bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between nontraditional lipid profiles and peripheral arterial disease in Chinese adults with hypertension
Authors: Ding Congcong , Chen Yang , Shi Yumeng , Li Minghui , Hu Lihua , Zhou Wei , Wang Tao , Zhu Lingjuan , Huang Xiao , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu
Published: September 2020

Background: Data on the relationship of nontraditional lipid profiles [total cholesterol (TC)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, triglyceride (TG)/HDL-C ratio, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL-C ratio, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C)] with the risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD) are limited. The present study investigated the relationship of nontraditional lipid indices with PAD in hypertensive patients.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among 10,900 adults with hypertension. Participants were diagnosed with PAD when their ankle-brachial index (ABI) < 0.9. The association of nontraditional lipid profiles with PAD was examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis and the restricted cubic spline.Results: All nontraditional lipid indices were independently and positively associated with PAD in a dose-response fashion. After multivariable adjustment, the per SD increments of the TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C ratios and non-HDL-C were all significantly associated with 37%, 14%, 40%, and 24% higher risk for PAD, respectively. The adjusted ORs (95% CI) for PAD were 1.77 (1.31, 2.40), 1.71 (1.25, 2.34), 2.03 (1.50, 2.74), and 1.70 (1.25, 2.31) when comparing the highest tertile to the lowest tertile of the TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C ratios and non-HDL-C, respectively. Conclusions: Among Chinese hypertensive adults, all nontraditional lipid indices were positively associated with PAD, and the LDL-C/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C ratios were better for predicting PAD than other nontraditional lipid indices, which may improve the risk stratification of cardiovascular disease and dyslipidemia management. Trial registration: CHiCTR, ChiCTR1800017274. Registered 20 July 2018
Stimulation-induced differential redistributions of clathrin and clathrin-coated vesicles in axons compared to soma/dendrites
Authors: Tao-Cheng Jung-Hwa
Published: September 2020

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis plays an important role in the recycling of synaptic vesicle in presynaptic terminals, and in the recycling of transmitter receptors in neuronal soma/dendrites. The present study uses electron microscopy (EM) and immunogold EM to document the different categories of clathrin-coated vesicles (CCV) and pits (CCP) in axons compared to soma/dendrites, and the depolarization-induced redistribution of clathrin in these two polarized compartments of the neuron. The size of CCVs in presynaptic terminals (~40 nm; similar to the size of synaptic vesicles) is considerably smaller than the size of CCVs in soma/dendrites (~90 nm). Furthermore, neuronal stimulation induces an increase in the number of CCV/CCP in presynaptic terminals, but a decrease in soma/dendrites. Immunogold labeling of clathrin revealed that in presynaptic terminals under resting conditions, the majority of clathrin molecules are unassembled and concentrated outside of synaptic vesicle clusters. Upon depolarization with high K+, label for clathrin became scattered among de-clustered synaptic vesicles and moved closer to the presynaptic active zone. In contrast to axons, clathrin-labeled CCVs and CCPs were prominent in soma/dendrites under resting conditions, and became inconspicuous upon depolarization with high K+. Thus, EM examination suggests that the regulation and mechanism of clathrin-mediated endocytosis differ between axon and dendrite, and that clathrrin redistributes differently in these two neuronal compartments upon depolarization.
Various radiological findings in Indonesian patients with COVID-19: a case series
Authors: Riawati Theresia , Indrarto Wikan , Fauzi Aditya Rifqi , Gunadi
Published: September 2020

Background: Plain chest X-rays (CXRs) are considered more effective and useful for the initial screening and follow-up of patients with COVID-19. Moreover, radiological evaluation of suspected COVID-19 patients is required for early detection of thoracic involvement, particularly in emergency units, while waiting for definitive diagnosis by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Here, we report a case series of CXR findings in Indonesian patients with COVID-19 in our institution.Case presentations: We included 7 patients with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR, including 4 females and 3 males, with ages ranging from 36–71 years. All patients showed abnormal findings on CXR when admitted to the hospital, except one, composed of ground glass opacity (GGO) (n=1), consolidation (n=3), and both (n=2). Both and one side of the lung were affected in three and three (left side=2; right side=1) patients, respectively. Pneumonia degrees of mild, moderate and severe were observed in three, one, and two patients, respectively. All patients eventually recovered.Conclusions: CXR showed various abnormality findings in patients with COVID-19, including the type, location, and degree of pneumonia.
Therapeutic potential of human induced pluripotent stem cells and renal progenitor cells in experimental chronic kidney disease
Authors: Ribeiro Patrícia de Carvalho , Lojudice Fernando Henrique , Fernandes-Charpiot Ida Maria Maximina , Baptista Maria Alice Sperto Ferreira , Araújo Stanley de Almeida , Mendes Gloria Elisa Florido , Sogayar Mari Cleide , Abbud-Filho Mario , Caldas Heloisa Cristina
Published: September 2020

