bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Curse of the Burial Dagger Teacher Materials
Authors:   University of Dundee, Nic Daeid Niamh , Doran Heather ,   University of Dundee, Hackman Lucina ,   University of Dundee, Mack Pauline ,   University of Dundee
Published: September 2021

The Curse of the Burial Dagger is an interactive graphic novel murder mystery, created by the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science and digital story studio Fast Familiar. Players use maths, logic and critical reasoning skills to assist Susie uncover different types of forensic evidence and weigh up contrasting hypotheses. Can they uncover the events leading up to Lord Hamilton’s death and deduce how he died…before the curse strikes again? These documents are the Teacher/Group lead pack which contain additional resources including: • The Teacher/Group Lead Pack – Teacher walk through – Factsheet – What is Forensic Science? – Factsheet – What is a hypothesis? – Marzipan Calculation – Factsheet and activity – Fingerprint Analysis – Activity – Chromatography investigation • Printable completion certificate • Printable Note paper and fact-sheet
Gender Differences in Urothelial Bladder Cancer. Effects of Natural Killer Lymphocyte Immunity
Authors: Lutz Charles T. , Livas Lydia , Presnell Steven R , Sexton Morgan , Wang Peng
Published: September 2021

Men are more likely to develop cancer than women. In fact, male predominance is one of the most consistent cancer epidemiology findings. Additionally, men have a poorer prognosis and an increased risk of secondary malignancies compared to women. These differences have been investigated in order to better understand cancer and to better treat both men and women. In this review, we discuss factors that may cause this gender difference, focusing on urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) pathogenesis. We consider physiological factors that may cause higher male cancer rates, including differences in X chromosome gene expression. We discuss how androgens may promote bladder cancer development directly by stimulating bladder urothelium and indirectly by suppressing immunity. We are particularly interested in natural killer (NK) cells because they are important, but often overlooked anti-cancer lymphocytes.
Schizophrenia and Hospital Admissions for Cardiovascular Events in a Large Population. The APNA Study.
Authors: Guillen-Aguinaga Sara , Brugos-Larumbe Antonio , Guillen-Aguinaga Laura , Ortuño Felipe , Guillen-Grima Francisco , Forga Luis , Aguinaga-Ontoso Ines
Published: September 2021

(1) Background: Patients with schizophrenia have higher mortality, with cardiovascular diseases being the first cause of mortality. This study aims to estimate the excess risk of hospital admission for cardiovascular events in schizophrenic patients, adjusting for comorbidity and risk factors. (2) Methods: The APNA study is a dynamic prospective cohort of all residents in Navarra, Spain. 505889 people over 18 years were followed during 5 years. The endpoint was hospital admissions for a cardiovascular event. Direct Acyclic Graphs (DAG) and Cox regression were used. (3) Results: Schizophrenic patients had an HR 1.414 (1.031-1.938) of hospital admission for a cardiovascular event after adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, low income, obesity, Charlson Index, antecedents of cardiovascular disease, and smoking. (4) Conclusions: Patients with schizophrenia have a higher risk of hospital admission for cardiovascular events than persons with the same risk factors without schizophrenia. Primary care nursing interventions should be implemented to monitor these patients and reduce cardiovascular risk factors.
The History of Salpingoeca rosetta as a Model for Reconstructing Animal Origins
Authors: Booth David , King Nicole
Published: September 2021

Choanoflagellates, the closest living relatives of animals, have the potential to reveal the genetic and cell biological foundations of complex multicellular development in animals. Here we describe the history of research on the choanoflagellate Salpingoeca rosetta. From its original isolation in 2000 to the establishment of CRISPR-mediated genome editing in 2020, S. rosetta provides an instructive case study in the establishment of a new model organism.
p53 Transactivation Domain Mediates Binding and Phase Separation With poly-PR/GR
Authors: Usluer Sinem , Spreitzer Emil , Bourgeois Benjamin , Madl Tobias
Published: September 2021

Abstract: The most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the presence of poly-PR/GR dipeptide repeats which are encoded by the C9orf72 gene. Recently, it was shown that poly-PR/GR alters chromatin accessibility which results in stabilization and enhancement of transcriptional activity of the tumor suppressor p53 in several neurodegenerative disease models. Reduction of p53 protein levels in cell and model organisms protects against neurotoxicity of poly-PR, and partially protects against neurotoxicity of poly-GR. Here, we aimed to study the detailed molecular mechanisms how p53 contributes to poly-PR/GR mediated neurodegeneration. Using a combination of biophysical techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, fluorescence polarization, turbidity assays and differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy, we found that p53 physically interacts with poly-PR/GR and triggers liquid-liquid phase separation of p53. We identified p53 transactivation domain 2 (TAD2) as the main binding site for PR25/GR25 and show that binding of poly-PR/GR to p53 is mediated by a network of electrostatic and/or hydrophobic interactions. Our findings might help to understand the mechanistic role of p53 in poly-PR/GR - associated neurodegeneration.
Sustainability in Early Modern China through the Jesuit Accommodation method
Authors: Rodriguez Cunill Inmaculada , Gutierrez Villarrubia Miguel , Salguero-Andújar Francisco , Cabeza-Lainez Joseph
Published: September 2021

