bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Functional Indices Indicates Multiple Organ Function Damage in Patients with Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pneumonia
Authors: Feng Shiyan , Wang Fengxin , Cai Zhao , Wu Weibo , Li Yinfeng , Chen Li , Chen Chuming , Cao Mengli , Peng Ling , Jiang Xiao , Zhang Peiyan , Li Jianming , Yang Liuqing , Liu Yingxia , Liu Lei , Yang Liang , Wang Fuxiang
Published: July 2020

Background: This study aims to analyze the changes and significance of organ function indices in patients with severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia for prediction of major organ damages and guiding treatment schemes. Methods: 63 patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia were selected as the severe group and 73 patients with mild syndromes were selected as the mild group. SAS9.4 software was used for statistical analysis of the data. Results: Levels of ALT, AST, cTnI, Cr, PT, APTT and D-DIC of the severe group were significantly higher while PLT was lower than those of the mild group. The data of all quantitative variables were converted into categorical variables. Significantly higher levels of AST, ALB, D-DIC and higher proportion of bilateral lung involvement were observed from the severe group comparing to those in the mild group, while the difference in the other indices between the two groups was insignificant in statistical perspective. Conclusions: There are significant differences in the levels of multiple organ function indices between the severe group and the mild group of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia infection. Through examining the relevant indices, conditions of patients’ multiple organ function damage could be predicted and used as guidance of treatment.
Tracheal Solid Variant of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma with Basaloid Features: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Gao Feng , Zang Lijuan , He Jin , Xu Weiqing
Published: July 2020

Background: Primary tracheal adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and heterogeneous group of neoplasms arising from the respiratory tract. The solid variant of ACC is a histologically distinct subtype with unfavorable clinical course. We report a case of tracheal ACC with immunohistochemical and molecular analysis together with a review of the literature. Case presentation: A 31-year-old man presented with a neoplasm growing on the lower part of the total tracheal membrane, left side wall and anterior wall. The tumor was obtained via fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Histologically, the tumor is characterized by a predominant compact sheet-like and nested pattern of rounded basaloid cells. Immunohistochemically, the tumor was diffusely positive for CK and CD117. CK7 and CK5/6 was focally positive in the genuine glandular structures. P63 was completely negative in majority of neoplastic cells. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed MYB gene rearrangement. The current case showed an almost entirely solid pattern of growth with basaloid features, and was morphologically difficult to distinguish from a variety of other round cell neoplasms. Conclusions: This case report highlights the significance of various histological patterns and diagnostic modalities in making an accurate diagnosis of primary tracheal ACC at an early stage.
Face to Face with COVID-19: Highlights of Challenges Encountered in Various ENT Practices Across the Czech Republic (A National Survey)
Authors: Guha Anasuya , Plzak Jan , Chovanec Martin
Published: July 2020

The SARS-CoV-2 virus causing the COVID-19 disease created considerable complications and disruptions due to it’s pandemic spread. The nature of the disease left certain clinical specialties more vulnerable than others, causing serious problems with organization of care of patients. Most studies concentrated on protocols and strategies to control the situation and reduce further spread amongst medical fields. Only few were designed to identify the various issues faced by doctors. We decided to design a questionnaire addressing relevant matters for doctors working in the field of ear, nose and throat (ENT). This was then sent to all the members of the Czech Association of Otorhinolaryngologists. All ENT doctors were invited to fill out the survey within a stipulated time. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of a pandemic situation amongst such a high risk specialty. Our results showed a significant difference between the first cases of COVID-19 and progress of the disease during April 2020 in terms of workplace preparation, adequacy of personal protective equipment and other disposable aids. There was also inadequate support of medical personnel within the ENT practices. Furthermore, financial losses were also experienced due to mainly patient-related problems. In conclusion, the obtained results were used to formulate some recommendations for the public, patients, medical staff and employers. These suggestions will hopefully help avoid a repetition of the glitches if faced with another pandemic situation.
Malaria Risks Related To Poor Practices In The Use of Mosquito Bite Control Tools During The Cold And Hot Seasons
Authors: SOMINAHOUIN André , Dagnon Fortuné , Padonou Gil , N’Tcha Ludovic , Aikpon Rock , Akinro Bruno , Salako Albert Sourou , Agossa Fiacre , Tokponon Filemon , Gbénou Dina , Odjo Esdras , Houssou Christophe , Akogbéto Martin C.
Published: July 2020

