bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prevalence of HEV among non-A-C hepatitis in Qatar and efficiency of serological markers for the diagnosis of hepatitis E
Authors: Absi Enas S. Al , Al-Sadeq Duaa W. , Khalili Makiyeh , Younes Nadin , Al-Dewik Nader , Abdelghany Sara K. , Abouzid Somaia S. , Thani Asma A. Al , Yassine Hadi. M. , Coyl Peter , Nasrallah Gheyath
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe rapid growth of Qatar in the last two decades has attracted a large influx of immigrant workers who mostly come from HEV-hyperendemic countries. Thus, we aim to investigate the prevalence of HEV among acute non-A-C hepatitis patients in Qatar; and to evaluate the performance of four dominant commercial serological assays for HEV diagnosis.Methods259 patients with non-A-C hepatitis were tested using the Wantai HEV-IgM, HEV-IgG, HEV-Ag ELISA kits, and the MP Biomedical HEV-Total Ab ELISA kit. ALT levels were tested and HEV RNA (viral loads) was performed using Taqman RT-PCR kit. The performance of each kit was assessed according to the RT-PCR results. ResultsHEV-RNA was detected in 23.1% of the samples. Most of these HEV-RNA-positive cases belonged to non-Qatari residents from the Indian subcontinent; India, Pakistan, etc. HEV-Ag, HEV-IgM, HEV-IgG, HEV-Total Ab was detected in 5.56%, 8.65%, 32.1%, and 34.2% of all tested samples, respectively. Elevated ALT level correlated highly with the HEV-Ag, HEV-RNA, HEV-IgM, but not with the HEV-IgG and HEV-Total Ab. Although HEV-Ag was very specific (100%), yet its sensitivity was poor (36.7%). HEV-IgM demonstrated the best second marker for diagnosis of acute HEV after RT-PCR as jugged by the overall performance parameters: specificity (96.2%), sensitivity (71.43%), PPV (83.3%), NPP (92.7%), agreement with RT-PCR (91.0%), and Kappa-value (0.71).ConclusionOur study demonstrated high prevalence of HEV virus in Qatar, mostly among immigrants from the Indian subcontinent. The HEV-IgM represents the best marker for the detection of the acute HEV infection, where RT-PCR cannot be performed.
Dynamical analysis of the global elevational diversity gradient in passerine birds reveals a prominent role for highlands as species pumps
Authors: Els Paul van , Herrera-Alsina Leonel , Pigot Alex L. , Etienne Rampal
Published: October 2020

Low elevation regions harbor the majority of the world’s species diversity compared to high elevation areas. This global elevational diversity gradient, suggests that lowland species have had more time to diversify, or that net diversification rates have been higher in the lowlands (either due to higher ecological limits or intrinsically higher diversification rates). However, highlands seem to be cradles of diversity as they contain many young endemics, suggesting that their rates of speciation are exceptionally fast. Here, we use a phylogenetic diversification model that accounts for the dispersal of species between different elevations to examine the evolutionary dynamics of the elevational diversity gradient in passerine birds, a group that has radiated globally to occupy almost all elevations and latitudes. We find strong support for a model where passerines diversify at the same rate in the highlands and the lowlands but where the rate of dispersal from high to low elevations is more than twice as fast as in the reverse direction. This suggests that while there is no consistent trend in diversification across elevations, highland regions act as species pumps because the diversity they generate migrates into the lowlands, thus setting up the observed gradient in passerine diversity. This species pump is particularly strong in the tropics, where the inferred rate of speciation is 1.4 times faster than in the temperate zone. We conclude that despite their lower diversity, highland regions are disproportionally important for maintaining diversity in the adjacent lowlands. The extinction of species in the tropical highlands due to rapid climate change this century could thus have major and long-lasting impacts on global passerine diversity.
Resilience, Self-Perceived Burden, Social Support and Their Correlation in Cancer Patients – A Cross-Sectional Study in China
Authors: Yu Zhifu , Zuo Tingting , Jiang Guichun , Zhang Qiang , Jiang Shuang , Xing Haiyang , Cao Li , Cai Lijuan , Liu Jihong , Liu Yunyong
Published: October 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore resilience, self-perceived burden, social support and their correlation in patients with malignant tumors and provide evidence for clinical intervention.Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional study was performed in China. All the participants completed a questionnaire including sociodemographic information. Resilience, patients’ perceptions of burden on their caregivers and the level of social support were evaluated. Results: A total of 439 cancer patients were analyzed in our study. The level of resilience differed significantly by education grade, employment status, insurance type, household income per year, and treatment type. Patients with no job, rural residents, those with lower household income and those holding new rural cooperative medical scheme (NRCMS) insurance had higher SPB score, with statistical significance. Patients who underwent higher education, those with a full-time job, were married, with higher household income and urban employee's basic medical insurance (UEBMI) had higher social support. Social support was found to be highly related to resilience. Resilience was negatively correlated with emotional burden, and the emotional and physical burden and social support strongly influenced resilience. Path analysis found that social support played an intermediary role in the process of SPB affecting resilience.Conclusion: The resilience status of cancer patients was low and was affected by the self-burden level through social support. The study reminded us that improving the resilience level by education to improve the social support of cancer patients will improve the quality of life patients.
Total Joint Arthroplasty Has Better Safety and Outcomes in Renal Transplant Patients Than in Dialysis Patients—A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Li Jiayi , Li Mingyang , Peng Bo-qing , Luo Rong , Chen Quan , Huang Xin
Published: October 2020

