bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tubo-ovarian abscesses in reproductive period. Methodological rationale for organ-saving treatment
Authors:   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Davydov A.I. , Shakhlamova M.N. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Lebedev V.A. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: April 2021

The issues of complex treatment of patients with tubo-ovarian abscesses (TOA) in the reproductive period were considered, the main component of which is ultrasound minimally invasive surgery – drainage of purulent inflammatory tubo-ovarian mass using transvaginal ultrasound. The technique, indications and contraindications for such treatment were presented. The immune homeostasis of patients with TOA was also studied, and it was shown that they had the expansive nature of proinflammatory changes in cytokine production, as well as activation of the Th1-type lymphocytes with a simultaneous decrease in the Th2-type lymphocytes activity. Therefore, it is appropriate to include immunostimulating agents in the complex of therapeutic measures, particularly inosine pranobex. Conclusion. Drainage of TOA under the control of transvaginal ultrasound can be considered as the choice of treatment of patients of reproductive age. Sixty days after the complex treatment, the proinflammatory nature of cytokine production in these patients changed to mild proinflammatory. Key words: tubo-ovarian abscesses, ultrasound mini-surgery, drainage, inosine pranobex
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor and pregnancy
Authors:   Family Planning and Reproduction Center, Moscow, Russian Federation, Gerasimova A.A. , Boldina E.B. ,   Family Planning and Reproduction Center, Moscow, Russian Federation, Manukhin I.B. ,   A.I.Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Moscow, Russian Federation, Klimenko P.A. ,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: April 2021

Clinical observations of gastrointestinal (GIT) cancer in pregnant women are presented. It is emphasized that early warning signs, typical of the initial manifestations of gastrointestinal stromal tumors, remains underestimated against the background of pregnancy. Frequently, common stages of the disease (III–IV) are detected accidentally after the manifestation of symptoms (gastrointestinal bleeding, formations palpated through the abdominal wall) or due to the detection of metastatic ovarian tumors, which manifest themselves as an independent disease. Long-term results of treatment of patients with secondary ovarian malignancies remain unfavorable. Conclusion. Pregravid training should be at the forefront and include a complete examination of patients, especially those with untypical complaints, in level 3 institutions with appropriate laboratories and modern methods of instrumental research. Key words: pregnancy, gastrointestinal malignancies, ultrasound
Предикторы неблагоприятного исхода программ экстракорпорального оплодотворения
Authors:   National Research Mordovia State University, Saransk, Russian Federation, Lapshtaeva A.V. , Sychev I.V. ,   National Research Mordovia State University, Saransk, Russian Federation, Adamchik A.I. ,   Perinatal Center “Mordovia Republican Central Clinical Hospital”, Saransk, Russian Federation, Evsegneeva I.V. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Novikov V.V. ,   National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russian Federation,   Academician I.N.Blokhina Nizhny Novgorod Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod, Russian Federation
Published: April 2021

Identification of factors determining both adverse and favorable outcome of IVF will increase the effectiveness of this method and optimize infertility treatment. Objective. The aim of the research is to determine the relationship between hormonal and cytokine status indicators with an adverse outcome of the IVF procedure in women with tubal-peritoneal infertility. Patients and methods. The study involved 120 women with tubal-peritoneal infertility who underwent a “short” protocol of stimulation of superovulation in the IVF program. Depending on the result, women were divided into two groups: group 1 – with clinically confirmed pregnancy (n = 40), group 2 – non-pregnant women (n = 80). The content of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1Ra and hormones in serum were determined by ELISA. Genotyping of polymorphic markers rs1800587 (C/T) of the IL-1α gene, rs16944 (С511Т) of the IL-1β gene and rs2234663 (2/4) of the IL-1Ra gene was performed. Results. Markers of adverse IVF outcome that had prognostic significance were: C/C genotype of the IL-1α gene (OR = 2 [0.9–4.6], p = 0.043113), serum IL-1α concentration <11.4 pg/mL (OR = 3, 2 [1.1-9.1], p = 0.025347), endometrial thickness on the 2nd day of the menstrual cycle was >5 mm (OR = 3.2 [1.1–9.1], p = 0.025347), the concentration of prolactin on the 3rd day of the menstrual cycle was >363.8 mU/mL (OR = 6.3 [1.8–22.2], p = 0.001745), genotype T/T of the IL-1β gene (OR = 15.8 [5.1–48.9], p < 0.001), the concentration of progesterone was <16 nmol/L (OR = 22.2 [2.3–170], p = 0.000057). Key words: cytokines, IVF, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1Rа, rs1800587, rs16944, rs2234663
Placental-related disorders of pregnancy: the influence of rs4065 polymorphism of the urokinase gene
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Revina D.B. , Balatskiy A.V. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Larina E.B. ,   Lapino Clinical Hospital, Group of Companies “Mother and Child”, Moscow Region, Russian Federation, Mamedov N.N. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Samokhodskaya L.M. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Panina O.B. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: April 2021

