bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved survival rate and functional recovery of TKA in cementless fixation compared with cemented component: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Yuan , Zeng Yi , Wu Yuangang , Li Mingyang , Xie Huiqi , Shen Bin
Published: March 2020

Background: Whether the cement could be given up in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was still in controversy. We perform this meta-analysis to compare the rate of revision and functional recovery between two kinds of fixation in TKA. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective/retrospective observational studies from PubMed (on 2019 Sep), EMBASE (on 2019 Sep), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Web of Science (on 2019 Sep) were searched. Continuous outcomes were presented as mean difference or standard mean difference with 95% CI and discontinuous outcomes were reported as relative risk (RR) with 95% CI. Random-effects or fixed-effects model was conducted to analyze the extracted data. The PRISMA guidelines and Cochrane Handbook were adopted to assess the quality of the results reported in included studies to ensure that the results of our meta-analysis were reliable and veritable. The continuous and dichotomous outcome were collected in a standard form, and the data were analysed by using Review Manager 5.3 software. Finally, the results were presented in the Forest plots. The rate of revision and reasons caused revision was the primary outcome of our study.Results: Twenty-six studies involving 2369 patients in cementless TKA and 2654 patients in cemented TKA were finally included in our meta-analysis. 26 studies were divided into three subgroups according to the length of follow-up. The studies in the first subgroup followed less than 5.5 years, the second followed less than 10.5 years, and the third followed more than 10.5 years. Cementless fixation significantly decreased the rate of aseptic loosing (p=0.0002) and revision (p=0.0002) in the first subgroup. Other reasons such as periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), instability and polyethylene wear were not significantly different between two groups. Significantly better functional recovery was got in cementless TKA in terms of Knee Society Function Score (p=0.01) when followed longer than 8.5 years. Significantly less patients in cementless group require manipulation under anesthesia (p=0.02) when duration was longer than 5.5 years. However, there was no significant difference regarding the rate of complication between two kinds of fixation in TKA.Conclusion: Not only the rate of aseptic loosing was decreased, rate of revision was also significantly decreased in cementless TKA within 5.5 years. In addition, the cementless TKA seemed performed better in postoperative functional recovery when had a long-term follow-up. However, the rate of complication was not significantly different in two kinds of fixation in TKA.
Comparison of the effect of exercise on stable surface versus unstable surface on cross section area of lumbar multifidus muscle and thickness of abdominal muscle in patients with chronic low back pain
Authors: Emami Mozhgan , Emami Farahnaz , Nezhad Farahnaz Ghafari , Taghizadeh Shohreh
Published: March 2020

Objective The aims of this study were, comparison the effects of core stability exercises performed on a stable or unstable surface on the thickness of abdominal and lumbar multifidus muscle in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. Method Thirty-four patients were randomly assigned to an unstable or stable surface group (n = 17 each). Both groups did five core stability exercises for 6 weeks (three times per week). the thickness of the core muscle was evaluated pre and post-treatment. Results After 6 weeks of training, in both groups, all variables improve. internal oblique muscle thickness and transversus abdominis thickness in the unstable surface group improved significantly more than those in the stable surface group (p <0.05). Conclusion Our findings indicate exercise on an unstable surface more effective in improving the core muscle thickness relative to stable surface in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. However, extra studies are required to support our findings.
Methanogenic Granules Are Replicated, Whole Microbial Communities With Reproducible Responses To Environmental Cues
Authors: Trego Anna Christine , O'Sullivan Sarah , Mills Simon , Porca Estefania , Quince Christopher , Ijaz Umer Zeeshan , Collins Gavin
Published: March 2020

Background In this study, individual anaerobic granular biofilms were used as true community replicates to assess whole-microbial-community responses to environmental cues. The aggregates originated from three different biomass sources, i.e. three different engineered biological wastewater treatment systems, were each size-separated into three fractions – small, medium and large – and characterised according to organic matter concentrations and rates of methanogenic activity. Differences in the microbial community structure of each size fraction from each source were determined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Subsequently, single granules from the large size fraction of one of the sources were separately subjected controlled environmental cues in novel micro batch reactors (mBRs). Results Organic content, methanogenic activity, and microbial community were significantly different between the three size fractions, with diversity trajectories replicated across the three sludge sources – indicating a potential development model as granules age. Individual large granules from one of these sources were statistically identical with respect to the structure of the active community based on cDNA analysis. It was observed that the active microbial community of individual granules, at the depth of 16S rRNA sequencing, produced reproducible responses to environmental conditions. While each condition resulted in the up-regulation of particular OTUs and clades, the core microbiome, consisting of many fermentative bacteria along with methanogenic archaea, namely, Methanosarcina and Methanobacterium , persisted. Conclusions At this level, single anaerobic granules can be considered highly-replicated whole-ecosystems, opening the door to high-throughput studies in Microbial Ecology.
MicroRNA-155-5p promotes tumor progression and contributes paclitaxel resistance to chemotherapy via TP53INP1 in human Breast Cancer
Authors: Li Yu , Zhang Lingyu , Dong Zhengyuan , Xu Henan , Yan Lei , Yang Shuo , Chen Tiantian , Chen Sulian , Wang Wenrui , Yang Qingling , Chen Changjie
Published: March 2020

