bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Pancreatitis Associated with Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome: A Cohort Study of 346 Patients
Authors: Guo Qinyue , Du Bin , Xu Jing , Shi Qindong
Published: November 2020

Background: Acute pancreatitis is one of the rare complications of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), usually ending with high mortality rate and severe prognosis. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed to explore the risk factors, clinical characteristics, and outcomes in totally 346 patients with HFRS.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the 358 cases diagnosed with HFRS from January 2013 to July 2020, including 29 cases complicated with acute pancreatitis (AP). Clinical information and laboratory parameters were obtained by Hospital Information System. The characteristics and clinic outcomes between the HFRS group and HFRS-AP group were compared by multivariate analysis and a nested case-control study, respectively.Results: 346 eligible patients diagnosed with HFRS, of which 29 (8.38%) developed acute pancreatitis. While 19 (65.5%) were male, 10 (34.5%) were female. The mean age was 44.38 years. For life style analysis, 11 (37.9%) of 29 exhibited a habit of smoking, and 9 (31.0%) exhibited drinking. The 90-day mortality was 7 (24.14%) for the HFRS+AP patients and 7 (2.21%) for the HFRS patients (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that HFRS patients, who confirmed AP, were associated with increased mortality (aOR:17.60; 95% CI, 4.3–73.3) and other poor prognoses; the same trend was shown in propensity matched data. Liver function and inflammatory parameters (except procalcitonin) were expressed much worse in AP patients (p < 0.05, respectively). Serum calcium shown a negative correlated with AP patients (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Our study indicates that patients with HFRS-AP are significantly associated with higher mortality and poor prognoses, it should be alert and complete necessary test for properly diagnosis on admission. In future, cohort study and randomized control trail are highly required for the best treatment of HFRS-AP.
Analysis of the relationship between bile duct and duodenal microbiota reveals that dysbacteriosis is the main cause of primary common bile duct stones
Authors: Lyu Zhitang , Yu Tingting , Zhang Lichao , Wang Lina , Shi Jiahui , Li Jihong , Li Zhirong , Zhang Wei , Hou Senlin , Hou Suning
Published: November 2020

Background Bacteria play an important role in the formation of primary CBD stones. While the composition and function of the microbiota of bile duct in patients with primary CBD stones could not be explained in the whole. Intestinal dysbacteriosis is related to the formation of many diseases, but there are relatively few reports on the effects of intestinal microbial community on the formation of primary CBD stones, but none of these studies have a normal population of biliary tract and gut microbiota as control.Result We use the 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the microbial diversity and community composition of biliary and duodenal microbiota in 15 patients with primary CBD stones (EG) and 4 patients without biliary tract disease (CK), and we divided above samples into four subgroups: B (EG bile), D (EG duodenal juice), BCK (CK bile)and DCK (CK duodenal juice). Alpha diversity analysis showed that only the abundance and evenness in B were lower than that in DCK (P<0.05); Beta diversity analysis showed that there were some differences in the composition between biliary microbiota and the duodenal microbiota, but the abundance of the main groups showed similarities. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the dominant bacteria at phylum level accounted for at least 75% of the total reads in each subgroup. It is noteworthy that Clostridium sensu_stricto (VIP>1), Lachnospiraceae _UCG-008 (VIP>1), Butyrivibrio (VIP>1) and Roseburia (VIP> 1) which could produce short chain fatty acids (SCFA), were significantly decreased in B (p<0.05) than that in BCK. Conclusion According to the results, dysbacteriosis of biliary and duodenal microbiota plays an important role in the formation of primary CBD stones. The decrease in abundance of certain major acid-producing bacteria affects the health of the biliary tract and thus leads to the formation of stones.
X-chromosome inactivation patterns in females with Fabry disease examined by both ultra-deep RNA sequencing and methylation-dependent assay
Authors: Rossanti Rini , Nozu Kandai , Fukunaga Atsushi , Nagano China , Horinouchi Tomoko , Yamamura Tomohiko , Sakakibara Nana , Minamikawa Shogo , Ishiko Shinya , Aoto Yuya , Okada Eri , Ninchoji Takeshi , Kato Noritoshi , Maruyama Shoichi , Nishi Shinichi , Iijima Kazumoto , Fujii Hideki
Published: November 2020

