bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IgG4 and IgG-positive plasma cell infiltration and high correlation with disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease undergoing colectomy
Authors: Yang Hong , Chen Bo , Wang Zheng , Sun Xiyu , Wu Bin , Jin Meng , Zhang Huimin , Lv Hong , Li Ji , Li Yue , Tan Bei , Qian Jia Ming
Published: May 2020

Background

The aims of this study were to identify the distribution and the role of IgG-positive and IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration in colonic mucosa in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Methods

Patients with IBD who were free from immunosuppressive agents were consecutively enrolled from 2010 to 2014. Sections from surgical specimens were stained with monoclonal antihuman IgG4 and IgG antibody using standard immunohistochemical techniques.
Results

In total, 49 patients (30 CD and 19 UC) were included in this study. There was abundant infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in 4 patients with UC (IgG4-present, 21.1%) and 6 patients with CD (IgG4-present, 20.0%). A significantly higher number of IgG-positive cells and IgG4-positive cells were found in patients with CD and UC than in control group. Higher proportions of IgG4 correlated with higher endoscopic activity scoring, higher revised Mayo score, lower haemoglobin, higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate, higher high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and higher D-dimer in patients with UC (P < 0.05). A significant difference was identified in terms of disease activity in the IgG-present group compared with the group with the IgG-absent group (69.2% vs 16.7% P < 0.05). If the cut-off value was set at 25 cells/HPF for IgG, the sensitivity and specificity of predicting severity potential in UC was 90.0% and 55.6%, respectively. The area under the curve was 0.633 by receiver operating characteristic analysis.
Conclusions

These findings suggest that IgG4 infiltration appears to be a relevant marker of inflammatory process caused by immune dysregulation in patients with IBD.
Factors Associated With Changes in Adequate Antenatal Care Visits Among Pregnant Women Aged 15-49 Years in Tanzania From 2004 to 2016
Authors: KASAGAMA ELIZABETH , Todd Jim , Renju Jenny
Published: May 2020

Background:
Antenatal care (ANC) is crucial for the health of the mother and the unborn child as it delivers highly–effective health interventions that can prevent maternal and newborn deaths and morbidity. In 2002, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended a minimum of four ANC visits for a pregnant woman with a positive pregnancy during the entire gestational period. Tanzania has sub-optimal adequate (four or more) ANC visits and the trend has been fluctuating over time. An understanding of the factors associated with changes in adequate ANC visits over years is crucial in improving the proportions of pregnant women attaining adequate ANC visits in Tanzania.
Methods
The study used secondary data from Tanzania Demographic Health Survey (TDHS) from 2004 to 2016. The study included 17976 women aged 15–49 years. Data were analyzed using stata version 13. Categorical and continuous variables were summarized using descriptive statistics and using the weighted proportions. A Poisson regression analysis was done to determine factors associated with adequate antenatal. A multivariable Poisson decomposition analysis was done to determine factors associated with changes in adequate ANC visits among pregnant women in Tanzania from 2004 to 2016.
Results
The overall proportion of women who had adequate ANC visits in 2004/05, 2010 and 2015/16 was 62%, 43% and 51% respectively. The identified determinants of adequate ANC visits were: early ANC initiation, zones, having more than one child, being aged 20 years and above, wanting pregnancy later, belonging to a richer and richest wealth quintile, having secondary and higher education, reporting distance to health facility not a big problem and watching TV at least once per week. Comparing 2004/05 and 2010 surveys, changes in the population structure contributed 4.2% of changes in adequate antenatal care visits while changes in coefficients contributed 95.8% of the changes. Also, comparing 2015/16 to 2010 surveys, changes in population structure and coefficients contributed 66.2% and 33.8% respectively.
Conclusion
Early ANC initiation has greatly contributed to increased proportion of pregnant women who attain four or more ANC visits overtime. More effort should focus on pregnant women to initiate ANC in the first trimester in order to increase proportion of women with adequate ANC visit.
Incidence of Helicobacter Pylori Infections in a group of patients in Erbil City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq and Its Association with Gastritis and Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Salim Tavga Hushiar , Balaky Salah Tofik Jalal , Al-Rawi Rafal , Abdulla Saman Salah eldeen , Mawlood Ahang Hasan , Jawhar Nazar
Published: May 2020

