bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study of Epithelial Entry Gene Expression of SARS-Cov-2 and Other Human Viral Species in Asthma: Differences by Sex, Airway Location Aand Disease Endotype
Authors: Coden Mackenzie , Loffredo Lucas , Abdala-Valencia Hiam , Berdnikovs Sergejs
Published: January 2021

Epithelial characteristics underlying the differential susceptibility of chronic asthma to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and other viral infections are currently unclear. By revisiting transcriptomic data from patients with Th2 low versus Th2 high asthma, as well as mild, moderate and severe asthmatics, we characterized the changes in expression of human coronavirus and influenza viral entry genes relative to sex, airway location and disease endotype. We found sexual dimorphism in expression of COVID-19 genes ACE2, TMPRSS2, TMPRSS4, and SLC6A19. ACE2 receptor downregulation occurred specifically in females in Th2 high asthma, while proteases broadly assisting coronavirus and influenza viral entry, TMPRSS2 and TMPRSS4, were highly upregulated in both sexes. Overall, changes in COVID-19 gene expression were specific to Th2 high molecular endotype of asthma, and different by asthma severity and airway location. The downregulation of ACE2 (COVID-19, SARS) and ANPEP (HCoV-229E) viral receptors correlated with loss of club and ciliated cells in Th2 high asthma, while the increase in DPP4 (MERS-CoV), ST3GAL4, and ST6GAL1 (influenza) associated with an increase in goblet and basal activated cells. Overall, this study elucidates sex, airway location, disease endotype and changes in epithelial heterogeneity as factors underlying asthmatic susceptibility, or lack thereof, to COVID-19.
Novel Approaches to Chemically Cross-Linked Phosphazene Structures: Hydrosilylation vs Piers–Rubinsztajn Reaction
Authors: Esin Andrey S. , Chernysheva Anna I. , Soldatov Mikhail A. , Karpova Ekaterina A. , Kireev Vyacheslav V. , Sirotin Igor S. , Gorlov Mikhail V.
Published: January 2021

Finding new ways for the preparation of cross-linked structures is a significant problem in terms of materials for biomedical application, lithium batteries electrolytes, and etc. Within this work we have studied the possibility to utilize hydrosilylation and Piers-Rubinsztajn reactions to obtain cross-linked model phosphazene compounds, containing eugenoxy and guaiacoxy groups. It was shown that Piers-Rubinsztajn reaction cannot be efficiently used to prepare tailored polymer-matrix, due to the catalyst deactivation by nitrogen atoms of phosphazene units. A number of cross-linked phosphazene-based materials was obtained with the use of hydrosilylation reaction and their properties were studied by NMR spectroscopy, FTIR, DSC, and TGA. This work showed a perspective for the use of eugenoxy functional groups for the preparation of three-dimensional hybrid phosphazene/siloxane-based materials for various applications.
A Framework to Measure the Taxonomic of Economic Anchor: a Case Study of the Three Seas Initiative Countries
Authors: Kozera-Kowalska Magdalena , Uglis Jarosław , Lira Jarosław
Published: January 2021

This research is aimed at determining the characteristics of the current level of entrepreneurial potential of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) countries, the ability to overcome the consequences of extraordinary events, such as COVID-19 and prospects for the return to an accelerated development once the destabiliser of the economic system, the coronavirus pandemic, has ceased. Eurostat, World Bank and the World Economic Forum data for 2015-2019 were used for the purpose of the research. The research was divided into three stages, i.e. assessment of economic development on the basis of a synthetic ratio of economic anchor development, for which a relative benchmark method based on spatial median (so-called L1 median or Weber point) was used, identification of conditions for the development of entrepreneurial capacity and statistical analysis showing the correlation between economic anchor measures and selected factors of the 3SI countries economic development. Our study found that the entrepreneurial capacity of the 3SI countries in 2015-2019 was determined by nine characteristics, belonging to six areas, i.e. local economy, demographic situation, social situation, trade exchange, innovation and tourism economy. The entrepreneurial potential of the 3SI countries was spatially diversified, and its development was determined, among others, by the entrepreneurial activity of residents (entrepreneurship index) and the conditions for running a business.
Irreversible Physical Process and Information Height
Authors: Liu Qin , Tang Quan , Yi Yuling , Feng Yu
Published: January 2021

The time’s arrow of macroscopic physical phenomenon is reflected by irreversible physical process, which essentially occurs from small probability state to high probability state. In this paper, simplified models are proposed to understand the macroscopic physical process. In order to describe the information of a physical system, we defined the full self-information as "information height" to describe the complexity or difficulty of a macrostate of physical system. In this way, the direction of macroscopic physical process is from high information height to low information height. We can judge the direction of physical process by the information height. If we want the macroscopic physical process to evolve from the low information height state to the high information height state, the system need to add extra information and corresponding energy to increase the information height.
Discovering Spatio-Temporal Pattern of City Crime – Visual Analysis on Felony Crime in New York
Authors: Lau Hiu Ying
Published: January 2021