With this article we would like to clarify the often-disregarded fact by virtue of which the European Missionaries in Asia acted as catalysts of a kind of nuanced acculturation named Accommodatio (adaptation). To a great extent they became harbingers of Culture and Science more than Faith itself to the dismay of many, including the Roman Church. Such cultural and scientific transference was actually two-pronged, for simultaneously they presented in Europe unique findings related to Language, e.g. the Chinese Characters (considered to be the sole natural language), Geography, Cosmology and even Governance. We would try to prove that such procedure contributed positively to the modern scientific notions of sustainability and to provide the kind of accoutrements that model the modern world as we know it.
Combustion of Fuel Surrogates: An Application to Gas Turbine Engines
Authors: Al Qubeissi Mansour , Al-Esawi Nawar , Soyhan Hakan Serhad
Published: September 2021

The previously developed models for fuel droplet heating and evaporation processes, mainly the Discrete Multi Component Model (DMCM), and Multi-Dimensional Quasi-Discrete Model (MDQDM) are investigated for the aerodynamic combustion simulation. The models have been recently improved, and generalised for a broad range of bio-fossil fuel blends so that the application areas are broadened with increased accuracy. The main distinctive features of these models are that they consider the impacts of species thermal conductivities and diffusivities within the droplets to account for the temperature gradient, transient diffusion of species and recirculation. A formulation of fuel surrogates is made, using the recently introduced model, referred to as ‘’Complex Fuel Surrogate Model (CFSM)’’ and analysing their heating, evaporation, and combustion characteristics. The CFSM is aimed to reduce the full composition of fuel to a much smaller number of components based on their mass fractions, and to formulate fuel surrogates. Such approach has provided a proof of concept with the implementation of the developed model into a commercial CFD code ANSYS-Fluent. A case study is made for the CFD modelling of gas-turbine engine using kerosene fuel surrogate. The surrogate is proposed using the CFSM. The model is implemented into ANSYS-Fluent via a user-defined function to provide the first full simulation of the combustion process. Detailed chemical mechanism is also implemented into ANSYS Chemkin for the combustion study.
Clinical and pathogenetic significance of antioxidant defense impairments in children with pseudotuberculosis
Authors:   Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russian Federation, Nosareva O.L. , Pomogaeva A.P. ,   Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russian Federation, Stepovaya E.A. ,   Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russian Federation, Zhavoronok T.V. ,   Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russian Federation, Shakhristova E.V. ,   Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russian Federation, Krasnova E.I. ,   Novosibirsk State Medical University, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation, Vasyunin A.V. ,   Novosibirsk State Medical University, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
Published: September 2021

Objective. To assess the impact of changes in the content of ceruloplasmin and the activity of myeloperoxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase on an increase in the severity and development of a form of pseudotuberculosis progression in children, to determine prognostic criteria for the formation of a non-smooth progression of the disease. Patients and methods. 125 children with pseudotuberculosis of various severity and progression were examined. The control group consisted of 45 children with health group II. The content of ceruloplasmin, the total peroxidase activity of blood plasma, the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and myeloperoxidase were determined. Results. An increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase, myeloperoxidase and catalase in the acute period of pseudotuberculosis in all groups of children was determined. During the period of early convalescence an increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase, myeloperoxidase, and catalase against the background of comparable values of ceruloplasmin and glutathione peroxidase activity was observed in children with severe pseudotuberculosis. Conclusion. The results of the study prove that the mechanisms of non-smooth progression formation and an increase in the severity of pseudotuberculosis in children are mediated by an imbalance in the functioning of antiperoxides. A decrease in the activity of glutathione peroxidase due to an increase in the functioning of catalase in erythrocytes, no increase in the content of ceruloplasmin in the blood plasma during the acute period and the period of early convalescence serve as a prognostic criterion for the formation of a more severe degree and non-smooth progression of pseudotuberculosis. Key words: children, pseudotuberculosis, oxidative stress, antioxidant system
Parvovirus infection in children and pregnant women
Authors:   V.I.Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University, Saratov, Russian Federation, Mikhailova E.V. , Chudakova T.K. ,   V.I.Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University, Saratov, Russian Federation, Levin D.Yu. ,   V.I.Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University, Saratov, Russian Federation, Romanovskaya A.V. ,   V.I.Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University, Saratov, Russian Federation, Khvorostukhina N.F. ,   V.I.Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University, Saratov, Russian Federation, Malakhov G.A. ,   V.I.Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University, Saratov, Russian Federation, Golobokov D.O. ,   V.I.Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University, Saratov, Russian Federation, Denisyuk N.E. ,   Saratov Clinical Hospital No 10, Saratov, Russian Federation
Published: September 2021

