bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Molecular Survey and Phylogenetic Analysis of Porcine Circovirus Type 3 Using Oral Fluid, Faeces and Serum
Authors: Plut Jan , Jamnikar-Ciglenecki Urska , Golinar-Oven Irena , Knific Tanja , Stukelj Marina
Published: May 2020

Background: Porcine circovirus type 3 is the most recently discovered porcine circovirus, and an emerging pathogen. In this study the status of its presence on some Slovenian farms is reported. The effectiveness of the vaccine against porcine circovirus type 2 was assessed against porcine circovirus type 3.Group samples of oral fluid, faeces and individual serum samples were taken from six different pig categories and tested for presence of viral DNA, using both real time and conventional PCR. Positive samples were subjected to direct Sanger sequencing. Nucleotide sequences were analyzed and compared to GenBank PCV3 sequences.Results: Positive samples were sent for genome sequencing, which confirmed the presence of virus in all different pig categories on five farms. A high to moderate correlation of strong statistical significance was found between individual serum samples, oral fluid and faeces. Slovenian PCV3 was found to be distributed in a way similar to that of other countries. Slovenian PCV3 nt sequences are highly related, sharing more than 99.5 % nt identity. On one farm a commercially available vaccine against porcine circovirus type 2 was used on 3-week-old pigs. It did not affect the presence of porcine circovirus type 3 in oral fluid or sera of any of the seven age groups of pigs, each with two control groups.Conclusions: The results constitute the first discovery of the virus in Slovenia. Genome sequencing has revealed a high degree of similarity between Slovenian and GenBank isolates.
Finite element modeling of proximal femur with quantifiable weight-bearing area in standing position
Authors: Yang Peng , Lin Tian-Ye , Xu Jing-Li , Zeng Hui-Yu , Chen Da , Xiong Bing-Lang , Pang Feng-Xiang , Chen Zhen-Qiu , He Wei , Wei Qiu-Shi , Zhang Qinwen
Published: May 2020

Background
The positional distribution and size of the weight-bearing area of femoral head in the standing position as well as the direct active surface of joint force can directly affect the result of finite element (FE) stress analysis.However,the division of this area was vague, imprecise and un-individualized in most studies related separate FE models of femur. The purpose of this study was to quantify the positional distribution and size of the weight-bearing area of femoral head in standing position by a set of simple methods, to realize individualized reconstruction of proximal femur FE model.
Methods
Five adult volunteers were recruited for X-ray and CT examination in the same simulated bipedal standing position with a specialized patented device. We extracted these image data, calculated the 2D weight-bearing area on X-ray image, reconstructed the 3D model of proximal femur based on CT data, and registered them to realize the 2D weight-bearing area to 3D transformation as the quantified weight-bearing surface. One of the 3D models of proximal femur was randomly selected for finite element analysis (FEA), and we defined three different loading surfaces, and compared their FEA results.
Results
A total of 10 weight-bearing surfaces in 5 volunteers were constructed, they were mainly distributed on the dome and anterolateral of femoral head with crescent shape, in the range of 1,218.63mm2 − 1,871.06mm2. The results of FEA showed stress magnitude and distribution in proximal femur FE models among three different loading conditions were significant differences, the loading case with quantized weight-bearing area was more in accordance with the physical phenomenon of the hip.
Conclusion
This study confirmed an effective FE modeling method of proximal femur, which can quantify weight-bearing area to define more reasonable load surface setting without increasing the actual modeling difficulty.
Silencing VEGF enhances the radiosensitivity of the radioresistant human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE-2R by inhibiting autophagy through the activation of mTOR pathway
Authors: Chen Li , Lin Guoxiang , Chen Kaihua , Wan Fangzhu , Sun Yongchu , Liang Renba , Chen Xishan , Zhu Xiaodong
Published: May 2020

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important pro-angiogenic factor. VEGF was reported to promote the occurrence of autophagy, which enhanced to the radioresistance of tumors. The purpose of our study was to investigate the influence of VEGF silencing on the radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma radioresistant cell line CNE-2R and the underlying mechanisms.Methods: The radiosensitivity of CNE-2R cells after silencing VEGF was detected by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) and clonogenic assay, cell cycle and apoptosis was subjected to flow cytometry. DNA damage and autophagy were observed by immunofluorescence and western blotting. The interaction between VEGF and mTOR was confirmed by western blotting and co-immunoprecipitation analysis. In vivo, the effect of VEGF on radiosensitivity of NPC cells was investigated through xenograft model, furthermore, immunohistochemistry and TUNEL assay were used to further verify the relationship between autophagy and radiosensitivity in NPC after VEGF depletion.Results: Downregulation of VEGF significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis of CNE-2R cells after radiotherapy in vitro and in vivo. In addition, VEGF knockdown not only decreased autophagy level, but also delayed the DNA damage repair in CNE-2R cells after irradiation. Mechanistically, silencing VEGF suppressed autophagy through the activation of mTOR pathway.Conclusion: VEGF depletion increased radiosensitivity of NPC radioresistant cell CNE-2R by suppressing autophagy via the activation of mTOR pathway.
Meta-analysis of risk factors associated with suicidal ideation after stroke: A focus on Asian populations
Authors: zhang Shuang Mei , Qiu Zhao yang , Zhu Wei feng , Wang An rong , zhang zhaoxu
Published: May 2020

