bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hematopoietic Score for the Prognostic Evaluation of Multiple Myeloma Patients Undergoing First-Line Treatment With A Bortezomib-Based Regimen
Authors: He JingSong , Yue XiaoYan , Han XiaoYan , He DongHua , Zhao Yi , Yang Yang , Zheng GaoFeng , Wu WenJun , Cai Zhen
Published: January 2021

Background: It is very important to evaluate the prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM) patients before starting treatment. Although hematopoietic status may have a significant impact on patient survival, it has not received sufficient attention in current clinical practice. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 328 newly diagnosed MM patients received first-line treatment with a bortezomib-based regimen. The effects of hematopoietic factors, including hemoglobin (Hgb) levels, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and platelet count (Plt) on the prognosis of the patients were analysed. Results: Hgb<100 g/L, MCV>99.1fL and Plt<150×109/L significantly affect the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of MM patients, each of the above factors was assigned a value of 1 to generate a hematopoietic score. According to the results, 93 (28.4%), 103 (31.4%), 90 (27.4%) and 42 (12.8%) patients had a score of 0, 1, 2, 3, respectively. The median PFS were 38.7, 55.9, 23.9 and 16.7 months, respectively (P<0.001), and the median OS were not reached (NR), 68.4months, 53.6 and 33.2 months, respectively (P<0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that hematopoietic score (2-3 vs 0-1, HR, 1.64) and bone marrow plasma cell percentage (>30%, HR, 1.54) are independent prognostic predictors for PFS; age (≥70 years, HR, 1.67), hematopoietic score (2-3 vs 0-1, HR, 1.60), serum creatinine level (>177umol/L, HR, 2.15) and bone marrow plasma cell percentage (>30%, HR, 1.81) are independent prognostic predictors of OS. Conclusions: This study suggests that the hematopoietic score can be used to evaluate the prognosis of newly treated MM patients in the era of new drugs. However, there is still a need to enlarge the number of cases and carry out prospective research to validate this conclusion.
Experimental Verification of General Validity of Non-force Interaction Formula
Authors: Teslia Iurii
Published: January 2021

In the present work, the physical and mathematical principles of the non-force interaction theory are presented. It is shown that in the basis of this theory there are computer experiments within which there was simulated movement and interaction of material objects through the change of their hypothetical informational contents. The formulae of transformation of the hypothetical informational contents of material objects received from the information-probabilistic interpretation of mechanical movement were used in the experimental research to demonstrate that they also correspond to the processes of speech production in a human brain. The hypothesis, objective and tasks of the experimental research were defined. The methods and software tools were developed to conduct the experiments. To compare different results of the simulation of the processes in a human brain during speech production, there was a range of methods proposed to calculate the estimate of sequence of fragments of natural language texts including the methods based on linear approximation. The conducted experiments have proved that the formulae received from information-probabilistic interpretation of mechanical movement reflect the processes of speech production. It is shown that the offered approach can successfully be used to create systems of reactive artificial intelligence machines. Experimental and, presented in this work, practical results constitute that the non-force (informational) interaction formulae are generally valid.
PTPN9 Genes Polymorphism as a Protect Factor in Lumbar Disc Herniation Development
Authors: Li Dandan , Mai Huqiang , Wang Yuhe , Wang Li , Liu Xiaoli , Xu Shilin , He Yongjun , Yuan Dongya , Jin Tianbo
Published: January 2021

Background: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a high incidence spinal disease caused by disc degeneration, nuclear pulse displacement or fiber ring degeneration. This study aimed to explore the correlation between PTPN9 susceptibility and lumbar disc herniation in Chinese Han population.Methods: The subjects were 504 patients with lumbar disc hernia and 503 controls. PTPN9 polymorphism (rs76107647, rs10851882, rs753992, rs11072552) are genotype using Agena MassArray. In addition, Logistic regression was used for odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the impact of genetic polymorphisms on LDH occurrence.Results: In the allele model, rs76107647 A (p = 0.023) is associated with a reduced risk of LDH . In the analysis of genetic models, we found that rs76107647 (adjusted, A/A vs. G/G: p = 0.035; A/A vs. AG/GG: p = 0.044; log - additive model: p = 0.022, respectively) and rs11072552 (adjusted, C/C vs. A/A: p = 0.048; C/C vs. CA/AA: p = 0.010, respectively)were significantly related to LDH risk reduction. After age stratification, rs76107647（adjusted, A/A vs. G/G: p = 0.036; A/G vs. G/G: p = 0.008, ; AA/AG vs. G/G: p = 0.002; log–additive model: p = 0.001, respectively) can reduce the risk of LDH for young people ≤ 49 years old, while rs11072552 (adjusted, CC vs. CA/AA: p = 0.009) can significantly reduce the risk of LDH in patients over 49 years old. With gender stratification, rs76107647 (adjusted, A/A vs. G/G: p = 0.017, ; A/A vs. AG/GG: p = 0.019; log - additive model: p = 0.018, respectively) was significantly associated with reduced LDH risk in female. Conclusion: Our research suggests that PTPN9 polymorphisms may have protective effects on the risk of LDH in Chinese Han population.
Genome-wide Identification, Evolution and Expression Analysis of LBD Transcription Factors Family in Wheat (Triticum aestivum. L)
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Gao Ying , Huo Fulin , Shi Yijun , Pan Wenqiu , Lei Pengzheng , Song Weining , Nie Xiaojun
Published: January 2021

