bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competence of pharmacy mentors: a survey of the perceptions of pharmacy postgraduates and their mentors
Authors: Yue Juan-Juan , Chen Gang
Published: August 2020

Background

Although mentorship can bring many benefits to medical education, mentors’ need for professional development is typically ignored. This study aims to acquire insight into the development of pharmacy mentors’ competence by comparing differences between mentors’ and postgraduates’ perspectives.

Methods

We used ANOVAs, independent-sample T-tests and paired-sample T-tests to analyze data collected via an anonymous survey, which included a prepared questionnaire completed by 118 pharmacy mentors and 118 pharmacy postgraduates from 8 Chinese universities and colleges.

Results

1. Research competence, professional knowledge, and communication competence exhibited the highest means. 2. Research competence was highly correlated with communication competence and moderately correlated with professional knowledge, educational competence, academic achievement and supportive competence. 3. Mentors’ educational competence was significantly more important to mentors than to postgraduates, and mentors’ supportive competence was significantly more important to postgraduates than to mentors. 4. Educational competence, supportive competence and academic achievement were significantly more important to mentors with a bachelor’s degree than to mentors with a master’s or doctoral degree. 5. Research competence, educational competence and communication competence were significantly more important to female students than male students.

Conclusions

Good mentors should possess three core competencies: research competence, professional knowledge and communication competence. They are related rather than independent. The construction of a harmonious mentoring relationship should take full account of a student’s characteristics and expectations because graduate students care more about supportive competence and female students assign greater importance to mentors’ competence than male students. There should be more development opportunities for less educated mentors, as they have a greater need to increase their competence than more qualified mentors.
Changes in renal parameters and their association with subclinical vector-borne infections in Bernese Mountain dogs
Authors: Preyß-Jägeler C. , Hartmann K. , Dorsch R.
Published: August 2020

Background

An increased risk for glomerulonephritis and a higher prevalence of antibodies toBorrelia (B.) burgdorferisensu lato have been reported in Bernese mountain dogs (BMDs). The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of laboratory abnormalities suggestive of kidney disease in clinically healthy BMDs compared to a control population and to investigate if there is a correlation with the occurrence of antibodies toB. burgdorferisensu lato,Ehrlichiacanis, andAnaplasma (A.)spp. and with the occurrence ofDirofilaria (D.) immitisantigen.

A total of 197 BMDs and 57 control dogs were included in the study. Laboratory evidence of kidney disease was defined as renal azotemia and/or proteinuria with a urine protein creatinine ration of more than 0.5 in an inactive urine sediment. A SNAP®4Dx® ELISA (IDEXX, Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, ME, USA) was used to detect antibodies toB. burgdorferisensu lato,E. canisandAnaplasmaspp. and antigen ofD. immitis.

Results

Laboratory evidence of kidney disease was significantly more common in BMDs than in control dogs (17.8% versus 1.8%) (p = 0.005). The proportion of BMDs with anti-B. burgdorferisensu latu antibodies and anti-A. phagocytophilumantibodies was significantly higher in BMDs (p <  0.001). However, an association between these findings could not be identified.

Conclusion

BMDs are more often affected by kidney disease and have a higher prevalence of antibodies to bacterial pathogens transmitted by Ixodes ticks than control dogs. However, a causal relationship between these two variables could not be established due to a lack of association between these two findings.
FOXA1-induced circOSBPL10 potentiates cervical cancer cell proliferation and migration through miR-1179/UBE2Q1 axis
Authors: Yang Shanshan , Jiang Yiwen , Ren Xiaoli , Feng Dan , Zhang Liaoyun , He Deying , Hong Shiyao , Jin Li , Zhang Fang , Lu Shun
Published: August 2020

Background

Recently, extensive evidence has clarified the crucial role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) as a pro-tumor or anti-cancer participant in human malignancies. A new circRNA derived from oxysterol binding protein like 10 (OSBPL10) (circOSBPL10) has not been researched in cervical cancer (CC) yet.

Methods

The expression of molecules was analyzed by RT-qPCR or western blot. Several functional assays were applied to explore the biological influence of circOSBPL10 on CC. The interaction between RNAs was estimated via luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down assays.

Results

CircOSBPL10 characterized with cyclic structure was revealed to possess elevated expression in CC cells. CircOSBPL10 downregulation elicited suppressive impacts on CC cell proliferation and migration. Interestingly, circOSBPL10 regulated CC progression by interacting with microRNA-1179 (miR-1179). Moreover, ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2 Q1 (UBE2Q1) targeted by miR-1179 was positively regulated by circOSBPL10 in CC. Furthermore, enhanced UBE2Q1 expression or suppressed miR-1179 level countervailed the repressive effect of circOSBPL10 depletion on the malignant phenotypes of CC cells. Moreover, forkhead box A1 (FOXA1) was confirmed to induce circOSBPL10 expression in CC cells.

