bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: microRNA-4488 in extracellular vesicles derived from marrow mesenchymal stem cells suppresses ABHD8 to inhibit ovarian cancer progression
Authors: Chang Lei , Zhou Junying , Tian Wanjia , Chen Mengyu , Guo Ruixia , Lei Ningjing
Published: December 2020

Background
Extracellular vesicle (EV) that delivered microRNAs (miRNAs) have been found as the important biomarkers participating in the pathological mechanism of ovarian cancer. Consequently, this study sought to examine the underlying mechanism of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived EVs containing miR-4488 in ovarian cancer.
Methods
The normal ovarian tissues and ovarian cancer tissues were extracted, and the information of MSC-EV miRNA was obtained by Bioinformatics analysis. RT-qPCR and western blot analysis were applied to detect miR-4488 and α/β-hydrolase domain-containing (ABHD)8 expression followed by determination of relationship between miR-4488 and ABHD8 by dual-luciferase reporter assay. After transfection with different plasmids and treatment with DMSO or GW4869 (inhibitor of EV), the regulatory roles of MSC-EV-miR-4488 in invasion, proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of cancer cells were explored. Besides, xenograft tumor in nude mice was conducted to explore the role of miR-4488 and ABHD8 in ovarian cancer in vivo.
Results
miR-4488 was poorly expressed and ABHD8 was highly expressed in ovarian cancer cells and tissues. ABHD8 was a target gene of miR-4488 while the knockdown of ABHD8 resulted in the suppression of proliferation, invasion, and migration while promoting the apoptosis of cancer cells. Functionally, MSC-EV-derived miR-4488 inhibited the expression of ABHD8. Additionally, miR-4488 over-expressed in MSC-EVs inhibited the cell proliferation, invasion, and migration through down-regulation of ABHD8 expression. At last, these in vitro findings were also confirmed in vivo.
Conclusion
To summarize, miR-4488 overexpressed in MSC-EVs suppressed ABHD8 expression to inhibit the cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, thus suppressing ovarian cancer.
Integrated analysis of multi-omics data to identification of prognostic genes for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Jiang Feng , Zhang Fan , Chen Jian , Wang Junjun , Hu Lijuan , Chen Jie , Wang Yumin
Published: December 2020

Background

We aim to develop core modules related to pancreatic cancer (PC) to predict the prognosis of PC patients and explore their tumor microenvironment.
Method:

We merged 175 pancreatic cancer samples in the TCGA database with gene mutation expression, methylation level distribution, mRNA expression and pancreatic cancer-related genes into a public database, and then through weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), Two expression modules associated with pancreatic cancer are combined. Then, by integrating these selected genes identified from the first 10 genes of the two co-expression modules, a model risk score is established, and patients are divided into high-risk and low-risk subgroups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis method is used to analyze differences, analyze the correlation of survival between subgroups, and analyze prognostic models. These selected core genes can divide early pancreatic cancer into two subgroups, compare the prognosis of these two groups, and screen for differentially expressed genes. Use GO and KEGG enrichment analysis to predict the function of differentially expressed genes. The differential expression level and immune cell infiltration level of these selected core genes were further analysis.
Results

Our findings shown nine core genes (MST1R, TMPRSS4, PTK6, KLF5, CGN, ABHD17C, MUC1, CAPN8, B3GNT3) were prognostic biomarkers of pancreatic cancer. These 9 genes could divide early pancreatic cancer into two subgroups, and the two subgroups had significant differences in prognosis, and were mainly different in functions such as digestion and extracellular cell adhesion. Further analysis revealed that the expression of these 9 genes were expressed at high levels in pancreatic cancer tissues. In addition, we validated pancreatic cancer cells and pancreatic epithelial cells through quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), suggesting that the MST1R, PTK6, ABHD17C and CGN expressed higher in PC cells. CIBERSORT analysis indicated that these genes expression were closely correlated with B-cell naive, CD8+ T cells, Macrophages M0 cells, suggesting that these genes may play a carcinogenic role in the preservation of immune-dominant status for tumor microenvironment.
Conclusions

Our research identified 9 key genes which may enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with pancreatic cancer.
APACHE IV is an accurate measure of predicting in-hospital mortality of ICU patients, but there are covariates associated with its occasional failure - a multicentre analysis of intensive care units
Authors: Feng Shuo , Dubin Joel A
Published: December 2020

