bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Face mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic: how risk perception, experience with COVID-19, and attitude towards government interact with country-wide policy stringency
Authors: Wismans Annelot , van der Zwan Peter , Wennberg Karl , Franken Ingmar , Mukerjee Jinia , Baptista Rui , Marín Jorge Barrientos , Burke Andrew , Dejardin Marcus , Janssen Frank , Letina Srebrenka , Millán José María , Santarelli Enrico , Torrès Olivier , Thurik Roy
Published: August 2022

Background

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, governments imposed numerous regulations to protect public health, particularly the (mandatory) use of face masks. However, the appropriateness and effectiveness of face mask regulations have been widely discussed, as is apparent from the divergent measures taken across and within countries over time, including mandating, recommending, and discouraging their use. In this study, we analyse how country-level policy stringency and individual-level predictors associate with face mask use during the early stages of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

First, we study how (self and other-related) risk perception, (direct and indirect) experience with COVID-19, attitude towards government and policy stringency shape face mask use. Second, we study whether there is an interaction between policy stringency and the individual-level variables. We conduct multilevel analyses exploiting variation in face mask regulations across countries and using data from approximately 7000 students collected in the beginning of the pandemic (weeks 17 through 19, 2020).

Results

We show that policy stringency is strongly positively associated with face mask use. We find a positive association between self-related risk perception and mask use, but no relationship of mask use with experience with COVID-19 and attitudes towards government. However, in the interaction analyses, we find that government trust and perceived clarity of communication moderate the link between stringency and mask use, with positive government perceptions relating to higher use in countries with regulations and to lower use in countries without regulations.

Conclusions

We highlight that those countries that aim for widespread use of face masks should set strict measures, stress self-related risks of COVID-19, and use clear communication.
A randomized controlled trial of simulation training in teaching coronary angiographic views
Authors: Lee Kwan S. , Natarajan Balaji , Wong Wei X. , Yousman Wina , Koester Stefan , Nyotowidjojo Iwan , Lee Justin Z. , Kern Karl B. , Acharya Deepak , Fortuin David , Hung Olivia , Voelker Wolfram , Indik Julia H.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Simulation technology has an established role in teaching technical skills to cardiology fellows, but its impact on teaching trainees to interpret coronary angiographic (CA) images has not been systematically studied. The aim of this randomized controlled study was to test whether structured simulation training, in addition to traditional methods would improve CA image interpretation skills in a heterogeneous group of medical trainees.

Methods

We prospectively randomized a convenience sample of 105 subjects comprising of medical students (N = 20), residents (N = 68) and fellows (N = 17) from the University of Arizona. Subjects were randomized in a stratified fashion into a simulation training group which received simulation training in addition to didactic teaching (n = 53) and a control training group which received didactic teaching alone (n = 52). The change in pre and post-test score (delta score) was analyzed by a two-way ANOVA for education status and training arm.

Results

Subjects improved in their post-test scores with a mean change of 4.6 ± 4.0 points. Subjects in the simulation training arm had a higher delta score compared to control (5.4 ± 4.2 versus 3.8 ± 3.7, p = 0.04), with greatest impact for residents (6.6 ± 4.0 versus 3.5 ± 3.4) with a p = 0.02 for interaction of training arm and education status.

Conclusions

Simulation training complements traditional methods to improve CA interpretation skill, with greatest impact on residents. This highlights the importance of incorporating high-fidelity simulation training early in cardiovascular fellowship curricula.
Abortion beyond 13 weeks in Argentina: healthcare seeking experiences during self-managed abortion accompanied by the Socorristas en Red
Authors: Keefe-Oates Brianna , Tejada Chelsea G. , Zurbriggen Ruth , Grosso Belén , Gerdts Caitlin
Published: August 2022

Background

In Argentina, a group of feminist activists, the Socorristas en Red, provide information and accompaniment to people seeking abortions, including beyond 13 weeks gestation. Recently-released WHO guidelines for abortion care acknowledge that abortion trajectories vary and people may seek services and support from a range of settings in the process of an abortion. It follows, therefore, that people who self manage abortions beyond 13 weeks with the support of accompaniment groups may interact with health professionals in the public and/or private sector. Understanding the reasons for and experiences with these interactions can help to inform best practice.

Methods

In 2016, we conducted 23 exploratory interviews among women who self managed abortions beyond 13 weeks gestation accompanied by Socorristas, to understand healthcare-seeking decisions and experiences. We used narrative inquiry as an interview technique and coded interviews using first a holistic coding and, second, a content analysis technique to identify emergent themes in the text and subsequently identify themes relevant to study aims.

Results

We found that many participants had disclosed their abortion intentions to health professionals prior to their abortions. Some were provided with emotional support and referrals to the Socorristas, while others were admonished and warned of serious health consequences. Most participants sought post-abortion care in public or private-sector health facilities; for fear of legal repercussions, many participants did not share that they had used abortion medications with post-abortion care providers. During care seeking, some participants reported poor treatment, in several cases because they were suspected of inducing abortion, while others reported supportive care from health professionals who had previously-established relationships with the Socorristas.

