bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BrrICE1.1 is associated with putrescine synthesis through regulation of the arginine decarboxylase gene in freezing tolerance of turnip (Brassica rapa var. rapa)
Authors: Yin Xin , Yang Yunqiang , Lv Yanqiu , Li Yan , Yang Danni , Yue Yanling , Yang Yongping
Published: July 2020

Background: In the agricultural areas of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, temperature varies widely from day to night during the growing season, which makes the extreme temperature become one of the limiting factors of crop yield. Turnip (Brassica rapa var. rapa) is a traditional crop of Tibet grown in the Tibet Plateau, but its molecular and metabolic mechanisms of freezing tolerance are unclear. Results: Here, based on the changes in transcriptional and metabolic levels of Tibetan turnip under freezing treatment, the expression of the arginine decarboxylase gene BrrADC2.2 exhibited an accumulative pattern in accordance with putrescine content. Moreover, we demonstrated that BrrICE1.1 (Inducer of CBF Expression 1) could directly bind to the BrrADC2.2 promoter, activating BrrADC2.2 to promote the accumulation of putrescine, which was verified by RNAi and overexpression analyses for both BrrADC2.2 and BrrICE1.1 using transgenic hair root. The function of putrescine in turnip was further analyzed by exogenous application putrescine and its inhibitor DL-α-(Difluoromethyl) arginine (DFMA) under freezing tolerance. In addition, the BrrICE1.1 was found to be involved in the ICE1-CBF pathway to increase the freezing stress of turnip. Conclusions: BrrICE1.1 could bind the promoter of BrrADC2.2 or CBFs to participate in freezing tolerance of turnip by transcriptomics and targeted metabolomics analyses. This study revealed the regulatory network of the freezing tolerance process in turnip and increase our understanding of the plateau crops response to extreme environments in Tibet.
Psoralen alleviates high glucose-induced HK-2 cell injury by inhibition of Smad 2 signaling via upregulation of microRNA 874
Authors: Lin Yongtao , Zhong Lili , Li Hailun , Xu Yong , Li Xiang , Zheng Donghui
Published: July 2020

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) causes the vast proportion of excess mortality for patients with diabetes. Novel therapeutic approaches slowing down its incidence is still lacking. Psoralen is the major active ingredient of Psoralea corylifolia Linn. (PCL), which was used to treat a number of diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether psoralen could alleviate DN using in vitro model. Methods: Cell viability assay and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate the effect of psoralen on high glucose (HG)-stimulated human kidney HK-2 cells (48 h). RT-qPCR was used to detect the expressions of miRNA in cells. Cell transfection, apoptosis assay, inflammatory cytokines detection and Western blot were further performed to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.Results: HG-induced toxicity of HK-2 cells was alleviated by psoralen. Meanwhile, the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation induced by HG in HK-2 cells were also decreased by psoralen. In addition, the expression of miR-874 in HK-2 cells was significantly upregulated by psoralen. Western blot assays indicated that psoralen could reverse HG-induced increase of TLR-4/NF-κB and Smad2 via upregulation of miR-874.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that psoralen could significantly alleviate HG-induced HK-2 cell injury via upregulation of miR-874. In addition, HG-induced increase of TLR-4/NF-κB and Smad2 was revered by psoralen. Therefore, psoralen might serve as an agent for the treatment of DN.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Italy: knowledge, management of patients and clinical experience of Italian dentists during the spread of contagion
Authors: Putrino Alessandra , Raso Mario , Magazzino Cosimo , Galluccio Gabriella
Published: July 2020

Background: The coronavirus infection that emerged in China in the last few months of 2019 has now spread globally. Italy registered its first case in the second half of February, and in a short time period, it became the top country in Europe in terms of the number of infected people and the first in the world in terms of deaths. The medical and scientific community has been called upon to manage the emergency and to take measures. Dentists also need to take new precautions during their clinical activity to protect themselves, coworkers and patients from the risks of contagion and to avoid further spread of infection.Methods: Following the data published in the international literature as well as the guidelines and directives constantly updated by the WHO and by the national health authorities, a questionnaire to be completed anonymously was submitted online to Italian dentists using social tools and online professional platforms. The collected data were processed statistically, providing descriptive data and analysis of correlations of the most significant parameters using the Pearson’s χ2, the Likelihood-Ratio χ2, Cramér’s V, Fisher’s exact test, Goodman and Kruskal’s γ, and Kendall’s τb (p<0.05).Results: A total of 535 dentists from Italy participated in the survey. A good level of scientific knowledge about coronavirus and the extra precautionary measures needed to limit the spread was related to the age of respondents and their sex. Coming from areas with higher concentrations of cases affected knowledge, level of attention and perception of risk related to dental activity.Conclusions: At the moment, there are no therapies or vaccines to contain the infection with the new coronavirus that is causing many infections, many of which are fatal, worldwide. Dentists are one of the categories at highest risk of encountering diseases and infections because they work in close proximity with patients, and in their procedures, there is always contact with aerosols with high bacterial and viral potential. Therefore, during this COVID-19 emergency, it is important that dentists are properly informed and take the appropriate precautionary measures.
Detection of Brucella abortus and Brucellla melitensis in cattle and sheep from southern Cameroon
Authors: Mitterran Kamga Ndefo Rolin , Barberine Silatsa Assongo , Oumarou Farikou , Simo Gustave
Published: July 2020

