bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical Compliance and Survival Outcomes For Patients With Osteosarcoma: A Population-Based Database Study
Authors: Tang Chao , Wang Dongdong , Zhang Hailong
Published: August 2021

PurposeWe aimed to determine the effect of surgical compliance on prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma and the risk factors leading to surgical noncompliance.MethodsWe analyzed the date collected 3412 osteosarcoma patients from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) databases between 1973 and 2015. Cox analyses were used to identify the independent prognostic factors. Logistic regression model was conducted to clear the factors associated to surgical compliance; Kaplan-Meier estimator method was adopted to analyze the Overall survival (OS) and Cancer-specific survival (CSS). ResultsAmong 3412 eligible osteosarcoma patients, the poor surgical compliance of patients with osteosarcoma is associated with the earlier time of diagnosis, advanced age, lower economic income, poor grade, distant stage, accepting radiotherapy and refusing chemotherapy. There were significant differences in the effects of diagnostic time, age, grade, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, tumor stage and economic income on surgical compliance (All P < 0.05). Patients’ compliance was an independent prognostic factor for OS and CSS of osteosarcoma patients. ConclusionsOsteosarcoma patients with good surgical compliance have favorable survival. This can help clinicians effectively realize patients' views on surgery and guide patients to learn the signification of surgery.
Contact Model And Simulation Analysis of Rail Grinding With Open-Structured Abrasive Belt Based On Pressing Plate
Authors: Qian Chang , Wu Zhiwei , Hou Guangyou , Fan Wengang
Published: August 2021

Recently, the emerging rail grinding method with open-structured abrasive belt based on pressing plate which adopts full contour copying grinding method to extend the working length of abrasive belt and is more suitable for preventative grinding and maintenance of rail corrugation in high-speed railway has been proposed. The essence of its grinding process is the complex nonlinear interaction among the pressing plate, abrasive belt and rail. The research on the contact mechanism of the rail grinding method with open-structured abrasive belt based on pressing plate is still very lacking, which limits the practical application of the emering rail grinding method to a certain extent. In this paper, a theoretical model of the contact between pressing plate, abrasive belt and rail is established. The contact area morphology and contact stress distribution were obtained, and validity of the theoretical model was verified by finite element simulation. At the same time, the distribution characteristics of contact stress under single concentrated force, uniform force and multiple concentrated force were studied based on the contact model. It is concluded that the multiple concentrated force is the optimal loading method, and the contact stress is more uniform, which is more conducive to repair the standard contour of rail.
Daily Tackling Heath Inequalities: French Child Individual-Level Deprivation Index Development and Validation
Authors: Laporte Remi , Babe Philippe , Jouve Elisabeth , Daguzan Alexandre , Mazoue Franck , Minodier Philippe , Noel Guilhem , Urbina Diego , Gentile Stephanie
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a pediatric individual-level index for deprivation, usable in clinical practice and in public health. The index had a 4 phases development: items generation with literature review and experts interviews, items reduction with steering committee consensus, index derivation with multivariate analysis, and index validation with psychometric and Pearson analysis. French Child Individual-Level Deprivation Index (FrenChILD-Index) was addressed by untrained healthcare professionals in a cross-sectional multicentric study. The deprivation burden was blindly evaluated in every domain of lifestyle by an expert. Children in need of one specific type of healthcare for deprived children were: moderately deprived. Children in need of referral to a socio-medical unit for access to healthcare were: severely deprived. The main outcome measure was the agreement between FrenChILD-Index results and expert evaluation.Development phases produced a 12-item instrument. Validation phases were carried out in a 986 children sample. FrenChILD-Index fulfilled the Terwee validity criterion for screening instruments. For moderate deprivation, sensitivity was 96.0% [92.6; 98.7] and specificity 68.3% [65.2; 71.4]. For severe deprivation, sensitivity was 96.3% [92.7; 100] and specificity 91.1% [89.2; 92.9]. It correlated with the number of lifestyle deprived domains 0.80 [0.77; 0.83] and the amount of specific healthcare for children 0.86 [0.83; 0.88].Conclusions: FrenChILD-Index is the first pediatric individual-level index of deprivation, methodologically validated in Europe. FrenChILD-Index enables individual appropriate referral for deprived children. It enables considering social determinants of health into account in epidemiological adjustment, patient sample stratification and program impact measurement. (NCT03640715, 21/08/2018)
Trajectories of Prenatal Alcohol Consumption in An Australian Population-Based Cohort of Pregnant Women - A Data Driven Approach
Authors: Muggli Evelyne , Hearps Stephen , Halliday Jane , Elliott Elizabeth J , Penington Anthony , Thompson Deanne K , Spittle Alicia , Forster Della A , Lewis Sharon , Anderson Peter J
Published: August 2021

