bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential transcriptomics in sarcoidosis lung and lymph node granulomas with comparisons to pathogen-specific granulomas
Authors: Casanova Nancy G. , Gonzalez-Garay Manuel L , Sun Belinda , Bime Christian , Knox Kenneth S. , Crouser Elliot , Sun Xiaoguang , Sammani Nora , Gregory Taylor , Natt Bhupinder , Chaudhary Sachin , Lussier Yves , Garcia Joe G. N.
Published: August 2020

Rationale: Despite the availability of multi-“omics” strategies, insights into the etiology and pathogenesis of sarcoidosis have been elusive. This is partly due to the lack of reliable preclinical models and a paucity of validated biomarkers. As granulomas are a key feature of sarcoidosis, we speculate that direct genomic interrogation of sarcoid tissues, may lead to identification of dysregulated gene pathways or biomarker signatures. Objective: To facilitate the development sarcoidosis genomic biomarkers by gene expression profiling of sarcoidosis granulomas in lung and lymph node tissues (most commonly affected organs) and comparison to infectious granulomas (coccidiodomycosis and tuberculosis). Methods: Transcriptomic profiles of immune-related gene from micro-dissected lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes sarcoidosis granulomas was compared to infectious granulomas. Differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) were profiled, compared among the three granulomatous diseases and analyzed for functional enrichment pathways. Results: Despite histologic similarities, DEGs and pathway enrichment markedly differed in sarcoidosis granulomas from lymph nodes and lung. Lymph nodes showed a clear immunological response, whereas a structural regenerative response was observed in lung. Sarcoidosis granuloma gene expression data corroborated previously reported genomic biomarkers, excluded others and identified new genomic markers present in lung and lymph nodes, ADAMTS1, CXCL2, FABP4 . Comparisons between sarcoidosis and pathogen granulomas identified pathway divergences and commonalities at gene expression level. Conclusion : These findings suggest the importance of tissue and disease-specificity evaluation when exploring sarcoidosis genomic markers. This relevant translational information in two commonly affected tissue in sarcoidosis and other two histopathological similar infections provides meaningful specific genomic-derived biomarkers for sarcoidosis diagnosis and prognosis.
Human papillomavirus infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia progression are associated with increased vaginal microbiome diversity in a Chinese cohort
Authors: Chen Yulian , Qiu Xingdi , Wang Wenjing , Li Dong , Wu Anyue , Hong Zubei , Di Wen , Qiu Lihua
Published: August 2020

Background: In this study, the association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and related cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cervical cancer and vaginal microbiome was evaluated in Chinese cohorts. Methods: The vaginal bacterial composition of five groups, HPV-infected women without CINs (HPV, n=78), women with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL, n=51), women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL, n=23), women with invasive cervical cancer (Cancer, n=9) and healthy women without HPV infection (Normal, n=68), was characterized by deep sequencing of barcoded 16S rRNA gene fragments (V3-4) using Illumina MiSeq. Results: HPV infection increased vaginal bacterial richness and diversity regardless of the status of CINs. The vaginal bacterial richness and diversity were further augmented in women with cervical cancer. Lactobacillus was the most abundant genus in all groups. HPV infection had a negative influence on the abundances of Lactobacillus, Gardnerella and Atopobium. Accordingly, HPV infection increased the relative abundance of Prevotella, Bacillus, Anaerococcus, Sneathia, Megasphaera, Streptococcus and Anaerococcus. The increased proportions of Bacillus, Anaerococcus and the reduced abundance of Gradnerella vaginalis were probably related with the progression of CINs severity. HPV infection without CINs or cancerous lesions was strongly associated with Megasphaera. The most abundant bacterium in the LSIL group was Prevotella amnii. However, Prevotella timonensis, Shuttleworthia and Streptococcaceae at the family level were three taxa related to HSIL. Furthermore, more taxa were associated with the Cancer group including Bacillus, Sneathia, Acidovorax, Oceanobacillus profundus, Fusobacterium, Veillonellaceae at the family level, Anaerococcus and Porphyromonas uenonis. Samples in the Normal group were mostly assigned to CST III. HPV infection converted the vaginal bacterial community structure from CST III to CST IV. Furthermore, the proportions of CST IV were gradually augmented with the progression of the severity of CINs.Conclusions: This work interpreted the differential vaginal bacteria under HPV infection and various precancerous or cancerous lesions in a Chinese cohort. We distinguished the specific microbes and the vaginal bacterial structure that were related with the progression of CINs severity in Chinese women.
Surgical management of consecutive multisegment thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis: anterior-only approach vs. posterior-only approach.
Authors: Zhao Chen , Luo Lei , Liu Liehua , Li Pei , Liang Lichuan , Gao Yongjian , Luo Fei , Xu Jianzhong , Zhou Qiang
Published: August 2020

