bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of Serum Lipids with Risk of Cognitive Impairment in Chinese Centenarians
Authors: Chen Yujian , Huang Ya , Ning ChaoXue , Zhu Qiao , Yao Yao , Zhao Yali
Published: March 2021

Background

Dyslipidaemia and cognitive impairment are common in old adults and risks of both of them increase with increasing age. However, the relationship between lipids and cognitive impairment in longevous people is still unclear. This study aimed to assess the association between serum lipids and cognitive impairment in Chinese centenarians.
Methods

In a cross-sectional study, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were biochemically measured in 924 centenarians and cognitive functions were evaluated. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations of lipids with cognitive impairment and the risks for cognitive impairment associated with quartile of serum lipid concentrations.
Results

The results demonstrated HDL-C was an independent beneficial factor for cognitive impairment after controlling for the potential covariates (Odds ratio, OR = 0.350, 95% Confidence interval, CI = 0.159–0.774; P = 0.009). An inverse association of HDL-C with cognitive impairment was found (P for trend = 0.001) and the association remained significant after adjusting for possible cofounders (P for trend = 0.012). The OR of cognitive impairment for the lowest versus highest quartiles of HDL-C was 1.96 (95%CI, 1.09–3.45).
Conclusions

The results indicated that low HDL-C is likely to be harmful for cognitive functions in centenarians. The cognitive function of longevous persons with low HDL-C concentrations deserves more attention.
Brain responses to strong desire to void with synchronous urodynamics in healthy adults: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study based on graph theory
Authors: ying xiaoqian , Gao Yi , Liao Limin
Published: March 2021

Background

The alternations of brain responses to strong desire to void during a urodynamic study were unclear. The present study aims to identify the functional brain network's topologic property changes evoked by a strong desire to void in healthy male and female adults with synchronous urodynamics using a graph theory analysis.
Methods

The bladders of eleven healthy males and eleven females were filled with a catheter in a specific infusion and withdrawal pattern. The resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the enrolled subjects was scanned under the empty bladder and strong desire to void states. Automated anatomical labeling (AAL) atlas was used to identify the ninety cortical and subcortical regions. Pearson's correlation calculations were performed to establish a brain connection matrix. A paired t-test (P < 0.05) and Bonferroni correction were applied to identify the significant statistical differences in topologic properties between the two states, including small-world network property parameters [gamma (γ) and lambda (λ)], characteristic path length (Lp), clustering coefficient (Cp), global efficiency (Eglob), local efficiency (Eloc) and regional nodal efficiency (Enodal).
Results

Significantly, a small-world network property was presented in all subjects. The significantly decreased Cp, Lp, Eloc, and increased Eglob were detected in the female subjects under the strong desire to void. Notably, the increased Enodal was observed in left the orbital part of middle frontal gyrus and inferior frontal gyrus, right middle temporal gyrus, median cingulate and middle occipital gyrus, and bilateral inferior parietal gyrus, gyrus rectus and supramarginal gyrus. In the male subjects, the increased Enodal presented in right frontal operculum and medial superior frontal gyrus, left supplementary motor area and the bilateral supramarginal gyrus. On the other hand, the significant decreased Enodal in female subjects was detected in the bilateral calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex, lingual gyrus, and fusiform gyrus. The decreased Enodal in male subjects presented in right inferior occipital gyrus and thalamus.
Conclusions

In the study, there were potential gender differences in functional brain network's topologic property alternations in response to the strong desire to void under a repetitive infusion and withdrawal pattern.
Pollution Intensity of Hazardous Metals, Microbiome and Potential Bacterial-Based Toxic Metal Sequestration of Coal Mine Drainage
Authors: Oyetibo Ganiyu , Enahoro Joy , Ikwubuzo Chimuanya , Ukwuoma Chiamaka
Published: March 2021

Drains from coal mine remain a worrisome point source of toxic metal/metalloid pollutions to surface- and ground-waters worldwide, requiring sustainable remediation strategies. Understanding the microbial community subtleties through integrated metagenomic and geochemical data elicit selection of autochthonous bacteria consortium, spurring decommissioning of drains before discharge to hydrosphere. The drains contained characteristic sulphates (313.0 ± 15.9 mg/l), carbonate (253.0 ± 22.4 mg/l), and nitrate (86.6 ± 41.0 mg/l), having extreme tendencies to enrich receiving environments with extremely high pollution load index (3110 ± 942) for toxic metals/metalloid. The drains exerted severe degree of toxic metals/metalloid contamination (3,400,000 ± 240,000) and consequent astronomically high ecological risks in the order: Lead > Cadmium > Arsenic > Nickel > Cobalt > Iron > Chromium. Metagenome of the drains revealed dominance of Proteobacteria (50.8%) and Bacteroidetes (18.9%) among bacterial community, whereas, Ascomycota (60.8%) and Ciliophora (12.6%) dominated the eukaryotic community. A consortium of 7 autochthonous bacterial OTUs exhibited excellent urease activities (≥ 253 µmol urea/min.) with subsequent stemming of acidic pH to > 8.2 and sequestration of toxic metals (approx. 100% efficiency) as precipitates (15.6 ± 0.92 mg/ml). The coal mine drain is a point source for metals/metalloid pollution to surrounding hydrosphere, and its bioremediation is achievable with the bacteria consortium.
Low-Dose Methylprednisolone Therapy for Intravenous Immunoglobulin-Resistant Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Zhuang Yibo , Zheng Hongxue , Zhu Lingtao
Published: March 2021

