bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Oxidative Stress In Lead Poisoning
Authors: Al-Ubaidy Bashier , K. Al-Khashali Dawsar , A. Numan Nawfal
Published: March 2022

To investigate the relationship between increased lipid peroxidation, and the lowering of both plasma total proteins and albumin in lead-exposed workers, and the effectiveness of antioxidants (vit. C and E) in modulating oxidative stress in those workers.

Thirty male and females workers employed in the Iraqi storage battery (age range 20-40 years) were participating in this study. Additionally, 11 healthy subjects were served as healthy controls, with the same age range compared to workers group, to avoid the effects of age variations on the studied parameters. Blood lead levels, erythrocytes and plasma MDA, erythrocytes and plasma GSH, total protein and albumin levels in healthy controls and lead-exposed workers pre- and post-treatments with antioxidant were measured.

Comparison with healthy control groups reveal 360% increase in blood lead levels, 150% increase in erythrocyte MDA, 117% increase in plasma MDA, 28% decrease in erythrocyte GSH, 56% decrease in plasma GSH, 13% decrease in total plasma protein and 23% decrease in albumin levels in lead-exposed workers. Treatment with a combination of antioxidant vitamins (1000 mg/day vit. C and 200 mg/day vit. E) for one month produced significant reduction 12% in lead levels,  54% in erythrocyte MDA, 53% in plasma MDA; significant increase 41% in erythrocyte GSH, 120% in plasma GSH  and 11% in plasma albumin levels in comparison with pre-treatment levels.

In conclusion, there is a beneficial effect of antioxidants on the oxidative stress parameters that not only related to their ability to remove lead from target cells, but also associated with antioxidant potential for bolstering thiol antioxidant capacity, and this makes these vitamins a good candidate for therapeutic intervention in lead poisoning.
Taponamiento cardiaco asociado a meningoencefalitis, presentación atípica de tuberculosis
Authors: Rojas Chaves Juan Carlos , Solera Vega Andrés , Araya González Manuel
Published: March 2022

La tuberculosis sigue siendo una enfermedad con alta incidencia a nivel mundial aún en nuestros días. Aunque se ha avanzado en nuevos métodos para su diagnóstico, en muchas ocasiones su identificación continúa siendo un reto, especialmente en la presentación extrapulmonar dado lo inespecífico de sus síntomas. La alta sospecha clínica de la enfermedad, el abordaje multidisciplinario y sistemático, se convierten en herramientas esenciales para su reconocimiento temprano e inicio de tratamiento. A pesar de los avances en comprender la inmunopatogénesis de esta, aún hay áreas que no están del todo claras, como lo son la respuesta individual al bacilo y la susceptibilidad individual a formas graves. Las reacciones paradójicas de deterioro posterior al inicio del tratamiento son un ejemplo de estos ámbitos de incertidumbre. El uso de esteroides en conjunto con el tratamiento antifímico, ha demostrado disminuir la mortalidad y secuelas, particularmente en las formas de tuberculosis extrapulmonar. Con alguna frecuencia a pesar de un diagnóstico y tratamiento adecuados, la enfermedad avanza inexorablemente a la muerte del paciente por la presentación avanzada al momento del abordaje. Se expone el caso de un paciente con clínica de derrame pericárdico y taponamiento cardiaco, el cual posteriormente presenta datos de meningoencefalitis por tuberculosis y quien a pesar de un pronto diagnóstico e inicio adecuado de tratamiento una vez hospitalizado evoluciona a una hidrocefalia ameritando derivación quirúrgica y fallece posteriormente por complicaciones relacionadas.
Implementasi Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning (PBL) untuk Melatih Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Mahasiswa
Authors: Putri Hanif Rafika
Published: March 2022

Pandemi COVID 19 memberikan dampak yang signifikan dalam bidang pendidikan, di antaranya pembelajaran dilaksanakan secara daring, sampai penghapusan ujian nasional bagi para siswa. Untuk mengatasinya, guru dituntut berpikir kreatif menciptakan ide baru dalam pelaksanaan proses pembelajaran. Kemampuan berpikir kreatif ini juga dilatihkan kepada para mahasiswa calon pendidik agar nanti siap dalam kondisi apapun. Salah satu model pembelajaran yang cocok untuk melatih kemampuan berpikir kreatif adalah Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning (PBL). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peningkatan kemampuan berpikir kreatif mahasiswa setelah model pembelajaran PBL diterapkan. Jenis penelitian ini adalah pre experimental design dengan tipe one group pretest posttest design. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada mahasiswa semester 3 yang berjumlah 15 orang yang menempuh mata kuliah Belajar dan Pembelajaran. Hasil dari penelitian ini yakni terdapat peningkatan skor tes kemampuan berpikir kreatif dengan nilai rata-rata 66,2 (kriteria cukup kreatif) dan N-gain 0,66 (kriteria sedang).
Gambaran Perkembangan Motorik Halus pada Balita Usia 3-5 Tahun di PAUD Al-Usman
Authors: Widyawaty Eka Deviany
Published: March 2022