Background

Over the past decade, increasing attention has been paid on post-stroke suicide (PSS), which is one of complications of stroke. The rates of stroke and suicide are relatively high, especially in Asian populations. Thus, a deeper understanding of the prevalence and epidemiological impact of suicide after stroke is urgently needed. Clinical diagnosis and prevention of PSS are at the incipient stage, but the risk factors responsible for the occurrence of PSS in different regions and stages of the disease remain largely unknown. The present meta-analysis aimed to determine the incidence of PSS at different stages and time courses, and to identify the underlying risk factors for PSS.
Methods

We systematically searched the Cochrane library, Embase, PubMed,CNKI and Web of Science databases from their inception until April 2019. The research articles reporting on the risk factor for PSS were screened and included in the meta-analysis. The data from the included studies were extracted according to the predefined criteria.
Results

A total of 12 studies (n = 2693036) were included for meta-analyses. Of these studies, 7 reported suicide prevalence were meta-analyzed. The pooled estimate of suicidal ideation rates after stroke was 12%, which could be influenced by multiple risk factors, including men, smoking, depression, sleep disorders, previous stroke and low household income. Studies conducted in Asia demonstrated higher suicide prevalence (approximately 15%) compared to other regions. Smoking, alcohol consumption, low family income, depression, heart disease and sleep disorders were the important risk factors for the pathogenesis of suicide after stroke. When compared to PSS more than one year, the incidence of suicide within one year after stroke was more likely to be statistically significant. It was found that 4 out of every 1,000 stroke survivors tended to commit suicide. The results of this meta-analysis showed that depression (OR = 2.32; p < 0.01) was significantly associated with suicidal ideation, regardless of stroke duration.
Conclusion

Despite some limitations, we successfully identified the prevalence of PSS in Asian populations and the underlying risk factors. Based on the results of this meta-analysis, 4 out of every 1,000 stroke survivors committed suicide and the individuals with suicidal ideation tended to suicide within one year after stroke. Notably, depression was significantly associated with suicidal ideation, regardless of stroke duration. In addition, stroke survivors with low household income had nearly double the risk of suicidal ideation, especially in Asian populations. Hence, targeting the identified risk factors may be helpful to improve stroke patient care and prevent suicidal ideation after stroke.(Registration No. CRD42019128813).
Systematic identification of drug-based prognostic biomarkersby integrating multiomics in breast cancer
Authors: Zhao Hongying , Yu Lei , Ping Yanyan , Lin Shihua , Zhang Caiyu , Xu Haotian , Li Tengyue , Huang Waidong , Lei Junjie , Leng Zhijun , Li Jing , Ning Shangwei , Wang Li
Published: May 2020

Background

Drug repositioning plays an important role in the current drug research and development field, as the high cost and long period required to bring drugs into commerce are driving efforts to repurpose drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for new uses.
Methods

Here, we used breast cancer as a disease model and systematically proposed a new strategy based on multidimensional omics data (e.g., mRNA expression, DNA methylation, DNA copy number, and mutational profiles) to reconstruct the human functional linkage network. In addition, it was used to systematically interpret the functional relationship between human genes and to establish a measure of the relationship between drugs and diseases to reset drugs and achieve drug-based prognostic biomarkers.
Results

We found that differentially expressed genes driven by DNA methylation, DNA copy number, and somatic mutation were significantly enriched in cancer-related biological pathways and functions. Survival analysis showed that multiomics-driven target genes were repositioned, which significantly distinguished between high-risk and low-risk groups in breast cancer patients, such as the methylation-driven gene glycoprotein M6B (P = 0.00141), copy number-driven gene acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 1 (P = 0.0582), mutation-driven gene minichromosome maintenance 10 replication initiation factor(P = 0.0303), and multiomics synergy driven gene catechol-O-methyltransferase domain containing 1 (P = 0.0071).
Conclusions

Our approach provides a basis for identifying novel candidate drug and drug-based prognostic biomarkers.
A Novel Immune-related Competing Endogenous RNA Network Predicts Prognosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Wang Shujuan , Yang Lu , Liu Yajun , Xu Yan , Zhang Danfeng , Jiang Zhongxing , Wang Chong , Liu Yanfang
Published: May 2020

