bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and differential expression of serotransferrin and apolipoprotein A-I in the plasma of HIV-1 patients treated with first-line antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Barik Sushanta Kumar , Mohanty Keshar Kunja , Mohanty Ashok Kumar , Rawat Preeti , Gopal G , Bisht Deepa , Patil Shripad A , Singh Rananjay , Sharma Devesh , Tripathy Srikanth Prasad , Tandon Rekha , Singh Tej Pal , Jena Srikanta
Published: June 2020

Background

As plasma proteins were involved in drug metabolism, the aim of the study was to identify and characterize the plasma proteins of the drug resistant and drug respondent groups of HIV-1 infected first line ART patients with > 6 years in therapy.
Methods

Plasma proteomics analysis of the four drug-resistant (treatment failure) and four drug respondent (treatment responder) groups were conducted. High abundant plasma proteins like albumin and globulin were depleted from plasma through Aurum serum mini kit (Bio-Rad, USA). Plasma proteins were resolved using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis on IPG strips, pH range of 3–10. Eight protein spots were selected in the gel based on the density of staining which was common in the drug resistant and drug respondent groups separately. The fold change of each spot was calculated using image-J. Each protein spot was identified using the matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight/time of flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) after tryptic digestion. Peptide peaks were identified through flex analysis version 3.3, and a search against a protein database using the internal mascot search engine. Gene ontology study was completed through STRING v.11 and Panther 15.0.
Results

Out of eight spots from 2D gel of drug respondent and drug resistant samples analyzed by MALDI TOF/TOF, two proteins were found to have significant score (i;e > 56) after Flex analysis. These two proteins were identified to be apolipoproteinA1 and Serotransferrin. The fold change expression of these two proteins were analyzed in drug resistant and drug respondent group. ApolipoproteinA1and serotransferrin were observed to be expressed 1.76 and 1.13-fold more respectively in drug respondent group compared to drug resistant group. The gene ontology analysis revealed the involvement of these two proteins in various important physiological processes.
Conclusion

Apolipoprotein A-I and serotransferrin were found to be expressed more in drug respondent group compared to drug resistant group.
Identification and Validation of the Hub Genes in Gastric Cancer Through Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis
Authors: Li Chunyang , Yu Haopeng , Sun Yajing , Zeng Xiaoxi , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2020

Background: Gastric cancer is one of the most lethal tumors and is characterized by poor prognosis and lack of effective diagnostic or therapeutic biomarkers. The aim of this study was to find hub genes serving as biomarkers in gastric cancer diagnosis and therapy. Methods: GSE66229 from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was used as training set. Genes bearing the top 25% standard deviations among all the samples in training set were performed to systematic weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to find candidate genes. Then, hub genes were further screened by using the “least absolute shrinkage and selection operator” (LASSO) logistic regression. Finally, hub genes were validated in GS54129 dataset from GEO by supervised learning methods logistic regression algorithms.Results: 12 modules with strong preservation were identified by using WGCNA methods in training set. Of which, two modules significantly related to gastric cancer were selected as clinically significant modules, and 43 candidate genes were identified from these two modules. Then, ACADL, ADIPOQ, ARHGAP39, ATAD3A, C1orf95, CCKBR, GRIK3, SCNN1G, SIGLEC11, and TXLNB were screened as the hub genes. These hub genes successfully differentiated the tumor samples from the healthy tissues in an independent testing set through the logistic regression algorithm, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve at 0.882. Conclusions: These hub genes bearing diagnostic and therapeutic values, and our results may provide a novel prospect for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer in the future.
Dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to local anesthetics in nerve block relieved pain more effectively after TKA: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Pan Liping , Wu Hao , Liu Heng , Yang Xin , Meng Zhichao , Cao Yongping
Published: June 2020

Background: Dexmedetomidine showed some potential in pain control in patients undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Nerve block is a preferable alternative for postoperative analgesia after TKA, on which dexmedetomidine had an effect controversially. This study aimed to meta-analyze the available randomized controlled trials to determine the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to local anesthetics in nerve block after TKA. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of science and ScienceDirect databases were searched for the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting prespecified inclusion criteria up to February 1 st , 2020 . The primary outcomes included pain scores, duration of analgesia, total opioids consumption in 24 hours postoperatively, and patient satisfaction. The second outcomes were motor strength, sedation degree and postoperative nausea and vomiting, and other related complications. The methodological quality was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results: The initial search yielded 143 studies, of which 7 met the inclusion criteria finally. The pooled data indicated that dexmedetomidine combined with local anesthetics in nerve block in TKA could decrease postoperative pain scores at rest (SMD=-1.01[95%CI, -1.29 to -0.72], p<0.01) and at motion(SMD=-1.01[-1.25 to -0.77], p<0.01,), decrease the total opioids consumption within 24 hours(SMD=-0.63[-0.86 to -0.40], p<0.01), prolong the analgesia duration(SMD=0.90[0.64 to 1.17], p<0.01), improve motor strength(SMD=0.23[0.01 to 0.45], p=0.04) and the sedation degree (SMD=0.94[0.70 to 1.18], p<0.01), and increase the patient satisfaction(SMD=0.88[0.60 to 1.17], p<0.01) without adding nausea and vomiting(RD=-0.05[-0.11 to 0.01],p=0.14), and other related complications(RD=-0.01[-0.08 to 0.07],p=0.89), compared with local anesthetics alone in nerve block. Conclusions: It was effective and safe for dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to local anesthetics in nerve block in TKA to relieve postoperative pain, decrease total opioids consumption, prolong analgesic duration and increase patient satisfaction without increasing related complications. Based on the quality evidence we got, we recommended dexmedetomidine as a regular regimen in nerve block for patients undergoing TKA. Registration: This meta-analysis was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews) and the registering number was CRD42020169171.
Potential neuroinvasive and neurotrophic properties of SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric patients: Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 with non-segmented RNA viruses
Authors: Chen Xiaodi
Published: June 2020

The emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is causing global health and economic crises. Infants and children can be infected, but are less likely to develop severe abnormalities including neurological disorders compared with adults. However, whether SARS-CoV-2 can directly cause neurological impairments in pediatric patients is not known. The possible evolutionary and molecular relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and non-segmented RNA viruses were examined with reference to neurological disorders in pediatric patients. SARS-CoV-2 appears to share similar functional domains and protein sequences with neuroinvasive and neurotropic RNA viruses and thus has the potential to cause neurological diseases in pediatric patients.
COVID-19 pandemic: environmental and social factors influencing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the expanded metropolitan area of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Nakada Liane , Urban Rodrigo
Published: June 2020

The new Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has infected more than three million people worldwide so far. Brazil is currently the second leading country in number of critical cases and the third in number of new deaths caused by COVID-19, while São Paulo State accounts for more than 33% of total confirmed cases in Brazil. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 spread in São Paulo State is an important task. The aim of this study was to assess environmental and social factors influencing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the expanded metropolitan area of São Paulo, Brazil. Firstly, a spatial analysis was conducted to provide insights into the spread of COVID-19 within the expanded metropolitan area. Moreover, statistical analyses were performed to assess social indicators and environmental conditions which possibly influence the incidence of COVID-19. Our results reveal that the spread of COVID-19 from the capital city São Paulo – its epicenter in Brazil – is directly associated with the availability of highways within the expanded metropolitan area of São Paulo. As for social aspects, cumulative COVID-19 confirmed cases were found to be both positively correlated with population density, and negatively correlated with social isolation rate, hence, indicating that social distancing has been effective in reducing the COVID-19 transmission. Finally, cumulative COVID-19 confirmed cases were found to be inversely correlated with both temperature and UV radiation. Together with recent literature our study suggests that the UV radiation provided by sunlight might reduce the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2.
IL-4/IL-13 Remodeling Pathway of Covid-19 Lung Injury
Authors: Paula Caroline Busatta Vaz de , Azevedo Marina Luise Viola , Nagashima Seigo , Martins Ana Paula Camargo , Malaquias Mineia Alessandra Scaranello , Ribeiro Anna Flavia Miggiolaro , Júnior Jarbas da Silva Motta , Avelino Gibran , Carstens Lucas Baena , Carmo Leticia Arianne Panini do , Noronha Lucia de
Published: June 2020

Background: The COVID-19 fatality rate is high when compared to the H1N1pdm09 (pandemic Influenza A virus H1N1 subtype) rate, and although both cause an aggravated inflammatory response, the differences in the mechanisms of both pandemic pneumonias need clarification.Objective: To analyze tissue expression of interleukins 4, 13, (IL-4, IL-13), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and the number of M2 macrophages (Sphingosine-1) in patients who died by COVID-19, comparing with cases of severe pneumopathy caused by H1N1pdm09, and a control group without lung injury.Methods: Six lung biopsy samples of patients who died of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 group) were used and compared with ten lung samples of adults who died from a severe infection of H1N1pdm09 (H1N1 group) and eleven samples of patients who died from different causes without lung injury (CONTROL group). The expression of IL-4, IL-13, TGF-β, and M2 macrophages score (Sphingosine-1) were identified through immunohistochemistry (IHC).Results and conclusion: Significantly higher IL-4 tissue expression and Sphingosine-1 in M2 macrophages was observed in the COVID-19 group when compared to both the H1N1 and the CONTROL groups. Different mechanism of diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) in SARS-CoV-2 compared to H1N1pdm09 infections were observed. IL-4 expression and lung remodeling are phenomena observed in both SARS-COV-2 and H1N1pdm09. However, SARS-CoV-2 seems to promote lung damage through different mechanisms, such as the scarce participation Th1/Th17 response and the higher participation of the Th2. The understanding and management of the aggravated and ineffective immune response elicited by SARS-CoV-2 merits further clarification to improve treatments propose.
Detection of genetic divergence among Putative Ethyl Methane Sulfonate Mutants of Super Basmati using Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Hameed Kiran , Sadia Bushra , Habib Madiha , Qamar Zia ul , Awan Faisal Saeed
Published: June 2020

