bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traditional Uyghur medicine Quercus infectoria galls water extract triggers apoptosis and autophagic cell death in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wang Yongbing , Liu Jiayang , Kuerban Kudelaidi , Li Jian , Iminjan Mubarak , Ye Li
Published: December 2020

Background

The water extract of Quercuse infectoria galls (QIG) is the active ingredient of Uyghur medicine Xipayi Kui Jie’an (KJA) which has promising therapeutic effects on Ulcerative Colitis (UC) as an alternative medicine. Considering the relationship between UC and the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), the present work aims to explore the direct anti-CRC activity of QIG extract.

Methods

CCK8 assay and flow cytometry were used to detect cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), flow cytometry, laser confocal and western blotting were performed to examine autophagy. We also adopted Reactive Oxygen Assay kit, as well as transwell and wound healing tests to study the underlying mechanism of QIG against CRC cells.

Results

First, we found that QIG extract could suppress the viability of CRC cells and trigger caspases-dependent apoptosis. Subsequently, we proved for the first time that QIG extract also triggered autophagic cell death in CRC cells, which together with apoptosis contributed to the cytotoxic effect on CRC cells. Further investigation revealed that QIG-induced cytotoxicity associated with intracellular ROS accumulation which could suppress the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, and then induce autophagy and inhibit cell growth. Besides, Erk signaling pathway was also involved in the process of autophagic cell death. Moreover, QIG extract also influenced EMT process and inhibited CRC cell migration.

Conclusion

Altogether, this study provides a basis for the utilization of QIG as an alternative medicine for CRC prevention and treatment.
Dietary fruit and vegetable intake, gut microbiota, and type 2 diabetes: results from two large human cohort studies
Authors: Jiang Zengliang , Sun Ting-yu , He Yan , Gou Wanglong , Zuo Luo-shi-yuan , Fu Yuanqing , Miao Zelei , Shuai Menglei , Xu Fengzhe , Xiao Congmei , Liang Yuhui , Wang Jiali , Xu Yisong , Jing Li-peng , Ling Wenhua , Zhou Hongwei , Chen Yu-ming , Zheng Ju-Sheng
Published: December 2020

Background

Little is known about the inter-relationship among fruit and vegetable intake, gut microbiota and metabolites, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in human prospective cohort study. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prospective association of fruit and vegetable intake with human gut microbiota and to examine the relationship between fruit and vegetable-related gut microbiota and their related metabolites with type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk.

Methods

This study included 1879 middle-age elderly Chinese adults from Guangzhou Nutrition and Health Study (GNHS). Baseline dietary information was collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire (2008–2013). Fecal samples were collected at follow-up (2015–2019) and analyzed for 16S rRNA sequencing and targeted fecal metabolomics. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for glucose, insulin, and glycated hemoglobin. We used multivariable linear regression and logistic regression models to investigate the prospective associations of fruit and vegetable intake with gut microbiota and the association of the identified gut microbiota (fruit/vegetable-microbiota index) and their related fecal metabolites with T2D risk, respectively. Replications were performed in an independent cohort involving 6626 participants.

Results

In the GNHS, dietary fruit intake, but not vegetable, was prospectively associated with gut microbiota diversity and composition. The fruit-microbiota index (FMI, created from 31 identified microbial features) was positively associated with fruit intake (p < 0.001) and inversely associated with T2D risk (odds ratio (OR) 0.83, 95%CI 0.71–0.97). The FMI-fruit association (p = 0.003) and the FMI-T2D association (OR 0.90, 95%CI 0.84–0.97) were both successfully replicated in the independent cohort. The FMI-positive associated metabolite sebacic acid was inversely associated with T2D risk (OR 0.67, 95%CI 0.51–0.86). The FMI-negative associated metabolites cholic acid (OR 1.35, 95%CI 1.13–1.62), 3-dehydrocholic acid (OR 1.30, 95%CI 1.09–1.54), oleylcarnitine (OR 1.77, 95%CI 1.45–2.20), linoleylcarnitine (OR 1.66, 95%CI 1.37–2.05), palmitoylcarnitine (OR 1.62, 95%CI 1.33–2.02), and 2-hydroglutaric acid (OR 1.47, 95%CI 1.25–1.72) were positively associated with T2D risk.

Conclusions

Higher fruit intake-associated gut microbiota and metabolic alteration were associated with a lower risk of T2D, supporting the public dietary recommendation of adopting high fruit intake for the T2D prevention.
Evaluation of fish skin as a biological dressing for metacarpal wounds in donkeys
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed , Soliman Mahmoud , Kotb Saber , Ali Magda M.
Published: December 2020

Background

The use of biological dressings has recently emerged in the management of burns and wounds. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the Nile tilapia skin as a biological dressing for full-thickness cutaneous metacarpal wounds in donkeys. The study was conducted on nine clinically healthy donkeys (n = 9). Here, fish skin dressings were obtained from fresh Nile tilapia(Oreochromis niloticusand sterilized by immersion in silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) solution for 5 min, with no change in collagen content. Bilateral, circular full-thickness excisional skin wounds (2 cm in diameter) were created on the dorsal aspect of the mid-metacarpals of each donkey. Wounds on the right metacarpals (treated wounds,n = 9) were dressed with sterile fish skins, while wounds on the left metacarpals (control wounds,n = 9) were dressed with sterile non-adherent dressing pads without any topical applications. Wound dressings were changed weekly. Wounds were evaluated microbiologically, grossly, and histologically on days 7, 14, and 21 post-wound inductions.