Lima tahun pertama kehidupan adalah periode yang paling peka terhadap lingkungan, sehingga balita disebut "Masa Keemasan", "Jendela Peluang" dan "Periode Kritis". Sehingga apabila masa tersebut tidak dimanfaatkan dengan sebaik-baiknya akan mengganggu perkembangan anak balita dan sangat mempengaruhi keberhasilan anak dalam proses pertumbuhan selanjutnya. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui Gambaran Perkembangan Motorik Halus Pada Balita Usia 3-5 Tahun di PAUD Al-Usman Desa Pelem Desa Kertosono Kecamatan Nganjuk. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif dengan desain penelitian survei deskriptif. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah anak usia 3-5 tahun di PAUD Al-Usman yang berjumlah 53 Balita. Metode pengambilan sampel dalam penelitian ini menggunakan simple random sampling, sejumlah 37 responden. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan lembar observasi, dengan menggunakan analisis Univariat. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa dari 37 anak usia 3-5 tahun, perkembangan motorik halus 27 anak (73%), Ragu-ragu 7 anak (18,1%) dan menyimpang 3 anak (8,9%). Berdasarkan uraian di atas dapat disimpulkan bahwa sebagian besar perkembangan motorik halus pada Balita usia 3-5 tahun di PAUD Al-Usman Nganjuk sudah sesuai.
ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE AT THE CONSUMPTION ETHICS OF STUDENTS IN AN-NIDA SALATIGA ISLAMIC BOARDING IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Amirudin Choirul , Sabiq Ahmad Fikri
Published: March 2022

This study aims to determine the ethical patten of consumption of the Islamic students at  An-Nida Islamic boarding school. The research was conducted in November 2020 using google form and other reputable journals with the keyword "Islamic Comsuption Ethics". Based on the results of the analysis, it can be concluded that the consumption behavior of the student at the An-Nida Salatiga Islamic Boarding School has followed the procedure with consumption ethics regulated in Islam. This can be seen from the exposure of the study that the comsumption pattern of the An-Nida Islamic Boarding School students during the pandemic and normal times is not much different. Even during the pandemic, the consumption patterns of the An-Nida students were more regular.
France's Updated Indo-Pacific Strategy: Analysis of Key Provisions
Authors:   Institute of oriental studies, Russian academy of sciences (MOSCOW), Garin Artyom
Published: March 2022

France became the first country of the European Union (EU) to establish the Indo-Pacific Strategy. President of the Fifth Republic, Emmanuel Macron, declared his regional commitment at the Garden Island Fleet Base in Sydney on the 3rd of May 2018. By expanding the scope of its foreign policy, France tries to legitimize its status as an Indo-Pacific power. The COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the intensified rivalry between China and the United States forced Paris to adapt to changing strategic circumstances. As a result, on the 26th of July 2021, France presented an Updated Indo-Pacific Strategy, which covers defence, trade, investment, multilateral and climate change issues.
Development of Creativity among Elementary Level Students of Low Socio-Economic Background through Guided Inquiry: An Empirical Evidence from Islamabad Pakistan
Authors: Awan Sher Muhammad , Kanwal Wajiha , Qamar Arshad Mahmood
Published: March 2022

Major aim was to determine the effect of guided inquiry on fluency and originality of ideas in creative thinking.The study was quasi-experimental. "Convenience" sampling technique was used. The sample size was 60. The experiment was performed in an elementary school in Islamabad. The scoring rubrics were used to analyze creative thinking in terms of fluency and originality. The scores of tests of the experimental group and control group were compared by t-test. There was a significant difference in the performance of the control group and the experimental group. Guided inquiry is recommended for the teaching of creativity in terms of originality and fluency.
Heparin in the treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lukito Patrick P. , Lie Hendry , Helsa Karina , July Julius
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE

Cerebral vasospasm and the resulting infarction remain the most devastating complications of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Limited treatment options are available, with nimodipine as the only approved prophylactic medication. In addition to its anticoagulant properties, heparin also has a pleiotropic and anti-inflammatory effect that could be beneficial in vasospasm. In this study, the authors sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of heparin in the treatment of aSAH.

METHODS

The PubMed, EBSCOhost, Europe PMC, and Cochrane Central databases were searched to find studies including patients with aSAH who were treated with intravenous unfractionated heparin (UFH) after an aneurysm-securing procedure. Studies that did not include a comparison with UFH or low-molecular-weight heparin in deep vein thrombosis prophylactic doses were excluded. The primary outcome was cerebral vasospasm, and the secondary outcomes were cerebral infarction, clinical deterioration caused by delayed cerebral ischemia, bleeding complications, and thromboembolism complications.

