bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Challenges of Ethical Behaviors for Drug Supply in the Iran Pharmacies by Principles-Based Approach
Authors: Iranmanesh Mahla , Yazdi-Feyzabadi Vahid , Mehrolhassani Mohammad Hossein
Published: September 2020

Background: Pharmacists as the trustee of pharmacy services must adhere to ethical principles and evaluate their professionalism. Pharmacists may sometimes show different unethical behaviors in their interactions, so it is essential to understand these behaviors. The present study aimed to determine the challenges of ethical behaviors based on a principles-based approach in the area of drug supply in pharmacies.Methods: This qualitative content analysis was conducted in Kerman in 2018. A number of key players in the field of medication supply were selected using snowball sampling to interview. An effort was made to select samples with maximum variation. Exclusion criteria include having less than 3 years of work experience in pharmacy and supervision, not willing to participate in the interview, and not participating in the interview for 3 times. The participants in this study consisted of pharmacy technicians (n=5), patients (n=6), pharmacists (n=8), inspectors of insurance companies (n=4), and inspectors of food and drug administration (n=3). Data were analyzed using directed content analysis by Maxqda software version 10 (VERBI Software, Berlin, Germany). The principles of “Beauchamp and Childress Ethics” theory including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice were selected as the main principles. Results: After data analysis, 8 main categories and 26 subcategories were obtained. The main categories include patient privacy, patient independence, communication principles, patient-centered services, drug supplier, patient harm avoidance, supervision, and distributive, procedural, and interactional justice. The subcategories include increasing patient awareness, culturizing prescription, and rational drug use, confidentiality and privacy, and pharmacist-patient relationship/communication, which were the main ethical challenges in the area of drug supply at pharmacies. Conclusions: According to a principle-based approach, the greatest challenges were related to two principles of autonomy and beneficence. The policymakers in the healthcare system should emphasize patient independence, patient privacy, and patient-centered services. The results of this study can be used as a tool to introduce ethical challenges to policymakers and develop educational contents, the chart of professional ethics in pharmacies, and accreditation measures of pharmacies.
Anti-inflammatory effect of piperine ameliorates insulin resistance in monosodium glutamate–treated obese mice
Authors: Liu Chaolong , Yuan Yanting , Zhou Ji , Hu Ruixin , Ji Lixia , Jiang Guohui
Published: September 2020

Background: Metabolic inflammation is an essential event in obesity-induced diabetes and insulin resistance. In obesity, an increasing number of macrophages recruited into visceral adipose tissues undergo significant M1-like polarization, secreting variable amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines and causing insulin resistance. Piperine has excellent anti-inflammatory activities and may be used in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the effect of piperine on adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance in obese mice. Methods: Newborn mice were subcutaneously (s.c.) injected with monosodium glutamate (MSG) to establish a diabetes model. After 24 weeks, the MSG obese mice were divided into three groups and treated with piperine (40 mg/kg/day), metformin (150 mg/kg/day) and vehicle for 10 successive weeks, respectively. Results: The obesity model was successfully established, as the body weight, insulin resistance, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and dyslipidemia were significantly increased. The 10-week administration of piperine to the obese mice not only significantly decreased the elevated FBG (Model: 6.45 ± 0.41 mM; Piperine: 4.72 ± 0.44 mM, p<0.01), serum TC (Model: 5.66 ± 0.66 mM; Piperine: 3.55 ± 0.30 mM, p<0.01) and TG (Model: 1.41 ± 0.08 mM; Piperine: 0.94 ± 0.05 mM, p<0.001), but also enhanced the glucose infusion rate in the hyperglycemic clamp experiment. Meanwhile, piperine improved glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in MSG obese mice. Piperine markedly decreased the total and differential white blood cell (WBC) count, the serum levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as galectin-3 (Gal-3) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Furthermore, piperine clearly down-regulated the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the protein levels of M1-like polarization marker CD11c and Gal-3 in adipose tissues. The in vitro study showed that piperine inhibited LPS-stimulated polarization of RAW 264.7 cells toward the M1 phenotype. Conclusions: Piperine served as an immunomodulator for the treatment of obesity-related diabetes through its anti-inflammatory effects, which might be achieved by inhibiting macrophages M1 polarization in adipose tissues.
Profiles of autophagy-related genes in esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhu Lei , Dong Lin , Feng Minghao , Yang Fugui , Jiang Wenhao , Huang Zhiyuan , Liu Fabing , Wang Lingwei , Wang Guangxue , Li Qinchuan
Published: September 2020

