bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matrine suppresses cell growth of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma via inhibiting CaMKIIγ/c-Myc/CDK6 signaling pathway
Authors: Gu Jianyou , Wang Xiao , Zhang Ling , Xiang Jingjing , Li Jingya , Chen Zheng , Zhang Yu , Chen Junfa , Shen Jianping
Published: February 2021

Background: C-Myc aberrations confer a more aggressive clinic behavior in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Matrine is an alkaloid extracted from Sophora flavescens Ait. It possesses anti-cancer property through inhibiting the cell proliferation and inducing the apoptosis. The present study aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of matrine in suppressing the cell growth of DLBCL.Methods: The influence of matrine on the viability of cultured DLBCL cell lines SU-DHL-16 and OCI-LY3 cells were determined by CCK-8. Apoptosis and cell cycle were measured by flow cytometry after matrine exposure. Western blot was taken to investigate the expression of activated Caspase-3, cleaved PARP, c-Myc, phospho-c-Myc (Ser62), CaMKIIγ, CDK4 and CDK6 after matrine treatment. Cycloheximide chase analysis was used to determine the c-Myc protein half-lives before and after matrine treatment. Growth salvage analysis was taken by ectopic expression of c-Myc.Results: In cultured DLBCL cells, matrine suppressed cell viability in a concentration and time dependent fashion. Matrine treated SU-DHL-16 and OCI-LY3 cells for 48 h with IC50 value of 1.76 mM and 4.1 mM, respectively. Matrine induced apoptosis through a caspase-independent pathway and caused G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in a concentration dependent manner in DLBCL cells. The protein expression of c-Myc was inhibited while the transcription of c-Myc was not reduced by matrine. c-Myc protein half-lives were decreased from 30.4, 69.4 min to 16.6, 15.9 min after matrine treatment in SU-DHL-16 and OCI-LY3, respectively. As a critical protein kinase of c-Myc, CaMKIIγ was found to be down-regulated and c-Myc phosphorylation at Ser62 was reduced together after matrine treatment in DLBCL. The growth suppression of SU-DHL-16 cells induced by matrine was rescued by over-expression of c-Myc achieved by recombinant adenovirus infection. The decreased expression of CDK6, not CDK4, induced by matrine was rescued by ectopic expression of c-Myc protein.Conclusions: This study has shown for the first time that matrine suppresses cell growth of DLBCL via inhibiting CaMKIIγ/c-Myc/CDK6 signaling pathway.
Inequalities in Access to Tuberculosis Services in South Africa: Does Gender Matter?
Authors: Haji Mina , Cleary Susan
Published: February 2021

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of death in South Africa. As an infectious respiratory disease, control of TB includes antibiotic treatment over a number of months in order to cure the disease and reduce transmission to others. The need to adhere to treatment over an extended period highlights the importance of reducing access barriers to TB services. While gender related access barriers have been identified as critical in the treatment and control of other conditions such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), no quantitative analyses currently exist that assess the gender-related dimensions of access to TB services in South Africa. Methods: This study aims to assess the gender-based differences in access to TB services in South Africa, from the perspective of TB patients. Using a comprehensive framework where access is defined as the opportunity to use services, we interviewed 1,229 TB patients using services in four provinces of South Africa. Comparisons of access barriers and adherence between men and women were examined using multivariate linear and logistic regressions.Results: There was no significant association between levels of adherence and gender (all p-values>0.05). Among availability-related variables, men spent significantly less time at the clinic to fetch TB medication compared with women (coefficient, -7.06; 95% CI, [-13.5, -0.7]). Regarding affordability, men were significantly less likely to receive a disability grant (AOR, 0.48; 95% CI, [0.36, 0.63]). Concerning the acceptability dimension, men were less likely to report that queues to visit a healthcare provider were too long or the cleanliness of the facility to be sub-standard (AOR, 0.69; 95% CI, [0.52, 0.91], and AOR, 0.67; 95% CI, [0.46, 0.97], respectively). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that there is no association between the level of adherence to TB treatment and gender. Moreover, there was no evidence of systematic gender-based inequalities in access to TB services. However, the findings reveal concerns about the condition and cleanliness of health facilities that may impact the patients' adherence and be a barrier, specifically, in women's use of TB services.
The influence of sugar-protein complexes on the thermostability of C-reactive protein (CRP)
Authors: Mateescu Andreea Lorena , Mincu Nicolae-Bogdan , Vasilca Silvana , Apetrei Roxana , Stan Diana , Zorilă Bogdan , Stan Dana
Published: February 2021

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate de influence of glycosylation on the stability and functionality of C-reactive protein, after exposure to constant high temperatures. C-reactive protein is a plasmatic protein used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of a series of health problems such as ulcerative colitis, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, due to its essential role in the evolution of chronic inflammation. The sugar-protein interaction was investigated using steady state and time resolved fluorescence. The results revealed that there are more than two classes of tryptophan, with different degree of accessibility for the quencher molecule. Our study also revealed that sugar-protein complexes have superior thermostability, the protein being stable and functional even after 22 days exposure to 40oC.
Pains and Gains from Iran’s Experience with the Management of Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Labaf Ali , Jalili Mohammad , Jaafaripooyan Ebrahim , Mazinani Maryam
Published: February 2021

