bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Patient Flow Analysis with Real-Time Patient Tracking to Optimize Radiation Oncology Consultation Visits
Authors: Mesko Shane , Weng Julius , Das Prajnan , Koong Albert C. , Herman Joseph M. , Elrod-Joplin Dorothy , Kerr Ashley , Aloia Thomas , Frenzel John , French Katy E. , Martinez Wendi , Recinos Iris , Alshaikh Abdulaziz , Daftary Utpala , Moreno Amy C. , Nguyen Quynh-Nhu
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Clinical efficiency is a key component of the value-based care model and a driver of patient satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to identify and address inefficiencies at a high-volume radiation oncology clinic.Methods and Materials: Patient flow analysis (PFA) was used to create process maps and optimize the workflow of consultation visits in a gastrointestinal radiation oncology clinic at a large academic cancer center. Metrics such as cycle times, waiting times, and rooming times were compared before vs after implementation of the PFA recommendations by using a real-time patient status function in the electronic medical record for 556 consults. Results: The initial PFA revealed four inefficiencies: (1) protracted rooming time, (2) inefficient communications, (3) duplicated tasks, and (4) ambiguous clinical roles. We analyzed 485 consult-visits before the PFA and 71 after the PFA. The PFA recommendations led to reductions in overall median cycle time by 21% (91 min vs 72 min, p<0.001), in cumulative waiting times by 64% (45 min vs 16 min; p<0.001), which included waiting room time (14 min vs 5 min; p<0.001); and wait for physician (20 min vs. 6 min; p<0.001). Slightly less than one-quarter (22%) of consult visits before the PFA lasted >2 hours vs. 0% after implementation of the recommendations (p<0.001). Similarly, the proportion of visits requiring <1 hour was 16% before PFA vs 34% afterward (p<0.001). Conclusions: PFA can be used to identify clinical inefficiencies and optimize workflows in radiation oncology consultation clinics, and implementing their findings can significantly improve cycle times and waiting times. Potential downstream effects of these interventions include improved patient experience, decreased staff burnout, financial savings, and opportunities for expanding clinical capacity.
Pharmacokinetics and Molecular Docking for Identification of Potential Drug Targets in Tangeretin’s Neuro-Protection
Authors: Balasubramani Sundararajan , Rasu Arulkumar , Venuvanalingam Ponnambalam , Zhou Zhiqin
Published: February 2022

Background
Tangeretin obtained from Citrus limonum L. represents the key secondary metabolite amongst other citrus derived polymethoxyflavones eliciting a comprehensive bioactive potential establishing versatility in abating neurodegenerative disorders.
Objective
The present study was aimed to decipher additional targets and interacting mechanisms for tangeretin in elucidating the neuro-inflammatory profiles through computer aided drug designing and deciphering potential molecular mechanisms.
Methods
Pharmacokinetic evaluation waswill be performed for ADMET properties comprising Liver Toxicity, Metabolism, blood brain barrier permeability, cardiotoxicity, mitochondrial toxicity, mutagenicity by vNN web server and SWISS-ADME for drug likeliness deriving medicinal properties of tangeretin, comparatively. Polar surface area-based drug assimilatory profiles were catalogued using Molinspiration toolkit for confirming the tangeretin’s bioavailibility and solubility. Extra-precision flexible molecular docking studies was preceded using Glide XP incorporated in Schrödinger, LLC, New York, NY, 2021 for protein (5-Beta-reductase, PLA2, IRAK4, COX-1, COX-2, 5-LOX, NIK) – ligand (tangeretin) interaction assessment. Phylogenetic analysis of the selected protein targets in docking experiments were assessed for closely relatedness by maximum likelihood iterations using MEGA 10.2.6. Further tangeretin-gene targets-interaction assessment was cross-verified in STITCH and SWISSTARGET prediction data for affirming putative drug targets.
Results
Pharmaokinetic assessment revealed the tangeretin’s role in safety, efficacy and druglike properties based on chemi-informatic profiles. Further selected proteins utilized for flexible docking corresponds to 3KK6, 1CX2 (Cyclooxygenases family), 2B03 (Phospholipase A2), 4IDV (NF-KB-inducing kinase), 6O9D (Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase domain) and 3BV7 (steroid 5beta-reductase) that were assessed for binding affinity patterns revealed the efficacy in the order of 5-Beta-reductase > PLA2 > IRAK4 > COX-1 > COX-2 > 5-LOX > NIK. Phylogenetic relatedness proved that 3BV7 posed the ancestral node for rest of the selected proteins emphasizing cascade mechanisms in absorption potentiating additional protein-protein interaction and crosstalk. Comparative gene target analysis revealed two putative potential targets namely AKT1 and CYP1A1.
Conclusion
Pharmacokinetic based docking assessment and network pharmacology studies pertaining neuro-inflammatory protection are coerced with confirmation of putative targets aiding the safety, efficacy, and efficiency of tangeretin.
Clinical Investigation Of Use Of Episil® Oral Solution In Oral Mucositis During Radiotherapy For Head And Neck Cancer
Authors: Kabasawa Yuji , Ito Kanade , Tokura Shiori , Takazawa Itsuki , Yoshida Naomi , Nakanishi Tohko , Akiyama Kikue , Onuma Yuki , Adachi Toshiko , Harada Hiroyuki , Nojima Hitomi , Miura Masahiro , Yoshimura Ryoichi
Published: February 2022

