bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Endurance Training Effects on Apoptosis in the Rat Hippocampus Following Transient Common Carotid Artery Occlusion
Authors: Golestani Ali , Laurin Jerome , Hugues Nicolas , Eslami Zahra , Moghanlou Abdorreza Eghbal , Sharifian Shohreh , Gholamalipor Shima , Milani Malihe , Mirghani Seyed Javad
Published: July 2021

Introduction & Objective: Apoptosis, one of the most important mechanisms explaining stroke-induced functional deficit severity, might be reduced by physical rehabilitation. The purpose of this study is to assess effects of an 8-week endurance training both on apoptosis-related genes and proteins expression levels after a transient common carotid artery occlusion (tCCAO) in rats.Methods: Thirty Wistar male rats were randomly assigned into one of the 3 following groups: Control, tCCAO and tCCAO with endurance training (tCCAO+END). The tCCAO lasted 45 min. The endurance training was performed on treadmill over an 8-week period (5 days per week). BAX and BCL2 genes and proteins expression levels were used by qPCR, immunohistochemistry. Nissl staining was also carried out at the end of the training protocol.Results: The BAX expression increased following tCCAO but decreased when endurance training was performed (p<0.05). The BCL2 expression decreased following tCCAO and increased with training (p<0.05). In parallel, the cell death in the hippocampus was reduced when rats were trained. Conclusion: The endurance training can reduce the pro-apoptotic events after tCCAO suggesting a neuronal survival in the CA1 hippocampus. The link between apoptosis and functional recovery after training seems to be of clinical interest, and thus, should be more investigated.
How close are we to diagnosing Polycystic ovary syndrome with miRNAs: A Meta-analysis and review
Authors: Liu Lin , Jyu Jie , Wang Xin , Lyu Fang , Zhang Hong
Published: July 2021

Objective: To investigate the accuracy of miRNA in the diagnosis of patients with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials. Setting: Not applicable. Patient(s): Individuals with PCOS and control. Intervention(s): Summary sensitivity and specificity and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LRs) a random effects model were employed. Main Outcome Measure(s): Accuracy of miRNAs as diagnostic indicators. Result(s): The analysis showed that miRNA signiﬁcantly increased the accuracy of the diagnosis of PCOS, which included 9 articles with 1303 patients. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of miRNAs in the diagnosis of PCOS were 0.73 and 0.81, respectively. Multiple RNAs as biomarkers in qRT-PCR (SYBR) method showed higher sensitivity when compared to a single RNA and the Area Under Curve (AUC) was up to 0.88. ﻿Conclusions: MiRNAs may increase the accuracy of diagnosis and short the time required for diagnosis. Multiple miRNAs in SYBR method have good discriminating ability as biomarker for diagnosis.
Activin-A Impedes the Establishment of CD4+ T Cell Exhaustion and Enhances Anti-Tumor Immunity in the Lung
Authors: Morianos Ioannis , Tsitsopoulou Aikaterini , Potaris Konstantinos , Valakos Dimitrios , Fari Ourania , Vatsellas Giannis , Bostantzoglou Clementine , Photiades Andreas , Gaga Mina , Xanthou Georgina , Semitekolou Maria
Published: July 2021

Background: Although tumor-infiltrating T cells represent a favorable prognostic marker for cancer patients, the majority of these cells are rendered with an exhausted phenotype. Hence, there is an unmet need to identify factors which can reverse this dysfunctional profile and restore their anti-tumorigenic potential. Activin-A is a pleiotropic cytokine, exerting a broad range of pro- or anti-inflammatory functions in different disease contexts, including allergic and autoimmune disorders and cancer. Given that activin-A exhibits a profound effect on CD4+ T cells in the airways and is elevated in lung cancer patients, we hypothesized that activin-A can effectively regulate anti-tumor immunity in lung cancer.Methods: To evaluate the effects of activin-A in the context of lung cancer, we utilized the OVA-expressing Lewis Lung Carcinoma mouse model as well as the B16F10 melanoma model of pulmonary metastases. The therapeutic potential of activin-A-treated lung tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells was evaluated in adoptive transfer experiments, using CD4-/--tumor bearing mice as recipients. In a reverse approach, we disrupted activin-A signaling on CD4+ T cells using an inducible model of CD4+ T cell-specific knockout of activin-A type I receptor. RNA-Sequencing analysis was performed to assess the transcriptional signature of these cells and the molecular mechanisms which mediate activin-A’s function. In a translational approach, we validated activin-A’s anti-tumorigenic properties using primary human tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells from lung cancer patients.Results: Administration of activin-A in lung tumor-bearing mice attenuated disease progression, an effect associated with heightened ratio of infiltrating effector to regulatory CD4+ T cells. Therapeutic transfer of lung tumor-infiltrating activin-A-treated CD4+ T cells, delayed tumor progression in CD4-/- recipients and enhanced T cell-mediated immunity. CD4+ T cells genetically unresponsive to activin-A, failed to elicit effective anti-tumor properties and displayed an exhausted molecular signature governed by the transcription factors Tox and Tox2. Of translational importance, treatment of activin-A on tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells from lung cancer patients augmented their immunostimulatory capacity towards autologous CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.Conclusions: In this study, we introduce activin-A as a novel immunomodulatory factor in the lung tumor microenvironment, which bestows exhausted CD4+ T cells with effector properties.
Inert agricultural spray adjuvants may increase the adverse effects of selected insecticides on honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Wernecke Anna , Eckert Jakob H. , Forster Rolf , Kurlemann Nils , Odemer Richard
Published: July 2021

