bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Pharmacokinetic Studies of Four Ginsenosides in Rat Plasma by UPLC-MS/MS after Oral Administration of Panax quinquefolius-Acorus gramineus and Panax quinquefolius Extracts
Authors: Xie Hailong , Wang Dongxue , Zhang Wenjun , Yan Xinjia , Zhao Ying
Published: November 2019

Panax quinquefolius (PQ) and Acorus gramineus (AG) are drug target pairs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which are used to treat age-related diseases. In the present study, we simultaneously determined the contents of four main bioactive ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rd, and Re) in rat plasma using an ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method. Plasma specimens were purified by using the solid-phase extraction procedure, and separation was performed on Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode and negative electrospray ionization (ESI) mode. The established UPLC-MS/MS method showed good linear correlation (r ≥ 0.9978), stability (−11.93 to 12.11%), precision (RSD < 14.63%), and recovery (76.43%–95.20%). The lower limit of quantification was 3.6 ng/mL for Rb1, 1.6 ng/mL for Rb2, 1.2 ng/mL for Rd, and 2.5 ng/mL for Re. This validated method was successfully employed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of the four ginsenosides in rat plasma after oral administration of PQ-AG and PQ extracts. The results revealed the pharmacokinetic profiles of PQ-AG drug pair and clarified that AG played a critical role in stimulating the absorption of active ginsenosides in PQ. Collectively, our findings provided valid and reliable evidence for the rational use of PQ-AG in clinical practice.
Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Potential Regression of Dysplasia Associating Experimental Liver Fibrosis in Albino Rats
Authors: Khalifa Yasmine H. , Mourad Ghada M. , Stephanos Wahid M. , Omar Sahar A. , Mehanna Radwa A.
Published: November 2019

Objectives. Assessing the therapeutic efficacy of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO) labeled bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) on experimental liver fibrosis and associated dysplasia. Materials and Methods. MSCs were obtained from 10 male Sprague-Dawley rats while 50 female rats were divided into control (CG), liver fibrosis (CCL4, intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 for 8 weeks), and CCL4 rats treated with SPIO-labeled MSCs (MSCs/CCl4) with and without continuing CCL4 injection for another 8 weeks. Assessment included liver histopathology, liver function tests, transmission electron microscopic tracing for homing of SPIO-MSCs, immunofluorescence histochemistry for fibrosis and dysplasia markers (transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1), proliferation nuclear antigen (PCNA), glypican 3)), and quantitative gene expression analysis for matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1). Results. SPIO-labeled MSCs were engrafted in the fibrotic liver and the BM/MSCs demonstrated regression for fibrous tissue deposition and inhibition progression of dysplastic changes in the liver of CCl4-treated rats on both the histological and molecular levels. Conclusion. BM-MSCs possess regenerative and antidysplastic potentials.
P38 Signal Transduction Pathway Has More Cofactors on Apoptosis of SGC-7901 Gastric Cancer Cells Induced by Combination of Rutin and Oxaliplatin
Authors: Li Qi , Ren Liqun , Zhang Yang , Gu Zehui , Tan Qi , Zhang Tong , Qin Meng , Chen Suxian
Published: November 2019

Currently, gastric cancer treatment is mainly based on first-line intervention with oxaliplatin (OXA) after surgical resection, but the application of OXA has been limited due to the toxic side effects caused by the cumulative dose. The toxicity of OXA mainly includes hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and ototoxicity, and there is an urgent clinical need to find alternatives that are less toxic and more effective. Rutin (RT) is a natural flavonoid with many biological activities. Studies have found that RT inhibits tumor cell growth and enhances their sensitivity toward certain drugs. As the underlying impact of RT on gastric cancer and its molecular mechanism remain poorly understood, we performed a series of experiments to determine whether RT has the effect of treating gastric cancer, and whether it can cooperate with OXA to treat gastric cancer and its related mechanisms. In the present study, we founded that RT suppressed cell viability, inhibited cell proliferation by causing G0/G1 arrest, and induced apoptosis in SGC 7901 cells. And RT can play as an antitumor agent together with OXA. The mechanism of RT-induced apoptosis may be associated with the activation of the p38/Caspase signal pathway. These results demonstrated the potential of RT as a promising therapeutic compound to treat gastric cancer. At the same time, RT can synergize with OXA to reduce the dose of OXA and reduce the toxicity.
Modeling and Design of Single-Phase PV Inverter with MPPT Algorithm Applied to the Boost Converter Using Back-Stepping Control in Standalone Mode
Authors: Diouri Omar , Es-Sbai Najia , Errahimi Fatima , Gaga Ahmed , Alaoui Chakib
Published: November 2019

We propose a high-performance and robust control of a transformerless, single-phase PV inverter in the standalone mode. First, modeling and design of a DC-DC boost converter using a nonlinear back-stepping control was presented. The proposed converter uses a reference voltage that is generated by the Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm in order to extract the maximum power point (MPP) by responding accurately to varying atmospheric conditions. Another goal for using the boost converter is to raise the voltage at the input of the inverter without using a transformer in this system, thus making the system more compact and less expensive. Secondly, the single-phase H-bridge inverter was controlled by using back-stepping control in order to eliminate the error between the output voltage of the inverter and the desired value, even if there is acute load variation at the output of the inverter. The stability of the boost converter and H-bridge inverter was validated by using Lyapunov’s stability theory. Simulation results show that the proposed PV system with back-stepping controllers has a good extraction of the MPP with an efficiency of 99.93% and 1 ms of response time. In addition, the sinusoidal form of the output voltage of the inverter is fixed to 220 V and the total harmonic distortion of the output voltage was found to be less than 1%.
Diabetes Mellitus among Adult Tuberculosis Patients Attending Tuberculosis Clinics in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Tenaye Lucy , Mengiste Bizatu , Baraki Negga , Mulu Ermiyas
Published: November 2019