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a global public health problem. Cell therapy using pluripotent stem cells represents an attractive therapeutic approach for the treatment of CKD.Methods: We transplanted Mitomycin C (MMC)-treated human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and renal progenitor cells (RPCs) into a CKD rat model system. The RPCs and hiPSCs cells were characterized by immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR. Untreated 5/6 nephrectomized rats were compared to CKD animals receiving the same amount of MMC-treated hiPSCs or RPCs. Renal function, histology and immunohistochemistry were evaluated 45 days post-surgery.Results: We successfully generated hiPSCs from peripheral blood and differentiated them into RPCs expressing renal progenitor genes (PAX2, WT1, SIX2, and SALL1) and podocyte-related genes (SYNPO, NPHS1). RPCs also exhibited reduced OCT4 expression, confirming the loss of pluripotency. After cell transplantation into CKD rats, the body weight change was significantly increased in both hiPSC and RPC groups, in comparison with the control group. Creatinine clearance (CCr) was preserved only in the hiPSC group. Similarly, the number of macrophages in the kidneys of the hiPSC group reached a statistically significant reduction, when compared to control rats. Both treatments reduced positive staining for the marker α-smooth muscle actin. Histological features showed decreased tubulointerstitial damage (interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy) as well as a reduction in glomerulosclerosis in both iPSC and RPC groups.Conclusions: In conclusion, we describe that both MMC-treated hiPSCs and RPCs exert beneficial effects in attenuating CKD progression. Both cell types were equally efficient to reduce histological damage and weight loss caused by CKD. hiPSCs seems to be more efficient than RPCs, possibly due to a paracrine effect triggered by hiPSCs. These results demonstrate that the use of MMC-treated hiPSCs and RPCs improve clinical and histological CKD parameters, avoided tumor formation, and therefore may be a promising cell therapy strategy for CKD.
Mild Cognitive Impairment in novel SPG11 Mutation-Related Sporadic Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia with Thin Corpus Callosum
Authors: Li Chuan , Yan Qi , Duan Feng-ju , Zhao Chao , Zhang Zhuo , Du Ying , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2020

Background: SPG11 mutation-related autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia with thin corpus callosum (HSP-TCC) is the most common cause in complicated forms of HSP, usually presenting comprehensive mental retardation on early-onset stage preceding spastic paraplegias in childhood. However, there are still lots of sporadic late-onset HSP-TCC cases with negative family history, and potential mild cognitive deficits in multiple domains may be easily neglected and inaccurately described. Methods: In this study, we performed next generation sequencing in four sporadic late-onset patients with spastic paraplegia and thin corpus callosum (TCC), and combined Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to evaluate cognition of the patients. Results: By evolutionary conservation and structural modeling analysis, we have revealed 4 novel pathogenic SPG11 mutations, and firstly confirmed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with normal MMSE scores (≥27) and decreased MoCA scores (<26) in these SPG11 mutation-related HSP-TCC patients, predominantly presenting impairment of visuoexecutive function, delayed recall, abstraction and language correlated with prefrontal deficits.Conclusions: The results expand the mutational spectrum of SPG11-associated HSP-TCC from sporadic cases, and confirm MCI characterized with dysfunction of prefrontal lobe in SPG11-related HSP-TCC, which should be paid more attention by neurologists.
Distribution Measurements of Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Modified T Cells Against CD19
Authors: Ying Zhitao , He Ting , Wang Xiaopei , Zheng Wen , Lin Ningjing , Tu Meifeng , Xie Yan , Ping Lingyan , Zhang Chen , Liu Weiping , Deng Lijuan , Wu Meng , Feng Feier , Leng Xin , Du Tingting , Qi Feifei , Hu Xuelian , Ding Yanping , Lu xinan , Song Yuqin , Zhu Jun
Published: September 2020

Backgroud: The unprecedented efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy of CD19+ B-cell malignancies has opened a new and useful way for the treatment of malignant tumor. Nonetheless, there are still formidable challenges in the field of CAR-T cell therapy, such as the biodistribution of CAR-T cells in vivo.Methods: We demonstrated the distribution of CAR-T cells in the absence of target cells or with target cells in the mice and the dynamic changes in the patient blood over time after infusion were deteced by qPCR and FACS. Results: CAR-T cells still proliferated in the mice without target cells and peaked at 2 weeks. However, CAR-T cells did not increase significantly in the presence of target cells within 2 weeks after infusion, but expanded at 6 weeks. In the clinical trial, we found that CAR-T cells peaked at 7-21days after infusion and can last for as long as 510 days in the peripheral blood of patients. Simultaneously, mild side-effects were noted which can be effectively controlled within two months in these patients.Conclusions: CAR-T cells can expand themselves with or without target cells in mice. CAR-T cells can persistence for a long time in patients.
Evaluation of Salivary Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Periodontitis
Authors: Zhang Yong , Kang Ni , Xue Fei , Qiao Jing , Duan Jinyu , Chen Fan , Cai Yu
Published: September 2020

