bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Prevents Synaptic Pathology in Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy via NRG1/ErbB4 Signaling
Authors: Ding Saidan , Wang Jian , Zhuge Weishan , Ye Yiru , Lu Xiaoai , You Ruimin , Liu Leping , Yu He , Wang Xuebao , Zhuge Qichuan
Published: May 2020

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is implicated in the impairment of memory function. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) is involved in modulating synaptic and neuronal formation. The aim of this study is to examined the impacts of FGF2 on MHE pathology. Our study addressed whether FGF2 could trigger neuregulin1 (NRG1) release to ameliorate synaptic impairment in MHE rats and in primary cultured neurons. The results showed the decreased FGF2 expression in MHE brains. After treatment with FGF2, secreted neuregulin1 (NRG1) and ErbB4 were increased, and the interaction of the 2 proteins was enhanced. Additionally, treatment with FGF2 or NRG1 induced synaptic formation, with increase in the activity of synapse and the density of dendritic spine, through Sirt1.NRG1 signaling was prevented by administration of FGF2, which acts through the FGFR1 in MHE rats. Intracerebroventricular injection with FGF2 or NRG1 mitigated the impairment of synaptogenesis. The data suggest that FGF2 may be a promising latent therapeutic reagent for MHE pathogenesis.
I keep looking at what I’m doing to my organs: Samoans’ responses to adapted anti-tobacco television advertisements
Authors: Umali Elaine , Tanielu Helen , Whittaker Robyn , Sugden Cam , McCool Judith
Published: May 2020

Background There has been an increase of adapted tobacco control media campaigns in low and middle countries. Adapting existing material offers many benefits especially to countries with limited resources. We adapted three television advertisements for the Tu’u Nei Loa Le Ulaula Tapa’a (Stop Smoking Now) campaign in Samoa. Adaption included rigorous efforts to ensure advertisements were culturally appropriate. Methods To determine audiences’ perception and perceived efficacy of anti-tobacco television advertisements to promote smoking cessation, we conducted eight talanoa , a Pacific Islands research methodology, among 54 smokers and non-smokers in Apia, Samoa. The talonoa were transcribed, translated and thematically coded. Results Qualitative results suggest that the advertisements raised the awareness of the participants on the negative health impacts of tobacco use, especially to the internal organs. Graphic, and emotionally evocative advertisements, especially those that impact on the family, have greater potential to motivate Samoans to quit.Conclusion Study findings provide preliminary evidence that adapting advertisements may offer a cost-effective strategy to reduce smoking rates for low- and middle-income countries to use existing campaigns that have been proven effective in other countries.
Vibroarthrographic analysis of patellofemoral joint arthrokinematics during squats with increasing external loads
Authors: Ołowiana Ewelina , Selkow Noelle , Laudner Kevin , Puciato Daniel , Bączkowicz Dawid
Published: May 2020

Background: The patellofemoral joint (PFJ) provides extremely low kinetic friction, which results in optimal arthrokinematic motion quality. Previous research showed that these friction-reducing properties may be diminished due to the increase in articular contact forces. However, this phenomenon has been not analyzed in vivo during functional daily-living activities. The aim of this study was the vibroarthrographic assessment of changes in PFJ arthrokinematics during squats with variated loads.Methods: Fifty-seven asymptomatic subjects were enrolled in this study. Participants were asked to perform 3 trials: 4 repetitions of bodyweight squats (L0), 4 repetitions of 10 kg barbell back loaded squats (L10), 4 repetitions of 20 kg barbell back loaded squats (L20). During the unloaded and loaded (L10, L20) squats, vibroarthrographic signals were collected using an accelerometer placed on the patella and were described by the following parameters: variation of mean square (VMS), mean range (R4), and power spectral density for frequency of 50-250 Hz (P1) and 250-450 Hz (P2).Results: Obtained results showed that the lowest values were noted in the unloaded condition and that the increased applied loads had a significant concomitant increase in all the aforementioned parameters bilaterally (p<0.05).Conclusion: This phenomenon indicates that the application of increasing knee loads during squats corresponds to higher intensity of vibroacoustic emission, which may result in higher contact stress and kinetic friction as well as diminished arthrokinematic motion quality.
Investigation of manual chest compression in CPR on the dialysis chair
Authors: Ifuku Takeshi , Kawakubo Yoshfumi , Hitosugi Takashi , Tomoyuki Tanaka , Doi Kazuto , Yokoyama Takeshi
Published: May 2020

Background: Heart failure is the leading cause of death in dialysis patients. Cardiac arrest due to hypotension may also occur during dialysis therapy. If cardiac arrest is elicited, manual chest compressions (MCC) should be started as soon as possible. However, if MCC is applied during the patient is being treated on the dialysis chair, the backrest of the dialysis chair is horizontal to the floor and there is no support between the backrest and the floor, so that will shake and become unstable.Methods: we investigated whether a round chair is effective for supporting the dialysis chair for MCC. Four adult males performed MCC on three dialysis chairs using a manikin. MCC was performed with 2 sets (1 set was 100 times per minute) per person, with or without a round chair. A total of 4,800 times were performed by four executors.Results: When the chair was not used as a stabilizer, the mean value of fluctuation range were 20.8 ± 8.1 mm, 18.7 ± 5.5 mm, and 12.8 ± 1.8 mm, respectively. When the chair was used, the mean value of fluctuation range were 6.1 ± 1.1 mm, 7.5 ± 2.1 mm, and 1.0 ± 0 mm, decreasing by 70%, 59%, and 92%.Conclusion: MCC with the stool under the backrest as a stabilizer was effective for dialysis chairs.
Transanal Proctcolectomy and Ileal Pouch-anal Anastomosis (Taipaa) for Ulcerative Colitis: Medium Term Functional Outcomes in a Single Centre.
Authors: Capolupo Gabriella Teresa , Carannante Filippo , Mascianà Gianluca , Lauricella Sara , Mazzotta Erica , Caricato Marco
Published: May 2020

