bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-136-5p from Endothelial Progenitor Cells-released Extracellular Vesicles Mediates TXNIP to Promote the Dissolution of Deep Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Feng Yaping , Lei Bo , Zhang Huan , Niu Luyuan , Li Xiangtao , Luo Xiaoyun , Zhang Fuxian 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACT

Objective:
Endothelial progenitor cells-released extracellular vesicles (EPCs-EVs) have previously been reported to promote the dissolution of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) through delivery of microRNA (miR). Given that, this research was projected to search the relative action of EPCs-EVs transferring of miR-136-5p in DVT.

Methods:
From EPCs transfected with miR-136-5p agomir or antagomir, EVs were extracted and then injected into DVT mice. Meanwhile, based on the treatment with EPCs-EVs loading miR-136-5p antagomir, silenced thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) lentivirus was injected into DVT mice to perform the rescue experiments. Afterwards, the length and weight of venous thrombosis, EPC apoptosis and inflammatory factors, plasmin, fibrinogen, and thrombin-antithrombin were measured. miR-136-5p and TXNIP expression in DVT mice, and their targeting relationship were evaluated.

Results:
miR-136-5p expression was suppressed and TXNIP expression was elevated in DVT mice. EPCs-EV reduced the length and weight of venous thrombosis, suppressed cell apoptosis and inflammatory reaction, as well as elevated level of plasmin, and reduced levels of fibrinogen and thrombin-antithrombin in DVT mice. Restored miR-136-5p loaded by EPCs-EV further attenuated DVT but EPCs-EV transfer of depleted miR-136-5p resulted in the opposite consequences. miR-136-5p targeted TXNIP and silenced TXNIP rescued the effect of EPCs-EV transfer of depleted miR-136-5p on DVT.

Conclusion:
miR-136-5p from EPCs-EV suppresses TXNIP expression to reduce the thrombus size in DVT, offering a promising treatment target for DVT
A Comprehensive Appraisal of Risk Prediction Models for Cardiogenic Shock
Authors: Bhat Anusha G. , van Diepen Sean , Katz Jason N. , Islam Ashequl , Tehrani Benham N. , Truesdell Alexander G. , Kapur Navin K. , Holmes David R. , Menon Venugopal , Jaber Wissam A. , Nicholson William J. , Zhao David X. , Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACT
Despite advances in early revascularization, percutaneous hemodynamic support platforms, and systems of care, cardiogenic shock (CS) remains associated with a mortality rate higher than 50%. Several risk stratification models have been derived since the 1990 s to identify patients at high risk of adverse outcomes. Still, limited information is available on the differences between scoring systems and their relative applicability to both acute myocardial infarction and advanced decompensated heart failure CS. Thus, we reviewed the similarities, differences, and limitations of published CS risk prediction models and herein discuss their suitability to the contemporary management of CS care.
Inflammasome-related Markers upon ICU Admission do not Correlate with Outcome in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Adamik Barbara , Ambrożek-Latecka Magdalena , Dragan Barbara , Jeznach Aldona , Śmiechowicz Jakub , Gożdzik Waldemar , Skirecki Tomasz 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACT

Purpose:
The development of targeted biological therapies for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requires reliable biomarkers that could help indicate how patients are responding. The hyperactivation of inflammasomes by the SARS-CoV2 virus is hypothesized to contribute to a more severe course of the COVID-19 disease. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of several inflammasome-related cytokines and proteins upon admission to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Patients and Methods:
We performed a prospective cohort study. Plasma samples were obtained from 45 critically ill COVID-19 patients and 10 patients without any signs of infection (traumatic brain injury [TBI]) on admission to the ICU. Concentrations of IL-1a, IL-1β, IL-18, IL-1RA, galectin-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like proteins, LDH, ferritin, and gasdermin D were analyzed. A cell-free caspase-1 plasma assay was done by inhibitor-based immunoprecipitation followed by a Western Blot. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded.

