bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Canagliflozin Protects The Cardiovascular System Through Effects On The Gut Environment In Non-Diabetic Nephrectomized Rats
Authors: Matsui Ayumi , Yoshifuji Ayumi , Irie Junichiro , Tajima Takaya , Uchiyama Kiyotaka , Itoh Tomoaki , Hasegawa Kazuhiro , Kanda Takeshi , Tokuyama Hirobumi , Wakino Shu , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: June 2021

The gut produces toxins that contribute to the cardiovascular complications of chronic kidney disease. Canagliflozin, a sodium glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 2 inhibitor that is used as an anti-diabetic drug, has a weak inhibitory effect against SGLT1 and may affect the gut glucose concentration and environment. Here, we determined the effect of canagliflozin on the gut microbiota and the serum gut-derived uremic toxin concentrations in 5/6th nephrectomized (Nx) rats. Canagliflozin increased the colonic glucose concentration and restored the number of Lactobacillus bacteria, which was low in Nx rats. In addition, the expression of tight junction proteins in the ascending colon was low in Nx rats, and this was partially restored by canagliflozin. Furthermore, the serum concentrations of gut-derived uremic toxins were significantly increased by Nx and reduced by canagliflozin. Finally, the wall of the thoracic aorta was thicker and there was more cardiac interstitial fibrosis in Nx rats, and these defects were ameliorated by canagliflozin. The increases in colonic glucose concentration, Lactobacillus numbers, and tight junction protein expression; and the decreases in serum uremic toxin concentrations and cardiac interstitial fibrosis may have been caused by the inhibition of SGLT1 by canagliflozin because similar effects were not identified in tofogliflozin-treated rats.
Estimation Of Excessive Weight Loss In Bariatric Surgery Patients: A Prediction Model Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hatami Mahsa , Pazouki Abdolreza , Kabir Ali
Published: June 2021

Background and Objective: Bariatric surgery has been recognized as the most effective long-term treatment for morbid obesity. Despite the considerable positive results, adverse consequence can develop. Excessive Weight Loss (EXWL), a rare consequence of bariatric surgery, can lead to a broad adverse consequence. The aim of this study was determining of prevalence and the predicting model of EXWL in patient underwent bariatric surgery until 24 months after surgery.Material and Methods: Data have been extracted from the National Obesity Surgery Database in obesity clinic of * University of Medical Sciences. The subjects of this retrospective cohort study were morbid obese individuals who underwent three various types of bariatric surgery (One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG)) in period of 24 months ago. EXWL has been defined as excess weight loss more than 100% at any time until 24 months after surgery. SPSS (version 23) was used in data analysis.Results: Among 4214 subjects of this study, most excess weight loss after surgery has taken place in 18 months after surgery. 18.5% (n=407) of patients experienced EXWL with highest percentage among OAGB patients (22.6%). The females (20.4% vs.9.9%) and younger persons (35.45 ± 10.25 vs. 39.06 ± 10.76) were more susceptible to EXWL. patients with EXWL had significantly lower BMI (body mass index) (41.11± 4.51 vs. 46.73±6.26) (Kg/m2), and were less probable to had emotional eating. Visceral fat level, fat percentage and BMI were the best predictor of EXWL (P-value for all <0.05).Conclusions: Surgery should be adjusted in younger females with a lower BMI and healthy metabolic status who are more prone to EXWL. In such a way that minimize weight loss speed/value. It may be possible by selection of other surgery procedures, rather than OAGB, tighter follow ups and consultations of patients after surgery is emphasized for more EXWL vulnerable patients.
Virucidal Efficacy of Guanidine-Free Inactivants and Rapid Test Buffers Against SARS-CoV-2: Implications for Risk Assessment of Diagnostic Procedures
Authors: Davies Katherine , Arnold Ulrike , Buczkowski Hubert , Burton Christopher , Welch Stephen R , Green Nicole , Strachan Rhea , Beetar-King Tracy , Spencer Peter , Hettiarachchi Nipunadi , Hannah Matthew J , Jones Matthew , Cane Patricia A , Bruce Christine B , Woodford Neil , Roberts Allen DG , Killip Marian J
Published: June 2021

A pathogen inactivation step during collection or processing of clinical samples has the potential to reduce infectious risks associated with diagnostic procedures. It is essential that these inactivation methods are demonstrated to be effective, particularly for non-traditional inactivation reagents or for commercial products where the chemical composition is undisclosed. This study assessed inactivation effectiveness of twenty-four next-generation (guanidine-free) nucleic acid extraction lysis buffers and twelve rapid antigen test buffers against SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. These data have significant safety implications for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing and support the design and evidence-based risk assessment of these procedures.
Selective pericentromeric heterochromatin dismantling caused by TP53 activation during senescence
Authors: Mendez-Bermudez Aaron , Pousse Mélanie , Lototska Liudmyla , Tessier Florent , Croce Olivier , Latrick Chrysa , Cherdyntseva Veronica , Nassour Joe , JIANG Xiaohua , LU Yiming , Abbadie Corinne , Gagos Sarantis , Ye Jing , Gilson Eric
Published: June 2021