Objective: Episil® is a bioadhesive barrier-forming oral liquid gel that has been used in recent years to relieve pain at the onset of oral mucositis (OM) associated with radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). We retrospectively analyzed the clinical effect of Episil® on OM in patients with HNC who underwent RT or CRT. Patients and Methods: A total of 65 patients with HNC were treated with RT or CRT at our hospital between June 2018 and May 2020. Among the 65 tumors, 64 were histologically confirmed as squamous cell carcinomas, and one malignant lymphoma. Results: The median total RT dose was 50 Gy (range, 30–70 Gy) and the completion rate of RT was 63/65 (97%). The median time to OM resolution was 47 (6–90) days and was significantly longer (53 [27–90] days) when the total RT dose was ³51 Gy (p<0.001). Episil® was used in 26 patients; among them, 10 of whom discontinued its use due to several factors including ineffective pain relief, usage difficulties, and taste intolerance. The median duration of use was 30 (1–52) days and was significantly longer (34.5 [10–52] days) (p<0.001) when patients experienced pain relief at treatment initiation. Conclusion: Although Episil® has been shown to be effective in improving the pain of OM caused by RT of HNC patients. Episil® needs to be improved, and medical professionals are required to give careful attention to each individual patient.
Strategies for maintaining and improving clinical credibility of nursing lecturers: A meta-synthesis study
Authors: soodmand parvaneh , Mohsenizadeh Seyyed Mostafa , Meshkinyazd Ali , akhond abolfazl
Published: February 2022

Background: After the academization of nursing, obtaining, maintaining, and promoting of clinical credibility of nursing lecturers have always been a matter of challenge. Various studies have explored strategies for maintaining and promoting clinical credibility and a review study can integrate these results. This review study was conducted to evaluate strategies for maintaining and promoting clinical credibility of nursing lecturers.Methods: This study was designed based on Noblit and Hare's qualitative meta-synthesis. Studies on clinical credibility of nursing lecturers were collected in the databases of Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, and Eric from 2000 to 2021. Finally, after reviewing the full texts and applying the evaluation criteria, 12 articles were included in this review. Each selected article was reviewed and key concepts extracted from each study were compared with other studies for final interpretation of clinical credibility of nursing lecturers and approaches for its improvement.Results: We found that, clinical credibility of nursing lecturers has been interpreted as sufficient and appropriate experience and skills of lecturers in most of articles. Strategies for maintaining and promoting clinical credibility were organized into one main category and five subcategories, including clinical care, clinical links, transfer of skills, clinically orientated research, and motivational factors.Conclusion: According to the results of the study, it is necessary to pay attention to the dimensions of being involved in care, establishing clinical communication, transferring skills, conducting clinical research and paying attention to motivational factors to develop and maintain the clinical credibility of nursing teachers.
Grow In Adaptation: Family Caregivers' Experiences Of Caring For Neonates Undergoing Enterostomy In China—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ni Zhi Hong , Ding Sheng , Wu Jin Hua
Published: February 2022

Background: More than 100,000 neonates undergo enterostomy every year in China, and the incidence continues to increase gradually. Most neonates undergoing enterostomy are cared for by family after hospital discharge. However, there is a lack of qualitative studies on family caregivers’ experiences in caring for neonates undergoing enterostomy in China.Method: An explorative design was used in which qualitative semi-structured interviews with family caregivers were conducted. Family caregivers were selected using a purposive sampling method from a children’s hospital until no new data were generated (n = 26). Reporting adhered to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist.Results: The experience of family caregivers was described as growing in adaptation, where five main themes emerged: (1) complex emotional responses; (2) uncertainty about everything; (3) lack of confidence, anxiety, and helplessness; (4) eagerness for professional support; (5) active adaptation, harvest, and growth.Conclusion: These findings increased understanding and added knowledge on this topic that is rarely studied in China. Healthcare authorities and professionals should recognise and understand the lives and situations of family caregivers (whose neonates undergo enterostomy) to better identify their difficulties and needs. Appropriate and effective support, both from government and society, should be planned and implemented for family caregivers caring for neonates undergoing enterostomy and maintaining the quality of their own lives.
Beyond the Purcell Effect: Modifying Spontaneous Emission via Plasmonic Doping
Authors: Ding Boyang , Chen Yu-Hui , Ijaz Mohsin , Wagner Isabella , Liu Fengjiang , Samoli Margarita , Hens Zeger , Geiregat Pieter , Hodgkiss Justin , Blaikie Richard , Chen Kai , Qiu Min
Published: February 2022

Optical resonators can alter quantum emitters' electromagnetic environment, thus modifying the spontaneous emission. This is known as the Purcell effect, widely regarded as the standard explanation of cavity-emitter interations. Here we show that this effect fails to properly address the emission modified by plasmonic resonators, i.e. a special type of metal cavities, where resonators can strongly affect the transition processes by charging the emitters. In particular, by integrating quantum dots (QDs) into a grating-like plasmonic resonator, we can transiently dope the QDs with a large amount of hot electrons that are produced during plasmon excitation. The doping makes the excited carriers greatly outnumber the absorbed photons, forming unusal ``asymmetric excitation" in individual QDs and yielding high-frequency radiative emission that can not be enabled by the Purcell enhancement. Our finding identifies a new cavity-emitter interaction pathway, initiating riveting opportunities for both fundamental studies and practical applications in laser, photovoltaics and photocatalysis.
The role of SMER28 in increasing the life of BMSCs after exposure to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: mollahzadeghomi shamim , darabi shahram , mollazadehghomi shabnam
Published: February 2022

