bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Klf16 by Double Strand RNA-binding Protein STAU1 in Adipocyte Differentiation in vitro
Authors: Guan Ya Qun , Meng Xuan Yu , Liang Xiao Di , Hu Ting Ting , Nuermamati Nurbierye , JIAO YI , Gong Xue Li , Xu You Zhong Shen , gao Jia Le
Published: July 2020

Background: Adipogenesis is an essential process in organismal development and plays a significant role in adipose tissue homeostasis. Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression plays a key role in adipogenesis and involves many RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). In mammals, Staufen1 (STAU1) is a conserved RBP(RNA Binding Protein )consisting of several dsRBP (double strand RNA). STAU1 plays an important role in the Stau1-mediated mRNA decay (SMD) pathway, which is related to adipocyte formation, myocyte development, and neural differentiation. Klf16 (Kruppel like transcription factor 16) is a negative regulator that inhibits adipocyte differentiation. AIM:This study was conducted to determine the role of Klf16 in adipocyte differentiation in the context of the SMD pathway.Methods: 3T3-L1 cells were induced and cultured in vitro by cocktail method, Knockdown and Overexpression of STAU1 and KLF16. Then, adipocyte differentiation andexpression of adipogenic-related genes (STAU1, KLF16, PPARγ, and Lipin1) were measured by RT-qPCR and Western blot.RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) method verified that STAU1 protein can bind to KLF16.Results: The results revealed that STAU1 regulates Klf16 expression at the post-transcriptional level during the adipogenic differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells.STAU1 candirectly bind the 3′UTR of Klf16 mRNA. Klf16 mRNA was found to be degraded through the SMD pathway, thus promoting adipocyte differentiation.Conclusions: In this study, the mechanism of adipocyte differentiation regulation at the post-transcriptional level is demonstrated, and Klf16 is shown as a substrate of the SMD pathway, thus providing new insights into adipogenesis.
Decreasing the Leakage of Continuous Femoral Nerve Catheter Fixation Using 2-octyl Cyanoacrylate Glue ( Demabond® ): A Randomized Controlled Trial Study
Authors: Arnuntasupakul Vanlapa , Sangkum Lisa , Buachai Rungrawan , Chalacheewa Theerawat
Published: July 2020

Background: Continuous peripheral nerve catheters (CPNCs) have been used for postoperative pain relief. The common problem with CPNCs is pericatheter leakage that can compromise the sterile dressing, un-necessitating frequent dressing that may increase the risk of dislodgement and perineural catheter colonization or infections. Adhesive glue is useful for fixing peripheral nerve catheter as well as prevent leakage around the puncture site. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of pericatheter leakage by using fixation with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate glue (Demabond®) compared to sterile strip.Methods: Thirty patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty and received continuous femoral nerve block were randomized to perineural catheter fixation with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate glue or sterile strip. The primary outcome was the incidence of pericatheter leakage. Secondary outcomes included frequent of catheter migration, difficulty of catheter removal, pain score and patient satisfaction.Results: The incidence of pericatheter leakage at 48 hours was 0% versus 100% in the intervention and control group. The incidence of displacement at 24 and 48 hours was 6.7% versus 93.3% and 6.7% versus 100%, respectively (P < 0.001). There was no difference in numeric rating scale, difficulty of catheter removal as well as satisfaction scores between groups.Conclusion: Catheter fixation with 2-octylcyanoacrylate reduced the incidence of pericatheter leakage as well as catheter displacement over 48 hours compare to sterile strip.
Predictors of Cardiovascular Events in Elderly with Metabolic Syndrome from Rural Northeast China
Authors: Yu Shasha , Guo Xiaofan , Li GuangXiao , Yang Hongmei , Zheng Liqiang , Sun Yingxian
Published: July 2020

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) had close relationship with cardiovascular events (CVEs). In the present study, among elderly with MetS, we intend to estimate the possible predictors of CVEs in order to prevent cardiovascular complications; among elderly without MetS, we aim to evaluate the possible risk factors for developing MetS in order to control it more effectively. Methods: In total 2869 elderly from rural China were enrolled. They took part in a physical examination and completed a questionnaire during 2012-2013 and were followed up during 2015-2017. Cox proportional hazards analysis was conducted to assess the possible predictors of CVEs and multivariate analysis was used to estimate the risk factors of newly diagnosed MetS. Results: Over a median follow-up of 4.66 years, 128 nonfatal or fatal cardiovascular events were documented and the cumulative incidence of MetS was 28.7% (36.3% for female; 24.3% for male). Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that family history of hypertension [Hazard ratio (HR): 1.694], current smoking (HR: 1.518), per 1 unit increase of systolic blood pressure (SBP) (HR: 1.016), and HDL-C (HR: 0.365) were strong predictors of newly onset CVEs among elderly with MetS at baseline. As for newly diagnosed MetS, male [Odd ratio (OR): 0.390] and proper sleep duration (8-9 hours/day) (OR: 0.580) served as protective factors. Furthermore, SBP (OR: 1.013), body mass index (OR: 1.178) and all lipid profiles were also associated factors of newly diagnosed MetS among elderly. Conclusions: Current smoking and relatively higher value of SBP, and HDL-C at baseline were correlated with higher possibility to have CVEs among elderly with MetS. In order not to develop MetS, elderly should pay more attention to metabolic parameters and have proper sleep duration.
The anti-fibrotic effect of human fetal skin-derived stem cell secretome on the liver fibrosis
Authors: Yao Xia , Wang Jing , Zhu Jiajing , Rong Xiaoli
Published: July 2020