Background: The LBD (lateral organ boundaries)-domain transcription factor is one unique gene family in plants, playing the crucial role in regulating plant architecture as well as stress tolerance. Although LBD family has been thoroughly characterized in many species, it is not well studied in wheat.Results: In this study, the in silico genome-wide analysis was performed and a total of 90 LBD proteins were identified in wheat (TaLBDs). Phylogenetic analysis classified them into two major groups, of which Class I contained 8 subfamily (IA-IH), and Class II include 2 subfamily (IIA-B). Exon-intron structure, conserved protein motif and cis-regulatory elements analysis showed that the members in the subfamily shared similar gene structure organizations, supporting the classification. Furthermore, these TaLBDs mainly interacted with the genes related to signal transduction cascades and they were also targeted by miRNAs to form the sophisticated regulation network. Then, the tissue-specific and stress-responsive TaLBD genes were identified through RNA-seq analysis. Finally, the expression of 12 TaLBDs were selected to validate by QPCR analysis and the homoeologous genes showed significantly differential expression, suggesting subfunctionalization of them has occurred. In addition, the genetic diversity of TaLBDs in wheat landrace showed slight higher than that of variety while obvious asymmetry at subgenome level. Conclusions: This study reported the composition, structure, evolution and expression patterns of LBD family in wheat, which will provide potential target genes for further functional analysis and also shed light on the role of LBD gene playing in regulating development and stresses tolerance in wheat and beyond.
Timing the Evolution of Cyanobacterial Antioxidants: Superoxide Dismutases
Authors: Boden Joanne , Konhauser Kurt , Robbins Leslie , Sánchez-Baracaldo Patricia
Published: January 2021

The ancestors of cyanobacteria generated Earth’s first biogenic molecular oxygen but how they dealt with its toxicity remains unconstrained. Here we investigated when superoxide dismutase enzymes (SODs) capable of removing superoxide free radicals evolved. We found phylogenetic evidence that ancestral cyanobacteria used SODs with copper and zinc cofactors (CuZnSOD) during the Archaean. By the Paleoproterozoic, they became genetically capable of using iron, nickel, and manganese as cofactors (FeSOD, NiSOD, and MnSOD respectively). The evolution of NiSOD is particularly intriguing because it has been previously hypothesized that declining seawater Ni concentrations at the end of the Archaean caused a fundamental shift in the marine biosphere away from methanogenesis towards oxygenic photosynthesis. Our novel analyses of enzymes dealing with O2 toxicity now demonstrate that the beneficiaries of this chemical change - marine planktonic cyanobacteria - were able to utilize the remaining Ni from seawater 0.9-0.8 Ga to supplement their existing metabolic capabilities.
Acoustic graphene plasmons advantage: in-plane strong scattering of infrared light by steps at the atomic level
Authors: Zhang Ni , Luo Weiwei , Wang Lei , Fan Jiang , Wu Wei , Ren Mengxin , Zhang Xinzheng , Cai Wei , Xu Jingjun
Published: January 2021

Acoustic graphene plasmons (AGPs) have an extreme level of field confinement and low loss in the mid-infrared and terahertz spectra, which have been applied for quantum effect exploration and ångström-thick material sensing. However, up to now, it is still a lack of exploration of the in-plane scattering of AGPs, though it is essential for the manipulation and utilization of ultraconfined optical field down to atomic level. In this work, by using scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM), the mid-infrared AGPs, which are strongly scattered by atomic level height steps, were imaged in real-space. Particularly, even though the step height of the scatterer is four orders of magnitude lower than the incident free wavelength, strong scattering of AGPs still was achieved and can be attributed to larger reflectivity of AGPs than that of the traditional graphene plasmons (GPs). In addition, the scattering of AGPs by individual scatterers can be controlled via electrical back gating, in which a high fringe contrast up to about 82% was achieved. Our work suggests a feasible way to control extremely confined optical fields with atomic level height nanostructures, which can be used for ultra-compacted strong light-matter interactions, e.g. photodetector, biosensing, and strong coupling effects.
A Probability Formula Derived From Serum Indicators, Age and Comorbidities As An Early Predictor of Dementia for Elderly Chinese People
Authors: Gong Qing , Xie Lianhong , Bi Minghui , Yu Lina
Published: January 2021

Background: Blood-based indicators are potential economical and safe methods of population screening for dementia although their predictive values have not been confirmed. The present study proposes a dementia prediction formula based on serum indicators and patient characteristics.Methods: From Jan 2016 to Dec 2018 the data of elderly patients aged over 60 years admitted to the Department of Neurology and Geriatrics in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to verify the patients’ characteristics and serum indicators associated with the risk of dementia. After receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and area under the ROC curve (AUC) analysis, we propose a dementia prediction formula and cutoff values for predictive ability of early dementia.Results: 4,722 elderly patients were enrolled and the incidence of dementia was 12.0% (565). When patients had ≥ 8 comorbidities, their risk of developing dementia was 20 times higher than those without comorbidities. After multivariate regression analysis, age (OR: 1.086, P < 0.001) and homocysteine concentrations (HCY) (OR: 1.017, P = 0.003) were proven to be linked the risk of developing dementia, while total cholesterol (TC) (OR: 0.674, P = 0.005) was a protective factor for dementia. We developed a formula of age + LDL-C+ TC + HCY + number of comorbidities as a good predictor of dementia (AUC: 0.79), with a probability (cut-off) value of 0.112 (sensitivity 87.4%, specificity 55.8%, accuracy 60.5%).Conclusions: High serum HCY and low TC were risk factors for developing dementia. A cut-off value > 0.112 derived from the formula of age + LDL-C + TC + HCY + number of comorbidities was an excellent predictor for a high risk of dementia, which may be a potentially useful diagnostic tool for identifying at risk patients using this routine clinical test.
Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension Among 10663 Adults in Kherameh: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Rezaianzadeh Abbas , Jafari Fatemeh , Sadeghi Seyed Ebrahim , Rahimikazerooni Salar , Bahramali Ehsan , Karami Hamed
Published: January 2021

