bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Src Family Kinases Activity is Required for Transmitting Purinergic P2X7 Receptor Signaling in Cortical Spreading Depression and Neuroinflammation
Authors: Nie Lingdi , Ma Dongqing , Quinn John P , Wang Minyan
Published: September 2021

Background Purinergic P2X7 receptor plays a key role in migraine pathophysiology. Yet precise molecular mechanism underlying P2X7R signaling in migraine remains unclear. This study explores the hypothesis that P2X7 receptor transmits signaling to Src family kinases (SFKs) during cortical spreading depression (CSD) and CSD-induced neuroinflammation. Methods CSD was recorded using electrophysiology in rats, and intrinsic optical imaging in mouse brain slices. Cortical IL-1β and TNFα mRNA expression were detected using qPCR. Glutamate release in mouse brain slices was detected using glutamate assay. Results The data showed that systematic deactivation of SFKs by PP2 reduced cortical susceptibility to CSD in rats and CSD-induced IL-1b and TNF-a gene expression in rat ipsilateral cortices. Consistently, in mouse brain slices, inhibition of SFKs activity by saracatinib and P2X7 receptor by A740003 similarly reduced cortical susceptibility to CSD. When the interaction of P2X7 receptor-SFKs was disrupted by TAT-P2X7, a marked reduction of cortical susceptibility to CSD, CSD-induced IL-1b gene expression and glutamate release were observed in mouse brain slices. The reduced cortical susceptibility to CSD by TAT-P2X7 was restored by NMDA and disrupting Fyn-NMDA interaction using TAT-Fyn (39-57), but not disrupting Src-NMDA receptor using TAT-Src (40-49), reduced cortical susceptibility to CSD. Furthermore, activation of P2X7 receptor by BzATP restored the TAT-Fyn (39-57)-reduced cortical susceptibility to CSD. Conclusion This study reveals that SFKs activity mediates P2X7 receptor pore formation facilitating CSD propagation, CSD-induced neuroinflammation and glutamate release, of particular relevance to migraine.
Cranial autonomic symptoms: prevalence, phenotype and laterality in migraine and two potentially new symptoms
Authors: Karsan Nazia , Nagaraj Karthik , Goadsby Peter J
Published: September 2021

BackgroundWhilst cranial autonomic symptoms (CAS) are typically associated with the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TAC’s), they have also been reported in migraine. Identification and understanding of these symptoms in migraine is important to ensure timely diagnosis and effective management. MethodsMigraineurs seen within our tertiary headache service between 2014-2018 ( n =340): cohort one, and a separate cohort of headache patients seen between 2014-May 2021 reporting voice change and/or throat swelling as CAS were selected ( n =64); cohort two. We examined, as a service evaluation, our records regarding age, sex, diagnosis, headache and CAS frequency and laterality as acquired from the first consultation, during which a detailed headache history is taken by a trained physician. ResultsCohort 1: Mean age 43 (range 14-94, SD 15). The most common diagnosis was chronic migraine (78%). Median monthly headache frequency was 26 days (IQR 15-75). At least one CAS was reported in 74%, with a median of two (IQR 0-3). The most common were nasal congestion (32%), lacrimation (31%) and aural fullness (25%). Most patients reported unilateral headache (80%) and strictly unilateral CAS (64%). There was a positive association between headache and CAS laterality (ꭓ 2 1 = 20.7, P < 0.001), with a positive correlation between baseline headache frequency and number of CAS reported ( r = 0.11, P = 0.047). Cohort two: mean age 49 (range 23-83, SD 14). Diagnoses were chronic migraine (50%), chronic cluster headache (11%), undifferentiated continuous lateralised headache (9%), SUNCT/SUNA (8%), hemicrania continua (8%), episodic migraine (8%), episodic cluster headache (3%) and trigeminal neuropathies (3%). Most (89%) described trigeminal distribution pain; 25% involving all three divisions. Throat swelling was reported by 54, voice change by 17, and both by 7. The most common CAS reported were lacrimation ( n = 47), facial swelling ( n = 45) and rhinorrhoea ( n = 37). There was significant agreement between the co-reporting of throat swelling (ꭓ 2 1 = 7.59, P = 0.013) and voice change (ꭓ 2 1 = 6.49, P = 0.02) with aural fullness. ConclusionsCAS are common in migraine, are associated with increasing headache frequency and tend to co-lateralise with headache. Voice change and throat swelling should be recognized as possible parasympathetically-mediated CAS. They may be co-associated and associated with aural fullness, suggesting a broadly somatotopic endophenotype.
Enhancement of Electrochromic Properties of Polyaniline Induced By Copper Ions
Authors: Gao Xiaohui , Qin Ting , Deng Lianwen , Zhang Pin , Tang Min , Li Chen , Xie Haipeng , Huang Shengxiang
Published: September 2021