Background: Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacterial of the genus Brucella. Although investigations have identified Brucella antibodies in many animal species, little attention has been paid towards specific identification of different Brucella species in animals in Sub-Saharan African countries. This study was designed to identify Brucella abortus and Brucellla melitensis in cattle and sheep of several villages of southern Cameroon in order to improve our epidemiological knowledge on brucellosis in central AfricaMethods: Blood samples were collected from 597 cattle and 315 sheep from 15 villages of two regions of Cameroon. DNA was extracted from blood samples and primers amplifying the bcsp31 gene locus were used for the identification of Brucella spp infections in these animals. Amongst animals found with Brucella spp infections, specific primes were used to identify B. abortus and B. melitensis respectively. Results: Of the 912 animals analyzed in this study, 159 (17.4%) were infected with Brucella spp. This gives a Brucella infection rate of 20.9% in cattle and 10.8% in sheep. Of the 159 animals harboring Brucella spp infections, 119 (74.8%) were infected by B. abortus and 35 (22.0%) by B. melitensis. The overall infection rates were 18.4% (110/597) for B. abortus and 1.7% for B. melitensis in cattle; 2.9% for B. abortus and 7.9% for B. melitensis in sheep. Co-infections of B. abortus and B. melitensis were found in 9 (1%) animals; 6 (1%) cattle and 3 (1%) sheep. The Brucella infection rate was significantly higher in animals from the Noun division (20.6%) compared to those of Yoko (12.4%). Between animal species, significant differences (P = 0.0001) were observed in infection rates of both abortus and B. melitensis. Within and between sampling sites, significant differences (P = 0.02) were observed in the B. abortus infection rates. Conclusion: This study revealed B. melitensis and B. abortus infections in cattle and sheep from the Noun and Yoko divisions in southern Cameroon. The identification of B. melitensis and B. abortus in animals suggests further investigations on human brucellosis. Results of this study highlight the need of developing and implementing control measures against brucellosis in Cameroon.
Limited Effect of Rehabilitation for Preventing a Decline in Functional Status after Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Elderly Patients
Authors: Chen Hao , Hara Yu , Horita Nobuyuki , Saigusa Yusuke , Hirai Yoshihiro , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: July 2020

Background: Functional status is often decreased after hospitalization in elderly community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) survivors. This study investigated factors contributing to decreased functional status.Methods: This retrospective, observational study was conducted in two medical facilities from January 2016 to December 2018. Hospitalized CAP patients >64 years of age were divided into two groups: a maintained group, without decreased functional status, and a decreased group, with decreased functional status. Functional status was evaluated by the Barthel Index (BI) (range, 0–100, in 5-point increments) and graded into three categories: independent, BI 80–100; semi-dependent, BI 30–75; and dependent, BI 0–25. A decreased functional status was considered as a decline of at least one category. The primary outcome was the length of hospital stay. Results: The maintained group included 400 patients, and the decreased group included 138 patients (median age: 77 vs 82 years; p < 0.001). The decreased group had a longer hospital stay (13 vs 27; p<0.001), with a high rate of rehabilitation [189(47.3%) vs 104(75.4%); p<0.001]. Multivariable regression analysis showed that factors affecting functional status were length of hospital stay, aspiration, age, and pneumonia severity index (PSI) category V (odds ratio 1.05, 95%CI 1.04–1.07; 2.66, 95%CI 1.58–4.49; 1.05, 95%CI 1.02–1.09; and 1.92, 95%CI 1.29-3.44; respectively). Rehabilitation showed a limited effect in preventing a decreased functional status on propensity score analysis (p=0.327).Conclusions: Length of hospital stay, aspiration, age, and PSI V were independent contributors to decreased functional status. Rehabilitation showed a limited effect in preventing decreased functional status.
In situ characterization of calcium fluxes in astrocytic mitochondria from the mouse striatum and hippocampus
Authors: Huntington Taylor , Sriniv Rahul
Published: July 2020

Astrocytes govern critical aspects of brain function via Ca2+ signals, the majority of which associate with mitochondria. However, little is known with regard to in situ sources, kinetics or mechanisms of Ca2+ influx in astrocytic mitochondria. To address this knowledge gap, we expressed the genetically encoded calcium indicator, GCaMP6f within the mitochondrial matrix of adult mouse astrocytes in the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) and hippocampus (HPC). We found spontaneous Ca2+ events in astrocytic mitochondria with subcellular differences between somatic, branch, and branchlet mitochondria, as well as inter-regional differences between astrocytes in the DLS and HPC. We also found a strong dependency of spontaneous mitochondrial Ca2+ fluxes on endoplasmic reticulum stores, the surprising lack of a major role for the mitochondrial calcium uniporter, MCU, and dual mitochondrial Ca2+ responses with multiple neurotransmitter agonists. Together, our findings provide a foundational understanding of mechanisms for Ca2+ influx in astrocytic mitochondria within disease-relevant brain regions.
The Efficacy of Treating Pulmonary Fibrosis and Pulmonary Function Injury in COVID-19 with the Fuzheng Huayu Tablets: study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jing Fei , Fan Haina , Zhao Zhimin , Xing Feng , He Yingchun , Liu Chenghai
Published: July 2020

