bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycemic status and risks of thromboembolism and major bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Chan Yi-Hsin , Chuang Chi , Chan Cze-Ci , Lee Hsin-Fu , Huang Ya-Chi , Huang Yu-Tung , Chang Shang-Hung , Wang Chun-Li , Chao Tze-Fan , Kuo Chi-Tai , Yeh Yung-Hsin , Chen Shih-Ann
Published: March 2020

Background

Studies specifically examining the association between glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and ischemic stroke/systemic thromboembolism (IS/SE) risk in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients are limited. Here, we investigated the association between HbA1c levels and the risk of IS/SE, as well as major bleeding, among AF patients with or without oral anticoagulants (OACs). We also compared the effectiveness and safety of warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in different HbA1c categories.

Methods

We utilized medical data from a multi-center healthcare provider in Taiwan, which included 34,036 AF patients with serum HbA1c data available within 3 months after AF being diagnosed. Patients were divided into seven study groups according to their HbA1c levels: < 5.4%, 5.4%–5.6%, 5.7%–5.9%, 6.0%–6.4%, 6.5%–6.9%, 7.0%–7.9%, and ≥ 8.0%. The risks of IS/SE and major bleeding were compared among the groups after adjusting for baseline stroke and bleeding risk factors.

Results

Compared with the patients with HbA1c level < 5.4%, IS/SE risk significantly increased at HbA1c levels higher than 6.5% [adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00–1.43 for HbA1c level 6.5%–6.9%; 1.32, (95% CI 1.11–1.57) for HbA1c level 7.0%–7.9%; and 1.48 (95% CI 1.25–1.76) for HbA1c level ≥ 8.0%]. These results were generally consistent in AF patients without OACs (n = 24,931). However, among 9105 patients receiving OACs, IS/SE risk was not higher for patients having higher HbA1c levels. The risk of major bleeding was comparable across all HbA1c categories. Compared with warfarin, DOACs were associated with lower risks of IS/SE (adjusted HR: 0.61, 95% CI 0.49–0.75) and major bleeding (adjusted HR: 0.30, 95% CI 0.21–0.42) without interactions across different HbA1c categories (allPinteractions > 0.05).

Conclusion

For AF patients, IS/SE risk significantly increased once HbA1c levels exceeded 6.5%, and OACs may attenuate these associations. Compared with warfarin, DOACs were more effective and safer across broad HbA1c categories. Therefore, in addition to prescribing DOACs when indicated, more aggressive glycemic control to achieve an HbA1c level < 6.5% may be considered for eligible AF patients and should be tested in further prospective studies.
Toll signaling promotes JNK-dependent apoptosis in Drosophila
Authors: Li Zhuojie , Wu Chenxi , Ding Xiang , Li Wenzhe , Xue Lei
Published: March 2020

Background

Apoptosis plays pivotal roles in organ development and tissue homeostasis, with its major function to remove unhealthy cells that may compromise the fitness of the organism. Toll signaling, with the ancient evolutionary origin, regulates embryonic dorsal–ventral patterning, axon targeting and degeneration, and innate immunity. UsingDrosophilaas a genetic model, we characterized the role of Toll signaling in apoptotic cell death.

Results

We found that gain of Toll signaling is able to trigger caspase-dependent cell death in development. In addition, JNK activity is required for Toll-induced cell death. Furthermore, ectopic Toll expression induces the activation of JNK pathway. Moreover, physiological activation of Toll signaling is sufficient to produce JNK-dependent cell death. Finally, Toll signaling activates JNK-mediated cell death through promoting ROS production.

Conclusions

As Toll pathway has been evolutionarily conserved fromDrosophilato human, this study may shed light on the mechanism of mammalian Toll-like receptors (TLRs) signaling in apoptotic cell death.
Motorcycle-related trauma:effects of age and site of injuries on mortality. A single-center, retrospective study.
Authors: Granieri Stefano S. , Reitano Elisa E. , Bindi Francesca F. , Renzi Federica F. , Sammartano Fabrizio F. , Cimbanassi Stefania S. , Gupta Shailvi S. , Chiara Osvaldo O.
Published: March 2020

Background

Motorcyclists are often victims of road traffic incidents. Though elderly patients seem to have worse survival outcomes and sustain more severe injuries than younger patients, concordance in the literature for this does not exist. The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of age and injury severity on the mortality of patients undergoing motorcycle trauma.

Methods

Data of 1725 patients consecutively admitted to our Trauma Center were selected from 2002 to 2016 and retrospectively analyzed. The sample was divided into three age groups: ≤ 17 years, 18–54 years, and ≥ 55 years. Mortality rates were analyzed for the overall population and patients with Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 25. Differences in survival among age groups were evaluated with log-rank test, and multivariate logistic regression models were created to identify independent predictors of mortality.

Results

A lower survival rate was detected in patients older than 55 years (83.6% vs 94.7%, p = 0.049) and in those sustaining critical injuries (ISS ≥ 25, 61% vs 83%, p = 0.021). Age (p = 0.027, OR 1.03), ISS (p < 0.001, OR 1.09), and Revised Trauma Score (RTS) (p < 0.001, OR 0.47) resulted as independent predictors of death. Multivariate analysis identified head (p < 0.001, OR 2.04), chest (p < 0.001, OR 1.54), abdominal (p < 0.001, OR 1.37), and pelvic (p = 0.014, OR 1.26) injuries as independent risk factors related to mortality as well. Compared to the theoretical probability of survival, patients of all age groups showed a survival advantage when managed at a level I trauma center.

