bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Identification of Hypovitaminosis D among Elderly Attending Primary Care Centre in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alzahrani Abdullah M. , Emam Leena S. , Alsharif Maryam S. , Hakami Alqassem Y. , Aga Syed Sameer
Published: October 2022

Background. A large proportion of elderly people suffer from hypovitaminosis D, and depending on the severity of the condition, they develop complications that are detrimental to their health. Objective. To determine the consistency between the results of the vitamin D level in the blood compared to the result with the score of a simple questionnaire (Physician Vitamin D Status Predictor - VDSP) for elderly patients. Subjects and methods. This is a cross-sectional study conducted during the period between October 2018 and November 2019 in 3 primary health care centres (PHCCs) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The subjects for this study were patients aged 60 or older. Data were collected in two phases: a questionnaire approach as the first phase, while the second phase involved blood testing for vitamin D levels. The validated questionnaire used in this study was the Physician`s Vitamin D Status Predictor (VDSP). Results. The study included 335 participants who ranged between 60 and 107 years old with a mean age of 68.2 years and standard deviation (SD) of 7.3 years. Females represented 66.9% of the total participants. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 60.8%; among them, 7.2% were categorized as severe deficiency, whereas the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was 29.9%. The outcomes of VDSP survey were not directly associated with serum 25(OH)D levels in elderly people, except for the number of medications. In addition, vitamin D supplementation was associated with serum 25(OH)D levels among those patients. Conclusion. Vitamin D supplementation was significantly associated with serum 25(OH)D levels. Moreover, this study showed a significant association between serum 25(OH)D levels and the number of medications taken by the participants.
Comparison and Cost Analysis of Soft Soil Foundation Treatment Schemes in Port Construction
Authors: Ren Qiang
Published: October 2022

Due to the characteristics of soft soil foundations in port engineering construction, there is a problem of insufficient bearing capacity, which needs to be treated. This paper analyzes the construction process and key points of the dynamic compaction method, vacuum preloading method, and vibroflotation method, and expounds on the advantages and disadvantages. The cost of different methods is compared. It can be seen that compared with other methods, the vibration impact method has a simple construction process and low cost.
The Low Endometrial Expression of Long Non-Coding RNA NORAD Is Associated with Recurrent Pregnancy Losses and Unexplained Infertility
Authors: Huang Ying , Wu Chengyong , Wei Chunmei , Chen Yekun , Xing Fei
Published: October 2022

Objective. Unexplained infertility (UIF) or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects 10%–15% of couples in their reproductive years and is multifactorial and not completely elucidated. In this study, we attempt to determine the endometrial expression pattern of non-coding RNA activated by DNA damage (NORAD) in women with UIF and RPL, as well as its clinical significance. Methods. The microarray dataset GSE165004 was used to identify differentially expressed RNAs in the endometrial samples between women with RPL and fertile women and between women with UIF and fertile women. A total of 142 women were included in this retrospective analysis, including 32 women with UIF, 48 women with RPL, and 62 fertile women. The relative expression level of NORAD in the endometrial tissues was quantified by qRT-PCR. Results. NORAD stood out as an only overlapped lncRNA among differentially expressed RNAs in the endometrial samples between RPL and fertile women and between UIF and fertile women. It was showed that the endometrial tissues of UIF and RPL both were demonstrated with lower relative expression levels of NORAD (UIF: 2.09 ± 0.68; RPL: 1.98 ± 0.65) than the endometrial tissues of normal fertility (4.32 ± 1.04) (

P
<
0.001

). Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated that the serum level of E2 was negatively correlated with the relative expression level of NORAD in the endometrial tissues of UIF (r = −0.630) and RPL (r = −0.696). Results of ROC curves showed that the endometrial expression of NORAD could be used to differentiate RPL and UIF with an AUC of 0.977 (95% CI: 0.956–0.999) and 0.970 (95% CI: 0.941–0.998), sensitivity of 0.873 and 0.955, and specificity of 0.845 and 0.948, respectively. Conclusion. The findings obtained from the study showed that the low endometrial expression of NORAD was linked to fertility-related problems, such as UIF and RPL.
Intelligent Optimization Method of the Higher Vocational Education System for Labor Market Demand in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
Authors: Li Jiayan , Wei Zhedong
Published: October 2022

The current educational development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is not enough to support the construction of a world-class bay area, so the education reform and innovation in the Greater Bay Area face many challenges. This study systematically sorts out the challenges faced by education in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, starting from the interpretation of the talent training standards in the new era, and proposes that the education innovation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area should re-understand and implement the national education right of the SAR, improve the standards and raining quality of talents, and strengthen innovation-driven development, and an education system with the characteristics of the Greater Bay Area should be built to give full play to the role of education in regional economic development and to cultivate talents in the new era.
Causal Roles of Sleep Duration in Osteoporosis and Cardiometabolic Diseases: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: He Bin , Chen Xiaojun , Liu Hao , Zhang Muzi , Yin Baoshan , Yin Lifeng , Quan Zhengxue , Ou Yunsheng , Sun Mingqi , Zhu Yong , Cui Hongwang
Published: October 2022