Currently, more than 350 spray adjuvants are registered in Germany (January 2021). Unlike plant protection products (PPPs), adjuvants are not subjected to regulatory risk assessment. In practice, numerous combinations of PPPs and adjuvants are therefore possible. Thus, tank mixtures containing insecticides that are classified as nonhazardous to bees and approved for use in bee attractive crops may raise pollinator safety concerns when mixed with efficacy increasing adjuvants. This study analyzes whether selected “PPP-adjuvant” combinations result in increased mortality and pose an elevated risk to honey bees. To answer this question, we chose six common spray adjuvants of different classes for laboratory screening. These were then tested in a total of 30 tank mixtures, each with a neonicotinoid (acetamiprid), pyrethroid (lambda-cyhalothrin), diamide (chlorantraniliprole), carbamate (pirimicarb), and butenolide (flupyradifurone) formulation. We followed OECD test guideline 214 (acute contact test) but adopted the use of a professional spray chamber for more realistic exposures. Our results showed that, in total, 50% of all combinations significantly reduced the lifespan of caged honey bees in comparison to individual application of insecticides. In contrast, none of the adjuvants alone affected bee mortality (Cox proportional hazard model, p > 0.05). With four of the five insecticide formulations, the organosilicone surfactant Break-Thru® S 301 significantly increased bee mortality within 72 h (for all insecticides except chlorantraniliprole). Furthermore, acetamiprid yielded the highest and second-highest mortality increases from a tank mixture with the crop oil surfactants LI-700 (hazard ratio = 28.84, p < 0.05) and Break-Thru® S 301 (hazard ratio = 14.66, p < 0.05), respectively. In the next step, field trials should be performed to provide a more realistic exposure scenario under colony conditions to verify these findings.
Carbon Ratio Controlled in-situ Synthesis of Ordered Mesoporous Hybrid Silica/Carbon Materials via Soft Template Method
Authors: Muthumanickam Shenbagapushpam , Muthukumar Thennila , Paulpandian Muthu Mareeswaran , Madasamy Sivabharathy , Mayappan Sundararajan , Azeez Peer Mohamed Abdul , Sakthivel Pitchaimuthu , Kodirajan Selvakumar
Published: July 2021

A strategy for synthesizing the ordered mesoporous hybrid silica-carbon materials with moderate pore volume and surface area are developed from the dry leaves powder of Tectonagrandis (TG) as carbon precursor by direct carbon loading method. Pre-activated carbon (PAC) has been generated from the dry leaves powder of TG by sulphuric acid assisted partial chemical activation method. The carbon content in silica matrix of the material is fixed up to 50 weight percentages with respect to silica which renders a novel and highly ordered hybrid Si/C mesoporous material by this direct carbon loading strategy. The physical-chemical analyses are supported that the synthesized hybrid Si/C materials are completely different from carbon coated hybrid Si/C materials. Among the synthesized materials, high surface area containing Si/C material has been chosen for dye adsorption which exhibits an excellent dye adsorption behavior with Methylene Blue (MB) dye up to 97% in short span of time.
Activation of α7nAChR Preserves Intestinal Barrier Integrity and Ameliorates Cholestasis Liver Fibrosis in Mice by Enhancing the HO-1 / STAT3 Signaling to Inhibit NF-κB Activation
Authors: Lei Wei , Zhao cheng chang , Sun sen jia , Jin ling yan , Duan jun zhi
Published: July 2021

Background: Activation of alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) can inhibit the systemic inflammatory response and preserve intestinal barrier integrity. This study aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which α7nAChR activation could inhibit intestinal barrier injury and cholestatic liver fibrosis in mice induced by bile duct ligation (BDL).Methods: The intestine-specific HO-1 knockout VillinCreHmox1-/- and control Hmox1floxp/floxp C57BL/6 mice were subjected to BDL. The therapeutic effects of GST-21, a specific ligand for α7nAChR, on systemic and intestinal inflammation, intestinal barrier integrity, liver fibrosis and injury, HO-1 expression, STAT3, AKT and NF-kBp65 activation were examined in these mice and intestinal epithelial cells co-cultured with macrophages. Results: Compared with BDL mice, α7nAChR activation by GST-21 decreased intestinal and liver injury and fibrosis in BDL mice, accompanied by reducing serum cytokine responses. In addition, activation of α7nAChR preserved the tight junction protein expression and intestinal epithelial cell barrier integrity in BDL mice and epithelial cells co-cultured with macrophages. The therapeutic effects of α7nAChR activation were mediated by enhancing HO-1 expression, STAT3 phosphorylation, and reducing the NF-kBp65 activation in intestinal tissues and epithelial cells co-cultured with macrophages. Finally, activation of α7nAChR induced HO-1 expression and STAT3 phosphorylation in an interdependent manner, independent of the PI3K/AKT signaling. Conclusion: Activation of α7nAChR enhanced HO-1 expression and STAT3 signaling to inhibit NF-κB activation, preserving the intestinal barrier integrity, and reducing inflammation and liver fibrosis in cholestasis mice. Therefore, targeting α7nAChR may be a promising interventional strategy for primary biliary cholangitis.
Risk classification of human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Itami Jun , KOBAYASHI Kenya , MORI Taisuke , HONMA Yoshitaka , KUBO Yuko , MURAKAMI Naoya , OMURA Go , OKUMA Kae , INABA Koji , TAKAHASHI Kana , KASHIHARA Tairo , SHIMIZU Yuri , TAKAHASHI Ayaka , NAKAYAMA Yuko , MATSUMOTO Fumihiko , YOSHIMOTO Seiichi , IGAKI Hiroshi
Published: July 2021

