bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Different Cardioprotective Methods on Extracorporeal Circulation in Fetal Sheep: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yan Yibo , Shi Shuo , Wu Qianbiao , Cai Jinsheng , Lei Binfeng
Published: December 2020

Background Congenital heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in newborns and infants. The development of fetal cardiac surgery is inextricably linked to extracorporeal circulation. We aimed to compare the effects of heart-stopping solutions and extracorporeal circulation on fetal sheep myocardium.Methods Eighteen pregnant sheep were divided into the non-stop group, St. Thomas stopping solution group, and histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate stopping solution group. The three groups underwent the extracorporeal circulation. The right atrial myocardial tissue was removed from the fetal sheep at specific time points, and apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining. Creatine kinase‒muscle band (CKMB), troponin I (cTnI), and troponin T (cTnT) were measured as indicators of myocardial damage.Results There were no significant differences in the serum cTnT, cTnI, and CKMB concentrations of fetal sheep among the three groups before starting extracorporeal circulation (P = 0.430, P = 0.391, P = 0.071). Changes in the serum cTnI (ng/L) concentrations were not significantly different among the three groups before and during the extracorporeal circulation (P > 0.05). The cTnI in the St. Thomas solution group at 1 hour post extracorporeal circulation was significantly higher than prior to it (P < 0.05), and cTnI in the non-stop group and histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate group after 2 hours was higher than in the pre-bypass value (P < 0.05). The cTnI in the histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate group at 1 and 2 hours after the extracorporeal circulation was lower than in the St. Thomas solution group. The number of TUNEL-positive cells in the two solution groups was higher than in the non-stop group (P = 0.001 and P = 0.048, respectively). The number of TUNEL-positive cells in the St. Thomas solution group was higher than in the histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate group (P = 0.007).Conclusion Myocardial protection in fetal sheep undergoing extracorporeal circulation was significantly better with non-stop beating than when the beating was stopped. Compared to the St. Thomas arrest solution, histidine‒tryptophan‒ketoglutarate stopping solution was associated with significantly reduced markers of myocardial damage in fetal sheep. Less cardiomyocyte apoptosis was observed when the beating was not stopped.
Association Between Different Lipid Ratios and Diabetes in Chinese Adults With H-type Hypertension
Authors: tao yu , jiang yu , yu yu , bao huihui
Published: December 2020

Background: Previous studies have shown that lipid ratios [total cholesterol (TC)/high-densitylipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP, lg [triglyceride (TG)/HDL-C]), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDLC, non-HDL-C/HDL-C] were associated with the risk of diabetes in non-hypertension population. However, the relationship between different lipid ratios and diabetes is unclear in the H-type hypertension population. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between lipid ratios and diabetes in Chinese adults with H- type hypertension.Methods: The current study included 13,581 H-type hypertension participants from the China hypertension registry study. Logistic regression analysis and smooth curve fitting were used to assess the association between different lipid ratios and diabetes.Results: Prevalence of diabetes was 17.8%. All lipid ratios (TC/HDL-C, AIP, LDL-C/HDL-C, and non-HDL-C/HDL-C) were positively and independently associated with diabetes. In the fully adjusted model, AIP manifested the largest ORs of diabetes (OR:2.84, 95%CI:2.37-3.41). However, the fully adjusted ORs (95%CI) of TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C and non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio was only 1.34 (1.27, 1.43), 1.40 (1.29, 1.51), 1.42 (1.35, 1.50), respectively. Comparing the area under receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC), we found that AIP had the stronger ability to identify diabetes.Conclusions: all lipid ratios (TC/HDL-C, AIP, LDL-C/HDL-C, and non-HDL-C/HDL-C) were independently and positively correlated with the risk of diabetes in the Chinese population with H-type hypertension. Compared with other lipid ratios (TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, and non-HDL-C/HDL-C), AIP was superior in discriminating diabetes.
Pressure-Induced Void and Crack Closure Improves the Photoconversion Efficiency and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Oyewole Deborah , Oyewole Oluwaseun , Agyei-Tuffour Benjamin , Tamayo Juan Hinostroza , Koech Richard , Oyelade Omolara , Adeniji Sharafadeen , Ichwani Reisya , Cromwell Jaya , Ahmed Ridwan , Ulloa Erika Colin , Titova Lyubov , Burnham Nancy , Soboyejo Winston
Published: December 2020

One route to a brighter global energy future may be through enhancing the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), which depends on the level of defects in the photoactive absorber and along the interfaces of the multilayered structure. Here, we use a combined experimental and theoretical approach to study the effects of pressure-induced compaction of microvoids and closure of cracks on the power conversion efficiency (PCEs) and stability of formamidinium-rich PSCs. A range of mechanical pressures was applied to the PSCs to reduce pre-existing grain-boundary voids and interfacial cracks within the devices. The PCEs of the PSCs increased from ~19.5% to ~ 23.5% for applied pressures between ~ (0 – 7) MPa. Unlaminated device stability increased by 33%, falling to 80% of initial PCE in 1800 hrs without compression, as compared to 2400 hrs with compression. The implications of this study are discussed in light of possible future manufacturing processes.
Renocardiac Syndrome Induced by Renal Ischemia and Reperfusion: Vibrational Markers
Authors: Nepomuceno Gabrielle , Junho Carolina , Carneiro-Ramos Marcela , Martinho Herculano
Published: December 2020