Parvovirus (PV) is a widespread infection, despite the fact that this pathogen was discovered only recently. The therapeutic effect of PV, in particular its oncolytic activity, is being actively studied now. Notably, PVs causing infections in animals, such as rat PV H-1, caninae PV, and rodent protoparvovirus (minute virus of mice) suppress oncogenesis in these animals. There is an ex vivo evidence of rat glioblastoma and gliosarcoma sensitivity to PV. The affinity of PV B19 to P-antigen located primarily on the membranes of erythroid cells is crucial for the disease pathogenesis. The teratogenic effect of PV B19 is associated with its ability to infect placental cells (P-antigen is present on the cells of chorionic villi and surface of the trophoblast). PV infection can be acquired or congenital, typical or atypical. The outcome of intrauterine infection with PV B19 largely depends on the gestation age when the infection occurred. Women infected during the second trimester are at higher risk of vertical transmission and severe intrauterine pathology with a poor outcome than those infected during the third trimester. Constant contact with young children significantly increases the risk of PV B19 infection among pregnant women with no immunity to this virus. Serum is the most convenient biomaterial for detecting both PV DNA and virus-specific antibodies. One test for anti-PV IgG using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is sufficient to determine the immune status of a patient. Polymerase chain reaction with amniotic fluid is used to diagnose intrauterine infection with PV B19. Blood components and products should be checked for PV B19. High frequency of PV B19 detection in the blood of donors necessitates the development of special measures aimed at prevention of virus transmission. Key words: pregnant women, children, parvovirus B19, parvovirus infection
Clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with chronic hepatitis C and severe interferon system suppression
Authors:   Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of the Federal Service on Customers' Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Surveillance, Moscow, Russian Federation, Ponezheva Zh.B. , Mannanova I.V. ,   Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of the Federal Service on Customers' Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Surveillance, Moscow, Russian Federation, Makashova V.V. ,   Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of the Federal Service on Customers' Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Surveillance, Moscow, Russian Federation, Erovichenkov A.A. ,   Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of the Federal Service on Customers' Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Surveillance, Moscow, Russian Federation, Shabalina S.V. ,   Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of the Federal Service on Customers' Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Surveillance, Moscow, Russian Federation, Gorelov A.V. ,   Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of the Federal Service on Customers' Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Surveillance, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: September 2021

Objective. To identify specific clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and severe interferon (IFN) system suppression. Patients and methods. This study was conducted at the Clinical Department of Infectious Pathology, Research Institute of Epidemiology, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing. We enrolled and examined 76 patients with confirmed CHC aged 18 to 80 years who had been followed up for at least 3 years. We analyzed the level of IFN-producing T-lymphocytes, IFN status, serum levels of IFN-α, -γ and -λ depending on viral and biochemical activity, and genotype. In addition to that, we evaluated the association between the IFN system parameters and age, duration of infection, genotype, viral load, and stage of liver fibrosis. The control group comprised 30 healthy individuals who had no complaints and no clinical or laboratory changes at the time of examination. Results. We identified 3 grades of IFN system suppression: grade 1–moderate (in 21% of patients), grade 2–mild (inadequate) (in 47% of patients), and grade 3–severe (in 32% of patients). We analyzed clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with grade 3 IFN system suppression and evaluated the IFN system depending on age, duration of infection, genotype, viral and biochemical activity. We found that severe IFN system suppression correlated with duration of infection, stage of liver fibrosis with a tendency to increased levels of T-lymphocytes expressing receptors for IFN-α and IFN-γ (CD118+, CD119+). Key words: chronic hepatitis C, genotype, interferon status
The use of interferon alpha-2b for prevention of novel coronavirus infection in healthcare workers
Authors:   Volgograd State Medical University, Volgograd, Russian Federation, Khlynina Yu.O. , Arova A.A. ,   Volgograd State Medical University, Volgograd, Russian Federation, Nevinsky A.B. ,   Volgograd State Medical University, Volgograd, Russian Federation
Published: September 2021

Novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 has some specific clinical and immunopathogenic properties. SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the Coronaviridae family, the Betacoronavirus genus. COVID-19 can be asymptomatic, the most common clinical manifestation of this disease is viral pneumonia. The development of acute respiratory distress syndrome is noted in less than 5% of cases. The entry gates of this virus are the epithelium of the upper respiratory tract and epithelial cells (epitheliocytes) of the gastrointestinal tract. When the virus enters the human respiratory tract, mucociliary clearance is inhibited and epithelial cells die, allowing the virus to enter the peripheral blood with subsequent damage to target organs (lungs, digestive tract, heart, kidneys). An important pathogenic characteristic of SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially with severe disease, is an excessive immune system response with massive release of cytokines, which causes acute respiratory distress syndrome. Clinical and experimental studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 can be significantly more sensitive to type I interferons (IFN-I), than other coronaviruses. IFN-I deficiency is thought to play a key role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, and several studies have shown that delayed IFN-I signaling is associated with sustained viral replication and serious complications. The use of interferon-based medicines (IFN-I) for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 appears to be quite important to study attentively. This paper presents an original regimen of recombinant interferon alpha-2b-based medicine (Grippferon®, nasal drops and spray) for the medication-assisted post-exposure prevention of COVID-19 in healthcare specialists, working in the pediatric infectious disease hospital. The effectiveness and safety of this medication regimen for the COVID-19 prevention was shown. Key words: medication-assisted prevention, COVID-19, post-exposure protection of healthcare workers, recombinant interferon alpha-2b, Grippferon
Assessing the accuracy of prognostic scales in children with neuroinfections
Authors:   Children's Research and Clinical Center for Infectious Diseases, Federal Medical and Biological Agency, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Ermolenko K.Yu. , Aleksandrovich Yu.S. ,   Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Pshenisnov K.V. ,   Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Konev A.I. ,   Children's Research and Clinical Center for Infectious Diseases, Federal Medical and Biological Agency, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Serednyakov K.V. ,   Children's Research and Clinical Center for Infectious Diseases, Federal Medical and Biological Agency, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Aleksandrovich I.V. ,   I.I.Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Ditkovskaya L.V. ,   Children's Research and Clinical Center for Infectious Diseases, Federal Medical and Biological Agency, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Pavlovskaia E.Yu. ,   Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Published: September 2021

Accurate assessment of the disease severity and outcome prediction in children with neuroinfections is one of the most challenging problems in pediatric intensive care. Objective. To evaluate performance characteristics of several prognostic scales used in children with infections of the central nervous system (CNS). Patients and methods. We examined 100 children with a mean age of 3.5 years. Mean length of stay in the intensive care unit was 9.5 days; mean duration of ventilation was 6.0 days. The death rate was 11%. To evaluate patients’ condition, we used the following scales: PELOD2, PELOD, PRISM3, and pSOFA. Results. We found that 65% of patients had depressed consciousness; 22% of patients had high-grade fever. The stroke volume and ejection fraction were near the lower reference limit, while 20% of children had their ejection fraction ≤ 60%. Leukocytosis was observed in 51 children; 37 children had anemia. Hyponatremia was registered in 17% of cases. Severe hypocoagulation was observed in 7% of cases in patients with generalized meningococcal infection. We found that thrombocytopenia (117 × 109 cells/L) and SpO2/FiO2 ratio <200 mm Hg were the main predictors of death. The рSOFA scale demonstrated the highest accuracy among the scales studied (AUC = 0.717). Conclusion. The рSOFA scale is a highly sensitive and specific scale for the assessment of death risk in children with CNS infections, which allows us to recommend it for routine clinical practice. Key words: CNS infections, children, prognostic scales, PELOD, PELOD-2, рSOFA, SOFA
Effectiveness of Entrepreneurship Education in Universities
Authors: Igbo Lilian , Zubairu Umaru
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study is to systematically review the recent publications in Entrepreneurship Education in Universities (EEU) by considering the key characteristics and contributions of the articles. The study employed the Systematic Assessment Quantitative Technique (SQAT) developed by Australian researchers, Catherine Pickering and Jason Antony Byrne to identify and analyze 60 peer-review EEU articles. The result showed that Europe, followed by Africa had the highest geographical spread of EEU articles and none in South America. A bulk number of the EEU research was empirically founded, implying conduct of more conceptual studies as to provide clearer understanding of new norms and fundamental issues in EEU. Significantly, most of the articles revealed positive impacts of EEU on learning outcomes, although more on short term impacts. Therefore, this calls for more long term impact researches to corroborate the assumption that EEU produces entrepreneurial graduates that contribute to economic growth. Furthermore, methods of data collection for most of the EEU articles were through survey, multiplicity in methods of data collection should be encouraged in future EEU researches as to gain more insightful results of the studied and related issues in EEU.
COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Experience for Residential Students at a Large Four-Year Public University
Authors: Hayden Meredith E. , Rozycki Diane , Tanabe Kawai O. , Pattie Marsh , Casteen Laurie , Davis Susan , Holstege Christopher P.
Published: September 2021

Rapid identification and management of students with COVID-19 symptoms, exposure, or disease are critical to halting disease spread and protecting public health. We describe the interdisciplinary isolation and quarantine program of a large, public university, the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. The program provided students with wraparound services, including medical, mental health, academic, and other support services during their isolation or quarantine stay. The program successfully accommodated 844 cases during the fall 2020 semester, thereby decreasing exposure to the rest of the university and the local community. (Am J Public Health. 2021;111(10):1772–1775. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306424 )
Sudah Siapkah Anak Kita Untuk Sekolah: Panduan untuk Orang Tua & Sekolah
Authors:   Lely Ika Mariyati, Affandi Ghozali Rusyid
Published: September 2021