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is known to be a modifiable risk factor for Cardiovascular Disease (CVDs), stroke, and kidney disease. The present study aimed to determine awareness, treatment, and control of HTN and the related factors in Kherameh, Iran.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 10663 individuals over 40 years of age using Kherameh cohort data. HTN was defined as either Systolic/Diastolic Blood Pressure (SBP/DBP) ≥140/90 mmHg or taking medications. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between awareness, treatment, and control and their related factors. Results: Awareness, treatment, and control rates were 80.3%, 78%, and 53.6%, respectively among the individuals with HTN. Age, gender, body mass index, and CVD were associated with all dependent variables in the regression model. In addition, occupation, diabetes, chronic diseases, history of CVD in the first- and second-degree relatives, and history of chronic diseases in the second-degree relatives were related to all dependent variables, except for treatment.Conclusion: The results indicated that despite the high level of awareness, the proportion of patients under treatment and control gradually decreased, such a way that about half of the patients had abnormal blood pressure. Hence, educational intervention is recommended to increase the patients’ awareness to ensure the continuous use of antihypertensive drugs in order to help control the disease more efficiently.
Synergistic effect of tumor chemo-immunotherapy induced by leukocyte-hitchhiking thermal-sensitive micelles
Authors: Qi Jing , Jin Fei-Yang , You Yuchan , Du Yan , Liu Di , Xiao-Ling Xiao-Ling , Wang Jun , Zhu Luwen , Chen Minjiang , Shu Gaofeng , Wu Li-Ming , Ji Jiansong , Du Yongzhong
Published: January 2021

Some specific chemotherapeutic drugs are able to enhance tumor immunogenicity and facilitate antitumor immunity by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD). However, tumor immunosuppression induced by the adenosine pathway hampers this effect. In this study, E-selectin-modified thermal-sensitive micelles were designed to co-deliver a chemotherapeutic drug (doxorubicin, DOX) and an A2A adenosine receptor antagonist (SCH 58261), which simultaneously exhibited chemo-immunotherapeutic effects when applied with microwave irradiation. After intravenous injection, the fabricated micelles, ES-DSM, effectively adhered to the surface of leukocytes in peripheral blood mediated by E-selectin, and thereby hitchhiking with leukocytes to achieve a higher accumulation at the tumor site. Further, local microwave irradiation was applied to induce hyperthermia and accelerated the release rate of drugs from micelles. Rapidly released DOX induced tumor ICD and elicited tumor-specific immunity, while SCH 58261 alleviated immunosuppression caused by the adenosine pathway, further enhancing DOX-induced antitumor immunity. In conclusion, this study presents a strategy to increase the tumor accumulation of drugs by hitchhiking with leukocytes, and the synergistic strategy of chemo-immunotherapy not only effectively arrested primary tumor growth, but also exhibited superior effects in terms of antimetastasis, antirecurrence and antirechallenge.
Cytotoxicity Analysis of Biomass Combustion Particles in Human Pulmonary Alveolar Epithelial Cells on an Air-Liquid Interface/Dynamic Culture Platform
Authors: Ke Shaorui , Liu Qi , Zhang Xinlian , Yao Yuhan , Yang Xudong , Sui Guodong
Published: January 2021

BackgroundExposure to indoor air pollution from solid fuels combustion is associated with lung diseases and cancer. This study aimed to explore the cytotoxicity and molecular mechanisms of biomass combustion-derived particles in human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (HPAEpiC) using a platform that combines air-liquid-interface (ALI) and dynamic culture (DC) systems.MethodsHPAEpiC were cultured on the surface of polycarbonate (PC) membranes in ALI-DC platform. The top surface of cells was sprayed with a solution of biomass combustion soluble constituents (BCSCs) and simultaneously nourished with medium flowing from below PC membranes. BCSC particles' morphology and dosages deposited on the chip was determined for particle characterization. A flow cytometer, laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to investigate the apoptosis of HPAEpiC and the changes in the ultrastructure of HPAEpiC induced by BCSCs. Additionally, the underlying apoptotic pathway was studied through the determination of the protein expression levels by western blotting.ResultsScanning electron microscope (SEM) results demonstrated that the sample processing and delivering approach were very suitable for pollutant exposure of the platform. The decline in cell viability and increase in apoptosis rate after exposure to similar doses of BCSCs were more under ALI-DC conditions than under submerged conditions. This indicated that the ALI-DC platform is a superior system for investigating cytotoxicity of indoor air pollutants in lung cells. The morphology and ultrastructure of the cells were damaged after exposure to BCSCs. Our results demonstrated that the p53 pathway was activated after exposure of cells cultured using this platform to BCSCs. This further decreased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio thereby activating the expression of caspase-9 and caspase-3, which in turn induced apoptosis in HPAEpiC. Additionally, antioxidants (N-acetyl-cysteine; NAC) could significantly alleviate the cytotoxicity induced by BCSCs.ConclusionsA novel ALI-DC platform was successfully presented to study cytotoxicity of air pollution on lung cells. Based on the platform, the BCSCs was demonstrated that it could damage mitochondria, produce ROS, and activate p53 in HPAEpiC. Furthermore, BCSCs decreased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and efficiently upregulated the expression of cleaved caspases-9 and − 3, ultimately inducing apoptosis.
Evolution of pectin-synthesis-relevant galacturonosyltransferase gene family and its expression during cotton fiber development
Authors: Senmiao FAN , Aiying LIU , Xianyan ZOU , Zhen ZHANG , Qun GE , Wankui GONG , Junwen LI , Juwu GONG , Yuzhen SHI , Xiaoying DENG , Tingting JIA , Youlu YUAN , Haihong SHANG
Published: January 2021