Conclusions

We detected anatomical injury distributions and mortality rates among three age groups. Patients aging more than 55 years had an increased risk of death, with a prevalence of severe chest injuries, while younger patients sustained more severe head trauma. Age represented an independent predictor of death. Management of these patients at a level I trauma center may lead to improved outcomes.
The SIFIPAC/WSES/SICG/SIMEU guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of acute appendicitis in the elderly (2019 edition)
Authors: Fugazzola Paola , Ceresoli Marco , Agnoletti Vanni , Agresta Ferdinando , Amato Bruno , Carcoforo Paolo , Catena Fausto , Chiara Osvaldo , Chiarugi Massimo , Cobianchi Lorenzo , Coccolini Federico , De Troia Alessandro , Di Saverio Salomone , Fabbri Andrea , Feo Carlo , Gabrielli Francesco , Gurrado Angela , Guttadauro Angelo , Leone Leonardo , Marrelli Daniele , Petruzzelli Luca , Portolani Nazario , Prete Francesco Paolo , Puzziello Alessandro , Sartelli Massimo , Soliani Giorgio , Testini Mario , Tolone Salvatore , Tomasoni Matteo , Tugnoli Gregorio , Viale Pierluigi , Zese Monica , Ishay Offir Ben , Kluger Yoram , Kirkpatrick Andrew , Ansaloni Luca
Published: March 2020

The epidemiology and the outcomes of acute appendicitis in elderly patients are very different from the younger population. Elderly patients with acute appendicitis showed higher mortality, higher perforation rate, lower diagnostic accuracy, longer delay from symptoms onset and admission, higher postoperative complication rate and higher risk of colonic and appendiceal cancer. The aim of the present work was to investigate age-related factors that could influence a different approach, compared to the 2016 WSES Jerusalem guidelines on general population, in terms of diagnosis and management of elderly patient with acute appendicitis. During the XXIX National Congress of the Italian Society of Surgical Pathophysiology (SIFIPAC) held in Cesena (Italy) in May 2019, in collaboration with the Italian Society of Geriatric Surgery (SICG), the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and the Italian Society of Emergency Medicine (SIMEU), a panel of experts participated to a Consensus Conference where eight panelists presented a number of statements, which were developed for each of the four topics about diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis in elderly patients, formulated according to the GRADE system. The statements were then voted, eventually modified and finally approved by the participants to the Consensus Conference. The current paper is reporting the definitive guidelines statements on each of the following topics: diagnosis, non-operative management, operative management and antibiotic therapy.
The origin and development of subcortical U-fibers in gyrencephalic ferrets
Authors: Yoshino Mayuko , Saito Kengo , Kawasaki Kanji , Horiike Toshihide , Shinmyo Yohei , Kawasaki Hiroshi
Published: March 2020

In the white matter of the human cerebrum, the majority of cortico-cortical fibers are of short range, connecting neighboring cortical areas. U-fibers represent connections between neighboring areas and are located in the white matter immediately deep to the cerebral cortex. Using gyrencephalic carnivore ferrets, here we investigated the neurochemical, anatomical and developmental features of U-fibers. We demonstrate that U-fibers were derived from neighboring cortical areas in ferrets. U-fiber regions in ferrets were intensely stained with Gallyas myelin staining and Turnbull blue iron staining. We further found that U-fibers were derived from neurons in both upper and lower layers in neighboring areas of the cerebral cortex and that U-fibers were formed later than axons in the deep white matter during development. Our findings shed light on the fundamental features of U-fibers in the gyrencephalic cerebral cortex. Because genetic manipulation techniques for ferrets are now available, ferrets should be an important option for investigating the development, functions and pathophysiological changes of U-fibers.
Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins regulate melanocyte differentiation
Authors: Trivedi Archit , Mehrotra Aanchal , Baum Caitlin E. , Lewis Brandon , Basuroy Tupa , Blomquist Thomas , Trumbly Robert , Filipp Fabian V. , Setaluri Vijayasaradhi , de la Serna Ivana L.
Published: March 2020

Background

Pharmacologic inhibition of bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins is currently being explored as a new therapeutic approach in cancer. Some studies have also implicated BET proteins as regulators of cell identity and differentiation through their interactions with lineage-specific factors. However, the role of BET proteins has not yet been investigated in melanocyte differentiation. Melanocyte inducing transcription factor (MITF) is the master regulator of melanocyte differentiation, essential for pigmentation and melanocyte survival. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that BET proteins regulate melanocyte differentiation through interactions with MITF.

Results

Here we show that chemical inhibition of BET proteins prevents differentiation of unpigmented melanoblasts into pigmented melanocytes and results in de-pigmentation of differentiated melanocytes. BET inhibition also slowed cell growth, without causing cell death, increasing the number of cells in G1. Transcriptional profiling revealed that BET inhibition resulted in decreased expression of pigment-specific genes, including many MITF targets. The expression of pigment-specific genes was also down-regulated in melanoma cells, but to a lesser extent. We found that RNAi depletion of the BET family members, bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) and bromodomain-containing protein 2 (BRD2) inhibited expression of two melanin synthesis enzymes, TYR and TYRP1. Both BRD4 and BRD2 were detected on melanocyte promoters surrounding MITF-binding sites, were associated with open chromatin structure, and promoted MITF binding to these sites. Furthermore, BRD4 and BRD2 physically interacted with MITF.