Driven by the urgent need for adaptive infrared (IR) electrochromic devices, the improvement of electrochromic properties based on polyaniline (PANI) conducting polymers has become one of the research focuses. In recent years, the doping strategy has been proven to efficiently increase the IR modulation ability of PANI, but only limited to the acid species. Herein, the effects of copper ions on the structure and electrochromic properties of polyaniline were investigated. Compared to the pure polyaniline, the Cu-doped PANI porous films show better IR modulation ability. With the increasing concentration of copper ions, the emittance variation (∆ε) of Cu-doped PANI films exhibits a trend in volcanic pattern due to the critical role of the polarons and bipolarons. The optimal IR emissivity (ε) modulation obtained on Cu-doped PANI films shows the ∆ε modulation of 0.35 and 0.3 in the wavelength range of 8–14 µm and 2.5–25 µm, superior to previous reported pure sulfuric acid-doped PANI. Furthermore, a flexible IR electrochromic device was fabricated with the present Cu-doped PANI porous films. The modulation of the emittance variation varied between 0.513 and 0.834 (∆ε = 0.32 in ranges of wavelength 8–12 µm), suggesting the great potential for applications in military camouflage and intelligent IR thermal management.
Respiratory outcomes after six months of hospital discharge in patients affected by COVID-19: a prospective cohort
Authors: Prestes Gabriele da Silveira , Simon Carla Sasso , Walz Roger , Ritter Cristiane , Pizzol Felipe Dal
Published: September 2021

Background
Considering millions of people affected by COVID-19, long-lasting sequelae can significantly impact health worldwide. Data from prospective studies in lower-middle-income countries on persistent lung dysfunction secondary to COVID-19 are lacking. This work aims to determine risk factors and the impact of persistent lung dysfunctions in COVID-19 survivors.
Methods
observational and prospective cohort of patients admitted to a tertiary hospital from June 2020 to November 2020. Persistence of chest computed tomography (CT) scan alterations, desaturation in the six-minute walk test (6MWT), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), lung carbon monoxide diffusion (DLCO), and maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) were measured six months after hospital discharge. Additionally, the Barthel index (BI) and the Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale were used to determine the impact of lung dysfunction in activities of daily living (ADL).
Results
It was included 44 patients. Sixty percent had persistent lung CT scan abnormalities. From 18 to 43 percent of patients had at least one pulmonary function dysfunction, a decrease in FEV1 was the least prevalent (18%), and a reduction in DCLO and MIP was the most frequent (43%). In general, female gender, comorbidity index, and age were associated with worse lung function. Additionally, the presence of lung dysfunction could predict worse BI (r-square 0.28) and mMRC (r-square 0.32).
Conclusion
Long-term lung dysfunction is relatively common in survivors from severe COVID-19 and impacts negatively on ADL and the intensity of dyspnea, similar to studies in high-income countries.
Strain-induced Localization-delocalization Transition on a Lieb Ribbon Lattice
Authors: Román-Cortés Diego , Fadic Guillermo , Cid-Lara Christofer , Guzmán-Silva Diego , Real Bastián , Vicencio Rodrigo A.
Published: September 2021

Ribbon lattices are kind of transition systems in between one and two dimensions, and their study is crucial to understand the origin of different emerging properties. In this work, we study a Lieb ribbon lattice and the localization-delocalization transition occurring due to a reduction of lattice distances (compression) and the corresponding flat band deformation. We observe how above a critical compression ratio the energy spreads out and propagates freely across the lattice, therefore transforming the system from being a kind of insulator into a conductor. We implement an experiment on a photonic platform and show an excellent agreement with the predicted phenomenology. Our findings suggest and prove experimentally the use of compression or mechanical deformation of lattices to switch the transport properties of a given system.
MiR30a Inhibits Inflammation by Targeting Klf14 in Autoimmune Hepatitis
Authors: Yuan Xiaofeng , Pan Shunwen , Li Mingliang , Quan Li , Zhang Kouxing , Bi Xiaogang
Published: September 2021

MiR30a plays diverse roles in inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Klf14 is associated with the inflammation in AIH. We investigated whether miR30a exerts its regulatory function via Klf14. Concanavalin A (Con A)-induced AIH mice were infected with a miR30a agomir or antagomir. MiR30a expression was quantified using qRT-PCR. TargetScan and luciferase reporter assays were used to predict the relationship between miR30a and Klf14. Liver inflammation was evaluated by measuring serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, performing histology, and measuring mRNA expressions of inflammatory cytokines and Klf14 by qRT-PCR, protein of Klf14 by western blotting, and Tregs by FACS. MiR30a was downregulated in the hepatocytes (HCs) of AIH mice, which was negatively associated with the liver inflammation. MiR30a overexpression alleviated the inflammation, whereas downregulation of endogenous miR30a aggravated it. The mRNA and protein level of Klf14 were inversely correlated with the miR30a expression. The luciferase reporter assay validated the relationship between Klf14 and miR30a. Moreover, the frequency of Tregs was consistently correlated with the expression of miR30a. MiR30a may play an essential role in AIH, and its ability to regulate the inflammatory responses may, at least partially, be mediated by targeting Klf14 to modulate Tregs.
Impact of Interventions by a Community Pharmacist on Care Burden for People with Dementia: Development and Randomised Feasibility Trial of an Intervention Protocol
Authors: Nanaumi Yoko , Yoshitani Atsushi , Onda Mitsuko
Published: September 2021

