bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiographic and Clinical Evidence: Osteoarthritic Knee Can Change Surgical Result for Lumbar Degenerative Disease Patient Undergone Surgery for 3-year Follow-up: A Retrospective Comparative Clinical Study
Authors: Kim Yong-Chan , Kim Ki-Tack , Ha Kee-Yong , Ahn Joonghyun , Ko Seungnam , Luo Qiang , Kim Sung-Min , Kim Mingyu , Yoo Sunin
Published: October 2020

Background : There is a paucity of reports clarifying the implication of knee osteoarthritis (OA) on spinal sagittal alignment of patients undergone surgery for lumbar spine. This study aimed to analyze how osteoarthritic knee affects radiographic and clinical results of degenerative lumbar disease patients undergone lumbar fusion.

Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiographs of 74 consecutive degenerative lumbar disease patients who underwent posterior instrumentation and fusion surgery between May 2016 and June 2017 and were followed up for minimum 3 years postoperatively. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the severity of knee OA by Kellgren-Lawrence grading (KLG) scale (group I, KLG 1 or 2 [n=39]; group II, KLG 3 or 4 [n=35]). Patient demographic data, comorbidities, spinal sagittal parameters and clinical scores were extracted and compared at preoperative, postoperative 1 month and the ultimate follow-up between the groups. In radiographic assessment, sagittal alignment parameters and sagittal balance were used. In clinical assessment, the scores of Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire (SRS-22) were used. For the frequency analysis of categorical variables across the groups, chi-square test was used and student t tests was used to assess the differences of continuous variables.

Results : In radiographic assessment, TLK(thoracolumbar kyphosis), LL(lumbar lordosis), PT(pelvic tilt), C7 SVA(sagittal vertical axis) in both groups improved significantly after surgery(p<0.05). However, LL, PT, C7SVA improved at postoperative 1 month in the group II were not maintained at the ultimate postoperative follow-up. In clinical assessment, preoperative Oswestry disability index (ODI, %) and all SRS-22 subscores of the group I and II were not different (p>0.05). There were significant differences between the groups at the ultimate follow-up in ODI (-25.6 vs -12.1, p<0.001), SRS total score (%) (28 vs 20, p=0.037), function subscore (1.4 vs 0.7, p=0.016), and satisfaction subscore (1.6 vs 0.6, p<0.001).

Conclusion: Osteoarthritic knee with KLG 3 or 4 have a negative influence on maintaining postoperative spinal sagittal alignment, balance, and the clinical outcomes achieved immediately by posterior instrumentation and fusion for lumbar degenerative disease.
Activation of mesenchymal stem cells promotes new bone formation within dentigerous cyst
Authors: Yu Yejia , Li Mengyu , Zhou Yuqiong , Shi Yueqi , Zhang Wenjie , Son Geehun , Ge Jing , Zhao Jun , Zhang Zhiyuan , Ye Dongxia , Yang Chi , Wang Shaoyi
Published: October 2020

Background: Dentigerous cyst (DC) is a bone destructive disease and remains a challenge for clinicians. Marsupialization enables bone to regenerate with capsules maintaining, making it a preferred therapeutic means for DC adjacent to vital anatomical structures. Given that capsules of DC derive from odontogenic epithelium remnants at embryonic stage, we investigated whether there were mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) located in DC capsules and the role that they played in the bone regeneration after marsupialization. Methods: Samples obtained before and after marsupialization were used for histological detection and cell culture. The stemness of cells isolated from fresh tissues were analyzed by morphology, surface marker and multi-differentiation assays. Comparison of proliferation ability between Am-DCSCs and Bm-DCSCs were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), fibroblast colony-forming units (CFU-F) and 5’‐ethynyl‐2’‐deoxyuridine (EdU) assay. Their osteogenic capacity in vitro was detected by Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin Red staining (ARS), combined with Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Subcutaneous ectopic osteogenesis as well as cranial bone defect model in nude mice were performed to detect their bone regeneration and bone defect repair ability. Results: Bone tissue and strong ALP activity were detected in the capsule of DC after marsupialization. Two types of MSCs were isolated from fibrous capsules of DC both before (Bm-DCSCs) and after (Am-DCSCs) marsupialization. These fibroblast-like, colony forming cells expressed MSC markers (CD44+, CD90+, CD31-, CD34-, CD45-), and they could differentiate into osteoblast-, adipocyte- and chondrocyte-like cells under induction. Notably, Am-DCSCs performed better in cell proliferation and self-renewal. Moreover, Am-DCSCs showed greater osteogenic capacity both in vitro and in vivo compared with Bm-DCSCs. Conclusions: There are MSCs residing in capsules of DC, and the cell viability as well as osteogenic capacity of them are largely enhanced after marsupialization. Our findings suggested that MSCs might play a crucial role in the healing process of DC after marsupialization, thus providing new insight into the treatment for DC by promoting the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs inside capsules.
Parents are Stressed! Factors that Influence Parenting During COVID-19
Authors: Adams Elizabeth , Smith Danyel , Caccavale Laura J , Bean Melanie K
Published: October 2020

