bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The tumor microbiome is implicated in breast cancer prognosis
Authors: Zhu Jia , Wu Jie , Mo Changgan , Liang Siyuan , Lian Tao , Qi Tiantian , Qiu Rongbin , Yu Xiaoting , Tang Xiuge , Wu Biao
Published: October 2020

Background: Some breast cancer patients are prone to recurrence and metastasis. Increasing evidence suggests that the breast tissue contains a diverse population of bacteria, which may be modulating the risk of breast cancer development or progression. However, the extent of microbial contribution to the tumor immune microenvironment in breast cancer remains unknown. Here, we explored the potential influence of the tumor microbiota on the local immune microenvironment and breast cancer prognosis.Methods: Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we analyzed the tumor microbiome composition and identified bacteria that were differentially abundant between breast cancer patients with recurrence or metastasis (R/M) and those without recurrence or metastasis (NRM). We performed total RNA sequencing in tumor tissues from patients in both groups to determine differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The landscape of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) subtypes in the tumor immune microenvironment was analyzed using CIBERSORT, based on the gene expression profiling of tumor tissues. Differences in the tumor microbiomes were then correlated with DEGs and differences in TIICs, in order to determine how microbial abundance may contribute to cancer progression.Results: Microbial alpha-diversity was higher in NRM patients than in R/M patients. The composition and functions of the tumor microbiome communities differed between the two groups. We found higher alpha-diversity, higher abundance of Ruminococcus, Butyrivibrio, and Deinococcus, and lower abundance of Microbacterium could serve as a predictor of better prognosis in breast cancer patients. We also found that 16 genes, including CD36, showed differential expression in NRM compared to R/M, and differences in the composition of TIICs were observed between the two groups. In addition, we observed that the different tumor microbiome profiles were associated with DEGs and differences in TIICs between the two groups.Conclusions: The tumor microbiome may affect the prognosis of breast cancer patients by influencing the tumor immune microenvironment. Thus, the tumor microbiome may be a useful prognostic indicator.
Structural Alterations of the Choroid Evaluated by Enhanced-Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients with COVID-19
Authors: KOCAMIŞ Özkan , Temel Emine , HIZMALI Lokman , AŞIKGARİP Nazife , ÖRNEK Kemal , Sezgin Fikriye Milletli
Published: October 2020

Background: To assess alterations of choroid by enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods: Thirty-two patients with COVID-19 infection (group 1) and 34 healthy subjects (group 2) were included in this study. The choroidal thickness was measured at three points: Subfoveal, 1500 mm nasal from the fovea, and 1500 mm temporal from the fovea. Total choroidal area, luminal area, stromal area and choroidal vascular index (CVI) was measured by Image-J.Results: In group 1, subfoveal, nasal, and temporal choroid thicknesses were thinner compared to group 2. However, there was no statistical significance (p=0.534, p=0.437, and p=0.077, respectively). The mean total choroidal area, the mean stromal area, the mean luminal area, and the mean CVI were significantly decreased in group 1 (p<0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001, and p=0.003; respectively).Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that there may be choroidal vascular and stromal depletion in these patients.
Mediation Role of Social Support and Burnout Between Financial Satisfaction and Turnover Intention in Primary Care Providers: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yan Huosheng , Sang Lingzhi , Liu Hongzhang , Li Cancan , Wang Zijing , Chen Ren , Ding Hong , Hu Zhi , Chen Guimei
Published: October 2020

Background: Turnover intention is a major cause of reduced team morale and low work efficiency. It hinders work performance and reduces the quality of medical services. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between financial satisfaction and turnover intention and its mediators among primary care providers.Methods: Stratified sampling was used to select 1241 participants from three counties in Anhui province, China. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire. Turnover intention was assessed with a turnover intention assessment scale. Social support and burnout were measured with the 12-item Perceived Social Support Scale and the Chinese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory, respectively. Structural equation modeling was used for data analysis.Results: The findings showed high turnover intention among primary care providers (mean score 14.16±4.337), and most providers reported low financial satisfaction (mean score 2.49±0.990). The mean social support score was 64.93±13.229, and only 6.1% of primary care providers reported no burnout. Compared with participants with high financial satisfaction, those with low financial satisfaction were more likely to report higher turnover intention (β=−0.216, p<0.001), more social support (β=0.181, p<0.001), and more severe burnout (β=−0.123, p<0.05). Turnover intention may be related to social support (β=−0.147, p<0.001) and burnout (β=0.239, p<0.001). Furthermore, the effect of financial satisfaction on turnover intention was significantly mediated by social support (β=−0.027, p<0.001) and burnout (β=−0.029, p<0.05).Conclusions: Turnover intention is associated with financial satisfaction, with this association mediated by social support and burnout. A reasonable mechanism needs to be established to improve the financial satisfaction and social support and reduce burnout among primary care providers.
Association Between Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 and Insulin Resistance in Obese Prepubertal Boys: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kuang Jiangying , Zhang Li , Xu Yueqin , Xue Jiang , Liang Shuang
Published: October 2020

