bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective Effect of Gynura Bicolor Alcohol Extracts on Rat Kidney Epithelial NRK-52E Cells Induced by Tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide
Authors: Hsieh Shu-Ling , Wu Chia-Hsuan , Wang Jyh-Jye , Li Chien-Chun , Wu Chih-Chung
Published: December 2020

Background: Gynura bicolor is a common vegetable in the Asia and has many physiological effects. We aimed to investigate the renoprotective effects of G. bicolor alcohol extracts (GBAEs). Methods: Rat kidney epithelial NRK-52E cell culture and kidney damage induction by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) were used as experimental models. In this study, the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities, the levels of apoptosis and apoptosis-related molecules were analyzed in NRK-52E cells following t-BHP-induced injury. Results: The results showed the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) decreased by levels by 61-71% and 41-59%, respectively, in NRK-52E cells treated with 0.5, 1, or 5 mg/ml GBAE combined with t-BHP compared with t-BHP-induced cells (p<0.05). The GSH levels and GSH-to-GSSG ratio were increased in NRK-52E cells treated with 0.5, 1, and 5 mg/ml GBAE combined with t-BHP compared to t-BHT-induced cells (p<0.05). The nitrite (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), IL-6, and TNF-α levels of NRK-52E cells treated with 0.5, 1, and 5 mg/ml GBAE combined with t-BHP were decreased compared with t-BHP-induced cells (p<0.05). In addition, Bcl-2 levels were increased after treatment with 5 mg/ml GBAE combined with t-BHP, and the levels of Bax and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and the apoptosis percentage were decreased after treatment with 1 or 5 mg/ml GBAE combined with t-BHP induction compared to after t-BHP induction alone (p<0.05). Conclusions: These data showed that 5 mg/ml GBAE can protect against kidney cell damage induced by t-BHP. The mechanism involves reducing cell damage and apoptosis through decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Does Digital Technology Reduce Health Disparity? Investigating Difference of Depression Stemming From Socioeconomic Status Among Chinese Older Adults
Authors: Mu Aruhan , Deng Zhaohua , Wu Xiang
Published: December 2020

Background: Prior studies on health disparity have shown that socioeconomic status is critical to inequality of health outcomes such as depression. However, two questions await further investigation: whether disparity in depression caused by socioeconomic status will become larger when depression becomes severer, and whether digital technology will reduce the disparity in depression caused by socioeconomic status. Our study aims to answer the above two questions. Methods: By using the dataset from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2015, we use quantile regression models to examine the effect of socioeconomic status on depression across different quantiles, and test the moderating effect of digital technology. Results: Our study obtains four key findings. First, the negative effects of socioeconomic status on depression present an increasing trend at high quantiles. Second, Internet usage exacerbates the disparity in depression caused by education level on average, but reduces this disparity caused by education level at high quantiles. Third, Internet usage reduces the disparity in depression caused by income on average and at high quantiles. Fourth, mobile phones have almost no moderating effect on the relationship between socioeconomic status and depression. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the potential use of digital technology in reducing disparity in depression caused by socioeconomic status among middle-aged and aged individuals in developing countries.
Incidence and Management of Retrobulbar Hemorrhage After Blowout Fracture Repair
Authors: Park Jae Hwi , Kim Inhye , Son Jun Hyuk
Published: December 2020

Background: Retrobulbar hemorrhage (RBH) is a rare complication after orbital surgery but associated with ocular complications including blindness. The aim of this study was to identify clinical characteristics of patients with RBH requiring emergent orbital decompression after blowout fracture repair.Method: A retrospective review of 426 blowout fracture patients at a tertiary oculoplastic clinic provided data regarding demographics, physical examination findings, and computed tomography (CT) images. Extraocular motility had been recorded in patient charts on a scale from 0 to -4. Patients requiring emergent orbital decompression due to RBH after surgery (RBH group) were compared with those who did not (Control group), using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Incidences of RBH according to primary or secondary surgery were also investigated, using Fisher’s exact test.Result: Six (1.4%) of the 426 patients who underwent blowout fracture repair developed RBH requiring emergent decompression. All RBH patients fully recovered after the decompression procedure. Number of days to surgery was significantly longer in the RBH group (97.0 ± 80.1) than in the Control group (29.0 ± 253.0) (p = 0.05). Preoperative enophthalmos was also significantly greater in the RBH group (RBH vs. Control group, 3.6±1.7 mm versus 1.2 ± 1.3 mm (p = 0.003)). The incidence of RBH was significantly higher in patients that underwent secondary surgery (odds ratio = 92.9 [95% confidence interval, 11.16 – 773.23], p = 0.001).Conclusions: Surgeons should pay more attention to hemostasis and postoperative care in patients with a large preoperative enophthalmic eye, when time from injury to surgery is long and in revision cases. When RBH occurs, time to intervention and surgical decompression is critical for visual recovery and preventing blindness. Trial registration: The institutional review board of the Yeungnam University Medical Center approved this study (YUMC 2018-11-010), which was conducted in accord with the Declaration of Helsinki.
Clinical and Therapeutic Features and Prognostic Factors of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Over Age 80: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Hisada Hiroyuki , Takahashi Yu , Kubota Manabu , Shimura Haruhisa , Itobayashi Ei , Shimura Kenji , Nakamura Akira
Published: December 2020