Conclusion

These findings indicate a requirement for BET proteins in the regulation of pigmentation and melanocyte differentiation. We identified changes in pigmentation specific gene expression that occur upon BET inhibition in melanoblasts, melanocytes, and melanoma cells.
Association of antimicrobial resistance and gut microbiota composition in human and non-human primates at an urban ecotourism site
Authors: Chong C. W. , Alkatheeri A. H. S. , Ali N. , Tay Z. H. , Lee Y. L. , Paramasivam S. J. , Jeevaratnam K. , Low W. Y. , Lim S. H. E.
Published: March 2020

Background

The rise of nature-based ecotourism in the past decade has introduced unprecedented challenges in managing the increasing interaction between humans and animals. The potential transmission of antibiotic resistant microbes between humans and non-human primate populations is a concern due to their genetic similarity. Malaysia is well known for hotspots of wildlife diversity where non-human primates like monkeys and orangutans have become popular tourist attractions. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of antimicrobial resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus species, and other Enterobacteriaceae in the faeces of human (HS) and two non-human primates (NHP) in Malaysia, the Long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis, MF) and Silvered leaf monkey (Trachypithecus cristatus, TC). In addition, the faecal bacterial composition was profiled to evaluate the potential association between antibiotic resistant profiles and composition of gut microbiota.

Results

We tested the isolated bacteria using a selection of antibiotics. The results showed that both the number of antibiotic resistant strains and resistance level were higher in humans than NHPs. Overall, the composition of gut microbiome and pattern of antibiotic resistance showed that there was higher similarity between MF and TC, the two NHPs, than with HS. In addition, samples with higher levels of antibiotic resistance showed lower bacterial richness. Homo sapiens had the lowest bacterial diversity and yet it had higher abundance of Bacteroides. In contrast, NHPs displayed higher bacterial richness and greater prevalence of Firmicutes such as Ruminococceae and Oscillospira.

Conclusion

Higher antibiotic susceptibility in NHPs is likely related to low direct exposure to antibiotics. The lack of resistance may also suggest limited antimicrobial resistance transmission between humans and NHP. Nonetheless, continued monitoring over a long period will help mitigate the risk of anthropozoonosis and zooanthroponosis.
Mycobacterium hassiacum: a thermophilic Mycobacterium species to demonstrate thermal disinfection of medical devices
Authors: Haas Bruno , Soto Kelly J. , Day Dana S. , Roy Alexander C. , Gagnon Marie-Claude , Alt Jodi R. , Labrie Philippe
Published: March 2020

Objective

Reprocessing reusable medical devices is crucial in the healthcare industry. To ensure patient safety, strict standards are dictated to validate thermal disinfection in automated washer-disinfectors. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has specific recommendations on the vegetative bacterial challenge but comparatively vague guidance on the use of a thermophilic Mycobacterium strain for thermal disinfection studies. This study aims to compare thermal resistance of Mycobacterium hassiacum and Mycobacterium terrae and determine which strain is suitable for medical device thermal disinfection validation testing in automated washer-disinfectors.

Results

Thermal resistance was demonstrated in vitro by calculating D-values for each strain at different exposure temperatures, and correlated with actual in situ processing conditions. M. terrae was completely killed (> 7 log reduction) at temperatures above 68 °C, with D-values between 46.6 and 27.8 s at temperatures between 59.5 and 67.2 °C. M. hassiacum was completely killed (> 8 log reduction) at temperatures above 75 °C, with D-values between 82.1 and 21.7 s at temperatures ranging between 69.2 and 73.6 °C. In vitro results were correlated in a washer-disinfector performance validation setup.
Difference in autonomic nervous effect of blue light depending on the angle of incidence on the eye
Authors: Yuda Emi , Yoshida Yutaka , Ueda Norihiro , Hayano Junichiro
Published: March 2020

Objective

Blue light has been attributed to the adverse biological effects caused by the use of smartphones and tablet devices at night. However, it is not realistic to immediately avoid nighttime exposure to blue light in the lifestyle of modern society, so other effective methods should be investigated. Earlier studies reported that inferior retinal light exposure causes greater melatonin suppression than superior retinal exposure. We examined whether the autonomic responses to blue light depends on the angle of incidence to the eye.

Results

In eight healthy subjects, blue light from organic electroluminescent lighting device (15.4 lx at subjects’ eye) was exposed from 6 angles (0º, 30º, 45º, 135º, 150º, and 180º) for 5 min each with a 10-min interval of darkness. After adjusting the order effect of angles, however, no significant difference in heart rate or autonomic indices of heart rate variability with the angle of incidence was detected in this study.
N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine, a zinc chelator, inhibits biofilm and hyphal formation in Trichosporon asahii
Authors: Kurakado Sanae , Chiba Ryota , Sato Chisato , Matsumoto Yasuhiko , Sugita Takashi
Published: March 2020

Objective

Trichosporon asahiiis the major causative fungus of disseminated or deep-seated trichosporonosis and forms a biofilm on medical devices. Biofilm formation leads to antifungal drug resistance, so biofilm-related infections are relatively difficult to treat and infected devices often require surgical removal. Therefore, prevention of biofilm formation is important in clinical settings. In this study, to identify metal cations that affect biofilm formation, we evaluated the effects of cation chelators on biofilm formation inT. asahii.

