bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing the interaction between food insecurity, depression risk and informal work: findings of a cross-sectional survey among informal women workers with young children in South Africa.
Authors: Horwood Christiane , Lyn Haskins , Rachael Hinton , Catherine Connolly , Silondile Luthuli , Nigel Rollins
Published: October 2020

Background: There is a high burden of depression globally, including in South Africa. Maternal depression is associated with poverty, unstable income, food insecurity, and lack of partner support, and may lead to poor outcomes for mothers and children. In South Africa one-third of working women are in informal work, which is associated with socioeconomic vulnerability. Methods: A cross sectional survey explored work setting and conditions, food security and risk of depression among informal working women with young children (0-3years). Depression risk was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS) and Whooley score. Food insecurity was evaluated using USAID Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Data was analysed using SPSS and Stata. Results: Interviews were conducted with 265 informal women workers. Types of work included domestic work, home-based work, informal employees and own account workers, most of whom were informal traders. Most participants (149/265; 56.2%) earned between US$70-200 per month, but some participants (79/265; 29.8%) earned less than US$70 per month, and few earned >US$200 per month (37/265; 14.0%). Many participants experienced mild (38/267; 14.3%), moderate (72/265; 27.2%) or severe (43/265; 16%) food insecurity. Severe food insecurity was significantly higher among participants with the lowest income compared to those with the highest income (p= 0.027). Women who received financial support from the baby’s father were less likely to be food insecure (p=0.03). Using EPDS scores, 22/265 (8.3%) women were designated as being at risk of depression. This was similar among postnatal women and women with older children. Household food insecurity was significantly associated with depression risk (p<0.001).Conclusions: Informal women workers were shown to be vulnerable with low incomes and high rates of food insecurity, thus increasing the risk for poor maternal health. However, levels of depression risk were low compared to previous estimates in South Africa, suggesting that informal workers may have high levels of resilience. Interventions to improve social protection, access to health services, and support for safe childcare in the workplace could improve the health and wellbeing of these mothers and support them to care for their children.
Inter-limb differences in patients following total hip arthroplasty four to five years after surgery: a cross-sectional study
Authors: John Stefanie , Weizel David , Heumann Anna Sophie , Fischer Anja , Orlowski Katja , Mrkor Kai-Uwe , Edelmann-Nusser Jürgen , Witte Kerstin
Published: October 2020

Backgroundː Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a successful procedure to reduce pain and restore function in patients with end-stage hip osteoarthritis. However, whether or not pre-operatively existing deficits in strength, balance, range of motion (ROM) and gait are persisting several years post-surgery in the affected limb has not been thoroughly researched. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate inter-limb differences in patients who had undergone THA four to five years ago and to compare the values of the operated leg to controls. Methodsː Sixteen patients (age: 65.20±5.32 years) following unilateral THA (post-operation time: 4.7±0.7 years) and ten, healthy, age-matched controls (age: 60.85±7.57 years) were examined for maximum isometric hip muscle strength, active ROM of the hip joint, balance and gait on both limbs. Paired t-tests were used to assess the inter-limb differences in the THA group. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) were performed to compare values of the operated leg to controls, using age as a covariate. Results: The analysis of inter-limb differences in patients following THA revealed significant deficits on the operated side for hip abduction strength (p=0.02), for hip flexion ROM (p<0.01) and for balance in terms of the length of center of pressure (COP) (p=0.04). Compared to values of the controls, the patients demonstrated significantly reduced hip strength in flexion, extension and abduction (p<0.05) on the operated leg as well as reduced ROM measures in hip flexion, extension and abduction (p<0.05). Conclusions: Inter-limb differences as well as reduced hip strength and hip ROM were still present four to five years after THA. These persisting asymmetries and deficits in patients following THA may be one explanation for the decrease in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) seen in patients over the years after surgery. Postoperative training focusing on strengthening hip muscles should be continued months and years after hip replacement in order to compensate persisting deficits and asymmetries. Trial registration: DRKS, DRKS00016945. Registered 12 March 2019 – Retrospectively registered, http://www.drks.de/DRKS00016945
Frailty and healthcare utilisation across care settings among community-dwelling older adults in Singapore
Authors: LIXIA GE , Yap Chun Wei , Heng Bee Hoon , Tan Woan Shin
Published: October 2020