Background: Transanal dissection of the rectum has been recently introduced for ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in UC showing promising results. Thanks to the precise identification of the rectotomy site the risk of long rectal stump is avoided, and a single stapled anastomosis is performed easily.The aim of this study is to analyze our initial experience of transanal IPAA (Ta-IPAA), considering postoperative complications and medium-term functional outcomes.Methods: Our Center has experienced the transanal approach for proctectomy and IPAA since October 2018. All patients underwent Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol. Postoperative complications occurring within 30 days after surgery were taken into consideration.Results: Until March 2019, 8 patients underwent Ta-IPAA. In all cases the laparoscopic approach was performed during the transabdominal phase; abdominal drainage was never used. At the time of the pouch construction a defunctioning ileostomy was created in all patients. Stoma closure was performed in all cases at a median time of 6 months after surgery. Postoperative complications occurred in only one patient, who showed rectal bleeding. There were no cases of anastomotic leakage.Medium-term functional outcomes were determined prospectively by a validated questionnaire (Cleveland Global Quality of Life). Fecal incontinence for liquid or solid stool, restriction in work and social genitourinary and sexual functions were also investigated.Conclusions: In our experience, Ta-IPAA provided good short and medium-term functional results in UC.
Identification of novel pig and human immunoglobulin G-binding proteins and characterization of the binding regions of enolase from Streptococcus suis serotype 2
Authors: Li Quan , Fu Yang , Guo Genglin , Wang Zhuohao , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2020

Streptococcus suis, a major emerging pathogen in swine and humans, expresses immunoglobulin G (IgG)-binding proteins (IBPs), which contribute to the ability of organism to evasion of host immune system. The objective of this study was to identify novel pig IgG (pIgG) and human IgG (hIgG)-binding proteins and characterize the binding regions of enolase from Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (S. suis 2). Here, four pIgG-binding proteins (pIBPs) and five hIgG-binding proteins (hIBPs) were identified from S. suis 2 surface proteins by 2D-Far-western blot assays. All the newly captured proteins were expressed and further confirmed their binding activity to pIgG or hIgG by Far-western blot and dot blot. In addition to previously identified factor H, fibronectin, collagen, fibrinogen, plasminogen and laminin, we also found that both pIgG and hIgG can specifically interact with enolase. Binding assays indicated that interactions of S. suis 2 enolase with pIgG and hIgG is primarily mediated by the enolase C-terminal portion (Enolase-C, a.a. 142-432). We found that hIgG exhibited stronger binding ability to Enolase-C than pIgG. Further analysis of the C-terminal regions of enolase (Enolase-C1 and Enolase-C2) suggested that the C-terminus possessed two different binding domains with distinct host IgG proteins. Strikingly, we confirmed that pIgG interacted with the Enolase-C1 (a.a. 142-271) and hIgG interacted with the Enolase-C2 (a.a. 271-432). These observations of enolase provide interesting insights in the pathogenesis of S. suis infection.
Modelling strategies to predict hospital demand during the COVID-19 outbreak in Bogota, Colombia
Authors: Rivera-Rodriguez Claudia , Urdinola Beatriz Piedad
Published: May 2020

{Background}
Colombia, like many developing nations, does not have a strong health system able to respond to a pandemic of the magnitude of Covid-19. There is an increasing need to create a model that allows particular clinics and hospitals to the number of patients that require Intensive Care Units-ICU care (critical), and the number of patients that require hospital care (severe), but not ICU care.

{Methods}
This paper presents a prediction of the total number of ICU and regular beds that will be needed during the pandemic COVID-19 for Bogot\'a-Colombia.
We use a SEIR model that includes three different compartments of infection: those who can stay at home, those in regular hospital beds and those in need of ICU treatment.
The model allows for a time varying transmission rate which we use to incorporate the measures introduced by the government over the period of one year.
{Results}
The model predicts that by mid July 2020, the city will reach the peak of the epidemic with a total of 22 526 prevalent ICUs needed and 84 816 regular hospital beds needed.
By the end of May 2020, the number of patients that need ICUs will overpass the current capacity set at 2000 beds for ICU hospital beds in the city. The model predicts that the death toll by the same date will reach 1752 people and
the number of cases will be 54652 inhabitants by then.
We provide a Shiny app available in \texttt{https://claudia-rivera-rodriguez.shinyapps.io/shinyappcovidclinic/}.

