bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic and clinicopathological characteristics of colorectal T/NK cell lymphoma
Authors: Ishibashi Hideki , Nimura Satoshi , Hirai Fumihito , Harada Naohiko , Iwasaki Hiromi , Kawauchi Shigeto , Oshiro Yumi , Matsuyama Atuji , Nakamura Shotaro , Takamatsu Yasushi , Yonemasu Hirotoshi , Shimokama Taturo , Takeshita Morishige
Published: July 2020

Background Colorectal T/NK cell lymphomas (TNKCL) were very rare. Endoscopic and clinicopathological characteristics of colorectal TNKCL have not been clearly demonstrated. In this study, we demonstrated the clinical characteristics of colorectal TNKCL.Methods Endoscopic and clinicopathological characteristics were investigated in 27 patients with colorectal monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL), adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), and other types of TNKCL.Results Nine TNKCL patients (33%) were classified as MEITL, 11 (41%) as ATLL, and seven (26%) as other. Four Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) + TNKCL patients were categorized as other. Endoscopically, six MEITL (67%) and five ATLL (46%) showed diffuse-infiltrating type, in which the main endoscopic lesion was edematous mucosa in MEITL, while aphthoid erosion and edematous mucosa were typical in ATLL. Ulcerative type was identified in four other group patients (57%), including two EBV + TNKCL. More than two colorectal lymphomatous lesions were found in seven MEITL (78%) compared with one other group patient (14%) (P < 0.05). An increase in atypical T-intraepithelial lymphocytes (T-IELs) was noted in seven MEITL (88%) and six ATLL (60%) patients, but no other group (0%) patients. Five MEITL patients (56%) showed features of lymphocytic proctocolitis with increased CD8 + T-IELs.Conclusions MEITL and ATLL occasionally invaded the colorectum, and primary involving MEITL was observed. Diffuse infiltrating type was the characteristic endoscopic finding in colorectal MEITL and ATLL, and ulcerative type was observed in the other group. Features of lymphocytic proctocolitis may be prodromal findings of MEITL.
Mediastinal lymph node enlargement in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: relationships with disease progression and pulmonary function trends
Authors: Sgalla Giacomo , Larici Anna Rita , Golfi Nicoletta , Calvello Mariarosaria , Farchione Alessandra , Ciello Annemilia Del , Varone Francesco , Iovene Bruno , Manfredi Riccardo , Richeldi Luca
Published: July 2020

Background and objectives: Evidence of mediastinal Lymph Node Enlargement (LNE) on CT scan is a common finding in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We sought to investigate whether the involvement of mediastinal lymph nodes is associated with accelerated disease progression, and explored the changes occurring in mediastinal lymph nodes during the radiological follow up of these patients. Methods: This retrospective study included IPF patients referred to a single ILD centre in Italy. A consensus-based assessment of mediastinal LNE on chest CT scan was performed by two thoracic radiologists. Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression were used to assess hazard ratios for mortality and disease progression (defined as categorical FVC decline ≥10%). The annualized rates of change in functional parameters for each patient were calculated using mixed linear models. Results: 152 IPF patients were included in the analysis, of whom 135 (89%) received antifibrotic treatment for IPF during the study follow up. Patients having evidence of 3 or more enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes on baseline CT scan showed increased rates of mortality (HR 5.03, 95% CI 1.86-13.62, p≤0.001) and significant disease progression (HR 2.99, 95% CI 1.22-7.33, p=0.17) as compared to patients without LNE, after adjusting for GAP stage. Among 62 patients with LNE who underwent a follow up CT scan of the chest and received antifibrotic treatment, 57 (92%) maintained evidence mediastinal LNE over time. Conclusions: Diffuse mediastinal lymph node involvement predicts clinically meaningful functional deterioration in patients with IPF.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) Amongst Adolescents in Malaysian Secondary Schools: A cross-Sectional Study
Authors: TENG NUR ISLAMI MOHD FAHMI , Nordin Norsham Juliana , Rodi Nur Liyana Izlin Mohamad , Semaon Nur Zulaikha
Published: July 2020

Background: This study aims to examine the level of knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of adolescents towards sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) together with the associated factors that determines their KAP. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires that consisted of sociodemographic, the KAP for the SSB questionnaire, and the BEVQ questionnaire. The respondents’ height, weight, waist circumference and body fat percentage were measured. This study involved 439 adolescents (with a 97.6% response rate), aged between 13 to 17 years old, in public secondary schools in Selangor, Malaysia. Results: The results reveal that 35% of the adolescents were overweight, 26% had a high waist circumference, and 45% had a high body fat percentage. Caffeinated drinks and full cream milk were the most frequently consumed SSBs. The KAP score revealed a high attitude (88.4%), a moderate knowledge (51.8%) and a low practice (40.5%). Those with a higher body fat percentage showed significantly higher attitude scores (p<0.05). Low household income groups (adjusted OR=0.51; 95% CI=0.26-0.99), females (adjusted OR=0.41, 95% CI=0.27-0.62), adolescents aged 16-17 years old (adjusted OR=0.44, 95% CI=0.22-0.85), and urban areas (adjusted OR=1.78, 95% CI=1.16-2.72) demonstrated a significant (p<0.05) positive determinant towards the KAP score. Conclusion: This study revealed that high awareness of negative health outcomes associated with SSBs among adolescents was not in accord with the level of their lifestyle choices. Future interventions must consider this critical situation so that any knowledge being transferred to the adolescents can be translated into their own practices.
The Association Between Sarcopenia and Cognitive Performance : Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 1999 to 2002
Authors: Geng Jiwen , Deng Linghui , Qiu Shi , Bian Haiyang , Cai Boyu , Li Yupei , Li Jiameng , Qin Zheng , Yang Qinbo , Dong Birong , Su Baihai
Published: July 2020

