bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A safe and simple technique for nasogastric tube insertion in patients with thoracic esophageal cancer surgery
Authors: Hirahara Noriyuki , Matsubara Takeshi , Kaji Shunsuke , Uchida Yuki , Yamamoto Tetsu , Hyakudomi Ryoji , Takai Kiyoe , Ishitobi Kazunari , Tajima Yoshitsugu
Published: November 2021

Background

Risk factors for anastomotic leakage include local factors such as excessive tension across anastomosis and increased intraluminal pressure on the gastric conduit; therefore, we consider the placement of a nasogastric tube to be essential in reducing anastomotic leakage. In this study, we devised a safe and simple technique to place an NGT during an end-to-side, automatic circular-stapled esophagogastrostomy.

Methods

First, a 4-0 nylon thread is fixed in the narrow groove between the plastic and metal parts of the tip of the anvil head. After dissecting the esophagus, the tip of the NGT is guided out of the lumen of the cervical esophageal stump. The connecting nylon thread is applied to the anvil head with the tip of the NGT. The anvil head is inserted into the cervical esophageal stump, and a purse-string suture is performed on the esophageal stump to complete the anvil head placement. The main unit of the automated stapler is inserted through the tip of a reconstructed gastric conduit, and the stapler is subsequently fired and an end-to-side esophagogastrostomy is achieved. The main unit of the automated stapler is then pulled out from the gastric conduit, and the NGT comes out with the anvil head from the tip of the reconstructed gastric conduit. Subsequently, the nylon thread is cut. After creating an α-loop with the NGT outside of the lumen, the tip of the NGT is inserted into the gastric conduit along the lesser curvature toward the caudal side. Finally, the inlet of the automated stapler on the tip of the gastric conduit is closed with an automated linear stapler, and the esophagogastrostomy is completed.

Results

We utilized this technique in seven patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer; smooth and safe placement of the NGT was accomplished in all cases.

Conclusion

Our technique of NGT placement is simple, safe, and feasible.
Circular RNA circ-ERBB2 promotes HER2-positive breast cancer progression and metastasis via sponging miR-136-5p and miR-198
Authors: Zhong Jin-xiu , Kong Yun-yuan , Luo Rong-guang , Xia Guo-jin , He Wen-xing , Chen Xue-zhong , Tan Wei-wei , Chen Qing-jie , Huang Yu-yin , Guan Yan-xing
Published: November 2021

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are pivotal regulators of various human cancers and circ-ERBB2 is abnormally expressed in breast cancer cells. However, the role and mechanism of circ-ERBB2 in HER2-positive breast cancer are still unknown.

Methods

The circ-ERBB2 expressions in the tumor tissues of HER2-positive breast cancer patients were tested using quantitative real-time PCR. The circ-ERBB2 function was investigated by cell counting kit 8 assay, Transwell, flow cytometry and Western blot. Mechanistically, fluorescence in situ hybridization, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were conducted to confirm the interaction between circ-ERBB2 and miR-136-5p or miR-198 in HER2-positive breast cancer cells.

Results

Circ-ERBB2 was elevated in the tumor tissues of HER2-positive breast cancer patients. Functionally, the interference with circ-ERBB2 repressed HER2-positive breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion and accelerated cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the mechanistic analysis corroborated that circ-ERBB2 acted as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-136-5p or miR-198 to relieve the repressive influence of miR-136-5p or miR-198 on its target transcription factor activator protein 2C (TFAP2C). Meanwhile, in vivo assays further corroborated the oncogenic function of circ-ERBB2 in HER2-positive breast cancer.

Conclusions

Circ-ERBB2 accelerated HER2-positive breast cancer progression through the circ-ERBB2/miR-136-5p/TFAP2C axis or the circ-ERBB2/miR-198/TFAP2C axis.
Resting motor threshold in the course of hand motor recovery after stroke: a systematic review
Authors: Veldema Jitka , Nowak Dennis Alexander , Gharabaghi Alireza
Published: November 2021

Background

Resting motor threshold is an objective measure of cortical excitability. Numerous studies indicate that the success of motor recovery after stroke is significantly determined by the direction and extent of cortical excitability changes. A better understanding of this topic (particularly with regard to the level of motor impairment and the contribution of either cortical hemisphere) may contribute to the development of effective therapeutical strategies in this cohort.

Objectives

This systematic review collects and analyses the available evidence on resting motor threshold and hand motor recovery in stroke patients.

Methods

PubMed was searched from its inception through to 31/10/2020 on studies investigating resting motor threshold of the affected and/or the non-affected hemisphere and motor function of the affected hand in stroke cohorts.

Results

Overall, 92 appropriate studies (including 1978 stroke patients and 377 healthy controls) were identified. The analysis of the data indicates that severe hand impairment is associated with suppressed cortical excitability within both hemispheres and with great between-hemispheric imbalance of cortical excitability. Favorable motor recovery is associated with an increase of ipsilesional motor cortex excitability and reduction of between-hemispheric imbalance. The direction of change of contralesional motor cortex excitability depends on the amount of hand motor impairment. Severely disabled patients show an increase of contralesional motor cortex excitability during motor recovery. In contrast, recovery of moderate to mild hand motor impairment is associated with a decrease of contralesional motor cortex excitability.

