bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association between Allostatic Load and Mortality among Chinese Older Adults: The Chinese Longitudinal Health and Longevity Study
Authors: Zhang Tianhang , Yan Lijing , Chen Huashuai , Jin Haiyu , Wu Chenkai
Published: June 2020

Background

Allostatic load, as multiple biomarker measures of ‘wear and tear’ on physiological systems, has shown some promise that high burden of AL is associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes, but little attention has been paid to China with largest aging population in the world. This study is to examine the association between allostatic load (AL) and all-cause mortality among Chinese adults aged at least 60 years.
Methods

Data were from 2,439 participants in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. The final analytic sample consisted of 1,519 participants. Cox models were used to examine the association between AL and mortality among men and women, separately. Analysis were also adjusted for potential confounders including age, ethnicity, education, and marital status, smoking and exercise.
Results

In the fully adjusted model, males with a medium AL burden (score: 2–4) and high AL burden (score: 5–9) had a 34% and 128% higher hazard of death, respectively, than those with a low AL burden (score: 0–1). We did not find significant difference between females with different levels of AL burden.
Discussion

Higher AL burden was associated with increased all-cause mortality among Chinese men aged at least 60 years. However, we did not find strong evidence about Allostatic load was associated with specific causes of death over the same follow-up period among women. In conclusion Intervention programs targeting modifiable components of the AL burden may help prolong lifespan for older adults, especially men, in China.
Platelet-rich Plasma Enhanced MSCs Repair for Glycerin-induced Acute Kidney Injury via AKT/Rab27 Paracrine Pathway
Authors: Ji Cheng , Zhang Jiahui , Shi Hui , Liu wanzhu , Sun Fengtian , Zhang Chenxiao , Zhang Leilei , Sun Zixun , Qian Hui
Published: June 2020

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) was defined by rapid deterioration of renal function, as a common complication in hospitalized patients. Among the recent therapeutic options, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were considered a promising strategy for damaged tissues repair. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) regulates stromal cells to repair tissue damage through the release of growth factors. Here we proposed a possible therapeutic use of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells stimulated by platelet-rich plasma (PRP-MSCs) in a murine model of acute renal injury generated by glycerin injection.Methods: In vivo, we constructed cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury rat models. On day 1 post injury, rat received a tail vein injection of 1×106 MSCs and 1×106 PRP-MSCs. All animals were sacrificed at Day 3 after glycerin injection. Renal function (serum BUN, Creatinine), histopathological structure changes and tubular cells apoptosis were evaluated. In vitro experiment, 50 μmol/L of glycerin treated NRK-52E for 12h were incubated with MSC or PRP-MSC for 24h in transwell co-culture system. Cells were harvested for apoptosis assay, immunofluorescence assay, western blot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).Results: In vivo and vitro studies confirmed that the PRP induced YAP nucleus expression to promoting the proliferation and reinforces the stemness of MSCs, and stimulated the paracrine exosomes of MSCs by activating AKT/Rab27 signaling pathway to inhibiting the apoptosis of renal tubular cells. Conclusions: Our results revealed a novel potential use of PRP-MSCs as therapeutic strategy for acute kidney injury, highlighting the presence and role of the reno-protective factor PRP-MSCs.
Association of the Anatomical Sacral Slope With Lumbar Lordosis and Pelvic Incidence in Female Patients With Developmental Hip Dysplasia: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Imai Norio , Suzuki Hayato , Sakagami Atsushi , Hirano Yuki , Endo Naoto
Published: June 2020

Background:The anatomical sacral slope, considered an anatomical pelvic parameter independent of femoral head centers for measurement, was previously described to strongly correlate withpelvic incidenceon two-dimensional examination of normal healthy subjects. However, the associationbetween anatomical sacral slope and pelvic incidence was unclear in patients withdevelopmental dysplasia of the hip. Thecurrent study aimed to examine the association between anatomical sacral slope and other spinopelvic parameters on plain radiographs in female patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip. Methods:Eighty-four women with developmental dysplasia of the hip were examined. Lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, pelvic incidence, sacral slope, and anatomical sacral slope, which was deemedthe angle formed by the straight line of the S1 superior endplate and a line at a right angle to the anterior pelvic plane, were determined by plain radiographs. The correlations were examined by Pearson correlation coefficients, and intra- and interrater intraclass correlation coefficients were evaluated forreliability.Results:A strong association was observed between pelvic incidence and anatomical sacral slope (r=0.725, p<0.001). In addition, the association between anatomical sacral slope and lumbar lordosis wassimilar to that between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis (r=0.661, p<0.001 and r=0.554, p<0.001, respectively). The intraraterintraclass correlation coefficient values were 0.869 for anatomical sacral slope and 0.824 for pelvic incidence. Furthermore, the interraterintraclass correlation coefficient values were 0.83 for anatomical sacral slope and 0.685 for pelvic incidence. Conclusions:We found that the strong association between anatomical sacral slope and pelvic incidence wasequal to that in normal,healthy subjects. The associationbetweenanatomical sacral slope and lumbar lordosis was equal to that between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis. Additionally, the intraclass correlation coefficient value foranatomical sacral slope was slightlyhigher than that forpelvic incidence. We thusconclude that anatomical sacral slope can be considered a helpful anatomical pelvic parameter that isasubstitute for pelvic incidence not only in normal subjectsbut also in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip.
Interference of interleukin-1β mediated by lentivirus promotes functional recovery of spinal cord contusion injury in rats via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Yi-li , Hu Xi , Li Qin-xuan , Zhang Li-xin , Xia Qing-jie , Liang Nan , Liu Wei-hua , Zhang Xiao
Published: June 2020