Background. Developing countries are suffering from the previously existing infectious diseases and alarmingly growing burden of noncommunicable diseases like diabetes mellitus. There is increased speculation that diabetes mellitus might attribute to high infectious diseases burden, such as tuberculosis. The global importance of diabetes mellitus as a tuberculosis-risk factor is still not a well-established fact. Thus, we conducted this study to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its associated factors among adult tuberculosis patients attending tuberculosis clinics. Methodology. We conducted a cross-sectional survey, from March 10 to April 15, 2017, among 421 tuberculosis patients receiving tuberculosis treatment in health facilities of Dire Dawa City Administration Council, Eastern Ethiopia. Study participants were selected using systematic random technique, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Fasting blood sugar and anthropometric measurements were carried out for all participants. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with diabetes mellitus. Result. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in this study was 13.5%. Age 26–40 (AOR = 6, 95% CI: (1.28, 27.5)), age ≥41(AOR = 9, 95% CI: (1.9, 44.4)), and family history of diabetes (AOR = 3.14, 95% CI: (1.23, 8.02)) were found to have a significant association with diabetes mellitus. Conclusion. This study found that the magnitude of diabetes mellitus among tuberculosis patients was higher than the national estimated prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Ethiopia. This study suggests the need for screening each tuberculosis patient for diabetes.
PI3K/AKT Signaling in Breast Cancer Molecular Subtyping and Lymph Node Involvement
Authors: Bonin S. , Pracella D. , Barbazza R. , Dotti I. , Boffo S. , Stanta G.
Published: November 2019

Lymph node metastatic involvement persists to be among the most important predictors of recurrence and survival in breast carcinoma (BC). This study is aimed at investigating possible gene expression differences in primary BC between patients with or without lymph node involvement at the time of diagnosis. In a retrospective study, we investigated the potential prognostic role of 9 candidate biomarkers at the mRNA level in a cohort of 305 breast cancer patients, 151 lymph node-negative (LN-) and 154 lymph node-positive (LN+) individuals. The analyzed genes belonged to the RAS pathway (RAF1, ERBB2, PIK3CB, AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3), RB pathway (RB1 and CDK2), and cellular differentiation (KRT8). Their expression profiles were investigated by RT-qPCR and were correlated to immunohistochemically based molecular subtypes and BC clinical and pathological features. The differential expression of several genes in the primary tumor tissue was related to the LN involvement. Some of those genes, including PIK3CB, RB1, and AKT3, were more expressed in LN- BC patients, while some others, notably ERBB2 and AKT1, in LN+ ones. Among the candidate biomarkers, the expression levels of AKT isoforms influenced also patients’ survival rates. In detail, higher expression levels of AKT1 and AKT2 negatively influenced overall patients’ survival, and in particular, AKT2 expression levels defined a group of luminal B BC patients with shorter cancer-specific survival. On the contrary, longer cancer-specific survival was recorded in luminal A BC patients with higher expression levels of AKT3. That finding was also confirmed by Cox multivariate analysis. The same AKT3 resulted to be a possible candidate predictive biomarker for Tamoxifen response. In conclusion, our study highlighted the complex regulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in BC and its differences in BC patients with and without lymph node involvement.
Inhibition of cAMP/PKA Pathway Protects Optic Nerve Head Astrocytes against Oxidative Stress by Akt/Bax Phosphorylation-Mediated Mfn1/2 Oligomerization
Authors: Ju Won-Kyu , Shim Myoung Sup , Kim Keun-Young , Park Tae Lim , Ahn Sangphil , Edwards Genea , Weinreb Robert N.
Published: November 2019

Glaucoma is characterized by a progressive optic nerve degeneration and retinal ganglion cell loss, but the underlying biological basis for the accompanying neurodegeneration is not known. Accumulating evidence indicates that structural and functional abnormalities of astrocytes within the optic nerve head (ONH) have a role in glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Here, we investigate the impact of activation of cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway on mitochondrial dynamics of ONH astrocytes exposed to oxidative stress. ONH astrocytes showed a significant loss of astrocytic processes in the glial lamina of glaucomatous DBA/2J mice, accompanied by basement membrane thickening and collagen deposition in blood vessels and axonal degeneration. Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy data analysis demonstrated that numbers of total and branched mitochondria were significantly increased in ONH astrocytes, while mitochondrial length and volume density were significantly decreased. We found that hydrogen peroxide- (H2O2-) induced oxidative stress compromised not only mitochondrial bioenergetics by reducing the basal and maximal respiration but also balance of mitochondrial dynamics by decreasing dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) protein expression in rat ONH astrocytes. In contrast, elevated cAMP by dibutyryl-cAMP (dbcAMP) or isobutylmethylxanthine treatment significantly increased Drp1 protein expression in ONH astrocytes. Elevated cAMP exacerbated the impairment of mitochondrial dynamics and reduction of cell viability to oxidative stress in ONH astrocytes by decreasing optic atrophy type 1 (OPA1), and mitofusin (Mfn)1/2 protein expression. Following combined treatment with H2O2and dbcAMP, PKA inhibition restored mitochondrial dynamics by increasing mitochondrial length and decreasing mitochondrial number, and this promoted cell viability in ONH astrocytes. Also, PKA inhibition significantly promoted Akt/Bax phosphorylation and Mfn1/2 oligomerization in ONH astrocytes. These results suggest that modulation of the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway may have therapeutic potential by activating Akt/Bax phosphorylation and promoting Mfn1/2 oligomerization in glaucomatous ONH astrocytes.
Electrically Controlled Rotor Blade Vortex Interaction Airloads and Noise Analysis Using Viscous Vortex Particle Method
Authors: Su Taoyong , Lu Yang , Ma Jinchao , Guan Shujun
Published: November 2019