Objective. To determine the risk of development of placental-related disorders of pregnancy in the presence of single-nucleotide polymorphism rs4065 of the urokinase gene in a mother. Patients and methods. The presence of the genetic variant of the rs4065 urokinase gene was determined in venous blood samples using real-time polymerase chain reaction in patients with placental-related pregnancy disorders and in the control group. Results. Associations between the risk of development of placental-related disorders of pregnancy, such as fetal growth resrtiction and pre-eclampsia, and the maternal rs4065 genotype were found. A correlation between the maternal rs4065 genotype and the degree of fetal growth restriction and the severity of pre-eclampsia was identified. The most unfavorable is the presence of the CC genotype. Conclusion. The presence of single-nucleotide substitutions in the maternal urokinase gene is associated with the development of placental-related disorders of pregnancy. Key words: urokinase-type plasminogen activator, angiogenesis, fetal growth restriction, placental insufficiency, pre-eclampsia, SNP
Miscarriage in patients with chronic endometritis and luteal phase deficiency. Principles of treatment and prevention
Authors:   Center for Prevention and Treatment of Miscarriage, Maternity Hospital No 1 (specialized), Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Pluzhnikova T.A. , Mikhnina E.A. ,   Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Kazantsev V.A. ,   Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Bezhenar V.F. ,   Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Published: April 2021

Permanent inflammation of the endometrium against the background of altered vaginal microbiota is accompanied by a violation of cyclic tissue changes. The revealed deficiency of the secretory phase of the cycle was formed independently of the synthesis of progesterone by the corpus luteum and led to impaired embryo implantation and miscarriage. Objective. To evaluate the efficiency of dydrogesterone in miscarriage in patients with chronic endometritis (CE) with luteal phase deficiency. Patients and methods. The study involved 127 women aged 25 to 40 years non-pregnant and during pregnancy with biopsyverified deficiency of the luteal phase of the cycle and CE of varying degrees of activity according to immunohistochemistry data. Women from group 1 (n = 83) continuously received dydrogesterone in a cyclic regimen from the moment of diagnosis until the 21st week of pregnancy; women from group 2 (n = 44) received dydrogesterone for 4 months of CE treatment, then it was discontinued and resumed again from the onset of pregnancy until the 21st week. Conclusion. There was no normalization of the structure of the endometrium after CE treatment with dydrogesterone removal from therapy in women with miscarriage and deficiency of the luteal phase of the cycle. Administration of dydrogesterone in a cyclic regimen with pregravid preparation before pregnancy, regardless of the initial level of progesterone in the blood, by women with miscarriage, CE and luteal phase deficiency contributes to normalization of morphological state of the endometrium in most patients, to significant decrease in the frequency of early miscarriage and duration of in-patient treatment, in contrast to women who canceled dydrogesterone. Key words: dydrogesterone, luteal phase deficiency, recurrent miscarriage, chronic endometritis
Nucleolar organizer regions activity in women with ovarian endometriosis and infertility
Authors:   South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation, Kachurina M.S. , Zainetdinova L.F. ,   South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation, Kurenkov E.L. ,   South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation, Shamaeva T.N. ,   South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation, Kvyatkovskaya S.V. ,   South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation
Published: April 2021

Objective. To determine the activity of ribosomal synthesis and its connection with the level of melatonin in women with ovarian endometriosis and infertility. Patients and methods. The study included 49 women with ovarian endometriosis, who were divided into 2 groups: group 1 – 22 women with ovarian endometriosis and infertility, group 2 – 27 women with ovarian endometriosis without infertility. Medical history was collected from all women, who underwent therapeutic and diagnostic laparoscopy, the chronobiological type, the level of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) in a first morning urine sample and the activity of nucleolar organizer regions in the foci of endometrioid heterotopias of the ovaries were determined. Results. It was found that the level of urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin was significantly reduced in patients with ovarian endometriosis and infertility compared to patients with endometriosis without infertility. In group 1, its level was 40.29 ± 7.25 ng/mL, in group 2 – 78.46 ± 15.46 ng/mL (p = 0.044). In patients with ovarian endometriosis and infertility, there was a moderate increase in the activity of ribosomal synthesis due to an increase in the number of intranucleolar inclusions against the background of decreased level of melatonin. In patients of group 2, with a decrease in the level of melatonin, ribosomal synthesis was activated by increasing the number of extranucleolar inclusions. This characterizes the high activity of ribosome synthesis in the cell. Conclusion. In women with ovarian endometriosis and infertility, against the background of low melatonin level, there was an increase in the activity of ribosomal synthesis in the cells of ovarian endometriotic formations. Key words: nucleolar organizer regions activity, melatonin, ovarian endometriosis
KETIDAKSADARAN GABRIEL POSSENTI SINDHUNATA DALAM NOVEL MENYUSU CELENG 2019: SUATU TINJAUAN PSIKOLOGI SASTRA
Authors: Krismadana Sita Dea
Published: April 2021

