bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Timing of vasoactive agents and corticosteroid initiation in septic shock
Authors: Ammar Mahmoud A. , Ammar Abdalla A. , Wieruszewski Patrick M. , Bissell Brittany D. , T. Long Micah , Albert Lauren , Khanna Ashish K. , Sacha Gretchen L.
Published: May 2022

Septic shock remains a health care concern associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock recommend early fluid resuscitation and antimicrobials. Beyond initial management, the guidelines do not provide clear recommendations on appropriate time to initiate vasoactive therapies and corticosteroids in patients who develop shock. This review summarizes the literature regarding time of initiation of these interventions. Clinical data regarding time of initiation of these therapies in relation to shock onset, sequence of treatments with regard to each other, and clinical markers evaluated to guide initiation are summarized. Early-high vasopressor initiation within first 6 h of shock onset is associated with lower mortality. Following norepinephrine initiation, the exact dose and timing of escalation to adjunctive vasopressor agents are not well elucidated in the literature. However, recent data indicate that timing may be an important factor in initiating vasopressors and adjunctive therapies, such as corticosteroids. Norepinephrine-equivalent dose and lactate concentration can aid in determining when to initiate vasopressin and angiotensin II in patients with septic shock. Future guidelines with clear recommendations on the time of initiation of septic shock therapies are warranted.
Interventions to mitigate COVID-19 misinformation: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Kumar Navin , Walter Nathan , Nyhan Kate , Khoshnood Kaveh , Tucker Joseph D. , Bauch Chris T. , Ding Qinglan , Jones-Jang S. Mo , De Choudhury Munmun , Schwartz Jason L. , Papakyriakopoulos Orestis , Forastiere Laura
Published: May 2022

Background

The duration and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic depends in a large part on individual and societal actions which is influenced by the quality and salience of the information to which they are exposed. Unfortunately, COVID-19 misinformation has proliferated. To date, no systematic efforts have been made to evaluate interventions that mitigate COVID-19-related misinformation. We plan to conduct a scoping review that seeks to fill several of the gaps in the current knowledge of interventions that mitigate COVID-19-related misinformation.

Methods

A scoping review focusing on interventions that mitigate COVID-19 misinformation will be conducted. We will search (from January 2020 onwards) MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science Core Collection, Africa-Wide Information, Global Health, WHO Global Literature on Coronavirus Disease Database, WHO Global Index Medicus, and Sociological Abstracts. Gray literature will be identified using Disaster Lit, Google Scholar, Open Science Framework, governmental websites, and preprint servers (e.g., EuropePMC, PsyArXiv, MedRxiv, JMIR Preprints). Study selection will conform to Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers’ Manual 2020 Methodology for JBI Scoping Reviews. Only English language, original studies will be considered for inclusion. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. A narrative summary of findings will be conducted. Data analysis will involve quantitative (e.g., frequencies) and qualitative (e.g., content and thematic analysis) methods.

Discussion

Original research is urgently needed to design interventions to mitigate COVID-19 misinformation. The planned scoping review will help to address this gap.

Systematic review registrations

Systematic Review Registration: Open Science Framework (osf/io/etw9d).
The impact of educational interventions on modifying health practitioners’ attitudes and practice in treating people with borderline personality disorder: an integrative review
Authors: Klein Pauline , Fairweather A. Kate , Lawn Sharon
Published: May 2022

Background

The rising prevalence of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and suicidality represents substantial health burden worldwide. People with BPD experience high rates of crisis presentations and stigma when accessing health services. Educational interventions designed to modify health practitioners’ attitudes and practice in treating people with BPD may assist in addressing this stigma. The current review aimed to identify and explore existing educational interventions designed to modify health practitioners' attitudes and practice in BPD; and determine what impact educational interventions have on improving health practitioners’ responses towards people with BPD.

Methods

A comprehensive search of the literature was undertaken in MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and JBI Evidence-Based databases (from inception to February 2022). Secondary sources of literature included grey literature searches and handsearching the references of included studies as part of the comprehensive search strategy. The eligibility criteria included peer-reviewed empirical studies examining BPD-related educational interventions aimed at modifying health practitioners’ attitudes and practice in treating people with BPD. Quality appraisal of the included studies were completed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool 2018 version (MMAT v.18) or the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses Tool. Thematic Analysis informed data extraction, analysis, interpretation, and narrative synthesis of the data.

Results

A total of nine papers containing 991 participants across a diverse range of studies including, quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, and a systematic review were included in this integrative review. Several BPD-related educational interventions designed to modify health practitioners’ attitudes and practice in BPD exist. Findings suggest that training health practitioners in BPD-related educational interventions can enhance positive attitudes and change practice towards people with BPD; however, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these conclusions.

Conclusions

This review collated and summarized findings from studies examining the impact of BPD-related educational interventions on changing health practitioners’ attitudes and practice in treating this population. Results from this review may help inform future research, policy, and practice in stigma-reduction strategies which would improve the delivery of responsive health services and care for people with BPD.