Mutation is a resource of generating genetic diversity in crop plant for breeding as well as genetic analysis. Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (EMS) is frequently applied chemical agents in plants. The present study was completed to investigate the mutagenic effects of different concentration of EMS on yield contributing traits of super basmati. The seeds of rice cultivar (Super basmati) were mutagenized with different doses from 0-2% v/v of EMS with difference of 0.25% for determination LD50. The treated and non-treated plants were observed under different agronomic parameters. A total of 48 putative EMS mutants of super basmati were selected randomly to analyze genetic diversity using 25 SSR primers. These markers were located on twelve chromosomes of rice. SSRs analysis revealed that abroad level of genetic diversity was existed among mutants of super basmati. A sum of 91 alleles was identified of which 82 alleles were originated to be polymorphic and the rest of nine alleles were discovered as monomorphic. The range of allele number was 2-10 with mean of 3.64 alleles/locus. The value of polymorphic information content (PIC) was from 0.039 (RM5) to 0.878 (RM44) with mean of 0.439 for each locus. All mutants differentiated from each other in more than two set of primers due to presence or absence of unique bands on chromosomes at definite base pair. The size base pair range was 75-1000bp. Dendrogram located mutant indices into four major groups. Phylogenic analyses exposed 40-96% similarity. It is concluded that EMS induced genetic variability and SSRs markers (RM44, RM154, RM1, RM252, RM334, RM487, RM110 and RM257) could be employed for the selection of rice mutants throughout molecular breeding program.
Reproductive Tract Microbiota of Women in Childbearing Age Shifts Upon Type of Gynecological Infections and Phase in Physiological Cycle
Authors: Gao Yan , Cheng Lijuan , Xia Qing , Wang Hui , Xie Xiuzhen , Liu Yurong , Shang Heying , Liu Hongyan , Diao Yutao
Published: June 2020

Background: The association of the normal physiological cycle to the structural pattern of microbiota in reproductive tract of women at reproductive age has not been extensively explored. This study was undertaken to determine whether the vaginal microbes of women at childbearing age is different among groups defined by urogenital tract infections, childbearing history and menstrual cycle, respectively.Results: This was a multiple case-control study of women at childbearing age who were assigned to case or control groups according to their states of urogenital tract infections. The participants were also grouped by childbearing history and menstrual cycle. Samples of vaginal swabs were collected and stored at -70℃ until assayed. The V3-V4 regions of 16S rRNA genes were amplified using PCR and sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform. We tested the hypothesis of whether the relative abundance of microbial species in vaginal microbiota was different between women with different urogenital tract infections, childbearing history and menstrual cycle. We showed that the vaginal microbial richness(Alpha diversity measured by PD_whole tree) was decreased in normal women(without reproductive tract infections) than in those with bacterial vaginosis (BV), and decreased in pregnant women than in other groups of non-pregnancy. Similarly, women from groups of normal and in pregnancy had lower beta diversity on measure of unweighted_unifrac distance in comparison to those of uninfected and non-pregnant. The top 10 genus relative abundance, especially that Lactobacillus was the most dominant genus with the relative abundance of 71.55% among all samples, did not differ significantly between groups of childbearing history and menstrual cycle analyzed by ANOVA and nonparametric kruskal_wallis. Lactobacillus iners and Lactobacillus helveticus have the most abundance, totally account for 97.92% relative abundance of genus Lactobacillus. It is proposed that a higher L.helveticus/L.iners ratio is more likely to present in normal women than in the infected and in pregnant than in non-pregnant, although this comparison lacks statistical significance.Conclusions: The relative abundance of dominant bacterial taxa in vaginal microbial communities of women at childbearing age, characterized with 16S rRNA gene sequence and QIIME based analysis, were not different among groups of childbearing history and menstrual cycle. Women from groups of in pregnancy and without reproductive tract infections had lower alpha and beta diversity. The compositional ratio of the main lactobacillus species may shift depending on the normal physiological cycle and reproductive tract infections.
Comparison of visual field progression in new-diagnosed primary open-angle and exfoliation glaucoma patients in Sweden
Authors: Ayala Marcelo
Published: June 2020

Background
The present study aimed to compare visual field progression in new-diagnosed exfoliation versus open-angle glaucoma patients.
Methods
Retrospective study. The study included patients with new-diagnosed primary open-angle and exfoliation glaucoma. All patients were followed for three years with reliable visual fields. At least five reliable fields were needed for inclusion. Exfoliation and open-angle glaucoma were defined based on the European Glaucoma Society guidelines. Visual field evaluation was performed using the software threshold 24 − 2 of the Humphrey Field Analysis. Outcomes: Visual field progression. For visual field progression, three different strategies were used: mean deviation (MD), visual field index (VFI), and the guided progression analysis (GPA).
Results
The study included 128 subjects, of the 54 in the open-angle and 74 in the exfoliation glaucoma group. The MD difference values were higher in the exfoliation (-3.17 dB) than in the primary open-angle (-1.25 dB) glaucoma group in the three-year follow-up period. The difference between groups was significant (t-test, p = < 0.001). The difference in VFI was calculated for the three years follow-up period. The difference was higher in the exfoliation (-7.65%) than in the primary open (-1.90%) glaucoma group (t-test, p = < 0.001). The GPA showed progression in 58% of cases in exfoliation, and 13% in primary open glaucoma group (Chi-square, p = < 0.001).
Conclusion
The present study found a more frequent and faster visual field progression in exfoliation than in primary open-angle glaucoma patients. New-diagnosed exfoliation glaucoma patients must be controlled and treated more strictly than primary open-angle glaucoma patients to avoid visual field deterioration.
Factors affecting exercise self-efficacy in non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhang Weihong , Liao Jing , Wang Hui , Huang Liuyan , Shen Qiyun , Zhang Huachun
Published: June 2020