Results

We evaluated the effect of cation chelators on biofilm formation, since microorganisms must assimilate essential nutrients from their hosts to form and maintain biofilms. The inhibition byN,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) was greater than those by other cation chelators, such as deferoxamine, triethylenetetramine, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. The inhibitory effect of TPEN was suppressed by the addition of zinc. TPEN also inhibitedT. asahiihyphal formation, which is related to biofilm formation, and the inhibition was suppressed by the addition of zinc. These results suggest that zinc is essential for biofilm formation and hyphal formation. Thus, zinc chelators have the potential to be developed into a new treatment for biofilm-related infection caused byT. asahii.
2D shear wave elastography (SWE) performance versus vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE/fibroscan) in the assessment of liver stiffness in chronic hepatitis
Authors: Osman Ahmed M. , El Shimy Ahmed , Abd El Aziz Mohamed M.
Published: March 2020

Background

The assessment of liver stiffness and the degree of fibrosis are important factors affecting the management strategy. Multiple non-invasive tools are now available to offer an adequate alternative to biopsy. In this study, we tried to compare the performance of 2D shear wave elastography (SWE) to the transient elastography/fibroscan as a non-invasive tool in the prediction of liver stiffness. This is a prospective study of 215 patients confirmed by serology to have positive virus C or B infection. 2D SWE was done followed by vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) known as fibroscan at the same session. Biopsy results were collected.

Results

The mean age was 51.07 years ± 6.07 SD. Five cases were excluded due to insufficient data. Fibroscan failed in 30 cases out of 210 cases (failure rate of 14.3%) compared with only 12 patients (6.7% failure rate) while using SWE. Only 180 patients completed the study to the result analysis. SWE results showed significant agreement to the fibroscan results with 86.7% agreement with a tendency for overestimation of the degree of fibrosis (11.7%). The efficacy of SWE was the highest during the assessment of patients with F0 (98.9%), F1 (97.8%), and F4 (93.3%) respectively and relatively low in F2 (92.8%) and F3 (90.6%).

Conclusion

2D SWE is a relatively recent non-invasive tool in the assessment of liver fibrosis grading which can be used as an alternative to the fibroscan with almost similar diagnostic performance especially when fibroscan is not capable to obtain adequate results such as in obesity and ascites.
A novel and more efficient biosynthesis approach for human insulin production in Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Authors: Govender Kamini , Naicker Tricia , Lin Johnson , Baijnath Sooraj , Chuturgoon Anil Amichund , Abdul Naeem Sheik , Docrat Taskeen , Kruger Hendrik Gerhardus , Govender Thavendran
Published: March 2020

Insulin has captured researchers’ attention worldwide. There is a rapid global rise in the number of diabetic patients, which increases the demand for insulin. Current methods of insulin production are expensive and time-consuming. A PCR-based strategy was employed for the cloning and verification of human insulin. The human insulin protein was then overexpressed in E. coli on a laboratory scale. Thereafter, optimisation of human insulin expression was conducted. The yield of human insulin produced was approximately 520.92 (mg/L), located in the intracellular fraction. Human insulin was detected using the MALDI-TOF-MS and LC–MS methods. The crude biosynthesised protein sequence was verified using protein sequencing, which had a 100% similarity to the human insulin sequence. The biological activity of human insulin was tested in vitro using a MTT assay, which revealed that the crude biosynthesised human insulin displayed a similar degree of efficacy to the standard human insulin. This study eliminated the use of affinity tags since an untagged pET21b expression vector was employed. Tedious protein renaturation, inclusion body recovery steps, and the expensive enzymatic cleavage of the C-peptide of insulin were eliminated, thereby making this method of biosynthesising human insulin a novel and more efficient method.
Nonlocal controllability of fractional measure evolution equation
Authors: Gu Haibo , Sun Yu
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we consider the following kind of fractional evolution equation driven by measure with nonlocal conditions: $$ \textstyle\begin{cases} {}^{C} D_{0+}^{\alpha }x(t)=Ax(t)\,dt+ (f(t,x(t))+Bu(t) )\,dg(t), \quad t\in (0, b],\\ x(0)+p(x)=x_{0}. \end{cases} $${D0+αCx(t)=Ax(t)dt+(f(t,x(t))+Bu(t))dg(t),t∈(0,b],x(0)+p(x)=x0. The regulated proposition of fractional equation is obtained for the first time. By noncompact measure method and fixed point theorems, we obtain some sufficient conditions to ensure the existence and nonlocal controllability of mild solutions. Finally, an illustrative example is given to show practical usefulness of the analytical results.
Prioritisation of quality indicators for elective perioperative care: a Delphi consensus
Authors: Gilhooly D. , Chazapis M. , Moonesinghe S. R.
Published: March 2020

Background

A systematic review of the peer-reviewed and grey literature previously identified over 1200 perioperative structure and process quality indicators. We undertook a Delphi consensus process with the aim of creating a concise list of indicators that experts deemed most important for assessing quality in perioperative care

Methods

A basic Delphi consensus was completed using an online survey which was distributed to surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, physicians and lay representatives. Participants were asked to prioritise the indicators in order of importance (high, medium or low) to be included for collection in a national perioperative quality improvement programme.

Results

One hundred and thirty-seven indicators were included in the first iteration of the Delphi consensus (91 structure and 48 process indicators). Sixty-three experts agreed to participate and the consensus was completed in five rounds. Ninety-five indicators were agreed as high priority: 65 structural and 30 process indicators.