Objective: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused numerous unexpected challenges for many families, and these long-lasting demands have likely contributed to higher amounts of stress for most parents. The aim of this study was to describe changes in parent stress from before to during COVID-19, and examine if work related-factors (e.g., family job layoff / furlough) were associated with changes in parent stress. Factors that parents felt influenced their parenting and strategies to effectively manage parenting difficulties during COVID-19 were also examined. Methods: Parents (N=584; 95% female) in the US with >1 child aged 5-18 years completed a single online survey in April-May 2020, ~2 months after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. Survey measures included the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale, where parents reported on their stress prior to COVID-19 (via retrospective-report) and again during COVID-19 (thinking about their current situation). Parents also reported on their parenting-specific stress, factors that influenced parenting, and strategies implemented to manage parenting difficulties during COVID-19. Paired sample t-tests examined changes in parent stress from before to during COVID-19. Results: Parents’ perceived stress increased from before to during COVID-19 (16.2±5.6 vs. 22.0±6.3; p<0.01), with an even greater increase for parents with a family job loss / furlough or a decrease in family income (p<0.01). Only ~4% of all parents reported high stress before COVID-19, whereas 22% reported high stress during COVID-19. Most parents (72.8%) reported an increase parenting-specific stress from before to during COVID-19, and 34.6% reported that it was very difficult to continue parenting in the same way as they did prior to COVID-19. Common factors influencing parenting were a change in children’s daily structure/routines, worry about COVID-19, and demands of online schooling. Strategies used to manage parenting difficulties were doing family activities together, keeping in touch with family/friends virtually, and keeping children on a daily routine. Conclusions: Parent stress increased substantially during COVID-19, suggesting a need for enhanced access to mental health resources and emotional supports. Public health interventions should address parenting-specific stressors and effective strategies for managing parenting difficulties to mitigate their deleterious impact.
Effect of Structured Training Programme on Knowledge of Stakeholders Working for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (Pvtgs) in Twelve Tribal Districts of an Eastern State of India.
Authors: Bhatia Vikas , Giri Prajna Paramita , Taywade Manish
Published: October 2020

Background: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are the most marginalized tribal communities in the Indian society. The uptake of government led health & nutrition programme by them is low due to the geographical remoteness of their habitat, communication gap between service providers and PVTGs and their cultural believe. The objective of this study is to implement & assess the effectiveness of training programmes for stakeholders working for PVTGs in tribal districts of Odisha, an eastern state of India.Methods: A cross-sectional study was done in 12 tribal districts during April 2019 to January 2020. Six modules were developed for the trainings of different stakeholders like health officials, officials from Women & Child Development departments, NGO personnel, functionaries of Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM) and Odisha PVTG Empowerment & Livelihood Programme (OPELIP). Three-day residential training programmes covered six thematic areas like child malnutrition, adolescent health, maternal health, communication in service delivery and about different PVTG communities and evaluation was done for 231 participants out of total 242 trained. Pretest and posttest knowledge assessment of the participants were done using a pretested structured questionnaire consisting of 20 items.Results: The mean total score of knowledge was significantly improved after training as compared to before training among all stakeholders (13.79± 3.78 vs 11.5 ± 5.2, p value = 0.001). The pre-test result for the overall knowledge was low among OPELIP staff and health functionaries with mean score of 8.41±3.03&9.16±2.49 respectively. The post-test scores of health functionaries were highest in all domains and the overall increase in knowledge was statistically significant (pre-test 9.16±2.49 vs 15.48± 4.19, p<0.0001).Conclusion: The assessment of pre & post test results revealed a significant improvement in knowledge of stakeholders. Hence, there should be administrative mechanism in government system to impart training to all stakeholders at regular intervals.
LncRNA MYLK-AS1 facilitates tumor progression and angiogenesis by targeting miR-424-5p/E2F7 axis and activating VEGFR-2 signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Teng Fei , Zhang Ju-Xiang , Chang Qi-Meng , Wu Xu-Bo , Tang Wei-Guo , Wang Jian-Fa , Feng Jin-Feng , Zhang Zi-Ping , Hu Zhiqiu
Published: October 2020

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial in the invasion, angiogenesis, progression, and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The lncRNA MYLK-AS1 promotes the growth and invasion of HCC through the EGFR/HER2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway. However, the clinical significance of MYLK-AS1 in HCC still needs to be further determined.Methods: Bioinformatic analysis was performed to determine the potential relationship among MYLK-AS1, miRNAs and mRNAs. A total of 156 samples of normal liver and paired HCC tissues from HCC patients were used to evaluate MYLK-AS1 expression by qRT-PCR. Human HCC cell lines were used to evaluate the colony formation, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle and apoptosis after transfection of lentiviral short-hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) targeting MYLK-AS1 or MYLK-AS1 vectors. The competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism was clarified using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), Western blotting, qPCR, RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), and dual luciferase reporter analysis.Results: MYLK-AS1 up-regulation was detected in the HCC tumor tissues and cell lines associated with the enhancement of the angiogenesis and tumor progression. The down-regulation of MYLK-AS1 reversed the effects on angiogenesis, proliferation, invasion and metastasis in the HCC cells and in vivo. MYLK-AS1 acted as ceRNA, capable of regulating the angiogenesis in HCC, while the microRNA miR-424-5p was the direct target of MYLK-AS1. Promoting the angiogenesis and the tumor proliferation, the complex MYLK-AS1/miR-424-5p activated the VEGFR2 signaling through E2F7, whereas the specific targeting of E2F transcription factor 7 (E2F7) by miR-424-5p, was indicated by the mechanism studies.Conclusions: MYLK-AS1 and E2F7 are closely related to some malignant clinicopathological features and prognosis of HCC, thus the MYLK-AS1/ miR-424-5p/E2F7 signaling pathway might represent a promising treatment strategy to combat HCC.
Prognostic Value of Inflammasomes in Head and Neck Carcinoma: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Jia Yi-Qun , Chen Xiao-Chuan , Chen Yi-Ming , Zheng Yu-Yan , Yang Bo
Published: October 2020