Background: Traditionally, the role of pharmacists has been to manage and monitor pharmacotherapy for patients with dementia. However, additional intervention by community pharmacists to collect and share patient information with other professionals may help reduce the care burden among caregivers. This study examined the impact of interventions by a community pharmacist, based on active information gathering from other professionals for people with dementia, on the caregivers’ burden of care.Methods: This was a randomised, open-label, parallel-group feasibility study, involving eight Nara City pharmaceutical association member pharmacies that provided consent to participate. These pharmacies were assigned to an intervention group or control group at a 1:1 ratio. The subjects were patients with dementia and their primary caregivers that visited the participating pharmacies and provided consent to participate. Pharmacists in the intervention group actively collected information from the patients’ family physicians and care managers and intervened to address medication-related problems, while those in the control group only performed their normal duties. The primary endpoint was a change in the caregiver’s score on the Japanese version of Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (J-ZBI) from the baseline to after 5 months of follow-up. The changes in mean J-ZBI scores from the beginning to the end of the study period of the two groups were compared using Welch's t-test, and effect sizes were calculated. The level of significance was set at 5%.Results: Totally, nine patients and nine caregivers in the intervention group, and nine patients and eight caregivers in the control group completed the study. The changes in J-ZBI scores could be calculated for seven cases in the intervention group and five cases in the control group. The J-ZBI scores were found to decrease by 1.0 in the intervention group and increase by 3.0 in the control group (p = 0.075, effect size = 1.414).Conclusions: Although the differences in J-ZBI scores were not statistically significant between the two groups, owing to the small sample sizes, the effect sizes suggest that community pharmacist interventions for people with dementia may reduce the care burden for caregivers.Trial registration: Registration: UMIN000039949 (registration date: 4.1.2020, retrospectively registered)
Cat1 Regulate ROS Metabolism and Microsclerotia Formation in the Dimorphic Fungus Nomuraea Rileyi
Authors: Su Yu , Wang Xuyi , Yu Haiying , Luo Yuanli , Zhao Bingfeng , Jiang Huan , Tang Guiting , Zhang Yong , Wu Chaojun , Yin Youping
Published: September 2021

Catalases are the most important enzymes in the metabolism of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as they convert hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water and molecular oxygen. They are also involved in virulence, and in oxidative, heat, hyperosmotic stress and UV-B radiation responses in some entomopathogenic fungi. In this study, the Cat1 gene from Nomuraea rileyi was cloned and its function was studied by gene deletion. The NrCat1 deletion mutant (ΔNrCat1) was generated using the split-marker method. No significant differences in colony growth or dimorphic switching of ΔNrCat1 were observed under regular culture conditions, whereas oxidative stress inhibited colony growth and the yeast-hyphal transition. In contrast, there was no significant difference in tolerance to hyperosmotic stress between ΔNrCat1 and wild type (WT) strains. In the ΔNrCat1 strain, microsclerotia (MS) formation time of the ΔNrCat1 was delayed, and MS size was less uniform than in the WT. MS yield was decreased by 76% in the ΔNrCat1 strain compared to the WT strain. Furthermore, virulence was attenuated in the ΔNrCat1 strain. Gene expression analysis showed that NrCat2, NrCat4, and NrAox are up-regulated to compensate for NrCat1 deletion. Thus, the NrCat1 gene in N. rileyi appears to be involved in essential functions, including H2O2 metabolism, MS formation, and virulence.
Modeling The Post-Failure And Run-Off For a Translational Landslide In Taiwan By Material Point Method
Authors: Yeh Fu-Hsuan , Lai Yi-Chun , Ge Louis , Cheng Shih-Hao
Published: September 2021

The material point method (MPM) is an extended finite element method that can be used to simulate large deformation scenarios. A massive translational landslide in Taiwan was adopted to validate the numerical technique as thorough investigations, including the digital terrain models (DTMs), laboratory experiments, and numerical analyses, were available in a forensic report. The MPM code Anura3D was used to mimic the landslide’s kinematics, post-failure, and run-off process. An unstable sandstone/shale interlayer was found to lead the slope sliding; therefore, the before-and-after DTMs from the report mentioned above were used to examine the run-off distance and deposition to determine the best fit of reduced material properties for this layer. The sliding paths, displacements, velocities of the sliding can be evaluated by dividing the material points into several groups to differentiate the kinematic among them. Meanwhile, the simulations were compared with different numerical methods. The landslide duration and possible maximum safety distance were also assessed. This study has demonstrated that the MPM can analyze the large deformation, post-failure, and run-off distance of landslides. The critical timing of a slope failure is possible to be an essential index on national spatial planning for future disaster reduction.
Unsupervised Machine Learning Approach for Identifying Biomechanical Influences on Protein-Ligand Binding Affinity
Authors: Singh Arjun
Published: September 2021

Drug discovery is incredibly time-consuming and expensive, averaging over 10 years and $985 million per drug. Calculating the binding affinity between a target protein and a ligand is critical for discovering viable drugs. Although supervised machine learning (ML) can predict binding affinity accurately, models experience severe overfitting due to an inability to identify informative properties of protein-ligand complexes. This study used unsupervised ML to reveal underlying protein-ligand characteristics that strongly influence binding affinity. Protein-ligand 3D models were collected from the PDBBind database and vectorized into 2422 features per complex. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE), K-Means Clustering, and heatmaps were used to identify groups of complexes and the features responsible for the separation. ML benchmarking was used to determine the features’ effect on ML performance. The PCA heatmap revealed groups of complexes with binding affinity of pKd < 6 and pKd > 8, and identified the number of CCCH and CCCCCH fragments in the ligand as the most responsible features. A high correlation of 0.8337, their ability to explain 18% of the binding affinity’s variance, and an error increase of 0.09 in Decision Trees when trained without the two features suggests that the fragments exist within a larger ligand substructure that significantly influences binding affinity. This discovery is a baseline for informative ligand representations to be generated so that ML models overfit less and can more reliably identify novel drug candidates. Future work will focus on validating the ligand substructure’s presence and discovering more informative intra-ligand relationships.
Chronic Corticosterone Disrupts the Circadian Rhythm of CRH Expression and M6a RNA Methylation in the Chicken Hypothalamus
Authors: Yang Yang , Han Wanwan , Zhang Aijia , Zhao Mindie , Cong Wei , Jia Yimin , Wang Deyun , Zhao Ruqian
Published: September 2021

