bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Debridement, antibiotics, irrigation, and retention of the prosthesis with antibiotic-impregnated calcium hydroxyapatite in periprosthetic hip joint infection
Authors: Wakabayashi Hiroki , Hasegawa Masahiro , Naito Yohei , Tone Shine , Sudo Akihiro
Published: August 2021

Background

We have developed antibiotic-impregnated calcium hydroxyapatite (CHA) as a novel antibiotic delivery system. Here, we assessed the clinical results of debridement, antibiotics, irrigation, and retention of the prosthesis (DAIR) with antibiotic-impregnated CHA for the treatment of prosthetic joint-associated infection (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA).
Methods

Twelve patients (13 hips) treated with DAIR for PJI after THA at our institution between 1997 and 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. The study group included four men (five hips) and eight women, with an average age of 66.1 (range, 56–90) years. Four patients (five hips) had symptoms of infection within less than 3 weeks; however, eight patients had symptoms of infection over 3 weeks. All patients received DAIR with antibiotic-impregnated CHA in the surrounding bone. In one patient, the cup component revision was performed with one-stage re-implantation because of loosening, but the stem component was retained. In nine patients (10 hips), vancomycin hydrochloride was impregnated in the CHA.
Results

The average duration of follow-up was 8.3 (range, 2.9–18.6) years. No patients were lost to follow-up. Four patients included in this study died of other causes, with an average follow-up of 6.7 (range, 4.0–12.5) years. Intra-operative cultures were positive in 12 hips. Ten of 12 patients (11 of 13 hips) were successfully treated, and no signs of infection were observed at the latest follow-up. In two of 12 patients (two of 13 hips) for whom treatment failed, infection was successfully treated with two-stage re-implantation. Both patients had diabetes mellitus and symptoms of infection over 3 weeks. Eighty-five percent of patients were successfully treated by DAIR with antibiotic-impregnated CHA. No complications were observed with this antibiotic-impregnated CHA.
Conclusions

DAIR treatment with antibiotic-impregnated CHA produce a higher rate of success in patients with PJI after THA.
Characterization of a Novel Keratinase With Surfactant Stability in a Wide Range of pH Activity From a Native Isolate, Bacillus Mojavensis FUM125
Authors: Jeddi Elahe , Sharifmoghadam Mohammad Reza , Asoodeh Ahmad , Moridshahi Rihaneh , Bahreini Masoumeh
Published: August 2021

Keratinases are enzymes with the most diverse sources and applications. Different forms of keratinase have been applied in environment and variety of industries, highlighting the necessity for novel potential keratinases, which could be applicable in variety of industries. Accordingly, the present study aimed to identify and characterize a novel keratinase producing bacterium with high potential in variety of industries. In the present study, the native isolate of Bacillus sp. FUM125 was isolated, identified and optimized for the keratinolytic activity. The keratinase was purified and characterized using biochemical assays. The Bacillus sp. FUM125 isolate was identified as Bacillus mojavensis R-OH-1 with 99.8% similarity. The isolate showed the maximum keratinolytic activity at pH of 8.5 after 24-hour incubation at 37°C (2.1-fold enzyme production). According to the biochemical analysis, the keratinase belonged to a serine protease family, whit 33.5 kDa molecular weight and was stable in a wide range of pH and temperature with maximum keratinolytic activity at 60°C and pH 8. Among the metal ions, K+, Ca2+, Na2+ and Mg2+ increased the enzyme activity. The activity was increased by the reducing agents of DTT and beta-mercaptoethanol. Based on the substrate profile findings, the enzyme was active in various soluble and insoluble substrates. The enzyme showed a half-life of 98 min in the optimal temperature and the ratio of keratinolytic:caseinolytic to be 0.95. Our enzyme with higher temperature and pH stability compared to existing commercial enzymes can be considered as a potential candidate for use in various industries.
Microstructure and mechanical performance of dissimilar metal joints of aluminium alloy and stainless steel by cutting-assisted welding-brazing
Authors: Xu Huibin , Cong Wei , Yang Donghua , Ma Yanlong , Zhong Wanliang , Tan Pan , Yan Jiuchun
Published: August 2021

The 5052 aluminium alloy and 304 stainless steel were successfully joined by cutting-assisted welding-brazing (CAWB) method without using flux. Dual-scale interfacial structures were achieved by manipulating the cutting tool profile. Results indicated that the macro-scale interfacial structure was produced at the joint interface when the taper step-shape cutting tool was adopted. As the cutting tool step was increased to 6-step, the micro-scale interface took on serrated morphology and a layer of continuous and wavy intermetallic compound (IMC) with an average thickness of 3.3 μm was formed at the interface. The τ 4 IMC particles and the FeAl 6 phases on a small scale were dispersed homogeneously in the welded seam. The maximum tensile strength of the joints reached 152.3 MPa upon tensile loading, 75% that of the 5052 aluminium base metal. The strong and reliable Al/steel dissimilar joints were attributed to the particle reinforced weld metal and the macro- and micro-scale dual self-locking structure at the interface.
Plasma NFL Disrupt Cognitive Integrity Via Coupling the Interactions of Core Subsystem and Frontoparietal Network in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Yao Weina , Zhang Xiao , Zhao Hui , Xu Yun , Bai Feng
Published: August 2021

