bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of SOFA score and SIRS criteria for ICU mortality in adult sepsis patients admitted to the ICU of a tertiary care Hospital of Bangladesh
Authors: Saha Debasish Kumar , Saha Madhurima , Ahsan ASM Areef , Fatema Kaniz , Ahmed Fatema , Nazneen Suraiya , Sultana Rozina
Published: April 2021

Background: Sepsis is one of the most common admission-diagnosis in intensive care unit (ICU). It is associated with rapid organ dysfunction with increased mortality. Different scoring systems {e.g. Sequential [Sepsis-related] Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria} are commonly used to identify and predict prognosis of sepsis in ICU at present. The objective was to determine the prognostic value of SOFA score and SIRS criteria among sepsis patients.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study, conducted in the department of Critical Care Medicine, BIRDEM General Hospital during the period of January, 2018 to July, 2019. Consecutive sampling was conducted in patients fulfilling the selection criteria. After admission of patients with sepsis from indoor or emergency department; SOFA score and SIRS criteria were calculated using physiological and laboratory parameters recorded within 24 hours of ICU admission. Standard criteria were applied, an increase of point of e” 2 in SOFA score, and/ or SIRS criteria was regarded as sepsis. Patients who were admitted in ICU other than sepsis., known cases of acute myocardial infarction (MI), trauma victims, acute stroke, pregnancy, end stage renal disease (ESRD), decompensated chronic liver disease (CLD), who developed sepsis after admission in ICU, readmitted cases were excluded. All patients were followed up daily. Outcome was measured in terms of ICU mortality.

Results: A total 203 patients were analyzed. About one-third (29.6%) patients belonged to age group 61-70 years (mean age: 58.25 ± 15.03 years); with slightly male predominance (52.2%). Pneumonia (56%) was the most common on admission diagnosis followed by uro-sepsis (19.7%). SOFA score showed greater discrimination (AUROC, 0.900 [95% CI, 0.860-0.941]) (p value <0.001) than SIRS criteria (AUROC,0.406 [95% CI, 0.327-0.486]).

Conclusion: SOFA score had higher prognostic value than SIRS criteria regarding ICU mortality in sepsis.

Birdem Med J 2021; 11(2): 84-89
Medical Quiz: Image (1-2) Vol 11(2)
Authors: Afroz Farhana , Hossain Mohammad Delwar
Published: April 2021

Abstract not available

Birdem Med J 2021; 11(2): 153-154
THE ILOVAISK TRAGEDY OF 2014 IN THE DISCOURSE OF UKRAINIAN PUBLIC OPINION
Authors: PIDSHYBIAKIN Serhii
Published: April 2021

The perception of the Ilovaisk tragedy of 2014 in the discourse of Ukrainian public opinion is analyzed. The tragedy («Ilovaisk cattle») was in surrounding a group of Ukrainian troops about 1,200 soldiers by the regular units of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (RF Armed Forces) and Russian terrorist groups near Ilovaisk, Donetsk region. While leaving the «cattle» through the humanitarian corridor, the Ukrainian soldiers came under shelling by the Russian side. Pro-government circles saw among the causes of such a tragic situation the treachery of the Russian leadership. Previously having agreed with Kyiv that it would release Ukrainian fighters from the encirclement, it eventually committed the shootings. Another reason was the betrayal of some Ukrainian soldiers who deserted from defensive positions, creating for the enemy favorable conditions to encircle. The participants of the events, experts, media partly accused the Ukrainian state and military leadership of inertia, passivity, and ignoring reports about the need for reinforcements. However, some military analysts acknowledged that the Ukrainian military command had done everything possible in the circumstances. Along with Russian intervention as the main part in the Ilovaisk tragedy, some experts saw a benefit for some Ukrainian politicians, as the constant threat factor could be used in the run-up canvassing to the October 2014 snap parliamentary elections. Finally, the criminal case concerning the Ilovaisk tragedy, which continues up today, has already been assessed by the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine (GPU). According to assessment, the deaths of Ukrainian soldiers and the loss of weapons and military equipment near Ilovaisk were directly connected with the actions of the RF Armed Forces, which on August 23-24, 2014, treacherously invaded the Donetsk region and murdered Ukrainian soldiers. It was concluded that the Ilovaisk tragedy had not only hard military but also political consequences for the country, in particular, due to the adoption of the Minsk agreements under the pressure of the tragedy, which showed itself in an imperfect «truce», which, was repeatedly violated by the enemy.

Keywords: Ilovaisk tragedy, Ukrainian public opinion, politicum, mass media, expert circles, Ukraine, Russia.
THE LIFE PATH OF IVAN CHERVAK («DNISTROVYI») - A KNIGHT OF THE SILVER CROSS OF MERIT OF THE UKRAINIAN INSURGENT ARMY
Authors: ROMANIUK Mykhailo
Published: April 2021

The research deals with the life and military path of Ivan Chervak («Dnistrovyi») (1923–1953). He was a leading person of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists' Youth department in Stanislaviv region (now - Ivano-Frankivsk region), a political educator at the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UIA), one of the leaders of the OUN's armed underground in Zakerzonnia, the commander of a courier group that provided communication on the «Carpathians-Zakerzonnia–western zones of German occupation» line, and the Zolochiv district leader. By the Ukrainian Supreme Liberation Council's decision and the Main Team of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, I. Chervak was awarded the Silver Cross of Merit because of selfless work and struggle for the Ukrainian state. Particular attention is paid to forming the future leader's personality, family upbringing, and education. I. Chervak's administrative work​​in the OUN, UIA divisions, the OUN's armed underground, his career growth from an ordinary member to the head of one of the most important structural units of the Ukrainian liberation movement of 1940-1950 in Western Ukraine was analyzed.

