bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ictal Focal Hyperperfusion Demonstrated by Arterial Spin Labeling in Child With Refractory Frontal Lobe Epilepsy: A Case Report
Authors: Zhang Jia , Li Yang , Yuan Meng , Zhang Jinxiu , Luo Huan , Yao Zeshan , Gan Jing
Published: May 2021

BackgroundEpilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological diseases, despite the great variety and prevalence of antiepileptic drug treatments, one-third of epilepsies remain drug-resistant. To our best knowledge, the patient reported in this case report is the first case of children with frontal lobe epilepsy achieving rapid and non-invasive surgical localization by arterial spin labeling (ASL) with EEG.Case presentationA 4-year-old previously healthy girl with repeated panic attacks and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Levetiracetam, clonazepam, oxcarbazepine, and lacosamide were successively administrated with poor outcome. Seizure control was not obtained from any of these treatments. Using the quantitative analysis system of CBF, the imaging on PLD1025ms presented a mean CBF value of 17.81ml/100g/min for the lesion, 36% of the average value of the entire right hemisphere, thus presenting abnormally significant hypoperfusion. The patient became seizure free after lesionectomy of the frontal lobe by ASL combined with electroencephalogram (EEG) rapid localization. And the histopathological diagnosis was focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type IIa. And there was no recurrence of the seizure was observed for 6 months after the operation.Conclusions﻿The positive outcome suggests that the combined use of ASL with EEG could be a beneficial option for presurgical evaluation of pediatric epilepsy.
Bendamustine Plus Rituximab Versus R-Minichop as First-Line Treatment in Unfit Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Retrospective Study in China
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Liu Tao , Kaweme Natasha Mupeta , Dong Youhong , Zhang Liling
Published: May 2021

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bendamustine plus rituximab (BR) and low-does CHOP chemotherapy regimen-rituximab combination (R-miniCHOP) in elderly patients with diffuse large-B cell lymphoma, unfit for full dose immunochemotherapy.Method: Patients over 70 years with diffuse larger B-cell lymphoma or follicular lymphoma grade 3B, defined as unfit according to Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), were included in our study. BR or R-miniCHOP was individualized according to the patients’ performance status and the presence of comorbidities. All the patients were received 4-6 cycles of immunochemotherapy at three-week intervals. Objective remission rate and adverse reaction were evaluated between the two groups.Result: This study included thirty-two patients enrolled between January 2020 and November 2020. The median age was 74 years (range 70-82). Twelve patients received BR, whereas twenty patients were treated with R-miniCHOP. The objective remission rate in the BR group was a slightly higher than the R-miniCHOP group (83.3% vs 75%), but with no statistical significance (P = 0.581). Furthermore, the objective remission rate was influenced by a serum beta 2 microglobulin concentration of 3 mg/L or less. The BR group showed a lower incidence of leukopenia than the R-miniCHOP group (P = 0.029), but had a higher incidence of fever (P = 0.036). Conclusion: BR showed equivalent efficacy but more improved safety in unfit patients with diffuse large-B cell lymphoma compared to R-miniCHOP. BR should be considered as an alternative treatment in this subgroup of patients.
Assessment of Life Factors Affecting the Occurrence of Depressive Episodes in Adolescents: a Secondary Analysis Using the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Authors: Lee Jongha , Han Changsu , Ko Young-Hoon , Lee Moon-Soo , Yoon Ho-Kyoung
Published: May 2021

Background Adolescence is a period that witnesses many changes in lifestyle, such as in social activity and school life, and it is vulnerable to the depressive disorder. Therefore, we intended to evaluate the factors affecting the onset of depressive episodes. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis using the 2019 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based survey data, including a total of 57,303 subjects from the first year of middle school to the third year of high school and selected among 400 schools. Factors including dietary habits, physical activity, study time, internet use time and other health risk behaviors were included in the analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk of occurrence of depressive episodes. Results Physical activity, internet use for more than three hours on weekdays, and a study time of more than two hours on weekends were assessed as risk factors of depressive episodes. On the other hand, internet use on weekends and having breakfast regularly were suggested as a protective way to reduce risk in Korean students. Conclusion We identified the factors influencing the depressive episode of adolescents. We suggest that activities appropriate to the culture and lifestyle of adolescents should be recommended in order to reduce the occurrence of depressive episodes.
MiR-214 promotes carcinogenesis in triple-negative breast cancer by inhibiting FRK expression
Authors: Lee Jieun , Oh Sooeun , Kim Dong-Min , Kang Jun , Lee Ahwon
Published: May 2021

Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known to have a poor prognosis with limited treatment options. In-house data revealed that miR-214 was up-regulated in breast cancer tissue, but there have been conflicting results about the role of miR-214 in oncogenesis in breast cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential role of miR-214 and its target in carcinogenesis.Methods We used three breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468) and control breast epithelial cell line (MCF-10A) to evaluate miR-214 expression and function. Target genes were predicted based on pre-formed miRNA databases. miR-214 was transfected into cell lines, and cell proliferation, invasion and migration assays, and RT-PCR analysis were performed. Results MiR-214 was significantly overexpressed in MDA-MB-231 line, which represents TNBC. Fyn-related kinase (FRK) was selected as a potential target of miR-214. Endogenous FRK levels were down-regulated in MDA-MB-231 cells. miR-214 transfected MDA-MB-231 cell line resulted in increased cell proliferation, and silencing FRK using si-FRK also induced cell proliferation in MDA-MB-231 cells. When MDA-MB-231 cells were transfected with miR-214, cell invasion and migration were enhanced. Furthermore, si-FRK-transfected MDA-MB-231 cells showed increased cell invasion and migration compared to the control cells. Conclusions Our results suggest that miR-214 might play a role in tumor proliferation and invasion to promote breast cancer oncogenesis by suppressing FRK activity, leading to cancer progression.
Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Associated With Longer Overall Survival in Patients With Resectable Gastroesophageal Cancer - a Retrospective Single Center Analysis
Authors: Puhr Hannah Christina , Reiter Thorsten J , El-Mahrouk Mohamed , Saliternig Lena , Wolf Peter , Mair Maximilian J , Steindl Ariane , Paireder Matthias , Asari Reza , Schoppmann Sebastian F , Berghoff Anna S , Preusser Matthias , Ilhan-Mutlu Ayseguel
Published: May 2021

Purpose: As thyroid hormones modulate proliferative pathways, it is surmised that they can be associated with cancer development. Since the potential association of gastroesophageal cancer and thyroid disorders has not been addressed so far, the aim of this study was to investigate the association of thyroid hormone parameters with the outcome of these patients, so novel prognostic and even potentially therapeutic markers can be defined. Methods: Clinical and endocrinological parameters of patients with resectable gastroesophageal cancer treated between 1990 and 2018 at the Vienna General Hospital, Austria including history of endocrinological disorders and laboratory analyses of thyroid hormones at first cancer diagnosis were investigated and correlated with the overall survival (OS).Results: In a total of 865 patients, a tendency towards prolonged OS in hypothyroid patients (euthyroid, n=647: median OS 29.7 months; hyperthyroid, n=50: 23.1 months; hypothyroid, n=70: 47.9 months; p=0.069) as well as a significant positive correlation of thyroid hormone replacement therapy with the OS was observed (without, n=53: median OS 30.6 months; with, n=67: 51.3 months; p=0.017). Furthermore, triiodothyronine (T3) levels were also associated with the OS (median OS within limit of normal: 23.4, above: 32.4, below: 9.6 months; p=0.045).Conclusion: Thyroid disorders and their therapeutic interventions might be associated with the OS in patients with resectable gastroesophageal cancer. As data on the correlation of these parameters is scarce, this study proposes an important impulse for further analyses concerning the association of thyroid hormones with the outcome in patients with gastroesophageal tumors.
In-Silico Investigation towards the Non-Invasive Optical Detection of Blood Lactate
Authors: Chatterjee Subhasri , Budidha Karthik , Qassem Meha , Kyriacou Panicos A.
Published: May 2021

This paper uses Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the interaction of shortwave infrared (SWIR) light with vascular tissue as a step toward the development of a non-invasive optical sensor for measuring blood lactate in humans. The primary focus of this work was to determine the optimal source-detector separation, penetration depth of light at SWIR wavelengths in tissue, and the optimal light power required for reliable detection of lactate. The investigation also focused on determining the non-linear variations in absorbance of lactate at a few select SWIR wavelengths. SWIR photons only penetrated 1.3 mm and did not travel beyond the hypodermal fat layer. The maximum output power was only 2.51% of the input power, demonstrating the need for a highly sensitive detection system. Simulations optimized a source-detector separation of 1 mm at 1684 nm for accurate measurement of lactate in blood.
FDA-Approved Antitussive Dextromethorphan Enhances Antifibrotic Effectiveness of Pirfenidone In Bleomycin-Induced Mice and Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Liu Nana , Wang Yubao , Huang Jie , Du Yunze , Wei Luqing , Li Dongsheng , Hong Jau-Shyong , Ning Wen , Feng Jing
Published: May 2021

Background: We aimed to investigate whether dextromethorphan (DM), an antitussive, can improve the antifibrotic efficacy of pirfenidone in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a fatal interstitial lung disease characterized by progressive and irreversible respiratory failure. Methods: A bleomycin-induced mice pulmonary fibrosis study and an open label randomized clinical trial were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of pirfenidone combined with DM.Results: In the animal study, pirfenidone combined with DM protected mice against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis with better capabilities than pirfenidone alone or DM alone indicated by lung histologic analysis and hydroxyproline levels. In the clinical study, pirfenidone plus DM markedly mitigated pulmonary functions (FEV1 and FVC) decline and ameliorated chest HRCT imaging scores (ground glass opacities and reticulation) of patients with IPF than pirfenidone alone at one year after administration. There were no significant differences in adverse reactions between pirfenidone-DM group and pirfenidone group.Conclusions: DM significantly potentiates antifibrotic effectiveness of pirfenidone in a mouse IPF model and patients with IPF and does not increase side effects of pirfenidone.
NF-kB-Dependent Activation of STAT3 by H. Pylori is Suppressed by TFF1
Authors: Soutto Mohammed , Bhat Nadeem , Khalafi Shayan , Zhu Shoumin , Poveda Julio , Garcia-Buitrago Monica , Zaika Alexander , El-Rifai Wael
Published: May 2021

