bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Anastomosis of Hyphae and Mating-Type Compatibility of Pochonia chlamydosporia Isolates of the Meloidogyne, Heterodera and Globodera Biotypes
Authors: Finetti-Sialer Mariella Matilde , Manzanilla-López Rosa Helena
Published: May 2022

The endophytic and nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia is an efficient biological control agent of plant-parasitic nematodes. Isolates of the fungus can be allocated to a biotype group according to the nematode host, but it is unknown if genetic interchange can occur between different biotypes, which may affect their parasitic performance. An anastomosis assay was conducted in vitro to assess hyphae vegetative compatibility/incompatibility followed by a PCR-based mating-type assay genotyping of five isolates of P. chlamydosporia var. chlamydoporia of the Meloidogyne sp. (Pc10, Pc190, Pc309), Globodera sp. (Pc280) and Heterodera avenae (Pc60) biotypes, including 16 pairwise isolates combinations in four replicates. Pairwise combinations were tested on glass slides and mycelia were stained to confirm nuclei migration between anastomosing hyphae using fluorescence microscopy. Anastomosis only occurred between mycelium hyphae of the same isolate and biotype. Mating-type PCR-based molecular assays showed that all isolates were heterothallic. The MAT1-1 genotype was found in isolates Pc10, Pc190, Pc280, Pc309, and the MAT1-2 genotype in Pc60. The results showed a vegetative incompatibility among isolates, suggesting the occurrence of such interactions for their respective biotypes. Anastomosis and PCR mating-type results suggest that different fungal biotypes can occur in the same niche but that genetic incompatibility mechanisms, such as mating-type, may limit or impede viable heterokaryosis.
A Transfected Babesia bovis Parasite Line Expressing eGFP Is Able to Complete the Full Life Cycle of the Parasite in Mammalian and Tick Hosts
Authors: Johnson Wendell C. , Hussein Hala E. , Capelli-Peixoto Janaina , Laughery Jacob M. , Taus Naomi S. , Suarez Carlos E. , Ueti Massaro W.
Published: May 2022

Bovine babesiosis is caused by apicomplexan pathogens of the genus Babesia, including B. bovis. This protozoan parasite has a complex life cycle involving dynamic changes to its transcriptome during the transition between the invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. Studying the role of genes upregulated by tick stage parasites has been hindered by the lack of appropriate tools to study parasite gene products in the invertebrate host. Herein, we present tfBbo5480, a transfected B. bovis cell line, constitutively expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) created by a whole gene replacement transfection strategy, that was capable of completing the parasite’s entire life cycle in both the vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. tfBbo5480 was demonstrated to respond to in vitro sexual stage induction and upon acquisition by the female tick vector, Rhipicephalus microplus, the tick specific kinete stage of tfBbo5480 was detected in tick hemolymph. Larvae from tfBbo5480 exposed R. microplus female ticks successfully transmitted the transfected parasite to a naïve calf. The development of the whole gene replacement strategy will permit a deeper understanding of the biology of parasite-host-vector triad interactions and facilitate the evaluation of upregulated genes during the parasite’s journey through the tick vector leading to new intervention strategies for the control of bovine babesiosis.
Two Rhabdoviruses, One Novel, Isolated from Armigeres subalbatus in China
Authors: Xu Xiuyan , Wang Jing , Liu Hong , Wang Qinyan , Fu Shihong , Zhang Jun , Wang Bin , He Ying , Li Fan , Nie Kai , Xu Songtao , Wang Huanyu , Lu Xiaoqing , Shi Mang , Liang Guodong
Published: May 2022

The family Rhabdoviridae contain important human and mammalian pathogens that are vectored by different arthropod species. The ground supernatants of mosquitoes were used to inoculate in BHK-21 and C6/36 cells for virus isolation. Then, the viral complete genome sequence was obtained and used for phylogenetic analysis. In this study, we observed a cytopathic effect (CPE) in mosquito cells (C6/36) and rod-like virion after inoculating a pool of Armigeres subalbatus samples collected in Shanxi Province, China, in 2019 (SX1916). Meta-transcriptomics sequencing revealed the presence of two distinctive rhabdoviruses with similar abundance levels, namely, Shanxi Armigeres subalbatus rhabdovirus (SXARV) and Shanxi Arboretum virus (SXABTV). Despite the fact that the SXARV genome (9590 nt) was much shorter than that of SXABTV (11,480 nt), both belonged to the Almendravirus group within Rhabdoviridae whose genomes encoded five proteins (N, P, M, G, and L) and a small hydrophobin (U1) and the difference in lengths is mainly caused by a substantially shorter N protein encoded by SXARV. On the phylogenetic tree, SXABTV was closely related (90.7% amino acid identity at L protein) with the Arboretum virus isolated from Psorophora albigenu mosquitoes in Peru in 2014, whereas SXARV was distantly related to Rio Chico virus (63.3% amino acid identity), a genetic distance large enough to be defined as a new species within Rhabdoviridae. Collectively, we report a simultaneous isolation of two related rhabdoviruses from Armigeres subalbatus that marked the circulation of almendraviruses in Shanxi, China.
Digital Marketing: A Unique Multidisciplinary Approach towards the Elimination of Viral Hepatitis
Authors: Pourkarim Mohammadreza , Nayebzadeh Shahnaz , Alavian Seyed Moayed , Hataminasab Seyyed Hassan
Published: May 2022