Background: Fabry disease is an X-linked inherited lysosomal storage disorder related to GLA mutations, gene encoding α-galactosidase A. In general, males has severe phenotype, while females has a wide spectrum of sign and symptoms, from asymptomatic to a more classical profile including cardiac, renal, and cerebrovascular manifestations. This variability has been assumed to be derived from organ-dependent skewed X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) patterns in each female patient. Some previous studies examined this correlation using the classical methylation-dependent method; however, conflicting results were obtained. This study was established to determine the existence of skewed XCI in nine females with heterozygous pathogenic variants in the GLA gene and its relationship to the phenotypes. Methods: We present five female patients from one family and four individual female patients with Fabry disease. In all cases, heterozygous pathogenic variants in the GLA gene were detected. The X-chromosome inactivation patterns in peripheral blood leukocytes and cells of urine sediment were determined by both classical methylation-dependent HUMARA assay and ultra-deep RNA sequencing, the latter being a method that we recently developed. Results: Among all cases, skewed XCI resulting in predominant inactivation of the normal allele was observed only in one individual case with a severe phenotype. In the other eight cases, no skewing was observed, even among cases with severe phenotypes. Conclusions: We conclude that skewed XCI could explain the severity of Fabry disease in only a limited number of female cases and is not the main factor in the onset of various clinical symptoms in females with Fabry disease.
Estimating the indirect prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Switzerland
Authors: Cottler-Casanova Sara , Abdulcadir Jasmine
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveTo update the indirect prevalence estimates for women and girls living with Female Genital Mutilation Cutting (FGM/C) in Switzerland, using data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office of migrant women and girls born in one of the 30 high-prevalence FGM/C countries that are currently living in Switzerland. MethodsWe used Yoder and Van Baelen’s “Extrapolation of FGM/C Countries’ Prevalence Data” method, where we applied DHS and MICS prevalence figures from the 30 countries when FGM/C is practiced, and applied them to the immigrant women and girls living in Switzerland from the same 30 countries.ResultsIn 2010, the estimated indirect prevalence was 9,059 whereas in 2018, the estimated indirect prevalence was 21,706 women and girls living with or at risk of FGM/C.ConclusionOver the past decade, there have been significant increases in the number of estimated women and girls living with or at risk of FGM/C in Switzerland due to the increase in the total number of women and girls originally coming form the countries where the practice of FGM/C is traditional.
Primary Ovarian Serous Carcinomas With Extensive Squamous Differentiation : A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Sun Yao , Chen Yuezhou , Zhang Xiaofei , Chen Hao , Zhou Feng
Published: November 2020

Background: Primary ovarian serous carcinomas (OSC) with extensive squamous differentiation is a rare, and histological diagnostic criteria and biological behavior have not been fully established. We present an extremely rare case of primary OSC of the ovary with squamous differentiation. Case presentation: A 58-year-old (gravidity 3, parity 2) female was admitted complaining of abdominal distention for 6 months. No apparent tumor in the cervix was found by a physical examination. Serum levels of cancer antigen 125 (CA125) was elevated (2723.0 IU/L). A 7 cm tumor of the left uterine adnexa, a 5 cm tumor of the right adnexa, and a 3 cm tumor of the omentum were found by computed tomography (CT) examination. Histological and immunochemical tests confirmed a diagnosis of OSC with squamous differentiation. Debulking surgery with tumor resection was performed. The patient was subsequently received postoperative chemotherapy.Conclusion: In summary, OSC with extensive squamous differentiation is a rare, and the inter- and intratumor heterogeneity may be the reason for this phenomenon. Histological diagnostic criteria and biological behavior have not been fully established because of the limited data.
Investigation of Cognition Status of Menopausal Hormone Therapy in Medical Institutions Staff
Authors: Xu Guanying , Geng Xinran , Xu Tiantian , Yang Guixia
Published: November 2020

Objective: To investigate the cognition, application and commendation of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) among medical institution staff with different professional background.Methods: Female staff aged 40-60 years in 4 tertiary hospitals were randomly selected. The participants’ characteristics and the information of cognition, application and recommendation of MHT were collected by questionnaire.Results: A total of 341 people participated in this study, the cognition rate of MHT was 37% and the recommendation rate was 44%.For people with indications of MHT, the utilization rate is 15%, and 84.6% of them have used MHT for less than 3 years. 84.6% of those who did not use MHT considered menopause is not a disease and there was no need to use medication. Compared with nurses, doctors know more about MHT ( P <0.01), and MHT recommendation rate of doctors was higher than that of nurses ( P <0.01). The cognition of MHT were analyzed in menopause group, irregular menstruation group and regular menstruation group, there was no difference was found among these three groups (P >0.05).Conclusion: Strengthening the training of MHT related knowledge in medical institutions, will be helpful to improve the cognition and utilization rate of medical institutions and promote the whole society to study and use MHT.
A viral perspective on worldwide non-pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19
Authors: Rasigade Jean-Philippe , Barray Anaïs , Shapiro Julie Teresa , Coquisart Charlène , Vigouroux Yoann , Bal Antonin , Destras Grégory , Vanhems Philippe , Lina Bruno , Josset Laurence , Wirth Thierry
Published: November 2020