Objectives End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are at an increased risk of needing total joint arthroplasty (TJA); however, both dialysis and renal transplantation might be potential predictors of adverse TJA outcomes. For dialysis patients, the high risk of blood-borne infection and impaired muscular-skeletal function are threats to the survival of implants, while, for renal transplant patients, immunosuppression therapy is also a concern. There is still no high-level evidence in the published literature that has determined the best timing of TJA for ESRD patients. Methods A literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (up to November 2019) was performed to collect studies that compared TJA outcomes between renal transplant patients and dialysis patients. Literature screening and quality assessments with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) were conducted by two reviewers. After the data were extracted, statistical analyses were performed.Results Compared with the dialysis group, a lower risk of mortality (RR=0.56, Cl= [0.42, 0.73], P<0.01, I2=49%) and revision (RR =0.42, CI = [0.30, 0.59], P < 0.01, I2=43%) was detected in the renal transplant group. Different results of periprosthetic joint infection were shown in subgroups with different sample sizes. There was no significant difference in periprosthetic joint infection in the small-sample-size subgroup, while in the large-sample-size subgroup, renal transplant patients had significantly less risk (RR =0.19, CI = [0.13, 0.23], P < 0.01, I2=0%). For dislocation, venous thromboembolic disease, and overall complications, there was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion Total joint arthroplasty has better safety and outcomes in renal transplant patients than in dialysis patients. Therefore, delaying total joint arthroplasty in dialysis patients until renal transplantation has been performed would be a desirable option. The controversy among different studies might be partially accounted for that quite a few studies have a qiute small sample size to detect the difference between renal transplant patients and dialysis patients.
WITHDRAWN: Efficacy of Chinese Herbal Formulation Combined With Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Repairing Rat Cartilage Tissues
Authors: Wang Haidong , Wu Chengjun , Yao Xiaodong
Published: October 2020

Background: cartilage damage is a chronic disease that affecting most aging population, and the effects of Chinese herbal formulation combined with bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in repairing rat cartilage tissues were tested. Methods: Forty SD rats were randomly divided into group A, B, C and D groups (n=10). A cartilage tissue injury models by surgical drilling was made in rats. The histological and morphological changes of cartilage tissues in each group were evaluated through H&E staining and pathological Mankin scores were also analyzed. Results: our data showed that the combination of herbal formulation and BMSCs implanted 3D bioscaffold can produce most ideal therapeutic effect to repair the damaged cartilage tissue. Mankin scores were significantly decreased at 8 weeks after surgery in each group (P < 0.05). The load-displacement, stress-strain, elastic modulus, and relative expression levels of type II collagen and proteoglycan were significantly increased (P<0.05) in groups D compared to other groups. Conclusion: our data provides novel insights of Chinese herbal formulation combined implanted BMSCs with 3D biological scaffold to improve the repair of damaged knee injury in rats, which demonstrated a promising avenue to treat damaged cartilage in the clinic.
Comparative Study of Imaging Parameters between a New Cervical Full Lamina Back Shift Spinal Canal Enlargement Technique and Single Open-door Laminoplasty for Multisegment Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Wang Xiaonan , Zhao Yibo , Lu Xiangdong , Zhao Xiaofeng , Qi Detai , Wang Wenxuan , Zhou Runtian , Jin Yuanzhang , Fan Zhifeng , Zhao Bin
Published: October 2020

Purpose To provide imaging evidence of the feasibility and clinical efficacy of a new full lamina back shift spinal canal enlargement technique by comparing its imaging parameters to those of single open-door miniature titanium plate internal fixation.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 64 patients with multisegment cervical spondylotic myelopathy caused by cervical stenosis. Of these, 32 underwent the new full lamina back shift spinal canal enlargement technique (observation group), and 32 underwent single open-door miniature titanium plate internal fixation (control group). The CT data of both groups were imported into Mimics 17.0 software to measure the median sagittal diameter and cross-sectional area of the spinal canal. Photoshop CS5 was employed to measure the drift distance of the spinal cord on MR images to perform a comparative study of the imaging parameters from the two groups.Results The T2-weighted MR images in both groups showed continuous recovery of the cerebrospinal fluid signal in the C3–C7 range. The new full lamina back shift spinal canal enlargement technique was significantly superior to single open-door miniature titanium plate internal fixation with respect to the spinal canal cross-sectional area and the median sagittal diameter (P<0.05). No significant difference was detected in the drift distance of the spinal cord between the two groups (P>0.05).Conclusion The new full lamina back shift spinal canal enlargement technique achieved a thorough spinal canal decompression effect on imaging while ensuring a reasonable spinal drift distance and few surgical complications. The clinical curative effect of the new technique was precise.
Optimizing the use of Cesarean Section in Argentina: Design and Methodology of a Formative Research for the Development of Interventions
Authors: Ramos Silvina , Romero Mariana , Perrotta Carla , Sguassero Yanina , Straw Cecilia , Gialdini Celina , Righetti Natalia , Betran Ana Pilar
Published: October 2020

