bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of enhanced recovery program in French university hospitals: a before-after retrospective survey
Authors: Harkouk Hakim , Capmas Perrine , Derridj Nawal , Belbachir Anissa , Nkam Lionelle , Aegerter Philippe , Battaglia Eva , Tharel Laure , Fletcher Dominique
Published: September 2020

Background: Enhanced recovery program (ERP) after surgery needs development in Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris.Methods: a retrospective before-and-after study was performed in 2015 and 2017 on three surgical models (total knee arthroplasty (TKA), colectomy, and hysterectomy) in 17 hospitals including 29 surgical departments. For each elective surgery, data were collected in one control intervention (Total hip arthroplasty (THA), gastrectomy and ovariectomy).To favour development of ERP strategy, in 2016, institutional mobilization developed with one day meeting of information, development of a Massive Open Online Course on ERP, diffusion of national update on ERP by Haute Autorité de Santé and inclusion in a regional professional partnership program. Primary outcomes were length of stay (LOS) and complications after surgery. Data on ERP items were collected in the patients’ chart and in anaesthetist and surgeon interview. 70 % application rate reflects application of ERP procedure.Results: 1321 patient’s files were analysed (812 in 2015 and 509 in 2017). The length of stay (LOS, mean (SD)) is reduced by 1.6 day for TKA (2015: 8.7 (6.7) versus 7.1 (3.4) in 2017; p<0.001) but increases of 0.5 day for THA (2015: 8.2 (4.1) versus 8.7 (15.5) in 2017; p=0.011). LOS is stable for colectomy and hysterectomy as in their control groups (i.e. gastrectomy and ovariectomy). Incidence of severe complications after surgery is unchanged in all type of surgical models except in THA patients (11.1% in 2015 and 1.5% in 2017, p=0.029). For TKA and hysterectomy respectively applied items of ERP (i.e: >70% application) increased respectively from 5 to 7 out of 17 and 16 in 2015 and 2017. For colectomy, they were stable at 6 out of 21 in 2015 and 2017. All centres progressed in ERP between 2015 and 2017 for TKA (7/7 centres) and hysterectomy (6/6 centres). The LOS was negatively correlated with ERP items application when data collected in 2015 and 2017 were analyzed together.Conclusion: ERP application improved between 2015 and 2017 for three surgical models after an institutional information and diffusion of recommendations in 29 surgical departments of seventeen French University hospitals
Upregulated Monocyte Expression of Plin2 Depends Upon Proteasome Impairment and is Associated with Early Atherosclerosis in Obese Children
Authors: Pisano Eugenia , Pacifico Lucia , Perla Francesco Massimo , Liuzzo Giovanna , Chiesa Claudio , Lavorato Michela , Mingrone Geltrude , Fabrizi Marta , Fintini Danilo , Severino Anna , Manco Melania
Published: September 2020

Background: Perilipin (Plin) 2 regulates intracellular lipid metabolism in macrophages, thus playing a role in atherosclerosis. Aim of the study was to evaluate whether dysregulation of Plin2 is involved in the onset of the early atherosclerosis seen in children with obesity and to rule out mechanisms of dysregulation.Methods: We enrolled 63 children with overweight/obesity and 21 age- and sex-matched normal-weight controls; we evaluated carotid intima media thickness (cIMT). We determined mRNA expression of Plin2 and proteasome subunits (PSMD3, PSMC4) by RealTime PCR and protein expression of Plin2, LAMP2A and Hsc70 by western blot analysis. We performed transient LAMP2A downregulation by siRNA. We quantified intracellular lipids in monocytes by Nile Red staining and flow cytometry analysis.Results: Levels of Plin2 protein were significantly higher in obese children than in normal-weight controls and correlated with cIMT in children with obesity after adjusting for confounders. Accordingly, monocytes of children with obesity showed a higher intracellular amount of lipids compared to normal weight children. mRNA expression of the regulatory subunits PSMC4 and PSMD3 and proteasome activity were lower in children with obesity than in controls while expression of LAMP2A and Hsc70 proteins, belonging to chaperone mediated autophagy (CMA) pathway, was not different indicating that Plin2 dysregulation in monocytes was not CMA-mediated but likely due to an impairment of proteasome efficiency.Conclusion: Plin2 was overexpressed in monocytes of children with obesity likely owing to reduced protein degradation by the proteasome. Overexpression of Plin2 could contribute to the early onset of atherosclerosis in these children.
Study of Combustion pattern in Oblique Detonation Engine
Authors: namala dheeraj kumar , Mishra Kajal
Published: September 2020

Oblique detonation engines are being a centre of multiple kinds of research. Likewise, this paper provides the simulation at various Mach numbers to observe the pattern of combustion in an oblique detonation engine. considering Rahul et al paper[5] as a reference same conditions of pressure, temperature and wedge angles were used in this paper. yet, a different model of a chemical designed by M.O Conaire and H.J Curran[7] was used and simulation was performed at several Mach numbers until a fully developed combustion had been achieved.
Fenitrothion Bio-Efficacy on Different Intradomicile Surface Types Against Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) Albimanus in the Main Malaria Endemic Regions of Panama
Authors: Carrera Lorenzo Cáceres , Ramírez José Luis , Torres-Cosme Rolando
Published: September 2020

