bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Staging and Flowcytomteric CD38 and Zap 70 Prognostic Indicators in Sudanese Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Abdelgader Enaam Abdelrhman , Eltayeb Nada Hassan , Eltahir Tasniem Ahmed , Altayeb Osama Ali , Fadul Eman Abbass , Ali Soaad Fadlallah , Abdelrhman Eldirdiri M.
Published: March 2020

Background: The clinical course of chronic lymphocytic leukemia is highly variable. The determination of ZAP70 and CD38 is increasingly utilized as prognostic factor for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The aim of conducting this study was to investigate the frequency of CD38 and ZAP70 expression among Sudanese Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients and to relate them to the Binet and Rai clinical staging systems.
Method: A total of 93 patients (mean age; 62.29 ± 11.68, sd) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. CD38 and ZAP70 expression levels were measured with four color flowcytometry using the cut-off values of 20% for ZAP70 and 30% for CD38 expression. Staging was assessed by using clinical examination and CBC for all patients. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social science for Windows (SPSS), version 22.
Results: There were 93 CLL patients and the median age of the group was 63 years (36–95 years). About 71% of the patients presented with lymphadenopathy, 53.8% with splenomegaly, 73.1% with anemia, and 45.2% with thrombocytopenia. There was higher frequency of Binet stage C and Rai stage IV (62 [66.6%] patients and 34 [36.5%] patients, respectively). In addition, CD38 and ZAP70 showed higher frequency among Binet and Rai advance stages. ZAP70 and CD38 positivity were detected in 21 patients (22.6%) and 31 patients (33.3%), respectively. There was no statistically significant association between ZAP70 and CD38 and clinical staging systems (P-value > 0.05).
Conclusion: No significant association was observed between Flowcytometric (CD38 and Zap70) Prognostic Indicators and clinical staging systems.
Keywords: chronic lymphocytic Leukemia, Flowcytometry, ZAP70, CD38, clinical staging systems
О ПОПЕРЕЧНОЙ ПЕТРОГЕОХИМИЧЕСКОЙ ЗОНАЛЬНОСТИ МЕЗОЗОЙСКИХ ВУЛКАНИТОВ В РУДНЫХ ПОЛЯХ ЗАБАЙКАЛЬСКОГО СЕГМЕНТА МОНГОЛО-ОХОТСКОГО СКЛАДЧАТОГО ПОЯСА
Authors: Абрамов Баир Намжилович
Published: March 2020

Актуальность работы обусловлена необходимостью изучения закономерностей формирования оруденения в Забайкальском сегменте Монголо-Охотского складчатого пояса. Цель работы состоит в установлении условий образования, выявлении наличия поперечной геохимической зональности в мезозойской вулканической дуге Забайкальского сегмента Монголо-Охотского складчатого пояса. Методы. Определение элементного состава пород производилось рентгенфлуоресцентным методом (ГИН СОРАН, г, Улан-Удэ). Концентрации редкоземельных элементов определялись методом сорбционно-атомноэмиссионного анализа с индуктивно-связанной плазмой (ГИН СОРАН, г, Улан-Удэ). Силикатный анализ проводился стандартным методом «мокрой химии» (ГИН СОРАН, г, Улан-Удэ). Результаты. Установлена поперечная геохимическая зональность мезозойских вулканитов Забайкальского сегмента Монголо-Охотского складчатого пояса, выраженная в увеличении концентраций от фронтальной части вулканической дуги Монголо-Охотского складчатого пояса к тыловым ее частям концентраций K, Rb, Sr, Zr, Sb, Ba, Th, U, Ce отношений K/Na, Th/U, Rb/Sr, ∑TR. Отмечена пространственная приуроченность золоторудных месторождений к фронтальной части мезозойской вулканической дуги, полиметаллических и оловополиметаллических месторождений – к тыловым ее частям. Вулканиты полиметаллических месторождений характеризуются более значительной степенью окисленности железа и меньшей степенью дифференциации магматических очагов. Окисленность железа (мера окислительных условий), соотнесенная к кремнекислотности пород в вулканитах золоторудных месторождений, варьирует от 0,19 до 0,90 (среднее значение – 0,53); в вулканитах полиметаллических месторождений – от 0,32 до 0,93 (среднее – 0,58). Такая закономерность типична для вулканитов островных дуг зон перехода континент–океан. Выявлено, что по мере удаления от фронтальной части вулканической дуги увеличиваются глубины генерации магм вулканитов Забайкальского сегмента Монголо-Охотского складчатого пояса. Такая закономерность характерна для Курило-Камчатской островной дуги. Это объясняется увеличением глубин зоны генерации магм по мере удаления от фронтальной части зоны субдукции. Глубины генерации магм вулканитов золоторудных месторождений, по данным Rb-Sr соотношений, составляют 15–20 км и более, полиметаллических и оловополиметаллических месторождений – 20–30 км и более.
ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ПОЛИСУЛЬФИД-ИОНОВ В ЩЕЛОЧНОЙ СРЕДЕ В УСЛОВИЯХ КАТОДНОЙ ИНВЕРСИОННОЙ ВОЛЬТАМПЕРОМЕТРИИ С РТУТНО-ПЛЕНОЧНЫМ ЭЛЕКТРОДОМ
Authors: Ковалева Светлана Владимировна , Коршунов Андрей Владимирович , Аксиненко Ольга Сергеевна , Абрамова Полина Владимировна
Published: March 2020