Background: The sustained increase of cesarean sections constitutes a global problem. The purpose of this formative research is to collect information from hospitals, health professionals and women as regards the use of cesarean section in Argentina. This article describes the methodology of the study, the characteristics of the hospitals and the profile of the participants. Methods: Transversal study to be conducted in seven provinces of Argentina. The eligibility criteria for the hospitals are a) use of the Perinatal Computer System, b) cesarean section rate higher than 27% in 2016, c) ≥1000 deliveries per year. Quantitative and qualitative research techniques are used for data collection and analysis. The main inquiry points are the following: determining factors for the use of cesarean section, potential interventions to optimize the use of cesarean section and, in the case of women, preferred type of delivery. Discussion: It is expected that the findings will make it possible to obtain a situation diagnosis to help in a context-sensitive implementation of the interventions recommended by the World Health Organization to optimize cesarean section use.Trial registration: IS002316
Effect of Broussonetia papyrifera Silage on the Serum Indicators, Hindgut Parameters and Fecal Bacterial Community of Holstein Heifers
Authors: Tian Hanchen , Chen Yiye , Zhu Ni , Guo Yongqing , Deng Ming , Liu Guangbin , Li Yaokun , Liu Dewu , Sun Baoli
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the effects of substitution of whole corn silage (CS) with Broussonetia papyrifera silage (BPS) in different ratios on the serum indicators, hindgut fermentation parameters (pH, ammoniacal nitrogen, and volatile fatty acids), and fecal bacterial community of Holstein heifers. Sixteen heifers (8-month-old, 220±30 kg) were randomly divided into four treatments according to different BPS substitution ratios of feed basis (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%). The experiment consisted of a 7-day preliminary feeding period and a 30-day experimental period. On the last day of the trial, the blood samples were collected from caudal vein, and the feces samples were collected from rectum. With the increasing of BPS content, the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in serum decreased (P<0.05), and the immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IL-4 content of serum increased (P<0.05); and the hindgut pH value increased (P<0.05). 16S rDNA sequencing found that the dominant phyla were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Verrucomicrobia; and the dominant genera were Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-010, and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group. Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis found 12 differential operational taxonomic units (OTUs) which have strong correlation with some serum and hindgut indicators. Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) found that BPS have impacts on the pathways, such as carbohydrate transport and metabolism, and promotes amino acid transport and metabolism. To sum up, inclusion of BPS in heifer diets can affect the fecal bacterial community, and further improve serum anti-oxidant and immune indicators in Holstein heifers.
Plasma Level and Expression of Visfatin in the Porcine Hypothalamus During the Estrous Cycle and Early Pregnancy
Authors: Kaminski Tadeusz , Kiezun Marta , Zaobidna Ewa , Dobrzyń Kamil , Wasilewska Barbara , Mlyczynska Ewa , Rytelewska Edyta , Kisielewska Katarzyna , Gudelska Marlena , Bors Kinga , Kopij Grzegorz , Szymanska Karolina , Kaminska Barbara , Rak Agnieszka , Smolinska Nina
Published: October 2020

BackgroundVisfatin exists in two forms: the intracellular form which is a rate limiting enzyme engaged in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide biosynthesis and the extracellular form considered as an adipokine, produced mainly by the adipose tissue. Visfatin could be an energy sensor involved in regulating female fertility, which creates a hormonal link integrating the control of energy homeostasis and reproduction. MethodsThe study compares the expression levels of visfatin gene (quantitative real time PCR) and protein (Western blotting and fluorescent immunohistochemistry) in the selected areas of the porcine hypothalamus responsible for gonadotropin releasing hormone synthesis: the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) and preoptic area (POA), and visfatin concentrations in the blood plasma (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The tissue samples were harvested from gilts on days 2-3, 10-12, 14-16 and 17-19 of the estrous cycle, and on days 10-11, 12-13, 15-16, 27-28 of pregnancy. Differences between groups were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. ResultsDuring the estrous cycle, visfatin mRNA expression in the MBH was higher on days 2-3 and 17-19, while the visfatin protein concentration on days 17-19. During early pregnancy, the most pronounced gene and protein expression in the MBH was found on days 15-16 and 10-11, respectively. In the POA during the estrous cycle, visfatin gene expression was the highest on days 17-19, and the protein level of visfatin on days 14-16. During early pregnancy, the highest expression of visfatin gene in the POA was observed on days 15-16, whereas the protein concentrations on days 27-28. Blood plasma concentrations of visfatin during the estrous cycle were higher on days 2-3 in relation to other studied phases of the cycle. During early pregnancy, the highest visfatin contents in the blood plasma were observed on days 12-13. Visfatin gene and protein expression in MBH and POA, and visfatin plasma concentrations differed during early pregnancy in relation to days 10-12 of the cycle. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated visfatin expression in the porcine hypothalamus and its dependence on hormonal milieu related to the estrous cycle and early pregnancy.
LRP4 in Hippocampal Astrocytes Serves as A Negative Feedback Factor in Seizures
Authors: Yu Zheng , Zhang Meiying , Luo Bin , Jing Hongyang , Yu Yue , Wang Shunqi , Luo Shiwen
Published: October 2020