Background: Adenocarcinoma is one of the most common causes of Gastric cancer related deaths worldwide. Helicobacter pylori is the causative agent of most cases of gastritis, it can cause chronic active gastritis and known as a risk factor for the development of gastric cancer. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of H. pylori among patients with symptoms of dyspepsia and other gastritis related symptoms and its association with adenocarcinoma.Methods: This study was carried out during the period of January 2018 to October 2019 with a total of 227 patients with gastritis related symptoms. The presence of H. pylori was detected by Rapid Urease Test (RUT) and histo-pathological tests using biopsy specimens. Statistical Analysis was done by using Chi-square test. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results: From the total of 227 patients with gastritis related symptoms, 26 cases (13.61%) were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. Their ages were between 13 and 90 years with mean of 47.81± 18.23. The result showed that low severity prevalence of H. pylori was highest (111 cases) compared to 17 and 63 cases for high and moderate severity, respectively. Comparison between positive low, moderate, and high H. pylori cases for rapid urease test was highly significant (P<0.000). The results showed no association between H. pylori severity across various age groups and gender. Moreover, goodness of fit test for metaplasia, activity, glandular atrophy, and endoscopic finding across severity status of H. pylori showed highly significant. Four composite categorized groups were initiated based on positive/negative prevalance of H. pylori and adenocarcinoma status. Results revealed statistical significance between combination of H. pylori and adenocarcinoma with inflammation, lymphoid aggregate, metaplasia, activity of neutrophils, glandular atrophy, rapid urease test, and endoscopic findings.Conclusion: Histopathology tests are reliable diagnostic tools for the detection of H. pylori. Data showed that H. pylori was seen more in middle age patients with mucosal lymphoid follicle formation and more than one third of patients with adenocarcinoma. Therefore, screening of these infections is an important strategy for preventing gastric adenocarcinoma.
Computational Investigation of the Stability of Stenotic Carotid Artery under Pulsatile Blood Flow Using a Fluid-Structure Interaction Approach
Authors: Manzoori Amirhosein , Fallah Famida , Sharzehee Mohammadali , Ebrahimi Sina
Published: May 2020

Background
Stenosis can disrupt the normal pattern of blood flow, and thus make the artery more susceptible to buckling which may cause arterial tortuosity. Although the stability simulations of the atherosclerotic arteries were conducted based on solid modelling and static internal pressure, the mechanical stability of stenotic artery under pulsatile blood flow remains unclear while pulsatile nature of blood flow makes the artery more critical for stresses and stability. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of stenosis on arterial stability under pulsatile blood flow.
Methods
To this end, fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations of arteries stenosis under pulsatile flow were conducted. 3D idealized geometries of carotid arteries stenosis with symmetric and asymmetric plaques along with different percentages of stenosis were created. Arterial wall was modelled as an anisotropic hyperelasic material.
Results
It is observed that the stenosis percentage, symmetry/asymmetry of the plaque, and the stretch ratio can dramatically affect the buckling pressure. Buckling makes the plaque rupture (especially in asymmetric ones) more likely due to increasing the stresses on it. The dominant stresses on plaques are the circumferential, axial and radial ones, respectively. Also, the highest shear stresses on the plaques were detected in

\theta -z
and

r-\theta
planes for the symmetric and asymmetric stenotic arteries, respectively. In addition, the maximum circumferential stress on the plaques was observed in the outer point of the buckled configuration for symmetric and asymmetric stenosis as well as at the ends of the asymmetric plaque. Furthermore, the artery buckling caused a large vortex flow at the downstream of the plaque. As a result, the conditions for the penetration of lipid particles and the formation of new plaques were provided.
Conclusion
Buckling makes the plaque rupture more likely due to increasing the stresses on it especially in asymmetric plaques. In addition, the artery buckling provides the condition for the penetration of lipid particles and the formation of new plaques at the downstream of the plaque.
Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of putative digestive proteases in the salivary gland and gut of Empoasca(Matsumurasca) onukii Matsuda
Authors: Shao Ensi , Song Yujuan , Wang Yaomin , Liao Yichen , Luo Yufei , Liu Sijun , Guan Xiong , Huang Zhipeng
Published: May 2020

Background: Infestation by tea green leafhoppers, Empoasca (Matsumurasca) onukii, could cause a series of biochemical changes in tea leaves. As a typical cell-rupture feeder, E. onukii secretes proteases while probing with its stylet into the tender shoots of tea plants (Camellia sinensis). This study identified and analyzed proteases specifically expressed in the salivary gland (SG) and gut of E. onukii through enzymatic activity assays, complemented with an integrated analysis of transcriptome and proteome data.Results: In total, 129 contigs representing seven types of putative proteases were identified. Transcript abundance of digestive proteases and enzymatic activity assays showed that cathepsin B, cathepsin L, and serine proteases (trypsin and chymotrypsin) were highly abundant in the gut while moderately abundant in the SG. The abundance pattern of digestive proteases in the SG and gut of E. onukii differed from that of other hemipterans including Nilaparvata lugens, Laodelphax striatellus, Nephotettix cincticeps and Acyrthosiphum pisum. Phylogenetic analysis showed that aminopeptidase N-like proteins and serine proteases abundant in the SG or gut of hemipterans were distributed to two distinct clusters. Conclusions: Altogether, this study provide insightful information on the digestive system of E. onukii and observed different patterns of proteases abundant in the SG and gut of E. onukii, in comparison with other five hemipteran species. These results will be beneficial in understanding the interaction between tea plants and E. onukii.
Analysis of multiple cytokines in aqueous humor of patients with idiopathic macular hole
Authors: Wang Heping , Li Yuqi , Han Song , Niu Tongtong
Published: May 2020