Background: To investigate the diagnostic potential of salivary biomarkers and built a prediction panel for diagnosing periodontal disease. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a total of 85 participants were enrolled in the study and divided into healthy, gingivitis and periodontitis groups based on their periodontal examine results, a full mouth periodontal examination were received and unstimulated saliva were collected. Salivary IL-1β, MMP-8, ICTP and Pg were assessed and their potential of diagnosing periodontal disease were analyzed, the combinational prediction panels of periodontal disease were evaluated. Results: The periodontitis group showed significantly higher level of IL-1β, MMP-8, ICTP and Pg compared to healthy group and higher level of IL-1β, ICTP and Pg compared to gingivitis group, the gingivitis group showed higher level of IL-1β, MMP-8 and Pg compared to healthy group. As a single marker, IL-1β showed the best diagnostic value of four markers and exhibited an AUC value of 0.88 with 94% sensitivity and 71% specificity to discriminate periodontitis from healthy subjects, an AUC value of 0.81 with 82% sensitivity and 76% specificity to discriminate gingivitis from healthy subjects and an AUC value of 0.67 with 69% sensitivity and 64% specificity to discriminate periodontitis from gingivitis subjects. The combination of IL-1, ICTP and Pg exhibited the highest value to discriminate periodontitis from healthy (AUC=0.94) and gingivitis (AUC=0.78) subjects, the combination of IL-1 and MMP-8 exhibited the best value to discriminate gingivitis from healthy subjects (AUC=0.85). Conclusions: Salivary IL-1β, MMP-8, ICTP and Pg showed discriminate efficiency for diagnosing periodontal disease, the combination of IL-1, ICTP and Pg can be used to discriminate periodontitis from healthy and gingivitis subjects and the combination of IL-1 and MMP-8 can be used to discriminate gingivitis from healthy subjects.
The Patient’s Denture Assessment (Thai version) is a Valid and Reliable Tool for Evaluating Complete Denture Treatment and Success.
Authors: Namano Sahaprom , Komin Orapin
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND. Complete tooth losses are still being major problems which resulted in lesser quality of life especially for elderly patients. However, there are still lack of questionnaire to evaluate the treatment outcome from the patient’s aspect. The objective of this study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Patient’s Denture Assessment-Thai version (PDA-T), then use this questionnaire to assess patient satisfaction with complete denture treatment. METHODS. The subjects comprised 120 edentulous adult patients (49 men/71 women; average age 70 years-old) from the Prosthodontic and the Geriatric Dentistry and Special Patients Care Clinic at the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University during 2019 March‒2020 March. The patients were divided into two groups: The group experienced (Exper) (n=54) with wearing complete dentures, and the non-experienced (NonExper) group (n=66). The patients used the validated PDA-T to self-assess their treatment at different times. The Exper group completed the questionnaire at t 0 (during treatment), t 0.5 (2‒8-weeks after t 0 ), and t 1 (final follow-up). The NonExper group completed the questionnaire only at t 1 . RESULTS. In the Exper group, Cronbach’s α and average inter-item correlation was 0.95 (range 0.76‒0.95) and 0.47 (range 0.57‒0.83), respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficients (n = 18, 95% confidence interval) were 0.98 overall. The paired t-test (p < 0.05) between t 0 and t 1 indicated a significant difference between t 0 and t 1 in every PDA-T topic, and the effect size was 1.71. In the NonExper group, the Pearson correlation analysis indicated no significant correlation between the patients' demographics and masticatory function. CONCLUSIONS. The reliability and validity of the PDA-T indicate it is a valuable tool for evaluating complete denture treatment. Treatment success affected the patients' satisfaction, but was not associated with the patients’ prior denture experience, sex, or educational level.
The Mechanism of NF- κB/MAPKs-TLR4 Pathway in the Inhibitory Effect of Rhubarb Lingxian Formula on Inflammatory Response of Bile Duct Cells
Authors: Zhang Man , Li Minpeng , Yu Yuan , Xu Bin , Fan Fang , Wu Huashuai , Chen Jinmei
Published: September 2020

Background: To explore the mechanism of NF- κB/MAPKs-TLR4 signal pathway in the inhibitory effect of rhubarb lingxian formula on inflammatory response of bile duct cells.Methods: The chronic inflammatory state of bile duct in rats with primary choledocholithiasis was established by injecting LPS into common bile duct. Rat intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells were isolated and purified. The proliferation activity of bile duct epithelial cells was detected by CCK-8. Blank group, LPS control group, LPS + NF-κB blocker (PDTC) group, LPS + p38MAPK blocker (SB203580) group, LPS + PTDC + SB203580 group, LPS + rhubarb lingxian group, LPS + PDTC + rhubarb lingxian group, LPS + SB203580 + rhubarb lingxian group and LPS + PTDC + SB203580 + rhubarb lingxian group were constructed, respectively. The NF- κB, MAPKs and TLR4 mRNA levels were detected by RT-qPCR, whereas NF-κB, MAPKs, TLR4, TNF-α and IL-6 protein levels were detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot.Results: The mRNA and corresponding proteins of NF-κB and MAPKs in the LPS control group were noteworthily increased in contrast to the blank group (P < 0.01), which evidently lower in the LPS + rhubarb lingxian group than those presented in the LPS control group (P < 0.01). The activity of NF- κB and MAPKs channel in the LPS + PTDC + SB203580 group was suppressed simultaneously in comparison to the LPS control group, which further caused decreased TLR4 mRNA expression. Meanwhile, the TLR4 mRNA expression in LPS + traditional Chinese medicine group also decreased (P < 0.01). IL-6 and TNF- α protein expression in bile duct epithelial cells of rats in LPS control group increased apparently than those of blank group. In contrast to LPS control group, TNF- α and IL-6 protein expressions in each treatment group decreased in different degrees (P < 0.01), which decreased at most in LPS + X (X can be blank or blocker) group or LPS+ PTDC+ SB203580 group, followed by LPS + Y (Y is a single blocker), and finally by the LPS treatment group.Conclusion: Rhubarb lingxian formula may inhibit the inflammatory reaction of bile duct epithelium in rats by down-regulating the activity of NF-κ B / MAPKs-TLR4 signal pathway.
Effect of quadriceps strengthening exercises alone and in combination with Baduanjin qigong on older adults with knee osteoarthritis: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: wang fenglan , Zhang Xiaoli , Tong Xiao , Zhang Min , Xing Fengmei , Yang Kun , Jiao Nana , Duan Zhiguang
Published: September 2020

