bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Treatment Pathway Variation for Chronic Prosthesis-Associated Infections
Authors: Brügger Jan , Saner Simon , Nötzli Hubert P.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are relatively rare but are on the rise because of the increasing total number of implantations performed. Treatment of PJI remains individualized and involves both surgical and medical treatment, with variations depending on the time of implantation, the duration and severity of the infection, tissue damage, and the underlying microorganism. In this case series study, we investigated clinical and functional outcomes of a variation of the Liestal algorithm in patients with PJI following total hip arthroplasty.

Methods:

This study included 32 patients (33 cases) who were treated for chronic PJI with 2-stage exchange using a cement spacer during the period of 2003 to 2014. In contrast to other treatment pathways, antibiotic therapy was targeted to the causative microorganism as early as possible despite the presence of a cement spacer. Second-look surgery was performed 4 days after removal of the primary implant and a 4-week antibiotic-free window was interposed before definitive reimplantation. Thereafter, antibiotic treatment continued for approximately 6 weeks. All patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years. Parameters investigated were the duration of infection-free survival, functional outcome, and epidemiological data.

Results:

At 2 years of follow-up and at the most recent follow-up (on average, 7 years after reimplantation), 100% of the patients were free of signs of infection, and the mean Harris hip score (HHS) was 89 at the latest follow-up.

Conclusions:

A meticulously performed 2-stage exchange for PJI with early targeted antibiotic treatment, second-look surgery, an antibiotic-free window before reimplantation, and antibiotic treatment post-reimplantation of medium duration is associated with excellent infection-related and good functional outcome after ≥2 years of follow-up even in cases of chronic PJI.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Monitoring the Accuracy of Measurements the Load of Industrial Enterprises
Authors: Anishchenko V. A. , Pisaruk T. V.
Published: October 2020

The normalized accuracy of the installed measuring instruments determines the scheduled measurement accuracy of the daily active load of an industrial enterprise. To maintain  it during operation, syntactic and semantic methods can be used to control the reliability of load measurements. During syntactic control, the state of measuring instruments that collect and process information about the enterprise’s load is diagnosed. Semantic control is based on the use of probabilistic characteristics of the measured load. The condition necessary for semantic control is the presence of information redundancy about the values of the monitored load. It is possible to control the load limit values (settings) when a priori information is known about the lower and upper limits in which reliably measured load values in normal operation of the enterprise may be contained. The article considers control methods that use a posteriori redundant information about the dynamics of load alterations in various sections of the daily schedule. These methods include monitoring by the first increments of the load, which characterize the speed of its alterations, as well as control using linear and nonlinear extrapolations of the first increments.  The results of the analysis of probabilistic characteristics of the daily active load of the enterprise and its first increments, which characterize the rate of load change, are presented. The effect of probabilistic characteristics of the first load increments on the boundaries of making a decision about the reliability of measurements is demonstrated. A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of reliability control methods based on the first load increments and their extrapolated values  has been carried out on the example of measurements of daily active load schedules of the “Minsk Motor Plant” JSC.
Formation of Instantaneous Differential and Restraining Cur-rents for Differential Protection of Busbar Assemblies
Authors: Kachenya V. S. , Loman M. S.
Published: October 2020

The methods of forming differential and restraining currents for busbar differential protection are reviewed; their advantages and disadvantages are considered. It is noted that differential protection according to instantaneous values has a shorter proper response time than for current ones, since it does not use digital filters. The response characteristic and principles of setting selection are studied. The effect of sampling on the operation of differential protection according to instantaneous values is analyzed. It was found that without the use of special measures, depending on the sampling step and the frequency of the signal, the response current would fluctuate within the mathematical error caused by sampling. A solution to this problem has been proposed. The method consists in applying piecewise quadratic interpolation and determining the values of inflection points of instantaneous differential and restraining current signals. The efficiency of the proposed method has been evaluated. It was found that its use reduces the error in determining the response current. For a sinusoidal signal, the maximum possible error was 0.02 %. The trajectories of operating point s of differential protection in case of external fault with saturation of current transformers have been analyzed. In this mode, protection for instantaneous values is more susceptible to false positives than for active ones. The method of exponential smoothing of the restraining current was considered and investigated. An exponential smoothing algorithm has been proposed and analyzed. It is concluded that exponential smoothing increases the stability of the differential protection according to instantaneous values to external faults. Exponential smoothing does not exclude the possibility of false positive of differential protection in case of external fault.
Risky Sexual Behaviour among Male Immigration and Correctional Personnel in Kano State, Nigeria, 2018
Authors: Azeez Nureni , Usman Aishat Bukola , Stephen Adebowale Ayo , Jibo Abubakar Muhammad , Iliyasu Zubairu
Published: October 2020