Background: Sarcopenia and cognitive impairment are both age-related diseases. And they have many risk factors in common. However, the association between them has been controversial in recent years.Objective: To investigate the association between sarcopenia and cognitive performance in the U.S. adults through the use of the NHANES data from 1999 to 2002.Methods: A total of 2550 participants were identified in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys Data Base (1999–2002). The independent variable was sarcopenia and the dependent variables was cognitive performance. Men were classified as sarcopenia if appendicular lean mass (ALM) adjusted for BMI (ALMBMI) <0.789, and women<0.512. The cognitive performance was assessed by Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Higher scores on the DSST indicated better cognitive performance. The covariates included gender, age, race, poverty income ratio, comorbidity index, educational level, physical activity and smoking status.Results: For the primary outcome, our multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that sarcopenia negatively correlated with cognitive performance in the model I (crude OR = 5.18; 95% CI: [3.49–6.87]). The negative association remained significant in the adjusted model II and model III (OR=3.40; 95% CI: [1.91–4.90]; OR=1.50; 95% CI: [0.12–2.89]). The subgroup analysis results indicated that participants without sarcopenia were associated with better cognitive performance was similar in different gender, age, race, poverty income ratio, comorbidity index, educational level, physical activity and smoking status.Conclusions: Participants without sarcopenia were associated with better cognitive performance in a representative sample of older adults in the U.S. We might be able to try to improve cognitive performance by dealing with sarcopenia and provide opportunity for intervention at a younger age and better physical performance.
Effective inactivation of nipah virus in serum samples for safe processing in low-containment laboratories
Authors: Watanabe Shumpei , Fukushi Shuetsu , Harada Toshihiko , Shimojima Masayuki , Yoshikawa Tomoki , Kurosu Takeshi , Kaku Yoshihiro , Morikawa Shigeru , Saijo Masayuki
Published: July 2020

Background
Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging zoonotic paramyxovirus that causes severe encephalitis and respiratory disease with a high mortality rate in humans. During large outbreaks of the viral disease, serological testing of serum samples could be a useful diagnostic tool, which could provide information on not only the diagnosis of NiV disease but also the history of an individual with previous exposure to the virus, thereby supporting disease control. Therefore, an efficient method for the inactivation of NiV in serum samples is required for serological diagnosis.
Methods
We determined the optimal conditions for the inactivation of NiV infectivity in human serum using heating and UV treatment. The inactivation method comprised UV irradiation with a cover of aluminum foil for 30 min and heating at 56 °C for 30 min.
Results
With an optimized protocol for virus inactivation, NiV infectivity in serum samples (containing 6.4 × 105 TCID50) was completely inactivated.
Conclusions
We developed a recommended protocol for the effective inactivation of NiV. This protocol would enable a regional or local laboratory to safely transport or process samples, including NiV, for serological testing in its biosafety level-2 facility.
Growth factors improve the proliferation of Jeju black pig muscle cells by regulating MyoD and growth-related genes
Authors: Park Jinryong , Lee Jeongeun , Song Ki-Duk , Kim Sung-Jo , Choi Hyun Woo , Shim Kwan Seob
Published: July 2020

Background

Jeju black pig (JBP), one of Korean native pig breeds, has excellent meat quality but grow slowly. The growth rate of pigs is related to differentiation and proliferation of muscle cells regulated by growth factors and expression of growth-related genes. However, few studies have determined the effect of growth factors on the proliferation of porcine muscle cells. Thus, the objective of this study was to establish optimal culture conditions of JBP muscle cells and determine the relationship of various factors involved in muscle growth with the proliferation of JBP muscle cells.
Results

We established a muscle cell line from JBP embryos and optimized its culture conditions. These muscle cells were positive for MyoD, but not Pax7. The proliferation rate of these muscle cells was significantly higher in a culture medium containing bFGF and EGF + bFGF than that without a growth factor or containing EGF alone. Treatment with EGF and bFGF significantly induced the expression of MyoD protein, an important transcription factor in muscle cells. Moreover, we checked changes of the expression of growth-related genes in JBP muscle cells by presence or absence of growth factors. Expression level of COL21A1 gene was changed only when EGF and bFGF were both added to culture media for JBP muscle cells.
Conclusions

Concurrent use of EGF and bFGF increased the expression of MyoD protein, thus regulating the proliferation of JBP muscle cells and the expression of growth-related genes.
Replicative Verification of Susceptibility Genes Previously Identified from Families with Segregating Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: Xu Xiaowen , Wang Binbin , Chen Yufan , Zhou Weizheng , Li Lianyong
Published: July 2020