Background
Idiopathic macular hole is a common type of ophthalmic disease, and its pathogenesis is unknown. At present, little research about the pathogenesis, especially the immune mechanism, of idiopathic macular hole has been reported. To provide scientific guidance for the treatment and prognosis of idiopathic macular holes, this study examined and analyzed multiple cytokines levels in aqueous humor from patients with idiopathic macular hole.
Methods
Thirty-eight subjects were divided into cataract control group (n = 17) and idiopathic macular hole group (n = 21). The levels of 48 cytokines in aqueous humor were detected by multiple magnetic beads immunization.
Results
There were significant differences in cytokine levels in aqueous humor from idiopathic macular holes patients compared with the cataract control group. For example, HGF (p = 0.0001), GM-CSF (p = 0.0111), and IFN-γ (p = 0.0120) were significantly up-regulated, while TNF-α (p = 0.0032), GRO-α (p < 0.0001), and MIF (p < 0.0001) were significantly down-regulated. GM-CSF showed a significant positive correlation with IL-1 (r = 0.67904, p < 0.001), IL-4 (r = 0.76017, p < 0.001), and IFN-γ (r = 0.59922, p = 0.004097). Moreover, NGF and HGF also showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.64951, p = 0.001441).
Conclusion
Patients with idiopathic macular hole could exhibit significant variation of the immune reaction in aqueous humor after the disease, including the recruitment of immune cells and the regulation of cytokine expression. This study also implied that it is not rigorous to use macular hole as the control in current studies on aqueous humor cytokines in ophthalmic diseases.
Resveratrol Induces the Osteogenic Differentiation via MiR-320c by Targeting Runx2 and Is Involved in the Adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs
Authors: Zou Jilong , Du Jianyang , Tu Hualei , Chen Hongjun , Cong Kai , Bi Zhenggang , Sun Jiabing
Published: May 2020

Background

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells and have been widely used in clinical therapies due to their multiple pluripotency. Recent publications have found that resveratrol (RSVL) could promote the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells; however, the underlying molecular mechanism of RSVL-induced BMSCs osteogenic differentiation needs to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the function of miRNAs in RSVL-treated BMSCs and its effects on the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.
Methods

BMSCs were cultured and treated with different concentrations of RSVL. After osteogenic differentiation for 20 days, ALP staining was performed to evaluate the ALP activity of BMSCs. And ARS staining was used to detect the matrix mineralization deposition of BMSCs. After adipogenic differentiation for 20 days, adipogenic differentiation was determined by ORO staining for lipid droplets. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed to assess the expression level of target genes. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay was ultilized to examine the relationship between miR-320c and its target gene. Western blot assay was used to analyze the protein expression level of target gene.
Results

Our results demonstrated that RSVL could promote the osteogenic differentiation and suppressed the adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, a novel regulatory axis containing miR-320c and its target Runx2 was found during the differentiation process of BMSCs under RSVL treatment. Overexpression of miR-320c inhibited the osteogenic differentiation, while knockdown of miR-320c promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. In contrast, overexpression of miR-320c accelerated the adipogenic differentiation, while knockdown of miR-320c restrained the adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Our results confirm that Runx2 was the directly target of miR-320c in RSVL-promoted osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.
Conclusions

The present study revealed that miR-320c might possess the potentials as a novel clinical target for medical intervention to regulate the biological functions of RSVL in BMSCs.
Evaluation of retinal and choroidal variations in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy using optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Yu Lanchu , Jiao Qin , Cheng Yu , Zhu Yanji , Lin Zhongjing , Shen Xi
Published: May 2020

Background
To investigate the difference in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, choroidal thickness (CT) and superficial retinal vessels between thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) patients and healthy controls. To identify the potential influencing factors for these parameters and evaluate their diagnostic abilities in TAO.
Methods
20 active TAO patients, 33 inactive TAO patients and 29 healthy participants were enrolled. TAO patients were divided according to the clinical activity score (CAS). RNFL thickness and CT were measured by HD-OCT, while foveal avascular zone (FAZ), vascular density and perfusion density were measured by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). SPSS software was used for statistical analysis.
Results
Active TAO patients had thinner RNFL thickness than the other two groups (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Both active and inactive TAO patients had significantly higher CT than controls in the macular region (all P < 0.05). The mean area of FAZ in the active TAO group was significantly larger than the other two groups (P = 0.045, P = 0.001). The inactive TAO group had significantly higher vessel length density than the other two groups (all P < 0.05). With regard to the perfusion density, significant differences were observed in the temporal and inferior areas (P = 0.045, P = 0.001), as well as the average values (P = 0.032). The FAZ area, vascular density and perfusion density in active and inactive TAO patients were not significantly correlated with different clinical variables (all P > 0.05). The AUC analysis indicated these parameters also exhibited a significant discriminatory power in TAO diagnosis.
Conclusions
TAO patients had significant variations in RNFL thickness, choroidal thickness, FAZ area and superficial retinal vessels. These parameters appeared to be potential adjuncts in TAO diagnosis.
Depot and sex-specific implications for adipose tissue expandability and functional traits in adulthood of late prenatal and early postnatal malnutrition in a precocial sheep model
Authors: Ahmad Sharmila , Lyngman Lise Kirstine , Mansouryar Morteza , Dhakal Rajan , Agerholm Jørgen Steen , Khanal Prabhat , Nielsen Mette Olaf
Published: May 2020

