bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genicular artery embolization as a novel treatment for mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis: protocol design of a randomized sham-controlled clinical trial
Authors: van Zadelhoff T. A. , Moelker A. , Bierma-Zeinstra S. M. A. , Bos P. K. , Krestin G. P. , Oei E. H. G.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Knee osteoarthritis is a common disease with pain as the most prevalent symptom. Previous cohort studies have shown genicular artery embolization to reduce pain symptoms in patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. Patients resistant to conservative therapy but not eligible yet for surgical treatment due to young age or comorbidities may profit from an effective and sustained pain reduction treatment. This study is a randomized sham-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of genicular artery embolization in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods and analysis

Fifty-eight patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis will be recruited and randomly allocated to the treatment or control group in a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the treatment group will undergo genicular artery embolization. Patients in the control group will undergo sham treatment. Outcome measurements will be assessed at baseline and after 1, 4, 8, and 12 months with questionnaires, pressure pain threshold testing, and MR imaging. The MR imaging protocol is designed to (semi)quantitatively assess osteoarthritis in the knee joint. The primary outcome is the change from baseline of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) pain subscale after 4 months. Secondary outcomes include change in osteoarthritis-related questionnaires, pressure pain threshold, and OA-related MRI features, particularly synovitis and bone marrow lesions.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial will determine the efficacy of genicular artery embolization compared to a sham treatment. This is of importance to assess before proceeding to larger-scale efficiency studies and, ultimately, implementing this treatment into day to day clinical practice.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03884049. Registered on 21 March 2019
Cytauxzoon europaeus infections in domestic cats in Switzerland and in European wildcats in France: a tale that started more than two decades ago
Authors: Willi Barbara , Meli Marina L. , Cafarelli Chiara , Gilli Urs O. , Kipar Anja , Hubbuch Alina , Riond Barbara , Howard Judith , Schaarschmidt Daniel , Regli Walter , Hofmann-Lehmann Regina
Published: January 2022

Background

Cytauxzoon spp. infection is believed to be a newly emerging tick-borne disease in felids in Europe, with three species of the haemoparasite having recently been differentiated in wild felids. In Switzerland, rare infections have been documented in domestic cats in the west and northwest of the country, the first of which was in 2014. The aims of the present study were: (i) to characterize a Cytauxzoon spp. hotspot in domestic cats in central Switzerland; (ii) to elucidate the geographic distribution of Cytauxzoon spp. in domestic cats in Switzerland; (iii) to assess suspected high-risk populations, such as stray and anaemic cats; and (iv) to investigate the newly emerging nature of the infection. Cytauxzoon spp. were further differentiated using mitochondrial gene sequencing.

Methods

The overall study included samples from 13 cats from two households in central Switzerland (study A), 881 cats from all regions of Switzerland (study B), 91 stray cats from a hotspot region in the northwest of Switzerland and 501 anaemic cats from across Switzerland (study C), and 65 Swiss domestic cats sampled in 2003 and 34 European wildcats from eastern France sampled in the period 1995–1996 (study D). The samples were analysed for Cytauxzoon spp. using real-time TaqMan quantitative PCR, and positive samples were subjected to 18S rRNA, cytochrome b (CytB) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequencing.

Results

In study A, six of 13 cats from two neighbouring households in central Switzerland tested postive for Cytauxzoon spp.; two of the six infected cats died from bacterial infections. In studies B and C, only one of the 881 cats (0.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0–0.3%) in the countrywide survey and one of the 501 anaemic cats (0.2%; 95% CI: 0–0.6%) tested postive for Cytauxzoon spp. while eight of the 91 stray cats in the northwest of Switzerland tested positive (8.8%; 95% CI: 3.0–14.6%). In study D, Cytauxzoon spp. was detected in one of the 65 domestic cat samples from 2003 (1.5%; 95% CI: 0–4.5%) and in ten of the 34 European wildcat samples from 1995 to 1996 (29%; 95% CI: 14.2–44.7%). The isolates showed ≥ 98.6% sequence identities among the 18S rRNA, CytB and COI genes, respectively, and fell in the subclade Cytauxzoon europaeus based on CytB and COI gene phylogenetic analyses.

Conclusions

The study challenges the newly emerging nature of Cytauxzoon spp. in central Europe and confirms that isolates from domestic cats in Switzerland and European wild felids belong to the same species.

Graphical Abstract
Insecticidal efficacy against Phlebotomus perniciosus in dogs treated orally with fluralaner in two different parallel-group, negative-control, random and masked trials
Authors: Bongiorno Gioia , Meyer Leon , Evans Alec , Lekouch Nouha , Doherty Padraig , Chiummo Rafael , Gradoni Luigi
Published: January 2022

Background

Dogs are the reservoir host of Leishmania infantum, the agent of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (VL), which is transmitted by the bite of phlebotomine sand flies. The sand fly Phlebotomus perniciosus is the main vector of zoonotic VL in the western Mediterranean region. Fluralaner has been shown to effectively kill this vector. The aim of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal efficacy of oral fluralaner in dogs bitten by P. perniciosus.