Conclusion

The Delphi consensus process was able to reduce the number of recommended indicators to only a modest extent. Further work to evaluate the practicalities of routinely collecting such a comprehensive list of quality indicators is now required.
N-3-oxo-hexanoyl-homoserine lactone, a bacterial quorum sensing signal, enhances salt tolerance in Arabidopsis and wheat
Authors: Zhao Qian , Yang Xiang-Yun , Li Yao , Liu Fang , Cao Xiang-Yu , Jia Zhen-Hua , Song Shui-Shan
Published: March 2020

Background

N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) are the quorum sensing (QS) signal molecules to coordinate the collective behavior in a population in Gram-negative bacteria. Recent evidences demonstrate their roles in plant growth and defense responses.

Results

In present study, we show that the treatment of plant roots withN-3-oxo-hexanoyl-homoserine lactone (3OC6-HSL), one molecule of AHLs family, resulted in enhanced salt tolerance in Arabidopsis and wheat. We found that the growth inhibition phenotype including root length, shoot length and fresh weight were significantly improved by 3OC6-HSL under salt stress condition. The physiological and biochemical analysis revealed that the contents of chlorophyll and proline were increased and the contents of MDA and Na+and Na+/K+ratios were decreased after 3OC6-HSL treatment in Arabidopsis and wheat under salt stress condition. Molecular analysis showed that 3OC6-HSL significantly upregulated the expression of salt-responsive genes including ABA-dependent osmotic stress responsive genesCOR15a, RD22, ADHandP5CS1,ABA-independent geneERD1, and ion-homeostasis regulation genesSOS1, SOS2andSOS3in Arabidopsis under salt stress condition.

Conclusions

These results indicated that 3OC6-HSL enhanced plant salt tolerance and ABA-dependent and ABA-independent signal pathways and SOS signaling might be involved in the induction of salt resistance by 3OC6-HSL in plants. Our data provide a new insight into the plant–microbe inter-communication.
Correction to: Anti-glycation, anti-hemolysis, and ORAC activities of demethylcurcumin and tetrahydroxycurcumin in vitro and reductions of oxidative stress in d-galactose-induced BALB/c mice in vivo
Authors: Liu Yuh-Hwa , Lee Tai-Lin , Han Chuan-Hsiao , Lee Yi-Shan , Hou Wen-Chi
Published: March 2020

In the publication of this article (Liu et al. 2019), there was an error in the method and ethics declarations sections which were published with incorrect animal experiment approval number. The error: ‘These animal experimental protocols have been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Taipei Medical University (LAC-99-0142).’ Should instead read: These animal experimental protocols have been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Taipei Medical University (LAC-2016-0340).
Mir-30b-3p affects the migration and invasion function of ovarian cancer cells by targeting the CTHRC1 gene
Authors: Li Yan , Zhou Jinhua , Wang Juan , Chen Xiaoping , Zhu Yan , Chen Youguo
Published: March 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect role and mechanism of miR-30b-3p on ovarian cancer cells biological function.

Methods

The expression of miR-30b-3p was detected in ovarian cancer cell lines and normal ovarian epithelial cell line by qRT-PCR. Mir-30b-3p mimic was transfected into OVCAR3 cells. Cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was conducted to explore the effect of mir-30b-3p on the OVCAR3 cells’ proliferation. Cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by Flow cytometry. Cell invasion ability was detected by Transwell test. The regulation of putative target of miR-30b-3p was verified by double luciferase reporter assays and Western blot.

Result

We found that miR-30b-3p was downregulated in OVCAR3 cells. Overexpression of miR-30b-3p suppressed proliferation, promoted apoptosis, slowed cell cycle and inhibited migration and invasion of OVCAR3 cells. Bioinformatics analysis identified 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR) of Collagen triple helix repeat-containing 1 (CTHRC1) as the presumed binding site for miR-30b-3p. Detection of double luciferase reporter and Western-Blot result confirmed that CTHRC1 was the target gene of miR-30b-3p. Furthermore, E-cadherin, β-cadherin and Vimentin protein expression level were changed after transfection of miR-30b-3p.

Conclusion

miR-30b-3p function as an anti-cancer gene. Overexpression of miR-30b-3p can inhibit the biological function of ovarian cancer cells. MiR-30b-3p targets CTHRC1 gene plays an important role in epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT), and supports miR-30b-3p as a potential biological indicator for ovarian cancer in the future.
In vivo confocal microscopy: qualitative investigation of the conjunctival and corneal surface in open angle glaucomatous patients undergoing the XEN-Gel implant, trabeculectomy or medical therapy
Authors: Baiocchi Stefano , Mazzotta Cosimo , Sgheri Arianna , Di Maggio Alessandro , Bagaglia Simone Alex , Posarelli Matteo , Ciompi Leonardo , Meduri Alessandro , Tosi Gian Marco
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Assessing the quality of the ocular surface by in vivo scanning laser confocal microscopy (IVCM) in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients treated by Xen 45 Gel Stent, medical therapy and trabeculectomy.

Methods

Retrospective, single-center, single-masked, comparative study including 60 eyes of 30 patients (mean age 61.16 ± 10 years) affected by POAG. Eyes were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 eyes underwent the Xen 45 Gel Stent procedure, Group 2 eyes were under medical therapy, Group 3 eyes were surgically treated by trabeculectomy. All patients underwent HRT II IVCM analysis of cornea, limbus, conjunctiva, sub-tenionian space and sclera.

