bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Critical Phase Transitions of Pericentromere-Associated Domains in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells Committed to Differentiation by Heregulin
Authors: Krigerts Jekabs , Salmina Kristine , Freivalds Talivaldis , Rumnieks Felikss , Inashkina Inna , Zayakin Pawel , Hausmann Michael , Erenpreisa Jekaterina
Published: May 2020

Finding out how cells with the same genome change fates in differentiation commitment is a challenge of biology. We used MCF-7 breast cancer cells treated with the ErbB2 ligand heregulin (HRG), which induces differentiation, to address if and how the constitutive pericentromere-associated domains (PADs) may be involved in this process. PAD-specific repressive heterochromatin (H3K9me3) and active euchromatin (H3K4me3) marking, centromere (CENPA) labelling, qPCR, acridine-orange-DNA structural test, and microscopic image analysis were applied. We found a two-step DNA unfolding, at 15-20 min and 60 min after HRG treatment, coinciding with bi-phasic activation of the early response genes (c-FOS family) and two steps of critical phase transition which were revealed in transcriptome studies. In control, the distribution of PAD number and size displays a power-law scaling with a boundary at the nucleolus. PADs’ clustering correlates with centromere numbers. 15 min after HRG treatment, the unravelling of PADs occurs, coinciding with the first step of euchromatin unfolding. The second step is associated with transcription of long-non-coding-RNA from satellite III DNA. We hypothesize that splitting of the PAD clusters under the critical size threshold of the silencing domain abrupts position effect variegation. It allows the first genome transcription avalanche to occur, starting differentiation commitment.
Fabrication and Characterization of Ag-Sr Doped Hydroxyapatite/chitosan Coatings Deposited on 316L SS via Electrophoretic Deposition
Authors: Wahaj Muhammad , Saleem Usama , Iqbal Farasat , Yasir Muhammad , Wadood Abdul , Ur Rehamn Muahammad Atiq
Published: May 2020

In this study, silver-strontium doped hydroxyapatite (AgSr-HA)/chitosan composite coatings were deposited on stainless steel (SS) substrate via electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique. The EPD parameters such as the concentration of Ag Sr-HA particles in the suspension, applied voltage and deposition time were optimized on by the Taguchi Design of Experiment (DoE) approach. DOE approach elucidated that the “best” coating was obtained at; the deposition voltage of 20V, deposition time of 7 minutes, and at 5 g/L of Ag Sr-HA particles in the suspension. The optimum coatings were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. SEM images confirmed the deposition of chitosan/Ag Sr-HA on the SS substrate. The wettability studies indicated the hydrophilic nature of the chitosan/Ag Sr-HA coatings, which confirmed the suitability of the developed coatings for orthopedic applications. The average surface roughness of the chitosan/Ag Sr-HA coatings was in a suitable range for the attachment of bone marrow stromal cells. Chitosan/Ag Sr-HA coatings showed a potent antibacterial effect against the Gram-Positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Waves of Mental Health Demands During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Honorato Eduardo , Machado André , Therense Munique , Martins Gizelly , Marangoni Vívian , Lemos Sonia
Published: May 2020

This work presents a compilation of data obtained by clinical psychologists during the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil. Through searches on social media with #Covid19 and #MentalHealth and the exchange of information on networks of professionals, it was possible to compile and group the main psychological symptoms presented during isolation. Information was clustered according to the period it appeared, in order to guide future situations. Moreover, to prepare a group of clinical psychologists to provide online assistance.
Increased Nitro-Oxidative Stress Toxicity as a Major Determinant of Increased Blood Pressure in Mood Disorders
Authors: Bonifacio Kamila Landucci , Barbosa Décio Sabbatini , Moreira Estefânia Gastaldello , Coneglian Carine Farias , Vargas Heber Odebrecht , Nunes Sandra Odebrecht Vargas , Moraes Juliana Brum , Maes Michael
Published: May 2020

Background: Hypertension, atherogenicity and insulin resistance are major risk factors of cardiovascular disorder (CVD), which shows a strong comorbidity with major depression (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). Activated oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS), inflammatory pathways, and increased atherogenicity are shared pathways underpinning CVD and mood disorders. Methods: The current study examined the effects of lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and malondialdehyde (MDA) on systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure in 96 mood disordered patients and 60 healthy controls. Results: A large part of the variance in SBP (31.6%) was explained by the regression on a z unit-weighted composite score (based on LOOH, AOPP, SOD, NOx) reflecting nitro-oxidative stress toxicity (NOSTOX), coupled with highly sensitive C-reactive protein, body weight and use of antihypertensives. Increased DBP was best predicted (23.8%) by body mass index and NOSTOX. The most important O&NS biomarkers predicting an increased SBP were in descending order of significance: LOOH, AOPP and SOD. Higher levels of the atherogenic index of plasma, HOMA2 insulin resistance index and basal thyroid-stimulating hormone also contributed to increased SBP independently from NOSTOX. Although there were no significant changes in SBP/DBP in mood disorders, the associations between NOSTOX and blood pressure were significant in patients with mood disorders but not in healthy controls. Conclusions: Activated O&NS pathways including increased lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, which indicates hypochlorous stress, are the most important predictors of an increased BP, especially in patients with mood disorders.
Anti-PSMA CAR-Engineered NK-92 Cells: An Off-the-Shelf Cell Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Montagner Isabella Monia , Penna Alessandro , Fracasso Giulio , Carpanese Debora , Dalla Pietà Anna , Barbieri Vito , Zuccolotto Gaia , Rosato Antonio
Published: May 2020