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in the world. The number of elderly patients with CRC increases due to aging of the population. There are few studies that examined chemotherapy and prognostic factors in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients aged ≥80 years. We assessed the efficacy of chemotherapy and prognostic factors among patients with mCRC aged ≥80 years.Methods We retrospectively analyzed clinical and laboratory findings of 987 patients newly diagnosed with CRC at Asahi General Hospital (Chiba, Japan) between January 2012 and December 2016. Kaplan-Meir method was used for the overall survival (OS) and the log-rank test was used to identify difference between patients. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to determine the hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of prognostic factors among super-elderly patients.Results In total, 260 patients were diagnosed with mCRC (super-elderly group: n = 43, aged ≥80 years and younger group, n = 217, aged <80 years). The performance status and nutritional status were worse in the super-elderly group than in the younger group. The OS of super-elderly patients who received chemotherapy was worse than that of younger patients (18.5 vs. 28.8 months; P = 0.057), although the difference was not significant. The OS of patients who received chemotherapy tended to be longer than that of those who did not; however, there were no significant differences in OS in the super-elderly group (18.5 vs. 8.4 months P = 0.33). Multivariate analysis revealed that carcinoembryonic antigen levels ≥5 ng/mL (hazard ratio: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.09–4.74; P = 0.03) and prognostic nutritional index ≤35 (hazard ratio: 8.57; 95% CI: 2.63–27.9; P = 0.0003) were independently associated with poor OS in the super-elderly group.Conclusions Patients with mCRC aged ≥80 years had lower OS than younger patients even though they received chemotherapy. Carcinoembryonic antigen and prognostic nutritional index were independent prognostic factors in super-elderly patients with mCRC, but chemotherapy was not.Trial registration retrospectively registered.
Real-Time Coronary Artery Stenosis Detection Based on Modern Neural Networks
Authors: Danilov Viacheslav , Klyshnikov Kirill , Gerget Olga , Kutikhin Anton , Ganyukov Vladimir , Frangi Alejandro , Ovcharenko Evgeny
Published: December 2020

Invasive coronary angiography remains the gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease, which may be complicated by both, patient-specific anatomy and image quality. Deep learning techniques aimed at detecting coronary artery stenoses may facilitate the diagnosis. However, previous studies have failed to achieve superior accuracy and performance for real-time labeling. Our study is aimed at confirming the feasibility of real-time coronary artery stenosis detection using deep learning methods. To reach this goal we trained and tested eight promising detectors based on different neural network architectures (MobileNet, ResNet-50, ResNet-101, Inception ResNet, NASNet) using clinical angiography data of 100 patients.Three neural networks have demonstrated superior results. The network based on Faster-RCNN Inception ResNet V2 is the most accurate and it achieved the mean Average Precision of 0.954 and the prediction rate of 3 fps on the validation subset. The relatively lightweight SSD MobileNet V2 network proved itself as the fastest one with an mAP of 0.830 and a mean prediction rate of 38 fps. The model based on RFCN ResNet-101 V2 has demonstrated an optimal accuracy-to-speed ratio. Its mAP makes up 0.94, while the prediction speed is 10 fps.The resultant performance-accuracy balance of the modern neural networks has confirmed the feasibility of real-time coronary artery stenosis detection supporting the decision-making process of the Heart Team interpreting coronary angiography findings.
Association of Dio2 Thr92ala Polymorphism With Pediatric Obesity in Japanese Children: A Case Control Study
Authors: Ota Takeshi , Mori Jun , Yasuda Hirotsugu , Yamaguchi Mihoko , Miyagaki Satoshi , Kawabe Yasuhiro , Tsuma Yusuke , Morimoto Hidechika , Shigehara Keiichi , Fukuhara Shota , Kodo Kazuki , Sugimoto Satoru , Kosaka Kitaro , Nakajima Hisakazu , Hosoi Hajime
Published: December 2020

BackgroundGenetic factors play a critical role in the onset and progression of obesity. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity is also critical for adiposity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and effects of gene polymorphisms related to BAT in pediatric obesity.MethodsA case-control study with 270 non-obese and 86 obese children was performed. All participants underwent genotyping of type 2 deiodinase (DIO2) Thr92Ala (rs225014), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) -3826 A/G (rs1800592), and β3 adrenergic receptor (β3AR) Trp64Arg (rs4994).ResultsIn the case-control study, the prevalence of the homozygous Ala/Ala allele of the DIO2 gene in the obese group was 15.1 % versus 6.3 % in the non-obese group, resulting in an odds ratio (OR) of 3.393 (95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.498-7.687, P = 0.003). The genotype distribution of UCP1-3826 A/G and ß3AR Trp64Arg did not significantly differ between the obese and the non-obese groups, and the ORs were 1.831 (95% CI, 0.955-3.512, P = 0.069) and 0.819 (95% CI, 0.263-2.555, P = 0.731), respectively.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that the homozygous Ala/Ala allele of the DIO2 gene is associated with an increased risk of obesity in children.
Porphyromonas Gingivalis Biofilm Formation on an Implant Surface Treated With Nanoselenium
Authors: Assadawy Mohamed , Helmy Eman
Published: December 2020

