bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a newly emerging focus in Gampaha district, Western province of Sri Lanka
Authors: Mallawarachchi Chandana Harendra , Chandrasena Nilmini T. G. A. N , Wijerathna Tharaka , Dalpadado Rasika C.P.D. , Mallawarachchi Maleesha S.M.N.S. , G.A Gunarathna , Gunathilaka Nayana
Published: April 2020

Background:

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) appears to be spreading to previously non-endemic regions of Sri Lanka. The aim of this study was to describe a newly emerging focus of CL in the district of Gampaha, in Western Sri Lanka.
Methods:

A case based descriptive study was carried out from January 2018 to April 2019 in the Mirigama Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area, which reported the highest number of CL cases in Gampaha District. Laboratory confirmed cases were traced and socio-demographic and clinical data were collected via a validated questionnaire and clinic records respectively. The quality of life (QOL) of study participants was measured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of patient residences were recorded using handheld GPS receivers. Sand-flies were collected from four selected sites, using Indoor Hand Collection (IHC) (162 units) and Cattle Baited Net Traps (CBNT) (n = 3) and a battery-operated aspirator.
Results:

Of 73 patients identified in this study, 58.9% were males, with a mean age of 43.6 years (SD 20.1). The lesions included nodules (52.05%) and ulcers (47.9%). Single lesions were seen in 69.86%, while 30.1% had multiple. Except for one mucosal lesion, all others were on skin. Treatment varied from sodium stibogluconate (SSG) + cryotherapy (46.57%), SSG (45.2%) and cryotherapy (8.2%). Patients with multiple lesions were more likely to be treated with combined SSG + cryotherapy (p < 0.05). The mean DLQI score was 8.14 (SD = 7). Most patients engaged in outdoor activities that exposed them to the risk of sand-fly bites Workplaces of 81.1% (27/33) were located within the district. Housing conditions of study participants were of moderate (59%), good (35.6%) and poor (5%) quality. Four households reported multiple cases. Spatial distribution of cases indicated notable clustering in seven adjacently located Public Health Inspector (PHI) areas. Phlebotomus argentipes was detected in all CBNTs and 35.28% of IHC units surveyed.
Conclusions:

CL is emerging in Gamapha district with Mirigama MOH area being the epicentre of infection. The disease had a moderately negative impact on QOL of patients. Minimal migration of cases, clustering of cases within households and in the locality indicates local transmission with P. argentipes as the probable vector.
An observational study of post-operative Volumetric Modulated Arc Radiotherapy (VMAT) of breast cancer by immobilizing patients on All-in-one (AIOTM) solution Breast and Lung Board without usingthermoplastic mask: Risk of collusion of gantry with couch exists if acquisition of Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)is attempted for set-up verification.
Authors: Kumar Ramaiah Vinay
Published: April 2020

Background:
Automatic Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) based image matching for set-up verification is recommended as compared to 2-D match for post-operative local / loco-regional radiotherapy of breast cancer patients by Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) technique. However, in supine position, off-midline peripheral body Clinical Target Volume (CTV) of unilateral breast cancer patients immobilized on Breast and Lung board of All-in-One (AIO) positioning systemmay necessitate augmented movement of couch in ‘x’ and ‘z’ axis thereby raising the risk of collusion of x-ray sources / detectors system with couch.
Methods and Materials:
VMAT was planned by a pair of partial arc for whole target volume for seven consecutive post-operative breast cancer patients (five post-mastectomy and two post-breast conservation patients). Tattoo based set-up by shift of treatment table in x-, y- and z-axis as determined by Treatment Planning System followed by X-rays with planar image acquisition and online 2-D imaging matching was performed for set-up verification. In-room 360°rotation of x-ray source and detector system of linear accelerator (linac) was performed before x-ray planar image acquisition.
Results:
Completion of 360°rotation in-room of x-ray source and detector system of linacaround the machine iso-centre was not possible in six out of seven patients due to possibility of collusion of gantry with contralateral side of the couch.
Conclusion:
Performing CBCT for generating 3D images for computed tomography (CT) reconstruction may not be practical for patient set-up verification of post-operative radiotherapy of unilateral breast cancer patients positioned supine on breast and lung board.
Strict bladder filling and rectal emptying during prostate SBRT - does it make a dosimetric or clinical difference?
Authors: Byun David Jaihun , Gorovets Daniel J. , Jacobs Lauren M. , Happersett Laura , Zhang Pengpeng , Pei Xin , Burleson Sarah , Zhang Zhigang , Hunt Margie , McBride Sean , Kollmeier Marisa A. , Zelefsky Michael J.
Published: April 2020

