bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification Models using Circulating Neutrophil Transcripts Can Detect Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm
Authors: Poppenberg Kerry E , Tutino Vincent M , Li Lu , Waqas Muhammad , June Armond , Chaves Lee , Jiang Kaiyu , Jarvis James N , Sun Yijun , Snyder Kenneth V , Levy Elad I , Siddiqui Adnan H , Kolega John , Meng Hui
Published: March 2020

Background Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are dangerous because of their potential to rupture. We previously found significant RNA expression differences in circulating neutrophils between patients with and without unruptured IAs and trained machine learning models to predict presence of IA using 40 neutrophil transcriptomes. Here, we aim to develop a predictive model for unruptured IA using neutrophil transcriptomes from a larger population and more robust machine learning methods. Methods Neutrophil RNA extracted from the blood of 134 patients (55 with IA, 79 IA-free controls) was subjected to next-generation RNA sequencing. In a randomly-selected training cohort (n=94), the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) selected transcripts, from which we constructed prediction models via 4 well-established supervised machine-learning algorithms (K-Nearest Neighbors, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machines with Gaussian and cubic kernels). We tested the models in the remaining samples (n=40) and assessed model performance by receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) of 10 IA-associated genes was used to verify gene expression in a subset of 50 neutrophil RNA samples. We also examined the potential influence of demographics and comorbidities on model prediction. Results Feature selection using LASSO in the training cohort identified 37 IA-associated transcripts. Models trained using these transcripts had a maximum accuracy of 90% in the testing cohort. The testing performance across all methods had an average area under ROC curve (AUC)=0.97, an improvement over our previous models. The Random Forest model performed best across both training and testing cohorts. RT-qPCR confirmed expression differences in 8 of 10 genes tested. Gene ontology and IPA network analyses performed on the 37 model genes reflected dysregulated inflammation, cell signaling, and apoptosis processes. In our data, demographics and comorbidities did not affect model performance. Conclusions We improved upon our previous IA prediction models based on circulating neutrophil transcriptomes by increasing sample size and by implementing LASSO and more robust machine learning methods. Future studies are needed to validate these models in larger cohorts and further investigate effect of covariates.
ERβ-induced MFN2 inhibits the migration and invasiveness of breast cancer cells by inhibiting the P-AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Wei Mengyu , Hao Jun , Liao Xiaomei , Liu Yinfeng , Fu Ruihuan , Wei Dongyao , Ma Li
Published: March 2020

Background Mitofusin 2 (MFN2) is localized on the outer membrane of mitochondria and is closely related to the migration of malignant tumor cells. Estrogen receptor β (ERβ) plays an anticancer role in breast cancer. Our previous experiments showed that ERβ can induce MFN2 expression, which then inhibits breast cancer cell migration. However, the exact mechanism by which ERβ-induced MFN2 inhibits breast cancer cell migration is unknown. Methods In this study, immunohistochemistry was first used to detect the expression of MFN2 in breast cancer tissues, and its relationship with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of breast cancer patients was analyzed. MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were transfected with ERβ and MFN2 knockdown or expression plasmids. Western blot was used to detect the effects of ERβ on MFN2 and MFN2 on P-AKT473 and MMP2; the P-AKT pathway inhibitor LY294002 was administered to cells transfected with MFN2 knockdown plasmids, Western blot, immunocytofluorescence, and a wound healing assay revealed the effect of MFN2 on its downstream signaling pathway and the migration of breast cancer cells. Results This study found that the expression of MFN2 is related to the molecular type and prognosis of breast cancer patients ( P <0.05). The positive expression rate of MFN2 in triple-negative breast cancer was significantly lower than that in the HER2 + and luminal types. However, MFN2 expression was unrelated to age, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, histological type and grade ( P >0.05); ERβ positively regulated MFN2 expression and reduced the migration of both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, while MFN2 knockdown increased the expression of P-AKT473 and MMP2. In contrast, the overexpression of MFN2 inhibited the expression of P-AKT473 and MMP2. These results showed that in MFN2 knockdown cells treated with LY294002, P-AKT473 and MMP2 expression levels were reversed. The reversal of P-AKT473 and MMP2 expression levels inhibits the invasiveness of human breast cancer cells. Conclusion MFN2 is related to the molecular subtype and prognosis of breast cancer. In human breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, ERβ-induced MFN2 can inhibit the P-AKT pathway, which inhibits the invasiveness and migration of both breast cancer cell lines.
Examining the relationship between maternal body size, gestational glucose tolerance status, mode of delivery and ethnicity on mother’s milk microbiota at three months post-partum
Authors: LeMay-Nedjelski Lauren , Butcher James , Ley Sylvia H. , Asbury Michelle R. , Hanley Anthony J. , Kiss Alex , Unger Sharon , Copeland Julia K. , Wang Pauline W. , Zinman Bernard , Stintzi Alain , O’Connor Deborah L.
Published: March 2020