Sleep duration suggests some association with osteoporosis and cardiometabolic diseases, but it is unknown if these associations are causal or confounded. In this two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study, we included the largest genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) associated with sleep duration and the outcome measures of osteoporosis and cardiometabolic diseases. Finally, 25 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with short sleep duration and 7 SNPs associated with long sleep duration obtained the genome‐wide significance (P < 5 × 10−8) and were used as instrumental variables. Genetic predisposition to short sleep duration was strongly associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease (beta‐estimate: 0.199, 95% confidence interval CI: 0.081 to 0.317, standard error SE:0.060, P value = 0.001) and heart failure (beta‐estimate: 0.145, 95% CI: 0.025 to 0.264, SE:0.061, P value = 0.017), which were both confirmed by the sensitivity analyses. Both short and long sleep duration may reduce the estimated bone mineral density (eBMD, beta‐estimate: ‐0.086, 95% CI: ‐0.141 to ‐0.031, SE:0.028, P value = 0.002 for short sleep duration; beta‐estimate: ‐0.080, 95% CI: ‐0.120 to ‐0.041, SE:0.020, P value < 0.0001 for long sleep duration). There was limited evidence of associations between sleep duration and fracture, type 2 diabetes, atrial fibrillation, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, or HbA1c. This study provides robust evidence that short sleep duration is causally associated with high risk of coronary artery disease and heart failure and suggests that short sleep duration should be avoided to prevent these two cardiovascular diseases. Short and long sleep duration show some MR association with reduced eBMD, which indicates that both short and long sleep duration may be prevented to reduce the incidence of osteoporosis.
Intramuscular Myxoma of the Intrinsic Muscles of the Tongue: A Case Report with Literature Review
Authors: Tsunoda Naoko , Onodera Kei , Ohashi Yu , Kawai Tadashi , Miyamoto Ikuya , Takeda Yasunori , Yamada Hiroyuki
Published: October 2022

Myxoma is a benign tumor of mesenchymal origin. It frequently occurs in the muscles of the hip and extremities; however, it rarely occurs in the head and neck region. This report describes the second case of an intramuscular myxoma of the tongue. A 23-year-old woman was referred to our institution for the diagnosis and treatment of a left tongue lesion. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed an

8
×
6

-mm mass in the tongue. Based on a clinical diagnosis of a tongue tumor, excisional biopsy was performed under general anesthesia. The histopathological diagnosis was an intramuscular myxoma. The postoperative course was uneventful, and there was no evidence of tumor recurrence 3 years after surgery.
Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acids Inhibit the Activation of Murine Fibroblasts by Blocking the TGF-β1-Smad2/3 Signaling in a PPARγ-Dependent Manner
Authors: Tao Jia-Hao , Liu Tian , Zhang Chen-Yu , Zu Cheng , Yang Hui-Hui , Liu Yu-Biao , Yang Jin-Tong , Zhou Yong , Guan Cha-Xiang
Published: October 2022

Background. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), the metabolite of arachidonic acid by cytochrome P450 (CYP), reportedly serve as a vital endogenous protective factor in several chronic diseases. EETs are metabolized by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). We have observed that prophylactic blocking sEH alleviates bleomycin- (BLM-) induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in mice. However, the underlying mechanism and therapeutic effects of EETs on PF remain elusive. Objective. In this study, we investigated the effect of CYP2J2/EETs on the activation of murine fibroblasts and their mechanisms. Results. we found that administration of the sEH inhibitor (TPPU) 7 days after the BLM injection also reversed the morphology changes and collagen deposition in the lungs of BLM-treated mice, attenuating PF. Fibroblast activation is regarded as a critical role of PF. Therefore, we investigated the effects of EETs on the proliferation and differentiation of murine fibroblasts. Results showed that the overexpression of CYP2J2 reduced the cell proliferation and the expressions of α-SMA and PCNA induced by transforming growth factor- (TGF-) β1 in murine fibroblasts. Then, we found that EETs inhibited the proliferation and differentiation of TGF-β1-treated-NIH3T3 cells and primary murine fibroblasts. Mechanistically, we found that 14,15-EET disrupted the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 murine fibroblasts by activating PPARγ, which was completely abolished by a PPARγ inhibitor GW9662. Conclusion. our study shows that EETs inhibit the activation of murine fibroblasts by blocking the TGF-β1-Smad2/3 signaling in a PPARγ-dependent manner. Regulating CYP2J2-EET-sEH metabolic pathway may be a potential therapeutic option in PF.
Application of Optimized BP Neural Network Model for the Training Load Prediction in Physical Education Teaching
Authors: Cheng Xiangxue
Published: October 2022

Load prediction is mandatory for analyzing the working condition of the teachers when new courses are to be introduced or change in the learning environment. During complex environment, the seasonal prediction about sports has to be analyzed and designs the physical education training program for the students to increase the fitness of the students. In this study, load prediction in physical education is performed with the implementation of a back propagation neural network model with the support of genetic algorithm and termed as BPNNGA. The proposed prediction algorithm is compared with the existing algorithms such as back propagation neural network,