Accurate information on dose, frequency and timing of maternal alcohol consumption is critically important when investigating fetal risks from prenatal alcohol exposure. Identification of distinct alcohol use behaviours can also assist in developing directed public health interventions to prevent adverse child outcomes, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. We aimed to determine group-based trajectories of time-specific, unit-level, alcohol consumption using data from 1458 pregnant women in the Asking Questions about Alcohol in Pregnancy (AQUA) longitudinal study in Melbourne, Australia. Six alcohol consumption trajectories were identified incorporating four timepoints across gestation. Labels were assigned based on consumption in trimester one and whether alcohol use was continued throughout pregnancy: abstained (33.8%); low discontinued (trimester one) (14.4%); moderate discontinued (11.7%); low sustained (13.0%); moderate sustained (23.5%); and high sustained (3.6%). Median weekly consumption in trimester one ranged from 3 grams (low discontinued) to 184 grams of absolute alcohol (high sustained). Alcohol use after pregnancy recognition decreased dramatically for all sustained drinking trajectories, indicating some awareness of fetal risk. Improved understanding of factors that contribute to alcohol consumption in pregnancy in specific sub-populations is critical when developing prevention strategies. Maternal characteristics associated with different trajectories can inform the strategic development of such initiatives.
The Effect of Rebamipide Administration to the Improvement of Neutrophil-lymphocyte Ratio in COVID-19 Confirmed Patients with ARDS
Authors: Suryantoro Satriyo Dwi , Veterini Anna Surgean , Mahdi Bagus Aulia
Published: August 2021

Rebamipide has a noteworthy potential as an adjunct therapy of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) which may act as an anti- IL8. There have been no yet previous studies declared worldwide examining the use of it. We conducted a study of Rebamipide through the secondary data obtained from the medical record then analyzed the neutrophile, lymphocytes, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio of patients. Our data exhibited improvements in the laboratory outcomes, revealing decreased neutrophils, increased lymphocytes, also increased neutrophil-lymphocyte rations, observed in COVID-19 patients experiencing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Cisplatin Increased the Expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 by YAP1 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hao Liyuan , Guo Yinglin , Peng Qing , Zhang Zhiqin , Li Shenghao , Ji Jingmin , Xue Yu , Liu Yiwei , Li Caige , Shi Xinli
Published: August 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was one of the most malignant cancers in the world. Cisplatin (DDP) was one of the main chemotherapy drugs for HCC, but the mechanism of DDP treatment for HCC remains unclear. In this presentation, we found that DDP inhibited the growth of HCC cells and promoted the expression of PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1 in cancer cells. Meanwhile, flow cytometry analysis revealed that DDP enhanced PD-1-CD8+ T cells expression and decreased PD-1+CD8+ T cells expression. ELISA analysis suggested that DDP decreased TGF-β expression in vivo. Therefore, the study indicated that DDP enhanced PD-1 and PD-L1 expression and inhibited the growth of HCC.
Low CCL19 Expression Is Associated With Adverse Clinical Outcomes For Patients With Advanced Stage Follicular Lymphoma
Authors: Zhou Yu , Wang Shasha , Tao Yunxia , Chen Haizhu , Qin Yan , He Xiaohui , Zhou Shengyu , Liu Peng , Yang Jianliang , Yang Sheng , Gui Lin , Lou Ning , Zhang Zhishang , Yao Jiarui , Han Xiaohong , Shi Yuankai
Published: August 2021

Background: This study aimed to explore the interactions and relationships of genes and recognize the hub genes associated with prognosis in follicular lymphoma (FL) treated with first-line rituximab combined with chemotherapy.Method: RNA sequencing data of dataset GSE65135 (n=24) were included in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied for exploring the coexpression network and identifying hub genes. Validation of hub genes expression and prognosis were applied in dataset GSE119214 (n=137) and patient cohort of Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (n=32), respectively, by analyzing RNAseq expression data and serum protein concentration quantified by ELISA. CIBERSORT was applied for tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) subset analysis. Results: A total of 3260 DEGs were obtained, with 1861 genes upregulated and 1399 genes downregulated. Using WGCNA and Cytoscape analysis, eight hub genes, PLA2G2D, MMP9, PTGDS, CCL19, NFIB, YAP1, RGL1, and TIMP3 were identified. Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate COX regression analysis indicated that CCL19 independently associated with overall survival (OS) for FL patients treated with rituximab and chemotherapy (HR = 0.47, 95%CI [0.25-0.86], p = 0.014). Higher Serum CCL19 concentration was associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS, p=0.014) and OS (p=0.039). TIICs subset analysis showed that CCL19 expression had a positive correlation with monocytes and macrophages M1, and a negative correlation with naïve B cells and plasma cells. Conclusion: CCL19 expression was associated with survival outcomes and might be a potential prognostic biomarker for FL treated with first-line immunochemotherapy.
A Small Molecule Modulating Monounsaturated Fatty Acids and Wnt Signaling Confers Maintenance to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Against Endodermal Differentiation
Authors: Hosseini Vahid , Kalantary-Charvadeh Ashkan , Hajikarami Maryam , Fayyazpour Parisa , Rahbarghazi Reza , Totonchi Mehdi , Darabi Masoud
Published: August 2021