Background: It is generally accepted that one of the reasons for the declining effectiveness of vector control tools (LLINs, IRS) is the misuse of these tools. Some people sleep outside while the walls of houses are treated with insecticide to protect people from mosquito bites.Methods:To check whether communities that misuse these tools are more exposed to malaria, we used the technique of direct and participatory observation of sleeping habits and we clocked every 30 min, the activities and positions of the communities from 7pm to 7am. The survey was conducted in 3 departments Northern Benin. These were mainly treatments related to variance analysis and descriptive statistics. Softwares used included SPSS 21, SAS 9.2 and Arcgis 10.4.Results: The study shows that 95% of the villages population included in the study stay in their rooms from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am, and only 5% of household members are outdoors during same time intervals during the harmattan season. On the other hand, during hot weather, there are more households outdoors (37%). Less than 20% of household members are outside their rooms during the harmattan season. This number decreases gradually until 10:00 pm when all of them are inside their rooms.Student Newman Keuls test shows that the household members being inside or outside their rooms does not depend on the urbanization situation of the village, but rather on the period. 65% exposed to mosquito bites gave irritation as the main reason for their behavior and 15% because of heat and lack of space. Overall, because of household member mobility and malaria vector behaviors, human exposure to An. gambiae was higher outside than inside, despite all the observed food preferences in the vectors.Conclusion:To curtail residual malaria transmission, it must be prioritized to raise awareness in the best use of the tools and provide other complementary control tools for use outside the home.
Investigation On The Health Status of 11800 Occupational Noise Workers in Xinjiang
Authors: Zhao Shiyu , He Dongkui , Zhang Hanwei , Hou Tingting , Yang Chengxin , Ding Wen , He Ping
Published: July 2020

Background: To investigate the current status of occupational noise hazards in some Xinjiang enterprises, and to provide a basis for the development of targeted noise prevention measures. Methods: We used descriptive analysis to investigate a total of 11,800 subjects who underwent occupational health examination in Xinjiang Occupational Disease Prevention Hospital. Results: The hearing abnormality rate of noise exposure practitioners was 8.03%, which was higher in males than that in females (χ²=54.507, p <0.05). The abnormal rate of high-frequency hearing threshold in Xinjiang minorities was lower than that of Han nationality (χ²=11.780, p <0.05), the results of the electrocardiogram were reversed (χ²=9.128, p <0.05). Differences in abnormal rates of blood pressure (χ²=149.734, p <0.05), hearing (χ²=231.203, p <0.05), and physical examination (χ²=360.609, P <0.05) are statistically significant in different industries. The abnormal rate of blood pressure (χ²=67.416, p <0.05) and hearing (χ²=49.535, p <0.05) gradually decreases with the expansion of the enterprise scale. Conclusion: Male, elderly, mining, small and medium enterprise practitioners should be the key population for noise occupational hazard prevention. It is necessary to standardize occupational health management in enterprises, improve workers' self-protection awareness and the quality of life of employees.
Multi response Particle Swarm Optimization of Wire Electro Discharge Machining parameters of Nitinol alloys
Authors: Yunus Mohammed , Alsoufi Mohammad S.
Published: July 2020

The conventional process of Machining of Nitinol alloy leads to extensive wear on the tool and deprived surface quality. Wire electro discharge machining (WEDM) is widely accepted for machining this alloy involving various input factors, namely, P, (pulse-on-duration), Q, (pulse-off-duration), C, (maximum-current), and V, (voltage). The factor’s effect on MRR (metal removal rate) and SR (surface roughness) responses and multi-response optimization of the WEDM process by employing PSO (particle swarm optimization) method are studied. The relationship model between factors and response characteristics were generated by ANOVA and optimized by response surface methodology has shown more significant factors (A and C). Though the effect of WEDM process factors on SR and MRR are contradictory when studied individually. MRPSO method was employed to get the best optimum condition for minimizing SR and maximizing MRR. MRPSO results improved the responses for vast combination of optimal setting of factors to meet the product requirements.
Gut microbiota and fecal short-chain fatty acids are not associated with bone mass in healthy Chinese children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Fengyan , Wei Qinzhi , Xu Dafeng , Wei Yuanhuan , Wang Jue , Amakye William Kwame , Pan Jialiang , Cui Zhuang , Zhang Zheqing
Published: July 2020

Background

The link between the gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and bone loss has already been observed in animal models and a few human studies in adults, but no such study has been conducted in children. We aimed to investigate whether the gut microbiota and fecal SCFAs are associated with bone mass in healthy Chinese children aged 6–9 years.
Methods

In this study, 236 healthy children including 145 boys and 91 girls were enrolled. Fecal samples from children were collected, and DNA was extracted. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to characterize the composition of their gut microbiota. Total and 10 subtypes of SCFAs in the fecal samples were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Dual X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure the bone mineral density and bone mineral content (BMC) for total body and total body less head (TBLH). Size-adjusted BMC for TBLH was calculated.
Result

The boys showed less gut microbial diversity than the girls, as indicated by the Chao1 index (364.02 (63.07) vs. 375.12 (43.50), P = 0.018) and abundance-based coverage estimator (362.65 (54.48) vs. 381.07 (40.19), P = 0.007). No significant sex difference was found in the relative abundance of the gut microbiota at any level. Multiple regression analysis after adjustment for covariates and multiple test correction showed that neither gut microbial richness (β: −0.15–0.16, P: 0.376–0.984) nor fecal subtypes of or total SCFAs (β: −0.06–0.17, P: 0.699–0.979) were correlated with bone mass measures in total samples. Similar results were observed in sex-specific analysis.
Conclusions