Background: COVID-19, a rapidly spreading virus, has severely challenged all countries worldwide with no certain prevention and treatment so far. Various clinical and public health interventions have been in action since its first report in December 2019. Sharing the lessons learnt and strengths and weaknesses might cast some light on the future similar crisis management.Methods: This was a qualitative exploratory research including 22 semi-structured, face-to-face, virtual interviews with key informants and decision makers in the management of current epidemic. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The lessons learnt from and the weaknesses and challenges of COVID crisis management were categorized under the main areas of management and planning, workforce and education and research, decision making and communication. Conclusions: The current unprecedented crisis has affected various aspects of human life. Policy makers and managers, especially in health care, worldwide are struggling to abate the consequences of this nasty virus, though facing tough challenges. Here some hands-on and real-time experiences from the fight of a developing and highly affected country against this virus is provided which might be of a high value. Whatever approach adopted, it is key to be multifaceted and support all rightly mentioned aspects of health as physical, mental and social.
Hepatocyte-Derived Exosomal microRNAs Orchestrate Vascular Inflammation and Endothelial Function: Insights Into Molecular Mechanisms of Trimethylamine-N-Oxide in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Liu Xiang , Shao Yijia , Tu Jiazichao , Sun Jiapan , Wang Zhichao , Li Lifu , Tao Jun , Chen Jimei
Published: February 2021

BackgroundTrimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) has been proved to be a new proatherogenic compound for promoting vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Hepatocyte-derived exosomes played an important role in the regulation of vascular inflammation and endothelial function. Since TMAO is produced in the liver, hepatocytes may be the first potential target of TMAO. However, it is not clear whether TMAO can directly stimulate normal hepatocytes to produce exosomes so as to mediate the motivating effects of TMAO on inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. MethodsThe hepatocytes were cultured and treated with TMAO at a physiological concentration for 24 hours (TMAO-Exos). The untreated group served as the control (Control-Exos). The exosomes were isolated from the culture supernatant and then added to the human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) for 48 hours. The mRNA expressions of inflammatory cytokines and caspase-3 were determined by qPCR and cell apoptosis was evaluated by using the Hoechst 33342 staining solution. The miRNA profile in the exosomes were detected using an RNA-sequencing strategy. The miRNA-mRNA network was predicted, and the biological functions of the target genes were annotated by using bioinformatics methods. ResultsTMAO-Exos were able to promote the expressions of inflammatory cytokines and HAECs apoptosis. Moreover, miRNAs carried by the TMAO-Exos were quite different from that in the Control-Exos, including miR-92a-3p, miR-103-3p and miR-122-5p, etc. Further analysis showed that these differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted to target genes such as Mapk8, Casp9, Mapk10, Bcl2l11, Ikbkg and Akt1, which were supposed to be involved in the signal pathways related to vascular inflammation and endothelial function. ConclusionsThese novel results provided evidence that TMAO could indirectly talk to vascular endothelial via promoting hepatocytes to secreting exosomes that carried important genetic information, which may give a new insight into the interactions between liver and vasculature in the atherogenesis caused by TMAO. New intervention targeting this cellular crosstalk may be feasible and effective in the prevention and treatment of TMAO-induced atherogenesis.
Serum Pepsinogen as a Biomarker of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) in Stomach
Authors: Zhou Likun , gao Zhiying , Luo Laizhi , Han Yueting , Sun Yan , Huang Yonghong , Li Shixia , Chen Xingyun , Yang Huimin , Peng ZhiJuan , Wang Xinyi , Zhao Wei , Wu Xi , Wu Huan , Bai Jing , Sun Wu , Ba Yi
Published: February 2021

BackgroundNo biomarker was identified for gastric GISTs(GG) detection. We first observed that glands surrounding GG are regionally atrophic. We hypothesize that this local atrophy may mildly reduce pepsinogen Ⅰ(PGⅠ) but the PGⅠ/PGII ratio remains normal. To test our hypothesis, a retrospective analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of PG in GG detection.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed a cohort of consecutive GG and gastric cancer(GC) patients at our center. Pathologic confirmed GG patients and GC patients with tested PG levels before medical intervention were included. Three criteria were assessed: 1.Serum PGI≤70ng/ml; 2.Positive-Gastric-GIST-PG(PGⅠ≤70 ng/ml and PGI/PGII ratio>3.0); and 3.Positive-Gastric-GIST-PG-CEA(Positive-Gastric-GIST-PG plus normal CEA). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value(PPV), negative predictive value(NPV) and overall accuracy(OA) were calculated. A Chi-square test was applied to detect the differences.ResultsAfter screened 562 GG and 1090 GC, 100 GG and 174 GC samples were included. For PGI≤70ng/ml, the Positive-Gastric-GIST-PG and the Positive-Gastric-GIST-PG-CEA criteria discriminating GG from GC, the sensitivities were 75%(95%CI 66-82),70%(60-78) and 68%(58-76), respectively; the specificities were 50%(43-57), 70%(62-76), and 78%(71-83), respectively; the PPV were 46%(39-54), 57%(48-65), and 64%(55-73), respectively; the NPV were 78%(69-84), 80%(73-86), 81%(74-86), respectively; and the OA were 59%(53-65), 70%(64-75), and 74%(69-79), respectively. There was statistic difference in sensitivities between GG and GC for Positive-Gastric-GIST-PG-CEA criterion(68% for GG vs. 22% for GC, P<0.0001). ConclusionSerum PGs are useful for both detecting GG and distinguishing GG from GC. Integrating our criteria into current PG test scheme of gastric precancerous screening will be helpful for early GG detection without additional economic expense.
Polypyrrole Coated Mn–Fe Bimetallic Oxides as High Stability Anode for Lithium-ion Batteries
Authors: Fang Yuan , Li Tengfei , Wang Fen , Zhu Jianfeng
Published: February 2021

