bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitric oxide and platelet energy metabolism.
Authors: Tomasiak Marian , Stelmach Halina , Rusak Tomasz , Wysocka Jolanta
Published: December 2019

This study was undertaken to determine whether nitric oxide (NO) can affect platelet responses through the inhibition of energy production. It was found that NO donors: S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicyllamine, SNAP, (5-50 microM) and sodium nitroprusside, SNP, (5-100 microM) inhibited collagen- and ADP-induced aggregation of porcine platelets. The corresponding IC50 values for SNAP and SNP varied from 5 to 30 microM and from 9 to 75 microM, respectively. Collagen- and thrombin-induced platelet secretion was inhibited by SNAP (IC50 = 50 microM) and by SNP (IC50 = 100 microM). SNAP (20-100 microM), SNP (10-200 microM) and collagen (20 microg/ml) stimulated glycolysis in intact platelets. The degree of glycolysis stimulation exerted by NO donors was similar to that produced by respiratory chain inhibitors (cyanide and antimycin A) or uncouplers (2,4-dinitrophenol). Neither the NO donors nor the respiratory chain blockers affected glycolysis in platelet homogenate. SNAP (20-100 microM) and SNP (50-200 microM) inhibited oxygen consumption by platelets. The effect of SNP and SNAP on glycolysis and respiration was not reduced by 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, a selective inhibitor of NO-stimulated guanylate cyclase. SNAP (5-100 microM) and SNP (10-300 microM) inhibited the activity of platelet cytochrome oxidase and had no effect on NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase and succinate dehydrogenase. Blocking of the mitochondrial energy production by antimycin A slightly affected collagen-evoked aggregation and strongly inhibited platelet secretion. The results indicate that: 1) in porcine platelets NO is able to diminish mitochondrial energy production through the inhibition of cytochrome oxidase, 2) the inhibitory effect of NO on platelet secretion (but not aggregation) can be attributed to the reduction of mitochondrial energy production.
Influence of BCR/ABL fusion proteins on the course of Ph leukemias.
Authors: Telegeev Gennady D , Dubrovska Anna N , Dybkov Mykhaylo V , Maliuta Stanislav S
Published: December 2019

The hallmark of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and a subset of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome as a result of the t(9;22) translocation. This gene rearrangement results in the production of a novel oncoprotein, BCR/ABL, a constitutively active tyrosine kinase. There is compelling evidence that the malignant transformation by BCR/ABL is critically dependent on its Abl tyrosine kinase activity. Also the bcr part of the hybrid gene takes part in realization of the malignant phenotype. We supposed that additional mutations accumulate in this region of the BCR/ABL oncogene during the development of the malignant blast crisis in CML patients. In ALL patients having p210 fusion protein the mutations were supposed to be preexisting. Sequencing of PCR product of the BCR/ABL gene (Dbl, PH region) showed that along with single-nucleotide substitutions other mutations, mostly deletions, had occurred. In an ALL patient a deletion of the 5th exon was detected. The size of the deletions varied from 36 to 220 amino acids. For one case of blast crisis of CML changes in the character of actin organization were observed. Taking into account the functional role of these domains in the cell an etiological role of such mutations on the disease phenotype and leukemia progression is plausible.
GRUPOS REFLEXIVOS COM HOMENS PARA PREVENÇÃO DA VIOLÊNCIA CONJUGAL: COMO ORGANIZÁ-LOS
Authors: Estrela Fernanda Matheus , Gomes Nadirlene Pereira , Silva Andrey Ferreira da , Magalhães Júlia Renata Fernandes , Sousa Anderson Reis de , Pereira Álvaro
Published: December 2019

Como citar este artigo: Estrela FM, Gomes NP, Silva AF, Magalhães JRF, Souza AR, Pereira A. Grupos reflexivos com homens para prevenção da violência conjugal: como organizá-los. Rev baiana enferm. 2019;33:e32999.

Objetivo: descrever a construção de um grupo reflexivo com homens com vistas à prevenção e ao enfrentamento da violência conjugal. Método: estudo descritivo, tendo como referencial a Perspectiva Crítico-Libertadora de Paulo Freire. O público-alvo foram 44 homens que respondiam processo em Salvador, Bahia. Resultados: o passo a passo da construção do grupo reflexivo teve os seguintes requisitos: definição do projeto didático-metodológico; obtenção de recursos humanos, materiais e financeiros; escolha do espaço para desenvolvimento do grupo reflexivo e captação do público-alvo. Conclusão: a implementação desses espaços educativos apresenta viabilidade financeira e operacional, considerando seu potencial de redução de casos de violência conjugal, podendo ser replicado por profissionais de diferentes áreas de atuação, em diferentes cenários e com homens de todos os níveis socioculturais.

