bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical, Molecular and Histopathological Evaluation of the Effect Autologus PRP & PRF on the Second Intension Wound Healing in Dogs
Authors: Khalifa Olla , Elkasapy Abdelhaleem , Sallam Eman , Alakraa Adel , Marie Yasmin , mohammed liza
Published: February 2021

A new trend of regenerative medicine was introduced recently in the field of second intension wound healing. The PRP and PRF represented a corner stone in this clinical practice, were it admit many factors for acceleration of wound healing, enhancement of wound epithelization and neovascularization. PRP and PRF are considered as a great concentrated source of growth factors (PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, bFGF) and cytokines which are fundamental fro wound healing. Nine adult dogs were used in this study; we induced a 3cm diameter full thickness cutaneous injury at the right chest region. The animals were divided into three groups equally and the wounds were treated twice weekly for three successive weeks. Group A received only normal saline (control group). The members of second group treated by PRP (group B) while, the group C treated by PRF. Clinical evaluation, Molecular studies of IL10 & TGF-β and histopathological examination were used to demonstrate the difference between the three treatment regimes. Results showed non-significant negative low correlation between loss of weight and WHR%, and showed significant high positive correlation between treatment cost either by PRP or PRF with IL10 (0.79*) and WHR%(0.996**). We concluded that the PRP and PRF exhibited higher regeneration capacity and accelerate the quality of wound healing. The PRP was more superior to PRF, but not significantly different. The IL10 was significant increase in expression in PRP, while TGF-b was non-significant increased in PRF group
Spatial Conservation Prioritisation as Part of a General Land Use Planning Process 
Authors: Toivonen Tuuli , Kuusterä Johanna , Jalkanen Joel , Kukkala Aija , Lehtomäki Joona , Aalto Silja , Moilanen Atte
Published: February 2021

CONTEXT. Land use decisions are essential for reaching of biodiversity conservation targets. Usually, conservation is planned separately from other land use, using specialised approaches such as spatial conservation planning and prioritisation (SCP). This separation of processes makes it difficult to optimise between competing land uses or to plan for land sharing solutions. OBJECTIVES: We present a real-life planning case where SCP was integrated to regional planning process from early on. The aim is (i) to present the process and its results, and (ii) based on the experiences, to evaluate and discuss the potential and challenges of integrating SCP to a general land use planning. METHODS: We present the regional planning of the Helsinki-Uusimaa region in Finland where SCP was integrated as part of the general land use planning process between 2014 and 2018. We applied Zonation software and a diverse collection of spatial biodiversity data and carry out various spatial prioritizations guided by planners and environmental experts. We compared the priority areas to future plans (Uusmaa 2050). RESULTS: We show high spatial variation of biodiversity in Uusimaa region and SCP is able to highlight sites of high importance for biodiversity aware planning. Roughly 70% of biodiversity is outside protection by the Uusimaa 2050 plan draft.CONCLUSIONS: While SCP is relatively well-known by ecologists and nature conservationists, its concepts, framework, and tools are usually not familiar to general land use planners. Integration of SCP can yield to better decisions, but new practices require sufficient resourcing and tight collaboration between the parties.
Prediction Models of Tumor Growth Trajectories Based on Pretreatment CT Images of TKI-Treated Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Truong Huy Gia , Arimura Hidetaka , Tanaka Kentaro , Ninomiya Kenta , Le Quoc Cuong
Published: February 2021

We have developed prediction models of tumor growth trajectories (TGTs) based on pretreatment computed tomography (CT) images, prior to targeted therapy with four specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)—erlotinib, gefitinib, afatinib, and osimertinib—for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non–small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients. TGTs of the time-variant number of tumor cells were predicted for individual patients with tumor growth equations under the assumption that each tumor could contain three cell types: TKI drug-sensitive, drug-persister, and drug-resistant populations. Seven parameters of the TGT models were estimated by support vector regression, which learned the relationships between principal component features and the referenced parameters that were optimized by a Levenberg–Marquardt method. The Spearman correlation coefficient was employed to evaluate the correlation in the number of tumor cells at each CT acquisition timepoint between the reference numbers (derived from CT images) and predicted numbers. The average Spearman correlation was 0.822 (p=0.073) for a training dataset (27 treatments) and 0.818 (p=0.042) for a test dataset (10 treatments). The proposed models could predict TGTs for TKI non-treated patients, thereby estimating how lung tumors will respond to specific TKI drugs to optimize the selection of treatment strategies.
Research on Carbon Emission Efficiency in the Chinese Construction Industry based on a Three-stage DEA-Tobit Model
Authors: Zhang Mengna , Li Lianshui , Cheng Zhonghua
Published: February 2021