Cellular senescence triggers various types of heterochromatin remodelling that contribute to aging. However the age-ralated mechanisms that lead to these epigenetic alterations remain elusive. Here, we asked how two key aging hallmarks, telomere shortening and consititutive heterochromatin loss, are mechanistically connected during senescence. We show that, at the onset of senescence, pericentromeric heterochromatin is specifically dismantled consisting of chromatin decondensation, accumulation of DNA breakages, illegitimate recombination and loss of DNA. This process is caused by telomere shortening or genotoxic stress by a sequence of events starting from p53-dependent downregulation of the telomere protective protein TRF2. The resulting loss of TRF2 at pericentromeres trigger DNA breaks activating ATM, which in turn leads to heterochromatin decondensation by releasing Kap1 and Lamin B1, recombination and satellite DNA excision found in the cytosol associated to cGAS. This TP53-TRF2 axis activates the interferon response and the formation of chromosome rearrangements when the cells escape the senescent growth arrest. Overall, these results reveal the role of p53 as pericentromeric disassembler and define the basic principles of how a TP53-dependent senescence inducer hierarchically leadns to selective pericentromeric dismantling through the downregulation of TRF2.
The Effect of Abrasive Particles Movement on Deburring Effectiveness in REMF Process by using Explicit Dynamic Simulations
Authors: Lee Jung-Hee , Lee Se-Yeong , Kwak Jae-Seob
Published: June 2021

The main aim of this study was to suggest rotating electro-magnetic finishing(REMF) which had the capability to yield ultra-fine finished surface in micro-meter level with high productivity in a short time. The performance of the REMF process was primarily dependent upon magnetic and impact energy by the physical properties of a particle, particle velocity, and impact angle. Therefore, in this study, numerical simulations were conducted by explicit dynamic analysis to verify the effect of both single and multiple abrasive media impact characteristics on a deburring area of the machined surface. Based on the observed results and Pareto analysis, it was found that the overall weight of the particles was the most significantly affected for burr reduction, and deburring area was proportional to the increasing impact angle as well. In addition, to estimate the relationship between process factors and output variable and determine the optimum condition for burr reduction, a second-order polynomial model was developed by adopting a response surface methodology. As a result, the predictive model agreed with numerical analyzed results with 84.4% of the accuracy rate. The optimized deburring area was 2.27mm2 at 1,800rpm of rotational velocity, 0.7mm of particle diameter, and 2.0kg of total particle weight. It was founded to be similar to the maximum deburring area, about 2.37mm2, obtained from the simulations at the same condition.
Lung Damage among Individuals with Biomass Smoke Exposure Characterized by CT Features and Changes in Pulmonary Function
Authors: Chen Jinglong , Jiang Changbin , Zheng Youlan , Zhao Dongxing , Wu Fan , Zhao Zhuxiang , Zhao Jun , Li Qin , Li Bing , Peng Gongyong , Zhou Yumin , Ran Pixin
Published: June 2021

BackgroundBiomass smoke exposure (BSE) is an important etiological factor in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, few studies have focused on the effects of BSE in the respiratory muscles or lungs.MethodsUsing a cohort, we selected 98 participants in underdeveloped rural areas: 16 healthy individuals with BSE (“BSE normal”), 19 patients with BSE and COPD (“BSE+COPD”), 13 healthy individuals with cigarette smoke exposure (“CSE normal”), 25 patients with cigarette smoke exposure and COPD (“CSE+COPD”), and 25 healthy controls. Patients with GOLD stage I and II COPD were included. Baseline data (demographic data, BSE or CSE, lung function, and CT findings) and follow-up lung function data were collected. CT parameters of emphysema, pulmonary small vessels, airway remodeling, pectoralis muscles, and erector spinae muscle were measured.ResultsIndividuals with BSE were mainly women (32/35, 91.43%). Compared with the CSE+COPD group, the BSE+COPD group demonstrated slow lung function decline, increased lower lung emphysema, and narrower airway lumen and airway wall thickening in moderate and small airways (all P<.05). Compared with healthy controls, the CSE normal and BSE normal groups exhibited significant reduction of pulmonary small vessel area and obvious airway remodeling in small airways (P<.05). Compared with the BSE normal group, the BSE+COPD group showed significantly more severe emphysema and airway remodeling, as well as reduced left pectoralis major muscle area (all P<.05).ConclusionsHealthy individuals with BSE had reduced pulmonary small vessel area and obvious airway remodeling; patients with BSE and COPD showed more severe emphysema, airway remodeling, and pectoralis major muscle change. More investigations are needed regarding interventions for BSE.Trial registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR-OO-14004264 . Registered 12 February 2014, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=5304
Validation of New Cine Magnetic Resonance Imaging Parameters For The Differential Diagnosis of Chronic Idiopathic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction
Authors: Sato Hiroki , Ogiwara Hiroyuki , Takahashi Kazuya , Kawata Yuzo , Kojima Yuichi , Tominaga Kentaro , Yokoyama Junji , Hamamoto Yoshihiko , Terai Shuji
Published: June 2021