RESULTS

Overall, 5 nonrandomized studies were included; 4 studies evaluated the safety and 3 studies evaluated the efficacy of intravenous heparin. From the analysis of 3 studies with a total of 895 patients, administration of intravenous UFH for > 48 hours was related to a significantly lower rate of cerebral infarction (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.25–0.79). No significant association was found with other efficacy outcomes. Regarding cognitive outcome, one study found a significant improvement in Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores; however, the functional outcome as indicated by the modified Rankin Scale score was not improved by heparin administration. From the analysis of 4 studies with 1099 patients, no significant increases in bleeding and other complications were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of intravenous UFH for more than 48 hours reduced the rate of cerebral infarction with a good safety profile. This result supports the ongoing clinical trial.
Time trends in the risk of delayed cerebral ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Rigante Luigi , van Lieshout Jasper Hans , Vergouwen Mervyn D. I. , van Griensven Carlijn H. S. , Vart Priya , van der Loo Lars , de Vries Joost , Vinke Ruben Saman , Etminan Nima , Aquarius Rene , Gruber Andreas , Mocco J , Welch Babu G. , Menovsky Tomas , Klijn Catharina J. M. , Bartels Ronald H. M. A. , Germans Menno R. , Hänggi Daniel , Boogaarts Hieronymus D.
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) contributes to morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Continuous improvement in the management of these patients, such as neurocritical care and aneurysm repair, may decrease the prevalence of DCI. In this study, the authors aimed to investigate potential time trends in the prevalence of DCI in clinical studies of DCI within the last 20 years.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library were searched from 2000 to 2020. Randomized controlled trials that reported clinical (and radiological) DCI in patients with aSAH who were randomized to a control group receiving standard care were included. DCI prevalence was estimated by means of random-effects meta-analysis, and subgroup analyses were performed for the DCI sum score, Fisher grade, clinical grade on admission, and aneurysm treatment method. Time trends were evaluated by meta-regression.

RESULTS

The search strategy yielded 5931 records, of which 58 randomized controlled trials were included. A total of 4424 patients in the control arm were included. The overall prevalence of DCI was 0.29 (95% CI 0.26–0.32). The event rate for prevalence of DCI among the high-quality studies was 0.30 (95% CI 0.25–0.34) and did not decrease over time (0.25% decline per year; 95% CI −2.49% to 1.99%, p = 0.819). DCI prevalence was higher in studies that included only higher clinical or Fisher grades, and in studies that included only clipping as the treatment modality.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall DCI prevalence in patients with aSAH was 0.29 (95% CI 0.26–0.32) and did not decrease over time in the control groups of the included randomized controlled trials.
Association between D-dimer levels and long-term mortality in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Fang Fang , Wang Peng , Yao Wei , Wang Xing , Zhang Yu , Chong Weelic , Hai Yang , You Chao , Jiang Yan
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE

D-dimer is a marker for hypercoagulability and thrombotic events. The authors sought to investigate whether D-dimer levels predicted long-term mortality in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients with aSAH in West China Hospital, Sichuan University, between December 2013 and June 2019. D-dimer levels were measured within 24 hours after admission and were grouped by quartiles. The primary outcome was long-term mortality. Patient deaths were determined through the Household Registration Administration System in China, with a median of 4.4 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

This study included 2056 patients. Compared with patients with the lowest quartile (0.00–0.97 mg/L) of D-dimer levels, the odds of long-term mortality were significantly higher in all other patients, including those with D-dimer levels between 0.97 mg/L and 1.94 mg/L (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.85, 95% CI 1.32–2.60), those with D-dimer levels between 1.94 mg/L and 4.18 mg/L (aHR 1.94, 95% CI 1.40–2.70), and those patients with the highest quartile (> 4.18 mg/L) of D-dimer levels (aHR 2.35, 95% CI 1.70–3.24; p < 0.001). Similar results were observed for the endpoints of 1-year mortality and long-term mortality in 1-year survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated D-dimer levels at admission were associated with short-term and long-term mortality. This biomarker could be considered in future risk nomograms for long-term outcomes and might support future management decisions.
Day 2 neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios for prediction of delayed cerebral ischemia in subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Bolton William S. , Gharial Parjeet Kaur , Akhunbay-Fudge Christopher , Chumas Paul , Mathew Ryan K. , Anderson Ian A.
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE

Recent evidence has suggested that an admission neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of ≥ 5.9 predicts delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The primary aims of this study were to assess reproducibility and to ascertain the predictive ability of NLR on subsequent days postictus. Secondary aims included identification of additional inflammatory markers.

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective study of all patients aged ≥ 18 years with aSAH between May 2014 and July 2018 was performed. Patient characteristics, DCI incidence, operative features, and outcomes (on discharge and at 3 months postictus) were recorded. C-reactive protein (CRP) and full blood count differentials were recorded on admission and through day 8 postictus or at discharge. In total, 403 patients were included in the final analysis.

RESULTS

Ninety-six patients (23.8%) developed DCI with a median time from ictus of 6 days (IQR 3.25–8 days). A platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) cutoff ≥ 157 and CRP cutoff ≥ 27 was used in our cohort. In a multiple binary logistic regression model, after controlling for known DCI predictors, day 2 NLR ≥ 5.9 (OR 2.194, 95% CI 1.099–4.372; p = 0.026), day 1 PLR ≥ 157 (OR 2.398, 95% CI 1.1072–5.361; p = 0.033), day 2 PLR ≥ 157 (OR 2.676, 95% CI 1.344–5.329; p = 0.005), and CRP ≥ 27 on days 3, 4, and 5 were predictive of DCI.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study have confirmed the association between NLR and DCI and have demonstrated the predictive potential of PLR and CRP, suggesting that NLR and PLR at day 2, and CRP from day 3 onward, may be better predictors of DCI than those measurements at the time of ictus.
Effects of hyperoxemia on aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ahn Jungeun , Mastorakos Panagiotis , Sokolowski Jennifer D. , Chen Ching-Jen , Kellogg Ryan , Park Min S.
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE

In recent years, hyperoxemia in the intensive care unit has received attention as potentially contributing to negative outcomes in the setting of cardiac arrest, ischemic stroke, and traumatic brain injury. The authors sought to evaluate whether hyperoxemia contributes to worse outcomes in the setting of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and to summarize suggested pathophysiological mechanisms.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted without date restrictions on the PubMed and Web of Science databases on September 15, 2021. All studies that assessed the relationship between patients treated for aSAH and hyperoxemia were eligible independent of the criteria used to define hyperoxemia. All nonclinical studies and studies that did not report outcome data specific to patients with aSAH were excluded. A total of 102 records were found and screened, resulting in assessment of 10 full-text studies, of which 7 met eligibility criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. A meta-analysis on the pooled 2602 patients was performed, and forest plots were constructed. Additionally, a review of the literature was performed to summarize available data regarding the pathophysiology of hyperoxemia.

RESULTS

The included studies demonstrated an association between hyperoxemia and increased morbidity and mortality following aSAH. The criteria used to determine hyperoxemia varied among studies. Pooling of univariate data showed hyperoxemia to be associated with poor neurological outcome (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.66–3.07; p < 0.001), delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.31–2.78; p < 0.001), and increased incidence of poor neurological outcome or mortality as a combined endpoint (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.87–2.97; p < 0.001). Pooling of multivariable effect sizes showed the same relationship for poor neurological outcome (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.07–1.55; p = 0.01) and poor neurological outcome and mortality as a combined endpoint (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.11–1.23; p < 0.001). Additionally, review of preclinical studies underlined the contribution of oxidative stress due to hyperoxemia to acute secondary brain injury and DCI.

CONCLUSIONS

Reported outcomes from the available studies have indicated that hyperoxemia is associated with worse neurological outcome, mortality, and DCI. These findings provide a general guideline toward avoiding hyperoxemia in the acute setting of aSAH. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal ventilation and oxygenation parameters for acute management of this patient population.
Об использовании пазов для моделирования трещин при ультразвуковой дефектоскопии
Authors: Алешин Н.П. , Могильнер Л.Ю. , Щипаков Н.А. , Кусый А.Г. , Тишкин В.В. , Дегтярев М.Н.
Published: March 2022

An analysis of the possibility of a rigorous theoretical solution of the three-dimensional problem of elastic wave scattering at the tip of a vertical crack in a welded joint was carried out. It was shown that in the general case of ultrasound scattering on a flat target, the three-dimensional problem can be reduced to a two-dimensional one. On this basis, for an arbitrary direction of sounding a crack in a weld, the dependence assessment of the signal from the crack tip on the direction to the receiver was made. It is noted that the wave size of the crack tip is much smaller than the wave size of the notches tip that can be machined to simulate defects in welded joints. As a result, it is shown that the nature of the scattering of elastic waves at the tip of the crack differs from the nature of scattering on the notches, including in cases where the opening of the notches is minimal based on the possibility of their manufacture. The results of an experimental verification of the obtained theoretical estimates on steel and aluminum samples were presented. It was shown that, in contrast to the tip of the cracks, at the tips of the notches, even with their minimal openings, conditions are created for the formation of a scattered field by the type of specular reflection from a volumetric cavity - a side cylindrical reflector.
HUBUNGAN ANTARA E-LEARNING DENGAN DISPOSISI MATEMATIKA SISWA DI MASA PANDEMI COVID-19
Authors: Faiz Fatihul Alwan
Published: March 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan hubungan antara e-learning dengan disposisi matematika siswa di masa pandemi covid-19. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan metode analisis data korelasi pearson, penelitian ini melibatkan subyek 28 siswa kelas XII OTP SMK Salafiyah Plumbon Kab. Cirebon. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, disposisi matematika siswa berbanding lurus dengan kualitas pembelajaran e-learning yang dilakukan. Dalam hal ini, di masa pandemi covid-19 siswa kelas XII OTP SMK Salafiyah Plumbon Kab. Cirebon memiliki disposisi matematika yang rendah disebabkan pembelajaran e-learning yang rendah pula. Berdasarkan hasil penghitungan terdapat hubungan disposisi matematika dengan pembelajaran e-learning, besar koefisien korelasinya yaitu 0,464 dengan signifikansi 0,013.
ANALISIS PEMAHAMAN KONSEP SISWA DALAM MATERI POLA BILANGAN SELAMA PEMBELAJARAN JARAK JAUH (PJJ)
Authors: Sumarni Sumarni , Novita Nita , Riyadi Mohamad
Published: March 2022

