bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suicidal ideation and intentional self-harm in pregnancy as a neglected agenda in maternal health; an experience from rural Sri Lanka
Authors: Arachchi Nimna Sachini Malawara , Ganegama Ranjan , Husna Abdul Wahib Fathima , Chandima Delo Lashan , Hettigama Nandana , Premadasa Jagath , Herath Jagath , Ranaweera Harindra , Agampodi Thilini Chanchala , Agampodi Suneth Buddhika
Published: November 2019

Background

Suicide only present the tip of the iceberg of maternal mental health issues. Only a fraction of pregnant women with suicidal ideation proceeds to intentional self-harm (ISH) and even a smaller proportion are fatal. The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of depression, suicidal ideation (present and past) and history of ISH among pregnant mothers in rural Sri Lanka.

Methods

We have conducted a hospital based cross sectional study in the third largest hospital in Sri Lanka and an another tertiary care center. Pregnant women admitted to hospital at term were included as study participants. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), a self-administered questionnaire for demographic and clinical data and a data extraction sheet to get pregnancy related data from the pregnancy record was used.

Results

The study sample consisted of 475 pregnant women in their third trimester. For the tenth question of EPDS “the thought of harming myself has occurred to me during last seven days” was answered as “yes quite a lot” by four (0.8%), “yes sometimes” by eleven (2.3%) and hardly ever by 13 (2.7%). Two additional pregnant women reported that they had suicidal ideation during the early part of the current pregnancy period though they are not having it now. Four (0.8%) pregnant women reported having a history of ISH during the current pregnancy. History of ISH prior to this pregnancy was reported by eight women and five of them were reported to hospitals, while others were managed at home. Of the 475 pregnant females included in the study, 126 (26.5%) had an EPDS score more than nine, showing probable anxiety and depression. Pregnant women who had primary/post-primary or tertiary education compared to those who were in-between those two categories were at higher risk of high EPDS score with a OR of 1.94 (95% CI 1.1–3.3). Reported suicidal ideation prior to pregnancy was also associated with high EPDS with a OR of 6.4 (95% CI 2.3–17.5).

Conclusions

Based on our data, we conservatively estimate around 500 pregnant women each year having suicidal ideation and, 130 ISH annually in Anuradhapura, which should be considered as a high priority for an urgent intervention.
Predisposing, enabling and need factors associated with skilled delivery care utilization among reproductive-aged women in Kersa district, eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Gezahegn , Chojenta Catherine , Smith Roger , Loxton Deborah
Published: November 2019

Background

Skilled delivery care utilization in Ethiopia is still very low compared with the goal set by the global community for countries with the highest maternal mortality. As a result, the country is overburdened with high maternal morbidity and mortality. We aimed to explore the predisposing, enabling, and need factors associated with skilled delivery care utilization among reproductive-aged women in Kersa district, eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 1294 women. The participants were selected using systematic sampling techniques. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire aided by an electronic survey tool was used to collect data. Univariate analyses were conducted to describe the study sample. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to elicit the association of predisposing, enabling, and need factors associated with skilled delivery care utilization. Separate multivariate models were fitted for primiparous and multiparous women categories. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to assess statistical significance.

Results

More than a quarter (30.8%) of the women surveyed used skilled delivery care for their most recent birth. Significant predisposing factors were as follows: presence of educated family member; receiving education on maternal health; previous use of skilled delivery care; and best friend’s use of maternal care. Place of residence was the enabling factor that predicted skilled delivery care use. Antenatal care attendance and pregnancy intention were significant need factors associated with skilled delivery care utilization.

Conclusion

The findings of the study highlight the need for a concerted effort to establish community-based peer education programs; improve access to family planning services (to reduce unintended pregnancies); increase antenatal care uptake; and facilitate access to skilled delivery care in rural areas.
Immediate versus deferred antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients presenting with acute AIDS-defining events (toxoplasmosis, Pneumocystis jirovecii-pneumonia): a prospective, randomized, open-label multicenter study (IDEAL-study)
Authors:   the IDEAL study group, Schäfer Guido , Hoffmann Christian , Arasteh Keikawus , Schürmann Dirk , Stephan Christoph , Jensen Björn , Stoll Matthias , Bogner Johannes R. , Faetkenheuer Gerd , Rockstroh Jürgen , Klinker Hartwig , Härter Georg , Stöhr Albrecht , Degen Olaf , Freiwald Eric , Hüfner Anja , Jordan Sabine , Schulze zur Wiesch Julian , Addo Marylyn , Lohse Ansgar W. , van Lunzen Jan , Schmiedel Stefan
Published: November 2019

Background

To evaluate clinical outcomes after either immediate or deferred initiation of antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1-infected patients, presenting late with pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) or toxoplasma encephalitis (TE).

Methods

Phase IV, multicenter, prospective, randomized open-label clinical trial. Patients were randomized into an immediate therapy arm (starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) within 7 days after initiation of OI treatment) versus a deferred arm (starting ART after completing the OI-therapy). All patients were followed for 24 weeks. The rates of clinical progression (death, new or relapsing opportunistic infections (OI) and other grade 4 clinical endpoints) were compared, using a combined primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints were hospitalization rates after completion of OI treatment, incidence of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), virologic and immunological outcome, adherence to proteinase-inhibitor based antiretroviral therapy (ART) protocol and quality of life.