Background: Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) is required for de novo synthesis of fatty acids. This enzyme can orchestrate posttranslational modification of proteins involved in the development and differentiation of cells through the fatty acid acylation process. In this study, we evaluated whether a small molecule modulating unsaturated fatty acids influences early endodermal differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells, using biochemical methods and immunostaining.Methods: The hiPSCs were cultured in an endoderm-inducing medium containing activin A and low defined fetal bovine serum in the presence of an SCD1 inhibitor at different time points. The yield of three germ layers endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm, and the cell cycle analysis were assessed using flow cytometry. The expression of endoderm and pluripotency markers, as well as the expression of Wnt signaling pathway proteins, were assessed using western blotting and RT-PCR. Total protein acylation was evaluated using a click chemistry reaction.Results: The population of cells showing endoderm features was decreased at the end of differentiation when SCD1 was inhibited on the first day. Moreover, early SCD1 inhibition preserved hiPSCs properties without a shift toward mesoderm or ectoderm. Treatment of cells with SCD1 inhibitor only on the first day decreased the β-catenin gene expression and intensity of fluorescent emission in the click chemistry. These effects were effectively rescued by cotreatment with oleate. Late treatment at two subsequent days of endoderm induction induced no significant effect on endoderm-specific markers and fluorescent intensity. Reproducible results were also obtained with a human embryonic stem cell line. Conclusion: The small molecule SCD1 inhibitor attenuates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, conferring maintenance to hiPSCs by opposing the initiation of endoderm differentiation. The immediate requirement for SCD1 activity in endoderm commitment of pluripotent stem cells may be eminent in disorders of endoderm-derived organs and dysregulated metabolism.
Dietary Intakes, Knowledge and Perceptions of Semi-Professional Rugby Athletes in Scotland.
Authors: Hitendre Sonam , Jordan Rebecca , Theodorakopoulos Chistos , White Lois
Published: August 2021

Background
Adequate nutritional intake plays a pivotal role in optimising performance, recovery and body composition goals. This study aimed to investigate the dietary intakes (DI), nutritional knowledge (NK) and attitudes, perceptions and challenges (APC) of semi-professional rugby players in Scotland.
Methods
Dietary intakes and NK of 24 male semi-professional rugby players of a Super6 club were evaluated using validated questionnaires. Players were categorized as having good or poor NK according to NK scores. Diet-related APCs were assessed online using researcher developed questionnaires and 1–1 semi-structured interviews.
Results
Mean ± SD total NK% was poor, 53.7 ± 11.9%. The ‘Good’ NK group scored significantly higher in the Weight Management (p = 0.014), Macronutrients (p < 0.001), Micronutrients (p = 0.001) and Sports Nutrition (p < 0.001) sections. Mean DI were 26.3 ± 9.2 kcal/kg/day energy, 1.4 ± 0.4 g/kg/day protein, 21.7 ± 10.1 g/day fibre. Median (25th ,75th ) carbohydrate intake was 3.0 (2.0,3.0) g/kg/day and 6.3 (2.3,10.6) units/week alcohol. Mean ± SD fat and saturated fat (SFA) % total energy intake (EI) were 36.2 ± 3.7% and 12.8 ± 1.9% respectively, and SFA %EI exceeded recommendations (p < 0.001). The ‘Good’ NK group had a significantly higher intakes of all macronutrients (p < 0.05). Total NK% positively correlated with intakes of meat (r = 0.556, p = 0.011), cereals (r = 0.458, p = 0.042), dietary fat (r = 0.477, p = 0.034), vegetables (r = 0.487, p = 0.030) and alcoholic beverages (r = 0.541, p = 0.014). Supplement use was 68%. Players felt diet affected performance (94%) but 31% of them were unaware of any specific nutritional strategies. A healthy diet was perceived to be ‘balanced’ with ‘variety from all food groups’. Lack of time for preparation was described as the main barrier to healthy eating.
Conclusions
Overall players had poor NK, their fibre and carbohydrate intake was suboptimal, whereas saturated fat intake exceeded recommendations. Many lacked awareness of current sports nutrition guidelines. Further nutrition education may be needed to improve diet quality and aid performance goals.
Contribution of IL-38 in Lung Immunity During Pseudomonas Aeruginosa-Induced Pneumonia
Authors: Wei Qiang , Chen Xi , Wang Chuanjiang
Published: August 2021

Objective: Interleukin-38 (IL-38), a new type of cytokine, is involved in processes such as tissue repair, inflammatory response, and immune response. However, its function in pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is still unclear.Methods: In this study, we detected circulating IL-38 in adults affected by pneumonia caused by P. aeruginosa. The P. aeruginosa-induced pneumonia WT murine model was adopted to evaluate the effect of IL-38 on Treg differentiation, cell apoptosis, survival, tissue damage, inflammation, and bacterial removal.Results: IL-38 is insufficiently secreted in patients who died of P.A. pneumonia.Recombinant IL-38 improved survival, whereas anti-IL-38 antibody reduced survival in the experimental pneumonia murine model. IL-38 exposure reduced the inflammatory response, as suggested by the lung injury, and reduced cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α, and CXCL-1, but not IL-10). It also increased bacterial clearance and reduced cell apoptosis in the lungs. Furthermore, IL-38 was shown to reduce TBK1 expression in vitro when naïve CD4+ T lymphocytes were differentiated to Tregs and played a protective role in P.A. pneumonia.Conclusions: To summarize, the above findings provide additional insights into the mechanism of IL-38 in the treatment of P.A. pneumonia.
Schisandrin A protects intestinal cells from mycophenolic acid-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative damage
Authors: Deng Yiyun , Zhang Zhe , Hong Yuanyuan , Feng Lijuan , Su Yong , Xu Dujuan
Published: August 2021