The background of this research is that students still do not understand the concept of determining number patterns, especially during Distance Learning (DL). The purpose of this study was to determine the students' conceptual understanding ability and to find out how teachers teach number pattern material during DL. This research is a qualitative descriptive research. This research was carried out at MTs Pertiwi Kuningan for the academic year 2020/2021 in class VIII A as many as 16 students and a mathematics teacher. The data sources for this research are the results of written tests and interviews. Based on the results of data analysis, it shows that the ability to understand mathematical concepts of students in the high category is 45%, the medium category is 40% and the low category is 15%. The results of this study also showed that the students' abilities from each indicator were as follows: 1) students in the high category were able to do all the questions correctly, 2) students in the medium category were able to work on 6 items or mastered 6 indicators of conceptual understanding ability; 3) students with low indicators can work on 4 questions or master 4 indicators of concept understanding ability.
Comprehensive analysis of negatively correlated miRNA-mRNA regulatory pairs associated with microsatellite instability in colorectal cancer
Authors: Liu Cheng , Zou Xuan , Song Guoxin , Fan Xingchen , Peng Shuang , Zhang Shiyu , Geng Xiangnan , zhou Xin , Wang Tongshan , Cheng Wenfang , Zhu Wei
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) and target mRNAs are associated with different frequencies of microsatellite instability. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to elucidate the profiles of miRNAs and target mRNAs expression and their associations with the phenotypic hallmarks of microsatellite instability in colorectal cancers (CRC) by integrating transcriptomic, immunophenotype, methylation, mutation, and survival data. METHODS: Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) and mRNAs (DEmRNAs) were screened out and then the miRNA-mRNA regulatory pairs were identified through two databases. We verified that the expression levels were detected in 40 microsatellite instable (MSI) and 40 microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC samples and used the logistic regression and the Cox regression method to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of negative regulatory pairs respectively. RESULTS: The best diagnostic model that combines miR-31-5p, PLAGL2, miR-361-5p, and RAB27B, which were associated with immune microenvironment, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and overall DNA methylation, could significantly predict microsatellite instability in colon tissues. MiR-31-5p and RAB27B could also predict the overall survival of MSS CRCs. CONCLUSION: This study generated a predictive model of the combination of miRNAs and mRNAs to distinguish MSI versus MSS CRCs and elaborated their potential molecular mechanisms and biological functions.
Contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) a novel tool to detect intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction in severe COVID-19 disease
Authors: Tews H.C. , Kandulski A. , Schmid S. , Peschel G. , Gülow K. , Schlosser S. , Schirner S. , Stroszczynski C. , Müller M. , Jung E.M.
Published: March 2022

Ten patients with confirmed COVID-19 disease were studied. Nine patients required intensive care treatment, among them four needed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) was performed by one experienced investigator as a bolus injection of up to 2.4 ml of sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles via a central venous catheter. B-Mode evaluation and strain elastography showed mural edema of the small bowel with a thickness of up to 10 mm in all patients. We applied color coded Doppler sonography (CCDS) and power mode with flow-adapted parameters and early, dynamic capillary arterial contrast enhancement of bowel wall structures <10 s to assess perfusion of the small bowel. In all patients, reactive hyperemia was seen in the entire small bowel. In a subgroup of seven patients microbubbles translocated into the intestinal lumen. Thus, high-grade intestinal barrier disruption secondary to SARSCoV-2 infection can be postulated in these patients. This is the first description of perfusion changes and a disruption of the small bowel epithelial barrier in COVID-19 Patients using contrast ultrasonography and elastography.
A formalization of one of the main claims of “FTO Obesity Variant Circuitry and Adipocyte Browning in Humans” by Claussnitzer et al. 2015
Authors: Joslin Amelia
Published: March 2022

Claussnitzer et al. claimed in previous work that a regulatory element within the first intron of FTO affects IRX3 and IRX5 expression during early adipogenesis. We present here a formalization of that claim, stating that all things of class “early human adipogenesis” that are in the context of a thing of class “regulatory element within the first intron of FTO” generally have a relation of type “affects” to a thing of class “expression of genes IRX3 and IRX5” in the same context.
A formalization of one of the main claims of “Overlap of vitamin A and vitamin D target genes with CAKUT-related processes” by Ozisik et al. 2021
Authors: Ehrhart Friederike , Evelo Chris T.
Published: March 2022

In a previous paper that we co-authored (Ozisik et al. 2021) we showed that in some cases Vitamin A and Vitamin D receptor binding sites are present in genes associated with Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT). From that finding we derived the statement that sometimes Vitamin A targets are the same as genes associated with CAKUT. We present here a formalization of that claim, stating that all things of class “genes associated with CAKUT” sometimes have a relation of type “is same as” to a thing of class “targets of vitamin A”.
A formalization of one of the main claims of “Mutations in STX1B, encoding a presynaptic protein, cause fever-associated epilepsy syndromes” by Schubert et al. 2014
Authors: Grouès Valentin , Moreno Carlos Vega , Satagopam Venkata Pardhasaradhi
Published: March 2022

Schubert et al. claimed in previous work that mutations in STX1B are associated with epilepsy. We present here a formalization of that claim, stating that all things of class “STX1B mutation” that are in the context of a thing of class “human” frequently have a relation of type “co-occurs with” to a thing of class “epilepsy” in the same context.
Mitochondrial Targeting of Amyloid-β Protein Precursor Intracellular Domain Induces Hippocampal Cell Death via a Mechanism Distinct from Amyloid-β
Authors: Sandberg Alexandra A. , Manning Evan , Wilkins Heather M. , Mazzarino Randall , Minckley Taylor , Swerdlow Russell H. , Patterson David , Qin Yan , Linseman Daniel A.
Published: March 2022