Results

Fish skin-dressed wounds showed a significant (P < 0.0001) reduction in microbial counts (Total viable bacterial count, Staphylococcal count, and Coliform count), a significant (P < 0.0001) decrease in the wound size, and a significant reduction (P < 0.0001) in the epithelial gap compared to the untreated wounds. No frequent dressing changes were needed.

Conclusions

Fish skin dressing accelerated the wound healing process and efficiently inhibited the local microbial activity and exuberant granulation tissue formation suggesting its reliable and promising application for metacarpal wounds of donkeys.
First report on the prevalence of Fasciola hepatica in the endangered Père David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus) in China
Authors: Huang Si-Yang , Gong Jing-Zhi , Ren Yi-Jun , Pan Ming , Cai Wei-Min , Fan Yi-Min , Yao Na
Published: December 2020

Background

Fasciola hepatica is an important zoonotic parasite that causes fasciolosis in a broad range of animals. No information is available about the prevalence of F. hepatica in Père David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus), an endangered species in the world. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of fasciolosis in Père David’s deer in the Dafeng Elk National Natural Reserve, Jiangsu province, China.

Results

In this study, 142 fecal samples from Père David’s deer were analyzed for F. hepatica by microscopy and nest-PCR. Only one sample was positive for F. hepatica according to microscopy examination, while 18 of 142 (12.68, 95%CI: 2.841–22.45%) samples were positive for F. hepatica according to nest-PCR results.

Conclusions

This is the first report of prevalence of F. hepatica in Père David’s deer. The prevalence data indicated that F. hepatica was also present in this endangered animal, which may cause a potential threat to this precious species.
The dysregulated innate immune response in severe COVID-19 pneumonia that could drive poorer outcome
Authors: Blot Mathieu , Bour Jean-Baptiste , Quenot Jean Pierre , Bourredjem Abderrahmane , Nguyen Maxime , Guy Julien , Monier Serge , Georges Marjolaine , Large Audrey , Dargent Auguste , Guilhem Alexandre , Mouries-Martin Suzanne , Barben Jeremy , Bouhemad Belaid , Charles Pierre-Emmanuel , Chavanet Pascal , Binquet Christine , Piroth Lionel ,   for the LYMPHONIE study group, Andreu Pascal , Aptel François , Labruyère Marie , Prin Sébastien , Beltramo Guillaume , Bonniaud Philippe , Bielefeld Philip , Devilliers Hervé , Bonnotte Bernard , Buisson Marielle , Putot Alain
Published: December 2020

Background

Although immune modulation is a promising therapeutic avenue in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the most relevant targets remain to be found. COVID-19 has peculiar characteristics and outcomes, suggesting a unique immunopathogenesis.

Methods

Thirty-six immunocompetent non-COVID-19 and 27 COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia were prospectively enrolled in a single center, most requiring intensive care. Clinical and biological characteristics (including T cell phenotype and function and plasma concentrations of 30 cytokines) and outcomes were compared.

Results

At similar baseline respiratory severity, COVID-19 patients required mechanical ventilation for significantly longer than non-COVID-19 patients (15 [7–22] vs. 4 (0–15) days; p = 0.0049). COVID-19 patients had lower levels of most classical inflammatory cytokines (G-CSF, CCL20, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-15, TNF-α, TGF-β), but higher plasma concentrations of CXCL10, GM-CSF and CCL5, compared to non-COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 patients displayed similar T-cell exhaustion to non-COVID-19 patients, but with a more unbalanced inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine response (IL-6/IL-10 and TNF-α/IL-10 ratios). Principal component analysis identified two main patterns, with a clear distinction between non-COVID-19 and COVID-19 patients. Multivariate regression analysis confirmed that GM-CSF, CXCL10 and IL-10 levels were independently associated with the duration of mechanical ventilation.

Conclusion

We identified a unique cytokine response, with higher plasma GM-CSF and CXCL10 in COVID-19 patients that were independently associated with the longer duration of mechanical ventilation. These cytokines could represent the dysregulated immune response in severe COVID-19, as well as promising therapeutic targets.

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03505281.
Increasing serum alkaline phosphatase is associated with bone deformity progression for patients with polyostotic fibrous dysplasia
Authors: Wang Jun , Du Zhiye , Li Dasen , Yang Rongli , XiaodongTang  , Yan Taiqiang , Guo Wei
Published: December 2020

Background

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a rare bone disorder in which normal intramedullary bone is replaced by fibro-osseous tissue, which is complicated by the progression of Shepherd’s crook deformity. How to predict the progression of Shepherd’s crook deformity is still a challenging for the orthopedic surgeon.