Methods

Two parallel-group, negative-controlled, randomized, masked laboratory trials with equivalent designs were performed in two different locations using two different pathogen-free laboratory-bred P. perniciosus strains for the challenge. In each trial, 12 purpose-bred beagles, initially ranked on natural attractiveness to sand flies, were randomly allocated to two groups (6 animals/group). Dogs in one group received fluralaner orally at the approved dose on day 0, and dogs in the control group were not treated. Each dog was subsequently exposed to an average of 70 unfed live sand fly females on days 1, 28, 56 and 84. Viability of blood-fed females was then evaluated for up to 96 h after exposure, and insecticidal efficacy was measured as the survival rate of flies fed on the fluralaner-treated dogs versus that of dogs in the control group. Significance was calculated for the proportion of live fed sand fly counts from treated versus control group dogs.

Results

Comparison of the survival proportions between treated and control groups showed that fluralaner insecticidal efficacy was highly significant in both trials (P < 0.001 or P < 0.01 in different assessments) through to day 56. In the first trial, efficacy reached 100% on days 1 and 28, and 99.1% on day 56; in the second trial, the insecticidal efficacy was 98.5, 100 and 85.9%, respectively on the same days. On day 84, efficacy was in the range of 53–57% (P < 0.05) in the first trial and 0% in the second trial.

Conclusion

A single oral fluralaner administration to dogs under laboratory conditions results in strong and reproducible insecticidal efficacy against P. perniciosus for at least 8 weeks.

Graphical Abstract
Characterization of Anopheles gambiae D7 salivary proteins as markers of human–mosquito bite contact
Authors: Oseno Brenda , Marura Faith , Ogwang Rodney , Muturi Martha , Njunge James , Nkumama Irene , Mwakesi Robert , Mwai Kennedy , Rono Martin K. , Mwakubambanya Ramadhan , Osier Faith , Tuju James
Published: January 2022

Background

Malaria is transmitted when infectedAnophelesmosquitoes take a blood meal. During this process, the mosquitoes inject a cocktail of bioactive proteins that elicit antibody responses in humans and could be used as biomarkers of exposure to mosquito bites. This study evaluated the utility of IgG responses to members of theAnopheles gambiaeD7 protein family as serological markers of human–vector contact.

Methods

The D7L2, D7r1, D7r2, D7r3, D7r4 and SG6 salivary proteins fromAn. gambiaewere expressed as recombinant antigens inEscherichia coli. Antibody responses to the salivary proteins were compared in Europeans with no prior exposure to malaria and lifelong residents of Junju in Kenya and Kitgum in Uganda where the intensity of malaria transmission is moderate and high, respectively. In addition, to evaluate the feasibility of using anti-D7 IgG responses as a tool to evaluate the impact of vector control interventions, we compared responses between individuals using insecticide-treated bednets to those who did not in Junju, Kenya where bednet data were available.

Results

We show that both the long and short forms of the D7 salivary gland antigens elicit a strong antibody response in humans. IgG responses against the D7 antigens reflected the transmission intensities of the three study areas, with the highest to lowest responses observed in Kitgum (northern Uganda), Junju (Kenya) and malaria-naïve Europeans, respectively. Specifically, the long form D7L2 induced an IgG antibody response that increased with age and that was lower in individuals who slept under a bednet, indicating its potential as a serological tool for estimating human–vector contact and monitoring the effectiveness of vector control interventions.

Conclusions

This study reveals that D7L2 salivary antigen has great potential as a biomarker of exposure to mosquito bites and as a tool for assessing the efficacy of vector control strategies such as bednet use.

Graphical abstract
Hyaluronidase treatment of synovial fluid is required for accurate detection of inflammatory cells and soluble mediators
Authors: Brouwers Hilde , von Hegedus Johannes Hendrick , van der Linden Enrike , Mahdad Rachid , Kloppenburg Margreet , Toes René , Giera Martin , Ioan-Facsinay Andreea
Published: January 2022

Background

Synovial fluid (SF) is commonly used for diagnostic and research purposes, as it is believed to reflect the local inflammatory environment. Owing to its complex composition and especially the presence of hyaluronic acid, SF is usually viscous and non-homogeneous. In this study, we investigated the importance of homogenization of the total SF sample before subsequent analysis.

Methods

SF was obtained from the knee of 29 arthritis patients (26 rheumatoid arthritis, 2 osteoarthritis, and 1 juvenile idiopathic arthritis patient) as part of standard clinical care. Synovial fluid was either treated with hyaluronidase as a whole or after aliquoting to determine whether the concentration of soluble mediators is evenly distributed in the viscous synovial fluid. Cytokine and IgG levels were measured by ELISA or Luminex and a total of seven fatty acid and oxylipin levels were determined using LC-MS/MS in all aliquots. For cell analysis, synovial fluid was first centrifuged and the pellet was separated from the fluid. The fluid was subsequently treated with hyaluronidase and centrifuged to isolate remaining cells. Cell numbers and phenotype were determined using flow cytometry.