Актуальность. Полисульфиды щелочных, щелочноземельных металлов и аммония являются компонентами технологических сред в крупнотоннажных производствах (щёлоки в технологии целлюлозы; растворы чернения и воронения; реагенты для производства полисульфидных эластомеров), используются для получения новых функциональных материалов (герметики), играют определяющую роль при функционировании химических источников тока нового поколения. В связи с этим изучение закономерностей протекания электродных процессов с участием полисульфидов является актуальным. Цель: установить условия определения полисульфид-ионов в щелочных растворах с использованием катодной инверсионной вольтамперометрии с ртутно-пленочным электродом. Объекты: растворы полисульфидов натрия Na2S2 и Na2S3, растворы гидроксида натрия. Методы: постоянно- и переменнотоковая катодная инверсионная вольтамперометрия, циклическая вольтамперометрия, накопительный электролиз. Результаты. Предложены эмпирические уравнения для расчета изменения энергии Гиббса образования Sn2–-ионов в водных растворах и их стандартных потенциалов в зависимости от степени полисульфидности в интервале n=1…8. Проведены расчеты равновесных активностей ионно-молекулярных форм в системе Hg–S–H2O при различных значениях рН и потенциалов. Установлены оптимальные условия определения полисульфид-ионов S22– и S32– в щелочной среде (0,1 М NaOH) на ртутно-пленочном электроде с использованием постоянно- и переменнотоковой катодной инверсионной вольтамперометрии: потенциал предэлектролиза –0,5 В (х. с. э.); продолжительность предэлектролиза 1…2 мин; последующая катодная поляризация до Екон= –1,0 В; предварительное деаэрирование растворов азотом. В этих условиях концентрационная зависимость величины максимума катодного тока Iк при Еmax= –0,8…–0,9 В линейна в интервале концентраций полисульфидов 1×10–7…1×10–3 М. Метод может быть использован для определения общего содержания полисульфидов в растворе и для расчета средней степени полисульфидности в ионах Sn2–.
МЕТОДИКА ОЦЕНКИ ОЖИДАЕМЫХ ЗАПУСКНЫХ ДЕБИТОВ ГОРИЗОНТАЛЬНЫХ СКВАЖИН НА ПРИМЕРЕ ГАЗОКОНДЕНСАТНЫХ МЕСТОРОЖДЕНИЙ
Authors: Бергенов Сардорбек Улугбекович , Чернова Оксана Сергеевна , Зипир Максим Геннадьевич
Published: March 2020

Актуальность исследования обусловлена необходимостью нефтегазодобывающему сектору проводить корректный прогноз добычных возможностей планируемых к бурению скважин как на разрабатываемых, так и на новых месторождениях, вводимых в промышленную эксплуатацию. Оценка достижимых дебитов при планировании стратегии разработки месторождения позволяет не только прогнозировать проектные уровни добычи, но и принять решение по совершенствованию стратегии запуска и разработки месторождений. Рациональное планирование снижает негативное влияние на окружающую среду и ведёт к энерго- и ресурсосбережению, также минимизирует риски невыполнения плановых показателей, что является причиной постоянной корректировки объемов добычи в меньшую сторону, ускоряет запуск новых скважин, что повышает негативное влияние процесса бурения на окружающую среду, сокращает стандартное-рекомендованное время на мероприятия и снижает качество строительства скважин. Цель: оценка потенциала пласта в той или иной зоне при выборе размещения проектного фонда скважин перед бурением, приводящая к более рациональному планированию объемов добычи углеводородного сырья, которые определяются на основании расчетов гидродинамической модели. Объект: разрабатываемые и вводимые в промышленную эксплуатацию (новые) месторождения углеводородов. Методы: индивидуальный подход к каждой скважине при определении стартовых дебитов скважин на стадии проектирования разработки месторождения. Результаты. Разработана новая методика определения запускных дебитов проектных скважин, позволяющая более точно прогнозировать начальный дебит горизонтальной скважины в определенном районе на не введенном или уже разрабатываемом месторождении нефти, газа и газоконденсата.
Pengaruh Ekstrak Daun Sukun (Artocarpus altilis) Terhadap Kepadatan Kolagen dalam Proses Penyembuhan Luka Eksisi Tikus Putih (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Cahya Rizka Wulan , Yudaniayanti Ira Sari , Wibawati Prima Ayu , Yunita Maya Nurwartanti , Triakoso Nusdianto , Saputro Amung Logam
Published: March 2020

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh ekstrak daun sukun (Artocarpus altilis) terhadap kepadatan serabut kolagen dalam penyembuhan luka eksisi pada tikus putih (Rattus norvegicus). Dua puluh ekor tikus jantan dibagi secara acak menjadi lima kelompok, terdapat kontrol negatif (K-) yang diberikan basis salep, kontrol positif (K+) yang diberikan povidone iodine 10%, kelompok perlakuan (P1, P2, P3) yang diberikan salep ekstrak daun sukun 6,25%; 12,5%; dan 25%. Terapi diberikan sekali sehari selama empat belas hari. Hasil uji nonparametrik Kruskal-Wallis menunjukkan perbedaan nyata (p<0,05) dan dilanjutkan dengan uji Mann-Whitney. kelompok kepadatan kolagen P1, P2, dan P3 tidak berbeda nyata (p>0,05), tetapi berbeda nyata dengan kelompok K- dan K+. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah ekstrak daun sukun efektif untuk meningkatkan kepadatan kolagen dalam proses penyembuhan luka eksisi.
Isolasi dan Identifikasi Streptococcus sp. dari Sapi Perah Penderita Mastitis Subklinis di Purwoharjo Banyuwangi
Authors: Pribadi Adinda Dilla , Yudhana Aditya , Chusniati Sri
Published: March 2020