Transition metal oxides as anode materials have received extensive research owing to the high specific capacity. Whereas, the rapid decline of battery capacity caused by volume expansion and low electrical conductivity hinders the practical application of transition metal oxides. This study reported a pseudo-capacitance material polypyrrole coated Fe2O3/Mn2O3 composites material as a high stability anode for lithium-ion batteries. The polypyrrole coating layer can not only serve as a conductive network to improve electrode conductivity but also can be used as a protective buffer layer to suppress the volume change of Fe2O3/Mn2O3 during the charging and discharging process. At the same time, the porous structure of Fe2O3/Mn2O3 composite can not only provide more active sites for lithium storage but also play a certain buffer effect on the volume change of the material. Polypyrrole-coated Fe2O3/Mn2O3 composite as the anode for lithium-ion batteries shows great electrochemical storage performance, with high specific capacity (627 mAh g− 1 at a current density of 1A g− 1), great cycle stability (the capacity not shows obvious signs of attenuation after 500 cycles) and rate performance (432 mAh g− 1 at a current density of 2.0 A g− 1).
Quality of Life Impact and Special Issues in Women with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Constantinescu Gabriel , Gheorghe Gina , Rinja Ecaterina , Plotogea Oana , Sandru Vasile , Butuc Andreea , Diaconu Camelia Cristina , Oprescu Anca Macovei , Popa Bogdan , Ilie Madalina
Published: February 2021

Background: The impact of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) on quality of life (QoL) of patients is significant and has important social and professional consequences. Methods: We aimed to describe the patients’ perspective regarding the impact of IBD on their overall QoL and to evaluate the differences between men and women. An observational cross-sectional study, that included 180 patients with IBD in clinical remission, was conducted. All the patients completed a number of 3 questionnaires in order to evaluate the general aspects of their QoL. A separate questionnaire was created regarding gender-specific issues in women with IBD encounter. Also, particular features such as the incidence of anemia and osteoporosis among IBD patients were documented. The data obtained were analyzed and compared between the two gender-classified groups. Results: According to the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ), patients had a general perception of a good QoL, but the impact was higher in women. Fatigue and tiredness were severely perceived almost to the same degree regardless of gender, whereas anxiety and unemployment were more present in men. No significant differences in women with IBD during active disease and during disease remission were found. Conclusions: The overall quality of life of IBD patients is affected in many aspects, leading to the deterioration of their social and professional lives, for both men and women, but some aspects remain gender-specific and require a personalized standard of care.
Acupuncture for blepharospasm: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: HUANG Hui , Huang Qun , Gao Na , Li Haoran , Zou Weiwen , Lei Ruxue , Zheng Yanlin
Published: February 2021

Background

Blepharospasm is a disorder inducing bilateral eyelid closure due to irregular muscle contraction. Oral medications or surgical interventions currently still hardly achieve a great therapeutic effect. Acupuncture is indicated effective in improving blepharospasm, but its efficacy has not been comprehensively elucidated as a therapy, so a systematic evaluation on acupuncture for blepharospasm is desirable.
Methods

All randomised controlled trials related to acupuncture for blepharospasm will be screened from 9 databases, including 5 English databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica Database) and 4 Chinese databases (CNKI, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China Wanfang Database, and VIP Database). The primary outcomes include degree of blepharospasm, scores of BFM, UDRS, JRC, BSS, BDS, and BSDI. The incidence of adverse events will be also considered. Two reviewers will screen studies, extract data and assess the quality. Review Manager software 5.4.1 (provided by Cochrane, London, United Kingdom) will be used to assess risk of bias and synthesize data synthesis.
Discussion

Our study will investigate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treating blepharospasm, providing a summary to contribute to application of acupuncture.
Systematic review registration:
CRD42020222489, registered on Dec 24, 2020.
Mesoporous Silicon / Polypyrrole Based Structures for Paranitrophenol Sensing
Authors: tighilt fatma zohra , BELHOUSSE Samia , Rahal Anis , Hamdani kHALED , Belhaneche Naima , Sam Sabrina , Lasmi Kahina
Published: February 2021