The traditional data envelopment analysis (DEA) model usually ignores the influence of external environmental factors and random interference. This can easily lead to deviations in efficiency estimates. In order to solve this problem, a three-stage DEA model was used to better reflect the carbon emission efficiency of Chinese construction industry (CEECI) (2006–2017) from the perspective of non-management factors. The internal influencing factors of CEECI are analyzed by the Tobit model, which provides a more accurate basis for formulating policies. It is found that the CEECI is significantly affected by the GDP, the level of industrialization, the degree of opening-up, technological innovation and energy structure. After excluding environmental factors and random interference, the average CEECI increased by 16%. The resulting calculations were noteworthy in three aspects. First, there are significant regional differences in the CEECI. Both the multi-polarization phenomenon of CEECI and regional differences also reduced gradually over time. Second, the CEECI can be decomposed into pure carbon emission efficiency (PCEE) and scale efficiency (SE), which is mainly caused by SE. Excluding external environmental factors and random interference will have a specific impact on the CEECI. All the 30 provinces are divided into four categories to analyze the reasons and solutions of the differences in the CEECI in provinces. Third, many factors had inhibitory effects on the CEECI, PCEE and SE; these included energy structure optimization, labor force number, total power of construct ion equipment and construction intensity in the construction industry. Nevertheless, the development level of the construction industry did have a significant positive effect.
A case of death within 72 hours after community-acquired bloodstream infection caused by klebsiella variicola
Authors: Long Dali , Wang Yuhui , Wang Jinlong , Mu Sijie , Chen Li , Shi Xianqing , Li Jianquan
Published: February 2021

Klebsiella subspecies infection is widely misdiagnosed and underestimated in clinic. We report a patient who was admitted to hospital due to unknown high fever. Bacterial culture only revealed the klebsiella pneumonia. Broad-spectrum antibiotics failed to improve patient's symptoms, although these antibiotics are sensitive to klebsiella pneumonia according to the drug susceptibility results. Patient rapidly entered sepsis and subsequent sepsis shock, and died within 72 hours. The delayed PMseq-DNA Pro high throughput gene detection revealed the mixed infection of klebsiella pneumoniae and klebsiella variicola. This is a very rare case that patient suffered so rapid deterioration and died from bacterial infection within short period of time. Klebsiella variicola could contribute to rapid illness progression, while it was revealed by gene detection rather than classic laboratory methods. Which suggests that early genetic detection should be recommended in cases of complex infection.
An Effective Inhibitory Strategy of Low Steady Magnetic Field on Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Li Xiaodi , Fang Yanwen , Fang Zhicai , Wang Ping , Zhu Jun
Published: February 2021

To estimate the effect of a steady-state magnetic field (SMF) with low magnetic intensity gradient on the apoptosis-promoting factors related to cancer cells, we systematically select SMF with 0.2T, 0.4T and 0.6T to study their effect on different ovarian cancer lines. An in vitro cell model system about two kinds of ovarian cancer lines is established, whose viability and intracellular factors are detected by CCK-8, confocal microscopy and flow cytometry method. The results demonstrate that the apoptosis rate of ovarian cancer cells is increased with the enhancement of SMF magnetic intensity. Furthermore, we detect an increasing ROS and intracellular Ca2+ levels in ovarian cancer cells, which can be caused by SMF. The results suggest that ROS and Ca2+ levels are the main reason for the significant apoptosis of ovarian cancer cell lines in SMF. Moreover, an in vivo experiment also reveals that SMF has a strong inhibitory effect on ovarian cancer. Therefore, the inhibitory strategy is an effective, which has a great potential in the treatment of drug-resistant ovarian cancer.
Fluoroscopy guided stent placement for the treatment of malignant afferent loop obstruction
Authors: Wang Chaoyang , Duan Xiaoyi , Wei Lequn , Wang Tong , Niu Huanzhang
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND & AIM:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fluoroscopy guided stent placement for the treatment of malignant afferent loop obstruction (ALO).
METHODS

12 patients with malignant ALO in whom fluoroscopy guided stent placement had been performed were analyzed retrospectively. The operation time, clinical efficacy, complications and postoperative hospitalization were observed. Follow-up was scheduled at 1 and 3 months after the operation, and every 3 months thereafter, or when the patients developed clinical symptoms related to ALO.
RESULTS

Stent placement was performed successfully in 11 patients with an average time of 37.9 ± 12.2 min. For the other one patient, we adopted transnasal drainage tube implantation in afferent loop instead of stent placement. All the patients had an obvious relief of clinical symptoms, and no serious complications occurred. During the follow-up, 1 patient had restenosis 12 months later as the tumor grew across the stent mesh. 7 patients died of tumor progression at 3, 4.5, 5, 7, 8, 11 and 15 months after the operation.
CONCLUSION

Fluoroscopy guided stent placement is an effective and safe method for the treatment of malignant ALO.
Admission White Blood Cell Count Predicts Short- and Long-Term Mortality in Patients With Acute Aortic Dissection: Data From the MIMIC-III Database
Authors: Zhang Chiyuan , Fu Zuli , Chen Xuliang , Bai Hui , Ling Guoqiang , Shi Ruizheng , Xu Qian
Published: February 2021

