bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic clusters and survival analyses in interstitial pneumonia with myositis-specific autoantibodies
Authors: Li Yihua , Yu Shiwen , Fan Yali , Wu Na , Wang Yiran , Ye Qiao
Published: September 2020

Background

Interstitial pneumonia (IP) is one of the common pulmonary complications of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM), among which myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs) are specific for diagnosing and predicting the prognosis of IIM. However, IP patients with MSAs (MSA-IP) have not been well described. The study aimed to explore the phenotypic clusters and prognosis of MSA-IP patients.

Methods

A total of 124 MSA-IP patients were prospectively enrolled for analysis. Serum MSAs were detected using immunoprecipitation. Radiographic patterns of IP were determined according to the classification of idiopathic IPs. Clusters of MSA-IP patients were identified using cluster analysis. Potential risk factors for acute-onset disease and short-term prognoses were also analysed.

Results

There were four clusters of MSA-IP patients. Cluster 1 patients were elderly with chronic onset and a usual interstitial pneumonia pattern on computed tomography. Cluster 2 patients were all positive for anti-aminoacyl-tRNA antibodies, were predominantly female and had frequent respiratory symptoms. Patients in cluster 3 showed multi-system involvement with a nonspecific interstitial pneumonia pattern. Patients in cluster 4 had severe respiratory symptoms with anti-MDA5 antibodies. The patients in cluster 3 (OR 6.682, 95% CI 1.560–28.622, P =0.011) and cluster 4 (OR 6.057, 95% CI 1.715–21.388, P =0.005) were susceptible to acute-onset disease. The patients in cluster 4 were prone to disease progression (HR 2.711, 95% CI 1.128–6.519, P =0.034), which was consistent with the Kaplan–Meier curves.

Conclusions

Four distinctive clusters were determined by cluster analysis, suggesting the characteristics, serological antibodies and prognosis of patients with MSA-IP.
Interobserver variability in organ at risk delineation in head and neck cancer.
Authors: Veen Julie van der , Gulyban Akos , Willems Siri , Maes Frederik , Nuyts Sandra
Published: September 2020

Background: In radiotherapy inaccuracy in organ at risk (OAR) delineation can impact treatment plan optimisation and treatment plan evaluation. Brouwer et al. showed significant interobserver variability (IOV) in OAR delineation in head and neck cancer (HNC) and published international consensus guidelines (ICG) for OAR delineation in 2015. The aim of our study was to evaluate IOV in the presence of these guidelines. Methods: HNC radiation oncologists (RO) from each Belgian radiotherapy centre were invited to complete a survey and submit contours for 5 HNC cases. Reference contours (OARref) were obtained by a clinically validated artificial intelligence-tool trained using ICG. Dice similarity coefficients (DSC), mean surface distance (MSD) and 95% Hausdorff distances (HD95) were used for comparison.Results: Fourteen of twenty-two RO (64%) completed the survey and submitted delineations. Thirteen (93%) confirmed the use of delineation guidelines, of which six (43%) used the ICG. The OARs whose delineations agreed best with the OARref were mandible (median DSC 0.9, range [0.8-0.9]; median MSD 1.1mm, range [0.8-8.3], median HD95 3.4mm, range [1.5-38.7]), brainstem (median DSC 0.9 [0.6-0.9]; median MSD 1.5mm [1.1-4.0], median HD95 4.0mm [2.3-15.0]), submandibular glands (median DSC 0.8 [0.5-0.9]; median MSD 1.2mm [0.9-2.5], median HD95 3.1mm [1.8-12.2]) and parotids (median DSC 0.9 [0.6-0.9]; median MSD 1.9mm [1.2-4.2], median HD95 5.1mm [3.1-19.2]). Oral cavity, cochleas, PCMs, supraglottic larynx and glottic area showed more variation. RO who used the consensus guidelines showed significantly less IOV (p=0.008).Conclusion: Although ICG for delineation of OARs in HNC exist, they are only implemented by about half of RO participating in this study, which partly explains the delineation variability. However, this study highlights that guidelines alone do not suffice to eliminate IOV and that more effort needs to be done to accomplish further treatment standardisation, for example with artificial intelligence.
Paternal and maternal support on children's weekday and weekend moderate-to-vigorous physical activity: a cross-sectional study
Authors: An Meijing , Chen Tianjiao , Zhou Qianling , Ma Jun
Published: September 2020

