bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Chronic Outward Force on Arterial Responses of Proximal and Distal of Long Superficial Femoral Artery Stent
Authors: Li Hu , Rha Seung-Woon , Choi Byoung Geol , Choi Se Yeon , Moon Sang Ki , Jang Won Young , Kim Woohyeun , Ahn Ji Hun , Park Sang-Ho , Choi Woong Gil , Yang Rui Feng , Bai Wen Wei , Choi Cheol Ung , Ryu Yang gi , Baek Man Jong , Oh Dong Joo
Published: December 2020

Background

Self-expanding nitinol stent (SENS) implantation is commonly oversized in the superficial femoral artery (SFA), and leads to chronic outward force (COF) and in-stent restenosis (ISR). This study aimed to investigate the impact of COF of oversizing SENS on ISR of SFA.
Methods

In patients with implanted SENS in SFA, intimal hyperplasia especially between proximal segment and distal segment was evaluated by quantitative angiography, and the impact of COF on mid-term angiographic outcomes was investigated. In addition, porcine model with implanted SENS was used to evaluate the impact of COF on angiographic and histopathologic outcomes at 1 month. Excised stented arteries were evaluated by histopathologic analysis.
Results

We analyzed 65 SENS in 61 patients with follow-up angiography at 6 months to 1 year. In the long SFA stent, stent-to-vessel ratio was significantly higher in the distal stent than in the proximal stent (1.3 ± 0.2 vs. 1.55 ± 0.25, P = 0.001). ISR incidence was higher at the distal stent (37.3% vs 52.6%, P = 0.029). After 4 weeks of SENS implantation in porcine model, restenosis % was 29.5 ± 12.9% versus 46.8 ± 21.5% (P = 0.016). The neointimal area was 5.37 ± 1.15 mm2 vs. 8.53 ± 5.18 mm2 (P = 0.05). The restenosis % was 39.34 ± 8.53% versus 63.97 ± 17.1% (P = 0.001).
Conclusions

The development of a tapered type stent for longer SFA lesion and the development of SENS with smaller diameter are necessary, particularly in Asians.
Cyanoacrylate Tissue Adhesive as a Membrane in Socket Preservation: In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Clinical Evaluation
Authors: Azpur Gerardo Mendoza , ortiz Junior , Valdivia Erick , Balbinot Gabriela de Souza , Collares Fabricio Mezzomo , Mauricio Jonathan Meza , Shibli Jamil A
Published: December 2020

Background: Cyanoacrylate-based adhesives provide immediate hemostasis when applied; this is attributed to their ability to form a mechanical barrier in the surgical site, favoring the coagulation process and allowing control of bleeding. The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the in vitro effect of cyanoacrylate-based tissue adhesive and the clinical evaluation of wound healing of freshly extracted sockets with adhesives applied on an exposed collagen membrane, for preservation of the alveolar ridge. Methods: Cytotoxicity was evaluated with sulphoradamine B assay with primary fibroblasts from gingival tissue. The in vivo analysis was carried out in 10 patients needing extraction of single-rooted teeth, who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and signed the term of free and informed consent. Alveolar preservation was carried out with a mineralized cortical allograft bone substitute and a resorbable collagen membrane that was intentionally left exposed. On the exposed membrane, the Periacryl® 90 HV was applied as a barrier. The biocompatibility of the adhesive was assessed by the Early-Wound Healing Index (EHI) and Early Wound Healing Score (EHS), of perialveolar tissues at time intervals of 12, 30- and 60-days post-surgery. Results: Reduced cell viability was observed for Periacryl® 90 HV when compared with cells without adhesive treatments. No postoperative complications were observed after the application of Periacryl® 90 HV on perialveolar tissues. Conclusion: The use of the Periacryl® 90 HV cyanoacrylate-based tissue adhesive resulted in reduced fibroblast viability in vitro, and adequate results of wound closure in the clinical evaluation of EHI and EHS scores.
Transient Feature Extraction method based on adaptive TQWT sparse optimization
Authors: liu xue , sun ao , hu jian
Published: December 2020