Results

61 patients (11 patients suffering TE, 50 with PCP) were enrolled. No differences between the two therapy groups in all examined primary and secondary endpoints could be identified: immunological and virologic outcome was similar in both groups, there was no significant difference in the incidence of IRIS (11 and 10 cases), furthermore 9 events (combined endpoint of death, new/relapsing OI and grade 4 events) occurred in each group.

Conclusions

In summary, this study supports the notion that immediate initiation of ART with a ritonavir-boosted proteinase-inhibitor and two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors is safe and has no negative effects on incidence of disease progression or IRIS, nor on immunological and virologic outcomes or on quality of life.
Social isolation improves the performance of rodents in a novel cognitive flexibility task
Authors: Fei Xin-Yuan , Liu Sha , Sun Yan-Hong , Cheng Liang
Published: November 2019

Background

Social isolation, i.e., the deprivation of social contact, is a highly stressful circumstance that affects behavioral and functional brain development in social animals. Cognitive flexibility, one of the essential executive brain function that facilitates survival problem solving, was reported to be impaired after social isolation rearing. However, most of the previous studies have focused on the constrained aspect of flexibility and little is known about the unconstrained aspect. In the present study, the unconstrained cognitive flexibility of Kunming mice (Mus musculus, Km) reared in isolation was examined by a novel digging task. The exploratory behavior of the mice was also tested utilizing the hole-board and elevated plus maze tests to explain the differences in cognitive flexibility between the mice reared socially and in isolation.

Results

The results demonstrated that the isolated mice had a higher success rate in solving the novel digging problem and showed a higher rate of exploratory behavior compared with the controls. Linear regression analysis revealed that the time it took the mice to solve the digging problem was negatively associated with exploratory behavior.

Conclusions

The data suggest that social isolation rearing improves unconstrained cognitive flexibility in mice, which is probably related to an increase in their exploratory behavior. Such effects may reflect the behavioral and cognitive evolutionary adaptations of rodents to survive under complex and stressful conditions.
Curcumin prevents high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis in ApoE−/− mice by improving intestinal barrier function and reducing endotoxin and liver TLR4/NF-κB inflammation
Authors: Feng Dan , Zou Jun , Su Dongfang , Mai Haiyan , Zhang Shanshan , Li Peiyang , Zheng Xiumei
Published: November 2019

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease and has become a public health concern worldwide. The hallmark of NAFLD is hepatic steatosis. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic strategies that are efficacious and have minimal side effects in hepatic steatosis and NAFLD treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplement of curcumin on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hepatic steatosis and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

ApoE−/− mice were fed a normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD supplemented with curcumin (0.1% w/w) for 16 weeks. Body and liver weight, blood biochemical.

parameters, and liver lipids were measured. Intestinal permeability, hepatic steatosis and mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4-related inflammatory signaling molecule were analyzed.

Results

The administration of curcumin significantly prevented HFD-induced body weight gain and reduced liver weight. Curcumin attenuated hepatic steatosis along with improved serum lipid profile. Moreover, curcumin up-regulated the expression of intestinal tight junction protein zonula occluden-1 and occludin, which further improved gut barrier dysfunction and reduced circulating lipopolysaccharide levels. Curcumin also markedly down-regulated the protein expression of hepatic TLR4 and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), inhibited p65 nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the liver. In addition, the mRNA expression of hepatic tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) as well as the plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were also lowered by curcumin treatment.

Conclusion

These results indicated that curcumin protects against HFD-induced hepatic steatosis by improving intestinal barrier function and reducing endotoxin and liver TLR4/NF-κB inflammation. The ability of curcumin to inhibit hepatic steatosis portrayed its potential as effective dietry intervention for NAFLD prevention.
Knowledge of psychosocial factors associated with low back pain amongst health science students: a scoping review
Authors: Lewis Kelsey L. , Battaglia Patrick J.
Published: November 2019

Background

Low back pain is a burden worldwide and biological, psychological, and social mechanisms play a role in its development and persistence. Current guidelines support care using the biopsychosocial model. However, biomedical constructs dominate clinician training, and it is unknown the extent to which health science students understand the psychosocial determinates of a patient’s low back pain. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review is to report health science students’ current knowledge of psychosocial factors associated with low back pain.

Methods

A scoping review framework was used to search electronic databases for research examining health science students’ knowledge of psychosocial factors associated with low back pain. The nature and findings of the studies are highlighted using the data charting tool. Each study was analyzed to determine the type of outcome measurement used. Scores were compared to minimum accepted scores, between disciplines, as education advanced, and after educational modules.

Results

Fourteen studies published between 2004 and 2019 were identified. Seven healthcare disciplines were represented.

In total, 12 different measurement tools were utilized. In 9 studies students demonstrated inadequate knowledge of psychosocial factors associated with low back pain. Three tools compared disciplines and nationalities. Three tools were associated with practice behavior. Eight studies showed improvement as students’ education advanced, and 3 studies demonstrated improvements in knowledge after implementation of pain education modules of varied lengths. Of those, two showed significant improvement.

