bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between HBA1C, hyperlipidemia, ankle-brachial index (ABI), and toe-brachial index (TBI) with wound healing in diabetic foot ulcer after angioplasty
Authors: Sobhiyeh Mohammadreza , Rai Alireza , Molavi Masoumeh , Kermanshahi Amirreza Jafari 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to severe consequences if left untreated. Revascularization with balloon angioplasty is a method of management of peripheral arterial disease, and factors that can affect wound healing are of interest. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between HBA1C, hyperlipidemia, ankle-brachial index (ABI), and toe-brachial index (TBI) with wound healing after balloon angioplasty in patients with DFUs.
Methods
Ninety patients with DFUs who underwent balloon angioplasty were included. Baseline HBA1C, hyperlipidemia, ABI, and TBI were recorded. These were measured once more three months after angioplasty. Then, based on wound healing (satisfactory or failed wound healing) as the outcome measure, patients were divided into two groups and the gathered variables were compared.
Results
The wound healing rate at 3-month follow-up was 62.2% (56 out of 90 achieved healing of ulcer). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender, age, and body mass index (BMI). Baseline values of HbA1c were significantly higher in those who failed wound healing (9.6 ± 1.2% vs. 9.0 ± 1.2%); P = 0.01. The average values of ABI (0.77 vs. 0.8; P = 0.04) and TBI (0.51 vs. 0.60; P < 0.001) were significantly lower in the group with failed ulcer healing. The similar findings were observed at three-month follow-up measurements. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the frequency of hyperlipidemia.
Conclusion
Baseline and post-angioplasty measures of HbA1c, ABI, and TBI could affect wound healing in patients with DFU and lower limb ischemia undergoing balloon angioplasty.
Correlation between serum 25-OH-vitamin DLevel and diabetic foot ulcer in elderly diabetic patients
Authors: Wang Fenglin , Xu Jia , Zhu Di , Yang Caizhe 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objective To investigate the relationship between the level of 25-OH-vitamin D [25 (OH) D] and diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) in aged Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients. Methods from January 2020 to March 2022, 339 elderly DM patients, aged 60 to 90 years old, hospitalized in the Department of Endocrinology, Air Force Special Medical Center, were selected and divided into DFU group (n=204) and DM group (n=135) according to the presence or absence of DFU. The clinical and biochemical characteristics of the two groups were compared. The change of 25 (OH) D and its relationship with DFU was analyzed. Results SBP and BUN in DFU group were higher than those in DM group, and the course of disease was longer than that in DM group. The levels of TC, TG, HDL-C, ALT, AST, ALB, Hb, HCT and serum 25 (OH) D in DFU group were lower than those in DM group, the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that increased serum 25 (OH) D level was a protective factor for DFU in DM patients (p < 0.05). In this study, 80.5% of elderly DM patients suffered from vitamin D deficiency, and the proportion of vitamin D deficiency in DFU group was significantly higher than that in DM group. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). With the increase of Wagner grade, the level of 25 (OH) D gradually decreased (p = 0.004). Multiple comparisons showed that the level of 25-OH-vitamin D in Wagner grade 2 patients was significantly higher than that in wager Grade 4 patients (P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that the serum 25-(OH)-D level was negatively correlated with DFU (P =0.001, R =-0. 182). Conclusion vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency is common in elderly DM patients, and is more serious in DFU patients.
