bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-term Outcomes of Totally Laparoscopic Versus Laparoscopy-assisted Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Fengni , Li Zhengyan , Chen Jie , Bai Bing , Dan Song , Xu Shuai , Zhao Qingchuan , Ji Gang
Published: January 2021

Background Totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) has not been generalized because of its technical difficulty during the procedure of digestive tract reconstruction and lack of short-term results. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of TLTG for gastric cancer.Methods A systematic literature search in various databases from January 1994 to November 2020 was performed. Eligible studies in comparing TLTG and laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) for gastric cancer were included in this meta-analysis. The results were analyzed according to predefined criteria.Results In the present meta-analysis, the outcomes of 8 non-randomized controlled studies enrolling 1503 patients (819 in the TLTG group and 684 in the LATG group) were pooled. The operation time was significantly shorter in the TLTG group than those in the LATG group (P < 0.01). Estimated blood loss was significantly less in TLTG than that in LATG (P = 0.01). The TLTG group was associated with earlier time to first flatus (P < 0.01) and oral intake (P =0.02). The pooled analysis showed no significant difference in postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications, number of retrieved lymph nodes, and the proximal margin between TLTG and LATG groups (all P ˃ 0.05).Conclusions TLTG can be a safe and feasible procedure concerning short-term surgical outcomes and complications.
Clinical Significance of Extra-Thyroid99mTc-Pertechnetate Uptake Before Initial Radioiodine Therapy For Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: long bin , yao lifang , chen shoucong , shui jin , ye xuemei , yi heqing , lou cen
Published: January 2021

Background: Over the last few decades, extra-thyroid 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake has rarely been reported. The clinical characteristics of extra-thyroid 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake were retrospectively analysed to explore the effect of the phenomenon on RAI therapy for DTC and its clinical significance. Methods: In this study, we retrospectively analysed 4930 RAI-treated DTC patients who had undergone 99mTc-pertechnetate scanning. Thirty-eight cases with extra-thyroid 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake were selected. The clinical features, location, location count and extra-thyroid 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake distribution were analysed, combined with the uptake rate, stimulated thyroglobulin (sTg) level, post-therapy whole-body scan and curative effect. Results: The results showed that sixty-five extra-thyroid 99mTc-pertechnetate foci were detected in 38 patients. The proportions of patients with abnormal uptake in the lymph nodes, lungs and bones were 68.4%, 10.5% and 10.5%, respectively. The corresponding uptake rates were 0.2%, 0.2% and 0.8%. The uptake rate was significantly lower in the lymph nodes than in the bones (Z = -2.722, p = 0.019). The uptake rate and sTg were positively correlated (r = 0.36, p = 0.027). 131I uptake was found in 36 cases at the technetium uptake site, and the number of iodine uptake foci was significantly higher than that of 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake foci. The sTg value and pathological staging significantly differed between the excellent and nonexcellent response groups (Z = 2.947, p = 0.003 and Z = 2.348, p = 0.019, respectively). Conclude: Extra-thyroid 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake mostly indicated metastases with specific clinical features, which may have prognostic value for the judgment of iodine uptake function and the RAI therapy plan.
The Burden of Mental Disorder in Sierra Leone: an Evaluation of Programmatic Data From the Roll Out of Decentralised Nurse-led Mental Health Units
Authors: Hopwood Helen , Sevalie Stephen , Herman Moshi Optat , Harris Dawn , Collet Katharine , Bah Abdulai Jawo , Beynon Fenella
Published: January 2021

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa the treatment gap for mental disorders is high. In 2009, 98·0% of people with mental illness in Sierra Leone were not receiving treatment, partly due to the absence of public psychiatric facilities outside the capital. In response, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation rolled out nurse-led mental health units (MHU) to every district. Methods: We evaluated the roll out of MHU using summary data from all units between 1st January 2015 and 1st January 2017, to establish the burden of diagnoses among service users, pathways to care, treatments provided, and treatment gaps. Negative binomial regressions examine bivariate relationships between diagnoses, treatments, and medication inaccessibility with demographics (age and sex), location (Freetown vs the rest and Ebola endemic regions vs the rest) and year. Results: We collected data from 15 MHU covering 13 districts in 24 months. There were 2401 referrals. The largest age category was 25-34 (23·4%). The prominent diagnoses were epilepsy (43·5%, associated with children) and psychosis (17·5%, associated with males). Reported depression (8·6%) and suicide attempts (33 patients) were low. Ebola endemic regions reported higher rates of grief, trauma, and medically unexplained symptoms. In 24·7% of cases where medication was required, it was not accessible.Conclusions: Nurse-led MHU can have a modest effect on the treatment gap in resource constrained environments such as Sierra Leone, particularly in epilepsy and psychosis.
Long Non-Coding RNA FAM157C Contributed to Clonal Proliferation in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
Authors: Wang Honglei , Liu Hui , Chen Yingying , Li Liyan , Liu Zhaoyun , Li Lijuan , Ding Shaoxue , Ding Kai , Fu Rong
Published: January 2021