Pattern recognition has long been regarded as key role for crime prevention and reduction. Crime analysts and policy makers can formulate effective strategies and allocate resources with reference to spatial and temporal pattern of crime. In order the combat and prevent severe crime in New York City (NYC), this study analyzed Felony Crime data of NYC in previous 5 years (2015 2020) and discovered criminal hotspots pattern and temporal patterns with open criminal complaint data provided by New York Police Department (NYPD). This study adapt a human computer interactive appraoch to draw patterns from crime data, whereas computations and visualization are performed by Python libraries, and human to inform the decision of visualization methods, computational parameters and direction of this exploratary analysis. Density based clustering algorithms, Grid Thematic Mapping and Density Heatmap are displayed to identify hotspots and demonstrates their associations with spatial features. Timeline analysis on moments of crime occurance demonstrates seasonality where crimes are mostly commited, while aoristic analysis showed hours of day when crime is mostly committed considering their timespan. Lastly, 3D visualization improved recognition of the displacement of hotspot over time, and suggested long term hotspots in NYC in 3 D visualization. This inform strategic plans for police deployment.
Mindfulness in Sexual Activity, Sexual Satisfaction and Erotic Fantasies in a Non-Clinical Sample
Authors: Sánchez-Sánchez Laura C. , Rodríguez María Fernanda Valderrama , García-Montes José Manuel , Petisco-Rodríguez Cristina , Fernández-García Rubén
Published: January 2021

The goal of this study is to better understand the relation between the practice of Mindfulness and the sexual activity, sexual satisfaction and erotic fantasies of Spanish-speaking participants. This research focuses on the comparison between people who practice Mindfulness versus naïve people, and explores the practice of Mindfulness and its relation with the following variables about sexuality: body awareness and bodily dissociation, personal sexual satisfaction, partner and relationship-related satisfaction, desire, subjective sexual arousal, genital arousal, orgasm, pain, attitudes towards sexual fantasies and types of sexual fantasies. The sample consisted of 106 selected adults, 32 men and 72 women, who completed six measures on an online survey platform: a) Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), b) Scale of Body Connection (SBC), c) New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (NSSS), d) Scale of Sexual Activity in Women (SSA-W) and Men (SSA-M), e) Hurlbert Index of Sexual Fantasy (HISF), f) Wilson's Sex Fantasy Questionnaire. In the MAAS, Body Awareness subscale (SBC), NSSS, SSA-W and SSA-M, HISF and intimate fantasies subscale (Wilson’s questionnaire), people in the Mindfulness condition showed higher scores and these differences were statistically significant. These results may have relevant implications in the sexuality of clinical and non-clinical samples.
Aktualisasi Pemikiran Bustanul Arifin Tentang Politik Hukum Islam di Indonesia
Authors: Itmam Muhammad Shohibul
Published: January 2021

This paper explains the actualization of Bustanul Arifin thought on the politics of Islamic law in Indonesia which aims to find out first, how the epistemology of Bustanul Arifin thoughts on Indonesian  Islamic law and scond, how the actualization of Indonesian Islamic law politics from Bustanul Arifin's perspective. This research is a library research or library research, which is carried out by collecting library data by using a critical social and political approach. The research concludes that first, the epistemology used by Bustanul Arifin is to position the Koran and al-Sunnah as the main sources in Islamic law and the development of legal values in the Koran and al-Sunnah using the Ijmak and Qiyas methods in Islamic law. Second, the actualization of Islamic law politics Bustanul Arifin's thought is to elaborate Islamic law with positive law through the transformation of Islamic law in state legislation and institutions, so that there is a union between Islamic law and State law within the framework of State institutions which he calls the institutionalization of Islamic law. Thus, the step that needs to be developed is to determine an institution that is in accordance with the principles and values of Islamic law in the Indonesian context.
The Obstacles of Serbia in Obtaining the European Union Membership Status
Authors: Firmansyah Firmansyah , Muhammad Ali
Published: January 2021

The European Union (EU) is an intergovernmental and supranational organization enlarging its membership since its formation. Due to the benefits, neighboring European countries are volunteering to join the EU. One of the EU candidate member countries is Serbia. In the process of gaining the status of EU candidate country, Serbia has faced many challenges and yet to fulfill the Copenhagen criteria as the conditions of membership by transforming and strengthening democracy. In the economic field, it is struggling to develop free markets and the rule of law. Serbia has collaborated with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) to process the war criminals in the past. Serbia succeeded in obtaining the status of candidate membership of the EU on March 1, 2012, which then became its new chapter.  
HPV genotypes and epidemiology in women cervical cancer in Senegal.  
Authors: Niane Khadidiatou , Diagne Cheikh Tidiane , Diop Gora , Dia Ndongo , Talla Cheikh , Loucoubar Cheikh , Ndiaye Moussa , Niang Mbayame , Diallo Aissatou , Sembene Pape Mbacké , Ka Sidy , Dieye Alioune , Sall Amadou Alpha , Dem Ahmadou
Published: January 2021