Penelitian ini mengkaji ketidaksadaran pengarang dengan mengambil objek kajian yaitu sebuah novel Menyusu Celeng 2019 karya Gabriel Possenti Sindhunata dengan menggunakan teori psikoanalisis Sigmund Freud. Permasalahan yang dibahas dalam penelitian ini adalah mengenai ketidaksadaran pengarang yang terbentuk melalui kondensasi, pengalihan, dan simbolisasi yang terdapat dalam novel Menyusu Celeng 2019. Pembatasan masalah pada penelitian ini terletak pada bahasa dalam novel Menyusu Celeng 2019 yang merepresentasikan bentuk hasrat dan kejiwaan pengarang. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif dalam bentuk deskripsi interpretasi data dengan data dan sumber. Data diambil melalui karya sastra tersebut dan biografi pengarang yang terdapat pada artikel maupun melalui wawancara dengan pengarang. Simpulan yang dapat diambil dari penelitian ini adalah melalui bahasa metafora dan metonimi yang tertulis, yaitu dengan bentuk kondensasi, pengalihan, dan simbolisasi yang terdapat dalam novel Menyusu Celeng 2019. Melalui bentuk-bentuk tersebut, terdapat hasrat-hasrat terpendam pengarang yang memiliki ketertarikan kepada budaya, keberpihakannya kepada kaum miskin, dan bagaimana pengarang menggambarkan sifat buruk dari petinggi atau pemerintahan.
Evaluation of symptoms, radiological findings, laboratory data and outcome in COVID-19 patients with chronic kidney disease at Tehran, Iran
Authors: Keshmiri Yasaman Sadat , Mirzaie Sina Khosravi , Sali Shahnaz , Yadegarynia Davood , Abolghasemi Sara , Tehrani Shabnam , Zamani Amir , Derisi Mohamad Mehdi
Published: April 2021

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are a large population and of significant importance. Except for having an underlying disease, they have some other risk factors, for example, old age, impaired immune function, and other comorbidities that make them more susceptible to the new SARS-COV2 infection.Methods: As data on CKD patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection is limited, we decided to carry out a cross-sectional study at Labbafinezhad Hospital on 78 CKD patients with approved COVID-19 infection either on dialysis or not. We have also incorporated CKD patients with kidney transplant history. Results: The mean age of the patients was 64.04 years, including 53 women and 25 men. Among all symptoms, dyspnea (19.2%) was the most prevalent one. Laboratory data analysis shows an increase in LDH, Creatinine, and ESR and CRP levels. The most common finding on chest CT-Scan was bilateral ground-glass opacity detected in 31 (86.1%) patients, followed by pleural effusion (12.8%) and atelectasis (19%). Among included patients, 53 (74.6%) had hypoxia (o2 saturation 94% and lower), 47 (81%) had tachypnea (respiratory rate over 16) and 9 (23.1%) had some reduction in the level of consciousness (GCS lower than 15). Conclusion: Due to the important effect of underlying medical conditions on the outcome of COVID-19 patients, evaluation of clinical manifestations, radiologic findings, laboratory data, and outcome of COVID-19 patients with chronic kidney disease is important to establish a perspective for physicians to manage CKD patients.
Characterization and eradication of the high concentration infection source of oral segment of Candida by infection examination diagnosis system
Authors: Nonomura Yuusuke
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Candida albicans (CA) is a major pathogenic fungus that causes a critical infection and life-threatening disease. Currently, during the treatment of COVID-19 (in ICU), invasive Candidiasis and Candida colonization should be prevented to avoid the increase, in mortality, in SAPSII, and in length of stay. Our aim was to characterize and analyze the infection of CA for eradication. Methods: We characterized and analyzed the infection source and infection field which are carrier field, diffusion field, and spread field, by using a new infection examination (diagnostic) system (IEDS) comprising a new dental formula (measurement analysis) medium (DFM) with time, space, and phase, and the simultaneous relative differential equations (C4RDE). Results: This study showed that CA was not an endogenous microorganism, but a fungus that infected teeth causing dental caries that was successfully eradicated from all teeth of 353 Japanese patients. Conclusion: Our methods help to eradicate the infection source, prevent critical infection, and reduce mortality. The IEDS is a powerful tool that can be applied for any infection easily. It is possible for the dentists to characterize CA by IEDS and eradicate CA from the oral cavity. IE(D)S will dramatically reduce the threat to the living body by pathogenic microorganisms.
Who’s more vulnerable? A Generational Investigation of COVID-19 Perceptions effect on Organisational Citizenship Behaviours: Job Insecurity, Burnout and Job Satisfaction as Mediators
Authors: Mahmoud Ali B. , Hack-Polay Dieu , Reisel William , Fuxman Leonora , Grigoriou Nicholas , Mohr Iris , Aizouk Raneem
Published: April 2021