Background: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a complex hip joint deformity with effects ranging from acetabulum malformation to irreversible hip dislocation. Previous studies suggest a significant association of four variations, Teneurin transmembrane protein 3 (TENM3) (chr4:183721398), Heparan sulfate proteoglycan 2 (HSPG2) (chr1:22201470), ATPase plasma membrane Ca2+ transporting 4 (ATP2B4) (chr1:203682345), and Prostaglandin F receptor (PTGFR) (chr1:79002214), with DDH susceptibility in families with segregating DDH. However, the association was not validated in sporadic cases and remains controversial. To confirm the association of the reported variations in these four genes with DDH, we conducted replicative verification in 250 sporadic samples with DDH from a Chinese Han population. Methods: We conducted Sanger sequencing after amplifying the variation sites. The results were compared with the reference sequence from the GRCh37 assembly in UCSC (http://genome.ucsc.edu). Results: Replication analysis of 250 sporadic samples by Sanger sequencing indicated that the four variations, TENM3 (chr4:183721398), HSPG2 (chr1:22201470), ATP2B4 (chr1:203682345), and PTGFR (chr1:79002214), were not associated with the susceptibility to DDH in the Chinese Han population.Conclusions: Further studies should be performed to identify other variations of these four genes that are potentially associated with DDH by whole-exome sequencing and the results should be verified in different populations.
Identifying of a Novel miR-98-5p/IGF1 Axis Contributes the Pathogenesis of Breast Cancer Using Comprehensive Bioinformatic Analyses Methods and Experiments Validation
Authors: Sun Dapeng , Luo Xigang , Ma Lingling , Wang Yi , Zhang Fengxiang
Published: July 2020

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is a huge threat for the health of women worldwide. Although the numerous microRNAs (miRNA) have been identified to be aberrantly expressed in BC, the construction of a comprehensive miRNA-messenger RNA (mRNA) network is still needed. This study was aimed to identify BC-associated miRNAs through analyzing microarray datasets obtained from GEO database and to construct a miRNA-mRNA network for BC. Methods: Limma package was used to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in microarray datasets. Genes targeted by DEMs were analyzed with mirTarBase. Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analysis for the predicted target genes were performed at DAVID. Correlation of DEMs and target genes was analyzed at ENCORI. Based on these results, a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed. Results: A total of 17 overlapping DEMs were identified at these two microarray datasets. Expression of DEMs in BC were further validated by ENCORI. By utilizing miRTarBase, a total of 167 target genes for DEMs were obtained. 10 hub genes (AKT1, MYC, VEGFA, CCND1, PTEN, IL6, CASP3, KRAS, IGF1, ESR1) were identified after network analysis at STRING and CytoScape. Through analyzing the effects of hub genes on overall survival of BC patients and correlation of DEMs and hub genes, we found hsa-miR-98-5p/IGF1 axis may play a crucial role in BC progression. The connections of hsa-miR-98-5p and IGF1 were further validated by luciferase activity reporter assay and functional assays. Conclusion: In this work, a miRNA-mRNA network related to BC progression was built, and identified one important miRNA-mRNA axis in BC.
Nectar Microbial Diversity and Changes Associated with Environmental Exposure
Authors: Lamb Claire E , Marden Caroline L , Ebeling Alexandra , Perez-Barrales Rocio , Watts Joy E.M.
Published: July 2020

Background: Plants are critical to global environmental health and food production strategies; most plants utilise flowers as part of their reproduction cycle. Flowers attract pollinators using a range of complex strategies and floral nectar is an essential component of this attraction profile. Nectar is a nutrient rich liquid, containing a range of sugars, organic acids, amino acids, lipids and vitamins, found to be a suitable habitat for a wide range of fungi, but so far, limited bacterial diversity has been detected. Several antimicrobial properties and adverse environmental conditions, such as high osmotic pressure present in the nectar were thought to reduce bacterial numbers.Results: This study reports the next generation sequencing analysis of the bacterial and fungal diversity in flower nectar. This was achieved in four floral species native to the United Kingdom (Lamium album, white dead nettle; Narcissus pseudonarcissus, daffodil, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, English bluebell and Digitalis purpurea, the common foxglove). All flower species examined had a diverse bacterial and fungal populations present with a core microbiome detected, dominated by Proteobacteria and Firmicutes phyla, while Basidomycota were the most persistent fungal phyla in all of the floral nectar types sampled. However, many unique bacterial and fungal species were detected at lower abundances. Furthermore, in N. pseudonarcissus and D. purpurea floral nectar, the microbial diversity detected in the nectar between flowers exposed to the environment versus non-environment exposed flowers, was different.Conclusions: These results suggest that floral nectars in different plant species do contain a distinct microbiome and the individual flower microbial community diversity may be affected by floral nectar composition, insect visitation and other environmental factors.
Characterization of Two Cuban Strains of Rhipicephalus Microplus Ticks
Authors: Guzmán Pedro E. Encinosa , Cuétara Claudia Fernández , Argüelles Ana Laura Cano , Castillo Alier Fuentes , Martínez Yuselys García , Fernández Rafmary Rodríguez , Afonso Yilian Fernández , Soto Yamil Bello , Alfaro Yorexis González , Méndez Luis , García Angelina Díaz , García Mario Pablo Estrada , Rodriguez-Mallon Alina
Published: July 2020