Systematic review registration

Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/7p6ez/)
Effect of cryopreservation medium conditions on growth and isolation of gut anaerobes from human faecal samples
Authors: Biclot Anaïs , Huys Geert R. B. , Bacigalupe Rodrigo , D’hoe Kevin , Vandeputte Doris , Falony Gwen , Tito Raul Y. , Raes Jeroen
Published: May 2022

Background

Novel strategies for anaerobic bacterial isolations from human faecal samples and various initiatives to generate culture collections of gut-derived bacteria have instigated considerable interest for the development of novel microbiota-based treatments. Early in the process of building a culture collection, optimal faecal sample preservation is essential to safeguard the viability of the broadest taxonomic diversity range possible. In contrast to the much more established faecal storage conditions for meta-omics applications, the impact of stool sample preservation conditions on bacterial growth recovery and isolation remains largely unexplored. In this study, aliquoted faecal samples from eleven healthy human volunteers selected based on a range of physicochemical and microbiological gradients were cryopreserved at – 80 °C either without the addition of any medium (dry condition) or in different Cary-Blair medium conditions with or without a cryoprotectant, i.e. 20% (v/v) glycerol or 5% (v/v) DMSO. Faecal aliquots were subjected to bulk 16S rRNA gene sequencing as well as dilution plating on modified Gifu Anaerobic Medium after preservation for culturable fraction profiling and generation of bacterial culture collections.

Results

Analyses of compositional variation showed that cryopreservation medium conditions affected quantitative recovery but not the overall community composition of cultured fractions. Post-preservation sample dilution and richness of the uncultured source samples were the major drivers of the cultured fraction richness at genus level. However, preservation conditions differentially affected recovery of specific genera. Presence-absence analysis indicated that twenty-two of the 45 most abundant common genera (>0.01% abundance, dilution 10−4) were recovered in cultured fractions from all preservation conditions, while nine genera were only detected in fractions from a single preservation condition. Overall, the highest number of common genera (i.e. 35/45) in cultured fractions were recovered from sample aliquots preserved without medium and in the presence of Cary-Blair medium containing 5% (v/v) DMSO. Also, in the culture collection generated from the cultured fractions, these two preservation conditions yielded the highest species richness (72 and 66, respectively).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that preservation methods partly determine richness and taxonomic diversity of gut anaerobes recovered from faecal samples. Complementing the current standard practice of cryopreserving stool samples in dry conditions with other preservation conditions, such as Cary-Blair medium with DMSO, could increase the species diversity of gut-associated culture collections.
Analysis of newly discovered substances on the vulnerable Emperor Qin Shihuang's Terracotta Army figures
Authors: Li Xiaoxi , Yu Wendi , Lan Desheng , Zhao Jing , Huang Jianhua , Xi Na , Li Qiang , Xia Yin , Zhou Ping , Luo Hongjie
Published: May 2022

In this paper, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (RS), firing temperature analysis, pore size distribution analysis, Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were utilized to analyze the unearthed vulnerable terracotta figures of Emperor Qin Shihuang's Terracotta Army, as well as the unknown precipitated white crystals and black substances. The results show that the firing temperature of the vulnerable terracotta figure is much lower than those of similar terracotta figures and red terracotta figures with good texture. The pore size of this kind of vulnerable pottery is smaller and the specific surface area is larger. In the pores, there is an alkaline solution containing Ca2+ that accounted for approximately 4.3% of the total mass of the sample. Along with the fracture of the delicate pottery matrix, the solution in the pores migrated to the fracture surface and chemically reacted with CO2 in the air, generating a layer of white calcium carbonate crust. The black matter on the fracture surface of the vulnerable terracotta figure is mainly composed of amorphous carbon and graphitized carbon, which shows high activity under the catalysis of Fe and Ti elements and alkaline soil. The discovery and analysis of amorphous carbon, graphitized carbon, and white calcium carbonate crystals on the fracture surface of the Qin Shihuang’s Terracotta Army provide a theoretical foundation for in-depth analysis of the terracotta warriors and horses' composition and structure, as well as scientific protection and restoration, and the stability of the original site display.
Geothermal renewable energy prospects of the African continent using GIS
Authors: Elbarbary Samah , Abdel Zaher Mohamed , Saibi Hakim , Fowler Abdel-Rahman , Saibi Kamal
Published: May 2022

Geothermal energy potential is identified through the deep investigation of geological, geothermal, and geophysical information over a small area; however, this task is both expensive and complex. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can integrate different types of data (or thematic layers) over large regions and use them to identify zones of high geothermal potential. In this study, we use GIS as a tool to construct the first regional-scale geothermal potential map of Africa from different datasets. The key objective of this study is to estimate the geothermally promising areas within Africa by integrating geological thematic layers (rock units and faults), geophysical layers (heat flow derived from aeromagnetic data and seismicity), and geothermal layers (hot springs and volcanoes) within the GIS database. A weighted overlay technique within the GIS environment is applied to these data to generate the geothermal potential map. The result shows 14 regions with a high geothermal favorability index. The geothermal potential map of Africa is useful for targeting and exploring new geothermal renewable energy sites and can reduce exploration costs and pinpoint investigation areas during preliminary geothermal studies.
The lateral joint line opening: a radiographic indicative parameter for high grade varus knees
Authors: Colyn William , Cleymans A. , Bruckers L. , Houben R. , Smeets K. , Bellemans J.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

It is usually assumed that the severity of varus osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is correlated with the axis deviation of the limb. Despite this, there is currently no clear radiographic definition to define a so-called ‘high degree’ varus knee, which is characterized by a pronounced lateral ligamentous laxity. The purpose of this study was to radiographically determine if the lateral joint line opening (LJLO) is an indicative parameter when defining so-called high grade varus knees.