New technologies are supported by the global implementation of the internet. These improvements have deeply affected various disciplines of sciences and consequently changed services such as daily business, particularly health sectors. Innovative digital marketing strategies utilize the channels of social media and retrieved user data to analyze and improve relevant services. These multidisciplinary innovations can assist specialists, physicians and researchers in diagnostic, prophylaxis and treatment issues in the health sector. Accordingly, compared to recent decades, health decision makers are more accurate and trustful in defining new strategies. Interestingly, using social media and mobile health apps in current pandemics of SARS-CoV-2 could be an important instance of the key role of these platforms at the local and global level of health policies. These digital technologies provide platforms to connect public health sectors and health politicians for communicating and spreading relevant information. Adding influencers and campaigns to this toolbox strengthens the implementation of public health programs. In 2016, the WHO adopted a global program to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. Recent constructive measures that have been used in the battle against COVID-19 could be adopted for the elimination of viral hepatitis program. The presented evidence in our narrative review demonstrates that the application of digital marketing tools to create campaigns on social media, armed with professional influencers, can efficiently consolidate this program. The application of different strategies in using these popular tools will raise the public awareness about viral hepatitis. Subsequently, the availability of an effective vaccine for HBV and antiviral medication for HCV can motivate the audience to take steps towards prophylaxis and screening methods against these infectious illnesses. The encouragement of health policy makers to apply digital communication technologies and comprehensive roadmaps to implement this global program will certainly decrease the burden of viral hepatitis worldwide.
Metabolomics and EMT Markers of Breast Cancer: A Crosstalk and Future Perspective
Authors: Pal Ajay Kumar , Sharma Prateek , Zia Alishan , Siwan Deepali , Nandave Dipali , Nandave Mukesh , Gautam Rupesh K.
Published: May 2022

Cancer cells undergo transient EMT and MET phenomena or vice versa, along with the parallel interplay of various markers, often correlated as the determining factor in decoding metabolic profiling of breast cancers. Moreover, various cancer signaling pathways and metabolic changes occurring in breast cancer cells modulate the expression of such markers to varying extents. The existing research completed so far considers the expression of such markers as determinants regulating the invasiveness and survival of breast cancer cells. Therefore, this manuscript is crosstalk among the expression levels of such markers and their correlation in regulating the aggressiveness and invasiveness of breast cancer. We also attempted to cover the possible EMT-based metabolic targets to retard migration and invasion of breast cancer.
Chronic Cannabis Intoxication and Propofol-Induced Salivation: Causes and Considerations
Authors: Derise Allison , Ford Carey , Hafiz Nazar , Pandit Sudha , Vyas Aditya , Igbinedion Samuel , Morris James , Jordan Paul , Cai Qiang , Alexander Jonathan Steven
Published: May 2022

Legalization/decriminalization of cannabis will increase the numbers of patients who have had recent exposure to recreational or medical cannabis. Currently, little has been reported about potential interactions between cannabis use and Propofol anesthesia e.g., for oropharyngeal procedures. We describe three cases of ‘cannabis-induced hypersalivation after propofol’ (CHAP) and present our institutions’ experience with this unique pharmacological combination. Increased hypersalivation may complicate procedures and represent a procedural risk of suffocation. We evaluate possible pharmacological interactions that might underlie this phenomenon and consider management options going forward.
Surfactant-Free Chitosan/Cellulose Acetate Phthalate Nanoparticles: An Attempt to Solve the Needs of Captopril Administration in Paediatrics
Authors: Nieto González Noelia , Cerri Guido , Molpeceres Jesús , Cossu Massimo , Rassu Giovanna , Giunchedi Paolo , Gavini Elisabetta
Published: May 2022

The Paediatric Committee of the European Medicines Agency encourages research into medicinal products for children, in particular, the development of an age-appropriate formulation of captopril is required in the cardiovascular therapeutic area. The aim of this study was the development of a liquid formulation using nanoparticles based only on chitosan and cellulose acetate phthalate containing captopril for the treatment of hypertension, heart failure and diabetic nephropathy in paediatric patients. Nanoparticles were prepared by a nanoprecipitation method/dropping technique without using surfactants, whose use can be associated with toxicity. A range of different cellulose to chitosan weight ratios were tested. A good encapsulation efficiency (61.0 ± 6.5%) was obtained when a high chitosan concentration was used (1:3 ratio); these nanoparticles (named NP-C) were spherical with a mean diameter of 427.1 ± 32.7 nm, 0.17 ± 0.09 PDI and +53.30 ± 0.95 mV zeta potential. NP-C dispersion remained stable for 28 days in terms of size and drug content and no captopril degradation was observed. NP-C dispersion released 70% of captopril after 2 h in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer and NP-C dispersion did not have a cytotoxicity effect on neonatal human fibroblasts except at the highest dose tested after 48 h. As a result, chitosan/cellulose nanoparticles could be considered a suitable platform for captopril delivery in paediatrics for preparing solid/liquid dosage forms.
Chemical Profiling of Kaliziri Injection and Quantification of Six Caffeoyl Quinic Acids in Beagle Plasma by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Liu Changhua , Wahefu Atikanmu , Lu Xueying , Abdulla Rahima , Dou Jun , Zhao Haiqing , Aisa Haji Akber , Xin Xuelei , Liu Yongqiang
Published: May 2022