Results

The Xen 45 Gel stent, if properly positioned in the sub-conjunctival space preserves goblet cells and limits ocular surface inflammation. Regular corneal epithelial cells with micro-cysts, and normo-reflective sub-epithelial nerve plexus are documented by IVCM. In sub Tenon’s implants an alternative lamellar intra-scleral filtration is detectable. Combined surgical procedures show a noticeable number of inflammatory cells with rare micro-cysts. Post-trabeculectomy inflammatory reaction is more evident than Xen 45 Gel Stent associated surgical procedures, but less than medical therapy where a conspicuous presence of Langerhans cells, peri-neural infiltrates, marked loss of goblet cells and fibrosis is visible.

Conclusion

Ocular surface inflammation was more notable in topical therapy than after trabeculectomy, which itself causes more inflammation than XEN Gel stents.
Clinical impact of applying strategic programming in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators beyond reducing inappropriate shocks
Authors: Hwang You Mi , Kim Jun , Nam Gi Byoung , Choi Kee Joon , Kim You Ho , Park Seo Young
Published: March 2020

Background

The incidence of inappropriate shocks remains high at 30% in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). This retrospective study sought to examine the efficacy of strategic programming (ICD programming with a long detection interval and high-rate cutoff) in reducing electrical storm, inappropriate shocks, and unexpected hospital visits in patients with ICDs with/without cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-Ds).

Methods

This was a single tertiary center retrospective study, evaluating the clinical outcomes, especially regarding inappropriate therapies in patients with ICDs or CRT-Ds. Enrolled patients underwent ICD or CRT-D implantations from January 2008 to May 2016. Clinical information was attained by a thorough chart review.

Results

We analyzed 155 defibrillator patients from January 2008 to May 2016 (124 patients had ICDs and 31 had CRT-Ds). Since we adopted this strategic programming as a default programming from 2015 implanted ICDs and CRT-Ds, we divided the patients into two groups: devices implanted before 2015 (group A, n = 94) versus implanted after 2015 (group B, n = 61). During a median of 1289 days of follow-up, electrical storms occurred in three patients (eight events) in group B versus 11 (28 events) in group A (P = 0.18); appropriate therapies were delivered in 27 patients (56 events) in group A versus 7 (15 events) in group B (P = 0.72); inappropriate therapies were delivered in 15 patients (21 events) in group A versus 1 with 1 episode in group B (P = 0.03); and 5 unexpected hospitalizations occurred in four patients in group B versus 36 in 24 patients in group A (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

The clinical application of strategic programming reduced inappropriate shocks and unexpected hospitalizations in ICD and CRT-D patients.
Diet-Induced Metabolic Dysregulation in Female Mice Causes Osteopenia in Adult Offspring
Authors: Shi Yu , Saben Jessica L , He Guangxu , Moley Kelle H , Long Fanxin
Published: March 2020

Bone mass and quality in humans are controlled by numerous genetic and environmental factors that are not fully understood. Increasing evidence has indicated that maternal metabolic dysregulation impairs multiple physiological processes in the adult offspring, but a similar effect on bone health is yet to be established. Here, we have analyzed the bones of first-generation offspring from murine dams that present metabolic syndrome due to a high-fat and high-sugar (HF/HS) diet. Micro-CT analyses show that the long bones of HF/HS offspring possess lower cortical bone mass and weaker mechanical strength than normal, even though the trabecular bone is not affected. Histomorphometry and serum biochemistry indicate that both bone formation and resorption are diminished in the HF/HS offspring. In vitro, both osteoblast and osteoclast progenitors from the HF/HS offspring are deficient in differentiation, likely due to impairment of mitochondrial respiration. The study, therefore, identifies maternal metabolic health as an important environmental factor influencing bone volume and strength.
TIRADS Management Guidelines in the Investigation of Thyroid Nodules; Illustrating the Concerns, Costs, and Performance
Authors: Cawood Tom James , Mackay Georgia Rose , Hunt Penny Jane , O’Shea Donal , Skehan Stephen , Ma Yi
Published: March 2020

Context

Ultrasound (US) risk-stratification systems for investigation of thyroid nodules may not be as useful as anticipated.

Objective

We aimed to assess the performance and costs of the American College of Radiology Thyroid Image Reporting And Data System (ACR-TIRADS).

Design, Settings and Participants

We examined the data set upon which ACR-TIRADS was developed, and applied TR1 or TR2 as a rule-out test, TR5 as a rule-in test, or applied ACR-TIRADS across all nodule categories. We assessed a hypothetical clinical comparator where 1 in 10 nodules are randomly selected for fine needle aspiration (FNA), assuming a pretest probability of clinically important thyroid cancer of 5%.

Results

The gender bias (92% female) and cancer prevalence (10%) of the data set suggests it may not accurately reflect the intended test population. Applying ACR-TIRADS across all nodule categories did not perform well, with sensitivity and specificity between 60% and 80% and overall accuracy worse than random selection (65% vs 85%). Test performance in the TR3 and TR4 categories had an accuracy of less than 60%. Using TR5 as a rule-in test was similar to random selection (specificity 89% vs 90%). Using TR1 and TR2 as a rule-out test had excellent sensitivity (97%), but for every additional person that ACR-TIRADS correctly reassures, this requires >100 ultrasound scans, resulting in 6 unnecessary operations and significant financial cost.