Methods

Two hundred forty Full length radiographs of patients with end-stage varus osteoarthritis who were scheduled for Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were evaluated. The Hip-knee-ankle-angle (HKA-angle), Joint-line-convergence-angle (JLCA) and the lateral joint line opening were measured. The lateral joint line opening is the shortest distance between the lateral tibial plateau and the deepest point of the lateral femoral condyle. Linear regression models were used to investigate the relationships between the radiographic measurements.

Results

Hip-knee-angle-angle, joint-line-conversion-angle, and lateral joint line opening were all positively correlated (p < 0.001). An increase of 1 mm lateral joint line opening causes an increase of 0.6° joint-line-conversion-angle (p = 0.029) below a cut-off point of 4.7 mm. For lateral opening values beyond 4.7 mm, the gradient increased to 1.2 (p < 0.001). A lateral joint line opening of 4.7 mm corresponds to a hip-knee-ankle-angle of 6.0° (95% CI [5.5; 6.5]).

Conclusion

A lateral joint line opening of more than 5 mm in end-stage OA knees is indicative of increased lateral joint laxity. Those knees can be radiographically classified as so-called ‘high-grade’ varus knees.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic study, Level III.
Optimization of ethanol-extracted lignin from palm fiber by response surface methodology and preparation of activated carbon fiber for dehumidification
Authors: Fan Jie , Yu Qiongfen , Li Ming , Chen Jie , Wang Yunfeng , Zhang Ying , Li Guoliang , Ma Xun , Zhong Hao , Yu Yamei
Published: May 2022

Lignin is a renewable bioresource that can be used for a variety of value-added applications. However, the effective separation of lignin from lignocellulosic biomass remains an ongoing challenge. In this study, lignin was extracted from waste palm fiber and successfully converted into a dehumidifying material. The following four process parameters of lignin extraction from palm fiber were optimized systematically and comprehensively using the response surface methodology: reaction time, extraction temperature, ethanol concentration and solid/liquid ratio. The results revealed that under the optimum processing conditions (111 min of extraction at 174 °C using 73% ethanol at 1/16 g/mL solid/liquid ratio), the extraction yield of lignin was 56.2%. The recovery of ethanol solvent was as high as 91.8%. Further, the lignin could be directly used without purification to produce lignin-based activated carbon fibers (LACFs) with specific surface area and total pore volume of 1375 m2/g and 0.881 cm3/g, respectively. Compared with the commercial pitch-based activated carbon fiber, the LACF has a higher specific area and superior pore structure parameters. This work provides a feasible route for extracting lignin from natural palm fiber and demonstrates its use in the preparation of activated carbon fiber with a remarkable performance as a solid dehumidification agent.

Graphical Abstract
A multi-component reaction for covalent immobilization of lipases on amine-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles: production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil
Authors: Amini Yalda , Shahedi Mansour , Habibi Zohreh , Yousefi Maryam , Ashjari Maryam , Mohammadi Mehdi
Published: May 2022

A new approach was used for the immobilization of Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TLL), Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB), and Rhizomucor miehei lipase (RML) on amine-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2) via a multi-component reaction route (using cyclohexyl isocyanide). The used method offered a single-step and very fast process for covalent attachment of the lipases under extremely mild reaction conditions (25 °C, water, and pH 7.0). Rapid and simple immobilization of 20 mg of RML, TLL, and CALB on 1 g of the support produced 100%, 98.5%, and 99.2% immobilization yields, respectively, after 2 h of incubation. The immobilized derivatives were then used for biodiesel production from waste cooking oil. Response surface methodology (RSM) in combination with central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was employed to evaluate and optimize the biodiesel production. The effect of some parameters such as catalyst amount, reaction temperature, methanol concentration, water content for TLL or water-adsorbent for RML and CALB, and ratio of t-butanol (wt%) were investigated on the fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) yield.

Graphical Abstract
Identifying tsunami traces beyond sandy tsunami deposits using terrigenous biomarkers: a case study of the 2011 Tohoku-oki tsunami in a coastal pine forest, northern Japan
Authors: Shinozaki Tetsuya , Sawai Yuki , Ikehara Minoru , Matsumoto Dan , Shimada Yumi , Tanigawa Koichiro , Tamura Toru
Published: May 2022

The distributions of sandy tsunami deposits do not reflect the true extents of tsunami inundation areas, leading to underestimates of inundation by past tsunamis and thus the magnitudes of their associated tsunamigenic earthquakes. To archive the sedimentological and geochemical features of the 2011 Tohoku-oki tsunami deposit, we performed visual observations and computed tomography, grain-size, water content, and organic geochemical analyses of sediments from a coastal forest at Oirase Town, northern Japan. Stratigraphic observations revealed the 2011 tsunami deposit to be a landward-thinning interbedded sand and soil layer that became ambiguous in landward locations. The sediment samples from the inundated area did not contain marine-sourced biomarkers; instead, peak concentrations of isolongifolene, an organic compound derived fromPinusin the forest, were observed within or just above the sandy tsunami deposits in sediment sections. Peak isolongifolene concentrations were also detected in landward soils inundated by the tsunami in which no sand layer was observable, but were not observed beyond the inundation limit. Although this characteristic biomarker is unique to this and similar depositional environments, these results suggest that lateral changes of the concentrations of environment-specific biological proxies in the sedimentary column may record tsunami inundation.
Post-colostomy internal hernia of the stomach treated with laparoscopic gastropexy: a case report
Authors: Tada Yoichiro , Orihara Junpei , Wada Yamato , Uchinaka Ei , Osaki Tomohiro , Ashida Keigo , Tatebe Shigeru , Kuroda Seika , Hirooka Yasuaki
Published: May 2022