Our results did not support the hypothesis that the gut microbiota and fecal SCFA concentrations are associated with bone mass in children.
Trends of HIV/AIDS Infection in Arsi Zone from 2002-2008 E.C (2010 to 2016 G.C), Oromia Region Ethiopia: Evidence from VCT Registry
Authors: Tafa Mesfin Segni , Fekadu Hailu , Aseffa Martha , Teno Hirpo
Published: July 2020

Introduction: HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed more than 35 million lives so far. Globally, about 36.7 million people living with HIV currently, more than two third of the infection is the burden of Sub-Saharan Africa. Knowing the status of HIV/AIDS has the great value to individual health of treatment with ART and in terms of reductions in individual morbidity and mortality, and is equally cost-effective. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess trends and associated factor of HIV infection in Arsi zone from 2010 to 2016.Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted in Arsi zone. Thirty health facilities (27 health centers and 3 Hospitals) were selected for the study from all woreda in the Zone. A total of 205,691 data was collected from VCT registration book. Data were entered into computer using Epi info 3.5.4 and exported for analysis to SPSS 21. Data were presented using tables and figures using line graphs. Logistic regression was used to see the association and significance was declared at P-value<0.05 Result: The study showed a total of 4300 HIV positive cases were reported between 2002(2009 G.C) to 2008(2016 G.C) according to available VCT registration book during survey at 30 health facilities. The trends of HIV of infection were not properly defined, it was 3.4% in 2002(2010 G.C ) and mean while a gradual drop has been observed in the next five consecutive years, almost which was less than 2% prevalence and in 2008 the prevalence was raised to 2.4% compared to 2007 and before. The changes in HIV prevalence were uneven among districts. Findings from logistic regression analysis indicated that the fitted demographic characteristics like, marital status, age and occupation were significantly associated with HIV positivity in both bivariate and multivariate analysis.Conclusion: There are no encouraging indications that the HIV prevalence has decreasing since there were variation among districts. Therefore there is a need of designing comprehensive strategy to combat the spread of HIV infections among all individuals. It is also important to strengthening VCT services at all level with strict follow up.
Efficacy of closed reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip: midterm outcomes and risk factors associated with treatment failure and avascular necrosis
Authors: Zhang Ge , Li Ming , Qu Xiangyang , Cao Yujiang , Liu Xing , Luo Cong , Zhang Yuan
Published: July 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy after closed reduction (CR) in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and investigate risk factors associated with CR failure and avascular necrosis (AVN) occurrence in the follow-ups.Primary and secondary outcome measures: The study retrospectively included 110 patients and 138 hips with DDH diagnosis between February 2012 and November 2015 in our single tertiary medical institution and underwent closed reduction. The failure rate of CR and the underlying risk factors were evaluated. meanwhile, the incidence of AVN and the related risk factors among the successful CR cases were assessed.Results: The overall failure rate of DDH treated by CR in present study was 31.16% (43/138). Risk factors for the CR failure was older age at the time of CR (≥18.35 month), large medical interval before CR (≥35.35 millimeters), and severer dislocation of the affected hip (IDHI grade III and IV). The incidence of AVN was 8.33% (6/72) in the patients with successful CR at last follow-up. No significant risk factors had been established in present study that associated with the AVN occurrence.Conclusions: For the treatment of DDH with CR, patients with younger age might achieve better outcomes, early diagnosis and early treatment might be the key point in the DDH treatment.
Comparing Zirconia to Anterior Strip Crowns: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Alaki Sumer M , Abdulhadi Bashaer S , Abdullah Medhat A , Al-Alamoudi Najla M
Published: July 2020

Background
Providing restorations to anterior teeth in children is a challenging task due to the need for high esthetics, strength, and durability.
Aim
this study was done to compare prefabricated primary zirconia with resin composite strip crowns on primary maxillary central and lateral incisors with regards to gingival health, plaque accumulation, recurrent caries, restoration failure, and opposing teeth wear over a period of 3, 6 and 12 months.
Methods
Children attending the King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Dentistry (KAUFD) clinics who needed restorations were screened for inclusion criteria. A total of 120 teeth were treated; 60 with zirconia and 60 with strip crowns. Randomization was done by simple random allocation using SPSS software version 20.0 (Armonk, NY; IBM Corp.). A simple descriptive statistic was used for analysis by Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test and Chi-square test. Level of significance was set at (α = 0.05) and level of confidence at (95%).
Results
Zirconia crowns showed significantly less gingival bleeding at the 3- and 6-months follow up periods (p < 0.006, p < 0.001; respectively), less plaque accumulation at all follow up visits (p < 0.001), no restoration failure (p < 0.001), but more wear to opposing teeth (p < 0.02). No significant difference was found between the two crowns with regards to recurrent caries (p < 0.135).
Conclusion
Based on our data we conclude that overtime teeth covered with zirconia crowns show better gingival health and less bleeding, plaque accumulation, recurrent caries as well as less loss of material. On the other hand, zirconia can cause more loss of opposing tooth structure.
Noise-Robust Range Alignment Method for Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar Based on Aperture Segmentation and Average Range Profiles Correlation
Authors: Lu Yue , Yang Jian , Zhang Yue , Xu Shiyou
Published: July 2020