Background Cases of cervical cancer are increasing steadily in sub-Saharan Africa, with over 75,000 new cases and nearly 50,000 deaths a year (Mboumba et al., 2017). In Senegal, pathologies such as cervical cancer are one of the top causes of death and the Human papillomavirus (HPV) is its aetiological agent (Steenbergen et al., 2005). Methods The aim of the study is to analyse the distribution of HPV among Senegalese women with cervical cancer. The main objective of this study is to identify the HPV types associated or “co-associated” with cervical oncogenesis in Senegal. The association with the risk factors of cervin carcinogenesis were analysed as well. Cervical biopsies were performed on the women admitted to Aristide Hospital Le Dantec-Julio Curie Institute. Three methods were used to detect HPV genotypes: SANGER sequencing genotyping (Applied BioSystems), PCR real-time approach technique (HPV 16 & 18 RealTime PCR kit) (www.bioneer.co.kr) and the genotyping approach from Chippron (HPV kit 3.5 LCDArray) (info@chipron.com).Results In this study, 24.16% of monoinfections and 75.83% of multiple infections (co-infections) were noted and the majority were at high risk (HR-HPV types). It appears that the HPV genotypes 16, 18 and 45 are the most found in tumors. The most common types of HPV in our study were HPV 16 (100%), 18 (83%), 45 (33%), 33 (31%), 59 (28%), 35 (12%), 31 (11%), 58 (8%), 39 and 73 (4%), 44, 54 and 68 (3%). In the Dakar region, which had the highest number of cases, a prevalence of 17.89% of HR-HPV co-infections was found and the majority of our patients were on a polygamous diet. Polygamy could therefore be a cofactor in the occurrence of cervical cancer in Senegalese women.Conclusion Polygamy could represent a cofactor in the occurrence of cervical cancer in Senegalese women. No association was found between high-risk HPV co-infections and cancer stages. However, an increase of our cohort would be necessary to affirm these hypotheses.
Psychometric properties of the Persian translation of Maternal Postpartum Quality of Life Questionnaire(MAPP-QOL).
Authors: Tahereh Mokhtarian-Gilani , Ozgoli Gity , Kariman Nourossadat , Hamid Sharif Nia , Doulabi Mahbobeh Ahmadi , Malihe Nasiri
Published: January 2021

Background and Objective: Many studies have been conducted in Iran on the postpartum quality of life, and the majority have used the general quality of life questionnaire. With a specific tool in this context, the dimensions of maternal postpartum quality of life can be more accurately determined. The present study was conducted to determine psychometric properties and validate the Persian version of the Maternal Postpartum Quality of Life Questionnaire (MAPP-QOL).Materials and Methods: The present methodological study was conducted in 2018. The original version of MAPP-QOL was translated into Persian by both forward and backward translation. In a cross-sectional study, the Persian version was completed by 407 eligible postpartum women aged 18 to 47 and living in Tehran. Reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and test-retest. For construct validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used.Results: The MAPP-QOL showed good content validity; content validity ratio (CVR) ranged from 0.6 to 1.00, and content validity index (CVI) ranged from 0.7 to 1.00. Using exploratory factor analysis, five factors, including Socioeconomic; Relational/Family-Friends; Psychological/Baby; Health & functioning; and Relational/Spouse-Partner, were extracted, which together explained 78.84% of the total variance. After modifications of CFA, the confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable goodness-of-fit. AVE value Above 0.5 exhibited appropriate convergent validity, and AVE greater than MSV confirmed divergent validity. The Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's Omega, Composite reliability and maximum reliability H of the five extracted factors were excellent (>0.9). Also, the AIC values of the factors were good (between 0.721 to 0.859). Conclusion: The 38-item Persian version of the postpartum quality of life questionnaire is adequately reliable for postpartum women in Iran. Given its appropriate psychometric properties, this scale is fit to be used in future studies on postpartum women.
Calcification-driven CO2 emissions exceed “Blue Carbon” sequestration in a carbonate seagrass meadow
Authors: Dam Bryce Van , Zeller Mary , Lopes Christian , Smyth Ashley , Böttcher Michael , Osburn Christopher , Zimmerman Tristan , Pröfrock Daniel , Fourqurean James , Thomas Helmuth
Published: January 2021

Long-term “blue carbon” burial in seagrass meadows is complicated by other carbon and alkalinity exchanges that shape net carbon sequestration. We measured a suite of such processes, including denitrification, sulfur, and inorganic carbon cycling, and assessed their impact on air-water carbon dioxide exchange in a typical seagrass meadow underlain by carbonate sediments. Contrary to the prevailing concept of seagrass meadows acting as carbon sinks, eddy covariance measurements reveal this ecosystem as a consistent source of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, at an average rate of 610 ± 990 µmol m-2 hr-1 during our study and 700 ± 660 µmol m-2 hr-1 over an annual cycle. A robust mass-balance shows that net alkalinity consumption by ecosystem calcification explains >95% of the observed carbon dioxide emissions, far exceeding alkalinity generated by net reduced sulfur, iron and organic carbon burial. Isotope geochemistry of porewaters suggests substantial dissolution and re-crystallization of more stable carbonates mediated by sulfide oxidation-induced acidification, enhancing long-term carbonate burial and ultimate carbon dioxide production. We show that the “blue carbon” sequestration potential of calcifying seagrass meadows has been over-estimated, and that in-situ organic carbon burial only offsets a small fraction (<5%) of calcification-induced CO2 emissions. Ocean-based climate change mitigation activities in such calcifying regions should be approached with caution and an understanding that net carbon sequestration may not be possible.
Interpersonal Counselling Versus Perinatal-specific Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Women with Depression during Pregnancy Offered in Routine Psychological Treatment Services: A Phase II Trial.
Authors: Evans Jonathan , Ingram Jenny , Law Roslyn , Taylor Hazel , Johnson Debbie , Glynn Joel , Hopley Becky , Kessler David , Round Jeff , Ford Jenny , Culpin Iryna , O'Mahen Heather
Published: January 2021