Background Frailty is frequently found to be associated with increased healthcare utilisation in western countries, but little is known in Asian population. This study was conducted to investigate the association between frailty and healthcare utilisation in different care settings among community-dwelling older adults in Singapore.Methods Data from a population health survey among community-dwelling adults were linked with an administrative database to retrieve data of healthcare utilisation (including government primary care clinic visits, specialised outpatient clinic visits, emergency department visits, day surgery and hospitalisations) occurred during a six-month look-back period and six-month post-baseline respectively. Baseline frailty status was measured using the five-item FRAIL scale, which was categorised into three groups: robust (0), pre-frail (1–2), and frail (3–5). Negative binomial regression was applied to examine the association between frailty with respective healthcare utilisation (dependent variables), controlling for other confounding variables. Results In our sample of 701 older adults, 64.8% were of robust health, 27.7% were pre-frail, and 7.6% were frail. Compared to the robust group, frail individuals had a higher rate of specialised outpatient clinic visits (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 2.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2-6.5), emergency department visits (IRR: 3.1, 95%CI: 1.1-8.1), day surgery attendances (IRR: 6.4, 95%CI: 1.3-30.9), and hospitalisations (IRR: 6.7, 95%CI: 2.1-21.1) in the six-month period prior to the baseline and in subsequent six months (IRR: 3.3, 95%CI: 1.6-7.1; 6.4, 2.4-17.2; 5.8, 1.3-25.8; 13.1, 4.9-35.0; respectively), controlling for covariates. Conclusions Frailty was positively associated with the number of specialised outpatient clinic visits, emergency department visits, day surgeries and hospitalisations occurred during 6 months prior to and after the baseline. As frailty is a potentially reversible health state with early screening and intervention, providing preventive activities that delay the onset or progression of frailty should have potential effect on delaying secondary and tertiary care utilisation.
The Cerebral Mechanism of Acupuncture for Chronic Insomnia with Gastrointestinal Disorder: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Peng Wei , Hong Xiaojuan , Huangfu Yaru , Sun Zhao , Shen Wei , Feng Fen , Gong Liang , Shen Zhifu , Guo Baojun , Zhang Leixiao , Wang Yanan , Zhao Ying , Zhu Tianmin , Hu Youping , Yu Siyi
Published: October 2020

BackgroundMany patients with chronic insomnia disorder (CID) have gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. First-line insomnia medications do not treat GI problems. Acupuncture has a comprehensive regulative action on both CID and GI disorder and is receiving increasing attention. Recent studies indicate that both CID and GI diseases may cause abnormal brain activity. However, the neurological mechanism underlying the effect of acupuncture on such diseases is still unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the pathological mechanisms of CID with GI discomfort, as well as the main response characteristics of acupuncture treatment from multiple perspectives using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsA total of 60 participants with CID and GI disorders will be randomly divided into two groups (real acupuncture group and sham acupuncture group; ratio of 1:1). Patients will receive 20 sessions (five sessions per week) of real acupuncture treatment or sham acupuncture treatment. The primary outcome is the aggregate score on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Secondary outcomes are scores on the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and Self-Rating Depression Scale. Multimodal MRI scans and clinical assessments will be performed both at baseline and post-treatment. Another 30 age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy subjects will be recruited as controls and will receive MRI scans and clinical evaluations. DiscussionThis study aims to provide scientiﬁc evidence for the mechanism of acupuncture in treating CID with GI disorder using multimodal MRI imaging data on brain structure, function, and metabolism. Trial registrationThe study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on July 11, 2018. (ChiCTR1800017092)
Genome-Wide Characterization of B-BOX Gene Family and Their Responses to Light Quality and Cold Stress in Tomato
Authors: Bu Xin , Wang Xiujie , Yan Jiarong , Zhang Ying , Zhou Shunyuan , Sun Xin , Yang Youxin , Ahammed Golam Jalal , Liu Yufeng , Xu Tao , Qi Hongyan , Qi Mingfang , Wang Feng , Li Tianlai
Published: October 2020

Background: Perceiving incoming environmental information is critical for optimizing plant growth and development. Multiple B-box proteins (BBXs) play essential roles in light-dependent developmental processes in plants. However, whether BBXs function as a signal integrator between light and temperature in tomato plants remains elusive.Results: In this study, 31 SlBBX genes were identified from the newly released tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) genome sequences, and were clustered into five subgroups with phylogenetic analysis. Gene structure and protein motif analyses showed relatively high conservation of closely clustered SlBBX genes within each subgroup; however, genome mapping analysis indicated the uneven distribution of the SlBBX genes on tomato chromosomes. Synteny analysis indicated that segmental duplication events happened in the expansion of the SlBBX genes in tomato. Promoter cis-regulatory elements prediction indicated that SlBBX genes were highly responsive to light, hormones, and stress conditions. Furthermore, the transcript analysis revealed that various SlBBX genes differed significantly in expression after exposure to different light quality and low temperatures, while 61.3% of SlBBX genes were responsive to both light and low temperatures. Conclusions: Our study presented a genome-wide survey of SlBBX gene family in tomato, and emphasized their functions in perceiving light quality and low temperature, which may improve the current understanding of SlBBX gene functions in integrating light and temperature signals for plant adaptation to adverse environments.
Association of Intrinsic Factors with Non-contact Low Back Pain Among Fast Bowlers Aged between 15 – 19 Years in Division 1 Boys’ Schools in Colombo
Authors: Jayasinghe Udeesh Satheesha , Swaris Imasha , Weerasooriya Diluka , Mayura Dushan , Bandara Sachinda , Disanayake Kavindi , Perera Angage Dilani Priyashanthi
Published: October 2020