BackgroundExercise is recommended as a core treatment for individuals with KOA. However, the optimal exercise program to promote long-term compliance for KOA patients is not clear. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of the combination exercise program (quadriceps strengthening exercises (QSE) plus Baduanjin qigong) versus QSE alone on older adults with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsA two-arm, quasi-experimental trial with repeated measurements was used. As a cluster randomized trial, participants from one community center were assigned to combination exercise group while participants from the other center were assigned to QSE group. We assessed pain intensity, physical function, self-efficacy, and HRQoL with standardized instruments at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Results87 participants with KOA who aged above 60 completed the study. Over the 6 months, There were significant time by group interaction effects on pain intensity (F = 44.419, p < 0.001), physical function (F = 46.904, p < 0.001) and self-efficacy (F = 49.754, p < 0.001), as well as in the physical component summary (F = 15.205, p < 0.001) and mental component summary of SF-12 (F = 19.205, p < 0.001), with the combination exercise group exhibiting significantly greater improvements in all outcomes than QSE group. ConclusionsCombination exercise treatment is more effective than QSE for relieving pain, increasing physical functioning, and improving self-efficacy, and quality of life in community-dwelling KOA older adults. Also, it could promote long-term compliance for KOA community patients.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trails Registry number ChiCTR2000033387 (retrospectively registered). Registered 30 May 2020
Identification and Validation of a Five-lncRNA Signature Related to Glioma Using Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Tian Daofeng , Liu Haitao , Xu Pengfei , Ye Liguo , Wang Long , Tan Yinqiu , Liu Baohui , Chen Qianxue
Published: September 2020

BackgroundTo accurately predict the prognosis of glioma patients. Methods and ResultsA total of 541 samples from the TCGA cohort and 181 observations from the CGGA database were included in our study. By weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), 14 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with glioma grade were identified. Using univariate and multivariate Cox analysis Five lncRNAs (CYTOR, MIR155HG, LINC00641, AC120036.4 and PWAR6) were selected to develop the prognostic signature. The Kaplan-Meier curve depicted that the patients in high risk group had poor prognosis in both cohorts. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the signature in predicting the survival of glioma patients at 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.84, 0.92, and 0.90 in the CGGA cohort and 0.8, 0.85 and 0.77 in the TCGA set. Multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated that the five-lncRNA signature was an independent prognostic indicator in both sets (HR = 2.002, p < 0.001; HR = 1.243, p = 0.007, respectively). A nomogram including the lncRNAs signature and clinical covariates was constructed and demonstrated high predictive accuracy in predicting 1-, 3- and 5-year survival probability of glioma patients. Conclusion﻿We established a five-lncRNA signature as a potentially reliable tool for survival prediction of glioma patients.
Fraction exhaled nitric oxide and IOS as potential biomarkers for HDM immunotherapy in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma
Authors: Zhou Jun , Du Wei , Xu Guofang , Wang Ping , Tao Yi , Sun Lin , Peng Bo , Dai Ranran , Tang Wei
Published: September 2020

BackgroundAllergen specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only potential disease-modifying treatment of house dust mite (HDM) allergic asthma and rhinitis. The conventional treatment procedure lasted for 3 years, but biomarkers indicating early efficacy from this long-term treatment has not been well illustrated. In this single arm, observation study, we evaluated non-invasive airway inflammation parameters such as Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), nasal NO levels (FnNO), and small airway function parameter-impulse oscillometry system (IOS) as well as serum parameters Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Derp) specific IgG4 and sIgG4/IgE ratio as potential biomarkers for AIT.MethodsPatients with mild allergic asthma concomitant with allergic rhinitis were treated with subcutaneous immunotherapy of Der p extract. Clinical evaluations including symptom score and medication score, small airway function of spirometer and non-invasive airway inflammation parameters from the nose (FnNO) and lung (FeNO) were collected before and after half year and one year of AIT. Serum Derp specific IgE and IgG4 measurement data were also collected. ResultsSymptoms and medication score of patients were alleviated both after half and one-year HDM immunotherapy according to VAS (visual analogue score) and medication score. Improved small airway function (evaluated through IOS) and reduced non-invasive airway allergic inflammation parameters both from the nose (FnNO) and lung (FeNO) were achieved after half and one year AIT. As to serum biomarkers, Der p specific IgG4 increased and Der P specific IgE/IgG4 decreased significantly after one year treatment.ConclusionsOne year HDM subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy improved allergic symptoms and reduced medication score in patients with allergic asthma concomitant with rhinitis. Non-invasive airway inflammation parameters such as FeNO and FnNO and small airway function parameter IOS are potential biomarkers for evaluating early efficacy of AIT. Derp specific IgG4 as well as IgE/IgG4 ratio maybe good therapeutic predictors to reflect the efficacy of AIT in the first year of treatment.
Evaluation of Small Hydropower Plant at Ribb Irrigation Dam in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: BEZABIH ADDISU WORKU
Published: September 2020