The author determined pseudonyms and cryptonyms used by I. Chervak, being in an illegal position and acting in the UIA ranks and the OUN underground, under which he was noted by the USLC, which he signed memoirs and journalistic articles. Activities of the Soviet repressive and punitive system to identify I. Chervak and attempt to liquidate him with agents and military-chekist operations were recreated. The last activities of the district leader and OUN battle groups that covered him have been revealed in detail, and the circumstances that led to his death together with the typist Stefaniia Virlyk («Kalyna») and the last battle of the Knight of the OUN and UIA.

Keywords: Ivan Chervak, «Dnistrovyi», «Oles», Silver Cross of Merit of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, Knight of the OUN and UIA, Zolochiv District of the OUN, Zakerzonnia, armed underground of the OUN.
FEATURES OF DEPICTION THE SECOND WORLD WAR EVENTS IN THE XXTH CENTURY RUSSIAN, AMERICAN AND HUNGARIAN PROSE (BASED ON THE NOVELS «LIFE AND FATE» BY VASILIY GROSSMAN, «FATELESSNESS» BY IMRE KERTÉSZ, «FROM HERE TO ETERNITY» BY JAMES JONES)
Authors: BARAN Adalbert
Published: April 2021

The present article deals with the comparative analysis of the methodological bases of depicting the authenticity, features, and character of ideological-thematic reflection of the Second World War events on the pages of the novel by Russian writer Vasily Grossman (1905-1964) «Life and Fate» (1960), the masterpiece by the American novelist James Jones (1921-1977) «From here to eternity» (1953) and the work by the Hungarian novelist Imre Kertész (1929-2016) «Fatelessness» (1975). The novels' authors did not need to interpret historical events by other people's memories and strive for a documentary. The original document in the novels was the life and unique memory of the writers themselves, and not only in the sense of the artistic reproduction of the true sides of the survived and seen, but also in terms of serious thoughts about the relationship of the past with the present in their moral, social, philosophical and ethical aspects. The article highlights the events and circumstances that predetermined the formation of features of the writers' worldview and led to the writing of the novels on military topics. The novels «Life and Fate», «Fatelessness», and «From here to eternity» can be considered as deeply personal works by the writers who have not declared, magnified the events of the history in context, but through the image system of the novels deeply examined, analyzed their roots. The authors of the novels have shown the history of the 20th century not on the background of exaggerated, politically agitating, heroic pictures, but from the point of view of the true significance of historical events for modern society.

Keywords: documentary, historical memory, regime, literary tradition, writer’s consciousness, historical concreteness.
Comparison of force degradation and color change of esthetic elastomeric chains
Authors: Motta Maria Julia Lima , Ladewig Victor de Miranda , Santiago Junior Joel Ferreira , Almeida-Pedrin Renata Rodrigues , Poleti Thais Maria Freire Fernandes , Conti Ana Claudia de Castro Ferreira
Published: April 2021

Objective: this study compared the force degradation and color change of esthetic elastomeric chains of four commercial brands. Materials and methods: the study analyzed 10 medium-force esthetic elastomeric chains with 6 links of Morelli, Orthometric, Eurodonto and 3M brands from sealed packages within the expiration date. The elastics were stretched twice their length, according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and were immersed in artificial saliva at 37°C. The forces were measured with an orthodontic dynamometer at onset and at intervals of 1, 7, 14, 21 and 30 days after immersion. The force degradation was evaluated calculating the percentage of force lost in relation to the initial force in each time interval, for each group tested separately and also between them. The color change was evaluated by visual analysis scale by observation of photographs of chain elastics before and after study completion by 31 examiners. The ANOVA test of repeated measures was applied considering 2 factors, time and groups, and the Tukey test was used for analysis of multiple comparisons. A significance value of 0.05% was adopted for the analyses. Results: the elastics showed great force degradation. After 7 days the groups presented degradation around 50% of the initial force. In the evaluation between groups, the elastics showed significantly different mean forces. When assessing color change, the scores assigned by examiners evidenced less color changes for elastics of Eurodonto brand. Conclusion: regardless of the commercial brand, transparent elastomeric chains show significant force degradation values ​​after 1 day. The scores assigned to color change evidenced that all commercial brands showed staining, with the best results for Eurodonto elastics.
Biological properties of Oncocalyxone A: a review
Authors: Silva Raí Emanuel da , Ribeiro Fábio de Oliveira Silva , Araújo Gisele Santos de , Iles Bruno , Pessoa Otília Deusdênia Loiola , Araújo Alyne Rodrigues de , Soares Maria José dos Santos
Published: April 2021