Renal injury caused by renal ischemia and reperfusion is capable to change heart morphology, electrophysiology, and redox unbalance. The so-called cardio-renal syndrome is an important class of dysfunction since heart and kidneys are responsible for hemodynamic stability and organ perfusion through a complex network. In the present work we investigate the Fourier-Transform Raman vibrational spectral features of cardiac hypertrophy induced by renal ischemic reperfusion. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to unilateral occlusion of the renal pedicle for 60 minutes and reperfused for 5 days, 8 days, and 15 days. It was observed that bands around 540, 1100, 1300, 1450, 1650, and 2500 cm-1 dominates the spectra. They are associated to stretching of S-S in Cysteine amino acid, stretching of C-C in lipids, twisting of CH2 in collagen and phospholipids, bending modes of CH3 in lipids and amino acids side chains, Amide I vibration of proteins. The intensities of these vibrations are modulated during renocardiac syndrome. We find that tyrosine, tryptophan, cystine/cysteine, fibroblast growth factors, collagen III alterations from homeostasis were the metabolites associate with these changes. These findings are clinically relevant once the presented bands can be used as molecular markers of preventing cardiac diseases’ development in patients with renal injury.
GWENA: Gene Co-expression Networks Analysis and Extended Modules Characterization in a Single Bioconductor Package
Authors: Lemoine Gwenaëlle , Scott-Boyer Marie-Pier , Ambroise Bathilde , Perin Olivier , Droit Arnaud
Published: December 2020

Background: Network-based analysis of gene expression through co-expression networks can be used to investigate modular interactions occurring between genes toward diﬀerent biological functions. An extended description of the network modules is therefore a critical step to understand the underlying processes contributing to a disease or a phenotype. Biological integration, topology study and conditions comparison (e.g. wild vs mutant) are the main methods to do so, but to date no tool combines them all into a single pipeline.Results: Here we present GWENA, a new R package that integrates gene co-expression network construction and a whole characterization of the detected modules through gene set enrichment, phenotypic association, hub genes detection, topological metric computation, and diﬀerential co-expression. To demonstrate its performances, we applied GWENA on two skeletal muscle datasets from young and old patients of GTEx study. We successfully prioritized a gene whose involvement was unknown in the muscle development and growth. We also gave new insight about the variations in patterns of co-expression as the already known age-dependent loss of connectivity was found coupled to a genes interactions reorganization leading to the expression of other functions involved in aging. Conclusion: GWENA is an R package available through Bioconductor (https://bioconductor.org/packages/release/bioc/html/GWENA.html) developed to perform extended analysis of gene co-expression networks. Thanks to biological and topological information as well as conditions comparison, it eases the understanding of genes interactions involved in diseases or phenotypes. Going beyond actual packages to perform co-expression analysis, GWENA includes new tools to fully characterize modules, such as diﬀerential co-expression, additional enrichment databases, and network visualization.
Epidemiology of Pediatric Trauma in the Kingdom of Bahrain: A National Pediatric Trauma Registry Pilot Study
Authors: Liu Jay Chieh , Ismael Aieshah A. , Zaidi Ayesha , Sha’ban Ban W. , Almutawa Shaikha Ebrahim , Chatha Asad Amin , Abuzeyad Feras H. , Jaafar Ruqaya Isa , Alghanem Salah Ali , Qassim Ghada Al , Kumar Nitya , Corbally Martin
Published: December 2020

Background: A pediatric trauma registry for the Kingdom of Bahrain would be a novel public health tool for the population and would distinguish the Bahraini health system from other health systems in the region by joining the few systems that have implemented surveillance. The aim of this study was to explore the epidemiology of pediatric trauma at the national level and to uncover the potential obstacles to implementation of a sustainable national registry.Methods: This multicenter observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the Kingdom of Bahrain using data from the Pediatric Trauma Registry (PTR), which was a short-term paper-based prospective trauma registry based in the pediatric emergency departments of the three national referral hospitals in the Kingdom. By simultaneously collecting data from all three trauma hospitals in the country, it was assumed that during the data collection period all major pediatric trauma patients in the country would be captured by the study, and that the data collected would provide national estimates of trauma. Inclusion criteria for the study was any individual under the age of 14, that arrived at the emergency department seeking care for injuries sustained from trauma.Results: A total of 1,328 patients were included in the study. Sixty nine percent of patients were treated and discharged from the ED, 30.5% were admitted to the hospital, admitted for surgery, or seen by a specialist, and 0.5% were deceased. The percentage of patients documented as unrestrained during MVC was 92.5%, and amongst those involved in MVC, 12% were ejected from the cabin of the vehicle.Conclusions: There are significant implications that this study holds for policy implementation and practice surrounding injury prevention in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Low documented seatbelt utilization and high proportion of ejection amongst MVC victims warrant immediate public health policies. Despite being rare, drownings and near drownings carried half the mortality in the study, and thus public health policy aimed at preventing drownings should be implemented. Public health educational campaigns would also be well suited with this evidence to protect children from sustaining such injuries.
Density Functional Theory of a New Derivative of Allantoin with Antiplasmodial Properties, Antimycobacterial Activities of Essential Oil from Cordia Batesii WERNHAM (Boraginaceae)
Authors: Tiam Eric , Bikobo Dominique Ngono , Ndassa Ibrahim , II Norbert Nyemeck , Zintchem Auguste A , Ayong Lawrence , Diboué Patrick Betote , Ndjakou Bruno , Mbing Joséphine , Pegnyemb Dieudonné
Published: December 2020

