bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of the Fossil record of Gymnophiona (Tetrapoda; Lissamphibia) with Comments on Its Use to Calibrate Molecular Timetrees
Authors: Santos Rodolfo Otávio , Laurin Michel , Zaher Hussam
Published: June 2020

Gymnophiona, the most poorly known group of extant amphibians, includes elongated limbless tetrapods, with compact ossified skulls and reduced eyes, mainly adapted to fossorial life (only the Typhlonectidae exhibits adaptations for an aquatic or semiaquatic behavior). Caecilians are poorly represented in the fossil record, and despite the low number of fossil specimens described until now (only four taxa, in addition to indeterminate fragmentary material), their fossils play a key role in the knowledge of Lissamphibia origin and evolution, as well as contribute directly to a better understanding of phylogeny, taxonomy and biogeography of extant gymnophionan taxa. These records are scattered throughout geological time (from the Jurassic to the Neogene) and space (they are represented only on North and South America and Africa). Here, we revisit the caecilian fossil record, providing a brief description of all known extinct taxa described so far, along with general remarks about their impact on systematics, time range and geographic distribution of the clade, as well as prospects for future research. Possible calibration constraints based on the caecilian fossil record are provided.
A Case of HIV and Clinical Confirmed COVID-19
Authors: Ozgen Cansu , Arslan Ulku , Serin Simay , Sungurtekin Hulya
Published: June 2020

Understanding the clinical conditions and outcomes of Covid-19 infected patients with immunodeficiency like HIV will be an information for improving management and treatment modalities. It was reported a patient of HIV plus clinical confirmed Covid-19 in this presentation.
Uncontrolled Intracellular Osmotic Pressure Leads to Cancer
Authors: Zhang Feng , Jiang Runmin , Zhang Chao
Published: June 2020

At present more than 9 million people die of cancer every year. Simple and broad-spectrum drugs are still an urgent need for cancer patients. Recently, we proposed a new hypothesis that intracellular osmotic pressure (IOP) is the driving force of cell division, and abnormal tumor proliferation is the result of uncontrolled IOP in cells. On the one hand, aneuploidy and abnormal function of Na+/K+ pump lead to a faster rise of IOP in tumor cell than normal cells, on the other hand, abnormality of cytoskeleton assembly leads to the decrease of tolerance limit of cell membrane (TLCM) of tumor cells for resisting IOP. This hypothesis predicts: 1)Tumor cells were more intolerant to hypotonic stress than normal cells. 2) Maligancies may be sellectively killed by a suddenn increase of IOP and combined with decrease of the TLCM of tumors. Na+/K+ pump inhibitors can promotely increase the IOP of tumor cells and cytoskeleton inhibitors can dramatically lower the TLCM of tumor cells. Therefore, Na+/K+ pump and cytoskeleton inhibitors may have a synergetic effect to kill tumor cells. 3) Molecules regulating cell osmolality may be new targets for cancer treatment.
Association between Bone Turnover Markers, Leptin and Nutritional Status in Girls with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)
Authors: Matusik Edyta , Durmala Jacek , Olszanecka-Glinianowicz Magdalena , Chudek Jerzy , Matusik Pawel
Published: June 2020

The link between scoliotic deformity and bone metabolism in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has not been well researched. Moreover, the data concerning the cross-talk between fat tissue content/hormonal activity and bone markers in this group of patients are lacking. The objective of this study was to correlate the extent of scoliotic-curve severity with the bone turnover vs. leptin level and nutritional status in girls with AIS. The study encompassed 77 AIS girls, aged 14.7 ± 2.17 years. Scoliotic curve severity assessed by Cobb’s angle was categorized as mild (10-19o) moderate (20-39º) or severe (≥40º). Corrected height, weight, waist and hip circumferences were measured and body mass index (BMI), corrected height Z-score, BMI Z-score and waist/height ratio (WHtR) were calculated for the entire group. Body composition parameters: fat mass (FAT), fat-free mass (FFM) and predicted muscle mass (PMM) were determined using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Bone turnover markers (osteocalcin (OC) and amino terminal of collagen cross-links NTx) and leptin levels were assessed in serum. Multiple regression analysis showed that, OC, NTx (negatively with p<0.05) and leptin (positively with p<0.01) were significantly associated with curve severity in AIS girls. Moreover, Cobb’s angle was positively correlated with W/HtR (p<0.01)and FAT (p<0.05). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences in leptin (p<0.05 vs. mild only), OC (p<0.05 vs. mild and moderate)) and W/HtR (p<0.01 and p<0.05 vs. mild and moderate respectively) between the three AIS severity subgroups. OC was significantly lower in the severe AIS subgroup, while leptin and W/HtR were significantly higher. Significant correlations between leptin and anthropometrical parameters as BMI z-score and W/HtR were shown. Leptin level correlated also significantly with BMI z score (p<0.001), W/HtR (p<0.0001) and body composition parameters (p<0.000001). Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation between NTx and leptin level (p<0.05). Bone metabolism in AIS girls seems to be altered and significantly related to the scoliotic curve severity. Leptin may be a crucial link in the cross-talk between bone turnover and body composition in this group of patients. Further studies concerning this topic are needed.
Bone Attachment on a New Design of Cementless Stem and a Widely Used Cup
Authors: Gilmartin Neda Farbod , Hamilton William G. , Park Sang-Hyun , Al-Shihabi Layla , Campbell Pat
Published: June 2020

Case:

This was a postmortem retrieval study to assess bone fixation in a hydroxyapatite-coated ACTIS stem and a beaded Pinnacle Sector cup retrieved from an 89-year-old man 15-months postoperatively. Previous radiographic examinations showed good implant fixation without any radiolucency. The sectioned cup and stem showed good fixation on visual, microradiographic, and histological examinations. Slight changes in bone density and mineral content were observed.