Range alignment is an essential procedure in translation motion compensation of inverse synthetic aperture radar imaging. Global optimization or maximum correlation-based algorithms have been used to realize range alignment. However, it is still challenging to achieve range alignment in low signal-to-noise ratio scenarios, which are common in inverse synthetic aperture radar imaging. In this paper, a novel anti-noise range alignment approach is proposed. In this new method, the target's motion is modelled as a uniformly accelerated motion during a short sub-aperture time. Minimum entropy optimization is implemented to estimate the motion parameters in each sub-aperture. These estimated parameters can be used to align the profiles of the current sub-aperture. Once each sub-aperture's range profiles are aligned, the noncoherent accumulation gain is obtained by averaging all profiles in each sub-aperture, which can be used as valuable information. The accumulation and correlation method is applied to align the average range profiles of each sub-aperture for the reason that the former step mainly focuses on alignment within the sub-apertures. Experimental results based on simulated and real measured data demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in low signal-to-noise ratio scenarios.
Data-Independent Acquisition-Based Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of m.3243A>G MELAS Reveals Novel Potential Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Chang Xueli , Zhang Wei , Pu Chuanqiang , Shi Qiang , Wang Juan , Zhang Jing , Yan Li , Yang Wenqu , Zhang Hui , Guo Junhong
Published: July 2020

Background

The pathogenesis of mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke like episodes (MELAS) syndrome is not completely understood. The m.3243A > G mutation responsible for 80% MELAS patients affects proteins with undetermined functions. Therefore, we performed quantitative proteomic analysis on skeletal muscle specimens from MELAS patients.
Methods

We recruited 10 patients with definitive MELAS and 10 controls matched by age and gender of MELAS patients for comparison. We performed nanospray liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based proteomic analysis in the data-independent acquisition (DIA) modes, followed by the statistical analysis to reveal the differentially expressed proteins.
Results

We identified 128 differential proteins between MELAS and controls, including 68 for down-regulation and 60 for up-regulation. We studied the differential proteins involved in oxidative stress and indicated a highly significant up-regulation of heat shock protein beta-1 (HSPB1), alpha-crystallin B chain (CRYAB) and heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) but a decrease of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and selenoprotein P (SEPP1). KEGG pathway analysis and gene ontology (GO) evaluation revealed that the phagosome, proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) signaling pathway and ribosome showed significant enrichment.
Conclusions

The results revealed that the imbalance between oxidative stress and antioxidant defense, activation of autophagosomes and abnormal metabolism of mitochondrial ribosome proteins played an important role in m.3243A > G MELAS. The combination of proteomic profiling and bioinformatics analysis could contribute novel molecular networks to the pathogenesis of MELAS in a comprehensive manner.
Urinary soluble VCAM-1 is a useful biomarker of disease activity and treatment response in lupus nephritis
Authors: Gasparin Andrese Aline , de Andrade Nicole Pamplona Bueno , Hax Vanessa , Palominos Penélope Esther , Siebert Marina , Marx Rômulo , Schaefer Pedro Guilherme , Veronese Francisco Veríssimo , Monticielo Odirlei André
Published: July 2020

Background: Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is involved in the progression of glomerular and tubulointerstitial injury in lupus nephritis (LN) and can be easily assessed in urine. The aim of this study was to assess urinary soluble VCAM-1 (uVCAM-1) as a biomarker of disease activity and treatment response in LN.Methods: This prospective study enrolled patients with class III, IV or V LN diagnosed within the last three years and divided them in two groups: with and without active nephritis at the inclusion. At each visit, a urine sample was collected for uVCAM-1 evaluation and the nephritis status was assessed.Results: Median uVCAM-1 level was elevated in patients with active compared to inactive LN (P<0.001). The ROC curve of uVCAM-1 demonstrated an AUC of 0.84 and a cutoff of 47.2 ng/mgCr yielded a good sensitivity (74.2%) and specificity (74.2%) for the diagnosis of active LN. A significant correlation was found between uVCAM-1 level and renal activity scores and traditional biomarkers of LN. The level of uVCAM-1 dropped in patients with active LN who went into remission (P<0.001), increased in patients who went into activity (P=0.002) and did not change in patients who remained inactive (P=0.797). The level of uVCAM-1 peaked during the flare of LN (P<0.05).Conclusion: The uVCAM-1 is a reliable biomarker that reflects renal disease activity and is useful for monitoring individual patients with lupus nephritis over time.
The Effect Of Study Abroad And Intensity Of Interaction On The Development Of L2 Pragmatic Routines By Chinese Learners Of English
Authors: Liu Ningyu , Yang Lianrui
Published: July 2020