Background The dose of methylprednisolone therapy for intravenous immunoglobulin-resistant Kawasaki disease (IVIG-resistant KD) remains controversial. The study aims to investigate the effect of low-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) therapy on children with IVIG-resistant KD. Methods 36 IVIG-resistant KD children were recruited. Coronary artery lesions (CAL) were recorded before these children were first treated with IVIG. 15 patients were treated with a second course of IVIG (2 g/kg/dose) after unsuccessful treatment with IVIG (2 g/kg/dose), named IVIG group. 21 patients with IVIG-resistant KD were treated with a second course of IVIG and low-dose IVMP (2 mg/kg/day) for 3-5 days after unsuccessful treatment with IVIG, named IVIG+IVMP group, including 8 patients with CAL and 13 patients without CAL. The level of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in serum was detected by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Results The treatment was successful in 21 (100%) of the patients who received additional IVIG along with IVMP and 10 (66.7%) who received additional IVIG. In IVIG+IVMP group, BNP decreased significantly after patients received additional IVIG along with IVMP. 72h After treated with additional IVIG and IVMP, there was no difference of BNP levels between patients with CAL and without CAL in IVIG+IVMP group. None of the patients was with CAL followed up for 1 year in IVIG+IVMP group.Conclusion This study suggest that low-dose IVMP along with additional IVIG is an effective treatment for IVIG-resistant KD, and low-dose IVMP increases no risk of CAL.
Organisational factors affecting Emergency Medical Services’ performance in rural and urban areas of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alanazy Ahmed Ramdan M , Fraser John , Wark Stuart
Published: March 2021

Background:There is a disparity in outcomes between rural and urban emergency medical services (EMS) in both developed and developing countries. However, there is a scarcity of research that directly asks EMS staff in both rural and urban areas of developing countries how service delivery could be improved. The aim of the present study is to gain insights from frontline workers regarding organisational factors that may underpin discrepancies between rural and urban EMS performance.Subject and Methods:The study was undertaken in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia, with 20 participants (10 rural, 10 urban) drawn from Saudi Red Crescent EMS. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken between October 2019 and July 2020. All interviews were conducted in Arabic, transcribed verbatim and translated into English. Results:Data analyses identified key organisational factors that resulted in barriers and impediments for EMS staff. Differences and similarities were observed between rural and urban respondents, with identified issues including response and transportation time, service coordination, reason for call-out, as well as human and physical resourcing.Conclusion:The findings identified key issues impacting on EMS performance across both rural and urban areas. In order to address these problems, changes are recommended. These recommendations include a comprehensive review of rural EMS vehicles, with a particular focus on the age; incentives to improve the numbers of paramedics in rural areas and more localised specialist training opportunities for rurally-based personnel; and the implementation of national public education program focusing on the role of the EMS.
2017-2018 Assisted Reproduction Cost Analysis performance indexes: Lombardy County Case Study
Authors: Levi-Setti Paolo Emanuele , Busnelli Andrea , Bodina Annalisa , Roberto Roberto De Luca , Scaravelli Giulia
Published: March 2021

Objective The present study investigated the cost per delivery for all public reimbursed ART cycles performed in Lombardy. MethodsAnalysis of costs for the 2017 and 2018 Delivery and Cumulative Delivery Rates extracted from the ART Italian Registry on oocytes retrieval, fresh and frozen embryos and oocytes performed in 22 Lombardy IVF Units. ResultsIn 2017, 29,718 procedures were performed, resulting in 4,543 pregnancies and 3,253 deliveries. In 2018, there were 29,708 procedures, 4,665 pregnancies and 3,348 deliveries. Pregnancies lost to follow up were 5.0% with a (range of 0 to 67.68%) in 2017 and 3.4% (range of 0 to 45.1%) in 2018. The cost reimbursement for the cycles were €2,232 ($2,611) for oocyte retrieval and €2,194 ($2,567) for embryo transfer, excluding ovarian stimulation therapy and luteal phase support.The mean multiple pregnancy delivery rate (MDR) in all 22 IVF centers was 11.08% ± 5,55% (range 0.00% -22.73%) in 2017 and 10.41% ± 4.99 (range 1.33% - 22.22%) in 2018. The mean cost for delivery in euros was 26,227 ± 14,737 in 2017 and 25,018 ± 16,039. The cost difference among centers was 12,480 - 76,725 in 2017 and 12,973 - 86,203 in 2018.Conclusions Our findings suggest the formulation of specific KPI’s (Key performance indexes) and minimal performance indexes (PI) as a basis for the allocation of public or insurance resources. In particular, the reduction of multiple pregnancy rates costs, may lead to a more widespread use of ART even in lower resources countries.
Epidemiological investigation reveals local transmission of SARS-CoV-2 lineage P.1 in Southern Brazil
Authors: Salvato Richard Steiner , Gregianini Tatiana Schäffer , Campos Aline Alves Scarpellini , Crescente Lara Villanova , Vallandro Marcelo Jostmeier , Ranieri Tani Maria Schilling , Vizeu Sabrina , Martins Letícia Garay , Silva Eduardo Viegas da , Pedroso Ellen Regina , Burille Andreia , Baethgen Ludmila Fiorenzano , Schiefelbein Sun Hee , Machado Taís Raquel Marcon , Becker Irina Marieta , Ramos Raquel , Piazza Cláudia Fasolo , Nunes Zenaida Marion Alves , Bastos Cynthia Goulart Molina
Published: March 2021