Background: Several studies have demonstrated autophagy was involved in the process of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The aim of this study was to explore autophagy-related genes (ARGs) correlated with overall survival (OS) in EAC patients.Methods: Expressions of ARGs in EAC and normal samples were downloaded from TCGA database. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were used to investigate the ARGs bioinformatics functions. Univariate and multivariate cox regressions were performed to identify prognostic ARGs and the independent risk factors. ROC curve was established to evaluate the feasibility to predict the prognosis. Finally, the correlations between ARGs and clinical features were further explored. In addition， significantly different ARGs were verified in EAC specimens and normal esophageal mucosal tissues.Results: Thirty significantly different ARGs were selected from EAC and normal tissues. Functional enrichments showed these ARGs were mainly related apoptosis. Multivariate cox regression analyses demonstrated eight ARGs were significantly associated with OS. Among these eight genes, BECN1 (HR=0.321, P=0.046), DAPK1 (HR=0.636, P=0.025) and CAPN1 (HR=0.395, P=0.004) played protective roles in survival. Gender (HR=0.225, P=0.032), stage (HR=5.841, P=0.008) and risk score (HR=1.131, P＜0.001) were independent prognostic risk factors. ROC curves showed better efficacy to predict survival using the risk score. Additionally, we found BECN1, DAPK1, VAMP7 and SIRT1 genes were correlated significantly with survival status, gender, primary tumor and tumor stage (all P ＜0.05). The experimental results confirmed the BIRC5 was overexpressed and the ITPR1, PRKN were downregulated in the EAC tissues compared with the normal esophageal mucosal tissues (all P＜0.05).Conclusion: Our findings suggested that autophagy was involved in the process of EAC. Several ARGs probably could serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and may help facilitate therapeutic targets in EAC patients.
Incidence of Uveitis and Macular Edema among Patients taking Fingolimod 0.5mg for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Sonne Scott Joseph , Smith Bradley Thomas
Published: September 2020

BackgroundPatients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have a higher incidence of uveitis compared with the general population. Fingolimod, a first line disease modifying drug used in multiple sclerosis, may cause macular edema and thus requires ophthalmic examination. However, murine models and anecdotal reports suggest fingolimod may reduce the incidence of uveitis.Purpose: To report the incidence of uveitis and macular edema among those on fingolimod 0.5 mg (Gilenya®) therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS).Methods: Retrospective review of patients on fingolimod who developed uveitis and/or macular edema.Results: No patients had an occurrence or history of uveitis. Four of the 188 (2.13%) patients developed macular edema without ocular inflammation. One of the 188 (0.53%) patients developed Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy.ConclusionPatients taking fingolimod have a lower incidence of uveitis than expected in a population of MS patients.
The ferroptosis and iron-metabolism signature robustly predicts clinical diagnosis, prognosis and immune microenvironment for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ji Jiansong , Tang Bufu , Zhu Jinyu , Li Jie , Fan Kai , Gao Yang , Cheng Shimiao , Kong Chunli , Zheng Liyun , Wu Fazong , Weng Qiaoyou , Lu Chenying
Published: September 2020

Background : In this study, we comprehensively analyzed genes related to ferroptosis and iron metabolism to construct diagnostic and prognostic models and explore the relationship with the immune microenvironment in HCC. Methods : Integrated analysis, cox regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method of 104 ferroptosis- and iron metabolism-related genes and HCC-related RNA sequencing were performed to identify HCC-related ferroptosis and iron metabolism genes. Results : four genes (ABCB6, FLVCR1, SLC48A1 and SLC7A11) were identified to construct prognostic and diagnostic models. Poorer overall survival (OS) was exhibited in the high-risk group than that in the low-risk group in both the training cohort (P < 0.001, HR = 0.27) and test cohort (P < 0.001, HR = 0.27). The diagnostic models successfully distinguished HCC from normal samples and proliferative nodule samples. Compared with low-risk groups, high-risk groups had higher TMB; higher fractions of macrophages, follicular helper T cells, memory B cells, and neutrophils; and exhibited higher expression of CD83, B7H3, OX40 and CD134L. As an inducer of ferroptosis, erastin inhibited HCC cell proliferation and progression, and it was showed to affect Th17 cell differentiation and IL-17 signaling pathway through bioinformatics analysis, indicating it a potential agent of cancer immunotherapy. Conclusions: The prognostic and diagnostic models based on the four genes indicated superior diagnostic and predictive performance, indicating new possibilities for individualized treatment of HCC patients.
Construction of a sensitive and specific lead biosensor using a genetically engineered bacterial system with a luciferase gene reporter controlled by pbr and cadA promoters
Authors: Nourmohammadi Esmail , Hosseinkhani Saman , Nedaeinia Reza , Khoshdel-Sarkarizi Hoda , Nedaeinia Mozhdeh , Ranjbar Maryam , Ebrahimi Neshat , Farjami Zahra , Nourmohammadi Mohammad , Mahmoudi Ali , Goli Mohammad , A.Ferns Gordon , Sadeghizadeh Majid
Published: September 2020