Purpose: To compare the efficacy, safety, and technical characteristics of anterior-only and posterior-only approach surgeries for the treatment of consecutive multisegment thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis . Methods: Thirty-five patients who developed consecutive multisegment thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis from September 2012 to May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Group A was the posterior-only surgery group, and group B was the anterior-only surgery group. The data on the surgery, deformity correction, functional scores and complications were compared between the two groups. Results: There was no significant difference in the operation time or blood loss between groups A and B (P>0.05). The preoperative average Cobb angle of kyphosis in groups A and B were 36.2±15.2° and 27.9±7.7°, respectively, which significantly decreased to 4.9±11.8° and 10.4±5.6° after the operation, respectively (P<0.05). At the final follow-up, the angles were 7.1±10.5° and 14.6±8.0°, respectively. The correction angle and correction rate in group A (31.3±16.6°, 88.6±43.6%) were greater than those in group B (17.5±4.4°, 64.9±14.0%) (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the loss angle between groups A and B (P>0.05), but the loss rate in group B (24.0±27.8%) was higher than that in group A (9.6±10.2%) (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: The posterior-only and anterior-only approaches can lead to satisfactory clinical results in the treatment of patients with consecutive multisegment thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis. With posterior-only surgery, kyphosis can be better corrected, and the correction can be better maintained than with anterior-only surgery.
Interleukin-8 is not a predictive biomarker for the development of the acute promyelocytic leukemia differentiation syndrome
Authors: de Almeida Luciana Yamamoto , Pereira-Martins Diego Antonio , Lima Ana Sílvia Gouvêa , Baggio Márcia Sueli , Koury Luisa Corrêa de Araujo , Lange Ana Paula , Bassi Sarah Cristina , Scheucher Priscila Santos , Rego Eduardo
Published: August 2020

Background

Differentiation syndrome (DS) is the main life-threatening adverse event that occurs in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Cytokine imbalances have been reported to play role during the developing of acute promyelocytic leukemia differentiation syndrome (APL-DS). However, the relationship between the plasma cytokine levels and their prognostic value for the prediction of DS developing in patients with APL during the treatment with ATRA and anthracyclines has not been previously reported.

Methods

In this study, we followed an APL cohort (n=17) over seven days of ATRA therapy in DS (n=6) and non-DS groups (n=11). Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70 and TNF-α were measured in the peripheral blood plasma from 17 patients with APL and 11 healthy adult controls by using the cytometric bead array method.

Results

In non-DS patients, IL-8 plasma levels were significantly reduced in the seventh day of ATRA treatment (34.16; 6.99 to 147.11 pg mL -1 in D0 vs. 10.9; 0 to 26.81 pg mL -1 in D7; p = 0.02) whereas their levels did not discriminate between DS and non-DS development during the entire induction period (all p > 0.05 in D0, D3, and D7). No significant differences were found in IL-6 levels between groups ( p > 0.05 in D0-D7). Other cytokines tested were all undetectable in patients with APL or healthy controls.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that the modulation of IL-8 following ATRA treatment may occur regardless of the development of DS and, therefore, does not appear to be a predictive biomarker to monitor the APL-DS.
Fertility and pregnancy issues in a 46, XY (Swyer syndrome) patient in the face of ovarian cancer
Authors: Olszak-Wąsik Katarzyna , Tukiendorf Andrzej , Stanek-Widera Agata , Olejek Anita
Published: August 2020

Background In this paper we focus on 46, XY pure gonadal dysgenesis-Swyer syndrome. MethodsWe present the case of a 33-year old patient and the medical procedures enabling to achieve a pregnancy in the couple struggling with infertility.We analyzed patient’s medical history, scheduled further diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that included genetic tests and consultations, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), laparoscopy, oncological risk assesment and possibilities of pregnancy.Results Patients medical history revealed her last menstrual period dated one year before she started searching for medical help. Due to a low AMH (anti-Muellerian hormone) level, genetic consultation and genetic tests were recommended. The patient was diagnosed with Swyer syndrome. She underwent laparoscopy to search for gonadal tissue. Histopathology of removed streak tissues revealed dysgerminoma. No metastases were found in a follow up MRI. The patient decided to participate in an egg donation program.Conclusions The diagnosis of karyotype containing Y chromosome in a phenotypical adult female patient raised as female demands optimal managing. It has to cover not only psychological and fertility aspects, but also the risk of development of gonadal tumors.
Effect of meteorological factors on the activity of influenza in Chongqing, China, 2012–2019
Authors: Qi Li , Liu Tian , Gao Yuan , Tian Dechao , Li Qin , Su Kun , Tang Wenge , Feng Luzhao , Liu Qiyong
Published: August 2020

Background: The effects of multiple meteorological factors on influenza activity remain unclear in Chongqing, the largest municipality in China. We aimed to fix this gap in this study.Methods: Weekly meteorological data and influenza surveillance data in Chongqing were collected from 2012 to 2019. Distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNMs) were conducted to estimate the effects of multiple meteorological factors on influenza activity.Results: Inverted J-shaped nonlinear associations between mean temperature, wind speed, sunshine and influenza activity were found. The relative risks (RRs) of influenza activity increased as weekly average mean temperature fell below 18.18℃, average wind speed fell below 1.55 m/s and average sunshine fell below 2.36 hours. Taking the median values as the references, lower temperature and windless could significantly increase the risks of influenza activity and last for 4 weeks. A J-shaped nonlinear association was observed between relative humidity and influenza activity; the risk of influenza activity increased with rising relative humidity with 78.26% as the break point. Taking the median value as the reference, high relative humidity could increase the risk of influenza activity and last for 3 weeks. In addition, we found the relationship between aggregate rainfall and influenza activity could be described with a U-shaped curve. Rainfall effect has significantly higher RR than rainless effect.Conclusions: Our study shows that multiple meteorological factors have strong associations with influenza activity in Chongqing, providing evidence for developing a meteorology-based early warning system for influenza to facilitate timely response to upsurge of influenza activity.
Parents’ Perceived Mental Distress When Their Infant is Admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) a Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hagen Inger Hilde , Svindseth Marit Føllsvik , Vasset Frøydis Perny
Published: August 2020

