bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knockdown of ZNF280A Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Promotes Cell Apoptosis of Bladder Cancer
Authors: He Long , Wang Xialu , Chen Peng , Du Cheng , Li Jinjiang
Published: July 2020

Background: ZNF280A is a member of zinc finger protein family, whose role in human cancers is little known and rarely reported. This study aimed to investigate the role of ZNF280A in bladder cancer. Methods: Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to detect the expression of ZNF280A in clinical samples. ZNF280A knockdown cell models were constructed by transfection of shRNA-expressing lentivirus. MTT assay and flow cytometry were performed for detecting cell proliferation, apoptosis and cycle. Wound healing and Transwell assays were operated to detect cell migration. Western blotting and Human Apoptosis Antibody Microarray were used to measure expression of related proteins. Mice xenograft model was constructed for in vivo study.Results: Our study demonstrated that ZNF280A was up-regulated in bladder cancer tissues compared with normal tissues, whose high expression was significantly correlated with advanced malignant grade. Knockdown of ZNF280A inhibited cell proliferation and cell migration, promoted cell apoptosis and G1/G2 phase arrest. The tumor growth in vivo was also proved to be inhibited by ZNF280A. Moreover, ZNF280A may promote bladder cancer through regulation of MAPK9, Cyclin D1 and PIK3CA. Conclusions: In this study, ZNF280A was shown as a potential tumor promotor and prognosis indicator for bladder cancer. Targeting ZNF280A may be a promising strategy for the development of novel bladder cancer treatment.
Detrended Fluctuation Analysis and Discrete Wavelet Transform for Similarity Comparison of RNA secondary structure
Authors: Yang Lina , Liu Yang , Wang Patrick , Li Xichun
Published: July 2020

Background Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is an important biological macromolecule. Through in-depth studies of RNA, its function has been increasingly discovered. The function of RNA is mostly dependent on its secondary structure because of its conserved nature. The discovery of an approximate relationship between two RNA secondary structures can help to understand their functional relationship better. This discovery can also help in exploring many unknown functions. Currently, RNA secondary structural similarity analysis methods are mainly divided into alignment-based methods and alignment-free methods. Alignment-free methods can obtain similarities and differences among RNA secondary structures more quickly and more accurately than alignment-based methods. Results In this paper, a novel alignment-free method based on the triple vector curve representation of RNA is proposed. A combinational method involving a discrete wavelet transform and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) with a sliding window is used to generate the distance matrix. Finally, a phylogenetic tree is constructed using the distance matrix. Experiments are performed on RNA viruses and non-coding RNA datasets, and the phylogenetic trees generated by different methods are compared. The results show that our method yields more accurate results in the comparison of RNA secondary structures. Conclusion The method in this paper enables a more accurate analysis of the similarities between RNA secondary structures. This method has certain application value in the comparison of RNA secondary structures, especially in the analysis of longer RNA sequences.
Protective Effect of S-Allyl Cysteine Against Neonatal Asthmatic Rats
Authors: Jiang Li , Li Yuning , Wang Fang , Zhang Xindao , Zhao Ruiping
Published: July 2020

S-Allyl cysteine (SAC), an organic compound and a natural constituent of Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic have been consumed in routine foods are known to possess various biological activities. Nevertheless, scientific evidence on the protective effect of SAC against neonatal asthmatic rats is not available. The present study aimed at investigating the anti-asthmatic activity of SAC in neonatal asthmatic rats using Wistar rats. The study conducted in four groups consists of normal control rats, asthma-induced, asthma animals administered with SAC (25 mg/kg), and SAC control. At the end of experimental period, inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), inflammatory markers, fibrinogen level, activated partial thromboplastin time, coagulation factor activity, and histopathology were elucidated. The current investigation exhibits that SAC significantly reduced the total leukocytes, with restored fibrinogen level, and activated partial thromboplastin time. In addition, the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were also attenuated in SAC treated animals. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2, MCP-1, RANTES, and Eotoxin were reduced in SAC treated animals. Treatment of rats with SAC significantly reduced inflammation and eosinophil infiltration in the lungs. These results suggest that SAC exert protection in neonatal asthmatic rats suffering from acute or chronic inflammation by inducing anti-inflammatory and cell-protective responses.
Adsorbed Leucaena Protein on Citrate Modified Fe3O4 Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Its Application As Magnetic Coagulant
Authors: Kristianto Hans , Reynaldi Edwin , Prasetyo Susiana , Sugih Asaf K
Published: July 2020

Natural coagulants from plants resources have gained a lot of attention as it is renewable, biodegradable, non-hazardous, lower cost, and less sludge generated compared to chemical coagulants. However there are still some drawbacks, namely long settling time and possible increase of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the treated water. In this paper we tried to address these drawbacks by utilizing citrate modified Fe3O4 to adsorb protein from Leucaena leucocephala as the active coagulating agent. The effect of trisodium citrate concentration and protein adsorption pH to the adsorbed protein was investigated. It was found that the trisodium citrate concentration of 0.5 M and pH 4.0 gave the highest protein adsorption. The obtained magnetic coagulant was furthermore characterized using SEM, XRD, FTIR, and TEM, to observe the characteristics before and after protein adsorption. Furthermore the effect of pH (2-10) and coagulant dosage (60-600 mg. L-1) to the removal of synthetic Congo red wastewater and sludge volume formation was investigated. It was found that pH 3.0 was the best pH for coagulation due to charge neutralization mechanism of leucaena protein. Furthermore the highest removal was obtained at dosage 420mg. L-1 with 80% removal. This result was comparable with crude extract of leucaena with half settling time (20 min) and lower increase of permanganate value.
Analysis of Related Factors to the Anxiety State of Dental Healthcare Personnel During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Yichang, China
Authors: Zhao Suli , Cao Jing , Zhang Lin , Liu Beibei , Sun Rongcan
Published: July 2020

As Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has exerted impact on every aspect of daily life, it is important to adopt appropriate measures to cope with the situation. Since dental healthcare personnel (DHCP) are characterized with high level of stress and have the potential for exposure to infectious materials, the mental state of them requires concern. This study used two web-based questionnaires to compare the anxiety state of DHCP to that of the general public after dental settings in Yichang, China returned to a full scope of services. Subsequently, potential factors influencing the anxiety state of DHCP were analyzed. Results indicated that they were more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders than the general public were. For DHCP, those who were at a younger age, provided care without level three protective measures, had conflicts with patients or colleagues, and/or had less knowledge of COVID-19 were more prone to anxiety disorders. Practical suggestions were proposed at the end of this study to help DHCP maintain better mental health conditions. As COVID-19 continues to spread, this study could provide data support for adopting appropriate measures at dental settings.
A multilevel analysis of the importance of oral health instructions for preventing tooth loss: The 8020 Promotion Foundation Study of Japanese Dental Patients
Authors: Saito Mizuki , Shimazaki Yoshihiro , Fukai Kakuhiro , Furuta Michiko , Aida Jun , Ando Yuichi , Miyazaki Hideo , Kambara Masaki
Published: July 2020

Background: Many studies have reported risk factors for tooth loss. Oral health instruction is considered effective at improving oral health behavior and oral health. However, few studies have examined the relationship of dental clinic factors, such as the number of dental hygienists and implementation of oral health instructions, with tooth loss. Here, we conducted a multilevel analysis to clarify the dental clinic risk factors associated with tooth loss.Methods: Baseline surveys were conducted at 1,216 dental clinics in 46 prefectures in Japan, and 12,399 dental patients aged 20 years and over underwent oral examinations and completed a questionnaire. The dental clinics also completed a questionnaire at baseline. A 3-year follow-up survey included 2,488 patients in 585 dental clinics. Multilevel multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the risk of tooth loss at the patient and clinic levels.Results: Of the patient variables, older age, higher mean probing pocket depth, current or past smoking, and bleeding during tooth brushing were associated with higher risks of tooth loss. Individuals having many teeth and visiting dental clinics for maintenance were at significantly lower risk of tooth loss. Of the clinic variables, patients attending dental clinics with four or more dental hygienists had a significantly lower risk of tooth loss (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.50–1.00). Patients attending dental clinics that provide oral health instructions for 20 min or more had a significantly lower risk of tooth loss (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50–0.96).Conclusions: In addition to individual risk factors for tooth loss, dental clinic factors such as length of oral health instruction and number of dental hygienists are associated with tooth loss. In dental clinics, ensuring sufficient time for dental hygienists to provide oral health instructions can help prevent tooth loss in dental patients.
Choroidal Alterations of Sturge-weber Syndrome Secondary Glaucoma and Non-glaucoma Port-wine Stain Patients Distinguished by Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Wu Yue , Huang Lulu , Liu Yixin , Xu Li , Guo Wenyi
Published: July 2020

Background: To evaluate the choroidal changes in Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) secondary glaucoma and non-glaucoma port-wine stain (PWS) patients by enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT).Methods: SWS and PWS patients who were over 3 years old and treated or screened at our ophthalmology department were included in the study. Baseline demographics, EDI-OCT and fundus photography data were collected from all patients.Results: Forty-six non-glaucoma PWS (NGPWS) patients and 35 SWS secondary glaucoma（SG）patients were included, with mean ages of 16.52±13.63 and 13.94±8.27 years, respectively (p>0.05). Among these patients, 2 exhibit bilateral PWS and unilateral glaucoma. Thus the two eyes of each person were divided into NGPWS group and SG group respectively. Twenty-one eyes had choroidal hemangiomas and 7 eyes had excessive thickening of the choroid without choroidal hemangiomas. Choroidal hemangiomas were only observed in ipsilateral eyes of SG patients. The choroidal thicknesses of the ipsilateral and contralateral eyes of NGPWS patients were 358.10±117.40 μm (45 eyes) and 288.20±79.04 μm (41 eyes), respectively (p<0.05). The choroidal thicknesses of the ipsilateral and contralateral eyes of SG patients were 511.40±242.10 μm (15 eyes) and 283.90±92.27 μm (29 eyes), respectively (p<0.05). Significant differences were found between the ipsilateral eyes of SWS and PWS patients (p<0.05). Six of 12 eyes (50%) with choroidal hemangiomas exhibited post-operative posterior segment complications. Conclusions: Non-glaucoma PWS and SWS secondary glaucoma patients had a thicker choroid in the ipsilateral eye. The trend was even more pronounced in SWS secondary glaucoma patients. Choroidal hemangiomas were only found in the ipsilateral eyes of SG. In addition, choroidal hemangioma was a risk factor for post-operative posterior segment complications in SWS patients.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome After Recurrent Pregnancies
Authors: Kisli Mesude
Published: July 2020

