bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miRNAs expression signature potentially associated with lymphatic dissemination in locally advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Pudova Elena A. , Krasnov George S. , Nyushko Kirill M. , Kobelyatskaya Anastasiya A. , Savvateeva Maria V. , Poloznikov Andrey A. , Dolotkazin Daniyar R. , Klimina Kseniya M. , Guvatova Zulfiya G. , Simanovsky Sergey A. , Gladysh Nataliya S. , Tokarev Artemy T. , Melnikova Nataliya V. , Dmitriev Alexey A. , Alekseev Boris Y. , Kaprin Andrey D. , Kiseleva Marina V. , Snezhkina Anastasiya V. , Kudryavtseva Anna V.
Published: September 2020

Background

Prostate cancer is one of the most common and socially significant cancers among men. The aim of our study was to reveal changes in miRNA expression profiles associated with lymphatic dissemination in prostate cancer and to identify the most prominent miRNAs as potential prognostic markers for future studies.

Methods

High-throughput miRNA sequencing was performed for 44 prostate cancer specimens taken from Russian patients, with and without lymphatic dissemination (N1 – 20 samples; N0 – 24 samples).

Results

We found at least 18 microRNAs with differential expression between N0 and N1 sample groups:miR-182-5p, miR-183-5p, miR-96-5p, miR-25-3p, miR-93-5p, miR-7-5p, miR-615-3p, miR-10b, miR-1248(N1-miRs; elevated expression in N1 cohort;p < 0.05);miR-1271-5p, miR-184, miR-222-3p, miR-221-5p, miR-221-3p, miR-455-3p, miR-143-5p, miR-181c-3pandmiR-455-5p(N0-miRs; elevated expression in N0;p < 0.05).The expression levels of N1-miRs were highly correlated between each other (the same is applied for N0-miRs) and the expression levels of N0-miRs and N1-miRs were anti-correlated. The tumor samples can be divided into two groups depending on the expression ratio between N0-miRs and N1-miRs.

Conclusions

We found the miRNA expression signature associated with lymphatic dissemination, in particular on the Russian patient cohort. Many of these miRNAs are well-known players in either oncogenic transformation or tumor suppression. Further experimental studies with extended sampling are required to validate these results.
Multiple paragangliomas: a case report
Authors: Pavlov Vladislav S. , Kalinin Dmitry V. , Lukyanova Elena N. , Golovyuk Alexander L. , Fedorova Maria S. , Pudova Elena A. , Savvateeva Maria V. , Lipatova Anastasiya V. , Guvatova Zulfiya G. , Kaprin Andrey D. , Kiseleva Marina V. , Demidova Tatiana B. , Simanovsky Sergey A. , Melnikova Nataliya V. , Dmitriev Alexey A. , Krasnov George S. , Snezhkina Anastasiya V. , Kudryavtseva Anna V.
Published: September 2020

Background

Carotid and vagal paragangliomas (CPGLs and VPGLs) are rare neoplasms that arise from the paraganglia located at the bifurcation of carotid arteries and vagal trunk, respectively. Both tumors can occur jointly as multiple paragangliomas accounting for approximately 10 to 20% of all head and neck paragangliomas. However, molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of multiple paragangliomas remain elusive.

Case presentation

We report a case of multiple paragangliomas in a patient, manifesting as bilateral CPGL and unilateral VPGL. Tumors were revealed via computed tomography and ultrasound study and were resected in two subsequent surgeries. Both CPGLs and VPGL were subjected to immunostaining for succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) subunits and exome analysis. A likely pathogenic germline variant in the SDHD gene was indicated, while likely pathogenic somatic variants differed among the tumors.

Conclusions

The identified germline variant in the SDHD gene seems to be a driver in the development of multiple paragangliomas. However, different spectra of somatic variants identified in each tumor indicate individual molecular mechanisms underlying their pathogenesis.
Smoking-associated increase in mucins 1 and 4 in human airways
Authors: Merikallio Heta , Kaarteenaho Riitta , Lindén Sara , Padra Médea , Karimi Reza , Li Chuan-Xing , Lappi-Blanco Elisa , Wheelock Åsa M. , Sköld Magnus C.
Published: September 2020

Rationale

Smoking-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with dysregulated production of mucus. Mucins (MUC) are important both for mucus secretion and epithelial defense. We have examined the distribution of MUC1 and MUC4 in the airway epithelial cells of never-smokers and smokers with and without COPD.

Methods

Mucosal biopsies and bronchial wash samples were obtained by bronchoscopy from age- and sex-matched COPD-patients (n = 38; GOLD I-II/A-B), healthy never-smokers (n = 40) and current smokers with normal lung function (n = 40) from the Karolinska COSMIC cohort (NCT02627872). Cell-specific expressions of MUC1, MUC4 and regulating factors, i.e., epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) 1 and 2, were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Soluble MUC1 was measured by quantitative immunodetection on slot blot.

Results

The levels of cell-bound MUC1 expression in basal cells and in soluble MUC1 in bronchial wash were increased in smokers, regardless of airway obstruction. Patients with chronic bronchitis had higher MUC1 expression. The expression of MUC4 in cells with goblet cell phenotype was increased in smokers. The expression of EGFR2, but not that of EGFR1, was higher in never-smokers than in smokers.