Mastitis subklinis adalah radang pada ambing yang tidak menunjukkan gejala klinis dan dapat menurunkan produksi susu. Streptococcus sp. adalah salah satu mikroorganisme patogen yang dapat menyebabkan mastitis subklinis pada sapi perah. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeteksi Streptococcus sp. pada susu sapi perah. Sebanyak 26 ekor sampel sapi perah dilakukan deteksi mastitis subklinis menggunakan Uji California Mastitis Test (CMT) di Purwoharjo, Banyuwangi. Isolasi dan identifikasi bakteri dilakukan dengan menggunakan kultur agar, pewarnaan Gram, dan uji biokimia. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa bakteri Streptococcus sp. terdeteksi pada 5 (19.23%) ekor sampel di Purwoharjo Banyuwangi.
Fratura segmentar de clavícula: relato de 2 casos
Authors: Alencar Neto Jonatas Brito de , Cavalcante Maria Luzete Costa , Rocha Pedro Henrique Messias da , Garrido Renackson Jordelino
Published: March 2020

A clavícula por sua posição anatômica superficial apresenta grande risco a fraturas. No entanto, o tipo segmentar de fratura é algo raro, encontrando-se apenas um caso relatado na literatura brasileira. Isso se deve a combinação única de forças, que ocorrem, principalmente, em traumas de alta energia. O objetivo desse trabalho é apresentar dois casos de pacientes atendidos em serviço de referência traumatológica com diagnóstico de fratura segmentar de clavícula.
HABEMUS CURSUM PHILOSOPHICUM
Authors: Marques Lúcio
Published: March 2020

Eis um artigo de divulgação que não só notifica a identificação de um manuscrito raro mas também analisa duas perspectivas prévias à consideração do manuscrito em si mesmo: o senso histórico na cultura brasileira e alguns elementos da cultura escolar colonial. A terceira parte apresenta e analisa os aspectos físicos e diagramatórios do manuscrito, além de apresentar a organi­zação conteudística e elencar dados filológicos mínimos. Nessa apresentação, discurtiremos a seguinte hipótese: esse manuscrito pode ser considerado um Cursus Philosophicus semelhante aos cursus escritos em Coimbra ou Salamanca?
The Stratification of Organic Carbon and Nitrogen in Top Soils as Affected by the Management of Organic and Conventional Rice Cultivation
Authors: Anshori Arif , Pramono Ali , Mujiyo Mujiyo
Published: March 2020

Organic and conventional management in rice cultivation have an impact on the nature of soil and the sustainability of agricultural system. This study aimed to determine the stratification of organic carbon and nitrogen in top soil from organic and conventional rice management. Top soil samples from organic and conventional rice management were taken before planting rice to find out the parameters of several soil characteristics. After rice was planted, top soil samples were taken at the depths of 0-4, 4-8, 8-12, 12-16, 16-20, 20-24 and 24-28 cm from organic and conventional rice fields, to determine the total organic carbon, total nitrogen and nitrate. The results show that organic rice management will provide better soil properties. Stratification of organic carbon and nitrogen was found in top soil from organic and conventional rice fields. Organic rice field appeared to have organic carbon content that was significantly higher than that of conventional rice field, and it is concentrated on top soil surface. The total nitrogen content in layers 0-4 cm and 4-8 cm in organic rice field was considerably higher than in conventional, but the content was different in layers 8-24 cm. Nitrate content was significantly different in top soil 12-16, 16-20 and 20-24 cm, significantly in top soil 8-12 cm, with nitrate in top soil of conventional rice field higher than in organic rice field. However, it was not significant in 0-4 cm and 4-8 cm top soils. This condition was influenced by organic and synthetic chemical fertilization, nitrification, denitrification and leaching.
Identification of cholesterol-assimilating actinomycetes strain and application of statistical modeling approaches for improvement of cholesterol oxidase production by Streptomyces anulatus strain NEAE-94
Authors: El-Naggar Noura El-Ahmady , El-Shweihy Nancy M.
Published: March 2020

Background: Cholesterol oxidase biosensors have been used to determine the level of cholesterol in different serum and food samples. Due to a wide range of industrial and clinical applications of microbial cholesterol oxidase, isolation and identification of a new microbial source (s) of cholesterol oxidase are very important. Results: The local isolate Streptomyces sp. strain NEAE-94 is a promising source of cholesterol oxidase. It was identified based on cultural, morphological and physiological characteristics; in addition to the 16S rRNA sequence. The sequencing product had been deposited in the GenBank database under the accession number KC354803. Cholesterol oxidase production by Streptomyces anulatus strain NEAE-94 in shake flasks was optimized using surface response methodology. The different process parameters were first screened using a Plackett-Burman design and the parameters with significant effects on the production of cholesterol oxidase were identified. Out of the fifteen factors screened, agitation speed, cholesterol and yeast extract concentrations had the most significant positive effects on the production of cholesterol oxidase. The optimal levels of these variables and the effects of their mutual interactions on cholesterol oxidase production were determined using Box-Behnken design. Cholesterol oxidase production by Streptomyces anulatus strain NEAE-94 was 11.03, 27.31 U/mL after Plackett-Burman Design and Box-Behnken design; respectively, with a fold of increase of 6.06 times compared to the production before applying the Plackett-Burman design (4.51 U/mL). Conclusions: Maximum cholesterol oxidase activity is obtained at the following fermentation conditions: g/L (cholesterol 4, yeast extract 5, NaCl 0.5, K 2 HPO 4 1, FeSO 4 .7H 2 O 0.01, MgSO 4 .7H 2 O 0.5), pH 7, inoculum size 4 % (v/v), temperature 37°C, agitation speed 150 rpm, medium volume 50 mL and incubation time 5 days.
Pre-Hospital Low ALT Activity, a Marker of Sarcopenia and Frailty, is Associated with Increased Long-Term Mortality after COPD Exacerbations. Historic Prospective Cohort Study.
Authors: Lasman Nir , Shalom Matan , Turpashvili Natia , Goldhaber Gal , Lifshitz Yulia , Leibowitz Eyal , Berger Gideon , Zalzman-Shenhav Gilat , Brom Adi , Cohen Dor , Avaki Chen , Segal Gad
Published: March 2020