Since its detection in December of 2020, the SARS-CoV2 lineage P.1, descendent of B.1.1.28 lineage, has been identified in several places in Brazil and abroad. This Variant of Concern was considered highly prevalent in Northern Brazil and now is rapidly widening its geographical range. In this short communication, we present epidemiological and genomic information of the first case of P1 lineage in Rio Grande do Sul state, in a patient with no reported travel history and a tracked transmission chain. These findings occurred in a tourist destination representing an important hub receiving tourists from diverse places.
Hair Care Products Manufacturing Wastewaters: Toxicity and test Organism Sensitivity
Authors: Melo Elisa Dias de , Mounteer Ann Honor
Published: March 2021

Wastewater from two (A and B) small-scale hair care product manufacturers located in the state of Minas Gerais were characterized, with regard to physical, chemical and ecotoxicological parameters. Wastewater characteristics typical for this industrial sector were found in three samples collected at each manufacturing plant, with high levels of both particulate and dissolved organic matter (soluble and total COD), oils and grease and acute toxicity to the microcrustacean Daphnia similis (EC50 < 0.5 %). Strong positive correlations between turbidity, oils and grease and acute toxicity were observed. It is worth mentioning that only one of the manufacturers operates a wastewater treatment plant, while the second discharges untreated wastewater to a local sewer system. Furthermore, neither of the two cities where the enterprises are located has a municipal sewage treatment plant, aggravating environmental impacts of the industrial contributions to sewage discharges in receiving waters. A battery of tests was performed with species from three trophic levels (primary producers and primary and secondary consumers) to select the most sensitive test organisms to the wastewaters evaluated. The microcrustacean Ceriodaphnia dubia is indicated for use in routine monitoring, since it exhibited the highest sensitivities to hair care products wastewaters, for both acute and chronic effects.
The Effect of Ecological Factors on Cats’ Weight in Tehran
Authors: Rahimi Farid
Published: March 2021

Some animals live in cities like humans. So, humans affect their life intentionally or unintentionally. Waste production is only one of the human effects on the urban ecosystem. The waste produced by human supply some of the food needed by urban cats. This research is the first study in the world to measure the cats’ weight to investigate the effect of the increase or decrease in urban wastes on physical status of cats. In the first phase of the research (Spring 2016-Winter 2017) in Tehran, we found that the average volume of the collected wastes had increased by 14% and it had led to a 1% increase in the average weight of cats in the mentioned period. The 9.5% decrease in the waste volume in Autumn 2016 had led to the decrease in the average weight of cats in Winter 2017. The male cats were more affected by the decrease in waste volume.
MANAGEMENT OF LUMBOSACRAL RADICULITIS
Authors: Slynko Ie.I. , Potapov O.O. , Derkach Yu.V. , Ermoliev A.I. , Andrukhiv A.Ya.
Published: March 2021

4,000 patients with discogenic lumbosacral radiculitis were treated. 2,000 patients were managed conservatively, 1,000 patients underwent microdiscectomy and 1,000 patients underwent endoscopic discectomy. The authors of the paper compared indications for different types of treatment, effectiveness of treatment, and duration of rehabilitation. The age of patients in both groups ranged 18 to 78 years. Treatment outcomes were evaluated using the Macnab scale, including the need for additional treatment, duration of rehabilitation treatment, and terms of return to work. Currently, the results of conservative treatment of lumbar hernias are being discussed in the literature. In general, according to authors, the result of conservative treatment is inversely proportional to the size of hernias: the smaller the hernia, the more successful the treatment results. Moreover, there is no clear correlation with the conservative treatment methods. At the same time, the results of surgical intervention directly correlate with the size of hernias or sequesters: the larger the hernia, the better the outcome. Alternatively, microsurgical and endoscopic interventions were used with similar outcomes and relapse rates. The long-term outcomes were tracked using the Macnab scale. Relapses of hernias in the endoscopic discectomy group were found in 18 patients, which was 1.8%. Relapses of hernias in the microdiscectomy group were found in 11 patients, which was 1.1%. Modern conservative methods of treatment allow good outcomes for treatment of hernias even up to 8 mm. In patients with hernias 8 mm to 10 mm the results of conservative treatment were generally not satisfactory and relapses occurred quickly. In patients with hernias of more than 10 mm, conservative treatment is not recommended; positive outcomes are possible only with the use of surgical methods.
OSTEOPOROSIS AND SARCOPENIA: COMMON ETIOPATHOGENETIC FACTORS, PREVENTION AND NON-DRUG TREATMENT
Authors: Malakhov V.A. , Tyagniryadko A.K. , Isaeva Y.A.
Published: March 2021