Chronic idiopathic pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a severe and refractory intestinal motility disorder whose diagnosis currently relies on subjective imaging assessments. Cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may potentially improve the quantitative analysis of gastrointestinal motility; however, suitable CIPO detection parameters should be determined.Cine MRI was performed in seven patients with CIPO and 11 healthy controls. The logarithm of the Mahalanobis distance (x1) and luminal distance variation per time (x2) were used as the original parameters to determine CIPO diagnostic thresholds. Furthermore, the correlation between cine MRI findings and CIPO severity was investigated.Threshold values of α=1.10 and β=0.15 for x1 and x2, respectively, produced a CIPO diagnosis sensitivity of 1.00 (7/7) and specificity of 0.82 (9/11). The resulting error was 0.11 (2/18). The two parameters were correlated (Pearson’s correlation coefficient: -0.52). The intestinal tracts of patients with severe CIPO requiring home parenteral nutrition belonged to the category defined by x1 ≥1.10 and x2 ≤0.15.Cine MRI is effective for the quantitative evaluation of small intestinal motility and CIPO diagnosis when using the abovementioned parameters and can be useful for treatment decision-making. However, these parameters have a wide distribution in healthy volunteers; this may complicate the detection of other disorders.
Expression profiling analysis of autophagy-related genes in cervical cancer
Authors: Huang Zhiyuan , Wang He , Liu Min , Li Xinrui , Zhu Lei , Dong Lin , Wang Guangxue , Li Fang , Li Qinchuan
Published: June 2021

Background: It has been demonstrated by studies globally that autophagy took part in the development of cervical cancer (CC). Few studies concentrated on the correlation between overall survival and CC patients. We retrieved significant autophagy-related genes (ARGs) correlated to the process of cervical cancer. They may be used as prognosis marker or treatment target for clinical application.Methods: Expressions level of genes in cervical cancer and normal tissue samples were obtained from GTEx and TCGA database. Autophagy-related genes (ARGs) were retrieved accroding to the gene list from HaDB. Differentially expressed autophagy related genes (DE-ARGs) related to cervical cancer were identified by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. ClusterProfiler package worked in R software was used to perform GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Univariate propotional hazard cox regression and multivariate propotional hazard cox regressions were applied to identify DE-ARGs equipped with prognostic value and other clinical independent risk factors. ROC curve was drawn for comparing the survival predict feasibility of risk score with other risk factors in CC patients. Nomogram was drawn to exhibit the prediction model constructed accroding to multivariate cox regression. Correlations between Differentially expressed autophagy related genes (DE-ARGs) and other clinical features were investigated by t test or Cruskal wallis analysis. Correlation between Immune and autophagy in cervical cancer was investigated by ssGSEA and TIMER database. Results: Fifty-six differentially expressed ARGs (DE-ARGs) were retrieved from cervical cancer tissue and normal tissue samples. GO enrichment analysis showed that these ARGs involved in autophagy, ubiquitination of protein and apoptosis. Cox regression medel showed that there were six ARGs significantly associated with overall survival of cervical caner patients. VAMP7 (HR = 0.599, P= 0.033) and TP73 (HR = 0.671, P= 0.014) played protective roles in survival among these six genes. Stage (Stage IV vs Stage I HR = 3.985, P<0.001) and risk score (HR = 1.353, P< 0.001) were sorted as independent prognostic risk factors based on multivariate cox regression. ROC curve validated that risk score was preferable to predict survival of CC patients than other risk factors. Additionally, we found some of these six predictor ARGs were correlated significantly in statistic with tumor grade or stage, clinical T stage, clinical N stage, pathology or risk score (all P< 0.05). The immune cells and immune functions showed a lower activity in high risk group than low risk group which is distincted by median risk score. Conclusion: Our discovery showed that autophagy genes involved in the progress of cervical cancer. Many autophagy-related genes could probably serve as prognostic biomarkers and accelerate the discovery of treatment targets for CC patients.
Association of HLA and Mutated CCR5 With the Clinical Course of the Disease in Subjects With mild / moderate disease following COVID-19 infection
Authors: Fischer Johannes C , Schmidt Albrecht G , Boelke Edwin , Uhrberg Markus , Keitel Verena , Feldt Torsten , Jensen Björn , Häussinger Dieter , Adams Ortwin , Schneider E. Marion , Balz Vera , Enczmann Jürgen , Rox Jutta , Hermsen Derik , Schulze-Bosse Karin , Kindgen-Milles Detlef , Knoefel Wolfram Trudo , Griensven Martijn van , Haussmann Jan , Tamaskovics Balint , Plettenberg Christian , Scheckenbach Kathrin , Corradini Stefanie , Pedoto Alessia , Maas Kitti , Schmidt Livia , Grebe Olaf , Esposito Irene , Erhardt Anja , Peiper Matthias , Buhren Bettina Alexandra , Calles Christian , Stöhr Andreas , Lichtenberg Artur , Freise Noemi , Lutterbeck Matthias , Rezazadeh Amir , Budach Wilfried , Matuschek Christiane
Published: June 2021

