bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early secretory antigenic target 6 and culture filtrate protein 10 as diagnostic indicators in IgA nephropathy associated with renal tuberculosis
Authors: Fang Yong , You Xiao-Fang , Wang Qing-hui , Li Jun-hui
Published: January 2020

Background: This study evaluated the diagnostic value of early secretory antigenic target 6 (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate protein 10 (CFP-10) in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) associated with renal tuberculosis (RT).Methods: Between January 2013 and January 2016, 40 patients with IgAN (IgAN group), 32 patients with RT (RT group), and 52 patients with IgAN associated with RT (IgAN + RT group) were selected for this study. A Tuberculin skin test (TST) was conducted, and serum Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) antibody levels were measured. Urine samples were collected to culture MTB. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to determine the expression of ESAT-6 and CFP-10 in renal tissues. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic values of ESAT-6 and CFP-10 in IgAN associated with RT.Results: TST, serum MTB antibody, and urine MTB assessments were negative in the IgAN group. The positive rates of the TST and serum MTB antibody and urine MTB testing were higher in the RT group than in the IgAN + RT group. Among the three groups, expression levels of ESAT-6 and CFP-10 were found to be the highest in the IgAN + RT group and were found to be the lowest in the IgAN group. The ROC curves indicated that the area under curve (AUC) value of ESAT-6 protein for IgAN + RT diagnosis was 0.907 with a cut-off of 26.72 as the critical value. Detection by ESAT-6 protein levels achieved 75.0% sensitivity and 94.2% specificity. The AUC value of the CFP-10 protein for diagnosis of IgAN + RT was 0.800, with a cut-off of 25.665 as the critical value. Detection by the protein levels of CFP-10 showed 63.9% sensitivity and 84.6% specificity.Conclusions: Our study provides evidence for the potential of the proteins ESAT-6 and CFP-10 as candidate markers for the diagnosis of IgAN associated with RT.
Gait speed and handgrip strength as predictors of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patient
Authors: Lee Yu Ho , Kim Jin Sug , Jung Su Woong , Hwang Hyeon Seok , Moon Ju-Young , Jeong Kyung-Hwan , Lee Sang-Ho , Lee So-Young , Ko Gang Jee , Lee Dong-Young , Lee Hong joo , Kim Yang Gyun
Published: January 2020

Background Low physical performance in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis is associated with a high mortality rate. We investigated the clinical relevance of gait speed and handgrip strength, the two most commonly used methods to assess physical performance.Methods We obtained data regarding gait speed and handgrip strength from 277 hemodialysis patients and evaluated their relationship with baseline parameters, mental health, plasma inflammatory markers, and major adverse clinical outcomes. Low physical performance was defined by the recommendations suggested by the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia.Results The prevalence of low gait speed and handgrip strength were 28.2% and 44.8%, respectively. Old age, low serum albumin levels, high comorbidity index, and impaired cognitive functions were associated with low physical performance. Patients with isolated low gait speed exhibited a general trend for worse quality of life than those with isolated low handgrip strength. Gait speed and handgrip strength showed very weak correlations with had different determinant factors (older age, the presence of diabetes, and lower serum albumin for low gait speed, and lower body mass index, and the presence of previous cardiovascular events for low handgrip strength). Patients with low gait speed and handgrip strength had elevated levels of plasma endocan and matrix metalloproteinase-7 and the highest risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events among the groups (adjusted hazard ratio of 2.72, p = 0.024).Conclusion Gait speed and handgrip strength reflected distinctive aspects of patient characteristics and that their combination improved the prediction of adverse clinical outcomes in hemodialysis patients. Gait speed seems to be a better indicator for poor patient outcomes compared with handgrip strength.
Multilevel optimisation of anaerobic ethyl acetate production in engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Bohnenkamp Anna Christina , Kruis Aleksander J. , Mars Astrid E. , Wijffels Rene H. , Oost John van der , Kengen Servé W. M. , Weusthuis Ruud A.
Published: January 2020

BackgroundEthyl acetate is a widely used industrial solvent that is currently produced by chemical conversions from fossil resources. Several yeast species are able to convert sugars to ethyl acetate under aerobic conditions. However, performing ethyl acetate synthesis anaerobically may result in enhanced production efficiency, making the process economically more viable. ResultsWe engineered an E. coli strain that is able to convert glucose to ethyl acetate as the main fermentation product under anaerobic conditions. The key enzyme of the pathway is an alcohol acetyltransferase (AAT) that catalyses the formation of ethyl acetate from acetyl-CoA and ethanol. To select a suitable AAT, the ethyl acetate-forming capacities of Atf1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Eat1 from Kluyveromyces marxianus and Eat1 from Wickerhamomyces anomalus were compared. Heterologous expression of the AAT-encoding genes under control of the inducible LacI/T7 and XylS/Pm promoters allowed optimisation of their expression levels. ConclusionEngineering efforts on protein and fermentation level resulted in an E. coli strain that anaerobically produced ethyl acetate from glucose at an unprecedented level, i.e. 0.48 C-mol/C-mol or 72% of the maximum pathway yield.
Efficacy of electro-acupuncture for gastrointestinal motility after colorectal cancer surgery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Feng yixuan , Qu Muwen , Gao Xiumei , Zhang yuru , Jia Xiaoqiang , Gao Yinqiu , Cao Weiwei , Li Junyi , Huang Bin , Zhao Hong
Published: January 2020