Prostate cancer (PCa) has become the most common tumor among males in Europe and the USA. Adoptive immunotherapy appears as a promising strategy to control the advanced stages of the disease by specific targeting the tumor, in particular through chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy. Despite the advancements of CAR-T technology in the treatment of hematological malignancies, solid tumors still represent a challenge. To overcome current limits, other cellular effectors than T lymphocytes are under study as possible candidates for CAR-engineered cancer immunotherapy. A novel approach involves the NK-92 cell line, which mediates strong cytotoxic responses against a variety of tumor cells but has no effect on non-malignant healthy counterparts. Here, we report a therapeutic approach against PCa based on engineering of NK-92 cells with a CAR recognizing the human prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), which is overexpressed in prostatic neoplastic cells. Upon CAR transduction, NK-92/CAR cells acquired high and specific lytic activity against PSMA-expressing prostate cancer cells in vitro, and also underwent degranulation and produced high levels of IFN-γ in response to antigen recognition. Lethal irradiation of the effectors, a safety measure requested for the clinical application of retargeted NK-92 cells, fully abrogated replication but did not impact on phenotype and short-term functionality. PSMA-specific recognition and antitumor activity were retained in vivo, as adoptive transfer of irradiated NK-92/CAR cells in prostate cancer-bearing mice restrained tumor growth and improved survival. Anti-PSMA CAR-modified NK-92 cells represent a universal, off-the-shelf, renewable and cost-effective product endowed with relevant potentialities as a therapeutic approach for PCa immunotherapy.
Padrão de consumo de arranjos domiciliares brasileiros em 2008/2009
Authors: Pereira Sette Ana Beatriz , Bragança Coelho Alexandre
Published: May 2020

Esse artigo busca analisar o padrão de consumo em diferentes arranjos domiciliares no Brasil, a partir de dados da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares (POF) de 2008-2009. Para isso, foram estimadas curvas de Engel considerando o tipo de arranjo domiciliar, dentre outras variáveis demográficas. Os resultados indicaram a existência de diferenças no padrão de consumo das famílias associadas ao sexo do responsável pelo domicílio, sobretudo nos arranjos “monoparental” e “unipessoal”. Essas diferenças são mais evidentes sobre as despesas com habitação, saúde e educação/recreação, em que os gastos mensais per capita são muito menores para os tipos “monoparental masculino” e “unipessoal masculino” em relação ao “monoparental feminino” e “unipessoal feminino”. Além disso, verificou-se que a composição da família (presença de filhos, idosos) e o seu tamanho afetam as decisões de consumo das famílias, em que a existência de crianças aumenta os gastos per capita com habitação e saúde e a presença de idosos leva a uma expansão dos gastos com saúde. Quanto ao tamanho da família, há indícios de que as famílias maiores podem se beneficiar dos ganhos de economia de escala e consumo conjunto em relação às despesas com habitação, alimentação e transporte.
Natural and anthropogenic agents in the present geomorphological dynamics of the Torrent Corlo mountain catchment (Northern Apennines, Italy)
Authors: Doriano CASTALDINI , Paola CORATZA , Giovanni TOSATTI
Published: May 2020

The morphological changes affecting a small mountain catchment in the territory of Modena (Italy) have been taken into account. In particular, based on detailed field surveys and analysis of remote sensing imagery, an assessment was made on the natural and anthropogenic agents which have modelled this basin in the past 80 years. For several decades, the Torrent Corlo catchment was subject to intense exploitation of clay raw materials in order to supply a flourishing ceramic tile industry. As a result, a strong, negative impact has affected the landscape and, in some areas, the geomorphological evolution due to man’s activities greatly surpasses the changes ascribable to natural processes, such as landslides or stream channel processes. Since 2008, all quarrying activities have ceased and the local public administration has started a project of reclamation of the abandoned clay pits, although it will not be possible to restore completely the original, natural features of this catchment. A comparison is made with the sub-catchment Rio delle Vigne valley, which has been spared from anthropogenic changes and has been affected only by natural gravity-induced processes, which have produced some twelve landslides. The final products of this research are the implementation of the first geomorphological map of the T. Corlo mountain catchment and an updated version of the hydrological hazard map, in which active and dormant landslides are much more numerous than those mapped in any other previous geological map (s.l.). These documents can be utilized for any intervention by public boards aiming at recuperating and improving this intensely exploited area.
Morphometric analysis of river subwatersheds using geographic information system and principal component analysis, northeast of Algeria
Authors: Kamel KHANCHOUL , Bachir SAAIDIA
Published: May 2020