Background: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare clonal disease of hematopoietic stem cells. However, the mechanism of proliferative advantage of PNH clone is unclear. Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) have a wide range of biological functions, including regulation of gene expression, cell differentiation, and proliferation, while its role in PNH remains unclear. Methods: In our study, CD59－and CD59+ granulocytes and monocytes from 5 PNH patients were sorted, and LncRNAs and mRNAs were detected by RNA sequencing. The proliferation-related NF-κB pathway was focused on. A total of 8 mRNAs and 5 LncRNAs were verified by qRT-PCR, and analyzed the correlation with clinical data. Meanwhile, the function of LncRNA was studied.Results: LncRNA FAM157C were verified to be upregulated in PNH clone cells, which were positively correlated with LDH level and CD59- granulated and monocytes cells ratio. After knockdown of FAM157C gene in PIGA-KO-THP-1 cell line, we found that the cells were blocked in G0/G1 phase and S phase, and the apoptosis rate increased, while the proliferation ability decreased. Conclusions: LncRNA FAM157C was proved to promote PNH clone proliferation, which is the first time to explore the role of LncRNAs in PNH.
Integrated analysis of iron metabolic-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Li , Qu Jialin , Jiang Man , Zhou Na , Ren Zhixuan , Zhang Xiaochun
Published: January 2021

Background

Iron is a nutrient essential for hemoglobin synthesis, DNA synthesis, and energy metabolism in all mammals. Iron metabolic involved in numerous types of cancers including hepatocellular cancer. In this study, we aim to identify prognostic model that based on iron metabolic-related genes that could effectively predict the prognosis for HCC patients.
Methods

The RNA microarray and clinical data of HCC patients that obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We identify the clusters of HCC patients with different clinical outcome performed by consensus clustering analysis. Four iron metabolic-related genes (FLVCR1, FTL, HIF1A, HMOX1) were screen for prognostic model by performed the Cox regression analysis. The efficacy of prognostic model was validated by the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database. Meantime, the expressions value of FLVCR1, FTL, HIF1A, HMOX1 was performed using Oncomine database, the Human Protein Atlas and Kaplan Meier-plotter.
Result

The patients with low-risk score have better prognosis than high risk score both in TCGA cohort and ICGC cohort. The prognostic model showed well performance for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients than other clinicopathological parameters by OS-related ROC curves.
Conclusion

Our survival models that based on Iron metabolic can be independent risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
What Is the Impact of Distraction Osteogenesis on the Upper Airway of Hemifacial Microsomia Patient With OSA: a Case Report
Authors: Wang Rongyang , Xu Shixing , Yang Ruimei
Published: January 2021

Background: Current researches about hemifacial microsomia (HFM) patients after distraction osteogenesis (DO) most emphasize the morphologic changes. This case report shows the outcome of DO on the upper airway of a HFM patient with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) based on the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD).Case presentation: A boy of 11-year-old was diagnosed as HFM with OSA, and underwent unilateral DO. Polysomnography and CT scans were performed before and six months after treatment. After DO, lowest blood oxygen saturation increased from 81% to 95% and apnea and hypopnea index decreased from 6.4 events/hour to 1.2 events/hour. The oropharynx and nasopharynx were obviously expanded. We observed apparently increased average pressure, decreased average velocity and pressure drop in all cross-sections, and largely decreased airflow resistance and maximum velocity entirely in the airway.Conclusions: The results suggest that DO might be effective for the treament of OSA by expanding the upper airway and reducing the resistance of inspiration.
Purple basil (Ocimum basilicum var. purple) oil under drought stress effects on Aspergillus fumigates fungus in the food industry
Authors: Mohammad Arghavan Haji , Nejad Hesam Sharifi
Published: January 2021

To investigate the effect of drought stress Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum var.purple), on Aspergillus fumigates in food industry, an experiment was performed in the Alborz Karaj research station, and extracted essential oils of purple basil in Agricultural Education Center of Imam Khomeini in 2011, wasperformed. Purple basil essential oil obtained from the stress levels of 30%, 60% and 90% field capacity (FC) is. Using brows microdilution, the average minimum inhibitory concentration and the mean minimum concentration of essential oils produced in concentrations of 0/25, 0/5, 1, 1/5, 2 and 2/5 mg/ml against fungi Aspergillus fumigates was determined in three replicates. The results showed that under conditions of purple basil oil 30% field capacity had the strongest activity against the fungi studied (0/37 mg/ml = 90MIC).Antibacterial activity of essential oil and the lowest was seen in 90% of field capacity (0/97mg/ml = 90MIC). Purple basil oil under the terms of the MFC as the lowest 30% of field capacity (0/56 mg/ml) and maximum (0/99 mg/ml) was seen in 90% of the crop. According to survey results in the absence of purple basil oil 30% field capacity (severe water stress) was a good performance against fungi Aspergillus fumigates antifungal and take advantage of it to use its influence in the food industry, pharmaceutical and health is .
ALK-positive Histiocytosis of Umbilicus Subcutaneous with KIF5B-ALK Fusion: a Case Report
Authors: Zhu Yili , Fan Jun , Huang Bo , Wu Ying , Shi Heshui , Nie Xiu , Pan Huaxiong
Published: January 2021