Background: The primary aim of the retrospective study was to study whether the number of births in women ( primipara, multipara and grand multipara women ) the long term after deliveries has an impact on the development of Carpal tunnel syndrome ( CTS ).Methods: Our study population is composed of patients who are referred with suspicion of CTS. Four hundred and fifty female patients ( 150 primara, 150 multipara and 150 grand multipara women ) referred to the electrophsiology laboratory with clinical suspicion CTS were included into the descriptive and retrospective study between November 2016 and June 2018. Primiparity, multiparity and grand multiparity were defined as women having 1, 2 – 5 and 6 - 9 deliveries, respectively. Patients who passed 2 years after their last birth were included in the study. All of the patients were assessed and compared in terms of electrophysiological CTS presence and degree of CTS. Also BMI was calculated for each patient and it compared among groups.Results: The disease has not been changed with the number of births ( p > 0.05 ). The mean BMI of the primipara, multipara and grand multipara women were 28,06 ± 1,12 kg / m2, 27,59 ± 3,72 kg / m2 and 27,82 ± 3,11 kg / m2, respectively. There was no significant statistically difference in BMI among groups ( p > 0.05). However, the severity of the disease varies according to BMI ( p < 0.05 ). It was calculated that as the BMI increases, the severity of the disease increases. Conclusions: Number of pregnancies in women ( primipara, multipara and grand multipara women ) concerning the long term after deliveries has not impact on the development of CTS. Other risk factors such as BMI may play a significant role in the development of CTS in these patients.
Original vs Non-Original “Cast-To” Gold Abutment-Implant Connection: Analysis of the Internal Fit and Long-Term Fatigue Performance
Authors: Alonso-Pérez Raquel , Bartolomé José F. , Fraile Cristina , Pradíes Guillermo
Published: July 2020

Background: Restoring implants with not original abutment-implant connection are widely used by clinicians. Due to the current scarcity of in-vitro studies about compatible abutments and lack of relevant clinical studies, long-term fatigue performance of non-original abutments should be analyzed. The aim of this research was to assess the internal accuracy and the cyclic fatigue life after artificial aging of three implant-abutment configurations restored with one original and two compatible non-original “cast-to” gold abutments.Materials and Methods: Forty-eight original internal hexagon connection implants were connected to three different brands of abutments (n= 16 each): one original to the implant system and two non-originals. Internal accuracy and the percentage of surface with tight contact were assessed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) in twelve cross-sectioned samples at three different areas (platform, internal and screw). To evaluate the fatigue mechanical behaviour under cyclic load, samples were loaded according to the ISO Norm 14801 in a universal testing machine at 2 Hz in air. Previously, samples were aged by thermocycling with 10,000 cycles at 5 °C and 55 °C in artificial saliva. Results: Original abutments presented the best accuracy and highest percentage of tight contact in the internal areas. Meanwhile, original abutments showed the lower cyclic fatigue strength degradation and the long-term success. Conclusions: Occlusal loads are transferred more homogenously through the system when original abutments are used because the better fit between the different internal components. This fact provides the highest fatigue resistance for all the restorations studied.
The Association of Priori and Posteriori Dietary Patterns With the Risk of Incident Hypertension: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Ramezankhani Azra , Hosseini-Esfahani Firoozeh , Mirmiran Parvin , Azizi Fereidoun , Hadaegh Farzad
Published: July 2020

Background
The aim of this study was to investigate the association of dietary patterns with incident hypertension.
Materials/methods:
This prospective study was conducted on 4793 individuals of Tehran lipid and glucose study participants, aged ≥ 18 years who were followed for a median of 6.3 years from 2008-11 to 2016-18 surveys. A valid and reliable semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess usual dietary intakes. Anthropometrics and blood pressure were assessed at baseline and during follow up examinations. Dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis (PCA); healthy eating index (HEI) and dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) score were measured based on dietary recommendations. Time-dependent Cox models, adjusting for confounders were used to examine the association between dietary patterns and the risk of hypertension.
Results
During follow-up, a total of 727 incident cases of hypertension were identified. The mean ± SD age at baseline was 40.3 ± 13.5 and 37.9 ± 12.1 years in men and women, respectively. Two dietary patterns (the healthy and unhealthy) were extracted by PCA. Compared with participants in the first quartile, a 23% (HR: 1.23; 95%CI: 1.00-1.53; P trend: 0.056) increased risk of hypertension was found in the fourth quartile of HEI score. This association was disappeared after further adjustment for confounders. Increasing DASH score, the healthy and unhealthy dietary pattern were not associated with risk of hypertension.
Conclusion
According to our findings, after adjustment for confounders, higher adherence to posteriori- and priori-dietary patterns was not associated with risk of hypertension.
Patient Survey on Polypharmacy in the Clinic and Its Impact on Health Professionals' Management of Polypharmacy: a Before-after Study
Authors: Hirose Yuta , Shikino Kiyoshi , Ohira Yoshiyuki , Matsuoka Sumihide , Mikami Chihiro , Tsuchiya Hayami , Yokokawa Daiki , Ikegami Akiko , Tsukamoto Tomoko , Noda Kazutaka , Uehara Takanori , Ikusaka Masatomi
Published: July 2020