Background Acute myeloid leukemia is a genetically, biologically and clinically heterogeneous hematopoietic malignancy that is highly dependent on the bone marrow microenvironment. Infiltrated immune cells and stromal cells are an important part of the bone marrow microenvironment and significantly affect the progression of acute myeloid leukemia. Recently, the competing endogenous RNA hypothesis has gained great interests in the study of molecular and biological mechanisms of tumor occurrence and progression. However, research on how competing endogenous RNA relates to leukemia tumor microenvironment remains uninvestigated.Methods In this study, mRNA, miRNA and lncRNA data and clinical information of the acute myeloid leukemia cohort were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and the immune and stromal scores were calculated using the ESTIMATE algorithm.Results We found that immune scores were significantly correlated with cytogenetic risk and overall survival, and also identified microenvironment-related mRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs based on the immune and stromal scores. Differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs were applied to weighted correlation network analysis to identify the modules most relevant to the immune microenvironment of acute myeloid leukemia. Using miRNA database to predict miRNA-targeted genes, we established the immune-related competing endogenous RNA network consisting of 33 lncRNAs, 21 miRNAs and 135 mRNAs. Prognostic analysis was performed on the genes in the immune-related competing endogenous RNA network to screen out 15 lncRNAs, 2 miRNAs and 31 mRNAs with prognostic values.Conclusions In summary, we identified a novel immune-related mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA competing endogenous RNA network associated with the prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia, which may contribute to better understanding of the development and progression of acute myeloid leukemia and to serve as novel therapeutic targets.
The Fermented Soy Beverage Q-CAN® Plus Induces Beneficial Changes in the Oral and Intestinal Microbiome
Authors: Dioletis Evangelos , Paiva Ricardo , Kaffe Eleanna , Secor Eric R. , Weiss Theresa R. , Fields Maxine R. , Ouyang Xinshou , Ali Ather
Published: May 2020

Background
Q-CAN® Plus is a pasteurized soy fermented product rich in isoflavones that has been used for over 30 years to aid in recovery from a wide range of conditions.
Objectives
To identify the changes in the oral and fecal microbiome in lean and obese subjects due to consumption of Q-CAN®, and to assess the expected consequences of these changes based on the published literature.
Methods
Prospective study of lean (10) and obese (9) subjects consuming Q-CAN® twice daily for 4 weeks with 8 weeks follow-up. Microbial DNA was extracted from saliva and stool samples, amplified against the V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene and data analyzed using QIIME 1.9.1 bioinformatics. 440 samples were collected in total, 424 of which were productive and yielded good quality data.
Results
STOOL. In the lean population Bifidobacteria and Blautia show a significant increase while taking Q-CAN®, and there was a trend for this in the obese population. ORAL. There were relatively fewer major changes in the oral microbiome with an increase in the family Veillonellaceae in the lean population while on Q-CAN®.
Conclusion
Q-CAN® consumption induced a number of significant changes in the fecal and oral microbiome. Most notably an increase in the stool microbiome of Bifidobacteria and Blautia, both of which are associated with positive health benefits, and in the saliva an increase in Veillonellaceae.
Analysis of the effects of clinical features, initial imaging findings and the number of days that nucleic acids turned negative: 201 cases of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Xing Fen , Zhang Jing , Wang Bing , Cheng Jingyun , Xie Baojun
Published: May 2020

Background: COVID-19 had spread quickly among the population and it has caused considerable morbidity and mortality in more than 200 countries worldwide, which became a public health emergency of international concern. This study was to investigate whether some clinical features, laboratory tests and imaging findings at the initial diagnosis of COVID-19 infection affect the number of days that nucleic acids turned negative (Dnegative) during hospitalization.Methods: The Mann-Whitney U test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to examine the difference in Dnegative between clinical features, laboratory tests and imaging findings. ANOVA was also applied to differentiate between the age, Dnegative, and imaging findings among different clinical types. Multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis was used to quantify the effect of clinical characteristics, imaging findings and Dnegative, and establish regression equation.Results: The Dnegative of COVID-19 patients who had comorbidity was significantly larger than that of those without (33.35 ± 14.63, 27.79 ± 12.89, P = 0.007). Common patients were younger than severe and critically severe patients (P <0.001, P = 0.003). As compared to common patients, severe patients had larger Dnegative (P <0.001), and the ratio of ground-glass opacity (RGGO), consolidation (RC), and the sum of GGO and consolidation (RSUM) of lesions on chest CT increased significantly (all P <0.001). The MLR analysis equation was y (Dnegative)= 22.35 + 0.36 × RSUM.Conclusions: The severe COVID-19 patients were older than common patients, and their Dnegative were larger as well. The chest CT findings at initial diagnosis (including RGGO, RC, and RSUM) could be used to differentially diagnose the common and severe patients, and had certain potential ability in predicting Dnegative.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.
The architecture and structure of alpaca skin (Vicugna pacos): impacts on industry and wool trade
Authors: Sasahara Tais Harumi de Castro , McManus Concepta Margaret , Neira Luciana Milagros Durand , Borghesi Jessica , Kato Marcella , Colletto Alice Del , Carreira Ana Claudia Oliveira , Gomes Silvio Pires , Chiarello Guilherme , Miglino Maria Angelica
Published: May 2020