Objectives: The gastrointestinal side effects of mycophenolic acid affect its efficacy in kidney transplant patients, which may be due to its toxicity to the intestinal epithelial mechanical barrier, including intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis and destruction of tight junctions. The toxicity mechanism of mycophenolic acid is related to oxidative stress-mediated the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAP K). Schisandrin A (Sch A), one of the main active components of the Schisandra chinensis, can protects intestinal epithelial cells from deoxynivalenol-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative damage by antioxidant effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect and potential mechanism of Sch A on mycophenolic acid-induced damage in intestinal epithelial cell. Methods: Caco-2 cells monolayers were treated with mycophenolic acid (10µM) and/or Sch A (10, 20 and 40µM) at 37°C for 24h, and cell viability was measured by MTT; Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of relevant proteins. Intracellular ROS and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured by kits. Results: The results showed that Sch A significantly reversed the mycophenolic acid-induced cell viability reduction, restored the expression of tight junction protein ZO-1, occludin and reduced cell apoptosis. In addition, Sch A inhibited mycophenolic acid-mediated MAPK activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase. Conclusions: Sch A protected intestinal epithelial cells from mycophenolic acid intestinal toxicity, at least in part, by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusions: Sch A protected intestinal epithelial cells from mycophenolic acid intestinal toxicity, at least in part, by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting MAPK signaling pathway.
Spinal Hemangioblastomas: Analysis of Surgical Outcome and Prognostic Factors
Authors: Feletti Alberto , Boaro Alessandro , Giampiccolo Davide , Casoli Giorgio , Moscolo Fabio , Ferrara Massimiliano , Sala Francesco , Pavesi Giacomo
Published: August 2021

Background. The prognostic factors for surgically removed spinal hemangioblastomas, the impact of VHL disease on outcome, and the role of intraoperative neuromonitoring are still not completely clear. The aim of this study was to review our experience with spinal hemangioblastomas in order to assess potential predictors of neurological outcome after surgery.Methods. All cases of spinal hemangioblastomas removed at two Italian academic institutions from 1985 to 2020 were reviewed. Data about clinical presentation and symptoms duration, diagnosis of VHL, surgical approach, use of IONM, duration of hospital stay, follow up, McCormick grade before and after surgery were extracted.Results. Sixty-one patients (31 F, 30 M) underwent 69 surgeries to remove 74 spinal hemangioblastomas (37 cervical, 32 thoracic, 5 lumbar). Improvement was found in 32.3% of cases, neurological condition remained stable in 51.6% of cases, and deteriorated in 16.1% of patients.A worsening trend in VHL patients and an improvement trend in non-VHL patients were detected, despite the lack of statistical significance. Laminotomy and use of IONM were found to be associated with better outcome, although no association was found between surgery without IOM and worse outcome.Conclusion. In most cases, patients affected by spinal hemangioblastomas can expect a good long-term outcome. In our experience, laminotomy seems to be associated with better outcome compared to laminectomy. While its absence is not associated with worse outcome, IONM seems to be associated with a better neurological outcome. Our study suggests that the more impaired the preoperative neurological condition, the worse the outcome.
Molecular Characterization of Distinct Fungal Communities in the Soil of a Rare Rarth Mining Area
Authors: Liu jingjing , Li Chun , Ma Wendan , Liu Wei , Wu Weixiang
Published: August 2021

The exploitation of ion absorbed rare earth elements (REEs) has caused serious ecological destruction and environmental pollution. Effect on soil fungal structure and diversity caused by mining activities are usually ignored, although fungi are one of the most important components in soil ecosystems. In the present research, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and high-throughput Illumina MiSeq sequencing were conducted to characterize fungal community composition and structure in soil of a rare earth mining area after in-situ leaching. Statistical analyses, Network and FUNGuild were used to conduct in-depth analysis. Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Glomeromycota and unclassified fungi were the most abundant phyla in the mining soils. Organic matter, TC and TN contents, but not pH or REEs contents, were the vital factors to determine soil fungal abundances and diversities. Fungal community structures were stable after leaching practice, but nutrition contents significantly and positively contributed to fungal abundances and diversities. Fungi could mediate the interaction between species to enhance their ability to resist the harsh environment of REEs toxicity or ammonium caused by in-situ leaching practice. Saprotroph in phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the dominant fungal trophic mode in the mining soils, and they played a critical role in nutrient cycling, transformation processes and reducing metal toxicity. Symbiotrophs of phyla Glomeromycota contributed to soil aggregation and slowing down nutrient losses after in-situ leaching practice.
WITHDRAWN: RNA-Seq based exploration of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in cotton(Gossypium hirsutum. L) upon infection with Aspergillus tubingensis
Authors: Khizar Maria , Shi Jianxin , Haroon Urooj , Ali Musrat , Liaquat Fiza , Akbar Mahnoor , Saleem Hira , Kamal Asif , Minhas Kinza , Chaudhary Hassan Javed , Munis Muhammad Farooq Hussain
Published: August 2021

