bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of accumulated degree hours-based post-mortem intervals in mammalian and avian model
Authors: Mostafa Md Golam , Shobha Mst Shahanaz Parvin , Ara Anjuman , Ahmad Saadia 
Published: June 2021

The post-mortem interval (PMI) of a jungle cat (Felis chaus) and a chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) were estimated as a mammalian and an avian model, respectively. The estimations were performed adopting the Accumulated Degree Hours (ADH) method using blowfly, Lucilia sericata. The required developmental time from oviposition to the 3rd instar larvae of the blowfly species was considered for the determination of PMI in each of the study. The results revealed that the calculated PMI of jungle cat was 5.29 days. On the other hand, the estimated PMI of the chicken was 2.83 days. The difference of these two PMIs in two different models might be due to the variation of temperatures and other related factors in the development of the larvae of the blowfly species. This study might offer a new approach in the medico-legal investigations with a view to resolving homicide as well as other suspected death of animals including wildlife in Bangladesh.
Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 9(1 & 2): 49-58, 2020 (June & December)
Eventos adversos relacionados à assistência à saúde no Brasil: Estudo ecológico no período 2014-2018
Authors: Braga Cristina Spena , Cunha Karinne Cristinne da Silva , Pereira Quezia Vilela da Costa , Peixoto Eduardo Mesquita 
Published: June 2021

Objetivos: Identificar os tipos de incidentes mais notificados no Brasil desde a implantação dos núcleos de segurança do paciente. Método: Estudo epidemiológico ecológico com base nos dados obtidos nos Boletins Informativos de Segurança do Paciente e Qualidade em Serviços de Saúde relacionados a assistência à Saúde emitidos pela ANVISA e do Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde (CNES) dos anos de 2014 a 2018. Resultados: Os dados foram submetidos a teste de normalidade de Kolmogorov-smirnovi, sendo escolhida uma abordagem não-paramétrica (Sperman, Wilcox, Kruskal-Wallis) com nível de significância de 5%. Os resultados evidenciaram que nos biênios 2015-2016 e 2017-2018 os tipos de incidentes mais prevalentes foram: falha durante a assistência (27,8%/22,2%); lesão por pressão (17%/18,6%); queda (11,1%/11%); falha na identificação do paciente (6,3%/8%); perda ou obstrução de sonda (7,5%/ 6,5%) e flebite (5,4% /4,9%). Conclusão: Diferente de outros países onde as falhas mais prevalentes estiveram relacionadas a infecção, medicamentos e procedimentos cirúrgicos, os eventos adversos no Brasil estão mais relacionados aos cuidados de enfermagem. Apesar dos avanços alcançados, há muito a ser feito para estabelecimento da cultura da segurança do paciente nas instituições de saúde e na transposição das barreiras existentes quanto a notificação destes eventos, sendo o sistema de notificação de incidente uma importante estratégia na identificação de problemas na área de segurança do paciente, promovendo o aprendizado e melhoria dos processos assistenciais.
Análise de tendências nas séries históricas de precipitação e curva de permanência de vazão no município Cachoeira do Piriá, Pará
Authors: Silva Gabriela Rousi Abdon da , Silva Fabiola Souza da , Duarte Juliana Maia , Tavares Aliny Ricarda Furtado 
Published: June 2021

O Norte do Brasil apresenta altos índices pluviométricos, o que está relacionado a presença da floresta Amazônica. Em vista disso é necessário que estudos que analisem o comportamento hidrológico em bacias hidrográficas desta região sejam desenvolvidos, para que estes possam ser utilizados, posteriormente, como ferramentas e bases pra outras tipologias de estudos ou para análise de viabilidades de obras de modo geral. Dois dos principais componentes do ciclo hidrológico são as precipitações e as vazões dos corpos hídricos. Desta forma a presente pesquisa realizou uma análise acerca da estação pluviométrica de código (146008) e fluviométrica de código (32620000), ambas localizadas no munícipio de Cachoeira do Piriá, estado do estado do Pará, com o objetivo de analisar a influência das precipitações nas vazões do rio da bacia hidrográfica através da construção de um hietograma, realizando também a avaliação de normal climatologia e tendência para a série histórica dos dados de chuva, utilizando os métodos Linear, Mann Kendall e Sen´s Slope. Além disso, para os dados de vazão foi elaborado a curva de permanência. Por fim, foi observado, a partir dos dados pluviométricos, que a precipitação no município não apresenta tendência e, a partir dos dados fluviométricos, foi possível observar que sua vazão em 95% dos casos é de, aproximadamente, 200 m³/s.
The effect of warm compresses on perineal tear and pain intensity during the second stage of labor: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Modoor Soumaya , Fouly Howieda , Rawas Hawazen 
Published: June 2021

