bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fort McCoy, Wisconsin Building 550 maintenance plan
Authors:   Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (U.S.), Fuelberth August S. , Smith Adam D. , Adams Sunny E.
Published: November 2020

Building 550 (former World War II fire station) is located on Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, and was recommended eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 2018 (Smith and Adams 2018). The building is currently vacant. It is an intact example of an 800 Series World War II fire station with character-defining features of its period of significance from 1939 to 1946 on its exterior and interior. All buildings, especially historic ones, require regular planned maintenance and repair. The most notable cause of historic building element failure and/or decay is not the fact that the historic building is old, but rather it is caused by incorrect or inappropriate repair and/or basic neglect of the historic building fabric. This document is a maintenance manual compiled with as-is conditions of construction materials of Building 550. The Secretary of Interior Guidelines on rehabilitation and repair per material are discussed to provide the cultural resources manager at Fort McCoy a guide to maintain this historic building. This report satisfies Section 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 as amended and will help the Fort McCoy Cultural Resources Management office to manage this historic building.
The Study of the Impact Factors of Behaviors of Nursing Intern Students: PRECEDE-Based Structural Equation Modeling Analysis
Authors: Zhang Li , Luo Yetao , Chen Yanhan
Published: November 2020

Background: Tobacco hazard is known as one of the most critical public health problems. Nurses could and should help patients to quit smoking. However, the lack of tobacco cessation education of nurses at medical school leads to the absence of behaviors helping smokers to quit. The analysis of the factors that influencing the nursing interns to help smokers to quit provide evidence for nursing school to administer tobacco cessation education to facilitate more behaviors of smoking cessation in future nurses.Method: To explore the interaction and the effect coefficient among the influencing factors of the 5As behaviors of nursing interns in helping smokers to quit provide and to provide evidences for the tobacco cessation education, a questionnaire based on the PRECEDE theory was developed with consideration of predisposing factor, enabling factor and reinforcing factor. Random Cluster Sampling was used to conduct a survey in 13 teaching hospitals selected from 29 in Chongqing to assess the 5As behaviors of all nursing interns. A structural equation model was established to test the path and effect coefficient of their 5As behaviors.Results: The survey investigated 1358 nurses, and the model fitted well with the data. The tobacco cessation education, one of the enabling factors, imposed max effect on the 5As of nursing interns directly（β=0.542，p<0.001） and indirectly（β=0.38，p<0.001）through self-efficacy. The reinforcing factors ( smoking cessation environment) imposed direct effect (β=0.305，p<0.001）and indirect effect on the 5As of nursing interns through attitude changes. Predisposing factors including self-efficacy influenced the 5As directly, while attitude（β=0.001，p<0.05）and knowledge（β=0.008，p<0.05）of tobacco cessation implied indirect influence on the 5As through self-efficacy change. Conclusion: Tobacco cessation education was the major factor that influenced the nursing interns’ behaviors of helping patients to quit smoking. Enhanced responsibility of smoking cessation education and skills training of clinical teachers can prompt them to actively help patients to quit smoking, actively instruct students the knowledge and skills of smoking quit to increase students' behavior of helping smokers to quit.
Aerobic exercise during exposure to 40Hz light flicker protects against early cognitive impairments in Alzheimer’s disease of 3xTg mice
Authors: Park Sang-Seo , Park Hye-Sang , Kim Chang-Ju , Baek Seung-Soo , Kim Tae-Woon
Published: November 2020

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive degenerative brain disease and the primary cause of dementia. At an early stage, AD is generally characterized by memory impairment involving recent experiences owing to dysfunctions of the cortex and hippocampus. The lesion gradually spreads to the association cortex. Early amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition and tau protein expression result in a loss of synaptic function, mitochondrial damage, and increased cell death via microglia and astrocyte activation, which ultimately lead to cognitive decline. Exercise has been identified as a powerful tool for preventing AD-related neuroinflammation and cognitive decline, and light flickering at 40 Hz light flicker is known to stabilize gamma oscillations and reduce Aβ. Therefore, we investigated whether exercise under 40-Hz light flickering protects against cognitive decline based on analyses of neuroinflammation, mitochondrial function, and neuroplasticity in the hippocampus in a 3xTg AD mouse model.Methods: Using a 3xTg-AD model, 5-month-old mice were subjected to 12 weeks of exercise treatment and 40-Hz light flickering independently and in combination. Various factors, including spatial learning and memory, long-term memory, hippocampal Aβ, tau, neuroinflammation, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, mitochondrial function, and neuroplasticity, were analyzed.Results: Aβ and tau proteins levels were significantly reduced in the early stage of AD, resulting in protection against cognitive decline by reduced neuroinflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines, improved mitochondrial function, reduced apoptosis, and increased synapse-related protein expression. In particular, exercise under 40-Hz light flickering was more effective than exercise or 40-Hz light flickering alone, resulting in improvements in parameter values to levels in the non-transgenic aged-match control group.Conclusions: In this study, exercise under a special environment, such as 40-Hz light flickering, may exert a protective effect against cognitive decline. We detected synergistic effects of exercise and 40-Hz light flickering on pathological changes in the hippocampus in the early cognitive impairment of AD.
Cystathionine-β-synthase affects organization of cytoskeleton and modulates carcinogenesis in colorectal carcinoma cells
Authors: Liskova Veronika , Chovancova Barbora , Babula Petr , Rezuchova Ingeborg , Pavlov Kristina Ploth , Matuskova Miroslava , Krizanova Olga
Published: November 2020

