bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single Molecule Protein Sequencing Based on the Superspecificity of tRNA Synthetases
Authors: Sampath G
Published: January 2020

Single molecule de novo protein sequencing based on the 'superspecificity' of amino-acyl tRNA synthetases (aaRS) is proposed. An unfolded protein molecule is threaded through a nanopore in an electrolytic cell (e-cell) to expose the terminal residue in the e-cell's trans chamber. After the residue is cleaved with a peptidase, a set of tRNAs, their aaRSs, and ATP are added to trans. An aaRS charges a cognate tRNA molecule with the residue. The charged tRNA (along with the other reactants) is transferred to an extended e-cell with N (20 ≤ N ≤ 61) pores in N individual cis chambers and a single trans chamber. Each pore holds an RNA molecule ending in a unique codon that is exposed in trans. The charged tRNA's anticodon base-pairs with the terminal codon of an RNA. If tRNAs and residues are fluorescently tagged with two different colors, the residue can be identified from the observed position of the color pair. As charging is 'superspecific' identification is unambiguous. The protein molecule in the first e-cell is advanced by one residue and the process repeated. In this approach there is no need for precise pore current or optical intensity measurements. Potential implementation issues are discussed. Several variations, including one in which the terminal residue is cleaved after charging, are also considered.
Nostalgia em editoriais da Revista Ferrovia: um estudo discursivo
Authors: Destri Alana , Lima Anselmo
Published: January 2020

O sentimento de nostalgia é a expressão de saudade por algum aspecto prazeroso do passado ao mesmo tempo em que se deseja retornar àquele momento. Devido ao fato de a nostalgia ser algo inerente ao ser humano, ela permeia os enunciados deste. Logo, se faz relevante compreender esse sentimento do ponto de vista do discurso. Tendo isso em vista, este artigo teve como objeto de estudo o discurso nostálgico analisado a partir de um corpus que compreende 87 editoriais da Revista Ferrovia publicados entre os anos 1935 e 1982. O estudo fundamenta-se primordialmente na teoria dos gêneros discursivos de Bakhtin. Levando a citada teoria em consideração, o objetivo geral foi observar a forma relativamente estável da manifestação da nostalgia no discurso presente nos editoriais. Como resultado, certo padrão de manifestação foi identificado e descrito, ampliando, assim, a compreensão do fenômeno como algo profundamente discursivo e como traço fundamental do coletivo ferroviário.
Detection of Early Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagogastric Junction by Spraying an Enzyme-Activatable Fluorescent Probe Targeting Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV
Authors: Yamamoto Keiko , Ohnishi Shunsuke , Mizushima Takeshi , Kodaira Junichi , Ono Masayoshi , Hatanaka Yutaka , Hatanaka Kanako , Kuriki Yugo , Kamiya Mako , Ehira Nobuyuki , Shinada Keisuke , Takahashi Hiroaki , Shimizu Yuichi , Urano Yasuteru , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: January 2020

Background: It is still difficult to detect and diagnose early adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) using conventional endoscopy or image-enhanced endoscopy. A glutamylprolyl hydroxymethyl rhodamine green (EP-HMRG) fluorescent probe that can be enzymatically activated to become fluorescent after the cleavage of a dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-IV-specific sequence has been developed and is reported to be useful for the detection of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, and esophagus; however, there is a lack of studies that focuses on detecting EGJ adenocarcinoma by fluorescence molecular imaging. Therefore, we investigated the visualization of early EGJ adenocarcinoma by applying EP-HMRG and using clinical samples resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Methods: Fluorescence imaging with EP-HMRG was performed in 21 clinical samples resected by ESD, and the fluorescence intensity of the tumor and non-tumor regions of interest was prospectively measured. Immunohistochemistry was also performed to determine the expression of DPP-IV. Results: Fluorescence imaging of the clinical samples showed that the tumor lesions were visualized within a few minutes after the application of EP-HMRG, with a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 85.7%, 85.7%, and 85.7%, respectively. However, tumors with a background of intestinal metaplasia did not have a sufficient contrast-to-background ratio since complete intestinal metaplasia also expresses DPP-IV. Immunohistochemistry measurements revealed that all fluorescent tumor lesions expressed DPP-IV. Conclusions: Fluorescence imaging with EP-HMRG could be useful for the detection of early EGJ adenocarcinoma lesions that do not have a background of intestinal metaplasia.
Volume of Tidal Gas Movement in the Nonventilated Lung during One-lung Ventilation and its Relevant Factors
Authors: Wei Jionglin , Gao Lei , Sun Fafa , Zhang Mengting , Gu Weidong
Published: January 2020