Results:
Inhospital mortality in COVID-19 patients was 62%. Galectin-1 was 1.8-fold lower in COVID-19 than in TBI patients (17101.84 pg/mL vs. 30764.20 pg/mL, P = 0.007), but other inflammasome-related biomarkers had similar concentrations. Patients with a Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score of > 9 on admission who were at high risk of death had significantly higher galectin-1 but lower IL-1RA in comparison with low-risk patients (25551.3 pg/mL vs. 16302.7 pg/mL, P = 0.014; 14.5 pg/mL vs. 39.4pg/mL, P = 0.04, respectively). Statistically significant correlations were observed between: IL-1a and platelets (r = –0.37), IL-1 β and platelets (r = –0.36), ferritin and INR (r = 0.39). Activated caspase-1 p35, whose presence was related to higher fibrinogen and lower D-dimers, was detected in 12 out of 22 COVID-19 patients and in none of the TBI patients. Moreover, densitometric analysis showed a significantly higher amount of p35 in patients with a SOFA score > 9.

Conclusion:
We found that the systemic markers of activation of inflammasomes in critically ill COVID-19 patients were not directly related to outcome. Therefore, potential interventions aimed at the inflammasome pathway in this group of patients may be of limited effectiveness and should be biomarker-guided.
Nano-chemically Modified Tetracycline-3 (nCMT-3) Attenuates Acute Lung Injury via Blocking sTREM-1 Release and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Meng Qinghe , Wang Xiaojing , Guo Dandan , Shi Changying , Gu Raymond , Ma Julia , Nieman Gary , Kollisch-Singule Michaela , Luo Juntao , Cooney Robert N. 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:
Intratracheal (IT) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) causes severe acute lung injury (ALI) and systemic inflammation. CMT-3 has pleiotropic anti-inflammatory effects including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibition, attenuation of neutrophil (PMN) activation, and elastase release. CMT-3's poor water solubility limits its bioavailability when administered orally for treating ALI. We developed a nano-formulation of CMT-3 (nCMT-3) to test the hypothesis that the pleiotropic anti-inflammatory activities of IT nCMT-3 can attenuate LPS-induced ALI.

Methods:
C57BL/6 mice were treated with aerosolized IT nCMT-3 or saline, then had IT LPS or saline administered 2 h later. Tissues were harvested at 24 h. The effects of LPS and nCMT-3 on ALI were assessed by lung histology, MMP level/activity (zymography), NLRP3 protein, and activated caspase-1 levels. Blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell counts, PMN elastase, and soluble triggering receptor expressed on myelocytes-1 (sTREM-1) levels, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and BALF protein levels were also measured.

Results:
LPS-induced ALI was characterized by histologic lung injury (PMN infiltration, alveolar thickening, edema, and consolidation) elevated proMMP-2, -9 levels and activity, increased NLRP-3 protein and activated caspase-1 levels in lung tissue. LPS-induced increases in plasma and BALF levels of sTREM-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, PMN elastase and BALF protein levels demonstrate significant lung/systemic inflammation and capillary leak. nCMT-3 significantly ameliorated all of these LPS-induced inflammatory markers to control levels, and decreased the incidence of ALI.

Conclusions:
Pre-treatment with nCMT3 significantly attenuates LPS-induced lung injury/inflammation by multiple mechanisms including: MMP activation, PMN elastase, sTREM-1 release, and NLRP3 inflammasome/caspase-1 activation.
Laparoscopic Management of Spontaneous Colonic Perforation: A Single Institution Study of 52 Patients
Authors: Li Sen , Zheng Kan , Yu Kun , Li Wei , Si Xianke , Zhang Jixun , Wu Wentao , Cao Yijun , Yang Jiahua 
Published: May 2022

Background:
Spontaneous colonic perforation (SCP) is associated with an devastating result. The use of laparoscopy for SCP remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes of patients who received either laparoscopic or open surgery and to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic surgery and the risk factors affecting prognosis.

Patients and Methods:
A retrospective study of patients who underwent surgery for SCP from January 2005 to December 2020 was performed. Demographic data, intraoperative variables, length of stay, and surgical complications were retrieved.

Results:
A total of 52 patients were postoperatively diagnosed with SCP. Thirty (57.69%) procedures were performed using laparoscopic surgery (group A) and 22 (42.31%) were performed using open surgery (group B). There were no significant differences between groups A and B in terms of age, sex, chronic concomitant disease, chronic constipation, incentives, imaging findings, preoperative diagnosis, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI), operation time, days to resumption of liquids, site of perforation, surgical procedures, or types of perforation (P>0.05). The incidence of wound infection in group A was significantly lower than that in group B (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the incidence of abdominal abscess between the 2 groups (P>0.05). Significant differences were found in days to start walking and days to resumption of solids between the 2 groups (P<0.05). Group B had a longer length of hospital stay than group A (P<0.05). After multivariate analysis, the independent variables associated with worse perioperative complications were an age of 65 years and older, an ASA score of ≥3, and an MPI of >26.