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, non-coding RNAs that functioned by targeting specific mRNA. Many studies have reported that, miRNAs play a vital role in cancer progression, they can exert their functions as oncogenes or cancer suppressors. As suggested in previous report, miR-155-5p is up-regulated in breast cancer. Results Here, we found that miR-155-5p promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis in MCF-7. In addition, these effects were reversed when high levels of miR-155-5p were suppressed in MCF7/PR. We determined that TP53INP1 served as a direct target of miR-155-5p through bioinformatic and luciferase assay. These findings confirmed that miR-155-5p was a tumorigenic factor that acted by targeting TP53INP1 and promoted tumor progression and contributed paclitaxel resistance to chemotherapy. Conclusions These results contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying breast cancer progression and resistance to chemotherapy.
Prevalence and risk factors for death in sepsis- associated brain dysfunction: a retrospective study from ICU admissions
Authors: Tong Dao-Ming , Zhou Ye-Ting , Wang Shao-Dan
Published: March 2020

Background: The prevalence of sepsis-associated brain dysfunction (SABD) in ICU patients with critically ill remains unknown. We are to assess whether the prevalence of sepsis in ICU would present a high prevalent life- threatening SABD. Methods: We enrolled acute critically ill adults patients from ICU (from January 1, 2015, to January 1, 2017). All patients were selected from onset to ICU ≤3 hours and followed up to 30 day for sepsis patients who were treated in initial 48 hours or more in ICU. The predictors and risk of death of SABD was analyzed by multivariate models. Results: Of the 1349 ICU patients with acute critically ill, 748 were enrolled. Among these, the prevalence of sepsis was 48.4% (362/748). The prevalence of SABD accounted for 97.2% of sepsis (352/362), with fatality at initial 30 days was 73.6%. We found that the strong clinical predictors or markers for SABD were a SIRS ≥2 (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.7-6.1), SOFA score ≥6 (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 2.6-3.5), and qSOFA score ≥2 (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.16-0.58). Cox logistic adjusted analysis revealed that lower mean arterial pressure (MAP) (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0-1.7)，higher SOFA score (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1- 1.9), and unused a rapid antibiotics treatment in initial 3 hours (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5-0.9) were the predictors of the risk of death among ICU patients with SABD. Conclusions: SABD is a leading life-threatening organ dysfunction following critically ill in ICU, with an high fatality. The predictors for worse survival SABD were related to the lower MAP, higher SOFA scores, and unused a rapid antibiotic treatment within initial 3 hours.
Technology, TFPG and Employment: A Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Malik Sameer , Mitra Arup
Published: March 2020

This paper based on the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) panel data set makes an attempt to estimate total factor productivity growth across countries. Productivity convergence over time is evident when countries are divided across regions which could be attributed to a greater degree of association of countries in a given region pursuing joint efforts for infrastructural development, ICT coverage and advancement, trade negotiations, technology acquisition and innovation, and inflow of FDI. In terms of efficiency estimates for select years most of the countries are seen to be operating much below the frontier. This is indicative of the fact that countries are keen to pursue resource-driven growth in an attempt to maximize it. Based on the inter-temporal data we observed that a number of countries registered either a negative or a positive but low correlation between labour productivity growth and TFPG. Evidently, countries are engaged in greater mechanization which may be raising labour productivity without ushering in much success in terms of TFPG. From panel data regression the impact of technology perceived in terms of TFPG, on employment is seen to be negligible though it is important to note that none of the groups, income or region wise, recorded a statistically significant negative effect except the LDC, while the significant cases (howsoever scanty) reveal a positive association. Appropriate incentives may motivate firms to experience technological progress and employment growth both.
Prophylactic role of Lactobacillus Paracasei exopolysaccharides on colon cancer cells through apoptosis not ferroptosis
Authors: Saadat Yalda Rahbar , Gargari Bahram Pourghassem , Shahabi Arman , Nami Yousef , Khosroushahi Ahmad Yari
Published: March 2020

Nowadays despite conventional methods in colon cancer treatment, targeting vital molecular pathways and induction of various forms of cell death by safe probiotic components like exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are of great importance and are considered as potential therapeutic agents. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of the EPS of L. paracasei on different colon cancer cell lines (SW-480, HT-29, and HCT-116). For this purpose, several cellular and molecular experiments including MTS assay, DAPI staining, Annexin V/PI assay, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and some important ferroptosis-related assays were performed. Based on the findings, L. paracasei EPS can induce apoptosis confirmed by all apoptosis-related assays and could not act through ferroptosis pathways. L. paracasei EPS could hinder the Akt1, mTOR, and Jak-1 mRNAs, and induces apoptosis through down-regulation of the anti-apoptotic gene (Bcl-2), up-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes (BAX, caspase-3, 8). The exploited EPS of an indigenous probiotic strain with anticancer potential with low/insignificant cytotoxicity to normal cells is proposed for future applications in molecular-targeted therapy of colon cancer treatment. Furthermore, in vivo and clinical trials should be performed to evaluate the applicability of this component besides conventional methods to increase the survival rate of colon cancer patients.
Identification of genes with therapeutic and prognostic values in lung adenocarcinoma microenvironment
Authors: Jiang Xueping , Gao Yanping , Zhang Nannan , Yuan Cheng , Luo Yuan , Sun Wenjie , Zhang Jianguo , Ren Jiangbo , Gong Yan , Xie Conghua
Published: March 2020