Background

Internal hernias are formed by the protrusion of internal organs through an aperture formed congenitally or postoperatively. Internal hernias are most commonly associated with the small intestine. Only two cases of a post-sigmoid colostomy internal hernia of the stomach have been reported. This hernia arises from the space between the lifted sigmoid colon and the left abdominal wall. In the two aforementioned cases, treatment comprised suturing of the sigmoid colon to the lateral abdominal wall and changing of the intraperitoneal route to an extraperitoneal one. Herein, we present a very rare case who underwent laparoscopic gastropexy for a post-sigmoid colostomy internal hernia of the stomach.

Case presentation

Our patient, a 67-year-old woman, was undergoing chemoradiation for rectal cancer and planned to undergo abdominoperineal resection. However, tumor perforation resulted in a high fever and a right gluteal abscess; therefore, a sigmoid colostomy was performed through the intraperitoneal route in the left lower abdomen. One month after the surgery, the patient presented to our emergency room with vomiting, abdominal pain, and abdominal distension. Computed tomography revealed a markedly distended stomach caused by the obstruction of the pylorus secondary to the colostomy; laparoscopic gastropexy was performed subsequently and the postoperative course was uneventful.

Conclusions

This is the first report on the laparoscopic gastropexy treatment of a post-sigmoid colostomy internal hernia of the stomach; our findings may help physicians manage such hernias.
A case of severe sciatica caused by a lymphocele after renal transplantation
Authors: Yamada Naoto , Kumagai Motoi , Suzuki Kenji S
Published: May 2022

Background

Sciatica is commonly caused by lumbar spinal disease. However, it can also be caused by tumors, infectious diseases, or muscle entrapment. We present a case of sciatica caused by a lymphocele after renal transplantation.

Presentation

A 50-year-old man who had undergone renal transplantation presented with sciatica and low back pain without leg edema. The patient was diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation during the first medical examination. Regardless of the treatment, the symptoms were exacerbated and red flag signs of low back pain were observed. Compression of the sciatic nerve by the lymphocele was confirmed by computed tomography. The sciatica was improved by ethanol injection for the lymphocele.

Conclusions

We encountered a rare case of severe sciatica without edema caused by lymphocele after renal transplantation. Careful examination is required to make a different diagnosis of lymphocele from other lumbar spinal diseases.
Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the trust between People and Automation Scale (TPAS) in Chinese adults
Authors: Cai Jie , Sun Qian , Mu Zeyue , Sun Xiaoning
Published: May 2022

Trust in automation plays a leading role in human-automation interaction. As there lack of scales measuring trust in automation in China, the purpose of this study was to adapt the trust between People and Automation Scale (TPAS) into Chinese and to demonstrate its psychometric properties among Chinese adults. A total of 310 Chinese adults were randomly selected as sample 1, and 508 Chinese adults as sample 2. Results of the item analysis revealed that each item had a good quality, and the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) suggested that the two-factor model with 12 items was the best fitting model. In addition, the TPAS was positively correlated with Interpersonal Trust Scale (ITS), proving good evidence based on relations to other variables to support the TPAS. In sum, the study suggested that the Chinese version of the TPAS could be used as an effective tool to assess trust in automation in the Chinese context.
Perceptions and experiences of COVID-19 vaccines’ side effects among healthcare workers at an Egyptian University Hospital: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Orebi Hisham Ahmed , Emara Hesham Elsayed , Alhindi Abdallah Ahmoud , Shahin Mohamed Reda , Hegazy Arwa Hassan , Kabbash Ibrahim Ali , Saied Shimaa M.
Published: May 2022

Background

A safe and effective vaccine is the ultimate key to mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccine acceptance is influenced by various factors, including perceptions about the vaccine’s safety and side effects. The side effects vary depending on the type of the vaccine, but they are mainly mild, local, temporary, and self-limiting.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out at Tanta University Hospitals, including 1246 healthcare workers who received either the first or the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, selected via a systematic random sampling technique using a self-administered structured validated questionnaire for data collection from November 2021 to January 2022. Qualitative data were presented as frequencies and percentages and analyzed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests.

Results

The prevalence of one or more side effects was 91.3%. Among participants, about two-thirds believed in vaccine safety and its necessity (65.4% and 63.6%, respectively). Significantly more participants (46.9%) were concerned about AstraZeneca thrombotic complications than other vaccine types. The top five side effects reported by participants were injection site pain (64.8%), sense of fatigue (57.1%), headache (49.9%), muscle pain (48.7%), and fever (46.5). Most of the side effects were significantly higher among participants vaccinated with AstraZeneca. Side effects impacted work capacity of 23.4%, which was significantly higher among participants who received AstraZeneca (33.6%).