Background: Inflammasomes play important roles in responding to insults, triggering inflammation. Nonetheless, their correlation with the prognosis of the head and neck carcinoma (HNC) patients remains controversial. Methods: In this meta-analysis, we searched 5 inflammasomes in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases and included 14 prospective studies with 677 patients. There were two molecules, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and Absent In Melanoma 2 (AIM2) satisfied the criteria for further analysis. Results: Higher expression of both NLRP3 and AIM2 was correlated with longer recurrence-free survival of HNC patients (P < 0.001). And higher level of AIM2 expression was associated with better overall survival in HNC patients (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Although publication bias potentially existed, NLRP3 and AIM2 are possible prognostic predictors in HNC patients.
Magnetochiral Spin-Polarized Tunneling in a Paramagnetic State
Authors: Lim Seongjoon , Huang Fei-Ting , Pan Shangke , Wang Kefeng , Kim Jaewook , Cheong Sang-Wook
Published: October 2020

Crystallographic chirality can mediate various optical and electrical magnetochiral effects. Since these effects have been studied in bulk optical, transport or non-local probe setups, investigation with a local probe is necessarily the next step towards further understanding of the intriguing phenomena closer to the quantum regime. We observed a spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy (SP-STM) contrast in the chiral domains of Co1/3NbS2 in a paramagnetic state, which is unexpected in the conventional SP-STM mechanism. This spin-polarized tunneling, depending on the local structural chirality, is argued to be an inverse magnetochiral effect due to a dynamic coupling between tunneling electrons and chirality. In addition, using the standard STM, we also find magnetochiral nonreciprocal tunneling in the presence of external magnetic fields, considered as the inverse process. Our results demonstrate a new application of SP-STM in detecting the dynamic interaction of tunneling electrons with broken crystallographic symmetries.
Challenges of Peer Assisted Learning in online clinical skills training of Ophthalmology module
Authors: Nisar Sumera , Mahboob Usman , Khan Rehan Ahmed , Rehman Durraiz
Published: October 2020

Background In recent days when mankind is passing through the difficult times of COVID-19 pandemic with lock down, almost all over the world, online communication has taken over the world. Overburdened physicians in this pandemic cannot get enough time to teach clinical skills online to the students. Also, due to student’s safety issues, the students cannot attend the clinics. Therefore, in this scenario online PAL sessions for clinical skill teaching and learning can be an effective alternative for undergraduate medical students. The academic limitations caused by the COVID-19 related lockdown however can have a pleasurable outcome if certain challenges, related to online PAL, are overcome. Therefore, the present study aims to identify the challenges of Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) sessions during online clinical skills training in Ophthalmology module of undergraduate medical students.MethodologyThis qualitative exploratory study, utilizing online focus group discussions to explore the challenges of online PAL in training and learning of clinical skills was carried at Ophthalmology department of Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah; Saudi Arabia. Ethical approval was taken from the college and purposive convenient sampling technique was used to collect data. Data was transcribed and analyzed by using thematic analysisResultsThe study identified six themes for argument and classified into further smaller subthemes. The subthemes derived from the collected data were organized under major themes; infrastructure, learning environment, psychological problems, interaction deficit, learning desires and desire for feedback on performance. In our study, major challenge faced by the medical student during online PAL sessions was infrastructure in terms of network connection, scheduling, timing of the session which overpowered by other challenges of online PAL. Unprofessional learning environment, psychological problems in terms of behavioral issues and personality changes, interaction deficit with peers, tutor and patient, learning desires and desire for feedback on performance were the other important challenges faced by the students. ConclusionThe challenges explored by our study can be used by the medical educators to incorporate online PAL as an effective, efficient and alternative teaching and learning modality in the curriculum especially in compromised circumstances like current COVID-19 pandemic.
Education in A New Place and Social Support Are Needed to Improve The Health of North Korean Defectors: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lee Jihyun , Park Yui , Han Dong-Hun , Yoo Ji Won , Zhou Wenlian , Kim Pearl , Shen Jay J.
Published: October 2020

