bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ENGLISH USE IN THE ADVERTISEMENT TEXTS OF HOTEL 99 JEMBER
Authors: Wahyuningsih Agung Tri , Wisasongko Wisasongko , Mirwadiva Eka
Published: December 2019

Advertisement is one of short functional texts used to gain customers’ attention. Its visual portray determines whether this persuasive passage will successfully grab the interest of readers and direct them to finally use the product or ignore it. Batchia and Ritchie (2006: 19) proposes that “English is important vehicle for global advertisement”. Additionally, Piller (2003: 17) states that “English is the most commonly used language in advertising especially in non-English speaking countries or multilingual country.” These two intriguing ideas of using English in advertisement direct the advertiser of Hotel 99 Jember to insert some English Code. Through its official Instagram (hotel.99.jember) the advertiser publicly publishes some postings about the hotel. Those postings attract the researchers’ curiosity to know why English is existing there and what the benefits of English insertions to the hotel are. Laying on Zohreh and Monireh’s finding (2013: 87), this investigation is conducted to match the four influencing reasons (gaining attention, persuasion, prestige, and technology) affecting the advertiser to put English in the advertisement texts. Interview is chosen as the way to investigate the advertiser’s reasons. Further, customers’ responses are also the case examined in this research. By having customers’ responses, it is worth to know whether English use effectively influences them to choose the hotel or not. Finally, this research is not only beneficial to the researchers to deeply study about English use but also for the hotel to thoroughly know the effect of their advertisement texts in Instagram.
Experimental Investigation of Crude-Oil Emulsion Stability: Effect of Oil and Brine Compositions, Asphaltene, Wax, Toluene Insolubles, Temperature, Shear Stress, and Water Cut
Authors: Uetani Takaaki , Kai Junichi , Hitomi Tomoko , Seino Hitoshi , Shimbori Kiyomasa , Yonebayashi Hideharu
Published: December 2019

An onshore oil well in Japan, referred to as Well M-1 in this paper, experienced a serious emulsion problem soon after the introduction of artificial lift using a hydraulic jet pump. Even though the problem was resolved after switching to a new demulsifier, it is possible that the operator could experience another emulsion problem as the production condition changes in the future and accordingly, the new demulsifier becomes less effective. Therefore, a laboratory case study was conducted to understand not only the cause of the emulsion problem encountered, but also the relative magnitude of several factors affecting emulsion stability. Knowing the conditions that lead to the emulsion problem helps in understanding how to remove the emulsion and in designing intervention treatments to restore long-term well productivity.

At first, the oil and brine samples from Well M-1 were mixed and agitated to form emulsion, and subsequently emulsion stability was evaluated. Subsequently, the mixing conditions were altered to investigate the individual impact on the emulsion stability: (1a) replace Well M-1 oil with another field's oil, (1b) replace Well M-1 brine with another field's brine, (2) change concentrations of asphaltene, (3) change concentrations of wax, (4) change concentrations of toluene insolubles, (5) vary temperature between 20 and 70°C, (6) vary shear stress (rotational speed between 3,500 and 15,000 rev/min), and (7) vary water cut between zero and 100%.

The result of the emulsion stability in every test was different. All the above factors showed some impact on emulsion stability, except for brine composition and toluene insolubles, which had little impact on emulsion stability in this study. Operationally speaking, because it was found that the emulsion was stabilized by multiple factors, multiple preventative approaches are required to sustain stable production, free of emulsion.
Lights and Siren Transport and the Need for Hospital Intervention in Non-Trauma Patients: A Prospective Study
Authors: Bertholet Olivier , Pasquier Mathieu , Christes Elina , Wirths Damien , Carron Pierre-Nicolas , Hugli Olivier , Dami Fabrice
Published: December 2019

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
Preoperative pelvic floor muscle exercise for early continence after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Anan Go , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Iwamura Hiromichi , Ito Jun , Kohada Yuki , Mikami Jotaro , Sato Makoto
Published: December 2019

Background: Transient postoperative urinary incontinence is a bothersome complication of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). The effects of preoperative pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) for early recovery of continence after HoLEP have never been elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the benefit of preoperatively started pelvic PFME for early continence recovery after HoLEP. Methods: We randomly assigned patients to start PFME preoperatively and continue postoperatively (group A) or start PFME no earlier than the postoperative period (group B). The primary outcome was time to complete urinary control, defined as no pad usage. The secondary quality of life measure was determined via International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) scores. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify parameters associated with recovery of urinary continence after HoLEP. Results: Seventy patients were randomized across groups A (n = 35) and B (n = 35). Patients’ characteristics were not different between groups A and B. The postoperative urinary incontinence rate significantly decreased in group A compared with that in group B at 3 months postoperatively [3% vs. 26% (P = 0.01)]. However, there were no significant differences between groups A and B at 3 days [40% vs. 54% (P = 0.34)], 1 month [37% vs. 51% (P = 0.34)], and 6 months [0% vs. 3% (P = 1.00)] postoperatively, respectively. The postoperative ICIQ-SF scores were not significantly different between groups A and B at any time point postoperatively. In logistic regression analysis, patients who performed preoperative PFME had a 0.56-fold lower risk of urinary incontinence 1 month after HoLEP and a 0.08-fold lower risk of urinary incontinence 3 months after HoLEP. Conclusions: Preoperatively started PFME appears to facilitate early improvement of urinary incontinence after HoLEP. Keywords: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Incontinence, HoLEP, Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Trial registration: The study was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry in Japan (UMIN000034713); registration date: 31 October 2018. Retrospectively registered
First line in psychiatric emergency: Pre-hospital emergency protocol for mental disorders in Iran
Authors: Shirzad Fatemeh , Hadi Fateme , Mortazavi Seyede Salehe , Biglari Maryam , Sari Hassan Noori , Mohammadi Zeinab , Atoofi Mehrdad Kazemzade , Shariat Seyed Vahid
Published: December 2019