Conclusions

This data encourages a differential use of rehabilitation strategies to modulate cortical excitability. Facilitation of the ipsilesional hemisphere may support recovery in general, whereas facilitation and inhibition of the contralesional hemisphere may enhance recovery in severe and less severely impaired patients, respectively.
The effectiveness of quality improvement collaboratives in improving stroke care and the facilitators and barriers to their implementation: a systematic review
Authors: Lowther Hayley J. , Harrison Joanna , Hill James E. , Gaskins Nicola J. , Lazo Kimberly C. , Clegg Andrew J. , Connell Louise A. , Garrett Hilary , Gibson Josephine M. E. , Lightbody Catherine E. , Watkins Caroline L.
Published: November 2021

Background

To successfully reduce the negative impacts of stroke, high-quality health and care practices are needed across the entire stroke care pathway. These practices are not always shared across organisations. Quality improvement collaboratives (QICs) offer a unique opportunity for key stakeholders from different organisations to share, learn and ‘take home’ best practice examples, to support local improvement efforts. This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of QICs in improving stroke care and explored the facilitators and barriers to implementing this approach.

Methods

Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library) were searched up to June 2020, and reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews were screened. Studies conducted in an adult stroke care setting, which involved multi-professional stroke teams participating in a QIC, were included. Data was extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second. For overall effectiveness, a vote-counting method was used. Data regarding facilitators and barriers was extracted and mapped to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Results

Twenty papers describing twelve QICs used in stroke care were included. QICs varied in their setting, part of the stroke care pathway, and their improvement focus. QIC participation was associated with improvements in clinical processes, but improvements in patient and other outcomes were limited. Key facilitators were inter- and intra-organisational networking, feedback mechanisms, leadership engagement, and access to best practice examples. Key barriers were structural changes during the QIC’s active period, lack of organisational support or prioritisation of QIC activities, and insufficient time and resources to participate in QIC activities. Patient and carer involvement, and health inequalities, were rarely considered.

Conclusions

QICs are associated with improving clinical processes in stroke care; however, their short-term nature means uncertainty remains as to whether they benefit patient outcomes. Evidence around using a QIC to achieve system-level change in stroke is equivocal. QIC implementation can be influenced by individual and organisational level factors, and future efforts to improve stroke care using a QIC should be informed by the facilitators and barriers identified. Future research is needed to explore the sustainability of improvements when QIC support is withdrawn.

Trial registration

Protocol registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020193966).
PROSE: Prospective Randomized Trial of the On-X Mechanical Prosthesis and the St Jude Medical Mechanical Prosthesis Evaluation
Authors: Jamieson W. R. Eric , Ely John L. , Brink Johan , Pennel Timothy , Bannon Paul , Patel Jashvant , Kumar Gupta Rajiv , Mohan Rao Prasanna Simha , Agrawal Damyanti , Wiklund Lars , Kappetein A. Pieter , Haaverstad Rune , Geisner Thomas , Doenst Torsten , Schlensak Christian , Nair Salgunan , Brown Craig , Siepe Matthias , Damiano Ralph J. , Langlois Yves , Cherian K. M. , Azar Hormoz , Chen John C. , Bavaria Joseph E. , Fedoruk Lynn M. , Munfakh Nabil A. , Sridhar V. , Scholz Peter M. , Pfeffer Thomas A. , Ye Jian
Published: November 2021

Objectives

The PROSE trial purpose is to investigate whether the incidence of thromboembolic—related complications is reduced with a current generation mechanical prosthesis (On-X Life Technologies/CryoLife Inc.—On-X) compared with a previous generation mechanical prosthesis (St Jude Medical—SJM). The primary purpose of the initial report is to document the preoperative demographics, and the preoperative and operative risk factors by individual prosthesis and by Western and Developing populations.

Methods

The PROSE study was conducted in 28 worldwide centres and incorporated 855 subjects randomized between 2003 and 2016. The study enrollment was discontinued on August 31, 2016. The preoperative demographics incorporated age, gender, functional class, etiology, prosthetic degeneration, primary rhythm, primary valve lesion, weight, height, BSA and BMI. The preoperative and operative evaluation incorporated 24 risk factors.

Results

The total patient population (855) incorporated On-X population (462) and the St Jude Medical population (393). There was no significant difference of any of the preoperative demographics between the On-X and SJM groups. The preoperative and operative risk factors evaluation showed there was no significant difference between the On-X and St Jude Medical populations. The preoperative and operative risk factors by valve position (aortic and mitral) also documented no differentiation. The dominant preoperative demographics of the Western world population were older age, male gender, sinus rhythm, aortic stenosis, congenital aortic lesion, and mitral regurgitation. The dominant demographics of the Developing world population were rheumatic etiology, atrial fibrillation, aortic regurgitation, mixed aortic lesions, mitral stenosis and mixed mitral lesions. The Developing world group had only one significant risk factor, congestive heart failure. The majority of the preoperative and operative risk factors were significant in the Western world population.

Conclusions

The preoperative demographics do not differentiate the prostheses but do differentiate the Western and Developing world populations. The preoperative and operative risk factors do not differentiate the prostheses BUT do differentiate the Western and Developing world populations.
Oral susceptibility of aedine and culicine mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) to Batai Orthobunyavirus
Authors: Hernández-Triana Luis M. , Folly Arran J. , Barrero Elsa , Lumley Sarah , del Mar Fernández de Marco Maria , Sewgobind Sanam , McElhinney Lorraine M. , Fooks Anthony R. , Johnson Nicholas
Published: November 2021

Background

A number of zoonotic mosquito-borne viruses have emerged in Europe in recent decades. Batai virus (BATV), a member of the genus Orthobunyavirus, is one example of a relatively newly emerged mosquito-borne virus, having been detected in mosquitoes and livestock. We conducted vector competency studies on three mosquito species at a low temperature to assess whether Aedes and Culex mosquito species are susceptible to infection with BATV.

