for Bronchoscopy for Better Protection
Authors: Kaya Aslıhan Gürün , Öz Miraç , Orhun İncifer Karnak , Erol Serhat , Ciledag Aydin , Karnak Demet , Kaya Akin
Published: January 2024

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk of transmission of
SARS-CoV-2 has not been precisely known in bronchoscopy procedures. We
have designed a cabinet device called Ankara University Bronchoscopy
Cabinet (Aubrocab®) to protect healthcare. In this study, we aimed to
evaluate preventing effect of Aubrocab® on aerosol spreading by
measuring the number of particles in the bronchoscopy suite. Methods:
The patients were categorized into two groups as those who underwent
bronchoscopy with and without Aubrocab®. We measured PM0.5 level just
before and after the bronchoscopy procedure in the bronchoscopy suite.
Results: A total of 82 patients, 62 of whom underwent bronchoscopy with
Aubrocab®, were enrolled the study. The PM 0.5 level measured before
bronchoscopy were similar in both groups, whereas the PM0.5 level
measured just after bronchoscopy was significantly lower in the
Aubrocab® group (42,603±8,632 vs 50,377±10,487, p=0.001). The analyses
showed that the percent particle change (50.76 ± 19.91% vs 67.15 ±
24.24%, p=0.003) and the difference of the particle numbers between pre
and post-procedure (13,638±4,292 and 19,501±5,891, p<0.001)
were significantly lower in the Aubrocab® group. Conclusion: Our
institution developed a barrier device named Aubrocab® which was shown
to prevent excessive aerosol release in addition to routine precautions
during bronchoscopy procedures.
Endoscopic balloon sinuplasty for frontal sinusitis in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Tao Peter , Rimmer Joanne
Published: January 2024

We describe a novel use of endoscopic balloon sinuplasty to treat
isolated frontal sinusitis in a patient with a large burden of
intranasal telangiectasia with a history of hereditary haemorrhagic
telangiectasia
Targeting the Molecular Action Pathways of COVID-19: A Prospective Therapeutic Strategy
Authors: Ishola Afeez , Ahmed Idris Adewale
Published: January 2024

Developing a good therapeutic drug for SARS-CoV-2 infection responsible
for the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is highly
essential. Thus, identifying the key host molecular pathway targeted by
SARS-CoV-2 during infection is of topmost importance. Subsequent
screening of old or new drugs as well as medicinal plants targeting the
identified pathways will prove useful and hasten the discovery of a
potent COVID-19 drug. The information and data on COVID-19 were collated
from various resources and literature databases such as PubMed, Science
Direct, Wiley, Springer, Taylor and Francis, Scopus, Inflibnet, Google,
and Google Scholar. The keywords and corresponding Relevant Medical
Subject Headings (MeSH) terms used for searching databases include
COVID-19; Herbal Medicine; Molecular Pathways; Pathophysiology,
Phytotherapy, SARS-CoV-2. The study reviewed the existing literature on
molecular action pathways of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also discussed the
ongoing SARS-CoV-2 drugs. The review also critically analyzes the
molecular signaling and prospective therapeutic targets, cellular
infection, incubation and proliferation strategy, clinical signs,
symptoms of COVID-19 infection, the current global infection, mortality
statistics, current medical management, and the prospect of therapeutic
development. Plant-derived natural compounds could be evaluated and
developed into antiviral drugs for the inhibition of coronavirus
enzymes. Some herbal medicines have also been used and found to be
therapeutically effective as secondary interventions for the prevention
and treatment of COVID-19.
Patient perception of metered-dose inhaler use and its implications in COPD management.
Authors: Kim Jin Sun , Li Hannah , Hashweh Nader , Charbek Edward , Choudhary Salik , Santosh Sadashiv
Published: January 2024