Background Early life malnutrition in the prenatal and postnatal life is well recognized to have long-term implications on the development of offspring and neonate key metabolic organs and their function including adipose tissue later in life. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of malnutrition in prenatal and early postnatal life on the expandability and functional traits of adipose tissues in adulthood. Twin-pregnant ewes were fed NORM (~ requirements), LOW (50% of NORM) or HIGH (150% and 110% of energy and protein, respectively) diets the last 6 weeks pre-partum (term ~ 147-days). Lambs received moderate, low fat (CONV) or high-carbohydrate-high-fat (HCHF) diets from 3-days until 6-months of age and thereafter CONV diet. At 2½ years of age, histomorphometric and gene expression patterns were characterized in subcutaneous (SUB), perirenal (PER), mesenteric (MES) and epicardial (EPI) adipose tissue.Results SUB had sex-specific (males < females) upper-limits for adipocyte size and cell-number-indices, irrespective of early life nutrition. PER mass and contents of adipocytes were highest in females and HIGH males while adipocyte cross sectional area was lowest in LOW males. Pre- and postnatal nutrition affected gene expression sex-specifically in SUB and PER, but unrelated to morphological changes. In PER, LOW/LOW males were specific targets of gene expression changes. The EPI was affected by postnatal nutrition as HCHF sheep had enlarged adipocytes and upregulated expressions for adipogenic and lipogenic genes.Conclusion Upper-limits for SUB expandability were markedly lower in males. Major targets for prenatal malnutrition were PER and males. LOW males had the lowest PER expandability, whereas HIGH males had an adaptive advantage observed as increased hypertrophic ability equivalent to females. Fixed expandability in SUB meant PER became a determining factor for ectopic fat deposition, rendering LOW males particularly predisposed for obesity-associated metabolic risks. EPI, in contrast to other adipose tissues, was a particular target of early postnatal obesity, resulting in adipocyte hypertrophy in adulthood.
The Effectiveness of a Men-only Supportive Expressive Therapy Group Intervention for Psychosocial Health Outcomes in Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients: A 6-month longitudinal study
Authors: Oberoi Devesh , Martopullo Celestina , Bultz Barry D. , Carlson Linda Ellen
Published: May 2020

Background An increasing number of gastrointestinal cancer (GI) patients suffer from the side effects of cancer treatment that can affect their psychosocial health outcomes such as mood states and quality of life. Despite its demonstrated usefulness in female cancer patients, the Supportive Expressive Group Therapy (SEGT) has not been tested in male cancer patients. The current study sought to examine the longitudinal effects of a professionally-led, men-only supportive-expressive group therapy (SEGT) on mood states, coping, and quality of life (QoL) in male GI cancer patients.Methods Male GI cancer patients (n = 31), at different stages of cancerand its treatment, were recruited from an ongoing men-only biweekly GI cancer support group. Data were collected at baseline (before or near the beginning of group attendance) and at three months and six months follow-up. All outcomes were patient-reported and included demographic data as well as the validated questionnaires: Profile of Mood States (POMS) for mood states, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) for QoL, and Ways of Coping-cancer version (WOC) for coping. Linear mixed models were used to examine the change in the outcomes over time. Effect sizes were estimated using Cohen’s d.Results The Anxiety (p = .04; d = 0.70), Depression (p = .03; d = 0.93) and Anger (p = .04; d = 1.28) subscales of the POMS decreased between baseline and six months. Participants also reported improvements in coping through Distancing (distancing oneself from negative thoughts, being more accepting of the situation, and looking for positives) of the WOC (p = .04; d = 0.4) between baseline and six months. There was no change in any of the FACT subscales (QoL) over time.Conclusions This is the first study to investigate the effects of a SEGT intervention in male cancer patients. SEGT resulted in improved mood states and coping in male GI cancer patients; however, there was no change in measures of QoL. Given the direct effects of SEGT on anxiety, depression and anger, as well as a strong association between anger and depression in men as reported in past studies, SEGT could be impactful in improving psychosocial health outcomes in male GI cancer patients.
The Trends and Efficacy of Surgery in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Lei , Chen Shi , Sun Tao , Yang Fan , Zheng Chuansheng
Published: May 2020

Background

Surgery for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is limited. Recently, the possibility was advanced that surgical approach could be applied in HCC patients more widely. To address this issue, the trends in the use of surgery (including liver resection and ablation et, al) and liver resection for the treatment of HCC with time was analyzed. Additionally, whether patients gain a better survival benefit from surgery and liver resection than other treatments was evaluated.
Methods

Data from SEER registries was used to analyze the trends in the use surgery and liver resection for HCC and the survival benefits of these procedures. The study included patients between the ages of 35 and 84 years diagnosed as HCC between 1998 and 2015 (n = 80499). Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to reduce selection bias.
Results

From 1998 to 2015, the rate of surgery for HCC increased in all patients (P = 0.016) and in the localized group (P < 0.001), but decrease in the regional and distant groups (P < 0.001). Liver resection rate in the localized, regional, distant, and unknown/unstaged groups declined (P < 0.001, P = 0.004, P = 0.014, and P = 0.007, respectively). Surgery and liver resection rates in the localized group and its subgroups of localized group were reduced (all P < 0.05). The median overall survival (mOS) of patients undergoing surgery was longer than patients with non-surgery. Similar survival results were obtained in the analysis of the subgroups. The liver resection group had the longest mOS in all patients and in the localized (and it’s subgroups) and regional groups.
Conclusion

