bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lymph node ratio is an independent prognostic factor for patients with Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction: results from a 10-year follow-up study
Authors: Zhang Yuling , Liu Ditian , Chen Chunfa , Zeng De
Published: April 2020

Background

Emerging evidences suggest that lymph node ratio (LNR), the number of metastatic lymph node (LN) to the total number of dissected lymph nodes (NDLN), may predict survival in multiple types of solid tumor. However, the prognostic role of LNR in adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) remains uninvestigated. The study is intended to determine the prognostic value of LNR in the patients with Siewert type II AEG.

Methods

A total of 342 patients with Siewert type II AEG who underwent R0 resection were enrolled in this study. The optimal cut-off of LNR was stratified into tertiles using X-tile software. The log-rank test was used to evaluate the survival differences, and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed to determine the independent prognostic variables.

Results

The optimal cut-off of LNR were classified as LNR = 0, LNR between 0.01 and 0.40 and LNR > 0.41. Patients with high LNR had a shorter 5- and 10-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rate (8.5%, 1.4%) compared with those with moderate LNR (20.4%, 4.9%) and low LNR (58.0%, 27.5%) ( P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that LNR was an independent factor for DSS after adjusting for confounding variables ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, after stratification by NDLN between NDLN < 15 group and NDLN ≥ 15 group, the LNR remained a significant predictor for DSS ( P < 0.05).

Conclusions

LNR is an independent predictor for DSS in patients with Siewert type II AEG regardless of NDLN. Patients with higher LNR have significantly shorter DSS.
A Propensity Score Matching study on the effect of OnabotulinumtoxinA alone versus Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy plus drug-of-choice as preventive therapy in Chronic Migraine: effects and predictive factors.
Authors: Alessiani Michele , Petolicchio Barbara , Sanctis Rita De , Giambattista Romina Di , Puma Marta , Franzese Ciro , Gilliéron Edmond , Viganò Alessandro , Piero Vittorio Di
Published: April 2020

Background: Chronic migraine (CM) is an ensemble disorder in which pain, comorbidities, and medication overuse headache (MOH) interact to determine the degree of disability. No data support the choice of a monotherapy rather than a multidisciplinary preventive approach. The aim of this study is testing the superiority of multidisciplinary approach, i.e. Short-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (STPP) plus drug of choice, vs. monotherapy, i.e. OnabotulinumtoxinA. Methods: We consecutively recorded data from CM patients who underwent STPP or OnaBoNT-A, with a 3-month follow-up schedule. Headache days and analgesics intake were monitored as primary outcome measures to determine the benefit. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to eliminate discrepancies between groups. Discriminant function analysis was used to pinpoint predictive factors associated to the clinical response. Results: 96 patients with CM (64% with MOH) were treated with STPP and 54 (59% with MOH) with OnaBoNT-A. At baseline, OnaBoNT-A patients had more failed preventive therapies, more years of illness and chronicity, and were older, while STPP patients were more depressed and had an higher HIT-6 (p<0.001). Both STPP and OnaBoNT-A patients showed a significant reduction of headache days (STPP: -14 vs. OnaBoNT-A:-14.3) and analgesics intake (STPP: -12,3 vs. OnaBoNT-A -13.5 pills/month), respectively. MOH diminished more in STPP, adherence was higher in OnaBoNT-A. Results were confirmed after that PSM balanced the two groups for all these variables that resulted different (but age). DFA predicts responders in pooled and OnaBoNT-A group. Conclusions: OnaBoNT-A monotherapy produced similar results of a multidisciplinary approach with psychotherapy plus medication. STPP provided a better short term response but short- and long-term adherence was higher in OnaBoNT-A.
Epidemiology and risk factors of rectal colonization of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae among high-risk patients from ICU and HSCT wards in a university hospital
Authors: Yan Li , Sun Jide , Xu Xiuyu , Huang Shifeng
Published: April 2020

Background: Nosocomial infections caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterieceae (CPE) constitute a major global health concern and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Rectal colonization with CPE is a risk factor for bacterial translocation leading to subsequent endogenous CPE infections. This prospective observational study was aimed to investigate the prevalence and epidemiology of rectal colonization of CPE, the carbapenemase genotypes, and to identify the independent risk factors for the acquisition of CPE colonization in high-risk patients from ICU and HSCT wards in a university hospital in China. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, 150 fecal samples from rectal swabs were consecutively obtained for inpatients from the ICU and HSCT wards from November 2018 to May 2019, and screening test for CPE was conducted by using home-made trypsin soybean broth (TSB) selective media and MacConkey agar. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the broth microdilution method and carbapenemase genes were characterized by both the GeneXpert Carba-R and PCR for blaKPC, blaNDM, blaIMP, blaVIM and blaOXA. In order to further investigate the risk factors and clinical outcomes of CPE colonization, a prospective case-control study was also performed.Results: 26 suspected CPE strains, including 17 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 6 Escherichia coli, 1 Citrobacter freundii, 1 Enterobacter Kobe, and 1 Raoultella ornithinolytica, were identified in 25 non-duplicated fecal samples from 25 patients, with a carriage rate of 16.67% (25/150). Through GeneXpert Carba-R and subsequent PCR and sequencing, all the suspected CPE isolates were identified to be positive for the carbapenemase genes, of which 17 were blaKPC-carriers, and another 9 were blaNDM-producers. Multivariate analysis indicated that urinary system diseases, operation of bronchoscopy, and combined use of antibiotics were independent risk factors for acquiring CPE colonization in high-risk patients from the ICU and HSCT wards. Conclusions: This study revealed a high prevalence of rectal CPE colonization in high-risk patients from ICU and HSCT wards, and a predominant colonization of the KPC-producing K. pneumoniae strains. Stricter infection control measures are urgently needed to limit the dissemination of CPE strains, especially in patients who were afflicted by urinary system diseases, have underwent bronchoscopy, and were previously exposed to combined antibiotic use.
A case series of children with adenovirus pneumonia: three-year experiences in a tertiary PICU
Authors: Shi Jingyi , Zhou Yiping , Wang Fei , Wang Chunxia , Miao Huijie , Sun Ting , Shan Yijun , Cui Yun , Zhang Yucai
Published: April 2020