Objective: Cricket fast bowlers are identified as the greatest injury risk players who are more prone to sustain with low back pain (LBP). The current study was aimed to investigate how intrinsic factors associate with LBP among fast bowlers aged between 15-19 years. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with one hundred and two (102) fast bowlers in Colombo division 1 boys’ schools in Sri Lanka. Bowlers were prospectively monitored over the competition period of 2019 cricket season and the demographic data, severity of LBP, general characteristics and intrinsic factors related data were recorded.Results: Thirty-seven (43.5%) of the subjects were presented with LBP. Reduction of quadriceps strength of dominant side, hamstring strength of non-dominant side and increased ankle dorsiflexion of non-dominant side were found to be significantly associated with non-contact LBP (P<0.05). There were significant differences for the quadriceps strength of dominant side and hamstring strength and ankle dorsiflexion of non-dominant side between the fast bowlers with and without LBP. The results indicated that reduced quadriceps muscle strength of dominant side, reduced hamstring muscle strength and high ankle dorsiflexion of non-dominant side have an important role in predisposing a fast bowler to have an increase in non-contact LBP.
Molecular clamp stabilised Spike protein for protection against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Watterson Daniel , Wijesundara Danushka , Modhiran Naphak , Mordant Francesca , Li Zheyi , Avumegah Michael , McMillan Christopher , Lackenby Julia , Guilfoyle Kate , Amerongen Geert van , Stittelaar Koert , Cheung Stacey , Bibby Summa , Daleris Mallory , Hoger Kym , Gillard Marianne , Radunz Eve , Jones Martina , Hughes Karen , Hughes Ben , Goh Justin , Edwards David , Scoble Judith , Pearce Lesley , Kowalczyk Lukasz , Phan Tram , La Mylinh , Lu Louis , Pham Tam , Zhou Qi , Brockman David , Morgan Sherry , Lau Cora , Tran Mai , Tapley Peter , Letelier Fernando Villalon , Barnes James , Young Andrew , Jaberolansar Noushin , Scott Connor , Isaacs Ariel , Amarilla Alberto , Khromykh Alexander , Reading Patrick , Ranasinghe Charani , Subbarao Kanta , Munro Trent , Young Paul , Chappell Keith
Published: October 2020

Efforts to develop and deploy effective vaccines against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continue at pace with more than 30 candidate vaccines now in clinical evaluation. Here we describe the preclinical development of an adjuvanted, prefusion-stabilised Spike (S) protein “Sclamp” subunit vaccine, from rational antigen design through to assessing manufacturability and vaccine efficacy. In mice, the vaccine candidate elicits high levels of neutralising antibodies to epitopes both within and outside the receptor binding domain (RBD) of S, as well as broadly reactive and polyfunctional S-specific CD4+ and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. We also show protection in Syrian hamsters, which has emerged as a robust animal model for pulmonary SARS-CoV-2 infection. No evidence of vaccine enhanced disease was observed in animal challenge studies and pre-clinical safety was further demonstrated in a GLP toxicology study in rats. The Sclamp vaccine candidate is currently progressing rapidly through clinical evaluation in parallel with large-scale manufacture for pivotal efficacy trials and potential widespread distribution.
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in Tanzania: 5 Years of Experience at Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute
Authors: Janabi Mohamed Yakubu , Nyawawa Evarist , Nyangasa Bashir , Ramadhan William Ramadhani , Hamis Ramadhani Hassan , Hussein Hassanali , Sharau Godwin , Naizibijwa Majani , Sulende Khuboja , Mlawi Vivienne Aiyana , Shemu Tulizo , Bhalia Smita , Kisenge Peter , Kimambo Delilah , Kifai Engerasia , Tatizo Waane , Mayala Henry , Khanbhai Khuzema , Waandwi Boniface , Muhozya Angela
Published: October 2020

Cardiac surgery is not widely available in most developing countries, and most patients have no choice but to live in morbid conditions and managed conservatively or the few who are referred abroad for surgical procedures costs the respective countries millions of hard earned foreign currency. The World Health Organization projects that over the next ten years the continent of Africa will experience the largest increase in death rates from cardiovascular disease. The Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) is a government owned National Specialized and Teaching Hospital that serves patients from all the regions of the United Republic of Tanzania with a population of nearly 60,000,000 people and also serves beyond the borders (Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, South Sudan, Comoro, Malawi and Zambia) for advanced cardiovascular medical, intervention, vascular and open heart surgery, the Institute was established in 2015. Methods: Here we report all patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery grafting only performed at the Centre since its inauguration in 2015- till 2019. Data were collected for basic demography, diagnosis, investigations, clinical and surgical outcome parameters. Results: A total of 85 patients with heart diseases and underwent coronary artery bypass surgery grafting (CABG) are analysed in this study. There were 64 (75%) male and 21 (25%) female patients. Their age ranged from 41–85 years old with almost half 42 (49%) of the cohort being between the age between 61–70 years old. Most of the patients had two or more grafts and an internal mammary artery graft was used over 80% of the procedures. The overall 30-day mortality was 7.1%, incidence of stroke 0.2%, duration of mechanical ventilation was an average of 9.98 hours and intensive care unit (ICU) stay post CABG was an average of 6.48 days and final discharge from the centre ranged from 10–16 days.Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that coronary artery bypass surgery grafting in low/middle income country is safe and feasible. A sustainable program demands highest level of governmental support as seen in this case, and a dedicated multidisciplinary team with profound know how in cardiac pathologies. Furthermore, a need for good local data to know the prevalence of coronary disease is mandatory to determine the magnitude of coronary artery disease in each country.
Down-Regulation of LAMP3 Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of HSCC
Authors: Qiu Xiaoxia , Li Juanjuan , Yang Keke , Jiang Song , Yin Yong , Bian Longjun , Huang Xiaorong , Sun Yi , Zhang Zhenxin
Published: October 2020