BackgroundInflammation underlies both the pathogenesis and prognosis in patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD). This study aimed to assess the association of ICU admission of white blood cell count (WBCc) with short- and long-term mortality in these patients.MethodsClinical data were extracted from the MIMIC-III V1.4 database. After adjusted to covariables, Cox regression analysis and Kapan-Meier curve were performed to determine the relationship between WBCc on admission and short- and long-term mortality in AAD patients. Subgroup analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were conducted to evaluate the performance of admission WBCc in predicting short- and long-term mortality in patients with AAD.ResultsA total of 325 eligible patients were divided into 2 groups: normal-WBCc group(≤ 11 k/uL) and high-WBCc group(>11 K/uL). In univariate Cox regression analysis, high WBCc was significant risk predictor of 30-days, 90-days, 1-year and 5-years mortality [hazard ratio(HR), 95%CI, P: 2.58 1.36–4.91 0.004; 3.16 1.76–5.70 0.000; 2.74 1.57–4.79 0.000; 2.10 1.23–3.54 0.006]. After adjusting for age and other risks, high WBCc remained a significant predictor of 30-days, 90-days and 1-year mortality in AAD patients (HR, 95% CI, P: 2.55 1.23–5.27 0.012; 2.88 1.44–5.76 0.003; 2.33 1.21–4.47 0.011). The area under ROC curve of WBCc for predicting 30-days, 90-days, 1-year and 5-year mortality were 0.69, 0.70, 0.66 and 0.61, respectively. The results from subgroups analysis showed that there was no interaction in most strata and patients who were younger than 69 years of age or had history of respiratory disease with an elevated WBCc had an excess risk of 30-days mortality (HR, 95% CI:, P: 3.18 1.41–7.14 0.005; 3.84 1.05–14.13 0.043).ConclusionA marked elevated WBCc on admission can predict short- and long-term mortality in patients with AAD.
Sodium-Containing Versus Sodium-Trace Preparations of IVIG for Children With Kawasaki Disease in The Acute Phase
Authors: Suzuki Takanori , Michihata Nobuaki , Aso Shotaro , Yoshikawa Tetsushi , Saito Kazuyoshi , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: February 2021

Objectives: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis that most commonly causes acquired cardiac disease in children in developed countries. The most highly recommended treatment for KD is 2 g/kg intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). There are two types of IVIG, sodium-containing (high Na) and sodium-trace (low Na) preparations. However, few studies have compared the effects of these two preparations for superiority. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes between high and low Na IVIG preparations in KD children using a national inpatient database in Japan.Methods: We used the Diagnostic Procedure Combination database to identify KD patients treated with IVIG between 2010 and 2017. We identified those receiving high and low Na preparations of IVIG as an initial treatment. Outcomes included proportion of coronary artery abnormalities (CAA), IVIG resistance, adverse effects, length of stay, and medical cost. Propensity score-matched analyses were conducted to compare the outcomes between the two groups. Instrumental variable analyses were performed to confirm the results.Results: We identified 42345 patients with KD. There were significant differences in proportions of CAA (2.8% vs. 3.2%; p=0.031) and IVIG resistance (17% vs. 18%; p=0.001) between the two groups. However, there were no significant differences in length of stay or medical cost. The instrumental variable analysis confirmed the same results as the propensity score analysis.Conclusions: The present study suggests that high Na IVIG is potentially effective for reducing the proportion of CAA in KD patients. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm the effectiveness observed in this study.
Effect of Concentration of Nd3+ on the Photoluminescence and Ferroelectric Properties of Bi4-xNdxTi3O12 Films
Authors: Xu Yudong , Hu Kunzhuang , Shi Min , Zuo Ruzhong , Qiu Guannan , Si Zhuolin , Men Enyang
Published: February 2021

Lead-free films of Bi4-xNdxTi3O12 were deposited on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si(100) substrate via spin-coating methods. It is shown that there are no secondary phases in Bi4-xNdxTi3O12 films and clear interfaces between the Bi4-xNdxTi3O12 films and substrates when the films are annealed at 700 ℃. And the Bi4-xNdxTi3O12 films also exhibit a blue light emission peak at 437 nm and a yellow light emission peak at 580 nm. There are narrower band gaps, higher dielectric constant and lower dielectric loss when Nd3+ concentration varies from 0 to 0.85. And the Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12 film possesses the minimum of band gap energy (2.67 eV). Moreover, Bi3.55Nd0.45Ti3O12 film exhibits a minimal leakage current density and a maximal remanent polarization, which is highly beneficial for the potential applications in multi-functional devices.
WITHDRAWN: Lichens as Biomonitors of Air Pollutants Deposition: Strategically Important Element Pollution 
Authors: Topal E.Işıl Arslan , Topal Murat , Öbek Erdal , Türkoğlu Semra , Aslan Ali
Published: February 2021

In this study, different lichen species (Lobaria pulmonaria, Cladonia furcata, Usnea longissima, Xanthoparmelia somloensis, and Flavopormelia caperata) as biomonitors of air pollutants deposition were investigated and element pollution (Ta, Bi, Hf, Nb, Ga, Sc, Li, Y, Ce, and Sr) was evaluated. According to obtained data, the highest accumulation was 43.9±2.1 mg/kg in Xanthoparmelia somloensis. Sr value detected in each lichen was quite high. Sr percentages for Lobaria pulmonaria, Cladonia furcata, Usnea longissima, Xanthoparmelia somloensis, and Flavopormelia caperata were 77%, 66%, 87%, 58%, and 78%, respectively. This indicates that the lichens accumulate Sr well. Also, other strategically important elements were also accumulative by lichens. The highest contamination factor (CF) values in lichen species were determined for Sr and Ta. The highest CF values of Hf, Nb, Li, Ga, and Bi were calculated for L. pulmonaria while the highest CF values of Sr, Y, Sc, and Ce were calculated for Xanthoparmelia somloensis. Moreover, the highest CF value of Ta was calculated for Flavopormelia caperata. EF values for Lobaria pulmonaria, Cladonia furcata, and Flavopormelia caperata were >10, only for Bi. EF values for Usnea longissima were <10. EF values for Xanthoparmelia somloensis were >10. PLI values for Lobaria pulmonaria and Usnea longissima were >1. As a result, the presence of strategically important elements detected in lichen species showed that lichens can be used as biomonitors of air pollutants.
TREK-1 Mediates The Alleviative Effects of GABAB Receptor Antagonism on Depression-Like Behavior in Chronic Unpredictable Stress Rats
Authors: Li Jinying , Li Huairui , Yu Weizhi , Zhai Xiuli , Xu Hong , Xue Ying , Sun Ye , Zhang Xiaonan , Gao Ye , Gui Lin , Yu Deqin , Yin Shengming , Tang Yiyuan , xiao zhaoyang
Published: February 2021