[Purpose] The validity of the risk classification according to Ang for human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) remains to be studied in patients treated by methods other than chemoradiotherapy and in Japanese patients. In this study, the validity of Ang's risk classification was studied in Japanese patients treated using various methods, including surgery. [Material and Method] Between 2010 and 2018, 122 patients with HPV-related OPSCC stages III and IV according to the TNM classification 7th edition (TNM-7) were treated curatively at a single institution in Japan. The median age was 62.7 years. Sixty-seven patients (54.9%) were classified as stage I according to the TNM 8th edition (TNM-8). Over 50% of the patients underwent surgery with or without adjuvant therapy. The influence of multiple factors on survival was determined. [Results] Age, amount of smoking, secondary cancer, and N-stage according to the TNM-7 significantly influenced survival. Ang's risk classification was also predictive of prognosis, but if 30 pack-years (PYs) instead of 10 PYs is employed to dichotomize the amount of smoking, the new risk classification can significantly better predict prognosis. According to the new risk classification, favorable and unfavorable risk patients showed 5-year progression-free survival, disease-specific survival, and overall survival rates of 72.7% and 35.9%, 94.6% and 76.2%, and 92.6% and 62.7%, respectively. [Conclusions] Even in patients treated by methods other than chemoradiotherapy and in Japanese patients, the combination of the amount of smoking and neck node status is useful in prognosis prediction.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Professional Lives of Women Academics: a Scoping Review
Authors: O'Hara Lily , AlNajjarb Bayan Fayiz , Hassan Diana Alsayed , Jayyousi-Alsalim Ghadir Al , Rahim Hanan Abdul , Zolezzi Monica , Daher-Nashif Suhad , Kane Tanya
Published: July 2021

BackgroundWomen academics face specific professional and personal challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic resulting from lack of access to adequate childcare, increased demands on women’s time to address the needs of family members, and physical and mental health concerns. Prior to the pandemic, women academics faced disparities regarding merit, tenure and promotion. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequalities in paid and domestic work resulting in a disproportionate effect on the personal and professional lives of academic women. The burden is even heavier for women academics who face intersecting systems of oppression, such as those based on ethnicity, skin colour, body size, sexual orientation, gender, age, economic class, dependent status, and/or ability. The objectives of this scoping review are to (a) identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the professional lives of women academics, and (b) explore the individual, organisational, and systems levels strategies that can support women academics during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThe scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) following Joanna Briggs Institute scoping reviews guidelines. We will systematically search PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, medrxiv, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for articles published from December 2019 to July 2021 in any language using key words and MESH terms, and search reference lists for additional studies. Two reviewers will screen articles using inclusion and exclusion criteria, review full articles, and extract data using a standardised form including study information, participant characteristics, effects of COVID-19 pandemic on professional life, and strategies to support women academics in a pandemic. A third reviewer will resolve conflicting decisions through discussion. Findings will be presented using narrative description, summary tables and illustrative quotes.DiscussionThe scoping review will provide evidence of how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on the professional lives of women in academia, and contribute to the development of strategies to reduce gender inequities. It is imperative that these issues be identified and strategies developed to address growing inequities in the professional wellbeing of women academics.Systematic review registrationOpen Science Framework: https://osf.io/9rxku, DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/9RXKU
The Underlying Mechanism of Chinese Herb of Regulating Marrow in the Treatment of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Wang Xiaojian , Wang Rui , Xu Ting , Jin Hongting , Tong Peijian , Lv shuaijie
Published: July 2021

Background

The lesion of marrow is a crucial factor in orthopedic diseases, which is recognized by orthopedics-traumatology expert from "Zhe-School of Chinese Medicine". The Chinese herbs of regulating marrow has been widely used to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in China, while the interaction mechanisms were still elucidated. Thus, we conducted this study to explore the underlying mechanism of the five highest-frequency Chinese herbs of regulating marrow(HF-CHRM) in the treatment of ONFH with the aid of network pharmacology(NP) and molecular docking(MD).
Methods