{Conclusions}
COVID-19 has posed too many challenges to health systems around the globe, this model is an useful tool for cities, hospitals and clinics in Colombia that need to prepare for the excess demand of services that a pandemic like this one generates. Unfortunately, the model predicts that by July capacity of the system in Bogot\'a will not be enough. We expect the lock-down rules strength in the future days, so the death toll is not as bad as predicted by this model.
Virulence gene, antimicrobial resistance and phylogenetic characterization of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in migratory birds, Guangdong
Authors: zheng Lin , Chen Ping , Guo Jun Xue , Zhu Ling Wei , Guan Yao Jia , Wang Ying , Jing Jie , Liang Bing , Ji Xue
Published: May 2020

Background Vibrio parahaemolyticus is an intestinal pathogen that is transmitted by contaminated aquatic products.Migratory birds ate foods infected with Vibrio parahaemolyticus, excreting feces on other foods. Other organisms ate contaminated food again, leading to the spread of strains. It were reported previously that Vibrio parahaemolyticus was sensitive to most antibiotics except penicillin such as ampicillin and amoxicillin. However, due to the frequent used of antibiotics in recent years, Vibrio parahaemolyticus developed resistance to antibiotics. The recommended antibiotics for Vibrio parahaemolyticus treatment were tetracycline, β-lactam, quinolone and sulfonamide. In the storage migratory bird, Vibrio parahaemolyticus could complete the accumulation of drug resistance, resulting in the generation of drug resistance genes, or the horizontal drug resistance genes transfer from other bacteria, resulting obtain drug resistance genes. Results In this study, 122 isolates of Vibrio parahaemolyticus were obtained for further pathogenicity identification, antibacterial susceptibility testing of 18 antimicrobial compounds and genetic characterization based on the whole genome sequencing. There is no pandemic serotype isolated between migratory birds, but 37 strains with cholera toxin. Five strains had col3M plasmid-moderately resistant drug-resistant strains of quinolone mediated by the qnrD1 gene. For the first time in China, Vibrio parahaemolyticus with col3M plasmid-mediated qnrD1 gene was isolated from migratory birds. Conclusion According to the mutltilocus sequence typing analysis, authors found the bacterial genetic diversity is higher, the clones are less and there is regional aggregation in Shenzhen. And mallards are more susceptible to Vibrio parahaemolyticus.
SUV39H1-mediated DNMT3A is participated in the epigenetic regulation of Tim-3 and galectin-9 in cervical cancer
Authors: Zhang Li , Tian Sijuan , Zhao Minyi , Yang Ting , Quan Shimin , Yang Qing , Song Lihua , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: May 2020

Background: Methylation of histone 3 at lysine 9 (H3K9) and DNA methylation are among the most highly conserved epigenetic marks that correlate well with gene silencing. The tumor microenvironment significantly influences therapeutic responses and clinical outcomes. The epigenetic-regulation mechanism of the costimulatory factors Tim-3 and galectin-9 in cervical cancer remains unknown.Methods: The methylation status of HAVCR2 and LGALS9 was detected by MS-PCR in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. The underlying molecular mechanisms of SUV39H1-DNMT3A-Tim-3/galectin-9 regulation was elucidated using cervical cancer cell lines containing siRNA or/and over-expression system. Confirmation of the regulation of DNMT3A by SUV39H1 used ChIP-qPCR.Results: Here, we show that SUV39H1 up-regulates H3K9me3 expression in DNMT3A promoter region, which in turn induced expression of DNMT3A. In addition, our mechanistic studies indicate that DNMT3A mediates the epigenetic modulation of the HAVCR2 and LGALS9 genes by directly binding to their promoter regions in vitro. Moreover, in an in vivo assay, the expression profile of SUV39H1 up-regulates the level of H3K9me3 in the DNMT3A promoter region was found to correlate with Tim-3 and galectin-9 expression at the cellular level，indicating that SUV39H1-H3K9me3-DNMT3A is a crucial regulatory axis in cervical cancer.Conclusion: These results indicate that SUV39H1-DNMT3A is a crucial Tim-3 and galectin-9 regulatory axis in cervical cancer.
Challenges of False Positive and Negative Results in Cervical Cancer Screening
Authors: Grimes David Robert , Corry Edward MA , Malagon Talia , O'Riain Ciaran , Franco Eduardo , Brennan Donal
Published: May 2020

Background: Liquid-based cytology (LBC) molecular testing for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection andcombinations are practical modalities for cervical-screening. While life-saving, false positive and negative results are possible, leading to potential over or under treatment. Quantifying this is complicated by the increasing number of options available, including parallel co-testing and sequential triage. As HPV vaccination rates increase, it also has a potential impact onscreening test performance and interpretation of results. Methods:A modelling approach was used to compare different screening modalities in terms of Cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2 and 3 detected and missed, false positives leading to excess colposcopy, and number of tests required to achieve a given accuracy. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of different modalities were simulated under varying levels of HPV vaccination. Results:The model suggested that in a cohort of 1000 women, LBC screening typically misses 4.9 cases (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 3.5-6.7), with 95 (95% CI: 93-97%) excess colposcopies. With primary HPV testing, 2.0 (95% CI:1.9-2.1) were missed with 99 (95% CI:98-101) excess colposcopies. Co-testing reduced missed cases to 0.5 (95% CI:0.3-0.7) but dramatically increased excess colposcopy referral (184, 95% CI:182-188). Conversely, triage testing with reflex screening substantially reduced excess colposcopy to 9.6 (95% CI:9.3-10) at the cost of missing more cases (6.4, 95% CI:5.1-8.0). Over a life-time of screening, women who always attend co-testing hada 93.8-100% chance of a false positive over screening life-time. For annual, 3-year, and 5-year triage testing (either LBC with HPV reflex or vice-versa), lifetime risk of a false positive is 35.1%, 13.4%, and 8.3% respectively.Results of this work indicate that as HPV vaccination rates increase, HPV based screening approaches result in fewer unnecessary colposcopies than LBC approaches. Conclusion:Clinical relevance of cervical cancer screening is crucially dependent upon prevalence of cervical dysplasia and/or HPV infection or vaccination in a population, and the sensitivity and specificity of modalities employed. Although screening is life-saving, false negatives and positives inevitably occur, and over-testing runs risk of significant harm, including potential over-treatment. As HPV becomes less common, HPV-based modalities may have greater utility.
Intention to Hepatitis B Vaccinate: Evidence from Migrant Workers in Tianjin, China
Authors: Liu Cai , Nicholas Stephen , Jian Wang
Published: May 2020