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), the major secretagogue of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, is intricately intertwined with the clock genes to regulate the circadian rhythm of various body functions. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation is involved in the regulation of circadian rhythm, yet it remains unknown whether CRH expression and m6A modification oscillate with the clock genes in chicken hypothalamus and how the circadian rhythms change under chronic stress. Here, we show that chronic exposure to corticosterone (CORT) eliminated the diurnal patterns of plasma CORT and melatonin levels in the chicken. The circadian rhythms of clock genes in hippocampus, hypothalamus and pituitary are all disturbed to different extent in CORT-treated chickens. The most striking changes occur in hypothalamus in which the diurnal fluctuation of CRH mRNA is flattened, together with mRNA of other feeding-related neuropeptides. Interestingly, hypothalamic m6A level oscillates in an opposite pattern to CRH mRNA, with lowest m6A level after midnight (ZT18) corresponding to the peak of CRH mRNA before dawn (ZT22). CORT diminished the circadian rhythm of m6A methylation with significantly increased level at night. Further site-specific m6A analysis on 3’UTR of CRH mRNA indicates that higher m6A on 3’UTR of CRH mRNA coincides with lower CRH mRNA at night (ZT18 and ZT22). Our results indicate that chronic stress disrupts the circadian rhythms of CRH expression in hypothalamus, leading to dysfunction of HPA axis in the chicken. RNA m6A modification is involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms in chicken hypothalamus under both basal and chronic stress conditions.
Prognostic Value of Immune Associated Long Non-Coding RNAs In Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Weixing , Li Pei , Liu Yue , Wang Zhiyuan , Liu Jiamin , Ye Jin
Published: September 2021

Background: Increasing studies have demonstrated that immune associated lncRNAs (IALs) take an important part in the occurrence and development of multiple cancers. However, the prognosis value of IALs in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remains unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the importance of IALs in LSCC. Methods: RNA sequencing data profiles of LSCC and clinical information of patients were obtained from TCGA dataset. Correlation analysis was performed to screen IALs. Then, a IALs based prognostic signature was constructed through univariate and multivariate Cox regression. The uncover molecular mechanisms of these selected IALs were explored by the bioinformatics analyses.Results: a total of seven differentially expressed survival-associated IALs were found in LSCC patients. a six IALs (LINC02154, SNHG12, CHKB-DT, AL158166.1, AC027307.2 and AL121899.1) based prognostic signature was established, which was a reliable tool to predict the prognosis of LSCC. The area under the curve (AUC) were 0.817 (one-year), 0.847 (three-year) and 0.895 (five-year). Further analysis, there were different infiltration of immune cells between low-risk and high-risk group patients. Additionally, a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network basted on six IALs, 75 miRNAs, and 156 differentially expressed mRNAs was constructed.Conclusions: IALs may play critical role in the occurrence and progression of LSCC, and the IALs based prognostic signature can predict the overall survival rate of LSCC.
Ethnic Composition of Couples and Mutual Health Benefit Receipt: Register-based Evidence from Finland
Authors: Saarela Jan , Stanfors Maria , Rostila Mikael
Published: September 2021

Background: The literature on health dependencies among partners typically ignores diversity when it comes to partnership characteristics, which have consequences on many facets of life and may be important for the health of both parties. One salient example is the ethnic or racial composition of the couple. We extend prior work on partnerships and health by investigating how married and cohabiting partners mutually influence each other’s receipt of health-related benefits, and focus on how any such correlations vary by the couple’s ethnic composition.Methods: We study partners’ mutual receipt of sickness allowance and disability pension in ethnically endogamous and exogamous couples in Finland. The population consists of native individuals in similar socioeconomic positions but belonging to two different ethnic groups, Finnish and Swedish speakers, which differ regarding health and cultural practices related to family life. Using data from population registers (36,034 couples in 1987-2011), we estimate discrete-time hazard models for first-time benefit receipt related to partner’s benefit receipt among midlife couples.Results: We find evidence of mutual receipt of health benefits in both endogamous and exogamous couples, the correlation being strongest for disability pension. Partner correlation in disability pension receipt is slightly stronger in endogamous Swedish than in endogamous Finnish couples, while women in exogamous couples are slightly less sensitive to men’s receipt than vice versa. These findings show that the ethnic composition of couples is important for mutual health benefit receipt.Conclusions: Our findings could be explained both by collateral health effects and by rational decisions concerning mutual leisure time, income loss, and informal health care needs. The results clearly cast light on the important issue of mutual health in couples, and that associations of this kind may be heterogeneous across couples that differ in ethnic composition.
Use of nCounter mRNA Profiling to Identify at-arrival Gene Expression Patterns for Predicting Bovine Respiratory Disease in Beef Cattle
Authors: Scott Matthew , Woolums Amelia , Swiderski Cyprianna , Thompson Alexis , Perkins Andy , Nanduri Bindu , Karisch Brandi , Goehl Dan
Published: September 2021

