bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gingivitis Efficacy of a 0.454% w/w Stannous Fluoride Dentifrice: A 24-week randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Parkinson Charles Richard , MILLEMAN Kimberly R , MILLEMAN Jeffery L
Published: December 2019

Background: Plaque-induced gingivitis can be prevented and treated with regular effective oral hygiene, principally via mechanical cleaning with regular toothbrushing. To complement the mechanical plaque removal, antimicrobial ingredients can be incorporated into dentifrices to inhibit the growth of plaque. This study aimed to evaluate and compare gingivitis, as measured by a modified gingival index (MGI), a bleeding index (BI), and oral hygiene, as assessed by a dental plaque index (PI), following twice daily use of an experimental non-aqueous 0.454% weight/weight (w/w) stannous fluoride (SnF2) dentifrice, compared to a negative control dentifrice over 12 and 24 weeks.Method: This was a single-center, examiner-blinded, randomized, stratified, two-treatment arm, parallel group, 24-week clinical study in healthy adult volunteers with moderate gingivitis. At baseline, after abstaining from toothbrushing overnight, subjects underwent MGI, BI and PI assessments. Eligible subjects, who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, were stratified based on gender and baseline mean MGI score (Low ≤2.00 /High >2.00) and randomized to treatment. Following randomization, subjects underwent a thorough dental prophylaxis and flossing. After 12 and 24 weeks of twice daily brushing with their allocated treatment, subjects returned to the site (with overnight plaque, having abstained from oral hygiene procedures for 8 hrs prior to visit) for MGI, BI and PI assessments. Treatment effect was evaluated by comparing the MGI, BI and PI scores.Results: One hundred and twenty-nine subjects were screened; 98 subjects were randomized and 90 subjects completed the study. Statistically significant differences between treatments, in favour of the 0.454% stannous fluoride dentifrice were observed, compared to the negative control dentifrice, for all outcome measures (MGI, BI, bleeding sites and PI at weeks 12 and 24 p<0.0001). At 24, 71% of subjects in the 0.453% SnF2 treatment group demonstrated <10% of bleeding sites.Conclusion: A dentifrice containing 0.454% w/w SnF2 was shown to be superior to a standard dentifrice in controlling gingivitis and supra-gingival plaque, over a 24-week period. Over two thirds of subjects in the 0.454% SnF2 treatment group demonstrated a level of bleeding sites potentially representative of “clinical periodontal health” following a dental prophylaxis and 24 weeks of product use.
Prospective Randomized Comparison of Distal Extension of Midline Urethral plate Incision and Standard Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty – Do Anatomical Penile Measurements Influence the Outcomes?
Authors: Adl Ahmed Mahmoud Al , Noureldin Yasser A , Aal Ashraf Mohamed Abdel , Gharib Tarek Mohamed , Attar Kareem Ali El , Karamany Tarek Mohamed El
Published: December 2019

Background: Since invention of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty, many modifications have been proposed searching for excellence and perfection. Distal extension of the midline urethral plate incision beyond glanular demarcation as a modification of the standard technique was critically evaluated and compared with the original technique in a prospective study and investigating predictors of success. Methods: In this prospective study, patients with primary distal hypospadias presented for repair between June 2015 and January 2019 were randomized to undergo either extended midline incision of the urethral plate (e-TIP) or standard technique (s-TIP). Cosmetic outcome was evaluated postoperatively using Hypospadias Objective Penile Evaluation (HOPE) score and measuring ventral glans closure length (VGCL) and meatal length (ML). The functional outcome was assessed by uroflowmetry and postvoid residual urine. Qmax and Qave values were plotted against voided volume on a nomogram of age matched children. The impact of preoperative parameters on the outcomes were assessed with linear regression analysis. Results: Out of 110 randomized, 94 cases were available for analysis, 46 in e-TIP group and 48 cases in s-TIP group with comparable preoperative demographics. Postoperatively, higher median (range) of HOPE score in e-TIP was 57(45–60) versus 55(44–60) in s-TIP (p <0.001). Mean (SD) ventral glans closure to meatal length ratio was 87% (26) versus 46% (12) in e-TIP vs. s-TIP, respectively (p<0.001). Complications and functional results were insignificantly different between both groups. On linear regression analysis, the urethral plate (UP) width and the use of e-TIP technique were significant predictors of better cosmetic outcome (p=0.019 and 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The e-TIP ensures creation of a vertical slit-like meatus at the glans tip emulating the normal anatomy with satisfactory functional, and apparently better cosmetic outcomes compared with the s-TIP. Wide urethral plate and the use of e-TIP were significant predictors of higher HOPE score, implying better cosmetic outcome.
Seasonal variability of stable isotopes in the Changjiang (Yangtze) river water and its implications: natural climate and anthropogenic impacts
Authors: Li Chao , Lian Ergang , Yang Chengfan , Deng Kai , Qian Peng , Xiao Shangbin , Liu Zhongfang , Yang Shouye
Published: December 2019