Backgroud: Plasma neurofilament light chain (NFL) is a potential biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases. Both NFL and the interactions of core subsystem and frontoparietal network (FPN) are associated with the cognitive integrity. The present study was to investigate the underlying mechanism and application of plasmaNFL couplingcore-FPN in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: A total of 224 AD-spectrum participants with complete resting-state fMRI, neuropsychological tests and plasma NFL at baseline (n=112) and after approximately 17 months follow up (n=112) . Brain networks construction of core subsystem and FPN wereperformed in these subjects. The follow-up data were used to test and verify these baseline characteristics. Furthermore, Receiver Operating Characteristic analysiswas used to explore the classification by the association of plasma NFL and core-FPN, and the mediation analysis were appliedto investigate the significance of plasma NFL coupling networks on cognitive impairments in these subjects. Results: The discernment ofdisease-relatedinteractions of core subsystem and FPN maybe the neural network fundamentals of plasmaNFL regarding to cognitive decline in AD-spectrum patients. Furthermore, the clinical significance of plasma NFL coupling networks on AD identification and monitoring cognitive impairments were observed in these subjects. Conclusions: The characteristic change of plasma NFL coupling networks could expect to be used as an potential indicator of future targeted therapies and prevention strategies in AD patients.
Puerarin protects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis via activating the AMPK/NRF2 pathway
Authors: Yang Jingxiao , Liu Peng-Yun , Wang Zi-Kuan , Zhu Xi-Ming , Chen Jing-Yuan , Chu Yi , Wang Fang-Fang
Published: August 2021

Objective

Puerarin was reported to protect against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. The current study aims to investigate the protective effects of puerarin against myocardial IR injury and the underlying mechanisms.
Methods

The hearts were subjected to the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery and reperfusion. Before reperfusion, pretreatment with puerarin (100 mg/kg), with or without the AMPK inhibitor Compound c (0.25 mg/kg). Myocardial infarct size, the serum creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) activity, cardiac function, apoptotic cell death, and the endoplasmic reticulum stress, as well as activation of the AMPK/NRF2 pathway were observed.
Results

Treatment with puerarin significantly decreased the myocardial infarct size, the serum CK-MB activity and notably alleviated IR-induced cardiac dysfunction. Moreover, puerarin reduced myocardial IR-induced apoptotic cell death. In addition, puerarin inhibited myocardial IR-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and activated the AMPK/NRF2 pathway. More importantly, the AMPK inhibitor Compound c prevented these puerarin-induced cardioprotective effects and activation of the AMPK/NRF2 pathway, as well as apoptosis and the endoplasmic reticulum stress activation.
Conclusion

Our results show that puerarin alleviates myocardial IR injury by inhibiting apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress via the AMPK/NRF2 pathway.
Implementation of community case management of malaria in malaria endemic counties of western Kenya: are community health volunteers up to the task in diagnosing malaria?
Authors: Marita Enock Oburi , Langat Bernard , Kinyari Teresa , Igunza Patrick , Apat Donald , Kimori Josephat , Carter Jane , Kiplimo Richard , Muhula Samuel
Published: August 2021

BackgroundCommunity case management of malaria (CCMm) is an equity-focused strategy that complements and extends the reach of health services by providing timely and effective management of malaria to populations with limited access to facility-based healthcare. In Kenya, CCMm involves the use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDT) and treatment of confirmed uncomplicated malaria cases with artemether lumefantrine (AL) by community health volunteers (CHVs). The test positivity rate (TPR) from CCMm reports collected by the Ministry of Health in 2018 was twofold compared to facility-based reports for the same period. This necessitated the need to evaluate the performance of CHVs in conducting malaria RDTs.MethodThe study was conducted in four counties within the malaria lake endemic zone in Kenya with a malaria prevalence in 2018 of 27%; the national prevalence of malaria was 8%. Multi-stage cluster sampling and random selection were used. Results from 200 malaria RDTs performed by CHVs were compared with test results obtained by experienced medical laboratory technicians (MLT) performing the same test under the same conditions. Blood slides prepared by the MLTs were examined microscopically later as a backup check of the results. A kappa score was calculated to assess level of agreement. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated to determine diagnostic accuracy.ResultsThe median age of CHVs was 46 (IQR: 38, 52) with a range [26, 73] years. Females were 72% of the CHVs. Test positivity rates for MLTs was 42% and for CHVs was 41%. The kappa score was 0.89 indicating an almost perfect agreement in mRDT results between CHVs and MLTs. The overall sensitivity and specificity between the CHVs and MLTs were 95.0% (95% CI: (87.7, 98.6) and 94.0% (95% CI; 88.0, 97.5) respectively.ConclusionEngaging CHVs to diagnose malaria cases under CCMm yielded results which compared well with results of qualified experienced laboratory personnel. CHVs can reliably continue to offer malaria diagnosis in the community setting.
The potential risk of rabies transmission in Madagascar- a report on the canine vaccination coverage in an urban district of Mahajanga
Authors: Rajoromanana Blaise , Edosoa Glenn T. , Andrianasolo Radonirina L. , Rietmann Sylvie , Nyirenda Gabriel , Marks Florian , Rakotozandrindrainy Raphaël , Haselbeck Andrea , Farasolo Paule-Aimée Ralison
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThe Rabies lyssavirus is one of 16 species of the Lyssavirus genus causing fatal encephalomyelitis in humans. Infection usually occurs after a bite by an infected mammal. More than 99% of human rabies deaths worldwide are caused by a canine rabies with children at highest risk of infection. Although rabies has been endemic in the region of Mahajanga in Madagascar for a long time, research evaluating the current situation is still scarce. Here, we conducted a cross-sectional study to describe the dog demography and a survey of dog owners to evaluate rabies vaccination coverage, disease knowledge and measures taken in the districts against rabies in order to inform future interventions in the urban district of Mahajanga in the North West of Madagascar.ResultsA total of 400 dogs were recorded, of which 338 (84.5%) were owned. The vaccine coverage against rabies was at 34.4% (116/338). The reported key barriers to vaccination were lack of financial resources and the lack of geographic access to veterinary services. The transmission route of rabies being dog bites was known to 85.4% of the surveyed dog owners (105/123). Out of 19 reported dog bites, 13 were caused by the owner`s or the neighbour’s dog. 6 out of 19 cases affected children between 7 and 15 years of age. ConclusionMost of the dogs in the urban district of Mahajanga are accessible for preventive vaccination through their owners, but less than one third of the canine population is vaccinated against rabies. Assuming that stray dogs are not vaccinated against rabies, Mahajanga is far from reaching the 70% coverage believed to minimise the spread of the disease. The prioritization of dog owner education, school campaigns that sensitize children on the interactions with dogs and vaccination campaigns for owned dogs in collaboration with local veterinary services has shown success in other settings in Africa and will be crucial for future rabies eradication in Madagascar.
Hypothermia and rewarming prior to reperfusion, prevents intracranial pressure elevation after ischaemic stroke in rats: an investigation to define the importance of cooling during reperfusion
Authors: Omileke Daniel , Azarpeykan Sara , Bothwell Steven W , Pepperall Debbie , Beard Daniel J , Coupland Kirsten , Patabendige Adjanie , Spratt Neil J
Published: August 2021