BackgroundTranscriptomics has identified at-arrival differentially expressed genes associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD) development; however, their use as prediction molecules necessitates further evaluation. Therefore, we aimed to selectively analyze and corroborate at-arrival mRNA expression from multiple independent populations of beef cattle. In a nested case-control study, we evaluated the expression of 56 mRNA molecules from at-arrival blood samples of 234 cattle across seven populations via NanoString nCounter gene expression profiling. Analysis of mRNA was performed with nSolver Advanced Analysis software (p<0.05), comparing cattle groups based on the diagnosis of clinical BRD within 28 days of facility arrival (n=115 Healthy; n=119 BRD); BRD was further stratified for severity based on frequency of treatment and/or mortality (Treated_1, n=89; Treated_2+, n=30). Gene expression homogeneity of variance, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve, and decision tree analyses were performed between severity cohorts.ResultsIncreased expression of mRNAs involved in specialized pro-resolving mediator synthesis (ALOX15, HPGD), leukocyte differentiation (LOC100297044, GCSAML, KLF17), and antimicrobial peptide production (CATHL3, GZMB, LTF) were identified in Healthy cattle. BRD cattle possessed increased expression of CFB, and mRNA related to granulocytic processes (DSG1, LRG1, MCF2L) and type-I interferon activity (HERC6, IFI6, ISG15, MX1). Healthy and Treated_1 cattle were similar in terms of gene expression, while Treated_2+ cattle were the most distinct. ROC cutoffs were used to generate an at-arrival treatment decision tree, which classified 90% of Treated_2+ individuals. ConclusionsIncreased expression of complement factor B, pro-inflammatory, and type I interferon-associated mRNA hallmark the at-arrival expression patterns of cattle that develop severe clinical BRD. Here, we corroborate at-arrival mRNA markers identified in previous transcriptome studies and generate a prediction model to be evaluated in future studies. Further research is necessary to evaluate these expression patterns in a prospective manner.
Individual citizens' resilience to disasters caused by floods: a case study of Belgrade
Authors: Cvetković Vladimir M. , Bošković Nemanja , Ocal Adem
Published: September 2021

Due to the increasing frequency and variety of disasters caused by floods and their effect on people, environment, material, and cultural goods, there is an unavoidable need to improve the security of citizens through innovative solutions to improve Serbian citizens' resilience to such disasters. The subject of the research is a comprehensive examination of the levels and factors that affect the level of individual resilience of the citizens of Belgrade to the consequences of disasters caused by floods. By applying the quantitative research tradition, citizens' attitudes about their level of resilience and the level of resilience of society were examined. The survey was conducted using a requested questionnaire and collected online among 377 respondents during May 2020. The research results show relationships between the diversity of characteristics, experiences, and levels of education with the level of individual resilience of citizens to flood disasters. As previously said, the research implications are connected to the establishment of preconditions for the design and execution of various programs, initiatives, and campaigns that would improve the situation in the region.
Psychometric study of the SF-36v2 in hereditary angioedema due to C1 inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE)
Authors: Palao-Ocharan Paola , Prior Nieves , Pérez-Fernández Elia , Caminoa Magdalena , Caballero Teresa
Published: September 2021

Background
The generic 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36v2) has been used to assess health related quality of life in adult patients with hereditary angioedema due to C1-inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE) even though it has not yet been validated for use in this specific disease.
Objective
This study aims to validate the SF-36v2 for use in adult patients with C1-INH-HAE.
Results
There was a very low item non-response rate (1-3.4%), with a high ceiling effect in 25/35 items and a low floor effect in 3/35 items. A moderate ceiling effect was observed in 5/8 dimensions of the SF-36v2, whereas no floor effect was noticed in any of the dimensions. Internal consistency was good to excellent with Cronbach's alpha coefficient ranging between 0.82 and 0.93 for the different dimensions. Construct validity was good: seven out of the 8 hypotheses defined on clinical criteria were confirmed, discriminant validity assessment showed significant differences among patients with different C1-INH-HAE severity, convergent validity showed a good correlation among the physical and mental component summaries of the SF-36v2 and the HAE-QoL total score (0.45 and 0.64 respectively, P < 0.001). Test- retest reliability was high with intraclass correlation coefficient varying from 0.758 to 0.962. The minimal clinically important difference was calculated by distribution methods and small differences in the domain scores and in the component summaries scores were shown to be meaningful.
Conclusions
The psychometric properties of the SF-36v2 show it can be a useful tool to assess HRQoL in adult patients with C1-INH-HAE, although with some content validity limitation.
Methods
The psychometric properties of the SF-36v2 were evaluated in an international setting based on responses from 290 adult C1-INH-HAE patients in 11 countries.
Differentially expressed extracellular vesicle, exosome and non-exosome miRNA profile in high and low tick-resistant beef cattle
Authors: Abeysinghe Pevindu , Turner Natalie , Peiris Hassendrini , Vaswani Kanchan , Cameron Nick , McGhee Nathanael , Mitchell Murray D. , Logan Jayden
Published: September 2021