Background. It is normal for parents to experience a range of emotions and changes in behaviour while their newborn infant is in the NICU. The stress experienced by these parents during their infant’s hospital stay is found to affect the parent-infant relationship and their ability to bond reciprocally. Several studies have pointed out that support from family and friends can be useful for parents’ mental distress in this situation. Some differences are found between mothers’ and fathers’ experiences of the support. The aim of the current study is to examine parents’ perceived mental distress when their infant is admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and factors important for their support. The relationship between parents perceived mental distress and satisfaction with NICU care are spare researched. Methods. A multicentre prospective cohort study. A total of 568 parental participants from six different NICUs geographically spread throughout Norway. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-6) were used to collect data. All the responses were rated and analysed using parametric analysis methods, descriptive statistics, logistic regression, factor analyses and linear regression analyses.Results. A total of 275 mothers reported receiving support from family and friends compared with 232 fathers. Younger parents had a higher OR of reporting anxiety compared with that of older parents. Parents with a primary or high school education level showed a higher OR of satisfaction than did parents with a college or university education level.Conclusion. There are differences in mothers’ and fathers’ responses to their experiences of various distress symptoms related to their children being in the NICU, as well as their received support from family and friends. There are also outcome differences between the age and education level of the parents and their experience of stress in the NICU. Mothers are more distressed and have more anxiety and depression than do fathers have.Trail registration: This project was first presented to the Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics which reported that the project was outside its mandate (2015/386). The project is approved from the Norwegian Data Protection Officials.
Factors Associated with Blood Pressure Checkup During Pregnancy Among Women of Reproductive Age in Tanzania; An Analysis of Data from the 2015-16 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicators Survey
Authors: Moshi Fabiola Vincent , Tungaraza Maximilian
Published: August 2020

Background: Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy (HDP) is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity amongst pregnant women in the world. Blood pressure check-ups during pregnancy constitute one of the strategies used to identify hypertensive disorders, hence timely management. Little is known about the factors associated with blood pressure check-ups in Tanzania.Method: The study used data from 2015 - 16 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicators Survey (2015 - 16 TDHS - MIS). A total of 6924 women of active reproductive age from 15 to 49 were included in the analysis. Both univariate and multiple regression analyses were used to determine the association between early antenatal booking and maternal services utilization.Results: A total of 4997(72.17%) interviewed women were checked for blood pressure at least once. Having been adjusted for the confounders, the factors which influenced an uptake of blood pressure check-ups during pregnancy were timed for antenatal booking within first 12 weeks, AOR=1.496 at 95% CI= 1.297-1.726, p<0.001, age group [more than 34 years, (AOR=1.518 at 95% CI=1.149-2.006, p=0.003)], wealth index [middle income, (AOR=1.215 at 95% CI=1.053-1.468, p=0.008) and rich, (AOR=2.270 at 95% CI=1.907-2.702, p<0.001)] reference population being poor; education level [primary education, (AOR=1.275 at 95% CI=1.107-1.468, p=0.001); secondary education, (AOR=2.163 at 95% CI=1.688-2.774, p<0.001) and higher education, (AOR=9.929 at 95%CI=1.355-72.76, p=0.024)] reference population being no formal education; parity [para 2-4, (AOR=1.190 at 95% CI=1.003-1.412, p=0.046) and zones [Unguja Island, (AOR=3.934 at 95% CI=1.568-9.871, p=0.004), Pemba Island, (AOR=5.308 at 95%CI=1.808-15.58, p=0.002)] and Mainland Urban being the reference population.Conclusion: Blood pressure check-ups during pregnancy offer the opportunity for early detection, hence timely management of HDP. The study revealed that rural dwelling pregnant women had higher chance of not getting their BP checked. It was also revealed that maternal age, education level, place of residence, wealth index and timing of ANC services were significantly associated with blood pressure check-ups. The study recommends the need to explore significant factors associated with utilization of available free reproductive health services across all public health facilities. It also recommends the need to address prioritized intensive awareness programs and behavioral change interventions on the significance of BP check-ups among pregnant women of reproductive age.
Neuroprotective Effects of microRNA-140-5p on Ischemic Stroke in Mice via its Regulation on the TLR4/NF-κB Axis
Authors: Wenjun Song , Wang Tiancheng , Shi Bei , Wu Zhijun , Wang Wenjie , Yang Yanhong
Published: August 2020