Background: Pectin is a key substance involved in cell wall development, and the galacturonosyltransferases (GAUTs) gene family is a critical participant in the pectin synthesis pathway. Systematic and comprehensive research on GAUTs has not been performed in cotton. Analysis of the evolution and expression patterns of the GAUT gene family in different cotton species is needed to increase knowledge of the function of pectin in cotton fiber development.Results: In this study, we identified 131 GAUT genes in the genomes of four Gossypium species (G. raimondii, G. barbadense, G. hirsutum, and G. arboreum), and classified them as GAUT-A, GAUT-B and GAUT-C. Among them, 15 GAUT genes encoded proteins (GAUT1 to GAUT15). All GAUT family genes except for the gene GAUT7 coding contained a consevrved Glyco_transf_8 domain (H-DN-A-SVV-S-V-H-T-F). The consevrved sequences of GAUT7 was a PLN (phospholamban) 02769 domain, categorized as a probable galacturonosyltransferase. According to cis-elemet analysis, GAUT genes expression may be regulated by hormones such as JA, GA, SA, ABA, Me-JA and IAA. The evolution and expression patterns of the GAUT gene family in different cotton species and the expression levels in upland cotton materials having different fiber strengths were analyzed. Peak expression of GhGAUT genes was observed before 15DPA; in the six materials with high fiber strength, the expression was concentrated from 10 to 15DPA; while the highest expression in low fiber strength materials was detected between 5 and 10 DPA. The results presented in this paper lays the foundation for future research on gene function during cotton fiber development.Conclusions: The GAUT gene family may affect cotton fiber development, including fiber elongation and fiber thickening. In the low-strength-fiber lines, GAUTs mainly participate in fiber elongation, whereas their major effect on cotton with high-strength fiber is related to both elongation and thickening.
Role of microbubbles coupling fibrous-bed bioreactor in butyric acid production by Clostridium tyrobutyricum using Brewer’s spent grain as feedstock
Authors: Huang Jin , Zhao Linqi , Sun Gaoya , Jiang Jing , Chen Li
Published: January 2021

Background: Microbubbles coupling fermentation is an efficient technology for improving oxygen transfer to aerobic microorganisms in a bioreactor containing an air sparger. However, the effect of this technology on anaerobic Clostridium tyrobutyricum, whose morphology develops viscous broth rheology and lumps impeding the nutrient mass transfer, has not been reported yet. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the role of microbubbles coupling fibrous-bed bioreactor (MBFBB) on butyrate production by immobilized Clostridium tyrobutyricum cells obtained from renewable feedstock brewer’s spent grain (BSG). Results: Compared with the conventional FBB fermentation, two-fold shorter fermentation time and two-fold higher butyrate productivity were achieved by MBFBB-immobilized C. tyrobutyricum cells. Furthermore, long-term stability and reliability for butyrate production were obtained in ten cycle process using BSG hydrolysate. Finally, fed-batch fermentation using BSG hydrolysate produced a high butyrate titer of 43.68 g/L, with a significantly higher selectivity of 11.67, reducing the production cost of downstream processing. The results indicated that butyrate productivity of 4.21 and 4.36 g/L·h were successfully obtained in BSG and glucose medium, thereby representing the highest productivity reported to date in C. tyrobutyricum. To our knowledge, this is also the first report related to microbial production of butyrate from brewer’s spent grain.Conclusion: The MBFBB-based fermentation process with BSG is a robust and ecofriendly technique, which would provide insights into future development of commercial biobutyrate production for the animal feed supplement market.
Late Complications of Vascular Trauma of the Extremities in Civilian Practice: A 10 Year Experience in Cameroon
Authors: Fokou Marcus , Teyang Abel
Published: January 2021

Background: To describe the different presentations, diagnostic evaluations, managements and outcome of late complications of vascular trauma of the extremities (LCVTE) in civilian practice . Methodology: All the patients with LCVTE who reported at the Yaounde General Hospital from January 2010 to December 2019 were included. Patients presenting with acute vascular injuries, neck vessels injuries and iatrogenic lesions or late complications of vascular access for hemodialysis were excluded. All cases were evaluated with either ultrasound and or Computer tomography and managed with various open vascular surgical techniques and their results were assessed. Results: Fifteen patients with 17 LCVTE underwent various vascular repairs. There were 2 females and 13 males.The age range was from 8 monyhs to 54 years with a mean age of 30.28 . The time interval between injury and presentation in the hospital was 3 weeks to 15 years with a mean of 3 months. Penetrating injuries secondary to stabs were the commonest cause in 94.11%. Lower limbs vessels were affected in 12/17 (70.58%), with Superficial femoral artery being the most frequently involved artery in 6(35.29 %) cases. Sixteen (94.11%) patients presented with pseudoaneurysm, 1 with solely traumatic arteriovenous fistulae. Some pseudoaneurysms presented with complications such as infection (2 cases), bleeding (3 cases) and rupture with hypovolemic choc (1 case). The only non vascular injuries associated were were 1 brachial plexus injury and 1 fracture of the distal femur shaft For the 15 lesions who underwent surgery, the most frequent surgical techniques used were, simple suturing ( 66.66 %); followed by resection and termino-terminal anastomoses (26.66%) Unfortunately one post operative mortality was registered. After a follow-up from 6 months to 10 years no late complications was detected (No recurrence, no wound infection). Only the patient with the brachial plexus injury ended up with a flail limb that didn’t improve and the patient with femoral fracture with a shortening of the limb.Conclusion: Penetrating wounds secondary to stabs were the main injuries and pseudoaneurysm was the most common late complication. Ameliorating the management environment could reduce the morbidity.
The Role of Age in the Physiological Adaptations and Psychological Responses in Bikini-Physique Competitor Contest Preparation: A Case Series
Authors: Newmire Dan , Webb Heather E.
Published: January 2021