Vitiligo is a stubborn multifactorial skin disease with a prevalence of approximately 1% in the global population. Kaliziri, the seeds of Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd., is a well-known traditional Uyghur medicine for the treatment of vitiligo. Kaliziri injections is a Chinese-marketed treatment approved by the China Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of vitiligo. The significant effects of Kaliziri injection have been thoroughly studied. However, chemical components studies and plasma quantification studies are lacking for Kaliziri injection. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry was employed to comprehensively characterize the caffeoyl quinic acid derivatives present in Kaliziri injection. Based on accurate mass measurements, key fragmental ions and comparisons with reference standards, 60 caffeoyl quinic acid derivatives were identified in Kaliziri injections, including caffeoyl quinic acids, coumaroyl caffeoyl quinic acids, dicaffeoyl quinic acids, feruloyl caffeoyl quinic acids, and dicaffeoyl quinic acid hexosides. Moreover, an HPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the quantitative analysis of 5-caffeoyl quinic acid, 4-caffeoyl quinic acid, 1,3-dicaffeoyl quinic acid, 3,4-dicaffeoyl quinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoyl quinic acid and 4,5-dicaffeoyl quinic acid in beagle plasma. The quantitative HPLC-MS/MS method was applied to quantify these six major caffeoyl quinic acids in beagle plasma after the subcutaneous administration of Kaliziri injection. All of the six analytes reached their peak plasma of concentrations within 30 min.
Bio-Oriented Synthesis of Novel (S)-Flurbiprofen Clubbed Hydrazone Schiff’s Bases for Diabetic Management: In Vitro and In Silico Studies
Authors: Alam Aftab , Ali Mumtaz , Rehman Najeeb Ur , Ullah Saeed , Halim Sobia Ahsan , Latif Abdul , Zainab  , Khan Ajmal , Ullah Obaid , Ahmad Shujaat , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Ahmad Manzoor
Published: May 2022

A new series of (S)-flurbiprofen derivatives 4a–4p and 5a–5n were synthesized with different aromatic or aliphatic aldehydes and ketones to produce Schiff’s bases and their structures were confirmed through HR-ESI-MS, 1H, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the newly synthesized compounds were scrutinized, in which six compounds 5k, 4h, 5h, 4d, 4b, and 5i showed potent inhibition in the range of 0.93 to 10.26 µM, respectively, whereas fifteen compounds 4c, 4g, 4i, 4j, 4l, 4m, 4o, 4p, 5c, 5d, 5j, 5l, 5m, 5n and 1 exhibited significant inhibitory activity with IC50 in range of = 11.42 to 48.39 µM. In addition, compounds 5g, 5f, 4k, 4n, and 4f displayed moderate-to-low activities. The modes of binding of all the active compounds were determined through the molecular docking approach, which revealed that two residues, specifically Glu277 and His351 are important in the stabilization of the active compounds in the active site of α-glucosidase. Furthermore, these compounds block the active site with high binding energies (−7.51 to −3.36 kcal/mol) thereby inhibiting the function of the enzyme.
Protective Effect of Pycnogenol against Methotrexate-Induced Hepatic, Renal, and Cardiac Toxicity: An In Vivo Study
Authors: Al-Abkal Faten , Abdel-Wahab Basel A. , El-Kareem Hanaa F. Abd , Moustafa Yasser M. , Khodeer Dina M.
Published: May 2022

Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the most commonly used chemotherapies for various types of cancer, including leukemia, breast cancer, hepatocarcinoma, and gastric cancers. However, the efficacy of MTX is frequently limited by serious side effects. Several studies have reported that the cytotoxic effect of MTX is not limited to cancer cells but can also affect normal tissues, leading to prospective damage to many organs. In the present study, we extensively investigated the molecular and microscopic basis of MTX-induced toxicity in different organs (liver, kidney, and heart) and explored the possible protective effect of pycnogenol, a polyphenolic component extracted from the bark of P. pinaster, to attenuate these effects. Biochemical analysis revealed that administration of MTX significantly reduced the function of the liver, kidney, and heart. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis indicated that MTX treatment caused damage to tissues of different organs. Interestingly, administration of pycnogenol (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the deterioration effects of MTX on different organs in a dose-dependent manner, as demonstrated by biochemical and histological analysis. Our results reveal that pycnogenol successfully ameliorated oxidative damage and reduced toxicity, inflammatory response, and histological markers induced by methotrexate treatment. Taken together, this study provides solid evidence for the pharmacological application of pycnogenol to attenuate damage to different organs induced by MTX treatment.
Enhancing Colistin Activity against Colistin-Resistant Escherichia coli through Combination with Alginate Nanoparticles and Small Molecules
Authors: Hazime Noura , Belguesmia Yanath , Kempf Isabelle , Barras Alexandre , Drider Djamel , Boukherroub Rabah
Published: May 2022