Background and aim: Ischemic stroke is one of the main causes of death worldwide and permanent global disability. On the basis of existing literature data, we carried out studies in an effort to explore how miR-140-5p affects ischemic stroke and whether the mechanism relates to toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB).Methods: Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was employed to establish a mouse model of ischemic stroke in vivo, while primary neurons were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) to set up an ischemic stroke model in vitro. RT-qPCR was performed to detect the miR-140-5p expression and Western blot was employed to detect the expression TLR4, NF-κB, and apoptosis-related factors. Then, based gain-function of experiments using miR-140-5p mimic and TLR4 overexpression plasmid, neurological function score, TTC staining, TUNEL staining, as well as flow cytometry were carried out to evaluate the effects of miR-140-5p and TLR4 on MCAO mice and OGD neurons. Meanwhile, dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the relationship between miR-140-5p and TLR4.Results: miR-140-5p expressed at a low level and TLR4 at a high level in ischemic stroke. It was verified that miR-140-5p targeted TLR4 and downregulated its expression. miR-140-5p overexpression was observed to inhibit the apoptosis of neurons under OGD exposure and restrain the progression of ischemic stroke, while TLR4 overexpression promoted the apoptosis and disease progression. Besides, miR-140-5p overexpression led to a decrease in NF-κB protein level, which was increased by TLR4 overexpression. Conclusion: In conclusion, from our data we conclude that miR-140-5p overexpression may be instrumental for the therapeutic targeting of ischemic stroke by alleviating neuron injury with the involvement of TLR4/NF-κB axis.
Transradial Versus Transfemoral Access for Cardiac Catheterization: A Nationwide Pilot Study of Training Preferences and Expertise in USA.
Authors: Changal Khalid Hamid , Syed Mubbasher Ameer , Atari Ealla , Nazir Salik , Saleem Sameer , Gul Sajjad , Salman FNU , Inayat Asad , Eltahawy Ehab
Published: August 2020

Background: The objective was to assess current training preferences, expertise, and comfort with transfemoral access (TFA) and transradial access (TRA) amongst cardiovascular training fellows and teaching faculty in United States. As TRA continues to dominate the field of interventional cardiology, there is a concern that trainees may become less proficient with the femoral approach. Methods: A detailed questionnaire was sent out to academic General Cardiovascular and Interventional Cardiology training programs in the United states. Responses were sought from fellows-in-training and faculty regarding preferences and practice of TFA and TRA. Answers were analyzed for significant differences between trainees and trainers using the Pearson χ2 or Fisher’s exact test, or the Student t test or the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: A total of 125 respondents (75 fellows-in-traing and 50 faculty) completed and returned the survey. The average grade of comfort for TFA, on a scale of 0 to 10 (10 being most comfortable), was reported to be 6 by fellows-in-training and 10 by teaching faculty (p < 0.001). TRA was the first preference in 95% of the fellows-in-training compared to 69% of teaching faculty (p 0.001). While 62% of fellows believed that they would receive the same level of training as their trainers by the time they graduate, only 35% of their trainers believed so (p 0.004).Conclusion: The shift from TFA to radial first has resulted in significant concern among cardiovascular fellows-in training and the faculty regarding training in TFA. Cardiovascular training programs must be cognizant of this issue and should devise methods to assure optimal training of fellows in gaining TFA and managing femoral access-related complications.
Improving CLIP-Seq Data Analysis by Incorporating Transcript Information
Authors: Uhl Michael , Tran Dinh Van , Backofen Rolf
Published: August 2020

Background: Current peak callers for identifying RNA-binding protein (RBP) binding sites from CLIP-seq data take into account genomic read profiles, but they ignore the underlying transcript information, that is information regarding splicing events. So far, there are no studies available that closer observe this issue. Results: Here we show that current peak callers are susceptible to false peak calling near exon borders. We further quantify its extent in publicly available datasets, which turns out to be substantial. Finally, by providing a tool called CLIPcontext for automatic transcript and genomic context sequence extraction, we demonstrate that context choice also affects the performances of RBP binding site prediction tools. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the importance of incorporating transcript information in CLIP-seq data analysis. Taking advantage of the underlying transcript information should therefore become an integral part of future peak calling and downstream analysis tools.
PacBio full-length transcriptome of wild apple (Malus sieversii) provides insights into canker disease dynamic response
Authors: Liu Xiaojie , Li Xiaoshuang , Wen Xuejing , Zhang Yan , Ding Yu , Zhang Yiheng , Gao Bei , Zhang Daoyuan
Published: August 2020