Background: The use of intradomicile residual insecticide on a large scale is a proven and efficacious intervention against malaria mosquito vectors. The objective of the study was determined the bio-efficacy and resistance of fenitrothion insecticide against the mosquito An. (Nyssorhynchus.) albimanus Wiedemann. Methods: This study included seven communities located in different endemic regions where fenitrothion is used to control An. (Nys.) albimanus populations. The test of bio-efficacy and susceptibility were conducted following the WHO standard bioassay methodology.Results: The average percent mortality of An. (Nys.) albimanus exposed to fenitrothion in the seven communities tested were 96% and 92% for the first two months. This bio-efficacy was maintained until the fifth month with 81% mortality in communities with high IRS coverage. Anopheles (Nys.) albimanus was susceptible to the organophosphate insecticides fenitrothion and malathion, as well as to carbamate Propoxur but resistant to pirimiphos-methyl and chlorpyrifos.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that fenitrothion maintains an elevated insecticide residuality and toxic effect on different types of surfaces until the fifth month post-application. Furthermore, An. (Nys.) albimanus remains highly susceptible to this insecticide, providing a high degree of protection against mosquito bites inside households, and interrupting malaria transmission in places with high IRS coverage and where the mosquito is still susceptible to fenitrothion application.
lncRNA HOXA-AS2 functions as an oncogene by binding to EZH2 and suppressing LATS2 in Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Authors: Feng Yubin , Hu Shuang , Li Lanlan , Peng Xiaoqing , Chen Feihu
Published: September 2020

BackgroundLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) plays an important role in the development of physiology and pathology. Many reports have shown that lncRNA HOXA cluster antisense RNA 2 (HOXA-AS2) is a carcinogen and plays an important role in many tumors, but little is known about its role in Acute myeloid leukemia (AML). MethodsThe expression of HOXA-AS2 in AML cell line was detected by qRT-PCR. AML cases from the public database (GEPIA) were also included in this study. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and Western blot were used to detect the role of HOXA-AS2 in AML cells. Luciferase reporter gene detection, RIP, RNA pull-down and RNA-ChIP detection were used to demonstrate the molecular biological mechanism of HOXA-AS2 in AML.ResultsHOXA-AS2 was upregulated in AML cell lines and tissues, and the overexpression of HOXA-AS2 is negatively correlated with the survival of patients. Silencing HOXA-AS2 can inhibit the proliferation and induce differentiation of AML cells in vitro and in vivo. Overexpressing HOXA-AS2 showed the opposite result. Moreover, more in-depth mechanism studies showed that carcinogenicity of HOXA-AS2 exerted mainly through binding with the epigenetic inhibitor Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and then inhibiting the expression of Large Tumor Suppressor 2 (LATS2). ConclusionsTaken together, our findings highlight the important role of HOXA-AS2 in AML, suggesting that HOXA-AS2 may be an effective therapeutic target for patients with AML.
Metabolomics Study on Improvement of Mild Cognitive Impairment by SCPE: a UPLC-Q/TOF-MS Mass Spectrometric Study
Authors: Hou Zhitao , Sun Ailin , Wei Qingshuang , He Changyuan , Song Liying , Shao Xianming , Li Yang , Wang Meng , Mei Tingting , Zhang Yue , Shang Hongcai , Sun Zhongren , Chen Jing
Published: September 2020

Background: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a common and easilyneglected neurological disease in clinic. Aging is the main cause of the disease,but its exact pathogenesis is not yet clear. Sagacious Confucius' PillowElixir(SCPE) is a classic medicine for the treatment of amnesia in traditionalChinese medicine.The aim of this study was to prove the stability and reliabilityof SAMP8 mice as MCI model, and to nd potential biomarkers for thetransformation of mild cognitive impairment to dementia, so as to reveal thepathogenesis of mild cognitive impairment and the mechanism of SCPE at thewhole animal level.Methods: Senescence-accelerated P8 (SAMP8) mice were selected as the modelof MCI. Based on UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS platform, the eect of SCPE on MCI micewas evaluated by metabolomics to screen and identify brain tissue biomarkers andpathways of MCI. T test of SPSS 22.0 software and meta-analysis software wereused for univariate and multivariate analysis to screen and identify the biomarkersand pathways of brain tissue with mild cognitive impairment; SPSS 22.0statistical software was used to conduct t-test on the total ionic strengthcorresponding to the dierent metabolites in each group, and to clarify thechange mechanism of biomarkers and pathways in dierent doses of SCPE.Results: From the point of view of brain metabolomics, 84 MCI-relatedbiomarkers and 8 metabolic pathways were identied. It was found that dierentdoses of SCPE could call back 36 same metabolic markers and 3 commonmetabolic pathways.And with the increase of dose, the number of SCPE callbackmetabolic markers gradually increased(LD:40; MD:48; HD:54), and the types ofmain metabolic pathways also changed to a certain extent (the biosynthesis ofvaline, leucine and isoleucine in low dose changed to cysteine and methioninemetabolic pathway in middle and high dose),which may be related to the eectof aminoacyl tRNA.Conclusions: The stability and reliability of MCI model, and the eectiveness ofSCPE in the treatment of MCI were clared. Compared three dierent dosegroups, the high dose SCPE group has more advantages.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation Ameliorates Experimental Colitis by Modulating the Tolerogenic Dendritic and Regulatory T Cell Formation
Authors: Cui Xiufang , Li Jiajia , Wang Di , Yang Yan , Jiao Chunhua , Ma Jingjing , Tang Nana , Zhang Hongjie
Published: September 2020