Conclusions

Health science students in these studies had substandard understanding of psychosocial factors associated with low back pain. Dedicated pain education has the potential to improve low back pain understanding, resulting in more guideline appropriate care recommendation.
Large left atrial cavernous hemangioma, a case report
Authors: Xu Jian , Piao Hulin , Wang Duo , Wang Yong , Li Bo , Wang Tiance , Zhu Zhicheng , Li Dan , Xu Rihao , Liu Kexiang
Published: November 2019

Background

Cardiac cavernous hemangiomas are extremely rare and usually difficult to be diagnosed for being asymptomatic.

Case presentation

An asymptomatic 56-year-old woman was hospitalized due to a heart mass found by chest computed tomography (CT) during her annual physical examination. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) disclosed a tumorous lesion, located in the left atrial roof and extended to the posterior wall of the aortic root and surrounding the left main coronary artery. However, there was no communicating branches between the hemangioma and coronary artery and no coronary artery stenosis. The tumor was excised with low-frequency electrocautery under cardiopulmonary bypass. The histopathological examination indicated the mass a cavernous hemangioma. The patient was discharged with an uneventful recovery.

Conclusions

Here we presented a rare case of successfully excision of a cavernous hemangioma involving the left atrial roof and left coronary artery. We advocate adequate exposure and complete surgical excision with low-frequency electrocautery to avoid remnants and excessive resection.
Isoform-specific NF1 mRNA levels correlate with disease severity in Neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Assunto Antonia , Ferrara Ursula , De Luca Alessandro , Pivonello Claudia , Lombardo Lisa , Piscitelli Annapina , Tortora Cristina , Pinna Valentina , Daniele Paola , Pivonello Rosario , Russo Maria Giovanna , Limongelli Giuseppe , Colao Annamaria , Tartaglia Marco , Strisciuglio Pietro , Melis Daniela
Published: November 2019

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is characterized by an extreme clinical variability both within and between families that cannot be explained solely by the nature of the pathogenic NF1 gene mutations. A proposed model hypothesizes that variation in the levels of protein isoforms generated via alternative transcript processing acts as modifier and contributes to phenotypic variability.

Results

Here we used real-time quantitative PCR to investigate the levels of two major NF1 mRNA isoforms encoding proteins differing in their ability to control RAS signaling (isoforms I and II) in the peripheral blood leukocytes of 138 clinically well-characterized NF1 patients and 138 aged-matched healthy controls. As expected, expression analysis showed that NF1 isoforms I and II levels were significantly lower in patients than controls. Notably, these differences were more evident when patients were stratified according to the severity of phenotype. Moreover, a correlation was identified when comparing the levels of isoform I mRNA and the severity of NF1 features, with statistically significant lower levels associated with a severe phenotype (i.e., occurrence of learning disability/intellectual disability, optic gliomas and/or other neoplasias, and/or cerebrovascular disease) as well as in patients with cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

The present findings provide preliminary evidence for a role of circuits controlling NF1 transcript processing in modulating NF1 expressivity, and document an association between the levels of neurofibromin isoform I mRNA and the severity of phenotype and cognitive impairment in NF1.
Evaluation of earlier versus later dietary management in long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase or mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiency: a systematic review
Authors: Fraser Hannah , Geppert Julia , Johnson Rebecca , Johnson Samantha , Connock Martin , Clarke Aileen , Taylor-Phillips Sian , Stinton Chris
Published: November 2019

Background

Mitochondrial trifunctional protein (MTP) and long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) deficiencies are rare fatty acid β-oxidation disorders. Without dietary management the conditions are life-threatening. We conducted a systematic review to investigate whether pre-symptomatic dietary management following newborn screening provides better outcomes than treatment following symptomatic detection.

Methods

We searched Web of Science, Medline, Pre-Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library up to 23rd April 2018. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts for eligibility and quality appraised the studies. Data extraction was performed by one reviewer and checked by another.

Results

We included 13 articles out of 7483 unique records. The 13 articles reported on 11 patient groups, including 174 people with LCHAD deficiency, 18 people with MTP deficiency and 12 people with undifferentiated LCHAD/MTP deficiency. Study quality was moderate to weak in all studies. Included studies suggested fewer heart and liver problems in screen-detected patients, but inconsistent results for mortality. Follow up analyses compared long-term outcomes of (1) pre-symptomatically versus symptomatically treated patients, (2) screened versus unscreened patients, and (3) asymptomatic screen-detected, symptomatic screen-detected, and clinically diagnosed patients in each study. For follow up analyses 1 and 2, we found few statistically significant differences in the long-term outcomes. For follow up analysis 3 we found a significant difference for only one comparison, in the incidence of cardiomyopathy between the three groups.

