bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prevalence of Adenomas, AAs, and CRCs in Colonoscopy Screening Among Average-Risk Individuals in China
Authors: Gong Yan , Zheng Yansong , Wu Rilige , Liu Miao , Li Hong , Zeng Qiang
Published: August 2021

Background: Screening colonoscopy has historically been recommended starting at the age of 50. However, the recommended age for beginning screening has recently been reduced to 45 independent of sex. However, studies on screening colonoscopies of average-risk individuals in China are sparse. This study aimed to determine and compare the prevalence of adenomas, advanced adenomas (AAs), and colorectal cancers (CRCs) and the number of individuals needing screening in an average-risk Chinese population of different ages and sexes.Methods: A total of 53,152 individuals undergoing colonoscopy were included from January 2013 to December 2019. We analysed and compared the prevalence of adenomas, AAs, and CRCs and the number of individuals needing screening in different age groups of men and women.Results: The average age of males was 48.80 years (SD, 8.47 years), that of females was 50.00 years (SD, 9.00 years), and the sex ratio was 66.28% (n=35,226) vs. 33.72% (n=17,926). The prevalence of adenomas, AAs, serrated adenomas and CRCs was 14.51% ([95% CI 14.21–14.81], n=7713), 3.04% ([95% CI 2.90–3.19], n=1617), 1.23% ([95% CI 1.01–1.32], n=653) and 0.59% ([95% CI 0.52–0.65], n=313), respectively. Male sex was significantly associated with a high prevalence of adenomas (17.14% [95% CI 16.74–17.53] vs 9.36% [95% CI 8.94–9.79], P<0.001), AAs (3.67% [95% CI 3.47–3.87] vs 1.81% [95% CI 1.61–2.00], P<0.001) and serrated adenomas (1.56% [95% CI 1.43–1.69] vs. 0.59% [95% CI 0.47–0.70], P<0.001). The prevalence of AAs in 45- to 49-year-old individuals was 3.17% (95% CI 2.80–3.55) in men and 1.49% (95% CI 1.12–1.86) in women. The number of men needing screening(NNS) was 31.55 (95% CI 28.17–35.71), while the number of women was 67.11 (95% CI 53.76–89.29). The prevalence and number of patients needing screening for AAs in men aged 45–49 years were close to those in women aged 65–69 years (31.55 [95% CI, 28.17–35.71] vs. 29.07 [95% CI, 21.05–46.73]).Conclusions: The prevalence of adenomas, AAs, and serrated adenomas increased with age. Males had a higher prevalence rate than females. The prevalence and NNS of AAs in 45- to 49-year-old men were close to those in 65- to 69-year-old women.
Tribo-corrosion Behaviour of Bare and Nano-coated Foils Used on High-speed Air Foil Bearings
Authors: Khoele Khotso , Onoyivwe Monday Ama , Suprakas Ray , Popoola Ambimbola Patricia , Desai David , Delport David Jacobus
Published: August 2021

Irrespective of applying lubricants between high-speed machinery’s shafts and Air-foil bearings (AFBs), wear and friction remain troublesome. Hence, the present study sought novel bare foil and equivalent nanocomposites to form a coating system that could mitigatly lower frictional wear between high-speed machinery’s shafts and Air-foil bearings (AFBs). Bare and coated foils were supplied on rectengular dimensions of 15 × 15 × 5mm3. Mechanical properties were characterized by Instron 3384 testing machine. Universal Tribometer s/n : RTEC2441, USA was utilized for tribological measurements at room temperature. Surface morphologies were examined by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Higher hardness and young modulus values were recorded from coated foils. On the other hand, specific wear rates were relatively low from coated foils. Furthermore, abrasive wear index was higher from the F2 coated foil. Friction coeffients were also lower from the coated foils under all engaged tribological conditions. Highly ruptured SEM morphologies were noticed from the bare foil. Nonetheless, mild and negligible aggressions were discovered from the surfaces of nano-coated foils.
The Demographic Characteristics Affecting Fear of Falling Avoidance Behaviors in Older Adults
Authors: Jamaati Sohail , Bakhshi Enayatollah , Haghgoo Hojjat A.
Published: August 2021

Purpose: Not only falling but also fear of falling deeply affects people's social participation and quality of life. We aimed to investigate the relationship between demographic characteristics and the fear of falling and consequently the life habits and satisfaction in elderly people.Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a total of 203 people aged over 60 years were recruited in Tehran, and assessed using the Fear of Falling Avoidance Behaviors Questionnaire, Falls Efficacy Scale (FES-1), and Life Habits tests (Life-H). Data were used to measure the prevalence of fear of falling and its correlation with life habits.Results:Correlation coefficient of total score of the questionnaire was directly correlated with Fall efficacy scale (p <0.001, r = 0.94), and inversely correlated with Activity (p = 0.004, r = -0.51), and Satisfaction levels (p = 0 (003, r = -0.53) of Life-Habits questionnaire.There were significant correlations between age and FFABQ scores (r=28%, P<0.001), educational level (p<0.000), and also significant relation between gender and fear of falling (p=0.006). The chi-square test showed a significant relationship between the history of falling with fear of falling (p<0.001).Conclusion: fear of falling severely affects life habits and decreases Iranian older people's social activity and participation. It is strongly affected by demographic characteristics such as gender, age, and education.Trial registration number: IR.USWR.REC.1398.093Date of registration: 4th August 2019
Rural-Urban Migration, Childbearing Decision-Making, Fertility and Contraceptive Perspectives of Street Adolescents and Youth in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Bwambale Mulekya Francis , Moyer Cheryl A , Bukuluki Paul , Borne Bart van den
Published: August 2021

