bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tétanos generalizado : revisión a propósito de un caso.
Authors: Abuabara Franco Emilio , Bohórquez Rivero José , Ortega Gaibao María , Vargas Acosta Brian , Puentes López Sindy Paola , Peña Vera Wiston , Restom Arrieta José Gabriel , Rico Fontalvo Jorge
Published: October 2021

Introducción: el tétanos es una enfermedad causada por una toxina producida por la bacteria Clostridium tetani. Se caracteriza clínicamente por rigidez generalizada y espasmos musculares capaces de causar paro respiratorio y muerte. La población de alto riesgo incluye a los adultos mayores, los diabéticos, los usuarios de drogas inyectables y las personas no vacunadas. El diagnóstico de tétanos es cada vez más raro, con la implementación de programas de vacunación obligatoria se ha logrado disminuir la incidencia de esta enfermedad a nivel mundial; no obstante, sigue teniendo una morbimortalidad significativa. Objetivo: describir el caso de un paciente masculino con tétanos generalizado con el fin de reforzar la relevancia de la vacunación, profilaxis, su diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento oportuno. Caso clínico: paciente masculino de 18 años de edad que ingresa al servicio de urgencias remitido centro de atención primaria 10 días después de hacerse herida en miembro inferior derecho, que evolucionó hasta presentar fiebre, trismo, hipertonía y contracciones musculares generalizadas. Su esquema de inmunizaciones era desconocido y carecía de profilaxis antitetánica; por lo tanto, con base a los antecedentes y el cuadro clínico se hizo diagnóstico de tétanos generalizado accidental, se instauró tratamiento y se trasladó a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Las manifestaciones neurológicas fueron graves; sin embargo, evolucionó satisfactoriamente hasta la resolución completa del cuadro y fue dado de alta posteriormente. Conclusión: a pesar de que el tétanos es una patología que los médicos no ven usualmente en su práctica clínica, es una infección grave que todavía representa un importante desafío diagnóstico y terapéutico. La enfermedad se puede prevenir completamente mediante la vacunación y el cuidado adecuado de las heridas.
Estimación de la huella hídrica en la producción agrícola de lima Tahití en la Cuenca La Angula, Santander, Colombia
Authors: Arenas-Jiménez Carlos Fernando , Correa Torres Sandra Natalia , Pineda-Vargas Sergio Manuel
Published: October 2021

Este estudio cuantifica la huella hídrica (HH) azul, verde y gris del cultivo de lima Tahití en la zona alta de la Cuenca de la Quebrada La Angula, Santander, Colombia. Así mismo se analiza la sostenibilidad en el uso del recurso hídrico utilizado en estas actividades. Para esto se utilizó la metodología estándar de cálculo de HH para actividades agrícolas, en donde se determinó el volumen de agua azul y verde adicionada en la producción de lima Tahití y la cantidad del recurso para la depuración de contaminantes en la gris. Para los años estudiados (húmedo y seco) el consumo total para la producción anual del fruto estudiado fue 1.74×106 m3 con una huella virtual de 452,3 m3 /t para el año húmedo, mientras que para el año seco las HH total y virtual fueron de 1.25×107 m3 y 486.2 m3 /t, respectivamente.
Changes in the economic development paradigms, dominant forms of capital and new challenges of modern transformations
Authors: Andrushkiv Bohdan , Grushko Viktor
Published: October 2021

The system-forming role of capital in the functioning of the economy, its evolution and the influence of its dominant forms on changes in the place of the economy in society are examined in the article. The reasons for the change of the economic development paradigms, the influence of various spheres of economic activity under the influence of reorientations on the accumulation of capital’s new forms are identified. The tendencies in the informatized and globalized world economy are revealed, which determine the growth of monopolistic tendencies and unilateral dependence of the productive branches on the processes developing in the financial sphere. The transformation of the economy from production priorities to various forms of rapid enrichment without the need to create real goods is analyzed. The aggravation of contradictions between manufacturing industries and the financial sector, between informatized and non-informatized components of the economy, between those whose qualifications will be needed in computerized production and those whose work in the new economy will no longer be needed. The process of hierarchization that unfolds in the economy between different industries and spheres of activity under the influence of different rates of capital accumulation is revealed. The analysis of the existing mechanisms of capital accumulation in various structural divisions of economy is made. The reasons for the different dynamics of capital accumulation by different components of the economy are identified. The inability of the market mechanism to ensure the development and functioning of the economy in the direction of expanded reproduction of the production of goods necessary for society is determined. The influence of information technologies on globalization processes in the world and their connection with the decrease in economic productivity at this stage of development is revealed. The real motives of economic entities that have changed the paradigm of economic behavior of people in the post-industrial stage have been established. The influence of the aim to maximize profitability as a fundamental driving force of economic behavior is revealed, which has provided changes in the long-term and sustainable trend focused on productivity growth in economic activity.
The intellectual capital as the important factor of ensuring competitiveness of the enterprises of mechanical engineering industry of Ukraine at the present stage of development of innovative economy
Authors: Nahorniak Halyna
Published: October 2021