Background Seasonal variations of stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in river water can be used to indicate hydrological processes and the water cycle in the river basin. This study presents a high-resolution time series of stable oxygen isotopic record (δ 18 O) in the lower Changjiang (Yangtze) River mainstream and aims to investigate the regional water cycle concerning natural climate changes and anthropogenic activities.Results The river water δ 18 O shows apparent seasonal variations, which in overall higher during the dry season and lower during the flood season. This basin-scale seasonal variation of δ 18 O in precipitation over the Changjiang catchment is calculated based on the long-term meteorological and hydrological data. The seasonal variation of δ 18 O in the lower Changjiang river water is largely constrained by monsoon-induced precipitation, but are more directly controlled by the mixing of waters from the upper reaches and the tributary lakes in the middle valley.Conclusions The relative contributions of waters from the upstream and tributary lakes to the lower Changjiang mainstream have been considerably altered by the construction of Three Gorges Dam via the regulation of river discharges. A comparison of river water isotopic records with water discharges from the lakes suggests that it takes about two weeks (~17 days) for the Changjiang river water to circumvent the mid-lower reaches of the catchment before traveling to the sea. This study suggests that the stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes can be harnessed as sensitive indicators for water cycling within a large catchment that is driven primarily by natural forcing though subject to substantial human impacts.
Habitat characterization and insecticide susceptibility profiles of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Ifakara area, south-eastern Tanzania
Authors: Kahamba Najat F. , Limwagu Alex J. , Mapua Salum A. , Msugupakulya Betwel J. , Msaky Dickson S. , Kaindoa Emmanuel W. , Ngowo Halfan S. , Okumu Fredros O.
Published: December 2019

Background: Aedes-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya constitute constant threats globally. In Tanzania, these diseases are transmitted by Aedes aegypti, which is widely distributed in urban areas, but whose ecology remains poorly-understood in small towns and rural settings. Methods: We surveyed aquatic habitats of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes in and around Ifakara, a fast-growing town in south-eastern Tanzania. The area was divided into 200m × 200m search grids and habitats containing immature Aedes were characterized. Field-collected Aedes were tested for susceptibility to common public health insecticides (deltamethrin, permethrin, bendiocarb and pyrimiphos methyl) in dry and rainy seasons.Results: Of 1,515 and 1,933 aquatic habitats examined in dry and rainy seasons respectively, 18.87% and 14.64% contained Aedes immatures (container index (CI): 286-283). In the 2,315 and 2,832 houses visited in dry and rainy seasons, 4.9% and 6.6% had at least one Aedes-positive habitat (house index (HI): 114-186). The main habitat types included: a) used vehicle tires and discarded containers, b) flower pots and clay pots, and c) holes made by residents on trunks of coconut trees to support climbing harvesters. Used tires had highest overall abundance of Aedes immatures, while coconut tree holes had highest densities per habitat. Ae. aegypti adults were susceptible to all tested insecticides in both seasons, except bendiocarb, against which resistance was observed in rainy season.Conclusion: This is the first study on ecology and insecticide susceptibility of Aedes in Ifakara area, and will provide a basis for future studies on its pathogen transmission activities and its control. The high infestation levels observed indicate significant risk of Aedes-borne diseases, requiring immediate action to prevent potential outbreaks in the area. While used tires, discarded containers and flower pots are key habitats for Aedes here, this study also identified coconut harvesting as an important risk factor, and the associated tree-holes as potential targets for Aedes control. Since Ae. aegypti mosquitoes in the area are still susceptible to most insecticides, effective control could combine environmental management, preferably involving communities, habitat removal and insecticide spraying.
Effects of Branched Chain Amino Acids on digestive enzymes secretion from pancreas of dairy cows
Authors: Wang Mengya , Ma Xuan , Wu Donglin , Zhao Xueliang , Shao Kai , Li Ru , Xu Ming
Published: December 2019

Background : The limited ability of ruminant to digest starch in the small intestine may be attributed to insufficient digestive enzyme activity secreted by the pancreas. The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile) and valine (Val) on digestive enzymes secretion from pancreas collected of Holstein dairy cows by tissue incubation in vitro. Methods: Two experiments were designed in the present study. In experiment 1, Five Holstein dairy cows were slaughtered and pancreatic tissue was removed immediately, rinsed with ice-cold normal saline (0.9% Nacl) and cut into small segments (approximately 2 × 2 mm), which were placed in oxygenated Krebs Ringer bicarbonate buffer (KRB) containing no amino acid (control), leu, Ile or Val (2.62, 5.24 or 10.48 mg/mL). Each treatment was repeated for five times and incubated in a 39°C shaker. KRB and pancreatic tissue samples were collected at 60, 120 and 180 min after the incubation. In experiment 2, Five Holstein dairy cows were slaughtered and the pancreatic tissue was immediately removed and treated, which were placed in KRB containing no amino acid (control), leu, Ile or Val (5.24 mg/mL) for incubation 60 min. Results : In experiment 1, The activity of pancreatic α-amylase were increased by Leu ( P < 0.01), Ile ( P < 0.01) or Val ( P = 0.06). Compared with the control group, Leu ( P < 0.05) or Ile ( P < 0.05) could linearly increase the activity of trypsin, but Val ( P > 0.05) had no effect on the trypsin activity. Neither Leu or Val had no influence on the activity of chymotrypsin ( P > 0.05). However, chymotrypsin activity decreased linearly with the increase of the Ile concentration at incubation time 180 min ( P < 0.01). Lipase activity were reduced linearly by Val ( P < 0.05 ). In experiment 2, Leu and Val markedly increased α-amylase activity ( P < 0.05), decreased lipase activity ( P < 0.05). The activities of trypsin and chymotrypsin were not affected by the three amino acids ( P > 0.05), and there was no interaction among them ( P > 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that Leu, Ile and Val can stimulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes in vitro, especially α-amylase. There was no interaction between the three amino acids on the activities of α-amylase, trypsin and chymotrypsin.
Geographic information system based malaria risk analysis and mapping in Erer District eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Amare Maereg Teklay A , kassa Gebrehiwot Gebretsadik , Gebre Esie G/wahid , Abay Abadi , yimer Mekonen , Menkir Sisay , Merid Melkamu
Published: December 2019