Background
This paper aimed at describing childbearing decision-making, fertility and contraceptive intentions and associated social demographic factors among disadvantaged street adolescents and youth in Kampala, Uganda while considering rural-urban migration aspects as an explanatory factor.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey of 513 adolescents and youth aged 12–24 years self-identifying as street adolescents and youth were interviewed with a structured questionnaire in 2019. Street adolescents and youth who migrated from other rural districts to Kampala were compared with those from the city. Street adolescents and youth who migrated from other rural districts to Kampala were classified as migrants while those without the rural experience were considered non-migrants. Logistic regression was applied to assess associations between independent factors and personal childbearing decision-making, fertility intentions and contraceptive intentions.
Results
Overall, 80.31% of the street adolescents and youth had a rural-urban migration experience. Fifty six percent (56.32%) of the street adolescents and youth made personal childbearing decisions, 94.15% expressed intentions to have children in the future and 42.88% expressed intentions to use contraceptives in the future. Intentions to use contraceptives were significantly higher among males (58.75%) than females (20%). Contraceptive intentions were positively associated with self-perceived permanent residential status (aOR = 10.26, 2.70-39.08), more intra-urban mobility (aOR = 4.99, 95%CI 1.50-16.59) and intentions to migrate to other towns within the country (aOR = 5.33,95%CI 1.59–17.80). Regarding migration aspects, street adolescents and youth who had cyclic movements between the city and district of origin were less likely to make personal childbearing decisions compared to those who never had repeat migration (aOR = 0.23, 95%CI 0.05–0.94). We found no significant association between the social demographic characteristics and fertility intentions.
Conclusions
Street adolescents and youth with a rural-urban migration experience have less control over personal childbearing decision-making and contraceptive intentions than the non-cyclic migrant counterparts. Factors that influence personal childbearing decision-making and contraceptive intentions among street adolescents and young people in Kampala city operate mainly at the interpersonal and local level, with migration and mobility patterns playing a central role in both perspectives. Programmes and services to prevent promote contraceptives and contraceptive use particularly among the vulnerable street adolescents and youth should take into consideration migration patterns of the street children.
A local tumor microenvironment acquired super-enhancer induces an oncogenic driver for efficient growth under oxidative conditions in colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Royce , Xu Jia , Martin Tiphaine , Ozturk Sait , Zachem Alexis , He John , Bansal Ankita , Trotta Andrew , Giotti Bruno , Gryder Berkley , Yao Shen , WU Xuewei , Carcamo Saul , Bosch Kaitlyn , Hopkins Benjamin , Tsankov Alexander , Steinhagen Randolph , Jones Drew , Asara John , Chipuk Jerry , Brody Rachel , Itzkowitz Steven , Chio Christine , Hasson Dan , Bernstein Emily , Parsons Ramon
Published: August 2021

Tumors exhibit widespread enhancer landscape reprogramming compared to normal tissue. The etiology is believed to be largely cell-intrinsic in non-hormonal cancers, attributed to such genomic alterations as focal amplification of non-coding regions, aberrant activation of transcription factors, and non-coding mutations creating de novo transcription factor binding sites. Here, using freshly resected primary CRC tumors and patient-matched adjacent normal colon epithelia, we find divergent epigenetic landscapes between primary CRC tumors and CRC cell lines. We identify a unique super-enhancer signature largely absent in cell culture. Intriguingly, this phenomenon extends to highly recurrent aberrant super-enhancers gained in CRC over patient-matched normal epithelium suggesting novel insight into the etiology of enhancer reprogramming in CRC and its downstream relevance to tumor biology. We find one such super-enhancer activated in epithelial cancer cells due to surrounding inflammation in the tumor microenvironment. We restore this super-enhancer and its expressed gene, PDZK1IP1, following treatment with cytokines or xenotransplantation into nude mice, thus demonstrating its etiology via local tumor microenvironment acquisition. Building on its known role in glucose uptake via SGLT receptors, we demonstrate mechanistically that PDZK1IP1 enhances the reductive capacity CRC cancer cells via the pentose phosphate pathway using polar metabolomic profiling. We show this activation enables efficient growth under oxidative conditions both in vitro and in vivo, challenging the previous notion that PDZK1IP1 acts as a tumor suppressor in CRC. Collectively, these observations highlight the biologic significance of epigenomic profiling on patient-matched primary specimens and identify this microenvironment-acquired super-enhancer as an oncogenic driver in the setting of the inflamed tumor.
Genetic and climatic factors in the dispersal of Anatomically Modern Humans Out of Africa
Authors: Tobler Raymond , Souilmi Yassine , Huber Christian , Bean Nigel , Turney Chris , Cooper Alan , Grey Shane
Published: August 2021