Background: Most studies about parental support behaviors for physical activity (PA) on children’s moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) were conducted in developed countries, and most of them focused on mother’s or parent’s (with no differentiation between father’s or mother’s) support behaviors. Besides, children’s MVPA time interval was not differentiated adequately. This paper aimed at investigating the associations between paternal and maternal support behaviors for PA, and children’s MVPA on weekdays, weekends and the whole week in China.Methods: Cross-sectional data of 517 father-child dyads and 1,422 mother-child dyads were analyzed. Children’s consecutive 7-day PA diary were recorded to assess their MVPA time, and MVPA time on weekdays, weekends and the whole week were further calculated, respectively. Father or mother completed a questionnaire on their support behaviors for children’s PA. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to investigate the independent effect of paternal and maternal support behaviors for PA on children’s meeting MVPA recommendation on weekdays, weekends and the whole week, respectively.Results: The proportion of children’s meeting MVPA recommendation on weekends (37.8%) was significantly lower than that on weekdays (62.8%). Higher paternal (OR[95%CI]:1.098[1.009,1.195]) and maternal (OR[95%CI]:1.076[1.021,1.134]) total scores of support behaviors for PA were associated with children’s higher odds of meeting MVPA recommendation on weekends, after controlling for covariates. Paternal sharing PA knowledge with child was significantly associated with children’s meeting MVPA recommendation on weekends (OR[95%CI]:1.319[1.055,1.649]), and marginally associated with children’s meeting MVPA recommendation on weekdays (OR[95%CI]:1.220[0.974,1.528], P=0.084) and on the whole week (OR[95%CI]:1.218[0.977,1.519], P=0.080). Maternal reserving PA time for child was associated with children’s higher likelihood of meeting MVPA recommendation on weekdays (OR[95%CI]:1.160[1.025,1.313]), weekends (OR[95%CI]:1.241[1.097,1.403]) and the whole week (OR[95%CI]:1.214[1.076,1.369]), respectively.Conclusions: On weekends, paternal and maternal total support behaviors for PA deserves more practices for promoting children’s MVPA. To promote children’s MVPA on weekdays, weekends and the whole week, father’s sharing PA knowledge with child and mother’s reserving PA time for child are recommended. Longitudinal researches are needed to verify the effect of paternal and maternal support behaviors on children’s MVPA.
Uroguanylin Increases Ca2+ Concentration in Astrocytes via Guanylate Cyclase C-independent Signalling Pathway
Authors: Habek Nikola , Ratko Martina , Dugandžić Aleksandra
Published: September 2020

Background: Guanylin peptides (GPs), guanylin and uroguanylin (UGN), are intestinal peptides which activate guanylate cyclase C (GC-C) and increase cGMP concentration. In the brain, GC-C is located in the midbrain where GPs neuromodulate neuron activity. GC-C has also been reported in the hypothalamus where it plays an important role in the regulation of feeding and satiety. The existence of cGMP/GC-C independent signalling pathway for GPs was suggested two decades ago; however, the exact nature of the signalling pathway has not been discovered. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the cGMP/GC-C independent signalling pathway in astrocytes which are a suitable model because they do not express GC-C. Results: In this study, we performed patch clamp and intracellular Ca2+ concentrations and pH measurements in primary cultures of astrocytes and brain slices of WT, UGN KO, and GC-C KO mice. The function of GC-C independent signalling pathway in cerebellum was determined by behaviour tests in UGN and GC-C KO mice. We showed, for the first time, that UGN induces changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels in different mouse brain regions. In addition to midbrain and hypothalamus, GC-C is also expressed in cerebral and cerebellar cortex. Presence of two signalling pathways in the cerebellum (UGN hyperpolarized Purkinje cells via GC-C and increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration in astrocytes) lead to a difference in motoric function in GC-C KO and UGN KO mice probably via difference in regulation of intracellular pH in astrocytes. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the effects of UGN on astrocytes via a Ca2+- dependent signalling pathway could be involved in the modulation of neuronal activity.
Archaean Cratons Record a Duality of Melting Regimes During Early Continental Growth
Authors: Ladwig S. Amrei , Chowdhury Priyadarshi , McCoy-West Alex J. , Nebel Oliver , Cawood Peter
Published: September 2020

The tectonic setting and pressure-temperature conditions responsible for the formation of felsic crust on the early Earth remain debated. Rare earth elements (REE) have been extensively used to study the formation of tonalite-trondhjemites-granodiorites (TTGs)- the building blocks of the early felsic crust, but conclusive interpretations based on the chondrite-normalized REE patterns have not materialised because of the inability to distinguish subtle differences. Here we apply a polynomial approach that quantifies the REE patterns by describing their slope and curvature using shaping coefficients to the TTG compositions from five different Archaean cratons. In combination with partial melting modelling, this enables an assessment of the effects of variations in pressure-temperature, degree of melting and residual mineral assemblages on the formation of TTGs. The REE composition of the Archaean TTGs display two distinct trends: (1) a horizontal-trend suggesting their formation in the presence of garnet-poor amphibolitic residues, possibly formed at the base of a thickened crust; and, (2) an inclined-trend consistent with their formation in equilibration with amphibole-poor, but garnet-rich residues at convergent settings (but not necessarily related to plate tectonics). These different melting regimes coexisted during the Paleoarchaean to Neoarchaean and provide direct evidence for a duality of petro-tectonic regimes of felsic crust formation on the early Earth.
Gender Differences in Risk Factors for Depressive Symptoms in Patients with COPD: The 2014 and 2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Choi Ji Soo , Kwak Se Hyun , Lee San , Lee Eun Hye
Published: September 2020