The problem of osteoporosis and sarcopenia is one of the leading problems in world medicine. There is a significant increase in the number of patients with these pathologies, which is associated with increased life expectancy. Osteoporosis and sarcopenia are among the most common diseases in old age. Moreover, if earlier these pathologies, especially osteoporosis, were observed mainly in the elderly, now these diagnoses have significantly rejuvenated. Thus, early diagnosis, methods of prevention, early treatment and rehabilitation of these diseases become relevant. Equally important is the relationship between these diseases and the commonality of their etiology and pathogenesis, and, accordingly, the identity of methods of prevention and treatment.
In the context of medical and preventive care, the commonalities and differences of genetic, biochemical and age factors and nosological units that lead to the development of these pathologies are analyzed. Methods of prevention and non-drug treatment of osteoporosis and sarcopenia are considered in detail. The most effective methods of prevention and non-drug treatment of osteoporosis and sarcopenia have been identified.
The common etiopathogenetic factors of sarcopenia and osteoporosis, disorders of fat metabolism and, ultimately, reduced physical activity, suggests the presence of osteosarcopenia and osteosarcopenic obesity. The same commonality leads to almost identical approaches in the treatment and prevention of these diseases.
educação ambiental em curso formativo: uma proposta para a formação de jovens do ensino médio por meio das artes
Authors: EZIDIO Thiago , ALVES Dayanne da Silva , LUCAS Lucken Bueno , POLETTO Rodrigo de Souza
Published: March 2021

Resumo: Considerando as macrotendências que se referem aos segmentos da Educação Ambiental, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver ações que mitigassem os problemas ambientais. Para o alcance deste objetivo foram utilizadas práticas artísticas e ambientais visando o ensino de Educação Ambiental aos jovens do Ensino médio. Durante um curso, foram desenvolvidas atividades compostas por práticas a campo estruturadas em conceitos agroflorestais, resíduos sólidos urbanos mediadas por atividades artísticas, com animações e desenhos de observação (mapeamento ambiental). Os resultados mostraram que abordagens artísticas e práticas ambientais ajudam a promover um processo de sensibilização ambiental por serem integrativas com o meio ambiente, para tanto os cursistas realizaram apontamentos ilustrativos sobre problemas ambientais tendo como destaque resíduos de sólidos urbanos, posteriormente sugeriram a implantação de uma horta em uma área abandonada dentro da Universidade, estes processos contribuíram para que aos alunos adquirissem uma visão consciente dos recursos naturais e preservação do meio ambiente.

Palavras-Chaves: Educação ambiental. Práticas artísticas. Resíduos sólidos urbanos.

Área Temática: Educação Ambiental
Sex Differences in Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Vardas Emmanuel P. , Oikonomou Evangelos , Siasos Gerasimos , Theofilis Panagiotis , Dilaveris Polychronis , Papanikolaou Angelos , Tousoulis Dimitris
Published: March 2021

Potential sex-related differences in the periprocedural and long-term postprocedural outcomes of
coronary angioplasty in patients with stable coronary artery disease have been studied thoroughly over the last
few decades, to determine whether female sex should be regarded as an independent risk factor that affects clinical
outcomes. Based on a significant number of observational studies and meta-analyses, sex has not yet
emerged as an independent risk factor for either mortality or major cardiac and cerebrovascular events, despite
the fact that in the early 1980s, for several reasons, female sex was associated with unfavourable outcomes.
Therefore, it remains debatable whether the female sex should be considered as an independent risk factor for
periprocedural and long-term bleeding events. The pharmacological and technological advancements that support
current coronary angioplasty procedures, as well as the non-delayed treatment of coronary artery disease in
females, have certainly lessened the outcome differences between the two sexes. However, females show fluctuations
in blood coagulability through their lifetime and a higher prevalence of bleeding episodes associated
with the antithrombotic treatment following transcatheter coronary reperfusion interventions. In conclusion, the
clinical results of percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with stable coronary artery disease, during the
periprocedural and long-term postprocedural periods, appear to show no significant differences between the
two sexes, except for bleeding rates, which seem to be higher in females, a difference that mandates further systematic
research.
Potential Involvement of Extracellular Citrate in Brain Tumor
Progression
Authors: Jordan Katrin , Stanton Evan H. , Milenkovic Vladimir M. , Federlin Marianne , Drexler Konstantin , Buchalla Wolfgang , Gaumann Andreas , Adamski Jerzy , Proescholdt Martin , Haferkamp Sebastian , Geissler Edward K. , Mycielska Maria E.
Published: March 2021

Brain tissue is known to have elevated citrate levels, necessary to regulate
ion chelation, neuron excitability, and are also necessary for the supply of necessary
energy substrates to neurons. Importantly, citrate also acts as a central substrate in
cancer metabolism. Recent studies have shown that extracellular citrate levels in the
brain undergo significant changes during tumor development and may play a dual role in
tumor progression, as well as cancer cell aggressiveness. In the present article, we
review available literature describing changes of citrate levels in brain tissue, blood, and
cerebrospinal fluid, as well as intracellular alterations during tumor development before
and after metastatic progression. Based on the available literature and our recent
findings, we hypothesize that changes in extracellular citrate levels may be related to the
increased consumption of this metabolite by cancer cells. Interestingly, cancerassociated
cells, including reactive astrocytes, might be a source of citrate. Extracellular
citrate uptake mechanisms, as well as potential citrate synthesis and release by
surrounding stroma, could provide novel targets for anti-cancer treatments of primary
brain tumors and brain metastases.
Halloysite Nanotubes Functionalized Sulfonic Acid: Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization, Computational Studies and Application for the Synthesis of 1,4-Dihydropyridines
Authors: Gupta Princy , Prakash Nayan , Ramawat Yogeshwar , Rajput Palvi , Fayaz Amir , Roy Tapta Kanchan
Published: March 2021