Conclusions:

Clinical fixation was achieved in both components with variable degrees of bone ingrowth and ongrowth at 15 months postoperatively in this postmortem retrieval case.
Using Adaptive Comparative Judgment in Writing Assessment: An
Investigation of Reliability Among Interdisciplinary Evaluators

Authors: Baniya Sweta , Mentzer Nathan , Bartholomew Scott R. , Chesley Amelia , Moon Cameron , Sherman Derek
Published: June 2020

Adaptive Comparative Judgment (ACJ) is an assessment method that facilitates
holistic, flexible judgments of student work in place of more quantitative or
rubric-based methods. This method “requires little training, and has proved very popular
with assessors and teachers in several subjects, and in several countries” (Pollitt
2012, p. 281). This research explores ACJ as a holistic, flexible, interdisciplinary
assessment and research tool in the context of an integrated program that combines
Design, English Composition, and Communications courses. All technology students at
Polytechnic Institute at Purdue University are required to take each of these three core
courses. Considering the interdisciplinary nature of the program’s curriculum, this
research first explored whether three judges from differing backgrounds could reach an
acceptable level of reliability in assessment using only ACJ, without the prerequisites
of similar disciplinary backgrounds or significant assessment experience, and without
extensive negotiation or other calibration efforts. After establishing acceptable
reliability among interdisciplinary judges, analysis was also conducted to investigate
differences in student learning between integrated (i.e., interdisciplinary) and
non-integrated learning environments. These results suggest evaluators from various
backgrounds can establish acceptable levels of reliability using ACJ as an alternative
assessment tool to more traditional measures of student learning. This research also
suggests technology students in the integrated/interdisciplinary environment may have
demonstrated higher learning gains than their peers and that further research should
control for student differences to add confidence to these findings.
KARAKTERISTIK FISIOLOGI ISOLAT Pleurotus spp.
Authors: ACHMAD ACHMAD , HERLIYANA ELIS NINA , YURTI OSICA ASNO FERINA , HIDAYAT ANANG PRANOTO
Published: June 2020

ABSTRAK

Studi in vitro tentang karakteristik fungi isolat Pleurotus spp. telahdilaksanakan di Bogor dari bulan Juli sampai Agustus 2004. Penelitianmenggunakan rancangan faktorial dalam rancangan acak lengkap danbertujuan untuk mempelajari pengaruh media, temperatur inkubasi dan pHmedia terhadap 6 isolat Pleurotus sp. Karakter lain yang juga dipelajariadalah kemampuan untuk mengoksidasi asam tanat dan asam galat dalammedia agar. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Pleurotus isolat sp.6dan sp.8 tumbuh baik pada media MPA, isolat Pleurotus sp.1, 3 dan 4pada media MEA dan isolate sp.2 pada media PDA. Kecuali isolat sp.8,isolat lainnya tidak dapat tumbuh pada temperatur 10 dan 35 o C. Pertum-buhan isolat sp.8 terbaik dibandingkan isolat lainnya pada semuatemperatur. Diameter koloni isolat lainnya hanya mencapai 0,2 – 2,33 cm.Pertumbuhan isolat sp.8 juga terbaik pada semua pH media diikuti isolatsp.6 kemudian isolat sp.4. Semua isolat menunjukkan reaksi oksidasipositif pada agar asam tanat dan asam galat yang ditunjukkan oleh warnacoklat pada media yang melingkari koloni.

Kata kunci : Pleurotus spp, media, temperature, pH, oksidasi, asam tanat,asam galat

ABSTRACT

Physiological Characteristics of Pleurotus spp. IsolatesPhysiological characteristics of some Pleurotus sp. isolates werestudied in vitro, from July until August 2004 in Bogor. Experiments tostudy the effect of kind of media, temperature of incubation room, and pHof medium on six isolates of Pleurotus sp. were arranged in factorialrandomized complete design and replicated three times with colony in apetri dish as experimental units. Another physiological character studiedwas the ability to oxidize tannic and gallic acids in agar medium. Resultsshowed that isolates Pleurotus sp.6 and -8 grew better in MPA medium,Pleurotus sp.1, -3, and -4 in MEA, and Pleurotus sp.2 in PDA. ExceptPleurotus sp.8, other isolates could not grow in incubation roomtemperature of 10 and 35 o  C. The growth of Pleurotus sp.8 was the bestamong the isolates in all temperature levels. Other isolates grew poorly in20 and 29o C with diameter range was 0.2 – 2.33 cm. The growth ofPleurotus sp.8 was also the best in all pH medium levels, followed byPleurotus sp.6, and then Pleurotus sp.4. All isolates showed positiveoxidative reaction on tannic and gallic acid agar indicated by brown colorof the medium around the colony.

