bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deletion of the Gene Encoding the NMDA Receptor GluN1 Subunit in Schwann Cells Causes Ultrastructural Changes in Remak Bundles and Hypersensitivity in Pain Processing
Authors: Brifault Coralie , Romero Haylie , Van-Enoo Alicia , Pizzo Don , Azmoon Pardis , Kwon HyoJun , Nasamran Chanond , Gonias Steven L. , Campana Wendy M. 
Published: October 2020

Abnormalities in interactions between sensory neurons and Schwann cells (SCs) may result in heightened pain processing and chronic pain states. We previously reported that SCs express the NMDA receptor (NMDA-R), which activates cell signaling in response to glutamate and specific protein ligands, such as tissue-type plasminogen activator. Herein, we genetically targetedgrin1encoding the essential GluN1 NMDA-R subunit, conditionally in SCs, to create a novel mouse model in which SCs are NMDA-R-deficient (GluN1– mice). These mice demonstrated increased sensitivity to light touch, pinprick, and thermal hyperalgesia in the absence of injury, without associated changes in motor function. Ultrastructural analysis of adult sciatic nerve in GluN1– mice revealed increases in the density of Aδ fibers and Remak bundles and a decrease in the density of Aβ fibers, without alteredg-ratios. Abnormalities in adult Remak bundle ultrastructure were also present including aberrant C-fiber ensheathment, distances between axons, and increased poly-axonal pockets. Developmental and post radial sorting defects contributed to altered nerve fiber densities in adult. Uninjured sciatic nerves in GluN1– mice did not demonstrate an increase in neuroinflammatory infiltrates. Transcriptome profiling of dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) revealed 138 differentially regulated genes in GluN1– mice. One third of the regulated genes are known to be involved in pain processing, includingsprr1a,npy,fgf3,atf3, andcckbr, which were significantly increased. The intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) was significantly decreased in the skin of GluN1– mice. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that SC NMDA-R is essential for normal PNS development and for preventing development of pain states.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTChronic unremitting pain is a prevalent medical condition; however, the molecular mechanisms that underlie heightened pain processing remain incompletely understood. Emerging data suggest that abnormalities in Schwann cells (SCs) may cause neuropathic pain. We established a novel mouse model for small fiber neuropathy (SFN) in whichgrin1, the gene that encodes the NMDA receptor (NMDA-R) GluN1 subunit, is deleted in SCs. These mice demonstrate hypersensitivity in pain processing in the absence of nerve injury. Changes in the density of intraepidermal small fibers, the ultrastructure of Remak bundles, and the transcriptome of dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) provide possible explanations for the increase in pain processing. Our results support the hypothesis that abnormalities in communication between sensory nerve fibers and SCs may result in pain states.
EVALUATION OF ANTI-CRYPTOCOCCAL ACTIVITY OF BACITRACIN
Authors: Singh Karuna , . Neelabh 
Published: October 2020

Cryptococcosis is amongst potentially deadly diseases whose impact has aggrandized with the advent of AIDS and antifungal resistance. Antifungals used presently are short of broad spectrum activity and furthermore are involved in several side effects. Henceforth, the present manuscript focuses on the evaluation of antifungal activity of bacitracin against Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii, the causative agent of the disease.
Minimum inhibitory concentration, flow cytometric analysis and confocal microscopy were used to determine the in-vitro fungal susceptibilities. Light microscopy was used to determine the changes in the micromorphology of the fungal organism. Swiss mice were used for testing the efficacy of bacitracin in-vivo.
Bacitracin showed cidal activity against C. n. grubii at 5.5 mg/ml which is on the higher side but on testing under in-vivo conditions it was observed that doses as high as 15 mg/kg bw/day did not show any adverse effect in the body. Better survival rate of the bacitracin treated mice, lowering of the fungal load and changes showing improvement in the tissue morphology depicts the mild anticryptococcal activity of bacitracin.
Although, bacitracin has proved to be a potent antifungal yet there are several limitations like low bioavailability and its peptide nature. However, these problems can be limited by developing suitable analogs of the compound.
