bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Yield of Rare Skeletal Dysplasia Conditions in the Radiogenomics Era – A UK Experience
Authors: Sabir Ataf H , Morley Elizabeth , Sheikh Jameela , Calder Alistair D , Beleza-Meireles Ana , Cheung Moira S , Cocca Alessandra , Jansson Mattias , Lillis Suzanne , Patel Yogen , Yau Shu , Hall Christine M , Offiah Amaka C , Irving Melita
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUNDSkeletal dysplasia (SD) conditions are rare genetic diseases of the skeleton, encompassing a heterogeneous group of over 400 disorders, and represent approximately 5% of all congenital anomalies. Developments in genetic and treatment technologies are leading to unparalleled therapeutic advances; thus, it is more important than ever to molecularly confirm SD conditions. Data on ‘rates-of-molecular yields’ in SD conditions, through exome sequencing approaches, is limited. Figures of 39% and 52.5% have been reported in the USA (n=54) and South Korea (n=185) respectively.We discuss a single-centre UK experience of whole-exome sequencing (WES) in a cohort of 15 paediatric patients (aged 5 months to 12 years) with SD disorders previously molecularly unconfirmed. Our cohort included patients with known clinical diagnoses and undiagnosed skeletal syndromes. Extensive phenotyping and expert radiological review by a panel of international SD radiology experts, coupled with a complex bioinformatics pipeline, allowed for both gene-targeted and gene-agnostic approaches. RESULTSSignificant variants leading to a likely or confirmed diagnosis were identified in 53.3% (n = 8/15) of patients; 46.7% (n= 7/15) having a definite molecular diagnosis and 6.7% (n= 1/15) having a likely molecular diagnosis. We discuss this in the context of a rare disease in general and specifically SD presentations. Of patients with known diagnoses pre-WES (n=10), molecular confirmation occurred in 7/10 cases, as opposed to 1/5 where a diagnosis was unknown pre-test. Thus, diagnostic return is greatest where the diagnosis is known pre-test. For WGS (whole genome sequencing, the next iteration of WES), careful case selection (ideally of known diagnoses pre-test) will yield highest returns.CONCLUSIONSOur results highlight the cost-effective use of WES-targeted bioinformatic analysis as a diagnostic tool for SD, particularly patients with presumed SD, where detailed phenotyping is essential. Thorough co-ordinated clinical evaluation between clinical, radiological, and molecular teams is essential for improved yield and clinical care. WES (and WGS) yields will increase with time, allowing faster diagnoses, avoiding needless investigations, ensuring individualised patient care and patient reassurance. Further diagnoses will lead to increased information on natural history/mechanistic details, and likely increased therapies and clinical trials.
Tocilizumab May Be a Key in Therapy for Cytokine Release Syndrome in Older Patients With Severe Symptoms of COVID-19
Authors: Lengnan Xu , Xin Liu , Yangwei Zhou , Aihua Liu , Xiaomao Xu , Xiaoxia Wang , Xuefeng Zhong , Yu Qiao , Li Wen , Mao Yonghui
Published: October 2020

Background Older adults are more susceptible to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (hereafter, COVID-19) and more likely to develop severe illness. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) may be an important factor in the development of severe disease in patients with COVID-19. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an important cytokine in CRS, and tocilizumab can block the IL-6 receptor. In this study, we analyzed the therapeutic effects and safety of tocilizumab on CRS in older patients with severe COVID-19. Methods Between February 10 and March 21, 2020, a total of 19 patients with severe or critical COVID-19 aged ≥ 60 years met the study inclusion criteria at Tongji hospital in Wuhan city, Hubei Province, China. Patients were divided into two groups: 1. The tocilizumab group, whose IL-6 levels exceeded the upper limit of normal by > 10-fold; and 2. The no tocilizumab group, with 1L-6 levels < 10-fold the upper normal limit. Results Patients in the tocilizumab group were older (73.20 ± 4.44 vs. 66.21 ± 5.06 years, P = 0.014); had lower lymphocyte counts (0.71 ± 0.18 vs. 1.18 ± 0.59 × 109/L, P = 0.016); and higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels (94.04 ± 57.24 vs. 51.65 ± 45.37 mg/L, P = 0.035). The increases in ferritin (FER) and hsCRP levels in patients in the tocilizumab group were marked. Except in one patient who died, IL-6, FER, and hsCRP levels, and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, in the remaining four patients decreased following treatment with tocilizumab. Further, patient computerized tomography scan results improved after 3–8 days of tocilizumab treatment. Tocilizumab did not cause any serious adverse reactions. There were no differences in mortality or days until lung computerized tomography improvement between the two groups. The total mortality rate was 10.53%. Conclusions Our results support the therapeutic efficacy and safety of tocilizumab on older patients with severe COVID-19.
An Outbreak of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae of K57 Capsular Serotype in an Emergency Intensive Care Unit of a Teaching Hospital in China
Authors: Shao Chunhong , Jin Yan , Liu Shuang , Jiang Meijie , Zhao Shuping
Published: October 2020

