bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prevalence of neonatal near miss and associated factors in Nepal: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Rajbanshi Sushma , Noor Norhayati Mohd , Hussain Nik Hazlina Nik
Published: July 2020

Background: Unlike the infant mortality rate, the rate of neonatal mortality has not declined and remains a major health challenge in low- and middle-income countries. There is an urgent need to focus on newborn care, especially during the first 24 hours of birth and the early neonatal period. Determining which factors contribute to neonatal near miss (NNM) can be used to assess health care quality and identify factors capable of correction in the healthcare system to improve neonatal care. Thus, the objective of the current study was to establish the prevalence of NNM and identify its associated factors.Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Koshi Hospital, Nepal. Neonates and their mothers (unspecified maternal age and number of gestational weeks) were enrolled. The key inclusion criterion was the admission of newborn infants to the neonatal intensive care unit at Koshi Hospital. Non-Nepali citizens were excluded. Consecutive sampling was used until the required sample size (i.e., 1,000 newborn infants) was reached. Simple and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using SPSS ® version 24.0.Results: One thousand respondents were recruited. The prevalence of NNM was 79 per 1,000 live births. Maternal secondary (adjusted odds ratio (AOR]: 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI]: 0.24–0.88) and tertiary education (AOR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.05–0.56), multiparity (AOR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.39–0.86), Caesarean section (AOR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.19–0.99), and severe maternal morbidity (AOR: 4.51, 95% CI: 2.07–9.84) were significantly associated with NNM.Conclusions: Parity, severe maternal morbidity, mode of delivery, and maternal education were significantly associated with NNM. Healthcare workers should be aware of the impact of obstetric factors so that earlier interventions, especially the Caesarean section, can be exercised.
CircRIMKLB Promotes Myoblasts Proliferation and Inhibits Differentiation via Sponging miR-29c to Release KCNJ12
Authors: Wang Jian , Wen Yifan , Xu Jiawei , Yue Binglin , Zhong Jialin , Zheng Li , Lei Chuzhao , Chen Hong , Huang Yongzhen
Published: July 2020

BackgroundMuscle development is a complex progress that regulated by many factors, and non-coding RNA (ncRNA) is found to act as a vital part of performing normal function of muscle cells. Circular RNA(circRNA), a kind ncRNA with closed RNA, is reported to affect life process. However, there are limited studies about how circRNAs affect muscle development and this study is aimed to find how circ RNA Ribosomal modification protein rimK like family member B (circRIMKLB) affects muscle development.ResultsWe found circular circRIMKLB expressed differentially at different stages of muscle development. The results revealed that circRIMKLB could promote myoblasts proliferation and inhibits differentiation. MicroRNA-29c (miR-29c) was identified as a downstream of circRIMKLB by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA binding proteinImmunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Besides, Channel subfamily J member 12 (KCNJ12) was proved to be a novel target of miR-29c via dual-luciferase reporter assay, quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) and western blot. We also explored the effect of circRIMKLB and KCNJ12 on muscle regeneration after injury in vivo and found that circRIMKLB and KCNJ12 could participate in regulating cell cycle.ConclusionsIn conclusion, we proved circRIMKLB could sponge miR-29c to affect the expression level of KCNJ12 and eventually affect myoblast proliferation and differentiation and participate in cell cycle regulation in muscle regeneration after injury in vivo.
Short-Wavelength Blue Light Contributes to Pyroptosis of Human Lens Epithelial Cells (hLECs) by Caspase-1-GSDMD Signalling Axis Activation
Authors: Song Zhaowei , Wang Xiaohui , Li Huazhang , Sun Ying , Liu Kexin , Liu Xiangyu , Su Sheng , Li Zhijian
Published: July 2020

Backgroud: To examine the effects of short-wavelength blue light (SWBL) on cultured human lens epithelial cells (hLECs). The nosogenesis of cataracts after SWBL exposure was discussed. Methods: HLE-B3 hLECs were divided into 3 groups randomly: A: normal control group, which consisted of hLECs cultured in the dark; B: the caspase-1 inhibitor group; and C: the SWBL exposure group. After the SWBL (2500 lux) irradiation (for 8, 16, 24, and 32 h), the caspase-1 and gasdermin D (GSDMD) expression levels in HLE-B3 hLECs were examined using ELISA, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting analyses. Double-positive staining of HLE-B3 hLECs for activated and inhibited caspase-1 was used to confirm pyroptosis in hLECs by flow cytometry. Results: SWBL can cause cell death in HLE-B3 hLECs, but a caspase-1 inhibitor suppressed cell death. The flow cytometry results also confirmed the does-dependent of short-wavelength blue light irradiation on pyroptotic death of hLECs. Caspase-1 and GSDMD expression levels of all hLECs groups changed with short-wavelength blue light exposure times (8, 16, 24, and 32 h) and were higher in groups B and C than group A. The immunofluorescence results demonstrated that the expression of GSDMD-N was higher in the cell membrane in both the B and C groups than in the A group.Conclusion: The data indicate that SWBL induces pyroptotic programmed cell death by activation of the GSDMD signalling axis in HLE-B3 hLECs. These results provide new insights into the exploitation of new candidates for the prevention of cataracts.
Distances between popliteal vessels to the femur and anthropometric impacts on distal femoral fracture surgery outcome: a retrospective study
Authors: Chang Hao-Wei , Lin Chia-Yu , Chen Hui-Yi , Chen Yi-Wen , Chen Hsien-Te , Lin I-Hao , Hsu Chin-Jung , Lin Tsung-Li
Published: July 2020

