bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diurnal Cycle of Convection over Lake Titicaca Basin Based on the Satellite Data from the Climate Prediction Center Morphing (CMORPH)
Authors: Chuchon Angulo Eleazar , Pereira Filho Augusto Jose
Published: February 2020

This paper examines the diurnal cycle of convection (DCC) over Lake Titicaca Basin (LTb) during summertime months based on the high spatial resolution (8 x 8 km2) and hourly temporal resolution, estimates of Climate Prediction Center Morphing technique (CMORPH). Analysis was performed using observed data from rain gauges (Rg-SENAMHI) for the period 2002 to 2013. Graphical comparisons and several statistical metrics such as correlation coefficient, bias, and root mean square error were used to evaluate CMORPH product. Spatial maps and graphic metrics of diurnal cycle were developed to assess CMORPH data, spatial dependency an accuracy over the LTb. Approximately, 43% of the total Rg-SENAMHI variation is explained CMORPH data. The correlation between Rg-SENAMHI and CMORPH is positively over southeast and northern LTb, and negatively in the central and southern LTb. A underestimation bias is observed over most the LTb areas and overestimation bias (e.g., Lagunillas, Isla Suana and Desaguadero stations). In general, spatial patterns of rainfall over the LTb were captured through CMORPH data. Over the surrounding lake area, high mountain, and plateau area, maximum peaks of precipitation occur in the early evening, neverhtheless over low areas such as the lake, surrounding and valleys, maximum precipitation values occur early morning. The results show that DCC its very related by surface exchange processes and local circulation resulting from solar radiation and heterogeneous topography.
Comparative Analysis of Single and Hybrid Neuro-Fuzzy-Based Models for an Industrial Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Control System
Authors: Ardabili Sina , Beszedes Bertalan , Nadai Laszlo , Szell Karoly , Mosavi Amir , Imre Felde
Published: February 2020

The hybridization of machine learning methods with soft computing techniques is an essential approach to improve the performance of the prediction models. Hybrid machine learning models, particularly, have gained popularity in the advancement of the high-performance control systems. Higher accuracy and better performance for prediction models of exergy destruction and energy consumption used in the control circuit of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can be highly economical in the industrial scale to save energy. This research proposes two hybrid models of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system-particle swarm optimization (ANFIS-PSO), and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system-genetic algorithm (ANFIS-GA) for HVAC. The results are further compared with the single ANFIS model. The ANFIS-PSO model with the RMSE of 0.0065, MAE of 0.0028, and R2 equal to 0.9999, with a minimum deviation of 0.0691 (KJ/s), outperforms the ANFIS-GA and single ANFIS models.
INDUKSI TEKNOLOGI MARKETING DIGITAL UNTUK MARKET EXPANTION DI KAMPUNG BATIK LAWEYAN SURAKARTA
Authors: Widyaningsih Pipin , Nastiti Faulinda Ely , Meikhati Ety
Published: February 2020

Batik “Puspa Kencana” and Batik “Tahta” are part of batik industrial center located in Kampung Laweyan Surakarta. As a growing business unit in the global market, Batik “Puspa Kencana” and Batik “Tahta” have big challenges in market access and business competitiveness improvement. Marketing activities undertaken by both partners through the process of direct sales to customers and following the exhibition. The marketing model made the market access limited to Surakarta and its surrounding areas only. Utilizing technology by building online stores and digital profiles can be one solution to expand market access for Batik “Puspa Kencana” and Batik “Tahta” Laweyan. The methods used for community service activities are training, program implementation and application maintenance assistance. Partners are very enthusiastic and helped by the implementation of digital marketing because the introduction of stores and marketing activities can be done easily wherever and whenever through online stores and company digital profiles that can be accessed by internet and social media.
INTRODUKSI PROSES PENGOLAHAN PANGAN BERBASIS TANAMAN HORTIKULTURA UNTUK PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT DESA WUNUT KABUPATEN KLATEN
Authors: Praseptiangga Danar , Siswanti Siswanti , Nurhartadi Edhi
Published: February 2020

Wunut Village is located in Tulung Sub-District, Klaten Regency which has the horticultural potential such as tomato and chili. But the huge potential has not been able to lift the economy of the village community. Therefore the community devotion team of Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Sebelas Maret University chose Wunut Village as the target village. The problems faced by farming communities in Wunut Village are (1) production of chili and tomatoes are abundant, but the selling price is relatively low; (2) the large number of poor people; (3) lack of knowledge and community insight about entrepreneurship in the field of food; (4) interest in entrepreneurship is still lacking in society; And (5) the difficulty of marketing the resulting product. The solutions offered by the community devotion team are through training activities and the introduction of tomato processing technology into “torakur”; Training and introduction of production process technology of shredded pepper; Entrepreneurship training and food industry management; Information technology-based marketing training and direct selling strategies. In order to support these activities, aids were also provided to improve the quality of the chakra and the resulting chili pepper. Equipment provided in the form of cabinet dryer, dry mill, and packer sealer. The result of this activity in the form of introduction of tomato processing technology into “torakur”, and processing of chili into shredded chili has been done well, with products that can be accepted by society and have a big prospect to be developed.
Keywords:entreprenuership, quality, torakur, shredded chili, Wunut Village
TOPLUMSAL CİNSİYET ROLLERİNİN ÇEVREYE DUYARLI TÜKETİM DAVRANIŞI ÜZERİNE ETKİSİNİN ÖLÇÜLMESİNE YÖNELİK BİR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: DABLAN Esen , YILMAZ ALARÇİN Eda
Published: February 2020