COVID-19, the pandemic infection caused by SARS-CoV-2, may take highly variable clinical courses, ranging from symptom-free and pauci-symptomatic to fatal disease. The goal of the current study was to assess the association of COVID-19 clinical courses controlled by patients’ adaptive immune responses without progression to severe disease with patients’ Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genetics, the presence or absence of near-loss-of-function delta 32 deletion mutant of C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) and AB0 blood group antigens. We further analyzed the association of these immunogenetic background characteristics with patients’ humoral antiviral immune response patterns, assessed longitudinally. The study enrolled 157 convalescent adult patients followed up for up to 250 days. Univariate HLA analyses identified putatively protective HLA alleles (HLA class II DRB1*01:01 and HLA class I B*35:01, with a trend for DRB1*03:01) associated with reduced durations of disease and decreased (rather than increased) total anti-S IgG levels providing virus neutralizing capacity comparable to non-carriers. Conversely, analyses also identified HLA alleles (HLA class II DQB1*03:2 und HLA class I B*15:01) not associated with such benefit in the patient cohort of this study. Hierarchical testing by Cox regression analyses confirmed the significance of the protective effect of the HLA alleles identified (when assessed in composite) in terms of disease duration, whereas AB0 blood group antigen heterozygosity was found to be significantly associated with disease severity (rather than duration) in our cohort. A seeming association of a heterozygous CCR5 delta 32 mutation with prolonged disease duration suggested by univariate analyses was not confirmed by hierarchical multivariate testing.In conclusion, the current study shows that the presence of certain "protective" HLA alleles is of even stronger association with reduced duration of mild and moderate COVID-19 than age or any other potential risk factor assessed. Prospective studies in larger patient populations assessing the impact of HLA genetics on the capacity of mounting protective vaccination responses may be warranted.
Dexmedetomidine Protects against Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Cell Apoptosis in Rats
Authors: Li Hang , Tang Jilang , Zhang Weiqi , Ai Liping , Zhang Shixia
Published: June 2021

Background: Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) remains a major complication of liver surgery, dexmedetomidine (DEX) has a certain protective effect on liver during ischemia-reperfusion, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study explored the protective effects of DEX and investigated whether DEX protects against hepatic IRI by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and its downstream apoptotic pathway in a rat model. Methods: Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups: S, IR, DL, DM1, DH and DM2 group. Group S was subjected to laparotomy, and exposure of the portal triad without occlusion. I-R injury model was induced by clamping the portal vessels supplying the middle and left hepatic lobes for 30 min in IR, DL, DM1, DH and DM2 group. Then DL, DM1, DH group received DEX of 25 μg/kg, 50 μg/kg and 100 μg/kg intraperitoneally at 30 min before ischemia, respectively, DM2 group received 50 μg/kg DEX intraperitoneally 30 min after reperfusion, and IR group received normal saline. After 6 h of reperfusion, assessment of liver function, histopathology, oxidative stress was performed. The liver cell microstructure was detected by transmission electron microscopy. Hepatocyte apoptosis was determined by TUNEL assay. Real-time PCR, Western blotting were performed to analyze various ERS molecules. Results: We observed that DEX protected the liver by alleviating hepatocytes damage, reducing the content of ALT and MDA, increasing the activity of SOD, reducing the number of TUNEL-positive cells, down-regulating the expression of GRP-78, PERK, ATF-6, Caspase-12 mRNA, and p-PERK, p-IRE-1 α, CHOP proteins, up-regulating Bcl-2 protein. The effect of 50 μg/kg DEX is superior to 25 μg/kg DEX, but not significantly different from 100μg/kg DEX. There was no significant difference in the above monitoring indexes between DM1 and DM2 group. Conclusions: DEX protects the liver from IRI by inhibiting ERS and cell apoptosis. The protective effect of DEX was dose-dependent in a certain dose range, both DEX administered prior to ischemia and following reperfusion markedly reduced liver injury induced by hepatic IRI in mice.
Early Serum HBV RNA Level in Combination With the HBeAg Response Can Effectively Predict the HBeAg Response in Patients on Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Therapy (ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03909191)
Authors: LIU YAYUN , LIAO WEI , XU AIJING , YIN WEI , YU JIAO , FAN WENHAN , XUE JIANYA , LIANG XUESONG
Published: June 2021

Background: Serum HBV RNA level has the potential to monitor antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B. This study aimed to explore serum HBV RNA dynamic change pattern and its predict value on the efficacy of 96 weeks nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) treatment in HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).Methods: A real-life cohort study of 78 patients with CHB on NA treatment was conducted. Dynamic change patterns of serum HBV RNA and correlation with other HBV markers in the early treatment period of 96 weeks of NA treatment in patients with CHB were determined and compared. The performance of serum HBV RNA on treatment efficacy was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Results: HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients with CHB had similar viral change patterns during NA treatment. Serum HBV RNA level was consistently correlated with HBeAg and HBsAg titers in HBeAg-positive patients during NA treatment, but serum HBV RNA was only moderately correlated with serum HBV DNA level in HbeAg-negative patients before treatment. Serum HBV RNA decreased more rapidly in patients with the HBeAg seroconversion (SC) response than in patients without the HBeAg SC response; it had good early discriminatory ability for the HBeAg response with area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.70 and 0.730 at 12 and 24 weeks of treatment, respectively. The cutoff value of serum HBV RNA of 4.31 log cps/mL in combination with the HBeAg decrease degree of 1.55 at 24 weeks of treatment had a good two-way predictive capability for the HBeAg response (PPV%: 83.33% and NPV%: 81.25%), and the specificity was 96.30%. Conclusion: Serum HBV RNA level had early discriminatory ability for the HBeAg response. Early HBeAg response can improve the discriminatory ability of serum HBV RNA.
Dandelion Root Extract Affects the Proliferation, Survival and Migration of Cervical Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: VENEZUELA Raúl Fernando , MOSMANN Jessica Paola , MUGAS María Laura , KIGUEN Ana Ximena , MONTOYA Susana Carolina NUÑEZ , KONIGHEIM Brenda Salome , CUFFINI Cecilia Gabriela
Published: June 2021