Methods

Colonised lines of Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens and a wild-caught species, Aedes detritus, were orally inoculated with BATV strain 53.2, originally isolated from mosquitoes trapped in Germany in 2009. Groups of blood-fed female mosquitoes were maintained at 20 °C for 7 or 14 days. Individual mosquitoes were screened for the presence of BATV in body, leg and saliva samples for evidence of infection, dissemination and transmission, respectively. BATV RNA was detected by reverse transcription-PCR, and positive results confirmed by virus isolation in Vero cells.

Results

Aedes detritus was highly susceptible to BATV, with an infection prevalence of ≥ 80% at both measurement time points. Disseminated infections were recorded in 30.7–41.6% of Ae. detritus, and evidence of virus transmission with BATV in saliva samples (n = 1, days post-infection: 14) was observed. Relatively lower rates of infection for Ae. aegypti and Cx. pipiens were observed, with no evidence of virus dissemination or transmission at either time point.

Conclusions

This study shows that Ae. detritus may be a competent vector for BATV at 20 °C, whereas Ae. aegypti and Cx. pipiens were not competent. Critically, the extrinsic incubation period appears to be ≤  7 days for Ae. detritus, which may increase the onward transmissibility potential of BATV in these populations.

Graphical Abstract
Chromatin accessibility analysis identifies GSTM1 as a prognostic marker in human glioblastoma patients
Authors: Huang Yin-Cheng , Lai Joseph Chieh-Yu , Peng Pei-Hua , Wei Kuo-Chen , Wu Kou-Juey
Published: November 2021

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant human brain tumor that has an extremely poor prognosis. Classic mutations such as IDH (isocitrate dehydrogenase) mutations, EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) alternations, and MGMT (O6-methylguanine-methyltransferase) promoter hypermethylation have been used to stratify patients and provide prognostic significance. Epigenetic perturbations have been demonstrated in glioblastoma tumorigenesis. Despite the genetic markers used in the management of glioblastoma patients, new biomarkers that could predict patient survival independent of known biomarkers remain to be identified.

Methods

ATAC-seq (assay for transposase accessible chromatin followed by sequencing) and RNA-seq have been used to profile chromatin accessible regions using glioblastoma patient samples with short-survival versus long-survival. Cell viability, cell cycle, and Western blot analysis were used to characterize the cellular phenotypes and identify signaling pathways.

Results

Analysis of chromatin accessibility by ATAC-seq coupled with RNA-seq methods identified the GSTM1 (glutathione S-transferase mu-1) gene, which featured higher chromatin accessibility in GBM tumors with short survival. GSTM1 was confirmed to be a significant prognostic marker to predict survival using a different GBM patient cohort. Knockdown of GSTM1 decreased cell viability, caused cell cycle arrest, and decreased the phosphorylation levels of the NF-kB (nuclear factor kappa B) p65 subunit and STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) (pSer727).

Conclusions

This report demonstrates the use of ATAC-seq coupled with RNA-seq to identify GSTM1 as a prognostic marker of GBM patient survival. Activation of phosphorylation levels of NF-kB p65 and STAT3 (pSer727) by GSTM1 is shown. Analysis of chromatin accessibility in patient samples could generate an independent biomarker that can be used to predict patient survival.
A meta-analysis of the diagnostic performance of machine learning-based MRI in the prediction of axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients
Authors: Chen Chen , Qin Yuhui , Chen Haotian , Zhu Dongyong , Gao Fabao , Zhou Xiaoyue
Published: November 2021

Background

Despite that machine learning (ML)-based MRI has been evaluated for diagnosis of axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) in breast cancer patients, diagnostic values they showed have been variable. In this study, we aimed to assess the use of ML to classify ALNM on MRI and to identify potential covariates that might influence the diagnostic performance of ML.

Methods

A systematic research of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was conducted until 27 December 2020 to collect the included articles. Subgroup analysis was also performed.

Findings

Fourteen studies assessing a total of 2247 breast cancer patients were included in the analysis. The overall AUC for ML in the validation set was 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76–0.83) with a negative predictive value of 0.83. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.79 (95% CI 0.74–0.84) and 0.77 (95% CI 0.73–0.81), respectively. In the subgroup analysis of the validation set, T1-weighted contrast-enhanced (T1CE) imaging with ML yielded a higher sensitivity (0.80 vs. 0.67 vs. 0.76) than the T2-weighted fat-suppressed (T2-FS) imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Support vector machines (SVMs) had a higher specificity than linear regression (LR) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) (0.79 vs. 0.78 vs. 0.75), whereas LDA showed a higher sensitivity than LR and SVM (0.83 vs. 0.70 vs. 0.77).