Background: Lysosomal-associated membrane glycoprotein 3 (LAMP3) has been shown to be highly expressed in various types of tumors. It is associated with their poor prognosis, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, respectively. However, the role of LAMP3 in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC) is unclear. Objective:This article aims to investigate the role of LAMP3 in the proliferation and metastasis of HSCC. Method: Detection of the expression of LAMP3 in clinical HSCC and paired adjacent healthy tissue samples by using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, LAMP3 was knocked out of the HSCC cell line, FaDu, using a lentivirus vector and the in vitro biological effects of LAMP3 knockdown in FaDu cells were studied. Results: Immunohistochemistry results showed that LAMP3 was highly expressed in HSCC. Additionally, it was verified at the mRNA and protein levels that lentiviral transduction effectively down-regulated the expression of LAMP3 in FaDu cells. Cell colony formation assays and CCK8 proliferation assays showed that down-regulation of LAMP3 on FaDu cells inhibited cell proliferation and growth rate. Wound healing experiments and transwell experiments showed that significant down-regulation of LAMP3 on FaDu cells inhibited cell migration. Conclusion:Collectively, our results suggest that LAMP3 is a useful therapeutic target for the treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer.
Reduced Mortality From KPC-K.Pneumoniae Bloodstream Infection in High-Risk Patients With Hematological Malignancies Colonized by KPC-K.Pneumoniae
Authors: Micozzi Alessandra , Gentile Giuseppe , Santilli Stefania , Minotti Clara , Capria Saveria , Moleti Maria Luisa , Barberi Walter , Cartoni Claudio , Trisolini Silvia Maria , Testi Anna Maria , Iori Anna Paola , Bucaneve Giampaolo , Foa Robin
Published: October 2020

Background. KPC-K.pneumoniae bloodstream infection (KPC-KpBSI) mortality rate in patients with hematological malignancies is reported about 60%. The initial treatment active against KPC-K.pneumoniae is crucial for survival and KPC-K.pneumoniae rectal colonization usually precedes KPC-KpBSI. We evaluated the impact on KPC-KpBSI mortality of the preemptive use of antibiotics active against KPC-K.pneumoniae, as opposed to inactive or standard empiric antibiotics, for the empiric treatment of febrile neutropenia episodes in patients with hematological malignancy identified as KPC-K.pneumoniae intestinal carriers. Methods. We compared the outcomes of KPC-KpBSIs occurring in high-risk patients with hematological malignancy known to be colonized with KPC-K.pneumoniae, during two time periods: March 2012-December 2013 (Period 1, initial approach to KPC-K.pneumoniae spread) and January 2017-October 2018 (Period 2, full application of the preemptive strategy). The relative importance of the various prognostic factors that could influence death rates were assessed by forward stepwise logistic regression models.Results. KPC-KpBSI-related mortality in patients with hematological malignancies identified as KPC-K.pneumoniae carriers dropped from 50% in Period 1 to 6% in Period 2 (p<0.01), from 58% to 9% in acute myeloid leukemia carriers (p<0.01). KPC-KpBSIs developed in patients identified as KPC-K.pneumoniae carriers were treated with initial active therapy in 56% and 100% of cases in Period 1 and Period 2, respectively (p<0.01), consisting in active antibiotic combinations in 39% and 94% of cases, respectively (p<0.01). In Period 1, the 61% of KPC-KpBSI were breakthrough (fatal in the 73% of cases) while no breakthrough KPC-KpBSI was observed in Period 2 (p<0.01). Overall, KPC-KpBSI-related mortality was 88% with no initial active treatment, 11.5% with at least one initial active antibiotic (p<0.01), 9% with initial active combination. Only the initial active treatment resulted independently associated with survival. Conclusions. In high-risk patients with hematological malignancies colonized by KPC-K.pneumoniae, the empiric treatment of febrile neutropenia active against KPC-K.pneumoniae reduced KPC-KpBSI-related mortality to 6% and prevented fatal breakthrough KPC-KpBSI.
Characteristics and Prognosis of Abdominal or Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units After Surgery Therapy: A Multicenter Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Chen Qinchang , Chen Qingui , Ye Yanchen , Wu Ridong , Wang Shenming , Yao Chen
Published: October 2020

Background: Subsequent intensive care unit (ICU) admissions postoperatively are not rare for patients with abdominal or thoracic aortic aneurysm (AAA or TAA), but a large-scale investigation on these patients is absent. The study aimed to investigate the characteristics and prognosis of AAA or TAA patients admitted to ICU postoperatively.Methods: Patients admitted to ICU postoperatively with a primary diagnosis of AAA or TAA were screened in the eICU Collaborative Research Database, which contained data from multiple ICUs throughout the continental United States in 2014 and 2015. Baseline characteristics and comorbidities and were investigated and factors associated with ICU mortality were explored using univariable logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the prognosis predictive performance of the widely used severity scoring system APACHE IVa.Results: 974 patients including 677 AAA and 297 TAA patients admitted to ICU postoperatively were included finally. Compared with TAA, AAA patients had a significantly higher median age (72 versus 64 years). 10.19% AAA and 2.36% TAA patients suffered from rupture of aortic aneurysm, and 89.07% AAA and 84.51% TAA patients underwent elective surgery. Hypertension requiring treatment was the most common comorbidity (57.31% for AAA and 61.95% for TAA). TAA patients had significantly higher ICU mortality (9.43% versus 2.36%) than AAA. Several factors were found to be significantly associated with ICU mortality, including urgent surgery, rupture of aortic aneurysm, TAA, and a higher APACHE IVa score on ICU admission. APACHE IVa showed a good predictive performance for ICU mortality with an area under the ROC curve of 0.9176 (95% CI 0.8789-0.9390).Conclusions: Prognosis of aortic aneurysm patients admitted to ICU postoperatively is yet to improve, and factors associated with prognosis are mainly related to the condition itself. APACHE IVa can be used for prognosis prediction.
Qualitative, Quantitative, or Mixed Methods? A Systematic Scoping Review on Methodological Applications in Ageing and Dementia Studies
Authors: sm-Rahman Atiqur , Jahan Yasmin
Published: October 2020

