bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tespa1 plays a role in the modulation of airway hyperreactivity through the IL-4/STAT6 pathway
Authors: Yang Ruhui , Wang Guangli , Li Lingyun , He Hanjiang , Zheng Mingzhu , Lu Linrong , Wu Songquan
Published: August 2020

Background: Thymocyte-expressed, positive selection-associated 1 (Tespa1) is a critical signaling molecule in thymocyte development. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of Tespa1 on mast cells in the pathogenesis of asthma and its relationship with the interleukin (IL)-4 /signal transducers and activators of transcription 6 (STAT6) signaling pathway.Methods: Tespa1 mRNA expression analysis and IgE levels were carried out using the induced sputum of 33 adults with stable asthma and 36 healthy controls. Tespa1- knockout mice ( Tespa1 -/- , KO) and C57BL/6 background (wild-type, WT) mice were sensitized and treated with ovalbumin (OVA) to establish an asthma model. Pathological changes, number and activity of mast cells, and changes in activation of the IL-4 /STAT6 pathway in lung tissue were detected. The changes of tryptase expression and STAT6 activation after mast cell gene knockout were analyzed in vitro . The changes of enzyme activation and STAT6 activation after mast cell gene knockout were analyzed in vitro . The association between the Tespa1 and p-STAT6 was analyzed by co-immunoprecipitation method.Results: Compared with the healthy controls, Tespa1 expression was decreased, and IgE levels were elevated in the sputum of asthmatic patients. Animal experiments showed that Tespa1 -/- mice exhibited more severe inflammation, higher quantity of goblet cells and mast cells in the bronchium, and greater activity of mast cell tryptase, which is induced by ovalbumin, than WT mice. And IL-4, IL-13, phospho-Janus kinase 1, and p-STAT6 expressions presented a higher increase in the Tespa1 -/- mouse model than in the WT mouse model. Further in vitro studies confirmed that IL-4 could more significantly promote tryptase and p-STAT6 activities in Tespa1 -/- mast cells than their WT counterparts. Correlation analysis results showed a negative correlation between Tespa1 and p-STAT6. Co-immunoprecipitation results demonstrated an association between Tespa1 and p-STAT6.Conclusions: Altogether, our results indicate that Tespa1 can negatively regulate mast cell activity, and this event is related to the mast cell IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathway and could be therapeutically exploited to treat asthma attacks.
Mechanical ventilation of patients in helicopter emergency medical service transport: An international survey.
Authors: Hilbert-Carius Peter , Struck Manuel , Hofer Veronika , Hinkelbein Jochen , Rognas Leif , Adler Jörn , Christian Michael D. , Wurmb Thomas , Bernhard Michael , Hossfeld Björn
Published: August 2020

Background: Mechanical ventilation in helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) environments is a procedure which carries a significant risk of complications. Limited data on the quality and performance of mechanical ventilation in HEMS are available in the literature.Method: We conducted an international survey to evaluate mechanical ventilation infrastructure in HEMS and collect data of transported ventilated patients. From June 20-22, 2019, the participating HEMS bases were asked to provide data via a web-based platform. Vital parameters and ventilation settings of the patients at first patient contact and at handover were compared using non-parametric statistical tests. Results: Out of 215 invited HEMS bases, 53 responded. Respondents were from Germany, Denmark, United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Austria and Switzerland. Of the HEMS bases, all medical team leaders were physicians, mainly anesthesiologists (79%), the majority were board certified (92.5%) and trained in intensive care medicine (89%) and had a median (range) experience in HEMS of 9 (0-25) years. HEMS may provide a high level of expertise in mechanical ventilation whereas the majority of ventilators are able to provide pressure controlled ventilation and continuous positive airway pressure modes (77%). Data of 30 ventilated patients with a median (range) age of 54 (21-100) years and 53% male gender were analyzed. Of these, 24 were primary missions and 6 interfacility transports. At handover, oxygen saturation (p<0.01) and positive end-expiratory pressure (p=0.04) of the patients were significantly higher compared to first patient contact.Conclusion: In this survey, the management of ventilated HEMS-patients was not associated with ventilation related serious adverse events. Patient conditions, training of medical crew and different technical and environmental resources are likely to influence management. Further studies are necessary to assess safety and process quality of mechanical ventilation in HEMS.Trial Registration: The survey was prospectively registered at Research Registry (researchregistry2925).
Genome mining and UHPLC–QTOF–MS/MS illuminate the potential antimicrobial active compounds and specificity of biosynthetic gene clusters in Bacillus subtilis NCD-2
Authors: Su Zhenhe , Chen Xiuye , Liu Xiaomeng , Guo Qinggang , Li Shezeng , Lu Xiuyun , Zhang Xiaoyun , Wang PeiPei , Dong Lihong , Zhao Weisong , Ma Ping
Published: August 2020

Background

Bacillus subtilis strain NCD-2 is an excellent biocontrol agent against plant soil-borne diseases and shows broad-spectrum antifungal activities. This study aimed to explore some of the secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters and related bioactive compounds in strain NCD-2. An integrative approach, which combined genome mining with structural identification technologies using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), was conducted to interpret the chemical origins of the significant biological activities in strain NCD-2.