Background: H. pylori infection is the main risk factor for gastric cancer. In this study, we investigated H. pylori-mediated activation of STAT3 and NF-κB in gastric cancer, using in vitro and in vivo models.Methods: To investigate the activation of NF-κB and STAT3 by H. pylori strains we used In vitro and in vivo mouse models, western blots, immunofluorescence, ChIP Assay, luciferase and quantitative real-time PCR assays.Results: Following infection with H. pylori in vitro, we found an earlier phosphorylation of NF-kB-p65 (S536), followed by STAT3 (Y705). Immunofluorescence, using in vitro and in vivo models, demonstrated nuclear localization of NF-kB and STAT3, following H. pylori infection. NF-kB and STAT3 luciferase reporter assays confirmed earlier activation of NF-kB followed by STAT3. In vitro and in vivo models demonstrated induction of mRNA expression of IL-6 (p<0.001), VEGF-α (p<0.05), IL-17 (p<0.001), and IL-23 (p<0.001). Using ChIP, we confirmed co-binding of both NF-kB-p65 and STAT3 on the IL6 promoter. The reconstitution of Trefoil Factor 1 (TFF1) suppressed activation of NF-kB with reduction in IL6 levels and STAT3 activity, in response to H. pylori infection. Using pharmacologic (BAY11-7082) and genetic (IκB super repressor (IκBSR)) inhibitors of NF-kB-p65, we confirmed the requirement of NF-kB-p65 for activation of STAT3, as measured by phosphorylation, transcription activity, and nuclear localization of STAT3 in in vitro and in vivo models. Conclusion: Our findings suggest the presence of an early autocrine NF-kB-dependent activation of STAT3 in response to H. pylori infection. TFF1 acts as an anti-inflammatory guard against H. pylori mediated activation of pro-inflammatory networks.
Diagnostic Value Comparison of CellDetect, Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) and Cytology in Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Shang Donghao , Xu Xiuhong , Liu Yuting , Chen Zhenghao , Wang Daye
Published: May 2021

Background To evaluate clinical effectiveness of a novel CellDetect method, when compared with Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH), and urine cytology, in the diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma (UC). Methods A total of 264 patients with suspicious UC were enrolled in this study, all tissue specimens were collected by biopsy or surgery. Urine was obtained for examinations prior to the surgical procedure, CellDetect staining was carried out with CellDetect kit and FISH was performed with UroVysion detection kit according to the manufacturer's instructions. All urine cytology specimens were centrifuged and obtained by cytospin method, the slides were stained by standard Papanicolaou method.Results There were 128 cases of UC and 136 cases of non-UC in this study, with no significant difference in gender and age between the two groups. Our results indicated that the sensitivity of CellDetect, FISH, and urine cytology was 82.8%, 83.6%, and 39.8%, respectively. In addition, the specificity of the three examinations was 88.2%, 90.4%, and 86.0%, respectively. The sensitivity of CellDetect and FISH are significantly superior compared to conventional urine cytology, however, there was no significant difference in specificity among three staining techniques. In addition, the sensitivity of CellDetect in lower urinary tract UC, upper urinary tract UC, NMIBC, and MIBC was 83.3%, 81.8%, 83.5%, and 72.0%, respectively, the screening ability of CellDetect has no correlation with tumor location and stage. Sensitivity of CellDetect in low grade and high grade UC was 51.6% and 92.8%, screening ability of CellDetect in high grade UC is significantly superior compared to that in low grade UC.Conclusions CellDetect and FISH show equal value in diagnosing UC, both are superior to that of conventional urine cytology. Compared to FISH, CellDetect is cost-effective and easier to operate, it has extensive clinical application value in monitoring recurrence of UC and screening of indetectable UC.
Efficacy of CRP In Combination With D-Dimer In Predicting Adverse Postoperative Outcomes of Patients With Acute Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Zhiwei Tang , Junjie Du , Buqing Ni , Weidong Gu , Yongfeng Shao
Published: May 2021

Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CRP and D-dimer and the combination of them as prognostic indicators for patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD).Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. From January 2017 to December 2020, all consecutive patients with ATAAD admitted to the emergency medicine center of our hospital within 24 hours after symptoms (chest pain, back pain, abdominal pain and so on) onset were enrolled in our study. Serum concentration of CRP and D-dimer were measured on admission. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify these predictors of adverse postoperative outcomes by adjusting other thrombotic or inflammatory biomarkers. Predictive efficacy was defined by area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC).Results: A total of 213 patients with ATAAD were finally enrolled. They were categorized as group A (n=160) and group B (n=53) according to postoperative outcomes. Compared with group A, CRP levels of group B were higher (22.40(10.00, 32.51) vs. 11.06(6.21, 22.88), p<0.01)and so were D-dimer levels (12.55(7.74, 30.92) vs 6.21(2.75, 9.45), p<0.01). After controlling for potentially relevant confounding variables, we found admission CRP and D-dimer were independent predictors of adverse postoperative outcomes (odds ratio, 1.163; 95% CI, 1.066 to 1.269; p = 0.001; odds ratio, 1.227; 95% CI, 1.096 to 1.374; p<0.001, respectively). The predictive accuracy of the combination of CRP and D-dimer (AUC：0.849) was superior to that of CRP or D-dimer alone (AUC：0.669，0.763, respectively).Conclusion: CRP and D-dimer on admission are independent predictors of adverse postoperative outcomes in patients with ATAAD, which are easy to get without paying more either for the individual or the medical system. Combination of these two markers will improve the predictive efficacy.
Acupoint Injection of Dextrose Attenuates Chronic Inflammatory Pain In Mice Through Modulation of Transient Receptor Potential V1 Channel Expression
Authors: Liao Hsien-Yin , Lin Ming-Chia , Lin Yi-Wen
Published: May 2021