Background: Spinal cord contusion (SCC) results in a series of pathophysiologic consequences such as edema, apoptosis, and inflammation. However, inflammation may also be beneficial for the recovery of motor function after SCC, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is a pro-inflammatory factor that has synergistic effects with other inflammatory factors to aggravate spinal cord injury. Inflammatory factors have been found to activate the serine/threonine-specific protein kinase, protein kinase B (AKT) and to inhibit cell survival, but it is not clear whether inflammation upregulates the expression of IL-1β in the rat model of SCC and subsequently interferes in the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, this study explored whether IL-1β affects the recovery of motor function in spinal cord injury by interfering with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Method: SCC rats were established by the Allen method. The Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) scoring was used to assess motor function in the spinal cord of injured rats. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to determine the expression of genes and proteins of IL-1β, PI3K, and AKT1. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to locate and detect IL-1β and AKT1 proteins in spinal cord tissue. To further explore the underlying mechanism of IL-1β, lentivirus was constructed by RNA interfering (RNAi) technique to inhibit the expression of IL-1β, and bioinformatics was applied to show the relationship between IL-1β and AKT1. Results: BBB scores decreased after SCC, and IL-1β and AKT1 was located in the cytoplasm of spinal cord anterior horn neurons. In the early stage of SCC, the expression level of IL-1β gene and protein in the experimental group was higher than that in the sham operated group. At the same time, expression of the AKT1 gene decreased. After expression of IL-1β mediated by lentivirus was inhibited, BBB scores increased significantly, and spinal cord motor function improved. Bioinformatic analysis revealed a relationship between IL-1β and AKT1. In addition, AKT1 gene expression was upregulated and PI3K expression was unchanged in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Conclusion IL-1β not only exacerbates the inflammatory response after SCC, but also interferes with motor function. Inhibition of IL-1β may promote recovery of spinal cord injury by upregulating AKT1 in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which provides a new perspective for future clinical practice in treating spinal cord injury
ZhenQi FuZheng Formula Improves Mouse Hematopoietic Function after Cyclophosphamide-Induced Damage via Enhancing Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Concentrations
Authors: Chu Qiubo , Dou Bo , Wang Shimiao , Li Lanzhou , He Jiawei , Wang Xue , Lee Robert J. , Li Dongjie , Wang Di
Published: June 2020

Background: Among the hematopoietic system, bone marrow has been recognized as the major source of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs). Immuosuppression can inhibit the growth of bone marrow cells and cyclophosphamide (CTX) has been reported to induce myelosuppression. Regeneration of the immune system and hematopoietic function has become a primary problem in tumor adjuvant therapy. The present study investigated the effects of ZhenQi FuZheng formula (ZQFZ) on hematopoietic function in cells and murine models of cyclophosphamide(CTX)-induced immunosuppression and hematopoietic dysfunction. Methods: According to antibody chip analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ZQFZ regulated seven cytokines in serum and the spleen. Results: In Nrf2-siRNA transfected K562 cells, the regulatory effects of ZQFZ on the expression concentrations of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and hematopoietic related proteins were strongly abolished. In immunosuppressed mice, ZQFZ enhanced the NK cell activities and regulated the concentrations of cytokines related to immune function. ZQFZ induced proliferation and differentiation, and upregulated the expression of hematopoietic-related proteins, including p90 ribosomal S6 kinases 1 (RSK1p90), c-Myc, and ETS transcription factor in CHRF and/or K562 cells. In mice with hematopoietic dysfunction, ZQFZ contributed to the recovery of blood cell concentrations in peripheral blood to normal values and enhanced the percentages of B lymphocytes (LYs) and juvenile cells in the bone marrow.Conclusions: In spleens of hematopoiesis damaged mice and primary cultured bone marrow cells, ZQFZ upregulated the expression concentrations of NF-E2-related Factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream proteins, and the activation of nuclear factor kappa-B. ZQFZ showed remarkably beneficial effects on the bone marrow hematopoietic system, at least partially, by enhancing the concentrations of M-CSF.
Tissue-nonspecific Alkaline Phosphatase Blockade Ameliorates Behavioural Deficits and Life-expectancy on Tauopathies
Authors: Sebastián-Serrano Álvaro , Merchán-Rubira Jesús , Di-Lauro Caterina , Bianchi Carolina , Narisawa Sonoko , Millan Jose Luis , Avila Jesus , Hernandez Felix , Diaz-hernandez Miguel
Published: June 2020