BackgroundWorldwide, uniformed personnel have been recognized as a population at high risk for sexually transmitted infections because of their high mobility, power differentials and affluence. However, limited studies have been conducted on risky sexual behaviour (RSB) among male uniformed personnel in Nigeria. We conducted this study to determine the prevalence and identify the predictors of RSB among male immigration and correctional personnel in Kano State.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among 306 male immigration and correctional personnel using multi-stage sampling technique. A pre-tested self-administered structured questionnaire containing sociodemographic and variables associated with RSB was used for data collection. Indicators of RSB included transactional sexual intercourse, sexual intercourse with casual acquaintances and multiple non-regular sexual partners over the last 12 months. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and logistic regression (α=0.05).ResultsMean age of the respondents in the immigration and correctional services was 37.9±9.3 and 38.0±8.1 years respectively. Overall prevalence of RSB was 15.1% (9.2% and 20.9% among correctional and immigration workers respectively). The identified predictors of RSB were service group, marital status and attending club house prior to sexual intercourse. The likelihood of RSB was lower among the correctional personnel (aOR=0.38, CI=0.17-0.80) than the immigration officers. Being married is protective of RSB (aOR=0.38, CI=0.18-0.81) while attending club house prior to sexual intercourse predisposes the uniform personnel to RSB (aOR=3.90, CI=1.30-11.68). ConclusionsRisky sexual behaviour was highly prevalent among the investigated uniform men but was higher among immigration officers than the correctional personnel.
Post-transplant monitoring of lymphocyte counts predict the occurrence of CMV DNAemia in early phase of kidney transplantation
Authors: Feng Sujuan , Yang Jing , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: October 2020

Background The aim of this study was to assess whether monitoring of the number of lymphocytes in peripheral blood was helpful for evaluating the risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after kidney transplantation. Methods The total numbers of lymphocyte in peripheral blood were measured at baseline and posttransplant months 1, 3 and 6. Risk factors for DNAemia in KTRs were analyzed using univariate logistic regression analyses. Areas under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to assess the accuracy of lymphocyte counts for predicting CMV DNAemia. Results After follow-up 6 months, CMV replication was detected in 12 (31.6%) kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). The total lymphocyte counts were significantly decreased in KTRs with CMV DNAemia in 1, 3 and 6 months. There was a negative correlation between CMV copies and the lymphocyte counts in 1, 3 and 6 months post-transplantation, and the decrease of lymphocyte counts in the 6 months post-transplantation was the risk factor of CMV DNAemia in the KTR. Patients with lymphocyte counts 1.085×109 cells/L had higher cumulative incidence of CMV DNAemia.Conclusions The lymphocyte counts post kidney transplantation may be used as a simple and effective indicator for monitoring the CMV DNAemia status in KTR and for predicting the risk of CMV DNAemia.
Correlation analysis of oxygen consumptions between stepper and treadmill movements and implication for rehabilitation
Authors: Mukrikakkada Anwar Hussain , Arnold Graham , Abboud Rami , Wang Weijie
Published: October 2020

Background: Stepper movement is popular as a home-based exercise. However, it has not been fully investigated how much energy is consumed during movement. This study aimed to investigate oxygen consumption for stepper movements at different cadence levels and to look into whether there are correlations between stepper movement and treadmill walking. Methods: Twenty two healthy volunteers (10 males, 12 females, aged between 18 and 40) participated in the study. The participants randomly performed stepper movements and treadmill walking at three different cadences, a self-determined comfortable cadence, a 20% higher and a 20% lower ones than the comfortable one. Their oxygen consumption was measured using Oxycon mobile® system. A set of parameters, e.g. VO2, Metabolic unit, Energy expenditure, etc were obtained. Statistical analysis was carried out to investigate correlations between stepper and treadmill movements in terms of oxygen consumptions. Results: Strong correlations were found between two types of movements, most of metabolic parameters had correlation coefficients ranged proximately between 0.5 to 0.8, p<0.001, e.g. 0.789 for VO2, 0.790 for energy consumption, 0.826 for ventilation, all p<0.001. In the conformable cadence level, VO2 for stepper movements was 826.49±56.02 (ml/min) while VO2 for treadmill walking was 787.16±56.02. Usually, stepper movements have oxygen consumption similar to or slightly higher than that in treadmill walking.Conclusions: This study indicates that stepper movement has similar oxygen consumption level to treadmill at a comfortable cadence level and at a 20% higher than the comfortable one, but stepper movement consumes more energy than treadmill walking by approximately 10% at lower cadence (i.e. 20% lower than the comfortable one). The study shows that the stepper movements is highly correlated with treadmill walking in terms of oxygen consumption, and thus stepper movement data provided may be used to predict the treadmill data in rehabilitation in the future.
PRODUCTION OF BIODIESEL FROM MIXED CASTOR SEED AND MICROALGAL OILS: CHARACTERIZATION AND OPTIMIZATION STUDIES
Authors: Lemma Dejene Beyene , Abagisa Mohammedsani Abdulkadir , Kebede Adisu Befekadu
Published: October 2020