Background: Erer is one of the districts in Ethiopia where the first malaria transmission season occurs. Although the focus on malaria research has increasingly gained ground, little emphasis has been given to develop quantitative methods for assessing malaria hazard and risk in a temporal and spatial perspective. Objective: To characterize and examine the temporal and spatial malaria trend. The research also aims at producing a predictive model of malaria hazard and risk in Erer district. Methods: In this study a cross sectional research design was used. It was carried out through the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data about the nature of malaria and household’s response towards it. A multi-stage sampling method was used and 136 sample size was determined from the sampling frame of 6203 households. Simple descriptive analysis technique was used to determine the malaria trend of the district. Integration of Geographic information system and analytic hierarchy process was used to determine the weight of each factor pair wise comparison and weighted linear combination was used to aggregate and produce the hazard and malaria risk maps. Results: Results have shown that 19.92%, 27.96%, 32.35%, 18.93% and 0.82% of the district was very high, high, moderate, low and very low malaria risk areas respectively. The malaria trend of the area was found to be variable across time with 2014 the peak year while the minimum case observed was in 2016. Conclusion: It is possible to conclude that risk maps are important for estimating the scale of the risk, and enable detection of high risk areas, thus facilitating decision making and policy formulation for enhanced malaria control interventions. Key words: Analytic Hierarchy Process; Malaria risk; Malaria trend; Weighted overlay
Curcumin nanomicelle versus curcumin improves lipid profile, stress oxidative factors and inflammatory markers in patients undergoing coronary elective angioplasty; A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Helli Bijan , Gerami Hadis , Kavianpour Maria , Heybar Habib , Hosseini Seyed Kianoosh , haghighian Hossein Khadem
Published: December 2019

Background: Curcumin exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study, assess and compare curcumin and nano- curcumin effects on lipid profile, oxidative stress index and inflammatory factors of heart patients.Methods: This Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial conducted on 90 patients undergoing coronary elective angioplasty. Patients were randomly divided into 3 groups. The first group received a 500 mg capsule of curcumin daily. The second group received an 80 mg capsule of nano- curcumin daily. The placebo group also received capsules similar to curcumin for 8 weeks. Lipid profile, stress oxidative factors and inflammatory markers measured in baseline and end of the investigation.Results: At the end of study, statistically significant changes was seen in the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) in the intervention groups to the control group (p<0.05). These changes in the nano-curcumin group were greater than the curcumin group. Curcumin and nano-curcumin supplementation also caused a statistically significant improvement in plasma levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in comparison to the placebo (p<0.05).Conclusion: Complementary therapy of cardiovascular patients with curcumin and nano-curcumin supplements, could improve lipid profile, stress oxidative index and, inflammatory factors. The effects of curcumin on nano formula may be better for cardiac patients due to high bioavailability. However, further investigation is suggested in this regard.
The extended recovery ring-stage survival assay provides superior prediction of patient clearance half-life and increases throughput
Authors: Davis Sage Z. , Singh Puspendra P. , Vendrely Katelyn M. , Shoue Douglas A. , Checkley Lisa A. , McDew-White Marina , Button-Simons Katrina A. , Cassady Zione , Sievert Mackenzie A.C. , Foster Gabriel J. , Nosten François H. , Anderson Timothy J.C. , Ferdig Michael T.
Published: December 2019

