bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of forage and land cover changes in Teltele rangeland Southern, Ethiopia. Using geospatial and field survey data
Authors: Fenetahun Yeneayehu , Yong-dong Wang , You Yuan , Xinwen Xu
Published: September 2020

Background: The gradual conversion of rangelands into other land use types is one of the main challenges affecting the sustainable management of rangelands in Teltele. This study aimed to examine the changes, drivers, trends in land use and land cover (LULC), to determine the link between the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and forage biomass and the associated impacts of forage biomass production dynamics on the Teltele rangelands in Southern Ethiopia. A Combination of remote sensing data, field interviews, discussion and observations data were used to examine the dynamics of LULC between 1992-2019 and forage biomass production. Results: The result indicate that there is a marked increase in farm land (35.3%), bare land (13.8%) and shrub land (4.8%), while the reduction found in grass land (54.5%), wet land (69.3%) and forest land (10.5%). The larger change in land observed in both grassland and wetland part was observed during the period from 1995-2000 and 2015-2019, this is due to climate change impact (El-Niño) happened in Teltele rangeland during the year 1999 and 2016 respectively. The quantity of forage in different land use/cover types, grass land had the highest average amount of forage biomass of 2,092.3 kg/ha, followed by wetland with 1,231 kg/ha, forest land with 1,191.3 kg/ha, shrub land with 180kg/ha, agricultural land with 139.5 kg/ha and bare land with 58.1 kg/ha. Conclusions: The significant linkage observed between NDVI and LULC change types (when a high NDVI value, the LULC changes also shows positive value or an increasing trend). In addition, NDVI value directly related to the greenness status of vegetation occurred on each LULC change types and its value directly linkage forage biomass production pattern with grassland land use types. 64.8% (grass land), 43.3% (agricultural land), 75.1% (forest land), 50.6% (shrub land), 80.5% (bare land) and 75.5% (wet land) more or higher dry biomass production in the wet season compared to the dry season.
Prenatal diagnosis of Shone’s syndrome: ultrasonographic features and differential diagnosis with coarctation of the aorta
Authors: Li Zhuoyan , Zhao Liqing , Wu Yurong , Chen Sun
Published: September 2020

Objective：To improve the prenatal diagnosis of Shone’s syndrome and identify the mitral valve obstruction associated with the anomaly by comparing the fetal echocardiographic features between Shone’s syndrome and coarctation of the aorta (CoA). Method: Between January 2015 to December 2019, 17 fetuses were diagnosed with Shone’s syndrome prenatally and 8 were analyzed in our final study, their data were compared to normal controls and CoA cases. The main points of identification were summarized. Results: By comparing data between three groups, elevated PA/AO ratio and RV/LV ratio were detected in both Shone’s syndrome and CoA cases. However, TVC/MVC ratios was only increased in Shone’s syndrome. Analysis revealed that the TVC/MVC ratio had the best capability in predicting Shone’s syndrome. Ultrasonographic features of mitral valve obstruction in Shone’s syndrome were unique which help clinicians to distinguish the anomaly from CoA, including (1) morphologic changes in short-axis view: restrictive opening of the mitral valve with diastolic deformity, thickened leaflets, echo-enhancement of chordae tendineae and mitral valve, single papillary muscle or dominant papillary muscle; (5) in color Doppler image: decreased antegrade flow and abnormal flow pattern of mitral valve. Conclusion: There are two key points of prenatal diagnosis of Shone’s syndrome which could help fetal cardiologist to distinguish Shone’s syndrome from CoA in clinical practice, including (1) echocardiographic measurements: the elevated TVC/MVC ratio; (2) morphologic changes of mitral valve indicating left ventricle inflow obstruction in two-dimension short-axis section view.
Alantolactone inhibits cell autophagy and promotes apoptosis via AP2M1 in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Shi Ce , Lan Wenjia , Wang Zhenkun , Yang Dongguang , Wei Jia , Liu Zhiyu , Teng Yueqiu , Gu Mengmeng , Yuan Tian , Cao Fenglin , Zhou Jin , Li Yang
Published: September 2020

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an aggressive hematopoietic malignancy that is most commonly observed in children. Alantolactone (ALT) has been reported to exhibit anti-tumor activity in different types of cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-tumor activity and molecular mechanism of ALT in ALL. Methods: ALL cell lines were treated with 1, 5 and 10 μM ALT, and cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay and RNA sequencing. Flow cytometry, JC-1 staining and immunofluorescence staining assays were used to measure cell apoptosis and autophagy. Additionally, western blot analysis was used to detect expression of apoptosis and autophagy related proteins. Finally, the effects of ALT on tumor growth were assessed in a BV173 xenograft nude mouse model. Results: ALT inhibited the proliferation of ALL cells in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, it was demonstrated that ALT inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, autophagy, induced apoptosis and reduced tumor growth in vivo through upregulating the expression of adaptor related protein complex 2 subunit mu 1 (AP2M1). Moreover, the autophagy activator rapamycin, attenuated the pro-apoptotic effects of ALT on BV173 and NALM6 cell lines. Overexpression of AP2M1 decreased the expression of Beclin1 and the LC3-II/LC3-1 ratio, and increased p62 expression. Knockdown of Beclin1 increased the levels of bax, cleaved caspase 3 and cytochrome C, and decreased bcl-2 expression. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that ALT exerts anti-tumor activity through inducing apoptosis and inhibiting autophagy by upregulating AP2M1 in ALL, highlighting a potential therapeutic strategy for treatment of ALL.
Co-encapsulation of HNF4α Overexpressing UMSCs and Human Primary Hepatocytes Ameliorates Mouse Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Kong Defu , Xu Huiming , Chen Mo , Yu Yeping , Qian Yongbing , Qin Tian , Tong Ying , Xia Qiang , Hang Hualian
Published: September 2020

