bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity in Orchidectomized Insulin-Resistant Rats
Authors: Akinbampe Monsurat A. , Abayomi Taiwo Adekemi , Opuwari Chinyerum. Sylvia , Falana Benedict
Published: May 2022

Background
Androgen deprivation could be created through testosterone antagonists (castration using chemicals) with or without orchidectomy. There is this hypothesis that stipulates that testosterone may have supreme effects on synaptic plasticity, and in the recent past low testosterone has been linked to type-2 diabetics, insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s disease. The present study investigated the cellular changes that occur from bilateral orchidectomy and examined the effects of androgen deprivation, orchidectomy and flutamide administration on the histoarchitectural organization of the hippocampus in male Wistar rats.
Methodology
This purpose, thirty-six(36) presumably healthy male rats were randomly divided into six groups, A, B, C, D, E, F and treatment lasted for 30 days in the various groups as follows; n-6, Group A = Control; Group B = Orchidectomy only; Group C = Flutamide (10mg/kg); Group D = Flutamide (20mg/kg); Group E = Orchidectomy + Flutamide (10mg/kg); Group F = Orchidectomy + Flutamide (20mg/kg). Tissues processed for histology, histochemistry and biochemical parameters.
Results
The total plasma; testosterone, insulin levels, fasting blood glucose, and nitric oxide were assayed; the homeostasis model for insulin resistance was also calculated. Histological examinations by Hematoxylin and Eosin(H&E) and Cresyl fast violet (CFV), while immunohistochemical analysis of astrocytes were performed using Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Results of study show that androgen deprived insulin-resistance state primarily affects fasting blood glucose leading to increases in the level of serum insulin, glucose and nitric oxide and caused a decrease in serum testosterone levels. The hippocampal response to flutamide was unaffected by blockade of intracerebral estrogen biosynthesis. In comparison flutamide alone increased CA1 spine synapse density also whereas in combination the effects of flutamide + orchidectomy were additive rather than inhibitory.
Conclusion
Histopathological results showed that flutamide significantly restored the histological damage of rat brain in flutamide treatment + orchidectomy.
Controls on the origin and distribution of palmiet wetlands in South Africa: understanding the landscape and hydrological settings of wetlands
Authors: Ellery WN , Langner W , Glenday J , Grenfell SE , Grenfell MC , Tanner J , Job N , Kotze DC
Published: May 2022

Palmiet wetlands are permanently flooded and associated with Table Mountain and Natal Group sandstones in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. Factors underlying this association are poorly understood. This study addresses this knowledge gap by examining climatic, geological and geomorphological characteristics of fourteen case study palmiet wetlands across the Cape Fold Mountains. Palmiet occurs over a wide range of climatic conditions from highly seasonal arid winter rainfall (Clanwilliam in the west), to non-seasonal high rainfall conditions in the central part of its range, becoming more arid and seasonal summer rainfall eastwards. This variability suggests rainfall alone cannot explain the distribution of palmiet wetlands. The catchments of these wetlands contain fractured quartzitic lithologies that host large volumes of groundwater. Hydrological connectivity between wetlands and high-lying quartzitic lithologies is enhanced through both headward erosion into high lying catchments and by tributary alluvial fans that have zones of high hydraulic conductivity. The morphology of palmiet wetlands is primarily controlled by fluvial processes linked to erosion and deposition, such that their longitudinal slope is low (< 2%) and width is high (> 500 m in cases). The study concludes with a conceptual model that captures linkages between climate, geology, geomorphic processes and hydrology.
AIM2 is an potential biomarker associated with the Immune-active Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling and PANoptosis in skin cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Long ShengYong , Zhang Xuan Fen
Published: May 2022

Backgrounds: Absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) is a crucial developmental regulator for innate immune responses and recent reports suggest its vital function in the process of cancer development and progression, however, the mutations, copy number variations (CNV), methylation, and relationship with the tumor microenvironment (TME), along with the underlying molecular biological processes, remain unclear. Methods: the mutations, CNVs, and methylation patterns of AIM2 in patients with skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) were systematically analyzed in this study. Its effects on TME, immunotherapy, and prognoses of SKCM patients were also investigated. According to the findings of the multifactorial Cox regression analysis, a prognostic alignment diagram-based model was constructed. Results: The findings showed that AIM2 expression differed significantly in patients with SKCM. The CNVs and gene methylation patterns affected the level of AIM2 expression, and genetic alterations could influence the tumor immunophenotype. The prognostic alignment diagram model had better predictive efficacy and may improve survival rates in patients. The elevated expression of AIM2 led to enhanced immune responses in SKCM patients and could induce cellular pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necrosis. AIM2 could promote CD8+ T-cell infiltration by activating the PANoptosis pathway and M1 macrophage polarization., and this may be a possible mechanism of its action. In addition, significant associations of AIM2 expression with hot tumor, tumor mutational burden (TMB), immune checkpoint-related genes, and microsatellite instability (MSI), were observed. Conclusions:AIM2 is associated with increased abundance of effector CD8+ T-cells, positive responses to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) treatment, and improved prognoses. Therefore, it could be a putative enhancer and prognostic biomarker for the treatment of SKCM.
The efficacy of platelet rich plasma in treating symptomatic cases with MRI-confirmed degenerative medial meniscal lesions
Authors: Zou Guoyou , Sun Jinpeng , He Xiao , Shen Xiaofei , Chen Pengyu , Shao Aiping , Shi Xiaoming
Published: May 2022