Results

Genome mining revealed that strain NCD-2 contained nine gene clusters having predicted functions involving secondary metabolites with bioactive abilities. They encoded six known products including fengycin, surfactin, bacillaene, subtilosin, bacillibactin, bacilysin and three unknown products. Fengycin, surfactin, bacillaene and bacillibactin were successfully detected from the fermentation broth of strain NCD-2 by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Bacillaene, subtilosin, bacillibactin, and bacilysin related biosynthetic gene clusters showed 100% amino acid sequence similarity with B. velezensis strain FZB42，however, the biosynthetic gene clusters for surfactin and fengycin showed 83% and 92%, respectively. Further comparison of gene clusters encoding fengycin and surfactin revealed that strain NCD-2 had lost the fenC and fenD genes in the fengycin biosynthetic operon. Moreover, biosynthetic enzyme-related gene srfAB for surfactin had divided into two parts. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that FenE function in strain NCD-2 was same to that of FenE and FenC in strain FZB42, and FenA function in strain NCD-2 was same to that of FenA and FenD in strain FZB42. Five kinds of fengycin, with 26 homologs, and surfactin, with 4 homologs, were detected from strain NCD-2. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a non-typical and unique gene cluster related to fengycin synthesis.

Conclusions

It was found that there were many gene clusters encoding antimicrobial compounds in the genome of strain NCD-2, and the fengycin synthetic gene cluster might be unique by using genome mining and UHPLC–QTOF–MS/MS. The production of fengycin, surfactin, bacillaene and bacillibactin might explain the biological activities of strain NCD-2.
De novo transcriptome assembly from the gonads of a scleractinian coral, Euphyllia ancora: Molecular mechanisms underlying scleractinian gametogenesis
Authors: Chiu Yi-Ling , Shikina Shinya , Yoshioka Yuki , Shinzato Chuya , Chang Ching-Fong
Published: August 2020

Background: Sexual reproduction of scleractinians has captured the attention of researchers and the general public for decades. Although extensive ecological data has been acquired, underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, to better understand mechanisms underlying gametogenesis, we isolated ovaries and testes at different developmental phases from a gonochoric coral, Euphyllia ancora , and adopted a transcriptomic approach to reveal sex- and phase-specific gene expression profiles. In particular, we explored genes associated with oocyte development and maturation, spermiogenesis, sperm motility / capacitation, and fertilization.Results: 1.6 billion raw reads were obtained from 24 gonadal samples. De novo assembly of trimmed reads, and elimination of contigs derived from symbiotic dinoflagellates (Symbiodiniaceae) and other organisms yielded a reference E. ancora gonadal transcriptome of 35,802 contigs. Analysis of 4 developmental phases identified 2,023 genes that were differentially expressed during oogenesis and 678 during spermatogenesis. In premature/mature ovaries, 631 genes were specifically upregulated, with 538 in mature testes. Upregulated genes included those involved in gametogenesis, gamete maturation, sperm motility / capacitation, and fertilization in other metazoans, including humans. Meanwhile, a large number of genes without homology to sequences in the SWISS-PROT database were also observed among upregulated genes in premature / mature ovaries and mature testes.Conclusions: Our findings show that scleractinian gametogenesis shares many molecular characteristics with that of other metazoans, but it also possesses unique characteristics developed during cnidarian and/or scleractinian evolution. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to create a gonadal transcriptome assembly from any scleractinian. This study and associated datasets provide a foundation for future studies regarding gametogenesis and differences between male and female colonies from molecular and cellular perspectives. Furthermore, our transcriptome assembly will be a useful reference for future development of sex-specific and/or stage-specific germ cell markers that can be used in coral aquaculture and ecological studies.
Research on Personal Credit Evaluation of Internet Finance Based on Blockchain and Decision Tree Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Yuhao
Published: August 2020

With the development of Internet finance, existing financial platforms have gradually formed a large-scale, dynamic operating environment. How to ensure information security and realize personal credit evaluation is an urgent problem to be solved in the development of Internet financial platforms. The rise of blockchain technology has provided new solutions for the management of Internet financial platforms and information security. In view of the shortcomings of the current Internet financial credit evaluation, this article discusses the key standards of personal credit evaluation. With the help of blockchain, decision tree and other technologies, this paper designs the credit evaluation process and establishes personal credit evaluation technology. Experiments and analysis show that this technology can effectively improve the transparency of personal credit information in Internet finance. This technology is used to study credit risk assessment factors and provide new solutions for the intelligent transformation and upgrading of Internet finance.
Production of dengue virus-like particles serotype-3 in silkworm larvae and their ability to elicit a humoral immune response in mice
Authors: Umoto Doddy Irawan Setyo , Pambudi Sabar , Sjatha Fithriyah , Kato Tatsuya , Park Enoch Y.
Published: August 2020