Background: Cystathionine-b-synthase (CBS), one of three enzymes that endogenously produce hydrogen sulfide, is extensively studied for its relevance also in various tumor’s cell. In our previous work we observed that immunofluorescence pattern of CBS is very similar to that from tubulin and actin. Therefore, we focused on potential interaction of CBS with cytoskeletal proteins b-actin and b-tubulin and functional relevance of the potential interaction of these proteins in colorectal carcinoma cell lines.Methods: To study potential interaction of CBS with cytoskeletal proteins and its functional consequences, CBS-knockout DLD1 (DLDx) cell line was established by using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing method. Interaction of selected cytoskeletal protein with CBS was studied by immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence and proximity ligation assay. Functional consequences were studied by proliferation and migration assays and by generation of xenografts in SCID/bg mice.Results: We have found that CBS, an enzyme that endogenously produces H2S, binds to cytoskeletal b-tubulin and to lesser extent also to b-actin in colorectal carcinoma derived cells. When CBS was knockouted by CRISPR/Cas9 technique (DLDx), we observed de-arranged cytoskeleton compared to unmodified DLD1 cell line. Treatment of these cells with a slow sulfide donor GYY4137 resulted in normal organization of cytoskeleton, thus pointing to the role of CBS in microtubule dynamics. To evaluate the physiological importance of this observation, both DLD1 and DLDx cells were injected into SCID/bg mice and size/mass of developed xenografts was evaluated. Significantly larger tumors developed from DLDx compared to DLD1 cells, which correlated with increased proliferation of these cells. Conclusions: Taken together, in colorectal cancer DLD1 cells, CBS binds to cytoskeleton, modulates microtubule dynamics and thus affects the proliferation and migration in colorectal carcinoma stable cell line.
Developing the APS-SE: Translation and Cultural Adaptation of the Abbey Pain Scale (APS) to A Swedish Care Context.
Authors: Tegenborg Sussi , Fransson Per , Martinsson Lisa
Published: November 2020

Background: The Abbey Pain Scale (APS) is an Australian observational scale for assessing pain in nursing home residents with end-stage dementia. The APS is widely used both in nursing homes and by other caregivers in Sweden for people with various diseases. No validated peer-reviewed translation to Swedish is available. The aim of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the APS for persons with end-stage dementia in Sweden.Methods: After an initial discussion of concepts, the APS was translated into Swedish and back into English to check for accuracy. The resulting Swedish version was then revised and culturally adapted through a series of interviews with nursing assistants, nurses, and physicians (n = 11) to develop the final Swedish version – the APS-SE.Results: The interviews emphasized the need to adapt the scale not only to the Swedish culture, but also to the educational and linguistic differences among the various staff members using it in different care contexts.Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of introducing new staff members carefully to the instrument, the APS-SE, to ensure understanding of all words and items.
The Case Series of 34 Patients with COVID-19 Diagnosed with HIV Infection from Central and Eastern European Countries – Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe Network Group Data
Authors: Skrzat-Klapaczyńska Agata , Kase Kerstin , Vassilenko Anna , Harxhi Arjan , Lakatos Botond , Lukić Gordana Dragović , Jilich David , Verhaz Antonija , Yancheva Nina , Dumitrescu Florentina , Matulionyte Raimonda , Horban Andrzej , Kowalska Justyna D.
Published: November 2020

Background: A novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was detected at the end of 2019 in China. There are many COVID-19 studies in progress however, little is known about the course of COVID-19 in people living with HIV (PLWH). The aim of our study was to describe epidemiology and clinical characteristics of PLWH diagnosed with COVID-19 reported form Central and Eastern European Countries.Methods: On-line survey was sent to Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe (ECEE) Network Group. Analysis included all confirmed COVID-19 cases between March 11 and June 26 2020 among PLWH in 12 countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland , Romania, Russia, and Serbia.Results: In total 34 cases were reported. The mean age of those patients was 42.7 years (IQR=35.8-48.5) and most of the patients were male (70.6% vs 29.4%). The mean CD4+ T-cell count prior COVID-19 diagnosis was 558 cells/mm3 (IQR=312-719) and HIV RNA viral load (VL) was undetectable in 18 of 34 (53%) cases, the data about most recent HIV RNA VL was not available in three cases (8,8%). Comorbidities were observed in 19 (55.9%) patients, mostly cardiovascular disease (27,8%), and in 10 (29.4%) patients had coinfection, mostly chronic hepatitis C (87.5%). The clinical course of COVID-19 was asymptomatic in 4 (12%) cases, mild disease without hospitalization was reported in 11 (32%) cases. Stable patients with respiratory and/or systemic symptoms have been documented in 14 (41%) cases; 5 (15%) patients were clinically unstable with respiratory failure. Full recovery was reported in 31 (91%) cases, two patients died. In one case the data was not available.Conclusion: This study from 12 countries in Central and Eastern Europe region indicates no alarming signals of increased morbidity or mortality from COVID-19 among HIV-positive persons there is a need for further research.
Estimating the Impact of Donor Programs on Child Mortality in Low- and Middle-income Countries: A Synthetic Control Analysis of Child Health Programs Funded by the United States Agency for International Development
Authors: Weiss William , Piya Bhumika , Althea Andrus , Cohen Robert
Published: November 2020