Objects
To observe the efficacy and imaging changes after autologous platelet rich plasma intra-articular injection for symptomatic degenerative meniscal lesions.
Methods
From December 2019 to May 2021, 68 knee pain outpatients over 50 years old whose diagnoses were also confirmed by MRI which showing I-III degrees meniscus degenerative lesions underwent a series of intra-articular injection of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP), 3 sequential injections with 7-day intervals. All patients were followed-up and evaluated by Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale 1 month and 6 months post treatment. MRI was rearranged for all patients at the time of the sixth month after treatment to observe if there were changes of the meniscal lesion as well as the edema of the MCL and the adjacent bone marrow. Institutional review board of Xuzhou Medical University approved the respective study protocol (2019KY006).
Results
The Lysholm scores of 68 patients were all significantly improved post-treatment and there was no significant difference between one month and six months after treatment. MRI showed that after 6 months of PRP treatment the bone marrow edema areas were dramatically decreased and even totally disappeared in some patients (15/25). Meanwhile, MRI imaging also showed in 83.3% (65/78) of the patients that the edema around the medial collateral ligament (MCL) disappeared completely while others presented significant diameter-decrease of their primary edema areas.
Conclusions
Good clinical outcomes were achieved in patients with symptomatic degenerative medial meniscus lesions after intra-articular injection of PRP. MRI showed the primary edema area of the medial collateral ligament and the bone marrow both decreased and, in some cases, even disappeared at the sixth month post-treatment.
Gait training with a wearable curara ® robot during stroke rehabilitation: a randomized parallel-group trial
Authors: Miyagawa Daichi , Matsushima Akira , Maruyama Yoichi , Mizukami Noriaki , Tetsuya Mikio , Hashimoto Minoru , Yoshida Kunihiro
Published: May 2022

Background: Recently, robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) has been applied widely to individuals with stroke to regain and improve walking ability. We have developed a non-exoskeleton rehabilitation robot, “curara®,” and examined its immediate effect in patients with spinocerebellar degeneration and stroke, but its rehabilitative effect has not been clarified. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of curara® on gait training in stroke patients.Methods: Forty stroke patients were enrolled in this study. The participants were divided randomly into two groups (groups A and B). The subjects in group A were assigned RAGT with curara® type 4, whereas those in group B received conventional therapist-assisted gait training. The clinical trial period was 15 days. The 10-m walking time (10mWT), 6-min walking distance (6mWD), timed up and go test, and gait parameters (stride duration and length, standard deviation of stride duration and length, cadence, ratio of the stance/swing phases, minimum/maximum knee joint angle, and minimum/maximum hip joint angle) were measured using a RehaGait® analyzer. The Berg Balance Scale was evaluated on days 0 and 14. Gait training was performed for 30 ± 5 min per day through days 2–6 and days 8–13 (total, 12 days) in both groups. The improvement rate was calculated as the difference of values between days 14 and 0 divided by the value on day 0. The improvement rates of the 10mWT and 6mWD were set as the main outcomes.Results: The data of 35 participants were analyzed. There was no significant difference in the main outcomes between both groups. As for intragroup changes, gait speed, stride length, stride duration, and cadence were improved significantly between days 0 and 14 in each group. There was no significant difference between the measured joint angle and the left-right angle ratio of symmetry within or between the groups. When assessing the interaction effect between the day of measurement and group, stride duration and cadence were more significantly improved in group A than in group B.Conclusions: The wearable curara® robot has the potential to improve gait function during stroke rehabilitation.Trial registration: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs032180163). Registered on February 22, 2019; https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCTs032180163UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000034237). Registered on September 22, 2018; https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/icdr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000038939
Exploring Knowledge of Parents about Cancer Symptoms in Children: An Observational Study Regarding the Need for Education Tools and Health Promotion in Low- and Middle- Income Countries
Authors: Uribe-Ortiz Leslie V. , Garza-Ornelas Bárbara M. , Vázquez-Fernández Ana C. , Castorena-Torres Fabiola , Rodríguez-De-Ita Julieta
Published: May 2022