Background

Intestinal immune dysfunction is involved in the onset of Crohn's disease (CD). The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor widely expressed in various immune cells, including DCs. Although AhR plays an important role in immune tolerance, its role in the DCs is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the activation of AhR can induce tolerogenic DCs (tolDCs) and the differentiation of regulatory T (Treg) cells, as well as ameliorate experimental colitis.
Methods

Bone marrow derived DCs were incubated with or without FICZ(100 nM) which was a kind of AhR for 12 hours, subsequently the cells were stimulated to mature. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to observe dendritic formation on DC surface. Proliferation of T lymphocytes was evaluated by proliferation experiment. The expression of surface markers in DCs were detected by flow cytometry and the gene expression levels of cytokines were measured using RT-qPCR. The levels of cytokines in cell supernatants were determined by ELISA. The expression of cytochrome P450 1A1(CYP1A1) and forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) were measured by Western blotting. TolDCs were transferred to murine colitis model and the intestinal inflammation were evaluated. T-helper (Th) 17 cells and Treg in spleens and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) were analyzed by flow cytometry.
Results

AhR activation in the DCs resulted in a lower expression of surface markers such as CD80, CD83, CD86, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and higher anti-inflammatory production (IL-1β, IL-23, and IL-12) compared to the control DCs. The surface dendrites in DCs were significantly reduced following AhR activation by FICZ. Such DCs with FICZ-mediated activation of AhR, namely tolDCs, inhibited CD4+ T cell proliferation and promoted Treg cell differentiation. Adoptive transfer of tolDCs to a TNBS-induced colitis mouse model significantly alleviated the severity of inflammation by decreasing the frequency of Th17 cells and increasing the frequency of Treg cells.
Conclusions

Activation of AhR in the DCs could induce tolDCs, and the transplantation of tolDCs may help in relieving intestinal inflammation and maintaining the Th17/Treg differentiation balance. Thus, our data suggest that AhR may be a potential therapeutic target for CD.
Assessment of Micronutrient Status of Electronic Waste (E-waste) Recyclers at Agbogbloshie (Ghana) Using Dietary Information and Biomarker Data
Authors: Takyi Sylvia Akpene , Basu Niladri , Arko-Mensah John , Dwomoh Duah , Nti Afua Asabea Amoabeng , Kwarteng Lawrencia , Acquah Augustine A. , Robins Thomas , Fobil Julius N.
Published: September 2020

Background: Growing evidence suggests that heavy metals (e.g., cadmium, lead and arsenic) negatively influence micronutrient status. Electronic waste (e-waste) recyclers are amongst the highest metals-exposed groups worldwide, though their micronutrient status is yet to be explored. This study therefore assessed the micronutrient status of e-waste recyclers using dietary information and biomarker data. Methods: Micronutrient status of 151 participants (100 e-waste recyclers and 51 controls from the Accra region, Ghana) was assessed in March 2017 using a 2-day 24-hour recall survey and biomarker (blood and urine) levels. Blood and urine levels of iron [Fe], calcium [Ca], magnesium [Mg], selenium [Se], zinc [Zn] and copper [Cu] were analyzed by ICP-MS. Linear regression models were used to assess associations between work-related factors and sociodemographic characteristics with micronutrient intake, blood and urine micronutrient levels. Results: Dietary Fe and Zn were adequately consumed among the e-waste recyclers. Meanwhile, micronutrients—such as Ca, Se, Mg and Cu—were inadequately consumed by e-waste recyclers and controls. Except for the low levels of Mg and Fe detected in blood of e-waste recyclers, all other micronutrients measured in both blood and urine of both groups fell within their reference range. Exposure to biomass burning was associated with lower blood levels of Fe, Mg and Zn among the e‑waste recyclers. Further, among e-waste recyclers, significant relationships were found between the number of years of spent recycling e-waste and urinary Ca and Cu excretion.Conclusion: Apart from Fe and Zn, e-waste recyclers at Agbogbloshie did not meet the day to day dietary requirements for Ca, Cu, Se, and Mg intake. In addition, exposure to biomass burning could lead to reductions in Fe, Mg, and Zn uptake in blood. Given that, blood levels of micronutrients such as Mg and Fe were below their reference ranges, the implementation of evidence-based nutrition strategies remains necessary among e-waste recyclers to reduce their risk of becoming malnourished.Trial Registration: Not applicable
What is the Impact of Enterococcus Faecalis Infection on Gastric Cancer; Friend or Foe?
Authors: Türk Seyhan , Türk Can , Temirci Elif Sena , Malkan Umit Yavuz , Ucar Gulberk , Ozguven Sukru Volkan
Published: September 2020