Consumption of Psychoactive Substances among Teenagers in Schools in Conakry, Republic of Guinea
Authors: M DOUKOURE , K SOUMAORO , MT KEITA 
Published: October 2020

Introduction : The use and abuse of psychoactive substances (SPA) in the adolescence age has become a major public health concern. In this study, we sought to determine the prevalence of the consumption of psychoactive substances, to identify the different substances consumed as well as the motivations underlying this consumption.
Methods: It is a 6-month cross-sectional prospective study carried out in two public Junior Secondary Schools in Conakry. It involved 600 students and the sampling was simple random. Were included in this study, all the students of the two Junior Secondary Schools retained following the sampling; and having correctly completed the questionnaire and returned it. To carry out this work, we proceeded to a simple random sampling by drawing lots.
Results: The prevalence of SPA consumption was 35.5%, boys were read represented (64.8%), the age groups 12 – 16 years and 17 – 20 years were the most affected 41% each). In the majority of students (72%), parents were separated and 72% of them had repeated at least once. The most consumed substances were only cannabis (24%) and tobacco (8%), the combination tobacco + cannabis represented 44% and irregular consumption of these substances was the most frequent (66% for cannabis and 63% for the tobacco). The first experience of these substances was very early in 21% for cannabis and 49% for tobacco.
Conclusion: The consumption of psychoactive substances constitutes a real public health problem. A study of all the schools in the capital city and at the national level seems essential to situate the extent of the phenomenon and analyze the various factors involved in order to provide appropriate solutions.
A descriptive research audit of the long term developmental outcomes of 30 infants with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) who received hypothermia at a secondary Hospital in South Africa
Authors: Stark Suzanne , Van der Vyver Desiree , Gretschel Pamela 
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Hypothermia is a neuroprotective strategy proven to reduce death and disability in children presenting with HypoxicIschemic Encephalopathy (HIE). Little evidence exists regarding the long term developmental outcomes of infants who receivedhypothermia within a secondary hospital in South Africa.Method: Drawing on a descriptive research audit this paper describes the development (up to five years) of 30 infants with HIE who received hypothermia at the George hospital in South Africa. Developmental outcomes were measured at 3, 9, 12, 24 and 36 months using the Strive Towards Achieving Results Together (START) and at 48 and 60 months using the Early Childhood Developmental Criteria (ECDC). Summary data (variables considered risk factors) were collected retrospectively. The associations between this data and developmental outcomes are described.Results: Twenty children presented with typical development, eight presented with cerebral palsy (CP) and two were lost to follow up. A significant association between a severe HIE score and CP was found (p=0.0005). The children performed equally in fine motor, gross motor and cognitive abilities at four years with poorer outcomes in cognitive and fine motor abilities recorder at five years. The perceptual activity both age groups struggled with the most was directionality. .Conclusion: The results of the research audit support the need for long-term occupational therapy follow-up of children with HIE to monitor their development and provide specific interventions to promote their development and prevent barriers to learning. This paper also advocates the need for occupational therapists working in the public health sector to have access to standardised assessment tools which allow them to closely monitor the development of infants who present with HIE at birth.
Key words: Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, hypothermia, developmental outcomes, environment
Responsiveness of the Activity Participation Outcome Measure in adult patients with Traumatic Brain Injury in an acute private neurological rehabilitation setting in South Africa
Authors: Camp Alison , Casteleijn Daleen , Thupae Dineo 
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Acute neurological rehabilitation aims to reduce the burden of care of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and increase their activity participation. Tracking change throughout the rehabilitation is essential for funders of the service as well as the patient. Valid, reliable and responsive outcome measures are thus needed for accurate measurement of change.This study compared the responsiveness to change of the Functional Independence Measureâ„¢+ Functional Assessment Measure (FIMâ„¢+FAM) with the Activity Participation Outcomes Measure (APOM). This was administered TBI patients in the acute neurological rehabilitation phase in a private health care facility in South Africa.Method: A quantitative, prospective, longitudinal cohort design was used. A sample of 24 in-patients over 12 months was scored weekly on both outcome measures. The responsiveness between the APOM and FIMâ„¢+FAM was tested using the dependent t-test for paired samples and the effect size from admission to discharge was calculated with the standardised response mean.Results: Both measures were responsive to change and tracked improvement in activity participation (APOM) and reduction of burden of care (FIMâ„¢+FAM). No significant statistical difference was found between the responsiveness of the two measures, however positive changes were reported in each individual patient.Conclusion: Although both measures are responsive to track change in TBI patients, the APOM includes more specific items that occupational therapists address in rehabilitation. The lack of a measure of physical components in the APOM makes it a difficult to be the only one to use in an environment where there is a high physical burden of care in patients. However, the APOM could be used in conjunction with other impairment-based scales that target physical components. It is recommended that more occupational therapists use the APOM with TBI populations.