Elaboration of new structures based on semi-conductors and conducting polymers can procure a new alternative to the development of various electrochemical sensors with good sensibility.The key idea of this paper is to develop a facile technique for the detection of the para-nitrophenol which is considered as an important toxic pollutant. In this context, different structures based on mesoporous silicon modified with Polypyrrole (PPy) were elaborated.The hybrid structures have been characterized by several techniques such as FTIR, SEM and Contact angle measurements.In addition, the behavior of these new structures for para-nitrophenol detection by cyclic voltammetry was studied. The results show a high sensitivity of the sensor in a large concentration interval.
The Association Between Asthma and Risk of Myasthenia Gravis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yingchoncharoen Pitchaporn , Charoenngam Nipith , Ponvilawan Ben , Thongpiya Jerapas , Chaikijurajai Thanat , Ungprasert Patom
Published: February 2021

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the association between asthma and risk of myasthenia gravis (MG) using the method of systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsPotentially eligible studies were identified from Medline and EMBASE databases from inception to … using search strategy that comprised of terms for “Asthma” and “Myasthenia Gravis”. Eligible cohort study must consist of one cohort of individuals with asthma and another cohort of individuals without asthma. Then, the study must report relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of incident MG between the groups. Eligible case-control studies must include cases with MG and controls without MG. Then, the study must explore their history of asthma. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% CIs of the association between asthma status and MG must be reported. Point estimates with standard errors were retrieved from each study and were combined together using the generic inverse variance method.ResultsA total of 6,835 articles were identified. After two rounds of independent review by five investigators, two cohort studies and three case-control studies met the eligibility criteria and were included into the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis showed that asthma was significantly associated with risk of MG with the pooled risk ratio of 1.38 (95%CI, 1.02 – 1.86). Funnel plot was symmetric.Conclusion﻿The current study found a significant association between asthma and increased risk of MG.
Umbilical catheter placement and pericardial effusion in neonates: The US national database
Authors: Elgendy Marwa M , Aly Hany , mohamed Mohamed A.
Published: February 2021

We aimed to assess the association of umbilical catheters placement with pericardial effusion (PCE) in newborn infants after controlling for confounding variables. We analyzed three subpopulations: infants with birth weight (BW) > 2500g, infants with BW < 1500g, and infants with congenital heart diseases (CHD). We utilized the US-National Inpatient Sample dataset (1997–2012). First analysis included a 22,822,931 infants with BW > 2500g with no hydrops fetalis. Of them, 2583 neonates (0.01%) had PCE. PCE was found in 0.33% of infants with UAC only, 0.22% of infants with UVC only and 0.37% of infants with both catheters (aOR = 2.7, CI:2.4–3.2, p < 0.001), aOR = 2.8, CI: 2.3–3.5, p < 0.001), and aOR = 2.8, CI: 2.4–3.2, p < 0.001), respectively. The second analysis included a 200,288 infants with CHD and BW > 2500g. Of them, 1130 (0.56%) had PCE. PCE was found in 1.46% of infants with UAC, 0.78% of infants with UVC and 0.98% of infants with both catheters (aOR = 2.1, CI:1.8–2.6, p < 0.001), aOR = 1.4, CI:1.1–1.9, p = 0.036) and a OR = 1.6, CI:1.3–1.9, p < 0.001), respectively. While, a total of 1,187,727 infants with BW < 1500g were included in the third analysis. Of them, 1667 (0.14%) had PCE. PCE was found in 0.15% of infants with UAC, 0.19% of infants with UVC and 0.26% of infants with both catheters. (aOR = 1.1, CI: 0.9–1.3, p < 0.90), aOR = 1.4, CI: 1.2–1.7, p < 0.001) and aOR = 1.6, CI:1.4–1.8, p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Central umbilical catheters are associated with increased risk for pericardial effusion and they may be independently associated with the occurrence of pericardial effusion in infants with congenital heart disease.
Individual Heterogeneity Screened Umbilical Cord Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells With High Treg Promotion Significantly Recovered the Mouse Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Xie Yuanyuan , Liu Shuo , Wang Liudi , Yang Hui , Tai Chenxu , Ling Li , Chen Libo , Liu Shanshan , Wang Bin
Published: February 2021

BackgroundTo compare the heterogeneities of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs) derived from different donors and test their therapeutic variations in mouse liver fibrosis model. MethodsThe HUCMSCs derived multiple donors were performed comprehensively analysis and potent assays including expressions of surface markers, viability, growth curve, karyotype analysis, tumorigenicity, differentiation potentials, and immune regulation capability. Then the HUCMSCs with distinct immunomodulatory effects were tested for treating liver fibrosis in mice and then therapeutic effects were observed. ResultsThe HUCMSCs derived multiple donors kept a high consistency in surface marker expressions, viability, growth curve, tumorigenicity in nude mic, but had robust heterogeneities in differentiation potentials and immune regulations. In addition, three HUCMSC lines applied to mice liver fibrosis model had different therapeutic outcomes, in line with individual immune regulation capability. ConclusionThe HUCMSCs derived different donors have individual heterogeneity, which potentially lead to distinct therapeutic outcomes in mouse liver fibrosis, indicating we could make use of the donor-variation of MSCs to screen out guaranteed general indicators of MSCs for specific diseases in further stem cell therapy.
Identifying longitudinal child growth curve pattern using Functional Principal Component Analysis from birth cohort study in South India
Authors: Karuppusami Reka , Belavendra Antonisamy , Premkumar Prasanna S.
Published: February 2021