Conclusions

Smoking history and the presence of chronic bronchitis, regardless of airway obstruction, affect both cellular and soluble MUC1 in human airways. Therefore, MUC1 may be a novel marker for smoking- associated airway disease.
Perception of the relative harm of electronic cigarettes compared to cigarettes amongst US adults from 2013 to 2016: analysis of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study data
Authors: Malt Layla , Verron Thomas , Cahours Xavier , Guo Mengran , Weaver Sarah , Walele Tanvir , O’Connell Grant
Published: September 2020

Background

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been characterised as significantly less harmful than cigarettes by many health agencies and regulators globally. In this study, we examined to what extent perceived relative harms of e-cigarettes compared to cigarettes have changed in the USA.

Methods

We analysed the data from the longitudinal and nationally representative, Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study to assess the relative perceived harm of e-cigarettes amongst US adults between 2013 and 2016.

Results

The proportion of US adults who correctly perceived e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes decreased each year from 41.1% (CI 40.1–42.1%) in 2013–2014, 31.5% (CI 30.8–32.2%) in 2014–2015 and 25.3% (CI 24.6–26.0%) in 2015–2016. Concurrently, the proportion of US adults who perceived e-cigarettes as equally, or more, harmful than cigarettes increased from 53.7% (CI 52.3–55.1%), 64.9% (CI 63.6–66.2%) to 72.7% (CI 71.5–73.9%) respectively. The proportion of US adults who held negative relative harm perceptions of e-cigarettes increased regardless of current smoking or vaping status by 24.6% and 29.6% respectively within 3 years. In Wave 3, the proportion of current smokers who perceived the relative harm of e-cigarettes as less harmful was lower at 29.3% (CI 28.2–30.4%) compared to current e-cigarette users at 43.5% (CI 40.3–46.7%). Former smokers who used e-cigarettes and believed that they were equally, or more, harmful than cigarettes in 2014–2015 had significantly higher rates of smoking relapse in the following year, 29% and 37% (p < 2.2e−16), respectively, compared to those with positive relative harm perceptions who reported relapse rates of 19%.

Conclusions

In this study, the proportion of US adults who incorrectly perceived e-cigarettes as equal to, or more, harmful than cigarettes increased steadily regardless of smoking or vaping status. Current adult smokers appear to be poorly informed about the relative risks of e-cigarettes yet have potentially the most to gain from transitioning to these products. The findings of this study emphasise the urgent need to accurately communicate the reduced relative risk of e-cigarettes compared to continued cigarette smoking and clearly differentiate absolute and relative harms. Further research is required to elucidate why the relative harm of e-cigarettes is misunderstood and continues to deteriorate.
Phase II multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of intra-articular injection of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with platelet rich plasma for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Lamo-Espinosa José María , Blanco Juan F. , Sánchez Mikel , Moreno Victoria , Granero-Moltó Froilán , Sánchez-Guijo Fermín , Crespo-Cullel Íñigo , Mora Gonzalo , San Vicente Diego Delgado , Pompei-Fernández Orlando , Aquerreta Jesús Dámaso , Núñez-Córdoba Jorge María , Vitoria Sola María , Valentí-Azcárate Andrés , Andreu Enrique J. , del Consuelo del Cañizo María , Valentí-Nin Juan Ramón , Prósper Felipe
Published: September 2020

Background

Mesenchymal stromal cells are a safe and promising option to treat knee osteoarthritis as previously demonstrated in different clinical trials. However, their efficacy, optimal dose and addition of adjuvants must be determined. Here, we evaluated the clinical effects of a dose of 100 × 106 bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) in combination with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRGF®) as adjuvant in a randomized clinical trial.

Methods

A phase II, multicenter, randomized clinical trial with active control was conducted. Sixty patients diagnosed with knee OA were randomly assigned to 3 weekly doses of PRGF® or intraarticular administration of 100 × 106 cultured autologous BM-MSCs plus PRGF®. Patients were followed up for 12 months, and pain and function were assessed using VAS and WOMAC and by measuring the knee range of motion range. X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging analyses were performed to analyze joint damage.

Results

No adverse effects were reported after BM-MSC administration or during follow-up. According to VAS, the mean value (SD) for PRGF® and BM-MSC with PRGF® went from 5 (1.8) to 4.5 (2.2) (p = 0.389) and from 5.3 (1.9) to 3.5 (2.5) (p = 0.01), respectively at 12 months. In WOMAC, the mean (SD) baseline and 12-month overall WOMAC scores in patients treated with PRGF® was 31.9 (16.2) and 22.3 (15.8) respectively (p = 0.002) while that for patients treated with BM-MSC plus PRGF® was 33.4 (18.7) and 23.0 (16.6) (p = 0.053). Although statistical significances between groups have been not detected, only patients being treated with BM-MSC plus PRGF® could be considered as a OA treatment responders following OARSI criteria. X-ray and MRI (WORMS protocol) revealed no changes in knee joint space width or joint damage.

Conclusions

Treatment with BM-MSC associated with PRGF® was shown to be a viable therapeutic option for osteoarthritis of the knee, with clinical improvement at the end of follow-up. Further phase III clinical trials would be necessary to confirm the efficacy.

Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov identifier NCT02365142. Nº EudraCT: 2011-006036-23
Role of HVR1 sequence similarity in the cross-genotypic neutralization of HCV
Authors: Mosa Alexander I. , AbouHaidar Mounir G. , Urbanowicz Richard A. , Tavis John E. , Ball Jonathan K. , Feld Jordan J.
Published: September 2020

Despite available treatments, a prophylactic HCV vaccine is needed to achieve elimination targets. HCV vaccine development has faltered largely because the extreme diversity of the virus limits the protective breadth of vaccine elicited antibodies. It is believed that the principle neutralizing epitope in natural infection, HVR1, which is the most variable epitope in HCV, mediates humoral immune escape. So far, efforts to circumvent HVR1 interference in the induction and function of conserved targeting Ab have failed. Efforts to understand factors contributing to cross-neutralization of HVR1 variants have also been limited. Here, following mouse immunizations with two patient-derived HVR1 peptides, we observe cross-genotype neutralization of variants differing at 15/21 positions. Surprisingly, sequence similarity was not associated with cross-neutralization. It appeared neutralization sensitivity was an intrinsic feature of each variant, rather than emergent from the immunogen specific Ab response. These findings provide novel insight into HVR1-mediated immune evasion, with important implications for HCV vaccine design.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles effectively regulate autophagic cell death by activating autophagosome formation and interfering with their maturation
Authors: Liu Zixuan , Lv Xuying , Xu Lei , Liu Xuting , Zhu Xiangyu , Song Erqun , Song Yang
Published: September 2020

Background

With the development of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in the field of nanotechnology, their toxicological effects are attracting increasing attention, and the mechanisms for ZnO NPs neurotoxicity remain obscure. In an attempt to address concerns regarding neurotoxicity of ZnO NPs, we explored the relationship between free zinc ions, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neurotoxic mechanisms in ZnO NPs-exposed PC12 cells.

Result

This study demonstrated the requirement of free zinc ions shed by ZnO NPs to over generation of intracellular ROS. Next, we identified autophagic cell death was the major mode of cell death induced by ZnO NPs, and autophagosome accumulation resulted from not only induction of autophagy, but also blockade of autophagy flux. We concluded that autophagic cell death, resulting from zinc ions-ROS-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-autophagy positive feedback loop and blockade of autophagosomal-lysosomal fusion, played a major role in the neurotoxicity of ZnO NPs.

Conclusion

Our study contributes to a better understanding of the neurotoxicity of ZnO NPs and might be useful for designing and developing new biosafety nanoparticles in the future.
Clinical performance of decellularized heart valves versus standard tissue conduits: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Waqanivavalagi Steve W. F. R. , Bhat Sameer , Ground Marcus B. , Milsom Paget F. , Cornish Jillian
Published: September 2020

Background

Valve replacement surgery is the definitive management strategy for patients with severe valvular disease. However, valvular conduits currently in clinical use are associated with significant limitations. Tissue-engineered (decellularized) heart valves are alternative prostheses that have demonstrated promising early results. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to perform robust evaluation of the clinical performance of decellularized heart valves implanted in either outflow tract position, in comparison with standard tissue conduits.

Methods

Systematic searches were conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for articles in which outcomes between decellularized heart valves surgically implanted within either outflow tract position of human subjects and standard tissue conduits were compared. Primary endpoints included postoperative mortality and reoperation rates. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model via the Mantel-Haenszel method.

Results

Seventeen articles were identified, of which 16 were included in the meta-analysis. In total, 1418 patients underwent outflow tract reconstructions with decellularized heart valves and 2725 patients received standard tissue conduits. Decellularized heart valves were produced from human pulmonary valves and implanted within the right ventricular outflow tract in all cases. Lower postoperative mortality (4.7% vs. 6.1%; RR 0.94, 95% CI: 0.60–1.47; P = 0.77) and reoperation rates (4.8% vs. 7.4%; RR 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36–0.84; P = 0.0057) were observed in patients with decellularized heart valves, although only reoperation rates were statistically significant. There was no statistically significant heterogeneity between the analyzed articles (I2 = 31%, P = 0.13 and I2 = 33%, P = 0.10 respectively).

Conclusions

Decellularized heart valves implanted within the right ventricular outflow tract have demonstrated significantly lower reoperation rates when compared to standard tissue conduits. However, in order to allow for more accurate conclusions about the clinical performance of decellularized heart valves to be made, there need to be more high-quality studies with greater consistency in the reporting of clinical outcomes.
Protein cysteine S-nitrosylation provides reducing power by enhancing lactate dehydrogenase activity in Trichomonas vaginalis under iron deficiency
Authors: Cheng Wei-Hung , Huang Kuo-Yang , Ong Seow-Chin , Ku Fu-Man , Huang Po-Jung , Lee Chi-Ching , Yeh Yuan-Ming , Lin Rose , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Tang Petrus
Published: September 2020

Background

Iron plays essential roles in the pathogenesis and proliferation ofTrichomonas vaginalis, the causative agent of the most prevalent non-viral human sexually transmitted infection. We previously demonstrated that under iron deficiency, the endogenous nitric oxide (NO) is accumulated and capable of regulating the survival ofT. vaginalis. Herein, we aim to explore the influence of NO on the activity of the pyruvate-reducing enzyme lactate dehydrogenase inT. vaginalis(TvLDH).