Quantifying the effectiveness of large-scale non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) against COVID-19 is critical to adapting responses against future waves of the pandemic. Most studies of NPIs thus far have relied on epidemiological data. Here, we report the impact of NPIs on the evolution of SARS-CoV-2, taking the perspective of the virus. We examined how variations through time and space of SARS-CoV-2 genomic divergence rates, which reflect variations of the epidemic reproduction number Rt, can be explained by NPIs and combinations thereof. Based on the analysis of 5,198 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from 57 countries along with a detailed chronology of 9 non-pharmaceutical interventions during the early epidemic phase up to May 2020, we find that home containment (35% Rt reduction) and education lockdown (26%) had the strongest predicted effectiveness. To estimate the cumulative effect of NPIs, we modelled the probability of reducing Rt below 1, which is required to stop the epidemic, for various intervention combinations and initial Rt values. In these models, no intervention implemented alone was sufficient to stop the epidemic for Rt’s above 2 and all interventions combined were required for Rt’s above 3. Our approach can help inform decisions on the minimal set of NPIs required to control the epidemic depending on the current Rt value.
New Protocol to Improve the Antibacterial Activity of Platelet Rich Fibrin – In Vitro Study
Authors: Alhaffar MHD Bahaa Aldin , Shibibe Lama Ayoub , Soukkarieh Chadi , Sulaiman Ali Abou
Published: November 2020

Background: Plasma concentrate products have Rapidly developed during the last few years, and it had significantly affected regenerative medicine because of its specific features which enhance healing and reduce pain after surgeries. this research aims to create an antibiotic releasing biomaterial based on the PRF.Methods: In-Vitro experimental study was conducted, 12 Healthy volunteers were included, each donated (40 ml) of blood. Chukrun’s protocol was used to prepare PRF (3000 rpm, 10m) with additional modification. Bacterial colonies and Miller-Hinton medium was prepared. Two types of bacteria were used for the culturing and incubation (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis). Three Pharmaceutical forms (PF) of the antibacterial agents (Lincomycin) were incorporated with the PRF. Results: pharmaceutical form had a significant difference on the antibacterial activity of the PRF (P=0.000), ampoule and solution forms had the highest levels of bacterial growth inhibiting, however, powder failed to inhibit bacterial growth. Moreover, no significant difference was noticed between using 0.5ml or 1ml dose of antibiotic (P=339). Conclusion: It is possible to incorporate antibiotic with the PRF, which will improve the antibacterial activity of PRF, creating an ARB that can be used locally adjacent to minor surgery.
Molecular Optimization by Capturing Chemist's Intuition Using Deep Neural Networks
Authors: He Jiazhen , You Huifang , Sandström Emil , Nittinger Eva , Bjerrum Esben , Tyrchan Christian , Czechtizky Werngard , Engkvist Ola
Published: November 2020

A main challenge in drug discovery is finding molecules with a desirable balance of multiple properties. Here, we focus on the task of molecular optimization, where the goal is to optimize a given starting molecule towards desirable properties. This task can be framed as a machine translation problem in natural language processing, where in our case, a molecule is translated into a molecule with optimized properties based on the SMILES representation. Typically, chemists would use their intuition to suggest chemical transformations for the starting molecule being optimized. A widely used strategy is the concept of matched molecular pairs where two molecules differ by a single transformation. We seek to capture the chemist's intuition from matched molecular pairs using machine translation models. Specifically, the sequence-to-sequence model with attention mechanism, and the Transformer model are employed to generate molecules with desirable properties. As a proof of concept, three ADMET properties are optimized simultaneously: logD, solubility, and clearance, which are important properties of a drug. Since desirable properties often vary from project to project, the user-specified desirable property changes are incorporated into the input as an additional condition together with the starting molecules being optimized. Thus, the models can be guided to generate molecules satisfying the desirable properties. Additionally, we compare the two machine translation models based on the SMILES representation, with a graph-to-graph translation model HierG2G, which has shown the state-of-the-art performance in molecular optimization. Our results show that the Transformer can generate more molecules with desirable properties by making small modifications to the given starting molecules, which can be intuitive to chemists. A further enrichment of diverse molecules can be achieved by using an ensemble of models.
Development and Validation of Multicenter Predictive Nomograms for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer after Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Zhu Xiaofei , Liu Wenyu , Cao Yangsen , Su Tingshi , Zhu Xixu , Wang Yiyang , Ju Xiaoping , Zhao Xianzhi , Jiang Lingong , Ye Yusheng , Qing Shuiwang , Zhang Huojun
Published: November 2020

Background: Due to common practice of hypofractionated radiotherapy in pancreatic cancer and heterogeneous chemotherapy regimens in previous studies, modified nomograms are required. Therefore, we aim to develop and validate prognostic nomograms for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and chemotherapy.Methods: The development cohort comprised 925 patients with LAPC receiving SBRT and gemcitabine-based chemotherapy in our center, while 297 patients from another two centers formed the validation cohort. Nomograms were created from COX models and internally validated by bootstrap. Model discriminations were evaluated by calibration plots and concordance index (C-index). A decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to evaluate clinical benefits of nomograms. Additionally, recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) was used for stratifications of survival probability based on the total score of each patient calculated by nomograms.Results: Weight loss, tumor diameter, radiation dose, CA19-9 kinetics after treatment and surgical resection were included in the nomogram for overall survival (OS), while the five factors plus performance status formed the nomogram for progression free survival (PFS). The corrected C-indexes for estimated 1-year and 2-year OS of the development cohort were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.85-0.91) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.83-0.90). For those of the validation cohort, it was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.82-0.94) and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.74-0.91). Additionally, the corrected C-index for predicted 1-year PFS in the development and validation cohort was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.81-0.86) and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.78-0.87), respectively. The calibration plots showed good agreement of 1- and 2-year OS and 1-year PFS between the estimations and actual observations. Potential clinical benefits were demonstrated with DCA. Additionally, for 1- and 2-year OS and 1-year PFS, patients were stratified into four groups with different survival probability by RPA.Conclusion: The validated nomograms provided useful predictions of OS and PFS for LAPC with chemoradiotherapy.
Metabolic Convergence on Lipogenesis in RAS, BCR-ABL, and MYC-driven Lymphoid Malignancies
Authors: Liefwalker Daniel , Ryan Meital , Lai Ian , Mosley Adriane , Dewson Gabrielle , Casey Stephanie , Swaminathan Srividya
Published: November 2020