Objective: Describe the outcome of adenovirus pneumonia in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) over a 3-year period, to identify the risk factors that may be associated with worse outcome. Design: A retrospective observational study was performed in a tertiary university PICU from July 2016 to June 2019. Setting: The PICU of children’s hospital in Shanghai. Patients: Sixty-seven children over 29 days to 14 years old with adenovirus pneumonia who were admitted to PICU with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure were included in this study. Measurements and Main Results: The primary outcome was hospital mortality, and secondary outcomes were hospital and PICU length of stay (LOS), and risk factors of worse outcome. Of 67 children with severe adenovirus pneumonia, the hospital mortality was 16.42 % (11/67) and 28-day mortality was 14.93 % (10/67). Median Pediatric Risk of Mortality III (PRISM III) score at admission was 13 (interquartile range[IQR], 10-15). Median PICU LOS stay was 11days (8-18d) and hospital LOS was 22 days (16-31d). Among children with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (n=9), 6 cases survived and 3 cases died. The patients who need renal replacement therapy, neuromuscular blockade, parenteral nutrition, and packed red blood cell perfusion had higher hospital mortality ( p = 0.000, p = 0.041, p = 0.000, p = 0.012, respectively). Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that liver dysfunction and co-infection & nosocomial infection were associated with high risk of mortality. Conclusions: The hospital mortality of adenovirus pneumonia in our PICU was 16.42%. Patients complicated liver dysfunction and co-infection & nosocomial infection were associated with poor outcome.
The roles of vicariance and isolation by distance in shaping biotic diversification across an ancient archipelago: evidence from a Seychelles caecilian amphibian
Authors: Maddock Simon T , Nussbaum Ronald A , Day Julia J , IV Leigh Latta , Miller Mark , Fisk Debra L , Wilkinson Mark , Rocha Sara , Gower David , Pfrender Michael E
Published: April 2020

Background: Island systems offer excellent opportunities for studying the evolutionary histories of species by virtue of their restricted size and easily identifiable barriers to gene flow. However, most studies investigating evolutionary patterns and processes shaping biotic diversification have focused on more recent (emergent) rather than ancient oceanic archipelagos. Here, we focus on the granitic islands of the Seychelles, which are unusual among island systems because they have been isolated for a long time and are home to a radiation of caecilian amphibians that have been separated from their extant sister lineage for ca. 65 Ma. We selected the most widespread Seychelles caecilian species, Hypogeophis rostratus , to investigate morphological and genetic (mitochondrial and nuclear) variation across the archipelago (782 samples from nine islands) to identify patterns and test processes that shaped their evolutionary history within the Seychelles. Results: Overall a signal of strong geographic structuring with distinct northern- and southern-island clusters were identified across all datasets. We suggest that these distinct groups have been isolated for ca. 1.2 Ma years without subsequent migration between them. Populations from the somewhat geographically isolated island of Frégate showed contrasting relationships to other islands based on genetic and morphological data, clustering alternatively with northern-island (genetic) and southern-island (morphological) populations. Conclusions: Although variation in H. rostratus across the Seychelles is explained more by isolation-by-distance than by adaptation, the genetic-morphological incongruence for affinities of Frégate H. rostratus might be caused by local ecological adaptation over-riding the signal from their vicariant history. Our findings highlight the need to investigate fine-scale geographic structuring to uncover underlying diversity and to better understand evolutionary processes on ancient, continental islands.
Predictability and controlling factors of overpressure in the North Alpine Foreland Basin, SE Germany: An interdisciplinary post-drill analysis of the Geretsried GEN-1 Deep Geothermal Well
Authors: Drews Michael Christian , Hofstetter Peter , Zosseder Kai , Shipilin Vladimir , Stollhofen Harald
Published: April 2020