Background: As one of the most common features of obesity, insulin resistance is central to the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome. Low insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1) levels have been proven to be associated with many traditional cardiovascular risk factors, but it still remains controversy with the relationship between IGF-1 and insulin resistance. Accordingly, the main purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between IGF-1 and insulin resistance in obese prepubertal boys.Methods: We used whole body insulin sensitivity index (WBISI) to represent insulin resistance. 70 obese prepubertal boys were included in this study, and the obese subjects were divided into two groups by using 1.285 as a threshold value for WBISI. Clinical examination and laboratory examinations were assessed for all participants.Results: Among obese boys, the group of children with WBISI ≤1.285 had lower IGF-1 standard deviation scores (SDS) (p = 0.021) than WBISI >1.285 group. The results of multivariate stepwise regression analysis show that WBISI was positively correlated with IGF-1 SDS (β =1.726, p = 0.002) after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors.Conclusion: IGF-1 SDS was negatively associated with insulin resistance in obese prepubertal boys, independent of other traditional cardiovascular disease risk markers.
Is Vegetarianism Related to Anxio-Depressive Symptomatology? A Cross-Sectional Survey in A Large French Sample
Authors: Bègue Laurent , Shankland Rebecca
Published: October 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Tertiary Butylhydroquinone Ameliorates Insulin Resistance and Liver Steatosis in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zhu Tiantian , Zhu Chaonan , Huang Ning , Liu Tianheng , Wang Shuangxi , Wan Guangrui , Song Ping , Xu Jian , Li Peng , Yin Yaling
Published: October 2020

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) on insulin resistance (IR) and diabetic liver steatosis. Methods: Male ApoE-/- mice were received streptozocin (STZ) injection and a high-sugar-high-fat diet to form type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Then, the mice were given TBHQ for six weeks. Body weight, fasting blood-glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PBG), insulin and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were detected on all the mice. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and western-blot were performed to detect the morphological structure and the target proteins expression in liver tissues. In vitro, HepG2 cells were induced by HClO and insulin to develop IR. Western-blot was used to evaluate the related proteins expression. Hoechst staining was conducted to measure cell apoptosis. Results: Mice that received STZ injection and a high-sugar-high-fat diet developed T2DM. TBHQ reduced blood glucose level, improved glucose tolerance, alleviated liver steatosis in diabetic mice. Moreover, TBHQ significantly increased AMPKα2, GLUT4 and GSK3β expression, up-regulated PI3K and AKT phosphorylation level in diabetic mice liver. Notably, TBHQ down-regulated HClO and insulin-induced cell IR and inhibited cell apoptosis via AMPKα2/PI3K/AKT pathway. Conclusion: TBHQ alleviated IR and liver steatosis in T2DM mice and the mechanism may relate to AMPKα2/PI3K/AKT pathway.
The State Value
Authors: AbdElaal Moustafa Ahmed , Elmohamady Nesrien Mohamed
Published: October 2020

This paper considers the state value using the real option approach. Our model allows adding unlimited number of factors which affects the state value. We adjusted Ornstein-Uhlenbeck stochastic process to be able to consider unlimited number of pricing factors to calculate the state value. We think this model may be useful to evaluate the performance of the government and making decision process via knowing the optimal value and the optimal time for the decision. This dynamic model differs from the traditional pricing model for evaluating the nation's wealth using the discounted cash flow model (DCF) which does not allows considering the market condition via using the risk-neutral approach. The states value determinants are divided into two classes, determinants and sub-determinants.
Fabrication and Paracrine Effect Research of Bone Marrow-Derived Endothelial Progenitor Cell Sheet
Authors: Xue Fenlong , Xin Yuanfeng , Bai Yunpeng , Jiang Yiyao , Liu Jianhsi , Jian Kaitao
Published: October 2020

Background: The release of a wide array of endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) sheet-secreted paracrine factors is central to the mechanism by which these cells contribute to tissue repair. The purpose of this study was to fabricate BM-EPC sheet and conduct preliminary investigation on the paracrine effect of SDF-1ɑ about the role of the stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α)/CXCR4 axis in the form of tubular structures from BM-EPCs sheet.Methods: EPCs derived from rat bone marrow (BM-EPC) were identified and isolated by the cell-surface markers CD34/CD133/VE-cadherin/KDR using flow cytometry, as well as by dual affinity for acLDL and UEA-1. Single-cell suspensions were seeded on temperature-responsive cell culture dishes. After 7 days of incubation, the BM-EPC cells were easily harvested as cell sheets, and a series of biochemical experiments were performed in vitro. The expression levels of SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis-associated genes and proteins were examined using RT‑qPCR and western blot analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to determine the concentrations of VEGF, EGF and SDF-1α in the cell culture medium.Results: The BM-EPC cell sheets were successfully harvested. Moreover, BM-EPC cell sheets have superior proliferation and tube formation activity when compare with single cell suspension. When capillary-like tube were formed from EPCs sheets, the releasing of paracrine factors such as VEGF, EGF, and SDF-1ɑ were increasing. To drive the tube formation of BM-EPCs sheets, our mechanism research showed that the activation of PI3K/AKT/eNOS pathway since the phosphorylation of protein CXCR, PI3K, AKT and eNOS were increasing. Conclusion: BM-EPC cell sheets have superior proliferation and tube formation activity that can be used for tissue repair. The strong ability to secrete paracrine factors was be related to the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis through PI3K/AKT/eNOS pathway.
Extract of white sweet potato tuber against TNF-α-induced insulin resistant by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway in C2C12 myotubes
Authors: Chen Chiao-Ming , Varga Viola , Shyur Lie-Fen , Mu Shu-Chi , Li Sing-Chung
Published: October 2020