Reperfusion therapies re-establish blood flow after arterial occlusion and improve outcome for ischaemic stroke patients. Intracranial pressure (ICP) elevation occurs 18–24 h after experimental stroke. This elevation is prevented by short-duration hypothermia spanning the time of reperfusion. We aimed to determine whether hypothermia-rewarming completed prior to reperfusion, also prevents ICP elevation 24 h post-stroke. Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion was performed on male outbred Wistar rats. Sixty-minute hypothermia to 33℃, followed by rewarming was induced prior to reperfusion in one group, and after reperfusion in another group. Normothermia controls received identical anaesthesia protocols. ΔICP from pre-stroke to 24 h post-stroke was measured, and infarct volumes were calculated. Rewarming pre-reperfusion prevented ICP elevation (ΔICP = 0.3 ± 3.9 mmHg vs. normothermia ΔICP = 5.2 ± 2.1 mmHg, p = 0.02) and reduced infarct volume (pre-reperfusion = 78.6 ± 23.7 mm3 vs. normothermia = 125.1 ± 44.3 mm3, p = 0.04) 24 h post-stroke. There were no significant differences in ΔICP or infarct volumes between hypothermia groups rewarmed pre-or post-reperfusion. Hypothermia during reperfusion is not necessary for prevention of ICP rise or infarct volume reduction. Short-duration hypothermia is a broadly applicable potential early treatment strategy for stroke patients prior to- during-, and after reperfusion therapy.
Assessing the Blockage of Toxicity of Stereolithographically 3D-Printed Parts Coated with Parylene C
Authors: Huang Kaiyuan
Published: August 2021

Comparing to fused deposition modeling (FDM), the stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing method can provide higher fabrication speed and much better resolution, which is demanded by biomedical usage. However, the additives migrating from SLA printed plastic are toxic to creatures, and the method to reduce the toxicity by soaking and exposure to ultraviolet is inadequate, while current biocompatible photo-polymerizing resins are rare and expensive. Here, we provide a method to nearly block all toxicity by coating the fabrication with parylene C. We use early life zebrafish to assess the toxicity of the SLA printed petri dishes whether or not coated with parylene C. The result shows nearly no influence of the coated petri dishes cultured early life zebrafish development compared to control groups, while the fertilized embryos of uncoated groups get killed in 24 hours. The method provides a cheap and easy way to produce customized biocompatible fabrication, which contributes to the popularization of 3D printed products, either in daily life or in research.
Altered circulating Tregs and their functional cytokines in hypertensive patients with or without left ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Tang Ying , Shen Li , Xu Danyan , Bao Jing-hui
Published: August 2021

