Showing papers in "Journal of Biosciences and Medicines in 2021"

Drinking Water Treatment: pH Adjustment Using Natural Physical Field

Abstract: Water has a pH of around (7.0), making it neither alkaline nor acidic. Alkaline is defined as a pH value greater than (7.0). The power of water to neutralize acids is measured by its alkalinity. The pH scale ranges from (pH = 0 to 14), with anything above (pH = 7.0) being alkaline, and anything below (7.0) being acidic. Much of the research up to now has been investigating the effect of adding alkaline substances to the water to increase the pH levels. Recent evidence suggests that using baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), which is an alkaline substance with a pH of about (9). While studies have shown that adding soda to water increases its alkalinity, it has a number of negative health consequences. For instance, Hypokalemia, Hypochloremia, High levels of sodium in the blood, Worsening kidney disease, Worsening heart failure, Muscle weakness and spasm, and Increased stomach acid production. The main aim of this study is to investigate a natural substance consisting of environmental elements i.e., it is derived from silica by the thermal fusion method (prepared by the authors) that raises the pH of water with a physical field of 80 cm without adding any components to the water. The results showed the effectiveness of this natural substance in its solid and liquid forms in raising the pH of water to reach 8.5 from a distance range = 80 cm, without any side effects on human health.

Ultrasonographic Segmentation of Fetal Lung with Deep Learning

Abstract: The morbidity and mortality of the fetus is related closely with the neonatal respiratory morbidity, which was caused by the immaturity of the fetal lung primarily. The amniocentesis has been used in clinics to evaluate the maturity of the fetal lung, which is invasive, expensive and time-consuming. Ultrasonography has been developed to examine the fetal lung quantitatively in the past decades as a non-invasive method. However, the contour of the fetal lung required by existing studies was delineated in manual. An automated segmentation approach could not only improve the objectiveness of those studies, but also offer a quantitative way to monitor the development of the fetal lung in terms of morphological parameters based on the segmentation. In view of this, we proposed a deep learning model for automated fetal lung segmentation and measurement. The model was constructed based on the U-Net. It was trained by 3500 data sets augmented from 250 ultrasound images with both the fetal lung and heart manually delineated, and then tested on 50 ultrasound data sets. With the proposed method, the fetal lung and cardiac area were automatically segmented with the accuracy, average IoU, sensitivity and precision being 0.98, 0.79, 0.881 and 0.886, respectively.

COVID-19 and EBV Co-Infection in a Child

Abstract: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), reported first in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. The virus soon spread all over the world and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. At the beginning of the outbreak, infections were more common in adults then in children; however, in the following months, the number of pediatric infection cases increased significantly. The disease in children is less severe, but occasionally it may be complicated with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome. Some of the symptoms and signs may be overlapped with other infectious diseases of the childhood and confound the appropriate diagnosis. A high index of suspicion must be maintained in children while making a diagnosis. We report the case of a 5 years old presented with COVOD-19 and EBV co-infection.

Happy Hypoxia in COVID-19 Patients at Kinshasa University Hospital (Democratic Republic of the Congo): Frequency and Vital Outcome

Abstract: Background: Happy hypoxia is a new feature found in COVID-19 patients It consists of the presence of severe hypoxemia but normal breathing rate Failure to identify this hypoxia may have negative consequences on the survival of the patient The objective of the present study was to measure the frequency of patients with happy hypoxia and to evaluate their survival at the Kinshasa University Hospital (KUH) Methods: This was a historical cohort of 141 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at KUH from March 23 to June 15, 2020 Happy hypoxia was defined as oxygen saturation below 90% without dyspnea Socio-demographic data, co-morbidities, follow up time of hospitalization and outcomes were studied Survival was assessed using the Kaplan Meier curve Results: Out of 141 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, 79 (56%) patients were at the severe or critical stage and 9 (64%) had a happy hypoxia on admission Patients who had happy hypoxia on admission were generally older than 60 years of age (556%) (p = 0023) Comparison of survival curves, based on the presence or absence of happy hypoxia, shows a statistically significant difference (p = 0001) The presence of happy hypoxia reduces survival Conclusion: The frequency of happy hypoxia among COVID-19 patients was low Survival was reduced in patients with happy hypoxia Prehospital pulse oximetry could serve as an early warning signal for the detection of happy hypoxemia in COVID-19 patients

Validation of Microchip RT-PCR COVID-19 Detection System

Abstract: While meeting the pandemic demand of SARS-CoV-2 testing, clinical laboratories worldwide tend to adopt new test systems offering cost-effective and faster test outcomes. However, the reliability of SARS-CoV-2 test results has paramount importance in the management of such a health crisis. Therefore, this study sought to determine the accuracy of the test results from a novel duplex Microchip RT-PCR test system using patient saliva samples and nasal swabs stabilized in Viral Transport Medium (VTM) with reference threshold Cycle Values (Ct). The VTM used to stabilize these samples during transport was found to be inhibitory to the RT-PCR. Therefore, all the samples were subjected to spin column purification of total RNA to remove the influence of VTM. A total of 70 patient samples, including 24 positive- and 31 negative-saliva in VTM samples and 15 positive nasal swab samples, were tested. Results obtained from both the sample types were compared to their reference values and no false positive or false negatives were observed. From this data, accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity were determined to be 100% applying the corresponding formulae. The limit of detection with 95% confidence probability was determined to be 2.5 copies/μl in the original sample.