Background: Since the discovery of the first case of Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) -positive histiocytosis in 2008, originally described as a systemic, self-limiting disease in infants, the range of ALK-positive histiocytosis has recently been expanded to include localized diseases in older children and young adults. Case presentation: We present the case of an 18-year-old female with periumbilical painless mass for 5 months, who underwent a resection of the mass. Pathological examination showed the tumor consists predominantly of fascicular to storiform growth of nonatypical spindle cells, admixed with lymphocytic infiltrates. The tumor spindle cells were diffusely positive for CD68, CD163 and ALK. Further, molecular tests revealed ALK gene fusion: Kinesin Family Member 5B (KIF5B) (E24)-ALK (E20), confirmed ALK-positive histiocytosis. The tumor has not recurred one and a half years after resection by follow-up examination.Conclusion: ALK-positive histiocytosis in local lesion can achieve remission by complete resection and clinical follow-up showed a favorable prognosis.
lncRNA-RMST Functioned as a SOX2 Transcription Co-Regulator to Regulate miR-1251 in the Progression of Hirschsprung's Disease
Authors: Zhou Lingling , Zhi Zhengke , Chen Pingfa , Du Chunxia , Wang Binyu , Fang Xiang , Tang Weibing , Li Hongxing
Published: January 2021

BackgroundHirschsprung’s disease (HSCR) is a congenital colon disease characterized by the lack of ganglion cells which is closely related to impaired migration and proliferation of enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been authenticated as an important class of regulators of biological functions. In this study, a microarray analysis was conducted and found that Rhabdomyosarcoma 2-associated transcript (RMST), a newly defined lncRNA, was down-regulated in the stenotic segment of HSCR patients. MiR-1251 is transcribed from the intron region of RMST and was also low expressed in the aganglionic tract. This study aimed to clarify the roles they played in the occurrence of HSCR. MethodsQRT-PCR was applied to validate the mRNA expression of RMST, miR-1251, SOX2 and AHNAK, while western blotting was employed to evaluate the protein level of SOX2 and AHNAK in clinical samples and cells. CCK-8 and transwell assays were used to detect cell proliferation and migration after transfection. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) was applied to confirm SOX2 could bind to the promoter region of miR-1251. RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) was used to demonstrate the interaction between RMST and SOX2. Dul-luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm miR-1251 could interact with AHNAK. ResultsWhen the expression of RMST or miR-1251 was reduced, cell proliferation and migration was attenuated. However, RMST not to influence the expression of miR-1251 directly. Through bioinformatic analysis, transcription factor SOX2 was predicted to bind to the promoter region of miR-1251 which was confirmed by CHIP assay. We also demonstrated that RMST exerted as a co-regulator of SOX2 via RIP assay. AHNAK was predicted as the downstream gene of miR-1251 confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Furtherly, rescue experiments showed RMST functioned as a transcription co-regulator of SOX2 to upregulate the expression of downstream gene AHNAK by strengthening the regulation of SOX2 on miR-1251 in HSCR.ConclusionsThese findings uncovered the role of RMST/SOX2/miR-1251/AHNAK pathway during the development of Hirschsprung's disease and presented potential therapeutic targets for HSCR.
Effects of Coenzyme Q10 on Ovarian Surface Epithelium-derived Ovarian Stem Cells and Ovarian Function in 4-vinylcyclohexene Diepoxide-induced Ovarian Failure Mice.
Authors: Lee Hyun Joo , Park Min Jung , Joo Bo Sun , Joo Jong Kil , Kim Yeon Hee , Yang Sun Woo , Kim Chang-Woon , Kim Ki Hyung
Published: January 2021

Background: Several studies have shown that CoQ10 can rescue ovarian aging and that ovarian surface epithelium (OSE)-derived ovarian stem cells (OSCs) are useful for treating infertility with ovarian aging. However, there are few studies the effect of CoQ10 on OSCs. This study was aimed to investigate whether CoQ10 activates OSCs while recovering ovarian function using 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD)-induced ovarian failure mouse model.Methods: C57BL/6 female mice aged 6 weeks were randomly divided into four groups (n=10/group): (Control) saline and orally, (CoQ10) 150 mg/kg/day orally in 1 mL of saline daily for 14 days, (VCD) 160 mg/kg/day, 2.5 ml/kg ip for 5 days, (VCD+CoQ10) 5 days after VCD injection, CoQ10 (150 mg/kg/day) orally for 14 days. After final treatment of CoQ10, follicle counts were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and ovarian mRNA expressions of Bmp-15, Gdf-9, and c-Kit were examined by quantitative real-time PCR. Serum FSH, AMH, and ROS levels were also measured. Oocyte-like structure count and expression of Oct-4 and MVH were evaluated from postcultured OSE for 3 weeks. In the second experiment, another 32 female mice were administered with CoQ10 in the same way as above and were superovulated by PMSG and hCG, followed by mated with males. Then, numbers of zygotes ovulated and embryo development rate were examined. Results: Postcultured OSE had significantly increased numbers of oocyte-like structure and expression of Oct-4 and MVH in VCD+CoQ10 group compared to VCD group (p <0.05). Numbers of surviving follicles including from primordial to antral follicles, numbers of zygotes retrieved and embryo development rate to blastocyst were significantly higher in VCD+CoQ10 group compared to VCD group (p <0.01). Serum AMH level and ovarian expression of Bmp-15, Gdf-9, and c-Kit were significantly increased in VCD+CoQ10 group compared to VCD group (p <0.05). In contrast, serum ROS level was significantly decreased in VCD+CoQ10 group compared to VCD group (p <0.05). Conclusion(s): This is the first study to show that CoQ10 stimulates the differentiation of OSE-derived OSCs. Also this study confirms that CoQ10 can reduce ROS levels, leading to improve ovarian function and oocyte quality in ovarian failure mice.
Cascading from SARS-CoV-2 to Parkinson's Disease through Protein-Protein Interactions
Authors: Estrada Ernesto
Published: January 2021