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has become a major public health problem worldwide, with the yearly number of deaths exceeding 700,000. To face this well-acknowledged threat, new molecules and therapeutic methods are considered. In this context, the application of nanotechnology to fight bacterial infection represents a viable approach and has experienced tremendous developments in the last decades. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is responsible for severe diarrhea, notably in the breeding sector, and especially in pig farming. The resulting infection (named colibacillosis) occurs in young piglets and could lead to important economic losses. Here, we report the design of several new formulations based on colistin loaded on alginate nanoparticles (Alg NPs) in the absence, but also in the presence, of small molecules, such as components of essential oils, polyamines, and lactic acid. These new formulations, which are made by concomitantly binding colistin and small molecules to Alg NPs, were successfully tested against E. coli 184, a strain resistant to colistin. When colistin was associated with Alg NPs, the minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) decreased from 8 to 1 µg/mL. It is notable that when menthol or lactic acid was co-loaded with colistin on Alg NPs, the MIC of colistin drastically decreased, reaching 0.31 or 0.62 µg/mL, respectively. These novel bactericidal formulations, whose innocuity towards eukaryotic HT-29 cells was established in vitro, are presumed to permeabilize the bacterial membrane and provoke the leakage of intracellular proteins. Our findings revealed the potentiating effect of the Alg NPs on colistin, but also of the small molecules mentioned above. Such ecological and economical formulations are easy to produce and could be proposed, after confirmation by in vivo and toxicology tests, as therapeutic strategies to replace fading antibiotics.
Natural Nanoparticles: A Safe Bullet for Treatment and Detection of Solid Tumors
Authors: Mazzucchelli Serena
Published: May 2022

In the last couple of decades, nanoparticles have been extensively studied as carriers for cancer imaging agents and as drug delivery platforms, due to their ability to positively affect the distribution and tumor-targeting properties of delivered compounds [...]
Strategies and Mechanism in Reversing Intestinal Drug Efflux in Oral Drug Delivery
Authors: Lu Rong , Zhou Yun , Ma Jinqian , Wang Yuchen , Miao Xiaoqing
Published: May 2022

Efflux transporters distributed at the apical side of human intestinal epithelial cells actively transport drugs from the enterocytes to the intestinal lumen, which could lead to extremely poor absorption of drugs by oral administration. Typical intestinal efflux transporters involved in oral drug absorption process mainly include P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance proteins (MRPs) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). Drug efflux is one of the most important factors resulting in poor absorption of oral drugs. Caco-2 monolayer and everted gut sac are sued to accurately measure drug efflux in vitro. To reverse intestinal drug efflux and improve absorption of oral drugs, a great deal of functional amphiphilic excipients and inhibitors with the function of suppressing efflux transporters activity are generalized in this review. In addition, different strategies of reducing intestinal drugs efflux such as silencing transporters and the application of excipients and inhibitors are introduced. Ultimately, various nano-formulations of improving oral drug absorption by inhibiting intestinal drug efflux are discussed. In conclusion, this review has significant reference for overcoming intestinal drug efflux and improving oral drug absorption.
Gene Targeting to the Cerebral Cortex Following Intranasal Administration of Polyplexes
Authors: Petkova Asya I. , Kubajewska Ilona , Vaideanu Alexandra , Schätzlein Andreas G. , Uchegbu Ijeoma F.
Published: May 2022

Gene delivery to the cerebral cortex is challenging due to the blood brain barrier and the labile and macromolecular nature of DNA. Here we report gene delivery to the cortex using a glycol chitosan—DNA polyplex (GCP). In vitro, GCPs carrying a reporter plasmid DNA showed approximately 60% of the transfection efficiency shown by Lipofectamine lipoplexes (LX) in the U87 glioma cell line. Aiming to maximise penetration through the brain extracellular space, GCPs were coated with hyaluronidase (HYD) to form hyaluronidase-coated polyplexes (GCPH). The GCPH formulation retained approximately 50% of the in vitro hyaluronic acid (HA) digestion potential but lost its transfection potential in two-dimensional U87 cell lines. However, intranasally administered GCPH (0.067 mg kg−1 DNA) showed high levels of gene expression (IVIS imaging of protein expression) in the brain regions. In a separate experiment, involving GCP, LX and naked DNA, the intranasal administration of the GCP formulation (0.2 mg kg−1 DNA) resulted in protein expression predominantly in the cerebral cortex, while a similar dose of intranasal naked DNA led to protein expression in the cerebellum. Intranasal LX formulations did not show any evidence of protein expression. GCPs may provide a means to target protein expression to the cerebral cortex via the intranasal route.
In Vitro Activity of Ebselen and Diphenyl Diselenide Alone and in Combination with Drugs against Trichophyton mentagrophytes Strains
Authors: Gnat Sebastian , Łagowski Dominik , Dyląg Mariusz , Jóźwiak Grzegorz , Trościańczyk Aleksandra , Nowakiewicz Aneta
Published: May 2022