Conclusions

This study illuminates the important role that supportive health professionals can play to ensure that, regardless of the trajectory of an abortion, people feel comfortable accessing clinical services during their abortion process, even in restrictive settings. Feminist activists can help build bridges with the medical system to ensure that providers who interact with people seeking abortion-related services are empathic, understand their legal rights, and provide supportive care.
Nesfatin-1 alleviated lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury through regulating inflammatory response associated with macrophages modulation
Authors: Cheng Hongbing , Zhu Yanfang , Chen Liangji , Wang Yalan
Published: August 2022

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a continuum of lung changes associated with uncontrolled excessive lung inflammation. However, the pathogenesis of ALI is still complicated and effective clinical pharmacological management is required. Various signaling pathways are involved in the inflammatory responses of ALI. Here, we aimed to explore the role of nesfatin-1, an amino-acid peptide with anti-inflammatory action, in an LPS-induced ALI mice model, and its role in regulating macrophages in response to LPS stimulation in vitro. This was to clarify the underlying mechanisms of regulating the inflammatory response in the development of ALI. The results show that nesfatin-1 expression was downregulated in the lung tissues of ALI mice compared to control mice. Nesfatin-1 treatment ameliorated the inflammatory response and lung tissue damage in LPS-induced ALI in mice. In vitro studies showed that nesfatin-1 attenuated the generation and release of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Nesfatin-1 also inhibited reactive oxygen species production and improved superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. These findings suggest that nesfatin-1 exerted a crucial role in regulating the LPS-mediated activation of M1 macrophages. Further mechanism investigations indicated that nesfatin-1 inhibited the activation of p38 MAPK/c-Jun and NF-κB pathways in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, as evidenced by decreased expression levels of p-p38, p-c-Fos, and p-p65. Overall, nesfatin-1 alleviated LPS-induced ALI, which might be attributed to regulating inflammatory response through macrophages modulation.
Measurement of health-related quality of life post aortic valve replacement via minimally invasive incisions
Authors: Abd Al Jawad Mohammed , Mourad Faisal
Published: August 2022

Background

Minimally invasive aortic surgery is growing in popularity among surgeons. Although many clinical reports have proven both the safety and efficacy from a surgical point of view, there are few data regarding its impact on patients’ quality of life and whether there is a difference between ministernotomy and minithoracotomy from the patient perspective.

Methods

This prospective, questionnaire-based, nonrandomized study included 189 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement via a minimally invasive incision between May 2014 and December 2020 and completed at least 1 year of follow-up. The study uses the RAND SF 36-Item Health Survey 1.0 to assess and compare health-related quality of life between ministernotomy and minithoracotomy.

Results

There was a statistically significant improvement in the minithoracotomy group with regard to physical functioning, role limitation due to a physical problem, and social functioning (79.69 ± 20.72, 75.28 ± 26.52, 87.91 ± 16.98) compared to the ministernotomy group (70.31 ± 22.88, 58.59 ± 31.17, 66.15 ± 27.32) with p values (0.0036, 0.0001, < 0.0001), respectively.

Conclusions

Both minimally invasive aortic valve incisions positively impacted patient quality of life. The minithoracotomy incision showed significant improvements in physical capacity and successful patient re-engagement in daily physical and social activities. This, in turn, positively improved their general health status compared to the 1-year preoperative status.

Trial registration: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (REC) at the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, under the number code (FWA 000017585, FAMSU R 91 /2021).
Propolis: An update on its chemistry and pharmacological applications
Authors: Hossain Rajib , Quispe Cristina , Khan Rasel Ahmed , Saikat Abu Saim Mohammad , Ray Pranta , Ongalbek Damira , Yeskaliyeva Balakyz , Jain Divya , Smeriglio Antonella , Trombetta Domenico , Kiani Roghayeh , Kobarfard Farzad , Mojgani Naheed , Saffarian Parvaneh , Ayatollahi Seyed Abdulmajid , Sarkar Chandan , Islam Mohammad Torequl , Keriman Dılhun , Uçar Arserim , Martorell Miquel , Sureda Antoni , Pintus Gianfranco , Butnariu Monica , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Cho William C.
Published: August 2022

Propolis, a resinous substance produced by honeybees from various plant sources, has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine for several purposes all over the world. The precise composition of propolis varies according to plant source, seasons harvesting, geography, type of bee flora, climate changes, and honeybee species at the site of collection. This apiary product has broad clinical applications such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, analgesic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic as well asimmunomodulatory effects. It is also well known from traditional uses in treating purulent disorders, improving the wound healing, and alleviating many of the related discomforts. Even if its use was already widespread since ancient times, after the First and Second World War, it has grown even more as well as the studies to identify its chemical and pharmacological features, allowing to discriminate the qualities of propolis in terms of the chemical profile and relative biological activity based on the geographic place of origin. Recently, several in vitro and in vivo studies have been carried out and new insights into the pharmaceutical prospects of this bee product in the management of different disorders, have been highlighted. Specifically, the available literature confirms the efficacy of propolis and its bioactive compounds in the reduction of cancer progression, inhibition of bacterial and viral infections as well as mitigation of parasitic-related symptoms, paving the way to the use of propolis as an alternative approach to improve the human health. However, a more conscious use of propolis in terms of standardized extracts as well as new clinical studies are needed to substantiate these health claims.
Development of algorithms to identify individuals with Neurofibromatosis type 1 within administrative data and electronic medical records in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Barnett Carolina , Candido Elisa , Chen Branson , Pequeno Priscila , Parkin Patricia C. , Tu Karen
Published: August 2022

