bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Environmental Agenda” in the latest political history of Republic of North Macedonia (1990s – 2020s)
Authors: Mitrevska Yagoda , Seltser Dmitrii G.
Published: April 2022

The place of the environmental agenda in the general logic of the political process of the Republic of North Macedonia is analyzed. The genesis of the environmental agenda in Macedonian politics, its development in the public rhetoric of the establishment and the activities of political parties are revealed. The influence of political conjuncture, disposition and arrangement of po-litical subjects on the relevance of the environmental factor in Macedonian politics and socio-political processes is shown. The algorithm of the impact of the environmental agenda on the change of power in the country is demonstrated. The procedures for the pressure of opposition forces on the state at different stages of the country’s recent political history are detailed. Specific scenarios of transformation of the environmental agenda into a political one are described. A detailed description of the emergence and activity of environmental movements and parties, as well as electoral declarations of leading political parties on environmental issues are given. An explanatory model of the influence of the environmental agenda on the pendulum nature of the change of power in the country is created. A forecast is made for the prospect of preserving the environmental agenda in political and social discourse. The factor of international influence on the activation of the environmental factor in Macedonian political life is established. It is understood which political forces of Northern Macedonia and beyond benefit from maintaining the presence of the environmental theme in the political space.
Student’s communication skills development in the process of working with polycode texts
Authors: Bortnikova Tatyana G. , Dolzhenkova Marina I.
Published: April 2022

The theoretical justification of the linguistic and didactic potential of polycode texts for teaching professional communication in a foreign language is analyzed. The analysis of scientific literature related to the study of semantically complex texts, including information transmitted using various code systems is conducted. The concepts of “creolized” and “polycode” text are differentiated. Attention is focused on the fact that the texts of different semiospheres during decoding can be variably interpreted, depending on which linguocultural communities the communicants belong to. At the same time, it is pointed out that familiarity with the cultural codes of the target language and the multichannel inherent in polycode text can significantly improve the decoding and communication skills of students in the process of working with polycode texts. The conclusion is made about the significant didactic potential of working with polycode texts. Specific stages of work with such texts are proposed, and it is emphasized that the gradual inclusion of students in work with polycode texts that combine several codes for presenting information, allows them to most accurately understand the ideas inherent in the polycode text and conduct successful professional communication in a foreign language.
Improving linguistic training in the military education system
Authors: Shevchenko Mikhail A. , Mitchell Lyudmila A. , Gorobtsov Evgeny V.
Published: April 2022

The ever-increasing need of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for specialists fluent in foreign languages is due to the expansion of military cooperation between the Russian Federation and its partner countries. In the actual conditions of interaction between the armed forces in the framework of peacekeeping operations, the timely and correct decision by the commanders to use the forces and means plays a primary role. Often, commanders have to deal with information in a foreign language. Currently, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation trains military specialists in the main foreign languages – English, Chinese, French and German. The language skills of military personnel should be sufficient to enable them to perform at least basic professional communication tasks without the assistance of military language specialists. However, as has already been observed by many specialists, the development of foreign language professional communication skills often involves a certain set of difficulties. This state of affairs justifies the need to develop new and improve upon the existing programmes for training, retraining and improving the language skills of the military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The aims, objectives and principles of improving the language training for the Russian military personnel, i. e. in the framework of military training centers are considered; the directions for the improvement of the military language training are formulated; the need to improve the lin-guistic training of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation personnel is justified.
Character Varieties and Algebraic Surfaces for the Topology of Quantum Computing
Authors: Planat Michel , Amaral Marcelo M. , Fang Fang , Chester David , Aschheim Raymond , Irwin Klee
Published: April 2022

It is shown that the representation theory of some finitely presented groups thanks to their $SL_2(\mathbb{C})$ character variety is related to algebraic surfaces. We make use of the Enriques-Kodaira classification of algebraic surfaces and the related topological tools to make such surfaces explicit. We study the connection of $SL_2(\mathbb{C})$ character varieties to topological quantum computing (TQC) as an alternative to the concept of anyons. The Hopf link $H$, whose character variety is a Del Pezzo surface $f_H$ (the trace of the commutator), is the kernel of our view of TQC. Qutrit and two-qubit magic state computing, derived from the trefoil knot in our previous work, may be seen as TQC from the Hopf link. The character variety of some two-generator Bianchi groups as well as that of the fundamental group for the singular fibers $\tilde{E}_6$ and $\tilde{D}_4$ contain $f_H$. A surface birationally equivalent to a $K_3$ surface is another compound of their character varieties.
A Bi-Gram Approach for an Exhaustive Arabic Triliteral Roots Lexicon
Authors: Mustafa Ebtihal , Bouzoubaa Karim
Published: April 2022