Background: The passive ventilation of nonventilated lung results in tidal gas movement (TGM) and thus affects lung collapse. The present study aimed to measure the volume of TGM and to analyse the relevant factors of the TGM index (TGM/body surface area).Methods: One hundred eight patients scheduled for elective thoracoscopic surgeries were enrolled. Lung isolation was achieved with a double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT). The paediatric spirometry sensor was connected to the double-lumen connector of the nonventilated lung to measure the volume of TGM during one-lung ventilation (OLV) in the lateral position. The TGM index was calculated. The multiple linear regression was analysed using the TGM index as the dependent variables. Independent variables were also recorded: 1) age, sex, body mass index (BMI); 2) forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, minute ventilation volume (MVV); 3) dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn) and peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) during dual lung ventilation; 4) the side of OLV; and 5) whether lung puncture for localization of the pulmonary nodule was performed on the day of surgery. The oxygen concentration in the nonventilated lung was measured at 5 min after OLV, and its correlation with the TGM index was analysed.Results: The volume of TGM in the nonventilated lung during OLV was 78 [37] mL. The TGM index was 45 [20] mL/m2 and was negatively correlated with the oxygen concentration in the nonventilated lung at 5 min after OLV. The multiple linear regression model for the TGM index was deduced as follows: TGM index (mL/m2)=C+12.770×a-3.987×b-1.237×c-2.664×d, where C is a constant 95.621 mL/m2, a is 1 for males and 0 for females, b is 1 for right OLV and 0 for left OLV, c is BMI (kg/m2), and d is PIP (cmH2O).Conclusions: The TGM index is negatively correlated with the oxygen concentration of the nonventilated lung at 5 min after OLV. Sex, side of OLV, BMI and PIP are independently correlated with the TGM index.Trial registration: This study was registered at ChiCTR (www.chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR1900024220) on July 1, 2019.Key Words: tidal gas movement, TGM index, one-lung ventilation, lung collapse, double-lumen endobronchial tube, dynamic lung compliance, thoracoscopy
Factors Related to Health Civic Engagement: Results from the 2018 National Survey of Health Attitudes to Understand Progress towards a Culture of Health
Authors: Dubowitz Tamara , Nelson Christopher , Weilant Sarah , Sloan Jennifer C. , Bogart Andy , Miller Carolyn , Chandra Anita
Published: January 2020

Objectives Civic engagement, including voting, volunteering, and participating in civic organizations, is associated with better psychological, physical and behavioral health and well-being. In addition, civic engagement is increasingly viewed as a potentially important driver for raising awareness of and addressing unhealthy conditions in communities. As such, it is important to understand the factors that may promote civic engagement, with a particular focus on the less-understood, health civic engagement, or civic engagement in health-related and health-specific activities. Using data from a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States (U.S.), we examined whether the extent to which individuals feel they belong in their community (i.e., perceived sense of community) and the value they placed on investing in community health were associated with individuals’ health civic engagement. Methods Using data collected on 7187 nationally representative respondents from the 2018 National Survey of Health Attitudes, we examined associations between sense of community, valued investment in community health, and perceived barriers to taking action to invest in community health, with health civic engagement. We constructed continuous scales for each of these constructs and employed multiple linear regressions adjusting for multiple covariates including U.S. region and city size of residence, educational attainment, family income, race/ethnicity, household size, employment status, and years living in the community. Results Participants who endorsed all 16 sense of community scale items endorsed an average of 22.8% (95%CI: 19.8 - 25.7%) more of the health civic engagement scale items compared with respondents who did not endorse any of the sense of community items. Those who endorsed (responded that it was an important or top priority) all items capturing valued investment in community health endorsed 14.0% (95%CI: 11.2 – 16.8%) more of the health civic engagement items than those who did not endorse any valued investment in community health items. Conclusions Health civic engagement, including voting and volunteering to ultimately guide government decisions about health issues, may help improve conditions that influence well-being for all. Focusing on individuals’ sense of community and highlighting investments in community health may concurrently be associated with increased health civic engagement and improved community health.
Effect of a Pedometer-based Walking Intervention on Body Composition in Patients with ESRD: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sheshadri Anoop , Kittiskulnam Piyawan , Lai Jennifer C. , Johansen Kirsten L.
Published: January 2020

Background: A randomized trial of a pedometer-based intervention with weekly activity goals led to a modest increase in step count among dialysis patients. In a secondary analysis, we investigated the effect of this intervention on body composition.Methods: 60 dialysis patients were randomized to standard care or a 6-month program consisting of 3 months of pedometers and weekly step count targets and 3 months of post-intervention follow-up. We obtained bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) data on 54 of these patients (28 control, 26 intervention) and used linear mixed-modeling (adjusted for sex and dialysis modality) to estimate differences in change in total-body muscle mass (TBMM) adjusted for height2, fat mass (kg), and body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) between control and intervention groups.Results: The median age of participants was 57.5 years (53 – 66), and 76% were men. At baseline, there was no significant difference between groups in age, BMI, race, or body composition, but there were more men in the intervention group. After 3 months, patients in the intervention group increased their average daily steps by 2,414 (95% CI 1047, 3782) more than controls (p<0.001), but there were no significant differences in body composition. However, at 6 months, participants in the intervention had a significantly greater increase from baseline in TBMM of 0.7 kg/m2 (95% CI 0.3, 1.13), decrease in fat mass (‑4.3 kg [95% CI ‑7.1, ‑1.5]) and decrease in BMI (-1.0 kg/m2 [95% CI -1.8, -0.2]) relative to controls. In post-hoc analysis, each increase of 1,000 steps from 0 to 3 months was associated with a 0.3 kg decrease in fat mass (95% CI 0.05, 0.5) from 0 to 6 months, but there was no dose-response relationship with TBMM/ht2 or BMI.Conclusion: A pedometer-based intervention resulted in greater decreases in fat mass with relative preservation of muscle mass, leading to a greater decrease in BMI over time compared with patients not in the intervention. These differences were driven as much by worsening in the control group as by improvement in the intervention group. Step counts had a dose-response relationship with decrease in fat mass.
Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02623348). 02 December 2015. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02623348
Clinicopathological variables influencing overall survival, recurrence and post-recurrence survival in resected stage I non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Chengdi , Wu Yuxuan , Shao Jun , Liu Dan , Li Weimin
Published: January 2020