Background

There is limited population-based data on Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) in North America. We aimed to develop and validate algorithms using administrative health data and electronic medical records (EMRs) to identify individuals with NF1 in Ontario, Canada.

Methods

We conducted an electronic free-text search of 15 commonly-used terms related to NF1 in the Electronic Medical Records Primary Care Database. Records were reviewed by two trained abstractors who classified them as confirmed, possible, and not NF1. An investigator with clinical expertise performed final NF1 classification. Patients were classified as confirmed if there was a documented diagnosis, meeting NIH criteria. Patients were classified as possible if (1) NF1 was recorded in the cumulative patient profile, but no clinical information to support the diagnosis; (2) only one criterion for diagnosis (e.g. child of confirmed case) but no further data to confirm or rule out. We tested different combinations of outpatient and inpatient billing codes, and applied a free-text search algorithm to identify NF1 cases in administrative data and EMRs, respectively.

Results

Of 273,440 eligible patients, 2,058 had one or more NF1 terms in their medical records. The terms “NF”, “café-au-lait”, or “sheath tumour” were constrained to appear in combination with another NF1 term. This resulted in 837 patients: 37 with possible and 71 with confirmed NF1. The population prevalence ranged from 1 in 3851 (confirmed NF1) to 1 in 2532 (possible and confirmed NF1). Billing code algorithms had poor performance, with overall low PPV (highest being 71%). The accuracy of the free-text EMR algorithm in identifying patients with NF1 was: sensitivity 85% (95% CI 74–92%), specificity 100% (95% CI 100–100%), positive predictive value 80% (95% CI 69–88%), negative predictive value 100% (95% CI 100–100%), and false positive rate 20% (95% CI 11–33%). Of false positives, 53% were possible NF1.

Conclusions

A free-text search algorithm within the EMR had high sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. Algorithms using billing codes had poor performance, likely due to the lack of NF-specific codes for outpatient visits. While NF1 ICD-9 and 10 codes are used for hospital admissions, only ~ 30% of confirmed NF1 cases had a hospitalization associated with an NF1 code.
Increased serum IL-6 is predictive of long-term cardiovascular events in high-risk patients submitted to coronary angiography: an observational study
Authors: Mossmann Márcio , Wainstein Marco Vugman , Mariani Stéfani , Machado Guilherme Pinheiro , de Araújo Gustavo Neves , Andrades Michael , Gonçalves Sandro Cadaval , Bertoluci Marcello Casaccia
Published: August 2022

Background

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an inflammation-related cytokine associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular events. In a previous study, we demonstrated that increased IL-6 was predictive of sub-clinical atherosclerotic coronary disease in intermediate-risk patients undergoing coronary angiography. In the present study, we investigated whether increased serum IL-6 is predictive of cardiovascular events in high-risk patients.

Methods

In this observational study, consecutive patients referred for elective coronary angiography due to stable chest pain/myocardial ischemia had IL-6 measured immediately before the procedure. Long-term follow-up was performed by phone call or e-mail, and their clinical registries were revised. The primary outcome was a composite of new myocardial infarction, new ischemic stroke, hospitalization due to heart failure, new coronary revascularization, cardiovascular death, and death due to all causes.

Results

From 141 patients submitted to coronary angiography and IL-6 analysis, 100 had complete follow-up data for a mean of 5.7 years. The median age was 61.1 years, 44% were men, and 61% had type-2 diabetes. The median overall time-to-event for the primary outcome was 297 weeks (95% confidence interval [CI] 266.95–327.16). A receiver operator characteristic curve defined the best cut-off value of baseline serum IL-6 (0.44 pg/mL) with sensitivity (84.37%) and specificity (38.24%) to define two groups. High (> 0.44 pg/mL) IL-6 levels were predictive of cardiovascular events. (p for interaction = 0.015) (hazard ratio = 2.81; 95% CI 1.38–5.72, p = 0.01). Subgroup analysis did not find interactions between patients with or without diabetes, obesity, or hypertension.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an interleukin-6 level higher than 0.44 pg/mL, obtained just before elective coronary angiography, was associated with a poorer prognosis after a mean of 5,7-year. A pre-procedure IL-6 below 0.44 pg/mL, on the other hand, has a very good negative predictive value, suggesting a good prognosis, and may be useful to better indicate coronary angiography in high-risk patients.