Conclusions

FOXA1-induced circOSBPL10 facilitates CC progression through miR-1179/UBE2Q1 axis, highlighting a strong potential for circOSBPL10 to serve as a promising therapeutic target in CC.
Normative data for the EORTC QLQ-C30 from the Austrian general population
Authors: Lehmann Jens , Giesinger Johannes M. , Nolte Sandra , Sztankay Monika , Wintner Lisa M. , Liegl Gregor , Rose Matthias , Holzner Bernhard ,   on behalf of the EORTC Quality of Life Group
Published: August 2020

Background

The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 is a widely used cancer-specific questionnaire assessing 15 domains of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Our aim was to facilitate the interpretation of scores on this questionnaire by providing Austrian normative data based on a general population sample.

Methods

The calculation of normative data was based on the EORTC QLQ-C30 data collected from an Austrian general population sample that was part of an international online panel study on the development of European normative data. Data reported herein were stratified and weighted by age and sex. Normative data were calculated for all 15 HRQoL domains of the EORTC QLQ-C30. For precise predictions of EORTC QLQ-C30 scores, a regression model based on sex, age and the presence of health conditions was built.

Results

The Austrian sample comprised 1002 Austrian participants (50.1% female, 51.4% when weighted by age and sex based on United Nation statistics). The mean age was 53.7 years (weighted: 47.7 years) and 53.6% (weighted: 47.4%) reported at least one health condition. Men reported better physical (Cohen’sd = 0.17) and emotional (Cohen’sd = 0.17) functioning as well as less fatigue (Cohen’sd = 0.18) and insomnia (Cohen’sd = 0.25) compared with women. Younger individuals (< 40 years) reported less dyspnea (Cohen’sd = 0.61) and pain (Cohen’sd = 0.51), whereas older individuals (≥60 years) reported better emotional functioning (Cohen’sd = 0.55).

Conclusions

We present Austrian normative data for the EORTC QLQ-C30. Differences by age and sex are mostly in line with the findings of other European normative studies. The Austrian population sample shows higher HRQoL and lower morbidity compared with other European countries. The normative data in this study will facilitate the interpretation of EORTC QLQ-C30 scores in oncological practice and research at a national and international level (including cross-cultural comparisons).
Radiofrequency ablation versus laparoscopic hepatectomy for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jin Shan , Tan Shisheng , Peng Wen , Jiang Ying , Luo Chunshan
Published: August 2020

Background

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared the effects of laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the results have remained inconsistent. Hence, a meta-analysis and a systematic review of these treatment modalities are necessary to evaluate their efficacy and safety for HCC treatment.

Methods

From the inception of this meta-analysis and review until August 31, 2019, we searched Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database for RCTs involving LH and RFA treatments of patients with HCC. The studies were screened and the data from these articles were extracted independently by two authors. Summary odd ratios (OR) or mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each outcome with a fixed- or random-effect model. The outcomes for effectiveness evaluations included duration of surgery, estimated bleeding volume, incidence of blood transfusion during surgery, duration of hospital stay, and the outcome for safety included the incidence of cancer recurrence.

Results

Seven RCTs with a total of 615 patients were identified, 312 and 303 of which underwent RFA and LH treatments, respectively. The duration of surgery (MD = −99.04; 95% CI: −131.26–−66.82), estimated bleeding volume (MD = −241.97; 95% CI: −386.93–−97.02), incidence of blood transfusion during surgery (OR = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.02–0.37), and duration of hospital stay (MD = −3.4; 95% CI: −5.22–−1.57) in RFA treatment were significantly lower than those of LH treatment. However, the incidence of cancer recurrence was significantly higher for RFA treatment compared with LH treatment (OR = 2.68; 95% CI: 1.72–4.18).

Conclusions

LH treatment is preferred over RFA treatment with a better radical effect, but RFA treatment is more beneficial with smaller trauma, development of less complications, and shorter operating time when compared with HCC treatment.
Effect of transient scrotal hyperthermia on human sperm: an iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis
Authors: Wu Yan-Qing , Rao Meng , Hu Shi-Fu , Ke Dan-Dan , Zhu Chang-Hong , Xia Wei
Published: August 2020

Background

Through this prospective study, we aimed to explore the change of molecular modification after the transient scrotal hyperthermia on human sperm.

Methods

Ten healthy subjects selected with strict screening criteria underwent testicular warming in a 43 °C water bath for 30 min a day for 10 consecutive days. Semen samples were collected 2 weeks before the first heat treatment and 6 weeks after the first heat treatment. Proteins from the samples were labeled with isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation and analyzed by two-dimensional liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

In contrast to the control, of the 3446 proteins identified, 61 proteins were deregulated: 28 were up-regulated and 33 were down-regulated. Approximately 95% of the differentially expressed proteins were found to participate in spermatogenesis, fertilization, or other aspects of reproduction. In particular, the expression of sperm motility and energy metabolism-related proteins AKAP4, SPESP1, ODF1, ODF2, GAPDHS, and ACTRT2, validated by western blotting of the proteins obtained from human and mouse samples, tended to be reduced under scrotal hyperthermia.