Heavy tick burden on beef cattle account for huge economic losses globally, with an estimated value of US$22-30 billion per annum. In Australia, ticks cost the northern beef industry approximately A$170-200 million. Methods to evaluate and predict tick resistance would therefore be of great value to the global cattle trade. Exosomes (EX) are small extracellular vesicles (EVs) of ~30-150nm diameter and have gained popularity for their diagnostic and prognostic potential. EX contain, among other biomolecules, various types of RNA including micro-RNA (miRNA) and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). MiRNA specifically have been validated as therapeutic biomarkers as they perform regulatory functions at the post-transcriptional level and are differentially expressed between divergent groups. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the miRNA profiles of EV and fractionated exosomal samples of high and low tick-resistant beef cattle to highlight potential miRNA biomarkers of tick resistance. Cows (n = 3/group) were classified into high or low tick resistant groups according to a novel scoring system. EVs and EX were isolated and fractionated from the blood plasma of high and low tick resistant cattle using established isolation and enrichment protocols. The resultant EX and non-EX samples were processed for next generation miRNA sequencing. Offspring of the cows in each high and low tick resistant group underwent the same processing for blood plasma EX, non-EX and miRNA analysis to evaluate the heritability of miRNA associated with tick resistance.A total of 2631 miRNAs were identified in EX and non-EX fractionated samples from high and low tick-resistant beef cattle. MiR-449a was highly expressed in maternal high tick-resistant EX samples. Of these, 174 were novel miRNAs, and 10 were differentially expressed (DE) (FDR < 0.05). These 10 DE miRNAs were also present in EVs, and three miRNAs were highly expressed: miR-2419-3p, miR-7861-3p and miR-2372-5p. Although 196 novel miRNAs were identified in fractionated samples of offspring, no miRNA were differentially expressed in these animals.
Fertigation Temperature Adjustment Enhances the Yield and Quality of Saffron Grown in a Soilless Culture System
Authors: Chourak Yasmina , Belarbi El Hassan , Martínez-Rivera Evelynn Y. , Loeiro da Cunha-Chiamolera Tatiana Pagan , Peña-Fernández Ana Araceli , Guil-Guerrero José Luis , Urrestarazu Miguel
Published: September 2021

Saffron is one of the most appreciated, traditional, and expensive spices in the world. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effect of cooling the nutrient solution on the production, and organoleptic and commercial qualities of saffron grown in soilless culture. The nutrient solution was cooled to 4 to 5 °C whereas the control treatment was the fertigation supplied at ambient temperature. Corms were placed in a controlled cultivation chamber. The number of flowers per corms, and the weight and length of stigmas were measured. The amounts of safranal, crocin, and picrocrocin were analyzed spectrophotometrically according to the International Organization for Standardization [ISO/TS 3632-2 (2011) Normative]. Our results show that cooling of the nutritive solution increased flower production, the commercial phytochemical content, and organoleptic properties.
Application of IAC Yokohama System For Reporting Breast Fine Needle Aspiration- A Retrospective Study
Authors: Sharma Upender , Beniwal Atul , Sharma Sonam , Singh Ajit , Kamra Hemlata T
Published: September 2021

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide in females and is an important cause of mortality and morbidity. FNAC is a safe, reliable, sensitive, specific, time saving and cost effective procedure useful in the diagnosis of carcinoma breast. It helps the surgeon in planning the treatment, and thereby reducing the delay in treatment. The primary aim of this study is to find out the spectrum of breast lesions on fine needle aspiration cytology based on IAC Yokohama system in a tertiary care hospital of north central Haryana.Methods: This is a retrospective study carried out in a tertiary care hospital of north-central Haryana and included 417 patients of palpable breast lumps presented in the Department of Pathology for FNAC during January 2018 to December 2019. FNAC was done under all aseptic conditions and various cytomorphological patterns were analysed according to the IAC Yokohama system for reporting breast fine needle aspirations.Result: Of the 417 cases included in the study, 328 cases were benign, 04 were atypical probably benign, 04 were suspicious for malignancy, 64 cases were malignant and 17 cases were inadequate for opinion. Fibroadenoma was found to be the most common breast lesion. Overall benign breast lesions are much more common than malignant lesions.

Conclusion: FNAC is a useful tool to diagnose malignant lesions of the breast and help the surgeon in differentiating benign and malignant lesions. Early diagnosis aid in effective management of malignant lesions of the breast and thereby reducing the mortality in these patients.
A new aphelench nematode, Basilaphelenchus brevistylus n. sp. (Aphelenchoididae: Tylaphelenchinae) from Pinus massoniana in China
Authors: Akol Bashiy , Huang Qiuling , Lin Borong , Wang Honghong , Liao Jinling , Zhuo Kan
Published: September 2021

Basilaphelenchus brevistylus n. sp. was isolated from masson pine (Pinus massoniana) in Guangdong province, China. The new species is characterized by an offset lip region, short stylet (female stylet 4.5-5.5 μm and male stylet 4-5 μm long) with three elongate posteriorly directed knobs, posteriorly located metacorpal valve and lateral field composed of three lines. The female has an elongate postuterine sac and a short conical tail, uniformly narrowing toward a sharp tip, or tapering to a slightly offset mucronate tip in a few individuals. The male has a conical tail with a sharp terminal mucro, three pairs of caudal papillae, and small arcuate spicules with a bluntly rounded condylus and small pointed rostrum. B. brevistylus n. sp. can be distinguished from all described Basilaphelenchus nematodes by numerous morphological and morphometrical traits, especially the tail morphology of both sexes and stylet length. In addition, molecular phylogenetic trees inferred from rRNA small subunit and D2-D3 expansion domains of large subunit revealed that this nematode belongs to the Basilaphelenchus, and is clearly different from all the other Basilaphelsenchus species.
ANTHROPOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE HIP JOINT IN CENTRAL INDIA POPULATION USING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
Authors:   Professor and Head, Department of Orthopaedics, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India., Choudhari Pradeep , Bansal Himanshu ,   Assistant Professor Department of Orthopaedics, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India., Kumar Mayank ,   Postgraduate Resident Department of Orthopaedics, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Published: September 2021