Background: Human growth studies has long been of interest to researchers and health authorities. Predominantly, the study of physical growth in children is a challenging and complex issue. The goal of a variety of studies from across the world is to develop overall health and well-being in children. It is therefore important that we need to identify an accurate and reliable approach for characterising growth trajectories to distinguish between children who have healthy growth and those growth is poor. Many statistical approaches are available to assess the longitudinal growth data and which are difficult to recognize the pattern. The purpose of this study is to identify the longitudinal child growth trajectory pattern and factors association on the growth function using an advanced statistical technique. Methods: This longitudinal birth cohort study (n=290) was conducted in three nearby urban slums communities in Vellore, South India. Pregnant women were identified during a survey conducted in 2002 and infants were recruited from birth between the period of March 2002 and August 2003 following written informed consent from the mother. Growth outcomes of height and weight measurements were recorded for each child continuously in first 36 months. Functional Principal Component Analysis was used to classify the longitudinal child growth trajectory pattern. Functional linear model was used to assess the factors association with the growth functions. Results: We have obtained four functional principal components explained by 86.5%, 3.9%, 3.1% and 2.2% of the variation respectively for the height functions. 38% of the children’s had poor growth trajectories in height. Similarly, we have obtained three functional principal components explained 76.2%, 8.8%, and 4.7% respectively for the weight functions. 44% of the children’s had poor growth in their weight trajectories. The study shows that gender, socio-economic status, parent’s education, breast feeding, and gravida are associated and, influence the growth pattern in children. Conclusions: The advanced FPC approach deals with subjects’ dynamics of growth and not with specific values at given times. FPCA may be a better alternative approach in the sense of both dimension reduction and pattern detection. FPCA may be used to offer greater insight for classification.
Numerical simulation for optimization of ultra-thin n-type AZO and TiO2 based textured p-type c-Si Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Yadav Chandan , kumar sushil
Published: February 2021

A maximum efficiency of 17% for ultra-thin n-type AZO layer and 17.5% for ultra-thin n-type TiO2 layer based silicon heterojunction solar cell is reported by optimizing its properties which is much higher than practically obtained efficiency signifying a lot of improvements can be performed to improve efficiency of TiO2/Si and AZO/Si heterojunction solar cell. AZO layer and TiO2 layer is used as n-type emitter layer and crystalline silicon wafer is used as p-type (p-cSi) layer for modelling AZO/Si and TiO2/Si heterojunctions solar cell respectively using AFORS HET automat simulation software. Various parameters like thickness of AZO, TiO2 layer, p-cSi layer, doping concentration of donors (Nd) and effective conduction band density (Nc) are optimized. Finally, texturing at different angle is studied and maximum efficiency is reported at 70 µm thick p-type crystalline Silicon (p-cSi) wafer, that can be very helpful for manufacturing low cost HJ solar cells at industrial scale because of thin wafer and removal of additional processing setup required for deposition of amorphous silicon i-layer. Utilization of TiO2 and Aluminium doped Zinc Oxide as n-type layer and p-cSi as p-type layer can help in producing low cost and efficient heterojunction (HJ) than compared to HJ with intrinsic thin layer HIT solar cells.
Synthesis, Molecular Docking and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Some Benzothiazoles
Authors: Pawar Smita J. , Kale Amol , Zori Priya , Dorugade Rahul
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The new series of 2-(substituted amino)-N-(6- substituted-1,3-benzothiazol-2yl) acetamide BTC(a-t) has been synthesized by appropriate synthetic route from substituted 2-amino benzothiazole. The synthesized compounds were screened experimentally for its antimicrobial property against gram positive, gram negative bacteria and fungi. Zone of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration of compounds was determined against selected bacterial and fungal strains. Compound BTC-j N-(6-methoxy-1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)-2-(pyridine-3-yl amino) acetamide and compound BTC-r N-(6-nitro-1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)-2-(pyridine-3-yl amino) acetamide found to have good antimicrobial potential. The compound BTC-j has shown good antibacterial activity against S. aureus at MIC of 12.5 µg/ml, B. subtilis at MIC of 6.25µg/ml, E. coli at MIC of 3.125µg/ml and P. aeruginosa at MIC of 6.25µg/ml. No statistical difference in antimicrobial activity of standard and test compounds was found indicating test compounds have comparable activity. Further docking study was carried out to check the probable interactions with the selected protein using V-life MDS 3.5 software. (DNA gyrase, PDB: 3G75). The dock score of compounds and antimicrobial activity found to be consistent.
Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form-34(SCNS-SF-34) Nepali Version: Psychometric Assessment Among Cervical Cancer Patients in Nepal
Authors: Dhakal Kamala , Wang Panpan , Mboineki Joanes Faustine , Getu Mikiyas Amare , Chen Changying , Boyes Allison , Shrestha Daya Laxmi , Ghimire Bijesh Raj , Adhikari Abish , Adhikari Bibhav
Published: February 2021