Background: Amyloid-β (Aβ) is a principal cleavage product of amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) and is widely recognized as a key pathogenic player in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Yet, there is increasing evidence of a neurotoxic role for the AβPP intracellular domain (AICD) which has been proposed to occur through its nuclear function. Intriguingly, there is a γ-secretase resident at the mitochondria which could produce AICD locally. Objective: We examined the potential of AICD to induce neuronal apoptosis when targeted specifically to the mitochondria and compared its mechanism of neurotoxicity to that of Aβ. Methods: We utilized transient transfection of HT22 neuronal cells with bicistronic plasmids coding for DsRed and either empty vector (Ires), Aβ, AICD59, or mitochondrial-targeted AICD (mitoAICD) in combination with various inhibitors of pathways involved in apoptosis. Results: AICD induced significant neuronal apoptosis only when targeted to the mitochondria. Apoptosis required functional mitochondria as neither Aβ nor mitoAICD induced significant toxicity in cells devoid of mitochondrial DNA. Both glutathione and a Bax inhibitor protected HT22 cells from either peptide. However, inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore only protected from Aβ, while pan-caspase inhibitors uniquely rescued cells from mitoAICD. Conclusion: Our results show that AICD displays a novel neurotoxic function when targeted to mitochondria. Moreover, mitoAICD induces apoptosis via a mechanism that is distinct from that of Aβ. These findings suggest that AICD produced locally at mitochondria via organelle-specific γ-secretase could act in a synergistic manner with Aβ to cause mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal death in AD.
A Systematic Review of Neuroimaging Studies Comparing Individuals with Subjective Cognitive Decline to Healthy Controls
Authors: Parker Ashleigh F. , Ohlhauser Lisa , Scarapicchia Vanessa , Smart Colette M. , Szoeke Cassandra , Gawryluk Jodie R.
Published: March 2022

Background: Individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) are hypothesized to be the earliest along the cognitive continuum between healthy aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), although more research is needed on this topic. Given that treatment approaches may be most effective pre-clinically, a primary objective of emerging research is to identify biological markers of SCD using neuroimaging methods. Objective: The current review aimed to comprehensively present the neuroimaging studies on SCD to date. Methods: PubMed and PsycINFO databases were searched for neuroimaging studies of individuals with SCD. Quality assessments were completed using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies. Results: In total, 62 neuroimaging studies investigating differences between participants with SCD and healthy controls were identified. Specifically, the number of studies were as follows: 36 MRI, 6 PET, 8 MRI/PET, 4 EEG, 7 MEG, and 1 SPECT. Across neuroimaging modalities, 48 of the 62 included studies revealed significant differences in brain structure and/or function between groups. Conclusion: Neuroimaging methods can identify differences between healthy controls and individuals with SCD. However, inconsistent results were found within and between neuroimaging modalities. Discrepancies across studies may be best accounted for by methodological differences, notably variable criteria for SCD, and differences in participant characteristics and risk factors for AD. Clinic based recruitment and cross-sectional study design were common and may bias the literature. Future neuroimaging investigations of SCD should consistently incorporate the standardized research criteria for SCD (as recommended by the SCD-Initiative), include more details of their SCD sample and their symptoms, and examine groups longitudinally.
Association of SPI1 Haplotypes with Altered SPI1 Gene Expression and Alzheimer’s Disease Risk
Authors: Cao Han ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Zhou Xiaopu , Chen Yu , Ip Fanny C.F. , Chen Yuewen , Lai Nicole C.H. , Lo Ronnie M.N. , Tong Estella P.S. , Mok Vincent C.T. , Kwok Timothy C.Y. , Fu Amy K.Y. , Ip Nancy Y.
Published: March 2022

Background: Genetic studies reveal that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of SPI1 are associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), while their effects in the Chinese population remain unclear. Objective: We aimed to examine the AD-association of SPI1 SNPs in the Chinese population and investigate the underlying mechanisms of these SNPs in modulating AD risk. Methods: We conducted a genetic analysis of three SPI1 SNPs (i.e., rs1057233, rs3740688, and rs78245530) in a Chinese cohort (n = 333 patients with AD, n = 721 normal controls). We also probed public European-descent AD cohorts and gene expression datasets to investigate the putative functions of those SNPs. Results: We showed that SPI1 SNP rs3740688 is significantly associated with AD in the Chinese population (odds ratio [OR] = 0.72 [0.58–0.89]) and identified AD-protective SPI1 haplotypes β (tagged by rs1057233 and rs3740688) and γ (tagged by rs3740688 and rs78245530). Specifically, haplotypes β and γ are associated with decreased SPI1 gene expression level in the blood and brain tissues, respectively. The regulatory roles of these haplotypes are potentially mediated by changes in miRNA binding and the epigenetic landscape. Our results suggest that the AD-protective SPI1 haplotypes regulate pathways involved in immune and neuronal functions. Conclusion: This study is the first to report a significant association of SPI1 with AD in the Chinese population. It also identifies SPI1 haplotypes that are associated with SPI1 gene expression and decreased AD risk.
Targeted Metabolomic Analysis in Alzheimer’s Disease Plasma and Brain Tissue in Non-Hispanic Whites
Authors: Kalecký Karel , German Dwight C. , Montillo Albert A. , Bottiglieri Teodoro
Published: March 2022