The authors have removed this preprint from Research Square.
Research on Personal Credit Evaluation of Internet Finance Based on Blockchain and Decision Tree Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Yuhao
Published: June 2020

With the development of Internet finance, existing financial platforms have gradually formed a large-scale, dynamic operating environment. How to ensure information security and realize personal credit evaluation is an urgent problem to be solved in the development of Internet financial platforms. The rise of blockchain technology has provided new solutions for the management of Internet financial platforms and information security. In view of the shortcomings of the current Internet financial credit evaluation, this article discusses the key standards of personal credit evaluation. With the help of blockchain, decision tree and other technologies, this paper designs the credit evaluation process and establishes personal credit evaluation technology. Experiments and analysis show that this technology can effectively improve the transparency of personal credit information in Internet finance. This technology is used to study credit risk assessment factors and provide new solutions for the intelligent transformation and upgrading of Internet finance.
Clinical characteristics of 50 children with azygos lobe: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Lili , Zhao Fumin , Liu Hanmin , Chen Lina
Published: June 2020

Background
An azygos lobe is a rare anatomic variant of the lung which may be misdiagnosed as other pathological conditions. This study aimed to summarize the clinical characteristics and imaging manifestations of azygos lobe in children, which will be helpful for reasonable management and counseling of their families. Children with imaging findings of azygos lobe from West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University (Chengdu, China) between November 2008 and February 2019 were enrolled in the study. Clinical and radiologic characteristics of these patients were collected and analyzed.
Results
In total, 50 patients were included. 28% children were diagnosed as azygos lobe incidentally. The other 72% cases were diagnosed when they manifested respiratory symptoms including cough (18/50, 36%), fever (17/50, 34%), wheezing (9/50, 18%), dyspnea (7/50, 14%), and cyanosis (4/50, 8%). Congenital heart disease, Down syndrome, and other respiratory malformations were also found in a small proportion of these patients. In our study, all cases with azygos lobe had the right lung involved. Other imaging manifestations of these cases consisted of increased marking and infiltrates in the lung fields, local emphysema, consolidation, and atelectasis et al. Among the patients, only 8 patients (16%) diagnosed as azygos lobe infection. Compared with the non-infected group,there were no valuable risk factors related to the azygos lobe infection. And all the children with azygos lobe infection were cured after reasonable anti-infective treatment.
Conclusion
Children with azygos lobe were diagnosed mostly because of respiratory symptoms and these children had a good prognosis after resonable treatment. Only a small number of patients suffered from azygos lobe infection. Some of the patients with azygos lobe were found to have other organ malformations as well, which needed further monitoring and study.
Measles Outbreak in Complex Emergency: Estimating Vaccine Effectiveness and Evaluation of the Vaccination Response in Borno State, Nigeria, 2019
Authors: Baptiste Anne Eudes Jean , Wagai John , Luce Richard Ray , Masresha Balcha Girma , Klinkenberg Don , Veldhuijzen Irene , Oteri Joseph , Dieng Boubacar , Ogbodo Caroline , Mele Sule , Audu Musa Idowu , Braka Fiona , Hahné Susan , Sanders Lieke E.A.M. , Hak Eelko
Published: June 2020

Background: From January to May 2019, large measles outbreaks affected all states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. Borno state was the most affected by the measles outbreak recording 15,237 suspected cases with the state capital of Maiduguri having 1,125 confirmed cases by March 2019. Twenty-two Local Government Areas (LGAs or Districts) and 37 internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps had been affected. In response to the situation, outbreak response immunization (ORI) was conducted. In addition to conventional vaccination teams, special teams were deployed in security compromised areas, areas with migrants, and for nomadic and IDPs. Here we describe the ORI and estimated the vaccine effectiveness (VE) for measles-containing vaccine (MCV) to assess the population-level impact. A post-campaign coverage survey (PCCS) was also carried out to assess the vaccination coverage.Methods: We reviewed the outbreak response-associated immunization activities, and conducted an analysis of the surveillance and the outbreak investigation reports. We evaluated VE of MCV by applying the screening-method using data from the measles outbreak and the latest mass vaccination campaign. The PCCS was conducted after completion of the ORI through a quantitative survey assessment in 1,800 households in 12 LGAs involved in the response.Results: Of the total 15,237 reported measles cases, 2,002 cases were line-listed and investigated, and 737 were confirmed for measles as at epidemiological week 9. Of the investigated cases 67.3% (n = 1,348) were between 9 and 59 months of age. Among the 737 confirmed cases, only 9% (n = 64) stated being vaccinated with at least 1 dose of MCV. The median VE for MCV is 96.7% (95%CI: 94.7 – 98.1), and 87.3% (95%CI: 71.0 – 95.2) when vaccine was received at 9 – 11. The aggregated weighted vaccination coverage is 85.7% (95%CI: 79.6 – 90.1).Conclusion: The experience in Borno demonstrates that adequate VE can be obtained in conflict-affected areas. In complex emergency affected by measles outbreaks, health authorities may consider integration with other health strategies and the engagement of security personnel as part of the ORI activities.
Effect of antifibrotic agents on survival in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients according to forced vital capacity: a real-world retrospective cohort study in Japan
Authors: Saeki Sho , Nishiyama Osamu , Yamazaki Ryo , Yoshikawa Kazuya , Shirahase Ken , Gose Kyuya , Oomori Takashi , Nishikawa Yusaku , Sano Akiko , Sano Hiroyuki , Iwanaga Takashi , Tohda Yuji
Published: June 2020