Methods

Levels of lactate and pyruvate were detected for determining glycolysis activity inT. vaginalisunder iron deficiency. Quantitative PCR was performed to determine the expression of TvLDH. S-nitrosylated (SNO) proteomics was conducted to identify the NO-modified proteins. The activities of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (TvGAPDH) and TvLDH were measured after sodium nitrate treatment. The effects of protein nitrosylation on the production of cellular reducing power were examined by measuring the amount of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and the ratio of the NAD redox pair (NAD+/NADH).

Results

We found that although the glycolytic pathway was activated in cells under iron depletion, the level of pyruvate was decreased due to the increased level of TvLDH. By analyzing the SNO proteome ofT. vaginalisupon iron deficiency, we found that TvLDH is one of the glycolytic enzymes modified by SNO. The production of pyruvate was significantly reduced after nitrate treatment, indicating that protein nitrosylation accelerated the consumption of pyruvate by increasing TvLDH activity. Nitrate treatment also induced NAD oxidation, suggesting that protein nitrosylation was the key posttranslational modification controlling cellular redox status.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that NO-mediated protein nitrosylation plays pivotal roles in the regulation of glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, and the activity of TvLDH. The recycling of oxidized NAD catalyzed by TvLDH provided the reducing power that allowedT. vaginalisto adapt to the iron-deficient environment.
Subolesin vaccination inhibits blood feeding and reproduction of Haemaphysalis longicornis in rabbits
Authors: Lee Seung-Hun , Li Jixu , Moumouni Paul Franck Adjou , Okado Kiyoshi , Zheng Weiqing , Liu Mingming , Ji Shengwei , Kim Soochong , Umemiya-Shirafuji Rika , Xuan Xuenan
Published: September 2020

Background

Ticks can transmit numerous tick-borne pathogens and cause a huge economic loss to the livestock industry. Tick vaccines can contribute to the prevention of tick-borne diseases by inhibiting tick infestation or reproduction. Subolesin is an antigenic molecule proven to be a potential tick vaccine against different tick species and even some tick-borne pathogens. However, its effectivity has not been verified inHaemaphysalis longicornis, which is a widely distributed tick species, especially in East Asian countries. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectivity of subolesin vaccination againstH. longicornisin a rabbit model.

Methods

Haemaphysalis longicornis(Okayama strain, female, adult, parthenogenetic strain) and Japanese white rabbits were used as the model tick and animal, respectively. The whole open reading frame ofH. longicornissubolesin (HlSu) was identified and expressed as a recombinant protein usingE. coli. The expression was verified using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and the immunogenicity of rHlSu against anti-H. longicornisrabbit serum was confirmed using Western blotting. After vaccination of rHlSu in rabbits, experimental infestation ofH. longicorniswas performed. Variables related to blood-feeding periods, pre-oviposition periods, body weight at engorgement, egg mass, egg mass to body weight ratio, and egg-hatching periods were measured to evaluate the effectiveness of subolesin vaccination.

Results

The whole open reading frame of HlSu was 540 bp, and it was expressed as a recombinant protein. Vaccination with rHlSu stimulated an immune response in rabbits. In the rHlSu-vaccinated group, body weight at engorgement, egg mass, and egg mass to body weight ratio were statistically significantly lower than those in the control group. Besides, egg-hatching periods were extended significantly. Blood-feeding periods and pre-oviposition periods were not different between the two groups. In total, the calculated vaccine efficacy was 37.4%.

Conclusions

Vaccination of rabbits with rHlSu significantly affected the blood-feeding and reproduction inH. longicornis. Combined with findings from previous studies, our findings suggest subolesin has the potential to be used as a universal tick vaccine.
Comprehensive transcriptome resource for response to phytohormone-induced signaling in Capsicum annuum L.
Authors: Lee Junesung , Nam Jae-Young , Jang Hakgi , Kim Nayoung , Kim Yong-Min , Kang Won-Hee , Yeom Seon-In
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Phytohormones are small signaling molecules with crucial roles in plant growth, development, and environmental adaptation to biotic and abiotic stress responses. Despite several previously published molecular studies focused on plant hormones, our understanding of the transcriptome induced by phytohormones remains unclear, especially in major crops. Here, we aimed to provide transcriptome dataset using RNA sequencing for phytohormone-induced signaling in plant.

Data description

We used high-throughput RNA sequencing profiling to investigate the pepper plant response to treatment with four major phytohormones (salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, ethylene, and abscisic acid). This dataset yielded 78 samples containing three biological replicates per six different time points for each treatment and the control, constituting 187.8 Gb of transcriptome data (2.4 Gb of each sample). This comprehensive parallel transcriptome data provides valuable information for understanding the relationships and molecular networks that regulate the expression of phytohormone-related genes involved in plant developments and environmental stress adaptation.
Dynamics of the transcriptome during chicken embryo development based on primordial germ cells
Authors: Dunislawska Aleksandra , Szczerba Agata , Siwek Maria , Bednarczyk Marek
Published: September 2020

Objective

Regulation of gene expression during embryo development on the basis of migration of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in vivo has been rarely studied due to limited cell number and the necessity to isolate PGCs from a large number of embryos. Moreover, little is known about the comprehensive dynamics of the transcriptome in chicken PGCs during early developmental stages. The current study investigated transcriptome dynamics of chicken PGCs at key developmental stages: 4.5, 8 and 12 days of embryo incubation. PGCs were collected, and RNA was isolated using a commercial kit for single cells. The isolated RNA was subjected to microarray analysis (Agilent Technologies).