Background
To evaluate inter-fractional variations in bladder and rectum during prostate stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and determine dosimetric and clinical consequences.
Methods
Eighty-five patients with 510 computed tomography (CT) images were analyzed. Median prescription dose was 40 Gy in 5 fractions. Patients were instructed to maintain a full bladder and empty rectum prior to simulation and each treatment. A single reviewer delineated organs at risk (OARs) on the simulation (Sim-CT) and Cone Beam CTs (CBCT) for analyses.
Results
Bladder and rectum volume reductions were observed throughout the course of SBRT, with largest mean reductions of 86.9 mL (19.0%) for bladder and 6.4 mL (8.7%) for rectum noted at fraction #5 compared to Sim-CT (P < 0.01). Higher initial Sim-CT bladder volumes were predictive for greater reduction in absolute bladder volume during treatment (ρ=-0.69; P < 0.01). Over the course of SBRT, there was a small but significant increase in bladder mean dose (+ 4.5 ± 12.8%; P < 0.01) but no significant change in the D2cc (+ 0.8 ± 4.0%; P = 0.28). The mean bladder trigone displacement was in the anterior direction (+ 4.02 ± 6.59 mm) with a corresponding decrease in mean trigone dose (-3.6 ± 9.6%; P < 0.01) and D2cc (-6.2 ± 15.6%; P < 0.01). There was a small but significant increase in mean rectal dose (+ 7.0 ± 12.9%, P < 0.01) but a decrease in rectal D2cc (-2.2 ± 10.1%; P = 0.04). No significant correlations were found between relative bladder volume changes, bladder trigone displacements, or rectum volume changes with rates of genitourinary or rectal toxicities.
Conclusions
Despite smaller than expected bladder and rectal volumes at the time of treatment compared to the planning scans, dosimetric impact was minimal and not predictive of detrimental clinical outcomes. These results cast doubt on the need for excessively strict bladder filling and rectal emptying protocols in the context of image guided prostate SBRT and prospective studies are needed to determine its necessity.
OPTimizing Irradiation through Molecular Assessment of Lymph node (OPTIMAL): a randomized open label trial.
Authors: Algara Manuel , Rodríguez Elvira , Flaquer Amanda , Beato Inmaculada , Martínez Francisco José , Salinas Juan , Rodrígez Jose Reyes , Sanz Xavier , Soler Ana , Juan Germán , Frias Andere , Aurea Manso , Calín Ana , Diaz Inma , Guimon Elena , Meireles Pedro
Published: April 2020

BackgroundConservative surgery followed by breast and nodal irradiation is the standard loco-regional treatment for early breast cancer (BC) patients with four or more involved lymph nodes. However, the treatment strategy when fewer nodes are involved remains unclear, especially when lymphadenectomy has not been performed. Sensitive molecular techniques for nodal status assessment such as the OSNA (One-Step Nucleic Acid Amplification) assay can contribute to the definition and standardization of the treatment strategy. Therefore, the OPTIMAL study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of the incidental irradiation of axillary nodes in patients with early-stage BC and limited involvement of the SLN.MethodsBC patients with conservative surgery and a total tumour load of sentinel lymph nodes assessed with OSNA ranged between 250–15.000 copies/µL will be eligible. Patients will be randomized to receive irradiation on breast, tumour bed, axillary and supraclavicular lymph node areas (intentional arm) or only on breast and tumour bed (incidental arm). All areas, including the internal mammary chain, will be contoured. The mean, median, D5% and D95% doses received in all volumes will be calculated. The primary endpoint is the non-inferiority of incidental irradiation of axillary nodes compared with the intentional irradiation in terms of 5-year disease free survival. Secondary endpoints comprise the comparison of acute and chronic toxicity, loco-regional and distant disease recurrence rates.DiscussionStandardizing the treatment and diagnosis of BC patients with few nodes affected is crucial due to the lack of consensus on the therapeutic strategies in these patients. Hence, the quantitative score for metastatic burden of SLN provided by OSNA can contribute to improve the discrimination of BC patients with a limited nodal involvement who can benefit from incidental radiation as an adjuvant treatment strategy.Trial registrationClinicalTrial.gov, NCT02335957; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02335957
Antibiotic resistance pattern of bacterial isolates retrieved from febrile neutropenic patients with hematological disorders
Authors: Prajapati Gayatri , Poudyal Bishesh Sharma , Maharjan Krishna Kumar , Prajapati Sunita , Dhungana Janak Raj
Published: April 2020

Background

Antibiotic resistance is nowadays becoming a threat in the treatment of immunosuppressed patients. The aim of this study was to find out the antibiotic resistance pattern of bacteria isolated from febrile neutropenic patients with hematological disorders so that it would help to select the empirical antibiotic for prompt effective treatment of the febrile neutropenic patients.
Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital of Nepal from October 2018 to November 2019. Blood was drawn aseptically in blood culture bottles. The bacteria were identified by standard microbiological methods with observation of colony morphology, gram staining and biochemical tests of bacteria. The antibiotic susceptibility tests were done by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) and Metallo Beta Lactamase (MBL) producers, and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were detected by phenotypic methods.
Results

Of the total 214 blood samples, 33.9% (71) yielded the bacterial growth. Gram negative bacteria were isolated from 23.8% of total samples and Gram-positive bacteria were isolated from 9.3% of the total samples. The Gram negative bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli (7.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (4.7%), Citrobacter spp. (4.7%), Acinetobacter spp. (3.7%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.8%). The Gram-positive bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (5.6%), Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus (2.3%) and Enterococcus spp. (1.4%). About 66.7% of the total Gram-negative bacteria isolated and 50% of the total Gram-positive bacteria were MDR (Multidrug-resistant). About 19.6% of the total Gram-negative bacteria were ESBL producers and 19.6% of them were MBL producers. About 41.6% of Staphylococcus aureus isolated were MRSA (Methicillin Resistant S. aureus). In our institution, piperacillin-tazobactam is the preferred first choice empirical antibiotic. But 58.8% of the Gram negative organisms were found to be resistant towards piperacillin-tazobactam. Hence there is a prompt necessity to switch to another antibiotic with high sensitivity for effective treatment of the febrile neutropenic patients in our institution.
Conclusion