Background Gastrointestinal dysfunction is a common and major complication after colorectal cancer surgery that results in significant psychological disturbance and economic burden. Although some studies have shown the potential therapeutic effect of acupuncture on gastrointestinal motility recovery, there is still a lack of high-quality evidence. Methods The trial is designed as a multicentre, parallel-group, randomized, single-blinded (outcome assessors), superiority, randomized trial. A total of 160 eligible patients will be randomly assigned to two groups: the electro-acupuncture (EA) group and the routine treatment (RT) group. Patients in the EA group will receive EA combined with routine treatment. EA will be administered for 30 minutes, once a day, starting 24 hours after surgery and lasting for 3 days. Patients in the RT group will receive routine intervention lasting until the patients are discharged from the hospital. The primary outcome will be the time to first flatus. The secondary outcomes will include the time to first defecation, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for postoperative incision pain or abdominal pain, quality of recovery-40 (QOR-40) scores and the length of hospital stay. These outcomes will be evaluated at 24 h as well as on the 2nd and 3rd days after surgery. Any side effects of the treatment will be observed and recorded. Discussion We expect that the study results will provide high-level evidence to determine the effects of EA on gastrointestinal motility recovery after colorectal cancer surgery.
The subsequent newborn effects of stillbirth and abortion, a longitudinal study.
Authors: Feleke Berhanu Elfu , Feleke Teferi Elfu
Published: January 2020

Introduction This study was conducted to assess the effects of stillbirth and abortion on the health of the subsequent newborn. Methods A prospective cohort study was implemented. The data were collected from January 2015 to August 2019. The study participants were selected using the simple random sampling technique. The data were collected using interviewing the pregnant mothers, reviewing medical charts, analyzing the blood samples from the newborn, and scheduled medical checkups. General linear model was used to assess the effects of stillbirth and abortion on the health of the newborn, Poisson regression was used to identify predictors of childhood infectious diseases episodes and Kaplan Meier survival curve were used to estimate time to childhood pneumonia and diarrhea. Results 2872 infants were included giving for the response rate of 88.97%. Neonate born from mothers with a previous history of stillbirth or abortion had low birth weight, low serum iron, and zinc levels. High infection episodes of diarrhea and pneumonia were observed among infants born from a previous history of stillbirth and abortion mothers. The infection episodes during the childhood period were determined by serum zinc level [IRR 0.71; 95% CI: 0.61- 0.83], birth weight [IRR 0.86; 95% CI: 0.81 – 0.91], breastfeeding frequency [IRR 0.9; 95% CI: 0.87-0.93]. Conclusion The birth weight, serum iron and zinc levels of neonates born from the previous history of stillbirth and abortion were lower. The infection episodes of newborns born from mothers with previous history stillbirth or abortion were higher.
Epidemiological changes in child surgical activity. Analysis of 17 years in a tertiary care hospital in Mexico
Authors: Pizarro-Altamirano Maria Fernanda , Trousselle-Peralta Michelle , Soriano-Rosales Rosa Eugenia , Carmona-Librado Silvio , Esparza-Aguilar Marcelino , Villagomez-Martinez Sandra María , Rodriguez-Jurado Rodolfo , Lopez-Simental Maria Magdalena , Gonzalez-Zamora Jose Francisco
Published: January 2020

Background: Surgical care is an essential component to achieve universal health coverage. An increase in children's surgical burden is recognized worldwide, but changes in the epidemiological profile associated with global geographic heterogeneity are to be expected. The aims of this study are to analyse the prevalence and epidemiological changes of surgical activity in a tertiary center in Mexico. Methods: Ambispective cohort study. Institutional records were reviewed searching for children’s surgeries in the period comprising 2001-2017. The variables analyzed were age, sex, number of surgeries per subject, and mortality rate; regarding the interventions, kind of inward stay, kind of surgery (ICD 9 CM), ward or department responsible, and perioperative mortality rate (POMR). Results: Of the 104,578 institutional admissions, 37% were surgical procedures of preschool-aged children (30.2%), and infants (27.3%). These tended to decrease, while for adolescents to increase. A total of 84,859 surgeries were performed (1.36 per operating room/day), averaging 4.992 per year, with a marginal tendency to increase. 65.8% of procedures required hospitalization. The systems more frequently intervened were: musculoskeletal system (20.1%, tending to increase), digestive system (19.5%), and cardiovascular system (11.3%). The overall mortality rate of surgical admissions was 5.5%, with POMR of 1.54%. Conclusion: The institutional epidemiological profile has changed, and relevant trends were identified. We corroborated the presence of global geographic heterogeneity with analogous hospitals
Application of a novel teaching model integrating multiple teaching methods in periodontology education for Chinese undergraduates
Authors: Yang Xue , Chen Shuangshuang , Ma Chunliang , Fan Xingyu , Song Jia , Pan Yaping , Tang Xiaolin
Published: January 2020