Background
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have long been of therapeutic importance in tissue engineering and restorative medicine. Recently, introducing the autophagy inducer SMER28 as a molecule for increasing BMSCs viability has received special attention. We aimed to determine the role of SMER28 in increasing the life of BMSCs after exposure to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide.
Methods
Five female and adult Wistar field samples prepared to extract BMSCs specimens. To prove the mesenchymal origin of BMSCs in the third passage, the expression of CD31, CD34, and CD106 were evaluated as the immunocytochemical markers. Trypan blue staining was performed on cells to evaluate the toxicity of H2O2 and the protective effect of SMER28.
Results
Pretreatment with SMER28 at a dose of 5 µM increased cell viability. In this regard, cell survival in medium containing SMER28 (5 µM) and H2O2 at concentrations of 50, 100, 200, 400 µM were 94%, 86%, 78%, and 43%, respectively. Compared between cells exposed to H2O2 with and without SMER28, SMER28 significantly increased cell viability and decreased cell death due to H2O2.
Conclusion
Pretreatment with SMER28 at a dose of 5 µM increases BMSCs survival.
Adjustment of p-Value Expression To Ontology Using Machine Learning For Genetic Prediction, Prioritization, Interaction, And Its Validation In Glomerular Disease
Authors: Ettetuani Boutaina , Chahboune Rajaa , Moussa Ahmed
Published: February 2022

Background: The selection of gene expression mixed to multiple similarity scores of their gene ontology terms (GO), were adjusted by our algorithm as essential prediction tasks for evaluating the regulatory pathways. Moreover applying machine learning techniques, in order to link the gene products into networks that prioritize candidate genes as classification. Finally detecting some significant genetic interactions by applying our algorithm model as validation of the results. Results: Experimental validation of all associations facilitates the discovery of causative genes known to be related to glomerular diseases (GD). As well as EGR1, IL33, BMP2, SLAMF8. In which their GO annotations related to this gene include kidney vasculature development, regulation of cell activation/ inflammatory/immune effector/adaptive immune/glomerulus/glomerular mesangial cell proliferation development, etc. Other genes as TNXA, FCER1A, NME3, FMOD, BTG2, PTGER4, AXL, CYP1A2, CYTL1, BHLHE40, IFI16, SPON1, ETNPPL, COL14A1, ITGAV, MYOZ2, CAMK2A, SORT1, RANBP1, in which their variants information include complement a set of C3, C4, and C7 measurement, serum IgE/IgA measurement, c-reactive protein measurement, nephrotic syndrome, immune system disease, tuberculosis, glomerular filtration rate, chronic kidney disease, etc. The lasts enable a rapid interpretation of complex gene expression studies. As well, other high-throughput genomics assays illustrate an overview of a computational model for gene prioritization and their genetic interactions. Conclusions: The furtherance of combining and adjusting the genes expression to multiple similarity scores of their gene ontology (GO) and interacting all possible cross-association of the results reported classification of genes between among to the subject category and validated the abstracts.
Hypersensitivity Reaction to Paclitaxel: A Retrospective Analysis on the Non-Inferiority of Oral Famotidine to Intravenous Ranitidine in Premedication Regimen
Authors: TSOI Tsz Ting , YOUNG Wai Man , CHEUNG Yin Ting , LAM Tai Ning , LAU Chun Yu , SUEN Shing Yu , TSUI Yuk Tung Chanel , WONG Man Ho , WONG Hong Kei , TAM Tsz Hei , ZHOU Keary Rui
Published: February 2022

Background: Previous studies have only evaluated intravenous histamine H2 receptor antagonists for use as paclitaxel premedication. This study aims to investigate whether oral famotidine is non-inferior to intravenous ranitidine as a premedication to prevent paclitaxel-associated hypersensitivity reactions. It could provide guidance on the use of alternative orally administered agents.Methods: It is a retrospective, multi-center, non-inferiority, historical control cohort study. Paclitaxel-naïve adult patients who began treatment with paclitaxel between August 2018 and December 2020, and received all cycles of paclitaxel in seven tertiary public hospitals in Hong Kong were enrolled. The patients received either intravenous ranitidine (control group) or oral famotidine (study group) as the premedication on the day of paclitaxel infusion. The primary outcome was the occurrence of a paclitaxel-induced hypersensitivity reaction of any severity during any cycle. The proportion of patients with the primary outcome in each group were compared by the two-proportion Z-test. The non-inferiority margin was pre-defined as an absolute hypersensitivity reaction rate difference of 5%.Results: We enrolled 1282 paclitaxel-naïve adult patients. Patients in both control (n = 635) and study (n = 647) groups had a median age of 59 years, and 476 (75%) and 485 (75%) were females, respectively. A median of five cycles of paclitaxel were administered in both groups. Hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 121 (19%) patients in study group, and 105 (17%) patients in control group (difference: +2.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.02% to +6.35%; non-inferiority one-sided p = 0.092). A subgroup analysis of patients receiving standard-dose steroid premedication demonstrated a hypersensitivity reaction rate difference of +0.4% (95% CI: -3.97% to +4.83%, non-inferiority one-sided p = 0.021).Conclusions: We found no statistically significant differences in the hypersensitivity reaction rates between intravenous ranitidine and oral famotidine. Oral famotidine was not found to be non-inferior to intravenous ranitidine as a paclitaxel premedication based on the pre-defined non-inferiority margin. The use of oral famotidine with standard-dose steroid as premedication may provide better protection against hypersensitivity reactions.
An exploratory project to develop an effective educational system to teach mastery of assistant laparoscopic gynecologic surgery skills
Authors: Kakuda Mamoru , Kobayashi Eiji , Matsuzaki Shinya , Ueda Yutaka , Yoshino Kiyoshi , Kimura Tadashi
Published: February 2022