Results

In all patients, there was less variation in IgG, 17-HDHA, leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels when homogenization was performed before aliquoting the SF sample. There was no difference in variation for cytokines, 15-HETE, and fatty acids arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Between 0.8 and 70% of immune cells (median 5%) remained in suspension and were missing in subsequent analyses when the cells were isolated from untreated SF. This percentage was higher for T and B cells: 7–85% (median 22%) and 7–88% (median 23 %), respectively.

Conclusions

Homogenization of the entire SF sample leads to less variability in IgG and oxylipin levels and prevents erroneous conclusions based on incomplete isolation of synovial fluid cells.
MRI-assessed tumor-free distance to serosa predicts deep myometrial invasion and poor outcome in endometrial cancer
Authors: Dybvik Julie Andrea , Fasmer Kristine E. , Ytre-Hauge Sigmund , Husby Jenny Hild Aase , Salvesen Øyvind O. , Stefansson Ingunn Marie , Krakstad Camilla , Trovik Jone , Haldorsen Ingfrid S.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To explore the diagnostic accuracy of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived tumor measurements for the prediction of histopathological deep (≥ 50%) myometrial invasion (pDMI) and prognostication in endometrial cancer (EC).

Methods

Preoperative pelvic MRI of 357 included patients with histologically confirmed EC were read independently by three radiologists blinded to clinical information. The radiologists recorded imaging findings (T1 post-contrast sequence) suggesting deep (≥ 50%) myometrial invasion (iDMI) and measured anteroposterior tumor diameter (APD), depth of myometrial tumor invasion (DOI) and tumor-free distance to serosa (iTFD). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the prediction of pDMI were plotted for the different MRI measurements. The predictive and prognostic value of the MRI measurements was analyzed using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

iTFD yielded highest area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the prediction of pDMI with an AUC of 0.82, whereas DOI, APD and iDMI yielded AUCs of 0.74, 0.81 and 0.74, respectively. Multivariate analysis for predicting pDMI yielded highest predictive value of iTFD <  6 mm with OR of 5.8 (p < 0.001) and lower figures for DOI ≥ 5 mm (OR = 2.8, p = 0.01), APD ≥ 17 mm (OR = 2.8, p < 0.001) and iDMI (OR = 1.1, p = 0.82). Patients with iTFD < 6 mm also had significantly reduced progression-free survival with hazard ratio of 2.4 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

For predicting pDMI, iTFD yielded best diagnostic performance and iTFD < 6 mm outperformed other cutoff-based imaging markers and conventional subjective assessment of deep myometrial invasion (iDMI) for diagnosing pDMI. Thus, iTFD at MRI represents a promising preoperative imaging biomarker that may aid in predicting pDMI and high-risk disease in EC.
Management of giant osteoma in the mandible associated with minor trauma: a case report
Authors: Wolf-Grotto Isabela , Nogueira Lucas M. , Milani Basilio , Marchiori Erica C.
Published: January 2022

Background

Osteoma is a benign tumor of the bones, which can be classified as central or peripheral. The occurrence in the jawbones is uncommon, but when it occurs, there is a greater prevalence of the mandible. The etiology is still unknown, and the hypothesis of its development is debated.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old Caucasian man presenting a tumor lesion in the right jawbone that had been growing for 8 years sought medical service complaining of speaking impairment. According to the patient, the tumor appeared shortly after a minor trauma caused by tooth extraction. The diagnosis of the lesion was made through clinical, radiographic, and histological methods, and the surgical treatment was successful and satisfactory for the patient as well as the surgical team, despite a short follow-up.

Conclusion

Etiopathogenesis of osteoma is not determined in the majority of cases. In the present report, it was possible to hypothesize the association between a minor trauma and the development of the tumor, reinforcing the reactive theory of tumor development. The uncommon location of the osteoma, as well the possibility of identifying the possible cause of the lesion, makes this case particularly interesting.
dPRLR causes differences in immune responses between early and late feathering chickens after ALV-J infection
Authors: Mo Guodong , Hu Bowen , Zhang Qihong , Ruan Zhuohao , Li Wangyu , Liang Jiaying , Shen Yizi , Mo Zhixin , Zhang Zihao , Wu Zhuyue , Shi Meiqing , Zhang Xiquan
Published: January 2022