GABAB receptor (GABAB R) antagonists are known to have antidepressant effects. TWIK-related potassium channel-1 (TREK-1) plays a role in GABAB R signaling. However, the role of TREK-1 in the antidepressant actions of GABAB R antagonist is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether TREK-1 mediates the antidepressant actions of GABAB R antagonist. To investigate this hypothesis, chronic unpredictable stress rats were treated with a GABAB R antagonist, GABAB R agonist, or TREK-1 blocker. Depression-like behavior was assessed by open field tests and sucrose preference tests. GABAB R and TREK-1 protein levels were measured by western blotting. The results demonstrated that the GABAB R antagonist alleviated depression-like behavior and reversed the decrease in hippocampal TREK-1 protein expression that characterizes chronic unpredictable stress rats. Conversely, the GABAB R agonist exacerbated depression-like behavior and further decreased hippocampal TREK-1 protein expression. In addition, the TREK-1 blocker alleviated the depression-like behavior of chronic unpredictable stress rats and increased hippocampal TREK-1 protein expression. These results suggest that the alleviative effects of the GABAB receptor antagonist on depression-like behavior in chronic unpredictable stress rats are at least partially mediated through TREK-1. These novel findings will be helpful for the clinical therapy of depression.
Machine Learning Models of Hemorrhage/Ischemia in Moyamoya Disease and Analysis of Its Risk Factors
Authors: Chen Zhongjun , Luo Haowen , Xu Lijun
Published: February 2021

Object: Identify the risk factors for hemorrhage/ischemia in patients with moyamoya disease and establish models using Logistic regression (LR), XGboost and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), evaluating and comparison the effects of those models; providing theoretical basis for moyamoya disease patients to prevent stroke recurrence. Methods: This retrospective study used data from the database of Jiang Xi Province Medical Big Data Engineering & Technology Research Center; the data of patients with moyamoya disease admitted to the second affiliated hospital of Nanchang university from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2019 were collected. A total of 994 patients with moyamoya disease were screened, including 496 patients with cerebral infarction and 498 patients with cerebral hemorrhage. LR, XGboost and MLP were used to establish models for hemorrhage /ischemia in moyamoya disease, the effects of different models were verified and compared. Result: LR, XGboost and MLP models all had good discrimination (AUC>0.75), and their AUC value are 0.9227（95%CI:0.9215-0.9239）、0.9677(95%CI:0.9657-0.9696)、 0.9672（95%CI：0.9643-0.9701）. Compared with LR model, the prediction ability of XGboost and MLP model in training and test set is improved, which is increased by 18.11% and 14.34% respectively in training set, and there is a significant difference. Conclusion: Compared with the traditional LR model, the machine learning models are more effective in predicting hemorrhage/ischemia in moyamoya disease.
Drivers on The Halophytes' Rhizosphere Bacteria Community and Functions in North China Salinized Areas
Authors: Yin Fating , Zhang Fenghua , Cheng Zhibo , Wang Haoran
Published: February 2021

Soil salinity is a serious environmental issue in arid China. Soil bacteria play a fundamental role in soil systems and respond rapidly to environmental changes. However, the responses of soil bacterial community to the different halophytes remains poorly understood. We investigated rhizosphere soil bacterial community changes under different halophytes in north China using high-throughput sequencing. Three typical halophytes were Leymus chinensis (LC), Puccinellia tenuiflora (PT), Suaeda glauca (SG). The dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi across three halophytic vegetation. These bacteria have important assistance for halophytes adapt to saline soil. PICRUSt forecasts demonstrated that energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism are main bacterial functions in halophyte vegetation soil, and the abundance of metabolism these bacterial functions in SG was significantly higher than that in LC and PT. The pH value of different halophyte rhizosphere soils has a more significant effect on bacterial diversity than EC and soil trophic status, and soil water content (SWC) was important effect factors leading to differences in bacterial functions. These results give us a deeper understanding of the diversity and functional differences of rhizosphere soil bacterial communities in the typical halophytic vegetation of northern China.
NT157 Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth and Sensitizes Cells to Sorafenib
Authors: Wang Yu , Yu Si-Zhe , Zhang Shi-Rong , Hou Jia , Jiao Min , Tian Tao , Ruan Zhi-Ping , Liang Xuan , Li Wen-Yuan , Nan Ke-Jun , Lv Yi , Liu Chang , Claret Francois Xavier , Guo Hui
Published: February 2021