Background:The proximity of the popliteal vessels in the distal femur may increase the risk of iatrogenic vascular injury during cerclage wiring. In this study, the closest location and distance of the popliteal vessels to the femur was examined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The associations between anthropometric factors and the distance that would guide the placement of wires safely during surgery were also identified.Methods:We reviewed knee MRIs of 206 adults and recorded 1) the relation as well as the shortest horizontal distance (d-H) from the femoral cortex to the popliteal vessels in axial images and 2) the vertical distance (d-V) from the adductor tubercle to the axial level of d-H in coronal images. The effects of anthropometric factors (i.e., gender, age, body height, body weight, body mass index, thigh circumference, femoral length, and femoral width) on these distances were analysed.Results:The closet locations of popliteal vessels were at the posteromedial aspect of the femur. The d-H and d-V were 7.38 ± 3.22 mm, and 57.01 ± 11.14 mm, respectively, and were both shorter in women than in men (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified thigh circumference and femoral length as the most influential factors for the d-H and d-V, respectively (P < 0.001). Linear regression demonstrated a strong positive linear correlation between the thigh circumference and the d-H and between the femoral length and the d-V (Pearson’s r = 0.891 and 0.806, respectively [P < 0.001]).Conclusions:The closet location and distance of the popliteal vessels to the femur provide useful information for wire placement during distal femoral fracture surgery while minimising the risk of vascular injury. Given that patients with smaller thigh circumference and shorter femoral length are more likely to have smaller d-H and shorter d-V, respectively, cautious measures should be taken in such cases.Trial registration:retrospectively registered
Influence of shear effects on the characteristics of axisymmetric wave propagation in a buried fluid-filled pipe
Authors: Lu Ping , Sheng Xiaozhen , Gao Yan , Wang Ruichen
Published: July 2020

The acoustic propagation characteristics of axisymmetric waves have been widely used in leak detection of fluid-filled pipes. The related acoustic methods and equipment are gradually coming to the market, but their theoretical research obviously lags behind the field practice, which seriously restricts the breakthrough and innovation of this technology. Based on the fully three-dimensional effect of the surrounding medium, a coupled motion equation of axisymmetric wave of buried liquid-filled pipes is derived in detail, a contact coefficient is used to express the coupling strength between surrounding medium and pipe, then, a general equation of motion was derived which contain the pipe soil lubrication contact, pipe soil compact contact and pipe in water and air. Finally, the corresponding numerical calculation model is established and solved used numerical method. The shear effects of the surrounding medium and the shear effects at the interface between surrounding medium and pipe are discussed in detail. The output indicates that the surrounding medium is to add mass to the pipe wall, but the shear effect is to add stiffness. With the consideration of the contact strength between the pipe and the medium, the additional mass and the pipe wall will resonate at a specific frequency, resulting in a significant increase in the radiation wave to the surrounding medium. The research contents have great guiding effect on the theory of acoustic wave propagation and the engineering application of leak detection technology in the buried pipe.
Aqueous extract of Kan-Lu-Hsiao-Tu-Tan ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis in mice by regulating immune and inflammatory responses
Authors: Chiang Chih-Chao , Li Yi‐Rong , Lai Kuei-Hung , Cheng Wei-Jen , Lin Shih-Chao , Wang Yi-Hsuan , Chen Po-Jen , Yang Sien-Hung , Hwang Tsong-Long
Published: July 2020

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease featured by joint inflammation and systemic comorbidities. Kan-Lu-Hsiao-Tu-Tan (KLHTT), a Chinese medicine formulation, has free radical scavenging capacity and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. However, its anti-arthritic effect remains unknown. Herein, we aimed to explore the anti-arthritic effects of KLHTT on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice and investigate the underlying mechanisms.
Methods

KLHTT was extracted using boiling water. KLHTT (50 and 100 mg/kg) was fed orally for 21 days once a day on CIA in DBA/1J mice. The severity of CIA was evaluated by histological assessments. Levels of inflammatory cytokines, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were measured using ELISA, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and hydrogen peroxide assay kits, respectively. Anti-collagen type II (CII) antibody was assayed by ELISA. Proliferation of splenocytes was tested using radioactive thymidine incorporation assay. Levels of Th1 and Th17 cells were obtained using flow cytometry.
Results

KLHTT significantly ameliorated paw edema and restored body weight in CIA mice. The synovitis, cartilage damage, and bone erosion were reduced by KLHTT. KLHTT exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, and tumour necrosis factor-α in the paw homogenates and serum. KLHTT also showed antioxidant activity by reducing the concentrations of MDA and H2O2 in paw tissues. Moreover, KLHTT reduced anti-CII antibody formation, suppressed splenocyte proliferation, and mitigated the levels of splenic Th1 and Th17 cells in CIA mice.
Conclusion