Background Metabolic re-programming is a central feature in many cancer subtypes and a hallmark of cancer. Many therapeutic strategies attempt to exploit this feature, although often having unintended side effects on normal metabolic programs and limited efficacy due to integrative nature of metabolic substrate sourcing. Although the initiating oncogenic lesion may vary, in lymphoid malignancies tumor cells often share similar environments and potentially similar metabolic profiles. Methods We searched publicly available data sets for common metabolic convergence in lymphoma and leukemia. Using in vitro cell lines derived in from conditional MYC, RAS, and BCR-ABL transgenic murine models we examine metabolic profiles of lipogenesis. We then utilize preclinical murine models and transgenic primary model of T-ALL to determine the effect of lipogenesis blockade across BCR-ABL, RAS, and c-MYC-driven lymphoid malignancies. Statistical significance was calculated using unpaired T tests and one-way ANOVA. Results We find that de novo lipid biogenesis is a shared feature of several lymphoma subtypes. Using cell lines derived in from conditional MYC, RAS, and BCR-ABL transgenic murine models we demonstrate shared responses to inhibition of lipogenesis by the acetyl-coA carboxylase inhibitor 5-(Tetradecloxy)-2-furic Acid (TOFA). We identify specific cell death responses to TOFA in vitro and in vivo and demonstrate delayed engraftment and progression in vivo in transplanted lymphoma cell lines. We also observed delayed progression of T-ALL in a primary transgenic mouse model upon TOFA administration. In a panel of human cell lines, we demonstrate sensitivity to TOFA treatment as a feature of MYC high expressing lymphoma cell lines. Conclusions These studies indicate that inhibition of lipogenesis may be a common survival strategy for many lymphomas and that high MYC expression is predictive of sensitivity to blockade of fatty acid synthesis. Trial Registration This study does not include any clinical interventions on human subjectsTrial RegistrationThis study does not include any clinical interventions on human subjects
A Targeted Review of Breast Cancer Studies of Concordance for an Internationally-Implemented Artificially Intelligent Clinical Decision-Support System
Authors: Arriaga Yull Edwin , Hekmat Rezzan , Draulis Karlis , Wang Suwei , Preininger Anita M , Morgan Laura C. , Lindsley Kristina , Felix Winnie , Dankwa-Mullan Irene , Rhee Kyu , Jackson Gretchen P
Published: November 2020

Background: Breast cancer has the highest incidence and is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. IBM Watson® for Oncology (WfO), an artificial intelligence-based clinical decision-support system, provides therapeutic options for consideration to cancer-treating physicians. We conducted a targeted review of studies evaluating concordance of therapeutic options offered by the system with treatment decisions by practicing clinicians in breast cancer. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, trial registers, conference abstracts, and an internal publication database were searched to identify studies evaluating the concordance of system-generated therapeutic options with treatment decisions by individual clinicians and multidisciplinary tumor boards for breast cancer patients reported in peer-reviewed abstracts or papers published in English between 01/01/2015 and 11/15/2019.Results: Ten breast cancer concordance studies (4703 patients) that met the inclusion criteria were identified and analyzed; the identified studies were from China, India, and Thailand. The weighted mean concordance for all studies was 67.4% (SD 16.0%, range 55.0% - 98.0%). The weighted mean concordance of the system with multidisciplinary tumor boards was 88.2%, (SD 9.7%, range 76.5% - 98.0%), which was substantially higher than concordance between the system and individual clinicians (61.5% , SD 10.1%, range 55.0% -76.0%).Conclusion: Concordance between system-generated therapeutic options and treatment decisions of multidisciplinary tumor boards or individual clinicians for breast cancer demonstrated overall agreement between the system and decisions of practicing cancer-treating physicians in China, India and Thailand. As multidisciplinary tumor boards may lead to higher quality clinical decision-making compared to those of individual clinicians in practice, the relatively higher concordance of the system with multidisciplinary tumor boards suggests a role for clinical decision support to inform clinicians of evidence-informed treatment options.
RootIX: An Easy and Ready to Use Tool for the Study of Plant Root Growth and Architecture.
Authors: Gotté Maxime , Arnaudin Quentin , Durambur Gaëlle , Laloum Yohana , Driouich Azeddine , Follet-Gueye Marie-Laure , Nguema-Ona Eric , Vicré-Gibouin Maité
Published: November 2020