Background

White sweet potato (WSP; I. batatas L. Simon No.1) has many potential beneficial effects on metabolic control and diabetes-related insulin resistance. The improvement of insulin resistance by WSP tuber extracts on glucose uptake were not investigated in C2C12 myoblast cells.
Results

WSP tuberous ethanol extract (WSP-E), partition with ethyl-acetate and water to got ethyl-acetate layer (WSP-EA) and water layer (WSP-EW) have highest total phenol contents and antioxidant activity respectively. After low concentration horse serum on differentiation inducement of C2C12 myoblasts into mature myotubes, treated with TNF-α to induce insulin resistant, WSP-EA and WSP-EW extracts increased the uptake of fluorescence glucose analogue (2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1, 3-diazol-4-yl) amino]-2-deoxy-d-glucose, 2-NBDG) in a dose depend manner by flow cytometry. The WSP-EA enhanced glucose uptake by activation of phosphorylation of IR (pIR), IRS-1 (pIRS-1) and Akt (pAkt) involved in PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase) / protein kinase B (Akt) pathway, also upregulated glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expression in myotubes.
Conclusions

WSP-EA enhanced the glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes through upregulating the PI3K/Akt pathway. WSP tuber extracts has potential applications to improve insulin resistance in diabetes in vitro.
Treadmill Training Improves Cognitive Function via Increasing IGF2 Targeted Downregulation of miRNA-483
Authors: Xiong Liu-Lin , Dong Xiu-Juan , Xue Lu-Lu , Chen Jun-Jie , Al-hawwas Mohammed , Zhu Zhao-Qing , Wang Tinghua
Published: October 2020

Background: Suitable exercise can promote development of cognitive function and improve learning and memory ability of the hippocampus. Nevertheless, mechanisms that elicit these positive effects of exercise are yet needing to be elucidated. IGF2 is known to act as a potent memory and cognitive enhancer, whereas the mechanism by which IGF2 regulates cognitive function related to moderate treadmill exercise remained largely vague.Methods: In the study, rats were subjected to slight, moderate and high intensity treadmill training for 6 weeks. Then, Morris Water maze test was employed to investigate hippocampus-dependent spatial learning and memory ability in rats subjected to different intensity treadmill exercise. Subsequently, the gene chip and Gene Ontology were used for analysis to explore the expression level of IGF2. Furthermore, The TargetScan_7.1, miRDB, and microRNA.org. databases was used to predict the target gene of IGF2. Results: After Morris Water maze test, we found that middle intensity treadmill training could obviously enhance learning and memory function of rats. The qRT-PCR and western blot confirmed that the expression of IGF2 was significantly upregulated in hippocampus after moderate treadmill exercise. Through databases, miRNA-483 was screened and predicted as the target gene of IGF2. Moreover, silencing IGF2 inhibited the neurite growth in the hippocampus of rats, while, miRNA-483-inhibitor ameliorated the silencing IGF2 induced hippocampal neurons impairment to promote the neurite outgrowth.Conclusions: These findings suggested that the treadmill training could enhance the cognitive function, in which the underlying mechanism is involving in elevating the expression level of IGF2 and associated with downregulated miRNA-483. This therefore provide a reliable theoretical explanation on improving cognitive function induced by moderate exercise.
Application and Discussion of Laparoscope in the Treatment of Gallbladder Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Di , Chen Yuxiang , Duan Yunfei , Lu Yunjie , Sun Donglin
Published: October 2020

Background: To explore the clinical efficacy and long-term prognosis of laparoscopic technique in patients with gallbladder cancer.Methods: Retrospective analysis and summary of the clinical data of 50 patients with gallbladder carcinoma treated by laparoscope from January 2010 to November 2018 in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University.Results: The intraoperative or postoperative pathology of 43 cases were confirmed as the gallbladder carcinoma. Among them, 11 cases were confirmed as Tis stage, 12 cases as T1b stage, 20 cases as T2 stage and 7 cases as T3 stage. Follow up data of one patient was lost due to personal reason. During the follow-up period, no one at Tis stage died, two cases at T1b stage died, six cases at T2 stage died and six cases at T3 stage died. Conclusion: Laparoscope is a secure and feasible way in the treatment of gallbladder carcinoma at an early stage, but a large number of clinical data is still required to demonstrate its long-term curative effect.
Psoas CT Attenuation and Fatty Infiltration Rate Predict Incisional Hernia After Appendicectomy
Authors: Du Xuechao , Sun Pengtao , Yan Yuchang , Gong Xiang , Lian Yufei , Pan Zhenyu
Published: October 2020