Background Up to one in eight women experience depression during pregnancy. In the UK, low intensity cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the main psychological treatment offered for those with mild or moderate antenatal depression, but has limited relevance to the perinatal context. Referral by midwives and take up of treatment by pregnant women is extremely low. Interpersonal Counselling (IPC) is a brief, low-intensity form of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) that focuses on areas of concern to service users during pregnancy.To improve psychological treatment for depression during pregnancy, the study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a trial of IPC for antenatal depression in routine NHS services compared to low intensity perinatal specific CBT.Methods. We conducted a small randomised controlled trial in two centres. A total of 52 pregnant women with mild or moderate depression were randomised to receive 6 sessions of IPC or perinatal specific CBT. Treatment was provided by 12 junior mental health workers (jMHW). The primary outcome was the number of women recruited to the point of randomisation. Secondary outcomes included maternal mood, couple functioning, attachment, functioning, treatment adherence, and participant and staff acceptability. Results. The study was feasible and acceptable. Recruitment was successful through scanning clinics, only 6 of the 52 women were recruited through midwives. Treatment competence by jMHWs was high. 71% of women in IPC completed treatment. Women reported IPC was acceptable, and supervisors reported high treatment fidelity in IPC therapists. Outcome measures indicated there was improvement in mood in both groups (Change in EPDS score IPC 4.4 (s.d. 5.1) and CBT 4.0 (s.d. 4.8).Conclusions. This was a feasibility study and was not large enough to detect important differences between IPC and perinatal specific CBT. A full-scale trial of IPC for antenatal depression in routine IAPT services is feasible.Trial registrationThis study has been registered with ISRCTN registry 11513120. – date of registration 05/04/2018. https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN11513120
SART1 localizes to spindle poles forming a SART1 cap and promotes centrosome and spindle assembly
Authors: Yokoyama Hideki , Takizawa Kaoru , Ma Jian , Moreno-Andrés Daniel , Antonin Wolfram , Haramoto Yoshikazu
Published: January 2021

SART1 is overexpressed in various cancers. However, its physiological function and cancer relevance remains elusive. Here we identify SART1 as a mitotic-specific and Ran-regulated microtubule-associated protein. SART1 downregulation in human cells as well as its depletion from frog egg extracts disrupts spindle assembly. While SART1 is nuclear in interphase, it localizes during mitosis to spindle poles in a microtubule-dependent manner. SART1 accumulates close to centrosomes forming a half circle which we designate as SART1 cap. Immunoprecipitation of SART1 identifies the centrosome scaffold protein Cep192 as an interaction partner. Accordingly, Cep192 downregulation abolishes SART1 localization to spindle poles, and SART1 downregulation displaces centrosomal proteins like Ninein from centrosomes, but does not affect γ-tubulin localization. Furthermore, SART1 downregulation selectively kills cancer cells and prevents normal cells from oncogenic transformation. Our data unravel a novel function of SART1 for centrosome organization and spotlight SRAT1 as a potential target for anticancer therapies.
Predictive Value of Electrocardiogram for the Occurrence of Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Salimi Farahnnaz , Javanshir Elnaz , Sadat-Ebrahimi Seyyed-Reza , Meshgi Shahla , Ghaffari Samad
Published: January 2021

Background

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases worldwide. A few studies have advocated the applicability of electrocardiogram (ECG) for the determination of prognosis of PE patients. Considering the low-cost and wide availability of ECG we aimed to investigate the association of selected ECG parameters with the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in PE patients.
Methods

In this study, 733 adult patients admitted with a definite diagnosis of acute PE were included from a registry of PE patients in a tertiary heart center. The patients’ clinical records were retrospectively reviewed, and demographic information, ECG abnormalities as well as the data on MACE (including hypotension, mechanical ventilation, Syncope, cardiogenic shock, or in-hospital mortality) were extracted.
Results

A total of 177 patients (24.1%) had MACE. Right bundle branch block (RBBB), incomplete RBBB, S1Q3T3, ST elevation in leads V1 or III, QR wave in lead V1, and inverted T wave in lead V1 to V4 were more frequently detected in the ECGs of patients who developed MACE (P values = 0.006, 0.030, 0.001, 0.001, 0.042, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). The results of multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that ST-elevation in aVR (OR = 3.87, 95%CI = 2.32–6.44, P = 0.001) and S1Q3T3 (OR = 2.04, 95%CI = 1.22–3.43, P = 0.007) were independent predictors of MACE in PE patients. The sensitivities of ST elevation in the aVR lead and S1Q3T3 were 53.1% and 59.9%, and specificities were 79.7% and 68.1%, respectively.
Conclusion

Some ECG parameters including S1Q3T3 and ST elevation in aVR are independent predictors of MACE in patients with PE. Investigating these parameters in ECG can be helpful in the determination of the prognosis of PE patients.
Atractylodes Lancea Volatile Oils Target ADAR2-miR-181a-5p Signaling to Mesenchymal Stem Cells Chondrogenic Differentiation
Authors: Ye Shanyu , Si Wenwen , Qin Wei , Luo Ziwei , Li Zhen , Xie Yulu , Pan Hao , Li Xinrong , Huang Zifeng , Chen Dongfeng
Published: January 2021