Kadın ve erkek, insanların sahip oldukları biyolojik cinsiyeti tanımlayan kavramlardır. Günlük hayatta yaygın olarak kullanılan bu kavramların çizdiği sınırlar dâhilinde bireylere, belirli roller yüklenmektedir ve sosyolojik anlamda bu kavramlar, sahip olunan toplumsal rolleri ifade etmektedir. Tüketim, ihtiyaçların ortaya çıkması ile başlayan, ihtiyacın karşılanmasını ve sonrasını da kapsayan bir süreçtir. Tüketimi gerçekleştiren, mal ve hizmetleri kullanan kişiler ise tüketici olarak adlandırılmaktadır. Cinsiyet, pazarlamada kullanılan önemli bir pazar bölümlendirme ölçütüdür. Dolayısıyla toplumsal cinsiyet rolleri de tüketim ile ilişkili davranışları şekillendirmektedir. Bu çalışma bir devlet üniversitesinin Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesinde eğitim alan öğrencilerin katılımı ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Toplanan verilerin analizleri IBM SPSS İstatistik 20 paket programı aracılığıyla yapılmıştır. Yapılan analizler ile frekans ve yüzde dağılımları hesaplanmış, güvenilirlik ve faktör analizleri yapılmış ve belirli parametrik testler kullanılmıştır. Analizler sonucunda ölçeklerin alt boyutları bulunmuş, ortalamaları ve standart sapmaları hesaplanmıştır. Çevreye duyarlı tüketim davranışı ölçeğinin alt faktörleri bulunmuş ve bu faktörlerin öğrencilerin cinsiyet rolleri ile ilişkisi irdelenmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre toplumsal cinsiyet rolleri ile enerji tasarrufu davranışı, geri dönüşüm davranışı ve ekolojik bilinçli karar verme davranışı arasında anlamlı ilişki olduğu bulunmuştur.
Blood Transcriptome Analysis reveals Age-associated changes in Expression Profile of Immune-Related Gene in Golden snub-nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana)
Authors: Huanhuan Shao , Jiabo Deng , Linfeng Wu , Xuedan Li , Lili Niu , Jianqiu Yu , Yang Pu , Huijuan Yan , Weigan Chen , Tan Xuemei
Published: February 2020

Background: Golden snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) are endangered species of monkeys found in China. In this study, we provided the blood transcriptome sequences of golden snub-nosed monkeys obtained using RNA-Seq technology. The genomic annotation of these monkeys was useful to identify the polymorphisms and subpopulations, in order to understand age-related changes of immune system. This data may provide a valuable resource for further genetic and genomic research of golden snub-nosed monkeys.Results: 57.31 Gb high-quality sequencing data were obtained. The clean data of each sample were >5 Gb, and 86.17% to 94.48% of the reads of each sample could be compared to reference genome of snub-nosed monkey. After assembly, we obtained 24,992 genes, including 3,917 new genes. Many genes were up-regulated or down-regulated with age. Compared to the young group, there were 76 differential genes in adult group of R. r. roxellana, including 68 up-regulated and 8 down-regulated genes. While, compared with the adult group, there were 58 differential genes, including 25 up-regulated genes and 23 down-regulated genes in the old group of R. r. roxellana. In R. r. qinlingensis, compared with the young group, 117 differential genes were obtained, including 34 up-regulated and 83 down-regulated genes. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the up-regulated genes were mainly related to innate immune response and T-cell activity, while the down-regulated genes were mainly involved in B-cell activity, suggesting that immune competence of adult group increased gradually compared to young group. However, the adaptive immune function declined gradually in the old group.Conclusions: Our findings can contribute to understanding of molecular mechanisms of age-related changes of immune system, which will provide a foundation for future studies of snub-nosed monkey.
Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting by Patients: Experience of 12 European Countries
Authors: Valinciute-Jankauskiene Agne , Kubiliene Loreta
Published: February 2020

Background

Spontaneous reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) by a patient is an important method in minimizing safety risks related to medicine use. Patients as reporters of suspected ADRs are valuable participants of pharmacovigilance system. The aim of this study to examine the contribution of the patients to pharmacovigilance in European countries that started patient reporting schemes in 2012-2013 and to compare different tools used by their authorities to promote patients’ reporting.

Methods

A web-based questionnaire was sent to the NCAs of the Europe countries. The received answers were systematized and compared with each other through meta-analysis. Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated in a random or fixed-effects model. Heterogeneity was determined using the Cochrane Q-Test.

Results

The performed meta-analysis demonstrates that the changes in the number of received ADR report over the analyzed period increased significantly in each country. The reported statistic from Ireland and Finland significantly differ from other reviewed countries. Personalized feedback is a part of the pharmacovigilance system in 5 (41,6%) countries. Only Finland and Ireland (16,6%) do not offer specific reporting forms to patients. The common source of information on direct patient reporting is the websites of NCAs. Other tools in use are information on social media pages, leaflets, posters, etc.