Results

Between 8 and 12 days of incubation, the highest number of genes was regulated. These data indicate that the most intense biological activity occurs between 8 and 12 days of embryo development. Heat map showed a significant decrease in gene expression on day 8, while it increased on day 12. The development of a precise method to isolate bird PGCs as well as the method to isolate RNA from single cells isolated from one embryo allows for early molecular analysis and detection of transcriptome changes during embryonic development.
Ficus palmata Forskål (beles adgi) as a source of milk clotting agent: a preliminary research
Authors: Sbhatu Desta Berhe , Tekle Hailekiros Tadesse , Tesfamariam Kiros Haddish
Published: September 2020

Objective

The demand for cheese, the insufficient supply and high cost of rennet, and the ethical issues of harvesting rennet oblige us to search for suitable alternatives of finding new proteases from plants. Ficus palmata Forskål (Moraceae) is one of the plants producing a protease called ficin that coagulates fresh milk. This study aims to study the milk coagulating abilities of bark, leaf, and stem powders of F. palmata Forskål.

Results

Stem powder has yielded better results. Chemical analyses of the powders have revealed that the percentage of crude protein of leaf, bark, and stem powders were 4.17, 7.39, and 16.26. This is an indication of the suitability of stem biomass as source of the enzyme of interest. Further research needs to aim at qualitative and quantitative analyses of milk-coagulating enzymes of F. palmata Forskål stem biomass to get new insights into industrial extraction of the enzymes of interest.
The role of mesenchymal stromal cells in immune modulation of COVID-19: focus on cytokine storm
Authors: Kavianpour Maria , Saleh Mahshid , Verdi Javad
Published: September 2020

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is quickly spreading all over the world. This virus, which is called SARS-CoV-2, has infected tens of thousands of people. Based on symptoms, the pathogenesis of acute respiratory illness is responsible for highly homogenous coronaviruses as well as other pathogens. Evidence suggests that high inflammation rates, oxidation, and overwhelming immune response probably contribute to pathology of COVID-19. COVID-19 causes cytokine storm, which subsequently leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), often ending up in the death of patients. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotential stem cells that are recognized via self-renewal capacity, generation of clonal populations, and multilineage differentiation. MSCs are present in nearly all tissues of the body, playing an essential role in repair and generation of tissues. Furthermore, MSCs have broad immunoregulatory properties through the interaction of immune cells in both innate and adaptive immune systems, leading to immunosuppression of many effector activities. MSCs can reduce the cytokine storm produced by coronavirus infection. In a number of studies, the administration of these cells has been beneficial for COVID-19 patients. Also, MSCs may be able to improve pulmonary fibrosis and lung function. In this review, we will review the newest research findings regarding MSC-based immunomodulation in patients with COVID-19.
Multi potent aromatic nano colloid: synthesis, characterization and applications
Authors: Soundhararajan Ranjani , Mohamed Sheik Meeran Salman Al Farzi , Prakash Shruthy Priya , Mohammad Waseem , Kandasamy Ruckmani , Srinivasan Hemalatha
Published: September 2020

In this study the aromatic nanocolloids (CANCs) are synthesized using the noble metal silver by using Citronella extract and confirmed through physio chemical analysis. The synthesised CANCs were evaluated for its antimicrobial activity and antibiofilm activity against pathogenic biofilm formingE. coli. In addition, synthesized CANCs were evaluated for the expression of virulent genes encoding AmpC and CTX-M-15. The results confirmed that CANCs showed effective antimicrobial activity through its bacteriostatic, bactericidal and quorum quencher activity and downregulated CTX-M-15 gene. CANCs were validated as alternate to the commercial fungicides to control plant pathogenic fungi such asA. nigerMTCC (281),Fusarium graminearumMTCC (2089) andF. udumMTCC (2204). Furthermore, analysis of CANCs on breast cancer (MCF-7) cells under in vitro condition showed that the cytotoxicity of CANCs is dose dependent. Thus, the multifunctional CANCs can be utilized as potential antimicrobial, antifungal and anticancer agent.
Stochastic SIRC epidemic model with time-delay for COVID-19
Authors: Rihan F. A. , Alsakaji H. J. , Rajivganthi C.
Published: September 2020

Environmental factors, such as humidity, precipitation, and temperature, have significant impacts on the spread of the new strain coronavirus COVID-19 to humans. In this paper, we use a stochastic epidemic SIRC model, with cross-immune class and time-delay in transmission terms, for the spread of COVID-19. We analyze the model and prove the existence and uniqueness of positive global solution. We deduce the basic reproduction number${\mathcal{R}}_{0}^{s}$R0sfor the stochastic model which is smaller than${\mathcal{R}}_{0}$R0of the corresponding deterministic model. Sufficient conditions that guarantee the existence of a unique ergodic stationary distribution, using the stochastic Lyapunov function, and conditions for the extinction of the disease are obtained. Our findings show that white noise plays an important part in controlling the spread of the disease; When the white noise is relatively large, the infectious diseases will become extinct; Re-infection and periodic outbreaks can occur due to the existence of feedback time-delay (or memory) in the transmission terms.
Fractional order of Legendre-type matrix polynomials
Authors: Zayed M. , Hidan M. , Abdalla M. , Abul-Ez M.
Published: September 2020