Background: Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is an important commensal microbiota member of the human gastrointestinal tract. Many studies have shown that infection rates with E. faecalis increase significantly in gastric cancer. The infections that developed during the cancer progress are definitive scientific evidence, but it is still not clear whether this effect is in the benefit (decrease in metastasis) or damage of the host (increase in proliferation, invasion, stem cell like phenotype) due to the infection factor. These opposed data can provide significant contrubition in the understanding of cancer progress when it is analyzed detailed. Methods: In this study, we determined altered genes related to E. faecalis infection in gastric cell line MKN74 and relevant pathways to figure out whether infection slows or accelerates cancer progression. The gene expression data were retrieved from Array Express (E-MEXP-3496). Variance, t-test and linear regression analysis, hierarchical clustering, network, and pathway analysis were performed. Results: We determined 12 genes corresponding 15 probesets expressions were downregulated following the live infection of gastric cancer cells with E. faecalis. We identified the network between these genes and the pathways to which they belong. Pathway analysis results have shown that these genes are mostly associated with cancer cell proliferation. Conclusions: Almost all of the genes that we detected as significantly downregulated have an adverse effect especially on the proliferation of cancer cells in the process of infection. In this case, it seems that E. faecalis infection may be an important factor that slows gastric cancer proliferation.
Optimizing Literature Search: TEMAS, A New Text-Mining Algorithm-Assisted Search Tool
Authors: Bonnet Emmanuel , Jean-Pierre Daurès , Paul Landais
Published: September 2020

Background: Literature search is challenging when thousands of articles are potentially involved. To facilitate literature search we created TEMAS a Text Mining Algorithm-assisted Search tool that we compared to a PubMed reference search (RS) in the context of etiological epidemiology.Methods: The 4 steps of TEMAS are: 1) a classic PubMed global search 2) a first sort removing articles without abstracts or containing off-topic terms 3) a clustering step with a descending hierarchical classification regrouping articles in independent classes 4) a final sort extracting from the targeted class the abstracts containing the terms of interest, with a link to the corresponding PubMed articles. Validation was performed for risk factors of breast cancer. We estimated the precision and recall rate compared to RS. Average precision and discounted cumulative gain (DCG) were also computed to perform a ranking-based evaluation. We also compared TEMAS results with articles selected in two meta-analyses.Results: For risk factors of breast cancer, breastfeeding, mammographic density, oral contraceptive, and menarche were explored. TEMAS consistently increased precision vs RS (from 23% to 32%), with a recall rate from 95% to 97%, and divided the number of selected articles to read from 2.3 to 4.8 times. Mean average precision for 100 articles was 47.4% for TEMAS vs 20.9% for PubMed ranked by best match, and DCG showed a consistent improvement for TEMAS compared to PubMed best match.Discussion: TEMAS divided the results of a literature search by 3.2, and improved the precision rate, the average precision, and the DCG compared to RS for epidemiological studies. Reducing the number of selected articles inevitably impacted the recall rate. However, it remained satisfactory and did not bias the corpus of information. Moreover, the recall rate was 100% for the two meta-analyses we analyzed, which suggests that the loss of recall rate observed above concerned articles not relevant enough to be included in the meta-analyses.Conclusion: TEMAS provides a user-friendly interface for non-specialists of literature search confronted with thousands of articles and appeared useful for meta-analyses.
Prevalence of Unrecognized Depression and Associated Factors Among Newly Diagnosed People Living with HIV/AIDS in West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia 2019, Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tiki Takele Kejela , Tusa Teferra Likassa , Tadesse Esayas , Gobena Mulugeta
Published: September 2020

Background: Clinical depression has been associated with various chronic disease conditions. The chronic course of HIV, fostered by the use of antiretroviral therapy in infected patients, puts them at risk of developing clinical depression which unfortunately, is often undiagnosed and therefore untreated. This study aimed to assess Prevalence of unrecognized depression and associated factors among newly diagnosed people living with HIV/AIDS in west shoa zone, oromia regional state, central Ethiopia. Method: Institutional-based cross-sectional study was implemented in 2019. A total of 429 newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients who had regular visit at selected public health facilities in west shoa zone, oromia regional state, central Ethiopia were included in the study. Systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. Patient Health Questionnaire item nine (PHQ-9) was used to assess depressive symptoms. In addition to this, HIV perceived stress scale was used to assess HIV-related perceived stress. Result: A total of 429 study participants were included in the study, giving a response rate of 100%. The mean age of the respondents was 37 years (SD ± 10.04). This study revealed that 47.3% of HIV-positive patients had depression. Patients who had opportunity infection [AOR = 2.15, (95% CI 1.41, 3.29)], HIV-related perceived stress [AOR = 2.23, (95% CI 1.44, 3.46)] and CD4 cell count < 200 [AOR = 1.94, (95% CI 1.25, 3.02)] were more likely to have depression as compared to individuals who had no opportunity infection, no perceived HIV stress and CD4 cell count > 200, respectively.Conclusion and recommendation: Having HIV-related perceived stress and opportunity infection of participant had statistically significant association with undiagnosed depressive. Training of health workers in ART clinics and availing manuals on assessing mental health issues is useful to screen and treat depression among HIV patients.
The economic burden of influenza-like illness among children, chronic disease patients and the elderly in China: a national cross-sectional survey
Authors: Lai Xiaozhen , Rong Hongguo , Ma Xiaochen , Hou Zhiyuan , Li Shunping , Jing Rize , Zhang Haijun , Lyu Yun , Wang Jiahao , Feng Huangyufei , Peng Zhibin , Feng Luzhao , Fang Hai
Published: September 2020