Background
Cytospora canker is a serious disease in the stem of Malus sieversii, caused by Cytospora mali. However, little is known about the global response mechanism in M. sieversii to C. mali infection.
Results
Phytohormone jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) profiles and transcriptome analysis were used to elaborate on the dynamic response mechanism. We determined that the JA was initially produced to respond to the necrotrophic pathogen C. mali infection at the early response stage, then get synergistically transduced with SA to respond at the late response stage. Furthermore, we adopted Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) full-length sequencing to identify differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) during the canker response stage. We obtained 52,538 full-length transcripts, of which 8,139 were DETs. Total 1,336 lncRNAs, 23,737 alternative polyadenylation (APA) sites and 3,780 putative transcription factors (TFs) were identified. Additionally, functional annotation analysis of DETs indicated that the wild apple response to the infection of C. mali involves plant-pathogen interaction, plant hormone signal transduction, flavonoid biosynthesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. The co-expression network of the differentially expressed TFs revealed 264 candidate TF transcripts. Among these candidates, the WRKY family was the most abundant. The MsWRKY7 and MsWRKY33 were highly correlated at the early response stage, and MsWRKY6, MsWRKY7, MsWRKY19, MsWRKY33, MsWRKY40, MsWRKY45, MsWRKY51, MsWRKY61, MsWRKY75 were highly correlated at the late stage.
Conclusions
The full-length transcriptomic analysis revealed a series of immune responsive events in M. sieversii in response to C. mali infection. The phytohormone signal pathway regulatory played an important role in the response stage. Additionally, the enriched disease resistance pathways and differentially expressed TFs dynamics collectively contributed to the immune response. This study provides valuable insights into a dynamic response in M. sieversii upon the necrotrophic pathogen C. mali infection, facilitates understanding of response mechanisms to canker disease for apple, and provides supports in the identification of potential resistance genes in M. sieversii.
Caregivers’ Feeding Behavior, Children's Eating Behavior, and Weight Status among Children of Preschool Age in China
Authors: Yuan Jing , Jiang Xun , Zhu Tongyu , Zhang Yuhai , Wang Yue , Yang Xianjun , Shang Lei
Published: August 2020

Background Childhood overweight and obesity have become significant public health challenges worldwide. This study aimed to explore whether caregivers’ feeding behavior and children’s eating behavior were associated with the weight status of preschool children in China.Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire was administered to 912 caregivers of preschool children from April to July 2016. Caregivers’ feeding behaviors were assessed by the Chinese Preschooler’s Caregiver Feeding Behavior Scale (CPCFBS). Children’s eating behaviors were evaluated using the Chinese Preschooler’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CPEBQ). After controlling for demographic characteristics, multiple linear regression and logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between caregivers’ feeding behavior, children's eating behavior, and children's body mass index (BMI). Results The results showed that weight concerns on the part of caregivers (β=0.53) and food responsiveness on the part of children (β=0.93) were positively correlated with children’s BMI, whereas caregivers’ responsibility for feeding (β=-0.68) and children’s external eating (β=-0.53) were negatively correlated with BMI. Among caregiver feeding behaviors, weight concerns (OR=4.54, P<0.001) and behavior-restricted feeding (OR=0.29, P<0.001) were positively correlated with children’s BMI. A child’s food responsiveness (OR=4.04, P<0.001) was also positively correlated with his/her BMI, while the child’s satiety responsiveness (OR=0.42, P<0.001) and emotional eating habits (OR=0.56, P<0.001) were negatively correlated with overweight/obesity status. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that children’s eating behavior and caregivers’ feeding behavior were associated with weight status among preschool children in China. Behavior interventions on caregivers as well as their children may prevent or reduce weight problems in preschool children. Trial registration This study was not a clinical experiment.
Clinicopathological Characteristics and Survival Outcomes for Pneumonectomy: a Population-Based Study
Authors: Wang Linlin , Ge Lihui , Liu Yongyu , Ren Yi
Published: August 2020

Background: Prognostic factors in pneumonectomy (PN) are not yet fully defined. This study is to analyze and evaluate long-term survival after PN for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: We obtained data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for patients who underwent PN between 2004 and 2015. In order to reduce bias and imbalance, propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed. We used Kaplan-Meier curves to estimate overall survival (OS), performed univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses to identify independent prognostic factors for OS, and applied the Cox proportional hazards model to create a forest plot. Results: A total of 1557 PN patients from the SEER database were included. The patients were grouped according to the side of PN. Before matching, OS was worse after right PN (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.303; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.133-1.498; P<0.001), but survival difference between groups was not significant after matching (HR: 1.061; 95% CI 0.912-1.235; P=0.443). Regression analysis revealed that age, grade, N-stage, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were independent predictors of OS (P<0.05). Chemotherapy was associated with improved OS (HR: 0.709; 95% CI 0.609-0.825; P<0.001), but radiotherapy was associated with increased risk of death in OS (HR: 1.268; 95% CI 1.061-1.561; P=0.009). On the forest plot, patients with primary overlapping lesions had better OS (HR: 0.684; 95% CI 0.497-0.941; P=0.020) in left, vs right, PN; patients diagnosis during 2004 to 2007 had lower OS (HR: 0.576; 95% CI 0.346-0.960; P=0.034) for left PN vs right PN.Conclusions: Laterality was not a significant prognostic factor for long-term survival after PN for NSCLC. Chemotherapy was a significant independent predictor of improved OS, while radiotherapy appeared to be a negative prognostic factor with increased risk of death in OS.
Recurrence of Overdose Suicide Attempt Index: A Novel Scoring System for Predicting the Recurrence of Intentional Overdose
Authors: Hirose Masayuki , Kasugai Daisuke , Tajima Kousuke , Takahashi Hiroshi , Yamada Shigeki , Hirakawa Akihiko
Published: August 2020