Background Tracking and understanding artemisinin resistance is key for preventing global setbacks in malaria eradication efforts. The ring-stage survival assay (RSA) is the current gold standard for in vitro artemisinin resistance phenotyping. However, the RSA has several drawbacks: it is relatively low throughput, has high variance due to microscopy readout, and correlates poorly with the current benchmark for in vivo resistance, patient clearance half-life post-artemisinin treatment. Here a modified RSA is presented, the extended Recovery Ring-stage Survival Assay (eRRSA), using 15 cloned patient isolates from Southeast Asia with a range of patient clearance half-lives, including parasite isolates with and without kelch13 mutations. Methods P. falciparum cultures were synchronized with single layer Percoll during the schizont stage of the erythrocytic cycle. Cultures were left to reinvade to early ring-stage and parasitemia was quantified using flow cytometry. Cultures were diluted to 2% hematocrit and 0.5% parasitemia in a 96-well plate to start the assay, allowing for increased throughput and decreased variability between biological replicates. Parasites were treated with 700nM of dihydroartemisinin or an equivalent amount of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for 6 h, washed three times in drug-free media, and incubated for 66 or 114 h, when samples were collected and frozen for PCR amplification. A SYBR Green-based quantitative PCR method was used to quantify the fold-change between treated and untreated samples. Results 15 cloned patient isolates from Southeast Asia with a range of patient clearance half-lives were assayed using the eRRSA. Due to the large number of pyknotic and dying parasites at 66 h post-exposure (72 h sample), parasites were grown for an additional cell cycle (114 h post-exposure, 120 h sample), which drastically improved correlation with patient clearance half-life compared to the 66 h post-exposure sample. A Spearman correlation of 0.8393 between fold change and patient clearance half-life was identified in these 15 isolates from Southeast Asia, which is the strongest correlation reported to date. Conclusions eRRSA drastically increases the efficiency and accuracy of in vitro artemisinin resistance phenotyping compared to the traditional RSA, which paves the way for extensive in vitro phenotyping of hundreds of artemisinin resistant parasites.
Beliefs and misconceptions about contraception and condom use among adolescents in south-east Nigeria
Authors: Mbachu Chinyere Ojiugo , Agu Ifunanya Clara , Obayi Chinonso , Eze Irene , Ezumah Nkoli , Onwujekwe Obinna
Published: December 2019

Background: Misconceptions about the usefulness of condoms and other contraceptives in preventing unwanted teenage pregnancies and sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) among unmarried adolescents, still expose many adolescents to the risk of both conditions due to certain misconceptions. This study explored beliefs and misconceptions about condoms and other contraceptives among adolescents in Ebonyi state, south-east Nigeria. Method: A qualitative study was undertaken in six local government areas in Ebonyi state, southeast Nigeria. Data was collected within a period of one month from in and out-of-school adolescents aged 13 to 18 years using twelve focus group discussions (FGD). The data was analyzed using the thematic framework approach. Result: Majority of the adolescents were knowledgeable about methods of contraception, how they are used and their modes of action. They were also knowledgeable about the dual effects of condoms for prevention of pregnancy and STIs. However, some misconceptions that were expressed by some adolescents were that pregnancy could be prevented by the use of i) hard drugs, ii) laxatives, iii) white chlorine, and iv) boiled alcoholic beverages. Condoms were described by some adolescent boys as reusable. Condoms were also perceived by some adolescents to reduce sexual pleasure, and this opinion was mostly held by boys. Coitus interruptus (withdrawal method) was therefore considered more preferable than condoms for prevention of pregnancy. Conclusion: Although majority adolescents have knowledge about contraception and condom use, some misconceptions still persist. These misconceptions put many adolescents at increased risk for pregnancy and STIs which are detrimental to their health and wellbeing. Concerted efforts should be made through educational and behavior change interventions in schools and within communities to debunk persisting misconceptions about contraception, and properly educate adolescents on safe sex practices. Keywords: Misconceptions, Contraceptives, Condom, Adolescent, Sexual behaviors
Effects of experimental periodontitis on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells in rats
Authors: Huang Yan Li , Cheng Le Da , Fan Ya Jie , Wang Yi , Zhu Baoyu , Li Rui
Published: December 2019

Background and Objective: The application of ASCs in periodontal regeneration is a good choice. Inflammatory micro-environment influenced the proliferation, mobilization, and osteogenic differentiation of ASCs in vitro.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of experiment periodontitis on the proliferation, wound healing and osteogenesis markers of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in rats. Materials and methods: Ten male rats were divided into two groups randomly. The control (Con) group received a standard diet, and the periodontitis (Peri) group was received a standard diet with placing ligatures around the maxillary first molar. Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-a) and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were tested by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The proliferation rate of ASCs was measured through Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The migration speed of stem cells was evaluated by using a wound healing assay. The expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) and runt related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was evaluated by qRT-PCR analysis and western blot. Graph Pad Primer 7.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results: After 4 weeks, periodontitis model was successfully constructed. The results of IHC and RT-PCR found that in the Peri group, the TNF-a and IL-1β levels of adipose tissues decreased compared with the Con group (P<0.05). The proliferation of Peri-ASCs significantly increased compared with Con-ASCs. Moreover, the wound healing ability of Peri-ASCs gradually increased in a time dependent manner compared with Con-ASCs. Results of RT-PCR showed that ALP and BMP2 gene levels of Peri-ASCs significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the Runx2 gene level in Peri-ASCs was increased, when compared to Con-ASCs. The ALP activity of Peri-ASCs was decreased compared to the Con-ASCs, especially the difference was significant at day 5 day (P<0.01). Western blot results showed that ALP, Runx2 and BMP2 protein levels of Peri-ASCs were significantly lower than those in Con-ASCs after osteogenic induction. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that experiment periodontitis decreased the expression of TNF-a and IL-1β in adipose tissue in rats. Experiment periodontitis promoted the proliferation and wound-healing ability of ASCs, but obviously inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of ASCs.
Functional analysis of miRNA-146b during myotube differentiation in chicken myoblasts
Authors: Lee Jeong Hyo , Kim Seo Woo , Han Ji Seon , Shin Seung Pyo , Lee Sang In , Park Tae Sub
Published: December 2019