An electrically controlled rotor (ECR), also called a swashplateless rotor, replaces a swashplate with a trailing‐edge flap system to implement primary rotor control. To investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of an ECR in blade‐vortex interaction (BVI) condition, an analysis model based on the viscous vortex particle method, ECR blade pitch equation, and the Weissinger‐L lifting surface model is established. In this model, the ECR wake flow field vorticity is discretized as multiple vortex particles, and the vorticity‐velocity form of the Navier‐Stokes equation is solved to simulate the transport diffusion of the vorticity. The flap motion‐inducing blade‐pitch movement is obtained by solving the ECR blade‐pitch movement equation via the Runge–Kutta fourth‐order method. On the basis, BVI noise radiation of an ECR is evaluated using the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW‐H) equation. Based on the present prediction model, the aerodynamic and acoustic characteristics of a sample ECR in BVI condition are analyzed. The results show that since the BVI event of the ECR on the advancing side is mainly caused by the interaction between the flap tip vortex and the blade, the blade spanwise range of ECR BVI occurrence on the advancing side is smaller than that of the conventional rotor. In addition, the magnitude of the maximum sound pressure level on the advancing side as well as on the retreating side of the ECR is also different from that of the conventional rotor, which is consistent with the difference in the airloads between the ECR and conventional rotor. Furthermore, a study was performed to examine the effect of the pre‐index angle on the BVI‐induced airloads and noise. The amplitude of the impulsive airloads of the ECR on the advancing side is increased with the increase in pre‐index angle, while the amplitude of the impulsive airloads of the ECR on the retreating side is decreased. Indeed, when the pre‐index angle of the sample ECR is 8 degrees, the retreating‐side noise radiation lobe is almost disappeared. In addition, the different intensity of wake vorticity is the main reason for the differences of the BVI‐induced airloads and noise among the ECR with different pre‐index angles.
Isolation of Human Trypsin by Affinity Chromatography
Authors: Temler R.S. , Kägi J.H.R.
Published: November 2019

A method is described to prepare an affinity adsorbent for human trypsin by coupling
bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (Kunitz) to CNBr-activated Sepharose. The highly selective
adsorbent permitted the rapid isolation of trypsin from an activated extract of human pancreas.
The trypsin obtained was completely free of chymotryptic activity and of sufficient purity to
serve as a standard for the development of a specific radioimmunoassay for human trypsin.
Serological Studies with the Ficin-Antificin System
Authors: Barrett James T. , Whiteaker R. Stephen
Published: November 2019

Rabbit antisera prepared against ficin reacted with it in a series of serologic tests.
Upon immunodiffusion analysis, ficin was found to consist of at least nine antigenic components.
Ficin will adsorb spontaneously to erythrocytes which can be used in passive hemagglutination
tests. The enzymatic activity of ficin was not abolished by antificin sera.
Potential Effect of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors-Endoret in Stromal Wound Healing in Additive Surgery
Authors: Ibares-Frías Lucía , Gallego-Muñoz Patricia , Orive Gorka , Anitua Eduardo , Cantalapiedra-Rodríguez Roberto , Merayo-Lloves Jesús , Martínez-García María Carmen
Published: November 2019

Purpose: To compare the clinical and histological outcomes after intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation with and without plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) in an experimental animal model. Materials and Methods: First, the toxicity of PRGF was tested in hen’s keratocyte cultures. Then, an animal model with 18 hens was randomly divided into 2 groups. In the first group, one ICRS was implanted in each eye (ICRS group). In the second group, the ICRS was firstly immersed 30 min in PRGF-Endoret solution, then implanted and, finally, PRGF-Endoret was inoculated into the channel (PRGF-ICRS group). Animals of each group were also separated into 3 groups regarding the time they were sacrificed, and corneal tissue was fixed for histological analysis at 2, 7 and 30 days. Cell death was detected by terminal uridine nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay. Proliferation was labelled by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and myofibroblast differentiation by alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) immunodetection. Clinical examination, analyzing epithelial wound closure, deposits and stromal haze, was carried out at the different study times. Results: No toxic effect was observed by PRGF in hen stromal cell cultures. Clinically, in PRGF-ICRS corneas at 7 days, there were more deposits with higher intensity than in ICRS group. Histologically, at day 2 there was less epithelial damage over the segment in the PRGF-ICRS group, corneal oedema around the segment disappeared earlier and, at day 7, there was also double the number of cells around the segment than in the ICRS group displaying different morphologies. The number of TUNEL-positive cells was statistically higher in the PRGF-ICRS group at 7 and 30 days, and the number of BrdU-positive cells was statistically higher at all analyzed times. However, there were no differences in the number of αSMA-positive cells at 30 days between both groups. Conclusions: The ICRS immersion in PRGF-Endoret prior and after to its corneal implantation, in an experimental animal model, enhances clinical deposits and histological cell turnover without increasing myofibroblast differentiation reducing stromal wound-healing time after surgery.
Analysis of Quality of Life after Pleurodesis in Patients with Malignant Pleural Effusion
Authors: Terra Ricardo Mingarini , Costa Priscila Berenice , Dela Vega Alberto Jorge Monteiro , Araujo Pedro Henrique Xavier Nabuco , Teixeira Lisete Ribeiro , Pêgo-Fernandes Paulo Manuel
Published: November 2019