Background: Metabolites are biological compounds reflecting the functional activity of organs and tissues. Understanding metabolic changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can provide insight into potential risk factors in this multifactorial disease and suggest new intervention strategies or improve non-invasive diagnosis. Objective: In this study, we searched for changes in AD metabolism in plasma and frontal brain cortex tissue samples and evaluated the performance of plasma measurements as biomarkers. Methods: This is a case-control study with two tissue cohorts: 158 plasma samples (94 AD, 64 controls; Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium – TARCC) and 71 postmortem cortex samples (35 AD, 36 controls; Banner Sun Health Research Institute brain bank). We performed targeted mass spectrometry analysis of 630 compounds (106 small molecules: UHPLC-MS/MS, 524 lipids: FIA-MS/MS) and 232 calculated metabolic indicators with a metabolomic kit (Biocrates MxP® Quant 500). Results: We discovered disturbances (FDR≤0.05) in multiple metabolic pathways in AD in both cohorts including microbiome-related metabolites with pro-toxic changes, methylhistidine metabolism, polyamines, corticosteroids, omega-3 fatty acids, acylcarnitines, ceramides, and diglycerides. In AD, plasma reveals elevated triglycerides, and cortex shows altered amino acid metabolism. A cross-validated diagnostic prediction model from plasma achieves AUC = 82% (CI95 = 75–88%); for females specifically, AUC = 88% (CI95 = 80–95%). A reduced model using 20 features achieves AUC = 79% (CI95 = 71–85%); for females AUC = 84% (CI95 = 74–92%). Conclusion: Our findings support the involvement of gut environment in AD and encourage targeting multiple metabolic areas in the design of intervention strategies, including microbiome composition, hormonal balance, nutrients, and muscle homeostasis.
Codon Usage Analysis of Pro-Apoptotic Bim Gene Isoforms
Authors: Khandia Rekha , Ali Khan Azmat , Alexiou Athanasios , Povetkin Sergey Nikolaevich , Verevkina Marina Nikolaevna
Published: March 2022

Background: Bim is a Bcl-2 homology 3 (BH3)-only proteins, a group of pro-apoptotic proteins involved in physiological and pathological conditions. Both the overexpression and under-expression of Bim protein are associated with the diseased condition, and various isoforms of Bim protein are present with differential apoptotic potential. Objective: The present study attempted to envisage the association of various molecular signatures with the codon choices of Bim isoforms. Methods: Molecular signatures like composition, codon usage, nucleotide skews, the free energy of mRNA transcript, physical properties of proteins, codon adaptation index, relative synonymous codon usage, and dinucleotide odds ratio were determined and analyzed for their associations with codon choices of Bim gene. Results: Skew analysis of the Bim gene indicated the preference of C nucleotide over G, A, and T and preference of G over T and A nucleotides was observed. An increase in C content at the first and third codon position increased gene expression while it decreased at the second codon position. Compositional constraints on nucleotide C at all three codon positions affected gene expression. The analysis revealed an exceptionally high usage of CpC dinucleotide in all the envisaged 31 isoforms of Bim. We correlated it with the requirement of rapid demethylation machinery to fine-tune the Bimgene expression. Also, mutational pressure played a dominant role in shaping codon usage bias in Bim isoforms. Conclusion: An exceptionally high usage of CpC dinucleotide in all the envisaged 31 isoforms of Bim indicates a high order selectional force to fine tune Bim gene expression.
A review of biomedical named entity recognition
Authors: Chang Lu , Zhang Ruihuan , Lv Jia , Zhou Weiguang , Bai Yunli
Published: March 2022

Biomedical research on brucellosis has been a hot topic of discussion around the world. In the face of the complex literature, how to obtain the relevant research knowledge of brucellosis by biomedical experts has been a problem that researchers in this field have been working on. Firstly, identification of biomedical named entities is one part of the work. Named entity recognition is an important basic tool for information extraction, question answering system, syntactic analysis, machine translation and other application fields, and plays an important role in natural language processing technology. In this paper, the definition and methods of named entity recognition are discussed. Literature published between 2012 and 2020 is reviewed from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), PubMed and other retrieval sources, and the results of different methods on different data sets are summarized. At the same time, this paper also introduces the biomedicine related data sets and evaluation methods to lay a foundation for the follow-up research.
Design of a high-tech system to evaluate fresh strawberry quality-based on the principal component analysis
Authors: Ma Yan , Zhang Qi , Gong Liyang , Meng Xianjun
Published: March 2022

This study was designed to investigate the differences in the physicochemical properties among twelve strawberry cultivars by using pattern recognition tools, to provide a theoretical basis for quality variation among samples. The data of 14 indicators were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA), descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis, to filter core evaluation factors. Quality evaluation index weights and quality comprehensive evaluation were determined by an analytic hierarchy process. Of the 14 indicators selected as indices of fresh strawberry quality evaluation index, including a value, sugar-acid ratio, firmness, vitamin C, TAC, and TPC. The data were deployed to adjust the multivariate kinetics using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and the results were compared to those sensory score using sensory personnel. Results showed that the correlation coefficient of sensory scores and AHP comprehensive score is 0.9239. This high correlation coefficient indicates that the use of our mathematical model for strawberry quality evaluation is feasible. The information herein provides a practical strategy for the evaluation of strawberry quality.
The construction and optimization of the measurement index system of city-industry integration
Authors: Su Lin
Published: March 2022