Background: Dermatophytoses are one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in the world for which the pace of developing new drugs has not kept pace with the observed therapeutic problems. Thus, searching for new antifungals with an alternative and novel mechanism of action is necessary. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of ebselen and diphenyl diselenide against Trichophyton mentagrophytes clinical isolates. Methods: In vitro antifungal susceptibility was assessed for organoselenium compounds used alone or in combination with allylamines and azoles according to the 3rd edition of the CLSI M38 protocol. Results: Ebselen demonstrated high antifungal activity with MICGM equal to 0.442 μg/mL and 0.518 μg/mL in the case of human and animal origin strains, respectively. The values of MICGM of diphenyl diselenide were higher: 17.36 μg/mL and 13.45 μg/mL for the human and animal isolates, respectively. Synergistic or additive effects between terbinafine and ebselen or diphenyl diselenide were observed in the case of 12% and 20% strains, respectively. In turn, the combination of itraconazole with diphenyl diselenide showed a synergistic effect only in the case of 6% of the tested strains, whereas no synergism was shown in the combination with ebselen. Conclusions: The results highlight the promising activity of organoselenium compounds against Trichophyton mentagrophytes. However, their use in combinational therapy with antifungal drugs seems to be unjustified due to the weak synergistic effect observed.
Orthogonal Subblock Division Multiple Access for OFDM-IM-Based Multi-User VLC Systems
Authors: Nie Yungui , Chen Jiamin , Wen Wanli , Liu Min , Deng Xiong , Chen Chen
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate an orthogonal subblock division multiple access (OSDMA) scheme for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing with index modulation (OFDM-IM)-based multi-user visible light communication (MU-VLC) systems, where both single-mode index modulation (SM-IM) and dual-mode index modulation (DM-IM) are considered. In order to overcome the low-pass frequency response and the light-emitting diodes (LED) nonlinearity issues of practical MU-VLC systems, OSDMA is employed together with discrete Fourier transform spreading (DFT-S) and interleaving. The feasibility and superiority of the proposed scheme have been successfully verified via both simulations and hardware experiments. More specifically, we evaluate and compare the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) performance and the bit error rate (BER) performance of OFDM-SM-IM, DFT-S-OFDM-SM-IM, OFDM-DM-IM and DFT-S-OFDM-DM-IM without and with interleaving. Experimental results show that remarkable distance extensions can be achieved by employing DFT spreading and interleaving for both SM-IM and DM-IM in a two-user OSDMA-VLC system.
All Optical Stabilizations of Nano-Structure-Based QDash Semiconductor Mode-Locked Lasers Based on Asymmetric Dual-Loop Optical Feedback Configurations
Authors: Alrebdi Tahani A. , Asghar Mamoon , Asghar Haroon
Published: May 2022

We report feedback-induced frequency oscillations using a power-split-ratio through asymmetric dual-loop optical feedback (Loop I: ~2.2 km and Loop II: ~20 m) subject to a self-mode-locked two-section QDash laser emitting at 1550 nm and operating at 21 GHz repetition rate. To assess the suppression of frequency resonances, three chosen combinations of feedback power (Loop I: −27.27 dB and Loop II: −19.74 dB, Loop I: −22 dB and Loop II: −22 dB, and Loop I: −19.74 dB and Loop II: −27.27 dB) through asymmetric dual-loop optical feedback have been studied. Based on the chosen coupling strength, an optimum feedback ratio that yields better side-mode suppression has been identified. Our results demonstrate that side-mode suppression can be achieved by the fine adjustment of coupling power through either cavity of dual-loop feedback configurations. Furthermore, we have further demonstrated that frequency fluctuations from the RF spectra can be filtered by carefully selecting the delay phase of the second cavity. Our experimental findings suggest that semiconductor mode-locked lasers based on dual-loop feedback configurations can be used to develop noise oscillations free from integrated photonic oscillators for potential applications in telecommunications, multiplexing, and frequency-comb generation.
Enhanced Gamma-Ray Attenuation-Based Detection System Using an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Eftekhari-Zadeh Ehsan , Bensalama Abdallah S. , Roshani Gholam Hossein , Salama Ahmed S. , Spielmann Christian , Iliyasu Abdullah M.
Published: May 2022

Scale deposition is the accumulation of various materials in the walls of transmission lines and unwanted parts in the oil and gas production system. It is a leading moot point in all transmission lines, tanks, and petroleum equipment. Scale deposition leads to drastic detrimental problems, reduced permeability, pressure and production losses, and direct financial losses due to the failure of some equipment. The accumulation of oil and gas leads to clogged pores and obstruction of fluid flow. Considering the passage of a two-phase flow, our study determines the thickness of the scale, and the flow regime is detected with the help of two Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) networks. First, the diagnostic system consisting of a dual-energy source, a steel pipe, and a NaI detector was implemented, using the Monte Carlo N Particle Code (MCNP). Subsequently, the received signals were processed, and properties were extracted using the wavelet transform technique. These features were considered as inputs of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model used to determine the type of flow regimes and predict the scale thickness. By accurately classifying the flow regimes and determining the scale inside the pipe, our proposed method provides a platform that could enhance many areas of the oil industry.
Enthusiasm and Skepticism: Two Pillars of Science—A Nonextensive Statistics Case
Authors: Tsallis Constantino
Published: May 2022

Science and its evolution are based on complex epistemological structures. Two of the pillars of such a construction definitively are enthusiasm and skepticism, both being ingredients without which solid knowledge is hardly achieved and certainly not guaranteed. Our friend and colleague Jean Willy André Cleymans (1944–2021), with his open personality, high and longstanding interest for innovation, and recognized leadership in high-energy physics, constitutes a beautiful example of the former. Recently, Joseph I. Kapusta has generously and laboriously offered an interesting illustration of the latter pillar, in the very same field of physics, concerning the very same theoretical frame, namely, nonextensive statistical mechanics and the nonadditive q-entropies on which it is based. I present here a detailed analysis, point by point, of Kapusta’s 19 May 2021 talk and, placing the discussion in a sensibly wider and updated perspective, I refute his bold conclusion that indices q have no physical foundation.
Seed Viability and Potential Germination Rate of Nine Endemic Boswellia Taxa (Burseraceae) from Socotra Island (Yemen)
Authors: Hamdiah Salem , Karas Lukáš , Houšková Kateřina , Van Damme Kay , Attorre Fabio , Vahalík Petr , Habrová Hana , Lvončík Samuel , Eler Klemen , Maděra Petr
Published: May 2022