Conclusion

Participants had a good level of belief in vaccination safety and necessity. Healthcare workers who got the AstraZeneca vaccination reported more adverse effects than other vaccines. Injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pains, and fever were the most frequently reported side effects. More research on vaccination safety is needed to understand the long-term adverse effects of vaccinations better, improve the public trust, and accelerate vaccine adoption.
Strategies for precision vagus neuromodulation
Authors: Ahmed Umair , Chang Yao-Chuan , Zafeiropoulos Stefanos , Nassrallah Zeinab , Miller Larry , Zanos Stavros
Published: May 2022

The vagus nerve is involved in the autonomic regulation of physiological homeostasis, through vast innervation of cervical, thoracic and abdominal visceral organs. Stimulation of the vagus with bioelectronic devices represents a therapeutic opportunity for several disorders implicating the autonomic nervous system and affecting different organs. During clinical translation, vagus stimulation therapies may benefit from a precision medicine approach, in which stimulation accommodates individual variability due to nerve anatomy, nerve-electrode interface or disease state and aims at eliciting therapeutic effects in targeted organs, while minimally affecting non-targeted organs. In this review, we discuss the anatomical and physiological basis for precision neuromodulation of the vagus at the level of nerve fibers, fascicles, branches and innervated organs. We then discuss different strategies for precision vagus neuromodulation, including fascicle- or fiber-selective cervical vagus nerve stimulation, stimulation of vagal branches near the end-organs, and ultrasound stimulation of vagus terminals at the end-organs themselves. Finally, we summarize targets for vagus neuromodulation in neurological, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders and suggest potential precision neuromodulation strategies that could form the basis for effective and safe therapies.
THC and CBD affect metabolic syndrome parameters including microbiome in mice fed high fat-cholesterol diet
Authors: Gorelick Jonathan , Assa-Glazer Tal , Zandani Gil , Altberg Anna , Sela Noa , Nyska Abraham , Madar Zecharia
Published: May 2022

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with metabolic syndrome, which often includes obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Several studies in mice and humans have implicated the involvement of the gut microbiome in NAFLD. While cannabis and its phytocannabinoids may potentially be beneficial for treating metabolic disorders such as NAFLD, their effects on liver diseases and gut microbiota profile have yet to be addressed. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of the two major cannabinoids, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), on NAFLD progression.

Methods

NAFLD was induced by feeding mice a high fat-cholesterol diet (HFCD) for 6 weeks. During this period, the individual cannabinoids, THC or CBD, were added to the experimental diets at a concentration of 2.5 or 2.39 mg/kg. Profile of lipids, liver enzymes, glucose tolerance, and gene expression related to carbohydrate lipids metabolism and liver inflammation was analyzed. The effect of THC or CBD on microbiota composition in the gut was evaluated.

Results

While not alleviating hepatic steatosis, THC or CBD treatment influenced a number of parameters in the HFCD mouse model. CBD increased food intake, improved glucose tolerance, reduced some of the inflammatory response including TNFa and iNOS, and partially mitigated the microbiome dysbiosis observed in the HFCD fed mice. THC produced a much weaker response, only slightly reducing inflammatory-related gene expression and microbiome dysbiosis.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate the potential therapeutic effects of individual phytocannabinoids are different from the effects of the cannabis plant possessing a mixture of compounds. While CBD may help ameliorate symptoms of NAFLD, THC alone may not be as effective. This disparity can putatively be explained based on changes in the gut microbiota.
Formulation and optimization of polymeric agglomerates of Bosentan monohydrate by crystallo-co-agglomeration technique
Authors: Varia Umang , Patel Azad , Katariya Hitesh , Detholia Krunal
Published: May 2022

Background

The polymeric spherical agglomerate of Bosentan monohydrate was prepared by crystallo-co-agglomeration technique, for enhancing the micrometric properties and solubility of the drug. The agglomerates were developed using two distinct solvents, DCM as a good solvent and bridging liquid and water as a weak solvent, respectively. Hydrophilic polymer like HPMC K100M is used as a hardening agent which gives mechanical strength to the agglomerates, and PEG6000 is used as a wetting agent. Other excipients like talc which was used as a size enhancer, and PVA was used as an emulsifier agent. The formulation was optimized by Box–Behnken design. The concentration of talc and PEG6000, as well as rotation speed, was considered as independent variables. The particle size, angle of repose, and % drug content were used as dependent variables to investigate the effect of independent variables on dependent variables. The spherical crystal agglomerates were subjected to various physicochemical evaluations.

Results

The results revealed that as the concentration of talc and PEG6000 increases, the sphericity and particle size of the agglomerates increase, and at a low agitation, speed agglomerates become more spherical and coarser, which is confirmed by FESEM. The characterization like FTIR confirms no interaction with excipients, while XRPD confirms the polymorphic changes, and gas chromatography (GC) confirms the concentration of residual organic solvents in PDE limits. The optimized formulation of SAs showed a good angle of repose which is 30.33 ± 0.35, and the % cumulative drug release at 20 min was 94.14 ± 0.628%. Finally, the FDTs of the optimized batch were prepared.