PurposePsychometrically valid and reliable supportive care need survey(SCNS) instrument explores perceived supportive care needs of cervical cancer patients in comprehensively. No Nepali validated version so we decided to test the psychometric properties of the translated Nepali version of SCNS-SF 34-N(Nepali) among cervical cancer patients.Methods334 participants were recruited purposively from 5 cancers specific hospital. Factor structure was assessed by using Exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Structure validity, Internal consistency convergent validity, and discriminant validity of the resulting factor structure were calculated and confirmed. ResultsUsing EFA a five-factor structure was developed considering higher loading factor for multiple loaded items which was similar with the dimensions of the original version of the SCNS-SF34 (psychological, health system and information, physical and daily living, patient care and support, and sexuality), accounting for 65.48% of the total variance. Internal consistency was achieved at an acceptable level, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranging from 0.789 to 0.929for all five domains and 0.887 for the whole scale. Convergent validity was confirmed by significant inter item correlations with all corresponding items. Independent 't' test between known subgroups on age, marital status, stage of disease and treatment modalities confirmed discriminant validity.ConclusionsIt was confirmed that the SCNS-SF 34 N(Nepali) is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of the supportive care needs of cervical cancer patients in Nepal
Associations of Meeting 24-hour Movement Guidelines with Stress and Self-rated Health among Adults: Is Meeting more Guidelines Associated with Greater Benefits?
Authors: KASTELIC Kaja , PEDIŠIĆ Željko , LIPOVAC Dean , KASTELIC Nika , CHEN Si-Tong , Šarabon Nejc
Published: February 2021

Background: Several countries have recently issued 24-hour movement guidelines for adults. From a public health perspective, it is important to explore the health benefits of meeting the 24-hour movement guidelines. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the associations of meeting the 24-hour movement guidelines with stress and self-rated health among adults, and whether the likelihood of favourable outcomes increases with the number of movement guidelines met.Methods: A total of 2476 adults participated in our survey. The participants were categorised depending on whether they met the combined 24-hour movement guidelines, any combination of two individual guidelines, or any individual guideline. The associations of meeting the movement guidelines with stress and self-rated health were analysed using ordinal logistic regression models.Results: Significantly lower odds of reporting higher frequency of stress were found for those who met the combined 24-hour movement guidelines (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32, 0.63; p < 0.001), any combination of two guidelines (OR range: 0.48 – 0.63; p < 0.05 for all), and sleep guideline only (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.75; p = 0.001). Significantly higher odds of reporting better self-rated health were found for those who met the combined 24-hour movement guidelines (OR = 2.94; 95% CI: 2.07, 4.19; p < 0.001), combination of MVPA and SB guidelines (OR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.57, 3.44; p < 0.001), combination of MVPA and sleep guidelines (OR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.23, 2.59; p = 0.002), and MVPA guideline only (OR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.50, 3.36; p < 0.001). Meeting more guidelines was associated with greater odds of favourable outcomes (p for linear trend < 0.001). Conclusion: Adults who meet the sleep guideline, any combination of two guidelines, or all three guidelines experience stress less frequently. Meeting the MVPA guideline alone or in combination with any other movement behaviour guideline was associated with better self-rated health. The likelihood of less frequent stress and better self-rated health increases with the number of guidelines met. These findings highlight the public health importance of encouraging adults to meet as many movement behaviour guidelines as possible.
Vitamin D Deficiency Enhances Non-typeable Haemophilus Influenzae Clearance During Repeated Infections but Worsens Lung Function, Irrespective of Cigarette Smoke Exposure
Authors: Serré Jef , Tanjeko Ajime Tom , Mathyssen Carolien , Heigl Tobias , Cook Dana Paulina , Verbeken Erik , Maes Karen , Verhaegen Jan , Pilette Charles , Vanoirbeek Jeroen , Gysemans Conny , Mathieu Chantal , Vanaudenaerde Bart , Janssens Wim , Gayan-Ramirez Ghislaine
Published: February 2021