The evolutionarily recent dispersal of Anatomically Modern Humans (AMH) out of Africa and across Eurasia provides an opportunity to study rapid genetic adaptation to multiple new environments. Genomic analyses of modern human populations have detected limited signals of strong selection such as hard sweeps, but genetic admixture between populations is capable of obscuring these patterns and is well known in recent human history, such as during the Bronze Age4. Here we show that ancient human genomic datasets contain multiple genetic signatures of strong selection including 57 hard sweeps, many with strong associations with cold adaptation. Similar genetic signatures of adaptation are also observed in adaptively-introgressed archaic hominin loci, as well as modern Arctic human groups. Consistent targets include the regulation of fat storage, skin physiology, cilia function and neural development; with multiple associations to modern western diseases. The spatiotemporal patterns of the hard sweeps allow reconstruction of early AMH population dispersals, and reveal a prolonged period of genetic adaptation (~80-50,000 years) following their initial out of Africa movement, before a rapid spread across Eurasia reaching as far as Australia.
CFTR mRNAs with nonsense codons are degraded by the SMG6-mediated endonucleolytic pathway
Authors: Sanderlin Edward , Keenan Melissa , Mense Martin , Revenko Alexey , Monia Brett , Guo Shuling , Huang Lulu
Published: August 2021

Cystic fibrosis is caused by loss of function mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene resulting in severe lung disease. Nearly 10% of cystic fibrosis patients have at least one CFTR allele with a nonsense mutation that generates a nonsense codon in the mRNA. Nonsense mutations can result in significant reduction of gene expression partially due to rapid mRNA degradation through the nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) pathway. It has not been thoroughly investigated which branch of the NMD pathway governs the decay of CFTR mRNAs containing nonsense codons. Here we utilized antisense oligonucleotides targeting NMD factors to evaluate the regulation of nonsense codon-containing CFTR mRNAs by the NMD pathway. Interestingly, we found that CFTR mRNAs with G542X, R1162X, and W1282X nonsense codons require UPF2, UPF3, and exon junction complex proteins for NMD, whereas CFTR mRNAs with the Y122X nonsense codon do not. Furthermore, we demonstrated that all evaluated CFTR mRNAs harboring nonsense codons were degraded by the SMG6-mediated endonucleolytic pathway rather than the SMG5/SMG7-mediated exonucleolytic pathway. Finally, we found that stabilization of CFTR mRNAs by NMD inhibition alone improved functional W1282X protein production, and improved the efficiency of aminoglycoside translational readthrough of CFTR-Y122X, -G542X, and -R1162X mRNAs.
Assessing the utility of virtual OSCE sessions as an educational tool: a national pilot study
Authors: Grover Sarika , Pandya Maharsh , Ranasinghe Chavini , Ramji Saajan P. , Bola Harroop , Raj Siddarth
Published: August 2021

BackgroundObjective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) are a common form of assessment used across medical schools in the UK to assess clinical competence and practical skills and are traditionally held in an in-person format. In the past, medical students have often prepared for such exams through in-person peer-assisted learning (PAL), however, due to the recent Covid-19 pandemic, many in-person teaching sessions transitioned to online-based formats. There is currently a paucity of research on the utility of virtual PAL OSCE sessions and thus, we carried out a national pilot study to determine the effectiveness of virtual OSCE teaching via feedback from participants and examiners. MethodsA total of 85 students attended from 19 UK-based medical schools with eight students based internationally attended the series of online OSCE workshops delivered via ZoomⓇ. All students and examiners completed a feedback questionnaire at the end of each session regarding parameters, which included questions on pre-and post-workshop confidence in three OSCE domains: history-taking, communication and data interpretation. The five-point Likert scale was used to self-report confidence, and the results were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test after assessing for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test.Results Results from student feedback showed an increase in confidence for all three OSCE domains after each event (p<0.001) with 69.4% agreeing or strongly agreeing that online OSCE sessions could sufficiently prepare them for in-person exams. Questionnaire feedback revealed that 97.6% of students and 86.7% of examiners agreed that virtual OSCE teaching would be useful for preparing for in-person OSCE examinations after the pandemic. ConclusionThe majority of participants in the virtual OSCE sessions reported an improvement in their confidence in history-taking, communication and data interpretation skills. The majority of participants and examiners also reported that they found virtual OSCE sessions to be as engaging and as interactive as in-person teaching. This study has demonstrated that virtual OSCE workshops can serve as a valuable learning resource for students with the potential to be beneficial beyond the pandemic, however, further studies that directly compare academic outcomes between in-person and virtual OSCE teaching sessions are required.
Lead (Pb) Exposure From Outdoor Air Pollution: A Potential Risk Factor For Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Related To HPV Genotypes
Authors: Zhang Ji , Nazeri Seyed Ali , Sohrabi Amir
Published: August 2021

Human papillomavirus genotypes (HPVs) have been confirmed to be the major cause for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) that remains to be one of the most common women cancer around the world. It seems other risk factors connect to the occurrence of cervical cancer include smoking, dietary pattern, sexual behaviour, ethnicity, epigenetics and environmental hazardous materials. Our study characterized the potential cancerous role of Lead (Pb) as a common toxic environmental pollutant agent on CIN outcomes. The concentration of Pb was quantified using atomic absorption spectrometer in the liquid based cytology specimens of 40 CIN subjects, 50 HPV infected-non cancerous cases and 43 non-HPV infection/non-cancerous women. The Pb concentration was 5.5 (4.7–6.4) µg/dL, 4.7 (4.2–8.7) µg/dL and 4.7 (4.5–5.4) µg/dL in CIN group, control group with HPV infection and non-HPV/non-cancerous group, respectively. The results showed higher Pb concentration is associated with higher risk for cervical malignancy in comparison with non-HPV/non-cancerous subjects, after controlling for age effect (aOR = 4.55, 95% CI: 1.55–15.07, P < 0.01). Our finding suggested a direct significant association between Pb accumulation and CINs existence related to HPV infection. The consequence needs to be further validated by controlling the confounders to better understanding of Pb impact from outdoor air pollution on cervical cancer.
Prenatal Depression Exposure Alters White Matter Integrity and Neurodevelopment in Early Childhood
Authors: Roos Annerine , Wedderburn Catherine J , Fouche Jean-Paul , Joshi Shantanu H , Narr Katherine L , Woods Roger P , Zar Heather J , Stein Dan J , Donald Kirsten A
Published: August 2021