Background
Although most cases of childhood cancer are unlikely to be prevented, by today's standards most children with cancer can now be cured. Yet, disparities about survival exist among countries; in Mexico, the overall survival is 49.6%, with 70% of childhood cancers diagnosed at advanced stages. It is essential that parents and caregivers have optimal knowledge of early signs and symptoms of childhood malignancies, as these are largely non-specific. The objective of this study was to explore the current knowledge of childhood cancer among a population of parents and caregivers in Mexico and identify the need for education and health promotion that low- and middle-income countries have.
Methods
An online survey of 112 parents and caregivers was conducted to assess their knowledge of childhood cancer, focusing on signs and symptoms and early diagnostic strategies.
Results
Sixty-nine (61.6%) mothers, 23 (20.5%) fathers, 17 (15.2%) familiar caregivers, and 3 (2.7%) non-familiar caregivers responded. Forty-six (41.1%) said they know a child diagnosed with cancer, 92.9% mentioned leukemia as the most common type of cancer in children, the most highly ranked option when asked which sign/symptom they considered as a warning for suspicion was swelling/lump in any part of the body, 97.3% considered that an early diagnosis is related to a higher cure rate, and 92.9% expressed the desire to receive reliable information about childhood cancer.
Conclusions
While parents and caregivers have some knowledge of childhood cancer, there are concepts that still need to be reinforced to improve their understanding of this group of diseases, as they are the frontline for children to seek medical attention. In the future, the use of tools that help in the education of a greater number of caregivers will strengthen knowledge and contribution regarding this issue, as well as promoting the generation of public policies that support the early diagnosis of childhood cancer.
Reoperation of Cushing’s Disease for Recurrence and Persistence without Visible MRI Finding
Authors: Wang Baofeng , Zheng Shuying , Ren Jie , Zhong Zhihong , Jiang Hong , Sun Qingfang , Su Tingwei , Wang Weiqing , Sun Yuhao , Bian Liuguan
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) is the first-line treatment for Cushing’s disease (CD), even with negative preoperative MRI results. It is not rare that patients experiencing hypercortisolism persistence or recurrence have negative MRI after the initial surgery. We aim to analyze the efficacy of repeat surgery in these two groups of patients and assess if there is association of the positive MRI finding with early remission.Patients and methods: Clinical, imaging and biochemical information from 42 patients who underwent repeat surgery by a single neurosurgeon between 2002 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The endocrinological, histopathological and surgical outcomes before and after the repeat surgery of 14 CD patients with negative MRI findings were compared with 28 patients with positive findings.Results: Immediate remission was achieved in 29 patients (69.0%) underwent repeat surgery. Of all patients, 28 (66.7%) had MRI findings consistent with solid lesion. There was no difference of remission rate between the recurrence group and the persistence group (77.8% vs. 57.1%, Odds Ratio = 2.625, 95% Confidence Interval =0.651 to 10.586). In patients with remission after the repeat surgery was not associated with the positive MRI finding (Odds Ratio = 3.667, 95% Confidence Interval = 0.920 to 14.622).Conclusions: In terms of recurrence, the repeat surgery with either positive or negative MRI showed a reasonable remission rate. For persistent disease with positive MRI finding, repeat surgery is still an option, while more solid evidence is needed to define if the negative MRI is predictor for failure reoperation of persistent hypercortisolism.
The multi-omics landscape and clinical relevance of the immunological signature of phagocytosis regulators: Implications for risk classification and frontline therapies in skin cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Xing Jiahua , Jia Ziqi , Li Yan , Han Yan
Published: May 2022

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) have garnered considerable attention as therapeutic targets. Monoclonal antibody treatment directed against tumor antigens contributes significantly to cancer cell clearance by activating macrophages to phagocytose tumor cells. Compared to other skin malignancies, skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) has not yet achieved the expected clinical efficacy and prognosis, owing to its complicated genetic and molecular pathways. Therefore, we choose TAM as an entrance point. This work seeks to thoroughly evaluate the dysregulation and regulatory role of phagocytosis regulators in SKCM and elucidate their regulatory patterns in SKCM. The prognosis-related phagocytosis regulators were subtyped in this work to examine the prognostic differences between subtypes. Then, we screened prognostic factors and constructed phagocytosis-related scoring models for survival prediction using differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between subtypes. Additionally, we investigated alternative treatment options using chemotherapeutic drug response data and clinical cohort treatment data. We first characterize and generalize phagocytosis regulators in SKCM and extensively examine the tumor immune cell infiltration. We created two phagocytosis regulators related system (PRRS) phenotypes and derived PRRS scores using a principal component analysis (PCA) technique. We discovered that subtypes with low PRRS scores had a poor prognosis and decreased immune checkpoint-associated gene expression levels. We observed significant therapeutic and clinical improvements in patients with higher PRRS scores. Our findings imply that the PRRS scoring system can be employed as an independent and robust prognostic biomarker, serving as a critical reference point for developing novel immunotherapeutic methods.
Study on rapid extraction and detection of chlorpyrifos poisoning from green tea
Authors: TIAN Hai , FENG Yujie , YANG Xinfeng , LI Shuhuai , PANG Chaohai , MA Chen
Published: May 2022