Conclusions

This is the first insight into patients reporting schemes implemented after the significant reform of the European regulatory system for pharmacovigilance. The statistical data received from the interviewed countries indicate that it is essential for countries with minimal experience in pharmacovigilance systems with direct patient reporting schemes to organize comprehensive campaigns on ADR reporting. However, some countries do not promote the patient’s reporting schemes actively, which implies that the patient reporting is considered as mandatory and not as a supporting tool for safer medicines to consumers.
Retrospective study of orthodontic patients with pre-treatment gingival recessions
Authors: Antanaviciene Guoste , Smailiene Dalia , Baseviciene Nomeda , Zasciurinskiene Egle
Published: February 2020

Background: The occurrence of gingival recessions (GR) after orthodontic treatment (OT) is well described in the literature. However, there is a lack of information about changes to pre-existing GR during OT.
Methods: The aim of this retrospective study was to examine the change of GR before and after OT. Intraoral photographs of 993 patients treated with fixed appliances between 2005 and 2017 were evaluated. Patients who had at least one GR on the vestibular surface of maxillary/mandibular teeth mesial to first molars were included. GR was measured on good quality plaster models before and after OT. The change of GR (T0-T1) was categorised into the three groups: worsened, did not change and improved (this group consisted of GR, which became better but did not disappear, and fully healed, which disappeared after OT)). The change of GR by ≥0.5 mm was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics (Version 22.0. Armonk, NY).
Results: Fifty-one (5.1%) patient had ≥1 GR before OT. Of them, 37 (72.5%) patients were included in the final analysis according to the inclusion criteria. GR before OT was found on 114 buccal/labial surfaces. The mean GR improvement was 0.51 (95% CI: 0.40, 0.63) mm (p<0.001). GR improved in 71 teeth (62.3%), did not change in 37 (32.4%), and worsened in 6 (5.3%). Of the 71 GR, which improved, full healing was observed in 15 (21.1%) teeth. GR had a greater chance of improvement in cases with a thick/normal gingival biotype compared with the thin biotype (OR 2.4; 95% CI: 1.07; 5.28) (p=0.03). There was a lower chance for GR improvement in cases with pre-treatment open bite (OR 3.29; 95% CI: 1.10; 9.81) (p=0.03) and Class III patients (OR 2.79; 95% CI: 1.14; 6.83) (p=0.03).
Conclusions: Based on the results of this retrospective study, we conclude that orthodontic treatment may change and even influence the healing of GR.
Albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio serves as a prognostic indicator in unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Zhang Ke , Dong Shu , Jing Yan-Hua , Gao Hui-Feng , Chen Lian-Yu , Hua Yong-Qiang , Chen Hao , Chen Zhen
Published: February 2020

Background Recent evidence suggests that albumin-to-Alkaline Phosphatase Ratio (AAPR) functions as a novel prognostic marker in several malignancies. However, whether it can predict the prognosis of unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unclear. Herein, we seek to explore this possibility by a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. Methods This was a retrospective design in which 419 patients diagnosed with unresectable PDAC and receiving chemotherapy were recruited. Patients were stratified based on the cutoff value of AAPR. The PSM analysis was used to identify 156 well-balanced patients in each group for overall survival (OS) comparison and subgroup analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to examine the potential of AAPR to indicate the prognosis of unresectable PDAC. Results We identified an AAPR of 0.4 to be the optimal cutoff for OS prediction. Patients with AAPR≤0.4 had significantly shorter OS compared with patients with AAPR>0.4 (6.4 versus 9.3 months; P<0.001). Based on the PSM cohort and entire cohort, multivariate Cox analysis revealed that high pretreatment for AAPR was an independent marker predicting favorable survival in unresectable PDAC (hazard ratio, 0.556; 95% confidence interval, 0.408 to 0.757; P<0.001). Significant differences in OS were observed in all subgroups except for the group of patients age≤60. Conclusions Pretreatment AAPR is an effective marker that predicts outcomes of patients with unresectable PDAC, potentially helping clinicians to identify patients at high risk and guide individualized treatment.
Phaeomelanin matters: redness associates with inter-individual differences in behaviour and hormone profiles in male Scops owls (Otus scops)
Authors: MIRALLES ANGEL CRUZ , Avilés Jesús M. , Chastel Olivier , Expósito-Granados Mónica , Parejo Deseada
Published: February 2020

Background: Individuals within populations often show consistent variation in behavioural and physiological traits, which are frequently inter-correlated, potentially leading to phenotypic integration. Understanding the mechanisms behind such integration is a key task in evolutionary ecology, and melanism has been suggested to play a pivotal role. In birds, most of plumage colour variation is determined by two types of melanin, eumelanin and phaeomelanin, but the role of melanin in avian phenotype integration has mostly been analysed in relation to eumelanin. Here we test for covariation between phaeo-melanin-based coloration, behavioural traits (i.e. nest territoriality, response against researchers, breath rate and parental behaviour) and corticosterone profiles in the polymorphic scops owl Otus scops , a bird species in which more phaeomelanic individuals display reddish colorations. Results: In males, we observed differences between red and grey individuals in latency to return to the nest after being disturbed and in feather CORT. Reddish males took longer to return to their nests and showed higher levels of feather CORT than grey ones. Behaviour and CORT profiles did not differ between red and grey females. Conclusions: The found associations between redness, behaviour and CORT in males, but not in females, might suggest the existence of a sex-specific integrated phaeomelanic phenotype, likely due to pleiotropy, in scops owls.
Circular RNAs Serve as Prognostic, Diagnostic and Clinicopathological Markers in Lung Cancer: An Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liang Zhuozheng , Chen Cui , Guo Cheng , Meng Ping , Zou Manman , Zhang Liyi , Liu Hui , Zhang Tiantuo
Published: February 2020