Background: Warm compress is believed to reduce perineal tear occurrence and decrease pain intensity during the second stage of childbirth.Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of warm compresses on perineal tear and pain intensity during the second stage of labor. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted between 28 September 2018 to 30 October 2018 in King Khaled Hospital (KKH), affiliated with the Ministry of National Guard Hospital Affairs, King Abdul-Aziz Medical City Western Region, Saudi Arabia. According to eligibility criteria, the sample randomly recruited through lottery included 100 primigravida pregnant women, with 50 in each intervention and control group. Data were presented in the form of frequency and percentages, standard deviation, and mean. Chi-square test was used for data analysis, with p-value significance at ˂ 0.05.Results: Sociodemographic data revealed no statistically significant difference in the age, education, occupation, and residence of both the control and experimental group. The perineum area’s pain intensity after birth showed a statistically significant difference between the intervention and the control groups (p = 0.001). The perineal tear was also significantly different between both groups (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The applied warm compresses on the perineum area positively reduce second and third-degree perineal tear and pain intensity during the second stage of labor and after childbirth. Therefore, midwives and nurses are expected to actively provide effective planned in-service training programs regarding warm compresses' advantages in the second stage of labor and apply this procedure actively.
Oxytocin Receptor Exon III Methylation in the Umbilical Cord Blood of Newborns With Prenatal Exposure to Crack Cocaine
Authors: Baptista Talita , de Azeredo Lucas Araújo , Zaparte Aline , Viola Thiago Wendt , Coral Sayra Catalina , Nagai Maria Aparecida , Mangone Flávia Rotea , Pavanelli Ana Carolina , Schuch Jaqueline B. , Mardini Victor , Szobot Claudia M. , Grassi-Oliveira Rodrigo 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundPrenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) is associated with behavioral, cognitive, and social consequences in children that might persist into later development. However, there are still few data concerning epigenetic mechanisms associated with the effects of gestational cocaine exposure, particularly in human newborns.AimsWe investigated the effects of PCE on DNA methylation patterns of the Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR) gene in the umbilical cord blood (UCB). The relationship between UCB DNA methylation levels and the severity of the mother’s cocaine use during pregnancy was also evaluated.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 28 UCB samples of newborns with a history of crack cocaine exposure in utero and 30 UCB samples of non-exposed newborns (NEC) were compared for DNA methylation levels at two genomic loci located in exon III of the OXTR gene (OXTR1 and OXTR2) through pyrosequencing. Maternal psychopathology was investigated using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, and substance use characteristics and addiction severity were assessed using the Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST).ResultsNo differences between newborns with a history of PCE and NEC were observed in OXTR1 or OXTR2 DNA methylation levels. However, regression analyses showed that maternal addiction severity for crack cocaine use predicted OXTR1 DNA methylation in newborns.ConclusionThese data suggest that OXTR methylation levels in the UCB of children are affected by the severity of maternal crack cocaine usage. Larger studies are likely to detect specific changes in DNA methylation relevant to the consequences of PCE.
Preparation and DFT Study for New Three-Ring Supramolecular H-Bonded Induced Liquid Crystal Complexes
Authors: Mohammady Sayed Z. , Aldhayan Daifallah M. , Hagar Mohamed 
Published: June 2021