Background：The Rhizoma Atractylodis has long been recommended for the treatment of different diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. The main component of Rhizoma Atractylodis is Atractylodes lancea volatile oils which possesses anti-microorganism, anti-tumor, cognitive protection and immunoregulation. The aim of the study was to elucidate the mechanism of Atractylodes lancea volatile oils promoting mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) chondrogenic differentiation. Method：Atractylodes lancea volatile oils were extracted from Chinese medicine Cangzhu by volatile oil extractor. MSCs culture were treated with Atractylodes lancea volatile oils medium. Real-time reverse transcription PCR was conducted to verify the candidate microRNAs discovered by microarray analysis. Western-blot analyzed the expressions of mark genes. Sanger sequences identified the changes of the base pairs which would be edited by ADAR2 enzyme. Toluidine blue staining identified the changes of cells chondrogenic differentiation. Result：Treatment of Atractylodes lancea volatile oils increased the cells chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. Atractylodes lancea volatile oils promoted the expression of ADAR2 enzyme which may edit the precursor of miR-181a-5p. A dual luciferase reporter system assay verified that transcription factors yingyang1(YY1) was targeted by miR-181a-5p which was downregulated in MSCs chondrogenic differentiation. Conclusion：This work demonstrates the mechanism of Atractylodes lancea volatile oils promoting MSCs to chondrogenic differentiation. It may provide an alternative strategy for treatment purposes and diagnosis in clinic.
Differential Expression of Toll-Like Receptors 1 and 3 in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Liu Ang-Jun , Wu Po-Chang , Ciou Jian-Ruei , Hou Pu-Wei , Huang Chung-Ming , Huang Po-Hao , Chen Yu-Pei , Chu Hsueh-Ting , Chang Hen-Hong
Published: January 2021

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) are autoimmune diseases with some overlapping clinical manifestations. Recent studies have revealed that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play essential roles in autoimmune diseases' pathogenesis. To investigate the expression of TLR genes in SLE and SSc that are specific to the character of these diseases' pathogenesis.Methods: We recruited patients with SLE (n = 15) and SSc (n = 9) from China Medical University Hospital hospital in Taiwan from 2016 to 2017. Included were healthy reference controls and SLE datasets from the NCBI database. RNA was extracted from peripheral blood cells of the patients for next-generation sequencing (NGS). Results in identified differentially expressed genes were compared to explore TLRs' association with SLE and SSc pathogenesis. Housekeeping genes, including ACTB, GAPDH, PGK1, PPIB, SDHA, and TBP, were used to normalize the expression levels of the TLR genes. Results: There were significant differences in raw gene expression for patients with SLE and SSc (p < 0.05). No significant difference between patients with SLE and control datasets with SLE (p >0.05). The expression levels of TLR1 (p = 0.018) and TLR3 (p = 0.031) were significantly upregulated in the patients with SSc compared with those with SLE, normalized by GAPDH. Compared with many housekeeping genes, ACTB, GAPDH, and TBP indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the expression of TLR1and TLR3. Conclusions: TLR1 and TLR3 can serve as biomarkers to distinguish the gene expression between SLE and SSc, normalized with housekeeping genes such as ACTB, GADPH, and TBP.
Consumption of OLL1073R-1 Yogurt Improves Psychological Quality of Life in Women Healthcare Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kinoshita Tetsu , Maruyama Koutatsu , Suyama Keiko , Nishijima Mariko , Akamatsu Kimiko , Jogamoto Akiko , Katakami Kikumi , Saito Isao
Published: January 2021

Background To investigate the effects of yogurt consumption fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1 on improving mental quality of life of women healthcare workers, a randomized controlled trial was conducted. The 961 women (mainly nurses, aged 20–71 years) agreed to participate in this trial, and were randomly allocated to either the yogurt group (n = 479) or the control group (n = 482). Participants of the yogurt group drank 112 mL of OLL1073R-1 yogurt for 16 weeks, meanwhile those of the control group did not consume the yogurt. All participants were prohibited from consuming other yogurt or fermented dairy products during the study period. The participants answered the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Short Form-8 Health Survey (SF-8), and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) questionnaires at baseline and after 16 weeks.Results The PSQI score showed significant improvement after the intake of yogurt (p < 0.01). SF-8 results showed significant intervention effects in the General Health and Vitality scores (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). In other subscales of SF-8, we did not observe significant effects of the yogurt. In the GSRS, daily intake of the yogurt exerted a preventive effect on constipation (p = 0.03). Conclusions Consumption of yogurt fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1 enhances subjective psychological quality of life by improving quality of sleep and gastrointestinal condition among women healthcare workers.
Structure–function Relationship and Vision-related Quality of Life in Glaucoma Secondary to Anterior Uveitis: Comparison with Open Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Choi Jin A , Lee Ji-Young , La Tae Yoon , Kim Jin-Ho
Published: January 2021