Introduction: In laparoscopic surgery, the cooperation of the first assistant surgeon is essential for the creation and maintenance of an appropriate and safe surgical field. The aim of this study is a validation of the impact of our educational system for first assistant laparoscopic surgeon residency in a single university-affiliated teaching hospital.Methods: Five residents were recruited for this study. We created a slide-set as an educational tool using Microsoft’s PowerPoint that was in line with our surgical procedure to master the assistant skills of laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. Immediately after surgery, the attending doctor and residents reviewed videos of the first assistant’s operative procedures. This study evaluated the effect of our educational check-list against the transition of evaluation scores before and after training in two groups of residents, those with minimal experience (Group 1) or with high experience (Group 2).Results: Before receiving our training tool, there was an expected significant difference in the review scores of the two experience groups (29.1±3.1 vs 48.7±3.9, p=0.01). After our modified training, the inexperienced residents of Group 1 received review scores comparable to or higher than those of the experienced residents of Group 2 (81.9±5.9 vs 70.4 ±7.5, p=0.23). As they assisted with more surgeries, the concordance between the resident’s self-assessment and the attending doctor’s assessment scores increased significantly (p<0.001). Conclusions: Our educational system for first assistant surgeons is effective for new residents, as it proved capable of imparting them with many of the same skill sets as much more experienced attending doctors.
A statistical description scheme of global sub-grid topography for numerical models
Authors: Wang Yaqi , Wang Lanning , Feng Juan , Song Zhenya , Wu Qizhong
Published: February 2022

Slope and aspect are the most prominent and important topographic elements for thermodynamic and dynamics of atmospheric circulation, especially for radiation and precipitation. In order to reduce the amount of computation after considering the sub-grid slope and aspect in numerical models, we propose a statistical method based on trigonometric function transformation to calculate these two factors for describing the orographic characteristics of complex areas over the world. It is found that the transformed conditional probability density function (PDF) conforms to the Gaussian distribution in most of the global areas (~98%), and this feature will not be eliminated with the improvement of resolution. Finally, the reasonability of this scheme in the Tibetan Plateau is tested by the radiation with the most significant topographic feedback. The results show that the surface solar radiation downwards (SSRD) in the Tibetan Plateau has been significantly improved compared with the results from the grid average scheme, especially in autumn. The improvement of Root mean square error (RMSE) is about 18.2 W/m2, and the improvement rate is reaching 38.4%. The improvements of maximum and regional-averaged of SSRD over the whole Tibetan Plateau are ~130W/m and ~44.3W/m2 respectively. Although we only consider the correction of solar shortwave radiation, which has a certain bias with the observation data. The improvement effect is enough to prove the rationality of the statistical method.
Seizure Control Among Children on Anti-epileptic Drugs at a Tertiary Hospital in South Western Uganda- A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Jane Namusisi , Mike Kyewalyanga , Stephen Sabiiti , Angelique Murorunkwere , Josephine Nantongo , Jane Nakibuuka , Sajatovic Martha , Stella Kyoyagala , Peters Kalubi
Published: February 2022

Background: Epilepsy is the commonest neurological disease globally. Up to 70% of the people with epilepsy can attain good seizure control with appropriate timely diagnosis and treatment, hence better quality of life. However, this is not often achievable in low resource settings.Aims: This study aimed at determining the seizure control status, describing the factors associated with poor seizure control among children on anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) for at least six months at MRRH.Methods: A two stage retrospective cohort study was done. In the first stage, eligible participants were identified and secondary data obtained from their medical records about the baseline social demographics and clinical characteristics at enrollment into the Epilepsy clinic. In the second stage, physical or telephone interview with the care takers were conducted about the current status of the participants. Children below 18 years of age on anti-epileptic drugs for at least six months were consecutive enrolment into this study. Results: A total of 112 participants were enrolled. Of these, three quarters (75%) had generalized onset seizures, 23% had focal onset seizures and 2% had unknown onset motor seizures. Poor seizure control occurred among 60.4% (95% CI 50.9- 69.9) of the participants. Having a comorbidity (p-value 0.048 AOR 3.2 (95% CI 1.0-9.9)), history suggestive of birth asphyxia (p-value 0.014 AOR 17.8 (95% CI 1.8- 176.8)) and being an adolescent (P-value 0.006, AOR (95% CI 1.8-26.6)) were significantly associated with poor seizure control.Conclusion: The commonest seizure type in our setting were the generalized onset seizures. The proportion with poor seizure control among children on AEDs for at least six months was high. Children with a comorbidity, history suggestive of birth asphyxia at baseline and adolescents were more likely to have poor seizure control and therefore need to be keenly followed up.
Identifying candidate genes involved in the regulation of growth using comparative transcriptome analysis (Androctonus crassicauda)
Authors: Salabi Fatemeh , Jafari Hedieh
Published: February 2022