A Study of the Mechanical Characteristics of a Mandibular Parasymphyseal Fracture with Internal Fixation Device Subject to Variable Bite Forces: Finite Element Analysis

Abstract: In recent times, research into mandibular fracture has gained momentum from advances in scanning techniques, software/algorithm developments and improvements, and numerical structural modeling using the finite-element method (FEM). In this work, the FEM is used to model a mandibular fracture (using an inhomogeneous and orthotropic jaw model) simulating the effect of different bite tasks/forces on the stability of the fixated fracture. Specifically, bilateral and unilateral clenches (using muscle data) were studied using a low-profile 3D 4 × 2 hole mini-plate deployed for fracture fixation. Here, the mandible bone was treated as orthotropic and spatially inhomogeneous. Although the results of stress and displacement analyses, for this fixation hardware, indicate sufficient fixation under normal biting conditions, the results show that the unilateral and ipsilateral bites develop, in general, the highest stresses or displacements. Such results can guide post-surgery recommendation on bite behavior.

A Comparative Study on Pharmacokinetics of Tricin, a Flavone from Gramineous Plants with Antiviral Activity

Abstract: Tricin (and tricin containing plant extracts) has been shown to exert a pronounced antiviral activity, high radical scavenging activity and is favored for its safety profile. In the present study we have analyzed the pharmacokinetics of tricin after a single intravenous and oral administration to Wistar rats of an ethanol extract of Calamagrostis Adans and Deschampsia Beauv plants (test agent) at different doses. Tricin concentrations in blood plasma and blood cells were measured at different time points. Two-compartment (for intravenous injection) and one compartment (for oral administration) models were used for the analysis of tricin pharmacokinetics. The results showed that the pharmacokinetics of tricin after intravenous injection of test agent has a pronounced biphasic character, is well described by a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model, and is characterized by non-linear dose-dependence. The pharmacokinetics of tricin administered orally is characterized by a high rate of absorption from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood and rather slow elimination, which leads to a large volume of distribution in the body and a fairly high bioavailability. The obtained results indicate the advantages of the oral route of administration over the intravenous route.

Effects of Cryofrequency in the Different Swine Skin Tissue Layers: In Vitro and in Vivo Study

Abstract: Introduction: Cryofrequency is a novel therapy which was developed with the combination of cold (cryotherapy) and heat (radiofrequency) application, causing a thermal shock effect on skin tissue The thermal shock is believed to alter local metabolism Objective: To investigate the effect of cryofrequency on the skin tissue of a mini pig in an in vitro and in vivo experimental model Methodology: A small swine of the S domesticus species, a male mini-pig (30 kg weight) was elected for the in vivo procedure subject The in vitro step was performed on the extracted abdominal part of another subject of the same species and breed Then, after the application of cryofrequency in the monopolar and bipolar form in vivo, a histological analysis was performed Results: A higher temperature variation was observed comparing the pilot study in vitro with respect to the experimental one in vivo Microscopically, an increase of collagen fibers and blood supply and decreased adipose tissue was observed after cryofrequency application Conclusion: With the bipolar cryofrequency, no reduction of adipose tissue was observed, but regarding the connective tissue, extensive areas of collagen deposition were observed, as well as a great amount of new-formed collagen fibers

Perception and Attitude of the General Population on the Risk of Infection with SARS-CoV-2

Abstract: Current state of knowledge on the impact of emotions and perceptions of the population towards the risk of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 should be the basis for disease control measures as well as for community awareness programs. Due to differences in perceptions, concerns, culture, beliefs, different populations may react differently to the same challenges. Ninety adults were interviewed, without symptoms suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 infection, using the Romanian version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. The emotional reactions expressed by various psychotic or mental disorders, the main actions are taken to protect against the SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as the hypothetical illness behavior were investigated. The total score, as well as each item of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, indicates a low-to-moderate emotional level regarding to the risk of coronavirus infection. The data are supported by the choice to be treated at home in case of illness. There are differences in perception between sexes and between professional categories (employees vs. retirees). Knowledge of social phenomena caused by major epidemiological crises such as SARS-CoV-2 infection should be the basis of education, disease prevention and control programs to avoid the occurrence of psychosocial risks in the population.