Aiming at the problem of strong impact, short response period and wide resonance frequency bandwidth of transient vibration signals, a transient feature extraction method based on adaptive Tunable Q-factor Wavelet Transform (TQWT) was proposed. Firstly, the characteristic frequency band of the vibration signal was selected according to the time-frequency distribution. Based on the characteristic frequency band, the sub-band average energy weighted wavelet Shannon entropy was used to optimize the number of decomposition layers, quality factor and redundancy of TQWT, so as to achieve the adaptive optimal matching of the impact characteristic components in the vibration signal. Then, according to the characteristics of the transient impact of the telemetry vibration signal, the TQWT decomposition coefficients were sparse reconstructed to obtain more sparse impact characteristics, and the weighted power spectrum kurtosis was used as the impact characteristic index to select the optimal sub-band, Finally, the inverse transform of TQWT was used to reconstruct the optimal sub-band to enhance its weak impact features. The simulation and measured signal processing results verify the effectiveness of the algorithm.
A Novel Patient-Derived Cell Line of Adrenocortical Carcinoma Shows a Pathogenic Role of Germline MUTYH Mutation and High Tumour Mutational Burden
Authors: Landwehr Laura-Sophie , Schreiner Jochen , Appenzeller Silke , Kircher Stefan , Herterich Sabine , Fassnacht Martin , Kroiss Matthias , Weigand Isabel
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe response of advanced adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) to current chemotherapies is unsatisfactory and a limited rate of response to immunotherapy was observed in clinical trials. High tumour mutational burden (TMB) and the presence of a specific DNA signature are characteristic features of tumours with mutations in the gene MUTYH encoding the mutY DNA glycosylase. Both have been shown to potentially predict the response to immunotherapy. High TMB in an ACC cell line model has not been reported yet.MethodsThe JIL-2266 cell line was established from a primary ACC tumour, comprehensively characterised and oxidative damage, caused by a dysfunctional mutY DNA glycosylase, confirmed.ResultsHere, we characterise the novel patient-derived ACC cell line JIL-2266, which is deficient in MUTYH-dependent DNA repair. JIL-2266 cells have a consistent STR marker profile that confirmed congruousness with primary ACC tumour. Cells proliferate with a doubling time of 41±13 hours. Immunohistochemistry revealed positivity for steroidogenic factor-1. Mass spectrometry did not demonstrate significant steroid hormone synthesis. JIL-2266 have hemizygous mutations in the tumour suppressor gene TP53 (c.859G>T:p.E287X) and MUTYH (c.316C>T:p.R106W). Exome sequencing showed 683 single nucleotide variants and 4 insertions/deletions. We found increased oxidative DNA damage in the cell line and the corresponding primary tumour caused by impaired mutY DNA glycosylase function and accumulation of 8-oxoguanine.ConclusionThis model will be valuable as a pre-clinical ACC cell model with high TMB and a tool to study oxidative DNA damage in the adrenal gland.
Bacterial morphotypes as biodiversity indicators in a scarcely explored ecosystem in Santiago de Cali, Colombia
Authors: Vergara-López Laura , Díaz-Ortíz Alejandro , Rosero-García Doris
Published: December 2020

Bacteria are considered as the most diverse microorganisms on earth. However, bacterial diversity is unknown in some ecosystems, such as leachate treatment plants. In the present study, we characterized culturable bacteria isolated from six lagoons and one pure leachate to assess whether bacterial morphotypes can be used as biodiversity indicators. The sampling site was a leachate treatment plant located in Santiago de Cali. Overall, 311 bacterial morphotypes were collected from six lagoons, and a pure landfill leachate, and were identified using colony characters. Four biodiversity indexes related to species richness and abundance as well as to the estimation of the number of species present were calculated. The results show a great diversity of bacterial morphotypes in all samples. Further, the highest estimates of biodiversity were observed at lagoon 6 physicochemically treated, and the lowest estimates were observed at lagoons 5 and 8. The leachate generated in the sampled lagoons, which were composed of different elements, allows for the colonization of diverse bacteria. Moreover, these bacteria were resistant to the treatment plant processes, thereby explaining the highest diversity observed at the lagoon 6. Our results showed that bacterial morphotypes can be used as biodiversity indicators in ecosystems.
Spiking-Free HGO-Based Dynamic Surface Control for Flexible Joint Manipulator with Unmeasurable States
Authors: Kong Dezhi , Wang Wendong , Shi Yikai
Published: December 2020

For the flexible joint manipulator control system (FJMCS) with unmeasurable states, a novel partial states feedback control (PSFC) is proposed. Firstly, the unmeasurable states and the uncertainties are observed by a high-gain observer (HGO) simultaneously. Then, a dynamic surface controller is proposed based on the output of the HGO. The newly proposed controller has several advantages over existing methods. First, the proposed controller not only uses the estimate states to avoid using unmeasurable states, but also uses the estimation of uncertainties to enhance the robustness of FJMCS. Second, a novel spike suppression function (SSF) is developed to avoid the estimation spike problem in the existing HGO-based controllers. The closed-loop system stability is proved by the Lyapunov theory. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Genome-Wide Identification, Expression and Potential Function Analysis of the ERF and DREB Subfamily Members in Tomato
Authors: Liu YuDong , Zhang Li , Chen LiJing , Pang ShengQun , Zheng Qun , Quan ShaoWen , Liu YuFeng , Xu Tao , Qi MingFang
Published: December 2020

Background: APETALA2/ethylene responsive factors (AP2/ERFs) are unique regulators found in the plant kingdom that are involved in all life activity processes, including flowering, fruit ripening, floral meristem growth, and defense responses. In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), there are 60 DREB and 80 ERF subfamily members, however, their functionality remains poorly understood.Results: In this work, the AP2 domain conserved amino acid sequences of 68 ERF proteins from 20 plant species were compared and a Multiple Em for Motif Elicitation (MEME) analysis was conducted. Results revealed that the 9th amino acid of the AP2 domain exhibited marked characteristics during the selection of DRE/CRT and/or GCC boxes as protein binding sites. Moreover, motifs near the AP2 domain may be involved in protein binding to DNA, whereas motifs far away from the AP2 domain may function as a part of the transactivation domain. Furthermore, we compared the expression levels of all ERF genes in 30 tomato organs and under biotic and abiotic stresses. Results indicated that most of 17 ERF and DREB repressor genes were highly expressed in almost all tomato organs and under some biotic and abiotic stress. The transcripts per million (TPM) value ratios of all repressor genes exceeded that of all activator genes in 16 tomato organs. Thus, it can be inferred that these repressor genes play vital roles in balancing the regulatory functions of activator genes and activator genes may also conversely compete with repressor genes to ensure normal growth, development, and defense responses in tomato.Conclusions: This work uncovered the potential functions of all ERF and DREB genes that regulate tomato growth, development, and defense responses, and considers the binding ability of the AP2 domain unique sequences with DRE/CRT and GCC boxes, as well as the relationship of unique motifs with the transactivation domain. These findings will expand upon our understanding of the functions of ERF and DREB genes in tomato.
Identification of a hypoxia-associated long non-coding RNA signature and nomogram as a prognostic target for clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Hualin , Pan Yang , Jin Xiaoxiang , Chen Gang
Published: December 2020