Background As the most diagnosed malignancy, lung cancer is also the primary cause of cancer death in the entire world. The therapy of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), which is the most prevalent subtype of lung cancer, draw researchers’ increasing attentions. This research aimed to investigate the tumor microenvironment (TME)-related hub genes which might be novel targets for treatment. Materials and methods LUAD-associated data packages, including RNA-Seq information and clinical data of 522 patients, were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). For better evaluation of stromal and immune cell components, immune scores, stromal scores and estimate scores were obtained with ESTIMATE algorithm based on gene expression levels in tumors. The R package heatmap and clustering analysis were used to explore interested genes. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by Venn diagram. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was applied to explore intrinsic connections of DEGs. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival curves, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were applied to investigate the prognostic values and intricate biological functions of DEGs. The relationships between 4 survival-related hub genes and 6 types of immune cells were examined using TIMER database. The LinkedOmics database was applied to look for kinase targets of hub genes. Results The immune/stromal/estimate scores were significantly correlated with clinical features, including the grades and sizes of LUAD, distant metastasis and outcomes. A total of 702 DEGs, 589 up-regulated and 113 down-regulated, were identified. GO and KEGG analysis showed that the DEGs had significant correlations with tumor immunology. PPI network suggested that the top 8 nodes were FPR2, C3AR1, MCHR1, CCR5, FPR1, CCL19, CCR2 and CXCL10. K-M survival curves indicated that FPR2, C3AR1, MCHR1 and CCR5, as hub genes, were significantly correlated with the overall survival (OS) of LUAD patients. The expression levels of C3AR1 and CCR5 were positively correlated with immune cell infiltration. LYN, LCK and SYK were the targeted kinases of these hub genes. Conclusion FPR2, C3AR1, MCHR1 and CCR5 were TME-related genes and potential biomarkers for the therapy and prognosis of LUAD.
Socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of low carbon technologies under rice production systems in China
Authors: Chen Zhong-Du , chen fu
Published: March 2020

Rice ( Oryza sativa L.) is the prominent cereal crop in Hunan Province (HP), which is a major rice production area in China. Rice production, such as farmers’ livelihood and the soil quality, has been identified to be influenced by climate change. Low carbon technologies (LCTs) have been identified to tackle agricultural challenges; however, the benefits of LCTs for farmers in rice production are still debatable. The choice of potential LCTs relevant to the case study is based on a literature review of previous empirical studies. Thus, the objective of the study were to 1) investigate the public perception and preferences of LCTs in rice production of HP, and 2) analyze the influences of the factors on farmer’s decision in adopting LCTs in rice production. There were 555 farmer surveys from eight representative rice production counties in HP, both the poisson estimators and multivariate probit approach were applied in the study. Our results show that water-saving irrigation, integrated pest management techniques and planting green manure crops in winter season were the three major LCTs adapted by farmers in rice production in HP. Both the intensity and probability of the adoptions of LCTs were affected by the main factors including farmers’ education level, climate change awareness, machinery ownership, technical support and subsidies. There is a significant correlation among the LCTs, and the adoption of the technologies is interdependent, depicting either complementarities or substitutabilities between the practices. This study suggests that policies enhance the integration of LCTs would be central to farmers’ knowledge, environmental concerns, technical service and financial support in rice production systems in China.
Immunoregulation of PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitory Pathway on Fetomaternal Tolerance in abortion Triggered by thyroid autoimmunity
Authors: Liu Haixia , Chen Mengya , Shan Zhongyan , Teng Weiping
Published: March 2020

Background: TAI in euthyroid pregnant women is associated with miscarriage. Studies have shown that the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway plays an important role in maternal-fetal tolerance by promoting Treg cells development and inhibition of Th17 cells responses, whereby it is essential for normal pregnancy maintenance. However, whether the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway leads to a Treg/Th17 imbalance has not been fully investigated in TAI. Methods: TAI fetal loss model was established by thyroglobulin (mTg) immunized CBA/J female mice. The frequencies of splenic Th17, Treg, PD-1 and PD-L1 were tested by flow cytometry. IL-17, Foxp3, RORγt, PD-1 and PD-L1 mRNA levels were tested by real-time PCR. Results: Compared with the control group, the number of CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + T lymphocyte in the placenta and spleen were significantly reduced (P<0.05) in the experimental group (mTg group), CD4 + IL-17 + T-cell subsets and expression of RORγt and IL-17 mRNA in the placenta were increased (P<0.05), the ratio of Treg/IL-17 in the placenta and spleen was decreased (P<0.05). The expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in mice immunized with mTg in CD4 + T group decreased the subsetof cells in the placenta and spleen including Tregs. Conclusions: The role of PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in an isolated thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) positive mouse abortion model is that it may lead to a peripheral Treg/Th17 imbalance and the maternal-fetal tolerance balance breakdown, which may ultimately result in fetal loss.
Characterization of ocular involvement in patients with Fabry disease
Authors: Wu Yuan , Yao Xuyang , Song Wenjing , Zhao Yawen , Yan Xiaoming , Yuan Yun , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2020