Conclusions:
The prognosis of SCP is poor. The operation should follow principles that are simple, rapid, and effective. If there are no contraindications, laparoscopy may be the preferred method. Hartmann procedure is a promising surgical strategy. The age, ASA score, and MPI may indicate the severity and prognosis of SCP.
Valproic acid during hypotensive resuscitation in pigs with trauma and hemorrhagic shock does not improve survival
Authors: Martini Wenjun Z. , Xia Hui , Ryan Kathy L. , Bynum James , Cap Andrew P. 
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND
Valproic acid (VPA) has been extensively used for treatment of anxiety and seizure. Recent studies have shown that VPA has cellular protective effects in preclinical models following severe hemorrhage. This study investigated the effects of VPA on coagulation and survival in pigs after traumatic hemorrhage and hypotensive resuscitation.

METHODS
Following baseline measurements, femur fracture was performed in 20 anesthetized and instrumented pigs (41 ± 2 kg), followed by hemorrhage of 55% of the estimated blood volume and a 10-minute shock period. Pigs were then resuscitated for 30 minutes with normal saline (NS) alone (NS group, n = 10, 4 mL/kg) or VPA solution (VPA group, n = 10, 90 mg/kg, 2 mL/kg of 45 mg VPA/mL, plus 2 mL NS/kg). All pigs were then monitored for 2 hours or until death. Hemodynamics were recorded, and blood samples were taken for blood and coagulation analysis (Rotem) at baseline, after hemorrhage, resuscitation, and 2 hours or death.

RESULTS
Femur fracture and hemorrhage caused similar reductions in mean arterial pressure and cardiac output, and increase in heart rate in both groups. Resuscitation with NS or VPA did not return these measurements to baseline. No differences were observed in hematocrit, pH, lactate, base excess, or total protein between the groups. Compared with NS, resuscitation with VPA decreased platelet counts and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, with no differences in fibrinogen levels, prothrombin time, or any of the Rotem measurements between the two groups. Neither survival rates (NS, 7 of 10 pigs; VPA, 7 of 10 pigs) nor survival times after resuscitation (NS, 97 ± 40 minutes; VPA, 98 ± 43 minutes) differed between the groups.