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common causative pathogen of nosocomial infections. The emergence of carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (CR-hvKP) strains has further increased the threat posed by this bacterium. Here, we described an outbreak of 32 CR-hvKP isolates from the emergency intensive care unit (EICU) of a teaching hospital in China. Methods: From January 29, 2019 to March 11, 2019, 32 CRKp isolates were collected from 6 patients and their surrounding environment in EICU. Patient information including age, gender, length of EICU stay, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes were obtained from electronic medical records. The isolates were identified using Vitek-MS system. The hypermucoviscosity phenotype was determined by the “string test”. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using VITEK 2 compact system, E-test or the broth microdilution method. All isolates were serotyped for K1, K2, K5, K20, K54, and K57 serotypes, antimicrobial resistance genes and twelve virulence-associated genes were screened using PCR and DNA sequencing. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were employed to characterize the genetic relationships among the CPKP isolates. The virulence capability of 11 CRKp isolates from 6 patients was evaluated through Galleria mellonella larva infection assay. Results: This outbreak involved 6 patients and lasted for 40 days. All 32 CR-hvKp isolates were obtained from 6 patients and their surrounding environment. PFGE showed that all 32 isolates belonged to one cluster, and MLST revealed that belonged to ST11. All isolates exhibited high resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, quinolones, and aminoglycosides. They were susceptible to ceftazidime/averbatan, tigecycline, and colistin. All 32 isolates harbored multiple resistance determinants, including blaKPC-2, blaSHV-11, blaTEM-1, rmtB, and qnrD. The serotype of all 32 isolates was K57 that was rarely reported. In the virulence gene analysis, all 32 isolates contained 6 virulence genes, namely, fimH, iucB, mrkD, rmpA, uge, and wabG. Infection assays demonstrated high mortality in the Galleria mellonella model. Following measures implemented by the hospital, the outbreak was controlled. The mortality rate was 83.3%.Conclusions: The epidemiology of CR-hvKP should be monitored closely to detect early indications of this emerging public health threat.
Development of Antibiogram for Evaluation of Antibiotic Resistance Pattern in Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital: a Cross Sectional Study
Authors: DIKKAT MANOJ SRIHARI , Mansuri Firdosh , Chaudhari Madhuri , Marathe Anant , Vaghasiya Jitendra , Nath Mukesh
Published: October 2020

Background: Antimicrobial resistance threatens the effective prevention and treatment of increasing number of cases of antibiotic resistance worldwide. So there is need of effective implementation of the treatment strategy to rationalize the antimicrobial use in the treatment of infectious disease. So the present study is aims to attempts to find the local antibiotic resistance, various microorganism responsible for infection using the antibiogram in the tertiary care teaching hospital.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to check the Antibiotic resistance pattern based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria at Parul Sevasharam Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat. Total 150 patients were included in study, culture sensitivity test and bacterial identification was done as per the microbiology department standard guidelines. Patient’s data regarding to demographic details, culture sensitivity test results and prescribed antibiotics was collected for 6 months’ duration from October 2019 to March 2020. Results: Total 150 samples were collected throughout the study period of six months in the various departments in the hospital. The main finding of our study,greater resistance found in Ceftriaxone (78%), Meropenem (71%), Azithromycin (66%), linezolid (66%), Amoxicillin+clavulanic acid (63%), Ciprofloxacin (56%) of patients in these antibiotics. Greater susceptibility was found in Clindamycin (75%), Amikacin (65%), Piperacilline+tazobactum (62%), Cefoperazone (48%), ciprofloxacin (44%) of the patients. During our study, 20 antibiotics were commonly prescribed out of which ceftriaxone was most commonly prescribed in our study and which was found to most resistant in patient population. The most common bacteria identified in our study was gram negative bacteria in that E. Coli, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and KlebseillaPneuminiae was most commonly isolated.Conclusion: This study shows that there is increasing cases of antibiotic resistance identified in the hospital. Ceftriaxone is found to be most resistant in our study. So there is need of effective treatment strategies and use of antibiogram to find out the local antibiotic resistance pattern and to develop antibiotic policy for the safe use of antibiotic which is helpful for to reduce the antibiotic resistance.
Comparison of the Surgical Effect and the Long-term Clinical Outcomes Between Robotic and Sternotomy Mitral Valve Replacement
Authors: Zhao Haizhi , Gao Changqing , Yang Ming , Wang Yao , Kang Wenbin , Wang Rong , Zhang Huajun
Published: October 2020

BackgroundRobot-assisted mitral valve surgery has been increasingly used by surgeons to achieve better results. This study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of totally endoscopic robotic mitral valve replacement (TE-MVR) and to provide evidence that it is a reasonable surgical choice by analyzing the clinical experience, surgical efficacy, and follow-up outcomes of this procedure.MethodBetween October 2008 and October 2015, 47 patients underwent da Vinci TE-MVR. From March 2002 to June 2014, 293 patients underwent conventional sternotomy mitral valve replacement (CS-MVR), of whom 47 patients were selected to match the TE-MVR group (1:1). We performed a retrospective study by collecting perioperative data and assessed TE-MVR efficacy by comparing clinical outcomes and echocardiography with CS-MVR in a 10-year follow-up period.ResultsAll cases were conducted successfully. No operative deaths were observed, and the complications were not significantly different between the groups. The cardiopulmonary bypass time (122.02±25.45 min) and aortic cross-clamping time (85.68±20.70 min) were longer in TE-MVR group (P<0.001). The perioperative complications are similar in two groups, but the drainage volume, blood product transfusion, ICU stay and postsurgical hospital stay are better in robotic group (P<0.001). During the follow-up period, 42 patients (89.4%) in TE-MVR group and 40 patients (87.0%) in CS-MVR group were followed. Long-term event-free survival is similar in both groups. ConclusionRobotic MVR is a feasible, effective and safe minimally-invasive alternative to sternotomy MVR, and the long-term clinical and echocardiographic results are comparable to sternotomy MVR in selected patients.
Novel pH-Responsive Nanohybrid for Stimultaneous Delivery of Doxorubicin and Paclitaxel: An In-Silico Insight
Authors: Alimohammadi Ehsan , Maleki Reza , Akbarialiabad Hossein , Dahri Mohammad
Published: October 2020