Background

Antifibrotic agents suppress the decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) and disease progression in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients. However, their effect on survival prognosis and differences in this effect according to baseline lung function have been unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of antifibrotics on survival prognosis and whether this effect differed according to baseline FVC.
Methods

Consecutive IPF patients from January 2008 to May 2019 were examined retrospectively. FVC and effect of pirfenidone or nintedanib therapy were assessed. FVC at registration was used to categorize the patients into mild: FVC % predicted ≥ 80%, moderate: FVC % predicted 50–80%, and severe: FVC % predicted < 50% IPF groups.
Results

In total, 172 IPF patients were included. The mean FVC % predicted was 77.4 ± 22.2%. The median survival periods of patients in the mild, moderate, and severe IPF groups were 1,452, 1,305, and 481 days, respectively. Significant differences were observed in survival between the mild and severe groups and the moderate and severe groups (p < 0.0001), but not between the mild and moderate groups (p = 0.20). The survival was longer in patients on antifibrotic therapy in the mild (p = 0.18) and moderate groups (p = 0.04), but not in the severe group (p = 0.93).
Conclusions

Antifibrotics extended the survival of IPF patients. The effect was obvious in patients with FVC % predicted of 50–80%, a tendency was observed in patients with FVC % predicted ≥ 80%, while no effect was observed in patients with FVC % predicted < 50%.
Persistent Hiccups as atypical presentation of COVID-19: a Case Report
Authors: Zahran Mohamed
Published: June 2020

The recent outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 has become pandemic since it began in late 2019. Typical symptoms include cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, myalgia and sore throat. There are other unusual or atypical presentations of COVID-19 in ORL practice. We report a 64-year-old male patient presenting with hiccups as the only symptom. Chest x-ray ray revealed new ground-glass opacities in both lung fields and he was found to be COVID-19 positive by RT-PCR. Early recognition of the COVID-19 atypical presentations by the Otolaryngologist facilitates subsequent management and case isolation to eliminate the risk of viral transmission.
Pharmacological evaluation of Salvadora persica on scopolamine-induced memory disorder
Authors: Biradar Prakash R. , Attar Vasim
Published: June 2020

Background: Salvadora persica root has been reported for various pharmacological activities and it can also be used for memory sharpening.Aim and Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of Salvadora persica root extract on scopolamine induced amnesia in ratsMaterials and Methods: The evaluation of Salvadora persica (S. persica) on scopolamine induced memory impairment was carried out using scopolamine 3mg/kg p.o for 7 days followed by treatment with Donepezil (3mg/kg) and S. persica root extract (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg) for 21 days; assessed by in vivo and in vitro studies. In vivo models Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), Morris Water Maze (MWM) and Passive Avoidance Paradigm (PA) was used for assessment of Transfer Latency (TL), Escape Latency (EL) and Step Through Latency (STL). In vitro studies on rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus AChE enzyme estimation, estimation of reduced glutathione, GSH and histopathological studies. Results: Treated animals shown increased STL whereas decreased TL and EL. In vitro studies of brain and parts of the brain showed decreased AChE enzyme activity in hippocampus and cerebral cortex, increased level of reduced glutathione level and reduced MDA levels. Considerable histopathological changes were seen in treated rat brain, specially in CA1 and CA3 neural intact in hippocampus region.Conclusion: Present study describes attenuation action of S. persica on memory impairment induced by scopolamine may be due to increase in Acetylcholine (ACh) level in brain by inhibiting AChE enzyme and antioxidant property of S. persica. Histopathological changes are seen in scopolamine treated rats and treatment rats.
Oral Microbiome Response to Powered vs Manual Toothbrush: Protocol for a Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis
Authors: Riad Abanoub , Klugarova Jitka , Chuchmova Veronika , Slezakova Simona , Pokorna Andrea , Krsek Martin , Klugar Miloslav
Published: June 2020

Background: Subclinical changes in response to different types of toothbrushes represent a challenging knowledge gap in the context of self-administered oral hygiene regimes; therefore, this systematic review will be the first to evaluate the oral microbiome response to powered versus manual toothbrushes.Methods: We will conduct a systematic review using the Cochrane Handbook’s guidelines and will adhere to a standardized reporting format: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A comprehensive search strategy will be conducted in the following databases for published studies: Ovid MEDLINE(R), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest Central, ProQuest Dissertations Theses Global, Bibliographia Medica Cechoslovaca, and Dentistry Oral Sciences Source. Following a two-level screening process, data including the full reference, objectives, target population, description of the intervention and control intervention, outcome measures, design, length of the post-intervention follow-up period, and the study results will be extracted, synthesized, and reported. Risk of bias and quality of the studies will also be assessed.Discussion: No primary data collection will be undertaken; therefore, no formal ethical assessment is required. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.Registration: The protocol has been registered with the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42020153557) since April 28th, 2020.
Clinicopathological and Prognostic Significance of Maspin Expression in Resected Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Yi , Dong Yingxian , Li Jialong , Che Guowei
Published: June 2020