Aim: Repeated suicide attempts through intentional overdose are not infrequent, but little is known about the risk factors for intentional overdose. We aimed to investigate risk factors for the recurrence of intentional overdose within 1 year of discharge and to develop an index that predicts recurrence.Methods: This retrospective observational study included 419 patients admitted to our hospital between 2011 and 2018 because of an intentional overdose. Of them, 43 (10.0%) repeated an overdose within 1 year of discharge. The risk factors with the highest odds ratios in multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to develop an index Recurrence of Overdose Suicide Attempt. The predictive value of this index for recurrence was compared with that of the existing SAD PERSONS scale.Results: The following variables were significantly associated with recurrence and were included in the index: anxiety and/or insomnia at discharge; use of five or more psychotropic drugs; a neurotic, stress-related, or somatoform disorder; and female sex (odds ratios: 4.24; 5.52; 2.41; and 3.41, respectively). The newly developed index was a significantly better predictor of recurrence than the SAD PERSONS scale (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve, 0.797 vs. 0.668; p = 0.007). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for Recurrence of Overdose Suicide Attempt > 4 points (out of 6) were 72.1%, 75.8%, 25.4%, and 96.0%, respectively.Conclusion: The novel index can predict the recurrence of intentional overdose with a good negative predictive value and may therefore be a useful screening tool for this high-risk population.
Sleep Disturbance Severity is Associated With Cognitive Impairment in Patients With First-episode, Treatment-naïve Major Depressive Disorders
Authors: Cui Feihuan , Liu Qi , Lv Xiaozhen , Leonhart Rainer , Tian Hongjun , Wei Jing , Zhang Kerang , Zhu Gang , Chen Qiaoling , Wang Gang , Wang Xueyi , Zhang Nan , Huang Yu , Si Tianmei , Yu Xin
Published: August 2020

BackgroundSleep disorders and cognitive impairment are common in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), though the relationship between the two remains unclear. We investigated this association in first-episode, treatment-naïve patients with MDD.MethodWe analyzed data from 242 patients withMDD. We divided the patients into 2 groups based on sleep disturbance severity and compared the cognitive impairment odds ratios in different domains between the groups.ResultsA total of 121 pairs of patients were matched (age39.4±10.1, 70.2% female). After propensity score matching, the odds ratios for cognitive impairment in patients with MDD and serious sleep disorders were 1.922 (1.068–3.459, P= 0.029) in executive functioning; 2.023 (1.211–3.379, P= 0.007) in executive shifting; 1.749 (1.000–3.060, P = 0.050) in executive inhibition; and 1.813 (1.038–3.167, P = 0.037) in information processing speed.LimitationsThe cross-sectional data on the relationship between sleep disorders and cognitive impairment were weak. Our study population was restricted to Chinese adults aged 18 to 65 years, so the results may not be generalizable to other populations.Because our sample size was limited, some variables were not included in the study.ConclusionsSleep disturbance is associated with cognitive impairment in the domains of executive functioning and information processing speed in first-episode, treatment-naïve patients with MDD. Sleep problems can be important symptoms for physicians in clinical practice and can aid in recognizing cognitive impairment in patients with MDD. Further study is required to confirm our results.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02023567; registration date: December 2013.
Visible-Light Photoredox-Catalyzed C–O Bond Cleavage of Diaryl Ethers by Acridinium Photocatalysts at Room Temperature
Authors: Tan Fang-Fang , He Xiao-Ya He , Tian Wan-Fa , Li Yang
Published: August 2020

We have developed visible-light photoredox-catalyzed C–O bond cleavage of diaryl ethers by an acidolysis with an aryl car-boxylic acid and a following one-pot hydrolysis. Two phenols are obtained from a diaryl ether at room temperature. The aryl carboxylic acid used for the acidolysis can be recovered. The key to success of the acidolysis is merging visible-light photore-dox catalysis with a new acridinium photocatalyst and Lewic acid catalysis with Cu(TMHD)2. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that the catalytic cycle occurs via a rare selective electrophilic attack of the generated aryl carboxylic radical on the electron-rich aryl ring of diphenyl ether. This transformation is applied to a gram-scale reaction and the model of 4-O-5 lignin linkages.
In Vitro Cell Responses of MG-63 Osteoblast Cells on Bioactive Diopside and Wollastonite Nano-Bioceramics for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Foroushani Ruhollah Zamani , Karamian Ebrahim , Rafienia Mohammad
Published: August 2020