Background: A bacterial biosensor refers to genetically engineered bacteria that produce an assessable signal in the presence of a physical or chemical agent in the environment.Methods: We have designed and evaluated a bacterial biosensor expressing a luciferase-reporter gene controlled by pbr and cadA promoters in Cupriavidus metallidurans (previously termed Ralstonia metallidurans ) containing the CH34 and pI258 plasmids of Staphylococcus aureus , respectively, and that can be used for the detection of heavy metals. In the present study, we have produced and evaluated biosensor plasmids designated pGL3-luc/pbr -biosensor and pGL3-luc/cad -biosensor, that were based on the expression of luc+ under the control of the cad promoter and the cadC gene of S. aureus plasmid pI258 and pbr promoter and pbrR gene from plasmid pMOL30 of Cupriavidus metallidurans.Results: We found that the pGL3-luc/pbr -biosensor may be used to measure lead concentrations between 1-100 μM in the presence of other metals, including: zinc, cadmium, tin and nickel. The latter metals did not result in any significant signal gene expression of the reporter . The pGL3-luc/cad -biosensor could detect lead concentrations between 10 nM to 10 μM.Conclusions: This biosensor was found to be a specific for measuring lead ions in both environmental and biological samples.
Halo Artifacts of Indwelling Urinary Catheter by Inaccurate Scatter Correction in 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging: Incidence Rate, Mechanism, and Solutions
Authors: Magota Keiichi , Numata Naoto , Shinyama Daiki , Katahata Junya , Munakata Yamato , Maniawski Piotr J. , Kobayashi Kentaro , Manabe Osamu , Hirata Kenji , Tateishi Ukihide , Kudo Kohsuke , Shiga Tohru
Published: September 2020

Background: Halo artifacts from urinary catheters can occur due to inaccurate scatter correction, and the artifacts affect the tumor visibility in 18 F-FDG PET/CT images. We investigated the incidence rate and the mechanisms of halo-artifact generation and explored several scatter correction techniques to prevent artifacts. Methods: We conducted patient and phantom studies. (1) We retrospectively reviewed the cases of patients who had undergone 18 F-FDG PET/CT scans. To determine the frequency of halo-artifact generation, we used the patients' PET images with a standard scatter correction based on a tail-fitted single-scatter simulation (TF-SSS) using 4-mm voxel μ-maps (TFS 4-mm). (2) We performed phantom studies to evaluate the effects of a urine catheter and two scatter correction techniques, i.e., TF-SSS with 2-mm voxel μ-maps (TFS 2-mm) and a Monte Carlo-based single-scatter simulation (MC-SSS) using 4-mm voxel μ-maps (MCS 4-mm). The average standardized uptake values (SUVs) were measured for axial PET images. (3) Using the patients' data, we investigated whether TFS 2-mm and MCS 4-mm can eliminate the artifacts in the clinical images. Results: (1) There were 61 patients with urinary catheters; in five (8.2%), halo artifacts were observed in the TFS 4-mm PET images. (2) The phantom study clearly reproduced the halo artifacts in the TFS 4-mm PET images. The halo artifacts were generated when urine moved in the interval between the CT and PET imaging, and when the urinary catheter was placed in a circular shape. The SUVs for the TFS 4-mm and TFS-2mm PET images were underestimated at the halo-artifact regions, whereas the SUVs for the MCS 4-mm PET images were close to the true values. (3) The halo artifacts disappeared in the TFS 2-mm PET images in 4/5 patients but not 1/5 patient, whereas the halo artifacts were completely absent in the MCS 4-mm PET images in 5/5 patients. Conclusions: These data suggest that halo artifacts are caused if the PET images do not correspond to the physical material in the μ-maps, which induces the scatter correction error. With the MC-SSS, it was possible to accurately estimate the scatter without generating halo artifacts.
Orlistatand and Rosuvastatin Suppressed Proliferation of K562 Human Myelogenous Leukemia Cell Line through AMPK/Akt/c-Myc Signaling
Authors: Mojjarad Behnam , Pazhang Yaghub
Published: September 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to erroneous posting.
Preliminary feasibility torque mechanical evaluation for 3D printed orthodontic springs with different parameters: invitro study
Authors: Othman Ahmed , Hartman Steven , Ströbele Dragan , Arnold Jassin , von See Constantin
Published: September 2020

Background: The purpose of the presented investigation is to evaluate the resulting torque on loaded 3D printed springs using different coil thickness and length.Methods: Specimens were designed and printed using the 3D printer MAX (Asiga, Sydney, Australia) with 3D printable, experimental, flexible material (Code:BM2008, GC, Tokyo, Japan). The specimens were divided into three groups according to spring coil design. Control group (n=18), length group (n=19) and thickness group (n=22). Groups were tested using a Sauter Machine for torque calculation (DB, Grindelwald, Switzerland) in conjunction with a universal testing machine (Zwick Z010, Ulm, Germany) for clock-wise and anti-clockwise testing. Statistical analysis was performed using the Steel-Dwass test to compare median values of the three groups in both testing directions (p<0.001). Results: The highest torque value was determined in the thickness group for both clockwise and anti-clockwise testing directions, achieving 44.00N/mm and 39.62N/mm respectively. The length group ranged from 21.65N/mm to 11.04N/mm in clockwise direction and from 18.04N/mm to 11.38N/mm in counter-clockwise testing. The control group ranged from 22.72N/mm to 17.18N/mm in the clock-wise direction while in the anti-clock wise testing it ranged from 21.34N/mm to 16.02N/mm.Conclusions: The amount of torque produced from the CAD/CAM springs is being affected by diameter more than the length design parameter in comparison to the control group. The values of the thickness group are significantly higher than those of the length group (P<0.001).
The effect of graded activity and pain education (GAPE) - an early post-surgical rehabilitation programme after lumbar spinal fusion: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tegner Heidi , Esbensen Bente Appel , Henriksen Marius , Bech-Azeddine Rachid , Lundberg Mari , Nielsen Louise , Rolving Nanna
Published: September 2020