Background: Older adults (with and without dementia) are discriminated against at different social levels and often over-generalized in a stereotypical manner is called ageism. Despite advancements in gerontological research, the methodological implementations in the field of ageing and dementia studies have not been shared equally. This article reports on a systematic scoping review of the emerging methodological trends (use and application of research designs and methods) in this combined field.Methods: The study reviewed evidence-based articles published from 2009 to 2018 and indexed in five scientific electronic databases Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and CINAHL complete by following PRISMA-ScR protocol. Both visual scanning of reference lists and hand searching of leading journals were performed in the field of ageing and dementia in order to maximize the search result.Results: A total of 112 papers were included. The review reveals that the predominant form of methodological application was a quantitative design (74.1%) compared to a qualitative (19.6%) and mixed methods (6.2%) in the combined field of ageing and dementia. Furthermore, the data collection instruments mostly used a variety of questionnaire surveys (with and without validated scales) and interviews. Both quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies have targeted the general public and healthcare professionals by and large, not older adults or people with dementia in particular. Conclusions: The results have important implications for the methodological advancement of ageing and dementia research, as well as for the development of inter-disciplinary and cross-cultural interventions considering the potentialities and limitations of data collection tools. The study provides a first step towards understanding key aspects in any study setting and recommends to be purposeful about what information will be gathered, which measurement tool or instrument is consistent with study purpose, and how the knowledge will be utilized.
Forskolin enhances the antitumor effect of oncolytic measles virus by promoting Rab27a dependent vesicular transport system
Authors: Xia Mao , Xia Yongquan , Xu Xuejing , Meng Gang , Hong Yan , Shen Han
Published: October 2020

Background
Measles vaccine strain viruses (MV-Edm) are an ideal platform for developing safe and effective oncolytic vectors. However, despite the promising pre-clinical data, understanding of determinants of efficacy and, thus, the interplay of the oncolytic virus with particular agents remains limited.
Methods
We investigated the potency of forskolin enhancing the antitumor effect of oncolytic measles virus by promoting Rab27a dependent vesicular transport system. Cells were infected with MV-Edm and the vesicles were observed by TEM. The oncolytic effects of MV-Edm/Forskolin were investigated in vitro.
Results
Here we demonstrate that the MV-Edm infection and spread in tumor, which are indispensable processes for the viral oncolysis, depend on the vesicular transport system of tumor cells. On the contrary, the tumor cells display a responsive mechanism to restrain the MV-Edm spread by down-regulating the expression of Rab27a, which is a key member of the vesicle transport system. Over-expression of Rab27a promotes the oncolytic efficacy of MV-Edm towards A549 tumor cells. Finally, we find a Rab27a agonist Forskolin, is capable of promoting the oncolytic effect of MV-Edm in vitro.
Conclusions
Our study reveals the important role of vesicle transporter Rab27a in the whole program of MV-Edm mediated oncolysis. We also provide a combined strategy of Forskolin and MV-Edm, which may exert a synergistic anti-tumor effect, for clinical treatment for patients with tumor.
Effects of Herbst Appliance Treatment on the Mandibular Incisor Segment: A 3-D Analysis
Authors: Schwartz João Paulo , Ravelli Taisa Boamorte , Ravelli Dirceu Barnabé , Ruf Sabine
Published: October 2020

Background: Three-dimensionally evaluation of the treatment changes of a Herbst appliance using a lower anchorage unit not touching the lingual surface of the lower incisors. Methods: 23 Class II:1 patients (12 males, 11 females) with a mean age of 15.7±1.7 years treated with a Flip-Lock Herbst® (TP Orthodontics, Inc., La Porte, IN, USA) appliance. The lower anchorage unit for the Herbst appliance consisted of two anchor bands connected by a lingual arch with 3mm distance from the incisor’s lingual surface. Treatment changes in mandibular incisor inclination, overjet and overbite were evaluated by means of cone beam computed tomography images (i-CAT® Classic unit, Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, PA, USA) obtained before and after treatment with the Herbst appliance. Results: On average, there was a statistically significant increase in mandibular incisor inclination (2.6+1.8°) and a reduction in overjet (3.2+2.2mm) and overbite (1.3+0.9mm). Genders did not differ significantly. Incisor proclination was however only seen in 74% of the patients. The changes in mandibular incisor inclination were associated with the changes in overjet (/r/ = 0.1 to 0.5) and overbite (/r/ = 0.3 to 0.7). Conclusion: A Herbst appliance with a mandibular anchorage unit distant from the incisor’s lingual surface results in smaller amounts of mandibular incisor proclination compared to literature. However, as it induces canine anchorage loss, the decreased amount of proclination may not prevail after multibracket treatment. Trial registration: This study was registered 08 February 2011, reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Araraquara Dental School, Paulista State University (FOAr-UNESP), project number 62/2010. https://www.foar.unesp.br/#!/comissoes-e-comites/cep/
Mathematical Modeling of the Weight of Grain Straw During Conveying in Vertical Conveying Reaper Windrow
Authors: Tefera Getaw Ayay
Published: October 2020