Antibiotic surveillance data should be evaluated periodically to select the empirical therapeutic antibiotic for effective treatment of febrile neutropenic patients.
Insights into the mechanism of Arnebia euchroma on leukemia via network pharmacology approach
Authors: Wang Biting , Wu Zengrui , Wang Jiye , Li Weihua , Liu Guixia , Zhang Bo , Tang Yun
Published: April 2020

Background: Arnebia euchroma (A. euchroma), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of blood diseases. In recent years, more and more researches have been conducted on the anti-tumor effect of shikonin and its derivatives, the major active components of A. euchroma. However, the underlying mechanism of action (MoA) for all the ingredients of A. euchroma on leukemia has not been explored systematically.Methods: In this study, we tried to analyze the MoA of A. euchroma on leukemia via network pharmacology approach. Firstly, the chemical components and their concentrations in A. euchroma as well as leukemia-related targets were collected. Next, we predicted compound-target interactions (CTIs) via our balanced substructure-drug-target network-based inference (bSDTNBI) method. The known and predicted targets of A. euchroma and leukemia-related targets were merged together to construct A. euchroma-leukemia protein-protein interactions (PPIs) network. Then, weighted compound-target bipartite network was constructed according to combination of eight central attributes with concentrations information via Cytoscape. Additionally, molecular docking simulation was performed to determine the binding efficiency of compounds with targets.Results: A total of 65 components of A. euchroma were obtained and 27 of them with concentration information, which involved in 157 targets, 779 compound- target interactions (CTIs), including 129 known CTIs (KCTIs) and 650 predicted CTIs (PCTIs). Following the analysis of A. euchroma-leukemia PPI network, 37 targets were used to construct the weighted compound-target bipartite network and further KEGG pathway analysis. We found that A. euchroma candidate targets were significantly associated with several apoptosis and inflammation-related biological pathways, such as MAPK signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, T cell receptor signaling pathway. Moreover, molecular docking simulation demonstrated that there were 8 pairs of PCTIs had the strong binding free energy.Conclusions: This network pharmacology-based study considered the information of component concentration, in combination with molecular docking, deciphered that the efficacy of A. euchroma in the treatment of leukemia may be mainly attributed to 10 targets and 14 components, which were associated with inhibiting leukemia cell survival and inducing apoptosis, relieving inflammatory environment and inhibiting angiogenesis.
Non-destructive collection survey of the historical Classense Library. Part II: Conservation scenarios
Authors: Coppola Floriana , Brown Natalie , Amicucci Floriana , Strlic Matija , Modelli Alberto
Published: April 2020

To enable the development of conservation strategies for valuable historical collections, an innovative non-destructive and non-invasive survey was conducted at an historical library (Classense Library, Ravenna, Italy) to assess how management scenarios may influence the future conservation state of the collections. For the first time, the results in terms of acidity and degree of polymerisation of book collections were elaborated using the Collection Demography dose-response function modelled for historic paper to predict the lifetimes of the collections in different environmental scenarios. Isochrone plots and demographic curves were elaborated to evaluate the fitness-for-use as a function of environmental and book conditions. The results show that the most sensitive items are books with iron gall ink and acidic (post-1850) books. These books are not predicted to survive a long-term planning horizon of 500 years in their current storage environments. The present results provide the decision-makers with two options for preserving the fitness-for-use of the collections: a preventive conservation with significant cooling of the storage environments, or an interventive conservation involving treatments such as deacidification.
Non-destructive collection survey of the historical Classense Library. Part I: Paper characterisation
Authors: Brown Natalie , Coppola Floriana , Modelli Alberto , Amicucci Floriana , Lichtblau Dirk , Strlic Matija
Published: April 2020

An innovative survey was conducted of the collections of the historical Biblioteca Classense, located in the urban area of Ravenna (Northern Italy). The survey aimed to evaluate the current conservation state of the book collections, where 297 paper-based items, including incunabulae, manuscripts and books, dating from the 14th to the 20th century, were selected for analysis. This innovative survey was carried out non-destructively by assessing degradation visually and by measuring NIR spectral data followed by multivariate data analysis. Chemical and physical paper properties, important for paper characterisation and implementation of conservation strategies were determined, including paper type, pH, degree of polymerisation, tensile strength, lignin, protein, and rosin content. This survey provided a significant quantitative dataset for rag paper covering a 600-year period. The analysis of DP changes over time allowed the first experimental estimation of the rate constant for historical rag paper, i.e., (4.2 ± 0.6)·10−7 year−1, which was validated with predictions based on the Collections Demography dose response function for historic paper taking into account the past climate in Ravenna. Statistical methods were employed to describe the correlations between the measured variables and different features of the books, suggesting that the degree of polymerisation can be used as a general proxy for rag paper mechanical strength.
AST/ALT ratio as a predictor of mortality and future exacerbations of PM/DM-ILD——a retrospective cohort study with 522 cases
Authors: Li Renjiao , Zhu Wen-Jun , Wang Faping , Tang Xiaoju , Luo Fengming
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveTo assess the associations between aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase ratio (DRR) and mortality in patients with Polymyositis/dermatomyositis associated interstitial lung disease (PM/DM-ILD).Patients and MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study, which included 522 patients with PM/DM-ILD whose DRR on admission were tested at West China Hospital of Sichuan University during the period from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2018. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios for mortality in four predefined DRR strata (≤ 0.91, 0.91–1.26, 1.26–1.73 and > 1.73), after adjusting for age, sex, DRR stratum, diagnosis, overlap syndrome, hemoglobin, platelet count, white blood cell count, the percentage of neutrophils, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, albumin, creatine kinase, uric acid/creatinine ratio, triglycerides or low density lipoprotein.ResultsHigher DRR (> 1.73) was an independent predictor of 1-year mortality in multivariate Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio 3.423, 95% CI 1.481–7.911, p = .004). Patients with higher DRR more often required use of mechanical ventilation and readmission for acute exacerbation of PM/DM-ILD at 1-year follow-up.ConclusionHigher DRR on admission for PM/DM-ILD patients are associated with increased mortality, risk of mechanical ventilation and hospitalization in 1-year follow-up. This low-cost, easy-to-obtain, rapidly measured biomarker may be useful in the identification of high-risk PM/DM-ILD patients that could benefit from intensive management.
Seizures after posterior fossa surgery: Exploring the unknown, a systematic review-
Authors: keni Ravish R , Rao Surya Prakash , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Deora Harsh , GA Quiñones-Ossa , Agrawal Amit
Published: April 2020