Drilling- and velocity-based well analyses and 3D basin modelling were combined to test the predictability and controlling factors of overpressure in the North Alpine Foreland Basin in SE Germany. More specifically, the techniques were tested in the sub-regional context of the deep geothermal well Geretsried GEN-1 (TVD = 4852 m), located in the south of Munich. A 3D basin model based on a total of 20 wells was calibrated to the pressure distribution of four petroleum wells and tested against the Geretsried GEN-1 well. The results demonstrate that overpressure in the North Alpine Foreland Basin in SE Germany can be predicted from a simple 3D basin model calibrated to a minimum number of wells. Thereby, disequilibrium compaction likely acts as the main overpressure mechanism in the study area, underpinned by significantly higher sedimentation rates at overpressured locations. 3D basin modelling also confirms the role of Upper Cretaceous shales, which, if present, serve as an important pressure barrier between the under- to normally pressured Jurassic and overpressured Cenozoic basin fill. In addition, overpressure magnitudes of the Chattian might be higher than previously expected. The results of this study have great impact on future drilling campaigns in the North Alpine Foreland Basin in SE Germany. Minimized non-productive time and drilling cost, improved well planning and increased safety are amongst the most important benefits of accurate pore pressure and overpressure prediction. The newly derived insights on the mechanisms of overpressure will greatly influence future geomechanical and tectonic studies, since pore pressure is driving rock strength and principal stress magnitudes. Finally, the study is a great example for the importance of an interdisciplinary approach and the incorporation of geological conditions, when investigating drilling-related problems.
Cottonseed oil alleviates ischemic stroke injury by inhibiting the inflammatory activation of microglia and astrocyte
Authors: Liu Min , Xu Zhipeng , Wang Long , Zhang Lixia , Liu Yi , Cao Jiangbei , Fu Qiang , Liu Yanhong , Li Hao , Lou Jingsheng , Hou Wugang , Mi WeiDong , Ma Yulong
Published: April 2020

Background: Ischemic stroke is the second leading cause of death globally. The narrow time window for administering effective thrombolytic therapy motivates the search for alternative prevention strategies. Microglia and astrocyte activation-mediated inflammation play a pivotal role in ischemic stroke injury. Cottonseed oil (CSO) has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects against peripheral tissue injury, although CSO is mostly used as a solvent for lipid-soluble drugs. However, the role of CSO in neuroprotection against stroke has not been previously reported.Methods: We treated adult male rats with CSO (1.3 ml/kg, subcutaneous injection, once every other day for 3 weeks) and then constructed a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. Then we measured the neurological scores, infarction volume, neuronal injury and brain edema; we also measured the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), degree of microglial and astrocytic activation, protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), NF-κB and C3d, and the presence of A1 type astrocytes and A2 type astrocytes.Results: We found that CSO treatment significantly improved the neurological deficit, reduced infarction volume, and alleviated neuronal injuries, blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption and brain edema. Additionally, CSO treatment significantly reduced microglial and astrocytic activation, inhibited TLR4 and NF-κB protein expression, and reduced the release of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Finally, CSO treatment significantly decreased the number of C3d/glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cells and C3d protein expression, and increased the number of S100A10/GFAP-positive cells.Conclusion: Our results first found that CSO treatment alleviated ischemic stroke injury by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB pathway-mediated microglial and astrocytic activation and inflammation, and by reducing A1 phenotype neurotoxic astrocyte activation, suggesting that CSO could be a new strategy in the prevention of ischemic stroke.
Neuroinflammation is associated with infiltration of T cells in Lewy body disease and ɑ-synuclein transgenic models.
Authors: Iba Michiyo , Kim Changyoun , Sallin Michelle , Kwon Somin , Verma Anjali , Overk Cassia , Rissman Robert , Sen Ranjan , Sen Jyoti , Masliah Eliezer
Published: April 2020

Background: ɑ-synuclein (ɑ-syn) is a presynaptic protein which progressively accumulates in neuronal and non-neuronal cells in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy. Recent evidence suggests that aberrant immune activation may be involved in neurodegeneration in PD/DLB. While previous studies have often focused on the microglial responses, less is known about the role of the peripheral immune system in these disorders.Methods: To understand the involvement of the peripheral immune system in PD/DLB, we evaluated T cell populations in the brains of ɑ-syn transgenic (tg) mice (eg: Thy1 promoter line 61) and DLB patients.Results: Immunohistochemical analysis showed perivascular and parenchymal infiltration by CD3+/CD4+ helper T cells, but not cytotoxic T cells (CD3+/CD8+) or B cells (CD20+), in the neocortex, hippocampus, and striatum of ɑ-syn tg mice. CD3+ cells were found in close proximity to the processes of activated astroglia, particularly in areas of the brain with significant astrogliosis, microgliosis, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, a subset of CD3+ cells co-expressed interferon γ. Flow cytometric analysis of immune cells revealed that CD1d+ T cells were also increased in the brains of ɑ-syn tg mice and matched an expression profile consistent with natural killer T cells. In post-mortem DLB brains, we similarly detected CD3+ T cells that expressed CD4+ or CD1d+ in close proximity with blood vessels.Conclusion: These results suggest that infiltrating adaptive immune cells play an important role in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in synucleinopathies and that modulating peripheral T cells may be a viable therapeutic strategy for PD/DLB.
Implementation of the Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program (CHAP) for adults on a waiting list for a family physician
Authors: Kaczorowski Janusz , Lussier Marie-Thérèse , Girard Magali , Beaulieu-Carbonneau Audrey
Published: April 2020