In modern conditions, competitiveness is manifested in the effective use by economic entities of their financial and intellectual capital through the growth of technological and managerial components in the development of innovation processes. Since financial resources, from the point of view of the enterprise economy, cannot be considered as a stable source of its competitive advantages, the attention is focused on the intellectual component of the enterprise’s competitiveness. The purpose of the study is to determine the essence of intellectual capital and its importance for ensuring the competitiveness of the Ukraine’s machine-building industry enterprises at the present stage of the country’s innovative economy development in terms of transferring to the knowledge economy. Intellectual capital should include special abilities of the personnel, based on knowledge, skills and experience, as well as provide particularly valuable information for the enterprise, which is the basis of significant competitive advantages in domestic and foreign markets in an innovative economy. The thesis that information, knowledge, experience, intangible assets acquire new significance, which in their interaction and development originate a new category of “intellectual capital”, is substantiated. The authors’ definition of the “intellectual capital” category is formulated taking into account the study of this concept from the standpoint of the definitions of capital interpretation. Intellectual capital is an intellectual resource (knowledge, experience, skills) which, if used effectively, turns into added value and ensures the competitiveness of the enterprise.
Science et exégèse. Les interprétations antiques et médiévales du récit biblique de la création des éléments (Genèse 1, 1–8) edited by Béatrice Bakhouche
Authors: Lemler David
Published: October 2021

Biblical exegetes from Antiquity and the Middle Ages continuously confronted the cosmogonic narrative offered in Genesis with the scientific cosmological theories of their times. Besides addressing theological questions raised by the text, most exegetes of the past were occupied with harmonizing the biblical cosmogony with current scientific knowledge or dealing with their manifest discrepancies.
Reviewed by: David Lemler,
Published Online (2021-04-30)Copyright © 2021 by David Lemler
Article PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/aestimatio/article/view/37667/28671
Corresponding Author: David Lemler, Sorbonne UniversitéE-Mail: david.lemler@sorbonne-universite.fr
Plato’s Timaeus and the Latin Tradition by Christina Hoenig
Authors: Brisson Luc
Published: October 2021

This books contains five chapters: the first is on the Timaeus and its interpretation,while the others are on Cicero, Apuleius, Calcidius, and Augustine.Reviewed by: Luc Brisson,
Published Online (2021-04-30)Copyright © 2021 by Luc Brisson
Article PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/aestimatio/article/view/37669/28673
Corresponding Author: Luc Brisson,Centre Jean Pépin (UMR 8230 CNRS-ENS Paris, PSL)E-Mail: l.brisson@vjf.cnrs.fr
Characteristics of Thyroid Cancer Patients in Haji Adam Malik General Hospital
Authors: Harahap Rizka Annisa , Pohan Pimpin Utama , Sufitni Sufitni
Published: October 2021

Background: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer, and its incidence has continuously increased in the last three decades all over the world. The national prevalence of thyroid cancer has not been recorded. Sex, obesity, and the size of thyroid nodules are the risk factors for thyroid cancer. The aim of this study is to acknowledge the characteristics of thyroid cancer patients in Haji Adam Malik General Hospital. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study and carried out among 97 patients with thyroid cancer at Haji Adam Malik General Hospital from 2013 until 2015. Secondary data were obtained by consecutive sampling techniques using medical records. The inclusion criteria are all patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer based on histopathological analysis. Data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS in percentage.Results: From 97 patients with thyroid cancer, it could be concluded that thyroid cancer is the most frequently diagnosed in the age group of 55–64 years (32.0%). Females were predominant that attributed to 71.1% than males (28.9%). The majority of thyroid cancer was diagnosed at stage IV (39.2%) with the most common histopathological feature of papillary thyroid carcinoma (46,4%). Thyroid cancer patients are usually found with normal BMI (37.1%) and nodule thyroid found with the diameter of ≥4cm (47.4%).Conclusions: In the 55–64-year age female group, thyroid cancer is most diagnosed at stage IV with papillary thyroid carcinoma. Thyroid cancer patients are usually found with normal BMI and the nodule size of ≥4 cm.
Diagnostic Utility of Immunophenotyping by Flow Cytometry for Diagnosis and Classification of Acute Leukemias in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Tegegen Metasebia , Hassen Fatuma , Abubeker Abdulaziz , Tadesse Fissehatsion , Hailu Daniel , Alemu Ashenafi , Tsegaye Aster , Howe Rawleigh , Gebremedhin Amha
Published: October 2021