Background

Seizures due to posterior fossa lesions is an uncommon phenomenon. In this study systemic literature review was done to i) study the incidence of seizures in posterior fossa lesions ii) determine factors associated with high risk for seizures and iii) ascertain role of prophylactic AEDs in such cases.
Methods

Systemic literature review was done, for the MeSH terms “posterior cranial fossa” AND “seizures” AND “anticonvulsants”. All original research articles, case reports and systematic reviews pertaining to seizures or use of anticonvulsants in posterior fossa lesions were considered for inclusion.
Results

A total of 79 cases of posterior fossa lesions, identified from 8 studies, were included for analysis. Incidence of seizures in posterior fossa lesions ranged from 1.8–5% in various studies. The highest incidence for seizures was reported with medulloblastoma, cerebellar haemorrhage and during microvascular decompression for cases of neurovascular conflict. The most significant risk factor for seizures in post-operative period was use to ventricular shunt or ventriculostomy. AEDs were administered symptomatically after the occurrence of seizures in 78 cases except for the use of prophylactic AEDs in a single case of posterior cranial fossa lipoma.
Conclusion

Seizures in association with posterior fossa lesions are rare and associated with a poor prognosis. Clinical detection can often be difficult and EEG helps in early diagnosis and treatment. Further studies are needed to confirm the role of prophylactic AEDs in high-risk cases.
Predictive Factors of Rapid Linear Renal Progression and Mortality in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ali Ibrahim , Chinnadurai Rajkumar , Ibrahim Sara T. , Green Darren , Kalra Philip
Published: April 2020

Background: Risk factors predictive of rapid linear chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and its associations with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and mortality requires further exploration, particularly as patients with linear eGFR trajectory represent a clear paradigm for understanding true CKD progression.Methods: A linear regression slope was applied to all outpatient estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values for patients in the Salford Kidney Study who had ≥ 2 years follow-up, ≥ 4 eGFR values and baseline CKD stages 3a-4. An eGFR slope (ΔeGFR) of ≤-4 ml/min/1.73 m2/yr defined rapid progressors, whereas − 0.5 to + 0.5 ml/min/1.73 m2/yr defined stable patients. Binary logistic regression was utilised to explore variables associated with rapid progression and Cox proportional hazards model to determine predictors for mortality prior to ESRD.Results: There were 157 rapid progressors (median ΔeGFR − 5.93 ml/min/1.73 m2/yr) and 179 stable patients (median ΔeGFR − 0.03 ml/min/1.73 m2/yr). Over 5 years, rapid progressors had an annual rate of mortality or ESRD of 47 per 100 patients compared with 6 per 100 stable patients. Factors associated with rapid progression included younger age, female gender, higher diastolic pressure, higher total cholesterol:high density lipoprotein ratio, lower albumin, lower haemoglobin and a urine protein:creatinine ratio of > 50 g/mol. The latter three factors were also predictive of mortality prior to ESRD, along with older age, smoking, peripheral vascular disease and heart failure.Conclusions: There is a heterogenous interplay of risk factors associated with rapid linear CKD progression and mortality in patients with CKD. Furthermore, rapid progressors have high rates of adverse outcomes and require close specialist monitoring.
Developing an Assessment Scale for Long-term Care Reablement Literacy in Home Care Workers in Taiwan Using a Modified Delphi Method
Authors: Yu Hsiao-Wei , Chiu Tzu-Ying , Chen Pin-Yuan , Liao Tai-Hsiang , Chang Wen-Hui , Wang Mei-Wen , Lin Pay-Shin
Published: April 2020