Background The Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program (CHAP) was originally developed and evaluated as a community-based cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention program in communities where access to family physicians was not a significant issue. Many Canadians now face sub-optimal access to a regular source of primary healthcare. Centralised waiting lists and prioritization based on urgency of medical need were created to address this problem. Our objective was to assess the potential benefits of offering a modified version of the CHAP program to adults on the waiting list.Methods The implementation was conducted in Laval (Canada), targeting individuals 40 years of age or older who were registered on the waiting list (GACO) and had a priority code of 3. Participants were invited through a personalized letter to attend sessions in community health centres. The sessions were facilitated by trained volunteers and supervised by a nurse. During the sessions, participants completed CVD risk profiles, risk of type 2 diabetes questionnaire (CANRISK); had their blood pressure, height and weight as well as waist circumference measured; received targeted healthy lifestyle and patient education materials; and were referred to local programs including a medical follow-up, when required.Results A total of 2,036 invitation letters were sent resulting in 281 (14.2%) participants attending one of 26 3-hour sessions held in 4 community health centres, assisted by 33 volunteers and supervised by a nurse. The average age of attendees was 58.1 (SD=8.2) and a majority were female (58%, n=163). Most participants were sedentary (57.3%, n=161), had low fruit and vegetable consumption (54.4%, n=153), and were overweight (38.9%, n=109) or obese (41.7%, n=117). A third of participants (34.2%, n=96) had BP ≥140/90 and 11.4% (n=32) were classified as having a very high risk for developing diabetes. Over 40% (n=117) of participants were referred to health promotion programs offered by local health authorities and 4.6% (n=13) were referred to family physicians or emergency departments (1.8%, n=5) for short-term medical assistance.Conclusions Many Laval adults on a waiting list for a family physician would greatly benefit from having a regular source of primary healthcare to prevent, delay, and manage their cardiovascular health.
Construction of a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network based on differentially co-expressed circular RNA in gastric cancer tissue and plasma by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Gong Yu , Qi Xiaoyang , Fu Jinjin , Qian Jun , Jiao Yuwen , Yang Haojun , Tang Liming
Published: April 2020

Background: Increasing evidence implicates circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been involved in human cancer progression. However, the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we identified novel circRNAs related to gastric cancer and constructed a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network.Methods: Microarray dataset GSE83521 and GSE93541 were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Then, we used computational biology to select differentially co-expressed circRNAs in GC tissue and plasma and detected the expression of selected circRNAs in gastric cell lines by quantitative real‑time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‑PCR). We also chose the candidate miRNAs and their target genes for circRNAs through online tools. Combining the predictions of miRNAs and target mRNAs, a competing endogenous RNA regulatory network was established. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were performed, and interactions between proteins were predicted by using String and Cytoscape. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to elucidate the possible functions of these differentially expressed circRNAs.Results: The regulatory network constructed using the microarray datasets (GSE83521 and GSE93541) contained three differentially co-expressed circRNAs (DECs). A circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed based on 3 circRNAs, 43 miRNAs and 119 mRNAs. GO and KEGG analysis showed that regulation of apoptotic signaling pathway and PI3K−Akt signaling pathway were highest degrees of enrichment respectively. We established a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network consisting of 165 nodes and 170 edges and identified hub genes by MCODE plugin in Cytoscape. Furthermore, a core circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed base on hub genes. Hsa_circ_0001013 was finally determined to play an important role in the pathogenesis of GC according to the core circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network.Conclusions: We propose a new circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network associated with the pathogenesis of GC. The network may become a new molecular biomarker and be used to develop potential therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer.
Chiropractic students in Denmark and their adherence to chiropractic conservatism: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Nim Casper Glissmann , Lauridsen Henrik Hein , O'Neill Søren , Goncalves Guillaume , Jensen Rikke Krüger , Leboeuf-Yde Charlotte
Published: April 2020

Background

The chiropractic profession is split between those practicing evidence-informed and those whose practice is honed by vitalism. The latter has been coined ‘chiropractic conservatism’. Concerningly, this behavior is also present in students, as a recent survey conducted on students from a European private chiropractic college showed that chiropractic conservatism was the norm. This was also present in two Australian university-based institutions not associated to a medial faculty. In Denmark, the chiropractic program is university-based and firmly embedded in a medical faculty. We were curious if the same levels of conservatism were present in this setup. The objectives of this study were to establish the level of conservatism in Danish chiropractic students, to investigate if this was linked to year of study, and to compare the results from previous studies on the university and non-university-based institutions.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey on 122 (73%) 3rd to 5th year chiropractic students attending the University of Southern Denmark was conducted. Information about the project was sent out on October 1st, 2019. Participants were provided with a questionnaire consisting of 10 items concerning chiropractic conservatism. All ten answers were dichotomized into appropriate/inappropriate and summed up. This score was used in a linear regression to determine the association with academic year of study. The level of conservatism was thereafter categorized into four groups (group 1 indicating low levels of conservatism and group 4 indicating high levels of conservatism). These results were compared systematically to those of the previous studies.