:

In this study, naturally occurring clay halloysite has been used to synthesize novel halloysite functionalized sulfonic acid in two steps, i.e. functionalization followed by oxidation, and its catalytic activity has been estimated for one-pot synthesis of Hantzsch 1,4-dihydropyridines under green solventfree conditions. Spectroscopic studies such as FTIR, TGA, elemental analysis and first-principles-based quantum chemical studies have been employed to characterize the catalyst. Recyclability without significant loss of catalytic activity has been observed for several runs.
Synthesis and Anti-cancer Activity of Paclitaxel−Coumarin Conjugate
Authors: Song Zurong , Lu Qin , Tao Ali , Wu Tianchen
Published: March 2021

Background:

Paclitaxel, a natural diterpenoid compound, has anti-tumor effect by acting on tubulin,
whereas coumarin, another kind of natural product, has anti-tumor effect, along with some other effects, such as
anti-bacterial-., Moreover, it also possesses fluorescence.

Objective:

Multi targeting is an effective strategy in drug design to combat tumor. Therefore, a combination of
paclitaxel with other active molecular drugs for exploring the novel lead with multi-functions is in demand.

Materials and Methods:

To synthsize paclitaxel-coumarin conjugate via click chemistry and to investigate anticancer
activity by MTT assay and the scratch test.

Results and Discussion:

The results of MTT assay showed that compared tothe paclitaxel, the anti-tumor activity
of the conjugate was significantly improved. The results of flow cytometry showed that the conjugate had a
stronger ability to induce apoptosis. The scratch test results showed that the conjugate had better anti- metastasis
ability than paclitaxel.

Conclusion:

These findings indicated that paclitaxel and coumarin had a synergistic effect, which paved the way
for the development of paclitaxel through fluorescence.
Lynch Syndrome Identification in Endometrial Cancer Patients: Should
Universal Screening be Used for all Histologies?
Authors: Parker Jessica E. , Mauer Caitlin , Zheng Wenxin , Miller David S. , Lea Jayanthi S.
Published: March 2021

Background:

There is an increased proportion of non-endometrioid histologies in
Lynch syndrome-associated compared to sporadic endometrial cancer; however, screening recommendations
do not differ between type I and type II cancers.

Objective:

Our objective was to examine the frequency of Lynch syndrome identified in type I and
type II endometrial cancers and their associated characteristics.

Methods:

We reviewed patients with type I and type II endometrial cancer who were screened for
Lynch Syndrome or referred for genetic testing according to an age and family history-based
screening protocol. All patients were seen and treated at a large academic institution affiliated with
a county safety-net hospital. Clinical, pathologic, immunohistochemistry, and germline genetic testing
results were obtained as well as the choice of genetic screening approach, personal and family
history, and compliance with testing were assessed.

Results:

234 women with type I and 29 patients with type II endometrial cancer were identified.
Lynch syndrome was diagnosed in a total of eight (3.4%) type I endometrial cancer patients, all
identified after age-based tumor screening. In type II endometrial cancer group, three (10.3%) patients
had Lynch syndrome. One was referred for testing after abnormal immunohistochemistry
screening under age 60. The other two were >60 years old and identified after abnormal immunohistochemistry
screening performed on physician’s request.

Conclusion:

Age-based screening may not diagnose Lynch Syndrome in women with type II endometrial
cancers. Our findings underscore the need for a universal screening approach in patients
with type II endometrial cancers, even in a low-resource population.
Directions for Enhancement of the Therapeutic Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Different Neurodegenerative and Cardiovascular Diseases: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Ahmed Lamiaa A. , Al-Massri Khaled F.
Published: March 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown promising therapeutic effects in a wide variety
of medical conditions, including neurodegenerative disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Although
preliminary research has emphasized the ability of MSCs to engraft at sites of injury, several
studies have revealed that MSCs mediate their effects through the release of various paracrine
factors and through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.
The clinical implications of MSCs application are limited due to their low survival rate in
conditions of inflammation, oxidative stress, and nutrient restriction in damaged areas. Furthermore,
the function of isolated MSCs is usually affected by the patient’s health. Therefore, it is necessary
to develop new methods to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs under pathophysiological
conditions. This review provides an overview of the general properties of MSCs, their therapeutic
potential in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease,
multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington’s disease, as well as cardiovascular
diseases such as myocardial infarction, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and dilated cardiomyopathy,
and their related mechanisms. In addition, this review also discusses potential problems and side effects,
as well as current and future directions for improvement of MSCs therapy and their implications
and applications.
Pharmacological Treatment of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: An
Update
Authors: Rafiullah Mohamed , Siddiqui Khalid
Published: March 2021

:

Neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes. 50% of adults with diabetes
will develop neuropathy in their lifetime. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the major form
of neuropathy found in 75% of diabetic neuropathy incidences. Pharmacological treatments are recommended
for pain management in DPN. Anticonvulsants like pregabalin and gabapentin are the
preferred first-line treatment, followed by amitriptyline, duloxetine, and venlafaxine. Topical
agents like capsaicin and isosorbide dinitrate are also useful in treating the DPN and may be considered
for the second or third-line treatment. Opioids and related drugs are suggested for short-term
use during the acute exacerbation of pain. Combination therapy may be beneficial in patients who
do not respond to monotherapy. However, currently, there is no compelling evidence to suggest
any specific combination of agents. Disease-modifying agents such as alpha-lipoic acid and epalrestat
appear to improve the disease state but are not recommended by any guideline. This review discusses
the available pharmacological therapy for treating DPN. Also, we highlight the recommendations
from different guidelines about the pharmacological treatment of DPN.
Preparation of Fe2O3-ZnO Nanocomposites: Structure and Optical Properties
Authors: Farahmandjou Majid , Hoseini Fatemeh
Published: March 2021

Background:

The synthesis of Fe2O3/ZnO nanocomposites has gained wide acceptance
in recent years due to its magnetic, photoluminescence and catalytic properties, and
as an active element in gas sensors. This type of composite particle has potential biological
and biomedical applications such as the detection of cancer cells, bacteria and viruses, and
for magnetic separation.

Objective:

In the present study, first we synthesized the Fe2O3/ZnO nanoparticles, and then
the structural, optical and surface morphological properties were investigated by XRD,
HRTEM, FESEM, XRF and FTIR analyses.

Methods:

Fe2O3-ZnO nanoparticles were fabricated by a solgel synthesis method by combining
iron chloride hexahydrate and zinc sulfate heptahydrate. In the beginning, 2g of
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) stabilizer was dissolved in 100 mL deionized water and then 5
g FeCl3 was added to the solution with stirring at room temperature. Then 5g of ZnSO4
was added to the solution and synthesis temperature was increased to 100 °C. The product
was evaporated for 3 hours, cooled to room temperature and finally calcined at 600 °C for
3 hours.

Result:

The XRD results showed single-phase Fe2O3-ZnO nanocomposites with a hexagonal
wurtzite structure of ZnO and spinel phase of rhombohedral α-Fe2O3. The crystallite
size of as-prepared sample was determined at about 45 nm and annealed one was calculated
around 40 nm. The SEM images showed that the Fe-Zn nanoparticles changed from
spherical shape to rod shape by increasing the temperature after annealing. The TEM studies
showed the core-shell nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 47 nm. The sharp peaks in
the FTIR spectrum determined the stretching vibrations of Fe and Zn groups in the frequencies
of 620, 565 cm-1 and 410 cm-1.

Conclusion:

The XRD data indicates a single-phase Fe2O3-ZnO structure. The SEM images
show that the nanoparticles changed from sphere-like shape to rod-like shape by increasing
the annealing temperature. TEM image exhibits the core-shell Fe-Zn nanoparticles
with an average diameter of about 37 nm. From the FTIR data, it is shown that the
presence of Fe-Zn stretching mode and the intensity of the peaks increased by increasing
the annealing temperature. XRF analysis showed peaks of iron and ferrite elements, and an
increase in the Zn weight percent was observed from 26.35 %Wt. to 49.26 %Wt. with increasing
temperature.
A New Sacramental Theology for e-Eucharist?
Authors: Ploeger Mattijs
Published: March 2021

During the 2020–21 COVID-19 crisis, participation in the eucharist was largely reduced to watching a service on television or online. This article focuses on whether such a form of participation in the eucharist – perhaps enhanced by taking some bread and wine individually in front of the screen – could be called sacramental participation from the point of view of a (broadly Catholic) systematic sacramental theology. I argue that a spiritual form of real presence is possible by virtue of Christ’s omnipresence, but that sacramental presence is inevitably dependent on embodiment and locality.
Civic education di Negara Korea Selatan dan Inggris
Authors: Fauziah Fatikha
Published: March 2021

Pendidikan diyakini berperan penting dalam memajukan peradaban bangsa. Hampir setiap negara menanamkan kewarganegaraan melalui pendidikan dengan cara yang berbeda-beda. Perbedaan ini dilatarbelakangi oleh perkembangan sejarah, ekonomi, identitas nasional, dan budaya setiap negara. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pendidikan kewarganegaraan di Korea Selatan dan Inggris dengan menggali atribut yang melatarbelakanginya. Kedua negara dipilih karena memiliki kesebandingan yakni maju dalam bidang industry. Hasil telaah menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan kurikulum pendidikan kewarganegaraan di kedua negara. Inti dari pendidikan kewarganegaraan (civic virtue) di Korea Selatan berasal dari budaya dan keyaninan, yakni budaya konfusianisme dan agama leluhur. Sedangkan, inti pendidikan kewarganegaraan di Inggris berasal dari sejarah dan ideologinya. Kata kunci: Pendidikan kewarganegaraan, Korea Selatan, Inggris
Peningkatan motivasi membaca permulaan melalui metode scramble kalimat pada siswa Kelas 2 SDN Pandeyan Yogyakarta
Authors: Sayekti Octavian Muning
Published: March 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan motivasi belajar siswa pada aspek membaca permulaan di kelas 2 SD Negeri Pandeyan. Teknik yang digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data adalah pengamatan atau observasi, angket, wawancara, dan tes. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah teknik deskripsi komparatif. Peneliti membandingkan hasil sebelum penelitian dengan hasil pada akhir setiap siklus. Selain itu juga digunakan teknik analisis kritis dengan tujuan untuk mengungkapkan kelebihan dan kekurangan kinerja siswa dan guru selama proses kegiatan belajar mengajar. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa motivasi membaca permulaan siswa dalam pembelajaran tematik muatan bahasa Indonesia kelas 2 SD Negeri Pandeyan dapat ditingkatkan dengan menerapkan metode scramble. Peningkatan tersebut dapat dilihat sebagai berikut: (1) Pada siklus I meningkat menjadi 50% serta 85% siswa menyatakan senang mengikuti pembelajaran. antusiasme siswa dalam pembelajaran terjadi peningkatan pada siklus I 57% menjadi 78% pada siklus II. Keaktifan siswa dalam apersepsi pada siklus I 50% meningkat menjadi 78% pada siklus II. Selanjutnya untuk keaktifan siswa selama proses KBM pada siklus I 57% meningkat menjadi 78% pada siklus II. Kemudian untuk keaktifan siswa dalam kegiatan tanya jawab pada siklus I 50% menjadi  64% pada siklus II.
Liječenje bipolarnog afektivnog poremećaja tijekom trudnoće
Authors: Jurman Rafaela , Rubeša Gordana
Published: March 2021