Background

To develop a hypoxia-associated long non-coding (lncRNA) signature for risk stratification in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).
Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (TCGA KIRC) dataset was downloaded and analyzed.
Results

Four prognostic hypoxia-associated lncRNAs were used for signature construction. The four lncRNAs were downregulated in high grade, advanced stage, and high-risk ccRCC. ccRCC patients in the high-risk group had a worse prognosis than those in the low-risk group. And the risk score was significantly higher in high grade and advanced stage. The signature had an independent and long-standing prognosis prediction ability up to 10-year follow-up. Notably, the risk score was significantly positively correlated with the infiltration abundances of six immune cells from the Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER). The gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) also suggested that the signature was involved in the metabolism and tumorigenesis, which were closely related to the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Ultimately, a nomogram was built to predict the individual long-term survival possibility.
Conclusions

We have developed a new hypoxia-associated lncRNA signature, representing a promising tool for risk stratification tool in ccRCC. It might serve as a prognostic index to facilitate personalized counseling for treatment.
Recovery of Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunctions in COVID-19 Patients in Iran: a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Balajelini Mohammad Hosein Taziki , Vakili Mohammad Ali , Rajabi Abdolhalim , Mohammadi Masoud , Tabarraei Alijan , Hosseini Seyed Mehran
Published: December 2020

Background: Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions (OD and GD) manifested unpredictably in COVID-19 patients. Considering the high prevalence of OD and GD and the importance of the sense of smell and taste in the quality of life, this study aimed to determine the association of some demographic and clinical factors with OD and GD recovery in COVID-19 patients in Iran.Methods: This prospective cohort study was performed on COVID-19 patients with OD and GD during the first and second peak of pandemic in Golestan province, Iran. We used a local health care registry system for data collection. All cases had positive RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-19 in nose and nasopharynx swab samples. Variables included age, sex, ethnicity, geographical location, time of onset of symptoms, severity of OD and GD (complete or partial). The follow-up time for recovery from OD and GD was six months. Time to recovery for OD and GD was estimated by Kaplan-Meier considering complete recovery as an endpoint. Differences among groups were evaluated using log-rank test and Cox proportional-hazard models as appropriate in SPSS version 16.Results: A total of 242 patients completed the study. The mean age of patients was 39.12±11.89 years. There were 127 (52%) females. After six months, 239 (98.8%) patients had complete OD recovery and 80.9% and 83.56% of patients recovered within the first 30 days following the onset of OD or GD, respectively. The mean time of OD recovery was significantly higher (35.07±4.25 days) in cases infected in the first peak of pandemic than in the second peak (21.65±2.05 days) (p=0.004). This finding also was observed for the recovery time of GD (p=0.005). The mean recovery time of GD was significantly higher in women than men (35.55±4.33 vs. 23.20±2.46 days) (p=0.04). The age (less than 20 years), second peak of epidemic, and partial dysfunction were identified as significant predictors for recovery.Conclusions: COVID-19–related OD and GD had high rate of recovery in the first month from onset of symptoms. Age of patients, severity of OD/GD and infecting in second peak of epidemic might be related to the recovery of OD or GD in patients with COVID-19.
Core Intestinal Microbiome Richness of Coral Reef Damselfishes (Actinopterygii: Pomacentridae) Reflects Trophic Guild
Authors: Kavazos Christopher Ronald James , Leggat William , Casey Jordan , Choat John Howard , Ainsworth Tracy D.
Published: December 2020