Recently, special functions of fractional order calculus have had many applications in various areas of mathematical analysis, physics, probability theory, optimization theory, graph theory, control systems, earth sciences, and engineering. Very recently, Zayed et al. (Mathematics 8:136, 2020) introduced the shifted Legendre-type matrix polynomials of arbitrary fractional orders and their various applications utilizing Rodrigues matrix formulas. In this line of research, we use the fractional order of Rodrigues formula to provide further investigation on such Legendre polynomials from a different point of view. Some properties, such as hypergeometric representations, continuation properties, recurrence relations, and differential equations, are derived. Moreover, Laplace’s first integral form and orthogonality are obtained.
A mixed methods evaluation of the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of a pilot project ECHO for community health workers (CHWs)
Authors: Damian April Joy , Robinson Sarafina , Manzoor Faaiza , Lamb Mandy , Rojas Adriana , Porto Ariel , Anderson Daren
Published: September 2020

Background

Despite the positive effects of community health workers (CHWs) on addressing social determinants of health, improving patient health outcomes, and decreasing overall healthcare costs, there is a lack of standardization in training and certifying this workforce, resulting in different approaches to integrating this role into medical home models. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the application of Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) in enhancing CHWs’ capacity to address health and social issues of vulnerable populations.

Methods

An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was applied in which all participants (N = 49) completed pre (January 2019) and post (July 2019) quantitative online surveys measuring changes in self-efficacy, behavior change intent, and knowledge. Virtual focus groups were conducted with a subset of participants (n = 20) in July 2019 to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of Project ECHO.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference of + 0.453 in the composite self-efficacy mean score pre- to post-series. For every 1 additional Project ECHO CHW session attended, there was a .05 improvement in participants’ self-efficacy to perform CHW-related job duties and address social determinants of health (SDOH). Four major themes emerged from the qualitative focus group data: value in learning from other participants’ caseloads, CHW-care team integration, availability of training and resources, and shared decision-making with patients.

Conclusions

This evaluation suggests that ECHO is a viable means of increasing access to training resources for CHWs. Future studies on the ECHO model as a means of educating and broadening implementation of CHWs are warranted. Programs such as Project ECHO can support CHWs by providing continuing education opportunities, as well as standardizing training content across large geographic areas.
Long-term effectiveness and safety of infliximab, golimumab and golimumab-IV in rheumatoid arthritis patients from a Canadian prospective observational registry
Authors: Rahman Proton , Baer Philip , Keystone Ed , Choquette Denis , Thorne Carter , Haraoui Boulos , Chow Andrew , Faraawi Rafat , Olszynski Wojciech , Kelsall John , Rampakakis Emmanouil , Lehman Allen J. , Nantel Francois
Published: September 2020

Background

Long-term clinical registries are essential tools to evaluate new therapies in a patient population that differs from those in randomized clinical trials. The objectives are to describe the profile of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with anti-TNF agents in Canadian routine care.

Methods

RA patients eligible for treatment with Infliximab (IFX), golimumab (GLM) or intravenous golimumab (GLM-IV) as per their respective Canadian product monographs were enrolled into the BioTRAC registry between 2002 and 2017. Study visits occurred at baseline and every 6 months thereafter. Effectiveness was assessed by changes in disease activity. Safety was evaluated by the incidence of adverse events (AEs) and drug survival.

Results

Of the 890 IFX-, 530 GLM- and 157 GLM-IV-treated patients, the proportion of females ranged from 77.0–86.6%, the mean ages from 55.8–57.7 and the mean disease duration from 6.5–8.6 years. A significant decrease in baseline disease duration and disease activity parameters (DAS, TJC, SJC, HAQ, AM stiffness, MDGA, PtGA, CRP, ESR) was observed over time. Treatment with IFX, GLM- and GLM-IV significantly improved all disease parameters over time. The incidence of AEs was 105, 113 and 82.6 /100 PYs and the incidence of SAEs was 11.7, 11.2 and 4.68 /100 PYs for IFX, GLM- and GLM-IV-treated patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Differences in baseline characteristics between patients treated with an anti-TNFs over time shows the evolution of treatment modalities over time. All treatments significantly reduced disease activity and improved functionality in a similar fashion. The incidence of adverse events was consistent with the safety profiles of IFX and GLM.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT00741793(Retrospectively registered on August 26, 2008).
Perceived risk and protective behaviors regarding COVID-19 among Iranian pregnant women
Authors: Aghababaei Soodabeh , Bashirian Saeed , Soltanian Alireza , Refaei Mansoureh , Omidi Tahereh , Ghelichkhani Samereh , Soltani Farzaneh
Published: September 2020

Background

Despite the vulnerability of pregnant women, few studies have been conducted on their perceived risk and protective behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present cross-sectional study aims to investigate the perceived risk and protective behaviors regarding COVID-19 among pregnant women, in Hamadan, Iran. Using a two-stage cluster sampling method, 225 pregnant women referring to the health centers completed the questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman correlation tests as well as a stepwise linear regression model at 95% confidence level.