Conclusions

The comparison of the in vitro release study of pure drugs with agglomerates and fast dispersible tablets of agglomerates confirms the solubility improvement. Finally, it can be concluded that the polymorphic crystal agglomerates enhance the solubility and micrometric properties of Bosentan monohydrate.
Anticipating experimentation as the ‘the new normal’ through urban living labs 2.0: lessons learnt by JPI Urban Europe
Authors: Bylund Jonas , Riegler Johannes , Wrangsten Caroline
Published: May 2022

Urban living labs (ULLs) can be an important way to approach multi-stakeholder co-creation with regard to urban transitions and transformations. They have become a common type of co-creative experimentation, offering the opportunity to research and innovate on a wide variety of challenges in everyday settings. They test hypotheses to create pathways for a transition to sustainable urbanisation. However, there is mounting concern from practice, innovators, and research that there is little systematic integration of practical outputs. Moreover, the question of how ULLs should be designed, and by whom, requires comparative longer-term assessment. Implementation and operation requires knowledge of the risks involved. The long-term impacts of ULLs on particular places, and the general understanding of how they contribute to urban transformations, are not well theorized. Thus, intended and potential contributions to urban transformations could remain unrealized. Based on experience from a series of stakeholder dialogues and co-production formats at various ULL related conferences and workshop, this paper offers policy recommendations and directions regarding the future direction for JPI Urban Europe its main programme for 2021–2027, the European Partnership Driving Urban Transitions to a Sustainable Future in the Horizon Europe Framework Programme. It may also help other urban research and innovation funders and programming actors support sustainable transformations through urban living labs.
Linking insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) rs6214 gene polymorphism and its serum level with risk of colorectal cancer
Authors: Kattan Shahad W. , Allah Azza Mohamed Kamel Abdu , Mohamed Kawthar Ibraheem , Alruwetei Abdulmohsen M. , Hegazy Amira H. , El Gayed Eman Masoud Abd
Published: May 2022

Background

Colorectal Cancer is found one of the most profound type of cancer around globe, affecting men and women with different ethnic and racial groups. Insulin-like growth factor 1 is known as peptide growth factor found to increase the proliferation of cell and prevent apoptosis. Insulin pathway might have linked with progression of colorectal cancer.

Methods

This study conducted on total 160 subjects, including 80 patients with colorectal cancer with 80 age and gender match controls. Clinical parameters were compared between the control group and Colorectal cancer group. Blood serum IGF-1 was quantified by using ELISA and IGF-1 rs6214(C/T) variations were investigated using TaqMan allelic discrimination assay.

Results

Blood serum level of Insulin growth factor-I (ng/ml) showed substantial association concerning groups while IGF-1 rs6214(C/T) genotype distribution observed increased in colorectal cancer patients as compared to controls with significant association. The variant TT and CT genotype frequency observed more common in cases as compared to control. However, the wild type CC genotype were common in cases used to compared with controls. The Odds Ratio reveal the risk of variant IGF-1 rs6214 T allele to increase 3 times compared to wild type allele.

Conclusion

The homozygous TT genotypes and T variant allele of IGF-1 rs6214(C/T) showed association with high serum Insulin growth factor level 1, may increase susceptibility to the colorectal cancer. This work will use to investigate the associations between Insulin-like growth factor 1 and rs6214(C/T) gene variant and blood serum level with the vulnerability to treat Colorectal. In summary, we have investigated the relationship between Insulin growth factor level hormone and colorectal cancer. Further studies are required to understand the association between colorectal cancer and polymorphism. However, this study can be serve as an informative study to uncover mechanisms behind main cause of colon cancer. Therefore, the genomic profiling of Insulin-like growth factor-1 can be helpful to treat colorectal cancer patients.
Quantum Cournot duopoly game with general isoelastic demand and asymmetric production costs
Authors: Zhang Xinli , Zhang Xiaohan , Hou Wen
Published: May 2022

This letter explores the quantum version of a Cournot duopoly game with general isoelastic demand and asymmetric production costs by applying Li-Du-Massar's minimal quantization rules, and it especially analyzes the existence region of quantum equilibrium, and the influences of quantum entanglement

, difference in marginal costs (k) and elasticity of demand

on the optimal profits of both firms. The results show that the existence region decreases with γ and k increasing. A larger elasticity of demand can destroy the profits of both firms. If

positive γ and k are more favourable to the profits of two firms. If

the first firm's profit increases with γ increasing for fixed k, but decreases with k increasing for fixed γ. The second firm's profit increases with k increasing for any fixed γ. As to the influences of γ on the second firm's profit, when k is less than a critical value, it increases with γ increasing, otherwise it decreases with γ increasing for fixed k.
Evaluation of renal microperfusion in hyperuricemic nephropathy by contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging
Authors: He Li , Li Ze , Zhang Qunzi , Chen Yini , Gao Yihui , Chen Teng , Wang Niansong , Jiang Lixin , Fan Ying
Published: May 2022

Diagnostic tools for the early detection of renal injury caused by hyperuricemia are still lacking. Here, we investigated whether contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) could be used as a diagnostic tool for hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN). In the HN rat model, CEUS detected a significant decline in renal cortical perfusion compared with that in control rats. Peak intensity (PI) values correlated significantly with serum KIM-1 levels and fibrosis scores in HN rats. An early decline in PI values was also observed in chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 1 patients with HN compared with the controls (61.1±4.52 dB versus 65.80±7.10 dB) and correlated with renal function in the patients with HN. In contrast, an increase in time to reach PI values was detected in HN patients with stage 1 CKD (15.14±1.75 s versus 14.52±4.75 s) and was more pronounced in CKD stage 4 patients (67.32±3.29 s). CEUS was able to detect abnormal renal perfusion in early CKD with HN, which correlated with renal function decline, suggesting that CEUS could be used as a noninvasive tool for assessing renal function in patients with HN.
Hsp40 overexpression in pacemaker neurons delays circadian dysfunction in a Drosophila model of Huntington's disease
Authors: Prakash Pavitra , Pradhan Arpit Kumar , Sheeba Vasu
Published: May 2022

