bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conditional genetic deletion of CSF1 receptor in microglia ameliorates the physiopathology of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Pons Vincent , Lévesque Pascal , Plande Marie-Michèle , Rivest Serge
Published: November 2020

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common form of dementia in the world. Microglia are the innate immune cells of CNS, their proliferation, activation and survival in pathologic and healthy brain have previously been shown to be highly dependent on CSF1R.MethodsHere we investigate the impact of such receptor on AD etiology and microglia. We deleted CSF1R using Cre/Lox system, the knock-out (KO) is restricted to microglia in the APP/PS1 mouse model. We induced the knock-out at 3-month-old, before plaque formation and evaluated both 6 and 8-month-old groups of mice.ResultsOur findings demonstrated that CSF1R KO did not impair microglial survival and proliferation at 6 and 8 months of age in APP cKO compared to their littermate controls groups APPSwe/PS1. We have also shown that cognitive decline is delayed in CSF1R-deleted mice. Ameliorations of AD etiology is associated with a decrease in plaque volume in cortex and hippocampus area. A compensating system seems to take place following the knock-out, since TREM2/β-Catenin and IL-34 expression are significantly increased. Such a compensatory mechanism may promote microglial survival and phagocytosis of Aβ in the brain.ConclusionsOur results provide new insights on the role of CSF1R in microglia and how it interacts with the TREM2/β-Catenin and IL-34 system to clear Aβ and ameliorates the physiopathology of AD.
Efficient Method for Isolation of High-Quality RNA from Psidium Guajava L. Tissues
Authors: Carpinetti Paola Avelar , Fioresi Vinicius Sartori , Cruz Thais Ignez , Almeida Francine Alves Nogueira , Canal Drielli , Ferreira Adésio , Ferreira Marcia Flores da Silva
Published: November 2020

Background: Acquiring high-quality RNA in sufficient amounts is necessary in plant molecular biology and genetic studies. Several methods of RNA extraction from plants are available in the literature, mainly due to the great biochemical diversity present in each species and tissue, which can complicate or prevent the extraction. Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae family) is a perennial fruit tree of medicinal and economic value; nevertheless, only few molecular and omics studies are available for the species. One reason for this fact is the difficulty in obtaining the RNA due to the content of the samples, which are rich in polyphenols, polysaccharides and secondary metabolites. Furthermore, there is still no tested or standardized method available for the isolation of RNA from guava or Psidium samples, which hampers advances in the genus.Results: Here we compare the quality and yields of RNA isolated using six extraction protocols: two based on the application of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) lysis buffer, two commercial kits (PureLink™ RNA Mini Kit and RNeasy® Plant Mini Kit), one using the TRIzol® reagent, and one applying guanidine thiocyanate lysis buffer followed by organic phase extraction. RNA integrity, quality and yields were assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis and spectrophotometry. The CTAB-based method provided the highest RNA yields and quality for five different tissues (flower bud, immature leaf, young leaf, mature leaf and root), genotypes and stress conditions. For the most efficient protocol, the average yield of RNA from guava leaf was 210.4 μg/g of tissue, and the A260/A280 and A260/A230 ratios were 2.1 and 2.2, respectively. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the purity of the samples was sufficient for molecular biology experiments.Conclusion: CTAB-based methods for RNA isolation were found to be the most efficient, providing the highest RNA yields and quality for tissues from P. guajava. Additionally, they demonstrated to be compatible for downstream RNA-based applications, besides showing the advantages of lower cost and time investments.
Implementation and Sustainability of an Enhanced Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program in a Single Centre
Authors: Braak Kim van der , Wald Joshua , Tansey Catherine , Paes Thais , Sedeno Maria , Selzler Anne-Marie , Stickland Michael , Bourbeau Jean , Janaudis-Ferreira Tania
Published: November 2020

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has major benefits for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The availability of PR in Canada is low. To facilitate implementation, a standardized and enhanced PR Program has been developed with a self-management education intervention that has been validated and shown to be effective. The objectives of our study were to assess the implementation of this program into a single site; determine the sustainability 18 months after implementation; and to identify the satisfaction with, facilitators of and barriers to implementation and sustainability of the program as perceived by patients with COPD and HCPs. Methods: We conducted a prospective pre-post study which consisted of two phases: 1) the implementation phase (first six months after implementation) and 2) the sustainability phase (18 months after implementation). Guided by the RE-AIM framework, outcomes including: Reach (number of patients enrolled and demographics), Effectiveness (Change in patient outcomes), Adoption (HCPs’ characteristics), Implementation (Program fidelity) and Maintenance (Patient outcomes at 3-month follow-up). Results: Reach: Twenty-six patients were included for both phases (two different samples). Effectiveness: Clinically important improvements in patient outcomes were found for functional exercise capacity, knowledge, functional status and self-efficacy in both phases of the study. Adoption: All HCPs involved in PR (N=8) agreed to participate and used the program in both phases of the study. Implementation: Fidelity for the group education sessions ranged from 76-95% in the implementation phase and from 82-88% in the sustainability phase. Maintenance (implementation phase): Clinical important improvements at 3-month follow-up were found in knowledge, self-efficacy for exercise and walking. Patients and HCPs were highly satisfied with the program. Lack of time was reported as the most common barrier and having longstanding procedures as the most common facilitator by HCPs to implementation and sustainability of the program. Conclusions: The enhanced PR program was accepted by the patients and HCPs and could be reliably implemented and maintained at a single expert center. The program provided clinical benefits for patients in terms of functional capacity, knowledge and self-efficacy for walking. These findings will guide planning for wide scale dissemination and implementation of the program.
Olive Extract Ameliorates Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, and Protects Intestinal Villus and Microbiota in Piglets Induced by Lipopolysaccharides
Authors: Zhang Yu , Deng Zhao-Xi , He Mao-Long , Luo Xin M. , Liu Jian-Xin , Wang Haifeng
Published: November 2020