The therapeutic effects of KLHTT in CIA mice were through regulating immune and inflammatory responses. Our results suggest that KLHTT has potential to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Severely Injured Trauma Patients with Positive and Negative Blood Alcohol Level on Admission
Authors: Riuttanen Antti , Jokihaara Jarkko , Huttunen Tuomas T. , Mattila Ville M.
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe objectives of this study were to evaluate whether pre-injury alcohol use has an influence on an injured patient’s HR-QoL and reported problems.MethodsRetrospective analysis of 227 severely injured trauma patients (age ≥ 18 years, NISS ≥ 16) treated at Tampere University Hospital’s (TAUH) Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or High Dependence Unit (HDU) in 2013. HR-QoL was assessed with the EQ-5D questionnaire, and was further compared with index values of population norms of Finland.ResultsPatients with positive BAL expressed notably more anxiety and depression (45%) before trauma compared to both patients with negative BAL (11%) and the reference population (14%). Overall, pre-injury HR-QoL was also poorer in BAL positive patients than BAL negative patients. The amount of anxiety and depression in BAL positive patients decreased after injury. In both groups, the relative number of reported problems after injury exceeded the relative number of reported problems of the reference population in all five EQ-5D dimensions.ConclusionsPatients with positive BAL upon admission report overall lower pre-injury HR-QoL than patients with negative BAL, which is most likely explained by the alcohol’s negative effect on mental health. As reported anxiety and depression decreased one year after injury, we speculate that this may partly be explained by a possible reduction in alcohol use, which has been reported to happen in injury patients. As has previously been reported, the impact of severe injury on post-injury QoL in general is detrimental and long-lasting and overall HR-QoL remains lower than the population norm.
Improvement of liver disease and inflammation in patients with advanced HCV-related cirrhosis after antiviral therapy
Authors: MEDRANO Luz M , BERENGUER Juan , SALGUERO Sergio , GONZÁLEZ-GARCÍA Juan , DÍEZ Cristina , HONTAÑÓN Victor , GARCIA-BRONCANO Pilar , IBAÑEZ-SAMANIEGO Luis , BELLÓN José M , JIMÉNEZ-SOUSA Mª Ángeles , García Salvador Resino
Published: July 2020

Eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) promotes an improvement in liver disease and deactivation of the immune system. Here, we aimed to evaluate the changes in liver disease scores and plasma biomarkers following HCV clearance with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in patients with advanced HCV-related cirrhosis. We performed a prospective study of patients with advanced cirrhosis (liver decompensation or liver stiffness measurement [LSM]≥25 kPa or hepatic liver pressure gradient [HVPG]≥10 mmHg or Child-Pugh-Turcotte (CTP)≥7) who received DAA therapy. Variables were assessed at baseline and 48 weeks after HCV treatment completion. Statistical analyses were performed employing Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM). In this study, 62 patients (12 HCV-monoinfected and 50 HIV/HCV-coinfected) who achieved SVR were included in the analysis. We found significant decreases in LSM, HVPG, LBP, IP-10, IL-8, IL-1β, IL-18, IL-1RA, OPG, sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, TNFR-I, PAI-1, and VEF-A during follow-up. Variations in most outcome measures were similar as for HCV-monoinfected and HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. We found significant positive associations between changes in LBP, IP-10, MCP-1, IL-8, IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, OPG, sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, and PAI-1 and LSM values after HCV clearance. We found variations in LBP, IL-8, IL-6, IL-18, OPG, PAI-1, and D-dimer were positively associated with changes in HVPG values; and variations in IP-10, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1RA, OPG, and sICAM-1 were related to changes in CTP score. In conclusion, the eradication of HCV with all-oral DAAs promoted a decrease in the severity of advanced cirrhosis and plasma biomarkers (inflammation, coagulopathy, and angiogenesis), which were positively associated with each other.
SSRG evolution in the genus Oryza
Authors: Freitas Karine Elise Janner de , Santos Railson Schreinert dos , Busanello Carlos , Victoria Filipe de Carvalho , Lopes Jennifer Luz , Wing Rod A. , Oliveira Antonio Costa De
Published: July 2020

Background: Cooking quality is an important attribute in Common/Asian rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties, being highly dependent on grain starch composition. This composition is known to be highly dependent on a cultivar’s genetics, but the way in which their genes express different phenotypes is not well understood. Further analysis of variation of grain quality genes using new information obtained from the wild relatives of rice should provide important insights into the evolution and potential use of these genetic resources.Findings: The analysis of the protein sequences of grain quality genes across the Oryza suggest that the deletion/mutation of amino acids in active sites result in variations that can negatively affect specific steps of starch biosynthesis in the endosperm. As observed in O. sativa subsp. japonica, the lower amylose content is probably related to the absence of a C-terminal domain in PUL, characterizing what we know as japonica genotypes. On the other hand, the complete deletion of some genes in the wild species do not affect the amylose content, as observed in the absence of GBSSII in starch biosynthesis of O. meridionalis, SSIV2 in O. glaberrima and DPE1 in O. brachyantha and O. nivara in which such modifications seem not to affect the final endosperm starch composition.Conclusion: Here we present new insights for obtaining new starch-specific rice phenotypes, considering structural protein features that include both the absence and duplication of copies, once again denoting that Oryza species are a rich source of variability for use in plant breeding.
Capsaicin Analog Supplementation is not Effective to Improve 10-km Running Time-Trial Performance in Amateur Athletes: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind and Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Morano Ana Elisa von Ah , Padilha Camila S. , Soares Vinicius Aparecido Matos , Machado Fabiana Andrade , Hofmann Peter , Rossi Fabrício E , Lira Fabio
Published: July 2020