Circadian disturbances are early features of neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease (HD). Emerging evidence suggests that circadian decline feeds into neurodegenerative symptoms, exacerbating them. Therefore, we asked whether known neurotoxic modifiers can suppress circadian dysfunction. We performed a screen of neurotoxicity-modifier genes to suppress circadian behavioural arrhythmicity in a Drosophila circadian HD model. The molecular chaperones Hsp40 and HSP70 emerged as significant suppressors in the circadian context, with Hsp40 being the more potent mitigator. Upon Hsp40 overexpression in the Drosophila circadian ventrolateral neurons (LNv), the behavioural rescue was associated with neuronal rescue of loss of circadian proteins from small LNv soma. Specifically, there was a restoration of the molecular clock protein Period and its oscillations in young flies and a long-lasting rescue of the output neuropeptide Pigment dispersing factor. Significantly, there was a reduction in the expanded Huntingtin inclusion load, concomitant with the appearance of a spot-like Huntingtin form. Thus, we provide evidence implicating the neuroprotective chaperone Hsp40 in circadian rehabilitation. The involvement of molecular chaperones in circadian maintenance has broader therapeutic implications for neurodegenerative diseases.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Unconventional tonicity-regulated nuclear trafficking of NFAT5 mediated by KPNB1, XPOT and RUVBL2
Authors: Cheung Chris Y. , Huang Ting-Ting , Chow Ning , Zhang Shuqi , Zhao Yanxiang , Chau Mary P. , Chan Wing Cheung , Wong Catherine C. L. , Boassa Daniela , Phan Sebastien , Ellisman Mark H. , Yates John R. , Xu SongXiao , Yu Zicheng , Zhang Yajing , Zhang Rui , Ng Ling Ling , Ko Ben C. B.
Published: May 2022

NFAT5 is the only known mammalian tonicity-responsive transcription factor with an essential role in cellular adaptation to hypertonic stress. It is also implicated in diverse physiological and pathological processes. NFAT5 activity is tightly regulated by extracellular tonicity, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that NFAT5 enters the nucleus via the nuclear pore complex. We found that NFAT5 utilizes a unique nuclear localization signal (NFAT5-NLS) for nuclear import. siRNA screening revealed that only karyopherin β1 (KPNB1), but not karyopherin α, is responsible for the nuclear import of NFAT5 via direct interaction with the NFAT5-NLS. Proteomics analysis and siRNA screening further revealed that nuclear export of NFAT5 under hypotonicity is driven by exportin-T (XPOT), where the process requires RuvB-like AAA-type ATPase 2 (RUVBL2) as an indispensable chaperone. Our findings have identified an unconventional tonicity-dependent nucleocytoplasmic trafficking pathway for NFAT5 that represents a critical step in orchestrating rapid cellular adaptation to change in extracellular tonicity. These findings offer an opportunity for the development of novel NFAT5 targeting strategies that are potentially useful for the treatment of diseases associated with NFAT5 dysregulation.
Adsorption Index Based on Hansen Solubility Parameters of Solutes, Solvents, and a Solid Surface and Its Application to Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Murase Masakazu , Yamada Yuri , Goto Yasutomo , Mizoshita Norihiro
Published: May 2022

Hansen solubility parameters (HSP) are useful for understanding the solubility and dispersibility of substances in liquids. This study aims at utilizing HSP to describe the affinity between solutes and solid surfaces in solutions. For this purpose, we designed the index “H” based on the HSP theory for predicting the adsorption behavior. In this study, the adsorption index H was used to estimate the desirable solvent compositions for preparing samples for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS). The compositions for obtaining a high-intensity signal of analytes were estimated by selecting an appropriate H value from the relationship between the H and the solubility of the analytes predicted from the HSP. Four different pesticides (analytes) adsorbed on an organosilica film (LDI-MS substrate) were detected with high-intensity signals using the estimated solvent compositions. This study shows that the H is a useful parameter in the design of sample solutions for obtaining high-intensity signals in LDI-MS. Moreover, it is potentially useful for other applications that utilize molecular adsorption on solid surfaces.
Ο ρόλος του WNT b-catenin στην πρώιμη εμβρυϊκή ανάπτυξη και στις αποβολές του πρώτου τριμήνου
Authors: Χρονοπούλου Ελπινίκη
Published: May 2022