With the rapid development of science and technology, many new concepts and terms appear, especially in English. Other languages try to express these concepts with words from their own vocabulary. In the specific case of Arabic, there are many ways to find a counterpart for a particular new concept, such as using an existing word to denote the new concept, derivation, and blending. When these methods fail, the new concepts are simply phonetically transliterated. This has the disadvantage that most of the transliterated terms do not conform to the rules of the Arabic language and lead to a distortion of the language. Some modern linguists call for using the generation strategy to translate the new terms into Arabic by using the unused Arabic roots. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a resource that contains all Arabic roots with a categorization of what is used, what is available for use, and what is rejected according to the phonetic system. This work provides a comprehensive lexicon that contains all possible Arabic triliteral roots, determines the status of each root in terms of usage and acceptability, and provides a mechanism for giving preference to roots when there is more than one root that indicates the desired meaning.
Attacks Against Civilian Objects: An Analysis Under International Humanitarian Law
Authors: Farhat Salem Aessa , Nurdin Rohaida , Basir Salawati Bit
Published: April 2022

Civilian airports in recent internal armed conflict are being affected by the military operations of state armed forces and non-state armed groups. A review of the recent internal armed conflict in the middle east shows increase attacks on airports, which often disrupts, altogether halts civilian navigation, and increase the risk of being affected despite the fact that international humanitarian law (IHL) does prohibit such civilian objects attack that violates humanitarian law except in certain situations when it became military objectives. Moreover, military use of airport, may not justify any attack and remains prohibited by other IHL principles. Despite the negative use of civilian airports by the military as a justification to legalize attacking airports, IHL framework restricts this practice. States did not enact national prohibitions or restrictions of military use or limit attacks against civilian airports. However, recent armed conflict indicates that states can counter violation of the protections provided to civilian objects while military use by prohibiting military use of civilian airport. This article argues that states should enact and implement the exceptional rules to attack civilian buildings and forbid military use of civilian airports.
BODY SIZE TRENDS IN TRIGONIIDA BIVALVES FROM THE MESOZOIC KUTCH, INDIA
Authors: SARKAR DEBATTAM , PAUL SHUBHABRATA , SAHA RANITA , BARDHAN SUBHENDU , RUDRA PURBASHA
Published: April 2022

Although empirical testing of Cope's rule, the tendency for size to increase over time, has received significant attention in the last few decades, there is no consensus about the applicability of this rule across taxonomic levels. In the present study, we investigate the distribution of body size of Trigoniida bivalves, at order-, family-, genus- and species-level, through the Middle Jurassic and Early Cretaceous of the Kutch region in India. Our data suggest that the body size of Trigoniida bivalves did not vary significantly in the Middle–Late Jurassic, followed by an increase after the Jurassic–Cretaceous mass extinction boundary and a reduction in the late Early Cretaceous. Changes in relative sea-level and associated sedimentary facies composition generally exhibit poor correlation with the overall stasis, or no net body size change, displayed by Trigoniida bivalves. Body-size analysis across taxonomic hierarchy reveals that order-level trends are not a simple aggregation of trends at lower taxon levels. An important observation of our study is the body-size increase immediately in the aftermath of the Jurassic– Cretaceous mass extinction, a deviation from the general observation that size reduction occurs in post-extinction communities. We argue that this increase may be result of both ecological competition and evolutionary faunal turnover.
Quantum noise stream cipher based on optical digital to analog conversion
Authors: Li Zhao-Yun , Zhang Yun-Kun , Pang Hai-Yue , Luo Qing-Song , Zhang Xin , Tao Zhi-Yong , Fan Ya-Xian
Published: April 2022

An implementation method of quantum noise stream cipher with optical digital to analog converter is proposed and demonstrated. The proof-of-principle experiment for quantum noise stream cipher system has been designed to transmit 16-level signal with the baud rate of 10 Gbps by means of 4-bit port. So, the encrypted signal is obtained by weighting the intensities of multiple optical wavelengths and summing them according to plaintext signal and secret key, that makes the adjacent level of the signals are covered with the fluctuation of quantum noise. Experimental results show that the legitimate user can successfully recover the QNSC signal by the decryption with a very low probability of error with 2.19×10–11. However, the eavesdropper cannot distinguish the distinct bits due to the disturbance of quantum noise, which it is giving a very high probability of error with 0.425 due to the disturbance of quantum noise.
Clinical efficacy of catheter-directed thrombolysis combined with anticoagulation(CDT+AC) vs anticoagulation alone(AC)in patients with submassive pulmonary embolism: a patient pooled meta-analysis of clinical trials
Authors: bing Sun , ruirui Chen , Rui Du , yun Xu , xutong Zhang , chiyao Wang
Published: April 2022