Background: Sorafenib has been recognized as the standard therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Besides, efficacy of sorafenib was unsatisfactory and vast patients are resistant to sorafenib. Thus, molecular mechanisms underlying regulation of sorafenib resistance and seeking potential strategy to improve its efficacy have attracted much attention. As a small-molecule inhibitor of IGF-1R, NT157 has potent antitumor activity against some human cancers. However, whether NT157 has potential anti-tumor effects and its molecular mechanisms in HCC remain poorly understood. Methods: We assessed the effects and explored the mechanism of NT157 and sorafenib as single agents or in combination with sorafenib in HCC cells and mouse model. Further, we further demonstrated that NT157 reversed resistance to sorafenib in HCC.Results: Here, we found NT157 inhibited HCC growth and induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. In terms of mechanism, NT157 phosphorylated IRS-1 through ERK-MAPK signaling to be degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, lowered p-AKT to deactivate IGF-1R signaling to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis. Surprisingly, we further demonstrated that NT157 acted synergistically with sorafenib to inhibit proliferation and contributed to sensitize HCC cells to sorafenib by down-regulation of p-AKT. Conclusions: Overall, our findings provide a translational rationale for inhibition of IGF-1R and downstream signaling pathways by NT157 as a novel targeted therapy alone or combined with sorafenib in HCC.
Effect of Glass Fibers on The Mechanical Behavior As Well As Energy Absorption Capacity and Toughness Indices of Concrete Bridge Decks.
Authors: Jan Ahmad , Pu Zhang , Khan Kashif Ali , Ahmad Izhar , Khan Irshad
Published: February 2021

In this study, the incorporation of glass fibers in concrete bridge decks has been studied for improving its mechanical properties as well as energy absorption capacity and toughness indices. The mix proportion of 1:3:2 (cement:sand:aggregate) was selected having water-cement ratio of 0.71. For the manufacturing of glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), the glass fibers (2-inch) were incorporated at a percentage level of 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% by weight of cement in concrete mixes. The findings reveal that the split-tensile and flexural strength of GFRC increases at all the percentage levels, however, the compressive strength of the blended mixes get reduced by increasing the dosage of glass fibers in the concrete. Besides, the energy absorption and toughness indices are also studied for different types of loadings (i.e. compressive, splitting-tensile and flexural loadings) up to a percentage level of 4%. The findings reveal that the split-tensile and flexural energy absorption was increased with the increase in the dosage of glass fibers in comparison with the conventional concrete mixes, however, the compressive energy absorption of the blended mixes get reduced by increasing the dosage of glass fibers in the concrete. Whereas, the toughness indices for compressive, spilt-tensile and flexure was increased while increasing the percentage of glass fibers as compared to the conventional concrete. Among the different percentages of glass fibers, its 4% addition gives better results as compared to 1%, 2% and 3%. Hence, the 4% of GF can be suggested to be the optimum percentage of the fibers for the selected mix-design in controlling the resistance of concrete in the bridge decks. Although, the energy absorption of GFRC is lesser in comparison with the toughness indices, GFRC are appropriate for enhancing ductility and resistance against loadings in concrete bridge decks.
Diversity of Vaginal Microbiota Affects Epithelial Barrier Permeability Among African Pregnant Women
Authors: BBLT Lois Bayigga , Nabatanzi Rose , Mausser Emilie , Kateete David P. , Sekikubo Musa , Anderson Deborah J. , Nakanjako Damalie
Published: February 2021

BackgroundWomen with diverse genital anaerobic bacterial communities, are at over 4-fold higher risk of HIV acquisition than women with a Lactobacillus-rich vaginal microbiome. The mechanisms underlying this are poorly understood. We set out to examine how vaginal microbiota diversity affects epithelial integrity in HIV sero-negative pregnant women. We also investigated how HIV infection alters mucosal integrity within the prevalent genital microbiome diversity.MethodsWe assessed epithelial permeability by measuring the concentrations of tight junction proteins, claudin-1 and zonula occludens- (ZO)-1, in cervico-vaginal lavages (CVL) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cytokines in the vaginal fluids were measured by multiplex magnetic bead assay to establish the inflammatory state. Bacterial cell-free supernatants were used to treat vaginal epithelial cells and tissues, mimicking the in-vivo vaginal milieu. Gene and protein expression levels of tight junctions of vaginal epithelial cells and tissues in response to treatment were quantified by QuantiGene™ Plex Gene Expression Assay and by western blot respectively. The cytokine response of vaginal epithelial cells, VK2 (E6/E7, ATCC® CRL-2616™), to bacterial cell-free supernatants was measured by ELISA method.Results Among women with CT3 cervicotype, HIV sero-negative pregnant women had significantly higher claudin-1 in their CVL than the HIV-infected pregnant women (p=0.0011). IL-8 (p=0.0028), IL-1beta (p<0.0001) and TNF-alpha (p=0.0283) were significantly higher among HIV-negative pregnant women with a non-Lactobacillus dominant vaginal microbiota than those with a Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal microbiota. Bacterial cell-free supernatants from Lactobacillus elicited low levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1alpha, IL8, IL-6 and IL-1 beta in comparison to media and G. vaginalis. Treatment with G. vaginalis supernatant lowers claudin-1 and claudin-4 expression yet presence of either L. crispatus or L. iners mitigates this effect of G. vaginalis as observed by immuno-staining of treated vaginal cells.Conclusions Pregnant women with a non-Lactobacillus dominant microbiome had a disrupted epithelial barrier and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, making them at a higher risk of HIV acquisition than women with a Lactobacillus-dominant microbiome. Targeting vaginal microbiota and/or its effects on the vaginal epithelium and cervico-vaginal milieu can potentially lower rates of HIV acquisition and transmission.
lncRNA GAS5 enhances tumor stem cell-like medicated sensitivity of paclitaxel and inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by targeting miR-18a-5p/STK4 pathway in prostate cancer
Authors: Lu Tingting , Li Hualei , Gai Ling , Huang Hua , Li Feng
Published: February 2021