Background: Fish harbour diverse microbiomes within their gastro-intestinal system that affect the host’s digestion, nutrition and immunity and facilitate resource partitioning in coral reef ecosystems. Despite the great taxonomic diversity of fish, little is understood about fish microbiome diversity and the factors that determine its structure and composition. Damselfish are important coral reef fish species that play a strong role in determining algae and coral structure of reefs. Broadly, damselfish belong to either of two trophic guilds based on whether they are planktivorous or algae-farming. In this study, we use 16s rRNA sequencing to interrogate the intestinal microbiome of 10 damselfish species (Pomacentridae) from the Great Barrier Reef to compare the composition of their intestinal bacterial assemblages across the planktivorous and algae-farming trophic guilds.Results: We identify core intestinal bacterial taxa for each host fish species. Gammaproteobacteria, belonging to the genus Actinobacillus, were detected in 80 % of sampled individuals and suggests a possible core member of pomacentrid microbiomes. Core microbiomes of algae-farming species were more diverse than planktivorous species with farming species sharing 35 ± 22 ASVs and planktivorous sharing 7 ± 3 ASVs. We also provide evidence for significant shifts in bacterial community composition along the intestines. We show that Bacteroidia, Clostridia and Mollicutes bacteria are more abundant in the anterior intestinal regions while Gammaproteobacteria are generally highest in the stomach. Finally, we highlight differences in microbiomes associated with both trophic guilds. Algae-farming and planktivorous damselfish host species significantly differed in their composition of bacteria belonging to Vibrionaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Pasteurellaceae.Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the richness of the core intestinal bacterial communities of damselfish reflects host species diet and trophic guild, whereby algae-farming hosts have larger and more diverse core microbiomes than planktivorous hosts. We suggest that algae-farming damselfish within the same species share bacterial taxa that reflect their specialised diets.
Hidden Populations: A Follow Up Study of Risk Behaviours in The Drug Using Populations in The Republic of Georgia
Authors: Lawlor Cale , Kirtadze Irma , Stvilia Keti , Jikia Guranda , Zurashvili Tamar , Gogia Marine
Published: December 2020

Background:Georgia has a significant risk of ongoing HIV and HCV outbreak. Within this context, harm reduction aims to reduce risk associated with drug use through community activities, such as peer recruitment and involvement. The aim of this study was to compliment earlier research, and attest to the ongoing utility of peer-driven intervention across multiple years in recruiting high-risk, vulnerable populations through peer networks. It was hypothesised that significant differences would remain between known, and previously unknown, members of the drug-using community, and that peer-driven intervention would continue to recruit individuals with high-risk, vulnerable individuals.Methods:Sampling occurred across 9 months in 11 cities in Georgia, recruiting a total of 2807 drug-using individuals. Standardised questionnaires were completed for all consenting and eligible participants, noting degree of involvement in harm reduction activities. This data underwent analysis to identify statistically significant different between those known and unknown to harm reduction activities, including in demographics, knowledge and risk behaviours. Results:Peer recruitment was able to attract a significantly different cohort compared to those already known to harm reduction services. Important differences in drug use, behaviour and risk were seen between the two groups, with the peer-recruited cohort undertaking higher-risk injecting behaviours. A mixture of risk differences was seen across different sub-groups and between the known and unknown population. Overall risk, driven by sex risk, was consistently higher in younger people (0.59 v. 0.57, p=0.00). Recent overdose was associated with higher risk in all risk categories. Peer-recruited individuals reported much lower rates of previous HIV testing (34.2% v. 99.5%, p=0.00). HIV knowledge and status were not significantly different.Conclusions:Significant differences were seen between the known and unknown drug-using populations. The recruitment strategy was successful in recruiting females and younger people. This is especially important given that this sampling followed subsequent rounds of peer-driven intervention, implying the ability of peer-recruitment to consistently reach hidden, unknown populations of the drug using community, who have different risks and behaviours. Risk differences were seen compared to previous samples, lending strength to the peer-recruitment model, but also informing how harm reduction programmes should cater services, such as education, to different cohorts.
Report on 2 Liver Damage Cases of Unknown Reason with ANK1 Mutations
Authors: Yu Lianhu , Xiao Yongmei , Wang Yizhong , Li Dan , Zhang Ting
Published: December 2020

Background: ANK1 mutations are usually related to hereditary spherocytosis. Few studies show direct relationships between ANK1 mutations and liver damage. Recent researches revealed that ANK1 mutations may downregulate the expression of hepcidin, a key hepatic hormone important to iron homeostasis. Hepcidin deficiency can induce iron overload that do harm to liver cells and cause ferroptosis.Case Presentation: In both cases, yellowing of skin and hepatomegaly were found. Lab results showed increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferases (AST). Genetic tests confirmed de novo heterozygous mutations in ANK1 gene. Liver biopsy of one child indicated mild liver damage. Prussian blue staining revealed iron accumulation. Conclusions: Here we report 2 cases featuring ANK1 mutations with liver damage of unidentified causes. We suspect that ANK1 mutation is related to liver damage through decreasing hepcidin, which may cause iron overload and then ferroptosis.
Altered Cerebral Iron Over the Whole Brain in Chronic Migraine Using Voxel-Based Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping
Authors: Chen Zhiye , Dai Wei , Chen Xiaoyan , Liu Mengqi , Ma Lin , Yu Shengyuan
Published: December 2020

Background: The previous documents demonstrated that iron deposition was identified in brain deep nuclei and periaqueductal gray matter region in chronic migraine (CM), and less is known about the cerebral iron deposition in CM. The aim of this study is to investigate the cerebral iron deposition in CM using an advanced voxel-based quantitative susceptibility mapping.Methods: A multi-echo gradient echo MR sequence was obtained from 14 CM patients and 28 normal controls (NC), and quantitative susceptibility mapping images were reconstructed and voxel-based analysis was performed over the whole cerebrum. The susceptibility value of all the positive brain regions was extracted and correlation was calculated between the susceptibility value and the clinical variables. Results: The brain regions with increased susceptibility value in CM patients located in right precuneus, dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, cuneus, insula and left postcentral gyrus compared with NC. The correlation analysis demonstrated that a positive correlation was identified between susceptibility value of all the positive brain regions and VAS score.Conclusion: The current study demonstrated increased cerebral iron deposition presented in chronic patients, which suggested that increased cerebral iron deposition might play a role in the migraine chronicization.
Autophagy Inhibition and Inflammation Activation Induced by Phosphorylated Alpha-synuclein Through Toll-like Receptor 2 Pathway in the Hippocampus of MPTP Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease Contribute to Its Cognitive Function Decline in the Early Stage
Authors: Zhang Ke-Zhong , Wu Jing , Jiang Wenwen , Wang Ye , Rong Zhe , Sun Li , Cheng Yue
Published: December 2020