In the present paper an attempt is made to study the morphometric characteristics of five watersheds which are part of Seybouse and Coastal basin of Constantine located in northeast of Algeria. The study focuses on evaluating the effect of morphometric parameters on land degradation. The Geographical Information Systems which represent efficient tools in determination of drainage basin morphometric properties and principal component analysis are applied to ten geomorphic parameters on twenty subwatersheds, to group the parameters under different components based on significant correlations. Some morphometric parameters are computed and analyzed such as basin area, drainage density, stream frequency, form factor, orographic coefficient, hypsometric integral, and lithology index, basin slope, average overland flow distance, basin relief ratio. Outcomes of the matrix of correlation and principal component analysis of ten geomorphic parameters clearly depict that fifty percent of the variables are strongly correlated with the components like basin area, drainage density, stream frequency, orographic coefficient and relief ratio. It has been found that Guis sub-basin, three sub-basins of the Saf Saf watershed and all the sub-basins of the Mellah watershed are subjected to high land degradation, thus, creating an urgent need for applying soil and water conservation measures.
Impacto econômico da adoção de denosumabe em pacientes com metástases ósseas ou mieloma múltiplo sob a perspectiva do sistema de saúde privado brasileiro
Authors: Tanaka Straus , Suri Gaurav , Arancibia Alejandro , Nascimento Danielle , Magliano Carlos , Aratangy Guilherme
Published: May 2020

Objetivo: Estimar o custo por evento relacionado ao esqueleto (ERE) e o impacto econômico anual da adoção de denosumabe em pacientes com metástases ósseas secundárias ao câncer de mama, próstata e outros tumores sólidos ou mieloma múltiplo sob a perspectiva do sistema de saúde privado brasileiro. Métodos: Um modelo econômico foi desenvolvido para comparar os custos relacionados com denosumabe versus ácido zoledrônico na prevenção de EREs. O modelo incluiu os seguintes custos: medicamento, administração, monitoramento e manejo de ERE. O custo anual foi apresentado em reais (BRL) para 100 pacientes. Os custos do manejo de ERE [fratura vertebral (FV), fratura não vertebral (FNV), radiação óssea (RO), cirurgia óssea (CO) e compressão da medula espinhal (CME)] foram estimados a partir dos recursos e procedimentos coletados da revisão de literatura, bases de dados e painel Delphi. Dados coletados dos estudos clínicos randomizados relacionados com cada tipo de tumor na análise e de um estudo prospectivo observacional foram utilizados para estimar a eficácia clínica de denosumabe versus ácido zoledrônico. Resultados: O custo por cada tipo de ERE variou de BRL 27.246 a BRL 28.035 para FV, BRL 18.023 a BRL 18.811 para FNV, BRL 42.750 a BRL 43.538 para RO, BRL 18.023 a BRL 18.811 para CO e BRL 12.472 a BRL 13.260 para CME. A introdução de denosumabe foi estimada em economia anual por 100 pacientes de até BRL 1.072.043,14 para câncer de mama, BRL 1.212.822,79 para outros tumores sólidos, BRL 1.929.660,67 para câncer de próstata e BRL 77.965,07 para mieloma múltiplo. Conclusão: Esta análise sugere que EREs adicionam custos substanciais no manejo de pacientes com metástases ósseas. Dessa forma, o uso de denosumabe pode prevenir e retardar EREs em pacientes com câncer e pode possivelmente levar à redução do impacto econômico associado aos EREs sob a perspectiva dos pagadores de saúde privada brasileira.
Custo-efetividade e impacto orçamentário da introdução do cabozantinibe no tratamento de carcinoma de células renais avançado no sistema de saúde suplementar no Brasil
Authors: Serafini Peter , Pires Bernardo , Lemmer Teresa , Bueno Ana Paula , Mello André , Stefani Stephen
Published: May 2020

Objetivo: Este trabalho teve por objetivo determinar o custo-efetividade e o impacto orçamentário do cabozantinibe para o sistema de saúde suplementar no Brasil, no tratamento de carcinoma de células renais (RCC) avançado ou metastático, após falha de tratamento com inibidor do fator de crescimento endotelial vascular (VEGF), quando comparado ao atual tratamento aprovado: nivolumabe. Métodos: Foram utilizados custos referentes ao uso de recursos, tratamento médico, eventos adversos e qualidade de vida, calculados por estado de saúde. Foi considerado o tempo horizonte de 20 anos para análise de custo-efetividade e 5 anos para impacto orçamentário, e foi realizado um cenário alternativo comparando o cabozantinibe ao nivolumabe e axitinibe. Resultados: O cabozantinibe apresentou eficácia superior quando comparado ao nivolumabe e ao axitinibe e representa uma redução de custos comparado ao nivolumabe. Em relação aos eventos adversos, o cabozantinibe apresenta redução dos gastos quando comparado ao nivolumabe. Conclusão: Esses resultados mostram um potencial de economia ao sistema de saúde suplementar com a adoção do cabozantinibe no tratamento para RCC avançado ou metastático em segunda linha no Brasil.
Radioterapia intraoperatória com elétrons no tratamento do câncer colorretal localmente avançado submetido a ressecção incompleta: análise econômica sob a perspectiva do Sistema de Saúde Suplementar brasileiro
Authors: Santos Marcos
Published: May 2020