Conclusions

The results indicated that the proteins AKAP4, ODF1, ODF2, GAPDHS, SPESP1, and ACTRT2, play an important role in the heat-induced reversible reduction in sperm concentration and motility and have the potential to be the biomarkers and clinical targets for scrotal heat treatment induced male infertility.
Metabolic syndrome increases senescence-associated micro-RNAs in extracellular vesicles derived from swine and human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells
Authors: Li Yongxin , Meng Yu , Zhu Xiangyang , Saadiq Ishran M. , Jordan Kyra L. , Eirin Alfonso , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: August 2020

Background

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of cardiovascular risk-factors, including obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance. MetS may induce senescence in mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) and impact their micro-RNA (miRNA) content. We hypothesized that MetS also alters senescence-associated (SA) miRNAs in MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), and interferes with their function.

Methods

EVs were collected from abdominal adipose tissue-derived MSCs from pigs with diet-induced MetS or Lean controls (n = 6 each), and from patients with MetS (n = 4) or age-matched Lean controls (n = 5). MiRNA sequencing was performed to identify dysregulated miRNAs in these EVs, and gene ontology to analyze their SA-genes targeted by dysregulated miRNAs. To test for EV function, MetS and Lean pig-EVs were co-incubated with renal tubular cells in-vitro or injected into pigs with renovascular disease (RVD, n = 6 each) in-vivo. SA-b-Galactosidase and trichrome staining evaluated cellular senescence and fibrosis, respectively.

Results

Both humans and pigs with MetS showed obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycemia/insulin resistance. In MetS pigs, several upregulated and downregulated miRNAs targeted 5768 genes in MSC-EVs, 68 of which were SA. In MetS patients, downregulated and upregulated miRNAs targeted 131 SA-genes, 57 of which overlapped with pig-EVs miRNA targets. In-vitro, MetS-MSC-EVs induced greater senescence in renal tubular cells than Lean-MSC-EVs. In-vivo, Lean-MSC-EVs attenuated renal senescence, fibrosis, and dysfunction more effectively than MetS-MSC-EVs.

Conclusions

MetS upregulates SA-miRNAs in swine MSC-EVs, which is conserved in human subjects, and attenuates their ability to blunt cellular senescence and repair injured target organs. These alterations need to be considered when designing therapeutic regenerative approaches.

Graphical abstract
Prefilled pen versus prefilled syringe: a pilot study evaluating two different methods of methotrexate subcutaneous injection in patients with JIA
Authors: Roszkiewicz Justyna , Swacha Zbigniew , Smolewska Elżbieta
Published: August 2020

Background

Methotrexate is the most commonly used disease-modifying antirheumatic drug recommended in the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It can be administered orally or subcutaneously, the latter method is associated with fewer side effects and higher drug bioavailability. Nevertheless, the pain associated with injection is a considerable drawback of this treatment option in the pediatric population. Currently, there are two single-use subcutaneous injection devices available: the prefilled syringe and the prefilled pen. This prospective, two-sequence crossover study aimed to compare ease of use, frequency of therapy side effects, injection-site pain and parent/patient preference of those methotrexate parenteral delivery systems.

Methods

Twenty-three patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, already treated with subcutaneous methotrexate in the form of prefilled syringe in the period October 2018 – April 2019 completed a questionnaire evaluating their experience with this device. Subsequently, children received a one-month supply of pen autoinjector and completed the same questionnaire, regarding their experience with the new methotrexate delivery system. If the patient was not performing the injections himself the questionnaires were completed by the caregiver administrating MTX. The results obtained in both questionnaires were compared using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test.

Results

82,6% patients and their caregivers voted for the prefilled pen as their preferred method of subcutaneous methotrexate administration. Moreover, the injection with the prefilled pen was reported as less painful in comparison to the prefilled syringe (p < 0.01). Side effects of methotrexate were less pronounced after the prefilled pen treatment, this difference was most prominent regarding gastrointestinal adverse events associated with the injection (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Administration of methotrexate using the pen device is a promising way of subcutaneous methotrexate delivery in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, as the injection is less painful and associated with fewer side effects.
Metalloproteins and apolipoprotein C: candidate plasma biomarkers of T2DM screened by comparative proteomics and lipidomics in ZDF rats
Authors: Wang Shuai , Lu Zhiyuan , Wang Yuxin , Zhang Tianran , He Xiaodong
Published: August 2020

Background

Early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is still difficult. Screening of plasma biomarkers has great significance of optimizing diagnosis and predicting the complications of T2DM.