Background: The present research aims to explore and evaluate a novel teaching model called FC-integration, which integrates multiple teaching methods including flipped classroom, case-based learning (CBL), problem-based learning (PBL) and team-based learning (TBL) assisted by Rain Classroom in periodontology education for Chinese undergraduates. Methods: 200 senior undergraduate students in Grade 2012, 2013 and 2015 were involved in this study from 2016 to 2019. The novel teaching model was applied to the chapter "gingival disease" for Grade 2013 and 2015 students (F group, n=118). As the control, the teacher gave a traditional lecture on the chapter "periodontitis" for Grade 2013 and 2015 students (T group 1, n=118) and the chapter " gingival disease " for Grade 2012 students (T group 2, n=82). The students finished a questionnaire and a quiz after the class. Results: (1) The classroom atmosphere was more inspiring and animating in the F group than in the T group. The questionnaire survey showed higher satisfaction in the F group than in the T group (73.73% vs. 58.47%, P< 0.05). In addition, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score in the F group was higher than that in the T group (7.69±1.69 vs. 7.03±1.91, P <0.05). (2) The average score on the quiz in the F group was higher than in the T group 1 (71.60±13.74 vs. 55.03±16.83, P <0.05) and T group 2 ( 71.60±13.74 vs. 63.92±12.34, P <0.05). Conclusions: The application of the novel model could help students improve their learning efficiency and clinical skills in the diagnosis and therapy of periodontal diseases.
Obesity impacts brain metabolism and structure independently of amyloid and tau pathology in healthy elderly
Authors: Pegueroles Jordi , Pané Adriana , Vilaplana Eduard , Montal Víctor , Bejanin Alexandre , Videla Laura , Carmona-Iragui María , Barroeta Isabel , Ibarzábal Ainitze , Casajoana Anna , Alcolea Daniel , Valldeneu Silvia , Altuna Miren , de Hollanda Ana , Vidal Josep , Ortega Emilio , Osorio Ricardo , Convit Antonio , Blesa Rafael , Lleó Alberto , Fortea Juan , Jiménez Amanda
Published: January 2020

Background: Mid-life obesity is related to increased risk for overall dementia and Alzheimer´s disease (AD) dementia. In the present work, we aimed to investigate the impact of obesity on brain structure, metabolism, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of amyloid (Aβ 1-42) and tau-pathology (total-tau and p-tau) in healthy elderly. Methods: We selected healthy controls from ADNI2 with available CSF AD biomarkers and/or fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET and 3T-MRI. Participants without follow-up or with significant weight loss were excluded from the analyses. Brain cortical thickness (Cth) was evaluated with Freesurfer software and FDG uptake was measured with a surface-based method using both SPM and Freesurfer softwares. We performed regression analyses between FDG uptake, CTh, CSF AD biomarkers levels and BMI and interaction analyses with age by obesity/overweight status. Results: We included 147 individuals (mean age 73.3 years, mean BMI 27.4 Kg/m 2 ). Higher BMI was related to less cortical thickness and higher glucose metabolism in brain areas not typically involved in AD (FWE<0.05), with little overlap between them. There was no association between BMI and any of the CSF core AD biomarkers. The relationship between age and brain metabolism was modified by overweight/obesity status, but not that of age and brain structure or core CSF AD biomarkers. Conclusions: Our data support that obesity has differential effects on brain metabolism and structure independent of an underlying AD pathophysiology in cognitively unimpaired elderly.
Substance Use Identification and Follow-up Rates among Commercial and Medicare Health Insurance Members in Primary Care and Other Settings
Authors: Baker John G. , Doxbeck David R. , Washington Melanie E. , Horton Angela , Dunning Adam
Published: January 2020

Background The objective of this study was to investigate factors associated with substance abuse identification and follow-up rates among samples of members of a private health insurance plan. Methods In an observational study, samples of claims data for 2017 for Commercial and Medicare members from a private health insurer were accessed and analyzed using descriptive statistics, decision tree analysis, and linear regression models. Results Medicare members had higher rates of inclusion in a measure of substance abuse than Commercial members, lower rates of initial short term follow-up, more opioid prescriptions from primary care provides, fewer prescriptions for opioid treatment, and higher rates of selected comorbid conditions. Mental health diagnoses and substance use problems co-occurred frequently and to a greater extent in the Medicare sample. Among commercial members, there were primarily alcohol problems that increased with age, while opioid abuse at about 10% peaked in the mid-twenties. More males were included among all substance types. The overall rate for an initial short term follow-up visit indicating initiation of treatment was 30%. There were large differences in the follow-up rates across settings with a very low rate (4.6% for alcohol and 6.9% for opioids) in primary care settings. Conclusions These results suggest that increased attention in primary care to young adult males and to older adults, may help to reduce substance abuse rates, especially alcohol abuse.
Characterization of Ethanol Producing Yeasts for Their Efficiency in Ethanol production, Salt Tolerance, and Utilization of Glucose and Xylose
Authors: Joshi Jarina , Bhattarai Tribikram , Yadav Amar , Sreer Lakshmaiah
Published: January 2020