Background: Biofilm formation on implants is the primary factor for implant loss. Porphyromonas gingivalis is a highly virulent pathogen that contributes to the development of periodontal disease and implant failure.Objectives: The goals of this study are to investigate the formation of P. gingivalis biofilms on nanoselenium-coated implants in vitro and the potential use of nanoselenium for peri-implantitis treatment.Materials and methods: Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 was cultured to obtain an in vitro mature biofilm on the surface of the Hexacone implant system. The fixture was added into an Eppendorf tube and placed in a sterile air laminar flow cabinet. An automatic machine learning utility was used to calculate the biofilm size on the implant surface from SEM images, and the Trainable Weka Segmentation plugin in Fiji software was employed.Results The SeNPs affected the P. gingivalis biofilm (the effect size was 80.17%), and the difference was highly significant (p 0.000).Conclusion: The use of SeNPs as dental implant coatings presented promising anti-P. gingivalis biofilm activity.Clinical relevance:: The development of a dental implant surface treatment with efficient antibacterial properties, especially against the most virulent pathogens, has not yet been established.Principal findings: Nanoselenium particles as an implant surface coating prevented Porphyromonas gingivalis biofilm formation to a striking extent.Practical implication: Nanoparticles could provide a novel state-of-the-art therapeutic approach for Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis biofilm on dental implants)
Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass Improved Intestinal Permeability by Regulating Gut Innate Immunity in Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Jin Zhangliu , Chen Kai , Zhou Zhe , Peng Weihui , Liu Wei
Published: December 2020

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has been proven to be the most effective treatment for morbid obesity, yet the impact of RYGB on intestinal permeability is fully unknown. In this work, we subjected obese mice to RYGB and sham operation procedures. Serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS), inflammatory cytokines and intestinal permeability were measured at 8 weeks postsurgery. In contrast to sham surgery, RYGB reduced body weight, improved glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, and decreased serum levels of LPS, IL6 and TNFα. Intestinal permeability of the common limb and colon was significantly improved in the RYGB group compared to the sham group. The mRNA levels of IL1β, IL6, and TLR4 of the intestine were significantly decreased in the RYGB group compared with the sham group. The expression of intestinal islet-derived 3β (REG3β), islet-derived 3γ (REG3γ) and IAP was higher in the RYGB group than in the sham group. In conclusion, in a diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model,RYGB improved intestinal permeability and attenuated systemic inflammation by downregulating intestinal inflammation and innate immunity, which might result from enhanced production of IAP and antimicrobial peptides.
Mixed Convection Stagnation Point Flow of the Blood Based Hybrid Nanofluid Around A Rotating Sphere
Authors: Gul Taza , Ali Basit , Nasir Saleem , Jawad Muhammad , Saeed Anwar
Published: December 2020

In this new world of fluid technologies, hybrid nanofluid has become a productive subject of research among scientists for its potential thermal features and abilities, which provides an excellent result as compared to nanofluids in growing the rate of heat transport. Our purpose here is to introduce the substantial influences of magnetic field on 2D, time dependent and stagnation point inviscid flow of couple stress hybrid nanofluid around a rotating sphere with base fluid is pure blood, TiO2, and, Ag as the nanoparticles. To translate the governing system of partial differential equations and the boundary conditions relevant for computation, some suitable transformations are implemented. To obtain the analytical estimations for the corresponding system of differential expression, the innovative Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM) approach is used. The characteristics of hybrid nanofluid flow patterns, including temperature, velocity and concentration profiles are simulated and analyzed in detail due to the variation in the evolving variables. A detailed research is also performed in order to investigate the influences of relevant constraints on the rates, momentum and heat transport for both TiO2 + Ag + Blood and TiO2 + Blood. One of the many outcomes of this analysis, it is observed that increasing the magnetic factor will decelerate the hybrid nanofluid flow velocity and improve the temperature profile. It may also be demonstrated that by increasing the Brownian motion factor, significant improvement can be made in the concentration field of hybrid nanofluid. The increase in the nanoparticle volume fraction from 0.01 to 0.02 in case of the hybrid nanofluid enhance the thermal conductivity from 5.8% to 11.947% and for the same value of the nanoparticle volume fraction in case of nanofluid enhance the thermal conductivity from 2.576% to 5.197%.
Horizontal Bone Augmentation and Simultaneous Implant Placement using Xenogeneic Bone Rings Technique: A Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Ding Yude , Wang LianFei , Su Kuiwei , Gao Jinxing , Li Xiao , Cheng Gang
Published: December 2020

Objectives: This study evaluated the use of bone ring technique with xenogeneic bone grafts in treating horizontal alveolar bone defects. Material and methods: In total, 11 patients in need of horizontal bone augmentation treatment before implant placement were included in this retrospective study. All patients received simultaneous bone augmentation surgery and implant placement with xenogeneic bone ring grafts. We evaluated the postoperative efficacy of the bone ring technique with xenogeneic bone grafts using radiographical and clinical parameters. Results: Survival rates of implants were 100%. Cone-beam computed tomography revealed that the xenogeneic bone ring graft had significantly sufficient horizontal bone augmentation below the implant neck platform to 0 mm, 1mm, 2mm, and 3mm. It could also provide an excellent peri-implant tissue condition during the one-year follow-up after loading. Conclusion: The bone ring technique with xenogeneic bone ring graft could increase and maintain horizontal bone mass in the region of the implant neck platforms in serious horizontal bone defects.
The Comorbidity of HIV, Hypertension and Diabetes: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Challenges Faced by Healthcare Providers and Patients in Selected Urban and Rural Health Facilities where the ICDM Model is Implemented in South Africa
Authors: Godongwana Motlatso , Billings Nicole De Wet , Milovanovic Minja
Published: December 2020