Background: In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), exacerbations cause acute inflammatory flare-ups and increase the risk for hospitalization and mortality. Exacerbations are common in all disease stages and are often caused by bacterial infections e.g., non-typeable Heamophilus influenzae (NTHi). Accumulating evidence also associates vitamin D deficiency with the severity of COPD and exacerbation frequency. However, it is still unclear whether vitamin D deficiency when combined with cigarette smoking would worsen and prolong exacerbations caused by repeated infections with the same bacterial strain. Methods: vitamin D sufficient (VDS) and deficient (VDD) mice were exposed to nose-only cigarette smoke (CS) for 14 weeks and oropharyngeally instilled with NTHi at week 6, 10 and 14. Three days after the last instillation, mice were assessed for lung function, remodeling, inflammation and immunity. The impact of VDD and CS on inflammatory cells and immunoglobulin (Ig) production was also assessed in non-infected animals while serum Ig production against NTHi and dsDNA was measured in COPD patients before and 1 year after supplementation with Vitamin D3. Results: VDD enhanced NTHi eradication, independently of CS and complete eradiation was reflected by decreased anti-NTHi Ig’s within the lung. In addition, VDD led to an increase in total lung capacity (TLC), lung compliance (Cchord), MMP12/TIMP1 ratio with a rise in serum Ig titers and anti-dsDNA Ig’s. Interestingly, in non-infected animals, VDD exacerbated the CS-induced anti-NTHi Ig’s, anti-dsDNA Ig’s and inflammatory cells within the lung. In COPD patients, serum Ig production was not affected by vitamin D status but anti-NTHi IgG increased after vitamin D3 supplementation in Vitamin D insufficient patients before treatment. Conclusion: During repeated infections, VDD facilitated NTHi eradication and resolution of local lung inflammation through production of anti-NTHi Ig, independently of CS but it also produced autoantibodies. In COPD patients, vitamin D supplementation might be protective against NTHi infections in vitamin D insufficient patient. Future research is needed to decipher the protective or self-destructive effects of VDD on adaptive immunity.Trail registration: ClinicalTrails, NCT00666367. Registered 23 April 2008, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT00666367
Computational power of single qubit discrete-time quantum walk
Authors: Singh Shivani , Chawla Prateek , Sarkar Anupam , Chandrashekar C. M.
Published: February 2021

Quantum walk has been regarded as a primitive to universal quantum computation. By using the operations required to describe the single particle discrete-time quantum walk on a position space we demonstrate the realization of the universal set of gates on two-and three-qubit system. The idea is to reap the effective Hilbert space of the single qubit and the position space on which it evolves in superposition of position space in order to realize multi-qubit states and universal set of quantum gates on them. Realization of many non-trivial gates in the form of engineering arbitrary states is simpler in the proposed quantum walk model when compared to the circuit based model of computation. We will also discuss the scalability of the model and some propositions for using lesser number of qubits in realizing larger qubit systems.
Evaluating Human-Centred Design for Public Health A Case Study on Developing a Healthcare App with Refugee Communities.
Authors: Bartlett Rebeccah , Boyle Jacqueline , Smith Jessica Simons , Khan Nadia , Robinson Tracy , Ramaswamy Rohit
Published: February 2021

Background: Australian women from migrant and refugee communities experience reduced access to sexual and reproductive healthcare. Human-centred design is an ethical and effective approach to developing health solutions with underserved populations that are more likely to experience significant disadvantage or social marginalisation. This study aimed to evaluate how well Shifra, a small Australian-based not-for-profit, applied human-centred design when developing a web-based application that delivers local, evidence-based and culturally relevant health information to its non-English speaking users. Methods: This study undertook a document review, survey and semi-structured interviews to evaluate how well Shifra was able to achieve its objectives using a human-centred design approach. Results: A co-design process successfully led to the development of a web-based health app for refugee and migrant women. This evaluation also yielded several important recommendations for improving Shifra’s human-centred design approach moving forward. Conclusions: Improving refugees’ access to sexual and reproductive health is complex and requires innovative and thoughtful problem solving. This evaluation of Shifra’s human-centred design approach provides a helpful and rigorous guide in reporting that may encourage other organisations undertaking human-centred design work to evaluate their own implementation. Keywords: human-centred design; design thinking; refugee health; evaluation Plain language summary: Australian women from non-English speaking migrant and refugee communities face reduced access to sexual and reproductive healthcare and many then go on to experience poor health outcomes as a result. There is an urgent need for new approach to improve access to healthcare for underserved communities, one that centres these women in the process of finding, developing and disseminating the solutions themselves. Human-centred design is an ethical and effective methodology to working with communities to develop these health solutions. This study aimed to evaluate how well Shifra, a small Australian-based not-for-profit focused on improving access to healthcare for refugees and new migrants, undertook human-centred design approach when developing a Smartphone app that deliver local, safe and culturally relevant health information to non-English speaking Australians. The authors interviewed refugees, health and social sector experts and computer programmers involved in creating Shifra to evaluate how well they used human-centred design to achieve its goals. This evaluation found that Shifra’s approach was successful whilst also highlighting several important recommendations for improving collaborative efforts with refugee communities. These findings could help other projects also seeking to undertake an authentic community co-design process.
Kupyaphores are counter regulatory zinc homeostatic metallophores required for Mycobacterium tuberculosis colonization
Authors: Mehdiratta Kritee , Singh Shubham , Sharma Sachin , Bhosale Rashmi , Choudhury Rahul , Masal Dattatraya P. , Manocha Alzu , Dhamale Bhushan Dilip , Khan Naseem , A. Vivekanand , Sharma Pooja , Ikeh Melanie , Brown Amanda C. , Parish Tanya , Ojha Anil , Michael Joy Sarojini , Faruq Mohammed , Medigeshi Guruprasad R. , Mohanty Debasisa , Re D Srinivasa , Natarajan Vivek , Kamat Siddhesh , Gokhale Rajesh
Published: February 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) patients suffer from progressive and debilitating loss of muscle mass and function, referred to as cachexia. Though a multifactorial condition, cachexia in cancer is promoted by systemic zinc redistribution and accumulation in muscles. Clinical studies with TB patients indeed show zinc dyshomeostasis. We therefore set out to understand mechanisms by which Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) govern zinc metallostasis at the host-pathogen interface. Here, we report a novel zinc metallophore from Mtb that restores zinc metabolic imbalance. These diisonitrile lipopeptides, named kupyaphores are transiently induced early-on during macrophage infection and also in infected mice lungs. Kupyaphores protects bacteria from host-mediated nutritional deprivation and intoxication. Kupyaphore Mtb mutant strain cannot mobilize zinc and shows reduced fitness in mice. Further, we characterize Mtb encoded isonitrile hydratase that could mediate intracellular zinc release through covalent modification of kupyaphores. Our studies could provide a molecular link between TB-induced altered zinc homeostasis and associated cachexia.
Effects of snow absence on N pools and enzyme activities within soil aggregates in a spruce forest on the eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Zhijie , Li Zimin , Reichel Rüdiger , Yang Kaijun , Zhang Li , Tan Bo , Yin Rui , Xu Zhenfeng
Published: February 2021