BackgroundSignificant levels of funding have been provided to low- and middle-income countries for development assistance for health, with most funds coming through direct bilateral investment led by the United States and the United Kingdom. Direct attribution of impact to large scale programs funded by donors remains elusive due the difficulty of knowing what would have happened without those programs, and the lack of detailed contextual information to support causal interpretation of changes. MethodsThis study uses the synthetic control analysis method to estimate the impact of one donor’s funding (United States Agency for International Development, USAID) on under-five mortality across several low- and middle-income countries that received above average levels of USAID funding for maternal and child health programs between 2000 and 2016. ResultsIn the study period (2000-16), countries with above average USAID funding had an under-fiver mortality rate lower than the synthetic control by an average of 29 deaths per 1,000 live births (year to year range of 2 – 38). This finding was stable across several sensitivity analyses. ConclusionsThe synthetic control method is a valuable addition to the range of approaches for quantifying the impact of large-scale health programs in low- and middle-income countries. The findings suggest that adequately funded donor programs (in this case USAID) help countries to reduce child mortality to significantly lower rates than would have occurred without those investments.
The associations of physical activity and the risk of CVD among Chinese population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Chong , Lu Shurong , Ding Ganling , Wang Jiaqi , Qin Yu , Wang Zengwu , Wang Xin , Zhang Zhiyong , Xiang Quanyong
Published: November 2020

Background: Previous studies in Western suggest the association between physical activity (PA) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, limited evidence is available among Chinese adults. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between PA and the risk of CVD among Chinese adults.Methods: A total of 3568 adults were recruited from seven counties and districts in Jiangsu Province of China using a stratified multistage cluster sampling method. Information of PA, anthropometric measurements and laboratory indices were collected according to standard protocols. Three latent classes of PA were identified using the latent class analysis (LCA) method, and the risk of CVD in the next 10-year was calculated by the Framingham risk score (FRS).Results: Three latent classes of PA were identified: CLASS1 represented participants with high occupational and low sedentary PA (32.1% of male, 26.5% of female), ClASS2 consistently engaged in low occupational and high leisure-time PA (27.0% of male, 14.2% of female). CLASS3 had low leisure-time and high sedentary PA (40.9% of male, 59.3% of female). The FRS in male were higher than that in female across three Latent Classes. CLASS1 (OR=0.694, 95%CI: 0.553-0.869) and CLASS2 (OR=0.748, 95%CI: 0.573 -0.976) were both the protective factors for CVD in males, however, such association was not observed among females.Conclusion: Higher occupational or leisure-time PA were associated with decreased risk of CVD, whilst more sedentary behaviour may increase the risk of CVD among Chinese adults.
An Analysis of the Quality of Maternity Services in Nampula, Mozambique.
Authors: Pires Paulo Das Das Neves , Mupueleque Martins , Mucufo Jaibo , Siemens Ronald , Belo Celso
Published: November 2020

BackgroundMaternity service quality is essential to reduce maternal and new-born morbidity and mortality (extremely high in Africa, including Mozambique). In Mozambique, maternal mortality rate is 451.6 maternal deaths per 100000 live births (2017). The reasons for this are complex, but one important factor to reduce this burden is ensuring the quality of maternity services, with the availability of efficient care, to improve institutional deliveries. To contribute to reduce maternal and new-born mortality rates in Natikiri, Nampula, the Lúrio University and the University of Saskatchewan, carried out an implementation research, including training activities for health professionals in maternal and child health care. We planned a mid-project evaluation, to assess the impact of the trainings, on the quality of services at Marrere Hospital Maternity.MethodsQuantitative pre-post study, applying two cross-sectional surveys about maternity service quality, one of the surveys being conducted after five health professionals’ trainings and the other after six more trainings. The two surveys included samples of post-partum women in the maternity, calculated with a 10% margin error and 90% confidence interval for the first survey, and with a 7% margin error and 95% confidence interval for the second. The surveys were entered into REDCap and analysed to assess frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. This research was approved by the Institutional Committees of Bioethics at Lúrio University and at the University of Saskatchewan.Results116 post-partum women were surveyed at the maternity, assessing standards of patient centred care during delivery labour. Most areas showed no improvement. Some positive improvements were: delivering women were given the option to have a person of their choice to accompany them during labour (75%), notably a traditional birth attendant (34%), and they had continuous support from an health professional (68%). But many shortcomings persisted in areas of privacy (33%), and confidentiality (57%). ConclusionThe quality of patient centred care at Marrere General Hospital Maternity, did not improve with health professionals training. Decreasing the large turnover rate, and reviewing health professionals learning styles, promoting continuous professional capacity building, would be the next steps to improve quality of patient centred care.Trial registrationThis study was not registered in any data base.
How would Widespread Community Transmission of Covid-19 in Sri Lanka look like? A Population-based Prediction
Authors: N.W.A.N.Y.Wijesekara  , Herath H.D.B. , Kodithuwakku K.A.L.C. , H.M.M.N.K.Herath  , Bulathsinhala B.A.M.P. , Magedaragamage C.C.
Published: November 2020