Conclusions

Perhaps surprisingly, the performance ACR-TIRADS may often be no better than random selection. The management guidelines may be difficult to justify from a cost/benefit perspective. A prospective validation study that determines the true performance of TIRADS in the real-world is needed.
Beyond Xenophilia
Authors: Albera Dionigi
Published: March 2020

This essay responds to Jeffrey Perl’s introduction to a long-term project of Common Knowledge titled “Xenophilia: Symposium on Xenophobia’s Contrary.” (Perl’s introduction, “Self-Identity and Ambivalence,” appears in CK 23, no. 2 [May 2017]: 225–31.) Responding to a cue from Perl, Albera undertakes an archaeology of the intellectual tools that produced the unstable antinomy of the terms xenophilia and xenophobia. Despite the appearance of antiquity conferred by the Greek roots of both terms, they are the product of a fairly recent and quintessentially modern dynamic. They integrate tacit assumptions of a modern nationalist posture that produces fixed identities and categorizations. Instead of this compromised pair of terms, Albera offers philoxenia, with its distinct genealogy, as it delimits a reciprocal commitment to hospitality, which is pragmatic and relatively unproblematic, rather than a demand for love or an expectation of loathing. The concept of xenophilia presupposes an abstract category—the xenos—that it regards as anterior to, and independent of, any concrete determinations, while philoxenia understands the xenos to be a quite specific individual. Philoxenia, moreover, does not subscribe to the identity principle: the alien, in the relationship known as philoxenia, is not conceived as differing radically from oneself or even as being self-identical or coherent. And finally, while the xenophile’s feelings tend to oscillate between supposedly coherent cultural positions, philoxenia is characterized by ambiguity, which produces none of the symptoms engendered by the ambivalence of xenophilia.
Different drying temperatures modulate chemical and antioxidant properties of mandai cempedak (Artocarpus integer)
Authors: Rahmadi Anton , Sabarina Yuliana , Agustin Sukmiyati
Published: March 2020

Background: Mandai, the fermented inner skin of cempedak (Artocarpus integer), may have further use as an industrial ingredient while maintaining its antioxidative capacity. The starter culture of Lactobacillus casei may induce the Mandai fermentation. This research was carried out (i) to investigate the effect of temperature on yield, chemical properties, and antioxidant activity of starter induced fermented mandai powder, (ii) to find the best drying temperature for the powder, and (iii) to find correlations between phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of the powder.

Methods: The drying temperature was used as the variable, and was set at 45, 50, and 55°C at a fixed duration of 18 hours. The control was spontaneously fermented mandai dried at 50°C for 18 hours. Total phenolic content (TPC), hydrolyzed tannic content (HTC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) were spectrophotometrically measured, expressed gallic acid (GAE), tannic acid (TAE), and catechin (CAE) equivalents. The DPPH assay measured antioxidant capacity. 

Results: The best mandai powder had total phenolic content of 348.8±55.6 mg GAE kg -1, HTC of 143.8±9.3 mg TAE kg -1, TFC of 17.5±1.3 mg CAE kg -1, antioxidant activity (IC 50) of 56.96 ppm, ash content of 4.0±0.7%, pH value of 5.0±0.8, and yield of 9.3±0.8%. There was a strong correlation between TPC, HTC, TFC, and antioxidant activity.

Conclusions: Drying temperature affected all observed parameters but not yield, ash and pH. The temperature of 45°C emerged as the best treatment to produce mandai powder from L. casei-inoculated mandai cempedak fermentation. The phenolic components contributed to the antioxidant activity of mandai cempedak.
Ventilatory compensation during the incremental exercise test is inversely correlated with air trapping in COPD
Authors: Kuint Rottem , Berkman Neville , Nusair Samir
Published: March 2020

Background: Air trapping and gas exchange abnormalities are major causes of exercise limitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). During incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing, actual nadir values of ventilatory equivalents for carbon dioxide (V E/VCO 2) and oxygen (V E/VO 2) may be difficult to identify in COPD patients because of limited ventilatory compensation capacity. Therefore, we aimed in this exploratory study to detect a possible correlation between the magnitude of ventilation augmentation, as manifested by increments in ventilatory equivalents from nadir to peak exercise values and air trapping, detected with static testing.   

Methods: In this observational study, we studied data obtained previously from 20 COPD patients who, during routine follow-up, underwent a symptom-limited incremental exercise test and in whom a plethysmography was obtained concurrently. Air trapping at rest was assessed by measurement of the residual volume (RV) to total lung capacity (TLC) ratio (RV/TLC). Gas exchange data collected during the symptom-limited incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test allowed determination of the nadir and peak exercise values of V E/VCO 2 and V E/VO 2, thus enabling calculation of the difference between peak exrcise value and nadir values of  V E/VCO 2 and V E/VO 2, designated ΔV E/VCO 2 and ΔV E/VO 2, respectively.

Results: We found a statistically significant inverse correlation between both ΔV E/VCO 2 (r = -0. 5058, 95% CI -0.7750 to -0.08149, p = 0.0234) and ΔV E/VO 2 (r = -0.5588, 95% CI -0.8029 to -0.1545, p = 0.0104) and the degree of air trapping (RV/TLC). There was no correlation between ΔV E/VCO 2 and forced expiratory volume in the first second, or body mass index. 

Conclusions: The ventilatory equivalents increment to compensate for acidosis during incremental exercise testing was inversely correlated with air trapping (RV/TLC).
Evaluation of a behavior-centered design strategy for creating demand for oral PrEP among young women in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Morton Jennifer F. , Myers Laura , Gill Katherine , Bekker Linda-Gail , Stein Gabrielle , Thomas Katherine K. , Duyver Menna , van der Straten Ariane , McConnell Margaret , Aunger Robert , Curtis Valerie , de Witt Huberts Jessie , Van Damme Lut , Baeten Jared M. , Celum Connie
Published: March 2020

Background: There is an urgent need to find effective interventions that reduce young South African women’s vulnerability to HIV, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective when taken consistently. As national programs in Africa launch PrEP programs for young women, it is critical to understand how to effectively create awareness, stimulate interest, and increase uptake of PrEP.