To understand the differences in immune responses between early feathering (EF) and late feathering (LF) chickens after infection with avian leukosis virus, subgroup J (ALV-J), we monitored the levels of prolactin, growth hormone and the immunoglobulins IgG and IgM in the serum of LF and EF chickens for 8 weeks. Moreover, we analysed the expression of immune-related genes in the spleen and the expression of PRLR, SPEF2 and dPRLR in the immune organs and DF-1 cells by qRT–PCR. The results showed that ALV-J infection affected the expression of prolactin, growth hormone, IgG and IgM in the serum. Regardless of whether LF and EF chickens were infected with ALV-J, the serum levels of the two hormones and two immunoglobulins in EF chickens were higher than those in LF chickens (P  < 0.05). However, the expression of immune-related genes in the spleen of positive LF chickens was higher than that in the spleen of positive EF chickens. In the four immune organs, PRLR and SPEF2 expression was also higher in LF chickens than in EF chickens. Furthermore, the dPRLR expression of positive LF chickens was higher than that of negative LF chickens. After infection with ALV-J, the expression of PRLR in DF-1 cells significantly increased. In addition, overexpression of PRLR or dPRLR in DF-1 cells promoted replication of ALV-J. These results suggested that the susceptibility of LF chickens to ALV-J might be induced by dPRLR.
A trusted de-swinging k-anonymity scheme for location privacy protection
Authors: Yang Manxiang , Ye Baopeng , Chen Yuling , Li Tao , Yang Yixian , Qian Xiaobin , Yu Xiaomei
Published: January 2022

K-anonymity has been gaining widespread attention as one of the most widely used technologies to protect location privacy. Nevertheless, there are still some threats such as behavior deception and service swing, since utilizing distributed k-anonymity technology to construct an anonymous domain. More specifically, the coordinate of the honest node will be a leak if the malicious nodes submit wrong locations coordinate to take part in the domain construction process. Worse still, owing to service swing, the attacker increases the reputation illegally to deceive honest nodes again. To overcome those drawbacks, we propose a trusted de-swinging k-anonymity scheme for location privacy protection. Primarily, we introduce a de-swinging reputation evaluation method (DREM), which designs a penalty factor to curb swinging behavior. This method calculates the reputation from entity honesty degree, location information entropy, and service swing degree. Besides, based on our proposed DREM, a credible cloaking area is constructed to protect the location privacy of the requester. In the area, nodes can choose some nodes with a high reputation for completing the construction process of the anonymous domain. Finally, we design reputation contracts to calculate credit automatically based on smart contracts. The security analysis and simulation results indicate that our proposed scheme effectively resists malicious attacks, curbs the service swing, and encourages nodes to participate honestly in the construction of cloaking areas.
Using a stochastic continuous-time Markov chain model to examine alternative timing and duration of the COVID-19 lockdown in Kuwait: what can be done now?
Authors: Al-Zoughool Mustafa , Oraby Tamer , Vainio Harri , Gasana Janvier , Longenecker Joseph , Al Ali Walid , AlSeaidan Mohammad , Elsaadany Susie , Tyshenko Michael G.
Published: January 2022

Background

Kuwait had its first COVID-19 in late February, and until October 6, 2020 it recorded 108,268 cases and 632 deaths. Despite implementing one of the strictest control measures-including a three-week complete lockdown, there was no sign of a declining epidemic curve. The objective of the current analyses is to determine, hypothetically, the optimal timing and duration of a full lockdown in Kuwait that would result in controlling new infections and lead to a substantial reduction in case hospitalizations.

Methods

The analysis was conducted using a stochastic Continuous-Time Markov Chain (CTMC), eight state model that depicts the disease transmission and spread of SARS-CoV 2. Transmission of infection occurs between individuals through social contacts at home, in schools, at work, and during other communal activities.

Results

The model shows that a lockdown 10 days before the epidemic peak for 90 days is optimal but a more realistic duration of 45 days can achieve about a 45% reduction in both new infections and case hospitalizations.

Conclusions

In the view of the forthcoming waves of the COVID19 pandemic anticipated in Kuwait using a correctly-timed and sufficiently long lockdown represents a workable management strategy that encompasses the most stringent form of social distancing with the ability to significantly reduce transmissions and hospitalizations.
Protein nanoparticles directed cancer imaging and therapy
Authors: Miao Yao , Yang Tao , Yang Shuxu , Yang Mingying , Mao Chuanbin
Published: January 2022

Cancer has been a serious threat to human health. Among drug delivery carriers, protein nanoparticles are unique because of their mild and environmentally friendly preparation methods. They also inherit desired characteristics from natural proteins, such as biocompatibility and biodegradability. Therefore, they have solved some problems inherent to inorganic nanocarriers such as poor biocompatibility. Also, the surface groups and cavity of protein nanoparticles allow for easy surface modification and drug loading. Besides, protein nanoparticles can be combined with inorganic nanoparticles or contrast agents to form multifunctional theranostic platforms. This review introduces representative protein nanoparticles applicable in cancer theranostics, including virus-like particles, albumin nanoparticles, silk protein nanoparticles, and ferritin nanoparticles. It also describes the common methods for preparing them. It then critically analyzes the use of a variety of protein nanoparticles in improved cancer imaging and therapy.
Combined in-vitro and on-farm evaluation of commercial disinfectants used against Brachyspira hyodysenteriae
Authors: Gómez-García Manuel , Argüello Héctor , Pérez-Pérez Lucía , Vega Clara , Puente Héctor , Mencía-Ares Óscar , Rubio Pedro , Carvajal Ana
Published: January 2022

Background

Swine dysentery (SD) is a severe infectious disease with a relevant impact on pig production usually caused by Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, although B. hampsonii causes an identical clinical picture. SD control relies on antimicrobials, good management practices and strict biosecurity with cleaning and disinfection as crucial tools to avoid the pathogen transmission. This study evaluates the in-vitro efficacy of an array of commercial disinfectants against a collection of B. hyodysenteriae isolates using broth tests. The efficacy of cleaning and disinfection protocols was also evaluated on two farms with endemic SD using surface swabs collected in emptied pens before and after cleaning and disinfection procedures, using both real-time PCR and bacterial microbiological culture.