Key words: Pleurotus spp., medium, temperature, pH, oxidation, tannicacid, gallic acid
Assessment of dynamic balancing responses following perturbations during slow walking in relation to clinical outcome measures for high-functioning post-stroke subjects
Authors: Zadravec Matjaž , Olenšek Andrej , Rudolf Marko , Bizovičar Nataša , Goljar Nika , Matjacic Zlatko
Published: June 2020

Background: Generating appropriate balancing reactions in response to unexpected loss of balance during walking is important to prevent falls. The purpose of this study was to assess dynamic balancing responses following pushes to the pelvis in groups of post-stroke and healthy subjects. Methods: Forty-one post-stroke subjects and forty-three healthy subjects participated in the study. Dynamic balancing responses to perturbations triggered at heel strike of the left or right leg, directed in the forward, backward, inward and outward directions during slow treadmill walking were assessed. Responses of the healthy group provided reference values used to classify responses of the post-stroke group into two subgroups; one within the reference responses (“inside” subgroup) and the other that falls out (“outside” subgroup). A battery of selected clinical outcome measures (6-Minute Walk Test, 10-Meter Walk Test, Timed-Up-and-Go test, Four Square Step Test, Functional Gait Assessment, Functional Independence Measure and One-legged stance test) was additionally assessed in the post-stroke group. Results: The “inside” subgroup of post-stroke subjects was able to appropriately modulate centre-of-pressure and ground-reaction-force both under the impaired and non-impaired leg in response to perturbations. The “outside” subgroup of post-stroke subjects showed limited modulation of centre-of-pressure and ground-reaction-force under the impaired leg; instead stepping strategy was used in which the non-impaired leg was placed such as to make a longer step (forward perturbation), to make a shorter step (backward perturbation) or to make a cross-step (outward perturbation). Consequently, peak centre-of-mass displacements following perturbations were significantly higher in the “outside” subgroup compared to the “inside” subgroup. Responses in both subgroups following inward perturbations did not differ. Majority of clinical outcome measures moderately correlated with the peak centre-of-mass displacements for forward perturbations and exhibited weak correlations for other perturbation directions.Conclusions: Substantial number of post-stroke subjects, that were considered to be independent walkers, have reduced capabilities to execute appropriate balancing responses following perturbations commencing on the hemiparetic leg and may thus benefit from perturbation-based training. Timed-Up-and-Go and Functional Independence Measure tests may provide an indication on the abilities of each subject to counteract unexpected loss of balance. However, a reliable assessment should be done through perturbation-based measures.
Investigation of molecular mechanisms using integrated analysis of transcriptomes and cytokinome in dermatomyositis
Authors: Bai Jingjing , Wu Chanyuan , Zhong Danli , Xu Dong , Wang Qian , Zeng Xiaofeng
Published: June 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to a need to make corrections.
Eucommia Ulmoides Flavones as Potential Alternatives to Antibiotic Growth Promoters in a Low-protein Diet Improve Growth Performance and Intestinal Health in Weaning Piglets
Authors: Yuan Daixiu , Wang Jing , Xiao Dingfu , Li Jiefeng , Liu Yanhong , Tan Bie
Published: June 2020

Background: Eucommia ulmoides flavones (EUF), have been demonstrated to attenuate the inflammation and oxidative stress of piglets. This study was designed to test whether EUF could be used as an antibiotic growth promoter alternative to support growth performance and maintain intestinal health in weanling-piglets. Weaned-piglets (n = 480) were assigned into 3 groups and fed with a low-protein basal diet (NC), or supplementation with antibiotics (75 mg/kg quinocetone, 20 mg/kg virginomycin and 50 mg/kg aureomycin, PC) or 0.01% EUF (EUF). Blood, intestinal contents and intestine were collected on d-15 and d-35 after weaning, respectively. Results: The results showed that the body weight on d-35, average daily gain and gain : feed ratio from d 15 to d 35 and d 0 to d 35 in piglets of PC and EUF treatments were higher than (P < 0.05) these in NC treatment, whereas the initial body weight among 3 treatments were consistent. PC and EUF treatments decreased (P < 0.05) the diarrhea index of weanling piglets. Dietary supplementation of EUF significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) the serum concentrations of total protein, alanine transaminase and the immunoglobulin G on d-15 of piglets compared to piglets in NC treatment. EUF supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the jejunal villus height : crypt depth ratio, jejunal and ileal villus height and the population of ileal lactic acid bacteria on d-15 but remarkable decreased (P < 0.05) the population of ileal coliform bacteria on d-15 and d-35. Conclusion: These findings indicated the EUF, as the potential alternative to in-feed antibiotic growth promoter, could improve growth performance and intestinal morphology, decreasing colonization of coliform bacteria and diarrhea index in weanling piglets.
Transient Vision Restoration Training Using a Unique Virtual Reality Platform in Glaucoma
Authors: Li Xiao Xia , Chu Hang , Yan Li , Lu Yan
Published: June 2020

Background

To evaluate the efficacy of transient vision restoration training (tVRT) with an augmented virtual reality platform in glaucoma patients.
Design:
A self-control, prospective study.
Methods

This study recruited subjects with glaucoma. All participants were treated with tVRT which based on an augmented virtual reality platform for 20 minutes. The intraocular pressure (IOP), the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), global mean defect (MD) values, global indices mean sensitivity (MS) were evaluated and compared before and after treatment.
Results

While the IOP and BCVA after tVRT did not change obviously compared to baseline. However, the global MD significantly reduced, consistently the global MS changed better in the treated patients.
Conclusions