This paper is an empirical investigation that examines a path model linking COVID-19 perceptions to organisational citizenship behaviour (OCBs) via three mediators: job insecurity, burnout, and job satisfaction. The research examines the path model invariance spanning Generations X, Y, and Z. Three countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) were the focus of the study. The data was collected from a sample of employees in service companies. We used a Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse the data. Our findings reveal that COVID-19 positively predicts job insecurity, which positively impacts burnout levels. Burnout negatively predicts job satisfaction. The findings established that job satisfaction positively predicts OCBs. The mediation analysis determined that job insecurity, burnout and job satisfaction convey the indirect effects of COVID-19 perceptions onto OCBs. However, our multi-group analysis revealed that the indirect effects of COVID-19 on OCBs were only valid amongst younger generations, i.e., Generation Y and Generation Z. Finally, our hypothesised model is not invariant across Generations X, Y and Z. Specifically, younger generations are substantially more vulnerable to the indirect effects of COVID-19 perceptions on their engagement in OCBs than Generation X whose job satisfaction blocks the effects of COVID-19 perceptions on OCBs.
Novel mechanism of action for neuronal let-7b-5p in neonatal encephalopathy through the Hippo pathway
Authors: Ponnusamy Vennila , Ip Richard , Mohamed Moumin , Clarke Paul , Wozniak Eva , Mein Charles , Schwendimann Leslie , Barlas Akif , Chisholm Philippa , Chakkarapani Ela , Michael-Titus Adina , Gressens Pierre , Yip Ping , Shah Divyen
Published: April 2021

Despite increasing knowledge on microRNAs, their role in the pathogenesis of neonatal encephalopathy remains to be elucidated. Herein, we identify let-7b-5p as a significant microRNA in neonates with moderate to severe encephalopathy from the dried blood spots using unbiased microRNA next generation sequencing. Validation studies using Reverse Transcription and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction on 45 neonates showed that let-7b-5p expression was increased on day 1 in neonates with moderate to severe encephalopathy with unfavourable outcome when compared to those with mild encephalopathy. Mechanistic studies performed on glucose deprived cell cultures and the cerebral cortex of two animal models of perinatal brain injury, namely hypoxic-ischaemic and intrauterine inflammation models confirm that let-7b-5p is associated with the apoptotic Hippo pathway. Significant reduction in neuronal let-7b-5p expression corresponded with activated Hippo pathway, with increased neuronal/nuclear ratio of Yes Associated Protein (YAP) and increased neuronal cleaved caspase-3 expression in both animal models. Similar results were noted for let-7b-5p and YAP expression in glucose-deprived cell cultures. Reduced nuclear YAP with decreased intracellular let-7b-5p correlated with neuronal apoptosis in conditions of metabolic stress. This novel finding of the Hippo-YAP-let-7b axis needs validation in larger cohorts and other models to further our knowledge on let-7b-5p as a biomarker for neonatal encephalopathy.
Natural and Synthetic Oxytocin—Structurally Same but Differ in Effects—A Pilot Study
Authors: Wszołek Katarzyna , Chmaj-Wierzchowska Karolina , Pięt Małgorzata , Tarka Agata , Wilczak Maciej
Published: April 2021

Purpose: synthetic oxytocin is currently used to induce labor and strengthen the contractile function in the first or second stage of labor. It is also used therapeutically and prophylactically in the third stage of labor. We aimed to correlate the dose and duration of synthetic oxytocin infusions used during induction of labor, augmentation of labor in the first and second stage of labor, and during active management of labor in the third stage of labor to the level of prolactin and cortisol in the serum of the parturient blood and from the umbilical cord vein.Methods: The mother’s blood was collected from a venous vessel and foetal from the umbilical cord vein just cutting was performed and the levels of cortisol and prolactin was evaluated by electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA). The blood sample from the umbilical cord vein and artery were collected to separate heparinized capillaries and the pH, base deficit (BD), pO2, and CO2 concentration were assessed.Results: We observed decreased level of prolactin immediately after the labor depending on the total dose of synthetic oxytocin used. We did not observe any relationship between the level of prolactin on postpartum day 2 on the dose of administered hormone or the fact of the labor induction. We observed significant correlations with regard to hormone levels without the synthetic oxytocin total dosage correlation. Conclusion: We strongly believe that the definition of uniform norms and principles with regard to the dosage of synthetic oxytocin for labor induction should be determined.
Threshold conditions for the accumulation of microbial residues in terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Hao Zhiguo , Zhao Yunfei , Wang Xia , Jiang Silong , Xiao Jinjin , Wang Kaichang , Zhou Xiaohe , Liu Huiying
Published: April 2021

Microbial residues play important roles in the formation and stability of soil carbon pools; however, the factors affecting large-scale accumulation of microbial residues remain unclear. Here, we collected data of 268 amino sugar levels (biomarkers of microbial residues) from previous field studies and found that soil organic carbon (SOC), soil C:N ratio, and aridity index mainly determine the accumulation of microbial residual carbon. Moreover, we found that the threshold of the aridity index where microbial residue starts decreasing is in the range of humid climate type, while the threshold of soil C:N ratio represents a point of sharp decrease in fungal abundance. Although SOC and aridity index were important in all cases, the dominant factors for predicting microbial residues varied across different ecosystems and climate zones, with pH being particularly important. Hence, climate and soil environment play important roles in the process of microbial residue accumulation.
Analysis of epidemiological changes and elimination effects for malaria in Handan city, China
Authors: Guo Ruiling , Zhuang Jing , Li Yanju , Deng Jian , Wang Xianfeng , Liu Jinsheng , Liang Shuang , Jin Zengjun
Published: April 2021