Backgroud Epilepsy is characterized by the typical symptom of seizure, and anti-seizure medications are the main therapeutic method in clinical, but the effects of these therapy have not been satisfactory. To find a better treatment, it makes sense to further explore the regulatory mechanisms of seizures at genetic level. LRP4 regionally expresses in mice hippocampus where is key to limbic epileptogenesis. It is well known that neurons release a high level of glutamate during seizures, and it has been reported that LRP4 in astrocytes down-regulates glutamate released from neurons. However, it is still unclear whether there is a relationship between LRP4 expression level and seizures, and whether LRP4 plays a role in seizures.Results We found that seizures induced by pilocarpine decreased LRP4 expression level and increased miR-351-5p expression level in mice hippocampus. Glutamate reduced LRP4 expression and enhanced miR-351-5p expression in cultured hippocampal astrocytes, and these effects can be partially attenuated by AP5. Furthermore, miR-351-5p inhibitor lessened the reduction of LRP4 expression in glutamate treated hippocampal astrocytes. Local reduction of LRP4 in hippocampus by sh Lrp4 lentivirus injection in hippocampus increased the threshold of seizures in pilocarpine or pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) injected mice. Conclutions These results indicated that high released glutamate induced by seizures down-regulated astrocytic LRP4 through increasing miR-351-5p in hippocampal astrocytes via activating astrocytic NMDA receptor, and locally reduction of LRP4 in hippocampus increased the threshold of seizures. LRP4 in hippocampal astrocytes appears to serve as a negative feedback factor in seizures. This provides a new potential therapeutic target for seizures regulation.
A nomogram to predict the high-risk RS in HR+/HER2-breast cancer patients older than 50 years of age
Authors: Yu Jing , Wu Jiayi , Huang Ou , He Jianrong , Zhu Li , Chen Weiguo , Li Yafen , Chen Xiaosong , Shen Kunwei
Published: October 2020

Background: The 21-gene recurrence score (RS) testing can predict the prognosis for luminal breast cancer patients. Meanwhile, patients >50 years with RS >25 have improved survival with adjuvant chemotherapy. The current study aimed to develop a nomogram with routine parameters to predict RS.Methods: We included patients diagnosed with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-negative who underwent the 21-gene RS testing and aged >50 years. The primary outcome was high-risk RS (>25). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify significant predictors. A predictive nomogram based on logistic model was developed and evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The nomogram was internally validated for discrimination and calibration with bootstrapping method. We then assessed the nomogram in different subgroups of patients and compared it with several published models.Results: A total of 1100 patients were included. Five clinicopathological parameters were used as predictors of a high-risk RS, including tumor grade, histologic subtype, ER expression, PR expression, and Ki-67 index. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.798 (95% CI 0.772-0.825) and optimism adjusted AUC was 0.794 (95% CI, 0.781-0.822). Calibration plots indicated that the nomogram-predicted results were well fitted to the actual outcomes. The nomogram had better discriminate ability in patients who had tumors >2cm (AUC=0.847, 95% CI 0.804-0.890). When compared with four other existing models, similar AUC was observed between our nomogram and the model constructed by discriminate Lee et al.Conclusions: We developed a user-friendly nomogram to predict the high-risk RS in luminal breast cancer patients who were older than 50 years of age, which could guide treatment decision making for those who have no access to the 21-gene RS testing.
Association Between Preoperative Lipid Profiles and New-onset Diabetes After Transplantation in Chinese Kidney Transplant Recipients: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: YE Yangli , GAO Jian , LIANG Jing , YANG Yinqiu , LV Chaoyang , CHEN Minling , WANG Jina , ZHU Dong , RONG Ruiming , XU Ming , ZHU Tongyu , YU Mingxiang
Published: October 2020

Background: This study investigated the association between the preoperative lipid profiles and new-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) in Chinese kidney transplant recipients (KTRs).Methods: In this study, of 1140 KTRs registered between January 1993 and March 2018 in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 449 were enrolled. Clinical data, obtained through a chart review of the patient records in the medical record system, were evaluated, and NODAT was diagnosed based on the American Diabetes Association guidelines. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to determine whether the preoperative lipid profiles in KTRs were independently associated with NODAT incidence. The preoperative lipid profiles were analyzed as continuous variables and grouped into tertiles. Smooth curve fitting was used to confirm the linear associations.Results: During a median follow-up of 28.03 (interquartile range 12.00–84.23) months, 104 of the 449 (23.16%) participants developed NODAT. In the multivariate model analysis, after adjusting for all potential covariates, increased preoperative total cholesterol (TC) [hazard ratio (HR)=1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.09–1.58, p=0.0495], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, HR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.02–1.75, p=0.0352), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C, HR=1.41, 95% CI: 1.09–1.82, p=0.0084), TC/HDL-C(HR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.06–1.54, p=0.0109), and non-HDL-C/HDL-C(HR=1.26 , 95% CI: 1.05–1.52, p=0.0138) were associated with NODAT. The association between the preoperative triglyceride (TG), HDL-C, or TG/HDL-C and NODAT were not significant.Conclusions: Preoperative TC, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, and non-HDL-C/HDL-C were independent risk factors for NODAT.
Clinicopathological Features of Fibrosarcomatous Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans and the Construction of a Back-Propagation Neural Network Recognition Model
Authors: Li Yanan , Liang Jiaqi , Xu Xuewen , Jiang Xian , Wang Chuan , Chen Siyuan , Xiang Bo , Ji Yi
Published: October 2020