Objective To explore the association of maspin expression with clinical pathological parameters and prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received the surgical therapy.Methods The EMBASE, Web of Science and PubMed were searched to identify eligible studies to 3 December, 2019. The correlation of maspin expression with clinicopathological characteristics and survival of resected NSCLC patients was assessed by the combined relative risk (RR) and hazard ratio (HR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI), respectively. All statistical analyses were performed via the Stata 12.0 software.Results A total of 12 articles involving 1771 patients were included. The results manifested that maspin was more prevalent in lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (RR=0.36, 95% CI: 0.22-0.60, P＜0.001) and significantly associated with P53 expression (RR=1.50, 95% CI: 1.00-2.24, P=0.048), while no significant correlation of maspin with other clinicopathological parameters such as the gender, age, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage or differentiation status was observed. As for the prognosis representing as overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS), only significant association between maspin and CSS (HR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.16-2.15, P=0.003) was revealed. However, the subgroup analysis for OS based on the histology demonstrated that maspin expression was an unfavourable and favourable prognostic indicator in lung adenocarcinoma (HR=3.36, 95% CI: 1.44-7.87, P=0.005) and SCC (HR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.27-0.71, P=0.001), respectively.Conclusion Maspin expression was correlated with histology type and P53 expression, but no certain association of maspin with other clinicopathological characteristics or prognosis was observed in resected NSCLC. More well-designed prospective researches with big samples are still needed to further assess the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of maspin in NSCLC patients undergoing surgical resection.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Regulate Activation of Microglia Cells to Improve Hippocampal Nerve Damage of Heat Stroke Rats
Authors: Wang Lu , Zhao Yan , Deng Zihui , Yuan Rui , Yang Mengmeng , Zhang Yu , Li Yun , Zhou Feihu , Kang Hongjun
Published: June 2020

Background: Heat stroke (HS) is a severe systemic inflammatory response disease caused by high fever, mainly with nervous system damage. Currently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have inflammation and immunomodulatory effects. Therefore, we aimed to explore the protective effect and mechanism of MSCs on HS-induced excessive inflammation and neurological dysfunction.Methods: A heat stroke Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model was established at continuous high temperature (42 °C) and high humidity (70%-80%). After modeling, the rats were randomly divided into a heat stroke model group (HS group), a MSCs treatment group (HS+MSCs group), and a Control group in which the rats were kept at room temperature without any treatment. Survival analysis, neurological deficit scoring, pathological staining of hippocampus and cerebellum, immunofluorescence staining of microglia cells, and tissue level detection of inflammatory cytokines were performed in the three groups on day 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 separately.Results: After heat stroke modeling, the rats were severely paralyzed and had a high mortality. MSCs treatment significantly reduced the mortality in both early stage (day 3) and late stage (day 28). MSCs treatment also significantly reduced the neurological impairment of heat stroke rats, and improved hippocampal and cerebellar pathology and neuronal cell damage. In addition, MSCs treatment significantly inhibited the overactivation of microglia in the hippocampus of HS rats as well as the levels of pro-inflammatory factors and chemokines in the hippocampus. In the early stage (day 1) of MSCs treatment, the activation of cerebellar microglia in the heat stroke rats was significantly promoted. Meanwhile, MSCs treatment had no significant inhibitory effect on the levels of pro-inflammatory factors in the cerebellar tissues of heat stroke rats, but can inhibit the levels of chemokines in the early stage.Conclusions: The application of MSCs for heat stroke treatment in rats can significantly reduce the mortality and neurological defects and improve the hippocampal injury. Meanwhile, MSCs can inhibit the over-activation of microglia cells in the hippocampus of heat stroke rats, which may be a mechanism of MSCs in protecting heat-stroke-caused hippocampal injury.
LGR4 Maintains HGSOC Cell Epithelial Phenotype and Stem-Like Traits
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Yin Ping , Sun Yu , Na Lei , Gao Jian , Wang Wei , Zhao Chenghai
Published: June 2020