Background
Reablement is a philosophy of change in long-term care (LTC). Assessing the knowledge and competence of LTC professionals who provide reablement services is vital in an LTC research. This study aimed to develop the Scale for Assessment of Long-Term Care Reablement Literacy (LTCRL) and employ this scale in assessing the performance of home care workers.
Methods
To develop this scale, we employed the modified Delphi technique based on the theoretical framework of health literacy and the content of service delivery in reablement. Home care workers from the north, middle, and south of Taiwan were selected through purposive sampling (N = 119). Participants answered a self-administered questionnaire, which included items related to basic demographics and questions to test LTCRL.
Results
Based on the experts’ consensus on the procedure of the modified Delphi technique, the Scale for Assessment of LTCRL consists of 29 questions on four aspects of knowledge acquisition, namely, the abilities to access/obtain, understand, process and appraise, and apply/use. Results revealed that higher educational levels and better Chinese language proficiency are associated with higher LTCRL outcomes among home care workers.
Conclusions
The Scale for Assessment of LTCRL based on a modified Delphi technique is a useful and feasible tool for evaluating the LTCRL of home care workers who provide reablement services in Taiwan.
Mineralogical and geochemical characterization of hydrocarbon microseepage-induced sediments in part of Assam-Arakan Fold Belt, Cachar area, NE India
Authors: Garain Santosh , Mitra Debashis , Das Pranab
Published: April 2020

Long term hydrocarbon microseepages create a reducing environment on the surface rocks and sediments, which induces an array of mineralogical alterations. Among these alterations, the reduction of ferric iron minerals to ferrous iron minerals and precipitation of clay and carbonates are significant. Several studies have been carried out to characterize these hydrocarbon induced rocks/sediments. Almost all these studies have been carried out for arid to semi-arid climatic regions. The present study attempts to characterize the geochemical properties of the hydrocarbon induced sediments in part of Assam-Arakan Fold Belt (AAFB), NE India characterized by heavy rainfall. Reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma emission - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) studies have been carried out on the sediments. The reflectance spectroscopy reveals that microseepage-induced sediments have higher clay content and lesser ferric iron mineral content. Geochemical indices also suggest that the hydrocarbon-affected sediments are relatively more altered than the unaffected ones. Studies of trace element patterns indicate that the hydrocarbon-induced sediments are enriched in average Be, V, Cu, Zn, Ga, Zr, and Mo and are depleted in Li, Cr, Co, Ni, Rb, Sr, Sc, and Y. The normalized rare earth element (REE) distribution patterns are the same for both the microseepage affected and unaffected sediments though the microseepage-induced sediments are slightly depleted in the REEs. The present study, thus, points out that the hydrocarbon microseepage-induced alterations are also evident in the high precipitation terrains though the alteration levels are less pronounced than that of the arid to semi-arid climatic regions due to abundant surface and groundwater which mobilize the minerals/elements from the microseepage system and tries to homogenize the compositions.
Failure of Preventive Treatments in Migraine: An Observational Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Headache Center
Authors: Delussi Marianna Diletta , Vecchio Eleonora , Quitadamo Silvia Giovanna , Libro Giuseppe , De Tommaso Marina
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND Despite the criteria of acute migraine treatment and prevention have been well described , there are still unmet needs, for a general underuse and low benefit of preventive treatments. The aim of the present study was to observe retrospectively the short term effect of preventive treatment in a cohort of migraine patients come at a tertiary headache center, using data from an electronic medical record. METHODS This was an observational retrospective cohort study on data collected in a tertiary headache center. Data were extracted from an electronic dataset collected between January 2009 to December 2019. Main selection criteria were age 18-75, diagnosis of migraine without aura(MO), with aura (MA) and chronic migraine (CM), a control visit after three months from the first access, prescription of preventive treatment with level of evidence 1 as reported by Italian guidelines. As primary outcome measure we considered the change of frequency of headache at follow up , as second outcomes disability scores , intensity of headache, allodynia; as predictive factors age, migraine duration, sex and headache frequency, allodynia, anxiety and depression at baseline; comorbidity with fibromyalgia. RESULTS Among 6430 patients screened,2800 met the selection, 1800 returned to follow up, 550 withdrawn for adverse events, 1100 were introduced into analysis. One hundred thirty four had a frequency reduction of 50% or more. Flunarizine was used in less severe migraine, with a better effect as compared to other drugs (odds ratio 1.48; p 0.022). Low headache frequency and absent or mild allodynia predicted a better outcome. CONCLUSIONSThe mild effect of preventive drugs on migraine features and the number of patients lost to follow up or dropped out for adverse events confirm that in severely and chronic sufferers the first line preventive approach could delay a more focused therapeutic approach.
The Characteristics of Video Capsule Endoscopy in Pediatric Henoch–Schönlein Purpura with Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Authors: Fang Youhong , Peng Kerong , Zhao Hong , Chen Jie
Published: April 2020

Background Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic small-vessel vasculitis that commonly affects gastrointestinal tract. The video capsule endoscopy (VCE) characteristics of pediatric HSP patients were rarely investigated. Methods Patients diagnosed with HSP by VCE examination at our hospital from February 2010 to January 2019 are analyzed. The clinical features, laboratory findings, and the characteristics of VCE findings are studied. Results There are 30 patients enrolled in this investigation from February 2010 to January 2020. The mean age of these patients is 96.9±35.8 months, and the most frequent finding of VCE is mucosal erosion, which account for 69 % of the patients, and followed by mucosal erythema or petechia accounted for 79.3 % of the patients. Regarding to the disease location detected by endoscopy, jejunum is the most common involved part of the gastrointestinal tract in pediatric HSP patients. All the patients had jejunum involved except in one patient the VCE did not pass through the pylorus. One third of the patients involved the descent part of duodenum. No side effects are observed in this study. Conclusions VCE is safe and effective in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal involved HSP patients with or without typical skin purpura. Jejunum is the most common involve location in gastrointestinal.
Recognition of Plausible Therapeutic Agents to Combat COVID-19: An Omics Data Based Combined Approach
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Uzzal , Bhattacharjee Arittra , Emon Md. Tabassum Hossain , Chowdhury Zeshan Mahmud , Mosaib Md. Golam , Mourin Muntahi , Das Keshob Chandra , Keya Chaman Ara , Salimullah Md.
Published: April 2020