BackgroundScorpions are venomous arthropod belonging to the arachnida, which considered as living fossils. Recently, transcriptomic analyses of scorpion venom gland were carried out by high-throughput sequencing and further analysis, but so far, the transcriptional analysis of venom gland of scorpion in different growth stages (adult and juvenile) have not been examined. Here, an Illumina-based sequencing study was designed to detect the candidate genes associated with growth development of scorpions of A. crassicauda. ResultsA total of 209951 mRNA transcripts were identified from total RNA-seq data, of which 963 transcripts were differentially expressed (DE) in adult and juvenile scorpions (p<0.01). Overall, we identified 397 out of 558 up-regulated transcripts and 269 out of 405 down-regulated transcripts with sequence similarity to annotated genes from various animals. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the metabolic, thermogenesis, cytoskeleton, estrogen signaling, GnRH signaling, growth hormone signaling and melanogenesis pathways were affected by two different growth conditions and the results suggested that the DE genes related to those pathways are important biomarker genes associated with scorpions development and maturation, in which they may be important in future studies, including Chs, Elovl, MYH, RDX, ACTN, VCL, PIP5K, PP1C, FGFR, GNAS, EGFR, CREB, CoA, PLCB, CALM, CACNA, PKA and CAMK genes. ConclusionsThese findings broadened our knowledge about the differences between adult and juvenile scorpion’s venom and opens new perspectives about the application of comparative transcriptome analysis to identify the special biomarkers.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Minor Zr Addition On Short And Medium-Range Orders of Cu-Zr Metallic Glass
Authors: Cao Xianying , Sun Minhua
Published: February 2022

The compositional dependence of the atomic structure and glass-forming ability (GFA) was systematically studied in a binary alloy series Cu 100-x Zr x (x= 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0, 7.0, 10.0) by molecular dynamics simulations. Several structural analysis techniques are adopted to find a direct relationship between the atomic structures and GFA by minor Zr addition. The simulation results confirm that the difference among the critical cooling rates proves the enhancement of GFA. It is found that the Zr addition can enhance the icosahedra short-range order (SRO). From another side, in terms of MRO, the addition of Zr can enhance interpenetrating icosahedra connection which will give rise to the Bergman-icosahedra medium-range order, resulting in a more stable, more compact, and more complex structures, which is responsible for the enhanced GFA in CuZr alloys. Furthermore, the five-fold symmetry governs the formation of the amorphous state and may behaves as a principal indication of the formation of the glass state during the cooling process. We also found a critical Zr content of 3%, below which the effect of Zr on the structures is not obvious. However, when the Zr content is higher than 3%, the Zr can rapidly change the structures of the liquid and glassy structure. These results are helpful for understanding the GFA of CuZr alloys.
Hyperglycemia-induced Overexpression of PHLPP1 Compromised the Cardioprotective Effect of Ischemic Postconditioning via Modulating the Akt/Mst1 Pathway Signalling.
Authors: Qiu Yun , Meng Yuming , Jia Yajuan , Lang Xuemei , Zhao Hongmei , Ding Lianshu , Wang Tingting , Sun Hong , Gao Sumin
Published: February 2022