To develop monovalent dengue virus-like particle for serotype 3 (DENV-LP/3), we prepared and expressed two structural polyprotein constructs using silkworm and Bm5 cells: DENV-3 Capsid-premembrane-envelope (DENV-3CprME) and premembrane-envelope (DENV-3prME). The expressed PA-tagged 3CprME and 3prME polypeptides were partially purified by PA-tag affinity chromatography and had molecular weights of 85 and 75 kDa, respectively. Expressed proteins were separately verified using the following primary antibodies: the anti-PA tag antibody, DENV premembrane polyclonal antibody, and DENV envelope polyclonal antibody. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that these DENV-3CprME and 3prME formed rough, spherical DENV-LPs (DENV-LP/3CprME and DENV-LP/3prME), respectively, with a diameter of 30–55 nm. The heparin-binding assay demonstrated that these DENV-LPs contained the envelope protein domain III on their surfaces. Both DENV-LPs showed an affinity to sera from human dengue patients and immunized mice. Immunization of mice with DENV-LP/3prME significantly induced the level of antibodies compared with DENV-LP/3CprME. These results indicate that DENV-LP/3prME is suitable as a vaccine candidate compared with DENV-LP/3CprME.
Genomic Regions Associated with Important Seed Quality Traits in Food-grade Soybeans
Authors: Whiting Rachel M. , Torabi Sepideh , Lukens Lewis , Eskandari Mehrzad
Published: August 2020

Background: The production of soy-based food products requires specific physical and chemical characteristics of the soybean seed. Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with value-added traits, such as seed weight, seed protein and sucrose concentration, could accelerate the development of competitive high-protein soybean cultivars for the food-grade market through marker-assisted selection (MAS). The objectives of this study were to identify and validate QTL associated with these value-added traits in two high-protein recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations.Results: The RIL populations were derived from the high-protein cultivar ‘AC X790P’ (49% protein, dry weight basis), and two high-yielding commercial cultivars, ‘S18-R6’ (41% protein) and ‘S23-T5’ (42% protein). Fourteen large-effect QTL (R 2 >10%) were identified associated with seed protein concentration. Of these QTL, seven QTL were detected in both populations, and eight of them were co-localized with QTL associated with either seed sucrose concentration or seed weight. None of the protein-related QTL was found to be associated with seed yield in either population. Sixteen candidate genes with putative roles in protein metabolism were identified within seven of these protein-related regions: qPro_Gm02-3, qPro_Gm04-4, qPro_Gm06-1, qPro_Gm06-3, qPro_Gm06-6, qPro_Gm13-4 and qPro-Gm15-3.Conclusion: The use of RIL populations derived from high-protein parents created an opportunity to identify four novel QTL that may have been masked by large-effect QTL segregating in populations developed from diverse parental cultivars. In total, we have identified nine protein QTL that were detected either in both populations in the current study or reported in other studies. These QTL may be useful in the curated selection of new soybean cultivars for optimized soy-based food products.
Relationship between health literacy and fast food consumption: A population-based study from southern Iran
Authors: Namdar Azam , Naghizadeh Mohammad Mehdi , Montazeri Ali , Zamani Marziyeh
Published: August 2020

Background: Having appropriate health literacy may affect the consumption of fast food. We aimed to evaluate the effect of health literacy on fast food consumption among the adult populations.Methods: We evaluated health literacy and fast food consumption using an appropriate questionnaire in 421 adult participants with the age range of 18-65 years old in Fasa city, Fars Province, southern Iran. Two-step cluster sampling and, then, systematic sampling were performed. Data collection was done through demographic information questionnaire, checklist on fast food consumption, and the Health Literacy for Iranian Adults (HELIA) questionnaire. Data were harvested by face-to-face conversations. Population data across groups with/without fast food intake were compared.Results: Most of our participants used fast food every few months (49.9%). People with low or unstable income consumed more fast food than others (P<0.05). Sandwich and hotdog were the most consumed fast food (60.8%) and pizza was in the next step (34.9%). Sausage and soda were the most seasoning food (66.7%). Most of our participants used fast food as dinner (67.9%) and along with their family (72.2%), suggesting the institutionalized consumption of this type of food in the family. Fun was the most frequent reason for the use of fast food (66.5%). Most of the participants completely knew about the raw materials for fast food and their adverse effects. Finally, we found that health literacy among those who used fast food was less than those who did not consumed fast food. This difference was also observed in the subscales of reading skills, critique, and decision-making.Conclusions: It seems differences in health literacy and its components can affect fast food consumption. In addition, there was a negative relationship between health literacy and fast food consumption, which was also observed in reading skills, critique, and decision-making.
Research on Sports Fitness Management Based on Blockchain and Internet of Things
Authors: Shan Yu , Mai Yuehui
Published: August 2020

The amount of exercise and fitness level of sports athletes can be quantitatively evaluated through the measurement of health and sports information, thereby ensuring effective fitness effects. The development of blockchain and Internet of Things technology provides a new perspective and technical means for fitness management technology. In view of the current problems in the field of sports fitness, this paper designs and implements a dynamic management technology for sports fitness based on the concept of Internet of Things and blockchain. First, based on an in-depth analysis of the current status of theoretical research and application of the Internet of Health at home and abroad, the theories and methods of sports information and health information collection are studied. A temperature sensor and an acceleration sensor are used to collect human body temperature and exercise steps, respectively, and then estimate human health and exercise conditions. Second, solve the privacy problem in the collection and transmission of the Internet of Things by adding blockchain technology. Finally, the machine learning method is used to clean and manage the information and data to realize the real-time detection and management of the athlete's fitness status. The actual case test shows that the functions and technical performance indicators of the dynamic fitness management technology can meet the needs of users in indoor and outdoor fitness management, and promote the development of the sports industry and provide a scientific reference.
The effects of varying doses of caffeine on cardiac parasympathetic reactivation following an acute bout of anaerobic exercise in recreational athletes
Authors: Sarshin Amir , Naderi Alireza , Cruz Carlos Janssen Gomes da , Feizolahi Foad , Forbes Scott C. , Candow Darren G. , Mohammadgholian Ebrahim , Amiri Mehrdad , Jafari Naghmeh , Rahimi Alireza , Alijani Eidi , Earnest Conrad P.
Published: August 2020