Prenatal exposure to maternal depression increases the risk for onset of emotional and behavioral disorders in children. Here, we investigated the effects of exposure to prenatal depression on white matter microstructural integrity at birth and at 2–3 years, and associated neurodevelopment. Diffusion-weighted images were acquired for children of the Drakenstein Child Health Study at 2–4 weeks postpartum (n = 70, 47% boys) and at 2–3 years of age (n = 60, 58% boys). Tract-Based Spatial Statistics was used to compare diffusion tensor metrics across groups defined by presence (> 19 on Beck’s Depression Inventory and/or > 12 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) or absence (below depression thresholds) of depression, and associations with neurodevelopmental measures at age 2–3 years were determined. We did not detect group differences in white matter integrity at neonatal age in this cohort, but at 2–3 years, children in the exposed group demonstrated higher fractional anisotropy, and lower mean and radial diffusivity in association tracts compared to control children. This was notable in the sagittal stratum (radial diffusivity: p < 0.01). Altered white matter integrity metrics were also observed in projection tracts, including the corona radiata, which associated with cognitive and motor outcomes in exposed 2-3-year-olds (p < 0.05). Our findings of widespread white matter alterations in 2-3-year-old children with prenatal exposure to depression are consistent with previous findings, as well as with neuroimaging findings in adults with major depression. Further, we identified novel associations of altered white matter integrity with cognitive development in depression-exposed children, suggesting that these neuroimaging findings may have early functional impact.
Genome-Wide Analysis of NAC Proteins and Characterization of the ATAF Member RcNAC091 in Rose (Rosa Chinensis)
Authors: Geng Lifang , Su Lin , Fu Lufeng , Lin Shang , Zhang Jianmei , Liu Qinghua , Jiang Xinqiang
Published: August 2021

The NAC (NAM, ATAF, and CUC) transcription factors (TFs), as plant-specific transcription regulators, play a critical role in various developmental processes and stress responses. However, knowledge of the NAC TFs in rose (Rosa chinensis), one of the most important horticultural crops, is limited. In this study, 116 NAC genes were identified from the rose genome and classified into 16 subfamilies. The RcNACs were unevenly distributed on the chromosomes. Analysis of the stress-related RcNACs based on the transcriptome data showed differences in the expression patterns in different organs and flower developmental stages and during drought and salt stress in rose leaves and roots. Analysis of the cis-regulatory elements (CREs) in the promoter region revealed that stress-related RcNACs possessed three sets of CREs, corresponding to plant growth and development, plant hormonal response, and abiotic and biotic stresses. Reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis of 11 representative RcNACs revealed their diverse transcript expression in leaves and roots under abscisic acid (ABA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and sodium chloride (NaCl) treatments. Furthermore, RcNAC091 silencing verified its role in positively regulating the dehydration stress response. Overall, this study provides helpful insight into stress-related RcNACs and paves the way for stress tolerance via breeding in rose.
Implication of Coal Expansion and Regional Energy Trading Center to Climate Goal: Dual Sustainability Analysis
Authors: Udemba Edmund Ntom
Published: August 2021

This current study seeks to investigate the policy implication of Turkey’s recent energy policies on its sustainable development. This study uses Turkey’s country-specific data and series of 1974 to 2018 for effective investigation and justification of the findings of this study with emphasis on both short run and long run implications. Three models were fitted to achieve study objectives to accommodate both environmental sustainability and economic impacts. Ecological footprint was considered better measure and used as proxy for the environment related model. In summary, with environment models, the selected series (per capita GDP, Industrialization, agriculture, coal as a single energy use and mixed energy use) except per capita GDP2 were found positively and significantly related to ecological footprint both in short run and long run which translates to poor performance of Turkey’s environment. Also, using economic growth model, the selected series (Industrialization, energy use and agriculture) were all confirmed positively and significantly related to the economic growth (per capita GDP). Additionally, Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) was established for Turkey’s environment and economic performance. Furthermore, using Granger causality as robust check to these findings, a nexus was found among the series confirming the validity of the cointegration (short and long run policies) estimations and results. In congruence with literature and hypotheses, the results from cointegration estimation shows that the twin polices may be good to the economic performance but will spark off adverse effect on environment.JEL Classification: C1, C32, E6, L7, O4, Q3, Q4, Q5
Deep learning-based brain age prediction in normal aging and dementia
Authors: Lee Jeyeon , Burkett Brian , Min Hoon-Ki , Senjem Matthew , Lundt Emily , Botha Hugo , Graff-Radford Jonathan , Barnard Leland , Gunter Jeffrey , Schwarz Christopher , Kantarci Kejal , Knopman David , Boeve Bradley , Lowe Val , Petersen Ronald , Jack Clifford , Jones David
Published: August 2021