Background Fabry diseas (FD) is an X-linked recessive lysosomal storage disease that is caused by deficient activity of the lysosomal enzyme α-galactosidase A. Ocular abnormalities have been regarded as characteristic, frequent and easily accessed findings in Fabry disease, and have a high diagnostic value. Some of the ocular findings are easy to find using slit lamps. But some are only visible with the imaging devices such as in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and optical coherence topography (OCT) are prone to be ignored. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and characteristics of ocular findings in patients with FD. Result 32 FD patients diagnosed by gene test from one medical center were enrolled. Ocular examinations including slit-lamp examination, ophthalmological fundus imaging, in vivo confocal microscopy as well as optical coherence topography were performed. Among these patients, the prevalence of corneal verticillata was 96.8% (31/32). Corneal examination with in vivo confocal microscopy demonstrated hyper-reflective intracellular inclusions located within the basal epithelial cells. There were no obvious abnormalities in the Bowman’s membrane, stroma or endothelium. Conjunctival vessel malformations were observed in 62.5% (20/32) of patients and retinal vessel tortuosity was observed in 68.7% (22/32) of patients. Optical coherence topography showed many strong hyper-reflective foci in the inner retinal layer, in 62.5% (20/32) patients; the foci may be the images of retinal vascular plexi. Spoke-like opacity of lens was only in two patients. An old retinal artery occlusion was observed in one other patient. Conclusions Corneal verticillata, hyper-reflective foci on OCT, retinal vessel tortuosity and conjunctival vessel malformation show a high prevalence in FD. Epithelium deposition and small vessel malformation may be two basic types of all of these ocular involvements. And these ocular manifestations are characteristic and easily accessible, and should be considered diagnostic criteria for Fabry disease.
Risk factors for suicide attempts in patients with bipolar disorder misdiagnosed with major depressive disorder: results from a national survey in China
Authors: Chen Lin , Xu Yu-Yu , Du Jing-Ge , Xin Li-Min , Wang Su-Li , Ji Zhen-Peng , Yang Fu-de , Wang Gang , Fang Yi-Ru , Lu Zheng , Yang Hai-Chen , Hu Jian , Chen Zhi-Yu , Huang Yi , Sun Jing , Wang Xiao-Ping , Li Hui-Chun , Zhang Jin-Bei , Wang Ying , Su Yun’Ai , Si Tian-Mei
Published: March 2020

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a kind of mental disorder with the greatest risk of suicide, but it is often misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder (MDD) clinically. This study aimed to analyze the sociodemographic factors and clinical characteristics associated with suicide attempts (SA) in patients with BD misdiagnosed with MDD in China. Methods: A total of 1487 MDD patients were consecutively enrolled in 13 mental health centers in China. Data on patients’ sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected using a standardized protocol. Of these, 306 BD patients were misdiagnosed with MDD according to the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Suicide attempters and non-attempters were classified by the suicidality module of the MINI. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between the independent variables of interest and SA in BD patients misdiagnosed with MDD. Results: Of the 306 BD patients misdiagnosed with MDD, 225 (73.5%) were non-attempters and 81 (26.5%) were attempters. Compared to non-attempters, attempters were older (Z =2.2, p = 0.03) and had more admissions(χ2 =6.1, p = 0.013), more frequent depressive episodes, more atypical characteristics (e.g. increased appetite, weight gain, and more sleep time)(χ2 = 5.8, p = 0.016), more suicidal ideation (χ2 = 27.3, p < 0.001), more psychotic symptoms (χ2 = 7.4, p = 0.006) and more seasonal depressive episodes (χ2 = 5.6, p = 0.018). Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that attempters were characterized by more suicidal ideation (OR = 5.7, 95% CI: 2.6–12.5) and frequent depressive episodes (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.3–4.6). The limitations of this study include its cross-sectional design and data collection by suicide attempters’ retrospective recall. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that BD patients misdiagnosed with MDD are at a higher risk of suicide, and more frequent depressive episodes and suicidal ideation are risk factors for attempted suicide. Early identification of and interventions for these risk factors might reduce the risk of suicide in BD patients misdiagnosed with MDD.
Long non-coding RNA MAFG-AS1 promotes proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer by modulating STC2 pathway
Authors: Di Shihao , Lu Die , Chen Chunni , Ma Tianshi , Zou Zigui , Zhang Zhihong
Published: March 2020