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has become an immense threat to global public health. The causative agent of this disease is a novel zoonotic pathogen called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome related Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since this is a newly evolved pathogen, very limited information is available to develop effective therapeutics against this deadly virus. Although bioinformatics based analysis could be handy to unveil drugs or vaccines against bacteria and fungus, such approaches are hardly seen for acellular viruses. However, in this study we rationally merged several powerful in silico techniques and proposed prospective therapeutics based on available omics data for COVID-19. Through meticulous analysis of conserved regions of 67 SARS-CoV-2 strains, spike and membrane glycoproteins were chosen to develop and propose a chimeric vaccine against this virus. siRNAs were also designed against these glycoprotein genes to silence them. Moreover, six drug compound candidates were suggested to inhibit the conserved RNA-directed RNA polymerase protein. Finally, due to the close relationship of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, publicly available gene expression datasets of SARS-CoV were analyzed to identify 13 immunoregulatory genes that might develop interferon based therapy. Our study will quicken the researches among pharmaceuticals, researchers and clinicians to develop rapid therapeutics for controlling this notorious pandemic disease. Authors Mohammad Uzzal Hossain, Arittra Bhattacharjee, Md. Tabassum Hossain Emon, and Zeshan Mahmud Chowdhury contributed equally to this work.
La política cambiaria mexicana y la respuesta de la economía fronteriza del norte de México
Authors: Carrillo Huerta Mario
Published: April 2020

Las medidas cambiarias tomadas por el gobierno mexicano provocan respuestas muy variadas, aunque en general los objetivos nacionales son alcanzados de manera global. Debido al grado de interdependencia de nuestro país con la economía estadounidense, la economía de la zona fronteriza del norte de México ha respondido a la política cambiaria en forma marcadamente diferente al resto del país, en este documento se avanza en algunas hipótesis sobre los efectos intersectoriales que pueden tenerse en la zona fronteriza del norte de México como reacción a las últimas medidas cambiarias adoptadas por el gobierno mexicano. Anticipando que la comparación de la evidencia empírica sea válida, la interdependencia de la economía fronteriza mexicana con su contraparte estadounidense es la principal responsable de que los ajustes de comercio exterior sean en la frontera menos intensos y aún contradictorios en comparación con el resto del país, sobre todo cuando el ajuste se muestra como reacción a una variación en el tipo de cambio.
Economía de guerra, frontera norte y formación de capitales a mediados del siglo XIX
Authors: Cerutti Mario
Published: April 2020

Nos interesa tratar aquí la relación que existió en estos tiempos tumultuosos entre las necesidades militares, los recursos y medios que se requirieron para solventarlos, y el rol desempeñado por fuertes comerciantes del noreste, muy particularmente los asentados en Monterrey. En este ensayo de corte histórico, que abarca los años de 1854 a 1867, se demuestra la forma en que el noreste de México jugó un papel importante, tanto para la defensa de sus estados fronterizos, como en el desarrollo económico de esta región, a través de un reordenamiento del poder regional que la época exigía.
Las maquiladoras y las mujeres en Ciudad Juárez, paradojas de la industrialización bajo el capitalismo integral
Authors: Fernández María Patricia
Published: April 2020

A lo largo de este trabajo se explican los factores que afectan el empleo de la mujer en la industria maquiladora fronteriza. Este ensayo es un intento por demostrar que el trabajo de las maquiladoras en la frontera es un proceso de descalificación y feminización del trabajo; que la coexistencia del trabajo fabril femenino y las altas tasas de desempleo y subempleo masculino que caracterizan a los mercados de trabajo de la frontera mexicana, no debe tomarse a la ligera, ya que esta combinación genera falsas imágenes de crecimiento económico sin un mejoramiento real de las condiciones materiales en que viven miles de familias trabajadoras. Para comprender la expansión del programa de maquiladoras es necesario tomar en cuenta aspectos tales como la creciente fluidez del capital transnacional y la posición que guardan ciertas industrias en el contexto mundial. Mano de obra abundante y barata y una situación política estable, son algunos de los factores que han estimulado el traslado de producción de los países hegemónicos como Estados Unidos a zonas periféricas como la frontera mexicana.
Tres crisis alimentarias
Authors: Barkin David
Published: April 2020

Los cambios observados en la sociedad mexicana en los últimos decenios han provocado crisis alimentarias en el país. Este ensayo aborda esta problemática nacional que de alguna forma afecta también el desarrollo de las fronteras de México. El agro nacional se ha transformado en un emporio capitalista, perdiendo con ello su capacidad para proveer los productos básicos de consumo masivo y marginando con ellos a las mayorías campesinas. El sistema económico no ha sido capaz de ofrecer empleo o ingresos suficientes a amplios sectores de la sociedad, por lo que se ven obligados a consumir menos de lo necesario para sostener una vida sana. Incluso quienes tienen los medios están bombardeados con propaganda y limitados por los canales de distribución orillándolos a elegir productos que sistemáticamente deterioran los niveles nutricionales de su consumo diario.
Las relaciones comerciales de granos y alimentos en la frontera México-Estados Unidos: sus desafíos y oportunidades
Authors: Mariscal O. Jaime
Published: April 2020