Background: Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini, 1888) is one of the species with medical and economic relevance that had been reported in the list of Cuban tick species. Some morphological characterizations about the R. microplus species in Cuba have been published, however, molecular studies are lacking. Molecular phylogenetic analyses have revealed a common ancestor for R. annulatus, R. australis and three clades of R. microplus within the Boophilus subgenus. These five clades were grouped in a complex named R. microplus. The present study aimed the accurate taxonomic classification of R. microplus tick strains established as colonies in the Cuban National Laboratory of Parasitology.Methods: Morphological characterization of adult specimens from two Cuban strains of the R. microplus ticks were carried out by using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The sequences of three mitochondrial genes: 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and the subunit I of cytochrome c oxidase gene (COXI) and one nuclear gene: internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) were used for phylogenetic analyses. The life cycle under laboratory conditions for both strains was also characterized.Results: Tick specimens of both strains showed morphologic characteristics which were strongly coincident with those distinctive for the R. microplus species. Phylogenies based on mitochondrial gene sequences identified congruently the Cuban tick strains within the R. microplus clade A together with a Mexican reference strain and tick isolations from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Mozambique, Costa Rica, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Tanzania, United States, Uruguay and South Africa. Phylogenetic inferences based on nuclear ITS2 sequences also classified both tick strains as belonging to the R. microplus species but did not support the clades A, B and C previously described. The life cycle for both strains under established laboratory conditions averaged 65±5 days and 2422±295 and 2604±304 larvae were obtained for each fully engorged female tick collected from CC and ML strains, respectively.Conclusions: These results placed of Cuban tick strains as Rhipicephalus microplus clade A inside the R. microplus complex. This study constitutes the first molecular characterization of ticks from the R. microplus species in Cuba.
The first patient reported with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency in Peru
Authors: Aldave Juan Carlos , Cachay Enrique , Alva Guisela , Milla Mariela , Calero Joel
Published: July 2020

Background
X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (X-SCID) is a life-threatening immune disorder caused by pathogenic mutations in the IL2RG gene. We report the first patient with genetically confirmed X-SCID in Peru.

Case presentation
Diagnosis was suspected before patient’s birth because of family history. At birth, blood immunophenotype was compatible with X-SCID and genetic analysis revealed a pathogenic mutation in IL2RG . Intravenous immunoglobulin and antibiotic prophylaxis were initiated until patient’s referral for an available novel treatment: gene therapy.

Conclusions
Family background is a key point to suspect X-SCID, allowing a timely diagnosis and treatment. X-SCID requires prompt immune reconstitution. However, HSCT is frequently not available to treat newborns in developing countries.
Lifestyle Exercise Attenuates Immunosenescence; Flow Cytometry Analysis
Authors: Tylutka Anna , Morawin Barbara , Gramacki Artur , Zembron-Lacny Agnieszka
Published: July 2020

It is widely well documented that ageing is accompanied by remodelling of the immune system including thymic atrophy and increased frequency of senescent T cells, thereby leading to immune compromise. The interaction of physical activity and the immune response is very complex and depends on the immune system status as well as the intensity, the type and the frequency of exercise. However, daily physical activity which particularly influences immunity and which declines dramatically with age, has not been widely reported in the studies. Therefore, this study was designed to explain whether physical activity sustained throughout life attenuates or reverses immunosenescence.The study subjects (n=99) were recruited from the University of the Third Age; they were assessed for the presence of chronic diseases and their functional capacity (6-min walking test) and cardiorespiratory (6-min Åstrand test) fitness were evaluated. Eventually, 54 subjects of the mean age >65 years participated in the study. The baseline peripheral naïve and memory T cells were analysed by flow cytometry in 34 elderly subjects who had maintained a high level of physical activity (Nordic-walking, Tai-Chi, cycling, 2-4 times per week) for much of their adult lives, and in 20 elderly people who had not been involved in regular exercise. The elderly who demonstrated a superior gait speed >1.3 m/s had a significantly higher the CD4+ naïve T lymphocyte population and a higher CD4+naïve/CD4+memory ratio compared to the inactive group. Above 50% of active individuals had the CD4/CD8 ratio ≥1 or ≤2.5 contrary to the inactive ones who demonstrated the values of CD4/CD8 ratio <1. Interestingly, the fat mass (FM) was positively correlated with CD4+ and CD4+memory in the inactive group which means that the number of CD4+memory cells and CD4+ T cells increased with the body fat content. Based on cytometry flow analysis, we concluded that major features of immunosenescence are contingent on lifestyle exercise in older adults.
Genome-wide environmental interaction analysis identifies dietary habit related risk loci for depression and intelligence in UK Biobank
Authors: Cheng Bolun , Chu Xiaomeng , Wen Yan , Jia Yumeng , Liang Chujun , Yao Yao , Ye Jing , Cheng Shiqiang , Liu Li , Zhang Feng
Published: July 2020

Background

Dietary habits have considerable impact on brain development and mental health. Our aim is to explore the possible association of dietary habits with depression and intelligence.
Methods