Quinones are a classic example of molecules isolated from natural products. These compounds are secondary metabolites produced by plants, fungi, bacteria, and insects and correspond to an interesting chemical class ubiquitously found in nature. The [rel-8α-Hydroxy-5-hydroxymethyl-2-methoxy-8α, β-methyl-7, 8, 8a, 9-tetahydro-1, 4-anthracenedione] [oncocalyxone A, onco-A] is a benzoquinone of dark red color isolated from the ethanolic extract of the species Cordia oncocalyx (Auxemma oncocalyx Allem). In this review, we aimed to investigate the main biological activities described for oncocalyxone A, as well as its isolation and characterization processes. For this review, the following descriptors were employed in multiple databases: medicinal plants, quinones, Auxemma oncocalyx, Cordia oncocalyx, biological activity. Besides, experimental papers published in international journals and with full text available were used as inclusion criteria. The biological activity profiles found for onco-A according to the literature were: antiproliferative/cytotoxic effects against SW1573 (alveolar cell carcinoma) and CCD922 (normal skin fibroblasts) cell lines; anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential; inhibitory effect on cell growth and DNA reactivity; antiplatelet activity; antitumor potential; anti-glycation agent; beneficial and/or toxic potential in goats and neuroinhibitory effect; antibacterial and antibiofilm activity. The substance has a broad spectrum of pharmacological applications, most of which are associated with its cytotoxic activity. The work also intends to compile the activities described in the literature, to understand how the molecule acts on the various targets, but, in some cases, more in-depth research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action.
Uma proposta de aula experimental no ensino a distância: Identificando proteínas em alimentos do cotidiano na disciplina de Bioquímica
Authors: Maretti Gonçalves Tiago
Published: April 2021

Na atualidade, a Educação a Distância (EaD) têm sido cada vez mais difundida, sendo um importante meio de ensino. No ano de 2020, com o advento da pandemia do novo coronavírus, o ensino tem se pautado no modo a distância, principalmente em plataformas virtuais de ensino (vídeoaulas). A Bioquímica é uma área fascinante, no entanto, possui diversos termos e processos que devem ser muito bem assimilados e compreendidos, tornando essa disciplina complexa e desafiadora aos alunos. Assim, para superarmos tais obstáculos o objetivo deste trabalho é a proposta de uma aula experimental virtual com a temática de identificação das proteínas em diversos alimentos do cotidiano, utilizando o reagente de Biureto, aplicado aos alunos de cursos superiores voltados nas áreas de Ciências Biológicas e cursos voltados nas áreas da Saúde. Desse modo, acreditamos que com presente proposta metodológica, as aulas virtuais possam se tornar cada vez mais cativantes, motivando o aluno e facilitando sua aprendizagem, além de promover a ótica da experimentação científica.
Desafios da Telepsicologia no contexto do atendimento psicoterapêutico online durante a pandemia de covid-19
Authors: Cosenza Tânia Regina dos Santos Barreiros , Pereira Eliane  Ramos , Silva Rose Mary Costa Rosa Andrade , Medeiros Angélica Yolanda Bueno Bejarano Vale de
Published: April 2021

A pandemia da Covid-19 propiciou um aumento no índice de adoecimento psicofísico. Em decorrência das medidas sanitárias, o atendimento psicológico necessitou ser realizado de maneira virtual, através da chamada Telepsicologia. Sua utilização pode ser motivo de insegurança para muitos profissionais que não se sentem preparados para empregá-la. Este estudo teórico foi delineado a partir de leitura de produções nacionais e internacionais consultadas na  Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde (BVS) nas bases MEDLINE, BDENF e LILACS, assim como buscas aleatórias de decretos, leis e novas normas foram pesquisadas no Google Scholar, com vista a contribuir agregando informações que colaborem na discussão acerca da prática do ensino e formação do psicólogo no Brasil.  Podemos concluir que a problemática do sofrimento psíquico decorrente das medidas de isolamento tomadas para conter a pandemia de covid-19 levou autoridades a permitir a utilização da Telepsicologia no Brasil. Os atendimentos estão sendo realizados remotamente, porém, muitas dúvidas ainda são observadas por parte de terapeutas e clientes quanto ao uso da tecnologia. Salienta-se que as questões aqui discutidas visam fornecer dados para uma melhor reflexão quanto a formação do terapeuta e mostram-se fundamentais para o futuro desenvolvimento da psicologia, sobretudo, no Brasil.
Escalera Náutica. Balance para la conclusión de un megaproyecto de larga data en el Mar de Cortés, México
Authors: González Barradas Rinah , Espejel Ileana , Arredondo García María Concepción , Hernández Alberto
Published: April 2021

The Nautical Stairway constitutes a network of nautical scales with basic services and infrastructure for towable boats. The project would contribute to the regional development of the Gulf of California. This article analyzes the context of the megaproject as a tourism policy. The bibliography was compiled through search engines, books, technical and government reports. Three versions of the same project were found (1960-2017): Maritime Tourist Stairway, Nautical Stairway, and Sea of Cortez. Justifications, objectives, strategies, and scale distribution of the different versions of the project were compared. A timeline of institutional planning was carried out, as well as events associated with sectoral sexennial policies. The first version had 20 scales for nautical tourism. The second version, transformed into tourism policy, considered 24 scales, land, and air infrastructure to promote real estate development and golf courses. The last version, a 28 scales coastal tourism megaproject, failed, mainly due to pressure from tourism and environmental policies.
PELATIHAN KOMPUTERISASI PENGELOLAAN DATA KEUANGAN PADA PKK RW 11 DESA ASRIKATON KECAMATAN PAKIS KABUPATEN MALANG
Authors: Heru Utomo  , Dwi Sudjanarti
Published: April 2021