Background: Malignant pleural effusion is one of the most important complications of metastatic cancer, and recurrent pleural effusions do not only have an impact on survival but also cause a huge repercussion on a patient’s quality of life. Objectives: The main objective was to describe quality of life status before and after pleurodesis in patients with malignant pleural effusion. Secondary, we aimed to find predictors of quality of life improvement in such a population. Methods: Retrospective analysis of a database collected prospectively. We included patients who underwent pleurodesis from June 2004 to July 2014. Quality of life was evaluated through the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire and applied before and 30 days after pleurodesis. We used a paired t test and the Wilcoxon rank-sum to compare pre-/post-pleurodesis results, Kaplan-Meier curves for survival analysis, and multiple linear regressions to find predictors of quality of life improvement. Results: 183 patients were included (145 were women). Mean age was 58.3 ± 12.3 years, the most numerous primary tumor was breast cancer. Median survival time was 9 months. Dyspnea was the most prevalent symptom. Baseline results showed that patients had low quality of life scores. After pleurodesis, there was a significant improvement in respiratory symptoms, physical domain, and general health. Linear regression showed an improvement in physical domain with the sclerosing agent nitrate (p = 0.005). Male gender (p = 0.002) and a higher lymphocyte count (p = 0.01) were inversely associated with improvement in physical domain. Conclusions: Pleurodesis improved symptoms and quality of life in patients with malignant pleural effusion. Gender, lymphocyte count, and sclerosing agent might interfere with quality of life improvement.
Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Abnormalities among Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Fliszkiewicz Magda , Niemczyk Mariusz , Kulesza Andrzej , Łabuś Anna , Pączek Leszek
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most prevalent monogenic renal disease with a prevalence of 1:1,000 births and it is the 4th most common cause of dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease (ESDR). Recent reports suggest an association between APDKD and metabolic derangements, particularly impaired glucose metabolism. Methods: In this cross-sectional study we analyzed data obtained from case records of 189 patients with ADPKD, including kidney transplant recipients, managed in an outpatient department. Results: The mean BMI was 25.4 ± 3.9; 25.25 before and 27.7 after transplan­tation. A fasting glucose level above 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) was observed in 60 patients (29%) – 27% without transplantation and 41% kidney transplant recipients. Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 17 patients (8.9%), including 3 (2.3%) without a history of transplantation and 14 (24.1%) after kidney transplantation (p < 0.01). We observed dyslipidemia in 30% and hyperuricemia in 53% of patients. Conclusion: Demonstrated metabolic abnormalities should be considered in maintenance of ADPKD patients, including kidney transplant recipients.
Effects of Atorvastatin on Transient Sodium Currents in Rat Normal, Simulated Ischemia, and Reperfusion Ventricular Myocytes
Authors: Nie Jing , Wang Gang , Zhao Guoyan , Du Xin , Zhang Liang , Yang Qing
Published: November 2019

Objectives: (1) To detect the whether the effects of simulated ischemia on INa of rat left ventricular myocytes in a time-dependent manner and the effects of atorvastatin on ischemia INa; (2) To investigate the effects of atorvastatin on INa of rat-simulated ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) ventricular cells. Materials and Methods: Ventricular cells were enzymatically isolated by Langendorff perfusion system. Whole-cell patch clamp was applied to detect INa level. Some elements of extracellular fluid were hanged to simulate the status of normal, I and R condition. Then the effects of atorvastatin on INa were observed. Results: (1) During simulated reperfusion, INa decreased and atorvastatin further suppressed the reduction degree. (2) At test potential –40 mV, no difference was detected among peak INa amplitude of ischemia for 20 min, reperfusion phase 3/5/7/9 min in continuous ischemia (I) group (p = 0.275). In I/R group, peak INa amplitude continuously decreased at 3 min (p = 0.005) and 9 min (p = 0.041). In atorvastatin intervention + I/R (Statin + I/R) group, peak INa amplitude at reperfusion 3 min decreased compared with ischemia phase (p = 0.000), while no significant difference was detected between 3 and 9 min (p = 0.858). The differences were significant at the same time point between groups. At reperfusion 3/5/7/9 min, peak INa of the I/R group was lower than the ischemia group (all p = 0.000), same as the Statin + I/R group (p = 0.000, p = 0.003, p = 0.006, and p = 0.001). Peak INa of the Statin + I/R group was higher than the I/R group at the same time point (p = 0.011, p = 0.033, p = 0.003, p = 0.003). There was no change in the I group during reperfusion phase (p > 0.05). In I/R group, V1/2 (mV) shifted from –58.87 ± 3.36 to –54.33 ± 2.40, k (mV) shifted from 1.25 ± 0.59 to 1.91 ± 0.84 (p < 0.05). In the Statin + I/R group, V1/2 (mV) increased from –57.80 ± 2.97 to –52.76 ± 3.14 (p < 0.01), no change was observed in k (p > 0.05). Conclusions: (1) In the status of reperfusion, INa decreased more than that in the status of ischemia. (2) Atorvastatin protected the cells from reduction of INa during long-time simulated (>15 min) I/R. (3) Overall, atorvastatin affected INa of the normal, simulated ischemic/reperfusion cell in rat left ventricle by blocking sodium channel ­directly.
Patients with Biopsy Gleason Score 3 + 4 Are Not Appropriate Candidates for Active Surveillance
Authors: Park Juhyun , Yoo Sangjun , Cho Min Chul , Jeong Chang Wook , Ku Ja Hyeon , Kwak Cheol , Kim Hyeon Hoe , Jeong Hyeon
Published: November 2019