Background To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of catheter-directed thrombolysis（CDT）with anticoagulation vs anticoagulation alone（AC）in patients with submassive pulmonary embolism（sPE）.METHODS Included in this analysis were patients with submassive pulmonary embolism. Two researchers independently screened the literature, submitted the data and cross-checked them. In case of differences, the third researcher would assist to make the judgment. RevMan5.4 was used for Meta analysis. Odds ratio (OR) was used as outcome index for dichotomous variables, and weighted mean difference (WMD) was used as outcome index for continuous variables. Point valuation/95%CI was given for each indicator. With P > 0.05 and I2 < 0.5, the fixed effect model was used for Meta analysis. The primary outcomes were all-cause death at 30 days and 1 year. Secondary outcomes were total bleeding and major bleeding.RESULTS A total of 7 articles and 874 patients were included in this study. 323 patients were in the CDT+AC group and 551 patients were in the AC group. 30 days and 1 year mortality were lower in the CDT+AC group compared to AC group [（OR：0.35，95%CI：0.14-0.88，P=0.03，I2=0%),（OR：0.36，95%CI：0.18-0.71，P=0.004，I2=0%）]. In subgroup analysis 30 days and 1 year mortality were lower in the USAT+AC group compared to AC group[（OR：0.28，95%CI：0.08-0.98，P=0.05，I2=0%),（OR：0.32，95%CI：0.11-0.95，P=0.04，I2=0%）]. The incidence of total bleeding was lower in AC group compared to CDT+AC/USAT+AC group. Major bleeding were similar between them.Conclusion Results thus confirmed that CDT reduced 30-days and 1-year all-cause mortality in patients with sPE compared to anticoagulation alone (AC). Nonetheless, a higher risk of bleeding was associated with the CDT group.
Kounis Syndrome with Pericarditis Epistenocardica: a case report
Authors: Dural İbrahim Etem , Uzun Mehmet Hakan , Ertuğral Nuran Özçiftçi
Published: April 2022

Background
Kounis syndrome is a rare cause of myocardial infarction. Pericarditis, which is one of the complications of myocardial infarction, can also develop after kounis syndrome.
Case Presentation
A 19 year old female patient with no known previous disease history, referred to emergency department with anaphylactic shock after bee stinging. After clinical stabilisation, further investigation showed ECG changes and elevated high sensitive troponin T (hs-troponin T) levels, which led to the diagnosis of Kounis Syndrome and the patient was referred to the Cardiology Intensive Care Unit. During the diagnostic work-up and patient follow-up's, a new onset chest pain led to the diagnosis of Pericarditis Epistenocardica.
Conclusions
This case report discusses the clinical case and current medical management and treatment of Kounis Syndrome and Pericarditis epistenocardica.
Managing quality improvement and risks in the hospital Emergency Department: a systematic literature review
Authors: Giovina Pasca Maria , Roberta Guglielmetti Mugion , Laura Di Pietro , Olimpia Martucci , Francesca Renzi Maria
Published: April 2022

The research aims to understand the current state of knowledge on risk, quality improvement and resilience in the healthcare field, namely in hospitals emergency departments, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. There is the need to valorize the emergency department role that has been underestimated even if it represents the most important linkage point between territorial healthcare assistance and hospital management. The study adopted a systematic literature review approach to summarize existing evidence on managing quality improvement and risks in the healthcare field. Following the inclusion criteria, a total of 59 articles published between 2011 and 2019 were detected. The authors analyzed the bibliometric characteristics and classified the works into three main themes and four sub-themes (Service quality, composed of Effectiveness of quality improvement strategies and Medical scribes; and Risk management, including Handoff and Crowding issues; Resilience). A cross-analysis of the themes highlights future research opportunities and managerial implications for professionals and academics and the development of interventions to enhance the value creation process in the healthcare ecosystem. This research emphasizes the need to invest in emergency department improvement for pursuing the patients’ wellbeing.
Oligometastasis of Breast Cancer to the Lung: Prospective Cohort Study of Treatment Strategies (SBP-06)
Authors: Maeda Reina , Shien Tadahiko , Takahashi Mina , Kawada Kengo , Kajiwara Yukiko , Kubo Shinichiro , Takabatake Daisuke , Ohtani Shoichiro , Matsuoka Kinya , Hikino Hajime , Ogasawara Yutaka , Taira Naruto , Ohsumi Shozo , Ikeda Masahiko , Doihara Hiroyoshi
Published: April 2022

BackgroundPrevious study results have suggested that local treatment of isolated lung metastases, may be beneficial and increase overall survival (OS) in highly selected patients. However, these were all retrospective studies. We designed this prospective cohort study to investigate the therapeutic and diagnostic clinical situation of oligometastatic breast cancer in the lung, as well as the prognosis outcomes of patients with this disease.MethodsWe enrolled patients with less than 3 lung nodules which suspected as oligometastases after curative breast cancer surgery. Treatments, including local and systemic therapy, were choice by each physician. The primary outcome was OS of patients with oligometastasis of breast cancer detected in the lung and secondary outcomes were the efficacy and safety of surgery for lung oligometastases. The study was in accordance with the relevant national/institutional guidelinesResultsBetween May 2015 and May 2019, 14 patients were enrolled at 5 centers. Resection of lung nodules (metastasectomy) was performed 11 (78.6%) of 14 patients and one was diagnosed with primary lung cancer. Metastasectomy were all performed employing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and achieved complete resection without perioperative complication. Systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, as well as endocrine and molecular target therapies were administered to all patients except one who declined all treatments offered. The respective 3-year and 5-year OS rates of patients with lung oligometastases were 91.6% and 81.5%. Progression events occurred in 6 patients: 3 (30%) with and 3 (100%) without metastasectomy. Whereas 2 of 10 patients with metastasectomy survived 5 years without progression, progression events occurred all patients without metastasectomy within 1 year.ConclusionLung metastasectomy was worthwhile as a diagnostic evaluation and possibly provide long-term benefit in some patients. Phase 3 trials might be required to provide definitive evidence and to provide criteria for selecting patients. Trial registrationThis study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB No. 960) of the Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan, and was registered in the clinical trials database UMIN (UMIN000016999) on 31 March 2015. Written informed consent was obtained from all enrolled patients.
The Prehospital to Emergency Department Hand Over Model (PEDHOM): a conceptual model addressing content, process, and communication in prehospital to Emergency Department handover
Authors: Makkink Andrew William , Stein Christopher Owen Alexander , Bruijns Stevan Raynier
Published: April 2022