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) places a continuous burden on public health worldwide, partially attributable to a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise self-efficacy has emerged as a priority for improving physical activity. Here we conduct a survey to determine exercise self-efficacy and factors associated with lower exercise self-efficacy in non-dialysis patients with CKD.
Methods

A single-center cross-sectional study was performed from October 2018 to April 2019 using the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES) to assess exercise self-efficacy. In addition to socio-demographic data, Leicester Uremic Symptom Score (LUSS) was used to evaluated symptom burden for non-dialysis CKD patients. Multiple linear regression was carried out to identify factors that were significantly associated with exercise self-efficacy.
Results

One hundred and thirty-seven patients participated in the current study. The median score on the ESES was 48.89 (interquartile range: 33.31–64.72). A significantly negative correlation with ESES and symptom burden was observed. The results of multiple linear regression showed a significantly positive association between exercise self-efficacy and higher average monthly income, higher level of daily physical activity.
Conclusion

The study reveals several important variables that can be taken into consideration when dealing with exercise self-efficacy in non-dialysis CKD patients. our findings reinforce the need to educate patients who are elderly, female, underweight, lower-income, physical inactivity, and higher symptom burden to promote their exercise self-efficacy.
A 1p/19q Codeletion Associated Immune Signature for Predicting Lower Grade Glioma Prognosis
Authors: Xu Jie , Liu Fang , Li Yuntao , Shen Liang
Published: June 2020

Background: Lower grade gliomas (LGGs) with codeletion of chromosomal arms 1p and 19q (1p/19 codeletion) has a favorable outcome. However, its overall survival (OS) varies. Here, we established an immune signature associated with 1p/19q codeletion for accurate prediction of prognosis of LGGs.Methods: We extracted RNA sequencing and corresponding clinical data of LGGs from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The CGGA and TCGA databases were dichotomized into training group and testing group. The immune-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with 1p/19q codeletion were screened using Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. A prognostic signature was established using dataset from CGGA and tested in TCGA datasets. Subsequently, we explored the correlation between the prognostic signature and immune response.Results: Thirteen immune genes associated with 1p/19q codeletion were identified and used to construct a prognostic signature. The 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rates of the low-risk group were approximately 97%, 89%, and 79%, while those of the high-risk group were 81%, 50% and 34%, respectively in the training group. The nomogram which comprised of age, world health organization (WHO) grade, primary or recurrent types, 1p/19q codeletion status and risk score provided accurate prediction for the survival rate of glioma. DEGs that were highly expressed in the high-risk group clustered with many immune-related pathways. Immune checkpoints including T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain 3 (TIM3), programmed cell death 1 (PD1), PD1 interacting with programmed death ligand 1 (PDL1), cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4), T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT), long non-coding RNA MIR 155 host gene (MIR155HG), and CD48 were correlated with the risk score. VAV3 and TNFRFSF11B were found to be candidate immune checkpoints. Conclusion: The 1p/19q codeletion-associated immune signature provides accurate prediction of OS. VAV3 and TNFRFSF11B are novel immune checkpoints.
Nomogram for Prediction of fatal outcome in Patients with Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Yang Yun , Zhu Xiaofei , Huang Jian , Chen Cui , Zheng Yang , He Wei , Zhao Linghao , Gao Qian , Huang Xuanxuan , Fu Lijuan , Zhang Yu , Chang Yanqin , Zhang Huojun , Lu Zhijie
Published: June 2020

Background & Aims: To develop an effective model of predicting fatal Outcome in the severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.Methods: Between February 20, 2020 and April 4, 2020, consecutive COVID-19 patients from three designated hospitals were enrolled in this study. Independent high- risk factors associated with death were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard model. A prognostic nomogram was constructed to predict the survival of severe COVID-19 patients.Results: There were 124 severe patients in the training cohort, and there were 71 and 76 severe patients in the two independent validation cohorts, respectively. Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that age ≥ 70 years (HR 1.184, 95% CI 1.061-1.321), Panting(breathing rate ≥ 30/min) (HR 3.300, 95% CI 2.509-6.286), lymphocyte count < 1.0 × 109/L (HR 2.283, 95% CI 1.779-3.267), and IL-6 >10pg/mL (HR 3.029, 95% CI 1.567-7.116) were independent high-risk factors associated with fatal outcome. We developed the nomogram for identifying survival of severe COVID-19 patients in the training cohort (AUC 0.900, [95% CI 0.841-0.960], sensitivity 95.5%, specificity 77.5%); in validation cohort 1 (AUC 0.862, [95% CI 0.763-0.961], sensitivity 92.9%, specificity 64.5%); in validation cohort 2 (AUC 0.811, [95% CI 0.698-0.924], sensitivity 77.3%, specificity 73.5%). The calibration curve for probability of death indicated a good consistence between prediction by the nomogram and the actual observation. Conclusions: This nomogram could help clinicians to identify severe patients who have high risk of death, and to develop more appropriate treatment strategies to reduce the mortality of severe patients.
Evaluation of associations between asthma exacerbations and distance to roadways using geocoded electronic health records data
Authors: He Jingyi , Ghorveh Mohsen Ghiasi , Hurst Jillian H. , Tang Monica , Alhanti Brooke , Lang Jason E. , Goldstein Benjamin
Published: June 2020