Methods

A total of 159 cases were reviewed in the retrospective study between January 2000 and September 2016. Clinical and monitoring data were collected. We analyzed the correlationship between the bone turnover markers and other parameters (age, gender, FD type, deformity, BMI, and lesion location).

Results

Age, gender, lesion location, lesion type, and shepherd’s crook deformity had a close relationship with preoperative ALP level in the univariate analysis, and the multivariate analysis showed age, gender, lesion type, and shepherd’s crook deformity had the significant relationship with the preoperative serum ALP level. The surgery could remove the bone lesion and suppressed the abnormal bone metabolism. Furthermore, the preoperative ALP level of FD patients with the shepherd’s crook deformity was obviously higher than that without deformity, and the preoperative calcium and phosphorus levels of FD patients with deformity were significantly lower than that without deformity. Notably, for some patients with progression of the shepherd’s crook deformity during the follow-up, ALP increased to the high level and at that time X-ray showed the shepherd’s crook deformity severely progressing.

Conclusions

PFD with higher serum ALP level has obvious tendency to progress severely, and risk factors of progression to the deformity are the condition of bony metabolism and FD type. The deformity of PFD may be related to high speed of bone turnover, which is exactly reflected by the levels of serum ALP and calcium. Evaluation of patients with FD should include a thorough evaluation of calcium/phosphate metabolism and bone turnover.
The impact of COVID-19 on rare metabolic patients and healthcare providers: results from two MetabERN surveys
Authors:   MetabERN collaboration group, Lampe C. , Dionisi-Vici C. , Bellettato C. M. , Paneghetti L. , van Lingen C. , Bond S. , Brown C. , Finglas A. , Francisco R. , Sestini S. , Heard J. M. , Scarpa M.
Published: December 2020

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused disruption in all aspects of daily life, including the management and treatment of rare inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs). To perform a preliminary assessment of the incidence of COVID-19 in IMD patients and the impact of the coronavirus emergency on the rare metabolic community between March and April 2020, the European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Diseases (MetabERN) has performed two surveys: one directed to patients’ organizations (PO) and one directed to healthcare providers (HCPs). The COVID-19 incidence in the population of rare metabolic patients was lower than that of the general European population (72.9 × 100,000 vs. 117 × 100,000). However, patients experienced extensive disruption of care, with the majority of appointments and treatments cancelled, reduced, or postponed. Almost all HCPs (90%) were able to substitute face-to-face visits with telemedicine, about half of patients facing treatment changes switched from hospital to home therapy, and a quarter reported difficulties in getting their medicines. During the first weeks of emergency, when patients and families lacked relevant information, most HCPs contacted their patients to provide them with support and information. Since IMD patients require constant follow-up and treatment adjustments to control their disease and avoid degradation of their condition, the results of our surveys are relevant for national health systems in order to ensure appropriate care for IMD patients.
They highlight strong links in an interconnected community of HCPs and PO, who are able to work quickly and effectively together to support and protect fragile persons during crisis. However, additional studies are needed to better appreciate the actual impact of COVID-19 on IMD patients’ health and the mid- and long-term effects of the pandemic on their wellbeing.
Point-of-care ultrasound for evaluating intra-abdominal calcification in the pediatric emergency department: case series and review of literature
Authors: James Vigil , Samuel John , Kee Chor Yek , Ong Gene Yong-Kwang
Published: December 2020

Background

The presence of intra-abdominal calcification in the pediatric population can be due to a wide range of conditions. Calcification in the abdomen can be seen in normal or abnormal anatomical structures. In some patients, abnormal calcification points towards the pathology; whereas in others, calcification itself is the pathology. After a thorough history and clinical examination, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) would complement the assessment of acute abdominal pain, based on the list of differentials generated as per the abdominal region. The main objective of this article is to review commonly encountered causes of intra-abdominal calcifications in the pediatric population and help in clinical decision-making in a Pediatric Emergency Department.

Case presentation

We describe a series of pediatric patients who presented to the Pediatric Emergency Department with acute abdominal pain, in whom point-of-care ultrasound helped expedite the diagnosis by identifying varying types of calcification and associated sonological findings. For children who present to the Pediatric Emergency Department with significant abdominal pain, a rapid distinction between emergencies and non-emergencies is vital to decrease morbidity and mortality.