Supramolecular three-ring Schiff base novel liquid crystal complexes have been prepared and investigated. Schiff bases of para-substituted aniline derivatives and para-pyridine carbaldehyde have been prepared and then mixed in equimolar quantities with para-alkoxy benzoic acids. On one side, the alkoxy chain length varies from 8 to 16 carbon atoms. On the other side, terminal small compact groups substituting aniline with various polarities are used. Hydrogen-bonding interaction was elucidated by FTIR spectroscopy. The mesomorphic thermal and optical characteristics of the samples were obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy (POM). All samples exhibit enantiotropic mesophases. Experimental results obtained for the induced mesophases were correlated with density functional theory (DFT) theoretical calculations. The results revealed that both the polar compact groups’ polarity and the alkoxy chain lengths contribute strongly to mesomorphic characteristics and thermal stabilities of the mesophases. Surprisingly, the observed values of enthalpy changes associated with the crystalline mesomorphic transitions lie in the range of 2.2–12.5 kJ/mol. However, the enthalpy changes corresponding to the mesomorphic–isotropic transitions vary from 0.9 to 13.9 kJ/mol, depending on the polarity of para-attached groups to the aniline moiety.
Impacts of Heart Failure and Physical Performance on Long-Term Mortality in Old Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Weng Shuo-Chun , Chen Yu-Chi , Hsu Chiann-Yi , Lin Chu-Sheng , Tarng Der-Cherng , Lin Shih-Yi 
Published: June 2021

Background: In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), physical functional limitations and heart failure (HF) are common, and each is associated with adverse outcomes. However, their joint effects on mortality are not clear.Design and Methods: Using administration data from the geriatric department in a tertiary hospital, retrospective longitudinal analyses of patients aged ≥65 years with CKD were consecutively enrolled from February 2010 to November 2015. Baseline CKD stages, HF with reduced and preserved ejection fraction (HFrEF and HFpEF), Rockwood frailty index, handgrip strength (HGS), 6-m walking speed, and timed up-and-go test were used to predict the prevalence of frailty, physical disability, and all-cause mortality.Results: Among 331 old patients with CKD, their mean age was 81.3 ± 6.6 years. CKD stages showed the following distributions: stage 3, 74.9%; stage 4, 15.7%; stage 5, 9.4%. The prevalence of HF was 23.3%, and Rockwood frailty was 74.3%. Rockwood frailty and HF were both significantly associated with CKD stages. After a mean follow-up period of 3.1 ± 2.1 years, 44 patients died, and a crude analysis showed that stage 4, stage 5 CKD, low HGS, and Rockwood frailty index were associated with mortality. Regarding the survival of these patients, the adjusted mortality hazard ratio for CKD stage 5 was 3.84 against stage 3A [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.51–9.75], 1.04 (95% CI 1.01–1.07) for higher Rockwood frailty score, 4.78 (95% CI 1.26–18.11) for HFrEF, and 3.47 (95% CI 1.15–10.42) for low HGS. Survival analysis using Kaplan–Meier survival plots showed that patients with both HF and poor HGS had the poorest survival.Conclusions: Our study shows that both low physical performance and HF were common in old CKD patients and were associated with CKD stages. HF, frailty, and HGS all independently predicted the mortality of these CKD patients. The mortality is especially high amongst individuals with both HF and decreased HGS.
Weight Change and Mortality Risk in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Huang Peisen , Guo Zejun , Liang Weihao , Wu Yuzhong , Zhao Jingjing , He Xin , Zhu Wengen , Liu Chen , Dong Yugang , Yu Yuan , Dong Bin 
Published: June 2021