Color-Coding of Microchip RT-PCR Test System for SARS-CoV-2 Detection

Abstract: An RT-PCR based microchip test system for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 offers pre-loaded and lyophilized reagents in the microchip. However, the 30- and 48-microwell formats of the microchip being miniaturized and performing 1.2 μl reaction, seek visual attention during sample addition. Therefore, adding colorants as color indicator in the lyophilized matrix in the microchips or adding to sample or master mix can impart not only user-friendliness to the task of liquid handling but also precision, and color-codes for easy identification of multiple kits in the layout of the microchip without compromising PCR data quality. A panel of colorants was screened for their background intensity, spectral inertness towards detection channels of AriaDNATM analyzer, interference with the reporter dyes (FAM, Cy5 and ROX), and visibility of optimal concentration in the microwell. The concentration of the colorant displaying insignificant impact on the quality of the amplification (Ct, fluorescence, and sensitivity) in comparison to no-colorant control was chosen for inclusion in the test kit. Tartrazine, Acid Red, Brilliant Blue and FAST Green colorants lyophilized with the reagents in the SARS-CoV-2 microchips were found to be stable and suitable. Storage of microchips with Fast Green colorant was tested at 40°C, 22°C, 4°C, and -20°C for 70 days and was found to be suitable and compatible with different master mixes available as liquid or lyophilized. Additionally, the microchips pre-loaded with lyophilized reagents in the presence and absence of two colorants Tartrazine and Fast Green were validated with clinical samples of SARS-COV-2. No significant impact of these colorants both intra- and inter-microchips was observed on the Ct and intensity of amplification for the tested samples in comparison to no-colorant control. The data suggested that the tested colorants can be used to color the sample, or the master mix or PCR mix for user-friendly liquid handling in empty microchips. For the microchip with pre-loaded and lyophilized reagents, the colorant can be added to lyophilized mixture for precision liquid handling and color-coding of lyophilized kits in the microchips. The manufacturing quality of the lyophilized microchips can also improve with colorant loaded reagent mix.

Public Health Significance of Campylobacter jejuni

Abstract: Campylobacter jejuni is a prominent bacterial cause of human gastroenteritis. Campylobacteriosis outbreaks reported were related to the ingestion of the contaminated food. Meat are reported to be frequently infected with C. jejuni. It is well recognized that C. jejuni is one of the main causes of gastroenteritis in humans, and poultry meat is reported to be the main source. A number of studies in several countries have shown the occurrence of C. jejuni in animal farms, slaughterhouses, and meat. This review simply describes the occurrence, spreading, and public health significance of C. jejuni.

Is There a Relationship between Endotheline-1, Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 and the Arterial Hypotension Observed during Spinal Anesthesia?

Abstract: Introduction: The involvement of the endothelial dysfunction (ED) in arterial hypotension (AHPT) post of spinal anesthesia (SA) has not been established. Objective: To determine if there is a relationship between ED and AHPT observed during the 1st 15 minutes after SA. Population and Methods: The study concerned 40 people who were to benefit from a programmed herniorrhaphy under SA and 40 controls (SA-). The correlations between mean plasma concentrations of endothelin-1 (CmET-1, pg/ml) and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (CmVCAM-1, pg/ml) taken from SA+ one hour before (H0), then 15 minutes after the SA (H15) and the mean arterial pression (AMP, mmHg) with heart rate (bpm) were analyzed (p - were 1.07 and 3.34, respectively, compared to 1.12 (p = 0.735) and 3.57 (p = 0.862) in SA+ at H0 and H15. In SA+, at H15, CmET-1 was 1.13 (p = 0.823) and CmVCAM-1 was 3.57 (p = 0.257). In SA-, a negative correlation existed between CmET-1 and CmVCAM-1 (r = -0.438; p = 0.005). Conversely, in SA+, whether at H0 (r = -0.31; p = 0.051) or at H15 (r = 0.024; p = 0.883), no correlation existed between CmET-1 and CmVCAM-1, nor between MAP and ED markers (r = 0.111; p = 0.325). Conclusion: These results show that there is no relationship between the AHPT which occurs during the first fifteen minutes post SA, CmVCAM-1 and CmET-1. Moreover, these data suggest that ED is not involved in AHPT post SA.

Forces behind the Use of Herbs during Pregnancy by Zimbabwean Women: A Case of Gweru District

Abstract: Purpose: The use of herbal remedies is gradually increasing worldwide and Zimbabwe is not left behind. This study therefore sought to explore the forces behind the use of herbs during pregnancy by Zimbabwean women. Materials and methods: A qualitative approach was chosen using the case study design to evaluate the forces. The study was carried out at three maternity hospitals in Gweru. Thirty (30) women who used herbs during pregnancy were purposefully samples and interviewed using a structured interview schedule. The date was analyzed thematically. Results: It was noted that culture and belief system, previous experience as well as significant people in the woman’s life were the forces behind the use of herbs in pregnancy. Conclusion: The study concluded that these forces promoted the indiscriminate use of herbs which are passed from mother to daughter without considering the safety of the herbs to the mother and baby. Therefore, more research is needed to analyze the safety of these herbs to ensure that the mother and baby are safe.