The glaucomatous optic neuropathy remains potentially neuroplasticity. And the training based on an augmented virtual reality platform may have a positive impact on vision restoration.
Effect of Hormones (IBA & IAA) on the Propagation of Himalayan Yew in Pakistan: A Conservation Approach
Authors: Iqbal Javaid , Khan Bushra , Khan Sardar , Ghaffar Nasreen , Mian Ishaq Ahmad , Yousaf Nowsher , Ahmad Iftikhar , Manzoor Sadaf
Published: June 2020

Background

Himalayan yew (Taxus wallichiana) is one of the endangered medicinal plants species having great importance due to the presence of anticancer drug Taxol. This metabolite is mainly used for the treatment of ovarian, breast, AIDS-related cancers, and other indications. The study being reported here was conducted for the propagation of Himalayan yew by using two different trials of Indole Butyric acid (IBA) and Indole acetic acid (IAA) hormones treatments (2000–7000 ppm) through stem cuttings (140 each). In the same way, 3840 cuttings were treated with IBA and IAA from November 2016 to November 2017 at Lalku valley, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan.
Results

The influence of IBA treatment (7000 ppm) showed a survival of 85.22% (average number of roots = 10.4, average length of roots = 15.5 cm, average number of leaves = 92.4 and average number of sprouts = 3.3) while that of IAA treatment (7000 ppm) the survival of 81.11% (average number of roots = 9.1, average length of roots = 14.6 cm, average number of leaves = 84.0 and average number of sprout = 3.0) were more significant followed by 2000–6000 ppm (IBA and IAA). Lowest survival 40–45% (average number of roots = 4.2, average length of roots = 8.0 cm, average number of leaves = 32.2, average number of sprouts = 1.7) was noticed for controlled cuttings.
Conclusion

The present study enhanced the potential of conservation and propagation of T. wallichiana. Hence our study suggests and recommends the application of IBA (7000 ppm) as a better hormone for the conservation and propagation of Himalayan yew.
Imported Mansonella perstans in migrants, Spain
Authors: Puente Sabino , Lago Mar , Subirats Mercedes , Sanz-Esteban Ismael , Arsuaga Marta , Vicente Belen , Alonso-Sardon Montserrat , Belhassen-Garcia Moncef , Muro Antonio
Published: June 2020

Background: Mansonella perstans infection can be considered one of the most neglected tropical infectious diseases. Very few studies have reported on the clinical picture caused by infection with this nematode. Methods: The present study evaluated a large cohort of migrants who have been diagnosed, examined and treated for imported M. perstans infection at a Spanish reference center (Hospital Carlos III Tropical Medicine Unit, Madrid, Spain) over a 19-year period. Results: Five hundred three cases of migrants from tropical and subtropical areas with M. perstans infection were identified. Two hundred sixty-four patients were female (52.5%). The mean age (±SD) was 44.6±18.2 years (range, 16–93 years). The mean time (±SD) between the arrival in Spain and the first consultation was 8.6±18.0 months. The origin of the patients was Equatorial Guinea (97.6%). Regarding the clinical picture, 257 patients were asymptomatic (54.7%) and 228 were symptomatic (45.3%); 190 patients had pruritus (37.8%), 50 (9.9%) had arthralgia, 18 patients had Calabar-like swelling (3.6%), and 15 (3%) had abdominal pain. Four hundred forty-two (87.9%) migrants had hyper-IgE, and 340 (67.6%) had eosinophilia. One hundred ninety-five patients had coinfections with other filarial nematodes (38.8%), and 308 migrants had only M. perstans infection (61.2%). Four hundred thirty-seven cases (86.9%) had been treated with anti-filarial drugs: 292 cases were treated with one anti-filarial drug, and 145 cases were treated with combined anti-filarial therapy. Additionally, 20 (4%) cases received steroids and 38 (7.6%) cases received antihistamines. No statistical association was found between the percentage of side effects to treatment and cases healed (p=0.094). Conclusions: A long series of M. perstans infections is presented in sub-Saharan immigrants whose data indicate that it should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients with pruritus or analytical alterations such as eosinophilia or hyper-IgE presentation, and they also have a high number of coinfections with other microorganisms whose treatment needs to be protocolized.
Quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging can be used to predict the pathologic stages of lingual squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Guo Na , Zeng Weike , Hu Huijun , Deng Hong , Cheng Ziliang , Yang Zehong , Jiang Shuqi , Duan Xiaohui , Shen Jun
Published: June 2020

Background
To investigate whether quantitative DCE-MRI pharmacokinetic parameters can be used to predict the pathologic stages of lingual squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC).
Methods
For this prospective study, DCE-MRI was performed in participants with LSCC from May 2016 to June 2017. The pharmacokinetic parameters, including Ktrans, Kep, Ve, and Vp, were derived from DCE-MRI by utilizing a two-compartment extended Tofts model and a three-dimensional volume of interest. The postoperative pathologic stage was determined in each patient based on the 8th AJCC cancer staging manual. The quantitative DCE-MRI parameters were compared between stage I-II and stage III-IV lesions. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of tumor stages, followed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to evaluate the predictive performance.
Results
The mean Ktrans, Kep and Vp values were significantly lower in stage III-IV lesions compared with stage I-II lesions (P = 0.013, 0.005 and 0.011, respectively). Kep was an independent predictor for the advanced stages as determined by univariate and multivariate logistic analysis. ROC analysis showed that Kep had the highest predictive capability, with a sensitivity of 64.3%, a specificity of 82.6%, a positive predictive value of 81.8%, a negative predictive value of 65.5%, and an accuracy of 72.5%.
Conclusion
The quantitative DCE-MRI parameter Kep can be used as a biomarker for predicting pathologic stages of LSCC.
Hair cortisol- a novel method to explore Prader-Willi syndrome.
Authors: Shukur Hasanain Hamid , de Rijke Yolanda B , Rossum Elisabeth FC van , Hussain-Alkhateeb Laith , Höybye Charlotte
Published: June 2020