Conclusions

There is some evidence that dietary management following screen-detection might be associated with a lower incidence of some LCHAD and MTP deficiency-related complications. However, the evidence base is limited by small study sizes, quality issues and risk of confounding. An internationally collaborative research effort is needed to fully examine the risks and the benefits to pre-emptive dietary management with particular attention paid to disease severity and treatment group.
USP7 is a novel Deubiquitinase sustaining PLK1 protein stability and regulating chromosome alignment in mitosis
Authors: Peng Yuchong , Liu Youhong , Gao Yingxue , Yuan Bowen , Qi Xuli , Fu Yuxin , Zhu Qianling , Cao Tuoyu , Zhang Songwei , Yin Linglong , Li Xiong
Published: November 2019

Background

The deubiquitinase USP7 has been identified as an oncogene with key roles in tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance for a series of cancer types. Recently small molecular inhibitors have been developed to target USP7. However, the anticancer mechanism of USP7 inhibitors is still elusive.

Methods

Cell viability or clonogenicity was tested by violet crystal assay. Cell apoptosis or cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry, and chromosome misalignment was observed by a fluorescent microscopy. The protein interaction of PLK1 and USP7 was detected by tandem affinity purification and high throughput proteomics, and further confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation, GST pull-down and protein co-localization. The correlation between USP7 level of tumor tissues and taxane-resistance was evaluated.

Results

Pharmacological USP7 inhibition by P5091 retarded cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis. Further studies showed that P5091 induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, and particularly induced chromosome misalignment, indicating the key roles of USP7 in mitosis. USP7 protein was detected in the PLK1-interacted protein complex. USP7 interacts with PLK1 protein through its PBD domain by catalytic activity. USP7 as a deubiquitinase sustained PLK1 protein stability via the C223 site, and inversely, USP7 inhibition by P5091 promoted the protein degradation of PLK1 through the ubiquitination-proteasome pathway. By overexpressing PLK1, USP7 that had been depleted by RNAi ceased to induce chromosome misalignment in mitosis and again supported cell proliferation and cell survival. Both USP7 and PLK1 were overexpressed in taxane-resistant cancer cells, and negatively correlated with the MP scores in tumor tissues. Either USP7 or PLK1 knockdown by RNAi significantly sensitized taxane-resistant cells to taxane cell killing.

Conclusion

This is the first report that PLK1 is a novel substrate of USP7 deubiquitinase, and that USP7 sustained the protein stability of PLK1. USP7 inhibition induces cell apoptosis and cell cycle G2/M arrest, and overcomes taxane resistance by inducing the protein degradation of PLK1, resulting in chromosome misalignment in mitosis.
Molecular characterization of three intestinal protozoans in hospitalized children with different disease backgrounds in Zhengzhou, central China
Authors: Yu Fuchang , Li Dongfang , Chang Yankai , Wu Yayun , Guo Zhenxin , Jia Liting , Xu Jinling , Li Junqiang , Qi Meng , Wang Rongjun , Zhang Longxian
Published: November 2019

Background

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are major intestinal pathogens that can cause diarrheal diseases in humans, especially children. Enterocytozoon bieneusi is another parasite which can cause gastrointestinal tract disorders, with diarrhea being the main clinical symptom. However, few genetic studies of these parasites in pediatric inpatients in China have been published.

Methods

To assess the genetic characteristics and epidemiological status of these parasites, a total of 2284 fecal samples were collected from children in the pediatric departments of three hospitals in Zhengzhou, central China, and screened for these protozoans with PCR, based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) genes of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of E. bieneusi.

Results

Six (0.26%), 14 (0.61%), and 27 (1.18%) of the samples were positive for Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis and E. bieneusi, respectively. Of the 12 successfully sequenced G. duodenalis isolates, four were identified as assemblage A and eight as assemblage B. In subtype and multilocus genotype (MLG) analyses, C. parvum IIdA19G1 (n = 4) and two novel G. duodenalis MLGs belonging to subassemblage AII (n = 3) and BIV (n = 5) were successfully identified. The E. bieneusi isolates included genotypes D (n = 17), J (n = 2), PigEBITS7 (n = 1), BEB6 (n = 1), and CM8 (n = 1). This is the first report of C. parvum subtype IIdA19G1 in HIV-negative children and E. bieneusi genotype CM8 in humans.

Conclusions

The dominance of zoonotic C. parvum subtype IIdA19G1 indicates that this parasite is turning into zoonotic origin from human-to-human transmission. The phylogenetic analysis also revealed the zoonotic origins and anthroponotic transmission potential of G. duodenalis and E. bieneusi, suggesting more efforts must be made to minimize the threat these pathogens pose to public health.
Macrophage polarization in periodontal ligament stem cells enhanced periodontal regeneration
Authors: Liu Jiaying , Chen Bin , Bao Jun , Zhang Yangheng , Lei Lang , Yan Fuhua
Published: November 2019

Background

The inflammation and regeneration process may be accompanied by the shift in the M1/M2 polarization of macrophages to adapt to extracellular signals. How the macrophages responded to the altered immunological environment in the periodontal niche after stem cell transplantation has never been explored. The purpose of present study is to investigate whether M1/M2 polarization of macrophages participated in the tissue homeostasis and wound healing during periodontal ligament stem cell (PDLSC)-based periodontal regeneration.