Age, Gender Pattern and Liver Function Markers in Hepatitis B and C Seropositive Participants Attending a Health Facility in Yaba-Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract: Background: Individuals with sero-positivity for Hepatitis B and C have been reported. Most seropositive individuals appear healthy. Liver function markers such as AST, ALT, ALP, Bilirubin and total protein levels are markers for assessing liver impairment. This study (i)assessed seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and both HBV and HCV (ii) HBV and or HCV seropositivity and age or gender, (iii) assess gender and liver function markers and (iv) update data on liver function and simple diagnostic markers. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, cross sectional study of asymptomatic individuals presenting at the Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory of Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria from January 2018 to August 2020. Markers of liver function were investigated on hepatitis B and or C sero-positive and negative participants using TC Matrix Chemistry analyser (Teco Diagnostics, USA) and Biobase reagent Kits. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Out of 475 participants, 60.4% were males and 39.6% females. 53% of males and 32.5% of females were sero-positive for HBV while 32.5% of males and 14.5% of females were sero-positive for HCV. 75.3% and 76.1% of Age group 20 - 40 years were sero-positive for Hepatitis B and C respectively. Mean AST levels of 17.49 ± 13.69, 33.46 ± 93.42 and 19.82 ± 12.54 respectively among those sero-positive for HBV, HCV, and both HBV and HCV. Mean ALT levels of 17.68 ± 14.32, 40.26 ± 13.86 and 20.04 ± 12.78 respectively for HBV, HCV and both HBV and HCV sero-positive cases. Mean ALP levels were 77.52 ± 34.0 for HBV sero-positive cases, 82.04 ± 38.45 in HCV and 77.95 ± 30.48 in both HBV and HCV sero-positive cases. Mean Total Bilirubin levels of HBV, HCV and both HBV and HCV sero-positive cases were 13.25 ± 14.52, 14.98 ± 20.74, 10.58 ± 4.91 respectively while Mean Total protein levels were 77.24 ± 6.27 in HBV, 77.87 ± 5.56 in HCV and 77.0 ± 5.99 in both HBV and HCV sero-positive cases. ALP, bilirubin and total protein were all within normal reference values in HBV, HCV and HBV/HCV dual infections. AST and ALT values were significantly elevated in HCV seropositivity compared to HBV single and HBV/BCV dual seropositivity. Conclusion: 30% prevalence of HBV, HCV and both HBV and HCV were observed. Age 20 - 40 years was significantly higher in seropositivity for hepatitis B, C and B and C dual seropositivity. More males than females showed seropositivity for hepatitis B and C. There was no significant difference between gender and liver function markers. AST and ALT remain reliable markers of liver function.

Hypochlorous Acid Induces Caspase Dependent Apoptosis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract: Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a strong oxidant produced by activated neutrophils via the myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme in order to fight against infections. Because of their antimicrobial and antiviral properties, stabilized HOCl solutions were produced to be used as a disinfectant and became a recommended disinfectant against COVID-19 by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Aberrant MPO enzyme activity results in abundant HOCl production which is related to the development and/or progression of several diseases including atherosclerosis, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies investigating the effect of HOCl on the mode of cell death in different cell types reported that HOCl induces both apoptosis and necrosis depending on its concentration. However, the data on the apoptotic pathway triggered by HOCl is controversial. In this study, we investigated the mode of cell death induced by different concentrations of HOCl in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Our data revealed that HOCl leads to cell death within 1 minute at 170 μM and above. At 340 μM, HOCl causes a rapid necrosis, while 170 μM HOCl leads to apoptosis. HOCl-induced apoptosis is mostly caspase dependent and Aif1 doesn’t have a significant role.

Small Molecular Weight Compounds Antagonistic to Amyloid Peptide 25-35

Abstract: High levels of the neurotoxic beta-amyloid protein (Aβ) in patients with Alzheimer’s disease present a significant therapeutic target, although the protein is unlikely to be the sole instigator of this condition. Aβ initiates cell receptor and synapse dysfunction, and causes mitochondrial damage within neurons. Neurotransmitters and various small molecular weight compounds ameliorate the effects of Aβ on cell membranes. This study uses a molecular modeling technique to compare the structures of Aβ25-35 and compounds known to antagonize properties of the polypeptide. Compounds provide good fits to the peptide amino acid residues, revealing planarity in their linear structures and fitting points. Compounds and polypeptide share relative molecular similarity, affinity for receptors and apoptosis modulating properties indicative of their potential for competition at neuron membrane sites. The therapeutic targeting of Aβ by small molecular weight compounds may benefit from a multi-drug approach.