Objectives: Literature has shown a high prevalence of poor inhaler
technique among COPD patients throughout the past several decades. We
aim to study patient perspectives on inhaler use to understand how
inhaler therapy can be better approached. Methods: COPD patients who
were regularly using pressurized metered-dose inhaler(s) (pMDI) with or
without spacers were recruited to complete a survey regarding their
perception of inhaler use. Each patient’s inhaler technique was assessed
using the American Thoracic Society (ATS)’s recommended steps on using
pMDIs. Results: One hundred and one patients participated in the study.
91 (90.1%) reported that they use their inhaler correctly and 80
(79.2%) indicated that using their inhaler is easy, however 47 (46.5%)
demonstrated inhaler misuse. 35 (34.7%) indicated that they prefer to
consolidate all of their inhalers into one. When asked about previous
training, 25 (24.8%) reported that they have not been shown how to use
inhalers before. Conclusions: Despite the high prevalence of poor
inhaler use, the majority of COPD patients are confident in their
inhaler technique and find them easy to use. Increasing patient
awareness of poor inhaler technique and providing more frequent coaching
on how to correctly use pMDI’s may be beneficial in improving overall
COPD management.
Low-dose Colchicine in Treatment of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy with Pericardial Effusion
Authors: lin zeng , Wang Zhenzhen , yan wang , ying li
Published: January 2024

We present a 54-year-old woman who had a 3-day history of acute chest
pain due to an emotional trigger. Electrocardiogram, blood test, and
cardiac imaging consisted of a diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
with pericardial effusion. Her cardiac function recovered after
treatment, and the pericardial effusion was corrected by low-dose
colchicine.
Gender-dependent frequency of unconventional T cells in a healthy adult Caucasian population: a combinational study of invariant natural killer T cells, γδ T cells and mucosa-associated invariant T cells
Authors: Singh Parvind , Szeles Marianna , Mezei Zoltan , Barath Sandor , Hevessy Zsuzsanna
Published: January 2024

Unconventional T cells exist as minor subsets of T cells in peripheral
blood. Despite their low number they play a crucial role in various
immune-mediated diseases such as inflammation, autoimmunity, allergy,
and cancer. Gender-based frequency of these cells altogether on the
large number of healthy individuals are unestablished creating hurdles
to manifest association with various immune-mediated pathological
conditions. In this study, we used a multicolor flow cytometric panel to
identify iNKT cells, γδ T cells, and MAIT cells altogether in a total of
94 healthy adult males (44 ± 14 years) and 109 healthy adult females (45
± 14 years), peripheral blood samples of the Caucasian population. The
results revealed iNKT cells in females were 0.273 ± 0.506, higher in
number than in males 0.189 ± 0.518 and found to be negatively correlated
with age in females. Whereas γδ T cell frequency in males was 3.513 ±
3.048, higher in number than females 2.783 ± 2.657 and each gender was
negatively correlated with age. MAIT cells didn’t show any statistically
significant difference between genders and were found to be negatively
correlated with age. The results of our finding could be used for
further gender-wise investigation of various pathological conditions
such as cancer and their prognosis, autoimmune diseases, allergies and
their pathogenicity.
Water treatment to reduce the porosity of nanowebs: A novel way
Authors: Aghayari Sedigheh
Published: January 2024

Here a way used to reduce the porosity of the electrospun web which
removed PVA nanofibers from PVA/PA6 hybrid nanoweb by water treatment.
Measuring the porosity of the electrospun web before and after treatment
by BET method and image processing, proved this. The specific surface
area of the web 70 % reduced after water treatment. The surface
roughness and pore volume reduced after water treatment. Also, a best
way introduced for measuring the porosity.
Dependence of ecosystem carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus residence times of mature forests in China on air temperature is segmented
Authors: Chen Yang , Wang Ying-Ping , Huang Yuanyuan , Tang Xuli , Zhou Guoyi , Wang Chen , Chang Zhongbing , Yan Junhua
Published: January 2024

Ecosystem mean residence times of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus
(τ, τ and τ,
respectively) are important ecosystem properties. By analyzing the
dependence of the observation-based estimates of τ,
τ and τ of 127 mature forests on
climate, vegetation, soil and terrain-related variables, we found that
climate, particularly mean annual minimum temperature
(T), had the greatest influence on
τ, τ and τ.
Different from previous studies, we found that both τ
and τ increased with T when
T > 0 ℃. Despite a decreasing
phosphorus input with T, vegetation adapted to
low phosphorus environment by increasing internal recycling and
phosphorus use efficiency, together with the increasing soil clay
content with T, not the direct response to
T, explained why both τ and
τ increased with T when
T > 0 ℃. Our results highlight
the importance of factors beyond climate in regulating residence times,
especially in subtropical forests.
Modelling the compound flood hydrodynamics under mesh convergence and future storm surge events in Brisbane River Estuary, Australia
Authors: Khalil Usman , Yang Shu-Qing , Sivakumar Muttucumaru , Enever Keith , Riaz Muhammad Zain Bin , Sajid Mariam
Published: January 2024