Background: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a multisymptomatic, rare, genetic, neurodevelopmental disorder in adults mainly characterized by hyperphagia, cognitive dysfunction, behavioral problems and risk of morbid obesity. Although endocrine insufficiencies are common, hypocortisolism is rare and knowledge on long-term cortisol concentrations is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term cortisol levels in PWS by measurements of hair cortisol. Methods: Twenty-nine adults with PWS, 15 men and 14 women, median age 29 years, median BMI 27 kg/m2, were included. Scalp hair samples were analyzed for cortisol content using liquid-chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry. In addition, a questionnaire on auxology, medication and stress were included. For comparison, 105 age- and sex-matched participants from the population-based Lifelines Cohort study were included as controls. The mean hair cortisol between the groups were compared and associations between BMI and stress were assessed by a generalized linear regression model. Results: In the PWS group large variations in hair cortisol was seen. Mean hair cortisol was 12.8±25.4 pg/mg compared to 3.8±7.3 pg/mg in controls (p=0.001). The linear regression model similarly showed higher cortisol levels in patients with PWS, which remained consistent after adjusting for BMI and stress (p=0.023). Furthermore, hair cortisol increased with BMI (p=0.012) and reported stress (p=0.014). Conclusion: Long-term cortisol concentrations were higher in patients with PWS compared to controls and increased with BMI and stress, suggesting an adequate cortisol response to chronic stress. Hair cortisol demonstrate promising applications in the context of PWS treatment and disease management.
Androgens deficiency impairs thoracic aortic vascular function by promoting smooth muscle cell proliferation via an autophagy dependent manner
Authors: Zhang Na-na , Li Ming , Gao Feng-Bin , Wang Xian-Jin , Dong Fan , Shen Yi-Fan , Zhong Shan , Chen Shan-Wen , Ding Qiang , Zhang Min-Guang
Published: June 2020

Background

Androgens play an essential role in maintaining vascular hemostasis via the regulation of autophagy, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here we investigated the effects of androgen deficiency in a rat castration model and the effects of androgen treatment in human umbilical vein smooth muscle cells (HUVSMCs). Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into two groups: (A) control group, (B) castration group. The vasodilation and vasoconstriction effect of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were detected on rat thoracic aortic rings. Transmission electron microscopy was used to determine the levels of autophagy. Masson’s trichrome staining, MTT assay and flow cytometry were performed to detect the levels of HUVSMC cell proliferation.
Results

Androgen deficiency led to significantly enhance in the vasoconstriction and reductions in the vasodilatation of rat thoracic aortic rings. Treatment with rapamycin or 3-MA attenuated and enhanced, respectively, the vasorelaxation effect of androgen deficiency. Autophagy was significantly increased in the endothelial cells and SMCs of the thoracic aortic rings of model rats. Moreover, androgen deficiency induced excessive proliferation of SMCs. Treatment of HUVMSCs with high concentrations of DHT increased the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase and reduced the percentages of cells in the G2 phase and S phase.
Conclusions

It was concluded that vascular injury resulting from androgen deficiency is mediated, in part, by increased autophagy. By promoting SMCs proliferation, androgen deficiency results in alteration of the aortic structure and aggravates vascular injury. Androgen treatment can inhibit the excessive proliferation of SMCs.
WRN modulates mRNA translation by influencing mRNA export from the nucleus through its interaction with the export receptor NXF1 in HeLa cancer cell
Authors: Iglesias-Pedraz Juan Manuel , Jara Diego Matia Fossatti , Felice Valeria Del Carmen Valle-Riestra , Visalaya Sergio Rafael Cruz , Felix Jose Antonio Ayala , Comai Lucio
Published: June 2020

BackgroundThe Werner syndrome protein (WRN) belongs to the RecQ family of helicases and its loss of function results in the premature aging disease Werner syndrome (WS). We previously demonstrated that an early cellular change induced by WRN depletion is a posttranscriptional decrease in the levels of enzymes involved in metabolic pathways that control macromolecular synthesis and protect from oxidative stress. This metabolic shift is tolerated by normal cells but causes mitochondria dysfunction and acute oxidative stress in rapidly growing cancer cells, thereby suppressing their proliferation.Results To identify the mechanism underlying this metabolic shift, we examined global protein synthesis and mRNA nucleocytoplasmic distribution after WRN knockdown. We determined that WRN depletion in HeLa cells attenuates global protein synthesis without affecting the level of key components of the mRNA export machinery. We further observed that WRN depletion affects the nuclear export of mRNAs and demonstrated that WRN directly interacts with mRNA and the mRNA export receptor Nuclear Export Factor 1 (NXF1).Conclusions Our findings suggest that WRN influences the export of mRNAs from the nucleus through its interaction with the NXF1 export receptor thereby affecting cellular proteostasis. In summary, we identified a new partner and a novel function of WRN, which is especially important for the proliferation of cancer cells.
A cost analysis of options for schistosomiasis control MDA programs targeting children aged five years and below in uMkhanyakude District of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa
Authors: Ncube Mhlengi Vella , Chimbari Moses John
Published: June 2020