Background: Acute liver failure (ALF) is a complicated condition that is characterized by global hepatocyte death and often requires immediate liver transplantation. However, this therapy is limited by shortage of donor organs. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and hepatocytes are two attractive sources of cell-based therapies to treat ALF. The combined transplantation of hepatocytes and MSCs is considered to be more effective for the treatment of ALF than single-cell transplantation. We have previously demonstrated that HNF4α-overexpressing human umbilical cord MSCs (HNF4α-UMSCs) promoted the expression of hepatic-specific genes. In addition, microencapsulation allows exchange of nutrients, forming a protective barrier to the transplanted cells. Moreover, encapsulation of hepatocytes improves the viability and synthetic ability of hepatocytes and circumvents immune rejection. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of microencapsulation of hepatocytes and HNF4α-UMSCs in ALF mice.Methods: Human hepatocytes and UMSCs were obtained separately from liver and umbilical cord, followed by co-encapsulation and transplantation into mice by intraperitoneal injection. LPS/D-gal was used to induce ALF by intraperitoneal injection 24 h after transplantation. In addition, Raw 264.7cells (a macrophage cell line) were used to elucidate the effect of HNF4α-UMSCs-hepatocyte microcapsules on polarization of macrophages. The protein chip was used to define the important paracrine factors in the conditioned mediums (CMs) of UMSCs and HNF4α-UMSCs and investigate the possible mechanism of HNF4α-UMSCs for the treatment of ALF in mice.Results: HNF4α-UMSCs can enhance the function of primary hepatocytes in alginate–poly-L-lysine–alginate (APA) microcapsules. The co-encapsulation of both HNF4α-UMSCs and hepatocytes achieved better therapeutic effects in ALF mice by promoting M2 macrophage polarization and reducing inflammatory response mainly mediated by the paracrine factor HB-EGF secreted by HNF4α-UMSCs.Conclusions: The present study confirms that the co-encapsulation of HNF4α-UMSC and hepatocytes could exert therapeutic effect on ALF mainly by HB-EGF secreted by HNF4α-UMSCs and provides a novel strategy for the treatment of ALF.
Patient Safety Culture in Primary and Home Care Services
Authors: Lousada Letícia , Dutra Francisco Clécio , Silva Beatriz , Oliveira Natália , Bastos Ismael , Vasconcelos Patrícia , de Carvalho Rhanna Emanuela Fontenele Lima
Published: September 2020

Background: Safety culture is still a poorly studied subject in primary care and home care, although these settings are considered gateways to access to healthcare. This study aims to evaluate safety culture in primary and home care settings.Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out with 147 professionals from nine districts covered by one home care program and six primary healthcare centres. The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) was used to evaluate the safety culture, in which scores ≥ 75 are indicative of a positive safety culture.Results: A total of 56 (86,1%) questionnaires returned from the home care professionals and 91 (86,6%) from the primary care professionals. The Job satisfaction domain was the best evaluated, achieving a score of 88.8 in home care and 75.1 in primary care. The achievement of high scores on Safety Climate, Job Satisfaction, Teamwork Climate, and Total SAQ was related to male gender, and time of professional experience of three to four years. Perception of management and Working conditions had the lowest scores, and this result was related with long time of experience.Conclusions: It is concluded that professionals working in home care gave higher scores for safety culture in their workplace than the primary care workers.
Navigation-assisted anchor insertion in shoulder arthroscopy: a validity study
Authors: Jung Kyunghwa , Kim Hyojune , Kholinne Erica , Park Dongjun , Choi Hyunseok , Lee Seongpung , Shin Myung-Jin , Kim Dong-Min , Hong Jaesung , Koh Kyoung-Hwan , Jeon In-Ho
Published: September 2020