BackgroundPatients with chronic low back pain undergoing lumbar spinal fusion (LSF) are physically inactive and thereby at risk of poor health. Barriers to being physically active need to be acknowledged in post-surgical rehabilitation. The primary objective of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to examine the effect of an early active intervention consisting of graded activity and pain education (GAPE) on sedentary behaviour in a population of patients undergoing LSF. The secondary objectives are to examine the effect of GAPE on, respectively, disability, pain, fear of movement, self-efficacy for exercise and health-related quality of life.MethodsThe study is an RCT planned to include 144 patients undergoing LSF at 1-2 levels for low back pain caused by degeneration of the lumbar spine. The patients will be randomly assigned to receive either usual care or usual care plus GAPE. GAPE consists of nine individual physiotherapist-guided sessions over a 10-week period. The overall purpose is to reduce sedentary behaviour, by educating the patient about pain and, based on a cognitive behavioural perspective, gradually strengthen the patient’s self-efficacy to be physically active and reduce fear of movement. The physiotherapist will plan the intervention in collaboration with the patient. Based on a semi-structured interview and observations of the patient in their home, they will set individually functional goals. The primary outcome will be reduction in sedentary behaviour, measured by an accelerometer at baseline (pre-surgery), and at three and 12 months post-surgery. Secondary outcomes will include disability, pain, fear of movement, self-efficacy for exercise, and quality of life. Secondary outcome data will be collected at baseline (pre-surgery), and at three, six, and 12 months post-surgery. DiscussionWe hypothesize that, compared with the “usual care group”, GAPE will primarily lead to a significantly reduction in sedentary behaviour, and secondarily a reduction in disability, pain intensity, and fear of movement; further, it will increase the patient’s self-efficacy for exercise and quality of life. Trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04103970), 24 September 2019
Oral neuromuscular training in patients with dysphagia after stroke: a prospective, randomized, open-label study with blinded evaluators
Authors: Hägglund Patricia , Hägg Mary , Jäghagen Eva Levring , Larsson Bengt , Wester Per
Published: September 2020

Background: Oral and pharyngeal swallowing dysfunction are common complications in acute stroke patients. This primary aim of this study was to determine whether oral neuromuscular training improves swallowing function in participants with swallowing dysfunction after stroke. A secondary aim was to assess how well results of the timed water-swallow test (TWST) correspond with swallowing dysfunction diagnosed by videofluoroscopy (VFS).Methods: This was an intention-to-treat two-centre prospective randomized open-label study with blinded-evaluators (PROBE) design. At 4 weeks after stroke onset, participants with swallowing dysfunction were randomized to 5 weeks of continued orofacial sensory-vibration stimulation with an electric toothbrush or additional oral neuromuscular training with an oral device (Muppy®). Participants were examined with TWST, a lip-force test, and VFS before (baseline), after 5 weeks’ treatment (the end-of-treatment), and 12 months after treatment (follow-up). The baseline VFS results were compared with the TWST results. The primary endpoint was changes in swallowing rate assessed using TWST, from baseline to the end of training and from baseline to follow-up based on intention-to-treat analyses. The secondary endpoint was the corresponding changes in lip-force between baseline, the end of treatment, and follow-up. Results: The participants were randomly assigned as controls (n = 20) or for intervention with oral neuromuscular training (n = 20). After treatment, both groups had improved significantly (intervention, P < 0.001; controls, P = 0.001) in TWST but there was no significant between-group difference in swallowing rate. At the 12-month follow-up, the intervention group had improved further whereas the controls had deteriorated, and there were significant between-group differences in swallowing rate (P = 0.032) and lip force (P = 0.001). A TWST <10 mL/sec at baseline corresponded to VFS-verified swallowing dysfunction in all assessed participants.Conclusion: The 5-week oral neuromuscular training improved swallowing function in participants with post-stroke dysphagia compared with the controls 12 months after intervention, but there was no between-group difference in improvement immediately after treatment. TWST results corresponded with VFS results, making TWST a feasible method for identifying persons with swallowing dysfunction after stroke. Larger randomized controlled trials are required to confirm our preliminary positive long-term results.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04164420. Registered on 15 November 2019.
­­ A modified frozen elephant trunk technique for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection
Authors: Song Shi-bo , Hu Po-yuan , Wu Xi-jie , Sun Yong , Cai Shi-hao , Qiang HaiFeng
Published: September 2020