Background: Migrant workers are a susceptible population to the hepatitis B virus and a vulnerablespot in China’s immunization procedures. There is no free HB immunization program for migrant workers in China, so understanding migrant workers’ motivation to receive the hepatitis B vaccine is the first step in designing effect immunization policies.Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in three migrant-dense industries in Tianjin, China. Our sample consisted of 406 migrant workers, 133 from the retail industry, 119 from the manufacturing industry, and 154 from the service industry. Protection motivation theory (PMT) factors were produced by principal component factor analysis. Socio-demographic variables, migration-industry variablesand PMT factors were estimated in a step-by-step binary logistic regression model to explore migrant workers intention to vaccinate.Results: The nested binary logistic regression model results suggested that the severity factor, self-efficacy factor and response cost factor from the PMT constructs were the three statistically significant factors (p<0.05) that affect the migrant workers vaccination intention. The severity factor and self-efficacy factor to HB vaccination were positively related to HB vaccination intention (OR=1.500, OR=1.631) while the response cost was negatively related to motivation to take HB vaccine (OR=0.626). The socio-demographic variables showed that younger, married and good self-rated health status participants were statistically associated with the intention of taking the HB vaccine. Sex, education level and income group were not significantly associated with vaccination intentions. The migration-industry variables show that migrant location had astrong effect on migrant workers’ vaccination intention.Conclusions: Applying integrated PMT constructs to the vaccination intention of Tianjin’s migrant population provide new insights into migrant workers’ intention to the HB vaccinate. Our findings suggest specific recommendations on health education and immunization management policies for migrant workers.
Prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility patterns, including ESBL production and associated risk factors of Klebsiella species among UTI suspected patients at Bahir-dar town, Northwest Ethiopia.
Authors: Ameshe Asmamaw , Engda Tigist , Gizachew Mucheye
Published: May 2020

Background Klebsiella species are opportunistic bacteria responsible for different infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTI) and septicemia in nosocomial and community environments. Beta-lactam drugs are used extensively to treat patients with Klebsiella infections. But today, most Klebsiella species are resistance to third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins and monobactams.Objectives To assess the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility patterns including ESBL production and associated risk factors of Klebsiella species among UTI suspected patients attended at Bahir Dar town health institutions, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted at Bahir Dar town health institutions from January to May 2019. A simple random sampling technique was used to enroll 384 study participants. Midstream urine samples were collected and inoculated onto Cystine–lactose–electrolyte-deficient and MacConkey agars. Identification was carried out by using biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the isolates were determined by Disc-diffusion method. ESBL-producing Klebsiella species was detected by using combined and single antibiotic disks on Mueller Hinton agar. A statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20 statistical package. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant with 95% confidence interval.Result Out of 385 study subjects, prevalence of Klebsiella species was 38(9.9%), of them 25(65.8%) were Klebsiella pneumonia, 4(10.5%) K. oxytoca, 6(15.8%) K. ozaenae and 3(7.9%) K. rhinoscleromatis species. Moreover; 22(57.9%) of isolates were from female participants. A multi-variable logistic regression analysis showed that pervious antibiotic use, history of hospitalization and habit of tight dressing were statistically significant for getting UTI 2.618 (AOR = 2.618, 95% CI = 1.18–6.129), 5.873 (AOR = 5.873, 95% CI = 2.355–14.6) and 15.038 (AOR = 15.038, 95% CI = 1.7–139) times more at risk respectively.Conclusions The overall prevalence of UTI was lower than the previous studies conducted in Ethiopia. High ESBL producing Klebsiella species was detected. Pervious antibiotic use, history of hospitalization and habit of tight closing were significant risk factors for UTI. This result calls up for improving of the prevention and control system of Klebsiella species.
Medium- and Long-Term Effects of Endovascular Treatments for Severely Stenotic Basilar Arteries Supported by Multimodal Imaging
Authors: Li Yuanzhi , Xie Weimin , Gong Xianghao , He Dongliang , Zhang Xin , Song Ligang , Li Zhenfa
Published: May 2020