Covid-19 is a viral disease which has briskly invaded the globe, Sri Lanka being no exception. If community transmission of Covid-19 occurs, it will have serious demands on Sri Lanka’s free health care system. Objective of this study was to simulate the widespread community transmission of Covid-19 in Sri Lanka. We used the Susceptibility, Infected and Removed (SIR) model through the Penn State University CHIME Model incorporated to ArcGIS Pro. We simulated introduction of one case of Covid-19 to each of the 26 health districts and ran the model for 365 days. During simulated scenario, the number patients requiring admissions, ICU care and mechanical ventilation will peak at 1942, 583 and 388 per day respectively around 213 days from the onset of widespread community transmission. The cumulative number of cases needing admission, ICU care and ventilation will be 245,916, 73,775 and 49,183 after 365 days. Colombo and Gampaha districts will report the highest number of daily total numbers of hospitalized cases, each which will be over 1680. Health authorities must be ready for the worst-case scenarios of the Covid-19 outbreak to sustain public health response to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Apatinib Suppresses Gastric Cancer Stem Cells Properties by Inhibiting Sonic Hedgehog Pathway
Authors: Cao Wanshuang , Li Yuan , Sun Hongliang , Zhu Jianyun , Xie Chunfeng , Li Xiaoting , Wu Jieshu , Geng Shanshan , Wang Lu , Sun Liangfei , Geng Guozhu , Han Hongyu , Zhong Caiyun
Published: November 2020

Background Gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) are considered as the basis of gastric carcinoma onset. Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway plays a crucial role in maintaining GCSCs characteristics. Apatinib, a highly selective vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) inhibitor, has been approved in China for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer after the failure of second-line therapy. To data, the effects of apatinib on GCSCs and the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated yet.Methods Tumorsphere formation assay was used to enrich GCSCs from BGC-823 and SGC-7901 cells and the number of CD133-positive cells was examined by flow cytometry. Western blotting, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry assays were used to determine protein expression. Cell proliferation and apoptosis of GCSCs after apatinib treatment were evaluated by CCK8, colony formation, flow cytometry and Hoechst 33258 assays. Transient transfection assay was used to upregulate Gli1 expression in GCSCs. Nude mouse xenograft was used to investigate the suppressive effects of apatinib in vivo. Results We revealed that the levels of GCSCs markers and the number of CD133-positive cells were significantly elevated in the sphere-forming cells. We further illustrated that apatinib efficiently abolished GCSCs traits, as manifested by inhibition of tumorsphere formation, decreased expression of GCSCs markers, reduced number of CD133-positive cells, drug resistance protein suppression as well as proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction. Furthermore, we found that apatinib downregulated the activation of SHH pathway, while upregulation of SHH pathway attenuated the inhibitory effects of apatinib on GCSCs. Furthermore, apatinib treatment significantly delayed tumor growth and inhibited GCSCs characteristics in xenograft model. Conclusions Taken together, our data suggested that apatinib exhibited its inhibitory effects on GCSCs via suppression of SHH pathway. These findings could provide new insights into the therapeutic application of apatinib in GCSCs suppression and advanced gastric cancer treatment.
Fusobacterium Nucleatum Predicts a Risk for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shi Chao , Li Zhen , Zheng Jiawen , Kong Weimin , Fan Taibing , Jian Dongdong , Cheng Xiaolei , Zhao Huan , Ma Jie , Tang Hao , Guo Yongjun
Published: November 2020

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the major type of esophageal cancer in China. The role of the bacteria present in Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissue in neoplastic progression has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to uncover different bacterial communities in ESCC tissues and examine the correlation between the abundance of the esophageal flora and clinical characteristics of ESCC.Method: Samples from total of 111 ESCC patients were collected, and 21 pairs of ESCC samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. qPCR was used to verify the abundances of specific bacteria. Gene Ontology and protein domain analyses were used to analyze the whole-exome sequencing data of ESCC specimens to analyze the relationship between the abundance of the esophageal flora and signaling pathways.Results: Microorganisms in tumors and normal tissues showed obvious clustering characteristics. The abundance of Fusobacterium (P=0.0052) was increased in tumor tissues. The high level of Fusobacterium nucleatum was significantly associated with pT stage (P=0.039) and clinical stage (P=0.0039). The WES data showed that COL22A1, TRBV10-1, CSMD3, SCN7A and PSG11 were present in only the F. nucleatum-positive ESCC samples. GO and protein domain enrichment results suggested that epidermal growth factor might be involved in the regulation of cell apoptosis in F. nucleatum-positive ESCC. Both a higher mutational burden and F. nucleatum-positive was observed in tumors with metastasis than in tumors without metastasis.Conclusion: F. nucleatum is closely related to the pT stage and clinical stage of ESCC. The abundance of F. nucleatum and tumor mutation burden may be used in combination as a marker to predict metastasis in ESCC.
Preventive Antibiotic Treatment Increases Susceptibility of Neonatal chicks to Salmonella Infection via Disrupting Gut Microbiota and Linoleic Acid Metabolis
Authors: Mei Xueran , Ma Boheng , Zhai Xiwen , Zhang Anyun , Lei Changwei , Zuo Lei , Yang Xin , Tang Yizhi , Gao Yufeng , Zhou Changyu , Wang Hongning
Published: November 2020