Background: Alpacas are reared mainly for fiber extraction, which is a highly valued product in the textile industry. For this reason, this work aims to evaluate the morphological and quantitative aspects of the light and dark alpaca skin of Huacaya and Suri alpacas, comparing the structure and architecture of the scapular, costal and lateral femoral skin. Biopsies were collected from the skin of 12 alpacas from the Pacomarca Experimental Fund, located at Puno - Peru. The samples were weighed and fixed in 10% aqueous formalin solution for histological procedures. The histological sections were stained with Hematoxylin eosin, Picrossirius red and Masson Trichromic and immunostained for types I, III and IV collagen and S100.Results: The derma presented sebaceous and sweat glands, as well as follicular groups with primary and secondary hair follicles. Each follicle had a hair called fiber, some with medulla and some without, but both surrounded by cortex and cuticle. The skin presented similar immunostaining for type I, II and IV and S100. Collagen III was detected only in the derma. The total volume of the skin, derma, follicular groups and sebaceous and sweat glands was estimated by stereology for the three body regions for both Huacaya and Suri alpacas. The total volume of skin (Vref) and total volume of follicular groups (VGF) were different for body regions. Femoral region showed higher values for VGF. Colour and breed were also different for Vref and total volume of derma (VD).Conclusion: Comparing the two breeds the femoral region presented higher fiber production. Dark animals had more derma and it was reported close relationship between total skin volume and their fractions volumes: derma, follicular groups and sweat glands.
The return of chloroquine susceptible Plasmodium falciparum in Sub-Saharan Africa: a protocol for systematic review
Authors: Bwire George M , Mutagonda Ritah , Tindamanyile Amisa , Mwakyandile Tosi , Njiro Belinda Jackson , Sabas Deodatus
Published: May 2020

Background: Following withdrawal and/or restricted use of chloroquine (CQ) as first line malaria treatment in many countries, studies have reported an increased number of CQ susceptible Plasmodium falciparum in several countries with subsequent dropping of CQ resistance. Since the future of malaria control and elimination is still uncertain with rising resistance in currently available antimalarials such as artemisinin based combination therapy (ACT), a review on current resistance profile of CQ in P. falciparum is of paramount importance.Methods: A systematic search in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE central, Google Scholar and Web of science will be done. We will consult thesis repositories to identify additional studies and search the websites of key healthcare organizations (World Health Organization (WHO), public health agencies). Similarly, a grey literature search will be done with help of Google. Data from 2000 and onwards published in English will be included and the reporting will be done in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses Protocol (PRISMA-P).Discussion: This article provides a detailed account of this systematic review protocol that will be used to report the current status of CQ resistance in P. falciparum following its restricted use and/ or withdrawal as the first-line treatment of uncomplicated malaria. Mutations in P. falciparum chloroquine transporter (pfcrt) gene and P. falciparum multidrug resistance (pfmdr1) gene, predict the clinical outcomes following treatment using CQ. On the other hand, countries with restricted use of CQ observed CQ-susceptible P. falciparum reemergence and are now predominant. Subject to its susceptibility profile that will be generated from this review, CQ may still be considered for malaria prevention in some population groups such as children with sickle cell disease and pregnant women. Additionally, CQ may be reintroduced in future, ideally in combination with other antimalarial drugs, especially in areas where disappearance of chloroquine resistance is evident while safe and affordable alternatives antimalarials are limited.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO registration number CRD42020154844
The value of circulating tumor cells with positive centromere probe 8 in the diagnosis of small pulmonary nodules.
Authors: Liu Caidong , Chen Hongling , Sun Tong , Wang Haibo , Chen Baoan , Wang Xuerong
Published: May 2020

Background: Circulating cancer cells (CTCs) provide opportunities for early diagnosis and evaluation of cancer stage as a more acceptable non-invasive liquid biopsy. The advanced development and use of CTCs for diagnosis or prognosis just started in recent years.Methods: Fifty three patients, diagnosed as SPNs with a diameter less than 30 mm by CT examination, was enrolled for statistical analysis based on their CTCs level, CT examination features, serum tumor marker concentrations, and histopathological characteristics. Centromere probe 8 (CEP8) was utilized as a marker for CTCs determination. Results: The CTCs level was significantly different between malignant and benign SPNs, as well as between early (0/Ⅰa) and advanced (Ⅰb/Ⅱ/Ⅲ) stages of lung cancer. ROC analysis showed that the CTCs level had diagnostic effect on malignant SNPs. Combined use of CTCs and density feature of CT morphology further improve the overall diagnostic effect on the pTNM stage of these SPNs determined as lung cancer (≤Ia vs. >Ia stage) compared to use of these two markers solely, especially increased the diagnostic specificity. Moreover, in bigger, single, and solid SPNs based on CT morphology, the CTCs level significantly correlated with the malignant histopathology. Additionally, triple staining (CEP8, EpCAM and CKs) results using samples from 22 out of 53 patients showed that more CTCs was detected when CEP8 was used as a marker. Conclusions: The CTCs determined by CEP8 positive would be a potential adjuvant diagnostic marker for the malignance and stage of lung cancer for patients with SPNs.
Atherosclerotic Plaque Locations may be Related to Different Ischemic Lesion Patterns
Authors: Woo Ho Geol , Heo Sung Hyuk , Kim Eui Jong , Chang Dae-il , Song Tae Jin , Kim Bum Joon
Published: May 2020