Background: To evaluate the medium-and long-term effect of intravascular interventional therapy for symptomatic severe basilar artery stenosis supported by multimodal imaging.Method: After strict screening of 67 patients with symptomatic severe basilar artery stenosis (70%- 99%) with atherosclerotic stenosis, 67 patients with symptomatic recurrence after intensive drug treatment were treated with intravascular balloon dilatation and Enterprise stent implantation. Any stroke or death within 30 days after operation and any stroke and restenosis during medium-and long-term follow-up were followed up.Results: The mean age of 67 patients(67lesions) was 57 ± 8 years old, and the technical success rate was 100%; ②Preoperative angiography showed that the collateral circulation was poor, and TICI was 1-2a while postoperative angiography showed that TICI was significantly improved to 2b-3; ③The average preoperative stenosis rate was 82 ± 9%, and the postoperative stenosis rate was reduced to 17 ± 10%; ④Before surgery, abnormal perfusion was found in the posterior circulation CTP; After the postoperative re-examination, the posterior circulation of CTP perfusion was significantly improved; ⑤Postoperative symptoms and neurological conditions improved significantly; ⑥Complications of perforating branch event occurred in 1 case after operation, and symptoms were relieved after more than 1 month of active treatment, and mild neurological dysfunction remained. 1 case developed subacute thrombosis in the stent, which improved after active intra-arterial thrombolysis, and there was no residual neurological dysfunction; and 1 case of microlead wire being clamped by the distal vasospasm. ⑦67 patients were followed up by telephone, WeChat or imaging for 36–66 months. 55 cases were regularly reviewed with images. Intrastenting stenosis occurred in 4 cases, and 12 cases were followed up by phone or WeChat.The average follow-up period was 56 ± 21 months (36–66 months). No TIA or stroke occurred during follow-up.Conclusions: In summary intravascular balloon dilation + Enterprise stent implantation is safe and effective for the treatment of symptomatic severe atherosclerotic stenosis of the basilar artery, with high technical success rate, low perioperative complications, and good mid-term and long-term effects.
Synthetic Repurposing of Drugs in Hypertension: a Datamining Method Based on Association Rules and a Novel Discrete Algorithm
Authors: Masoudi-Sobhanzadeh Yosef , Masoudi-Nejad Ali
Published: May 2020

Background Drug repurposing aims to detect the new benefits of the existing drugs and to reduce the spent time and cost of the drug development projects. Although synthetic repurposing of drugs may be more useful than single repurposing in terms of reducing toxicity and enhancing efficacy, the researchers have not taken it into account. To address the issue, a novel datamining method is introduced and applied to the repositioning of drugs in hypertension (HT), which is a serious medical condition and therefore needs to be dealt with effectively through making some improved treatment plans to help cure it. Results a novel two-step data mining method, which is based on the If-Then association rules and a novel discrete optimization algorithm, is proposed and applied to the synthetic repurposing of drugs in HT. The required data are extracted from DruhBank, KEGG, and DrugR+ databases. The outcomes presented that the proposed method outperforms the other state-of-the-art approaches in terms of different statistical criteria. In contrast to the previously proposed methods which failed to discover a list for some datasets, our method managed to suggest a combination of drugs for all the datasets. Conclusion The proposed synthetic method may revive some failed drug development projects and be a suitable plan for curing orphan and rare diseases due to using a low dosage of medicines. It is also essential to use some efficient computational methods to produce better results.
Performance of a novel dialyzer containing a fluorinated polyurethane surface-modifying macromolecule in patients with end-stage kidney disease
Authors: Meyer Jill M , Steer Dylan , Weber Lisa A , Zeitone Abeer A , Thakuria Mayuri , Ho Chiang-Hong , Aslam Shakil , Mullon Claudy , Kossmann Robert J
Published: May 2020

Background By inhibiting the adsorption of protein and platelets, surface-modifying macromolecules (SMMs) may improve the hemocompatibility of hemodialyzers. This trial aims to assess the performance and safety of a novel dialyzer with a fluorinated polyurethane SMM, Endexo™, blended into the membrane during manufacturing. Methods This prospective, sequential, multicenter, open-label study enrolled adults prescribed thrice-weekly hemodialysis. After completing 12 hemodialysis sessions with an Optiflux ® F160NR dialyzer , patients received 38 sessions with the dialyzer with Endexo. Evaluated parameters included the extent of removal of urea, albumin, and β2-microglobulin (β2M), as well as complement activation.Results Twenty-three patients received 268 hemodialysis treatments during the Optiflux period, and 18 patients continued on to receive 664 hemodialysis treatments during the Endexo period. Mean treatment times (208 vs 205 min), blood flow rates (447.7 vs 447.5 mL/min), dialysate flow rates (698.5 vs 698.0 mL/min), urea reduction ratio (82% vs 81%) and spKt/V (2.1 vs 1.9) were comparable for the Endexo and Optiflux periods, respectively. No overt complement activation was observed. Both dialyzers were associated with comparable mean increases in serum albumin levels from pre- to post- hemodialysis (Optiflux: 7.9%; Endexo: 8.0%). The corrected mean β2M removal rate was 47% higher during the Endexo period (67.73%). Three serious adverse events were reported, none of them device-related. Conclusions The performance of the novel dialyzer with Endexo was generally comparable to the Optiflux dialyzer, while exhibiting a higher β2M removal rate. Additional studies are needed to determine whether this novel dialyzer can be incorporated into heparin-free hemodialysis approaches.
Study on community structure and function of symbiotic bacteria at different growth and developmental stages of Hypsizygus marmoreus
Authors: sun shujing , Li Fan , Xu Xin , Liu Yunchao , Kong Xuqiang , Chen Jianqiu , Liu Ting , Chen Liding
Published: May 2020