Background : Extensive extrapulmonary damages in a dozen of organs/systems, including the central nervous system (CNS), are reported in patients of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Three cases of Parkinson's disease (PD) have been reported as a direct consequence of COVID-19. In spite of the scarce data for establishing a definitive link between COVID-19 and PD some hypothesis have been proposed to explain the cases reported. They, however, do not fit well with the clinical findings reported for COVID-19 patients in general and for the PD cases reported in particular. Given the importance of this potential connection we present here a molecular-level mechanism that explain well these findings and will serve to explore the potential CNS damage in COVID-19 patients. Methods : A model explaining the cascade effects from COVID-19 to CNS is developed by using bioinformatic tools. It includes the post-translational modification of host proteins in the lungs by viral proteins, the transport of modified host proteins via exosomes out the lungs, and the disruption of protein-protein interaction in the CNS by these modified host proteins. Results : We found 44 proteins significantly expressed in the CNS which are associated with PD and whose interactions can be perturbed by 24 host proteins significantly expressed in the lungs. These 24 perturbators are found to interact with viral proteins and to form part of the cargoes of exosomes in human tissues. The joint set of perturbators and PD-vulnerable proteins form a tightly connected network with significantly more connections than expected by selecting a random cluster of proteins of similar size from the human proteome. Conclusions : The molecular-level mechanism presented here provides several routes for the cascading of effects from the lungs of COVID-19 patients to PD. In particular, the disruption of autophagy/ubiquitination processes appears as an important mechanism that triggers the generation of large amounts of exosomes containing perturbators in their cargo, which would insult several PD-vulnerable proteins, potentially triggering Parkinsonism in COVID-19 patients.
YAP1 protein expression has variant prognostic significance in SCLC stratified by histological subtypes
Authors: Wang Xin , Guo Yiying , Liu Li , Wei Jiacong , Zhang Jinyao , Xie Tongji , Dong Jiyan , Li Junling , Xing Puyuan , Yang Lin
Published: January 2021

Background

Recently, expression of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), a nuclear effector of an inactivated HIPPO pathway, has been identified as one of four molecular subtypes of SCLC defined by the predominant transcriptional regulatory mechanism. However, the clinicopathological relevance and prognostic significance of YAP1 expression in SCLC stratified by histological subtypes has not been systematically reported to date.
Methods

Tumor sections and corresponding formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples of 297 SCLC patients were retrieved from the pathological specimen repository and were subsequently reviewed by pathologists. Forty-six C-SCLCs (15.5%) and 251 P-SCLCs (84.5%) were identified respectively. YAP1 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and assessed semi-quantitatively on tumor tissue array (TMA). Propensity score was used to match C-SCLCs and P-SCLCs in a ratio of 1 to 2 to balance age, gender, tumor stage and treatment methods. Finally, 46 C-SCLCs and 92 P-SCLCs were included for prognostic analysis.
Results

The positive rate of YAP1 expression was significantly higher in C-SCLCs than P-SCLCs before matching (52.2% vs 29.1%, P = 0.004). After matching by propensity score, the prescribed clinical parameters were well balanced between P-SCLCs and C-SCLCs. Expression of YAP1 was associated worse overall survival (OS) (5- year OS%, 39.0% vs. 74.9%, P = 0.013) and was an independent risk factor for OS (HR = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.01–8.51; P = 0.048) exclusively in C-SCLC. Univariate survival analysis in subgroups of different clinical variables also confirmed the prognostic impact of YAP1 was most significant in C-SCLC. But for P-SCLCs, expression of YAP1 showed no prognostic impact.
Conclusions

Expression of YAP1 in small cell components of C-SCLC was significantly higher than that in P-SCLC. Besides, it served as an unfavorable predictor for OS in C-SCLC but not in P-SCLC, which suggested different entities of small cell components with variant YAP1 expression and potential different targetable oncogenic pathway between C-SCLC and P-SCLC.
MCM5 aggravates HDAC1 mediated malignant progression of lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Lin-lin , Li Qi , Zhong Dian-sheng , Zhang Wei-jian , Sun Xiao-jie , Zhu Yu
Published: January 2021

Background

Lung cancer, as one of the most lethal malignant tumors, is closely related to epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT).
Methods

Clinical specimens and TCGA database were used to analyze the expression of MCM and HDAC1 and their impact on the survival of lung cancer patients. Cell and animal experiments are used to verify the promotion of EMT of lung cancer cells by the expression of MCM5 and HDAC1.
Results