Background: Liver fibrosis resulting from a chronic liver injury is one of the significant causes of mortality. Stem cells-secreted secretome has been evaluated for overcoming the limitations of cell-based therapy in hepatic disease while maintaining its advantages over the current therapies. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effect of human fetal skin-derived stem cells (hFSSCs) secretome in the treatment of liver fibrosis. To determine the therapeutic potential of the hFSSCs secretome in liver fibrosis, we established the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis rat model, and we administered hFSSCs secretome in vivo. Moreover, we investigated the anti-fibrotic mechanism of hFSSCs secretome in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Results: Our results showed that hFSSCs secretome effectively reduced collagen content in the liver, and improved the liver function and promoted liver regeneration. Interestingly, we also found that hFSSCs secretome reduced liver fibrosis through suppressing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. In addition, we found that hFSSC secretome inhibited the TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, and Collagen I expression, while we observed, increased Smad7 expression. Conclusions: In conclusion, our results suggest that hFSSCs secretome treatment could reduce CCl4-induced liver fibrosis via regulating the TGF-β/Smad signal pathway.
Impact of Urban Family Physician Program on health indicators in Iran: an Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Authors: Hajibadali Parisa , Hashemiparast Minasadat , Iraji Zeinab , Lotfalinejad Elham , Allahverdipour Hamid , Nadrian Haidar
Published: July 2020

BackgroundIn 2015, the Iranian Urban Family Physician Program (UFPP) was implemented in urban health centers. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the trend of health indicators across a ten-year period in an Iranian population and to measure the possible effects of this intervention on health indicators.MethodsAn interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) was performed on a ten-years (from 2009 to 2018) of annual data set covering all healthcare indicators associated to the UFPP in Bonab County, Iran. The time of intervention was at the 7th data point in 2015. Health indicators were divided into two groups including process indicators (Modern Contraceptives Use (MCU), Prenatal and Postpartum care visits, Clinical Breast Examinations (CBE), brucellosis and tuberculosis (TB) incidence), and outcome indicators (Total fertility rate (TFR), Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), Stillbirth Rate (SBR), Infant mortality Rate (IMR), Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR), 1–59 months old Mortality Rate, Low Birth Weight (LBW), crud birth rate (CBR) and the rates of Infants fed by Formula milk.ResultsThe ratio of some process indicators, including the MCU (b = -5.13. 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -8.01 to -2.26), incidence of tuberculosis (b = .016. 95% CI: -1.01 to 1.34) and brucellosis (b = 3.04. 95% CI: -3.4 to 9.50) had a decreasing trend from 2008 to 2018. However, the CBE (b = 0.60. 95% CI: -4.97 to 6.18), prenatal care visits, (b= -4.25. 95% CI: -10.4 to 1.5) postpartum care visits (b = -22.83. 95% CI: -31.44 to -14.21), and first time care visits during pregnancy (b = -5.59. 95% CI: -14.52 to 3.32) were found with increasing trends. In contrast, the rate of at least six-time care visits during pregnancy was found to be in a decreasing trend (b = -10.32. 95% CI: -16.82 to -3.82). A series of outcome indicators including MMR (b = 24.78. 95% CI: 2.88 to 46.61), TFR (b = 0.07. 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.13), 1–59 Month old Mortality Rate (b = − .16. 95% CI: − .45 to .12), LBW (b = .33. 95% CI: − .08 to .40), Formula-fed infant rate (b = .48. 95% CI: − .007 to .97), Delivery rate in high-risk groups (b = 1.85. 95% CI: 1.22 to 2.49) and CS (b = -3.43. 95% CI: -5.73 to -1.12) had increasing trends from 2008 to 2018. In contrast, SBR (b = − .04. 95% CI: − .21 to .12), NMR (b = − .77. 95% CI: -2.91 to 1.36), IMR (b = -1.05. 95% CI: -2.99 to .89) and CBR (b = − .97. 95% CI: -1.85 to − .09) were in decreasing trends.ConclusionThe UFPP was found with positive impacts on some process, proximal and distal outcome indicators, but its positive impacts on the trends of some critical indicators, including MMR, NMR and IMR remained questionable. Our findings may shed light on the role of some other factors like social determinants of health in the programs like the UFPP.
A Novel Biomarker TLCD1 Correlates with Prognosis and Immune Infiltrates in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shen Hanyu , Huang Ailong , Zhu Dandan , Zhang Jiali , Ren Shiqi , Duan Lian , Sun Pingping , Wang Ziheng , Duan Yinong
Published: July 2020