Background: The number of North Korean defectors (NKDs) escaping to South Korea has increased. The health status of NKDs is an essential factor for a successful settlement into South Korean society. However, no studies have been conducted on the health status of NKDs in terms of education and social support. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of education and social support on the self-rated health status among NKDs.Methods: This study utilized data gained from face-to-face interviews with 126 NKDs. A multivariable logistic regression and path analysis were performed to assess the effects of education in South Korea and social support with their self-rated health status and to explore the complex relationships between direct and indirect effects of the variables.Results: NKDs who did not experience regular education in South Korea responded that they were in poor health compared to their counterpart (OR=5.78). Although a direct association between education in South Korea and self-rated health was not shown, there was an indirect path from education in South Korea to self-rated health through social support. Conclusions: Participation in regular education is important for the health status of NKDs. Social policies and NKD assistance programs should consider and reflect the combination of education and social support interventions relevant to the health status of NKDs.
Developing a Trauma Registry for the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Egypt: A Step Toward Success
Authors: Khalil Ahmed A. , El-Setouhy Maged , Hirshon Jon Mark , El-Shinawi Mohamed
Published: October 2020

Background: Trauma continues to be a common problem affecting global healthcare systems. Accordingly, different types of trauma have been considered major causes of morbidity and mortality with approximately 5 million deaths per year. Road traffic injuries, in particular, have been recognized by the World Health Organization as the sixth leading cause of death in the eastern Mediterranean region. Developed countries have realized the importance of implementing registries across all healthcare systems in order to improve service quality. Unfortunately, Egypt has yet to establish a national trauma registry in its hospitals. Although data banks have been available in a few hospitals, they have been inconsistent. Purpose: The present study aimed at developing a trauma registry for a major tertiary hospital in Cairo. Methods: To this end, data from 202 patients admitted to the emergency department of Ain Shams University Hospital due to trauma were collected. Procedures and actions used were then described to create a trauma registry from January to December 2017. Results: The collected data were statistically analyzed, after which the epidemiological distribution of the trauma patients was described. Accordingly, our results showed that among the included patients, 65% were men, while most were single, illiterate, and unemployed. Thereafter, statistics regarding trauma circumstances were generated. In conclusion, the present study found that hospital trauma registries can be established, are essential for improving the quality of healthcare services, and should be utilized ubiquitously throughout the country’s hospitals in order to establish a national registry.
Bezoar types in children and etiological factors affecting bezoar formation: a single center retrospective study
Authors: Dörterler Mustafa Erman , Günendi Tansel , Çakmak Mehmet , Shermatova Saime
Published: October 2020

Background: Bezoar is formed as a result of the accumulation of undigested food or foreign substances in the gastrointestinal tract (GIS). The present study aims to investigate the bezoar types seen in children and the etiological factors involved in bezoar formation.Methods: A total of 16 patients who underwent an endoscopy and/or surgical treatment for bezoar at Harran University, Faculty of Medicine Pediatric Surgery Clinic between 2011 and 2019 were included in the study. The demographic information, laboratory and radiological findings were obtained from the patients’ file recordsResults: A total of 10 patients (62.5%) were female with a mean age of 7.8 ± 4.9 years. Phytobezoars were detected in 10 patients, trichobezoars in 2 patients, lactobezoar in 1 patient, and other types in 3 patients. The etiological factors were determined to be congenital GIS anomaly in 6 (37.5%) patients; trichotillomania in 2 (12.5%) patients; mental retardation in 2 (12.5%) patients; ingestion of a foreign body during infancy in 2 (12.5%) patients; high intake of high-fiber fruit in 3 (18.5%) patients; and postoperative dysmotility in 2 (12.5%) patients.Conclusions: Congenital GIS anomalies are mostly responsible for bezoar etiology in children and phytobezoar is the most common type of bezoar.
A Pilot Prospective Study of Plasma Cell free DNA Whole Genome Sequencing Identified Chromosome 7p Copy Number Gains is a Specific Biomarker for Early Lung Cancer detection
Authors: Yu Hongjie , Yu Xiaojun , Tang Jia , Lu Xun , Ma Haitao
Published: October 2020

purpose: Chromosome 7 is playing an important role in lung tumorigenesis. Here we investigate whether chromosome 7p copy number gain as a detectable genetic events with plasma cell free DNA for early lung cancer detection biomarker. Methods: Eighteen surgical eligible lung cancer patients and eighteen non-cancer controls were recruited. Peripheral blood was collected before surgery. Cell free DNA was profiled with low coverage whole genome sequencing. Chromosome 7 copy number gains were defined as chr7 normalized coverage≥1.0005 and P value<0.05. Plasma cell-free DNA chr7 copy gains were then compared to pathological examinations on surgical tissues.Results: 83.3% patients were confirmed as malignancy post-operation, with 12 adenocarcinoma and 3 squamous-carcinoma. The other 16.7% were benign lesions. Cell free DNA was successfully extracted from pre-surgical plasma samples, with concentration range from 0.18 to 0.49 ng/ul. Chromosome 7 short arm copy gains were found in 66.7% (10/15) patients, including 66.7% (4/6) T1aN0M0 and 50.0% (1/2) Tis patients, otherwise, chr7p gain was found in 0% (0/3) benign lesions. The specificity was further examined in 18 volunteers who undergoing routine body examinations. Meanwhile, positive CEA and CYFRA21-1 was only found in 1/18 (5.7%) and 4/18 (22.2%). Taking together, UCAD chr7p or UCAD chr7p and tumor biomarker positivity can predict 12/15(80%, 95% CI:49.0-94.3%) early lung cancers. Further analyses showed that chr7p copy number gains tends to be enriched in EGFR/KRAS silent patients (fisher. test, P value=0.077). Conclusions: Chromosome 7p copy gains might be a useful peripheral blood tumor biomarker from lung cancer detection.
Fasting Blood Tests Might Not Be Necessary Before Elective Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Chen Delong , Zhang Gangyu , Deng Zhangrong , He Qi , Yang Junzheng , Wen Longfei , Jiang Shan , Zhang Qingwen , Wang Haibin , Chen Peng
Published: October 2020