Background: Neuroinflammatory processes initiated by injury, infection, and other insults induce long-term alterations in the signaling characteristics of nociceptive neurons and associated non-neuronal cells, resulting in chronic inflammatory pain (CIP). Prolotherapy, also termed acupoint injection (AI) therapy, utilizes anatomically based meridians derived from Chinese Medicinal Theory to attenuate chronic pain. In fact, AI has demonstrated superior results compared to traditional acupuncture methods without significant side effects. Methods: In this study, we explored the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of AI on CIP in mice. The mouse hindpaw was injected with complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) to induce CIP, followed AI treatment. Results: After two weeks, indices of mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were significantly reduced by AI treatment. CIP was associated with elevated expression levels of transient receptor potential V1 (TRPV1) channels, various downstream kinases and transcription factors, and nociception-associated voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG), spinal cord, thalamus, and somatosensory cortex, while AI-induced analgesia was associated with reversal of these expression changes. Further, upregulation of TRPV1-associated signaling factors was not observed in Trpv1 knockout mice following CFA injection. In addition, the activated microglial markers Iba-1 and S100B demonstrated similar expression changes and were colocalized with TRPV1. Conclusions: These findings suggest that AI can mitigate chronic pain (and sequel such as comorbid depression) by suppressing TRPV1 overexpression in neuronal or microglial cells.
Biological evaluation of a mechanical ventilator that operates by controlling an automated manual resuscitator. A descriptive study in swine
Authors: Carazas Maryanne Melanie Gonzales , Gavidia Cesar Miguel , Fernandez Roberto Davila , Zuñiga Juan Alberto Vargas , Paiva Alberto Crespo , Bocanegra William , Calderon Joan , Sanchez Evelyn , Perales Rosa , Zeña Brandon , Isique Juan Fernando Calcina , Reategui Jaime , Aphan Benjamin Castañeda , Casado Fanny Lys
Published: May 2021

Background

The Covid-19 outbreak challenged health systems around the world to design and implement cost-effective devices to complement mechanical ventilators that can be produced locally. Masi works as a mechanical ventilator to bring life-support by automating a resucitation bag to closely control ventilatory parameters.
Methods

This pre-clinical trial was designed to study the physiological responses of healthy swine maintained under volume- or pressure-controlled mechanical ventilation. Thus, physiological parameters were measured in eight sedated animals (t0), prior to inducing deep anesthesia, as well as during the next six hours of mechanical ventilation with Masi (t1-7). Hemodynamic conditions were monitored periodically using a gas analyzer machine (i.e. BEecf, HCO3, SaO2, lactate, pH, PaO2, PaCO2) and a capnometer (i.e. ETCO2). Electrocardiogram, echocardiography and lung ultrasonography were performed to detect in vivo alterations in these vital organs and pathological findings from necropsy are reported.
Results

The mechanical ventilator properly controlled physiological levels of blood biochemistry such as oxygenation parameters (PaO2, PaCO2, SaO2, ETCO2), acid-base equilibrium (pH, HCO3−, BEecf), and perfusion of tissues (lactate levels). In addition, histopathological analysis showed no evidence of acute tissue damage in lung, heart, liver, kidney, or brain. Moreover, all animals were able to breathe spontaneously after undergoing mechanical ventilation controlled by Masi device. The results demonstrate that Masi mechanical ventilator allows the regulation of body gas exchange and maintain the physiological parameters in the normal range for swine.
Conclusions

These preclinical data, added to the appropriate performance of Masi in engineering laboratory tests, support the biological safety of the medical device to move forward to further evaluation in clinical studies.
Genetic architecture of smoking: Evaluating rare variant contribution from deep whole-genome sequencing of up to 26,000 individuals
Authors: Jang Seon-Kyeong , Evans Luke , Fialkowski Allison , Arnett Donna , Becker Diane , Bis Joshua , Blangero John , Bleecker Eugene , Brody Jennifer , Cupples L. Adrienne , Damrauer Scott , David Sean , de Andrade Mariza , Fingerlin Tasha , Gharib Sina , Glahn David , Haessler Jeffrey , Heckbert Susan , Hokanson John , Hwang Shih-Jen , Hyman Matthew , Judy Renae , Justice Anne , Kaplan Robert , Kim Wonji , Kooperberg Charles , Levy Dan , Loos Ruth , Manichaikul Ani , Gladwin Mark , Martin Lisa , Nouraie Mehdi , Melander Olle , Meyers Deborah , North Kari , Oelsner Elizabeth , Peljto Anna , Preuss Michael , Psaty Bruce , Qiao Dandi , Rader Daniel , Reed Robert , Reiner Alexander , Rich Stephen , Rotter Jerome , Schwartz David , Shadyab Aladdin , Silverman Edwin , Smith Nicholas , Smith Gustav , Smith Albert , Tang Weihong , Taylor Kent , Vasan Ramachandran , Gordeuk Victor , Wang Zhe , Wiggins Kerri , Yanek Lisa , Yang Ivana , Young Kendra , Young Kristin , Zhang Yingze , Liu Dajiang , Keller Matthew , Vrieze Scott
Published: May 2021