Background
The symbiotic bacteria occurring naturally in the cultivation bags of edible fungi during the mycelial growth is a huge resource to be explored. It is of significance to analyze the community structure and succession of symbiotic bacteria at the different growth and developmental stages of edible fungi and isolate growth-promoting strains that have an essential relationship with cultivation cycle, and traits and yields of fruiting bodies.
Results
In all samples from cultivation bags of Hypsizygus marmoreus, 34 bacterial phyla were detected, and Firmicutes was the most abundant bacterial phylum (78.85%). Serratia genera increased exponentially in cultivation bags in the matured period reaching the peak abundance of 55.74%, and became the dominant symbiotic flora. The most eye-catching strain was Serratia odorifera HZSO-1, and its quantity increased with the amount of hyphae of H. marmoreus. The results also verified that S. odorifera HZSO-1 was a symbiotic bacterium residing in the hyphae of H. marmoreus, and can promote the growth and development of H. marmoreus, shorten the fruiting cycle by 3–4 days, and increase the fruiting body yield by 12%.
Conclusions
This study was a pioneering demonstration of the community structure of symbiotic microbiota and its potential micro-ecology function in the growth and development of edible fungi and will lay a theoretical foundation of bacteria-mushroom interaction.
Development of a Double-Recombinant Antibody Sandwich ELISA for Quantitative Detection of Epsilon Toxoid Concentration in Inactivated Clostridium Perfringens Vaccines
Authors: Alibeiki Maryam , Golchin Mehdi , Tabatabaei Mohammad
Published: May 2020

Background: Epsilon toxin (ETX) causes a commonly fatal enterotoxemia in domestic animals and causing serious economic losses to animal husbandry. In this study, we selected several clones against ETX using repertoires displayed on filamentous phage. Anti-ETX specific clones were enriched by binding to immobilized antigen, followed by elution and re-propagation of phage. After multiple rounds of binding selection, we evidenced that most isolated clones had high affinity and specificity for the ETX by ELISA.Results: We isolated two recombinant monoclonal antibodies against ETX by phage display technology and Using the B1 phage VH antibody isolated from DAb library as capture antibody and G2 soluble scFv antibody isolated from Tomlinson I + J libraries as the detector antibody, we developed a sandwich ELISA test.Conclusions: This sandwich ELISA could be a good candidate for quantitative detection ETX with the detection range of 5 ~ 100000 ng/ml in inactivated commercial vaccines against enterotoxemia.
Big Data Analysis of Pulmonary Embolism in Greece
Authors: Lampropoulos Ioannis Ch , Raptis Dimitrios G , Daniil Zoe , Tasoulis Sotirios K , Plagianakos Vassilis P , Malli Foteini , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I
Published: May 2020

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) epidemiological data are unclear considering the disease prevalence in the general population. The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of PE at the Greek population and the associated trends for the years 2013-2017. Methods: Data on prescriptions for PE in the years 2013-2017 were provided by the Greek National Health Service Organization (EOPYY). Data on age, gender, specialty of the prescribing physician and prescription unit were provided as well. Results: The total number of prescriptions for PE for the study period was 101.426. Of the total prescriptions, 51% were issued by the Public Sector, while 48% by the Private Sector. In 2013 the prevalence of PE was 5.43 cases per 100.000 citizens and increased constantly until 2017 with 23.79 cases per 100.000 population. Prevalence is higher in all years studied in the age group 70-80 with 69.35 cases per 100.000 population for the year 2017 followed by the ages 80-90 (60.58/100.000) and 60-70 (56.47/100.000) for the same year. Females display higher PE prevalence than males and higher increasing trend.Conclusion: PE prevalence displays an increasing trend throughout the years while female prevalence is higher than males with a higher increasing trend. Our results may be used to appropriately organize nationwide health care systems aiming at the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of PE.
Bitcoin and Stock Markets: Are They Connected? Evidence from Asean Emerging Economies
Authors: Mand Abdollah Ah , Thaker Hassanudin Mohd Thas
Published: May 2020

Background: Cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin, has become popular for investors in recent years. The volatility of bitcoin and time horizon are the center point for investment decisions. However, attention is not often drawn to the relationship between bitcoin and equity indices. This study investigates the volatility and time frequency domain of bitcoin among five Asean countries through a rich database which covers daily data from July 2010 until April 2019.Methods: Advanced econometrics and Wavelets Cross-Coherence Spectrograms, this study investigates the existence of long run association between bitcoin and the studied market indices. M-GARCH analysis is been employed to investigate the unconditional volatility of market indices and Bitcoin.Results: The findings present the long run association with positive (Philippines) and negative (Japan, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong) relations. Moreover, only one market (KOREA) shows a short run association with bitcoin. The M-GARCH analysis reveals, most of the selected Asean countries have a low unconditional volatility with bitcoin. Except for Philippines in which the co-movement is average, Wavelet analysis reveals the presence of a strong and long co-movements for most of the selected Asean countries with bitcoin.Conclusions: Most of our results are consistent and illustrate different dimensions of long and short run relationship, volatilities, correlations, and time-frequency analysis. This study utilized Asean emerging economies which are rarely available in the literature as existing studies are more skewed towards the West. We believe the outcomes of this study will be a significant for industry practitioners (i.e., retail and institutional investors) on designing better strategies to diversify the stock portfolio with different holding period horizons and dimensions.
“Oil-soluble” Reversed Lipid Nanoparticles for Oral Insulin Delivery
Authors: Wang Tao , Quan Dongqin
Published: May 2020