Background: Atherosclerosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA) are an important cause of ischemic stroke. Artery-to-artery embolism is the major stroke mechanism in patients with atherosclerotic carotid disease. We hypothesized that the atherosclerotic ICA geometry and plaque location would be associated with the lesion pattern in acute ischemic stroke.Methods: Ischemic stroke patients with symptomatic proximal ICA disease (> 50% diameter stenosis) were enrolled. The carotid plaque location was divided into high-apical and low-body types. The geometric parameters of the ICA (angles between arteries) were measured; moreover, ischemic lesion patterns were classified according to the number, location, and size of the lesions. Factors associated with plaque location and lesion pattern (dichotomized by size) were investigated.Results: A total of 93 patients (31 high-apical plaques and 62 low-body plaques) were investigated. In patients with low-body plaques, hyperlipidemia was more prevalent and the common carotid artery (CCA)-ICA angle was wider (162.3 ± 9.8° vs. 167.7 ± 10.4°, p = 0.019). Low-body plaques more frequently appeared as small scattered or cortical lesions (54.8% vs. 32.3%, p = 0.040), whereas high-apical plaques more frequently appeared as a large lesion with additional lesions (38.7% vs. 11.3%, p = 0.002). Low-body plaques (odds ratio 3.106, 95% confidence interval 1.105–8.728, p = 0.032) was independently associated with the small lesions only pattern.Conclusions: Low-body plaques more frequently present small-scattered lesions, whereas high-apical plaques more frequently present a large lesion with additional lesions. A wide CCA-ICA angle is associated with low-body plaque of the carotid artery.
The voices of parents whose children hospitalized with chronic kidney disease: A qualitative study
Authors: Khorsandi Fatemeh , Parizad Naser , Feizi Aram , MaslakPak Masumeh Hemmati
Published: May 2020

Background

Parents play an important role in the treatment of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and their dissatisfaction may result in negative impacts on children’s health outcomes as well as their medical treatment. Thus, exploring parents' experience and identifying and addressing challenging issues could be helpful in managing the patients’ chronic conditions during their hospitalization. This study aimed to explore parents’ experiences during the hospitalization of their children with CKD.
Methods

This study was a qualitative study with the content analysis approach. Participants were 15 parents of children with CKD who were selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis.
Results

Two overarching categories of “improper behavior of personnel” and “unprofessional performance of personnel” were extracted from the data. The first category included sub-categories of ‘staff aggression’ and ‘staff indifference’. ‘Disturbed interaction’, ‘poor patient care, and ‘poor skills of personnel’ were considered as the sub-categories of "unprofessional performance of personnel".
Conclusion

The results indicated that improper behavior and unprofessional performance of the healthcare personnel can intensify the child’s and parents’ problems, and make it more difficult for them to deal with these difficulties. The medical team can significantly help parents by establishing appropriate communication and behavior, providing them the required information about their child’s disease and the necessary care to mitigate or eliminate their problems. Also, health care authorities can develop and implement educational and practical guidelines for healthcare personnel to improve their knowledge and skills.
sRAGE Downregulates the VEGF Expression in PCOS Ovarian Granulosa Cells
Authors: Wang Jingyan , Guan Yichun , Liu Yi , Wang Liang , Zhang Zhan , Wang Bijun
Published: May 2020

Objective High expression of VEGF in ovarian tissue, serum and follicular fluid of PCOS women is involved in the physiological and pathogenesis processes of PCOS. Our objective was to investigate the effect of sRAGE on VEGF expression and EGF-like growth factor in PCOS ovarian granulosa cells.Methods We collected ovarian granulosa cells of PCOS patients who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF). Then treatment ovarian granulosa cells with different concentrations of sRAGE. Levels of VEGF, AREG, BTC and EREG mRNA were examined by quantitative RT-PCR. The protein levels of VEGF, AREG, BTC and EREG were measured by ELISA.Results Treatment with sRAGE decrease the production of VEGF, and the effects were dependent on the concentrations of sRAGE (P < 0.05). Simultaneously, the expression of the EGF-like growth factors AREG, BTC and EREG were decreased, and the expression were dependent on the concentrations of sRAGE (P < 0.05).Conclusions sRAGE may downregulate VEGF expression in PCOS ovarian granulosa cells,and EGF-like growth factor pathway may be involved in this process.
Cardiopulmonary exercise tests of adolescent elite sport climbers—a comparison of the German junior national team in sport climbing and nordic skiing
Authors: Schöffl Isabelle , Wüstenfeld Jan , Jones Gareth , Dittrich Sven , Lutter Chris , Schöffl Volker
Published: May 2020

Background: All the research investigating the cardiopulmonary capacity in climbers focused on predictors for climbing performance. The effects of climbing on the cardiovascular system in adolescents climbing at an elite level (national team) have not been evaluated.A retrospective analysis of the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) performed on a cycle ergometer during the yearly medical examination of the entire German Junior National climbing team on one occasion and for a selected subgroup on two occasions spaced two years apart was undertaken. The data from the subgroup was compared to an age- and gender-matched control of nordic skiers from the German Junior National nordic skiing team.Results: 47 climbers (20 girls, 27 boys) were examined once. The peak oxygen consumption (B achieved by the athletes was 41.3 mL kg-1 min-1 (boys) and 39.8 mL kg-1 min-1 (girls). 8 boys and 6 girls were tested twice over a time-frame of 27.5 months. The parameters of the exercise test measured on both occasions were significantly lower than those of the 14 nordic skiers. There was no change with respect to any variables over the examined time-frame. Conclusions: The elite climbers investigated in this study showed comparable a-values to athletes from team and combat sports. The nordic skiers to which they were compared showed significantly higher values consistant with the fact that this is an endurance sport. Even though the cardiopulmonary measurements of the nordic skiers still improved after two years of training, no adaptations could be observed in the elite climbers.
Does the timing of surgery affect short-term prognosis in newborn infants with meningomyelocele?
Authors: Mert Mustafa Kurthan , Ökten Ali İhsan
Published: May 2020