Key words: Activity participation outcome measure, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Acute neurological rehabilitation, responsiveness
PAPILLOMAVIRAL CARCINOGENESIS. SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS AND SPECIFIC CHALLENGES. PART 3. THREE LEVELS OF CERVICAL CANCER PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
Authors: Volgareva G. M. 
Published: October 2020

Efficient prophylactic vaccines have been developed to prevent cervical cancer, a frequent female oncological disease caused by carcinogenic human papillomaviruses. World Health Organization worked out the program for prophylaxis of cervical cancer and control of the disease. It includes preventive adolescent vaccinations, screening of precancerous cervical lesions in women as well as cervical cancer treatment if originated. Cervical cancer diagnostics is being improved, development of therapeutic human papillomaviruses vaccines is in progress. The review deals with major achievements and certain challenges in the field of cervical cancer prevention.Part I see: Volgareva G.M. Papillomaviral carcinogenesis. Major achievements and certain challenges. Part I. General notions of papillomaviruses. Human papillomavirusesassociated cancers. Russian Journal of Biotherapy 2020;19(1):6–12.Part 2 see: Volgareva G.M. Papillomaviral carcinogenesis. Major achievements and certain challenges. Part 2. HPV-associated cancers in Russia. Preventive HPV vaccines. Russian Journal of Biotherapy 2020;19(2):31–8.
Love-Wave Phase-Velocity Estimation from Array-Based Rotational Motion Microtremor
Authors: Yoshida Kunikazu , Uebayashi Hirotoshi 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTThe most popular array-based microtremor survey methods estimate velocity structures from the phase velocities of Rayleigh waves. Using the phase velocity of Love waves improves the resolution of inverted velocity models. In this study, we present a method to estimate the phase velocity of Love waves using rotational array data derived from the horizontal component of microtremors observed using an ordinal nested triangular array. We obtained discretized spatial derivatives from a first-order Taylor series expansion to calculate rotational motions from observed array seismograms. Rotational motions were obtained from a triangular subarray consisting of three receivers using discretized spatial derivatives. Four rotational-motion time histories were calculated from different triangular subarrays in the nested triangular arrays. Phase velocities were estimated from the array of the four rotational motions. We applied the proposed Love-wave phase-velocity estimation technique to observed array microtremor data obtained using a nested triangular array with radii of 25 and 50 m located at the Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University. The phase velocities of rotational and vertical motions were estimated from the observed data, and results showed that the former were smaller than those of the latter. The observed phase velocities obtained from vertical and rotational components agreed well with the theoretical Rayleigh- and Love-wave phase velocities calculated from the velocity structure model derived from nearby PS logs. To show the ability of the rotation to obtain Love wave, we estimated apparent phase velocities from north–south or east–west components. The apparent velocities resulted in between the theoretical velocities of Rayleigh and Love waves. This result indicates that the calculated rotation effectively derived the Love waves from a combination of Love and Rayleigh waves.