Introduction: This article is a report of designing a rapid and effective guide for paramedics who take care of patients in a pre-hospital setting to answer developing demands. Methods: The relevant literature was reviewed, and the topics were extracted. Then, the extracted items were discussed in an expert panel. Finally, items were discussed in a meeting including emergency technicians and emergency technical assistants to identify implementation problems. Result s : Important topics for managing psychiatric patients were categorized at three levels: 1) Patient safety and security issues, 2) Patient status assessment and diagnosis, and 3) Patient management (medical, behavioral management, and referral to a treatment center). Discussion: This protocol can be a solution to improve emergency technician training. Such summarized protocols can be used for rapid review immediately before exposing a patient with an acute psychiatric condition. Due to specific cultural and different access to medicines in Iran, some issues are different.
Social support and the incidence of cognitive impairment among older adults in China : Findings from the CLHLS study
Authors: Yin Shufei , Yang Quan , Xiong Jinli , Li Tian , Zhu Xinyi
Published: December 2019

The authors have withdrawn the journal submission associated with this preprint and requested that the preprint also be withdrawn.
Compa﻿rative Chloroplast Genomics of The Genus Taxodium ﻿
Authors: Yang Ying , Duan Hao , Guo Jinbo , Xuan Lei , Wang Ziyang , Li Mingzhi , Yin Yunlong
Published: December 2019

Background: Chloroplast(cp) genome information would facilitate the development and utilization of Taxodium resources. However, cp genome characteristics of Taxodium were poorly understood.Results: We determined the complete cp genome sequences of T. distichum, T. mucronatum, and T. ascendens. The cp genomes are 131,947 bp to 132,613bp in length, encode 120 genes with the same order, and lack typical inverted repeat (IR) regions. The longest small IR, a 282 bp trnQ-containing IR, were involved in the formation of isomers. Comparative analysis of the three cp genomes showed that 91.57% of the indels resulted in the periodic variation of tandem repeat(TR) motifs and 72.46% single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located closely to TRs, suggesting a relationship between TRs and mutational dynamics. Eleven hypervariable regions were identified as candidates for DNA barcode development. Ycf1 was the only one gene that has an indel in CDS, and the indel is composed of a long TR. When extended to cupressophytes, ycf1 genes have undergone a universal insertion of TRs accompanied by extreme length expansion. Meanwhile, ycf1 also located in rearrangement endpoints of cupressophyte cp genomes. All these characteristics highlight the important role of repeats in the evolution of cp genomes. Conclusions: This study would advance our understanding of the complexity, dynamics, and evolution of cp genome in Cupressophytes.
The time-interval of ovarian reserve recovery after laparoscopic unilateral ovarian nonendometriotic cystectomy: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Li huaping , Yan bing , Wang yanli , Liu yahong , Liu zhou
Published: December 2019

Background: Ovarian benign cyst, frequently seen in women of reproductive age, is one of the most important causes of damaging effect of ovarian reserve. Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is established as the gold standard surgical approach to the ovarian benign cyst. Studies have shown that potential fertility can be directly impaired by laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy and diminished ovarian reserve. There is little data about the time-interval of ovarian reserve recovery after the laparoscopic unilateral ovarian cystectomy. The objective of this study was to investigate the time-interval of ovarian reserve recovery after laparoscopic unilateral ovarian nonendometriotic cystectomy.Method: In the first part of the study, a total number of 67 patients with unilateral ovarian nonendometriotic cyst who underwent laparoscopic unilateral ovarian cystectomy were recruited as a postoperative observation group (POG). A total number of 69 same-aged healthy women without ovarian cyst who did not undergo surgery were recruited as a referent group (RFG).The serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit; the Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)and E2 levels, measured using a chemiluminescent reagent kit. The ovarian arterial resistance index (OARI) and AFC were measured by transvaginal ultrasonography on the 3rd-5th day of the same menstrual cycle. In the second part of the study, a prospective postoperative 6-month follow-up of cases was performed. Results: When compared with RFG, the AFC of POG’s cyst side showed no difference in the 1st, 3rd, 6th postoperative month (F = 0.03, 0.02, 0.55; P = 0.873, 0.878, 0.460). The OARI of POG’s cyst side presented no difference in the 1st, 3rd, 6th postoperative month ( F = 0.73, 3.57, 1.75; P=0.395, 0.061, 0.188). In the first month, the postoperative AMH levels declined significantly, 1.88 ng/ml (IQR: 1.61-2.16 ng/ml) in POG and 2.57 ng/ml (IQR: 2.32-2.83 ng/ml) in RFG (F = 13.43; P = 0.000). At the time interval, the rate of decline was significantly lower postoperatively than preoperatively in POG (32.75 %),and was also the case in the comparison of POG with RFG (26.67 %). Conclusions: After the laparoscopic unilateral ovarian cystectomy, the optimal time-interval can be the 6th month for ovarian reserve recovery. Semiannually, AMH levels were to be detected to find those whose window time to conceive was likely to be shorter than others of the same age.
Differential Leukocyte miRNA Responses Following Pan T Cell, Allorecognition and Allosecretome-Based Therapeutics Activation
Authors: Yang Xining , Toyofuku Wendy M. , Scott Mark D.
Published: December 2019