Background Asthma exacerbations in children often require medications, urgent care, and hospitalization. Multiple environmental triggers have been associated with asthma exacerbations, including particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO), which are primarily generated by motor vehicle exhaust. There is mixed evidence as to whether proximity to highways increases risk of asthma exacerbations. Methods To test this hypothesis, we assessed the association between asthma exacerbations and the distance to two types of roadways in Durham County, accounting for other patient-level factors. We abstracted data from the Duke University Health System electronic health record (EHR), identifying 6,208 children with asthma between 2014 – 2019. We geocoded each child’s distance to roadways (both 35 MPH+ and 55 MPH+). We classified asthma exacerbation severity into four tiers and fitted a recurrent event survival model to account for multiple exacerbations. Results There was a consistent weak effect of residential distance from 55+ MPH highway and any asthma exacerbation (Hazard Ratio: 0.98 (95% confidence interval: 0.94, 1.01)), but there was no effect from distance to 35+ MPH roadway (Hazard Ratio: 0.98 (95% confidence interval: 0.83, 1.15)). Conclusions While the results were negative, characteristics of a study sample – namely farther distance to roadways and generally good ambient environmental pollution may contribute to this. Compared to previous work which often relied on self-report measures, we are able to obtain a more objective assessment of outcomes. Overall, this work highlights the opportunity to use EHR data to study environmental impacts of disease.
Feasibility of Remote Digital Monitoring using Wireless Bluetooth Monitors, the Smart AngelTM Apps and an Original Web Platform for Patients Following Outpatient Surgery: A Prospective Observational Pilot Study.
Authors: Chevallier Thierry , Buzancais Gautier , Occean Bob-valery , Rataboul Pierre , Boisson Christophe , simon natacha , Lannelongue Ariane , Chaniaud Noemie , Gricourt Yann , Lefrant Jean-Yves , cuvillon philippe
Published: June 2020

BackgroundRemote monitoring of mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) or oxygen saturation (SpO2) remains a challenge in outpatient surgery. This study evaluates a new digital technology (SmartAngelTM) for remotely monitoring hemodynamic data in real time.Methods Adults scheduled for elective outpatient surgery were prospectively enrolled. In the first 5 postoperative days, patients used a tablet three times a day to complete a self-report questionnaire (pain, comfort, nausea, vomiting) and two wireless Bluetooth monitors (oximetry for SpO2 and HR; MAP) connected to a 4G tablet that transmits data to a website, in real time, using SmartAngelTM software. Before transmission to the website, these data were also self-reported by the patient on a paper basis. The primary endpoint was the number of data recorded in the website using the app compared to paper basis. A system usability scale survey (SUS; score 1-100) was performed at day 5.Results From May 2018 to September 2018, data were available for 29 out of 30 enrolled (1 patient failed to discharge at home after surgery). The paper-basis recorded 2656 (82%) data versus 2038 (62%) for the remote monitoring technology (p=0.001). The most common errors with the remote technology were software malfunctioning when starting the MAP monitor and malfunctioning between the tablet and Bluetooth monitor. No serious adverse events were noted. SUS score was 85 (68-93) for 26 patients.ConclusionThis work evaluates the ability of a pilot system to monitor remote physiological data using digital technology after ambulatory surgery and highlights the digital limitations of this technology. Technological improvement is needed in order to reduce malfunction (4G access, transmission between apps).Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03464721)(March 8, 2018)
Current Smoking With or Without Chronic Bronchitis is Independently Associated With Goblet Cell Hyperplasia in Healthy Smokers and COPD Subjects: an Analysis of the SPIROMICS Cohort
Authors: Kim Victor , Jeong Stephanie , Zhao Huaqing , Kraft Jennifer , Kesimer Mehmet , Boucher Richard , Wells James Michael , Christenson Stephanie , Han Meilan K , Dransfield Mark , Paine Robert , Cooper Christopher B , Barjaktarevic Igor , Bowler Russell P , Curtis Jeffrey L , Kaner Robert J , O'Beirne Sara L , O'Neal Wanda K , Rennard Stephen I , Martinez Fernando J , Woodruff Prescott G
Published: June 2020