Background: To examine the effects of varying doses of caffeine on autonomic reactivation following anaerobic exercise. Methods: Recreationally active males (N=20; 24±2y) participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study where participants ingested: (1) Control (CON; no supplement), (2) a non-caffeinated placebo (PLA), (3) 3-mg∙kg-1 of caffeine (CAF3) or (4) 6-mg∙kg-1 of caffeine (CAF6) prior to Wingate testing. Parasympathetic (lnRMSSD, primary outcome) and global HRV (lnSDNN, secondary outcome) were assessed at rest (i.e., pre-ingestion), 45-min post-ingestion, and 5-min and 35-min post-exercise recovery. We used a GLM to assess mean (95% CI) changes from pre-ingestion baseline.Results: Overall, we observed a significant trend for lnRMSSD and lnSDNN (both, p=0.001, ηp2=0.745). Forty-five minutes after treatment ingestion, we observed a significant increase in lnRMSSD for CAF3 (0.15ms, 95%CI, 0.07,0.24) and CAF6 (0.16ms, 95%CI, 0.06,0.25), both being significant (both, p<0.004) vs. CON (-0.02ms, 95%CI, -0.09,0.04). Five-minutes after exercise, all treatments demonstrated significant declines in lnRMSSD vs. baseline (all, p<0.001). After 35-min of recovery, lnRMSSD returned to a levels not significantly different than baseline for CAF3 (0.03ms, 95%CI, -0.05, 0.12) and CAF6 (-0.03ms, 95%CI, -0.17, 0.10), while PLA (-0.16ms, 95%CI, -0.25, -0.06) and CON (-0.17ms, 95%CI, -0.28, -0.07) treatments remained significantly depressed. A similar pattern was also observed for SDNN.Conclusion: Caffeine ingestion increases resting cardiac autonomic modulation and accelerates post-exercise autonomic recovery after a bout of an anaerobic exercise test in recreationally active young men. However, no differences between caffeine doses on cardiac autonomic reactivity were observed.
Conversion From Chronic To Episodic Migraine In Patients Treated With Erenumab: Real-Life Data From An Italian Region
Authors: Ornello Raffaele , Casalena Alfonsina , Frattale Ilaria , Caponnetto Valeria , Gabriele Amleto , Affaitati Giannapia , Giamberardino Maria Adele , Assetta Maurizio , Maddestra Maurizio , Marzoli Fabio , Viola Stefano , Cerone Davide , Marini Carmine , Pistoia Francesca , Sacco Simona
Published: August 2020

Background. Most patients treated with erenumab in clinical practice have chronic migraine (CM). We assessed the rate and possible predictors of conversion from CM to episodic migraine (EM) in a real-life study.Main body. We performed a subgroup analysis of patients treated with erenumab from January 2019 to February 2020 in the Abruzzo region, central Italy. Treatment was provided according to current clinical practice. For the purpose of the present study, we included patients fulfilling the definition of CM for the three months preceding erenumab treatment and with at least 6 months of follow-up after treatment. We assessed the rate of conversion to EM from baseline to Months 4-6 of treatment and during each month of treatment. To test the clinical validity of conversion to EM, we also assessed the decrease in monthly headache days (MHDs), acute medication days, and median headache intensity on a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). We included in our study 91 patients with CM. At Months 4-6, 62 patients (68.1%) converted from CM to EM; the proportion of converters increased from Month 1 to Month 5. In the overall group of patients, median MHDs decreased from 26.5 (IQR 20-30) to 7.5 (IQR 5-16; P<0.001) compared with baseline, while median acute medication days decreased from 21 (IQR 16-30) to 6 (IQR 3-10; P<0.001) and median NRS scores decreased from 8 (IQR 7-9) to 6 (IQR 4-7; P<0.001). Significant decreases were found both in converters and in non-converters. We found no significant predictors of conversion to EM among the patients’ baseline characteristics.Conclusions. In our study, two thirds of patients with CM converted to EM during 6 months of treatment with erenumab. MHDs, acute medication use, and headache intensity decreased regardless of conversion from CM to EM.
In Silico Analysis of CadF Epitope-based Vaccine Design Against Campylobacter Jejuni
Authors: Naseri Mona Moballegh , Shams Saeed , Naseri Mohammad Moballegh , Bakhshi Bita
Published: August 2020