A simple, rapid, and environmentally friendly method has been established for the determination of chlorpyrifos residue in green tea by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction(DLLME) and gas chromatography-flame photometric detection (GC-FPD). Some experimental parameters that influence extraction efficiency, such as the kind and volume of disperser solvents and extraction solvents, extraction time, addition of salt and pH, were investigated. And the optimal experimental conditions were obtained, quantitative analysis was carried out using external standard method. The correlation coefficient of the calibration curves was 0.999 with in 0.05mg/kg to 5 mg/kg. The results showed that under the optimum conditions，the enrichment factors of the chlorpyrifos was about 484, the recoveries for standard addition fell in the range from 91.94% to 104.70% and the relative standard deviations (RSD) was 4.61%. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of chlorpyrifos in green tea was 0.02μg/ml at the signal/noise (S/N) ratio of 3.
Prognostic Signature: Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma With Poor Prognosis Has Enhanced Immune Escape Capacity And High Tumor Heterogeneity
Authors: Li Xinyang , Xie Zhenyu , Huang Yinde , Li Xin , He Yuzhen , Wu Song , Wang Shiyue , Chen Wenbin , He Yuchen , Zhang Jian
Published: May 2022

Background
Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is considered an inflammation-driven cancer. However, a systematic investigation of the relationship between the tumor immune microenvironment and the prognosis of PTC has not been conducted.
Methods
A prognostic model based on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and progression-free survival (PFS) data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was established by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox analyses. In total, 502 PTC cases were divided into low prognostic risk score (PR) (L-PR) and high PR (H-PR) groups according to the median PR. We then compared the immune characteristics between groups and verified these differences in five validation cohorts (GSE33630, GSE60542, GSE58545, GSE5364, and GSE27155). Furthermore, we explored cancer stem cells (CSCs) and the tumor mutation burden (TMB) to explain the prognostic results.
Results
A prognostic signature (PR) based on 13 DEGs performed well in prognostic prediction (5-year area under the curve (AUC) = 0.861). The PR was positively correlated with age, stage, T classification, metastasis, RAS mutation, and subtypes (follicular or tall cell PTC). Importantly, the H-PR group, which had poor prognostic features, exhibited four main characteristics: comprehensive weakening of the immune system that was not observed in the L-PR group, a higher ratio of tumor-promoting immune cells, more CSCs, and a higher TMB than the L-PR group. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) results also showed the enrichment of immune-related pathways in the L-PR group.
Conclusions
Our prognostic model can effectively predict the prognosis and revealed that immune escape and tumor heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment (TME) could be mechanisms of poor prognosis in PTC.
Prediction model for missed abortion of patients treated with IVF-ET based on XGBoost: establishment and evaluation
Authors: Yuan Guanghui , Lv Bohan , Du Xin , Zhang Huimin , Zhao Mingzi , Liu Yingxue , Hao Cuifang
Published: May 2022

Aim: To establish a model based on XGBoost to predict the risk of missed abortion in patients treated with in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), evaluate its prediction ability, and compare with the traditional logical regression model.Methods: The clinical data of 1017 infertile women treated with IVF-ET were collected retrospectively. The independent risk factors were screened by Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis, and then all cases were randomly divided into training set and test set according to the proportion of 7:3 for model construction and verification evaluation. The prediction models are constructed by traditional logical regression method and XGBoost method respectively, and then the prediction performance of the two models is tested by resampling.Results: Binary logistic regression analysis showed that female age, male age, abnormal ovarian structure, prolactin (PRL), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), anti cardiolipin antibody (ACA) and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) were the factors that independently influenced missed abortion (P<0.05). The AUC score and F1 score with the training set of XGBoost model were 0.877±0.014 and 0.730±0.019. They were significantly higher than those of logistic model (0.713±0.013 and 0.568±0.026). In the evaluation of the test set, the AUC score and F1 score of XGBoost model were 0.759±0.023 and 0.566±0.042. They were also higher than those of logistic model (0.695±0.030 and 0.550±049).Conclusions: We established a prediction model based on XGBoost algorithm, which can accurately predict the risk of missed abortion in patients with IVF-ET. The performance of this model is better than the traditional logical regression model.
Gender-related factors associated with delayed diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Authors: Turusbekova Nonna , Celan Cristina , Caraulan Liliana , Rucsineanu Oxana , Jibuti Mariam , Ibragimova Oxana , Saidova Nargis
Published: May 2022

Tuberculosis (TB), a preventable and treatable disease, yearly affects millions of people and takes more than a million lives. Recognizing the symptoms and obtaining the correct diagnosis are vital steps towards treatment and cure. How timely a person with TB gets diagnosed may be influenced by biological differences between the sexes, and factors that are linked to the person’s gender, in the context of the prevailing gender norms. According to our hypothesis, gender-related factors contribute to delays in the diagnosis of TB. We investigated four countries (Georgia, Kazakhstan, Republic of Moldova, and Tajikistan) of Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) - a region with a high burden of drug-resistant TB, scarcity of gender-related TB information, and varying gender equality. Retrospective information was collected through desk reviews, and directly from the people with a history of TB - through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. We did not find differences between genders in the way participants recognized TB symptoms. In three countries women de-prioritized seeking diagnosis because of their lack of access to finances, and household-related obligations. In all four countries, men, traditionally carrying the weight of economically supporting the family, tended to postpone TB diagnosis. In two countries women experienced stigma more often than men, and it was a deterrent factor to seeking healthcare. The role of gender in obtaining the correct diagnosis came forth only among the respondents from Georgia and to some extent from Kazakhstan. We conclude that there are barriers to health care seeking and TB diagnosis that affect differently women, men and gender-diverse persons in EECA region.
Thermal and Mechanical Investigations of (Bi,Pb)-2212 superconductor added with different oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Matar M. , Basma H. , Abbas S. , Awad R.
Published: May 2022