Background

Taraxacum officinale has been shown to exert diverse biological activities, in someones cancer cell lines. Also in traditional medicine have been its used fresh latex to treat warts (non-malignant HPV infection); however, its effect over cervical cancer cell lines is yet to be explored. The aim was to evaluate the effects of a root extract of Taraxacum officinale on the proliferation, survival and migration of cervical cancer cell lines.
Methods

Ethanolic extract was obtained from T. officinale roots (R-EtOH). Caski (HPV16), HeLa (HPV18), C33A (HPV-) cervical cancer cell lines (CC) and keratinocytes HaCaT (HPV-) were used. Viability and inhibitory concentration values were determined by the MTT assay. Clonogenic assay was used to evaluate the survival. Effect on cell migration was evaluated by wound healing assay. Apoptotic response was observed using the TUNEL and Annexin V/7AAD assay.
Results

R-EtOH extract showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on all cell lines. The number and size of the colonies, mainly in CC, decrease with higher concentrations of extract. R-EtOH effectively inhibits cell migration, and causes a higher percentage of apoptotic cells.
Conclusion

This study reports, for the first time, the antitumor potential of dandelion root extract (R-EtOH) on CC. Our results showed that R-EtOH affect proliferation, survival and cell migration. In addition, R-EtOH leads to apoptosis in all CC cells; thus, it is a promising extract for future studies which will allow to evaluate its usefulness in cervical cancer treatment as in other cancer types.
The Effect of Educational Intervention on Efficacy of 1% Permethrin Shampoo and 4% Dimeticone Lotion to Treat Head Lice Infestation Using Propensity Score Matching (PSM)
Authors: Asl Eslam Moradi , Saghafipour Abedin , Hamta Amir , Taheri-Kharameh Zahra , Abazari Malek , Asghari Shabnam
Published: June 2021

Background

Head lice are a main public health problem and the most important human ectoparasites and the use of pediculicides is the most common way to control it. One of the possible causes of treatment failure is the lack of improper application of pediculicide. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of education on efficacy of 1% permethrin or 4% dimeticone lotion to treat head lice infestation.
Methods

This quasi-experimental study was performed on 100 people infected with head lice in comprehensive urban health centers of Ardabil (intervention group) and 400 people of East Azerbaijan and West Azerbaijan (control group) provinces from April to March 2019. The data collection tool included demographic questionnaire and examination evidence recording sheet in terms of presence of hits or adult lice.
Results

The outcome of treatment included elimination of head lice infestation on days 7, and in the case of recurrence, it was considered on days 14 and 30 after treatment. Data were analyzed using R software and Generalized Estimating Equation method. GEE analysis showed there is significant difference in evaluating head lice over time.
Conclusion

Participants who received the training intervention (OR = 3.29; CI 95%: 2.21–4.88) were more likely to have a successful treatment than control group. In the case of providing proper training on the use of pediculicides and observing hygiene tips to patients with pediculosis, could help to successful treatment of pediculosis.
Effect of Hydrogen-Rich Water on Gut Microbiota in Mice With High-Fat Diet
Authors: Xie Guijiao , Liu Zelin , Wang Jiao , He Shasha , Liu Honghong , Xu Jixiong
Published: June 2021

Objective: To investigate the effects of hydrogen-rich water (HGRW) on the structure and composition of intestinal microflora in mice fed high-fat diets (HFDs). Materials and Methods : C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: (1) normal diet (CD)-normal water (W); (2) CD-HGRW; (3) HFD-W; and (4) HFD-HGRW. After 12 weeks, we sampled fasting blood glucose, lipids, transaminases, and tissue oxidative stress levels and measured body weight. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to sequence the intestinal microflora and differences in intestinal microflora were compared by group, using bioinformatics analysis. Results: Body weight, oral glucose tolerance, and blood glucose increased significantly in the HFD group compared with the CD group (P < 0.001), and malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased in the livers of mice fed a HFD (P < 0.05). Steatosis was seen in the liver parenchyma of the HFD group, and to a lesser degree in the HGRW group. The richness and diversity of intestinal flora only decreased significantly in the HFD group (P < 0.05). However, 24 genera and 26 species were significantly different between the HFD and CD subgroups of mice fed HGRW. Nine genera and five species were significantly different between the HGRW and W subgroups of mice fed a HFD. Correlations were confirmed for 10 physiological parameters; and were positively correlated with 17 genera in the HFD group; six genera were negatively correlated in the HGRW group. Importantly, Lactobacillus was closely related to tissue malondialdehyde levels. Conclusion: Oral HGRW has beneficial effects against antioxidant stress and liver damage. It may improve the diversity and structure of the intestinal flora, enhancing the relative abundance of beneficial flora.
Stunting, age at school entry and academic performance in developing countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gansaonré Rabi Joël , Moore Lynne , Bleau Louis-Philippe , Kobiané Jean-François , Haddad Slim
Published: June 2021