Purpose This study aimed to compare conventional and navigation-assisted arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in terms of anchor screw insertion. Methods The surgical performance of five operators were compared while using conventional system and the proposed navigation-assisted system in a phantom surgical model and cadaveric shoulders. The participating operators were divided into two groups: expert (n = 3) and novice (n = 2) groups. In phantom model, the experimental tasks included anchor insertion into the rotator cuff footprint and sutures retrieval. Motion analysis camera system was used to track surgeons’ hand movements. Surgical performance metric included total path length, count of movements, and duration of surgery. In cadaveric experiments, repeatability and reproducibility of anchor insertion angle were compared among three experts and the feasibility of the navigation-assisted anchor insertion was validated.Results There was no significant difference in the total path length, the count of movements and time taken, between the conventional system and the proposed system in phantom model. In cadaveric shoulders, however, the clustering of the anchor insertion angle indicated that the proposed system enabled both novice and expert operators to reproducibly insert anchor with an angle close to the predetermined target angle, resulting in an angle error of less than two degrees (P = 0.0002).Conclusion The proposed navigation-assisted system improved the surgical performance of novice to expert level. All experts achieved a high repeatability and reproducibility for anchor insertion. Navigation-assisted system may help to make surgeons be familiar to insertion of suture anchors in right direction easily, even in-experienced, by providing better guidance for anchor orientation.Level of Evidence A retrospective study (level 2)
Unpack the Salt: An evaluation of the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership’s media advocacy activities to highlight the salt content of different foods
Authors: Rosewarne Emalie , Trieu Kathy , Farrand Clare , Reimers Jenny , Potter Jane , Davidson Chelsea , Darrigan Natasha , Joldeski Elizabeth , Armstrong Sian , Webster Jacqui
Published: September 2020

Background: Australians are consuming almost double the recommended maximum salt intake. The Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership was established to coordinate efforts to reduce salt intake in the state of Victoria. As part of an intervention strategy, media advocacy strategies were used to raise public awareness and stimulate industry and government action on salt reduction. This study aimed to evaluate the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership’s media advocacy activities by determining the extent to which activities contributed to the overall strategy aims and the effectiveness of the activities in gaining media and industry engagement. Methods: A framework for evaluating media advocacy strategies used in complex public health interventions was used to guide this evaluation. Media advocacy activities were monitored and documented throughout the intervention period. A content analysis of media release press statements was performed. Indicators of media coverage (media items, cumulative audience reach, advertising space rate) and food industry engagement (number of meetings, number and type of follow up actions) were tracked. Results: Six media releases were issued between March 2017 and November 2018 on different processed food categories including breads, cooking sauces, ready meals, dips and crackers, processed meats and Asian-style sauces. Three main themes were identified in the qQualitative analysis of the press statements revealed three main themes: general information on salt and health, salt levels in foods, and calls to action for consumers, industry and/or government. These Most press statement themes were aligned with the overall intervention strategy. Media items (print and online news, radio and TV) generated by each release ranged from 36 to 274, and cumulative audience reach (opportunities to see) ranged from 2.3 to 7.5 million Australians per release. One to three food manufacturers were met with per media release.Conclusions: Disseminating sodium-monitoring data through media releases can be used as a tool to gain access to the media and reach consumers with salt reduction messages, and to engage food manufacturers in discussions about salt reduction. Characteristics of media advocacy activities, including alignment with the overall strategy, and external factors outside the of control of the program implementers, can influence media and industry engagement. When planning future nutrition interventions that include media advocacy activities, internal and external factors impacting outcomes, should be considered, documented and evaluated.
Depressive Effectiveness of Vigabatrin (y-Vinyl-GABA), an Antiepileptic Drug, in Intermediate-conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels in Human Glioma Cells
Authors: Hung Te-Yu , Huang Huai-Ying Ingrid , Wu Sheng-Nan , Huang Chin-Wei
Published: September 2020

Background: Vigabatrin (VGB, y-vinyl-GABA) is an approved non-traditional antiepileptic drug that has been revealed to have the therapeutic propensity for brain tumors; however, its ionic effects in glioma cells remain unclear to a large extent.Methods: With the aid of patch-clamp technology, we investigated the effects of VGB on various ionic currents in the glioblastoma multiforme cell line 13-06-MG.Results: In cell-attached configuration, addition of VGB concentration-dependently lessened the activity of intermediate-conductance Ca 2+ -activated K + (IK Ca ) channels, while subsequent application of DCEBIO (5,6-dichloro-1-ethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one) thwarted the VGB-induced inhibition of IK Ca channels. Neither the activity of large-conductance Ca 2+ -activated (BK Ca ) nor that of inwardly rectifying K + (K IR ) channels was adjusted by the presence of VGB in human 13-06-MG cells. However, in the continued presence of VGB, the addition of GAL-021 or BaCl 2 effectively suppressed BK Ca and K IR channels.Conclusion: The inhibitory effect of VGB on IK Ca channels demonstrated in the current study could be an unidentified but important underlying mechanism of VGB-induced antineoplastic ( e.g. , anti-glioma) actions.
Evaluation of retinal and choroidal variations in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy using optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Yu Lanchu , Jiao Qin , Cheng Yu , Zhu Yanji , Lin Zhongjing , Shen Xi
Published: September 2020