Background Across complex traits, common variants explain only a modest amount of variance, with SNP-heritability consistently below heritability estimates from close relatives. Here, we examined the contribution of rare variant to tobacco use risk in up to 26,000 individuals of European ancestry in the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program with whole genome sequence (WGS;~30X coverage).Method We grouped about 35 million genetic variants by their minor allele frequencies (MAF) and linkage disequilibrium (LD) and estimated SNP-heritability for age of smoking initiation (N = 14,747), cigarettes smoked per day (N = 15,425), smoking cessation (N = 17,871) and initiation (N = 26,340) using linear mixed model. Rare variant population structure is detected and adjusted for by permutation procedure. We estimated an upper bound for narrow-sense heritability for tobacco use using available pedigrees consisting of close relatives in TOPMed.Results Rare variants with MAF 0.1–0.01%, mostly from non-protein altering region, accounted for 26% of variation in age of initiation and 15% for cessation. Follow-up analysis indicated that about one-third of these rare variants contribtion is potentially confounded with rare variants structure even after adjusting for principal components. After further conservative adjustment of population structure, we estimated SNP-based heritability to be 0.21 (SE = 0.08) for age of initiation, 0.15 (0.06) for cigarettes per day, 0.21 (0.09) for cessation, and 0.24 (0.07) for initiation, 1.8–4.5 times higher than previous SNP-based estimates. Our pedigree-based upper-bound for SNP-based heritability ranged from 0.18–0.35.Conclusion The substantial contribution of rare variants for several smoking phenotypes sheds light on the missing heritability and genetic etiology of tobacco use. It also informs fine-mapping strategies since the majority of the rare variant contribution was located in non-coding regulatory regions.
How Does Vector Bemisia Tabaci use Visual and Olfactory Cues in Orientation to A Virus-Infected Host Plant?
Authors: Zhang Zelong , He Haifang , Yan Minghui , Zhang Beibei , Li Jingjing , Yan Fengming
Published: May 2021

Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV) has caused serious damage to melon crops in many countries in recent years. It is exclusively transmitted by the notorious pest Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in a semi-persistent manner. Previous studies have shown that both persistently and non-persistently transmitted viruses can manipulate orientation and performance of vector insects through changing host phenotype to facilitate virus spread. However, as a semi-persistently transmitted virus, how CCYV affect vector B. tabaci in locating host plants by altering physiological traits of host plants is still unknown. In this study, we investigated B. tabaci visual and olfactory preference between healthy and CCYV-infected host plant Cucumis sativus. Volatile profiles of healthy and CCYV-infected C. sativus plants were analyzed by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Initially, it was found that vector insects preferred to settle down CCYV-infected Cucumis sativus seedlings in free choice. The concentrations of total volatiles and terpenes in cucumber plants were notably decreased after CCYV infection, and especially, the concentrations of α-pinene, β-ocimene, α-farnesene, and nonanal, responsible for olfactory attraction of B. tabaci, dramatically reduced in CCYV-infected plants. Subsequently, we investigated the visual preference of B. tabaci to CCYV-infected and healthy host, and found that B. tabaci adults showed significant preference to CCYV-infected host. CCYV induced yellowing symptoms in host leaves may explain the visual preference of B. tabaci adults to infected hosts. This study indicated that visual cues could play a vital role in vector insects locating virus-infected host plants.
Plus Shaped Single Grating based Optical Fiber Structure for Water Sensing Application
Authors: Singh Lokendra , Agarwal NiteshKumar , Saha Chinmoy , Pareek Prakash
Published: May 2021

Fiber grating sensors demonstrate great potential especially for the refractive index based sensing. However, a meticulous effort is still required to improve the sensitivity of fiber grating sensors towards water sensing. In this work, for the first time we have numerically investigated a plus shaped single grating within the core of optical fiber for water sensing applicaions. The primary objective of incoroporating the plus shaped grating within the core is to increase the sensitivity in comparison to existing grating sensors while increasing the analytes quantity. The testing of designed grating sensor model is done within the refractive index range from 1.33 to 1.39 with a remarkable wavelength shift of 65 nm. The analysis of proposed model of grating sensor is accomplished by using finite difference time domain (FDTD) method under the contour of perfect matched layer (PML) as boundary conditions at the interface of core and grating. The attained results depicts the significant sensitivity of the proposed fiber grating sensor for water sample sensing.
Analysis of Risk and Prognostic Factors in a Population of Pediatric Patients Hospitalized for Acute Malnutrition at the Chiulo Hospital, Angola
Authors: Tripoli Federica Maria , Accomando Salvatore , Placa Simona La , Pietravalle Andrea , Putoto Giovanni , Corsello Giovanni , Giuffrè Mario
Published: May 2021