Cilj: Prikazati slučaj trudnice oboljele od bipolarnog afektivnog poremećaja (BAP) te terapijske izazove u njezinu liječenju. Prikaz slučaja: Trudnica u dobi od 35 godina hospitalizirana je na Klinici za psihijatriju zbog psihotične dekompenzacije od ranije dijagnosticiranog BAP-a. Pacijentica se u više navrata bolnički liječila zbog BAP-a. Prvi put je bila hospitalizirana u 25. godini života. Od tada je, unatoč redovitim kontrolama i medikaciji, došlo do nekoliko pogoršanja psihičkog stanja i to u vidu maničnih epizoda. U 35. godini života kod pacijentice je ustanovljena trudnoća te se ambulantno korigirala prethodno preporučena terapija. Ukinuo se litij i uveo se natrijev valproat. Nakon četiri tjedna pacijentica je hospitalizirana radi manične epizode s psihotičnim elementima. Hospitalno se terapija korigirala u skladu sa svjetskim iskustvima u liječenju BAP-a tijekom trudnoće. Tako se tijekom hospitalizacije kod ove pacijentice doza natrijeva valproata reducirala, a u terapiju se uveo antipsihotik kvetiapin, čija se doza titrirala do ukidanja simptoma bolesti. Pacijentica je na termin, carskim rezom, rodila zdravu djevojčicu. Do danas više nije bila hospitalno liječena, a podaci pedijatra ukazuju na uredan psihofizički razvoj djevojčice. Zaključak: Duševna bolest i njeno liječenje prije i/ili tijekom trudnoće predstavljaju rizične faktore za majku i za novorođenče. Stoga pojačani nadzor ovog tipa rizične trudnoće te propisivanje adekvatne psihofarmakoterapije s najmanjim mogućim posljedicama za majku i dijete predstavlja poseban izazov, ali i dužnost liječnika.
Extracting Family History Information From Electronic Health Records: Natural Language Processing Analysis
Authors: Rybinski Maciej , Dai Xiang , Singh Sonit , Karimi Sarvnaz , Nguyen Anthony
Published: March 2021

Background

The prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of many genetic disorders and familial diseases significantly improve if the family history (FH) of a patient is known. Such information is often written in the free text of clinical notes.

Objective

The aim of this study is to develop automated methods that enable access to FH data through natural language processing.

Methods

We performed information extraction by using transformers to extract disease mentions from notes. We also experimented with rule-based methods for extracting family member (FM) information from text and coreference resolution techniques. We evaluated different transfer learning strategies to improve the annotation of diseases. We provided a thorough error analysis of the contributing factors that affect such information extraction systems.

Results

Our experiments showed that the combination of domain-adaptive pretraining and intermediate-task pretraining achieved an F1 score of 81.63% for the extraction of diseases and FMs from notes when it was tested on a public shared task data set from the National Natural Language Processing Clinical Challenges (N2C2), providing a statistically significant improvement over the baseline (P<.001). In comparison, in the 2019 N2C2/Open Health Natural Language Processing Shared Task, the median F1 score of all 17 participating teams was 76.59%.

Conclusions

Our approach, which leverages a state-of-the-art named entity recognition model for disease mention detection coupled with a hybrid method for FM mention detection, achieved an effectiveness that was close to that of the top 3 systems participating in the 2019 N2C2 FH extraction challenge, with only the top system convincingly outperforming our approach in terms of precision.
The Value of Routinely Collected Data in Evaluating Home Assessment and Modification Interventions to Prevent Falls in Older People: Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Daniels Helen , Hollinghurst Joe , Fry Richard , Clegg Andrew , Hillcoat-Nallétamby Sarah , Nikolova Silviya , Rodgers Sarah E , Williams Neil , Akbari Ashley
Published: March 2021

Background

Falls in older people commonly occur at home. Home assessment and modification (HAM) interventions can be effective in reducing falls; however, there are some concerns over the validity of evaluation findings. Routinely collected data could improve the quality of HAM evaluations and strengthen their evidence base.

Objective

The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the evidence of the use of routinely collected data in the evaluations of HAM interventions.