Background: Although depression is a common comorbidity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the role of gender remains unexplored. We evaluated gender differences of risk factors of depressive symptoms in adults with COPD. Methods: This was a population-based cross-sectional study using data from the 2014 and 2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Spirometry was used to identify patients with COPD, defined as a FEV1/FVC ratio <0.7. Presence of depressive symptoms was defined as a total score ≥5 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Results: Overall, 17.8% of participants expressed depressive symptoms, with 13.1% being men and 29.6% being women. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that low BMI (adjusted OR, 2.62), female gender (adjusted OR, 3.48), living alone (adjusted OR, 1.75), currently smoking (adjusted OR, 2.52), and GOLD Stage III/IV (adjusted OR, 2.34) were significant risk factors for depressive symptoms. In a subgroup analysis, low BMI, low income, living alone, and multiple chronic disorders were risk factors of depressive symptoms in men, whereas low educational attainment, urban living, and currently smoking were risk factors in women.Conclusions: As risk factors of depressive symptoms in COPD patients vary according to gender, different approaches are needed to manage depression in men and women with COPD.
Potential role of long non-coding RNA LINC00968 in luminal A and B breast cancers
Authors: Arabpour Maedeh , Layeghi Sepideh Mehrpour , Majidzadeh-A Keivan , bazzaz Javad Tavakkoly , Mamivand Ali , Naghizadeh Mohammad Mehdi , Shakoori Abbas
Published: September 2020

Purpose Breast Cancer (BC) is the most frequent malignancy among women worldwide. ER+ breast cancers (luminal A and B subtypes) comprise up to 70% of all BC patients. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are regulatory non-coding transcripts and longer than 200 nucleotides. LncRNAs can affect many biological and pathological processes and dysregulation of them is related to many human cancers. The potential role of LINC00968 lncRNA in luminal A and B breast cancer pathogenesis is still unclear. Methods Seventy-one pairs of tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissue specimens of luminal A and B breast cancer were used to analyze the expression of LINC00968. Furthermore, two luminal A cell lines, MCF7 and T47D, were used to evaluate the expression of LINC00968 compared with a non-malignant breast cell line, MCF10A. Moreover, we have done multiple bioinformatic analyses for a better understanding of the potential roles of LINC00968 in luminal BC. Results Our data revealed the significant downregulation of LINC00968 in luminal tumor tissues and cell lines. LINC00968 expression was negatively associated with tumor stage and lymph node metastasis. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that LINC00968 might be involved in blood vessel development, angiogenesis, and might be participated in interaction of ECM constituents with cancer cells. LINC00968 might have functions in some cancer-related signaling pathways, like PI3K/Akt, ECM-receptor interaction signaling pathway, and PPAR signaling pathway. Conclusions Downregulation of LINC00968 might promote carcinogenesis of luminal BC. LINC00968 might act as a tumor suppressor gene and might also promote invasion and metastasis of luminal BC.
An Evaluation of the Adverse Events Following Immunization Surveillance System: A Case of the Oral Cholera Vaccine Mass Campaign, Chimanimani and Chipinge Districts, Zimbabwe, 2019.
Authors: Gadzayi Michelle Ruvimbo , Mukuzunga Munyaradzi , Chadambuka Addmore , Chiwanda Simbarashe , Govha Emmanuel , Gombe Notion Tafara , Juru Tsitsi , Tshimanga Mufuta
Published: September 2020

Background: Three cases of adverse events following immunization (AEFI), in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts, were notified during their oral cholera vaccine (OCV) mass campaigns post-Cyclone Idai. However, the coverage survey uncovered 93 AEFI cases. We determined the reasons for the AEFI surveillance system under-reporting and assessed performance of the systemMethods: We conducted a surveillance system evaluation using the updated CDC guidelines for surveillance system evaluation. Fifty-seven health workers and 50 community members were randomly selected from 39 health facilities. We reviewed completed AEFI reporting forms to check for data quality, simplicity, completeness, and timeliness of the system. We used questionnaires to determine HCWs and community’s knowledge on the operations of the surveillance system. We used a health facility checklist to assess the system’s stability. Data were analysed to generate means and frequencies. Three-point Likert scales were used to rate health worker knowledge on the AEFI system. Results: Reasons for under-reporting were community’s poor knowledge, perceiving adverse events as minor issues and fear of being blamed for causing adverse events by health workers. The community had poor knowledge with 27/50 (54%) answering at least one out of three questions correctly. The system had a low sensitivity of 3% and was unstable, 24/39 (62%) of the facilities relied on public transport.Conclusion: Community’s poor knowledge on AEFI, occurrence of mild adverse events and fear of being blamed led to under-reporting. The system was neither stable nor sensitive. Community sensitization on AEFI were thus improved.
Single-cell Profiling Reveal Types of Interstitial Cells in Human and Rat Bladder
Authors: Yang Zhenxing , Gao Ye , Liu Peilin , Jia Weisheng , Fang Zhenqiang , Zhao Jiang , Zhong Jiangfan , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Longkun
Published: September 2020