Background: Few studies have examined how maternal body mass index (BMI), mode of delivery and ethnicity affect the microbial composition of human milk and none have examined associations with maternal metabolic status. Given the high prevalence of maternal adiposity and impaired glucose metabolism, and the importance of human milk in the colonization of the infant gut, we systematically investigated the associations between these maternal factors and milk microbial composition and functionality. Methods: Women ≥20 years were recruited during pregnancy and milk samples were collected at 3 months post-partum (NCT01405547). Demographic data, weight, height, and a 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test were conducted at 30 (95% CI: 25-33) weeks gestation. Metagenomic DNA extraction and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region (Illumina MiSeq) was carried out on 113 milk samples. Results: Multivariable linear regression analyses demonstrated no significant associations between maternal characteristics (maternal BMI [pre-pregnancy, 3 months post-partum], glucose tolerance, mode of delivery and ethnicity) and microbiota alpha-diversity; however, pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with human milk beta-diversity (Bray-Curtis p=0.040). Women with a pre-pregnancy BMI >30 kg/m2 (obese) had a greater incidence of Bacteroidetes (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 3.70 [95% CI: 1.61-8.48]) and a reduced incidence of Proteobacteria (0.62 [0.43-0.90]), compared to overweight women (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2) as assessed by multivariable Poisson regression. Increased incidence of Gemella was observed among overweight (versus healthy) mothers with gestational diabetes (5.96 [1.85-19.21]) and obese (versus healthy) mothers with impaired glucose tolerance (4.04 [1.63-10.01]). An increased incidence of Brevundimonas (16.70 [5.99-46.57]) was found in the milk of women who underwent an unscheduled C-section versus vaginal delivery. Lastly, functional gene inference demonstrated that obesity was associated with increased abundance of genes encoding for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in milk (coefficient=0.00028, p=0.0070). Conclusions: Mother’s milk has a diverse microbiota of which its diversity and differential abundance appear associated with maternal body size, glucose tolerance status, mode of delivery, and ethnicity. Further research is warranted to determine whether this variability in the milk microbiota impacts colonization of the infant gut.
A multilocus sequence analysis for the taxonomic update and identification of the genus Proteus
Authors: Dai Hang , Lu Binghuai , Li Zhenpeng , Huang Zhenzhou , Cai Hongyan , Yu Keyi , Wang Duochun
Published: March 2020

Background: The members of the genus Proteus are commonly opportunistic pathogens that cause a variety of infections in humans. The molecular evolutionary characteristics and genetic relationships among Proteus species are remain unelucidated. In this study, we developed a multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) approach based on five housekeeping genes (HKGs) to delineate phylogenetic relationships of species within genus of Proteus. Results: Of all 223 Proteus strains collected in current study, phylogenetic tree of concatenated five HKGs (dnaJ, mdh, pyrC, recA and rpoD) divided into eleven clusters, which representative of their counterpart species. Meanwhile, phylogenetic trees of the five individual HKGs were also corresponded to that of the concatenated tree, except for recA, which clustered four strains at an independent cluster. The evaluation of inter- and intra-species distance of HKGs concatenation, all inter-species indicated more significant different distances than those of intra-species, which revealed these HKGs concatenation can be used as gene marker to distinguish different Proteus species. Further web-based DNA-DNA hybridization estimated by genome of type strains confirmed the validity of the MLSA and each of eleven clusters were congruent with eleven different Proteus species. In addition, we used the established MLSA method to identify the randomly collected Proteus, and found that P. mirabilis is the most species of Proteus. However, the top second is P. terrae, but not P. vulgaris. Combined with the genetic, genomic and phenotypic characteristics, three species, P. terrae, P. cibarius and Proteus genospecies 5 should be regarded as the heterotypic synonyms.Conclusions: Our data suggested the MLSA was a powerful method for the discrimination and classification of the Proteus at species level. The MLSA scheme provides a rapid, economical and precise identification of Proteus strains. The identification of Proteus species determined by the MLSA approach plays an important role in clinical diagnosis and treatment of Proteus infection.
Comparative analysis of Clinial Carbapenem- Resistant (CR), Hypermucoviscous (HM) and CR-HM Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in China
Authors: Zhu Jun-Ying , Wang Guang-Yu , Wei Qing , Shen Zhen , Li Qiong , Zhao Rong-Ping , Li Min
Published: March 2020