In order to lower the high prices of individual feedstock, extend the life of a more limited feedstock and to improve the fuel properties of biodiesel it imperative to optimize process parameters for biodiesel derived from mixed feedstocks. Samples of castor seeds were collected from Jimma zone, southwest Ethiopia while sample of wet microalgal biomass was obtained from wastewater stabilization ponds using a 60µm filter screen. The castor seeds and algal biomass were sun-dried before further dried at 80 0 C in an oven and ground to pastes. Oils were extracted from dried and milled castor seeds and micro-algae pastes with a Soxhlet apparatus using methanol. The extracted oil was purified and characterized before converted to biodiesel. A transesterification process designed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD) experimental design was used to optimize the biodiesel production process parameters from mixed oil using alkaline catalyst. The Design Expert® 12 software was used to analysis experimental results. The effects of catalyst concentration, ethanol to mixed oil molar ratio and reaction temperature on the biodiesel yield were investigated using the experimental results. Accordingly, the optimum conditions for biodiesel production from mixed oil were a catalyst concentration of 1.23% w.t of the oil, alcohol to mixed oil molar ratio of 5.94 :1 (v/v) and reaction temperature of 51.30 0 C. The yield of biodiesel under these conditions was 93.88% . Experiment was conducted under the specified optimum conditions to validate the result predicted by the software. The yield of biodiesel from the experiment was 93.36 % which is very close to the value predicted by the software. The fatty acid composition of the biodiesel from mixed oil was analyzed using Gas chromatograph. The various fuel properties of biodiesel were determined using standard methods and results were compared with ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standards. The physicochemical properties fulfill both standards.
The Association Between Living Environmental Factors and Adolescents’ Body Weight
Authors: HUANG SIYI , Sha Sha , Du Wei , Zhang Hanwen , Wu Xinyi , Jiang Chongmin , Zhao Yan , Yang Jie
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe effect of living environment on public health has received increasingly scholarly attention. This study aims to explore the relationship between adolescents’ body weight and their living environmental factors. MethodsThis cross-sectional study comprised 1362 middle-school students from Nanjing and 826 from Changzhou in China. We further collected information on living environmental factors based on their home address and ran a univariate logistic analysis for each variable to explore potential correlations.ResultsApproximately 25% (n=303) of students from Nanjing and 26% (n=205) of students from Changzhou were excessively overweight. In Nanjing, students’ BMI (Body Mass Index) showed a strong negative correlation with the number of sports venues in their neighbourhood (OR: 0.61, 95%CI: 0.40-0.94). In Changzhou, we observed a positive correlation between adolescents’ body weight and the number of bus stops in their neighbourhood (OR:1.53, 95%CI:1.06-2.21). ConclusionsThe living environment factors were independently associated with teenagers’ excessive body weight, and the environmental risk factors might be associated with political management. Public policies change students’ living environments, finally affecting individual behaviours and health outcomes.
Genome-Scale Screening of Vaccine Candidates Against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Authors: Wan Chuang , Gao Chen , Xie Qin , Wang Yin , Cheng Xin , Fang Yao , Liu Zhiyong , Zhang Weijun , Zou Quanming , Lu Guangwen , Gu Jiang
Published: October 2020

BackgroundInfections due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) are becoming a serious threat to patients in intensive care units. A PA vaccine is a practical and economical solution to solve the problems caused by PA infection successfully. In recent years, several antigen candidates have been tested in animal and human clinical trials, but none of them has been approved to date. An alternative strategy for antigen screening and protective antigens is in urgent demand.MethodsIn this study, we generated a genome-wide library of PA protein fragments tagged with maltose-binding protein (MBP). Using sera from patients who recovered after PA infection, we identified novel protective antigens and investigate the mechanism of these antigens induced protections.Resultswe identified a novel protective antigen, FlgE, which is the structural component of the flagella hook. Vaccination with recombinant FlgE (reFlgE) induced a Th2-predominant immune response and reduced bacterial load and inflammation in PA-infected mice. Anti-reFlgE antibodies recognized native FlgE on the bacterial membrane in vitro and conferred protection in mice, which may be due to the mediation of opsonophagocytic killing and inhibition of bacterial motility. In addition, the combination of reFlgE with rePcrVNH, an engineered antigen we reported previously, provided elevated protection against PA infection.ConclusionOur data demonstrate that FlgE is a promising vaccine candidate for PA and provide a new strategy for the efficient screening of antigens of other pathogens.
HSP90α Mediates Sorafenib Resistance in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Necroptosis Inhibition Under Hypoxia
Authors: Liao Yan , Yang Yue , Pan Di , Ding Youxiang , Zhang Heng , Ye Yuting , Li Jia , Zhao Li
Published: October 2020

BackgroundAs one of the most common malignancies worldwide, Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been treated by Sorafenib, which is the first approved target drug by FDA for advanced HCC. However, drug resistance is one of the obstacles to its application. As a typical characteristic of most solid tumors, hypoxia has become a key cause for resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It is important to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of Sorafenib resistance under hypoxia. 17-AAG, an inhibitor of HSP90α, and is in clinical test at present in anticancer. MethodsRoutine laboratory experimental methods including cell culture, cell transfection, western blot, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) were used; the morphological changes of hepatocellular carcinoma cell was observed by Live Cell Imaging System and Transmission Electron Microscope; coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) were used for confirmation of interactions of RIPK3/MLKL/HSP90α and HSP70/LAMP2/HSP90α/MLKL. Patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) model and human HCC cells xenograft model have been established, and primary resistant cell line was induced to investigate the potential therapeutic strategies to overcome Sorafenib resistance.ResultsIn this study, Sorafenib was found to induce necroptosis in liver cancer. Under hypoxia, the distribution of necroptosis related proteins was changed, which contributed to Sorafenib resistance. HSP90α binds with RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL complex and promotes chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) degradation, which leads necroptosis blocking. Ultimately, the decrease of necroptosis resulted in Sorafenib resistance. 17-AAG inhibited HSP90α and presented obvious reversal effects of Sorafenib resistance in vivo and in vitro. All the results emphasized that the blockage of HSP90α can significantly improve the effect of Sorafenib under hypoxia. ConclusionsHSP90α plays a critical role in Sorafenib resistance under hypoxia by blocking necroptosis. 17-AAG combining with Sorafenib is a promising therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.
The correlation between vitamin D at birth and growth at 6 months of age in twins: from a prospective longitudinal birth cohort
Authors: Li Xin , Yu Jiaxiao , Wen Li , Tong Chao , Tong Qi , Qi Hongbo , Saffery Richard , Kilby Mark D , Baker Philip N
Published: October 2020