Descritores: Violência contra a Mulher. Violência de Gênero. Homens. Metodologia. Prevenção.
El juicio de justificación del uso de la fuerza policial: Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos VS. Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos
Authors: Ruiz Ortiz Salvador , Carrillo De Albornoz Eduardo Osuna , Mainar Ene José María , Martínez Marín José
Published: December 2019

El uso de la fuerza policial es siempre un tema controvertido, y su justificación también resulta compleja en las sociedades democráticas. En este estudio se aborda el análisis de la concepción justificativa que realiza el Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos y su comparación con la de la Corte Suprema Norteamericana, a través del análisis de distintas sentencias emitidas por los citados órganos jurisdiccionales. El objetivo es determinar si en los últimos años existe o no un proceso de convergencia entre las decisiones adoptadas por estos tribunales, así como la detección de patrones interpretativos, tanto comunes como divergentes, con la finalidad de realizar un análisis crítico de la justificación que realizan sobre el fenómeno
Determining content of mercury in vitamin and mineral dietary supplements
Authors: Brodziak-Dopierała Barbara , Fischer Agnieszka , Derkacz Patrycja , Stojko Jerzy
Published: December 2019

Wstęp

Suplementy diety to produkty coraz częściej wybierane jako łatwy sposób na uzupełnienie niedoborów witamin i minerałów w codziennej diecie. Są to środki spożywcze podlegające prawu żywnościowemu a nie farmaceutycznemu, co przekłada się na znacznie mniejsze wymagania niż w przypadku leków. Również prosta i niekosztowna procedura ich rejestracji sprawia, że każdego roku zwiększa się liczba dostępnych preparatów. Celem pracy było oznaczenie zawartości rtęci w witaminowo-mineralnych suplementach diety oraz analiza uzyskanych wyników.

Materiał i metody

Do badania wybrano 22 suplementy diety dostępne na polskim rynku, zawierające w swoim składzie witaminy i minerały. W zebranych próbkach oznaczono zawartość rtęci przy użyciu spektrometru absorpcji atomowej AMA 254.

Wyniki

Zawartość rtęci mieściła się w zakresie 0,22–5,85 µg/kg. Najwięcej rtęci – 4,51 µg/kg – występowało w preparacie uzupełniającym poziom cynku i miedzi. Najmniejsza zawartość wynosiła 0,31 µg/kg w preparacie witaminowo-mineralnym. Uzyskane wyniki analizowano w poszczególnych grupach suplementów diety w zależności od składnika głównego i wskazań do stosowania oraz od postaci farmaceutycznej. Obliczono także dzienne pobranie rtęci przy maksymalnych zalecanych dawkach w ciągu dnia, miesiąca, 3 miesięcy oraz roku. Uzyskane oznaczenia porównano
z obowiązującym w krajach Unii Europejskiej maksymalnym dopuszczalnym poziomem zawartości rtęci w suplementach diety oraz tymczasowym tygodniowym pobraniem PTWI, ustalonym przez JECFA.

Wnioski

Przeprowadzona analiza wykazała, że poziom zawartości rtęci w badanych suplementach diety witaminowo-mineralnych nie został przekroczony. Stosowanie tych preparatów w ilości zalecanej przez producenta nie stwarza ryzyka dla zdrowia.
السبك المعجمي في ديوان السباعيات لعيسى ألبى أبو بكر: دراسة تحليلية نقدية AS-SABAK AL-MU‘JAMI FI DIWAN AS-SUBA‘IYAT LI ‘ISA ALBI ABU BAKR: DIRASAH TAHLILIYAH NAQDIYAH
Authors: Gbodofu Khalil Mohammad Usman
Published: December 2019

يتبوأ الشعر في التراث العربي النيجيري مكانة عالية جدا، يقرض علماء هذه البلاد أشعارهم في أغراض مختلفة، إذ يوجد في أشعارهم الرثاء والمدح والوصف ونحو ذلك، وهؤلاء العلماء يستخدمون أساليب متنوعة، فمنهم من يسلك مسلك البحور الخليلية المعروفة، ومنهم من يؤثر البحور المهملة، ومنهم من ينتهج منهج أصحاب الرباعيات أو الخماسيات أو السداسيات أو السباعيات أو غيرها. وأما هذه الورقة فإنها تهدف إلى إلقاء الضوء على أنماط السبك المعجمي الواردة في ديوان «السباعيات» للدكتور عيسى ألبى أبو بكر. تمثّل هذه الظاهرة فنّا جديدًا للدراسة النصية، وصورة شفافة للشكل المعجمي الذي يتناوله الدارسون المعاصرون في الكتب المقدسة، وفي بعض أعمال العلماء القدماء والمحدثين. استطاع الباحث في هذه الورقة أن يقف عند حياة الشاعر وأعماله العلمية والفنّيّة، وعند مضامين ديوان السباعيات، وتمكّن على دراسة أهم عناصر السبك المعجمي، حيث طبّق هذه العناصر على أبيات الديوان مركّزا على التكرار، والترادف، والمصاحبة اللغوية؛ مع التقويم النقدي والإشارة -في بعض الأحايين- إلى السبب الذي أدى بالشاعر إلى قرض قصائده.

Poetry in the Nigerian Arabic Heritage has attained a high level, as Arabic scholars used to compose their poems in different themes including elegy, panegyrics, description and others, while different styles have been explored. In the process of writing the poems, some of them applied the well-known Khalilian prosodic metres, others applied uncommon ones, while the rest was known to write poems in tetragon, pentagon, hexagon and heptagon. The main focus of this paper was to illuminate on the adopted styles of lexicographical shaping in “Diwan As-Subaiyyat” by Isa Alabi Abubakar. This phase stands out as a new art of textual study and a reflect of contemporary lexicographical form which researchers used to study aspect of scriptures and the works of the ancient and modern scholars. The researcher was able to give an account of the poet’s biography and his literary and artistic works particularly contents of the Diwan As-Subaiyyat. The researcher, in the course of studying the components of the lexicographical shaping in the Diwan, elucidates the values of repetition, synonymy, linguistic homogeneity with critical comments pointing into the reason that led the poet to writing the poems. In conclusion, the researcher summarized this study, presented its findings, before mentioning the bibliographies and references.
The Dissemination of the Qur’an in Urban Societies: PPPA Daarul Qur’an and its Social Activities in Yogyakarta
Authors: Zulaili Iin Nur
Published: December 2019