Backgrounds:The mechanism underlying bladder urination pathophysiologies has not been understood yet because the types of interstitial cells present in the bladder are still obscure. Results:Here, we classified the cell types in the bladder without bias using 10x genomics single-cell RNA-seq and identified 35,510 and 19,946 cells from human and rat bladder tissues, respectively. In addition to the major cell clusters including urothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, neurons, and immune cells, three types of interstitial cells were identified in this study. Fibroblasts and myofibroblasts were shown to occupy large proportions of interstitial cells, located mainly between the epithelial strata and muscle strata. A new type of interstitial cell, Mki67+, which was found both in human and rat bladder tissues, may participate in bladder disease development. Conclusions:Our investigation thus lays the ground work for identifying the cell types in bladder tissues and provides potential clues to understand abnormal bladder functions.
Epidemiology of Non-communicable Diseases and Risk factors in South African Adolescents and Youth Living with HIV: Implications for Integrated Prevention
Authors: Kamkuemah Monika , Gausi Blessings , Oni Tolu
Published: September 2020

Background

Adolescents and youth living with HIV (AYLHIV) face an elevated NCD risk resulting from HIV, psychosocial challenges and the complications of antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in six primary care facilities to investigate the prevalence of common NCDs and risk factors among AYLHIV in Cape Town, South Africa between March 2019 and January 2020. We collected information on pre-existent and previously unidentified NCDs and risk factors and collected sociodemographic information of adolescents and youth enrolled for primary HIV care. Characteristics between sexes and age groups were compared using parametric or non-parametric statistical tests.
Results

Three out of four participants were female, and the median age was 20.5 years (IQR 18.9–22.9). More than a quarter were not in education, employment or training (NEET) and 44% were multidimensionally poor. Our results show an existent burden of hypertension (5%) and central obesity (37%) as well as high levels of depression (43%) and psychological distress symptoms (44%). AYLHIV further self-reported high levels of household food insecurity (70%), low fruit and vegetable consumption, high fast-food and sugar-sweetened beverage intake, low nutritional knowledge and insufficient physical activity. Beyond the NCD risk attributable to HIV and ART, these multiple risk factors coupled with early initiation of high-risk behaviours like smoking, alcohol and drug use, further increase risk.
Conclusions

Our findings highlight the importance of integrated prevention with NCD risk screening as part of HIV care for AYLHIV and the need for early intervention on social, environmental and economic determinants of NCDs targeting adolescents and youth.
IFN-g-induced Jmjd3-Zeb1 axis contributes to an aggressive phenotype in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Jianjian , Wang Xue , Huang Bing , Liu Rong , Xiong Hui , Ye Fan , Zeng Chenxi , Fu Xiangning , Li Lequn
Published: September 2020

Background

Active IFN-γ signaling is a common feature of tumors responding to PD-1 checkpoint blockade. IFN-γ exhibits both anti- and pro-tumor activities. Therefore, identifying the pro-tumor effects of IFN-γ and their underlying molecular mechanisms could be a critical step for developing therapeutic strategies to maximize the anti-tumor efficacy of immunotherapies.
Methods

Western blot, immunofluorescence, and quantitative real-time PCR assays were used to evaluate the expression of ZEB1 and EMT associated biomarkers. Trans-well assay was used to examine the role of IFN-γ on cancer cell migration in vitro. Murine tumor xenograft models were performed to examine the effect of IFN-γ on cancer cell metastasis in vivo. Colony formation assay was performed to detect the role of ZEB1 in cell proliferation. RNA-seq was performed to analyze the EMT-associated gene expression patterns in response to IFN-g treatment. Loss-of-function analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation were used to reveal the mechanism underlying ZEB1 induction by IFN-γ.
Results

we demonstrate that the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma cells with IFN-γ leads to a rapid increase of ZEB1 expression and a significant change in epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT)-associated gene expression patterns. Moreover, functional analysis shows that IFN-γ promotes cell migration in vitro and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, IFN-γ-induced JMJD3 significantly reduces H3K27 trimethylation in the promoter of the ZEB1 gene, thereby activating ZEB1 transcription. Inhibition of JMJD3 abrogates IFN-γ-induced ZEB1 expression. We previously demonstrated that IFN-γ-mediated anti-tumor response, including suppression of cell proliferation and induction of CXCL9 and CXCL10 expression, is STAT1-IRF1 dependent. The knockdown of ZEB1 diminishes IFN-γ-mediated cell migration and metastasis, but it does not affect STAT1 and IRF1 expression and has no effect on cell proliferation as well as the induction of CXCL9 and CXCL10 expression.
Conclusion

Inhibition or downregulation of ZEB1 may prevent the pro-tumor activity of IFN-γ while retaining its anti-tumor function. The study expands our understanding of IFN-γ-mediated signaling and helps to identify therapeutic targets to improve current immunotherapies.
Study on RNA Regulating Iron Transport in Outer Membrane Vesicles of Hypervirulent Klebsiella Pneumoniae
Authors: Zhou Mao , Wang Siyi , Lan You , Li Xin , Liu Xuan , Wang Jiahui , Li Jun , Yan Qun , Liu Wenen
Published: September 2020