Objetivo: Este estudo objetivou avaliar o custo-efetividade da aplicação da radioterapia intraoperatória com elétrons (RIOe) no paciente com câncer retal localmente avançado (CRLA) submetido a radio/quimioterapia neoadjuvante seguida de ressecção incompleta (margem comprometida ou doença grosseira residual). Métodos: Para tanto, foi elaborado um modelo de Markov. Os dados de eficácia, efeitos secundários, controle local e sobrevida global foram extraídos da literatura. A perspectiva considerada foi a do sistema de saúde privado brasileiro. Considerou-se, para o custo e para a efetividade, uma taxa de desconto anual de 5%. Resultados: A estratégia que continha a RIOe mostrou-se, nesse cenário, dominante em comparação à estratégia que não envolvia essa abordagem. Os resultados mostraram-se robustos após análises de sensibilidade uni e multivariadas. Conclusão: Concluiu-se que pode ser vantajosa, tanto para os pacientes com CRLA quanto para as operadoras de saúde do mercado privado brasileiro, a aplicação de RIOe na ocorrência de cirurgia subótima, ainda que se sugira que esses dados devem ser confirmados posteriormente, por meio da coleta de dados de mundo real, devido à ausência de níveis robustos de evidência, na literatura, para esse cenário clínico específico.
Health technology assessment as a tool to support decision-making in public and universal oral health care
Authors: Probst Livia , Cavalcante Denise , Vanni Tazio , Silva Erica , Pereira Antonio Carlos
Published: May 2020

Objective: To discuss the importance of health technology assessment (HTA) to allow oral health policies to be planned to meet the needs of prevention, promotion and recovery of patients’ health. Methods: It is an opinion article. Oral diseases can be a considerable economic burden for the individual and for society, leading to a global impact of US$ 544.41 billion in 2015. Results: Brazil has made great progress in terms of oral health care after the publication of the National Policy of Oral Health (PNSB). However, the current challenge is still great, especially with regard to the management of health technologies within the PNSB. Conclusion: The accomplishment of HTA to support decision-making on allocation of the financial resources used may prevent the Smiling Brazil program from becoming vulnerable to the waste of the scarce resources allocated to this are, which would result in low effectiveness, inefficiency and inequity of the health system.
CODE STEMI Improves Clinical Outcomes and Cost Efficiency in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients : A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ginanjar Eka , Sjaaf Amal Chalik , Alwi Idrus , Sulistyadi Wahyu , Suryadarmawan Ede , Wibowo Adik , Liastuti Lies Dina
Published: May 2020

Background One of the highest causes of cardiac mortality is ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). Delay in the management of STEMI patients resulted high mortality, morbidity, and economic burden. CODE STEMI is a protocol to reduce door to balloon time and improve patient’s quality care and clinical outcome. This study aims to determine the effect of the implementation of CODE STEMI on clinical outcome and cost efficiency of a quality care of STEMI patients at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital.Method This is a retrospective cohort study that reviewed 207 medical records of STEMI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in 2015–2018. The patients were divided into two groups. The first group was treated prior to establishing the CODE STEMI program. The other group was treated according to the program, which was implemented in January 2017. The primary outcome was to measure in-hospital mortality and morbidity and total hospital cost between both groups. Secondary end-points included length of stay (LOS) and Cost Efficient Analysis. Data analysis was done using Mann Whitney and Chi square test.Results There were 72 and 135 patients in Pre-CODE STEMI and CODE STEMI groups respectively. In CODE STEMI group, median D2BT was significantly reduced by 130 min (P < 0.001), median LOS was reduced by 1 day (P = 0.009) and there was cost reduction by approximately USD 1,000. There were declining trend of in-hospital mortality rates (8.3% vs 4.4%) and MACE at 30 days (48.61% vs 37.78%).Conclusion Implementation of CODE STEMI can improve clinical outcome, reduce length of stay and cost efficiency of STEMI patients in general hospitals.
Comparative Clinical Characteristics Among Different Age Group of Adult COVID-19 Patients
Authors: peng yating , Zhou Aiyuan , Liao Xin , Deng Dingding , Huang Peng , Liu Wenlong , Jiang Mingyan , Xiang Xudong , Shuang Qingcui , Cai Shan , Chen Ping , Liao Xucai
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global infectious disease with a large burden of illness and high healthcare costs.Objectives: This study aimed to compare clinical features among adult COVID-19 patients in different age groups.Methods: Laboratory-confirmed adult COVID-19 infection cases between Dec 31, 2019 to March 8, 2020 obtained from Neighboring Cities. Patients were divided into five age groups: age༜30, 30–40, 40–50, 50–65, ≥ 65 y (elderly). Age, sex, history of chronic disease and epidemiology, symptoms, laboratory tests, and outcomes were compared among different age groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate associated factors for severe or critical type.Results: We studied 299 cases. Median (IQR) age was 44 (34,54) and 158 (53%) were male. Percent of bilateral involvement on chest radiographs was increased significantly with older age (p = 0.005). 53.3% of 30–40 years, 50% of 40–50 years, 36.6% of ༜30 years and 36.2% of 50–60 years were imported case, none of the elderly were imported case. Among all the observed symptoms, only symptom of dyspnea was significantly different between the elderly group and other groups (p < 0.001). Proportion of severe or critical type was 2.4%, 5.3%, 9.5%, 14.5%, and 35% in patients with age༜30, 30–40, 40–50, 50–65, ≥ 65 (p < 0.001), respectively. At this point, ICU admission rate, ARDS and shock rate and on medical treatment rate was increased especially in patients ≥ 65 years. 285 patients (95.3%) were cured and discharged, 12 patients (4.0%) were still on medical treatment in hospital. There were 2 (0.67%) deaths; these occurred among persons ≥ 65 y (p < 0.001). Old age, high HR on admission, high respiratory rate on admission, and history of chronic heart disease were independently associated with severe or critical .Conclusions: Proportion of severe or critical type increased with old age groups. Adults with old age and high HR, R rate in admission and history of chronic heart disease were associated with severe or critical type in COVID-19.
Risk of Frailty Prediction Among Institutionalized Older Adults
Authors: Kulal Nisha , K Vaishali , N Girish
Published: May 2020