A DNA-launched reverse genetics system of feline calicivirus identified 3′ UTR as an essential element for its replication
Authors: Cheng Jie , Tang Aoxing , Chen Jing , Zhang Da , Meng Chunchun , Li Chuanfeng , Wei Hulai , Liu Guangqing 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Virulent systemic feline calicivirus (VS-FCV) is a newly emerging pathogen associated with severe and acute virulent systemic disease, characterized with jaundice, oedema and high mortality (approximately 70%) in cat population. Currently, VS-FCV has a worldwide spread, but deficient in effective vaccines or therapeutic options to combat infection. As a result, VS-FCV is posing a serious threat to the health of felines. So far, the genomic characteristics and function of VS-FCV are poorly understood, and the underlying mechanism for its increased pathogenicity is also enigmatic. Reverse genetic system is proven to be a powerful tool to study the molecular biology of RNA viruses, but the reverse genetic system of VS-FCV has not been reported. In this study, we pioneered simple and fast construction of a plasmid-based VS-FCV reverse genetics system that efficiently produced infectious progeny virus in CRFK cells. Using this system, we next investigated the role of 3' untranslated region (UTR) and poly (A) tail on determining infectivity and replication of VS-FCV. The results showed that 3' UTR was a key element for maintaining the infection and replication capacity of VS-FCV. In addition, we found that the poly (A) tail was important for maintaining the infectivity of VS-FCV. In detail, if the infectious clone of VS-FCV lacks the poly (A) tail, or its poly (A) tail length is less than 28 bases, it failed to rescue any infectious progeny virus. In conclusion, we successfully established a rapid and efficient VS-FCV reverse genetic system, which provides a good platform for future research on the gene function and pathogenesis of VS-FCV. The effects of 3' UTR and poly (A) tail on VS-FCV infectivity and replication also provided new clues to the pathogenesis of VS-FCV.
Differences between CVID Granulomatosis and Sarcoidosis: Clinical, Immunological and Histopathological Comparison
Authors: Viallard Jean-François , Lescure Maëlig , Oksenhendler Eric , Blanco Patrick , Visentin Jonathan , Parrens Marie 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Common variable immunodeficiency granulomatous disease (CVID-GD) is a serious complication that occurs in 8–22% of CVID patients and can mimic sarcoidosis with which it shares certain clinical, biological and radiological features. However, no study to date has compared the two pathologies immunologically and histologically. Then, we analyzed the blood cell immunohistochemical-labeling profiles and the immunological-histological features of different biopsy samples from 10 patients with CVID-GD and compared them to those of with biopsy-proven sarcoidosis. Specifically, we wanted to know whether or not the signaling abnormalities observed in sarcoidosis granulomas are also present in CVID. The CVID-GD immunological profile differs markedly from that of sarcoidosis, with a profound memory-cell deficit, strong CD8 + T-cell activation and altered balance in follicular helper-T cells (TFH) subsets in the blood. Morphological differences were found between CVID-GD histology and classical sarcoidosis, mainly the former’s notable/extensive lymphoid hyperplasia associated with granulomas not observed in the latter. All organs involved with CVID-GD contained several TFH1 cells the granulomatosis, while TFH lymphocytes were inconstantly and more weakly expressed in sarcoidosis. Moreover, CVID and sarcoidosis granulomas expressed the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1 and STAT3 factors, regardless of the organ studied and without any significant difference between them. Our results suggest that the macrophage-activation mechanism in CVID resembles that of sarcoidosis, thereby suggesting that JAK-STAT-pathway blockade might be useful in currently difficult-to-treat CVID-GD.
In-shoe pressure analysis in patients with a history of diabetes-related foot ulceration: a mixed methods study
Authors: McDonogh Clare , Nube Vanessa , Frank Georgina , Twigg Stephen , Penkala Stefania , Holloway Samantha , Snyder Robert 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Medical grade footwear (MGF) with demonstrated plantar-pressure reducing effect is recommended to reduce the risk of diabetes-related foot ulceration (DFU). Efficacy of MGF relies on high adherence (≥ 80%). In-shoe pressure analysis (IPA) is used to assess and modify MGF, however, there is limited evidence for the impact on patient adherence and understanding of MGF. The primary aim of this study was to determine if self-reported adherence to MGF usage in patients with previous DFU improved following IPA compared to adherence measured prior. The secondary aim was to determine if patient understanding of MGF improved following in-shoe pressure analysis.