Background: Antibiotics are widely employed in animal husbandry to prevent and treat diseases. Increasing evidence suggests they may alter the animals’ natural microbiota and increase their susceptibility to pathogen. However, the mechanisms linking the gut microbiota and pathogen colonization in poultry have not yet been full elucidated. Herein, we used metagenomic and metabonomic approaches to investigate the effects of florfenicol (FFC) pre-treatment on Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) colonization in the intestines of neonatal chicks in terms of host response, microbiota composition and metabolism. Results: We determined that FFC pre-treatment significantly alters the cecal microbiota and metabolome, and also increases the intestinal permeability and promotes a pro-inflammatory gene expression profile in the host. Host physiological changes were concordant with significantly increased susceptibility to S. Enteritidis infection in chicks with FFC pre-treatment relative to without pre-treatment chicks. Prior to Salmonella infection, FFC pre-treatment significantly reduced the abundance of Lactobacillus, and significantly affected linoleic acid metabolism, including significantly reducing the levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and significantly elevating the abundance of 12,13-EpOME and 12,13-diHOME in cecum. After infection with S. Enteritidis, the abundance of Proteobacteria were significantly increased and host inflammatory responses and intestinal permeability were significantly aggravated relative to without FFC pre-treatment chicks, suggestive of a profound exacerbating of the host response influenced by infection in the context of FFC pre-treatment. The linoleic acid metabolism was still significantly different pathway after Salmonella infection, and we screened CLA and 12,13-diHOME as the target metabolites using a multi-omics technique. Supplementation with CLA maintained intestinal integrity, reduced intestinal inflammation, and accelerated Salmonella clearance from the gut and remission of enteropathy. Whereas, treatment with 12,13-diHOME promoted intestinal inflammation and disrupted the intestinal barrier function to sustain Salmonella infection. Therefore, florfenicol reduces production of CLA by inhibiting Lactobacillus growth, increases 12,13-diHOME level of intestine, thereby reducing colonization resistance of neonatal chicks to Salmonella infection.Conclusion: This study reveals the potential health impact of antibiotics on gut microbiota and linoleic acid metabolism and contributing factors influencing Salmonella colonization in neonatal chicks, and provides mechanistic understanding into the role of the antibiotics promote the colonization of pathogens.
The Effect of Schistosomiasis and Soil-transmitted Helminths on Expressive Language Skills Among Isizulu Speaking Preschool Children
Authors: Mazibuko Xolisile Innocentia , Chimbari Moses
Published: November 2020

Background: Schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminths (STH) have been associated with compromised child development. We determined the effect of schistosomiasis and STH on expressive language skills among isiZulu speaking preschool children focusing on the variables: age, gender, school and stunting. Methods: We compared, qualitatively and quantitatively the performance of a cohort of infected and non-infected children using a 2 phased approach. In phase 1 infected children were treated with praziquantel and matched with non-infected children and both groups were tested for expressive language performance. In phase 2 both groups of children were re-tested for expressive language skills using a similar but modified test. The participants were 106 preschool children between the age of 4 and 6 years,11months. The Developmental Language Test was adapted as a linguistically and culturally appropriate tool for assessing isiZulu expressive language skills. Results: The overall performance of the children in phases 1 and 2 were statistically similar. There was significant Pearson’s correlation of expressive language skills to age (0.002, P<0.01), schistosomiasis i.e. vocabulary 1 (0.024, P<0.05) and narrative skills (0.001, P<0.01) and soil-transmitted helminths i.e. vocabulary 1 (0.006, P<0.05), colours (0.029, P<0.05) and narrative skills (0.001, P<0.01) in phase 2 with small to high Cohen’s d effect size for various language subtests. Conclusion: We concluded that even mild schistosomiasis and STH may compromise the performance of preschool children on expressive language. However poor ability in following instructions may have contributed to general poor performance across the two groups tested. Diet, school effect and stunting did not influence the performance of the children on expressive language.
Screening of Autoantibodies in Serum of Renal Cancer Patients Based on Human Proteome Microarray
Authors: Li Wujiao , Li Zhichao , Liu Chengxi , Yu Lei , Sun Yangyang
Published: November 2020