In poultry industry as well as livestock, the precise genetic information is being required for improving the economic traits. Thus, functional genomic studies are widely conducted to build the genetic and genomic information for faster, healthier and more-efficient animal production. Especially, chicken myoblast cells which are required to muscle development and regeneration are important because chicken growth performance is closely related to muscle mass. In this study, we induced expression of microRNA-146b (miR-146b) mediated by piggyBac transposon system in chicken myoblast (pCM cells). Subsequently, we analyzed and compared the proliferation and differentiation capacity, and also examined the expression patterns of related genes between regular pCM (rpCM) cells and miR-146b overexpressing pCM (pCM-146b OE) cells. The overexpression of miR-146b showed that the increased proliferation and up-regulated gene expression related to cell proliferation. In addition, the next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis were performed to compare the global gene expression patterns between rpCM cells and pCM-146b OE cells. We found that the higher proliferation rate of pCM-146b OE cells resulted from up-regulation of the cell cycle related gene sets. Moreover, miR-146b overexpression indicated that inhibitory effect of myotube differentiation in chicken myoblast cells. Collectively, these results demonstrated that miR-146b is closely related to proliferation and differentiation of chicken myogenic cells as a modulator of post-transcription.
The correlation between serum Ca-125 level and clinical pregnancy in in vitro fertilization (IVF): A meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Xin-Lei , Li Zhuo , Zhang Han , Shi Ce , Tong Tong , Liu Rui-Zhi , xi qi
Published: December 2019

Background Several studies had investigated the role of serum Ca-125 in clinical pregnancy of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF); however, their conclusions had been inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between serum Ca-125 level and clinical pregnancy in IVF.Methods We systematically review the studies in the databases of Mediline OvidSP, EMBASE OvidSP and Cochrane (CENTRAL Central Register of Controlled Trials). Studies on the correlation between serum Ca-125 level and clinical pregnancy in patients underging IVF with or without Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were considered. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was used in the analysis.Results Seven studies involving 558 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the serum Ca-125 level before embryo transfer (ET) between clinical pregnant group and nonpregnant group (SMD 0.72; 95% CI [0.01, 1.43], P = 0.05, I 2 = 88%), and the same conclusion was also reached in patients without endometriosis (SMD 0.31; 95% CI [-0.53, 1.16], P = 0.47, I 2 = 89%); However, after embryo transfer, the result showed that the Ca-125 level has a small but significantly increase in the clinical pregnant group than in the nonpregnant group (SMD 0.39; 95% CI [0.09, 0.69], P = 0.01, I 2 = 0%).Conclusions Berore ET, there was no significant correlation between serum Ca-125 level and clinical pregnancy in IVF; After ET, the Ca-125 level has a small but significantly increase in the clinical pregnant group than in the nonpregnant group, and it might reflect a successful interaction between the embryo and the endometrium in that time period.
The Bifunctional Enzyme, GenB4, Catalyzes the Last Step of Gentamicin 3’,4’-Di-Deoxygenation via Reduction and Transamination Activities
Authors: Chen Xiaotang , Zhang Hui , Zhou Shaotong , Bi Mingjun , Qi Shizhou , Gao Huiyuan , Ni Xianpu , Xia Huanzhang
Published: December 2019

BackgroundNew semi-synthetic aminoglycoside antibiotics generally use chemical modifications to avoid inactivity from pathogens. One of the most used modifications is 3’,4’-di-deoxygenation, which imitates the structure of gentamicin. However, the mechanism of di-deoxygenation has not been clearly elucidated. ResultsHere, we report that the bifunctional enzyme, GenB4, catalyzes the last step of gentamicin 3’,4’-di-deoxygenation via reduction and transamination activities. Following disruption of genB4 in wild-typeM. echinospora, its products accumulated in 6’-deamino-6’-oxoverdamicin (1), verdamicin C2a (2), and its epimer, verdamicin C2 (3). Following disruption of genB4 in M. echinospora △genK, its products accumulated in sisomicin (4) and 6’-N-methylsisomicin (5, G-52). Following in vitro catalytic reactions, GenB4 transformed sisomicin (4) to gentamicin C1a (9) and transformed verdamicin C2a (2) and its epimer, verdamicin C2 (3), to gentamicin C2a (11) and gentamicin C2 (12), respectively. Conclusion﻿This finding indicated that in addition to its transamination activity, GenB4 exhibits specific 4’,5’ double-bond reducing activity and is responsible for the last step of gentamicin 3’,4’-di-deoxygenation. Taken together, we propose three new intermediates that may refine and supplement the specific biosynthetic pathway of gentamicin C components and lay the foundation for the complete elucidation of di-deoxygenation mechanisms.
Validity of the Chinese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) 5-minute protocol for patients with stroke
Authors: Feng Yali , Zhang Jiaqi , Zhou Yi , Chen Bo , Yin Ying
Published: December 2019