Background: some chemical and pharmacological investigations were performed on the EtOAc and/or CH2Cl2 extracts of the stems of Cordia batesii (Boraginaeae); one of its components was subjected to some quantum calculations to get improvement in the understanding of its 13C–NMR and UV properties along with geometric, electronic, thermodynamic data and reactivity descriptors. Results: a new allantoin (1) derivative named batesiin (2) was characterized from the EtOAc extract; thirteen known compounds including allantoin (1) were either isolated or identified by means of MS, NMR, LC–MS and GC–MS. GC–MS was applied on a fraction of essential oil which was composed of a mixture of fatty acids (9–14). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were applied on batesiin (2). Data were simulated using B3LYP and MPW1PW91 functionals; calculated chemical shifts at B3LYP/6–31G(d,p) and MPW1PW91/6–31G+(d,p) showed much better correlations with the experimental data. Time dependent DFT applied on 2 at B3LYP/6–31G+(d,p) displayed a major absorption band at λmax = 299.01 nm using chloroform as solvent, 3.01 nm higher than the experimental value. In addition, The MeOH extract of the stems and some isolated compounds were tested in vitro against Pf7G8 CQS and Pf Dd2 CQR strains of Plasmodium falciparum; meanwhile, the CH2Cl2 extract and the mixture of fatty acids (9–14) were tested on a resistant mycobacterial strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis codified AC45. Stems disclosed a moderate antiplasmodial activity (IC50 = 50 μg/mL) and the mixture 9–14 a potent antimycobacterial activity with a MIC = 9.52 μg/mL.Conclusion: these results tend to emphasize on the use of DFT studies when trying to learn more about the chemical structure through spectroscopic data of a natural compound, especially the case of a derivative of allantoin (1); essential oil from Cordia batesii presents interesting antimycobacterial activities which need to gain more visibility; further antiplasmodial tests should rely on batesiin (2) and other components of the species.
Chronic Anticoagulation is not Associated with a Reduced Risk of Acute Kidney Injury in Hospitalised Covid-19 Patients
Authors: Parker Kathrine , Hamilton Patrick , Hanumapura Prasanna , Castelino Laveena , Murphy Michelle , Challiner Rachael , Thachil Jecko , Ebah Leonard
Published: December 2020

BackgroundCoronavirus-19 (COVID-19) has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation. Severe disease typically presents with respiratory failure but Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and a hypercoagulable state can also occur. Early reports suggest that thrombosis may be linked with AKI. We studied the development of AKI and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 taking chronic anticoagulation therapy.MethodsElectronic records were reviewed for all adult patients admitted to Manchester University Foundation Trust Hospitals between March 10 and April 30 2020 with a diagnosis of COVID-19. Patients with end-stage kidney disease were excluded. AKI was classified as per KDIGO criteria. ResultsOf the 1032 patients with COVID-19 studied,164 (15.9%) were taking anticoagulant therapy prior to admission. There were similar rates of AKI between those on anticoagulants and those not anticoagulated (23.8% versus 19.7%) with no difference in the severity of AKI or requirement of renal replacement therapy between groups (1.2% versus 3.5%). Risk factors for AKI included hypertension, pre-existing renal disease and male sex. There was a higher mortality in those taking anticoagulant therapy (40.2% versus 30%). Patients taking anticoagulants were less likely to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (8.5% versus 17.4%) and to receive mechanical ventilation (42.9% versus 78.1%).ConclusionsPatients on chronic anticoagulant therapy did not have a reduced incidence or severity of AKI suggesting that AKI is unlikely to be thrombotic in nature. Therapeutic anticoagulation is currently still under investigation in randomised controlled studies to determine whether it has a potential role in COVID-19 treatment.
Aggressive systemic mastocytosis mimicking lymphoma: a case report
Authors: Xu Yan , Gao Jinli
Published: December 2020

Background

Aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM) is a very rare form of systemic mastocytosis (SM). The diagnosis of ASM requires the presence of SM criteria with C finding and does not meet the criteria for mast cell leukaemia. Herein, we report an ASM case that initially mimicked lymphoma based on clinical and radiographic analyses.
Case presentation:

A 87-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to the enlargement of cervical lymph nodes and weight loss. The lymph node biopsy is infiltrated by neoplastic mast cells with pale, faintly granular cytoplasm, and with reactive eosinophils in the lesions. The infiltrate is often parafollicular in distribution and the remnant of normal follicles can be seen. The neoplastic cell population was subsequently revealed to exhibit differentiation towards the mast cell lineage by expressing CD117 and CD25. Mutation analysis of c-KIT identified D816V mutation in exon 17.
Conclusion