In recent years, the roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the biogenesis and clinical application have gradually garnered much interest in the field of cancer research. However, high-quality studies evaluating the roles of circRNAs in clinicopathological feature and clinical application of lung cancer are still unrevealed. Herein, we aimed to elucidate the functions of circRNAs in the association with prognosis, diagnosis and clinicopathology in lung cancer. Comprehensive and reasonable search strategies were used in four databases up to Nov. 24th 2019. A total of 50 studies with 3815 patients were incorporated into our meta-analysis, in which 42 focused on clinical characteristics, 10 related with diagnosis (16 items were eligible), and 31 were aimed at prognosis. In terms of clinical characteristics, both odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were shown that circRNAs were significantly associated with TNM, tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, distal metastasis and tumor size in lung cancer. For diagnosis, both upregulated and downregulated circRNAs distinguished patients with lung cancer from healthy people with pooled sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Spe) and area under curve (AUC), of which the values were 0.78, 0.76 and 0.81 respectively. In the section of prognosis, circRNAs can better predict the survival time of patients with lung cancer (overall survival, OS: HR=0.46, 95%Cl: 0.33–0.65 in downregulated circRNAs; HR=2.23, 95%CI :1.97-2.53 in upregulated circRNAs). In summary, the results presented here suggested that circRNAs were the potent cancer biomarkers in clinicopathology, diagnosis and prognosis of lung cancer patients, which deserve further application in clinical practice.
mTORC1/NF-κB axis controls amino acid catabolism by regulating the expression of the key enzymes in human hepatocytes
Authors: Zhang Meng , Fu Yuting , Chen Yuhao , Ma Yuze , Guo Zhixin , Wang Yanfeng , Hao Huifang , Fu Quan , Wang Zhigang
Published: February 2020

Background

In addition to serving as building blocks for protein synthesis, amino acids also provide energy and precursors that are used by cells through catabolism. Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a central coordinator of cellular metabolism. However, little is known regarding the function of mTORC1 in amino acid catabolism. The aims of this study were to explore the mechanism by which mTORC1 controls the conversion of glutamate to α-ketoglutarate and ornithine to putrescine, and mTORC1 regulates the expression amino acid catabolism-related genes in hepatocyte.

Methods

HL-7702 hepatocytes were treated with glutamate, ornithine, rapamycin or SC75741, alone or in combination; the plasmids pRNAT-U6.1/Neo-shRaptor and pIRES2-EGFP-Rheb were transfected into HL-7702 cells to silencing Raptor or overexpressing Rheb . The intracellular content of glutamate, oxaloacetate, α-ketoglutaric acid, and aspartic acid, and the intracellular level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) were measured by ELISA. The concentrations of intracellular ornithine and putrescine were measured by HPLC. The mRNA level of amino acid catabolism-related genes was detected by qRT-PCR, and the protein level of mTORC1 and NF-κB was investigated by western blot.

Results

Our data showed that rapamycin inhibits the utilization of glutamate and ornithine in HL-7702 hepatocytes. mTORC1 regulates the expression of AST and ODC through the transcription factor NF-κB in response to glutamate or ornithine. Further, inactivated mTORC1 by Raptor silencing downregulated the expression of AST , ODC , GDH and GAD , while enhanced mTORC1 by Rheb overexpression upregulated NF-κB activation and the indicated genes expression in hepatocytes. Inhibited NF-κB by inhibitor SC75741 decreased the AST , ODC , GDH , and GAD expression.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that mTORC1 regulates amino acid catabolism by inducing the expression of AST , ODC , GDH , and GAD , which is mediated by NF-κB. This finding constitutes a novel mechanism by which amino acid catabolism is regulated in hepatocytes.
Amorphous calcium phosphate NPs-mediated macrophage response and modulate BMSCs osteogenesis
Authors: Chen Liangjiao , Qiao Pengyan , Liu Hongcheng , Shao Longquan
Published: February 2020

Objective:To evaluate macrophage responses to ACP nanoparticles and the effect of ACP nanoparticle/macrophage-modulated environments on the osteogenic ability of BMSCs.Materials and methods:Macrophage polarization and cytokine expression were determined by SEM, cytoskeletal staining, RT-PCR and ELISA. ROS and autophagy expression were evaluated. TMT™ quantitative protein analysis was used to evaluate protein expression. BMSC osteogenic differentiation was detected by ALP staining, Alizarin Red solution staining and RT-PCR.ResultsACP nanoparticles changed macrophage morphology and polarized into M1 type. ACP nanoparticles promoted autophagy and induced the production of ROS at high concentrations. ACP nanoparticle/macrophage-modulated environments weakened the osteogenic ability of BMSCs.ConclusionACP nanoparticles polarize macrophages into the M1 phenotype. ACP nanoparticle/macrophage-modulated environments weaken the osteogenic ability of BMSCs.
Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis of the Knee Joint Requiring Synovectomy and Arthrotomy
Authors: Patel Kavina , Ahmad Farhan , Leon J.C. De , Buttacavoli Frank
Published: February 2020