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health issue in women and children, is associated with adverse impacts on child growth, such as rickets. However, prior studies have mainly focused on measuring vitamin D levels in singleton pregnant women and their offspring, very limited studies have revealed the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in twin pregnant women and their offspring. The aim of this study was to investigate vitamin D levels in twin pregnant women and their neonates. We also explored the correlation of maternal vitamin D levels with neonatal outcomes and infant growth. Methods: A prospective subcohort investigation was carried out among 72 dichorionic twin pregnant mothers and their twin offspring from the Longitudinal Twin Study. Peripheral blood was collected from the mothers in the third trimester and cord blood was collected form neonates at birth to identify 25[OH]D levels. Data on the characteristics of the mothers and neonates were collected. Infant growth data and food sensitivities were also collected. Results: The average maternal 25[OH]D level was 31.78 ng/mL, with 19.4% being deficiency and 20.8% insufficiency, while the average neonatal 25[OH]D level was 15.37 ng/mL, with 99.3% being deficiency or insufficiency. A positive correlation was found between maternal and neonatal 25[OH]D levels (beta-value: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.49). Interestingly, the higher the maternal 25[OH]D level was, the smaller the co-twins birthweight discordance (beta-value: -2.67, 95% CI: -5.11, -0.23). In addition, the infants of mothers with vitamin D deficiency were more likely to be allergic to foods at six months than those of mothers with vitamin D sufficiency. Conclusions: Twin neonates were at extremely high risk of vitamin D deficiency although their mothers’ vitamin D deficiency partially improved. Higher maternal vitamin D level was associated with smaller discordance of co-twins birthweight.Trial registration: ChiCTR-OOC-16008203
Discrimination between spinal cord injury and cervical compressive myelopathy in intramedullary high-intensity lesions on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Kamei Naosuke , Nakanishi Kazuyoshi , Nakamae Toshio , Tamaura Takayuki , Tsuchikawa Yuji , Morisako Taiki , Harada Takahiro , Maruyama Toshiaki , Adachi Nobuo
Published: October 2020

Background: When intramedullary high-intensity lesions are found on cervical T2-weighted magnetic resonance images of patients with whiplash injury, it is often required to identify whether they are due to spinal cord injury (SCI) or cervical compressive myelopathy (CCM). This is important to determine insurance coverage. Thus, this study aimed to develop a method to distinguish between SCI and CCM.Methods: Magnetic resonance images of 20 patients who had cervical SCI were evaluated. These 20 SCI patients were age- and sex-matched to 20 CCM patients. The number of discs adjacent to T2 high-intensity lesions was counted because the T2 high-intensity lesions in SCI were characterized by sagittal dilation. The “snake-eyes appearance” was assessed as a characteristic finding of CCM. T2 values in T2 high-intensity lesions were evaluated quantitatively by its ratio with the T2 values in the normal spinal cord, including signal ratio and contrast ratio.Results: The number of discs adjacent to T2 high-intensity lesions was significantly higher in SCI than in CCM. The snake-eyes appearance was found in 9 of 20 CCM patients, but not in SCI patients. The signal ratio and contrast ratio on axial images were significantly higher in SCI than in CCM. A new diagnostic scale was created based on these results. This diagnostic scale has made it possible to distinguish SCI and CCM with >90% accuracy from all perspectives including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.Conclusions: The features of T2 high-intensity lesions can be used to distinguish between SCI and CCM.
Tolerance at the genetic level of the brine shrimp Artemia salina to a wide range of salinity
Authors: Lee JunMo , Park Jong Soo
Published: October 2020

Background: The brine shrimp Artemia salina can thrive in a variety of salinities and is commonly distributed in natural hypersaline lakes and solar salterns. The zooplankter A. salina proves to be a filter feeder, consuming the alga Dunaliella and prokaryotes and plays a critical role in the hypersaline food web. However, the high salinity adaptation mechanisms of A. salina remain poorly understood through transcriptome analysis. Here, we examined the gene expression patterns of A. salina adults that were salt-adapted for 2–4 weeks at five salinities (35, 50, 100, 150, and 230 psu), and generated long-read isoform sequencing (IsoSeq) data to construct a high-quality transcriptome assembly of A. salina. The patterns of A. salina along the salinity gradient provide evidence for halotolerant and euryhaline adaptations at the genetic level. Results: We confirmed that the activity of sodium/potassium ATPase was up-regulated at the genetic level in high salinity waters. Interestingly, genes related to beta-mannosidase and mannose activities were also up-regulated, suggesting that mannose and mannose derivatives may be accumulated as organic osmolytes. Alternatively, considering that glucose and galactose-related activities were suppressed at high salinities, mannose may be the primary sugar involved in the glycolytic pathway under such conditions. This result further supports the theory that mannose is the main energy source used by A. salina in highly saline environments. The gene expression patterns of A. salina may also be affected by increased thickness of the cuticle, increased numbers of mitochondria, and low dissolved oxygen in high salinity waters. Furthermore, the cellular response of A. salina to acclimation to intermediate salinities depends on the number and type of genes expressed; differential expression patterns are likely to fluctuate at the population level. Conclusions: Our results provide a high-quality transcriptome assembly of the cosmopolitan brine shrimp Artemia salina at five different salinities (35, 50, 100, 150, and 230 psu) for the first time. The gene expression patterns of salt-adapted A. salina display greater osmoregulation process complexity than we thought. Furthermore, A. salina represents a potential model organism to study locally adapted populations at various salinities.
The Prognostic Value of lncRNA SNHG3 in Cancer Patients: A meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhong Pingyong , Hua Hao
Published: October 2020