Analyzing the total weight of cut straws inside the conveyor is important in a vertical conveyor reapers machines to optimize the supply energy into the lugged belt conveyor system. This weight was mathematically modeled by considering the working mechanism of vertical conveyor reapers machines, corelating feeding rate of cut straws from cutter to conveyor and conveying rates of lugged belt conveyor. Then the mathematical model for total weight was defined by determining numbers of cut straws in front of each cutters or knives. The defined equation shows that the feed rate of cut straws into the conveyor is in arithmetic sequence fashion with equal initial value and common difference. The total weight of cut straws equation is an arithmetic series with positive common difference. The equation also shows that the numbers of cut straws in the conveyor increased in arithmetic progression when the numbers of cutters or knives increased. In general, the weight of cut straws in conveyor depends on mass of straw, gravitational acceleration, numbers of cutters or knives, forward speed of reaper, spacing of lugs, angular speed of conveyor pulley, diameter of conveyor pulley and diameter of straw.
Activation of Dopamine D2 Receptor Alleviates Neuroinflammation and Neuronal Injury in Mice Model of Allergic Rhinitis With Olfactory Dysfunction
Authors: Liu Peiqiang , Qin Danxue , Lv Hao , Fan Wenjun , Zhou Fangwei , Gao Ziang , Tao Zezhang , Xu Yu
Published: October 2020

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common chronic allergic disease of the upper airway that not only causes peripheral inflammation, but also induces neuroinflammation in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, olfactory bulb and other brain areas. Recent studies have suggested that the dopamine D2 receptor acts as a key target in regulating immune functions and neuroinflammatory reaction, which may be a promising target for AR-induced olfactory dysfunction (OD).Methods: An AR mouse model with OD induced by ovalbumin (OVA) were constructed. A coculture system of olfactory bulb neurons (OBNs) and microglias was established. The buried food pellet test was to evaluate the olfactory function of the mice. Immunofluorescence staining, HE staining, ELISA, Western blotting, and TUNEL staining were also used to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of the dopamine D2 receptor in AR-induced OD.Results: We confirmed that AR mice with or without OD had the characteristics of AR, but the expression of the microglial marker CD11b and the related cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) in the AR mice with OD were significantly increased in the olfactory bulb compared with those of mice without OD. Nasal administration of quinpirole, a dopamine D2 receptor agonist, shortened the time to find the food pellets, inhibited the expression of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signalings and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. In the coculture system of OBNs and microglias, quinpirole inhibited the release of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signalings-dependent inflammatory cytokines in the microglias, which was accompanied by decreased AMPA receptor GluR1, increased GluR2 and reduced TUNEL positive cells in the OBNs.Conclusion: Activation of the dopamine D2 receptor inhibits the release of inflammatory cytokines through the microglia-dependent TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signalings, alleviates AMPA receptor-mediated damage of the olfactory bulb, and protects olfactory function.
Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells inhibit catabolism in human chondrocytes by activating autophagy via inhibition of the NF-κB pathway
Authors: Wang Jian-Fa , Zhu Zhi , Sun Lei , Shao Shi-kun , Ma Bao-dong , Wang Yao-kun , Jin Ran-ran , Hao Hong-Bo , Yue Han
Published: October 2020

Objective: We aimed to determine the significance of MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) in chondrocyte autophagy under normal and inflammatory conditions.Design: Human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hMSCs) were cultured in vitro. hMSC-Exos( EX） were isolated by an ultracentrifugation method. Transmission electron microscopy and western analysis were used to identify exosomes. Human chondrocytes were extracted from five adult males with OA undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Primary cultures of chondrocytes from OA patients were stimulated with 50 ng/ml tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the presence or absence of hMSC-Exos. Autophagy levels were determined based on expression of autophagic marker LC3, StubRFP-SensGFP-LC3 analysis, and electron microscopy. Catabolic gene and chemokine expression were evaluated using quantitative PCR. The NF-κB inhibitor NS398 was used to analyze the role of the NF-κB pathway in autophagic activation.Results: hMSC-Exos increased LC3-II levels as well as autophagosome number in chondrocytes. hMSC-Exos inhibited TNF-α–induced expression of MMP-3, -9, and -13; ADAMTS5; CCL-2 and -5; and CXCL1. NF-κB inhibition activated autophagy in TNF-α–treated chondrocytes. These results indicate that hMSC-Exos might suppress the levels of catabolic and inflammatory factors in chondrocytes by promoting autophagy via NF-κB pathway inhibition.Conclusions: Our data support the interest in hMSC-Exos to develop new therapeutic approaches for joint conditions.
Is the Anatomy of the Inferior Mesenteric Artery Root Different in Patients with a Tortuous Abdominal Aorta?
Authors: Zhou Jia-Hao , Chang Hsu-Chao
Published: October 2020