The active components and potential targets of HF-CHRM were obtained through several online databases, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP), UniProt database. The gene targets related to ONFH were collected with the help of the OMIM and GeneCards disease-related databases. The "drug- component-target-disease" network and protein-protein interaction(PPI) network of the drug and disease intersecting targets were constructed by using Cytoscape software and the STRING database. R software was used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. The MD of critical components and targets was carried out using Autodock Vina and Pymol to validate the binding affinity.
Results

A total of 54 active components, 1074 drug targets and 195 gene targets were obtained. There were 1219 ONFH related targets. 39 drug and disease intersection targets(representative genes: IL6, TP53, VEGFA, ESR1, IL1B) were obtained and considered potential therapeutic targets. 1619 items were obtained by the GO enrichment analysis, including 1517 biological processes, 10 cellular components and 92 molecular functions, which is mainly related to angiogenesis, bone and lipid metabolism and inflammatory reaction. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed 119 pathways, including AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and IL-17 signaling pathway. MD results showed that quercetin, wogonin, and kaempferol active components had good affinity with IL6, TP53, and VEGFA core proteins.
Conclusion

The HF-CHRM can treat ONFH by multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway comprehensive action.
Total Productivity Change of Health Centers in Greece in 2016-2018: A Malmquist Index Data Envelopment Analysis Application for the Primary Health System of Greece.
Authors: Trakakis Anastasios , Nektarios Miltiadis , Tziaferi Styliani , Prezerakos Panagiotis
Published: July 2021

Background: This paper attempts to evaluate Primary Health Care System by evaluating Health Centers in Greece.Methods: Malmquist Index Data Envelopment Analysis is applied to study the total productivity of 155 Heath Centers in Greece during 2016-2018. The Data were collected from the Ministry of Health and were submitted into quality tests to ensure validity and avoid bias.Results: This paper measures the productivity of each of the 155 Health Centers in Greece and how it shifted during 2016-2018. In addition, the overall productivity change of the 155 Health Centers over time is calculated and analyzed into a change due to technical efficiency and a change due to technological efficiency. The analysis of the means values showed a decrease of 0,9% in the overall productivity factor from the year 2016 to the year 2017 and a decrease of 5,2% from the year 2017 to the year 2018. The overall decrease in the productivity of the 155 health Centers was 3,1%. From 2016 to 2018, 59 Health centers changed their productivity mainly due to technological change, 91 mainly due to technical efficiency change, while one Health Center showed regression to its total productivity due to equal regression of its technical efficiency and technology.Conclusions: The method used is non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis along with Malmquist Index, so as to include panel data in the analysis. Meaningful results were extracted by indicating the number of Health Centers that their productivity improved, regressed or remained constant through the period 2016-2018. This paper may contribute to improve Health Centers’ efficiency and productivity. Furthermore, valuable results can be extracted, for the National Health Care System in order to match available resources depending on each Health Center’s needs, as well as for manager planners and stakeholders in Primary Health Care.JEL Classification: C14, C32, C52, I10
Presenting An Assessment System Using Mortality and Morbidity Conference Feedback
Authors: Khajeh Fatemeh , Zeighami Shahryar , Bazargani Zahra
Published: July 2021

Background: In our practice of mortality and morbidity conference, we realized that many adverse outcomes could be prevented or stopped in earlier stages, if the medical team knew some vital and basic practical points.Methods: Hence, we designed a new assessment plan to evaluate each clinical course in two stages. Passing the first stage “Bonn” exam is a must before entering the second stage. In the second stage, the medical trainee would be evaluated as previously. In this regard, the first stage should be updated every year, depending on mortality and morbidity report as feedback. We enrolled 37 senior medical students and 21 laboratory sciences students in the study who were able to pass “Bonn” exam successfully. The study began at the entrance to the pediatric, surgery ward, emergency room and clinical laboratory in Vali-Asr hospital affiliated to Fasa University of Medical Sciences. We compared these groups with the same groups in the last year.Results: The rate of medical error was significantly reduced in the group that was able to pass “Bonn” exam. The score of OSCE exam was significantly higher than in the last year.Conclusion: capability to pass “Bonn” exam as an essential tool to enter the second traditional exam can significantly help medical trainees to graduate more competently. It is our opinion that this assessment system might be able to significantly reduce the mortality and morbidity rate as well as treatment costs.
Melatonin mitigates cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury through regulation of the heat shock proteins expressions
Authors: Akin Ali Tuğrul , Unsal Murat , Ceylan Tayfun , Kaymak Emin , Ozturk Emel , Kuloglu Nurhan , Karabulut Derya , Yakan Birkan
Published: July 2021

Purpose.

To determine the protective effects of melatonin (MEL) in acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by Cisplatin (CP), widely used as a chemotherapeutic in the treatment of many cancer types, via assessment of heat-shock proteins (HSPs) levels in rats.
Methods.

Total 40 Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: Control (n = 10), MEL (n = 10, 10 mg/kg/i.p melatonin for 8 days), CP (n = 10, 7 mg/kg/i.p cisplatin at the 5th day), and CP + MEL (n = 10, 10 mg/kg/i.p melatonin for 8 days and 7 mg/kg/i.p cisplatin at the 5th day). After administrations, animals were sacrificed, and kidney tissues were extracted. Histopathological changes were evaluated and glomerular and tubular immunoreactivities of HSP47, HSP60, HSP7, and HSP90 in renal cortex were detected by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, blood serum BUN, creatinine and uric acid levels were measured to assess of kidney function.
Results.