Background: Some patients with COVID-19 have been found pulmonary dysfunction and/or fibrosis in the recovery period, especially severe cases, but there are no certain drugs or treatment to cope with this situation. Previous studies proved the efficacy of FZHY on lung fibrosis induced by Bleomycin in animals and improvement of pulmonary function in COPD patients. We design this trial to carry out the clinical study that the effects of FZHY Tablets on pulmonary fibrosis and/or pulmonary function injury in the recovery period of COVID-19 and expect to improve the prognosis.Methods/design: This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, multicenter clinical trial. It enrolls 160 patients who had been diagnosed with COVID-19, but currently they are negative for viral testing and have developed pulmonary fibrosis or pulmonary dysfunction. They are randomly divided equally into control group and experimental group. All patients are given basic treatment such as respiratory function rehabilitation training and vitamin C. The control group is given placebo of FZHY, and the experimental group is given FZHY. Each patient will be observed for 24 weeks and followed up for 8 weeks. The primary outcome for the trial is a composite endpoint consisting of lung function and HRCT. Secondary outcomes include clinical symptoms, oxygen saturation and quality of life assessment. Discussion: The trial is designed to test the hypothesis that treating pulmonary fibrosis or pulmonary dysfunction after SARS-CoV-2 infection with FZHY will improve the patient’s lung function or the pathological manifestation of pulmonary fibrosis, and improve the quality of life. Trial registration: Clinical Trials.gov, ID: NCT04279197. Registered on 12 April 2020.
A low-firing melilite ceramic Ba2CuGe2O7 and compositional modulation on microwave dielectric properties through Mg substitution
Authors: Yin Changzhi , Yu Zezong , Shu Longlong , Liu Laijun , Chen Yan , Li Chunchun
Published: July 2020

A melilite Ba2CuGe2O7 ceramic was characterized with low sintering temperature and moderate microwave dielectric properties. Sintered at 960 oC, the Ba2CuGe2O7 ceramic had a high relative density 97%, a low relative permittivity 9.43, and a quality factor of 20,000 GHz. To get a deep understanding of the relationship between composition, structure, and dielectric performances, magnesium substitution for copper in Ba2CuGe2O7 was conducted. Influences of magnesium doping on the sintering behavior, crystal structure, and microwave dielectric properties were studied. Mg doping in Ba2CuGe2O7 caused negligible changes in the macroscopic crystal structure, grain morphology, and size distribution, while induced visible variation in the local structure as revealed by Raman analysis. Microwave dielectric properties exhibit a remarkable dependence on composition. On increasing the magnesium content, the dielectric constant (εr) featured a continuous decrease, while both the quality factor (Q × f) and the temperature coefficient of resonance frequency (τf) increased monotonously. Such variations in dielectric performances were clarified in terms of the polarizability, packing fraction, and band valence theory.
The diagnostic performance of TB-IGRA on HIV infected patients with active tuberculosis is associated with CD4+ T-cell counts
Authors: Wang Mengyan , Zhou Yu , Chen Tongtong , Dong Xiaotian , Yan Jun , Zhang Zhongdong , Shi Jinchuan , Liu Shourong
Published: July 2020

Background

To investigate the factors associated with the diagnostic performance of interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) on HIV infected patients with active tuberculosis (TB).

Methods

We retrospectively collected and analyzed the data of HIV infected patients with active tuberculosis hospitalized in Xixi Hospital of Hangzhou and Ruian people’s hospital of Wenzhou from January 1, 2016 to September 1, 2019. TB-IGRA was performed on all patients. For evaluating the diagnostic performance of TB-IGRA, all patients were divided into TB-IGRA positive group and TB-IGRA negative group.

Results

Among 184 patients, 133 patients were TB-IGRA positive and 51 patients were TB-IGRA negative. Performed by logistic regression analysis, we found that CD4+ T cell counts were an independent risk factor for false negative of TB-IGRA (OR=1.006, 95%CI 1.003-1.010, P<0.001). Additionally, the false negative rates of TB-IGRA were 68.75%, 27.77%, 20.58% and 14.63%, respectively, in the four groups whose CD4+ T cell counts were <20/μL (group 1, n=32), 20-50/μL (group 2, n=36), 51-100/μL (group 3, n=34) and >100/μL (group 4, n=82). The group 1 had the highest false negative rate, compared with other groups (P<0.001). However, there was no significant difference of the false negative rate between group 2 and 3 (P=0.483), group 3 and 4 (P=0.623).

Conclusions

The low level of CD4+ T cell counts could increase the false negative rate of TB-IGRA in HIV infected patients with active tuberculosis. And TB-IGRA may have unreliable diagnostic performance on HIV patients with active tuberculosis, especially when CD4+ T cell counts were <20/μL.
Synthesis and Characterization of BaCe0.4Zr0.4Pr0.2O3−δ Mixed Conductor Perovskite
Authors: Basbus Juan , Arce M. , Prado F. , Troiani H. , Serquis A. , Mogni L.
Published: July 2020