Background:Small nucleolar RNA host gene 3 (SNHG3) is a promising long non-coding RNA that may possess prognostic value for different types of tumors. The objective of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the prognostic value of lncRNA SNHG3 in cancer patients.Methods:A systematic literature search of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline, Web of Science, CNKI, Weipu, and Wanfang electronic databases was carried out in this meta-anaysis. The synthetic hazard ratios (HRs) or odd ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained to determine the prognostic and clinicopathological significance of SNHG3 expression in tumors. Results:The final meta-anaysis included 17 studies that contained 2072 patients. The pooled results provided evidence that SNHG3 overexpression predicted reduced overall survival (OS) (HR=2.15, 95%CI: 1.76–2.63, P<0.00001), recurrence-free survival (RFS) ( HR=2.22, 95%CI: 1.04–4.76, P=0.04) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR=2.04, 95%CI: 1.35–3.09, P=0.0007) for various cancers. Additionally, the SNHG3 overexpression was concerned with tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage (III/IV vs. I/II, OR=2.91, 95%CI: 1.60–5.29, P=0.0005), lymph node metastasis (LNM) (positive vs negative, OR=5.00,95%CI:2.82–8.87,P＜0.00001), distant metastasis (DM) (positive vs negative, OR=2.29, 95%CI: 1.52–3.47, P<0.0001) and tumor size (larger vs smaller, OR=1.80, 95%CI: 1.04–3.11, P=0.04).Conclusions:Our results indicated that SNHG3 overexpression was closely correlated with shorter OS in multiple cancer types, suggesting that SNHG3 might function as a promising predictor for clinical outcomes in cancer.
Eco-epidemiologic profile of an area of a Chagas disease outbreak: the risk of oral transmissions in the Brazilian northeast
Authors: Monsalve-Lara Jackeline , Lilioso Mauricio , Valença-Barbosa Carolina , Thyssen Patricia , Miguel Danilo C , Limeira Cleanne , Gadelha Fernanda R , Fontes Fernanda V H M , Pires-Silva Dayane , Dornak L Lynnette , Lima Marli M , Donalisio Maria R , Almeida Carlos E
Published: October 2020

Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease strongly associated with low socioeconomic status, affecting nearly 8 million people – mainly Latin Americans. The current infection risk is based on acute case reports, most of which are typically associated with oral transmissions. In the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil, serious outbreaks of this transmission type have surged in the last years. One of those occurred in the city of Marcelino Vieira (2016), in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Rural residents of four municipalities surrounding Marcelino Vieira ingested sugar cane juice – which was probably ground with Trypanosoma cruzi infected insects. The structure of domiciliary unities (DUs) in the rural area of Marcelino Vieira was investigated to better understand the factors related to the outbreaks in this region – which was combined with entomological indicators. We found triatomines (mainly Triatoma brasiliensis) in 54% (36/67) of DUs and all rocky outcrops inspected (n = 7). Overall, 26% (119/458) of examined T. brasiliensis were infected by T. cruzi in artificial ecotopes, with almost the same prevalence in the sylvatic environment (23%; 35/154). The local variation in T. cruzi prevalence (variating from 0%-100%) was highly correlated with the presence of some ecotopes where the insects were found; and we identified those linked to high natural triatomine infection prevalence by T. cruzi (mainly wood/tile/brick piles). Ninety-five percent of people interviewed recognized the triatomines and knew the classic route (vector-borne) of transmission of disease. However, only 7.5% admitted knowledge that Chagas disease can also be acquired orally – which poses a risk this transmission route currently recognized. Here, we highlight the physical proximity between humans and infected vector populations as an additional risk factor to oral/vector contaminations, providing recommendations to avoid further outbreaks.
Management of Gastric Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: DAŞIRAN Mehmet Fatih , AKBAŞ Ahmet
Published: October 2020