Differentially expressed genes help in exploring plant defense mechanism under variable stress conditions. In current investigation, RNA sequencing was executed to explore the differential gene expression in resistant and susceptible varieties of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), upon infection with Aspergillus tubingensis. Comparative RNA-Seq of control and infected plants was performed using Illumina HiSeq 2,500. Overall 79.84 G clean data was generated and 6,558 DEGs were identified in both varieties, in response to pathogen inoculation. Differentially expressed genes were found to be involved in defense, antifungal response, signaling pathways, oxidative burst and transcription. Genes involved in defense responses, MAPK signaling, cell wall fortification and signal transduction were highly induced in resistant variety. Real time PCR also revealed the up regulation of MAPKKK YODA like, L-ascorbate oxidase, late embryogenesis abundant protein (At1g64065) and flavonoid 3',5'-hydroxylase-like, in resistant variety. Elevated accumulation of such DEGs in resistant variety could function as the source for identifying biomarkers for breeding and these can be used as potential candidate genes for transgenic manipulation. Their study also helped in understanding complex plant-fungal interaction and advanced the understanding of plant-microbe interaction. Inclusively, our findings provide an indispensable foundation for advanced understanding of the plant resistance mechanisms of cotton.
Recombinant Follicular Stimulating Hormone Plus Recombinant Luteinizing Hormone Versus Human Menopausal Gonadotropins- Does the Source of LH Bioactivity Affect Ovarian Stimulation Outcome?
Authors: Kirshenbaum Michal , Gil Or , Haas Jigal , Nahum Ravit , Zilberberg Eran , Lebovitz Oshrit , Orvieto Raoul
Published: August 2021

Background: Luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) activate distinct intracellular signaling cascades. However, due to their similar structure and common receptor, they are used interchangeably during ovarian stimulation (OS). This study aims to assess if the source of LH used during OS affects IVF outcome. Materials and methods: This was a cross sectional study of patients who underwent two consecutive IVF cycles, one included recombinant follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) plus recombinant LH [rFSH+rLH, (Pergoveris)] and the other included urinary hCG [highly purified hMG (HP-hMG), (Menopur)]. The OS protocol, except of the LH preparation, was identical in the two IVF cycles. Results: The rate of mature oocytes was not different between the treatment cycles (0.9 in the rFSH+rLH vs 0.8 in the HP-hMG, p=0.07). Nonetheless, the mean number of mature oocytes retrieved in the rFSH+rLH treatment cycles was higher compared to the HP-hMG treatment cycles (10 ± 5.8 vs 8.3 ±4.6, respectively, P=0.01). Likewise, the mean number of fertilized oocytes was higher in the rFSH+rLH cycles compared with the HP-hMG cycles (8.5 ± 5.9 vs 6.4 ± 3.6, respectively, p=0.05). There was no difference between the treatment cycles regarding the number of top-quality embryos, the ratio of top-quality embryos per number of oocytes retrieved or fertilized oocytes or the pregnancy rate. Conclusion: The differences in treatment outcome, derived by different LH preparations reflect the distinct physiological role of these molecules. Our findings may assist in tailoring a specific GT regimen when assembling an OS protocol.
Assessment of Parasympathetic Cardiovascular Activity in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Awe Oluwaseun Olaniyi , Ogunlade Oluwadare , Adegbehingbe Bernice Oluwakemi
Published: August 2021

PurposeTo describe the pattern of quantitative parasympathetic cardiovascular autonomic function among patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) and high-tension primary open-angle glaucoma (HTG) patients. MethodologyThis was cross-sectional study of ninety-two subjects enrolled into three groups: HTG (31 patients), NTG (31 patients) and Control (30 patients). All the participants had anthropometric assessment, ophthalmic examination, baseline cardiovascular examination and the three parasympathetic components of Ewing’s battery of autonomic cardiovascular function tests namely heart rate (HR) response to deep breathing, HR response to Valsalva manoeuvre and HR response to standing.ResultThe baseline PR intervals were significantly prolonged in HTG (0.18 ± 0.03 sec) and NTG (0.18 ± 0.04 sec) groups compared with control (0.15 ± 0.03sec) (p = 0.008). The HTG group had a significantly longer mean RR interval (1.09 ± 0.17 sec) than the NTG group (1.03 ± 0.20 sec) and control (0.97 ± 0.17 sec) during the expiratory phase of the HR response to deep breathing test (p = 0.037). The HTG group also had significantly longer mean RR intervals around the 15th beat (p = 0.033) and 30th beats (p = 0.202) post-standing during the HR response to standing test. The HR response to Valsalva manoeuvre test showed a significantly higher mean Valsalva ratio in the NTG group (1.65 ± 0.48) compared to the HTG group (1.45 ± 0.31) and control (1.43 ± 0.25) (p = 0.034).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that normal-tension and high-tension primary open-angle glaucoma have higher parasympathetic cardiovascular activity than normal individuals.
An Automatic Method for Rice Seed Vigor Classification Via Radicle Emergence Testing Using Image-Processing, Curve-Fitting and Clustering Methods
Authors: Onwimol Damrongvudhi , Sermwuthisarn Parichat , Phimcharoen Wanwisa , Chaisan Tanapon
Published: August 2021