BackgroundFibrosarcomatous dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (FS-DFSP) is a form of tumor progression of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) with an increased risk of metastasis and recurrence. Few studies have compared the clinicopathological features of FS-DFSP and conventional DFSP (C-DFSP).ObjectivesTo better understand the epidemiological and clinicopathological characteristics of FS-DFSP.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study of 221 patients diagnosed with DFSP and built a recognition model with a back-propagation (BP) neural network for FS-DFSP.ResultsTwenty-six patients with FS-DFSP and 195 patients with C-DFSP were included. There were no differences between FS-DFSP and C-DFSP regarding age at presentation, age at diagnosis, sex, size at diagnosis, size at presentation, and the size interval. The negative ratio of CD34 in FS-DFSP (11.5%) was significantly lower than that in C-DFSP (5.1%) (P=0.005). The average Ki-67 index of FS-DFSP (18.1%) cases was significantly higher than that of C-DFSP (8.1%) cases (P<0.001). The classification accuracy of the BP neural network model training samples was 100%. The correct rates of classification and misdiagnosis were 84.1% and 15.9%.ConclusionsThe clinical manifestations of FS-DFSP and C-DFSP are similar but have large differences in immunohistochemistry. The classification accuracy and feasibility of the BP neural network model are high in FS-DFSP.
High Boron Content and Soluble Polyborosilazanes to Amorphous SiBCN Ceramics
Authors: Chen Qingqing , Jia Dechang , Liao Xingqi , Yang Zhihua , Zhou Yu , Ralf Riedel , Yu Zhaoju , Li Daxin
Published: October 2020

To increase the content of boron in soluble polyborosilazanes (PBSZs) (the Si/B ratio should be less than 3), we introduce a successful one-pot synthesis method of a precursor by reaction with tris(dichloromethylsilylethyl)borane (TDSB), boron trichloride (BTC) and hexamethyldisilazane (HDMS) that satisfies the above conditions. The precursor was successfully transformed to SiBCN fibers by electrospinning technology. The resulting SiBCN ceramic material produced by the new route has high performance and high-temperature resistance against crystallization. Furthermore, we have analyzed the mechanism of the synthesis and ceramization of the new soluble precursor by NMR, FT- IR and TG- MS, and the high- temperature stability of the resulting SiBCN powder has been analyzed a by DTA, XRD and SEM.
Prognostic and Immunological Role of mRNA ac4C Regulator NAT10 in Pan-Cancer: New Territory for Cancer Research?
Authors: Yang Chuanxi , Wu Tingting , Zhang Jing , Liu Jinghui , Zhao Kun , Sun Wei , Shi Jing , Kong Xiangqing
Published: October 2020

BackgroundNAT10 (also known as human N-acetyltransferase-like protein) is a critical gene that regulates N4-acetylcytidine formation in RNA, similar to the multiple regulators of N6-methyladenosine. However, the underlying functions and mechanisms of NAT10 in tumor progression and immunology are unclear.MethodsIn this study, we systematically analyzed the pan-cancer expression and correlations of NAT10, using databases including Oncomine, PrognoScan, GEPIA, and Kaplan-Meier Plotter. The potential correlations of NAT10 with immune infiltration stages and gene marker sets were analyzed using the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource and GEPIA.ResultsCompared with normal tissues, NAT10 showed higher expression in 26 of 27 cancers based on combined data from TCGA and GTEx. In different datasets, high NAT10 expression was significantly correlated with poor prognosis in adrenocortical carcinoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, liver hepatocellular carcinoma, kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma, and pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. Moreover, there were significant positive correlations between NAT10 expression and immune infiltrates, including B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts in LIHC. NAT10 expression showed strong correlations with diverse immune marker gene sets in LIHC.ConclusionNAT10 expression affects the prognosis of pan-cancer patients and is significantly correlated with tumor immune infiltration. Furthermore, it represents a potential target for cancer therapy.
Identification of evolutionarily stable sites across the SARS-CoV-2 proteome
Authors: Wang Chen , Konecki Daniel M. , Marciano David C. , Govindarajan Harikumar , Williams Amanda M. , Wastuwidyaningtyas Brigitta , Bourquard Thomas , Katsonis Panagiotis , Lichtarge Olivier
Published: October 2020