Background: Catheterization of the inferior mesentery artery (IMA) during angiography can sometimes be difficult due to anatomic variations. Our study aimed to evaluate the relationship between abdominal aortic tortuosity (AAT) and the anatomy of the IMA root. Methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 45 patients were selected and 3 groups were divided using a qualitative method by visual estimation of vessel tortuosity. A quantitative method was performed by recording the patient age, tortuosity index, and features of the IMA root anatomy, including orifice level, vertical diameter, clockwise angle, and angulation. Pearson correlation coefficients (p < 0.05) were calculated to analyse the strength of the linear association between tortuosity and other variables. Results: The AAT index was significantly associated with age. When the abdominal aorta was tortuous, the IMA root was more likely to be distorted toward the convex side, with a larger angulation between the IMA root and the abdominal aorta. Conclusions: Our study provides information which could help clinicians plan endovascular interventions of IMA. When cannulation of the IMA appears to be difficult, a rotation of tip of the catheter to the convex side of the abdominal aorta and a less sharp looping of the catheter may be attempted.
DNA methylation for cervical cancer screening: A validation trial in China
Authors: Kong Linghua , Wang Linhai , Wang Ziyun , Xiao Xiaoping , You Yan , Wu Huanwenn , Wu Ming , Liu Pei , Li Lei
Published: October 2020

Background Based on published results from a training set, EPB41L3 and JAM3 gene methylation status had favorite results compared with high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing. This validation trial evaluated the DNA methylation status and genotyping of hrHPV in unselected patients with gynecologic diseases.Methods This study enrolled all patients in the study center from June 1, 2019 to September 1, 2019. Liquid-based samples were collected from cervical swabs for methylation assays and hrHPV testing one day before surgery. The primary endpoint was the diagnostic accuracies of DNA methylation and hrHPV genotyping for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 or more severe lesions (CIN2+).Results In total, 307 patients were included in the final analysis, with a median age of 46 years. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the methylation assay for CIN2+ were 68.7%, 96.7%, 0.933 and 0.712, respectively, and the methylation assay achieved similar diagnostic accuracies to those in the training set and to hrHPV testing. Even in patients with negative hrHPV results, DNA methylation was significantly able to identify CIN2+ (odds ratio 39.857, 95% confidence interval 7.137-222.577). The methylation assay was sensitive for CIN2/3 and cervical squamous cell carcinoma without residual lesions and was not positive in this context.Conclusion For the diagnosis of cervical adenocarcinoma, methylation assessment, hrHPV testing and their combination had favorable results in all subtypes.
Measuring and managing brand loyalty of banks` clients
Authors: Bisschoff Christo
Published: October 2020

The purpose of the study is to measure behavioral, attitudinal and other brand loyalty antecedents, and to develop an operating model for measuring and managing brand loyalty of commercial banks clients. A random sample of 500 members of the South African Commercial Institute, who are also commercial banks’ clients, received a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire to be completed online via Twitter and Facebook. About 196 people completed the questionnaire. The data possess construct validity and reliability (α ≥ 0.70). The results show that seven of the 12 original antecedents are banking related, namely five Attitudinal antecedents (r2 = 0.557) and two Other antecedents (r2 = 0.442). Behavioral antecedents were not important to bank clients. All the antecedents have factor loadings above 0.60, and there is a significant positive correlation between Attitude and the Other antecedents (r = 0.75; p ≤ 0.01). This means that the model is useful for managers in managing brand loyalty at their banks. It is also of value to researchers and academia looking to conduct further research on how to measure and manage brand loyalty. However, a caution is that the data originated from South African banks’ clients. Country-specific influences can cause different brand loyalty preferences among international banks’ clients.
AcknowledgmentI wish to acknowledge Mr. Sarel Salim for his contribution to administering the data collection for the original research on brand loyalty in banking (see also Salim and Bisschoff, 2014 in the reference list).
Pengembangan Modul Kimia terintegrasi STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) dan PBL (Problem-Based Learning)
Authors: Oktaviani Ari , Anom K , Lesmini Betty
Published: October 2020

Penelitian pengembangan ini bertujuan menghasilkan modul pembelajaran terintegrasi STEM-PBL “Topik Jenis Media Tanam Untuk Pertumbuhan Tanaman Selada Secara Hidroponik” yang valid, praktis dan efektif. Model pengembangan yang digunakan adalah model ADDIE (Analysis, Desain, Development, Implementation, Evaluation). Tahap evaluasi menggunakan evaluasi formatif Tessmer yang meliputi self evaluation, expert review, one-to-one, small group, dan  field test. Hasil tahap expert review didapat skor rata-rata kevalidan sebesar 0,90 skala Aiken dengan kategori tinggi. Hasil uji kepraktisan didapatkan skor rata-rata pada tahap one-to-one sebesar 0,93 dan pada tahap small group sebesar 0,90 skala Aiken dengan kategori tinggi (praktis). Hasil uji field test didapatkan nilai N-Gain sebesar 0,75 dengan kategori tinggi (efektif). Berdasarkan hasil evaluasi tersebut menunjukkan bahwa modul yang dihasilkan telah memenuhi kriteria valid, praktis, dan efektif. Disarankan modul ini dapat dijadikan salah satu alternatif bahan ajar pada mata kuliah kewirausahaan.
Lanthanum-doped activated carbon derived from municipal sludge for enhanced defluoridation: characteristics and mechanism
Authors: He Lizhi , Wang Guoqiao , Zhang Xinxin , Zhang Yujian , Chen Yao
Published: October 2020