Methods
Patients with previous DFU fitted with MGF in the last 12 months were recruited. The first three participants were included in a pilot study to test procedures and questionnaires. MGF was assessed and modified at Week 0 based on findings from IPA using the Pedar system (Novel). Patients completed two questionnaires, one assessing patient adherence to MGF at Week 0 and Week 4, the other assessing patient understanding of MGF before and after IPA at week 0. Patient understanding was measured using a 5-point Likert scale (strongly disagree 1 to strongly agree 5). Patient experience was assessed via a telephone questionnaire administered between Weeks 0–1.
Results
15 participants were recruited, and all completed the study. Adherence of ≥ 80% to MGF usage inside the home was n = 2 (13.3%) pre-IPA and n = 3 (20.0%) at Week 4. Outside the home, ≥ 80% adherence to MGF was n = 8 (53.3%) pre-IPA, and n = 12 (80.0%) at Week 4. All participants reported that undergoing IPA improved their understanding of the value of MGF and that undergoing the intervention was worthwhile and beneficial.
Conclusions
Self-reported adherence inside the home demonstrated minimal improvement after 4 weeks, however, adherence of ≥ 80% outside the home increased by 27%, with 80% of all participants reporting high adherence at Week 4. Participants rated their learnings from the experience of IPA as beneficial.
Africa Union (AU) Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Role in the fight against COVID-19 in Africa: An Analysis of Frontline Health Workers' Perspectives
Authors: Kipo-Sunyehzi Daniel Dramani 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: This article examines the role of the Africa Union (AU) Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and other international partners in the fight against the global pandemic on the continent (Africa). It analyzes the governance structure of the Africa CDC and the policy strategies to slow the virus and at the best end the pandemic. The Africa CDC works through its regional offices across the continent intending to strengthen the public health systems of AU member states in response to disease outbreaks. In this regard, the perspectives of frontline health workers were analyzed in an AU member state (Ghana). Methods: Data is obtained largely from qualitative sources through in-depth interviews, focus groups discussion, the use of official documents and some direct observations in the field (in offices and health facilities). Purposive and snowball sampling methods were utilized in which 40 participants took part in the study including national, regional and local level workers who worked or interacted directly with clients (COVID-19 patients, persons with suspected cases among others). Results: The results show that many international partners are identified as key partners that are directly involved in the fight against the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Africa. It is interesting to note that the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the US CDC are more prominent in the fight against COVID-19 in Ghana than the Africa CDC. The reason for this is that the Africa CDC worked through its Regional Coordinating Centers (RCC) instead of working directly with the AU member states. Thus, the Africa CDC occupied the fourth position of the international partners who played crucial roles in the fight against the global pandemic in Ghana. Conclusion: The study concludes that strengthening public health systems is crucial in Africa and that the fight against COVID-19 is a collective one for all states and international partners. It recommends that the Africa CDC should find a way to work directly with the AU member states including Ghana.
Evaluation of molecular-level changes of Programmed cell Death Ligand-1 after radiotherapy in a BALB/c CT26 colorectal mouse tumor model
Authors: Chamani Fateme Khani , Shabani Mahdi , Moradi Afshin , Alinejad Maedeh , Chalbatani Ghanbar Mahmoodi , Hamblin Michael R , Jalali Seyed Amir 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The effects of radiation therapy (RT) for cancer can be systemic and partially mediated by the immune system. However, radiation alone is unlikely to transform an immunosuppressive environment into an immunostimulatory one. Therefore, an effective combination of radiation therapy and immunotherapy may provide a new more efficient treatment approach. Here we investigated how the expression of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in the microenvironment of the tumor varied in different RT regimens with the same Biologically Effective Dose (BED). In this study, female BALB/c mice inoculated with CT26 tumor cells were irradiated with three different RT regimens using the same Biologically Effective Dose (BED) of 40 Gray (Gy). These included Ablative RT (1*15 Gy), Hypo-fractionated RT (2*10 Gy), and Conventional RT (10*3 Gy). PD-L1 expression was analyzed with immunohistochemical staining on days 2, 20, and when the size of tumors had reached 2 cm2 after RT. All treated groups expressed PD-L1, but the group receiving single ablative high dose RT showed higher expression compared to the other groups. No significant differences in PD-L1 expression were observed at different times in the same group. These findings showed that different regimens of RT have different effects on the tumor microenvironment (TME), so a combination of RT and immune checkpoint blockade could be clinically used in cancer patients.