Background: Acute Stanford type A aortic dissection is often fatal, with a high mortality rate and requiring emergency intervention. Salvage surgery aims to keep the patient alive by addressing severe aortic regurgitation, tamponade, primary tear, and organ malperfusion and, if possible, prevent the late dissection-related complications in the proximal and downstream aorta. Unfortunately, no optimal standard treatment or technique to treat this disease exists. Total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk technique plays an important role in treating acute type A aortic dissection. We aim to describe a modified elephant trunk technique and report its short-term outcomes.Methods: From February 2018 to August 2019, 16 patients diagnosed with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection underwent surgery with the modified frozen elephant trunk technique at Xiamen Heart Center (male/female: 9/7; average age: 59.21±11.67 years). All perioperative variables were recorded and analyzed. We measured the diameters of the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta on the bifurcation of the pulmonary and abdominal aortas and compared the diameters at admission, before discharge, and 3 months after discharge. Results: Fifteen patients (93.8%) had hypertension. The primary tears were located in the lesser curvature of the aortic arch and ascending aorta in 5 (31.3%) and 9 patients (56.3%), respectively, and no entry was found in 2 patients (12.5%). The dissection extended to the iliac artery and distal descending aorta in 14 (87.6%) and 2 patients (12.5%), respectively. The duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)，cross-clamping, and antegrade cerebral perfusion were 215.8± 40.5, 140.8±32.3, and 55.1±15.2 minutes, respectively. Aortic valve repair was performed in 15 patients (93.8%). Bentall procedure was performed in one patient (6.3%). Another patient received coronary artery repair (6.3%). The diameters at all levels were greater on discharge than those on admission, except the aortic arch. After 3 months, the true lumen diameter distal to the frozen elephant trunk increased, indicating false lumen thrombosis and/or aortic remodeling.Conclusions: The modified frozen elephant trunk technique for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection is safe and feasible and could be used for organ malperfusion. Short-term outcomes are encouraging, but long-term outcomes require further investigation.
Effects of dialysis modality choice on the survival of end-stage renal disease patients in southern China: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: He Zhiren , Hou Haijing , Zhang Difei , Mo Yenan , Zhang La , Lin Junjie , Lu Liming , Su Guobin , Huang Jingyao , Gu Yewen , Zhang Ying , Lin Jingxia , Yuan Fengling , Peng Yu , Liang Hui , Zhao Daixin , Lu Fuhua , Liu Xusheng , Wang Lixin
Published: September 2020

Background: The optimal choice of treatment, with hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD), for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, is still controversial. Only a few studies comparing HD and PD have been conducted in China, which has the largest number of dialysis patients in the world.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on ESRD patients who began renal replacement treatment from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2017 in Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine. Propensity scoring match was applied to balance the baseline conditions and multivariate Cox regression analysis to compare the mortality between HD and PD patients, and evaluated the correlation between mortality and various baseline characteristics.Results: A total of 436 HD patients and 501 PD patients were included in this study, and PD patients had better survival than HD patients, but the difference was not statistically significant. For younger ESRD patients (≤60-year-old), the overall survival of PD was better than that of HD, but HD was associated with a lower risk of death in older patients (>70-year-old). This difference was still significant after adjustment for a variety of confounding factors. Female gender, age at dialysis initiation, cardiovascular disease, cholesterol, and HD were risk factors of all-cause mortality in the younger subgroup, while PD was risk factor in the older subgroup.Conclusion: PD may be a better choice for younger ESRD patients, and HD for the older patients.
Chicken cecal DNA methylome alteration in the response to Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis inoculation
Authors: Wang Yuanmei , Liu Liying , Li Min , Lin Lili , Su Pengcheng , Tang Hui , Fan Xinzhong , LI Xianyao
Published: September 2020

Background: Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) is one of the pathogenic bacteria, which affects poultry production and poses a severe threat to public health. Chicken meat and eggs are the main sources of human salmonellosis. DNA methylation is involved in regulatory processes including gene expression, chromatin structure and genomic imprinting. To understand the methylation regulation in the response to SE inoculation in chicken, the genome-wide DNA methylation profile following SE inoculation was analyzed through whole-genome bisulfite sequencing in the current study.Results: There were 185,362,463 clean reads and 126,098,724 unique reads in the control group, and 180,530,750 clean Reads and 126,782,896 unique reads in the inoculated group. The methylation density in the gene body was higher than that in the upstream and downstream regions of the gene. There were 8,946 differentially methylated genes (3,639 hypo-methylated genes, 5,307 hyper-methylated genes) obtained between inoculated and control groups. Methylated genes were mainly enriched in immune-related Gene Ontology (GO) terms and metabolic process terms. Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, TGF-beta signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway and several metabolism-related pathways were significantly enriched. The density of differentially methylated cytosines in miRNAs was the highest. HOX genes were widely methylated.Conclusions: The genome-wide DNA methylation profile in the response to SE inoculation in chicken was analyzed. SE inoculation promoted the DNA methylation in the chicken cecum and caused methylation alteration in immune- and metabolic- related genes. Wnt signal pathway, miRNAs and HOX gene family may play crucial roles in the methylation regulation of SE inoculation in chicken. The findings herein will deepen the understanding of epigenetic regulation in the response to SE inoculation in chicken.
Melatonin deficiency decreases brown adipose tissue acute thermogenic capacity in rats measured by 18F-FDG PET
Authors: Halpern Bruno , Mancini Marcio C , Mendes Caroline , Machado Camila Maria Longo , Prando Silvana , Sapienza Marcelo Tatit , Buchpiguel Carlos Alberto , Amaral Fernanda Gaspar do , Cipolla-Neto José
Published: September 2020