Background: To investigate clinicopathological variables influencing overall survival, overall recurrence, and post-recurrence survival (PRS) in patients who experienced curative-intent surgical resection of stage I non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Methods: We investigated a series of 1,387 patients with stage I NSCLC who underwent surgical resection from 2008 to 2015. The effect clinicopathological factors on death, recurrence, and PRS were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier estimates and cox regression analysis.
Results: Among the 1,387 stage I patients, 301 (21.7%) experienced recurrence. The 5-year cumulative incidence of recurrence (CIR) for all patients was 20.2% and median PRS was 25.5 months. The older age ( P =0.036), p-stage IB ( P =0.001), sublobar resection( P ＜0.001), histology subtype ( P ＜0.001), and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) ( P =0.042) were significantly associated with worse overall survival. Among 301 recurrent patients, univariable analysis indicated that p-stage IB (versus IA) ( P ＜0.001), LVI ( P ＜0.001) and visceral pleural invasion (VPI) ( P ＜0.001) were remarkably correlated with the higher incidence of recurrence. Taking the effect of clinicopathological variables on PRS into consideration, smoking history ( P =0.043), non-adenocarcinoma ( P =0.013), high architectural grade of LUAD ( P =0.019), EGFR wild status ( P =0.002), bone metastasis ( P =0.042) and brain metastasis ( P =0.040) were substantially related with poorer PRS. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that high architectural grade of LUAD (P=0.008), brain metastasis ( P =0.010) and bone metastasis ( P =0.043) were independently associated with PRS.
Conclusion: In patients with resected stage I NSCLC, the older age, p-stage IB (versus IA), sublobar resection, histology subtype, and LVI were significantly associated with worse overall survival. P-stage IB (versus IA), LVI, and VPI were significantly correlated with the higher incidence of recurrence. High architectural grade of LUAD, brain metastasis and bone metastasis were independent risk factors with PRS.
The incidence of collagen-associated adverse events in pediatric population with the use of Fluoroquinolones: a nationwide cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Yu Pei-Han , Hu Chih-Fen , Liu Jen-Wei , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Chen Yong-Chen , Sun Chien-An , Chien Wu-Chien
Published: January 2020

Background: To evaluate the safety of using fluoroquinolones in pediatric population in Taiwan. Methods : Patients aged 0~18 years old with fluoroquinolones prescriptions ≥5 consecutive days during year 2000 to 2013 were selected from the National Health Insurance Research Database, 4-time case number were selected as controls. We evaluated the patient’s outcome after the use of fluoroquinolones by reviewing a newly diagnosis of the following collagen-associated adverse events by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes, covering tendons rupture, retinal detachments, gastrointestinal tract perforation, aortic aneurysm or dissection. Results : Of the enrolled patients (n=167,105), collagen-associated adverse effects developed in 85 cases (0.051%) in 6-month tracking, including 0.051% in the fluoroquinolones study cohort (17 in 33,421) and 0.051% (68 in 133,684) in the fluoroquinolones free comparison cohort. The crude hazard ratio for collagen-associated adverse events in the fluoroquinolones group was 0.997 (0.586-1.696; p=0.990). After adjusting for age, sex, catastrophic illness, low-income household, seasons, levels of urbanization, and healthcare, the corrected hazard ratio in 6-month tracking with FQs was 1.330 (95% CI; 0.778-2.276; p=0.255). Conclusions: There is no significant difference of collagen-associated adverse effects between fluoroquinolones group and fluoroquinolones free group from our data. We propose that fluoroquinolones for pediatric population in clinical practice may be not so harmful as previous references reported.
IgG antibody response against Anopheles salivary gland proteins in asymptomatic Plasmodium infections in Narino, Colombia
Authors: Montiel Jehidys , Carbal Luisa Fernanda , Tobón-Castaño Alberto , Vásquez Gissella M. , Fisher Michael L. , Londono Berlin L.
Published: January 2020

Background
The humoral immune response against Anopheles salivary glands proteins in the vertebrate host can reflect the intensity of exposure to Anopheles bites and the risk of Plasmodium infection. In Colombia, the identification of exposure biomarkers is necessary due to the several Anopheles species circulating. The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk of malaria infection by measuring antibody responses against salivary glands extracts from Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) albimanus and Anopheles (Nys.) darlingi and also against the gSG6-P1 peptide of Anopheles gambiae in people residing in a malaria endemic area in the Colombian Pacific coast.
Methods
Dried blood spots samples were eluted to measure the IgG antibodies against salivary gland extracts of An. albimanusstrains STECLA (STE) and Cartagena (CTG) and An. darlingi and the gSG6-P1 peptide by ELISA in uninfected people and microscopic and submicroscopic Plasmodium carriers from the Colombia Pacific Coast. A multiple linear mixed regression model, Spearman correlation, and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to analyse IgG data.
Results
Significant differences in specific IgG levels were detected between infected and uninfected groups for salivary glands extracts from An. albimanus and for gSG6-P1, also IgG response to CTG and gSG6-P1 peptide were positively associated with the IgG response to Plasmodium falciparum in the mixed model.
Conclusion
The CTG and STE An. albimanus salivary glands extracts are a potential source of new Anopheles salivary biomarkers to identify exposure to the main malaria vector and to calculate risk of disease in the Colombian Pacific coast. Also, the gSG6-P1 peptide has the potential to quantify human exposure to the subgenus Anopheles vectors in the same area.
Assessment of the degree of agreement between the judgment of tracheotomy score and the clinician: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Abe Atsushi , Kurita Kenichi , Ito Yu , Hayashi Hiroki , Umemura Eri , Adachi Moriyasu
Published: January 2020