Normal brain aging is accompanied by patterns of functional and structural change. Alzheimer's disease (AD), a representative neurodegenerative disease, has been linked to accelerated brain aging at respective age ranges. Here, we developed a deep learning-based brain age prediction model using fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET and structural MRI and tested how the brain age gap relates to degenerative cognitive syndromes including mild cognitive impairment, AD, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body dementia. Occlusion analysis, performed to facilitate interpretation of the model, revealed that the model learns an age- and modality-specific pattern of brain aging. The elevated brain age gap in dementia cohorts was highly correlated with the cognitive impairment and AD biomarker. However, regions generating brain age gaps were different for each diagnosis group of which the AD continuum showed similar patterns to normal aging in the CU.
Robust Deep Kernel-Based Fuzzy Clustering With Spatial Information for Image Segmentation
Authors: Lei Lujia , Wu Chengmao , Tian Xiaoping
Published: August 2021

Clustering algorithms with deep neural network have attracted wide attention of scholars. A deep fuzzy K-means clustering algorithm model with adaptive loss function and entropy regularization (DFKM) is proposed by combining automatic encoder and clustering algorithm. Although it introduces adaptive loss function and entropy regularization to improve the robustness of the model, its segmentation effect is not ideal for high noise; At the same time, its model does not use a convolutional auto-encoder, which is not suitable for high-dimensional images.Therefore, on the basis of DFKM, this paper focus on image segmentation, combine neighborhood median and mean information of current pixel, introduce neighborhood information of membership degree, and extend Euclidean distance to kernel space by using kernel function, propose a dual-neighborhood information constrained deep fuzzy clustering based on kernel function (KDFKMS). A large number of experimental results show that compared with DFKM and classical image segmentation algorithms, this algorithm has stronger anti-noise robustness.
Body Mass Index and Blood Lipids Underpin The Correlation Between The Age At Menarche and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Yang Dongjian , Yang Ya , Shi Jingjin , Cheng Xiaoyue , Chen Lei , Ji Xinhua
Published: August 2021

Background

The age of menarche affects the metabolic activities in pregnant women. However, data on the factors that define the association between age at menarche and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains scant.
Methods

Logistic regression models coupled with restricted cubic splines were used to analyze the effect of menarche on GDM. We stratified the participants by age at pregnancy, fetal gender, and parity. We interrogated the role of BMI before pregnancy, BMI gain during pregnancy, and blood lipids in early pregnancy in mediating GDM.
Results

With menarche age ≤ 12 years as the control, women with menarche ages of 13, 14, and ≥ 15 years had 0.91 (95%CI, 0.85 to 0.97), 0.87 (95%CI, 0.81 to 0.93), and 0.85 (95%CI, 0.79 to 0.91) odds ratio for GDM. There were similar and pronounced effects in advanced-age pregnancy, with male fetuses and primiparous women. We showed that pre-pregnancy BMI and blood lipids such as triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein in early pregnancy mediate the association between age at menarche and GDM.
Conclusion

Taken together, our data demonstrated that menarche at early ages fuels the development of GDM. For pregnant women with early menarche should reduce BMI and blood lipid levels before pregnancy.
Effects of Long-acting Muscarinic Antagonists on Promoting Ciliary Function in Airway Epithelium
Authors: Katsumata Mineo , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Kamiya Yosuke , Tanaka Yuko , Kamiya Chiaki , Inoue Yusuke , Hozumi Hironao , Karayama Masato , Suzuki Yuzo , Furuhashi Kazuki , Enomoto Noriyuki , Nakamura Yutaro , Inui Naoki , Maekawa Masato , Setou Mitsutoshi , Watanabe Hiroshi , Ikegami Koji , Suda Takafumi
Published: August 2021

BackgroundMucociliary clearance (MCC) is an essential defense mechanism in airway epithelia for removing pathogens from the respiratory tract. Impaired ciliary functions and MCC have been demonstrated in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) are a major class of inhaled bronchodilators, which are used for treating asthma and COPD; however, the effects of LAMAs on ciliary function remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the effects of LAMAs on airway ciliary functions.MethodsWild-type BALB/c mice were treated with daily intranasal administrations of glycopyrronium for 7 days, and tracheal samples were collected. Cilia-driven flow and ciliary activity, including ciliary beat frequency (CBF), ciliary beating amplitude, effective stroke velocity, recovery stroke velocity and the ratio of effective stroke velocity to recovery stroke velocity, were analyzed by imaging techniques. Using in vitro murine models, tracheal tissues were transiently cultured in media with/without LAMAs, glycopyrronium or tiotropium, for 60 min. Cilia-driven flow and ciliary activity were then analyzed. Well-differentiated normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells were treated with glycopyrronium, tiotropium, or vehicle for 60 min, and CBF was evaluated. Several mechanistic analyses were performed.ResultsIntranasal glycopyrronium administration for 7 days significantly increased cilia-driven flow and ciliary activity in murine airway epithelium. In the murine tracheal organ culture models, treatment with glycopyrronium or tiotropium for 60 min significantly increased cilia-driven flow and ciliary activity in airway epithelium. Further, we confirmed that 60-min treatment with glycopyrronium or tiotropium directly increased CBF in well-differentiated NHBE cells. In the mechanistic analyses, neither treatment with glycopyrronium nor tiotropium affected intracellular calcium ion concentrations in well-differentiated NHBE cells. Glycopyrronium did not increase protein kinase A activity in well-differentiated NHBE cells. Moreover, glycopyrronium had no effect on extracellular adenosine triphosphate concentration.ConclusionsLAMAs exert a direct effect on airway epithelium to enhance ciliary function, which may improve impaired MCC in asthma and COPD. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the effects of LAMAs on the promotion of airway ciliary function.
Antibiotic “Timeout” on Electronic Prescribing - Impact of Antibiotic Hardstop on Antimicrobial Stewardship Initiatives
Authors: Galimam Semun , Panozzo Brydon , Muir Kieran , Chavada Ruchir
Published: August 2021