Background: Frailty is a state of the decreased physiological reserve, inability to maintain homeostasis manifested by weakness, weight loss, reduced gait speed, exhaustion, and increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes. It is commonly associated with aging and is considered as a predictor of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality, thereby increasing the economic burden on the nation. Early identification of people who are at risk for frailty is vital in prevention and minimizing its socio-economic consequences. Objective: To develop a prediction model for the risk of frailty among institutionalized older adults. Methods: This study adopted a case-control design, wherein older adults categorized into frail and non-frail, using Fried's criteria were considered as cases and controls respectively. Individuals above 55 years of age, who could follow instructions; without severe motor and cognitive impairment and severe terminal illness were recruited from nine conveniently selected institutions for older adults. Socio-demographic details like age, gender, BMI, marital status and duration of institutionalization; lifestyle and behavioral factors like comorbidities, history of fall, smoking, alcohol consumption status, economic dependability, depression and cognition and; physical performance factors like physical activity, functional mobility, gait speed, and grip strength were evaluated. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify the odds ratio between the independent variables and frailty and to develop a prediction model. Results: Hundred elderly were recruited and analyzed from nine different institutions. Among the fourteen identified independent variables female gender (OR=1.038), cognition (OR=1.477), smoking (OR=1.907), vegetarian diet (OR=0.016), presence of more than 3 co-morbidities (OR=8.840), gait speed (OR=0.000) and grip strength (OR=0.575) showed a statistically significant odds ratio (r 2 = 0.883) and were used for developing a prediction model for risk of frailty. Conclusion: Risk factors for frailty among institutionalized older adults have been identified and a prediction model for risk frailty has been developed. This model could be used for the early identification of frailty during community-level screening programs.
Cardiovascular and Quality of Life Outcomes of a 3-Month Physical Exercise Program in Two Brazilian Communities
Authors: Lima Marcelo Pereira de , Conopca Severo , Miyabara Renata , Romeiro Geovanna , Campos Luciana Aparecida , Baltatu Ovidiu Constantin
Published: May 2020

BackgroundA decline in physical activity levels in older people is related with worsening of quality of life and a lower cardiorespiratory fitness level, which are associated with cardiovascular disease events and mortality from all causes. Evidence supports the potential impact of community-based physical exercise programs (CEXE) on cardiovascular health and quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and cardiovascular risk factors of a CEXE in two communities in Brazil.MethodsAdults with an average age of 70.2 ± 5.4 years were recruited to take part in an individually designed group based CEXE program 2–3 times/ week (aerobic exercise, circuit resistance training and stretching exercises for 1 h each time). Once a week were held competitions to develop the socialization and the ability to collaborate among group members. A CEXE group was compared with a sedentary group. Cardiovascular outcomes were blood pressure (BP), triglycerides, body mass index, waist circumference, high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol, and glycaemia. HRQoL was evaluated with the Short Form-36 (SF-36).ResultsOf the investigated cardiovascular outcome measures, significantly decreased by the CEXE program were systolic BP (5.7 [95%CI 0.2 to 11.3], p < 0.05), and the triglyceride-HDL-C ratio (0.8 [95%CI 0.05 to 1.5], p < 0.05), while HDL-C was significantly increased (4.4 [95%CI 0.02 to 8.8], p < 0.05). A significant improvement in the SF-36 subscales occurred in CEXE but not in the control group: physical functioning score (increase of 24.2 [95%CI 11.8 to 36.5] vs. -9.2 [95%CI -21.5 to 3.2], p < 0.001), physical role functioning score (increase of 35.4 [95%CI 12.8 to 58.0] vs. 16.7 [95%CI -6.0 to 39.3], p < 0.01) and general health score (increase of 23.7 [95%CI 36.9 to 10.4] vs. 2.4 [95%CI -10.9 to 15.7], p < 0.001).ConclusionThis study shows that a 12-week physical exercise program may significantly improve cardiovascular risk and health-related quality of life measures in older people. An important socio-cultural transferable strategy of our physical exercise program was to develop social activities during and outside the CEXE program.# These authors contributed equally to this study
Associations between adipocytokines and severity of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in well-controlled type 2 diabetes and prediabetes
Authors: Lai Yun-Ru , Chiu Wen-Chan , Cheng Ben-Chung , Chen Jung-Fu , Tsai Nai-Wen , Huang Chih-Cheng , Lu Cheng-Hsien
Published: May 2020

Background

It is thought that adipocytokines contribute to autonomic dysfunction and cardiovascular risks in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM, respectively). We aimed to identify adipocytokines that are associated with the severity of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in patients with well-controlled T2DM and prediabetes.
Methods

The complete cardiovascular autonomic function and biomarkers were assessed for each patient. The severity of CAN was assessed using both the composite autonomic scoring scale (CASS) and the cardiac autonomic reflex tests (CARTs) score. Biomarkers included adipocytokines (leptin, chemerin, adiponectin, and vaspin), oxidative stress (thiols and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance [TBARS]), endothelial dysfunction (sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1), and insulin resistance (triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] ratio and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] index).
Results