The endemic Boswellia species (Burseraceae) on Socotra Island (Yemen) are of great local significance due to their various local ethnobotanical uses. However, despite the fact that these trees are endangered, little is known about their biology. We tested seed germination rates in controlled experiments (trials of 21 days) for two subsequent years and for nine endemic taxa of Boswellia occurring on Socotra Island. For this, seeds were collected island-wide from a wide range of localities and for several populations per species. We observed differences in germination among Boswellia species, among species and localities and among both years, which indicates that the development of seeds is strongly affected by external ecological factors. Although we noted a large variation in seed germination (relatively high in Boswellia socotrana), and half of the species showed relatively low mean daily germination, our study indicated that all endangered endemic Frankincense Tree taxa of Socotra harbor the potential for in situ conservation through recruitment, given that known impacts can be reduced in local replantation areas (e.g., grazing).
Glucose tolerance status in patients with newly diagnosed papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Aghamohammadzadeh Naser , Fadayi Haghi Taghi , Houshyar Jalil , Najafipour Farzd
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Thyroid cancer is one of the most common endocrine system malignancies with 9 out of 100,000 estimated annual incidence and papillary carcinoma is the most common type of thyroid cancer. Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) increases blood insulin levels by creating insulin resistance. Many studies have suggested the role of insulin resistance in the prognosis of PTC. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance in patients with PTC and to compare the relationship between insulin resistance and disease severity, lymph node involvement and distant metastasis. Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 68 patients with PTC diagnosis examined for metastasis by whole body scan and cervical lymph nodes by ultrasound were included in this study. A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test was also performed on subjects. Results: In this study 68 patients (76.5% female and 23.5% male) were enrolled. The mean age of the patients was 44.2±13.8 years. The mean serum level of fasting blood glucose (FBG in patients was 103.14±21.8 mg/dL and the mean 2 hours past-prandial was 145.12±22.37 mg/dL. Statistically significant lymphatic involvement was observed in 25% of patients between insulin resistance and nodal involvement (P=0.03). A significantly higher metastasis was also observed in 16.2% of patients with glucose intolerance (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that the rate of insulin resistance in PTC patients is significantly higher and glucose intolerance in these patients is associated with increased lymphatic involvement and increased risk of metastasis and poor prognosis.
Epididymo-orchitis in an 18-day-old boy; a rare case report
Authors: Mehrpisheh Shahrokh , Ghaffari Saravi Vajihe , Noori Hanieh , Memarian Azadeh
Published: May 2022

Epididymo-orchitis is almost an acute inflammatory disease involving the epididymis and testis. Epididymo-orchitis is considered as a rare disease in childhood. We reported an 18-day-old boy with epididymo-orchitis who responded to antibiotic treatment and surgery and finally the patient was discharged in good general condition. It is a rare phenomenon in neonate that should be considered by practitioners. According to our case report, infants of any age are at risk for epididymo-orchitis, and it should always be one of the differential diagnoses in any testicular inflammation, pain, and redness. Early initiation of antibiotics and in some cases surgery can be very helpful in treating this disease.
Arm proprioception in lateral epicondylalgia; a cross-sectional study
Authors: Arzani Parisa , Khalkhali Zavieh Minoo , Khademi Kalantari Khosro , Akbarzadeh Baghban Alireza
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Lateral epicondylalgia is one of the most common injuries due to overuse with inflammation of the elbow on the lateral epicondyle. Although the clinical features of this disorder are well defined, few therapeutic intervention has been effective. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the proprioception in the upper limb of patients with lateral epicondylalgia, using the sense of joint position and of force reproduction tests. Participants and Methods: Twenty patients with unilateral lateral epicondylalgia and 20 healthy subjects participated in this study. The evaluation of position sense of shoulder, elbow and wrist, and force reproduction sense of shoulder abductor, elbow flexor and wrist extensor were conducted. The proprioceptive performance was determined, using absolute, constant and variable error values. Results: Significant differences were found for the sense of the position of the elbow and wrist between the lateral epicondylalgia and control groups for the variables of absolute error (P=0.003 and P=0.02, respectively) and constant error (P=0.001, P=0.03, respectively). A significant difference was also observed for the sense of force of the elbow flexor and wrist extensor between the two groups for the variables of absolute error (P=0.02 and P=0.02, respectively) and constant error (P=0.016 and P=0.001, respectively). No statistical difference was found for variable errors neither in sense of position nor sense of force (P>0.05). Conclusion: The data confirmed the hypothesis of proprioception deficits in subjects with lateral epicondylalgia, compared to the healthy subjects during the evaluation of the sense of force and position.
Nocardia brain abscess in a 49-year-old woman with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: a case report
Authors: Bakhtiar Mehdi , Madani Shima
Published: May 2022