El objeto de este trabajo es hacer un breve análisis de un proceso que bien puede desembocar en la pérdida de la relativa autonomía nacional, el de la creciente dependencia alimentaria, que pone en peligro la seguridad alimentaria de la población mexicana. El otro problema a analizar se refiere al papel que juega el comercio de alimentos en la zona fronteriza que, con la devaluación del peso mexicano, ha provocado cambios bruscos en la oferta y demanda de dichos productos. Con base en lo anterior, se puede afirmar que la política económica del Estado mexicano, favorable al desarrollo agrícola del Norte, y que en última instancia responde al requerimiento del mercado norteamericano, beneficia a un grupo reducido de empresarios agrícolas coludidos con las transnacionales estadounidenses, generando contradicciones de gran envergadura en la economía nacional. Finalmente, se plantea como estudios necesarios analizar las limitaciones o posibilidades de la estructura productiva nacional.
Frontera política y espacio fronterizo
Authors: Ranfla González Arturo
Published: April 2020

La propuesta de este trabajo es que la frontera no es solamente un instrumento de demarcación territorial como lo sugiere su definición formal; no es una entidad neutra, ni un instrumento absoluto de cada Estado según las líneas discretas y frágiles a que las relegan las cartas geográficas. Lo relevante es que la frontera es un fenómeno social. Como tal, da lugar a la presencia de conflictos, discordancias y transformaciones que la ubican en una dimensión dinámica. Esto la lleva a engendrar costos, des-economías y des-funcionalizaciones cuyos efectos inciden directamente sobre las poblaciones fronterizas e indirectamente sobre los complejos nacionales. El espacio fronterizo, como complejo social, posee la originalidad de establecer un punto fijo en el análisis de formas históricas que resultan de la experiencia, percepción y construcción del espacio.
Crisis económica, carácter nacional e identidad transicional en la zona fronteriza
Authors: M. Cappello Héctor
Published: April 2020

La presente investigación tiene como objeto conocer el efecto que una crisis económica de gran magnitud tiene en dos grupos de personas con identidades nacionales semejantes; pero de diferente carácter nacional, por un lado el grupo chicano y por el otro el grupo de inmigrantes mexicanos. Se estudian sus lealtades culturales y su nivel de participación institucional antes y después de una crisis económica, representada por una devaluación de más del 500%, la cual hizo entrar en grave problemática a la economía regional de ambas comunidades. Es necesario realizar nuevas investigaciones sobre otros grupos marginados o no, para observar hasta qué punto los ciudadanos sienten como ajenas sus instituciones sociales. Con esto, se podría establecer un grado de madurez e integración de la identidad y carácter nacionales, y replantear la política necesaria para crear las condiciones objetivas de una nación de todos y para todos los mexicanos.
O stosowaniu narzędzi i struktur formalnych w filozofii. Ontologia formalna. Ontologia topologiczna
Authors: Kaczmarek Janusz
Published: April 2020

Za Arystotelesem logika postrzegana jest jako narzędzie filozofii. Po blisko 2 i pół tysiąca lat dostrzegamy, że nie tylko logika, ale także różne formalne narzędzia i struktury są narzędziami namysłu filozoficznego – i również – naukowego. Zwolennikiem takiego postrzegania sprawy był Jan F. Drewnowski. Narzędzia, o których mówię w tytule, to różnego rodzaju techniki i reguły wypracowane w naukach formalnych. Zaliczyć do nich możemy np. regułę modus ponens czy technikę dowodu rozgałęzionego. Z kolei przez strukturę formalną rozumiem pewien obiekt formalny np. algebrę Boole’a albo przestrzeń topologiczną, które pozwalają modelować przedmioty różnych dziedzin naukowych, w tym filozofii. W niniejszym artykule zarysuję główne idee Drewnowskiego (i tzw. Koła Krakowskiego na temat konieczności stosowania współczesnych jemu dokonań logicznych i matematycznych oraz pokażę, w jaki sposób ontologię Wittgensteina można modelować w strukturach krat (por. Wolniewicz) i w jaki sposób przestrzeń topologiczna pozwala na analizę tak różnych pojęć filozoficznych jak możliwy świat czy monada. Przykłady te posłużą do argumentacji za prawdziwością metodologicznych tez Drewnowskiego, że (1) stosowanie logiki symbolicznej (oraz różnych struktur formalnych) służy uściślaniu dowolnych dziedzin wiedzy (w tym filozofii) i – jak sądzę – (2) nie narusza bogactwa treści właściwych danej dziedzinie.
On national character and patriotism. An analysis of the views of Julian Ochorowicz
Authors: Drabarek Anna
Published: April 2020

Time, history and culture are the main factors which influence a man’s identity. The article presents the views of the Polish philosopher Julian Ochorowicz concerning the development of the Polish national character. It also discusses the problem of patriotism and stereotypes, which often distort the perception of a nation and its history. One of the interesting notions suggested by Ochorowicz is the so-called “collective national soul”. He also analyses the problem of the Poles’ “selfness”, which he believes to be an obstacle preventing the development of an efficient state organisation.
Leadership elitism – idealism vs. Realism
Authors: Michaud Thomas A.
Published: April 2020