In this study, superconducting samples of type Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr1.9Ca1.1Cu2.1Oy,(Bi, Pb))-2212, added with CdO, CdMnO, and CdFeO nanoparticles, were synthesized using a solid state reaction technique. The samples were examined using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was utilized to evaluate the thermal stability of the pure sample throughout the different stages of the phase formation and the effect of the nanoparticles addition. The weight loss/gain by the three additions is related to the excess of oxygen, confirmed via Iodometric titration analysis and from the findings of oxygen diffusion energy using TGA data. Vickers microhardness measurements were conducted at various applied loads (0.49–9.8 N). All of the prepared samples displayed a typical 'indentation size effect' (ISE) behavior based on the HV measurements. It was found that the optimum addition of nanoparticles, for increasing the microhardness of the (Bi, Pb)-2212 phase, was at x = 0.05 wt. %. Furthermore, various mechanical properties as Elastic modulus (E), yield strength (Y), fracture toughness(K), and brittleness index (B) were calculated for three additions of the samples studied. As for the theoretical examination of HV in the saturation limit regions, the indentation-induced cracking (IIC) model wins the comparison.
Preparation of PET/PDMS/Collagen nanofibrous membrane embedded in a microfluidic device for cell culture
Authors: Eslam Houra Mobaleghol , Tabatabaei Seyed Nasrollah , Fayazbakhsh Farzaneh , Salami Seyed Alireza , Ghanbari Hossein
Published: May 2022

Electrospun nanofibers can be used as membranes for cell culture applications. In addition to their high performance and cost-effectiveness, nanofibers can be made from a variety of polymers where that can be utilized in microfluidic devices as separators, filters, and for biological assessments. In this paper, we have employed a two-pump technique to prepare a hybrid nanofiber-based membrane with a biocompatible polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and collagen. The introduction of collagen creates a suitable substrate for cell attachment and decreased hydrophobicity. To sustain collagen on the fibers, the membranes were treated with glutaraldehyde vapor and then detoxified. The membrane integrity and structure were evaluated using SEM, AFM, FTIR, BET, and tensile apparatus. In addition, cell attachment capabilities and cytocompatibility were examined using SEM and Alamar Blue, respectively. The membrane was cased in a PDMS-based microfluidic device consisting of upper and lower channels. Our findings suggest that the incorporation of PET and PDMS indeed presents a superior bonding capability and prevents unwanted leakage. Then, Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) were cultured on the proposed membrane inside the upper channel of the device. To simulate the dynamic environment and induce cellular shear stress, the culture medium was flown through the channel and the conditions were kept overnight inside an incubator. Cellular staining by DAPI and further evaluation of cellular adhesion suggest that cells were well attached and viable inside the microfluidic device. The proposed membrane can be employed in fabrication of various biological barriers on-a-chip for the purpose of screening drugs, examining the effects of nanomaterials, and creation of in-vitro disease models.
A systematic review of the factors significantly influencing the quality of life of living liver donors
Authors: Shi Yuexian , Fan Yaru , Zhang Haiming , Cheng Mei , Zhu Zhi-Jun
Published: May 2022

Background Several reviews have summarized data on the medical outcomes and psychosocial status of living liver donors. However, a systematic review or synthesis of evidence on factors significantly influencing quality of life in living liver donors has not been conducted. With this systematic review, we aimed to synthesize the literature on predictors of or factors influencing quality of life in living liver donors post donation.Methods PubMed, Embase, CINHAL with full text, Web of Science and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses databases were searched for studies. The methodological quality of the individual studies was examined using a modified version of the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool. Factors influencing the four quality of life dimensions of physical functioning, psychological state, and social function and environment were extracted.Results The search yielded 6576 records, and a total of 16 articles (11 studies) were included in the systematic review. Four types of independent influencing factors, sociodemographic, donation-related, health-related, and psychosocial, were extracted from the included studies. Old age, recipient death, recent donation, postoperative complications experienced by donors, and donor concerns about their own well-being were consistently identified by several studies as negative influencing factors on physical function. Female donor, low education levels, longer hospital stay and/or more hospital visits due to donation, poor recipient outcome, recent donation, predonation concerns regarding their own well-being, and first-degree relative and spouse/partner donors were reported in several studies as negative predictors for psychological status. Factors affecting social function were considered by only two included articles.Conclusions The significant influencing factors summarized in our study provided convenient information for clinical practitioners to formulate precise interventions. Donors with these risk factors can be regarded as a vulnerable group and targeted interventions should be carried out to minimize possible negative effects.
Interplay of temperature and magnetic field on nonequilibrium transport in a correlated polar single molecular transistor with dissipation
Authors: Bhattacharyya Kuntal , Kalla Manasa , Chatterjee Ashok
Published: May 2022