Background: Although carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) and hypermucoviscous K. pneumoniae (HMKP) were largely non-overlapping, the recent emergence of CR-HMKP has raised great alarm in the world. We compared the molecular characteristics of CRKP, HMKP and CR-HMKP isolates.Results: 220 cases of K. pneumoniae isolates was collected and identified between Jan 2015 and Dec 2016 from Renji Hospital. Carbapenem resistance test and string test were performed to screen CRKP, HMKP and CR-HMKP isolates. All the CRKP, HMKP and CR-HMKP isolates were investigated for capsular genotyping, virulence genes and resistance genes by PCR and DNA sequencing. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used to characterize isolates sequence types (STs). Serum killing assay and mouse lethality assay were respectively performed to confirm the virulence of the isolates in vitro and in vivo. Of 220 K. pneumoniae，71 HMKP, 84 CRKP and 8 CR-HMKP were identified. Resistance rate to carbapenems was significantly higher in CRKP than HMKP and CR-HMKP. For MLST and serotyping, ST23 (26.8%)，K1 (33.8%) and K2 (23.9%) serotypes were the most common in HMKP isolates while ST11 (84.5%, 100%) and K-nontypable (91.6%, 100%) were the predominant types in CRKP and CR-HMKP isolates. The existence of virulence genes rmpA, magA and iutA was significantly higher in HMKP while the prevalence of resistance gene blaKPC-2 was higher in CRKP and CR-HMKP. Virulence test in vivo and in vitro both showed the lower virulence of CRKP and CR-HMKP compared to HMKP.Conclusions: In spite of low virulence, the emergence of CR-HMKP indicates a confluence of hypermucoviscous phenotype and carbapenem resistance. Furthermore, the similar molecular characteristics between CRKP and CR-HMKP suggested that CR-HMKP might evolve from CRKP.
MiRNA-200b-3p represses LRH-1 expression and is associated with reduced serum bile acid in human obstructive cholestasis
Authors: Qiu Wen , Zhou Xueqian , Song Chunwei , Feng Xinchan , Wang Huaizhi , Cai Shi-Ying , Chen Wensheng
Published: March 2020

Background MicroRNAs are closely associated with liver diseases including cholestasis, but the roles of miR-200 family in cholestasis has not been determined. Liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1/NR5A2) plays an important role in maintaining bile acid homeostasis by regulating some genes, including CYP7A1 and CYP8B1, but the mechanistic details remain to be elucidated in human cholestasis. Methods The mRNA and or protein expressions of miR-200b-3p, LRH-1, CYP7A1 and CYP8B1 in human liver tissues (11 controls and 24 cholestasis) were analyzed using RT-PCR or Western blot. HepG2 cells was transfected with miR-200b-3p mimic to determine gene expressions. We used luciferase gene reporter assay to identify the potential response element of miR-200b-3p in LRH-1 gene. Results MiR-200b-3p was increased for about 2 folds in cholestatic liver tissues, which were divided into low and high expression group. Serum TBA was negatively correlated with miR-200b-3p in miR-200b-3p high expression group. Levels of LRH-1, CYP8B1 and CYP7A1 were decreased, LRH-1 and CYP8B1 were negatively correlated with miR-200b-3p in miR-200b-3p high expression group. MiR-200b-3p mimic was transfected into HepG2 cells, the levels of LRH-1, CYP7A1 and CYP8B1 were significantly repressed by 45%-55%. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the potential binding site of LRH-1 and miR-200b-3p and luciferase reporter gene assay showed that miR-200b-3p might directly bind with LRH-1. Conclusions Our findings indicate that miR-200b-3p represses liver LRH-1, which in turn decreases bile acid synthesis, suggesting that miR-200b-3p may be a potential therapeutic target for cholestasis.
Immune Landscape in Burkitt Lymphoma reveals M2-macrophage polarization and Correlation between PD-L1 expression and Non-Canonical EBV latency program
Authors: Granai Massimo , Mundo Lucia , Akarca Ayse U , Siciliano Maria Chiara , Rizvi Hasan , Mancini Virginia , Onyango Noel , Othieno-Abinya Nicholas , Maha Ibrahim , Margielewska Sandra , Wi Wenbin , Bibas Michele , Piccaluga Pier Paolo , Quintanilla-Martinez Leticia , Fend Falko , Lazzi Stefano , Leoncini Lorenzo , Marafioti Teresa
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND: The Tumor Microenviroment (TME) is a complex milieu that is increasingly recognized as a key factor in multiple stages of disease progression and responses to therapy as well as escape from immune surveillance. However, the precise contribution of specific immune effector and immune suppressor components of the TME in Burkitt lymphoma (BL) remains poorly understood.METHODS: In this paper, we applied the computational algorithm CIBERSORT to Gene Expression Profiling (GEP) datasets of 40 BL samples to draw a map of immune and stromal components of TME. Furthermore, by multiple immunohistochemistry (IHC) and multispectral immunofluorescence (IF), we investigated the TME of additional series of 40 BL cases to evaluate the role of the Programmed Death-1 and Programmed Death Ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) immune checkpoint axis. RESULTS: Our results indicate that M2 polarized macrophages are the most prominent TME component in BL. In addition, we investigated the correlation between PD-L1 and latent membrane protein-2A (LMP2A) expression on tumour cells, highlighting a subgroup of BL cases characterized by a non-canonical latency program of EBV with an activated PD-L1 pathway. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study analysed the TME in BL and identified a tolerogenic immune signature highlighting new potential therapeutic targets.
Dental Caries Status among the Elderly in the Rural Areas of Yunnan Province, China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Shinan , Ding Hui , Shen Xun , Pu Lingli , Li Yingmei , Cai Le , Yao Lan
Published: March 2020