Methods

A rat periodontal defect model was utilized to observe the regeneration process in the PDLSC transplantation-enhanced periodontal repair. Dynamic changes in the markers of M1/M2 macrophages were observed on days 3, 7, and 21 post surgery. In addition, the outcome of regeneration was analyzed on day 21 after surgery. To further investigate the effect of PDLSCs on macrophage polarization, the conditioned medium of PDLSCs was utilized to treat M0, M1, and M2 macrophages for 24 h; markers of M1/M2 polarization were evaluated in macrophages.

Results

Elevated bone volume and average thickness of bone trabecular was observed in the PDLSC-treated group by micro-computed tomography on day 21. In addition, enhanced periodontal regeneration was observed in the PDLSC-treated group with cementum-like structure regeneration and collagen fiber formation, which inserted into the newly formed cementum. On day 3, PDLSC transplantation increased IL-10 level in the periodontal tissue, while decreased TNF-α in the early stage of periodontal regeneration. On day 7, enhanced CD163+ cell infiltration and heightened expression of markers of M2 macrophages were observed. Furthermore, conditioned medium from PDLSC culture induced macrophage polarization towards the anti-inflammatory phenotype by downregulating TNF-α and upregulating IL-10, Arg-1, and CD163 in vitro.

Conclusions

PDLSCs could induce macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype, and the shift in the polarization towards M2 macrophages in the early stage of tissue repair contributed to the enhanced periodontal regeneration after stem cell transplantation. Therefore, signals from the transplanted PDLSCs might alter the immune microenvironment to enhance periodontal regeneration.
Exosomes derived from human CD34+ stem cells transfected with miR-26a prevent glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head by promoting angiogenesis and osteogenesis
Authors: Zuo Rongtai , Kong Lingchi , Wang Mengwei , Wang Wenbo , Xu Jia , Chai Yimin , Guan Junjie , Kang Qinglin
Published: November 2019

Background

Damaged endothelial cells and downregulated osteogenic ability are two key pathogenic mechanisms of glucocorticoid (GC)-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Recent studies suggested that transplantation of CD34+stem cell-derived exosomes (CD34+-Exos) can treat ischemic diseases by promoting neovascularization and that miR-26a is an important positive regulator of osteogenesis. Moreover, the biological effect of exosomes is closely related to their cargo miRNAs. However, it is not clear whether increasing the abundance of miR-26a in CD34+-Exos will inhibit the progress of GC-induced ONFH.

Methods

MiR-26a was overexpressed in CD34+-Exos (miR-26a-CD34+-Exos) to increase their osteogenic potential. The angiogenic potential of miR-26a-CD34+-Exos was then examined through evaluations of migration and tube-forming capacities in vitro. In addition, in order to observe the osteogenic effect of miR-26a-CD34+-Exos on bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), Alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assays, and qPCR were carried out. Finally, miR-26a-CD34+-Exos were injected into a GC-induced ONFH rat model to prevent the progress of GC-induced ONFH. The biological effects of miR-26a-CD34+-Exos on the ONFH model were evaluated by micro-CT, angiography, and histological staining.

Results

Our data showed that miR-26a-CD34+-Exos enhanced human umbilical vein endothelial cell migration and tube-forming capacities. Furthermore, miR-26a-CD34+-Exos strengthened the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs under the influence of GCs in vitro. Finally, the miR-26a-CD34+-Exos increased the vessel density and trabecular bone integrity of the femoral head in the GC-induced ONFH rat model, which inhibited the progress of ONFH.

Conclusions

MiR-26a-CD34+-Exos protect the femoral head from damage caused by GCs by strengthening angiogenesis and osteogenesis. The biological effect of miR-26a-CD34+-Exos make them suitable for application in the prevention of GC-induced ONFH.
HERV-K and HERV-W transcriptional activity in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Rodrigues Lucas S. , da Silva Nali Luiz H. , Leal Cibele O. D. , Sabino Ester C. , Lacerda Eliana M. , Kingdon Caroline C. , Nacul Luis , Romano Camila M.
Published: November 2019

Background

Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/MS) is an incapacitating chronic disease that dramatically compromise the life quality. The CFS/ME pathogenesis is multifactorial, and it is believed that immunological, metabolic and environmental factors play a role. It is well documented an increased activity of Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) from different families in autoimmune and neurological diseases, making these elements good candidates for biomarkers or even triggers for such diseases.

Methods

Here the expression of Endogenous retroviruses K and W (HERV-K and HERV-W) was determined in blood from moderately and severely affected ME/CFS patients through real time PCR.

Results

HERV-K was overexpressed only in moderately affected individuals but HERV-W showed no difference.