Methods

We used a special diet, Purina #5008, to induce diabetes in Zucker leptin receptor gene-deficient rats (fa/fa) to establish Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, simulating the early stage of T2DM. The differentially expressed proteins (DEP) and lipids (DEL), as potential biomarkers, were screened to compare the plasma expression levels in ZDF rats and their basic diet-fed wild-type controls (fa/+) by Tandem Mass Tags (TMT) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

These two groups had different plasma proteins and lipids profiles consisting of 84 DEPs and, 179 DELs identified in the positive ion mode and 178 DELs in the negative ion mode, respectively. Enrichment analysis of these different indicators showed that oxidative stress, insulin resistance and metabolic disorders of glycan and lipid played an important role in generating the difference. Some markers can be used as candidate biomarkers in prediction and treatments of T2DM, such as ceruloplasmin, apolipoprotein C-I, apolipoprotein C-II and apolipoprotein C-IV.

Conclusion

These plasma differences help to optimize the diagnosis and predict the complications of T2DM, although this remains to be verified in the crowd. Trace elements related-metalloproteins, such as ceruloplasmin, and lipid metabolism and transport-related apolipoprotein C are expected to be candidate biomarkers of T2DM and should be given more attention.
Efficacy and safety of a novel personalized navigation template in proximal femoral corrective osteotomy for the treatment of DDH
Authors: Shi Qiang , Sun Deyi
Published: August 2020

Background

This present study is aimed to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel personalized navigation template in proximal femoral corrective osteotomy for the treatment of DDH.

Methods

Twenty-nine consecutive patients with DDH who underwent proximal femoral corrective osteotomy were evaluated between August 2013 and June 2017. Based on the different surgical methods, they were divided into the conventional group (n = 14) and navigation template group (n = 15). The osteotomy degrees, radiation exposure, and operation time were compared between the two groups.

Results

No major complications relating to osteotomy surgery such as redislocation or avascular necrosis occurred in the navigation template group, which had more accurate osteotomy degrees, less radiation exposure, and shorter operation time when compared with the conventional group (P < 0.05). Moreover, there was significant difference according to the McKay criteria between the two groups (P = 0.0362).

Conclusions

The novel personalized navigation template in proximal femoral corrective osteotomy is effective and safe, which could improve the femoral osteotomy accuracy, reduce radiation exposure, and shorten operation time.
Relationship between potentially inappropriate medications and functional prognosis in elderly patients with distal radius fracture: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nagai Takako , Nagaoka Masahiro , Tanimoto Koji , Tomizuka Yoshiaki , Uei Hiroshi , Nakanishi Kazuyoshi
Published: August 2020

Background

Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) are a major concern in geriatric care. PIMs increase the risk of falls in elderly patients. However, the relationship between PIMs, subsequent falls, and functional prognosis for distal radius fracture (DRF) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between PIMs, activities of daily living, and subsequent falls in elderly DRF patients.

Methods

The study included 253 patients aged ≥ 65 years who required surgical treatment for DRF. Clinical characteristics of patients obtained included age, sex, body mass index, number of medicines used at admission, number and type of PIMs used at admission, bone mineral density, use of drugs for osteoporosis, severity of comorbidities, nutritional status, Barthel Index (BI), length of hospital stay, subsequent falls, fracture type, and Mayo wrist score. Subjects were divided into two groups according to PIMs use and no use. Propensity score matching was used to assess patient characteristics and confirm factors affecting BI and subsequent falls.

Results

One hundred seven patients (42.3%) were prescribed PIMs upon hospital admission. The mean BI gain was significantly lower in patients prescribed PIMs than in those who were not (p = 0.006), as was the rate of falls post-surgery (p = 0.009). Multivariate analysis of BI gain showed that PIMs affected BI gain (95% confidence interval [CI], − 1.589 to − 0.196, p = 0.012), and logistic regression analysis revealed that PIMs influenced subsequent falls (odds ratio, 0.108, 95% CI, 1.246 to 2.357, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

PIM use hindered the improvement in activities of daily living and increased the incidence of subsequent falls in patients assessed. These results demonstrate the importance of appropriate drug control for patients with DRF.
Molecular analysis of polymorphic species of the genus Marshallagia (Nematoda: Ostertagiinae)
Authors: Kuchboev Abdurakhim , Sobirova Khanifakhon , Karimova Rokhatoy , Amirov Oybek , von Samson-Himmelstjerna Georg , Krücken Jürgen
Published: August 2020

Background

The genusMarshallagia(Family Haemonchidae, subfamily Ostertagiinae) contains multiple species of nematodes parasitising the abomasum (or duodenum) of ruminants, in particular of Caprinae. Male specimens have been described to be polymorphic with the frequent/major morphotype initially described in the genusMarshallagiawhile the minor/rare morphotype was initially often placed in the genusGrossospicularia. Due to common morphological features, certain pairs of morphotypes were suggested to belong to the same species such asMarshallagia marshalli/M. occidentalis. However, molecular evidence to confirm these pairs of morphotypes belonging to the same species is missing.