Quality of Water Adjusted Sources and Storage in the Households of the Sanitized Villages in Area of National Program of Sanitized Schools and Villages at Tshopo Province in Republic Democratic of Congo

Abstract: Introduction: The present research paper aims at assessing the bacteriological water quality in households and at provisioning points, and so factors of water deterioration. Method: a transverse study has been conducted during the period starting from 11 up to 28 October 2018 within 6 Health Zones (HZ) in Tshopo Province integrated in National Program of Schools and Sanitized Villages (NPSSV). Water samples have been collected within 300 reserves of households and 30 water provisioning and analysed points in order to find out water contamination factors. The frequencies and raw OR have been estimated at (p < 0.05) valued significative. Results: fecal coliforms (80% CI95: 75% - 85%) and total (97% CI95: 95% - 99%) were significantly present in water reserves and the presence of Escherichia coli were at about 27% (IC95 22% - 32%). These proportions were correspondingly at 63%, 90% and 10% at water provisioning. The fecal coliforms were the highest in water reserves of sanitized villages (p < 0.05) and Escherichia coli were at about three times higher in traditional sources (17% vs 6%). The duration of water conservation was around 48 hours and more (OR = 4.41; IC95: 1.92 - 10.11), water classification of sanitized risk “intermedium” and the recipients of conservation with bottleneck were associated with the presence of E.coli in water (p < 0.05). Conclusion: water from provisioning sources and household reserves are severely polluted and water quality is not good at consumption point and at provisioning point. The reinforcement of safety measures at water points, reduction of conservation length and hygienic water cleaning of storage water recipients are necessary to assure quality of water.

Towards on the Mediators in Collagen Replacement: Effect of the Active Molecules into a Polymeric Biomaterial

Abstract: Modulating healing factors could avoid or minimize some possible pathological processes in collagen deposition. The present study was aimed to evaluated the role of active biomolecules such as PDGF-BB and PRP loaded or not into polymeric biomaterial to seek potential mediators in types I and III collagen deposition and epithelization. The healing phases were investigated by using an in vivo full-thickness wound rat model. At zero, 3rd, 7th and 14th days after the experimental model, the size of the wound areas was photographed. The nanofibrous materials were biocompatible and did not cause any local adverse reaction and/or inflammation. On day 14 the wounds had healed almost 100% with better signs of healing, however there was no obvious difference in the wound contraction rates. At the end of 14 days, samples from the center of the lesion were collected when histological features and immunopositivity for collagen I and III expressions were assessed. There was no significant difference in the epithelization among the groups. Wounds treated with PRP and with PA-6/SOMA plus PDGF-BB had significantly lower amounts of type III collagen. The amounts of type I collagen did not have a statistically different deposition among the experimental groups. The association of PDGF-BB with PA-6/SOMA emerges as an alternative for topical application to unfavorable anatomical sites, suggesting that these associations may have a positive modulation on the process of accelerated healing remodeling.

Integrated Biological Control of Tobacco Bacterial Wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) and Its Effect on Rhizosphere Microbial Community

Abstract: Biological control agents and soil amendments have been applied to control tobacco bacterial wilt, but the mechanism is not well-known. In the present study, a field experiment was performed to investigate the soil physicochemical properties, disease index (DI) and disease incidence of tobacco bacterial wilt, and rhizosphere microbial community. The results show that the control efficacy of single application of antagonistic bacteria and calcium cyanamide was 46.43% and 51.92%, respectively. While the combined control efficacy of antagonistic bacteria and calcium cyanamide was 65.79%. Besides, the combined application of antagonistic bacteria and calcium cyanamide could increase soil pH, total N alkaline N, and exchangeable Ca, which were negatively associated with the microbial diversity, soil-borne pathogenic microorganisms, and incidence of tobacco bacterial wilt. Additionally, the combination of antagonistic bacteria and calcium cyanamide can improve the proportion of some antagonistic microbial species, and these antagonistic microbial species were inversely associated with the DI of tobacco bacterial wilt. In conclusion: The integrated measure may influence soil microbial communities through enhancing soil physicochemical properties and rebuild healthy soil microbial community structure to mitigate tobacco bacterial wilt. The current study presented valuable insights into the mechanisms enhancing soil health in the integrated measure.

Substrate Stiffness Affected the Inflammatory Response of SMCs

Abstract: The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is accompanied by chronic inflammation with changes in the stiffness of the coronary artery wall. Being the main component of the vascular media, the smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are crucial to maintain blood vessel function. SMCs are mechano-sensitive, which can rapidly adapt to the fluctuations in the microenvironment of the blood vessel, including the subtle changes of the vascular stiffness. However, how substrate stiffness influences the phenotype and inflammatory response of SMCs is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of substrate stiffness on SMCs phenotype, inflammatory gene expression and the nuclear factorkappa B (NFκB) signaling pathway of vascular SMCs. From 1 kPa to 100 kPa, the SMCs cytoskeleton became more and more organized with the increase of the substrate stiffness, representing by the uniformed distribution of the stress fibers. SMCs cultured on both soft (1 kPa) and hard (100 kPa) substrate increased the expression of macrophage marker CD68 molecule (CD68) and Galectin 3 (LGALS3) and the inflammatory gene Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) than those on 40 kPa substrate. Moreover, the protein expression level of phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor (p-IκB) was higher on either soft (1 kPa) or hard (100 kPa) substrate. In consistent, the dephosphorylated IκB showed a higher expression level on the substrate stiffness of 40 kPa. These results suggested that substrate stiffness played an important role in SMCs cell morphology, phenotype and inflammatory response by affecting NFκB signaling pathway.