BackgroundTo assess the clinical implications of the use of non-fasting rather than fasting blood tests before elective orthopedic surgery and to contribute to the fast-track surgery. MethodWe studied 305 patients (aged 18-83 years) who underwent elective orthopedic surgery at the orthopedic center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. Fresh blood samples were obtained from 151 individuals who had fasted (fasting＞8 h) and from 154 individuals who had not fasted. Standard hospital assays were used on all samples to measure the complete blood count (CBC, leukocyte (WBC), hemoglobin (HGB), platelet (PLT)), basic blood chemistry tests (serum sodium (Na), serum potassium (K), serum chlorine (Cl), blood calcium (Ca)), inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)), coagulation function tests(prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), plasma fibrinogen (PFIB)), liver function tests (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT)), and kidney function tests (creatinine (CRE), urea nitrogen (BUN)). Besides, we also analyzed the average length of stay and the cost of inpatient care between two groups in our departments.ResultsThe results of the complete blood count (CBC), basic blood chemistry tests (Na, K, Cl, Ca), inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), coagulation function tests (PT, INR, APTT, FIB), liver function tests (AST, ALT), and kidney function tests (CRE, BUN) were not significantly different between the fasting and non-fasting groups (P＞0.05). However, the blood glucose levels in the non-fasting group were 0.4 mmol/L greater than those in the fasting group. The average hospital days were decreased from 7.5 days to 6.5 days while the cost of inpatient care was reduced approximately 10%. ConclusionsOur study recommends the routine use of non-fasting blood tests before elective orthopedic surgery which is helpful in implementing the fast-track surgery.
A DM1-doped porous gold nanoshell system for NIR accelerated redox-responsive release and triple modal imaging guided photothermal synergistic chemotherapy
Authors: Shen Yan , Ding Yuan , Tu Jiasheng , Xu Pengcheng , Yang Wenqian , Wang Ru , He Dongsheng , Ye Zixuan , Chen Daquan
Published: October 2020

BackgroundAlthough many treatments are available for breast cancer, poor tumor targeting limits the effectiveness of most approaches and a monotherapy will yield satisfactory results difficultly. Furthermore, the lack of accurate diagnostic and tumor monitoring methods also limit the benefits of treatment. This study aimed to design a nanocarrier based on porous gold nanoshell (PGNSs) co-decorated with methoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG) and trastuzumab (Herceptin®, HER) which can specifically bind to human epidermal receptor-2 (Her-2) over-expressed breast cancer cells and was incorporated with a derivative of the microtubule-targeting drug maytansine (DM1). PGNSs were prepared and then covered by the mPEG, DM1 and HER via the electrostatic interactions and Au-S bonds. The cytotoxicity of DM1-mPEG/HER-PGNSs on SK-BR-3 and MCF-7 cancer cells was evaluated in terms of cell viability and apoptosis analysis. The selective cancer cell uptake and accumulation were studied via ICP-MS and fluorescence imaging in vitro and in vivo. The multimodal imaging and synergistic chemo-photothermal therapeutic efficacy was investigated in breast cancer tumor-bearing mice. Then the molecular mechanism of the nanoparticles in anti-tumor applications were also elucidated.ResultThe as-prepared DM1-mPEG/HER-PGNSs with a size of 78.6 nm displayed excellent colloidal stability, photothermal conversion ability, and redox-sensitive drug release. These DM1-mPEG/HER-PGNSs exhibited selectively uptake by cancer cells in vitro and accumulation to tumor sites in vivo. Moreover, the DM1-mPEG/HER-PGNSs showed enhanced multimodal computed tomography (CT), photoacoustic (PA) and photothermal (PT) imaging and chemo-thermal combination therapy. The therapeutic mechanism involved the induction of tumor cell apoptosis via the activation of tubulin, caspase-3 and the HSP70 pathway. Meanwhile, the suppression of M2 macrophages and anti-metastatic functions were observed.ConclusionThese DM1-mPEG/HER-PGNSs would display nanodart-like targeting CT/PA/PT imaging in vivo and powerful tumor inhibition mediated by chemo-thermal combination therapy suggest that these unique gold nanocarriers are potential theranostic nanoagents that can serve both as a probe for enhanced multimodal imaging and as a novel targeted antitumor drug delivery system to achieve precision nanomedicine for cancer.
Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity of Some Novel a Zino and Pyranopyrazole Derivative
Authors: Hamed Eman O. , Elhoseni Nourhan Kh. R. , Assy Mohamed G. , Shehab Wesam , Abdellattif Magda H.
Published: October 2020

