bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuronutrição na depressão e transtorno de ansiedade
Authors: Baklizi Gabriela Silva , Bruce Beatriz Carvalho , Santos Ana Cristina de Castro Pereira
Published: December 2021

A ansiedade e depressão são doenças cada vez mais presentes nos dias de hoje, consideradas as doenças do século, afetam drasticamente a qualidade de vida da população. Através da neuronutrição é possível analisar hábitos alimentares e sua relação com o nosso desempenho cognitivo, analisando desde a fisiologia, bioquímica e microbiota até a influência da nutrição diretamente ao desenvolvimento desses transtornos mentais. Este estudo teve como objetivo compreender, por meio de uma revisão da literatura, o papel da neuronutrição na depressão e transtorno de ansiedade. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática, com a consulta sobre o tema a partir de revistas e periódicos científicos e à base de dados como: PubMed, SCIELO, Google Acadêmico e CAPES, a partir dos seguintes descritores: alimentação, ansiedade, depressão, nutrientes, ômega 3, vitamina D, cérebro e intestino, vitaminas e sistema nervoso. Através do estudo foi possível analisar como a nutrição influencia tanto na prevenção quanto no controle e amenização dos sintomas.
Lesão renal aguda em pacientes diagnosticados com COVID-19 em uma UTI do sudoeste goiano
Authors: Carvalho Lalleska Fernandes , Paula Tatyane Crhistina Gomes Queiroz de , Peixoto Valeria Silva
Published: December 2021

Das apresentações clínicas da COVID-19, a insuficiência respiratória demanda maior destaque, porém o acometimento renal é descrito como um quadro clínico relevante. A Lesão Renal Aguda (LRA) é definida como a perda abrupta da função renal e tem sido associada a taxas elevadas de mortalidade e a um prognóstico renal desfavorável em pacientes críticos com a infecção. Objetivo: Analisar a incidência da insuficiência renal aguda secundária a COVID-19, em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Método: Pesquisa qualitativa, quantitativa e retrospectivo documental em prontuários de pacientes de uma UTI do Sudoeste Goiano com diagnóstico positivo para COVID-19, internos durante 1 de setembro de 2020 a 30 de abril de 2021. Para estratificação da LRA foram considerados os critérios de KDIGO. Resultados: Dos 212 pacientes, 60 evoluíram para LRA, com predominância de 80% em estágio 3. A idade média foi de 62,6 e maior incidência no sexo masculino 51,67%. O tempo médio de internação hospitalar foi de 11,6 dias. As comorbidades de maior prevalência foram: Hipertensão arterial: 53,33 % e Diabetes Melitus: 31,67%. Em relação às drogas nefrotóxicas, 78,33% são vasodilatadoras. Das complicações clínicas: 88,33% necessitaram de suporte ventilatório invasivo e 80 % de Hemodiálise, já 93,33 % evoluíram para óbito. Conclusão: Conclui-se que houve alta incidência de LRA, possuindo forte influência para mortalidade, principalmente associado a fatores de risco como idade elevada, comorbidades e o manejo clínico como o suporte ventilatório, necessidade de hemodiálise e o uso de drogas vasoativas.
A presença e o lugar de professores negros e negras no IFMT: ações afirmativas, avanços e desafios
Authors: Silva Josadaque Martins , Lopes Thiago Beirigo , Ferreira Cristiane da Silva
Published: December 2021

Este artigo é resultado do projeto de pesquisa ‘Educação e ações afirmativas: um estudo sobre a presença e o lugar de professores negros e negras no IFMT’, desenvolvido no Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Mato Grosso. Tem por objetivo analisar, a partir de uma pesquisa quantitativa, a presença e o lugar de docentes negros e negras na estrutura educacional e administrativa do IFMT. Problematizamos especificamente esta instituição, de modo a compreender o locus dela no cenário de implementação de políticas de ações afirmativas no Brasil pós Durban (2001), tendo em vista que, no contexto geral das universidades públicas e privadas brasileiras, é visível a diminuta presença de professores negros e negras na estrutura didática e administrativa dessas academias. Para tanto, a pesquisa parte do pressuposto de que o cerne deste problema é o racismo acadêmico, justificado ‘brasileiristicamente’ pelo mito da democracia racial, presente na obra de Gilberto Freyre (2003). Por outro lado, descontruímos a ideia de democracia racial, principal impeditivo para a discussão de políticas de ações afirmativas no Brasil até 2001, ano da Terceira Conferência de Durban, tendo como aporte teórico Florestan Fernandes (1972), Kabengele Munanga (1999, 2014), José Jorge de Carvalho (2003, 2006) e Nilma Lino Gomes (2005). Resulta da investigação que o combate à desigualdade racial na docência superior e nas instâncias administrativas universitárias requer novas medidas de ações afirmativas que promovam a igualdade racial e, por conseguinte, ampliem a presença e o protagonismo de docentes negros e negras no ambiente acadêmico.
Perfil clínico e epidemiológico de crianças com toxoplasmose congênita em instituto de perinatologia de referência
Authors: Falcão Conceição de Maria Monteiro Benvindo , Sousa Andressa Mikaely Alves de , Moura Wiltamara Lacerda de , Batista Luiza Ivete Vieira
Published: December 2021