BackgroundPeople living with HIV (PLWH) are living longer as a result of advancement and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. As the life expectancy of PLWH increases, they are at increased risk of hypertension. MethodsWe conducted 24 in-depth interviews to understand the challenges faced by healthcare providers and PLWH with chronic comorbidities under the Integrated Chronic Disease Management (ICDM) model implemented in health facilities in South Africa. Thematic content analysis was conducted. ResultsThe challenges experienced included lack of staff capacity, unclear guidelines on the delivery of integrated care for patients with HIV chronic comorbidities, pill burden, non-disclosure, financial burden, poor knowledge of treatments, relocation of patients and access to treatment. Lack of support and integrated chronic programmes including minimal information regarding the management of HIV chronic comorbidities were another concern. ConclusionStandardised guidelines and training, increasing staff capacity and addressing socio-economic barriers is critical to achieving the outcomes of the ICDM.
Ultra-high Critical Current Densities of Superconducting YBa2Cu3O7-d thin Films in the Overdoped State
Authors: Stangl Alexander , Palau Anna , Deutscher Guy , Obradors Xavier , Puig Teresa
Published: December 2020

Doping is one of the most relevant paths to tune the functionality of cuprates, it determines carrier density and the overall physical properties of these superconducting materials. We present an oxygen doping study of YBa2Cu3O7-d (YBCO) thin films from underdoped to overdoped state, correlating the measured charge carrier density, nH, the hole doping, p, and the critical current density, Jc. Our results show experimental demonstration of a linear correlation between Jc and nH, up to Quantum Critical Point (QCP), due to an increase of the superconducting condensation energy. The ultra-high Jc achieved, 90 MA cm-2 at 5 K corresponds to a third of the depairing current, i.e. a value 60 % higher than ever reported in YBCO films. The overdoped regime is confirmed by a sudden increase of nH, associated to the reconstruction of the Fermi-surface at the QCP. Overdoping YBCO opens a promising route to extend the current carrying capabilities of REBCO coated conductors for applications.
Personalized Paths for Physical Activity: Developing a Person-Centered Quantitative Function to Determine a Customized Amount of Exercise and Enhancing Individual Commitment
Authors: Iolascon Giovanni , Gimigliano Francesca , Pietro Gioconda Di , Moretti Antimo , Paoletta Marco , Rivezzi Matteo , Distante Alessandro , Piscitelli Prisco
Published: December 2020

Background: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are leading causes of mortality. These conditions are also known as chronic diseases of long duration and generally slow progression. Physical activity is a main factor to delay symptoms and consequences of NCDs. In last decades, reduced physical exercise has been observed across all ages. Despite educational campaigns aimed at modifying unhealthy habits, it is difficult to promote healthy lifestyles in general population. Poor interest, lack of motivation, as well as career and family commitments hinder people's participation in regular physical activity programs. In this study we propose a theoretical person-centred approach to actively involve general population in enhancing their opportunity to perform physical activity on the basis of personalized needs and targets. Methods: We defined four profiles of baseline physical activity levels (inactive, moderately inactive, moderately active, and active people) by referring to Metabolic equivalents (METs) on the basis of individual answers to General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ). Based on the answers to the GPPAQ and by computing the related METs for each profile of baseline exercise levels, we developed an innovative person-centered web-based algorithm/function for enhancing and measuring physical activity participation in community settings. This function is able to compute evidence-based standardized profiles of participants, personalized goals of physical activity being functional to the purpose of maintaining or gaining health benefits, as well as the type and duration of physical activity needed to reach these goals. Conclusion: It might be speculated that this approach would be a reliable method for increasing people’s self-efficacy and population adherence to recommended levels of physical activity. However, this theoretical proposal requires to be implemented in further research.
Aligned Grid Shaped NiO Nanowires for Humidity Sensing at Room Temperature
Authors: Mohammadi Masoumeh , Almasi-Kashi Mohammad , Fardindoost Somayeh , zad Azam Iraji
Published: December 2020

A grid configuration based on the aligned nickel oxide nanowire (NiO NW) for humidity sensing were fabricated through the oxidation of ferromagnetic nickel NWs prepared by a template-assisted electrodeposition process. Their structure and elemental compositions were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses (EDAX). The room-temperature humidity sensing behavior of the NiO NWs was investigated successfully based on DC and AC impedance spectroscopy (IS) method in frequencies range 10 Hz to 2 MHz. The sensors showed excellent humidity sensing characteristics such as a high response of about 66 with rather rapid response-recovery times about 9 and 2 s for 90%RH, and good stability. The equivalent circuits were simulated for impedance responses to humidity in the range of 40–90% RH. According to the results, ionic conduction via NW-NW junctions as well as NW-electrode interfaces in the grid configuration is responsible for sensing behavior.
Diabetes Distress, Depressive Symptoms and Type 2 Diabetes Management and Glycemic Control: the Mediating Role of Self-efficacy
Authors: Gao Yuexia , Han Yarong , Zou Xin , Xu Judy , Mawen Dean Getrude , Zhong Yaqing , Lu Qingyun , Chu Minjie , Ma Qiang , Zhuang Xun , Xiao Jing
Published: December 2020