Background Elder population is considered as a vulnerable group with high risk of dental caries. The older adults living in rural areas of Yunnan province account for approximately half of the province’s total population. However, few studies have addressed their dental caries status. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the dental caries status and its associated factors among 65-74 years old people in the rural areas of Yunnan province, China. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited participants through a multistage and stratified strategy, and comprised a clinical oral examination and a questionnaire survey. Two trained and calibrated dentists, wearing LED headlights, conducted the clinical assessment with dental mirrors and CPI probes. Caries experience was measured using the DMFT and DF-root indices. A face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted to collect the participants’ socio-demographic information, oral health-related knowledge and practices. A multi-factor ANCOVA test was used to detect the factors influencing dental caries. Results 1175 elderly residents aged 65-74 were included. Of them, a majority of the surveyed elderly respondents (87%) experienced dental caries (DMFT>0), and 56% of the respondents had root caries. Their overall mean DMFT and DF-root scores were 10.4±10.9 and 2.4±3.8, respectively. In total, 12% of the participants were edentulous. In the final model, female, divorced or widowed elderly who living in Jianchuan district had higher mean DMFT scores. Conclusion The dental caries status among 65-to 74-year-old in the rural areas of Yunnan province, China, was poor. Their caries experience varied by gender, marital status and location. Cost-effective prevention and treatment programs should be implemented.
Alveolar bone modeling and bone modeling/ tooth movement ratio during mandibular incisor retraction: a retrospective study
Authors: Xu Jingchen , Zhou Jialiang , Yin Yuanyuan , Chang Le , Chen Song
Published: March 2020

Background: The objective of this study was to explore the limit of orthodontic tooth movement by evaluating changes of alveolar bone during mandibular incisor retraction and comparing the bone modeling/tooth movement (B/T) ratio among patients with different vertical facial types. Methods: There were 103 patients with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion evaluated with cephalograms in this study. The alveolar bone thickness (ABT) and cortical plate remodeling at cervical level (S1), middle level (S2) and apical level (S3) in Tip and Torque groups were measured, and B/T ratio in patients with different vertical facial types was calculated. Results: After excluding growth effect, buccolingual ABT at S1 and S2, as well as labial ABT at S1 in both Tip and Torque group decreased significantly. Cortical plate at three levels in Torque group remodeled to the lingual side. But in Tip group, cortical plate at S1 remodeled to the lingual side and cortical plate at S2 and S3 remodeled to the labial side. Regarding the B/T ratio, high-angle patients was smaller than average-angle and low-angle patients. Conclusions: In conclusion, resorption of alveolar bone was more than apposition during mandibular incisor retraction. The direction of alveolar cortical modeling was as same as tooth movement and the modeling amount was proportional to the distance of tooth movement. In addition, the B/T ratio was different among patients with different vertical craniofacial patterns. Close attention should be paid to high-angle patients with narrower ABT and smaller B/T ratio. Keywords: alveolar bone modeling, orthodontic tooth movement limit, incisor retraction, vertical facial patterns
How dentists diagnose and treat erosive tooth wear in Finland? – A questionnaire survey
Authors: Kangasmaa Hanna Kaisa , Tanner Tarja , Laitala Marja-Liisa , Mulic Aida , Vidnes-Kopperud Simen , Vähänikkilä Hannu , Anttonen Vuokko , Alaraudanjoki Viivi
Published: March 2020

Objectives To investigate Finnish dentists’ knowledge on and means of recording and diagnosing erosive tooth wear (ETW). Treatment options and possible differences in treatment decisions between general and specialized dentists were also evaluated. Materials and Methods An electronic questionnaire was sent to 3,664 Finnish dentists by e-mail. Respondents’ gender, age, work experience, field of specialty, and practice location were requested. The questionnaire also included a patient case where the dentists were asked about their choice of treatment. Statistical analyses were performed using means, proportions, and cross tabulations. Results Response rate was 24% (n=866). Almost all respondents (98.0%) recorded ETW in patient files, but only 4.1% used a detailed scoring system. Of the respondents, 64.4% usually found the cause for ETW. Probable causes were reported to be use of carbonated beverages (84.3%), energy drinks (57.0%), and reflux disease (53.1%). The majority of the respondents (80.9%) usually assessed patient’s dietary history while 1.9% evaluated saliva secretion rate. When asked about treatment decisions of ETW patients the differences between general dentists and specialized dentists were not as obvious as hypothesized. Conclusions This study suggests that the dentists in Finland are relatively up-to-date regarding clinical recording and diagnosis of ETW. However, they do not feel they have enough competence in detecting the cause of ETW. Differences in treatment decisions between general dentists and specialized dentists seem to be moderate. Clinical Relevance The treatment practices for ETW are not established and further research to create clinical guidelines seems to be needed. Key words Erosive tooth wear, Dental Erosion, Diagnosing, Dentists
Analysis of the difference in characteristics of patients and IVF cycles and the parameters of in vitro embryo culture between normal individuals with high and low blastocyst formation rate
Authors: Yu Chun-mei , Dai Xiu-liang , Wang yu-feng , Chen Li
Published: March 2020