Background: High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is lethal mainly due to extensive metastasis. Cancer cell stem-like properties are responsible for HGSOC metastasis. LGR4, a G-protein-coupled receptor, is involved in the maintenance of stem cell self-renewal and activity in some human organs. Methods: TCGA and CCLE database was interrogated for gene mRNA analysis in ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines. The interactions between LGR4 and ELF3 were validated through dual-luciferase reporter assays, Chip assays and Co-IP assays. Gain- and loss-of functions of LGR4, ELF3, FZD5 and WNT7B were performed to identify their roles in the behaviors of ovarian cancer cells. Flowcytometry analysis and tumorisphere formation assays were performed to identified their stem-like properties. In vivo experiments were performed as well.Results: LGR4 was shown to be overexpressed in HGSOCs and maintain the epithelial phenotype of HGSOC cells. LGR4 knockdown suppressed POU5F1, SOX2, PROM1 (CD133) and ALDH1A2 expression. Furthermore, LGR4 knockdown reduced CD133+ and ALDH+ subpopulations and impaired tumorisphere formation. To the contrary, LGR4 overexpression enhanced POU5F1 and SOX2 expression and tumorisphere formation capacity. LGR4 knockdown inhibited HGSOC cell growth and peritoneal seeding in xenograft models. Mechanistically, LGR4 and ELF3, an epithelium-specific transcription factor, formed a reciprocal regulatory loop, which was positively modulated by WNT7B/FZD5 pair. Consistently, knockdown of ELF3, WNT7B, and FZD5, respectively, disrupted HGSOC cell epithelial phenotype and stem-like properties. Conclusion: Together, these data demonstrate that WNT7B/FZD5-LGR4/ELF3 axis maintains HGSOC cell epithelial phenotype and stem-like traits; targeting this axis may prevent HGSOC metastasis.
Genetic diversity of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in the south and east regions of Kazakhstan and northwestern China
Authors: Yang Yicheng , Tong Jin , Ruan Hongyin , Yang Meihua , Sang Chunli , Liu Gang , Hazihan Wurelihazi , Xu Bin , Hornok Sándor , Rizabek Kadyken , Gulzhan Kulmanova , Wang Yuan-Zhi
Published: June 2020

Background
The Republic of Kazakhstan, located in Central Asia, ranks as the world’s largest landlocked country, and borders five countries including China. There is a 1783 km long borderline between the South and East regions of Kazakhstan and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR, northwestern China). To date, there is no report on the genetic diversity of ticks in these regions.
Methods
During 2015–2019, a total of 4392 hard ticks (representatives of ten species) were collected from 605 animals (sheep, cattle, camels, dogs and hedgehogs) at 24 sampling sites belonging to 15 districts in southeastern Kazakhstan. After morphological identification, 213 specimens of these ticks were selected for molecular analyses. In addition, 157 hard ticks collected from sheep and camels between 2015 and 2018 in seven districts of XUAR were used for comparison. Following DNA extraction, a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene, ranging from 631 bp to 889 bp, was used to analyze genetic diversity among these ticks.
Findings:
Phylogenetic analyses indicated that i) five tick species including Hyalomma detritum, Hyalomma asiaticum, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Haemaphysalis erinacei from Kazakhstan clustered together with conspecific ticks from XUAR; ii) the phylogenetic separation of Dermacentor marginatus from Kazakhstan and XUAR was highly supported; and iii) Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato from Alamaty Oblast was more closely related to a specimen from Iran than to that from XUAR. The network diagram of haplotypes showed that iv) Hy. asiaticum from Almaty and Kyzylorda (Kazakhstan) together with that from Yuli County of XUAR constituted an ancestral haplogroup; and v) three lineages of Rh. turanicus (from Israel, Almaty and South Kazakhstan, as well as from Usu city, Ulugqat and Baicheng Counties of XUAR) might have originated from an ancestral lineage in Alataw city, XUAR.
Conclusions
These findings indicate that: (i) mitochondrial lineages of some tick species are shared between southern, eastern regions of Kazakhstan and northwestern China; (ii) common evolutionary origin of Hy. asiaticum and Rh. turanicus in these regions might be attributed to historical international trade and movements of wildlife; and (iii) certain tick species show clear differences between Kazakhstan and XUAR, either in terms of abundance (e.g. Hy. scupense, Hy. marginatum) or exhibiting a phylogenetic split between these regions (relevant to D. marginatus).
Trends in malaria cases and stratification of malaria incidence in the malaria elimination setting, Harari Region, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Esayas Endashaw , Tufa Asefa , Massebo Fekadu , Ahemed Abdulhamid , Ibrahim Ibssa , Dillu Dereje , Bogale Eyuel Asemahegn , Yared Solomon , Deribe Kebede
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Ethiopia has shown a notable progress in reducing the burden of malaria over the last two decades. Based on the progress, the country shifted from control to elimination of malaria. This study was conducted to analyse trends in malaria cases and stratification of malaria incidence in the malaria elimination setting in eastern Ethiopia.
Methods: A retrospective malaria data recorded from 2013 to 2019 were reviewed from Harari Region, eastern Ethiopia. In addition, three years malaria data were used to assess the sub-district ( kebele ) level stratification of malaria incidence.
Results: A total of 44,882 (46.9%) malaria cases were detected from 95,629 malaria-suspected outpatient diagnosed in Harari Region from 2013 to 2019. Of these, 41,046 were confirmed malaria cases (microscopically and rapid diagnostic test) while 3,836 were reported as clinical cases. In the region, malaria trend was fluctuating year to year, the high peak was reported in 2016 but malaria cases showed decreasing trend in number of malaria cases from 2017 to 2019. Plasmodium falciparum , P. vivax and mixed infections were accounted for 69.2%, 30.6% and 0.2% of the cases, respectively. The malaria risk appears to be heterogeneous and varies between districts, higher number of malaria cases were recorded in Jenella, Erer and Amir Nur districts, and about 80% of the cases were from these districts. According to the latest (2019) sub-district ( kebele ) level epidemiological data of malaria stratification, 8.3% of the sub-districts in the Harari region reported no malaria and a majority (61.1%) of sub-districts reported fewer than five cases per thousand population. Furthermore, there were no high malaria strata in the Region. The highest peak of malaria cases in the Region was reported from September to November followed by from April to May.
Conclusions: In the Harari Region, the retrospective malaria data showed a significant declining trend. Thus, if this achievement is sustained and scaling-up of the existing malaria prevention and control strategies by focusing on those populations living in the higher malaria transmission districts and sub-districts, planning of malaria elimination from the study area might be feasible.
Key words: Elimination, Harari region, Ethiopia, Incidence, Malaria, Sub-district, Stratification
Knowledge, Risk Factors and Practices about Bed bugs in Rural Eastern Tanzania
Authors: Mnyone Ladslaus , Massawe Osyth Silvester
Published: June 2020