Background: Patient awareness surveys on polypharmacy have been reported previously, but no previous study has examined the effects of sending feedback to health professionals on reducing medication use. Our study aimed to conduct a patient survey to examine factors contributing to polypharmacy, feedback the results to health professionals, and analyze the resulting changes in the number of polypharmacy patients and prescribed medications. Methods: Study 1: In July 2016, we conducted a questionnaire survey among adult patients receiving medical care at Minamihama clinic. We examined polypharmacy and its contributing factors by performing logistic regression analysis. Study 2: We sent feedback of survey results to 12 health professionals. Performing a t-test and a chi-square test on medical fee receipts, we analyzed changes in the percentage of polypharmacy patients and the number of prescribed medications during one month before and after the feedback. Results: In the questionnaire survey, significant differences were found in the following 3 items: age (odds ratio (OR)=3.14; 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.01-4.91), number of medical institutions (OR=2.34; 95%CI=1.50-3.64), and patients' difficulty with asking their doctors to deprescribe their medications (OR=2.21; 95%CI=1.25-3.90). After the feedback, the percentage of polypharmacy patients decreased from 21.5% to 20.1% and the mean number of prescribed medications per patient decreased from 8.2 to 7.7 (p<0.001, respectively).Conclusions: Providing feedback to health professionals on polypharmacy survey results may lead to a decrease in the number of polypharmacy patients. Factors contributing to polypharmacy included age (75 years or older), the number of medical institutions (2 or more institutions), and patients' difficulty with asking their physicians to deprescribe their medications. Feedback to health professionals reduced the percentage of polypharmacy patients and the number of prescribed medications. Trial registration: UMIN. Registered 21 June 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm
Triglyceride-glucose index linked to hospital mortality in critically ill stroke patients: an observational multicentre study on eICU database
Authors: Zhang Bingjun , Liu Lingling , Ruan Hengfang , Zhu Qiang , Yu Dafan , Yang Yu , Lu Zhengqi
Published: July 2020

Background: The triglyceride‑glucose (TyG) index is a reliable surrogate of insulin resistance and a marker for ischemic stroke (IS) incident. Whether the TyG index predicts stroke outcome remains uncertain. This study investigated the prognostic value of the TyG index in critically ill stroke patients.Methods: This was a retrospective observational study that included stroke patients, and all data were extracted from the eICU Collaborative Research Database. The TyG index was calculated as the ln (fasting glucose level [mg/dL] × triglyceride level [mg/dL]/2). The outcomes included the hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) death. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine independent risk factors. The smoothing curves and forest plots were illustrated.Results: A total of 4570 eligible subjects were enrolled. The mean level of TyG index was 9.1 ± 0.7. The hospital and ICU mortality rate were 10.3% and 5.0% respectively. TyG index as a continuous variable was associated hospital mortality in univariate analysis (OR 1.723, 95% CI 1.524-1.948, P < 0.001), adjusted model 1 (OR 1.861, 95% CI 1637-2.116, P < 0.001) and adjusted model 2 (OR 2.543, 95% CI 1.588-4.073, P < 0.001). TyG was also associated ICU mortality in univariate analysis (OR 2.146, 95% CI 1.826-2.523, P < 0.001), adjusted model 1 (OR 2.183, 95% CI 1.847-2.580, P < 0.001), and adjusted model 2 (OR 2.672, 95% CI 1.376-5.188, P < 0.001). The smoothing curves observed a continuous linear association after adjusting all covariates both in hospital and ICU mortality. Subgroup analysis demonstrated TyG index was associated with increased risk of hospital and ICU death in critically ill IS (P < 0.05), but not in hemorrhage stroke (P > 0.05).Conclusion: The TyG index is a potential predictor for hospital and ICU mortality in critically ill stroke patients, especially in IS patients.
Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics, And Treatment Outcomes Of Patients With COVID-19 At Siriraj Hospital – Thailand’s Largest University-Based Super-Tertiary Referral Center
Authors: Sirijatuphat Rujipas , Suputtamongkol Yupin , Angkasekwinai Nasikarn , Horthongkham Navin , Chayakulkeeree Methee , Rattanaumpawan Pinyo , Koomanachai Pornpan , Assanasen Susan , Rongrungruang Yong , Chierakul Nitipatana , Ratanarat Ranistha , Jitmuang Anupop , Wangchinda Walaiporn , Kantakamalakul Wannee
Published: July 2020

Background: The epidemiology and outcomes of COVID-19 patients in Thailand are scarce. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included adult hospitalized patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 at Siriraj Hospital during February 2020 to April 2020. Results: Of 1,409 patients who underwent reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for SARS-CoV-2, 1,029 patients (73%) had risk factors for COVID-19 acquisition of which 107 patients had laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. Among the 104 patients who were treated with antiviral medications, 78 (75%) received 2-drug regimen (lopinavir/ritonavir or darunavir/ritonavir plus chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine), and 26 (25%) received a 3-drug regimen with favipiravir added to the 2-drug regimen. Disease progression was observed in 18 patients (16.8%). All patients with COVID-19 were discharged alive. Conclusions: The prevalence of COVID-19 was 7.5% among patients who underwent RT-PCR testing, and 10% among those having risk factors for COVID-19 acquisition. Combination antiviral therapies for COVID-19 patients were well-tolerated and produced a favorable outcome.
High Prevalence Mutations in ALMS1 in Spanish Alström Patients
Authors: Mascato Brais Bea , Solarat Carlos López , Romeo Irene Perea , Jaijo Teresa , Kelly Fiona Blanco , Ayuso Carmen , Valverde Diana
Published: July 2020