Even with the increased popularity of the bikini-physique division within bodybuilding, there is minimal observational research identifying the influence of age on typical adaptations during contest preparation. The purpose of this case series was to observe how age may influence the adaptations normally seen during preparation and the exploration of newer protocols to address adaptations more relative to the judging standards. Over a 16-week pre-contest preparation, a 32-y bikini competitor (BC) and 44-y master’s bikini competitor (MBC) visited the laboratory bi-weekly to observe changes in body fat mass (BF), lean body mass (LBM), bone mineral density (BMD), total body water (TBW); exploratory measures of deltoid cross-sectional area (DeltCSA), gluteus maximus muscle thickness (GMMT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness (SAT); reproductive hormones estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), and energy balance hormones triiodothyronine (T3), leptin and ghrelin; hydration status during contest preparation and during the week of competition; resting metabolic rate (RMR); psychometric data related to perceived anxiety, stress, and body image were assessed. No differences between BC and MBC were observed in BF, LBM, BMD, and TBW. Both competitors showed a small loss in LBM. Both BC and MBC showed a contrasting increase in DeltCSA and a loss in GMMT. MBC showed to be slightly more dehydrated (1.025 vs 1.021 g⋅mL− 1) than BC. Both competitors maintained a euhydration status the day of the competition. No time differences were found between BC and MBC during RMR. BC showed a higher mean difference RMR compared to MBC (2.66 ± 0.75 kcal⋅kgLBM− 1⋅d− 1). MBC showed a higher mean difference LH concentration (84.6 ± 6.01 IU⋅L− 1), which may be explained by perimenopausal status. MBC had a higher mean difference concentration of leptin (2.51 ± 0.24 ng⋅mL− 1⋅kgFM− 1), which was unperturbed by fat loss may be interrelated LH. BC self-reported a higher mean difference energy intake (15.07 ± 3.43 kcal⋅kgLBM− 1⋅d− 1) and higher aerobic training volume (93.26 ± 40.68 min⋅d). BC and MBC showed similar composition changes, slightly differing metabolic rates, and differing hormonal LH and leptin responses. This finding is in contrast to previous work showing both LH inhibition and leptin diurnal disturbance in younger, female athletes with low energy availability. The exploratory measures may have some benefit for bikini-physique competitors related to the judging criteria. Age did not seem to play a role in contest preparation adaptations.
Limited predictive power of DAT mRNA mappings for DAT protein expressions
Authors: Pak Kyoungjune , Seo Seongho , Lee Myung Jun , Im Hyung-Jun , Kim Keunyoung , Kim In Joo
Published: January 2021

Background

Dopamine transporter (DAT) is a transmembrane protein that translocates dopamine from the extracellular space into the presynaptic neurons. We aimed to investigate the predictive power of DAT mRNA for DAT protein expression measured from positron emission tomography (PET).
Methods

Thirty-five healthy subjects were imaged with 18F-FP-CIT PET. Binding potential (BPND) from ventral striatum, caudate nucleus, putamen, middle frontal, orbitofrontal, cingulate, parietal, temporal cortices were measured. DAT gene expression investigated in this study was obtained from the freely available Allen Human Brain Atlas (www.brain-map.org) derived from 6 healthy donors.
Results

PET-derived BPNDs from 35 subjects, and DAT mRNA expressions of 6 probes from 6 subjects were included in this study. The auto-correlation of PET-derived BPNDs for DAT was intermediate (mean 𝛒2 = 0.6588) with 𝛒2 ranging from 0.0811 to 1. However, the auto-correlation of mRNA expression was weak across the probes with mean 𝛒2 from 0.0889 to 0.2263. Cross-correlations between PET-derived BPNDs, and mRNA expression were weak with mean 𝛒2 ranging from 0.0011 to 0.2220 across the probes.
Conclusion

we observed weak associations between DAT mRNA expressions, and DAT protein expressions in human brains. Therefore, there might be a limited predictive power of DAT mRNA mappings for DAT protein expressions in humans.
Landing Biomechanics During a Single-leg Landing With Lateral Trunk Obliquity in Female Athletes
Authors: Taniguchi Shohei , Ishida Tomoya , Yamanaka Masanori , Ueno Ryo , Ikuta Ryohei , Chijimatsu Masato , Samukawa Mina , Koshino Yuta , Kasahara Satoshi , Tohyama Harukazu
Published: January 2021