The present study aimed to synthesize and characterize diopside (CaMgSi2O6) and wollastonite (CaSiO3) nano-bioceramics via a combination of mechano-chemical and calcination processes. In vitro biomineralization and cell responses of wollastonite and diopside were performed on simulated body fluid (SBF) and MG-63 osteoblast cells. Results revealed proper tissue biomineralization of wollastonite and diopside through the generation of an apatite-like layer on the surface of nano-bioceramics. Cell responses of wollastonite and diopside eventuated non-cytotoxicity by MG-63 osteoblast cells, and their viability and cell proliferation were confirmed. Alizarin red staining of diopside and wollastonite evidenced great bioactivity and tissue biomineralization, and the ALP enzyme of diopside and wollastonite was enhanced in contact with the MG-63 osteoblast cells. Regarding the existence of Mg2+ in the calcium-silicate network and the stability network, diopside illustrated high biological and cell responses in comparison to wollastonite, and both of them were suggested as bioactive and biocompatible nano-bioceramics for biomedical applications.
Fat and Carbohydrate Distribution in Maternal Diet Programs Liver SIRT1 Expression and Fatty Acid Profile in Offspring
Authors: Mousavi Seyedeh Neda , Dorraji Mir Saeed Seyed , Gharacheh Sara , Koohdani Fariba
Published: August 2020

Background: Amount of fat and carbohydrate in maternal diet during gestation and lactation has permanent effects on fetal metabolism. SIRT1 is a nutrient-responsive histone deacetylase that modulates the lipid and glucose metabolism in response to energy stress and extends life span. Herein, we assessed the effects of carbohydrate and fat distribution in a maternal isocaloric diet on fetal gene and protein levels of SIRT1, as well as liver fatty acid profile. Twenty C57BL/6 female mice were inseminated and randomly received the AIN 93G isocaloric pair-fed LF-HC (16% and 64% of calorie as fat and carbohydrate) or HF-LC (48% and 32% of calorie as fat and carbohydrate) diet during gestation and lactation. After weaning, all offspring received LF-HC diet up to the adolescence. Liver tissue were extracted for final analysis. Results: SIRT1 gene and protein levels were lower in both sexes born from HF-LC-fed mothers than LF-HC-fed one, significant differences were only observed between males in the gene expression (p<0.001) and females in protein level (p<0.001). Saturated fatty acids and cholesterol were increased while unsaturated fatty acids decreased at the liver of male and female offspring born from HF-LC-fed mothers (p<0.001). Conclusions: Maternal dietary fat and carbohydrate distribution, regardless of calorie intake, modify the offspring hepatic fatty acid profile, as well as SIRT1 gene and protein expression which effects on life span.
Thymoquinone and Costunolide Induce Extensive Apoptosis of Senescent Colon and Senescent Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: El-Far Ali H , Noreldin Ahmed E. , Jaouni Soad K. Al , Mousa Shaker A.
Published: August 2020

Several chemotherapeutic agents induce cancer cells’ senescence as monitored by enlargement of cell, cell cycle arrest, elevated activities of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal), and upregulation of p53 and p21. Doxorubicin (Dox) is an anticancer chemotherapeutic drug, classified as an anthracycline antibiotic, that induces senescence of numerous cancer cell types. The arrest of cancer cell growth is a bright face of senescence, while these senescent cancer cells relapse again if they are not eliminated. On this principle, we investigated the apoptotic effect of thymoquinone (TQ), the active ingredient of Nigella sativa seeds and costunolide (COS), the active ingredient of Costus speciosus, on senescent colon (Sen-HCT116) and senescent breast (Sen-MCF7) cancer cell lines in reference to their corresponding proliferative cells to rapidly eliminate the senescent cancer cells. The senescence markers of Sen-HCT116 and Sen-MCF7 were determined by significant decrease in bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and significant increases in SA-β-gal, p53, and p21 levels. After proliferative, Sen-HCT116, and Sen-MCF7 cells were subjected to either TQ (50 µM) or COS (30 µM), the Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), and their ratio were established. Results revealed that TQ significantly increased the Bax/Bcl2 ratio in HCT116+Dox5+TQ, MCF7+TQ, and MCF7+Dox5+TQ compared with their corresponding controls. COS significantly increased the Bax/Bcl2 ratio in HCT116+Dox5+TQ and MCF7+Dox5+TQ compared with their corresponding controls. The data revealed more sensitivity of senescent cells to TQ or COS than their corresponding proliferative cells. Thus, we may be able to use TQ or COS to rapidly eliminate senescent cancer cells following Dox treatment; these results need to be confirmed with in vivo and clinical trials.
The Effect of Using the Minimized Cardio-pulmonary Bypass Systems for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Albacker Turki , Fouda Mohammed , Bakir Bakir M. , Eldemerdash Ahmed
Published: August 2020