Objective Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Chinese women. A number of studies proposed that long non-coding RNA plays an essential role in the regulation of invasion and metastasis of various forms of malignancy, including lung cancer, gastric cancer and bladder cancer. In this study, a long non-coding RNA MAFG-AS1 was explored in detail to understand the significance in the etiology of breast cancer.Methods Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to examine the expression level of LncRNA MAFG-AS1 in tissues and cell lines. The association of LncRNA MAFG-AS1 expression and the postoperative prognosis was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Cell proliferation was evaluated in vitro and in vivo . Transwell assays were performed to examine the cell migration. Cell cycle and apoptosis was evaluated by flowcytometry analysis. The downstream target gene STC2 of LncRNA MAFG-AS1 was screened using the microarray analysis, which was validated by qRT-PCR, functional analysis, and rescue experiment.Results Expression of LncRNA MAFG-AS1 in the breast cancer tissues was significantly higher than the precancerous lesions. Elevated expression level of LncRNA MAFG-AS1 was correlated to the larger GTV (gross tumor volume), negative expression of ER, PR, Her2, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis. The potency of breast cancer proliferation, invasion and metastasis was inhibited in the absence of LncRNA MAFG-AS1.Tumorigenic capacity of breast cancer cells was inhibited in the absence of LncRNA MAFG-AS1. The downstream target gene regulated by LncRNA MAFG-AS1 was screened out by gene chip technology, GO analysis and QRT-PCR ultimately. Disrupted STC2 suppressed the cell proliferation and metastasis when the level of LncRNA MAFG-AS1 elevated.Conclusion The LncRNA MAFG-AS1 triggers tumorigenesis in the breast cancer and regulates breast cancer proliferation and metastasis by modulating the downstream target gene STC2. Results from our study indicates that LncRNA MAFG-AS1 can be used.
Study on correlation between hepatic fibrosis and fat indexes in patients with NAFLD and Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: zhang lingyan , Shao Jianguo , Yao Dengfu , Yao Min , Peng Tingyu , Shi Jiajia , Ji Xiang
Published: March 2020

Background:To analyze the correlation between hepatic fibrosis and fat indexes in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM). Method: Data of 135 NAFLD patients treated in the outpatient and inpatient department of gastroenterology of the Nantong Third People's Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University from January 2016 to December 2019 were collected and analyzed. The patients were divided into NAFLD group and NAFLD+T2DM group according to medical history, biochemical indexes and B-ultrasound examination results. The fat content and fibrosis degree were detected by FibroTouch instantaneous elastography. Risk factors and protective factors for hepatic fibrosis index were analyzed statistically. Results: (1) Age, fibrosis index, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, body mass Index(BMI), low density lipoprotein(LDL), hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in NAFLD + T2DM group were significantly higher than those in NAFLD group ( P <0.01, Table 1). HDL and peptide C in NAFLD + T2DM group were lower than those in NAFLD group. Step-by-step logistic regression suggested that ALT and LDLC were risk factors, and fibrosis index and peptide C were protective factors. (2）In NAFLD+T2DM group, HDLC and peptide C in the fibrosis subgroup were significantly decreased than compared with those in the non-fibrosis subgroup, and the creatinine, LDLC, HbA1C , Uric acid and BMI in the fibrosis subgroup were significantly increased compared with the non-fibrosis subgroup.（3）Linear regression analysis indicated that HDLC and HbA1C were risk factors and peptide C was protective factor. Conclusion: Hepatic fibrosis is involved in the pathophysiological process of NAFLD and T2DM, and it is extreme importance to prevent hepatic fibrosis.
Using machine learning methods to predict physical activity types with Apple Watch and Fitbit data using indirect calorimetry as the criterion.
Authors: Fuller Daniel , Anaraki Javad Rahimipour , Simango Bo , Dorani Faramarz , Bozorgi Arastoo , Luan Hui , Basset Fabien
Published: March 2020

Background There is considerable promise for using commercial wearable devices for measuring physical activity at the population level. The objective of this study was to examine whether commercial wearable devices could accurately predict lying, sitting, and intensity level of other activities in a lab-based protocol. Methods We recruited a convenience sample of 49 participants (23 men and 26 women) to wear three devices, an Apple Watch Series 2, a Fitbit Charge HR2, and and iPhone 6S. Participants completed a 65-minute protocol consisting of 40 minutes of total treadmill time and 25 minutes of sitting or lying time. Indirect calorimetry was used to measure energy expenditure. The outcome variable for the study was the activity class; lying, sitting, walking self-paced, and running 3 METs, 5 METs, and 7 METs. Minute-by-minute heart rate, steps, distance, and calories from Apple Watch and Fitbit were included in four different machine learning models. Results Our dataset included 3656 and 2608 minutes of Apple Watch and Fitbit data, respectively. We tested decision trees, support vector machines, random forest, and rotation forest models. Rotation forest models had the highest classification accuracies at 82.6% for Apple Watch and 89.3% for Fitbit. Classification accuracies for Apple Watch data ranged from 72.5% for sitting to 89.0% for 7 METs . For Fitbit, accuracies varied between 86.2% for sitting to 92.6% for 7 METs . Conclusion This study demonstrated that commercial wearable devices, Apple Watch and Fitbit, were able to predict physical activity types with a reasonable accuracy. The results support the use of minute-by-minute data from Apple Watch and Fitbit combined with machine learning approaches for scalable physical activity type classification at the population level.
Exosome-mediated radiosensitizing effect on neighboring cancer cells via reactive oxygen species production
Authors: Nakaoka Ai , Nakahana Makiko , Inubushi Sachiko , Akasaka Hiroaki , Salah Mohammed , Kubota Hikaru , Fujita Yoshiko , Hassan Mennaallah , Mukumoto Naritoshi , Nishikawa Ryo , Ishihara Takeaki , Miyawaki Daisuke , Yoshida Kenji , Sasayama Takashi , Sasaki Ryohei
Published: March 2020