Compounds based on barium cerates and zirconates Ba(Ce,Zr)O3−δ are oxides able to transport protons through their crystal lattice by proton hopping between oxygen sites. This feature makes them potential candidates as hydrogen sensors, membranes for hydrogen purification and isotopic exchange, and electrolyte for Proton Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (PC-SOFC) and Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells (PC-SOEC). Pr-doping on these family compounds decreases sintering temperature and introduces electronic conductivity. This work presents a systematic study of the high temperature properties of the BaCe0.4Zr0.4Pr0.2O3−δ (BCZP) perovskite in view of its potential use for these applications. At room temperature, BCZP presents rhombohedral structure, which transforms reversibly to cubic at 550 °C in dry air. Electrochemical measurements under dry air, wet air with water vapor (~ 2% H2O) and heavy water vapor (~ 2% D2O) were employed to describe bulk ionic and electronic transport above 200 °C. The total conductivity data exhibit behavior changes between 400 and 600 °C which could be associated to a crystal structure transition. Below 600 ºC BCZP presents low total conductivity, which limits its applications as single phase cathode material for electrochemical applications. However, the material has good thermomechanical compatibility with electrolytes (~ 11 × 10− 6 K− 1) and high CO2 tolerance (T > 900 ºC). These properties suggest that this compound could be used as oxide support for composite or impregnated electrodes, buffer layer to improve the performance of another cathode material or gas separation co-ionic membranes.
Berberine Improves High-Fat Diet Induced Atherosclerosis and Hepatic Steatosis in Apoe-/-Mice by Down-Regulating PCSK9 via ERK1/2 Pathway
Authors: Ma Chun-Yan , Shi Xiao-Yun , Wu Ya-Ru , Zhang Yue , Qu Hui-Lin , Guo Yuan-Lin , Tang Yi-Da , xu ruixia , Li Jian-Jun
Published: July 2020

Background:Berberine (BBR) is a kind of alkaloid derived from Chinese herbal medicine, which has multiple pharmacological activities including anti-atherosclerosis (AS). However, the mechanism underlying the role of BBR in modulating lipid metabolic disorders is not fully clear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the beneficial effects of BBR on AS in ApoE-/- mice and its potential mechanisms.Methods: Eight-week old ApoE-/- mice with high-fat diet (HFD) and wild type mice were administered eitherBBR (50mg/kg/d and 100mg/kg/d, respectively) or equivoluminal saline. After the 16-week treatment, the blood was collected for lipid evaluation, and aorta and liver were obtained from the mice for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, oil red O staining and Western blotting. HepG2 Cells were treated by BBR (0, 5, 25, and 50 μg/ml) for 24 hours. Real-time PCR or Western blotting was used to examine the expression levels of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), LDL receptor (LDLR), ATP-binding cassette transporter A1(ABCA1), ATP-binding cassette transporter G1(ABCG1) and scavenger receptor class B type I(SR-BI).Results: BBR significantly decreased serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-C) and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level in ApoE-/- mice fed with HFD. Moreover, BBR markedly reduced aorta atheroscleroticplaque, ameliorated lipid deposition in the liver in vivo. BBR could also promote intracellular cholesterol efflux and regulate LDLR and PCSK9 expression via the ERK1/2 pathway in HepG2 cells.Conclusions: BBR could improve lipid metabolism, decrease aorta AS and hepatic lipid accumulation in ApoE-/- mice fed with HFD, which was associated with down-regulation of PCSK9 through ERK1/2 pathway.
An Efficient QoS-aware Services Selection in IoT using A Reputation Improved- Social Spider Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Abu-safe Aghabi Nabil , Elrofai Salah Elfaki
Published: July 2020

Internet of Things (IoT) has been grown rapidly over the last years to connect a considerable number of spatially distributed objects or actuators. The connected objects create new functionality and provide various services to enhance and satisfy End-users daily lives. The issue is to provide the End-users with optimal services based on their requirements. The critical challenge is to select the optimal service from similar services functionally and various services non-functionality requirements (Quality of services). To achieve this challenge, this paper proposed a services selection model under QoS constraints in the IoT environment. The introduced model implements a meta-heuristic optimization algorithm with a friendly Likert scale measurement method. It aims to improve the performance of bio-inspired optimizing algorithms, called a Social Spider Optimization (SSO) Algorithm, by adding a reputation value to member's weight. The proposed model used a Likert scale measurement to evaluate the reputation of the services from the End-users. In the experiments, a comparative study was done between an original SSO and the proposed RI-SSO model. The results show the efficiency of the proposed RI-SSO model against the original SSO, in both maximization and minimization problems. It obtains a better outperform in terms of fitness values. ​​
Novel Insight: CUEDC2 Expression of Potential Prognostic Value in Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer
Authors: Xiao Jun-bo , Wu Rong , Peng Xuemei , Chen Bin , Zhang Yan-qiu , Wen Zhen , He Jian , Ye Guan-nan , Leng Ai-min
Published: July 2020

Background Esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) poses serious threats to human life. Hence, the search for effective bio-markers to predict the occurrence and development of ESCC is of emerging significance.Methods We used immunohistochemistry to semi-quantitatively detect CUEDC2 expression in 50 ESCC cases and 20 adjacent tissues, analyzing the relationship with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis outcomes. Additionally, investigating the differences between CUEDC2 and CD68 in ESCC.Result CUEDC2 expression was higher in 9 ESCC tissues and lower in 41 ESCC tissues. Whereas, CUEDC2 expression was higher in 11 adjacent tissues and lower of the rest 9 cases, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).CUEDC2 and ESCC clinicopathological characteristics exerted no significant difference (P>0.05). Via the Kaplan-Meier method, CUEDC2 and tumor grade demonstrated an impact on ESCC prognosis ( P<0.05). By double-immunofluorescence, there was an expression difference between CD68 and CUEDC2, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There showed co-localization of CUEDC2 and CD68 fluorescence.Conclusion CUEDC2 was relatively lower expressed in ESCC and higher in adjacent tissues. There was no significant difference between CUEDC2 and ESCC clinicopathological characteristics.CUEDC2 and tumor grade presented an impact on ESCC prognosis. There might be an interaction between CD68 and CUEDC2.
Comparison between endoscopic treatment and surgery for elderly population with early gastric cancer
Authors: Tang Yafen , Luo Liang , He Xingkang , Chen Haotian
Published: July 2020