Background: Effective immunomodulation of T cell responses is critical in treating both autoimmune diseases and cancer. Our previous studies have demonstrated that nanoscale bioengineering of cell surfaces with methoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG) induces a potent tolerogenic immunomodulatory effect. Moreover, secretomes derived from mPEG- or control mixed lymphocyte alloactivation assays also exerted potent immunomodulatory activity that was mediated by microRNAs (miRNA). In this study, the immunomodulatory effects of Pan T cell activators (PHA and anti-CD3/CD28), alloactivation (MHC-disparate donors; ± mPEG grafting) and biomanufactured miRNA-based allo-secretome therapeutics (SYN, TA1, IA1 and IA2) were examined on T cell proliferation, subset differentiation and leukocyte miRNA expression profiles of resting human PBMC. Results: In contrast to Pan T cell activation, allorecognition and the pro-inflammatory IA1 secretome product induced increasingly controlled proliferation of resting PBMC. The differential effects of the activation strategies were also apparent in T cell differentiation and the Teff:Treg ratio and in the miRNA expression profiles noted in the treated PBMC. In contrast, the mPEG-PBMC and TA1 secretome products inhibited alloproliferation. Importantly, the activation strategies exerted significantly different miRNA expression in the treated leukocytes that was associated with differences in proliferation and cellular differentiation. Conclusions: Immunomodulatory secretome-derived, miRNA-enriched, therapeutics can be reproducibly biomanufactured that will induce the specific bioregulatory events necessary to induce the differentiation of naïve T cells to produce a tolerogeneic (TA1) or inflammatory (IA1) response both in vitro and in vivo. The successful development and biomanufacturing of immunomodulatory, miRNA-enriched, secretome biotherapeutics may provide potent tools for the systemic treatment of autoimmune diseases or enhancing the endogenous immune response to cancer while reducing the potential adverse risks of more non-specific immunomodulatory approaches.
The use and adherence of oral anticoagulants in Primary Healthcare in Catalunya: a real-world data cohort study
Authors: Giner-Soriano Maria , Cortes Jordi , Gomez-Lumbreras Ainhoa , Prat-Vallverdú Oriol , Quijada-Manuitt Mª Angeles , Morros Rosa
Published: December 2019

Background The use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) has not been previously assessed in our setting. We aimed to describe sociodemographic, comorbidities, co-medication and risk of thromboembolic events and bleeding in patients with NVAF initiating oral anticoagulants (OAC) for stroke prevention, and to estimate adherence and persistence to OAC.Methods Population-based cohort study including all NVAF adult patients initiating OAC for stroke prevention in August 2013-December 2015. Persistence was measured in patients initiating OAC in August 2013-December 2014. Data source is SIDIAP, which captures electronic health records from Primary Health Care in the Catalan Health Institute, covering approximately 5.8 million people.Results 51,690 NVAF patients initiated OAC; 47,197 (91.3%) were naive to OAC and 32,404 initiated acenocoumarol (62.7%). Mean age was 72.8 years (SD 12.3) and 49.4% were women. Platelet-aggregation inhibitors were taken by 9,105 (17.6%) of the patients. For 22,075 patients, persistence was higher among the non-naive patients [n=258 (61.7%)] than among the naive [n=11,502 (53.1%)]. Adherence was estimated for patients initiating DOAC and was similar in naive and non-naive patients. Among the naive to DOAC treatment, those starting rivaroxaban showed a highest proportion [(n=360 (80.1%)] of good adherence at implementation (MPR>80%) while patients starting dabigatran were less adherent [n= 203 47.8%)].Conclusions Acenocoumarol was the most frequently prescribed OAC as first therapy in NVAF patients. Non-naive to DOAC showed better persistence than naive. Rivaroxaban showed higher proportion of adherent patients during the implementation phase than apixaban and dabigatran the lowest.
Efficacy of rapid multiplex polymerase chain reaction for early diagnosis and treatment of pertussis
Authors: Oh Se Chang , Park Soo Min , Hur Jian , Choi Eun Young , Jin Hyun Jung , Kim Yu Kyung , Lee Jong Ho , Ahn Ji Young , Lee Jae Min
Published: December 2019