Backgroud: The elimination of malaria requires high-quality surveillance data in order to detect and respond quickly to individual cases. In the 1960s and 1970s, Handan city experienced widespread malaria outbreaks, which was in line with the provincial and national epidemic patterns. Methods: Case-level data for the period 2011-2018 were extracted from China's National Infectious Diseases Information system and the rest cases were recorded municipal surveillance system from 1956-2010. Results: The incidence, accuracy and timeliness of case diagnosis, reporting and investigation in malaria were evaluated at elimination stage (2011-2018) in Handan city, China. From 2011 to 2018, 81 malaria cases were reported in Handan city, all of which were imported from abroad. The annual average incidence decreased to 0.11/100 000 in the elimination stage, while all malaria cases were male. Since the initiation of the National Malaria Elimination Programme in 2010, malaria cases were consistent with the increase in overseas export channels and personnel of labor services. Conclusions: The case-based malaria surveillance system in Handan worked well at the malaria elimination stage. This ensured that malaria cases could be diagnosed, reported and timely investigated at local level.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Mental Health Questionnaire (CoPaQ): Psychometric Evaluation and Compliance with Countermeasures in Psychiatric Inpatients and Non-clinical Individuals
Authors: Rek Stephanie V. , Bühner Markus , Reinhard Matthias A. , Freeman Daniel , Keeser Daniel , Adorjan Kristina , Falkai Peter , Padberg Frank
Published: April 2021

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted people’s lives across a broad spectrum of psychosocial domains. We report the development and psychometric evaluation of the self-report COVID-19 Pandemic Mental Health Questionnaire (CoPaQ), which assesses COVID-19 contamination anxiety, countermeasure necessity and compliance, mental health impact, stressor impact, social media usage, interpersonal conflicts, paranoid ideations, institutional & political trust, conspiracy beliefs, and social cohesion. Further, we illustrate the questionnaire’s utility in an applied example investigating if higher SARS-Cov-2 infection rates in psychiatric patients could be explained by reduced compliance with preventive countermeasures. Methods A group of 511 non-clinical individuals completed an initial pool of 111 CoPaQ items (Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/3evn9/) and additional scales measuring psychological distress, well-being, and paranoia to assess construct validity and lifetime mental health diagnosis for criterion validity. Factor structure was determined by exploratory factor analyses and validated by conducting confirmatory factor analysis in the accompanying longitudinal sample (n=318) and an independent psychiatric inpatient sample primarily admitted for major depressive-, substance abuse-, personality-, and anxiety disorders (n=113). Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach’s Alpha and McDonald's Omega. For the applied research example, Welch t-tests and correlational analyses were conducted. Results Twelve out of 16 extracted subscales were retained in the final questionnaire version, which provided preliminary evidence for adequate psychometric properties in terms of factor structure, internal consistency, and construct and criterion validity. Our applied research example showed that patients exhibited greater support for COVID-19 countermeasures than non-clinical individuals. However, this requires replication in future studies. Conclusions We demonstrate that the CoPaQ is a comprehensive and valid measure of the psychosocial impact of the pandemic and could allow to a degree to disentangle the complex psychosocial phenomena of the pandemic as exemplified by our applied analyses.
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells derived Exosomes attenuate injury of myocardial infarction by miR-24-3p-promoted M2 macrophage polarization
Authors: Zhu Feng , Chen Yihuan , Li Jingjing , Yang Ziying , Lin Yang , Jiang Boxuan , Shao Lianbo , Hu Shengshou , Shen Zhenya
Published: April 2021

Background-

Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UMSCs-Exo) were recommended as ideal substitutes for cell-free cardiac regenerative medicine, which had presented encouraging effects in regulating inflammation and attenuating myocardial injury. The phenotype of macrophages resident in myocardium were regulated dynamically in response to environmental cues, which may either protect against injury or promote maladaptive remodeling. However, the underlying mechanisms about UMSCs-Exo regulating macrophage polarization are still not well understood. Herein, we aimed to explore the effects of UMSCs-Exo on macrophage polarization and their roles in cardiac repair after myocardial infarction (MI).
Methods and Results-