A total of 107 patients were included in this study: 90 with diabetes and 17 with prediabetes. Stepwise logistic regression showed that diabetes duration and leptin level were independently associated with the presence of CAN. Leptin level was positively correlated with body mass index (r = 0.588, P < 0.0001), waist circumference (r = 0.504, P < 0.0001), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (r = 0.351, P = 0.001), hs-CRP (r = 0.291, P = 0.006), TBARS (r = 0.259, P = 0.008), triglyceride/HDL-C ratio (r = 0.346, P < 0.0001), and HOMA-IR index (r = 0.304, P = 0.008) but negatively correlated with thiols (r=-0.25, P = 0.011) level. The leptin level was strongly associated with the CASS (r = 0.36, P < 0.0001) and CARTs (r = 0.356, P < 0.0001) scores. Stepwise linear regression analysis also showed that the leptin level was significantly associated with the CASS and CARTs scores, respectively.
Conclusions

As the leptin level is considered a prognostic factor in CAN, a longitudinal study is needed to confirm the association between a decrease in obesity and reduced leptin levels and CAN progression.
Taming of the wild: a new method for cross study RNA-seq analysis
Authors: Lobo Diana , Godinho Raquel , Archer John
Published: May 2020

Background

In the last decades, the evolution of RNA-Seq has yielded archived datasets that possess the potential for providing unprecedented inter-study insight into transcriptome evolution, once background noise has been reduced. Here we present a method to quantify intra-condition variation and to remove reference-based transcripts associated with highly variable read counts, prior to differential expression analysis. The method utilizes variation within pairwise distances between normalized read counts for each transcript across all included samples of a given condition. As a case study, we demonstrate our approach at an inter and intra-study level using RNA-seq data from brain samples of dogs, wolves, and two strains of fox (aggressive and tame) prior to performing differential expression analysis to identify common genes associated with tame behaviour.
Results

By applying our method, the distribution of the gene-wise dispersion estimates improved and the number of outliers detected in differential expression analysis decreased. Several genes that initially were differentially expressed in the non-filtered datasets were removed due to high intra-condition variation. Additionally, by optimizing the detection of differentially expressed transcripts, the overall number increased between dogs vs wolves and tame vs aggressive foxes when compared to the non-filtered datasets. Using these filtered sets, we found common over expressed genes in dogs and tame foxes, including those involved in brain development, neurotransmission and immunity, factors known to be involved in domestication.
Conclusions

We presented a method to quantify and remove intra-condition variation from RNA-seq count data and demonstrate its usage in improving the distribution of gene-wise dispersion estimates and ultimately, reduce the number of false positives in differential gene expression analysis. We provide the method as a freely available tool, to aid studies using RNA-seq to calculate and characterize the variation present within data prior to perform differential expression analysis. Additionally, we identify candidate genes involved with selection for tameness, which seems to have played a crucial role in the canine domestication.
Clinical Profiles and Prediction of Treatment Failure in Patients with Tuberculosis
Authors: Koo Hyeon-Kyoung , Min Jinsoo , Kim Hyung Woo , Lee Joosun , Kim Ju Sang , Park Jae Seuk , Lee Sung-Soon
Published: May 2020

Background To improve the treatment outcomes for tuberculosis (TB) efforts to reduce treatment failure are necessary. The aim of our study was to describe the characteristics of subjects who had failed treatment of tuberculosis and identify the risk factors for treatment failure and poor compliance using national data.Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was performed for tuberculosis subjects whose final outcome was reported as treatment failure during 2015–2017. The same number of subjects with treatment success during the same study period were randomly selected for comparison. Demographics, microbiological, radiographic, and clinical data were collected based on in-depth interviews by TB nurse specialists at all Public Private Mix (PPM) participating hospitals in South Korea.Results A total of 52 tuberculosis patients with treatment failure were enrolled. In a multivariable analysis, the presence of diabetes, previous history of tuberculosis, and cavity were identified as risk factors for treatment failure; and Medicaid support was a favorable factor for treatment success (area under the curve (AUC): 0.76). Age, diabetes, pre-existing lung disease, positive sputum acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear result, and presence of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) were significantly associated with presence of cavity. Younger age, and lower body mass index (BMI) were associated with poor compliance during treatment (AUC: 0.74).Conclusion To reduce treatment failure, careful evaluation for the presence of diabetes, underlying lung disease, cavity, results of sputum AFB smears, and socioeconomic status is needed. To enhance treatment compliance, more attention should be paid to younger patients with lower BMIs during follow-up.
Evaluation of Tissue Perfusion Status in Moderately Preterm Infants
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Yang Guang , Niu Suwen , Zhang Min , Gao Fengyan , Liu Kezhan
Published: May 2020