Uveitis is the most common inflammatory ocular disorder and frequently complicated by glaucoma, which is an important cause of irreversible sight loss. Inflammatory nature of the disease and widely fluctuating of intraocular pressure may affect visual function in patients with uveitis complicated by glaucoma. Therefore, we investigated the structure − function relationship and vision-related quality of life (VR-QoL) in 69 patients with uveitic glaucoma (UG), compared with 138 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (OAG) using 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25). In a generalized linear model including age and corresponding structural metrics, the UG eyes had significantly lower mean deviation (MD) of the whole visual field (VF) and superior VF than the OAG eyes (p = 0.012 and 0.040). Patients with UG showed significantly lower composite score and 5 subscales of the VFQ-25, compared with those with OAG (p < 0.05, for all). In the OAG group, the composite score showed strongest associations with the whole binocular integrated VF (β = 1.156, p < 0.001), whereas in the UG group, a significant association was seen only with the inferior VF of the affected eye (β = 0.747, p = 0.005). In conclusion, eyes with UG exhibited a distinctive structure–function relationship and worse VR-QoL that differentiated them from OAG eyes.
Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing Improves The Prognosis of Patients With Infectious Diseases on Mechanical Ventilation in The Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Authors: Xi Yin , Zhou Jing , Lin Zhimin , Liang Weibo , Yang Chun , Liu Dongdong , Xu Yonghao , Nong Lingbo , Chen Sibei , Yu Yuheng , He Weiqun , Zhang Jie , Zhang Rong , Pan Ying , Pan Jieyi , Li Jianchun , Chen Qiang , Liu Xiaoqing , Sang Ling , Xu Yuanda , Li Yimin
Published: January 2021

Background: Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS) has gradually shown its advantages in pathogen identification for clinical infectious disease. However, few studies were conducted on the evaluation between this technique and conventional methods like culture and PCR and the prognosis of patients with infectious diseases on mechanical ventilation in ICUMethods: We conducted this retrospective study from March 2018 to May 2020 in the first Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, a total of 228 patients with suspected infectious diseases on mechanical ventilation were included, including 104 cases of mNGS group and 124 cases of non-mNGS. Statistical analyses were performed between the two groups and subgroup of whether were immunocompromised. The concordance between mNGS, culture and PCR was also assessed.Results: The 28-day mortality rate of the patients in the mNGS group was lower after the baseline difference correction (19.23% vs. 29.03%，p=0.039), indicating that mNGS may improve the prognosis of patients in ICU. And subgroup analysis showed that mNGS could improve the 28-day mortality of nonimmunosuppressive patients（14.06% vs. 29.82%, p=0.018）. According to the analysis of Logistic Regression, not performing mNGS, high APACHE II score and hypertension were independent risk factors for 28-day mortality, which strongly suggested that mNGS was one of the key factors affecting prognosis. A total of 157 samples performed mNGS, 116 of them received both mNGS and culture. mNGS presented advantages of positivity (69.8% double positive and 25.0% mNGS positive only) and concordance (79.0%, match and partly match).Conclusions: mNGS may improve the prognosis and reduce the 28-day mortality rate of patients with infectious diseases on mechanical ventilation in ICU. This technique has shown its advantages comparing with conventional methods, and will be wildly used as a promising technology for infectious disease.
Mean Muscle Attenuation within Paraspinal Muscle as a Determinant of Survival in Patients with Gastric Cancer Undergoing Gastrectomy
Authors: An Soomin , Eo Wankyu , Kim YounJung
Published: January 2021

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic potential of skeletal muscle mass and muscle quality at the level of the third lumbar vertebra (L3) using computerized tomography (CT) images in patients with stage I–III gastric cancer (GC) who underwent curative gastric resection.Methods: Patients with stage I–III GC who underwent curative gastric resection between October 2006 and June 2014 were enrolled in this study. Demographic and clinical parameters were collected and analyzed. The muscle-related parameters (MRPs), such as the area of total abdominal wall musculature (SMA), area of paraspinal muscle (PMA), mean muscle attenuation (MA) within the total abdominal wall musculature (SMMA), and MA in the paraspinal muscle (PMMA), were measured at the L3 level using CT images. The Kaplan-Meier curve analyses and Cox proportional hazards model were applied to the MRPs, demographic, and clinical parameters to explore the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).Results: Overall, data from 339 patients (233 men and 116 women) were analyzed in this study. In the multivariate Cox model, the elderly (hazard ratio [HR] 2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30–3.32, p=0.002), total gastrectomy (HR 2.14, 95% CI 1.32–3.48, p=0.002), stage (HR 3.41, 95% CI 2.10–5.54, p<0.001), perineural invasion (HR 2.01, 95% CI 1.02–3.93, p=0.042), prognostic nutritional index (PNI) (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.88–0.95, p<0.001), and PMMA (HR 2.36, 95% CI 1.47–3.78), p<0.001) were prognostic factors for OS. Similarly, the elderly (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.09–2.59, p=0.018), total gastrectomy (HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.37–3.38, p<0.001, stage (HR 4.16, 95% CI 2.64–6.54, p<0.001), PNI (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.87–0.94, p<0.001), and PMMA (HR 2.22, 95% CI 1.42–3.47, p<0.001) were prognostic factors for DFS.Conclusions: PMMA is suggested as a determinant of OS and DFS in stage I through III GC patients who underwent gastrectomy. Because PMMA is a newly characterized parameter in GC, external validation before clinical applications is a prerequisite.
Assessment and Predicting of LULC by Kappa Analysis and CA Markov model using RS and GIS Techniques in Udham Singh Nagar District, India
Authors: ARUMUGAM THANGAVELU , YADAV RAM LAKHAN , KINATTINKARA SAPNA
Published: January 2021