Background: The distribution of drugs could not be controlled in the conventional drug delivery system. This has led to the development of a smart nanoparticle-based drug delivery system, known as smart drug delivery systems. In cancer research, novel biocompatible nanocarriers have received much attention for various ranges of anticancer drugs.In the current study, the effect of a novel co-polymer "dimethyl acrylamide-trimethyl chitosan" was investigated on drug delivery of doxorubicin and paclitaxel utilizing modified fullerene nanocarrier. This study was performed via molecular dynamics simulation based on acidic pH sensitivity of the cancer microenvironment. Furthermore, hydrogen bonds, diffusion coefficient, gyration radius, and drug-carrier interaction energies were investigated here. Interestingly, a simultaneous pH and temperature-sensitive system was proposed for paclitaxel and doxorubicin for a co-polymer. A pH-sensitive and temperature-sensitive copolymer was used based on trimethyl chitosan and dimethyl acrylamide, respectively. In such a dualistic approach, co-polymer makes an excellent option to have two properties in one bio-polymer. Results: The results suggest the dramatic and indisputable role of the co-polymer in the release of doxorubicin and paclitaxel in cancerous tissues, as well as an increased biocompatibility and drug uptake in a neutral state. The validation test was performed by repeated simulations of a similar article. The results are very close to those of the reference paper .Conclusions: Overall, conjugated fullerene and dimethyl acrylamide-trimethyl chitosan (DMAA-TMC) as carriers can be a good proposition for loading, delivery, and release of anti-cancer drugs based on a pH/temperature-sensitive smart drug delivery system.
Research on the Noise Reduction and Efficiency Increase for Axial Fan with Wave Leading Edge Blades
Authors: Li Bo , Wu Yujing , Guo Dange , Luo Dan , HUANG Diangui
Published: October 2020

This paper imitates the raised structure of the leading edge of the humpback whale fin limbs, designed six bionic blades. The aerodynamic analysis show that: the wave leading edge blade can improve the total pressure efficiency of the axial flow fan, and under off-design conditions, the aerodynamic performance of bionic fan is better than that of prototype fan. The noise analysis shows that: under the condition of constant wave number, increasing wave amplitude can reduce the overall sound pressure level at the monitoring point, in the middle and high frequency range, the sound pressure level of the bionic fan at the monitoring point is significantly lower than that of the prototype fan, and the noise reduction effect increases with the increase of wave amplitude; under the condition of constant wave amplitude, increasing the wave number can reduce the fan noise. At a certain wave number and amplitude, the overall sound pressure level of the bionic fan at the monitoring point is at most 2.91 dB lower than that of the prototype fan. In this paper, the noise reduction effect of increasing wave number is more obvious than that of increasing wave amplitude.
PDIA6 Contributes to Aerobic Glycolysis and Cancer Progression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Mao Ling , Wu Xiaoweng , Gong Zhengpeng , Yu Ming , Huang Zhi
Published: October 2020

Background/Objective: Accumulated evidence has demonstrated that aerobic glycolysis serves as a regulator of tumor cell growth, invasion and angiogenesis. Herein, we explored the role of protein disulfide isomerase family 6 (PDIA6) in the aerobic glycolysis and the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods: The expression pattern of PDIA6 in OSCC tissues was determined by qPCR and western blotting. Lentivirus and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were introduced into cells to upregulate and downregulate PDIA6 expression. CCK-8, flow cytometry, transwell and xenotransplantation models were applied to detect cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and tumorigenesis, respectively. Results: A high expression pattern of PDIA6 was observed in OSCC tissues, which was closely associated with lower overall survival and malignant clinical features in OSCC. Compared with the control group, overexpression of PDIA6 induced significant enhancements in cell growth, migration, invasiveness and tumorigenesis and decreased cell apoptosis, while knockdown of PDIA6 caused opposite results. In addition, overexpression of PDIA6 increased glucose consumption, lactate production and ATP level in OSCC cells.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that PDIA6 expression was elevated in OSCC tissues, and overexpression of it promoted OSCC progression and aerobic glycolysis.
The Taxonomic Signal of the Internal Mosquito Wing Cells.
Authors: Chonephetsarath Somsanith , Raksakoon Chadchalerm , Sumruayphol Suchada , Dujardin Jean-Pierre , Potiwat Rutcharin
Published: October 2020