Objective: Melatonin has been shown to increase brown adipose tissue (BAT) mass, which can lead to important metabolic effects, such as bodyweight reduction and glycemic improvement. However, BAT mass can only be measured invasively and. the gold standard for non-invasive measurement of BAT activity is positron emission tomography with 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18] fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG PET). There is no study, to our knowledge, that has evaluated if melatonin influences BAT activity, measured by this imaging technique in animals. Methods: Three experimental groups of Wistar rats (control, pinealectomy, and pinealectomy replaced with melatonin) had an 18F-FDG PET performed at room temperature and after acute cold exposure. The ratio of increased BAT activity after cold exposure/room temperature was called “acute thermogenic capacity” (ATC) We also measured UCP-1 mRNA expression to correlate with the 18F-FDG PET results. Results: Pinealectomy led to reduced acute thermogenic capacity, compared with the other groups, as well as reduced UCP1 mRNA expression.Conclusion: Melatonin deficiency impairs BAT response when exposed to acute cold exposure. These results can lead to future studies of the influence of melatonin on BAT, in animals and humans, without needing an invasive evaluation of BAT.
The CTRP5 Circulating Levels and the Ratio of CTRP1 to CTRP5 in Plasma are Significant Predictors for Carotid Intima-Media Thickness(cIMT) value in Patients with type 2 diabetes: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Majidi Ziba , Emamgholipour Solaleh , Omidifar Abolfazl , Fard Soheil Rahmani , Poustchi Hossein , Shanaki Mehrnoosh
Published: September 2020

Background: There is growing evidence that the C1qTNF-related protein (CTRP) family has a crucial role in the physiology and pathophysiology of metabolic disorders such as Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and obesity. We sought to identify the association of CTRP1 and CTRP5 circulating levels with various obesity parameters such as visceral adipose tissue (VAT) thickness, visceral adiposity index (VAI), and with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in patients with T2D and healthy subjects.Methods: This preliminary study consisted of men with T2D (n=42) and men without T2D (n=42) . cIMT and VAT thickness measurement was performed using an Accuvix XQ ultrasound. Circulating levels of CTRP1, CTRP5, and adiponectin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: CTRP-1 and CTRP1/CTRP5 ratio were markedly higher in patients with T2D compared to controls (p < 0001 and p = 0004 respectively). Interestingly, binominal logistic regression revealed that a higher circulating level of CTRP1 was associated with the presence of T2D (odds ratio [OR]: 1.009 [95% CI: 1.004-1.015]; P=.001). CTRP1 circulating levels were correlated with WHR, VAT, and HOMA-IR in the whole population study. Also, we observed that the ratio of CTRP1 to CTRP5 in plasma (β = 0.648, P=0.005) and CTRP5 circulating levels (β = 0.444, P=0.049) are significant predictors for cIMT value.Conclusions: Our results indicated that CTRP1 and CTRP5 concentrations were correlated with atherosclerosis in men with T2D and these adipokines might have a causal role for cardiometabolic risk in T2D.However, more studies in large sample sizes are required to clarify the role of CTRPs in T2D pathogenesis.
Cross-cultural adaptation of the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY) into German: a qualitative study in three countries
Authors: Krieger Beate , Schulze Christina , Boyd Jillian , Amann Ruth , Piškur Barbara , Beurskens Anna , Teplicky Rachel , Moser Albine
Published: September 2020

Background: Concepts such as participation and environment may differ across cultures. Consequently, to use a measure like the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY) in other than the original English-speaking contexts, cultural adaptation needs to be assured. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally translate and adapt the PEM-CY into German as it is used in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.Methods: Fifteen parents of children and adolescents with disabilities from three German speaking countries participated in three rounds of think-aloud interviews. We followed the procedure of cultural equivalence guidelines including two additional steps. Data was analyzed by content analysis using semantic, idiomatic, experiential and conceptual equivalence.Results: Results show adaptations mainly focused on experiential and conceptual equivalence, with conceptual equivalence being the most challenging to reach. Examples of experiential equivalence included adapting the examples of activities in the PEM-CY to reflect those typical in German speaking countries. Conceptual equivalence mainly addressed aspects of “involvement” and “environment” of children and adolescents and was reached through adaptations such as enhanced instructions and structures, and additional definitions.Conclusion: This study presents a cross-cultural translation and adaptation process to develop a German version of the PEM-CY that is suitable for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Using a modified cultural adaptation process, a culturally adapted version of PEM-CY (German) is now available for research, practice and further validation.
Upregulated Expression of LncRNA Nicotinamide Nucleotide Transhydrogenase Antisense RNA 1 is Correlated with Unfavorable Clinical Outcomes in Cancers
Authors: Zhang Chenghao , Ren Xiaolei , Liu Zhongyue , Tu Chao
Published: September 2020