Study abroad (SA) has been acknowledged as an influencing context in the Second Language Acquisition (SLA) field. Although numerous studies have researched the influence of SA on various pragmatic features, pragmatic routine has been scarcely focused on. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to investigate the effect of SA and intensity of interaction on second language (L2) pragmatic routines development. Two groups of Chinese graduate students completed a multilevel "vocabulary knowledge scale" (VKS) and a written discourse-completion task (DCT) to measure their recognition and production ability, and a language contact profile (LCP) to measure their intensity of interaction. Results revealed the positive influence and advantages of the SA context compared with AH (at-home) context. However, the positive effect of the SA context can not be generalized. SA group's performance was greatly influenced by their intensity of interaction. Through semi-structured interviews, it can be found that individual trajectories and characteristics can act as vital factors on pragmatic development.
WITHDRAWN: Anti-Oncogenic Activities Exhibited By Secretomes Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Are Mediated By Modulation Of KITLG and DKK1 Genes In Glioma Stem Cells.
Authors: Aslam Nazneen , Abusharieh Elham , Abuarqoub Duaa , Ali Dema , Al-Hattab Dana , Wehaibi Suha , Al-Kurdi Ban , Jamali Fatima , Alshaer Walhan , Jafar Hanan , Awidi Abdalla S.
Published: July 2020

Background. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) use their stemness properties such as self renewal, toxicity, plasticity, and communication with the tumor microenvironment (TME) to perpetuate their lineage and survive chemotherapy. Learning how to interrupt the self renewal ability or modulate the interaction of CSCs with the TME signaling will dramatically improve therapeutic impact on patient’s remission. Anti-tumor properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are currently under investigations and different approaches have been applied to gain beneficial effects However, different types of MSCs yielded different conflicting results. In order to investigate if different types of MSCs preconditioned in the same culture conditions can exert alike anti oncogenic effect on glioma stem cells, we planned this study. Methods. GSCs were isolated from U87 cell line by FACS cell sorter, characterized and established as gliospheres. Condition media from MSCs of Wharton Jelly (WJ-MSCs) and bone marrow (BM-MSCs) were harvested and used as treatments on glioshperes (3D) to investigate the effect on proliferation, invasion and self renewal properties of GSCs. Microarray analysis was used to determine the effect at molecular level. Specific human CSC gene arrays were applied to validate the findings of the microarray explicitly the pluripotency of the GSCs. Results. Our results from functional and molecular assays showed that condition media (CM) from both types of MSCs inhibited the metabolism by interrupting oxidative phosphorylation, arrested the cell cycle, induced cell differentiation, targeted the pluripotency and up-regulated the immune response in GSCs. Moreover , condition media from both types of MSCs significantly affected the same genes (KITLG and DKK1) causing a similar effect while using slightly different routes and signaling pathways signifying their individual effects.Conclusion.We conclude that mesenchymal stem cells possess antitumor properties and paracrine factors of mesenchymal stem cells in combination with anti-immune modalities can provide novel therapeutic targets for glioma treatment.
Alpelisib Inhibits PIK3CA-Mutant Breast Cancer Growth Through AKT-Dependent Bim Induction and Mcl-1 Degradation
Authors: Tan Xiao , Zhang Zhongqiang , Liu Ping , Yao Hongliang , tong jingshan
Published: July 2020

Background: PIK3CA mutations are common genomic alterations in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancers, currently, the development of selective PI3Kα (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase α) inhibitors is ongoing. The mechanisms contributing to the anticancer activity of alpelisib in PIK3CA-mutant breast cancer cells and the mechanism of acquired resistance to alpelisib remain elusive. Methods: Drug-sensitive cell lines were exposed to alpelisib to establish alpelisib-resistant cell lines. Western blotting was used to assess changes in protein expression. Apoptosis was evaluated by ﬂow cytometry. In vivo with mouse xenograft models and in vitro colony formation and MTS and assay were carried out to determine the growth inhibitory effects of the tested drugs. Protein half-lives were examined and proteasome inhibitors were used to estimate protein degradation. Gene knockdown was carried out using shRNA or siRNA. Results: In the present study, we report the potent induction of apoptosis by alpelisib in PIK3CA-mutant breast cancer cell lines. AKT phosphorylation suppression, AKT/Foxo3a-dependent Bim induction, and AKT/GSK-3β-dependent Mcl-1 degradation were observed. Apoptosis induced by alpelisib was attenuated by Mcl-1 (4A) overexpression or Bim suppression. Furthermore, alpelisib could not modulate Mcl-1 or Bim levels in cell lines that were resistant to alpelisib. AKT inhibitor and alpelisib combination restored the sensitivity of alpelisib-resistant cells to growth inhibition and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions: Therefore, modulation of Mcl-1 degradation and AKT-dependent Bim induction are crucial for mediating the resistance and sensitivity of PIK3CA-mutant breast tumor cells to alpelisib, thus making it a productive strategy for overcoming acquired resistance to alpelisib.
Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension in Northern China: a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Xi Yunfeng , Xu Xiaoqian , Tian Zixuan , Qiao Liying , Bao Han , Zhu Hao , Zhu Lige , Niu Liwei , Yan Tao , Han Ke , Hang Gai , Wang Wenrui , Zhang Xingguang
Published: July 2020

Aims

Hypertension has always been a worldwide health concern. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rates of hypertension among adult residents of northern China, where people usually have a high-fat, high-salt diet and heavy alcohol consumption.
Methods

Through the Early Screening and Comprehensive Intervention Project for High Risk Groups of Cardiovascular Diseases in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of northern China, we collected data of 70,380 residents and assessed the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the total population and subpopulations.
Results