Purpose Ischemic postconditioning (IPostC) alleviates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury, but the protective effect is lost in diabetes. PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase1 (PHLPP1) is able to inactivate Akt. Our previous study found that PHLPP1 expression was upregulated in diabetic heart. We presumed that attenuation of myocardial injury by IPostC might be hindered by PHLPP1 overexpression in diabetic animals. Methods and results Non-diabetic and diabetic mice were subjected to 45 min ischemia followed by 2 h reperfusion with or without IPostC. H9c2 cells were exposed to normal or high glucose and subjected to 4 h hypoxia followed by 4 h reoxygenation with or without hypoxic postconditioning (HPostC). IPostC attenuated postischemic infarction, apoptosis, creatine kinase-MB and oxidative stress, accompanied with increased p-Akt as well as decreased PHLPP1 expression and p-Mst1 in non-diabetic but not in diabetic mice. PHLPP1 knockdown or Mst1 inhibitor reduced hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR)-induced cardiomyocyte damage in H9c2 cells exposed to normal glucose, but the effect was abolished by PI3K/Akt inhibitor. HPostC attenuated HR-induced cardiomyocyte injury and oxidative stress accompanied with increased p-Akt as well as decreased PHLPP1 expression and p-Mst1 in H9c2 cells exposed to normal glucose but not high glucose. In addition, HPostC in combination with PHLPP1 knockdown or PHLPP1 knockdown alone reduced cell death and oxidative stress in H9c2 cells exposed to high glucose, which was hindered by PI3K/Akt inhibitor. Conclusion IPostC prevented myocardial IR injury partly through PHLPP1/Akt/Mst1 signalling, and the abnormality of this pathway may be responsible for the loss of IPostC cardioprotection in diabetes.
Indication-prescription study for the management of conjunctivitis in a Colombian population
Authors: Valladales-Restrepo Luis Fernando , Machado-Duque Manuel Enrique , Gaviria-Mendoza Andrés , López-Caicedo Diana Fiorella , Ospina-Cano Juan Alberto , Oyuela-Gutiérrez María Camila , Martínez-Pulgarín Dayron Fernando , Machado-Alba Jorge Enrique
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Conjunctivitis is one of the most common ocular pathologies. Its treatment depends on its etiology, but an excessive use of antibiotics and corticosteroids, which in many cases are contraindicated, has been described. The objective was to describe the prescription patterns of medications used to treat conjunctivitis in a Colombian population.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on the pharmacological treatment of patients diagnosed with conjunctivitis based on a drug-dispensing database of approximately 8.5 million people affiliated with the Colombian Health System. Some sociodemographic and pharmacological variables and comorbidities were considered. A descriptive analysis was performed.Results: A total of 8,708 patients were identified; they had a median age of 44.7 years, and 59.3% were women. The most common causes of conjunctivitis were unspecified (53.1%) and allergic (37.4%). The most commonly used drug was olopatadine (26.1%), followed by dexamethasone with neomycin and polymyxin B (25.0%). A total of 97.0% of the patients received ophthalmic prescriptions, while 12.8% received systemic medications. Glucocorticoids (40.3%), antibiotics (37.7%) and antihistamines (31.7%) were the most commonly used groups of ophthalmic drugs. Glucocorticoids and ophthalmic antibiotics were the medications most frequently prescribed by general practitioners for the treatment of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis.Conclusions: Many patients with conjunctivitis are not being managed according to the recommendations of clinical practice guidelines, which highlights that the widespread use of antibiotics with ophthalmic glucocorticoids could be considered potentially inappropriate prescriptions in many cases.
Cannibalism and intraguild predation involved in the intra- and inter-specific interactions of the invasive fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and lepidopteran maize stemborers
Authors: Sokame Bonoukpoe Mawuko , Sokame Bonoukpoè Mawuko , Musyoka Boaz , Mohammed Samira A. , Tamiru Amanuel , Bruce Anani , Anderson Peter , Karlsson Green K. , Calatayud Paul-André
Published: February 2022

Intra- and interspecific competitions play important role in determing spread and survival/death (cannibalism or intraguild predation) of organisms which share the same resource. However, the trends of relation between cannibalism and intraguild predation, and the costs and benefits of such behaviours are difficult to establish within insect communities and a little is known about how such behaviours are affected by invasive species. The present study was aimed at assessing the interactions between larvae of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and maize stemborers (Busseola fusca, Sesamia calamistis and Chilo partellus) in relation to cannibalism and intraguild predation when they are subjected to utilize the same resource. Experiments involving treatments with either single species of S. frugiperda or any of the stemborers or pairwise species combinations were conducted under laboratory conditions. The experimental insect larvae were reared on maize leaves and monitored until the last developmental stage where larval survival, mortality, and cannibalism and/or intraguild predation were recorded. Results of the intra-specific interaction indicated that S. frugiperda exhibited cannibalism to a larger degree than the stemborers species, especially at the late instars stages. The higher cannibalism trait in S. frugiperda turned however to competitive advantage as it led to a higher degree of intraguild predation when they cohabit with other stemborer species. Overall, interaction with S. frugiperda is thus detrimental for the stemborer species and may be an important factor to explain the invasive success of the pest. Such knowledge is essential in designing successful integrated pest management strategies.
Interpolating Resident Attitudes Toward Exurban Roadside Forest Management
Authors: DiFalco Steven , Morzillo Anita , Ghosh Debarchana
Published: February 2022

Context: Knowledge about spatial patterns of human dimensions data within landscape ecology is nascent despite its importance in natural resources management decision-making. We explored this topic within the context of utility roadside forest vegetation management, a complex situation involving ecological, cultural, and aesthetic aspects of forests and reliable power.Objectives We applied spatial interpolation to investigate patterns of human attitudes toward exurban roadside vegetation management data across an exurban landscape.Methods Mail surveys (n = 1962) were used to collect social science data from residents in four areas of Connecticut, USA. For each area, three attitudes variables were evaluated for spatial autocorrelation using Moran’s I statistic. Based on identified autocorrelation distance or scale, attitudes were interpolated using inverse distance weighting. Model validation of interpolated surfaces was completed using root mean square error.Results: Statistically significant spatial autocorrelation was present for five of 12 study area-attitude pairings at variable distances. Accuracy of interpolations also varied among study areas, suggesting that the choice of spatial scale of analysis influenced model results. Conclusions: Social processes within the exurban landscape were spatially heterogeneous and multi-scalar for the same variables in different locations, exemplifying the complexity of social processes within exurban land use. Interpolation assumptions often applied toward ecological studies did not work well for social processes studied in this analysis. Results demonstrated the importance of understanding spatial dimensions at which social processes operate and, therefore, may influence ecological outcomes of the roadside forest within the context of state-level natural resources management and policy.
Polypyrrole coated fabrics as high performance sensors and heating elements
Authors: Liu Hao , Wang Yu , Wang Tanyu , Li Jin , Liu Yuanjun , Liu Yitao , Liu Li
Published: February 2022