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Increased plasma and brain immunoglobulin A in Alzheimer’s disease is lost in apolipoprotein E ε4 carriers
Authors: Pocevičiūtė Dovilė , Nuñez-Diaz Cristina , Roth Bodil , Janelidze Shorena ,   The Netherlands Brain Bank, Giannisis Andreas , Hansson Oskar , Wennström Malin
Published: August 2022

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is foremost characterized by β-amyloid (Aβ)-extracellular plaques, tau-intraneuronal fibrillary tangles (NFT), and neuroinflammation, but over the last years it has become evident that peripheral inflammation might also contribute to the disease. AD patients often demonstrate increased levels of circulating proinflammatory mediators and altered antibody levels in the blood. In our study, we investigated the plasma Immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in association with apolipoprotein E (APOE)ε4status and Aβ pathology.

Methods

IgA levels in antemortem-collected (cohort I) and postmortem-collected (cohort II) plasma samples from AD patients (n= 30 in cohort I andn= 16 in cohort II) and non-demented age-matched controls (NC) (n= 42 in cohort I andn= 7 in cohort II) were measured using ELISA. Hippocampal sections from cohort II were immunostained against IgA, and the IgA area fraction as well as the number of IgA positive (IgA+) cells in the cornu ammonis region were analysed using ImageJ. The relationship between plasma IgA levels and cognition, C-reactive protein (CRP), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers in cohort I as well as neuropathology, IgA+ cell number, and IgA area fraction in cohort II was analysed before and after grouping the cohorts intoAPOEε4carriers andAPOEε4non-carriers.

Results

Plasma IgA levels were higher in AD patients compared to NC in both cohorts. Also, AD patients demonstrated higher IgA area fraction and IgA+ cell number compared to NC. WhenAPOEε4status was considered, higher plasma IgA levels in AD patients were only seen inAPOEε4non-carriers. Finally, plasma IgA levels, exclusively inAPOEε4non-carriers, were associated with cognition, CRP, and CSF Aβ levels in cohort I as well as with IgA area fraction, IgA+ cell number, and Aβ, Lewy body, and NFT neuropathology in cohort II.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that AD pathology and cognitive decline are associated with increased plasma IgA levels in anAPOEallele-dependent manner, where the associations are lost inAPOEε4carriers.
Idiopathic remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema syndrome mimicking symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica: a case report
Authors: Tarasiuk-Stanislawek Katarzyna , Dumusc Alexandre , Favrat Bernard , Kokkinakis Ioannis
Published: August 2022

Background

Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema is a rare rheumatic condition of the elderly population that is well described but whose mechanisms remain little studied. This syndrome is characterized by symmetrical swelling located mainly on the dorsal part of the hands and the feet. Because of possible heterogeneous clinical presentation, it can easily mimic the onset of other rheumatic diseases or appear associated with them. Here we report a case of a patient who developed remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema with preexisting shoulder and hip girdle pain associated with progressive fatigue, indicating a possible differential diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica. We reviewed and compared classification for remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema and polymyalgia rheumatica and discussed other differential diagnoses.

Case presentation

An 84-year-old Caucasian woman presented to our General Medicine Unit with acute onset of symmetrical hands and feet edema, leading to functional limitation due to pain and stiffness. Additionally, she was complaining about neck, shoulder, and pelvic girdle pain present for about 2 months associated with worsening asthenia. Blood tests showed an elevated level of C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, as well as absence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies and rheumatoid factor. As all criteria of remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema syndrome were present, the patient was treated with low-dose prednisone, with a rapid and complete resolution of symptoms. She remains asymptomatic without treatment 2 years after the onset of symptoms, without any evident oncologic etiology.

Conclusions

This case is an example of a classic representation of remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema syndrome with clinical elements suggesting a concomitant existing early stage of polymyalgia rheumatica. These two entities, classified in the group of seronegative arthritis, can coexist (up to 10% of cases), with remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema appearing as an initial or late manifestation of polymyalgia rheumatica. It is essential to remind that remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema is associated with a higher risk of cancer (30%). A proper diagnosis allows the clinician to precisely define the appropriate therapy duration to limit its side effects in the elderly and remain aware of the potential risk of underlying malignancy.
Include or not to include conference abstracts in systematic reviews? Lessons learned from a large Cochrane network meta-analysis including 585 trials
Authors: Hackenbroich Samantha , Kranke Peter , Meybohm Patrick , Weibel Stephanie
Published: August 2022

Background

Systematic reviews attempt to gather all available evidence. Controversy exists regarding effort and benefit of including study results presented at conferences only. We recently published a Cochrane network meta-analysis (NMA) including 585 randomized controlled trials comparing drugs for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Studies published as conference abstracts only were excluded. This study aimed to include all eligible studies published as abstracts only, assessing their added value regarding reporting quality and effect on the review’s interpretation.