Background Incisional hernia (IH), especially giant incisional hernia negatively affects a patient’s quality of life. Previous literatures often used muscle area measured by CT to assess loss of muscle mass and to estimate its relationship with diseases. For now, a few literatures have discussed potential effect of psoas muscle area on IH, while very limited attention has been paid to the association between psoas fatty infiltration and incidence of IH. In this study, we aimed to investigate if psoas CT measurement parameters, including average CT attenuation, fatty infiltration rate and psoas muscle index, were associated with IH.Methods Adult patients (> 18 years old) who had a history of appendicectomy and underwent CT examination in Beijing Chaoyang hospital from January 2018 to December 2019 were enrolled. All patients were classified into IH group and non-IH group. Psoas CT attenuation, fatty infiltration rate (FIR) and psoas muscle index (PMI) were measured or calculated. Sarcopenia was defined according to PMI. Differences in indices between the two groups were compared. Logistic regression model was applied to assess the effects of psoas CT measurement parameters on the occurrence of IH.Results 120 consecutive patients were included in this study. Psoas CT attenuation (p = 0.031) and PMI (p = 0.042) in IH group were significantly lower than those in non-IH group, and FIR in IH group was significantly higher than that in non-IH group (p < 0.001). Psoas CT attenuation, FIR, PMI, age, gender and smoking were significant factors in univariate logistic regression analysis. After adjusting for confounding factors, multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that psoas CT attenuation was an independent protective factor (p = 0.042), and FIR an independent risk factor (p = 0.018); while PMI (p = 0.118) and sarcopenia (p = 0.663) showed no significant effect on incidence of IH.Conclusion Decreased CT attenuation and increased FIR of psoas are risk factors for IH after appendectomy.
Percutaneous vertebroplasty versus kyphoplasty for the treatment of neurologically intact osteoporotic Kümmell’s disease
Authors: Dai Shouqian , qin Rongqing , shi xiu , Yang Hui-lin
Published: October 2020

Background: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and kyphoplasty (PKP) have been widely used to treat neurologically intact osteoporotic Kümmell’s disease (KD), but it is still unclear which treatment is more advantageous. Our study aimed to compare and investigate the safety and clinical efficacy of PVP and PKP in the treatment of KD.Methods: The relevant data that 64 patients of neurologically intact osteoporotic KD receiving PVP (30 patients) or PKP (34 patients) were analyzed. Surgical time, operation costs, intraoperative blood loss, volume of bone cement injection, and fluoroscopy times were compared. Occurrence of cement leakage, transient fever and re-fracture were recorded. Universal indicators of visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were evaluated separately before surgery and at 1 day, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and the final follow-up after operation. The height of anterior edge of the affected vertebra and the Cobb’s angle were assessed by imaging. Results: All patients were followed up for at least 24 months. The volume of bone cement injection, intraoperative blood loss, occurrence of bone cement leakage, transient fever and re-fracture between two groups showed no significant difference. The surgical time, the operation cost and fluoroscopy times of the PKP group was significantly higher than that of the PVP group. The post-operative VAS, ODI scores, the height of the anterior edge of the injured vertebrae and kyphosis deformity were significantly improved in both groups compared with the pre-operation. The improvement of vertebral height and kyphosis deformity in PKP group was significantly better than that in the PVP group at every same time point during the follow-up periods, but the VAS and ODI scores between the two groups showed no significant difference.Conclusion: PVP and PKP can both significantly alleviate the pain of patients with KD and obtain good clinical efficacy and safety. By contrast, PKP can achieve better imaging height and kyphosis correction, and can be recommended as a preferred treatment options for KD.
Risk and Prevalence of Fatty Liver Assessed in A Scientific Research Institute in Beijing
Authors: Qu Shu-Gen , Chen Hui-Qin , Li Dong-Mei
Published: October 2020