Background: The disease burden of seasonal influenza is substantial in China, while there is still a lack of nation-wide economic burden estimates. This study aims to examine influenza-like illness (ILI) prevalence, healthcare seeking behaviors, economic impact of ILI and its influencing factors among children, chronic disease patients and the elderly during the 2018–19 influenza season.Methods: From August to October 2019, 6668 children’s caregivers, 1735 chronic disease patients, and 3849 elderly people were recruited from ten provinces in China to participate in an on-site survey. The economic burden of ILI consisted of direct (medical or non-medical) and indirect burden, and multivariate linear regression was adopted to predict the influencing factors of total economic burden.Results: There were 45.73% children, 16.77% chronic disease patients and 12.70% elderly people reporting ILI, and most participants chose “Outpatient service only”, “Over-the-counter (OTC) medication only” or “Outpatient + OTC” after ILI. The average total economic burden of ILI was 1848 yuan (USD266.1) for children, 1105 yuan (USD159.1) for chronic disease patients and 2064 yuan (USD297.2) for the elderly. Multivariate linear regression showed that boys, the only child in family, and urban adult residents tended to have larger economic burden after ILI.Conclusions: Large economic burden of ILI was highlighted, especially among the elderly with less income and larger medical burden, as well as children with higher prevalence and higher self-payment ratio. It is important to adopt targeted interventions for high-risk groups, and this study can help national-level decision-making on the introduction of influenza vaccination as public health project.
Impact of Antibiotics Residues on Food Microbiological Quality in Togo: Cases of Chicken Meat and Eggs
Authors: GAMBOGOU Banfitebiyi , GNAMEY Abla Judith Estelle , MENSAH Raouf T. , DIABANGOUAYA Délia Carmen , KANGNI-DOSSOU Messanh , AMEYAPOH Yaovi A.
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine has greatly promoted the intensification of animal production in recent decades. However, the improper use of these veterinary antibiotics causes their residues to be present in foodstuffs of animal origin and thus creates public health issues. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the impact of the presence of antibiotic residues on bacteriological quality of meat and chicken eggs in Togo.Methodology: a survey was carried out among hundred chicken farmers in six markets in the city of Lomé. Then, AFNOR's routine method and the rapid Test method (Premi test) were used to assess the bacteriological quality and the presence of antibiotics in Chicken meats (54 samples) and eggs (36 samples). The statistical analysis is done with software SPSS v25.Results: The results of surveys of our operators have shown that broilers and laying hens are the most represented in the six markets. None of the interviewees ever received any training in biosecurity, food security and good hygiene practice. Out of 90 samples analyzed, 18.89% are positive for antibiotic residues with 99.51% of correlation between antibiotic residues and origin of the sample (p<0.05). Regarding microbiological quality, 16,7% (13/78) of compliance sample are positive to antibiotic residues and 33.3% (4/12) of no compliance sample are positive for antibiotic residues with 92.91% of correlation between microbiology quality and antibiotics residues (p <0.05).Conclusion: The presence of antibiotic residues in the chicken meat and eggs influence the detection of microorganisms. This leads to a food security problem in Togo.
Age-Related Increase in Caveolin-1 Expression Facilitates Cell-To-Cell Transmission of α-Synuclein in Neurons
Authors: Ha Tae-Young , Choi Yu Ree , Noh Hye Rin , Cha Seon-Heui , Kim Jae-Bong , Park Sang Myun
Published: September 2020

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, with aging being considered the greatest risk factor for developing PD. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is known to participate in the aging process. Recent evidence indicates that prion-like propagation of misfolded α-synuclein (α-syn) released from neurons to neighboring neurons plays an important role in PD progression. In the present study, we explored the association between cav-1 and cell-to-cell transmission of α-syn.Methods: Using SH-SY5Y cells and primary neurons overexpressing WT and Y14A cav-1, we investigated the effect of cav-1 expression on the uptake of α-syn using a dual chamber system. Additionally, we investigated the effect of cav-1 expression on the formation of Lewy body-like inclusions using co-culture assay and microfluidic chamber assay.Results: We demonstrated that cav-1 expression in the brain increased with age, and considerably increased in the brain of A53T α-syn transgenic mice. Cav-1 overexpression facilitated the uptake of α-syn into neurons and formation of additional Lewy body-like inclusion bodies, phosphorylation of cav-1 at tyrosine 14 was found to be crucial for this process. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the relationship between age and α-syn spread and will facilitate our understanding of the molecular mechanism of the cell-to-cell transmission of α-syn.
Hybrid Semantic Recommender System for Chemical Compounds in Large-Scale Datasets
Authors: Barros Márcia , Moitinho André , Couto Francisco M.
Published: September 2020

The increasing number of Chemical Compounds is a challenge for the researchers to explore such datasets. In this work, we propose the use of Recommender Systems in the exploration of new Chemical Compounds of interest to scientific researchers. Our approach consists in a Hybrid recommender model suitable for implicit feedback datasets and focused in retrieving a ranked list according to the relevance of the items. The model integrates collaborative-filtering algorithms for implicit feedback (Alternating Least Squares (ALS) and Bayesian Personalized Ranking(BPR)) and a new content-based algorithm, based on the semantic similarity of the Chemical Compounds in the ChEBI ontology. The algorithms were assessed on an implicit dataset of Chemical Compounds, CheRM-20, with more than 16.000 items (Chemical Compounds). The Hybrid model was able to improve the results of the collaborative-filtering algorithms, with increases of more than 10 percentage points in most of the assessed evaluation metrics.
Predictive values of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio on disease severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Liu Chao , Mao Zhi , Xiao Minglu , Wang Li , Qi Shuang , Zhou Feihu
Published: September 2020