Aim: The widespread use of endoscopy has led to a marked increase in the reported incidence and prevalence of gastric neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). In this study, we aimed to investigate these rare and poorly understood tumors in patients from a single center. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were treated with a diagnosis of gastric NET between January 2010 and December 2018. Data on patient demographic characteristics, diagnostic work-up, endoscopic and surgical treatment patterns, histopathological features, and outcome parameters were documented. The Ki-67 proliferation index, mitosis ratio, and immunohistochemical staining with chromogranin A and synaptophysin were evaluated by histopathological examination. Results: The study included 17 patients (9 males, 8 females), with a mean age of 61.7 years. Nine patients had a tumor located in the fundus, 5 in the antrum, and 3 in the corpus. Histopathological evaluation diagnosed 6 well-differentiated type I NETs and 11 poorly differentiated type III NETs. Seven (41%) patients underwent surgery (with adjuvant chemotherapy when indicated), 6 (35%) only endoscopic treatment, and 4 only chemotherapy. Seven (41%) of the 17 patients had distant metastases at the time of diagnosis, with the liver being the most commonly involved organ. Discussion and Conclusion: Gastric NETs are categorized into three groups according to mitotic activity and the Ki-67 index. Data on serum gastrin levels and endoscopic and radiological work-up are required for this categorization. Treatment approach varies according to the type and stage of the disease.
A rare etiology of pericarditis, Brucella spp.
Authors: TATLI KIŞ Tuba , KIŞ Mehmet
Published: October 2020

In brucellosis, pericarditis is usually a complication associated with endocarditis, and isolated pericarditis is rare. In this paper, we present a rare case of isolated pericarditis due to brucellosis without endocarditis, associated with cardiac signs and symptoms. In brucellosis, pericarditis is usually a complication associated with endocarditis, and isolated pericarditis is rare. In this paper, we present a rare case of isolated pericarditis due to brucellosis without endocarditis, associated with cardiac signs and symptoms
Radyasyon ve İnsan Sağlığı Üzerindeki Etkileri
Authors: GÖKOĞLAN Ecem , EKİNCİ Meliha , ÖZGENÇ Emre , İLEM-ÖZDEMİR Derya , AŞIKOĞLU Makbule
Published: October 2020

İnsanlar hayatın hemen her alanında birçok kaynak nedeniyle radyasyona maruz kaldıklarından, radyasyonun insan sağlığı üzerindeki etkileri önemli bir araştırma konusu olagelmiştir. X ışınlarının keşfinin ardından, nükleer savaş (Hiroşima ve Nagazaki atom bombası saldırıları) ve reaktör kazaları (Çernobil felaketi) gibi belirleyici gelişmelerle bu alandaki çalışmalar hız kazanmıştır. Maruz kalınan radyasyon türü, dozu ve maruziyet süresinin başlıca faktörler olduğu tespit edilmiş ve iyonize radyasyonun non-iyonize radyasyona kıyasla daha ciddi etkilere sebep olduğu kanıtlanmıştır. İyonize radyasyon kanser oluşumuna neden olabilmekteyken, non-iyonize radyasyonun uzun dönem çalışmalarla kanıtlanmış karsinojenik etkileri söz konusu değildir. Bu çalışmada radyasyonun insan sağlığı üzerindeki etkilerine dair bilgiler derlenmiştir.
Yengeç ve Yumurta: Kanser Araştırmalarında Civciv Embriyosu Kullanımının Tarihçesi
Authors: USLU Serap , KARA Mahmut Alpertunga
Published: October 2020

Amaç: Civciv embriyoları uzun zamandır embriyo gelişimine dair araştırmalarda bir kaynak olarak kullanılmaktadır. Bir tür hastalık olarak kanser de uzun zamandır bilinmekle birlikte, onkogenez ve embriyogenezin bir arada incelenmesi daha çok son bir asırda söz konusu olmuştur. Onkogenezin anlaşılmasında civciv embriyoları uygun bir model sağlamaktadır. Çalışmamızda geçmişte birbirinden bağımsız çalışılmış olan onkogenez ve embriyogenez hadiselerinin birlikte ele alınma sürecini incelemek amaçlanmıştır.

Gereç ve Yöntemler: Civciv embriyolojisi ve kanser araştırmaları tarihiyle ilgili çalışmalara ve civciv modellerinin kanser araştırmalarında kullanılabilirliğiyle ilgili güncel derlemelere yönelik kapsamlı bir literatür taramasından elde edilen bulgular değerlendirilmiştir.

Bulgular: Antikiteden itibaren gerek gelişim biyolojisi gerekse kanserin klinik ve etiyolojik özellikleri birer inceleme alanı olmuştur. Her iki alan da farklı dönemlerde geçerli farklı teorilere göre ve birbirinden bağımsız ele alınmıştır. Mikroskobun kullanılmaya başlaması, ardından tekniklerin ve teknolojinin giderek gelişmesi ve hücresel patolojinin yaygın bir biçimde benimsenmesi onkogenez ve embriyogenezin birlikte ele alınması için uygun zemin oluşturmuştur. Yirminci yüzyıl başlarında civciv embriyolarına kanser nakli deneyleri başlamış ve aynı yüzyılın sonlarında çeşitli sinyal yolakları keşfedilmiştir. Civciv embriyolarının kullanımı devam etmekle birlikte, bu süreçte farklı modeller de ortaya çıkmıştır.