Background: To investigate the prevalence and distribution of employees with fatty liver disease (FLD) and assess the risk factors associated with diseases and biochemical markers. Methods: Disease risk markers, and the levels of biochemical markers of 2541 participants from an Institute of Scientific Research in Beijing, were assessed according to standard methods and FLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography. Chi-square test was used to compare the results between participants with and without FLD. Results: The prevalence of FLD, based on abdominal ultrasonography examination, was 43.5% (1105/2541) in this population. The overall prevalence increased with age, and it was substantially higher in males (50.0% vs females: 34.6%, P < 0.001). The gender and age distributions were significantly different between the two groups (χ2=59.8 for gender and t= -15.2 for age or χ2=205.6 for age group, P < 0.05). Chi-square test results revealed statistically significant differences in the BMI, prehypertension, hypertension, prediabetes, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, mixed type hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and the rise of GGT, ALT, AST, total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin between populations with and without FLD (P < 0.05). The risk of disease and biochemical markers contributing to the development of FLD was assessed by calculating the odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI), and the results are ordered as follows: overweight and obesity [6.85 (5.54-8.48)], diabetes [6.00 (3.66-9.82)], prediabetes [5.06 (3.10-8.26)], ALT rise [4.67 (3.58-6.10)], GGT rise [4.01 (3.03-5.30)]. Multiple factors analysis was conducted to further compare those identified risk factors of FLD, which showed statistically significant differences in age, overweight and obesity, prediabetes, diabetes, mixed type hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia and ALT rise by Logistic regression analysis (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Chronic disease, especially FLD, can be easily ignored during health assessment, although it is as important health risk factor as overweight and obesity, hypertension and diabetes. Physical examination is a practical approach to detect FLD in the process of control and prevention.
Innovative Strategies for Developing Tuberculosis Implementation Research in Sudan
Authors: Elshayeb Ayman Ahmed , Ahmed Nihad Mohammed , Salih Karimeldin Mohammed , Nugoud Osama Abu Zaid , Yagoub Abd Allah Elnayeb , Ali Abdel Karim Sabir
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Sudan, especially Eastern States are very poor areas at great risk of endemic and communicable diseases particularly tuberculosis. The reasons for the spread and transmission of this disease include medical, economical and geographical issues, besides Sudan’s location in the middle of nine countries in East Africa, its boundaries were affected by free movement, high number of conflicts displaced peoples from boarders’ countries, high illiteracy rates, limited financial resources and shortages in medical services. Objectives: This project is conducted to implement a new developed system for eliminating Tuberculosis infections among eastern Sudanese populations focusing on the eradication of multidrug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis including novel methods for the targeted delivery of new therapeutic drugs. Conceptual Methodology: Strategies adopted in this work are proposed to increase access includes to communicable and economic factors. Disease Survey and Laboratorial Investigation for Multi Drug Resistant bacterial strains confirmation. Medical Assessment of TB Patients to facilitate improved efficiencies through metric measurement and enable patients’ relationship management. Established a national level policy of treatment, vaccination and prevention. Administering regular evaluation of the disease situation and control.Results: Implementation outcomes includes the conceptual framework for this project were informed by a combination of the general program logic model, the health system framework of the World Health Organization, WHO, the pillars of the Sudan health agenda, and the framework of the Strategic Elimination Plan. It is assumed that the reduction of TB burden at the national level (long-term output or impact) is preceded by improved case-finding and case-holding practices (short-term output). Impact outcome of the project is derived from the observation that tuberculosis is much more common at the boarders than center of Sudan where no adequate clinical services are available. It is conceivable that, although outbreaks may occur periodically, the control of disease might be easier to overcome than direct medication.Conclusion: A major success of the project accomplishment, is the stimulation of the implementation strategy development for elimination and eradication of Tuberculosis in Sudan with a view to bring diagnostic and surveillance issues much higher up according to the implementation research agenda especially for those areas explored with similar national and international research projects, reports and technical initiatives.
Diagnostic Accuracy of the Quidel Sofia Rapid Influenza Fluorescent Immunoassay in Patients with Influenza-like illness: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Jonghoo , Song Jae-Uk
Published: October 2020

Background: Although the Quidel Sofia rapid influenza fluorescent immunoassay (FIA) is widely used to identify influenza A and B, the diagnostic accuracy of this test remains unclear. We compared the diagnostic performances of this test with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register. The sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and a hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristic curve (HSROC) of this test for identifying influenza A and B were pooled using meta-analysis. A sensitivity and subgroup analysis was used to identify potential sources of heterogeneity within the selected studies.Results: We identified seventeen studies comprising 8,334 patients. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and DOR of the Quidel Sofia rapid influenza FIA to identify influenza A were 0.78 (95% CI, 0.71–0.83), 0.99 (95% CI, 0.98–0.99), and 251.26 (95% CI, 139.39–452.89), respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio of this test to identify influenza B were 0.72 (95% CI, 0.60–0.82), 0.98 (95% CI, 0.96-0.99), and 140.20 (95% CI, 55.92-351.54), respectively. The area under the HSROC for this test was similar for identification of influenza A and influenza B. Age was considered a probable source of heterogeneity.Conclusions: The pooled sensitivities of the Quidel Sofia rapid influenza FIA did not quite meet the target level (≥80%) for both influenza A and B. The interpretation of data should be carefully considered due to substantial between-study heterogeneity.
Evaluation on the Characteristics of Gut Microbiome in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rats Induced by Dihydrotestosterone or Letrozole
Authors: Zheng Yanhua , Ma Hongxia , Xu Ying , Liang Chengjie , Yang Tong
Published: October 2020

The etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is unclear. Recent reports indicated that the gut microbiome of PCOS patients and rodents has changed. In this study, we induced the nonaromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or the aromatase inhibitor letrozole (LET) to induce PCOS model rat to compare the bacterial diversity distribution within and between the two groups. The molecular ecology of the fecal gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. Our study found that DHT can reduce the microbial richness in rats. PCoA plots confirmed that DHT group was statistically significantly separated from C group and LET group. At phylum level, DHT led to a decrease in Bacteroidetes as well as an increase in Cyanobacteria, Tenericutes, Actinobacteria, Spirochaetae and Saccharibacteria. At genus level, LEfSe analysis showed that genus of Bifidobacteriales, Vibro, Peptococcus and Turicibacter played roles in the letrozole induced PCOS rats. And Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ruminococcus_1, Ruminiclostridium, Anaerotruncus and Anaeroplasma played vital roles in the intestine of DHT induced PCOS rats.
Effect of Different Sweeteners on the Oral Microbiota and Immune System of Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Cheng Xi , Guo Xiurong , Huang Feihong , Lei Hui , Zhou Quan , Song Can
Published: October 2020