Background: The iron acquisition ability of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) is an important part of its super virulence mechanism, increasing studies have proved that outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are involved in the iron acquisition process of bacteria. Thus, we compared the difference in RNA expression in OMVs of hvKP in iron-rich and iron-deficient medium, and explore the possible mechanism of RNA in OMVs involved in hvKP iron acquisition. Results: The results of high-throughput sequencing showed that in iron-deficient medium, there were 239 up-regulated and 89 down-regulated mRNAs in OMVs of hvKP, of which 20 mRNAs related to iron transport was up-regulated, mainly including siderophore synthesis and receptor genes, ATP binding cassette transporter family and iron sulfur cluster. Only two of the differential ncRNAs that regulate these mRNAs are up-regulated, which are lncRNAs.Conclusion: We demonstrated that mRNA and lncRNA in OMVs were directly or indirectly involved in the iron acquisition mechanism of hvKP under iron deficiency environment, which enhanced the adaptive survival ability of hvKP. It provided a basis for further exploring the iron acquisition mechanism of OMVs involved in hvKP.
Comparing different types of statins for secondary prevention of cardio-cerebrovascular disease from a national cohort study
Authors: Kim Joungyoun , Kim Hyeong-Seop , Bae Yun-Jong , Lee Hyeong-Chul , Lee Jae-woo , Kang Hee-Taik
Published: September 2020

Background

Statins have been recommended for use in atherosclerotic cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CCVD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of five different types of statin in the secondary prevention of CCVD in patients.
Methods

This study has a retrospective design and utilised data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort. Participants aged 40 to 69 years at baseline were categorized into five statin groups (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, pitavastatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin). The primary composite outcome was defined as recurrence of CCVD or all causes of death. Cox proportional hazard regression models were adopted after stepwise adjustments for confounders to investigate the difference in efficacy among the different statins.
Results

Of the 755 final study participants (485: atorvastatin, 34: pitavastatin, 8: pravastatin, 96: rosuvastatin, and 132: simvastatin group), 48 patients experienced primary composite outcomes. The median follow-up duration was 12.4 years across all groups. After stepwise adjustments, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for primary composite outcomes of atorvastatin, pitavastatin, and rosuvastatin groups were 0.956 (0.456–2.005), 1.347 (0.354–5.116), and 0.943 (0.317–2.803), respectively, when compared with the simvastatin group.
Conclusions

There were no significant differences between the statins in their efficacy for preventing recurrence of CCVD events and/or death in CCVD patients. However, further large-scale clinical trials are required to confirm these results.
Migraine headaches triggered by palpation of chronic facial folliculitis: a peripheral and central interaction in migraine
Authors: Deng Zi-Ru , Li Han-Li , Zhang Juan , Sun Qi-Bing , Chen Xin , Wang Yu
Published: September 2020

Objective

To report a case of severe migraine without aura (MwoA) headaches triggered by palpation of the folliculitis around a unilateral nosewing and the folliculitis was chronic before effective treatment for migraine, and to discuss its underlying mechanisms.
Background

Multiple studies have shown that peripheral mechanisms may be involved in migraine generation and there are few case reports supporting this speculation. But a clinical case demonstrating a reciprocal action between migraine headache and peripheral pathology has never been reported.
Methods

A case of new onset migraine headache triggered by palpation of the regional facial folliculitis which was chronic but responsive to an effective treatment for migraine was reported. We briefly reviewed the peripheral mechanisms of migraine and the reciprocal action between migraine headache and peripheral pathology.
Results

A 45-year-old man with chronic folliculitis around the left nosewing of which palpation, each time, would trigger an episode of headache fulfilling the criteria for MwoA by the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition (ICHD-3). And the episode of headache would be solely triggered by palpating the facial folliculitis. His chronic folliculitis around the left nosewing did not relieve after treatment with only antibiotics but resolved in the setting of no triggered migraine headache after treatment with sodium valproate.
Conclusions

In the setting of chronic facial folliculitis, palpating regional area can trigger migraine headache, and in particular, resolution of the chronic facial folliculitis was associated with effective therapy for migraine. This indicates that there is a peripheral and central interaction associated with neurogenic immunomodulation in migraine.
Impact of Educational Self-Efficacy Enhancement Program on Quality of Life, Pain Management, Self-Efficiency Behaviors, and Its Impact of Satisfaction among Adult Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy Pain
Authors: Abu-Shennar Jawad AHMAD , Bayraktar Nurhan Bayraktar
Published: September 2020

AimsThis study aims to investigate the impact of the educational self-efficacy enhancement program on quality of life, pain management, self-efficiency behaviors, and its impact satisfaction among adult diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy pain.Materials and methodsThis randomized controlled study was conducted at the Jordanian Ministry of Health. during the period from October - March 2020 with 72 adult diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy pain, after the ethical approval. Study group participants have implemented an educational self-efficacy enhancement program. Demographic data from, Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale, Quality of Life Questionnaire (EQ-5D), Pain Intensity Scale, and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire were used in data collection. ResultsThis study found that the self-efficacy enhancement program had a significantly positive impact on diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain patients’ QoL, pain levels, self-efficiency behaviors, and satisfaction. ConclusionIt is crucial to improve their self-efficacy behaviors and modification of lifestyle and behavioral changes such as appropriate diet, exercise, reduce weight and encouragement stop smoking, and regularly visit treating physicians.
RAF1 as Downstream Molecule Mediates the FSH Signaling Pathway to Stimulate E2 Synthesis and Secretion in Mouse Ovarian Granulosa Cells
Authors: Luo Xuan , Liu Hui , Guo Hongzhou , Sun Longjie , Gou Kemian , Cui Sheng
Published: September 2020