Results

In general, the Danish chiropractic students had low conservatism scores, and this decreased with increased year of study. Seventy percent of the students were placed in the two lowest conservative groups . The Danish students answered consistently, on 3 out of 5 items, with the other university-based programs, both agreeing that adjustments can make the body function at 100% and that they can improve the health of infants. An inverse relationship was observed with the private college, whose students were primarily placed in the highest conservatism group.

Conclusions

The Danish chiropractic students did not show the same level of conservatism as the private college, but were more comparable to the other university-based programs. Despite a favorable environment, some students were still linked with some conservative thinking, but this did decrease with increasing year of study.
Evaluation of adhesion barrier types in a rat hepatectomy-induced adhesion model
Authors: Shimizu Atsushi , Kai Miho , Tasaki Masako , Chino Naotaka , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Kokudo Norihiro
Published: April 2020

Background: Adhesion formation after hepatectomy creates problems for repeat hepatectomy. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a spray (AdSpray) and sheet adhesion barrier (Seprafilm) in a rat hepatectomy-induced adhesion model.Methods: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent partial resection of the left lateral liver lobe. They were randomly assigned to control (n=10), AdSpray (n=10), and Seprafilm groups. Seven days after surgery, the animals were sacrificed, and adhesions at the hepatic resection surface were blindly evaluated.Results: In the control group, adhesions were formed in all 10 animals (100%), with a 69% adhesion extent (mean). In the AdSpray group, the incidence of adhesions (40%) and the adhesion extent (mean, 10%) were significantly lower than in the control group. In the Seprafilm group, the adhesion extent (mean, 30%) was significantly lower than in the control group. As for histopathological examination, animals in the AdSpray group showed a similar healing profile to that of the control group without delayed healing and regeneration of mesothelial cells. In contrast, the Seprafilm group showed ongoing foreign body reaction to Seprafilm, and regeneration of mesothelial cells was immature at 7 days.Conclusions: Both the spray-type gel and sheet adhesion barriers significantly reduced adhesion formation after hepatectomy. The spray-type adhesion barrier caused no adverse events and induced favorable healing. These adhesion barriers may be effective in hepatectomy.
Power Performance Analysis of PV Module with DC to DC Buck Converter
Authors: Murshed Niaj , Tushar Md. Salman Khan , Chowdhury Suman
Published: April 2020

The power performance of PV module with dc-dc buck converter for photovoltaic energy application has been analyzed in this paper. Since the solar module produces DC voltage at various levels depending on irradiance variation, it is needed to connect a DC-DC converter to adjust the level of DC voltage at a certain level. The power output has been investigated by MATLAB simulation. To improve the output power Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control is used. From the simulation it has been observed that around 13.85 Watts more output power can be extracted if PID control is used.
Impact of Gender Differences and Glycated Haemoglobin on Atherosclerosis Risk in Type 2 Diabetic Patients from North Western Algeria
Authors: BOURAGBA Imane , BOULARBAG Hannane , DIAF Mustapha
Published: April 2020

In type 2 diabetic patients, blood lipids and lipid ratios have been proven to be associated with atherosclerosis risk; however, results about the effect of gender differences had not been fully conclusive.  In this transversal comparative study, a total of 129 adult type 2 diabetic patients (54 men and 75 women), from north western Algeria, was included to highlight the impact of gender differences on atherosclerosis risk (assessed by lipid ratios) according to their diabetic profile. Comparing between the two genders, no significant differences (p>0.05) were noted on diabetes duration, central obesity, body mass index and blood pressures. Moreover, the basic biochemical parameters of both glycaemic and lipid metabolism were not meaningfully divergent. However, higher significant values (p<0.05) of body weight, height, HbA1c levels, HDL and lipid ratios (TC/HDL, LDL/HDL and TG/HDL) were observed in male patients comparing to females. According to the HbA1c levels (HbA1c<7%vs. HbA1c≥ 7%); notable higher CT/HDL, LDL/HDL and TG/HDL in male patients comparing to women were found. The rates of these three lipid ratios were often higher in both classes of HbA1c. The consideration of gender differences is very important for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of atherosclerosis and CVD. The disparity in atherogenic risk, in both genders, estimated by lipid ratios need to be critically examined. Further, interventional studies are needed to determine how sex can modulate the impacts of diabetes control parameters on atherosclerosis risk.
Bankers and financial advisers in an emerging economy: are they financially literate?
Authors: Lethepa Alicia , Matemane Reon , Dhlembeu Nyasha
Published: April 2020