Results

Most of the commercial disinfectants evaluated were effective against all B. hyodysenteriae isolates tested, with a reduction of more than 5.00 log10 CFU/mL (bactericidal efficacy of 99.999%). However, some isolates exhibited reduced susceptibility to Virkon-S and Limoseptic disinfectants. The evaluation of cleaning and disinfection protocols on farms with SD outbreaks showed that approximately half the pens tested (n = 25) were positive by real-time PCR after pigs removal (mean B. hyodysenteriae counts 5.72 ± 1.04 log10 CFU/mL) while almost 20% of the pens remained positive after cleaning (n = 7) and disinfection (n = 5) procedures although with significantly lower, mean estimates (4.31 ± 0.43 log10 CFU/mL and 4.01 ± 0.55 log10 CFU/mL, respectively).

Conclusions

These results show the efficacy of disinfectants against B. hyodysenteriae but also stress the need to implement adequately the cleaning and disinfection protocols on pig farms and review and revise their efficiency periodically.
Choroidal changes and associations with visual acuity in diabetic patients
Authors: Marques João Heitor , Marta Ana , Castro Catarina , Baptista Pedro Manuel , José Diana , Almeida Daniel , Ribeiro António , Barbosa Irene
Published: January 2022

Background

The variable visual function observed in diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients is not fully explained by the classic staging system. Our purpose was to evaluate choroidal changes, in standardized sectors, in DR patients and to find associations between choroidal measurements and visual function.

Methods

Cross-sectional study that included the right eye of diabetic patients (n = 265) without active edema, ischemia or neovascularization and age-matched controls (n = 73). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging was performed with enhanced depth imaging protocol. Choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was calculated in a 5 mm scan centered in the fovea.

Results

CVI decreased with age (p < 0.001) but was not influenced by axial length. A multivariate analysis adjusting for age confirmed a significant difference in CVI between DR eyes that had previous treatments (intravitreal injections and/or photocoagulation) compared to control eyes (p = 0.013) and to DR eyes that never required treatment (p = 0.002). There was no significant difference between non-DR diabetic patients and normal controls. Considering the group of DR patients that had previous treatments, in eyes without optic media opacification, BCVA correlated with CVI (r = − 0.362, p < 0.001), whereas full retina thickness and individual retinal layer thickness did not (p > 0.066).

Conclusions

A reduction in CVI was observed in patients with a more advanced stage of DR. In treated DR patients with stable disease, choroidal biomarkers correlated with best-corrected visual acuity whereas retinal biomarkers did not.

Trial registration: N/A
Respiration and circulation affected by gas leakage into the abdominal cavity during endoscopic esophageal submucosal dissection after gastrostomy: a case report
Authors: Honda Jun , Kuwana Keisuke , Kase Saori , Obara Shinju , Inoue Satoki
Published: January 2022

Background

Pneumoperitoneum is a common complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). We report a case of circulatory and respiratory depression due to pneumoperitoneum caused by PEG dislodgement during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) surgery.

Case presentation

A 46-year-old man with PEG for dysphagia underwent ESD for esophageal cancer under general anesthesia. The patient developed a gradual increase in peak inspiratory pressure, followed by a decrease in peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and blood pressure, as well as an increase in heart rate (HR) during endoscopic submucosal ESD for esophageal cancer. We suspected mediastinal emphysema due to esophageal perforation, but the surgery was successfully completed. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) revealed that the abdominal and gastric walls, which had been fixed by PEG, were detached, resulting in a large amount of intra-abdominal gas and mediastinal emphysema.

Conclusions

ESD in patients with PEG should be performed carefully because of the possibility of intraoperative PEG dislodgement and pneumoperitoneum caused by insufflation gas leakage.
Identification of a five-miRNA signature as a novel potential prognostic biomarker in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Tu Bo , Ye Ling , Cao Qingsong , Gong Sisi , Jiang Miaohua , Li Hui
Published: January 2022

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study used clinical data and expression data of miRNAs to develop a prognostic survival signature for NPC patients to detect high-risk subject.