Background: Lateral trunk obliquity during landing is one of the characteristics of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in female athletes. Knee biomechanics during landing with lateral trunk obliquity may be different between female and male subjects. The purpose of the present study was to compare kinetics and kinematics in female subjects during landing with lateral trunk obliquity with those in male subjects.Methods: Fifteen female (age 22.0 ± 1.6 years) and 15 male subjects (age 21.7 ± 1.1 years) participated in this study. The subjects performed a single-leg landing from a 30-cm-high box. Subjects were instructed to keep inclining their trunk to landing leg side at 15° from vertical line. Kinetics and kinematics of their hip and knee joints were analyzed using a three-dimensional motion analysis system with a force plate and compared between female and male subjects.Results: There were no significant differences in the angle of the laterally inclined trunk at initial contact (IC) and at the time of peak vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) (P = 0.341, 0.363). The peak VGRF was smaller in female subjects than male subjects (P = 0.047). Hip adduction moment at the time of peak VGRF was significantly larger in female subjects than male subjects (P = 0.042). Hip external rotation of female subjects at IC was significantly larger than that of male subjects (P = 0.012). There were no differences in knee moments or kinematics between female and male subjects.Conclusions: The findings of the present study indicated that female athletes are considered to avoid excessive knee abduction moment during landing with lateral trunk obliquity by kinematic and kinetic changes in their hip joint. Therefore, sports-medicine specialists should take more notice of kinematics and kinetic behaviors around hip joint in order to prevent noncontact ACL injuries for female athletes.
Impact of Musculoskeletal Disorders on Healthy Life Expectancy in Japan
Authors: Ritsuno Yoshihiro , Kawado Miyuki , Morita Mitsuhiro , Yamada Harumoto , Kanaji Arihiko , Nakamura Masaya , Matsumoto Morio , Hashimoto Shuji , Fujita Nobuyuki
Published: January 2021

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are the key cause of morbidity in elderly people. However, the exact clinical reasons for musculoskeletal disorders related to healthy life expectancy remain elusive. Hence, we aimed to estimate gains in healthy life expectancy from the elimination of musculoskeletal diseases and injuries by using recent national health statistics data in Japan. Methods: The present data were used from the population, life tables, and the number of deaths in Japan in 2016. Data regarding the activity and disease status of persons living at home were obtained from the 2016 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions. We selected eight disorders including musculoskeletal diseases and injuries from the above data: rheumatoid arthritis, arthrosis, low back pain, osteoporosis, fracture, malignant neoplasms, ischemic heart disease, and cerebrovascular diseases. After eliminating each disorder, we calculated the prevalence of limitations in the activities of daily living (ADL) in the population after excluding outpatients with the disorder and ADL limitations, inpatients with the disorder in hospitals and clinics, and people with the disorder who reside in long-term elderly care facilities. The prevalence of non-ADL limitations in the population was calculated after excluding outpatients with the disorder and non-ADL limitations.Results: Musculoskeletal diseases and injuries generally decreased expected years at birth with activity limitations. In particular, eliminating low back pain and arthrosis decreased expected years at birth with activity limitation to the greatest extent in selected diseases and injuries (male: 0.9 years, female: 1.5 years). However, eliminating malignant neoplasms increased the expected years at birth with activity limitation (male: 1.3 years, female: 1.2 years). In addition, a combination of arthrosis and low back pain led to a moderate decrease in expected years with both ADL (male: 0.7 years, female: 1.1 years) and non-ADL limitations (male: 0.3 years, female: 0.4 years). In contrast, the elimination of malignant neoplasms increased the expected years with both ADL (male: 0.5 years, female: 0.3 years) and non-ADL limitations (male: 0.8 years, female: 0.9 years). Conclusions: These findings provide clinical evidence that low back pain and arthrosis are the key conditions that can be addressed to prolong healthy life expectancy.
Highly Ordered Hybrid Mesoporous Organosilica: An Exceptional Anchor for Pd Nanoparticles and Catalyst Nitroaromatic Reduction
Authors: Zebardasti Ali , Dekamin Mohammad G. , Doustkhah Esmail
Published: January 2021

Hybridization of mesoporous organosilica (MO) to reinforce the surface capability in adsorption and stabilization of noble metal nanoparticles are of great attention in generating noble metal-based catalysts. Here, we used a unique hybrid of organic-inorganic mesoporous silica which in pore profile pattern was similar to the well-known mesoporous silica, SBA-15. This hybrid mesoporous silica was further incorporated in the synthesis and stabilization of Pd nanoparticles on its surface and then, the obtained Pd supported MO, was employed as a heterogeneous green catalyst in the conversion of p-nitrophenol (PNP) to p-aminophenol (PAP) at room temperature with efficient recyclability.
Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae Infections in a Tertiary Hospital in China
Authors: Cui Zhiwen , Wang Lirui , Chang Wei , Li Minghui , Li Yuexia , Feng Min
Published: January 2021