Background: Patient handover is closely linked to patient safety. As the first interaction with the healthcare system, emergency department handovers are critically significant. Addressing content, process and communication aspects of handover has the potential to improve patient safety and decrease the incidence of adverse events. Methods: We used a sequential explanatory mixed methods study to gather data in Study One (quantitative) and Study Two (qualitative). Study One gathered questionnaires from 175 prehospital and 50 emergency department personnel. Study Two drew from the data in Study One and involved conducting face-to-face, semi-structured interviews from 15 prehospital and 15 emergency department personnel. Results: Study One provided quantitative data related to the importance of variables included in handover content and additional information related to handover within the ED from the perspectives of both prehospital and ED personnel. Study Two provided qualitative data on experiences and perceptions related to handover within the ED from the perspectives of both prehospital and ED personnel. These data were used to develop the Prehospital to Emergency Department Hand Over Model (PEDHOM) conceptual model that was synthesized from the findings. Conclusion: This PEDHOM addresses some of the content, process and communication aspects in prehospital to ED handover. The PEDHOM identifies barriers to effective ED handover and postulates potential solutions or strategies to addressing these barriers. The PEDHOM has potential for implementation in the ED and in healthcare environments other than the ED where interprofessional handover is practiced.
Impact of maintenance contract on the downtime of equipment
Authors: Gupta Anant , Madaan Nirupam , Lathwal Amit
Published: April 2022

IntroductionThe main objective of equipment maintenance is uninterrupted operation of services in the hospital. In view of all these reasons it is required to study the effect of various types of maintenance contracts (warranty, AMC, CMC) on the medical equipment downtime.MethodologyThe period of retrospective data collection and analysis was from April 2014 to March 2016 (two years) and the period of prospective data collection was from April 2016 to September 2016 (six months). The study was conducted in Machinery & equipment store. Prospective data collection (April 2016 to September 2016) was done for a period of 6 months in each of the selected wards through weekly ward visits and additional visits were made at the time of breakdown of the selected equipment. ResultsThe average downtime for all the equipment, during the entire study period was 8.78%. On an average, downtime percentage was 16.2% for equipment under warranty, 10% for equipment with CMC and 50% for equipment under no service contract. The downtime percentage was significantly more in no service contract period as compared to the equipment which were in the CMC and warranty period. But the downtime period did not vary significantly for the equipmentin warranty from that in CMC. Conclusion and recommendationsIt is recommended that Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) database applicationsmay be used. It is recommended to suitably modify the terms and conditions of the tender and CMC contract so that they do not cross the life term of an equipment alongwith having a single contact with both warranty and CMC.
Acute effect of Melon Manis Terengganu peel powder on glycemic response, perceived satiety, and food intake: a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial in adults at risk of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ong Ying Qian , Harith Sakinah , Shahril Mohd Razif , Shahidan Norshazila , Hapidin Hermizi
Published: April 2022