BackgroundSchistosomiasis negatively impacts early childhood development. Inclusion of children aged five years and below in mass drug administration (MDA) programs for controlling schistosomiasis could improve early childhood development in communities where the disease is endemic. We estimated the projected cost of implementing a schistosomiasis control MDA program for children aged five years and below in the uMkhanyakude district of South Africa.MethodWe calculated the cost of implementing a schistosomiasis MDA program targeting children aged five years and below using an economies of scaled based cost function. We further compared different labor composition simulations to determine the most affordable and available human resources to implement the program. We also explored programs to which the MDA program could be integrated; and estimated what the costs for would be. Moreover, we simulated cost-effectiveness and determined the cost drivers for each simulation considered.ResultsA ward-based outreach team (WBOT) for implementing a schistosomiasis MDA program targeting children 5 years old and below was the best labor composition option. The simulations conducted indicated that treating children in batches of 2500 using the WBOT team approach could reduce the cost of treatment by 53% compared to treating the children on batches of 500. Integrating a schistosomiasis MDA targeting children aged 5 years and below with the immunization program was estimated to cost 3% less than integration with the deworming and Vitamin A supplementation program indicating that the former option is more cost-effective. Praziquantel, the drug that is used to treat schistosomiasis contributed 59% of the total cost for such a program.Conclusion.We estimated that US$4.3 million would be needed to implement a cost effective MDA program targeting children 5 years old and blow over 3 years in uMkhanyakude district.
PLGA/COL I Composite Scaffold Printed by a Low-temperature Deposition Manufacturing Technique for Application to Cartilage Tissue Engineering
Authors: Peng Liangquan , He Yong , Zhu Weimin , Lu Wei , Huang Yong , Long Lujue , Deng Zhenhan , Xiao Wenfeng , Wang Daping
Published: June 2020

Background

Composite scaffolds of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and PLGA/COL I were developed by a low-temperature deposition manufacturing (LDM) technique using three-dimensional printing technology. Their physical properties were tested, and the scaffolds were then used as cell culture platforms to prepare an ideal scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering.
Methods

The LDM technique was used to fabricate PLGA and PLGA/COL I composite scaffolds. The macrostructure, micromorphology, porosity, hydrophobicity, mechanical properties, and chemical structure of these scaffolds were examined. Primary chondrocytes were isolated and identified, second-passage cells were seeded onto the two scaffolds, and the adhesion and proliferation of the cells were determined.
Results

Both the PLGA and PLGA/COL I scaffolds prepared by LDM displayed a regular three-dimensional structure with high porosity. The PLGA scaffold had better mechanical properties than the PLGA/COL I scaffold, while the latter had significantly higher hydrophilicity than the former. The PLGA/COL I scaffold cultured with chondrocytes exhibited a higher adhesion rate and proliferation rate than the PLGA/COL I scaffold.
Conclusion

The novel PLGA/COL I composite scaffold printed by the LDM technique exhibited favourable biocompatibility and biomechanical characteristics and could be a good candidate for cartilage tissue engineering.
Targeting tumor microenvironment: Metformin suppresses IL-22 induced hepatocellular carcinoma by upregulating Hippo signaling pathway
Authors: Zhao Dong , Zhou Tao , Luo Yi , Wang Chenchen , Xu Dongwei , Zhong Chengpeng , Zhang Jianjun , Xia Qiang
Published: June 2020

BackgroundEpidemiological studies have shown direct associations between type 2 diabetes and the risk of cancers. Accumulating evidence indicates that metformin is profoundly implicated in preventing tumor development. However, the exact mechanism underlying the anti-tumor effects of metformin in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still not clear. MethodsIn this study, we investigated the effects of metformin on a mouse hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model and interleukin-22 (IL-22)-associated carcinogenesis in vitro.ResultsWe found that metformin significantly suppressed the incidence and tumor burden of HCC in the diethyl-nitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC mouse model. As expected, expression of IL-22, an important factor involved in HCC progression, was markedly reduced by metformin. Treatment of HCC cells with metformin inhibited IL-22 induced cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis. Furthermore, ectopic expression of IL-22 makes HCC more aggressive whereas metformin largely compromised it in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the whole transcriptome analysis and functional analysis revealed that Hippo signaling pathway was involved in the anti-tumor ability of metformin. Consistent with this, metformin directly activated Mst1/2, phosphorylated YAP1 in vitro. After blocking Hippo pathway by XMU-MP-1, the inhibitor of MST1/2, the inhibitory effects by metformin were dramatically attenuated as shown by in vitro study.ConclusionsCollectively, our findings illuminate a new regulatory mechanism, metformin activates Hippo signaling pathway to regulate IL-22 mediated HCC progression and provide new insights into its tumor-suppressive roles.
Haptoglobin 1-1 is Associated with Larger Carotid Plaque Volume Among Elderly with Type 2 Diabetes: The IDCD Study.
Authors: Botvin Chen , Haratz Salo , Ravona-Springer Ramit , Heymann Anthony , Levy Andrew , Beeri Michal Schnaider , Tanne David
Published: June 2020