Background Pertussis, a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis, causes airway inflammation and severe, persistent (lasting 2 weeks or more) characteristic whooping cough. In severe cases, complications such as atelectasis and bronchopneumonia may occur. Recently, the prevalence of pertussis has increased in South Korea due to reduced effect of the DTaP vaccination in infants as their age increased. Although culture is the gold standard test for diagnosis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method is most commonly used for diagnosis of pertussis due to the low sensitivity and long turnaround time of the culture method. Recently, a rapid multiplex PCR test has been introduced for comprehensive detection of respiratory pathogens (17 viruses and 3 bacteria), including Bordetella pertussis, with a turnaround time of 1 hour. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of multiplex PCR for early diagnosis and treatment of pertussis. Methods We performed a retrospective study on patients with pertussis diagnosed from May 2017 to June 2019 at Yeungnam University Hospital. Nasopharyngeal swab specimens were tested using multiplex PCR. Medical records collected included data on age, sex, symptoms at the time of diagnosis, admission, hospitalization, isolation, vaccination history, past medical history, and accompanying diseases. Results A total of 27 patients were diagnosed with pertussis, nine (33.3%) of whom were men, with a median age of 48.9 years (3.3–82.2). Eleven (40.7%) had fever, 12 (44.4%) had dyspnea, 3 (11.1%) had paroxysmal cough, and 9 (33.3%) had inspiratory whooping. Seventeen (62.9%) and 24 (88.8%) patients had coughing for <8 days and ≤14 days, respectively. Median time from first symptom to diagnosis was 9.0 (1–31) days. Twenty-four patients (81.5%) were diagnosed within 2 weeks. All but one patient was prescribed macrolide antibiotics; all patients were isolated, with 22 (81.5%) requiring hospitalization. Three patients (11.1%) received ICU care for ventilation. All patients survived. Conclusion A rapid multiplex PCR test can ensure early diagnosis, isolation, and treatment of pertussis. Testing of patients with respiratory symptom with multiplex PCR can led to early diagnosis of pertussis, proper treatment, and may help in outbreak control.
Transcriptomic profiling of differentially expressed genes and related pathways in different brain regions of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Ge Qinyu , Jia Erteng , Pan Min , Liu Zhiyu , Zhou Ying , Zhao Xiangwei , Dong Jian , Bai Yunfei
Published: December 2019

BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and many studies have researched its complex pathophysiological processes. However, it is unclear how PD affects the structure of transcripts in different brain regions and how changes in the transcriptomes in different brain regions affect the pathogenesis of PD.ResultsWe generated a PD mouse model by injecting with MPTP solution. RNA sequencing was performed in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and cerebellum regions of the PD mouse. Compared with the control group, these four brain regions showed significant transcriptomic alterations, with the most differentially expressed genes (DEGs) found in the striatum region. The main DEGs were Lrrk2, Mtor, Gxylt1, C920006o11Rik, Vdac1, Ano3, Drd4, and Ncan. DEGs were enriched using gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis methods, which identified significant GO and molecular pathways. In addition, we used network biology methods to analyze protein–protein relationships, which can accelerate the identification of new PD drugs. The results showed that LRRK2, DRD2, IGF-1, GNAI1, GNAI3, PRKACA, PPP2R5C, and PIK3R1 played a major role in protein regulation.ConclusionsOur analysis showed that these DEGs and proteins play an important role in the occurrence and development of PD. Our study also highlighted the potential use of this transcriptomic data for therapeutic strategies and treatment of PD.
Determination of three-dimensional corrective force in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and biomechanical finite element analysis
Authors: Guan Tianmin , Zhang Yu-fang
Published: December 2019

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a complex three-dimensional deformity of spine and soft tissues. It is usually treated with spinal brace if Cobb angle is less than 40°. To date, displacement and rotation of human vertebrae and ribs in three-dimensional space have not been fully considered in treatment of scoliosis. Three dimensional corrective forces in treatment of scoliosis are still unclear and very less attention has paid on it.Methods: An objective function of corrective force in three-dimensional space is defined. Computed tomography images were used to reconstruct three dimensional model of scoliotic trunk. Computer aided engineering software Abaqus was used to establish finite element model of deformed spine and its biomechanical characteristics were analyzed. By adjusting magnitude and position of corrective forces, objective function is minimized to achieve best orthopedic effect. The proposed corrective conditions were divided into three groups: 1. thoracic deformity; 2. lumbar deformity; 3. both thoracic and lumbar deformities were considered.Results: In all three cases, the objective function was reduced by 58%, 52%, and 63%, respectively. The best correction force point is located on convex side of maximum displacement of vertebral body.Conclusions: Using minimum objective function method, spinal deformity in three-dimensional space can be sufficiently reduced. This study provides scientific basis for design of a new corrective brace for treatment of scoliosis.
SOX-17 Gene Sequence Complementation on Silica-alumina Nanocomposite-modified Dielectrode Surface for Analyzing Gastric Cancer Progression
Authors: Yu Zhihong , Subash Gopinath , Lakshmipriya Thangavel
Published: December 2019