IntroductionAlthough many studies have examined the associations between growth problems in infancy and age at school entry, grade repetition, school dropout and schooling level in developing country, no synthesis of the evidence has been conducted. We aim to review evidence of the effects of stunting, or height-for-age, on schooling level and schooling trajectories, defined as the combination of school entry age, grade repetition, and school dropouts.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of studies (last update March 20, 2021) estimating that estimate the association between stunting, or height-for-age, and at least one component of the school trajectory, or schooling level, using five databases (PubMed, Embase, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Web of Science and PsycINFO). Study selection and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. Pooled effects were calculated using the generic inverse variance weighting random effect model. The studies’ risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool for non-randomized studies.ResultsWe screened 3944 records by titles and abstracts and retained 16 for inclusion in the qualitative and meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed that an increase in height-for-age leads to an increase in early enrollment [OR: 1.34 (95% CI: 1.07; 1.67)], a reduction in late enrollment [OR: 0.63 (95% CI: 0.51; 0.78)], an increase in schooling level [MD: 0.24 (95% CI: 0.14; 0.34)], and a reduction of school overage [OR: 0.79 (95% CI: 0.70; 0.90)]. The odds of grade repetition increased by 59% (OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.18; 2.14) for stunted children compared to those with no stunting.ConclusionsThis review suggests that stunting in childhood might lead to a delay in school enrollment, grade repetition, school dropout, and low schooling levels in developing countries. Future research should evaluate the effect of stunting on academic trajectories in the same population and explore the potential modification effect of socioeconomic status. The current findings suggest that policy makers need to work more to prevent stunting and to include health issues in educational policies.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020198346
Predicting Fault Locations based on Morphometric Features of Alluvial Fans and Basins using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Mokarram Marzieh , Pourghasemi Hamid Reza , Tiefenbacher John P.
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the morphometry of alluvial fans located in the vicinity of the Sabzevar and Sang-Sefid faults in northeastern Iran to determine their influence on erosion Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to select the most important morphometric factors affecting erosion. The data regarding the important parameters were input into adaptive neural-fuzzy networks (ANFIS) to predict erosion rates. The asymmetric factor (Af), hypsometric integral (Hi), and basin shape (BS) indicate that most of the sub-basins are tectonically active. The results of the PCA revealed that the most important parameters affecting erosion were Af, Pf, Lf, Rf, Vf, Pb, Ab, LC, Lb, Dd, and the geological unit. The ANFIS method showed that among the soil erosion prediction models, the FCM hybrid model had the highest accuracy. It is concluded that morphometric features can be used to predict the erosion processes in the basin.
Quadrature Photonic Spatial Ising Machine
Authors: Zhang Wenjia , Sun Wencheng , Liu Yuanyuan , Liu Qingwen , Du Jiangbing , He Zuyuan
Published: June 2021

The mining in physics and biology for accelerating the hardcore algorithm to solve non-deterministic polynomial (NP) hard problems has inspired a great amount of special-purpose ma-chine models. Ising machine has become an efficient solver for various combinatorial optimization problems. As a computing accelerator, large-scale photonic spatial Ising machine have great advantages and potentials due to excellent scalability and compact system. However, current fundamental limitation of photonic spatial Ising machine is the configuration flexibility of problem implementation in the accelerator model. Arbitrary spin interaction is highly desired for solving various NP hard problems. Moreover, the absence of external magnetic field in the proposed photonic Ising machine will further narrow the freedom to map the optimization applications. In this paper, we propose a novel quadrature photonic spatial Ising machine to break through the limitation of photonic Ising accelerator by synchronous phase manipulation in two and three sections. Max-cut problem solution with graph order of 100 and density from 0.5 to 1 is experimentally demonstrated after almost 100 iterations. We derive and verify using simulation the solution for Max-cut problem with more than 1600 nodes and the system tolerance for light misalignment. Moreover, vertex cover problem, modeled as an Ising model with external magnetic field, has been successfully implemented to achieve the optimal solution. Our work suggests flexible problem solution by large-scale photonic spatial Ising machine.
FDMine: a graph mining approach to predict and evaluate food-drug interactions
Authors: Rahman Md Mostafizur , Vadrev Srinivas Mukund , Magana-Mora Arturo , Levman Jacob , Soufan Othman
Published: June 2021