Purpose/Objectives: The mechanism of intercellular communication after radiation exposure in cancer cells remains fully undetermined. Exosomes are lipid bilayer-constituted, membrane-enclosed small vesicles that are recognized as mediators transporting a variety of intracellular components including miRNA. Here we identified the novel role of exosomes released from irradiated cells to neighboring cancer cells. Materials/Methods: Human pancreatic cancer cell line MIAPaCa-2 was used in this study. Purified exosome product (PEP) was obtained from cultured media by ultra-centrifugation. PEP was morphologically confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and analyzed by NanoSight. Exosome-specific surface markers CD9 and CD63 were evaluated by western blotting. Endocytosis of irradiated exosomes was confirmed by fluorescent microscopy by using the PKH26 dye. Cell survival after irradiation was evaluated by a colony-forming assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were determined using the oxidation-sensitive fluorescent probe dye C-H 2 DCF, and DNA damage was evaluated by detecting phosphorylated histone 2AX (γ-H2AX) foci by immunocytochemistry. MiRNAs were isolated from the exosomes after 5 Gy or 8 Gy of irradiation and comprehensive miRNA expression analysis was performed by miRNA microarray analyses. Expressions of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD1) or Mn superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD2), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were studied to determine whether the exosomes received by the neighboring cells may have influence to them and lead to production of ROS or not. Results: Exosome characteristics were confirmed by multiple methods. The uptake of irradiated exosomes was significantly higher than that of nonirradiated exosomes. Notably, nonirradiated neighboring cells with irradiated exosomes induced higher intracellular levels of ROS, and a higher frequency of DNA damage. These neighboring cells also showed greater sensitivity to radiation. Seven upregulated and 5 downregulated miRNAs were identified that correlated with the miRNA microarray analyses results obtained after 5 Gy and 8 Gy radiation. Among them, miR-6823-5p was identified as a possible candidate for SOD1 inhibition, leading to intracellular ROS production and DNA damage. Conclusions : This is the first study to determine that irradiated exosomes can enhance the radiation effect via ROS production in cancer cells. This novel finding may lead to the understanding of the bystander effect of neighboring cancer cells.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Evidence and the Feasibility of Radiomics-based Predictive Models
Authors: Dai Yang-Hong , Shen Po-Chien , Chang Wei-Chou , Lo Chen-Hsiang , Yang Jen-Fu , Lin Chun-Shu , Chao Hsing-Lung , Lu Chieh-Sheng , Tu Shu-Ju , Huang Wen-Yen
Published: March 2020

Background : Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an effective but less focused alternative for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To date, a personalized model for predicting therapeutic response is lacking. This study aimed to review current knowledge and to propose a radiomics-based machine-learning (ML) strategy for local response (LR) prediction. Methods : We searched the literature for studies conducted between January 1993 and August 2019 that used > 100 patients. Additionally, 172 HCC patients in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed between January 2007 and December 2016. In the radiomic analysis, 41 treated tumors were contoured and 46 radiomic features were extracted. Results : The 1-year local control was 85.4% in our patient cohort, comparable with current results (87-99%). The Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier, based on computed tomography (CT) scans in the A phase processed by equal probability (Ep) quantization with 8 gray levels, showed the highest mean F1 score (0.7995) for favorable LR within 1 year (W1R), at the end of follow-up (EndR), and condition of in-field failure-free (IFFF). The area under the curve (AUC) for this model was 92.1%, 96.3%, and 99.2% for W1R, EndR, and IFFF, respectively. Conclusions : SBRT has high 1-year local control and our study sets the basis for constructing predictive models for HCC patients receiving SBRT.
The occurrence of potentially pathogenic filamentous fungi in recreational surface water as a public health risk
Authors: Góralska Katarzyna , Błaszkowska Joanna , Dzikowiec Magdalena
Published: March 2020

Microfungi occurring in surface water may represent an important health risk. Recreational water reservoirs are a potential reservoir of pathogenic fungi. The aim of the study was to assess the diversity of mycobiota in selected artificial bathing reservoirs with regard to its biosafety for the human population. The studies were conducted during the summer of 2016 in three research seasons (June (I), July and August (II), and September (III)), taking into account the various periods of recreational activities. Filamentous fungi were isolated from water samples collected at five different ponds utilized for recreation. From 162 water samples, 149 fungal taxa of filamentous fungi were identified: 140 were classified to species level and only nine to genus level. Aspergillus fumigatus was the dominant species. The highest species richness (S) was noted in June, with 93 fungal taxa (Menhinick's index from 2.65 to 4.49). Additionally, in season I, the highest diversity of fungal species was revealed (Simpson's diversity index from 0.83 to 0.99). The average number of CFU/1 mL sample ranged between 0.4 and 4.6 depending on the time of sampling and ponds. Of all the isolated species, 128 were clinically relevant (11 from RG-2 and 117 from RG-1), highlighting the need to introduce seasonal mycological monitoring of such reservoirs.