BackgroundThis article presents a case of an immunocompetent patient from an endemic area diagnosed with disseminated coccidioidomycosis of the knee joint, which was unusually severe and required operative management.Case presentationA 49-year-old patient with a history of pulmonary coccidiomyocosis presented with right knee pain and multiple symptomatic abscesses beneath the suprapatellar and infrapatellar fat pads. Arthocentesis and culture confirmed the infection, and open synovectomy, arthrotomy and drainage of the infection was performed without complication.ConclusionsDisseminated coccidioidomycosis is an uncommon fungal infection that may involve joints and become refractory to pharmacotherapy. Management may require surgical intervention along with infectious disease consultation and close follow-up. Patients from endemic regions should be evaluated with a comprehensive history for this disease.
Testing the Restrictiveness and Generalizability of Randomized Controlled Trial Population Sampling using a Failed Perioperative Beta-Blocker Trial
Authors: Titz Markus , Schwameis Michael , Kienbacher Calvin , Buchtele Nina , Roth Dominik , Duma Andreas , Nagele Peter , Schörgenhofer Christian , Herkner Harald
Published: February 2020

BackgroundThe limited applicability of evidence from randomized controlled trials in real word practice is considered a potential bottleneck for evidence-based practice but rarely systematically assessed. Using our failure to recruit patients into a perioperative beta-blocker trial, we set out to analyse the restrictiveness and generalizability of trial eligibility criteria in a real-world cohort.MethodsWe included adult patients scheduled for elective major non-cardiac surgery at an academic tertiary care facility who were screened for inclusion in a planned perioperative beta-blocker RCT, which was terminated due to recruitment failure. Primary outcome was the proportion of screened patients who matched the eligibility criteria of 36 published RCTs included in a large Cochrane meta-analysis on perioperative beta-blocker therapy. The PRECIS-2 tool was used to assess the pragmatism/explanatory level of each RCT. ResultsA total of 2,241 patients were included for the assessment of trial-eligibility. Overall, eligibility proportions were low and ranged from 53% to 0%. The average proportion of patients who did match the eligibility criteria of all 36 RCTs was 6.5% (n=145, 95% confidence interval 6.3 to 6.6). There was no major criterion causing trial-ineligibility of study patients. A higher PRECIS-2 score was associated with a higher proportion of matching patients (p<0.001).ConclusionsTrial eligibility criteria in perioperative beta-blocker therapy trials are overly restrictive and not generalizable to a real-world population.
Alarming rate of transmitted drug resistance mutations and genetic diversity in newly HIV-1-infected patients in Benin
Authors: Tchiakpe Edmond , Keke Rene K , Vidal Nicole , Ahoussinou Clément , Sekpe Olga , Dagba Hermione G , Gbaguidi Eric , Tonoukouen Conrad , Afangnihoun Aldric , Bachabi Moussa , Gangbo Armande F , Harrigan Richard , Diop-Ndiaye Halimatou , Toure-Kane Coumba
Published: February 2020

BackgroundSeventeen years after the start of the IBAARV (Beninese initiative for access to antiretrovirals), transmitted drug resistance mutations in ARV naïve patients and HIV-1 genetic diversity were investigated in Benin.Methods353 plasma samples were collected between October and December 2017 in nineteen facilities care in Benin from HIV-1 positive and ARV naive individuals. Pol (protease + partial RT) region was amplified and sequenced in 248 samples.ResultsDrug resistance mutations were detected in (27/248; 10.9%) according to the WHO SDRM 2009 list, with predominance of mutations directed to NNRTIs drugs (24/248; 10%).Phylogenetic and recombination analyses showed a predominance of CRF02_AG strains (165/248; 66.5%) and a high genetic diversity with five other variants and 39 URFs (15.7%) which contained portions of strains that co-circulate in Benin. Eight recent transmission chains revealed active ongoing transmission of HIV-1 strains among ARV naïve patients.ConclusionsOur study showed a high primary drug resistance rate and a complex genetic diversity. Regular monitoring of primary drug resistance is required to adapt HIV-1 treatment strategies and adoption of new WHO recommendations in Benin.
Influence of physical activity on serum vitamin D levels in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bauer Angelika , Lechner Ivan , Auer Michael , Berger Thomas , Bsteh Gabriel , Pauli Franziska Di , Hegen Harald , Wurth Sebastian , Zinganell Anne , Deisenhammer Florian
Published: February 2020

Background: In most cases, multiple sclerosis (MS) patients reduce physical activity with disease progression and many patients are found to be vitamin D deficient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of daily physical activity in everyday life on 25-hydroxyvitamin-D3 (25(OH)D3) serum levels in mildly disabled patients with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ≤ 4.Methods: We analyzed serum 25(OH)D3 levels and recorded daily physical activity (activity duration, number of steps, distance, total calorie consumption) using an activity tracker for 14-days in 25 women and 15 men. Participants recorded their daily sun exposure time by diary during the study period.Results: We found a positive correlation between physical activity and 25(OH)D3 levels in both, Pearson correlation (r = 0.221) and multivariate regression analysis (B = 0.308, β = 0.236), which was stronger than correlation with sunlight exposure (B = -0.044, β = -0.081). EDSS and physical activity were weakly correlated (r = -0.228), but no correlation between EDSS and 25(OH)D3 levels was found (r = -0.077). There were no relevant differences in physical activity (p = 0.803) and 25(OH)D3 concentrations (p = 0.385) between the EDSS groups 0 – 1.5 and 2.0 – 4.0.Conclusion: Physical activity has an independent effect on vitamin D levels in MS patients with low-grade disability.
The influence of prior arthroscopy on subsequent total knee arthroplasty: the comparison in the same patient
Authors: shen rui , HU Chuan , Wang Cai-lin , XU Kui-shuai , Wang Yuan-he , SUN Kang , TIAN Shao-qi , Rao huili , Ye jianjun , Ye lin
Published: February 2020