Background: The olive extract contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study was designed to investigate whether olive cake extract, enriched with maslinic acid and hydroxytyrosol, alleviates the lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and intestinal villus damage in piglets.Methods: Thirty weaned piglets (6.9±0.9 kg) were assigned to five groups using a randomized complete block design. Piglets were fed a basal diet before intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of physiological saline (C); fed a basal diet alone (CL) or fed a basal diet plus olive extract (OL), antibiotics (AL), or olive extract and antibiotics (OAL) before i.p. injection of LPS. The feeding lasted for 2 weeks. Piglets were euthanized 4h after LPS injection. Systemic anti-oxidant and inflammation levels were measured and villus morphology in the intestine was examined.Results: Compared with those in the C group, piglets in the CL group had significantly lower GSH-Px, SOD, ALB levels and higher MDA, NO, LDH, ALT and AST levels in the serum (P<0.05). Compared with the CL group, piglets in OL, AL, and OAL groups had significantly higher serum GSH-Px, SOD and ALB levels and lower MDA, NO, LDH, ALT and AST levels (P<0.05). LPS administration significantly increased the serum concentration of TNF-α, IL-6, DAO and D-xylose in the CL group compared with the control group (P<0.05). Piglets in OL, AL, and OAL groups had significantly lower serum TNF-α, IL-6, DAO and D-xylose levels and higher IL-10 level (P<0.05). In the duodenum and ileum of piglets, LPS challenge led to significantly lower villus height (VH), higher crypt depth (CD) and lower VH/CD compared with the control group (P<0.05), whereas, OL, AL, and OAL groups had significantly lower CD and higher VH/CD compared with the CL group (P<0.05). Dietary inclusion of olive extract increased the relative abundance of intestinal Lactobacillus and Clostridium at genus level.Conclusion: Dietary supplementation with olive extract maslinic acid and hydroxytyrosol improved anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory capacity, intestinal structure morphology, and increased the abundance of beneficial intestinal bacteria in weaned piglets challenged by LPS.
KLF4, a Key Regulator of a Transitive Triplet, Acts on the TGF-β Signaling Pathway and Contributes to High-Altitude Adaptation of Tibetan Pigs
Authors: Wang Tao , Guo Yuanyuan , Liu Shengwei , Zhang Chaoxin , Cui Tongyan , Ding Kun , Wang Peng , Wang Xibiao , Wang Zhipeng
Published: November 2020

Background: Tibetan pigs are native mammalian species on the Tibetan Plateau that have evolved distinct physiological traits that allow them to tolerate high-altitude hypoxic environments. They can be used as a suitable animal model for exploring the molecular mechanism of hypoxia adaptation in high-altitude organisms.Results: Here, based on multi-tissue transcriptional data from high-altitude Tibetan pigs and low-altitude Rongchang pigs, we performed a weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and identified key modules related to these tissues. Complex network analysis and bioinformatics analysis were integrated to identify key genes and size-3 network motifs. The results showed that compared to other tissues, the lungs of Tibetan pigs and Rongchang pigs are more significantly different, showing more adaptive transcriptional changes. In the lung tissues of Tibetan pigs, we identified KLF4, BCL6B, EGR1, EPAS1, SMAD6, SMAD7, KDR, ATOH8 and CCN1 genes as potential regulators of hypoxia adaption. We found that KLF4 and EGR1 genes simultaneously regulate the BCL6B gene, forming a KLF4-EGR1-BCL6B transitive triplet. This transitive triplet, dominated by KLF4, may enhance the hypoxia adaptability of Tibetan pigs by mediating the TGF-β signaling pathway. This triplet also regulates the KDR gene, which is involved in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and plays an important role in hypoxia adaptation. Conclusions: We postulate that the KLF4-EGR1-BCL6B transitive triplet may contribute to the adaptation of Tibetan pigs to hypoxic environments. These findings provide new details of the regulatory architecture of hypoxia-adaptive genes and are valuable for understanding the genetic mechanism of hypoxic adaptation in mammals.
An 192 bp ERV insertion in the first intron of TLR6 acts as an enhancer to increase TLR6 and TLR1 expression
Authors: wang xiaoyan , Chen Zixuan , Murani Eduard , D'alessandro Enrico , An Yalong , Chen Cai , Li Kui , Galeano Grazia , Wimmers Klaus , Song Chengyi
Published: November 2020

Background

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play important roles in building innate immune and inducing adaptive immune responses. Associations of the TLR gene polymorphisms with diseases susceptibility, which are the basis of molecular breeding for disease resistant animals, have been reported extensively. Retrotransposon insertion polymorphisms (RIPs) were developed recently as a new type of molecular marker having great potential in population genetics and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping analysis. In this study, bioinformatics prediction combined with the PCR-based amplification was employed to screen for RIPs in porcine TLR genes. Their population distribution and impact on gene activity and phenotype of one RIP was further evaluated.
Results