Exosomes were isolated from the supernatant of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UMSCs) and transplanted by intramyocardial injection after MI. Our results showed that UMSCs-Exo improved cardiac function by increasing M2 macrophage polarization and reducing excessive inflammation. After depletion of macrophages with clodronate liposomes, the therapeutic effects of UMSCs-Exo were disrupted. Administrated with UMSC-Exo, macrophages are inclined to polarize towards M2 phenotype in inflammatory environment in vitro. The results of RNA-sequencing indicated Plcb3 was a key gene concerned in UMSCs-Exo facilitated M2 macrophage polarization. Further bioinformatics analysis revealed exosomal miR-24-3p as a potential effector mediated Plcb3 down regulation in macrophages. Increasing miR-24-3p expression in macrophages effectively enhanced M2 macrophage polarization by suppressing Plcb3 expression and NF-κB pathway activation in inflammatory environment. Furthermore, diminishing miR-24-3p expression in UMSCs-Exo attenuated the effects of UMSCs-Exo on M2 macrophage polarization.
Conclusions-

Our study demonstrated that macrophages, as important inflammatory regulators, participated in UMSCs-Exo mediated myocardial repair after MI. And the therapeutical effects were at least partially carried out by UMSCs-Exo promoting M2 macrophage polarization in an inflammatory microenvironment. Mechanically, exosomal miR-24-3p inhibits the expression of Plcb3 and NF-κB pathway activation to promote M2 macrophage polarization.
The Effects of Erector Spinae Plane Block on Perioperative Opioid Consumption and Rehabilitation in Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Zhang Sen , Han Xiaodan , Zhou Di , Sun Minli , Cang Jing , Miao Changhong , Liang Chao
Published: April 2021

Background The present study aimed to observe whether the ultrasound-guided continuous erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has an effect on opioid consumption and postoperative rehabilitation in patients who undergo video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).Methods In this prospective study, 120 patients aged 20–70 yrs, undergoing elective VATS, were randomly allocated to one of three groups: Group C (General anaesthesia with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia [PCIA]), Group T (General anaesthesia with patient-controlled epidural analgesia [PCEA]), or Group E (General anaesthesia with continuous ESPB and PCIA). The perioperative opioid consumption; VAS scores; preoperative and postoperative QoR-15 score; and postoperative opioid-related adverse events were all assessed.Results The intraoperative sufentanil consumption in group T and E was significantly lower than that in group C (both P < 0.001), and the postoperative sufentanil consumption in group E was also significantly lower than that of group C (P = 0.001). Compared with group C, the VAS scores at rest or during coughing immediately out of the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), at postoperative 6h, 12h, and 24h, were significantly lower in group T (P < 0.05). However, the VAS scores in group E were lower than those of group C only at rest at postoperative 6h and 12h (P < 0.05), and were significantly higher than those of group T at all study times (P < 0.05).Conclusion Ultrasound-guided continuous ESPB could significantly reduce perioperative opioid consumption in VATS and improve postoperative rehabilitation. However, these effects were inferior to those provided by TEA.Trial registration The present study was prospectively registered at http://www.chictr.org/cn /(Registration number: ChiCTR1900023050); Registration date: May 8,2019
Non-PSEUDO-AntiBiotiCs Score—A Predictor of Bacteraemia Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A Case-control Study
Authors: Iwami Kaori , Matsuo Takahiro , Hayashi Kuniyoshi , Mori Nobuyoshi
Published: April 2021

Background: Immoderate use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials could lead to emergence of resistant bacteria. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemia and develop an exclusion scoring system to help clinicians select an appropriate antimicrobial treatment. Methods: This single-centre case-control study recruited inpatients and outpatients (age ≥ 20 years) with P. aeruginosa or Escherichia coli bacteraemia at St. Luke’s International Hospital in Tokyo from April 2005 to March 2020. Bivariate associations were assessed using χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, or Mann–Whitney U test, and the relationship between P. aeruginosa bacteraemia and other variables was determined using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 1562 patients (208 patients with P. aeruginosa bacteraemia and 1354 patients with E. coli bacteraemia) were included. Multivariable analysis revealed 11 variables associated with P. aeruginosa bacteraemia: Nosocomial infections, Pneumonia, Sex (males), Exposure to antibiotics within 90 days, Urinary tract infection, Urinary catheterization, abDOminal infection, Age < 77 years, Body mass index < 19, presence of Central venous catheter, and Central line-associated bloodstream infection/peripheral line-associated bloodstream infection; these variables were used to develop the Non-PSEUDO-AntiBiotiCs score. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.89 (95% confidence interval: 0.88–­0.92), and the best cut-off-point was 5; a score of ≥ 5 had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 83%. Conclusion: We developed the Non-PSEUDO-AntiBiotiCs score. This score may allow clinicians to rule out the possibility of P. aeruginosa bacteraemia and prevent the abuse of broad-spectrum antimicrobials.
Estimating Proprioceptive Position Sense of Upper Limbs Using Joint Distance and Joint Angle Symmetries
Authors: Ratnadurai-Giridharan Shivakeshavan , Delfing Dalina , Robert Maxime T , Kitago Tomoko , Gordon Andrew M , Friel Kathleen M
Published: April 2021