BackgroundGastric cancer is as the gastrointestinal issue, the second most death-cause complication worldwide. The survival rate of gastric cancer is lesser due to diagnosing it at the advanced stage. SRY-box containing gene 17 (SOX-17) expression and methylation participate a crucial role in the gastric cancer. MethodsIn this research, capture probe modified interdigitated electrode was used to quantify the SOX-17 gene target sequence. To improve the detection, IDE sensing surface was physically-modified by silica-alumina (Si-Al) nanocomposite. Through the biotin-streptavidin strategy, capture probe was immobilized on the surface and complemented by the target sequence. ResultsDoubled the level of capture probe immobilization was noticed on the Si-Al modified surface. From 1 aM concentration of target sequence was detected in the presence of Si-Al nanocomposite, while it was reached 10 aM in the absence, shows ten-folds difference. In addition, higher level of current changes was registered with all the concentrations of target sequence. Control experiments with single, triple and complementary sequences of target were done and there is no significant changes in current were recorded in the substituted sequences, representing the specific detection of target SOX-17 gene sequence. ConclusionThe detection method is shown with nanocomposite-modified IDE surface helps to recognize the gastric cancer effectively.
Shared or distinct? Neuroanatomical underpinnings of ASD in carriers and non-carriers of the 22q11.2 microdeletion
Authors: Gudbrandsen Maria , Bletsch Anke , Mann Caroline , Daly Eileen , Murphy Clodagh M , Stoencheva Vladimira , Blackmore Charlotte , Rogdaki Maria , Kushan Leila , Bearden Carrie E , Murphy Declan G.M , Craig Michael C , Ecker Christine
Published: December 2019

Background: A crucial step to understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of autism spectrum disorder, is to examine if the biological underpinnings of ASD in genetic high-risk conditions, like 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11.2DS), are similar to those in idiopathic illness. This study aimed to examine if ASD symptomatology in 22q11.2DS is underpinned by the same – or distinct – neural systems that mediate these symptoms in non-deletion carriers.Methods: We examined vertex-wise estimates of regional cortical volume (rCV), surface area (SA), and cortical thickness across 131 individuals (6-25 years), including (1) n=50 individuals with 22q11.2DS, with and without ASD, and (2) n=81 individuals without the deletion, including idiopathic ASD. We employed a 2-by-2 factorial design to identify neuroanatomical variability associated with the main effects of 22q11.2DS and ASD, as well as their interaction. Further, using canonical correlation analysis (CCA), we compared neuroanatomical variability associated with the complex (i.e. multivariate) clinical phenotype of ASD between 22q11.2 deletion carriers and non-carriers.Results: The set of brain regions associated with the main effect of 22q11.2DS was distinct from the neuroanatomical underpinnings of the main effect of ASD. Moreover, significant 22q11.2DS-by-ASD interactions were observed for rCV and SA in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, precentral gyrus, and posterior cingulate cortex, suggesting that neuroanatomy of ASD is significantly modulated by 22q11.2DS (p<0.01). We further established that the multivariate patterns of neuroanatomical variability associated with differences in symptom profiles significantly differed between 22q11.2 deletion carriers and non-carriers (RVcoef=0.06, p<0.7 vs. RVcoef=0.196, p<0.0001).Limitations: We employed a multicenter design to overcome single-site recruitment limitations, however, FreeSurfer derived measures of surface anatomy have been shown to be highly reliable across scanner platforms and field-strengths’. Further, we controlled for gender to address the differing distribution between idiopathic ASD individuals and the other groups. Nonetheless, the gender distribution in our sample reflects that of the respective populations, adding to the generalizability of our results. Last, we included individuals with a relatively wide age range (i.e. 6-25 years). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that brain mechanisms underlying ASD, associated with specific genetic etiology, diverge from those in idiopathic ASD.
Both comorbidity and worse performance status are associated with poorer overall survival after external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Lehtonen Miikka , Heiskanen Lauri , Reinikainen Petri , Kellokumpu-Lehtinen Pirkko-Liisa
Published: December 2019

Purpose: In this retrospective study, we evaluated the biochemical recurrence rate, metastatic disease progression, and prostate cancer-specific and overall survival in patients curatively treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for early prostate cancer (PC). We also examined the prognostic effect of comorbidity by Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and overall performance status. Methods: A total of 665 men treated between 2008 and 2013 were enrolled from Tampere University hospital, Finland. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests and hospital records were used to determine the 5-year survival for each aforementioned endpoint using a Kaplan-Meyer estimate. To analyze the impact of the selected prognostic factor, we used a Cox regression model to calculate the corresponding hazard ratio (HR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI). Results: With a median follow-up-time of 7.12 years, the 5-year overall survival (OS) after EBRT was 88.9 % [86.5 %-91.3 %], prostate cancer-specific survival (PCSS) was 97.9 % [96.7 %-99.1%], metastasis-free survival (MFS) 94.8 % [93.0 %-96.6 %] and biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS) 88.7 % [86.2 %-91.2 %]. Both CCI (HR = 1.38, [1.25-1.51]) and Z score (HR = 1.63, [1.29-2.05]) declined OS, as well as Gleason score and T grade (P < 0.05). Gleason score and T grade also associated to worse PCSS, MFS and BRFS. Conclusions and Implications for Cancer Survivors: CCI and Z score are useful tools in evaluating overall life expectancy of the patient after EBRT for PC. T-stage and Gleason score remain still the major prognostic factors. Keywords: Prostate Cancer; Radiotherapy; Treatment Outcome; Comorbidity; Physical Fitness
Leucine rich repeats and calponin homology domain containing 1 inhibits microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in a rat traumatic spinal cord injury model
Authors: Chen Wen-Kai , Feng Lin-Juan , Liu Qiao-Dan , Ke Qing-Feng , Cai Pei-Ya , Zhang Pei-Ru , Cai Li-Quan , Huang Nian-Lai , Lin Wen-Ping
Published: December 2019

Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) triggers the primary mechanical injury and secondary inflammation-mediated injury. Neuroinflammation-mediated insult causes secondary and extensive neurological damage after SCI. Microglia play a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of post-SCI neuroinflammation.Methods To elucidate the significance of LRCH1 to microglial functions, we applied lentivirus-induced LRCH1 knockdown in primary microglia culture, and tested the role of LRCH1 in microglia-mediated inflammatory reaction both in vitro and in a rat SCI model.ResultsWe found that LRCH1 was down-regulated in microglia after traumatic SCI. LRCH1 knockdown increased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 after in vitro priming with lipopolysaccharide and adenosine triphosphate. Furthermore, LRCH1 knockdown promoted the priming-induced microglial polarization towards the pro-inflammatory M1 type, as demonstrated by increased differentiation into inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)+ microglia. LRCH1 knockdown also enhanced microglia-mediated N27 neuron death after priming. Further analysis revealed that LRCH1 knockdown increased priming-induced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Erk1/2 signaling, which are crucial for M1 polarization of microglia. When LRCH1-knockdown microglia were adoptively injected into rat spinal cords, they enhanced post-SCI production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased SCI-induced recruitment of leukocytes, aggravated SCI-induced tissue damage and neuronal death, and worsened the locomotor function.Conclusion Our study reveals for the first time that LRCH1 serves as a negative regulator of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation after SCI, and provides clues for developing novel therapeutic approaches against SCI.
Characterization of astrocytes throughout life in wildtype and APP/PS1 mice after early-life stress exposure
Authors: Abbink Maralinde R. , Kotah Janssen M. , Hoeijmakers Lianne , Mak Aline , Yvon-Durocher Genevieve , Gaag Bram van der , Lucassen Paul J. , Korosi Aniko
Published: December 2019

Background Early-life stress (ES) is an emerging risk factor for later-life development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We have previously shown that ES modulates amyloid-beta pathology and the microglial response to it in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model. Because astrocytes are key players in the pathogenesis of AD, we studied here if and how ES affects astrocytes in wildtype (WT) and APP/PS1 mice, and how these relate to the previously reported amyloid pathology and microglial profile.Methods We induced ES by limiting nesting and bedding material from postnatal days (P) 2-9. We studied in WT mice (at P9, P30 and 6 months) and in APP/PS1 mice (at 4 and 10 months) i) GFAP coverage, cell density and complexity in hippocampus (HPC) and entorhinal cortex (EC); ii) hippocampal gene expression of astrocyte markers; and iii) the relationship between astrocyte, microglia and amyloid markers.ResultsIn WT mice, ES increased GFAP coverage in HPC subregions at P9, and decreased it at 10 months. APP/PS1 mice at 10 months exhibited both individual cell as well as clustered GFAP signals. APP/PS1 mice when compared to WT exhibited reduced total GFAP coverage in HPC, which is increased in the EC, while coverage of the clustered GFAP signal in the HPC was increased and accompanied by increased expression of several astrocytic genes. While measured astrocytic parameters in APP/PS1 mice appear not be further modulated by ES, analyzing these in the context of ES-induced alterations to amyloid pathology and microglial shows alterations at both 4 and 10 months of age.Conclusions Our data suggest that ES leads to alterations to the astrocytic response to amyloid-β pathology.
Identification and Evolutionary Analysis of the Nucleolar Proteome of Giardia lamblia
Authors: Jin-mei Feng , Chun-Lin Yang , Hai-Feng Tian , Jiang-Xin Wang , Wen Jianfan
Published: December 2019

Background: The nucleoli, including their proteomes, of higher eukaryotes have been extensively studied, while few studies about the nucleoli of the lower eukaryotes – protists were reported. Giardia lamblia, a protist with the controversy of whether it is an extreme primitive eukaryote or just a highly evolved parasite, might be an interesting object for carrying out the nucleolar proteome study of protists and further examining the controversy.Results: Using bioinformatics methods, we reconstructed G. lamblia nucleolar proteome (GiNuP) and the common nucleolar proteome of the three higher eukaryotes (human, Arabidopsis, yeast) (HEBNuP). Comparisons of the two proteomes revealed that: 1) GiNuP is much smaller than HEBNuP, but 78.4% of its proteins have orthologs in the latter; 2) More than 68% of the proteins in GiNuP are involved in the “Ribosome related” function, and the others participate in the other functions, and these two groups of proteins are much larger and much smaller than those in HEBNuP, respectively; 3) Both GiNuP and HEBNuP have their own specific proteins, but HEBNuP has a much higher proportion of such proteins to participate in more categories of functions.Conclusion: For the first time the nucleolar proteome of a protist - Giardia was reconstructed. The results of comparison of it with the common proteome of three representative higher eukaryotes -- HEBNuP indicated that the relatively simple GiNuP should reflect the primitiveness but not the parasitic reduction of Giardia, and simultaneously revealed some interesting evolutionary phenomena about the nucleolus and even the eukaryotic cell, compositionally and functionally.
Transcriptome analysis of Spodoptera litura reveals the molecular mechanism to pyrethroids resistance
Authors: Li Dongzhi , Mei Yu , Liu Runqiang , Chen Xiling , Xu Li , Wang Chengju
Published: December 2019