Background: To evaluate consecutively the cognitive function of a chronic mouse model of Parkinson’s disease (PD) induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine/probenecid (MPTP/p) in different modeling periods, and to study the characteristics of cognitive decline in PD and its molecular mechanism.Methods: In this study, we used MPTP and probenecid to induce a chronic PD mouse model, the Y-maze test to evaluate the cognitive function of the model in different modeling periods, western blotting (WB) to quantify phosphorylated alpha-synuclein (p-α-syn), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), Nod-like receptors (NLRs), Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), p62, Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and other related indicators, immunohistochemical staining (IHC) to characterize the expression of p-α-syn, immunofluorescence staining (IF) to observe the co-localization of p-α-syn and cholinergic neurons (ChAT+) or astroglias (GFAP+) in the hippocampus. The TLR2 inhibitor CU-CPT22 was used to intervene in the subacute MPTP PD mouse model and then the expression of TLR2, ChAT, GFAP, p62 and IL-1β were evaluated again. Results: In the Y-maze test after 1/2/3/4/5 weeks of administration, the percentage of bouts to the Novel arm and the percentage of duration in the Novel arm of the MPTP/p group mice were lower than those of the Saline group mice, and there were statistical differences at the second week. At the same time, the p-α-syn monomer in the hippocampus of chronic MPTP/p PD mice increased, accompanied by the increase of GFAP, TLR2, Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), NLR pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), p62 and IL-1β, and the decrease of the ratio of LC3Ⅱ to LC3I (LC3Ⅱ/I). The p-α-syn in the hippocampus increased, and co-localized significantly with GFAP and slightly with ChAT. TLR2 inhibitor CU-CPT22 can reduce the expression of GFAP, p62 and IL-1β in the subacute MPTP mouse model.Conclusion: Autophagy inhibition and inflammation activation induced by p-α-syn through TLR2 pathway in the hippocampus of MPTP mouse model of Parkinson’s disease contribute to its cognitive function decline in the early stage, indicating the potential of TLR2 as a therapeutic target for PD cognitive decline.
Reduced Serum Cholinesterase Activity Distinguishes Hepatic Encephalopathy From 48 Types of Human Diseases
Authors: Rong Yanfei , Zhang Meng , Zhang Yiyang , Pang Yongzheng , Zhang Lijuan , Guo Yachong , Pei Haitao
Published: December 2020

Background: Hepatic encephalopathy is a complication of central nervous systems due to liver failure-related brain inflammation. Less than half of patients suffering from liver failure develop hepatic encephalopathy, which suggests other factors beyond liver failure might contribute to hepatic encephalopathy. Indeed, we reported previously that the levels of serum direct bilirubin, a liver cell-made product, are counter-intuitively highest in hepatic encephalopathy patients among 72 clinically defined diseases. In current study, we tested if cholinesterase could serve as a biomarker for hepatic encephalopathy by comparing serum cholinesterase activities among 48 different types of human diseases.Methods: The activity of serum cholinesterase was determined by the standard “continuous monitoring method” in the clinical laboratory of the hospital where the serum cholinesterase activities from 137,305 independent tests with 48 clinically defined diseases and 3,387 independent tests from healthy individuals who came to the hospital for physical examination during the past 5 years were retrieved. All data were analyzed with RStudio V.1.3.1073 and python libraries 3.8.Results: We found that all 48 types of diseases had decreased cholinesterase activity compared to control based on either mean or median values. Remarkably, hepatic encephalopathy had the lowest cholinesterase activity and the serum cholinesterase activity was the best biomarker for hepatic encephalopathy (AUC 0.99, sensitivity 100%, and specificity 99%) among all diseases. Moreover, two component analysis of cholinesterase activity distributions revealed hepatic encephalopathy resembled preeclampsia and uremia whereas cirrhosis resembled multiple myeloma, leukemia, myeloproliferative disorder, and liver cancer.Conclusions: Decreased cholinesterase activity was an almost perfect serum biomarker for patients suffering hepatic encephalopathy at all stages. The resemblance of hepatic encephalopathy to preeclampsia and uremia based on cholinesterase activities provided new insight in understanding hepatic encephalopathy etiology beyond liver failure.
Potential Assessment of Oleaginous Fungi for Sustainable Biodiesel Production: Screening, Identification and Lipid Production Optimization
Authors: Youssef Ghada , Elrefaey Ahmed , El-Assar Samy
Published: December 2020