Conclusions

This is the first report about HERV-K differential expression in moderate ME/CFS. Although the relationship between HERVs and ME/CFS has yet to be proven, the observation of this phenomenon deserves further attention.
Global properties of saturated chikungunya virus dynamics models with cellular infection and delays
Authors: Elaiw A. M. , Almalki S. E. , Hobiny A. D.
Published: November 2019

This paper studies the global properties of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) dynamics models with both CHIKV-to-monocytes and infected-to-monocyte transmissions. We assume that the infection rate of modeling CHIKV infection is given by saturated mass action. The effect of antibody immune response on the virus dynamics is modeled. The models included three types of time delays, discrete or distributed. The first type of delay is the time between CHIKV entry an uninfected monocyte to be latently infected monocyte. The second time delay is the time between CHIKV entry an uninfected monocyte and the emission of immature CHIKV. The third time delay represents the CHIKV’s maturation time. Lyapunov method is utilized and LaSalle’s invariance principle is applied to address the global stability of equilibria. The model is numerically simulated to support theoretical results.
On a coupled system of higher order nonlinear Caputo fractional differential equations with coupled Riemann–Stieltjes type integro-multipoint boundary conditions
Authors: Alsaedi Ahmed , Ahmad Bashir , Alruwaily Ymnah , Ntouyas Sotiris K.
Published: November 2019

We study a coupled system of Caputo fractional differential equations with coupled non-conjugate Riemann–Stieltjes type integro-multipoint boundary conditions. Existence and uniqueness results for the given boundary value problem are obtained by applying the Leray–Schauder nonlinear alternative, the Krasnoselskii fixed point theorem and Banach’s contraction mapping principle. Examples are constructed to illustrate the obtained results.
Existence and uniqueness of solutions for multi-term fractional q-integro-differential equations via quantum calculus
Authors: Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Samei Mohammad Esmael
Published: November 2019

In this investigation, by applying the definition of the fractional q-derivative of the Caputo type and the fractional q-integral of the Riemann–Liouville type, we study the existence and uniqueness of solutions for a multi-term nonlinear fractional q-integro-differential equations under some boundary conditions ${}^{c}D_{q}^{\alpha} x(t) = w ( t, x(t), (\varphi_{1} x)(t), (\varphi_{2} x)(t), {}^{c}D_{q} ^{ \beta_{1}} x(t), {}^{c}D_{q}^{\beta_{2}} x(t), \ldots, {}^{c}D _{q}^{ \beta_{n}}x(t) )$Dqαcx(t)=w(t,x(t),(φ1x)(t),(φ2x)(t),cDqβ1x(t),cDqβ2x(t),…,cDqβnx(t)). Our results are based on some classical fixed point techniques, as Schauder’s fixed point theorem and Banach contraction mapping principle. Besides, some instances are exhibited to illustrate our results and we report all algorithms required along with the numerical result obtained.
Bovine sperm selection procedure prior to cryopreservation for improvement of post-thawed semen quality and fertility
Authors: Nagata MariaPortia B. , Egashira Junki , Katafuchi Naoto , Endo Kenji , Ogata Kazuko , Yamanaka Kenichi , Yamanouchi Tadayuki , Matsuda Hideo , Hashiyada Yutaka , Yamashita Kenichi
Published: November 2019

Background

The application of cryopreservation and artificial insemination technology have contributed to the advancement of animal reproduction. However, a substantial proportion of spermatozoa undergoes alterations and loses their fertility during cryopreservation, rendering the frozen-thawed semen impractical for routine use. Cryopreservation is known to reduce sperm lifespan and fertility. Variation in cryosurvival of spermatozoa from different sires and even with the individual sire is common in artificial insemination (AI) centers. Our goal is to improve post-thawed semen quality by optimization of cryopreservation technique through sperm selection prior to cryopreservation process.

Results

Our strategy of sperm selection based on rheotaxis and thermotaxis (SSRT) on macrosale in a rotating fluid flow demonstrated the ability to maintain the original pre-freezing structural integrity, viability and biological function related to fertilization competence. This strategy has a positive effect on the cryosurvival and fertilizing abilities of spermatozoa as supported by the improvement on pregnancy rate of Japanese Black heifers and Holstein repeat breeders. This technique protected further sublethal damage to bovine spermatozoa (higher % cryosurvival than the control) and resulted in the improvement of DNA integrity. Prefreeze selected spermatozoa demonstrated slower and controlled capacitation than unprocessed control which is thought to be related to sperm longevity and consequently to appropriate timing duringin vivofertilization.

Conclusions

These results provide solid evidence that improvement of post-thawed semen quality by SSRT method is beneficial in terms of cryosurvival, longevity of post-thawed sperm, and optimization ofin vivofertilization, embryo development and calving as supported by the favorable results of field fertility study.
A high-throughput screening identifies histone deacetylase inhibitors as therapeutic agents against medulloblastoma
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Gong Zhaojian , Oladimeji Peter O. , Currier Duane G. , Deng Qipan , Liu Ming , Chen Taosheng , Li Yong
Published: November 2019

Background

Medulloblastoma is the most frequently occurring malignant brain tumor in children. Current treatment strategies for medulloblastoma include aggressive surgery, cranio-spinal irradiation and adjuvant chemotherapy. Because current treatments can cause severe long-term side effects and are not curative, successful treatment remains a challenge.

Methods

In this study, we employed a high-throughput cell viability assay to screen 12,800 compounds and to identify drug candidates with anti-proliferative properties for medulloblastoma cells. We also tested these compounds for attenuating medulloblastoma tumor development using mouse xenografts.