Background Spodoptera litura is a destructive agricultural pest and has evolved resistance to multiple insecticides, especially pyrethroids. At present, the resistance mechanism to pyrethroids remains unclear.Results Four field-collected populations, namely CZ, LF, NJ and JD, were identified to have high resistance to pyrethroids comparing to pyrethroid-susceptible population (GX), with increased resistant ratio ranging from 40.8 to 1764.0-fold. To characterize pyrethroid resistance mechanism, the transcriptomes between pyrethroid-resistant (LF and NJ) and pyrethroid-susceptible (GX) populations were compared by RNA-sequencing. Results showed that multiple differentially expressed genes were enriched in metabolism-related GO terms and KEGG pathways. 35 up-regulated metabolism-related genes were screened to verify by qRT-PCR. Consistent up-regulation of 13 unigenes, including 3 P450s, 4 GSTs, 1 UGT, 4 COEs and 1ABC, were verified in the additional pyrethroid resistant populations CZ and JD. The expression levels of CYP3 and GST3 , which were homologous to CYP321A8 and GST1 , respectively, showed positive correlation with their pyrethroid resistance levels within CZ, LF, NJ and JD populations. While the expression levels of CYP12 , CYP14 , COE4 and ABC5 showed good correlation with their pyrethroid resistance levels in at least three populations. UGT5 had the highest expression level among the tested UGT genes in the four pyrethroid resistant populations.Conclusion CYP3 , CYP12 , CYP14 , GST3 , COE4 , UGT5 and ABC5 play important roles in pyrethroid resistance among the four field-collected populations. Our work provides a valuable clue for further study of pyrethroid resistance mechanisms in S. litura .
18F- FDG PET/CT-derived parameters predict clinical stage and prognosis of esophageal cancer.
Authors: Mantziari Styliani , Pomoni Anastasia , Prior John O , Winiker Michael , Allemann Pierre , Demartines Nicolas , Schäfer Markus
Published: December 2019

Background Although 18 F- FDG PET/CT is validated in baseline workup of esophageal cancer to detect distant metastases, it remains underused in assessing local staging and biology of the primary tumor. This study aimed to evaluate the association between 18 F- FDG PET/CT-derived parameters of esophageal cancer, and its clinico-pathological features and prognosis.Methods All patients (n=86) with esophageal adenocarcinoma or squamous cell cancer operated between 2005-2014 were analyzed. Linear regression was used to identify clinico-pathologic features of esophageal cancer associated with the tumor’s maximal Standardized Uptake Value (SUV max ), Total Lesion Glycolysis (TLG) and Metabolic Tumor Volume (MTV). ROC curve analysis was performed to precise the optimal cutoff of each variable associated with a locally advanced (cT3/4) status, long-term survival and recurrence. Kaplan Meier curves and Cox regression were used for survival analyses.Results High baseline SUV max was associated with cT3/4 status and middle-third tumor location, TLG with a cT3/4 and cN+ status, whereas MTV only with active smoking. A cT3/4 status was significantly predicted by a SUV max >8.25g/mL (p<0.001), TLG>41.7 (p<0.001) and MTV>10.70 cm 3 (p<0.01) whereas a SUV max > 12.7 g/mL was associated with an early tumor recurrence and a poor disease-free survival (median 13 versus 56 months, p=0.030), particularly in squamous cell cancer.Conclusions Baseline 18 F- FDG PET/CT has a high predictive value of preoperative cT stage, as its parameters SUV max , TLG and MTV can predict a locally advanced tumor with high accuracy. A SUV max > 12.7 g/mL may herald early tumor recurrence and poor disease-free survival.
Analysis of anesthesia-related prognostic indicators in neurosurgery
Authors: Shu Aihua , Wang Qiang , Chen Xiaobo , Zhou Feng , Liu Yifei
Published: December 2019

Background: This retrospective study was conducted to identify prognostic predictors for patients undergoing neurosurgery under general anesthesia.Methods: From April 2015 to May 2017, a total of 757 patients undergoing neurosurgery in our hospital were analyzed. Baseline and clinical data including age, gender, etiology, surgery procedures, comorbid and underlying diseases, the Glasgow coma scale (GCS), the APACHE II score, ASA score, anesthesia class, operation time, intraoperative cardiac events, intraoperative blood transfusion, and postoperative fever were collected and analyzed. The Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) was used as outcome measure. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent prognostic factors. Results: Among the 14 factors analyzed, twelve were significantly correlated to the GOS scores (P < 0.05), including age, etiology, type of surgery, hypertension, anesthesia class, APACHE II score and ASA class, intraoperative cardiac events, intraoperative blood transfusion and postoperative fever. Further logistic regression analysis showed the three parameters had prognostic values with odds ratios of 3.933, 1.812 and 2.910, respectively. On other hand, gender and operation time were not correlated to GOS.Conclusions: Anesthesia class, APACHE II score and ASA class have significant prognostic values for patients undergoing neurosurgical surgery.
Evaluation of peripheral perfusion index and heart rate variability as early predictors for intradialytic hypotension in critically ill patients.
Authors: Mostafa Hanan , Shaban Mohamed , Hasanin Ahmed , Mohamed Hassan , Fathy Shymaa , Abdelreheem Hossam M , Lotfy Ahmed , Abougabal Ayman , Mukhtar Ahmed , El-adawy Akram
Published: December 2019