BackgroundPrevious publications revealed a clear taxonomic signal embedded in the external contour of the wings. Our study explored this signal also for internal cells of the wings, with the following question: do internal cells uniformly provide the same taxonomic information? MethodsOur study focused on four species, three of them of medical importance: Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Ae. scutellaris and Ve. dux, each of them represented by 30 female wings. Each cell was characterized for size and shape after an elliptic Fourier analysis. For each cell to be tentatively assigned to its respective species, i.e., to measure its amount of taxonomic information, we used the shape of the contour, not its size. ResultsWe showed that the taxonomic signal of shape was not uniformly spread among internal cells of the wing, ranging on average from 80% to 94%. Four internal cells out of six performed better than the external contour of the wing. The amount of taxonomic information of internal cells could not be related to their size nor to their shape complexity, but clearly depended on which species were compared. The closest species of our sample, Ae. albopictus and Ae. scutellaris, two species frequently found in the same water collections in Thailand, were almost perfectly separated (97%) by a single cell. ConclusionIt has already been said that the wing can be used for mosquito identification even if the whole body is not available, we showed that even partly damaged wings could contain extractable and more accurate taxonomic information.
3d Printed Ti6al4v Bone Scaffolds With Different Pore Structure Effects on Bone Ingrowth
Authors: Deng Fuyuan , Liu Linlin , Li Zhong , Liu Juncai
Published: October 2020

The pore size, pore structure and porosity of porous scaffold play a vital role in bone regeneration, but its optimal shape is still unclear. In this study four kinds of porous titanium alloy scaffolds with similar porosity (65%) and pore size (650µm) and different structures were prepared by selective laser melting. Four scaffolds were implanted into the distal femur of rabbits to evaluate their bone tissue growth in vivo. Micro-CT and hard tissue sections were performed 6 and 12 weeks after the operation to reveal the bone growth of the porous scaffold. The results show that diamond lattice unit (DIA) bone growth is the best in four topological scaffolds. Through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, the permeability, velocity and flow trajectory inside the scaffold structure were calculated. The internal fluid velocity difference of the DIA structure is the smallest, and the trajectory of fluid flow inside the scaffold is the longest. It is beneficial to the growth of blood vessels and the transport of nutrients, and can promote bone formation. In this study, the mechanism of bone growth in different structures was revealed by the method of in vivo experiment combined with CFD, providing a new theoretical basis for the design of bone scaffolds in the future.
Social Deprivation and Secondhand Smoke Exposure Among Urban Male Residents: A Nationwide Study of China
Authors: Yang Yixin , Yang Xiaozhao Yousef , Yang Tingzhong , He Wenjiong , Peng Sihui , Rockett Ian R. H.
Published: October 2020

IntroductionSocial deprivation is a known determinant of health and related behaviors. Many studies have linked socioeconomic status to secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. However, no studies have examined the relationship between social deprivation and SHS exposure. This study examined whether social deprivation has any independent effect on SHS exposure at both individual and regional levels among Chinese residents.MethodsA cross-sectional multistage sampling design was utilized to interview subjects from 6 selected cities in China. A standardized questionnaire was used to tap demographic characteristics, social deprivation and SHS exposure. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to assess the association between social deprivation and SHS exposure.Results5,782 valid questionnaires were collected in this study. Of 2,930 non-smokers, the SHS exposure prevalence was 21.9% (95% CI 19.5, 24.30). Multilevel logistic regression showed a negative association between family income, regional GDP and SHS exposure, and positive associations between social deprivation and SHS exposure, respectively. ConclusionsFindings support the central proposition that social deprivation influences SHS exposure messages. Our research underscores the importance of reducing health inequality in controlling SHS exposure. ImplicationsThe information from this study should be helpful when considering effective SHS exposure control policies and interventions among urban residents in China. Targeted interventions for SHS exposure should help reduce health inequities across social class. With this in mind, SHS exposure control for socially deprived groups should be paid attention.
Gut Microbiome Variation Modulates the Effects of Dietary Fiber on Host Metabolism
Authors: Murga-Garrido Sofia M , Hong Qilin Qilin , Cross Tzu-Wen L , Hutchison Evan , Han Jessica , Thomas Sydney , Vivas Eugenio I , Denu John , Ceschin Danilo G , Tang Zheng-Zheng , Rey Federico
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThere is general consensus that consumption of dietary fermentable fiber improves cardiometabolic health, in part by promoting mutualistic microbes and by increasing production of beneficial metabolites in the distal gut. However, human studies have reported variations in the observed benefits among individuals consuming the same fiber.Several factors likely contribute to this variation, including host genetic and gut microbial differences. We hypothesized that gut microbial metabolism of dietary fiber represents an important and differential factor that modulates how dietary fiber impacts the host.ResultsWe examined genetically identical gnotobiotic mice harboring two distinct complex gut microbial communities and exposed to four isocaloric diets, each containing different fibers: (i) cellulose, (ii) inulin, (iii) pectin, (iv) a mix of 5 fermentable fibers (assorted fiber). Gut microbiome analysis showed that each transplanted community preserved a core of common taxa across diets that differentiated it from the other community, but there were variations in richness and bacterial taxa abundance within each community among the different diet treatments. Host epigenetic, transcriptional and metabolomic analyses revealed diet-directed differences between microbiome groups, including variation in amino acids and lipid pathways that were associated with divergent health outcomes.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that interindividual variation in the gut microbiome is causally linked to differential effects of dietary fiber on host metabolic phenotypes and suggests that a one-fits-all fiber supplementation approaches to promote health is unlikely to elicit consistent effects across individuals Overall, the presented results underscore the importance of microbe-diet interactions on host metabolism and suggest that gut microbes modulate dietary fiber efficacy.
Hsp90 Modulates Human Sperm Capacitation via the Erk1/2 and p38 MAPK Signaling Pathways
Authors: Sun Peibei , Wang Yayan , Gao Tian , Li Kun , Zheng Dongwang , Liu Ajuan , Ni Ya
Published: October 2020