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of including patients with biopsy Gleason score (bGS) 3 + 4 prostate cancer in an active surveillance (AS) protocol. Methods: A total of 615 patients underwent a radical prostatectomy and satisfied the following requirements: prostate-specific antigen ≤10 ng/dL, clinical stage T1c or T2a, 2 or fewer positive biopsy cores, and bGS 6 or 3 + 4 prostate cancer. The patients were divided into two groups according to their bGS (bGS 6 group, n =534; bGS 3 + 4 group, n = 81). Results: The adverse pathological features were significantly higher in the bGS 3 + 4 group (16.7 vs. 49.4%, p< 0.001). Biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival was also significantly lower in this group (p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, clinical stage (odds ratio [OR] 2.026, p =0.007), maximum percentage of biopsy core involvement (OR 1.015, p = 0.014), and bGS (OR 1.913, p = 0.030) were independent risk factors for adverse pathological features. However, the bGS was the only variable to forecast BCR (hazard ratio 3.567, p < 0.001). Conclusions: A bGS 3 + 4 was the leading risk factor for a worse postoperative prognosis. Therefore, patients with a bGS 3 + 4 are not appropriate candidates for AS.
Evaluation of Serum Vitamin D Levels according to Gender and Age at Karapınar City: A Follow-Up Study from Turkey
Authors: Kader Saadet , Comaklı Hakan , Tekindal Mustafa Agah
Published: November 2019

Aim: Vitamin D is one of the major hormones involved in phosphorus metabolism in the secosteroid structure. Studies have shown that low serum vitamin D levels are associated with chronic diseases such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, depression, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate serum vitamin D levels in the adult population according to age and gender in Karapınar, Turkey. Materials and Methods: Serum vitamin D levels of 6,774 patients admitted to Karapınar Public Hospital between January and December 2018 were evaluated according to age and gender, investigated, and retrospectively screened. Serum vitamin D level <10 ng/mL is accepted as deficiency, 10–30 ng/mL as insufficiency, 30–100 ng/mL as sufficiency, and >100 ng/mL as toxicity. Results: The study consisted of 5,111 women (75.5%) and 1,663 men (24%). The mean vitamin D levels were 14.6 ± 0.2 ng/mL in women and 17.8 ± 0.3 ng/mL in men. Vitamin D levels were found to be lower in both men and women as age progressed. Deficiency (<10 ng/mL) of vitamin D was found in 83.8% of women and 18.2% of men, while insufficiency (10–30 ng/mL) of vitamin D was found in 69.6% of women and 30.4% of men. Conclusion: In this study, in patients who were admitted to our hospital in Karapınar City, serious vitamin D deficiency was detected. We recommend that people should take vitamin D and calcium supplements and they also should have more exposure to the sunlight.
Recommendations for Therapeutic Apheresis by the Section “Preparative and Therapeutic Hemapheresis” of the German Society for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology
Authors: Worel Nina , Mansouri Taleghani Behrouz , Strasser Erwin
Published: November 2019

The section “Preparative and Therapeutic Hemapheresis” of the German Society for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology (DGTI) has reviewed the actual literature and updated techniques and indications for evidence-based use of therapeutic apheresis in human disease. The recommendations are mostly in line with the “Guidelines on the Use of Therapeutic Apheresis in Clinical Practice” published by the Writing Committee of the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) and have been conducted by experts from the DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) region.
Treatment of Laryngeal Contact Granuloma: Surgical Therapy or Conservative Treatment
Authors: Chang Wei , Xu Wen , Cheng Liyu
Published: November 2019

Objective: Despite the fact that there are many treatment alternatives, laryngeal contact granuloma has a high tendency of persistence, spontaneous disappearance without treatment, and recurrence. A comparison of the effects of conservative treatment and surgical therapy on laryngeal contact granuloma was made in a retrospective review. Methods: A total of 124 patients with laryngeal contact granuloma were divided into 2 groups according to treatment: simple surgical excision (n = 36) and conservative treatment (n = 84). Additionally, the reflux finding score (RFS) and the reflux symptom index (RSI) were utilized to assess the disease. Results: A total of 124 patients, with a median age of 48.5 years, ranging from 9 to 74 years, were recruited (107 male, 17 female). According to the diagnostic criteria for laryngeal reflux (RSI >13 or RFS >7), there were 67 cases, accounting for 54.03% of the total. Surgery was effective in 15 patients (15/36, 41.67%), and conservative treatment was effective in 62 patients (62/84, 73.81%). The 2 groups had statistically significant differences. Conclusions: Conservative treatment, which is a comprehensive anti-reflux therapy, is better than surgical therapy and plays an important role in the treatment of laryngeal contact granuloma.
Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 in Colorectal Cancer Development and Progression
Authors: Bremer Sebastian C.B. , Conradi Lena-Christin , Mechie Nicolae-Catalin , Amanzada Ahmad , Mavropoulou Eirini , Kitz Julia , Ghadimi Michael , Ellenrieder Volker , Ströbel Philipp , Hessmann Elisabeth , Gaedcke Jochen , Bohnenberger Hanibal
Published: November 2019