Sucrose, xylose, and saccharin are common beverage additives used by humans. Long-term consumption of beverages containing these substances will inevitably affect the oral immune system and the composition of healthy oral microbiomes. In this study, we used 24 Sprague Dawley rats and divided them into four groups. Each group was fed water containing a specific dose of sucrose, saccharin, xylose, or pure water 12 hours a day for eight weeks. To determine the changes in composition, community structure, and functions of the oral microbiomes of rats, we collected oral microbiome samples and subjected them to high-throughput sequencing at the end of eight weeks. Meanwhile, ELISA was performed using the saliva samples from rats to estimate the concentrations of salivary immunoglobulin, to reveal the effect of sweetener on the oral immune system. Sequencing results showed that Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, were the predominant phyla in all the groups. In additions, we found that the oral microbial diversity of rats drinking sucrose water was significantly higher than that of rats in the other groups. Our results indicate that drinking water containing sweeteners could influence oral immunity as well as the composition, metabolic function, and diversity of the oral microbiota, thereby disrupting the original oral micro-ecosystem.
Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Animal Models of Acute Brain Injuries: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Laflamme Mathieu , Haghbayan Hourmazd , Lalu Manoj M , Zarychanski Ryan , Lauzier Francois , Boutin Amelie , Macleod Malcolm R , Fergusson Dean A , Moore Lynne , Costerousse Olivier , Lacroix Jacques , Wellington Cheryl , Hutchison Jamie , Turgeon Alexis F
Published: October 2020

Background: Anemia is common in neurocritically ill patients. Considering the limited clinical evidence in this population, preclinical data may provide some understanding of the potential impact of anemia and of red blood cell transfusion in these patients. We aim to estimate the association between different transfusion strategies and neurobehavioral outcome in animal models.Methods: We will conduct a systematic review of comparative studies of red blood cell transfusion strategies using animal models of traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke or cerebral hemorrhage. We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science databases for eligible studies. Two independent reviewers will perform study selection and data extraction. We will report our results in a descriptive synthesis focusing on characteristics of included studies, reported outcomes, risk of bias and construct validity. If appropriate, we will also perform a quantitative synthesis and pool results using random-effect models. Heterogeneity will be expressed with I2 statistics. Subgroup analyses are planned according to animal model characteristics, co-interventions and risks of bias.Discussion: Our study is aligned with the efforts to better understand the level of evidence on the impact of red blood cell transfusion strategies from preclinical studies in animal models of acute brain injury and the potential translation of information from the preclinical to the clinical research field.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42018086662
WITHDRAWN: A Novel Method for the Synthesis of Binary Molten Salt Nanofluids Adding SiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Seo Joohyun
Published: October 2020

In this study, the new method has been suggested for the synthesis of a binary molten salt eutectic adding nanoparticles (i.e. molten salt nanofluids). Solar salt (i.e. NaNO 3 -KNO 3 , 60:40 by weight) adding 10nm of SiO 2 nanoparticles was prepared to measure the specific heat capacity of molten salt nanofluids by a modulated differential scanning calorimeter (MDSC). In previous studies the sample preparation of a molten salt eutectic follows the same procedure. Each chemical of a molten salt eutectic and nanoparticles is dissolved in an aqueous solution. These homogeneous salts are completely mixed by a sonication. Nano-mixtures are scrapped off the bottom surface of a vial after drying. However, there are complex steps in the process of getting fresh molten salt eutectic nanofluids before MDSC measurements. An unexpected result is able to occur due to phase change (i.e. solid-liquid-solid) at each step and then it has an affect on the specific heat capacity of molten salt nanofluids. A suggested novel method (i.e. Liquid-to-Liquid) can not only prevent unexpected errors (e.g. the possibility of contamination) by phase change in the sample preparation, but also enhance the specific heat capacity of molten salt nanofluids.
From smart working to smart Co-working in the COVID-19 era: a pilot program of cooperation on chronic endocrinological and rheumatological disease
Authors: Maggio Maria Cristina , Montante Claudio , Scalzo Simona , Felice Sofia , Corsello Giovanni
Published: October 2020

Background: The last months were signed by the pandemic diffusion of COVID-19, with the need to minimize the inflow of children and adolescents affected by chronic diseases into the hospitals. Otherwise, paediatricians had to limit visits and to consider a new setting for febrile children.Patients were assisted by telephonic consultations guaranteed by the paediatricians of free choice and by the paediatric specialists. However, patients frequently needed a direct specialistic evaluation in the case of flares, abnormal laboratory parameters and adverse reactions to drugs.Another frequent question was the differential diagnosis of febrile episodes, to distinguish a recurrent fever, linked to autoinflammation, from an infectious disease.We proposed to paediatricians of free choice in west-Sicily a questionnaire about difficulties met in the follow-up of children with rheumatologic diseases, autoinflammatory syndromes, congenital hypothyroidism.Results: 55 questionnaires were collected: the most frequent recorded conditions were periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA syndrome) and Familial Mediterranean Fever; Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, congenital hypothyroidism.All the paediatricians needed specialistic support to adequately control flares, adjustment of drugs dosage.Conclusions: Patients and paediatricians need a specialistic support for the follow-up and to reach a good compliance to treatment.This period characterized by smart working, telemedicine, strategies to monitor remotely the patients, can find the winning strategy in the approach of the “Co-working”, a new cooperation between hospital and paediatricians of free choice, in the global follow-up of paediatric chronic diseases.
Elevation of miR-302b prevent multiple myeloma cells growth and bone destruction by blocking DKK1 secretion
Authors: Wu Zheyu , Zhang Yufeng , Yang Zhiqiang , Zhu Yufan , Xie Yuanlong , Zhou Fuling , Cai Lin
Published: October 2020