Totally, five RIPs, located at the 3' flank of TLR3, 5' flank of TLR5, intron 1 of TLR6, intron 1 of TLR7, and 3' flank of TLR8 respectively, were identified. These RIPs were detected in different breeds with an uneven distribution among them. By using the dual luciferase activity assay a 192 bp endogenous retrovirus (ERV) in the intron 1 of TLR6 was proven to act as an enhancer increasing the activities of TLR6 promoter and multiple mini-promoters. Furthermore, the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis demonstrated that the ERV insertion significantly enhances the mRNA expressions of TLR6, the neighboring gene TLR1, and the downstream genes MyD88 (Myeloid differentiation factor 88), Rac1 (Rac family small GTPase 1 ), TIRAP (TIR domain containing adaptor protein), Tollip (Toll interacting protein) of TLR signaling pathway and the inflammatory factors IL6 (Interleukin 6), IL8 (Interleukin 8), and TNFα (Tumor necrosis factor alpha) in 30-day piglet tissues. In addition, the serum IL-6 and TNFα were also significantly upregulated by ERV insertion.
Conclusions

Overall, five RIPs were identified in several TLRs, and the 192 bp ERV insertion in the first intron of TLR6 can improve the expressions of TLR6, TLR1, their downstream genes, and the inflammatory factors by acting as an enhancer affecting the regulation of TLR pathways, which may be applicable in the molecular breeding of disease resistant animals.
Treatment of Supraventricular Tachycardia in Patients with Non-Cardiac Surgery by Dexmedetomidine During the Perioperative Period. A Randomized Trial
Authors: Hu CuiWen , Xu Yan , Guo Xuan , Yang Shengnan , Zhang Qi , Zhang JunLong
Published: November 2020

Background: Previous studies have shown that application of dexmedetomidine (Dex) combined anesthesia during surgery can significantly reduce cardiovascular system complications and mortality of patients with cardiac disease during the perioperative period. The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic effect of Dex on perioperative supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in adult patients with non-cardiac surgery.Methods: Forty-six patients with SVT undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery were randomly divided into two groups, intravenously infused Dex (Dex group, 1.0 µg/kg) or midazolam (midazolam group, 0.06 mg/kg) for 10 minutes, respectively. The observation indexes containing the treatment efficiency of SVT, heart rate (HR) and and heart rate variability (HRV) including normalized low frequency power (LFnorm), normalized high frequency power (HFnorm) and LFnorm/HFnorm were recorded.Results: Treatment rates of SVT were 21/23 (91.3%) in Dex group vs 2/23 (8.7%) in midazolam group (P<0.001). In Dex group, LFnorm and LFnorm/HFnorm were decreased, and HFnorm were elevated and HR were decreased after twenty-three patients infused Dex (P < 0.05). However, there was no difference for HFnorm, LFnorm and LFnorm/HFnorm in midazolam group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Perioperative use of dexmedetomidine has a significant therapeutic effect for SVT, and its mechanism is related to adjust cardiac autonomic nervous system and has no obvious connection with sedation.Trial registration: This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. registry number: NCT04284150 on February 13, 2020.
Changes in Hand Hygiene Behaviors and Its Related Factors Among Northern Iranian Population During the First Peak and Subsidence of COVID-19 Pandemic Period: Results From PERSIAN Guilan Cohort Study (PGCS)
Authors: Joukar Farahnaz , Yeganeh Sara , Hassanipour Soheil , Asgharnezhad Mehrnaz , Maroufizadeh Saman , Mansour-Ghanaei Fariborz , Naghipour Mohammadreza
Published: November 2020

Background: Considering the importance of the hand hygiene behaviors for the prevention of COVID-19 transmission, the current study was conducted to investigate the changes in hand-washing behaviors and its related factors among the northern Iranian population during the first peak and subsidence of COVID-19 pandemic period.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during two periods in Guilan (Northern provinces of Iran). First period conducted at the first peak of COVID-19 pandemic in Iran (between 03/23/2020 and 03/30/2020), and second period conducted at the first subsidence of COVID-19 pandemic in Iran (between 05/3/20 and 05/10/2020). The questionnaire was completed by 571 adult participants. Data on frequency, procedure and circumstances of hand-washing and obsessive-like behaviors were collected. Potential correlates of reduction in frequency of hand washing were analyzed by multiple logistic regression.Result: Compared to peak of COVID-19 pandemic, frequency and procedure of hand-washing and obsessive-like behaviors were significantly reduced at the subsidence of COVID-19 pandemic (all p<0.05). Females with negative family history of coronavirus disease had greater odds (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 2.19, P =0.03) of reduction in the frequency of daily hand-washing. Younger than 50 years old males and males who reduced the procedure of hand-washing had greater odds (AOR = 1.71, P =0.02 and AOR = 2.16, P =0.001, respectively) of reduction in the frequency of daily hand-washing. Conclusion: Northern Iranian populations were found to decrease their frequency and quality of hand washing and obsessive-like behaviors over time from the first peak to first subsidence of COVID-19 pandemic. Here, the factors that independently predicted reduction in frequency of hand washing in male population were younger age and reduction in procedure of hand-washing and in female population was a negative family history of coronavirus disease. Thus, special attention should be paid to maintaining the general population’s perceived susceptibility to illness, especially in younger men during the pandemic.
CircRNA cRAPGEF5 is Downregulated in Gastric Cancer and Promotes the Transition from Precursor to Mature miR-22
Authors: Feng Yan , Wang Chun , Shi Tian , Liu Weidong , Liu Huan , Zhu Bo , Gao Feng
Published: November 2020