Background: To explore whether prior arthroscopic knee surgery affects future total knee arthroplasty or not Methods : A total of 36 patients with prior arthroscopy who underwent total knee arthroplasty in the department of orthopedics, affiliated hospital of Qingdao University from September 2013 to July 2017 were collected. We defined the knee with a prior arthroscopy history as group A, and the other side as group B. Using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to test normality of continuous variables, and the chi-square test was applied to compare the rate of reoperation and complication between two groups. For all statistical comparisons, P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: There was no statistical significance in postoperative Knee Society clinical score and functional score between group A and group B, as well as ROM, FJS, VAS scores and local complications Conclusion : There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative functional recovery and complications in patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty with prior knee arthroscopy.
Different airway smooth muscle cells phenotypes are involved in intrinsic and extrinsic obstruction in guinea pig asthma model
Authors: Alvarez-Santos Mayra D , Marisol Álvarez-González , Elizabeth Eslava-De Jesus , González-López Angel , Ivonne Pacheco-Alba , Yazmín Pérez-Del Valle , Rodrigo Rojas-Madrid , Bazan-Perkins Blanca
Published: February 2020

Background: Airway obstruction in asthma is driven by airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction. Airway obstruction can be induced extrinsically by direct stimulation of ASM with contractile agonists or by indirect provocation with antigens, while the airway baseline tone is dependent on intrinsic obstruction. The ASM phenotypes involved in all types of obstruction seem to be related.Methods: To determination the associations of the ASM phenotypes involved in different types of airway obstruction, guinea pigs were sensitized to ovalbumin and repetitively challenged with antigen. At the third challenge, histamine provocation was used to evaluate airway responsiveness (AR), and lung samples were obtained to calculate the airway wall area. ASM cells from the trachea were disaggregated to determine 1) the percentage of cells that expressed transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), interleukin-13 (IL-13) and sarco-endoplasmic Ca2+ ATPase-2b (SERCA2b) by flow cytometry; 2) SERCA2B gene expression by RT-PCR; 3) the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) by ELISA; and 4) the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ refilling rate by microfluorometry. The control guinea pig group received only saline instead of ovalbumin. Comparisons were made using t-tests, and the associations were determined using Spearman correlation coefficient analysis.Results: Antigenic challenges induced airway obstruction and progressive incremental changes in airway baseline tone. The AR to histamine and the expression of TGF-β1 in ASM cells was increased in the asthma model. The airway wall mass and expression of IL-13 and SERCA2b in ASM cells were similar between groups. SERCA2B gene expression and GSH levels were reduced in the asthma group. The extent of antigen-induced airway obstruction was directly associated with ASM cell TGF-β1 expression and the degree of AR. The magnitude of AR and antigen-induced airway obstruction showed an inverse correlation with GSH levels. The airway baseline tone showed an inverse association with SERCA2b expression. No relationship was observed between direct or indirect airway obstruction and the airway tone. After caffeine withdrawal, the rate of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ refilling was similar in both groups.Conclusions: Each type of airway obstruction depends on different ASM phenotypes: 1) direct and indirect airway obstruction seems to be sensitive to the level of ASM oxidative stress; 2) indirect obstruction induced by antigen appears to be influenced by the expression of TGF-β1 in ASM; and 3) the SERCA2b expression level in ASM cells plays a role in the intrinsic airway tone.
Impact of physical activity on recurrence dynamics in early breast cancer patients
Authors: Biganzoli Elia Mario , Desmedt Christine , Demicheli Romano
Published: February 2020

Background Several studies have suggested that pre and/or postdiagnosis physical activity can reduce the risk of recurrence in breast cancer patients, however its effect according to follow-up time has not yet been investigated. Methods We analyzed recurrence and mortality dynamics in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) from Australia and Canada. The combined Australian RCTs evaluated, at median follow-up of 8.3 years, an 8-month pragmatic exercise intervention in 337 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, while the Canadian RCT evaluated, at median follow-up of 7.4 years, supervised aerobic or resistance exercise during chemotherapy in 242 patients. For each RCT, the control arm consisted of patients undergoing usual care. We estimated the event dynamics by the discrete hazard function, through flexible regression of yearly conditional event probabilities with generalized additive models. Results In the considered RCTs, the recurrence and mortality risk of patients enrolled in the physical activity arm was stably reduced at medium/long term after five year of follow-up. In the Australian RCTs where patients were recruited by urban versus rural area, the latter group did not display benefit from physical activity. Estimated Odds Ratios (95% Confidence Intervals) for Disease Free Survival (DFS) in urban women were 0.63 (0.22-1.85); 0.27 (0.079-0.90); 0.11 (0.013-0.96) at the 3rd, 5th and 7th year of follow-up, respectively. For rural women, DFS patterns were overlapping with ORs approximating 1 at the different years of follow-up. Although not reaching statistical evidence, the estimates in the Canadian trial were in line with the results from the Australian urban women with ORs (95% CI) forDFS of 0.70 (0.33-1.50); 0.47 (0.19-1.18); 0.32 (0.077-1.29) at 3rd, 5th, 7th follow-up year, respectively. Conclusions While we acknowledge that the analyzed RCTs were not designed for investigating disease recurrence over time, these results support the evidence that physical activity reduces the risk of developing medium/long-term metastases. Additional translational research is needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying these observations.
Various combinations of Carbapenemase production in community-acquired clinical isolates in Nepal
Authors: Sah Ranjit , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J. , Pokhrel Nayanum , Donovan Suzanne , Shrestha Gentle Sunder , Fazal Farhan , Singla Sonam , Sencan Mehtap , Rabaan Ali A. , Kumari Manisha , Sah Sanjit , Khadka Shusila , Adhikari Mahesh , Erdem Hakan
Published: February 2020