Financial literacy is important for employees in the banking sector, as they are required to advise and administer the savings and investments of their clients. This study aims to establish financial literacy levels for banking employees and socio-demographic variables that influence their financial literacy levels. When collecting the necessary data for analysis, a survey was used for the total final sample of 120 employees of the banking sector. Descriptive statistics, the two-sample T-test and a simple ANOVA were used to determine the actual financial literacy levels and the socio-demographic factors influencing them. Overall, the employees were found to have moderately high levels of financial literacy. Only gender, race and education level were found to have an influence on financial literacy levels. This study informs the banking sector about how well employees are involved in financial literacy and which socio-demographic groups of their employees they need to focus on when exploring financial education programs.
Molecular and cellular aspects of the shoot apical meristems organization of vascular plants
Authors: Klimova Ekaterina , Voitsekhovskaja Olga
Published: April 2020

Transfer of developmental regulators, such as miRNA and transcription factors, through plasmodesmata represents one of the key mechanisms regulating morphogenesis in angiosperms. This mechanism has been termed non-cell-autonomous regulation. At present it is not known whether this process is involved in the morphogenesis of plants belonging to the evolutionarily ancient taxa. Importantly, structure and symplastic organization of apical meristems in the representatives of such taxa significantly differ from those in flowering plants. The non-cell-autonomous transcription factors encoded by the KNOX genes which regulate functions of the shoot apical meristem may become a promising model to study this issue. Refs 102. Figs 3.
New data about smut fungi of Nurata Range
Authors: Mustafaev Ilyor
Published: April 2020

The article presents data about 14 species of smut fungi that occur in the Nurata ridge. During analyzes confinement them to host plants revealed that they parasitize on 16 species of vascular plants belonging to 5 families. On family Poaceae was observed 10 species of smut fungi that constitute 71.4 % of the total of smuts of Nurata. 14 species of smut fungi observed in seasonal distribution were studied. Among them 2 species (Vankya heufleri, Antracoidea eleocharidis) found in the spring, only 1 species (Ustilago cyno-dontis) in spring-autumn period. Also smut fungi first time found on host plants of Carex stenophylla, Tulipa turkestanica, Thalictrum sultanabadense, Stipa capillata and Stipa lipskyi in Uzbekistan. Refs 7. Figs 5. Tables 3.
Alluviated soils of the Saint-Petersburg City
Authors: Maximova Ekaterina , Abakumov Evgeny
Published: April 2020

Saint-Petersburg macro urban landscape is situated in the most important part of the Baltic environment. This urban landscape is situated in the Neva Lowland and is known as the most anthropogenically transformed part of Russian North-West and Scandinavian region. Saint-Petersburg city has a huge area of hydraulically constructed (alluvial) soils or soil-like bodies, situated on the banks of the Gulf of Finland. These constructed grounds form the territory of parks in residential areas. Soils of the alluvial territories, created by human, play an important role in landscapes functioning and formation of ecological stability. Alluvial filled territories are considered as a semi-natural environmental model of landscape development in urban conditions. New formed soils of artificial landscapes have been described and their ecological functions are discussed as well. Constructed ground is characterized by problematic physical properties, which are not favourable for plants, soils of new formed plots show evidences of increased hyrdomorphism, gleyfication and formation of contrast layers phenomena. Artificial grounds of new hydraulically formed lands are characterized by number of soil-ecological problems. Refs 33. Figs 2. Tables 2.
Fractal organization of the primary structure of DNA
Authors: Karetin Yuriy
Published: April 2020

An analysis of the primary sequence of DNA clearly points to the possibility of considering it as a fractal structure, whose fractal properties depend on the species-specific, evolutionary features of the molecule as a whole and the morphological and functional characteristics of its individual elements. Main features of nucleotide distribution of various sizes are described by scenario of evolution, including insertions, deletions, replacements and duplications of DNA segments. The features of the size distribution and spacing of GA, poly-A, CA-, GC-, TA-, TC-, TG-sequences and of Alu elements were investigated. It was found that the repetitive DNA sequence, taking its origin from transposons, is distributed not chaotically in genome, but co-clustered with other types of repetitive elements, genes and genomic components. Refs 32.
How extreme can unit discharge become in steep Norwegian catchments?
Authors: Bruland Oddbjørn
Published: April 2020

This study presents results of observations and analysis of the flood event in Utvik on 24 July 2017. Observations during and after the event, hydraulic simulations and hydrological modelling along with meteorological observations, are used to estimate the peak discharge of the flood. Although both observations and hydraulic simulations of flood extremes are uncertain, even the most conservative assumptions lead to discharge estimates higher than 160 m3/s at culmination of the flood from the 25 km2-large catchment. The most extreme assumptions indicate it may have been up to 400 m3/s, but there is also strong evidence for the discharge at culmination being between 200 and 250 m3/s. Observations disclosed that the majority of water came from about 50% of the catchment area giving unit discharges up to 18 to 22 m3/s,km2. If the entire catchment contributed it would be from 9 to 11 m3/s,km2. This is significantly higher than previously documented unit discharges in Norway and in the range of the highest observed peak unit discharges in southern Europe. The precipitation causing this event is estimated to be three to five times higher than a 200-year precipitation taken from the intensity–duration–frequency curves for the studied region.
Forecasting of droughts and tree mortality under global warming: a review of causative mechanisms and modeling methods
Authors: Han Jeongwoo , Singh Vijay P.
Published: April 2020