CP group showed histopathological deterioration compared to Control group and MEL treatment attenuated this damage. When compared with Control and MEL groups, an increase in HSPs immunoreactivities in renal cortex and blood serum BUN, creatinine and uric acid levels were observed in the CP group. Furthermore, an improvement was observed in the CP + MEL in terms of these parameters compared to the CP group.
Conclusion.

According to our results, MEL could exert a significant protective effect to ameliorate CP-induced AKI via regulation of heat-shock protein expressions.
Congenital brucellosis: a case report
Authors: XU Dan , Li Xuejing , Cheng Beilei , Zhou Yunlian , Zhou Mingming , Gu Weizhong , Chen Zhimin , Wang Yingshuo
Published: July 2021

Background

Brucellosis is the most common zoonotic infection worldwide, and is caused by bacterial genus Brucella. The disease is rarely transmitted via human-to-human transmission. Few cases have been reported about vertical transmission of human brucellosis. Herein, we reported a case of congenital brucellosis, with clear evidence of pathogen detected in mother’s placental specimen.
Case presentation:

A 34-day-old girl was admitted to the department of pulmonology with fever for eight days. Three blood samples and one sample of cerebrospinal fluid were positive for Brucella melitensis. The diagnosis of brucellosis and Brucella melitensis meningitis were established, along with hyperbilirubinemia and liver dysfunction. Treatment of rifampicin (for six weeks) and meropenem (for two weeks) was administered. However, the disease relapsed within 18 days. Thereafter, a combination therapy of rifampicin and SMZ/TMP was administered for eight weeks. The disease relapsed again in 42 days. For chronic brucellosis, three courses of combination therapy of rifampicin and SMZ/TMP was administered. The mother had fatigue and arthralgia for two weeks, fever and membrane rupture one day before the baby was born. Brucella melitensis DNA was detected in the mother’s placental specimen by next-generation sequencing and bacterial identification under microscope proved chorioamnionitis.
Conclusions

We reported a confirmed case of congenital brucellosis. This disease should be closely monitored even in non-epidemic areas. The treatment of brucellosis in infancy faces challenges of drug choice and disease relapse.
What Impact Have SARS-CoV-2/Covid-19 Pandemic induced lockdown on the number of OPD patients of Diabetes, Hypertension, Stroke (CVA), Acute Heart Disease, Mental Illness, Epilepsy, Ophthalmic, Dental and oncology in India during the lockdown months (April-May-2020)–Observational Research Analysis?
Authors: Kumar Piyush
Published: July 2021

The First human case of the covid-19 global pandemic was reported from Wuhan city of China in December 2019. On 27th January 2020, India found a suspected case of covid-19 in Kerala with a recent travel history of Wuhan; china. The suspected case was reported as positive by the National Institute of Virology located at Pune in Maharashtra, India on January 30, 2020 as positive for COVID-19 infection. This was the first documented COVID-19 case in India. The government of India responded to this novel disease by enforcing nationwide lockdown starting on 25/03/2020 and ending on 31/05/2020. In this retrospective observational quantitative and qualitative study I have done assessment of the impact of covid-19 lockdown measures on OPD health services for some important non communicable diseases. The data is collected, observed, analyzed for the years 2020 and 2019 and the lockdown period of April-May 2020 is compared with the same duration of 2019 (excluding period of 7 days of lockdown in march) . The OPD (outpatient Department) services for the patients of Diabetes, Hypertension, Stroke (CVA), Acute Heart Disease, Mental Illness, Epilepsy, Ophthalmic, Dental and oncology were selected for this observational retrospective study-analysis. In version 2 time series analysis (longer period) will be applied to test the significance of difference between pre and post intervention (lockdown). The study found as compared to 2019 when lockdown and pandemic was not in existence, 2020 lockdown period have notable reduction in various OPD health services. The study have derived conclusion that lockdown reduced number of OPD patients and hence reduced access to the health services for non-communicable disease which is the major burden of disease in India as well as at global levels. In the final conclusion the author feel the need of more emphasis and priority for NCDs care in any situations of emergency like pandemic and natural calamities, lockdowns etc which usually disrupt routine healthcare. Routine healthcare is very essential in context of chronic diseases which can be converted to acute emergency conditions like CVA.
Weak and vanishing upper mantle discontinuities generated by large-scale lithospheric delamination in the Longmenshan area, China
Authors: He Chuansong
Published: July 2021

A large amount of high-quality teleseismic data is used for common conversion point (CCP) stacking of receiver functions in the Longmenshan area. The results show that a large-scale high-velocity anomaly or lithospheric delamination can completely destroy upper mantle discontinuities or erase the phase boundary of olivine, which is a very important finding and can be used to assess stagnant slabs in the mantle transition zone globally. The deepening region of the 660 km discontinuity beneath the Songpan-Ganzi terrane might indicate that the large-scale high-velocity anomaly in the mantle transition zone is a cold domain and can affect the topography of upper mantle discontinuities.
An Insight into the Battery Degradation and a Proposal for a Battery Friendly Charging Technique
Authors: Sah Bikash , Kumar Praveen
Published: July 2021