Objetivo: Analisar a toxoplasmose congênita em crianças acompanhadas no Instituto de Perinatologia Social da Maternidade Dona Evangelina Rosa. Metodologia: Tratou-se de um estudo descritivo, quantitativo transversal do tipo pesquisa documental. O estudo incluiu 85 recém-nascidos que foram expostos a toxoplasmose durante a gestação, nascidos entre Janeiro de 2018 e Dezembro de 2021. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio das “Fichas de Notificação/Investigação de Toxoplasmose Congênita do Sistema de Agravos de Notificação”. Resultados: Verificou-se que a maior parte das gestantes estavam na faixa etária de 20 a 29 anos no momento do diagnóstico. Também foi observado a idade gestacional em que a maioria das mães foram diagnosticadas, diagnóstico ocorreu durante o intervalo de 37 semanas a 40 semanas e 6 dias de gestação. Além disso, totalizou-se cerca de 56% das crianças não apresentaram alterações clínicas. Dentre as crianças sintomáticas, as alterações mais comuns foram retinocoroidite, prematuridade, icterícia, hidrocefalia e ascite. Os resultados mostraram que cerca de 53% das crianças fizeram uso da combinação de Sulfadiazina +Pirimetamina + Ácido Folínico. Conclusão: Foi possível traçar o perfil epidemiológico de gestantes diagnosticadas com toxoplasmose, como também foi avaliado as manifestações clínicas, o tratamento e a evolução das crianças com toxoplasmose congênita.
Using the Bosniak classification from the perspective of current clinical guidelines: the role of multiparameter ultrasound
Authors:   Postgraduate Institute for Public Health Workers under Health Ministry of Khabarovsk Krai, Polukhina E.V. , Gerasyanova M.V. ,   Khabarovsk Krai Clinical Hospital No.1 named after professor S.I. Sergeev under Health Ministry of Khabarovsk Krai
Published: December 2021

Kidney cystic formations are a common finding during ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Most kidney cysts are benign, however, in 5–7 % of cases, renal cell carcinoma can be represented by a complex cystic formation. The Bosniak classification allows you to determine the risk of a malignant process and, depending on the assignment of the resulting image to a category, plan treatment tactics. The classification was initially based on the characteristics of cysts according to computed tomography data. Other methods of radiation imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound, are now also used to characterize complex cystic lesions. The article provides data on the assessment of renal cystic formations according to the Bosniak classification according to modern clinical guidelines, including the use of multiparametric ultrasound
Harmful health effects of snus consumption
Authors:   Postgraduate Institute for Public Health Workers under Health Ministry of Khabarovsk Krai, Luchsheva L.F. , Litvinov A.V. ,   Postgraduate Institute for Public Health Workers under Health Ministry of Khabarovsk Krai, Nasatyuk A.V. ,   Khabarovsk Krai Clinical Psychiatric Hospital under Health Ministry of Khabarovsk Krai, Slivko K.Yu. ,   Postgraduate Institute for Public Health Workers under Health Ministry of Khabarovsk Krai, Fedorov A.V. ,   Postgraduate Institute for Public Health Workers under Health Ministry of Khabarovsk Krai
Published: December 2021

From a pharmacological point of view, snus is an addictive nicotine-containing substance that also contains carcinogenic nitrosamines. The level of nicotine in the blood of a snus user and a tobacco smoker is approximately the same. Dentists, educators, social workers, parents, as well as consumers of snus are poorly informed about the consequences of its use for health, including for the oral cavity. The article contains materials on the dangers of snus consumption on general somatic health, as well as on precancerous lesions and neoplasms of the oral cavity resulting from snus use, and ways to detect changes in the oral mucosa in the early stages of snus consumers.
Adverse reactions of local anesthetics
Authors:   Postgraduate Institute for Public Health Workers under Health Ministry of Khabarovsk Krai, Unzhakov V.V.
Published: December 2021

The article explains the adverse reactions of local anesthetics, in particular one of them, called the toxicity of local anesthetics. It has been shown that for the development of systemic toxicity of local anesthetics, higher doses of the latter are required in comparison with those recommended in the instructions. It is proposed in the regulatory documents to replace the term 'toxicity of local anesthetics' with the term 'side effects of local anesthetics'
Genetically modified objects: myths and reality. Transgenic foods in human nutrition
Authors:   Postgraduate Institute for Public Health Workers under Health Ministry of Khabarovsk Krai, Filippova V.V.
Published: December 2021

The questions of the use of genetically modified organisms in human practical activity, the peculiarities of technology, the positive aspects for agricultural activity and the role of GMOs in medicine are discussed. Transgenic foods in human nutrition: opinions of their supporters and opponents
Improvement of Mechanical Properties of Hard Metals Using Solid Solution Strengthened Metallic Binder (Co1-xWx)
Authors: Kwon Hanjung
Published: December 2021