Background: The main purpose of this study is to analyze the possible factors that were related with high useful blastocyst formatio rate in normal patients.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study included 706 normal patients(excluding PCOS, DOR, endometriosis and other special diseases),according to the useful blastocyst in vitro formation rate(UBIVFR), the patients were divided into two groups respectively,group A（0-50%,including 50%）and group B（50%-100%). Results: There were no significant difference in patient ages between the two groups,compared with group A , the level of basic LH(bLH) was significantly increased. The clincal data showed that ,compared with group A ,the total Gn dose and the number of dominant follicles , oocytes retrieved，MII mature oocytes, normal fertilized oocytes rate,high-quality embryos rate and FET clinical pregnancy rate were significantly higher than group B.Conclusion:Our study is to investigate the useful blastocyst formation rate in relation to bLH levels in IVF/ICSI cycles, showing that high bLH is associated with higher ovarian response and higher UBIVFR.AMH,bFSH and AFC which were defined as ovarian reserve and ovarian response are seem not associated with the useful blastocyst formation. Key words:Useful blastocyst formation; normal patients; individual characteristics; basic LH; ovarian response; in vitro embryo culture
Pathogen Infection Recovery Probability (PIRP) Versus Proinflammatory Anti-Pathogen Species (PIAPS) Levels: Modelling and Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Sun Sam-Shajing
Published: March 2020

Current new COVID-19 viruses have already spread in multiple countries and have resulted in over one hundred thousand human infections and over three thousand human deaths worldwide. The possibility of a global pandemic is growing. It appears most of the infection resulted deaths are mainly due to dysfunctions or failures of the lung or multiple organs that could be attributed to host immune system’s hyperinflammatory disorders. In this work, a model is proposed to correlate the Pathogen Infection Recovery Probability (PIRP) versus Proinflammatory Anti-Pathogen Species (PIAPS) levels within a host unit, where a maximum PIRP is exhibited when the PIAPS levels are equal to or around PIAPS equilibrium levels at the pathogen elimination or clearance onset. Based on this model, rational or effective therapeutic strategies at right stages or timing, with right type of agents and right dosages, can be designed and implemented that are expected to effectively achieve maximum PIRP or reduce the mortality.
KARA TAŞITLARI KASKO SİGORTASI BAĞLAMINDA, TÜRK TİCARET KANUNU’NUN 1429/1. MADDESİNDE GEÇEN “SİGORTA ETTİREN VEYA SİGORTALININ FİİLİNDEN SORUMLU OLDUĞU KİŞİLER” KAVRAMINA İLİŞKİN KISA BİR DEĞERLENDİRME
Authors: KÜÇÜK Damla
Published: March 2020

Türk Ticaret Kanunu’nun 1429/1. maddesinde, aksine sözleşme olmadığı sürece sigortacının, sigorta ettiren veya sigortalının hukuken fiillerinden sorumlu oldukları kişilerin teminat altına alınmış riski, ihmal veya tazminat ödenmesini sağlamak amaçları olmadığı sürece kasıtlarıyla gerçekleştirdiklerinde de sigorta tazminatını ödemekle yükümlü olacağı düzenlenmiştir. Türk Hukuku’nda bu hüküm Yargıtay tarafından en çok kara taşıtları kasko sigortası bağlamında ortaya çıkan uyuşmazlıklara uygulanmaktadır. Halbuki maddede geçen sigorta ettiren veya sigortalının fiilinden sorumlu olduğu kişi kavramı, üzerinde anlaşmaya varılmış bir içerik ve kapsama sahip değildir. Dolayısıyla hem doktrin hem de Yargıtay tarafından, bu kavrama farklı anlamlar verilmiştir. Bir uyuşmazlığı hukuk önünde kesin olarak sonlandırma yetkisi Yargıtay’da olduğu için, konu hakkındaki yorum ve uygulaması daha ön plana çıkmaktadır. Oysa verilen kararlar değerlendirildiğinde, Yargıtay tarafından da yeterli ve makul kriter ve gerekçelerin oluşturulamadığı görülmektedir. Bu bakımdan, çalışmada esas olarak sigorta ettiren veya sigortalının fiilinden sorumlu oldukları kişi kavramı, 1429/1. maddenin konuluş amacı gözetilerek yorumlanmaya ve bazı öneriler getirilmeye çalışılmıştır.
Gondozói migráció és nemi szerepfelfogások
Authors: Gábriel Dóra
Published: March 2020

A tanulmány a külföldi gondozói iparágban részt vevő nők és otthon maradt párjuk szemszögéből elemezi a családon belüli nemi szerepek, az ezekhez kapcsolódó értékek, vélemények alakulását. Az összesen 34 interjú anyagát tartalmazó elemzés különös hangsúlyt fektet a férfiak szempontjaira a migrációs helyzetben. A kvalitatív vizsgálat rávilágít arra, hogy az otthon maradt férfi családtagok és a munkamigrációban részt vevő nők között komoly feszültségek jelentkeznek a család pénzügyei körül, ami a férfiakat különféle alkalmazkodási stratégiák kialakítására sarkallja, nemi identitásukat is alakítva. Mindezek mellett amíg a férfiak megtapasztalják az otthonmaradás előnyeit, a munkavállalás miatt távol lévő nők gyermekük önállóságát emelik ki transznacionális gondozási kötelezettségeik kapcsán. Az elemzés rámutat a migráció és a nemi szerepfelfogások között fellelhető néhány összefüggésre, amely szerint a gondozói migrációban részt vevő nők emancipatorikus törekvései vagy ezek hiánya az életúttal szoros kapcsolatban áll.
The restoration of the Roman water supply system in 1880 for the water supply to Split
Authors: Margeta Jure , Marasović Katja
Published: March 2020