Background: APACHE IV provides typically useful and accurate predictions on in-hospital mortality and length of stay for patients in critical care. However, there are factors which may preclude APACHE IV from reaching its ceiling of predictive accuracy. Our primary aim was to determine which variables available within the first 24 hours of a patient’s ICU stay may be indicative of the APACHE IV scoring system making occasional but potentially illuminating errors in predicting in-hospital mortality. Methods: We utilized the publicly available multi-institutional ICU database, eICU, available since 2018, to identify a large observational cohort for our investigation. APACHE IV scores are provided by eICU for each patient’s ICU stay. We used Lasso logistic regression in an aim to build parsimonious final models, using cross-validation to select the penalization parameter, separately for each of our two responses, i.e., errors, of interest, which are APACHE falsely predicting in-hospital death (Type I error), and APACHE falsely predicting in-hospital survival (Type II error). We then assessed the performance of the models with a random holdout validation sample. Results: While the extremeness of the APACHE prediction led to dependable predictions for preventing either type of error, there were a small set of distinct variables identified as being strongly associated with the two different types of errors occurring. These included worst lactate and mean SpO2 for Type I, and mean non-invasive blood pressure and mean respiratory rate for Type II. The two models also differed in their performance metrics in identical holdout validation samples, in large part due to the lower prevalence of Type II errors compared to Type I. Conclusions: The eICU database was a good resource for evaluating our objective, and important recommendations to intensivists are provided, particularly identifying key variables that could lead to APACHE prediction errors when APACHE scores are sufficiently low to predict in-hospital survival.
Efficacy of airway pressure release ventilation for acute respiratory distress syndrome: A meta-analysis
Authors: Junhai Zhen , Bangchuan Hu , Shijin Gong , Yihua Yu , Jing Yan , Li Li
Published: December 2020

Background

Airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) has been described many years, however, it is still unclear whether APRV improves outcomes in critically ill patients admitted to Intensive Care Unit with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Methods

3 databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) until 8 August 2019. The relative risk (RR), mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined.
Results

A total of six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included with 360 ARDS patients. The Meta analysis showed that the mean arterial pressure (MAP) in APRV group is higher than traditional mechanical ventilation group [MD = 2.35, 95% CI=(1.05,3.64), P = 0.0004], and the airway peak pressure (Ppeak) is lower in APRV group with statistical difference [MD=-2.04,95% CI=(-3.33,-0.75), P = 0.002]. However, no significant beneficial effect on oxygen index (PaO2/FiO2) was shown between two groups (MD = 26.24, 95% CI=(-26.50,78.97), P = 0.33). Compared with conventional mechanical ventilation, APRV significantly improved 28-day mortality [RR = 0.66, 95% CI=(0.47,0.94), P = 0.02].
Conclusions

For critically ill patients with ARDS, application of APRV is associated with the increase of MAP, the reduction of the airway Ppeak and 28-day mortality, while there is no sufficient evidence to support the APRV is superior to conventional mechanical ventilation in PaO2/FiO2.
The Correlation Between Whole Blood Copper and Zinc Levels and Sepsis-Induced Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction (SILVSD) in Patients with Septic Shock: A Single-Center Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Meng Jian-Biao , Hu Ma-Hong , Zhang Wei , Hu Gong-Pai , Guo Xiao-Gang , Hu Shen-Jiang
Published: December 2020

Background: The dyshomeostasis of trace elements is associated with multiple organ dysfunction in patients with septic shock. However, it remains unclear whether the change of whole blood copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels influence cardiac function in patients with septic shock. Here, we sought to explore relationship between whole blood Cu and Zn and cardiac dysfunction in septic shock. Methods: Between April 2018 and March 2020, septic shock patients with sepsis-induced left ventricular systolic dysfunction (SILVSD, left ventricular ejection fraction, LVEF ＜ 50%) and with no sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (non-SIMD, septic shock alone and LVEF＞ 50%) on an intensive care unit (ICU) in south China and healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. whole blood Cu and Zn levels were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry.Results: 86 patients with septic shock including 41 SILVSD and 45 non-SIMD and 25 healthy controls were studied. Whole blood Cu levels were significantly higher and Zn were significantly lower in SILVSD compared with non-SIMD and controls [Cu, (16.34±1.93) vs. (15.23±2.07) vs. (14.02±1.65) µmol/L, p = 0.009, < 0.001; Zn, (78.45±12.18) vs. (85.07±14.80) vs. (94.90±14.78) µmol/L, p = 0.029, < 0.001]. Both increased whole blood Cu and reduced Zn were associated with lower LVEF ( all p < 0.001) and higher amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (Cu, p = 0.002, Zn, p = 0.001), and had predictive values for SILVSD [Cu, (AUC = 0.666; p = 0.005) ; Zn, (AUC = 0.625; p = 0.039)]. Whole blood Cu levels were increased but Zn were reduced in non-survivors compared with survivors[Cu, (17.20 ±2.25) vs. (14.99 ±1.49) µmol/L, p < 0.001; Zn, (71.17 ±11.98) vs. (87.67±11.30) µmol/L, p < 0.001],. Whole blood Cu and Zn displayed the value of predicting 28-day mortality [Cu (AUC = 0.802, p < 0.001); Zn (AUC = 0.869, p < 0.001)].Conclusions: Whole blood Cu levels were increased in SILVSD patients and positively correlated with the cardiac dysfunction while Whole blood Zn were reduced and negatively associated with the cardiac dysfunction. Moreover, both whole blood Cu and Zn could distinguish between SILVSD and non-SIMD in septic shock patients and predict 28-day mortality.Trial registration: ChiCTR1800015709. Registered 16 April 2018, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=26746&htm=4.
Screening of Cardiac Surgery Patients - Polish Validation 4AT Tool
Authors: Krupa Sabina , Ozga Dorota , Tomaszek Lucyna , Tsevis Theofanis , Jurek Krzysztof , Religa Dorota , Maclullich Alasdair
Published: December 2020