Objective

Despite of the declining incidence of gastric cancer, the number of elder patients with gastric cancer is increasing because of aging society. The appropriate treatment strategies for elderly patients have not yet been well defined. The aim of this study is sought to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes after different therapies for early gastric cancers in elderly populations.
Methods

We identified elderly patients aged ≥ 60 years with early gastric cancer (T1 stage) from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database during1998 to 2010. We compared clinic features between different treatment groups and evaluated 1-year, 3-year and 5-year cancer-specific survival outcomes.
Results

Totally 5639 elderly patients with early gastric cancer were identified from the SEER database (1998–2010). Among them, 2997 patients underwent surgical resection and 328 patients received endoscopic treatment (ET). In a Cox regression model, either surgery or endoscopic resection were associated with improved survival. The short- and long term survival for patients who underwent surgical or endoscopic resection were similar (one-year survival rate (SR) for surgery vs. ET, 89.3% vs. 89.9%, P > 0.05; five-year SR, 77.1% vs. 78.3%, P > 0.05).
Conclusions

In elderly patients with early gastric cancer, short- and long term survival outcomes were similar between ET and the surgical groups, which indicated that endoscopic therapy is an appropriate and alternative approach for early gastric cancers in older western populations.
Simulation and Experimental Analyses of Nitrate Absorption for Indicator Utilization in Soilless Culture
Authors: Ahn Tae In , Park Soo Hyun , Yang Jung-Seok , Lee Ju Young
Published: July 2020

Background: Under intensive fertilization systems such as soilless cultures, a surplus nutrient supply could result in the excessive discharge of fertilizers. However, very few studies have developed nitrate absorption indicators for plants that can be used for decision-making under these systems. This study was conducted to develop indicators related to the absorption of nitrate that can be applied in online systems utilizing the monitored irrigation and drainage amount data, electrical conductivity (EC), and the nutrient analysis data of irrigation and drainage. Results: In the simulation, a stochastic change was generated for the nutrient absorption rate. The theoretical prediction was verified by the cultivation experiment and a higher correlation of tomato yield with the nitrate absorption indicator was confirmed than with the nitrate supply amount. Conclusions: The results of the simulation and cultivation experiments showed that the indicators related to nitrate absorption provide useful information regarding decision-making for efficient resource management through online monitoring.
Are radiopharmaceuticals self-sterilizing? Radiation effect of gallium-68 and lutetium-177 on bacillus pumilus and staphylococcus succinus
Authors: Poetzsch Simon , Brenner Winfried , Spreckelmeyer Sarah
Published: July 2020

Background

For radiopharmaceuticals, aseptic preparation in combination with filtration is the most chosen sterilizing method. In general, the production of radiopharmaceuticals needs to fulfil the requirements of good manufacturing practice. In the scope of this work, we focused on the positron emitter gallium-68 and on the therapeutically used beta- and gamma-emitter lutetium-177, as they are routinely used for in-house synthesis of radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear medicine departments. Our hypothesis is, that radiopharmaceuticals might be self-sterilizing due to a high radioactivity concentration and high-energy radionuclides in the preparation for intravenous injections.
Results

Incubation with gallium-68 and lutetium-177 for both 30 minutes and 5 hours post-dispensing did not cause any significant effect on bacteria growth. As the theoretical dose is only 0.1–0.6% of the Ph. Eur. recommended dose of 25 kGy, we conclude that the beta and positron energy of lutetium-177 and gallium-68 as used for standard radiopharmaceutical in-house production is not sufficient to decrease the number of colony forming units compared to the control values.
Conclusions

Based on these findings, gallium-68 and lutetium-177 labeled radiopharmaceuticals are not self-sterilizing under the tested conditions with respect to bacillus pumilus and staphylococcus succinus. Consequently, strict aseptic preparation conditions in addition to end-sterilization of the radiopharmaceutical e.g. through membrane filtration are strongly advised for in-house productions.
Effects of Huoxue Xiaoyi Decoction on Apoptosis of Granulosa Cells in Endometriosis Rats
Authors: Shi Guang , Liu Yong , Zhao Ruihua , Sun Weiwei , Han Qian , Zhang Yongjia , Qu Jinhao , Yang Xinchun , Xiong Ting
Published: July 2020