Background: Rice seed vigor classification is important for seed storage management by seed producers and by farmers while planning their cultivation activities. Field emergence is a direct method of seed vigor testing but is laborious, time-consuming and subjective. The accelerated aging (AA) test is often used as an indirect method for rice seed vigor classification in the laboratory. However, the results from this method are often imprecise. This paper presents the SVRice package, a simple, cost-efficient and flexible procedure that utilizes computer image analysis for high-throughput, automatic rice seed vigor classification. SVRice consists of 4 steps: dynamic imaging, image processing, curve fitting and clustering. Seed vigor was classified based on radicle emergence indices, such as maximum radicle emergence (MaxRE), mean radicle emergence time (MRET), radicle emergence speed (t50), uniformity of radicle emergence (U7525), and area under the curve of the radicle emergence fitted curve (AUC).Results: Parameters used to classify rice seed vigor, such as MRET, U7525 and t50, were strongly negatively correlated with the saturated salt accelerated aging (SSAA) test. A germination time of 90 hours at 25°C was sufficient for effective classification based on SVRice, whereas the SSAA test took approximately 400 hours to complete. The SVRice software algorithm was created to be especially suitable for assessment after 6 months under controlled atmosphere storage (at 15°C and 37% RH in a hermetic bag). The study showed that SVRice could unambiguously classify 40 indica rice samples with different varieties, production years, production sites, storage times and storage conditions compared with the SSAA test.Conclusions: This paper confirmed the accuracy, reproducibility and flexibility of the SVRice package for automatic seed vigor classification of Oryza sativa seeds; moreover, it is also likely applicable to other species as a viable alternative to current methods that require more time and are less precise.
High Post-infection Protection after COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers: A Population-Level Observational Study Regarding SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection, Reactivation, and Re-positivity and its Severity
Authors: Sabetian Golnar , Shahriarirad Sepehr , Moghadami Mohsen , Asmarian Naeimehossadat , Shahriarirad Reza , Askarian Mehrdad , Haghighi Leila Hashemizadeh Fard , Javadi Parisa
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Even though over a year has passed since the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, our information regarding certain aspects of the disease, such as post-infection immunity is still very limited. This study aimed to evaluate post-infection protection and COVID-19 features among healthcare workers (HCWs), during three subsequent surges.Method: The study population consisted of all HCWs in either public or private hospitals in Fars province, Southern Iran from 20 April 2020 up to 20th February 2021. We calculated the rate of infection as the number of individuals with positive PCR tests divided by the cumulative number of person-days at risk. Poisson regression was utilized to calculate the adjusted rate ratio and estimated protection. Results: During the study period, a total of 30,546 PCR tests were performed among HCWs, of which 13,749 HCWs were positive. Among a total of 141 diagnosed cases who experienced a second episode of COVID-19, 44 (31.2%) cases of reactivation and relapse, and 97 (68.8% of infected and 1.81% of total HCWs) cases of reinfection was observed. The daily rate of infection was 4.72 for previously infected HCWs, while 2.20 for HCWs without previous infection. The estimated protection against repeat infection after a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection was 94.8% (95% CI: 93.6-95.7).Conclusion: Re-positivity, relapse, and reinfection of SARS-CoV-2 are quite rare in the population of HCWs. Also, after a first episode of infection, estimated protection of 94.8% was achieved against repeat infections.
Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α Overexpression Enhances the Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Cardiac Repair After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Wang Qingjie , Zhang Le , Sun Zhiqin , Chi Boyu , Zou Ailin , Mao Lipeng , Xiong Xu , Jiang JianGuang , Sun Ling , Zhu Wenwu , Ji Yuan
Published: August 2021

Aims Naturally secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) play important roles in stem-mediated cardioprotection. This study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective function and underlying mechanisms of EVs derived from HIF-1a engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a rat model of AMI.Methods and Results EVs isolated from HIF-1a engineered MSCs (HIF-1a-EVs) and control MSCs (MSCs-EVs) were prepared. In in vitro experiments, the EVs were incubated with cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells exposed to hypoxia and serum deprivation (H/SD); in in vivo experiments, the EVs were injected in the acutely infarcted hearts of Sprague-Dawley rats. Compared with MSCs-EVs, HIF-1a-EVs significantly inhibited the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes and enhanced angiogenesis of endothelial cells; meanwhile, HIF-1a-EVs also significantly shrunk fibrotic area and strengthened cardiac function in infarcted rats. After treatment with EVs/RGD-biotin hydrogels, we observed longer retention, higher stability in HIF-1a-EVs, and stronger cardiac function in the rats. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) displayed that miRNA-221-3p was highly expressed in HIF-1a-EVs. After miR-221-3p was inhibited in HIF-1a-EVs, the biological effects of HIF-1a EVs on apoptosis and angiogenesis were attenuated.Conclusion EVs released by MSCs with HIF-1a overexpression can promote the angiogenesis of endothelial cells and the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes via upregulating the expression of miR-221-3p. RGD hydrogels can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of HIF-1a engineered MSC-derived EVs.
Dynamical analysis of the infection status in diverse communities due to COVID-19 using a modified SIR model
Authors: Cooper Ian , Mondal Argha , Antonopoulos Chris , Mishra Arindam
Published: August 2021