Tartışma ve Sonuç: Embriyogenez ve onkogenezin moleküler düzeyde benzer sinyal yolakları içermesi gelişim biyolojisi ve kanser biyolojisi alanlarını birbirine yaklaştırmaktadır. Civciv embriyo modelleri her iki alan için de kullanışlı bir çalışma modeli teşkil etmektedir. Kök hücre ve gen manipülasyonu boyutları da eklenerek, bu modellerin kullanılmaya devam etmesi beklenmektedir.
Do Mitochondrial DNA Mutations Play a Key Role in the Chronification of Sterile Inflammation? Special Focus on Atherosclerosis
Authors: Orekhov Alexander N. , Gerasimova Elena V. , Sukhorukov Vasily N. , Poznyak Anastasia V. , Nikiforov Nikita G.
Published: October 2020

Background:

The aim of the elucidation of mechanisms implicated in the chronification of inflammation
is to shed light on the pathogenesis of disorders that are responsible for the majority of the incidences of
diseases and deaths, and also causes of ageing. Atherosclerosis is an example of the most significant inflammatory
pathology. The inflammatory response of innate immunity is implicated in the development of atherosclerosis
arising locally or focally.

:

Modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was regarded as the trigger for this response. No atherosclerotic changes
in the arterial wall occur due to the quick decrease in inflammation rate. Nonetheless, the atherosclerotic lesion
formation can be a result of the chronification of local inflammation, which, in turn, is caused by alteration of the
response of innate immunity.

Objective:

In this review, we discussed potential mechanisms of the altered response of the immunity in atherosclerosis
with a particular emphasis on mitochondrial dysfunctions.

Conclusion:

A few mitochondrial dysfunctions can be caused by the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations.
Moreover, mtDNA mutations were found to affect the development of defective mitophagy. Modern investigations
have demonstrated the controlling mitophagy function in response to the immune system. Therefore, we
hypothesized that impaired mitophagy, as a consequence of mutations in mtDNA, can raise a disturbed innate
immunity response, resulting in the chronification of inflammation in atherosclerosis.
In Silico Vaccine Designing Targeting the Virulence Factors of mce Operons of Mycobacterium avium subsp. Paratuberculosis
Authors: Mohinani Taruna , Saxena Aditya , Singh Shoor Vir
Published: October 2020

Background:

Mycobacterium avium sp. paratuberculosis (MAP) causes Paratuberculosis
(pTB) in domestic livestock and has also been associated with auto-immune disorders in humans.
Infection leads to huge economic losses to the farmers associated with livestock production
system worldwide. Currently, search to find proteins with the potential to develop as vaccine candidates
against MAP is underway.

Objective:

In this study, we aimed to explore the immunogenicity of the proteins of mammalian
cell entry (mce) operons of MAP using computational tools.

Methods:

Genes of mce operons of MAP strain K10 were selected and their orthologs identification
was made using VFanalyzer tool. Mce proteins encoded by these operons were analyzed for
their antigenicity and sub-cellular localization. Three dimensional structures for Mce proteins were
predicted using Phyre2. B cell and T cell epitope analysis was done using methods available at Immune
Epitope Database and Analysis Resource. The selection analysis of mce genes was also performed.

Results:

Eight Mce proteins were predicted with B cell and T cell epitopes. Some of them were reported
with overlapping B cell and T cell epitopes. We found positively selected sites within some
predicted epitopes that indicated some kind of selection pressure by immune system on these protein
regions. Some predicted epitopes also had similarities with experimentally identified epitopes
of Mce proteins of M. tuberculosis which further strengthened the immunogenic role of Mce proteins.

Conclusion:

Our findings may potentially assist in the development of effective vaccine against incurable
infection due to MAP bacilli in the domestic livestock species.
Melatonin Alleviates Pyroptosis of Retinal Neurons Following Acute Intraocular Hypertension
Authors: Zhang Yu , Huang Yanxia , Guo Limin , Zhang Yun , Zhao Mingxuan , Xue Fuyao , Tan Cheng , Huang Jufang , Chen Dan
Published: October 2020

Background:

Glaucoma is a multifactorial optic neuropathy progressively characterized
by structural loss of Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) and irreversible loss of vision. High Intraocular
Pressure (HIOP) is a high-risk factor for glaucoma. It has been reported that the mechanisms of
the loss of RGCs are explored in-depth after acute HIOP injury, such as apoptosis, autophagy, and
necrosis. However, pyroptosis, a novel type of pro-inflammatory cell programmed necrosis, is rarely
reported after HIOP injury. Research studies also showed that melatonin (MT) possesses substantial
anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether melatonin could alleviate retinal neuronal
death, especially pyroptosis, by HIOP injury is still unclear.

Objective:

This study explored pyroptosis of retinal neurons and the effects of melatonin in preventing
retinal neurons from pyroptosis after acute HIOP injury.

Methods:

An acute HIOP model of rats was established by increasing the IOP followed by reperfusion.
Western Blot (WB) was adopted to detect molecules related to pyroptosis at the protein level,
such as GSDMD, GASMDp32, Caspase-1, and caspase-1 p20, and the products of inflammatory reactions,
such as IL -18 and IL-1β. At the same time, immunofluorescence (IF) was used to co-localize
caspase-1 with retinal neurons to determine the position of caspase-1 expression. Morphologically,
ethidium homodimer III staining, a method commonly used to evaluate cell death, was carried
out to stain dead cells. Subsequently, Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assay kit was
used to quantitatively analyze the LDH released after cell disruption.