K

-means neural network, and random forest algorithm. The results proved that the proposed algorithm outperforms the existing algorithms with the accuracy percentage of 99%.
A Pan-Cancer Analysis of the Role of PBRM1 in Human Tumors
Authors: Liu Jin , Xie Xiaoli , Xue Min , Wang Jianqing , Chen Qian , Zhao Zhen , Sheng Xia
Published: October 2022

To understand common but distinctive systems to drive oncogenic stages in human tumors is critical for understanding disease programme and developing novel therapeutic strategies. PBRM1 is a critical gene in oncogenesis. We found that PBRM1 is upregulated in multiple cancer genes. Prognostic analyses indicated that higher PBRM1 showed better disease outcomes of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC), KIRC, and UCEC, while poorer outcomes in KICH, skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM), and esophageal carcinoma (ESCA). PBRM1 mutation was most frequent in renal cell carcinoma and showed better disease outcomes of pan-cancer. We also discovered that PBRM1 performance was associated with endothelial cell invasion status in COAD, HNSC, KIRC, LUAD, LUSC, OV, and PAAD, and cancer-related fibroblast invasion was observed in COAD, HNSC, KIRC, LUSC, MESO, OV, and PAAD. We also make the comparison of PBRM1’s phosphorylation between normal and basic tumor systems as well as explore potential systems with distinctive functions in PBRM1-mediated oncogenesis. The analysis of pan-cancer offers us an outline of PBRM1’s functions in various human cancers, which could promote a comprehensive understanding of PBRM1 in tumorigenesis.
Quantification of Gait Stability During Incline and Decline Walking: The Responses of Required Coefficient of Friction and Dynamic Postural Index
Authors: Abdul Yamin Noor Arifah Azwani , Basaruddin Khairul Salleh , Abu Bakar Shahriman , Salleh Ahmad Faizal , Mat Som Mohd Hanafi , Yazid Haniza , Hoang Tien-Dat
Published: October 2022

This study aims to investigate the gait stability response during incline and decline walking for various surface inclination angles in terms of the required coefficient of friction (RCOF), postural stability index (PSI), and center of pressure (COP)–center of mass (COM) distance. A customized platform with different surface inclinations (0°, 5°, 7.5°, and 10°) was designed. Twenty-three male volunteers participated by walking on an inclined platform for each inclination. The process was then repeated for declined platform as well. Qualysis motion capture system was used to capture and collect the trajectories motion of ten reflective markers that attached to the subjects before being exported to a visual three-dimensional (3D) software and executed in Matlab to obtain the RCOF, PSI, as well as dynamic PSI (DPSI) and COP-COM distance parameters. According to the result for incline walking, during initial contact, the RCOF was not affected to inclination. However, it was affected during peak ground reaction force (GRF) starting at 7.5° towards 10° for both walking conditions. The most affected PSI was found at anterior-posterior PSI (APSI) even as low as 5° inclination during both incline and decline walking. On the other hand, DPSI was not affected during both walking conditions. Furthermore, COP-COM distance was most affected during decline walking in anterior-posterior direction. The findings of this research indicate that in order to decrease the risk of falling and manage the inclination demand, a suitable walking strategy and improved safety measures should be applied during slope walking, particularly for decline and anterior-posterior orientations. This study also provides additional understanding on the best incline walking technique for secure and practical incline locomotion.
[Retracted] The Application of Public Art Design Based on Digital Technology in Urban Landscape Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Xie Lingfeng , Zhou Junling , Liu Kuan
Published: October 2022

Public art (PA) is a powerful tool for enhancing the environment in public spaces since it not only relieves the oppression caused by urban architecture but also enhances and beautifies urban public spaces. As DT (digital technology) develops so quickly nowadays, it offers PA significant technological assistance to achieve new functions, and changes in modern people’s aesthetic preferences and psychological makeup also present new demands for PA. This essay explores the use of PA design in the creation of urban landscapes from the viewpoint of DT. In order to do this, this paper suggests a method for measuring the environmental impact of urban landscapes that combines landscape measurement and semantic assessment. Full‐connection algorithm and greedy algorithm are introduced to identify urban functional types with high‐dimensional characteristics for the boundary tree classification model of high‐dimensional feature classification. The findings indicate that the public service area’s producer and user accuracy are, respectively, 0.8783 and 0.7833. It offers a fresh concept for the identification of urban functional zones while solving the issues of low identification efficiency and poor accuracy.
Analysis and Verification of Compound SRFPI-LADRC Strategy for an Off-Grid Single-Phase Inverter
Authors: Lin Liaoyuan , Li Haoda , Zhu Kai , Shi Lingling , Li Ping
Published: October 2022