Background: Pyranopyrazole derivatives has vital role in the class of organic compounds because of their broad spectrum of biological as well as pharmacological importance.Results: Our current goal is the [3+3] Cycloaddition of benzoyl isothiocyanate and pyrazolone 1 undergo oxidation cyclization producing pyrazoloxadiazine 3. The diol 5 was obtained as a condensation of two equivalent of 1 with thiopene-2-carboxaldhyde in acetic acid above sodium acetate mixture. When the condensation carried out in presence of piperidine under fusion the unsaturated ketone 4 was obtained. The cyclocondensation of pyrazolone 1 and pyruvic acid derivative in the presence of aminotive reagent resulted in pyrazolo pyrimidine 7. The pyrazolo pyran derivative 11 was resulted from the [3+3] cycloaddition of 1 and cinnamic acid. ᴽpyrone derivative was prepared by acylation of 12 with to equivalent of acetic anhydride. Phthalic anhydride undergoes arolyation using zinc chloride as a catalyst. The cyclic keto acid 23 was synthesized by the action of succinic anhydride on 12 in acetic medium. Cinnamic acid and 12 leads to pyrazole derivative 24 through Michael reaction. All of the tested compounds showed good microbial activity against pathogenic microorganisms. Newly synthesized compounds were screened for their antioxidant activity. Some of tested compounds exhibited promising activities.Conclusions: The newly synthesized compounds were found to be potent towards antioxidant activity. Moreover, the results showed that nearly a compound 5 was found to be the most potent levels of activity. Additionally, compounds 13, 14, 16, 22, 23 and 24 were found to have moderate activity. While compound 14 was found the lowest potent levels.
A U.S. Isolate of Theileria Orientalis, Ikeda Genotype, is Transmitted to Cattle by the Invasive Asian Longhorned Tick, Haemaphysalis Longicornis
Authors: Dinkel Kelcey D , Herndon David , Noh Susan M , Lahmers Kevin K , Todd S. Michelle , Ueti Massaro W , Scoles Glen A , Mason Kathleen L , Fry Lindsay
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUNDTheileria orientalis is a tick-borne hemoparasite that causes anemia, ill thrift, and death in cattle globally. The Ikeda strain of T. orientalis is more virulent than other strains, leading to severe clinical signs and death in less than 5% of affected animals. Within the Asia-Pacific region, where it affects 25% of Australian cattle, T. orientalis Ikeda has a significant economic impact on the cattle industry. In 2017, T. orientalis Ikeda was detected in a cattle herd in Albermarle County, Virginia, United States. Months earlier, the U.S. was alerted to the invasion of the Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, throughout the eastern U.S. Abundant H. longicornis ticks were identified on cattle in the T. orientalis-affected herd in VA, and a subset of ticks from the environment were PCR-positive for T. orientalis Ikeda. A strain of T. orientalis from a previous U.S. outbreak was not transmissible by H. longicornis; however, H. longicornis is the primary tick vector of T. orientalis Ikeda in other regions of the world. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine whether invasive H. longicornis ticks in the U.S. are competent vectors of T. orientalis Ikeda. METHODSNymphal H. longicornis ticks were fed on a splenectomized calf infected with the VA-U.S.-T. orientalis Ikeda strain. After molting, a subset of adult ticks from this cohort were dissected, and salivary glands assayed for T. orientalis Ikeda via qPCR. The remaining adult ticks from the group were allowed to feed on three calves. Calves were subsequently monitored for T. orientalis Ikeda infection via blood smear cytology and PCR.RESULTSAfter acquisition feeding on a VA-U.S.-T. orientalis Ikeda-infected calf as nymphs, a subset of molted adult tick salivary glands tested positive by qPCR for T. orientalis Ikeda. Adult ticks from the same cohort successfully transmitted T. orientalis Ikeda to 3/3 naïve calves, each of which developed parasitemia reaching 0.4-0.9%.CONCLUSIONSOur findings demonstrate that U.S. H. longicornis ticks are competent vectors of the VA-U.S.-T. orientalis Ikeda strain. This data provides important information for the U.S. cattle industry regarding the potential spread of this parasite and the necessity of enhanced surveillance and control measures.
Influenza A Virus Mediated Downregulation of Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component-1 Inhibits RIG-I-dependent Antiviral Response in Central Nervous System
Authors: Huang Kun , Zhang Yufei , Gong Wenxiao , Yang Yong , Jiang Lili , Zhao Lianzhong , Yang Ying , Wei Yanming , Li Chengfei , He Xinglin , Sun Xiaomei , Zou Zhong , Jin Meilin
Published: October 2020