Background: Agronomical and plant physiological studies employ a large variety of compounds that impact root development. The effect of these compounds is often evaluated by root architecture analyses using dedicated software. During the past decade, a growing number of tools proposed complex and deep analysis of the root system architecture. While these software applications are often complex and require specific set up, here, we propose a simple method based on the most common tools used by biologists: ImageJ and Excel®.Results: First, roots are measured manually with ImageJ following a succession of operations (i. choose a plant; ii. Measure: a. the primary root - b. lateral roots). Secondly, RootIX, an Excel file with dedicated macros that will automatically extract, sort and treat the data, is launched. Tables and graphics describing the data are generated. Root length, elongation rate and additional lateral roots are the main indicators provided among many others. We evaluated the effect of algae extracts on tomato roots growth with RootIX. We highlighted that these compounds negatively affect root growth while promoting generation of lateral roots.Conclusion: Ease of use and settings as well as complete data analyses without any cost are the scaffold of RootIX.
Immune Subtyping for Pancreatic Cancer with Implication in Clinical Outcomes and Improving Immunotherapy
Authors: Liu Jingkai , Liu Qiaofei , Zhang Xiang , Cui Ming , Li Tong , Zhang Yalu , Liao Quan
Published: November 2020

Background: Emerging evidence has shown that intra-tumor immune features is associated with response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Accordingly, patient stratification is needed for identifying target patients and designing strategy to improve the efficacy of ICB therapy. We aimed to depict the specific immune features of patients with pancreatic cancer, and explore the implication of immune diversity in prognostic prediction and individualized immunotherapy. Methods: From transcriptional profiles of 383 tumor samples in TCGA, ICGC and GEO database, robust immune subtypes which had different response immunotherapy, including ICB therapy, were identified by consensus clustering with five gene modules. DEGs analysis and tumor microarray were used to screen and demonstrate potential target for improving ICB therapy. Results: Three subtypes of pancreatic cancer, namely cluster 1-3 (C1-C3), characterized with distinct immune features and prognosis were generated. Of that, subtype C1 was an immune-cold type in lack of immune regulators, subtype C2, with an immunosuppression-dominated phenotype characterized by robust TGFβ signaling and stromal reaction, showed the worst prognosis, subtype C3 was an immune-hot type, with massive immune cell infiltration and in abundance of immune regulators . The disparity of immune features uncovered the discrepant applicability of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy and potential sensitivity to other alternative immunotherapy for each subtypes. Patients in C3 were more suitable for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy while patients in other two clusters may need combined strategies targeted on other immune checkpoints or oncogenic pathways. A promising target for improving anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment, TGM2, was screened out and its role in regulation of PD-L1 was investigated for the first time. Conclusion: Collectively, immune features of pancreatic cancer contribute to distinct immunosuppressive mechanisms that are responsible for the individualized immunotherapy. Despite pancreatic cancer being considered as a poor immunogenic cancer type, the derived immune subtypes may have implication in tailored designing of immunotherapy for the patients. TGM2 has potential synergistic roles with ICB therapy.
Vγ9Vδ2 T Cells Strengthen Cisplatin Inhibition Activity Against Breast Cancer MDA-MB-231 Cells by Destructing Mitochondrial Function and Cell Ultrastructure
Authors: Huang Xin , Wang Cunchuan , Wang Ningxia
Published: November 2020

Background: Breast cancer ranks second of new cases and fifth of death in 2018 world widely. Chemotherapy, one of cancer therapeutic strategies, plays important role in controlling mortality of breast cancer. Cis-platinum (CDDP), one of traditional chemotherapy drugs, had been used clinically for years. The crucial limitation of CDDP is due to its adverse effects on immune system. Development of new protocol that can minimize side effect and meanwhile elevate clinical efficacy of traditional drug like CDDP will eventually benefit cancer patients. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells had been reported to be able to up-regulate immune function of cancer patients, therefore, our hypothesis is that introduction of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells could potentiate CDDP efficacy against breast cancer. Methods: In the present work, breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was used a model cell to test our hypothesis. The therapeutic dose of CDDP in vitro was analyzed by flow cytometry; The cytoskeleton was visualized by using a confocal microscopy, and the ultrastructure of the membrane was observed by atomic force microscopy to observe the effect of combined action on MDA-MB-231 cells; The mitochondrial function of MDA-MB-231 cells was detected, and the relevant mechanism of Vγ9Vδ2 T in enhancing cisplatin cells' inhibition of MDA-MB-231 cells was discussed. Results: Vγ9Vδ2 T cells could enhance CDDP-induced MDA-MB-231 cell membrane ultrastructure disorder and cytoskeleton disorder, and enhance the inhibition of CDDP on MDA-MB-231 cells, of which Vγ9Vδ2 T cells enhancing CDDP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction was one of its mechanisms. Conclusion: In this study，the mechanism of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in enhancing the inhibition of cisplatin on MDA-MB-231 cells was studied, which could provide an important scientific clue for developing effective treatment schemes for breast cancer, especially the refractory TNBC breast cancer, based on Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in the future.
Natural Compounds (Thymol, Carvacrol, Hesperidine, and Thymoquinone) Against SARS-CoV-2 Strain Isolated From Egyptian Patients
Authors: Seadawy Mohamed
Published: November 2020