Background. COPD exacerbations have negative impact on patients' survival. Several risk factors for grave outcomes of such exacerbations have been descried. Muscle dysfunction and mass loss were shown to impact negatively on prognosis and survival. Low activity of the enzyme ALT (Alanine amino-transferase) in the blood is a known indicator for sarcopenia and frailty, however, no previous studies addressed the association of low ALT amongst patients hospitalized due to COPD exacerbation and long-term survival.
Methods. This is a historic prospective cohort study of patients hospitalized due to acute COPD exacerbation.
Results. Included were 232 consecutive COPD exacerbation patients. The median time of follow-up was 34.9 months (IQR 23.13 – 41.73 months). During this period 104 (44.8%) patients died. All patients were grouped to quartiles according to blood ALT levels (after exclusion of cases considered to have hepatitis (ALT > 40 IU)). The risk of long-term mortality increased, in a statistically significant manner, amongst patients with low ALT values: the median survival of patients with ALT < 11 IU was 18.5 months only while the median survival for the rest of the study group was not reached. For ALT < 11IU; 12-16IU; 17-20IU and >21IU the mortality rates were 69%; 40.9%; 36.3% and 25% respectively (p < 0.001 for comparison of lower quartile with upper three quartiles). The crude hazard ratio for mortality amongst patients with ALT levels lower than 11IU was 2.37 (95% CI; 1.6 – 3.5). This increased risk of mortality remained significant after adjustment for age, weight, creatinine, albumin concentration and cardiovascular diseases (HR = 1.83; 95% CI 1.08 – 3.1, p < 0.05).
Conclusions. Low ALT values, a biomarker of sarcopenia and frailty, are associated with poor long-term survival amongst patients hospitalized due to COPD exacerbation.
Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for efficient production of L-alanyl-L-glutamine
Authors: Zhu Jiangming , Yang Wei , Wang Bohua , Liu Qun , Zhong Xiaotong , Gao Quanxiu , Liu Jiezheng , Huang Jianzhong , Lin Baixue , Tao Yong
Published: March 2020

Background L-alanyl-L-glutamine (AQ) is a functional dipeptide with high water solubility, good thermal stability and high bioavailability. It is widely used in clinical medicine, post-operative rehabilitation, sports health care and other fields. AQ is mainly produced by chemical synthesis which is complicated, time-consuming, labor-consuming, low yield and accompany with by-products. It is highly desirable to develop an efficient biotechnological process for AQ production. Results A metabolic engineered E. coli strain for AQ production was developed by over-expressing L-amino acid-ligase (BacD) from Bacillus subtilis , peptidases including PepA, PepB, PepD, PepN and dipeptide transport system Dpp were inactivated. In order to use the more readily available substrate, glutamic acid, a glutamine synthetic module from glutamic acid to glutamine was constructed by introducing glutamine synthetase (GlnA), glsA-glsB catalyze the first step in glutamine metabolism and glnE-glnB involved in the ATP-dependent addition of AMP/UMP to a subunit of glutamine synthetase were blocked which resulted in increased glutamine supply. This glutamine synthetic module combined with AQ synthetic module to develope the engineered strain that using glutamic acid and alanine for AQ production. The expression of BacD and GlnA was further balanced to improve the AQ production. The engineered strain p15/AQ10 was used in the whole-cell biocatalysis and 65.6 mM AQ was produced with productivity of 7.29 mM/h and conversion rate of 65.6%. Conclusion Metabolic engineered strains were developed for AQ production. Strategies including inactivation of peptidases, screening of BacD, introducing glutamine synthetic module, and balancing the glutamine and AQ synthetic modules were applied to improve the yield of AQ. This work provides the biosynthetically industrial potential for efficient production of AQ by microbial cell factory.
Isolation and characterization of bacteriaophages against virulent Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Liu Jin , Gao Shanshan , Dong Yuhao , Lu Chengping , Liu Yongjie
Published: March 2020