Background: COPD, chronic bronchitis (CB) and active smoking have all been associated with large airway goblet cell hyperplasia (GCH) in small studies. Active smoking is strongly associated with CB, but there is a disconnect between CB clinical symptoms and pathology. Chronic cough and sputum production poorly correlate with the presence of GCH or COPD. We hypothesized that the primary determinant of GCH in ever smokers with or without airflow obstruction is active smoking. Methods: Goblet Cell Density (GCD) was measured in 71 current or former smokers [32 subjects without COPD and 39 COPD subjects] in which endobronchial mucosal biopsies were obtained during the SPIROMICS bronchoscopy substudy. Biopsies were stained with Periodic Acid Schiff-Alcian Blue, and GCD was measured as number of goblet cells/mm basement membrane by two independent observers in a blinded fashion. GCD was divided into tertiles (1=low, 2=medium, 3=high) based on log10 transformed values. Multivariable logistic and linear regressions were performed with CB and current smoking as the independent variables of interest and demographics and FEV1% predicted smoking as covariates.Results: Log10 GCD was greater in current smokers compared to former smokers (1.16±0.28 [n=31] vs. 0.85±0.42 [n=40], p=0.001). Those with classically defined CB had a greater log10 GCD compared to those without CB (1.21±0.31 [n=13] vs. 0.94±0.39 [n=58], p=0.024). Similarly, those with CB by the SGRQ definition had a greater log10 GCD compared to those without CB (1.13±0.39 [n=25] vs. 0.91±0.39 [n=43], p=0.028). Tertiles 2 and 3 had a greater percent of current smokers compared to tertile 1 (16.7, 50.0 and 63.6% in tertiles 1, 2 and 3, respectively, p=0.004). Current smoking was independently associated with tertile 3 (high GCD) (OR 4.15, 95% CI 1.17, 14.71) whereas CB was not in multivariable logistic regression. Similar results were found with multivariable linear regression for log10 GCD.Conclusions: GCD is higher in current smokers with and without airflow obstruction and in CB. However, current smoking, but not CB, is independently associated with GCD. These results suggest that GCH is induced by active smoke exposure and does not necessarily correlate with the clinical symptoms of CB.
Barium enema findings in total colonic aganglionosis: a single-center, retrospective study
Authors: Yan Jiayu , Sun Jihang , Wu Rongchang , Siyin Sarah Tan , Chen Yongwei , Peng Yun , Chen Yajun
Published: June 2020

Background
Preoperative diagnosis of total colonic aganglionosis is important for the rational choice of treatment. The present study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of radiographic signs on preoperative barium enema in patients with total colonic aganglionosis.
Methods
Forty-four patients [41 (3-659) days] with total colonic aganglionosis, including 17 neonatal patients, who received preoperative barium enema at our center, from January 2007 to December 2019 were included. All radiographs were retrospectively restudied by 2 pediatric radiologists to ascertain radiographic signs including rectosigmoid index, transition zone, irregular contraction, gas-filled small bowel, microcolon, question-mark-shaped colon and ileocecal valve reflux. Kappa test was performed to assess the accuracy and consistency of the radiographic signs.
Results
The 2 radiologists showed slight agreement for gas-filled small bowel, microcolon and rectosigmoid index, fair agreement for transition zone and irregular contraction, and moderate agreement for question-mark-shaped colon and ileocecal valve reflux (Kappa values, 0.043, 0.075, 0.103, 0.244, 0.397, 0.458 and 0.545, respectively). In neonatal patients, the 2 radiologists showed moderate agreement for ileocecal valve reflux and substantial agreement for question-mark-shaped colon (Kappa values, 0.469 and 0.667, respectively). In non-neonatal patients, the 2 radiologists showed substantial agreement for ileocecal valve reflux (Kappa value, 0.628). In 36 patients with total colonic aganglionosis extending to the ileum, the accuracies of question-mark-shaped colon, ileocecal valve reflux and the combination of both were 47%, 53%, and 75%, respectively, in one radiologist and 53%, 50% and 72%, respectively, in the other.
Conclusion
Ileocecal valve reflux was a reliable radiographic sign for diagnosing total colonic aganglionosis and could improve the accuracy by combination with question-mark-shaped colon.
Down-regulating lncRNA LINC00485 inhibits the development of osteosarcoma by regulating miR-361-5p/Twist1 axis
Authors: Hu Yawei , Luo Xinle , Zhou Jianhua , Chen Shaochu , Gong Ming , Deng Yue , Zhang Hao
Published: June 2020

Background: Mounting researches have established that long-chain non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) occupy an essential position in osteosarcoma development. The present study attempted to explicate the functional role and mechanism of LINC00485 and miR-361-5p in regulating the osteosarcoma progression.Methods: RT-PCR was employed to measure LINC00485 expression in osteosarcoma tissues and adjacent healthy tissues. Moreover, the correlation between LINC00485 expression and the clinicopathological indexes was analyzed. Further, the LINC00485 low-expressed cell model was constructed, and the CCK8 assay was employed to measure cell proliferation, followed by the flow cytometry in apoptosis testing. Besides, Transwell assay was utilized to detect cell migration and invasion ability, and Western blot examined the alternations of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker molecules (E-cadherin and Vimentin). Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis was taken advantage of predicting the downstream molecular targets of LINC00485. RT-PCR and Western blot were carried out respectively to estimate the expression variations of miR-361-5p and Twist1. Dual luciferase activity assay and RNA co-precipitation (RIP) assay were conducted to verify the targeting relationship between LINC00485 and miR-361-5p, miR-361-5p and Twist1.Results: In comparison with normal adjacent tissues, the LINC00485 expression in cancer tissues was profoundly up-regulated. LINC00485 low expression greatly attenuated proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT in osteosarcoma cells, while enhancing apoptosis. Bioinformatics analysis claimed that miR-361-5p was a sponge miRNA for LINC00485, targeting the Twist1 expression. Further gain- and loss-experiments declared that miR-361-5p limited the osteosarcoma development by inhibiting osteosarcoma cell proliferation, metastasis and promoting apoptosis.Conclusions: LINC00485 acted as an oncogene in the osteosarcoma tumorigenesis by modulating the miR-361-5p/Twist1 axis.
DIRECTIONS OF IMPROVEMENT OF THE ACTIVITY OF THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE OF UKRAINE
Authors: Harust Yu. V. , Mirgorod-Karpova V. V. , Khursenko K. I.
Published: June 2020