Background: The infections due to carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia (CR-KP) have become an important problem and they are associated with a high mortality rate. The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of CR-KP.Methods: A retrospective cohort study has been made on all patients presenting with CR-KP infections. 615 patients with CR-KP humor infections diagnosed between January 2018 and December 2019 were identified. 135 patients who did not meet the requirements were excluded, and the remaining 480 patients were enrolled in the study. We have evaluated the mortality in 30 days from the first positive culture. Clinical characteristics, antimicrobial regimens, and outcomes of patients have been analyzed.Results: The CR-KP infections overall mortality was 37.3%, and bloodstream infections mortality was 66.2%. Survival analysis revealed that there were statistically significant differences between bloodstream infection and pulmonary and drainage fluid infection. The gender, wards, and endotracheal intubation or tracheotomy before positive culture did not differ between the non-survivor and survivor groups. Logistics regression analysis showed that hemopathy, age (>60 years), solid tumors, diabetes, septic shock, acute kidney injury and stroke were independent predictors associated with the 30-day mortality. Multivariate linear regression was performed in APACHE II score, SOFA score, lymphocyte absolute value (LYM) and survival time. Survival time was negatively correlated with APACHE II score and SOFA score, while positively correlated with LYM. In addition, ROC curves were also drawn for APACHE II score, SOFA score and LYM, with AUC of 0.825, 0.876 and 0.797, respectively. Finally, we investigated different antimicrobial regimens for CR-KP infections. Chi-square test showed that antimicrobial regimen combined carbapenems, tigecycline with polymyxin B was superior the one combined carbapenems with polymyxin B, and the difference had statistically significant. But there was not statistically significant difference between carbapenems plus tigecycline and carbapenems plus polymyxin B, and it seemed that polymyxin B and tigecycline have synergistic effect. Ceftazidime avibactam-based antimicrobial regimens also had no advantage over other therapeutic regimens.Conclusions: Our study confirmed there is a high mortality rate in CR-KP infections, especially in the bloodstream infections. The outcome is greatly influenced by the patients’ clinical conditions. Antimicrobial regimen combined carbapenems, tigecycline with polymyxin B might be a better choice.
Changes in Retinal Multilayer Thickness and Vascular Network of Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Mei Xi , Zou Chenjun , Qiu Conglong , Chen Zhongming , Chen Yang
Published: January 2021

Background: Retinal biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) were largely investigated during last decades. Brain conditions could be reflected by retinal nervous and vascular parameters. It can be used to enhance the accuracy of early diagnosis of AD.Objective: Our study aimed to evaluate the difference of retinal neuro-layer thickness and vascular parameters between AD patients and health control (HC) subjects.Methods: Non-invasive technology of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) were adopted to acquire the combination thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL), as well as the full retinal thickness (FRT). Vascular branch (VB), vascular curvature (VC), and vascular density (VD) were also collected in AD and HC groups. Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was adopted to evaluate the cognitive levels of all subjects. After obtaining all the parameters, we used Mann-Whitney U test to compare the mean values of all retinal regions parameters between ADs and HCs. Pearson's correlation was used to test the association between retinal parameters and MMSE score, and vascular parameters.Results: Compared with HCs, the RNFL+GCL thickness of inferior quadrant, FRT of inferior and temporal quadrant, and retinal VD of patients with AD were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The retinal thickness had significant correlations with MMSE scores (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the retinal VD was significantly correlated with the average RNFL+GCL thickness (p < 0.05, r = 0.5956).Conclusion: In conclusion, our study suggested that AD patients had significant reduced RNFL+GCL thickness and vascular density compared with the age-matched HCs. Meanwhile, these reductions correlated with the cognitive level of the subjects. Trial registration number: ChiCTR2000035243Date of registration: Aug., 5, 2020URL of trial registry record: http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx
Labor Migration Is Associated With Lower Rates of Underweight and Higher Rates of Obesity Among Left-behind Wives in Rural Bangladesh: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Sznajder Kristin , Wander Katherine , Mattison Siobhan , Medina Elizabeth Araceli , Alam Nurul , Raqib Rubhana , Kumar Anjan , Haque Farjana , Blumenfield Tami , Shenk Mary K.
Published: January 2021

BackgroundAmong Bangladeshi men, international labor migration has increased ten-fold since 1990 and rural to urban labor migration rates have steadily increased. Labor migration of husbands has increased household wealth and redefined women’s roles, which have both positively and negatively impacted the health of wives “left behind”. We examined the direct and indirect effects of husband labor migration on chronic disease indicators and outcomes among wives of labor migrants.MethodsWe collected survey, anthropometric, and biomarker data from a random sample of women in Matlab, Bangladesh, in 2018. We assessed associations between husband’s migration and indicators of adiposity and chronic disease. We used structural equation modeling to assess the direct effect of labor migration on chronic disease, undernutrition, and adiposity, and the mediating roles of income, food security, and proportion of food purchased from the bazaar. Qualitative interviews and participant observation were used to help provide context for the associations we found in our quantitative results.FindingsAmong study participants, 9.0% were underweight, 50.9% were iron deficient, 48.3% were anemic, 39.6% were obese, 27.3% had a waist circumference over 35 inches, 33.1% had a high whole-body fat percentage, 32.8% were diabetic, and 32.9% had hypertension. Slightly more women in the sample (55.3%) had a husband who never migrated than had a husband who had ever migrated (44.9%). Of those whose husband had ever migrated, 25.8% had a husband who was a current international migrant. Wives of migrants were less likely to be underweight, and more likely to have indicators of excess adiposity, than wives of non-migrants. Protection against undernutrition was attributable primarily to increased food security among wives of migrants, while increased adiposity was attributable primarily to purchasing a higher proportion of food from the bazaar; however, there was a separate path through income, which qualitative findings suggest may be related to reduced physical activity.ConclusionsLabor migration, and particularly international labor migration, intensifies the nutrition transition in Bangladesh through increasing wealth, changing how foods are purchased, and reducing physical activity, which both decreases risk for undernutrition and increases risk for excess adiposity.
Predictors of Mortality in COVID-19 Patients at Kinshasa Medical Center and A Survival Analysis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: NLANDU Yannick MAYAMBA , Mafuta Danny , Sakaji Junior , Brecknell Melinda , Engole Yannick , Abatha Jessy , Nkumu Jean-Robert , Nkodila Aliocha , Mboliassa Marie-France , Tuyinama Olivier , Bena Dauphin , Mboloko Yves , Kobo Patrick , Boloko Patrick , Tshangu Joseph , Azika Philippe , Kanku Jean-Pierre , Mafuta Pally , Atantama Magloire , Mavungu Jean-Michel , Kitenge Rosita , Sehli Asma , Eckout Karel Van , Mukuku Cathy , Bergeret Léo , Benchetritt David , Kalifa Golan , Rodolphe Ahmed , Bukabau Justine
Published: January 2021