Background: The nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase antisense RNA 1 (NNT-AS1) is a long non-coding RNA aberrantly expressed in human malignancies. We aimed to analyze available data to evaluate the correlation between NNT-AS1 expression and cancer prognosis. Methods: Literature retrieval was performed by systematic searching related databases from inception to April 2, 2020. Studies regarding correlation between NNT-AS1 expression, survival outcomes and clinical characteristics of cancer patients were collected and pooled to calculate the the hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results: Ten studies comprising 699 patients were included, all of which were conducted in China according to literature selection criteria. Overexpression of NNT-AS1 had a significant association with unfavorable overall survival (OS) (HR=2.08, 95% CI: 1.84-2.36, P<0.001). Stratified analysis showed that tumor type, sample size, follow-up months, and survival analysis approach did not change the predictive value of NNT-AS1 on OS. Furthermore, elevated NNT-AS1 level had significant association with distant metastasis (DM) (OR=2.45, 95% CI: 1.39-4.30), lymph node metastasis (LNM) (OR=3.92, 95% CI: 1.35-11.41), TNM stage (OR=4.25, 95% CI: 1.71-10.56), and vascular invasion (OR=3.98, 95% CI: 2.06-7.71), but was not associated with age and gender. The TCGA dataset further consistently showed that the NNT-AS1 expression was associated with poor OS and disease-free survival. Conclusions: High expression of NNT-AS1 is associated with unfavorable survival outcomes and poor clinicopathologic characteristics. However, large-cohort data and geographical studies are still needed to further validate the prognostic value of NNT-AS1 in cancers.
Inhibiting MAPK14 showed anti-prolactinoma effect
Authors: Ding Qiaoyan , Zhang Yu , Ma Li , Chen Yong-gang , Wu Jin-hu , Zhang Hong-feng , Wang Xiong
Published: September 2020

Background The specific underlying pathogenesis of prolactinoma has not been clarified yet, to the best of our knowledge. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling including p38α MAPK (MAPK14), p38β (MAPK11), p38γ (MAPK12) and p38δ (MAPK13) is associated with the development and progression of several types of cancer.Methods Immunofluorescence analysis was performed on the prolactin (PRL) and MAPK14 expressions of pituitary gland in C57BL/6 mice and human prolactinoma specimen. In the present study, the role of MAPK14 in prolactinoma was determined using estradiol-induced mice and dopamine D2 receptor knockout (DRD2-/-) mice models in C57BL/6 wild-type (WT), MAPK14-/- and DRD2-/-MAPK14+/- mice. GH3 cells were transfected with different sets of MAPK14 small interfering RNA, which to study MAPK14 and PRL expression in GH3 cells.Results Immunofluorescence analysis showed that PRL and MAPK14 expression were colocalized and increased in the pituitary gland of mice and human prolactinoma specimen compared with the control specimen. It was shown that PRL and MAPK14 expression was colocalized and increased significantly in the pituitary gland of estradiol-injected prolactinoma mice compared with the control mice. Knockout of MAPK14 significantly inhibited tumor overgrowth, and PRL expression was decreased in estradiol-induced mice. Furthermore, MAPK14 knockout of DRD2-/-MAPK14+/- mice significantly reduced the overgrowth of pituitary gland and PRL production and secretion compared with DRD2-/- mice. MAPK14 knockout using siRNA inhibited PRL production in GH3 cells.Conclusion These results suggest that MAPK14 serves a promoting role in the formation of prolactinoma, and highlights the potential of MAPK14 as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of prolactinoma.
Energy-efficient hierarchical routing in wireless sensor networks based on Fog Computing
Authors: Abidoye Ademola , Kabaso Boniface
Published: September 2020

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been recognized as one of the most essential technologies of the 21st century. The applications of WSNs are rapidly increasing in almost every sector because they can be deployed in areas where cable and power supply are difficult to use. In the literature, different methods have been proposed to minimize energy consumption of sensor nodes so as to prolong WSNs utilization. In this article, we propose an efficient routing protocol for data transmission in WSNs; it is called Energy-Efficient Hierarchical routing protocol for wireless sensor networks based on Fog Computing (EEHFC). Fog computing is integrated into the proposed scheme due to its capability to optimize the limited power source of WSNs and its ability to scale up to the requirements of the Internet of Things applications. In addition, we propose an improved ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm that can be used to construct optimal path for efficient data transmission for sensor nodes. The performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated in comparison with P-SEP, EDCF, and RABACO schemes. The results of the simulations show that the proposed approach can minimize sensor nodes’ energy consumption, data packet losses and extends the network lifetime
Emergency department and hospital admissions among people with dementia living at home or in nursing homes: results of the European RightTimePlaceCare project on their frequency, associated factors and costs
Authors: Argilés F. Javier Afonso , Meyer Gabriele , Stephan Astrid , Comas Mercè , Wübker Ansgar , Leino-Kilpi Helena , Lethin Connie , Saks Kai , Soto-Martin Maria , Sutcliffe Caroline , Verbeek Hilde , Zabalegui Adelaida , Renom-Guiteras Anna
Published: September 2020

Background

Evidence is lacking for differences between hospitalisation of people with dementia living in nursing homes and those living in the community. The objectives of this study were: 1) to describe the frequency of hospital admission among people with dementia in eight European countries living in nursing homes or in the community, 2) to examine the factors associated with hospital admissions in each setting, and 3) to evaluate the costs associated with it.