IntroductionDelirium is a phenomenon which affects patients with various disorders and representing various age groups. Screening instruments make it possible to diagnose the condition at an early stage and to prevent its development. The article presents validation of the 4AT instrument, i.e. a two-minute test used to identify delirium.ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Polish version of the 4AT (Pol4-AT) for use by nurses working in intensive care units.Patients and MethodsThe 4AT test was used to assess 444 patients at a cardiac surgery ward, on their sixth day in hospital, and the third day following a surgery. The patients were selected at random (in sequence any patient returning from a surgery and staying in hospital for six days). The conditions for entering the study included the subjects’ informed consent and age >18 years. ResultsThe current findings show that the 4AT scale can effectively be used in Poland, not only in geriatric patients but also at surgical wards and at ICUs. The study showed Cronbach’s alpha amounting to 0.843. ConclusionsThere is currently no validation tool in Poland that can be used in the diagnosis and screening of delirium. The CAM and CAM ICU scales, despite the fact that they have been translated into Polish, are not a standard used in practice in Poland
Gastrointestinal Ultrasonographic Findings In Cats With Feline Panleukopenia: A Case Series
Authors: Isaya Rosaria , Ciccarelli Stefano , Enache Daniela , Specchi Swan , Pesaresi Marco , Ferri Filippo , Porporato Federico , Auriemma Edoardo , Contiero Barbara , Coppola Luigi M , Zini Eric
Published: December 2020

Background-Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is very resistant and highly contagious and infects domestic cats and other felids. FPV is particularly widespread among sheltered cats, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality, causing severe gastroenteritis characterized by anorexia, lethargy, fever, dehydration, hemorrhagic diarrhea, and vomiting. There is currently no data on the ultrasonographic features of cats affected with FPV. This case series describes abdominal ultrasonographic findings in shelter cats with naturally-occurring FPV, and assesses whether are associated with clinical and laboratory findings. Cats affected by FPV were enrolled in the study if an abdominal ultrasound was performed within 12 hours of diagnosis. Clinical, laboratory and survival data were collected from medical records. Ultrasonographic examinations were reviewed for gastrointestinal abnormalities and their associations with the above data were explored.Results-Twenty-one cats were included. Nine cats (42.9%) died and 12 (57.1%) recovered. Based on ultrasonography, the duodenum and jejunum showed thinning of the mucosal layer in 70.6% and 66.6% of cats, thickening of the muscular layer in 52.9% and 57.1% of cats, and hyperechogenicity of the mucosa in 41.2% and 33.3%. Jejunal hyperechoic mucosal band paralleling the submucosa and irregular luminal surface were both observed in 33.3% of the cats. Survival was positively associated with increased jejunal mucosal echogenicity (P=0.003) and hyperechoic mucosal band (P=0.003). Peritoneal free fluid was positively associated with vomiting (P=0.002).Conclusion-This study provides ultrasonographic features of naturally-occurring FPV in cats, which, as expected, are compatible with gastroenteropathy. The most frequent findings were diffuse small intestine mucosal layer thinning, muscular layer thickening and mucosal hyperechogenicity, jejunal hyperechoic mucosal band and irregular luminal surface. Ultrasonographic features may be useful to complete the clinical picture and assess the severity of the gastroenteropathy in FPV cats. Prospective studies are needed to confirm ultrasonographic prognostic factors.
Management of chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections diagnosed in primary care using a centralised nurse-led telephone-based service: mixed methods evaluation
Authors: Horwood Jeremy , Brangan Emer , Manley Petra , Horner Paddy , Muir Peter , North Paul , MacLeod John
Published: December 2020

Background: Up to 18% of genital Chlamydia infections and 9% of Gonorrhoea infections in England are diagnosed in Primary Care. Evidence suggests that a substantial proportion of these cases are not managed appropriately in line with national guidelines. With the increase in sexually transmitted infections and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, their timely and appropriate treatment is a priority. We investigated feasibility and acceptability of extending the National Chlamydia Screening Programme’s centralised, nurse-led, telephone management (NLTM) as an option for management of all cases of chlamydia and gonorrhoea diagnosed in Primary Care. Methods: Randomised feasibility trial in 11 practices in Bristol with nested qualitative study. In intervention practices patients and health care providers (HCPs) had the option of choosing NLTM or usual care for all patients tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. In control practices patients received usual care.Results: 1154 Chlamydia/gonorrhoea tests took place during the 6-month study, with a chlamydia positivity rate of 2.6% and gonorrhoea positivity rate of 0.8%. The NLTM managed 335 patients. Interviews were conducted with sixteen HCPs (11 GPs, 5 nurses) and 12 patients (8 female). HCPs were positive about the NLTM, welcomed the partner notification service, though requested more timely feedback on the management of their patients. Explaining the NLTM to patients didn’t negatively impact on consultations. Patients found the NLTM acceptable, more convenient and provided greater anonymity than usual care. Patients appreciated getting a text message regarding a negative result and valued talking to a sexual health specialist about positive results.Conclusion: Extension of this established NLTM intervention to a greater proportion of patients was both feasible and acceptable to both patients and HCP, could provide a better service for patients, whilst decreasing primacy care workload. The study provides evidence to support the wider implementation of this NLTM approach to managing chlamydia and gonorrhoea diagnosed in primary care.
Quality of life, social support and self-efficacy in women after a miscarriage
Authors: Iwanowicz-Palus Grażyna , Mróz Mariola , Bień Agnieszka
Published: December 2020