Background: V-raf-leukemia viral oncogene 1 (RAF1) kinase is the key factor in extracellular signal regulated pathway, which transmits signals to the downstream extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK). Regulatory function of RAF1 has been proved to mediate steroid hormone synthesis, which played an essential physiological function in reproduction and development. Whether RAF1 takes part in the signaling events of gonadotropic hormones follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in ovarian is unknown.Results: We found that RAF1 as downstream molecule mediates the FSH signaling pathway to stimulate estradiol (E2) synthesis and secretion in mouse ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). The expression of RAF1 is induced by FSH and the production of E2 is increased in the serum and primary ovarian GCs supernatant, the process of which is blocked by treating with RAF1 inhibitor (N-(2-Methyl-5'-morpholino-6'-((tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)oxy)-[3,3'-bipyridin]-5-yl)-3(trifluoromethyl) benzamide, RAF709). Inhibition of RAF1 activity by RAF709 decreased ERK phosphorylation, and suppressed the expression of cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily a member 1 (CYP19A1) which is a major rate-limiting enzyme to participate in the last step of E2 biosynthesis. Conclusion: Our results suggest that RAF1 play a pivotal mediating roles toward E2 production in FSH signaling pathway by inducing the phosphorylation of ERK and promoting the process of estradiol synthesis. RAF1 may be a potential and effective factor to regulate the function of the female mouse reproductive system.
GC-MS Analysis of Major Compounds and Antihyperglycemic and Cytotoxicity Properties of Ficus racemosa L. fruit Extract: An in-vitro and in-silico Study
Authors: Swargiary Ananta , Verma Akalesh K. , Daimari Manita
Published: September 2020

Ethnobotanical relevance: Ficus racemosa L. is one of Assam's best-known plants with rich ethnomedicinal values. The Bodo population of Assam consumes the fruit extract from the plant as a preventative measure against diabetes.Aim of the study: The goal of this study was to investigate metal content, major phytocompounds, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity as well as cytotoxicity properties of Ficus racemosa fruit extracts.Materials and methods: The GC-MS technology was used to analyze the main phytochemical content of the plant and heavy metal detection was performed by Atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Enzyme inhibition was studied by UV/VIS spectrophotometric methods. Furthermore, the druglikeness and bioavailability properties of compounds were carried out using computer-aided tools, SwissADME and admetSAR. Docking and visualization were performed in AutoDock vina and Discovery studio. The latter research has been supported by the pharmacophore modeling and structure superimposition of studied compounds for lead molecules.Results: GC-MS analysis showed six major compounds from the plant. However, the study found that the fruits of Ficus racemosa contain negligible amounts of toxic elements. Biochemical studies found that the fruit of F. racemosa possesses strong α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory properties. All the six compounds identified were predicted to have druglikeness property with high cell membrane permeability and bioavailability. The Docking study showed strong binding affinities between compounds and enzymes. At the same time in-vitro cytotoxicity and apoptosis results on healthy PBMC and splenocytes showed negligible toxicity (5-12%) after 24 h of exposure. Pharmacophore features and structure superimposition revealed compound 3 as a pivot moleculeConclusion: Ficus racemosa fruit extract inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity indicating its antihyperglycemic properties. Interestingly, negligible cytotoxic effect was seen in healthy PBMC and splenocytes.
Prevalence and Distribution of Non – Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) Among MDR-TB Suspected Patients in Northern Malawi
Authors: Mabaso Grace Chirwa , Ngwira Maono , Kamudumuli Pocha Samuel , Mughogho Thomas , Nkosi Michael Mzirekelenge , Kayira Alfred , Mbakaya Mbwalwani Chingatichifwe , Chisale Master
Published: September 2020

BackgroundNon-tuberculosis Mycobacteria (NTM) are increasingly being recognized as human pathogens, causing substantial morbidity and mortality in progressive lung disease, immunosuppressed, the elderly and the youth. Similarity of clinical symptoms with MTB, coupled with limited diagnostic capacities in tuberculosis (TB) endemic developing countries has led to misdiagnosis of NTM pulmonary disease. The study aimed at establishing the prevalence and distribution of NTM among Multi-Drug Resistance Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) suspected patients in Northern Region of Malawi based on laboratory culture records from 2015 to 2018 conducted at Mzuzu Central Hospital.MethodsThe study used a retrospective cross-sectional design. All culture positive underwent MTB confirmatory test using the SD-Bio line TB Ag MPT64 Kit to confirm MTB or to suspect for NTM. Data was analysed for descriptive statistics in SPSS version 20 and presented using frequency tables, charts and graphs.Results Out of 170 culture positive reports reviewed, 30 (18%) were NTM. Much as there were generally more males (69.4%) who were MDR-TB suspected patients, the proportion of NTM patients was female predominant 13/52 (25%) as compared to 17/118 (14%) for males while the age range of 30-49 was the most (22%) affected. Twenty-nine (97%) of the NTM cases were previously treated for MTB.ConclusionsThe high prevalence of NTM among MDR-TB suspected patients shows that the disease is a serious public health problem. This therefore calls for urgent attention from Ministry of Health and partners, health workers and all stakeholders involved in policy making so that NTM diagnosis should have a clear algorithm to avoid wastage a of resources as well as for good patient care.
The Potential Effect of the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Receptor of 2019-nCoV in Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients on Age
Authors: Huo Qin , Li Zhenwei , Shao Ling , Chen Siqi , Li Jiaying , Xie Ni
Published: September 2020