Summary. The linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) is mainly applied for tracking a step signal, and it is inadequate to realize satisfactory performance in the control of a single-phase inverter whose reference signal is sinusoidal. In this paper, an improved voltage control strategy based on compound synchronous reference frame proportional-integral (SRFPI) control and LADRC is proposed. The SRFPI and LADRC remain relatively independent without complicating the control parameter design. Detailed theoretical analyses on the compound strategy and its performance are presented, indicating that it inherits the advantages of the two controllers. Moreover, contrast experiments are carried out to verify the feasibility and superiority of the proposed control strategy. The results show that the system achieves a small steady-state error, voltage tracking error, fast transient response, and low total harmonic distortion (THD) when feeding a highly nonlinear load.
Biodegradable Electrospun Polyester‐Urethane Nanofiber Scaffold: Codelivery Investigation of Doxorubicin‐Ezetimibe and Its Synergistic Effect on Prostate Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Rad Fatemeh , Davaran Soodabeh , Babazadeh Mirzaagha , Akbarzadeh Abolfazl , Pazoki-Toroudi Hamidreza
Published: October 2022

Electrospun nanofiber‐mediated drug‐delivery systems are extensively applied for the controlled delivery of anticancer agents and localized cancer chemotherapy. In this work, we assessed the synergistic anticancer effect of polyurethane‐polycaprolactone (PU‐PCL) nanofibers (NFs) on prostate cancer cell line (PC3) and evaluate their antitumor activity in vitro. Polyurethane‐polycaprolactone (PU‐PCL) nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning and used for codelivery of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) and ezetimibe (EZ). The morphology, weight loss, and swelling ability of the PU‐PCL nanofibers were characterized. Drug release test was performed by UV‐vis spectroscopy in a phosphate buffer at pH 7.4 at 37°C. The viability of the PC3 prostate cancer cells was evaluated by the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay for the different periods of cell incubation. PC3 prostate cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of 0‐50 μg/ml of DOX, EZ, DOX‐loaded NFs, EZ‐loaded NFs, and DOX‐EZ coloaded NFs for 48 hours. The results demonstrated that electrospun PU‐PCL NFs showed significant synergistic therapeutic efficacy on prostate cancer cells. This study proposes that the DOX‐EZ codelivery using PU‐PCL nanofibrous scaffold could be used as a possible approach for anticancer drug delivery for the treatment of prostate cancer.
[Retracted] Study on the Influence of Urban Built Environment Factors on the Social Behavior of ASD Children
Authors: Wu Shengzhen , Wang Pohsun , Yao Lihao
Published: October 2022

The use of urban space by vulnerable groups, especially ASD children with social anxiety, is an important part of building sustainable urban development. In this study, we focus on the play behavior of ASD children from the perspective of urban planning; then, we discussed how the urban built environmental factors affect the social behavior of ASD children. In this paper, 220 parents of ASD children were given questionnaires and 197 valid questionnaires were obtained after removing invalid ones. Stepwise regression was adopted to further accurately analyze the influence of each factor index in the built environment on children’s social behavior. The results showed that multiple urban built environment factors had significant influence on the social behaviors (observation, participation, retreat, and concealment) of children with autism at three stages: before departure, during journey, and arrived at destination. The purpose of study is to fully consider the use of urban space by ASD children when urban researchers or urban planners construct sustainable urban forms, formulate urban design guidelines, and implement old city renewal strategies.
Steady Three‐Dimensional MHD Mixed Convection Couple Stress Flow of Hybrid Nanofluid with Hall and Ion Slip Effect
Authors: Rehman Ali , Khan Waris , Bonyah Ebenezer , Abdul Karim Samsul Ariffin , Alshehri Ahmed , Galal Ahmed M.
Published: October 2022

The heat transfer ratio has some important applications in industries and the engineering sector. In this model, the authors used the hybrid nanofluid because the heat transfer ratio of hybrid nanofluid is more as compared to the base fluid; the key objective of this research work is to boost up the heat transfer ratio, for example, to regulate the energy is possible only by adding the heat transmission mechanism in the flow model. The current research paper investigates the steady 3D MHD mixed convection couple stress flow of hybrid nanofluid with hall and ion slip effect. The objective of the current research work is to increase the heat consignment ratio, which is the demand of the manufacturing and engineering sector, this type of flow has some important applications in the industries sector and engineering sector for the purpose of cooling and hotness effect, also hotness and cooling play some important role in daily life. To transform the nonlinear partial differential equation to a nonlinear ordinary differential equation we used the defined similarity transformation. The transform nonlinear ordinary differential equations are solved by an approximate analytical method. The important obtained results are presented in the graphs. The influence of different parameters such as couple stress parameter, mixed convection parameter, nanoparticle volume friction, Hall parameter, magnetic field parameter, thermophores parameter, Eckert number, and prandtl number are taken over graphs. The Cf(skin friction coefficient), Nu(nusselt number), convergence control parameter, and comparison of the present work with the published work are described in the form of tables.
Performance Analysis in Production Systems with Uncertain Data: A Stochastic Data Envelopment Analysis Approach
Authors: Bagheri Seyedeh Fatemeh , Amirteimoori Alireza , Kordrostami Sohrab , Soufi Mansour
Published: October 2022