Interpretation

MRI sequences and algorithms were the main factors that affect the diagnostic performance of ML. Although its results were encouraging with the pooled sensitivity of around 0.80, it meant that 1 in 5 women that would go with undetected metastases, which may have a detrimental effect on the overall survival for 20% of patients with positive SLN status. Despite that a high NPV of 0.83 meant that ML could potentially benefit those with negative SLN, it might also translate to 1 in 5 tests being false negative. We would like to suggest that ML may not be yet usable in clinical routine especially when patient survival is used as a primary measurement of its outcome.
Immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned media on lipopolysaccharide of Vibrio cholerae as a vaccine candidate
Authors: Bahroudi Mahboube , Bakhshi Bita , Soudi Sara , Najar-peerayeh Shahin
Published: November 2021

Background

Vibrio cholerae is the causative agent of cholera, which is commonly associated with high morbidity and mortality, and presents a major challenge to healthcare systems throughout the world. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is required for full protection against V. cholerae but can induce inflammation and septic shock. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are currently used to treat infectious and inflammatory diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the immune-modulating effects of the LPS‐MSC‐conditioned medium (CM) on V. cholerae LPS immunization in a murine model.

Methods

After preconditioning MSCs with LPS, mice were immunized intraperitoneally on days 0 and 14 with the following combinations: LPS + LPS-MSC-CM; detoxified LPS (DLPS) + MSC-CM; LPS + MSC sup; LPS; LPS-MSC-CM; MSC supernatant (MSC sup); and PBS. The mouse serum and saliva samples were collected to evaluate antibody (serum IgG and saliva IgA) and cytokine responses (TNF-α, IL-10, IL-6, TGF-β, IL-4, IL-5, and B-cell activating factor (BAFF)).

Results

The LPS + LPS-MSC-CM significantly increased total IgG and IgA compared to other combinations (P < 0.001). TNF-α levels, in contrast to IL-10 and TGF-β, were reduced significantly in mice receiving the LPS + LPS-MSC-CM compared to mice receiving only LPS. IL-4, IL-5, and BAFF levels significantly increased in mice receiving increased doses of LPS + LPS-MSC-CM compared to those who received only LPS. The highest vibriocidal antibody titer (1:64) was observed in LPS + LPS-MSC-CM-immunized mice and resulted in a significant improvement in survival in infant mice infected by V. cholerae O1.

Conclusions

The LPS-MSC-CM modulates the immune response to V. cholerae LPS by regulating inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses and inducing vibriocidal antibodies, which protect neonate mice against V. cholerae infection.
Involvement of classic and alternative non-homologous end joining pathways in hematologic malignancies: targeting strategies for treatment
Authors: Valikhani Mohsen , Rahimian Elahe , Ahmadi Seyed Esmaeil , Chegeni Rouzbeh , Safa Majid
Published: November 2021

Chromosomal translocations are the main etiological factor of hematologic malignancies. These translocations are generally the consequence of aberrant DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. DSBs arise either exogenously or endogenously in cells and are repaired by major pathways, including non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), homologous recombination (HR), and other minor pathways such as alternative end-joining (A-EJ). Therefore, defective NHEJ, HR, or A-EJ pathways force hematopoietic cells toward tumorigenesis. As some components of these repair pathways are overactivated in various tumor entities, targeting these pathways in cancer cells can sensitize them, especially resistant clones, to radiation or chemotherapy agents. However, targeted therapy-based studies are currently underway in this area, and furtherly there are some biological pitfalls, clinical issues, and limitations related to these targeted therapies, which need to be considered. This review aimed to investigate the alteration of DNA repair elements of C-NHEJ and A-EJ in hematologic malignancies and evaluate the potential targeted therapies against these pathways.
Utilizing a reductionist model to study host-microbe interactions in intestinal inflammation
Authors: Tsou Amy M. , Goettel Jeremy A. , Bao Bin , Biswas Amlan , Kang Yu Hui , Redhu Naresh S. , Peng Kaiyue , Putzel Gregory G. , Saltzman Jeffrey , Kelly Ryan , Gringauz Jordan , Barends Jared , Hatazaki Mai , Frei Sandra M. , Emani Rohini , Huang Ying , Shen Zeli , Fox James G. , Glickman Jonathan N. , Horwitz Bruce H. , Snapper Scott B.
Published: November 2021

Background

The gut microbiome is altered in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, yet how these alterations contribute to intestinal inflammation is poorly understood. Murine models have demonstrated the importance of the microbiome in colitis since colitis fails to develop in many genetically susceptible animal models when re-derived into germ-free environments. We have previously shown that Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP)-deficient mice (Was−/−) develop spontaneous colitis, similar to human patients with loss-of-function mutations in WAS. Furthermore, we showed that the development of colitis in Was−/− mice is Helicobacter dependent. Here, we utilized a reductionist model coupled with multi-omics approaches to study the role of host-microbe interactions in intestinal inflammation.

Results

Was−/− mice colonized with both altered Schaedler flora (ASF) and Helicobacter developed colitis, while those colonized with either ASF or Helicobacter alone did not. In Was−/− mice, Helicobacter relative abundance was positively correlated with fecal lipocalin-2 (LCN2), a marker of intestinal inflammation. In contrast, WT mice colonized with ASF and Helicobacter were free of inflammation and strikingly, Helicobacter relative abundance was negatively correlated with LCN2. In Was−/− colons, bacteria breach the mucus layer, and the mucosal relative abundance of ASF457 Mucispirillum schaedleri was positively correlated with fecal LCN2. Meta-transcriptomic analyses revealed that ASF457 had higher expression of genes predicted to enhance fitness and immunogenicity in Was−/− compared to WT mice. In contrast, ASF519 Parabacteroides goldsteinii’s relative abundance was negatively correlated with LCN2 in Was−/− mice, and transcriptional analyses showed lower expression of genes predicted to facilitate stress adaptation by ASF519 in Was−/−compared to WT mice.