Paleo–climatic and paleo–environment implication of clay mineral across Upper Cretaceous–Lower Eocene deposits from Gafsa Basin
Authors: Messadi Abdel Majid 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
An integrated study of clay paragenesis has been conducted in the Gafsa Basin, southern Tunisia, during the Late Cretaceous–Lower Eocene. Six lithostratigraphic sections were logged in the Tamerza, Oued Thelja, Ong, and Chamsi. The Upper Maastrichtian Haria Formation is dominated by smectite, indicating a semi-arid climate with distinct seasons. A colder and drier climate, favoring physical alteration, is observed in the first Paleogene deposits. Danian deposits, show a decrease in smectite in favor of illite and kaolinite, indicating a period of intensified detritus under a hot and humid climate with a contrasting season. The abundance of smectite and the low percentages of kaolinite in the Thelja (Thanetian) Formation suggest a warm and arid climate. The late Thanetian–early Eocene deposits were influenced by a warm and seasonal climate, or probably, they were an alternation between dry and humid seasons and warm climatic conditions in the Lower Eocene corresponding to the Late Paleocene–early Eocene deposits outlining the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM). The consequence of this warm climate is sea level rise, which corresponds to the Paleocene– Eocene transgression.
Effect of high-dose cyclophosphamide on ultrastructural changes and gene expression profiles in cardiomyocytes of C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Nishikawa Takuro , Miyahara Emiko , Yamazaki Ieharu , Hagiwara Hiroko , Ikawa Kazuro , Nakagawa Shunsuke , Kodama Yuichi , Kawano Yoshifumi , Okamoto Yasuhiro 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

The pathogenesis of cyclophosphamide (CY)-induced cardiotoxicity remains unknown, and methods for its prevention have not been established. To elucidate acute structural changes in myocardial cells and pathways leading to myocardial damage in mice treated with high-dose CY, we performed detailed pathological analyses of myocardial tissue obtained from C57BL/6J mice that received high-dose CY. In addition, we analyzed the genome-wide cardiomyocyte expression profile of mice that received high-dose CY. Treatment with CY caused marked ultrastructural aberrations with electron microscopy, although these could not be observed with optical microscopy. Expansion of the transverse tubule and sarcoplasmic reticulum, turbulence of myocardial fiber travel, and low contractile protein density in cardiomyocytes were observed. High-dose CY treatment changed cardiomyocyte expression of 1,210 genes associated with cell-cell junctions, inflammatory responses, cardiomyopathy, and cardiac muscle function, as detected by microarray analysis (│Z-score│ > 2.0). The expression of functionally important genes related to myocardial contraction and the regulation of calcium ions was validated using real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Our results of gene expression profiles, functional annotation clustering, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway functional classification analysis suggest that cardiotoxicity induced by CY is associated with a disruption of the Ca2+ signaling pathway.
Facial nerve monitoring in parotid gland surgery: Design and feasibility assessment of a potential standardized technique
Authors: Duque Carlos S , Londoño Andres F , Duque Ana M , Zuleta John J , Marulanda Marcela , Otalvaro Lina M , Agudelo Miguel , Dueñas Juan P , Palacio Maria F , Dionigi Gianlorenzo 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Introduction Even though the use of nerve monitoring during parotid gland surgery is not the gold standard to prevent damage to the nerve, it surely offers some advantages over the traditional approach. Different from thyroid surgery, where a series of steps in intraoperative nerve monitoring have been described in order to confirm not only the integrity but – most importantly – the function of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, in parotid gland surgery, a formal guideline to follow while dissecting the facial nerve has yet to be described.Methods A five-year retrospective study was done reviewing the intraoperative records of patients who underwent parotid gland surgery under neural monitoring. The operative findings regarding the neuromonitoring process, particularly in regard to the amplitude of two main branches, were revised. A literature search was done in order to search for guidelines to follow when a facial nerve loss of signal is encountered.ResultsFifty-six patients were operated on using the Nim 3 Nerve Monitoring System (Medtronic, Jacksonville, FL USA); thirty-three were female patients, 46 patients had benign lesions. Minimum changes were observed in the amplitude records after a comparison was made between the first and the last stimulation. There were only three articles discussing the term loss of signal during parotid gland surgery.ConclusionToday, no sufficient attention has been given to facial nerve monitoring process during parotidectomy. This study proposes and discusses a formal guideline to follow during this procedure in order to develop a uniform technique of facial nerve stimulation.