The problem of determining an optimal benchmark to inefficient decision‐making units (DMUs) is an important issue in the field of performance analysis. Previous methods for determining the projection points of inefficient DMUs have only focused on one objective and other features have been ignored. This paper attempts to determine the best projection point for each DMU when the inputs and outputs data are in stochastic form and presents an alternative definition for the best projection by considering three main aspects: technical efficient, minimal cost, and maximal revenue as much as possible. Considering the important role of the electricity industry in the economic growth of each country, a practical example has been implemented on 16 regional electricity companies in Iran in 9 consecutive periods. The efficiency score along with the projection points of the three technical models (BCC model of Banker et al. (1984)), cost, and stochastic revenue are compared with the projection point obtained from the model presented in this article, which simultaneously meets these three objectives, showing the improvement of companies’ performance.
A Connexin-Based Biomarker Model Applicable for Prognosis and Immune Landscape Assessment in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Qi Junqing , Yin Jun , Ding Guowen
Published: October 2022

Purpose. Gap junction protein (Connexin) family is the basic unit of cellular connection, whose multiple members were recently demonstrated to be associated with tumor progression. However, the expression pattern and prognostic value of connexin in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) have not yet been elucidated. Methods. Consensus cluster algorithm was first applied to determine a novel molecular subtype in LUAD based on connexin genes. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between two clusters were obtained to include in Cox regression analyses for the model construction. To examine the predictive capacity of the signature, survival curves and ROC plots were conducted. We implemented GSEA method to uncover the function effects enriched in the risk model. Moreover, the tumor immune microenvironment in LUAD was depicted by CIBERSORT and ssGSEA methods. Results. The integrated LUAD cohort (TCGA-LUAD and GSE68465) were clustered into two subtypes (

C
1
=
217

and

C
2
=
296

) based on 21 connexins and the clinical outcomes of LUAD cases in the two clusters showed remarkable discrepancy. Next, we collected 222 DEGs among two subclusters to build a prognostic model using stepwise Cox analyses. Our proposed model consisted of six genes that accurately forecast patient outcomes and differentiate patient risk. GSEA indicated that high-risk group was involved in tumor relevant pathways were activated in high-risk group, such as PI3K/AKT signaling, TGF-β pathway, and p53 pathway. Furthermore, LUAD cases with high-risk presented higher infiltration level of M2 macrophage and neutrophil, suggesting high-risk group were more likely to generate an immunosuppressive status. Conclusion. Our data identified a novel connexin-based subcluster in LUAD and further created a risk signature which plays a central part in prognosis assessment and clinical potency.
Maintenance and Quality Control of Medical Equipment Based on Information Fusion Technology
Authors: Li Jiansheng , Mao Yajie , Zhang Jin
Published: October 2022

In the medical field, to ensure the use of large medical equipment, it is necessary to carry out regular maintenance on large medical equipment. In the process of maintenance and maintenance of large-scale medical equipment, most medical personnel have not established a corresponding quality management system, neglecting daily maintenance and maintenance, resulting in many hidden dangers of medical accidents. To this end, the quality control of large medical devices should be strengthened, the control before, during, and after the event should be done well, and a comprehensive analysis of the operation methods of the equipment should be carried out to achieve reasonable maintenance of the equipment. Therefore, this paper discusses the maintenance, management, maintenance, and quality management of large medical equipment under the function of information fusion technology. This paper summarizes the problems encountered in the maintenance of medical equipment in the past and creates a medical quality control system to manage the maintenance and quality control of medical equipment. In the maintenance system of medical equipment, scientific management theories and methods are used to predict, adjust, inspect, and account for the quality of the entire production process of the equipment, and establish a complete quality monitoring and management system. To achieve optimal maintenance and economic benefits, the overall quality of medical equipment can be comprehensively improved. The data shows that the actual number of monitors for quality control testing in 2020 is 502 units, 496 units have passed the initial inspection, and 502 units have passed the maintenance, which shows that the maintenance and quality control of medical equipment based on information fusion technology is effective.
Self-Reported Health of Working-Age Refugees, Immigrants, and the Canadian-Born
Authors: McAlpine Alyssa , Kobayashi Karen , George Usha , Fuller-Thomson Esme
Published: October 2022

Canada has a rapidly growing refugee population, yet, there are limited research studies on the physical health of working-age refugees in comparison to the health of immigrants and Canadian-born individuals. Investigating social capital and acculturation measures may provide important insights into the factors associated with good self-reported health and this may help to inform health promotion strategies for refugees in Canada. A secondary analysis was conducted on data collected from the Canadian General Social Survey 27 (GSS-27) comparing a sample of refugees (n = 753), immigrants (n = 5,063), and Canadian-born (n = 11,266) respondents between the ages of 15 and 64. Both bivariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Self-reported physical health, dichotomized into poor versus good, was the outcome of interest. The self-reported physical health status of refugees, immigrants, and Canadian-born respondents was comparable. Visible minority status was not significantly associated with self-reported health status. Among refugees, the likelihood of reporting good health was associated with being a woman, being married/common-law, being involved in a social group/organization, and having more than half of one’s friends who spoke a different mother tongue than the respondent. Refugees, however, were less likely to have a confidant and be involved in social groups/organizations as compared to immigrants or those born in Canada. The odds of reporting good health were significantly lower among those who had experienced discrimination within the last five years. Social capital and acculturation may be protective of the self-reported health of refugees in Canada. Initiatives to support refugees’ social connections are therefore warranted.
lncRNA IL-17RA-1 Attenuates LPS-Induced Sepsis via miR-7847-3p/PRKCG-Mediated MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Gan Yuanxiu , Long Jie , Zeng Yan , Zhang Yan , Tao Yang
Published: October 2022