Background

Snow cover change has a great potential to impact soil nitrogen (N) pools and enzyme activities in boreal forests. Yet, the nature of this biochemical processes within soil aggregates is still limited. We conducted a snow manipulation experiment to investigate the effects of snow absence on N pools and enzyme activities within soil aggregates in a subalpine spruce forest on the eastern Tibetan Plateau of China.
Results

Snow absence increased extractable inorganic N pools (ammonium and nitrate) and enzyme activities, accompanying with the improvement of N mineralization rate. Regardless of snow manipulations, both soil extractable inorganic N and net N mineralization was higher in macroaggregates than that in the other two aggregates. In contrast, microaggregates had higher urease and nitrite reductase activities compared to macroaggregates and large macroaggregates. Compared with small macroaggregates and large macroaggregates, N pools and enzymes within microaggregates is more sensitive to snow absence.
Conclusions

Our results indicated that the impacts of snow cover change on soil N dynamic depend on aggregate sizes and winter conditions (e.g., snow cover and temperature). Such findings have important implication for soil N cycling in snow-covered subalpine forests experiencing pronounced winter climate change.
Protective Effect of Occupational Complexity on Working Memory in Patients with Frontal Lobe Tumors
Authors: Ebina Kota , Matsui Mie , Kinoshita Masashi , Saito Daisuke , Nakada Mitsutoshi
Published: February 2021

Cognitive reserve (CR) is the capacity to cope with cognitive impairments due to brain damage by neurological disease. CR is increased by intellectually enriching activities, such as education, occupation, and leisure. After brain tumor resection, patients show working memory impairment because of damage to fronto-parietal networks, such as the superior longitudinal fascicle (SLF). To date, whether occupational experience represented as CR impacts postoperative working memory impairment in patients with frontal lobe tumors remains unknown. We hypothesized that occupational experience predicted postoperative working memory and that higher damage in the SLF was associated with poorer working memory. We enrolled 27 patients who had undergone tumor resection. Patient's occupational experience was estimated using an occupational complexity index based on a dictionary of occupational titles. Working memory was measured using verbal and spatial working memory tasks. Our results showed that patients who had engaged in more complex occupations showed higher performance of postoperative working memory, which supported the previous CR hypothesis. In conclusion, CR has protective effects against working memory impairment in patients with frontal lobe tumors. CR measures, such as occupational experience, will help more accurately predict the severity of working memory deficits and the likelihood of recovery in the postoperative period.
Evaluating the Impact of Covariate Lookback Times on Performance of Patient-Level Prediction Models
Authors: Hardin Jill , Reps Jenna M.
Published: February 2021

Background: The goal of our study is to provide guidance for deciding which length of lookback to implement when engineering features to use when developing predictive models using observational healthcare data. Using a longer lookback for feature engineering gives more insight about patients but increases the issue of left-censoring. Methods: We used five US observational databases to develop patient-level prediction models. A target cohort of subjects with hypertensive drug exposures and outcome cohorts of subjects with acute (stroke and gastrointestinal bleeding) and chronic outcomes (diabetes and chronic kidney disease) were developed. Candidate predictors that exist on or prior to the target index date were derived within the following lookback periods: 14, 30, 90, 180, 365, 730, and all days prior to index were evaluated. We predicted the risk of outcomes occurring 1 day until 365 days after index. Ten lasso logistic models for each lookback period were generated to create a distribution of area under the curve (AUC) metrics to evaluate the discriminative performance of the models. Impact on external validation performance was investigated across five databases. Results: Our results show that a shorter lookback time for the acute outcomes, stroke and gastrointestinal bleeding results in equivalent performance as using longer lookback times. A lookback time of at least 365 days for the chronic outcomes, diabetes and renal impairment, results in equivalent performance as using lookback times greater than 365 days.Conclusions: Our results suggest the optimal model performance and choice of length of lookback is dependent on the outcome type (acute or chronic). Our study illustrates that use of at least 365 days results in equivalent performance as using longer lookback periods. Researchers should evaluate lookback in the context of the prediction question to determine optimal model performance.