Background: In oral cancer surgery, the decision to tracheotomize is often determined based on the experience of the surgeon. Sometimes, tracheotomy may be performed for cases that may not necessarily require tracheotomy. For such cases, safety is achieved by airway management, but the patients are exposed to tracheotomy-related complications. Several evaluation methods have been reported to predict the need for selective tracheotomy in patients with oral cancer. In this study, we investigated the competency of clinical scoring systems in identifying patients who require tracheotomy among the oral malignancy cases treated with surgery in our department, and examined the degree of agreement between the surgeon’s decision and the scores of various scoring systems. Methods: This study was conducted on 110 patients with oral cancer who were treated with surgery under general anesthesia in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nagoya Ekisaikai Hospital, between January 2007 and April 2018. Among them, 67 patients (44 male and 23 female), who were managed by resection and reconstruction, were retrospectively analyzed. To derive the score, we evaluated the endpoint of these indices from clinical records and images. We divided the patients, based on the Cameron and Gupta scores, into two groups: tracheotomy and no tracheotomy groups, and evaluated the degree of agreement by calculating the κ coefficient. Results: After the assessment, the κ coefficients of the Gupta and Cameron scores were 0.61 (95% CI, 0.4-0.82) and 0.6 (95% CI, 0.38-0.82), respectively. The clinical evaluation of the κ coefficient indicated that the Gupta and Cameron scores agreed substantially. Discussion: These score matched the decision of the surgeon and confirmed that it was able to be applied to the decision of the airway management. However, these values are affected by prevalence. When unilateral total neck dissection and resection of the primary lesion were performed, though it was high-risk, the score was low, and an evaluation contradicted it. Conclusions: In this study, the Cameron and Gupta scores agreed with the decision of the experienced surgeon to some extent, and were confirmed to adapt to the clinical judgment.
Concurrent administration of oxytocin with Foley catheter versus misoprostol for induction of labor: A systematic review
Authors: Aziz Mohamed A. Abdel , Jahanfar Shayeste , Abedi Parvin , Faal Shahla
Published: January 2020

Objectives: Around one- third of pregnancies require labor induction due to issues such as post-term pregnancy, stillbirth, and medical complications. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of concurrent administration of Foley catheter plus oxytocin vs. misoprostol on labor induction. Methods: The search was conducted in April 2019. The following databases were searched: PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials and Web of Science. Primary outcomes included mode of delivery and cesarean section rate. Secondary outcomes were the mean time of induction to delivery and delivery in less than 12 hours from induction. Data were analyzed using RevMan. For binary outcomes, the odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and for continuous outcomes, the mean difference (MD) with 95% CI was measured. Results: Four studies were included in this review. The cesarean section and vaginal delivery rate in Foley + oxytocin was not significantly different from misoprostol (OR = 0.95; 95 % CI: 0.70, 1.30) and (OR = 0.92; 95 % CI: 0.66, 1.29) respectively. Foley + oxytocin decreased the mean time of induction to delivery compared to misoprostol (MD = 0.60; 95 % CI: 0.03, 1.16), and increased delivery in less than 12 hours from induction (OR = 2.08; 95 % CI: 1.43, 3.02). Conclusion: Although the rate of cesarean and vaginal delivery was not significant in two groups of Foley catheter + oxytocin and misoprostol, the mean time of induction to delivery reduced and delivery in less than 12 hours from induction increased in the Foley +oxytocin.
Oral rehabilitation with complete implant-supported dental prosthesis: a budget impact analysis from the unified health system perspective
Authors: Probst Livia Fernandes , Cavalcante Denise de Fátima Barros , Vanni Tazio , Silva Erica Tatiane da , Cavalcanti Yuri Wanderley , Pereira Antonio Carlos
Published: January 2020