ASM diagnosis can be challenging due to its rarity. This diagnosis can be confirmed or disregarded using immunohistochemical markers, such as CD117, CD2 and CD25, in combination with molecular analysis (KITD816V).
Gut Microbiome of Indonesian Adults Differently Associated with Obesity and type 2 Diabetes under Varied Dietary Habits: A Cross-sectional Study in an Asian Developing City, Yogyakarta
Authors: Therdtatha Phatthanaphong , Song Yayi , Tanaka Masaru , Mariyatun Mariyatun , Almunifah Miisaroh , Manurung Nancy , Indriarsih Siska , Lu Yi , Nakagata Koji , Fukami Katsuya , Ikeda Tetsuo , Lee Yuan-Kun , Rahayu Endang , Nakayama Jiro
Published: December 2020

Indonesia is a developing country facing the national problem of the growing obesity and diabetes in its population due to recent drastic dietary and lifestyle changes. To understand the interface between the gut microbiome, diet, and health of Indonesian people, we characterized fecal microbiomes and metabolomes of 75 Indonesian adults in Yogyakarta City, including 21 obese people and 25 type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, together with their dietary and medical records. Variations of microbiomes showed a triangular distribution in the principal component analysis, driven by three dominant bacterial genera, namely Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Romboutsia. The Romboutsia-driven microbiome, characterized by low bacterial diversity and high primary bile acids, was associated with fat-driven obesity. The Bacteroides-driven microbiome, which counteracted Prevotella but was associated with Ruminococcaceae concomitantly increased with high-carbohydrate diets, showed positive correlation with T2D indices but negative correlation with body mass index. Notably, Bacteroides fragilis was increased in T2D patients with a decrease of fecal conjugated bile acids, particularly tauroursodeoxycholic acid, a farnesoid X receptor antagonist with anti-diabetic activity, while these features disappeared in patients administered metformin. These results indicate that the gut microbiome status of Indonesian adults is differently associated with obesity and T2D under their varied dietary habits.
Web-based Support for Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes - A Feasibility Study
Authors: Taloyan Marina , Taloyan Marina , Kia Maybod , Lamian Fahime , Peterson Magnus , Rydwik Elisabeth
Published: December 2020

Background: Self-care is one of the cornerstones in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Patients with type 2 diabetes struggle to maintain acceptable levels of blood sugar, blood pressure and lipids, the fundamental for the prevention of macro- and microvascular as well as neuropathic complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of usage of the web- and smartphone-based system Triabetes in treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods: Feasibility was assessed with describing recruitment rate and the participant´s views of using the system. Laboratory and anthropometry data was also collected.Results: The study showed that recruitment of patients to participate in the intervention was limited and compliance to the study protocol was low. A majority of the patients stated that the system was easy to get an overview of and that the system motivated them and made it more easy and fun to handle lifestyle habits. A secondary finding of the study was that there was a significant lowering of LDL values.Conclusion: Feasibility in terms of recruitment rate was low. The participants agreed that the application overall was useful, but suggested several improvements. Summarized lessons learned from this study are following: 1) we need more knowledge about what motivates a person to use a digital tool for a longer period of time; 2) the tool must be easy and less time consuming to use; 3) the technical structure needs to be improved and automatic recording of data must be improved.
Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (sRAGE) as a Biomarker of COPD 
Authors: Pratte Katherine A. , Curtis Jeffery L. , Kechris Katerina , Couper David , Cho Michael H. , Silverman Edwin K. , DeMeo Dawn L. , Sciurba Frank C. , Zhang Yingze , Ortega Victor E. , O'Neal Wanda , Gillenwater Lucas A. , Lynch David A. , Hoffman Eric , Newell John D. , Comellas Alejandro P. , Castaldi Peter J. , Miller Bruce , Pouwels Simon D. , Hacken Nick H.T. ten , Bischoff Rainer , Klont Frank , Woodruff Prescott , Paine Robert , Barr R. Graham , Hoidal John , Doerschuk Claire M. , Charbonnier Jean-Paul , Sung Ruby , Locantore Nick , Yonchuk John , Tal-Singer Ruth , Jacobson Sean , Merrill Debbie , Bowler Russell P.
Published: December 2020