Objective: To investigate the effect of postnatal primary repair surgery time on short-term (first 30 days) prognosis in neonates with meningomyelocele (MMC).Methods: The records of meningomyelocele patients treated at Adana City Training and Research Hospital between June 30, 2015 and August 1, 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and clinical characteristics, surgical time, hospitalization and antibiotic duration, complications and associated anomalies were recorded.Results: Data of 41 patients were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups according to the time of surgery. There were 18 patients in the early surgery (≤3 days) group and 23 patients in the late surgery (>3 days) group. There was no difference between groups in terms of birth weight, gestational week, head circumference, sex and type of delivery (p>0.05). The length of hospitalization was 17.2 ± 8.2 in the early surgery group and 24.8 ± 16.1 in the late surgery group (p>0.05). Antibiotic duration was 11.8 ± 7.6 in the early surgery group and 13.8 ± 10.1 in the late surgery group (p>0.05). There was no difference between the two groups between the average size of the MMC sac (5.4±1.1 vs 6.1±2.3, p>0.05). The number of patients with postoperative complications in early surgery group was 8 (44.4%) and in late surgery group was 7 (30.4%), and the number of patients reoperated in the first 30 days in early surgery group was 5 (27.7%) and in late surgery group was 6 (26.1%). The number of patients requiring ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) was 9 (50%) in the early surgery group and 13 (56.5%) in the late surgery group. Surgical complications minor-major dehiscences, CSF leakage, local infection, meningitis and ventriculitis are not statistically different between the groups (p>0.05).Conclusion: Although postnatal early surgical intervention in MMC positively affects short-term outcomes, short-term prognosis is also determined by the presence of associated anomalies, VPS placement time, and rupture of the sac.
Dependable Algorithm for Visualizing Snoring Duration Through Acoustic Analysis
Authors: Kao Hsueh-Hsin , Lin Yen-Chang , Kao Yee-Hsin , Lin Chih-Wen , Ho Madan , Yu Hsiao-Chen , Wang Chun-Lung , Chiang Jui-Kun
Published: May 2020

Background: Snoring is a nuisance for the bed partners of people who snore and is also associated with chronic diseases. Estimating the snoring duration from a whole-night-sleep period is challenging. We present a dependable algorithm for visualizing snoring durations through acoustic analysis.Method: Both instruments (Sony digital recorder and smartphone’s SnoreClock app) were placed within 30 cm from the examinee’s head during the sleep period. Subsequently, spectrograms were plotted based on audio files recorded from Sony recorders. We developed an algorithm to validate snoring durations through visualization of typical snoring segments.Results: In total, 37 snoring recordings obtained from six individuals were analyzed. The mean age of the participants was 44.6 ± 9.9 years. A 3-s segment demonstrated the typical dominant frequency bands and amplitude waves of two snores. Every recorded file was tailored to a regular 600-s segment and plotted. Visualization revealed that the typical features of the clustered snores in the amplitude domains were near-isometric spikes (most had an ascending–descending trend). The recorded snores exhibited one or more visibly fixed frequency bands. Intervals were noted between the snoring clusters and were incorporated into the whole-night snoring calculation. The correlative coefficients of snoring rates of digitally recorded files examined by Examiners A and B were higher (0.865, p < 0.001) than those with SnoreClock app (0.757, p < 0.001; 0.787, p < 0.001, respectively).Conclusion: A dependable algorithm with high reproducibility was developed for visualizing snoring durations.
RND2 attenuates apoptosis and autophagy in glioblastoma cells by targeting p38 MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Xu Yang , Sun Qian , Yuan Fan’en , Dong Huimin , Zhang Huikai , Geng Rongxin , Qi Yangzhi , Xiong Xiaoxing , Chen Qianxue , Liu Baohui
Published: May 2020

Background
Inhibition of p38 MAPK signaling leads to glioblastoma multiform (GBM) tumorigenesis. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism which induces the p38 MAPK signaling silent during GBM genesis is yet to be figured out. Identifying new factors which could regulate p38 MAPK signaling is important for tumor treatment.
Methods
Flow-cytometry, TUNEL assay, Immunofluorescence, JC-1 assays, as well as western blotting analysis were used to detect the apoptosis of GBM cells. The detection devices of autophagy levels in GBM cells were western blotting analysis, immunofluorescence of LC3B protein, LC3B puncture assays and transmission electron microscopy. The functions of these critical molecules are further confirmed by intracranial xenografts in nude mice as in vivo experiments. Tumor tissue samples and clinical information were used to identify the correlation between RND2 and p62, LC3B expression, survival time of patient, tumor volume in clinical patients.
Results
We found that small GTPase RND2 expression significantly increased in human glioblastomas by summarizing the data of TCGA database. Our study demonstrated that the RND2 function is as an endogenous repressor of the p38 MAPK phosphorylation complex. RND2 physically interacted with p38, decreasing p38 phosphorylation, therefore, p38 MAPK signaling activities were inhibited. The forced expression of RND2 repressed the p38 MAPK signaling, which inhibited glioblastoma cell autophagy and apoptosis in vitro and induced the xenograft mice’s tumor growth in vivo. The downregulation of RND2, nevertheless, enhanced p38 MAPK signaling activities and promoted glioma cell autophagy and apoptosis. The inhibition of p38 phosphorylation abolished RND2 deficiency-mediated GBM cell autophagy and apoptosis. Most important, our study found that the RND2 expression was inversely correlated with patient survival time and was positively correlated with tumor size, indicating that RND2 was an oncogene which predicts a poorer clinical outcome of patients.
Conclusions
Our findings revealed RND2’s new function in GBM genesis and offered mechanistic insights into the inhibitory effects of RND2 in regard of the p38 MAPK activation regulation.
Nature of polar state in 0.67BiFeO3–0.33BaTiO3
Authors: Wei Yongxing , SHEN JIAHAO , BAI CHENXING , JIN CHANGQING , ZHU WEITONG , TIAN YE , XU GANG
Published: May 2020