The city-industry integration is a cutting-edge topic with a series of qualitative researches while less quantitative research on the construction of the measurement index system. The structural forms of common measurement index system have following three forms: hierarchical measurement index system, network measurement index system and multi-target measurement index system. According to the characteristics of city-industry integration measurement, this paper selects the hierarchical measurement index system, dividing them into three levels: target, element and index level, consisting of qualitative and quantitative indexes. Through expert interviews, literature reviews, research group discussions, index inspections and other methods, this paper constructs a brand new measurement index system of city-industry integration, focusing on the times characteristics and integration process, and emphasizes the industry’s quality and city integration simultaneously. There are a series of numerical aspects used in constructing the system, which are important analytic techniques in the specific field. The method, combining qualitative and quantitative measures, can be better used in the relative fields. Therefore, in essence, this paper is an attempt to apply multiple scientific computing methods in index construction.
On fuzzy subsupermodule
Authors: Hamidi Mohammad , Faraji Fatemeh
Published: March 2022

In this paper we introduce the concept of (weak) fuzzy subsupermodules based on (thin) supermodules different from fuzzy subhypermodules. In this study, the concept of α-cuts play a main role for constructing of extended (weak) fuzzy subsupermodules. In final, we introduce a notation of residual quotients of (weak) fuzzy subsupermodules and obtain some conditions to be a (weak) fuzzy subsupermodule. Also obtained some applied results in residual quotients of (weak) fuzzy subsupermodules of superrings as specially subsupermodules.
RETRACTED: Grid based blockchain framework for information management in surgical process proceedings
Authors: Ali Abdu Nail Adeeb , Wang Zhaoshun
Published: March 2022

This article has been retracted. A retraction notice can be found at https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-219433.
Strengthening Communication and Collaboration in the Fragmented German Healthcare System: A Mixed-Method Evaluation of an Interdisciplinary Network for Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Kerkemeyer Linda ,   PNM + steering committee, Claus Inga , Kutscher Michelle , von Stülpnagel Vanessa , zur Nieden Pauline , Huchtemann Tessa , Warnecke Tobias
Published: March 2022

Background: To improve Parkinson’s disease (PD) care, interdisciplinary and patient-centered treatment is mandatory. A key problem in many healthcare systems is the limited and unspecific communication among different healthcare professionals. Optimal collaboration between various professionals involved is indispensable. Parkinson’s Network Münsterland + (PNM +) is an interdisciplinary network of medical and non-medical experts involved in the treatment of PD patients in Germany. Objective: The aim of this evaluation was to analyze the network structures of PNM+ as well as communication and collaboration between PNM + partners. Methods: A mixed methods approach was applied consisting of a social network analysis, a validated questionnaire on team effectiveness and semi-structured interviews focusing on perceived barriers and supportive aspects of PNM + . Results: Quantitative and qualitative data suggested increased collaboration between professionals within PNM + . The reciprocity of connections was 0.522 in the network of professional contacts. Regular exchanges in terms of interdisciplinary panel meetings and working groups stimulated knowledge transfer, leading to greater specialization of general neurologists and therapists in PD. The progressive density of the network from 0.136 to 0.279 illustrates the growing cooperation of PNM + partners. Interviewed partners requested more patient-specific collaboration but expected this to happen as the network evolved. Overall, PNM + has already improved both diagnosis and therapy thanks to knowledge transfer. Structured treatment recommendations helped to improve communication between healthcare professionals. Conclusion: PNM+ stimulated exchange between different healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of PD patients. This overcomes specific barriers within Germany’s highly fragmented healthcare system, such as the lack of communication between these disciplines.
Functional neurological disorder: Extending the diagnosis to other disorders, and proposing an alternate disease term—Attentionally-modifiable disorder
Authors: Mark Victor W.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: The term “functional neurological disorder,” or “FND,” applies to disorders whose occurrence of neurological symptoms fluctuate with the patient’s attention to them. However, many other disorders that are not called “FND” nonetheless can also follow this pattern. Consequently, guidelines are unclear for diagnosing “FND.” OBJECTIVE: To review the neurological conditions that follow this pattern, but which have not so far been termed “FND,” to understand their overlap with conditions that have been termed “FND,” and to discuss the rationale for why FND has not been diagnosed for them. METHOD: A systematic review of the PubMed literature registry using the terms “fluctuation,” “inconsistency,” or “attention” did not yield much in the way of these candidate disorders. Consequently, this review instead relied on the author’s personal library of peer-reviewed studies of disorders that have resembled FND but which were not termed this way, due to his longstanding interest in this problem. Consequently, this approach was not systematic and was subjective regarding disease inclusion. RESULTS: This review identified numerous, diverse conditions that generally involve fluctuating neurological symptoms that can vary with the person’s attention to them, but which have not been called “FND.” The literature was unclear for reasons for not referring to “FND” in these instances. CONCLUSION: Most likely because of historical biases, the use of the term “FND” has been unnecessarily restricted. Because at its core FND is an attentionally-influenced disorder that can respond well to behavioral treatments, the field of neurological rehabilitation could benefit by extending the range of conditions that could be considered as “FND” and referred for similar behavioral treatments. Because the term “FND” has been viewed unfavorably by some patients and clinical practitioners and whose treatment is not implied, the alternative term attentionally-modifiable disorder is proposed.