Cenozoic igneous activity in Northern China as a mechanism for late Oligocene climate warming
Authors: Tao Ze , He Zhiliang , Alves Tiago , Guo Xiaowen , He Sheng , Han Yuanjia 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Continental rifting is often associated with important magmatism, which significantly influences the Earth’s climate. In this study, we use comprehensive of 3D seismic and borehole datasets from Northern China to document magma intrusion and associated hydrothermal vent complexes (HTVCs) during the Cenozoic. The aim is to understand their impact on late Oligocene - early Miocene climate. Both Mesozoic and Cenozoic magma intrusions occurred in the Bohai Bay Basin, Northern China, while Cenozoic magmatism in the Bohai Bay Basin occurred during late-Oligocene to early-Miocene, when the final stage of rifting occurred in the region. Methane produced by Cenozoic magma in the Boxing Sag alone is estimated to be 27.2-820 Gt, which accounts for approximately 3-5% of the total methane produced in Northern China (1760-21100 Gt). Our study suggests that warm climate during late Oligocene was potentially subjected to intensive rifting related sill emplacements in basins such as the Bohai Bay Basin. Giving the extensively developed Cenozoic magmatic intrusions in the Bohai Bay Basin, our results suggest that, similarly to the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum (PETM), igneous activity during late-Oligocene might played a significant role in driving the Late Oligocene Warming event.
Neuroprotective action of α-Klotho against LPS- activated glia conditioned medium in primary neuronal culture
Authors: Nakao Vinicius Wanatable , Mazucanti Caio Henrique Yokowama , Lima Larissa Sá , Mello Paloma Segura , Souza Natacha Medeiros , Kinoshita Paula Fernanda , Leite Jacqueline Alves , Kawamoto Elisa Mitiko , Scavone Cristoforo 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The α-Klotho is an anti-aging protein that when overexpressed extends the life span in humans and mice. It has an anti-inflammatory and protective action on renal cells by inhibiting NF-κB activation and production of inflammatory cytokines in response to TNF-α. Furthermore, studies have shown the neuroprotective effect of α-Klotho against neuroinflammation on different conditions, such as aging, animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, and ischemic brain injury. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of α-Klotho protein on primary glial cell culture against the proinflammatory challenge with LPS and how this could interfere in neuronal health. Cortical mixed glial cells and purified astrocytes were pretreated with α- α-Klotho and stimulated with LPS followed by TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ levels and NF-κB activity analysis. Conditioned medium from cortical mixed glia culture treated with LPS (glia conditioned medium (GCM) was used to induce neuronal death of primary cortical neuronal culture and evaluate if GCM-KL (GCM-KL: medium from glia culture pretreated with α- α-Klotho followed by LPS stimulation) can reverse this effect. LPS treatment in glial cells induced an increase in proinflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ, and activation of astrocyte NF-κB. GCM treated-cortical neuronal culture induced a concentration-dependent neuronal death. Pretreatment with α-Klotho decreased TNF-α and IL-6 production, revert NF-κB activation and blocked neuronal death induced by GCM. These data suggest an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect of α-Klotho protein in the CNS. This work demonstrated the therapeutic potential of α-Klotho in pathological processes which involves a neuroinflammatory component.