Philosophies of leadership have tended to express and support idealistic or realistic approaches to leadership. Leadership elitism maintains essentially that successful leaders must know and do what is best for their followers, because their followers are not capable of knowing and doing what is best for themselves. This essay offers descriptions of the contrasting traits of leadership idealism and realism, both of which explain elitism as a common trait of idealism. These descriptions are exemplified with an overview of some past and current leadership philosophies, and then with an in-depth analysis of the early twentieth-century views of the African-Americans thinkers W.E.B. Du Bois (idealist) and Booker T. Washington (realist). Some remarks on where leadership philosophy is and could be in the twenty-first century conclude the essay.
Nigella sativa and Cancer: A Review Focusing on Breast Cancer, Inhibition of Metastasis and Enhancement of Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity
Authors: Korak Tuğcan , Ergül Emel , Sazci Ali
Published: April 2020

Background:

In the last decade, there have been accumulating data that the use of medicinal
plants could bring additional benefits to the supportive treatment of various diseases. Nigella sativa
(N. sativa, family Ranunculaceae) is one of these plants that has attracted considerable interest. The extracts
and seeds of N. sativa and its active component thymoquinone have been studied extensively and
the results suggest that N. sativa might carry some therapeutic potential for many diseases, including
cancer.

Methods:

The selection criteria for references were applied through Pubmed with “N. sativa and cancer”,
“N. sativa and breast cancer”, “N. sativa and metastasis”, “N. sativa and cytotoxicity of natural
killer cells”. The pathway analysis was performed using the PANTHER tool by using five randomly
selected N. sativa affected genes (Cyclin D1, P53, p21 protein (Cdc42/Rac) activated kinase 1 (PAK1),
B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)) in order to elucidate further
potentially affected signaling pathways.

Results:

The aim of this review was to summarize studies regarding the effects of N. sativa in cancer
generally, with a focus on breast cancer, its anti-metastatic effects, and how N. sativa modulates the
cytotoxicity of Natural Killer cells that play a crucial role in tumor surveillance.

Conclusion:

In summary, the data suggest that N. sativa might be used for its anti-cancer and antimetastatic
properties and as an immune system activator against cancer.
Lactoferrin Suppresses Decreased Locomotor Activities by Improving Dopamine and Serotonin Release in the Amygdala of Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Izumo Nobuo , Yukiko Ishibashi , Kagaya Nobuharu , Furukawa Megumi , Iwasaki Rina , Sumino Akihide , Hayamizu Kohsuke , Nakano Makoto , Hoshino Tatsuo , Kurono Haruna , Watanabe Yasuo , Manabe Takayuki
Published: April 2020

Background:

Decreases in female hormones not only affect bone metabolism and decrease bone mass,
but also affect the central nervous system, causing brain disorders such as depression and dementia. Administration
of estradiol by hormone replacement therapy can improve dementia, while reduced estradiol in ovariectomized
(OVX) model rats can reduce both bone density and locomotor activity. The antidepressant fluvoxamine, which is
widely used in clinical practice, can improve this effect on locomotor reduction. Similarly, lactoferrin (LF) can
reportedly improve inhibitory locomotion due to stress.

Objective:

In this study, we examined the effect of LF on neurite outgrowth in vitro and in vivo using PC12 cells and
rats, respectively.

Methods:

We performed an in vivo study in which 8-week-old female OVX rats were administered LF five days a
week for 6 weeks from the day after surgery. After administration was completed, spontaneous locomotor activity in
the dark period, immobility time in a forced swim test, and release amount of dopamine and serotonin in the brain
were measured.

Results:

LF was found to have a neurite outgrowth function in PC12 cells. Moreover, LF was found to improve
OVX-induced decreases in locomotor activity and increases in immobility time in the forced swim test. Furthermore,
administration of LF elicited significant recovery of decreased dopamine and serotonin release in the brains of OVX
group rats.

Conclusion:

These results strongly suggest that LF improved OVX-induced decreases in momentum during the dark
period and, moreover, that release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain was involved in this effect.
Biomedical Applications and Patents on Metallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Singh Geetanjali , Sharma Pramod K. , Malviya Rishabha
Published: April 2020

Aim:

The manuscript aims to discuss the advanced biomedical applications and patents
on metallic nanoparticles.

Discussion:

The preparation of metallic nanoparticles and their application are an influential area
for research. There are various physical and chemical methods (viz. chemical reduction, thermal
decomposition, etc.) for synthesizing silver nanoparticles; biological methods have been suggested
as possible eco-friendly alternatives. The synthesis of metallic nanoparticles encounters many
problems including solvent toxicity, the formation of hazardous by-products and consumption of
energy. So it is important to design eco-friendly benign procedures for the synthesis of metallic
nanoparticles. It is investigated from the study that metallic nanoparticles are used in the treatment
of different diseases. Metallic nanoparticles are also used in the detection and therapy of cancer.
These also have antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-angiogenic properties.

Conclusion:

It is concluded from the manuscript that the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles is
easy, eco-friendly, less time consuming and affordable. The metallic nanoparticles used in the biomedical
field have an emerging future in nanoscience and nanotechnology.