Background Pregnancy loss is typically experienced as a traumatic, critical event, which may lead to secondary psychological health disorders. Its burden involves both the experience of loss and related medical issues, which are associated with pain, hospitalization, limitation in one’s social roles, decreased sense of security, and changes in one’s perceived quality of life. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate levels of quality of life (QoL), social support and self-efficacy among women who had suffered a miscarriage.Methods The study was performed using a diagnostic survey method with questionnaires administered to 610 patients hospitalized due to spontaneous pregnancy loss in hospitals in Lublin (Poland). The instruments used were: the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS), the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the WHOQoL–BREF questionnaire, and a standardized interview questionnaire.Results Respondents rated their overall quality of life (3.90 points) higher than their overall perceived health (3.66). In terms of social support, the highest scores were noted for perceived available instrumental support (M = 3.78), perceived available emotional support (M = 3.68) and actually received support (M = 3.60). The mean generalized self-efficacy score among the women after pregnancy loss was 30.29. Respondents’ QoL was significantly correlated with multiple social support subscales and self-efficacy (p < 0.05). Conclusions Women after a miscarriage perceive their overall quality of life as better than their overall health, while reporting the poorest QoL in the psychological domain. They also have a high level of self-efficacy. Regarding the types of social support, perceived available support, both instrumental and emotional, and actually received support was rated highly. Social support and self-efficacy contributed to better perceived QoL among the respondents.
Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment and Control of Hypertension in Northern China: a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Xu Xiaoqian , Bao Han , Tian Zixuan , Zhu Hao , Zhu Lige , Niu Liwei , Yan Tao , Dong Hairong , Fang Xin , Zhang Xingguang
Published: December 2020

Background: Hypertension has always been a worldwide health concern. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rates of hypertension among adult residents of northern China, where people usually have a high-fat, high-salt diet and heavy alcohol consumption.Methods: Through the Early Screening and Comprehensive Intervention Project for High Risk Groups of Cardiovascular Diseases in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of northern China, we collected data of 70,380 residents, from September 2015 to June 2017. We assessed the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the total population and subpopulations.Results: Among participants, only 13.4% had optimal blood pressure levels. About 55.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 55.3%–56.1%) of the participants had hypertension. The national standardized and the regional standardized prevalence rate was 49.4% and 55.4%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that old age, male, Han, living in rural, farmer, current drinker, not married, diabetes, obesity and dyslipidemia were associated with hypertension. In addition, the awareness, treatment, control and control under treatment rate of hypertension were 52.8% (95% CI: 52.3%–53.3%), 43.3% (95% CI: 42.8%–43.8%), 8.6% (95% CI: 8.3%–8.9%) and 19.8% (95% CI: 19.2%–20.4%), respectively. And the 70,380 population subgroups varied with respect to hypertension prevalence (range 32.6%-73.4%), awareness (35.1%-76.2%), treatment (24.9%-64.6%), control (3.9%-20.4%), and control under treatment (11.2%-31.6%). Controlled hypertension were less common in those younger age, Mongol, not married, farmer and current drinker. Conclusion: Most patients of hypertension are going undetected and uncontrolled in northern China. Even if patients with hypertension are under treatment, hypertension can remain inadequately controlled.
Insight of Transcriptional Regulators reveals the Tolerance Mechanism of Carpet-grass (Axonopus compressus) Against Drought
Authors: Nawaz Mohsin , Li Liao , Azeem Farrukh , Shabbir Samina , Zohaib Ali , Ashraf Umair , Yang Hubiao , Wang Zhiyong
Published: December 2020

Background: Carpet grass [Axonopus compressus (L.)] is an important warm-season perennial grass around the world and is known for its adaptability to varied environmental conditions. However, Carpet grass lacks enough data in public data banks, which confined our comprehension of the mechanisms of environmental adaptations, gene discovery, and development of molecular markers. In current study, the DEGs (differentially expressed genes) in Axonopus compressus under drought stress (DS) were identified and compared with CK (control) by RNA-Seq.Results: A total of 263,835 unigenes were identified in Axonopus compressus, and 201,303 (also added to the numbers of the remaining 2 databases) a sequence of unigenes significantly matched in at least one of the seven databases. A total of 153697 (58.25%) unigenes classified to 144 KEGG pathways, and 7,444 unigenes were expressed differentially between DS and CK, of which 4,249 were up-regulated and 3,195 were down-regulated unigenes. Of the 50 significantly enriched GO terms, 18, 6, and 14 items were related to BP, CC, and MF respectively. Analysis of KEGG enrichment revealed 2569 DEGs involved in 143 different pathways, under drought stress. 2,747 DEGs were up-regulated and 2,502 DEGs were down-regulated. Moreover, we identified 352 transcription factors (TFs) in Axonopus compressus, of which 270 were differentially expressed between CK and DS. The qRT-PCR validation experiment also supports the transcriptional response of Axonopus compressus against drought. Accuracy of transcriptome unigenes of Axonopus compressus was assessed with BLAST, which showed 3,300 sequences of Axonopus compressus in the NCBI.Conclusion: The 7,444 unigenes were found to be between DS and CK treatments, which indicate the existence of a strong mechanism of drought tolerance in Axonopus compressus. The current findings provide the first framework for further investigations for the particular roles of these unigenes in Axonopus compressus in response to drought.
Implementation of Highly Challenging Balance Training for Parkinson’s disease in Clinical Practice: A Process Evaluation
Authors: Leavy Breiffni , Joseph Conran , Kwak Lydia , Franzén Erika
Published: December 2020