Quantum magneto-transport in a dissipative single molecular transistor is investigated at finite temperature in the presence of electron correlation and electron-phonon interaction within the framework of the Anderson-Holstein-Caldeira-Leggett Hamiltonian. The electron-phonon interaction and dissipation are dealt with by canonical transformations and the Coulomb correlation is treated at the mean-field level. The transport properties such as spectral function, tunneling current, differential conductance and spin polarization are determined using the Keldysh method.
Comparison of the Predictive Accuracy of Intraocular lens Power Calculation After Phototherapeutic Keratectomy in Granular Corneal Dystrophy Type 2
Authors: Yoon Sook Hyun , Jo Woo Kyung , Kim Tae-im , Seo Kyoung Yul , Choi Jinseok , Jun Ikhyun , Kim Eung Kweon
Published: May 2022

Granular corneal dystrophy type 2 (GCD2) is an autosomal dominant disease affecting vision. Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is advantageous in removing vision-threatening corneal opacities and postponing keratoplasty; however, it potentially disturbs accurate intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in cataract surgery. The myopic/hyperopic Haigis-L method with or without the central island has been reported; nevertheless, an optimal method has not yet been established. To compare the predictive accuracy of post-PTK IOL power calculations in GCD2, the retrospective data of thirty eyes from July 2017 to December 2020 were analyzed. All GCD2-affected eyes underwent post-PTK standard cataract surgery using the WaveLight EX500 platform (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX) under a single surgeon. The mean prediction error (MPE) and absolute error (MAE) with the myopic/hyperopic Haigis-L and other formulas (Barrett Universal II, Barrett True-K, Haigis, SRK/T) by standard keratometry (K) and total kera-tometry (TK), where possible, were analyzed. Barrett Universal II and SRK/T were significantly superior to the myopic/hyperopic Haigis-L regarding the MPE and MAE. TK was not significantly superior to K in the same formula. In conclusion, this study suggests that the biometries and formulas, especially Barrett Universal II and SRK/T, are potentially useful in IOL power calculation in GCD2 after PTK.
Ginsenoside CK improves skeletal muscle insulin resistance by activating DRP1/PINK1-mediated mitophagy
Authors: Li Weili , Li Haiyang , Zheng Lujuan , Xia Jing , Yang Xiaoxuan , Yuan Ye , Fan Yuying
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: Skeletal muscle insulin resistance is the main cause of type 2 diabetes, in which mitochondrial homeostasis plays a key role. Ginsenoside CK is the main active compound of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer with a variety of therapeutic effects, but there are few studies on its effect and mechanism on skeletal muscle insulin resistance; (2) Methods: qRT-PCR, Western blotting and Seahorse XFp cellular metabolism were used to detect the effects of CK on mitochondrial quality and function in skeletal muscle tissue and C2C12 cells. The insulin sensitivity was examined by immunofluorescence, 2-NBDG uptake and glycogen content detection. Mitochondrial morphology was observed by MitoTracker staining and transmission electron microscopy, and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was measured by JC-1. Finally, co-localization and siRNA targeting were used to illustrate the mechanisms of CK-induced mitophagy. (3) Results: We found that CK alleviates skeletal muscle insulin resistance by improving mitochondrial fusion/fission dynamic balance and mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation capacity in db/db mice. In fatty acid (FA)-induced insulin resistant C2C12 cell, CK promoted the translocation of GLUT4 to the cell membrane to improve glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis, and also improved the mitochondrial quality of C2C12 cells. CK improved the damaged ΔΨm, which was based on mitophagy activation. After knockdown of mitophagy-related receptors, the results revealed that DRP1/PINK1 was the key pathway of CK-induced mitophagy. (4) Conclusions: Ginsenoside CK activates skeletal muscle mitophagy via DRP1/PINK1 pathway to maintain mitochondria quality and function, and thereby alleviating insulin resistance in diabetic mice. These results indicate that ginsenoside CK is a promising lead compound against diabetes.
Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the care of rare and undiagnosed diseases patients in France: a longitudinal population-based study
Authors: Soussand Louis , Kuchenbuch Mathieu , Messiaen Claude , Sandrin Arnaud , Jannot Anne-Sophie , Nabbout Rima
Published: May 2022