The paper describes the development of the Urban Water Supply System (UWSS) for Split (Croatia) in the second half of the 19th century. The selected concept of the water supply system was entirely based on the system of Emperor Diocletian's Palace from 305 AD, which has not been in operation since the 7th century. The research is based on the analysis of historical data and the actual state of the water supply system of Split. The study provides a clearer insight into the process of choosing the optimum concept of water supply system, the operational characteristics of Diocletian's system and the restored UWSS. The sustainability of both the Roman UWSS and the 1880 system, which has a significant part of the aqueduct still in use today, have been confirmed. It is an example of a zero-carbon water supply system running entirely on renewable energy: gravity.
The Use of Natural Materials in Film Coating for Controlled Oral Drug Release
Authors: Tran Phuong Ha-Lien , Tran Thao Truong-Dinh
Published: March 2020

:

Although synthetic materials have been used in film coating processes for drug
delivery for many years, substantial studies on natural materials have also been conducted because of
their biodegradable and unique properties.

Methods:

Because of the ability to form and modify films for controlled oral drug delivery, increasing
attention has been shown to these materials in the design of film coating systems in recent research.

Results:

This review aims to provide an overview of natural materials focusing on film coating for oral
delivery, specifically in terms of their classification and their combinations in film coating formulations
for adjusting the desired properties for controlled drug delivery.

Conclusion:

Discussing natural materials and their potential applications in film coating would benefit
the optimization of processes and strategies for future utilization.
Radiolabeled GRPR Antagonists for Imaging of Disseminated Prostate Cancer - Influence of Labeling Chemistry on Targeting Properties
Authors: Mitran Bogdan , Tolmachev Vladimir , Orlova Anna
Published: March 2020

Background:

Radionuclide molecular imaging of Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Receptor
(GRPR) expression promises unparalleled opportunities for visualizing subtle prostate tumors, which
due to small size, adjacent benign tissue, or a challenging location would otherwise remain undetected
by conventional imaging. Achieving high imaging contrast is essential for this purpose and the molecular
design of any probe for molecular imaging of prostate cancer should be aimed at obtaining as high
tumor-to-organ ratios as possible.

Objective:

This short review summarizes the key imaging modalities currently used in prostate cancer,
with a special focus on radionuclide molecular imaging. Emphasis is laid mainly on the issue of radiometals
labeling chemistry and its influence on the targeting properties and biodistribution of radiolabeled
GRPR antagonists for imaging of disseminated prostate cancer.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, and Scopus library databases
was conducted to find relevant articles.

Results:

The combination of radionuclide, chelator and required labeling chemistry was shown to have
a significant influence on the stability, binding affinity and internalization rate, off-target interaction
with normal tissues and blood proteins, interaction with enzymes, activity uptake and retention in excretory
organs and activity uptake in tumors of radiolabeled bombesin antagonistic analogues.

Conclusion:

Labeling chemistry has a very strong impact on the biodistribution profile of GRPRtargeting
peptide based imaging probes and needs to be considered when designing a targeting probe
for high contrast molecular imaging. Taking into account the complexity of in vivo interactions, it is not
currently possible to accurately predict the optimal labeling approach. Therefore, a detailed in vivo
characterization and optimization is essential for the rational design of imaging agents.
Prediction of Late Recurrence and Distant Metastasis in Early-stage Breast Cancer: Overview of Current and Emerging Biomarkers
Authors: Gouri A. , Benarba B. , Dekaken A. , Aoures H. , Benharkat S.
Published: March 2020

Recently, a significant number of breast cancer (BC) patients have been diagnosed at an early stage. It is therefore critical to accurately predict the risk of recurrence and distant metastasis for better management of BC in this setting. Clinicopathologic patterns, particularly lymph node status, tumor size, and hormonal receptor status are routinely used to identify women at increased risk of recurrence. However, these factors have limitations regarding their predictive ability for late metastasis risk in patients with early BC. Emerging molecular signatures using gene expression-based approaches have improved the prognostic and predictive accuracy for this indication. However, the use of their based-scores for risk assessment has provided contradictory findings. Therefore, developing and using newly emerged alternative predictive and prognostic biomarkers for identifying patients at high- and low-risk is of great importance. The present review discusses some serum biomarkers and multigene profiling scores for predicting late recurrence and distant metastasis in early-stage BC based on recently published studies and clinical trials.
Controlling Wetting Properties on Nanostructure Surfaces by the Coupled Effect of the Structural Parameter and Roughness Factor
Authors: Shi Pengcheng , Lu Yan , Liu Peng
Published: March 2020

Background:

This study used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the wetting
properties of a droplet on copper surfaces with different nanostructures to determine the influence of
the structural parameter and roughness factor on the wetting properties.