Background: The influenza A virus (IAV) enters the central nervous system (CNS) via multiple routes and causes neurological symptoms. In this process, it develops multiple strategies to escape the host anti-viral immune system, and infects the central nervous system (CNS). Progesterone receptor membrane component-1 (PGRMC1) is highly expressed in the CNS, where it exerts a neurotrophic effect. However, how PGRMC1 affects IAV remains unclear.Methods: In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of PGRMC1 in regulating antiviral defense response in brain tissue. Toward this, we used both mouse model of IAV infection and the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH and human brain glioma cell line U251 . High-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to obtain an unbiased profile of the cellular response to IAV H5N6 infection in mice brain. Results: Here, RNA-seq revealed 240 differentially expressed genes in the IAV-infected brains. Among the significantly down-regulated genes, we focused on the gene encoding progesterone receptor membrane component-1 (PGRMC1) and observed that IAV H5N6 infection clearly inhibited PGRMC1 in both neuroblastoma and glioma cells. Furthermore, treatment with AG205, a PGRMC1-specific inhibitor, or PGRMC1 knockout promoted H5N6 multiplication in vitro, while overexpression of PGRMC1 resulted in opposite effects. Furthermore, AG205 treatment or PGRMC1 knockout significantly inhibited RIG-I-mediated IFN-β signaling pathway and reduced the levels of several antiviral proteins (Mx1 and ISG15). In addition, PGRMC1-mediated regulation of IFN signaling relied on inhibition of the expression and ubiquitination of RIG-I.Conclusion: Conclusively, our results show for the first time that IAV H5N6 down-regulates PGRMC1 expression to contribute to virus proliferation by inhibiting RIG-I-mediated IFN-β production in the brain. These findings may offer new insights regarding the interplay between IAV and host factors that may impact IAV pathogenicity in the brain.
WITHDRAWN: A combination of metformin and insulin is an effective treatment that benefits the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Xu Linlin , Wang Wei , Liang Shuang , Wang Dingding , Song Wei
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThis study aims to further clarify whether there are cardiovascular and cerebrovascular benefits associated with insulin treatment combined with metformin in individuals with type 1 diabetes.MethodsElectronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials in which the efficacy and safety of metformin were compared with those of a placebo for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease among type 1 diabetes patients, and a meta-analysis was conducted.ResultsThirteen cardiovascular studies were identified. In the metformin group, mean carotid intimal media thickness was significantly reduced by 0.03 mm, ascending aortic pulse wave velocity by 6.3 m/s, descending aortic wall shear stress by 1.77 dyn/cm2, insulin daily dose by 0.05 U/kg/d, body weight by 2.27 kg, fat-free mass by 1.32 kg, body mass index by 0.58 kg/m2, hip circumference by 0.29 m, and low-density lipoprotein by 0.16 mmol/L. In the metformin group, flow-mediated dilation was increased by 1.29%, glucose infusion rate/insulin by 18.22 µIU/µL, and waist-to-hip ratio by 0.02. The metformin group showed no differences in blood pressure, reactive hyperemia index, waist circumference, triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or body mass index Z score. For cerebrovascular studies were identified. But none of them had a risk factor assessment.ConclusionsThere is strong evidence supporting wider use of metformin to improve cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease risk among individuals with type 1 diabetes, not just obese or adults.
Community Characteristics and Coexistence of Four Medicinally Important Plants in Quercus Leucotrichophora A. Camus Forest of Central Himalaya, India.
Authors: Prasad Poonam , Ram Jeet , Tewari Beena
Published: October 2020