This study was conducted to further understand the nature of the polar state in 0.67BiFeO3–0.33BaTiO3 (0.67BF–0.33BT). A typical relaxor-type dielectric anomaly was observed (Tf = ~627 K, TB = ~820 K). The remnant polarization (Pr), maximum value of electrostrain (Sm) and magnitude strain at Ec in the bipolar mode (Sneg) increase clearly during heating (Pr, ~40 mC/cm2; Sm, 0.191 % under 40 kV/cm at 453 K). The first-cycle bipolar electrostrain loops indicate that the minimum strain on the negative side of the bipolar strain curves is negative. The slopes of the relative permittivity versus log frequency plots in unpoled (–21) and poled (–23) specimens are similar. The transition between the ergodic relaxor state and ferroelectric-like state does not involve a clear dielectric anomaly even in the poled specimen. Analyses based on the Rietveld refinement of XRD patterns, bright-field images and selected-area electron diffractions (SAED) demonstrate that the formation of the long-range ferroelectric domains is difficult under the poling field.
Influence of Temperature on the Electrical Characteristic Parameters and Dynamic Electromechanical Behaviour of PZT-5H
Authors: Tang Enling , Yin Hetong , Han Yafei , Chen Chuang
Published: May 2020

In order to study the electromechanical characteristics of PZT-5H in the temperature range of -40~25℃under the impact loading, the electrostatic parameters of PZT-5H at different temperatures are measured, the liquid nitrogen cooling/Hopkinson mechanical property and piezoelectric ceramic voltage output testing system are built, Hopkinson experiments at different temperatures (-40℃, -25℃, -10℃, 0℃ and 25℃) and different impact velocities are carried out. Experimental results show that , the resistivity and relative permittivity decrease with the temperature of PZT-5H decreasing from 25℃ to -40℃, and the relative permittivity decrease about 27.92%, and the relaxation time is also deduced. By scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) observation, it is found that the blowhole defects and cracks of the piezoelectric ceramics have obvious effects on the electrical output characteristics of piezoelectric ceramics when the piezoelectric ceramics are struck. Based on the analysis of space charge theory, the freezing effect of piezoelectric ceramics caused by the obstruction of domain motion at low temperature is obtained. And the dynamic piezoelectric constant in the elastic region measured is about 1.66 times that of the static piezoelectric constant, which indicates that the relative dielectric constant of the piezoelectric ceramic has changed significantly under dynamic loading.
Intestinal-type gastric cancer carries a better prognosis but a higher risk of lymph node metastasis than diffuse-type: a SEER study of nearly 28,000 patients
Authors: Zhang Chanqiong , Chen Guangyu , Hong Haofeng , Zhu Jinbo , Zhang Hongyuan , Huang Chongan , Pan Dan , Ye Huajun
Published: May 2020

Background: The impact of Lauren type, namely intestinal and diffuse types, on prognosis and lymph node metastasis (LNM) for gastric cancer (GC), requires further exploration, since current samples are deficient and the results are inconsistent.We aimed to translate the widely used WHO classifications into Lauren types and analyze the impact with the largest sample size available.Methods: Corresponding Lauren types of the WHO classification system in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were included to identify all patients with histological diagnoses of intestinal-type or diffuse-type GC.Results: 4,338 intestinal-type and 22,990 diffuse-type GC were included in our study. Compared with intestinal-type, diffuse-type had a relatively poor prognosis after adjustment for other risk factors (HR, 1.236; P<0.001). Similar to patients with all stages of GC, the prognosis of patients with early diffuse GC was also poor (HR, 1.295; P=0.001). Surgical operation and radiotherapy markedly improved the DSS for patients (P<0.05). To our surprise, the risk of intestinal LNM in all stages of GC was higher than that in the diffuse type (OR=0.891; P=0.036). Although, there was no positive correlation between LNM and Lauren’s GC (OR=1.096; P=0.467) in early stage.Conclusion: Intestinal-type GC carries a better prognosis but a higher risk of LNM than diffuse-type. Patients with intestinal-type GC are likely to gain a greater benefit from receiving surgical treatment, but it is worth noting that clinicians should pay more attention to their lymphatic metastasis.*Contributed equally.The first author: Chanqiong Zhang, Guangyu Chen
Connecting METTL3 and intratumoural CD33+ MDSCs in predicting clinical outcome in cervical cancer
Authors: Ni Huanhe , Zhang Lin , Chen Hong-xia , Dai Shu-qin , Li Jiang
Published: May 2020