Background: Process evaluations provide contextual insight into the way in which interventions are delivered. This information is essential when designing strategies to implement programs into wider clinical practice. We performed a process evaluation of the HiBalance effectiveness trial investigating the effects of a 10-week of highly challenging and progressive balance training for mild-moderate Parkinson’s disease (PD). Study aims were to investigate i) the quality and quantity of intervention delivery and ii) barriers and facilitators for implementation. Methods: Process outcomes included; Fidelity; Dose (delivered and received) Recruitment and Reach. Investigation of barriers and facilitators was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Program delivery was assessed across four neurological rehabilitation sites during a two-year period. Data collection was mixed-methods in nature and quantitative and qualitative data were merged during the analysis phase. Results: Thirteen program trainers delivered the intervention to 12 separate groups during 119 training sessions. Trainer fidelity to program core components was very high in 104 (87%) of the sessions. Participant responsiveness to the core components was generally high, although adherence to the home exercise program was low (50%). No significant context-specific differences were observed across sites in terms of fidelity, dose delivered/ received or participant characteristics, despite varying recruitment methods. Facilitators to program delivery were; PD-specificity, high training frequency and professional autonomy. Perceived barriers included; cognitive impairment, absent reactional balance among participants, as well a heterogeneous group in relation to balance capacity. Conclusion: These findings provide corroborating evidence for outcome evaluation results and valuable information for the further adaptation and implementation of this program. Important lessons can also be learned for researchers and clinicians planning to implement challenging exercise training programs for people with mild-moderate PD. ﻿Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02727478, registered 30 march − Retrospectively registered. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02727478
T cell phenotypes associated with insulin resistance: Results from the Berlin Aging Study II
Authors: Sbierski-Kind Julia , Goldeck David , Buchmann Nikolaus , Spranger Joachim , Volk Hans-Dieter , Steinhagen-Thiessen Elisabeth , Pawelec Graham , Demuth Ilja , Spira Dominik
Published: December 2020

BackgroundObesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation leading to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, but a subset of obese individuals is considered insulin sensitive (IS). The underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms remain elusive and clinical studies on the relationship between inflammatory markers and metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) are scarce.MethodsIn this cross-sectional analysis, we included a sample of 437 older participants (60-84 years) from the Berlin Aging Study II (BASE-II). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated, immune cell subsets were analyzed with multiparameter flow cytometry and systemic cytokine levels were measured. Immune cell parameters were correlated with metabolic measures and multiple linear regression analysis was conducted and adjusted for various demographic and clinical factors.ResultsWe found that frequencies of naïve and memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells inversely correlated with measures for insulin sensitivity in the older population. Moreover, the percentages of naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were significantly higher, whereas activated T cells and IL-6 levels were lower in IS compared to insulin resistant (IR) obese individuals. The percentages of naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were predictive for impaired insulin sensitivity (ß=0.16, p=0.01 and ß=0.11, p=0.04), and the association of naïve CD4+ T cells with insulin sensitivity persisted after multivariate adjustment (ß=0.14, p=0.02). ConclusionsThese findings support the hypothesis that parameters of systemic inflammation can differentiate IS from IR obese individuals that are at higher risk for cardiometabolic diseases and may have clinical implications with regard to obesity treatment stratification.Trial registration: DRKS00009277. Registered 31 August 2015 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.base2.mpg.de/de
Reducing the use of physical restraints in home care - Development and feasibility testing of a multicomponent program to support the implementation of a guideline
Authors: Vandervelde Sara , Scheepmans Kristien , Milisen Koen , Achterberg Theo van , Vlaeyen Ellen , Flamaing Johan , de Casterlé Bernadette Dierckx
Published: December 2020