This paper explores one of the leading Islamic educational institutions and its roles in the dissemination of the Qur’an and community development in an urban setting in Indonesia. The rising trend of the program of the memorization of the Qur’an (taḥfīẓ) has attracted young Muslim generations. This empirical study finds that the PPPA Daarul Qur’an develops an Islamic institution that focuses mainly on the production of the Qur’an memorizers and the dissemination of this program throughout the country. With the large support from broader Muslim community and international networking, the institution is now a home for thousand students coming from across the country. In addition to regular study of the Qur’an, the institution also run charity programs that target the poor to offer easy access to Islamic education. By incorporating education and social service, the PPPA plays important roles not only in enhancing Islamic education but also in developing Muslim community.
Biomarker Validation of a New Case Definition of Menstrual Cycle-Associated Syndrome (MCAS)
Authors: Roomruangwong Chutima , Maes Michael
Published: December 2019

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) frequently occurs in women of childbearing age. There are different case definitions of PMS, one proposed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and another based on the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) scores. Here we review our recent papers indicating that the discovery of biomarkers of menstrual cycle-related symptoms is strongly dependent on the case definitions used and that the gold standard methods used to asses PMS, including the ACOG case definition, induce a high degree of false-negative findings. We propose a new case definition of the menstrual cycle-associated syndrome (MCAS), which is characterized by increased DRSP scores during the menstrual cycle and additionally by an exaggerated increase in symptoms the week prior to the menses. This case definition performed well and was externally validated by diverse biomarkers including plasma levels of progesterone and estradiol, chemokines (e.g. CCL2, CCL5 and CCL11), epidermal growth factor, hydroperoxides, paraoxonase 1 activity and complement C4. In conclusion, when evaluating menstrual cycle-related symptoms and their associations with biomarkers, we propose to assess daily measurements of the DRSP and based on those scores to a) use the diagnosis of MCAS as an indicant of menstrual cycle-related symptoms; and b) examine the associations of the time series in the DRSP and its subdomains (e.g. depression, physio-somatic, anxiety) and those in biomarkers including distributed lag models.
Identical Quantum Particles, Entanglement and Individuality
Authors: Dieks Dennis
Published: December 2019

Particles in classical physics are distinguishable objects, which can be picked out individually on the basis of their unique physical properties. By contrast, in quantum mechanics the standard view is that particles of the same kind (``identical particles'') are completely indistinguishable from each other. This standard view is problematic: Particle indistinguishability is irreconcilable not only with the very meaning of ``particle'' in ordinary language and in classical physical theory, but also with how this term is used in the practice of present-day physics. Moreover, the indistinguishability doctrine prevents a smooth transition from quantum particles to what we normally understand by ``particles'' in the classical limit of quantum mechanics. Elaborating on earlier work, we here discuss an alternative to the standard view that avoids these and similar problems. As it turns out, this alternative approach connects to recent discussions in quantum information theory concerning the question of when identical particles can be considered to be entangled.
An outbreak of norovirus-related acute gastroenteritis associated with delivery food in Guangzhou, southern China
Authors: Lu Ying , Ma Mengmeng , Wang Hui , Wang Dahu , Chen Chun , Jing Qinlong , Geng Jinmei , Li Tiegang , Zhang Zhoubin , Yang Zhicong
Published: December 2019

Background
A large number of students at a school located in Guangzhou city developed a sudden onset of symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting. In order to control the outbreak, an epidemiological investigation was conducted to determine the causative agent, sources, role of transmission and risk factors of the infections.Methods
The study population consisted of probable cases and confirmed cases. An active search was conducted for cases among all students, teachers and other staff members. A case control study was carried out using online standardised questionnaires. Data were obtained regarding demographic characteristics, gastrointestinal symptoms, personal hygiene habits, history of contact with a person with diarrhea and/or vomiting and dining place in the past 3 days. Rectal swabs or stool samples of the cases, food handlers and environmental smear swab samples were collected to detect potential intestinal viruses and bacteria. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.
Results
A total of 157 individuals fit the definition of a probable case, including 46 with laboratory-confirmed norovirus infection between March 8 and March 22, 2018. The proportion of the students who had eaten delivery food three days before the onset of disease in the case group was 2.69 times that in the control group (95%CI: 1.88-3.85). Intake of take-out food three days before, exposure to similar cases 72 hours before onset and case in the same dormitory were risk factors. A total of 20 rectal swab samples from students, 10 rectal swabs from food handlers and 2 environmental swab samples of out-campus restaurant were tested positive for norovirus (GⅡ, genogroup Ⅱ strain ).
Conclusions
The outbreak of norovirus infectious diarrhea was determined. Food handling practices carries potential risk of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks due to a lack of surveillance and supervision. More attention should be paid to the monitoring and supervision of food handlers to reduce the incidence of norovirus-related acute gastroenteritis associated with delivery food.
Accessibility of basic paediatric emergency care in Malawi: analysis of a national facility census
Authors: Johansson Emily White , Lindsjo Cecilia , Weiss Daniel , Nsona Humphreys , Selling Katarina Ekholm , Lufesi Norman , Hildenwall Helena
Published: December 2019