Background and propose The aim of the present study is to examine the validity of 2 Chinese versions of the short-form Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in patients with stroke.Methods A prospective observational study was conducted which included patients with stroke as compared to healthy controls. The Chinese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment 5-minute protocol (MoCA 5-min protocol), National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke and Canadian Stroke Network 5-minute Protocol (NINDS-CSN 5-min protocol), and Neurobehavioural Cognitive Status Examination (NCSE) were administered to each participant.Results A total of 54 patients with stroke and 27 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. We identified patients with cognitive impairments using the NCSE, and found that the 5-min protocol was equivalent to the MoCA in differentiating patients with cognitive impairments from those without (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, AUC, of 0.948 for the MoCA 5-min protocol v.s. 0.984 for MoCA, P = 0.097); however, the NINDS-CSN 5-min protocol was less effective than MoCA in differentiating patients with cognitive impairments from those without (AUC of 0.925 for the NINDS CSN 5-min protocol v.s. 0.984 for MoCA, P = 0.027). These three assessments demonstrated equal performance in differentiating patients with stroke from controls.Conclusions The Chinese version of the MoCA 5-min protocol can be used as a valid screening for patients with stroke.
Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet therapy for the prevention of stroke in AF with arterial origin stroke: a meta-analysis.
Authors: Li Mingxia , Lin Hong , Shi Jiankuan , Yang Qianru , Li Jianjun , Zhang Xiaolong , Zhang Ying , Tian YiBo , Ge Fangfang
Published: December 2019

Background Anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy were adopted respectively for the prevention ofcardio-embolic stroke or arterial origin stroke. while it’s difficult to make decisions for individual with Atrial fibrillation(AF)and arterial origin stroke as comorbidities, so we attempted to evaluate the efficacy and safety ofanticoagulants and antiplatelet forthe prevention of stroke in AF with arterial origin stroke and make an optimal treatment for these comorbidities. Methods Databases included PubMed, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched up to 31 Aug 2019. Eight RCTs with 77048 participants were enrolled. Results Direct oral anticoagulants(DOACs) reduced the relative risk of stroke and systemic embolism by 15% (95%CI 0.75-0.97, I2=65.6%) and the major bleeding by 23%(95%CI 0.63-0.95, I2=92.3%,). DOACs or warfarin plus aspirin compared with DOACs or warfarin alone did not show the benefit on stroke and systemic embolism prevent in AF patients, but increase the risk of major bleeding with RR 1.40 (95%CI 1.13-1.75,) and 1.33（95%CI 1.09-1.63）respectively. No differences in preventionof ischemic stroke were detected between OACs versus aspirin in arterial origin stroke. The major bleeding was significantly higher in the OACs group (RR,2.40,1.46-3.94, I2=62.2%). However, compared with aspirin, rivaroxabandid not increase the risk of major bleeding in Branch atheromatous stroke (RR,1.54,95%CI 0.26-9.12). Conclusions We speculatedthat DOACs alone may be enough to prevent stroke recurrence and not to increase the risk of bleeding in AF patients with arterial origin stroke. The well designed RCTs with the direct comparison would be needed in future.
Homology-based prediction of resistance to antituberculous medications using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Dafaalla Mohamed , Abdullah Mohamed Omer Elsadiq , Bakhiet Sahar , Ibrahim Muntasir
Published: December 2019

Objectives: We aimed to develop a prediction model based on machine learning algortihms to predict the impact of variants on resistance of Mycobacterium. Data was collected from TB Drug Resistance Database (TBDReaMDB), and the drug sensitive variants from GMTV database. We also collected a List of 1115 NsSNPS reported in proteins related to drug resistance to Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide and Ethambutol. PMUT online tool was used to generate the features included in the algorithm training. We trained different classifiers using R software on the features generated by PMUT. The classifiers trained are Random Forrest, Boosting prediction, Naive Bayes, Neural networks, k-Nearest Neighbors, Logistic regression, and Linear Discriminant analysis.Results: The 445 variants valid for comparison were divided into training dataset (75%) and testing dataset (25%). We compared the classifiers according to the AUC, accuracy, kappa, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Results show that random forrest is the best classifier (accuracy: 0.9072. Kappa: 0.690, Sensitivity: 1.00, Specificity : 0.5909, Pos-Pred Value : 0.8929, Neg-Pred Value : 1.00, Detection Rate : 0.773). This indicates that Homology-based machine learning algorithms could be a solid base for development of rapid tools for screening of M.TB resistance to medications.
Up-regulation of autophagy by low concentration of salicylic acid delays methyl jasmonate-induced leaf senescence
Authors: Yin Runzhu , Liu Xueyan , Yu Jingfang , Ji Yingbin , Liu Jian , Cheng Lixin , Zhou Jun
Published: December 2019