Objective: To eradicate infectious diseases, vaccination is an important strategy. CadF protein of Campylo bacter jejuni is one of the important factors in the process of the pathogenesis of the bacterium. So, the purpose of the work was to perform a bioinformatics study for identifying an epitope-based CadF vaccine, as a subunit vaccine. CadF sequences were extracted from the NCBI database. In silico analysis including all ergeni city, antigenicity, epitope conservancy assessment, molecular docking, etc.was done by different servers. Results:The results showed that CadF is an antigenic and non-allergenic protein and provides a suitable structure for vaccine design. Among epitopes, LSDSLALRL has been confirmed to stimulate both B and T cells. This 9-mers peptide is located in 135-143 segment of the CadF protein and interacted with HLA-A0101 and HLA-DRB1 0101 with energies of docking -26.18kcal/mol and -109.89kcal/mol. The peptide is not an allergen and as an antigen, it has the ability for motivating the immune system. Hence, the analyses are performed on that the epitope structure could verify the design of a vaccine against C. jejuni. The obtained theoretical results showed that CadF protein could be used for designing and evaluating a new vaccine in humans.
Specific Dynamic Variations in the Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte Subsets in COVID-19 and Severe Influenza a Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Qian Fang , Gao Guiju , Song Yangzi , Xu Yanli , Wang Aibin , Wang Sa , Yiwei Hao , Chen Meiling , Ma Xiaoyang , Zhao Tianwei , Guo Xiaodi , Chen Zhihai , Zhang Fujie
Published: August 2020

Background:
Both COVID-19 and influenza A contribute to increased mortality among the elderly and those with existing comorbidities. Changes in the underlying immune mechanisms determine patient prognosis. This study aimed to analyze the role of lymphocyte subsets in the immunopathogenesisof COVID-19 and severe influenza A, and examined the clinical significance of their alterations in the prognosis and recovery duration.
Methods:
By retrospectively reviewing of patients in four groups (healthy controls, severe influenza A, non-severe COVID-19 and severe COVID-19) who were admitted to Ditan hospital between 2018 to 2020, we performed flow cytometric analysis and compared the absolute counts of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and lymphocyte subsets of the patients at different time points (weeks 1–4).
Results:
We reviewed the patients’ data of 110 healthy blood donors, 80 Non-severe-COVID-19, 19 Severe-COVID-19 and 43 severe influenza A. We found total lymphocytes (0.93 × 109/L, 0.84 × 109/L vs 1.78 × 109/L, P < 0.0001) and lymphocyte subsets (T cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets) of both severe patients to be significantly lower than those of healthy donors at early infection stages. Further, significant dynamic variations were observed at different time points (weeks 1–4).
Conclusions:
Our study indicates lymphopenia to be associated with disease severity and suggests the plausible role of lymphocyte subsets in disease progression, which in turn affects prognosis and recovery duration in patients with severe COVID-19 and influenza A.
Comparative study of a single posterior approach and combined posterior-anterior approach for patients with lower lumbar tuberculosis
Authors: Cui Yaqing , Gong Liqun , Zhou Yongchun , Duan Dapeng , Fan Yayi , Liu Jun , Li Weiwei
Published: August 2020

Background

To compare the surgical effect of a single posterior approach with a combined posterior-anterior approach for patients with lower lumbar tuberculosis (TB).
Method:

119 cases of lower lumbar TB were conducted from January 2008 to December 2016 using two procedures. Out of 119 cases, 73 patients were operated with a single posterior approach (group A), whereas, 46 patients were operated using the combined posterior-anterior approach (group B). The evaluative items were compared between two groups, including operation time, blood loss, surgical complication rate, cure rate, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, kyphosis Cobb’s angle, and time of abscess disappearance. Furthermore, the period between bone graft fusion and the patients’ return to regular activity were compared between the two groups to evaluate the therapeutic effects.
Results

No significant differences of gender, age, BMI, illness duration, and preoperative indexes of VAS, JOA, ESR, CRP, and kyphosis Cobb’s angle were found between the two groups of patients, who were followed-up for 24–60 months. Although the operation time and blood loss rate were less in group A as compared to group B, no remarkable differences in VAS, JOA, ESR, CRP and kyphosis Cobb’s angle were found. Furthermore, the rate of surgical complications, cure rate, and time of bone graft fusion did not show appreciable differences between the two groups. However, the time of abscess disappearance and time return to regular activity were less in group B as opposed to patients of group A.
Conclusion

Both single posterior approach and combined posterior-anterior approach are effective for the treatment of lower lumbar TB with a high cure rate and low surgical complication rate. Addtionally, single posterior approach is less traumatic than the combined posterior-anterior approach, but with a much slower lesion healing and activity recovery.
Prognostic value of Glypican family genes in early-stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after pancreaticoduodenectomy and possible mechanisms
Authors: Liu Jun-qi , Liao Xi-wen , Wang Xiang-kun , Yang Cheng-kun , Zhou Xin , Liu Zheng-qian , Han Quan-fa , Fu Tian-hao , Zhu Guang-zhi , Han Chuang-ye , Su Hao , Huang Jian-lu , Ruan Guo-tian , Yan Ling , Ye Xin-ping , Peng Tao
Published: August 2020