Floods are the most common and destructive disasters around the globe,
which becomes more challenging in coastal areas due to higher population
density and catchment area relative to floods in an inland area. For
effective coastal flood management to reduce flood adverse impacts it is
necessary to investigate the flooding processes and their join
interaction in a coastal area. This paper selected the Brisbane River
Estuary, Australia as an example and the MIKE 21 model is applied to
investigate the effects of mesh resolution on the flood discharge and to
explores compound flooding by computing variances in coastal flood
assessments resulting from a separation of tidal and riverine processes.
The statistical results showed that the Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient, E of
water level are varied from 0.84 to 0.95 and the model simulated the
2011 flood extent results agreed with 90% accuracy with the observed
flood extent. Five mesh resolutions cases were analyzed and the result
found that the finer mesh resolution Case 5 was more appropriate for
calculating the peak discharge with 2.7% with estimated discharge.
Compound flood event simulation results emphasized that not considering
the interaction of various flooding drivers caused 0.62 m and 0.12 m
reduction in the flood levels at Jindalee and Brisbane city gauges, and
uncertainties in flood extent. Simulated results of flood at Brisbane
city gauge, showed that 2011 and 2013 floods with storm surge scenario 4
demonstrate, the increase in flood level to be 12% and 34%
respectively. The results recommend flooding assessment by using mesh
convergence with joint probability of compound flood under future storm
surge for planning and management of coastal projects.
Mesial Temporal Pilocytic Astrocytoma compressing Brainstem: Clinical Cure after Stereotactically-Inserted Ommaya and Radiosurgery.
Authors: HAMDI Hussein , Maarek Ali , Y.Elbaz Gad , Hendam Hedaya , Shakal Ahmed
Published: January 2024

Pilocytic astrocytoma has wide spectrum of age groups, clinical picture,
anatomical location, and progression patterns. Rare unique unresectable
locations in children worth analysis. Nine-year old child presented with
severe hemiparesis, speech difficulties, and dystonia due to giant
mesial temporal pilocytic astrocytoma, mixed solid and cystic. The
rapidly progressive cyst was controlled by repeated aspiration through a
stereotactically inserted Ommaya along the cyst axis. One-year later,
radiosurgery was delivered for the solid part. Complete clinical cure of
the patients and 86% and 74% volume reduction were achieved in the
cystic and solid part, respectively, even without aspiration.
Evaluating the mental health of international students in the U.S. during the COVID-19 outbreak: The case of University of Florida
Authors: Abukhalaf Amer Hamad , Naser Abdallah , Cohen Sharon , Abusal Deyaaldeen
Published: January 2024

Aims: During the COVID-19 outbreak, international students in the U.S.
were informed that they would be deported to their home countries if
enrolled in fully online programs. Although this proclamation was soon
altered to permit students to continue learning online without fear of
being deported, it spread a wave of stress and anxiety among
international students all over the U.S. We aim to capture the emotional
challenges and hardships faced by international students due to the
changes in U.S. visa regulations during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional online survey using previously validated
questionnaire tools (PHQ-9 and GAD-7), and we received 165 complete
responses from international students at University of Florida (UF). The
collected data was quantitatively analyzed through ANOVA, Independent
Sample t-Test, and Binary Logistic Regression. Results: Our findings
provided insights into one main research question: “How did the changes
in student visa regulations during the COVID-19 outbreak affect the
anxiety and depression levels among international students at UF?” A
total of 18.8% (n= 31) of our study sample had a depression score of
(15 and above) on the PHQ-9 scale, which is interpreted as moderately
severe to severe depressive status. A similar proportion (20.6%; n= 34)
scored (15 and above) on the GAD-7 scale, and was symptomatically
diagnosed as having severe anxiety. There was also a statistically
significant difference in the means depression and anxiety scores based
on gender, where males showed lower scores compared to any other
demographic group. Conclusion: Our findings show that international
students were affected psychologically due to changes in U.S. visa
regulations during the COVID-19 outbreak. The findings of this study
addressed the importance of taking serious measures when emotionally
impactful political issues arise in order to prevent the development of
mental illnesses among international students at institutions of higher
education.