A total of 814 independent loci from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of dietary habits were utilized to calculate the individual polygenic risk score (PRS) for 143 dietary habits related traits. The individual genotype data were obtained from UK Biobank cohort. Regression analyses were then conducted to evaluate the possible association of dietary habits with depression (including 153,549 subjects) and intelligence (including 160,121 subjects), respectively. Using dietary habits related PRSs as covariates, PLINK 2.0 was utilized to detect the SNP × dietary habit interaction effect on the risks of depression and intelligence, respectively.
Results

We detected 32 and 41 candidate dietary habits related traits for depression and intelligence, respectively, such as never eat sugar vs. no sugar restrictions (P = 1.09 × 10− 2) for depression, and coffee type: decaffeinated vs. any other (P = 8.77 × 10− 3) for intelligence. We also detected 22 common dietary habits related traits shared by depression and intelligence, such as red wine glasses per month (Pdepression = 8.75 × 10− 3, Pintelligence = 3.35 × 10− 19), and overall alcohol intake (Pdepression = 3.60 × 10− 2, Pintelligence = 8.31 × 10− 8). Interaction analysis of depression detected OLFM1 with 9 significant SNPs interacted with champagne/white wine glasses per month. Interaction analysis of intelligence detected SYNPO2 with 3 significant SNPs interacted with coffee type: decaffeinated vs. any other.
Conclusions

Our study results provide novel useful information for understanding how eating habits affecting the intelligence and the risk of depression.
The hypercoagulability state of COVID-19 ICU patients is characterized by impaired endogenous anticoagulation and decreased fibrinolysis
Authors: Corrêa Thiago Domingos , Cordioli Ricardo Luiz , Guerra João Carlos Campos , Silva Bruno Caldin da , Rodrigues Roseny dos Reis , Souza Guilherme Martins de , Midega Thais Dias , Campos Niklas Söderberg , Carneiro Bárbara Vieira , Campos Flávia Nunes Dias , Guimarães Hélio Penna , Matos Gustavo Faissol Janot de , Aranda Valdir Fernandes de , Ferraz Leonardo José Rolim
Published: July 2020

Background: Coagulation abnormalities in severe COVID-19 patients have not been addressed in depth. Methods: Prospective longitudinal single-center study involving COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU. Conventional coagulation tests (prothrombin time, international normalized ratio and activated partial thromboplastin time), rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), platelet function, plasma fibrinolysis markers, antithrombin, protein C and S were measured at the time of study inclusion (baseline), and at days 1, 3, 7 and 14 after enrollment. Based on median total maximum SOFA score, patients were divided in two groups: SOFA ≤ 10 and SOFA > 10.Results: From March, 2020 through May, 2020, 30 patients [median (IQR) age: 61 (52-83) yrs; SAPS III score: 49 (41-61) points] were included in this study. Conventional coagulation tests remained unchanged during the study period, while the majority of patients exhibited a hypercoagulability state based on ROTEM. Fibrinogen levels were increased in both groups. ROTEM (INTEM and EXTEM) maximum clot firmness increased in both study groups from day 0 to day 14. ROTEM – FIBTEM maximum clot firmness was high in both groups during the study period, with a slight decrease from day 0 to day 14 in group SOFA ≤ 10 and a slight increase during the same period in group SOFA > 10. Fibrinolysis (INTEM and EXTEM maximum lysis) was low and decreased over time in all groups, with the most pronounced decrease observed in INTEM maximum lysis in group SOFA > 10. Antithrombin slightly increased over time in group SOFA ≤ 10 while it remained stable in group SOFA > 10. Protein C plasma levels increased over time in both groups, although patients in group SOFA > 10 exhibited lower values in comparison to patients in group SOFA ≤ 10. Protein S plasma levels were low in both groups at baseline and increased over time with no between-group differences.Conclusion: COVID-19 patients have a pronounced hypercoagulability state, characterized by impaired endogenous anticoagulation and decreased fibrinolysis. The magnitude of coagulation abnormalities seems to correlate with the severity of organ dysfunction. The hypercoagulability state of COVID-19 patients was detected by ROTEM, but not with conventional coagulation tests.
Cortical thickness in migraine: a coordinate-based meta-analysis
Authors: Sheng LiQin , Ma HaiRong , Shi YuanYuan , Dai ZhenYu , Zhong JianGuo , Chen Fei , Pan PingLei
Published: July 2020

Background

Cortical thickness (CTh) analysis is a popular method to characterize brain morphometry. Many studies have been performed to investigate CTh abnormalities in migraine. However, the results from these studies were not consistent and even conflicting. These divergent results hinder us from obtaining a clear picture of brain morphometry regarding CTh alterations in migraine. Coordinate-based meta-analysis (CBMA) is a promising technique to quantitatively pool individual neuroimaging studies to identify consistent brain areas involved.
Methods

Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, and SinoMed) and other sources (bioRxiv and reference lists of relevant articles and reviews) were systematically searched for studies that compared regional CTh differences between patients with migraine and healthy controls (HCs) up to May 15, 2020. A CBMA was performed using the Seed-based d Mapping with Permutation of Subject Images (SDM-PSI) approach.
Results

