To evaluate the predictive properties of several common prognostic scores regarding survival outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 4014 ...consecutive COVID-19 patients hospitalized in our tertiary level institution from March 2020 to March 2021. Prognostic properties of the WHO COVID-19 severity classification, COVID-GRAM, Veterans Health Administration COVID-19 (VACO) Index, 4C Mortality Score, and CURB-65 score regarding 30-day mortality, in-hospital mortality, presence of severe or critical disease on admission, need for an intensive care unit treatment, and mechanical ventilation during hospitalization were evaluated.
All of the investigated prognostic scores significantly distinguished between groups of patients with different 30-day mortality. The CURB-65 and 4C Mortality Score had the best prognostic properties for prediction of 30-day mortality (area under the curve AUC 0.761 for both) and in-hospital mortality (AUC 0.757 and 0.762, respectively). The 4C Mortality Score and COVID-GRAM best predicted the presence of severe or critical disease (AUC 0.785 and 0.717, respectively). In the multivariate analysis evaluating 30-day mortality, all scores mutually independently provided additional prognostic information, except the VACO Index, whose prognostic properties were redundant.
Complex prognostic scores based on many parameters and comorbid conditions did not have better prognostic properties regarding survival outcomes than a simple CURB-65 prognostic score. CURB-65 also provides the largest number of prognostic categories (five), allowing more precise risk stratification than other prognostic scores.
In this study we have produced silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Serbian traditional tea Bosiljak (Ocimum basilicum L.) extract in a single step without the involvement of toxic chemicals. The ...method employed is environmentally friendly, simple, and cost-effective, involving the use of an aqueous plant extract that serves as both a reducing and stabilizing agent for AgNPs. The AgNPs were studied using UV–Vis spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light spectroscopy (DLS) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The AgNPs exhibited surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at a wavelength of 344 nm as seen in UV–Vis Spectroscopy. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) result verified that the plant extract functions both as a capping agent and a reducing agent for the AgNPs. The results of FESEM and TEM revealed that the synthesized NPs exhibit an oval shape and possess an average diameter of 55 and 35 nm, respectively. The synthesized AgNPs have cytotoxic effect against the human cervical immortalized (HeLa) cancer cells. The cell viability was observed to decrease in dose dependent manner and the inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 21.78 ± 0.68 μg/ml. Moreover, the anticancer potential of AgNPs was explored by observing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and gene expression of apoptotic genes via qRT-PCR technique. Ultimately, this study's findings indicate that the AgNPs derived from the extract of Serbian traditional tea Bosiljak have the potential to be considered for more detailed studies in for the treatment of not only cervical cancer in humans but also as a candidate for atherosclerosis and bacterial infection treatment
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•Green synthesis of AgNPs using Bosiljak extract is eco-friendly and cost-effective.•AgNPs synthesized exhibited significant dose-dependent cytotoxicity on HeLa cells.•The IC50 for AgNPs was 21.78 μg/ml, indicating their potential for cervical cancer therapy.•Mechanistic insights revealed involvement of ROS and modulation of apoptotic gene expression.•AgNPs from Bosiljak extract show promise as a therapeutic agent for cervical cancer.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder associated with serious liver complications. As a metabolic chronic disease, DM is very common in the elderly. Recent studies suggest ameliorating ...effects of vitamin D on metabolic and oxidative stress in the liver tissue in an experimental model of DM. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of vitamin D receptors (VDRs) and 1α-hydroxylase, the key enzyme for the production of active vitamin D form (calcitriol) in the liver during long-term diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) in aging rats. We performed immunohistochemical analysis of liver expression of 1α-hydroxylase and VDRs during aging in long-term streptozotocin-induced DM1. 1α-Hydroxylase was identified in the monocyte/macrophage system of the liver. In addition to the nuclear expression, we also observed the expression of VDR in membranes of lipid droplets within hepatocytes. Aging and long-term DM1 resulted in significant increases in the number of 1α-hydroxylase immunoreactive cells, as well as the percentage of strongly positive VDR hepatocytes. In conclusion, the liver has the capacity for active vitamin D synthesis in its monocyte/macrophage system that is substantially increased in aging and long-term diabetes mellitus. These conditions are also characterized by significant increases in vitamin D receptor expression in hepatocytes. The present study suggests that VDR signaling system could be a potential target in prevention of liver complications caused by diabetes and aging.