Background:Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is the most common target organ damage in hypertension. In addition to the increased left ventricular afterload, immune injury participates in LVH pathogenesis. CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) are a T cell subset with immunomodulatory effects; abnormal Treg numbers or functions can cause immune disorders. This study aimed to explore the role of Tregs in LVH by investigating circulating Tregs and associated cytokine levels in hypertensive patients with LVH.Methods:Blood samples were collected from 69 healthy individuals (control group, CG), 91 hypertensive patients with LVH (LVH group) and 83 hypertensive patients without LVH (essential hypertension, EH group). Circulating Tregs and associated cytokines were measured by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively.Results:Circulating Tregs were significantly lower in EH and LVH patients than in CG subjects. The circulating Treg level was lower in LVH patients than in EH patients. No correlation between blood pressure regulation and Treg levels was found in EH or LVH patients. Furthermore, circulating Tregs in postmenopausal females were lower than those in males among LVH patients. Additionally, serum IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 were decreased in EH and LVH patients, and the serum IL-6 level was significantly increased in LVH patients. Circulating Tregs were negatively correlated with CK, LDL, apoB, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and left ventricular mass index values.Conclusion:Our study is the first to demonstrate the significantly decreased circulating Treg proportion in LVH patients. The protective effect of Tregs in LVH is independent of blood pressure regulation. The functional Treg cytokines IL-6, IL-10 and TGF-β1 participate in this immunomodulatory process.Trial registration: The study was approved by the Institutional Medical Ethics Committee of the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University (2018/No.046).
Anxiety disorders in patients with noncardiac chest pain: association with health-related quality of life and chest pain severity
Authors: Hamel Stéphanie , Denis Isabelle , Turcotte Stéphane , Fleet Richard , Archambault Patrick , Dionne Clermont , Foldes-Busque Guillaume
Published: August 2021

BackgroundPatients with noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) report more severe symptoms and lowered health-related quality of life when they present with comorbid panic disorder (PD). Although generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the second most common psychiatric disorder in these patients, its impact on NCCP and health-related quality of life remains understudied. This study describes and prospectively compares patients with NCCP with or without PD or GAD in terms of (1) NCCP severity; and (2) the physical and mental components of health-related quality of life. MethodsA total of 915 patients with NCCP were consecutively recruited in two emergency departments. The presence of comorbid PD or GAD was assessed at baseline with the Anxiety Disorder Schedule for DSM-IV. NCCP severity at baseline and at the six-month followup was assessed with a structured telephone interview, and the patients completed the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey Version 2 (SF-12v2) to assess health-related quality of life at both time points. ResultsAverage NCCP severity decreased between baseline and the six-month follow-up ( p <.001) and was higher in the patients with comorbid PD or GAD ( p <.001) at both time points compared to those with NCCP only. However, average NCCP severity did not differ between patients with PD and those with GAD ( p = 0.901). The physical component of quality of life improved over time ( p = 0.016) and was significantly lower in the subset of patients with PD with or without comorbid GAD compared to the other groups ( p <.001). A significant time x group interaction was found for the mental component of quality of life ( p = 0.0499). GAD with or without comorbid PD was associated with a lower mental quality of life, and this effect increased at the six-month follow-up. ConclusionsComorbid PD or GAD are prospectively associated with increased chest pain severity and lowered health-related quality of life in patients with NCCP. PD appears to be mainly associated with the physical component of quality of life, while GAD has a greater association with the mental component. Knowledge of these differences could help in the management of patients with NCCP and these comorbidities.
Predictors for development of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients as determined by ordered logistic regression analysis
Authors: Kanbayashi Yuko , Ishikawa Takeshi , Kuriu Yoshiaki , Otsuji Eigo , Takayama Koichi
Published: August 2021

This retrospective study aimed to identify predictors for the development of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OXAIPN). Between January 2017 and March 2021, a total 322 cancer patients at our hospital who were receiving oxaliplatin were enrolled. For the regression analysis of factors associated with oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy, variables were extracted manually from medical charts. The level of OXAIPN was evaluated using the National Cancer Institute’s Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 5). Multivariate ordered logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors for the development of OXAIPN. Optimal cut-off thresholds were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Values of P < 0.05 (2-tailed) were considered significant. Significant factors identified included body mass index (BMI) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00–1.12; P = 0.046), number of cycles (OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.05–1.14; P < 0.0001), S-1 plus oxaliplatin (SOX) regimen (OR = 0.54, 95%CI = 0.32–0.92; P = 0.023), concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (OR = 1.64, 95%CI = 1.05–2.58; P = 0.031) and concomitant use of analgesic adjuvant (OR = 3.30, 95%CI = 1.09–9.97; P = 0.035). ROC analysis revealed that peripheral neuropathy (grade 2 or higher) was more likely to occur with ≥8 cycles, with 66.3% sensitivity and 56.5% specificity (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.65), and BMI ≥20.5 kg/m2, with 63.3% sensitivity and 47.8% specificity (AUC = 0.54). In conclusion, BMI, number of cycles, SOX regimen, concomitant use of PPIs and concomitant use of analgesic drugs were identified as significant predictors for the development of OXAIPN.
GSK-126 protects CA1 neurons from H3K27me3-mediated apoptosis in cerebral ischemia
Authors: Wang Zhongcheng , Su Yaxin , Zhang Lei , Lan Ting , Li Li , Qi Suhua
Published: August 2021

Epigenetics, including histone modifications, play a significant role in central nervous system diseases, but the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of H3K27me3 in regulating transcriptomic and pathogenic mechanisms following global ischemic stroke. Here, we found that in vivo ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury induced marked upregulation of H3K27me3 in the hippocampus. The administration of GSK-126 to rat brains decreased the levels of H3K27me3 in the hippocampus and reduced neuronal apoptosis after experimental stroke. Furthermore, ChIP-seq data demonstrated that the primary role of GSK-126 in the ischemic brain is to reduce H3K27me3 enrichment, mediating negative regulation of the execution phase of apoptosis and the MAPK signaling pathway. Further study suggested that the protective role of GSK-126 in ischemic rats was antagonized by U0126, an inhibitor of ERK1/2. Collectively, we demonstrated the potential of H3K27me3 as a novel stroke therapeutic target, and GSK-126 exerted a neuroprotective function in ischemic brain injury, which might be associated with activation of the MAPK/ERK pathway.
Public health vulnerability due to the exposure of dissolved metal(oid)s in tap water from a mega city (Dhaka, Bangladesh)
Authors: Hossain Shabiha , Anik Amit Hasan , Khan Rahat , Ahmed Farah Tasneem , Siddique Md. Abu Bakar , Khan Abdul Hadi Al Nafi , Saha Narottam , Idris Abubakr M. , Alam Mahbub
Published: August 2021