Results

We identified two histone deacetylase inhibitors (dacinostat and quisinostat) with anti-proliferative properties for medulloblastoma cells. We showed that both compounds induce cytotoxicity, trigger cell apoptosis, and block cell cycle progression at the G2/M phase. In addition, dacinostat and quisinostat attenuated xenograft medulloblastoma growth in mice.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that histone deacetylase inhibitors are potent therapeutic agents against medulloblastoma.
Nonsteroidal sulfamate derivatives as new therapeutic approaches for Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2)
Authors: Shen Yu-chi , Arellano-Garcia Caroline , Menjivar Rosa E. , Jewett Ethan M. , Dohle Wolfgang , Karchugina Sofiia , Chernoff Jonathan , Potter Barry V. L. , Barald Kate F.
Published: November 2019

Background

Neurofibromatosis 1 and 2, although involving two different tumour suppressor genes (neurofibromin and merlin, respectively), are both cancer predisposition syndromes that disproportionately affect cells of neural crest origin. New therapeutic approaches for both NF1 and NF2 are badly needed. In promising previous work we demonstrated that two non-steroidal analogues of 2-methoxy-oestradiol (2ME2), STX3451(2-(3-bromo-4,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-7-methoxy-6-sulfamoyloxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline), and STX2895 (7-Ethyl-6-sulfamoyloxy-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline) reduced tumour cell growth and induced apoptosis in malignant and benign human Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) tumour cells. In earlier NF1 mechanism of action studies we found that in addition to their effects on non-classical hormone-sensitive pathways, STX agents acted on the actin- and myosin-cytoskeleton, as well as PI3Kinase and MTOR signaling pathways. Tumour growth in NF2 cells is affected by different inhibitors from those affecting NF1 growth pathways: specifically, NF2 cells are affected by merlin-downstream pathway inhibitors. Because Merlin, the affected tumour suppressor gene in NF2, is also known to be involved in stabilizing membrane-cytoskeletal complexes, as well as in cell proliferation, and apoptosis, we looked for potentially common mechanisms of action in the agents’ effects on NF1 and NF2. We set out to determine whether STX agents could therefore also provide a prospective avenue for treatment of NF2.

Methods

STX3451 and STX2895 were tested in dose-dependent studies for their effects on growth parameters of malignant and benign NF2 human tumour cell lines in vitro. The mechanisms of action of STX3451 and STX2895 were also analysed.

Results

Although neither of the agents tested affected cell growth or apoptosis in the NF2 tumour cell lines tested through the same mechanisms by which they affect these parameters in NF1 tumour cell lines, both agents disrupted actin- and myosin-based cytoskeletal structures in NF2 cell lines, with subsequent effects on growth and cell death.

Conclusions

Both STX3451 and STX2895 provide new approaches for inducing cell death and lowering tumour burden in NF2 as well as in NF1, which both have limited treatment options.
Scale-insensitive estimation of speed and distance traveled from animal tracking data
Authors: Noonan Michael J. , Fleming Christen H. , Akre Thomas S. , Drescher-Lehman Jonathan , Gurarie Eliezer , Harrison Autumn-Lynn , Kays Roland , Calabrese Justin M.
Published: November 2019

Background

Speed and distance traveled provide quantifiable links between behavior and energetics, and are among the metrics most routinely estimated from animal tracking data. Researchers typically sum over the straight-line displacements (SLDs) between sampled locations to quantify distance traveled, while speed is estimated by dividing these displacements by time. Problematically, this approach is highly sensitive to the measurement scale, with biases subject to the sampling frequency, the tortuosity of the animal’s movement, and the amount of measurement error. Compounding the issue of scale-sensitivity, SLD estimates do not come equipped with confidence intervals to quantify their uncertainty.

Methods

To overcome the limitations of SLD estimation, we outline a continuous-time speed and distance (CTSD) estimation method. An inherent property of working in continuous-time is the ability to separate the underlying continuous-time movement process from the discrete-time sampling process, making these models less sensitive to the sampling schedule when estimating parameters. The first step of CTSD is to estimate the device’s error parameters to calibrate the measurement error. Once the errors have been calibrated, model selection techniques are employed to identify the best fit continuous-time movement model for the data. A simulation-based approach is then employed to sample from the distribution of trajectories conditional on the data, from which the mean speed estimate and its confidence intervals can be extracted.

Results

Using simulated data, we demonstrate how CTSD provides accurate, scale-insensitive estimates with reliable confidence intervals. When applied to empirical GPS data, we found that SLD estimates varied substantially with sampling frequency, whereas CTSD provided relatively consistent estimates, with often dramatic improvements over SLD.