Relevance of SIRS and Sepsis in Pediatric Liver Transplantation

Abstract: Introduction: Liver transplantation (LT) in children has undergone significant changes over the last years Especially the use of split and living donor transplants even for infants has led to new challenges in pre- and post-operative care Systemic inflammatory response syndromes (SIRS, sepsis) as well-known complications after LT have not yet been systematically examined in the pediatric population Methods: We analyzed clinical data of 39 pediatric liver transplant recipients regarding potential risk factors for post-transplant SIRS and sepsis Secondly, the prognostic impact of SIRS and sepsis on post-transplant clinical course, patient and transplant-survival has been analyzed Results: 64% of patients developed either SIRS (n = 16, 41%) or sepsis (n = 9, 23%) within 30 days after transplantation No pre-transplant risk factors for increased susceptibility for SIRS or sepsis could be identified Secondary closure of the abdomen (p = 0045) and secondary biliary reconstruction (p = 0043) were associated with a higher incidence of sepsis and were associated with significantly prolonged mechanical ventilation times in the presence of sepsis (p = 0001) Patients with sepsis, but not SIRS, stayed significantly longer on PICU (p = 0021) and suffered from higher mortality (n = 3 versus 0; p = 00006) All deaths within 30 days of transplantation were due to septic multiorgan failure Neither early SIRS nor sepsis were associated with loss of transplant function Conclusions: SIRS and sepsis are frequent events after pediatric liver transplantation Sepsis increased length of PICU-stay and mortality significantly and prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation Secondary biliary reconstruction and closure of the abdomen could be identified as potential risk factors for sepsis

General Considerations for the Practice of Pediatric Dentistry in the Period of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review

Abstract: Context: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) has been identified in December 2019. Since then, it has been spreading around the world and has caused a pandemic. Strict safety protocols should be followed to resume dental treatments. Evidence Acquisition: A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Medline and google scholar databases using the MeSH words of COVID-19, SARS-COV-2, Dentistry, and Child from December 2019 until July 2020. Results: Among COVID-19 patients, asymptomatic patients still are considered to be serious carriers of the COVID-19 which can play a key role in transmission of the virus. Children are reported to be less than 2 percent of the infected population and are considered as serious potential carriers. Telemedicine can take a key part in educating parents regarding this matter. Chronic and rare diseases such as Kawasaki Disease (KD) might show acute and more frequent symptoms amongst COVID-19 patients. Salivary testing can be a convenient chairside way for COVID-19 and it has been shown to be effective in identifying critically ill patients. Dry mouth and amblygeustia have been reported to be the oral symptoms of the COVID-19. Conclusions: Dentists must make tough decisions in prioritizing patient’s needs in the period of pandemic. They should frequently get updated as the situation is fluid and the protocols might change.

Preventing Implant Bacterial Infections with Interconnected 3D Porous Structures (I3D)— A Proof-of-Concept Study

Abstract: Oral antibiotics are often prescribed to prevent infection after implant surgery; however, only a small fraction of the antibiotics can reach the implants. Thus, there are concerns about overusing antibiotics. We designed and fabricated porous implants with interconnecting 3D structures (I3D) and hypothesized that such I3D structures could serve as a depository for antimicrobial agents to prevent infection locally. The implants were either treated with antibiotics or coated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by electrodeposition to test this hypothesis. The antimicrobial assay was conducted, and bacterial growth zones of inhibition (ZOIs) were monitored. Overall, I3D implants resulted in larger ZOIs than did the solid implants, and the center I3D (cI3D)-implant produced the largest ZOI. In the antibiotic treatment testing, the diameters of ZOIs of the solid implant vs. I3D implant were about 14 mm vs. 15 to 18 mm on day 2; however, the diameter quickly reduced to 9 mm on day 3 and 5 mm on days 6 and 8 for the solid implant, while no obvious change of the zone was seen for I3D implants. For the AgNPs coated implants, the ZOIs for the I3D implants were generally greater than the solid implant over four weeks of incubation. A significantly larger ZOI (~1 - 2 mm larger on average) was seen for AgNPs coated I3D implants at 0.1 V - 0.01 M, 0.3 V - 0.01 M, and 1.5 V - 0.01 M treatments compared to AgNPs coated solid implants. Given that we have previously shown that I3D implants can reserve chemoattractants to recruit stem cells to enhance osseointegration, we conclude that implants with the I3D structures could be beneficial not only for osseointegration but also in preventing infection.