Yeasts are the mainstay in ethanol production industry. Search for efficient yeast strains that are salt tolerant and utilize both hexoses (glucose) and pentoses (xylose and arabinose) is important in fermentation industry. In this regard,12 yeast strains, viz., CDBT1-12, were isolated from various sources and characterized. Molecular characterization of the yeast strains was done by sequencing 26S rRNA gene, D1D2 region. Out of 12 isolates, 10 were found to be Saccharomyces cerevisiae , CDBT7 was Wikerhamomyces anomalous , and CDBT8 was Cyberlindnera fabianii . The yeast isolates were characterized in terms of their ethanol production efficiency, salt tolerance and ability to utilize of glucose and xylose. All the strains were found to be good ethanol producers. Yeast strain CDBT2 was found to have tolerance for high salt (up to 15%) and ethanol (up to 16%) concentrations. Yeast strain CDBT7 was found to utilize both glucose and xylose without compromising on ethanol production efficiency. The CDBT7 strain was also salt tolerant (up to15%).Yeast strain CDBT2 when grown in an electrochemical cell with low levels of applied external voltage, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH1) and pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC1) mRNA levels were increased by 2.78 ± 0.80 and 1.12 ± 0.37 fold, respectively. We believe, the latter observation is novel and it has not been reported previously. It also further supports our previous observation of increase in level of alcohol production by CDBT2 strain in the presence of applied electrical current.
Early liver injury is closely related to organ failure of sepsis
Authors: Peng Milin , Ai Yuhang , Zhang Lina , Zhao Shuangping , Liu Zhiyong , Zhang Haisong , Zhang Xiaolei , Qi Desheng
Published: January 2020

Backgrounds: Sepsis induced organ failure is main cause of mortality in intensive care units (ICU), however, the impact of early liver injury on clinical ending of sepsis is not clear and has not been discussed in context of clinical research on sepsis before. Our study aimed at the investigation of the clinical effect of early liver injury within 48h at ICU admission on sepsis outcomes. Methods: A single-centered, retrospective cohort of 198 adult critical patients diagnosed with sepsis were included in different ICU departments of Xiangya hospital from 2016 to 2018. Patients were divided into two groups, early liver injury and non-early liver injury within 48h at ICU admission. Baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes and risk factors of these two groups were studied. Logistic regression analysis, Cox hazard analysis, Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test were used. Results: In total, 198 patients with sepsis were included, with 106 (53.5%) with early liver injury and overall in-hospital mortality was 45.9% (n=91). Compared to non-early liver injury group, patients with early liver injury had significant higher SOFA (7.44±3.83 vs. 5.55±2.61, P<0.001), APACHE II score (15.22±23.14 vs. 9.14±8.72, P=0.013) , procalcitonin (37.10±59.20 vs. 19.24±48.10, P=0.021) , and rate of shock (63.2% vs. 48.9%, P=0.046). Primary outcome showed that early liver injury group had significant higher rate of renal dysfunction (62.3 vs. 33.7%, P<0.001), coagulation (31.1% vs. 13.0%, P=0.004) and hematologic system (72.6% vs. 52.2%, P=0.003) dysfunction hinting at higher organ failure rate. Age (OR 0.966; 95% CI 0.944-0.989; P=0.004), hypertriglyceridemia (OR 1.636; 95% CI 1.049-2.551; P=0.030), serum total bile acid (TBA, OR 1.071; 95% CI 1.030-1.113; P=0.001), hemoglobin (OR 1.030; 95% CI 1.013-1.046; P<0.001) and renal dysfunction (OR 3.403; 95% CI 1.631-7.099; P=0.001) were the independent predictors for early liver injury in sepsis by multiple regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival analyze demonstrated early liver injury and non-early liver injury group had similar survival time. Conclusion: Early liver injury within 48 hours on ICU admission is closely related to organ failure for patients with sepsis. Future study with big data is required to verify our viewpoint.
Lyn inhibited BCR signal pathway mediates B-cell anergy induced by avian leukosis virus subgroup J
Authors: He Shuhai , Zheng Gaoying , Yang Xiaoxia , Dong Jianguo , Zhou Defang , Venugopal Nair , Yao Yongxiu , Cheng Ziqiang
Published: January 2020

Background: Immune tolerance induced by retrovirus is a prerequisite for tumorigeness. We had reported that B-cell anergy was the main reason for immune tolerance induced by avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J). However, the molecular mechanism remains unclear.
Results: Initially, we found that Lyn showed down-regulation in chick embryo fibroblasts (CEF) and up-regulation in B-cells infected by ALV-J. So, we speculated that tyrosine kinase Lyn plays a key role in B-cell anergy induced by ALV-J. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) results demonstrated that ALV-J indirectly regulated the expression of Lyn. To further investigate the role and regulatory mechanism of Lyn in B-cell anergy induced by ALV-J, the expression levels of Lyn and Syk at different phosphorylation site, the Ca 2+ mobilization, and the expression levels of NF-κB p65 protein in vitro and vivo were detected in B-cells. The result showed that Ca 2+ mobilization was delayed and p65 expression level was decreased in B-cells after ALV-J infection. Consistently, the retrieve of Ca 2+ mobilization, expression levels of NF-κB p65 were found after RNA interference of Lyn. Subsequently, we demonstrated that the activation of phosphorylated Lyn protein at Tyr507 site played a critical role in B-cells anergy, which were verified by the fact of the significantly up-regulation of the expression levels of phosphorylated Syk protein at Tyr525/526 site when RNA interference for Lyn were performed in B-cells. Furthermore, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining results confirmed that the expression levels of Lyn phosphorylated protein at Tyr507 site in bursal cells were increased, while the expression levels of Syk phosphorylated protein at Tyr525/526 sites were decreased.
Conclusions: These findings suggested that Lyn inhibited BCR signal pathway mediates B-cell anergy under ALV-J infection，which will provide a new insight for revealing the molecular mechanism of immune tolerance induced by ALV-J.
Keywords: avian leukosis virus subgroup J , B-cell anergy, immune tolerance, Lyn, Syk
Incidence and risk factors of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis among the Chinese population: analysis from a nationwide longitudinal study
Authors: Ren Yan , Hu Jiang , Tan Jin , Tang Xiaoming , Li Qianrui , Yang Huazhen , Liu Chunrong , He Qiao , Zhou Kang , Sun Xin , Tan Bo
Published: January 2020

Background: To investigate the incidence of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) and identify risk factors among the Chinese population.