The present work, aiming to exploit oleaginous fungi for biodiesel production. Ten fungal strains were isolated from two petroleum polluted soil samples and screened for their abilities to accumulate lipid. Lipid rich three species viz, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus were found to be the highest lipid producers. Potential isolates were identified at the species level by morphological (macroscopic and microscopic) examination and molecularly confirmed by using 18S rRNA gene sequencing. Improvement of lipid accumulation by optimization of various parameters of culture conditions. The results reported clearly that the most suitable medium conditions for highest lipid production (38.33%) of Aspergillus terreus as the most potent lipid producer composed of 5% sucrose, 0.5 g/L ammonium nitrate with initial pH 6.0, after seven days of incubation in a static condition. The three promising fungal isolates have been taken for fatty acids analysis by gas chromatograph (GC) after transesterification. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) profile indicated the presence of higher saturated fatty acid fractions compared to polyunsaturated fatty acids. The total concentration of fatty acids was 107.98, 38.29, and 37.48 mg/100g of lipid accumulated by A. terreus, A. niger and A. flavus, respectively. Gas chromatograph analysis of A. terreus lipid indicated that oleic acid (C18:1, 18.51%) was the most abundant fatty acid, followed by stearic acid (C18:0, 15.91%) and Myristic acid (C14:0, 14.64%), respectively. Therefore, fatty acid profile of A. terreus has confirmed its potentiality as feedstock for producing lipid for biodiesel manufacturing.
Sensitivity of HIV Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits in Detecting HIV-2 in HIV Care and Support Centres in Ghana
Authors: Offih Hanna Antwiwaa , Adjei David Nana , Agyemang Seth , Abana Christopher Zen , Martin-Odoom Alexander
Published: December 2020

BackgroundAmong Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected people in Ghana, the prevalence of HIV-2 is low compared with HIV-1. There is a paucity of reliable data on HIV-2 prevalence in Ghana which may justify targeted routine HIV-2 testing for all people for whom HIV-1 testing is required. Prevention and treatment of AIDS depends on accurate laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection. HIV Rapid diagnostic Test (RDT) kits are the preferred preliminary screening assay type in many resource-constrained countries. The study sought to determine whether the RDT kits used in screening for HIV positive patients are missing capturing HIV-2 in the patients.MethodsVenous blood was aseptically collected from 100 HIV-1 infected patients reporting to the Fevers Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for antiretroviral therapy. Using Plasma the HIV 1 status was reassessed with Oraquick® Advance Rapid HIV-1/2 kit, First Response HIV-1-2 RDT kit and Multisure MP Diagnostics, the RDTs in use at the care and support centre. ResultsOf the 100 patients previously determined as HIV-1 positive at the HIV Care and Support Centre, 88 tested positive for HIV-1, 10 tested positive for HIV-1 & 2, 2 tested negative and no patient tested positive for HIV-2 using First Response RDT kit and Multisure RDT kit, and OraQuick kit which gave qualitative results of 98 positives and 2 negatives. The twelve (12) samples with different study results from the known, prior to the study(10 HIV 1& 2 and 2 negative), were subjected to confirmatory test at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) with INNO-LIA HIV Score kit, a standard confirmatory protocol. When INNO-LIA HIV Score kit was used as confirmatory test for the 12 samples, 9 tested positive for HIV-1, one patient tested negative and two patients tested positive for HIV-2.ConclusionAll the rapid diagnostic test kits in use missed classifying the two samples correctly as HIV-2 infection.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Deliver Exogenous miR-105-5p via Small Extracellular Vesicles to Rejuvenate Senescent Nucleus Pulposus Cells and Attenuate Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Sun Yongjin , Zhang Wenzhi , Li Xu
Published: December 2020

Background: Mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (MSC-sEVs) have emerged as a promising new therapeutic strategy for intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). However, drawbacks of MSCs, including invasive access, donor age, and limited proliferative capacity, hinder the quantity and quality of MSC-sEVs. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived MSCs (iMSCs) provide an indefinite source of MSCs with well-defined phenotype and function. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of sEVs derived from iMSC (iMSC-sEVs) on IVDD and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods: IVDD models were established by puncturing tail disc in rats. Then iMSC-sEVs was injected into the punctured discs. The degeneration of punctured discs was assessed by MRI, HE and Immunofluorescence staining. In vitro, age-related phenotypes were used to determine the effects of iMSC-sEVs on senescent nucleus pulposus cells NPCs. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of Sirt6. miRNA sequencing analysis was used to find miRNAs that potentially mediate the activation of Sirt6.Results: After intradiscally injecting iMSC-sEVs, NPC senescence and IVDD were significantly improved. In vitro, iMSC-sEVs could rejuvenate senescent NPCs and restore the age-related function by activating the Sirt6 pathway. Further microRNA sequence analysis showed that miR-105-5p was highly enriched in iMSC-sEVs and played a pivotal role in iMSC-sEVs-mediated therapeutic effect by downregulating the level of the cAMP-specific hydrolase PDE4D and could lead to Sirt6 activation.Conclusion: iMSC-sEVs could rejuvenate the senescence of NPCs and attenuate the development of IVDD. iMSC-sEVs exerted their anti-aging effects by delivering miR-105-5p to senescent NPCs and activating the Sirt6 pathway. Our findings indicate that iMSCs are a promising candidate MSC for obtaining sEVs on a large scale while avoiding several defects related to the present applications of MSCs, and that iMSC-sEVs could be a novel cell-free therapeutic tool for the treatment of IVDD.
An Akan Translation, Validation and Reliability of a Questionnaire for assessing Awareness of Ghanaian Women on Prostate Cancer.
Authors: Wiafe Ebenezer , Mensah Kofi Boamah , Mensah Adwoa Bemah Boamah , Bangalee Varsha , Oosthuizen Frasia
Published: December 2020