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the associations of weight loss or gain with all-cause mortality risk in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).Methods and Results: Non-lean patients from the Americas from the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist study were analyzed (n = 1,515). Weight loss and weight gain were defined as a decrease or increase in weight ≥5% between baseline and 1 year. To determine the associations of weight change and mortality risk, we used adjusted Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline models. The mean age was 71.5 (9.6) years. Weight loss and gain were witnessed in 19.3 and 15.9% patients, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, weight loss was associated with higher risk of mortality (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.06–1.89, P = 0.002); weight gain had similar risk of mortality (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.68–1.42, P = 0.932) compared with weight stability. There was linear relationship between weight change and mortality risk. The association of weight loss and mortality was different for patients with and without diabetes mellitus (interaction p = 0.009).Conclusion: Among patients with HFpEF, weight loss was independently associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality, and weight gain was not associated with better survival.Clinical Trial Registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier: NCT00094302.
Precision Medicine in Graves’ Disease: CD40 Gene Variants Predict Clinical Response to an Anti-CD40 Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Faustino Larissa C. , Kahaly George J. , Frommer Lara , Concepcion Erlinda , Stefan-Lifshitz Mihaela , Tomer Yaron 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundCD40, a key co-stimulatory molecule expressed on antigen-presenting cells, is genetically associated with a number of autoimmune diseases including Graves’ disease (GD). Therefore, recent therapies targeting CD40 have been developed, including the anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody Iscalimab. In a recent pilot study, Iscalimab was shown to induce clinical remission in ~ 50% of GD patients, but the reason why only 50% of GD patients responded is not known. The aim of our study was to test the hypothesis that specific CD40 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes and haplotypes are associated with clinical response of GD patients to Iscalimab.MethodsWe extracted genomic DNA from the whole blood of 13 GD patients treated with Iscalimab, and genotyped seven CD40 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with autoimmunity. Additionally, we analyzed CD40 mRNA expression levels in whole blood. The patients’ CD40 SNP genotypes and mRNA levels were tested for association with clinical response to Iscalimab.ResultsThree common haplotypes, designated haplotypes A, B, and C, were identified. Haplotypes B and C were associated with higher CD40 mRNA levels and clinical response to Iscalimab (i.e., patients achieving euthyroidism without need for additional medications), while haplotype A was associated with decreased CD40 mRNA levels and no response to Iscalimab.ConclusionOur data suggest that genetic polymorphisms in the CD40 gene drive its expression levels and response to Iscalimab. Polymorphisms associated with higher CD40 levels are also associated with clinical response to CD40-targeted therapies. These results set the stage to implementing precision medicine in the therapeutic approach to GD.
Sublingual Bacterial Vaccination Reduces Recurrent Infections in Patients With Autoimmune Diseases Under Immunosuppressant Treatment
Authors: Sánchez-Ramón Silvia , Fernández-Paredes Lidia , Saz-Leal Paula , Diez-Rivero Carmen M. , Ochoa-Grullón Juliana , Morado Concepción , Macarrón Pilar , Martínez Cristina , Villaverde Virginia , de la Peña Antonia Rodríguez , Conejero Laura , Hernández-Llano Keyla , Cordero Gustavo , Fernández-Arquero Miguel , Gutierrez Benjamin Fernández- , Candelas Gloria 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionConventional or biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the mainstay of treatment for systemic autoimmune disease (SAD). Infectious complications are a major concern in their use.ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical benefit of sublingual mucosal polybacterial vaccines (MV130 and MV140), used to prevent recurrent respiratory and urinary tract infections, in patients with SAD and secondary recurrent infections following conventional or biologic DMARDs.MethodsAn observational study in SAD patients with recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTI) and/or recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTI) was carried out. All patients underwent mucosal (sublingual) vaccination with MV130 for RRTI or with MV140 for RUTI daily for 3 months. Clinical evaluation was assessed during 12 months of follow-up after the first dose, i.e., 3 months under treatment and 9 months once discontinued, and compared with the previous year.ResultsForty-one out of 55 patients completed 1-year follow-up. All patients were on either conventional or biologic DMARDs. A significant decrease in the frequency of RUTI (p&lt;0.001), lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) (p=0.009) and upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) (p=0.006) at 12-mo with respect to the previous year was observed. Antibiotic prescriptions and unscheduled medical visits decreased significantly (p&lt;0.020) in all groups. Hospitalization rate also declined in patients with RRTI (p=0.019). The clinical benefit demonstrated was concomitant to a significant increase in both anti-S. pneumoniaeIgA and IgG antibodies following MV130 vaccination.ConclusionsSublingual polybacterial vaccines prevent recurrent infections in patients with SAD under treatment with immunosuppressant therapies, supporting a broad non-specific anti-infectious effect in these patients.
Polyblend Nanofibers to Regenerate Gingival Tissue: A Preliminary In Vitro Study
Authors: Canciani Elena , Gagliano Nicoletta , Paino Francesca , Amler Evžen , Divin Radek , Denti Luca , Henin Dolaji , Fiorati Andrea , Dellavia Claudia 
Published: June 2021