Background Proprioceptive position sense (PPS) plays a critical role in movement and coordination of the upper limbs. It is commonly affected in neurological disorders such as unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP) and stroke. However, UL PPS is often not considered during assessment or treatment in motor rehabilitation programs, in part due to limitations of current methods to quantify PPS. Traditional methods assess the similarity or symmetry of angles of a single joint and may not be sufficiently sensitive nor accurate. Emerging methods such as the use of robotic technology typically are limited to 2D and are also not standardizable as they are not easily available to clinics and research labs. This study aims to introduce a standardized and accessible way to quantify multi-joint PPS using 3D kinematic measures. Methods We developed novel multi-joint angle and distance-based measures of symmetry to assess upper limb PPS. Healthy adults (N = 17) and children with USCP (N=9) participated in this study. Kinematics were extracted during upper limb 3D pose matching tasks using a VICON Nexus system. Brunner-Munzel permutation tests were used for statistical comparisons between groups. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between the different symmetry measures and pose matching tasks. Results We introduced novel angle and distance-based measures of symmetry to estimate PPS. Healthy adults scored higher on both these symmetry measures compared to children with USCP. Angle and distance-based symmetries did correlate with each other. Exploratory factor analysis indicated that both angle symmetry and joint distance symmetry were highly loaded by the latent factor that best explained variance in the data. These results suggest that the two measures of pose symmetry are not redundant. It was also observed that distance symmetry was less sensitive to the different poses while angle symmetry varied across poses. Conclusions Symmetry measures derived from kinematics during upper limb pose matching tasks can estimate multi-joint PPS. Angle and distance-based symmetries together provide information about an individual’s ability to sense joint position. This framework will allow clinicians and researchers to measure PPS of upper limbs only using kinematic acquisition devices.
Study of arsenic genotoxicity in a freshwater fish (Channa punctatus) using RAPD as molecular marker
Authors: Jha Deepak K , Yashvardhini Niti , Bhattacharya Saurav , Sayrav Kumar , Kumar Amod , Khan Parimal
Published: April 2021

Arsenic, the proven genotoxic carcinogen in humans, is a groundwater contaminant of global concern. The present work investigates the applicability of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) as molecular marker to demonstrate arsenic genotoxicity in the freshwater fish, Channa punctatus. Fish specimens, segregated into three groups, were exposed to 10, 50 and 500 µgL− 1 of arsenic respectively for 20 consecutive days. DNA extracted from same specimens of each group before and after exposure was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using single arbitrary primers. Marked changes in RAPD profiles of fish DNA were observed upon exposure to arsenic compare to RAPD profiles of their pre-exposure state, resulting from loss or gain of certain bands. Altogether a total of 41 loci were amplified with 37–41 bands in each group. Band 1 of pre-exposure state was lost in all post-exposure samples while bands 4, 6 and 7 appeared as new bands after exposure to arsenic. The changes in the RAPD banding patterns upon exposure to arsenic reflect alterations in fish DNA. The RAPD bands, therefore, appeared as potential markers, capable of revealing the genotoxicity induced by arsenic in this piscine model.
Clinical Significance of Metastasis or Micrometastasis to the Lymph Node Along Superior Mesenteric Vein in Gastric Carcinoma: a Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Xu Xing , Zheng Guoliang , Zhang Tao , Zhao Yan , Zheng Zhichao
Published: April 2021

Background: The validity of lymphadenectomy of the lymph node along the superior mesenteric vein (LN14v) in gastric cancer remains controversial. The study investigated the characteristics and prognosis of gastric cancer with metastasis or micrometastasis to LN14v.Methods: A retrospective study of 626 patients receiving radical gastrectomy in our center from January 2003 to December 2015 was analyzed. Totally, 303 patients receiving lymphadenectomy of 14v and lymph node micrometastasis was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratinnodes CK8/18. Logistic regression model was applied to confirm the predictive factors of micrometastasis. Survival analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of micrometastasis or metastasis on prognosis.Results: The metastastic rate of No.14v lymph node was 15.8% and the micrometastatic rate was 3.9%. Multivariate analysis showed site, Borrmann classification, postoperative lymph node metastasis (pN), the metastasis of LN6 and LN9 were predictive factors of LN14v micrometastasis or metastaticsis (P<0.05). The 5-year survival rate of positive group (14v micrometastasis or metastasis) was 12.4%. The prognosis of patients without micrometastatic 14v lymph node was better than positive group. While the difference between group of LN14v micrometastasis and LN14v metastasis was not obvious. In matched analysis, patients with gastric cancer of stage Ⅲ, U/M area, pN2-3 and LN 6(+) underwent lymphadenectomy of 14v suffered better survival than those without lymphadenectomy of 14v. Conclusion: Lymph node micrometastasis could provide accurate prognostic information for patients with GC. Thus, lymphadenectomy of LN14v should be recommended for patients with gastric cancer of stage Ⅲ, U/M area, pN2-3 and LN 6(+).
QPhAR – Quantitative Pharmacophore Activity Relationship: Method and Validation
Authors: Kohlbacher Stefan M. , Langer Thierry , Seidel Thomas
Published: April 2021