Background: To investigate the acute effect of capsaicin analog supplementation on 10-km time-trial running performance and physiological responses in amateur athletes. Methods: Twenty-one participants (age = 29.3 ± 5.5 years), completed two randomized, double-blind trials: capsaicin analog condition [Capsiate (CAP) = 24 mg] or a placebo condition. The participants consumed two doses of 12 mg of capsaicin or placebo capsule 45 minutes before and immediately at the start of each trial. The time required to complete 10-km in minutes, lactate concentration, maximum heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded. Results: 10-km time-trial performance (CAP= 44.4 ± 6.3 min vs placebo= 45.3 ± 6.8 min, P = 0.823) was not statistically significant different between conditions. No statistically significant differences between conditions were detected for lactate concentration (P = 0.507), HR (P = 0.897) and RPE (P = 0.517). Conclusion: Capsaicin analog supplementation did not improve performance and physiological responses in a 10-km running time-trial in amateur athletes.
Clinicopathological and Molecular Characteristics of Atypical Pulmonary Sclerosing Pneumocytoma With Multiple Metastases
Authors: Wang Qiushi , Yang Xiao , Jiang Minrui , Li Mengxia , Zhang Lei , He Yong , Zhao Lianhua , Ma Qiang , Chen Yan , Mao Chengyi , Fu Ping , Yang Ying , Xiao Hualiang
Published: July 2020

Background: Few patients with pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma (PSP) may suffer from recurrence and oligometastasis as it is a benign tumor or has a low malignancy potential. Herein, an in-depth study, based on an extremely rare PSP case with atypical features, was carried out to elaborate the potential mechanism underlying the rapid malignant progression. Methods: The clinicopathological data of this atypical PSP (AP) case were obtained. Formalin‑fixed and paraffin‑embedded tissues from all the lesions of AP and five classic PSP cases (as control) were used for whole-exome sequencing (WES) and immunohistochemistry. Results: A 23-year-old male showed a 6.5-cm pulmonary nodule in the right middle lobe (RML) and enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes (LNs). He underwent thoracoscopic RML lobectomy, systematic LNs dissection, and mediastinal lymphadenectomy. The metastases to the cervical LNs and liver were detected in a short period and then resected. Postoperative pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of PSP in all the lesions, based on the typical histological characteristics and immunophenotypes. Furthermore, WES identified both AKT1 E17K somatic mutation and TP53 C176Y germline mutation in this AP case. The genomic evolution analysis showed different evolutionary branches in the metastatic tumors distinct from the primary lesion. Moreover, compared to the control group, the AP case showed high copy number variations (CNVs) and significantly high copy number instability (CNI). Conclusions: We speculated that the atypical histopathological features and malignant behaviors may be due to the co-mutations of somatic AKT1 E17K and germline TP53 C176Y, combined with the high CNVs and CNI.
Potential Role of the Rumen Microbiome in Modulating Milk Protein and Fat in Dairy Cow Using Microgenomic Sequencing
Authors: Wu Xin , Peng Peng , Liu Yanan , Han Bo , Sun Dongxiao
Published: July 2020

Background

The rumen is the main digestive and absorption organ of dairy cows that contains abundant microorganisms and effectively utilizes human-indigestible plant mass. Investigation on microbiome in the rumen from lactating dairy cows using metagenomic sequencing is reasonable for identifying ruminal microorganisms that contribute to milk composition traits.
Results

We used the Illumina HiSeq platform to generate the rumen microbiome of the six lactating Holstein cows with extremely high and low milk protein and fat percentages (high and low groups of PP and FP). In total, 6977 microorganism species were detected in which Bacteroidetes (51.4%) and Prevotella (38.48%) was the most predominant phylum and genus, respectively. Between high and low groups, we observed significantly differential microorganism abundances in genus and species levels. By performing LEfSe and Metastats analyses, we identified 38 top abundant species displaying differential richness between two groups in common (LDA > 3, p < 0.05, q = 0.037 ~ 0.048), in which Prevotella accounted for 68.8% of the species with higher abundance in high group. Function annotation with KEGG, eggnog and CAZy databases showed the species with significantly higher abundance in high group were enriched in carbohydrate, amino acid, pyruvate, insulin and lipid metabolism and transportation, indicating their higher capability of digesting feed and subsequently providing substrate for milk composition synthesis in mammary gland. In addition, a kind of anaerobic fungi, Neocallimastix californiae, was identified in high group that could coexist with rumen microbes and promote cellulose digestion.
Conclusion