Background: Aeromonas hydrophila is an important water-borne pathogen that leads to a great economic loss in aquaculture. Along with the abuse of antibiotics, drug-resistant strains rise rapidly. In addition, the biofilms formed by this bacterium limited the antibacterial effect of antibiotics. Bacteriophages have been attracting increasing attention as a potential alternative to antibiotics against bacterial infections. Results: Five phages against pathogenic A. hydrophila, named N21, W3, G65, Y71 and Y81, were isolated. Morphological analysis by transmission electron microscopy revealed that phages N21, W3 and G65 belong to the family Myoviridae, while Y71 and Y81 belong to the Podoviridae. These phages were found to have broad host spectra, short latent periods and normal burst sizes. They were sensitive to high temperature but had a wide adaptability to the pH. In addition, the phages G65 and Y81 showed considerable bacterial killing effect and potential in preventing formation of A. hydrophila biofilm; and the phages G65, W3 and N21 were able to scavenge mature biofilm effectively. Phage treatments applied to the pathogenic A. hydrophila in mice model resulted in a significantly decreased bacterial loads in tissues. Conclusions: Five A. hydrophila phages were isolated with broad host ranges, low latent periods, and wide pH and thermal tolerance. And the phages exhibited varying abilities in controlling A. hydrophila infection. This work presents promising data supporting the future use of phage therapy.
Neurotransmitter and tryptophan metabolite concentration changes in the Complete Freund’s adjuvant model of orofacial pain
Authors: Cseh Edina K , Veres Gábor , Körtési Tamás , Polyák Helga , Nánási Nikolett , Tajti János , Párdutz Árpád , Klivényi Péter , Vécsei László , Zádori Dénes
Published: March 2020

Background
The neurochemical background of the evolution of headache disorders, still remains partially undiscovered. Accordingly, our aim was to further explore the neurochemical profile of Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced orofacial pain, involving finding the shift point regarding small molecule neurotransmitter concentrations changes vs. that of the previously characterized headache-related neuropeptides. The investigated neurotransmitters consisted of glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid, noradrenalin and serotonin. Furthermore, in light of its influence on glutamatergic neurotransmission, we measured the level of kynurenic acid (KYNA) and its precursors in the kynurenine (KYN) pathway (KP) of tryptophan metabolism.
Methods
The effect of CFA was evaluated in male Sprague Dawley rats. Animals were injected with CFA (1 mg/ml, 50 µl/animal) into the right whisker pad. We applied high-performance liquid chromatography to determine the concentrations of the above-mentioned compounds from the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) and somatosensory cortex (ssCX) of rats. Furthermore, we measured some of these metabolites from the cerebrospinal fluid and plasma as well. Afterwards, we carried out permutation t-tests as post hoc analysis for pairwise comparison.
Results
Our results demonstrated that 24 h after CFA treatment, the level of glutamate, KYNA and that of its precursor, KYN was still elevated in the TNC, all diminishing by 48 h. In the ssCX, significant concentration increases of KYNA and serotonin were found.
Conclusion
This is the first study assessing neurotransmitter changes in the TNC and ssCX following CFA treatment, confirming the dominant role of glutamate in early pain processing and a compensatory elevation of KYNA with anti-glutamatergic properties. Furthermore, the current findings draw attention to the limited time interval where medications can target the glutamatergic pathways.
Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging in Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis, a Corneal Structural Description
Authors: BONNET Clemence , Debillon Louis , Al-Hashimi Saba , Hoogewoud Florence , Monnet Dominique , Bourges Jean-Louis , Brézin Antoine
Published: March 2020

Background

Anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS OCT) is an important tool, helpful to diagnose and manage many corneal conditions, but has not been reported in cases of peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK). The aim of this study is to describe AS OCT findings in cases of PUK.

Methods

Retrospective observational case series of six eyes with a PUK with proven systemic vasculitis. Clinical course, slit lamp photographs, and AS OCT findings were the main outcomes.

Results

The AS OCT findings were found to correlate with the ocular disease’s level of activity. In the acute stage, an absence of corneal epithelium, a scrambled appearance of the anterior stroma and a heterogeneous stromal reflectivity were observed. During the reduction of disease level activity, an irregular hyporeflective epithelium, a smoother anterior stroma, and a homogenous hyperreflective stroma were seen. At the healed stage, a filling of the corneal defect by a hyporeflective thick epithelium, the persistence of the hyperreflective underlying stroma, and a demarcation line were observed. The mean total corneal thickness at last follow-up was significantly thicker (509 ± 147 µm) compared with the mean corneal thickness at onset (408 ± 131 µm; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

AS OCT provides an assessment of structural changes occurring in PUK, useful for its diagnosis and monitoring.
Alix and Syntenin-1 direct amyloid precursor protein trafficking into extracellular vesicles
Authors: Cone Allaura S. , Hurwitz Stephanie N. , Lee Glorida S. , Yuan Xuegang , Zhou Yi , Li Yan , Meckes David
Published: March 2020

Background: Endosomal trafficking and amyloidogenic cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) is believed to play a role in the neurodegeneration observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent evidence has suggested that packaging and secretion of APP and its amyloidogenic cleaved product (βAPP) into small extracellular vesicles (EVs) may facilitate uptake of these neurotoxic factors during disease progression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying trafficking of APP into EVs are poorly understood. Results: In this study, the mechanism and impact of amyloid precursor protein trafficking into extracellular vesicles (EVs) were assessed by a series of inducible gene knockdowns. We demonstrate that vesicle-associated proteins Alix and Syntenin-1 are essential for proper subcellular localization and efficient EV secretion of APP via an endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT)-independent pathway. The neurotoxic C-terminal fragment (CTF) of APP is similarly secreted in association with small vesicles. These mechanisms are conserved in terminally differentiated neuron-like cells. Furthermore, knockdown of Alix and Syntenin-1 alters the subcellular localization of APP, sequestering the precursor protein to endoplasmic reticulum and endolysosomal compartments, respectively. Finally, transfer of small EVs containing APP confers an increase in reactive oxygen species production and neurotoxicity to human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical neurons and naïve primary neurons, an effect that is ameliorated by Alix and Syntenin-1 depletion. Conclusions: Altogether these findings elucidate a novel mechanism for understanding the intracellular trafficking of APP and βAPP into secreted extracellular vesicles, and the resultant potential impact on neurotoxicity in the context of Alzheimer’s disease amyloidopathy.
A method to audit and score implementation of knowledge translation (KT) interventions in large health regions – an observational pilot study using rectal cancer surgery in Ontario
Authors: Simunovic Marko , Fahim Christine , Coates Angela , Urbach David , Earle Craig , Grubac Vanja , Brouwers Melissa , O'Brien Mary Ann , Baxter Nancy
Published: March 2020