Since the first recognized case of COVID-19, more than 30 million people have been infected worldwide. Despite global efforts in drug and vaccine development to fight the disease, there is currently no vaccine or drug cure for COVID-19, though some drugs reduce severity and hasten recovery. Here we interrogate the evolutionary history of the entire SARS-CoV-2 proteome to identify functional sites that can inform the search for treatments. Combining this information with the mutations observed in the current COVID-19 outbreak, we systematically and comprehensively define evolutionarily stable sites that are useful drug targets. Several experimentally-validated effective drugs interact with these proposed target sites. In addition, the same evolutionary information can prioritize cross reactive antigens that are useful in directing multi-epitope vaccine strategies to illicit broadly neutralizing immune responses to the betacoronavirus family. Although the results are focused on SARS-CoV-2, these approaches are based upon evolutionary principles and are agnostic to organism or infective agent.
Prediction of exposure risk associated with the dynamic behavior of aerosols during dental procedures in dental clinics in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Baldion Paula Alejandra , Guerrero Camilo Alejandro , Cruz Alberto Carlos , Rodríguez Henry Oliveros
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop a risk prediction scale for COVID-19, based on an analysis of the dynamic behavior of aerosols generated during dental procedures.Materials and methodsThe dispersion of aerosols during dental procedures performed in six dental clinics was evaluated using standardized photographs. The digital images were processed to analyze the stained area and the dimensions of the drops. A logistic regression model was built with the following variables: ventilation, the distance from the mouth, the instrument used, the area in the mouth to be treated, and the location within the perimeter area.ResultsThe variables that were associated with a higher risk of exposure in the prediction scale were a distance of less than 78 cm; improper ventilation; the use of a high-speed handpiece; the location of the patient, operator, and assistant; and, to a lesser degree, the intervention of the anterior region of the mouth. The sizes of a large percentage of aerosolized particles ranged from 1 to 5 µm. The maximum settlement range from the mouth of the phantom head was 320 cm, with a high-risk cut-off distance of 78 cm.ConclusionsContamination by disseminating aerosols represents a significant risk for the dental team. Thus, it is advisable to improve ventilation, use extreme biosecurity measures and all the cleaning and disinfection measures.Clinical relevanceThe need to implement new clinical care strategies was evident. The scale is useful for predicting the risk of exposure to the contagion of COVID-19 in the dental office.
Balint-Holmes Syndrome due to stroke following SARS-CoV-2 infection: a single case report
Authors: Panico Francesco , Arini Angela , Cantone Pierluigi , Crisci Claudio , Trojano Luigi
Published: October 2020

In the present case report we describe the clinical features of a patient showing Balint-Holmes’ syndrome following bilateral parieto-occipital damage due to a stroke after SARS-CoV-2 infection. During neuropsychological assessment, the patient demonstrated severe optic ataxia, simulatanagnosia and gaze apraxia, which represent pathognomonic signs of Balint-Holmes’ syndrome. As several studies demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 infection can affect the central nervous system, especially in presence of specific risks factors and neurological symptoms such as ageusia and anosmia, we considered the infection as a likely causal factor in our patient. Notwithstanding the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and stroke has not been fully comprehended, our report contributes to raising attention on the possibility that it can lead to even quite rare cognitive defects.
Does the place of residence affect the achievement of exclusive breastfeeding? A study in Eastern Indonesia
Authors: Wulandari Ratna Dwi , Laksono Agung Dwi
Published: October 2020

Eastern Indonesia is a region that often underperforms in the health sector. The study aims to analyze the effect of the place of residence to achieve exclusive breastfeeding in Eastern Indonesia. The study employed data from the 2017 Nutrition Status Monitoring Survey. Toddler (7-59 months) about 8,291 were sampled. Variables included were exclusive breastfeeding status, the place of residence, mother's age, mother's education level, mother's marital status, mother's employment status, toddler's age, and toddler's gender. The final stage employed a binary logistics regression. The research results show that toddlers living in urban areas were 1.149 times more likely than toddlers living in rural areas to achieve exclusive breastfeeding (OR 1.149; 95% CI 1.022-1.291). The results of this analysis indicate that living in rural areas is a risk factor for toddlers not achieving exclusive breastfeeding in Eastern Indonesia. On the other hand, it was also found that all levels of education are more likely than those who do not go to school in Eastern Indonesia. Toddlers with employed mothers had 1.192 times the odds of toddlers with unemployed mothers achieving exclusive breastfeeding (OR 1.192; 95% CI 1.072-1.327). Meanwhile, toddler's age was also found to significantly affect achieving exclusive breastfeeding in Eastern Indonesia. It was concluded that the place of residence affects the achievement of exclusive breastfeeding in Eastern Indonesia. Toddlers who live in urban areas have a better chance of achieving of exclusive breastfeeding.
Clinical course of COVID-19 patients needing supplemental oxygen outside the intensive care unit
Authors: Daher Ayham , Balfanz Paul , Aetou Maria , Hartmann Bojan , Müller-Wieland Dirk , Müller Tobias , Marx Nikolaus , Dreher Michael , Cornelissen Christian G
Published: October 2020