Introduction
Multiple studies have shown a decrease in the inflammatory response with minimized bypass circuits leading to less complications and mortality rate. On the other hand, some other studies showed that there is no difference in post-operative outcomes. So, the aim of this study is to investigate the clinical benefits of using the Minimized cardiopulmonary Bypass system in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and its effect on postoperative morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients as one of the high-risk groups that may benefit from these systems.
Methods:
This is a retrospective study that included 114 diabetic patients who underwent Coronary artery bypass grafting (67 patients with conventional cardiopulmonary bypass system and 47 with Minimized cardiopulmonary bypass system). The patients’ demographics, intra-operative characteristics and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.
Results
Coronary artery bypass grafting was done on a beating heart less commonly in the conventional cardiopulmonary bypass group (44.78% vs. 63.83%, p = 0.045). There was no difference between the two groups in blood loss or transfusion requirements. Four patients in the conventional cardiopulmonary bypass group suffered perioperative myocardial infarction while no one had perioperative myocardial infarction in the Minimized cardiopulmonary bypass group. On the other hand, less patients in the conventional group had postoperative Atrial Fibrillation (4.55% vs. 27.5%, p = 0.001). The requirements for Adrenaline and Nor-Adrenaline infusions were more common the conventional group than the Minimized group.
Conclusion
The use of conventional cardiopulmonary bypass for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in diabetic patients was associated with higher use of postoperative vasogenic and inotropic support. However, that did not translate into higher complications rate or mortality.
Ketogenic Diet-mediated Steroid Metabolism Reprogramming Improves the Immune Microenvironment and Myelin Growth of Spinal Cord Injury Rats Through Gene Analysis and Co-expression Network Analysis
Authors: Zeng Hong , Lu Yao , Huang Meng jie , Liu Nan , Yang Yan yan , Xing Hua yi , Liu Xiao xie , Zhou Mouwang
Published: August 2020

BackgroundThe ketogenic diet has been widely used in the treatment of various nervous system and metabolic-related diseases. Our previous research found that a ketogenic diet exerts a protective effect and promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury. However, the mechanism of treatment is still unclear. In this study, different dietary feeding methods were used to detect myelin expression and gene level changes between different groups.ResultFirst, KEGG pathway enrichment of upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the SCI_KD and SCI_SD groups and GSEA analysis of the two groups found that a ketogenic diet significantly improved the steroid anabolic pathway in rats with spinal cord injury. Through cluster analysis, PPI analysis and visualization of iPath metabolic pathways, Sqle, Sc5d, Cyp51, Dhcr24, Msmo1, Hsd17b7, and Fdft1 changed significantly in the pathway. Second, through WGCNA analysis, all samples are placed in a gene network to analyse the correlation between gene modules and phenotypes. After module analysis, GO function and KEGG analysis showed that rats fed a ketogenic diet showed significantly reduced immune-related pathways, including those associated with immune and infectious diseases.ConclusionA ketogenic diet may improve the immune microenvironment and myelin growth in rats with spinal cord injury through reprogramming of steroid metabolism.
Feasibility Study on Use of Near Infrared Spectroscopy for Rapid and Non-Destructive Determination of Gossypol Content in Intact Cottonseeds
Authors: Li Cheng , Su Bangsong , Zhao Tianlun , Li Cong , Chen Jinhong , Zhu Shuijin
Published: August 2020

Background

Gossypol found in cottonseeds is toxic to human beings and monogastric animals and is a primary parameter for integrated utilization of cottonseed products. It is usually determined by the techniques relied on complex pretreatment procedures and the samples after determination cannot be used in breeding program, so it is of great importance to predict the gossypol content in cottonseeds rapidly and non-destructively to substitute the traditional analytical method.
Results

Gossypol content in cottonseeds was investigated by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Partial least squares regression, combined with spectral pretreatment methods including Savitzky-Golay smoothing, standard normal variate, multiplicative scatter correction, and first derivate, were tested for optimizing the calibration models. NIRS technique was efficient in predicting gossypol content in intact cottonseeds, as revealed by the root-mean-square error of cross-validation (RMSECV), root-mean-square error of prediction (RMSEP), coefficient for determination of prediction (Rp2), and residual predictive deviation (RPD) values for all models, being 0.05–0.07, 0.04–0.06, 0.82–0.92, and 2.3–3.4, respectively. The optimized model pretreated by Savitzky-Golay smoothing + standard normal variate + first derivate resulted in good determination of gossypol content in intact cottonseeds.
Conclusions

Near infrared spectroscopy coupled with different spectral pretreatments and PLS regression has exhibited the feasibility in predicting gossypol content in intact cottonseeds, rapidly and non-destructively. It could be used as an alternative method to substitute for traditional one to determine the gossypol content in intact cottonseeds.
WITHDRAWN: Temperature-Dependent Ferroelectric and Piezoelectric Response of Yb3+ and Tm3+ co-Doped Ba0.95Ca0.05Ti0.90Zr0.10O3 Lead-Free Ceramic
Authors: Tian Yongshang , Wang Qiqi , Zhang Bingqian , Qin Panpan , Gong Yansheng , Ji Xiang , Jing Qiangshan
Published: August 2020

The electrical properties of piezoelectric ceramics are temperature-dependent, which affects their potential for applications in environments with temperature variation. In this work, a Yb3+ and Tm3+ co-doped Ba0.95Ca0.05Ti0.90Zr0.10O3 (BCTZ-YT) dense lead-free ceramic was prepared using a modified polymeric precursor route. The structural characteristics were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The temperature-dependence of the ferroelectricity, piezoelectricity, and permittivity was studied in detail. On the basis of structural and electrical measurements at various temperatures, the mechanism of a lack of oxygen vacancies, small structural defects, and small defect dipoles was deduced. This study reveals that the ferroelectricity and piezoelectricity are temperature-dependent, whereas the capacitance is essentially unchanged with increasing temperature owing to the presence of a pure orthorhombic phase. The results of this study are expected to inform future research.