Aim: The regeneration of small periodontal defects has been considered an important divide and challenging issue for dental practitioners. The aim of this preliminary in vitro study was to analyze the effects of polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E vs. nude nanofibers on gingival fibroblasts activity, an innovative graft for periodontal soft tissue regeneration purposes.Methods: Nanofibers were produced in PCL (NF) or PCL enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E (NFE) by electrospinning technique. NF and NFE were stereologically and morphologically characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and composition was analyzed by infrared spectroscopy. Human fibroblasts were obtained from one gingival tissue fragment (HGF) and then seeded on NF, NFE, and plastic (CT). Cell adhesion and morphology were evaluated using SEM at 24 h and cell viability after 24, 48, and 72 h by alamarBlue® assay. Gene expression for COL-I, LH2b, TIMP-1, PAX, and VNC was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR in samples run in triplicate and GAPDH was used as housekeeping gene. Slot blot analysis was performed and immunoreactive bands were revealed for MMP-1 and COL-I. YAP and p-YAP were analyzed by Western blot and membranes were reprobed by α-tubulin. Statistical analysis was performed.Results: IR spectrum revealed the presence of PCL in NF and PCL and vitamin E and hyaluronic acid in NFE. At 24 h, HGF adhered on NF and NFE conserving fibroblast like morphology. At 72 h from seeding, statistically significant differences were found in proliferation of HGF cultured on NF compared to NFE. Expression of genes (LH2b, TIMP-1, and MMP-1) and proteins (COL-I) related to collagen turnover revealed a reduction of COL-1 secretion in cells cultured on NF and NFE compared to CT; however, NFE stimulated cross-linked collagen deposition. Mechanosensor genes (PAX, VNC, and YAP) were upregulated in HGF on NF while they were decreased in cells grown on NFE.Conclusion: Preliminary data suggest that PCL-enriched nanofibers could represent a support to induce HGF proliferation, adhesion, collagen cross-linking, and to reduce collagen degradation, therefore favoring collagen deposition in gingival connective tissue.
SARS-CoV-2 Gastrointestinal Infection Prolongs the Time to Recover From COVID-19
Authors: Xu Zhijie , Tang Meiwen , Chen Ping , Cai Hongyu , Xiao Fei 
Published: June 2021

Objectives: We previously reported that SARS-CoV-2 infects the gastrointestinal (GI) epithelium. In this study, we aimed to explore the impact of SARS-CoV-2 GI infection on clinical outcomes of COVID-19.Materials and Methods: For this retrospective cohort study, 104 patients with COVID-19 were classified into a SARS-CoV-2 GI infection group and a non-infection group. The primary endpoint was the time of negative conversion of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in respiratory tract samples. The secondary outcome was the time of hospitalization for COVID-19.Results: Patients with SARS-CoV-2 GI infection had a longer duration of positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA in respiratory tract samples (median 12.0 days [95% CI: 10.0–13.2] vs. 9.0 days [95% CI: 7.5–10.5]; HR 0.575 [95% CI: 0.386–0.857]; P = 0.003) and hospitalization (median 28.0 days [95% CI: 23.2–32.8] vs. 15.0 days [95% CI: 13.6–16.4]; HR 0.149 [95% CI: 0.087–0.252]; P &lt; 0.001) than patients without SARS-CoV-2 GI infection. Subgroup analyses for sex, age, epidemiological history, clinical classification and antiviral treatment showed consistent results.Conclusion: Our study indicates that SARS-CoV-2 GI infection prolongs the duration of SARS-CoV-2 shedding and hospitalization in the patients with COVID-19. More attention should be paid to SARS-CoV-2 GI infection of COVID-19 and fecal SARS-CoV-2 RNA test should be completed in time.
Reciprocal Relationship Between Calcium Signaling and Circadian Clocks: Implications for Calcium Homeostasis, Clock Function, and Therapeutics
Authors: Cavieres-Lepe Javier , Ewer John 
Published: June 2021

Graphical AbstractReciprocal relationship between Ca2+ signaling and the circadian clock. In Drosophila and mice, circadian clocks impose a daily rhythmicity to Ca2+ signaling; and, conversely, Ca2+ rhythms and signaling contribute to transmitting daily external signals to the clock TTFL. This bidirectional regulation is critical to the daily rhythmicity of many physiological and behavioral processes.