Pengelolaan keungan secara komputerisasi tidak diragukan lagi dapat mempermudah penggunanya dalam membuat dan mengelolah laporan keuangan. PKK RW 11 Desa Asrikaton Kecamatan Pakis Kabupaten Malang telah mempunyai koperasi yang diperuntukkan anggota. Koperasi ini bergerak di bidang simpan pinjam bagi anggotanya. Selain itu beberapa anggota koperasi juga mempunyai usaha mandiri di rumah maupun diluar rumah. Oleh karena itu kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk mewujudkan keterampilan pengurus maupun anggota koperasi dibidang komputerisasi laporan keuangan.

Kegiatan PKM ini dapat berjalan lancar , peserta pelatihan mendapatkan tambahan pengetahuan dan keterampilan untuk mengelolah data keuangan menggunakan komputer . Peningkatan kemampuan pengurus maupun anggata dalam mengelolah data keuangan koperasi maupun usaha mandiri dapat terus dikembangkan dari berbagai sumber.
Grönt och hållbart socialt arbete - Miljörättvisa, social rättvisa och ekosociala interventioner
Authors: Björngren Cuadra Carin , Ouis Pernilla
Published: April 2021

This article introduces an approach within social work called green social. It is argued that this approach has a critical potential in its ability to respond to urgent issues concerning people’s current and future living conditions. It is further argued that in addition to its traditional involvement in problematic distribution of resources, social work can act upon linkages between social issues and issues concerning environmental and climate crisis when integrating areas of knowledge from other disciplines. Such linkages imply a revision of the construct ”person-in-environment” that traditionally denote a delimited notion of environment as the ”social environment”, thereby disregarding the biophysical environment that human beings are a part of. The article discusses concepts such as ”sustainable welfare”, ”de-growth” and ”transition” and presents examples of so-called ecosocial interventions while also making an argument for strengthening community work in Sweden.
Dunderhonung för socialt arbete?
Authors: Denvall Verner , Nordesjö Kettil , Ulmestig Rickard
Published: April 2021

MI, motivational interviewing, is a counselling method for increasing a person’s motivation for behaviour change that is prevalent in social work. MI emphasizes building trusting social worker-client relationships and is presented as concrete and simple to follow. The benefit of MI is limited by actual opportunities for change through poverty, the labour market and health. The article aims to critically examine the usefulness of MI in connection with the handling of social assistance. It is based on a study of the use of an assessment instrument and of individual action plans (contracts) in a municipality where MI is a central tool. The study is based on analyses of documents, individual interviews and group interviews with staff as well as observations of meetings and training.The results show that MI has been integrated into a comprehensive implementation of other elements to standardize initiatives within income support. The client’s obligations are emphasized through a strong individual focus, although extensive efforts may be needed from surrounding actors. The action plans have inherent problems in terms of clarity and legal certainty. The authors argue that it is paradoxical to use a method based on alliances and collaboration in connection with conditional decisions. The use of MI becomes a commitment that lacks reciprocity and whose activation of self-technologies can be questioned.
Short Term Prognosis of Renal Artery Stenosis Secondary to Acute Type B Aortic Dissection With TEVAR
Authors: Li Lei , Wang Maozhou , Li Jinzhang , Guan Xinliang , Xin Pu , Wang Xiaolong , Liu Yuyong , Li Haiyang , Jiang Wenjian , Gong Ming , Zhang Hongjia
Published: April 2021

Objective:To determine the effect of renal artery stenosis (RAS) resulting from acute type B aortic dissection (ATBAD) with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) on early prognosis in patients with ATBAD.

Methods:A total of 129 ATBAD patients in the National Acute Aortic Syndrome Database (AASCN) who underwent TEVAR between 2019 and 2020 were enrolled in our study. Patients were divided into two groups: the RAS group and the non-RAS group.

Results:There were 21 RAS patients (16.3%) and 108 non-RAS patients (83.7%) in our cohort. No patient in our cohort died during the 1-month follow-up. There was no significant difference in preoperative creatinine clearance rate (CCr) between the two groups (90.6 ± 46.1 μmol/L in the RAS group vs. 78.7 ± 39.2 μmol/L in the non-RAS group,P= 0.303) but the RAS group had a significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) than the non-RAS group (83.3 ± 25.0 vs. 101.9 ± 26.9 ml/min, respectively;P= 0.028).One month after TEVAR, CCr was significantly higher (99.0 ± 68.1 vs. 78.5 ± 25.8 ml/min,P= 0.043) and eGFR (81.7 ± 23.8 vs. 96.0 ± 20.0 ml/min,P= 0.017) was significantly lower in the RAS group than in the non-RAS group.