Background: Prostate cancer (PCA) is onset hidden and more likely occur recurrence and metastasis due to chemotherapy resistance. The present research aimed to investigate the mechanisms of cancer chemoresistance and find new ways to improve the sensitivity of chemotherapy drugs to tumors.Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect GAS5 expression in PCA tissues and cell lines. Western blotting was performed to assess the protein expressions. The effect of GAS5 on PCA cells was assessed by gain of function assay. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were performed to assess the sensitivity of PCA cell lines to paclitaxel treatment. Flow cytometry and EDU assays were performed to assess cell proliferation. The dual luciferase reporter assays were performed to investigate the interaction between GAS5 and miR-18a-5p, also between miR-18a-5p and STK4. Results: our present research showed that long non-coding RNA GAS5 was downregulated in PCA and associated with metastasis and paclitaxel resistance. GAS5 acted as a tumor suppressor in suppressing proliferation and metastasis of the paclitaxel-resistant PCA cells. In vivo experiment, GAS5 overexpression inhibited the tumor growth of xenograft and elevated PCA sensitivity to paclitaxel. Combination of GAS5 and paclitaxel treatment showed great potential in treatment of PCA. Moreover, mechanistic analysis revealed a novel regulatory network of GAS5/miR-18a-5p/STK4 axis in PCA that inhibits the EMT and enhances tumor stem cell-like medicated sensitivity of paclitaxel.Conclusions: The findings provided a novel direction for potential adjunct to cancer chemotherapy that aimed at improving the sensitivity of chemotherapy drugs to PCA.
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells limit post-stroke infection
Authors: Han Jianbang , Xie Yu , Feng Zhiming , Sun Haitao , Li Feng , Ouyang Qian , Zhang Zhongfei , Zou Xiaoxiong , Cai Yingqian , Zou Yuxi , Tang Yanping , JIANG Xiaodan
Published: February 2021

Background

Brain ischemia leads to excessive infiltration of clusters of CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells in the brain, which aggravate ischemic brain injury. Acute ischemic stroke also has a negative impact on the antibacterial immune response, leading to stroke-induced immunodepression and infection. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (ucMSC) have an immunosuppressive function. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether ucMSC treatment alleviates the excessive infiltration of CD8+ T and NK cells. We also investigated significant concerns that ucMSC treatment might suppress antimicrobial immunity, leading to an increased risk of infection.
Methods

After middle cerebral artery occlusion, stroke and post-stroke infective mice received intravenous injection of ucMSC. We performed haematoxylin and eosin staining of organs and assessed the Modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS),the activated state of microglia,quantity and distribution of CD8 + T and NK cells. Changes of cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10), and blood biochemical indexes were also detected.We then assessed autophagy and apoptosis of platelets, as well as mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ATP levels.In vitro ucMSC was co-cultured with platelet and Escherichia coli, followed by detection of the E. coli growth curve.
Results

ucMSC treatment ameliorated the infiltration of CD8+ T and NK cells in the brain, reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines.ucMSC treatment limit post-stroke infection and reduce the inflmamatory injury of various organs induced by post-stroke infection,as well as ucMSC inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli in vivo and vitro.ucMSC treatment maintained autophagy, MMP, and the production of ATP, while inhibiting apoptosis of platelets in vivo.
Conclusions

Based on these findings, ucMSC may represent a potential and safe therapeutic option for stroke treatment by inhibiting brain injury and limiting post-stroke infection.
A Set of Challenges for setting distance-learning environments based on university students’ experience at the covid-19 pandemic time in Iraq
Authors: Alkhafaji Alaa , Mshalli Haider , Giovannela Carlo , Passarelli Marcello
Published: February 2021

This paper presents an empirical study to investigate students’ perspectives and attitude towards distance-learning at the university level in Iraq. Universities were forced to convert from face-to-face (f2f) learning to fully virtual due to the coronavirus covid-19 pandemic. The transition was within two weeks, which probably causes some challenges students might encounter due to this rapid transition. This study aims to highlight any challenges students might face. This would help prevent such challenges in the future time, which could ensure a smooth and seamless learning process over the internet. A mixed methods approach was used with data being gathered using a questionnaire technique with 79 questions; multichoice, scales and open-ended questions; this paper focuses on the quantitative data only. 2746 students responded to this questionnaire from different age groups and different study levels. A set of four challenges’ themes is introduced in this paper, which was driven based on the results of this study. Themes include infrastructure related, pedagogy related, context related, and self-support related.
Bone marrow derived CD 34+ cells and leukocytes in 729 children and adults with non-malignant diseases 
Authors: Pabinger Christof , Laky Brenda , Heuberer Philip , Kobinia Georg Stefan
Published: February 2021