The current pandemic of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has badly affected our life during the year 2020. SARS-CoV-2 is the primary causative agent of the newly emerged pandemic. Natural flavonoids, Terpenoid and Thymoquinone are tested against different viral and host-cell protein targets. These natural compounds have a good history in treating Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Molecular docking combined with cytotoxicity and plaque reduction assay is used to test the natural compounds against different viral (Spike, RdRp, and Mpro) and host-cell (TMPRSS II, keap 1, and ACE2) targets. The results demonstrate the binding possibility of the natural compounds (Thymol, Carvacrol, Hesperidine, and Thymoquinone) to the viral main protease (Mpro). Some of these natural compounds were approved to start clinical trail from Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine ECRRM IRB (Certificate No.IRB00012517)
Predicting Long-term Mortality in Patients with Stable Angina Across the Spectrum of Dysglycemia: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Li Yu-Hsuan , Sheu Wayne Huey-Herng , Yeh Wen-Chao , Chang Yung-Chun , Lee I-Te
Published: November 2020

Background: We aimed to develop and validate a model to predict mortality in patients with stable angina across the spectrum of dysglycemia.Methods: A total of 1479 patients admitted for coronary angiography due to angina were enrolled. All-cause mortality was followed up and served as the primary endpoint. We compared the performance of different machine learning models for survival analysis and used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to select important features. Performance was evaluated using Harrell’s C-index and the Brier score. The models were validated with five-fold cross validation to predict long-term mortality.Results: The features selected by LASSO were age, heart rate, plasma glucose levels at 30 min and 120 min during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), use of angiotensin II receptor blockers, use of diuretics, and smoking history. The best performing model was built using a random survival forest with selected features. It had a good discriminative ability (Harrell’s C-index: 0.829) and acceptable calibration (Brier score: 0.08) for predicting long-term mortality. Among patients with obstructive coronary artery disease confirmed by angiography, our model outperformed the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events discharge score for mortality prediction (Harrell’s C-index: 0.829 vs. 0.739, P < 0.001).Conclusions: We developed a machine learning model to predict long-term mortality among patients with stable angina. With the integration of OGTT, the model could help to identify patients with stable angina at high risk of mortality across the spectrum of dysglycemia.
Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion, Indications and Complications—An Updated Review
Authors: Chen Yun-lin , Lai Ou-jie , Ma Wei-hu , Chen Qi-xin
Published: November 2020

PurposeTo perform an updated and comprehensive review of LLIF; we will also introduce a new modified LLIF named as crenel lateral interbody fusion (CLIF) to reduce the approach-related complicationsMethodsA systematic and critical review of recent literature was conducted. The sources of the data were form PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane. Key search terms were "transpsoas", "interbody fusion", "LLIF", "XLIF", and “DLIF”ResultsStand-alone LLIF has the risk of cage subsidence and non-union rate. LLIF has less complication compared with other approaches because of its minimal invasive, but it still has some specific complications.ConclusionLLIF is a safe, effective and lower complication rate technique when compared to other interbody fusion methods.
The Impact of Changes in Population LDL-C Levels on LDL-C Control in Patients After PCI in China: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Huan , Zhou Zhipeng , Wu Yanqing , Xu Jingsong
Published: November 2020

BANKGROUND: Mortality from coronary artery disease continues to rise, and secondary prevention and treatment are particularly important. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), to describe how treatment outcomes for individual patients changed over time and to examine the potential impact of lipid control rates through population LDL-C levels changes.METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in patients who underwent PCI between July 2017 and June 2019. The main results included LDL-C levels after PCI. To assess the outcome of prevention, three separate measures of LDL-C were considered: baseline, first follow-up, and final follow-up, and LDL-C control rates were analyzed according to different guidelines. we examine the impact of 0.1mmol/l decreases or increases in population LDL-C levels on LDL-C control.RESULTS: Data were analyzed for 423 patients (mean age, 62 ±10 years), and the baseline LDL-C level was 3.11 ± 0.99 mmol/l. 51.5% of the patients achieved the Chinese Lipids Guidelines treatment goal, 22% and 11.6% of the patients achieved the 2016 ESC Lipids Guidelines and 2019 ESC Lipids Guidelines treatment goal at the final follow-up period respectively. LDL-C levels fluctuated during the follow-up period, and the long-term maintenance results could not be guaranteed after PCI. Population LDL-C levels changes in lifestyle could have a very large impact on LDL-C control in China.CONCLUSION: LDL-C control with statins is not ideal in patients after PCI, which is far from the requirements of the latest guidelines. Although clinicians understand the lipid-lowering effect of statins, they should not give up active lifestyle changes, and should strengthen the comprehensive management of blood lipid control.
The Complex Relationship between Estrogen and Migraines: A Scoping Review
Authors: Reddy Nihaal , Schneeberger Steven , Schoenbrunner Anna , Desai Miraj , Janis Jeffrey
Published: November 2020