Background: Melon Manis Terengganu (MMT) peel has a high dietary fiber content, but there is no data examining its health benefits in adults at risk of type 2 diabetes. The objective of the study was to evaluate whether consumption of MMT peel powder improves glycemic response, satiety, and food intake in adults at risk of type 2 diabetes.Methods: An open-label, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover design trial was conducted among adults (n = 30, ages 18–59 y) at risk of type 2 diabetes. They consumed Formulation 3 (formulated MMT peel powder) [A] and control (glucose) [B] with study breakfast based on randomly assigned treatment sequences (AB, BA) established by Research Randomizer (www.randomizer.org). Capillary blood glucose and perceived satiety were determined at baseline (0 min), 30, 60, 90 and 120 min, followed by a post-intervention food intake measurement.Results: Respondents (n = 30) who consumed Formulation 3 had a significantly lower blood glucose 2-hour incremental area under the curve (iAUC) of 134.7 ± 44.5 mmol/L*min and maximum concentration (CMax) of 7.2 ± 1.1 mmol/L with relative reduction of 26.8% and 13.3% respectively, when compared with control (p < 0.001). However, the two-way repeated measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed no significant time and group*time effects in blood glucose levels after controlling confounding factors (p > 0.05). Besides, significantly lower perceived satiety, energy and fat intake as well as higher fiber intake were also observed in the intervention group compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05). There were no marked side effects associated with the ingestion of the test products.Conclusions: Short-term consumption of formulated MMT peel powder may have a positive impact on glycemic response (iAUC and CMax), satiety, and food intake in adults at risk of type 2 diabetes with the potential to be utilized as a functional beverage. Medium-to long-term clinical trial is warranted to determine whether taking this formulated MMT peel powder on a daily basis has an influence on health outcomes. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05298111. Registered 28/03/2022.
Reduced CSF orexin levels in rats and patients with systemic inflammation: a preliminary study
Authors: Ogawa Yasuhiro , Shimojo Nobutake , Ishii Akiko , Tamaoka Akira , Kawano Satoru , Inoue Yoshiaki
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveSepsis is a lethal condition characterized by systemic inflammation and multiple organ failure; this condition was initially defined as systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) due to infection. We previously reported that the hypothalamic neuropeptide orexin improved survival in a murine model of sepsis by acting in the brain. We hypothesized that orexin treatment enhances recovery from sepsis by reversing the reduction in orexin levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We recently reported a case in which CSF orexin levels were reduced in a patient with sepsis. Herein, we attempted to further investigate CSF orexin levels in rats and patients with systemic inflammation. This patient study was a single-center, retrospective observational study.ResultsCSF orexin levels were low in rats with lipopolysaccharide-induced systemic inflammation. We used stored CSF samples from patients who were admitted to the Department of Neurology. We enrolled 14 patients with meningitis/encephalitis; their CSF samples were collected on the day of admission. Six patients were diagnosed with SIRS, of whom 5 patients had infections (“sepsis” by the previous definition). CSF orexin levels were low in SIRS patients.
Evolution of aggregate-like ZSM-5 crystals
Authors: Babina Kseniya A. , Shestakova Daria O. , Gerasimov Evgeny Y. , Parkhomchuk Ekaterina V.
Published: April 2022

A series of zeolites ZSM-5 has been synthesized in hydrothermal conditions at 433 K by varying time of HT treatment with the following molar compositions of the precursor gel: 1.0 SiO2 : 0.01 Al2O3 : 0.2 ТPAОН : 0.05 Na2O : 50 H2O : 4.0 EtOH. Materials have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption measurements. We have succeeded to synthesize ZSM-5 crystals with metastable aggregate-like morphology reproducibly and to follow their evolution during HT treatment.
Early-season spatial plant-to-plant uniformity can affect soybean yields
Authors: Pereyra Valentina M. , Bastos Leonardo M. , Reis André Froes Borja , Melchiori Ricardo J.M. , Maltese Nicolas E. , Appelhans Stefania C. , Prasad P. V. Vara , Wright Yancy , Brokesh Edwin , Sharda Ajay , Ciampitti Ignacio A.
Published: April 2022

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merril) seed costs have steadily increased over the past decades and triggered a growing interest in reducing seeding rates, while improving profitability via seed savings and better yields. However, little is known on the implications of early-season spatial plant-to-plant uniformity on soybean yield under the current reduced seeding rates and modern varieties. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to i) explore traditionally used and new metrics to characterize early-season spatial plant-to-plant uniformity, ii) select and identify the best metrics relating the spatial plant-to-plant uniformity and soybean yield, and iii) evaluate the effect of stand uniformity under varying yielding environments and seeding rates. Soybean trials evaluating different planters (Max Emerge® and Exact Emerge®) and seeding rates (160, 215, 270 and 321 thousand seeds ha-1) were conducted in rainfed and irrigated conditions during 2019 and 2020 in the US and Argentina. Early-season plant-to-plant spacing was recorded in all trials and multiple stand uniformity metrics were calculated. Spacing standard deviation (sd) and the sd of the achieved versus target evenness index (ATEI = observed spacing/theoretical plant spacing) showed the greatest correlation with soybean yield (R2 = 0.26 and 0.32, respectively). However, only ATEI sd exhibited a more consistent relationship with soybean yield across environments. Non-uniform stands, described by ATEI sd, negatively impacted soybean yields under low and medium yield environments (mean of 2.7 and 3.0 Mg ha-1, respectively), while high yielding environments (mean of 4.3 Mg ha-1) were not sensitive to stand uniformity. The effect of unevenness spacing was not affected by the tested seeding rates. Our study provides new insights on the ability of soybeans to compensate yield at low yield environments and suggests uniformity of spacing between plants as a target to maximize yields regardless of the seeding rate.
Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined with Pirfenidone upregulates the Expression of RGS2 in the Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice
Authors: Wu Xian , Gou Hao , Qiu Huijun , Liu Hanmin , Fu Zhou , Chen Lina
Published: April 2022