Tap water is the sole source of water in urban cities but gradually being polluted by potentially toxic elements due to unplanned urbanization. The south Asian megacity, Dhaka (capital of Bangladesh) encounters drastic water pollution resulting mainly from anthropogenic differential factors. Consumption of such polluted water distributed to residents by pipelines can trigger health risks. Therefore, this study investigated the public health vulnerability associated with dissolved metal(oid)s in tap water collected across Dhaka city. The concentrations of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg and Pb in measured tap water ranged from 8-156, 7–73, 400-20100, 12–110, 7-101, 12–136, 12–908, 0.03–9.75, 1–5, 0.22–1.30, and 8-118 µg/L, respectively. Among the observed elements, Pb, Cr, and Fe concentrations in 18%, 26%, and 75% of sampling sites, respectively, exceeded the standard guideline criteria of Bangladesh. Entropy-based water quality index demonstrated that ~ 12% of sampling sites possessed water unsuitable for drinking and other household works. The dominant sources of water pollution in this region are industrial effluents and domestic sewage. Both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks are invoked mostly from ingestion of Co and Pb. Regular consumption of this tap water without further pretreatment may result in detrimental health consequences to both children and adults due to the physiological accumulation of toxic elements over time. This study highlighted a comprehensive scenario of the potentially toxic elements in the tap water of Dhaka city, which will allow policymakers to take adequate measures for sustainable water quality management.
Gut microbiome composition, not alpha diversity, is associated with survival in a natural vertebrate population
Authors: Worsley Sarah F , Davies Charli S , Mannarelli Maria-Elena , Hutchings Matthew I , Komdeur Jan , Burke Terry , Dugdale Hannah L , Richardson David S
Published: August 2021

Background: The vertebrate gut microbiome (GM) can vary substantially across individuals within the same natural population. Although there is evidence linking the GM to health in captive animals, very little is known about the consequences of GM variation for host fitness in the wild. Here, we explore the relationship between faecal microbiome diversity, body condition and survival using data from the long-term study of a discrete natural population of the Seychelles warbler ( Acrocephalus sechellensis ) on Cousin Island. To our knowledge, this is the first time that GM differences associated with survival have been fully characterised for a natural vertebrate species, across multiple age groups and breeding seasons. Results: We identified substantial variation in GM community structure among sampled individuals, which was partially explained by breeding season (7% of the variance), and host age class (up to 1% of the variance). We also identified significant differences in GM community membership between individuals that survived, versus those that had died by the following breeding season. Individuals that died carried reduced abundances of beneficial taxa in the bacterial order Clostridiales , but increased abundances of taxa that are known to be opportunistic pathogens (e.g. members of the Chloroflexi and Propionibacteriales ). However, there was no association between GM alpha diversity (the diversity of bacterial taxa within a sample) and survival to the next breeding season, or with individual body condition. Additionally, we found no association between GM community membership and individual body condition. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that components of the vertebrate GM can be associated with host fitness in the wild, although whether changes in bacterial abundance contribute to, or are only correlated with, the differential survival observed remains unclear. Importantly, it suggests that components of the GM may be under selection, and, thus, could have the potential to influence the evolution of host species living in natural populations.
A reduced level of the long non-coding RNA SNHG8 activates the NF-kappaB pathway by releasing functional HIF-1alpha in a hypoxic inflammatory microenvironment
Authors: Wang Chenxin , Yang Qiaolin , Han Yineng , Liu Hao , Wang Yue , Huang Yiping , Zheng Yunfei , Li Weiran
Published: August 2021

Background

A series of biochemical responses, including hypoxia and aseptic inflammation, occur in periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) during periodontal tissue remodeling of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). However, the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in these responses is still largely unknown. We investigated the role of the lncRNA SNHG8 in hypoxic and inflammatory responses during OTM, and explored the underlying mechanisms.
Methods

The expression pattern of SNHG8, and hypoxic and inflammatory responses under compressive force, were analyzed by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting, in vivo and in vitro. The effect of overexpression or knockdown of SNHG8 on the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) pathway was evaluated. RNA sequencing was performed for mechanistic analysis. The interaction between SNHG8 and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α was studied using catRAPID, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA pulldown assays. The effect of the SNHG8–HIF-1α interaction on the NF-κB pathway was determined by western blotting.
Results

The NF-κB pathway was activated, and HIF-1α release was stabilized, in PDLCs under compressive force as well as in OTM model rats. The SNHG8 level markedly decreased both in vivo and in vitro. Overexpression of SNHG8 decreased the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, the phosphorylation of p65, and the degradation of IκBα in PDLCs, whereas knockdown of SNHG8 reversed these effects. Mechanically, RNA sequencing showed that differentially expressed genes were enriched in cellular response to hypoxia after SNHG8 overexpression. SNHG8 binds to HIF-1α, thus preventing HIF-1 from activating downstream genes, including those related to the NF-κB pathway.
Conclusion