Background
Emergency care is among the weakest parts of health systems in low-income countries with both quality and accessibility constraints. Previous studies estimated accessibility to surgical or emergency care based on population travel times to nearest hospital with no assessment of hospital readiness to provide such care. We analysed a Malawi national facility census with comprehensive inventory audits and geocoded facility locations to identify hospitals equipped to provide basic paediatric emergency care with estimated travel times to these hospitals from non-equipped facilities and in relation to Malawi’s population distribution.
Methods
We analysed a Malawi national facility census in 2013-2014 to identify hospitals equipped to manage critically ill children according to an extended version of WHO Emergency Triage, Assessment and Treatment (ETAT) guidelines. These guidelines include 25 components including staff, transport, equipment, diagnostics, medications, fluids, feeds and consumables that defined an emergency-equipped hospital in our study. We estimated travel times to emergency-equipped hospitals from non-equipped facilities and relative to population distributions using geocoded facility locations and an established accessibility mapping approach using global road network datasets from OpenStreetMap and Google.
Results
Four (3.5%, 95% CI: 1.3-8.9) of 116 Malawi hospitals were emergency-equipped. Least available items were nasogastric tubes in 34.5% of hospitals (95% CI: 26.4-43.6), blood typing services (40.4%, 95% CI: 31.9-49.6), micro nebulizers (50.9%, 95% CI: 41.9-60.0), and radiology (54.2%, 95% CI: 45.1-63.0). Nationally, the median travel time from non-equipped facilities to the nearest emergency-equipped hospital was 73 minutes (95% CI: 67-77) ranging 1-507 minutes. Approximately one-quarter (27%) of Malawians lived over 120 minutes from an emergency-equipped hospital with significantly better accessibility in Central than North and South regions (16% vs. 38% and 35%, p<0.001).
Conclusions
There are unacceptable deficiencies in accessibility of basic paediatric emergency care in Malawi. Reliable supply chains for essential drugs and commodities are needed, particularly nasogastric tubes, asthma drugs and blood, along with improved capacity for time-sensitive referral. Further child mortality reductions will require substantial investments to expand basic paediatric emergency care into all Malawi hospitals for better managing critically ill children at highest mortality risk.
Identiﬁcation and application of piwi-interacting RNAs from seminal plasma exosome in Cynoglossus semilaevis
Authors: Bao baolong , Zhang Bo , zhao Na , Jia Lei , Che Jinyuan , He Xiaoxu , Liu Kefeng
Published: December 2019

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) have been linked to epigenetic and post-transcriptional gene silencing of retrotransposons in germ line cells, particularly in spermatogenesis. Moreover, exosomic piRNAs are promising biomarkers for disease diagnosis and physiological status indication. To determine whether piRNAs from fish germ line cells have similar features, seminal plasma exosomes from half-smooth tongue sole, Cynoglossus semilaevis, were identified, and their small RNAs were sequenced and analysed. We used C. semilaevis because of its commercial value and its sexual dimorphism, particularly the sex reversed ''pseudo-males'' who have a female karyotype, produce sperm, and copulate with normal females to produce viable offspring. We identiﬁed six signature piRNAs as biomarkers in seminal plasma exosomes from males and pseudo-male C. semilaevis. Bioinformatic analysis showed that all six signatures were sex-related, and four were DNA methylation-related and transposition-related piRNAs. Their expression proﬁles were veriﬁed using real-time quantitative PCR. The expression of the signature piRNAs was markedly higher in males than in pseudo-males. The signature piRNAs could be exploited as male-specific biomarkers in this fish. Exosomes are important mediators of vesicle transport, and the piRNAs in exosomes might play an important role in cell communication and signal pathway regulation. These signatures provide an effective tool to explore the regulatory mechanism of sex development in C. semilaevis and may provide guidance for future research on the function of piRNAs in the generative mechanism of sex reversed ''pseudo-males'' in C. semilaevis.
Deaths from surgical conditions in malawi A randomised cross-sectional nationwide household survey
Authors: Varela Carlos Gomes , Young Sven , Groen Reinou , Banza Leonard Ngoe , Mkandawire Nyengo , Moen Bente Elisabeth , Viste Asgaut
Published: December 2019

Back ground The prevalence of untreated surgical conditions in Malawi has been estimated at 35% with 24% of the deaths associated with untreated surgical conditions. In SSA, the primary emphasis for health research has been on communicable diseases, and relatively little is known about deaths from surgical conditions in most middle- to low-, income African countries, including Malawi. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap by quantifying and describing the deaths from surgical conditions in Malawi. Methods To access the deaths associated with surgical conditions in Malawi, a randomised multi-stage cross-sectional national household survey was carried out using the Surgeons Overseas Assessment of Surgical Need (SOSAS) tool. Randomisation was done on 48 233 settlements, using 50 villages from each district as data collection sites. Two to four household were randomly selected from each village. Two members of each selected household were interviewed. 1487 households were involved in the survey. Data collection was done using an electronic questionnaire. Results The total number of reported deaths from all causes was 616 in the 1479 households, ranging from 0 to 9 dead household members. Further data related to the deaths were available for 558 persons, with 294 (52.7%) males and 259 (46.4%) females. A total of 13 women died during pregnancy (5% of deceased women). Non-surgical conditions accounted for 408 (73.5%) of all the total deaths. Symptoms such as body swelling, abdominal distension and injuries were among the common associations of deaths: (6.0%, 5.3% and 4.6%). Almost half of the deaths occurred at home (234 persons - 41.9%) while 288 (51.6%) died at a health facility. Thirty persons died on their way to a health facility. Seventy-two persons (12.9%) who died had sought care from a traditional herbalist prior to attending a health facility. Conclusion In Malawi, body swelling, abdominal distension and injuries were the main conditions reported to be related to surgical causes of death. These occurred while the patients were either waiting at home or at health centre. Some patients initially consult a traditional herbalist prior to seeking modern health care. This delayed the possibility of timely surgical intervention.
Effect of Normal Range Serum Thyrotrophin Levels on Bone Mineral Density of post-menopausal women and older men
Authors: Liu Jingfang , Qin Liping , Fu Songbo , Tang Xulei , Ma Lihua , Wang Binli , Li Yujuan , Wu Dan , Sun Weiming , Niu Ying , JIng Gaojing
Published: December 2019