Background: Immunophenotypic characterization of acute leukemia is an important clinical application of flow cytometry and has become a powerful tool contributing to proper diagnosis and classification. The aim of this study is to phenotype and classify acute leukemias by flow cytometry using commonly used markers for leukemia diagnosis.Methods: A total of 40 pediatric and adult patients diagnosed with acute leukemia were evaluated by flow cytometry with 17 surface and cytoplasmic markers known to be useful in discriminating different types of acute leukemia. These results were compared with classification results using standard morphological criteria.Results: 21 of 40 patients (52.5%) were classified as acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) while 19 (47.5%) were identified as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Of all the ALL cases, 10 of the 19 (52.6%) were B-ALL and 47.4% (9/19) were T-ALL based on flow cytometry. Markers of immaturity HLA-DR and CD34 antigens were co-expressed in 61% of AML cases and 33% of T-ALL cases, whereas CD34 was expressed in 50% of the B-ALL cases. cMPO and CD13 were the most expressed markers of AML, CD19 and cCD79a were present in all cases of B-ALL, and cytoplasmic CD3 and CD7 were positive on most all T-ALL cases. Discrimination of AML from ALL patients by flow cytometry was 80% concordant with traditional morphology. Notable discrepancies occurred in cases where leukemia cells expressed markers for more than one lineage.Conclusions: In the Ethiopia setting, flow cytometry represents a feasible and promising adjunctive diagnostic approach for acute leukemia.
Quality of Life and Adherence to Imatinib Mesylate Therapy in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients at Dharmais Cancer Hospital Jakarta
Authors: Virginia Nisha , Radji Maksum , Andalucia Lucia Rizka
Published: October 2021

Background: Quality of life and adherence to long-term imatinib mesylate (IM) therapy is a major factor in achieving therapeutic effects in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, the data of the quality of life and adherence level is inconsistent in various studies and is also not fully understood yet in Indonesia. Methods: This is an observational study (single-centered) using a cross-sectional design. CML patients older than 18 years old with National Health Insurance (JKN) at the Dharmais Cancer Hospital (RSKD) Jakarta who used IM for at least one month were tested using the Medication Adherence Questionnaire (MAQ) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) from March to April 2020.Result: A total of 50 CML patients were included in the study (male: female ratio = 1.08: 1), had a good median score of global health status/QoL, and had a good function and symptom scales, except for the fatigue symptom scale (median: 33.33; 25th percentile - 75th percentile: 11.11– 44.44). The patient adherence rate was dominated by adherent patients (20/50; 40.0%). Comparative analysis revealed that the scale of QoL (p = 0.028) and fatigue (p = 0.094) variables showed statistically significant differences between adherent and non-adherent subjects.Conclusions: This study showed that two-fifth of patients were considered to be non-adherent. Adherent patients were known to have higher QoL than non-adherent patients. Meanwhile, patients with severe symptoms of fatigue were found to be non-adherent to IM therapy.
A Rare and Fatal Case of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL)
Authors: Sasmithae Lia , Perdana Indra
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) is a form of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma involving T-cell neoplasms mainly concentrated in the skin. Primary Cutaneous Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma is Not Otherwise Specified (PTL-NOS) is the rarest case of CTCL disease.Case Presentation: A female, 35 years old, complained of a lump on her face. In the last 3 months, the lump felt soft, contained a liquid that, when it ruptures, secretes Blood, and the crusty scar will blacken and easily bleed with pain. Physical examination of pale conjunctiva on the face, neck, chest, abdomen, back, and legs obtained nodules with a chewy consistency with erythema appearance in varying size. Some nodules that appear were covered in blackish crustae. The right lung has a decrease in the sound of breath, accompanied by swelling in both limbs. The conclusion of bilateral femur skin biopsy impresses cutaneous T lymphoma cells. Within three months, cancer developed into lesions spread almost throughout the body, and due to the rapid and progressive nature of cancer, its diagnosis developed into PTL-NOS.Conclusions: Patients with PTL-NOS may come with solitary nodules such as red tumors in any area of the body. However, most often, patients come with symptoms of multifocal or diffuse scattered nodules. In enforcing the diagnosis, it takes a high level of suspicion, and multiple rebiopsies are necessary to enforce the diagnosis of CTCL.
Methodological grounds of the patent landscape in the system of intellectual national security
Authors: Butnik-Siverskyi Oleksandr , Androshchuk Hennadii
Published: October 2021

Keywords: intellectual property, national intellectual security, research methodology,patent landscape, comparative economic statistics

The articleexamines intellectual national security in security science as a new direction of development,which requires the development of theoretical and methodological grounds inobtaining results that are fixed in the course of grounding of real external and internalthreats. It is grounded the need for deep study of the development of an effectivemethodology of intellectual national security, which includes methods of the patentlandscape, that determined the purpose of the study, which was the methodology ofthe patent landscape on the economic nature and patterns of development of intellectualnational security in the direction of counteracting internal and external threats.It is noted that the patent landscape is not a tool that has features of completeness,but is considered as a research methodology that includes methods of search andanalysis, evaluation of the results and their effectiveness of impact. It is consideredthe methodology of the research of patent landscape for the purposes of intellectualnational security, which aims to generalize methodical approaches for various tasksof counteracting internal and external threats in the system of intellectual nationalsecurity and includes technological analysis, competitive analysis, territorial analysisand analysis of patent portfolio (patented intellectual assets) of specific company or companies and requires concrete methodical support and standardization of reporting,and in some cases the establishment of standards or substantive restrictions. Themethodology is considered as a large-scale variant of patent search and from theangle of the real state and prospects of transformation processes in the direction of researchingthreats to national security using known global databases of patent statisticsand comparative economic statistics to identify benefits or waste of financial andmaterial resources.
Electrospun Fiber Alignment Guides Osteogenesis and Matrix Organization Differentially in Two Different Osteogenic Cell Types
Authors: Delaine-Smith Robin M. , Hann Alice Jane , Green Nicola H. , Reilly Gwendolen Clair
Published: October 2021