This study investigated the rumen microbiome in lactating Holstein cows using metagenomic sequencing. Significant differential bacterial richness were observed between the cows with extremely high and low PP and FP. Function annotation showed the abundant species in high group were involved in carbohydrate, amino acid, pyruvate, insulin and lipid metabolism and transportation, indicating the significant correlation between rumen microbiota and milk compositions formation in dairy cattle.
The Perceptions of the Working Environment of Anaesthesiologists Migrating From the Public to the Private Sector in a Developing Country: An Exploratory, Qualitative Study
Authors: Kolling Matthew Graeme , Scribante Juan , Perrie Helen , Green-Thompson Lionel
Published: July 2020

Background

There is a significant disparity in the distribution of medical practitioners within the public and private healthcare sector of South Africa. This study explores the perceptions of anaesthesiologists of their working environment in the public sector following their migration into private practice. Their reasons for leaving are largely unknown.
Methods

Rich pictures were applied in an exploratory, qualitative research design using Checkland’s Soft Systems Methodology. Anaesthesiologists (specialist anaesthetists), who left the Department of Anaesthesiology at the University of the Witwatersrand between 2014 − 2017 and were working in the private sector in the Johannesburg Metropole were invited to a workshop. Participants were asked to draw a rich picture to illustrate their perceptions of the working environment in the Department and to then draw a picture to depict the ideal anaesthesiology working environment in the Department. Explanations of their pictures were audio recorded and deductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, guided by Herzberg’s Motivation- Hygiene Theory.
Results

The rich data from this study suggests job dissatisfaction and a lack of satisfaction in the Department due to poor hygiene and motivator factors such as poor working conditions, challenging workplace relationships, inflexibility with work-life balance and a lack of accountability. These factors are some of the important reasons for migration of anaesthesiologists from public to private practice.
Conclusion

This study demonstrates the complexity of interactions between individuals working together in systems which are often in tension and are sensitive to multiple dynamic influences. These systems are context-specific but need to recognise the factors which may ultimately impact quality health service delivery and education.
No Predictable Relationship Between Presacral Vertebral Number and Hes7 Intron Number Across Mammals
Authors: Arnold Patrick , Gurke Marie
Published: July 2020

In mammals, the number of vertebrae and the somites they derive from is highly limited. Nevertheless, there are some lineages that have an increased number of presacral vertebrae and thus an elongated trunk. This suggests that somitogenesis, the process of somite formation in early development, is altered in these lineages. According the ‘clock and wavefront’ model of somitogenesis, temporal information of somite boundary formation is generated by a traveling wave of cyclic expression of oscillator genes. Hes7 has been suggested to be a key oscillator gene of this molecular segmentation clock. A previous study showed that reducing the number of introns within the Hes7 gene results in a more rapid tempo of Hes7 oscillation and an increased number of presacral vertebrae. Variation in Hes7 intron number could therefore be a potential evolutionary mechanism for varying vertebral number across mammals. In order to test this hypothesis, Hes7 intron number is here compared to presacral vertebral number across a variety of mammals.No significant relationship between both metrics could be detected as their variation across the mammalian phylogeny is fundamentally different. Integrating our data in the previously published mathematical model of Hes7 oscillation confirms the finding that variation in intron number does not predict variation in presacral vertebrae, rendering a direct causal relationship unlikely. However, our data support the previous suggestion that at least two introns are required for Hes7 pace making function of the segmentation clock.
STEM CELL TECHNOLOGY IN PERIPHERAL NERVE RESTORATION
Authors: Petriv T. I. , Tsymbalyuk Y. V. , Potapov O. O. , Kvasnitsʹkyy M. V. , Honcharuk O. O. , Tatarchuk M. M.
Published: July 2020

Peripheral nerve injuries are a significant problem in the medical and socio-economic plan, as they are accompanied by a high incidence of disability by people of working age.
In recent decades, significant progress has been made in the restorative surgery of the peripheral nervous system, in particular through the introduction into clinical practice of microsurgical techniques. However, the problem of restoring the peripheral nerve after its traumatic injury has not been resolved yet.
A review article addresses the current state of developing stem cell technologies for peripheral nerve repair. Basic concepts of peripheral nerve regeneration after traumatic injury, methods of their restoration in experimental and clinic conditions are considered. The prospect of using stem cells of different origins is shown in the experiment by many authors, and the positive effect of stem cells on peripheral nerve regeneration is explained by their ability to secrete many trophic factors and differentiation to a neural phenotype. An essential issue in the tissue engineering approach is the choice of the optimal material to be used as a scaffold for large size peripheral nerve defects grafting.
The article focuses on the main types of stem cells, as well as their combinations with biopolymers, which have shown efficiency in the experiment. Despite the advances in the use of the latest technologies, the search for the necessary components is underway to provide the most favorable conditions for peripheral nerve regeneration in the clinic.
PALEOZOIC GRANITOID MAGMATISM OF WESTERN TIEN SHAN
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Konopelko Dmitry L.
Published: July 2020