Background: The autoantibody in the patient's serum can be used as a marker for the diagnosis of cancer, and the differences of autoantibodies are closely related to the changes of their target proteins. The human proteome microarray platform can be used for the screening of autoantibodies.Methods: In this study, 16 renal cancer (RC) patients were taken as a disease group, and the same number of healthy people was selected as a healthy control (HC) group. The protein microarray containing 16,152 proteins was used to detect the possible differences of autoantibodies IgG and IgM in the sera between the RC group and HC group. The screening criteria for autoantibodies and their target proteins are: fold change > 1.2, p-value < 0.05, positive ratio of RC > 30% and positive ratio of HC < 10%. Then the screened target proteins were used for cluster analysis of functions and pathways by PANTHER, DAVID and STRING. Results: Through the comparative analysis of the microarray results, there were 139 types of IgG and 43 types of IgM autoantibody significantly higher in RC than in the HC, and the highly responsive autoantibodies can be candidate biomarkers, such as anti-BCAS4-IgG and anti-RCN1-IgM. There were 159 IgG and 261 IgM autoantibodies that were significantly changed between the RC and the HC. The target proteins BCAS4 and RCN1 may be RC-related antigen and proteins such as GAP43 and CCT8 may be RC-related or RC-specific antigen. The functional clustering results showed those target proteins were mainly directed against the MAPK signaling pathway, Antigen processing: ubiquitination & proteasome degradation, Cargo recognition for clathrin-mediated endocytosis, etc. Conclustions: The high-content human proteome microarray platform can effectively screen autoantibodies in serum as candidate markers for renal cancer, and their corresponding target proteins can lay the foundation for the study of renal cancer.
MiRNA-92a Promote Angiogenesis in Colorectal Cancer by Inhibiting the Expression of PTEN
Authors: Wang Xiu , He Yongshen , Huang Yu , Gong Hui , Wang Lei , Cheng Chunsheng , Du Jihui
Published: November 2020

Background: The microRNA (miRNA) miRNA-92a has been implicated in colorectal cancer (CRC) pathology. Methods: Here, we examined miRNA-92a involvement in CRC-associated angiogenesis, including examining a mechanism by which miRNA-92a may exert such effects. MiRNA-92a expression in 25 clinical CRC samples and in HT29, SW620, SW480 and HCT116 CRC cells was detected with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Blood microvessels were labeled by immunohistochemistry (IHC) with an anti-CD31 antibody. MiR-92a mimic or inhibitor were transfected into HCT116 and SW620 cells to up- and down-regulate miRNA-92a expression, respectively. The effects of altering miRNA-92a expression levels on HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cell) tubule formation and PTEN protein expression were measured. Results: MiRNA-92a was more highly expressed in CRC tissues and cell lines than in matched adjacent tissues (p <0.01) and normal epithelial cells (p <0.05), respectively. Microvessel density (MVD) was elevated in CRC tissues relative to adjacent tissues (p <0.01), and miRNA-92a levels correlated with MVDs in CRC tissues (Pearson coefficient r = 0.580, p = 0.01). The cells culture supernatant of CRC cell with miRNA-92a overexpression (or suppression) can promoted (or reduced) the formation of HUVEC tubules (P <0.05). Elevated miRNA-92a expression was associated with reduced PTEN expression in CRC cells (p <0.01). Conclusion: Modulation of miR-92a, which is highly expressed in CRC cells and tissues, is associated directly with differences in CRC angiogenesis. MiR-92a could promote tumor angiogenesis in CRC by inhibiting the expression of PTEN.
UvWHI2 is Required for Stress Response and Pathogenicity in Ustilaginonidea Virens
Authors: Meng Shuai , Qiu Jiehua , Xiong Meng , Liu Zhiquan , Jagernath Jane Sadhna , Shi Huanbi , Kou Yanjun
Published: November 2020

Background: Ustilaginoidea virens causes rice false smut disease, which emerges as a worldwide disease of rice. At present, some stress response related genes have been identified in U. virens , but it is not clear whether and how defects of stress responses affect the pathogenesis processes of U. virens . To answer this question, the function of a general stress response factor Whi2 was analyzed in U. virens . Results: In this study, we identified UvWhi2 as a homolog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Whi2 in U. virens. The relative expression level of UvWhi2 was significantly up-regulated during infection, suggesting that UvWhi2 may be involved in pathogenesis. Furthermore, knockout of UvWhi2 showed decreased the mycelial growth, increased in conidiation in the PS (potato sucrose) medium and a defect in pathogenicity. In addition, the RNA-Seq and phenotypic analysis showed that UvWHI2 is involved in response to oxidative, hyperosmotic, cell wall stresses, and nutrient limitation. Further studies revealed that the defects of stress responses of the ∆ Uvwhi2 mutant affected the formation of secondary spores on the nutrient limited surface and the rice surface, resulting in a significant reduction of pathogenicity of U. virens . Conclusions: Our results suggest that UvWhi2 is necessary for fungal growth, stress responses, and the formation of secondary spores in U. virens . In addition, the defects of stress responses could affect the formation of secondary spores on the rice surface, and then compromise the pathogenicity of U. virens .
WITHDRAWN: How is Rice Organ Painted: the Genetic Basis of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Rice
Authors: Xia Duo , Zhou Hao , Li Pingbo , Wu Bian , Zhang Qinglu , He Yuqing
Published: November 2020