We found that MCM5 interacts with HDAC1 and promotes the EMT-mediated malignant progression of lung cancer. Lung adenocarcinoma patients with high expression of MCM5 and HDAC1 have poor survival time. Overexpression of MCM5 and HDAC1 in A549 and H1975 cells can promote metastasis and invasion in vitro and tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Moreover, astragaloside IV can block the interaction of HDAC1 and MCM5, which can then inhibit the malignant progression of lung cancer in vivo and in vitro.
Conclusion

We described the interaction of MCM5 and HDAC1 to promote the EMT-dependent malignant progression in lung cancer. Astragaloside IV inhibited lung cancer progression by blocking the combination of MCM5 and HDAC1.
A Zero Carbohydrate, Carnivore Diet can Normalize Hydrogen Positive Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Lactulose Breath Tests: A Case Report
Authors: Martin Peter , Johansson Martina , Ek Annelie
Published: January 2021

Background: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a clinical condition characterized by an excessive bacterial growth in the small intestine. Clinical symptoms might be non-specific (dyspepsia, bloating or abdominal discomfort). Nevertheless, SIBO can cause severe malabsorption, serious malnutrition, immune reactions, and deficiency syndromes. This retrospective case report introduces six patients with positive lactulose hydrogen SIBO breath tests. The patients chose between different therapeutic options and willingly consented to a nutritional intervention, based on a zero carbohydrate, zero fibre, carnivore diet, extended over two to six weeks of time. The rationale for this dietary approach was based on the idea that opportunistic, carbohydrate favouring bacteria and methanogens proliferate in the small intestines if the natural barriers in the digestive tract have been weakened due to stress, illness, medication, etc. A zero carbohydrate, carnivore diet, consisting of animal fats and protein, could essentially eliminate these carbohydrate favouring bacteria through starvation while still providing plenty of both calories and nutrients.Methods: six patients from our functional medicine clinic followed a strict zero carb, zero fiber, carnivore diet for 2-6 weeks. A lactulose breath test was performed immediately before and after the dietary change as well as extensive medical testing. Results: five patients that followed the carnivore diet for four weeks or longer tested negative for SIBO, and the one patient that only endured the diet for two weeks had a near complete eradication of her hydrogen elevation. Methane values were generally low both before and after the dietary treatment, but there was a significant decrease in patients 3 and 5.Conclusions: The carbohydrate, zero fibre, carnivore diet shows great potential for being a readily available, cost-effective, and equally effective alternative treatment for SIBO. According to our observations it also results in better satisfaction after meals, decreases cravings for sweets and generate weight-loss in patients where it is needed.
Study on the Mechanism of Erucamide Mediating Anti-stress Liver Injury in Rats by Inhibiting Glycine Cleavage
Authors: Cuiying Qin , Feng Chuyu , He Zhenfeng , Wang Zhanle , Qin Changyun , Wang Qiyou , Guo Jiquan , Yang Biping , Zang Linquan
Published: January 2021

Objectives: In order to research the erucamide effect on Stress-induced rats liver injury and potential mechanism of the protect effect.Methods: Stress-induced liver injury in SD rats was used as an in vivo model. Adult female SD rats were differentiated into three groups: Normal group, SLI(Stress-induced liver injury)-group and [SLI+Erucamide (95.4uM/Kg)]-treated group. In addition, the transcriptomes from 9 liver tissues were sequenced using an Illumina sequencing platform, screened the differentially expressed genes and related cell signal transduction pathways. Gene expression was measured by RT-qPCR. Furthermore, observe the pathological changes of rats liver tissues by HE staining , and levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured by microplate method. Human LO2 cells was used for in vitro model, the cells in the logarithmic growth phase were differentiated into normal group, corticosterone groups, erucamide, and glycine intervention groups. Corticosterone (300uM) was used to induce LO2 cell damage in vitro. And using tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric method to determine and calculate cells viability. Hoechst 33342 staining was used to observe the morphology of hepatocyte apoptosis.Result: This study showed that erucamide has a significant effect on Stress-induced liver injury in rats, which is proved by HE staining test and ALT / AST detection experiment (p<0.05). The results of transcriptomes indicated that erucamide could inhibit the cleavage of glycine to prevent stress-induced liver injury in rats. Moreover, RT-qPCR results demonstrated that erucamide reduced the expression of DLD and AMT(p<0.05) genes in glycine cleavage system, thereby reducing glycine cleavage. Compared with the SLI group, erucamide inhibited UNC5B gene expression(p<0.05), which is related to cell apoptosis, indicating that erucamide can inhibit cell apoptosis. In addition, erucamide inhibited the expression of GPSM3 (p<0.05) and IGSF11 that are associated with inflammation. In addition, both erucamide and glycine could prevent the damage of LO2 hepatocytes induced by CORT. Erucamide and Glycine were effective in preventing Crot-induced LO2 cell damage.Conclusions: In this research, erucamide inhibits the cleavage of glycine to anti-stress liver injury in rats.
Breastfeeding Duration Is Associated With Growth Among Children Aged 0 to 23 Months; Analysis of the Zambia 2018 Demographic and Healthy Survey Data
Authors: Kumwenda Chiza , Zgambo Lukonde Mwelwa , Umugwaneza Maryse , Nthani Dorothy , Silavwe Hilda Nyambe , Audain Keiron
Published: January 2021