Background: This study explored the prognostic significance of Glypican (GPC) family genes in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) after pancreaticoduodenectomy using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).Methods: A total of 112 PDAC patients from TCGA were included in the analysis.The relationship between overall survival and the expression of GPC family genes as well as basic clinical characteristics was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test. Joint effects survival analysis was performed to further examine the relationship between GPC genes and prognosis. A prognosis nomogram was established based on clinical characteristics and prognosis-related genes. Prognosis-related genes were investigated by genome-wide co-expression analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to identify potential underlying mechanisms.Results: High expression of GPC2, GPC3, and GPC5 was significantly associated with favorable survival (log-rank P = 0.031, 0.021, and 0.028, respectively; adjusted P value = 0.005, 0.022, and 0.020, respectively), and joint effects analysis of these genes was effective for prognosis prediction. The prognosis nomogram was applied to predict the survival probability using the total score calculated. Genome-wide co-expression and GSEA analyses suggested that the GPC2 mechanisms affecting prognosis involved sequence-specific DNA binding, protein transport, cell differentiation and oncogenic signatures (KRAS, RAF, STK33, and VEGFA). GPC3 may be related to cell adhesion, angiogenesis, inflammatory response, signaling pathways like Ras, Rap1, PI3K-Akt, chemokine, GPCR, and signatures like cyclin D1, p53, PTEN. GPC5 may be involved in transcription factor complex, TFRC1, oncogenic signatures (HOXA9 and BMI1), gene methylation, phospholipid metabolic process, glycerophospholipid metabolism, cell cycle, and EGFR pathway.Conclusion: GPC2, GPC3, and GPC5 expression may serve as prognostic indicators in PDAC, and the combination of these genes showed a higher efficiency for prognosis prediction.
Ozone Induces Autophagy by Activating PPARγ/mTOR in Rat Chondrocytes Treated with IL-1β
Authors: Sun panpan , Xu Weichneg , Zhang Cong , Zhao Xu , Lin Xiaowen , Gong Moxuan , Fu Zhijian
Published: August 2020

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the main cause of older pain and disability, its dysfunction due to discomfort as well as the quality of life of patients having adverse effects. Medical ozone (O3) has been found to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment of osteoarthritis. However, it is unclear whether O3 can induces autophagy through the PPARγ/mTOR autophagy pathway in chondrocytes treated with IL-1β. Methods: Primary chondrocytes were isolated from wistar rat cartilage within 3days. The OA chondrocyte model was induced via treatment with IL-1β to chondrocytes for 24 hours. Then the cells were treated with O3 and GW9662, the inhibitor of PPARγ. Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8. Further, the cells subjected to western blot analysis, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence assay. The numbers of autophagosomes were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Results: 30μg/ml O3 improved the viability of chondrocytes. O3 significantly increased the level of autophagy proteins and the numbers of autophagosomes in chondrocytes treated with IL-1β via treated with O3. qRT-PCR results showed that O3 decreased the levels of IL-6,TNF-α and MMP-3,MMP-13 in chondrocytes treated with IL-1β. Conclusions: 30μg/ml O3 improved autophagy via activating PPARγ/mTOR signaling and suppressing inflammation in chondrocytes treated with IL-1β.
Increased mRNA Expression of Key Cytokines Among Suspected Cases of Pneumocystis Jirovecii Infection
Authors: Alshahrani Mohammad Y. , Alfaifi Mohammed , Shahrani Mesfer Al , Alshahrani Abdulaziz S. , Alkhathami Ali G. , Dera Ayed A. , Ahmad Irfan , Wahab Shadma , Beg Mirza M. A. , Hakamy Ali , Hamid Mohamed E
Published: August 2020

Background: Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a fatal infectious disease caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii (PJP). The major factor relevant to morbidity and mortality seems to be the host inflammatory reaction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 cytokines mRNA expression among suspected P. jirovecii infection.Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytic study undertaken in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. A 100 suspected PCP cases and a 100 healthy controls were included in the study. Basic clinical manifestations, radiological findings, microbiological and immunological findings were extracted from the hospital records from January 2019 to August 2019, Pneumocystis detection was done by the immune-fluorescent staining (IFAT, Gomorimethanamine silver staining (GMSS), Giemsa staining, Toluidine blue O (TBO), and Pneumocystis RT-PCR. Results: Increased more than 5 fold, 3 fold, 4 fold, and 7 fold of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 mRNA expression were observed in PCP cases compared to control. Higher expression of IL-2 mRNA was connected with crept, wheezing and chest X-ray findings like central perihilar infiltrates, patchy infiltrates, consolidation, hilar lymphadenopathy, pneumothorax, pleural effusion which showed higher expression compared to counterpart (p<0.0001). Higher expression of IL-4 mRNA was found to be significantly associated with the weight loss (p=0.002), dyspnea (p=0.003), crept (p=0.01), and chest X-ray findings (p<0.0001). Significantly increased expression of IL-10 mRNA was observed to be associated with weight loss, dyspnea, night sweats, wheezing, and different findings of chest X-ray compared to their counterparts, whereas, IL-13 mRNA was observed with cases with fever. Suspected cases of PCP confirmed positive by IFTA with higher IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA expression compared to negative cases. RT-PCR confirmed PCP cases had significantly higher expression of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 as well as IL-13 mRNA compared to negative cases. Positive detected cases by GMSS showed higher IL-2, IL-10 mRNA expression, while Giemsa showed only higher IL-4 mRNA expression compared to negatives cases. Conclusion: Confirmed cases of P. jirovecii showed higher IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 mRNA expression comparatively to negative cases. Increased expression of cytokines may be indicative of infection severity and could help in patients’ management.
Morphological characterization of Arab and Oromo goats in northwestern Ethiopia: implications for community-based breeding programs
Authors: Sheriff Oumer , Alemayehu Kefyalew , Haile Aynalem
Published: August 2020