Aims: The study aimed to: (1) adopt, modify and develop a questionnaire suitable for data collection on prostate cancer in the female population, (2) translate the questionnaire into the Akan language, and (3) conduct a validity and reliability analysis on the Akan questionnaire.Methods: An English version questionnaire was developed and adequately translated into an Akan version according to the forward and backward translation protocols. The Akan questionnaire went through translator-approval and certification. Validity and reliability analysis were performed on the questionnaire. Statistical analysis for face validity involved the determination of average scores while content validity involved the determination of the content validity index. Regarding reliability analysis, Cronbach’s alpha was calculated for the test and retest periods of study.Results: A forty-five (45) membered Akan questionnaire was successfully developed and certified. The average scores for all parameters employed in the face validation were greater than 4. The content validity index was within the range of 0.90 - 0.99 while the Cronbach’s alpha for both test periods was within the range of 0.7808 - 0.9209.Conclusion: The Akan questionnaire had acceptable validity and reliability outcome. Therefore, the questionnaire was considered appropriate for assessing knowledge, awareness, and perception of Ghanaian women of prostate cancer.
The Association between Visual Attention and Body Movement-Controlled Video Games Balance and Mobility in Older Adults
Authors: Alghamdi Mansour , Vallis Lori Ann , Leat Susan Jennifer
Published: December 2020

Background

Body movement-controlled video games involving physical motion and visual attention may have the potential to train both abilities simultaneously. Our purpose was to determine the associations between performance in these games and visual attention, balance and mobility in a group of older adults. The long-term goal is to identify the optimal type of interactive games with regards to training potential.
Methods

Fifty healthy adults aged 65 + years participated in this cross-sectional study. Visual attention was measured with static and dynamic versions of a useful field of view (UFV) and a multiple object tracking (MOT) test. Balance was measured with a force plate in bi-pedal quiet stance test (QST) and one-legged stance (OLST). Gait variability and walking speed were assessed with the Five Meter Walk Test (5MWT). Four Microsoft™ Xbox® 360 Kinect™ interactive video games were chosen based on the apparent levels of visual attention demand.
Results

Visual attention (UFV and MOT) was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with performance in Xbox® Kinect™ games that appeared to have a high visual attention demand, while there was minimal or no significant association with games with apparent low visual attention demand. Balance and mobility show some correlations with visual attention, and with Xbox games.
Conclusion

The results suggest that there are relationships between visual attention, balance, mobility and Xbox® Kinect™ game performance. Since different Xbox® games were associated with different balance, mobility and visual attention scores, a variety of such games may be most effective for training for falls prevention.
Disparity in Physical and Mental Multimorbidity Between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians: implications for Equity in Health Service use and Work Productivity
Authors: Carman William , Ishida Marie , Trounson Justin S , Anindya Kanya , Sum Grace , Armstrong Gregory , Oldenburg Brian , Lee John Tayu
Published: December 2020

Background: Multimorbidity, the presence of ≥2 chronic conditions, is a major contributor to health inequalities, with significant impact on health care costs. This study aims to examine the differences in chronic physical and mental health multimorbidity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians, and the effect of multimorbidity on health service use and work productivity amongst Aboriginal and non-Indigenous Australians.Methods: This study conducted cross-sectional analyses of the Household, Income, and Labour Dynamics in Australia Wave 17, examining a nationally representative sample of 16,749 respondents aged 18 years and above. We applied multivariable linear and logistic regressions to examine the association between multimorbidity and self-reported health, health service use, and employment productivity.Results: Aboriginal respondents reported a higher prevalence of multimorbidity (24.2%) compared to non-Indigenous Australians (20.7%), and the prevalence of co-existing mental and physical multimorbidity was almost twice as high (16.1% vs 8.1%). Multimorbidity was associated with higher health service use (any overnight admission: AOR 1.52), reduced employment productivity (days sick leave: coef. 0.25), and lower perceived health status (SF6D score: coef. -0.04). These associations are similar in both Aboriginal and non-Indigenous populations.Conclusions: Multimorbidity prevalence was greater among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders compared to the non-Indigenous population, likely driven by the greater prevalence of mental health conditions reported by the Aboriginal sample. Strategies for better management of mental and physical multimorbidity would not only reduce health care costs among those affected but may contribute to a reduction in health inequalities in Australia.
Cerebral Microemboli in Mini-Sternotomy Compared to Mini-Thoracotomy for Aortic Valve Replacement: A Cross Sectional Cohort Study
Authors: Bozhinovska Marija , Jenko Matej , Stupica Gordana Taleska , Klokocovnik Tomislav , Ksela Jus , Jelenc Matija , Podbregar Matej , Fabjan Andrej , Sostaric Maja
Published: December 2020