In this article, we model and study the spread of COVID-19 in Germany, Japan, India and highly impacted states in India, i.e., Delhi, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Kerala and Karnataka. We consider recorded data published in Worldometers and COVID-19 India websites from April 2020 to July 2021, including periods of interest where these countries and states were hit severely by the pandemic. Our methodology is based on the classic susceptible-infected-removed (SIR) model and can track the evolution of infections in communities, i.e., in countries, states or groups of individuals, where we (a) allow for the susceptible and infected populations to be reset at times where surges, outbreaks or secondary waves appear in the recorded data sets, (b) consider the parameters in the SIR model that represent the probability of the infection and recovery rates to be functions of time and (c) estimate the number of deaths by combining the model solutions with the recorded data sets to approximate them between consecutive surges, outbreaks or secondary waves, providing a more accurate estimate. We report on the status of the current infections in these countries and states, and the infections and deaths in India and Japan in the end of August 2021, assuming a major outbreak occurs in early August 2021 in India and in mid-July 2021 in Japan. Our model can adapt to the recorded data and can be used to explain them and importantly, to forecast the number of infected, recovered, removed and dead individuals, as well as to estimate the probability of the infection and recovery rates as functions of time, assuming an outbreak occurs at a given time. The latter information can be used to forecast the future basic reproduction number and together with the forecast on the number of infected and dead individuals, our approach can further be used to suggest the implementation of intervention strategies and mitigation policies to keep at bay the number of infected and dead individuals. This, in conjunction with the implementation of vaccination programs worldwide, can help reduce significantly the impact of the spread around the world and improve the wellbeing of people.
Using Radiomics-based Modeling to Predict Individual Progression From Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Jiang Jiehui , Sun Xiaoming , Alberts Ian , Wang Min , Rominger Axel , Zuo Chuantao , Han Ying , Shi Kuangyu
Published: August 2021

Background: Predicting the risk of disease progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease (AD) has important clinical significance. This study aims at providing a personalized MCI-to-AD conversion prediction via radiomics-based predictive modeling (RPM) with multicentre 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) data. Method: Three cohorts of 18F-FDG PET data and neuropsychological assessments were gathered from patients examined at Huashan Hospital (n=22), Xuanwu Hospital (n=80), and from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database (n=355). Of these, amyloid images were selected for the ADNI and Xuanwu cohorts. First, 430 radiomic features were extracted from the 80 regions of interest (ROIs) for all PET images. These features were then concatenated for feature selection and an RPM model was constructed on the ADNI dataset. In addition, we used clinical scale data to establish a clinical Cox model, and a combined model for comparison. Afterwards, the images from Huashan Hospital were used to validate the stability and reliability of RPM, and the images from Xuanwu Hospital were used to explore the differences of biomarkers at different cognitive stages. Finally, correlation analysis was conducted between the radiomic biomarkers, neuropsychological assessments, and amyloid burden. Results: Experimental results show that the predictive performance of the PET-modal cox model was better than clinical cox model. In the two test data sets, the C index of PET model is 0.75 and 0.73, respectively; The C index of clinical model is 0.68. Moreover, most crucial image biomarkers had significant differences at different cognitive stages, and were significantly correlated with cognitive ability and the amyloid global level standardized uptake value ratio.Conclusion: The preliminary results demonstrated that the developed RPM approach has the potential to monitor the progress in high-risk populations with AD.
Predicting Postoperative Hypertension Among Patients With Ventricular Septal Defect in Infants
Authors: Kawamura Junpei , Ueno Kentaro , Shimozono Tsubasa , Takahashi Yoshihiro , Nakae Koji , Okamoto Yasuhiro
Published: August 2021

Purpose: Patients with strong pulmonary vascular occlusive lesions are at risk of developing postoperative pulmonary hypertension (PH). We aimed to evaluate preoperative right ventricular (RV) function in patients with ventricular septal defect (VSD) who required cardiac surgery during infancy and consequently developed postoperative PH and to determine whether we could preliminarily evaluate postoperative PH in these patients.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 55 infants with VSD who underwent cardiac surgery between March 2014 and April 2020. We evaluated the measurements of preoperative atrial/ventricular general function and 2D atrial/ventricular strain between these two groups: a group with postoperative PH (post-PH) and a group without postoperative PH (post-NPH). Results: Post-PH patients had a significantly lower tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (11.2 mm) and TAPSERA (the proportion of TAPSE due to RA contraction alone) (6.6 mm) than the post-NPH patients (14.1 mm, 8.5 mm). Furthermore, the post-PH group had a significantly lower peak right atrial (RA) longitudinal strain (PRALS) (31.0%) than the post-NPH group (43.0%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that PRALS and TAPSERA were independent echocardiographic parameters for the presence of post-PH. The sensitivity and specificity of predicting post-PH for ≤38% of the PRALS were 83.0% and 100.0%, respectively, with an area under the curve of 0.94 (p < 0.01).Conclusion: Preoperative RA function and RV diastolic function decreased in the post-PH group. The RA strain and TAPSERA could be useful factors for predicting postoperative PH.
Network controllability solutions for computational drug repurposing using genetic algorithms
Authors: Popescu Victor-Bogdan , Kanhaiya Krishna , Nastac Iulian , Czeizler Eugen , Petre Ion
Published: August 2021

Control theory has seen recently impactful applications in network science, especially in connections with applications in network medicine. A key topic of research is that of finding minimal external interventions that offer control over the dynamics of a given network, a problem known as network controllability. We propose in this article a new solution for this problem based on genetic algorithms. We tailor our solution for applications in computational drug repurposing, seeking to maximize its use of FDA-approved drug targets in a given disease-specific protein-protein interaction network. We show how our algorithm identifies a number of potentially efficient drugs for breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer. We demonstrate our algorithm on several benchmark networks from cancer medicine, social networks, electronic circuits, and several random networks with their edges distributed according to the Erdös-Rényi, the scale-free, and the small world properties. Overall, we show that our new algorithm is more efficient in identifying relevant drug targets in a disease network, advancing the computational solutions needed for new therapeutic and drug repurposing approaches.
Multitaper Time-frequency Peak-based Longitudinal Sleep Analysis in 5XFAD Mouse Model
Authors: Kim Chaeyeon , Drew Victor James , Park Mincheol , Kim Tae
Published: August 2021