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
The effect of an organic rumen-protected fat supplement on performance, metabolic status, and health of dairy cows
Authors: Manriquez Diego , Chen Liang , Melendez Pedro , Pinedo Pablo
Published: December 2019

Background Negative energy balance during the transition period is a concern for both conventional and certified organic dairy systems. During early lactation, supplemental strategies are used to cope with nutrient deficiencies that are associated with impaired health, production, and reproduction. As organic certified dairies in the United States face restricted access to dietary supplements, the evaluation of products especially formulated for organic production is needed. Our objective was to assess the effect of supplementing 0.45 kg/d of an organic rumen-protected fat (RPF) on health, metabolic status, and productive and reproductive performance of organic certified Holstein cows from 1 to 150 days in milk (DIM). Two-hundred and two cows were enrolled in a randomized blocked controlled trial conducted from January to July, 2017 in a certified organic dairy located in Northern Colorado (USA). Two groups were randomly assigned to be individually supplemented with organic RPF (ORG; n = 100) or control pellets (CON; n = 102) once per day, in addition to the total mixed ration (TMR). Outcomes of interest included disease occurrence, culling, mortality, serum concentration of glucose and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), milk yield (kg/d) and milk components, resumption of cyclicity, time-to-first artificial insemination (AI), conception at first AI, and conception within 150 DIM. Results A significant effect for the inclusion of RPF was found in daily milk yield; RPF supplemented cows had greater milk yield (1.6 kg/d) compared to CON cows up to 150 DIM (P = 0.03). During grazing, multiparous (MP) ORG cows had greater milk yield compared to MP CON cows, whereas no effect was found in primiparous (PP) cows. Health outcomes, serum metabolite concentrations, and reproductive performance were not affected by the inclusion of RPF. Body condition loss was smaller in the ORG group up to 80 DIM; however, there was no effect on body condition during the grazing season and in the overall study period. Conclusions These results indicate that supplementation of RPF increased daily milk yield and prevented body condition loss during transition. However, RPF supplementation did not affect health, serum metabolite concentration, milk components, and reproductive outcomes.
Eosinophilia and Risk of Incident End Stage Kidney Disease
Authors: Tariq Anam , Okamato Keisuke , Tariq Azka , Rosenberg Avi Z. , Soliman Karim , Ploth David W. , Atta Mohamed G. , McMahon Blaithin A.
Published: December 2019

Background Eosinophils in kidney disease are poorly understood and are often incidental findings on kidney biopsy. Eosinophilia in blood and renal biopsy tissue is associated with a host of immune and non-immune kidney diseases. The significance of eosinophilia in renal diseases has not been well addressed. We evaluated the presence of peripheral eosinophilia (>4% of blood leukocytes) with biopsy tissue eosinophilia and their association with end-stage-kidney-disease (ESKD). Methods A nested case-control (2:1) of patients who underwent kidney biopsies at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Medical University of South Carolina from 2004-2018 were included in the study. From the 616 eligible patients, 178 patients were identified through the registry of kidney biopsies as 18 years or older without missing biopsy reports or hematology results. Controls (n=154) had no ESKD at the time of case (n=24) designation and assembled using incident density sampling and matched on age and sex. The association of peripheral eosinophilia (>4% of peripheral blood leukocytes) with the risk of progression to ESKD was evaluated using conditional logistic model after adjusting for clinical demographics. Results Among 178 patients, 65 (37%) had peripheral eosinophilia and 113 (63%) had no eosinophilia. Compared to patients without eosinophilia, patients with peripheral eosinophilia were notably male and had a higher serum creatinine at the time of their biopsy. Peripheral eosinophilia was associated with higher risk of ESKD (OR 15.9 [1.9, 134.7]) adjusted for patient demographics including hypertension, proteinuria and eGFR at the time of kidney biopsy. Peripheral eosinophilia had a significant linear association with kidney tissue eosinophils, 22 (standard deviation [SD] 20) per high power field (hpf) in 4-10% peripheral eosinophilia, 19 (SD 18) per hpf in >10% eosinophilia and 3 (SD 7) per hpf in no eosinophilia (P <0.001). Conclusions Peripheral eosinophilia is an independent predictor of tissue eosinophilia and subsequent progression to ESKD. Peripheral eosinophilia may be an early biomarker for underlying inflammation and disease, but further studies to investigate this clinical association are warranted.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), as Diagnosed by Non-Contact Infrared Meibography, in Dogs with Ocular Surface Disorders (OSD): A Retrospective Study.
Authors: Viñas Marta , Maggio Federica , D’Anna Nunzio , Rabozzi Roberto , Peruccio Claudio
Published: December 2019