Background: Recently adopted mini-thoracotomy approach for surgical aortic valve replacement has shown benefits such as reduced pain and shorter recovery, compared to more conventional mini-sternotomy access. However, whether limited exposure of the heart and ascending aorta resulting from an incision in the second intercostal space may lead to increased intraoperative cerebral embolization and more prominent postoperative neurologic decline, remains inconclusive. The aim of our study was to assess potential neurological complications after two different minimal invasive surgical techniques for aortic valve replacement by measuring cerebral microembolic signal during surgery and by follow-up cognitive evaluation.Methods: Trans-cranial Doppler was used for microembolic signal detection during aortic valve replacement performed via mini-sternotomy and mini-thoracotomy. Patients were evaluated using Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination Revised Test before and 30 days after surgical procedure.Results: A total of 60 patients were recruited in the study. In 52 patients, transcranial Doppler was feasible. Of those, 25 underwent mini-sternotomy and 27 had mini-thoracotomy. There were no differences between groups with respect to sex, NYHA class distribution, Euroscore II or aortic valve area. Patients in mini-sternotomy group were younger (60.8±14.4 vs.72±5.84, p=0.003), heavier (85.2 ± 12.4 vs.72.5 ± 12.9, p= 0.002) and had higher body surface area (1.98 ±0.167 vs. 1.83±0.178, p=0.006).Surgery duration was longer in mini-sternotomy group compared to mini-thoracotomy (158 ±24 vs. 134±30 min, p<0.001, respectively). There were no differences between groups in microembolic load, length of ICU or total hospital stay. Total microembolic signals count was correlated with cardiopulmonary bypass duration (5.64, 95%CI 0.677–10.60, p=0.027). Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination Revised Test score decreased equivalently in both groups (p=0.630) (MS: 85.2±9.6 vs. 82.9±11.4, p=0.012; MT: 85.2±9.6 vs. 81.3±8.8, p=0.001). Conclusion: There is no difference in microembolic load between the groups. Total intraoperative microembolic signals count was associated with cardiopulmonary bypass duration. Age, but not micorembolic signals load, was associated with postoperative neurologic decline.
Evaluation of medical intern work hours in Senegal
Authors: Faye Papa mamadou , Abdou NIASSE , Abdourahmane NDONG , Ababacar MBAYE Khalifa , Coumba DIALLO Adja , Mamadou CISSE
Published: December 2020

Background: in many countries, medical intern work hours have been discussed for a long time and many schedules has been modified in order to improve it. In our country, this topic has never been studied.Methods: It was a cross sectional study including all resident regardless of their specialties. An online questionnaire was shared to all the members of the Senegalese association of medical Interns.Results: Overall, 102 answers were collected. The average age was 28.3 years. More than half of the resident stated that they stay at hospital more than eight hours a day. Besides, 83,5 % declared doing more than 40 hours a week. In addition, 37,2 % of resident said that they were “on call” between 4 and 8 times monthly and 15,1% were “on call” more than 8 times per month. We have seen an average of 55,7 hours with up to eighty hours extremes. Conclusion: Medical intern work hours is a good subject of discussion, in such an under developed country like ours.
Effects of dietary n -6: n -3 PUFA ratio on the growth performance, serum lipid and adipokine profiles, tissue fatty acid composition and gene expression of lipid metabolism of finishing pigs
Authors: Chen Jing , Li Jiantao , Liu Xianjun , Cui Hongze , Wang Liyan , Zheng Jiaxing , Li Xin
Published: December 2020

Background

The health benefits of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), such as cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and hypo-triglyceridemic properties, have been well documented. However, current dietary modification can easily lead to excessive concentrations of n-6 PUFA and an imbalance in the n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio, resulting in the pathogenesis of obesity and related diseases. This study investigated the effects of various dietary n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios on the growth performance, blood lipid and cytokine profiles, tissue fatty acid composition, and gene expression involved in lipid metabolism in finishing pigs. Seventy-two crossbred [(Duroc × Landrace) × Yorkshire] finishing pigs (68.5 ± 1·8 kg) were fed one of four isoenergetic diets with n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios of 2:1, 3:1, 5:1 and 8:1.
Results

Pigs fed diets with n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios of 3:1 and 5:1 had a higher average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) (P < 0.05) and a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05). The concentrations of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) of pigs fed diets with n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios of 1:1 to 5:1 decreased (P < 0·05), whereas the ratio of concentrations of high-density to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C:LDL-C) in pigs fed a diet with an n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio of 2:1 increased (P < 0·05) compared with those fed a diet with an n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio of 8:1. Pigs fed a diet with n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios of 2:1 and 3:1 had lower concentrations of leptin (LEP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) (P < 0·05), and higher concentrations of adiponectin (APN) (P < 0·05) than those fed diets with n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios of 5:1 and 8:1. Diets with n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios of 2:1 and 3:1 markedly down-regulated the expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in both the longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT), but up-regulated the expression level of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (aP2) in the LM. The expression levels of aP2 and hormone- sensitive lipase were similar to those of PPARγ in the SCAT.
Conclusions

This study demonstrated that dietary n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios between 3:1 and 5:1 beneficially affected growth performance, optimize blood lipid and adipocytokine levels, enhanced absorption and deposition of n-3 PUFA and regulated lipid metabolism-related genes.