BackgroundThe 2019-nCoV epidemic is the public health emergency that has had the greatest impact on the world. Our study aimed to better understand the underlying mechanisms and function of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor of 2019-nCoV on lung adenocarcinoma patients (LUAD), and provide a theoretical basis for early diagnosis, prognosis and targeted therapy of 2019-nCoV.MethodsThis study focuses on the expression level, functions, mutation rate, and copy number variations (CNVs) of ACE2 in LUAD using an extensive bioinformatics data mining process. The interaction between ACE2 expression and clinical-pathological parameters of patients with LUAD was investigated using UALCAN. Also, the essential biological features, single nucleotide variations (SNVs), CNVs, and pathway activities of genes interacting with ACE2 in these cancers were further analyzed.ResultsWe found that ACE2 expression in LUAD patients increased with age, but it was not related to cancer status, patient’s race, patient’s gender, or patient’s smoking habits. Moreover, our results showed that compared to that in normal tissues, ACE2 was highly expressed in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), rectum adenocarcinoma (READ), and stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD). However, there is no significant difference in the expression of ACE2 in patients of different ages.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate the importance of ACE2 in LUAD, and provide insights into the regulatory mechanisms and function of ACE2.
Augmented Renal Clearance in Chinese Intensive Care Unit Patients After Traumatic Brain Injury: Identifying Estimate Glomerular Filtration Rate Cut-off Value as a Risk Factor
Authors: Dang Zilong , Guo Hong , Li Bin , Zhen Maohua , Liu Jian , Wei Yuhui , Qin Hongyan , Dou Zhimin , Zhang Lei , Zhu Lei , Cao Yongqiang , Li Fengjiao , Wu Xinan
Published: September 2020

BackgroundAugmented renal clearance (ARC) is common in trauma patients and associated with subtherapeutic antimicrobial concentrations. China has more patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) than most other countries in the world. However, there were no studies that focus on the ARC in Chinese TBI patients. In this study, we report the incidence of ARC in patients with TBI as well as risk factors for ARC. Besides, we evaluated the ability of four commonly used estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) formulas and other covariates to predict the presence of ARC.MethodsThe prospective observational study was conducted in a 24-bed tertiary level, university-affiliated hospital, and 54 TBI patients with normal serum creatinine enrolled. We measured 24-h creatinine clearance after admission, and ARC defined as measured creatinine clearance ≥ 130 ml/min/1.73 m2. Demographic variables were then compared, and multivariate analysis was performed. Receiver operating curve, bias, and precision analyses were conducted to examine eGFR and ARCTIC score accuracy in predicting ARC. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the risk factors contributing to ARC. ResultsThe incidence of ARC was 50%. A moderate correlation was shown between measured Crcl and four eGFR (rs/r was 0.590, 0.499, 0.404, and 0.518, respectively). All of the equations significantly underestimated the measured Crcl, especially in the ARC group. Neither had excellent precision for clinical application in this setting. ARCTIC score can't accurately distinguish ARC either. Multivariable analysis displayed that four factors independently correlated to ARC: male, larger BMI, lower serum creatinine, and without a history of hypertension. Further investigation found eGFR higher than the threshold, without a history of hypertension, and/or bigger BMI were independent risk factors for ARC, and they had good accuracy in predicting the occurrence of ARC.ConclusionsARC was frequently observed in Chinese TBI patients. The estimated methods of GFR and ARCTIC score inaccurate and couldn't be directly used as a screening tool to identify ARC in Chinese TBI patients. But if we take the cut-off values of different formulas into account, the estimated GFR could be used as a decisive risk factor in helping to screen the ARC.
Nomogram for Predicting Brain Metastases in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients: A SEER -Based Study
Authors: Zhang Jingya , Xu Jiali , Jin Shidai , Gao Wen , Guo Renhua , Chen Liang
Published: September 2020

BackgroundThe incidence of brain metastasis (BM) in patients suffering from lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is lower than that in those suffering from non squamous cell carcinoma (NSCC). The purpose of this investigation is to ascertain the risk factors of LUSC as well as to establish a nomogram prognostic model to predict the incidence of BM.MethodsData about the patients diagnosed with LUSC between 2010 and 2015 were collected from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The patients diagnosed during 2010-2012 were divided into the training cohort, and the remaining diagnosed during 2013-2015 into the test cohort. Using factors screened out through logistic regression analyses, we established the nomogram in the training cohort and then evaluated the discrimination and calibration in the test cohort. The prediction performance of nomogram was quantified by AUC（area under ROC(receiver operating characteristic curve)）and evaluated by calibration curve.Results26154 LUSU patients were included: 16543 in the training cohort and 8611 in the test cohort. Age, marital status, insurance status, histological grade, tumor location, laterality, stage, number of metastatic organs, chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy were highly related to the incidence of BM. The AUC of nomogram was 0.810 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.796-0.823) and 0.805 (95%CI: 0.784-0.825) in the training cohort and the test cohort, respectively. The slope of calibration curve was closed to 1. ConclusionsThe nomogram can accurately predict the incidence of BM, which is helpful for the early identification of high-risk LUSU patients and the establishment of individualized treatment.
Network pharmacology study of vaccarin for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Bao Mengying , Dai Yan , Chen Xiaojun , Liao Shijie , Feng Wenyu , Lin Chengsen , Ye Yu , Mo Zengnan , Liu Yun
Published: September 2020