To our knowledge, no large studies reporting bone marrow (BM) derived cell counts of children and adults with non-malignant diseases have been published so far. Thus, the primary objective was to evaluate BM-derived CD34+ and leukocyte cell counts in 729 female and male patients of different age groups who underwent autologous cell-based therapy for non-malignant diseases.For this study, a retrospective data analysis of laboratory parameters including BM-aspirated and post-centrifuge concentrated CD34+ cells and leukocytes was performed. Associations and differences of cell counts between age groups, gender, and diagnose related group were evaluated.Included were data of 187 female and 542 male patients aged between 2 and 75 years, who underwent autologous cell-based therapy for various non-malignant diseases. The median percentage of CD34+ cells of leukocytes was 1.10% in BM-aspirate (BMA) and 0.96% in post-centrifuge BMA concentrate (BMAC). Significant moderate positive correlations were observed between CD34+ cells (count/μl) and leukocytes (count/μl) in BMA and in BMAC. Significant strong negative correlations were detected between age (years) and CD34+ cells (count/μl/kg) in BMA and in BMAC. No significant differences regarding CD34+ cells (count/μl) in BMA were detected between adults, while significant differences regarding cell counts were detected between diagnose related groups, but not between females and males.This study including 729 patients with various non-malignant diseases showed that approximately 1% of leukocytes were CD34+ cells in BMA and in BMAC. While BM-derived CD34+ cells were significantly higher in younger patients, similar cell counts were detected within adults.
Rotylenchus wimbii n. sp. (Nematoda: Hoplolaimidae) associated with finger millet in Kenya
Authors: Singh Phougeishangbam Rolish , Karssen Gerrit , Gitau Kelvin , Wanjau Cecilia , Couvreur Marjolein , Pili Njira Njira , Gheysen Godelieve , Bert Wim
Published: February 2021

Rotylenchus wimbii n. sp. was found associated with finger millet in Kenya and is described based on light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and molecular information. Sequence analysis was performed on ITS, 18S, and D2-D3 of 28S of ribosomal DNA and COI of mitochondrial DNA. This new species is characterized by a moderate female body size of 0.6 to 0.8 mm, a continuous hemispherical lip region with four annuli, 3 to 4 irregular blocks on the basal lip annule, absence of longitudinal cuticular striations in anterior region, four lateral lines forming three equal bands which are areolated mainly at pharynx level, a robust stylet of 23 to 27 µm of which 45 to 53% is cone part, and with rounded to sometimes indented knobs, a secretory-excretory pore around level of pharyngo-intestinal junction, didelphic-amphidelphic reproductive system, vulva without distinct epiptygma, indistinct to empty spermatheca, tail usually truncated with 5 to 9 annuli, phasmids located at 7 to 17 annuli anterior to anus, and absence of males. Molecular phylogenies, in combination with species delimitation, supported the distinctiveness of Rotylenchus wimbii n. sp. and revealed some mislabeled Rotylenchus brevicaudatus sequences in GenBank.
Stawanie się osobą jako proces
Authors: Leśniak Piotr
Published: February 2021

Pierwsze trzy części mają charakter wstępny. Ich zadaniem jest, na podstawie filozofii procesu Whiteheada, zdefiniować podstawowe terminy, takie jak cielesność, osoba ludzka, świadomość, jedność osobowa, etapy, fazy i wymiary procesu stawania się osobą. Szczególnie istotne dla rozumienia pojęcia osoby ludzkiej okazuje się właściwe rozumienie pojęcia Boga. Wskazano różnice pomiędzy Platońską i Arystotelesowską teologią oraz psychologią, szczególnie w aspekcie duszy pożądliwej. W kolejnych częściach omówione są etapy stawania się osobą ludzką: dzieciństwo, dorosłość i dojrzałość. Każdy z nich przedstawiony zostaje z perspektywy łączącej wymiar cielesny z duchowością. W ostatnim rozdziale podjęto próbę wysłowienia niektórych Platońskich intuicji psychologicznych w języku współczesnym. Przede wszystkim zrekonstruowano Platoński opis stawania się osobą dojrzałą poprzez rozwój duchowo-psychologiczny opisany w Państwie. Prowadzi to do ukazania Platonizmu jako podstawy nowoczesnej praktyki terapeutycznej.
O stawaniu się (o)sobą na drodze przezwyciężania samego siebie. Projekt radykalnej antropologii (neo)coachingowej
Authors: Bienisz Henryk
Published: February 2021

Współczesny coaching dość dobrze sprawdza się w praktyce wychowawczej i terapeutycznej, ale brakuje mu solidnego fundamentu antropologicznego, to znaczy takiej koncepcji człowieka, która mogłaby stać się podstawą konstruktywnego (samo)rozwoju w duchu autentycznej wolności. Wydaje się, że w teorii coachingowej warto posłużyć się stworzoną przez Fryderyka Nietzschego koncepcją nadczłowieka. Oczekiwany przez Zaratustrę-Nietzschego nadczłowiek jest człowiekiem, który przezwyciężył własne słabości i potrafi twórczo działać w świecie, kierując się poczuciem odpowiedzialności za Ziemię. Korzystając z tej koncepcji (nad)człowieka, coach mógłby skutecznie pomagać swym podopiecznym i wychowywać ich „ku wolności”, zarazem nie uzależniając ich od żadnej doktryny psychologicznej, społecznej czy etycznej.
Wellens’ Syndrome: Focus on Diagnosis and Choice of Myocardial Revascularization Strategy
Authors: Seredyuk Nestor , Serediuk Vitalii , Vandzhura Yaroslava , Skakun Oleksii , Parakhoniak Viktoriia
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Wellens’ syndrome is an extremely relevant issue in modern cardiology. Wellens’ syndrome is quite often untimely diagnosed, and the patient’s management is the same as in case of unstable angina. Since without myocardial revascularization, widespread myocardial infarction develops within the following days or weeks, myocardial revascularization is needed as soon as possible. Characteristic changes on the electrocardiogram in case of Wellens’ syndrome include biphasic (type A) or inverted (type B) T waves in leads V2-V3, which sometimes are seen in other precordial leads. There must be a history of recent angina in addition to these electrocardiogram changes. Troponin is usually negative; however, it can be slightly elevated. Sometimes, patients with classic electrocardiogram changes and clinical picture typical for Wellens’ syndrome do not show hemodynamically significant stenosis of the left anterior descending artery typical for this syndrome. In such cases, “pseudo-Wellens’ syndrome” is observed. Three cases of angiographically confirmed Wellens’ syndrome and one case of pseudo-Wellens’ syndrome are presented in this paper. All the patients with Wellens’ syndrome had significant lesions of the left anterior descending artery. One patient had a triple-vessel lesion, and the other two had a single-vessel lesion. Troponin I was within normal limits in one patient, and slightly elevated and in the other two. These patients underwent successful myocardial revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention); pharmacological therapy was prescribed.
TOP-Net Prediction Model Using Bidirectional Long Short-term Memory and Medical-Grade Wearable Multisensor System for Tachycardia Onset: Algorithm Development Study
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Liu Tongbo , Zhang Zhengbo , Kuo Po-Chih , Xu Haoran , Yang Zhicheng , Lan Ke , Li Peiyao , Ouyang Zhenchao , Ng Yeuk Lam , Yan Wei , Li Deyu
Published: February 2021