Background: Endometriosis(EM) is a common disease that occurs in reproductive age. 50% endometriosis patients is suffering from infertility. Follicular development is the main cause of endometriosis-associated infertility. Here the study based on apoptosis of granulosa cells during follicular development will explore the effect and the possible mechanism of Huoxue Xiaoyi Decoction (HXXYD) on apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in endometriosis model rats. Methods: Thirty 8-week-old female SD rats were divided into four groups: blank group, sham-operation group, model group and HXXYD group. Blank group, sham-operation group and model group were given double-distilled water, while HXXYD group were given HXXYD for 15 days. After intragastric administration, blood samples from abdominal aorta of rats were collected to detect oxidative and antioxidative indexes including ROS, T-SOD, CAT. The morphology of follicles were observed by H&E staining and every stage of follicles were calculated. The location of granulosa cells and apoptosis related factors including Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3 were stained by immunohistochemistry staining. The apoptosis of granulosa cells were stained by TUNEL staining and the rate of apoptosis were calculated. Apoptosis related proteins including p-JNK, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3 were detected by Western blot. Results: The level of serum ROS decreased, and the levels of serum T-SOD and CAT increased in the HXXYD group. The number of secondary follicles increased in HXXYD group. The expression of Bax, caspase-3 in ovarian granulosa cells decreased and the expression of Bcl-2 increased in the HXXYD group with immunochemical staining. The apoptosis rate of ovarian granulosa cells in the HXXYD group decreased. The expression of p-JNK, Bax and caspase-3 protein decreased, the expression of Bcl-2 increased in the HXXYD group.Conclusions: These results indicate that HXXYD may improve the oxidative stress state, decrease the apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells, and improve the development of follicles in endometriosis model rats through ROS-JNK signaling pathway.
Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Motor Dysfunction via Inhibiting p66Shc-Associated Oxidative Stress and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Zhao Fusheng , Wu Geng , Wu Yang , Bai Yunlong , Qiu Yongjia , Lei Wen , Guan Yanzhong
Published: July 2020

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe neurological disorder for which there is currently no effective treatment. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a type of traditional acupuncture combined with modern electrotherapy, which has been widely used and verified to have neuroprotective effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of EA stimulation on the repair of SCI and to investigate the possible mechanisms. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham, sham+EA, SCI and SCI+EA four groups. Rat motor function was assessed by the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale, inclined plane test and footprint analysis. Histological alterations of spinal cords were examined with hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) levels. The changes in p66Shc expression and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) were detected to explore the involved mechanisms.Results: EA stimulation significantly improved rat motor functional recovery, reduced spinal cord lesion cavity and neuronal chromatolysis after SCI. Concomitantly, EA stimulation alleviated oxidative stress, as indicated by suppression of ROS production, increase in GSH and T-AOC levels and reduction of 3-NT and 4-HNE expression. Further, EA stimulation markedly eliminated the aberrant increase of p66Shc due to SCI in rats. More notably, EA stimulation was also able to attenuate ERS via down-regulation of glucose-regulated protein 78, activating transcription factor 4, C/EBP homologous protein, X-box binding protein 1 and activating transcription factor 6 expression in rat spinal cord tissues after SCI. Conclusions: These findings suggest that EA is a potential strategy for treatment of SCI, and the mechanism might be, at least in part, associated with mitigation of p66Shc-associated oxidative stress and ERS in rats.
Using protein microarray reveals clinical correlation between self-perception of patient and the apoptosis-related proteins in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wen Jian-ting , Liu Jian , Jiang Hui , Wan Lei , Xin Ling , Sun Yue , Sun Yan-qiu , Zhang Ying , Du Xin-lei , Wang Xin , Wang Jie
Published: July 2020

Background: The most severe effects of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are loss of physical function, which may have a significant impact on self-perception of patient (SPP). However, the inherent relationship between SPP and the key proteins is not clear. The aim of this study was to get an insight into SPP of RA in connection with the the apoptosis-related proteins. Methods: We set out to investigate changes of the apoptosis-related proteins expression in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of RA. Additionally, we aimed to correlate the apoptosis-related proteins expression profiles with SPP and clinical indexes. To this end, we employed antibody microarrays of the the apoptosis-related proteins in PBMCs from four RA patients and seven healthy controls. We used bioinformatics to screen several the apoptosis-related proteins. To validate key protein candidates, we performed Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on 30 RA patients and 30 healthy controls. Results: We found the expression of ten the apoptosis-related proteins (caspase3, CD40, SMAC, HSP27, HTRA, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-6, sTNF-R1, sTNF-R2, TRAILR-3) were significantly altered in PBMCs of RA patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis suggested that these ten the apoptosis-related proteins are potential biomarkers of RA. Spearman Correlation analysis and Logistic-regression analysis revealed that the 10 selected the apoptosis-related proteins correlated with SPP and clinical indexes. Conclusion: Therefore, we highlight some the apoptosis-related proteins may serve as potential biomarkers in prediction of SPP for RA patients, although the underlying mechanisms need to be further explored.
Three species (Hyalomma asiaticum, Rhipicephalus turanicus and H.sulcata)of ticks identified from lizards in arid desert regions of Xinjiang
Authors: Zhou Qi , Li Jiao , Guo Xianguang , Liu Jinlong , Song Qi , Gong Xiong , Chen Han , Zhang Jianhui , He Jinlei , Zheng Zhiwan , Chen Dali , Chen Jian-Ping
Published: July 2020

Background

Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of vertebrate animals including human with wide distribution over the world, which are vectors of some human diseases. To date, the species discrimination and phylogenetic relationships among ticks on lizards in China are still unclear. The morphological method is not sufficient for identification of damaged, engorged or immature specimens by the loss of morphological criteria or by the lack of morphological criteria. So, Molecular technique was applied tothis study.
Methods