Background: Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a highly abundant eukaryotic molecular chaperone that plays important roles in client protein maturation, protein folding and degradation, and signal transduction. Previously, we found that both Hsp90 and its co-chaperone cell division cycle protein 37 (Cdc37) were expressed in human sperm. Hsp90 is known to be involved in human sperm capacitation via unknown underlying mechanism(s). As Cdc37 was a kinase-specific co-chaperone of Hsp90, Hsp90 may regulate human sperm capacitation via other kinases. It has been reported that two major mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) and p38, are expressed in human sperm in the same locations as Hsp90 and Cdc37. Phosphorylated Erk1/2 has been shown to promote sperm hyperactivated motility and acrosome reaction, while phosphorylated p38 inhibits sperm motility. Therefore, in this study we explored whether Hsp90 modulates human sperm capacitation via the Erk1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Methods: Human sperm was treated with the Hsp90-specific inhibitor 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) during capacitation. Computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA) was used to detect sperm motility and hyperactivation. The sperm acrosome reaction was analyzed by using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA-FITC) staining. The interactions between Hsp90, Cdc37, Erk1/2 and p38 were assessed using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) experiments. Western blotting analysis was used to evaluate the levels of protein expression and phosphorylation. Results: Human sperm hyperactivation and acrosome reaction were inhibited by 17-AAG, suggesting that Hsp90 is involved in human sperm capacitation. In addition, Co-IP experiments revealed that 17-AAG reduced the interaction between Hsp90 and Cdc37, leading to the dissociation of Erk1/2 from the Hsp90-Cdc37 protein complex. Western blotting analysis revealed that levels of Erk1/2 and its phosphorylated form were subsequently decreased. Decreasing of Hsp90-Cdc37 complex also affected the interaction between Hsp90 and p38. Nevertheless, p38 dissociated from the Hsp90 protein complex and was activated by autophosphorylation. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings indicate that Hsp90 is involved in human sperm hyperactivation and acrosome reaction. In particular, Hsp90 and its co-chaperone Cdc37 form a protein complex with Erk1/2 and p38 to regulate their kinase activity. These results suggest that Hsp90 regulates human sperm capacitation via the Erk1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.
Chlorambucil-Chitosan Nano-Conjugate: An Efficient Agent Against Breast Cancer Targeted Therapy
Authors: Shayegh Azadeh , Khalatbari Farinaz , Zonoubi Niloofar , Zarazvand Farjad , Monavvari Fatemeh , Hejazinia Hadi , Ebrahimi Seyed Esmaeil Sadat , Hamedani Morteza Pirali , Ali Vahid , Hadadian Shahin , Farzaneh Jafar , Seyedhamzeh Mohammad , Ardestani Mehdi Shafiee
Published: October 2020

Background:

Discovering new chemotherapy drugs and techniques with the least side
effects is one of the most important and challenging issues in recent years worldwide. Chlorambucil
is an anticancer drug that is still commonly used as a primary treatment in treating some cancers,
but it can cause side effects.

Objective:

In this study, we decided to use chitosan as a carrier for enhance the uptake of chlorambucil and reduce the toxicity of this drug.

Methods:

After producing this nanoconjugate compound and analysing its structure by FTIR, DLS
and AFM analysis, we investigated the therapeutic and biological effects of this nanoconjugate
compound on the MCF-7 cell line (breast cancer).

Results:

The results of the MTT assay showed that this nanoconjugate compound not only retained
its anticancer effect against chlorambucil but also showed less abnormal toxicity. In addition, in
vitro cellular uptake by flow cytometry indicated the better uptake final product into the MCF-7
cells. The detection of apoptosis induced cell death was confirmed by RT-PCR.

Conclusion:

This study has created a prospective pathway for targeting cancer cells using chitosan.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-lymphocyte Ratio as Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Surgery Procedures: A Literature Review
Authors: Serra Raffaele , Ielapi Nicola , Licastro Noemi , Provenzano Michele , Andreucci Michele , Bracale Umberto Marcello , Jiritano Federica , de Franciscis Stefano , Mastroroberto Pasquale , Serraino Giuseppe Filiberto
Published: October 2020

Background:

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been studied so far as prognostic factors of cardiovascular diseases. Their role interplayed with endothelial inflammation, has emerged as optimal predictors for major cardiovascular disease events and as prognostic factors for post-procedural outcomes.

Methods:

A review of the current literature was undertaken to investigate the relationship between NLR and PLR with percutaneous, cardiac surgery, and vascular surgery procedures.

Results:

Our findings show that perioperative NLR and PLR levels are significantly correlated with patient morbidity and mortality rates.