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a major public health threat and the exploration of interventions which may reduce inappropriate antimicrobial use are of particular interest. An Antibiotic Timeout (ATO) was included within the electronic medicine (eMeds) system introduced to the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) in 2018. The function allows prescribers to set a predetermined time at which antibiotic orders would cease. By default, the function set prescribed length to 5 days with a view to encourage prescribers to review existing antimicrobial orders and reduce inappropriate use.Methods: Records of adult inpatients prescribed broad spectrum antimicrobials with a registered indication of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) or an infective exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (IECOPD) between the 1st of March 2017 and 31st May 2017 for the pre eMeds cohort and 1st March 2019 and 31st May 2019 for the post eMeds cohort were randomly selected from our local health network’s Guidance MS® system. Baseline demographics, antimicrobial prescribing records and documented adverse events related to the antibiotic timeout function were collated/analysed. The days of therapy (DOT) and length of therapy (LOT) for each encounter were calculated manually and results analysed using a two-tailed t-test or Mann-Whitney U test.Results: Of patients eligible to have the ATO function activated during their admission, 34% (n=34) had the function deployed at least once. Following the introduction of eMeds mean DOT for the pooled indications cohort was reduced by 3.02 days (CI 95% 0.41 – 5.63, p<0.05) and mean LOT by 1.97 days (CI 95% 0.39 – 3.55, p<0.05). The timeout function resulted in 2 cases of delayed or unintentionally ceased therapies. Conclusions: Following the introduction of electronic prescribing and ATO, a significant reduction was observed in the DOT and LOT for antimicrobial use for inpatients with CAP and IECOPD without a significant increase in adverse events. Further research is required to determine the extent to which the antibiotic timeout functionality directly contributed to this effect and if the effect is present across a broader range of indications.
Design and Analysis of UWB Microstrip Patch Antenna Loaded With Modified SRR and DGS for WBAN Applications
Authors: S Sesha Vidhya , S. Rukmani Devi , G. Shanthi K.
Published: August 2021

Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) is the booming field incorporating the recent wireless sensor networks and miniaturized wearable devices. There are growing appeals for WBANs in medical and non-medical applications due to its flexibility and portability. This paper proposes an Ultra Wide Band (UWB)Microstrip patch antenna loaded with modified Split Ring Resonator (SRR) and Defective Ground Structure (DGS) for WBAN applications. The proposed antenna has a modified SRR structure and DGS at the ground and a patch scratched over the surface of the Arlon substrate with 1.6mm thickness. The structure is partially grounded and also loaded with meta-material to reduce the back-body radiations. The performance metrics of the proposed antenna are analysed and compared with different antenna configurations. The proposed UWB Microstrip patch antenna operating at 5.2GHz yielded a return loss of -21.12dB, VSWR of 1.19, higher efficiency and less Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) making it the best choice for biomedical applications.
Partial Effect of Resveratrol on Wound Healing: Study on Wistar Albino Rats
Authors: Bilgiç Tayfun , Caf Nazlı , Atsü Ayşe Nilhan
Published: August 2021

Purpose: There are multiple and specific phases during wound healing. Resveratrol (RSV) is a polyphenol compound found naturally in fruits. Resveratrol's antioxidant, anti-aging, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic effects have been shown. This study aims to determine the effects of RSV on perfusion, neovascularization, inflammation, and granulation stages of wound healing in addition to its antioxidant capacity over GPX and SOD.Methods: 16 female rats were divided into two groups as the RSV and control groups. Six excisions were made in each rat. Three excisions in each rat were sutured and the other 3 were left as open wounds. Topical RSV was applied to the wounds of the rats in the RSV group. No treatment was given to the control group. Blood perfusion of the wounds in both groups were measured using the PeriScan PIM 3 System Laser Doppler Blood Perfusion Imager. Punch biopsies were taken for histopathological examinations and for the evaluation of SOD, GPX, and MDA.Results: GPX level of the closed wounds belonging to the RSV group was higher compared to the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in SOD and MDA levels between the groups. Neovascularization was registered higher in the open wounds of RSV group. Conclusion: Within parameters, resveratrol has been shown to be effective in wound healing in various ways. The results of this study may shed light on new therapeutic approaches that can be used in the reversal of oxidative stress in wound-causing diseases.
DNA breathing initiated strand displacement circuits for mimicking ant foraging with nanopore readout
Authors: Zhu Jinbo , Kong Jinglin , Keyser Ulrich , Wang Erkang
Published: August 2021