Background: Malnutrition is a multifactorial pathology in which genetic, epigenetic, cultural, environmental, socio-economic factors interact with each other. The impact that this disease has on the health of children worldwide is dramatic. Severe acute malnutrition in particular is a disease affecting nearly 20 million preschool children worldwide, most of them in Africa and South East Asia.Objectives: This work aims to investigate potential prognostic factors in the clinical evolution of acute malnutrition and potential risk factors for the development of the disease.Methods: Our study was carried out at the “Hospital da Missão Catolica do Chiulo”, in Angola, where the NGO Doctors with Africa CUAMM has been operating since 2000. In the first part of the study we analyzed the characteristics and clinical evolution of 163 patients hospitalized for acute malnutrition at the UEN (Unidade Especial de Nutrição) of the Chiulo Hospital over a period of six months, in order to identify potential prognostic factors of the disease. The second part of our study was carried out by administering a questionnaire to a group of caregivers of malnourished children and to a group of caregivers of non-malnourished children admitted to Pediatrics for other causes, with the aim of identifying potential risk factors for the development of malnutrition. Results and Conclusions: The analysis of prognostic factors revealed that the most relevant are the WHZ (weight for height z-score) at the time of admission, the presence of Stunting and the presence of other pathologies or clinical conditions associated with severe acute malnutrition.The analysis of risk factors has shown that not only food shortages, but also errors in the timing of the suspension of breastfeeding and the timing of the introduction of complementary foods play an important role. Equally important were some family risk factors, including the size of the family unit and the presence of deceased children.It also emerged that the lack of knowledge of what a child needs to grow up healthy often affects the development of malnutrition. It follows that a useful and low-cost tool for preventing child malnutrition would be large-scale nutrition education campaigns.
Pre-pregnancy BMI-associated miRNA and mRNA expression signatures in the placenta highlight a sexually-dimorphic response to maternal underweight status
Authors: Clark Jeliyah , Eaves Lauren A. , Gaona Adriana R. , Santos Hudson P. , Smeester Lisa , Bangma Jacqueline T , Rager Julia E. , O’Shea T. Michael , Fry Rebecca C.
Published: May 2021

Pre-pregnancy BMI is associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal health outcomes, with differences in risk observed between sexes. Given that the placenta is a sexually dimorphic organ and critical regulator of development, examining differences in placental mRNA and miRNA expression according to pre-pregnancy BMI may provide insight into responses to maternal BMI in utero. Here, genome-wide mRNA and miRNA expression levels were assessed in the placentas of infants born extremely preterm. Differences in expression were evaluated according to pre-pregnancy BMI status (1) overall and (2) in male and female placentas separately. Overall, N = 719 mRNAs were differentially expressed in relation to underweight status. Unexpectedly, no genes were differentially expressed in relation to overweight or obese status. In male placentas, N = 572 mRNAs were associated with underweight status, with N = 503 (70%) overlapping genes identified overall. Notably, 43/572 (8%) of the mRNAs associated with underweight status in male placentas were also gene targets of two miRNAs (miR-4057 and miR-128-1-5p) associated with underweight status in male placentas. Pathways regulating placental nutrient metabolism and angiogenesis were among those enriched in mRNAs associated with underweight status in males. This study is among the first to highlight a sexually dimorphic response to low pre-pregnancy BMI in the placenta.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profile under Abiotic Stress of the barley Non-Specific Lipid Transfer Protein Gene Family and its Qingke Orthologs
Authors: Duo Jiecuo , Xiong Huiyan , Wu Xiongxiong , Li Yuan , Si Jianping , Zhang Chao , Duan Ruijun
Published: May 2021

Background

Plant non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs), a group of small, basic ubiquitous proteins to participate in lipid transfer, cuticle formation and stress response, involved in the regulation of plant growth and development. To date, although the nsLTP gene family of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) has been preliminarily identified, it is still unclear in the recently completed genome database of barley and Qingke and its transcriptional profiling under abiotic stress has not been elucidated as well.
Results

We identified 40 barley nsLTP (HvLTP) genes through strict screening strategy based on the latest barley genome and 35 Qingke nsLTP (HtLTP) Orthologs used blastp, and these LTP genes were divided into four types (1, 2, D and G). At the same time, the comprehensive analysis of physical and chemical characteristics, homology alignment, conservative motifs, gene structure and evolution of HvLTPs and HtLTPs were further supported their similar nsLTPs’ characteristics and classification. The genomic location of HvLTPs and HtLTPs showed that these genes were unevenly distributed, and obvious HvLTP and HtLTP gene clusters were found on the 7 chromosomes including six pairs of tandem repeats and one pair of segment repeats in barley genome, indicating that these genes may be co-evolution and co-regulated. Spatial expression analysis showed that most HvLTPs and HtLTPs were differently tissue-specific expression patterns. Moreover, the upstream cis-elements analysis of HvLTPs and HtLTPs showed that there had many different stress-related transcriptional regulatory elements, and the expression pattern of HvLTPs and HtLTPs under abiotic stress also indicated that numerous HvLTP and HtLTP genes were found to be related to abiotic stress response. Taken together, it may be due to the differences in promoter, rather than by genes themselves resulting in different expression pattern under abiotic stress.
Conclusion