Background: Diabetes distress has been distinguished from depressive symptoms in the linkages to type 2 diabetes management and glycemic control. There are few evidences in rural China untangled the underlying pathways among them. The aim of our study was to examine whether self-efficacy reduced the detrimental effects of psychological variables on diabetes outcomes such as self-care behaviors, glycemic control and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).Methods: 1574 adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes from 31 rural clinics in China were assessed for psychological variables, self-management and HRQoL. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) data at 6 months after the survey were extracted from electronic medical records. Hierarchical regression model examined independent effects of psychological variables, self-efficacy on diabetes outcomes. KHB method and bootstrapping confidence intervals were employed to test the mediating effect of self-efficacy.Results: Hierarchical regression analysis showed both diabetes distress and depressive symptoms were significantly related to diet and HRQoL, but not related to glycemic control and medication adherence. Depressive symptoms, but not diabetes distress, was directly associated with physical activity. Mediation analysis demonstrated self-efficacy mediated the relationships of both diabetes distress and depressive symptoms on self-care behaviors, glycemic control and HRQoL.Conclusions: Self-efficacy may contribute to better diabetes outcome by ameliorating the effects of diabetes distress and depressive symptoms. Patients with psychological conditions may need tailored intervention that enhance self-efficacy to improve diabetes management.
Effect of Pulmonary Tuberculosis on Protein C, S, and Antithrombin-III among Therapy-naïve Ghanaian Adults; A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Osei-Boakye Felix , Addai-Mensah Otchere , Owusu Michael , Saasi Abdul-Razak , Appiah Samuel Kwasi , Nkansah Charles , Wiafe Yaw Amo , Debrah Alexander Yaw
Published: December 2020

Background. Tuberculosis (TB) constitutes a global emergency as it affects one-third of the world’s inhabitants. Although pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) is curable, immunological responses to the infection induce several haematological derangements. This study evaluated the effect of PTB on Protein C, Protein S, Antithrombin-III, and blood count parameters. Methods. Ninety adults with ages ≥18 years were purposively recruited: 60 PTB patients and 30 non-TB controls. All patients were diagnosed with sputum GeneXpert MTB/Rif assay. Blood specimens were collected from each participant for Protein C, S, Antithrombin-III and complete blood count. Results. Pulmonary TB was associated with significantly reduced Protein C activity (101.46 [87.61-128.3] vs 121.44 [99.50-149.8] IU/L, p=0.038), RBC (3.88±0.91 vs 4.80±0.55, p<0.0001), HgB (10.24±2.42 vs 11.78±1.42, p=0.0019), HCT (32.21±7.79 vs 42.05±4.97, p<0.0001), MCV (83.80 [79.33-90.08] vs 89.00 [83.75-92.00], p=0.0133) and PDW (12.95 [10.73-15.00] vs 15.30 [14.18-15.93], p<0.0001) compared to controls. Conversely, PTB patients were associated with significantly increased MCH (26.83±4.33 vs 24.59±1.99, p=0.0086), TWBC (7.76 [6.06-9.78] vs 6.50 [4.85-7.50], p=0.0047), Abs. GRAN (5.27 [3.30-6.71] vs 3.75 [2.48-4.75], p=0.0226), RDW-CV (13.70 [13.20-15.43] vs 12.95 [12.50-13.65], p<0.0001), MCHC (32.10 [28.70-35.63] vs 27.85 [27.40-28.53], p<0.0001) and MPV (8.3 [6.7-9.7] vs 7.0 [6.4-7.5], p=0.0027) compared to controls. The PTB patients were disproportionately affected with anaemia (91.7%, p=0.001), erythrocytopenia (75.0%; p≤0.001) and reduced HCT (80.0%, p≤0.001). The frequency of thrombocytosis, leucocytosis, and granulocytosis (50.0%, p=0.013; 23.3%, p=0.013; 18.3%, p=0.025; respectively) in PTB patients were significantly higher than in controls. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that PTB predisposes patients to hypercoagulability, with a significant reduction in Protein C activity but not Protein S and antithrombin-III. The condition causes derangements in erythrocytes, leucocytes, and thrombocytes, and disproportionately causes anaemia. Protein C activity and complete blood count are useful in the management of PTB and should be included in the routine workup for patients.
Trends in Clinical Symptoms of Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in the Northwest of Iran
Authors: Abbasi-Ghahramanloo Abbas , Pourfarzi Farhad , Nakhostin Babak , Emdadi Darush , Abishvand Javad , Biria Mehrdad , Adham Davoud , Moradi-Asl Eslam
Published: December 2020