Background Tooth loss is an important measure of a population's health condition and has a significant impact on people's quality of life. Oral rehabilitation is an important means for functional and social recovery of edentulous patThe aim of the study was to estimate the budget impact of complete implant-supported dental prostheses in the rehabilitation of mandibular edentulism in patients within the context of the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde – SUS).Methods Treatment with complete implant-supported dentures was compared with the technology most frequently used - Conventional Complete Dental Prosthesis. For analysis we adopted the Methodology proposed by the Methodological Guidelines for Budget Impact Analysis of the Brazilian Network for Health Technology Assessment (REBRATS). Sensitivity analysis was performed per scenarios and a temporal horizon of 5 years was used.Results Implementation of treatment by complete implant-supported dental prostheses would demand an amount of US$ 970,253,019.00 in 5 years in the reference scenario, US$ 545,767,323.40 in the most optimistic scenario, and US$ 1,516,020,342.40 in the worst scenario.Conclusions These results could support the Brazilian managers in planning the Federal budget destined to Medium to High Complexity (treatments), making it possible to disseminate rehabilitative treatment performed with complete implant-supported dentures in SUS, and serve as reference for health systems in other countries.
Humanistic and Economic Burden of Depression and Anxiety among Adults with Migraine: A systematic review
Authors: Alwhaibi Monira
Published: January 2020

Background Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent disabling chronic conditions among adults with migraine. These comorbid conditions are becoming a well-recognized public health problem in many countries due to their humanistic and economic burden.Objectives This review was conducted to assess systematically the humanistic and financial burden of migraine and depression and/or anxiety disorder among adults with migraine.Methods A systematic literature search conducted using MedLine and CINAHL via EBSCO, OVID and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews via OVID. Studies evaluating the humanistic burden (disability and Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL)) and the economic burden and healthcare utilization of comorbid depression and anxiety among adults with migraine that were published in peer-reviewed English language journals from inception until August 2019 were included.Results Of the 957 articles identified, 24 studies were included in the review. HRQoL was measured using generic, and migraine-specific measures. Regarding the humanistic burden, twelve studies reported an association between depression and/or anxiety and lower HRQoL and seven studies reported an association between depression and/or anxiety and higher disability. Regarding the economic burden, only two studies were identified and both found that depression and/or anxiety are associated with higher healthcare expenditures and utilization among adults with migraine.Conclusions These results of this review highlight the substantial impact of depression and/or anxiety on HRQoL, disability, healthcare cost and utilization of medical services for adults with migraine. It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of the negative impact of these illnesses and identify and treat anxiety and depression as treatment may have a potential to improve the health outcomes of patients living with migraine.
Risk factors associated with canine overweightness and obesity in an owner-reported survey
Authors: Perry LeeAnn , Shmalberg Justin William , Tanprasertsuk Jirayu , Massey Dan , Honaker Ryan William , Jha Aashish R
Published: January 2020

Background Overweightness and obesity in dogs are associated with negative health outcomes. A better understanding of risk factors associated with canine weight is fundamental to identifying preventative interventions and treatments. In this cross-sectional study, we used a direct to consumer approach to collect body condition scores (BCS), as well as demographic, diet, and lifestyle data on 4,446 dogs. BCS was assessed by owners using a 9-point system and categorized as ideal (BCS 4-5), overweight (BCS 6), and obese (BCS 7+). Following univariate analyses, a stepwise procedure was used to select variables which were included in multivariate logistic regression models. One model was created to compare ideal to all overweight and obese dogs, and another was created to compare ideal to obese dogs only. We then used Elastic Net selection and XGBoost variable importance measures to validate these results.Results Overall, 1,480 (33%) of dogs were reported to be overweight or obese, of which 356 (8% total) of dogs were reported to be obese. Seven factors were significantly associated with both overweightness/obesity and obesity alone in all three analyses (stepwise, Elastic Net, and XGBoost): diet composition, probiotic supplementation, treat quantity, exercise, age, food motivation level, and pet appetite. Neutering was also associated with overweightness/obesity in all analyses.Conclusions This study recapitulated established risk factors associated with BCS (age, exercise, neutering). Moreover, we elucidated associations between previously examined risk factors and BCS (diet composition, treat consumption, and temperament) and identified a novel factor (probiotic supplementation). Specifically, relative to dogs on fresh food diets, BCS was higher in dogs eating dry food both alone and in combination with other foods. Furthermore, dogs receiving probiotics, but not other forms of supplementation, were more likely to have an ideal BCS. Future studies should corroborate these findings with experimental manipulations.
New Glycine derived peptides bearing benzenesulphonamide as antiplasmodial agent
Authors: Ugwuja Daniel Izuchukwu , Okoro Uchechukwu , Soman Shubhanji , Ibezim Akachukwu , Ugwu David , Soni Rina , Obi Bonaventure , Ezugwu James , Ekoh Ogechi
Published: January 2020