Food-drug interactions (FDIs) arise when nutritional dietary consumption regulates biochemical mechanisms involved in drug metabolism. These interactions can create unexpected adverse pharmacological effects. By contrast, particular foods can aid in the recovery process of a patient. Towards characterizing the nature of food’s influence on pharmacological treatment, it is essential to detect all possible FDIs. In this study, we propose FDMine, a novel systematic framework that models the FDI problem as a homogenous graph. In this graph, all nodes representing drug, food and food composition are referenced as chemical structures. This homogenous representation enables us to take advantage of reported drug-drug interactions for accuracy evaluation, especially when accessible ground truth for FDIs is lacking. Our dataset consists of 788 unique approved small molecule drugs with metabolism-related drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and 320 unique food items, composed of 563 unique compounds with 179 health effects. The potential number of interactions is 87,192 and 92,143 when two different versions of the graph referred to as disjoint and joint graphs are considered, respectively. We defined several similarity subnetworks comprising food-drug similarity (FDS), drug-drug similarity (DDS), and food-food similarity (FFS) networks, based on similarity profiles. A unique part of the graph is the encoding of the food composition as a set of nodes and calculating a content contribution score to re-weight the similarity links. To predict new FDI links, we applied the path category-based (path length 2 and 3) and neighborhood-based similarity-based link prediction algorithms. We calculated the precision@top (top 1%, 2%, and 5%) of the newly predicted links, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and precision-recall curve. We have performed three types of evaluations to benchmark results using different types of interactions. The shortest path-based method has achieved a precision 84%, 60% and 40% for the top 1%, 2% and 5% of FDIs identified, respectively. We validated the top FDIs predicted using FDMine to demonstrate its applicability and we relate therapeutic anti-inflammatory effects of food items informed by FDIs. We hypothesize that the proposed framework can be used to gain new insights on FDIs. FDMine is publicly available to support clinicians and researchers.
Attenuation of Energy-based Demand Parameters
Authors: SARI ALI , MANUEL Lance
Published: June 2021

The intensity of ground shaking and the demand on structures during earthquakes have been generally characterized using parameters such as peak ground acceleration as well as strength-based parameters such as response spectrum ordinates (e.g., spectral acceleration) that represent the maximum amplitude of shaking for structures with specified natural period and damping values. It has long been recognized that to assess the demands on structures during earthquakes, one might employ an energy-based approach (as an alternative to the more common strength-based one), especially when there is an interest in assessing damage potential of ground motions. An energy spectrum, obtained with the same level of effort required to construct a conventional response spectrum, is a convenient single-parameter description of both amplitude and duration of ground motion and can serve as a useful means by which to describe the performance of structures with different natural periods and damping ratios.In this study, attenuation models for Northwestern Turkey are developed for two parameters (defined herein) that are related to input energy and absorbed energy. The empirical models developed take advantage of the recent increase in the database on strong motion data for Northwestern Turkey. A total of 195 recordings from 17 recent seismic events are included in this database. The ground-motion prediction equations developed are for the geometric mean of the two horizontal components of the 5-percent damped energy parameters (elastic and inelastic input energy-equivalent acceleration, Ai, and absorbed energy-equivalent velocity, Aa) at various periods. Predictions of the energy-based parameters from the proposed attenuation model are compared with (strength-based) spectral acceleration levels predicted by Özbey et al [Soil Dyn. & Earthq. Eng., 24 (2004), pp. 115-125]. It is found that the energy demand parameters were generally greater with elastic Ai demands highest. In addition, the predicted energy-based parameter levels are compared with available Western U.S. attenuation model predictions for the same energy-based parameters. Western U.S. models predict similar energy demands to those with the proposed model. Finally, amplification factors for the energy-based parameters are proposed as a function of site class; these factors can be thought of as analogous to amplification factors for spectral acceleration as given in the NEHRP Seismic Provisions. The patterns related to the amplification are similar as with spectral acceleration in NEHRP (2001). A comparison of soil amplification effects for strength- and energy-based parameters is also discussed.
The Role of HOX Genes as Potential Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Martinou Eirini , Falgari Giulia , Angelidi Angeliki , Simpson Guy , Bagwan Izhar , Meira Lisiane , Karanjia Nariman
Published: June 2021

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is worldwide the third leading cause of cancer-related death, and despite therapeutic advances, survival remains low. Emerging evidence shows that Homeobox (HOX) genes are important in carcinogenesis, and their dysregulation has been linked with metastatic potential and poor prognosis. This systematic review aims to present the current evidence on the role of HOX genes as biomarkers in CRC and the impact of their modulation in tumour growth and progression. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane databases were searched by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. Eligible studies investigated two research questions: a) the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of HOX gene dysregulation in patients with CRC and b) the functional role of HOX genes in CRC progression. This study was registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO), CRD42020190953. Results: Twenty-five studies enrolling 3003 patients with stage I-IV CRC, showed that 26 out of 39 HOX genes were dysregulated in cancerous versus normal colon. Aberrant expression of HOX proteins was significantly related to tumour depth, nodal invasion, distant metastases, advanced stage and poor prognosis. Twenty-two preclinical studies showed that HOX proteins are crucially related to tumour growth and metastatic potential by affecting cell proliferation and altering the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition modulators. Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings suggest that HOX proteins play vital roles in CRC progression and significantly affect survival. Further research, though, is required to elucidate their potential role as biomarkers in CRC.
De novo biosynthesis of paracetamol from glucose by metabolically engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Guo Daoyi , Fu Xiao , Kong Sijia , Sun Yue , Pan Hong
Published: June 2021