Background:Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) is a proposed emphysema and airflow obstruction biomarker; however, previous publication have shown inconsistent associations and only one study has investigate the association between sRAGE and emphysema. No cohorts have examined the association between sRAGE and progressive decline of lung function. There have also been no evaluation of assay compatibility, receiver operating characteristics, and little examination of the effect of genetic variability in non-white population. This manuscript addresses these deficiencies and introduces novel data from Pittsburgh COPD SCCOR and as well as novel work on airflow obstruction. A meta-analysis is used to quantify sRAGE associations with clinical phenotypes.Methods: sRAGE was measured in four independent longitudinal cohorts on different analytic assays: COPDGene (n=1,443), SPIROMICS (n=1,623); ECLIPSE (n=2,349); Pittsburgh COPD SCCOR (n=399). We constructed adjusted linear mixed models to determine associations of sRAGE with baseline and follow up forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) and emphysema by quantitative high-resolution CT lung density at the 15th percentile (adjusted for total lung capacity).Results: Lower plasma or serum sRAGE values were associated with a COPD diagnosis (P<0.001), reduced FEV1 (P < 0.001), and emphysema severity (P<0.001). In an inverse-variance weighted meta-analysis, one SD lower log10-transformed sRAGE was associated with 105 ± 22 mL lower FEV1 and 4.14 ± 0.55 g/L lower adjusted lung density. After adjusting for covariates, lower sRAGE at baseline was associated with greater FEV1 decline and emphysema progression only in the ECLIPSE cohort. Non-Hispanic white subjects carrying the rs2070600 minor allele (A) and non-Hispanic African Americans carrying the rs2071288 minor allele (A) had lower sRAGE measurements compare to those with the major allele, but their emphysema-sRAGE regression slopes were similar. Conclusions: Lower blood sRAGE is associated with more severe airflow obstruction and emphysema, but associations with progression are inconsistent in the cohorts analyzed. In these cohorts, genotype influenced sRAGE measurements and strengthened variance modelling. Thus, genotype should be included in sRAGE evaluations.
CSF total tau, plasma and CSF p tau 181 associated with structural changes in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Nabizadeh Fardin , Rostami Mohammad Reza , Balabandian mohammad , Ahmadi Niloufar
Published: December 2020

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most important cause of dementia and is a serious concern for individuals and governments worldwide. Changes in the brain appear about 15 years before the first clinical symptoms; with this in mind, it can clear the role of biomarkers in monitoring Alzheimer's development. P tau 181 level in plasma recently emerged as a new biomarker and rises obviously in AD patients, preclinical AD, and MCI patients. The role of gray matter atrophy and white matter damages in cognitive decline is well established, which is detectable by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this investigation, we measured the association between CSF (total tau, and p tau 181) and plasma p tau 181 with structural changes (cortical thickness, cortical volume, surface area, and subcortical volume) in MCI patients. We performed a cross-sectional study on the ADNI cohort between 461 MCI patients. Results of voxel-wise partial correlation analysis in our participants showed a significant correlation between plasma p tau 181, CSF total tau and p tau 181 with changes in structural values in different regions. Our study revealed a significant correlation between plasma p tau and structural changes in the brain regions associated with Alzheimer's disease physiopathology. These results provide evidence for using plasma p tau 181 as a diagnostic factor in the early onset of AD patients and neurodegeneration.
Experimental Analysis of the Utility of Liquid Metal Gallium as a Contrast Agent for CT Hepatic Artery Angiography in Living Rabbits
Authors: Liu Ting , Wang Sheng , Zhao Wei , Liu Hao , Zhang Yi , Han Juan , Chen Xia
Published: December 2020

CT angiography (CTA) technology, as a non-invasive or minimally invasive examination method, is commonly used in the clinic to obtain vascular network images, and iodinated contrast agents play a vital role in it. At present, the second-generation non-ionic contrast agent ioversol are most commonly used in CTA, but its preparation process is complicated, the manufacture technology of it is high, and it is associated with some adverse drug reactions (ADRs), such as allergies and drug toxicity. In this work, based on the low melting point (29.78℃) and low viscosity of liquid metal gallium, it was used for the first time as an angiographic contrast agent for in vivo hepatic artery angiography. According to the statistical analysis of the smallest visible diameter of the hepatic artery and the contrast effect between the blood vessels and their surrounding tissues in CT images, we confirmed that compared with CT imaging using ioversol for hepatic artery angiography, that using liquid metal gallium produced more intuitive and excellent vascular imaging effects.In other words, the use of liquid metal gallium as an angiographic contrast agent has a certain value in living organ angiography. However, the lower overall image quality and higher side-effects of liquid metal gallium in CTA indicate that the use of liquid metal gallium as a contrast agent for living organs still needs to overcome some problems, such as the metallic artefacts and its hypertonicity. Only in this way can liquid metal gallium become a potential contrast agent candidate for angiography in animal experiments and possibly even in the clinical.
Safe use of Liver Grafts from Syphilis-Positive Donors in Liver Transplantation and Review of the Literature
Authors: Duan Xin , Yan Liting , Qian Chao , Zhang Wei , Shen Yan , Zhang Min , Bai Xueli , liang tingbo
Published: December 2020

Background: The growing disparity between organ availability and the number of candidates for organ transplantation has urged the use of marginal grafts including grafts from syphilis-positive donors. However, few knowledges could be acknowledged about this due to the rare data from case reports. Therefor we evaluate our data and summarize our experience of the management of liver grafts from syphilis-positive donors.Methods: From January 2015 to December 2019, 22 adult patients received liver transplantation from syphilis-positive donors while 873 patients got liver transplantation from syphilis-negative donors at our center. Given the imbalance in several baseline variables, propensity score matching was used. The outcomes were compared including complications, hospital stay, recovery of liver function and survival of the two groups and the management of the recipients was reviewed.Results: There were no differences in complications and hospital stay of the recipients after transplantation. And it showed similar trends in the liver function recovery. Patient and graft survivals were comparable to that of syphilis-negative grafts. And benzathine penicillin is effective to protect the recipients from syphilis.Conclusions: The use of liver grafts from syphilis-positive donors does not to increase the morbidity and mortality of the recipients. Also, the prophylactic theory of benzathine penicillin is helpful.
Kinetics of Plasma Cytokines During and After Two Different Modalities of Extracorporeal Blood Purification in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Ponce Daniela , Zamoner Welder , Magalhães Luis Eduardo , Oliveira Paula Gabriela Souza de , Polla Patricia , Barbosa Alexandre Naime , Golim Marjorie de Assis , Balbi Andre Luis
Published: December 2020

Cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) has been documented in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) since the first reports of this disease. In the absence of vaccines or direct therapy for COVID-19, extracorporeal blood treatment (EBT) could represent an option for the removal of cytokines and may be beneficial to improve the clinical outcome of critically ill patients. Intermittent haemodialysis (IHD), using high flux (HF) or high cut-off membranes, and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) could be used for blood purification in COVID-19 patients with CSS. To the best of our knowledge, cytokine kinetics during and after different types of EBT on COVID-19 patients have never been studied. In this study, we describe cytokine variation and removal during and after IHD and CRRT in COVID-19 patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods: Patients with COVID-19-related AKI according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria and admitted at Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were studied. Blood samples were collected at the start and end of both IHD using HF membranes (10 patients) and continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration (CVVHDF: 10 patients) in two sessions for measuring 13 different plasma interleukins and calculating the cytokine removal rate. Results: We evaluated cytokine removal in patients with COVID-19-related AKI undergoing either prolonged IHD (10 patients) or CRRT (CVVHDF: 10 patients). There was no difference between the IHD and CVVHDF groups regarding mechanical ventilation, vasoactive drug use, age or prognostic scores. Patients treated by CRRT presented higher levels of IL-2 and IL-8 than patients treated by prolonged IHD at the start of dialysis. Cytokine removal ranged from 9–78%. Patients treated by CRRT presented higher cytokine removal rates than those treated by prolonged IHD for IL-2, IL-6 IL-8, IP-10 and TNF. The removal rates of IL-4, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-17A, IFN, MCP-1 and free active TGF-B1 were similar in the two groups. After one session of CVVHDF (24 h) the IL-2 and IL-1β levels did not vary significantly, whereas IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A, TNF, IFN, IP-10, MCP-1, IL-12p70 and free active TGF-B1 decreased by 33.8–76%, and this decrease was maintained over the next 24 h. In the prolonged IHD groups, IL-2, IL-6, TNF, IP-10 and IL-1β levels did not decrease significantly whereas IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A, IFN, MCP-1, IL-12p70 and free active TGF-B1 decreased by 21.8–72%. However, all cytokine levels returned to their initial values after 24 h, despite their removal. Conclusions: Cytokine removal is lower using prolonged IHD with HF membranes than by using CVVHDF, and IHD allows a transient and selective decrease in cytokines that can be correlated with mortality during CSS-related COVID-19.
Wild Plants and the Food-medicine Continuum – An Ethnobotanical Survey in Chapada Diamantina (Northeastern Brazil)
Authors: Medeiros Patrícia Muniz , Figueiredo Karina Ferreira , Gonçalves Paulo Henrique Santos , Caetano Roberta Almeida , Santos Élida Monique da Costa , Paula Marcelo , Mapeli Ana Maria
Published: December 2020

Background: Ethnobotanical research has demonstrated that several wild food plants (WFP) are used for medicinal purposes. Therefore, in addition to constituting an important source of nutrients, WFP can be used to help treat and avoid health problems. This study sought to characterize the traditional use of plants considered simultaneously as food and medicine by local specialists in the community of Caeté-Açu, which borders Chapada Diamantina National Park (NE Brazil). We also sought to identify the drivers of species’ cultural importance. Methods: We selected local specialists based on a snowball sample and used a free-listing technique to register the wild plants they knew that are both edible and medicinal. Then, we asked the specialists to rank each plant component cited according to the following attributes: (1) ease of acquisition, (2) taste, (3) smell, (4) nutritional value, and (5) medicinal value. We used multiple regression to determine the drivers of popularity and frequency of use. Results: The most culturally salient species was Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis. The main medicinal effects associated with this species were related to body strengthening, intestinal regulation, and stomach issues. The most salient used species were those that were easiest to acquire and had the highest perceived nutritional values. Conclusion: It is likely that the sociocultural backgrounds of the respondents (elders, former miners or descendants of miners) and the historical importance of wild food plants to local diets increased the predictive power of the perceived nutritional potential and ease of acquisition of these plants.
Traditional uses of Detarium Microcarpum Guill. & Perr. (Fabaceae) and Potential for its Valorisation as Fuelwood
Authors: SINADOUWIROU Théophile Abaro , Dicko Aliou , Biaou Samadori Sorotori Honoré , Assede Eméline , Natta Armand Kuyema
Published: December 2020