The metallic binder in WC-Co hard metals was effectively strengthened using the solid solution phases of Co and W. These metallic phases of Co and W (Co1-xWx, x<1), which consist of two kinds of structures (FCC and HCP), were successfully formed by hydrogen reduction of milled oxides mixtures (Co3O4 and WO3) at over 1000 oC. When hard metals are fabricated by pressureless sintering of mixed WC and Co1-xWx, the hard metals containing the WC2 and M6C phases (Co2W4C and Co4W2C) have brittleness, which degrades their mechanical properties, like hard metals fabricated from mixtures of WC, Co, and W. By rapidly sintering the WC-Co1-xWx hard metals for 5 min the WC2 and M6C phases were eliminated, and a two-phase (WC and the metallic phase of Co and W) region was successfully obtained. The mechanical properties of the WC-Co1-xWx hard metals showed higher values for both hardness (max. 18.8 GPa) and fracture toughness (8.5 MPa·m1/2) than conventional WC-Co hard metal (HV: 15.9 GPa, KIC: 6.9 MPa·m1/2). The enhancement in toughness was attributed to the solid solution strengthening of the metallic binder and the elimination of the WC2 and M6C phases. The suppression of grain growth due to the short duration of sintering also played a positive role in improving the hardness of the WC-Co1-xWx hard metals. The phase-controlled solid solution metallic binder could be the key material to enhance the hardness and toughness of hard metals.
Sintering Behavior and Hardness of Tungsten Prepared by Hard Metal Sludge Recycling Process without Ammonium Paratungstate
Authors: Kwon Hanjung , Shin Jung-Min
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we suggest a novel recycling process for hard metal sludge that does not use ammonium paratungstate. Ammonia, which in the conventional recycling process is essential for removing sodium and crystallized tungstate, was not used in the novel process. Instead of ammonia, acid was used to remove the sodium and crystallized tungstate resulting in the formation of tungstic acid (H2WO4). Tungsten powders were successfully synthesized by hydrogen reduction of the tungstic acid through H2O decomposition, WO3 to WO2 reduction, and tungsten metal formation. The tungsten powders prepared from tungstic acid were spherical in shape and had a higher sintering density than the facet-shaped tungsten powders prepared from tungsten oxide. The spherical shape of the tungsten powders enhanced their sinterability and resulted in an increase in the size of grains. This is a result of the high diffusion rate of the atoms along the particle surfaces. Despite having a higher density, the hardness of the sintered tungsten was lower than that of tungsten from tungsten oxide. High energy milling effectively reduced grain size and improved hardness. The hardness of the tungsten prepared from milled tungstic acid was enhanced to a value (max. 471 HV) higher than the best previously reported value (389 HV). In sum, tungsten can be hardened, thereby improving its sinterability and reducing grain size, with tungstic acid prepared using the proposed recycling process.
A ‘world of method and intrigue’: Muriel Spark's Literary Intelligence
Authors: Cooke Simon
Published: December 2021

In 1944, Muriel Spark was recruited by the Foreign Office to work as a Duty Secretary in the Political Warfare Executive at Milton Bryan. ‘I played a very small part,’ Spark wrote in her autobiography, ‘but as a fly on the wall I took in a whole world of method and intrigue in the dark field of Black Propaganda or Psychological Warfare, and the successful and purposeful deceit of the enemy.’ Drawing on research in Spark's personal and literary archives at the McFarlin Library, Tulsa, and the National Library of Scotland, this essay explores the ways in which this ‘world of method and intrigue’ is taken in and reformulated in Spark's writing. Political espionage takes centre-stage in several of Spark's fictions, and a preoccupation with secrecy and spying runs through her work. But the methods of black propaganda can also be read as a secret sharer of some of Spark's most characteristic aesthetic strategies. Focusing in particular on Spark's most direct treatment of her secret war work –  The Hothouse by the East River – critical tension centres on reading Spark's literary intelligence less as a re-enactment than as a subversion of the logics of disinformation.
Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome: renaissance time?
Authors: Gaus O. V. , Livzan M. A. , Gavrilenko D. A.
Published: December 2021

Postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI–IBS) is a distinct phenotype of the disease. The occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms in PI–IBS is in direct chronological connection with an episode of acute intestinal infection. Previously the problem was considered as the outcome of parasitic, protozoal or bacterial infection. The global spread of a novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and increase in the number of new cases of IBS in the population suggests a renaissance of PI–IBS and makes us look at this problem again. This article summarizes and presents modern information on the possible mechanisms of development of PI–IBS, including in persons who have undergone COVID-19.
Role of damage to intestinal barrier in development of psoriasis
Authors: Ekimov I. N. , Pravdina O. V.
Published: December 2021

Disorders of interstitial barrier permeability as one of the promising mechanisms of psoriasis formation and development is a trend of the last decades. In the analysis of modern works devoted to the evaluation of the role of intestinal barrier damage in the development of psoriasis, several ways of assessing intestinal permeability have been noted (including measurement of transepithelial electrical responses using a Ussing chamber, measurement of excretion of orally injected molecules, determination of dynamics and kinetics of LPS intestinal bacteria, immunohistochemical confocal analysis of uniform Z-sections perpendicular to the epithelial cell surface, etc.). However, most authors emphasize the diagnostic significance and availability of biomarker detection. Among the described biomarkers, claudin-3, fecal zonulin, α1-antitrypsin, calprotectin and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) are the most valuable. Through these methods of assessing intestinal permeability and the results of their studies, a number of authors practically prove the correlation between the violation of the intestinal microbiota, intestinal barrier permeability and the development of psoriasis, as well as its severity. This aspect is promising to the therapy of patients with psoriasis, which includes correction of intestinal microbiota and intestinal wall permeability.
Which NSAID to choose for treatment of pain syndrome in polymorbid patients?
Authors: Pereverzev A. P.
Published: December 2021