Conclusions

In a child presenting to the Pediatric Emergency Department with abdominal pain, POCUS and the findings of calcifications can narrow or expand the differential diagnosis when integrated with history and physical exam, to a specific anatomic structure. Integrating these findings with additional sonological findings of an underlying pathology might raise sufficient concerns in the emergency physicians to warrant further investigations for the patient in the form of a formal radiological ultrasound and assist in the patient's early disposition. The use of POCUS might also help to categorize the type of calcification to one of the four main categories of intra-abdominal calcifications, namely concretions, conduit wall calcification, cyst wall calcification, and solid mass-type calcification. POCUS used thoughtfully can give a diagnosis and expand differential diagnosis, reduce cognitive bias, and reduce physician mental load. By integrating the use of POCUS with the history and clinical findings, it will be possible to expedite the management in children who present to the Pediatric Emergency Department with acute abdominal pain.
The pleiotropic role of p53 in functional/dysfunctional neurons: focus on pathogenesis and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Abate Giulia , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Bourdon Jean-Christophe , Piccirella Simona , Memo Maurizio , Uberti Daniela
Published: December 2020

Background

Understanding the earliest pathophysiological changes of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) may aid in the search for timely diagnostic biomarkers and effective disease-modifying therapies. The p53 protein is mostly known for its role in tumor suppression. However, emerging evidence supports that dysregulated p53 activity may contribute to various peripheral and brain alterations during the earliest stages of AD. This review describes the mechanisms through which p53 dysregulation may exacerbate AD pathology and how this could be used as a potential peripheral biomarker for early detection of the disease.

Main body

p53, known as the guardian of the genome, may underlie various compensation or defense mechanisms that prevent neurons from degeneration. These mechanisms include maintenance of redox homeostasis, regulation of inflammation, control of synaptic function, reduction of amyloid β peptides, and inhibition of neuronal cell cycle re-entry. Thereby, dysregulation of p53-dependent compensation mechanisms may contribute to neuronal dysfunction, thus leading to neurodegeneration. Interestingly, a conformational misfolded variant of p53, described in the literature as unfolded p53, which has lost its canonical structure and function, was observed in peripheral cells from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD patients. In AD pathology, this peculiar conformational variant was caused by post-translational modifications rather than mutations as commonly observed in cancer. Although the presence of the conformational variant of p53 in the brain has yet to be formally demonstrated, the plethora of p53-dependent compensation mechanisms underscores that the guardian of the genome may not only be lost in the periphery during AD pathology.

Conclusion

These findings revisit the role of p53 in the early development and exacerbation of AD pathology, both in the brain and periphery. The conformational variant of p53 represents a potential peripheral biomarker that could detect AD at its earliest stages.
Pseudotumor cerebri in patient on leuprolide acetate for central precocious puberty
Authors: Omar Anjumanara Anver , Nyaga Godfrey , Mungai Lucy N Wainaina
Published: December 2020

Background

Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) are well established as a standard of care for the treatment of central precocious puberty (CPP) worldwide. While numerous delivery systems and routes of administration exist, depot intramuscular injections or sustained-release preparations have been most widely used. Leuprolide acetate is well tolerated among children though some can develop some complications.

Case presentation

We present a case report of a 6.5 year old girl with central precocious puberty who developed signs of pseudotumor cerebri after 2 doses of leuprolide acetate 3.75 mg given monthly. Systemic exam and other tests to look for the cause did not yield anything. However, fundoscopy showed marked papilloedema with blurred disc margins. After six weeks’ treatment with acetazolamide and withdrawal of the GRNHa the papilloedema resolved.

Conclusions

If a patient presents with complaints such as headache, nausea, vomiting, and double vision in pediatric patients treated with GnRH analogue one should highly consider the presence of pseudotumor cerebri and fundus examination be performed.
A flexible framework for sequential estimation of model parameters in computational hemodynamics
Authors: Arthurs Christopher J. , Xiao Nan , Moireau Philippe , Schaeffter Tobias , Figueroa C. Alberto
Published: December 2020

A major challenge in constructing three dimensional patient specific hemodynamic models is the calibration of model parameters to match patient data on flow, pressure, wall motion, etc. acquired in the clinic. Current workflows are manual and time-consuming. This work presents a flexible computational framework for model parameter estimation in cardiovascular flows that relies on the following fundamental contributions. (i) A Reduced-Order Unscented Kalman Filter (ROUKF) model for data assimilation for wall material and simple lumped parameter network (LPN) boundary condition model parameters. (ii) A constrained least squares augmentation (ROUKF-CLS) for more complex LPNs. (iii) A “Netlist” implementation, supporting easy filtering of parameters in such complex LPNs. The ROUKF algorithm is demonstrated using non-invasive patient-specific data on anatomy, flow and pressure from a healthy volunteer. The ROUKF-CLS algorithm is demonstrated using synthetic data on a coronary LPN. The methods described in this paper have been implemented as part of the CRIMSON hemodynamics software package.
Memory-dependent derivative approach on magneto-thermoelastic transversely isotropic medium with two temperatures
Authors: Kaur Iqbal , Lata Parveen , Singh Kulvinder
Published: December 2020

The aim of the present investigation is to examine the memory-dependent derivatives (MDD) in 2D transversely isotropic homogeneous magneto thermoelastic medium with two temperatures. The problem is solved using Laplace transforms and Fourier transform technique. In order to estimate the nature of the displacements, stresses and temperature distributions in the physical domain, an efficient approximate numerical inverse Fourier and Laplace transform technique is adopted. The distribution of displacements, temperature and stresses in the homogeneous medium in the context of generalized thermoelasticity using LS (Lord-Shulman) theory is discussed and obtained in analytical form. The effect of memory-dependent derivatives is represented graphically.
Outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae at a military academy
Authors: Zhang Xin , Han Min-Na , Dong Jing-Hui , Li Xiao-Xi , Hu Xian-Yun , Wang Zhi , Qin En-Qiang , Li Jing , Tan Jun-Yuan , Wang Fu-Sheng , Huang Lei
Published: December 2020