Objective
The therapeutic effect of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells(hUC-MSCs) in combination with pirfenidone(PFD) on pulmonary fibrosis in mice and its possible mechanism were investigated.
Methods
C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into six groups: control group, model group, P10 group, P30 group, P100 group and P300 group. Modeled by tracheal intubation with 3 mg/kg bleomycin drip, each dose of PFD was given daily by gavage from day 7 onwards. Mice were observed continuously for 21 days and survival was recorded. Lung tissues were collected on day 21, and HE and Masson staining were performed to assess morphological changes and collagen deposition in the lungs. Collagen content was measured by Sircol method, and fibrosis marker levels were detected by PCR and Western Blot. Another batch of C57BL/6 mice was then randomly divided into five groups: hUC-MSCs control group, model group, P100 group, hUC-MSCs treatment group and hUC-MSCs + P30 group. 5×105 hUC-MSCs were injected into the tail vein on day 7, and the mice were given PFD gavage daily from day 7 onwards, and their survival was recorded. Lung tissues were collected on day 21 to detect pathological changes and the expression of collagen content and regulator of G protein signaling 2(RGS2). Pulmonary myofibroblasts were divided into MFB group and MFB + hUC-MSCs group, and different doses of PFD were added to each group, and the levels of RGS2 and fibrosis markers were detected in each group.
Results
Compared with other doses of PFD groups, the P100 group significantly improved mouse survival and lung pathology, and significantly reduced collagen and fibrosis marker levels (p < 0.05). The hUC-MSCs + P30 group significantly improved mouse survival and lung pathology, significantly reduced collagen and fibrosis marker levels (p < 0.05), and the efficacy was better than that of the P100 and hUC-MSCs groups (p < 0.05). RGS2 expression was significantly higher in the MSCs + P30 group compared with the P100 and hUC-MSCs groups (p < 0.05). PFD increased RGS2 expression in MFB (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Fibrosis markers were more significantly reduced in the hUC-MSCs + PFD relative to the PFD alone group and the hUC-MSCs group.
Conclusion
The study suggested that hUC-MSCs combined with low-dose PFD showed a therapeutic effect better than that of the two treatments used separately. Its effect attenuating bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice is related with the increase of RGS2.
Integrated strategy of network analysis prediction and experimental validation to elucidate the possible mechanism of compound Turkish gall ointment in treating eczema
Authors: Ma Xuan , Hao Meng , Zhang Ming Hui , Zeng Ya , Yang Qing Qing , Zhao Lu , Fan Chen Yang , Ji Zhi Hong , Li Ke Ao , Li Zhi Jian , Mirzat Maimaiti , Nie Jihong
Published: April 2022

Background: Compound Turkish gall ointment (CTGO) has been widely used as a folk medicine for a long history in Xinjiang for the treatment of eczema. CTGO is currently in the pre-investigational new drug application stage, but its pharmacologic-al mechanisms of action have not yet been clarified.Methods： First, a sensitive and reliable ultra-high performance liquid chromatograph-y-Q exactive hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) technique was established. Second, an integrative strategy of network analysis and molecular docking based on identified and retrieved ingredients was implemented to investigate the potential targets and pathways involved in the treatment of eczema with CTGO. Ultimately, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with eczema were prepared to verify the predicted results. The skin conditions of the rats were observed, evaluated, and scored. Skin tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, while serum interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (NF-κB p65), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).Results: A total of 29 compounds were preliminarily identified. We found 38 active components and 58 targets for the treatment of eczema; these involved 118 signaling pathways related to inflammation, immunity, and apoptosis. CTGO significantly improved the skin surface and histopathological characteristics of eczema-affected rats, downregulated the expression of IL-4, TLR4, NF-κB (p65), IL-1β, and TNF-α, and upregulated the expression level of IFN-γ.Conclusion: We predicted, and validated our prediction, that CTGO may be used to treat eczema by affecting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, which provides guidance for future experimental studies.
Impact of autologous blood reinfusion on blood conservation and economic efficiency during posterior spinal fusion for scoliosis in school-age children
Authors: Miao Yu Liang , Liu Ji , An Li Na , Fang Wei Wu
Published: April 2022

Background: The effectiveness and affordability of autologous blood reinfusion during posterior spinal fusion for scoliosis in school-age children are under debate. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether autologous blood reinfusion during posterior spinal fusion for scoliosis in school-age children can save blood usage and medical costs. Methods: Data of 194 consecutive patients aged 7-12 years from January 1, 2010, to June 31, 2020, were collected from the 306th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army. The patients were divided into a control group and an autologous blood reinfusion group based on whether a Cell Saver 5 Autologous Blood Recovery System was used. After propensity score matching using the caliper method, the data of 72 patients were matched successfully. Their perioperative indicators were accessed, and the blood transfusion-related costs were evaluated. Results: Compared with the control group, the volume of allogeneic red blood cells (RBCs) transfused in the cell saver group was lower during the surgery (P = 0.021), but there was no significant difference during the postoperative and the entire perioperative periods (P = 0.600, P = 0.051); the volume of allogeneic plasma infused was lower during the surgery and the entire perioperative period (P = 0.011, P = 0.018), but there was no significant difference after surgery (P = 0.276). In addition, the total blood transfusion costs for the autologous blood reinfusion group were slightly higher, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.331). Conclusions: During posterior spinal fusion for scoliosis in school-age children, autologous blood reinfusion can reduce allogeneic RBC and plasma transfusions during surgery but cannot reduce the need for allogeneic RBCs during the entire perioperative period and is not cost effective.
Comparison of Oral Contrast-Enhanced Transabdominal Ultrasound Imaging with Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography in preoperative tumor staging of gastric cancer
Authors: WU LingLing , Xin JunYi , Wang JingJing , Feng QunQun , Xu XiaoLi , Li KaiYan
Published: April 2022