Background: CircRNA cRAPGEF5 has been characterized as an oncogene in renal cell carcinoma. We in this study explored the involvement of cRAPGEF5 in gastric cancer (GC). Methods: Expression of cRAPGEF5, mature miR-22 and miR-22 precursor in paired GC and non-tumor tissues was analyzed by RT-qPCR. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was performed to analyze the correlations between them. GC cells were transfected with cRAPGEF5 expression vector, followed by measuring the expression levels of mature miR-22 and miR-22 precursor using RT-qPCR. Cell proliferation was analyzed by CCK-8 assay.Results: We found that cRAPGEF5 was under-expressed in GC and positively correlated with mature miR-22, but not miR-22 precursor. In GC cells, cRAPGEF5 overexpression resulted in the upregulation of mature miR-22, but failed to significantly alter the expression of miR-22. Cell proliferation analysis showed that cRAPGEF5 and miR-22 overexpression decreased cell proliferation, while miR-22 inhibitor played an opposite role. Moreover, miR-22 overexpression attenuated the effect of cRAPGEF5 overexpression.Conclusions: Therefore, cRAPGEF5 may promote the maturation of miR-22 to suppress GC cell proliferation.
Effect of Y3Al5O12 Addition on The Microstructural Evaluation And Mechanical Properties of Spark Plasma Sintered ZrB2-SiC Composites
Authors: Gürcan Kübra , Ayas Erhan , Yurdabak İlker , Güngören M.Safa
Published: November 2020

The addition of Y3Al5O12 (YAG) into the ZrB2-SiC composites was investigated in the present research. Composites were densified by SPS method at 1850ºC under a uniaxial pressure of 50 MPa for 20 min. Microstructural evaluation and mechanical properties were evaluated with a various content of YAG (1-5 wt%). The microstructural and phase analysis showed that incorporation of YAG promoted the densification process from the solid-state sintering to liquid phase sintering. The highest density (99.81% RD) and fracture toughness (6,44 ± 0.23 MPa.m1/2) were obtained for the composite containing 5 wt % YAG after the SPS process. Although hardness and elastic modulus of samples were decreased with the increasing of YAG amount, measured values were comparable with the literature.
Four Key Genes are Biomarkers Associated with Immunity in Neuroglioma
Authors: Yang Xin , Hao Jia-Qi , Zhang Yu , Shi Jia-Ying , Zhu Xiao-Lin , Xiao You-Chao , Bai Hao , Hao Chun-Yan , Duan Hu-Bin
Published: November 2020

Background: Glioma is the most common intracranial tumor, with glioblastoma being the most malignant. However, its treatment is very few, and targeted therapy is an important breakthrough in treatment. Methods: Numerous genes are differentially expressed during the progression of glioma, some of which may play a key role. To find key genes, we analyzed three multi-sample microarrays (GSE4290, GSE54004, and GSE29796) in the GEO database to obtain intersection differential genes among them. We entered all DEGs into the STRING database and characterized the protein interactions of these DEGs as visual PPI networks by Cytoscape software. Also, we used the GEPIA2 and CGGAdatabase to predict the relationship between key genes and the prognosis of glioma patients.Results: A total of 222 up-regulated genes and 127 down-regulated genes were identified. Four genes(FN1, LAMB1, FAM20C, and COL6A1) were significantly negatively correlated with malignant glioma survival. Expression levels of four genes increased with the glioma grade. All gene expression is more common in IDH wild glioma and are enriched in the Mesenchymal subtype(AUC>0.8). In addition,they can be defined as hazard factors for glioma. We found that these genes were co-expressed and jointly involved in the infiltration of immune cells in tumors. Conclusion: In conclusion, FN1, LAMB1, FAM20C, and COL6A1 is associated with poor prognosis in glioma patients. These genes might be clinical targets of glioma immunotherapy.
Comparison of Percutaneous Kyphoplasty and Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation for the Treatment of Osteopenic Thoracolumbar Vertebral Compression Fractures
Authors: Zhang Ye , Yi Weiwei , Xia Huiqiang , Lan Haiyang , Yang Zhijie , Han Fei , Liu Bo
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) have a high incidence, which have attracted wide attention from society. However, few scholars have conducted researches on osteopenic vertebral compression fractures (osteopenic VCFs). Our research has compared the clinical and imaging effects of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) in the treatment of Osteopenic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures (Osteopenic VCFs).METHODS: From December 2018 to September 2020, 70 patients with osteopenic VCFs who had undergone PKP and PPSF surgeries at our medical center were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were divided into PKP group (n=38) and PPSF group (n=32). Clinical data including clinical and radiological evaluation results were performed pre- and postoperatively.RESULTS: The operation time, bleeding volume, postoperative bedtime, and hospitalization period in PKP group were lower than those in PPSF group (P<0.05). The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) of two groups in the last follow-up were lower than those before the operation (P<0.05). On the 3rd day after the operation, VAS and ODI in PPSF group were higher than those in PKP group (P<0.05). The anterior height of injured vertebrae (AH) of two groups was recovered compared with that before the operation. Compared with two groups in each period, there was no obvious difference in AH or the height restoration of injured vertebrae (HR) (P>0.05). The anterior height ratio of injured vertebrae (AHR) of PPSF group was higher than that of PKP group after the operation (P<0.05). The kyphosis angle (KA) in PPSF group was smaller than PKP group after the operation (P<0.05). All patients in PPSF group have achieved bony healing at the last follow-up.CONCLUTIONS: Both PPSF and PKP can achieve satisfactory clinical results in the treatment of Osteopenic VCFs. The short-term clinical effect of PKP is better than that of PPSF, but the latter has better long-term results, including the correction and maintenance of vertebral height and the acquisition of osseous fusion.
Long-term Survival and Clinical Outcomes of Non-vascularized Autologous and Allogeneic Fibular Grafts are Comparable for Treating Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Jie Ke , Feng Wenjun , Li Feilong , Wu Keliang , Chen Jinlun , Zhou Guangming , Zeng Huiliang , Zeng Yirong
Published: November 2020