Background: Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses and constitute a subfamily of Coronaviridae ranging from the common cold virus to viruses causing more acute diseases such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Symptom), MERSE (Middle East Respiratory Symptom) and COVID-19 inflicting human respiratory system.Methods: The current study is a cross-sectional descriptive study collecting data from COVID-19 patients in Ardabil Province in 2020. To investigate the relationship between the clinical symptoms and time periods of the disease, chi-square and Fisher exact test were used.Results: A total of 5,541 cases were admitted in the hospitals of Ardabil province during the study period of which 2,505 (45.22%) patients had a positive PCR test. The patients were investigated in two different periods. The first period covered the onset of the disease in Ardabil on April 30, 2020, and the second period covered the time from May 1, to July 1, 2020.Conclusion: The results of the study reveal that among PCR-positive patients, the prevalence of stomachache and aches and pains was almost doubled between the two periods (P ˂ 0.05). Nevertheless, other symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, runny nose, chest pain and conjunctivitis reduced significantly (P ˂ 0.05).
Genetic Investigation of Wild Species of Subfamily Malvoideae in Saudi Arabia as Inferred From SCoT and ISSR Markers
Authors: abdelkhalek kadry , Al-Ruzayza Suad
Published: December 2020

Genetic investigation and phylogenetic analyses of 21 species, representing 8 genera of the subfamily Malvoideae, from Saudi Arabia were carried out by using Start Codon Targeted (SCoT), the Inter Simple Sequence Repeats DNA (ISSR), and united ISSR and SCoT markers. Ten SCoT and five ISSR primers created 149 polymorphic enlarged fragments, which jagged to a comparatively high level of genetic difference in Malvoideae. SCoT markers exposed a higher level of polymorphism (89 bands) than ISSR (60 bands). Gathering of genotypes within groups was greatly similar when SCoT and ISSR consequent dendrograms were compared. Five clusters and clades can be documented within Malvoideae, which regularly verify, but also partially deny, traditional groupings. Taxonomic and phylogenetic consequences are debated in contrast with the existing morphological and phylogenetic data. The results of this study offer useful data for evaluating the taxonomy of Malvoideae at both tribes, infrageneric, and subgeneric levels. In general, the results reported here are largely consistent with the phylogenetic findings that Abutilon, Hibiscus, and Malva are polyphyletic. Also, species of sections Bombicella and Malva are highly heterogeneous. The most exciting result of this analysis was identifying Senra incana with unique characters and telling that it should be preserved as a separate tribe. In the similar way, distinctive variances between the closely related genera Fioria and Althaea were also noted suggesting that they should be placed in different tribes. Furthermore, the present results indicate some level of parallel among the species of Pavonia and support the monophyly of this genus.
Plasma Neurofilament Light and Phosphorylated Tau 181 as Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology and Clinical Disease Progression
Authors: Clark Christopher , Lewczuk Piotr , Kornhuber Johannes , Richiardi Jonas , Maréchal Bénédicte , Karikari Thomas K , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Popp Julius
Published: December 2020

Background: To assess the performance of plasma neurofilament light (NfL) and phosphorylated tau 181 (p-tau181) to inform about cerebral Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology and predict clinical progression in a memory clinic setting. Methods: Plasma NfL and p-tau181, along with established cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of AD pathology (CSF β-amyloid 1-42 (Aβ1-42), Aβ1-42 /Aβ1-40, total-tau (tau), and p-tau181) were measured in participants with normal cognition (CN, n=91) and memory clinic patients with cognitive impairment (mild cognitive impairment and dementia, CI, n=127). Clinical and neuropsychological evaluations were performed at inclusion and follow-up visits at 18 and 36 months, to measure decline in global cognition and progression of disease severity. Multivariate analysis assessed associations of plasma NfL and p-tau181 levels with the presence of cerebral AD pathology (a priori defined by a CSF p-tau181/Aβ1-42 > 0.0779), single CSF biomarkers, and clinical measures of disease progression. Results: Plasma NfL levels were higher in CN participants with an AD CSF profile, and in CI participants when compared to CN non-AD participants, while p-tau181 plasma levels were higher in CI patients with AD when compared to the other participants. Plasma NfL levels correlated with CSF tau and p-tau181 in CN, and with CSF tau in CI patients. Plasma p-tau181 correlated with CSF p-tau181 in CN and with CSF biomarkers in CI participants. Compared to a reference model, adding plasma p-tau181 improved the prediction of AD in CI patients (AUC 0.861, p-value = 0.048) while adding NfL did not. Adding p-tau181, but not NfL levels, to a reference model improved prediction of cognitive decline in CI participants (AUC 0.838, p-value = 0.032). Using a plasma p-tau181 cutoff of 9.68 pg/ml the models reached a sensitivity of 0.80 and specificity of 0.79 for AD prediction, and of 0.88 and 0.69 for the prediction of cognitive decline.Conclusion: Plasma NfL may be useful as a marker of neuronal injury, although it is not specific for AD. P-tau181 can serve, in a memory clinic setting, as a blood-based biomarker of both cerebral AD pathology and cognitive decline. The predictive performance of both markers depends on the presence of cognitive impairment.
Identification of and a Prediction Model for Cognitive Trajectories in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Seo Sang Won , Kim Seung Joo , Woo Sook-Young , Kim Young Ju , Kim Yeshin , Jang Hyemin , Kim Si Eun , Kim Jun Pyo , Jung Young Hee , Kim Eun-Joo , Kim Hee Jin , Na Duk L. , Kim Seonwoo
Published: December 2020