Background:Migraine headaches are a chronic and complex medical issue for millions of patients worldwide. Despite how common migraines are, there is much to be unveiled regarding their pathogenesis due to the numerous factors implicated in the pathophysiology of migraines. Migraines are significantly more common in women and many female migrainers notice menstrual associations of their headaches. Because of this, migraines have popularly been hypothesized to be largely hormonally mediated. Estrogen has been commonly implicated in migraine pathogenesis yet its exact role in the pathophysiology of migraines has yet to be fully understood. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of the literature regarding estrogen’s role in migraine pathogenesis and included 11 studies out of an initial 199 in the final review. Results: The estrogen withdrawal hypothesis is the most discussed theory about estrogen’s role in migraine physiology and describes the association of migraine onset with natural declines in estrogen levels. Estrogen is also implicated in biochemical pain pathways, and specifically effects pain processing, trigeminal nociception, and neural inflammatory peptides. Human studies have been conducted in female populations such as pregnant women and postmenopausal women, and these studies have supported the estrogen withdrawal hypothesis.Conclusions: Hormone replacement therapy remains to treat migraines is promising, yet still lacks definitive evidence in its efficacy. More primary research into estrogen’s mechanisms in migraine pathogenesis is needed, as its specific roles are still unclear. While human-based, clinical trials on the subject are rare, they would provide great insight into migraines and would allow clinicians to better treat patients. Systematic Review registrations: none
The Efficacy and Safety of Levamisole in African Children With Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Akwaowo Christie Divine , Nna Emmanuel Okechukwu , Okafor Henrietta Uchenna , Asinobi Adanze Onyenonachi , Aronu Ann Ebele , Adesina Olubukola Adeponle , Akanni Vivian Ololade , Briggs Datonye Christopher , Ugoeze Francis Chinedu , Aduh Ufuoma , Liman Haruna Usman , Okoye Ifeoma Joy , Ikeagwulonu Richard Chinaza
Published: November 2020

BackgroundNephrotic syndrome (NS) is one of the most common childhood renal disorders globally, with an incidence of 2 to 7 cases per 100,000 children. A characteristic feature is massive proteinuria which may rapidly progress to end stage kidney failure, if uncontrolled. Most of the cases in children are steroid sensitive but associated with frequent relapses. Levamisole, a cheap antihelminthic has been used as steroid sparing agent in steroid sensitive NS (SSNS). This study assesses the efficacy and safety of Levamisole in African children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.MethodsWe will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of all Randomised controlled trials which reported African children with Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who were on Levamisole compared to other drugs. Ten databases including PubMed, African Journals Online, Google Scholar, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, Clinicaltrial.gov and Research Gate will be searched using a search strategy. The search will have no time restrictions, but studies must have been conducted among African children residing in Africa and are retrievable in the English Language. Studies will be selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria by two independent reviewers without blinding. The study quality will be assessed using the Pedro scale and risk of bias evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Eligible screened studies will be inlcuded for meta-analysis using the CMA Software. Statistical, clinical and methodological heterogeneity will be tested. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression will be performed on rate of relapses, adverse event and drug dose.DiscussionThe primary outcome will be the proportion of children with remissions and or relapses within 6 -12 months post initiation of levamisole or comparators with effect size being the relative risk. Safety of Levamisole will be measured using reported adverse events. Moderating effects of age, gender, duration of illness, and dosage of Levamisole on the duration of remission, frequency of relapses and adverse events will be examined.Systematic Review RegistrationThis protocol has been registered in PROSPERO, with registration number CRD42020213327.
Changing Gender Role Portrayal in Media: Survey-Based Study
Authors: Hasan Nabiha , Namood-e-Sahar
Published: November 2020

Gender role development is very important among children during the phase of their personality development. This results in the formation of gender identity, which later on determines the type of gender role exhibited by the child in later life. Home is the main platform from where the key features of personality for a child is shaped up. Similarly, variable gender roles are also being taught by the family members. The growing media and its impact also play significant role in this regard. The current research made an account of how the gender role portrayal is changing in media and its respective impact on gender role shift in the society. This objective was achieved by conducting a survey on the content portrayed in a Pakistani movie “Ek Thi Marium” (2016). Findings suggest that the media today is displaying a changed gender role instead of gender stereotypical portrayal. It could help future researches to identify the modern trends and to study the effect of these variations among individuals of different age groups.
The Impact of Internet use frequency on Non-suicidal self injurious behavior and Suicidal Ideation among Chinese adolescents: An empirical study based on Gender perspective
Authors: Xin Moye , Yang Xueyan , Liu Kun , Böke Bilun Naz
Published: November 2020