Background: Energy is the main requirement for economic growth in any country and also supports the modern economy. The energy sector is considered a vital element in developing countries because it meets energy needs. This article deals with the production of electricity using small hydroelectric power plants for rural applications. The main objective of this study was to assess the potential of the Ribb dam for small hydroelectric plants. Since the height of a proposed site is constant while the available flow is very variable, the flow is very important for the production of hydroelectricity. Result: The flow duration curve is constant from 20% to 50% of the nominal flow, and then decreases as the percentage of the nominal flow increases. The Ribb dam concluded that the average flow of 14.6331m3/s, the smooth head of 70.37 m, and the average nominal power of 5.53 MW would be the most optimal size of a small hydroelectric plant producing a maximum of electricity in the context of future projected flows in the study region. Conclusion: SHP is a promising alternative for the production of cheap and renewable energy in rural or developing areas.
Inoculation of Native Symbiotic Effective Sinorhizobium Spp. Enhanced Soybean [Glycine Max (L) Merr.] Grain Yield in Ethiopia
Authors: Dagaga Diriba Temesgen , Tuji Fassil Assefa
Published: September 2020

BackgroundSoybean [Glycine max (L) Merr.] is an annual leguminous crop serving as a source of food and feed, green manure, biodiesel and fiber It is nodulated by diverse slow growing and fast growing rhizobia belonging to the genus Bradyrhizobium and Sinorhizobium, respectively. In Ethiopia, it has been cultivated since 1950s with lower grain yield history. Yield improvement efforts have been more concentrated on agronomic studies, inoculation of exotic Bradyrhizobium japonicum including TAL379 and/or fertilizer application. The results have usually been unsatisfactory and inconsistent. This study was initiated to identify promising indigenous soybean rhizobial inoculant that can enhance yield of the crop in the country.Methods Native soybean rhizobia, designated GMR for Glycine max rhizobia, were trapped using soybean (cv. Ethio-Yugoslavia) from soils collected across agro-ecologies of Ethiopia. Indigenous soybean rhizobia were screened for in vitro tolerance against physico-chemical stresses, plant growth promoting (PGP) traits and symbiotic performances at greenhouse and field levels A reference B. japonicum (TAL379) was included in all experiments. A soybean plant growth promoting Achromobacter sp. was also included in field trials for co-inoculation. Quantitative data were assessed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) employing SAS computer software package version 9.3. Mean separations were undertaken using the Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at p≤0.05.Result GMR that produced acid and grew faster with larger colonies were identified as Sinorhizobium spp. and those which produced alkali and grew slowly with smaller colonies were identified as Bradyrhizobium spp though further genetic analysis should be performed for verification and identification of their genus and species, respectively. Two Sinorhizobium spp (GMR120C and GMR125B) profoundly nodulated different soybean cultivars under greenhouse conditions and significantly improved grain yield (p≤0.05; maximum 3.98 tons ha-1) compared to 2.41, 2.82 and 2.69 recorded as maximum grain yield (tons ha-1) for TAL379 inoculation, positive control and negative control, respectively in field trials. Higher yield was recorded when GMR125B was coinoculated with Achromobacter sp., but when GMR120C was inoculated singly. These GMR also showed efficient utilization of numerous substrates, some PGP traits and potential adaptation to various ecological stresses. Conclusion The two Sinorhizobium spp. (GMR120C and GMR125B) are promising soybean inoculants that can be used to enhance the productivity of the crop in the country.
Culture and COVID-19: Don’t Throw Your Elderly Away!
Authors: Melton Robert
Published: September 2020

Enormous differences exist in rates of death from COVID-19 in countries around the world. Collectivist cultures and countries are characterized by concern for culture and country to a greater extent than for self-interest, whereas the reverse is true for individualistic cultures and countries. In light of this cultural difference, and suggestive evidence that cultures known for their collectivist orientation are more likely to have near-universal compliance with infection-preventive behaviors such as public mask-wearing and less likely to place their elderly in nursing homes (which account for a high proportion of deaths in individualistic countries such as the US, Canada, and the UK), we hypothesized that death per million (DPM) rates would be significantly lower for collectivist countries than individualistic countries. We categorized every country for which there are collectivist-individualistic scores and split the countries into two groups as defined by Hofstede’s (1980) cut-offs. As predicted, the DPM rate for collectivist countries was significantly lower than for individualistic countries. Furthermore, an analysis of covariance controlling for median age showed that the alternative explanation that the observed difference could be accounted for in terms of the significantly lower average age of citizens of collectivist countries was implausible. Implications in areas related to reopening schools, etc., and directions for future research are discussed.
Investigation and Analysis of the Sub-health Status of the Members of the Medical Team Aiding Wuhan During the Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (COVID-19) Outbreak
Authors: Zhang Meixian , Chen Haoyuan , Huang Chen , Li Xia , Xu Dihui , Li Jie , Liu Qian , Xu Jun
Published: September 2020