Background : In the tropics, malaria is among the most serious infections disease in developing countries. The discovery of artemesinin antimalarial drug not too long ago was a major breakthrough in effort to combat malaria disease. However, recent reports of resistance even to combination therapy involving artemisinin are very worrisome and have led to search for new chemical agents to sustain the fight against malaria. Carboxamide functionality has been shown as an important pharmacophore in over 25 % of commercial chemotherapeutic agents.
Method : Three benzensulphonamides ( 3a-c ) were prepared from the reaction of appropriate benzensulphonyl chloride ( 1a-c ) and alanine ( 2 ) in aqueous basic medium. Eight tert-butylamino-oxo-ethylcarbamates ( 5a-h ) were also prepared from reacting commercially available boc-glycine( 4 ) and different amines using peptide coupling reagents such as 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt), with triethyl amine and dichloromethane (DCM) as solvents. The target compounds were prepared by reacting compounds ( 3a-c ) with compounds ( 5a-h ) in the presence of coupling reagents. The compounds were characterized and evaluated for their antiplasmodial activity Results : Computed molecular descriptors and assessed biochemical parameters showed that the compounds were drug-like and safe. All the compounds had favourable binding interaction with residues at PABA binding site of homology modeled P. falciparum dihydropteroate synthase and henceforward in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activities were evaluated. Compounds 7a-7x showed activity against the P. falciparum (W2 strain) at MIC values ranging from 3.52 to 0.09 µM. Moreover, seven of the compounds ( 7c , 7d , 7i , 7j , 7p , 7r and 7s ) showed better activity than quinine (MIC = 0.72 µM). In addition, 16 of the 24 compounds were found to clear more than 50 percent of P. berghei (NK-65 strain) from the blood of infected mice at 12 post-infection day. The percentages of parasites cleared by 20 mg/kg of the three most effective compounds ( 7g , 7n and 7r ) were 74.98, 74.98 and 74.07 respectively
Conclusion : In coclusion, this class of glycine derived sulfonamides, especially 7r (MIC 0.71 µM), ability to clear 74.07 % of P. berghei from blood of infected mice at 20 mg/kg and interesting pharmacokinetic profile (MW = 430.31 Da, HBA = 7, HBD = 3, log P = 2.56, NRB = 9 and TPSA = 104.37 Å 2 ), could serve as leads in developing new antiplasmodial agent.
Pro-cathepsin D as a diagnostic marker in differentiating malignant pleural effusion from benign pleural effusion: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Choi Hayoung , Ko Yousang , Lee Chang Youl
Published: January 2020

Background Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common complication of lung cancer and intrathoracic spreading or metastasis of extra-thoracic malignancy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of pro-cathepsin D from plasma and pleural fluid in patients with MPE and those in patients with benign pleural effusion (BPE) including pleural tuberculosis and parapneumonic effusion.Methods This study included 81 patients with pleural effusion who underwent thoracentesis and pleural biopsy. Pleural fluid and serum were collected as a standard procedure for all individuals at the same time. The level of pro-cathepsin D was measured by the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.Results Though there were no significant differences in plasma pro-cathepsin D between the two groups, the level of pleural fluid pro-cathepsin D was signiﬁcantly higher in the MPE group than the BPE group (0.651 versus 0.590 pg/mL, P = 0.034) (Table 1). In addition, there were no differences in pleural fluid pro-cathepsin D level according to causative malignancy of MPE. On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal discrimination point between the MPE group and BPE group was deﬁned as a cut-off value of 0.5960 pg/mL for pleural fluid pro-cathepsin D (81.0% sensitivity; 53.0% speciﬁcity) and 0.4335 pg/mL for plasma pro-cathepsin D (71.4% sensitivity; 61.7% speciﬁcity).Conclusions We found that the level of pleural fluid pro-cathepsin D was significantly higher in the MPE group than the BPE group. Pro-cathepsin D could be a novel and potential biomarker to discriminate MPE from BPE.
Liver Metastases in Newly Diagnosed Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Population Based Analysis
Authors: Wu Guoyi , Pan Xiaoben , Wang Baohua , Zhu Xiaolei , Wu Jing , Liu Bo
Published: January 2020

Background Estimates of the incidence and prognosis of developing liver metastases at the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) diagnosis are lacking.Methods In this study, we analyzed the association of liver metastases and the PDAC patients outcome. The risk factors associated with liver metastases in PDAC patients were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The overall survival (OS) was estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test. Cox regression was performed to identify factors associated with OS.Results Patients with primary PDAC in the tail of the pancreas had a higher incidence of liver metastases (62.2%) than those with PDAC in the head (28.6%). Female gender, younger age, primary PDAC in the body or tail of the pancreas, and larger primary PDAC tumor size were positively associated with the occurrence of liver metastases. The median survival of patients with liver metastases was significantly shorter than that of patients without liver metastases. Older age, unmarried status, primary PDAC in the tail of the pancreas, and tumor size ≥4 cm were risk factors for OS in the liver metastases cohort.Conclusions Population-based estimates of the incidence and prognosis of PDAC with liver metastases may help decide whether diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging should be performed in patients with primary PDAC in the tail or body of the pancreas. The location of primary PDAC should be considered during the diagnosis and treatment of primary PDAC.
Survivin regulates Bad gene expression by binding to its promoter and modulates cell cycle and apoptosis in esophageal carcinoma cell
Authors: CHEN YAN , BIEERKEHAZHI SHAYAHATI , LI XIUMEI , MA LILI , YIBULAYIN WARESIJIANG , RAN JIHUA
Published: January 2020