Background Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a disabling disease, which often involves young patents. Recently, various hip-preserving surgeries were recommended to delay total hip arthroplasty (THA).Questions/purposes This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes and survival rate in the long-term follow-up between core decompression combined with a non-vascularized autologous fibular graft (group A) and an allogeneic fibular graft (group B) for the treatment of ONFH.Patients and Methods We retrospectively evaluated 117 patients (153 hips) with ONFH (Association Research Circulation Osseous [ARCO] stages IIa to IIIc) who underwent the above-mentioned hip-preserving surgeries between January 2003 and June 2012. The mean (range) follow-up times (years) were 12.9 (7–16) and 9.3 (6–16) in groups A and B, respectively. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Harris hip score (HHS), visual analog scale (VAS) score, forgotten joint score (FJS). A survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The end point was THA.Results Groups A and B showed postoperative improvements, respectively, in HHS from 65±7.2 to 80.3±14.5 and from 66±5.9 to 82.4±13.6 (p<0.05), and in VAS score from 6.3±1.1 to 2.3±1.6 and from 6.1±1 to 2.2±2.2 (p<0.05). However, no significant differences in the HHS, VAS score, and hip FJS at the last follow-up (p>0.05) and 15-year survival rate (84.1% and 86%, respectively, p>0.05) were found between group A and B.Conclusions Autologous and allogeneic fibular grafts can attain equally good clinical outcomes and high survival rates in long-term follow-up, and thus can greatly delay THA owing to good bone osseointegration and sufficient mechanical support. Notably, the ratio of failure will increase when patients were more than 37 years old.Level of Evidence Level III, therapeutic study.
Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitor on Left Ventricular Function: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhenfei OU , Tong Chen
Published: November 2020

Background: Although a variety of research have significant protective action on the cardiovascular system when use of SGLT2 inhibitor, it is still unclear how can improve ventricular remodeling and fundamentally Reduce the mortality of cardiovascular. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to explore the efficacy of sodium glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors in improving left ventricular (LV) remodeling in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Methods: We searched articles published before September 30, 2020, regardless of language, in 4 electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. We included randomized controlled trials in this meta-analysis. The differences in the mean changes in left ventricular echocardiographic parameters between the treatment group and control group were evaluated.Results: Combined outcome indicators showed that SGLT2 inhibitors, LAVI (WMD＝-6.29，95％CI（-10，-2.58），P＜0.001) , E/e'（WMD＝-2.15，95％CI（-4.08，-0.21），P=0.003） , LVEF(WMD＝3.67，95％CI （0.59，6.75），P=0.02) , LVEDV( WMD＝-1.99，95％CI （-26.49，-22.50），P=0.87), LVESV(WMD＝-8.36，95％CI （-17.36，-0.65），P=0.07). Conclusions: SGLT2 inhibitors had a favorable effect on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in patients with T2DM.
Pfeifer-Weber-Christian Disease and Benign Multiple Subcutaneous Noninfiltrative Angiolipomas: A Puzzling Case and Review of a Rare Entitety
Authors: Radunovic Goran , Pavlov-Dolijanovic Slavica , Milicic Tanja , Bosic Martina , Stupar Nada Vujasinovic , Jeremic Ivan , Dacic Drasko
Published: November 2020

Background: Pfeifer-Weber-Christian disease (PWCD) is one of many rare diseases that may be easily missed if there is not a high degree of suspicion. Angiolipomas are rare, benign subcutaneous tumors, composed of adipose tissue and blood vessels and often containing fibrin thrombi. The majority of angiolipomas occur sporadically; however, there is a minority of cases that have been associated with long-term corticosteroid use. Case presentation: We report here an unusual case of PWCD associated with benign multiple subcutaneous noninfiltrative angiolipomas confirmed by skin biopsy. Systemic corticosteroid therapy was not effective at reducing flares of panniculitis, and during this therapy angiolipomas gradually increased in size. In contrast, administration of oral Cyclosporine A (CyA) led to a rapid remission of the PWCD. Conclusions: As PWCD has no known aetiology and no specific treatment has been established, the successful therapy with the CyA supports the hypothesis that PWCD is a T cell mediated autoinflammatory condition. Also, this case represent very rare side effects of corticosteroid therapy, such as induction of de novo angiolipomas or increased growth of existing tumours. This case bring diagnostic difficulties in everyday clinical practice, especially in patients with panniculitides, but histopathological evaluation usually resolves the dilemma.
Effect of Dietary Yeast Culture Supplementation on the Growth Performance and Cecal Microbiota Modulation of Geese
Authors: Cheng Yating , Wan Kun , Xiong Zibiao , Luo Hui , Liu Anfang , He Hang , Zhang Jie
Published: November 2020