This article has been made Open Access thanks to the generous support of a global network of libraries as part of the Knowledge Unlatched Select initiative.
The pursuit of good microbiological conditions in domestic softeners: a new improvement
Authors: Bolelli L. , Ferri Elida Nora , Sangiorgi Stefano , Novelli Giuseppe , Girotti Stefano
Published: March 2020

Effective resin disinfection is mandatory to ensure the microbiological quality of water treated by domestic softeners. The wet and sometimes warm environment inside the softener is ideal for bacteria growth. Our research was focused on the evaluation of the microbial quality of water from softeners sanitized by chlorine solutions or by electrolytic systems. We employed the heterotrophic plate count and specific tests to monitor the presence of opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, enterococci, and coliforms). Completely new devices were equipped with a commercially available electrolytic system or with a newly patented one or sanitized by automatic or manual addition of chlorine solutions. In all cases, the contamination was reduced, not completely avoided. In particular, the patented electrolytic system significantly reduced bacterial proliferation in strongly contaminated devices. Our data confirm the difficulties encountered to solve the problem of microbiological quality of softened water and offer encouraging information on new possible solutions.

This article has been made Open Access thanks to the generous support of a global network of libraries as part of the Knowledge Unlatched Select initiative.
Effect of Spathiphyllum blandum on the removal of ibuprofen and conventional pollutants from polluted river water, in fully saturated constructed wetlands at mesocosm level
Authors: Sandoval Luis , Marín-Muñíz José Luis , Adame-García Jacel , Fernández-Lambert Gregorio , Zurita Florentina
Published: March 2020

In this study, the effect of Spathiphyllum blandum on the removal of ibuprofen (IB) and conventional pollutants such as chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), ammonium (NH4+-N), total phosphorus (TP), and total suspended solids (TSS) is reported; this, through its use as an emergent vegetation in fully saturated (FS) constructed wetlands (CWs) at mesocosm level treating polluted river water. With the exception of TP and COD, it was found that for TN (12%), NH4+-N (11%), TSS (19%), and IB (23%), the removals in systems with vegetation were superior to systems without vegetation (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate the importance of the species S. blandum, in particular, for the removal of ibuprofen, which is an anti-inflammatory drug commonly found in effluents of wastewater treatment plants. Thus, the results obtained provide information that can be used for the design of future efficient large-scale systems using a new ornamental species, mainly under tropical climatic conditions.

This article has been made Open Access thanks to the generous support of a global network of libraries as part of the Knowledge Unlatched Select initiative.
Natural Products Containing Olefinic Bond: Important Substrates for Semi-synthetic Modification Towards Value Addition
Authors: Singh Meenakshi , Ravichandiran V. , Bharitkar Yogesh P. , Hazra Abhijit
Published: March 2020

:

Semi-synthesis, the way of preparing novel bioactive molecules via modification
of compounds isolated from natural sources is very much useful nowadays in the drug discovery
process. The modification is based on the reaction of functional group(s) present in a
natural compound. Among the examples of functional group transformation, double bond
modification is also common in the literature. Several reactions like hydrogenation, cyclopropanation,
epoxidation, addition reaction (halogenations, hydroxylation), Michael addition,
Heck reaction, cycloaddition, dipolar cycloaddition, etc. are employed for this purpose.
In this review, we have tried to gather the reactions performed with several double bond
containing classes of natural products like diterpenes, xanthones, sesquiterpene exomethylene lactones, diaryl
heptanoids, steroidal lactones, triterpenoids, limonoids, and alkamides. Where available, the effects of transformations
on the biological activities of the molecules are also mentioned.
The Value of the Surface ECG for the Diagnosis and Management of Lyme Carditis: A Case Report
Authors: Yeung Cynthia , Al-Turki Mohammed , Baranchuk Adrian
Published: March 2020

Lyme carditis (LC) is an early-disseminated manifestation of Lyme disease, most commonly
presenting as a high-degree atrioventricular block (AVB). The degree of AVB can fluctuate
rapidly within minutes, and progression to third-degree AVB is potentially fatal if not recognized
and managed promptly. However, the AVB in LC is often transient and usually resolves with appropriate
antibiotic therapy. LC should be on the differential diagnosis in young patients presenting
with new high-degree AVB and factors that increase the index of suspicion for Lyme disease. The
Suspicious Index in Lyme Carditis (SILC) score helps clinicians risk-stratify for LC. A systematic
approach to the diagnosis and treatment of LC minimizes the unnecessary implantation of permanent
pacemakers.
Prebiotics and Probiotics in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Where are we now and where are we going?
Authors: Naseer Maliha , Poola Shiva , Ali Syed , Samiullah Sami , Tahan Veysel
Published: March 2020