Background: The presently available hip prosthesis used in hip arthroplasty are designed based on the anthropometry of Western patients. These prosthesis do not replicate the exact anatomy of Indian patients, leading to postoperative complications and requiring revision surgery for correction. If the manufacturers keep in considering the anthropometric parameters of Indians while designing the prosthesis, this may lead to better clinical and functional outcome and higher patient satisfaction. So the present study was undertaken to understand the anthropometric variables of hip joint of Central Indian population and to compare these variables with the other Indian Ethnic groups and western population using computed tomographic images. Materials And Methods: We had included 200 patients and both the left and right side hip joints were analysed. The anthropometric variables included were Neck-Shaft Angle (NSA), Head Diameter (HD), Neck Width (NW), Acetabular Angle of sharp(AA), Horizontal Offset (HO), Vertical Offset (VO), Medullary Canal Diameter at the level of Lesser Trochanter (MDLT), and Acetabular Version (AV) were measured in all these individuals. Comparison of these parameters was done between the left and right side and among the males and females and compared with various populations and statistically analyzed Result: The mean values were NSA 132.53Â°, NW 25.11 mm, HD 43.94 mm, AA of sharp 43.11Â°, HO 43.76 mm, VO 56.37 mm, MDLT 23.00 mm, and AV 19.47Â°. We found a large variations in these parameters among the Indian ethnic groups and western population. Significant differences were seen between the males and females. Conclusion: This study indicates that there are significant differences in anthropometric parameters of proximal femur among the Central India population compared with Western population. Even within the Indian population, the anthropometric parameters vary from region to region.
REMDESIVIR IN THE TREATMENT OF COVID-19: A SHORT OUTLINE
Authors:   Pharm D Intern Vignan Pharmacy College, Pin Code 522213, Vadlamudi, Guntur., Sai Prasanna Pydala , Swetha Samrajyam Ragam ,   Pharm D Intern Vignan Pharmacy College, Pin Code 522213, Vadlamudi, Guntur., Chitti Ramya Kasani ,   Pharm D Intern Vignan Pharmacy College, Pin Code 522213, Vadlamudi, Guntur., Sujatha Ambati ,   Pharm D Intern Vignan Pharmacy College, Pin Code 522213, Vadlamudi, Guntur., S. Gottipati Satheesh ,   Department of Pharmacy Practice Vignan Pharmacy College, Pin Code 522213, Vadlamudi, Guntur., Srinivasbabu P. ,   Department of Pharmacy Practice Vignan Pharmacy College, Pin Code 522213, Vadlamudi, Guntur.
Published: September 2021

We look at the clinical development of remdesivir, a prodrug that has been shown to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication, indicating that it could be used to treat COVID-19. Remdesivir is a nucleotide analogue prodrug that disrupts viral replication and was first tested in clinical trials in 2014 to combat the Ebola outbreak.The ability of remdesivir to inhibit coronavirus replication, including SARS-CoV-2, was later demonstrated by numerous virology laboratories. Well go over how remdesivir was discovered, how it works, and what studies are currenty being done to see how effective it is in the clinic.
ANTI BACTERIAL AND BIOFILM INHIBITORY ACTIVITIES OF AEGLE MARMELOS METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT
Authors:   Department of Biotechnology, Chaitanya (Deemed to be University), Kishanpura, Hanamkonda, Telangana, India., Sreehitha Pratap Gujjari
Published: September 2021

The Aegle marmelos commonly known as BAEL belongs to family Rutaceae plays a role in traditional culture and medication from ancient periods. This plant lacks sufficient evidences regarding the values and components it has. Therefore, we framed out our studies to evaluate the phytochemical analysis, antibacterial activity, antibiofilm activity. These studies are evaluated using different solvents like methanol, acetone, chloroform, toluene leaf extracts of Aegle marmelos. We evaluated the potency of different solvents leaf extracts using Agar well diffusion method. Antibacterial activity was also evaluated using ELISA plate assay. The potency of different solvents extracts to inhibit biofilm of selected microbial strains. In accordance to results, the leaf extracts revealed the presence of several biologically active phytochemicals with highest quantities of carbohydrates, phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, aminoacids etc. The antibacterial activity was found significant against microbial strains of both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. These strains showed susceptibility nature towards the different solvents extracts with zone of inhibitions (mm). On the other hand, the inhibition of biofilm was also significant at all tested concentrations. The biofilm inhibition of microbial strains was found significant at 1 XMIC, 2 XMIC, 3 XMIC. Based on our studies here we conclude that the different solvents leaf extracts possessed inhibitory activity against selected human pathogenic organisms.
Gelişimsel Yetersizliği Olan Öğrencilere Doğrudan Öğretim Yöntemiyle İşlevsel Matematik Becerilerinin Öğretiminin Etkililiği
Authors: AKGÜN Özer , GÜRSEL Oğuz
Published: September 2021