Biomimetic replication of the structural anisotropy of musculoskeletal tissues is important to restore proper tissue mechanics and function. Physical cues from the local micro-environment, such as matrix fiber orientation, may influence the differentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) organization of osteogenic progenitor cells. This study investigates how scaffold fiber orientation affects the behavior of mature and progenitor osteogenic cells, the influence on secreted mineralized-collagenous matrix organization, and the resulting construct mechanical properties. Gelatin-coated electrospun poly(caprolactone) fibrous scaffolds were fabricated with either a low or a high degree of anisotropy and cultured with mature osteoblasts (MLO-A5s) or osteogenic mesenchymal progenitor cells (hES-MPs). For MLO-A5 cells, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was highest, and more calcium-containing matrix was deposited onto aligned scaffolds. In contrast, hES-MPs, osteogenic mesenchymal progenitor cells, exhibited higher ALP activity, collagen, and calcium deposition on randomly orientated fibers compared with aligned counterparts. Deposited matrix was isotropic on random fibrous scaffolds, whereas a greater degree of anisotropy was observed in aligned fibrous constructs, as confirmed by second harmonic generation (SHG) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging. This resulted in anisotropic mechanical properties on aligned constructs. This study indicates that mineralized-matrix deposition by osteoblasts can be controlled by scaffold alignment but that the early stages of osteogenesis may not benefit from culture on orientated scaffolds.
The Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblast as a Dynamic Player in Mediating Cancer Stemness in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Loh Jia Jian , Ma Stephanie
Published: October 2021

The enrichment of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs) in a tumor microenvironment (TME) cultivates a pro-tumorigenic niche via aberrant paracrine signaling and matrix remodeling. A favorable niche is critical to the maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a population of cells that are characterized by their enhanced ability to self-renew, metastasis, and develop therapy resistance. Mounting evidence illustrates the interplay between CAF and cancer cells expedites malignant progression. Therefore, targeting the key cellular components and factors in the niche may promote a more efficacious treatment. In this study, we discuss how CAF orchestrates a niche that enhances CSC features and the potential therapeutic implication.
Novel Prognostic Predictor for Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: Focus on Blood Urea Nitrogen
Authors: Hu Bo , Xu Guangtao , Jin Xin , Chen Deqing , Qian Xiaolan , Li Wanlu , Xu Long , Zhu Jia , Tang Jie , Jin Xiuhui , Hou Jian
Published: October 2021

Background: Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a life-threatening disease associated with increased mortality. The urea cycle pathway plays a major role in PPH severity and treatment response. Little is known about the association of the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and PPH prognosis.

Methods: Clinical data were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database. Adult patients (≥18 years) patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) in the database were enrolled. Spearman correlation was used to analyze the association of BUN with length of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stays. The chi-square test was used to analyze the association of BUN with mortality rate. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the BUN as an independent prognostic factor of mortality. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to analyze the sensitivity and specificity for mortality.

Results: In total, 263 patients who met the selection criteria were enrolled. BUN was significantly positively associated with length of hospital stay and ICU stay (hospital stay: ρ = 0.282, ICU stay: ρ = 0.276; all P < 0.001). Higher hospital, 90-day and 4-year mortality rates were observed in the higher BUN quartile of PPH patients (hospital: P = 0.002; 90-day: P = 0.025; 4-year: P < 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that patients in higher BUN quartile tended to have lower 4-year survival (Q1:7.65%, Q2: 10.71%; Q3: 14.80%, Q4: 16.84%; P < 0.0001). Logistic regression analyses found a significant association of BUN and mortality (hospital: OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02–1.08, P = 0.001; 90-day: OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.00–1.05, P = 0.027; 4-year: OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02–1.08, P = 0.001). Results of ROC and AUC showed that the diagnostic performance of BUN for mortality was moderately good.