•1α-Hydroxylase (1α-OHase) is highly expressed by liver monocyte/macrophage system.•Aging and long-term DM increase the number of 1α-OHase immunoreactive cells in the liver.•Aging and long-term DM increase the expression of VDR in hepatocytes.•VDR is strongly expressed in lipid droplets of hepatocytes.
The negative environmental impact of conventional agriculture threatens agroecosystem stability and food security. Therefore, searching for optimal soil management practices is crucial for ...maintaining and improving soil functions. This work aims to determine the impact of conventional and conservation tillage on Stagnosols in a semi-humid environment in Marija Magdalena (Croatia) during 2021 and 2022. Under each tillage treatment, subplots were biochar, cattle manure, and control (split-plot design). The conservation tillage exhibits lower compaction in addition to conventional tillage. In 2021, at 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm depths, control plots had the highest bulk density (BD), while biochar plots had the lowest. In 2022, biochar and manure treatments under conventional tillage had significantly higher BD than those under conservation tillage. Penetration resistance did not exceed 2 MPa in all treatments. Soil water content was high in conservation treatments at 0–15 cm. Water-stable aggregates were higher in biochar and manure plots under both tillage treatments. Maize yield was higher in conservation treatments in 2021 and in conventional during 2022. Manure and biochar in the conventional system showed a better impact on grain yields than under conservation. Conservation tillage in rain-fed farming maintains crop yields and reduces soil compaction.
Gonadal hormones have a significant influence on both the number of neurons and the density of synapses in the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) during the early postnatal period. There are no studies ...reporting influence of the absence of these factors in sexually mature animals, although changes in SCG-neurons of the rat were observed up to 6 months of age. Hence, we investigated whether gonadectomy of sexually mature rats influences morphological properties of neurons in the SCG of the rat and if so, would it have a specific effect on neurochemically distinct subpopulations. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were gonadectomized at the age of two months. After 30 days, they were sacrificed and SCGs were harvested and processed immunohistochemically. The mean diameter of NPY- neurons was greater in male rats, in comparison to all other groups (p<0.05). The number of NPY+, NPY- and total neurons per section area was significantly higher in female than in male, orchidectomized or the ovariectomized animals (p<0.05). The share of the different neuronal populations in the SCG that were encircled with calretinin-positive baskets (c.b+) or c.b.- (NPY+ or NPY-) was significantly influenced by the gender of the animals and gonadectomy, with significantly more c.b.+ in male animals (p<0.05). Results of the present study indicate that substantial changes in the SCG neurons of the rat occur after reaching sexual maturity, and are influenced by the gonadectomy.
Abstract Introduction The application of isoflurane in a postconditioning manner, during early reperfusion of ischemic myocardium, reduces the infarct size. Its favorable effect on highly ...vascularized granulation tissue formation is very important considering the fact that increased genesis of blood vessels in peri-infarct zone reduces the infarct size and improves cardiac function. Taking into consideration the influence of isoflurane on the subacute phase of infarct healing, by using different immunohistochemical markers, we wanted to explore whether isoflurane postconditioning influences the chronic phase of healing. Methods The size of infarcted region was measured, and comparisons between isoflurane-treated and control animals were made. Quality of infarcted area was assessed by detecting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1/CD31) as a marker of angiogenesis, and nestin as a marker of immature progenitor cells, and de novo formed blood vessels (vasculogenesis). Results There was no difference between the control and isoflurane-treated groups in VEGF and PECAM-1/CD31 expression. However, a large reduction in infarct size was found (68.1% of control). Also, a marked decrease of nestin expression in immature progenitor cells, along with a marked increase of the same marker in cardiomyocytes, (signs of myocardium regeneration), was found in experimental animals when compared to control animals that did not receive isoflurane treatment. Conclusions Based on our results, we can emphasize two morphologically detectable benefits of isoflurane postconditioning: a marked reduction in infarct size along with a more mature-looking infarct area in the chronic phase of infarct healing.
•Nestin is present in SCG of adult rats in satellite cells.•Expression of nestin in SCG decreases suddenly between 2 and 3 months of age.•Dynamic of nestin expression in SCG is strongly influenced by ...gonadal activity.