Conclusions

The methods described in this study allow for the computationally efficient, scale-insensitive estimation of speed and distance traveled, without biases due to the sampling frequency, the tortuosity of the animal’s movement, or the amount of measurement error. In addition to being robust to the sampling schedule, the point estimates come equipped with confidence intervals, permitting formal statistical inference. All the methods developed in this study are now freely available in the package or the point-and-click web based graphical user interface.
Reflectance FT-IR spectroscopy as a viable option for textile fiber identification
Authors: Peets Pilleriin , Kaupmees Karl , Vahur Signe , Leito Ivo
Published: November 2019

In this study, the reflectance-FT-IR (r-FT-IR) spectroscopy is demonstrated to be a suitable option for non-invasive identification of textile fibers. A collection of known textile fibers, 61 single-component textiles from 16 different types, were analyzed, resulting in more than 4000 individual spectra. The r-FT-IR method was compared with ATR-FT-IR spectroscopy using two instrumental approaches: FT-IR-microspectrometer with ATR mode (mATR-FT-IR) and ATR-FT-IR spectrometer (ATR-FT-IR). Advantages and drawbacks of these methods were discussed. Principal component based discriminant analysis and random forest classification methods were created for the identification of textile fibers in case-study samples. It was concluded that in general, the performance of r-FT-IR is comparable with ATR-FT-IR. In particular, r-FT-IR is more successful than ATR-FT-IR in differentiating between the amide-based fibers wool, silk and polyamide. As an additional result of this work, a collection of r-FT-IR spectra of different textile fibers was compiled and made available for the scientific community.
Biological control of fusarium root rot of Indian mulberry (Morinda officinalis How.) with consortia of agriculturally important microorganisms in Viet Nam
Authors: Nguyen Duong Thi , Hieu Nguyen Chi , Hung Nguyen Viet , Thao Hoang Thi Bich , Keswani Chetan , Van Toan Pham , Hoat Trinh Xuan
Published: November 2019

Background

Fusarium root rot disease in Indian mulberry (Morinda officinalisHow.) (FRRBK), caused byFusarium proliferatum(FP), is widespread and responsible for serious economic losses in Viet Nam. The efficacy of a new bio-product named MICROTECH-1(NL) is compared with other commercial products for suppression of FP under in vitro, pot, nursery as well as in the field conditions.

Results

In in vitro antagonistic assay, MICROTECH-1(NL) significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of FP (72.38%). Under pot conditions, the efficacy of all the bio-products was significantly higher when applied prior to pathogen inoculation. The disease severity of treatments with double application of MICROTECH-1(NL) (applied both in the nursery and in the pot soil) was only 15.56%, significantly lower than control (80%). Thus, the application of MICROTECH-1(NL) significantly reduced the incidence of FP and markedly increased the number of plant beneficial bacteria and actinobacteria in rhizoplane ofM. officinaliscompared to untreated control. In the field conditions, double application of MICROTECH-1(NL) (both in the nursery and in the field soils) significantly decreased disease severity in comparison to single application in nursery or field.

Conclusion

The most effective treatment was double application of MICROTECH-1(NL), which significantly reduced the disease severity and FP population in roots ofM. officinalisand increased the population of plant beneficial microbes.
Vestibular bone thickness of the mandible in relation to the mandibular canal—a retrospective CBCT-based study
Authors: Valdec Silvio , Borm Jan M. , Casparis Stephanie , Damerau Georg , Locher Michael , Stadlinger Bernd
Published: November 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to assess vestibular bone thickness of the mandible in relation to the mandibular canal and position of the mental foramen in relation to the neighbouring teeth. Measurements were performed on radiographic cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

Methods

This retrospective study analysed 314 CBCTs, having been taken at the Clinic of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, University of Zurich, Switzerland.

Results

CBCTs from 168 female and 146 male patients (median age 40.2 years) were analysed. Median bone thickness lateral to the nerve canal to the buccal mandibular cortical plate was ~ 4 mm immediately posterior to the mental foramen, increased to ≤ 6 mm over the next 30 mm, then decreased to ~ 3 mm at the level of the mandibular foramen. In two thirds of cases, both mental foramina were located near the second premolar (66.2% right, 67.7% left). Bone thickness and the position of the mental foramen showed marked intra- and interindividual variance.

Conclusions

A preoperative CBCT is recommended for detailed planning of surgical interventions that may reach the mandibular canal (e.g. wisdom teeth removal, root resection, implant placement, bone block harvesting).
Evaluating the use of programmed reinforcement in a correction procedure with children diagnosed with autism
Authors: Carneiro Ana Carolina Cabral , Flores Eileen Pfeiffer , da Silva Barros Romariz , de Souza Carlos Barbosa Alves
Published: November 2019

Background

Procedures that reduce errors while learning a repertoire play an important role in Applied Behavior Analysis for people with autism due to the detrimental effects that excessive exposure to error may have on learning. Previous studies have investigated the effects of correction procedures that require active student response after a trial with error. Some intervention manuals recommend against reinforcing responses after correction to prevent the establishment of prompt dependence. This study directly investigated the effect of reinforcement after an active-response correction procedure during tact training in four children with autism. An echoic-to-tact training procedure was used to train tacts. A “no reinforcement after correction” (NRC) condition was compared to a “reinforcement after correction” (RC) condition, using an adapted alternated treatments design.

Results

All participants needed less correction trials in RC than in NRC, and considering all 26 sessions in which both training procedures were implemented, participants’ performance was higher with RC than without in 17 sessions and was the same in 3 sessions.

Conclusions

We discuss the effectiveness of reinforcing correct responding after an active-response correction procedure, the absence of prompt dependence, and the implications of better correction procedures for applied settings.