Background Carbapenems are at the forefront of managing infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). These antibiotics are destroyed by carbapenemase enzymes, produced by the infecting bacteria. Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase (KPC), New Delhi Metallo - β lactamase (NDM), Verona integron-encoded Metallo β lactamase (VIM), OXA-48, and IMP are the commonest carbapenemases reported. Since these resistance phenotypes are related to hospitals, their place in the community is actually unclear and unexpected. Our case series is, therefore, crucial to reveal the significant production of multiple carbapenemases in these alarmingly resistant community-acquired isolates recovered from three patients. Case presentation We confirmed carbapenemase production by using the modified Hodge test (MHT) and Xpert Carba R. NDM, KPC and OXA-48 carbapenemase production, VIM, NDM, KPC, and OXA carbapenemase production, and IMP, VIM, NDM, and OXA carbapenemase production were demonstrated in Case 1, Case 2, and Case 3, respectively. Escherichia coli was isolated from blood and urine samples of case 1. The isolate was susceptible to colistin, tigecycline, and fosfomycin. Due to the development of acute kidney injury, treatment with colistin combined with tigecycline was stopped and Inj. Fosfomycin was started intravenously. After completion of antimicrobial therapy, the patient successfully recovered. Blood and sputum cultures of Case 2 with community-acquired pneumonia, yielded multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia . The strain was carbapenemase producer and susceptible to tigecycline and colistin solely. Treatment with intravenous colistin and tigecycline resulted in a good clinical outcome. E. coli was recovered from both the ascitic fluid and the blood of Case 3.The pathogen was susceptible to both colistin and tigecycline. After the modification of treatment modality from intravenous imipenem to tigecycline, the patient began to improve on the third day of therapy. Conclusions Our results are noteworthy in emphasizing the growing resistance profiles of gram-negative bacteria in the community and show an epidemiological link between healthcare settings and the community. These bacteria are easily transmissible by mobile genetic elements (MGEs), compelling us to rely on last-resort drugs like colistin, tigecycline, or fosfomycin for better therapeutic management. Accordingly, we used these drugs in combination, and all three patients were cured.
Cost-effectiveness of Comprehensive screening of general population for hypertension: Can it save money and Life? Systematic review of Pharmacoeconomic Studies
Authors: Davari Majid , Sorato Mende Mensa , Nikfar Shekoufeh
Published: February 2020

Background: Hypertension is one of major modifiable risk factors contributing for development of ischemic heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral arterial disease. Silent nature of the disease, delayed presentation of patients to health system after development of significant cardiovascular events and poor access to comprehensive health care are major challenge of hypertension control. Early screening, detection and treatment of hypertension is effective for control of the disease progression. However, there is no robust evidence on whether screening general population for hypertension is cost-effective or not. Therefore, this review was conducted t o generate evidence on cost effectiveness of population-based hypertension screening for asymptomatic individuals as early detection strategy for the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Methods: PubMed/Medline , Scopus, Web of sciences and Google Scholar were searched from January 2000 to 11 December 2019. Two investigators independently selected and reviewed fair and good-quality pharmacoeconomic studies for the cost-effectiveness of asymptomatic screening for hypertension in the community. Quality of selected literatures are evaluated by authors based on comprehensive tool developed for critical appraisal of pharmacoeconomic studies. Results: Eleven included Pharmacoeconomic studies reported favorable results for screening asymptomatic adults for hypertension. Most of studies agreed on cost-effectiveness of screening adults aged 40 years and older. Screening of general adult population for hypertension is not-cost effective. Conclusion: Screening population 40 years and older with or without additional risk factors is cost-effective in reducing hypertension and associated cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality in developed and developing countries.
Label-free Quantitative Proteomics for Investigating the Therapeutic Mechanism of Sijunzi Decoction on Spleen Deficiency Syndrome
Authors: Yan Qinghua , Ma Shijiang , Chen Hongli , Zhang Qiqing
Published: February 2020

Background: Sijunzi decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription which is used to treat spleen deficiency syndrome. But the therapeutic mechanism of Sijunzi decoction on spleen deficiency syndrome is unclear.Methods: A rat model of reserpine-induced spleen deficiency syndrome was established. The therapeutic effects of Sijunzi decoction were assessed by histopathological examination and enzyme activity analysis. A label-free proteomics method was used to assess the changes in the endogenous protein. The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were analyzed using bioinformatics methods. Western blot was used to validate the proteomic data.Results: Sijunzi decoction could significantly restore damaged liver tissue and enzymatic activities. DEPs of Sijunzi decoction-intervened spleen deficiency syndrome mainly regulated various metabolic processes involved in cellular responses to enzyme activity for catalysing, transforming and transferring. The four pathways (bile secretion, pyruvate metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism) might be closely related with the intervention mechanism of Sijunzi decoction. Protein H2afx, interferon stimulated gene 15 protein, and signal transducers and activators of transcription1 proteins were predicted to play the important roles in Sijunzi decoction action networks.Conclusions: Sijunzi decoction could exert intervention action by restoring DEPs involved in potential target pathways. Current results wish to provide novel perspectives for revealing the potential protein targets of Sijunzi decoction on spleen deficiency syndrome and facilitating its clinical usage.
Protein arginine methyltransferase-5 Selective Inhibitor Enhances Therapeutic Effects of Cisplatin on Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Bajbouj Khuloud , Ramakrishnan Rakhee K. , Saber-Ayad Maha , Omar Hany A. , Sharif-Askari Narjes Saheb , Shafarinhttps://www.editorialmanager.com/bcan/SubM Jasmin , Elmoselhi Adel , Ihmaid Ahmed , Ali Suhib Al Haj , Alalool Abdulla , Abdullah Reem , Hamid Qutayba
Published: February 2020