Methods

The present study is a secondary data analysis of the RightTimePlaceCare European project. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with data collected from people with dementia living at home or who had been admitted to a nursing home in the last three months, as well as from their caregivers. Data on hospital admissions, cognitive, functional and nutritional status, neuropsychiatric symptoms, comorbidity, polypharmacy, caregiver burden and falls were assessed using validated instruments. Multivariate regression models were used to investigate the factors associated with hospitalisation for each setting. Costs were estimated by multiplying quantities of resources used with the unit cost of each resource and inflated to the year 2019.

Results

The study sample comprised 1,700 people with dementia living in the community and nursing homes. Within three months, 13.8% and 18.5% of people living in nursing homes and home care, respectively, experienced ≥1 hospital admission. People living in nursing homes, the chance of hospital admission was higher among those with polypharmacy, while for those living at home, the chance was higher for those with unintentional weight loss, polypharmacy, falls, and those whose caregiver suffered from more severe burden. Globally, the estimated costs per person with dementia/year among participants living in a nursing home were lower than those receiving home care.

Conclusion

Admission to hospital is frequent among people with dementia, especially among those living in the community, and seems to impose a remarkable economic burden. The identification and establishment of an individualised care plan of those people with dementia with polypharmacy in nursing homes, and those with involuntary weight loss, accidental falls, polypharmacy and higher caregiver burden in the home care setting, might help preventing unnecessary hospital admissions.
Utilizing an Automated Tool Analysis to Evaluate EFL Students’ Writing Performances
Authors: Petchprasert Anongnad
Published: September 2020

Recently, the integration of linguistics and technology has been promoted and widely used in the field of linguistics and English writing research for several purposes. One of those purposes is to evaluate English as a Foreign Language (EFL) writing ability by using electronic assessment tools. In the current study, an automated writing evaluation tool (Coh-Metrix) was used to indicate English-major students’ writing performances based on the discourse components of the texts. The English texts generated for each writing task on two different topics were collected. The corpus analyses gathered from Coh-Metrix identified linguistic and discourse features that were interpreted to determine the 40 EFL undergraduate students’ English writing abilities. The students wrote and revised their essays in hand-written essays in class and resubmitted their essays in digital forms with corrections made. The results showed that these students demonstrated linguistic flexibility across writing assignments that they produced. The analyses also indicated that the length of the texts and the uses of the word concreteness, and the referential and deep cohesion had impacts on the students’ writing performances across the writing tasks. Besides, the findings suggest practical value in using an automated text analysis to support teachers’ instructional decisions that could help to identify improvement of students’ writing skill.
Relationship between formulaic breast volume and risk of breast cancer based on linear measurement
Authors: li xiaoxia , Zhou Chunlan , Wu Yanni , Chen Xiaohong
Published: September 2020

Background: Whether breast volume is a risk factor for breast cancer is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate whether a significant association between breast volume and risk of breast cancer, based on linear measurements,was present by applying propensity score matching (PSM).Methods: The study was designed as a hospital-based case-control study. Between March 2018 and May 2019, 208 cases and 340 controls were retrospectively reviewed. Information on menarche, smoking, feeding mode, oral contraceptives, reproductive history and family history was obtained through a structured questionnaire. Breast volume was calculated using a formula based on linear measurements of breast parameters. Cox regression and PSM were used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for breast cancer using risk factors adjusted for potential confounders. Results: There was a significant difference in breast volume between the two groups before propensity score matching(P = 0.014) . Binary logistic regression showed that the risk of breast cancer was slightly higher in the case group with larger breast volumes than in the control group（P = 0.009, OR = 1.002， 95%CI：1.000~1.003). However, there was no significant statistical difference between the two groups using an independent sample Mann-Whitney U test (P = 0.438) or conditional logistic regression (P = 0.446). Conclusions: After PSM for potential confounding factors, the breast volume of cases did not differ from that of controls. The risk of breast cancer may not be related to breast volume in Chinese women.
Efficacy of combination-chemotherapy with pirarubicin, ifosfamide, and etoposide for soft tissue sarcoma: A single-institution retrospective analysis
Authors: Saito Shiro , Aiba Hisaki , Yamada Satoshi , Okamoto Hideki , Hayashi Katsuhiro , Kimura Hiroaki , Miwa Shinji , Otsuka Takanobu , Murakami Hideki
Published: September 2020

Background: The standard chemotherapy regimens for soft tissue sarcoma are doxorubicin-based. This retrospective study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of pirarubicin, ifosfamide, and etoposide combination therapy for patients with this disease.Methods: Between 2008 and 2017, 25 patients with soft tissue sarcoma were treated with pirarubicin (30 mg/m2, 2 days), ifosfamide (2 g/m2, 5 days), and etoposide (100 mg/m2, 3 days) every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was overall response, and the secondary endpoint was adverse events of this regimen. Results: Responses to this regimen according to RECIST criteria were partial response (n = 9, 36%), stable disease (n = 9, 36%) and progressive disease (n = 7, 28%). During the treatment phase, frequent grade 3 or worse adverse events were hematological toxicities including white blood cell decreases (96%), febrile neutropenia (68%), anemia (68%), and platelet count decreases (48%). No long-term adverse events were reported during the study period.Conclusion: This regimen was comparable to previously published doxorubicin-based combination chemotherapy in terms of response rate. Although there were no long-lasting adverse events, based on our results, severe hematological toxicity should be considered.