BackgroundOne of the most extensively applied animal feed additives is yeast culture (YC), which can increase production efficiency by altering gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiota. However, its use is still limited in waterfowl. Geese are the ideal model to study the interaction between dietary and GIT, due to their adaptation to consume different roughage sources. Therefore, the effect of YC supplementation at different concentrations (0%, 0.5%,1.0%,2.0% and 4.0%) on the GIT microbiota of geese was investigated in the present study. ResultsThree hundred Sichuan white geese with healthy and similar body weight (BW: 95.57 ± 2.42 g) were randomly divided into five groups: i) basal diet (control), ii) basal diet+0.5%YC (treat1), iii) basal diet+1.0% YC (treat2), iv) basal diet+2.0% YC (treat3), and v) basal diet+4.0% YC (treat4). After 10 weeks, slaughter and collected the cecum contents, then analysis GIT microbiota by high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that YC supplementation did not significantly affect α-diversity (P ＞0.05). Principal coordinates analysis showed an obvious separation between control and treat4. The dominant phyla were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes whereas the predominant genera were Alistipes and Desulfovibrionaceae. The relative abundance of Firmicutes significantly increased in the treat1 group, whereas that of Bacteroidetes significantly decreased in the treat4 group. Dietary YC increased the proportion of beneficial bacteria, such as Parabacteroides, Enterococcus, Streptococcus and Pseudomonas, particularly in group treat2. Furthermore, treat3 significantly improved the body weight and feed utilization of geese.ConclusionCollectively, these findings demonstrate that dietary YC supplementation tends to increase species diversity and richness of GIT microbiota in geese. This increases the proportion of beneficial bacteria which improves amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. Moreover, YC increases the relative abundance of Firmicutes that promote energy utilization and nutrition absorption, thereby improving the growth performance of geese. This dietary strategy based on feed additives is an effective method to maintain the health of the geese GIT and to improve growth efficiency.
Assessment of Pathogenic Bacteria Transfer From Pristionchus Entomophagus (Nematoda: Diplogasteridae) to the Invasive Ant Myrmica Rubra and Its Potential Role in Colony Mortality in Coastal Maine
Authors: Ishaq Suzanne Lynn , Hotopp Alice , Silverbrand Samantha , Dumont Jonathan E. , Michaud Amy , MacRae Jean , Stock S. Patricia , Groden Eleanor
Published: November 2020

Background:Necromenic nematode Pristionchus entomophagus has been frequently found in nests of the invasive European ant Myrmica rubra in coastal Maine, United States. The nematodes may contribute to ant mortality and collapse of colonies by transferring environmental bacteria. M. rubra ants naturally hosting nematodes were collected from collapsed wild nests in Maine and used for bacteria identification. Virulence assays were carried out to validate acquisition and vectoring of environmental bacteria to the ants.Results:Multiple bacteria species, including Paenibacillus spp., were found in the nematodes’ digestive tract. Serratia marcescens, Serratia nematodiphila, and Pseudomonas fluorescens were collected from the hemolymph of nematode-infected Galleria mellonella larvae. Variability was observed in insect virulence in relation to the site origin of the nematodes. In vitro assays confirmed uptake of RFP-labeled Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PA14 by nematodes. Bacteria were highly concentrated in the digestive tract of adult nematodes, a small amount of bacteria were observed in the digestive tract of juveniles with a more significant amount on their cuticle, and none on the cuticle of adults. RFP-labeled P. aeruginosa were not observed in hemolymph of G. mellonella larvae, indicating an apparent lack of bacterial transfer from juvenile nematodes to the insects despite larval mortality.Host species was the primary factor affecting bacterial community profiles. Spiroplasma sp. and Serratia marcescens sequences were shared across ants, nematodes, and nematode-exposed G. mellonella larvae. Alternative to the idea of transferring bacteria from environment to host, we considered whether nematode-exposure might disorder or depauperate the endobiotic community of an insect host. While total bacterial diversity was not statistically lower in nematode-exposed G. mellonella larvae when compared to controls, 16 bacterial sequence variants were less abundant in nematode-exposed larvae, while three were increased, including Serratia, Pseudomonas, and Proteus.Conclusions: This study suggests that transfer of bacteria from nematodes to ants is feasible, although largely serendipitous, and may possibly contributed to ant death and/or collapse of wild colonies in Maine. Hypothetically, the use of an engineered biological control, such as nematodes carrying specifically-seeded bacterial species, may be effective, especially if the pathogenic bacteria are normally found in soil ecosystems and represents a low risk for biosafety control.
Vector-Borne Pathogens With Veterinary and Public Health Significance in Melophagus Ovinus (Sheep Ked) From the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Zhang Qingxun , Wang Ye , Li Ying , Han Shuyi , Wang Bo , Yuan Guohui , Zhang Peiyang , Yang Ziwen , Wang Shuangling , Chen Jiyong , Zhong Haishun , Han Xueqing , He Hong-Xuan
Published: November 2020