Conclusions

These studies indicate that the effect of a microbe on the immune system can be context dependent, with the same bacteria eliciting a tolerogenic response under homeostatic conditions but promoting inflammation in immune-dysregulated hosts. Furthermore, in inflamed environments, some bacteria up-regulate genes that enhance their fitness and immunogenicity, while other bacteria are less able to adapt and decrease in abundance. These findings highlight the importance of studying host-microbe interactions in different contexts and considering how the transcriptional profile and fitness of bacteria may change in different hosts when developing microbiota-based therapeutics.
Evaluation of POD based surrogate models of fields resulting from nonlinear FEM simulations
Authors: de Gooijer Boukje M. , Havinga Jos , Geijselaers Hubert J. M. , van den Boogaard Anton H.
Published: November 2021

Surrogate modelling is a powerful tool to replace computationally expensive nonlinear numerical simulations, with fast representations thereof, for inverse analysis, model-based control or optimization. For some problems, it is required that the surrogate model describes a complete output field. To construct such surrogate models, proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) can be used to reduce the dimensionality of the output data. The accuracy of the surrogate models strongly depends on the (pre)processing actions that are used to prepare the data for the dimensionality reduction. In this work, POD-based surrogate models with Radial Basis Function interpolation are used to model high-dimensional FE data fields. The effect of (pre)processing methods on the accuracy of the result field is systematically investigated. Different existing methods for surrogate model construction are compared with a novel method. Special attention is given to data fields consisting of several physical meanings, e.g. displacement, strain and stress. A distinction is made between the errors due to truncation and due to interpolation of the data. It is found that scaling the data per physical part substantially increases the accuracy of the surrogate model.
Investigating regional excess mortality during 2020 COVID-19 pandemic in selected Latin American countries
Authors: Lima Everton E. C. , Vilela Estevão A. , Peralta Andrés , Rocha Marília , Queiroz Bernardo L. , Gonzaga Marcos R. , Piscoya-Díaz Mario , Martinez-Folgar Kevin , García-Guerrero Víctor M. , Freire Flávio H. M. A.
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we measure the effect of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic wave at the national and subnational levels in selected Latin American countries that were most affected: Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru. We used publicly available monthly mortality data to measure the impacts of the pandemic using excess mortality for each country and its regions. We compare the mortality, at national and regional levels, in 2020 to the mortality levels of recent trends and provide estimates of the impact of mortality on life expectancy at birth. Our findings indicate that from April 2020 on, mortality exceeded its usual monthly levels in multiple areas of each country. In Mexico and Peru, excess mortality was spreading through many areas by the end of the second half of 2020. To a lesser extent, we observed a similar pattern in Brazil, Chile, and Ecuador. We also found that as the pandemic progressed, excess mortality became more visible in areas with poorer socioeconomic and sanitary conditions. This excess mortality has reduced life expectancy across these countries by 2–10 years. Despite the lack of reliable information on COVID-19 mortality, excess mortality is a useful indicator for measuring the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, especially in the context of Latin American countries, where there is still a lack of good information on causes of death in their vital registration systems.
NeuroAid II (MLC901) and polypharmacy in stroke and the risk of hepatotoxicity: a case report
Authors: Abdul Rashid Anna Misya’il , Md Noh Mohamad Syafeeq Faeez , Yusof Khan Abdul Hanif Khan , Loh Wei Chao , Baharin Janudin , Ibrahim Azliza , Inche Mat Liyana Najwa , Wan Sulaiman Wan Aliaa , Hoo Fan Kee , Hanapiah Fazah Akhtar , Basri Hamidon
Published: November 2021

Background

NeuroAid II (MLC901) is a promising therapy for stroke patients who present outside of therapeutic window for reperfusion therapy. Studies have proven its efficacy in ischemic stroke; however, data of drug safety and combination with other medications especially anticoagulants are heterogenous. We report a possible case of hepatotoxicity induced by NeuroAid II in combination with anticoagulants.

Case presentation

We report an elderly patient who developed symptoms of cardioembolic stroke presented outside of time window for reperfusion therapy. He was started on a regiment of statins, anticoagulation, beta blockers and NeuroAid II. One month later he presented with deranged liver enzymes. Cessation of NeuroAid II resulted in rapid improvement of transaminitis within days.

Conclusions

We wish to highlight the potential harmful effect of administering NeuroAid II with an anticoagulant and the importance of routine follow-up and blood monitoring in the elderly patients with stroke.
Pathophysiological role of major adipokines in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Rafaqat Saira , Rafaqat Sana , Rafaqat Simon
Published: November 2021

Background

The adipokines, secreted from adipose tissue or body fats, are also called adipocytokines which are cytokines, cell signaling proteins or cell–cell communication. However, AF is a common cardiac arrhythmia in which the heart beats so fast by abnormal beating and is a serious public health disease associated with increased heart failure, systemic thromboembolism, and death. Adipokines are cardiovascular disease (CVD) mediators or biomarkers that affect the heart as well as blood vessels, by increasing the cardiac contractility and action potential duration, which result in the extent of left ventricular and atrial remodeling.