Background: The Quercus leucotrichophora is a keystone species in maintaining the biodiversity of several other species and provides ecosystem service to the people residing around the forest. The present study is to investigate the community characteristic and coexistence of four medicinally important plants species viz. Boenninghausenia albiflora (Hk.) Reichb. ExMeissn. Hedychium spicatum (Ham. Ex Smith), Origanum vulgare (Linn.) and Rubia manjith (Linn.) in Quercus leucotrichophora forest in different canopies at three different sites i.e. Hanumangarh, Kailakhan and Pines in the Central Himalaya.Results: In the present study, a total of 81 herbaceous species encountered in the sample, out of which 41 species showed Importance Value Index (IVI) ≥ 5. About 50% species were common in different sites whereas about 54 % species were common in different canopies. There was variation in species richness among the sites (52-67 species), whereas, amongst the canopies, species richness was higher in open canopy and least in close canopy. The co-existence between the selected four species showed a frequency distribution <60% indicating their presence as rare, seldom or often. Amongst the sites, Boenninghausenia albiflora and Origanum vulgare showed its dominance in Pines, Hedychium spicatum at Kailakhan and Rubia manjith at Hanumangarh site. The coexistence between Origanum vulgare and other three species viz. Boenninghausenia albiflora, Rubia manjith and Hedychium spicatum showed negative values, while Boenninghausenia albiflora and two other species viz. Rubia manjith, Hedychium spicatum and Rubia manjith & Hedychium spicatum showed positive coefficient of association. The chi-square in both the cases indicated the values are non-significant resulting not a strong coexistence in the Oak forest, therefore their occurrence together in the community might be by chance. Conclusion: The growth of species in different habitat and association of medicinal plants is important in identifying the suitable habitat and canopy toward future multiplication of the different species in the Himalayan region. The finding of the present study would be also helpful to develop the structure and adequate strategy & plan for conservation and management of habitats, species and communities for their sustainable utilization in different part of the world.
Discerning Effects of Climate Variability, Local Land Degradation and Tree Species Diversity on Remote Sensing Derived Resilience and Resistance of Dry Afromontane Forest 
Authors: Hishe Hadgu , Oosterlynck Louis , Giday Kidane , De Keersmaecker Wanda , Somers Ben , Muys Bart
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Anthropogenic disturbances are increasingly affecting the vitality of tropical dry forests. The future condition of this important biome will depend on its capability to resist, and recover from these disturbances. So far, the temporal stability of dryland forests is rarely studied, but could serve as a basis for forest management and restoration. Methodology: In a degraded dry Afromontane forest in northern Ethiopia, we explored remote sensing derived indicators of forest stability, using MODIS satellite derived NDVI time series from 2001 to 2018. Resilience, resistance and variability were measured using the anomalies (remainders) after time series decomposition into seasonality, trend and remainder components. Growth stability was calculated using the integral of the undecomposed NDVI data. These NDVI derived stability indicators were then related to environmental factors of climate, topography, soil, tree species diversity, and disturbance, obtained from a systematic grid of field inventory plots, using boosted regression trees in R. Resilience and resistance were adequately predicted by these factors with an R2 of 0.67 and 0.48, respectively, but the models for variability and growth stability were weaker. Precipitation of the wettest month, distance from settlements and slope were the most important factors associated with resilience, explaining 51% of the effect. Altitude, temperature seasonality and humus accumulation were the significant factors associated with the resistance of the forest, explaining 61% of the overall effect. A positive effect of tree diversity on resilience was also significant, except that the impact of species evenness declined above a threshold value of 0.70, indicating that perfect evenness reduced the resilience of the forest. Conclusion: A combination of climate, topographic variables and disturbance indicators controlled the stability of the dry forest. Tree diversity is an important component that should be considered in the management and restoration programs of such degraded forests. If local disturbances are alleviated the recovery time of dryland forests could be shortened, which is vital to maintain the ecosystem services these forests provide to local communities and global climate change.
Structural and Functional Characteristics of Soil Microbial Community in a Pinus Massoniana Forest at Different Elevations
Authors: Zhang Jian , Xu Ming , Zou Xiao
Published: October 2020

BackgroundIn spite of the ecological importance of soil microbial communities, very little data is available on different soil microorganism types along altitudinal gradients on a mountain system with a forest ecosystem to identify the distribution patterns of soil microbial diversity and function. This study aimed to determine the diversity patterns of different soil microorganism types (archaea, bacteria, fungi, viruses) along an altitudinal gradient on Mt. Leigong, a typical mid-subtropical mountain forest ecosystem.ResultsThe richness of bacterial, fungal, and virus community changed in a unimodal pattern, while archaeal community changed in a bimodal pattern with increasing altitude. Euryarchaeota and Thaumarchaeota, Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, Myoviridae and Podoviridae were abundant taxa in archaeal, bacterial, fungal, and virus community, respectively. Amino acid transport and metabolism, and energy production and conversion were the predominant categories as per Nonsupervised Orthologous Groups (NOG) function gene-annotation. Carbohydrate metabolism, global and overview map, and amino acid metabolism, were predominant categories in the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes-based (KEGG) pathways. Glycosyl transferase and glycoside hydrolase were predominant categories among carbohydrate enzyme-functional genes. Cluster analysis, redundancy analysis, and Network analysis showed obvious differences in composition, structure, and function of different soil microorganism types in the P. massoniana forest on Mt. Leigong.ConclusionsThese results indicate that different soil microorganism types (archaea, bacteria, fungi, viruses) along the altitudinal gradient have an obvious different distribution patterns in the typical mid-subtropical mountain coniferous forest soil.
Unsupervised explainable AI for molecular evolutionary study of forty thousand SARS-CoV-2 genomes
Authors: Ikemura Toshimichi , Wada Kennosuke , Wada Yoshiko , Iwasaki Yuki , Abe Takashi
Published: October 2020

Unsupervised AI (artificial intelligence) can obtain novel knowledge from big data without particular models or prior knowledge and is highly desirable for unveiling hidden features in big data. SARS-CoV-2 poses a serious threat to public health and one important issue in characterizing this fast-evolving virus is to elucidate various aspects of their genome sequence changes. We previously established unsupervised AI, a BLSOM (batch-learning SOM), which can analyze five million genomic sequences simultaneously. The present study applied the BLSOM to the oligonucleotide compositions of forty thousand SARS-CoV-2 genomes. While only the oligonucleotide composition was given, the obtained clusters of genomes corresponded primarily to known main clades and internal divisions in the main clades. Since the BLSOM is explainable AI, it reveals which features of the oligonucleotide composition are responsible for clade clustering. The BLSOM has powerful image display capabilities and enables efficient knowledge discovery about viral evolutionary processes.