Objective: To understand the sub-health status of the medical team members of the aid to Wuhan during the outbreak of the new coronavirus pneumonia in Wuhan, China, to analyze the possible influencing factors that cause the sub-health status, and to provide a theoretical basis for scientifically maintaining and improving the physical and mental health of the medical team members.Methods: 131 members of the military medical team aiding Wuhan who were treating patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia were selected as subjects in the survey, and a questionnaire on the sub-health influencing factors was designed. After the medical treatment task, the SHMS V1.0 was used for assessment.Results: The sub-health detection rate of the medical team members was 76.3%, and the overall sub-health rating scale score was (69.11 ± 10.20) points. The scores of the three subscales of physiology, psychology, and society are (71.16 ± 11.30) points, (67.99 ± 13.51) points, and (67.41 ± 12.31) points, respectively. Work pressure, family structure, frustration, and diet may be the influence factors of the sub-health. Conclusion: During the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia, factors such as high-intensity work, non-nuclear families, low hobbies, and irregular diet may lead to the sub-healthy state of the members of the medical aid team in Wuhan. Reasonable arrangements for work and rest, maintaining harmonious family relations, focusing on the development of interests and hobbies, and healthy and regular diet, will help maintain and improve the health of medical team members, consolidate and maintain the combat effectiveness of medical team members, and complete epidemic prevention and control tasks with high quality and efficiency.
Four New Keratinophyton Species (Onygenaceae) From Europe
Authors: Labuda Roman , Bernreiter Andreas , Hochenauer Doris , Schüller Christoph , Kubatova Alena
Published: September 2020

Four new Keratinophyton species (Ascomycota: Pezizomycotina, Onygenales), K. gollerae, K. lemmensii, K. straussii and K. wagneri, isolated from soil samples originating from Europe (Austria, Italy and Slovakia) are described and illustrated. The new taxa are well supported by phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) region, the nuclear large subunit (LSU) rDNA, and their phenotype. Within the Keratinophyton clade, K. lemmensii is clustered with K. durum, K. hubeiense, K. submersum and K. siglerae, while K. gollerae, K. straussii and K. wagneri are resolved in a separate terminal cluster along with K. minutisporosum. All four new species can be well distinguished from the other asexual taxa in the genus Keratinophyton based on phenotypical characteristics alone. Ten new combinations are proposed for all other Chrysosporium asexual morphs which are resolved in the monophyletic Keratinophyton clade.
Aneuploid Abortion Positively Correlate With MAD1 Overexpression and mir125b Depression
Authors: Zhao Juan , Li Hui , Li Haibo , Chen Guangxin , Du LiJun , Xu Peiyan , Zhang Xiaoli , Cao Tiansheng
Published: September 2020

Background: Aneuploid is the most frequent cause of early embryo abortion, and any defect in chromosome segregation would fail to satisfy spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) during mitosis, which could lead to the halted metaphase and aneuploid occurrence. Mitotic checkpoint complex(MCC), a complex compound of MAD1、MAD2、Cdc20、BUBR1 and BUB3, plays an important role in SAC activation. Studies have confirmed that the overexpression of MAD2 and BUBR1 can facilitate the correct chromosome segregation and embryo stability. Research identifications also proved that miR-125b negatively regulated MAD1 expression by binding to its 3’UTR. However, the expression of mir125b, MAD1 and BUB3 genes in aneuploidy embryos of spontaneous abortion has not been reported.Methods: In this study, embryonic villi from miscarriage pregnant women were collected and divided into two groups (aneuploidy and euploidy) by HLPA and FISH analysis. The RNA levels of mir125b, MAD1 and BUB3 were detected through QRT-PCR, while Western blot was further used to analyze the protein levels of MAD1 and BUB3.Results: SPSS 17.0 statistical analysis(P<0.05) showed that mir125b and BUB3 were significantly down-regulated in aneuploidy group compared to the control group, MAD1 was significantly up-regulated in RNA level; Additionally, MAD1 protein level was also significantly higher while BUB3 was mildly increased in aneuploidy abortion villus. Correlation analysis revealed that the expression of MAD1 was negatively correlated with Mir125b.Conclusion: these results suggested that aneuploid abortion was positively correlated with MAD1 overexpression which might be caused by insufficient mir125b.
Fingerprint Analysis of Phenolic Acid Extract of Salvia Miltiorrhiza by Digital Reference Standard Analyzer With One or Two Reference Standards
Authors: Wang Qingjun , Yu Xinlan , Sun Lei , Tian Runtao , He Huaizhen , Wang Sicen , Ma Shuangcheng
Published: September 2020

Background: Fingerprint analysis and simultaneous multi-components determination are crucial for the holistic quality control of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). Yet, reference standards (RS) are often commercially unavailable and with other shortages, which severely impede the application of these technologies. Methods: A digital reference standard (DRS) strategy and the corresponding software called DRS analyzer, which supports chromatographic algorithms, spectrum algorithms, and the combination of these algorithms, was developed. The extensive function also enabled the DRS analyzer to recommend the chromatographic column based on big data.Results: Various quality control methods of fingerprints of 11 compounds in polyphenolic acid extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza (S. miltiorrhiza) were developed based on DRS analyzer, involving relative retention time (RRT) method, linear calibration using two reference substances (LCTRS) technique, RRT combined with Photon Diode Array (PDA) method, LCTRS combined with PDA method. Additionally, the column database of samples was established. Finally, our data demonstrated that the DRS analyzer could accurately identify 11 compounds of the samples, using only one or two physical RSs. Conclusions: The DRS strategy is an automated, intelligent, objective, accurate, eco-friendly, universal, sharing, and promising method for overall quality control of TCMs that requires the usage of fewer RSs.
Cerebral Arterial Air Embolism After Endobronchial Electrocautery: A Case Report and Review of the Literature 
Authors: He Yuping , Liu Yuanling , Gao Xinglin , Wang Lihua
Published: September 2020