Purpose: Patients suffering from CVOID-19 mostly experience a benign course of the disease. Approximately 14 % of SARS-CoV2 infected patients are admitted to a hospital. Cohorts exhibiting severe lung failure in the form of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have been well characterized. Patients without ARDS but in need of supplementary oxygen have received much less attention. This study describes the diagnosis, symptoms, treatment and outcomes of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 needing oxygen support during their stay on regular ward.Methods: All 133 patients admitted to the RWTH Aachen university hospital with the diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in an observational registry. Clinical data sets were extracted from the hospital information system. This analysis includes all 57 patients requiring supplemental oxygen not admitted to the ICU.Results: 57 patients needing supplemental oxygen and being treated outside the ICU were analyzed. Patients exhibited the typical set of symptoms for COVID-19. Of note, hypoxic patients mostly did not suffer from clinically relevant dyspnea despite oxygen saturations below 92 %. Patients had fever for 7 [2-11] days and needed supplemental oxygen for 8 [5-13] days resulting in an overall hospitalization time of 12 [7-20] days. In addition, patients had persisting systemic inflammation with CRP levels remaining elevated until discharge or death.Conclusion: This description of COVID-19 patients requiring oxygen therapy should be taken into account when planning treatment capacity. Patients on oxygen need long-term inpatient care.
The Uprising of Francis Rákóczi the Second in the Сontext of Russian Diplomacy
Authors:   Comenius University Bratislava, Daniš Miroslav
Published: October 2020

The uprising of Francis II Rákóczi in 1703–1711 is a frequently debated topic in European historiographies (especially in Hungarian, Slovak and Polish). For the Slovak historiography (since its beginning), anti-Habsburg uprisings in the 17th and early 18th centuries has been a key issue. There is a number of works that deal with the last anti-Habsburg uprising in Hungary in detail. The aim of this study is to examine the mentioned events through the prism of a different historical source, the Russian newspaper “Vedomosti”, which in 1703 to 1711 captured relatively detailed information about the uprising of Francis II Rákóczi. The first report about the anti-Habsburg uprising in Russian Journal “Vedomosti” was published in October 1703. Most reports describe military operations on the Slovak territory, which makes their content interesting for Slovak historiography. The study analyses the problems of international relations and political interests of the Imperial Russian court with regard to Francis II Rákóczi in the context of sources, scholarly literature as well as information from the newspaper itself. Reports of the Francis II. Rákóczi’s uprising in the Russian periodical from 1703–1711 may not be of key importance to the scholarly research of the uprising itself, but they demonstrate the interest of the Russian diplomacy in the events in Central Europe and Hungarian anti-Habsburg rebellions in the context of European policy in the early 18th century. After the conclusion of the treaty of Satmár, Francis II Rákóczi remained interesting for European politics, even in a different context. After 1711, Tsar Peter the Great invited F.Rákóczi and his supporters to immigrate to Russia. However, such an option was unacceptable to F.Rákóczi himself.
Scandinavistics by the Prominent Russian Historian Professor Vozgrin
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Baryshnikov Vladimir N. , Borisenko Victor N. ,   St. Petersburg State University, Chepik Victor N. ,   St. Petersburg State University, Plath Tilman ,   Ernst Moritz Arndt University of Greifswald
Published: October 2020

The article describes the life path and analyzes academic achievements of a prominent Russian scholar, historian, member of the Danish Royal Academy of Sciences, professor of the Institute of History of St. Petersburg State University Valery Evgenyevich Vozgrin (1939–2020). The works of V.E.Vozgrin are well known in all Scandinavian countries, Germany, Italy, Spain, Estonia and other countries. The authors of the article highlight three main areas in his study of the history of the Scandinavian countries: first — the history of diplomacy and international relations of the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly, the diplomacy during the Great Northern War; second — the colonial policy of the countries such as Denmark and Sweden, which has never been researched by domestic historians; third — historiographic direction in the study of Scandinavian countries, which has never been developed on such a large scale in Russia before. Moreover, the analysis of a number of large historiographical works of the researcher clearly indicates an original style of the author in considering some little-known and very complex historiographic problems. The article concludes that the research base established by professor Vozgrin for studying the history of the Scandinavian countries has laid a solid foundation for further examination of the history of the Nordic countries as well as for Scandinavistics in St. Petersburg to whose development V.Vozgrin made a considerable contribution.
The Russian Version of the Sociology of Antiquity
Authors:   Dostoevsky Omsk State University, Krikh Sergey B.
Published: October 2020

The article reviews the book “The Banks of the Oecumene. Historical Sociology about the Paradoxes of the Economic Life of the Ancient East” by the Russian scientist S.A.Davydov. The book is comprised of three chapters: the first chapter deals with the genesis of a state; the second — with the early history of ancient Egypt and its “mobilizing economy”, and the third — with the ancient Mesopotamian society, particularly, with freedom and slavery in its economic activity. The author of the article points out that references to scholarly works in other sources and factual lapses significantly impair the quality of this work. A considerable part of the book is a review of selected fragments from several famous books (for example, “The Stone Age Economics” by M. Sahlins), which impacts the independence of the work. The problem lies not only in the lack of original material for the book, but in the fact that Davydov is not sufficiently aware of the history of the development of scholarship about the ancient world, and therefore often deems relevant such theories that have been recognized as outdated for a long time. Davydov’s key ideas are not as fresh and bold as he thinks. For example, when the author questions the despotic nature of ancient Eastern societies (Egypt and Mesopotamia), he challenges a stereotypical perception of despotism, which is far from the knowledge about ancient societies and not connected with contemporary scholarly theories. The author’s reflections about “freedom — slavery” in the ancient world only come close to the ideas put forward by M.Finley and I.Gelb more than fifty years ago. Nevertheless, the attempt of a historical and sociological analysis of ancient history deserves attention and may be useful for the development of historical scholarship.
The democracy in a network society: Problems and prospects of development
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Samarin Yaroslav V.
Published: October 2020