Alhamdulillahirommbil ‘alamiin, Puji Syukur kehadirat Alloh SWT yang telah memberikan kenikmatan berupa keimanan dan pengetahuan kepada umat manusia melalui ayat qouliyah yang termaktup di dalam Al-Qur’anul Kariim dan ayat kauniyah melalui pengembangan ilmu pengetahuan. Sholawat serta salam kita haturkan kepada Nabi Akhir Zaman yaitu Muhammad SAW yang telah menunjukkan manusia bahwa pengetahuan itu tidak ada guna jika tidak disandarkan pada keimanan kepada sang Maha Mengetahui. Penulis ucapkan terima kasih kepada ristekdikti atas kesempatan yang diberikan kepada penulis untuk melalukan sebuah penelitian yang kemudian dilanjutkan dengan penulisan buku hasil dari penelitian. Serta kepada Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo (UMSIDA) dan Fakultas Psikologi atas dukungannya sehingga penulis dapat menyelesaikan buku ini.Selesainya buku ini juga tidak luput dari dukungan rekan sejawat di Fakultas Psikologi UMSIDA serta keluarga dari penulis yang turut berkontribusi memberikan dukungan emosional dan do’a, sehingga penulis mampu menyelesaikannya walaupun dengan susah payah. Buku ini adalah karya pertama dari penulis dan dimaksudkan untuk memberikan gambaran kepada orang tua, akademisi serta praktisi maupun masyarakat umum betapa pentingnya memperhatikan aspek perkembangan dalam proses pendidikan terutama pedidikan usia dini dan sekolah dasar awal. Aspek perkembangan ini tidak lain dan tidak bukan adalah kesiapan sekolah peserta didik untuk menapaki tahap pendidikan yang lebih care pada pola perkembangan mereka. Sehingga diharapkan terbitnya buku ini akan menjadi pedoman awal bagi orang tua, guru serta sekolah bahkan praktisi di dunia pendidikan untuk selalu memperhatikan konsep-konsep perkembangan dalam mendesain pendidikan di Indonesia.
Difficulties in using correct English prepositions among EFL students
Authors: Abdalla Ibrahim
Published: September 2021

The objectives of this study are to find out the reasons of this problem and find some solutions. The participants were ten students at levels seven and eight, at the Faculty of Sciences and Arts. The researcher used the Descriptive Statistical Method and collected the data via a written test as the main research tool. The data were then analyzed using a Statistical Package of Social Sciences Programme (SPSS). The results were as follows: Saudi students faced problems with using the correct prepositions after certain verbs. Students encountered difficulties in identifying the correct prepositional phrase. Students experienced the same problem with the use of English prepositions in writing tasks and in daily communication. The recommendations of this study are that students need to revise the use of English prepositions in general and need more practice in the use of prepositions after certain verbs. They also need to make a greater effort to use English prepositional phrases in their written work. Regarding writing courses, students need to focus more on the use of prepositions in general. Curriculum designers need more attention about teaching prepositions in their textbooks and curriculums.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Saudi students faced problems with using the correct prepositions after certain verbs.

Students encountered difficulties in identifying the correct prepositional phrase.

Students experienced the same problem with the use of English prepositions in writing tasks and in daily communication.
Rapid and inexpensive method of studying dedifferentiation in rabbit articular chondrocytes
Authors: Shah Fahad Hassan , Eom Young Seok , Ko Byung Su , Han Yohan , Kim Song Ja
Published: September 2021

Chondrocyte dedifferentiation is a cellular phenomenon in which chondrocyte loses its chondrogenic characteristics and ability to synthesize extracellular matrix. These conditions commonly reported in different cartilage degenerative diseases. The methods used to induce dedifferentiation in cell models of chondrocytes are often time consuming or require expensive reagents. Here in our protocol, we describe the utility of using 2-deoxy-D-glucose as a dedifferentiating agent for rabbit chondrocytes for studying dedifferentiation process.
Deep Brain Stimulation for Generalized Dystonia from Secondary Carnitine Deficiency: A Case Report and Literature Review.
Authors: Zhang Yixuan , Sperry Laura , Chan Michelle , Shankar Suma , Malhado-Chang Norika , O'Connor Kevin , Girgis Fady , Farias Sarah , Wheelock Vicki Lynn , Shahlaie Kiarash , Zhang Lin
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND:

Carnitine deficiencies result from a metabolic disorder of fatty acid β-oxidation and may lead to organic acidemia, which are thought to be associated with dystonia, epilepsy, autism and developmental delay. Pharmacotherapy has been the dominant therapy, while many refractory patients still require other treatment. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) has been found to be effective for medically refractory primary dystonia and now it has been proposed to be used for secondary dystonia from mitochondrial metabolic disorder.
OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the efficacy and safety of DBS treatment in secondary dystonia from organic acid metabolic disorder.
METHODS:

We present a patient born with secondary carnitine deficiency who had the onset of generalized seizures at age 4.5 months and developed torsion dystonia at age 14. Multiple medical therapies failed to adequately control her symptoms, therefore she received GPi DBS at age 26 years. In addition, we performed a literature review of this therapy in the treatment of organic acid metabolic disorder.
RESULTS:

Our patient’s dystonia resolved without side effects post-DBS surgery, but intermittent spastic symptoms along with severe pain in her lower extremity persist. Concerning the 8 cases from our literature review, 7 received GPi DBS, and had improvement in motor symptoms. Overall, DBS efficacy was lower than in treatment of primary dystonia. One patient with methylmalonic acidemia received STN DBS and had marked improvement in dystonia and reduction in pain afterwards.
CONCLUSION:

DBS has become an effective therapy in refractory secondary dystonia from organic acid metabolic disorder. More prospective studies are needed to determine the eligibility and efficacy of this surgical therapy in these cases.
Does Obesity Change The Perception of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Authors: Friedman Talia , Dietz Hans Peter
Published: September 2021

Introduction and hypothesis: There is a complex relationship between obesity and pelvic organ prolapse. The objective of our study was to evaluate whether body mass index (BMI) changes the relationship between signs and symptoms of prolapse.Methods This was a retrospective observational study based on datasets of women seen in a tertiary urogynecological centre with symptoms of pelvic floor and lower urinary tract dysfunction between April 2012 and October 2015. Patients underwent a strucrured interview, clinical examination (based on the POP-Q) and 4D transperineal ultrasound (TPUS). Offline assessment of sonographic organ descent was undertaken later, blinded to all patient data. Results: Weight and BMI affect the relationship between symptoms and signs of prolapse. This effect is statistically highly significant. The more obese a patient is, the less likely she is to notice a given degree of objective prolapse, regardless of whether it is diagnosed clinically or on imaging.Conclusions In this retrospective study, we found a highly significant effect of weight and BMI on prolapse perception in the sense that obesity seems to mask prolapse while a low BMI increases the likelihood of a given degree of prolapse being noticed by the patient.
Comparison of Agro-Wastes For Dewatering Enhancement For Dredged Sludge From Sewers
Authors: Nguyen Xuan Huan , Pham Thi Thuy , Dang Thi Thanh Huyen , Pham Thi Ngoc Lan , Tran Thuy Anh , Tran Thi Huyen Nga , Hoang Duc Quyen , Nguyen Manh Khai
Published: September 2021

With the increasing wastewater generation from domestic and industrial activities due to the rapid economic development, the generation of sludge, in particular dredged sludge from municipal sewer system, has been an issue in developing countries. This study evaluated the enhancement of sewer’s sludge dewatering via mixing the sludge with different agro-wastes, including corn core powder, rice husk powder, bagasse powder and peanut shell powder. The addition of these agro-waste powders helped decrease the sludge’s moisture contents up to 17% after mixing with the ratio of 1:3, 1:5 or 1:7. Statistical analysis revealed the impacts of both additive types and mixing ratio on moisture content reduction. Among the four types of agro-waste, rice husk was shown to be the best additive to dredge sludges with highest reduction of heavy metal concentration and moisture content. The addition of agro-waste powders to enhance the dewatering of sludges is quite promising in the context of promoting waste reuse and energy saving.
Teaching the Technical Essentials of Direct Ophthalmoscopy Using a Portable Fundus Camera
Authors: Feng Weibo , Zou Yuxian , Li Yonghao , Shen Tao , Gao Ya , Lu Lin , Liu Bingqian
Published: September 2021

Aim: A portable fundus camera could allow the third person to observe the technique essentials of direct ophthalmoscopy from a real time screen. This study was designed to compare the proficiency of teaching direct ophthalmoscopy using a portable camera with conventional way in medical students. Methods: Medical students of fourth year were invited to participate the study. At baseline, the participants were taught fundoscopy with a conventional direct ophthalmoscope shortly. Then they were randomized to be taught the skill of fundoscopy either with a portable fundus camera or with a conventional direct ophthalmoscope as control for two days. Accuracy tests to match a subject’s fundus with one of the four photographs after examining an undilated eye using a direct ophthalmoscope were performed at baseline and end point. Accuracy test scores and self-reported confidence were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 160 students participated the study, with 79 assigned to the intervention group, and 81 to the control group. All the students finished the study. At baseline, there was no difference in accuracy test score between the two groups. After two-day training session, the accuracy score improved in 26/79 (32.9%) students of intervention group versus 15/81 (18.5%) of the control group (p=0.037). At end point, a total of 39/79 (49.4%) students in the intervention groups versus 25/81 (30.9%) in the control group identified the correct fundus photograph (p=0.017). The confidence levels were significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group. Conclusions: Teaching direct ophthalmoscope using a portable fundus camera is associated with improved accuracy score and elevated confidence level in medical students when compared with conventional method.
Biofiltration of Methane Fugitive Emissions from Landfills Using Scum from Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants (Wwtp) as Alternative Substrate
Authors: Schirmer Waldir Nagel , Stroparo Erivelton César , Capanema Marlon André , Mazur Douglas Luiz , Jucá José Fernando Thomé , Martins Kelly Geronazzo
Published: September 2021