Droughts of greater severity are expected to occur more frequently at larger space-time scales under global warming and climate change. Intensified drought and increased rainfall intermittency will heighten tree mortality. To mitigate drought-driven societal and environmental hazards, reliable long-term drought forecasting is critical. This review examines causative mechanisms for drought and tree mortality, and synthesizes stochastic, statistical, dynamical, and hybrid statistical-dynamical drought forecasting models as well as theoretical, empirical, and mechanistic tree mortality forecasting models. Since an increase in global mean temperature changes the strength of sea surface temperature (SST) teleconnections, forecasting models should have the flexibility to incorporate the varying causality of drought. Some of the statistical drought forecasting models, which have nonlinear and nonstationary natures, can be merged with dynamical models to compensate for their lack of stochastic structure in order to improve forecasting skills. Since tree mortality is mainly affected by a hydraulic failure under drought conditions, mechanistic forecasting models, due to their capacity to track the percentage of embolisms against available soil water, are adequate to forecast tree mortality. This study also elucidates approaches to improve long-term drought forecasting and regional tree mortality forecasting as a future outlook for drought studies.
Liposome Circulation Time is Prolonged by CD47 Coating
Authors: Hayat Seyed Mohammad Gheibi , Jaafari Mahmoud R. , Hatamipour Mahdi , Penson Peter E. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: April 2020

Introduction:

Bio-degradable nano-particles have many applications as drug delivery
vehicles because of their good bio-availability, controlled release, low toxicity and potential for encapsulation.
However, the most important obstacle to nanoparticulate drug delivery is elimination
by macrophages which reduces the residence time of nanoparticles in the blood. To overcome this
problem, the surface of the nanoparticle can be passivated by coating with Polyethylene glycol
(PEG). However, the use of PEG has its own disadvantages. CD47 receptor acts as a self marker
on the surface of many cells and inhibits phagocytosis. This study used a CD47 mimicry peptide as
a substitute for PEG to fabricate “stealth” nanoliposome with reduced macrophage clearance.

Methods:

Doxorubibin was used as a model drug because of its inherent fluorescence. Doxorubicin-
containing liposomes were coated with different percentages of CD47 mimicry peptide (0.5%
and 1%). PEG-functionalized doxorubicin-containing liposomes, were used as a comparator. The
liposomal formulations were intravenously injected into mice. Serum was collected at pre-defined
time points and tissue samples were taken at 24 hours. Fluorescence was used to determine the concentration
doxorubicin in serum, heart, spleen, kidney, liver and lung tissues.

Results:

Tissue biodistribution and serum kinetic studies indicated that compared with PEG, the
use of CD47 mimicry peptide increased the circulation time of doxorubicin in the circulation. Moreover,
unwanted accumulation of doxorubicin in the reticuloendothelial tissues (liver and spleen),
kidney and heart was significantly decreased by the CD47 mimicry peptide.

Conclusion:

The use of a CD47 mimicry peptide on the surface of nanoliposomes improved the
residence time of liposomal doxorubicin in the circulation. The accumulation of drug in non-target
tissues was reduced, thereby potentially reducing toxicity.
Novel Perspective for Antithrombotic Therapy in TAVI
Authors: Drakopoulou Maria , Soulaidopoulos Stergios , Oikonomou George , Stathogiannis Konstantinos , Latsios George , Synetos Andreas , Tousoulis Dimitrios , Toutouzas Konstantinos
Published: April 2020

:

While surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) was for years the only available treatment for symptomatic
aortic stenosis, the introduction of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in 2002 and the improvement
of its technical aspects in the following years, has holistically changed the synchronous therapeutic
approach of aortic valve stenosis. Recent evidence has expanded the indication of TAVI from high to lower surgical
risk populations with symptomatic aortic stenosis. The administration of antithrombotic therapy periprocedurally
and its maintenance after a successful TAVI is crucial for the prevention of complications and affects
postprocedural survival. Randomized controlled trials investigating the appropriate combination and the
duration of antithrombotic treatment after TAVI are for the moment scarce. This review article sheds light on the
underlying pathogenetic mechanisms contributing in periprocedural TAVI thrombotic complications and discuss
the efficacy of current antithrombotic policies as evaluated in randomized trials.
Identification of SNP Markers Associated with Iron and Zinc Concentrations in Cicer Seeds
Authors: Karaca Nur , Ates Duygu , Nemli Seda , Ozkuru Esin , Yilmaz Hasan , Yagmur Bulent , Kartal Canan , Tosun Muzaffer , Ozdestan Ozgul , Otles Semih , Kahriman Abdullah , Chang Peter , Tanyolac Muhammed Bahattin
Published: April 2020

Background:

Cicer reticulatum L. is the wild progenitor of chickpea Cicer arietinum L., the fourth most important pulse crop in the world. Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) are vital micronutrients that play crucial roles in sustaining life by acting as co-factors for various proteins.