In total, we identified 16 studies with 17 datasets reported that were eligible for the CBMA. The 17 datasets included 872 patients with migraine (average sample size 51.3, mean age 39.6 years, 721 females) and 949 HCs (average sample size 59.3, mean age 44.2 years, 680 females). The CBMA detected no statistically significant consistency of CTh alterations in patients with migraine relative to HCs. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis verified this result to be robust. Meta-regression analyses revealed that this CBMA result was not confounded by age, gender, aura, attack frequency per month, and illness duration.
Conclusions

Our CBMA adds to the evidence of the replication crisis in neuroimaging research that is increasingly recognized. The current evidence suggests that CTh is not a reliable biomarker of migraine. Many potential confounders, such as underpowered sample size, heterogeneous patient selection criteria, and differences in imaging collection and methodology, may contribute to the inconsistencies of CTh alterations in migraine, which merit attention before planning future research on this topic.
Aß 40 Mutants Protect Drosophila Against aß 42 Toxicity Despite Their Amyloidogenic Properties in the Non-transgenic Mouse Brain
Authors: de Mena Lorena , Smith Michael , Martin Jason , Dunton Katie L , Ceballos-Diaz Carolina , Jansen-West Karen , Cruz Pedro E , Dillon Kristy D , Rincon-Limas Diego , Golde Todd E , Moore Brenda D , Levites Yona
Published: July 2020

BackgroundSelf-assembly of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide into aggregates, ranging from small oligomers to amyloid fibrils, is fundamentally linked with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However it is clear that not all forms of Aβ are equally harmful, and that linking a specific aggregate to toxicity also depends on the assays and model systems used [1, 2]. Indeed, though a central postulate of the amyloid cascade hypothesis, there remain many gaps in our understanding regarding the links between Aβ deposition and neurodegeneration.MethodsIn this study we utilized BRI2-Aβ fusion technology and rAAV2/1 based somatic brain transgenesis to examine Aβ aggregates that form from selective expression of individual mutant Aβ species in vivo. In parallel we generated PhiC31-based transgenic Drosophila melanogaster expressing WT and mutant Aβ40 and Aβ42, fused to the Argos signal peptide and placed under the GAL4-upstream activation sequence (UAS) expression system in order to assess the extent of Aβ42-induced toxicity as well as to interrogate the combined effect of different forms of Aβ40 and Aβ42 species.ResultsWhen expressed in the mouse brain for 6 months, Aβ42 E22G, Aβ42 E22Q/D23N, and Aβ42 WT formed amyloid aggregates consisting of some diffuse material as well as cored plaques, whereas other mutants formed predominantly diffuse amyloid deposits. Moreover, while Aβ40WT showed no distinctive phenotype, Aβ40 E22G and E22Q/D23N formed unique aggregates that accumulated in mouse brains. This is the first evidence that mutant Aβ40 overexpression leads to deposition under certain conditions. Interestingly, we found that mutant Aβ42 E22G, E22Q, and S26C, but not Aβ40, were toxic to the eye of the flies and exacerbated their behavior. In contrast, flies expressing a copy of Aβ40 (wild type [WT] or mutants) in addition to Aβ42 WT, showed improved phenotypes, suggesting possible protective qualities for Aβ40.ConclusionsThese studies suggest that some Aβ40 mutants form unique amyloid aggregates in mouse brains, despite being protective against Aβ42 toxicity in Drosophila, which highlights the significance of using different systems for a better understanding of AD pathogenicity and more accurate screening for new potential therapies.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection is Associated With Neurodegeneration in Cognitively Normal Males
Authors: Park Jaehong , Kim Tae Jun , Song Joo Hye , Jang Hyemin , Kim Ji Sun , Kang Sung Hoon , Kim Hang-Rai , Hwangbo Song , Shin Hee-Young , Na Duk L , Seo Sang Won , Kim Hee Jin , Kim Jae J
Published: July 2020

Background

An association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and dementia was reported in previous studies, however, the evidence is inconsistent. In the present study, the association between H. pylori infection and brain cortical thickness as a biomarker of neurodegeneration was investigated.
Methods

A cross-sectional study of 1,446 healthy adults who underwent a medical health check-up, including an esophagogastroduodenoscopy and 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging was performed. H. pylori infection status was assessed based on histology. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between H. pylori infection and brain cortical thickness.
Results

Males with H. pylori infection exhibited cortical thinning in the bilateral lateral temporal, lateral frontal, and right occipital areas compared with non-infected males after controlling for age, educational level, alcohol intake, smoking status, and intracranial volume. The association remained significant after further adjusting for inflammatory marker (C-reactive protein) and metabolic factors (obesity, dyslipidemia, fasting glucose, and blood pressure). However, an association between H. pylori infection and brain cortical thickness was not observed in females.
Conclusions

The findings indicate H. pylori infection is associated with neurodegenerative changes in cognitive normal males, independent of chronic inflammation or metabolic syndrome.
Restoration Of Non-Structural Damaged Murals In Shenzhen Bao’an Based On A Generator–Discriminator Network
Authors: Li Jiao , Deng Zhiqin , Pan Mingtao , Chen Honghai
Published: July 2020