Results

We identified 160 differentially expressed miRNAs using RNA-Seq data from the GEO database. Cox regression model consisting of hsa-miR-26a, hsa-let-7e, hsa-miR-647, hsa-miR-30e, and hsa-miR-93 was constructed by the least absolute contraction and selection operator (LASSO) in the training set. All the patients were classified into high-risk or low-risk groups by the optimal cutoff value of the 5-miRNA signature risk score, and the two risk groups demonstrated significant different survival. The 5-miRNA signature showed high predictive and prognostic accuracies. The results were further confirmed in validation and external validation set. Results from multivariate Cox regression analysis validated 5-miRNA signature as an independent prognostic factor. A total of 13 target genes were predicted to be the target genes of miRNA target genes. Both PPI analysis and KEGG analysis networks were closely related to tumor signaling pathways. The prognostic model of mRNAs constructed using data from the dataset GSE102349 had higher AUCs of the target genes and higher immune infiltration scores of the low-risk groups. The mRNA prognostic model also performed well on the independent immunotherapy dataset Imvigor210.

Conclusions

This study constructed a novel 5-miRNA signature for prognostic prediction of the survival of NPC patients and may be useful for individualized treatment of NPC patients.
Safety and efficacy of emergency transarterial embolization for mesenteric bleeding
Authors: Extrat Chloé , Grange Sylvain , Chevalier Clément , Williet Nicolas , Phelip Jean-Marc , Barral Fabrice-Guy , Le Roy Bertrand , Grange Rémi
Published: January 2022

Background

Patients with spontaneous or traumatic active mesenteric bleeding cannot be treated endoscopically. Transarterial embolization can serve as a potential alternative to emergency surgery. Literature on transarterial embolization for mesenteric bleeding remains very scarce. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transarterial embolization for mesenteric bleeding. We reviewed all consecutive patients admitted for mesenteric bleeding to the interventional radiology department, in a tertiary center, between January 2010 and March 2021. Mesenteric bleeding was defined as mesenteric hematoma and contrast extravasation and/or pseudoaneurysm visible on pre-operative CT scan. We evaluated technical success, clinical success, and complications.

Results

Among the 17 patients admitted to the interventional department for mesenteric bleeding, 15 presented with active mesenteric bleeding requiring transarterial embolization with five patients with hemodynamic instability. Mean age was 67 ± 14 years, including 12 (70.6%) males. Technical success was achieved in 14/15 (93.3%) patients. One patient with technical failure was treated by percutaneous embolization with NBCA-Lipiodol mixture. Three patients (20%) had early rebleeding: two were treated by successful repeat embolization and one by surgery. One patient (6.7%) had early death within 30 days and two patients (13.3%) had late death after 30 days. Mean length of hospitalization was 12.8 ± 7 days. There were no transarterial embolization-related ischemic complications.

Conclusion

Transarterial embolization is a safe and effective technique for treating mesenteric bleeding even in patients with hemodynamic instability. Transarterial embolization doesn’t close the door to surgery and could be proposed as first intention in case of mesenteric bleeding.
Towards biowastes valorization: Peanut shell as resource for quality chemicals and activated biochar production
Authors: Fermanelli Carla S. , Chiappori Adrián , Pierella Liliana B. , Saux Clara
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this work was to transform a regional biowaste into value-added chemicals and products through a modest thermo-catalytic pyrolysis process. ZSM-11 (Zeolite Socony Mobile-11) zeolites modified by nickel (Ni) incorporation (1–8 wt%) were synthesized and characterized by means of X-Ray Diffraction, Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy, Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy, UV–Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectra and Temperature Programmed Reduction. Results demonstrated that Ni was mainly incorporated as oxide. These porous materials were evaluated as heterogeneous catalysts to improve biooil composition. In this sense, higher hydrocarbon yields, and quality chemicals were obtained and oxygenates were diminished. The deactivation of the most active material was studied over six cycles of reaction. In order to achieve the circular bioeconomy postulates, the obtained biochar (usually considered a residue) was further transformed through a physicochemical activation. The obtained activated biochars were extensively characterized.
Phytochemical characterization of the ethanolic extract of Kaempferia galanga rhizome for anti-oxidant activities by HPTLC and GCMS
Authors: Nonglang Flavius Phrangsngi , Khale Abhijeet , Bhan Surya
Published: January 2022

Background

The rhizome ofKaempferia galanga(K. galanga) was collected from Meghalaya, India, and its ethanolic extract was obtained by freeze-drying or lyophilization process, which was then assessed for its in vitro anti-oxidant activity and phytochemical characterization using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GCMS).

Results

In vitro anti-oxidant activity analysis shows an inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 1.824 mg/mL and 0.307 mg/mL for, α, α-diphenyl-ρ-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays, respectively. Total polyphenol content (TPC) of 23.55 ± 0.5 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight of extract and total flavonoid content (TFC) of 100 ± 1.414 mg rutin equivalents (RE)/g dry weight of extract were found. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis shows the best separation of bands at different retention factor (Rf) values, when employing the solvent system 2-butanol/1-propanol/water in the ratio of 3:1:1 (v/v/v). Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GCMS) analysis confirms the presence and identification of various phytocompounds, with ethyl p-methoxycinnamate identified as the major active compound.