Background The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding up to 24 months and beyond. Breastfeeding is beneficial for infant growth, development, and survival. Evidence on the association between breastfeeding duration and growth is not conclusive. The aim of the present study was to establish the association between breastfeeding duration and growth among infants and young children. MethodsThe study is based on data from the 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS). The primary outcome for the study was height-for-age Z-score (HAZ). Association between HAZ and breastfeeding duration was assessed by using regression analysis. ResultsThe overall mean ± SD for HAZ was -1.24 ± 1.46 and the median (interquartile range) breastfeeding duration was 9 (4-14 months). After controlling for potential confounders, breastfeeding duration was inversely associated with HAZ (β=-0.07, p<0.001) and WHZ (β=-0.04, p<0.001). Path analysis demonstrated that the effect of breastfeeding duration is independent of child’s birth weight and maternal perceived birth size. Other determinants of HAZ were child’s weight and sex, while WHZ was predicted by maternal age, diarrhea episode and child’s birth weight. ConclusionBreastfeeding duration is negatively associated with both HAZ and WHZ among Zambian children. However, the magnitudes of the association are quite small to be of clinical significance. Thus, breastfeeding should continue to be promoted, protected and supported from birth up to two years and beyond.
Single-cell metabolic imaging reveals a RhoA-triggered glycolytic burst in motile endothelial cells
Authors: Wu David , Harrison Devin , Szasz Teodora , Yeh Chih-Fan , Shentu Tzu-Pin , Meliton Angelo , Huang Ru-Ting , Zhou Zhengjie , Mutlu Gökhan , Huang Jun , Fang Yun
Published: January 2021

Single-cell motility is spatially heterogeneous and driven by metabolic energy. Direct linking cell mobility to cell metabolism is technically challenging but biologically important. Here we implemented a single-cell metabolic imaging assay to measure glycolysis in individual endothelial cells using genetically-encoded biosensors capable of deciphering metabolic heterogeneity with subcellular resolution. We observed that cellular glycolysis fuels endothelial activation, migration and contraction and that the high lactate production sites co-localize with active cytoskeletal remodeling within an endothelial cell. Mechanistically, we found RhoA induces endothelial glycolysis for the phosphorylation of cofilin and myosin light chain in order to reorganize the cytoskeleton and thus control cell mobility; RhoA activation triggers a glycolytic burst through the translocation of a glucose transporter SLC2A3/GLUT3 to fuel the cellular contractile machinery, as demonstrated across multiple endothelial types. Together, our results discovered that Rho-GTPase signaling coordinates energetic metabolism with cytoskeleton remodeling to regulate the motility of single endothelial cells.
The Possible Origin of miRNAs Differentially Regulated in Leiomyoma Progenitors
Authors: Vincenzo Mariangela Di , Quattro Concetta De , Rossato Marzia , Lazzarini Raffaella , Carpini Giovanni Delli , Ciavattini Andrea , Orciani Monia
Published: January 2021

Background: Leiomyoma are the most common indication for hysterectomy in the world and have a strong economic impact on health care systems; many different mechanisms have been considered for their aetiology, such as inflammation, dysregulated progenitor cells or different regulation of miRNAs. After performing a whole genome miRNA profiling in progenitor cells (PCs) derived from healthy myometrium (MPCs) and from leyomioma (LPCs), only 15 miRNAs were identified as differentially expressed between MPCs and LPCs. Progenitor cells from Amniotic Fluid (AFPCs) are considered the most undifferentiated cells after the embryonic ones. Here we try to clarify if the miRNAs differently regulated between leiomyoma and myometrium cells arise as a conversion of MPCs along the differentiation process or if they may originate from a divergent cell commitment. To track the origin of the dysregulation, miRNA expression was analyzed in AFPCs (considered as surrogate for embryonic cells), MPCs and LPCs.Methods: MPCs, LPCs and AFPCs were isolated and subjected to whole genoma miRNA profiling; the expression of the 15 miRNAs previously identified as differentially regulated in MPCs and LPCs was compared to that detected in AFPCs.Results: Clustering analysis sub-grouped the 15 miRNAs into 4 major clusters that converge to the KEGG pathways: Adherens junction, ECM-receptor interaction, TGFβ signaling and cell cycle. miRNAs are differentially regulated in MPCs and LPCs compared to AFPCs and 10/15 of them show statistically significant variations between MPCs and LPCs. Conclusion(s): Our results seem to point that a linear physiological differentiation axis exists from AFPCS to MPCs that, under particular insults, pathologically continues toward LPCs. Clustering analysis sub-grouped the 15 miRNAs into 4 major clusters that converge to the KEGG pathways: Adherens junction, ECM-receptor interaction, TGFβ signaling and cell cycle. miRNAs are differentially regulated in MPCs and LPCs compared to AFPCs and 10/15 of them show statistically significant variations between MPCs and LPCs. Our results seem to point that a linear physiological differentiation axis exists from AFPCS to MPCs that, under particular insults, pathologically continues toward LPCs.
Chloroquine Decreases Cardiomyocyte Autophagy and Improves Cardiac Function in a Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Hirata Takaya , Baba Shiro , Akagi Kentaro , Yoshinaga Daisuke , Umeda Katsutsugu , Adachi Souichi , Heike Toshio , Takita Junko
Published: January 2021

Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe degenerative skeletal and cardiac muscle disease, has a poor prognosis, and no curative treatments are available. Because autophagy has been reported to contribute to skeletal muscle degeneration, therapies targeting autophagy are expected to improve skeletal muscle hypofunction. However, the role of this regulatory mechanism has not been evaluated clearly in DMD cardiomyocytes. Methods: In the present study, we demonstrated that autophagy was enhanced in the cardiomyocytes of mdx mice, a model of DMD, and that increased autophagy contributed to the development of cardiomyopathy in this context. Results: As assessed by GFP-mRFP-LC3 transfection, autophagosomes were more abundant in cardiomyocytes of mdx mice compared with control wild-type (WT) mice. The number of autophagosomes was significantly enhanced by isoproterenol-induced cardiac stress (4 weeks) in cardiomyocytes of mdx but not WT mice. Simultaneously, isoproterenol increased cardiomyocyte fibrosis in mdx but not WT mice. Administration of chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor, significantly decreased cardiomyocyte autophagy and fibrosis in mdx mice, even after isoproterenol treatment. Left ventricle size and function were evaluated by echocardiography. Left ventricular contraction was decreased in mdx mice after isoproterenol treatment compared with control mice, which was alleviated by chloroquine administration.Conclusions: These findings suggested that heart failure of DMD could be associated with autophagy. Therefore, autophagy inhibitors, such as chloroquine, are a potential therapeutic modality for heart failure in DMD patients.
The motivational profile does matter: an exploratory survey on the influence of remote office work on physical behavior during the COVID19 lockdown
Authors: Cabrita Miriam , Bulthuis Roos , Tabak Monique
Published: January 2021

Background: With the COVID-19 global pandemic most office workers were forced to work remotely, possibly leading to a reconfiguration of settled patterns of physical behavior, often characterized by a sedentary lifestyle. This study aimed to investigate the motivational profile, facilitators, and barriers that might have influenced a change in physical activity while working remotely due to the COVID-19 lockdown.Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed in May-June 2020 including demographics; self-reported physical- and work behavior throughout the day before and during lockdown; Sports Motivation Scale-II assessing motivation for being physically active; and rating on facilitators, and barriers for engaging in physical activity during lockdown. One-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc test was computed to investigate differences between those participants who become more-, less-, and equally active during COVID-19 lockdown.Results: Ninety-nine people (Female=66) completed the questionnaire. Forty-four percent of the participants considered themselves less active than before the lockdown. Respondents reporting higher physical activity (28%) were more intrinsically motivated to be physically active. The most important facilitators for physical activity were ‘good weather’, ‘no work-related travel’, and ‘flexible work schedules’. The most important barriers were ‘no active transport’, ‘closed facilities’, and ‘work fatigue’.Conclusions: Strategies that adapt to the weather and fit the work schedule could facilitate physical activity among remote office workers. The results of this study will be used to design interventions to promote an active lifestyle among office workers, personalized to their motivation profile, needs, and preferences.
The value of p16INK4a immunostaining for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in human papillomavirus–negative patients
Authors: Zhang Dai , Song Jie , Zhang Xiaosong , Bi Hui
Published: January 2021

Background: This study aims to evaluate the value of p16INK4a immunostaining for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in human papillomavirus–negative patients in Beijing, China. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the value of p16INK4a immunostaining, as well as cytology and colposcopy, for predicting high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) in human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative patients by comparing the methods with the haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining pathological diagnosis of HPV-negative patients. Results: Of 122 patients negative for the high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) subtype, 26 (21.3%) underwent colposcopically directed multiple punch cervical biopsy with a H&E pathological diagnosis of HSIL and above (HSIL+), 11 patients (9.0%) had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)2, nine patients (7.4%) had CIN3, and six patients (4.9%) had infiltrating carcinoma. Cytology, colposcopy, and p16INK4a immunostaining had 52.4%, 38.5%, and 92.3% sensitivity, respectively, and 76.2%, 94.8%, and 99% specificity, respectively. The positive predictive value of cytology, colposcopy, and p16INK4a immunostaining was 31.4%, 66.7%, and 96%, respectively, and the negative predictive value was 88.5%, 85.1%, and 97.9%, respectively. Compared with H&E staining, the kappa of cytology, colposcopy, and p16INK4a immunostaining was 0.327, 0.323, and 0.926, respectively. Conclusion: Positive p16INK4a immunostaining is very strongly consistent with an H&E diagnosis of CIN2+, and it can be used as an objective detection index for HSIL+ diagnosis of HPV-negative patients with CIN2+.
Beyond knowledge acquisition: factors influencing family planning utilization among women in conservative communities in Rural Burundi.
Authors: HAKIZIMANA SONIA , Odjidja Emmanuel Nene
Published: January 2021