Robust Empirical Time–Frequency Relations for Seismic Spectral Amplitudes, Part 1: Application to RegionalSWaves in Southeastern Iran
Authors: Safarshahi Maryam , Morozov Igor B. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTEmpirical models of geometrical-, Q-, t-star, and kappa-type attenuation of seismic waves and ground-motion prediction equations (GMPEs) are viewed as cases of a common empirical standard model describing variation of wave amplitudes with time and frequency. Compared with existing parametric and nonparametric approaches, several new features are included in this model: (1) flexible empirical parameterization with possible nonmonotonous time or distance dependencies; (2) joint inversion for time or distance and frequency dependencies, source spectra, site responses, kappas, and Q; (3) additional constraints removing spurious correlations of model parameters and data residuals with source–receiver distances and frequencies; (4) possible kappa terms for sources as well as for receivers; (5) orientation-independent horizontal- and three-component amplitudes; and (6) adaptive filtering to reduce noise effects. The approach is applied to local and regional S-wave amplitudes in southeastern Iran. Comparisons with previous studies show that conventional attenuation models often contain method-specific biases caused by limited parameterizations of frequency-independent amplitude decays and assumptions about the models, such as smoothness of amplitude variations. Without such assumptions, the frequency-independent spreading of S waves is much faster than inferred by conventional modeling. For example, transverse-component amplitudes decrease with travel time t as about t−1.8 at distances closer than 90 km and as t−2.5 beyond 115 km. The rapid amplitude decay at larger distances could be caused by scattering within the near surface. From about 90 to 115 km distances, the amplitude increases by a factor of about 3, which could be due to reflections from the Moho and within the crust. With more accurate geometrical-spreading and kappa models, the Q factor for the study area is frequency independent and exceeds 2000. The frequency-independent and Q-type attenuation for vertical-component and multicomponent amplitudes is somewhat weaker than for the horizontal components. These observations appear to be general and likely apply to other areas.
A study of Clostridium difficile positivity using multistep algorithm of testings in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Chaudhary Jyoti , Deepinder K Chhina , Singh Chhina Rajoo , Kaur Sandhar Tanureet 
Published: October 2020

Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic, spore bearing bacteria can colonize hospitalized patients commonly. Toxin producing strains are an important cause of nosocomial diarrhea. Though various testing methods are available for the diagnosis of C. difficile infection (CDI) but, correct diagnosis is still a challenge for laboratories. To study the positivity of the infection by multiple testing methods available. This is an observational study. A total of 1429 freshly passed stool samples received in the Department of Microbiology from February 2019-May 2020 were included in the study. Further, the samples (1415) were tested for presence of Glutamate Dehydrogenase antigen (GDH Ag), toxin A, toxin B by an ICT (immunochromatography test) from Vittassay. A total of 48 samples were tested by GeneXpert (Cepheid) PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). Out of these, 14 samples were tested by PCR alone &34 samples were tested by both ICT & PCR. A total of 188(13.2%) samples received, from 165 patients including 94(57%) male patients & 71(43%) female patients, were found positive for CDI. Out of these, 184(13%) samples were found positive for GDH Ag screening in ICT. Among, 48 PCR tested samples, 5(10.4%) were detected positive for tcdtB gene. A total of 97(6.8%) samples showed the presence of toxins. Multiple algorithm of testings is required to increase the sensitivity of the diagnosis, but high cost is a limiting factor in the developing countries.