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the eighth most prevalent cancer and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. As an anti-apoptotic and a pro-apoptotic protein respectively, survivin and Bad play important role in carcinogenesis of the most human cancers including EC. However the regulatory relationships between them remain unclear. We sought to investigate the effects of survivin knockdown and overexpression on the expression of Bad gene, cell cycle progression and apoptosis of esophageal carcinoma cell. The mRNA expression levels of survivin and Bad were determined in EC tissue samples. The knockdown and overexpression experiments were performed in ECA109 and KYSE450 cells via transfection with survivin overexpression and shRNA plasmids. RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis were used to detect mRNA and protein expression respectively. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. The chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was conducted to determine the binding sites of survivin on the promoter of Bad gene. By analyzing the mRNA expression of survivin and Bad in 40 ESCC patient specimens, we found that the positive expression rate of survivin in tumor tissues(88%, 35/40) was remarkably high, compared with the distal non-tumor tissues (48%, 19/40, p<0.01). On the other hand, the positive expression rate of Bad in tumor tissues (70%, 28/40) was remarkably low, compared with the distal non-tumor tissues (95%, 38/40, p<0.01). Overxpression of survivin decreases Bad mRNA and protein expression, and promotes transformation of cell cycle to S phase. Conversely, knockdown of survivin increases Bad mRNA and protein expression, and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. ChIP assays indicate that survivin directly binds to the Bad promoter region, diminishing the transcriptional activity of Bad. In conclusion, the result suggested that survivin regulates Bad gene expression by binding to its promoter and modulates cell cycle and apoptosis in esophageal carcinoma cell.
WITHDRAWN: Anticancer potential of musa × paradisiaca as cervical carcinoma and malignant melanoma
Authors: Deep Aakash , Upadhyay Om Narayan , Nandal Rimmy , Kumar Sanjiv , Sharma Arun Kumar , Wadhwa Deepak
Published: January 2020

This study was performed to assess the anticancer potential of Musa × pardisiaca L. It has several traditional benefits due to the presence of various bioactive compounds. Ethyl acetate extract of leaves was prepared and characterized by Gas Chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Compounds ( 1-40 ) were isolated from leaves, out of which two major compounds i.e. eugenol and phytol are potentially responsible for anticancer activity and oxidative stress. In vitro cytotoxicity of extract showed significant inhibition of cells in cervical carcinoma and malignant melanoma when treated by MTT assay against Hela and A375 cell lines. Ethyl acetate extract of musa × paradisiaca L. shown anticervical carcinoma and anti-malignant melanoma activity in our study.
Predicting in-hospital mortality for patients admitted from the emergency department: An initial alarm score for inpatient care
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Ju , Hsu Nin-Chieh , Lin Yu-Feng , Shu Chin-Chung , Chiang Wen-Chu , Ma Huei-Ming Matthew , Sheng Wang-Huei
Published: January 2020

Background: The in-hospital mortality of patients admitted from the emergency department (ED) is high, but no appropriate initial alarm score is available. Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled ED-admitted patients in hospitalist-care wards and analyzed the predictors for seven-day in-hospital mortality from May 2010 to October 2016. Two-thirds were randomly assigned to a derivation cohort for development of the model and cross-validation was performed in the validation cohort. Results: During the study period, 8,649 patients were enrolled for analysis. The mean age was 71.05 years, and 51.91% were male. The most common admission diagnoses were pneumonia (36%) and urinary tract infection (20.05%). In the derivation cohort, multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression revealed that a low Barthel index score, triage level 1 at the ED, presence of cancer, metastasis, and admission diagnoses of pneumonia and sepsis were independently associated with seven-day in-hospital mortality. Based on the probability developed from the multivariable model, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in the derivation group was 0.81 [0.79–0.85]. The result in the validation cohort was comparable. The prediction score modified by the six independent factors had high sensitivity of 88.03% and a negative predictive value of 99.51% for a cutoff value of 4, whereas the specificity and positive predictive value were 89.61% and 10.55%, respectively, when the cutoff value was a score of 6. Conclusion: The seven-day in-hospital mortality in a hospitalist-care ward is 2.8%. The initial alarm score could help clinicians to prioritize or exclude patients who need urgent and intensive care.
The role of HMGB1 in invasive Candida albicans infection
Authors: Wang Jiaojiao , Wu Chuanxin , Wang Yunying , Chen Chongxiang , Cheng Jing , Rao Xiaolong , Sun Hang
Published: January 2020

Background: High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), an important “late” inflammatory mediator, is a therapeutic target for bacterial sepsis. Ethyl pyruvate (EP) has anti-inflammatory effects, and prevents bacterial sepsis by decreasing HMGB1 levels. However, the role of HMGB1 in fungal sepsis is still unclear. Therefore, we investigated HMGB1 mRNA and protein levels in serum and tissue from patients and mice with invasive C. albicans infection. We explored the anti-HMGB1 effects of EP, which may be of benefit in the diagnosis and treatment of invasive C. albicans infections. Methods: We measured serum HMGB1 mRNA and protein levels in four different patient groups: 23 control subjects (group 1), 35 patients with sepsis without fungal infection (group 2), 35 patients with severe sepsis without fungal infection (group 3), and 23 patients with severe sepsis with C. albicans infection (group 4). We collected clinical indices to estimate correlations between HMGB1 levels and disease severity. Furthermore, we experimentally stimulated mice with C. albicans and C. albicans + EP, and examined HMGB1 mRNA and protein levels from serum and tissue. We determined liver and kidney functions, investigated pathological changes in tissues and assessed mortality. We also investigated serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in these animals. Results: Serum HMGB1 mRNA and protein levels in patients with severe sepsis with C. albicans infection were elevated. Increased HMGB1 levels were correlated with procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), 1,3-β-D-Glucan (BDG) and C. albicans sepsis severity. HMGB1 mRNA and protein levels in serum and tissues were significantly increased within seven days after mice were infected with C. albicans. The administration of EP inhibited HMGB1 levels, decreased tissue damage, increased survival rates and inhibited the release of TNF-α and IL-6.Conclusions: Increased HMGB1 levels in patients with severe sepsis with C. albicans infection were positively correlated with PCT, CRP, BDG, and disease severity. EP prevented C. albicans lethality by decreasing HMGB1 expression and release. We suggest that HMGB1 plays a vital role in invasive C. albicans infections and may provide an effective diagnostic and therapeutic target for such infections in clinical settings.
Is echocardiography mandatory for all Steptococcus gallolyticus bacteremia?
Authors: Nasomsong Worapong , Vasikasin Vasin , Traipattanakul Jantima , Changpradub Dhitiwat
Published: January 2020