Conclusions:In ATBAD, RAS could result in acute kidney injury (AKI) in the early stage after TEVAR. The RAS group had a high incidence of hypertension. These results suggest that patients with RAS may need further treatment.
Orogenic Segmentation and Its Role in Himalayan Mountain Building
Authors: Hubbard Mary , Mukul Malay , Gajurel Ananta Prasad , Ghosh Abhijit , Srivastava Vinee , Giri Bibek , Seifert Neil , Mendoza Manuel M.
Published: April 2021

The continental collision process has made a large contribution to continental growth and reconfiguration of cratons throughout Earth history. Many of the mountain belts present today are the product of continental collision such as the Appalachians, the Alps, the Cordillera, the Himalaya, the Zagros, and the Papuan Fold and Thrust Belt. Though collisional mountain belts are generally elongate and laterally continuous, close inspection reveals disruptions and variations in thrust geometry and kinematics along the strike of the range. These lateral variations typically coincide with cross structures and have been documented in thrust fault systems with a variety of geometries and kinematic interpretations. In the Himalaya, cross faults provide segment boundaries that, in some cases separate zones of differing thrust geometry and may even localize microseismicity or limit areas of active seismicity on adjacent thrust systems. By compiling data on structural segmentation along the length of the Himalayan range, we find lateral variations at all levels within the Himalaya. Along the Gish fault of the eastern Indian Himalaya, there is evidence in the foreland for changes in thrust-belt geometry across the fault. The Gish, the Ganga, and the Yamuna faults all mark boundaries of salients and recesses at the mountain front. The Benkar fault in the Greater Himalayan sequence of eastern Nepal exhibits a brittle-ductile style of deformation with fabric that crosscuts the older thrust-sense foliation. Microseismicity data from several regions in Nepal shows linear, northeast-striking clusters of epicenters sub-parallel to cross faults. The map pattern of aftershock data from the 2015 Nepal earthquakes has an abrupt northeast-trending termination on its eastern side suggesting the presence of a structure of that orientation that limited slip. The orientations of the recognized cross faults and seismic patterns also align with the extensional zones to the north on the Tibetan Plateau and the Indian basement structures to the south. Results from multiple studies are consistent with a link between cross faults and either of these structural trends to the north or south and suggest that cross faults may play a role in segmenting deformation style and seismic activity along the length of the Himalaya.
Reduced Mortality Associated With the Use of Metformin Among Patients With Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Lin Chun-Yu , Wu Chun-Hsin , Hsu Chung-Yuan , Chen Tien-Hsing , Lin Ming-Shyan , Lin Yu-Sheng , Su Yu-Jih
Published: April 2021

Objective

Metformin has been linked to anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. In this study, we aimed to examine the long-term impact of metformin on mortality and organ damage in patients with autoimmune diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

We conducted a cohort study using the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan between 1997 and 2013. Based on metformin and other anti-diabetic agent prescriptions, we categorized all patients with autoimmune diseases into either the metformin group (metformin administration for at least 28 days) or the non-metformin group. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and annual admission rate, while the secondary outcome was target organ damage. We followed patients from the index date to the date on which the event of interest occurred, death, or the end of this study.

Results

Our cohort study included 3,359 subjects for analysis. During a mean follow up of 5.2 ± 3.8 years, the event rate of all-cause mortality was 228 (33.6%) in the metformin group and 125 (36.9%) in the non-metformin group. The risk of both all-cause mortality and annual number of admissions for autoimmune diseases was significantly lower in the metformin group than in the non-metformin group [hazard ratio (HR) 0.77; 95% CI 0.62–0.96 and risk ratio (RR) 0.81; 95% CI 0.73–0.90, respectively].

Conclusion

Metformin may add benefits beyond T2DM control with regard to reducing all-cause mortality and admission rate, as well as minimizing end-organ injury in lungs and kidneys among patients with autoimmune diseases.
RETRACTED: Ghrelin Alleviates Intestinal Dysfunction in Sepsis Through the KLF4/MMP2 Regulatory Axis by Activating SIRT1
Authors: Li Bin , Dou Zhimin , Zhang Lei , Zhu Lei , Cao Yongqiang , Yu Qin
Published: April 2021

Intestinal barrier dysfunction is an important contributor to morbidity caused by sepsis. This study investigates the molecular mechanism by which Ghrelin affects intestinal dysfunction in rat model of sepsis. A rat model of sepsis was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), revealing that Ghrelin was downregulated when sepsis occurs. Increases in the levels of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1β), IL-6, gastrin, γ-H2AX and 8-OHdG was also detected in this model system, as was an overall increase in oxidative stress. Introduction of exogenous Ghrelin inhibited these increases in inflammatory response and oxidative stress, leading to a reduction of overall sepsis-induced intestinal dysfunction. Ghrelin was then shown to activate SIRT1 expression in vitro, while SIRT1 was found to co-express with KLF4, which in turn was predicted to bind to matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) promoter. Finally, gain- and loss-of-function experiment demonstrated that SIRT1 upregulated the expression of KLF4 to downregulate MMP2. Collectively, Ghrelin inhibits the oxidative stress and intestinal dysfunction to attenuate sepsis by activating SIRT1 and regulating a KLF4/MMP2 regulatory axis.
The Neurotransmitter Receptor Architecture of the Mouse Olfactory System
Authors: Lothmann Kimberley , Amunts Katrin , Herold Christina
Published: April 2021