Background: The newborn babies require multiple physical of adjustment hemodynamic changes after birth, Perfusion index (PI) c an help to evaluate peripheral tissue perfusion . Objective: T o investigate the tissue perfusion status and circadian rhythm in moderately premature infants.Methods: As a prospective study, it monitored indicators including perfusion index(PI), blood pressure(BP) (systolic BP and diastolic BP ) , pulse rate(PR), respiratory rate(RR), oxygen saturation(SpO 2 ) and body temperature of moderately preterm infants of hemodynamical stability in the morning and night within 8 days after birth from July 2019 to October 2019. Results: The mean PI values of moderately preterm infants within 8 days after birth were(1.1±0.5) on Day 1, (1.1±0.5) on Day 2, (1.3±0.5) on Day 3, (1.3±0.5) on Day 4, (1.4±0.6) on Day 5, (1.4±0.5) on Day 6, (1.5±0.6) on Day 7,and (1.5±0.5) on Day 8. There was no difference of statistical significance between PI values in the morning and night ( P >0.05). PR from Day 6 to 8 after birth were higher than those from Day 1 to 3 ( P <0.05). PR increased significantly on Day 7 and 8 compared with those on Day 4 and 5 ( P <0.05). BP from Day 3 to 8 was significantly higher than that on Day 1 ( P <0.05), and BP from Day 4 to 8 were higher than that on Day 2. There was a weak positive correlation between PI values and gestational age (GA) ( r =0.097), PR( r =0.067) and T ime (day) ( r =0.284) , and a negative correlat ion with SpO 2 ( r =-0.113)(P<0.01). The calculation of PI value under non-standardized regression is represented by the following equation: PI = 2.253 + 0.057 × GA ( week ) +0.062 × Time ( d ay) - 0.03 × SpO 2 (%). Conclusions: PI and PR of moderately preterm infants were growing within 8 days after birth, while BP was relatively lower after birth and gradually increased to a stable level on Day 3 to 4. PI and BP circadian rhythms associated w ith tissue perfusion weren’t established on Day 8 after birth.
Serum changes of PYD, C2C and OC among male brucellosis patients at early period
Authors: Li Qiang , Hu Lansheng , Zhao Zhijun , Ma Li , Li Jiquan , Xu Liqing , Wang Jiming
Published: May 2020

Objective

Musculoskeletal changes are the most common clinic manifestation of brucellosis,and these musculoskeletal changes are irreversible, so, it is very important to prevention musculoskeletal changes at early stage of human brucellosis .
Method

This was a case-control study. According to diagnostic criteria of human brucellosis in China(WS269-2007),41 male patients were diagnosed as brucellosis patients at early period (within 6 months) and they were not therapied with drug, 44 \ persons were divided into control group with randomly matching. Venous blood samples were collected from all study subjects, and serum PYD ༌C2C and OC were quantitative measured with method of ELISA. Data were analyzed using SPSS 17.0 software. A p value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significance.
Result

The median levels of serum PYD, C2C and OC in the patients group were 278.53 ug/l, 82.23 ug/l, and 8.41ug/l, respectively, while the median levels of serum PYD, C2C and OC in the control group were 210.54 ug/l, 72.74 ug/l and 7.43 ug/l, respectively, there were existing significant differences between patients group and control group (Z = 5.686, 3.997, 3.579, all P = 0.000).
Conclusion

Serum levels of PYD, C2C and OC were increased among male brucellosis patients at early period, which might be the indicator biomarkers for osteoarticular changes of human brucellosis at early stage..
Attenuation of Liver Damage After Partial Liver Resection by Piezo Actuator-driven Pulsed Water Jet System and Faster Recovery of the Liver in a Rat Model: an Experimental Study
Authors: Yokosawa Tomoki , Nakanishi Chikashi , Nakagawa Atsuhiro , Kamiyama Yoshihiro , Yamashita Shinichi , Miyagi Shigehito , Nakano Toru , Abe Takaaki , Tominaga Teiji , Kamei Takashi
Published: May 2020

Background Pulsed water jet dissection is an emerging surgical method for achieving maximal resection of a lesion and postoperative function preservation. We aimed to clarify liver damage and long-term results after liver resection using a novel surgical device, piezo actuator-driven pulsed water jet (ADPJ), in a rat model.Methods We categorizedSprague–Dawley rats into four groups and subjected themto sham operation or liver resection using an ADPJ, an ultrasonic aspirator (UA), or a radio knife. At 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 days postoperatively, we euthanizedfive rats from each group after collecting blood samples and harvested residual livers.We measured serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) concentrations. Morphological characteristics and resection surfaces were assessed by hematoxylin–eosin staining.ResultsOn day 1, serum AST and ALT levels were significantly lower with an ADPJ than with an UA and a radio knife (AST: ADPJ vs. UA, P<0.05, ADPJ vs. radio knife, P<0.01; ALT: ADPJ vs. UA, P<0.05, ADPJ vs. radio knife, P<0.01). GLDH levels on day 1 were significantly lower with an ADPJ than with other devices (ADPJ vs. UA, P<0.05; ADPJ vs. radio knife, P<0.01).Degree of degeneration from the resection surface was mild with an ADPJ. Number of rats in which denaturation completely disappeared was significantly more withan ADPJ than with other devices on day 28 (ADPJ vs. UA, P<0.05; ADPJ vs. radio knife, P<0.01).ConclusionsLiver damage afterliver resection was markedly less with an ADPJ than with an UA or a radio knife. Furthermore, the liver recovered faster after an ADPJ.
Only children or siblings: who has higher physical activity and healthier weight?
Authors: Sigmund Erik , Sigmundová Dagmar
Published: May 2020

Background

The influence of parents on physical activity (PA) and body weight of their children is confirmed by scientific studies and accepted by the professional community. However, it is not known whether only children or those with siblings have a higher level of PA and healthier body weight. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess whether there are any differences in the daily step counts (SC) and the prevalence of obesity between only children and children with siblings, and whether the achievement of the daily SC recommendation by children/parents and parental obesity influence obesity in children with and without siblings.
Methods