Background: Sleep disturbance is common in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the characteristics of sleep disturbance remain unclear. Multitaper spectral analysis (MSA) is a novel method for investigating sleep. However, MSA-based sleep research in AD is lacking; hence we applied MSA to examine the sleep of AD.Methods: Electroencephalograms were recorded on 3-, 6-, and 10-month-old 5XFAD mice, and the time-frequency (TF) peaks were detected using MSA. We comparatively analyzed the TF peaks between genotypes and age groups.Results: The sigma TF peaks (~80%) were sleep spindles. MSA-based TF plot showed distinct patterns, agreeing with manual scoring. With AD progression, the characteristics of TF peaks coherently changed; shorter sigma TF peaks outnumbered longer ones; dark-period fast spindle TF peak density decreased significantly at both 6 and 10 months.Conclusions: Multitaper TF peaks might provide biomarkers for the progression of AD. Further investigations are warranted.
Relations Between Performance Enhancement Drugs and Health-defining Parameters During the Competition Preparation Period of World-class Bodybuilders
Authors: Wiacek Magdalena , Trabka Bartosz , Markuszewski Leszek , Tomasiuk Ruszard , Zubrzycki Igor Z.
Published: August 2021

Fluctuations in biochemical parameters defining cardiovascular, liver and muscoskeletal health were analyzed to evaluate the health status of world class bodybuilders using performance enhancement drugs such as anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) [testosterone propionate, drostanolone propionate (Masteron), trenbolone acetate (Finajet), oxandrolone (Anavar), stanozolol (Winstrol) and boldenone undecylenate], human growth hormone (HGH) and “fat-burning drugs” [triiodothyronine (t3), clenbuterol, mesterolone (Proviron), tamoxifen citrate (Nolvadex) and 2,4-Dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP)], and a 6-month preparation period. Changes in serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and bilirubin, as well as body mass (BM) and total body fat percentage (BF%), were measured as a function of the competition preparation period. The study shows a continuous increase in BM, accompanied by a decrease in BF% to the physiologically optimal level. TC levels varied significantly within the desired concentration range (TC < 5.18 mmol / L), and TG fluctuated between the ranges of concentrations borderline high (1.69 mmol / L ≤ TG < 2.26 mmol / L) and high (2.26 mmol / L ≤ TG < 5.65 mmol / L) concentration ranges. HDL-C levels remained within the low range (TG < 1.03 mmol / L), whereas LDL-C fluctuated across all physiologically important ranges, that is, near-optimal / above optimal (2.59 mmol / L ≤ LDL-C < 3.34 mmol / L), borderline high (3.35 mmol / L ≤ LDL-C < 4.11 mmol / L), and high (4.14 mmol / L ≤ LDL-C < 4.91 mmol / L). AST and ALT concentrations remained within the high-concentration region, i.e., > 0.58 mkat / L and > 0.91 mkat / L. Bilirubin concentration fluctuated within the desirable limits (3.42 mmol / L ≤ Bilirubin < 2.53 mmol / L), and urea concentration were between desirable (3.2 mmol / L ≤ Urea < 7.9 mmol / L) and high values (Urea ≥ 7.9 mmol / L). Although most of the changes are within physiologically acceptable ranges, there are evident disturbances in LDL-C and Urea levels induced by performance-enhancing drugs. To our knowledge, this study is among the few, if not the only, that discloses the physiological changes associated with doping-assisted preparations for an international bodybuilding contest.
ENPP1 Is Correlated With Insulin Resistance and Lipid Molecules in PCOS Rats
Authors: Xia Jing , Yang Yiqing , Yang Zhe , Wu Gengxiang , Yang Jing
Published: August 2021

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) may be an inhibitor of the insulin signalling pathway, and insulin resistance (IR) is believed to be the core mechanism in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This study aimed to investigate the expression of ENPP1 in different tissues of PCOS rats and to analyse its potential role in the pathophysiology of PCOS.MethodsEighteen 23-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the PCOS and control groups (n= 9/group). Serum, ovaries, skeletal muscle, and subcutaneous and visceral fat were collected after 20 days. Pathological examination, immunofluorescence and western blotting analyses were performed. Serum indicator levels were measured, including ENPP1, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS), free fatty acids (FFAs), adiponectin (ADP), leptin, and serum lipids. ResultsThe levels of ENPP1, T, MCP-1, FBG, FINS, homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR), FFAs, leptin, cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly higher in the PCOS group, while ADP and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were significantly lower than in the control group. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis showed that ENPP1 was correlated with T, MCP-1, HOMA-IR, FFAs, leptin, serum lipids and ADP. The mRNA levels of ENPP1, BAX, and IRS1 were higher in the ovaries, skeletal muscle, subcutaneous fat, and visceral fat of PCOS rats, and the protein expression of ENPP1 was significantly higher in the ovaries. ConclusionENPP1 is highly associated with IR and lipid metabolism-related molecules, which may promote pathophysiological changes in PCOS.