It has been 40 years since the reform and opening up of Shenzhen. However, there are many ancient murals hidden in the modern city. Murals are important resources that allow us to explore local history and culture. In order to better preserve and restore ancient murals, we propose a generator–discriminator network model based on an artificial intelligence algorithm. For non-structural damaged murals, the generator network method in deep learning can automatically generate the missing parts of a mural that are similar to salt-and-pepper noise. The generated image is sent to the discriminator network, which is used to determine whether the input image was generated through the generator network or was a real image. When the discriminator has significant difficulty distinguishing between the real image and the image generated by the generator network, it can be considered that the image has been well repaired by the generator network. Based on the available data, 137 mural images were selected for model training, and 22 mural images were used to observe the restoration effect of the real mural after model training. From the experimental results, the proposed algorithm has a good repair effect on the point-like damaged murals, but has a poor repair effect on murals with serious structural damage. This latter finding is due to the limited research data. Nonetheless, the algorithm can still guide restoration workers in mural repair.
Does Soil Microbial Community Respond to Moderately Elevated Nitrogen Deposition? A Correlation Analysis in a Cool Temperate Forest Surrounded by Pasture Grasslands in Northern Japan
Authors: Nagano Hirohiko , Nakayama Masataka , Katata Genki , Fukushima Keitaro , Yamaguchi Takashi , Watanabe Makoto , Kondo Toshiaki , Atarashi-Andoh Mariko , Kubota Tomohiro , Tateno Ryunosuke , Koarashi Jun
Published: July 2020

We analyzed relationships between nitrogen deposition (deposition of nitrate and ammonium ions) and soil microbial properties, which were spatially varied in a cool temperate forest surrounded by normally fertilized pasture grasslands in northern Japan. The aim of the present study was to gain the primary information on soil microbial response to moderately elevated nitrogen deposition (< 10 kg N ha−1 y−1). We established three experimental plots in the forest edge adjacent to the grasslands and other three plots in the forest interior at least 700 m away from the grasslands. During May to November 2018, nitrogen deposition in each plot was measured. In August 2018, litter and soil (0−5 cm depth) samples were collected from all plots to measure net nitrogen mineralization and nitrification rates as indicators of microbial activity, and microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen and various gene abundances (i.e. bacterial 16S rRNA, fungal ITS, bacterial amoA, and archaeal amoA genes) as indicators of microbial abundance. Nitrogen deposition in the forest edge was 1.4-fold greater than that in the forest interior, even while the maximum deposition was 3.7 kg N ha−1. Nitrogen deposition was significantly correlated to the net nitrogen mineralization and nitrification rates and the 16S rRNA and bacterial amoA gene abundances. Microbial community structures in litter and soil samples were also analyzed using a high throughput DNA sequencer for the bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS gene amplicons. Microbial community structures were different between litter and soil samples but were similar between the forest edge and interior. Significant correlations of nitrogen deposition to the soil carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and the nitrate and ammonium contents were also observed. Thus, our results show that moderately elevated nitrogen deposition in nitrogen-limited forest edges likely stimulate microbial activities and abundances in soils.
Comprehensive Analysis of Differentially Expressed Long Non-Coding RNA-mRNA in the Adenoma–Carcinoma Sequence of DNA Mismatch Repair Proficient Colon Cancer
Authors: Li Wenkun , Li Qian , Ge Jiang , Wang Yun , Li Nanshan , Lao Yueqiong , Wang Yadan , Liu Kuiliang , Guo Chunmei , Lin Wu , Jiang Guojun , Wei Nan , Wang Canghai , Liu Hong , Wu Jing
Published: July 2020

Background DNA mismatch repair proficient colon cancer (pMMR CC) is the most common subtype of sporadic CC. We aimed to investigate the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in pMMR CC carcinogenesis. Methods In the present study, we conducted transcriptomic analysis of lncRNAs-mRNAs in five low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), five high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN), four pMMR CC, and five normal control (NC) tissues. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment pathway, and Co-Expression Network analyses were performed to elucidate the functions of lncRNAs and mRNAs as well as their interactions. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate five dysregulated lncRNAs in a large set of colon tissues. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to evaluate the performance of the candidate lncRNAs. Results A set of 5783 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 4483 differentially expressed mRNAs were detected among the LGIN, HGIN, pMMR CC, and NC samples. These differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were assigned to 275 significant GO terms and 179 significant KEGG enriched pathways. qRT-PCR confirmed that the expression of five selected lncRNAs (ENST00000521815, ENST00000603052, ENST00000609220, NR_026543, and ENST00000545920) were consistent with the microarray data. ROC analysis showed that four lncRNAs (ENST00000521815, ENST00000603052, ENST00000609220, and NR_026543) had larger area under the ROC curve (AUC) values than serum carcinoembryonic antigens, thereby distinguishing NC from pMMR CC. Conclusions Several lncRNAs play various roles in the adenoma–carcinoma sequence and may serve as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of pMMR CC.
The Prognostic Factors in Patients With Sepsis After Operation of Gastrointestinal Tumors
Authors: Chen Ren-Xiong , Wu Zhou-Qiao , Li Zi-Yu , Wang Hong-Zhi , Ji Jia-Fu
Published: July 2020