BackgroundMelophagus ovinus (sheep ked) is a hematophagous ectoparasite that mainly parasitizes sheep. In addition to causing inflammation, wool loss and skin damage to the animal hosts, M. ovinus also serves as a vector for a variety of pathogens and is highly likely to participate in the life and transmission cycle of pathogenic organisms. MethodsHerein, we investigated the presence and molecular characterization of vector-borne pathogens in M. ovinus from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. ResultsA total of 92 M. ovinus pools (n=276) collected from Qinghai province of China were screened for the presence of selected vector-borne pathogens. The overall prevalence of A. ovis, A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, and T. ovis in M. ovinus was 39.1%, 17.4%, 9.8%, and 89.1%, respectively. All of the samples were negative for BDV, other Anaplasma species, Babesia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Borrelia spp. Co-infection of different Anaplasma species and T. ovis occurred in 51.2% of all samples with T. ovis. The positive rates of A. ovis, A. bovis, and A. phagocytophilum in different region and altitude of the sampling sites were significantly different. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of target genes confirmed their identity with corresponding pathogens. ConclusionOur results elucidate the occurrence and genetic diversity of Anaplasma spp. and Theileria spp. in M. ovinus, which could act as potential zoonotic reservoirs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the detection of A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum DNA in M. ovinus. This study gives the first extensive molecular survey of vector-borne pathogens with veterinary and public health significance in M. ovinus from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China.
Early essential newborn care is associated with increased breastfeeding: a quasi-experimental study from Sichuan Province of Western China
Authors: Wang Chenran , Li Xiayun , Zhang Lin , Wu Linman , Tan Ling , Yuan Fei , Guo Yao , Williams Sarah , Xu Tao
Published: November 2020

Background: Breastfeeding is critical to promote maternal and child health in a short and long term. China has set national targets to further improve the exclusive breastfeeding rate. We aimed to examine associations between the provision of early essential newborn care (EENC) and breastfeeding outcomes among full-term vaginally delivered neonates in the first six months of life.Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study in eight maternal and children’s hospitals in Mianyang City and Deyang City in Sichuan Province of western China. Four hospitals were randomly selected as the intervention group with the implementation of EENC while others as the control group receiving routine care. We assessed effects of EENC on breastfeeding initiation time, duration of first-time breastfeeding, and exclusive breastfeeding rates up to six months of age. Data in both groups were collected after delivery, at hospital discharge, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post birth in the baseline phase from May to June 2017 and post-EENC phase from October to December 2017. Written consent was obtained from eligible mothers enrolled in this study. We performed univariate analyses to ascertain differences between the two groups, and difference in difference (DID) models to explore the net effects.Results: Of the 1349 enrolled mother and newborn pairs in our study, 1131 (83.9%) were followed up at 1 month of age, 1075 (79.7%) at 3 months, and 981 (72.7%) at 6 months. EENC was associated with earlier median time to initiate breastfeeding (25min vs. 33min, P<0.01), an increased chance of successful first-time breastfeeding (OR=5.53; 95% CI: 2.69, 11.40), longer duration of skin to skin contact (SSC) (21.53 min; 95% CI: 18.17, 24.89) and longer duration of the first breastfeed (4.16 min; 95% CI: 2.10, 6.22), and an increased likelihood of being exclusively breastfed at discharge (74.5% vs. 55.0%, P<0.001), 3 months (OR=3.20; 95% CI: 1.01, 10.15), and 6 months (OR=4.91; 95% CI: 1.71, 14.13) of age.Conclusions: EENC enhances early and successful breastfeeding initiation, prolongs duration of the first breastfeed, and increases the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at six months of age. Our evidence suggests that nation wide scale up of EENC would increase the exclusive breastfeeding rate in the first six months of life.
Impact of three methods of ischemic preconditioning on ischemia-reperfusion injury in a pig model of liver transplantation
Authors: Belon Alessandro Rodrigo , Tannuri Ana Cristina Aoun , Moreira Daniel Albuquerque , Figueiredo Jose Luiz , Silva Alessandra Matheus , Serafini Suellen , Guimarães Raimundo Renato , Faria Caroline Silverio , Alexandre Alcione Sanches , Gonçalves Josiane de Oliveira , Paes Vitor Ribeiro , Tannuri Uenis
Published: November 2020

Background. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC), either direct (DIPC) or remote (RIPC), is a procedure aimed at reducing the harmful effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Aims. To assess the local and systemic effects of DIPC, RIPC, and both combined, in the pig liver transplant model. Methods. Twenty-four pigs underwent orthotopic liver transplantation and were divided into 4 groups according to the procedures applied: direct donor preconditioning; indirect preconditioning at the recipient and a group with direct donor and indirect recipient preconditioning. The following parameters were recorded: donor and recipient weight, graft-to-recipient weight ratio (GRWR), surgery time, hot and cold ischemia time, and intraoperative hemodynamic values. Blood samples were collected before native liver removal (BL) and at 0h, 1h, 3h, 6h, 12h, 18h, and 24h post-reperfusion and the following biochemical tests were performed: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatinine, BUN (blood urea nitrogen), lactate, total and direct bilirubin. Histopathological examination of liver, gut, kidney, and lung fragments were performed, as well as molecular analyses for expression of the apoptosis-related BAX (pro-apoptotic) and Bcl-XL (anti-apoptotic) genes, eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) gene, and IL-6 gene related to inflammatory ischemia-reperfusion injury, using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results. There were no differences between the groups regarding biochemical and histopathological parameters. We found a reduced ratio between the expression of the pro-apoptotic BAX gene and the expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl gene in the livers of animals with IPC versus the control group. Conclusions. DIPC, RIPC or a combination of both produce local beneficial effects only at the molecular level but do not translate into biochemical or histological changes.
Averting Expenditure on Malaria: Effects on Labour Productivity of Maize Farmers in Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri District of Ghana
Authors: Mabe Franklin Nantui , Dafurika Thomas
Published: November 2020