Background: Endobronchial electrocautery is a common and safe therapeutic endoscopic treatment for malignant airway obstruction. Cerebral arterial air embolism (CAAE) is a rare but potentially fatal complication of endobronchial electrocautery.Case presentation: We present the first case of cerebral arterial air embolism after endobronchial electrocautery. A 56-year-old male with a pulmonary tumor in the right upper lobe received a repeated endobronchial electrocautery. During the procedure, he experienced unresponsive, hypoxemic, bradycardic and developed tetraplegia. The brain computer tomography showed several cerebral arterial air emboli with low-density spots in the right frontal lobe. He received hyperbaric oxygen therapy with almost full recovery except resident left-sided weakness.Conclusions: General physicians should realize that CAAE can be a possible complication of endobronchial electrocautery. Some measures could be used to prevent this devastating complication: avoiding positive pressure, lowering ventilatory pressures if possible, avoiding advancing the bronchoscope to occlude the bronchus, and using the non-contact technique etc.
Elabela-APLNR Inhibits Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Through AMPK/SIRT3/PGC-1α and Akt/Nrf2 Pathways
Authors: Wang Jingwen , Duan Jialin , Huang Shaojie , Hu Dongmei , Chen Haixia , Mu Fei
Published: September 2020

Inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress has benefits effects for the treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CI/RI). Elabela/APLENR system had showed to be protective against ischemia/reperfusion induced injury in other tissue. However, whether Elabela had protective effects against CI/RI and its possible mechanisms were largely unknown. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Elabela 32 (ELA32) against CI/RI. In vivo, behavioral test, infarct size and brain edema were evaluated on rats middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model after treated by ELA32. In vitro, HT22 cells were subjected to glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) and treated with ELA32 in presence of SIRT3-siRNA, or AMPK-siRNA, or Nrf2-siRNA. Cell viability, cell apoptosis, ROS and ATP levels, mitochondrial related proteins and oxidative related cytokines were measured by relative methods.As the results showed, neurological scores, infarct size, brain edema and injury cytokines were improved by ELA32 treatment in rats. Subsequently, we found that ELA32 inhibited cell apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress in a dose dependent manner in brain and HT22 cell. Western blotting results showed that ELA32 induced the deacetylation and phosphorylation of PGC-1α, the expression of Nrf2, SIRT3 and APLNR, and the phosphorylation of AMPK and Akt. Further, the crosstalk relationship between APLNR, SIRT3, AMPK, PGC-1α, Akt and Nrf2 were verified by the specific targeted siRNA transfection. The same effects on APLNR related pathways were also observed in rats.In conclusion, ELA32 improved mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress through regulating APLNR mediated AMPK/SIRT3/PGC-1α pathway and Akt/Nrf2 pathway. These results indicated that ELA32/APLNR system plays some role in central nervous system, and more studies should be performed to confirm these effects.
Experts Prioritize Osteoarthritis Non-Surgical Interventions From Cochrane Systematic Reviews for Translation Into “Evidence4Equity” Summaries.
Authors: Houlding-Braunberger Elizabeth , Petkovic Jennifer , Lebel Nicholas , Tugwell Peter
Published: September 2020

Objective: Osteoarthritis carries substantial health and socioeconomic burden, which is particularly marked in marginalised groups. It is imperative that practitioners have ready access to summaries of evidence-based interventions for osteoarthritis that incorporate equity considerations. Summaries of systematic reviews can provide this. The present study surveyed experts to inform the selection of interventions to generate Cochrane Evidence4Equity (E4E) summaries. Methods: We identified 29 non-surgical interventions to prioritise. Key findings from these interventions were summarised and provided to 9 experts in the field of osteoarthritis. Expert participants were asked to rate interventions based on feasibility, health system effects, universality, impact on inequities, and priority for translation into equity based E4E summaries. Results: Expert participants rated land-based exercise highest for priority for translation into an E4E summaries. Conclusion: The survey generated information that can be used to direct and support knowledge translation efforts.
Effect of Qizhu Granule on Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells Capillarization in Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Rats Fibrosis.
Authors: Zhang Rong , Liu Shao Neng , Ma Zheng Ji , Ding Yuan Jia , Liu Min Hui , Zhang Ling , Lu Dong Ying
Published: September 2020