Conclusion: BUN was positively correlated with the length of hospital stay and ICU stay of PPH patients. Higher BUN was associated with higher hospital, 90-day and 4-year mortality and lower 4-year survival of PPH patients. These findings indicate that BUN can be a novel potential prognostic predictor for PPH.
Management of High Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetic Patients: Focus on Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Appropriate Drug Use in General Practice
Authors: Rottura Michelangelo , Scondotto Giulia , Barbieri Maria Antonietta , Sorbara Emanuela Elisa , Nasso Chiara , Marino Sebastiano , Scoglio Riccardo , Mandraffino Giuseppe , Pallio Giovanni , Irrera Natasha , Imbalzano Egidio , Squadrito Giovanni , Squadrito Francesco , Arcoraci Vincenzo
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the management of high cardiovascular risk (CVr) in the patients with diabetes by exploring the prescribing behavior in a setting of general practitioners (GPs). A retrospective cohort study was carried out using the data recorded between 2018 and 2020 in the clinical database of 10 GPs. Diabetes was defined using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9-CM) coding (250*) or using the laboratory parameters (hyperglycemia condition: ≥126 mg/dL). A cohort was described stratifying by demographic, clinical and therapeutic characteristics, and laboratory tests. Both the CVr and statin prescriptions were evaluated; adherence to statin therapy (medication possession ratio, MPR ≥ 80) was calculated in accordance with the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) target. The multivariate logistic regression models with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were calculated to identify the predictors of lipid modifying agents use and achieved target therapy; moreover, glucose-lowering drugs use was evaluated. Out of 13,206 people screened, 1,851 (14.0%) patients were affected by diabetes mellitus (DM), and 1,373 were identified at high/very high CVr. Of them, 1,158 (84.3%) had at least one measurement of LDL-C, and 808 (58.8%) received a prescription with at least one lipid-lowering drug (LLD). The patients at high/very high CVr treated or not treated with LLD, reached the LDL-C target in 24.0 and 10.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). Furthermore, 34.6% of patients treated with high intensity LLDs and adherent to therapy showed the LDL-C values below the therapeutic target. Out of 1,373 patients at high/very high CVr, 958 (69.8%) had at least one prescription of glucose-lowering drugs. Of them, 52.0% (n = 498) were prescribed not in agreement with the current guidelines. More specifically, 392 patients (40.9%) were treated with metformin only, while the remaining 106 (11.1%) were treated with metformin together with hypoglycemic agents other than glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) or sodium-glucose-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Our results suggest the urgent need to improve the management of patients with diabetes at high and very high CVr in the real life, to reduce the burden of diabetes on the health system.
Bioengineering Methods in MicroRNA-Mediated Direct Reprogramming of Fibroblasts Into Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Paoletti Camilla , Chiono Valeria
Published: October 2021

Ischemic heart disease is the major cause of mortality worldwide. Despite the most recent pharmacological progresses, cardiac regeneration is yet not possible, and heart transplantation is the only therapeutic option for end-stage heart failure. Traditional cardiac regenerative medicine approaches, such as cell therapies and tissue engineering, have failed in the obtainment of human functional cardiac tissue, mainly due to unavailability of high quantities of autologous functional cardiomyocytes (CMs), low grafting efficiency, and/or arrhythmic events. Direct reprogramming (DR) of fibroblasts into induced CMs (iCMs) has emerged as a new promising approach for myocardial regeneration by in situ transdifferentiation or providing additional CM source for cell therapy. Among available DR methods, non-viral transfection with microRNAs (miRcombo: miR-1, miR-133, miR-208, and miR-499) appears promising for future clinical translation. MiRcombo transfection of fibroblasts could be significantly improved by the development of safe nanocarriers, efficiently delivering their cargo to target cells at the required stoichiometric ratio and overall dose in due times. Newly designed in vitro 3D culture microenvironments, providing biomimetic biophysical and biochemical stimuli to miRcombo-transfected cells, significantly increase the yield of fibroblast transdifferentiation into iCMs, enhancing CM gene expression. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression programs, critical to cell lineage commitment, can also be promoted by the administration of specific anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic soluble factors, helping in suppressing fibroblast signature. The aim of this mini-review is to introduce the readers to a relatively unknown field of cardiac research integrating bioengineering tools as relevant for the progress of miRNA-mediated cardiac DR.
Peri-Implant Health and the Knowing-Doing Gap—A Digital Survey on Procedures and Therapies
Authors: Hussain Badra , Haugen Håvard Jostein , Aass Anne Merete , Sanz Mariano , Antonoglou Georgios N. , Bouchard Philippe , Bozic Darko , Eickholz Peter , Jepsen Karin , Jepsen Sören , Karaca Ebru Ozkan , Kuru Bahar Eren , Nemcovsky Carlos E. , Papapanou Panos N. , Pilloni Andrea , Renvert Stefan , Roccuzzo Mario , Sanz-Esporrin Javier , Spahr Axel , Stavropoulos Andreas , Verket Anders , Vražić Domagoj , Lyngstadaas Ståle Petter
Published: October 2021

Objectives: Peri-implant tissue maintenance and treatment is becoming a serious challenge in implantology. With increasing numbers of implants being placed, more cases of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis is seen. A digital survey on peri-implant disease management was issued to experts in periodontology and implantology to identify the tools and procedures most commonly used today to treat peri-implant diseases and successfully manage peri-implant health. The primary aim was to assess whether there is consensus in the choice of treatment to manage peri-implant diseases and to prevent their recurrence once treated. The secondary aim was to obtain insight into future protocols and /or devices, and the research and development needed.