Methods

Conference abstracts were searched in the review’s excluded studies and conference proceedings of anaesthesiologic societies. We assessed their reporting quality regarding review’s eligibility criteria, Cochrane ‘risk of bias’ assessment tool 1.0, and adherence to CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) for abstracts. Abstracts were included in sensitivity NMA, and impact on the NMA structure was investigated.

Results

We identified 90 abstracts. A total of 14% (13/90) were eligible. A total of 86% (77/90) are awaiting classification due to insufficient reporting of review’s eligibility criteria. In abstracts awaiting classification, sufficient information was missing on standardization of anaesthesia in 71% (55/77), age of participants in 56% (43/77), and outcome details in 46% (36/77). A total of 73% (66/90) of abstracts lacked sufficient information on 15/25 data extraction items. Reported study characteristics of abstracts were comparable to included studies of the review. A total of 62% (56/90) of abstract trials were assessed as overall high risk of bias due to poor reporting. Median adherence to CONSORT for abstracts was 24% (IQR, 18 to 29%). Six of the 13 eligible abstracts reported relevant outcome data in sufficient detail for NMA on seven outcomes of the Cochrane review. Inclusion of abstracts did not substantially change the network structure, network effect estimates, ranking of treatments, or the conclusion. Certainty of evidence for headache on palonosetron use was upgraded from very low to low.

Conclusions

Most conference abstracts on PONV were insufficiently reported regarding review’s narrow inclusion criteria and could not be included in NMA. The resource-intensive search and evaluation of abstracts did not substantially extent the full-text evidence base of the review, given the few adequately reported abstracts. Conferences should oblige authors to adhere to CONSORT for abstracts.
A global meta-analysis of woody plant responses to elevated CO2: implications on biomass, growth, leaf N content, photosynthesis and water relations
Authors: Mndela Mthunzi , Tjelele Julius T. , Madakadze Ignacio C. , Mangwane Mziwanda , Samuels Igshaan M. , Muller Francuois , Pule Hosia T.
Published: August 2022

Background

Atmospheric CO2 may double by the year 2100, thereby altering plant growth, photosynthesis, leaf nutrient contents and water relations. Specifically, atmospheric CO2 is currently 50% higher than pre-industrial levels and is projected to rise as high as 936 μmol mol−1 under worst-case scenario in 2100. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of elevated CO2 on woody plant growth, production, photosynthetic characteristics, leaf N and water relations.

Methods

A meta-analysis of 611 observations from 100 peer-reviewed articles published from 1985 to 2021 was conducted. We selected articles in which elevated CO2 and ambient CO2 range from 600–1000 and 300–400 μmol mol−1, respectively. Elevated CO2 was categorized into < 700, 700 and > 700 μmol mol−1 concentrations.

Results

Total biomass increased similarly across the three elevated CO2 concentrations, with leguminous trees (LTs) investing more biomass to shoot, whereas non-leguminous trees (NLTs) invested to root production. Leaf area index, shoot height, and light-saturated photosynthesis (Amax) were unresponsive at < 700 μmol mol−1, but increased significantly at 700 and > 700 μmol mol−1. However, shoot biomass and Amax acclimatized as the duration of woody plants exposure to elevated CO2 increased. Maximum rate of photosynthetic Rubisco carboxylation (Vcmax) and apparent maximum rate of photosynthetic electron transport (Jmax) were downregulated. Elevated CO2 reduced stomatal conductance (gs) by 32% on average and increased water use efficiency by 34, 43 and 63% for < 700, 700 and > 700 μmol mol−1, respectively. Leaf N content decreased two times more in NLTs than LTs growing at elevated CO2 than ambient CO2.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that woody plants will benefit from elevated CO2 through increased photosynthetic rate, productivity and improved water status, but the responses will vary by woody plant traits and length of exposure to elevated CO2.
Regiospecific C–H amination of (−)-limonene into (−)-perillamine by multi-enzymatic cascade reactions
Authors: Ge Yue , Huang Zheng-Yu , Pan Jiang , Li Chun-Xiu , Zheng Gao-Wei , Xu Jian-He
Published: August 2022

Background

(−)-Limonene, one of cyclic monoterpenes, is an important renewable compound used widely as a key building block for the synthesis of new biologically active molecules and fine chemicals. (−)-Perillamine, as derived from (−)-limonene, is a highly useful synthon for constructing more complicated and functionally relevant chemicals.

Aim

We aimed to report a more sustainable and more efficient method for the regiospecific C–H amination of (−)-limonene into (−)-perillamine.