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading gastrointestinal malignancy. The development from premalignant intraepithelial lesions leading to invasive cancer is paradigmatic for the stepwise carcinogenesis of epithelial cancers, but the knowledge of the underlying mechanism of carcinogenesis and progression of CRC is still incomplete. The understanding of epigenetic mechanisms of carcinogenesis has led to new therapeutic approaches during the last years. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is one central epigenetic silencer of the polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2) that is already in clinical use as a novel drug target and is associated with poorer prognosis in several cancer entities. Patients and Methods: The protein expression of EZH2 and other members of the PRC2 as well as resulting posttranslational modifications were investigated by immunohistochemistry in 187 patients with CRC and in 94 patients with premalignant colorectal lesions and correlated with their clinical outcome. Furthermore, the corresponding mRNA expression levels were analyzed in 217 patients with rectal cancer that were enrolled in a prospective clinical trial. Results: We found a weak expression of EZH2 in normal colon mucosa that increased in low grade, peaked in high grade intraepithelial neoplasia, and decreased again in invasive CRC. The posttranslational modification caused by EZH2 as a measure of EZH2 activity showed the same behavior. Strong protein and mRNA expression of EZH2 were significantly correlated with favorable prognosis in both investigated cohorts. Conclusion: The expression and activity of EZH2 are associated with colorectal carcinogenesis and most expressed in intraepithelial high-grade lesions. Strong expression of EZH2 is associated with a significantly favorable prognosis in patients suffering from CRC.
Clinical Characteristics and Antifungal Susceptibility of Candida nivariensis from Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Authors: Shi Yu , Zhu Yuxia , Fan Shangrong , Vitagliano Amerigo , Liu Xiaoping , Liao Yating , Liang Yiheng , Vitale Salvatore Giovanni
Published: November 2019

Objectives: The aim of this work is to evaluate the susceptibility profile of the isolates against antifungal drugs and the level of virulent genes and resistant genes mRNA expression of Candida nivariensis. Methods: We analyzed a collection of 9 C. nivariensis isolates from clinical isolates of Candida glabrata complex isolated from patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Antifungal susceptibilities of the isolates were assayed by using the broth microdilution method. The level of virulent genes and resistant genes mRNA expression was determined by using real-time PCR. Results: At day 7–14 and day 30–35 follow-up, mycological cure of VVC caused by C. nivariensis was 5 in 9 and 4 in 9 cases. The minimum inhibitory concentration geometric means of caspofungin, fluconazole, itraconazole, and amphotericin B in C. nivariensis isolates were higher than those in Candida albicans ATCC90028 (0.340, 1.852, 0.367, and 1.587 vs. 0.124, 0.140, 0.030, and 0.891 µg/mL; p < 0.05). The level of resistant genes ERG11, CDR1, and CDR2 and virulent genes YPS1, AWP3, and EPA1 mRNA expression was higher in C. nivariensis isolates than that of C. glabrata (2.58 ± 0.78, 9.31 ± 5.19, 11.10 ± 0.76, 13.57 ± 0.54, 11.96 ± 2.93, and 14.40 ± 0.61 vs. 1.05 ± 1.19, 2.22 ± 0.27, 0.85 ± 0.48, 0.30 ± 0.37, 1.90 ± 0.43, and 2.40 ± 0.65). Conclusion: We conclude that patients infected with C. nivariensis were symptomatic and with a low mycological cure rate when treated with commonly used antifungal agents. Compared with C. albicans, C. nivariensis is more antifungal resistant and virulent.
Recent Advances in Clinical Allergy and Immunology 2019
Authors: Simon Dagmar
Published: November 2019

The immune system has vital functions for homeostasis and host defense. Thus, imbalances of the immune system whether associated with allergy, hypersensitivity, or autoimmunity are of great importance, as is manifest from common diseases such as atopic diseases, urticaria, and angioedema, and drug hypersensitivity reactions. These can affect patients’ quality of life and can generate high costs for health care. Epidemiological studies have provided evidence for changing patterns of allergic diseases caused by lifestyle and climate changes which have consequences for medical care. Deeper insights into the pathogenesis of allergic/immunologic diseases, combined with novel technologies, provide improved diagnostic options and treatment measures. This review will summarize novel aspects of the epidemiology, pathogenic mechanisms, as well as disease management in the fields of allergy and clinical immunology.
Порівняльна оцінка якості життя пацієнтів оперованих методом лапароскопічної апендектомії та із застосуванням системи комп’ютерної автоматизованої діагностики та гармонійного скальпеля
Authors: Bayazitov D. M.
Published: November 2019

Мета роботи: порівняння якості життя (ЯЖ) пацієнтів, яким було виконано лапароскопічну апендектомію за традиційним методом та апендектомію із застосуванням комп’ютерної автоматизованої діагностики (КАД) та гармонійного ультразвукового скальпеля.