Background: To investigate the difference in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, choroidal thickness (CT) and superficial retinal vessels between thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) patients and healthy controls. To identify the potential influencing factors for these parameters and evaluate their diagnostic abilities in TAO.Methods: 20 active TAO patients, 33 inactive TAO patients and 29 healthy participants were enrolled. TAO patients were divided according to the clinical activity score (CAS). RNFL thickness and CT were measured by HD-OCT, while foveal avascular zone (FAZ), vascular density and perfusion density were measured by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). SPSS software was used for statistical analysis.Results: Active TAO patients had thinner RNFL thickness than the other two groups (P<0.001, P<0.001). Both active and inactive TAO patients had significantly higher CT in the macular region (all P<0.05). The FAZ area in the active TAO group was significantly larger than the other two groups (P=0.045, P=0.001). The inactive TAO group had significantly higher vascular density than the other two groups (all P<0.05). With regard to the perfusion density, significant differences were observed in the temporal and inferior areas (P=0.045, P=0.001), as well as the average values (P=0.032). The FAZ area was positively correlated with intraocular pressure (r=0.274, P=0.013), while it was negatively correlated with axial length (r=-0.344, P=0.002). The vascular density and perfusion density were not significantly correlated with different clinical variables (all P>0.05). The AUC analysis indicated these parameters also exhibited a significant discriminatory power in TAO diagnosis.Conclusions: TAO patients had significant variations in RNFL thickness, choroidal thickness, FAZ area and superficial retinal vessels. These parameters appeared to be potential adjuncts in the evaluation of TAO patients.
Sex-dependent dysregulation of human neutrophil responses by bisphenol A
Authors: Ratajczak-Wrona Wioletta , Garley Marzena , Rusak Malgorzata , Nowak Karolina , Czerniecki Jan , Wolosewicz Katarzyna , Dabrowska Milena , Wolczynski Slawomir , Radziwon Piotr , Jablonska Ewa
Published: September 2020

Background: In the present study, we aimed to investigate selected functions of human neutrophils exposed to bisphenol A (BPA) under in vitro conditions. As BPA is classified among xenoestrogens, we compared its action and effects with those of 17β-estradiol (E2).Methods: Chemotaxis of neutrophils was examined using the Boyden chamber. Their phagocytosis and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH) oxidase activity were assessed via Park’s method with latex beads and Park’s test with nitroblue tetrazolium . To assess the total concentration of nitric oxide (NO), the Griess reaction was utilized. Flow cytometry was used to assess the expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) antigens. The formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) was analyzed using a microscope (IN Cell Analyzer 2200 system). Expression of the investigated proteins was determined using Western blot.Results: The analysis of results obtained for both sexes demonstrated that after exposure to BPA, the chemotactic capacity of neutrophils was reduced. In the presence of BPA, the phagocytic activity was found to be elevated in the cells obtained from women and reduced in the cells from men. Following exposure to BPA, the percentage of neutrophils with CD14 and CD284 (TLR4) expression, as well as the percentage of cells forming NETs, was increased in the cells from both sexes. The stimulatory role of BPA and E2 in the activation of NADPH oxidase was observed only in female cells. On the other hand, no influence of E2 on the expression of CD14 and CD284, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and the amount of NET-positive neutrophils was found for both sexes. The study further showed that BPA intensified NO production and iNOS expression in the cells of both sexes. In addition, intensified expression of all tested PI3K-Akt pathway proteins was observed in male neutrophils.Conclusions: The study demonstrated the influence of BPA on neutrophil functions associated with locomotion and pathogen elimination, which in turn may disturb the immune response of these cells in both women and men. Analysis of the obtained data showed that the effect of this xenoestrogen on the human neutrophils was more pronounced than E2.
Revision surgery for instrumentation failure after total en bloc spondylectomy: a retrospective case series
Authors: Shinmura Kazuya , Kato Satoshi , Demura Satoru , Yokogawa Noriaki , Yonezawa Noritaka , Shimizu Takaki , Oku Norihiro , Kitagawa Ryo , Handa Makoto , Annen Ryohei , Murakami Hideki , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: September 2020

Background: There have been several reports of instrumentation failure after 3-column resections such as total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) for spinal tumours; nevertheless, clinical outcomes of revision surgery for instrumentation failure after TES are seldom reported. Therefore, this study assessed the clinical outcomes of revision surgery for instrumentation failure after TES. Methods: This study employed a retrospective case series in a single centre and included 61 patients with spinal tumours who underwent TES between 2010 and 2015 and followed for >2 years. Instrumentation failure rate, back pain, neurological deterioration, ambulatory status, operation time, blood loss, complications, bone fusion after revision surgery, and re-instrumentation failure were assessed. Data were collected on back pain, neurological deterioration, ambulatory status, and management for patients with instrumentation failure, and we documented radiological bone fusion and re-instrumentation failure in cases followed for >2 years after revision surgery. Results: Of the 61 patients, 26 (42.6%) experienced instrumentation failure at an average of 32 (range, 11−92) months after TES. Of these, 23 underwent revision surgery. The average operation time and intraoperative blood loss were 204 min and 97 ml, respectively. Including the six patients who were unable to walk after instrumentation failure, all patients were able to walk after revision surgery. Perioperative complications of reoperation were surgical site infection (n = 2) and delayed wound healing (n = 1). At the final follow-up, bone fusion was observed in all patients. No re-instrumentation failure was recorded. Conclusion: Bone fusion was achieved by revision surgery using the posterior approach alone.
Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 secreting functional interleukin 2 targets tumours and enhances the immune response to suppress tumours
Authors: Lu Binghua , Yang Huijun , Liu Fei , Sun Yunjun , He Haocheng , Ding Xuezhi , Hu Shengbiao , xia liqiu
Published: September 2020

Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) is a non-pathogenic probiotic. Previous studies have indicated that EcN can accumulate and proliferate selectively in solid tumours in BALB/c mouse models. In this study, EcN was engineered to express human interleukin 2 (hIL-2), which is known to enhance immune responses to tumours by activating a variety of immune cells. IL-2 expressed by EcN was proven to activate PBMCs in vitro. Compared to control EcN, intraperitoneally injected EcN expressing hIL-2 (EcN(hIL-2)) was selectively distributed in the tumour microenvironment and inhibited the growth of CT26 tumours in a tumour-bearing mouse model. Antitumour activity was achieved without toxicity to key normal organs and tissues, such as liver, spleen and kidneys. The antitumour mechanism was associated with the infiltration of inflammatory cells, such as T cells, neutrophils and macrophages. These findings provide evidence that the combination of tumour-targeting EcN bacteria and delivery of the immunostimulatory factor IL-2 can be exploited as a promising tumour immunotherapy.
Prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions and related disabilities in Bangladeshi adults: a cross-sectional national survey
Authors: Zahid-Al-Quadir Ahmad , Zaman Mohammad Mostafa , Ahmed Shamim , Bhuiyan Mahfuzur Rahman , Rahman Md Mujibur , Patwary Ismail , Das Bidhu Bhushan , Hossain Shaikh Amir , Paul Sujat , Shahin Abu , Rahman Mashiur , Haq Syed Atiqul
Published: September 2020

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and related disabilities in the adult population of Bangladesh because was no nationally representative data. Methods: A total of 2000 individuals aged 18 years or older were targeted where 1843 (92.1%) participated from 20 primary sampling units (urban and rural) of all former seven divisions of Bangladesh in 2015. Structured interviews were done using the modified Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Disorders questionnaire to detect positive respondents. Standard criteria were used for diagnosing MSK conditions by rheumatology residents. In case of uncertainty, opinion was taken from senior rheumatologists. A Bangla version of the Health Assessment Questionnaire was used to determine disability. Results: Among the respondents, 892 men and 951 women participated from rural (n=716) and urban (n=1127) areas. Their mean age was 40.5 (standard deviation 14.7) years. Almost a third did not have any formal schooling. Overall, 30.4% (95% confidence interval, 28.3-32.5) had MSK conditions. Low back pain (18.6%, 16.9-20.5), knee osteoarthritis (7.3%, 6.1-8.5) and soft tissue rheumatism 3.8% (2.9-4.7) were the three top-ranking MSK conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis (1.6%, 1.0-2.1), spondyloarthritis (1.2%, 7-1.8) and frozen shoulder (1.4%, 0.9-1.9) were relatively uncommon. Among those who had rheumatic disorders, 24.8% (21.3-28.6) had some degree of disability. Of them, 24.4% (21.0-28.1) had history of work loss during last 12 months. Being overweight, having history of physical trauma and diabetes mellitus, age and female sex were positively but education was negatively associated with MSK disorders. Conclusions: The high burden of MSK conditions and related disabilities in Bangladesh is high. Further studies are needed to estimate the impact of this group of disorders particularly addressing YLD, quality of life and economic consequences.
Prevalences and Associated Factors of Electrocardiographic Abnormalities in Chinese Adults: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Yu Liping , Ye Xiaojun , Yang Zhaojun , Yang Wenying , Zhang Bo
Published: September 2020

Background: Electrocardiogram (ECG) is widely used to screen cardiac diseases. To date, no large population study has provided estimates of the prevalences of ECG findings in China. We aim to investigate the prevalences and associated factors of ECG abnormalities in a general population of Chinese adults.Methods: ECG data were obtained from 34,965 participants in the 2007-2008 China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Study. ECG abnormalities were classified according to the Minnesota coding (MC) criteria. Prevalences of variant ECG abnormalities were calculated. The associations between ECG abnormalities and gender, age and other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression test. Results: The prevalences of major arrhythmias were 1.70%, 2.37% and 1.04% in the whole population, men and women, respectively. Atrial fibrillation/flutter was found in 0.35% of men and 0.20% of women. ST depression and T abnormalities accounted for 10.96%, 7.54% and 14.32% in the whole population, men and women, respectively. Independent of gender and other CVD risk factors, older age significantly increased the odds of having atrial fibrillation/flutter, complete left bundle branch block, complete right bundle branch block, sinus tachycardia, atrial/junctional/ventricular premature beats, ST depression and T abnormalities, tall R wave left, left/right atrial hypertrophy, left axis deviation and low voltage. Hypertension, overweight, obesity and hypercholesterolemia all independently increased the odds of having ST depression and T abnormalities. History of cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases was positively associated with major arrhythmias, ST depression and T abnormalities and tall R wave left.Conclusions: This study provides estimates of the prevalences of ECG findings in a large population of Chinese adults. Gender, age, CVD risk factors and history of cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases were significantly associated with ECG abnormalities.
Peptidome Analysis of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell (hUC-MSC) Conditioned Medium from Preterm and Term Infants
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhang Lin , Wu Yun , Zhu Rongping , Wang Yan , Cao Yan , Long Wei , Ji Chenbo , Wang Huaiyan , You Lianghui
Published: September 2020