Sepsis represents a syndrome of systemic inflammatory response, which is mostly a result of infection with various pathogenic microorganisms, characterized by an uncontrolled infection response of the organism leading to life-threatening organ dysfunction. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), as competing endogenous RNA, can affect the binding of microRNA (miRNA) to mRNA, thus influencing the development of sepsis. In this study, based on transcriptome data from GEO database, we screened differentially expressed lncRNAs and constructed lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. And pathway IL-17RA-1/miR-7847-3p/protein kinase C gamma (PRKCG) coexpression network was successfully sorted out. The effect of this network on LPS-induced sepsis model in THP-1 cells was also verified by CCK-8, scratch, ELISA, Western blot, and qRT-PCR assays. Corresponding binding sites of miR-7847-3p to IL-17RA-1 and miR-7847-3p to PRKCG were verified using dual luciferase gene reporter assays, respectively. Compared with control, si-IL-17RA-1 significantly inhibited the cell viability and migration ability of THP-1, and levels of proinflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α secreted were markedly decreased, and the expression of IL-17RA-1, PRKCG, p-MEKK1, and p-JNK were markedly reduced. In addition, IL-17RA-1 could target binding to miR-7847-3p and inhibit its expression, and miR-7847-3p could also bind to PRKCG. Our experiments demonstrate that IL17-RA-1 attenuates the sepsis response through the miR-7847-3p/MAPK pathway, and this competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network may be a potential approach to predict and combat sepsis.
Immunocytochemical Reactivity Comparison between Formalin-Fixed and Liquid-Based Cytology-Fixed Specimens
Authors: Sakabe Nanako , Maruyama Sayumi , Ito Chihiro , Shimoyama Yuka , Komene Tetsuya , Oboshi Wataru , Sato Shouichi , Sudo Kazuhisa , Ikeda Katsuhide
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Liquid-based cytology (LBC)-fixed samples can be used for preparing multiple specimens of the same quality and for immunocytochemistry (ICC); however, LBC fixing solutions affect immunoreactivity. Therefore, in this study, we examined the effect of LBC fixing solutions on immunoreactivity. Methods: Samples were cell lines, and specimens were prepared from cell blocks of 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF)-fixed samples and the four types of LBC-fixed samples: PreservCyt®, CytoRich™ Red, CytoRich™ Blue, and TACAS™ Ruby, which were post-fixed with NBF. ICC was performed using 24 different antibodies, and immunocytochemically stained specimens were analyzed for the percentage of positive cells. Results: Immunoreactivity differed according to the type of antigen detected. For nuclear antigens, the highest percentage of positive cells of Ki-67, WT-1, ER, and p63 was observed in the NBF-fixed samples, and the highest percentage of positive cells of p53, TTF-1, and PgR was observed in the TACAS™ Ruby samples. For cytoplasmic antigens, the percentage of positive cells of CK5/6, Vimentin, and IMP3 in LBC-fixed samples was higher than or similar to that in NBF-fixed samples. The percentage of positive cells of CEA was significantly lower in CytoRich™ Red and CytoRich™ Blue samples than in the NBF-fixed sample (p < 0.01). Among the cell membrane antigens, the percentage of positive cells of Ber-EP4, CD10, and D2-40 was the highest in NBF-fixed samples and significantly lower in CytoRich™ Red and CytoRich™ Blue samples than that in NBF-fixed samples (p < 0.01). The NBF-fixed and LBC-fixed samples showed no significant differences in the percentage of positive cells of CA125 and EMA. Discussion/Conclusion: ICC using LBC-fixed samples showed the same immunoreactivity as NBF-fixed samples when performed on cell block specimens post-fixed with NBF. The percentage of positive cells increased or decreased based on the type of fixing solution depending on the amount of antigen in the cells. Further, the detection rate of ICC with LBC-fixed samples varied according to the type of antibody and the amount of antigen in the cells. Therefore, we propose that ICC using LBC-fixed samples, including detection methods, should be carefully performed.
No Evident Prognostic Benefit of Statin Use in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patients with Unfavorable Disease Features Treated with R-DA-EPOCH
Authors: Sabljic Anica , Sedinic Lacko Martina , Kusec Rajko , Pejsa Vlatko , Lucijanic Marko
Published: October 2022