Background: An exploratory field research was conducted in Northwestern Ethiopia, to characterize the morphological features of Arab and Oromo goat populations as a first step to design breeding programs. Ten qualitative and nine quantitative traits were considered from 747 randomly selected goats. All data collected during the study period were analyzed using R statistical software, version 3.5.2, 2018. Results: Plain white coat color was predominantly observed in Arab goats (33.72%) while plain brown (deep and light) coat color was the most frequent in Oromo goats (27.81%). The morphometric measurements indicated that Oromo goats have significantly (P < 0.001) higher body weight and linear body measurements than Arab goats. Positive, strong and highly significant (P < 0.001) correlations were obtained between body weight and most of the body measurements in both goat populations. The highest correlation coefficients of chest girth with body weight for Arab (r = 0.95) and Oromo (r = 0.92) goat populations demonstrated a strong association between these variables. Live body weight could be predicted with regression equations of y = -33.65 + 0.89x for Arab goats (R2 = 90) and y = -37.55 + 0.94x for Oromo goats (R2 = 85), where y and x are body weight and chest girth, respectively, in these goat types. Conclusions: The morphological variations obtained in this study could be complemented by performance data and molecular characterization using DNA markers to guide the overall goat conservation and formulation of appropriate breeding and selection strategies.
Intranasal exposure of African green monkeys to SARS-CoV-2 results in acute phase pneumonia with shedding and lung injury still present in the early convalescence phase
Authors: Cross Robert W , Agans Krystle N , Prasad Abhishek N , Borisevich Viktoriya , Woolsey Courtney , Deer Daniel J , Dobias Natalie S , Geisbert Joan B , Fenton Karla A , Geisbert Thomas W
Published: August 2020

We recently reported the development of the first African green monkey (AGM) model for COVID-19 based on a combined liquid intranasal (i.n.) and intratracheal (i.t.) exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we followed up on this work by assessing an i.n. particle only route of exposure using the LMA mucosal atomization device (MAD). Six AGMs were infected with SARS-CoV-2; three animals were euthanized near the peak stage of virus replication (day 5) and three animals were euthanized during the early convalescence period (day 34). All six AGMs supported robust SARS-CoV-2 replication and developed respiratory disease. Evidence of coagulation dysfunction as noted by a transient increases in aPTT and circulating levels of fibrinogen was observed in all AGMs. The level of SARS-CoV-2 replication and lung pathology was not quite as pronounced as previously reported with AGMs exposed by the combined i.n. and i.t. routes; however, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in nasal swabs of some animals as late as day 15 and rectal swabs as late as day 28 after virus challenge. Of particular importance to this study, all three AGMs that were followed until the early convalescence stage of COVID-19 showed substantial lung pathology at necropsy as evidenced by multifocal chronic interstitial pneumonia and increased collagen deposition in alveolar walls despite the absence of detectable SARS-CoV-2 in any of the lungs of these animals. These findings are consistent with human COVID-19 further demonstrating that the AGM faithfully reproduces the human condition.
HIV testing and Counselling Among Tuberculosis Suspected Patients in Kassala State, Sudan: A Determinant Study
Authors: Idris Almutaz Mohamed , Crutzen Rik , Borne H.W. Van den
Published: August 2020

Background: Acceptance and use of HIV Testing and Counselling (HTC) services of Tuberculosis(TB) suspected patients is low, which limit the opportunities of detecting those in need of HIV treatment and care. This study aimed to assess the psychosocial beliefs related to intention to use HTC services among TB suspected patients and the relevance of these beliefs for behaviour change intervention in Sudan.Methods: TB suspected patients (N= 383) completed a cross-sectional questionnaire from five separate TB facilities. The questionnaire was based on the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA) model. Eligibility criteria included attending Tuberculosis Management Units (TBMUs) in Kassala State as suspected TB patients and aged 18-64 years. A Confidence Interval Based Estimation of Relevance (CIBER) analysis approach was employed to investigate the effects of beliefs on the intention to use HTC services and to establish their relevance regarding interventions.Result: The CIBER results showed the beliefs included in the study accounted for 59% to 70% of the variance in intention to use HTC services. The participants' beliefs "My friends think I have to use HTC services" is highly relevant for behaviour change interventions because it had a relatively low average score and is strongly associated with intention to use HTC services. The belief " If I would fear to be stigmatized if I get HIV positive result " on average had a relatively high score. It was negatively associated with intention to use HTC services, so it is highly relevant for intervention development. The " Health care providers will keep my HIV test result confidential " belief was positively associated with intention to use HTC services with an average score on the middle at the scale and needs reinforcement in interventions. The mean score of the belief " I could have the cost to reach HTC services " was in the middle of the scale but it was not associated with intention and therefore is not a variable to be targeted for interventions. Conclusion: The study revealed that the relevance of salient beliefs of intention to use HTC services varies among TB suspected patients. It is essential to develop interventions to enhance the intention to use HTC services based on beliefs (sub-determinants) that are most relevant.
Genomic analysis of circular RNAs in heart
Authors: Dong Kunzhe , He Xiangqin , Su Huabo , F David J.R. , Zhou Jiliang
Published: August 2020