SNHG8 binds to HIF-1α. During OTM, the expression of SNHG8 dramatically decreased, releasing free functional HIF-1α and activating the downstream NF-κB pathway. These data suggest a novel lncRNA-regulated mechanism during periodontal tissue remodeling in OTM.
Multi Expression Programming
Authors: Oltean Mihai , Dumitrescu D.
Published: August 2021

Multi Expression Programming (MEP) is a new evolutionary paradigm intended for solving computationally difficult problems. MEP individuals are linear entities that encode complex computer programs. MEP chromosomes are represented in the same way as C or Pascal compilers translate mathematical expressions into machine code. MEP is used for solving some difficult problems like symbolic regression and game strategy discovering. MEP is compared with Gene Expression Programming (GEP) and Cartesian Genetic Programming (CGP) by using several well-known test problems. For the considered problems MEP outperforms GEP and CGP. For these examples MEP is two magnitude orders better than CGP.
Characterization of genomic, physiological, and probiotic features of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DY46 strain isolated from Turkish fermented turnip juice (Shalgam)
Authors: Yetiman Ahmet E. , KESKİN Abdullah , DARENDELI Busra Nur , KOTIL Seyfullah Enes , ORTAKCI Fatih , DOGAN Mahmut
Published: August 2021

A new Lb. plantarum strain DY46 was isolated from a traditionally fermented non-alcoholic beverage called shalgam from the Southern region of Anatolia following incubation on MRS agar at 30°C for 5 days. DY46 is gram-positive, short rod and catalase-negative. This bacterium fermented 22 of the 49 substrates tested on API CH50 fermentation panels. Whole-genome sequencing was performed using the Illumina Miseq platform to learn more about the metabolic capabilities of DY46. The sequences were assembled into a 3.32 Mb draft genome using PATRIC 3.6.8. consisting of 153 contigs, and preliminary genome annotation was performed using the RAST algorithm. The DY46 genome consists of a single circular chromosome of 3,332,827 bp that is predicted to carry 3219 genes, including 61 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA operons. The genome has a GC content of 44.3% includes 98 predicted pseudogenes, 25 complete or partial transposases and 3 intact prophages. DY46 genome also predicted to carry genes of Plantaricin-E, Plantaricin-F and Plantaricin-K showing the antimicrobial potential of this bacterium which can be linked-to in vitro antagonism tests that DY46 can inhibit Salmonella Typimirium ATCC14028, Klebsiella pneumonie ATCC13883, and Proteus vulgaris ATCC8427. The acid and bile tolerance of DY46 revealed this strain could potentially pass through the stomach and reach into the gut to provide probiotic therapeutic affects on health.
Histopathologic Features From Preoperative Biopsies to Predict Spread Through Air Spaces in Early Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Cao Lanqing , Jia Meng , Sun Ping-Li , Gao Hongwen
Published: August 2021

Background: Although spread through air spaces (STAS) is a robust biomarker in surgically resected lung cancer, its application to biopsies is challenging. Moreover, limited resection is not an effective treatment for STAS-positive lung adenocarcinoma. This study aimed to identify histologic features from preoperative percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsies (PTNBs) to predict STAS status in the subsequently resected specimens, and thus help in selecting the surgical extent.Methods: Between January 2014 and December 2015, 111 PTNB specimens and subsequent resection specimens from consecutive lung adenocarcinoma patients were retrospectively examined. Histopathologic features of PTNB specimens and presence of STAS in subsequent resection specimens were evaluated and correlations between them were analyzed statistically.Results: The study participants had a mean age of 59 years (range, 35–81) and included 50 men and 61 women. Thirty-six patients were positive for STAS whereas 75 were negative. The micropapillary/solid histologic subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma (26 of 39; 66.7%; P < 0.001), necrotic/tumor debris (31 of 42; 73.8%; P < 0.001), intratumoral budding (ITB) (20 of 33; 60.6%; P < 0.001), desmoplasia (35 of 41; 85.4%; P < 0.001), and grade 3 nuclei (12 of 14; 85.7%; P < 0.001) were more common in STAS-positive tumors. Micropapillary/solid histologic subtype (OR, 1.35; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.67), ITB (OR, 1.64; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.83), desmoplasia (OR, 1.83; 95% CI: 1.36, 3.12), and N stage (N1 stage: OR, 1.37; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.87) (N2 stage: OR, 1.29; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.73) were independent predictors of STAS. Conclusions: Micropapillary/solid histologic subtype, ITB, and desmoplasia in preoperative PTNB specimens were independently associated with STAS in the subsequent resection specimens. Therefore, these can predict STAS and may help to optimize therapeutic planning.
Closed-form solution for column buckling optimization
Authors: Kobelev Vladimir
Published: August 2021

An optimization problem for a column, loaded by axial forces, whose direction and value remain constant, is studied in this article. The dimensional analysis introduces the dimensionless mass and rigidity factors, which simplicities the mathematical technique for the optimization problem. With the method of dimensional analysis, the solution of the nonlinear algebraic equations for the Lagrange multiplier is superfluous. The closed-form solutions for Sturm-Liouville and mixed types boundary conditions are derived. The solutions are expressed in terms of the higher transcendental function. The principal results are the closed form solution in terms of the hypergeometric and elliptic functions, the analysis of single- and bimodal regimes, and the exact bounds for the masses of the optimal columns. The proof of isoperimetric inequalities exploits the variational method and the Hölder inequality. The isoperimetric inequalities for Euler’s column are rigorously verified.
Impact of removal of rubber plantation – a high altitude ecosystem for urbanization on CO2 mitigating capacity by loss of carbon sink.
Authors: K Ambily K , Ulaganathan A. , Sathisha G. C.
Published: August 2021