Although surgery rate in HCC patients increased slightly with time, liver resection rate in the localized group decreased. Surgery might be used more widely in the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Evaluation of focal photoreceptor degeneration using a multi-focal ERG
Authors: Tabata Kitako , Sugano Eriko , Yamane Toshiyuki , Kishimoto Takako , Iwama Yuuki , Tomita Hiroshi
Published: May 2020

Background

Photoreceptor degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration gradually proceed to photoreceptor degeneration. In animal models of photoreceptor degeneration, it is difficult to evaluate the loss of function in the retina, especially in a focal lesion.
Methods

To induce local lesion in rat retina, one microliter of N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea (MNU) solution was injected subretinally into a temporal site of the retina. A week after the injection, multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) was recorded to presume the degenerated site. Based on the data from mfERG, optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed. After the OCT, eyes were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde and the flat-mounted retinas were stained with peanut agglutinin (PNA) and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). Following observation under a fluorescence microscope, the retina was embedded into an OCT compound and cryo-sections were obtained.
Results

The decreased responses in some divisions of the retina were detected in the recording of mf-ERGs. Most of the decreased responses were localized in the temporal part of the retina corresponding to the MNU injection site. The OCT images at the area recorded a lower response of the data from mfERG and showed the severe destruction of photoreceptors; however, a well-organized retinal structure was observed in other parts of the retina. PNA and WGA staining also showed a decreased number of cones and rods in the degenerated area.
Conclusions

Subretinal injection of MNU induced the local photoreceptor degeneration without effects on other retinal layers. mfERGs could detect the focal lesion, and it might be a very helpful indication to perform OCT. These methods would help the evaluation of the effects of regenerative medicine in rodents.
Alexander Calder’s Half-Circle, Quarter-Circle, and Sphere (1932): A Complex History of Repainting Unraveled
Authors: Pozzi Federica , Arslanoglu Julie , Nagy Eleonora
Published: May 2020

The Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, owns one of the largest motorized works made by the renowned American artist Alexander Calder, titled Half-Circle, Quarter-Circle, and Sphere. Created in 1932, and acquired by the Whitney in 1969, this seminal work was featured in an iconic exhibition held in 2017 and entitled Calder: Hypermobility. Prior to that, the object underwent a series of treatments in order to repair its main kinetic elements that had become compromised during its lifetime. While the work’s mechanism retained its creator’s ingenious engineering solutions, the motor, urethane belts, plug, and electrical wires turned out to be neither original, nor authentic to the period. The appearance of the piece had also been altered, as most surfaces displayed multiple layers of overpainting and, thus, did not deliver the proper gloss, hue, and texture. These observations prompted a first, comprehensive scientific study to investigate the stratigraphy of Calder’s painted surfaces on Half-Circle, Quarter-Circle, and Sphere, with the final goal to comprehend and restore its original appearance through careful removal of the overpaint. Non-invasive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis was carried out to gain initial insight into the paints’ composition. After that, extensive microscopic sampling was performed to assess the possible presence of original layers below the repainting throughout the object’s surface. Cross sections were examined with optical microscopy and analyzed with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies, as well as scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), in order to identify pigments, colorants, and extenders located in the various paint layers. Scrapings were also investigated with pyrolysis – gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) for a detailed characterization of the binding media. Scientific analysis revealed, in selected white and red areas, up to eleven layers of overpaint composed of a wide array of modern materials, including pigments (titanium white in the form of tetragonal rutile and a variety of synthetic organic red pigments) and binders (alkyd or late formulations of enamels based on ortho-phthalic acid / phthalic anhydride, glycerol and pentaerythritol, polyvinyl acetate with various plasticizers, and acrylics). On the other hand, the identification of materials that were available in the early 1930s, such as zinc white, calcite, and gypsum, as well as traditional drying oil binders, supported the hypothesis that a layer of original paint may still be present in certain areas. In addition to shedding new light on the stratigraphy of Calder’s painted surfaces, this study informed the optimization of a treatment plan tailored for the safe removal of the overpaint to uncover the original layer, wherever present.
Can technology optimise the pre-operative pathway for elective hip and knee replacement surgery: A qualitative study.
Authors: Sharif Faraz Salman , Rahman Ammar , Tonner Emma , Ahmed Hanad , Haq Iqraa , Abbass Rami , Asinger Shad , Sbai Magda
Published: May 2020