Background: Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is a member of the m6A methyltransferase family and acts as an oncogene in cancers. Recent studies suggest that host innate immunity is regulated by the enzymes controlling m6A epitranscriptomic changes. Here, we aim to explore the associations between the levels of METTL3 and CD33+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in tumour tissues and the survival of patients with cervical cancer (CC).Methods: Paraffin tumour specimens from 197 CC patients were collected. The expression of METTL3 and CD33 was measured by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The clinical associations of the IHC variants were analysed by Pearson's and Spearman's chi-square tests. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test. Hazard ratios (HRs) and independent significance were obtained via Cox proportional hazards models for multivariate analyses.Results: We found that tumour tissues displayed increased levels of METTL3 and CD33+ MDSCs compared with tumour adjacent tissues from the same CC patients. Importantly, METTL3 expression was positively related to the density of CD33+ cells in tumour tissues (P = 0.011). The level of METTL3 in tumour microenvironments was significantly related to advanced tumour stages. The levels of METTL3 and CD33+ MDSCs in tumour tissues were notably associated with reduced DFS or OS. The Cox model analysis revealed that the level of METTL3 in tumour cells was an independent factor for patient survival, specifically for DFS (HR = 3.157, P = 0.022) and OS (HR = 3.271, P = 0.012), while CD33+ MDSC number was an independent predictor for DFS (HR: 3.958, P = 0.031). Interestingly, in patients with advanced-disease stages (II-IV), METTL3 in tumour cells was an independent factor for DFS (HR = 6.725, P= 0.010) and OS (HR = 5.140, P= 0.021), while CD33+ MDSC density was an independent factor for OS (HR = 8.802, P = 0.037).Conclusion: Our findings suggest that CD33+ MDSC expansion is linked to high levels of METTL3 and that METTL3 and CD33+ MDSCs are independent prognostic factors in CC.
The Secret of Health in the Daily Cuisine: the Typical Health Vegetables in the Local Markets in Central Myanmar
Authors: ZHANG Yu , Li Jian-Wen , San Myint Myint , Whitney Cory William , San Thae Thae , Yang Xue-Fei , Mon Aye Mya , Hein Pyae Phyo
Published: May 2020

BackgroundCentral Myanmar locate in the Indo-Burma Biodiversity hotspot, and Barma people is the main ethnic group which had settled there over thousands years ago. Nevertheless, as the major Myanmar ethnic group, Bamar people were ignored in Ethnobotanical studies. Market surveys are considered a good strategy for the preliminary screening of potential Ethnopharmacological plant resources. In the present study, we focused on the local health knowledge of vegetables of Bamar people in local markets.Materia and methods:In the present study, we surveyed the local markets, then recorded, collected, identified and catalogued the typical vegetables, and document the knowledge of health benefits of the collected vegetables, then analyze the information of vegetables and local knowledge. The observation and interviews were used in field study, and the Ethnobotanical Indexes were used to analyze the local knowledge. We compare the local knowledge we collected with traditional medicine literatures.Results10 Markets and fairs were selected in Mandalay Region, Magway Region, Yangon Region and Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, and in a total of 277 vegetable stalls or shops were visited. 132 plant taxa were collected and identified. Many of the healthy vegetables were cited as functional food had health benefit by the informants (106 taxa, 80.3%) while others were just regarded as “good for health” (26 taxa, 19.7%). Over half of the taxa were recorded as traditional medicinal plants with health functions in previous studies. The main health function of the vegetables was treating digestion problems.ConclusionThe diversity and use of the health vegetables in central Myanmar were very rich. Some previous Phytochemical and Pharmacological studies on these plants showed that their extracts had effective activities or compounds related to health functions. It should be noted the food safety of the vegetables in future researches.Yu Zhang and Jian-Wen Li contribute equally to the article.
Econometric Analysis of the Influence of Macroeconomic Factors on Capital Structure of Russian Corporations under Crisis Conditions
Authors: Metelskaya Valeria Valeryevna
Published: May 2020

The study reveals the influence of macroeconomic factors on decisions about the optimal capital structure formation under financial globalization, in view of ever-changing factors of the external economic and geopolitical environment. The study is aimed at empirical testing of hypotheses on how the level of financial leverage of corporations depends on traditional determinants during and after the financial crisis under the emerging market conditions in Russia. The study deals with a large data set of 49 public joint stock companies from 7 leading Russian economic sectors for the period from 2011 to 2017. According to the correlation-and-regression analysis results, (1) the use of traditional theories of capital structure under the conditions of current financial globalization in a country with a developing economy proves to be ineffective for the optimal capital structure formation (2) the corporate capital structure formation is strongly influenced by macroeconomic factors, which is most evidently manifested during and after the crisis, (3) the financial crisis exerts a strong influence on the corporate capital structure, (4) the determinant of stock market development has a significant influence on leverage and plays a prominent role in making financial decisions after the financial crisis.