Methods: Behavior-centered design (BCD) guided the development of a PrEP social marketing campaign for young women. Ethnographic observations, in-depth interviews, and focus-group discussions with young South African women informed the content and design of a 90-second PrEP demand creation video and two informational brochures. A short survey was administered to young women at their homes after watching a video to evaluate PrEP interest. Of 800 households with a 16-25-year-old female identified from a Cape Town township census, 320 women in these households viewed the video and completed a survey about the video and their interest in PrEP.

Results: In focus groups, young women from the township preferred local characters and messaging that was empowering, simple, and motivational. From the household survey of young women who viewed the video, most reported interest in learning more about PrEP (67.7% ‘definitely interested’ and 9.4% ‘somewhat interested’) and taking PrEP (56.4% ‘definitely interested’ and 12.5% ‘somewhat interested’). Factors significantly associated with interest in taking PrEP were having a primary partner with whom they regularly have sex (80.0% vs. 65.2% without a primary partner; adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=3.1, 95% CI: 1.3, 7.0) and being in a sexual partnership for <6 months (86.8% vs. 68.5% for >12 months; AOR=3.0, 95% CI: 1.2, 7.3).

Conclusions: A positively framed PrEP demand creation video generated high interest in PrEP among young South African women, particularly among women with a primary partner and a shorter-term relationship.

Registration: NCT03142256; registered on 5 May 2017.
Caminhos para o desenvolvimento sustentável: a dignidade da pessoa humana como elemento estruturante da ordem econômica constitucional
Authors: Messias Ewerton Ricardo , Nunes Geilson
Published: March 2020

A presente pesquisa teve por objetivo realizar um estudo sobre a ordem econômica constitucional pós-moderna, presente na Constituição Federal de 1988 com tendências à valorização da dignidade da pessoa humana como seu elemento estruturante na busca pela tutela e fruição dos direitos fundamentais, dentre eles, a livre iniciativa e o meio ambiente ecologicamente equilibrado. Nesse intuito, foram investigadas a ordem econômica constitucional e seus princípios estruturantes, mormente a livre iniciativa e a defesa do meio ambiente; e a dignidade da pessoa humana, como fundamento da República Federativa do Brasil e elemento estruturante da ordem econômica constitucional voltado à garantia de existência de uma vida digna de ser vivida. Para a obtenção dos resultados almejados pela pesquisa, o método de abordagem a ser seguido foi o dedutivo, utilizando-se de pesquisa bibliográfica, legislativa e jurisprudencial. Em conclusão aponta-se que o caminho a ser percorrido pela ordem econômica constitucional é buscar o desenvolvimento econômico atrelado ao desenvolvimento social e à proteção do equilíbrio ambiental, alinhando, em uma perspectiva solidária, a produção de riquezas à garantia de existência de vida digna de ser vivida para as presentes e futuras gerações.
Proteção da privacidade online na pornografia de vingança
Authors: Simões Juliana Thomazini Nader , Santana Ana Cláudia Farranha , Lemos Amanda Nunes Lopes Espiñeira
Published: March 2020

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo comparado entre o Brasil e os Estados Unidos sobre a pornografia de vingança, avaliando a efetividade dos instrumentos existentes para a proteção das vítimas e a reparação dos danos dessa prática, a partir de uma análise qualitativa. Parte-se das seguintes perguntas de pesquisa: De que forma o conceito de privacidade se aplica ao ambiente virtual? Como as tecnologias possibilitaram o desenvolvimento de novas formas de intimidade, bem como de práticas como a pornografia de vingança? Analisa-se o direito à privacidade dentro da concepção de esfera pública e privada no ambiente virtual e as novas formas de intimidade nesse contexto, apontando possíveis caminhos para melhorias na legislação vigente sobre a temática.
Querela dos universais, direito e personalidade
Authors: Ikeda Walter Lucas , Zenni Alessandro Severino Vallér
Published: March 2020

O objetivo inicial da pesquisa foi de aprofundar tema do nominalismo, suas circunstancias e contextos. Ocorre que ao longo da pesquisa, foi detectado que o tema abrangeria uma dimensão histórica muito maior, de modo que recortar essa abrangência prejudicaria a riqueza e sentido do debate que só pode ser percebido ao leigo de forma mais contextualizada.A extensão do tema na pesquisa justifica uma relativa larga bibliografia e deveras diversificadas, visto que foi tratado quase dois milênios e meio do debate. A escolha do tema foi de se perceber a importância do nominalismo na modernidade, muitas vezes indicando a figura de Guilherme de Ockham. A metodologia utilizada foi a hipotético-dedutiva, feita exclusivamente com documentos científicos tais quais dissertações de mestrado, teses de doutorado, artigos de revistas e livros, estes dois últimos, tanto de fontes nacionais como estrangeiras. A larga bibliografia também se justifica de não termos muitos trabalhos específicos ao tema, mas que costumam fazer menções, por vezes breves ao assunto.O trabalho abordará a questão dos universais desde Heráclito e Parmênides; percorrerá a idade média e chegará a Kant; Por derradeiro, será aludida a questão dos universais em Ronald Dworkin