Background: A validated evidence-based guideline was developed to reduce physical restraint use in home care. However, the implementation of guidelines in home care is challenging. Therefore, this study aims to systematically develop and evaluate a multicomponent program for the implementation of the guideline for reducing the use of physical restraints in home care.Methods: Intervention Mapping was used to develop a multicomponent program. This method contains six steps. Each step comprises several tasks towards the design, implementation and evaluation of an intervention; which is theory and evidence informed, as well as practical. To ensure that the multicomponent program would support the implementation of the guideline in home care, a feasibility study of eight months was organized in one primary care district in Flanders, Belgium. A concurrent mixed methods design was used to evaluate the multicomponent program consisting of a knowledge test, focus groups and an online survey. Results: The Social Cognitive Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior are the foundations of the multicomponent program. Based on modeling, active learning, guided practice, belief selection and resistance to social pressure, eight practical applications were developed to operationalize these methods. The key components of the program are: the ambassadors for restraint-free home care (n = 15), the tutorials, the physical restraint checklist and the flyer. The results of the feasibility study show the necessity to select uniform terminology and definition for physical restraints, to involve all stakeholders from the beginning of the process, to take time for the implementation process, to select competent ambassadors and to collaborate with other home care providers.Conclusions: The multicomponent program shows promising results. Prior to future use, further research needs to focus on the last two steps of Intervention Mapping (program implementation plan and developing an evaluation plan), to guide implementation on a larger scale and to formally evaluate the effectiveness of the multicomponent program.
Fluid flow exposure promotes Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and adhesion of breast cancer cells to endothelial cells
Authors: Fuh Kenneth F. , Shepherd Robert D. , Withell Jessica S. , Kooistra Brayden K. , Rinker Kristina D
Published: December 2020

Background: Mechanical interactions between tumor cells and microenvironments are frequent phenomena during breast cancer progression, however, it is not well understood how interactions in the magnitude of those encountered in the vascular microenvironment affect expression of genes related to Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and adhesion to endothelial cells. EMT is associated with the progression of most carcinomas through induction of new transcriptional programs within affected epithelial cells, resulting in cells becoming more motile and adhesive to endothelial cells. Methods: MDA-MB-231, SK-BR-3, BT-474, and MCF-7 cells and normal Human Mammary Epithelial Cells (HMECs) were exposed to fluid flow in a parallel-plate bioreactor system. Changes in gene expression were quantified using microarrays and qPCR, gene-gene interactions were elucidated using network analysis, and key modified genes were examined in clinical datasets. Changes in protein expression of key EMT markers between chemically induced EMT and flow-exposed cells were compared in immunocytochemistry assays. Finally, the ability of flow-stimulated and unstimulated cancer cells to adhere to an endothelial monolayer was evaluated in flow and static adhesion experiments. Results: Fluid flow stimulation resulted in upregulation of EMT inducers and downregulation of repressors. Specifically, Vimentin and Snail were upregulated both at the gene and protein expression levels in flow stimulated HMECs, suggesting progression towards an EMT phenotype. Flow-induced overexpression of a panel of cell adhesion genes was also observed. Network analysis revealed genes involved in cell flow responses including FN1, PLAU, and ALCAM. When evaluated in clinical datasets, overexpression of FN1, PLAU, and ALCAM was observed in patients with most subtypes of breast cancer. We also observed increased adhesion of flow-stimulated breast cancer cells compared to unstimulated controls, suggesting an increased potential to form secondary tumors at metastatic sites. Conclusions: This study shows that fluid forces on the order of 1 Pa promote EMT and adhesion of breast cancer cells to an endothelial monolayer and identified biomarkers were distinctly expressed in patient populations. A better understanding of how biophysical forces such as shear stress affect cellular processes involved in metastatic progression of breast cancer is important for identifying new molecular markers for disease progression, and for predicting metastatic risk.
Effects of exogenous nerve growth factor on the expression of BMP-9 and VEGF in the healing of rabbit mandible fracture with local nerve injury
Authors: Yang Sen , Cheng Jiao , Man Cheng , Jiang Lian , Long Guogeng , Zhao Wenjun , Zheng Dexin
Published: December 2020

Background: The fracture of the mandible remains one of the most facial fractures and its healing is a complex process, involving nerve and growth factors. Currently, nerve growth factor not only benefits maintenance of sympathetic neurite growth but also takes part in the intricate regulatory network to stimulate other growth factors such as bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which promote together essential osteogenesis and angiogenesis to physiological bone formation, growth and fracture healing. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the combination of nerve growth factor (NGF), bone morphogenic protein-9 (BMP-9), and VEGF to accelerate the healing rate of mandible fracture.Methods: The models of mandible fracture with local nerve injury established in forty-eight rabbits were randomly divided into nerve growth factor group (NGF group), gelatin sponge group (GS group), blank group, and intact group with 12 rabbits in each group. The fracture healing was observed with visual and X-ray after the operation, then callus tissue in the mandibular fracture area were collected for hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining observation, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of BMP-9 and VEGF in callus at different stages.Results: The combined results of macroscopic observation, X-ray examination, and histological section showed that a large number of osteoblasts and some vascular endothelial cells were found around the trabecular bone in the NGF group and the amount of callus formation and reconstruction was better than GS group at the 2nd weeks after the operation. QRT-PCR result indicated that the expression levels of BMP-9 mRNA and VEGF mRNA in the four groups reached the highest value at the 2nd week, and then decreased with time. At the same time, the content of BMP-9 and VEGF in callus tissue in the mandibular fracture area increased significantly in the NGF group than the GS group.Conclusion: The exogenous NGF could improve the expressions of BMP-9 and VEGF at the early stage of mandibular fracture to accelerate the healing of mandible fracture. This work will provide a new foundation and theoretical basis to make a clear mechanism of fracture healing, thereby promoting patients’ fracture healing and reducing their disability rate.
Effects of Continuous Cropping of Sweet Potatoes on the Bacterial Community Structure in Rhizospheric Soil
Authors: Gao Zhiyuan , Hu Yaya , Han Meikun , Xu Junjie , Wang Xue , Liu Lanfu , Tang Zhonghou , Jiao Weijing , Jin Rong , Liu Ming , Guan Zhengjun , Ma Zhimin
Published: December 2020