The monograph describes the evolution of granitoid magmatism at convergent continental margins during transition from subduction to continental collision in the Hercynian belt of western Tien Shan. Post-collisional late Paleozoic granitoids, representing the main research target, were studied at the former southern passive margin of the Turkestan Ocean in the South Tien Shan terrane, while subduction-related granitoids of the northern active margin were investigated in the Middle Tien Shan. Utilizing state-of-the-art analytical methods, including spot zircon dating and Nd-Sr-Pb-Hf isotope analysis, allowed characterization of crustal structures of the major Tien Shan terranes. Geodynamic settings of principal granitoid suites were established utilizing classification and discrimination diagrams. Based on new geochronological and geochemical data, the geodynamic models, explaining regional compositional variations of granitoids, were constructed. The target readership of this book includes professionals, students and university teachers specialized in geology, petrology and geochemistry.
Features of formation of the temperature field in a well with a multilayer system during oil degassing
Authors: Sharafutdinov Ramil F. , Kanafin Ildar V.
Published: July 2020

As is known, well thermometry is one of the main methods for diagnosing the condition of a well and formation while monitoring the development of oil and gas fields. Despite the widespread use of thermometry in the oil and gas industry, today the question of the formation of the temperature field in a well with a multilayer system under conditions of oil degassing remains poorly understood. Therefore, it is relevant to study thermohydrodynamic processes that form the temperature field in the well-reservoir system based on a mathematical model of the movement of a two-phase flow of oil and gas, taking into account oil degassing.
Based on a numerical model describing the non-isothermal movement of a two-phase fluid in a well with a multi-layer system, the article discusses the problem of selecting soda oil from a well that operates two layers. The formation of the temperature field is due to the influence of the adiabatic and Joule-Thomson effects, as well as the heat of gas degassing.
The system of differential equations is solved numerically, and discretization by the control volume method. The resulting system of nonlinear equations is linearized by the Newton-Raphson method, the roots of which are found by the Gauss method from the LAPACK library.
The paper considers the features of temperature effects in a well with a two-layer system for various durations of pressure reduction at the wellhead, oil saturation pressure with gas, as well as the functional dependences of the relative phase permeabilities of phases on saturation. It is shown that a sharp decrease in pressure at the wellhead leads to significant cooling in the first hour of well operation.
The results can be used in the planning of field geophysical studies and interpretation of the results of temperature studies of wells in the production of gas-cut oil.
Design, Synthesis, In Silico and In Vitro Evaluation of Novel Pyrimidine Derivatives as EGFR Inhibitors
Authors: Matada Gurubasavaraja S.P. , Abbas Nahid , Dhiwar Prasad S. , Basu Rajdeep , Devasahayam Giles
Published: July 2020

Background:

The abnormal signaling from tyrosine kinase causes many types of cancers, including breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and chronic myeloid leukemia. This research reports the in silico, synthesis, and in vitro study of novel pyrimidine derivatives as EGFR inhibitors.

Objective:

The objective of the research study is to discover more promising lead compounds using the drug discovery process, in which a rational drug design is achieved by molecular docking and virtual pharmacokinetic studies.

Methods:

The molecular docking studies were carried out using discovery studio 3.5-version software. The molecules with good docking and binding energy score were synthesized, and their structures were confirmed by FT-IR, NMR, Mass and elemental analysis. Subsequently, molecules were evaluated for their anti-cancer activity using MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and A431 breast cancer cell lines by MTT and tyrosine kinase assay methodology.

Results:

Pyrimidine derivatives displayed anti-cancer activity. Particularly, compound R8 showed significant cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 with an IC50 value of 18.5±0.6μM. Molecular docking studies proved that the compound R8 has good binding fitting by forming hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues at ATP binding sites of EGFR.

Conclusion:

Eight pyrimidine derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated against breast cancer cell lines. Compound R8 significantly inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. Molecular docking studies revealed that compound R8 has good fitting by forming different Hydrogen bonding interactions with amino acids at the ATP binding site of epidermal growth factor receptor target. Compound R8 was a promising lead molecule that showed better results as compared to other compounds in in vitro studies.
New Hybrid Scaffolds Based on Carbazole-Chalcones as Potent Anticancer Agents
Authors: Rashid Faisal , Zaib Sumera , Ibrar Aliya , Ejaz Syeda A. , Saeed Aamer , Iqbal Jamshed , Khan Imtiaz
Published: July 2020

Background and Objectives:

Despite various technological advances for the treatment of cancer, the
identification of new chemical entities with potent anticancer effects remain an indispensable requirement of the
time due to multi-drug resistance exhibited by previously developed anticancer drugs. Particularly, the hybrid
drugs incorporating two individual bioactive pharmacophores present medicinally important structural leads,
thus improving the pharmacodynamic profile of the drug molecules. The antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic
activity of the carbazole-chalcone hybrids on human breast and cervical cancer cells will be examined.

Materials and Methods:

To overcome such complications, in the current study, we evaluated the cytotoxic effects of
carbazole-chalcone hybrids on human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells and normal
cells i.e., baby hamster kidney cells (BHK-21) using MTT (dimethyl-2-thiazolyl-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide)
assay. The mechanistic studies were performed on potent compound 4g by fluorescent microscopic studies, release of
lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of caspase-9 and -3 and flow cytometric
analysis.