Flexible piezoresistive sensors and electrically heated elements as an important part of flexible electronics, due to its wide range of application are studied. In this paper, a low-cost and large-scale manufacturing method to build high-performance sensors and heating elements was proposed. In order to construct a polypyrrole (PPy)/ dopamine (PDA)/cotton fabric, the in-situ polymerization was used to prepare dopamine coated cotton fabrics and to deposit PPy to prepare high performance fabrics. The PPy/PDA/cotton fabric as sensors has an operating range of 0~16 kPa, a sensitivity of up to 60.23 kPa -1 and a minimum detection limit of 64 Pa. It has excellent electric heating performance with a fast temperature rise response of 100 s, a maximum equilibrium temperature of 115.5 ℃ and a thermal stability of 7200 s. The PPy/PDA/cotton fabric can be used to detect minute signals such as pulse movement and human movement with real-time stable heating, which shows the good prospect of PPy/PDA/cotton fabrics in the field of smart wearable devices.
FOXA1 is a transcriptional activator of Odf2/Cenexin and regulates primary ciliation
Authors: Hoyer-Fender Sigrid , Czerny Christian Carl , Borschel Anett , Cai Mingfang , Otto Madeline
Published: February 2022

Primary cilia are sensory organelles essential for embryonic and postnatal development, and tissue homeostasis in adulthood. They are generated in a cell cycle-dependent manner and found on most cells of the body. Although cilia formation is intensively investigated virtually nothing is known about the transcriptional regulation of primary ciliation. We used here Odf2/Cenexin, encoding a protein of the mother centriole and the basal body that is mandatory for primary cilia formation, as the starting point for the identification of transcriptional activators. We identified a consensus binding site for Fox transcription factors (TFs) in its promoter region and focused here on the Fox family. We found transcriptional activation of Odf2 neither by FOXO TFs nor by the core TF for multiciliation, FOXJ1. However, we identified FOXA1 as a transcriptional activator of Odf2 by reporter gene assays and qRT-PCR, and showed by qWB that Foxa1 knockdown caused a decrease in ODF2 and CP110 proteins. We verified the binding sequence of FOXA1 in the Odf2 promoter by ChIP. Finally, we demonstrated that knockdown of FOXA1 affected primary cilia formation. We, thus, showed for the first time, that FOXA1 regulates primary ciliation by transcriptional activation of ciliary genes.
Efficacy and Safety of Infliximab Biosimilar (REMSIMA) in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis After Switching From Infliximab Reference Product: 12 Months Comparative Open-label Study
Authors: Mathkhor Abdulsatar , Khudhairy Amer , Abdullah Abdulnasser
Published: February 2022

Background: Efficacy, tolerance, and safety of infliximab biosimilar are the same as infliximab reference product (RP) in the management of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) patients previously were on infliximab RP. We aimed to evaluate CT-P13 (Remsima) efficacy and safety to its RP.Methods: Seventy-eight consecutive randomly selected patients were recruited for the study. All were naïve to any other biologics, receiving infliximab RP, and all were in clinical remission. Patients were divided into two subgroups, 40 patients continued on infliximab RP, and 38 patients switched to infliximab biosimilar. Both groups followed up for further 12 months. The disease activity was measured utilizing the Ankylosing Spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS), using the C-reactive protein, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI). Remission considered when BASDAI < 4 and ASDAS < 1.3. Functional scores for all patients were assessed using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI).Results: Both groups showed sustained clinical remission after 12 months of treatment. For the switching group, mean BASDAI, BASFI, and ASDAS were 1.2, 2.4, and 5.2, respectively. For the continuous group, mean BASDAI, BASFI, and ASDAS were 1.2, 2.2, and 5.1, respectively; the difference was statistically insignificant (p values>0.05). No significant adverse events were noted in the switching group compared to the continuous group. Conclusion: Infliximab biosimilar CT-P13 (Remsima) was not inferior to infliximab RP and can maintain AS patients in clinical remission.
Evaluation of The Landslide Processes In Cayambe, Pichincha, Ecuador
Authors: Flores Graciela , Strokova Lyudmila A. , Varela-Aldás José
Published: February 2022

The present work proposes the use of the statistical method of frequency ratio (RF) and the hierarchical analytical process (AHP) to obtain zoning maps of the landslide processes, determining the susceptible areas in the territory of the Cayambe canton located in the province of Pichincha in Ecuador. Statistical methods use sample data based on the relationship between landslides and causal factors, evaluating the combination of these data objectively. As results, it was identified that the analysis of the landslide indices according to the FR method and the AHP method, shows that the inclination of the slope and the exposure are the important factors in the analysis of the susceptibility of the territory. However, a separate analysis shows that, for the FR method, the stratigraphic genetic complex factor is the most relevant, while for the AHP method, the most important factor is the steepness of the slope. On the other hand, the analysis of the distribution of landslides by parish shows that rural parishes present a greater number of landslide processes. In this way, it is highlighted that the Cangahua rural parish has 42% of the total landslides identified in the canton. Followed by the parishes Santa Rosa de Cusubamba and San Jos´e de Ayora, together with 29% of the landslides. For the rest of the parishes, the landslide rate does not exceed 9%.
Relationship of residual feed intake with semen parameters and testicular ultrasound of Nellore bulls
Authors: Borges Marcelo Sant'Ana , Silva Marina de Oliveira , Fernandes Luana Gomes , Rodrigues Naiara Nantes , Rossi Guilherme Fazan , Dell’Aqua Camila de Paula Freitas , Bonilha Sarah Figueiredo Martins , Mercadante Maria Eugênia Zerlotti , Monteiro Fabio Morato
Published: February 2022