In this study, the 12S, 16S rDNA and COI fragments of 31 ticks collected from Eremias multiocellata-lizard from 4 arid desert regions of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous regions in China, were sequenced. 47 Chinese ticks from hedgehog and 1 tick from brushwood were included in this study as reference sample. To infer the phylogenetic relationships among them, 66 12S rDNA, 104 16S rDNA and 85 COI sequences of ticks retrieved from GenBank were also included. All samples identified with phylogenetic and network analyses.
Results

The three Bayesian analyses results (12S, 16S rDNA and COI fragments ) are consistent. They revealed that the 31 ticks from lizards belong to 3 genus and 3 species: 11 were identified as Hyalomma asiaticum, 3 as Rhipicephalus turanicus and 17 ticks belong to Haemaphysalis sulcata. Our results also indicated that the collected ticks from hedgehog were identified as Hyalomma asiaticum (38) and Rhipicephalus turanicus (9), the tick from brushwood was identified as Hyalomma asiaticum. All of these ticks collected from lizard were in small size ranged from 1 to 2 mm. Besides, some of these ticks share the same genotype with their counterparts in neighboring countries. The characteristics of ticks found in this study in Xinjiang may be closely related to the geographical environment.
Conclusions

Our study is the first attempt to investigate the ticks on lizards from the arid desert regions of Xinjiang in China, all of the discoveries on ticks in this study is closely related to the geographical environment in Xinjiang. which would provide more information to the control of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in the northern China.
Evaluation of early antibiotics use in non-severe COVID-19 patients admitted with low risk of bacterial infection
Authors: Yin Xiaoxv , Liu Li , Xu Xing , Huang Lei , Jing Ping , Li Hui , Jiang Nan , Wang Jing , Lu Zuxun , Gong Yanhong , Xiong Nian , Li Changjun
Published: July 2020

The use of antibiotics is common in the treatment of COVID-19, but adequate evaluation is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of early antibiotic use in non-severe COVID-19 patients admitted with low risk of bacterial infection. The multi-center retrospective cohort study included 1613 non-severe COVID-19 inpatients admitted with low risk of bacterial infection. During the follow-up of 30 days, the proportion of patients progressed into severe type COVID-19 in the early antibiotics use group was almost 1.5 times than that of the comparision group. In the mixed-effect model, the early use of antibiotics was associated with higher probability of developing severe type, staying in the hospital for over 15 days, and secondary infection. However, it was not significant association with mortality rate. Analysis with propensity score-matched cohort displayed similar results. It is suggested that antibiotic use should be avoided unless absolutely necessary in non-severe COVID-19 patients, particularly in the early stages.
An oral FMT capsule as efficient as an enema for microbiota reconstruction following disruption by antibiotics, as assessed in an in vitro human gut model.
Authors: Cécile Verdier , Sylvain Denis , Cyrielle Gasc , Lilia Boucinha , Ophélie Uriot , Dominique Delmas , Joël Dore , Corentin Le Camus , Carole Schwintner , Blanquet-Doit Stephanie
Published: July 2020

Background

Fecal microbiota transfer (FMT) is an innovative treatment already successfully used in recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections. Researchers and clinicians are exploring its potential for treating other digestive or extra-intestinal pathologies where gut microbial dysbiosis has been evidenced, such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity or cancers. Oral capsules were recently developed to address gaps of traditional routes of FMT such as enema or colonoscopy. Clinical studies are obviously the gold standard to evaluate FMT efficiency but remain limited by regulatory, ethics and cost constraints. The aim of the study was to use the in vitro human Artificial Colon ARCOL to compare the efficiency of two enema dosage (10 and 30 g) and a new oral caecum-release capsule in restoring gut microbiota composition and activity after treatment with ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic used in leukemia patients.
Results

By integrating the main physicochemical parameters of the human colon (pH, retention time, nutrient supply and anaerobiosis), ARCOL was shown to capture microbial diversity and inter-individual variability of stools from three healthy donors. Treatment with ciprofloxacin led to a state of marked dysbiosis with a sharp decrease in fermentation activities (production of gases and short chain fatty acids), a loss of microbial diversity and a shift in bacterial populations. All FMT treatments were able to speed-up the restoration of microbial profiles and functions, by decreasing the number of dysbiotic days from 12 to 7–8 depending on the FMT modes. Of note, the bacterial load showed no major influence on enema performance, and oral capsule was almost as efficient as enema even if the amount of administered bacteria was 100 times lower.
Conclusions

This study provides the first example of using an in vitro human colon model for evaluating autologous FMT efficiency and highlights the potential of oral capsule compared to a traditional enema formulation. This new mode of FMT administration combines efficiency with convenient and minimally invasive mode of administration. In accordance to 3R rules, gut models like ARCOL can be advantageously used to test FMT in preclinical phases as an alternative to in vivo assays.
Dokumentų valdymo procesų išgavimo metodas
Authors: Terminas Rolandas , Ramanauskaitė Simona
Published: July 2020