The article analyzes the supervision of areas of improvement of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine. It is noted that the study of the development prospects of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine lays the Foundation for the modernization of the financial authority in accordance with current trends in the development of society and the state. The attention is focused on the fact that the reform of the system of financial management in Ukraine is a nervous process, which continues today. It is investigated that the system of financial management bodies in Ukraine requires further improvement. It is noted that the creation of a unified financial management system will ensure the effectiveness of not only the financial policy of the state, but also will contribute to the effective development of the economy of the country and its regions. The main directions of improvement of activity of the Ministry of Finance in Ukraine are investigated and ways of their overcoming are entered. It is noted that the financial system is a complex mechanism, the effectiveness of which depends on the proper legal regulation and the existence of a coherent organizational framework for the management of the financial system of Ukraine. When opening up the prospects of development of the Ministry of Population of Ukraine, consider that the stationary location is effective, possibly its economic development and public well-being. There is no need to ever persuade. It has become clear both the overwhelming results for all, political and public figures, and the broader version. If you have a three-year duration, you do not have any strength, then continue the degradation of industrial relations, social consciousness, and the following is uncertain. Finding out the interesting part, we are, as a consequence, the black outbursts of crisis that are important to people's well-being.
Key words: Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, directions of improvement of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, financial system, improvement of the financial system.
Challenges in using anesthesia for open chest and aorta surgery in swine
Authors: KOWALIK MACIEJ MICHAŁ , SIONDALSKI PIOTR , KOŁACZKOWSKA MAGDALENA , ZAJĄC WACŁAW , PAŁCZYŃSKA PAULINA , CACKOWSKA EWELINA , JABŁOŃSKI GRZEGORZ , BORMAN ANDRZEJ
Published: June 2020

Anesthesia for aorta surgery in pigs remains challenging due to the requirements for mechanical ventilation and the need for maintaining adequate homeostasis. We report an improved anesthesia protocol in an in vivo animal model to test a novel bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) within the ‘Kardio-BNC’ trial. Forty-four 6-month-old DanBred pigs comprising 6 males and 38 females (body weight ca. 82 kg) underwent implantation of pericardium reconstructive patches (n = 8), thoracic aorta prostheses (n = 15), or both procedures (n = 17) to test the biocompatibility of the novel BNC. The primary endpoint was 90-day survival, and the secondary outcome was death for any reason before reaching the study endpoint. Univariate analysis and linear regression were used to identify variables associated with premature mortality. Of the 44 pigs that underwent surgery, 10 (23%) were lost intra-operatively because of arrhythmia (n = 1), anesthesiological causes (n = 4), or surgical complications (n = 5). Modifications to tracheal intubation, tube fixation, temperature maintenance, and vascular catheterization increased the survival rate to 91% in the last quartile of the animals that underwent surgery. Of the 34 animals that survived surgery, n = 10 (29%) were lost post-operatively because of hematoma (n = 2), pneumothorax (n = 1), or infection (n = 7). Infection was associated with the type of surgery (highest prevalence in animals undergoing the combined procedure; p = 0.02), azaperone dose (p = 0.03), intra-operative heart rate variability (p = 0.03), and crystalloid transfusion (p = 0.04). The anesthesiological strategies and modifications to surgery described here allowed safe open chest and aorta surgery in up to 91% of the procedures performed
Comparison of platelet counts in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) obtained by two methods from dogs
Authors: DALĞIN DUYGU , MERAL YÜCEL , ÇENESIZ METIN , ESIN ÇAĞATAY , SAYILKAN BAŞAR ULAŞ , ÖZCAN ÜMIT , ÇOLAK ZEYNEP NURSELIN , KÜLLÜK EMRE
Published: June 2020

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used in human medicine, but seldom used in veterinary practice. Even so, the efficacy of PRP in osteoarthritis, dental implants, bone defects and wound healing in dogs and horses is well documented. There are many commercially available PRP tubes and kits for horses and humans, but studies on the effectiveness of these products in dogs are limited. Researches have demonstrated that systems developed for humans and horses do not always produce the same results in dogs. In the present study, two prevailing systems, a sodium citrate-based system and a gel-based system, were compared in terms of their platelet output. The data obtained revealed that, although there was no statistically significant difference between the two systems, the sodium citrate-based kit is probably more efficient in practice due to its superiority in volume output. PRP is an important component of regenerative therapy. It is autologous and practical, but has not been sufficiently implemented in veterinary practice, but promising clinical satisfaction and must be considered in various conditions.
Role of cat and dog faeces in the contamination of sand playgrounds in public parks by Toxocara spp.
Authors: GURLER Ali Tumay , BOLUKBAS Cenk Soner , AKCAY Aytac , PEKMEZCI Gokmen Zafer , AÇICI MUSTAFA , Umur Şinasi
Published: June 2020