This article examines the role of the new media and social networks as a factor in the development of deliberative democracy. In the late 1990s, it was thought that the communication revolution would be a way to overcome the crisis of representative democracy. With the development of the Internet, the transition from a hierarchical model of communications to a network was supposed to bring changes to the sphere of politics. New media and social networks should guarantee ac- cess of civil society to the political public sphere and help narrow the gap between the elite and the people. Requirements are being formulated to increase the transparency and accountability of state institutions, and to strengthen policy control. It was believed that the Internet will become a place where the principles of deliberative democracy will be embodied. But now we should admit that the new media development causes disappointment, and a times anxiety. Instead of the growth of public discussions, we may encounter “echo chambers”, a victim of the essence of information for effect, which as a result, leads to the radicalization of citizens. Governments and IT-corporations exploit the increased capabilities of social networks and Big Data to control and manipulate information, which jeopardizes the possibility of free discussion. The impact on emotions and simple slogans turned out to be more acceptable in the Internet age than a reflec- tive discussion on social issues. The communication revolution has led to changes in the public sphere, but at the same time, it can lead to the erosion of democracy.
FOGO DE MONTURO
Authors: Lyra Luciana de Fátima Rocha Pereira de
Published: October 2020

Partindo da montagem do espetáculo Fogo de Monturo, com o Grupo de Teatro Arkhétypos (UFRN), entre os anos de 2014 e 2015, este artigo, grafado em primeira pessoa, busca cartografar uma linha memorial que traça referenciais de construção da dramaturgia, da música e dos elementos visuais deste trabalho, intentando apontar a sua encenação como plataforma prognóstica de um programa político pré-ditatorial instalado no Brasil em tempos de ação bolsonarista na presidência da república, entre os anos de 2019 e 2020.
Diversidade pedagógica de formação humana no ideário democrático em escolas confessionais
Authors: Pereira Jardel Costa , Abreu Geyza Spitz Alcoforado de , Veras Loyde Anne Carreiro Silva
Published: October 2020

Este artigo analisa o estabelecimento de três escolas protestantes e seus projetos educacionais estabelecidos no final do século XIX e nos meados do século XX. Têm-se o intuito de percebê-los como norteadores de práticas pedagógicas plurais, quando a identidade protestante estava em construção no Brasil. Utilizou-se de uma revisão bibliográfica com um referencial teórico diversificado de acordo com as pesquisas realizadas. Conclui-se que houve a abertura e o estabelecimento de um solo fértil de projetos educacionais o que favoreceu a atuação de intelectuais vinculados a uma religião específica.
Cell-Penetrating Peptides as a Potential Drug Delivery System for Effective Treatment of Diabetes
Authors: Korivi Mallikarjuna , Huang Yue-Wern , Liu Betty R.
Published: October 2020

Background/Purpose:

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from the
body’s inability to produce and/or use insulin. Patients with T2D often have hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, inflammation,
and oxidative stress, which then lead to hypertension, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease,
and increased risk of morbidity and mortality (9th leading cause globally). Insulin and related pharmacological
therapies are widely used to manage T2D, despite their limitations. Efficient drug delivery systems (DDS)
that control drug kinetics may decrease side effects, allow for efficient targeting, and increase the bioavailability
of drugs to achieve maximum therapeutic benefits. Thus, the development of effective DDS is crucial to beat
diabetes.

Methods:

Here, we introduced a highly bioavailable vector, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), as a powerful
DDS to overcome limitations of free drug administration.

Results:

CPPs are short peptides that serve as a potent tool for delivering therapeutic agents across cell membranes.
Various cargoes, including proteins, DNA, RNA, liposomes, therapeutic molecules, and nanomaterials,
generally retain their bioactivity upon entering cells. The mechanisms of CPPs/cargoes intracellular entry are
classified into two parts: endocytic pathways and direct membrane translocation. In this article, we focus on the
applications of CPPs/therapeutic agents in the treatment of diabetes. Hypoglycemic drugs with CPPs intervention
can enhance therapeutic effectiveness, and CPP-mediated drug delivery can facilitate the actions of insulin.
Numerous studies indicate that CPPs can effectively deliver insulin, produce synergistic effects with immunosuppressants
for successful pancreatic islet xenotransplantation, prolong pharmacokinetics, and retard diabetic
nephropathy.

Conclusions:

We suggest that CPPs can be a new generation of drug delivery systems for effective treatment
and management of diabetes and diabetes-associated complications.