Materials and Methods: Participants in this digital survey were professionals specialising in periodontology, oral surgery, and implant dentistry. The questionnaire included both a series of closed- and open-ended questions. A total of 16 countries participated. The survey was sent by e-mail to 70 individuals, 66 received the survey and 37 of receivers responded, two of the participants were excluded due to insufficient filling of the survey. In the end 35 respondents completed the survey.

Results: Respondents agree that the efficacy of mechanical and chemical decontamination of implant surfaces needs to be improved and better documented. It is a common opinion that the current remedies, mostly adapted from periodontal practises, do not provide effective and reliable clinical outcomes when treating peri-implant ailments. There is a general agreement amongst experts that regularly scheduled (3–6-month intervals) maintenance treatments are essential for maintaining peri-implant health in patients experiencing implant complications. Respondents are also concerned about unnecessary use of systemic antibiotics for managing peri-implant health.

Conclusion: Regardless of agreements in parts, there was no observed consensus on the most effective treatment options for treating peri-implantitis. The experts all agree it is an urgent need for well-designed, long-term follow-up randomised and controlled clinical trials comparing interventions to provide an evidence-based strategy for peri-implant health management.
The Effect of Surrounding Vegetation on the Mycorrhizal Fungal Communities of the Temperate Tree Crataegus monogyna Jacq.
Authors: Boeraeve Margaux , Leroux Olivier , De Lange Ruben , Verbeken Annemieke , Jacquemyn Hans
Published: October 2021

About 90% of all land plants form mycorrhiza to facilitate the acquisition of essential nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and sometimes carbon. Based on the morphology of the interaction and the identity of the interacting plants and fungi, four major mycorrhizal types have been distinguished: arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM), ectomycorrhizal (EcM), ericoid mycorrhiza, and orchid mycorrhiza. Although most plants are assumed to form only one type of mycorrhiza, some species simultaneously form associations with two mycorrhizal types within a single root system. However, the dual-mycorrhizal status of many species is under discussion and in some plant species the simultaneous association with two mycorrhizal types varies in space or time or depends on the ecological context. Here, we assessed the mycorrhizal communities associating with common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), a small tree that commonly associates with AM fungi, and investigated the potential factors that underlie variation in mycorrhizal community composition. Histological staining of C. monogyna roots showed the presence of a Hartig net and hyphal sheaths in and around the roots, demonstrating the capacity of C. monogyna to form EcM. Meta-barcoding of soil and root samples of C. monogyna collected in AM-dominated grassland vegetation and in mixed AM + EcM forest vegetation showed a much higher number of EcM sequences and OTUs in root and soil samples from mixed AM + EcM vegetation than in samples from pure AM vegetation. We conclude that C. monogyna is able to form both AM and EcM, but that the extent to which it does depends on the environmental context, i.e., the mycorrhizal type of the surrounding vegetation.
Perspectives of Adolescent Girls and Young Women on Optimizing Youth-Friendly HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health Care in Zambia
Authors: Edwards Patrick V. , Roberts Sarah T. , Chelwa Nachela , Phiri Lyson , Nyblade Laura , Mulenga Drosin , Brander Caila , Musheke Maurice , Mbizvo Michael , Subramanian Sujha
Published: October 2021

Youth-friendly health care delivery models are needed to address the complex health care needs of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). The aim of this study is to explore the lived experiences of AGYW seeking comprehensive HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care and to elicit their preferences for integrated health care services. We conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussions in Lusaka, Zambia among 69 AGYW aged 10-20 who were HIV-negative or of unknown status and 40 AGYW aged 16-24 living with HIV. The data were coded through deductive and inductive processes and analyzed thematically using modified World Health Organization (WHO) dimensions of quality for youth-friendly services. AGYW expressed preference for one-stop clinics with integrated services that could provide HIV services along with other services such as pregnancy testing and family planning. AGYW also wanted information on staying healthy and approaches to prevent disease which could be delivered in the community setting such as youth clubs. An integrated clinic should address important attributes to AGYW including short wait time, flexible opening hours, assurance of confidentiality and positive staff attitudes. Youth-friendly, integrated care delivery models that incorporate AGYW preferences may foster linkages to care and improve outcomes among vulnerable AGYW.
Urban Family Planning in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Critical Scoping Review
Authors: Duminy James , Cleland John , Harpham Trudy , Montgomery Mark R. , Parnell Susan , Speizer Ilene S.
Published: October 2021