Salidroside Ameliorates Vascular Endothelial Cell Senescence through Downregulation of KLF4

Abstract: Salidroside is extensively used as a herbal medicine worldwide, and it has been shown to protect against disruption of endothelial homeostasis and act as an anti-aging agent. The present study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of salidroside on homocysteine (Hcy)-induced cell senescence in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) that were mediated via inhibition of Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4). An endothelial cell senescence model was induced by Hcy. The cell viability, activities of telomerase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and the level of reactive oxygen species were determined using commercial kits. The expression levels of KLF4, p53 and p21 were determined via western blot analysis, whereas the mRNA expression levels of KLF4 were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of KLF4 was found to reverse Hcy-induced cell senescence. Hcy treatment led to an accelerated cell senescence, as evidenced by decreases in both cell viability and telomerase activity, whereas increases were noted in the leakage of LDH and the level of reactive oxygen species, in addition to an up-regulation of the protein levels of p53 and p21, and up-regulation of KLF4 at both the mRNA and protein level. Treatment with salidroside ameliorated Hcy-induced cell senescence in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, these results suggested that Hcy may induce cell senescence through upregulation of KLF4, and this may be reversed by treatment with salidroside. Therefore, salidroside was shown to inhibit Hcy-induced cell senescence through KLF4 inhibition.

Research on Correlation between TCM Syndrome Distribution Characteristics and Prognosis of Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage Operation

Abstract: Objective: This study is to analyze correlation between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome distribution characteristics and prognosis of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) operation. Methods: In this study, a total of 150 patients who had received HICH operation from April, 2017 to December, 2020 in our hospital and conformed to inclusion standards were selected. According to classification of TCM syndromes, amount of bleeding of patients was recorded through multiple radiological technologies, baseline information was collected, and prognosis was investigated. The final event was long-term follow-up visit of all-cause mortalities. Moreover, correlation between prognosis and TCM syndromes was analyzed. Results: It found through investigations that there are no statistically significant differences in composition ratio of TCM syndromes among patients with different genders and different age ranges (P > 0.05). Among so many TCM syndromes, bleeding amount of patients with declining vitality and distraction is the highest, while bleeding amount of patients with stirring wind due to yin deficiency is the lowest. With respect NIHSS scores, the patients with declining vitality and distraction show the highest NIHSS scores at admission and 10 d of the course of the disease, followed by patients with upward disturbance of wind-fire. There are statistically significant differences among these two groups (P < 0.05). In this study, follow-up visits are performed to all 150 patients and the average follow-up visit time ranges within 2 - 15 months. A total of 13 deaths are reported. Number of all-cause deaths has statistically significant differences among different syndromes (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Evolutionary characteristics of TCM syndromes of HICH are manifested by development from evidence-based symptoms to deficiency syndromes. Different syndromes are correlated with prognosis of patients. On the one hand, this can be used as an objective index for TCM syndrome classification. On the other hand, this is conducive to judge prognosis recovery of patients and to apply the corresponding symptomatic treatment.

Expression and Clinical Value Analysis of CSF2RA in Malignant Tumor Based on Database

Abstract: Objective: to explore the expression and clinical value of CSF2RA in pan-cancer. Methods: the data was extracted from ONCOMINE, Human Protein Atlas and Kaplan Meier-plotter. The expression level of CSF2RA on cancer tissues and normal tissues, the relationship between CSF2RA and overall survival of cancer patients were analyzed, respectively. Results: CSF2RA mRNA was over-expressed on breast cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer and liver cancer, and CSF2RA protein was over-expressed on melanoma. The expression level of CSF2RA was not associated with overall survival of cancer patients significantly. Conclusion: CSF2RA is over-expression on certain cancers and most immune cells, which maybe contributes to activation of immune system. The high expression of CSF2RA protein on melanoma is maybe associated with adverse outcome of application of GM-CSF.

Assessment of Platelet Numbers and Prevalence of Thrombocytopenia among Children with Severe Malaria at a Tertiary Teaching Hospital