In 2019, an outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae occurred at a military academy in China. The attack rate (10.08%,60/595) was significantly different among the units. High-intensity training and crowded environments to which cadets are exposed are the high risk factors for the outbreak of M. pneumoniae. In-time prevention and control measures effectively controlled the spread of the epidemic.
Glomus tumor of the duodenum: a rare case report
Authors: Sasaki Shin , Takami Yuko , Wada Yoshiyuki , Ryu Tomoki , Imamura Hajime , Ureshino Hiroki , Fujiwara Minako , Saitsu Hideki
Published: December 2020

Background

Glomus tumors (GTs) are mesenchymal neoplastic lesions arising from the glomus bodies and generally occur in the fingers and toes. Gastrointestinal GTs are rare, and most of them originate from the stomach; however, GT arising from the duodenum is exceedingly rare.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old man was admitted due to abdominal pain. Endoscopy showed a round, smooth, elevated mass in the second portion of the duodenum with central ulceration. Abdominal contrast computed tomography showed a hypervascular tumor measuring 26 mm in diameter in the second portion of the duodenum, and pancreatic invasion was suspected. Endoscopic ultrasonography of the lesion confirmed a hypoechoic mass arising from the fourth layer of the duodenal wall. A biopsy was performed for central ulceration, and immunochemical studies showed positive results for smooth muscle actin (SMA) and negative results for S100, C-Kit, and CD34. Leiomyoma or gastrointestinal stromal tumor was suspected and pancreatoduodenectomy was performed. The specimen exhibited a vascular-rich tumor, 24 × 24 × 19 mm in size, with deep ulceration in the duodenum. Histological examination showed uniform small round cells with central nuclei and a pale cytoplasm (glomus cell) with perivascular proliferation. Immunochemical studies showed that the tumor was positive for SMA and collagen type IV, and negative for C-Kit, CD34, desmin, and S100. We diagnosed the tumor as a GT of the duodenum.

Conclusion

GTs of the duodenum are exceedingly rare, but should be considered in the differential diagnoses of duodenal submucosal lesions.
Autoimmune retinopathy: findings and limitations from optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Raevis Joseph , Etheridge Tyler , Cleland Spencer , Mititelu Mihai
Published: December 2020

Background and objective

To report novel findings and limitations from optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in the evaluation of autoimmune retinopathy (AIR).

Study design

We retrospectively reviewed features of five patients diagnosed with AIR and five controls. OCTA scans were obtained and manually segmented to provide accurate measurements of foveal avascular zone (FAZ), vessel density, and retinal thickness at different levels.

Results

The total retina and superficial vessel density throughout the whole scan were similar between AIR and controls (p = 0.14 and p = 0.11), whereas deep vessel density was decreased in AIR compared controls (p = 0.02). Decreased vessel density was most pronounced in the parafoveal and perifoveal areas (p = 0.01 and p = 0.01). AIR patients also had reduction of total retinal thickness in the perifoveal zone (p = 0.03), corresponding to outer retinal thinning (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

This small series shows that AIR patients have reduced deep vessel density, particularly in the parafoveal and perifoveal regions and a decrease in macular thickness. These findings show correlation with the classic “flying saucer” sign seen on OCT.
Calculation of expected remaining lifetime of dialysis patients in Japan
Authors: Nakai Shigeru , Wada Atsushi , Wakai Kenji , Abe Masanori , Nitta Kosaku
Published: December 2020

Background

The expected remaining lifetime of dialysis patients in Japan was only reported in 2003 and has not been reported thereafter. From 2003 to the present, several new therapeutic agents have been introduced. These events may have improved outcomes for dialysis patients. Thus, expected remaining lifetime of dialysis patients in Japan was newly calculated in 2015.

Methods

The Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy Renal Data Registry database was used for analyses. From this database, the following three indexes were compiled: the number of surviving dialysis patients (198,125 males and 111,962 females) at the end of 2014 and the number of surviving (179,649 males and 101,758 females) and dead (18,044 males and 111,417 females) patients at the end of 2015. Based on these values, expected remaining lifetime at 1-year increment was calculated using the life table method.

Results

Excerpts of the calculated expected remaining lifetimes of patients aged 60 years were as follows: 11.9 years for males and 14.1 years for females. These expected remaining lifetimes were 1.1 to 1.2 times as compared with those in 2003. Meanwhile, expected remaining lifetime of diabetic patients was 10.8 years for males and 12.5 years for females and that of nondiabetic patients was 13.0 years for males and 15.0 years for females.