Background: The therapeutic role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been widely confirmed in several animal models of premature infant diseases. Micromolecule peptides have shown promise for the treatment of premature infant diseases. However, the potential role of peptides secreted from MSCs has not been studied. The purpose of this study is to helps to broaden the knowledge of the hUC-MSC secretome at the peptide level through peptidomic profile analysis.Methods: We used tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling technology followed by tandem mass spectrometry to compare the peptidomic profile of preterm and term umbilical cord MSC (hUC-MSC) conditioned medium (CM). Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) were conducted to explore the differentially expressed peptides by predicting the functions of their precursor proteins. To evaluate the effect of candidate peptides on human lung epithelial cells stimulated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were respectively adopted to detect inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) expression levels at the mRNA and protein levels,Results: A total of 131 peptides derived from 106 precursor proteins were differentially expressed in the preterm hUC-MSC CM compared with the term group, comprising 37 up-regulated peptides and 94 down-regulated peptides. Bioinformatics analysis showed that these differentially expressed peptides may be associated with developmental disorders, inflammatory response and organismal injury. We also found that peptides 7118TGAKIKLVGT7127 derived from MUC19 and 508AAAAGPANVH517 derived from SIX5 reduced the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in H2O2-treated human lung epithelial cells.Conclusions: In summary, this study provides further secretomics information on hUC-MSCs and provides a series of peptides that might have antiinflammatory effects on pulmonary epithelial cells and contribute to the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases in premature infants.
Serum Globulin and Albumin to Globulin Ratio as Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers for Periprosthetic Joint Infection: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Ye Yongyu , Chen Weishen , Gu Minghui , Xian Guoyan , Pan Baiqi , Zheng Linli , Zhang Ziji , Sheng Puyi
Published: September 2020

Background: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) has been increasingly documented; however, its preoperative accurate diagnosis remains challenging. Furthermore, there is a dire need to identify appropriate and effective biomarkers. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between globulin, albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio, and development of PJI in patients undergoing revision total joint arthroplasty (TJA).Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients who had undergone revision TJA between 2011 and 2018 (89 with aseptic mechanic failure and 38 with PJI). The serum proteins were explored using univariate analysis followed by multivariate logistic regression. The diagnostic performance of these proteins was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results: Higher globulin levels (odds ratio [OR], 1.239; P<0.001) and lower A/G ratio (OR, 0.007; P<0.001) were strongly associated with the risk of PJI. ROC curve analysis demonstrated reasonable diagnostic performance for globulin (area under the curve [AUC], 0.77; sensitivity, 78.95%; and specificity, 69.66%) and A/G ratio (AUC, 0.779; sensitivity, 65.79%; and specificity, 78.65%).Conclusions: Both globulin and A/G ratio were associated with PJI and may serve as potential adjuvant biomarkers in the diagnosis of PJI.
Fetal sex and maternal insulin resistance during mid-pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yamashita Hiroshi , Yasuhi Ichiro , Koga Megumi , Sugimi So , Umezaki Yasushi , Fukuoka Misao , Suga Sachie , Fukuda Masashi , Kusuda Nobuko
Published: September 2020

Background: Recent studies have suggested that fetal sex influences maternal glucose and insulin metabolism during pregnancy. We examined whether fetal sex is associated with maternal insulin resistance and the β-cell function during mid-pregnancy. Methods: This retrospective study included singleton pregnant women who underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–34 weeks of gestation due to positive diabetic screening. In addition to plasma glucose (PG), we measured plasma insulin during the OGTT to obtain surrogate indices associated with insulin resistance (IR), including homeostasis assessment model (HOMA) -IR and insulin sensitivity index (IsOGTT), and β-cell function, including insulinogenic index (II), HOMA-β, and area under the curve of insulin response. We compared these indices between women carrying male fetuses to those carrying female fetuses.Results: The study population included 617 women (mean age, 32.4 ± 4.9 years) with a mean pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) of 22.6±4.5. They underwent the 75g-OGTT at 29.0 ± 2.5 weeks. Two hundred fifty-eight (42%) women were diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GDM). There was no significant difference in maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational age at OGTT, PG at OGTT, or the prevalence of GDM between women with a male fetus (n=338) (male group) and those with a female fetus (n=279) (female group). Regarding the indices of IR, IR was significantly higher and insulin sensitivity was lower in the female group than in the male group (HOMA-IR: 7.0 [5-9.6] vs. 6.2 [4.6-8.8], p<0.05; IsOGTT: 5.86 [4.29-7.83] vs. 6.29 [4.59-8.84], p<0.01) (median [quartile range]). These differences remained significant after adjustment for maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational age and fasting PG at OGTT, and the diagnosis of GDM. In contrast, the β-cell function did not differ between the two groups.Conclusion: Maternal IR during mid-pregnancy was significantly higher in women carrying a female fetus than in those with a male fetus. The sex of the fetus may affect maternal insulin sensitivity during mid-pregnancy.
The association between animal flesh foods consumption and semen parameters among infertile Iranian men: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghiasvand Reza , Marvast Laleh Dehghan , ShariatPanahi SeyyedPayam , Pourmasoumi Makan , Clark Cain C. T. , Haeri Farahnaz
Published: September 2020