Background Malaria has been one of the commonest diseases during farming season which affects farmers’ health resulting in a reduction in the number of days spent on the farm. As a result, farmers are regularly trying to avert malaria infection through preventive measures. Motivated by this argument, this study sought to determine the effects of malaria averting expenditure on labour productivity of maize farmers in Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri District in the Northern Region of Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional primary data was collected from 194 maize farmers. Both descriptive and quantitative data analysis approaches were employed. Conditional Mixed Process was used to estimate the effects of malaria prevention expenditure on maize farmers’ labour productivity. Results The study revealed that maize farmers incurred an average expenditure of GHc284.6 to prevent malaria annually. The result shows that factors that affect maize farmers’ malaria prevention expenditure include off-farm income, household size, presence of bushes around houses, presence of pregnant women and number of household members in school. Meanwhile, quantity of fertilizer, seed, weedicides, farming experience, age, ownership of motor bike and averting expenditure are significant determinants of maize labour productivity. The study revealed that farmers who spend more amount of money to avert malaria attack are more labour productive. Conclusions Therefore, this study recommends that Ministry of Health and Ministry of Food and Agriculture should collaborate and integrate health extension service on malaria in agricultural extension to educate farmers on the need to avert malaria. Farmers should be educated on malaria preventive strategies such as clearing of bushes around houses, draining of stagnant water, sleeping in treated mosquito nets among others. Lastly, aside distribution of free mosquito nets to pregnant women, they should be subsidized and made available for all farmers to procure for malaria prevention.
Developing an Assessment Scale for Long-term Care Reablement Literacy in Home Care Workers in Taiwan Using a Modified Delphi Method
Authors: Yu Hsiao-Wei , Chiu Tzu-Ying , Chen Pin-Yuan , Liao Tai-Hsiang , Chang Wen-Hui , Wang Mei-Wen , Lin Pay-Shin
Published: November 2020

Background: Reablement is a philosophy of change in long-term care (LTC). Assessing the knowledge and competence of LTC professionals who provide reablement services is vital in LTC research. This study aimed to develop a scale for the assessment of long-term care reablement literacy (LTCRL) and employ this scale to assess the performance of home care workers in Taiwan.Methods: To develop this scale, we employed the modified Delphi technique based on the theoretical framework of health literacy and the content of service delivery in reablement. Home care workers from northern, central, and southern Taiwan were selected through purposive sampling (N = 119). Participants answered a self-administered questionnaire that included items related to basic demographic characteristics and questions to assess LTCRL.Results: Based on the experts’ consensus on the procedure of the modified Delphi technique, the LTCRL assessment sale consists of 29 questions on four aspects of knowledge acquisition: the abilities to access/obtain, understand, process/appraise, and apply/use. The results revealed that higher education levels and better Chinese language proficiency are associated with higher LTCRL outcomes among home care workers.Conclusions: The LTCRL assessment scale based on a modified Delphi technique is useful and feasible for evaluating LTCRL in home care workers who provide reablement services in Taiwan.
TaClpS1, Negatively Regulates Wheat Resistance Against Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici
Authors: Yang Qian , Islam Md Ashraful , Cai Kunyan , Tian Shuxin , Liu Yan , Kang Zhensheng , Guo Jun
Published: November 2020

Background: The degradation of intracellular proteins plays an essential role in plant responses to stressful environments. ClpS1 and E3 ubiquitin ligase function as adaptors for selecting target substrates in caseinolytic peptidase (Clp) proteases pathways and the 26S proteasome system, respectively. Currently, the role of E3 ubiquitin ligase in the plant immune response to pathogens is well defined. However, the role of ClpS1 in the plant immune response to pathogens remains unknown. Results: Here, wheat (Triticum aestivum) ClpS1 (TaClpS1) was studied and resulted to encode 161 amino acids, containing a conserved ClpS domain and a chloroplast transit peptide (1-32 aa). TaClpS1 was found to be specifically localized in the chloroplast when expressed transiently in wheat protoplasts. The transcript level of TaClpS1 in wheat was significantly induced during infection by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst). Knockdown of TaClpS1 via virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) resulted in an increase in wheat resistance against Pst, accompanied by an increase in the hypersensitive response (HR), accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and expression of TaPR1 and TaPR2, and a reduction in the number of haustoria, length of infection hypha and infection area of Pst. Furthermore, heterologous expression of TaClpS1 in Nicotiana benthamiana enhanced the infection by Phytophthora parasitica. Conclusions: These results suggest that TaClpS1 negatively regulates the resistance of wheat to Pst.