Among participants, only 13.9% (11.7% of men and 15.4% of women) had optimal BP levels. 55.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 55.3–56.1%) of the participants had hypertension. A total 52.8% (52.3–53.3%) of patients with hypertension were aware of their diagnosis and 43.3% (42.8–43.8%) were taking antihypertensive medications. Only 8.6% (8.3–8.9%) of patients with hypertension had their BP under control, and 19.8% (19.2–20.4%) of those who were treated had their BP under control. The standardized rates of hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and control under treatment were 49.4% (49.0–49.8%), 45.4% (44.9–45.9%), 35.7% (35.2%–36.2), 7.3% (7.0–7.6%), and 20.8% (20.2–21.4%), respectively.
Conclusion

Hypertension is highly prevalent in northern China, with inadequate awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension. Even if patients with hypertension are under treatment, hypertension can remain inadequately controlled.
What's the relation between paranasal sinusitis (based on PNS-CT scan) and Kawasaki disease: A comparative study in children in Tehran, Iran
Authors: noorbakhsh SAMILEH , Movahedi Zahra , Ashouri Sarvenaz
Published: July 2020

Background

Kawasaki Disease (KD) and rhino sinusitis are common in young Iranian population. Paranasal sinusitis can cause immunologic reactions and progress to KD. We compared the incidence of rhino sinusitis based on para nasal sinus- computed tomography scans (PNS-CT Scan), in KD cases with control group (head trauma)
Methods

A prospective, case control study (2013-18)had done in Rasul Akram Hospital in Tehran, Iran.PNS- CT scan finding compared between 43 proven KD and 43 controls (head trauma). The PNS-CTscan changes compared between 2 groups respect to their ages, gender, site and type of sinusitis.
Results

PNS-CT scan had been performed in 23 cases with proved KD and 43 non KD cases( control) with mean age of 6.48 ± 4.15 years in KD cases without significant difference to controls (p = 0.14.). No significant difference had seen in gender between two groups. (p = 0.14).The paranasal sinusitis had higher prevalence in KD cases in compare with controls: 41.86% (18 / 43) vs 20.9% (9 / 43) respectively (P = 0.036). The mean age of children with sinusitis had not difference between groups (7.44 ± 0.89 vs. 7.88 + 2.44, p = 0.176). Presence of sinusitis in cases and controls were not related to age, sex and site of sinusitis (p = 0.71; 0.80; 0.63 respectively).
Conclusion

The result of this investigation shows the high prevalence of paranasal sinusitis in KD which suggest the sinusitis as an important factor for developing the KD. Although, the presence of sinus pathology on a PNS- CT scan does not establish the causality between sinusitis and KD, but due to high prevalence of paranasal sinusitis in our pediatric population, we recommend PNS CT-scan for KD cases with prolonged URI ( Upper Respiratory Tract Infection) symptoms more than 2 weeks. In KD cases with confirmed paranasal sinusitis, antibiotic treatment is recommend to prevent relapses and complications of the KD treatment.
An in-silico study of cartilage tissue engineering and its primary developmental growth factors in a systems biology approach
Authors: Beheshtizadeh Nima
Published: July 2020

Background

Numerous growth factors work in consonance to regulate the development and homeostasis of engineered cartilage. In order to fabricate mature cartilages provided to implantation, developing biological processes should be known and employed. In this regard, a systems biology study could be considered as an inexpensive evaluation method. In this work, a systems biology study was performed on 11 protein-coding genes participating in cartilage development.
Results

Developing a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network resulted in a graph with 11 nodes and 28 edges. Additionally, a gene ontology (GO) analysis and a centrality analysis were performed based on the degree index. Four most crucial biological processes involved in cartilage engineering identified by the gene ontology analysis: cartilage development, cartilage condensation, regulation of cartilage development, and cartilage development involved in endochondral bone morphogenesis. Also, seven most interactive proteins were detected performing a degree-based centrality analysis: COL2A1, SOX9, CTGF, BMP7, TGFB1, CD44, and MAPK14.
Conclusion

Cartilage developmental proteins are efficient in forming and developing extracellular matrix and cartilage development, from its formation to the mature structure. However, this in-silico study recommends four most important developmental growth factors applicable to cartilage tissue engineering: COL2A1, SOX9, CTGF, and TGFB1.
Oncologic and obstetric outcomes of fertility-sparing surgery for borderline ovarian tumors in women of reproductive age: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sun Rui , Luo Chengyan , Jiang Yi , Zhou Shulin , Wan Yicong , Cheng Wenjun
Published: July 2020

Objective

To retrospectively evaluate the oncologic and obstetric outcomes of fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) for borderline ovarian tumors(BOT).
Methods

132 patients with borderline ovarian tumors were divided into the incompletely staging surgery (ISS) group and the completely staging surgery (CSS) group. The overall survival and disease-free survival curves were determined using the Kaplan–Meier method. The Cox proportional hazards method was used to assess the association between the variables and live birth and multivariate analysis to identify the independent associations.
Results