Purpose: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of oral contrast-enhanced transabdominal ultrasound (OCTU) with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) for the preoperative tumor staging of gastric cancer, using postoperative pathology as the standard.Methods: This prospective study included 108 cases of gastric cancer with simultaneous OCTU and enhanced CT preoperative tumor staging diagnoses. Results were compared with postoperative pathology based on the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging guidelines for gastric cancer. The accuracy of each tumor stage was obtained by comparing OCTU and enhanced CT diagnoses with postoperative pathology. The McNemar test was used to compare the overall accuracy of the two methods. Results: There was no statistical significance in the accuracy of OCTU (72.2%) and enhanced CT (75.9%; P = 0.644) for overall preoperative tumor staging diagnosis. For stages T1 to T4, the accuracy rates of OCTU were 84.2%, 81.8%, 69.4%, and 65.5%, respectively, and that for enhanced CT were 52.6%, 72.7%, 87.8%, and 72.4%, respectively.Conclusions: OCTU is comparable to enhanced CT in the preoperative overall T-stage diagnosis of gastric cancer.
Accurancy of the sonographic determination of estimated fetal weight in anhydramnios
Authors: Rauh Maximilian , Rasim Kathrin , Schmidt Boerge , Schnabel Annegret , Köninger Angela
Published: April 2022

PurposeTo determine whether the presence of anhydramnios significantly influences the sonographic estimated fetal weight (EFW) compared to a matched sample with normal amniotic fluid volume.MethodsThe study sample of our retrospective case-control study consisted of 114 pregnant women who presented to our Level I Perinatal Center between 2015 and 2020. 57 of them with an anhydramnios and a matched sample of 57 women with normal amniotic fluid volume. At time of admission, gestational age varied between 22+4 and 42+6 weeks of pregnancy. All underwent detailed ultrasound assessment for EFW and amniotic fluid index. To determine EFW we used Hadlock's estimation formula I, which is based on measurements of biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL). The EFW was compared with the weight at delivery in cases and controls. The maximum time interval between measurement and delivery was 5 days. ResultsThere was neither a significant difference between the case and control group with regard to gestational age at ultrasound in days (d) (median 249d vs 246d, p=0.97), nor to gestational age at birth (median 249d vs 247d, p=0.98). Concerning the newborns parameters, the body length at birth was not significantly different between the case and control group in centimeters (cm) (median 47 cm vs 47 cm, p=0.79). EFW in gram (g) was lower than birth weight in both groups and did not differ significantly between case and control group (estimated weight median 2247g vs 2421g, p=0.46; birth weight median 2440g vs 2475g, p=0.47). The difference between EFW and birth weight in percent (%) did not differ between the case and control group (median -3.9% vs -5.6%, p=0.70). Bland-Altman-plots showed that the mean difference between EFW and birth weight and the limits of agreement were almost identical in cases compared to controls. The maternal parameters showed that the patients in the case group were younger (median 31 years vs 38 years p= 0.20) and had a significantly higher BMI (median 27.3kg/m2 vs 22.0kg/m2, <0.001) compared to the case group.ConclusionOur study showed for the first time that EFW in women with anhydramnios can be determined sonographically just as accurately as in a matched cohort with normal amniotic fluid volume. A reliable estimation of fetal weight is crucial for optimal assessment of the newborns prognosis and counseling of the parents especially when advising women in the early weeks of pregnancy at the limit of viability.
The correlation of Triglyceride-glucose index with premature coronary heart disease and multivessel disease: a novel risk factor?
Authors: Wei Ao , Liu Jingjing , Wang Le , Zheng Senshuang , Cong Hongliang
Published: April 2022

Background
For a decade, the global burden of coronary heart disease (CHD) has increased in the young population. To identify the characteristics and to determine the risk factors of premature CHD and multivessel disease (MVD) patients.
Methods
A total of 2846 patients were enrolled in this retrospective, cross-sectional study. Premature CHD is defined as men < 45 years and women < 55 years. Demographic and clinical data were collected from the database of patient medical records. Logistic regression models were applied to analyse the risk factors of premature CHD and MVD.
Results
Most traditional factors and the TyG index between premature and mature CHD patients were not statistically significant. A significantly higher rate of dyslipidaemia was found in female premature CHD patients (OR = 1.412, 95%CI:1.029–1.936). In the crude models, female patients with the highest TyG index level were more likely to have premature MVD (OR = 2.065, 95%CI:1.426–2.991) or mature MVD (OR = 1.837, 95%CI:1.104–3.056) than those with the lowest TyG index group instead of premature single-vessel disease. Among male patients, the same trend was observed in mature MVD of CHD (OR = 2.272, 95%CI:1.312–3.937). The significance of the TyG index was not revealed in the multivariate analyses; however, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, OMI, and Lp(a) showed a positive association with MVD.
Conclusion
Dyslipidaemia should be used as an effective factor for the prediction and prevention of premature CHD in women. The TyG index could be a simple auxiliary indicator to be applied in population-based cardiovascular disease screening for the initial identification of vascular disease severity.
Approach to patients with obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors in primary care using the Delphi methodology
Authors: Morillas-Blasco Pedro , Gómez-Moreno Silvia , Palenzuela Tomas Febles , Pallarés-Carratalá Vicente
Published: April 2022