The uptake, transmission and processing of sensory olfactory information is modulated by inhibitory and excitatory receptors in the olfactory system. Previous studies have focused on the function of individual receptors in distinct brain areas, but the receptor architecture of the whole system remains unclear. Here, we analyzed the receptor profiles of the whole olfactory system of adult male mice. We examined the distribution patterns of glutamatergic (AMPA, kainate, mGlu2/3, and NMDA), GABAergic (GABAA, GABAA(BZ), and GABAB), dopaminergic (D1/5) and noradrenergic (α1 and α2) neurotransmitter receptors by quantitative in vitro receptor autoradiography combined with an analysis of the cyto- and myelo-architecture. We observed that each subarea of the olfactory system is characterized by individual densities of distinct neurotransmitter receptor types, leading to a region- and layer-specific receptor profile. Thereby, the investigated receptors in the respective areas and strata showed a heterogeneous expression. Generally, we detected high densities of mGlu2/3Rs, GABAA(BZ)Rs and GABABRs. Noradrenergic receptors revealed a highly heterogenic distribution, while the dopaminergic receptor D1/5 displayed low concentrations, except in the olfactory tubercle and the dorsal endopiriform nucleus. The similarities and dissimilarities of the area-specific multireceptor profiles were analyzed by a hierarchical cluster analysis. A three-cluster solution was found that divided the areas into the (1) olfactory relay stations (main and accessory olfactory bulb), (2) the olfactory cortex (anterior olfactory cortex, dorsal peduncular cortex, taenia tecta, piriform cortex, endopiriform nucleus, entorhinal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex) and the (3) olfactory tubercle, constituting its own cluster. The multimodal receptor-architectonic analysis of each component of the olfactory system provides new insights into its neurochemical organization and future possibilities for pharmaceutic targeting.
P3OI-MELSH: Privacy Protection Target Point of Interest Recommendation Algorithm Based on Multi-Exploring Locality Sensitive Hashing
Authors: Liu Desheng , Shan Linna , Wang Lei , Yin Shoulin , Wang Hui , Wang Chaoyang
Published: April 2021

With the rapid development of social network, intelligent terminal and automatic positioning technology, location-based social network (LBSN) service has become an important and valuable application. Point of interest (POI) recommendation is an important content in LBSN, which aims to recommend new locations of interest for users. It can not only alleviate the information overload problem faced by users in the era of big data, improve user experience, but also help merchants quickly find target users and achieve accurate marketing. Most of the works are based on users' check-in history and social network data to model users' personalized preferences for interest points, and recommend interest points through collaborative filtering and other recommendation technologies. However, in the check-in history, the multi-source heterogeneous information (including the position, category, popularity, social, reviews) describes user activity from different aspects which hides people's life style and personal preference. However, the above methods do not fully consider these factors' combined action. Considering the data privacy, it is difficult for individuals to share data with others with similar preferences. In this paper, we propose a privacy protection point of interest recommendation algorithm based on multi-exploring locality sensitive hashing (LSH). This algorithm studies the POI recommendation problem under distributed system. This paper introduces a multi-exploring method to improve the LSH algorithm. On the one hand, it reduces the number of hash tables to decrease the memory overhead; On the other hand, the retrieval range on each hash table is increased to reduce the time retrieval overhead. Meanwhile, the retrieval quality is similar to the original algorithm. The proposed method uses modified LSH and homomorphic encryption technology to assist POI recommendation which can ensure the accuracy, privacy and efficiency of the recommendation algorithm, and it verifies feasibility through experiments on real data sets. In terms of root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and running time, the proposed method has a competitive advantage.
Canavan Disease as a Model for Gene Therapy-Mediated Myelin Repair
Authors: Lotun Anoushka , Gessler Dominic J. , Gao Guangping
Published: April 2021

In recent years, the scientific and therapeutic fields for rare, genetic central nervous system (CNS) diseases such as leukodystrophies, or white matter disorders, have expanded significantly in part due to technological advancements in cellular and clinical screenings as well as remedial therapies using novel techniques such as gene therapy. However, treatments aimed at normalizing the pathological changes associated with leukodystrophies have especially been complicated due to the innate and variable effects of glial abnormalities, which can cause large-scale functional deficits in developmental myelination and thus lead to downstream neuronal impairment. Emerging research in the past two decades have depicted glial cells, particularly oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, as key, regulatory modulators in constructing and maintaining myelin function and neuronal viability. Given the significance of myelin formation in the developing brain, myelin repair in a time-dependent fashion is critical in restoring homeostatic functionality to the CNS of patients diagnosed with white matter disorders. Using Canavan Disease (CD) as a leukodystrophy model, here we review the hypothetical roles of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), one of the brain's most abundant amino acid derivatives, in Canavan disease's CNS myelinating pathology, as well as discuss the possible functions astrocytes serve in both CD and other leukodystrophies' time-sensitive disease correction. Through this analysis, we also highlight the potential remyelinating benefits of gene therapy for other leukodystrophies in which alternative CNS cell targeting for white matter disorders may be an applicable path for reparative treatment.
Outcomes of Ischemic Stroke and Associated Factors Among Elderly Patients With Large-Artery Atherosclerosis: A Hospital-Based Follow-Up Study in China
Authors: Wu Qianqian , Cui Jingjing , Xie Yuanli , Wang Min , Zhang Huifang , Hu Xiaofei , Jiang Fenghua
Published: April 2021