Due to a stringent screening and comprehensive analysis of nsLTP gene family in barley and Qingke, and its expression profile under abiotic stress, this study can be considered as a useful source for the future studies of nsLTP genes in either barley and Qingke or comparison of different plant species.
Ventilator dependence in critically ill patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: a multicenter observational study
Authors: Kao Hsiao-Hui , Peng Chung-Kan , Sheu Chau-Chyun , Lin Yu-Chao , Chan Ming-Cheng , Wang Sheng-Huei , Chen Chia-Min , Shen Yi-Cheng , Zheng Zhe-Rong , Lin Yi-Tsung , Hsu Han-Shui , Feng Jia-Yih , Yang Kuang-Yao
Published: May 2021

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units (ICUs). Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) is one of the key pathogens associated with VAP. Research on ventilator dependence in patients with VAP caused by CRAB remains limited.Methods: In this retrospective multicenter study, we enrolled ICU-admitted patients with VAP caused by CRAB. The status of ventilator dependence was determined on day 21 after initiating ventilator support, and the clinical factors associated with ventilator dependence as well as the differences in treatment outcomes between patients with and without ventilator dependence were investigated. The impact of VAP-onset time, defined as time between hospitalization and VAP onset, on ventilator dependence and mortality was also explored. Results: A total of 274 patients with VAP caused by CRAB were analyzed. The overall ventilator-dependence rate on day 21 was 63.5% (174/274). Patients with ventilator dependence had longer ICU stays (28.5 [interquartile range (IQR) 21–43] days vs. 16.0 (IQR 12–21) days, P<0.001) and higher day 28 mortality rates (17.2% vs. 5%, P=0.003). Clinical factors associated with ventilator dependence were advanced age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.04), higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (aOR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00–1.08), PaO2/FIO2 (PF) ratio <200 (aOR 2.194, 95% CI 1.20–3.99), and late onset VAP (6–10 days: aOR 2.28, 95% CI 1.04–4.99; >10 days: aOR 3.92, 95% CI 1.86–8.29). Patients with late onset VAP had higher mortality rates. Conclusions: Advanced age, higher APACHE II score, PF ratio<200, and late onset VAP were independent factors associated with ventilator dependence in patients with VAP caused by CRAB. Patients with ventilator dependence and late onset VAP were associated with higher mortality rates. Trial registration: This is an observational study; therefore, it has not been registered.
Small fibre neuropathy in patients with chronic pain and a previous diagnosis of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity syndrome
Authors: Fileccia Enrico , Incensi Alex , Ventruto Francesco , Rizzo Giovanni , Galimberti Damiano , Rao Giacomo , Salvi Fabrizio , Liguori Rocco , Donadio Vincenzo
Published: May 2021

Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is characterised by an involvement of Aδ and C-fibres leading to sensory, mainly pain, and/or autonomic symptoms. Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome (MCS) is a still not fully defined condition characterised by the arising of different symptoms after exposure to several chemical substances. Pain is often complained by patients affected by MCS. In this study we report the histological and clinical data of a cohort of patients referred to our attention for the suspect of SFN because of chronic pain, who had also received a previous diagnosis of MCS. We studied a total of 21 patients; all patients underwent neurological clinical examination (including scales for pain and autonomic disorders) and skin biopsy. Age matched healthy were used as controls for skin biopsy data. In addition, nerve conduction studies and serum screening to exclude possible causes of peripheral neuropathy were also performed. Skin biopsy disclosed a somatic SFN in all patients. Notwithstanding the majority (18 out of 21) of patients complained also of autonomic symptoms we found a sparing of autonomic innervation on skin biopsy. Chronic pain in MCS could be secondary to the presence of a somatic SFN although larger studies are needed to confirm our observation.
Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody levels among Sputnik V first dose vaccinated people in Pakistan: formulation of national anti-COVID-19 mass vaccination strategy.
Authors: Saeed Umar , Uppal Sara Rizwan , Piracha Zahra Zahid , Khan Aftab Ahmad , Rasheed Azhar , Waheed Amir , Uppal Rehan , Uppal Rizwan
Published: May 2021

Rapid ramp up of immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 during pandemic enables adequate prevention and treatment for COVID-19. Estimating levels of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibodies post vaccination is crucial for designing mass-vaccination strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate effectiveness of Sputnik V first dose in Pakistan. A cross-sectional study of 2000 participants was conducted for examining Gam-COVID-Vac or Sputnik V first dose effects at 21st days post administration at Islamabad Diagnostic Center, Islamabad, Pakistan. From 100 real-time PCR negative (SARS-CoV-2 RNA) individuals, samples were collected and analyzed for antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using Electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) (Elecsys # 09289267190 Roche, USA). 85% of the participants showed strong positive results with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibodies > 1.5 AU/ml. The individuals with antibody titer > 250 AU/ml were 34.9%. Among those with antibody levels > 250 AU/ml 52% had previous history of COVID-19 infection. While participants with > 100 AU/ml of antibodies were 12.7%. However 9.5% showed antibody titer of > 25 AU/ml. 27% of participants had antibody titers of > 1.5–2.5 AU/ml. While antibody titers of < 1.5 AU/ml were observed among 15.9% of participants. Majority of the individuals represented significantly high antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 even before second booster dose of Ad5 based Sputnik V vaccine. Continuous monitoring of antibody levels among COVID-19 vaccinated populations are deemed to assess humoral immunity status against SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Nomogram to Predict Overall Survival for Gallbladder Cancer Patients With Distant Metastasis
Authors: Wu Mingjie , Zhang Min , Jin Yifeng , Cao Liping
Published: May 2021