Background:Alström syndrome (ALMS) is a rare disease with an estimated prevalence lower than 1 in 1,000,000. It is associated with mutations in the Alström syndrome 1 (ALMS1) gene, which codifies for a structural protein of the basal body and centrosomes. Symptomatology involves nystagmus, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), obesity, dilated cardiomyopathy (DMC), neurodegenerative disorders and multi-organ fibrosis.Methods:We included the clinical data of 13 patients from 12 families, all of them from Spain. We studied the allelic frequency for the different mutations present in this cohort and we perform a haplotype analysis for the most prevalent allele.Results:Two alleles were detected in high frequency: p.(Tyr1714Ter) (0,25) and p.(Ser3872TyrfsTer19) (0,167). The segregation analysis of the mutation p.(Tyr1714Ter) in 3 families shows that it is linked to a rare missense polymorphism. Also, we detect an ancestral haplotype for ALMS1 in three families.Conclusion:Mutation p.(Tyr1714Ter) co-segregates with a rare single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that could be arise by a founder effect in the Iberian Peninsula.
A Comparative Analysis Of Once-Daily And Twice-Daily Formulation Of Tacrolimus In De Novo Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Ferhatoglu Murat Ferhat , Kartal Abdulcabbar , Filiz Ali Ilker , Yildiz Gursel , Gurkan Alp
Published: July 2020

Objectives: Once-daily formulation of tacrolimus has begun to find a place in daily clinical practice as similar efficacy and safety profile as the twice-daily formulation according to clinical trials. However, few numbers of un-sponsored, non-trial studies are issued centering on its usage in clinical practice. We compared once-daily and twice-daily formulation of tacrolimus in terms of the efficiency and effects on graft function in de novo kidney transplant patients.Methods: Twenty once-daily (TAC-OD) and twenty twice-daily (TAC-BID) tacrolimus administrated de novo kidney recipients who had received initial immunosuppressive therapy according to protocols at our institution (0.2 mg/kg of tacrolimus combined with 1000 milligrams of steroid taper plus 720 mg of mycophenolate and with 2,5mg/kg human immune globulin) assessed in terms of demographics, drug doses and blood concentration, and graft function. Results: The mean tacrolimus blood concentration measurements were higher in the TAC-OD group in the first sixty days after transplantation, and the TAC-OD group showed more blood concentration overshoots in the first 30 days of the treatment. The initial drug dose was significantly higher in the TAC-OD group compared to the TAC-BID group (p=0.04). There was no meaningful difference among groups according to graft function (creatinine measurements) (p>0.05).Conclusion: Between de novo kidney recipients, the new TAC-OD formulation presents a similar short-term efficacy profile as TAC-BID. However, a higher daily dosage of TAC-OD is needed to achieve similar blood concentrations in the early postoperative period.
Results of Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis in 108 Patients With Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Möhn Nora , Yi Luo , Skripuletz Thomas , Schwenkenbecher Philipp , Ladwig Anne , Warnke Clemens , Meuth Sven G. , Wiendl Heinz , Gross Catharina C. , Schröder Christoph , Haghikia Aiden , Stangel Martin
Published: July 2020

Background: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is caused by an opportunistic infection with JC polyoma virus (JCPyV) and mainly affects immunocompromised patients. It leads to pronounced demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS) resulting in severe disability or even death. Detection of JCPyV DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is usually accepted as proof for the diagnosis of PML. Values from routine CSF parameters, like CSF cell count, protein concentration, Qalbumin levels, or intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis are mostly considered as normal; however, this has not been investigated systematically. Methods: We therefore analyzed those standard CSF parameters in a cohort of 108 PML patients that were treated at four different neurological centers in Germany. The patients exhibited different underlying conditions with natalizumab treatment in multiple sclerosis (n=54) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infection (n=25) being the most frequent. The data were collected at the respective centers in accordance with local requirements and then jointly analyzed. The results of the total PML cohort were compared with a control group of patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) or an HIV group without PML, respectively. Results: The PML group showed an elevated cell count (p<0.001) compared to the control group, however, this effect was mainly driven by HIV-PML patients. This subgroup also demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of patients with a disturbed blood-CSF-barrier function. Immune reconstitution syndrome (IRIS) occurred in 41/108 patients and was characterized by a trend for an increase in CSF cell count (p=0.052), CSF lactate (p=0.052), and an augmented intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis. Conclusions: This comprehensive, retrospective study on diagnostic results in PML patients provides insight into the CSF findings in patients with PML. It demonstrates that CSF changes in PML patients may be specific for the underlying condition that predisposes for the development of PML and thus data have to be interpreted in this context.
Digestive Proteases From Fish Processing Wastes: Their Partial Characterization and Comparison
Authors: Friedman Ivana Soledad , Behrens Leonel Agustín , Pereira Nair A , Contreras Edgardo , Fernández-Gimenez Analia Verónica
Published: July 2020