Objective: Previous studies have demonstrated the association between dietary patterns and semen quality indicators, but research on the possible association between animal flesh foods consumption and semen quality is limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the association between animal flesh foods consumption with semen quality. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 400 newly-identified infertile men, as diagnosed by an andrologist, were recruited into the study. Dietary intake was assessed by using a semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. The total meat consumption was defined as the sum of red meat, poultry, fresh fish, canned fish, processed meats, and organ meats in the diet. Linear mixed model was used to assesse relationship between meat consumption and semen quality indicators of participants. Results: Consumption of canned fish was inversely related with sperm immotility. Compared with the men in the lowest quartile of canned fish intake, those in the highest quartile had 5.1% fewer sperm immotility [lowest quartile: 52.5%; (95% CI: 47-57) vs 47.4%; (95% CI: 43-51) P-trend=0.026]. Similarly, a trend toward an inverse significant association between fresh fish intake and sperm immotility was observed (P-trend=0.0.074). In contrast, fresh and canned fish intake was unrelated with other outcomes of sperm quality (P-trend >0.05). No association was found between consumption of processed red meat, red meat, poultry, and organ meat, and semen quality indicators (P-trend >0.05). Conclusions: We found that consumption of canned fish, based on serving size of quartile 2, is associated with lower percentage of immotile sperm, whilst high consumption of fresh fish increased the percentage of immotile sperm in Iranian infertile men. Accordingly, more extensive studies are recommended in this regard.
Partograph utilization as a decision making tool and associated factors among obstetric care providers in Ethiopia: A systematic review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Ayenew Asteray , Zewdu Biruk Ferede
Published: September 2020

Background: Globally, a total of 13.6 million women have died due to maternal causes from 1990 to 2015. Majority of these deaths occurred in resource-limited countries. Among the causes of these deaths, obstructed and prolonged labor covers the highest percentage, which could be prevented by cost-effective and affordable health interventions like partograph use. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the level of partograph utilization among obstetric care providers and its associated factors in Ethiopia. Method: for this review, we used the standard PRISMA checklist guideline. Different online databases were used for the review: PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, HINARI, WHO Afro Library Databases, and African Online Journals. Based on the adapted PICO principles, different search terms were applied to achieve and access all the essential articles. Microsoft Excel was used for data entrance and Stata version 11.0 (Stata Corporation, College Station, Texas, USA) for data analysis.Result: Nineteen studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis with a total of 6237 obstetric care providers. The overall pooled prevalence of partograph utilization was 59.95% (95%CI: 46.8–73.09, I2 =99.4%, P <0.001). Being midwifery profession (adjusted odds ratio (AOR):3.97; 95% confidence interval (CI): 95%CI: 2.63–5.99, I2 =28.8%, P=0.198), presence of supervision (AOR = 3.21; 95%CI: 2.22–4.66, I2=0.0%, p=0.742), Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) training (AOR  = 2.90; 95% CI: 2.19–3.84, I2=36.9%, P=0.13), Knowledge of partograph (AOR=2.5; 95%CI: 1.6–3.8, I2=64.58%, P=0.024), on-the-job refresher training on partograph (AOR =5.7; 95%CI:2.5–12.9, I2=87.8%, P<0.001), favorable attitude (AOR=2.12; 95%CI: 1.48–3.04, I2=0.0%, P=0.58), and working at health center (AOR=3.50; 95%CI: 2.49–4.92, I2=49.1%, P=0.08) were the determinant factors for partograph use among obstetric acre providers in Ethiopia.Conclusion: The overall pooled prevalence of partograph utilization among obstetric care providers was low. Therefore, supportive supervision, providing Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care training, on-the-job refresher training on partograph, and promoting midwifery profession are strongly recommended to increase the use of partograph.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of hard and tender fruit spines of cucumber to identify genes involved in morphological development of fruit spines
Authors: Lv Duo , Yu Yao , Xiong Liang-Rong , Wang Gang , Pang Jin-An , Sun Jing-Xian , Zhang Ke-Yan , He Huan-Le , Cai Run , Pan Junsong
Published: September 2020