Methods

In the present study,Marshallagiasp. were collected from domestic sheep in Uzbekistan. Male specimens were morphologically described with particular emphasis on the structure of the bursa copulatrix. After DNA isolation from morphologically identified specimens, PCRs targeting the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunit 1 (cox1) regions were conducted. After Sanger sequencing, maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses and pairwise identities between sequences were calculated.

Results

The major morphotypes ofM. marshalli,M. schumakovitschiandM. uzbekistanicaand the minor morphotypesM. occidentalis,M. trifidaandM. sogdianawere identified and their morphology was documented in detail. ITS2 sequences showed little variation and did not allow diagnosing species. In contrast, phylogenetic analysis ofcox1 sequences identified highly supported clusters and verified thatM. marshalli,M. occidentalisandM. uzbekistanicaare different morphotypes of the speciesM. marshalliwhileM. schumakovitschiandM. trifidarepresent distinct morphotypes ofM. trifida. ForM. sogdianano corresponding major morphotype could be identified in the present study. Due to a large barcoding gap, comparison ofcox1 sequences in terms of percent identity was sufficient to reliably assign the sequences to a particular species without phylogenetic analysis.

Conclusions

The data presented here create a framework that will allow the classification of other members of the genus in the future and underline that parallel morphological and molecular analysis of specimens is crucial to improve the taxonomy of polymorphic species.
Amyloid precursor protein glycosylation is altered in the brain of patients with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Boix Claudia P. , Lopez-Font Inmaculada , Cuchillo-Ibañez Inmaculada , Sáez-Valero Javier
Published: August 2020

Background

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that undergoes alternative proteolytic processing. Its processing through the amyloidogenic pathway originates a large sAPPβ ectodomain fragment and the β-amyloid peptide, while non-amyloidogenic processing generates sAPPα and shorter non-fibrillar fragments. Hence, measuring sAPPα and sAPPβ has been proposed as a means to identify imbalances between the amyloidogenic/non-amyloidogenic pathways in the brain of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. However, to date, no consistent changes in these proteolytic fragments have been identified in either the brain or cerebrospinal fluid of AD individuals.

Methods

In frontal cortex homogenates from AD patients (n = 7) and non-demented controls (NDC; n = 7), the expression of total APP mRNA and that of the APP isoforms generated by alternative splicing, APP695 and APP containing the Kunitz protease inhibitor (KPI), was analyzed by qRT-PCR using TaqMan and SYBR Green probes. The balance between the amyloidogenic/non-amyloidogenic pathways was examined in western blots estimating the sAPPα and sAPPβ fragments and their membrane-tethered C-terminal fragments CTFα and CTFβ. CHO-PS70 cells, stably over-expressing wild-type human APP, served to evaluate whether Aβ42 peptide treatment results in altered APP glycosylation. We determined the glycosylation pattern of sAPPα and sAPPβ in brain extracts and CHO-PS70 culture media by lectin-binding assays.

Results

In the cortex of AD patients, we detected an increase in total APP mRNA relative to the controls, due to an increase in both the APP695 and APP-KPI variants. However, the sAPPα or sAPPβ protein levels remained unchanged, as did those of CTFα and CTFβ. We studied the glycosylation of the brain sAPPα and sAPPβ using lectins and pan-specific antibodies to discriminate between the fragments originated from neuronal APP695 and glial/KPI variants. Lectin binding identified differences in the glycosylation of sAPPβ species derived from the APP695 and APP-KPI variants, probably reflecting their distinct cellular origin. Moreover, the lectin-binding pattern differed in the sAPPα and sAPPβ originated from all the variants. Finally, when the lectin-binding pattern was compared between AD and NDC groups, significant differences were evident in sAPPα glycosylation. Lectin binding of the soluble sAPPα and sAPPβ from CHO-PS70 cells were also altered in cells treated with the Aβ peptide.

Conclusion

Our analysis of the lectin binding to sAPPα and sAPPβ suggests that glycosylation dictates the proteolytic pathway for APP processing. Differences between the demented and controls indicate that changes in glycosylation may influence the generation of the different APP fragments and, consequently, the pathological progression of AD.
Pollen allergen skin test and specific IgE reactivity among Filipinos: a community-based study
Authors: Sabit Maureen , Wong Cecil , Andaya Agnes , Ramos John Donnie
Published: August 2020

Background

Despite the clinical importance of pollen allergens among Filipinos, few studies delve into the sensitization profiles of Filipinos against pollen allergens. This study determined the sensitization profile of Filipinos to pollen using skin prick test (SPT) and pollen-specific ELISA.

Methods

Pollen from fifteen selected plant sources was collected and extracted for use in sensitization tests. Volunteers were interviewed for their clinical history prior to blood sampling and SPT. The blood samples collected were assessed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

Results

The best panel of pollen allergens for the skin prick test was Mangifera indica (64%), Acacia auriculiformis (28%), Mimosa spp. (25%) Amaranthus spinosus (22%), Lantana camara (20%), Pilea microphylla (16%) and Dichanthium aristatum (15%). Young adults had more sensitizations to pollen than among early childhood and elderly. There were more allergic subjects that have rhinitis (61%) than asthma (42%) and atopic dermatitis (35%). Pollen-specific IgE levels show low percent reactivity as compared to the skin test with Cocos nucifera obtaining the highest IgE reactivity (21%).