Background: Implementing preventive strategies for patients with obesity would improve the future burden of cardiovascular diseases. The objective was to present the opinions of experts on the approach to treat patients with obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors from a primary care perspective in Spain.Methods: Using the Delphi technique, a 42-question questionnaire was developed based on results from the scientific literature and sent to 42 experts in primary care. The blocks of knowledge addressed were (1) evaluation of the degree of incidence of obesity and associated cardiovascular risk factors, (2) evaluation of the barriers in diagnosis, prescription, and follow-up by the primary care physician or specialist of these patients, (3) improvement in obesity-related parameters in a patient being treated with lipid-lowering and antihypertensive drugs, and (4) analysis of improvements in cardiovascular parameters in responding patients under pharmacological treatment. Two rounds of participation were held.Results: Overall, 78.57% of the experts agreed with the questions posed in block 1, 10.00% in block 2, 61.9% in block 3, and 85.71% in block 4. Our results show the high awareness of the close relationship between obesity and cardiovascular risk factors among primary care physicians. It is necessary to use a checklist in primary care that includes metabolic parameters such as body mass index, waist circumference, and levels of C-reactive protein and ferritin. It is also useful to combine pharmacological treatment, such as liraglutide, with a change in lifestyle to achieve therapeutic goals in this population.Conclusions: There is a high awareness among experts in Spain about obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors and the need to address this pathology comprehensively. The need to incorporate specific tools in primary care consultations that allow better assessment and follow-up of these patients, such as cuffs adapted to arm size or imaging techniques to assess body fat, is evident.
Correlation-based feature analysis in physical examination indicators can help predict overall underlying health status using machine learning
Authors: Wang Haixin , Shuai Ping , Deng Yanhui , Yang Jiyun , Shi Yi , Li Dongyu , Yong Tao , Liu Yuping , Huang Lulin
Published: April 2022

Because of lacking of the systematic investigation of correlations between the physical examination indicators (PEIs), currently most of them are independently used for disease warning. This results in very limited diagnostic values of general physical examination. Here, we first systematically analyzed the correlations between 221 PEIs in healthy and in 34 unhealthy states in 803,614 peoples in China. Specifically, the study population included 711,928 healthy participants, 51,341 patients with hypertension, 12,878 patients with diabetes, and 34,997 with other unhealthy status. We revealed rich relevant between PEIs in healthy physical status (7,662 significant correlations, 31.5% of all). However, in disease conditions, the PEI correlations changed. We further focused on the difference of these PEIs between healthy and 35 unhealthy physical status, 1,239 significant PEI difference were discovered suggesting as candidate disease markers. Finally, we established machine learning algorithms to predict the health status by using 15%-16% PEIs by feature extraction, which reached 66%-99% precision predictions depending on the physical state. This new encyclopedia of PEI correlation provides rich information to chronic disease diagnosis. Our developed machine learning algorithms will have fundamental impact in practice of general physical examination.
Therapy-related acute lymphoblastic leukaemia has a unique genetic profile compared to de novo acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Kook Hye Won , Kim Jin Ju , Park Mi Ri , Jang Ji Eun , Min Yoo Hong , Lee Seung-Tae , Shin Saeam , Cheong June-Won
Published: April 2022

Unlike therapy-related myeloid neoplasms, therapy-related acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (t-ALL) is poorly defined due to its rarity. However, increasing reports have demonstrated that t-ALL is a distinct entity with adverse genetic features and clinical outcomes. We compared the clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of patients diagnosed with t-ALL (n = 9) or de novo ALL (dn-ALL; n = 162) at a single institution from January 2012 to March 2021. The mutational landscapes of eight t-ALL and 63 dn-ALL patients were compared from a comprehensive next-generation sequencing panel. The most frequently mutated genes were IKZF1 (37%), CDKN2A (14%), SETD2 (13%), and CDKN2B (11%) in dn-ALL, whereas TP53 (38%) and RB1 (25%) mutations were most common in t-ALL. KMT2A rearrangement showed higher frequency in the t-ALL compared to the dn-ALL, 11.1% vs. 3.1%. Due to the limited sample size, t-ALL patients did not show a statistically significant difference in overall survival (p = 0.70) or progression-free survival (p = 0.94) compared to dn-ALL patients. t-ALL patients with remaining malignancy showed poorer prognoses than did t-ALL patients successfully treated for their initial conditions (p = 0.008). Overall, we demonstrate that t-ALL is a rare but distinct disease entity with a different genetic profile than dn-ALL.