BackgroundWe studied the clinical profiles and the prognostic factors in patients with sepsis after thegastrointestinal tumor surgery in ICU.MethodsWe retrospectively screened patients who underwent the gastrointestinal tumor surgery at the Peking University Cancer Hospital from January 2015 to December 2019. Among them, 181 patients who were diagnosed with sepsis in ICU were enrolled in our study. Cox regression was performed for multivariate adjusted factor analyses.ResultsThe 90-day all-cause mortality rate was 11.1% in our study. The univariate analysis showed that BMI, shock within 48 h after entering ICU, number of blood leukocytes, the ratio of lymphocytes to neutrophils, INR, creatinine, procalcitonin, lactic acid, oxygenation index, SOFA score within 24 h after entering ICU, APACHE II score within 24 h after entering ICU were statistically significant. In multiple analysis, we found that BMI༞20 kg/m2 was a protective factor, while lactic acid༞3 mmol/L after entering the ICU and APACHE II score༞20 within 24 h after entering ICU were independent risk factors on the prognosis of sepsis after the gastrointestinal tumor surgery in ICU.ConclusionThe 90-day all-cause mortality rate was 11.1% in our study. BMI>20 kg/m2 was a protective factor, while lactic acid>3 mmol/L after entering the ICU and APACHE II score>20 within 24 h after entering ICU were independent risk factors on the prognosis of sepsis after the gastrointestinal tumor surgery in ICU.
Inflammatory Potential of the Diet and Risk of Sarcopenia and its Components
Authors: Bagheri Amir , Soltani Sanaz , Hashemi Rezvan , Heshmat Ramin , Motlagh Ahmadreza Dorosty , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad
Published: July 2020

Background: Despite huge evidence on the link between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and several chronic conditions, limited data are available about the association of DII and sarcopenia. This study aimed to examine the relationship between inflammatory potential of the diet (as measured by DII) and sarcopenia and its components among community-dwelling elderly population.Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study was performed in 2011 among 300 elderly people (150 men and 150 women) aged ≥55 years, who were selected using cluster random sampling method. Dietary assessment was done using a pre-tested food frequency questionnaire. Energy-adjusted DII was calculated based on earlier studies. Sarcopenia and its components were determined based on the European Working Group on Sarcopenia (EWGSOP) definition.Results: Mean age of study participants was 66.7 ± 7.7 y. Subjects in the highest tertile of DII were more likely to be older (P=0.02). The prevalence of sarcopenia (P=0.016) and abnormal muscle mass (P=0.041) was significantly higher among subjects in the top tertile compared with those in the bottom tertile of DII. After adjustment for potential confounders, those with the highest DII were 2.18 times (95% CI: 1.01-4.74) more likely to have sarcopenia than those with the lowest DII. With regard to components of sarcopenia, subjects in the top tertile of DII had not significantly greater odds of abnormal muscle mass (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 0.72-2.63), abnormal handgrip strength (OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.49-1.89), and abnormal gait speed (OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 0.84-3.08) than those in the bottom tertile.Conclusions: In conclusion, a diet with more pro-inflammatory potential was associated with a greater odd of sarcopenia. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.
Effect of Improved Cookstove Intervention on Childhood Acute Lower Respiratory Infection in Northwest Ethiopia: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Adane Mesafint Molla , Alene Getu Degu , Mereta Seid Tiku , Wanyonyi Kristina L
Published: July 2020

BackgroundHousehold air pollution exposure is linked with over 3.5 million premature deaths every year, ranking highest among environmental risk factors globally. Children are uniquely vulnerable and sensitive to the damaging health effects of household air pollution which includes childhood acute lower respiratory infection. The use of improved cookstoves has been widely encouraged to reduce these health burdens. It is, however not clear whether it is possible to prevent household air pollution-related disease burdens with locally made improved cookstoves, and the evidence regarding the health effect of improved cookstove interventions among children still attracts wide debate. Therefore, we investigated the child health effect of improved baking stove intervention compared with the continuation of the customary open burning traditional baking stove.MethodsA cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the health effect of improved baking stove intervention. A total of 100 clusters were randomly allocated to both arms at a 1:1 ratio, and intervention was delivered to all households allocated into the intervention arm. A total of four follow-up visits were carried out within one year at approximately 3-month intervals immediately after the delivery of the intervention. The intervention effect was estimated using odds ratio as a measure of effect following a Generalized Estimating Equations modeling approach among the intention-to-treat population.ResultsA total of 5508 children were enrolled in the study across 100 randomly selected clusters in both arms, among which data were obtained from a total of 5333 participants for at least one follow-up visit which establishes the intention-to-treat population dataset for analysis. The intervention was not found to have a statistically significant effect on the outcome with an estimated odds ratio of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.89–1.02) compared with the continuation of an open burning traditional baking stove method.Harms:There was no difference in the overall incidence rates of cooking-related burns between arms with an incidence rate ratio of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.53–1.21), and there were no grounds to stop the trial early for adverse events.ConclusionsWe found no evidence that an intervention comprising biomass-fuelled improved baking stove reduced the risk of childhood acute lower respiratory infection compared with the continuation of an open burning traditional baking stove method. Therefore, effective cooking solutions are needed to avert the adverse health effect of household air pollution, particularly, childhood acute lower respiratory infection.Trial registration: The trial was registered on August 2, 2018 at clinical trials.gov registry database (registration identifier number: NCT03612362).