Predictive utility of fluorescent microscopy for detection of drug resistance in patient of pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: M Kaore Navinchandra , Mukherjee Sushmita , N Kaore Shilpa , Kaur Surender 
Published: October 2020

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health problem with 480000 new cases being reported annually, 9 percent of which exhibit extensive drug resistant TB. With 9.6 cases per lac population early detection of drug resistance at peripheral levels is must. The study was planned to use Fluorescent microscopy (FM) with Fluorescein Diacetate Ethidium Bromide (FDA/EB) stain to evaluate the viability of the mycobacteria to predict the drug resistance. This cross-sectional analytical study was carried out on all sputum smear positive patients after obtaining the Institutional Ethics Committee clearance over a period of 3 months. Samples were obtained on day 0, 3, 7 and 14. After staining with the working solution, observation was made by two independent observers for viable verses non-viable mycobacteria. FDA will stain the live bacilli and fluoresce green whereas dead bacilli lack the esterase activity and are counterstained by ethidium bromide and appear red. Data was maintained in MS Excel and analysed using tests of proportion and significance. A total of 30 participants were included based on the inclusion criteria. There was a loss of follow up from 14 patients. 4/16 (25%) patients were found be harbor drug resistant mycobacteria strains bases on decreasing ratio of viable to non-viable bacteria on followup. Results when compared with gold standard of Line Probe Assay (LiPA) was found to be highly significant with Chi square value of 11.73 and p value &#60;0.001This study establishes the utility of fluorescent microscopy using FDA and EB to detect drug resistance in patients of pulmonary tuberculosis by evaluation of viable and non-viable at peripheral microscopic centers Fluorescent Microscopy with FDA/EB staining holds a potential to predict drug resistance in sputum smear positive patients at peripheral designated microscopic centers which will reduce financial as well as human resource burden.
A prospective study on the microbial profile of pyrexia of unknown origin from inpatients of tertiary care hospital in North Karnataka
Authors: Kulkarni Sudheendra , Chillarge Chandrakanth 
Published: October 2020

Fever could have many causes including infective and non infective origin. PUO is a clinical syndrome that may result from much common etiology which was characterized by prolonged fever without the signs or symptoms indicative of a well defined disease processTo find the infectious causes of fever of unknown origin for 2–7 days duration were tested for Leptospirosis, Malaria, Rickettsial disease, Dengue virus, Chikungunya virus, UTI and blood borne infections and to find out antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the organisms isolated. This prospective study conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences (BRIMS) Bidar of North Karnataka. Patients with fever of unknown origin for 2–7 days duration were tested for Leptospirosis, Malaria, Rickettsial disease, Dengue virus, Chikungunya virus and urine & blood culture tests. Statistical software package SPSS version 22 was used to analyse the data. Chi-square test was applied wherever necessary and P-value of ˂0.05 was considered statistically significant.Among the 200 enrolled patients, 57 Dengue fever, 44 Enteric fever, 34 Chikungunya, 23 UTI, 21 Blood borne pathogens, 17 Leptospirosis, 14 Scrub-Typhus and 3 Malaria cases were confirmed. Mixed infection was seen in 26 cases. In our investigation, the current study revealed that the burden of Dengue, Enteric fever, Chikungunya, Leptospirosis, Scrub-Typhus & UTI disease is more in the current population. Laboratory based syndromic information of PUO can make clinicians cautious with respect to the potential pathogens in neighborhood. However, some of the cases always elude diagnosis, although the patients may respond to empirical therapy.
COVID-19 Cases Detection: Suspect Case Strategy
Authors: Ji Zhongliang , Lu Kailin , Sun Xuedong 
Published: October 2020

<p><strong>Background and objective:</strong> as COVID-19 has triggered enormous human casualties and disastrous economic loss, the strategies to contain its spread are urgently needed. We aim to assess the value of our suspect case strategy on COVID-19 cases detection and ensure it to be a complement to the RT-PCR test. <strong>Materials and methods:</strong> from January 23 to April 30, 2020, patients admitted to our emergence isolation ward (EIW) were analyzed in this study. With RT-PCR as a reference standard, all participants were assigned to COVID-19 positive and negative groups. We compared the performance of the suspect case strategy, WBC, LYM, and chest radiography on COVID-19 detection. <strong>Results:</strong> one hundred twenty-five cases were analyzed in the study period. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed the sensitivity of WBC and LYM on COVID-19 detection was 92.11% and 76.31%, respectively. The sensitivity of the suspect case was 94.73%, and the sensitivity of chest CT was 53.33%. Statistically significant differences were observed for the suspect case, WBCs, LYM, and chest CT on COVID-19 detection. <strong>Discussion:</strong> suspect case strategy can help identify false negative RT-PCR tests and be a useful complement to RT-PCR in some countries with a tremendous shortage of RT-PCR agents and specialized laboratory during the COVID-19 outbreak.</p>