Background：Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a highly infectious disease, has been rapidly spreading all over the world and posted a great threat to global public health. Patients diagnosed with severe or critical cases have a poor prognosis. Hence, it is crucial for us to identify potential severe or critical cases early, and give timely treatments for the targeted patients. In the clinical practice of treating COVID-19 patients, we have observed that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of severe patients is higher than that in mild patients. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the predictive values of NLR on disease severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang databases to identify eligible studies (up to August 11, 2020). Two authors independently screened studies and extracted data. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed by Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2).Results: Thirteen studies involving 1579 patients reported the predictive value of NLR on disease severity. The pooled sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE) and area under curve (AUC) were 0.78 (95% CI 0.70-0.84), 0.78 (95% CI 0.73-0.83) and 0.85 (95% CI 0.81-0.88), respectively. Ten studies involving 2967 patients reported the predictive value of NLR on mortality. The pooled SEN, SPE and AUC were 0.83 (95% CI 0.75-0.89), 0.83 (95% CI 0.74-0.89) and 0.90 (95% CI 0.87-0.92), respectively. Conclusions: NLR has good predictive values on disease severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Evaluating NLR can help clinicians identify potentially severe cases early, conduct early triage and initiate effective management in time, which may reduce the overall mortality of COVID-19. Moreover, we can better allocate scarce medical resources in this unprecedented time. Trial registration: This meta-analysis was prospectively registered on PROSPERO database (Registration number: CRD42020203612).
The Relationship Between Harmful Noise and Cognitive Component
Authors: Alimoradi Hadi , Madaveri Rohollah Fallah , Nazari Mahsa , sakhvidi Mohammad javad zare , Nodoushan Reza Jafari
Published: September 2020

Objective & Aim: People who are exposed to noise on a daily basis, exposure to this risk factor as a physical stressor can have immediate and delayed detrimental effects on concentration, attention, high blood pressure, and so on. Method: The present study examines a set of cognitive factors to assess negative emotional states in depression, anxiety, and stress in a noisy work environment. This case study was performed on 1000 workers of Isfahan Steel Industry. ISO9612 (2009) standard and K&B sound level meter were used to measure the noise pressure level. At the same time, the DASS questionnaire was used to measure the severity of the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Results: Based on the findings of the study, the age factor on depression, the marital status factor on anxiety and the work shift factor showed a significant effect on employee stress (p <0.05). There was no significant difference in anxiety and depression variables between the case and control groups (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Due to significant positive relationship between the level of intensity and stress in case it is necessary to effective preventive measures to prevent psychological trauma and protect the health of workers in this industry are necessary.
The Comparison of Survival Between Active Surveillance or Watchful Waiting with Focal Laser Ablation in Patients with Low-Risk Prostate Cancer
Authors: Li Jiakun , Qiu Shi , Jin Kun , Cai Boyu , Yuan Qiming , Xiong Xingyu , Tang Liansha , Jin Di , Zhou Xianghong , Bao Yige , Yang Lu , Wei Qiang
Published: September 2020

IntroductionProstate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in men. Some trials of focal laser ablation (FLA) in men with PCa have shown exciting results. Both active surveillance or watchful waiting (AS/WW) and FLA can avoid the complications caused by radical treatment, how to choose between them in clinical practice needs further study. Therefore, this study aims to compare and analyze the effects of them based on the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) for obtaining better long-term benefits.MethodWe included patients with low-risk PCa from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database of 2010-2016. Multivariate Cox’s proportional hazard analysis were conducted of OS and CSS in two groups. For eliminating bias, this study applied a serious of sensitive analyses. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted for survival status.ResultTotally 18,841 patients with low-risk PCa were included with median 36.00 months follow-up time. According to the multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression, FLA group presented inferior survival benefits in OS than AS/WW group (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.37-3.33, p < .05). After adjusting for confounders, the result consisted with before (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.0- 2.81, p < .05). In sensitivity analysis, the inverse probability of treatment weighing model indicated the same result in OS.ConclusionCompared with standard treatment, AS/WW and FLA had the advantages of less side effects and avoiding over treatment. For patients with low-risk PCa, our study suggested that AS/WW could obtain more survival benefits. More relevant researches and more data will be need for further researches.
Analysis of the Spatial Distribution of Aedes Albopictus by Indicator Kriging in an Urban Area of Shanghai, China
Authors: Zhou Yibin , Liu Hongxia , Leng Peien , Zhu Jiang , Yao Shenjun , Zhu Yiyi , Wu Huanyu
Published: September 2020