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare pulmonary disease, associated with functional impairment or reduced decrease in the number of alveolar macrophages. Primary or autoimmune type is the most common. The impaired function of immune system made these patients susceptible to opportunistic infections like nocardiosis. A 49-year-old Iranian previous healthy woman was admitted with seizures and a history of one-month respiratory symptoms prior to the seizure attack which was treated as pneumonia. Chest CT and brain MRI were performed, which revealed ‘honey-comb’ pattern and a brain abscess respectively. Specimen from brain showed Nocardia infection. Therefore, the pulmonary involvement was interpreted as nocardiosis and treated with trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX). After one year, there was no improvement in pulmonary condition in terms of radiologically and clinically. A CT-guided biopsy from lung lesions was performed and the pathology exam confirmed the diagnosis of PAP. The patient was treated with whole lung lavage and after one-year follow-up she remains symptom-free. PAP is a rare condition, which can be easily missed. Our case highlights the importance of thinking of rare conditions like PAP in patients present with opportunistic infections especially those who are immunocompromised or had occupational exposures to substances like silica. Considering this diagnosis, particularly, when we have no response to empiric anti-biotic therapies, it can lead us to faster diagnosis and more appropriate cure.
Shadow of Measles and COVID-19 Outbreak; two related diseases: Opportunity Situation?
Authors: Dadashzadeh Nahid , Farshid Saman , Ghiasi Nasrin , Valizadeh Rohollah , Sadighpour Tella , Peymani Payam
Published: May 2022

According to existing studies, evidence suggests the preventive effects of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine on severity and infection of COVID-19, therefore paying attention to children’s vaccination at the time of determination is very important. This vaccination should not be prevented because of fear of developing COVID-19 in health care centers.
The analgesic effect of intranasal ketamine and intravenous morphine in patients with flank pain (renal colic) in the emergency department; a clinical trial study
Authors: Ziaei Maryam , Abdolrazaghnejad Ali
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Renal colic is the most common clinical manifestation of urinary stones. Objectives: This study was aimed to compare the effect of intranasal ketamine versus intravenous morphine on renal colic. Patients and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 100 patients with renal colic were entered into the study and randomly divided into two groups. Patients in treatment group received intranasal ketamine (1.5 mg/kg) and the other group was given intravenous morphine (0.1 mg/kg). The pain was measured at 0, 5, 15, 30 and 60 minutes after therapy. Results: In this study, 32% of patients were female and 68% were male. In addition, the difference between the initial pain with the pains at all subsequent times was significant in the two groups (P<0.001). The duration of the ketamine effect to control pain was longer; since, with the administration of morphine, a faster effect on pain relief was achieved. Conclusion: Low-dose ketamine is considered as an analgesic with low side effects, with simple and uncomplicated usage that reduces the risk of the needle stick in pre-hospital conditions. Therefore, intravenous (IV) morphine has a faster effect; therefore its administer in patients with severe pain should be given priority. Trial Registration: The trial protocol was approved in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial (identifier: IRCT20171229038132N1; https://irct.ir/trial/28821, ethical code; IR.ZAUMS.REC.1396.271).
May cardia mucosa histopathology aid in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children?
Authors: Nasri Peiman , Naimi Azar , Salehi Zahra , Saneian Hosein , Khademian Majid , Famoori Fatemeh
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common diagnosis in children referred to pediatricians. This disease is diagnosed clinically based on the patient’s signs and symptoms; however, there are endoscopic and pathological evaluations to diagnose this disease too. This study evaluated the relationship between GERD and cardia mucosa histopathology in children under six years old. Objectives: Studies on adults with GERD had shown different cardia histopathology related to GERD, and this relationship in children was less evaluated. According to this and the high prevalence of GERD in children. Patients and Methods: Children who were a candidate for endoscopy were selected. Endoscopy was conducted for each participant and biopsies from the cardia area were obtained. In the recovery room, Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire-Revised (IGERQ-R) was completed by children’s parents for identifying GERD in children. Then the relation between the presence of GERD and histopathology of the cardia area was assessed. Results: In this study, 80 children with a mean age of 33.8±20.7 months were evaluated, while 53.8% of them were male. The histopathology finding in participants with GERD was 48.1% oxyntic mucosa and 51.9% oxyntocardiac mucosa with lymphoid aggregation. This histopathology in patients without GERD was 67.9% oxyntic mucosa and 32.1% oxyntocardiac mucosa with lymphoid accumulation. There was a significant relationship between GERD and cardia mucosa type (P=0.043). Conclusion: Children with GERD had different cardia histopathology compared with those without reflux disease.
The negative gap in quality of elderly healthcare in the West of Iran in 2020; an analytical cross-sectional study
Authors: Cheraghi Parvin , Zanjari Nasibeh , Karimi-Shahanjarini Akram , Cheraghi Zahra , Delbari Ahmad
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Immune system dysfunction in old age leads to infectious diseases, autoimmunity and a high prevalence of various cancers in the elderly. Assessing the quality of services provided to the elderly and identifying its strengths and weaknesses can help improve elderly health and increase the quality of life-related to health. Objectives: We aimed to assess the quality gap in an integrated healthcare program for the Iranian elderly. Participants and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 701 elderly individuals aged over 60 years in Hamadan by stratified random sampling. Interviewers visited the selected centers on random days of the week and completed the SERVQUAL questionnaire. Data were analyzed by Stata 13, using ANOVA and a multiple linear regression model at a 95% confidence interval. Results: The mean age of the participants was 68.38±6.90 years and the majority of them were women (59.63%). The mean of expected quality was higher regarding all the dimensions compared to the mean of perceived quality (P<0.001). In addition, women had higher expectations of quality services than men (4.13 versus 4.12) (P=0.390). Compared to the urban elderly, the rural elderly had a higher mean of perceived service quality score (0.12), which was statistically significant (P=0.003). Conclusion: The results indicated a negative gap between the mean of expected quality and the mean of perceived quality. This gap was greater in terms of access to expected needs. Thus, paying attention to the unmet needs of the elderly should be a priority for health policymakers.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of infliximab versus CinnoRA in the treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis in Iranian patients
Authors: Olfatifar Meysam , Asadzadeh Aghdaei Hamid , Hasanpour Dehkordi Ayda , Shahrokh Shabnam , Pourhoseingholi Mohamad Amin , Balaii Hedieh , Rajabnia Mohsen , Ivanchuk Maria , Ivanchuk Pavlo , Hashemi Nazari Saeed , Sabour Siamak , Rohani Pejman , Mehralian Gholamhossein , Khodakarim Soheila , Hatami Behzad , Malekpour Habib , Sherkat Ghazal , Zali Mohammad Reza , Rahimi Pordanjani Sajjad
Published: May 2022