Матеріали і методи. Спостереження виконано за 95 пацієнтами після виконання традиційної лапароскопічної (ТЛ) апендектомії та 73 пацієнтами, яким застосовували КАД та гармонійний скальпель. Оцінку ЯЖ проводили за допомогою опитувальника MOS-SF-36 в термін місяць з моменту апендектомії.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Загальне число відмінних та добрих результатів в групі із ТЛ склало 69,5 % (66 із 95 пацієнтів), тоді як аналогічний показник в групі пацієнтів, яким застосовували КАД та УЗ-скальпель, склало 89,0 % – 65 із 73 пацієнтів (Р<0,01). У пацієнтів з добрим результатом лікування, яким застосовували КАД та гармонійний скальпель, спостерігалось зростання досліджуваних показників ЯЖ за всіма шкалами опитувальника MOS-SF-36, тоді як у пацієнтів із добрим результатом після ТЛ за шкалами фізичного та психологічного функціонування покращення не спостерігалось. У пацієнтів із задовільним результатом лікування, яким застосовували КАД та гармонійний скальпель, покращення відбувалось за пʼятьма із восьми шкал (за винятком рольового фізичного функціонування, загального та психологічного здоровя), а при ТЛ – тільки за шкалами болю та життєдіяльності.
Хірургічне лікування діастазу прямих м’язів живота та гриж на його тлі
Authors: Podpryatov S. E. , Belousov I. O. , Podpriatov S. S. , Ivaha V. V. , Korchak V. P.
Published: November 2019

Мета роботи: оцінити ефективність різних способів хірургічного лікування діастазу прямих м’язів живота (ПМЖ) із позицій досягнення мети оперативного втручання та прийнятності для пацієнта.

Матеріали і методи. Хірургічне втручання виконано 92 пацієнтам, з яких 49 –  чоловіки та 43 – жінки  віком від 40 до 72 років. Індекс маси тіла пацієнтів становив від 27,2 до 48,6 кг/см2.

У 47 пацієнтів на тлі діастазу ПМЖ була післяопераційна грижа живота, у 45 – первинна. Грижа M1 – у 1 пацієнта, M2 – у 11, M3 – у 42, М4 – у 8, M2+M3+M4 – у 30, W1 – у 3, W2 – у 48, W3 – у 41.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. У 5 пацієнтів усунення грижі і діастазу ПМЖ та закриття грижових воріт виконали за способом Ramirez O. M. et al., 1990, доповненим розташуванням поліпропіленової сітки позаду ПМЖ. Хоча мету операції було досягнуто у всіх спостереженнях, однак у післяопераційному періоді ПМЖ повністю, а бокові м’язи черевної стінки майже повністю втратили здатність до скорочення, що суттєво обмежило рухи тулуба пацієнтів.

У 76 пацієнтів зміцнювали передній листок апоневрозу за допомогою розміщення сітки on lay і за її допомогою зближували ПМЖ. Мобілізацію здійснювали за допомогою технології електрозварювання живих тканин із використанням апаратів ЕК 300-М1 і Патонмед ЕКВЗ 300. В усіх спостереженнях ширина діастазу в епігастрії відображала відстань між точками фіксації внутрішніх країв ПМЖ до реберної дуги.  При ширині грижових воріт більше 10 см було неможливе зведення внутрішніх країв ПМЖ. У 3 пацієнтів виникла серома, що зумовило висічення сітки. В 11 пацієнтів успішно виконано фіксацію сітки до відсепарованих задніх листків апоневрозу ПМЖ із подальшим їх зшиванням. Виникнення діастазу ПМЖ є наслідком широкого розходження місць фіксації ПМЖ до реберної дуги, яке ми спостерігали у всіх пацієнтів, ймовірність їх змикання відсутня через розходження при кожному скороченні м’язів. В разі виникнення грижі на тлі діастазу краї грижових воріт не мають схильності до зближення.

Мобілізація заднього листка апоневрозу ПМЖ і його зміцнення сіткою дозволяє закрити грижовий дефект шириною до 12 см і є високоефективним при лікуванні грижі на тлі діастазу ПМЖ.

Застосування комбінації ендотрахеального наркозу та епідуральної анестезії з продовженням епідуральної анестезії впродовж 4 – 7 днів після операції забезпечує безбольовий перебіг післяопераційного періоду.
Реконструктивно-пластичні операції після поранень шиї
Authors: Sizy M. Yu. , Makarov V. V. , Shevchenko O. M. , Lykhman V. M.
Published: November 2019

Мета роботи: підвищити ефективність хірургічного лікування постраждалих після поранень шиї шляхом застосування реконструктивно-пластичних операцій.

Матеріали і методи. Проаналізовано результати реконструктивно-пластичних операцій у пацієнтів після поранень шиї. Втручання виконували у 82 пацієнтів: як у чоловіків, так і у жінок в одній віковій групі від 41 до 50 років. Проведено пластику місцевими тканинами та мікрохірургічну автотрансплантацію тканин.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Кожен із методів має самостійне значення: пластика місцевими тканинами в різних її варіантах усуває невеликі за площею дефекти з мінімальною втратою в донорській зоні, у свою чергу, метод мікрохірургічної автотрансплантації тканин дозволяє домогтися гарних анатомічних та функціональних результатів при великих і глибоких дефектах м’яких тканин шиї. Оцінка результатів хірургічного лікування пацієнтів показує, що в більшості спостережень вдалося отримати хороший остаточний результат (86,6 %) – у 71 пацієнта із 82. Проте в 11 пацієнтів отримано незадовільний результат, що склало 13,4 % від всіх пацієнтів, яким були застосовані різні методи заміщення м’якотканинних дефектів шиї після поранень.
Пілонідальна хвороба у дітей. Чи усі питання патогенезу вирішені?
Authors: Konoplytsky V. S. , Shavliuk R. V. , Shavliuk V. M.
Published: November 2019

Мета роботи: визначити можливі анатомічні чинники патогенезу пілонідальної хвороби в дітей.