Results:

As revealed by MTT assay, compound 4g was identified as the most potent derivative among the tested
series with IC50 values of 5.64 and 29.15μM against HeLa and MCF-7 cells, respectively. The results were compared
with cisplatin. Fluorescent microscopic studies using 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and Propidium
Iodide (PI) staining confirmed the occurrence of apoptosis in HeLa cells treated with the most active compound
4g. Moreover, compound 4g also triggered the release of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) in treated HeLa and
MCF-7 cells while a fluorescence assay displayed a remarkable increase in the activity of caspase-9 and -3.
Moreover, flow cytometric results revealed that compound 4g caused G0/G1 arrest in the treated HeLa cells.

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrated that the compound 4g possesses chemotherapeutic properties against
breast cancer and cervical adenocarcinoma cells, thus warranting further research to test the anticancer potential
of this compound at preclinical and clinical level.
Linc01559 Served as a Potential Oncogene and Promoted Resistance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Oxaliplatin by Directly Sponging miR-6783-3p
Authors: Dong Shunbin , Fu Ying , Yang Kaibo , Zhang Xing , Miao Runchen , Long Yunxiang , Liu Chang
Published: July 2020

Background:

Oxaliplatin (L-OHP)-based chemotherapy, such as FOLFOX4 (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and LOHP), improves the prognosis of patients with late-stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). However, the development of
resistance to L-OHP leads to failure of chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of linc01559 and
miR-6783-3p in regulating resistance to L-OHP.

Methods:

Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression profile. The
Cell Counting Kit-8 test and wound healing assay were also used. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, RNA pull-down
assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation were used to evaluate the interaction between linc01559 and miR-6783-3p.

Result:

linc01559 expression was associated with response to FOLFOX4, as well as miR-1343-3p and miR-6783-3p
expression in vivo. A nomogram, including linc01559 and miR-1343-3p, precisely and accurately predicted the overall
survival of patients with HCC. Regarding the in vitro tests, linc01559 showed higher expression in L-OHP-resistant cell
lines, whereas miR-6783-3p was downregulated. Knockdown of linc01559 led to decreased proliferation and migration
ability, and increased expression of miR-6783-3p; however, it did not influence the expression of miR-1343-3p. We also
found that linc01559 directly interacted with miR-6783-3p. Furthermore, linc01559 and miR-6783-3p regulated the
viability of L-OHP-resistant cells following treatment with L-OHP.

Conclusion:

linc01559 promoted the proliferation of HCC by sponging miR-6783-3p. This suggests that linc01559/miR6783-3p may be key factors in regulating resistance and response to L-OHP. Moreover, they may be potential therapeutic
targets for improving sensitivity to L-OHP in patients with HCC.
iRGD Co-Administration with Paclitaxel-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles Enhance Targeting and Antitumor Effect in Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Authors: Li Li , Yang Mi , Li Rutian , Hu Jing , Yu Lixia , Qian Xiaoping
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To explore the targeting effect of PLGA-NP and iRGD co-administration with PTXPLGA
NP (PTX-PLGA + iRGD) on colorectal cancer.

Methods:

Whether PLGA-NP co-administration with iRGD peptide could show effective tumor-targeting ability
in contrast to with PLGA-NP in colorectal cancer mice models was evaluated. Moreover, the chemotherapeutics
Paclitaxel (PTX) was loaded into the PLGA-NP to impart anti-tumor efficiency to the PTX-PLGA. Whether
iRGD co-administration with PTX-PLGA NP (PTX-PLGA + iRGD) in colorectal cancer models enabled PTX
to achieve better anti-tumor efficiency and biocompatibility was further assessed.

Results:

The targeting ability of PLGA-NP was enhanced in cell experiment and colorectal cancer mice models
by co-administration of iRGD. As a result, PTX-PLGA + iRGD achieved better anti-tumor efficacy than PTX
and PTX-PLGA.

Conlusion:

The nanocarrier based on PLGA with specific targeting ability could promote the clinical application
of various chemotherapeutics similar to PTX. The combination of drug-loaded nanoparticles and iRGD
could develop into a promising drug delivery system.
A Mobile App Specifically Designed to Facilitate Exercise in Parkinson Disease: Single-Cohort Pilot Study on Feasibility, Safety, and Signal of Efficacy
Authors: Landers Merrill R , Ellis Terry D
Published: July 2020

Background

Many people with Parkinson disease do not have access to exercise programs that are specifically tailored to their needs and capabilities. This mobile app allows people with Parkinson disease to access Parkinson disease–specific exercises that are individually tailored using in-app demographic questions and performance tests which are fed into an algorithm which in turn produces a video-guided exercise program.

Objective

To test the feasibility, safety, and signal of efficacy of a mobile app that facilitates exercise for people with Parkinson disease.

Methods

A prospective, single-cohort design of people with Parkinson disease who had downloaded the 9zest app for exercise was used for this 12-week pilot study. Participants, who were recruited online, were encouraged to exercise with the full automated app for ≥150 minutes each week. The primary endpoints were feasibility (app usage and usability questions) and safety (adverse events and falls). The primary endpoints for signal of efficacy were a comparison of the in-app baseline and 8-week outcomes on the 30-second Sit-To-Stand (STS) test, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire 8 (PDQ8).