Health agendas for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) should embrace and afford greater priority to urban family planning to help achieve a number of the global Sustainable Development Goals. The urgency of doing so is heightened by emerging evidence of urban fertility stalls and reversals in some sub-Saharan African contexts as well as the significance of natural increase over migration in driving rapid urban growth. Moreover, there is new evidence from evaluations of large programmatic interventions focused on urban family planning that suggest ways to inform future programmes and policies that are adapted to local contexts. We present the key dimensions and challenges of urban growth in LMICs, offer a critical scoping review of recent research findings on urban family planning and fertility dynamics, and highlight priorities for future research.
The Omic Insights on Unfolding Saga of COVID-19
Authors: Kaur Arvinpreet , Chopra Mehak , Bhushan Mahak , Gupta Sonal , Kumari P Hima , Sivagurunathan Narmadhaa , Shukla Nidhi , Rajagopal Shalini , Bhalothia Purva , Sharma Purnima , Naravula Jalaja , Suravajhala Renuka , Gupta Ayam , Abbasi Bilal Ahmed , Goswami Prittam , Singh Harpreet , Narang Rahul , Polavarapu Rathnagiri , Medicherla Krishna Mohan , Valadi Jayaraman , Kumar S Anil , Chaubey Gyaneshwer , Singh Keshav K. , Bandapalli Obul Reddy , Kavi Kishor Polavarapu Bilhan , Suravajhala Prashanth
Published: October 2021

The year 2019 has seen an emergence of the novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). Since the onset of the pandemic, biological and interdisciplinary research is being carried out across the world at a rapid pace to beat the pandemic. There is an increased need to comprehensively understand various aspects of the virus from detection to treatment options including drugs and vaccines for effective global management of the disease. In this review, we summarize the salient findings pertaining to SARS-CoV-2 biology, including symptoms, hosts, epidemiology, SARS-CoV-2 genome, and its emerging variants, viral diagnostics, host-pathogen interactions, alternative antiviral strategies and application of machine learning heuristics and artificial intelligence for effective management of COVID-19 and future pandemics.
Unlocking the Role of Exercise on CD4+ T Cell Plasticity
Authors: Goldsmith Chloé D. , Donovan Thomasina , Vlahovich Nicole , Pyne David B.
Published: October 2021

A hallmark of T cell ageing is a loss of effector plasticity. Exercise delays T cell ageing, yet the mechanisms driving the effects of exercise on T cell biology are not well elucidated. T cell plasticity is closely linked with metabolism, and consequently sensitive to metabolic changes induced by exercise. Mitochondrial function is essential for providing the intermediate metabolites necessary to generate and modify epigenetic marks in the nucleus, thus metabolic activity and epigenetic mechanisms are intertwined. In this perspective we propose a role for exercise in CD4+ T cell plasticity, exploring links between exercise, metabolism and epigenetic reprogramming.
Vedolizumab for the Management of Refractory Behçet’s Disease: From a Case Report to New Pieces of Mosaic in a Complex Disease
Authors: Arbrile Marta , Radin Massimo , Rossi Daniela , Menegatti Elisa , Baldovino Simone , Sciascia Savino , Roccatello Dario
Published: October 2021

Objectives

When treating Behçet’s disease (BD), anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents have become a second-line therapy when conventional immunosuppressive drugs have failed. However, in the case of failure of treatment with anti-TNFα drugs, further options are limited. Based on previous reports of the efficacy of vedolizumab (VDZ) in inflammatory bowel diseases, we decided to administer VDZ to treat a patient with intestinal BD.

Methods

We present the case of a 49-year-old female patient with BD. Her clinical manifestations included erythema nodosum, oro-genital ulcers, positive Pathergy test, positive HLA-B51, and biopsy-proven intestinal BD. The patient was unsuccessfully treated with conventional immunosuppressive and several biological agents.

Results

Treatment with VDZ was started intravenously at a dose of 300 mg at 0, 2, and 6 weeks and then every 4 weeks.

After the second dose of VDZ, the patient reported a marked improvement of intestinal BD and a concomitant amelioration of arthralgia, erythema nodosum lesions and aphthosis. Clinical remission was achieved at 6 months after starting VDZ.

Conclusion

VDZ might represent a valid option to treat patients with BD who are non-responsive to standard treatments or anti-TNFα agents, particularly, those cases with intestinal involvement.
Layered Metamaterial Beam Structures With Local Resonators for Vibration Attenuation: Model and Experiment
Authors: Anigbogu Winner , Nguyen Hieu , Bardaweel Hamzeh
Published: October 2021