Main body

Google Scholar, PubMed, and science direct were used to review the literature. Many keywords were used for searching the literature such as Adipokines, Leptin, Apelin, Adiponectin, Omentin-1, Chemerin, CTRP3, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and AF. According to the literature, much more data are available for numerous adipokines, but this review article only has taken few major adipokines which played their major role in Atrial Fibrillation. The review article did not limit the time frame.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adipokines play a significant role in the development and progress of atrial fibrillation. Also, there are major adipokines such as adiponectin, apelin, C1q/TNF-Related Protein 3 (CTRP3), Chemerin, Omentin-1, interleukin-6, Leptin, TNF-α, resistin, and interleukin-10, which played their pathophysiological role in atrial fibrillation by causing cardiac hypertrophy, increasing the cardiac contractility and action potential duration, atrial fibrosis, electrical and structural remodeling of atrial tissue.
Frontal tangential coronal view two-dimensional ultrasonography in assessment of fetal face [mouth and nose] in comparison with four-dimensional ultrasonography
Authors: Elghany Algahlan Hisham A. , Elsemary Mamdouh , Hazem Mohammed
Published: November 2021

Background

The fetal face reflects strictly the development of the fetal brain during its growth. Four-dimensional (4D) examination permits continuous monitoring of the examined parts of fetal face and surface. The final performance of obstetric sonographic images depends upon multiple factors, such as fetal lie, uterine wall, abdominal wall fat, amniotic fluid, and the number of gestations which may limit the optimum performance of (4D) ultrasound. The two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound is the first choice due to its wide availability, low cost, and real-time capabilities. The tangential view obtained by (2D) ultrasound coronal sections through the face showed the nose, nostril, lips, eye, lens, and hard palate.

Results

One hundred and sixty fetuses showed straight forwards obstetric examination by both 2D and 4D examinations with identical final reports. While the total number of fetuses with clear images by 2D frontal tangential coronal examination was 191 cases, only 29 cases failed, whereas 170 cases obtained clear images by 4D examination, and 50 cases failed. Both 2D and 4D ultrasound failed to obtain clear images of 19 cases, while 4D failed for 31 cases, and 2D failed for 10 cases. 2D imaging was found to be significantly better than 4D imaging, with a P value of 0.009.

Conclusion

2D ultrasound using the frontal tangential coronal view is an essential part of the fetal examination and more superior than 4D ultrasound in assessing facial anatomy and anomalies, as well comparable to 4D ultrasound as regards fascial expression.
Modelling the mechanical behaviours of glassy hydrogels
Authors: Chen Baihong , Zhang Xinning , Wu Ziliang , Xiao Rui
Published: November 2021

Our recent works show that poly(methacrylamide-co-methacrylic acid) (P(MAAm-co-MAAc)) hydrogels with moderate water content (50–70 wt%) exhibit similar glass transition behaviours as in dry polymers. In the glassy state, these gels exhibit a modulus of several hundred megapascals and a failure strength of tens of megapascals, which are much higher than other reported tough gels. In this work, we apply a viscoplastic model to describe the temperature-dependent and rate-dependent mechanical behaviours of the P(MAAm-co-MAAc) gels. It is found that the viscoplastic model developed for dry polymers can also describe the stress-strain responses of gels including yielding and strain softening. It can also capture the stress relaxation behaviours. This work confirms that the glass transition in the gels and dry polymers shares a similar physical mechanism. Meanwhile, it indicates the classic viscoelastic/viscoplastic models can be readily applied for this new type of tough gels.
Ugly Freedoms
Authors: Anker Elisabeth R.
Published: November 2021

In Ugly Freedoms Elisabeth R. Anker reckons with the complex legacy of freedom offered by liberal American democracy, outlining how the emphasis of individual liberty has always been entangled with white supremacy, settler colonialism, climate destruction, economic exploitation, and patriarchy. These “ugly freedoms” legitimate the right to exploit and subjugate others. At the same time, Anker locates an unexpected second type of ugly freedom in practices and situations often dismissed as demeaning, offensive, gross, and ineffectual but that provide sources of emancipatory potential. She analyzes both types of ugly freedom at work in a number of texts and locations, from political theory, art, and film to food, toxic dumps, and multispecies interactions. Whether examining how Kara Walker’s sugar sculpture A Subtlety, Or the Marvelous Sugar Baby reveals the importance of sugar plantations to liberal thought or how the impoverished neighborhoods in The Wire blunt neoliberalism’s violence, Anker shifts our perspective of freedom by contesting its idealized expressions and expanding the visions for what freedom can look like, who can exercise it, and how to build a world free from domination.
CK1α protects WAVE from degradation to regulate cell shape and motility in the immune response
Authors: Hirschhäuser Alexander , van Cann Marianne , Bogdan Sven
Published: November 2021