Anthocyanins are major subclasses of flavonoids, which have diverse biological functions and benefit human health. In Oryza sativa, organs exhibit various color due to the accumulation of anthocyanins. On the other hand, anthocyanins biosynthesis is a domestication related trait. Revealing the genetic basis of anthocyanins biosynthesis in rice is not only important for the engineering of anthocyanins, but also helpful for understanding the evolutionary story of Oryza sativa. Here we summarize the recent progresses in rice anthocyanins biosynthesis, including the anthocyanins biosynthetic pathway, the genes that participate in anthocyanins biosynthesis, the cloning of anthocyanins related genes and the domestication process of rice anthocyanins. Possible applications of rice anthocyanin biosynthesis genes in rice breeding and the remaining unknown mechanism of anthocyanins accumulation in stigma, apiculus and awn are also discussed.
Glycated Hemoglobin and Risk of Arterial Stiffness in Chinese Han Population: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Han Ze , Kang Xiaoping , Zhang Jie , Wang Jinqi , Liu Yue , Liu Jia , Wu Zhiyuan , Li Xia , Guo Xiuhua , Tao Lixin
Published: November 2020

Background: Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is related to the risk and the progression of arterial stiffness, and such association can be found between fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PBG), triglyceride-glucose index (TyG Index) and arterial stiffness. But the relationship in different studies is inconsistent, such longitudinal studies were sparse, and the comparison in effects of these four parameters on arterial stiffness was less conducted. We aimed to explore the longitudinal relationship between HbA1c and arterial stiffness adjusting for confounding factors in Chinese Han population and compare the risk effect of HbA1c, FBG, PBG, and TyG index on arterial stiffness.Methods: Data were collected from 2011-2012 and 2018-2019 survey in the Beijing Health Management Cohort（BHMC）study and 3048 participants were enrolled. Cox proportional hazard models were fitted to investigate the association between HbA1c, FBG, PBG, TyG index and arterial stiffness after adjusting for multiple general confounding factors. Results: Among the 3048 subjects, 591 were diagnosed as arterial stiffness during the follow-up. The adjusted HRs (95% confidence interval (CI)) for arterial stiffness compared with the lowest quartile HbA1c group were 1.22 (95% CI: 0.93-1.62), 1.52 (95% CI: 1.17-1.98) and 2.05 (95% CI: 1.59-2.63) of the three higher quartile groups respectively, which were higher than those of FBG, PBG and TyG index. Each 1% increasing of HbA1c indicated a 39% (HR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.25-1.53) higher risk of arterial stiffness. Sensitivity analysis showed the consistent results treating the parameters as continuous variable. No significant association was found between TyG index and the risk of arterial stiffness, neither in continuous nor in polytomous form. The restricted cubic spline showed nonlinear association between HbA1c, PBG and arterial stiffness, but such association was not found for FBG and TyG index.Conclusion: HbA1c can be treated as an important risk factor of arterial stiffness. Individuals with higher level of HbA1c had higher risk of arterial stiffness compared with PBG, FBG and TyG index.
The Association Between Continuous Glucose Monitoring-derived Metrics, Including Time in Range, and Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy in Outpatients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kim Min Young , Kim Gyuri , Park Ji Yun , Choi Min Sun , Jun Ji Eun , Lee You-Bin , Jin Sang-Man , Hur Kyu Yeon , Kim Jae Hyeon
Published: November 2020

BackgroundContinuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-derived metrics including time in range (TIR) are attracting attention as new indicators of glycemic control and diabetes complications beyond hemoglobin A1c. This study investigated the association between CGM-derived TIR, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia metrics, and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsA total of 284 patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent CGM for three days and autonomic function tests within three months based on outpatient data were recruited. The definition of CGM-derived metrics was subject to the most recent international consensus. CAN was defined as an abnormal case in two or more parasympathetic and the severity of CAN was estimated as the sum of the scores of the five cardiovascular autonomic function tests.ResultsMultiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds ratio of definite CAN was 0.876 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79–0.98] per 10% increase in the TIR of 70 to 180 mg/dL, after adjusting for age, sex, diabetes duration, any medications, and glycemic variability. A 10% increase in TIR was significantly inversely associated with the presence of advanced CAN (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81–0.98). In addition, there was a strong inverse association between a 10% increase in the TIR and the total CAN score (p for trend = 0.001). Among the metrics of hyperglycemia, a time above range (TAR) of greater than 180 mg/dL was also independently correlated with the presence of definite CAN (OR: 1.013, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02) and advanced CAN (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02).ConclusionsA TIR value of 70 to 180 mg/dL and a TAR value of greater than 180 mg/dL were significantly associated with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in outpatients with type 2 diabetes.
Accuracy of Different Metabolic Syndrome Definitions for Detecting Increased Carotid Intima-media Thickness in Peruvian Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Subjects without Cardiovascular Disease.
Authors: Teruya-Gibu Alberto , Yovera-Aldana Marlon , Urquiza-Salvador Diana , Marcilla-Trullenque Laurie
Published: November 2020