Conclusion

Freeze-dried ethanolic extract ofK. galanga(rhizome) possesses anti-oxidant activity. Ethyl p-methoxycinnamate is present as the major bioactive component (about 94.87% of the total area composition), and since it has very important and diverse medicinal properties, a freeze-drying process (lyophilization) can be utilized for its isolation and extraction.
Preschool education
Authors: Irina Sergeevna
Published: January 2022

The purpose of the textbook is to form a circle of basic concepts included in the topic of preschool education, to give an overview of the existing features of working with preschool children for future employees of this field of education. The history of the development of preschool pedagogy abroad and in our country is described in detail, the calendar of child development is given, the issues of the specifics of working with children with developmental disabilities are considered, recommendations are given on the organization of various activities within the framework of the work, and attention is paid to the issues of quality control of preschool education.
It is addressed to students studying under the specialty program 44.02.01 "Preschool education".
Materials science: Design, architecture: in 2 t. Volume 1
Authors: Volodina Elena
Published: January 2022

The first volume of the textbook describes the main groups of building and finishing materials and products, their structure and properties.
Special attention is paid to the actual finishing materials, as well as their ecological and aesthetic features, which are important for creating an expressive subject-spatial environment.
The well-thought-out structure of the book allows you to successfully master the discipline in different formats of vocational education: secondary vocational, bachelor's, master's, professional retraining. The volume of the studied material is determined by the teacher in accordance with the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standard of the latest generation and the work program.
It is intended for students in the areas of training "Design", "Environment Design", "Architectural environment Design", "Architecture", "Architectural design". It will also be useful as a reference for practicing designers, architects, restorers, builders, teachers of materials science and a wide range of people interested in this field of knowledge.
Internet technologies
Authors: Gurikov Sergey
Published: January 2022

The material of the textbook is aimed at obtaining competencies in the field of Internet technologies. In a simple and accessible language, the theoretical foundations of Internet technologies are described, the study of which will help to eliminate gaps in knowledge on
the current type of activity of almost every person. The seven workshops given in the manual will provide an opportunity to acquire skills and competencies that are in demand in the labor market and necessary for the implementation of professional and daily tasks.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students and teachers of higher education and people interested in developing their key competencies in the field of information and communication technologies.
Strategic change management
Authors: Kozhevina Ol'ga , Salienko Natal'ya
Published: January 2022

The textbook is developed on the basis of competence-based and interdisciplinary approaches, contains theoretical foundations for the formation, change, development and improvement of organization management systems in a dynamic environment, as well as methodological aspects of the development and practical implementation of strategic changes. The publication examines the features of strategic changes, the technology of change management, reflects the models and principles of organizational changes, defines the prerequisites for the development of scenarios for the development of the organization, factors, conditions and mechanisms for the implementation of the change management strategy in the organization.
The publication fully complies with the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for students studying in the areas of training 38.03.02 "Management", 38.03.03 "Personnel Management", 38.03.04 "State and municipal management". It will also be useful for students of MBA programs, advanced training courses and professional training of managerial personnel, senior students of economic specialties of universities, graduate students, teachers, practitioners and anyone interested in the problems of effective development of organizations based on the approach of organizational change.
Ensuring the protection of human rights in the Russian Federation
Authors: Komkova Galina , Lipchanskaya Mariya , Kulikova Svetlana , Abaeva Elena , Kondraschenko Dar'ya , Aver'yanova Natal'ya , Torosyan Rima , Duraev Taulan , Toguzaeva Ekaterina , Tyumeneva Nataliya , Velieva Dzhamila , Kuznecova Ol'ga , Basova Alla
Published: January 2022

The textbook contains texts of lectures dealing with problematic issues of ensuring protection, the competence of authorities in the field of ensuring and protecting human rights, as well as the specifics of protecting the rights of certain categories of citizens in various spheres of their life.
For students, undergraduates, postgraduates, teachers interested in the formation and development of the Russian human rights system.
Educational research project in physics based on open data
Authors: Kuznecova Irina , Prohorov Mihail
Published: January 2022

One of the forms of teaching physics in high schools with a natural science specialization and in the junior courses of universities can be an educational research project. The use of modern open scientific data makes it possible to make the project interesting, modern, relevant and multidisciplinary. The implementation of such a project allows the student to understand some areas of modern scientific research and the relationship between various natural sciences. Direct comparison of the project results with published fundamental research and discussion of the differences obtained are possible. As the first example of a training project, the determination of the frequency of asteroids and large meteorites (of the Tunguska and Chelyabinsk class) falling to Earth by counting craters on the surface of the Moon and Mercury is considered.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying in natural science specialties: physics, astronomy, geography, geology, soil science, biology, etc—, and students of engineering and technical specialties of full-time and distance learning.
Insurance in the digital economy: science, practice, education
Authors: Adamchuk Natal'ya , Azimov Rustam , Belousova Tamara , Bryzgalov Denis , Bryzgalova Ekaterina , Verezubova Tat'yana , Esymhanova Zeynegul' , Krutova Lyubov' , Maslennikov Sergey , Ohrimenko Igor' , Plahova Tat'yana , Selivanova Marina , Shamsuddinov Bahodir
Published: January 2022