CONCLUSION
Following traumatic hemorrhage and hypotensive resuscitation in pigs, VPA provides no benefit toward improving coagulation function or survival times.
Variation in the Incidence of ventriculostomy related infection in critically ill patients
Authors: Bassin Sara N. , Tian David H. , Chadwick Simon , Mahendran Sajeev , Flower Oliver , Fitzgerald Emily , Parkinson Jonathon , Darbar Archie , Janin Pierre , Delaney Anthony 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIntroductionVentriculostomy related infection (VRI) or ventriculitis is a common and serious complication related to the placement of an external ventricular drain. Numerous sets of diagnostic criteria for VRI have been reported. We sought to estimate the variation in the incidence of VRI in a cohort of patients according to published diagnostic criteria.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study. We included adult patients admitted to the Neuroscience intensive care unit with traumatic brain injury (TBI), subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) who required an EVD. We estimated the incidence of VRI according to published diagnostic criteria. We compared the incidence to clinicians’ diagnoses of VRI. The primary outcome was the estimated incidence of VRI.ResultsThere were 190 study participants, median age (interquartile range) of 58 (48 - 72), 106 (55.8%) were female. Admitting diagnoses was ICH in 30 (15.8%), TBI in 49 (25.8%) and SAH in 111 (58.4%) of cases respectively. There were 158 (83.2%) who required mechanical ventilation for a median of 6 (2-13) days. There were 29 (15.3%) who were treated for VRI by clinicians, with 6 (3.2%) having a positive culture. Variation in the diagnostic criteria led to an estimated incidence of VRI that ranged from 1 (0.5%) to 178 (93.7%).ConclusionIn this critically ill cohort, the estimated incidence of VRI varied widely depending on which diagnostic criteria for VRI were applied. A comprehensive, consistent, objective and universal set of diagnostic criteria for ventriculostomy related infection is needed.
School Feeding Programmes and Physical Nutrition Outcomes of Primary School Children in Developing Countries
Authors: Yussif Mustapha Titi , Adocta Vincent Awuah , Apprey Charles , Annan Reginald Adjetey , Galseku Prosper 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACTContextSchool feeding programmes have been widely implemented and particularly in developing countries with the aim to improve school enrolment and attendance especially of girls and to reduce short term hunger to improve children’s performance in school.Beyond the first 1000 days of the lives of children, school feeding programmes remain one of the critical interventions that have used schools as a platform to contribute to the fulfilment of their nutritional needs though the evidence to this effect is little and mixed.ObjectiveThis review focused on assessing the impact of school feeding programmes on reduction in underweight, thinness, and stunting among primary school children in developing countries.Data sourcesElectronic searches were carried out in PUBMED, SCORPUS and Cochrane library. The WHO clinical trials registry as well as reference lists of relevant articles were also hand searched.Data ExtractionData was extracted from included studies which have been published in the past 10 years (2010 – August 2021) from original research where the main intervention was the provision of school based meals.Data analysisMeta-analysis was conducted to determine changes in height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ) and BMI-for-age (BAZ) z scores. A random effects model was applied to determine the mean difference in all outcomes of interest which were evaluated as continuous variables.ResultsChildren aged 3 – 16 years were enrolled in the included studies and the number of participants ranged between 321 and 2,869 across studies. Of the included studies, the feeding intervention provided for a minimum of 30% RDA for the age group with the intervention lasting up to a maximum of 34 weeks. The impact of school feeding intervention on HAZ, BAZ and WAZ showed statistically non-significant (p>0.05) mean differences of 0.02 (95% CI, -0.06 to 0.10), 0.11 (95% CI, -0.01 to 0.23) and 0.06 (95% CI, -0.04 to 0.16) respectivelyConclusionSchool feeding interventions have not shown any significant positive effect on the physical nutrition outcomes of primary school children. Short duration of intervention of studies, poor compliance to feeding and substitution of school meals could have accounted for the weak effect sizes.
Public attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines in Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Ngangue Patrice , Pilabré Arzouma Hermann , Barro Abibata , Pafadnam Yacouba , Bationo Nestor , Soubeiga Dieudonné 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundAs COVID-19 vaccine acquisition and deployment accelerates, tensions also increase. This review aims to identify and understand the significance of population attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines in Africa.MethodsA systematic review was conducted. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Global Health databases. Database searches began on June 23, 2021, and the last search date was June 30, 2021. The methodological quality of the studies included in this review was assessed using the Mixed methods appraisal tool.ResultsA total of 609 articles were retrieved, and 23 met the eligibility criteria. All 23 included studies were cross-sectional. Three attitudes were identified: acceptance, reluctance, and refusal to be vaccinated. Acceptance of vaccination was motivated by confidence in the accuracy of the government’s response to COVID-19 and the fact that relatives had been diagnosed with or died from COVID-19. Reluctance was based on fear of vaccine quality and side effects, and insufficient clinical trials. Finally, refusal to be vaccinated was justified by reasons such as the unreliability of clinical trials and insufficient data regarding the vaccine’s adverse effects.ConclusionThis review revealed common attitudes of African populations toward COVID-19 vaccines. The results indicate that research needs to focus more on identifying facilitators of COVID-19 vaccination. However, they also provide essential elements for health personnel in charge of vaccination to develop strategies to achieve satisfactory coverage rates
Global and gene-specific translational regulation inEscherichia coliacross different conditions
Authors: Zhang Di , Li Sophia Hsin-Jung , King Christopher G. , Wingreen Ned S. , Gitai Zemer , Li Zhiyuan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractHow well mRNA transcript levels represent protein abundances has been a controversial issue. Particularly across different environments, correlations between mRNA and protein exhibit remarkable variability from gene to gene. Translational regulation is likely to be one of the key factors contributing to mismatches between mRNA level and protein abundance in bacteria. Here, we quantified genome-wide transcriptome and relative translation efficiency (RTE) under 12 different conditions inEscherichia coli. By quantifying the mRNA-RTE correlation both across genes and across conditions, we uncovered a diversity of gene-specific translational regulations, cooperating with transcriptional regulations, in response to carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphate (P) limitations. Intriguingly, we found that many genes regulating translation are themselves subject to translational regulation, suggesting possible feedbacks. Furthermore, a random forest model suggests that codon usage partially predicts a gene’s cross-condition variability in translation efficiency; such cross-condition variability tends to be an inherent quality of a gene, independent of the specific nutrient limitations. These findings broaden the understanding of translational regulation under different environments, and provide novel strategies for the control of translation in synthetic biology.
Elevated plasma Complement Factor H Regulating Protein 5 is associated with venous thromboembolism and COVID-19 severity
Authors: Sanchez-Rivera Laura , Iglesias Maria Jesus , Ibrahim-Kosta Manal , Kral-Pointner Julia Barbara , Havervall Sebastian , Goumidi Louisa , Farm Maria , Munsch Gaëlle , Germain Marine , Smith Philip , Hong Mun-Gwan , Suchon Pierre , Naudin Clément , Boland Anne , Smadja David M , Holmström Margareta , Magnusson Maria , Silveira Angela , Uhlén Mathias , Renné Thomas , Martinez-Perez Angel , Emmerich Joseph , Deleuze Jean-Francois , Antovic Jovan , Assinger Alice , Fernandez Jose Manuel Soria , Thålin Charlotte , Schwenk Jochen M , Andres Juan Carlos Souto , Morange Pierre-Emmanuel , Butler Lynn Marie , Trégouët David-Alexandre , Odeberg Jacob 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACTVenous thromboembolism (VTE), comprising both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common, multi-causal disease with potentially serious short- and long-term complications. In clinical practice, there is a need for improved plasma biomarker-based tools for VTE diagnosis and risk prediction. We used multiplex proteomics profiling to screen plasma from patients with suspected acute VTE, and a case-control study of patients followed up after ending anticoagulant treatment for a first VTE. With replication in 5 independent studies, together totalling 1137 patients and 1272 controls, we identify Complement Factor H Related Protein (CFHR5), a regulator of the alternative pathway of complement activation, as a novel VTE associated plasma biomarker. Using GWAS analysis of 2967 individuals we identified a genome-wide significant pQTL signal on chr1q31.3 associated with CFHR5 levels. We showed that higher CFHR5 levels are associated with increased thrombin generation in patient plasma and that recombinant CFHR5 enhances platelet activationin vitro. Thrombotic complications are a frequent feature of COVID-19; in hospitalised patients we found CFHR5 levels at baseline were associated with short-time prognosis of disease severity, defined as maximum level of respiratory support needed during hospital stay. Our results indicate a clinically important role for regulation of the alternative pathway of complement activation in the pathogenesis of VTE and pulmonary complications in acute COVID-19. Thus, CFHR5 is a potential diagnostic and/or risk predictive plasma biomarker reflecting underlying pathology in VTE and acute COVID-19.
Pediatric Diarrhea Patients Living in Urban Areas Have Higher Incidence of Clostridioides difficile Infection
Authors: Adesoji Ayodele. T. , Mgbere Osaro , Darkoh Charles 
Published: May 2022

AbstractClostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and an unappreciated contributor to child mortality in low- and middle-income countries where diagnosis may be difficult. There is little information about the prevalence of CDI among infants, children, and adolescents in Africa. Seventy-six samples were collected from pediatric patients presenting with diarrhea, including infants (≤ 2 years old), children (2-12 years) and adolescents (13 ≤17 years) from three hospitals between January and December 2019. Demographic data, medical history and prior antibiotic use were recorded. Toxigenic culture and PCR were used to detect and validate the presence of C. difficile in the samples. A total of 29 (38.7%), 39 (52.0%) and 7 (9.3%) samples were from infants, children, and adolescents, respectively. Average age of the patients was 4.4 years. Of these samples, 31 (41%) were positive for C. difficile by culture and were verified by PCR amplification of C. difficile specific genes (tcdA and tcdB). Most positive cases were children (53.3%) and infants (40.0%) with the majority of them residing in the urban areas. Forty-nine (66.2%) of the patients had no known antibiotics exposure, whereas 29.0% and 29.7% reported use of over-the-counter antibiotics at 14 and 90 days, prior to the hospital visit, respectively. CDI is relatively common among children with diarrhea in Northern Nigeria. Therefore, for effective management and treatment, more attention should be given to testing for C. difficile as one of the causative agents of diarrhea.