Results:

The results suggested that pyroptosis played a vital role in retinal neuronal death, especially
in the Ganglion Cell Layer, by acute HIOP injury and peaked at 6h after HIOP injury. Furthermore,
it was found that melatonin (MT) might prevent retinal neurons of pyroptosis via NF-κ
B/NLRP3 axis after HIOP injury in rats.

Conclusion:

Melatonin treatment might be considered a new strategy for protecting retinal neurons
against pyroptosis following acute HIOP injury.
Key Issues in Software Reliability Growth Models
Authors: Haque Md. Asraful , Ahmad Nesar
Published: October 2020

Background::

Software Reliability Growth Models (SRGMs) are most widely used mathematical models to monitor, predict and assess the software reliability. They play an important role in industries to estimate the release time of a software product. Since 1970s, researchers have suggested a large number of SRGMs to forecast software reliability based on certain assumptions. They all have explained how the system reliability changes over time by analyzing failure data set throughout the testing process. However, none of the models is universally accepted and can be used for all kinds of software.

Objective::

The objective of this paper is to highlight the limitations of SRGMs and to suggest a novel approach towards the improvement.

Method::

We have presented the mathematical basis, parameters and assumptions of software reliability model and analyzed five popular models namely Jelinski-Moranda (J-M) Model, Goel Okumoto NHPP Model, Musa-Okumoto Log Poisson Model, Gompertz Model and Enhanced NHPP Model.

Conclusion::

The paper focuses on the many challenges like flexibility issues, assumptions, and uncertainty factors of using SRGMs. It emphasizes considering all affecting factors in reliability calculation. A possible approach has been mentioned at the end of the paper.
Historical journey: from the University of Warsaw to Rostov State Medical University
Authors: Kramskaya S. V. , Shlyk S. V.
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this article is to trace the historical path of medical education in Rostov-on-Don. In general terms, the development of higher education, laid down in Western Europe in the 12th century, is presented. The special social status of the University, its classical structure and traditions are considered. Western European models of higher education had a great impact on Russian universities and in particular on the Imperial University of Warsaw. Special attention is paid to the history of foundation, functioning and fate of the Imperial University of Warsaw from 1816 to 1917. The University of Warsaw played an outstanding role in the development of higher education and higher medical education in the South of Russia. The relevance of the topic is that the development of the modern model of medical higher education the development of the program of activities and the principles of its implementation require further reference to historical experience.
Chronicle of the Rostov Pharmacology's School Development
Authors: Safronenko A. V. , Gantsgorn E. V. , Maklyakov Yu. S.
Published: October 2020

The article presents historical review material of pharmacological school on the Don region from the time of its appearance up to the present day. The chronicle of the Rostov School of Pharmacology is inextricably linked with the history of the development of Don medicine, at the origins of which were outstanding researchers and doctors. The modern Rostov pharmacology’s school combines the continuity of professional skills, loyalty to scientific traditions, as well as progressive scientific and practical ideas and innovations.
Features of remodeling of the right heart in comorbid patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Chesnikova A. I. , Dzyurich T. A. , Safronenko V. A. , Terentyev V. P. , Skarzhinskaya N. S. , Godunko E. S.
Published: October 2020

Objective: to identify the features of structural and functional remodeling of the right heart in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) against the background of a combination of atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), to assess the effect on the concentration of the heart failure marker NT-proBNP.

Materials and methods: the study included 120 patients who were divided in to 4 groups depending on the presence of CHF, AF and COPD. Patients underwent an echocardiographic (EchoCG) study, and the concentration of the N-terminal fragment of the brain natriuretic peptide precursor (NT-proBNP) was determined.

Results: comparison of EchoCG parameters of the right heart in patients with CHF of different groups was performed in pairs to determine the effect of diseases on the remodeling of the right atrium (RA) and right ventricle (RV) in comorbid conditions. In patients with CHF, AF and COPD, in comparison with patients with CHF and AF without COPD, lower volume parameters of RA (p=0.004), greater wall thickness of the RV (p<0.001), lower values of the indexed end-diastolic area (EDA) of the RV (p=0.007) and its fractional area measurement (FAM) (p=0.011) were revealed, which allows us to judge the effect of chronic bronchoobstruction on heart remodeling in patients with CHF and AF. When compared with patients with CHF and COPD without AF in patients with CHF, AF and COPD have large size of RV (p=0.012), its indexed end-systolic area (ESA) (p<0.001), lower ejection fraction (EF) of RV (p=0.002), FAM (p<0.001), systolic excursion of the tricuspid valve plane (TAPSE) (p=0.012), indicating the influence of concomitant AF in EchoCG parameters in patients with CHF and COPD. A higher concentration of NT-proBNP was found in patients with CHF, AF and COPD compared to the marker level in both patients with CHF and AF without COPD (p=0.010) and in patients with CHF and COPD without AF (p<0.001), due to more pronounced remodeling of the RV.

Conclusions: In patients with CHF, AF and COPD were the features of the remodeling of the right heart, caused by influence of, on the one hand, AF, on the other, with COPD the structural and functional parameters of heart in patients with this combined pathology. Using the extended protocol EchoCG studies identify additional characteristics of structural-functional state of the right heart (ESA and EDA RV, RV EF, TAPSE and FAM) will optimize early diagnosis of CHF and cardiovascular and bronchopulmonary diseases.