Background: Aedes albopictus is a well-recognized vector of major arboviral diseases and a primary pest in tropical and temperate regions of China. The current monitoring system, based on sub-district scale, in most cities of China for the spread of Ae. albopictus has not taken spatial distribution for the analysis of density of species. So it is not accurate enough for epidemic investigations, especially in big cities like Shanghai.Methods: In this study, a new surveillance program integrate the actual monitoring locations was used to investigate the temporal and spatial distribution of Ae. albopictus abundance in an urban area of Shanghai, China, from 2018 to 2019 by using the mosquito-oviposition trap (MOT) method. The study area of 14 sub-districts was divided into 133 grids with a side length of approximately 500 m. The vector abundance and spatial structure of Ae. Albopictus were predicted by the indicator Kriging based on eight MOTs in each grid. Meanwhile, the light trap (LT) method was also used for the analysis and compared with the MOT method.Results: A total of 8,192 MOTs were placed in the study area in 2018, and 7,917 (96.6%) were retrieved with a positive rate of 6.45%, while in 2019, 22,715 (97.0%) of 23,408 MOTs were recovered with a positive rate of 5.44%. When using the LT method, 273 (93.5%) and 312 (94.5%) adult female Ae. albopictus were gathered in 2018 and 2019, respectively. The Ae. albopictus populations in the urban area of Shanghai increased slowly from May, reached a peak in July, and declined gradually from September. The MOT positivity index (MPI) showed a significant positive spatial autocorrelation across the study area, while LT collections indicated a non-significant spatial autocorrelation. The MPI was suitable for spatial interpolation by using the indicator Kriging, and showed different hotspots in different years.Conclusions: The new surveillance system integrate geographic information can help improve our understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution of Ae. albopictus in urban areas of Shanghai and could provide a practical method for decision-makers to implement vector control and management of mosquitoes.
PGM5-AS1 Inhibits the Malignant Phenotype of Colon Cancer Cells by Regulating PAEP and NME1
Authors: Hui Bingqing , Lu Chen , Wang Jing , Xu Yetao , Yang Yuchen , Ji Hao , Li Xiaofei , Xu Lingyan , Wang Jiawei , Wang Keming , Gu Yan-Hong
Published: September 2020

Background: An increasing number of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is recognized to be associated with drug resistance in CRC.Methods: For identifying differentially expressed target genes regarding PGM5-AS1, RNA transcriptome sequencing was performed. The mechanism by which PGM5-AS1 regulates its target genes was explored by performing experiments such as fluorescent in situ hybridization assay, dual luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. Results: The lncRNA PGM5-AS1 was identified by analyzing data from the original microarray data set of colon cancer (GSE75970). PGM5-AS1 additionally suppressed acquired oxaliplatin resistance in CRC cells. Malignant phenotype of PGM5-AS1 was inhibited by recruiting SRSF3 to activate alternative splicing and being a sponge specific to hsa-miR-423-5p.Conclusions: Downregulation of PGM5-AS1 in oxaliplatin-resistant colon cancer tissues and cell lines is induced by transcriptional inhibition of GFI1B. PGM5-AS1 recruited SRSF3 to activate alternative splicing to downregulate the expression of PAEP. In addition, PGM5-AS1 could competitively bind with hsa-miR-423-5p to upregulate the expression of NME1. PGM5-AS1 inhibits the proliferation, invasion, migration and acquired oxaliplatin resistance of colon cancer cells through these two pathways.
PCAT-1 Facilitates Breast Cancer Progression via Enhancing Oxygen-independent Stability of Hypoxia-inducible Factor-1α
Authors: Wang Jianlong , Chen Xuyi , Zhang Ning , Gao Jianzhao , Liu Bin
Published: September 2020

Background: Hypoxia induces a series of cellular adaptive responses that enable to promote inflammation and cancer development. However, only few have been fully characterized about the roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in hypoxia-associated cancer progression. Methods: The involvement of lncRNAs in hypoxia-related cancer progression was screened by qRT-PCR. Based on the public databases and integrating bioinformatics analysis, the alteration of prostate cancer associated transcript-1 (PCAT-1) in breast cancer tissues was detected and validated in a cohort of breast cancer tissues. Overexpression and knocking down experiments were performed to uncover the biological roles of PCAT-1 on cell hypoxia-associated phenotypes and biological behaviors. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down were carried out to reveal the physical interaction between PCAT-1 and receptor of activated protein-C kinase-1 (RACK1). Moreover, xenograft mouse models were used to evaluate the influence of PCAT-1 on cancer progression and metastasis in vivo.Results: We identified PCAT-1 as a hypoxia-inducible lncRNA that regulated the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) stability, crucial for cancer progression. Extensive analyses of clinical data indicated that PCAT-1 was elevated in breast cancer patients and was associated with pathological grade, tumor size and poor clinical outcomes. Through gain and loss of function experiments, we found that PCAT-1 promoted hypoxia-associated breast cancer progression including growth, migration, invasion, colony formation, and metabolic regulation. Mechanistically, PCAT-1 directly interacted with RACK1 protein and prevented RACK1 from binding to HIF-1α, thus protecting HIF-1α from RACK1-induced oxygen-independent degradation.Conclusions: These findings provide a new insight into lncRNA-mediated mechanisms for HIF-1α stability and suggest that a novel role of PCAT-1 as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.
Time-sequential Neuroinflammatory Response After Organophosphate-induced Status Epilepticus
Authors: Maupu Clémence , Enderlin Julie , Igert Alexandre , Auvin Stéphane , Hassan-Abdi Rahma , Soussi-Yanicostas Nadia , Brazzolotto Xavier , Nachon Florian , Bo Grégory Dal , Dupuis Nina
Published: September 2020