The monograph deals with the transformation of the insurance business in the conditions of digitalization. The logic of scientific analysis is based on the impact of digitalization on all environmental systems of the insurance business, which, in turn, require the transformation of all aspects of the insurer's activities. The scientific analysis of the usefulness of insurance services is given, the influence of digitalization on the formation of information flows and business processes in the insurance business is considered.
The experience of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkey in the development of digitalization of the insurance market is summarized, development problems are formulated and a number of practical recommendations are given.
A significant block of material is devoted to the analysis of social aspects of the insurance business, including the tasks and opportunities of insurance organizations in the formation of sustainable development. The problems of ensuring the quality of insurance services in the conditions of digitalization, regulatory activities in this area, protection of the interests of the consumer of insurance services are considered.
New approaches to training personnel for the insurance market are considered, domestic and foreign experience is summarized. The results of a study of the use of digital technologies at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation and partner universities are presented.
For a wide range of readers interested in insurance problems. It can be useful for students, postgraduates and teachers of economic universities.
Telematics on urban passenger transport
Authors: Bogumil Veniamin , Duke Sarango
Published: January 2022

The monograph discusses the application of telematics in dispatch control systems in urban passenger transport. The role of telematics as a technological basis in automating the solution of control tasks, accounting and analysis of the volume and quality of transport work in modern dispatch control systems on urban passenger transport is shown. Analytical models have been developed to estimate the capacity of a high-speed bus transportation system on a dedicated line. Mathematical models and algorithms for predicting passenger vehicle interior filling at critical stages of urban passenger transport routes are presented. The issues of application of the concept of the phase space of states introduced by the authors to assess the quality of the passenger transportation process on the route of urban passenger transport are described. The developed classification of service levels and their application in order to inform passengers at stopping points about the degree of filling of the passenger compartment of the arriving vehicle is described. The material is based on the results of theoretical research and practical work on the creation and implementation of automated control systems for urban passenger transport in Russian cities. The material of M.H. Duque Sarango's dissertation submitted for the degree of Candidate of Technical Sciences in the specialty 05.22.10 "Operation of motor transport" was used.
It will be useful to specialists in the field of telematics on urban passenger transport.
Budget systems of Russia and China: issues of legal regulation
Authors: Trofimov Al'bert
Published: January 2022

The monograph is devoted to the analysis of the patterns of development of modern legal regulation of budgetary systems in the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China. The range of issues under study includes clarification of the structures of budget systems in selected jurisdictions, identification of the specifics of legal regulation of the formation and expenditure of extra-budgetary and budgetary funds, study of the features of the delimitation of powers of state (municipal) authorities for public finance management. A comparative analysis of the legal regulation of the budgetary systems of Russia and China is presented.
For a wide range of readers interested in the issues of legal regulation of budget systems. It can be useful for students, postgraduates and teachers of law and economics universities.
Optimization models of investment management in logistics
Authors: Mischenko Aleksandr
Published: January 2022

The textbook is devoted to planning and modeling of investment projects for the development of logistics infrastructure and supply chain management. Both theoretical models of investment management in logistics and practical examples of the use of the proposed methodology in the selection of optimal production programs of the enterprise, management of wholesale purchases of trading firms, analysis of the effectiveness of projects for the creation of warehouse infrastructure, working capital management in the procurement of material resources in industrial logistics are presented.
For undergraduate and graduate students specializing in logistics and supply chain management.
University doctoral student: dissertation, preparation for defense, personal organization
Authors: Reznik Semen
Published: January 2022

The practical manual discusses the content, system and technologies of training in doctoral studies of higher educational institutions. Special attention is paid to the distinctive features of the dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Sciences and the analysis of the requirements for a doctoral dissertation. The issues of methodology of scientific creativity at the level corresponding to the doctoral dissertation are highlighted, recommendations on writing, design and defense of the dissertation are presented. Considerable attention is paid to the issues of personal organization and planning of the activities of doctoral students and all those who seek to write and defend a doctoral dissertation.
For doctoral students and applicants for the degree of Doctor of Sciences, scientific consultants of doctoral students, heads of departments of the university responsible for the training of scientific and pedagogical personnel.
Supply and sales
Authors: Antonov Gennadiy , Ivanova Ol'ga , Tumin Valeriy , Bodrenkov Anton , Kostromin Petr
Published: January 2022

The textbook discusses theoretical, methodological and practical issues related to the activities of such important areas in the life of any organization as supply and sales.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for undergraduate and graduate students studying in the areas of training "Management", "Economics", "State and Municipal Management", "Quality Management", "Housing and communal infrastructure", "Trade", as well as in engineering, technological and other areas and specialties providing for the study of disciplines of economic, organizational and managerial cycles; for graduate students, students of business schools and advanced training and retraining courses. It can be useful for university teachers, employees of research and consulting firms, managers and specialists of enterprises.