Introduction: As two biological agents, infliximab (IFX) and biosimilar adalimumab (CinnoRA®) are routinely used in the clinical management of ulcerative colitis (UC) in Iran. Objectives: This study was done to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of IFX versus CinnoRA for the treatment of moderate-to-severe UC patients. Patients and Methods: To accomplish this, we developed a hybrid decision-tree/microsimulation (MS) approach for modeling UC’s natural history. We populated our model with available data on probabilities, costs, utilities / disutilities, and emergent adverse effects. Costs were reported in Iranian Rial (IRR) and in April 2021 US dollars ($). One-way and multiple sensitivity analyses were used to determine the uncertainty of the model’s parameters. Results: For five, 10, and lifetime horizon times, patients on IFX received slightly more quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) per year in remission and experienced about 3 to 5 times less surgery than CinnoRA patients. With willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds of 1800 ($7826.08), 820($3565.21), and 520 ($2260.86) million IRR for these horizon times, IFX was cost-effective with 100% certainty. Our findings were highly sensitive to the number of adverse effects. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that IFX is more effective and more costly than CinnoRA, and if we ignore the predicted surgeries, CinnoRA is nearly as effective as IFX. However, these findings should be cautiously interpreted without a robust clinical trial of CinnoRA in UC patients. Since the impact of CinnoRA may have been over/underestimated.
IL-17A rs2275913 gene polymorphism in patients with diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Nazarian Akbar , Hejazian Seyyedeh Mina , Ahmadian Elham , Zununi Vahed Sepideh , Haghi Mehdi , Mobasseri Majid , Ardalan Mohammadreza
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major microvascular complication of diabetes, leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the rs2275913 polymorphism of interleukin-17 (IL-17) gene and the incidence of kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Patients and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 113 T2D patients including 56 patients with nephropathy and 57 patients without nephropathy. In addition, 150 healthy individuals were included in this study to compare the results. Gene study was conducted by restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) method. Results: The frequency of A allele of IL-17A (rs2275913) gene polymorphism was significantly higher in patients with DN compared to healthy controls (P=0.043). In addition, serum creatinine levels were significantly higher in DN patients regardless of their genotypes (P<0.001). Conclusion: Our results showed that diabetic patients who carry at least one A allele of IL-17A (rs2275913) gene polymorphism may develop DN.
Clinicopathological correlation and prognostic value of PD-L1 expression in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Sayed Elkhodary Hoda , Nasr Khaled E , Ahmed Sherif H , Shakweer Marwa M , Ezz-Eldin Mai MA
Published: May 2022

Introduction: The expression of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and its correlation with the prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains controversial. Objectives: This study aimed to study PD-L1 expression in tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in patients with RCC and its association with clinicopathological factors and survival outcomes. Patients and Methods: PD-L1 expression in tumor cells and TILs was analyzed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) from patients with histologically proven RCC. Results: PD-L1 was positive in tumor cells for 55.8% of patients. PDL-1 expression in TIL was reported in 31.2 % of patients. Patients with PDL1 positive tumor cells had higher median tumor size (P=0.07), higher nuclear grade (P=0.56), and higher lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (P=0.23). Patients with PDL1 positive TILs were significantly associated with larger median pathological tumor size (P=0.02), higher probability of renal fat invasion (P=0.001), higher nuclear grade (P=0.05), higher probability of positive margin (P=0.02), positive LVI (P=0.03), higher pathological T stage (P=0.0004); whereas patients with PDL-1 negative TILs had earlier stage at presentation (stage I-II) (P=0.004). There was no statistically significant difference in disease-free survival (DFS), progression-free survival (PFS), or overall survival (OS) for PD-L1 expression of tumor cells and TILs. Conclusion: PDL1 positivity in TILs and not in tumor cells was significantly associated with more aggressive features, and higher stage. No association was found with DFS, PFS, or OS. These data suggest that PD-L1 expression of TILs in RCC tumors contributes to cancer aggressiveness.