The incidence, prevalence, and cost of care associated with diagnosis and management of
inflammatory bowel disease are on the rise. The role of gut microbiota in the causation of Crohn's
disease and ulcerative colitis has not been established yet. Nevertheless, several animal models and
human studies point towards the association. Targeting intestinal dysbiosis for remission induction,
maintenance, and relapse prevention is an attractive treatment approach with minimal adverse effects.
However, the data is still conflicting. The purpose of this article is to provide the most comprehensive
and updated review on the utility of prebiotics and probiotics in the management of
active Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis/pouchitis and their role in the remission induction,
maintenance, and relapse prevention. A thorough literature review was performed on PubMed, Ovid
Medline, and EMBASE using the terms “prebiotics AND ulcerative colitis”, “probiotics AND ulcerative
colitis”, “prebiotics AND Crohn's disease”, “probiotics AND Crohn's disease”, “probiotics
AND acute pouchitis”, “probiotics AND chronic pouchitis” and “prebiotics AND pouchitis”. Observational
studies and clinical trials conducted on humans and published in the English language
were included. A total of 71 clinical trials evaluating the utility of prebiotics and probiotics in the
management of inflammatory bowel disease were reviewed and the findings were summarized.
Most of these studies on probiotics evaluated lactobacillus, De Simone Formulation or Escherichia
coli Nissle 1917 and there is some evidence supporting these agents for induction and maintenance
of remission in ulcerative colitis and prevention of pouchitis relapse with minimal adverse effects.
The efficacy of prebiotics such as fructooligosaccharides and Plantago ovata seeds in ulcerative
colitis are inconclusive and the data regarding the utility of prebiotics in pouchitis is limited. The
results of the clinical trials for remission induction and maintenance in active Crohn's disease or
post-operative relapse with probiotics and prebiotics are inadequate and not very convincing. Prebiotics
and probiotics are safe, effective and have great therapeutic potential. However, better designed
clinical trials in the multicenter setting with a large sample and long duration of intervention
are needed to identify the specific strain or combination of probiotics and prebiotics which will be
more beneficial and effective in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Systematic Review and Study of S Curves for Biomass Quantification in Solid-state Fermentation (SSF) and Digital Image Processing (DIP) Applied to Biomass Measurement in Food Processes
Authors: Oviedo-Lopera Juan C. , Zartha-Sossa Jhon W. , Zapata-Ruiz Diego L. , Bohorquez-Naranjo Isabela , Morales-Arevalo Karen S.
Published: March 2020

Background:

There are several methods for the quantification of biomass in SSF, such
as glucosamine measurement, ergosterol content, protein concentration, change in dry weight or
evolution of CO2 production. However, all have drawbacks when obtaining accurate data on the
progress of the SSF due to the dispersion in cell growth on the solid substrate, and the difficulty
encountered in separating the biomass. Studying the disadvantages associated with the process of
biomass quantification in SSF, the monitoring of the growth of biomass by a technique known as
digital image processing (DIP), consists of obtaining information on the production of different
compounds during fermentation, using colorimetric methods based on the pixels that are obtained
from photographs.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to know about the state of the technology and the
advantages of DIP.

Methods:

The methodology employed four phases; the first describes the search equations for the
SSF and the DIP. A search for patents related to SSF and DIP carried out in the Free Patents Online
and Patent inspiration databases. Then there is the selection of the most relevant articles in
each of the technologies. As a third step, modifications for obtaining the best adjustments were
also carried out. Finally, the analysis of the results was done and the inflection years were determined
by means of six mathematical models widely studied.

Results:

For these models, the inflection years were 2018 and 2019 for both the SSF and the DIP.
Additionally, the main methods for the measurement of biomass in SSF were found, and are also
indicated in the review, as DIP measurement processes have already been carried out using the
same technology.

Conclusion:

In addition, the DIP has shown satisfactory results and could be an interesting alternative
for biomass measurement in SSF, due to its ease and versatility.
Areas for Reforming and Complementing the Family and School Interaction
Authors: Alamolhoda Jamileh
Published: March 2020

Background:

The Family and School Interaction (FSI) is undoubtedly very effective in promoting the education of children in a society, but this interaction requires the adoption of educational goals as well as frameworks that can produce the best educational outcomes. The educational goals and frameworks, on the one hand, depend on the theoretical foundations and our view of the educational role and position of the family and its relation to that of the school, and on the other hand the environmental conditions and opportunities or challenges for the FSI.

Aim:

The overall purpose of the present study is to explore the areas and ways of reforming and complementing the FSI.

Methods:

The study is a qualitative research relying on analyzing the views of Iranian family and education experts. The areas under consideration for reforming and complementing the FSI are the school curricula, and the study examines the role of the family in the most important elements of a curriculum, namely objectives, content, method and evaluation.

Results:

The results show that most scholars, professionals, principals, and teachers consider the educational role of the family and its contribution to school education, but their beliefs about this role and its status in relation to that of the school are still unclear. They have often become accustomed to giving the less importance to the family and the most important to the school, and the curricula are often formulated without considering the views and expectations of the family and without parental involvement.

Conclusion:

The consideration of the real role of the family and its lasting effects have important implications, including reforming the family education programs, reforming the academic education and in-service teacher trainings, modifying the FSI models, rationalizing the family interventions in school affairs, as well as enhancing the students’ self-esteem and their sense of belonging to school.