Results

93.8% of pregnant women had a high level of knowledge, 97.3% had a high performance in protective behaviors, and 72.9% had a moderate level of risk perception related to COVID-19. The highest mean score of knowledge was observed in women who had a history of influenza in their previous pregnancies (90.97 ± 5.94). The mean score of protective behaviors was significantly higher in women with a high economic level (97.78 ± 5.11), and the highest level of risk perception was observed in nulliparous women (59.97 ± 9.80). Risk perception was an independent predictor of protective behaviors related to COVID-19 (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Pregnant women had a high level of knowledge, high performance in protective behaviors, and a moderate level of risk perception related to COVID-19. History of influenza in previous pregnancies, high economic level, and nulliparity were associated with higher levels of knowledge, protective behaviors, and risk perception, respectively. Risk perception of pregnant women regarding COVID-19 can predict their protective behaviors.
Urgent surgical repair is pivotal in the management of major airway injury due to blunt trauma
Authors: Abdelmohty Hysam , Elanwar Mohamed A. , Abdelgawad Basem M.
Published: September 2020

Background

Blunt traumatic airway injury is a life-threatening injury in which urgent management is pivotal and this would come through improving our clinical management and diagnostic tools. Our objective was to emphasize the importance of early referral and urgent surgical repair of major airway injury.

Results

Records of 42 patients with major airway injury out of 17,520 registered thoracic trauma cases were reviewed over the past 15 years. Twenty-eight cases documented to have major tracheobronchial injuries due to blunt trauma underwent surgical repair either urgent (21 cases) or late (7 cases). The age ranged from 8 to 43 years old with a mean age of 22.3 ± 0.8. The most common presenting symptom was shortness of breath in 22 (78.6%) cases and the most frequent sign was subcutaneous emphysema which was seen in 22 (78.6%) cases. The postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were significantly higher in the delayed repair group (p value < 0.001).

Conclusion

The urgent surgical repair is the treatment of choice for major airway injury which is facilitated by early recognition and referral. It is pivotal to avoid respiratory and systemic complications and related mortality.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in a Coronavirus Disease-2019–Positive Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Dave Siddharth , Thibodeau Jennifer T. , Styrvoky Kim , Bhatt Shyam H.
Published: September 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a high incidence of cardiac involvement, commonly described as a new-onset cardiomyopathy. In this report, we describe a patient with a new manifestation of cardiac involvement in the setting of a COVID-19 diagnosis: that of takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
Entropies of thymocytogram, splenocytogram, immunocytogram and leukocytogram in rats are regulated by sex and the neuroendocrine parameters while regulates immune parameters
Authors: Bilas Volodymyra , Popadynets’ Oleksandr , Flyunt Igor-Severyn , Sydoruk Nadiya , Badiuk Nataliya , Gushcha Serhiy , Zukow Walery , Gozhenko Anatoliy , Popovych Igor
Published: September 2020

Background. We have previously shown that the Entropy (E) of the relative spectral power density (SPD) of the EEG rhythms is its quite relevant parameter. We also found significant relationships between the SPD E of individual EEG loci and the E of the Leukocytogram (LCG) and Immunocytogram (ICG) of the blood, as well as with their individual components. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationships between E(s) of these four morpho-functional immune subsystem and sex as well as parameters of the neuroendocrine-immune complex in rats. Materials and methods. Experiment was performed on 108 healthy Wistar rats (48 male and 60 female) weighing 205-300 g (M±SD=260±26 g) divided into 8 groups. Animals of the first group remained intact, using tap water from drinking ad libitum. Instead, the other rats received various balneofactors for 6 days. The day after the completion of the drinking/application course in all rats the parameters of neuroendocrine-immune complex were registered. Results. The drinking/application course did not affect the E level of any morpho-functional immune subsystem, the relationships between which are insignificant. Females have less E TCG than males, whereas sexual dimorphism is insignificant for E SCG and ICG and absent for E LCG. The canonical correlation of mediocre force (R=0,675) between sex index (M=1;F=2) and neuro-endocrine parameters (HRV, calcitonin, parathyroid and mineralocorticoid activities, corticosterone plasma, 17-KS urine) was revealed. Factors linked to female sex upregulates nine immune parameters (R=0,630), while downregulates nine others (R=0,678). The neuroendocrine constellation (testosterone plasma, HRV, calcitonin, parathyroid and mineralocorticoid activities) is associated with the constellation of entropies (R=0,533). Entropy of a single morpho-functional immune subsystem is associated with a certain constellation of immune parameters. In particular, E SCG with 12 (R=0,721), E TCG with 9 (R=0,615), E ICG with 8 (R=0,586), E LCG with 12 (R=0,631). Conclusion. Entropies of thymocytogram, splenocytogram, immunocytogram and leukocytogram in rats are regulated by sex and the neuroendocrine factors while regulates immune parameters.
Don’t intubate women with pneumothorax. Surgery with music and muse
Authors: Tkalich Vasyl , Borysova Valentyna , Nedilia Yurii , Lianskorunskyi Volodymyr
Published: September 2020