Aims and Objectives:

In order to improve micronutrient-dense chickpea lines, this study aimed to investigate variability and detect DNA markers associated with Fe and Zn concentrations in the seeds of 73 cultivated (C. arietinum L.) and 107 C. reticulatum genotypes.

Methods:

A set of 180 accessions was genotyped using 20,868 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers obtained from genotyping by sequencing analysis.

Results:

The results revealed substantial variation in the seed Fe and Zn concentration of the surveyed population. Using STRUCTURE software, the population structure was divided into two groups according to the principal component analysis and neighbor-joining tree analysis. A total of 23 and 16 associated SNP markers related to Fe and Zn concentrations, respectively were identified in TASSEL software by the mixed linear model method. Significant SNP markers found in more than two environments were accepted as more reliable than those that only existed in a single environment.

Conclusion:

The identified markers can be used in marker-assisted selection in chickpea breeding programs for the improvement of seed Fe and Zn concentrations in the chickpea.
N-glycomic Analysis of Z(IgA1) Partitioned Serum and Salivary Immunoglobulin A by Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Meszaros Brigitta , Kovacs Zsuzsanna , Gebri Eniko , Jankovics Hajnalka , Vonderviszt Ferenc , Kiss Attila , Simon Adam , Botka Sarolta , Hortobagyi Tibor , Guttman Andras
Published: April 2020

Aims:

Application of capillary electrophoresis with laser induced fluorescence
detection (CE-LIF) to identify the N-glycosylation structures of serum and saliva IgA from
healthy controls and patients with malignant hematological diseases having cytostatic
treatment induced mild oral mucosal lesions.

Background:

Altered N-glycosylation of body fluid glycoproteins can be an effective
indicator of most inflammatory processes. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the second highest
abundant immunoglobulin and has a major role in the immune-defense against potential
pathogen attacks. While IgA is abundant in serum, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) is
one of the most prevalent proteins in mucosal surfaces, such as in saliva.

Objective:

Our aim was to investigate the changes of IgA glycosylation in serum and
saliva as a response to an administered cytostatic treatment in patients with malignant
hematological disorders.

Methods:

Capillary electrophoresis with laser induced fluorescent detection (CE-LIF)
was used to analyze the N-glycosylation profiles of Z(IgA1) partitioned immunoglobulin A
in pooled serum and saliva of 10 control subjects and 8 patients with malignant
hematological diseases having cytostatic treatment induced mild oral mucosal lesions.

Results:

Eight of 31 and four of 38 N-glycans in serum and saliva, respectively, showed
significant (p<0.05) differences upon comparison to the control group. Thirteen glycans
were present in the saliva but not in the serum, on the other hand, six structures were
found in the serum samples not present in the saliva.

Conclusion:

The developed Z(IgA1) partitioning and the high resolution CE-LIF based
glyocoanalytical methods provided an efficient and sensitive workflow to detect and
monitor IgA glycosylation alterations in serum and saliva with the scope for widespread
molecular medicinal use.
Donepezil Improves Gait Performance in Patients with an Acute Cerebral Infarction: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Ying-Ying , Guo Shi-Jie , Quan Hui , Zhao Yan-Xin , Huang Dong-Ya
Published: April 2020

Background:

Hemiplegia is a common symptom after acute cerebral infarction.

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the influence factors of gait performance and investigate
whether donepezil could improve gait performance in patients with an acute cerebral infarction.

Methods:

A total of 107 patients who experienced unilateral paresis after an acute cerebral infarction
incident were enrolled in this prospectively observational study. Participants underwent a 3-
month assessment. At the study's conclusion, patients were divided into 2 groups-those who received
donepezil daily (observation Group) and those who did not (Control Group).

Results:

There was a significant difference (t=3.269, P=0.001) of Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS)
score between single site infarction (27.11±6.65) and multiple sites infarction (31.54±6.42). For
gender, smoking, drinking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes, there was no difference in
WGS scores between subgroups (P>0.05), respectively. The patient's admission National Institute
of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS) score had a strongly positive correlation with WGS score (r=0.850,
P<0.001). Besides, age (r=0.218, P=0.024), glycosylated hemoglobin (r=0.274, P=0.004), MMSE
(r=-0.261, P=0.007) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) (r=-0.272, P=0.005) had a weak
correlation with WGS scores. Multivariate analysis showed age (95% CI: 0.042~0.188, P=0.002),
admission NIHSS score (95% CI: 2.405~3.137, P<0.001) and multiple sites infarction (95% CI:
0.044~2.983, P=0.044) were independent risk factors of WGS scores. WGS scores of both observation
and control groups gradually decreased after admission (P<0.001). At 3 months after admission,
WGS score of the observation group was significantly lower than the control group
(t=2.468, P=0.015). There were no significant differences between observation and control group
at admission and 1 month after admission (P>0.05) and WGS scores of both single site and multiple
sites infarction gradually decreased at one month and three months after admission (P<0.001),
while there was no significant difference between two groups (P>0.05).

Conclusion:

Admission NIHSS score, age and multiple sites infarction were independent risk factors
of WGS score. Donepezil could improve gait performance in patients with acute cerebral infarction.