Straipsnyje trumpai apžvelgiama procesų gavybos svarba ir panaudojimo sritys, taip pat mokslininkų darbai, kuriuose procesų gavyba naudojama įmonės finansinių veiklų analizei ar auditui. Remiantis apžvelgtais darbais, pristatomas siūlomas dokumentų valdymo procesų išgavimo metodas. Šis metodas paremtas dokumentų valdymo sistemos žurnalinių įrašų analize. Taikant metodą gaunami procesų grafai, tačiau nepakanka duomenų, kad būtų aiškiai įvardijama, kas konkrečiai vyksta kiekvienoje grafo viršūnėje. Tam reikalinga žmogaus pagalba, įvardijant kiekvieną veiklą. Papildomai pateikiamos rekomendacijos, kaip šį trūkumą būtų galima pašalinti – integruojant daugiau sistemos duomenų.
Priešmokyklinio ugdymo pedagogų ir tėvų bendravimas ir bendradarbiavimas (Kauno miesto atvejis)
Authors: Gustaitienė Indrė , Širiakovienė Asta
Published: July 2020

Šeimos ir ugdymo įstaigos darbuotojų bendradarbiavimas – būtina sąlyga sėkmingam vaiko ugdymui(si), tačiau įtraukti tėvus į ugdymo įstaigos gyvenimą nėra paprasta. Pastebima tendencija, kad tėvai vis mažiau skiria laiko bendravimui su pedagogais, nors vaikų ugdymo(si) sunkumai, prasti rezultatai, elgesio problemos ir kita dažnai įvardijama kaip menko ugdytinių tėvų ir pedagogų bendradarbiavimo pasekmė. Tyrimo tikslas – išanalizuoti priešmokyklinio ugdymo pedagogų ir tėvų bendravimą bei bendradarbiavimą. Tyrimas atliktas Kauno miesto 8-iose ikimokyklinio ugdymo įstaigose 2019 m. lapkričio mėn. Respondentai buvo atrinkti patogiosios atrankos būdu. Tyrime dalyvavo 50 priešmokyklinio amžiaus vaikų tėvų ir 46 pedagogai.Atlikto tyrimo rezultatai atskleidė, kad svarbiausios kliūtys sėkmingam tėvų ir pedagogų bendravimui ir bendradarbiavimui yra tėvų užimtumas ir nenoras dalyvauti ugdymo veikloje. Tėvai dėl užimtumo ir laiko trūkumo neįtraukiami į bendradarbiavimo veiklą. Pedagogai nenoriai bendrauja telefonu ir internetu, teisindamiesi, kad yra užimti darbine veikla. Tuo tarpu tėvams tai priimtinesnė ir patogesnė bendravimo forma. Tiek pedagogai, tiek tėvai stengiasi bendrauti ir bendradarbiauti taupydami savo laiką, todėl bendravimas ir bendradarbiavimas yra problemiškas, ne visada nuoširdus. Tarp pedagogų ir tėvų nepastebėta glaudaus ryšio, kuris galėtų būti užmezgamas bendrų veiklų metu.Dabartinis tėvų ir priešmokyklinio ugdymo pedagogų bendravimas ir bendradarbiavimas yra problemiškas ir dėl to, kad taikoma viena pagrindinė bendravimo ir bendradarbiavimo forma – pokalbiai atvedant ir pasiimant vaiką ir tėvų susirinkimai, kurie organizuojami retai.
Comment on the article of R.S. Lakotko et al. “Risk and significance of venous air embolism at neurosurgical operations in the position of sitting at adults”
Authors: Lubnin Andrey Yu.
Published: July 2020

Comment on the article of R.S. Lakotko et al. “Risk and significance of venous air embolism at neurosurgical operations in the position of sitting at adults”
Features of the mechanics of respiration and gas exchange during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Review
Authors: Lutfarakhmanov Ildar I. , Melnikova I. A. , Syrchin E. Yu. , Asadullin V. F. , Korelov Yu. A. , Mironov P. I.
Published: July 2020

Introduction. Prostate cancer remains the most common urological malignancy, and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is the most effective treatment option. Special conditions for operation (Trendelenburg position and pneumoperitoneum) increase the airway pressure and reduce functional residual capacity of the lungs.

Objectives. Review of risk factors for disorders and various interventions to improve pulmonary function and reduce the adverse physiological effects of RARP under general anesthesia.

Materials and methods. This review of literature was conducted using the PubMed search engine in electronic databases Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library and others up to May 2019.

Results. A total of 22 studies were searched, including 9 randomized controlled trials. The factor that could worsen gas exchange during RARP was the body mass index < 30 kg/m2. It is possible to improve gas exchange by means of recruitment maneuvers. Positive end-expiratory pressure of 5–10 cm H2O improves oxygenation but requires alertness in patients with chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Conclusions. The main risk factors for perioperative respiratory and oxygenation disorders in RARP are pneumoperitoneum and steep Trendelenburg position. The effectiveness of ventilation regimes for the prevention of gas exchange disorders has not been proven. Using the recruitment maneuver and increasing the positive end-expiratory pressure does not improve the respiratory function of the lungs. Further studies with a longer follow-up period are needed to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of RARP.
Earth’s Electrodes
Authors: Cicconi Maria Rita , Moretti Roberto , Neuville Daniel R.
Published: July 2020

The oxidation–reduction (‘redox’) state is an important intensive property of any geologic system and is typically measured (and reported) as either the redox potential (Eh) or the oxygen fugacity (fO2). These two concepts cover the whole spectrum of geologic systems: from low-temperature aqueous and sedimentary systems to high-temperature rock-forming environments. The redox state determines the speciation of a fluid phase and exercises fundamental controls on phase relations and geochemical evolution. Here, we review the concepts that underpin the redox state and outline a framework for describing and quantifying the concept of the oxidation state.