Conclusions

Pollen allergens from both arboreal and herbaceous plants used in this study yielded positive reactivities for both skin tests and specific IgE tests.
Exosomes derived from atorvastatin-pretreated MSC accelerate diabetic wound repair by enhancing angiogenesis via AKT/eNOS pathway
Authors: Yu Muyu , Liu Wei , Li Junxian , Lu Junxi , Lu Huijuan , Jia Weiping , Liu Fang
Published: August 2020

Background

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes emerge as promising candidates for treating delayed wound healing in diabetes due to the promotion of angiogenesis. Preconditioned MSC with chemical or biological factors could possibly enhance the biological activities of MSC-derived exosomes. The purpose of this research focused on whether exosomes derived from the bone marrow MSC (BMSC) pretreated with atorvastatin (ATV), could exhibit better pro-angiogenic ability in diabetic wound healing or not and its underlying molecular mechanism.

Methods

We isolated exosomes from non-pretreated BMSC (Exos) and ATV pretreated BMSC (ATV-Exos) and evaluated their characterization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and Western blotting. In vivo, we made full-thickness skin defects in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and the defects received multiple-point injection with PBS, Exos, or ATV-Exos. Two weeks later, histological analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of different treatments on wound healing and the neovascularization was measured by micro-CT. In vitro, cell proliferation, migration, tube formation, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion were measured in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The role of miRNAs and AKT/eNOS signaling pathway in the promoted angiogenesis of ATV-Exos were assessed with their inhibitors.

Results

No significant difference in morphology, structure, and concentration was observed between ATV-Exos and Exos. In STZ-induced diabetic rats, ATV-Exos exhibited excellent abilities in facilitating the wound regeneration by promoting the formation of blood vessels compared with Exos without influencing liver and kidney function. Meanwhile, ATV-Exos promoted the proliferation, migration, tube formation, and VEGF level of endothelial cells in vitro. And AKT/eNOS pathway was activated by ATV-Exos and the pro-angiogenic effects of ATV-Exo were attenuated after the pathway being blocked. MiR-221-3p was upregulated by ATV-Exos stimulation, and miR-221-3p inhibitor suppressed the pro-angiogenesis effect of ATV-Exos.

Conclusions

Exosomes originated from ATV-pretreated MSCs might serve as a potential strategy for the treatment of diabetic skin defects through enhancing the biological function of endothelial cells via AKT/eNOS pathway by upregulating the miR-221-3p.
ADS-B spoofing attack detection method based on LSTM
Authors: Wang Jing , Zou Yunkai , Ding Jianli
Published: August 2020

The open and shared nature of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) protocol makes its messages extremely vulnerable to various security threats, such as jamming, modification, and injection. This paper proposes a long short-term memory (LSTM)-based ADS-B spoofing attack detection method from the perspective of data. First, the message sequence is preprocessed in the form of a sliding window, and then, an LSTM network is used to perform prediction training on the windows. Finally, the residual set of predicted values and true values is calculated to set a threshold. As a result, we can detect a spoofing attack and further identify which feature was attacked. Experiments show that this method can effectively detect 10 different kinds of simulated manipulated ADS-B messages without further increasing the complexity of airborne applications. Therefore, the method can respond well to the security threats suffered by the ADS-B system.
Study of fractional integral inequalities involving Mittag-Leffler functions via convexity
Authors: Chen Zhihua , Farid Ghulam , Saddiqa Maryam , Ullah Saleem , Latif Naveed
Published: August 2020

This paper studies fractional integral inequalities for fractional integral operators containing extended Mittag-Leffler (ML) functions. These inequalities provide upper bounds of left- and right-sided fractional integrals for $(\alpha, h-m)$
(
α
,
h
−
m
)
convex functions. A generalized fractional Hadamard inequality is established. All the results hold for h-convex, $(h, m)$
(
h
,
m
)
-convex, $(\alpha, m)$
(
α
,
m
)
-convex, $(s, m)$
(
s
,
m
)
-convex, and associated functions.
Qualitative analysis of nonlinear coupled pantograph differential equations of fractional order with integral boundary conditions
Authors: Alrabaiah Hussam , Ahmad Israr , Shah Kamal , Rahman Ghaus Ur
Published: August 2020

In this research article, we develop a qualitative analysis to a class of nonlinear coupled system of fractional delay differential equations (FDDEs). Under the integral boundary conditions, existence and uniqueness for the solution of this system are carried out. With the help of Leray–Schauder and Banach fixed point theorem, we establish indispensable results. Also, some results affiliated to Ulam–Hyers (UH) stability for the system under investigation are presented. To validate the results, illustrative examples are given at the end of the manuscript.
An explicit fourth-order compact difference scheme for solving the 2D wave equation
Authors: Jiang Yunzhi , Ge Yongbin
Published: August 2020