Backrgound: To estimate the accuracy of metabolic syndrome definitions for detecting Carotid Intima-Media thickness (CIMT) in Peruvian type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subjects without cardiovascular events.Methods: We performed a cross-sectional evaluation of T2DM subjects from the endocrinology service of two reference health centers without stroke or coronary disease. . Bilateral carotid intima-media thickness was measure by B mode ultrasound one only operator. We performed four definitions of Metabolic Syndrome; 1. Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III), 2. Harmonized criteria; 3. Gurka's Metabolic syndrome severity score (MSSS) formula. 4. Non-glucose modified MSSS. We calculated the area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC) for detecting increased CIMT (≥ 0.86 mm) between metabolic syndrome definitions. Results: We included 184 subjects with T2DM, 29% were men with a mean age of 61.5 ± 10.5 years old. Median diabetes time was 10.8 years (IQR 4.8 to 19.4), and 26.8% achieved HbA1c goals. Non-glucose modified MSSS was the only definition significantly correlated with elevated CIMT (r = 0.19; p<0.01), and it showed the best accuracy for predicting elevated CIMT (AUC: 0.61, CI95%: 0.52-0.70). Adjusting for age, sex, and HbA1c, each point increase in the non-glucose MSSS Z score, the risk of altered CIMT increases by 59% RP 1.59 (CI 95% 1.09 - 2.35; p=0.017). Conclusions: Non-glucose modified MSSS had a weak accuracy for elevated CIMT and was the best compared to ATP III, harmonized, and original MSSS. Further research on no MS-factors is required to predict better elevated CIMT.
Predictive Value of Women’s Weight Trajectories in Determining Familial Cardiovascular Disorders: A Family Based Longitudinal Study
Authors: Naseri Parisa , Amiri Parisa , Zareie-Shabkhaneh Amirali , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: November 2020

Background: Considering dynamic nature of body mass index (BMI) in women, is crucial to determine cardiovascular risks in both individual and familial levels. This study aimed to investigate the life-course trajectory pattern of women's BMI and its association with cardiovascular risk factors in them and their family members. Methods: Based on the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS), a total of 1356 mothers with 2976 children (51.8 % girls) aged ≤ 18 years at baseline were recruited in the current analysis and followed up for an average period of 15 years. Cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension (HTN), dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus (DM), and obesity were considered as outcome variables. Latent growth curve modelling (LGCM) was applied to determine women's BMI trajectories; then, logistic regression was used to investigate the associations between trajectory patterns of women and cardiovascular risk factors among whole family members.Results: Women were classified into three trajectory groups labeled as normal, overweight, and obese. Compared to women's in the normal trajectory group, those in the overweight and obesity trajectory groups had higher odds ratios for HTN, DM, and dyslipidemia (p < 0.05). In the final model, men with obese spouses showed a higher rate of HTN 1.54 (95% CI: 1.05-2.25) and DM 1.55; (95% CI: 1.00–2.44). The odds of men's obesity were higher in their obese spouses compared to normal weight ones, and the odds ratios were (OR=1.70; 95%CI: 1.10-2.62). Offspring of obese and overweight mothers were more likely to be obese than those whose mothers were normal weight. The odds ratios were (OR=2.39; 95%CI: 1.67-3.44) and (OR=4.81; 95%CI: 3.16-7.34) respectively. The corresponding value for dyslipidemia in offspring with obese mothers were 1.39 (95% CI: 1.00-1.94). Conclusions: Our results showed that women's weight status over time, play a critical role in determining cardiovascular risk, not only in them but also in their family members. The current results emphasized paying more attention to women with excessive weight to promote familial cardiovascular health in the communities.
Optimal Extent of Lymphadenectomy for Radical Surgery of Pancreatic Head Adenocarcinoma: A Single-center, Prospective, Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Wang Ziyao , Wang Xin , Wang Xing , Chen Yonghua , Liu Jinheng , He Du , Tian Bole , Li Ang , Hu Weiming , Li Kezhou , Ke Nengwen , Liu Xubao
Published: November 2020

BackgroundRadical pancreaticoduodenectomy is the only possible cure for pancreatic head adenocarcinoma, and although several RCT studies have suggested the extent of lymph node dissection, this issue remains controversial. This article wanted to evaluate the survival benefit of different lymph node dissection extent for radical surgical treatment of pancreatic head adenocarcinoma.MethodsA total of 240 patients were enrolled in the study, 212 of whom were randomly divided into standard lymphadenectomy group (SG) or extended lymphadenectomy group (EG), there were 97 patients in SG and 95 patients in EG receiving the radical pancreaticoduodenectomy.ResultThe demography, histopathology and clinical characteristics were similar between the two groups. The 2-year overall survival rate in the SG was higher than the EG (39.5% vs 25.3%; p=0.034). The 2-year overall survival rate in the SG who received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was higher than the EG (60.7% vs 37.1%; p=0.021). There was no significant difference in the overall incidence of complications between the two groups (p=0.502). The number of peripheral blood lymphocytes of the EG was significantly lower than that in the SG at 1 week (mean [SD], 0.957[0.429] vs 1.278[0.521], p=0.001) and 1 month (mean [SD], 1.538[0.618] vs 1.917[0.796], p=.009) after operation.ConclusionIn multimodality therapy system, the efficacy of chemotherapy should be based on the appropriate lymphadenectomy extent, and the standard extent of lymphadenectomy is optimal for resectable pancreatic head adenocarcinoma. The postoperative slowing of peripheral blood lymphocyte recovery might be one of the reasons why extended lymphadenectomy did not result in survival benefits.Clinical trial registrationThis trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02928081) in October 7, 2016. https://clinicaltrials.gov/