Methods: The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) is a nationwide longitudinal survey of persons aged ≥45 years. The baseline survey for the CHARLS study was conducted in 2011 using a four-stage, stratified, cluster probability sampling design. The respondents were then followed up every 2 years through a face-to-face interview. Using the national survey data collected from the CHARLS, we estimated the incidence of symptomatic knee OA, taking into account the complex survey design and response rate. We applied weighted logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors.

Results: In the 4 years of follow-up, the cumulative incidence of symptomatic knee OA among middle-aged and older Chinese adults was 8.5%; the incidence was higher among females (11.2%) than males (5.6%). In the longitudinal analysis, female, rural area, West region, low education level, lack of physical activities, and the presence of heart disease, kidney disease, and digestive disease at the baseline survey were associated with a higher risk of symptomatic knee OA. The risk in persons doing regular physical activities was 53% lower than that in persons who were not active (odds ratio (OR) 0.47 [95% CI) 0.29–0.76]). Histories of heart disease (odds ratio (OR) 1.40 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.82]), kidney disease (OR 1.80 [95% CI 1.35–2.39]), and digestive disease (OR 1.54 [95% CI 1.30–1.82]) were associated with a higher risk of symptomatic knee OA.

Conclusion: The cumulative incidence of symptomatic knee OA over 4 years was relatively high, and varied by province and region. Lack of physical activities, and the presence of heart disease, kidney disease, and digestive disease were associated with a higher risk of symptomatic knee OA.
Bayesian spatial modelling of childhood cancer incidence in Switzerland using exact point data: A nationwide study during 1985-2015.
Authors: Konstantinoudis Garyfallos , Schuhmacher Dominic , Ammann Roland A , Diesch Tamara , Kuehni Claudia E , Spycher Ben D
Published: January 2020

Background The aetiology of most childhood cancers is largely unknown. Spatially varying environmental factors such as traffic-related air pollution, background radiation and agricultural pesticides might contribute to the development of childhood cancer. We investigated the spatial variation of childhood cancers in Switzerland using exact geocodes of place of residence. Methods We included 5,947 children diagnosed with cancer during 1985-2015 at age 0-15 from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry. We modelled cancer risk using log-Gaussian Cox processes and indirect standardization to adjust for age and year of diagnosis. We examined whether the modelled spatial variation of risk can be explained by ambient air concentration of NO 2 , natural background radiation, area-based socio-economic position (SEP), linguistic region, years of existing general cancer registration in the canton or degree of urbanization. Results For all childhood cancers combined, the posterior median relative risk (RR), compared to the national level, varied by location from 0.83 to 1.13 (min to max). Corresponding ranges were 0.96 to 1.09 for leukaemia, 0.90 to 1.13 for lymphoma, and 0.82 to 1.23 for CNS tumours. The covariates considered explained 72% of the observed spatial variation for all cancers, 81% for leukaemia, 82% for lymphoma and 64% for CNS tumours. There was evidence of an association of background radiation and SEP with incidence of CNS tumours, (1.19;0.98-1.40) and (1.6;1-1.13) respectively. Conclusion Of the investigated diagnostic groups, childhood CNS tumours show the largest spatial variation in Switzerland. The selected covariates only partially explained the observed variation of CNS tumours suggesting that other environmental factors also play a role.
SYMBOLS OF BORDER IN FOLKTALES AND WAYS OF THEIR TRANSLATION
Authors: Volovyk Anna
Published: January 2020

Being one of the vital categories for all living beings on earth, space determines the
boundaries for all humans in general as well as for an individual in particular. To define
such boundaries, people employ a specific code that consists of the symbols of space. The latter are distinctly manifested in one of the most archaic forms of oral folk literature, the genre of folktale, which is imbued with the elements of the mythological worldview of primitive people, their mentality and mode of existence.
One of the groups of symbols that foreground the symbolism of space in folktales is
the symbols of border. They designate the boundary between ‘our’ and ‘their’ space in
folktales as well as in daily life. Despite relatively extended research in the field of folktale symbols, there are few studies devoted to the issue of conveying the symbols of border into the target language. The goals of the article include the highlighting of the ways of rendering the symbols of border taken from English and Ukrainian folktales and the assessment of the adequacy of their reproduction in the target language. According to the results of the research, it can be concluded that due to its universal character, the symbols of border are easily rendered into the receiving linguocultures. However, an adequate reproduction of the symbols of border requires the identification of their role in a certain folktale text, and, consequently, the importance of their rendering into the target language.
Moreover, it is essential to note, that elimination or change of the symbols of border may cause the violation of the integrity of the symbolic picture of the folktale and at the same time lead to the inadequate perception of the text by the receiving culture.
Keywords: adequate translation, folktale, symbols of space, symbols of border,
universal symbols.
Identification of Three Differentially Expressed miRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Lung Adenocarcinoma Prognosis
Authors: Wang Wei , Liu Bin , Duan Xiaoran , Feng Xiaolei , Wang Tuanwei , Wang Pengpeng , Ding Mingcui , Zhang Qiao , Feng Feifei , Wu Yongjun , Yao Wu , Wang Qi , Yang Yongli
Published: January 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study areto screen MicroRNAs (miRNAs) related to the prognosis of
lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and to explore the possible molecular mechanisms.