Background: Few studies have investigated cognitive trajectories or developed a prediction model for amyloid beta-positive (Aβ+) mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients. We aimed to identify distinct cognitive trajectories in Aβ+ MCI patients based on longitudinal Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) 13 scores. Furthermore, we aimed to develop and visualize a prediction model to predict trajectory groups using the demographic, genetic, and clinical biomarkers of Aβ+ MCI patients.Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the data in 238 Aβ+ MCI patients from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative who underwent at least three rounds of annual neuropsychological testing to identify cognitive trajectories. A group-based trajectory model (GBTM) was used to classify distinct groups based on ADAS-cog 13 scores. The prediction model was estimated using multinomial logistic regression and visualized using a bar-based method for risk prediction. Results: Three distinct classes, namely slow decliners (18.5%), intermediate decliners (42.9%), and fast decliners (38.7%), were suggested. Intermediate decliners were associated with higher age (≥70 years) (odds ratio [OR] 2.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.78-6.28), higher AV45 standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs)*10 (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.22-2.34), and lower fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) SUVR*10 (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.46-0.93) than slow decliners. Fast decliners were associated with higher age (≥70 years) (OR 3.76, 95% CI 1.40-10.10), greater likelihood of being an apolipoprotein E 4 carrier (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.53-11.58), higher AV45 positron emission tomography SUVR*10 (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.50-3.05), and lower FDG SUVR*10 (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.20-0.48) than slow decliners. The predicted probability of being classified to a trajectory group according to the risk scores of predictors was visualized.Conclusions: Our GBTM analysis yielded novel insights into the heterogeneous cognitive trajectories among Aβ+ MCI patients, which further facilitates the effective stratification of Aβ+ MCI patients in Aβ-targeted clinical trials.
Effect of Interaction Between Slow Wave Sleep and Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Insulin Resistance: A Large-scale Study
Authors: Huang Weijun , Wang Xiaoting , Liu Yuenan , Li Xinyi , Liu Yupu , Zou Jianyin , Xu Huajun , Zhu Huaming , Yi Hongliang , Guan Jian , Yin Shankai
Published: December 2020

Objectives: Slow wave sleep (SWS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have attracted more and more attention. Their joint effect on insulin resistance (IR) remains to be further studied. This study explored whether less SWS influences the relationship between OSA and IR.Methods: We enrolled potential participants in our sleep center from 2007 to 2019. We collected demographic and clinical characteristics and gauged the IR status. SWS was derived from polysomnography data. Logistic regression analyses were used to reveal the associations between SWS and IR.Results: In all, 6966 participants (5709 OSA and 1257 primary snoring [PS] subjects) were enrolled. Less SWS increases the risk of IR in OSA patients but not in PS patients. OSA patients with SWS < 6.5% were more likely to have IR than those with SWS > 21.3%. OSA was an independent risk factor for IR after adjusting for all potential confounding factors. In stratified analyses according to the percentage of SWS, patients with OSA with SWS < 6.5% had 38.2% higher odds of IR than the PS group after adjusting for all potential confounders. Conclusions: Less SWS is associated with higher odds for IR in OSA patients but not in PS patients. OSA is independently correlated with IR. In addition, OSA combined with an extreme lack of SWS has a more harmful effect on the status of IR than OSA itself.
Virucidal Activity of Moringa a From Moringa Oleifera Seeds Against Influenza A Viruses by Regulating TFEB
Authors: Xiong Yongai , Rajoka Muhammad Shahid Riaz , Zhang MengXun , Liang Ning , He Zhendan
Published: December 2020

BackgroundInfluenza A viruses (IAVs) are highly contagious pathogens infecting human and numerous animals. The viruses cause millions of infection cases and thousands of deaths every year, thus making IAVs a continual threat to global health. MethodsMoringa A was isolated from Moringa oleifera seeds and tested for antiviral activity against H1N1. The antiviral activity of Moringa A was tested by checking their effect on hemagglutination and PFU activities of the studied virus, and the cytopathic effect was observed too. Additionally, the different types of treatment experiments were performed to complement the analysis of the antiviral activity of Moringa A, and the contents of inflammatory cytokines and the expression of TFEB were detected.ResultsMoringa A inhibits virus replication in host cells, and it protects infected cells from cytopathic effect induced by IAVs. The EC50 and EC90 value of Moringa A for IAVs were 1.27 and 5.30 μM, respectively. The different types of treatment experiments revealed that Moringa A has a significant inhibitory effect on the IAVs both before and after drug addition. What’s more, Moringa A was observed to decrease the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IFN-β in H1N1 infected RAW264.7 cells. Finaly, Moringa A was found to inhibit the expression and nuclear transfer of the cellular protein transcription factor EB (TFEB), and weaken the autophagy in infected cells, which could be an important antiviral mechnism of Moringa A. ConclusionsMoringa A has potent antiviral activity against IVAs, which could be due to the autophagy inhibition property.
Evaluation of Patients With Covid-19 Diagnosis for Chronic Diseases
Authors: Altuntas Murat , Yilmaz Habip , Güner Emre
Published: December 2020