The WAVE regulatory complex (WRC) is the main activator of the Arp2/3 complex, promoting lamellipodial protrusions in migrating cells. The WRC is basally inactive but can be activated by Rac1 and phospholipids, and through phosphorylation. However, the in vivo relevance of the phosphorylation of WAVE proteins remains largely unknown. Here, we identified casein kinase I alpha (CK1α) as a regulator of WAVE, thereby controlling cell shape and cell motility in Drosophila macrophages. CK1α binds and phosphorylates WAVE in vitro. Phosphorylation of WAVE by CK1α appears not to be required for activation but, rather, regulates its stability. Pharmacologic inhibition of CK1α promotes ubiquitin-dependent degradation of WAVE. Consistently, loss of Ck1α but not ck2 function phenocopies the depletion of WAVE. Phosphorylation-deficient mutations in the CK1α consensus sequences within the VCA domain of WAVE can neither rescue mutant lethality nor lamellipodium defects. By contrast, phosphomimetic mutations rescue all cellular and developmental defects. Finally, RNAi-mediated suppression of 26S proteasome or E3 ligase complexes substantially rescues lamellipodia defects in CK1α-depleted macrophages. Therefore, we conclude that basal phosphorylation of WAVE by CK1α protects it from premature ubiquitin-dependent degradation, thus promoting WAVE function in vivo.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in predicting early lymph-node metastasis in oral cancer
Authors: Ding Shiwen , Xiong Ping , Zuo Jiaxin
Published: November 2021

Objectives:

To explore the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in predicting early lymph node metastasis in clinically node-negative oral cancer patients.

Methods:

We recruited 42 patients (a total of 70 lymph nodes) with clinically node-negative oral cancer in the study. All of them received both conventional ultrasound (B-mode and power Doppler) and CEUS before operation and then they were taken for pathological examination to analyze the diagnostic accuracy. And their CEUS data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively.

Results:

The sensitivity and specificity of CEUS in the diagnosis of cervical lymph node metastasis of oral cancer were 82.7 and 82.9%, respectively. The accuracy of conventional ultrasound was only 67.1% while that of CEUS was up to 82.9%. The area under the cure (AUC) of CEUS in detecting lymph node metastasis was 0.828, which was higher than the 0.614 by conventional ultrasound, with statistically significant differences observed (p < 0.05). Most of the metastatic lymph nodes were characterized by inhomogeneous enhancement and the peak intensity (PI) of the metastatic group was lower than that of the non-metastatic group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Compared with conventional ultrasound, CEUS may have higher clinical value for predicting early lymph node metastasis in clinically node-negative oral cancer patients. And quantitative parameters obtained from CEUS may provide valuable information in the diagnosis of cervical lymph node metastasis.
Circular RNAs exhibit limited evidence for translation, or translation regulation of the mRNA counterpart in terminal hematopoiesis
Authors: Nicolet Benoit P. , Jansen Sjoert B.G. , Heideveld Esther , Ouwehand Willem H. , van den Akker Emile , von Lindern Marieke , Wolkers Monika C.
Published: November 2021

Each day, about 1012 erythrocytes and platelets are released into the bloodstream. This substantial output from hematopoietic stem cells is tightly regulated by transcriptional and epigenetic factors. Whether and how circular RNAs (circRNAs) contribute to the differentiation and/or identity of hematopoietic cells is to date not known. We recently reported that erythrocytes and platelets contain the highest levels and numbers of circRNAs among hematopoietic cells. Here, we provide the first detailed analysis of circRNA expression during erythroid and megakaryoid differentiation. CircRNA expression not only significantly increased upon enucleation, but also had limited overlap between progenitor cells and mature cells, suggesting that circRNA expression stems from regulated processes rather than resulting from mere accumulation. To study circRNA function in hematopoiesis, we first compared the expression levels of circRNAs with the translation efficiency of their mRNA counterpart. We found that only one out of 2531 (0.04%) circRNAs associated with mRNA-translation regulation. Furthermore, irrespective of thousands of identified putative open reading frames, deep ribosome-footprinting sequencing, and mass spectrometry analysis provided little evidence for translation of endogenously expressed circRNAs. In conclusion, circRNAs alter their expression profile during terminal hematopoietic differentiation, yet their contribution to regulate cellular processes remains enigmatic.
Dinî Dışlayıcılık Söylemi İnşa Eden Neo-Klasik Selefî Anlayışın Eleştirisi: Dilin Epistemik Değeri Hakkında Fahreddin Râzî’ye Yöneltilen Tenkitler Özelinde Bir Değerlendirme
Authors: Cengiz Mehdi
Published: November 2021

İlâhî metnin nasıl yorumlanacağı, özellikle de akıl-nakil çatışmasında bunlardan hangisinin önceleneceği konusunda belirli ölçütlerin olması gerektiğini söyleyen Râzî, bu bağlamda dilsel delâletin zannîliği teorisini geliştirir. Râzî’nin bu nazariyesine göre lafzî deliller; lügat bilgisinin, sarf ve nahiv kurallarının günümüze intikalinde yaşanması muhtemel olan hatalar ile mecaz, iştirâk ve nakil gibi farklı dil olasılıklarına maruz kalır. Dolayısıyla dinî metinler, karine olmadan kesin bilgi ifade etmez. Neo-klasik Selefî anlayışın öncü isimlerinden İbn Teymiyye ve İbn Kayyim el-Cevziyye, lafzî delillerin kesin bilgi değil, zan ifade ettiği görüşünü tâğût (put) olarak nitelendirip bu görüşü ötekileştirici bir üslupla tenkit eder. Bu makalede dilin zannîliği çerçevesinde üretilen dinî dışlayıcılık söylemi incelenip bu söylemin, Râzî’nin sözlerinin yanlış anlaşılmasından kaynaklandığına dikkat çekilecektir. Bu inceleme yapılırken ilk olarak dinî dışlayıcılıkla ne kastedildiği açıklanacak ve dilin zannîliği teorisinin düşünsel arka planını oluşturan sözel ve gerçek bağlama yer verilecektir. Ardından mezkur isimlerin, Râzî’nin dindarlığını sorgulama ameliyesine, sonunda ise Râzî’ye yöneltilen ithamların onu yanlış anlamaktan kaynaklandığına işaret edilecektir.
Aklın İmkânı ve Sınırı: Fahreddin Râzî’ye Göre Genel ve Özel Metafizik Bilginin İmkânı
Authors: Altaş Eşref
Published: November 2021

