bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Severity of disease and the quality of life indexes in infants with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Köse Seda Şirin , Akelma Zülfikar , Özmen Serap 
Published: May 2022

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disease. In this study, the relationship between the severity of AD and the quality of life (QoL) of patients and their families were evaluated; also, the factors that predict the severity of AD and the QoL index were determined.
Methods: Infants with AD were enrolled in the study. Pruritus, sleep disturbance, and dermatitis severity scores were obtained. The QoL of infants was assessed using the Infants’ Dermatitis Quality of Life Index (IDQOL), while the Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI) was used to assess the impact of disease on the QoL of parents.
Results: 122 patients diagnosed with AD were enrolled in the study. The correlation analysis of score showed a positive correlation between IDQOL and FDLQI (r = 0.444, p < 0.0001). Positive correlations between the pruritus, sleep disturbance, Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), and dermatitis severity scores and the QoL indexes were found. While pruritus, sleep disturbance scores, and EASI were the most significant parameters for predicting a severe SCORAD score, IDOQL, FDLQI, and SCORAD were the most significant parameters for predicting severe EASI. In the analysis of QoL indexes, sleep disturbance and FDLQI were the most significant parameters for predicting severe IDQOL index, while IDQOL was the most significant parameter for predicting severe FDLQI scores.
Conclusions: AD has a negative effect on the QoL of infants and their parents. Pruritus and sleep disturbance should be evaluated during clinical practice due to their strong relationship with disease severity and QoL index.
Knockdown of EPSTI1 alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory injury through regulation of NF-κB signaling in a cellular pneumonia model
Authors: Kari Adilijiang , M Zhihua , Aili Zhayidan , Adili Ayinuerguli , Hairula Nadire , Abuduhaer Abulaiti 
Published: May 2022

Background: Although early diagnosis, antibiotic therapies, corticosteroid application, and health care services are conventional managements for pneumonia, antibiotic resistance and adverse reactions remain as limitations for pneumonia treatment.
Objectives: The study attempted to evaluate the potential role of EPSTI1 against pneumonia and reveal its underlying mechanism.
Methods: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (5, 10, and 20 μg/mL) was applied in WI-38 cells to establish the in vitro pneumonia model. Knockdown of epithelial-stromal interaction 1 (EPSTI1) was performed by transfection with EPSTI1 siRNA (siEPSTI1) into LPS-treated cells. Cell Counting Kit-8 assays were implemented to measure cell viability, and apoptotic cells were detected using flow cytometry. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunoblotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were conducted to quantify EPSTI1 expression, and proteins related to nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-κB) signaling, including p-p65, p65, p-IκBα, and IκBα.
Results: EPSTI1 was highly expressed in LPS-treated WI-38 cells. Cell apoptosis was promoted, and cell viability was inhibited after being exposed to LPS. Besides, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were dramatically upregulated. Knockdown of EPSTI1 restored cell viability, inhibited cell apoptosis, and attenuated expressions of proinflammatory factors. Additionally, knockdown of EPSTI1 visibly decreased the increased ratios of p-p65/p65 and p-IκBα/IκBα induced by LPS. Knockdown of EPSTI1 alleviated inflammatory injury through the inactivation of the NF-κB pathway.
Conclusions: These results provided promising management in preventing pneumonia in patients.
PLCE1 alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting PKC and NF-κB signaling pathways
Authors: Qiu Xianpeng , Chen Jijun , Li Jinsong , Pan Linyan 
Published: May 2022