Background: Forest management can be sustainable if it integrates social, cultural and economic values ​​that local communities associate with forest resources in a given area. Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perr. (Fabaceae), also known as small detar or sweet detar, is a common multiuse small tree of Sudanese and Sudano-Guinean savannahs with high potential for use as fuelwood or fruit tree but little valued in forestry programs. The present countrywide study aims to assess the compatibility of current local uses of Detarium microcarpum with its promotion as fuelwood and to determine the most suitable areas for its integration into forest management programs. Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted on the basis of a semi-structured questionnaire among 1074 people selected randomly in 10 of the 12 departments of Benin where the species is present. Factors determining Detarium microcarpum use as fuelwood were identified through a binary logistic regression. A Factorial Correspondence Analysis established the relationship between socio-cultural groups and the use of Detarium microcarpum parts or organs.Results: A total of 671 people (62.47%) know and use at least one part of Detarium microcarpum. The trunk and branches are the most used organs (35.12% of respondents), primarily as fuelwood. The determinants of Detarium microcarpum use as fuelwood are the phytogeographic district (a proxy for the resource availability), gender, sociolinguistic group, and educational level. Detarium microcarpum is more used as fuelwood by women belonging to the sociolinguistic groups Gourmatche, Kounteni, Boo, Monkole, Gando and Bariba. In addition, the use of Detarium microcarpum as fuelwood decreases with the educational level and is more pronounced in the phytogeographical districts of Borgou-Nord, Atacora chain and Borgou-Sud, covering together about 63% of the national territory and representing 28% of its population. Conclusions: This study confirms the potential of Detarium microcarpum as fuelwood, particularly in northern Benin, and calls for further research on the species local abundance and structure, regeneration, silviculture and management mode.
To: Malaria Journal Malaria Prevention and Treatment in Migrant Agricultural Workers in Dangur District, Benishangul-Gumuz, Ethiopia: Social and Behavioral Aspects
Authors: Wondimu Yehualashet Tadesse , Irish Seth , Chibsa Sheleme , Dugassa Sisay , Lorenz Lena , Gebreyohannes Asfawesen , Teka Hiwot , Solomon Hiwot , Gezahegn Eshetu , Petros Yonas , Haile Mesfin , Eshetu Mesfin , Murphy Matthew
Published: December 2020

Background: Sixty percent of the Ethiopia population is at risk of malaria, with the highest prevalence reported in Gambella (6%) and Benishangul-Gumuz (3%) regions. Within these regions are large agricultural developments with high numbers of seasonal migrant workers. The migrant workers are believed to be at increased risk for malaria infection due to their poor living conditions and outdoor activities, but there is little information on their specific behaviors and health risks. This study was conducted to address this gap. Methods: Quantitative observations were conducted from September to December 2017 in the Benishangul-Gumuz Region. The nightly routines of mobile migrant workers were observed every month for four consecutive months. The study team collected quantitative data including nocturnal behavioral observations of worker living conditions, malaria prevention efforts, and work activities and surveys of worker representatives. Qualitative data was collected from migrant workers, farm managers and local health providers using focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. Results: Migrant farmers arrived in the study area during the peak malaria transmission season and the workers in focus groups reported repeated cases of malaria during their stay on the farms. Overall, less than a quarter of the migrant workers were sleeping under a mosquito net by midnight in all four observation months. Some work activities also took place outdoors at night. The study additionally found a lack of access to malaria prevention and treatment at the farms and challenges in utilizing local public health facilities. Conclusions: There is a need to better address malaria prevention and treatment needs among migrant workers in Ethiopia through outreach from existing healthcare infrastructure and within the farms themselves. This will help prevent malaria transmission both within this population and prevent transmission of malaria back to home communities in lower burden areas in Ethiopia.
Prevalence of IGFBP3, NOS3 and TCF7L2 Polymorphisms and Their Association With Hypertension: A Population-Based Study With Brazilian Women of African Descent
Authors: Lira Abel , Vasconcelos Nancy , Santos Tamara , Duarte Luisa , Assunção Monica , Marques Carolinne , Ferreira Haroldo
Published: December 2020