Background: Myeloma bone disease (MBD) is a severe complication of multiple myeloma (MM) and is mainly attributed to an imbalance between enhanced osteoclast activity and the reducing of osteoblast function. Previous study has indicated that miRNAs serve a vital role in osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in MM. Method: MiR-302b belongs to miR-302 cluster, which inhibited the tumor growth and osteolysis in orthotopic osteosarcoma xenograft tumor mouse model in our previous research. In the current study, miR-302b mimics, miR-302b inhibitor and miR-302b NC were transfected into MM1.S and RPMI8226 MM cells. The expression between miR-302b and clinicopathological features in pathologicalsamples were detected by qPCR. Immunohistochemistry, qPCR and western blot were used to confirm the target relationship between miR-302b and DKK1. Western blotting was employed in analyzing the relationship between miR-302b and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The effect of miR-302b on osteoblastogenesis was studied using a subperiosteal tumorigenesis model in NOD/SCID nude mice.Results: Increased miR-302b suppressed cell proliferation and induced the cell apoptosis in RPMI 8226 and MM1.S cells. Targetscan online bioinformatic analysis predicted that miR-302b may bind to 3’UTR of DKK1 mRNA. Target binding of miR-302b to DKK1 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay, qPCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry, which indicated that miR-302b caused degradation of DKK1 in RPMI 8226 and MM1.S cells. The model of co-culturing MM cells with preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells showed that miR-302b inhibited MM-induced suppression of osteoblast differentiation. Western blotting was used to prove that miR-302b inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in MM cells. Micro-CT and immunohistochemistry results showed that miR-302b suppresses the Myeloma bone destruction in vivo.Conclusion: In conclusion, miR-302b targets DKK1 and inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in MM.
Pesticide Assessment Using Passive Samplers in Two River System of Cagayan De Oro River Basin, Philippines
Authors: Salingay Maria Luisa Baiño , Giesen Daniel , Zevenbergen Chris
Published: October 2020

Monitoring organic pesticides in surface water using grab water sampling method is ineffective in most cases due to pesticides’ irregular emission and low solubility in water. To address the problem in water sampling method, this study used passive samplers (PS) composed of silicon rubber sheets (SR) and speedisk (SD). SR and SD were used respectively to measure hydrophobic and hydrophilic organic pesticides. These were submerged in river water uninterruptedly for 34 days. Pesticides in PS were extracted and analysed by sensitive analytical instruments HPLC, GC-MS MS and LC-MS MS. Pesticide assessment were conducted in two river systems in Cagayan de Oro River Basin, Philippines where agricultural run-off are unintentionally and continuously disposed from medium to huge plantations. The samplers were able to measure 105 emerging organic pollutants of which, 56 were organic pesticides and 22 organochlorine pesticides (OCP). Out of 56 pesticides, 11 were measured beyond the applied threshold level of 10ng/L. These were boscalid, carbendazim, dimethomorph, metalaxyl, propiconazole, pyrimethanil, diuron, monuron, simazine, dichlorvos and phenamiphos. The 22 OCP, despite being banned or restricted for almost two decades, were measured in ultra-traces of ng-pg/L. The data obtained in this study can be used to establish a baseline background level which is currently absent in most river systems in the Philippines. It is recommended that further study will be conducted using software PBPK or NORMTOX to assess health impacts and implications of the measured pesticides on the communities that are dependent, and continuously exposed to these constituents by these river waters.
The nuclear lamina is a hub for the nuclear function of Jacob
Authors: Samer Sebastian , Raman Rajeev , Laube Gregor , Kreutz Michael R. , Karpova Anna
Published: October 2020