Fish processing generates a lot of wastes which are discarded resulting in environmental problems. However, this material represents a significant source of high-value bioproducts with potential biotechnological applications. The objective of this study was to characterize and to compare specific activities of acid and alkaline proteases recovered from the viscera of Merluccius hubbsi (Mh), Percophis brasiliensis (Pb), Urophyis brasiliensis (Ub), and Cynoscion guatucupa (Cg) under different pH and temperature conditions. Stomach proteinases from four species had a higher activity at pH 2, with stability in the range of pH 2-4. Optimum pH from intestinal enzymes of Cg was 11.5, while for the crude extract of Mh, Pb, and Ub catalytic activity was registered over a wide pH range range from 7 to 11.5. Stomach proteinases from four studied species had a higher activity at 30 °C and 50 °C, with stability at 10 °C and 30 °C. Optimum temperature from intestinal enzymes of the four tested species was 50 °C with high stability at 10 °C and 30 °C. Alkaline proteinase from all species and acid proteinases from Cg was inactivated at 70ºC, while stomach enzymes of Mh, Pb, and Ub had a residual activity lower than 5% at 80 °C after 5, 10 y 20 minutes of pre-incubation, respectively. Digestive proteinases recovered in this study could be used as biocatalysts in industrial processes, reducing costs, adding value to the fishery waste, and contributing to the reduction of environmental pollution.
Persistent hypoxemic respiratory failure is associated with increased mortality, with or without the acute respiratory distress syndrome: a cohort study
Authors: Sathe Neha Alhad , Zelnick Leila R. , Mikacenic Carmen , Morrell Eric D. , Bhatraju Pavan K. , Kosamo Susanna , Hough Catherine L. , Liles W. Conrad , Wurfel Mark M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Identifying effective therapies in heterogeneous conditions like acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) depends on defining sub-phenotypes with distinct prognosis or therapeutic response. Prior efforts have focused on acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), although ARDS is a minority of all AHRF patients, has limited reliability in research, and is similarly heterogeneous. We propose a novel AHRF sub-phenotype called persistent hypoxemic respiratory failure (PHRF), defined by PaO2:FiO2 ratio ≤ 300 in individuals still requiring mechanical ventilation on day 3 following intubation. We hypothesized individuals with PHRF (+ PHRF) have greater mortality than individuals without PHRF (-PHRF), irrespective of ARDS (+/-ARDS).
Methods

We included mechanically ventilated AHRF patients (n = 768) from a single-center prospective cohort of medical and surgical ICU patients. We estimated the relative risk of 28-day inpatient mortality associated with + PHRF compared to -PHRF using generalized linear models. We also compared mortality and baseline log-transformed plasma biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial activation/dysfunction in + PHRF/-ARDS, -PHRF/+ARDS, and + PHRF/+ARDS compared to -PHRF/-ARDS.
Results

Cumulative incidence of + PHRF was 53% (n = 408), of whom 51% were + ARDS by ICU day 3 (n = 209). +PHRF was associated with a 1.55-fold higher risk of death (95% CI: 1.02, 2.34) compared to -PHRF, adjusting for demographics, chronic respiratory disease, and APACHE-III. Absolute mortality was higher in + PHRF/+ARDS (23%) and + PHRF/+ARDS (15%) patients than -PHRF/+ARDS (12%) and -PHRF/-ARDS (7%) patients. Interleukin-6 was 2.36-fold (95% CI: 1.47, 3.80) and 2.62-fold (1.63, 4.20) higher in + PHRF/-ARDS and + PHRF/+ARDS compared to -PHRF/-ARDS; granulocyte-colony stimulating factor was 1.96-fold (95% CI: 1.28, 3.01) and 1.82-fold (95% CI: 1.16, 2.85) higher; angiopoeitin-2 was 1.32-fold (95% CI: 1.01, 1.73) and 1.59-fold (95% CI: 1.21, 2.09) higher. In contrast, -PHRF/+ARDS patients did not have significantly different mortality or plasma biomarkers from -PHRF/-ARDS patients in adjusted models.
Conclusions

PHRF represents a common sub-phenotype of patients with AHRF, characterized by higher mortality and higher biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction than -PHRF. PHRF captures many high-risk patients not included in current ARDS definition who may share biologic features with ARDS. Identifying patients with PHRF can support clinical prognostication and targeted trial enrollment for investigational therapies in the broad AHRF population.
A Sample-to-Answer Quantification Platform for Point-of-Care Testing of Circulating MicroRNAs Based on Allosteric Spherical Nanoprobe
Authors: Tian Huiyan , Yuan Changjing , Liu Yu , Xia Ke , Li Mengya , Xie Fengxin , Chen Qinghai , Chen Ming , Fu Weiling , Zhang Yang
Published: July 2020