BackgroundWith a fertility rate of 5.4 children per woman, Burundi has been ranked as seventh highest country with the highest fertility rate in the world. Family planning is known to allow couples to achieve the desired family size, appropriate space birth and the limitation of pregnancies. Also, family planning can contribute to mitigating some health issues such as unintended pregnancies and abortions all of which, are often associated with multi-parity. In conservative community in rural Burundi, knowledge on family planning is high and such services are free yet utilisation is low. Employing a mixed methods, this study first quantifies contraceptive prevalence and second, explore the contextual multilevel factors associated with low family planning utilisation among married women.Methods An explanatory sequential mixed study was conducted. Five hundred and thirty women in union were interviewed using structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Next, 11 focus group discussions were held with community members composed of married men and women, administrative and religious leaders (n=132). The study was conducted in eighteen collines of two health districts of Vyanda and Rumonge in Bururi and Rumonge provinces in Burundi. Quantitative data was analysed with SPSS and qualitative data was coded and deductive thematic methods were applied to find themes and codes.ResultsThe overall contraceptive prevalence was 22.6%. From logistic modelling analysis, it was found that women aged 25 to 29, those completed secondary school and having four or less children was significantly associated with use of family planning. Among factors why family planning was unused included experience with side effects and costs associated with its management in the health system. Religious conceptualisation and ancestral negative beliefs of family planning had also shaped how people perceived it. Furthermore, at the household level, gender imbalances between spouses had resulted in break in communication, also serving as a factor for non-use of family planning. ConclusionGiven that use of family planning is rooted in negative beliefs emanating mainly from religious and cultural practices, engaging local religious leaders and community actors may trigger positive behaviours change needed to increase its use.
Assessment of tuberous sclerosis-associated neuropsychiatric disorders using the MINI-KID tool: a pediatric cohort study
Authors: Ding Yifeng , Wang Ji , Zhou Hao , Li Taoli , Zhou Shuizhen , Wang Yi
Published: January 2021

Background: Tuberous sclerosis-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TANDs) have not been studied before in China. We aimed to assess the psychiatric level of TAND using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children (MINI-KID) in China.Results: A total of 83.16% of patients (79/95) had at least one TAND, and 70.53% (67/95) had an intellectual disability. The MINI-KID tool diagnosed a total of 16 neuropsychiatric diseases, the most common of which were attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (51.58%, 49/95) and social anxiety disorder (41.05%, 39/95). The number of children with neuropsychiatric diseases in the TSC group was significantly greater than the number in the normal development group (p <0.0001). Epilepsy before the age of 2 years, a seizure frequency of more than once a month, and the use of more than 2 antiepileptic drugs were closely associated with the occurrence of TAND.Conclusion: The MINI-KID can be used as a standardized tool to examine the psychiatric level of TANDs in children with TSC aged 6-16 years. The rate of neuropsychiatric diseases in children with TSC reached 83.16%. Early onset of epilepsy, frequent seizures, and refractory epilepsy are risk factors for TAND. Early, reasonable, and rapid control of seizures is related to reducing the risk of neuropsychiatric illness in children with epilepsy.
Cost Effectiveness of Therapist Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Web-Based Self-Management in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The ACTIB Randomised Trial
Authors: McCrone Paul , Everitt Hazel , Landau Sabine , Little Paul , Bishop Felicity L. , O’Reilly Gillian , Sibelli Alice , Holland Rachel , Hughes Stephanie , Windgassen Sula , Goldsmith Kimberley , Coleman Nicholas , Logan Robert , Chalder Trudie , Moss-Morris Rona
Published: January 2021

Background Telephone therapist delivered CBT (TCBT) and web-based CBT (WCBT) have been shown to be significantly more clinically effective than treatment as usual (TAU) at reducing IBS symptom severity and impact at 12 months in adults with refractory IBS. In this paper we assess the cost-effectiveness of the interventions. Methods Participants were recruited from 74 general practices and three gastroenterology centres in England. Interventions costs were calculated, and other service use and lost employment measured and costed for one-year post randomisation. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were combined with costs to determine cost-effectiveness of TCBT and WCBT compared to TAU.Results TCBT cost £956 more than TAU (95% CI, £601 to £1435) and generated 0.0429 more QALYs. WCBT cost £224 more than TAU (95% CI, -£11 to £448) and produced 0.029 more QALYs. Compared to TAU, TCBT had an incremental cost per QALY of £22,284 while the figure for WCBT was £7724. After multiple imputation these ratios increased to £27,436 and £17,388 respectively. Including lost employment and informal care, TCBT had costs that were on average £866 lower than TAU (95% CI, -£1133 to £2957), and WCBT had costs that were £1028 lower than TAU (95% CI, -£448 to £2580).Conclusions TCBT and WCBT resulted in more QALYs and higher costs than TAU. Complete case analysis suggests both therapies are cost-effective from a healthcare perspective. Imputation for missing data reduces cost-effectiveness but WCTB remained cost-effective. If the reduced societal costs are included both interventions are likely to be more cost-effective.Trial registration ISRCTN44427879 (registered 18.11.13)