Background
In this study, we aimed to design a novel oral insulin delivery system, named “oil-soluble” reversed lipid nanoparticles (ORLN), in which a hydrophilic insulin molecule is encapsulated by a phospholipid (PC) shell and dissolved in oil to prevent the enzymatic degradation of insulin. ORLN was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering.
Results
In vitro enzymatic stability studies showed higher concentrations of insulin in cells incubated with ORLN-encapsulated insulin than in those incubated with free insulin solution in artificial intestinal fluid (pH 6.5). The protective effect of ORLN was attributed to its special release behavior and the formulation of the PC shell and oil barrier. Furthermore, an in vivo oral efficacy study confirmed that blood glucose levels were markedly decreased after ORLN administration in both healthy and diabetic mice. In vivo pharmacokinetic results showed that the bioavailability of ORLN-conjugated insulin was approximately 28.7% relative to that of the group subcutaneously administered with an aqueous solution of insulin, indicating enhanced oral absorption.
Conclusions
In summary, the ORLN system developed here shows promise as a nanocarrier for improving the oral absorption of insulin.
Understanding the Regulatory Mechanisms of Endometrial Cells on Activities of Endometrial Mesenchymal Stem-Like Cells During Menstruation
Authors: Xu Shan , Chan Rachel W.S. , Li Tianqi , Ng Ernest H.Y. , Yeung William S.B.
Published: May 2020

Background
The identification of endometrial stem/progenitor cells in a high turnover rate tissue suggests that a well-orchestrated underlying network controls the behaviour of these stem cells. The thickness of the endometrium can grow from 0.5–1 mm to 5–7 mm within a week indicating the need of stem cells for self-renewal and differentiation during this period. The cyclical regeneration of the endometrium suggests specific signals can activate the stem cells during or shortly after menstruation.
Methods
Endometrial mesenchymal stem-like cells (eMSCs) were cocultured with endometrial epithelial or stromal cells from different phases of the menstrual cycle, the clonogenicity and the phenotypic expression of eMSC markers (CD140b and CD146) were assessed. The functional role of WNT/β-catenin signalling on eMSC was determined by Western blot analysis, immunofluorecent staining, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR and small interfering RNA. The cytokine levels in the conditioned medium of epithelial or stromal cells cocultured with eMSCs was evaluated by ELISA.
Results
Coculture of endometrial cells (epithelial or stromal) from the menstrual phase enhanced the clonogenicity and self-renewal activities of eMSCs. Such phenomenon was not observed in niche cells from the proliferative phase. Coculture with endometrial cells from the menstrual phase confirmed an increase in expression of active β-catenin in the eMSCs. Treatment with IWP-2, a WNT inhibitor suppressed the observed effects. Anti-RSPO1 antibody reduced the stimulatory action of endometrial niche cells on WNT/β-catenin activation in TCF/LEF luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, the mRNA level and protein immunoreactivities of LGR5 were higher in eMSCs than unfractionated stromal cells. Conditioned media of endometrial niche cells cocultured with eMSCs contained increased levels of C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1), CXCL5 and interleukin-6. Treatment with these cytokines increased the clonogenic activity and phenotypic expression of eMSCs.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate a role of WNT/β-catenin signalling in regulating activities of endometrial stem/progenitor cells during menstruation. Certain cytokines at menstruation can stimulate the proliferation and self-renewal activities of eMSCs. Understanding the mechanism in the regulation of eMSCs may contribute to treatments of endometrial proliferative disorders such as Asherman’s Syndrome.
Primary and secondary aortopathy associated with adult congenital heart disease - retrospective study
Authors: Schusterova Ingrid , Banovcinova Alzbeta , Vachalcova Marianna , Jakubova Marta , Artemiou Panagiotis
Published: May 2020

Background: Primary and secondary aortopathy are frequently encountered in patients with congenital heart disease. The aim of this study is to present our experience and the incidence of primary and secondary adult CHD-associated aortopathy.Methods. The cohort is comprised of adult patients with congenital heart disease from the registry of the Eastern Slovakia Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases. Data from the last follow-up examinations are included in this study. In the primary and secondary aortopathy group were 35 and 12 patients respectively. As a control group were selected 64 patients with non aortopathy associated congenital heart disease (atrial and ventricular septal defect).Results: Patients with primary and secondary aortopathy had larger ascending aorta/aortic root diameters than the control group (36.28 (26-49) mm vs 30.25 (21-41) mm p=0.000113, 33.82 27-49) mm vs 29.03 (19-38)mm p=0.000366 and 42.1 (30-50) mm vs 30.25 (21-41) mm, p=0.000106, 35.67 (27-48) mm vs 29.03 (19-38) mm, p=0.000119 respectively). Moreover, patients with secondary aortopathy had statistically significant larger ascending aorta diameter compared to the patients with primary aortopathy ( 42.1 (30-50) mm vs 36.28 ( 26-49) mm p=0.030). During the follow-up period, were performed only in 2 patients (one from each group) operations on the aortic root and the ascending aorta due to aortic root or ascending aorta dilatation.Conclusion: More patients with secondary aortopathy had dilated ascending aorta/ aortic root, as well as larger aortic diameters compare to the patients with primary aortopathy. Routine follow-up of these patients with attention to aortic diameter is necessary.
Thyroid Hormones and Antibodies: An Economic Risk Factor to Remember
Authors: Uncu Gülgün , Ayas Zeynep Özözen , Algın Demet İlhan , Aldemir Arzu , Adapınar Demet Özbabalık
Published: May 2020