Background Intradialytic hypotension is a serious complication during renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients. Early prediction of intradialytic hypotension could allow adequate prophylactic measures. In this study we evaluated the ability of peripheral perfusion index (PPI) and heart rate variability (HRV) to predict intradialytic hypotension. Methods A prospective observational study included 36 critically ill patients with acute kidney injury during their first session of intermittent hemodialysis. In addition to basic vital signs, PPI was measured using Radical-7 (Masimo) device. Electrical cardiometry (ICON) device was used for measuring cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, and HRV. All hemodynamic values were recorded at the following time points: 30 minutes before the hemodialysis session, 15 minutes before the start of hemodialysis session, every 5 minutes during the session, and 15 minutes after the conclusion of the session. The ability of all variables to predict intradialytic hypotension was assessed through area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve calculation. Results Twenty-three patients (64%) had intradialytic hypotension. Patients with pulmonary oedema showed higher risk for development of intradialytic hypotension {Odds ratio (95% CI): 13.75(1.4-136)}. Each of baseline HRV, and baseline PPI showed good predictive properties for intradialytic hypotension {AUROC (95% CI): 0.761(0.59-0.88)}, and 0.721(0.547-0.857)} respectively. Conclusions Each of low PPI, low HRV, and the presence of pulmonary oedema are good predictors of intradialytic hypotension.
ESTIMATION OF INCOME CHARACTERISTICS FOR REGIONS IN POLAND USING SPATIO-TEMPORAL SMALL AREA MODELS
Authors: Jędrzejczak Alina , Kubacki Jan
Published: December 2019

The paper presents the comparison of estimation results for spatial and spatiotemporal small area models. The study was carried out for income-related variables drawn from the Polish Household Budget Survey and explanatory variables from the Polish Local Data Bank for the years 2003-2013. The properties of EBLUPs (Empirical Best Linear Unbiased Predictors) based on spatiotemporal models, which utilize spatial correlation between neighbouring areas as well as historical data, were compared and contrasted with EBLUPs based on spatial models obtained separately for each year and with EBLUPs based on the Rao-Yu model. The computations were performed using sae, sae2 and spdep packages for R-project environment. In the case of sae package, the eblupFH, eblupSFH and the eblupSTFH functions were used for point estimation along with the mseFH, mseSFH and the pbmseSTFH functions for the MSE estimation, whereas the eblupRY function was applied for the purposes of sae2 package. The precision of direct estimators was guaranteed by the adoption of the Balanced Repeated Replication method. The results of the analysis demonstrate that a visible reduction of the estimation error was achieved for the implemented spatiotemporal small-area models, especially when significant spatial and time autocorrelations were observed. These results are even more valuable than those achieved by the means of the Rao-Yu model. In the computations, three author-defined functions were adopted, which not only enabled the author to perform the extract of random effects for spatial, spatiotemporal and Rao-Yu models, but also made it possible to obtain their decomposition with respect to spatial and temporal parts, thus creating a novel solution. The comparison was carried out using choropleth maps for spatial effects and distributions of temporal random effects for the considered years.
Evaluation of dog spaying, animal welfare, and dog owner/caretaker knowledge in Afyonkarahisar Province
Authors: ACAR DUYGU BAKI
Published: December 2019

The present study evaluated the demographics and knowledge of the dog owners regarding the importance of dog spaying/neutering and animal welfare in Afyonkarahisar Province. Therefore, the original questionnaires were prepared to evaluate the knowledge of dog owners/caretakers about dog reproduction, spaying of dogs, and stray animal welfare. The mean age of participants was 33, and 51.8% of responders were female and 48.2% were male. Most of the dogs (83.7%) were not spayed/neutered and spaying/neutering age was ≥ 2 years. Fifty-five per cent of owners had a dog for more than 5 years, and only 2% of dogs were obtained from a dog shelter. Most of the participants reported that municipalities should take more active roles and increase the number and quality of animal shelters. Adopting dogs from shelters, putting food and water containers on the streets for stray dogs, and promoting the awareness of people regarding animal rights and welfare were among the responses. There was a knowledge deficiency regarding the importance of spaying/neutering dogs, especially spaying females, and the reproductive characteristics of dogs that may cause an increase in the stray dog population and unwanted puppies. The results of this study revealed that the dissemination of accurate information to people is a crucial point in the welfare of both stray and owned dogs and controlling the overpopulation of free-roaming dogs.