Methods:

The simulation results show that the structural parameter h/b can determine the wetting
transition of droplets on surfaces. In addition, the critical structural parameter values are 1.5, 1.5,
2.08 and 2.24 for the square pillar, cylinder, frustum and cone nanostructures, respectively. Due to
the restriction of the wedge surface on water molecules, the effect of the wedge surface is not the
same when the theoretical gap and height of the nanostructures are changed on different surfaces.

Results and Discussion:

For the square pillar and the cylinder surfaces, when changing the height or
the theoretical gap of the nanostructure, the wedge angle is always the same and is 90°, so the effect
of the wedge surface is unchanged for water molecules. For the frustum and the cone surfaces, the
wedge angle does not change when the theoretical gap of the nanostructure is changed but when the
height of the nanostructure is changed, the wedge angle gradually increases but does not exceed 90°
resulting in the restriction of the wedge surface on water molecules gradually increasing. Therefore,
for the same height and theoretical gap, the contact angle of the frustum and the cone surfaces is
larger than that of the square pillar surfaces and cylinder surfaces due to the effect of the wedge surface.
It is also observed that the increased roughness factor helps increase the contact angle of the
droplet.

Conclusion:

We propose that the wetting properties of the nanostructure surface can be controlled by
the structural parameter associated with the surface roughness.
Do We Have Another Option to Treat Bleeding Hemorrhoids? The Emborrhoid Technique: Experience in 16 Patients
Authors: Moggia Elisabetta , Talamo Giuseppina , Gallo Gaetano , Bianco Angelo , Barattini Matteo , Salsano Giancarlo , Zefiro Daniele , Stefanini Teseo , Berti Stefano
Published: March 2020

Background:

Hemorrhoidal disease is very common in western countries and rectal
bleeding is the main symptom complained by patients. Nowadays the ultimate goal of treatment is
to block the bleeding with minimally-invasive techniques to minimize post-procedural pain.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to assess the preliminary results of the emborrhoid technique
(embolization of the superior rectal arteries branches) as a new tool for the proctologist to treat severe
bleeding hemorrhoids causing anemia. Many categories of patients might benefit from this
treatment, such as patients not eligible for conventional surgery, patients not responding to conventional
treatment and fit patients with severe bleeding who refused endorectal surgical therapy.

Methods:

From May 2017 to November 2018 a total of 16 patients with chronic rectal bleeding
due to hemorrhoids underwent super-selective embolization of the superior rectal arteries at the department
of General Surgery in La Spezia, S. Andrea Hospital, Italy. Median age was 59 years. 14
patients were males (87.5%).

Results:

No post-procedural and short-term complications were observed at maximum follow up
(12 months). The reduction of rectal bleeding with improvement of the quality of life was obtained
in 14 patients (87.5%).

Conclusion:

Our study, although small in number, demonstrates that embolization of superior rectal
arteries with coils to treat severe bleeding due to hemorrhoids is safe and effective and does not
lead to immediate complications.
SEVERE POSTDURAL PUNCTURE HEADACHE: CASE OF PRACTICE
Authors: Negrych T. I. , Kyryliuk S. Ya. , Bozhenko M. I.
Published: March 2020

Headache is one of the most common complications after lumbal punction or epidural anesthesia. The article presents a clinical case of post dural puncture headache in a 26-year-old woman, 25 days long. An intracranial hypotension was confirmed by the help of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, a pituitary gland with a slightly convex upper contour and a rounded form of transverse venous sinus were found. Positive effect of rehidratation, analgesics, non-steroid anti-inflammatory and antiemetic drugs and drugs of caffeine in the treatment of post-dural puncture headache was noted.
LABORATORY RESEARCH OF HORMONAL STATUS IN PREGNANT WOMEN WITH OBESITY
Authors: Myalyuk O. P. , Marushchak M. I. , Shtrimaitis O. V. , Golyb O. I. , Pystovit N. V.
Published: March 2020

During the physiological course of pregnancy, hormones are in equilibrium, providing adequate implantation and placental placement, necessary for the further normal development of the fetus. The most significant changes concern hormone-estrogen fraction and progesterone in pregnant women. The purpose of the study was to identify and assess laboratory parameters of hormonal background in pregnant women with obesity. 60 pregnant women with constitutional obesity were examined from 2018 to 2019. The patients were divided into two subgroups: I subgroup - 30 patients whom we prepared for pregnancy and conducted the entire gestational period, II subgroup -30 pregnant women were examined and received the necessary therapeutic and preventive measures only from the moment of treatment. The control group was composed of 20 pregnant women with a physiological course of the gestational period. For the evaluation of hormonal status, the determination of estradiol (E), progesterone (PG), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), as well as the chorionic gonadotropin (HG) and placental lactogen (PL) was carried out. We found that obese pregnant women had a significant reduction in the level of these hormones compared to healthy pregnant women, so the choice of obstetric tactics in pregnant women with obesity should be carried out according to their values. In addition, the determination of hormone level disorders allows to predict the development of severe complications already in the I trimester to the appearance of the first clinical and laboratory symptoms. Despite the high risk of complications in pregnant women with excessive body weight, obesity is not a contraindication to pregnancy.
A Lightweight Deep Learning Model for Fast Electrocardiographic Beats Classification With a Wearable Cardiac Monitor: Development and Validation Study
Authors: Jeon Eunjoo , Oh Kyusam , Kwon Soonhwan , Son HyeongGwan , Yun Yongkeun , Jung Eun-Soo , Kim Min Soo
Published: March 2020