Background: Streptococcus gallolyticus, formerly known as one of the Streptococcus bovis complex, is frequently associated with endocarditis. Current guidelines recommended diagnostic work-up for endocarditis among patients with S. gallolyticus bacteremia. However, S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus, was found to be associated with neonatal sepsis and liver diseases and is less commonly associated with endocarditis compared with S. gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus. Our study aimed to identify the risk factors for S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus endocarditis to help select the patients for echocardiography . Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, medical records from all adult patients with S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus isolated from blood cultures at Phramongkutklao Hospital from 2009 to 2015 were reviewed. Patients who had mixed bacteremia or missing records were excluded from the study. Result: During the study period, S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus were isolated among 106 individuals. Mean age was 66.9±15.6 years. Most patients (61.3%) were male, with cirrhosis as the most common underlying diseases (46.2%), followed by malignancy and chronic kidney disease. Most common manifestations included primary bacteremia (44.3%), followed by spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (23.6%). Infective endocarditis was found among p patients. No patients with cirrhosis or single blood specimen of bacteremia had endocarditis (RR 0; p-value 0.003, and RR 1.35; p-value 0.079). The common complications associated with endocarditis were acute respiratory failure (RR 4.32; p-value 0.05), whereas acute kidney injury was a protective factor (RR 0; p-value 0.01). Among 76 patients who had records of 2-year follow-up, no new diagnosis of endocarditis or malignancy was observed. Conclusion: Among patients with S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus bacteremia, echocardiography might not be needed among patients with cirrhosis or transient bacteremia.
Effect of Resistance and Endurance Training on Gene Expression of Adiponectin and its Receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) in Testicles and Serum Levels of Sex Hormones in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Nadi Zahra , Bayat Mohammad , karami hadi , Parastesh Mohammad , bayat parvindokht
Published: January 2020

Background Sex hormone, adiponectin and its receptors interacted in the testes. Diabetes can also interfere with this interaction. Regular exercise has some effects on the diabetes side effects. This study purpose was to investigate the effects resistance and endurance training on adiponectin gene expression and its receptors and sex hormones in those rats with diabetes.MethodsIn this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups by random. After performing the trainings, adiponectin gene expression and its receptors in the testis were evaluated using real time PCR, and blood serum was then used in order to assess FSH, LH and testosterone.Results The induction of diabetes mellitus STZ-NA significantly increased the serum level of fasting blood glucose, the gene expression of adiponectin and also the AdipoR 1 in the testicles of diabetic rats in comparison with healthy controls. In addition, diabetes resulted in a significant reduction in serum testosterone levels and LH in diabetic group, but it has no effect on FSH.Conclusions Resistance and endurance training decreased the blood glucose with a significant amount reduction in adiponectin levels and AdipoR 1 gene rats, and also increased the serum testosterone levels and LH in diabetic rats. Resistance and endurance training can improve expression of adiponectin and AdipoR 1 gene by increasing the serum testosterone and LH levels in type 2 diabetic rats.
Combinatorial modular pathway engineering for guanosine 5′-diphosphate-L-fucose production in recombinant Escherichia coli
Authors: Wan Li , Zhu Yingying , Li Wen , Zhang Wenli , Mu Wanmeng
Published: January 2020

Background: Guanosine 5′-diphosphate (GDP)-L-fucose is a vital nucleotide sugar involved in the synthesis of fucosylated oligosaccharides, such as fucosylated human milk oligosaccharides, which play important roles in physiological and pathological processes.Results: In this study, a combinatorial modular pathway engineering strategy was implemented to efficiently increase the intracellular titers of GDP-L-fucose in engineered Escherichia coli. The de novo GDP-L-fucose synthesis pathway was partitioned into two modules and fine-tuned in both transcriptional and translational levels, which remarkably improved the GDP-L-fucose production. In addition, the gene encoding the UDP-glucose lipid carrier transferase (WcaJ) was inactivated to eliminate the competing metabolite pathway from GDP-L-fucose to colanic acid. Furthermore, cofactors regeneration was underpinned to promote biocatalysis. Taken together, the final engineered strain EWL37, which could achieve the titers of 18.33 mg/L in shake-flask cultivation, was able to produce 106.21 mg/L (4.28 mg/g DCW) GDP-L-fucose through fed-batch cultivation.Conclusion: To date, this is the first utilization of a modular pathway optimization approach to increase the production potential of the de novo synthesized GDP-L-fucose. In general, this study manifests that via combinatorial modular pathway engineering, the GDP-L-fucose biosynthesis can be significantly improved.