BackgroundDespite it being a global pandemic, there is little research examining the clinical features of severe COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to identify predictors of mortality in COVID-19 patients in an African setting.MethodsIn this retrospective, observational, cohort study carried out at the Kinshasa Medical Centre (KMC) between March 10, 2020 and July 10, 2020, we included all adult inpatients (≥18 years old) with a laboratory diagnosis by PCR of COVID-19. The end point of the study was survival to discharge (time-to-death).The study population was dichotomized into survivors and non-survivors group. Kaplan-Meier plot was used for survival analyses. The Log-Rank test was employed to compare the survival curves. Predictors of mortality were identified by Cox regression models. The significance level of P value was set at 0.05.Results106 patients (mean age 55.6±13.2 years old, 80.2% were male), were included in this study, of whom 34 (32 %) died during their hospitalisation. The main Complications of the patients included ARDS in 59/66 (89.4%) patients, coagulopathy in 35/93 (37.6%) patients, acute cardiac injury in 24/98 (24.5%) patients, AKI in 15/74 (20.3%) patients and secondary infection in 12/81 (14.8%) patients. The independent predictors of mortality were found to be age ≥ 65 years [aHR 2.49; 95% CI: 1.53-5.69], AKI stage 3 [aHR 2.51; 95% CI: 1.33-6.80], proteinuria [aHR 2.60; 95% CI: 1.40-6.42], CRP >150 mg/L [aHR 2.75; 95% CI: 1.29-3.68] and procalcitonin (PCT) > 0.5 ng/ml [aHR 3.20; 95% CI: 1.70-7.49].The median survival time of the entire group was 12 days. The cumulative survival rate of COVID-19 patients was 86.9%, 65.0% and 19.9% respectively at 5, 10 and 20 days. Levels of creatinine (p= 0.012), were clearly elevated in non-survivors compared with survivors throughout the clinical course and increased deterioration.ConclusionThe results from this study demonstrated that an advanced age, proteinuria, AKI and raised CRP and PCT offered a worse prognosis in COVID-19 patients. In addition, serum levels of creatinine significantly rose during admission in the non-survivor group compared with those who survived to discharge.
Clinical Characteristics in Patients With Hospital-acquired Pneumonia Caused by Extensively Drug-resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii, a Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Yujun , Huang Xiaomei , Wang Yuyao , Pan Chuzhi , Mo Zexun , Huang Muchao , Fang Changquan , Guo Penghao , Chen Huiling , Zhao Zhuxiang , Zhao Ziwen , Wei Shuquan
Published: January 2021

Background Extremely drug-resistant （XDR） Acinetobacter baumannii （A. baumannii）has been of a great concern. The relationship between XDR and patient outcomes remains unclear. We investigated the clinical features, risk factors, and outcomes of Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)caused by XDR A. baumannii. Methods A multicenter retrospective case-control study was performed to determine factors associated with XDR A. baumannii pneumonia from 5 teaching hospitals in Guangzhou, China. Results 76 patients were enrolled in the study. XDR A. baumannii pneumonia patients were tend to be smoker (11.9% vs 3.9%, P = 0.130) and older (76.5±11.2 vs 70.3±16.4, P = 0.007) and had more comorbid diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (48.7% vs 21.1%, P = 0.001) and renal failure (21.1% vs 3.9%, P = 0.002) and had higher APACHE II score (65.8% vs 47.4%, P = 0.033). Invasive procedures including insertion of urinary catheter, nasogastric tube, central venous/arterial catheter, bronchoscopy and mechanical ventilation along with using β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor and carbapenem were also risk factors for XDR A. baumannii pneumonia. Multivariate analysis showed the APACHE II score >=20 (OR, 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1–4.1, P = 0.023), COPD (OR, 9.6; 95% CI: 2.0–45.5, P = 0.004), central venous/arterial catheter placement (OR,11.5; 95% CI: 1.1-117.8, P = 0.040), low albumin levels (OR, 1.2; 95% CI: 1.1-1.4, P = 0.001) and using β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor (OR,15.9; 95% CI: 2.7-94.2, P = 0.002) were independent risk factors for XDR A. baumannii pneumonia. Compared with the non-XDR A. baumannii patients, the XDR A. baumannii pneumonia increased length of mechanical ventilation (11.1±12.3 vs 5.1±5.6, P = 0.000), hospital stay (42.2±24.3 vs 34.8±18.0, P = 0.036) and ICU (Intensive Care Unit) stay (27.5±19.0 vs 20.0±20.5, P = 0.020), but it did not increase in-hospital mortality (47.4% vs 32.9%, P = 0.137). Conclusions XDR A. baumannii pneumonia was strongly related to systemic illnesses, invasive procedure, low albumin levels and the APACHE II score and increasing the length of mechanical ventilation and hospital stay. But it did not increase in-hospital mortality.