Residual feed intake (RFI) is one of the main tools used to identify feed efficiency. However, there is no consensus on the true impact of RFI on male reproductive traits in cattle. The study aimed to evaluate characteristics of the testicular parenchyma and vascular parameters of the pampiniform plexus obtained by ultrasound, semen quality parameters, and sperm freezability in Nellore bulls classified based on RFI. Twenty-seven bulls (21.82±0.88 months of age) evaluated for feed efficiency were sampled for the study, including 15 with low RFI (-0.592±0.09 kg dry matter/day) and 12 with high RFI (0.792±0.10 kg dry matter/day). In ultrasound and Doppler assessment, the most efficient animals (low RFI) showed higher pulsatility and resistive indexes, as well as a tendency (P=0.061) towards greater heterogeneity of the testicular parenchyma (0.625±0.032 vs. 0.508±0.032; 1.012±0.072 vs. 0.802±0.072 and 12.9±0.96 vs. 10.2±0.96, respectively, for low vs. high RFI). However, these animals tended (P=0.0652) to have lower peak diastolic velocity (5.19±0.50 for low RFI vs. 6.54±0.50 for high RFI). Analysis of fresh semen showed a lower percentage of minor defects in low RFI animals (2.67±1.19%) compared to high RFI animals (8.10±1.19%), without differences in the other parameters in fresh or thawed semen and after thermoresistance testing. Evaluation of flow cytometry parameters showed a higher quality of mitochondrial respiration in semen samples of low RFI animals (22.04±2.50%) compared to high RFI animals (12.29±2.71%). In conclusion, although RFI exerts an effect on the Doppler parameters of the pampiniform plexus, it was not sufficient to affect the quality of fresh or thawed semen.
Prognostic Factors for Patients with Anal Cancer Treated with Conformal Radiotherapy - A Systematic Review
Authors: Theophanous Stelios , Samuel Robert , Lilley John , Henry Ann , Sebag-Montefiore David , Gilbert Alexandra , Appelt Ane L
Published: February 2022

AimsAnal cancer is primarily treated using concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT), with conformal techniques such as intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) now being the standard techniques utilised across the world. Despite this, there is still very limited consensus on prognostic factors for outcome following conformal CRT. This systematic review aims to evaluate the existing literature to identify prognostic factors for a variety of oncological outcomes in anal cancer, focusing on patients treated with curative intent using contemporary conformal radiotherapy techniques.Materials and methodsA literature search was conducted using Medline and Embase to identify studies reporting on prognostic factors for survival and cancer-related outcomes after conformal CRT for anal cancer. The prognostic factors which were identified as significant in univariable and multivariable analysis, along with their respective factor effects (where available) were extracted. Only factors reported as prognostic in more than one study were included in the final results.ResultsThe results from 19 studies were analysed. In both univariable and multivariable analysis, N stage, T stage, and sex were found to be the most prevalent and reliable clinical prognostic factors for the majority of outcomes explored. Only a few biomarkers have been identified as prognostic by more than one study – pre-treatment biopsy HPV load, as well as the presence of leukocytosis, neutrophilia and anaemia at baseline measurement. The results also highlight the lack of studies with large cohorts exploring the prognostic significance of imaging factors.ConclusionEstablishing a set of prognostic and potentially predictive factors for anal cancer outcomes can guide the risk stratification of patients, aiding the design of future clinical trials. Such trials will in turn provide us with greater insight into how to effectively treat this disease using a more personalised approach.
Pyruvate metabolism controls epigenome remodeling during CD4+ T cell activation
Authors: Mocholi Enric , Russo Laura , Gopal Keshav , Ramstead Andrew , Hochrein Sophia M. , Vos HarmJan , Geeven Geert , Adegoke Adeolu , Hoekstra Anna , Es Robert van , Pittol José Ramos , Vastert Sebastiaan , Rutter Jared , Radstake Timothy , Loosdregt Jorg van , Berkers Celia , Mokry Michal , Anderson Colin , O'Connell Ryan , Vaeth Martin , Ussher John , Burgering Boudewijn , Coffer Paul
Published: February 2022

Upon antigen-specific T Cell Receptor (TCR) engagement, human CD4+ T cells proliferate and differentiate, a process associated with rapid transcriptional changes and metabolic reprogramming. Here, we show that generation of extra-mitochondrial pyruvate is an essential step for acetyl-CoA production and subsequent H3K27ac-mediated epigenome remodeling. In contrast, neither acetate/ACSS2 nor citrate/ACLY metabolism are required for activation-induced transcriptional changes. Furthermore, T cell activation results in the nuclear translocation of PDC and its association with both the p300 acetyltransferase and histone H3K27ac. These data support tight integration of metabolic and histone-modifying enzymes, allowing metabolic reprogramming to fuel CD4+ T cell activation. Targeting this pathway may provide a novel therapeutic approach to specifically regulate antigen-driven T cell activation.