Background: Across Ontario, since the year 2006 various knowledge translation (KT) interventions designed to improve the quality of rectal cancer surgery have been implemented by the provincial cancer agency or by individual researchers. Ontario is divided administratively into 14 health regions. We piloted a method to audit and score for each region of the province KT interventions implemented to improve the quality of rectal cancer surgery. Methods: We interviewed stakeholders to audit KT interventions used in respective regions over years 2006 to 2014. Results were summarized into narrative and visual forms. KT experts reviewed these data and then, for each region, scored KT intervention implementation using a 20-item KT Signature Assessment Tool. Scores could range from 20-100 with higher scores commensurate with greater KT intervention implementation. Results: There were thirty interviews. KT experts produced scores for each region that were bimodally distributed, with an average score for 2 regions of 78 (range 73-83) and for 12 regions of 30.5 (range 22-38). Conclusion: Our methods efficiently identified two groups with similar KT Signature scores. Two regions had relatively high scores reflecting numerous KT interventions and the use of sustained iterative approaches in addition to those encouraged by the provincial cancer agency, while 12 regions had relatively low scores reflecting minimal activities. These groupings will be used for future comparative quantitative analyses to help determine if higher KT signature scores correlate with improved measures for region-level quality of rectal cancer surgery.
Upregulation of fibronectin following loss of p53 function is a poor prognostic factor in ovarian carcinoma with a unique immunophenotype
Authors: Yokoi Ako , Matsumoto Toshihide , Oguri Yasuko , Hasegawa Yoshinori , Tochimoto Masataka , Nakagawa Mayu , Saegusa Makoto
Published: March 2020

Background We previously demonstrated that ovarian high grade serous carcinomas (OHGSeCa) and ovarian clear cell carcinomas (OCCCa) with an HNF-1β+/p53+/ARID1A+ immunophenotype were associated with the worst unfavorable prognosis. To clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying this finding, we focused on alterations in the p53 signaling pathway in these tumors. Methods Changes in cell phenotype and function following knockdown of wild-type p53 (p53-KD) were assessed using OCCCa cells expressing endogenous HNF-1β and ARID1A. The prognostic significance of molecules that were deregulated following p53-KD was also examined using 129 OCCCa/OHGSeCa cases. Results p53-KD cells had increased expression of Snail, phospho-Akt (pAkt), and pGSK3β, and decreased E-cadherin expression, leading to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)/cancer stem cell (CSC) features. The cells also exhibited acceleration of cell motility and inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Next generation sequencing revealed that fibronectin (FN) expression was significantly increased in the p53 KD-cells, in line with our observation that wild-type p53 (but not mutant p53) repressed FN1 promoter activity. In addition, treatment of OCCCa cells with FN significantly increased cell migration capacity and decreased cell proliferation rate, independent of induction of EMT features. In clinical samples, FN/p53 scores were significantly higher in OCCCa/OHGSeCa with the HNF-1β+/p53+/ARID1A+ immunophenotype when compared to others. Moreover, high FN/high p53 expression was associated with the worst overall survival and progression-free survival in OCCCa/OHGSeCa patients. Conclusion These findings suggest that upregulation of FN following loss of p53 function may impact the biological behavior of OCCCa/OHGSeCa, particularly in tumors with an HNF-1β+/p53+/ARID1A+ immunophenotype, through alterations in cell mobility and cell proliferation. The accompanying induction of EMT/CSC properties and inhibition of apoptosis due to p53 abnormalities also contribute to the establishment and maintenance of tumor phenotypic characteristics.
The Meta-Memory Ratio: A new cohort-independent way to measure cognitive awareness in asymptomatic individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Gagliardi Geoffroy Pierre , Houot Marion , Cacciamani Federica , Habert Marie-Odile , Dubois Bruno , Epelbaum Stéphane
Published: March 2020

Background Lack of Awareness for Cognitive Decline (ACD) has been described at the preclinical and prodromal stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we introduced a meta-memory ratio (MMR), and explored how it is associated with neuroimaging AD biomarkers in asymptomatic individuals at risk for AD. Method 448 cognitively healthy participants from two cohorts of subjective memory complainers (INSIGHT-PreAD and ADNI) were included. Regression models were used to assess the impact of AD biomarkers on the MMR. Result In both cohorts, there was a significant quadratic effect of cerebral amyloidosis on the MMR value. In particular, participants had a high ACD up to the amyloid positivity threshold, above which a decrease of ACD was eventually observed as the amyloid load increased. Conclusion This nonlinear evolution of ACD in very early AD must be taken into account in clinical care and for trial enrollment as well.
Modified Staff-ball Technique for Densely Vegetated Areas
Authors: Pop Paul
Published: March 2020