Background: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a clinical syndrome characterized by hyperosmotic pulmonary edema and increased alveolar fluid. Phospholipase C epsilon-1 (PLCE1), identified as a member of phospholipase family, and the relationship between PLCE1 and lung injury is not clear.
Objective: To assess the possible role of Phospholipase C Epsilon 1 (PLCE1) in Acute lung injury (ALI) progression and related mechanisms.
Materials and methods: The effects of LPS and PLCE1 on cell viability and apoptosis were examined by MTT and flow cytometry. Also, the level of PLCE1 was controlled by transfection of its plasmid and shRNA. The inflammatory response in response to PLCE1 overexpression or ablation was analyzed by quantitative PCR and ELISA assay. And the involvement of PKC and NF-κB signal pathway were detected by Immunoblot.
Results: In this study, we developed a LPS-induced ALI cell model. We found PLCE1 was upregulated in LPS-induced pneumonia cells and affected cell viability. Also, knockdown of PLCE1 reduced LPS-induced apoptosis of pneumonia cells. In addition, depletion of PLCE1 suppressed LPS-induced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in pneumonia cells. Mechanically, we found depletion of PLCE1 inhibited PKC and NF-κB signal pathway, and therefore alleviated LPS-induced ALI.
Conclusion: We therefore thought PLCE1 could serve as a promising drug for ALI.
The Association of Excess Body Weight with Risk of ESKD Is Mediated Through Insulin Resistance, Hypertension, and Hyperuricemia
Authors: Fritz Josef , Brozek Wolfgang , Concin Hans , Nagel Gabriele , Kerschbaum Julia , Lhotta Karl , Ulmer Hanno , Zitt Emanuel 
Published: May 2022

Significance Statement
Insulin resistance, hypertension, hyperuricemia, and hypercholesterolemia are candidates for mediating the effect of BMI on ESKD. However, the independent contributions of these factors have not been quantified in prospective studies to date. Applying a model of mediation, the authors quantified the contribution of these four metabolic factors to the association of BMI with ESKD in a population-based cohort of 100,269 predominantly healthy Austrian individuals. They found that the association of BMI with ESKD was mediated through TyG index (a measure of insulin resistance), mean arterial pressure, and uric acid, but not through total cholesterol. The findings suggest that in addition to weight reduction, the control of metabolic risk factors is important in mitigating the adverse effects of BMI on kidney function.

Background
Insulin resistance, hypertension, hyperuricemia, and hypercholesterolemia are hypothesized to be important intermediates in the relationship between excess body weight and CKD risk. However, the magnitude of the total effect of excess body weight on ESKD mediated through these four pathways remains to be quantified.

Methods
We applied a model for analysis of correlated mediators to population-based data from 100,269 Austrian individuals (mean age 46.4 years). Association of body mass index (BMI) was coalesced with ESKD risk into direct association. Indirect associations were mediated through the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index (as an indicator of insulin resistance), mean arterial pressure (MAP), uric acid (UA), and total cholesterol (TC).

Results
Mean follow-up was 23.1 years with 463 (0.5%) incident ESKD cases. An unhealthy metabolic profile (prevalence 32.4%) was associated with a markedly increased ESKD risk (multivariably adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 3.57; 95% CI, 2.89 to 4.40), independent of BMI. A 5-kg/m2 higher BMI was associated with a 57% increased ESKD risk (aHRtotal association, 1.57; 1.38 to 1.77). Of this association, 99% (76% to 140%) arose from all mediators jointly; 33% (22% to 49%) through TyG index; 34% (24% to 50%) through MAP; 30% (21% to 45%) through UA; and 2% (−1% to 4%) through TC. The remaining direct association was nonsignificant (aHRdirect association, 1.01; 0.88 to 1.14).

Conclusions
TyG index, MAP, and UA, but not TC, mediate the association of BMI with ESKD in middle-aged adults. Our findings highlight that in addition to weight reduction, the control of metabolic risk factors might be essential in mitigating the adverse effects of BMI on kidney function.
Asthma and COVID-19 in the elderly: course, survival, predictors of mortality
Authors: Gaynitdinova V. V. , Avdeev N. N. , Pozdniakova A. A. , Vlasenko A. Ye. , Baytimerova I. V. , Gneusheva T. V. 
Published: May 2022