Background:Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is one of the possible conditions underlying ocular surface disorders (OSD). Prevalence of MGD in dogs affected by OSD has not yet been reported. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of MGD among OSD canine patients, which had been assessed by non-contact infrared meibography and interferometry, and to identify MGD associated factors that might guide its diagnosis. Medical records of canine patients examined for OSD between 2016 and 2019 were reviewed. The frequency of MGD was evaluated within different categories (skull conformation, gender, eye and STT-1). The putative MGD risk factors and frequency of MGD within grades of interferometry were evaluated in a regression analysis model and reported as odd ratios (ORs).
Results:One hundred fifty eyes from 81 dogs with OSD were included with median age 75 months (range 3-192) and female representation with 52%. MGD was present in 70% of the examined eyes. MGD risk was higher in males ORadj= 3.015 (95% CI: 1.395 - 6.514) (P= 0.005) and older patients ORadj= 1.207 (95% CI: 1.081 - 1.348) (P= 0.001). No significant differences were found between left and right eyes (P= 0.66) or between the two types of skull conformation (P= 0.477) and MGD presence. MGD was associated to the lowest lipid layer (LL) thickness, as assessed by interferometry (grade 0) OR= 16.00 (95% CI: 2.104 - 121.68) (P< 0.001). STT values were not significantly associated with the presence of MGD (P > 0.05).
Conclusions:MGD is a common underlying pathology in OSD. Being male and higher age are risk factors for MGD. An interferometry grade 0 may guide OSD diagnosis towards MGD.
Impact of chemotherapy cycles and intervals on outcomes of nonspinal Ewing sarcoma in adults: a real-world experience
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Huang Yujing , Sun Yuanjue , He Aina , Zhou Yan , Hu Haiyan , Yao Yang , Shen Zan
Published: December 2019

Background: Adult Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a rare disease, the optimal treatment model is unknown. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze treatment-related prognostic factors of nonspinal ES in Chinese adults. Methods: 81 patients treated between January 2005 and December 2017 were included in the present study. 33 (40.7%) presented with metastatic disease at diagnosis. 8 patients were submitted to primary surgery followed by chemotherapy, while 73 patients received chemotherapy before and after surgery and/or local radiotherapy. The chemotherapy regimen included 8-17 cycles of vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (VDC) alternating with ifosfamide and etoposide (IE) every 3 weeks. Clinical outcomes and safety were analyzed. Results: VDC/IE chemotherapy was well tolerated in adult patients with ES. Multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that chemotherapy of at least 12 cycles was a favorable independent prognostic factor of event-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.558; 95% confidence interval, 0.323-0.965; P = 0.037) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.424; 95% confidence interval, 0.240-0.748; P = 0.003). Similarly, a low frequency of chemotherapy delays was an independent prognostic factor of improved OS (hazard ratio, 0.438; 95% confidence interval, 0.217-0.887; P = 0.022). Conclusion: Our study suggests that adults with ES should be treated with an aggressive multidisciplinary approach, intensive chemotherapy with adequate cycles and appropriate intervals can be recommended in this group.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards rabies and associated factors among household heads in Mekelle city, Ethiopia
Authors: Hagos Weldegerima Gebremedhin , Muchie Kindie Fentahun , Gebru Goyitom Gebremedhn , Mezgebe Gebreamlak Gebremariam , Reda Kebede Ambaye , Dachew Berihun Assefa
Published: December 2019

Background: Rabies has a worldwide distribution in continental regions of Africa, Asia and the Latin America. Globally, the case fatality rate is 100% once a clinical sign is developed. Poor public awareness towards rabies is one of the major obstacles in any prevention and control scheme of the diseases. The study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) about rabies and associated factors among household heads in Mekelle city, Northern Ethiopia, 2016. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2016 with a total of 633 study participants. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and entered to EPI-Info 3.5.4 and coded, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Bi variable and multivariable analysis was done to identify factors associated with knowledge, attitude and practice about rabies. Variables having p< 0.05 was considered as statistically significant at 95%CI. Results: Of 633 study participants, 357 (56.4%) were females and 239 (37.8%) were 18-35 years old. Among the study participants, 56.1% (95%CI=52.2, 59.9), 56.2% (95%CI=52.4, 60.1) and 61.3% (95%CI=57.5, 65.1) had good level of knowledge, attitude and practice on the prevention and control of rabies respectively. Being female (AOR=1.50, 95%CI=1.05, 2.13), dog owner (AOR=1.68, 95%CI=1.17, 2.41) and participants who had training on rabies (AOR=2.22, 95%CI=1.53, 3.21) were found to have good knowledge. Married participants (AOR=2.19, 95%CI=1.16, 4.16), participants who owned dog (AOR=2.64, 95%CI=1.80, 3.86) and those encountered dog bite (AOR=2.24, 95%CI=1.23, 4.10) were found to have positive attitude towards rabies. Similarly, dog ownership (AOR=11.85, 95%CI=7.16, 19.6) was found to be associated with good practice. Conclusion: This study showed that more than half of the respondents had good knowledge, attitude and practice about the prevention and control of rabies. Key words: Attitude, Knowledge, Practice, House hold, Rabies
Molecular evolution and expression of opsin genes in Hydra vulgaris
Authors: Munoz Aide Macias , Murad Rabi , Mortazavi Ali
Published: December 2019