The sewage sludge production has been increasing along with the ever-growing populations and wastewater treatment rate. Lanthanum-doped activated carbon (AC-La) was derived from municipal sludge via chemical activation and utilized for fluoride removal. Batch experiments were conducted to discuss the effect of lanthanum dosage, time and pH on the adsorption process. The results showed that 4 g/L AC-La exhibited a fluoride removal rate of 80.9% with 10 mg/L initial fluoride concentration, and the optimal pH range for adsorption was 3–10. X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses were conducted to analyze the microstructure and chemical properties of sludge, unmodified activated carbon (AC) and AC-La. The results showed that with initial lanthanum dosage of 15 wt%, the final loading amount of La in AC-La was 13.8 wt%. After modification, the specific surface area of AC-La increased from 1.8 m2/g (sludge) to 133.0 m2/g. The removal mechanism of fluoride onto AC-La was mainly the inner-sphere complexation between lanthanum and fluoride, facilitated by exchange interaction with hydroxyls. A stability study showed that AC-La maintained a quite small dissolution and was safe in waters (La dissolution rate < 0.2‰).
Bio-Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles promoted green synthesis of thioxo-1,3- oxazole derivatives: Study of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity
Authors: Ghazvini Maryam , Sheikholeslami-Farahani Fatemeh , Hamedani Naghmeh Faal , Shahvelayati Ashraf Sadat , Rostami Zohreh
Published: October 2020

Aims and Objective:

In this work 1,3-oxazoles were generated using multicomponent reaction of α-bromo ketones, alkyl (aryl) isothiocyanates, sodium hydride and Fe3O4 MNPs in water at room temperature in good yields. The nanoparticles that is generated via biosynthesis method have potentially valuable in different purposes such as organic synthesis.

Materials and Methods:

To study antioxidant ability of some synthesized thioxo-1,3-oxazoles, diphenyl-picrylhydrazine
(DPPH) radical trapping and power of ferric reduction testes are employed. Among studied thioxo-1,3-oxazoles, 4b have
good power for radical trapping and reduction activity than to standard antioxidant such as BHT and TBHQ. In addition, the
antimicrobial activity of some thioxo-1,3-oxazoles was studied employing the disk diffusion test on Gram-positive bacteria
and Gram-negative bacteria. The results of disk diffusion test showed that compound 4a, 4b, 4d and 4f prevented the bacterial growth.

Results:

Without employing catalyst, these reactions have low yield and busy mixture. The synthesis of compound 4a as
sample reaction have alike yield in the presence of ZnO-NPs and Fe3O4 MNPs (entry 20 and entry 30) but removal of catalyst from the mixture of reaction after completing of reaction is comfortable in present of Fe3O4 MNPs. Structures of 4a–4i
are confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR mass spectra.

Conclusion:

The reaction of α-bromo ketones, isothiocyanate and sodium hydride in the presence of catalytic amount of
Fe3O4 MNPs in water generate 1,3-oxazole derivatives in good yields. Some advantages of performing these reactions with
present procedure are carrying out these reactions in water as green solvent and simple removal of catalyst.
Physical and Rheological Properties of Poly-floral Honey from the Iraqi Kurdistan Region and the Effect of Temperature on its Viscosity
Authors: Azawy Auday K. , Ibrahim Kocher J. , Abdullah Omed Gh. , Othman Beshroo A. , Al-Saadi Jasim M.S.
Published: October 2020

Aims:

In this study, the physical and rheological properties of three poly-floral honey
samples collected from different places in the Kurdistan region were determined.

Methods:

The honey samples were analyzed for pH, free acidity, total ash content, moisture content,
refractive index, soluble solids (Brix), electrical conductivity, volume expansion, density, specific
heat capacity, surface tension, and rheological properties. The pH and free acidity of the honey
samples varied from 4.10 to 4.81 to 30 to 62 mEq/kg, respectively. The total ash content ranged
from 0.166 to 0.408%. The moisture content, soluble solids, and refractive index ranged from
15.60 to 16.60 g/100 g, 83.40 to 84.40, and 1.4998 to 1.5023, respectively. The electrical conductivity
ranged from 40.896 to 44.471 mS/cm. The linear relationship between the electrical conductivity
and the ash content was also calculated in this investigation. The volumetric expansion coefficient
of the honey samples varied from 6.0098x10-4 to 6.69942x10-4 mm3/K. The density ranged
from 1.42125995 to 1.45501137 g/cm3. The specific heat capacity varied from 2448.078 to
2575.004 J/kg.K. The surface tension varied from 0.2178 to 0.2282 N/m. The apparent viscosity
was measured by Brookfield Viscometer, and the dynamic viscosity was measured by HAAKE
Falling Ball Viscometer, after changing the temperature from 293 to 323 K.

Results and Discussion:

The honey samples of lower moisture content showed a greater increase
in their apparent and dynamic viscosities. Arrhenius model was used to describe the effect of temperature
on the honey viscosity. This model was used to determine the activation energy. Other rheological
properties such as kinematic viscosity and fluidity, were also determined.

Conclusion:

All the honey samples behaved as Newtonian fluids in the whole temperature range.