MiRNA-150, a gene regulator that has been revealed to be abnormal expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), can be regarded as a serum indicator for diagnosis and monitoring of NSCLC. Herein, a new sort of nanoprobe, termed allosteric spherical nanoprobe, was first developed to sense miRNA-150. Compared with conventional hairpin, this new nanoprobe possesses more enrichment capacity and reaction cross section. Structurally, it consists of magnetic nanoparticles and dual-hairpin. In the absence of miRNA-150, the spherical nanoprobes form hairpin structure through DNA self-assembly, which could promote the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) of fluorophore (FAM) and quencher (BHQ1) nearby. However, in the presence of target, the target-probe hybridization can open the hairpin and form the active “Y” structure which separated fluorophore and quencher to yield a “signal on” fluorescence. In the manner of multipoint fluorescence detection, the target-bound allosteric spherical nanoprobe could provide a high detection sensitivity with a linear range of 100 fM to 10 nM and a detection limit of 38 fM. More importantly, the proposed method can distinguish the expression of serum miRNA-150 among NSCLC patients and healthy people. Finally, we hoped that the potential bioanalytical application of this nanoprobe strategy will pave the way for point-of-care testing (POCT).
Putative Positive Role of Inflammatory Genes in Fat Deposition Supported by Altered Gene Expression in Purified Human Adipocytes and Preadipocytes From Lean and Obese Adipose Tissues
Authors: Lee Sang-Hyeop , Choi Nak-Hyeon , Koh In-Uk , Kim Bong-Jo , Lee Song , Kim Song-Cheol , Choi Sun Shim
Published: July 2020

Background
Obesity is a chronic low-grade inflammatory disease that is generally characterized by enhanced inflammation in obese adipose tissue (AT). Here, we investigated alterations in gene expression between lean and obese conditions using mRNA-Seq data derived from human purified adipocytes (ACs) and preadipocytes (preACs).
Results
Total mRNA-seq data were generated with 27 AC and 21 preAC samples purified from human visceral AT collected during resection surgery in cancer patients, where the samples were classified into lean and obese categories by BMI > 25 kg/m2. We defined four classes of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by comparing gene expression between 1) lean and obese ACs, 2) lean and obese preACs, 3) lean ACs and lean preACs, and 4) obese ACs and obese preACs. Based on an analysis of comparison 1, numerous canonical obesity-related genes, particularly inflammatory genes including IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β, i.e., the genes that are expected to be upregulated in obesity conditions, were found to be expressed at significantly lower levels in obese ACs than in lean ACs. In contrast, some inflammatory genes were found to be expressed at higher levels in obese preACs than lean preACs in the analysis of comparison 2. Analysis of comparisons 3 and 4 showed that inflammatory gene classes were expressed at higher levels in differentiated ACs than undifferentiated preACs under both lean and obese conditions; however, the degree of upregulation was significantly greater for lean than for obese conditions. We validated our observations using previously published microarray transcriptome data deposited in the GEO database (GSE80654).
Conclusions
Taken together, our analyses suggest that inflammatory genes are expressed at lower levels in obese ACs than in lean ACs, because lean adipogenesis involves even greater enhancement of inflammatory responses than does obese adipogenesis.
Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Lung Function in Rural Areas in China
Authors: Wang Faxuan , Tian Di , Zhao Yi , Li Jiangping , Chen Xiyuan , Zhang Yuhong
Published: July 2020

Background

There remains considerable uncertainty about the association between adult metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obstructive lung disease (OLD) possibly through generalized systemic inflammation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between MetS and its components and lung function patterns.
Methods

Participants (n = 3978) were drawn from Pingluo and Qingtongxia residents at baseline from the Ningxia Cohort Study. The MetS was assessed according to the criteria of National Cholesterol Education Program III. Spirometric parameters were measured to define lung function. Through multiple linear regression and logistic regression analysis, these relationships were tested.
Results

The prevalence of obstructive lung disease (OLD) was comparable between genders (15.9% and 14.2%). The prevalence of obstructive pulmonary disease (OLD) was comparable between genders (15.9% and 14.2%), but the prevalence of MetS in males with co-existent OLD was lower than that in females (32.9% and 40.8%). After adjusting for potential confounders such as age and family income group, impaired lung function was associated with individual components of the metabolic syndrome, such as abdominal obesity, hypertension, and low HDL -C(all parameters were p < 0.05).
Conclusions

As an important component of MetS, abdominal obesity is associated with impaired lung function. Surprisingly, there is a negative correlation between HDL-C and lung function, and the presence of this relationship suggests a new understanding of the role of HDL-C.
In vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of a topical skin preparation containing 0.1% polyhexanide vs a topical skin preparation containing 1% silver sulfadiazine
Authors: Schiavo G. , Falciglia D. , Maurelli S. , Riccio S. , Maglione Barbara
Published: July 2020

1.1 Aim: The effective in vitro antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.aeruginosa), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K.pneumoniae), Escherichia coli (E.Coli) and the combination of S.aureus and K. pneumoniae of a topical cream based on 0.1% polyhexanide was compared to a topical cream based on 1% silver sulfadiazine. A topical cream containing 0,1% gentamicin was used as a positive control and a white blank topical cream was used as negative control.1.2 Materials and Methods: The in vitro antibacterial activities were determined by agar well-diffusion assay. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test, by calculation of P-values, for significant antiseptic activity in bacteria treated with 0,1% polyhexanide topical cream compared to 1% silver sulfadiazine and to the negative and positive controls. 1.3 Results: Among the derivatives tested, all the active topical creams analyzed were able to reduce microbial strains. The topical cream based on 0.1% polyhexanide showed a significantly higher antibacterial efficacy in comparison to the topical cream based on 1% silver sulfadiazine on S. aureus and K. pneumoniae and on the combination of S. aureus and K. pneumoniae, while no significant difference was detected between the antibacterial activity of the two topical creams against P. aeruginosa and E. coli. 1.4 Conclusion: These results provide a further insight into the antibacterial activity of polyhexanide and its non-inferiority compared to silver sulfadiazine towards certain bacterial strains (P. aeruginosa and E. coli) and superiority towards other (S. aureus and K. pneumoniae) and support the use of 0.1% Polyhexanide topical preparation for the treatment of wounds that are infected or at risk of infection.
Diagnostic accuracy of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) for the prediction of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and metabolic syndrome in the working community of the Lebanese University (LU)
Authors: Abdallah Maher , SHARBAJI Safa , SHARBAJI Marwa , DAHER Zeina , FAOUR Tarek , MANSOUR Zeinab , HNEINO Mohammad
Published: July 2020