BackgroundThyroid metabolites play an important role in cognitive functions. It is absolutely recommended to evaluate thyroid function tests (TFT) in the etiologic examination of cognitive disorders in dementia. In this study, we aimed to compare laboratory and cognitive data of patients aged under 65 years who presented to the other clinics with memory loss and who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer disease (AD).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the findings of patients aged under 65 years meeting the inclusion criteria of the study. Before admitting to our clinic, the patients who had memory problems were diagnosed with AD without screening TFT and started medications in different centers were screened. After performing thyroid screening for differential diagnosis in our first evaluation, patients who had diagnosed with disorders of thyroid hormones or/and antibodies and started to treat with thyroid medical therapy, included in our study.There were three groups. GroupI patients had elevated values of fT3 and anti-TPO, normal anti-TG levels. GroupII patients had decreased fT3 and fT4 levels and normal values of antibodies. GroupIII patients had normal fT3-fT4 and elevated values of anti-TPO and anti-TG. The patients of medications for AD (donepezil/rivastigmine/memantine/irregular medications) were recorded. The patients were followed-up for at 1st and 24th weeks after starting thyroid medical treatment. Follow-up of the patients was performed by the standardized mini mental state examination (MMSE), Verbal memory process, Boston naming test (BNT), Frontal assessment battery (FAB), Barthel activities of daily life index (BI) and Ideomotor apraxia test (IAT).ResultsWe identified 55 (30 female-25 male) patients who could be included. The mean age of patients was 51.8±7.6 (35-65). There were 40 (72.7%) patients in GroupI, 11 (20.2%) in GroupII, and 4 (7.1%) in GroupIII.MMSE, BNT, FAB (similarities go-no-go and lexical fluency), IAT were found statistically significant differences in all groups. Cognitive tests were found to be improved in patients. Although BI was found significant improvement in GroupII at 24th week. ConclusionIf there is a disorder of thyroid hormones and antibodies in patients with memory loss, the treatment of thyroid dysfunction should be planned before onset of anti-dementia medications.
Communality from equal weight for GIS-based landslide susceptibility mapping
Authors: Som Sandip , Ghosh Saibal , Dasgupta Soumitra , Kumar Thrideep , Hindayar J. N. , Mohan Murali , Dasarwar P.
Published: May 2020

Modeling landslide susceptibility is one of the important aspects of land use planning and risk management. Several modeling methods are available based either on highly specialized knowledge on causative attributes or on good landslide inventory data to use as training and testing attribute on model development. Understandably, these two criteria are rarely available for local land regulators. This paper presents a new model methodology, which requires minimum knowledge of causative attributes and does not depend on landslide inventory. As landslide causes due to the combined effect of causative attributes, this model utilizes communality (common variance) of the attributes, extracted by exploratory factor analysis and used for calculation of landslide susceptibility index. The model can understand the inter-relationship of different geo-environmental attributes responsible for landslide along with identification and prioritization of attributes on model performance to delineate non-performing attributes. Finally, the model performance is compared with the well established AHP method (knowledge driven) and FRM method (data driven) by cut-off independent ROC curves along with cost-effectiveness. The model shows it’s performance almost at par with the established models, involving minimum modeling expertise. The findings and results of the present work will be helpful for the town planners and engineers on a regional scale for generalized planning and assessment.
Preventive strategy of palliative care during the COVID-19 pandemic period: Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis
Authors: Chung Ming-cheng , Tsai Pei-Yu , Hsu Jeng-Mei , Yang Chueh-Ko
Published: May 2020

Background

SARS-CoV-2 led to the 2019 coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) and recently became a pandemic infection. COVID-19’s disease mortality rates range from 1% to above 5% across many countries and are still rising. Patients receiving palliative care are the most fragile patient group. Palliative care employees treat terminal patients in the hospital, and go into the community to conduct in-home palliative care service. Because palliative care medical staff need to work between the hospital and community every day, they have become a high-risk group for COVID-19 infection.
Methods

We need a comprehensive care strategy to avoid COVID-19 cross-infection, and protect patients, medical staff, and family members. We divided participants into hospital care and palliative home care to discuss the different strategies. We will use the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) to analyze preventive strategies.
Results

We formulated different strategies, mainly by grading and triage, to avoid contact with high-risk latent infections, and used cleaning, disinfection, and personal protective equipment to block possible transmission. Although strict preventive measures had strengths to stop community outbreaks, there are many threats to providing effective palliative care.
Conclusions

Facing the severe global COVID-19 epidemic, we must have strict strategies to protect our patient and medical staff. But we need to obtain balance between epidemic prevention and palliative care. Preventing the ill patients from feeling lonely or abandoned is also important.