QSAR methods are widely applied in the drug discovery process, both in the hit‑to‑lead and lead optimization phase, as well as in the drug-approval process. Most QSAR algorithms are limited to using molecules as input and disregard pharmacophores or pharmacophoric features entirely. However, due to the high level of abstraction, pharmacophore representations provide some advantageous properties for building quantitative SAR models. The abstract depiction of molecular interactions avoids a bias towards overrepresented functional groups in small datasets. Furthermore, a well‑crafted quantitative pharmacophore model can generalise to underrepresented or even missing molecular features in the training set by using pharmacophoric interaction patterns only. This paper presents a novel method to construct quantitative pharmacophore models and demonstrates its applicability and robustness on more than 250 diverse datasets. 5‑fold cross-validation on these datasets with default settings yielded an average RMSE of 0.62, with an average standard deviation of 0.18. Additional cross-validation studies on datasets with 15-20 training samples showed that robust quantitative pharmacophore models could be obtained. These low requirements for dataset sizes renders quantitative pharmacophores a viable go-to method for medicinal chemists, especially in the lead-optimisation stage of drug discovery projects.
Rational approaches to discover SARS-CoV-2/ACE2 interaction inhibitors: from pharmacophore-based virtual screening to molecular dynamics
Authors: Yazdani Mohsen , Jafari Ameneh , Mahdian Soodeh , Gharaghani Sajjad
Published: April 2021

The lack of effective treatment remains the biggest bottleneck in combating the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Drug discovery is a complex and time-consuming process, while various in silico methods dramatically reduce the time and cost of this process. The infection begins with the binding of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of Spike (S) glycoprotein from SARS-CoV-2 to the host angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptor. We, therefore, present computational screening methods aimed to identify inhibitors potentially able to target RBD. For this purpose, pharmacophore mapping, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to screen potential candidates against ACE2/SARS-CoV-2. In particular, pharmacophore-based virtual screening used over a hundred million compounds to construct protein-protein interactions (PPIs) inhibitor library. In conclusion, PubChem-84280085 compound is suggested as a potential PPIs inhibitor for preventing SARS-CoV-2 RBD/ACE2 interactions.
Force Model of Freeform Surface Multi-axis Machining With Fillet End Mill Based on Analytical Contact Analysis
Authors: Guo Minglong , Wei Zhaocheng , Li Shiquan , Wang Minjie , Gao Hang , Zhao Zhiwei , Liu Shengxian
Published: April 2021

In the multi-axis machining of freeform surface, compared with ball end mill, the fillet end mill has higher machining efficiency under the same residual height and has been widely used. As the most important physical quantity in machining process, milling force has always been the focus of research. In this paper, the geometry contact between fillet end mill and freeform surface is analyzed by analytical method, and then the milling force prediction model of multi-axis machining is established. Based on differential discretization, the cutter location of multi-axis machining of freeform surface is approximate to multi-axis machining of oblique plane, which simplifies the research object. The inclination angle is defined to describe the relationship among cutter axis, feed and workpiece in cutter coordinate system. The space range of the cutting edge element participating in material cutting is constructed by the swept surface of previous tool path, the to-be machined surface and the feed direction surface, and the in cut cutting edge is determined by judging the cutting edge element one by one. Considering cutter run-out, the element cutting forces on the cylindrical and fillet surfaces of the fillet end mill are derived, and all the element forces within in cut cutting edge are summed by vector to obtain the overall milling force of fillet end mill. Simulation results show that, compared with the solid method, this contact analysis method between cutter and workpiece can take both efficiency and accuracy into account. In the machining experiment, the measured force and predicted force along tool path are consistent in trend and amplitude, which verifies the effectiveness of the milling force prediction model.
Exploring potential benefits of communication training with standardised patients for medical students
Authors: Isaksson Johan , Krabbe Julia , Ramklint Mia
Published: April 2021

Background: Physicians’ communication skills (CS) are important for improving patient-centred care. The aim of this study was to evaluate simulation training in difficult consultations with actors as standardised patients (SPs) for training CS with medical students, as regards both student satisfaction and effects on CS used. Methods: In this mixed-method study, quantitative data from student evaluations (N = 93) and results from practical examinations (N = 73) were compared between medical students who practiced CS in challenging situations through simulation training with SPs with students from previous term when SPs were not used in the training. The number of CS used during each included video-taped practical examination was counted. Differences in number of CS behaviours (active listening, empathy and motivational efforts) were examined using a MANCOVA. Further, 23 students were interviewed in focus groups about their experiences of simulation training using SPs; interviews were analysed with content analysis. Results: Students who participated in simulation training with SPs were more content with the course. There was no between-group difference in the number of CS used in practical examinations. In the focus groups, students reported that actors as SPs made the simulations more realistic. Elements such as actor flexibility in changing behaviours during roleplay and being exposed to different difficult consultations and emotions were regarded as valuable. Conclusion: Implementing actors as SPs in the medicine programme was appreciated and seemed to add elements to the learning process of CS. No firm conclusions can be drawn regarding the lack of effect of SPs on CS, considering the absence of baseline levels of CS use. Future research should use a randomised control design.