Staff-ball technique is a method used to measure the horizontal cover of vegetation in an area. For the occupancy study of two threatened avian species, a modified version of this method has been developed, employed and standardized in the field, to collect data that has been used as proxy for visibility of these species through the undergrowth in plantations within Western Ghats, India. This modified cost-effective technique is very useful in areas which are highly vegetated with undulating terrain, as opposed to its original use in grasslands. Two staffs and a ball are the main equipment used, wherein a central staff with ball is placed within vegetation and viewed using a peripheral staff at a fixed height from different points in an imaginary circle. A weakness of this technique is the difficulty in alignment with the central staff-ball, which may be rectified by the use of a laser rangefinder.
CT Imaging Changes of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19):A multi-center study in Southwest China
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Zeng Wenbing , Li Xiang , Chen Haonan , Shi Linping , Li Xinghui , Xiang Hongnian , Cao Yang , Chen Hui , Liu Chen , Wang Jian
Published: March 2020

Background: Since the first case of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection pneumonia was detected in Wuhan, China, a series of confirmed cases of the COVID-19 were found in Southwest China. The aim of this study was to describe the imaging manifestations of hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection in southwest China.
Methods: In this retrospective study, data were collected from 131 patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from 3 Chinese hospitals. Their common clinical manifestations, as well as characteristics and evolvement features of chest CT images, were analyzed.
Results: A total of 100 (76%) patients had a history of close contact with people living in Wuhan , Hubei. The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 included cough, fever. Most of the lesions identified in chest CT images were multiple lesions of bilateral lungs, lesions were more localized in the peripheral lung, 109 (83%) patients had more than two lobes involved, 20 (15%) patients presented with patchy ground glass opacities, patchy ground glass opacities and consolidation of lesions co-existing in 61 (47%) cases. Complications such as pleural thickening, hydrothorax, pericardial effusion, and enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes were detected but only in rare cases. For the follow-up chest CT examinations (91 cases), We found 66 (73%) cases changed very quickly, with an average of 3.5 days, 25 cases (27%) presented absorbed lesions, progression was observed in 41 cases (46%), 25 (27%) cases showed no significant changes.
Conclusion: Chest CT plays an important role in diagnosing COVID-19. The imaging pattern of multifocal peripheral ground glass or mixed consolidation is highly suspicious of COVID-19, that can quickly change over a short period of time.
The importance of incorporating transcript information in CLIP-seq data analysis
Authors: Uhl Michael , Tran Dinh Van , Backofen Rolf
Published: March 2020

Background: Current peak callers for identifying RNA-binding protein (RBP) binding sites from CLIP-seq data take into account genomic read profiles, but they ignore the underlying transcript information, that is information regarding splicing events. So far, there are no studies available that closer observe this issue. Results: Here we show that current peak callers are susceptible to false peak calling near exon borders. We further quantify its extent in publicly available datasets, which turns out to be substantial. Finally, by providing a tool called CLIPcontext for automatic transcript and genomic context sequence extraction, we demonstrate that context choice also affects the performances of RBP binding site prediction tools. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the importance of incorporating transcript information in CLIP-seq data analysis. Taking advantage of the underlying transcript information should therefore become an integral part of future peak calling and downstream analysis tools.
Factors influencing happiness in the elderly based on the Anderson model
Authors: Zhang Xueying , Huang Shuang , Jing Lijia , Liu Zongzhuang , Wang Xin , Li Li
Published: March 2020

Background: The happiness of elderly people is an important indicator of successful aging. Research shows that happiness among the elderly is not only affected by physical conditions, social relations and other factors, but is also used as a measure of other aspects of happiness. This study examined the relationship between happiness and social relationships, contextual characteristics, and the medical outcomes of the elderly in China.Methods: A total of 669 subjects over the age of 60 years were randomly selected from 13 cities in Heilongjiang province and surveyed using questionnaires. We used a structural equation based on the Anderson model to analyze the factors influencing happiness in the elderly.Results: The main factors for happiness in the elderly were social relationships (P = 0.51), contextual characteristics (P = 0.26), and medical outcomes (P = 0.23). Among these, the most important factor in the dimension of social relationships was social isolation (P = 0.757), the most important factor in the dimension of contextual characteristics was monthly income (P = 0.955), and the most important factor in the dimension of medical outcomes was physical health (P = 0.600). There were also some relationships among three other dimensions.Conclusions：For the elderly, we must pay attention to social relations and reduce the sense of social isolation. At the same time, we should provide more medical resources for the elderly and maintain their health.
Ambulatory end-stage liver disease in Ghana; patient profile and utility of alpha fetoprotein and aspartate aminotransferase - platelet ratio index
Authors: Nartey Yvonne Ayerki , Awuku Yaw Asante , Agyei-Nkansah Adwoa , Duah Amoako , Bampoh Sally Afuah , Ayawin Joshua , Asibey Shadrack Osei , Björkström Niklas , Ye Weimin , Afihene Mary Yeboah , Roberts Lewis , Plymoth Amelie
Published: March 2020