Recent reports indicate that patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas might benefit if concomitantly receiving statins with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, vincristine (Oncovin) and prednisone immunochemotherapy. We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 130 newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphomas with unfavorable clinical features treated with first-line rituximab, dose-adjusted etoposide, prednisone, vincristine [Oncovin], cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin (R-DA-EPOCH) immunochemotherapy in period 2005–2019. A total of 17/130 (13.1%) patients received statins concomitantly with immunochemotherapy, mostly atorvastatin and in intermediate statin dose intensity. Besides tendency to be associated with older age (p = 0.070), there were no other significant associations of statins use with neither sex, disease stage, R-IPI, or other unfavorable disease features (p > 0.05 for all analyses). Also, no significant differences were present considering feasibility (number of cycles with dose escalation/reduction), toxicity (number of cycles with anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and septic complications) nor efficacy (response rates) of R-DA-EPOCH regimen (p > 0.05 for all analyses). Also, statin use had no significant association with neither OS (p = 0.480) nor PFS (p = 0.891). Lack of associations of statin use with relevant clinical outcomes was further corroborated by multivariate analyses.
Tocilizumab-Induced Erythema Annulare Centrifugum
Authors: João Ana Luísa , Pessoa e Costa Tomás , Barreto Paulo , Lencastre André
Published: October 2022

We report the case of a 42-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing treatment with subcutaneous tocilizumab for the past 6 months. Three days after the administration, an asymptomatic inflammatory annular plaque of 4 cm with discrete whitish scales at the inner border margin developed at the injection site in the left iliac fossa. A smaller plaque in the left groin appeared soon after. The mycological exam was negative. Histology showed a lymphoplasmacytic superficial and deep perivascular, and periadnexal, dermal infiltrate, without epidermal changes. Lesions spontaneously regressed in 4 months. The diagnosis was clinically and histologically consistent with erythema annulare centrifugum, following the exclusion of other differential diagnoses. Erythema annulare centrifugum represents a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction generally considered idiopathic or otherwise related to numerous triggers, including drugs such as biologics. We describe the first reported case of tocilizumab-induced erythema annulare centrifugum. This case should alert dermatologists to this relatively rare and complex entity and should raise awareness to cutaneous biologic drug reactions.
Effects of Helicobacter pylori Therapy on Gut Microbiota: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Du Lijun , Chen Binrui , Cheng Fangli , Kim Jeffrey , Kim John J.
Published: October 2022

Background: Although indications for evaluation and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection are broadening to include primary prevention for gastric adenocarcinoma, potential adverse effects on gut microbiota have been raised. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of H. pylori therapy on gut microbiota. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science (to 4/2021) were searched for studies quantitatively evaluating microbiota before and after H. pylori therapy. Meta-analysis was performed to assess early (<1 year) and long-term (≥1 year) effects on gut microbiota after H. pylori treatment. Subgroup analysis evaluating the effects of H. pylori therapy with addition of probiotics on gut microbiota was also performed. Results: Thirty studies (N = 1,218) met the criteria. Early after H. pylori therapy, intestinal microbial diversity was reduced in nearly all studies. At the genus level, reduction in the abundance of Enterococcus, while increase in Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides counts were observed. However, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides counts remained stable in patients who received probiotics with H. pylori therapy. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Firmicutes increased after treatment. At ≥1 year, intestinal microbial diversity normalized in six of seven studies. No differences in the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Firmicute, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria were observed ≥1 year after therapy. Conclusion: The impact of H. pylori therapy on gut microbiota appears transient with early changes largely resolving after 1 year. Probiotics may reduce the early impact of H. pylori therapy on gut microbiota.
Exploration of the Potential of Local Plants of Melastoma malabatchricum Fruit for Food Fortification
Authors:   Muhammadiyah University of Palangkaraya, Palangkaraya, 73111, Indonesia, Zannah Fathul , Kamaliah Kamaliah ,   Muhammadiyah University of Palangkaraya, Palangkaraya, 73111, Indonesia, Pramudiyanti Pramudiyanti ,   Lampung University, Bandar Lampung, 35141, Indonesia, Ayatusaadah Ayatusaadah ,   Palangkaraya State Islamic Institute of Religion, Palangka Raya, 73112, Indonesia, Hidayati Nurul ,   Muhammadiyah University of Palangkaraya, Palangkaraya, 73111, Indonesia
Published: October 2022

Fathul Zannah 1*, Kamaliah 1 , Pramudiyanti 2 , Ayatusaadah 3 , Nurul Hidayati 1 1 Muhammadiyah University of Palangkaraya, Palangkaraya, 73111, Indonesia 2 Lampung University, Bandar Lampung, 35141, Indonesia 3 Palangkaraya State Islamic Institute of Religion, Palangka Raya, 73112, Indonesia
Early Stage and Established Hypertension in Sub-Saharan Africa: Results From Population Health Surveys in 17 Countries, 2010–2017
Authors: Shakil Saate S. , Ojji Dike , Longenecker Chris T. , Roth Gregory A.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Multiple studies have reported a high burden of hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa, but none have examined early stage hypertension. We examined contemporary prevalence of diagnosed, treated, and controlled stage I (130–139/80–89 mm Hg) and II (
≥
140/90 mm Hg) hypertension in the general population of sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods:

We analyzed World Health Organization STEPwise Approach to Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factor Surveillance surveys from 17 sub-Saharan Africa countries including 85 371 respondents representing 85 million individuals from 2010 to 2017. We extracted demographic variables, blood pressure, self-reported hypertension diagnosis/awareness, and treatment status to estimate prevalence of stage I and II hypertension and treatment by country. We examined diagnosis and treatment trends by national sociodemographic index, a marker of development.