Conclusion

Expected remaining lifetime of dialysis patients in Japan in 2015 was 10–20% longer than that in 2003. These results suggest that advances in dialysis technologies during this 12-year period improved the survival rate of dialysis patients.
Intraoperative clonidine vs lidocaine on hemodynamic response to laryngoscopic intubation and immune function in gynecological surgeries
Authors: Mohamed Sawsan Gaber , Hamdy Noha Mahmoud , Awad Amira Abo Elnasr
Published: December 2020

Background

This prospective randomised double-blind study was carried out on forty patients American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I–II , aged 40–60 years, scheduled for elective abdominal gynecological surgeries under general anesthesia after obtaining the approval of the local institutional ethical committee and oral consent of the patients. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of perioperative intravenous clonidine versus lidocaine on hemodynamic stress response to laryngoscopic intubation, immune function, pain intensity, time to the first request for analgesia, and total dose of analgesic requirement in the first 24 h postoperatively in gynecological surgeries.

Results

Throughout the study, heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure were significantly lower in clonidine group (group C) compared to lidocaine group (group L). Postoperatively, the levels of IL-6 were significantly higher in (group L) compared to (group C). VAS pain scores were lower in the clonidine group in comparison to the lidocaine group. There was a higher total dose of analgesia in the lidocaine group when compared to the clonidine group.

Conclusions

Both clonidine and lidocaine can be used to attenuate the hemodynamic response; however, clonidine was better in the reduction of postoperative pain scores and the decrease in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Improved biodiesel from palm oil using lipase immobilized calcium alginate and Irvingia gabonensis matrices
Authors: Kareem Sarafadeen Olateju , Falokun Esther Imole , Balogun Saka Adebayo , Akinloye Oluwaseyi A. , Omeike Sunday Osaizua
Published: December 2020

Background

Lipase is an important microbial enzyme and biocatalyst in biodiesel production. The study investigated fuel properties of biodiesel produced from palm oil (PO) using lipase immobilized on Irvingia gabonensis and calcium alginate.

Results

Biodiesel yield from PO using free and immobilized lipases was highest at 35 °C and pH 7, with product yield using calcium alginate-immobilized lipase, CAIL (94.42, 96.9%) higher than using Irvingia gabonensis-immobilized lipase, IGIL (92.54, 95.8%). Biodiesel produced using immobilized lipases had similar pour point, cloud point, and kinematic viscosity, and they possessed improved fuel properties compared to free lipase biodiesel in terms of densities at 15 °C and flash point. Pour points, flash point, and kinematic viscosity of biodiesel produced using CAIL and IGIL met American and European Standards but density at 15 °C and cloud points are below both standards. CAIL and IGIL biodiesel had similar fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) compounds and consisted more of unsaturated fatty acids (hexadecanoate, 9-octadecenoate, octadecanoate, dodecanoate, and 9,12-octadeca-dienoate) than obtained in biodiesel from free lipase. IGIL and CAIL were re-used in 8 and 12 cycles respectively, with > 90% biodiesel yield achieved in four and 11 cycles.

Conclusions

The study showed that lipase immobilized on Irvingia gabenensis and calcium alginate and used in biodiesel production retained high enzyme activity and biodiesel yield in repeated cycles.
Psidium guajava leaves assisted green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles: a review
Authors: Patil Shriniwas P. , Rane Pradip M.
Published: December 2020

Background

Several attempts have been made for green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles, revealing the significance of plant extracts in reducing metal source to nanoparticles and applications in various domains of science.

Main body

Psidium guajava (guava) is evergreen, edible fruit-bearing plant, belonging to family Myrtaceae. Its leaves are reported to contain several phytochemicals like tannins, glycosides, terpenes, and triterpenes. This article focus on applications of Psidium guajava leaves extract in fabrication of nanoparticles of various metals like silver, gold, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and copper oxide. In respective research attempts, these metallic nanoparticles were evaluated for one or more applications like anti-microbial activity and/or photocatalytic activity.

Conclusion

Use of polar extract of guava leaves indicated involvement of its polar phyto-compounds in reducing the metal source and stabilizing the nanoparticles. In conclusion, it could be noted that metal nanoparticles have better anti-microbial activity and photocatalytic potential over aqueous leaves extract.

Graphical abstract
A new gas chromatographic method development and validation for the simultaneous determination of ibuprofen and caffeine in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form
Authors: Zambakjian Celine , Sakur Amir Alhaj
Published: December 2020

Background

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. Caffeine is one of the most common adjuvant analgesic drugs which is combined with ibuprofen in commercially available formulations. Combining analgesics offers the possibility of increasing effectiveness without increasing dose and therefore risk. Prescribing ibuprofen and caffeine together is common in clinical practice. This is the first work reporting a new and validated gas chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of ibuprofen and caffeine in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form. The separation was performed on a TRB-17 column (30.00 m in length, 0.25-mm ID, and 0.25-μm df). Detection was carried out using a flame ionization detector (FID). Methyl paraben was used as an internal standard. The injection volume was 1 μL with 1:50 split ratio using nitrogen as a carrier gas at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The oven temperature was programmed at 150 °C for 0.5 min, with a rise of 10 °C/min up to 250 °C. The injector temperature was 280 °C, and the detector temperature was 300 °C. The validation of the method including linearity, range, detection limit (DL), quantitation limit (QL), accuracy, precision, specificity, system suitability, and robustness was carried out utilizing International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines.