Background: The evolution of opsin genes is of great interest because it can provide insight into the evolution of light detection and vision. An interesting group in which to study opsins is Cnidaria because it is a basal phylum sister to Bilateria with much visual diversity within the phylum. Hydra vulgaris (H. vulgaris) is a cnidarian with a plethora of genomic resources to characterize the opsin gene family. This eyeless cnidarian has a behavioral reaction to light, but it remains unknown which of its many opsins functions in light detection. Here, we used phylogenetics and RNA-seq to investigate the molecular evolution of opsin genes and their expression in H. vulgaris. We explored where opsin genes are located relative to each other in an improved genome assembly and where they belong in a cnidarian opsin phylogenetic tree. In addition, we used RNA-seq data from different tissues of the H. vulgaris adult body and different time points during regeneration and budding stages to gain insight into their potential functions. Results: We identified 45 opsin genes in H. vulgaris, many of which were located near each other suggesting evolution by tandem duplications. Our phylogenetic tree of cnidarian opsin genes supported previous claims that they are evolving by lineage-specific duplications. We identified two H. vulgaris genes (HvOpA1 and HvOpB1) that fall outside of the two commonly determined Hydra groups; these genes possibly have a function in nematocytes and mucous gland cells respectively. We also found opsin genes that have similar expression patterns to phototransduction genes in H. vulgaris. We propose a H. vulgaris phototransduction cascade that has components of both ciliary and rhabdomeric cascades. Conclusions: This extensive study provides an in-depth look at the molecular evolution and expression of H. vulgarisopsin genes. The expression data that we have quantified can be used as a springboard for additional studies looking into the specific function of opsin genes in this species. Our phylogeny and expression data are valuable to investigations of opsin gene evolution and cnidarian biology.
Ticagrelor and clopidogrel suppress NF-kB signaling pathway to alleviate LPS-induced dysfunction in vein endothelial cells
Authors: Jia Zhuyin , Huang Yiwei , Ji Xiaojun , Sun Jiaju , Fu Guosheng
Published: December 2019

Background: Ticagrelor and clopidogrel, P2Y12 receptor antagonists, can prevent thrombotic events and are used to treat cardiovascular diseases such as acute coronary syndrome and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in which inflammation is involved. Moreover, NF-kB is the central regulator of inflammation. Thus, we suspected that ticagrelor and clopidogrel are involved in the regulation of the NF-kB signaling pathway.Methods: After human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured with ticagrelor or clopidogrel and given lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and CD14, the mRNA levels of related inflammatory factors, the protein level and subcellular localization of molecules in the NF-kB signaling pathway, cell viability, apoptosis and the cell cycle, cell migration, and vascular formation were detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blotting and immunofluorescence assay, CCK-8, flow cytometry, transwell assay, and matrigel, respectively. All data was expressed as the mean ± S.D. The statistical significance of data was assessed by an unpaired two-tailed t-test.Results: Ticagrelor and clopidogrel can inhibit the degradation of IKBa and phosphorylation of p65, prevent p65 from entering the nucleus, reduce the production of TNFa, IL-1, IL-8, IL-6 and IL-2, and alleviate the decrease in cell viability, cell migration and angiogenesis, the changes of cell cycle and apoptosis induced by LPS.Conclusions: Ticagrelor and clopidogrel alleviate cellular dysfunction through suppressing NF-kB signaling pathway.
Efficacy and safety of self-expanding metallic stent placement followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy and scheduled surgery for treatment of obstructing left-sided colonic cancer
Authors: Han Jia Gang , Wang Zhen Jun , Zeng Wei Gen , Wang Yan Bin , Wei Guang Hui , Zhai Zhi Wei , Zhao Bao Cheng , Yi Bing Qiang
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND: Stoma is reported to be frequent in self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) treated patients with obstructing left-sided colon cancer than in those with non-obstructing surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of SEMS followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to elective surgery for obstructing left-sided colon cancer. METHODS: Eleven consecutive patients with obstructing left-sided colon cancer between May 2014 and November 2015 were included retrospectively. All patients received SEMS followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The primary outcome measure was stoma and laparoscopic surgery. RESULTS: Chemotherapy was with two cycles of CAPOX (54.5%) or three cycles mFOLFOX6 (45.5%). Median serum albumin and hemoglobin levels before surgery were significantly higher than before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.01 and p = 0.008 respectively) and before SEMS (p = 0.01 and p = 0.003 respectively). Median bowel wall thickness proximal to the upper edge of tumor was significantly more before neoadjuvant chemotherapy than before stent (p = 0.003), and significantly less before surgery than before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.003). No patient underwent stoma creation. Laparoscopic surgery was performed in nine (81.8%) patients. No local recurrence or metastases developed over median cancer-specific follow-up of 44 months (range, 37-55 months). CONCLUSION: SEMS followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to elective surgery appears to be safe and well tolerated in patients with obstructing left-sided colon cancer.
Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Lumpy skin disease virus from outbreaks in Uganda 2017-2018
Authors: Ochwo Sylvester , Vanderwaal Kimberly , Ndekezi Christian , Nkamwesiga Joseph , Munsey Anna , Witto Sarah Gift , Nantima Noelina , Mayanja Franklin , Okurut Anna Rose Ademun , Atuhaire David Kalenzi , Mwiine Frank Norbert
Published: December 2019