Background: We attempted to find if there were gender differences in Non-suicidal self injurious (NSSI) behaviors and Suicidal ideation among Chinese adolescents, then analyze the impact of Internet use frequency on these variables among adolescents of different genders.Methods: Based on the data from 6 high-schools and 4 universities in 4 cities in China, the gender difference in NSSI behaviors and Suicidal ideation and their related factors were analyzed in the study.Results: Gender differences were found during different purposes of Internet use; There was no significant gender difference in NSSI behaviors among Chinese adolescents, yet females reported significantly higher intensity of suicidal ideation compared to males; Internet use frequency could explain the prevalence of NSSI behaviors and Suicidal ideation by gender, to some categories.Conclusions: There were gender differences in Internet use frequency among adolescents; Gender difference of NSSI engagement among Chinese adolescents was not statistically significant; Females had higher suicidal ideation than males; the overuse of social softwares was found to be a risk factor to both NSSI engagements and suicidal ideations for both genders; males would engage less NSSI behaviors when they spent more time on knowledge sharing softwares while might have more suicidal ideation when they spent too much time on gaming.
Family matters: Skin microbiome reflects the social group and spatial proximity in wild zebra finches
Authors: Engel Kathrin , Pankoke Helga , Jünemann Sebastian , Brandl Hanja B. , Sauer Jan , Griffith Simon C. , Kalinowski Jörn , Caspers Barbara A.
Published: November 2020

Background: So far, large numbers of studies investigating the microbiome have focused on gut microbiota and less have addressed the microbiome of the skin. Especially in avian taxa our understanding of the ecology and function of these bacteria remains incomplete. The involvement of skin bacteria in intra-specific communication has recently received attention, and has highlighted the need to understand what information is potentially being encoded in bacterial communities. Using next generation sequencing techniques, we characterised the skin microbiome of wild zebra finches, aiming to understand the impact of sex, age and group composition on skin bacteria communities. For this purpose, we sampled skin swabs from both sexes and two age classes (adults and nestlings) of 12 different zebra finch families and analysed the bacterial communities.Results: Using 16S rRNA sequencing we found no effect of age, sex and family on bacterial diversity (alpha diversity). However, when comparing the composition (beta diversity), we found that animals of social groups (families) harbour highly similar bacterial communities on their skin with respect to community composition. Within families, closely related individuals shared significantly more bacterial taxa than non-related animals. In addition, we found that age (adults vs. nestlings) affected bacterial composition. Finally, we found that spatial proximity of nest sites, and therefore individuals, correlated with the skin microbiota similarity. Conclusions: Birds harbour very diverse and complex bacterial assemblages on their skin. These bacterial communities are distinguishable and characteristic for intraspecific social groups. Our findings are indicative for a family-specific skin microbiome in wild zebra finches. Genetics and the (social) environment seem to be the influential factors shaping the complex bacterial communities. Bacterial communities associated with the skin have a potential to emit volatiles and therefore these communities may play a role in intraspecific social communication, e.g. via signalling social group membership.
Adaptive Immune Responses Mediated Age-related Plasmodium yoelii 17XL and 17XNL Infections in 4 and 8-week-old BALB/c Mice
Authors: Wang Qiu-bo , Du Yun-ting , Liu Fei , Sun Xiao-dan , Sun Xun , Chen Guang , Pang Wei , Cao Yaming
Published: November 2020

Backgroud: As the quest to eradicate malaria continues, it is important to clarify the opposite clinical outcomes between children and adulthood. The relationship between adaptive immune response and age-related malaria infection remains unknown.Methods: 4 and 8-week-old mice were used to mimic children and adulthood, respectively. Parasitemia and the survival rate were monitored. The proportion and function of Th1 and Th2 cells were detected by FACS. The levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, total IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and Plasmodium yoelii MSP-1-specific IgG were measured by ELISA.Results: Our results found that childhood mice were more susceptible to P. yoelii 17XNL infection, with lower survival rate and higher parasitemia. The adult group showed greater resistance to P. yoelii 17XL infection, with lower parasitemia. Compared with 4-week-old mice, the percentage of CD4+T-bet+IFN-γ+ Th1 cells as well as IFN-γ production were significantly increased on day 5 p.i. in the 8-week-old mice after P. yoelii 17XNL infection. The percentage of CD4+GATA3+IL-4+ Th2 cells and CD4+CXCR5+ Tfh cells, and IL-4 production in the 8-week-old mice significantly increased on day 5 and day 10 after P. yoelii 17XNL infection. Notably, the levels of total IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and P. yoelii MSP-1-specific IgG were also significantly increased in the 8-week-old mice. PD-1, a marker of exhaustion, was up-regulated on CD4+ or activated CD4+ T cells in the 8-week-old mice as compared to the 4-week-old group.Conclusions: Thus, we consider that enhanced cellular and humoral adaptive immunity might contribute to rapid clearance of malaria among adults, likely in a PD-1-dependent manner due to induction of CD4+ T cells exhaustion in P. yoelii 17XNL infected 8-week-old mice.