Abstract: Background: Thrombocytopenia plays an important role in the diagnosis of malaria in most countries because of the rapid decrease of platelets during malaria onset and also in severe forms of the disease. The study sought to assess platelet numbers and determine the prevalence of malarial thrombocytopenia among children with febrile malaria at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study carried out in the Department of Child Health and the Polyclinic of KBTH from April to July 2018. A total of 100 children aged from 1 to 12 years who tested malaria positive for both thick and thin blood film and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) were recruited into the study. Venous blood sample was obtained from the children and analyzed for platelet count using a haematology auto analyzer. Parasite speciation and quantification was used to classify the disease into mild, moderate and severe, and platelet numbers were also categorized into low, normal and high. Data obtained was then analyzed for prevalence of malarial thrombocytopenia in severe malaria. Results: The total studied participants were 100, 61 (61%) were males whiles 39 (39%) were females. Both severe malaria and thrombocytopenia were mostly seen in children less than 5 years of age and the males recorded more thrombocytopenia (66%) and normal platelet numbers 34 (64.2%) than the females. There was a significant higher percentage of malaria children with thrombocytosis being females (64%) as compared to those being males (36%). 53 (53%) children had normal platelet numbers, 33 (33%) had thrombocytopenia, and 14 (14%) had thrombocytosis. The prevalence of uncomplicated malaria and complicated malaria were 80% and 20% respectively. The overall prevalence of thrombocytopenia was 33%, and the prevalence of thrombocytopenia in uncomplicated and severe malaria was 18.8% and 90% respectively. The prevalence of malaria types among children with thrombocytopenia was assessed. Out of the 33 (33%) patients who had thrombocytopenia, 15 (45.5%) of them had uncomplicated malaria and 18 (54.5%) of them had complicated or severe malaria. No child was found to have thrombocytosis during complicated malaria. Conclusion: The study indicates a significant higher prevalence of thrombocytopenia in severe malaria among children at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, and this could be used as a useful indicator to investigate malaria or as a diagnostic clue for malaria in children.

Genome Sequences of COVID-19 from Jordanian Patients in Comparison with the Global Pandemic Strains and the Transmission Route

Abstract: In this research study, we reported a pioneer investigation on the phylogenetic profile of genomic sequences and the prevalence of COVID-19 strains in Jordan; in comparison with global strains, as part of concerted global efforts in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 28 genome sequences of the hCoV-19/Jordan strain were employed in this study. The phylogenetic analysis of the genome sequences of hCoV-19/Jordan strain, which was conducted on the databases of NCBI and GASAID revealed that the hCoV-19/Jordan strain belongs to the G, V, and S clades with distribution coverage rates of 89%, 7% and 4%, respectively. Comparison of the hCoV-19/Jordan clades with global clades distribution profile showed evidently and conclusively, a unique pandemic profile of multiple geographical sources of COVID-19, imported into Jordan primarily through cryptic means from European countries (UK, Belgium, Sweden, Russia) and Morocco, which are entry points into Jordan. This is due to the reciprocal heavy air traffic route between Jordan and the capitals of these European countries, with Morocco being the primary entry point into Jordan. The results of this study represent a marked addition to investigations on the prevalence rate of the hCovid-19/Jordan strain in comparison to the global strains sequences, and provides a better understanding on comparative diagnosis technique for COVID-19 worldwide. Phylogenetic analysis of the top 100 and top 10 taxonomic trees revealed almost identical homology (99.98% - 100%) between hCoV-19/Jordan strain and the strains that broke out in Wuhan, the MT642226.1. Furthermore, it can be inferred that there was no marked change in the virus mutation that occurred during the period of this study taking into cognizance the fact that there was identical homology (99.98% - 100%) among the 28 sequences of hCoV-19/Jordan strains. Similarly, all sequences of the Jordanian strains of hCoV-19/Jordan were compared to the England and American strains and showed identical homology of (99.98% - 100%).

A Sensitive and Simple Method to Assess NK Cell Activity by RT-qPCR for Granzyme B Using Spleen and Blood

Abstract: A new assay method for natural killer (NK) cell activity was established using quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) to determine the gene expression of granzyme B (GzmB) and perforin 1 (Prf1). The RT-qPCR method was compared to a conventional cytotoxic assay. Upregulated expression of GzmB and Prf1 mRNA and enhanced cytotoxic activity were observed in splenocytes from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated rats. A high correlation, R2 = 0.71, was observed between the gene expression of GzmB and the cytotoxic activity of splenocytes from these rats, indicating that GzmB RT-qPCR is a reliable alternative method to assess NK cell activity/activation. Remarkably, 12.6- to 59.7-fold upregulation of GzmB mRNA expression was observed in leukocytes, the spleen, and splenocytes from LPS-injected rats. Its upregulation appeared to be dose-dependent on the LPS concentration in the range of 0.01 - 0.1 mg/kg. Whereas, only 1.3- to 1.9-fold increase of cytotoxic activity was detected in splenocytes from the rats treated with LPS in the same range. From these, it is evident that, to assess NK cell activity/activation, the GzmB RT-qPCR method is highly sensitive compared with the conventional cytological assay. Furthermore, this GzmB RT-qPCR method is advantageous, as it does not require freshly prepared splenocytes and cell culture procedures. The convenience of GzmB RT-qPCR enables the use of whole blood, leukocytes, the spleen, and/or their frozen samples to evaluate NK cell activity/activation.

Acute Response of Heart Rate of Pregnant Women to Aerobic Dance Exercise

Abstract: This was a Pre-test/Post-test research designed to study the acute heart rate response of pregnant women to aerobic dance exercise. Twenty four (24) pregnant women with no complications participated in this study. HR increased significantly after 30 minutes exercise [7.292, P = 0.004 (P 0.05)]. Moderate intensity Aerobic Dance Exercise may not precipitate adverse acute cardiorespiratory response in pregnant women with no complications.