Background: Evidence-based strategies are needed to counter the increasing problem of bed bug infestations. We assessed community knowledge, risk factors and practices on bed bugs because they are essential for enhancing community commitment to control efforts.
Methods: We conducted a descriptive social survey using structured questionnaire and direct observations in selected villages of Morogoro Rural District, Eastern Tanzania.
Results: Total of 260 respondents participated, 53.08% (138/260) females and 46.92% (122/260) males; and majority had primary education (68%, 177/260). Majority were aware of at least one control measure against bed bugs including chemical insecticides, washing bedclothes and sunlight. Insecticides were considered the most powerful measure (Mkuyuni 81.82%, 27/33; Mfumbwe 44.82%, 26/58; Changa 34.91%, 59/169). Majority were able to identify bed bugs (Mfumbwe 87.93%, 51/58, Changa 63.31%, 107/169; Mkuyuni 51.52%, 17/33). Over 95% of respondents were aware that bed bugs reproduce by laying eggs and could identify them. Considerable proportion was aware of certain effects of bed bugs (Mkuyuni 75.76%, 25/33; Changa 53.87%, 91/169; Mfumbwe 46.55%, 27/58). Over 60% (156/260) of households presented several risk features and main ones were cracks on walls (85.75%, 223/260) and floors (92.50%, 241/260), not sleeping on beds (88.09%, 229/260), dusty floors (92.05%, 239/260) and hiding spaces on beds (71.25%, 185/260). Households controlling bed bugs ranged from 41.38% to 45.45%, with up to 100% of those using insecticides. Majority indicated controlling other household pests (Changa 69.23%, 117/169; Mfumbwe 63.79%, 37/58; Mkuyuni 63.64%, 21/33) mainly through insecticides and improved sanitation. The frequency of applying insecticides varied significantly; up to 67.52% of respondents reported periods >1 and ≤4 years.
Conclusions: Majority of households in the study communities are in high risk of bed bug infestation. Over 60% of them presented multiple risk features and main ones were cracks on walls/floors, dusty floors, not sleeping on beds, and hiding spaces on beds. Insecticides were the most commonly known/used control measure. Insecticide applications were done without professional guidance and on irregular frequencies thus exposing study communities to high risk of insecticide resistance.
Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosis using Decision Tree Algorithms
Authors: Ilyas Hamida , Ali Sajid , Ponum Mahvish , Hasan Osman , Mahmood Muhammad Tahir
Published: June 2020