Background: Paracetamol is among the most commonly used of all medications, widely accepted as a safe and effective analgesic/antipyretic for mild-to-moderate pain and fever. The biosynthesis of paracetamol from renewable sugars has not been reported so far, due to the lack of natural biosynthetic pathways. Results: In this study, we demonstrated for the first time the development of an E. coli cell factory for production of paracetamol from glucose. First, p-aminobenzoic acid, an intermediate of folic acid in microorganism, is selected as precursor substrates for the production of paracetamol. Second, a monooxygenase MNX1 from Candida parapsilosis CBS604 that can efficiently catalyze the decarboxylation and hydroxylation of p-aminobenzoic acid into corresponding p-aminophenol and another N-acetyltransferase PANAT from Pseudomonas aeruginosa that can efficiently catalyze the esterification of acetyl-CoA and p-aminophenol to form paracetamol were discovered. Finally, an engineered E. coli that allows production of paracetamol from simple carbon sources was established. Conclusions: The present study opens up a new direction for engineering microbial production of paracetamol from cheap and readily-available renewable raw materials such as sugars and cellulose in the future.
Lockdown fatigue: The diminishing effects of quarantines on the spread of COVID-19
Authors: Goldstein Patricio , Yeyati Eduardo Levy , Sartorio Luca
Published: June 2021

Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) have been for most countries the key policy instrument utilized to contain the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we conduct an empirical analysis of the impact of these policies on the virus’ transmission and death toll, for a panel of 152 countries, from the start of the pandemic through December 31, 2020. We find that lockdowns tend to significantly reduce the spread of the virus and the number of related deaths. We also show that this benign impact declines over time: after four months of strict lockdown, NPIs have a significantly weaker contribution in terms of their effect in reducing COVID-19 related fatalities. Part of the fading effect of quarantines could be attributed to an increasing non-compliance with mobility restrictions, as reflected in our estimates of a declining effect of lockdowns on measures of actual mobility. However, we additionally find that a reduction in de facto mobility also exhibits a diminishing effect on health outcomes, which suggests that lockdown fatigues may have introduce broader hurdles to containment policies.
LncRNA XIST alters the balance of peripheral blood immune cells in systemic lupus erythematosus by regulating the miR-17-92, OFLM4 and CEACAM8 axis
Authors: Cheng Qi , Xu Jieying , Chen Mo , Chen Xin , Zhang Peiyu , Wu Huaxiang , Du Yan
Published: June 2021

BackgroundX-inactive-specific transcript (XIST) has been shown to silence linked genes on the X chromosome that may be related to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in female patients. However, the function of XIST in SLE at other levels remains unclear. The present study aimed to clarify the correlations between XIST expression and SLE clinical features and the contribution of XIST to SLE pathogenesis at the transcriptome level.MethodsExpression of XIST in 79 SLE patients and 23 healthy controls was detected by quantitative-polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatics methods were used to explore the function and regulatory mechanism of XIST.ResultsExpression of XIST was significantly upregulated in SLE patients compared with healthy controls, and had a high diagnostic value for SLE. Importantly, SLE patients with high expression of XIST tended to have elevated levels of total T cells and CD8 + T cells, but reduced levels of Treg cells and NK cells. Bioinformatics analyses suggested that XIST may regulate the expression of OLFM4 and CEACAM8 by acting as a spongy body for miR-20a, miR-92a, miR-106a, and miR-449a. Furthermore, OLFM4 and CEACAM8 are significantly upregulated in SLE patients and had significant positive correlations with expression of XIST.ConclusionsWe propose that XIST may alter the balance of peripheral blood immune cells in SLE by acting as a spongy body for the miR-17-92 cluster and promoting the expression of OLFM4 and CEACAM8, resulting in immune dysregulation and tissue damage in SLE.
Continuous monitoring system for safe managements of CO2 storage and geothermal reservoirs
Authors: Tsuji Takeshi , Ikeda Tatsunori , Matsuura Ryosuke , Mukumoto Kota , Lawrens Hutapea , Kimura Tsunehisa , Yamaoka Koshun , Shinohara Masanao
Published: June 2021

We have developed a new continuous monitoring system based on small seismic sources and distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). The source system generates continuous waveforms with a wide frequency range. Because the signal timing is accurately controlled, stacking continuous waveforms enhances the signal-to-noise ratio, allowing the use of a small seismic source to monitor extensive areas (multi-reservoir). Our field experiments demonstrated that the monitoring signal was detected at a distance of ~80 km, and temporal variations of the monitoring signal (i.e., seismic velocity) were identified with >99.9% accuracy. Through the monitoring, we identified pore pressure variations due to geothermal operations and rains. When we used seafloor cable for DAS measurements, we identified the monitoring signals at >10 km far from the source in high-spatial resolution. This study demonstrates that multi-reservoir in an extensive area can be continuously monitored at a relatively low cost by combining our seismic source and DAS technology.
The use of computers in teaching clinical laboratory science
Authors: Miller T.E. , Smith P.J. , Gross S. , Guerlain S. , Rudmann S. , Strohm P.L. , Smith J.W. , Svirbely J.R.
Published: June 2021

The Transfusion Medicine Tutor (TMT) has been designed to study the use of computers in teaching concepts and problemsolving skills important in the field of clinical laboratory science. This system provides students with an opportunity to gain experience by solving a wide range of actual cases, and coaches these students when they are having difficulties. This system is designed specifically to detect and respond to a variety of errors that students may make while solving cases, and to suggest more advanced problem-solving methods when appropriate. This article describes the concepts behind the design of TMT.
Immunohematology
1993;9:22.