The analysis included 566 families (10.6%/89.4% with single child/two or more children) with complete data of family members on weight status and ambulatory PA monitored with a Yamax pedometer during regular school/work week during spring and autumn between 2013–2019. The cut-point values of the daily SC recommendation amounted to ≥ 13,000/≥11,000 steps/day for 5–12 years old sons/daughters and ≥ 10,000 steps/day for 12–16-year-old adolescents and adults. The Chi-Square (χ2) test series was used to compare the achievement of the daily SC recommendation and the prevalence of normal body weight, overweight and obesity between only children and those with siblings. Logistic regression models (Enter method) were used to investigate whether the achievement of the daily SC recommendation by children/parents and parental obesity were associated with obesity in offspring in single-child families and families with more children.
Results

A significantly higher proportion of children with siblings (p < 0.01) achieved the recommended daily SC (51.8% vs. 31.7%) and showed a lower prevalence of overweight (16.2% vs. 20.0%) and obesity (7.1% vs. 20.0%) compared with only children. The achievement of the daily SC recommendation in children significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the odds ratio (OR) of obesity (OR = 0.22–0.34). Children with siblings had lower odds (OR = 0.41–0.54) of obesity than only children, but significantly (p < 0.05) only in mother-child dyads. Overweight/obesity of mothers significantly increased (p < 0.05) the odds of obesity (OR = 2.07) in their children.
Conclusion

Children from families with siblings have a higher amount of daily PA and healthier body weight than single-child families.
Variants in TLR6 Gene Influence Susceptibility to Tuberculosis in the Chinese Population
Authors: Ding Chao , Wei Lin , Li Qian , Liu Yugang , Duan Liming , Gu Zhenning , Guo Chaolei
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB) is a common chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacteria tuberculosis. Several researches revealed that TLR6 play a crucial roles in the risk of TB.METHODS The association between TLR6 polymorphism and TB risk were evaluated by a case-control study. Total of 510 TB cases and 508 unrelated healthy controls were recruited. Subsequently, the Agena MassARRAY platform was conducted to genotype, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were assessed the relationship between TLR6 variants and TB risk.RESULTS We found that rs6531668 of TLR6 gene was significantly association with TB risk. Stratified analysis confirmed that rs6531668 was significant increased risk of TB in age > 41 years old. Interestingly, the G/C – C/C genotype of rs12642845 was significantly interacted with decreased risk of TB in age > 41 years. In males, rs3775073 G/A genotype and rs12642845 G/C genotype were correlated with decreased the risk of TB. Besides, we also observed that the CTA and TCG haplotypes were decreased TB risk.CONCLUSIONS Our results shown that TLR6 gene variants were related with TB risk among the Chinese population.
In search of drugs to counter the countermeasures of SARS-CoV-2 in evading host’s innate immune defense: a Molecular modeling approach.
Authors: Choudhury Shuvasish , Borah Anupom , Mazumder Muhammed Khairujjaman , Saikia Purbajyoti , Moulick Debojyoti
Published: May 2020

The coronaviruses (CoV), including SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and the novel SARS-CoV-2, evade the host innate immunity employing Papain-like protease (PLPro). PLPro performs deubiquitination and deISGylation of host proteins and signaling molecules, and thus antagonize the host’s innate immune response. Thus, PLPro is a promising drug target against SARS-CoV-2. The present study employs molecular modeling approaches to determine potential of different compounds as inhibitors of the PLPro. The results demonstrated that drugs like Stallimycin, and known PLPro inhibitors including Telaprevir, Grazoprevir and Boceprevir, were highly potent in inhibiting the enzyme. In addition, several plant-derived polyphenols were also found to be potent inhibitors.
Development of an Extended Acute Care Surgery Service in Response to the Covid-19 Global Pandemic: Assessment of Clinical Patient Outcomes and Staff Psychological Well-being
Authors: Mathur Sachin , Ng Chung Fai Jeremy , Koh Fangju , Cai Mingzhe , Palaniappan Gautham , Linn Yun Le , Lim Huiling Linda , Lakshman Ramu , Ling Xiao Shuang , Chin Sock Teng , Tan Hiang Khoon
Published: May 2020

BackgroundAs the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps across the world, healthcare departments must adapt to meet the challenges of service provision and staff/patient protection. Unlike elective surgery, Acute care surgery (ACS) workloads cannot be artificially reduced providing a unique challenge for administrators to balance healthcare resources between the COVID-19 surge and regular patient admissions. MethodsAn extended ACS (eACS) model of care is described with the aim of limiting COVID-19 healthcare worker and patient cross-infection as well as providing 24/7 management of emergency general surgical (GS) and trauma patients. The eACS service comprised 5 independent teams covering a rolling 1:5 24-hr call. Attempts to completely separate eACS teams and patients from the elective side were made. The service was compared to the existing ACS service in terms of clinical and efficiency outcomes. Finally, a survey of staff attitudes towards these changes, concerns regarding COVID-19 and psychological well-being was assessed.ResultsThere were no staff/patient COVID-19 cross-infections. Compared to the ACS service, eACS patients had reduced overall length of stay (2-days), time spent in the Emergency Room (46 minutes) and time from surgery to discharge (2.4-hours). Mortality was decreased during this time. The eACS model of care saved financial resources and bed-days for the organisation. The changes were well received by team-members who also felt that their safety was prioritised.ConclusionIn healthcare systems affected by COVID-19, an eACS model may assist in preserving psychological well-being for healthcare staff whilst providing 24/7 care for emergency GS and trauma patients.