Background

Electrocardiographic (ECG) monitors have been widely used for diagnosing cardiac arrhythmias for decades. However, accurate analysis of ECG signals is difficult and time-consuming work because large amounts of beats need to be inspected. In order to enhance ECG beat classification, machine learning and deep learning methods have been studied. However, existing studies have limitations in model rigidity, model complexity, and inference speed.

Objective

To classify ECG beats effectively and efficiently, we propose a baseline model with recurrent neural networks (RNNs). Furthermore, we also propose a lightweight model with fused RNN for speeding up the prediction time on central processing units (CPUs).

Methods

We used 48 ECGs from the MIT-BIH (Massachusetts Institute of Technology-Beth Israel Hospital) Arrhythmia Database, and 76 ECGs were collected with S-Patch devices developed by Samsung SDS. We developed both baseline and lightweight models on the MXNet framework. We trained both models on graphics processing units and measured both models’ inference times on CPUs.

Results

Our models achieved overall beat classification accuracies of 99.72% for the baseline model with RNN and 99.80% for the lightweight model with fused RNN. Moreover, our lightweight model reduced the inference time on CPUs without any loss of accuracy. The inference time for the lightweight model for 24-hour ECGs was 3 minutes, which is 5 times faster than the baseline model.

Conclusions

Both our baseline and lightweight models achieved cardiologist-level accuracies. Furthermore, our lightweight model is competitive on CPU-based wearable hardware.
The Components of Information Literacy Treatment in Women Cancer Patients (Preprint)
Authors: Farzin Mahboobeh , Behzadi Hassan , Sanatjoo Azam , Shahidsaleth Soodabeh
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

The information literacy treatment, which comprises an important part of the process of disease, is one of the aspects of health literacy and this concept has been explored in fewer studies.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the state of the components of information literacy treatment in Women cancer patients.

METHODS

This is an applied, survey-based study. The population consists of 143 Women cancer patients were selected employing a cluster random sampling procedure. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire. The questionnaire includes 37 questions consisting of six categories—medications, treatment methods, nutrition, medical tests, treatment costs, and sport exercise.

RESULTS

The findings showed that patients had the most information needs in the five components (except sport exercise). In addition to, the most important source of information for patients was the doctor and, of course, some of the other medical staff. Also, all the identified criteria for cancer patients were important in using the information sources for treatment. The problems such as: specialized content, unfamiliarity with the medical terms, the complexity of the treatment process, are very important to the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The health professionals play an important role in shortening the interval between the patients` need for information and receiving information. It is recommended for the health authorities to hold free classes in health centers and prepare simple and comprehensible materials in these courses.
Combating Health Care Fraud and Abuse: Conceptualization and Prototyping Study of a Blockchain Antifraud Framework (Preprint)
Authors: Mackey Tim Ken , Miyachi Ken , Fung Danny , Qian Samson , Short James
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

An estimated US $2.6 billion loss is attributed to health care fraud and abuse. With traditional health care claims verification and reimbursement, the health care provider submits a claim after rendering services to a patient, which is then verified and reimbursed by the payer. However, this process leaves out a critical stakeholder: the patient for whom the services are actually rendered. This lack of patient participation introduces a risk of fraud and abuse. Blockchain technology enables secure data management with transparency, which could mitigate this risk of health care fraud and abuse.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to develop a framework using blockchain to record claims data and transactions in an immutable format and to enable the patient to act as a validating node to help detect and prevent health care fraud and abuse.

METHODS

We developed a health care fraud and abuse blockchain technical framework and prototype using key blockchain tools and application layers including consensus algorithms, smart contracts, tokens, and governance based on digital identity on the Ethereum platform (Ethereum Foundation).

RESULTS

Our technical framework maps to the claims adjudication process and focuses on Medicare claims, with the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as the central authority. A prototype of the framework system was developed using the blockchain platform Ethereum (Ethereum Foundation), with its design features, workflow, smart contract functions, system architecture, and software implementation outlined. The software stack used to build the system consisted of a front-end user interface framework, a back-end processing server, and a blockchain network. React was used for the user interface framework, and NodeJS and an Express server were used for the back-end processing server; Solidity was the smart contract language used to interact with a local Ethereum blockchain network.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed framework and the initial prototype have the potential to improve the health care claims process by using blockchain technology for secure data storage and consensus mechanisms, which make the claims adjudication process more patient-centric for the purposes of identifying and preventing health care fraud and abuse. Future work will focus on the use of synthetic or historic CMS claims data to assess the real-world viability of the framework.