Background:
An ageing population has resulted in a rise in the number of hip and knee replacement surgeries in the UK. The pre-operative pathway is plagued with issues causing long delays and cancellations. Virtual healthcare technologies have a growing evidence base to help solve these issues. One problem of implementing these technologies is the resistance to change mentality from healthcare professionals. By getting their opinions on the place of these technologies within the pre-operative pathway, a united front can be formed to help deliver change.
Methods:
16 semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders within the orthopaedic pre-operative pathway at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. General topics included the different technologies that could be used within the pathway, their uses and associated benefits and problems. Interviews were audio-recorded, before being manually transcribed and then analysed to form categories and themes.
Results:
Various uses, benefits and problems were identified by healthcare professionals for each modality of technology. E-forms were seen as a high reward, low risk intervention. Remote patient monitoring and teleconsultations had their bonuses, but feasibility was a primary concern. Web-based interventions were seen as an intervention of the past, whereas virtual reality was seen as perhaps being ahead of its time. M-health was very positively viewed due to its all-encompassing nature. Digital illiteracy emerged as a consistent problem for most technologies.
Conclusions:
Current literature, the results from this study and technology trends within society highlight both M-health and E-forms as the 2 most promising virtual healthcare technologies for use in the pre-operative pathway for orthopaedics. Areas such as pre-operative assessment, triaging and prehabilitation are prime candidates for virtual intervention. Future research should also consider including patient opinions on any proposed interventions, as well as taking into account barriers to implementation.
Gender discrepancy in the predictive effect of metabolic syndrome and its components on newly onset cardiovascular disease in elderly from rural China
Authors: Yu Shasha , Guo Xiaofan , Li GuangXiao , Yang Hongmei , Zheng Liqiang , Sun Yingxian
Published: May 2020

Background
To evaluate the possible predictive effect of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components on cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a longitudinal analysis according to different criteria of MetS among rural Chinese elderly.
Method
A population-based sample of 2486 rural elderly Chinese residents aged ≥ 60 years at baseline were followed up from 2012–2013 to 2015–2017. CVD included stroke, coronary heart disease (CHD) diagnosed by clinicians were self-reported and were confirmed by medical records. MetS was diagnosed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III), the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (AHA/NHLBI) and the international Diabetes Federation (IDF) criterion respectively.
Result
Hazard ratio adjusting for CHD, Stroke and CVD in those with MetS using NCEP ATP III criteria in female were 1.27 (95%CI 0.73, 2.21), 1.54 (95%CI 0.99, 2.40) and 1.45 (95%CI 1.00, 2.10); 1.33 (95%CI 0.77, 2.32), 1.44 (95%CI 0.92, 2.25) and 1.36 (95%CI 0.94, 1.97) with the AHA/NHLBI criteria; and 1.10 (95%CI 0.89,1.36), 1.62 (95%CI 1.03, 2.55) and 1.36 (95%CI 0.93, 1.97) with IDF criteria. Besides, abdominal obesity using the AHA/NHLBI criteria was significantly associated with the incidence of stroke (HR: 1.60; 95%CI 1.01, 2.52). However, among rural male elderly, neither MetS nor its components were capable of predicting newly onset CVD.
Conclusion
MetS is significantly associated with high incidence of CVD among rural female elderly only, and the incidence of CVD was evident only when MetS was defined using NCEP ATP III criterion. In order to reduce CVD among elderly in rural China, effective strategies to prevent, diagnose, and treating MetS should be made in time, especially among female.
Impact of Common Mental Disorders on Food Insecurity among Women in Butajira, Ethiopia: A Cohort Study
Authors: endris bilal shikur , Gebreyesus Seifu Hagos , Medhin Girmay , Prince Martin , Alem Atalay , Wissow Larry , Hanlon Charlotte
Published: May 2020

Background: There is a growing body of evidence for an association between common mental disorders and food insecurity. However, since most studies have been cross-sectional, it has not been possible to differentiate the direction of the association. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of common mental disorders on food insecurity using a prospective cohort study design. Methods: The study was carried out in Butajira, south-central Ethiopia among mothers who were enrolled in the CMaMiE cohort. A total of 1815 enrolled women were evaluated for symptoms of CMD using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20) at two time points; August 2012 (time 1, T1) and in August 2014 (time 2, T2). Probable CMD was defined when mothers reported six or more affirmative (yes) responses to the SRQ-20. Household food insecurity was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) in December 2017 (time 3, T3). Zero inflated negative binomial regression was used to determine the independent effects of CMDs at T1 and T2 on food insecurity score at T3. A Poisson working model was used to determine the risk of being severely food insecure associated with CMD. Results : About two thirds of women (67.0%) were living in food insecure households.The prevalence of CMD was 4.8% at T1 and 10.0% at T2 and only 1.2 % (n=22) women had CMD at both time points. After controlling for potential confounders, women with CMD at T2 only (RR=1.14; 95%CI: 1.02, 1,29) had higher HFIAS scores at T3; Women with CMD at T1 only were not significantly associated with HFIAS score at T3. Women with CMD at T1 only had 4 times higher risk of severe food insecurity (RR=3.96, 95% CI: 2.15-7.27) and women with CMD at T2 only had 2.2 times higher risk of severe food insecurity (RR=2.24, 95% CI: 1.27-3.95) at follow-up. Conclusion : Common mental disorders among mothers were prospectively associated with increased risk of household food insecurity in this rural Ethiopian population. Possible mechanisms such as increased cost for health care, lost productivity and decreased self-efficacy warrant further investigation for their potential to prevent future food insecurity.
Morphological Identification of Ticks and Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens from Bare-Nosed Wombats (Vombatus Ursinus)
Authors: Beard Danielle , Stannard Hayley J , Old Julie M
Published: May 2020