Results

For feasibility, of the 28 participants that completed the study, 12 participants averaged >150 minutes of app usage per week (3 averaged 120-150, 4 averaged 90-120, and 9 averaged less than 90 minutes). A majority of participants (>74%) felt the exercise was of value (16/19; 9 nonrespondents), provided adequate instruction (14/19; 9 nonrespondents), and was appropriate for level of function (16/19; 9 nonrespondents). For safety, there were no serious adverse events that occurred during the app-guided exercise. There were 4 reports of strain/sprain injuries while using the app among 3 participants, none of which necessitated medical attention. For signal of efficacy, there was improvement for each of the primary endpoints: STS (P=.01), TUG (P<.001), and PDQ8 (P=.01).

Conclusions

Independent, video-guided exercise using a mobile app designed for exercise in Parkinson disease was safe and feasible though there was variability in app usage. Despite this, the results provide evidence for a signal of efficacy as there were improvements in 3 of the 3 outcomes.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03459586; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03459586
The Infection Rate of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: Combined Analysis of Population Samples
Authors: Qu Hui-Qi , Cheng Zhangkai Jason , Duan Zhifeng , Tian Lifeng , Hakonarson Hakon
Published: July 2020

Background

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Wuhan had a much higher mortality rate than the rest of China. However, a large number of asymptomatic infections in Wuhan may have never been diagnosed, contributing to an overestimated mortality rate.

Objective

This study aims to obtain an accurate estimate of infections in Wuhan using internet data.

Methods

In this study, we performed a combined analysis of the infection rate among evacuated foreign citizens to estimate the infection rate in Wuhan in late January and early February.

Results

Based on our analysis, the combined infection rate of the foreign evacuees was 0.013 (95% CI 0.008-0.022). Therefore, we estimate the number of infected people in Wuhan to be 143,000 (range 88,000-242,000), which is significantly higher than previous estimates. Our study indicates that a large number of infections in Wuhan were not diagnosed, which has resulted in an overestimated case fatality rate.

Conclusions

Increased awareness of the original infection rate of Wuhan is critical for proper public health measures at all levels, as well as to eliminate panic caused by overestimated mortality rates that may bias health policy actions by the authorities.
Venous Thromboembolism in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Birkeland Kade , Zimmer Raymond , Kimchi Asher , Kedan Ilan
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Coagulopathy associated with COVID-19 infection and venous thromboembolism (VTE) have emerged as significant contributors to morbidity among patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.

OBJECTIVE

We performed a systematic review to estimate VTE incidence in hospitalized patients and to analyze characteristic factors in the VTE cohort.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and Google Scholar using specified title search terms “SARS-CoV-2” or “COVID-19” and “venous thromboembolism” and “anticoagulation” among others to identify peer-reviewed journal articles published between June 22, 2019, and June 22, 2020. Data were systematically extracted and synthesized using Microsoft Excel for analysis. The main outcome was VTE incidence, and measures included patient characteristics, anticoagulation, and clinical outcomes with assessment for associations.

RESULTS

In total, 14 studies were included comprising 1677 patients. Most patients (n=1306, 82.4%) received anticoagulation (either VTE prophylaxis or treatment). VTE incidence was 26.9% (SE 3.1; 95% CI 20.8-33.1) and was correlated with systematic screening (r2=0.34, P=.03) and study duration (r2=–0.33, P=.03). D-dimer was higher for the VTE cohort (5.62 [SD 0.9] vs 1.43 [SD 0.6]; P<.001). Odds of VTE were higher at the intensive care unit (odds ratio [OR] 6.38, 95% CI 3.67-11.11; P<.001) but lower with anticoagulation (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.36-0.92; P=.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the utilization of background anticoagulation, VTE incidence was historically high. Future studies are needed to provide additional data to guide optimal VTE prophylaxis and diagnostic strategies.
Brahmanism: A Religious Cult in Ancient India
Authors: Kumar Dr. Dinesh
Published: July 2020

The article on Brahmanism in ancient Indian society will show various aspects of Indian tradition and culture by exploring the foundational elements and prerequisites of it. Brahmanism as a distinct religious tradition in ancient India was largely confined to the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent. The founding texts are discussed by exploring the sruties of ancient India. The article shows that Brahmanism has not only been an active religious tradition in ancient India but it had passed through different difficult phases throughout the historical development of various religions across the country. Brahmanism has a long past in the Indian continent, but at the same time, it has faced many challenges by the other religions as well
On the Multimodal Analysis Model of Subtitle Translation: A Case Study of Wolf Totem
Authors: Qian Yan , Chuanmao Tian
Published: July 2020

Film is considered as a visualized and vivid multimodal communication mode, the cross-cultural dissemination of which cannot be separated from its subtitle translation. Based on the Synthetic Theoretical Framework of Multimodal Discourse Analysis (STF of MDA) put forward by Professor Zhang Delu, the paper analyzed the characteristics and effects of subtitle translation in Wolf Totem from four levels, namely culture, context, content and expression, exploring how different modalities coordinated to construct the whole meaning of the film discourse. After detailed analysis on typical examples, it raised a multimodal analysis model of subtitle translation on the basis of Zhang’s theory, so as to provide a new analytical approach for research on subtitle translation.