Toxocariasis is one of the most important parasitic zoonoses affecting human health. The main source of toxocariasis in humans is dog and cat faeces, which are primarily responsible for the contamination of urban areas with Toxocara spp. eggs. In this study, the relationship between dog or/and cat faeces and contamination of sand playgrounds in public parks with Toxocara spp. eggs was investigated. A total of 596 sand and 276 faecal samples (148 dog and 128 cat faeces samples) were collected from 52 public parks in Samsun. Toxocara spp. eggs were identified in 7% of sand samples, 33% of cat faeces samples and 9.5% and dog faeces samples. A positive correlation was found between the presence of faeces and the contamination of sand samples. The incidence of sand contamination was increased 8.3 times if a park contained dog or/and cat faeces, and the incidence was much greater if the faeces were infected with Toxocara spp. ova. Cat faeces had a greater effect on the contamination of sand than did dog faeces. The risk was 12.5 and 27 times greater if a park contained only cat faeces and infected cat faeces, respectively. However, no Toxocara spp. eggs were found in sand samples from parks that contained only dog faeces.
Mineralization of petrochemical wastewater after biological treatment by ozonation catalyzed with divalent iron tartaric acid chelate
Authors: Wang Song , Zhu Genwang , Yu Zhongchen , Li Chenxi , Wang Dan , Cao Xiaoling
Published: June 2020

The petrochemical wastewater includes many toxic organic compounds, which are refractory substances. It is difficult for the wastewater to meet discharge standards after biological treatment, therefore, the further effective treatment of post-biochemical petrochemical wastewater has become an urgent problem to be solved. This study used iron tartaric acid chelate (ITC) catalytic ozonation to treat the petrochemical wastewater. Various key factors were investigated, such as hydraulic retention time (HRT), catalyst dosage, ozone concentration, initial pH values and oxidation efficiency. The kinetics of catalytic ozonation were established. The results indicate that the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate reached a maximum of 58.5%, when the Fe2+ dosage is 0.25 mmol L−1, the initial pH value is neutral, the liquid phase ozone concentration is about 1.95 mg L−1, and HRT is equal to 180 min. In addition, when HRT is equal to 90 min, the B/C ratio of wastewater increases to 0.31, the catalytic ozone reaches maximum oxidation efficiency, and the most economical HRT was 90 min. Finally, the kinetics of ITC catalytic ozonation catalyzed with ITC is consistent with the pseudo-first-order kinetic reaction, and its rate constant is 0.00484 min−1.
The Biotin Biosynthetic Pathway in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a Validated Target for the Development of Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Bockman Matthew R. , Mishra Neeraj , Aldrich Courtney C.
Published: June 2020

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, responsible for Tuberculosis (TB), remains the leading cause of mortality among infectious diseases worldwide from a single infectious agent, with an estimated 1.7 million deaths in 2016. Biotin is an essential cofactor in M. tuberculosis that is required for lipid biosynthesis and gluconeogenesis. M. tuberculosis relies on de novo biotin biosynthesis to obtain this vital cofactor since it cannot scavenge sufficient biotin from a mammalian host. The biotin biosynthetic pathway in M. tuberculosis has been well studied and rigorously genetically validated providing a solid foundation for medicinal chemistry efforts. This review examines the mechanism and structure of the enzymes involved in biotin biosynthesis and ligation, summarizes the reported genetic validation studies of the pathway, and then analyzes the most promising inhibitors and natural products obtained from structure-based drug design and phenotypic screening.
Targeting n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Valenzuela Rodrigo , Ortiz Macarena , Hernández-Rodas María Catalina , Echeverría Francisca , Videla Luis Alberto
Published: June 2020

Background:

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is characterized by abnormal
hepatic accumulation of triacylglycerides in the absence of alcohol consumption, in association with
Oxidative Stress (OS), a pro-inflammatory state and Insulin Resistance (IR), which are attenuated by
n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (FAs) C20-C22 (LCPUFAs) supplementation. Main
causes of NAFLD comprise high caloric intake and a sedentary lifestyle, with high intakes of saturated
FAs.

Methods:

The review includes several searches considering the effects of n-3 LCPUFAs in NAFLD
in vivo and in vitro models, using the PubMed database from the National Library of Medicine-
National Institutes of Health.

Results:

The LCPUFAs eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5 n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n-
3, DHA) have a positive effect in diminishing liver steatosis, OS, and the levels of aspartate
aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and pro-inflammatory cytokines, with improvement of
insulin sensitivity and adiponectin levels. The molecular pathways described for n-3 LCPUFAs in
cellular and animal models and humans include peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α activation
favouring FA oxidation, diminution of lipogenesis due to sterol responsive element binding
protein-1c downregulation and inflammation resolution. Besides, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related
factor-2 activation is elicited by n-3 LCPUFA-derived oxidation products producing direct and indirect
antioxidant responses, with concomitant anti-fibrogenic action.

Conclusion:

The discussed effects of n-3 LCPUFA supplementation support its use in NAFLD,
although having a limited value in NASH, a contention that may involve n-3 LCPUFA oxygenated
derivatives. Clinical trials establishing optimal dosages, intervention times, type of patients and
possible synergies with other natural products are needed in future studies.