Large-artery atherosclerotic (LAA) stroke is the most common subtype of ischemic stroke. However, risk factors for long-term outcomes of LAA stroke in the elderly Chinese population have not been well-described. Therefore, we aimed to assess outcomes and risk factors at 3, 12, and 36 months after LAA stroke onset among stroke patients aged 60 years and older. All consecutive LAA patients aged ≥ 60 years were prospectively recruited from Dongying People's Hospital between January 2016 and December 2018. The clinical features and outcome data at 3, 12, and 36 months after stroke were collected. Differences in outcomes and relationship between outcomes and risk factors were assessed. A total of 1,772 patients were included in our study (61.7% male, 38.3% female). The rates of mortality, recurrence, and dependency were 6.6, 12.6, and 12.6%, respectively, at 3 months after stroke onset. The corresponding rate rose rapidly at 36 months (23.2, 78.7, and 79.7%, respectively). We found the positive predictors associated outcomes at 3, 12, and 36 months after stroke onset. The relative risk (RR) with 95% confidential interval (CI) is 1.06 (1.02–1.10, P = 0.006) at 3 months, 1.06 (1.02–1.10, P = 0.003) at12 months, and 1.10 (1.05–1.15, P < 0.001) at 36 months after stroke onset for age; 1.09 (1.01–1.19, P = 0.029) at 12 months for fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level; 4.25 (2.14–8.43, P < 0.001) at 3 months, 4.95 (2.70–9.10, P < 0.001) at 12 months, and 4.82 (2.25–10.32, P < 0.001) at 36 months for moderate stroke; 7.56 (3.42–16.72, P < 0.001) at 3 months, 11.08 (5.26–23.34, P < 0.001) at 12 months, and 14.30 (4.85–42.11, P < 0.001) at 36 months for severe stroke, compared to mild stroke. Hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level was an independent risk factor for mortality at different follow-up times, with the RR (95%) of 1.02 (1.01–1.02, P < 0.001) at 3 months, 1.01 (1.00–1.02, P = 0.002) at 12 months. White blood cell count (WBC) level was associated with both stroke recurrence (RR = 1.09, 95%CI: 1.01–1.18, P = 0.023) and dependency (RR = 1.10, 95%CI: 1.02–1.19, P = 0.018) at 3 months. In contrast, a higher level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) within the normal range was a protective factor for recurrence and dependency at shorter follow-up times, with the RR (95%) of 0.67 (0.51–0.89, P = 0.005) and 0.67 (0.50–0.88, P = 0.005), respectively. These findings suggest that it is necessary to control the risk factors of LAA to reduce the burden of LAA stroke. Especially, this study provides a new challenge to explore the possibility of lowering LDL-C level for improved stroke prognosis.
Short-Term High-Intensity Interval Exercise Promotes Motor Cortex Plasticity and Executive Function in Sedentary Females
Authors: Hu Min , Zeng Ningning , Gu Zhongke , Zheng Yuqing , Xu Kai , Xue Lian , Leng Lu , Lu Xi , Shen Ying , Huang Junhao
Published: April 2021

Previous research has demonstrated that regular exercise modulates motor cortical plasticity and cognitive function, but the influence of short-term high-intensity interval training (HIIT) remains unclear. In the present study, the effect of short-term HIIT on neuroplasticity and executive function was assessed in 32 sedentary females. Half of the participants undertook 2 weeks of HIIT. Paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (ppTMS) was used to measure motor cortical plasticity via short intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF). We further adapted the Stroop task using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to evaluate executive function in the participants. The results indicated that, compared with the control group, the HIIT group exhibited decreased ICF. In the Stroop task, the HIIT group displayed greater activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) even though no significant difference in task performance was observed. These findings indicate that short-term HIIT may modulate motor cortical plasticity and executive function at the neural level.
Construction and Validation of Novel Nomograms for Predicting Prognosis of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma After Surgery According to Different Primary Cancer Locations
Authors: Li Ge , Liao Cheng-Yu , Chen Jiang-Zhi , Huang Long , Yang Can , Tian Yi-Feng , Wang Yi-Ting , Du Qiang , Zhan Qian , Chen Yan-Ling , Chen Shi
Published: April 2021

Background/Aims

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) can occur in different parts of the pancreas. This study aimed to identify clinicopathological characteristics independently correlated with the prognosis of PDAC of the pancreatic head/uncinate (PHC) or body-tail (PBTC), and to develop novel nomograms for predicting cancer-specific survival (CSS) according to different primary cancer locations.

Methods

1160 PDAC patients were retrospectively enrolled and assigned to training and test sets with each set divided into PHC and PBTC groups. Comparative analysis of clinicopathologic characteristics, survival analysis, and multivariate analysis were performed. Independent factors were identified and used for constructing nomograms. The performance of the nomograms was validated in the test set.

Results

Primary tumor location was an independent risk factor for prognosis of PDAC after surgery. Specially, gender, fasting blood glucose, and preoperative cancer antigen 19-9 were significantly associated with prognosis of PHC, whereas age, body mass index, and lymph nodes were significantly correlated with the prognosis of PBTC. A significant difference in prognosis was found between PHC and PBTC in stage Ia and stage III. Three nomograms were established for predicting the prognosis for PDAC, PHC, and PBTC. Notably, these nomograms were calibrated modestly (c-indexes of 0.690 for PDAC, 0.669 for PHC, and 0.704 for PBTC), presented better accuracy and reliability than the 8th AJCC staging system, and achieved clinical validity.