Background: Preliminary data suggest that COVID-19 pandemic has generated a switch from face-to-face to remote care for individuals with chronic diseases. However, few data are reported for rare and undiagnosed diseases (RUDs). We aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the activities of the French reference network for RUDs in 2020.Results: In this observational, cross-sectional study, we extracted and analyzed the data of the French national registry for RUDs collected between Jan 1, 2019 and Dec 31, 2020. We compared the annual longitudinal evolution of face-to-face and remote care activities between 2019 and 2020 focusing on adult and pediatric patients. Compared to 2019, 2020 was marked by a decrease in rare diseases (RD) care activities (-12%) which mostly occurred during the first lockdown (-45%) but did not catch up. This decrease mostly concerned face-to-face care activities albeit a third of this decrease was compensated by telehealth activities which was multiplied by 9 during the first lockdown but decreased afterwards as in person care resumed. Finally, the total number of patients receiving care was lower in 2020(-9%) with a drastic decrease of cases with newly confirmed diagnosis (-47%).Conclusion: Although telehealth was quickly introduced, RUD patient care was strongly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in France with a decline in the number of patients treated and new patients included. This is likely to result in delays in patient diagnosis and care over the next few years.
Barriers and facilitators to physical activity in people with an inflammatory joint disease: A mixed methods study
Authors: Bell Kirsty , Conde Monserrat , Hendry Gordon , Rafferty Danny , Steultjens Martijn
Published: May 2022

Background
Physical activity has been shown to be of great benefit to people with an inflammatory joint disease (IJD), however people with an IJD have been shown to be very inactive compared to the general population. The aims of this study were to explore 1) whether the transition from a National Health Service (NHS)-run exercise programme into exercising in the community could be achieved successfully; and 2) the barriers and facilitators during the transition period.
Methods
This study adopted a complementary mixed-methods study design including a qualitative approach using focus groups and a prospective cohort study. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the cohort study data. All variables were assessed for normality of distribution using the Sharpiro-Wilk test. Paired t-tests or Wilcoxon tests were undertaken for two consecutive assessment timepoints; one-way repeated measures ANOVAs or Friedman’s tests for three consecutive assessment timepoints. Micro-interlocutor analysis was used to analyse the focus group data. Areas of congruence and incongruence were explored by confirming the statistical results against the qualitative results. The adapted ecological model of the determinants of physical activity was then used as a framework to describe the findings.
Results
A successful transition was defined as still exercising in the community 6-months post discharge from the NHS-run Inflammatory Arthritis Exercise Programme. This was self-reported to be 90% of the cohort. An individual barrier to physical activity in people with an IJD was found to be the unpredictable nature of their condition. Other barriers and facilitators found were similar to those found in the general population such as recreation facilities, locations, transportation and cost. Other facilitators were similar to those found in people living with other chronic long-term conditions such as the importance of peer support.
Conclusions
90% of the cohort data were defined as a successful transition. People with an IJD have similar barriers and facilitators to exercise as the general population and those living with other chronic long-term conditions. A barrier which appears to be unique to this population group is that of the unpredictable nature of their condition which needs to be considered whenever tailoring any intervention.
The Radiographic Morphometry Of The Distal End Radius İn Anatolian Population
Authors: Nalbant¹ Asrın , İsmailoğlu² Eren , Turhan³ Ebru , Duygu Özden Bedre
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Distal radius fractures are arguably the most common orthopedic injuries encountered by orthopedic surgeons. Correction of dorsal tilt and radial height is essential to restore normal biomechanics of the wrist joint. This study aims to report the morphometry of the distal radius in the Anatolian population and compare it with similar studies in other races and humans.Methods: One hundred and twenty-four consecutive plain radiographs of the wrist joint were included. Radiographs that were not centered or rotated to the wrist joint were excluded from the study. Four radiological parameters were examined on all radiographs: radial height, radial tilt, ulnar variance, and palmar tilt. Only radiographs with fused physiques of the distal radius were considered.Results: Radial tilt angle was 23.35±1.96, palmar tilt angle was 15.7±, radial height (mm) was 10.55±4.34, ulnar variance (mm) was 0.32±1.79 (Table 1 ). When the data were compared with gender, only radial height values ​​showed a significant difference (p<0.001). The highest rate of negative ulnar variance was found (43.5%).Conclusion: Distal radius morphometry varies according to the patient's race, ethnicity, and structure. Comprehensive knowledge of the morphometry of the distal radius of the local population becomes critical for the treating surgeon. The results of this study can also be used as reference data for anatomical fit when treating DER injuries in the Anatolian population.
Understanding Pseudopapilledema on Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Bassi Shikha , Pamu Ramesh , Varghese Anjaly
Published: May 2022