Матеріали і методи. Проведено аналіз результатів клініко-морфологічних обстежень 37 дітей з діагнозом “пілонідальна хвороба”, пролікованих з 2010 по 2017 рік на базі Вінницької обласної дитячої клінічної лікарні. Середній вік пацієнтів складав (16,4± 0,4) року; хлопчиків було 26 та 11 дівчаток. Для порівняння морфологічної будови пілонідальної кісти із дорослими  пацієнтами використовували 17 зразків видалених раніше тканин, які були на обліку в архіві обласного патанатомічного бюро.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. У 75 % препаратів у дорослих спостерігали відсутність епітеліальної вистилки, що є результатом тривалого рецидивного перебігу пілонідальної хвороби. Останнє сприяє швидкій хронізації запального процесу та виникненню гіалінозу судинних стінок у стінці кісти. Також майже в 94 % випадків у дорослих стінки пілонідальної кісти складались із грубоволокнистої сполучної тканини з вираженою лімфогістіоцитарною інфільтрацією, а у просвіті їх визначались деривати шкіри. Схожі морфологічні ознаки були виявлені лише у 30 % дітей, а у порожнині кісти були виявлені волосяні стрижні з ознаками часткового лізису, які були пов’язані із неатрофованими волосяними цибулинами, що чітко не свідчило на користь їх екзогенного трансдермального проникнення. У 41,66 % дітей при гістологічному обстеженні навколо куприкового ходу визначалась незріла мезенхімоподібна тканина. За рахунок щільної фіксації шкіри міжсідничної складки із оточуючими тканинами при рухах виникає її зміщення й розтягнення пор, в яких накопичуються секрети шкіри та її деривати, які ще більше її розтягують й при виникненні запалення сприяють її самовільному розкриттю. Тому пілонідальна хвороба – це поліетіологічне захворювання, однією із причин розвитку якої є підвищена локальна пітливість тіла, що зумовлює ряд додаткових провокаційних факторів утворення гострого абсцесу міжсідничної ділянки, підтримання хронічного запалення та рецидивного перебігу захворювання.
Органозберігальні операції при диференційованій карциномі щитоподібної залози
Authors: Suprunets B. O. , Suprunets O. L.
Published: November 2019

Мета роботи: провести аналіз органозберігальних операцій у хворих із диференційованим раком для оптимізації об’єму операційного втручання.
Quid est causa? The Debate on the Definition of ‘Cause’ in Early Jesuit Scholasticism
Authors: Capriati Giuseppe
Published: November 2019

Francisco Suárez’s thought has often been interpreted as paving the way for early modern philosophy, and causation is one of the themes in which his name is regularly associated with modern ideas. This is, however, an extrinsic relation – despite our lamentably poor knowledge of early modern scholasticism, Suárez’s doctrines can only be properly understood in relation to their proximate scholastic context. This article attempts a reevaluation of the importance of this context through an analysis of the definition of ‘cause’ in early modern scholasticism, focusing on the influence of Jesuit authors such as Toledo, Perera, and Fonseca on Suárez’s famous definition of ‘cause’, often considered as an anticipation of Descartes’ reduction of causality to efficiency. As it turns out, the proximate context of this definition provides not only the debate to which Suárez responds, but also the common conception of causality that Suárez tries to define more properly than his predecessors.
Les femmes dans la culture visuelle du Shāhnāma de Firdawsī : entre mythes, imaginaire et pratiques sociales
Authors: Caiozzo Anna
Published: November 2019

Les femmes, comme l’a montré Olga Davidson, jouent un rôle central dans le Shāhnāma de Firdawsī, épopée affectionnée par les aristocrates persans comme turcs au cours de la période médiévale. Les programmes iconographiques renforcent le rôle de ces épouses, mères, fiancées, sœurs, qui attendent les guerriers et chantent leurs exploits. Trois points révèlent l’image des femmes dans l’imaginaire social : d’une part, leur rôle central dans la formation des héros (fils, amant ou époux), leur fonction sociale comme l’indiquent les différents types d’unions et comme consolidatrices des aristocraties et de la paix des peuples mais aussi une part de défiance s’attachent à leur image ambivalente instaurée par les imaginaires masculins. Mères et épouses remarquables, séductrices et sorcières sont leurs étiquettes.
L’impossible équité : polygynie et partage des nuits
Authors: Benkheira Mohammed Hocine
Published: November 2019

La représentation courante de la polygynie est un mari agissant comme un despote, sans contrainte, et gouverné par son seul désir. Au vu de la littérature du fiqh, il n’en est rien, puisqu’il est contraint par la Loi. On observe que le fait que les concubines ne soient pas traitées comme les épouses ne relève pas de la différence de religion.
From Persecution to (Potential) Emancipation
Authors: Özkoray Hayri Gökşin
Published: November 2019

This article deals with offences and crimes against female slaves, and those committed by female slaves, in Ottoman Istanbul (sixteenth-seventeeth centuries). Its main sources are imperial legislation and court records of the imperial capital, Istanbul, and its suburbs. Judicial archives remain the chief sources of early modern Ottoman historiography on gender. This contribution tackles slavery’s specificities regarding women, without ignoring the parallels with their male counterparts in the Ottoman Empire. By considering women as both objects and agents of legal violations and acts of violence, I simultaneously deal with the rights of slaveholders and slaves. Violations of these rights varied depending on the identity and juridical status of their authors, and were handled accordingly by the justice system. Thus, I consider violations committed by owners against their slaves, by slaves against their owners, and by third parties against the slaves of others. The rights and mutual obligations of masters and slaves were strictly defined in Ottoman law, although the judicial authorities upheld the preservation of private property above all. They dedicated themselves to fighting against the slightest doubt over masters’ quasi-absolute authority over their human possessions, whose unconditional obedience was required. Female slaves, in order to affirm their rights, had to provide irrefutable written proof or trustworthy verbal testimonies at the kadi courts.