Background: End-stage liver disease (ESLD) is a major burden on public health, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important risk factor. We aimed to describe clinical characteristics of ESLD from cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the performance of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) - platelet ratio index (APRI) and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) in Ghana. Methods: We performed an observational cross-sectional study in outpatient hepatology clinics at three teaching hospitals in Ghana, West Africa. One hundred and forty-one HCC, 216 cirrhosis and 218 chronic HBV patients were recruited by convenience sampling. Sociodemographic, history and examination, laboratory, and disease staging information were shown using descriptive statistics. Performance of the APRI score in diagnosis of cirrhosis and Alpha fetoprotein in the diagnosis of HCC was determined using AUROC analysis.Results: Median age at presentation was 44 years for HCC and 46 years for cirrhosis. HBV was found in 69.5% of HCC and 47.2% of cirrhosis cases, and HCV in 6.4% and 3.7% respectively. APRI cut-off of 2 had sensitivity of 45.4% and specificity of 95% in diagnosis of cirrhosis, and cut-off of 1 had sensitivity of 75.9% and specificity of 89%. AUC of AFP was 0.88 (95% CI 0.81-0.94) in diagnosis of HCC. Low monthly income was associated with lower odds of undertaking AFP. Thirty one percent of cirrhotic persons were Child-Pugh C, and 67.9% of HCC patients had advanced or terminal disease at presentation. Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the young age of ESLD patients in Ghana and the advanced nature at presentation. It highlights shortcomings in surveillance and the need for policies to address the burden and improve outcomes in Ghana.
Prognostic implication of SOX2 expression in small intestinal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kim Jeong Won , Author) Joon-Yong Chung(Former Corresponding , Ylaya Kris , Park Yoonho , Jun Sun-Young , Hong Seung-Mo , Author) Stephen M Hewitt(New Corresponding
Published: March 2020

Background: The presence of KRAS mutation enhance the stem cell features of colorectal carcinoma cells containing mutant adenomatous polyposis coli (APC). However, their potential role in small intestinal adenocarcinoma remains elusive. Here, we aimed to investigate the clinical significance of cancer stem cell markers in the context of small intestinal adenocarcinoma with the KRAS genotype. Methods: SOX2, NANOG, and OCT4 expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry and digital image analysis, and their potential association with KRAS was further examined in 185 small intestinal adenocarcinoma patients. Results: Positive expression of SOX2, NANOG, and OCT4 was detected in 65 (35.1%), 94 (50.8%), and 82 (44.3%) of patients, respectively. SOX2-/wild-type KRAS (KRASWT) was often observed in low-grade carcinoma (P = 0.048). SOX2+ and SOX2+/mutant KRAS (KRASMT) were significantly associated with shorter overall survival relative to SOX2- and others (P < 0.001, both). Multivariate analysis revealed SOX2+ (HR=1.929 [95% CI, 1.320-2.819], P = 0.001) as an independent prognostic factor of worse overall survival among small intestinal adenocarcinoma patients. Conclusions: These results suggest that SOX2 expression, in conjunction with KRAS, is a potential prognostic marker for small intestinal adenocarcinoma.
Accuracy and trending abilities of finger plethysmographic blood pressure and cardiac output compared with invasive measurements during caesarean delivery in healthy women. An observational study.
Authors: Omenås Ivar Nagelgaard , Tronstad Christian , Rosseland Leiv Arne
Published: March 2020

Background: In women presenting for caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia, continuous measurement of circulatory aspects, such as blood pressure and cardiac output, is often needed. At present, invasive techniques are used almost exclusively. Reliable non-invasive monitors would be welcome, as they could be safer and less uncomfortable, while easy and quick to apply. We aimed to evaluate whether a non-invasive, finger plethysmographic device, the ccNexFin monitor, can replace invasively measured blood pressure in the radial artery, and whether cardiac output measurements from this device can be used interchangeably with measurements from the mini-invasive LiDCO monitor, currently in use at our institution. Methods: Simultaneous invasive measurements were compared with ccNexFin in 23 healthy women during elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. We used Bland Altman statistics for assessing agreement, and polar plot methodology for judging trending abilities with pre-defined limits. Results: Mean arterial and systolic pressures showed biases (invasive – ccNexFin) of -4.3 and 12.2 mmHg, with limits of agreement of -15.9 – 7.4 and -11.1 – 35.6, respectively. The ccNexFin trending abilities were within suggested limits for mean pressure, but insufficient for systolic pressure compared with invasive measurements. Cardiac output had a small bias of 0.2 L/min, but wide limits of agreement of -2.6 – 3.0. The ccNexFin trending abilities compared with the invasive estimated values (LiDCO) were unsatisfactory. Conclusions: We consider the ccNexFin monitor to have sufficient accuracy in measuring mean arterial pressures. The limits of agreement for systolic measurements were wider, and the trending ability, compared with invasive measurements, was outside the recommended limit. The ccNexFin is not reliable for cardiac output measurements or trend in pregnant women for caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia.
Detailed visual assessment of striatal dopaminergic depletion in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: Unremarkable or not?
Authors: Lee Jeong-Yoon , Park Soo Bin , Lee Mina , Ju Hyunjin , Im Kayeong , Kwon Kyum-Yil
Published: March 2020

Background Dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging may enable clinicians to discriminate idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) from other parkinsonian disorders. However, a specific pattern of dopaminergic loss in DAT imaging of iNPH patients remains to be further elucidated. Methods In this preliminary study, 11 patients with iNPH in our hospital between March 2017 and February 2019 were finally enrolled. A diagnosis of iNPH was made according to the two established criteria. For visual analysis of DAT imaging, a striatum was divided into five domains. A semi-quantitative visual assessment was performed with a consensus between a nuclear medicine specialist and an experienced neurologist who were blinded to the clinical diagnosis. Results Striatal dopaminergic deficits were abnormal in 90.9% (10/11) of patients with iNPH. The degree of dopaminergic reduction was mild and heterogeneous. However, a tendency of preferential striatal DAT loss in the caudate nucleus (90.9%, 10/11) than in the putamen (72.7%, 8/11) was observed, whereas ventral portion (9.1%, 1/11) was relatively preserved. Conclusion Striatal dopaminergic depletion might be mild and heterogeneous in patients with iNPH. These dopaminergic deficits were more common in the caudate nucleus than in the putamen, suggesting a pattern different from other degenerative parkinsonian disorders.