Mitigating climate change and global warming through carbon sequestration of tree ecosystem is of prime importance due to cost effective, environment friendly and ecological sustainability. Urbanization is a part of development and generally rubber plantations were usually removed for this purpose especially in Kerala, the southern state of India. Besides commercially high yield of latex, the economic produce of rubber plant and the associated income, rubber tree is fairly good sink for carbon in its biomass with an average carbon content of 42 per cent and substantial carbon stock in soil. This study pointed out the serious carbon sink loss from the removal of rubber plantation for urbanization, one of the major development activities which resulted in the damage of the self-sustained carbon friendly and economically sound perennial rubber ecosystem. The present popular clone (RRII 105) existing in major share (85 %) of the total rubber cultivation in India accounts carbon sink loss 57t/ha, 57.5t/ha, 43.2t/ha for 23 years and 148t/ha, 75t/ha and 62.1t/ha for 30 years from biomass, litter fall and sheet rubber respectively. The establishing modern clones RRII 414, RRII 429 and RRII 417 having higher growth rate and biomass recorded still higher (44–50 per cent) carbon sink loss compared to the existing popular clone RRII 105. The carbon sink loss in the form of stored carbon in soil is 56.5 with soil carbon content between 1.2 to 2 per cent. Due to the growth variation in extreme climatic conditions, the clones recorded differences in carbon stock and thereby carbon sink loss. The central region of Kerala showed higher loss and lower loss was in the drought affected northern region than South region. The total carbon sink loss for 23, 30 years were 214.2 and 341.5 t/ha respectively. Maintenance of green spaces/areas including vegetation having higher C-sequestration potential and trees having higher lignin content to increase carbon capture for mitigating the impact of removal of plantations especially in high altitude to some extent in the scenario of inevitable developmental activities and urban developments to become environment friendly. From the study it was clear that the removal of rubber plantation affecting the carbon sink loss greatly and thereby the CO2 mitigating capacity and is a serious matter of concern.
IMPROVABILITY OF THE FABRICATION LINE IN A SHIPYARD
Authors:   University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Ivana Lučića, 5, 10000 Zagreb, Hadžić Neven , Ložar Viktor , Opetuk Tihomir , Cajner Hrvoje
Published: August 2021

The ship production process is a complex manufacturing system involving numerous working stations mutually interconnected by transport devices and buffers. Such a production system can be efficiently modeled using the stochastic system approach and Markov chains. Once formulated, the mathematical model enables analysis of the governing production system properties like the production rate, work-in-process, and probabilities of machine blockage and starvation that govern the production system bottleneck identification and its continuous improvement. Although the continuous improvement of the production system is a well-known issue, it is usually based on managerial intuition or more complex discrete event simulation yielding sub-optimal results. Therefore, a semi-analytical procedure for the improvability analysis using the Markov chain framework is presented in this paper in the case of the shipyard’s fabrication lines. Potential benefits for the shipyards are pointed out as the main gain of the improvability analysis.
The Successful Use of Combined Extracorporeal Life Support in Treatment of the New Coronavirus Infection Complicated by the Development of Multiple Organ Dysfunction in a Pregnant Woman
Authors: Petrushin M. А. , Tereschenko E. V. , Melnichenko P. I. , Kudryashova E. A. , Starchenko I. Yu. , Nikiforov I. S. , Kirsanova T. V. , Babaev M. А.
Published: August 2021

Pregnant and postpartum women are at a higher risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 as well as a higher risk of adverse outcomes for the mother and fetus. Standard approaches to the management of COVID-19-associated multiple organ dysfunction may not always be implemented in this category of patients. In the clinical case of a patient, who developed multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (severe ARDS, coagulopathy) associated with COVID-19 in the postpartum period, we demonstrate the successful use of combined extracorporeal life support that included veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, therapeutic plasma exchange and renal replacement therapy with the universal oXiris set.
Assessing the Predictive Value of TRIPS in Newborns
Authors: Mukhametshin R. F. , Davydova N. S. , Kinzhalova S. V.
Published: August 2021

The objective: to determine the predictive value of TRIPS at the stage of pre-transport preparation in relation to treatment outcomes of newborns.Subjects: The cohort study included data from 604 visits of the team of the intensive case and consultation center. The TRIPS score was assessed, and the outcomes of the hospital phase of treatment were studied. The AUC ROC curve of the TRIPS score was calculated in relation to the binary outcomes of hospital treatment. The correlation analysis of the quantitative data was performed by Spearman's criterion.Results. AUC was greater than 0.8 only for the risk of death (AUC 0.827 (0.764-0.891)), the formation of severe IVH (AUC 0.831 (0.786-0.877)) and the development of occlusive hydrocephalus (AUC 0.839 (0.764-0.915)). For other binary outcomes, the score shows AUC below 0.8. A weak but significant correlation was found between the TRIPS score and the duration of intensive care (r = 0.478,p < 0.0001).Conclusion: TRIPS demonstrated an acceptable level of accuracy (AUC>0.8) in predicting hospital mortality, severe IVH, and the formation of occlusive hydrocephalus. A weak but significant correlation was found with the quantitative outcomes.
CHONDROID LIPOMA AS SOFT TISSUE PSEUDOSARCOMA: LITERATURE REVIEW AND CASE REPORT
Authors: Vasilyev N. V. , Vtorushin S. V. , Anisenya I. I. , Sitnikov P. K. , Tabakaev S. A. , Frolova I. G. , Bogoutdinova A. V. , Zhuikova L. D. , Bairamov P. V. , Ponomareva S. I. , Tsvetukhin M. O.
Published: August 2021