Background: There are few studies on the relationship between metastatic sites and prognosis of gallbladder cancer (GBC) patients with distant metastasis. In this study, we aimed to analyze the association between metastatic sites and survival of GBC patients with distant metastasis and developed a nomogram to predict the overall survival (OS).Methods: The information of 1174 GBC patients with distant metastasis was collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2010 and 2015, which was based on the 8th edition of TNM staging system. Then patients were divided into a training set and validation set with ratio 7:3. The Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to find independent prognostic factors and created a nomogram. Concordance index (C-index) and calibration plots were used to validate the predictive accuracy and discriminatory ability of the nomogram, and risk stratification was established based on the nomogram.Results: The Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that the T classification, tumor grade, histology, bone metastasis, liver metastasis, brain metastasis, surgery, and chemotherapy were the independent prognostic factors. The C-index of nomogram in training set and validation set were 0.706 (95%CI [0.686-0.726]) and 0.698 (95%CI [0.665-0.731]), respectively. The calibration plots showed satisfactory accuracy of the nomogram, and patients were divided into three groups base on the nomogram. There were significant differences in survival time between groups.Conclusions: Patients with brain metastasis, liver metastasis, bone metastasis have a poor prognosis, and chemotherapy and surgery may improve the patient's prognosis.
How to Get the Optimal Defibrillation Lead Parameters Using Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Atabekov Tariel Abdilazimovich , Batalov Roman Efimovich , Sazonova Svetlana Ivanovna , Krivolapov Sergey Nikolaevich , Khlynin Mikhail Sergeevich , Mishkina Anna , Zavadovsky Konstantin Valerievich , Curnis Antonio , Popov Sergey Valentinovich
Published: May 2021

Introduction. The conventional criteria for a defibrillation lead (DL) implantation don’t take into account presence of scar or deep ischemia in the myocardium. This may impair a proper functioning of the DL. We sought to optimize the DL implantation placement using rest myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS), which allow detecting areas of myocardial hypoperfusion (MH). Purpose. To study the influence of MH and scarring, detected by MPS, on the DL parameters in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods. 69 patients (male - 65, age 64.8±7.7 years) with CAD and indications for ICD implantation were enrolled. Two days before ICD implantation all patients underwent MPS at rest. Then patients were divided in 2 groups. In the 1st group DL was implanted considering MPS results: to the septal position, if the most significant MH were detected in the apical segments, and to the apical position, if MH were in the septal segments. In the 2nd group DL was implanted using the conventional approach without considering MPS results. Clinical 12 months follow-up was performed with ICD interrogation.Results. Patients of both groups were comparable by clinical and scintigraphic parameters. In the same time, in the 1st group pacing threshold was lower (p<0.0001) and ventricle signal amplitude was higher (p<0.0001) comparing with the 2nd group at all control points. Conclusion. The presence of MH detected by MPS in the area of the DL placement worsens its parameters. The results of MPS in patients with CAD can be useful for optimization of DL placement.
GmFULa Improves Soybean Yield by Enhancing Carbon Assimilation without Altering Flowering Time or Maturity
Authors: Yue Yanlei , Sun Shi , Li Jiawen , Yu Haidong , Wu Hongxia , Sun Baiquan , Li Tao , Han Tianfu , Jiang Bingjun
Published: May 2021

Soybean is highly demanded by a continuously growing human population. However, increasing soybean yield is a major challenge. FRUITFULL ( FUL ), a MADS-box transcription factor, plays important roles in multiple developmental processes, especially fruit and pod development, which are crucial for soybean yield formation. However, the functions of its homologs in soybean are not clear. Here, through haplotypes analysis, we found that haplotypes H02 of the soybean homolog GmFULa ( GmFULa-H02 ) is dominant in cultivated soybeans, suggesting that GmFULa-H02 was highly selected during domestication and varietal improvement of soybean. Interestingly, transgenic overexpression of GmFULa enhanced vegetative growth with more biomass accumulated and ultimately increased the yield but without affecting the plant height or changing the flowering time and maturity, indicating that it enhances the efficiency of dry matter accumulation. It also promoted the yield factors like branch number, pod number and 100-seed weight, which ultimately increased the yield. It increased the palisade tissue cell number and the chlorophyll content to promote photosynthesis and increase the soluble sugar content in leaves and fresh seeds. Furthermore, GmFULa were found to be sublocalized in the nucleus and positively regulate sucrose synthases ( SUSs ) and sucrose transporters ( SUTs ) by binding with the conserved CArG boxes in their promoters. Overall, these results showed GmFULa promotes the capacity of assimilation and the transport of the resultant assimilates to increase yield, and provided insights into the link between GmFULa and sucrose synthesis with transport related molecular pathways that control seed yield.