Background: Qizhu granule, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used in clinic as a complementary and alternative medicine to treat liver fibrosis.However, the mechanism underlying its anti-hepatic fibrosis is still not clear. Liver fibrosis accompanied by liver sinusoidal pathological angiogenesis has been highlighted as novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of chronic liver disease. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of anti-capillarization of this herbal drug against liver fibrosis.Materials and methods: The liver fibrosis rats model induced by 4-week of intervention with 40% CCl4 was employed in this study. Meanwhile, low, medium and high dose serum containing Qizhu granules were prepared. Liver tissues were acquired, and liver samples were subjected to histological studies.LSECs were isolated from liver fibrosis rats and were routinely cultured for 48h in low, medium and high dose of Qizhu granules-containing serum. The fenestration of LSECs in liver fibrosis rats were observed under scanning electron microscopy. The expression of the endothelial cell surface markers CD31, SE-1 and LSECs integrin ɑVβ3, FAK, p-FAK, Ras, MAPK, p-MAPK were measured by western blot.Results: Compared with the control group, the loss of fenestration of LSECs in the model group increased. After intervention of Qizhu granule-containing serum, the fenestration of the structure of LSECs in liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 increased, especially in the high-dose Qizhu granules group. ompared with the control group, the expression levels of SE-1 and CD31 in LSECs in the model group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression levels of SE-1 and CD31 in LSECs of rats with hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 decreased after the treatment of low, medium and high dose serum containing Qizhu granules (P < 0.05). Among them, the expression levels of SE-1 and CD31 in LSECs of Qizhu granules group decreased with the increase of dosage, showing a dose-dependent relationship to a certain extent. Compared with the normal control group, the expression of integrin ɑVβ3, Ras, p-FAK and p-MAPK protein increased in the LSECs of model group(P <0.05). After treatment with Qizhu granule-containing serum, the expression of integrin ɑVβ3, p-FAK and p-MAPK protein in LSECs of liver fibrosis rats induced by CCl4 were reduced (P <0.05), and the expression of FAK, Ras and MAPK protein decreased ( P> 0.05).Conclusions: Qizhu granule could reduce the loss of fenestration of LSECs, transforming the cell phenotype of LSECs, and ameliorating the pathological remodeling of hepatic sinus capillarization in hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 in rats. It was found that Qizhu granules played an anti-fibrosis role by suppressing the expression of integrin ɑVβ3-FAK-Ras/MAPK signaling pathway of LSECs in CCl4-induced fibrosis rats.
Study of comparative analysis Self-directed Learning and Problem Oriented Learning Sessions in Cardio- Respiratory Physiology.
Authors: palve suchitra Sachin , Palve Sachin Bhaskar
Published: September 2020

Background: Active learning methods like Self-directed learning and problem oriented learning are considered to be an important methods of learner centred approach of imparting knowledge in under graduate medical curriculum through integrated approach. Aim and objectives: To analyse and compare the efficacy of self-directed learning and problem oriented approach for physiology subject among first year MBBS students. Material and methods: The present study was conducted among 250 students of Phase I MBBS during the year 2019 for physiology course for cardiorespiratory modules. Group A (n=125) was administered with self- directed learning sessions, while group B (n=125) was administered with problem oriented learning session for the same topics. Following each session an objective assessment was conducted for all the topics covered in SDL and POL sessions and was assessed and analysed using unpaired t test.Results: Group A for self-directed learning sessions (group A) of cardiovascular physiology based on the analysis of the marks of objective type assessment; Maximum marks were obtained by 25.6% (32/125); while moderate marks 21.6% (27/125) by the students of Group A. Maximum marks were obtained by 31.2% (39/125) and moderate marks were obtained 47.2% (59/125) by the students for which significant difference in the p values was noted (n=0.008). For SDL sessions of respiratory system module (group A); maximum marks were obtained by 24% (30/125) ; while moderate marks by 23.5% (29/125) of students; for problem oriented sessions maximum marks were obtained by 32.8% (41/125) and moderate marks were obtained by 48% (60/125) students; Significant variations were found in both modules test scores (n=0.008) (n=0.009).The analysis of SDL and POL against the total scores of students in their internal assessment showed considerable differences between students attaining scores 80–89% in SDL and PBL, between 70–79% for both SDL and PBL with p values of =0.0192, and 0.01184, 0.0190, and 0.01179 respectively.Conclusion: Problem oriented learning sessions seems to be more effective way of delivering the concept as compared to self-directed learning sessions. There is a need of time for creating awareness and readiness of the learner for such type of learner centred active learning methods.
Atorvastatin Alleviates Behavioral Symptoms in MPTP-lesioned Mice: Associated With NOX2-mediated Autophagy and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Yan Junqiang , Huang Jiarui , Wu Jiannan , Liu Anran , Shen Mengmeng , Fan Hua , Lai Xiaoyi , Ma Hongxia , Sun Wenjie , Qiao Liang , Yang Jianxue
Published: September 2020

Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons. It is characterized by static tremors, stiffness, slow movements, and gait disturbances, but it is also accompanied by anxiety and depression. Our previous study showed that statins, especially atorvastatin, could reduce the risk of PD, but the mechanism is still unclear. Results In this paper, we used an animal model of PD in which depression was determined by a tail suspension test, followed by an elevated plus-maze test to determine anxiety levels, and muscle status was measured by a rotarod test. We found that atorvastatin can increase muscle capacity and the coordination of movement and improved anxiety and depression，which mechanism may be related to decrease the expression of α-synuclein Ser129 and NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), and increase the protein expression of LC-3II/LC3-I, and promote autophagy flow. To further confirm that atorvastatin protection was achieved by inhibiting NOX2, we injected the midbrain substratum with NOX2 shRNA (M) lentivirus and found that silent NOX2 produced the same effect as atorvastatin. Further research found that atorvastatin could reduce MPTP-induced oxidative stress damage by increasing Nrf2, NQO-1 and HO-1, while inhibiting NOX2 decreased the antioxidative stress effect of atorvastatin. Conclusions： Our results suggest that atorvastatin can improve muscle capacity, anxiety and depression by inhibiting NOX2, which may be related to NOX2-mediated oxidative stress and autophagy in dopaminergic neurons. Atorvastatin may be identified as a drug that can effectively improve behavioral disorders in PD mice. NOX2 may be a potential gene target for new drug development in PD.