DNA strand displacement reaction is essential for the development of molecular computing based on DNA nanotechnology. Additional DNA strand exchange strategies with high selectivity for input will enable novel complex systems including biosensing applications. Most approaches use bulk readout methods based on fluorescent probes that complicate the monitoring of parallel computations. Herein we propose an autocatalytic strand displacement (ACSD) circuit, which is initiated by DNA breathing and accelerated by seesaw catalytic reaction. The special initiation mechanism of the ACSD circuit enables detection of single base mutations at multiple sites in the input strand with much higher sensitivity than classic toehold-mediated strand displacement. A swarm intelligence model is constructed using the ACSD circuit to mimic foraging behaviour of ants. We introduce a multiplexed nanopore sensing platform to report the output results of a parallel path selection system on the single-molecule level. The ACSD strategy and nanopore multiplexed readout method enhance the toolbox for the future development of DNA computing.
Excellent Energy Storage Performance in NaNbO3-Based Relaxor Antiferroelectric Ceramics Under a Low Electric Field
Authors: Cheng Xuxin , Fan Pengyuan , Chen Xiaoming
Published: August 2021

NaNbO3-based antiferroelectric (AFE) ceramics have the prominent advantages of stable performance and low cost. However, its energy storage property is often remarkably limited by the hysteresis of the antiferroelectric to ferroelectric phase transformation. In this work, 0.88Na(Nb1 − xTax)O3–0.12Bi0.2Sr0.7TiO3 (x = 0–0.075) antiferroelectric ceramics were synthesized using a conventional mixed oxide route. Ta5+ were completely dissolved into the lattice of 0.88NaNbO3–0.12Bi0.2Sr0.7TiO3 to form a pure perovskite structure. With increased Ta content, the AFE orthogonal P phase was replaced by AFE orthogonal R phase progressively. Meanwhile, the dielectric constant curve showed relaxor-like properties. As a result, slender P–E curves with reduced hysteresis loss and decreased residual polarization were achieved. Interestingly, a large recoverable energy storage density (Wrec ≈ 2.16 J cm− 3) and high energy storage efficiency (η ≈ 80.7%) were obtained simultaneously under a low driving electric field of 15 kV mm− 1 at doping ratio (x) of 0.075. In addition, the 0.88Na(Nb0.925Ta0.075)O3–0.12Bi0.2Sr0.7TiO3 sample exhibited excellent temperature stability, indicating an ideal candidate in future pulsed power capacitor.
Interaction of Anxiety, Depression and Hypertension on Quality of Life in Patients With Gynecological Tumor and the Moderating Effect of Social Support
Authors: Gu Zhi-Hui , Wu Hui
Published: August 2021

Objective: To explore the effect of anxiety, depression and hypertension on quality of life (QOL) of patients with gynecological tumor and the interaction among them, and the moderating effect of social support.Methods: The study used the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Genera tool (FACT-G), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS). Regression analysis and the simple slope analysis were conducted.Results: QOL of patients with anxiety and hypertension had seriously deteriorated [OR=10.297, 95%CI (5.647-18.775)]. And QOL of patients with depression and hypertension also had seriously deteriorated [OR=11.846, 95%CI (6.597-21.271)]. Calculated by crossover analysis, the synergy index, attributable proportion and relative excess risk due to interact of anxiety and hypertension were1.698,0.371 and 3.822, and the correlation index of interaction between depression and hypertension were 1.475, 0.295, and 3.493. The Social Support &Depression interaction term and Social Support &Anxiety interaction term were negatively correlated with QOL (p<0.01), and explained an extra 5.7% and 5.6% of the variance respectively (p<0.01). Conclusion: Anxiety, depression and hypertension have interaction on the QOL of patients with gynecological tumors. Social support can significantly moderate the relationship between depression, anxiety and QOL respectively.
HbA1c Independently Predicts Declined Myocardial Perfusion Reserve Index in Patients With Coronary Microvascular Disease Using Stress Perfusion Cardiac Magnetic Resonance: an Observational Study
Authors: Yong Jingwen , Tian JinFan , Cao JiaXin , Kong HuiHui , Zhao Xin , Yang XueYao , He Yi , Song Xiantao
Published: August 2021

Background We investigated whether glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) could independently predict the decline in the myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI) in patients with coronary microvascular disease (CMD) by stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).Methods From November 2019, 174 patients with ischemic symptoms but without obstructive coronary disease were screened. The MPRI was recorded in 88 patients who underwent stress perfusion CMR detection. Eighty patients with an MPRI of < 2.5 were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether their MPRI was greater or less than 1.47. The effects of each index on the MPRI were analysed using bivariate correlation analysis, and the risk factors for CMD were explored using logistic regression analysis.ResultsA total of 80 patients with an MPRI of 1.69±0.79 were included (mean age 54.07 ± 11.06 years; 66.3% male). CMD patients with an MPRI of ≤1.47 were higher than those in the group with an MPRI of >1.47 in age (57.61±9.65 years vs. 51.74±11.41 years), presence of diabetes mellitus (45.5% vs. 21.3%), fasting blood glucose levels [6.33(5.16, 8.01) vs. 5.30(5.15, 6.56)], and HbA1c levels [6.30(5.70, 7.70) vs. 5.80(5.60, 6.50)], (P < 0.05). The MPRI was negatively correlated with HbA1c (r=-0.378, P=0.004). Logistic regression analysis showed that HbA1c (OR=2.336, 95% CI: 1.119-4.876, P=0.024) was an independent risk factor for decreased MPRI in all patients with CMD, especially in patients without diabetes (OR=19.953, 95% CI: 1.743-93.449, P=0.029), but not in patients with diabetes (OR=0.984, 95% CI: 0.265-3.658, P=0.981).ConclusionsHbA1c is an independent predictor of MPRI decline in CMD patients, notably in CMD patients without diabetes, but not for those with diabetes.Trial RegistrationThis clinical trial has been registered in the Chinese clinical Trial Registry with an identifier: ChiCTR1900025810.
Integrated Transmission Assessment Surveys (iTAS) of Lymphatic Filariasis and Onchocerciasis in Cross River, Taraba and Yobe States Nigeria.
Authors: Anagbogu Ifeoma N , Saka Yisa A , Surakat Olabanji Ahmed , Okoronkwo Chukwu , Davies Emmanuel , Oyale Philip , Ekpo Uwem , Amazigo Uche , Barbre Kira , Igbe Mike , Nyior Audrey , Solomon Jacob , Ntuen Gideon , Umar Zaiya
Published: August 2021