Results

Here, we report an artificial penta-enzymatic cascade system for the transformation of the cheap and easily available (−)-limonene into (−)-perillamine for the first time. This system is composed of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, alcohol dehydrogenase and w-transaminase for the main reactions, as well as formate dehydrogenase and NADH oxidase for cofactor recycling. After optimization of the multi-enzymatic cascade system, 10 mM (−)-limonene was smoothly converted into 5.4 mM (−)-perillamine in a one-pot two-step biotransformation, indicating the feasibility of multi-enzymatic C7-regiospecific amination of the inert C–H bond of (−)-limonene. This method represents a concise and efficient route for the biocatalytic synthesis of derivatives from similar natural products.
Improved accuracy of S-value-based dosimetry: a guide to transition from Cristy–Eckerman to ICRP adult phantoms
Authors: Subramanian Shalini , He Bin , Frey Eric , Jokisch Derek W. , Bolch Wesley , Sgouros George
Published: August 2022

Background

In 2016, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) published the results of Monte Carlo simulations performed using updated and anatomically realistic voxelized phantoms. The resulting specific absorbed fractions are based on more realistic human anatomy than those computed in the stylized, geometrical Cristy–Eckerman (CE) phantom. Despite this development, the ICRP-absorbed fractions have not been widely adopted for radiopharmaceutical dosimetry. To help make the transition, we have established a correspondence between source and target tissues defined in the CE phantom and those defined in the ICRP phantoms.

Results

The ICRP phantom has 79 source regions and 43 target regions in comparison with the 23 source and 18 target tissue regions defined in the CE phantom. The ICRP phantom provides tissue regions with greater anatomical detail. Some of this additional detail is focused on radiation protection and dosimetry of inhaled/ingested radioactivity. Some, but not all, of this detail is useful and appropriate for radiopharmaceutical therapy. We have established the correspondence between CE and ICRP phantom source and target regions and attempted to highlight the ICRP source tissues relevant to radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT). This paper provides tables and figures highlighting the correspondences established.

Conclusion

The results provide assistance in transitioning from CE-stylized phantoms to the anatomically accurate voxelized ICRP phantoms. It provides specific guidance for porting the total absorbed activity for regions as defined in the CE phantom to regions within the ICRP phantoms.
Development of a cypovirus protein microcrystal-encapsulated Bacillus thuringiensis UV-tolerant and mosquitocidal δ-endotoxin
Authors: Ibuki Takumi , Iwasawa Satoshi , Lian Ai Ai , Lye Ping Ying , Maruta Rina , Asano Shin-ichiro , Kotani Eiji , Mori Hajime
Published: August 2022

The δ-endotoxin Cry4Aa from Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) has insecticidal characteristics specific to insects of the order Diptera. Although Cry4Aa has shown potential as an effective proteinaceous pesticide against mosquitoes, it has an ultraviolet (UV)-intolerant property that limits its outdoor use. Our previous research showed that protein microcrystal polyhedra from Bombyx mori cypovirus can encapsulate diverse foreign proteins and maintain long-term protein activity under hostile environmental conditions, including UV irradiation. In this study, we report the development of polyhedra encapsulating the Cry4Aa insecticidal activity domain by using a modified baculovirus expression system. We confirmed the oral intake of recombinant polyhedra introduced into the experimental environment by the larvae of a mosquito, Aedes albopictus, and delivery of encapsulated proteins into the digestive tract. The polyhedra encapsulating partial Cry4Aa showed mosquito larvicidal activity during incubation of larvae with 50% lethal-dose value of 23.717×104 cubes for 10 Aedes albopictus larvae in 1 ml water. In addition, polyhedra showed a specific property to reduce the impact of UV-C irradiation on the activity of encapsulated partial Cry4Aa, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of encapsulating Bti δ-endotoxins inside polyhedra to increase the availability of proteinaceous pesticides for outdoor use for mosquito control.
Automated morphologic analysis of intracranial and extracranial arteries using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Wan Liwen , Li Haoxiang , Zhang Lei , Su Shi , Wang Cheng , Zhang Baochang , Liang Dong , Zheng Hairong , Liu Xin , Zhang Na
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To develop an automated method for 3D magnetic resonance (MR) vessel wall image analysis to facilitate morphologic quantification of intra- and extracranial arteries, including vessel centerline tracking, vessel straightening and reformation, vessel wall segmentation based on convoluted neural networks (CNNs), and morphological measurement.

Methods:

MR vessel wall images acquired using DANTE-SPACE sequences and corresponding time-of-flight-MRA images of 67 subjects (including 47 healthy volunteers and 20 patients with atherosclerosis) were included in this study. The centerline of the vessel was firstly extracted from the MRA images and copyed to the 3D MR vessel wall images through the registration relationship between the MRA images and the MR vessel wall images to extract, straighten, and reconstruct interested vessel segments into 2D slices. Then a complete CNN-based Unet-like method was used to automatically segment the vessel wall to obtain quantitative morphological measurements such as maximum wall thicknesses and normalized wall index (NWI).

Results:

The proposed automatic segmentation network was trained and validated with 11,735 slices and tested on 2517 slices. The method showed satisfactory agreement with manual segmentation method. The Dice coefficients of intracranial arteries were 0.90 for lumen and 0.78 for vessel wall, while the Dice coefficients of extracranial arteries were 0.90 for lumen and 0.82 for vessel wall. The maximum wall thickness and NWI obtained from the proposed automatic method were slightly larger than those obtained from the manual method for both intra- and extracranial arteries. However, there was no significant difference of the quantitative measurements between the two methods (p > 0.05). In addition, the automatically measured NWI of plaque slice was significantly larger than that of normal slice.