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of human morbidity and mortality. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a newly discovered class of RNA that have been found to have important physiological and pathological roles. In the current study, we de novo analyzed existing whole transcriptome data from 5 normal and 5 dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) human heart samples and compared the results with circRNAs that have been previously reported in human, mouse and rat hearts. Results: Our analysis identifies a list of cardiac circRNAs that are reliably detected in multiple studies. We have also defined the top 30 most abundant circRNAs in healthy human hearts which include some with previously un-appreciated cardiac roles such as circHIPK3_11 and circTULP4_1. We further found that many circRNAs are dysregulated in DCM, particularly transcripts originating from DCM-related gene loci, such as TTN and RYR2. In addition, we predict the potential of cardiac circRNAs to sponge miRNAs that have reported roles in heart disease. We found that circALMS1_6 has the highest potential to bind miR-133, a regulator of cardiac remodeling. Interestingly, we detected a novel class of circRNAs, referred to as read-though (rt)-circRNAs which are produced from exons of two different neighboring genes. Specifically, rt-circRNAs from SCAF8 and TIAM2 were observed to be dysregulated in DCM and both have the potential to sponge multiple heart disease-related miRNAs.Conclusions: In summary, this study provides a valuable resource for exploring the function of circRNAs in human heart disease and establishes a functional paradigm for identifying novel circRNAs in other tissues.
Diagnostic Value of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Cryptococcal Antigen-Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic Assay for Pulmonary Cryptococcosis in non-HIV Patients
Authors: Zeng Hui-Qing , Cai Xue-Ying , Zhang Xiao-Bin , Yang Dong-Yong , Lin Li , Chen Mei-Jun , Guo Wei-Feng , Zhu Si-Hong , Chen Xian-Xing , Chen Xiao-Rong , Huang Ye-Mei
Published: August 2020

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of cryptococcal antigen-lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (CrAg-LFA) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC). Methods: The subjects collected from March 2015 to October 2018 in 4 hospitals were divided into the pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) group (n=72) and the non-pulmonary cryptococcosis (non-PC) group (n=236). The patients in the PC group were diagnosed by lung biopsy. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predicted values of CrAg-LFA in the serum were 75.0%, 99.6%, 98.2%, and 92.9%, respectively, while those in the BALF were 93.1%, 100.0%, 100.0%, and 97.9%, respectively. Hence, the sensitivity of the CrAg-LFA in BALF was significantly higher than that in the serum of the patients in the PC group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The CrAg-LFA is a rapid, simple and safe experimental method. CrAg-LFA in BALF samples can offer higher diagnostic value for PC than that noted in the serum samples of PC subjects. Furthermore, the BALF positive results were equivalent to the microbiological culture positive results in terms of diagnostic value.
Recalling of Multiple Grasping Methods From an Object Image With a Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: SANADA Makoto , MATSUO Tadashi , SHIMADA Nobutaka , SHIRAI Yoshiaki
Published: August 2020

In this study, a method for a robot to recall multiple grasping methods for a given object is proposed. Therobot learns grasping methods using a convolutional neural network to observethe grasping activities of human without special instructions. For this setting, only one grasping motion is observed for an object at a time. By acquiring multiple grasping methods, the robot learnsby automatically clustering the observed grasping postures. In the proposed method, the grasping methods are clustered during the process of learning the grasping position. The method first recalls the grasping positions. The network for recalling the grasping position estimates the multi-channel heatmap that indicates one grasping position in each channel.The method then checks the graspability for each estimated position.Finally, it recalls the hand shapes that are based on the estimated grasping position and the object’s shape. This study describes the results of recalling multiple grasping methods and demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Immune and Stromal Signature-Based Prognostic Gene of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Zheng Xiaonan , Tang Liansha , Liao Xinyang , Jin Kun , Zhou Xianghong , Jin Di , Yang Lu , Qiu Shi , Wei Qiang
Published: August 2020

Background: Immune and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment have exhibit critical relevance with tumorigenesis and progression. Therefore, our analysis was conducted to explore the potential prognostic factors and the therapeutic targets of bladder cancer (BC) that affiliate to immune and stromal infiltration signature.Methods: Immune and stromal score were calculated for BC patients from TCGA database using ESTIMATE algorithm to predict the level of infiltration. Kaplan-Meier curves were utilized to assess the correlation of immune/stromal infiltration with survival outcomes. Differential expression genes (DEGs) were identified. Enrichment analyses, Kaplan-Meier curves, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction were performed to describe and screen the core module genes, whose prognostic value was further validated by an independent GEO dataset. Transcriptional factors (TFs) and ncRNA. correlated with the core module were identified using RAID 2.0 and TRRUST 2.0 database, and drugs potentially regulative for BC were accordingly screened using DrugBank.Results: 393 and 93 BC patients were enrolled from TCGA and GEO respectively. Higher stromal infiltration indicated worse overall survival (P = 0.015), and higher immune infiltration indicated an improvement on overall survival (P = 0.042). 562 DEGs were identified and 123 of them associated with survival outcomes. PPI has identified the core module genes, in which EFNB2 was the only core prognostic gene that was validated by both TCGA (P = 0.042) and GEO dataset (P = 0.036). Four TFs and Five ncRNAs (e.g. HIF1A) were associated with the regulation of the core module genes, and six drugs were screened as potential candidates to regulate BC.Conclusion: Higher immune infiltration in bladder tumor was correlated with improved survival and higher stromal infiltration corelated with worse survival. Furthermore, a higher expression of EFNB2 was tied with poorer prognosis of BC, which was validated by two independent datasets.