Background: Integrated Transmission Assessment Surveys (iTAS) has been recommended for evaluation of transmission of both lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, as the prevalence of both diseases move toward their respective elimination targets in Nigeria. Therefore, iTAS was conducted between May and December 2017 in five local government areas also known as implementing units (IU) in Cross River, Taraba and Yobe States of Nigeria. Methods: TAS comprises of two phases: The Pre-iTAS and the iTAS. Three states (Cross-Rivers, Taraba and Yobe) comprising of 5 LGAs and 20 communities that have completed 5 rounds of combined treatment with ivermectin and albendazole for LF and 12 rounds of ivermectin were selected for the study. For the Pre-iTAS, Filariasis Test Strip (FTS) and Biplex rapid diagnostic test (Ov16/Wb123 RDT) were used to test 2000 children from age 5-9 for onchocerciasis and 300 persons aged 10 years and above for LF. For the iTAS, only LGAs where all sampled communities during the Pre-iTAS were with less than 2% antigenemia prevalence for LF was selected.Results: Four out of the five LGAs passed the pre-iTAS except Ikom LGA which had an antigenemia prevalence of more than 2%. A total of 11531 school-aged children were tested for LF and onchocerciasis across the four LGAs. Bade tested 2,873, Bekwara 2,622, Gashaka 3,026 and Karim Lamido 3,010 from 148 schools. For LF prevalence, zero prevalence was recorded for Bade and Karim Lamido while Bekwara and Gashaka recorded 0.19% and 0.23% respectively using FTS. The same was not recorded using Ov16/Wb123 biplex as Bade, Bekwara, Gashaka and Karim Lamido recorded 0.03%, 0.53%, 0.43% and 0.03% respectively. For onchocerciasis prevalence, Bade and Karim Lamido recorded zero prevalence while Bekwara, Gashaka recorded 3.09% and 1.75% respectively.Conclusion: This study has provided additional information on the current burden of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis (LF) in the 4 IUs sampled where MAM for both infections has been ongoing for years. The study identifies that LF-MAM can be safely stopped in all 4 of the studied IUs. However, MAM for onchocerciasis needs to continue, although this may pose a challenge for LF surveillance. Based on the preliminary results from all four sites, this study has fulfilled the primary objective of determining the programmatic feasibility of an integrated transmission assessment survey (iTAS), to be used to simultaneously assess onchocerciasis and LF prevalence in areas co-endemic for the two infections that have completed the recommended treatment for one or both infections, and to make decisions on how to proceed.
PLXDC1 May Serve As A Target For Combining Antiangiogenic Therapy and Immunotherapy In Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Xinwei , Fan Yonfei , Su Fang , Wang Zishu
Published: August 2021

Introduction Based on the immunosuppression of traditional antiangiogenic agents in the treatment of tumors and the newly proposed concept of antiangiogenic therapy combined with immunotherapy, this paper will mainly explore the prospects of PLXDC1 in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) regarding antiangiogenic therapy and immunotherapy.Methods First, the transcriptional and translational levels of PLXDC1 in STAD were analyzed using the Oncomine, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Human Protein Atlas databases and then univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed using TCGA data. Next, we explored the correlation between PLXDC1 and STAD immunity from multiple aspects. Finally, based on the acquisition of immunomodulators associated with PLXDC1 expression from TISIDB, we constructed PLXDC1-related immune prognostic signatures of four genes (NT5E, CTLA, TGFBR1, and CSF1R) and constructed a nomogram for predicting survival to analyze the clinical utility of PLXDC1 in immunotherapy.Results Our results demonstrated that PLXDC1 was highly expressed in STAD and that its high expression was associated with poor prognosis in STAD. Multivariate Cox analysis suggested that PLXDC1 could be used as an independent prognostic risk factor for STAD. The high-risk group for which we constructed PLXDC1-related immune prognostic signatures showed poorer prognosis compared to low-risk group, and the risk score of our model could be used as an independent risk factor for STAD prognosis. Moreover, the nomogram survival prediction system showed good accuracy of the constructed immune signatures.Conclusions In conclusion, PLXDC1 can serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of STAD and it may also be a new target for STAD immunotherapy. Therefore, PLXDC1 can combine antiangiogenic therapy with immunotherapy.