Conclusion:

We propose an automatic analysis method of MR vessel wall images, which can realize automatic segmentation of intra- and extracranial vessel wall. It is expected to facilitate large-scale arterial vessel wall morphological quantification.

Advances in knowledge:

We have proposed an automatic method for analysis of intra- and extracranial MR vessel wall images simultaneously based on CNN, which can facilitate large-scale quantitative analyses of vessel walls.
Changes of blood gas and serum indexes in patients with acute heart failure complicated with respiratory failure treated by noninvasive ventilator
Authors: Wu Yuan , Hong Xin , Yang Ni , Zhang Ru , Shi Yu
Published: August 2022

Objective: To observe the changes of blood gas and serum indexes in patients with acute heart failure complicated with respiratory failure treated by noninvasive ventilator-assisted ventilation.

Methods: The records of patients with acute heart failure and respiratory failure, treated in our hospital from June 2019 to June 2021, were selected and stratified based on the received therapy. Of a total of 168 patients, 81 received continuous low flow oxygen therapy (control group) and 87 received noninvasive ventilator (NIV)-assisted ventilation therapy (NIV group). The blood gas and serum indexes of the two groups were compared and analyzed.

Results: After 48 hours of treatment, the blood oxygen saturation (SaO2), arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) in patients in the NIV group were higher than those in the control group, while the expression of arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). After 24 hours and 48 hours of treatment, there was an increase in the expression of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) and Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in both groups. The expression of NT-pro BNP and cTnI in the NIV group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: In patients with acute heart failure and respiratory failure, noninvasive ventilator-assisted ventilation results in improved blood gas analysis indexes and lower levels of heart disease markers, NT-pro BNP and cTnI.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.7.6526

How to cite this:Wu Y, Hong X, Yang N, Zhang R, Shi Y. Changes of blood gas and serum indexes in patients with acute heart failure complicated with respiratory failure treated by noninvasive ventilator. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(7):1766-1770.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.7.6526

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
A novel method for measuring sublingual temperature using conventional non-contact forehead thermometer
Authors: Mahabala Chakrapani , Dakappa Pradeepa H. , Gupta Arjun R.
Published: August 2022

Background: Sublingual temperature measurement is a quick and accurate representation of oral temperature and corresponds closely with core temperature. Sub-lingual temperature measurement using non-contact infrared thermometers has not been studied for this purpose and if accurate they would be a reliable and convenient way of recording temperature of a patient very quickly. The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of recording sublingual temperature using an infrared non-contact thermometer and establish its accuracy by comparing the readings with tympanic thermometer recordings.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 29 patients (328 paired recordings from sublingual and tympanic sites simultaneously). Subjects were requested to keep their mouth closed for five minutes before recording the temperature. Sublingual recordings were performed for each patient at different times of the day using an infrared thermometer. The infrared thermometer was quickly brought 1cm away from the sublingual part of the tongue and the recordings were then done immediately. Readings were compared with the corresponding tympanic temperature.

Results: The non-contact sublingual temperature correlated very closely with tympanic temperature (r=0.86, p<0.001). The mean difference between the infrared sublingual and tympanic temperature was 0.21°C (standard deviation [SD]:0.48°C, 95% confidence interval [CI] of 0.16-0.27). The intra-class correlation co-efficient (ICC) between core and sublingual temperatures was 0.830 (95% CI: 0.794 to 0.861) p<0.001. The sensitivity of sublingual IR (infrared) temperature of 37.65°C was 90% and specificity was 89% for core temperature >38°C.

Conclusions: This innovative modification of using the forehead infrared thermometer to measure the sublingual temperature offers an accurate, rapid and non-contact estimation of core temperature.
Metodología LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® en los cursos de estrategia empresarial: una experiencia de clase con Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible
Authors: Rivera Rodriguez Hugo Alberto
Published: August 2022

En el documento se presenta el uso de la Metodología LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP®) en el curso de pensamiento estratégico del programa de Negocios Internacionales de la Escuela de Administración de la Universidad del Rosario. Esta metodología logró que los estudiantes articularan los contenidos teóricos con situaciones reales, en este caso el Objetivo de Desarrollo Sostenible que se refiere a la equidad entre los géneros. La actividad no solo cumplió con el logro del resultado de aprendizaje esperado, sino que permitió fortalecer competencias comunicativas y contextuales en los estudiantes.
The Analysis of Business Feasibility of Bottled Water Product In Cup Of 240 ml In PDAM Tirta Binangun, Kabupaten Kulon Progo
Authors: Mahendra Abyan , Anoraga Satria Bhirawa
Published: August 2022

Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM) Tirta Binangun is one of the Regional Owned Enterprises (BUMD) in the field of water delivery services for Kulon Progo residents. PDAM Tirta Binangun also has a Bottled Drinking Water (AMDK) production program. AMDK KU needs to identify the financial feasibility of a 240 mℓ cup product. The need for business analysis is to find out whether AMDK KU can generate profits in the future or vice versa. The analysis of business feasibility used the methods of Break Event Point (BEP), Net Present Value (NPV), and Net B/C Ratio. Besides, it is necessary to take alternative corrective actions at the company for 240 mℓ cup products. The company of AMDK KU has gotten the normal BEP for the first cup production of 240 mℓ is 70,654 cartons, and the income in 6 months and 15 days is Rp 1,130,470,076. The analysis result is the company of AMDK KU, with the cup production of 240 mℓ, can be said that it had a profit. If the income and the price are increased by 10 percent, 20 percent, and 30 percent, it still will have profit. According to the NPV analysis, the products of 240 mℓ cup of AMDK KU are feasible to be done, even for 10 days later. However, the analysis result of the Net B/C Ratio, the products of 240 mℓ cup of AMDK KU is profitable because the score is Rp 1.1332. Furthermore, the PP result found in 10 months 11 days is included as a quick return on investment. The alternative action to solve the unprofitable products is by developing the product using the new innovation, product branding, a new marketing strategy, and additional investment.
The Effect of Breadfruit Leaves (Artocarpus altilis) Addition to Antioxidant Content and Organoleptic Properties of Ginger Wedang
Authors: Triana Fatimah Agus , Devi Mazarina , Soekopitojo Soenar
Published: August 2022

Ginger breadfruit leaves wedang is a functional beverage made from breadfruit leaves that contains high antioxidant value, ginger and palm sugar. Moreover the adding healthy value function in ginger breadfruit leaves wedang product, also to utilizing the breadfruit leaves into functional beverage of ginger breadfruit leaves wedang in order to be accepted by the people. This research aims to know 4%, 5% and 6% breadfruit leaves addition influence to antioxidant content (gallic acid, quercetin and kaempferol) and organoleptic properties. This experiment research using Completely Random Design (CRD) with three kinds of treatment. The analyzed data using One Way ANOVA, if the treatments shows difference significant, then the analyzed data should be proceed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test with 5% confidence interval. The highest value of gallic acid antioxidant contect leads in 6% ginger breadfruit leaves wedang about 92,326 μg/ml. The highest value of quercetin antioxidant contect leads in 6% ginger breadfruit leaves wedang about 36,767 μg/ml. The highest value of kaempferol antioxidant contect leads in 6% ginger breadfruit leaves wedang about 25,921 μg/ml. The highest score of color hedonic is 3,97, and the highest score of taste hedonic is 3,67. The highest score of color hedonic quality is 3,11 with dark brown color criteria. The highest score of taste hedonic quality is 4,17 with a bit bittersweet taste criteria
Analysis of COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) on Liquid Waste of Cheese Production in PT. XYZ, Yogyakarta with Iodometric Titration Method
Authors: Aini Nurjannah , Juwitaningtyas Titisari
Published: August 2022

PT. XYZ is one of food industry engaged in milk processing, organic cheese and creamer in Yogyakarta. Cheese production produces a large volume of liquid waste that it is used as natural fertilizer. Liquid waste of PT XYZ was not handled properly and pollute the environment. This research evaluates liquid waste using COD analysis. This study aims to determine the COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) value of liquid waste produced by PT. XYZ and compared these results with the quality standards of liquid waste set by the government in Indonesia before being disposed of into the environment. Based on the results of the study, the average COD value of liquid waste produced by PT. XYZ is 97.28 mg / L. This result shows the COD value of liquid waste in PT. XYZ has met the quality standards in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Environment Number 5 of 2014 that the maximum limit of COD value in liquid waste is 100 mg / L.
Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics of “Terong Asam” (Solanum ferox Linn) Dry Sweetmeat at Various Concentrations of Sugar
Authors: Dewi Yohana S Kusuma , Rosanti Ninda Ima , Rahayuni Tri
Published: August 2022

Solanum ferox Linn is one of the local agricultural products. Its local name is “terong asam”, the plant's shape is like eggplant but the fruit is round, orange with ripe and sour taste. The problem is that the fruit is easily damaged if left in its fresh. One of the innovations to increase the shelf life is to process it into processed dry sweetmeats. However, the amount of sugar that produces the best physicochemical characteristics of “terong asam,” dry sweetmeats is currently unknown. This study aims to obtain the concentration of sugar that produces the best physicochemical and sensory characteristics of “terong asam,” dry sweetmeats. The research design used was a randomized block design with one treatment, namely concentration of sugar, which consisted of 4 treatments and 6 replications. Analysis of physicochemical data using ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and Honest Significant Difference (HSD) Test with a level of 5% significantly. Sensory data were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis test. Determination of the best treatment using the effectiveness index test. The results showed that the production “terong asam,” dry sweetmeats is recommended by using a 50% sugar concentration which the best sensory physicochemical characteristics of the sweets, namely water content (13.28%), pH (5.08), yield (26.49%), vitamin C (8.7mg/100g) with sensory characteristics of colour (3.17), taste (2.67), aroma (3.30), texture (3.20).