Biofilters have been recognized as key technology in the mitigation of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted by landfills. This study aimed to evaluate the methane (an important GHG) oxidation efficiencies of two experimental biofilters at the municipal landfill of Guarapuava (Brazil) under normal conditions (control column), just using landfill cover soil with low organic matter content, and improved, exploiting dried scum from municipal wastewater treatment plant (SWWTP) mixed with the cover soil (enriched column, with a high organic matter content). The influence of parameters such as the methane inlet loading rates (22 and 44 gCH4.m− 2.d− 1), temperatures, methane concentration in the raw biogas, carbon/nitrogen ratio and moisture content of the packing materials on the oxidation of methane was also evaluated during 25 campaigns. The campaigns with the lowest methane loading rates applied to the biofilters showed the best methane oxidation efficiencies (98.4% and 89.5% in the enriched and control columns, respectively) as compared to campaigns with a higher load (92.6% and 82.6% in the enriched and control columns, respectively). In addition to the loading rates, the methane oxidation efficiencies were highly influenced by the organic matter content and C/N ratio of the packing materials evaluated.
Efficacy Comparison of Trifocal Bone Transport Using Unilateral External Fixator for Femoral and Tibial Bone Defects Caused by Infection
Authors: Liu Kai , Liu Yanshi , Cai Feiyu , Fan Chenchen , Ren Peng , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang
Published: September 2021

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of patients with critical femoral and tibial bone defects treated by trifocal bone transport using the Ilizarov method.Methods: In a retrospective comparative study, 39 patients treated for lower limb bone non-union with bone loss measuring between 6 and 14 cm were included. Depending on the location of bone transport, the patients were divided into the femur group (n =18) and tibia groups (n =21). The demographics data, intraoperative records, and postoperative outcomes were documented and compared between the two groups. At the last follow-up, the bone and functional outcomes were evaluated according to the criterion given by the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of the Ilizarov (ASAMI) and postoperative complications evaluated by Paley classification.Results: The average follow-up time was 26.1 months (range 17–34 months) since the unilateral external fixators were removed. The mean size of the bone defect was 8.3 cm in the femur group, and 7.5 cm in the tibia group. All bone defects were reconstructed successfully. The mean time in external fixation in the femur group was 334.4 days, and in the tibia group was 344.6 days. The external fixation index (EFI) measured 55.9 days/cm in the femur group and 65 days/cm in the tibia group. A statistically significant difference of bone grade was found between the two groups (excellent/good/fair/poor, 3/11/3/1 vs 2/13/4/2, P<0.05), as well as the function grade in two groups (excellent/good/fair/poor/failure, 3/14/1/0 vs 4/13/3/1, P<0.05). According to the ASAMI classification, the clinical and functional results in the femur group were better than in the tibia group. The complication rate of the two groups was 94.4% vs 76.2% (femur vs tibia). One femur and five tibias were performed additional surgery because of delayed union and axial deviation. Conclusions: The trifocal bone transport using the unilateral external fixator is a reliable treatment in the management of post-traumatic and post-infection lower limb bone defects (>6cm). In the comparison of the tibia, the trifocal bone transport treatment period of the femur was shorter, the functional recovery was better and the risk of minor complications was higher.
Paenibacillus Piscarius Sp. Nov., a Novel Nitrogen-Fixing Species Isolated from the Gut of the Armored Catfish Parotocinclus Maculicauda
Authors: silva Mariana Barbalho Farias da , Lemos Ericka Arregue , Vollú Renata E. , Abreu Fernanda , Rosado Alexandre S. , SELDIN LUCY
Published: September 2021

A gram-positive, nitrogen-fixing and endospore-forming strain, designated P121T, was isolated from the gut of the armored catfish (Parotocinclus maculicauda) and identified as a member of the genus Paenibacillus based on the sequences of the 16S rRNA encoding gene, rpoB, gyrB and nifH genes and phenotypic analyses. The most closely related species to strain P121T were Paenibacillus rhizoplanae DSM 103993T, Paenibacillus silagei DSM 101953T and Paenibacillus borealis DSM 13188T, with similarity values of 98.9%, 98.3% and 97.6%, respectively, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. Genome sequencing revealed a genome size of 7,513,698 bp, DNA G + C content of 53.9 mol% and the presence of the structural nitrogenase encoding genes (nifK, nifD and nifH) necessary for nitrogen fixation. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) experiments and average nucleotide identity (ANI) analyses between strain P121T and the type strains of the closest species demonstrated that the highest values were below the thresholds of 70% dDDH (42.3% with P. borealis) and 95% ANI (84.28% with P. silagei) for bacterial species delineation, indicating that strain P121T represents a distinct species. Its major cellular fatty acid was anteiso-C15:0 (42.4%), and the major isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. Based on physiological, genomic, biochemical and chemotaxonomic characteristics, we propose that strain P121T represents a novel species for which the name Paenibacillus piscarius sp. nov. is proposed (type strain = DSM 25072 = LFB-Fiocruz 1636).
Men’s Experiences of Sex and Intimacy After Prostate Cancer Treatment In China: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Wang Tong , Cheng Hui-Lin , Wong Ping Kit Kitty , Dong Wen
Published: September 2021