Background Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an infectious viral disease of cattle caused by a capripox virus. LSD has substantial economic implications, with infection resulting in permanent damage to the skin of affected animals which lowers their commercial value. In Uganda, LSD is endemic and cases of the disease are frequently reported to government authorities. This study was undertaken to molecularly characterize lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) strains that have been circulating in Uganda between 2017 and 2018. Secondly, the study aimed to determine the phylogenetic relatedness of Ugandan LSDV sequences with published sequences, available in GenBank.Results A total of 7 blood samples and 16 skin nodule biopsies were screened for LSDV using PCR to confirm presence of LSDV nucleic acid. PCR positive samples were then characterised by amplifying the GPCR gene. These amplified genes were sequenced and phylogenetic trees were constructed. Out of the 23 samples analysed, 15 were positive for LSDV by PCR (65.2%). The LSDV GPCR sequences analysed contained the unique signatures of LSDV (A11, T12, T34, S99, and P199) which further confirmed their identity. Sequence comparison with vaccine strains revealed a 12bp deletion unique to Ugandan outbreak strains. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the LSDV sequences from this study clustered closely with sequences from neighboring East African countries and with LSDV strains from recent outbreaks in Europe. It was noted that the sequence diversity amongst LSDV strains from Africa was higher than diversity from Eurasia.Conclusion The LSDV strains circulating in Uganda were closely related with sequences from neighboring countries. Comparison of GPCR gene showed that vaccine strains were not responsible for outbreaks. This means that vaccination with the currently used vaccine will probably be effective for the control of LSD in Uganda. This information is necessary to understand LSDV molecular epidemiology and to contribute knowledge towards the development of more appropriate control strategies by the Government of Uganda.
Identification of eQTLs and sQTLs associated with meat quality in beef
Authors: Gutierrez Joel David Leal , Elzo Mauricio A. , Mateescu Raluca G.
Published: December 2019

Background: Transcription has a substantial genetic control and genetic dissection of gene expression could help us understand the genetic architecture of complex phenotypes such as meat quality in cattle. The objectives of the present research were: 1) to perform eQTL and sQTL mapping analyses for meat quality traits in longissimus dorsi muscle; 2) to uncover genes whose expression is influenced by local or distant genetic variation; 3) to identify expression and splicing hot spots; and 4) to uncover genomic regions affecting the expression of multiple genes. Results: Eighty steers were selected for phenotyping, genotyping and RNA-seq evaluation. A panel of traits related to meat quality was recorded in longissimus dorsi muscle. Information on 112,042 SNPs and expression data on 8,588 autosomal genes and 87,770 exons from 8,467 genes were included in an expression and splicing quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping (eQTL and sQTL, respectively). A gene, exon and isoform differential expression analysis previously carried out in this population identified 1,352 genes, referred to as DEG, as explaining part of the variability associated with meat quality traits. The eQTL and sQTL mapping was performed using a linear regression model in the R package Matrix eQTL. Genotype and year of birth were included as fixed effects, and population structure was accounted for by including as a covariate the first PC from a PCA analysis on genotypic data. The identified QTLs were classified as cis or trans using 1 Mb as the maximum distance between the associated SNP and the gene being analyzed. A total of 8,377 eQTLs were identified, including 75.6% trans, 10.4% cis, 12.5% DEG trans and 1.5% DEG cis; while 11,929 sQTLs were uncovered: 66.1% trans, 16.9% DEG trans, 14% cis and 3% DEG cis. Twenty-seven expression master regulators and 13 splicing master regulators were identified and were classified as membrane-associated or cytoskeletal proteins, transcription factors or DNA methylases. These genes could control the expression of other genes through cell signaling or by a direct transcriptional activation/repression mechanism. Conclusion: In the present analysis, we show that eQTL and sQTL mapping makes possible positional identification of gene and isoform expression regulators.
Progression of Endothelial Dysfunction, Atherosclerosis, and Arterial Stiffness in Stable Kidney Transplant Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Junarta Joey , Hojs Nina , Ramphul Robin , Lowe-Jones Racquel , Kaski Juan C , Banerjee Debasish
Published: December 2019

Background
Kidney transplant patients suffer from vascular abnormalities and high cardiovascular event rates, despite initial improvements post-transplantation. The nature of the progression of vascular abnormalities in the longer term is unknown. This pilot study investigated changes in vascular abnormalities over time in stable kidney transplant patients long after transplantation.
Methods
Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), nitroglycerin-mediated dilation, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), ankle-brachial pressure index, and common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) were assessed in 18 kidney transplant patients and 17 controls at baseline and 3-6 months after.
Results
There was no difference in age (51±13 vs. 46±11; P=0.19), body mass index (26±5 vs. 25±3; P=0.49), serum cholesterol (4.54±0.96 vs. 5.14±1.13; P=0.10), systolic blood pressure (BP) (132±12 vs. 126±12; P=0.13), diastolic BP (82±9 vs. 77±8; P=0.10), or diabetes status (3 vs. 0; P=0.08) between transplant patients and controls. No difference existed in vascular markers between patients and controls at baseline. In transplant patients, FMD decreased (-1.52±2.74; P=0.03), cf-PWV increased (0.62±1.06; P=0.03), and CCA-IMT increased (0.35±0.53; P=0.02). No changes were observed in controls.
Conclusions
Markers of vascular structure and function worsen in the post-transplant period on long-term follow-up, which may explain the continued high cardiovascular event rates in this population.