Background: African ancestry seems to be a risk factor for hypertension; however, few genetic studies have addressed this issue. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of polymorphisms NOS3; rs1799983, IGFBP3; rs11977526 and TCF7L2; rs7903146 in Brazilian women of African descent and their association with hypertension.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 1021 women (19–59 years old) from the quilombola communities of Alagoas (Brazil). Demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, anthropometric, biochemical, and blood pressure data were collected. DNA was extracted from mucosa epithelial cells of the participants’ cheek. Genotyping was performed by PCR allelic discrimination. Prevalence ratio (PR) was the measure of association, calculated by Poisson regression, with a hierarchical selection of variables.Results: The prevalences of the less frequent genotypes were 26.5% TT genotype of NOS3; rs1799983, 16.7% AA genotype of IGFBP3; rs11977526, and 18.3% TT genotype of TCF7L2; rs7903146. For these conditions, the prevalence of hypertension and PR (adjusted) relatively to the ancestral genotype were, respectively: 52.0% vs 24.5% (PR=1.54; p<0.001), 62.0% vs 24.1% (PR=1.59; p<0.001), and 38.9% vs 27.9% (PR=0.86; p=0.166). Associations with hypertension were statistically significant, except for the TCF7L2; rs7903146 polymorphism, after adjusted analysis. Conclusions: Brazilian Afro-descendant women with the TT genotype for the NOS3 gene and the AA genotype for the IGFBP3 gene are more susceptible to hypertension. The understanding of underlying mechanisms involving the pathogenesis of hypertension can motivate research for the development of new therapeutic targets related to nitric oxide metabolism and the management of oxidative stress.
Sclerosing Angiomatoid Nodular Transformation of the Spleen, a Rare Cause for Laparoscopic Splenectomy: a Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yang Jianyang , Zhang Yue , Peng Gongze , Wu Tianchong
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND: Sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation of the spleen is one kind of exceedingly rare benign lesions originated from spleen. The incidence and pathogen remain unclear partially due to its rarity and short history. Consequently, preoperative diagnosis become extremely perplex. Splenectomy is a predominated therapy approach as well as diagnosis method for sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation of the spleen. We reported a case underwent computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonic scan preoperatively. Examinations conclusion highly suspected sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation of the spleen and was confirmed by pathology after laparoscopic splenectomy. We herein reviewed some literatures on imaging characters of to reveal the possibility of preoperative diagnosis when clinicians encounter and investigated whether laparoscopic splenectomy is an appropriate treatment.CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old female was found with a low dense mass in the spleen by abdominal computed tomography incidentally without any positive symptom. Further enhanced computed tomography scan revealed the lesion with asynchronous enhancement and magnetic resonance imaging showed radio-like rift missing from central. Ultrasonic scan imaging presented hypoechoic gap in the center, pretty similar to magnetic resonance imaging. These radiology imaging features deduced to Sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation of the spleen. Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed successfully by our team and histopathological findings convinced the preoperative diagnosis. Gross inspection was coincident to the performance of magnetic resonance imaging.CONCLUSION: By comprehending imaging character profoundly, sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation of the spleen can be a differential diagnosis preoperatively when encounter lesion of spleen. We believe that laparoscopic splenectomy is a reliable and effective therapy option for such rare benign lesion of spleen without risk of recurrence.
The Impact of Resection Margin and Microscopic Vascular Invasion for Patients with HBV-related Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Lu Wen-Feng , Chen Pei-Qin , Yan Kai , Wu Ye-Chen , Liang Lei , Yuan Jian-Yong , Fu Yong , Zhang Hai-Bin
Published: December 2020

Background and Aim: The resection margin (RM) status and microscopic vascular invasion (MVI) are known prognostic factors for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). An enhanced understanding of their impact on long-term prognosis is required to improve oncological outcomes.Methods: We reviewed data on 711 consecutive patients who underwent curative liver resection for hepatitis B virus–related ICC. The different impact of the RM status (narrow, <1 cm, or wide, ≥ 1 cm) and MVI (positive, +, or negative, -) on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were analyzed. Results: The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 67.6%, 42.5% and 33.2% in wide RM & & MVI (-), 58.0%, 36.1% and 26.5% in narrow RM & MVI (-), 51.0%, 27.0% and 24.3% in wide RM & MVI (+), and 39.0%, 20.4% and 14.3% in narrow RM & MVI (+) (p < 0.001).The 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS rates were 60.0%, 40.2% and 28.7% in wide RM & MVI (-), 45.2%, 34.3% and 24.2% in narrow RM & MVI (-), 40.0%, 18.5% and 12.3% in wide RM & MVI (+), and 28.2%, 11.5% and 9.8% in narrow RM & MVI (+) (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that RM & MVI were independent risk factors for the OS and RFS. Conclusions: Combined analysis of RM and MVI can better stratify the risks of postoperative death and recurrence in patients with HBV-related ICC, which may help subsequent adjuvant therapy and follow-up.
Combination role of DAPK Methylation in Urinary Sediment and B Ultrasound in Evaluating Follow-Up of Urinary Bladder Cancer
Authors: Jiang Fuquan , Li Changfeng , Han Jiansong , Wang Linlin
Published: December 2020

Background: Urinary bladder cancer (UBC) is a highly prevalent disease. This paper aims to explore the combination role of DAPK methylation in urinary sediment and B ultrasound in diagnosing recurrent UBC. Patients and methods: A total of 1021 cases of primary UBC undergone electrocision of bladder tumor through urethra were included were subjected to follow up. B ultrasound, DAPK methylation in urinary sediment, examination of exfoliated cells in urine and cystoscopy were performed.The data were subjected to chi-square and Kappa test. ROC was drawn to evaluate the diagnostic role in recurrent UBC.Results: Among the 1021 patients, 115 patients were recurrent by cystoscopy and biopsy two years, and failed to complete the follow up, thus the effective number of was 906. The cystoscopy results were consistent with that of B ultrasound (Kappa = 0.785, P < 0.05), with that of DAPK methylation in urinary sediment and combination of B ultrasound with DAPK methylation (Kappa = 0.517, P < 0.05, Kappa = 0.593, P < 0.05). The area under curve of combination of B ultrasound with DAPK methylation was 0.922 (sensitivity, 92.86%; specificity, 91.63%; Youden index, 0.845) with negative prediction value of 99.4% which suggested that the recurrent risk would be low in case negative results were obtained.Conclusion: Combination of DAPK methylation with B ultrasound has high performance in diagnosing recurrent UBC.