Bronchial asthma occurs in 0.9 – 17% of patients hospitalized with COVID-19. However, it is not clear whether asthma is a risk factor for the development and severity of COVID-19. Studies have shown that patients with asthma appear to be more susceptible to COVID-19 infection, but severe disease progression is not related to medication use, including asthma biologics, but rather to older age and comorbidities.Aim.To evaluate the clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 infection in elderly patients with asthma, to examine the effect of asthma and comorbidities on COVID-19related outcomes, and to determine predictors of mortality.Methods.Elderly patients [WHO, 2020] (> 60 years,n= 131, median age 74 (67; 80) years; 59 men, 72 women) with asthma hospitalized for COVID-19 were included in the study. COVID-19 was confirmed by laboratory tests (PCR smear) and/or clinical and radiological examinations. All patients had a history of a documented diagnosis of asthma (GINA, 2020).Results.Out of 131 patients, 30 (22.9%) died in the hospital, and 15 (14.9%) died after discharge from the hospital (within 90 days). The group of patients with lethal outcome showed the following differences from those who recovered: values of Charlson index, respiration rate, degree of lung damage on CT scan, absolute number of leukocytes, neutrophils and neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio, C-reactive protein on the 5th day of hospitalization, and LDH were statistically significantly higher, while absolute number of eosinophils, total protein content, SpO2and SpO2/FiO2levels were lower; steroid intake during the year and non-atopic asthma were more common. Multivariate and ROC analysis revealed the most significant predictors of hospital mortality and their thresholds: Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 6 points, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio ≥ 4.5, total protein ≤ 60 g/l, eosinophil level ≤ 100 cells/μL.Conclusion.The most significant predictors of hospital mortality in elderly patients with severe COVID-19 against asthma are Charlson comorbidity, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio; lower eosinophil and total protein levels. Survival time of patients has an inverse correlation with the number of mortality risk factors present.
Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and presepsin in patients with SARS-CoV-2 viral lung disease in the Republic of Crimea
Authors: Yatskov I. A. , Beloglazov V. A. , Kubyshkin A. V. , Nikolaeva A. P. , Zyablitskaya E. Yu. , Kunitskaya Ju. E. , Lavrenchu E. N. 
Published: May 2022

Although more than 2 years have passed since the beginning of the pandemic of the new coronavirus infection, treatment and prediction of the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection remain pressing global problems. In this regard, the search for additional links in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 is currently one of the most important tasks. The Aim. To assess the level of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) and presepsin (sCD14-ST) in patients with SARS-CoV-2 viral lung disease in Crimea.Methods. We examined 121 patients with a positive PCR result for SARS-CoV-2 in the age group of 45 – 75 years who were hospitalized in the Department of Infectious Diseases, State Budgetary Healthcare Institution of the Republic of Crimea “N.A.Semashko Republican Clinical Hospital”. Patients were divided into 3 clinical groups according to the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection: Group 1 – patients with moderate disease, Group 2 – patients with severe disease, and Group 3 – patients with fatal outcome. Peripheral blood levels of LBP, presepsin, ferritin, and C-reactive protein were determined upon admission to the infectious disease hospital.Results. A significant increase in all studied parameters was observed in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd clinical groups of patients with coronavirus infection. This finding corresponds to the state of lipopolysaccharide-binding systems and systemic infection in patients with SARS-CoV-2 viral lung disease. The highest levels of LBP, sCD14-ST, and ferritin were registered in the 3rd clinical group. We found a direct correlation between LBP and sCD14-ST levels in the 2nd group (r = 0.523, p < 0.05) and the 3rd group (r = 0.748, p < 0.05).Conclusion. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 lung disease were found to have an increased blood levels of LBP and presepsin upon admission. The highest values were observed in patients with fatal outcome. Severe SARSCoV-2 lung damage was associated with a direct correlation between levels of LBP and sCD14-ST. Presepsin, LBP, and ferritin are important prognostic markers for severe SARS-CoV-2 lung damage and risk of death in the early stages of hospital treatment.
Virus-induced and bacteria-induced exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by industrial aerosols or tobacco smoke exposure
Authors: Shpagina L. A. , Kotova O. S. , Shpagin I. S. , Kuznetsova G. V. , Gerasimenko D. A. , Anikina E. V. 
Published: May 2022

Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are associated with disease progression and increased risk of death. We need to better understand the phenotypes of AECOPD to improve treatment strategies. The main triggers of COPD exacerbations are viral and bacterial infections.The aim is to characterize the viral, bacterial, and viral-bacterial phenotypes of acute exacerbations in patients with COPD caused by industrial aerosol exposure or tobacco smoke.Methods. 180 subjects with established moderate and severe COPD who met the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria, 2020 – 2021, and were hospitalized with AECOPD, were enrolled in this prospective observational study. The virus-induced, bacteria-induced, and virus-bacteria-induced AECOPD strata (n = 60 each) were formed. Each stratum included 30 patients with occupational COPD and 30 patients with COPD caused by tobacco smoke. Virus-induced AECOPDs were diagnosed by PCR of bronchoalveolar fluid. Length of hospital stay, symptoms, lung function, mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), and type of inflammation were assessed. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to examine the relationships.Results. The length of hospital stay was highest in patients with virus-induced and virus-bacteria-induced exacerbations of occupational COPD, being equal to (Me, IQR) 16.5 (14 – 18) and 18 (16 – 20) days. The virus-induced exacerbations in occupational COPD and in COPD caused by tobacco smoke featured the highest bronchodilation coefficient, 10.9 (9.8 – 11,5)% and 9.2 (8.3 – 10.3)%, respectively, decrease in the diffusing capacity of the lungs (DLCO/Va) by 42 (40 – 45)% and 49 (47 – 52)%, increase in mPAP by 44 (39 – 45) и 33 (29 – 38) mmHg, and eosinophilic inflammation with blood eosinophil count of 425 (385 –527) and 350 (310 – 391) cells per μl (р > 0.01). Virus-bacteria-induced AECOPD in occupational COPD and in COPD caused by smoke were characterized by decrease in FEV1 by 40.2 (36.6 – 42.2)% and 31.0 (28.1 – 33.6%), decrease in DLCO/Va by 48 (44 – 50)% and 37 (35 – 41)%, increase in mPA by 43 (38 – 46) and 50 (45 – 54) mmHg, and eosinophilic-neutrophilic inflammation in 63.3 and 66.6% of patients. The mid-range FEV1, highest DLCO/Va, and neutrophilic inflammation were seen in patients with bacteria-induced AECOPD.Conclusion. Exacerbations of occupational COPD are characterized by more severe functional impairment and inflammation with high eosinophil count when these exacerbations have viral origin.
Chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases according to the register of Irkutsk (Russia)
Authors: Nashatyreva M. S. , Trofimenko I. N. , Chernyak B. A. 
Published: May 2022

The Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a wide heterogeneous group of disorders, different in many parameters, however having similar pathophysiological mechanisms. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP), ILD associated with autoimmune disorders (predominantly systemic sclerosis (SSc ILD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA ILD), and other diseases may be accompanied by the formation of pulmonary fibrosis. Currently there are no generally accepted criteria for the fibrosing and progressive fibrosing ILD, and the information on the frequency of these conditions is limited.The study aims to research the structure of fibrosing ILD and the frequency of the progressive fibrosing phenotype (PFP) according to the register of patients with ILD in Irkutsk, Russia.Methods. At the first stage information letters were sent to all medical institutions of Irkutsk with recommendations on all referral patients with ILD for further examination. At the second stage, each ILD case was verified collegially (n = 270). All patients’ data were analysed in terms of clinical, functional, radiological and histological aspects. A register of ILD patients was formed based on this analysis. The follow-up period was 1 to 5 years.Results. According to the results of a comprehensive assessment, HRCT signs of pulmonary fibrosis were detected by 104 patients (38.5%). fibrosing course was observed in 100% IPF and SSc ILD, in 90.9% of CHP, 71.4% of NSIP and 60% of RA ILD. 61 patients (22.6% of all ILD cases, 58.6% of fibrosing ILD) was diagnosed with PFP. The 5-year mortality for PFP ILD was 55.5%.Conclusion. In the case of a PFP development, the evolution of ILD loses its nosological specificity, acquiring similarity with IPF. Due to the high mortality rate, it is necessary to actively identify the progressive fibrosing course of a wide range of ILD and to prescribe an antifibrotic therapy in a timely manner.
Frailty syndrome in patients with respiratory diseases
Authors: Bazdyrev E. D. , Gofman L. S. , Barbarash O. L. 
Published: May 2022

Respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are especially prevalent in elderly people and have become a significant problem for healthcare due to ageing of population. Frailty syndrome (FS) is a geriatric syndrome characterized by an age-associated declines in physiologic reserve and functions of multiple systems, including respiratory system. This syndrome leads to increased vulnerability of the elderly.The aim of the study is to review the available data on modern understanding of FS, pathophysiological changes in the respiratory system associated with aging, the prevalence of FS, and its potential underlying mechanisms in elderly patients with respiratory diseases.Conclusion. FS is strongly associated with respiratory diseases. On one hand, these pathophysiological processes are inherent in elderly patients. On the other hand, the condition itself causes additional changes that enhance the aging process. Undoubtedly, their association and the influence of FS on the course and outcomes of the respiratory disease should be studied to improve the prognosis of elderly patients. Early recognition of FS in patients with respiratory diseases will help prevent or delay decline in physiologic reserve and functions of multiple systems and lower the disability and mortality rates. Comprehensive assessment of “frail” patients can assist in developing a better risk stratification and provide a personalized approach to managing these risks, as well as improve the patient outcomes.
The potential of erdosteine to reduce the rate of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Avdeev S. N. , Trushenko N. V. , Chikina S. Yu. , Suvorova O. A. 
Published: May 2022

Exacerbations of COPD worsen health status, increase the frequency of hospitalizations, the likelihood of disease progression, and the risk of adverse outcomes. One of the main goals of the treatment of stable COPD today is to reduce the frequency of exacerbations of the disease. Thus, the expansion of suitable therapeutic options is extremely relevant for clinical practice. Use of mucolytic drugs with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in COPD is justified by the pathogenetic mechanisms. These drugs are able to reduce the frequency of exacerbations, among other positive effects.Aim. This article describes additional possibilities of pharmacotherapy using the mucoactive drug erdosteine as maintenance therapy for COPD aimed at preventing exacerbations of this disease.Conclusion. The use of erdosteine in patients with stable COPD helps reduce the frequency and duration of exacerbations of the disease, primarily in the patients with stage II according to GOLD.
Molecular Epidemiology, Characterisation of Hepatozoon canis in Dogs as well as in Ticks and Haemato-biochemical Profile of the Infected Dogs in Chennai
Authors: Revathi Pagadala , Bharathi M. Vijaya , Madhanmohan M. , Latha Bhaskaran Ravi , Rani K. Vijaya 
Published: May 2022

Background: Canine hepatozoonosis is caused by Hepatozoon canis and is transmitted through ingestion of an ixodid tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato containing mature oocysts. Periodical screening of vectors and their host for the presence of pathogen acts as reliable method for understanding the pattern of the disease which thereby reduces the chance of disease and the cost of treatment. Methods: A total of 482 blood samples and 47 pooled tick samples collected from 482 dogs during the study period were screened through conventional and molecular techniques for the presence of H. canis. The haematology and biochemical profile of infected animals were evaluated. Positive PCR products were sequenced, compared with the existing sequences and were analysed phylogenetically. Result: Out of 482 blood samples collected from dogs, only 5 were found to be positive microscopically for H. canis while 32 blood samples and 8 tick samples were found positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Amongst epidemiological attributes, age and gender were found to have no significant relationship for the occurrence of the disease while, breed of the dog had a significant association. Haematology and biochemistry revealed profound anaemia, monocytosis and elevated blood urea nitrogen in dogs with H. canis.
Do Young People Really Know How to Collaborate for Common Success? Study on Undergraduate Students’ Perception of Collaborative Work in a Spanish University
Authors: Alexeeva-Alexeev Inna , Vidal-Mazon Juan Luis , Brito-Ballester Julién , Ruiz-Salces Roberto , Gracia-Villar Monica , Mazas-Pérez-Oleaga Cristina 
Published: May 2022

This paper studies undergraduate student attitudes towards team-based projects, connecting those attitudes to challenges and overall perception of this work. This study was conducted with 220 students in the context of three subjects taught at a Spanish University, that included collaborative projects as mandatory assignments to be developed over the course of the subject. The instrument was a Likert scale-based questionnaire. As a methodology, the Rasch model was used, making it possible to apply indirect measuring of students’ development level of various skills. The findings point to the difficulty in solving specific communication needs and managing students’ involvement and commitment to the project. The results obtained through Differential Item Functioning analysis (DIF) show that gender, year of study, students’ age, academic degrees, and the context of curricular subjects influence significantly the acquisition of skills related to collaborative work, facilitating or hindering their development among university students. These results have practical implications for the design of collaborative projects within higher education academic programs. They also suggest that the way collaborative work is usually planned is not very effective and should be reconsidered.