Background: Treatment of women with spontaneous pneumothorax is challenging and multidisciplinary. We performed a retrospective analysis of 10 females with spontaneous pneumothorax to determine the clinical features as well as the effects of treatment and recurrence rates. Our goal was to report that non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery is feasible and safe treatment of pneumothorax in women.Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of the clinical and pathologic data in all 10 patients undergoing treatment at our institution. 4 patients undervent treatment for catamenial pneumothorax. All 10 patients underwent surgical treatment.Results: The median age was 33 years. The laterality of the pneumothorax was right in 7, left in 3 patients. All patients underwent surgical treatment. Partial resection of the lung was performed in 10 patients and partial resection of the diaphragm with mesh diaphragm augmentation in four. Of these, both resections were performed in four patients. A pathological diagnosis of endometriosis was achieved in only four patients. The observation period was 6 months. No recurrences were observed. 8 patients were operated in the 1st, 1 in the 2nd, 1 in the 5th episode of pneumothorax. All patients were transferred to the ward 30 minutes and oral food intake was permitted 1 h after surgery.Conclusions: non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery with mesh diaphragm augmentation, atypical lung resection and pleural abrasion could be considered a feasible, safe and effective method of treatment of catamenial pneumothorax. Prolonged follow-up and further clinical investigations are required to confirm the advantages of the proposed approach.
Does SSRI have a neuroprotective effect in patent after ischemic stroke?
Authors: Rocka Agata , Madras Dominika , Piędel Faustyna , Jasielski Patryk , Szumna Klaudia
Published: September 2020

Introduction and purpose:Ischemic stroke accounts for the majority of all stroke cases, with recurrence rates of around 12% within the first year, rising to around 30% within five years.Thrombolytic therapy based on the intravenous administration of rtPA (recombinant plasminogen activator) is the only treatment that has been proven to improve treatment outcomes after ischemic stroke. New methods that would increase the number of motor function returns are still being sought.A brief description of the state of knowledge: SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are used primarily in the treatment of depression and emotional lability after stroke. Many clinical and preclinical studies have suggested that SSRIs have a beneficial effect on the outcomes of stroke patients.Our work is a brief overview of the current knowledge and clinical trials conducted. Review of the available literature using the PubMed database. Search criteria for scientific articles published from 2010 to 2020, search term: "SSRI ischaemic stroke". Ultimately, 12 randomized clinical trials were analyzed (3 articles apply for one study). One of the studies does not have unequivocal results. Conclusions: The safety of SSRIs in stroke patients has been confirmed. Further multi-center studies are required to investigate the neuroprotective role of SSRIs.
Ketogenic diet: A nutritional remedy for some metabolic disorders
Authors: Kayode Titilola Omowumi , Rotimi Emmanuel Damilare , Afolayan Arike Olubisola , Kayode Abolanle Azeez Abideen
Published: September 2020

Background: Ketogenic diets (KD) consist of high fat, moderate protein and low carbohydrates.Aim: This review explores the effect of ketogenic diet and its mechanism of actions in disease management.Methods: Recent information on ketogenic diets and disease management were retrieved from academic journals using scientific search engines and popular library databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, JSTOR amongst others.Commentary: Ketogenic diet means a high fat, low-carbohydrate diet, with enough protein content, which makes the body utilize fat, rather than carbohydrate, as a preferred energy source. There are four different types of ketogenic diet, the traditional classic ketogenic diet, medium chain triglyceride (MCT) ketogenic diet, the modified Atkins diet (MAD), and the low glycemic index treatment (LGIT). The classic ketogenic diet, also known as long-chain fats consist of 16-20 carbon atoms. Its peculiarity is the low carbohydrate content, which could be difficult to maintain. The MCT was developed as an alternative to classic ketogenic diet. It has a fat composition of 60% octanoic acid (eight-carbon fatty acid) and 40% decanoic acid (10-carbon fatty acid). The MCT provides about 45% of energy when compared with the classic ketogenic diet. The MAD though strongly encourages the intake of high fat, it allows for 10-20 g of carbohydrate per day. The LGIT permits only low glycemic index foods. Ketogenic diets have been a therapeutic strategy for several diseases such as obesity, dyslipidemia, cancer and a broad range of neurological disorders.Conclusion: The ketogenic diet, an effective and age-long treatment for epilepsy in children, is gradually gaining acceptance as a therapeutic modality for many other diseases.
Extensive ossifications of falx cerebri – literature review based on own experience and case report
Authors: Siedlecki Zygmunt , Gromadzki Bartłomiej , Woźniak Jakub , Jagodzińska Kalina , Hadzik Kajetan , Śniegocki Maciej
Published: September 2020

Extensive ossification of the falx cerebri occur rarely however are described in the world literature references. Ossifications may concern both cerebral falx and other dural structures: tentorium. They are most often incidental findings and occurrence frequency in the population is remains unclear. The authors of the study are reviewing references on this subject, based on a case of extensive falx ossification. Manuscript describes the case of incidental detected of extensive calcification of the anterior brain sickle in a patient after head injury. Computed tomography revealed no pathology, but extensive ossification of falx was described. The patient did not complain of any significant complaints or neurological symptoms. The described calcification constituted a median and sagittal bone or calcium plate separating the frontal lobes of the brain. Analyzing references did not identify such extensive ossification of falx cerebri in human, however dural ossifications are reported in the references.