Methods:

The data for a total of 535 patients with LUAD data were downloaded from The Cancer
Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The miRNAs for LUAD prognosis were screened by both Cox risk
proportional regression model and Last Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression
model. The performances of the models were verified by time-dependent Receiver Operating
Characteristic (ROC) curve. The possible biological processes linked to the miRNAs’ target genes were
analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto gene and genome encyclopedia (KEGG).

Results:

Among 127 differentially expressed miRNAs identified from the screening analysis, there are 111
up-regulated and 16 down-regulated miRNAs. Three of them, hsa-miR-1293, hsa-miR-490 and hsa-miR-
5571, were also significantly associated with the survival of the LUAD patients. The targets of the three
miRNAs are significantly enriched in systemic lupus erythematosus pathways.

Conclusion:

Hsa-miR-1293, hsa-miR-490 and hsa-miR-5571 can be potentially used as novel biomarkers
for the prognosis prediction of LUAD.
Phenylamino-pyrimidine (PAP) Privileged Structure: Synthesis and Medicinal Applications
Authors: Ferreira Pimentel Luiz Claudio , Cunha Anna Claudia , Boas Hoelz Lucas Villas , Canzian Henayle Fernandes , Leite Firmino Marinho Debora Inacio , Boechat Nubia , Bastos Monica Macedo
Published: January 2020

The phenylamino-pyrimidine (PAP) nucleus has been demonstrated to be useful for the development of new drugs and is present in a wide variety of antiretroviral agents and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). This review aims to evaluate the application of PAP derivatives in drugs and other bioactive compounds. It was concluded that PAP derivatives are still worth exploring, as they may provide highly competitive ATP TKI’s with nano/picomolar activity.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Heterocyclic Substituted Bis(indolyl)methanes
Authors: Li Min-Xin , Pu Xiao-Jia , Zhang Xia , Zheng Xi , Gao Hui , Xiao Wei-Lie , Wan Chun-Ping , Mao Ze-Wei
Published: January 2020

Background:

Bis(indolyl)methane derivatives are widely found in nature with a broad range of
biological and pharmacological activities. The development of techniques for the synthesis and
functionalization of bis(indolyl)methanes have attracted more and more attention in recent years.

Objective:

To study the synthesis and biological activity of heterocyclic substituted bis(indolyl)methanes.

Materials and Methods:

A series of heterocyclic substituted bis(indolyl)methanes (3a-3p) have been prepared
by condensation reaction of indole and heterocyclic aldehydes catalyzed by boron trifluoride etherate with high
yields. Preliminary in vitro anti-inflammatory in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW-264.7
macrophages and cytotoxic activity against human tumor cell lines (A549, Hela and SGC7901) by MTT assay
were tested.

Results:

The result indicated that heterocyclic substituted bis(indolyl)methanes showed good antiinflammatory
and selective cytotoxic activity. Especially, compounds 3o, 3p and 3q displayed similar
inhibitory effect on the generation of NO to positive control dexamethasone, and compound 3q displayed
similar selective cytotoxic activity to 5-FU.

Conclusion:

Heterocyclic substituted bis(indolyl)methanes may be used as potential anti-inflammatory and
anticancer leads.
Recent Progress Towards Synthesis of the Indolizidine Alkaloid 195B
Authors: Ziarani Ghodsi Mohammadi , Mohajer Fatemeh , kheilkordi Zohreh
Published: January 2020

Background:

Natural products have been received attention due to their importance in human life as
those are biologically active. In this review, there are some reports through different methods related to the
synthesis of the indolizidine 195B which was extracted from poisonous frog; however, due to respect nature,
the synthesis of natural compounds such as indolizidine has been attracted much attention among scientists and
researchers.

Objective:

This review discloses the procedures and methods to provide indolizidine 195B from 1989 to 2018
due to their importance as a natural product.

Conclusion:

There are several methods to give rise to the indolizidine 195B as a natural product that is highly
active from the biological perspective in pharmaceutical chemistry. In summary, many protocols for the
preparations of indolizidine 195B from various substrates, several reagents, and conditions have been reported
from different aromatic and aliphatic.
A Review of Evaluating Hematopoietic Stem Cells Derived from Umbilical Cord Blood's Expansion and Homing
Authors: Islami Maryam , Soleimanifar Fatemeh
Published: January 2020

Transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) derived from umbilical cord blood (UCB) has been taken into account as a therapeutic approach in patients with hematologic malignancies. Unfortunately, there are limitations concerning HSC transplantation (HSCT), including (a) low contents of UCB-HSCs in a single unit of UCB and (b) defects in UCB-HSC homing to their niche. Therefore, delays are observed in hematopoietic and immunologic recovery and homing. Among numerous strategies proposed, ex vivo expansion of UCB-HSCs to enhance UCB-HSC dose without any differentiation into mature cells is known as an efficient procedure that is able to alter clinical treatments through adjusting transplantation-related results and making them available. Accordingly, culture type, cytokine combinations, O2 level, co-culture with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), as well as gene manipulation of UCB-HSCs can have effects on their expansion and growth. Besides, defects in homing can be resolved by exposing UCB-HSCs to compounds aimed at improving homing. Fucosylation of HSCs before expansion, CXCR4-SDF-1 axis partnership and homing gene involvement are among strategies that all depend on efficiency, reasonable costs, and confirmation of clinical trials. In general, the present study reviewed factors improving the expansion and homing of UCB-HSCs aimed at advancing hematopoietic recovery and expansion in clinical applications and future directions.
Quercetin Decreased Alveolar Bone Loss and Apoptosis in Experimentally Induced Periodontitis Model in Wistar Rats
Authors: Taskan Mehmet Murat , Gevrek Fikret
Published: January 2020

Background:

Quercetin is a flavonoid which has potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial,
and antioxidant effect. Purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of quercetin
on alveolar bone loss and histopathological changes in ligature-induced periodontitis in rats.

Methods:

Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups: non-ligated control (C,
n=8) group; periodontitis (P, n=8) group; ligature and low dose quercetin group (75
mg/kg/day quercetin, Q75 group, n=8); ligature and high dose quercetin group (150
mg/kg/day quercetin, Q150 group, n=8). Silk ligatures were placed at gingival margin of
lower first molars of mandibular right quadrant. Study duration was 15 days, and animals
were sacrificed end of this period. Changes in alveolar bone levels were clinically measured
and tissues were immunohistochemically examined, matrix metalloproteinase 8
(MMP 8), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1
(TIMP 1), Cysteine-aspartic proteases 3 (Caspase 3), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase
(TRAP) positive osteoclast cells, osteoblast, and neutrophil counts were also determined.

Results and Discussion:

Alveolar bone loss was highest in P group, and differences among
P, Q75, and Q150 groups were significant. Both doses of quercetin decreased TRAP+ osteoclast
cells and increased osteoblast cells. Inflammation in P group was also higher than
those of C, Q75, and Q150 groups indicating anti-inflammatory effect of quercetin. iNOS,
MMP-8, and caspase-3 levels were highest, and TIMP-1 expression was lowest in P group;
differences were statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Within limits of this study, it can be suggested that quercetin administration
may reduce alveolar bone loss by increasing osteoblastic activity, decreasing osteoclastic
activity, apoptosis, and inflammation in an experimental model of periodontitis.
Molecular Modeling of Substances Isolated from the Essential Oil of the Species Drimys angustifolia and Drimys brasiliensis
Authors: Conceição Neuziane Dias , de Souza Lucilene Rocha , Ferreira Jaderson Vieira , de Fátima Brito Brito Maiara , Pinheiro Abraão Alves , da Silva Karina Rufino , Taft Carlton Anthony , de Paula da Silva Carlos Henrique Tomich , Fonseca Gomes Madson Ralide , da Silva Hage-Melim Lorane Izabel
Published: January 2020

Objectives:

Carry out an in silico study of chemical substances isolated from
the species: Drimys angustifolia and Drimys brasiliensis.

Methods:

A theoretical study of global reactivity, QSAR descriptors, MEP construction
and molecular docking was performed to analyze the interaction of substances with acetylcholinesterase
of Drosophila melanogaster and the prediction of skin permeation and toxicological
properties of the substances.

Results:

Chemical reactivity and molecular stability investigation suggest that the substance
which presents stability values similar to the standard substance D-limonene, was
Terpinen-4-ol. The MEPs of the investigated substances were evenly distributed along the
hydrogens and oxygens. The molecular docking studies suggest interesting and promising
results for the substance Myristicin. Regarding skin permeability, the results suggests low
skin absorption for all substances. Regarding toxicological properties, bicyclogermacrene
indicated non-carcinogenic and mutagenic activity.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that the substance, bicyclogermacrene, is a potential candidate
for usage as a repellent.
Application of Transglutaminase in Developing Cassava-based Wet Noodle for Quality and Shelf Life Improvement: A Review
Authors: Kiyat Warsono El , Christopher Alvin , Rianti Angelina , Pari Rizfi F.
Published: January 2020

Characteristic of cassava flour is relatively similar to wheat flour. Cassava flour has the
potential to substitute 70-80% of wheat flour as the main ingredient for wet noodle production. Unfortunately,
cassava flour has no gluten and lower protein content than wheat flour, which is important
for the characteristic of a wet noodle. Therefore, transglutaminase (MTGase) is often applied in
non-gluten products to improve its texture. This enzyme catalyzes the reaction between lysine and
glutamine to form isopeptide cross-links. Moreover, the addition of MTGase to cassava-based wet
noodle improves its texture and color. In addition, this effect gives better palatability for wet noodle.
This enzyme can increase the shelf life of wet noodles and safe for our health. The present
study demonstrates with patent and literature data the potential of MTGase in noodles based on cassava
flour.
Epidemiological Characterization of a Directed and Weighted Disease Network Using Data From a Cohort of One Million Patients: Network Analysis
Authors: Ko Kyungmin , Lee Chae Won , Nam Sangmin , Ahn Song Vogue , Bae Jung Ho , Ban Chi Yong , Yoo Jongman , Park Jungmin , Han Hyun Wook
Published: January 2020

Background

In the past 20 years, various methods have been introduced to construct disease networks. However, established disease networks have not been clinically useful to date because of differences among demographic factors, as well as the temporal order and intensity among disease-disease associations.