A polymorbid patient is a patient with several diseases occurring simultaneously at different stages and phases of their development. Patients with polymorbid pathology have a statistically significant almost 2.5 times higher risk (odds ratio [OR] = 2.41; p = 0.01) of pain syndrome and other diseases (for example, depression, arterial hypertension, etc.), which will contribute to the progression of polymorbidity. Individuals with chronic pain have a significantly increased risk of all causes’ death (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.95; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.26–3.03) and cardiovascular causes (RR = 2.72; 95 % CI: 1.41–5.26) compared to patients without chronic pain. Therefore, in order to improve the prognosis and quality of life of the patient, both acute and chronic pain must be treated with non-pharmacological (exercise therapy, taping, virtual reality, etc.) and pharmacological methods. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the first-line treatment for mild to moderate pain. The rational choice of NSAIDs in polymorbid patients can be difficult due to the presence of pathologies that limit their use or conditions that are risk factors of complications of drug therapy. In this article, the author present approaches to choosing the optimal NSAID in polymorbid patients, and justify efficacy and safety of administration of original meloxicam in these individuals (Movalis®, Boehringer Ingelheim International).
Capital Structure and Firm Performance: Evidence from Malaysian Public Listed Plantation Companies
Authors: Jee Kim Foong , Ngui Jia En Joanne , Poh Pei Pei Jessica , Chan Wai Loon , Wong Yet Siang
Published: December 2021

This paper examines the relationship between capital structure and performance of firms. The study is confined to plantation sector companies in Malaysia and is based on a sample of 39 firms which listed in Bursa Malaysia for the period from 2009 to 2019. This study uses two performance measures which are ROA and ROE as the dependent variable. Besides, the capital structure measures are the short-term debt, long-term debt, total debt and firm growth, which as the independent variables. Size will be the control variable in this study. Moreover, a fixed-effect panel regression analysis has been used to analyse the impact of capital structure on firm performance. The results indicate that firm performance, which is in term of ROA, have an insignificant relationship with short-term debt (STD) and long-term debt (LTD). For the total debt (TD) and growth, there is a significant relationship with ROA. However, for the performance measured by ROE, it has an insignificant relationship with short-term debt (STD), long-term debt (LTD) and total debt (TD). Furthermore, there is a significant relationship between the growth and the performance firms from plantation sector in Malaysia.
The Impact Of Corporate Governance on The Financial Performance in Malaysia
Authors: ABDULLAH NURFATANAH
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between corporate governance and firm financial performance in Malaysia. This study is mainly focusing on four sections of corporate governance which are board independent, board size, the frequency of audit committee meeting and firm size. The population of this study is Top 30 firms in Malaysia that are public listed in Bursa Malaysia while for the period, this study focusses on year 2016 to 2019 which is 4 years. This study uses Return on Assets (ROA) to measure the firm effectiveness and efficiency. As for statistical analysis, this study uses E-View to run all the test such as Breusch-Godfrey Serial Correlation LM Test, Hausman Test, Ordinary Least Squared (OLS) method, Autocorrelation, Multicollinearity and Normality Test. According to the results of the analysis, board independent has positive insignificant relationship with firm performances while board size and firm performances have negative and insignificant relationship. As for the frequency of audit committee meeting and firm size, the results display that both variables have negatively significant relationship with the performances of the firm. Apart from that this study use two theory which are Prospect Theory and Agency Theory.
Climate resilience interventions within global cities: How are cities addressing climate hazards and what’s missing?
Authors: Maxwell Katherine
Published: December 2021

This technical report focuses on global cities resilience against disaster risk, exploring key infrastructure within sectors and systems that are impacted by these climate hazards. The report explores the different adaptation management approaches taken by cities, from identifying potential climate hazards, calculating risks and the resulting impact on infrastructure within cities, and the types of interventions that cities have taken to address or reduce the likelihood or frequency of these risks.
Bulky forage from legume-cereal mixtures in cattle rations
Authors: Kosolapov Vladimir , Sharifyanov Bilus , Ishmuratov Halyaf , Shagaliev Fanuz , Yumaguzin Idris , Salihov Eduard
Published: December 2021

The results of our own scientific research on the use of advanced technologies for the procurement, storage and use of voluminous forage prepared from legume-cereal grass mixtures, as well as silos preserved with new generation biological preparations Biosib and Biotrof-111 are presented. The ways and methods of improving the structure of sown areas during the cultivation of perennial legume-cereal grass mixtures with the inclusion of an unconventional forage crop - the eastern goat's rue are considered in order to increase the energy and protein nutritional value of voluminous forages. The possibility of using the energy feed additive Bergafat T-300 in winter rations for feeding highly productive fresh cows has been shown. The book can serve as a scientific and methodological guide for drawing up effective programs and long-term plans for the development of forage production and feeding of cattle.
Gold Nanoparticles Augment N-Terminal Cleavage and Splicing Reactions in Mycobacterium tuberculosis SufB
Authors: Nanda Ananya , Nasker Sourya Subhra , Kushwaha Anoop K. , Ojha Deepak Kumar , Dearden Albert K. , Nayak Saroj K. , Nayak Sasmita
Published: December 2021