Conclusions:

These biomarkers have several attractive characteristics, as they are inexpensive and quickly available, and they can contribute to the early identification of patients at high risk for periprocedural adverse events.
Software driver for working with different types of SPI interfaces
Authors: Semka E. V. , Buslaev A. B. , Ovcharov V. V. , Pirogov A. A. , Gvozdenko S. A.
Published: October 2020

Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are configurable integrated circuits whose logic is defined through programming. The use of FPGAs makes it possible to obtain devices capable of changing the configuration, adapting to a specific task due to their flexibly changeable, programmable structure. When developing complex devices, ready-made IP-cores can be used as components for design. The use of software IP-cores allows them to be used most effectively in the final structure, to a significant extent to reduce design costs. A software driver has been developed for working with different types of SPI interfaces (Serial Peripheral Interface), which implements switching the input-output line when transmitting data through a FPGA.
Charlotte Libraries Tackle Controversial Topic
Authors: Scarborough Beth , Foster Pardue Susan
Published: October 2020

Abstract

UNC Charlotte’s Atkins Library, along with the History Department and Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library, in response to violence, hatred and killings in both South Carolina and Virginia in 2015 and 2017, and contentious arguments over the presence of Confederate monuments, particularly on the campus of UNC Chapel Hill, proposed a series of public forums to address the controversy. With funds from the UNC Charlotte Chancellor’s Diversity Fund, plans were made to sponsor a total of five programs, each addressing a way to combat long-held myths and deliver truths about North Carolina’s history during the Confederacy. This series of programs, Beyond the Myths: The American Civil War in History and Memory, held in February and March 2019, took place on the main and downtown campuses of UNC Charlotte and at the Sugar Creek Branch of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library. The planning and delivery of the series, marketing efforts and follow-up are detailed in this article.
Institutional Repositories for Public Engagement
Authors: Moore Erik A. , Collins Valerie M. , Johnston Lisa R.
Published: October 2020

Most higher-education institutions strive to be publicly engaged and community centered. These institutions leverage faculty, researchers, librarians, community liaisons, and communication specialists to meet this mission, but they have largely underutilized the potential of institutional repositories. Academic institutions can use institutional repositories to provide open access and long-term preservation to institutional gray literature, research data, university publications, and campus research products that have tangible, real-world applications for the communities they serve. Using examples from the University of Minnesota, this article demonstrates how making this content discoverable, openly accessible, and preserved for the future through an institutional repository not only increases the value of this publicly-engaged work but also creates a lasting record of a university’s public engagement efforts and contributes to the mission of the institution.
The Capturing Science Contest
Authors: Christoffel Chandler
Published: October 2020

Hosted by the University of Georgia Science Library since 2017, the Capturing Science Contest invites students to explain a STEM concept using any format, media, or genre of their choice, an open-ended approach meant to inspire the widest range of skills, knowledge, and creativity. This article discusses contest rules, promotion, judging, and results. For libraries interested in trying this kind of contest, the article provides recommendations, such as providing judges’ commentaries for winning entries and adopting a broad interpretation of what counts as STEM communication during the judging process. The article mentions some upcoming changes to the contest guidelines and administration, and it concludes with a brief argument for why the contest aligns with the mission of libraries.
The Generalizability of a Medication Administration Discrepancy Detection System: Quantitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Kirkendall Eric , Huth Hannah , Rauenbuehler Benjamin , Moses Adam , Melton Kristin , Ni Yizhao
Published: October 2020

Background

As a result of the overwhelming proportion of medication errors occurring each year, there has been an increased focus on developing medication error prevention strategies. Recent advances in electronic health record (EHR) technologies allow institutions the opportunity to identify medication administration error events in real time through computerized algorithms. MED.Safe, a software package comprising medication discrepancy detection algorithms, was developed to meet this need by performing an automated comparison of medication orders to medication administration records (MARs). In order to demonstrate generalizability in other care settings, software such as this must be tested and validated in settings distinct from the development site.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to determine the portability and generalizability of the MED.Safe software at a second site by assessing the performance and fit of the algorithms through comparison of discrepancy rates and other metrics across institutions.

Methods

The MED.Safe software package was executed on medication use data from the implementation site to generate prescribing ratios and discrepancy rates. A retrospective analysis of medication prescribing and documentation patterns was then performed on the results and compared to those from the development site to determine the algorithmic performance and fit. Variance in performance from the development site was further explored and characterized.

Results

Compared to the development site, the implementation site had lower audit/order ratios and higher MAR/(order + audit) ratios. The discrepancy rates on the implementation site were consistently higher than those from the development site. Three drivers for the higher discrepancy rates were alternative clinical workflow using orders with dosing ranges; a data extract, transfer, and load issue causing modified order data to overwrite original order values in the EHRs; and delayed EHR documentation of verbal orders. Opportunities for improvement were identified and applied using a software update, which decreased false-positive discrepancies and improved overall fit.