Layered metamaterial beam structures are gaining attention in a variety of fields including vibration attenuation and energy harvesting. Exhaustive research on single-beam metamaterial vibration attenuation structures using local resonators exists in literature. Moreover, there are recent attempts at modelling double-layered beams with different kinds of constraints. The double-layered beam models in literature are limited to simple beams and not extended to metamaterials with local resonators. This article is focused on developing a design criterion and a modelling platform for layered metamaterial structures with multiple beams and local resonators for vibration isolation. The model is developed using Euler-Bernoulli beam equations, superposition of mode shapes and Galerkin methods. A prototype layered metamaterial structure is fabricated and characterized experimentally. The prototype consists of horizontal beams, local resonators forming unit cells, and vertical beams linkages. Each local resonator consists of cantilevers with tip masses. Results show good agreement between model and experiment. Two major bandgaps are observed at 190–410 Hz and 550–710 Hz. Results reveal that the low frequency bandgap can be further reduced through the design of the local resonators. Results also show that alternating the length of the local resonators causes a shift in the first frequency bandgap. An increase in the number of local resonators opens up extra frequency bandgaps at lower frequencies with the drawback of reducing the depth in vibration transmissibility. Moreover, the higher frequency bandgaps are mostly affected by the horizontal beams. An increase in the length of the horizontal beams, while the number and design of the local resonators are fixed, broadens the second frequency bandgap and shifts it to lower values.
Lipotoxic Proximal Tubular Injury: A Primary Event in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wang Hua , Zhang Shu , Guo Jia
Published: October 2021

The pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy is a complex process that has a great relationship with lipotoxicity. Since the concept of “nephrotoxicity” was proposed, many studies have confirmed that lipotoxicity plays a significant role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy and causes various renal dysfunction. This review will make a brief summary of renal injury caused by lipotoxicity that occurs primarily and predominantly in renal tubules during diabetic progression, further leading to glomerular dysfunction. The latest research suggests that lipotoxicity-mediated tubular injury may be a major event in diabetic nephropathy.
Predictors of Mortality in Critically Ill Patients With Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Zhang Yuqi , Guo Jinyan , Zhang Panpan , Zhang Lei , Duan Xiaoguang , Shi Xiaofei , Guo Nailiang , Liu Shengyun
Published: October 2021

Background: Patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) may require intensive care unit (ICU) admission due to different reasons, and the in-ICU mortality is high among AAV patients. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical features and risk factors of mortality of patients with AAV in the ICU.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted based on 83 AAV patients admitted to the ICU in a tertiary medical institution in China. Data on clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, treatment in ICU and outcomes were collected. The data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to explore the variables that were independently related to mortality. Kaplan–Meier method was used to assess the long-term survival.

Results: Among the 83 patients, 41 (49.4%) were female. The mean age of patients was 66 ± 13 years. Forty-four patients deceased, with the in-ICU mortality of 53%. The most common cause for ICU admission was active vasculitis (40/83, 48.2%). The main cause of death was infection (27/44, 61.4%) followed by active vasculitis (15/44, 34.1%). A multivariate analysis revealed that the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) at ICU admission (OR = 1.333, 95% CI: 1.031–1.722) and respiratory failure (OR = 620.452, 95% CI: 11.495–33490.306) were independent risk factors of in-ICU death. However, hemoglobin (OR = 0.919, 95% CI: 0.849–0.995) was an independent protective factor. The nomogram established in this study was practical in predicting the risk of in-ICU mortality for AAV patients. Moreover, for 39 patients survived to the ICU stay, the cumulative survival rates at 0.5, 1, and 5 years were 58.3%, 54.2%, and 33.9%, respectively, and the median survival time was 14 months.

Conclusion: In our study, active vasculitis was the most frequent reason for ICU admission, and the main cause of death was infection. APACHE II and respiratory failure were independent risk factors while hemoglobin was an independent protective factor of in-ICU mortality for AAV patients admitted to the ICU. The risk prediction model developed in this study may be a useful tool for clinicians in early recognition of high-risk patients and applying appropriate management.
Molecular Level Insights Into the Structural and Dynamic Factors Driving Cytokine Function
Authors: Cui Jennifer Y. , Lisi George P.
Published: October 2021

Cytokines are key mediators of cellular communication and regulators of biological advents. The timing, quantity and localization of cytokines are key features in producing specific biological outcomes, and thus have been thoroughly studied and reviewed while continuing to be a focus of the cytokine biology community. Due to the complexity of cellular signaling and multitude of factors that can affect signaling outcomes, systemic level studies of cytokines are ongoing. Despite their small size, cytokines can exhibit structurally promiscuous and dynamic behavior that plays an equally important role in biological activity. In this review using case studies, we highlight the recent insight gained from observing cytokines through a molecular lens and how this may complement a system-level understanding of cytokine biology, explain diversity of downstream signaling events, and inform therapeutic and experimental development.
Dual Attention Triplet Hashing Network for Image Retrieval
Authors: Jiang Zhukai , Lian Zhichao , Wang Jinping
Published: October 2021

In recent years, learning-based hashing techniques have proven to be efficient for large-scale image retrieval. However, since most of the hash codes learned by deep hashing methods contain repetitive and correlated information, there are some limitations. In this paper, we propose a Dual Attention Triplet Hashing Network (DATH). DATH is implemented with two-stream ConvNet architecture. Specifically, the first neural network focuses on the spatial semantic relevance, and the second neural network focuses on the channel semantic correlation. These two neural networks are incorporated to create an end-to-end trainable framework. At the same time, in order to make better use of label information, DATH combines triplet likelihood loss and classification loss to optimize the network. Experimental results show that DATH has achieved the state-of-the-art performance on benchmark datasets.