Background: Continuous cropping obstacles from sweet potatoes are widespread, which seriously reduce the yield and quality, causing certain economic losses. Bacteria of rhizospheric soil are the richest and are associated with obstacles to continuous cropping. However, few studies have examined how continuous sweet potato cropping affects the rhizospheric soil bacterial community structure. Results: In the study, the Illumina MiSeq method was used to explore the variations inrhizospheric soil bacterial community structure of different sweet potato varieties after continuous cropping, as well as the correlation between soil characteristics and the bacterial community. The results showed that (1) the dominant bacterial phyla in rhizospheric soils from both Xushu 18 and Yizi 138 were Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Actinobacteria. The most dominant genus was Subgroup 6_norank. The relative abundance of rhizospheric soil bacteria varied significantly between the two sweet potato varieties. (2) The richness and diversity indexes of bacteria were higher in Xushu 18 rhizospheric soil than in Yizi 138 soil after continuous cropping. Moreover, beneficial Lysobacter and Bacillus were more prevalent in Xushu 18, while Yizi 138 contained more harmful Gemmatimonadetes. (3) Soil pH decreased after continuous cropping, and redundancy analysis indicated that soil pH was significantly correlated with the bacterial community. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient analysis demonstrated that pH was positively associated with Planctomycetes and Acidobacteria, but negatively associated with Actinobacteria and Firmicutes.Conclusions: After continuous cropping, the bacterial community structure and physicochemical properties of sweet potato rhizospheric soil were changed, and the changes from different sweet potato varieties were different. The contents of Lysobacter and Bacillus were higher in the sweet potato variety resistant to continuous cropping. It provides a basis for developing new microbial fertilizers for sweet potatoes to alleviate the continuous cropping obstacle.
Predictors of acute cardiovascular events following acute exacerbation period for patients with COPD: a nested case-control study
Authors: Hu Weiping , Lhamo Tsokyi , Zhang Feng-ying , Hang Jing-qing , Zuo Yi-hui , Hua Jian-lan , Li Shan-qun , Zhang Jing
Published: December 2020

Background It has been noted that there is an increase in the incidence of acute cardiovascular events (CVEs) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during an acute exacerbation (AE) , thereby causing increased inpatient mortality. Thus, we have tried to identify predictors of acute CVEs in patients with AECOPD via a nested case-control study.Methods A total of 496 cases hospitalized for AECOPD were included in this study, and followed-up for up to 6 months after discharge. Acute CVEs in the AE period were defined as a new or worsening acute coronary syndrome (ACS), arrhythmia, left ventricular disfunction (LVD). Predictors of CVEs were selected from several variables, including baseline characteristics and treatments in the stable period as well as symptoms, laboratory tests, complications and treatments in the AE period. Results Thirty cases (6.05%) had acute CVEs, namely 2 had ACS, 13 had LVD and 19 experienced some form of arrhythmia. Four deaths were observed in the CVE group, with significantly increased death risk compared with the non-CVE group (P=0.001, OR=5.81). Moreover, patients who had CVEs were more prone to have re-exacerbation within 3 months. Multivariate analysis showed that previous LVD history (P=0.004, OR=5.06), 20% increase in heart rate (HR) (P=0.003, OR= 10.19), electrolyte disturbance (P=0.01, OR= 4.24) and diuretics (P=0.002, OR = 6.37) were independent predictors of CVEs. In addition, usage of theophylline, fluoroquinolone and inhaled beta agonists in the AE period were not statistically associated with acute CVEs. Conclusions Our preliminary study indicates that patients hospitalized for AECOPD with previous LVD history or increased HR need close observation and diuretics should be cautiously used with regular electrolyte monitoring. These findings need to be confirmed in a large cohort.
Hiperdontia em paciente portadora de displasia cleidocraniana, acompanhamento de 14 anos: relato de caso
Authors: Teslenco Vítor Bruno , Barros Maylson Alves Nogueira , Pancini Everton Floriano , Cavalcanti Herbert de Abreu , Reis Guilherme Nucci dos
Published: December 2020