Background. Pseudosarcomas of soft tissues can cause diagnostic and treatment challenges. On the one hand, it is difficult to make a nosological diagnosis based on a biopsy specimen of a tumor; on the other hand, it is difficult to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy based on a histological pattern.

The purpose of the study was to analyze available literature data and systematize the histological characteristics of the chondroid lipoma and pseudosarcoma.

Case description. We present the case of chondroid lipoma in a 57-year-old female patient with atypical clinical symptoms. This case shows the difficulties of differential diagnosis of soft tissue sarcomas. Using a clinical example of chondroid lipoma, a rare soft tissue tumor, and an analysis of literature data, the authors showed the importance of a detailed study of the obtained material, a qualified description of the morphological picture, in those cases when the diagnostic conclusion cannot be unambiguous about the malignancy of the tumor process. Additional biopsy is not always possible to clarify the histotype of the tumor. The presented observation shows the difficulties of differential diagnosis of soft tissue sarcomas. Minimally invasive biopsy provides no a full appreciation of histological structure; therefore, if there is a suspicion for chondroid lipoma, it is necessary to perform total surgical biopsy followed by a morphological study using the immunohistochemical method.
LUNG CANCER INCIDENCE AND MORTALITY IN THE KHANTY-MANSI AUTONOMOUS OKRUG – YUGRA
Authors: Mordovskii A. A. , Aksarin A. A. , Parsadanyan A. M. , Ter-Ovanesov M. D. , Troyan P. P.
Published: August 2021

The aim of the study was to assess the lung cancer incidence and mortality in the Khanty-mansi autonomous okrug – Yugra during the period 1999–2019.

Material and methods. We have studied the lung cancer incidence and mortality rates in Yugra over the last 21 years (1999–2019).

Results. In Yugra, the lung cancer (lc) incidence rates increased by 24.7 % from 1999 to 2019, demonstrating higher rates than those in the Russian Federation (RF), where lc incidence rates decreased by 20.3 %. In 2019, the age-standardized incidence rate was 30.5 per 100,000 (22.7 for RF); the age-standardized mortality rate was 16.4 per 100,000 (18.4 for RF). The mortality rate from lc in Yugra was 9.6 times higher in males than in females (35.5 vs. 3.7 per 100,000). The cross-correlation analysis revealed a correlation between the lc incidence/mortality and air pollution in Yugra. The main carcinogens in Yugra were formaldehyde, phenol, nitrogen dioxide, and benzapyrene. The assessment of the relationship between the age-standardized lc incidence/mortality rates and the amount of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere revealed that their synergistic effects with tobacco smoking can double the risk of lung cancer development. The increase in the number of chest computed tomography (ct) scans performed in the context of the pandemic caused by covid-19 infection led to an 18 % increase in the number of incidentally detected pulmonary nodules, of which 9 % of cases were diagnosed as lc.

Conclusion. The lc incidence rates in Yugra tended to increase. The high rate of lc incidence is caused by man-made and natural factors, which requires the implementation of a screening program with the use of low-dose computed tomography in order to improve the early detection and prevention of this disease.
SURGICAL OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH PROXIMAL GASTRIC CANCER WITHOUT ESOPHAGEAL INVASION
Authors: Akhmetzyanov F. Sh. , Kaulgud A. H. , Akhmetzyanova F. F.
Published: August 2021

The aim of the study was to improve surgical outcomes in patients with proximal gastric cancer without invading the esophagus.

Material and methods. Data regarding lymph node metastasis, short-term postoperative complications/lethality, and long-term outcomes were analyzed in 162 patients with proximal gastric cancer without invasion of the esophagus. All patients underwent gastrosplenectomy with expanded d2 lymph node dissection. The age of the patients ranged from 25 to 91 years, and the median age was 60 years. There were 105 (64.8 %) patients aged over 60 years and 45 (27.8 %) over 70 years.

Results. Postoperative complications occurred in 14 patients (8.6 %), 8 of them (4.9 %) died. The 1-, 3- and 5 year survival rates were 85.4 %, 61.8 %, and 38.9 %, respectively.

Discussion. In patients with gastric cancer without esophageal invasion, perigastric lymph nodes (№ 3b, 4d) located in segments iv and v are often affected by metastases; therefore, we consider it inexpedient to perform proximal resections in these cases.

Conclusion. In patients with proximal gastric cancer without esophageal invasion, it is not advisable to perform proximal subtotal gastric resections due to the high frequency of 3b and 4d lymph node metastases. Postoperative complication and mortality rates were 8.6 % and 4.9 %, respectively in patients who underwent gastrosplenectomy with d2 lymph node dissection.