Conclusions

The execution of MED.Safe at a second site was feasible and effective in the detection of medication administration discrepancies. A comparison of medication ordering, administration, and discrepancy rates identified areas where MED.Safe could be improved through customization. One modification of MED.Safe through deployment of a software update improved the overall algorithmic fit at the implementation site. More flexible customizations to accommodate different clinical practice patterns could improve MED.Safe’s fit at new sites.
Validasi Modul “PEREKAT” untuk Meningkatkan Kesiapan Hidup Perkawinan pada Pasangan Pranikah
Authors: Anindita Valeria Satwika , Adiyanti Maria Goretti
Published: October 2020

Kesiapan hidup perkawinan dapat ditingkatkan melalui program edukasi pranikah, namun penerapannya masih kurang optimal. Oleh sebab itu diperlukan pengembangan modul sebagai panduan program edukasi pranikah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melakukan validasi terhadap modul “PEREKAT” dalam meningkatkan kesiapan hidup perkawinan pada pasangan pranikah. Intrumen dalam penelitian ini adalah modul “PEREKAT” dan skala kesiapan hidup perkawinan yang disusun oleh peneliti. Penelitian dilakukan dalam dua tahap, yaitu 1) Uji validitas isi modul melalui penilaian tiga ahli sebagai rater. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa modul memiliki validitas isi yang baik; 2) Uji validitas fungsional modul melalui eksperimen kuasi dengan rancangan the untreated control group designs with dependent pretest and posttest samples. Partisipan penelitian sebanyak delapan pasangan pranikah yang akan menikah pertama kali pada 2-12 bulan mendatang. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa modul “PEREKAT” memiliki validitas isi dan fungsional yang baik untuk meningkatkan kesiapan hidup perkawinan pada pasangan pranikah.
Pelatihan Storytelling untuk Meningkatkan Keterampilan Stimulasi Emosi Guru PAUD
Authors: Pertiwi Ratih Eka
Published: October 2020

Stimulasi pada anak usia dini perlu dilakukan secara seimbang sesuai tahap perkembangannya. Salah satu aspek yang perlu distimulasi adalah aspek perkembangan emosi. Akan tetapi, guru maupun orang tua anak usia dini seringkali merasa kesulitan memberikan stimulasi perkembangan emosi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan keterampilan stimulasi perkembangan emosi pada guru PAUD melalui aktivitas storytelling. Aktivitas storytelling dilakukan dalam kelompok kecil sesuai usia dan dipandu oleh guru sebagai fasilitator. Melalui aktivitas ini, guru dapat mengenalkan berbagai emosi dasar, mengajari anak untuk mengenali respons fisiologis yang mengikuti munculnya emosi, serta mendorong anak menggali pengalaman pribadi yang memunculkan respons emosi tertentu.
Fabrica-se um “novo português”? Uma análise discursiva de documentos da CPLP
Authors: Sant'Anna Vera Lucia de Albuquerque , Silva Diego Barbosa da
Published: October 2020

Este trabalho expõe uma análise discursiva de declarações e resoluções emitidas pela Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa (CPLP), com o propósito de identificar traços das políticas linguísticas para a promoção e difusão do português, difundidas nesta última década. Partimos da ideia de etos e polêmica (MAINGUENEAU, [1984] 2007) para identificar perfis de enunciadores, quais sejam: ufanista, defensor, apreensivo e idealista-apaziguador. Nos enunciados analisados, constatamos que essas diferentes imagens de si constroem uma aparente ideia de homogeneidade linguística, que tem como objetivo superar a heterogeneidade fundante da própria CPLP. Desse modo, polêmicas são silenciadas e podemos notar que está em construção um novo sentido de língua portuguesa, com força homogeneizante em contraposição a outro já em curso, que tem como base o processo social e histórico de gramatização e heterogeneização das línguas portuguesas nacionais.
Ruínas e memória: 'Dois irmãos' e um “novo’ regionalismo
Authors: Silva Nádia Regina Barbosa da
Published: October 2020

Leitura do romance Dois Irmãos, de Milton Hatoum, que tem como cenário a alegórica cidade de Manaus. Enfoque especial às relações de identidade e diferença entre os indivíduos que habitam a mesma casa. Este lugar da família, entretanto, se estende ao espaço de Manaus e ao o porto à margem do Rio Negro: a cidade e o rio, metáforas das ruínas e da passagem do tempo, acompanham o andamento do drama familiar. Há nuances nessa narrativa, em que o autor se avizinha, de maneira distinta e com muita sutileza, de uma vertente clássica da ficção brasileira, o regionalismo. Partindo de contribuições pertencentes a matrizes urbanas clássicas, modernas e contemporâneas, já incorporadas à ficção brasileira, o autor reexamina conteúdos regionais, compondo um tecido híbrido que mantém vivas suas fontes e, dessa maneira, recupera uma identidade específica, cujo processo parece prevenir-se de uma transformação multicultural mais radical.
Narrativização e subversão sexual: considerações em torno de Puig, Abreu e Bayly
Authors: Alós Anselmo Peres
Published: October 2020