Li-ion batteries are widely used in electric vehicles because of their promising characteristics that meet high specific power and energy density requirements. The only setback is the capacity fading due to degradation in Li-ion batteries. The rate of capacity fade in Li-ion batteries in EVs vary based on the charging rate, changes in internal cell temperature and external ambient temperature, and user driving patterns. Since the Li-ion battery is electrochemical, determining the actual cause of degradation at a particular instant and constraining the rate is a big challenge. Further, the causes are related to parameters which are chemical, electrical and mechanical. In this work, the causes of degradation are studied by analysing the variation of parameters for multiple charge types and rates at different ambient temperatures. The analysis leads to developing a new battery friendly charging scheme suitable to fast charge battery at different ambient temperatures appropriately and constrain battery degradation.
COVID-19 and Malaria Co-infection; Same coin but different faces?
Authors: Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Haroun Mazin Salah-Eldien Hassan , Hussien Abbasher , Omer Mohammed Eltahier Abdalla
Published: July 2021

Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads rapidly around the world, urgent action is needed to combat the new coronavirus, while other deadly diseases such as malaria cannot be ignored. The impact of the coronavirus on countries affected by malaria and, where possible, contribute to a successful response to COVID19. Our aim is to assess the possible link between Malaria and COVID-19 .Methods: This is a descriptive retrospective cross sectional study which was conducted among adult Sudanese COVID-19 patients admitted to the Universal and Ombada hospitals in the period (4th of April 2020 to the 15th of January, 2020). A total number of 87 patients were included. Results: Among the 87 patients 64.9 % were males while 35.6 were females. 27.6 % had a positive blood film. 64.7% of the malaria patients had p.falciparum while 35.3% had p.vivax. 52.9% of the patients showed positive RT-PCR for COVID-19 with 52.9 % showed positive CT findings . Generalized fatigability was observed in 52.9 % of the patients with malaria followed by headache, nausea, fever with chills, fever with shivering, vomiting and diarrhea in 42.5%, 36.8%, 20.7%, 12.6%, 9.2% and 9.2% respectively. In COVID-19 patients 85.1% had fever and generalized fatigability, followed by cough, headache, SOB , sore throat ,myalgia, chest pain and diarrhea. 13.79 % of malaria patients had malarial pneumonitis, followed by pulmonary edema, choleric malaria, thrombocytopenia and malaria induced hepatitis in 10.39 %, 9.2 %, 9.19 % and 6.9% respectively. 8.4% had cerebral malaria while 1.1% had cerebellar syndromes. 44.8 % had acute respiratory distress syndrome, 17.2% had heart failure, 8% had pulmonary embolism, 8% had stroke, 3.9% had encephalitis and 1.1% had convulsions.Conclusion: Malaria and COVID-19 have a possible link that they both share similar presentations and complications.
Spirituality and other factors associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance amongst Healthcare Workers in Cameroon
Authors: Ngasa Neh Chang , Ngasa Stewart Ndutard , Tchouda Leticia Armelle Sani , Tanisso Eugénie , Abanda Christabel , Dingana Therence Nwana
Published: July 2021

Background: The production of the different COVID-19 vaccines has offered hope towards controlling the pandemic. Many governments around the world have been able to secure the number of doses required for the vaccination of their entire population. In Cameroon, the government’s strategy has been to secure the number of doses required to vaccinate frontline workers and other population at risk. A threat to this strategy could be vaccine hesitancy as demonstrated in previous studies. In this article we discussed the influence of spirituality on vaccine acceptance. We also examined other factors associated with vaccine acceptance amongst healthcare workers in Cameroon. Methods: This was a cross-sectional online survey of healthcare workers in Cameroon. Data was collected using Surveysparrow and then computed into Microsoft Excel. All analysis were done using Stata 14. Results: A total number of 371 healthcare workers took part in the survey and 45.38% indicated willingness to accept the vaccine if offered. The most common reason advanced for non-acceptance of the vaccine was negative perceptions about the efficacy of the vaccines. Independent factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance following a multivariate logistic regression included: being married (AOR 1.13, p< 0.01), presence of comorbidity (AOR:2.10, p<0.02), participants who had direct contact with covid patients (AOR: 3.34, p<0.01). Spirituality level was not independently associated with vaccine acceptance (AOR: 1.12, p<0.63). Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccine acceptance amongst healthcare workers in Cameroon is low. This is likely to reduce the vaccine uptake amongst healthcare workers. HCWs are in the best position to influence the uptake of these vaccines by the general population, therefore educating healthcare workers on the efficacy of these vaccines might improve their acceptance.
Controlling specific growth rate for recombinant protein production by Pichia pastoris under oxidation stress in fed-batch fermentation
Authors: Hu Rongkang , Cui Ruiguo , Xu Qingqing , Lan Dongming , Wang Yonghua
Published: July 2021