Aim: Covid-19 is one of the most important pandemics in the world history. Chronic diseases, which are risk factors that increase the case fatality rates, have been the leading cause of death all over the world. In this study, it was aimed to detect coexisting diseases in patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of Covid-19. Material and Method: It was carried out with the data of 229 inpatients in an intensive care unit between 01.06.2020 - 30.06.2020. Among the inclusion criteria of the study; it is necessary to have a diagnosis confirmed by PCR test, to be hospitalized in the relevant intensive care unit on the date of the study and to have data accessible through the hospital automation system. According to literature; chronic diseases of the patients and their effects on the covid-19 process were evaluated. Statistical analyzes were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 (IBM Corp .; Armonk, NY, USA).Results: It was seen that the average age of the patients were 61.4±15.9 years old. While the average symptom duration was 8.2±5.3 days; total hospitalization period was 13.1±5.9 days. The length of stay of 75 patients who were sent to intensive care unit was determined as 10.1±7.1. The most common chronic disease among patients was hypertension with 47.2%. This was followed by diabetes mellitus (32.8%) and heart disease (27.5%), respectively. In the presented study, cough (59.4%), fever (58.5%) and shortness of breath (45.9%) were found to be the most common symptoms. Leukopenia, impairments in liver and muscle enzymes, abnormal C-reactive protein, ferritin and d-dimer levels were the important laboratory findings.Conclusion: Particular attention should be paid to the elderly Covid-19 patients with chronic diseases, especially DM, HT and cancer.
Characterisation of Cardiac Health in the Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure Model and a 3D Cardiac Spheroid Model, of Preeclampsia
Authors: Richards Claire , Sesperez Kimberly , Chhor Michael , Ghorbanpour Sahar , Rennie Claire , Ming Clara Liu Chung , Evenhuis Chris , Nikolic Valentina N , Orlic Natasa Karadzov , Mikovic Zeljko , Stefanovic Milan , Cakic Zoran , McGrath Kristine , Gentile Carmine , Bubb Kristen , McClements Lana
Published: December 2020

Background: Preeclampsia is a life-threatening cardiovascular disorder of pregnancy that leads to an increased risk of ongoing cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Much of the pathogenesis and mechanisms involved in cardiac health are unknown. A novel anti-angiogenic protein, FKBPL, is emerging as having a potential role in both preeclampsia and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, in this study we aimed to investigate the role of FKBPL in cardiac health in the rat reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model and 3D cardiac spheroid model, of preeclampsia.Methods: The RUPP model was induced in pregnant rats and histological analysis performed on the heart, kidneys, liver and placenta (n≥6). Picrosirius red staining was performed to quantify collagen I/III deposition in rat hearts, placentae and livers as an indicator of fibrosis. RT-qPCR was used to determine changes in Fkbpl, Icam1, Vcam1, Flt1 and/or Vegfa mRNA in hearts and/or placentae and ELISA was used to evaluate cardiac brain natriuretic peptide (BNP45) and FKBPL secretion in rat hearts. Cardiac spheroids were generated using human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs) and human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) and treated with patient plasma from normotensive controls, early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE) and late-onset preeclampsia (LOPE); (n=3). FKBPL and CD31 expression was quantified by immunofluorescent labelling.Results: The RUPP procedure induced significant increase in blood pressure (p<0.001), cardiac collagen deposition (p<0.001) and cardiac BNP45 (p<0.05). It also induced a significant increase in cardiac FKBPL mRNA expression (p<0.05) and protein levels (p<0.01). RUPP placentae also exhibited increased collagen deposition and decreased Flt1 mRNA expression (p<0.05). RUPP kidneys revealed an increase in average glomerular size (p<0.05). Cardiac spheroids showed a significant increase in FKBPL expression when treated with LOPE patient plasma (p<0.05) and a trend towards increased FKBPL expression following treatment with EOPE plasma (p=0.06).Conclusions: The rat RUPP model induced cardiac, renal and placental features reflective of preeclampsia in humans. FKBPL was increased in the hearts of RUPP rats and in cardiac spheroids treated with plasma from women with preeclampsia, reflective of restricted angiogenesis in this disorder. Elucidation of this novel FKBPL mechanism in cardiac health in preeclampsia could be key in preventing future CVD.
Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Neoadjuvant Versus Adjuvant Chemotherapy for cT2-4N0-1 Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients During Initial Treatment Phase
Authors: Wu Dongdong , Li Juan , Wang Yubo , Huang Hao , Chunji Huang
Published: December 2020

Objective: The choice between neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) remains controversial in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). There is no significant difference in NAC and AC’s effectiveness. We investigate the cost-effectiveness of NAC versus AC for NSCLC.Method: A decision tree model was designed from a payer perspective to compare NAC and AC treatments for NSCLC. Parameters included overall survival (OS), surgical complications, chemotherapy adverse event (AE), treatment initiation probability, treatment time frame, treatment cost, and quality of life (QOL). Sensitivity analyses were performed to characterize model uncertainty in the base cases.Result: With the same overall survival, AC treatment strategy produces a cost saving of ￥618.90 and an incremental quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) of 0.10 years per patient. If median OS of NAC is 1.4 months more than AC, NAC would be cost effective (CE) at a ￥35446/QALY threshold. The model was robust enough to handle variations to all input parameters except the overall survival. In the probability sensitivity analysis, AC remained dominant in 54.6% of simulations.Conclusion: The modeled cost effectiveness analysis indicates that with operable NSCLC, AC treatment is more cost effective compared to NAC. If NAC provides a longer survival advantage, this treatment strategy may be cost-effective. The OS is the main factor that influences cost-effectiveness analysis.