Protein splicing is a self-catalyzed event where the intervening sequence intein cleaves off, joining the flanking exteins together to generate a functional protein. Attempts have been made to regulate the splicing rate through variations in temperature, pH, and metals. Although metal-regulated protein splicing has been more captivating to researchers, metals were shown to only inhibit splicing reactions that confine their application. This is the first study to show the effect of nanoparticles (NPs) on protein splicing. We found that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of various sizes can increase the splicing efficiency by more than 50% and the N-terminal cleavage efficiency by more than 45% in Mycobacterium tuberculosis SufB precursor protein. This study provides an effective strategy for engineering splicing-enhanced intein platforms. UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed AuNP interaction with the native protein. Quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) analysis suggested a significant reduction in the energy barrier at the N-terminal cleavage site in the presence of gold atom, strengthening our experimental evidence on heightened the N-terminal cleavage reaction. The encouraging observation of enhanced N-terminal cleavage and splicing reaction can have potential implementations from developing a rapid drug delivery system to designing a contemporary protein purification system.
Predicting Forefoot-Orthosis Interactions in Rheumatoid Arthritis Using Computational Modelling
Authors: Kelly Emily S. , Worsley Peter R. , Bowen Catherine J. , Cherry Lindsey S. , Keenan Bethany E. , Edwards Christopher J. , O’Brien Neil , King Leonard , Dickinson Alex S.
Published: December 2021

Foot orthoses are prescribed to reduce forefoot plantar pressures and pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Computational modelling can assess how the orthoses affect internal tissue stresses, but previous studies have focused on a single healthy individual. This study aimed to ascertain whether simplified forefoot models would produce differing biomechanical predictions at the orthotic interface between people with rheumatoid arthritis of varying severity, and in comparison to a healthy control. The forefoot models were developed from magnetic resonance data of 13 participants with rheumatoid arthritis and one healthy individual. Measurements of bony morphology and soft tissue thickness were taken to assess deformity. These were compared to model predictions (99th% shear strain and plantar pressure, max. pressure gradient, volume of soft tissue over 10% shear strain), alongside clinical data including body mass index and Leeds Foot Impact Scale–Impairment/Footwear score (LFIS-IF). The predicted pressure and shear strain for the healthy participant fell at the lower end of the rheumatoid models’ range. Medial first metatarsal head curvature moderately correlated to all model predicted outcomes (0.529 < r < 0.574, 0.040 < p < 0.063). BMI strongly correlated to all model predictions except pressure gradients (0.600 < r < 0.652, p < 0.05). There were no apparent relationships between model predictions and instances of bursae, erosion and synovial hypertrophy or LFIS-IF score. The forefoot models produced differing biomechanical predictions between a healthy individual and participants with rheumatoid arthritis, and between individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Models capable of predicting subject specific biomechanical orthotic interactions could be used in the future to inform more personalised devices to protect skin and soft tissue health. While the model results did not clearly correlate with all clinical measures, there was a wide range in model predictions and morphological measures across the participants. Thus, the need for assessment of foot orthoses across a population, rather than for one individual, is clear.
Unveiling a Ghost Proteome in the Glioblastoma Non-Coding RNAs
Authors: Cardon Tristan , Fournier Isabelle , Salzet Michel
Published: December 2021

Glioblastoma is the most common brain cancer in adults. Nevertheless, the median survival time is 15 months, if treated with at least a near total resection and followed by radiotherapy in association with temozolomide. In glioblastoma (GBM), variations of non-coding ribonucleic acid (ncRNA) expression have been demonstrated in tumor processes, especially in the regulation of major signaling pathways. Moreover, many ncRNAs present in their sequences an Open Reading Frame (ORF) allowing their translations into proteins, so-called alternative proteins (AltProt) and constituting the “ghost proteome.” This neglected world in GBM has been shown to be implicated in protein–protein interaction (PPI) with reference proteins (RefProt) reflecting involvement in signaling pathways linked to cellular mobility and transfer RNA regulation. More recently, clinical studies have revealed that AltProt is also involved in the patient’s survival and bad prognosis. We thus propose to review the ncRNAs involved in GBM and highlight their function in the disease.
Fishers' Ecological Knowledge and Stable Isotope Analysis Reveal Mangrove Estuaries as Key Developmental Habitats for Critically Endangered Sea Turtles
Authors: Wedemeyer-Strombel Kathryn R. , Seminoff Jeffrey A. , Liles Michael J. , Sánchez Ramón Neftali , Chavarría Sofía , Valle Melissa , Altamirano Eduardo , Gadea Velkiss , Hernandez Nicolas , Peterson Markus J. , Smith Kerri J. , Trueman Clive N. , Peterson Tarla Rai , Newsome Seth D.
Published: December 2021