Results:

Stage I hypertension prevalence (regardless of diagnosis/treatment) was >25% in 13 of 17 countries, highest in Sudan (35.3% [95% CI, 33.7%–37.0%]), and lowest in Eritrea (20.2% [18.8%–21.6%]). Combined stages I and II hypertension prevalence was >50% in 13 countries; <20% were diagnosed in every country. Treatment among those diagnosed ranged from 26% to 63%, and control (<140/90 mm Hg) from 4% to 17%. In 8 of 9 countries reporting on behavioral interventions (eg, salt reduction, weight loss, exercise, and smoking cessation), <60% of diagnosed individuals received counseling. Rates of diagnosis, but not treatment, were positively associated with sociodemographic index (
P
=0.008), although there was substantial variation between countries even at similar levels of development.

Conclusions:

Hypertension is common in sub-Saharan Africa but rates of diagnosis, treatment, and control markedly low. There is a large population with early stage hypertension that may benefit from behavioral counseling to prevent progression. Our analyses suggest that success in population hypertension care may be achieved independently of socioeconomic development, highlighting a need for policymakers to identify best practices in those countries that outperform similar or more developed countries.
Evolving Concepts in Uromodulin Biology, Physiology, and Its Role in Disease: a Tale of Two Forms
Authors: LaFavers Kaice A. , Micanovic Radmila , Sabo Angela R. , Maghak Lauren A. , El-Achkar Tarek M.
Published: October 2022

Uromodulin (or Tamm-Horsfall protein) is a glycoprotein uniquely produced in the kidney by tubular cells of the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle and early distal tubules. This protein exhibits bidirectional secretion in the urine and in the renal interstitium and circulation. The role of this protein in maintaining renal and systemic homeostasis is becoming increasingly appreciated. Furthermore, perturbations of its functions may play a role in various diseases affecting the kidney and distant organs. In this review, we will discuss important advances in understanding its biology, highlighting the recent discoveries of its secretion and differential precursor processing that generates 2 forms: (1) a highly polymerizing form that is apically excreted in the urine and generates filaments and (2) a nonpolymerizing form that retains a polymerization inhibitory pro-peptide and is released basolaterally in the kidney interstitium and circulation, but can also be found in the urine. We will also discuss factors regulating its production and release, taking into account its intricate physiology, and propose best practices to report its levels. We also discuss breaking advances in its role in hypertension, acute kidney injury and progression to chronic disease, immunomodulation and regulating renal and systemic oxidative stress. We anticipate that this work will be a great resource for researchers and clinicians. This review will highlight the importance of defining what regulates the 2 forms of uromodulin, so that modulation of uromodulin levels and function could become a novel tool in our therapeutic armamentarium against kidney disease.
Reduced CircSMOC1 Level Promotes Metabolic Reprogramming via PTBP1 (Polypyrimidine Tract-Binding Protein) and miR-329-3p in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Rats
Authors: Lu Gui-Feng , Geng Fei , Deng Li-Ping , Lin Da-Cen , Huang Yan-Zhen , Lai Su-Mei , Lin Yi-Chen , Gui Long-Xin , Sham James S.K. , Lin Mo-Jun
Published: October 2022

Background:

Pulmonary arterial hypertension maintains rapid cell proliferation and vascular remodeling through metabolic reprogramming. Recent studies suggested that circRNAs play important role in pulmonary vascular remodeling and pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells proliferation. However, the relationship between circRNA, cell proliferation, and metabolic reprogramming in pulmonary arterial hypertension has not been investigated.

Methods:

RNA-seq and qRT-PCR reveal the differential expression profile of circRNA in pulmonary arteries of pulmonary arterial hypertension rat models. Transfection was used to examine the effects of circSMOC1 on pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, and the roles of circSMOC1 in vivo were investigated by adenoassociated virus. Mass spectrometry, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, and dual-luciferase reporter assay were performed to investigate the signaling pathway of circSMOC1 regulating the metabolic reprogramming.

Results:

CircSMOC1 was significantly downregulated in pulmonary arteries of pulmonary arterial hypertension rats. CircSMOC1 knockdown promoted proliferation and migration and enhanced aerobic glycolysis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. CircSMOC1 overexpression in vivo alleviates pulmonary vascular remodeling, right ventricular pressure, and right heart hypertrophy. In the nucleus, circSMOC1 directly binds to PTBP1 (polypyrimidine tract-binding protein), competitively inhibits the specific splicing of PKM (pyruvate kinase M) premRNA, resulting in the upregulation of PKM2 (pyruvate kinase M2), the key enzyme of aerobic glycolysis, to enhance glycolysis. In the cytoplasm, circSMOC1 acted as a miR-329-3p sponge, and its reduction in pulmonary arterial hypertension suppressed PDHB (pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit beta) expression, leading to the impairment of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.

Conclusions:

circSMOC1 is crucially involved in the metabolic reprogramming of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells through PTBP1 and miR-329-3p to regulate pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary arterial hypertension.