Background and aims: The haptoglobin (Hp) genotype (Hp 1-1, 1-2, or 2-2) is associated with type 2 diabetes complications. The Hp2-2 genotype has been linked to elevated CHD risk while the 1-1 genotype has been recently related to cerebral small vessel disease. This study investigated whether Hp phenotype is associated with carotid atherosclerotic structure and function among type 2 diabetes elderly patients participating in the Israel Diabetes and Cognitive Decline (IDCD) study. Methods: IDCD participants (n=472) underwent a battery of carotid atherosclerosis ultrasound assessments with measurements of carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), distensibility, elastography, and carotid plaque volume. Ordinal regression models adjusting for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors assessed the associations of categorical measures of carotid plaque volume with Hp phenotype . Logistic regression models were used to assess the association of Hp phenotype with impaired cIMT, carotid distensibility and elastography. Results: Participants averaged 76.4±4.4 years old, 42% were female, mean HbA1c was 6.7±0.7% (50±7.7 mmol/mol). Hp phenotype distribution was 46 (10.4%) Hp 1-1, 186 (40.7%) Hp 2-1 and 209 (45.7%) Hp 2-2 carriers. Carotid plaque volume was categorized into 4 groups: including no plaque (n=128) and tertiles of plaque volume: small plaque (volume ≤122 mm3, n=110), medium plaque (volume 122-273 mm3, n=106) and large plaque (volume≥274 mm3, n=104). The prevalence of Hp 1-1 phenotype increased with greater carotid plaque volume (6.5%, 10.6%, 8.8% and 16.5% in the no, small, medium, and large plaque groups respectively; p=0.027). Compared to Hp-1 carriers, non-carriers (i.e. Hp 2-1 and Hp 2-2) had approximately 30% lower risk for large carotid plaque volume, as estimated using ordinal regression (OR: 0.713 [0.496, 1.03], 0.694 [0.484, 0.997] for Hp 2-1, Hp 2-2 respectively). No associations were found between Hp phenotype and level of carotid stenosis, cIMT, carotid distensibility and carotid elastography.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that among non-demented elderly patients with type 2 diabetes, the Haptoglobin 1-1 phenotype is associated with greater carotid atherosclerosis. These findings add evidence for the involvement of the Hp 1-1 phenotype in the pathophysiology of cerebrovascular disease.
Association of Common Available Blood cell indices With Rapid Kidney Function Decline in General Population
Authors: Cheng Yichun , He Meian , Zhang Nanhui , Xu Gang , Ge Shuwang
Published: June 2020

Background: Blood cell morphology analysis is commonly used in clinic practice. The association of common available blood cell indices with rapid kidney function decline in general population is unknown. Methods: Participants with complete data of blood cell indices and eGFR≥60 ml/min/1.73m2 from Dongfeng-Tongji cohort were enrolled. Rapid kidney function decline was defined as a ≥25% decrease in eGFR from baseline. 16 common available blood cell indices were included and logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders was used to assess if these blood cell indices were related to rapid kidney function decline.Results: A total of 9026 participants were enrolled in our study, 345 (3.8%) participants experienced a ≥25% eGFR decrease from baseline after 5 years follow-up. High red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, monocyte count tended to be related to low kidney function at baseline. After adjustment for a set of potential confounders, low hemoglobin, high platelet count and high monocyte count were significantly associated with rapid kidney function decline.Conclusions: we presented low hemoglobin, high monocyte and high platelet count as predictors of rapid kidney function decline in general population. Further studies are needed to investigate the underlying mechanism.
Role of Socio-demographic, Lifestyle, Psychological and Anthropometric Parameters on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Mashad Cohort Study Population
Authors: Asadi Zahra , Ghazizadeh Hamideh , Yaghooti Mahdieh , Bijari Moniba , Khedmatgozar Hamed , Dabagh Ali Ebrahimi , Mohammadi Mohammad Amin , Fazl Mohammad Reza , Kadkhoda-Ahmadi Shadi , Moazedi Sara , Rastegar-Moghadam Arezoo , Zare-Feyzabadi Reza , Sadabadi Fatemeh , Darroudi Susan , Esmaily Habibollah , Tayefi Maryam , Moohebati Mohsen , Heidari-Bakavoli Alireza , Ferns Gordon A. , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and one of the main challenges for health systems worldwide. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of socio-demographic, lifestyle, psychological factors, anthropometric measurements, and presence of underlying diseases in CVD progression among a subpopulation of Iranian adults.
Methods

A total of 235 CVD patients were enrolled. The control group also included healthy and non-symptomatic individuals (n = 8405). Health and lifestyle questionnaires, the Beck’s anxiety inventory (BAI), Beck’s depression inventory (BDI) and the James and Schofield human energy requirements equations were completed for all participants. Anthropometric measurements were also evaluated in all subjects.
Results

After six years of follow-up, we found that there were significant positive correlations between CVD risk and age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), diabetes mellitus (DM) and family history (FH) of CVD in both genders; though, there was a significant negative correlation between physical activity level (PAL) and risk of CVD among men and women. Also hypertension (HTN), metabolic syndrome (MS), depression and anxiety were positively and higher education level was negatively associated with CVD events only in females. While, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was an independent predictor of CVD among males.
Conclusion