Objective: Optic nerve head drusen (ONHD), peripapillary hyperreflective ovoid mass like structures (PHOMS) and horizontal hyperreflective lines (HHL) are commonly seen in eyes with pseudopapilledema on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) .The objective of this study is to assess the frequency of ONHD, PHOMS and HHL on spectral domain OCT in the eyes diagnosed to have pseudopapilledema on clinical evaluation.Methods: Retrospective case control study of patients with pseudopapilledema and SD OCT imaging of the optic nerve head (n=48 eyes) and controls (n=20 eyes) .Volumetric OCT scans through the optic nerve head were studied to diagnose ONHD, HHL and PHOMS. The mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) of eyes with ONHD was compared in eyes with deep drusens(DD) and both deep and superficial drusens(DSD). One proportion z test was used to find the difference in proportions.Results: 48 eyes of 27 subjects were studied. ONHD as described by the optic disc drusen study consortium was noted in 19 eyes (39.48%), p value-0.032 ,PHOMS in 31 eyes (64.6%),p value 0.043,HL in 19 eyes (39.48%) ,p value-0.032. Mean RNFL thickness were significantly lower in inferior and temporal quadrants in eyes with both DSD when compared to the eyes with DD only. (p value.008)Conclusions: PHOMS are more frequently seen than ONHD and HHL in eyes with pseudopapilledema. Absence of ONHD on SD OCT doesn’t preclude the diagnosis of pseudopapilledema.
Carbon-Oxygen Surface Formation Enhances Secondary Electron Yield in Cu, Ag and Au
Authors: Brown M. , Diaz L. , Aslan A. , Sanati M. , Portillo S. , Schamiloglu E. , Joshi R. P.
Published: May 2022

First-principles calculations coupled with Monte Carlo simulations are used to probe the role of a surface CO monolayer formation on secondary electron emission (SEE) from Cu, Ag, and Au (110) materials. It is shown that formation of such a layer increases both the secondary electron emission in all systems. Analysis of calculated total density of states (TDOS) in Cu, Ag, and Au, and partial density of states (PDOS) of C and O confirm the formation of a covalent type bonding between C and O atoms. It is shown that such a bond modifies the TDOS and extended it to lower energies, which is then responsible for an increase in the probability density of secondary electron generation. Furthermore, a reduction in inelastic mean free path is predicted for all systems. Our predicted results for the secondary electron yield (SEY) compare very favorably with experimental data in all three materials, and exhibit increases in SEY. This is seen to occur despite increases in the work function for Cu, Ag, and Au. The present analysis can be extended to other absorbates and gas atoms at the surface, and such analyses will be present elsewhere.
Virtual Curriculum Delivery in the COVID-19 era: The Pediatric Surgery Boot Camp v2.0
Authors: Baird Robert , Puligandla Pramod , Lopushinsky Steve , Blackmore Christopher , Krishnaswami Sanjay , Nwomeh Benedict , Downard Cynthia , Ponsky Todd , Ghani Muhammad O. , Lovvorn Harold N.
Published: May 2022

Purpose: We evaluated the impact of a virtual Pediatric Surgery Bootcamp curriculum on resource utilization, learner engagement, knowledge retention, and stakeholder satisfaction. Methods: A virtual curriculum was developed around Pediatric Surgery Milestones. GlobalCastMD delivered pre-recorded and live content over a single 10-hour day with a concluding social hour. Metrics of learner engagement, faculty interaction, knowledge retention, and satisfaction were collected and analyzed during and after the course. Results: Of 56 PS residencies, 31 registered (55.4%; 8/8 Canadian and 23/48 US; p=0.006), including 42 learners overall. The virtual BC budget was $15,500 (USD), 54% of the anticipated in-person course.. Pre- and post-tests were administered, revealing significant knowledge improvement (48.6% [286/589] vs 66.9% [89/133] p<0.0002). Learner surveys (n=14) suggested the virtual BC facilitated fellowship transition (85%) and strengthened peer-group camaraderie (69%), but in-person events were still favored (77%). Program Directors (PD) were surveyed, and respondents (n=22) also favored in-person events (61%). PDs not registering their learners (n=7) perceived insufficient value-added and concern for excessive participants. Conclusions: The virtual bootcamp format reduced overall expenses, interfered less with schedules, achieved more inclusive reach, and facilitated content archiving. Despite these advantages, learners and program directors still favored in-person education.
Effect of Redroot Pigweed Interference on Active Oxygen Species, Antioxidative Defence System and Oxidative Damage of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Tabatabaiepour Seyede Zahra , Tahmasebi Zahra , Taab Alireza , Monfared Sajad Rashidi
Published: May 2022

Redroot Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) is an important weed that is highly competitive with common bean. The aims of this study were to evaluate the relative expression of a number of antioxidant enzyme and light response genes and investigate the activity of antioxidant enzymes, anthocyanins and photosynthetic pigments of several red common bean cultivar/lines (Sayad, Derakhshan, and Line D81083) in third trifoliate leaf (V4) and pod formation (R7) stages under Redroot Pigweed free and infested conditions. At V4, enzymatic activity and gene expression decreased while with the increase of common bean competition with weeds, the expression of genes and enzymes activity increased. The activity of antioxidant enzymes increased in the R7 as compared to the V4, indicating the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon competition with weed and increased enzymatic activity for the elimination of ROS. Sayad and D81083 exhibited the highest catalase contents under weed interference whereas demonstrated the lowest catalase enzyme amount under weed-free conditions. Thus, response of common bean to competition with weed depends on bean growth stage and genotype.