Background: Organophosphate compounds (OPs), either pesticides or chemical warfare agents are characterized by irreversible cholinesterase inhibition. In addition to severe peripheral symptoms, high doses of OPs can lead to seizures and status epilepticus (SE). Long lasting seizure activity and subsequent neurodegeneration promote neuroinflammation leading to profound pathological alterations of the brain. The aim of this study was to characterize neuroinflammatory responses at key time points after DFP-induced SE.Methods: SE was induced by diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) injection in male Swiss mice. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analyses of microglial (Iba1) and astrocytic (GFAP) cell markers were studied at 1, 4, 24 h and 3 days post-SE in the hippocampus. In parallel, using RT-qPCR, microglial and astrocytic phenotype markers were quantified on isolated CD11B (microglia) and GLAST (astrocytes)-positive cells after DFP-induced SE.Results: At earlier stages (1-4 h) after SE, although IHC analysis presented no modification, an increase in pro-inflammatory (M1-like) markers and A2-specific markers was observed in CD11B and GLAST-positive isolated cells respectively. Microglial cells sequentially expressed immuno-regulatory (M2b-like) and anti-inflammatory (M2a-like) at 4 h and 24 h of SE induction. At later stages (24 h and 3 days), microglial and astrocytic activations were visible by IHC and Iba1-positive cells were increased in number in DFP animals compared to controls. Finally, at these later stages, A1-specific markers were increased in isolated astrocytes.Conclusions: Our work identified sequential microglial and astrocytic phenotype activations. Although the role of each phenotype in SE cerebral consequences requires further study, targeting specific markers at specific time point could be a beneficial strategy for OP-induced SE treatment.
Disrespect and Abuse During Facility‐Based Childbirth in North Showa Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Adinew Yohannes Mehretie , Hall Helen , Marshall Amy , Kelly Janet
Published: September 2020

Background: Respectful maternity care is a fundamental human right, and an important component of quality maternity care that every childbearing woman should receive. Disrespect and abuse during childbirth is not only a violation of a women’s rights, it is associated with a reduction in the number of women accessing professional maternity services and increases the risk of maternal mortality. This study investigated women’s experience of disrespect and abuse during facility-based childbirth in Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 435 randomly selected women who had given birth at public health facility within the previous twelve months in North showa zone of Ethiopia. A structured, researcher administered questionnaire was used with data collected using digital, tablet-based tools. Participants’ experiences were measured using the seven categories and verification criteria of disrespect and abuse identified by White Ribbon Alliance. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the association between experience of disrespect and abuse and interpersonal and structural factors at p-value < 0.05 and OR values with 95% conﬁdence interval. Results: All participants reported at least one form of disrespect and abuse during childbirth. Types of disrespect and abuse experienced by participants were; physical abuse 435(100%), non-consented care 423(97.2%), non-confidential care 288 (66.2%), abandonment/ neglect (34.7%), non-dignified care 126(29%), discriminatory care 99(22.8%) and detention 24(5.5%). Hospital birth [AOR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.75, 5.27], rural residence [AOR: 1.44, 95% CI: 0.76, 2.71], monthly household income less than 1,644 Birr (USD 57) [AOR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.20, 4.26], being attended by female providers [AOR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.86] and midwifery nurses [AOR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.13, 4.39] showed positive association with experience of disrespect and abuse. Conclusion: The level of disrespect and abuse is high and its drivers and enablers include both structural and interpersonal factors. Expanding the size and skill mix of professionals in the preferred facilities (hospitals), and sensitizing care providers and health managers regarding the magnitude and consequences of D&A are strategies that could possibly promote more dignified and respectful maternity care.
Morphological, Molecular and Ecological Characterization of a Native Isolate of Steinernema Feltiae (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) From Southern Chile
Authors: Flores Patricia A , Alvarado Andrea , Lankin Gabriela O. , Lax Paola , Prodan Simona , Aballay Erwin O
Published: September 2020

Background: Steinernema feltiae is an entomopathogenic nematode used in biological control programs with a global distribution. It has been shown that populations of S. feltiae may have phenotypic plasticity derived from local adaptation and may vary in different traits, such as location and penetration of the host. This is the first time that a Chilean isolate has been described in detail, taking into account morphological, molecular and ecological characteristics. Methods: S. fealtiae was detected a few years ago in southern regions of Chile in the town Lican Ray and was morphologically and morphometrically described, along with a molecular description based on the ITS and D2-D3 regions. Some ecological characteristics were determined, including the temperature requirements for completion of its life cycle and the effect of three water levels in soil for optimal reproduction. Results: Morphometric characteristics of different life stages show large intraspecific variability in averages and ranks compared with isolates from different geographical origins. The molecular data also show intraspecific variability with respect to other isolates. The lower, optimal and higher temperatures found to limit the infestation and reproduction of Galleria mellonella were 10, 20 and 30 °C respectively, and emergence from the host larvae occurred approximately ten days after inoculation. Differences were observed in offspring emerging from the host, and the 120 infective juveniles (IJ)/larvae dose was the most prolific at 20 °C. The water content of the soil did not affect the number of infective juvenile invaders, penetration efficacy (%), and time of emergence of the IJ or offspring per larvae, but it caused a delay in achieving full mortality at the permanent wilting point with respect to saturation and field capacity.Conclusions: Data obtained in this study are valuable since they outline some environmental requirements of this strain to perform optimally in the event of being used as a soil pest bioantagonist.