Successful conservation of endangered, migratory species requires an understanding of habitat use throughout life stages. When dedicated scientific studies are difficult to conduct, local expert knowledge can provide crucial baseline data to guide study design and aid data interpretation. In 2008, fishers in El Salvador demonstrated that eastern Pacific hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata)—a population conservation biologists considered virtually extirpated—use mangrove estuaries as nesting habitat rather than open-coast beaches used by hawksbills in other regions. We confirmed and amplified this observation by using fishers' ecological knowledge to guide biological sampling for stable isotope analysis to assess if eastern Pacific hawskbills use mangrove-dominated estuaries as developmental habitats. We found that immature hawksbills experience a pelagic stage and then recruit to estuaries at ~37 cm curved carapace length, where they increase reliance on estuarine resources until they approach adult sizes. This life history strategy makes them especially vulnerable to in-water nearshore threats, and necessitates targeted expansion of conservation efforts throughout the eastern Pacific. Our analysis also provides a model for integrating traditional scientific approaches with local knowledge—a model that could yield crucial advances in other understudied regions.
Angiopoietin 2 as a Novel Potential Biomarker for Acute Aortic Dissection
Authors: Huang Bi , Tian Li , Chen Zhaoran , Zhang Liang , Su Wenjun , Lu Tianyi , Yang Yanmin , Hui Rutai , Wang Xiaojian , Fan Xiaohan
Published: December 2021

Biomarker-assisted diagnosis of acute aortic dissection (AAD) is important for initiation of treatment and improved survival. However, identification of biomarkers for AAD in blood is a challenging task. The present study aims to find the potential AAD biomarkers using a transcriptomic strategy. Arrays based genome-wide gene expression profiling were performed using ascending aortic tissues which were collected from AAD patients and healthy donors. The differentially expressed genes were validated using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot. The plasma levels of a potential biomarker, angiopoietin 2 (ANGPT2) were determined in case-control cohort (77 AAD patients and 82 healthy controls) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic power of ANGPT2 for AAD. Transcriptome data demonstrated that a total of 18 genes were significantly up-regulated and 28 genes were significantly down-regulated among AAD tissues (foldchange>3.0, p < 0.01). By bioinformatic analysis, we identified ANGPT2 as a candidate biomarker for blood-based detection of AAD. The qRT-PCR and protein expression demonstrated that ANGPT2 increased 2.4- and 4.2 folds, respectively in aortic tissue of AAD patients. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that ANGPT2 was markedly increased in intima of the aortic wall in AAD. Furthermore, ANGPT2 was significantly elevated in AAD patients as compared with controls (median 1625 vs. 383 pg/ml, p < 1E-6). ROC curve analysis showed that ANGPT2 was highly predictive of a diagnosis of type A AAD (area under curve 0.93, p < 1E-6). Sensitivity and specificity were 81 and 90%, respectively at the cutoff value of 833 pg/ml. In conclusion, ANGPT2 could be a promising biomarker for diagnosis of AAD; however, more studies are still needed to verify its specificity in diagnosing of AAD.
Antithrombotic Treatment in Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Gottsäter Anders
Published: December 2021

Lower extremity arteries might be affected by atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease (PAD), or by embolization causing ischaemic symptoms. Patients with PAD often have widespread atherosclerosis, and progression of PAD is associated with increased risk for both other cardiovascular events and cardiovascular mortality. Peripheral arterial disease patients should therefore be offered both non-pharmacological and pharmacological secondary prevention to reduce the risk for future ischemic arterial complications. This review is focussed on the rationale for recommendations on antiplatelet and anticoagulant treatment in PAD. Asymptomatic PAD does not warrant either anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment, whereas patients with ischaemic lower extremity symptoms such as intermittent claudication or critical limb ischemia caused by atherosclerosis should be offered platelet antiaggregation with either low dose aspirin or clopidogrel. Combined treatment with aspirin and low-dose of the direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) rivaroxaban should be considered and weighed against bleeding risk in symptomatic PAD patients considered at high risk for recurrent ischaemic events and in patients having undergone endovascular or open surgical intervention for PAD. Patiens with cardiogenic embolization to lower extremity arteries should be recommended anticoagulant treatment with either one of the DOACs (apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban) or warfarin.
Safety and Effectiveness of Direct Oral Anticoagulants vs. Warfarin in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Endoscopy-Diagnosed Peptic Ulcer
Authors: Wang Chun-Li , Huang Chien-Hao , Wu Victor Chien-Chia , Huang Ya-Chi , Wang Hsiang-Sheng , Kuo Chang-Fu , Chu Pao-Hsien , Wen Ming-Shien , Chen Ying-Jen , Huang Yu-Tung , Chang Shang-Hung
Published: December 2021

Background: Patients with active peptic ulcer (PU) were excluded from direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) trials for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of DOACs in AF patients with active, inactive and no peptic ulcer (PU).

Methods: This study accessed electronic medical records from January 1, 2009 to May 31, 2019 at a multi-center healthcare provider in Taiwan and involved 2,955 AF patients who had undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy ≤ 1 year before anticoagulation. Subjects were classified into 3 groups: active (n = 237), inactive (n = 828) and no-PU (n = 1,890) groups. We compared the risks of major bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, and ischemic stroke/systemic embolism (IS/SE) between DOACs and warfarin among the 3 groups.