Bu makalede Râzî’nin metafizik bilginin imkânı hakkındaki görüşleri incelendi. Öncelikle Râzî’nin metafizik bilinenleri, zat ve varlık, genel (icmâlî) ve ayrıntılı (tafsîlî) bilinenler şeklinde bölümlemesi betimlendi. Râzî’nin genel metafizik bilgiyi mümkün gördüğü birkaç başlık altında incelendi. Bu başlıklar altında varlık kümesinin duyulur âlemden daha geniş olduğu, teorik düşüncenin metafizik bilgi verdiği, nazarî delillerin bir yaratıcının varlığı hakkında zorunlu bilgi verdiği iddiaları ele alındı. Râzî’nin, erken dönemde yazdığı eserlerde mühendisiyyûn dediği bir gruba atfettiği meta- fizik bilginin inkârının delillerini, el-Metâlib’de ancak Tanrı’nın zatının bilinmesi konusuna hasrederek tevarüs ettiği gösterildi. Nazarın Râzî’ye göre özel metafizik bir mevcudun varlığı hakkında bilgi verdiği ama mahiyeti hakkında bilgi vermeyeceği anlatıldı. Tanrı’nın zatının bilinemeyeceği görüşünün metafizik ve epistemolojik tezlerine dikkat çekildi ve bu görüşün semantik yorumu tartışıldı. Nazar metodunun ayrıntılı (tafsîlî) metafizik hakkında, ancak en uygun açıklama tarzında kesinlik içermeyen bir bilgi verebileceği (evleviyet metafiziği) tartışması ise başka bir makaleye bırakıldı.
Isolation and sequencing of three RB49-like bacteriophages infecting O antigen-producing E. coli strains
Authors: Efimov Alexander , Kulikov Eugene , Golomidova Alla , Belalov Ilya , Babenko Vladislav , Letarov Andrey
Published: November 2021

E. coli strains 4s, F5 and F17, whose O antigens are structurally characterized and shown to effectively shield the cell surface from bacteriophage attack, were used as the hosts to isolate novel RB49-like bacteriophages. Three  novel phage isolates were obtained, and their genomes were sequenced and annotated. Despite high overall identity levels of these genomic sequences, the variants of large distal tail fiber subunit, orthologous to the bacteriophage T2 long tail receptor recognition protein gp38, were unique for each phage, suggesting their role in host range determination. The annotated genomes are available via NCBI Genbank, acc. numbers MZ504876-MZ504878.
A comparative study of the psychological impacts of tasks related and unrelated to COVID-19 on nurses: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Hyun Ji , Lee Geon Ho
Published: November 2021

Background: This study assessed the psychological impact of the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on university hospital nurses. It provides an assessment of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, distress, and burnout of nurses dealing directly and indirectly with COVID-19. Methods: In a web-based, cross-sectional study, 111 nurses from Daegu Catholic University Hospital in Korea were enrolled from August 4 to August 9, 2020. Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Impact of Event Scale-Revised, and Maslach Burnout Inventory were used to assess the psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychological distress, and burnout among the study participants. Results: Of 111 nurses, 35 (31.5%), nine (8.1%), 26 (23.4%), and 49 (44.1%) experienced depression, anxiety, distress, and burnout, respectively. Nurses who performed COVID-19–related tasks were more likely to have moderate depression (related vs. unrelated, 52.0% vs. 25.6%; p=0.037). There were no differences in anxiety, distress, and burnout between nurses with and without COVID-19–related tasks. More than 50% of the participants showed receptive and positive attitudes toward caring for COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: Nurses who performed COVID-19–related tasks had a higher risk of depression. There were no significant differences in anxiety, distress, and burnout between the two groups. Since nurses who perform COVID-19–related tasks are more prone to psychological distress, continued psychiatric interventions are required for infectious disease outbreaks with a high mortality rate for healthcare workers who are emotionally vulnerable.
About the Functioning of Punctuation Marks in the Advertising Communication of Glossy Magazines (on the Example of the Russian Edition of the International Magazine “Tatler”)
Authors: Selemenova O.
Published: November 2021

The article analyzes the features of the use of disjunctive, intensifying and separating punctuation marks in the advertising texts of commercial communication of glossy magazines. The relevance of the topic is due to linguists’ interest to the normative aspect of punctuation of the verbal part of advertising messages, to the influencing potential of paralinguistical active means, including syngrahemics. The research material is glossy periodicals, which, due to the special content and accumulation of various types of stereotypical ideas, ensures the effectiveness of the advertising text. The author comes to the conclusion that in the commercial advertising texts of the glossy magazine “Tatler” the dash is the most effective punctuation mark in terms of the optimal combination of segmenting and interpretive potential. It is noted that in the advertising text the punctuation marks become an auxiliary means of influencing the recipient's psychoemotional state to the verbal component in accordance with copywriter’s idea.