Background: As the main active ingredient of Semen Vaccariae, vaccarin is a flavonoid glycoside useful for the prevention and treatment of numerous diseases. Our previous study found that vaccarin can reduce osteolysis-induced titanium by inhibiting osteoclast formation. However, the issue of whether vaccarin can prevent and treat postmenopausal osteoporosis remains unclear.Method: In this study, we explored the mechanism of action of vaccarin for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis via a network pharmacological approach. We identified the intersecting targets of osteoporosis-related genes retrieved from multiple disease target databases, as well as targets of potential action of vaccarin retrieved from drug-related databases. We then used the intersectional targets to establish a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Finally, we performed bioinformatics analysis to enrich Gene Ontology (GO) biological processes and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways.Results：A total of 28 cross targets of vaccarin and osteoporosis were identified. PPI network analysis identified six target proteins, namely, IL-6, TNF, VEGFA, HSP90AA1, CREB1, and IL-2, which may be the key targets of vaccarin against osteoporosis. The 28 intersectional targets were mainly involved in 23 biological processes, such as regulation of apoptosis, positive regulation of neovascularization, and angiogenesis, whereas KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that they were primarily related to 22 different signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt pathway, cancer pathway, hepatitis B pathway, and tuberculosis pathway.Conclusion: We used a network pharmacology approach to predict the key targets of vaccarin for the prevention of osteoporosis from a systems perspective. We determined that the signaling pathways were chiefly engaged in different pathological processes affecting differentiation and apoptosis of bone rebuilding cells, endocrine metabolic disorders, inflammatory responses, and other disease interactions. This study provides a theoretical basis and therapeutic ideas for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and offers promising directions for further research on the regulatory mechanism of vaccarin.
I’m not a diagnosis: Adolescents’ perspectives on user participation and shared decision-making in mental healthcare
Authors: Bjønness Stig , Grønnestad Trond , Storm Marianne
Published: September 2020

Background:

Adolescents have the right to be involved in decisions affecting their healthcare. More knowledge is needed to provide quality healthcare services that is both suitable for adolescents and in line with policy. Shared decision-making has the potential to combine user participation and evidence-based treatment. Research and governmental policies emphasize shared decision-making as key for high quality mental healthcare services.

Objective:

To explore adolescents’ experiences with user participation and shared decision-making in mental healthcare inpatient units.

Method:

We carried out ten in-depth interviews with adolescents (16-18 years old) in this qualitative study. The participants were admitted to four mental healthcare inpatient clinics in Norway. Transcribed interviews were subjected to qualitative content analysis.

Results:

Five themes were identified, representing the adolescents’ view of gaining trust, getting help, being understood, being diagnosed and labeled, being pushed, and making a customized treatment plan. Psychoeducational information, mutual trust, and a therapeutic relationship between patients and therapists were considered prerequisites for shared decision-making. For adolescents to be labeled with a diagnosis or forced into a treatment regimen that they did not initiate or control tended to elicit strong resistance. User involvement at admission, participation in the treatment plan, individualized treatment, and collaboration among healthcare professionals were emphasized.

Conclusions:

Routines for participation and involvement of adolescents prior to inpatient admission is recommended. Shared decision-making has the potential to increase adolescents’ engagement and reduce the incidence of involuntary treatment and re-admission to inpatient clinics. In this study, shared decision-making is linked to empowerment and less to standardized decision tools. To be labeled and dominated by healthcare professionals can be a barrier to adolescents’ participation in treatment. We suggest placing less emphasis on diagnoses and more on individualized treatment.
Differential diagnosis of pneumonia in pediatric patients with oncohematological disease in condition of new coronavirus infection COVID-19
Authors: Valiev T. T. , Zakharova E. V. , Ignatenko O. A. , Batmanova N. A. , Mikhailova E. V. , Kirgizov K. I. , Varfolomeeva S. R.
Published: September 2020

Pneumoniasinpatientswithhempblastoses, arisingduringtreatmentinsettingofmyelotoxicagranulocytosis, arelife-threateningcomplications, which press complex approach for diagnosis and treatment. In condition of new coronavirus infection COVID-19 pandemia, differential diagnosis of pneumonia with “ground glass” lung changes is a hot issue. In the current paper we present world data on clinical, laboratory and X-ray diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2) pneumonia in children. Special attention is paid to X-ray features depending of child age. It is provided two clinical examples, demonstrating a necessity of complex microbiological, immunological, molecular and X-ray diagnosis for detection of lung change genesis in oncohematologic patients.