Chi-square and Kaplan-Meier analyses showed no significant differences in overall survival between the two groups (p = 1.000 and p = 0.716, respectively). The CSS group had fewer relapses and longer disease-free survival than ISS (p = 0.003). There was no statistical difference in live birth rate between two groups (crude odds ratio = 0.885, 95%CI 0.411–1.903, p = 0.755; adjusted odds ratio = 0.848, 95%CI 0.366–1.963, p = 0.700). Age was the only independent risk factor for live birth (adjusted odds ratio = 0.902, 95%CI 0.823–0.988, p = 0.027). Mean live birth intervals after FSS was 31.86 ± 19.325 months.
Conclusions

CSS significantly increased the disease-free survival time of BOT and reduced the relapse risk. However, CSS had a slightly negative and statistically insignificant association with live birth.
Analysis of ACE2 Genetic Variants by Direct Exome Sequencing in 99 SARS-CoV-2 Positive Patients
Authors: Novelli Antonio , Biancolella Michela , Borgiani Paola , Cocciadiferro Dario , Colona Vito Luigi , D’Apice Maria Rosaria , Rogliani Paola , Zaffina Salvatore , Leonardis Francesca , Campana Andrea , Raponi Massimiliano , Andreoni Massimo , Grelli Sandro , Novelli Giuseppe
Published: July 2020

BackgroundCoronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that are common in humans and many animal species. Animal coronaviruses rarely infect humans with the exceptions of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV), the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and now SARS-CoV-2, which is the cause of the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Many studies have suggested that genetic variants in the ACE2​gene may influence the host susceptibility or resistance to SARS-CoV-2 virus according to the functional role of ACE2 in human pathophysiology. However, many of these studies have been conducted in silico based on epidemiological and population data. We, therefore, investigated the occurrence of ACE2 variants in a cohort of 99 Italian unrelated individuals clinically diagnosed with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) to demonstrate a possible allelic association with COVID-19 by direct DNA analysis in a cohort of positive patients.MethodsWe analyzed, by whole-exome sequencing, 99 DNA samples of severe and extremely severe COVID-19 patients hospitalized at the University Hospital of Rome “Tor Vergata” and Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome.ResultsWe identified three different germline variants: one intronic c.439+4G>A and two missense c.1888G>C p.(Asp630His) and c.2158A>G p.(Asn720Asp), in a total of 26 patients with a similar frequency in male and female. Thus far, only c.1888G>C p.(Asp630His) shows a statistically different frequency compared to the ethnically matched populations, suggesting that further research is needed to establish whether this variant is of functional significance.ConclusionsOur results suggest that there is no evidence of consistent ACE2 variants associated to the COVID-19. We hypothesize that rare susceptibility/resistant alleles could be located in the non-coding regions of the ACE2 gene, known to play a role in regulation of the gene activity.
Acute portal vein thrombosis secondary to COVID-19: a case report
Authors: Borazjani Roham , Seraj Seyed Reza , Fallahi Mohammad javad , Rahmanian Zhila
Published: July 2020

Introduction: COVID-19 pneumonia exhibits several extra-pulmonary complications.Case presentation: We described a 23-year old male with coronavirus pneumonia and portal vein thrombosis.Conclusion: Clinicians should always consider thrombosis and other hypercoagulable diseases in patients with COVID-19.
Knock Down of LINC00504 Represses Proliferation and Invasion via Regulation of miR-140-5p in Breast Cancer
Authors: Hou Tieying , Ye Long , Qin Qingsong , Wu Shulin
Published: July 2020

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer in the world. Emerging evidence has demonstrated the critical role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development of breast cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of LINC00504 in breast cancer progression. Methods: Quantification real-time PCR was used to analyzed the expression levels of LINC00504 and miR‐140-5p in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed by Cell Counting Kit‐8, transwell assay and Immunofluorescence. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA Immunoprecipitation assay were performed to verify the interaction between LINC00504 and miR‐140-5p. The expression levels of VEGFA, CDH1 and VIM were demonstrated by western blot assays. Result: Here, we found that LINC00504 is up regulated in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Down regulation of LINC00504 mediated by shRNA suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, LINC00504 was found to competitively regulate miR‐140-5p via targeting VEGFA. Inhibition of miR‐140-5p attenuated the knockdown-LINC00504 induced inhibition of breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion.Conclusion: Taken together, our results demonstrated the mechanism of the LINC00504–miR‐140-5p–VEGFA axis in breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion and may lead to new lncRNA-based diagnostics or therapeutics for breast cancer.
Analysis of Breast Cancer Cases According to County-Level Poverty Status in 3.5 Million Rural Women Who Participated in a Breast Cancer Screening Program of Hunan Province, China from 2016–2018
Authors: Lili Xiong , Zhiyu Liu , Yinglan Wu , Aihua Wang , Hongyun Li , Ting Liang , Yingxia Wang , Guanghui Yang , Xianghua Chen , Junqun Fang , Donghua Xie , Fanjuan Kong
Published: July 2020