Introdução: Anomalias de forma, tamanho, formato, número, estrutura, e erupção dentária são comumente vistas dentro da odontologia. Dentre elas temos a hiperdontia ou dentes suprenumerários. A etiologia desta patologia não foi realmente esclarecida, porém estas anormalidades são gerenciadas por um complexo sistema de interação genética e ambiental. Objetivo: relatar à comunidade científica um caso diagnosticado como displasia cleidocraniana, onde foram removidos 34 dentes supranumerários de uma paciente. Relato de caso: Paciente do gênero feminino, 12 anos de idade, diagnosticada com displasia cleidocranina. Foram realizados um total de 04 procedimentos, para remoção dos dentes e tracionamento dos permanentes impactados. Todos os procedimentos foram realizados sob anestesia local. Conclusão: O principal fator a se considerar para que busquemos o sucesso no tratamento destes pacientes é o diagnóstico precoce. Desta maneira, podemos buscar de maneira multidisciplinar um adequado plano de tratamento, evitando complicações futuras ao paciente portador da síndrome.
Descritores: Dente Impactado; Dente Supranumerário; Cirurgia Bucal; Displasia Cleidocraniana.
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Formation of clinohumite ± spinel in dolomitic marbles from the Makrohar Granulite Belt, Central India: Evidence for Ti mobility during regional metamorphism
Authors: Karmakar Shreya
Published: December 2020

The mobility of Ti, a member of high field strength elements, in metamorphic fluids is crucial to understand the recycling of commonly perceived nominally soluble elements and for mass-flux calculations during crustal processes. In this study, we present evidence for large-scale Ti mobility from a suite of clinohumite±spinel-bearing dolomitic marbles from the Makrohar area in central India. The studied rocks mostly contain dolomite and calcite (in subequal proportions) and a subordinate amount of forsterite. It commonly develops 1–5 cm thick, laterally continuous, mostly parallel, sometimes anastomosing, brown-colored clinohumite rich bands with variable spinel. Clinohumite has moderate Ti and F (TiO2 = 0.55–2.88 wt%; F = 0.94–1.88 wt%; n = 32). Textural and phase equilibria modeling indicate that clinohumite grew at the expense of forsterite + dolomite under static conditions due to infiltration of F- and Ti-bearing extremely H2O-rich fluids (XCO2 < 0.03), at ~5–6 kbar pressure and ~650–700 °C temperature. The Ti and F were most likely supplied by highly channelized aqueous fluids restricted within the centimeter-thick bands. The negative volume change of the reactions further facilitated fluid ingress. The lateral continuity of the bands over several meters across multiple out-crops indicates that Ti was mobile at the meter to kilometer scale. The results are in accordance with experimental studies that solubility of Ti increases in the presence of halides and imply that Ti may be much more mobile in metamorphic fluids during regional metamorphism than previously anticipated.
O O perfil empreendedor em startups no modelo born global de internacionalização:
Authors: Mesquita Renato Furtado de , Marques Érico Veras , Correia Neto Jocildo Figueiredo
Published: December 2020

As startups vêm sendo amplamente discutidas nos meios profissional e acadêmico, sendo evidenciadas por apresentarem um perfil ágil e inovador. Elas surgem a partir do esforço e da visão dos empreendedores, os quais devem apresentar certas características adequadas ao empreendedorismo. Muitas dessas startups, sobretudo as de base tecnológica, potencialmente, podem ter uma atuação global. Esse artigo aborda o perfil de empreendedores de startups born global. A pesquisa abrange um estudo de casos múltiplos, no qual as unidades de análise são os empreendedores de startups brasileiras que se internacionalizaram. Dentre outros achados, os resultados apontam empreendedores com forte necessidade de realização, que correm riscos calculados e estabelecem metas compartilhadas com sua equipe.
Determinantes do tempo de vida de micro e pequenas empresas do varejo de vestuário em Campos dos Goytacazes em 2019
Authors: Alves Rodrigues Manhães Gabriella , Aparecida Profeta Graciela , Acar Tatiana , Resende Ramos Rodrigo
Published: December 2020

No Brasil muitas das micro e pequenas empresas (MPEs) encerram suas atividades com menos de dois anos de existência, mas aquelas que conseguem estender seu ciclo de vida exercem importante papel econômico e social por meio da geração de postos de trabalho e de renda. Devido ao fato de ter se verificado a importância das MPEs no Brasil e em Campos dos Goytacazes para a geração de emprego e renda, a relevância do segmento de mercado ligado à indústria da moda para o município, assim como também observando que boa parte das MPEs possui uma mortalidade precoce, neste estudo buscou-se responder quais são os fatores que determinam o tempo de vida de MPEs em Campos dos Goytacazes, considerando o segmento de varejo de vestuário no ano de 2019. Para tal aplicou-se entrevistas semiestruturadas em 56 MPEs do segmento de vestuário situadas em Campos dos Goytacazes em outubro de 2019 e estimou-se um modelo econométrico proposto para mensurar os efeitos dos determinantes do tempo de vida das MPEs. De modo geral os resultados indicaram que as principais variáveis que mais impactaram no tempo de vida das micro e pequenas empresas do segmento de vestuário na região central da cidade de Campos dos Goytacazes foram as variáveis ligadas à gestão, especialmente no que tange ao planejamento. Logo, faz-se importante que os gestores e elaboradores de políticas públicas se atentem a essas variáveis de modo a garantir a sobrevivência dessas empresas e, consequentemente, a geração de emprego e renda.