Background
Risk scores were mainly proved to predict undiagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (UT2DM) in a non-invasive manner and to guide earlier clinical treatment. The objective of the present study was to assess the performance of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) for detecting three outcomes: UT2DM, prediabetes, and the metabolic syndrome (MS).
Methods
This was a prospective, cross-sectional study during which employees aged between 30 and 64, with no known diabetes and working within the faculties of the Lebanese University (LU) were conveniently recruited. Participants completed the FINDRISC questionnaire and their glucose levels were examined using both fasting blood glucose (FBG) and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT). Furthermore, they underwent lipid profile tests with anthropometry.
Results
Of 713 subjects, 397 subjects (55.2% female; 44.8% male) completed the blood tests and thus were considered as the sample population. 7.6% had UT2DM, 22.9% prediabetes and 35.8% had MS, where men had higher prevalence than women for these 3 outcomes (P = 0.001, P = 0.003 and P = 0.001) respectively. The AUROC value with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) for detecting UT2DM was 0.795 (0.822 in men and 0.725 in women), 0.621(0.648 in men and 0.59 in women) for prediabetes and 0.710 (0.734 in men and 0.705 in women) for MS. The correspondent optimal cut-off point for UT2DM was 11.5 (sensitivity = 83.3% and specificity = 61.3%), 9.5 for prediabetes (sensitivity = 73.6% and specificity = 43.1%) and 10.5 (sensitivity = 69.7%; specificity = 56.5%) for MS.
Conclusion
The FINDRISC can be considered a simple, quick, inexpensive, and non-invasive instrument to use in a Lebanese community of working people who are unaware of their health status and who usually report being extremely busy because of their daily hectic work for the screening of UT2DM and MS. However, it poorly screens for prediabetes in this context.
Immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in children of parents with symptomatic COVID-19
Authors: Tosif Shidan , Neeland Melanie , Sutton Philip , Licciardi Paul , Sarkar Sohinee , Selva Kevin , Do Lien Anh Ha , Donato Celeste , Toh Zheng Quan , Higgins Rachel , de Sandt Carolien van , Lemke Melissa , Lee Christina , Shoffner Suzanne , Flanagan Katie , Arnold Kelly , Mordant Francesca , Mulholland Kim , Bines Julie , Dohle Kate , Pellicci Dan , Curtis Nigel , McNab Sarah , Steer Andrew , Saffery Richard , Subbarao Kanta , Chung Amy , Kedzierska Katherine , Burgner David , Crawford Nigel
Published: July 2020

Compared to adults, children with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have mild or asymptomatic infection, but the underlying immunological differences remain unclear. We describe clinical features, virology, longitudinal cellular and cytokine immune profile, SARS-CoV-2-specific serology and salivary antibody responses in a family of two parents with PCR-confirmed symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and their three children, who were repeatedly SARS-CoV-2 PCR negative. Cellular immune profiles and cytokine responses of all children were similar to their parents at all timepoints. All family members had salivary anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies detected, predominantly IgA, that coincided with symptom resolution in 3 of 4 symptomatic members. Plasma from both parents and one child had IgG antibody detected against the S1 protein and virus neutralising activity ranging from just detectable to robust titers. Using a systems serology approach, we show that all family members demonstrated higher levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody features than healthy controls. These data indicate that children can mount an immune response to SARS-CoV-2 without virological evidence of infection. This raises the possibility that despite chronic exposure, immunity in children prevents establishment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Relying on routine virological and serological testing may therefore not identify exposed children, with implications for epidemiological and clinical studies across the life-span.
Tracking the global reduction of marine traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: March David , Metcalfe Kristian , Tintoré Joaquín , Godley Brendan
Published: July 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unparalleled global impacts on human mobility. In the ocean, ship-based activities are thought to have decreased due to severe restrictions and changes in goods consumption, but little is known of the patterns of change, which sectors are most affected, in which regions, and for how long. Here, we map global change of marine traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic and assess its temporal variability at a fine-scale in one of the most affected regions, the Mediterranean Sea. Nearly 44.3% of the global ocean and 77.5% of national jurisdictions showed a decrease in traffic density during April 2020, when strictest confinement measures took place, showing a clear disruption in comparison with previous trends and future projections. Decreases mainly occurred in coastal areas and were more marked and longer lasting in sectors other than cargo and tanker shipping. Our results provide guidance for large-scale monitoring of the progress and potential effects of COVID-19, or other global shocks, on the blue economy and ocean health.