In this study an attempt to generate the LULC maps and investigate change detection analysis over a period of 22 years using Landsat satellite images of 1994, 2000, and 2016 and to predict the LULCC for the year 2016-2032 using CA Markov model in Udham Singh Nagar district, Uttarkhand. Satellite images of Landsat 5 TM, Landsat 7 ETM+, and Landsat 8 OLI sensor of nominal spatial resolution 30m were used. Supervised image classifications with the help of parallel pipe algorithm were used in this study. The validity of the Cellular Automata Markov model were used to predict future (16 years) LULC of 2032. The estimation includes two modules to predict the future land use pattern of the study area such as MARKOV and CA-MARKOV model/modules. Commonly, the accuracy of the classification results is assessed by the error matrix calculation. The result of overall change detection indicates agriculture, forest, water body and fallow land are decreased by 121.75 Km2 (14%), 44.70 Km2 (5%), 38.91 Km2 (4.5%) and 230.71 (26.5%); settlement and river sand are increased by 379.89 Km2 (44%) and 56.18 Km2 (6%). The study has an overall classification accuracy 76.84%, and standard kappa coefficient value (K) of 0.722. The model predicts the future change detection in agriculture 32%, forest 38%, fallow land 5%, settlement 20%, water body 3%, and river sand is 2%. This study is very effective for future LULC prediction that is helpful in urban development planning and the ﬁeld of management of natural resources.
Transcriptome and Metabolomic Analysis to Reveal the Browning Spot Formation of ‘Huangguan’ Pear
Authors: Wang Qi , Wu XinYi , Liu Li , Yao Daozhi , Li Jinchao , Fang Jie , Chen Xiaonan , Zhu Liwu , Liu Pu , Ye Zhenfeng , Jia Bing , Heng Wei
Published: January 2021

Background: Browning spot (BS) disorders seriously affect the appearance quality of ‘Huangguan’ pear and cause economic losses. Many studies on BS have mainly focused on physiological and biochemical aspects, and the molecular mechanism is unclear.Result: In the present study, the structural characteristics of ‘Huangguan’ pear with BS were observed with SEM, the water loss and brown spot were evaluated, and transcriptome and metabonomics analyses were conducted to reveal the molecular mechanism of ‘Huangguan’ pear skin browning disorder. The results showed that the occurrence of BS was accompanied by a decrease in the wax layer and an increase in lignified cells. It appears that genes related to wax biosynthesis were down-regulated in BS, resulting in the decrease of wax layer in BS. Genes related to lignin were up-regulated at transcriptional level, resulting in upregulation of metabolites related to phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Expression of calcium-related genes were upregulated in BS. The cold-induced genes CS120, LTI65 and RCI2B may be the key genes that induce BS. In addition, the results demonstrated that exogenous NaH2PO4·2H2O and ABA treatment could inhibit the incidence of BS during harvest and storage time by increasing the expression of wax-related genes and calcium-related genes and increasing plant resistance, whereas GA3may accelerate the incidence and index of BS in transcriptomics.Conclusions: The results of this study would provide a basis for the molecular mechanism of BS formation and clarify the effects of different treatments on the incidence and molecular regulation of BS.
Long Stent Graft for Frozen Elephant Trunk Repair in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Wang Chaojie , Zhang Wenqian , Peng Jihai , He Jie , Chen Guangtian , Huang Jinsong , Wu Min , Fan Ruixin , Fan Xiaoping
Published: January 2021

Background: The frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique has become an important tool in the treatment of acute type A aortic dissection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of long FET on spinal cord injury (SCI) and distal aortic remodeling after acute type A aortic dissection based on clinical and radiological outcomes.METHODS: From January 2018 to November 2019, 158 patients [mean age 51.8 years (range 32 - 78 years), 88.6% male] with acute type A aortic dissection were treated by FET with 100 mm (n=113) or 150 mm (n=45) open hybrid stent graft prosthesis. Patients were divided into two groups according to the length of FET. The clinical and radiological outcomes of the patients were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Postoperative outcomes did not differ significantly: in-hospital mortality (9.7% vs 6.7%, P=0.758) and SCI (5.3% vs 2.2%, P=0.674). Aortic remodeling, which was evaluated by aortic diameter, true lumen diameter, false lumen diameter and the rate of false lumen complete thrombosis, was more positive in long FET group in the descending thoracic aorta during the follow-up period. At the abdominal level, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. In the long FET group, the level of complete false lumen thrombosis was more extensive during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The long version of FET does not increase the risk of SCI in patients with acute type A aortic dissection. The application of long FET can achieve better results in terms of remodeling of the thoracic aorta in the short- and medium-term follow-up.
Epidemiological Trends of Urinary Tract Infections at the Global, Regional, and National Levels from 1990-2017: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Zhu Cong , Huang Qiao , Luo Li-Sha , Deng Tong , Gu Jia-Min , Tang Shi-Di , Li Lu-Yao , Zi Hao , Zeng Xian-Tao
Published: January 2021

BackgroundUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are some of the most common infections worldwide and consume a lot of medical resources every year. However, there were a lack of available data on its incidence and disease burden. We armed to investigate incidence, mortality, and disability adjusted life-years (DALYs) of urinary tract infections (UTIs) from 1990 to 2017.MethodsWe extracted data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017, then calculated estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) of age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized death rate (ASDR), and age-standardized DALYs rate at global, national, regional, and socio-demographic index (SDI) level.ResultsFrom 1990 to 2017, the globally incident cases (+52.09%), death cases (+140.10%), and DALYs (+69.65%) of UTIs all increased. The ASIR, ASDR, and age-standardized DALYs rate showed upward trends with the EAPC of +0.10 (95%CI: 0.07 to 0.12), +0.72 (95%CI: 0.65-0.78), and +0.06 (95%CI: -0.05 to 0.16), respectively. The ASIR decreased only in the high-middle SDI quantile (-0.26, 95%CI: -0.3 to -0.23). United Arab Emirates had the largest increase of DALYs (+835.04%), but Bulgaria had the largest decrease (-80.74%). EAPC for incidence and mortality were below 0 mainly in Europe and East Asia. In 2017, the incident cases (+3.44 times), the deaths (+1.31 times), and DALYs (+1.21 times) were all higher in females than males. The incident cases were mainly concentrated in 15-49 years old; DALYs and mortality were higher in over 80 age groups.Conclusions﻿Globally, the burden of UTIs increased from 1990 to 2017, especially in females; however, distinct varies were observed in different regions and countries. The infants and elders are easier to die when they suffer from UTIs.
Does emotion before a chemotherapy course break a heart? Cardiogenic shock complicating Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
Authors: Taamallah Karima , Ghedira Hela , Arous Younes , Haggui Abdeddayem , Chenik Sarra , Hajlaoui Nadhem , Fehri Wafa
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical presentations. Despite its reversibility, it is associated with severe adverse in-hospital events. Recent studies have identified a high incidence of TTC in cancer patients.Case report: We report the case of a 59-year-old-man with TTC occurring just before injecting of chemotherapy drug complicated by cardiogenic shock and acute heart failure. Under medical treatment, a complete recovery of cardiac contractility was noted within three days. chemotherapy regimen has been stopped and then alleviated from RCHOP to the RCVD. No recurrence of cardiac symptoms was noted during the follow-up period. Left ventricle ejection fraction, BNP, and troponin levels were maintained normal.Conclusion: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy can occur in cancer patients leading to interruption of chemotherapy because of left ventricular dysfunction, which may adversely affect the oncologic outcome because of interruption of cancer treatment. We report this case to remind clinicians that TTC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chest pain in cancer patients who present with ECG findings characteristic of the acute coronary syndrome. We hope to facilitate prompt diagnosis for an early intervention that allows rapid recovery of myocardial function, and resume cancer therapy early and may help lower mortality.
The Role of Making Voluntary Function in Prognosticating and Preventing from Addiction Potential: A Survey Study Among Some Members of the Iranian Red Crescent Society
Authors: MamSharifi Peyman , Sohrabi Faramarz , Seidi Pegah. , Borjali Ahmad , Hoseininezhad Nahid , Rezaeifar Hanieh , Asadi Nazanin
Published: January 2021

Background: Considering Voluntary Function (VF), the purpose of the present study was to prognosticate the addiction potential (AP) among some members of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) in Iran. To get the research done, we made use of both correlative and descriptive methods as research methods. Methods: The statistical population of the current study included all youths who have been members of the IRCS. We employed multistage cluster sampling as the sampling method. We recruited 620 active volunteers of the IRCS from 31 province and 175 cities of Iran (48.7% female and 50.1 Male mean age 23.27±3.32, range 14–31 years). Iranian Addiction Potential Scale (IAPS) and Voluntary Function Inventory (VFI) have assisted us in collecting research data. Results: Findings proved that there was a negative significant correlation between the AP and all measurements of VF such as protective enhancement, understanding, career, values, and motives; meaning that the more time youth spent on participating in voluntary activities, the less likely they sought to resort to misusing AP. Findings of the simultaneous-entry multiple regression has proved that volunteerism could prognosticate 15% of changes in the AP as a criterion variable. Conclusions: Due to its positive features, volunteerism played a key role in prognosticating and preventing the AP. Thus, it is incumbent to draw particular attention to this worthy factor.
BioData Mining | Short Report (Biomedcentral.Com) Combinatorial Analyses Identify A Core Response to the CDX2 Homeoprotein During Development and In Pathologies
Authors: GOURAIN Victor , DULUC Isabelle , DOMON-DELL Claire , FREUND Jean-Noel
Published: January 2021

Whether a gene involved in distinct tissue or cell functions exerts a core of common molecular activities is a relevant topic in the evolutionary, developmental and therapeutic perspective. Here, we addressed this question by focusing on the CDX2 homeobox gene that encodes a transcription factor with important functions during embryonic development and in adult pathologies. By analysing RNAseq data and ChIPseq data, we unveiled the existence of a core of genes whose expression is responsive to the Cdx2 homeoprotein and also a core of chromosomal regions targeted by Cdx2 at three important steps of mouse development: trophectoderm formation, posterior body elongation and intestinal specification. In addition, based on human cancer data, we highlighted the relevance of the core of responsive genes by displaying a significant number of human orthologues exhibiting an altered expression along with CDX2 in human malignancies.