In this paper, an explicit fourth-order compact (EFOC) difference scheme is proposed for solving the two-dimensional(2D) wave equation. The truncation error of the EFOC scheme is $O({\tau ^{4}} + {\tau ^{2}}{h^{2}} + {h^{4}})$
O
(

τ
4

+

τ
2

h
2

+

h
4

)
, i.e., the scheme has an overall fourth-order accuracy in both time and space. Because the scheme is explicit, it does not need any iterative processes. Afterwards, the stability condition of the scheme is obtained by using the Fourier analysis method, which has a wider stability range than other explicit or alternation direction implicit (ADI) schemes. Finally, some numerical experiments are carried out to verify the accuracy and stability of the present scheme.
Synchronization of different order fractional-order chaotic systems using modify adaptive sliding mode control
Authors: Al-sawalha M. Mossa
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes a modified adaptive sliding-mode control technique and investigates the reduced-order and increased-order synchronization between two different fractional-order chaotic systems using the master and slave system synchronization arrangement. The parameters of the master and slave systems are different and uncertain. These systems exhibit different chaotic behavior and topological properties. The dynamic behavior of the proposed synchronization schemes is more complex and unpredictable. These attributes of the proposed synchronization schemes enhance the security of the information signal in digital communication systems. The proposed switching law ensures the convergence of the error vectors to the switching surface and the feedback control signals guarantee the fast convergence of the error vectors to the origin. Lyapunov stability theory proves the asymptotic stability of the closed-loop. The paper also designs suitable parameters update laws the estimate the unknown parameters. Computer-based simulation results verify the theoretical findings.
CAPHAR: context-aware personalized human activity recognition using associative learning in smart environments
Authors: Khowaja Sunder Ali , Yahya Bernardo Nugroho , Lee Seok-Lyong
Published: August 2020

The existing action recognition systems mainly focus on generalized methods to categorize human actions. However, the generalized systems cannot attain the same level of recognition performance for new users mainly due to the high variance in terms of human behavior and the way of performing actions, i.e. activity handling. The use of personalized models based on similarity was introduced to overcome the activity handling problem, but the improvement was found to be limited as the similarity was based on physiognomies rather than the behavior. Moreover, human interaction with contextual information has not been studied extensively in the domain of action recognition. Such interactions can provide an edge for both recognizing high-level activities and improving the personalization effect. In this paper, we propose the context-aware personalized human activity recognition (CAPHAR) framework which computes the class association rules between low-level actions/sensor activations and the contextual information to recognize high-level activities. The personalization in CAPHAR leverages the individual behavior process using a similarity metric to reduce the effect of the activity handling problem. The experimental results on the “daily lifelog” dataset show that CAPHAR can achieve at most 23.73% better accuracy for new users in comparison to the existing classification methods.
Face masks: benefits and risks during the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Matuschek Christiane , Moll Friedrich , Fangerau Heiner , Fischer Johannes C. , Zänker Kurt , van Griensven Martijn , Schneider Marion , Kindgen-Milles Detlef , Knoefel Wolfram Trudo , Lichtenberg Artur , Tamaskovics Balint , Djiepmo-Njanang Freddy Joel , Budach Wilfried , Corradini Stefanie , Häussinger Dieter , Feldt Torsten , Jensen Björn , Pelka Rainer , Orth Klaus , Peiper Matthias , Grebe Olaf , Maas Kitti , Gerber Peter Arne , Pedoto Alessia , Bölke Edwin , Haussmann Jan
Published: August 2020

Background

The German government has made it mandatory to wear respiratory masks covering mouth and nose (MNC) as an effective strategy to fight SARS-CoV-2 infections. In many countries, this directive has been extended on shopping malls or public transportation. The aim of this paper is to critically analyze the statutory regulation to wear protective masks during the COVID-19 crisis from a medical standpoint.

Methods

We performed an extensive query of the most recent publications addressing the prevention of viral infections including the use of face masks in the community as a method to prevent the spread of the infection. We addressed the issues of practicability, professional use, and acceptability based on the community and the environment where the user resided.

Results

Upon our critical review of the available literature, we found only weak evidence for wearing a face mask as an efficient hygienic tool to prevent the spread of a viral infection. However, the use of MNC seems to be linked to relevant protection during close contact scenarios by limiting pathogen-containing aerosol and liquid droplet dissemination. Importantly, we found evidence for significant respiratory compromise in patients with severe obstructive pulmonary disease, secondary to the development of hypercapnia. This could also happen in patients with lung infections, with or without SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusion

Epidemiologists currently emphasize that wearing MNC will effectively interrupt airborne infections in the community. The government and the politicians have followed these recommendations and used them to both advise and, in some cases, mandate the general population to wear MNC in public locations. Overall, the results seem to suggest that there are some clinically relevant scenarios where the use of MNC necessitates more defined recommendations. Our critical evaluation of the literature both highlights the protective effects of certain types of face masks in defined risk groups, and emphasizes their potential risks.
Psychological impact of COVID-19 on medical care workers in China
Authors: Si Ming-Yu , Su Xiao-You , Jiang Yu , Wang Wen-Jun , Gu Xiao-Fen , Ma Li , Li Jing , Zhang Shao-Kai , Ren Ze-Fang , Ren Ran , Liu Yuan-Li , Qiao You-Lin
Published: August 2020

Background

Medical care workers experienced unprecedented levels of workload and pressure since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Little is known about its exact impact on medical care workers and related factors in China. This study aims to identify the psychological impact of COVID-19 on medical care workers in China.