Objective

This study sought to investigate the overall patterns of the associations among diseases; network properties, such as clustering, degree, and strength; and the relationship between the structure of disease networks and demographic factors.

Methods

We used National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC) data from the Republic of Korea, which included the time series insurance information of 1 million out of 50 million Korean (approximately 2%) patients obtained between 2002 and 2013. After setting the observation and outcome periods, we selected only 520 common Korean Classification of Disease, sixth revision codes that were the most prevalent diagnoses, making up approximately 80% of the cases, for statistical validity. Using these data, we constructed a directional and weighted temporal network that considered both demographic factors and network properties.

Results

Our disease network contained 294 nodes and 3085 edges, a relative risk value of more than 4, and a false discovery rate-adjusted P value of <.001. Interestingly, our network presented four large clusters. Analysis of the network topology revealed a stronger correlation between in-strength and out-strength than between in-degree and out-degree. Further, the mean age of each disease population was related to the position along the regression line of the out/in-strength plot. Conversely, clustering analysis suggested that our network boasted four large clusters with different sex, age, and disease categories.

Conclusions

We constructed a directional and weighted disease network visualizing demographic factors. Our proposed disease network model is expected to be a valuable tool for use by early clinical researchers seeking to explore the relationships among diseases in the future.
Continuous Monitoring of Vital Signs in the General Ward Using Wearable Devices: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Weenk Mariska , Bredie Sebastian J , Koeneman Mats , Hesselink Gijs , van Goor Harry , van de Belt Tom H
Published: January 2020

Background

Wearable devices can be used for continuous patient monitoring in the general ward, increasing patient safety. Little is known about the experiences and expectations of patients and health care professionals regarding continuous monitoring with these devices.

Objective

This study aimed to identify positive and negative effects as well as barriers and facilitators for the use of two wearable devices: ViSi Mobile (VM) and HealthPatch (HP).

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, 90 patients admitted to the internal medicine and surgical wards of a university hospital in the Netherlands were randomly assigned to continuous vital sign monitoring using VM or HP and a control group. Users’ experiences and expectations were addressed using semistructured interviews. Nurses, physician assistants, and medical doctors were also interviewed. Interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Psychological distress was assessed using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale. The System Usability Scale was used to assess the usability of both devices.

Results

A total of 60 patients, 20 nurses, 3 physician assistants, and 6 medical doctors were interviewed. We identified 47 positive and 30 negative effects and 19 facilitators and 36 barriers for the use of VM and HP. Frequently mentioned topics included earlier identification of clinical deterioration, increased feelings of safety, and VM lines and electrodes. No differences related to psychological distress and usability were found between randomization groups or devices.

Conclusions

Both devices were well received by most patients and health care professionals, and the majority of them encouraged the idea of monitoring vital signs continuously in the general ward. This comprehensive overview of barriers and facilitators of using wireless devices may serve as a guide for future researchers, developers, and health care institutions that consider implementing continuous monitoring in the ward.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02933307; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02933307.
Low-Burden Mobile Monitoring, Intervention, and Real-Time Analysis Using the Wear-IT Framework: Example and Usability Study
Authors: Brick Timothy R , Mundie James , Weaver Jonathan , Fraleigh Robert , Oravecz Zita
Published: January 2020

Background

Mobile health (mHealth) methods often rely on active input from participants, for example, in the form of self-report questionnaires delivered via web or smartphone, to measure health and behavioral indicators and deliver interventions in everyday life settings. For short-term studies or interventions, these techniques are deployed intensively, causing nontrivial participant burden. For cases where the goal is long-term maintenance, limited infrastructure exists to balance information needs with participant constraints. Yet, the increasing precision of passive sensors such as wearable physiology monitors, smartphone-based location history, and internet-of-things devices, in combination with statistical feature selection and adaptive interventions, have begun to make such things possible.

Objective

In this paper, we introduced Wear-IT, a smartphone app and cloud framework intended to begin addressing current limitations by allowing researchers to leverage commodity electronics and real-time decision making to optimize the amount of useful data collected while minimizing participant burden.

Methods

The Wear-IT framework uses real-time decision making to find more optimal tradeoffs between the utility of data collected and the burden placed on participants. Wear-IT integrates a variety of consumer-grade sensors and provides adaptive, personalized, and low-burden monitoring and intervention. Proof of concept examples are illustrated using artificial data. The results of qualitative interviews with users are provided.

Results

Participants provided positive feedback about the ease of use of studies conducted using the Wear-IT framework. Users expressed positivity about their overall experience with the framework and its utility for balancing burden and excitement about future studies that real-time processing will enable.

Conclusions

The Wear-IT framework uses a combination of passive monitoring, real-time processing, and adaptive assessment and intervention to provide a balance between high-quality data collection and low participant burden. The framework presents an opportunity to deploy adaptive assessment and intervention designs that use real-time processing and provides a platform to study and overcome the challenges of long-term mHealth intervention.