Jacob is a synapto-nuclear messenger protein that couples NMDAR activity to CREB-dependent gene expression. In this study, we investigated the nuclear distribution of Jacob and report a prominent targeting to the nuclear envelope that requires NMDAR activity and nuclear import. Immunogold electron microscopy revealed preferential association of Jacob with the inner nuclear membrane where it directly binds to LaminB1, an intermediate filament and core component of the inner nuclear membrane (INM). The association with INM is transient; it involves a functional nuclear export signal in Jacob and a canonical CRM1-/RanGTP-dependent export mechanism that defines the residing time of the protein at the INM. Taken together, the data suggest a stepwise redistribution of Jacob within the nucleus following nuclear import and prior to nuclear export.
Appropriate Complementary Feeding Practices and Associated Factors Among Caregivers of Children Age 6-23 Months in Rural Areas of Hunan Province, China: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Liao Minghui , Huang Qun , Li Huixia , Liao Yi , Huang Guangwen
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the quality and associated factors that potentially influence complementary feeding practices among Chinese caregivers living in Hunan, a rapidly developing province in China. MethodsThree indicators( minimum dietary diversity(MDD), minimum meal frequency(MMF) and minimum acceptable diet(MAD)) were used to evaluate the rationality of complementary feeding. A multi-factor unconditional logistic regression model was employed to analyzeanalyse the relevant factors of complementary feeding. ResultsThe eligibility rates of MDD, MMF and MAD for children aged 6-23 months were 62.3%, 75.1% and 44.0%, respectively. The ineligible OR values of MDD for children aged 12-17 and 18-23 months were 0.238 and 0.103, respectively, and those of MAD were 0.425 and 0.376, respectively, compared with those for children aged 6-11 months. Compared children whose mothers moved out for work, the ineligible MMF for children whose mothers were not migrant workers was 2.069. Compared with parents who scored less than 60 in knowledge and attitude towards nutrition and health, the ineligible OR values of MDD, MMF and MAD for children whose parents obtained 60-79 were 0.653, 0.689 and 0.668, respectively, and those for children whose parents obtained 80-100 were 0.543, 0.428 and 0.496, respectively (all P values <0.05). ConclusionThe complementary feeding of children in rural areas of Hunan Province needs to be improved. Younger month-age, mothers’ not going out to work and parents’ lacking in knowledge about nutrition and health are high risk factors for poor complementary feeding.
Liquidity Management and Banks Financial Performance in Kuwait
Authors: AlAli Musaed Sulaiman
Published: October 2020

Bank liquidity plays an important role in determining the bank’s financial performance. This study examines the impact of liquidity on the financial performance of ten Kuwaiti banks, whose shares are listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange in the period 2010-2018. The article is based on the analysis of return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) as indicators of the bank’s financial efficiency in comparison with the five liquidity ratios. The results of the study showed a statistically significant direct relationship between ROA and the ratio of loans to total assets, the ratio of loans and deposits and the ratio of the financing deficit to total assets. According to the results of the calculations, a statistically significant inverse relationship between the ROA of liquid assets and the total assets and the ratio of liquid assets and deposits. The determination of return on equity (ROE) showed their statistically significant feedback only on liquid assets and deposits, while a significant direct relationship with the ratio of loans to total assets, the ratio of loans to deposits and the deficit of funding to the total assets. The results of this study provide an explanation of the contradictory results presented in the literature on the impact of liquidity on the financial results of banks. They found that the direction of the relationship depended on which financial ratio was used to explain the relationship (in this study, two ratios showed feedback, while the other three showed a direct ratio). The lack of a universal liquidity ratio will eventually lead to conflicting results.

Keywords: liquidity, financial indicators, financial results, Kuwait banks, Kuwait Stock Exchange.
Strategy for Determining Country Ranking by Level of Cybersecurity
Authors: Yarovenko Hanna , Kuzmenko Olha , Stumpo Mario
Published: October 2020

The rapid development of the fourth industrial revolution contributed to the growth of computerization and digitalization of many spheres of society, which eventually led to the emergence of cybercrime. As a result, it is necessary to develop a cybersecurity strategy at the country level, which involves the development of effective measures to protect information. The purpose of this article is to determine the strategy for ranking countries by their level of cybersecurity. For its implementation, 12 indicators were selected that characterize various aspects of cybersecurity of countries: Cyber Security Policy Development, Cyber Threat Analysis and Information, Education and Professional Development, Contribution to global cyber security, Protection of digital services, Protection of essential services, E-identification and trust services, Protection of personal data, Cyber incidents response, Cyber crisis management, Fight against cybercrime, Military cyber operations. Their actual values were taken for 160 countries in 2018. The article proved that the existing method of determining the actual ranking of countries has a number of shortcomings, which are the lack of solutions to problems related to the dimensionality of data, determining the weights of the analyzed indicators, taking into account the diversity of indicators and their fundamental differences. To avoid these shortcomings, it is proposed to use multi-attribute decision-making methods, which are used in the decision-making process, but their capabilities allow the evaluation of ratings. The methods of TOPSIS, VIKOR and MAAM were used in the article. As a result, it was found that the rating by the MAAM method has about 25% similarity with the values of the ranking. Also, this method has most of the disadvantages inherent in the actual. The TOPSIS and VIKOR methods showed better results, which were less similar to the real values. It was found that VIKOR (v = 0.5) shows more balanced estimates than VIKOR (v = 1.0) in relation to the ranking of countries in terms of cybersecurity. VIKOR (v = 1.0) is more suitable for solving the problem of choosing alternatives than for rating. The TOPSIS method proved to be the most effective for ranking countries, which eliminates the shortcomings of the real assessment method and allows to determine the best and worst alternative, which facilitates the analysis separately for the indicators. Checking the effectiveness of the obtained ratings, using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, proved their effectiveness.

Keywords: country, cybersecurity, MAAM, National Cybersecurity Index, rank, strategy, TOPSIS, VIKOR.