Neurons and glia arise from neural progenitor cells that express nestin. Although substantial changes in neuronal development were observed during the postnatal period, data concerning dynamics of nestin expression in the superior cervical ganglia (SCG) of rat during that period are lacking. It is known that gonadectomy and steroid hormones influence the development of neurons in the SCG during the postnatal period, but there are no data on how they influence the persistence of nestin expression in the SCG cells.
The dynamics of nestin expression in the SCG in rats of three age groups, as well as the influence of gender and gonadectomy, was investigated.
Three groups of male rats were sacrificed at 2, 3 and 6 months of age. Additional groups of male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were gonadectomized at the age of 2 months. After 30 days, they were sacrificed and SCGs were harvested and processed immunohistochemically. Immunoreactivity for nestin in the SCG was observed in satellite glia, based on their expression of s100. The proportion of neurons that were encircled with nestin-immunoreactive satellite cells (nestin encircled neurons, NEN) decreased between second and third month of age (p<0.05). The proportion of NEN was greater in the NPY+ than in the NPY− subpopulation. The proportion of NEN in the SCG of female rats was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of both, the male rats and ovariectomised groups. The percentage of these neurons was significantly higher (p<0.05) in orchidectomised, in comparison to male rats.
Results show the existence of nestin-immunoreactive satellite cells in the SCG of adult rats. A substantial decrease of nestin expression in SCG cells of rats, after the onset of sexual maturation, was observed. This decrease showed significant sex-dependence and was dramatically influenced by gonadal activity.
Power transformers and shunt reactors may be subjected to various dielectric stresses such as lightning and switching overvoltages. Since the exposure of equipment to overvoltages during operation ...and the overvoltage amplitudes are usually unknow, an on-line overvoltage transient recorder is used with the ability to sample, analyze and store transients at transformer terminals in real-time. In this paper, transient overvoltage monitoring system is presented. Overvoltages are measured on the outside measurement terminal of the shunt reactor and transformer bushing. Field experience regarding the application of monitoring system in Croatia is described including different cases of lightning and switching overvoltages. Lightning overvoltages recorded by monitoring system are correlated with data from the lightning location system (LLS). Switching overvoltages recorded on the shunt reactor are compared with numerical simulations in EMTP-RV software. Collected data about overvoltage stresses can be used as the basis for the assessment of the transformer and shunt reactor insulation condition and estimation of health index.
Cilj: Prikazati slučaj bolesnika s atipičnom kliničkom slikom toksokaroze, koja se manifestirala izoliranom afekcijom središnjeg živčanog sustava. Prikaz slučaja: Bolesnik u dobi od 55 godina liječen ...je u Klinici za infektivne bolesti KBC-a Rijeka zbog cerebralne toksokaroze koja se prezentirala inicijalno aneozinofilnim aseptičnim meningitisom. Klinički tijek bolesti u početku nije ukazivao na parazitarnu infekciju, već je dijagnoza postavljena nakon ponavljajućih citološko-biokemijskih i seroloških analiza cerebrospinalnog likvora i seruma. Zaključci: Cerebralna toksokaroza je rijetka bolest, a može se prezentirati i kao teški meningitis, encefalitis ili mijelitis. Prikaz slučaja bolesnika s dokazanom cerebralnom toksokarozom koja se inicijalno prezentirala kao aneozinofilni aseptični meningitis ukazuje na važnost uključivanja neurotoksokaroze u diferencijalnu dijagnozu sindroma aseptičnog meningitisa bez drugog dokazanog uzročnika.
Aim: To present a case of a patient with an atypical clinical course of toxocariasis, which was manifested by isolated affection of the central nervous system. Case report: A 55-year-old patient was hospitalized at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases of the University Hospital Center Rijeka due to cerebral toxocariasis, which was initially presented as aneosinophilic aseptic meningitis. Since the clinical course of the disease did not initially indicate a parasitic infection, the diagnosis was established after repeated cytological-biochemical and serological analyzes of the cerebrospinal fluid and serum. Conclusions: Cerebral toxocariasis is a rare disease and can also present as severe meningitis, encephalitis, or myelitis. This case report of a patient with proven cerebral toxocariasis initially presented as aneosinophilic aseptic meningitis indicates the importance of including neurotoxocariasis in the differential diagnosis of aseptic meningitis syndrome with no other proven causative agent.
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