Methods

From February 23 to March 5, 2020, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 863 medical care workers from seven provinces in China using standard questionnaires measuring adverse psychological outcomes including Impact of Event Scale-6 (IES-6), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale(DASS)and related psychosocial factors like perceived threat, social support and coping strategies. Exploratory Factor analysis was performed to identify the dimensions of perceived threat by study participants. Multivariate regression was used to examine the determinants of adverse psychological outcomes.

Results

Posttraumatic stress (PTS) were prevalent in this sample of health care professionals, and 40.2% indicated positive screens for significant posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. The proportion of having mild to extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were 13.6, 13.9 and 8.6%, respectively. Perceived threat and passive coping strategies were positively correlated to PTS and DASS scores, while perceived social support and active coping strategies were negatively correlated to DASS scores. Nurses were more likely to be anxious than others among medical care workers during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Conclusions

Adverse psychological symptoms were prevalent among medical care workers in China during the COVID-19 epidemic. Screening for adverse psychological outcomes and developing corresponding preventive measures would be beneficial in decreasing negative psychological outcomes.
AML risk stratification models utilizing ELN-2017 guidelines and additional prognostic factors: a SWOG report
Authors: Pogosova-Agadjanyan Era L. , Moseley Anna , Othus Megan , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Chauncey Thomas R. , Chen I-Ming L. , Erba Harry P. , Godwin John E. , Jenkins Isaac C. , Fang Min , Huynh Mike , Kopecky Kenneth J. , List Alan F. , Naru Jasmine , Radich Jerald P. , Stevens Emily , Willborg Brooke E. , Willman Cheryl L. , Wood Brent L. , Zhang Qing , Meshinchi Soheil , Stirewalt Derek L.
Published: August 2020

Background

The recently updated European LeukemiaNet risk stratification guidelines combine cytogenetic abnormalities and genetic mutations to provide the means to triage patients with acute myeloid leukemia for optimal therapies. Despite the identification of many prognostic factors, relatively few have made their way into clinical practice.

Methods

In order to assess and improve the performance of the European LeukemiaNet guidelines, we developed novel prognostic models using the biomarkers from the guidelines, age, performance status and select transcript biomarkers. The models were developed separately for mononuclear cells and viable leukemic blasts from previously untreated acute myeloid leukemia patients (discovery cohort, N = 185) who received intensive chemotherapy. Models were validated in an independent set of similarly treated patients (validation cohort, N = 166).

Results

Models using European LeukemiaNet guidelines were significantly associated with clinical outcomes and, therefore, utilized as a baseline for comparisons. Models incorporating age and expression of select transcripts with biomarkers from European LeukemiaNet guidelines demonstrated higher area under the curve and C-statistics but did not show a substantial improvement in performance in the validation cohort. Subset analyses demonstrated that models using only the European LeukemiaNet guidelines were a better fit for younger patients (age < 55) than for older patients. Models integrating age and European LeukemiaNet guidelines visually showed more separation between risk groups in older patients. Models excluding results for ASXL1, CEBPA, RUNX1 and TP53, demonstrated that these mutations provide a limited overall contribution to risk stratification across the entire population, given the low frequency of mutations and confounding risk factors.

Conclusions

While European LeukemiaNet guidelines remain a critical tool for triaging patients with acute myeloid leukemia, the findings illustrate the need for additional prognostic factors, including age, to improve risk stratification.
Bidirectional interaction between intestinal microbiome and cancer: opportunities for therapeutic interventions
Authors: Dutta Dibyendu , Lim Seah H.
Published: August 2020

Gut microbiota composition influences the balance between human health and disease. Increasing evidence suggests the involvement of microbial factors in regulating cancer development, progression, and therapeutic response. Distinct microbial species have been implicated in modulating gut environment and architecture that affects cancer therapy outcomes. While some microbial species offer enhanced cancer therapy response, others diminish cancer treatment efficacy. In addition, use of antibiotics, often to minimize infection risks in cancer, causes intestinal dysbiosis and proves detrimental. In this review we discuss the role of gut microbiota in cancer development and therapy. We also provide insights into future strategies to manipulate the microbiome and gut epithelial barrier to augment therapeutic responses while minimizing toxicity or infection risks.