Methods

We searched the following databases from inception until January 31, 2020: PubMed, Ovid, CINAHL, OpenGrey, CENTRAL, LILACS, and Web of Knowledge. Eligible studies were those evaluating HAMs designed to reduce falls involving participants aged 60 years or more. We included study protocols and full reports. Bias was assessed using the Risk Of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool.

Results

A total of 7 eligible studies were identified in 8 papers. Government organizations provided the majority of data across studies, with health care providers and third-sector organizations also providing data. Studies used a range of demographic, clinical and health, and administrative data. The purpose of using routinely collected data spanned recruiting and creating a sample, stratification, generating independent variables or covariates, and measuring key study-related outcomes. Nonhome-based modification interventions (eg, in nursing homes) using routinely collected data were not included in this study. We included two protocols, which meant that the results of those studies were not available. MeSH headings were excluded from the PubMed search because of a reduction in specificity. This means that some studies that met the inclusion criteria may not have been identified.

Conclusions

Routine data can be used successfully in many aspects of HAM evaluations and can reduce biases and improve other important design considerations. However, the use of these data in these studies is currently not widespread. There are a number of governance barriers to be overcome to allow these types of linkage and to ensure that the use of routinely collected data in evaluations of HAM interventions is exploited to its full potential.
Performance of the Neonatal Tetanus Surveillance System (NTSS) in Sana'a, Yemen: Evaluation Study
Authors: Al-Jamrah Khaled Mohammed , Al Nabehi Basheer Abdulgalil , Almoayed Khaled Abdullah , Anam Labiba Saeed , Khader Yousef S
Published: March 2021

Background

The Neonatal Tetanus Surveillance System (NTSS) in Yemen was established in 2009 to identify high-risk areas, determine trends, and evaluate elimination activities. Since its launch, the NTSS had never been evaluated.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the performance of NTSS and determine its strengths and weaknesses to recommend improvements.

Methods

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines were used for evaluating the NTSS. Stakeholders at the central, district, and facility levels were interviewed to rate the attributes of the NTSS. The percentage scores for attributes were ranked as poor (<60%), average (≥60% to <80%) and good (≥80%).

Results

The overall usefulness score percentage was 38%, which indicates a poor performance. The performance of the NTSS was rated as average on flexibility (score percent: 68%) and acceptability (score percent: 64%) attributes and poor on stability (score percentage: 33%), simplicity (score percentage: 57%), and representativeness (score percentage: 39%) attributes. About 65% of investigation forms were completed within 48 hours of notification date. Data quality was poor, as 41% of the core variables were missing.

Conclusions

The overall performance of the NTSS was poor. Most of the system attributes require improvement, including stability, simplicity, quality of data, and completeness of investigation. To improve the performance of NTSS, the following are recommended: capacity building of staff (focal points), strengthening NTSS through technical support and government funding to ensure its sustainability, establishing electronic investigation forms for improving the system data quality, and expansion of NTSS coverage to include all private health care facilities.
A Smartphone App for Engaging Patients With Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections: Protocol for an Interrupted Time-Series Analysis
Authors: Bentvelsen Robbert Gerard , Veldkamp Karin Ellen , Chavannes Niels H
Published: March 2021

Background

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the main cause of health care–associated infections, and they increase the disease burden, antibiotic usage, and hospital stay. Inappropriate placement and unnecessarily prolonged usage of a catheter lead to an elevated and preventable risk of infection. The smartphone app Participatient has been developed to involve hospitalized patients in communication and decision-making related to catheter use and to control unnecessary (long-term) catheter use to prevent CAUTIs. Sustained behavioral changes for infection prevention can be promoted by empowering patients through Participatient.

Objective

The primary aim of our multicenter prospective interrupted time-series analysis is to reduce inappropriate catheter usage by 15%. We will evaluate the efficacy of Participatient in this quality improvement study in clinical wards. Our secondary endpoints are to reduce CAUTIs and to increase patient satisfaction, involvement, and trust with health care services.

Methods

We will conduct a multicenter interrupted time-series analysis—a strong study design when randomization is not feasible—consisting of a pre- and postintervention point-prevalence survey distributed among participating wards to investigate the efficacy of Participatient in reducing the inappropriate usage of catheters. After customizing Participatient to the wards’ requirements, it will be implemented with a catheter indication checklist among clinical wards in 4 large hospitals in the Netherlands. We will collect clinical data every 2 weeks for 6 months in the pre- and postintervention periods. Simultaneously, we will assess the impact of Participatient on patient satisfaction with health care services and providers and the patients’ perceived involvement in health care through questionnaires, and the barriers and facilitators of eHealth implementation through interviews with health care workers.

Results

To reduce the inappropriate use of approximately 40% of catheters (currently in use) by 15%, we aim to collect 9-12 data points from 70-100 patients per survey date per hospital. Thereafter, we will conduct an interrupted time-series analysis and present the difference between the unadjusted and adjusted rate ratios with a corresponding 95% CI. Differences will be considered significant when P<.05.

Conclusions

Our protocol may help reduce the inappropriate use of catheters and subsequent CAUTIs. By sharing reliable information and daily checklists with hospitalized patients via an app, we aim to provide them a tool to be involved in health care–related decision-making and to increase the quality of care.

Trial Registration

Netherlands Trial Register NL7178; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/7178

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/28314