There are several modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that were independently considered as CVD predictors among the MASHAD study population. It is recommended that the lifestyle modifications, development of local risk calculators and gender-related stratified strategies should be prioritized in order to prevent and manage CVD among the Iranian population.
A Survey On The Health of Vietnamese Individuals Living in Japan Under a Declared State of Emergency Due to COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Ito Tomoo
Published: June 2020

BackgroundWith the outbreak of COVID-19, Japan declared a state of emergency on April 7, 2020, and certain social measures were taken, including requests for store closures. In recent years, before the outbreak, Japan has been implementing policies to expand the acceptance of foreign students and technical interns from overseas, mainly from middle-income countries to meet the challenges of a declining birthrate, an aging society, and a declining population. Because of said policies, the number of Vietnamese nationalities living in Japan has surged to more than 400,000. However, some reports mentioned the hardships experienced by these individuals in Japanese society. It is not clear what their health-related situation and living conditions are actually like under the COVID-19 epidemic. MethodThe application Facebook, which is frequently used by Vietnamese people, was used to solicit research participants and obtain their responses on a structured questionnaire asking about their present health-related situations changes in the living environment in COVID-19 via Google Form.Result196 Vietnamese residents in Japan responded to the survey. The 25.4% of respondents have some kind of health problem, of which 14.2% have a mental problem and 5.6% have Symptoms of suspected COVID-19 infection were present. The 50% of these respondents chose a counseling center to deal with the symptoms of suspected COVID-19, which follows the Japanese policy direction. In fact, more than 80% of respondents said that they feel difficulty in visiting a medical institution in Japan, with problems being anxiously of medical cost and the language barrier given that most of the individuals are students and apprentices with short tenures in Japan. Furthermore, 65.8% is dissatisfied with Japanese measures against COVID-19. A total of 53.5% experienced income reduction and 27.0% experienced housing environment deterioration after COVID-19 epidemic. ConclusionIt is necessary to grasp the current situation of Vietnamese people living in Japan, since they are considered to be a vulnerable group in an emergency environment, and to take appropriate measures to aid in their predicament as soon as possible.
Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma in inguinal region:a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Lei , Yuan Maoling , Zhang Feng , Wang Haitao , Lu Qicheng , Jiang Yong
Published: June 2020

Background: Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS) is a rare fibrous tumor in soft tissues. Case presentation: A 25-year-old patient was admitted to our hospital for "more than two years with a mass in the left inguinal region". During the operation, rapid pathological examination and frozen section microscopy supported that the mass may be a low-grade mesenchymal tumor. Therefore, the surrounding tissues were resected correspondingly, Pathological diagnosis: low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma in the inguinal region.Conclusions: Combined with literature analysis, the diagnosis of LGFMS mainly depends on pathological diagnosis, and surgical resection is the most effective treatment.
Development of new technology for coal gasification purification and research on the formation mechanism of pollutants
Authors: Zheng Shu , Shi Yixiang , Wang Zhiqi , Liu Gang , Zhou Huaichun
Published: June 2020

Coal-fired power generation is the main source of CO2 emission in China. To solve the problem of efficiency decline and cost increase caused by CO2 capture of coal-fired power generation, Prof. Peng (Peng and Han 2009) proposed an integrated gasification fuel cell (IGFC) power generation technology. The interaction mechanism of coal gasification purification, fuel cell and other components need to be further study in the IGFC. To develop new technology for coal gasification and purification, we studied gasification reaction characteristics of ultrafine coal particles, ash melting characteristics and effects on coal gasification reaction, the formation mechanism of pollutants and developed an elevated temperature pressure swing adsorption rig for H2S and CO2 simultaneous removal. The results show that the Miura-Maki model appropriate to perform gasification kinetics of Shenhua bituminous coal and the predicted DTG curves fit the experimental data well. The designed 8-6-1 cycle procedure can effectively remove CO2 and H2S simultaneously, and the removal rate is over 99.9%. In addition, the transition metal oxides used as mercury removal adsorbents in coal gasification syngas has great potential. The technique presented in this paper can improve the gasification efficiency and reduce the formation of pollutants for IGFC.
BMP4 overexpression induces upregulation of APP/TAU and memory deficits in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqing , Li Juan , Ma Li , Xu Hui , Cao Yun , Liang Wei , Ma Jia , Wang Peter zhiwei , Li Yuyun
Published: June 2020

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic progressive degenerative disease of the nervous system. Its pathogenesis is complex, which is related to abnormal expression of the amyloid b-protein (Ab), APP, and TAU protein. Evidence has demonstrated that bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) is highly expressed in transgenic mouse models of AD, and endogenous level of BMP4 mainly affects hippocampal function.Methods: To determine whether BMP4 participates in AD development, transgenic mice were constructed with overexpression of BMP4 under control of the neuron-specific enolase (NSE) promoter. We also performed MTT, FACS, Transfection, TUNEL and Western blotting assay to define the role of BMP4 in cells.Results: We found that middle-aged BMP4 transgenic mice exhibited memory disorder via Morris water maze experiment. Moreover, the hippocampal tissues have high expression of AD related proteins including APP, Ab, PSEN-1, TAU, P-TAU (Thr181), and P-TAU (Thr231) proteins. Furthermore, in multiple cell lines, overexpression of BMP4 increased the expression of AD related proteins, whereas downregulation of BMP4 demonstrated opposed effects. Consistently, BMP4 modulation participated in cell apoptosis via regulation of BAX and Bcl-2 expression in cells. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that BMP4 overexpression might be a potential factor to induce AD.