Results

The retention times of methyl paraben, ibuprofen, and caffeine were 1.687, 2.594, and 4.031 min, respectively. The method was linear in the range of 1000–7000 μg/mL for ibuprofen and 162.5–1137.5 μg/mL for caffeine with a correlation coefficient of 0.9999 for both drugs. The DL was found to be 131.68 μg/mL and 15.74 μg/mL for ibuprofen and caffeine, respectively, whereas QL was found to be 399.02 μg/mL for ibuprofen and 47.68 μg/mL for caffeine. The accuracy of the method was validated by mean percentage recovery, which was found to be in the acceptable range. The precision study results of the new method were less than the maximum allowable limit percentage of relative standard deviation %RSD ≤ 2.0.

The specificity was evaluated by the standard edition method, and the results of the recovery data showed that excipients do not affect the accuracy of the proposed method. The results of system suitability and robustness tests were also within the acceptable limits.

Conclusion

The first reported method for simultaneous determination of ibuprofen and caffeine by gas chromatography in bulk and combined dosage form was carried out in this work. The developed method gave a good separation of the drugs and internal standard. The analytical performance of the method was statistically validated as per ICH guidelines, and satisfactory results were obtained. The proposed method can be easily adopted for the routine analysis of ibuprofen and caffeine.
Early appendectomy for appendicular mass: operative findings and outcome in 220 children—a developing country perspective
Authors: Rahman M. A. Mushfiqur , Chowdhury Tanvir Kabir , Chowdhury Mohammad Zonaid , Farooq Md. Abdullah Al
Published: December 2020

Background

Lump or mass formation due to delayed presentation after appendicitis is common, and it is frequently complicated by perforation, gangrene, pus, or abscess formation. Care of patients and management vary between developed world and developing country. The aim of the study is to analyze outcome of early surgery for appendicular mass from a developing country perspective. 220 patients of appendicular mass who underwent early appendectomy over a period of 5 years in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, at author’s institute were retrospectively reviewed. Early appendectomy was defined as appendectomy done within 24 h of admission. Presentation, examination findings, investigations, type of surgery, operative findings, post-operative complications, and hospital stay were analyzed.

Results

Age of patients ranged from 2 to 12 years (mean 9.04 ± 2.54 years) and male to female ratio was 2:1. Abdominal pain was the most common presentation followed by vomiting and fever. Mean pain duration was 4.35 ± 4.23 days. There was raised temperature in 140 (63.64%) patients, 154 (74.04%) had tachycardia, and 75.86% had raised WBC count. Laparoscopic appendectomy was done in 31 (14.09%) patients, and the rest 189 (85.91%) patients underwent open surgery. Perforated appendix was the most common (171 patients, 77.73%) peri-operative finding followed by formation of pus (135 patients, 61%). Pus was found more in patients less than 5 years old (18 patients out of 23) than patients more than 5 years old (114 patients out of 197) (P = 0.045). Younger patients also had significantly more complications (39.13% vs 17.26%, P = .000) and hospital stays (mean 15.61 days vs 9.87 days, P = 0.014) than older boys. Complications developed in 42 (19.09%) patients, and wound dehiscence (26 patients, 11.82%) was the most common complication.

Conclusion

Early appendectomy for appendicular mass is a feasible option in the developing world, and laparoscopic appendectomy has good prospect.
The Critic and the Mime
Authors: Lawtoo Nidesh
Published: December 2020

In this interview, J. Hillis Miller and Nidesh Lawtoo take one of the most influential concepts in Western aesthetics, mimēsis, as an Ariadne’s thread to retrace the major turns in Miller’s career and, by extension, to promote a re-turn of mimesis in literary theory and criticism. Complicating standard accounts of deconstruction and rhetorical reading as simply antimimetic, Miller acknowledges the centrality of this ancient concept to his intellectual development and to major turns in literary theory as well: his early engagement with New Criticism and phenomenology in the 1950s, his encounter with Jacques Derrida and deconstruction in the 1960s, his development of rhetorical reading in the company of Paul de Man in the 1970s and 1980s, and his engagement with ethics and community in 1990s and 2000s, stretching to include his most recent critical reflections on contemporary US politics and the new media that disseminate it. In the process, this interview reveals how mimēsis functions as a protean concept, or mime, that under different conceptual masks is constantly at play in Miller’s dialogic relation with criticism and theory, old and new. Staging a dialogue, Miller and Lawtoo join forces to show that this often marginalized literary-philosophical concept takes center stage in the political, ethical, scientific, and technological transformations that cast a shadow on present and future generations.
Healthcare use by people who use illicit opioids (HUPIO): development of a cohort based on electronic primary care records in England
Authors: Lewer Dan , Padmanathan Prianka , Qummer ul Arfeen Muhammad , Denaxas Spiros , Forbes Harriet , Gonzalez-Izquierdo Arturo , Hickman Matt
Published: December 2020

Background: People who use illicit opioids such as heroin have substantial health needs, but there are few longitudinal studies of general health and healthcare in this population. Most research to date has focused on a narrow set of outcomes, including overdoses and HIV or hepatitis infections. We developed and validated a cohort using UK primary care electronic health records (Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD and AURUM databases) to facilitate research into healthcare use by people who use illicit opioid use (HUPIO).