Crosstalk between salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) signaling plays an important role in molecular regulation of plant senescence. Our previous works found that SA could delay methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-induced leaf senescence in a concentration-dependent manner. Here, the effect of low concentration of SA (LCSA) application on MeJA-induced leaf senescence was further assessed. High-throughput sequencing (RNA-Seq) results showed that LCSA did not have dominant effects on the genetic regulatory pathways of basal metabolism like nitrogen metabolism, photosynthesis and glycolysis. The ClusterONE was applied to identify discrete gene modules based on protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Interestingly, an autophagy-related (ATG) module was identified in the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that exclusively induced by MeJA together with LCSA. RT-qPCR confirmed that the expression of most of the determined ATG genes were upregulated by LCSA. Remarkably, in contrast to wild type (Col-0), LCSA cannot alleviate the leaf yellowing phenotype in autophagy defective mutants (atg5-1 and atg7-2) upon MeJA treatment. Confocal results showed that LCSA increased the number of autophagic bodies accumulated in the vacuole during MeJA-induced leaf senescence. Collectively, our work revealed up-regulation of autophagy by LCSA as a key regulator to alleviate MeJA-induced leaf senescence.
Spirituality and Quality of Life in Older Adults: Path Analyse Model
Authors: Lima Sara , Teixeira Lurdes , Esteves Raquel , Ribeiro Fátima , Teixeira Ana , Pereira Fernanda , Magalhães Clarisse
Published: December 2019

Background: Study older adults’ quality of life is becoming increasingly important in the assessment, quality improvement and allocation of health and social care service. The purpose of this study was to enhance knowledge on the relationship between modifiable (psychological variables) and non-modifiable variables (sociodemographic), and quality of life in elderly, in order to inform social, health and education policies.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, including 604 older adults from general community. 63.6% of the sample was composed by female gender with a mean age of 71.6(SD=4.81). Participants completed the following instruments: Barthel Index to assess functionality; Satisfaction with Social Support Scale to assess social support; The Spiritual and Religious Attitudes in Dealing with Illness to assess spirituality and Short Form Health Survey 36, to assess mental and physical quality of life.Results: A path analysis model was performed where the presence of a chronic disease, age and functionality has a direct effect on physical quality of life and spirituality had a direct effect on mental quality of life. Social support mediated the relationship between functionality and mental quality of life, and in turn, functionality mediated the relationship between age and physical quality of life.Conclusions: Results reinforce the effect of age and chronic disease as non-modifiable variables as well as functionality, spirituality and satisfaction with social support as modifiable variables, in the quality of life of older people. Social support, health and education programs in the community should be promoted in order to improve quality of life in this population. Strategies to promote functionality and enhance the social support network, especially in the elder with chronic illness, should be a priority. Keywords: Quality of life, Social Support, Functionality, Spirituality.
Changes in Frailty among Community-Dwelling Older Chinese Adults and its Predictors: Evidence from a Two-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Ye Bo , Chen Hao , Huang Limei , Ruan Ye , Qi Shige , Guo Yanfei , Huang Zhezhou , Sun Shuangyuan , Chen Xiuqin , Shi Yan , Gao Junling , Jiang Yonggen
Published: December 2019

Background: Understanding the characteristics related to frailty transitions will allow for better future health practice and healthcare strategies. We evaluated the changes in frailty among community-dwelling older adults and to examine the predictors of the changes in frailty.Methods: A total of 4050 community residents aged ≥ 60 years were recruited in 2015 with follow-up after 2 years. At baseline, a multiple deficits approach was used to construct the Frailty Index (FI) according to the methodology of FI construction, and sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyles were also collected. The transitions in frailty between baseline and 2-year follow-up were evaluated. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine associations between predictors and the changes of frailty, adjusting for all of the covariates.Results: Of all of the 3988 participants at baseline, those with frailty status of robust, prefrail, and frail were 79.5%, 16.4%, and 4.1%, and these changed to 68.2%, 23.0%, and 8.8% after 2 years with 127 deceased and 23 dropped out. Twelve kinds of transitions from baseline of the three frailty statuses to four outcomes at follow-up (including death) significantly differed within each of gender and age group, as well between genders and age groups. Among these, 7.8% of prefrail or frail elders improved, 70.0% retained their frailty status, and 22.2% of robust or prefrail elders worsened in frailty status. In multivariable models, age was significantly associated with changes in frailty except for in the frail group; higher educational level and working predicted a lower risk of robust worsening. Of the lifestyle predictors, no shower facilities at home predicted a higher risk of robust worsening; more frequent physical exercise predicted a lower risk of robust worsening and a higher chance of frailty improvement; more frequent neighbor interaction predicted a lower risk of robust worsening and prefrail worsening; and more frequent social participation predicted a higher chance of prefrail improvement.Conclusions: The status of frailty was reversible among community-dwelling elderly, and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were related to changes in frailty. These findings help health practitioners to recognize susceptible individuals in a community and provide health promotional planning to target aged populations.
The effect of thranekron and autograft bone on bone defect healing in rabbit model
Authors: Sharifi Siavash , Bigham-Sadegh Amin , Oryan Ahmad , Alavi Yasmin
Published: December 2019