Background Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of vertebrate hosts and transmit the widest range of pathogenic organisms of any arthropod vector. Seven tick species are known to feed on bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus), in addition to the highly prevalent Sarcoptes scabiei mite which causes fatal sarcoptic mange in most bare-nosed wombat populations. Little is known about the pathogens carried by most wombat ticks or how they impact wombats affected by sarcoptic mange.Methods Wombat ticks were sourced from wildlife hospitals and sanctuaries across Australia and identified to species level using taxonomic keys. Genomic DNA (gDNA) was extracted from a subsample, and following the amplification of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 hypervariable region, next generation sequencing (NGS) on the Illumina MiSeq platform was used to assess the microbial composition.Results A total of 447 tick specimens were collected from 47 bare-nosed wombats between January 2019 and January 2020. Five species of ticks were identified comprising Bothriocroton auruginans (n = 420), Haemaphysalis bancrofti (n = 10), H. longicornis (n = 1), Ixodes tasmani (n = 12), and I. holocyclus (n = 4). Tick infestations ranged from 1 to 73 ticks per wombat. B. auruginans was the most prevalent tick species comprising 94% of the total number of samples and was present on 97.9% (46/47) of wombat hosts. NGS results revealed the 16S rRNA gene diversity profile was predominantly Proteobacteria (55.1%) followed by Firmicutes (21.9%) and Actinobacteria (18.4%). A species of Coxiella sharing closest sequence identity to C. burnetii (99.07%), was detected in 72% of B. auruginans and a Rickettsiella endosymbiont dominated the bacterial profile for I. tasmani.Conclusions A new host record for H. longicornis is bare-nosed wombats. One adult male and two engorged adult female specimens were found on an adult male wombat from Coolagolite in NSW and more specimens should be collected to confirm this host record. The most prevalent tick found on bare-nosed wombats is B. auruginans confirming previous records. Analysis of alpha-diversity showed high variability across both sample locations and instars, similar to previous studies. The detection of various Proteobacteria in this study highlights the high bacterial diversity in native Australian ticks.
Birth Weight and Renal Markers in Children Aged 5 – 10 Years in Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kaze Francois Folefack , Nguefack Seraphin , Asong Constantine Menkoh , Assob Jules Clement Nguedia , Nansseu Jobert Richie , Kowo Mathurin Pierre , Nzana Victorine , Kalla Ginette Claude Mireille , Halle Marie Patrice
Published: May 2020

Background A relationship exists between the birth weight (BW) and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in postnatal kidney. Willing to fill a gap of knowledge in sub-Saharan Africa, we assessed the effect of BW on blood pressure (BP), proteinuria and GFR among Cameroonians children. Methods This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study from January to April 2018 at the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital (YGOPH). We recruited low BW (LBW) [<2500g], normal BW (NBW) [2500-3999g] and high BW (HBW) [>4000g] children, aged 5-10 years, born and followed-up at YGOPH. We collected socio-demographic, clinical (weight, height, BP), laboratory (proteinuria, creatinine), maternal and birth data. The estimated GFR was calculated using Schwartz equation. Results We included 80 children (61.2% boys) with 21 (26.2%) LBW, 45 (56.2%) NBW and 14 (15.5%) HBW; the median (interquartile range) age was 7.3 (6.3-8.1) years and 17 (21.2%) were overweight/obese. Two (2.5%) children, all with a NBW (4.4%), had an elevated BP whereas 2 (2.5%) others children, all with a LBW (9.5%), had hypertension (p=0.233). Seven (8.7%) children had proteinuria with 19%, 2.2% and 14.3% having LBW, NBW and HBW respectively (p=0.051). Equivalents figures were 18 (22.5%), 14.3%, 24.2% and 28.6% for decrease GFR (p=0.818). There was a trends towards an inverse relationship between BW and BP, proteinuria and GFR (p>0.05). Conclusion Proteinuria is more pronounced in childhood with history of LBW and HBW while LBW children are more prone to develop hypertension. Regular follow-up is needed to implement early nephroprotective measures among children with abnormal BW.
Tumor Growth Rate as a Prognostic Factor for Metastatic or Recurrent Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Patients Treated with Carboplatin Plus Paclitaxel
Authors: Fukuda Naoki , Fujiwara Yu , Wang Xiaofei , Ohmoto Akihiro , Urasaki Tetsuya , Hayashi Naomi , Sato Yasuyoshi , Nakano Kenji , Yunokawa Mayu , Ono Makiko , Tomomatsu Junichi , Takahashi Shunji
Published: May 2020