Background: The trichomes of cucumber fruits are also called spines. Cucumber has important commercial value, and its fruit spines represent a classical tissue with which to study the cell division and differentiation mode of multicellular trichomes. Although there have been many studies on the development of unicellular trichomes in model plants, the molecular mechanism of multicellular trichome formation remains elusive. In this study, we used a pair of cucumber materials defined as having hard (Ts, wild type) or tender (ts, mutant) spines in a previous study. The whole developmental process of fruit spines was continuously observed by microscopy and SEM. In an attempt to define the developmental stages of fruit spines, transcriptome profiles at different stages were determined to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the process of spine development. Results: According to significant phenotypic differences, the developmental process of fruit spines was clearly defined as involving four stages. Comparison of transcriptome profiles showed that 803 and 722 genes were upregulated in the stalk (stage II and stage III) and base (stage IV) developmental stages of fruit spines, respectively. Functional analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed that for all developmental stages of fruit spines, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and signal transduction were the most noticeable pathways. However, during the development of the stalk, genes related to auxin polar transport and HD-ZIP transcription factors were significantly upregulated. bHLH transcription factors and cytoskeleton-related genes were significantly upregulated during the development of the base. In addition, stage III was the key point for differentiating between the wild type and mutant. We detected 628 DEGs between the wild type and mutant at this stage. These DEGs are mainly involved in calcium signaling of the cytoskeleton and auxin polar transport, indicating that the main reason for the disorder of the fruit spine developmental pattern in the mutant was a change in cell polarity caused by blocked intercellular signal transmission.Conclusions: Our study defines in great detail the developmental stages of cucumber fruit spines. At the same time, transcriptome profiles are used to present the gene regulatory networks at different developmental stages of cucumber fruit spines. In addition, we analyzed transcriptomic data of a wild type and mutant to elucidate the biological pathways involving C-type lectin receptor-like kinase that regulate the development of fruit spines.
Phenylpropanoid metabolism and pigmentation show divergent patterns between brown color and green color cottons as revealed by metabolic and gene expression analyses
Authors: Li Zhonghua , Su Qian , Xu Mingqi , You Jiaqi , Khan Anam Qadir , Li Junyi , Zhang Xianlong , Tu Lili , You Chunyuan
Published: September 2020

Background Naturally colored cotton has become increasingly popular because of their natural properties of coloration, UV protection, flame retardant, antibacterial activity and mildew resistance. But poor fiber quality and limited color choices are two key issues that have restricted the cultivation of naturally colored cotton. To identify the possible pathways participating in fiber pigmentation in naturally colored cottons, five colored cotton accessions in three different color types (with green, brown and white fiber) were chosen for a comprehensive analysis of phenylpropanoid metabolism during fiber development.Results The expression levels of flavonoid biosynthesis pathway genes in brown cotton fibers were significantly higher than those in white and green cotton fibers. Total flavonoids and proanthocyanidin (PA) were higher in brown cotton fibers relative to those in white and green cotton fibers, which suggested that the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway might not participate in the pigmentation of green cotton fibers. Further expression analysis indicated that the genes encoding enzymes for the synthesis of caffeic acid derivatives, lignin and lignan were activated in the developing fibers of the green cotton at 10 DPA (days post-anthesis) and 15 DPA. Conclusions Our results strengthen the understanding of phenylpropanoid metabolism and pigmentation in green and brown cotton fibers, and may improve the breeding of naturally colored cottons.
Contrasting Cumulative Risk and Multiple Individual Risk Models of the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Adult Health Outcomes
Authors: LaNoue Marianna , George Brandon J , Helitzer Deborah L , Keith Scott W
Published: September 2020

Background: A very large body of research documents relationships between self-reported Adverse Childhood Experiences (srACEs) and adult health outcomes. Despite multiple assessment tools that use the same or similar questions, there is a great deal of inconsistency in the operationalization of self-reported childhood adversity for use as a predictor variable. Alternative conceptual models are rarely used and very limited evidence directly contrasts conceptual models to each other. Also, while a cumulative numeric ‘ACE Score’ is normative, there are differences in the way it is calculated and used in statistical models. We investigated differences in model fit and performance between the cumulative ACE Score and a ‘multiple individual risk’ (MIR) model that enters individual ACE events together into prediction models. We also investigated differences that arise from the use of different strategies for coding and calculating the ACE Score.Methods: We merged the 2011-2012 BRFSS data (N = 56,640) and analyzed 3 outcomes. We compared descriptive model fit metrics and used Vuong’s test for model selection to arrive at best fit models using the cumulative ACE Score (as both a continuous or categorical variable) and the MIR model, and then statistically compared the best fit models to each other.Results: The multiple individual risk model was a better fit than the categorical ACE Score for the ‘lifetime history of depression’ outcome. For the outcomes of obesity and cardiac disease, the cumulative risk and multiple individual risks models were of comparable fit, but yield different and complementary inferences.Conclusions: Additional information-rich inferences about ACE-health relationships can be obtained from including a multiple individual risk modeling strategy. Results suggest that investigators working with large srACEs data sources could empirically derive the number of items, as well as the exposure coding strategy, that are a best fit for the outcome under study. A multiple individual risk model could also be considered in addition to the cumulative risk model, potentially in place of estimation of unadjusted ACE-outcome relationships.