Results: In the active PU group, there were no significant differences in the risks of major bleeding [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08–4.98, p = 0.676], gastrointestinal bleeding (HR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.08–4.98, p = 0.676) and IS/SE (HR = 2.58; 95% CI 0.53–12.70, p = 0.243) between DOAC and warfarin (as the reference). In the inactive PU group, there were no significant differences in the risks of major bleeding (HR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.09–1.39, p = 0.138), gastrointestinal bleeding (HR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.02–1.80, p = 0.153), and IS/SE (HR = 1.04, 95% CI 0.39–2.82, p = 0.934) between DOAC and warfarin (as the reference). In the no-PU group, DOACs were associated with lower risk of major bleeding (HR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.12–0.53, p < 0.001), gastrointestinal bleeding (HR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.01–0.59, p = 0.002), and similar risk of IS/SE (HR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.55–1.54, p = 0.757) compared to warfarin.

Conclusions: DOACs were as effective as warfarin in preventing IS/SE irrespective of PU status and safer than warfarin in reducing major bleeding in the no-PU group. In patients with active or inactive PUs, DOAC and warfarin were not significantly different in their effects on major bleeding or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Phenylacetylglutamine, a Novel Biomarker in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Yu Fang , Li Xi , Feng Xianjing , Wei Minping , Luo Yunfang , Zhao Tingting , Xiao Bo , Xia Jian
Published: December 2021

Background: To discover novel metabolic biomarkers of ischemic stroke (IS), we carried out a two-stage metabolomic profiling of IS patients and healthy controls using untargeted and targeted metabolomic approaches.

Methods: We applied untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to detect the plasma metabolomic profiles of 150 acute IS patients and 50 healthy controls. The candidate differential microbiota-derived metabolite phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln) was validated in 751 patients with IS and 200 healthy controls. We evaluated the associations between PAGln levels and the severity and functional outcomes of patients with IS. Clinical mild stroke was defined as the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score 0–5, and moderate-severe stroke as NIHSS score >5. A favorable outcome at 3 months after IS was defined as the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–2, and unfavorable outcome as mRS score 3–6.

Results: In untargeted metabolomic analysis, we detected 120 differential metabolites between patients with IS and healthy controls. Significantly altered metabolic pathways were purine metabolism, TCA cycle, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis. Elevated plasma PAGln levels in IS patients, compared with healthy controls, were observed in untargeted LC-MS analysis and confirmed by targeted quantification (median 2.0 vs. 1.0 μmol/L; p < 0.001). Patients with moderate-severe stroke symptoms and unfavorable short-term outcomes also had higher levels of PAGln both in discovery and validation stage. After adjusting for potential confounders, high PAGln levels were independently associated with IS (OR = 3.183, 95% CI 1.671–6.066 for the middle tertile and OR = 9.362, 95% CI 3.797–23.083 for the highest tertile, compared with the lowest tertile) and the risk of unfavorable short-term outcomes (OR = 2.286, 95% CI 1.188–4.401 for the highest tertile).

Conclusions: IS patients had higher plasma levels of PAGln than healthy controls. PAGln might be a potential biomarker for IS and unfavorable functional outcomes in patients with IS.
Associations of Social Vulnerability Index With Pathologic Myocardial Findings at Autopsy
Authors: Sunderraj Ashwin , Rivera Adovich , Gaddam Meghna , Kim Sarah , McCook Juan , O'Neal Janelle , Lomasney Jon , Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Baumer Yvonne , Powell-Wiley Tiffany M. , Feinstein Matthew J.
Published: December 2021

Background: Social vulnerability is an important determinant of cardiovascular health. Prior investigations have shown strong associations of social determinants of health with cardiovascular risk factors, imaging findings, and clinical events. However, limited data exist regarding the potential role of social vulnerability and related physiologic stressors on tissue-level pathology.

Methods: We analyzed clinical data and linked autopsy reports from 853 decedent individuals who underwent autopsy from 4/6/2002 to 4/1/2021 at a large urban medical center. The mean age at death was 62.9 (SD = 15.6) and 49% of decedent individuals were men. The primary exposure was census-tract level composite social vulnerability index based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). Individuals were geocoded to census tracts and assigned SVI accordingly. Four myocardial tissue-level outcomes from autopsy were recorded as present or absent: any coronary atherosclerosis, severe/obstructive coronary atherosclerosis, myocardial fibrosis, and/or myopericardial inflammation. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were constructed with SVI as the primary exposure and covariates including age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, and hypertension. Additional analyses were performed stratified by clinical diagnoses of heart failure (HF) and coronary artery disease (CAD).

Results: In the overall cohort, SVI was not associated with outcomes on cardiac pathology in multivariable-adjusted models. However, in stratified multivariable-adjusted analyses, higher SVI (higher social vulnerability) was associated with a higher odds of myocardial fibrosis among individuals without clinical diagnoses of HF.