Methanol can be used by Pichia pastoris as the sole carbon source and inducer to produce recombinant proteins in high-cell-density fermentations, but also damages cells due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation from methanol oxidation. Here, we study the relationship between methanol feeding and ROS accumulation by controlling specific growth rate during the induction phase. A higher specific growth rate increased the level of ROS accumulation caused by methanol oxidation. While the cell growth rate was proportional to specific growth rate, but maximum total protein production and highest enzyme activity were achieved at a specific growth rate of 0.05 1/h as compared to that 0.065 1/h. Moreover, oxidative damage induced by over-accumulation of ROS in P. pastoris during the methanol induction phase caused cell death and reduced protein expression ability. ROS scavenging system analysis reveals that the higher specific growth rate, especially 0.065 1/h, resulted in increased intracellular catalase activity and decreased glutathione content significantly. Finally, Spearman's correlation analysis further reveals that the reduced glutathione might be beneficial for maintaining cell viability and increasing protein production under oxidative stress caused by ROS toxic accumulation. Our findings suggest an integrated strategy to control the feeding of the essential substrate based on analyzing its response to oxidative stress caused by ROS toxic accumulation, as well as develop a strategy to optimize fed-batch fermentation.
High Flow Oxygen Therapy in Patients with Burn Injury
Authors: Ponomarev А. А. , Kazennov V. V. , Kudryavtsev А. N. , Korneev А. V. , Аlekseev А. А.
Published: July 2021

Some patients with severe burn injury have a high risk of developing acute respiratory failure, the cause of which may be interstitial pulmonary edema caused by inadequate infusion therapy.The objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of high-flow oxygen therapy (HFOT) in acute parenchymatous respiratory failure in burn patients.Subjects and methods. The prospective analysis included 74 patients with ARF in the stage of burn toxemia, without inhalation trauma, with PaO2/FiO2 below 300. In Main Group (37 patients), HFOT was used, while in Control Group patients received oxygenation through nasal cannula with the rate up to 15 l/min. Parameters of respiratory rate, PaO2/FiO2, PaCO2, MAP, heart rate, the number of intubations, respiratory comfort were recorded within 48 hours.Results. Main Group had higher values of oxygenation index in 48 hours of the trial (342 vs. 305.5, p = 0.02), faster normalization of blood gas composition compared to Control Group. HFOT was associated with greater respiratory comfort (8.4 vs. 5.3 VAS scores, p = 0.03), lower need in mechanical ventilation (4 vs. 11, p = 0.04).Conclusion: HFOT is an effective method for the treatment of respiratory failure in inpatients with burns. The need for intubation decreases, it is more comfortable to be tolerated than standard methods of oxygen therapy.
Reseña Esquirol, Josep Maria. Humano, más humano. Una antropología de la herida infinita
Authors: Romero Ramírez Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2021

Reseña

Esquirol, Josep Maria. Humano, más humano. Una antropología de la herida infinita. Barcelona: Acantilado, 2021.
Formulación, desarrollo y divulgación de proyectos de investigación
Authors: Grande Tovar Carlos David , Murgueitio Magdalida , Merchán Paredes Luis
Published: July 2021

La investigación es un conjunto de procesos que permiten de manera sistemática y organizada, recopilar información para producir ciencia. Es un viaje hacia la profundidad del conocimiento sobre los fenómenos que afectan la existencia del hombre. Por ello, requiere de un proceso sistemático, ordenado y entretenido que facilite su realización. Cuando se acumulan saberes de manera objetiva, verificable, sistemática y ordenada, se puede transmitir hacia toda la comunidad científica, académica y general, lo cual permite el avance del campo de conocimiento en cuestión. En esta obra, los autores han organizado en ocho fases a manera de preguntas y respuestas, los diversos aspectos que integran hacer investigación, desde su base epistemológica, definición, conceptualización, metodología, enfoques, estrategias y mecanismos de recolección de la información, hasta la presentación de resultados y su difusión, tratamiento estadístico de los datos, manejo de la propiedad intelectual y consideraciones éticas en la investigación. Finalmente, en la fase final del libro, se proponen talleres, fichas y formatos que permiten poner en práctica la teoría presentada sobre qué es investigar de una manera didáctica y sencilla. El libro puede ser usado como protocolo guía para adelantar procesos investigativos o como referencia particular a las partes de interés especial que amerite el investigador dentro de sus ejercicios.
El gran regalo: los usos de la narrativa y el relato con niños y niñas en edad escolar.
Authors: Castaño Méndez Adriana Marcela , Vásquez Vásquez Myriam , Murcia Zorrilla María Del Pilar
Published: July 2021