Giriş: Özel gereksinimli öğrencilerin işlevsel matematik becerileri ile gerek ev ortamında gerekse sosyal yaşamda her an karşılaşması mümkündür. Dolayısıyla kesir okuma, madeni para sayma ve saat söyleme gibi işlevsel matematik becerilerinin öğretiminin, çocuğun günlük yaşama uyumuna katkı sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir. Bu araştırmanın amacı, gelişimsel yetersizliği olan öğrencilere doğrudan öğretim yöntemiyle işlevsel matematik becerilerinin (buçuk/yarım saatleri söyleme, aynı madeni paraların toplam miktarını söyleme ve kesirleri söyleme/okuma) öğretiminin etkililiğini araştırmaktır.Yöntem: Araştırmanın yöntemi, tek denekli araştırma yöntemlerinden yoklama evreli davranışlar arası çoklu yoklama modelidir. Araştırma, 9-10 yaşlarında gelişimsel yetersizliği olan 3 öğrenciyle gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmanın bağımlı değişkeni işlevsel matematik becerilerini söyleme becerisi, bağımsız değişkeni ise doğrudan öğretim yöntemidir. Bu araştırmada etkililik verileri, güvenirlik verileri ve sosyal geçerlik verileri olmak üzere üç çeşit veri toplanmıştır.Bulgular: Araştırma bulguları, gelişimsel yetersizliği olan öğrencilere işlevsel matematik becerilerinden buçuk saatleri söyleme, aynı madeni paraların toplam miktarını söyleme ve kesirleri söyleme becerisinin öğretiminde doğrudan öğretim yönteminin etkili olduğunu göstermektedir. Öğrencilerin öğretim bittikten 5, 7 ve 12 gün sonra işlevsel matematik becerilerini korudukları ve farklı araç-gereçlere genelleyebildikleri gözlenmiştir.Tartışma: Araştırmaya katılan tüm öğrencilerin öğretimi gerçekleştirilen işlevsel matematik becerilerine ilişkin öğretim öncesi ve öğretim sonrası performanslarının anlamlı bir şekilde arttığı görülmektedir. Gelişimsel yetersizliği olan çocuğa sahip ailelere, sınıf öğretmenlerine ve özel eğitim öğretmenlerine işlevsel matematik becerilerinin öğretiminde doğrudan öğretim yöntemini kullanmaları önerilebilir.
Assessment of Urban Contamination by Sewage in Sediments from Ipojuca River in Caruaru City, Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Ana Flávia , Gomes Bruna , França Rebeca , Moraes Alex , Bataglion Giovana , Santos Jandyson
Published: September 2021

The Ipojuca River is considered the third most polluted river in Brazil due to the intense anthropogenic activities in the surrounding urban areas. The most important effluent is sewage discharge, which is responsible for considerable contamination. Traditional analyses (infrared spectroscopy, organic matter (OM), elemental analysis and granulometry) and advanced analysis of sterols by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were applied to evaluate the levels of urban contamination from sewage in 10 surface sediment samples from the Ipojuca River, in a stretch located in the Caruaru city, Pernambuco, Brazil. The results pointed to sandy sediments, rich in OM from anthropogenic sources (predominant). Eight different sterols were detected with a total concentration in a range between < limit of quantification (LOQ) and 1,634.4 µg g-1. Coprostanol (fecal biomarker) was detected in high concentrations (557.3 µg g-1) in the sediment collected close to an open-air market (considered the largest in the world), making it the most contaminated in the region. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed areas tending towards contamination and that 90% of sediments were contaminated by sewage. These results can be considered useful for preventive and remedial actions toward promoting human health in this region.
Protective Effect of Algerian Genista vepres Pomel Plant Against Isoniazid
and Rifampicin Induced Liver Injury in Wistar Albino Rats
Authors: Zehani Lamia , Kerkatou Wafa , Hamdouche Souad , Lassed Somia , Boumaza Ouahiba , Benayache Fadila , Benayache Samir , Zama Djamila
Published: September 2021

Background:

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the protective effect of n-
BuOH fraction of Genista vepres Pomel and Vitamin E against Isoniazid and Rifampicin (INH-
RIF)-induced liver injury.

Methods:

Male Wistar Albino rats were divided into eight equal groups treated with plant fraction
(50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg), vitamin E (100 mg/kg) and INH-RIF (100 mg/kg body weight /day each).
At the end of the experiment, animals were dissected and samples (blood, liver tissue) were removed
and isolated for biochemical and histological studies.

Results :

Administration of INH-RIF for 21 days resulted in hepatic failure as evidenced by the elevation
of biochemical parameters levels and hepatic oxidative stress, which was associated with extensive
hepatic parenchyma alteration. The pretreatment of the rat with G. vepres Pomel attenuated
the increase of hepatic dysfunction markers, significantly decreased the level of malondialdehyde
(MDA), and increased GSH level, GPx and catalase activities compared to INH-RIF treated group.
However, the Vitamin E co-treatment decreased MDA level and increased GPx activity but did not
show any effect on catalase or GSH parameters. The histopathological studies on the liver of rats also
supported that both plant fraction and vitamin E markedly reduced the toxicity of INH-RIF and
preserved the histoarchitecture of liver tissue.

Conclusion:

The results suggested that the n-BuOH fraction of G. vepres Pomel acts as a potent hepatoprotective
agent against INH-RIF-induced Hepatic dysfunction in rats.