Background Nowadays, bone grafting is used in both human and veterinary orthopedics to stimulate fracture healing, accelerate joint union, and to restore bone defects. In such procedures, orthopedic surgeons are searching to favorable substitute for autograft bone. The present study seeks to investigate the use of this extract in bone defect healing process. 20 native rabbits were divided into 4 groups of five, and bone fragments were removed from their radius bones. In the first group, Theranekron 1mg/kg was injected into bone defect. Normal saline was injected into the same site of the five rabbits in the second group (saline treated controls). As for the third group (the untreated controls), nothing was injected. In the fourth group (autograft group), the removed bone was put in place and muscle and skin were sutured. Post op lateral x-rays were prepared on days 14, 28, 42, and 56. Bone biopsy for histopathological study was performed after 8 weeks. Radiographs and samples were analyzed statistically in terms of union, osteogenesis activity, and bone Remodeling.Results Radiological evaluation showed that autograft group was significantly superior to both untreated and saline treated controls (p=0.02, p=0.04, respectively). Also, Theranekron group proved better than untreated controls (p=0.04). Histopathological evaluation showed terabecular bone and bone marrow formations in Theranekron and also autograft groups. In the untreated and saline treated controls, most part of defect was filled with fibrous tissue.Conclusion Theranekron treated group showed almost similarly to autograft counterpart, but better than normal saline and untreated controls.
Porcine 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase-like protein inhibits replication of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
Authors: li huawei , wang ruining , wang wenjia , kang yinfeng , zhao mengmeng
Published: December 2019

Background : Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a serious pathogen that causes $664 million losses per year to the swine industry. There are few useful vaccines that can provide protection against PRRSV infection. 2′, 5′-oligoadenylate synthetase-like protein (OASL) has antiviral activity, this has not been shown for PRRSV and the mechanism is unknown. Methods : Expression of OASL in porcine alveolar macrophages induced by interferon (IFN)-b stimulation and PRRSV infection was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Exogenous expression and knockdown of OASL were used to determine the role of OASL in the PRRSV replication cycle. The type I IFN signaling pathway was evaluated after OASL overexpression. Results : In this study, we found that the expression of OASL in porcine alveolar macrophages was significantly increased by IFN-b stimulation and PRRSV infection. Porcine-OASL-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) promoted PRRSV replication, whereas exogenous expression of porcine OASL inhibited replication of the virus. The anti-PRRSV activity of porcine OASL was lost after knockdown of retinoic acid-inducible gene I ( DDX58 , also known as RIG-I ). Conclusions : Porcine OASL suppresses PRRSV replication.
Betaine attenuates LPS-induced downregulation of Occludin and Claudin-1 and restores intestinal barrier function
Authors: Wu Jingtao , He Caimei , Bu Jie , Luo Yue , Yang Shuyuan , Ye Chengyan , Yu Silei , He Binsheng , Yin Yulong , Yang Xiaoping
Published: December 2019

Background: The intestinal epithelial barrier, which works as the first line of defense between the intestinal environment and the parasitifer, once destroyed, it will cause serious inflammation or other intestinal diseases. Tight junctions (TJs) play a vital role to maintain the integrity of the epithelial barrier. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), one of the most important inflammatory factors will downregulate specific TJ proteins including Occludin and Claudin-1 and impair integrity of the epithelial barrier. Betaine (Bet) has excellent anti-inflammatory activity but whether Bet has any effect on tight junction proteins, particularly on LPS-induced dysfunction of epithelial barriers remains unknown. Intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) were used as an in vitro model, the purpose of this study is to explore the pharmacological effect of Bet on improving intestinal barrier function represented by TJ proteins.Results: The results demonstrated that Bet enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins while LPS（ 1μg /m L）downregulates the expression of these proteins. Furthermore, Bet attenuates LPS-induced decreases of tight junction proteins both shown by WB and RT-PCR. The immunofluorescent images consistently revealed that LPS induced the disruption of tight junction protein Claudin-1 and reduced its expression while Bet could reverse these alterations. Similar protective role of Bet on intestinal barrier function was observed by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) approach. Conclusion: In conclusion, our research demonstrated that Bet attenuated LPS-induced downregulation of Occludin and Claudin-1 and restored the intestinal barrier function.
Small intestinal microbiota and prognosis of infants with ileostomy caused by different primary diseases
Authors: Qian Tian , Zhu Haitao , Zhu Li , Chen Chao , Shen Chun , Zhang Rong
Published: December 2019

Background: Studies on microbiota characteristics of infants with small intestinal ostomy due to various etiologies are limited. Here, we investigated the intestinal microbiota of neonates with ileostomy due to different primary diseases. Methods: Fifteen patients with necrotizing enterocolitis, eight patients with meconium peritonitis, and seven patients with Hirschsprung's disease were included in the study. The small intestinal microbiota composition in infants with ileostomy caused by different disease was investigated. Results: The microbial diversity in neonatal ileostomy fluid was generally low, dominated by Proteobacteria and Firmicutes members. At the genus levels, the most abundant bacteria were Klebsiella, Escherichia-Shigella, Streptococcus, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Enterococcus, and Lactobacillus. Streptococcus and Veillonella were related to carbohydrate metabolism and immunity, and breastfeeding could increase the proportion of these beneficial bacteria. The proportion of Bifidobacterium in the breastfeeding group was higher than that in the non-breastfeeding group, and the incidence of colitis and sepsis was significantly reduced in the breastfeeding group. The increase of body weight in the breastfeeding group was also higher than that in the non-breastfeeding group. Conclusions: Excessive Klebsiella and Escherichia-Shigella and low abundance of Streptococcus, Veillonella, and Faecalibacterium indicated that the small intestinal microbiota was still in an unhealthy state. However, Streptococcus, Faecalibacterium, and Veillonella were commonly found, suggesting that these bacteria might promote the development of immune system after surgeries.