Methods: Participants are patients in England with primary care records indicating a history of illicit opioid use. We identified codes including prescriptions of opioid agonist therapies (methadone and buprenorphine) and clinical observations such as ‘heroin dependence’. We constructed a cohort of patients with at least one of these codes and aged 18-64 at cohort entry, with follow-up between January 1997 and March 2020. We validated the cohort by comparing patient characteristics and mortality rates to other cohorts of people who use illicit opioids, with different recruitment methods.

Results: Up to March 2020, the HUPIO cohort included 138,761 patients with a history of illicit opioid use. Demographic characteristics and all-cause mortality were similar to existing cohorts: 69% were male; the median age at index for patients in CPRD AURUM (the database with more included participants) was 35.3 (IQR 29.1-42.6); the average age of new cohort entrants increased over time; 76% had records indicating current tobacco smoking; patients disproportionately lived in deprived neighbourhoods; and all-cause mortality risk was 5.4 (95% CI 5.3-5.5) times the general population of England.

Conclusions: Primary care data offer new opportunities to study holistic health outcomes and healthcare of this population. The large sample enables investigation of rare outcomes, whilst the availability of linkage to external datasets allows investigation of hospital use, cancer treatment, and mortality.
Case Method. The Possibility of Using It in the Training of Military Personnel
Authors: Viktoruk Elena , Efremov M. , Shestakova N.
Published: December 2020

The article discusses the possibility of using the method case-study in training military personnel. The method case-study (a method for analyzing specific situations) over the past decades has gained great popularity and distribution as a method of training "managers". This method is a teaching method based on the analysis of real or fictitious situations to develop the most acceptable way to solve the problem. This approach to teaching seems to be quite progressive, because the need to make decisions in conditions of ambiguity of choice accompanies a person throughout his life, including his professional sphere and not only managerial, therefore the importance of using this teaching method in various fields is emphasized by many scientists and teachers. The purpose of the article is to show the possibilities of using the case method in training servicemen, increasing the level of their professional, combat and special training. The authors found that the use of the case method as a necessary addition to the "traditional" methods of training military personnel increases the level of professional training, motivation, the immediate relevance of the material being studied, the importance of the acquired skills in processing and analyzing the information received. It was noted that the students have better formation of the skills of using constructive-communicative methods in communication, diagnostics and formulation of the main problem, isolating it from secondary ones. These skills are not only purely professional, but also personal qualities that allow servicemen to more fully realize themselves in their professional environment. In this connection, the case method can serve as an important addition to the "traditional" methods of training military personnel.
East Slobozhansk names of utensils and kitchen utensils: a dynamic aspect
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Voloshynova Maryna
Published: December 2020

In the article, based on the actual material of recorded 61 dialects of the Luhansk region, it has been conducted a lexical and semantic study of the Easten Slobodian names of crockery and kitchen utensils. During the exploration the functional activity of the identified representatives has been established. The comparative analysis of the recorded names with the lexical material of other dialect continuums of the Ukrainian language has been carried out that’s made it possible to track the parallel names with different phonetic design, the nomens with the different, identical or similar semantics. In the light of the definition of the dynamic trends it has been stated that the lexical units can show constancy in two chronological sections which is manifested in the immutability of semantics over the course of the whole century. It has also been observed the updating of the lexicon associated with the increase in the nominative series on the modern chronological cross-section that occurred due to the presence of the grammatical and word-forming variants of lexemes, the expansion of the semantic structure of some nomens that simultaneously function as the representatives of several semes. Sometimes the vocabulary demonstrates the process of gradual archaization as far as the nomens available in the register of the ancient lexicographic work are absent both in the dialects under the consideration and in the dialects of other dialects.
Sructure of dictionary articles in the Dictionary of Agricultural Vocabulary of Central Slobozhanshchyna (Kharkiv region)
Authors:   V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Serdega Ruslan
Published: December 2020

Lexicography was, is and remains one of the most relevant branches of linguistics. It has a clear practical and applied orientation. No language can do without lexicographical works. Today, traditional dictionaries, along with, of course, electronic, remain one of the most effective means of preserving the language. They play an important role in the formation and development of the spiritual culture of the people. Agricultural vocabulary is one of the primary fragments of the linguistic picture of the world of the Ukrainian people, so it deserves lexicographical elaboration. Agricultural production has always played an important role in the economic activity of the Central Slobozhanshchina (Kharkov region). The purpose of the article is to demonstrate the principles of construction of dictionary articles in the above lexicographical work, presenting the basic models of lexicographic description of units included in the dictionary register. We see the prospects for further research in the compilation of the Dictionary of Agricultural Vocabulary of Central Slobozhanshchina (Kharkov region) or materials to it.