Purpose Thus far there has been no study on the breast cancer screening program in China, especially one exploring differences between poor and non-poor areas. Therefore, we aimed to assessment the effectiveness of the population-based breast cancer screening programs, and clinical epidemiological characteristics of breast cancers in poor and non-poor counties in rural areas of Hunan province from 2016–2018.Methods 3,151,679 rural women took part in the screening program and 1,169 breast cancer cases was identified. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, and binary logistic regression analysis were used for analyzing the difference in risk factors, clinical examination results, and clinicopathological features of breast cancer patients in poor counties compared with those in non-poor counties in rural areas of Hunan province. Results The breast cancer incidence was 37.09/105. Breast cancer incidence was lower in poor counties (29.68/105) than in non-poor counties (43.13/105). There were differences between breast cancers in poor counties and non-poor counties in cyst, margin, internal echo, and blood flow in solid masses in the right breast in ultrasonic examination, lump structure in mammography examination, and clinicopathological staging and grading in pathological examination. Breast cancer in poor counties was more likely to be diagnosed at later stages as determined from the classification in ultrasonic, mammography and pathological examination. Furthermore, indexes of the breast screening program including early detection, incidence, pathological examination, and mammography examination were reduced in poor compared with non-poor counties. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that education, ethnicity, reproductive history and the year 2017 were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in poor counties (OR >1, P < 0.05). Conclusions Women in poor areas were more likely to be diagnosed at a later breast cancer stage than those in non-poor areas, and therefore, women should have better access to diagnostic and clinical services in poor areas in Hunan province to help rectify this situation.
Correlation of Anxiety and Uterine Artery Doppler Flow in Pregnant Women with High Risk of Down syndrome: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Shirazi Mahboobeh , Torkzaban Mehnoosh , ghaemi Marjan , Moshfeghi Maryam , Shirazi Mahmoud , Emadzadeh Maryam , Ahmadi Lida , Mirzaeian Sara
Published: July 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Metabolomic Analysis of Serum and Placenta in Preeclampsia
Authors: Dong Ying , Liu Xiaowei , Zhao Shenglong , Zheng Yuanyuan , Li Chunbo , Si Dandan , Chen Jinmei , Wang Jing , Chen Lu , Hu Siqi , Liu Jingrui , Tang Guodong , Lu Yifan , Yue Xiaofei , Zhao Zhen , Zhai Yanhong , Cao Zheng
Published: July 2020

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the main causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study was aimed to explore the potential metabolic alterations in women diagnosed with PE and reveal the underlying pathogenesis of disease. Methods; Healthy pregnant women and patients diagnosed with PE were recruited from August 2017 to February 2018. The metabolomic analysis of serum (n=90) and placenta (n=9) samples collected from the two groups were performed with the high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of light mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF-MS). Results: In serum, 16 metabolites that were present in different concentrations between the two groups were identified, of which pyroglutamic acid (pGlu), methionine, glutamine and taurocholic acid may be used as potential PE diagnosis biomarkers with the area under ROC curve of 0.901, 0.909, 0.892 and 0.873 respectively. Furthermore, the metabolic pathways analysis with differential metabolites in serum and placenta samples showed that linoleic acid and alpha- linolenic acid metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, D-glutamine/D-glutamate metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, glutathione metabolism and tryptophan metabolism were significantly altered and might be involved in PE pathogenesis. Conclusions: These results showed the altered metabolic pathways could contribute to the pathophysiologic mechanisms of PE.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Station Keeping Control for Ultra-Silent Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
Authors: Zeng Yuhao , Zheng Huan , Yu Zu-Yao
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we consider station keeping control law for ultra-silent autonomous underwater vehicle(ULSI-AUV) based on the sliding mode controller. The mechanical system of ULSI-AUV prototype is designed and manufactured, and the electrical system is selected and installed. The kinematic and dynamics model is established. The goal of station keeping control is to make the ULSI-AUV prototype fixed-depth and anti-rolling to carry out underwater operations. Numerical results show the effectiveness of this method. In addition, real-time experimental results also prove the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Research on the Diagnosis and Treatment of the Dominant Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Tang Yuqi , Yang Dongdong , Li Zechen , Fang Yu , Gao Shanshan
Published: July 2020

Background: Insomnia as one of the dominant diseases of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been extensively studied in recent years. To explore the novel approaches of research on TCM diagnosis and treatment, this paper presents a strategy for the research of insomnia based on machine learning. Methods: First of all, 654 insomnia cases have been collected from an experienced doctor of TCM as sample data. Secondly, in the light of the characteristics of TCM diagnosis and treatment, the contents of research samples have been divided into four parts: the basic information, the four diagnostic methods, the treatment based on syndrome differentiation and the main prescription. And then, these four parts have been analyzed by three analysis methods, including frequency analysis, association rules and hierarchical cluster analysis. Finally, a comprehensive study of the whole four parts was conducted by random forest. Results: Analysis of the four parts revealed some significant relationships. Simultaneously, based on the algorithm model established by the random forest, the accuracy of predicting the main prescription by the combination of the four diagnostic methods and the treatment based on syndrome differentiation was 0.85. Furthermore, the syndrome differentiation of five zang-organs was proven to be the most significant parameter after the features extraction by the random forest.Conclusions: The results indicate that the machine learning method can be adopted to study the dominant diseases of TCM to explore the crucial rules of the diagnosis and the treatment.