Background Lung cancer is the most common cancer globally. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is identified to be involved in gene transcriptional regulation and cell division. PRMT5 is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and melanoma, raising evidence that PRMT5 might be involved in tumorigenesis. The aim of this study is to examine potential selective anti-neoplastic activity of PRMT5 inhibitor, Arginine methyltransferase inhibitor 1 (AMI-1) and cisplatin on lung adenocarcinoma. Methods Effect of AMI-1 on PRMT5 activity inhibition in lung adenocarcinoma cell line, A549, in response to standard chemotherapeutic agent, cisplatin, was assessed. Bioinformatic analyses were carried out to identify the prognostic value of PRMT5 and its major functional pathways in lung adenocarcinoma. Cell viability, PMRT5 protein levels, extent of cell migration, survival of cancer cells, and cell cycle progression and apoptosis were examined. Drug combination was also evaluated in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEpC). Results Bioinformatics identified apoptosis, DNA damage, and cell cycle progression as the main PRMT5 associated functional pathways, and survival analysis linked the increased PRMT5 gene expression to worse overall survival. Combination treatment with 10 µM AMI-1 and of Cisplatin significantly reduced viable cell percentages. Cell cycle arrest in A549 cells was evident after AMI-1, which was reinforced after combination treatment. Apoptosis was observed after treatment with both drugs. Western blot analysis showed reduction in demethylation histone 4, a PRMT5- downstream target, after treatment with AMI-1 alone or in combination with cisplatin. While combination approach tackled lung cancer cell survival, it exhibited cytoprotective abilities on normal epithelial cells. Finally, treatment with both drugs led to a decreased cell migration rate. Conclusions This study highlights evidence of novel selective antitumor additive activity of AMI-1 in combination with cisplatin in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Survival of normal bronchial epithelial cells was not affected by using AMI-1.
Current stage of studies of the star configurations at intermediate energies with the use of the BINA detector
Authors: Wilczek Andrzej , Szadziński Albert , Bodek Kazimierz , Ciepał Izabela , Eslami-Kalantari Mohammad , Kalantar Nayestanaki Nasser , Khatri Ghanshyambhai , Kistryn Stanisław , Kłos Barbara , Kozela Adam , Kuboś Joanna , Kulessa Paweł , Łobejko Angelina , Magiera Andrzej , Mardanpour Hossein , Messchendorp Johan , Mazumdar Indranil , Parol Wiktor , Ramazani-Moghaddam-Aran Ahmad , ramazani sharifabadi reza , Rozpȩdzik Dagmara , Skwira-Chalot Izabela , Stephan Elżbieta , Włoch Bogusław , Wrońska Aleksandra , Zejma Jacek
Published: February 2020

The~Space Star Anomaly in proton-deuteron breakup cross-section occurs at energies of about 10~MeV. Data for higher energies are sparse. Therefore, a~systematic scan over star configurations in the~range of intermediate energies between 50 and 100 MeV/nucleon is carried out on the~basis of data collected with the~large acceptance BINA detector.
The~preliminary cross section results for forward star configurations at 80 MeV/nucleon slightly surpass the~theoretical calculations, but the~systematic uncertainties are still under study.
Also, a~new variable describing rotation of star configurations is proposed.
Determination of phase space region for cross-check validation of the neutron detection in the BINA experiments
Authors: Włoch Bogusław , Bodek Kazimierz , Ciepał Izabela , Eslami-Kalantari Mohammad , Golak Jacek , Kalantar Nayestanaki Nasser , Khatri Ghanshyambhai , Kistryn Stanisław , Kłos Barbara , Kozela Adam , Kuboś Joanna , Kulessa Paweł , Łobejko Angelina , Magiera Andrzej , Mardanpour Hossein , Messchendorp Johan , Mazumdar Indranil , Parol Wiktor , Ramazani-Moghaddam-Aran Ahmad , Rozpȩdzik Dagmara , Skibiński Roman , Skwira-Chalot Izabela , Stephan Elżbieta , Wilczek Andrzej , Witała Henryk , Wrońska Aleksandra , Zejma Jacek
Published: February 2020

Deuteron breakup reactions are basic laboratories for testing nuclear force models. Recent improvements in the data analysis allow for direct identification of neutrons in the BINA detection setup. This opens up the opportunity to study new aspects of few-nucleon system dynamics like charge dependence of nuclear force or Coulomb interaction.
In this paper we determine regions along the kinematical curves where differential cross section of deuteron-proton breakup reactions can be measured by the proton-neutron and proton-proton coincidences simultaneously.
%In this paper we determine regions along the kinematical curves where differential cross section of $^1$H$(d,pp)n$ and $^1$H$(d,pn)p$ breakup reactions overlap.
This is particularly useful for validation of the neutron detection technique.