Conclusions: Higher indices of social vulnerability are associated with a higher odds of myocardial fibrosis at autopsy among individuals without known clinical diagnoses of HF. Potential pathophysiological mechanisms and implications for prevention/treatment of myocardial dysfunction require further study.
An Early Miocene Lowland on the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Tian Qian , Fang Xiaomin , Bai Yan , Chen Chihao , Hou Juzhi , Zhang Tao
Published: December 2021

The northeastern Tibetan Plateau (NE TP) has long been thought to be the last part of the Plateau to be raised, but this assumption has been challenged by recent analyses of fossil leaf energy, which have pointed to the possibility that the present surface altitude of ∼3,000 m above sea level (asl) in the Qaidam Basin (QB) was attained during the Oligocene. Here, for the first time, we present a record of glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) from a well-dated Cenozoic section in the QB. This record appears to demonstrate that the mean annual average paleotemperature of the QB was 28.4 ± 2.9°C at ∼18.0 Ma. This would suggest that the paleoelevation of the QB was only ∼1,488 m asl at that time and that a ∼1,500 m uplift was attained afterwards, in agreement with the massive shortening of the QB and the rapid drying of inland Asia since the late Miocene.
Nitrogen Isotope Discrepancy Between Primary Producers and Sediments in an Anoxic and Alkaline Lake
Authors: Cadeau Pierre , Ader Magali , Jézéquel Didier , Chaduteau Carine , Sarazin Gérard , Bernard Cécile , Leboulanger Christophe
Published: December 2021

Nitrogen isotope compositions (δ15N) in sedimentary rocks are extensively used to investigate the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle through geological times. This use relies on the observation that, in modern continental platforms and anoxic basins, surface sediments faithfully record the δ15N of primary producers, assuming that it was similar in the past. Over Earth’s history, however, surface environments experienced profound changes, including the transition of ammonium-dominated to nitrate-dominated waters and the transition from exclusively microbial ecosystems to ecosystems including multicellularity, which make modern environments significantly different compared to earlier ones, potentially invalidating the fundamental assumption that surface sediments faithfully record the δ15N of primary producers. In order to improve our understanding of the nitrogen isotopic information contained in the early Earth’s sedimentary rock record, we investigate here the nitrogen isotope systematics in a microbial, nitrate free and ammonium-rich modern system, the Dziani Dzaha Lake. In this modern system, the δ15N of the reduced dissolved inorganic nitrogen (i.e., NH4+ and NH3) in the water column is close to ∼7‰ . δ15N of suspended particulate matter (SPM) show a similar average value in surface waters (i.e., where SPM is massively composed of active primary producers), but increases up to 14‰ in the deeper part of the water column during periods when it is enriched in dissolved reduced species (i.e., CH4, H2S/HS− and NH4+/NH3). Surface sediments δ15N, with values comprised between 10 and 14 ‰, seem to preferentially record these positive isotopic signatures, rather than those of active primary producers. We propose here that the observed isotopic pattern is mainly linked to the assimilation of ammonium strongly enriched in 15N by isotope exchange with ammonia under basic conditions. Although ammonium assimilation seems here to be responsible for a significant isotopic enrichment due to the basic conditions, in neutral anoxic environments inhabited by similar microbial ecosystems, this process may also significantly impact the δ15N of primary producers towards more negative values. This would have strong implications for our interpretation of the Precambrian sedimentary record as this finding challenges one the fundamental hypotheses underlying the use of sedimentary δ15N in paleo-oceanographic reconstructions, i.e. that surface sediments faithfully record the δ15N of active primary producers in the photic zone.
Accumulation of a Last Deglacial Gravel Layer at Diexi, Eastern Tibetan Plateau and its Possible Seismic Significance
Authors: Zhang Siqi , Jiang Hanchao , Fan Jiawei , Xu Hongyan , Shi Wei , Guo Qiaoqiao , Wei Xiaotong
Published: December 2021

Tectonic and climatic process controlling gravel accumulation in tectonically active regions is the subject of active debate. In this study, the formation mechanism of a gravel layer in the Diexi lacustrine section, eastern Tibetan Plateau, was investigated using mutually validated dating methods and detailed analysis of sedimentary processes. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS)14C dating show that the gravel layer in the Diexi section accumulated at approximately 16.79 ka BP. The sedimentary characteristics of the gravel layer and the contact between upper and lower strata indicate that the formation of the Diexi gravel layer was triggered by an earthquake rather than by a debris flow caused by torrential rain. And the result based on the intensity attenuation model are consistent with the characteristics of frequent large earthquakes in Diexi area. Detailed analysis of satellite images and sedimentary characteristics of the gravel layer provide evidence for an ancient landslide, which may be related to the gravel layer at Muer village (to the north of the Diexi section). Overall, this study reconstructs a gravel event at approximately 16.79 ka BP and has important theoretical and practical significance for understanding the formation mechanism of gravel deposits and analysing seismic events through gravel accumulation.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiovascular Disease: Causing Factors, Molecular Links, and Treatment Options
Authors: Zhang Chunye , Liu Shuai , Yang Ming
Published: December 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, which will affect more than a million people by the year 2025. However, current treatment options have limited benefits. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the fastest growing factor that causes HCC in western countries, including the United States. In addition, NAFLD co-morbidities including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) promote HCC development. Alteration of metabolites and inflammation in the tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in HCC progression. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not totally clear. Herein, in this review, we explored the latest molecules that are involved in obesity, T2DM, and CVDs-mediated progression of HCC, as they share some common pathologic features. Meanwhile, several therapeutic options by targeting these key factors and molecules were discussed for HCC treatment. Overall, obesity, T2DM, and CVDs as chronic metabolic disease factors are tightly implicated in the development of HCC and its progression. Molecules and factors involved in these NAFLD comorbidities are potential therapeutic targets for HCC treatment.