Este trabalho tem por objetivo a realização de uma análise contrastiva de três romances representa­tivos da problematização da identidade homosse­xual masculina no continente latino-americano: El beso de la mujer araña (Argentina, 1976), de Manuel Puig; Onde andará Dulce Veiga? (Brasil, 1990), de Caio Fernando Abreu e No se lo digas a nadie (Peru, 1994), de Jaime Bayly. A articulação de uma epistemologia queer permite pensar a textualidade como o lugar de encenação de uma ficção política que questiona os regimes heteronomativos do sexo e do gênero, e propõe uma estratégia de resistência baseada tanto nos corpos e nos prazeres quanto nas políticas de representação e reinvenção das masculinidades e das feminilida­des. Tomando os pressupostos feministas, os estu­dos narratológicos e a teoria/epistemologia queer como sustentação teórica, realiza-se uma leitura crítica desses romances, os quais questionam o regime heteronormativo e investem no potencial subversivo de um lugar de enunciação do discurso literário marcado pela diferença e pela resistência aos dispositivos heteronormativos de regulação das identidades sexuais. Neste sentido, a literatura reescreve tanto o corpo sexual, tido como o lugar da subjetividade individual, quanto o corpo social/nacional, entendido como uma ficção reguladora das sociabilidades corporais e sexuais. Com vistas a uma poética queer, busca-se evidenciar as con­tradições e impasses que emergem nos romances, particularmente em relação a questões de raça, classe e gênero, bem como as potencialidades e os pontos problemáticos da poética queer como lugar de intervenção cultural.
Semiótica à luz de Guimarães Rosa
Authors: De Sousa Sílvia Maria
Published: October 2020

Livro resenhado:TATIT, Luiz. Semiótica à luz de Guimarães Rosa. São Paulo: AteliêEditorial, 2010.
La adquisición de la escisión en el español peninsular
Authors: Pinto Carlos Felipe da Conceição
Published: October 2020

Teniendo en cuenta la variación de la escisión en el español actual, este trabajo pretende investigar cómo los niños españoles adquieren esas construcciones. La pregunta principal del texto es si los niños españoles producen inicialmente las construcciones inexistentes en la variedad europea adulta y enseguida las pierden o si esos niños nunca producen esas construcciones. Se analizaron 18 niños entre 2 y 10 años de edad (2 niños para cada franja de edad) a partir del corpus CHILDES. Los dados mostraron que los niños producen construcciones inexistentes en la gramática adulta, siendo que una de esas construcciones sólo aparece en el niño de 3 años y la otra permanece en todas las edades. La interpretación de los datos es la de que no hay, en principio, un problema de adquisición del lenguaje, pero variación en el español ya que se encuentran las construcciones consideradas inexistentes en diversos estudios en el habla de los adultos en la interacción con los niños.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A aquisição da clivagem no espanhol peninsularConsiderando a variação da clivagem no espanhol atual, este trabalho pretende averiguar como as crianças espanholas adquirem essas construções tendo como pergunta central se as crianças espanholas produzem inicialmente as construções inexistentes na variedade européia adulta e em seguida as perdem ou se as crianças nunca produzem essas construções. O estudo analisou 18 crianças, entre 2 e 10 anos de idade (2 crianças de cada faixa etária) a partir do corpus CHILDES. Os dados mostraram que as crianças produzem construções inexistentes na gramática adulta, sendo que uma delas só aparece na criança de 3 anos e outra permanece em todas as faixas etárias. A interpretação dos dados é a de que não há, em princípio, um problema de aquisição da linguagem, mas de variação do espanhol europeu já que as construções consideradas inexistentes em diversos estudos são encontradas na fala dos adultos na interação com as crianças.---Artigo em espanhol
Estética da morte
Authors: Ginzburg Jaime
Published: October 2020

Este ensaio é fundamentado em estudos sobre a morte realizados por Michel Schneider e Sandra M. Gilbert. A presença da morte na cultura brasileira é constante. Se consideramos essa constância em perspectiva histórica, é possível examinar alguns elementos textuais como base para pensar em uma estética, relacionada a diversos escritores e artistas. Dentre esses elementos, são avaliados a configuração do tempo, o ponto de vista narrativo e a base epistemológica dos textos. Limite branco, Inventário do ir-remediável e O ovo apunhalado, livros do início da trajetória de Caio Fernando Abreu, são fortemente relacionados a esses elementos.
Uma política pública e participativa para as línguas brasileiras: sobre a regulamentação e a implementação do Inventário Nacional da Diversidade Linguística (INDL)
Authors: Morello Rosângela
Published: October 2020

Este texto aborda a primeira política linguística brasileira pública de abrangência nacional, instituída pelo Decreto federal no. 7.387, de 09 de dezembro de 2010: o Inventário Nacional da Diversidade Linguística Brasileira (INDL). Trazendo um histórico dos trabalhos que precederam ao Decreto, discutiremos na sequência, algumas prerrogativas para sua regulamentação e implementação, em especial, a que prevê a participação das comunidades linguísticas no processo.
A invenção do monolinguismo e da língua nacional
Authors: Monteagudo Henrique
Published: October 2020

O monolinguismo social, longe de ser um fenômeno espontâneo, frequentemente é o resultado de uma série de operações glotopolíticas de homogeneização de populações falantes de várias línguas, um resultado que é mantido artificialmente pelo Estado. O artigo mostra como esses processos históricos se vinculam à emergência dos Estados-nação e das Nações-estado que se forjaram na Europa a partir do século XVIII, ao tempo que se espalhava a ideologia da ‘língua nacional’.
Crise da cultura?
Authors: Jobim José Luís
Published: October 2020

Neste artigo, depois de apresentar algumas das perspectivas referentes à associação contempo­rânea entre cultura e crise, examinaremos as questões da exceção cultural, da diversidade de expressões culturais, da filiação nacional e da globalização, procurando ressaltar a pluralidade das perspectivas envolvidas.