"La experiencia de lectura y los relatos autorreferenciales de niños entre cinco y seis años presentados en esta cartilla, son el resultado del trabajo elaborado por los estudiantes de transición del Colegio Franciscano de Pío XII, en el marco de las actividades del proyecto de práctica profesional de psicología, cuyo propósito era el abordaje de las narrativas y el relato como una excusa para navegar por las producciones subjetivas producidas a partir de la experiencia de lectura. La elaboración de los relatos permitió construir un espacio para contar sucesos personales considerados signficativos para los niños. Por lo tanto, cada relato que el lector encontrará da cuenta de un pequeño mundo que halló la forma de transmitirse a otros por medio de la narrativa. Más allá de edificar una historia, se trató de permitirse un momento para pensar en aquellas experiencias que dan sentido a la existencia, pues están cargadas de imaginación, emociones y sensaciones, constituyéndose esto en la oportunidad para agenciar el proceso de concebirse como sujetos con historia."
Mental health of staff under quarantine restrictions
Authors: Rudakova Svetlana , Shchetinina Liudmyla , Danylevych Nataliiа , Kasianenko Yaroslav , Kytsak Taras
Published: July 2021

The article considers the approaches to the management of the mental health of staff in the context of quarantine restrictions based on human-oriented values. The purpose of the study is to analyze the current factors influencing the mental health of staff as an important management problem, the solution of which involves the use of innovative methods and management practices for its preservation and improvement. The study substantiated the need to assess the factors of negative impact on the mental health of staff in order to eliminate them or reduce their effects. It has been proven that ensuring the mental health of staff is one of the main tasks of organizations, as the socio-economic losses from its deterioration are significant. In the course of research of theoretical approaches to an estimation of indicators of a condition of mental health of the personnel the own point of view on value and urgency of its preservation for the organizations is formed; the importance of its impact on staff productivity is determined. The method of sociological research determined that in the conditions of remote regime during quarantine such factors (causes) of stress as: overtime, work without breaks, low level of recognition and remuneration, lack of employment guarantees, insufficient support of managers, managers and/or colleagues, high emotional involvement of employees, poor communication, negatively affect the mental health and productivity of staff. Approaches to improving the mental health of staff based on innovative management practices have been developed.
Organochlorine pesticide residues and other toxic substances in salted Tenualosa ilisha L.: Northeastern part of India
Authors: Goswami Sanchari , Manna Kuntal
Published: July 2021

Introduction. Fish can sometimes be contaminated with several highly toxic substances at once, e.g. heavy metals, pesticides, and preservatives. In this regard, it is essential to determine the presence of these harmful chemicals in fish products. The research objective was to analyze the level of organochlorine pesticide residues and other toxic substances in Tenualosa ilisha L.

Study objects and methods. The study featured organochlorine pesticide residues and other toxic substances in raw and cooked samples of fresh and salted T. ilisha, which is a popular dish in Northeast India, especially in the state of Tripura. The analysis involved tests for formaldehyde, pesticides, and heavy metals. Formaldehyde content was estimated using high-performance liquid chromatography, pesticides content – by low-pressure gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, and heavy metals – by inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry.

Results and discussion. The salted samples had a high content of formaldehyde, though it remained within the normal range. Both fresh and salted samples demonstrated high concentrations of heavy metals such as zinc, copper, and selenium. The salted sample appeared to have a high content of toxic organochlorine pesticide residues. Frying and boiling of fresh and salted fish decreased formaldehyde and organochlorine pesticide residue contents but did not reduce heavy metal content.

Conclusion. T. ilisha was found to be quite safe for human health.
Fresh and processed wild Cantharellus cibarius L. growing in West Siberia: food value
Authors: Bakaytis Valentina , Golub Olga , Miller Yuliya
Published: July 2021

Introduction. Cantharellus cibarius L. is a wild mushroom that has been part of human diet for many centuries. However, there is little reliable information about its nutritional value, storage conditions, shelf life, and processing. The research objective was to study the nutritional value of C. cibarius growing in West Siberia, as well as to define its storage and processing conditions. Study objects and methods. The research featured fresh and processed (boiled and salted) wild chanterelles (C. cibarius) obtained from the forests of the Novosibirsk region. The mushrooms were tested for amino acids, fatty acids, nutrients, reducing sugars, trehalose, mannit, glycogen, fiber, mucus, squalene, ash, minerals, vitamins, trypsin inhibitor, chlorides, mesophilic and facultative anaerobes, etc. The samples also underwent sensory evaluation. Results and discussion. The samples of C. cibarius proved to have a high nutritional value. The samples contained 3.6% proteins, including essential amino acids; 3.9% carbohydrates, including sugars and dietary fiber; and 0.7% lipids, including saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated acids. In addition, C. cibarius appeared to be rich in biologically active substances. It contained trypsin inhibitors that reduce the absorption of protein compounds. Purchasing centers can be recommended to use 70–80% relative air humidity. At 0–2°C, the storage time was five days; at 5–10°C – three days; at 15–20°C – two days; at 20–30°C – one day. Before processing, the mushrooms were washed twice in non-flowing water. C. cibarius also proved to be a valuable raw material for boiled and salted semi-finished products. The optimal boiling time was 5–10 min. Lightly-, medium-, and strong-salted semi-finished mushrooms were ready for consumption after the fermentation was complete, i.e. after day 15, 10, and 3, respectively. Conclusion. Boiled and salted semi-finished products from Siberian C. cibarius demonstrated excellent sensory qualities and can become part of various popular dishes.