Οι διεργασίες γύρω από την πρώιμη εμβρυική ανάπτυξη και πλακουντοποίηση είναι ιδιαίτερα πολύπλοκες και διέπονται από πολλαπλούς σηματοδοτικούς καταρράκτες. Διαταραχές σε αυτή την αυστηρά ενορχηστρομένη διαδικασία είναι συνδεδεμένες με αποβολές πρώτου τριμήνου και επιπλοκές κύησης όπως η προεκλαμψία και η ενδομήτρια καθυστέρηση ανάπτυξης. Υπάρχουν ενδείξεις από την υπάρχουσα βιβλιογραφία πως το Wnt σηματοδοτικό μονοπάτι έχει ιδιαίτερησημασία για την αρχόμενη κύηση. Ανάμεσα στους παράγοντες του μονοπατιού, οι Wn4, Wnt6και η β-κατενίνη φαίνονται να έχουν ιδιαίτερη σημασία για ανθρώπινη κύηση.Σκοπός αυτής της μελέτης ήταν να διερευνήσει την έκφραση των Wnt4, Wnt6 και β-κατενίνης σε ανθρώπινο τροφοβλαστικό ιστό που λήφθηκε από αποβολές πρώτου τριμήνου σε σχέση με φυσιολογικά εξελισσόμενες κυήσεις που τερματίστηκαν για κοινωνικούς λόγους (ομάδα αναφοράς). Επίσης, διερευνήθηκε η διαφορά έκφρασης των γονιδίων αυτών ανάμεσα στις δύο υπο-ομάδες αποβολών πρώτου τριμήνου (ατελείς αποβολές και παλίνδρομες κυήσεις).42 δείγματα τροφοβλαστικού ιστού συμπεριλήφθηκαν στην ανάλυση μετά από προγραμματισμένη ή επείγουσα χειρουργική αντιμετώπιση αποβολής πρώτου τριμήνου ή προγραμματισμένο χειρουργικό τερματισμό κύησης. Η έκφραση των Wnt4, Wnt6 και βκατενίνης μελετήθηκε με τη χρήση reverse transcription PCR και real time PCR. Η έκφραση του Wnt4 mRNA βρέθηκε στατιστικά σημαντικά αυξημένη στις αποβολές πρώτου τριμήνου σε σχέση με φυσιολογικά εξελισσόμενες κυήσεις που τερματίστηκαν λόγω επιθυμίας της μητέρας. Η έκφραση του Wnt4 ήταν πιο αυξημένη στην υπο-ομάδα των ατελών αποβολών σε σύγκριση με τις παλίνδρομες, ωστόσο η διαφορά δεν ήταν στατιστικά σημαντική. Δεν παρατηρήθηκεστατιστικά σημαντική διαφορά στην έκφραση του Wnt6 και της β-κατενίνης σε επίπεδο mRNA ανάμεσα στις αποβολές πρώτου τριμήνου και την ομάδα αναφοράς. Δεν υπήρχαν στατιστικά σημαντικές διαφορές ως προς τα δημογραφικά χαρακτηριστικά των γυναικών ή την ηλικία κύησης.Αυτή η μελέτη είναι, εξ όσων γνωρίζουμε, η πρώτη μελέτη σε ανθρώπινο τροφοβλαστικό ιστό που να υποδηλώνει στατιστικά σημαντική διαφορά στην έκφραση του Wnt4 σε αποβολές πρώτου τριμήνου σε σύγκριση με φυσιολογικά εξελισσόμενες κυήσεις. Αυτά τα ευρήματα είναι σε συμφωνία με την υπάρχουσα βιβλιογραφία που καταγράφει σημαντικό ρόλο του Wnt μονοπατιού στην εμφύτευση και πλακουντοποίηση στην αρχόμενη κύηση. Το εύρημά μας είναι ιδιαίτερης σημασίας καθώς αναδεικνύει την ανάγκη για ισορροπημένη, στενή ρύθμιση της Wnt σηματοδότησης και συνδέει για πρώτη φορά την υπερέκφραση του μη κανονικού Wnt μονοπατιού με διαταραχή πλακουντοποίησης σε αυτό το στάδιο εγκυμοσύνης. Μεγαλύτερες μελέτες χρειάζονται για την καλύτερη κατανόηση της Wnt σηματοδότησης στην παλινδρόμησηευπλοειδικών κυημάτων. Απώτερος στόχος είναι η αύξηση των ζώντων γεννήσεων με την ανάπτυξη μη επεμβατικών δεικτών πρόβλεψης αποβολών πρώτου τριμήνου αλλά και ο σχεδιασμός υλοποιήσιμων στρατηγικών πρόληψής τους.
Evaluation of selected semen parameters and biomarkers of male infertility – preliminary study
Authors: Kups Michal , Gill Kamil , Rosiak-Gill Aleksandra , Harasny Patryk , Machalowski Tomasz , Grabowska Marta , Kurzawa Rafal , Sipak Olimpia , Piasecka Malgorzata
Published: May 2022

Background: Because the etiopathogenesis of male infertility is multifactorial our study was designed to clarify the relationship between standard semen parameters, testicular volume, levels of reproductive hormones and the fragmentation of sperm nuclear DNA (SDF).

Methods: Patients (n = 130) were clustered as subjects: 1) with an abnormal volume (utrasonography) of at least one testis (<12 mL) or with a normal volume of testes and 2) with abnormal levels of at least one of the reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, PRL, TSH, total T – electrochemiluminescence method) or with normal hormonal profiles and 3) with high level of SDF (>30%), moderate (>15–30%) or low (≤15%) (sperm chromatin dispersion test).

Results: In subjects with a decreased testicular volume and in subjects with abnormal levels of reproductive hormones, decreased basic semen parameters were found. Participants with abnormal testicular volume had a higher percentage of SDF and a higher level of FSH (Mann–Whitney U test). In turn, men with a high level of SDF had lower testicular volume and conventional sperm parameters than men with a low level of SDF (Kruskal–Wallis test).

Conclusions: We showed that spermatogenesis disorders coexisted with decreased testicular volume and increased FSH levels. The disorders of spermatogenesis were manifested by reduced basic sperm characteristics and a high level of sperm nuclear DNA damage.