Background

Without timely diagnosis and treatment, tachycardia, also called tachyarrhythmia, can cause serious complications such as heart failure, cardiac arrest, and even death. The predictive performance of conventional clinical diagnostic procedures needs improvement in order to assist physicians in detecting risk early on.

Objective

We aimed to develop a deep tachycardia onset prediction (TOP-Net) model based on deep learning (ie, bidirectional long short-term memory) for early tachycardia diagnosis with easily accessible data.

Methods

TOP-Net leverages 2 easily accessible data sources: vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) acquired continuously by wearable embedded systems, and electronic health records, containing age, gender, admission type, first care unit, and cardiovascular disease history. The model was trained with a large data set from an intensive care unit and then transferred to a real-world scenario in the general ward. In this study, 3 experiments incorporated merging patients’ personal information, temporal memory, and different feature combinations. Six metrics (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, F1 score, and precision) were used to evaluate predictive performance.

Results

TOP-Net outperformed the baseline models on the large critical care data set (AUROC 0.796, 95% CI 0.768-0.824; sensitivity 0.753, 95% CI 0.663-0.793; specificity 0.720, 95% CI 0.645-0.758; accuracy 0.721; F1 score 0.718; precision 0.686) when predicting tachycardia onset 6 hours in advance. When predicting tachycardia onset 2 hours in advance with data acquired from our hospital using the transferred TOP-Net, the 6 metrics were 0.965, 0.955, 0.881, 0.937, 0.793, and 0.680, respectively. The best performance was achieved using comprehensive vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, and SpO2) statistical information.

Conclusions

TOP-Net is an early tachycardia prediction model that uses 8 types of data from wearable sensors and electronic health records. When validated in clinical scenarios, the model achieved a prediction performance that outperformed baseline models 0 to 6 hours before tachycardia onset in the intensive care unit and 2 hours before tachycardia onset in the general ward. Because of the model’s implementation and use of easily accessible data from wearable sensors, the model can assist physicians with early discovery of patients at risk in general wards and houses.
Health Apps for Combating COVID-19: Descriptive Review and Taxonomy
Authors: Almalki Manal , Giannicchi Anna
Published: February 2021

Background

Mobile phone apps have been leveraged to combat the spread of COVID-19. However, little is known about these technologies’ characteristics, technical features, and various applications in health care when responding to this public health crisis. The lack of understanding has led developers and governments to make poor choices about apps’ designs, which resulted in creating less useful apps that are overall less appealing to consumers due to their technical flaws.

Objective

This review aims to identify, analyze, and categorize health apps related to COVID-19 that are currently available for consumers in app stores; in particular, it focuses on exploring their key technical features and classifying the purposes that these apps were designed to serve.

Methods

A review of health apps was conducted using the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. The Apple Store and Google Play were searched between April 20 and September 11, 2020. An app was included if it was dedicated for this disease and was listed under the health and medical categories in these app stores. The descriptions of these apps were extracted from the apps’ web pages and thematically analyzed via open coding to identify both their key technical features and overall purpose. The characteristics of the included apps were summarized and presented with descriptive statistics.

Results

Of the 298 health apps that were initially retrieved, 115 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 29 technical features were found in our sample of apps, which were then categorized into five key purposes of apps related to COVID-19. A total of 77 (67%) apps were developed by governments or national authorities and for the purpose of promoting users to track their personal health (9/29, 31%). Other purposes included raising awareness on how to combat COVID-19 (8/29, 27%), managing exposure to COVID-19 (6/29, 20%), monitoring health by health care professionals (5/29, 17%), and conducting research studies (1/29, 3.5%).

Conclusions

This study provides an overview and taxonomy of the health apps currently available in the market to combat COVID-19 based on their differences in basic technical features and purpose. As most of the apps were provided by governments or national authorities, it indicates the essential role these apps have as tools in public health crisis management. By involving most of the population in self-tracking their personal health and providing them with the technology to self-assess, the role of these apps is deemed to be a key driver for a participatory approach to curtail the spread of COVID-19. Further effort is required from researchers to evaluate these apps’ effectiveness and from governmental organizations to increase public awareness of these digital solutions.