Purpose While the existing knowledge base on the impact of prostate cancer (PC) and its treatment on sexuality and intimacy has been generated from Western populations, there is a lack of such evidence in the Asian context. This study aimed to explore men’s experiences of sex and intimacy after PC treatment in China. Methods This study adopted an interpretive descriptive design. Using purposive sampling, 13 PC patients were selected from a urology outpatient unit of a hospital in South China and proceeded with individual semi-structured telephone interviews. Each interview was transcribed verbatim and analyzed using constant comparison analysis. Results Four themes emerged from the interview data, including (a) encountering altered sexuality, (b) communication and sexual adjustments, (c) maintenance of quality intimate relationship, and (d) lack of sexual health support. Conclusions The findings revealed that PC treatment significantly impaired patients’ sexual functions, and their sexual health needs were mainly unmet by healthcare providers. There is a great need to design culturally relevant interventions to improve sexual health among this population.
Parametric Investigation of an Injection-Jet Self-Powered Fontan Circulation
Authors: Prather Ray , Das Arka , Farias Michael , Divo Eduardo , Kassab Alain , DeCampli William
Published: September 2021

Rationale: Approximately 1/2500 babies are born with only one functioning ventricle and the Fontan is the third and, ideally final staged palliative operation for these patients. This altered circulation is prone to failure with survival rates below 50% into adulthood in some series. Chronically elevated inferior vena cava (IVC) pressure is implicated as one cause of the mortality and morbidity in this population.Objective: An injection jet shunt (IJS) drawing blood-flow directly from the aortic arch to significantly lower IVC pressure is proposed.Methods and Results: A computer-generated 3D model of a 2–4 year old patient with a fenestrated Fontan and a cardiac output of 2.3L/min was generated. The detailed 3D pulsatile hemodynamics are resolved in a zero-dimensional lumped parameter network tightly-coupled to a 3D computational fluid dynamics model accounting for non-Newtonian blood rheology and resolving turbulence using large eddy simulation. IVC pressure and systemic oxygen saturation were tracked for various IJS-assisted Fontan configurations, altering design parameters such as shunt and fenestration diameters and locations.A baseline “failing” Fontan with 4mm fenestration was tuned to elevated IVC pressure (\(+17.8mmHg\)). Enlargement of the fenestration to 8mm resulted in a 3mmHg IVC pressure drop but an unacceptable reduction in systemic oxygen saturation below 80%. Addition of an IJS with a 2mm nozzle and minor volume load to the ventricle improved the IVC pressure drop to 3.2mmHg while increasing systemic oxygen saturation above 80%.Conclusions: The salutary effects of the IJS to effectively lower IVC pressure while retaining acceptable levels of oxygen saturation are successfully demonstrated.
Effects of Calcium Propionate on Milk Performance and Serum Metabolome of Dairy Cows in Early Lactation
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhao Yiguang , Wang Yue , Wang Hui , Guo Yuming , Xiong Benhai
Published: September 2021

Background: Most of the dairy cows in early lactation suffer from a period of negative energy balance (NEB) and hypocalcemia metabolic disorders. Calcium propionate is a source of energy and calcium for alleviating NEB and hypocalcemia. The objective of the study was to investigate the changes of milk compositions and blood metabolites of postpartum dairy cows fed with calcium propionate for 5 weeks.Methods:Thirty-two multiparous Holstein cows after calving were randomly allocated to control (CON), low calcium propionate (LCaP), medium calcium propionate (MCaP) and high calcium propionate (HCaP) groups with 8 cows per group balanced with parity, milk yield and body weight. The dairy cows in the four groups were oral drenching with 0, 200, 350, 500 g/d calcium propionate per cow from calving to d 35 in early lactation, respectively.Results:The results showed that the milk yield in MCaP group was significantly higher than those in the other groups. At d 35, the somatic cell count (SCC) in MCaP group tended to be lower than those in other groups. Compared with the CON group, serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) in MCaP and HCaP groups tended to decrease. The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration in MCaP group was lowest among the four groups. The concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in HCaP group was significantly higher than the other groups. Feeding calcium propionate had no significant effect on serum calcium, phosphorus and magnesium concentrations. The serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) in HCaP group tended to decrease. The calcium propionate treatments significantly decreased the serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level. The MCaP treatment significantly decreased serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, while increased the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) when compared with the other groups. The metabolomic results showed that calcium propionate significantly affected the bile acid compositions. Conclusions: It was concluded that the 350 g/d calcium propionate feeding level could significantly improve milk performance, alleviate body fat mobilization and bone calcium utilization, however decrease antioxidant capacity of dairy cows as well. The effect of calcium propionate on milk performance and serum metabolites in early lactation cows may be regulated through the serum bile acids metabolism.