Background: Large prospective studies of chemotherapy for metastatic or recurrent adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the head and neck are lacking due to the rarity of ACC. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of carboplatin plus paclitaxel toward ACC and perform an exploratory investigation of the prognostic factors to investigate the optimal strategy for metastatic or recurrent ACC.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed recurrent or metastatic ACC patients treated with carboplatin plus paclitaxel between April 2007 and September 2019 in our hospital. Objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated, and an exploratory analysis of the prognostic factors including tumor growth rate (TGR) was conducted.Results: A total of 26 ACC patients were enrolled. ORR and DCR were 11.5% and 76.9%; the median PFS and OS were 8.1 and 22.3 months, respectively. From the results of the multivariate analysis, higher (≥ 6%/month) TGR was associated with worse PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 7.00, 95%CI 1.34–36.53, p = 0.02) and OS (HR 29.33, 95%CI 3.38–254.80, p < 0.01). The median PFS (10.6 vs. 6.6 months, log-rank p < 0.05) and OS (48.5 vs. 16.9 months, log-rank p < 0.01) were significantly shorter in patients with higher TGR.Conclusions: Carboplatin plus paclitaxel showed modest efficacy for recurrent or metastatic ACC patients. Watchful waiting may be optimal for ACC patients with lower TGR. Systemic chemotherapy should be considered when TGR increases during active surveillance.
Dog as Potential Source of Helicobacter Pylori in Egypt: Public Health Significance
Authors: Elhelw Rehab , Elhariri Mahmoud , Ragab Eman , Nader Sara M , Hamza Dalia
Published: May 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Intra-bone marrow co-transplantation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells promotes the engraftment of umbilical cord blood stem cells in iron overload NOD/SCID mice
Authors: Huang Zhi , Xiao Yuhua , Chen Xiaomin , Li Huiping , Gao Jingyu , Zhang Xinyao , Feng Xiaoqin
Published: May 2020

Background: Iron overload aggravates the difficulty of umbilical cord blood stem cell engraftment and reduces the survival of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) transplantation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been implicated in playing a significant role in HSC engraftment. This study aimed to determine the effect of intra-bone marrow (IBM) co-transplantation of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCB-MNC) and mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSC) on the engraftment and hematopoietic recovery in an iron overload hematopoietic microenvironment. Methods: The iron overload model was established by dose-escalation intraperitoneal injection of iron dextran in NOD/SCID mice. Iron deposition in the bone marrow, heart, and liver was examined using H&E staining. Serum levels of ferritin and iron status in the liver were measured. The iron overload NOD/SCID mice were sublethally irradiated and divided into four groups for transplantation: (1) control group, (2) IBM MSC+ group: IBM injection of combined UCB-MNC/UC-MSC, (3) IBM group: IBM injection of only UCB-MNC, and (4) IV group: intravenous injection of UCB-MNC. Six weeks after transplantation, the human CD45 + cells in the bone marrow were analyzed by flow cytometry. The semi-quantitative analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-a), osteopontin (OPN), and stromal cell-derived factor-1a (SDF-1a) were examined by immunohistochemistry staining (IHC). Results: The survival rate and the percentages of human CD45 + cells in bone marrow were highest in the IBM MSC+ group with statistical significance. In addition, the levels of VEGF-a, OPN, and SDF-1a in bone marrow were all significantly higher in the IBM MSC+ group than the other groups. Conclusion: IBM co-transplantation of UC-MSC might improve the engraftment of UCB-MNC in iron overload NOD/SCID mice. The increased expression of VEGF-a, OPN, and SDF-1a in the bone marrow may be involved in improving the hematopoietic microenvironment and promoting the implantation of human umbilical cord blood stem cells in the bone marrow with iron overload.
Clinical and molecular characteristics of mucosal signet-ring cell carcinoma in Helicobacter pylori-uninfected stomach
Authors: Kiso Mariko , Urabe Yuji , Ito Masanori , Masuda Kazuhiko , Boda Tomoyuki , Kotachi Takahiro , Hata Kosaku , Yorita Naoki , Nagasaki Naoko , Abduwali Madina , Hiyama Yuich , Oka Shiro , Tanaka Shinji , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: May 2020

Background: Gastric cancer develops even in Helicobacter pylori-uninfected patients and its typical histological feature is signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) within the mucosal layer. However, the biological characteristics of SRCC remain unclear. We aimed to clarify the pathological and genetic features of SRCC in Helicobacter pylori -uninfected patients.Methods: Seventeen Helicobacter pylori-uninfected patients with mucosal SRCCs were enrolled and their clinicopathological characteristics were compared with those of Helicobacter pylori-infected patients with mucosal SRCCs. Seven SRCCs without Helicobacter pylori infection, including two invasive SRCCs, and seven Helicobacter pylori-positive SRCCs were subjected to a genetic analysis using next-generation sequencing. Results: Helicobacter pylori-uninfected patients with mucosal SRCCs revealed male dominancy and a significantly higher prevalence of smokers among them as compared with the Helicobacter pylori-infected patients with SRCC. A CDH1 mutation (frame shift indel) was detected in one Helicobacter pylori-uninfected cancer not only in the mucosal SRCC but also in the invasive portion. A TP53 mutation was detected in one SRCC without Helicobacter pylori infection. In the control group, ARID1A and TP53 mutations were detected in one SRCC each. The C to A mutation, which is a characteristic smoking-induced mutation, was not found in any of the samples.Conclusions: Some SRCCs in Helicobacter pylori-uninfected patients may have a malignant potential similar to that of SRCCs in Helicobacter pylori-infected patients. Smoking is not a main carcinogenic factor for the development of SRCCs.