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), i.e., gradual decrease in the renal function spanning over a duration of several months to years without any major symptoms, is a life-threatening disease. It progresses in six stages according to the severity level. It is categorized into various stages based on the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), which in turn utilizes several attributes, like age, sex, race and Serum Creatinine. Among multiple available models for estimating GFR value, Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI), which is a linear model, has been found to be quite efficient because it allows detecting all CKD stages i.e., early stage to the last stage of kidney failure. Early detection and cure of CKD is extremely desirable as it can lead to the prevention of unwanted consequences. Machine learning are being extensively advocated for early detection of symptoms and diagnosis of several diseases recently. With the same motivation, the aim of this study is to predict the various stages of CKD using machine learning classification algorithms on the dataset obtained from the medical records of affected people. In particular, we have used the Random Forest and J48 algorithms to obtain a sustainable and practicable model to detect various stages of CKD with comprehensive medical accuracy. Comparative analysis of the results revealed that J48 predicted CKD in all stages better than random forest with a 85.5% accuracy. The study also showed that J48 shows improved performance over Random Forest, so, it may be used to build an automated system for the detection of severity of CKD.
Effects Of Acute Metformin Intake On Physiological Parameters And Performance Before, During And After High-intensity Interval Training Of Swimmers
Authors: Norberto Matheus Silva , ARRUDA TARINE BOTTA DE , ANDRADE VITOR LUIS DE , CURSIOL JONATAS AUGUSTO , ARAUJO GUSTAVO GOMES DE , PAPOTI MARCELO
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND: Metformin has shown potential to improve metabolic efficiency in short-intense efforts, prolonged-continuous efforts and recovery after supramaximal effort (i.e., phosphocreatine resynthesis). Metformin administration may be beneficial for high-intensity interval training session. The aim of the present study was to investigate the acute metformin administration effects on performance, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate, blood glucose and neuromuscular parameters related to a swimming series of high-intensity.METHODS: A double-blind, cross-over, randomized and placebo-controlled study was carried out. Seven healthy swimmers ingested MET (500mg) or placebo capsule on different days and performed a typical glycolytic session of high-intensity (i.e., lactate production objective). Bout time, RPE, neuromuscular parameters, blood lactate and glucose were analyzed. Cohen’s d analysis with inference based on magnitude was adopted (confidence interval set at 90%).RESULTS: There was an improvement in the performance of the second effort (72/28/0). Blood glucose during the series presented possible effects for decrease (96/3/1, 78/21/0, 93/6/1 after the 4th, 6th and 8th effort respectively) followed by a possible increase effect at the end of the series (1/6/93).Blood lactate showed a similar behavior of a possible decrease during the series (94/5/1, 60/40/0, 90/9/1 after the 4th, 6th and 8th effort respectively), followed by a possible increase effect at the end of the series (1/5/94). It was evidenced a possible increase effect on voluntary activation for lower limbs (91/8/1) without characterization of central and peripheral fatigue.CONCLUSION: Metformin alters physiological parameters during and after maximal intermittent efforts in swimming without enhancement on performance.
Sternal Reconstruction Using Locked Compression Plates (LCP): Our Experience in Egypt, A Case Series
Authors: Hosny Kareem , MA Nady , Ayyad Mohammed A.K Salama
Published: June 2020

Background: Sternal fractures are rare accounting for about 3-8% of traumatic chest. There are many lines of treatments for sternal fractures which can be classified as conservative or surgical. Surgical techniques include wire fixation and sternal plating. There are no standardization of indications for each line of management.We explore if sternal reconstruction using locking titanium plates and self-tapping screws provide the patient with the best chance of proper sternal healing avoiding chronic pain and its complications and allow the patient early mobilization and rapid restoring of his normal life at its maximumMethods: Our inclusion criteria are patients of both gender from 20-60 years of age presented with traumatic sternal fracture at any site or pathological fracture due to metastatic or primary tumors infiltrating the sternum. High Associated Injury Scale scores were excluded. Exclusion criteria also included patients younger than 20 years or older than 60 years. Primary outcome is post-operative pain score and is measured using numerical pain scale ranging from zero to 10 where zero means there is no pain at all and ten is the worst imaginable pain ever. Results: Sternal reconstruction using titanium plates has proven to be an efficient method of stabilization with tremendous immediate relief of pain showed by the differences between pre-operative and post-operative pain scale scores in our patients (n=5) with Median scores being 7 and 1.5 with range being from 7 to 9 and 1 to 3 respectively (p-value= .039). Operative time range between 150 minutes and 90 minutes with median of 120 minutes. Extubation of patients was smooth with no events with median time of extubation being 120 minutes. From our experience, there were no observed wound complications except at the third patient who suffered a small wound hematoma that was resolved by gentle compressing only and needed no further intervention. Conclusion: We recommend adopting sternal reconstruction using titanium plating systems more readily encouraging even larger clinical trials on the way to a clear guidelines. Plating systems show promising results with least pain, better stability, less complications and rapid, smooth recoveryTrial Registration: NCT04092374
Effects of Growth Substrate and Container Size on Cutting Production from Mojave Sage Stock Plants
Authors: Markovic Sean J. , Brown Shana G. , Klett James E.
Published: June 2020

Stock plant productivity is an important concern for growers of mojave sage (Salvia pachyphylla) because this species produces more woody growth as the plant ages. The objective of the study was to determine the best growth substrate and container size combination to maximize stock plant productivity. A secondary objective was to determine whether the stock plant treatments influenced the rooting of vegetative cuttings. Three different container sizes (3, 12, and 15.5 qt) and four soilless substrates composed primarily of bark, peat, and perlite (substrate 1); bark, peat, and vermiculite (substrate 2); bark, peat, and coarse perlite (substrate 3); and peat (substrate 4) were used. The stock plant experiment was conducted using 12 treatment combinations, and a subset of those stock plants was selected randomly for the rooting study that immediately followed the stock plant experiment. Stock plants responded to substrate treatments differently. The most successful stock plants, which produced more cuttings per plant and per square foot, as well as larger cuttings, were those grown in substrate 3. Regardless of substrate, the highest number of cuttings per square foot was obtained from stock plants grown in 3-qt containers, indicating that the smaller containers allow for the most efficient use of space when growing mojave sage stock plants for 4 to 6 months. The rooting of vegetative cuttings was successful (88% to 100% of cuttings rooted after 4 weeks under mist) for all treatment combinations.