Conclusions

PHC and PBTC share the differential clinical-pathological characteristics and survival. The nomograms show good performance for predicting prognosis in PHC and PBTC. Therefore, these nomograms hold potential as novel approaches for predicting survival of PHC and PBTC patients after surgery.
KIF11 Serves as an Independent Prognostic Factor and Therapeutic Target for Patients With Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Zhaodong , Yu Bingxin , Qi Fangyuan , Li Fan
Published: April 2021

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is challenging in clinical practice due to the poor understanding of molecular mechanisms and limited therapeutic targets. Herein, the work aimed to use bioinformatics to identify a promising molecular target for LUAD therapy.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset were used for a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to screen the hub gene. After a prognostic estimation with meta-analysis and COX regression analysis, we performed a function analysis on the corresponding gene. The ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT methods were adopted to analyze the association of the hub gene with the tumor microenvironment (TME). A cohort of functional assays was conducted to establish the functional roles of the hub gene in A549 and PC-9 cells.

Results

Our screen identifiedKIF11as a prognostic factor, which indicated the poor overall survival and the worse progression-free survival in LUAD patients. Additionally,KIF11was primarily involved in cell cycle, TME alteration and tumor-infiltrating immune cells proportions.KIF11knockdown exerted inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Results of the flow cytometry analysis revealed thatKIF11knockdown induced a G2/M phase arrest and improved apoptosis in LUAD cells.

Conclusions

KIF11is essential for LUAD cell proliferation and metastasis, and it may serve as an independent prognostic factor as well as a promising therapeutic target for LUAD patients.
From Precision Metapharmacology to Patient Empowerment: Delivery of Self-Care Practices for Epilepsy, Pain, Depression and Cancer Using Digital Health Technologies
Authors: Bulaj Grzegorz , Clark Jacqueline , Ebrahimi Maryam , Bald Elizabeth
Published: April 2021

To improve long-term outcomes of therapies for chronic diseases, health promotion and lifestyle modifications are the most promising and sustainable strategies. In addition, advances in digital technologies provide new opportunities to address limitations of drug-based treatments, such as medication non-adherence, adverse effects, toxicity, drug resistance, drug shortages, affordability, and accessibility. Pharmaceutical drugs and biologics can be combined with digital health technologies, including mobile medical apps (digital therapeutics), which offer additional clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness. Promises of drug+digital combination therapies are recognized by pharmaceutical and digital health companies, opening opportunities for integrating pharmacotherapies with non-pharmacological interventions (metapharmacology). Herein we present unique features of digital health technologies which can deliver personalized self-care modalities such as breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, yoga, physical activity, adequate sleep, listening to preferred music, forgiveness and gratitude. Clinical studies reveal how aforementioned complimentary practices may support treatments of epilepsy, chronic pain, depression, cancer, and other chronic diseases. This article also describes how digital therapies delivering “medicinal” self-care and other non-pharmacological interventions can also be personalized by accounting for: 1) genetic risks for comorbidities, 2) adverse childhood experiences, 3) increased risks for viral infections such as seasonal influenza, or COVID-19, and 4) just-in-time stressful and traumatic circumstances. Development and implementation of personalized pharmacological-behavioral combination therapies (precision metapharmacology) require aligning priorities of key stakeholders including patients, research communities, healthcare industry, regulatory and funding agencies. In conclusion, digital technologies enable integration of pharmacotherapies with self-care, lifestyle interventions and patient empowerment, while concurrently advancing patient-centered care, integrative medicine and digital health ecosystems.
Pleiotropic Effects of Tetracyclines in the Management of COVID-19: Emerging Perspectives
Authors: Al-kuraishy Hayder M. , Al-Gareeb Ali I. , Alqarni Mohammed , Cruz-Martins Natália , El-Saber Batiha Gaber
Published: April 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Approximately 15% of severe cases require an intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mechanical ventilation due to development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Tetracyclines (TCs) are a group of bacteriostatic antibiotics, like tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline, effective against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as well as Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Based on available evidences, TCs may be effective against coronaviruses and thus useful to treat COVID-19. Thus, this review aims to provide a brief overview on the uses of TCs for COVID-19 management. SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses depend mainly on the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) for their proliferation, cell adhesion, and infiltration. The anti-inflammatory mechanisms of TCs are linked to different pathways. Briefly, TCs inhibit mitochondrial cytochrome c and caspase pathway with improvement of lymphopenia in early COVID-19. Specifically, minocycline is effective in reducing COVID-19–related complications, through attenuation of cytokine storm as apparent by reduction of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Different clinical trials recommend the replacement of azithromycin by minocycline in the management of COVID-19 patients at high risk due to two main reasons: 1) minocycline does not prolong the QT interval and even inhibits ischemia-induced arrhythmia; 2) minocycline displays synergistic effect with chloroquine against SARS-CoV-2. Taken together, the data presented here show that TCs, mainly doxycycline or minocycline, may be potential partners in COVID-19 management, derived pneumonia, and related complications, such as acute lung injury (ALI) and ARDS.