Background: The HCC has seen a spike in the morbidity and the mortality rate in recent times. This calls for an urgent understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of the HCC and to speed up the quest for the search of the target molecules to ensure quick diagnosis and prognosis subsequently. TLCD1 is a gene only reported in membrane fluidity. The variations in the TLCD1 expression levels related to the infiltration of the immune cells in HCC and the prognosis shall be examined initially.Methods: The data received from TCGA shall provide the details of the gene expression, clinicopathology analysis and TME estimate, along with the enrichment analysis. Moreover, we performed additional analysis of the bioinformatics available. The immune responses of TLCD1 expression in HCC were analyzed using CIBERSORT and TIMER, while the statistical analysis was handled through R. HPA was used to validate the outcomes.Results: Higher TLCD1 expression is strongly correlated with a poor prognostic and worse overall survival. Specifically, the increase in TLCD1 expression positively correlated with Tregs cells and T cells CD4 memory resting. The pathways strongly associated with TLCD1 was fatty acid metabolism and PPAR signaling pathway.Conclusions: From the outcome of the study, it could be surmised that TLCD1 could be considered as a potential target for future treatment of HCC, as it was observed to be associated with the tumor-infiltrating immune cells in tumor microenvironment, establishing itself as a novel potential prognostic biomarker in HCC.
What is the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Emergency Medicine Residency Training: An Observation Study
Authors: Lo Hsiang-Yun , Lin Shen-Che , Chaou Chung-Hsien , Chang Yu-Che , Ng Chip-Jin , Chen Shou-Yen
Published: July 2020

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has engendered difficulties for health systems globally; however, the effect of the pandemic on emergency medicine (EM) residency training programs is unknown. The pandemic has engendered reduced volumes of emergency department (ED) patients, except for those with COVID-19 infections, and this may reduce the case exposure of EM residents. The primary objective of this study was to compare the clinical exposure of EM residents between the prepandemic and pandemic periods. MethodsThis was a retrospective study of EM resident physicians in Taiwan. We performed a medical record review and retrieved data regarding patients seen by EM residents in the ED between September 1, 2019, and April 30, 2020. The number and characteristics of patients seen by residents were recorded, and the training schedules, including clinical working hours, of EM residents were determined. We compared the data between the prepandemic and pandemic periods.ResultsA total of 51,337 patients were managed by 36 EM residents during the 8-month study period. The mean number of patients per hour (PPH) seen by EM residents decreased significantly during the pandemic period. The PPH seen by residents in the adult ED decreased in all three hospitals during the pandemic. The average number of patients managed by residents decreased by 50% and 70% in the trauma ED and pediatric ED during the pandemic, respectively. The severity of patient illness did not change significantly between the periods. ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic engendered a reduced ED volume and decreased EM residents’ clinical exposure. All portion of EM residency training were affected by the pandemic, with pediatric EM being the most affected. The patient volume reduction may persist and in turn reduce patients’ case exposure until the pandemic subsides. Adjustment of the training programs may be necessary and ancillary methods of learning should be used to ensure adequate EM residency training.
Engineering cofactor metabolism for improved protein and glucoamylase production in Aspergillus niger
Authors: Sui Yu-fei , Schütze Tabea , Ouyang Li-Ming , Lu Hong-zhong , Liu Peng , Xiao Xian-zun , Qi Jie , Zhuang Yingping , Meyer Vera
Published: July 2020

Background: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) is an important cofactor ensuring intracellular redox balance, anabolism and cell growth in all living systems. Our recent multi-omics analyses of glucoamylase (GlaA) biosynthesis in the filamentous fungal cell factory Aspergillus niger indicated that low availability of NADPH might be a limiting factor for GlaA overproduction. Results: We thus employed the Design-Build-Test-Learn cycle for metabolic engineering to identify and prioritize effective cofactor engineering strategies for GlaA overproduction. Based on available metabolomics and 13C metabolic flux analysis data, we individually overexpressed seven predicted genes encoding NADPH regeneration enzymes under the control of Tet-on gene switch in two A. niger recipient strains, one carrying a single and one carrying seven glaA gene copies, respectively, to test their individual effects on GlaA overproduction. Both strains were selected to understand if a strong pull towards glaA biosynthesis (seven gene copies) mandates a higher NADPH supply compared to the native condition (one gene copy). Detailed analysis of all 14 strains cultivated in shake flask cultures uncovered that overexpression of the gsdA gene (glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase), gndA gene (6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase) and maeA gene (NADP-dependent malic enzyme) supported GlaA production on a subtle (10%) but significant level in the background strain carrying seven glaA gene copies. We thus performed maltose-limited chemostat cultures combining metabolome analysis for these three isolates to characterize metabolic-level fluctuations caused by cofactor engineering. In these cultures, overexpression of either the gndA or maeA gene increased the intracellular NADPH pool by 45% and 66%, and the yield of GlaA by 65% and 30%, respectively. In contrast, overexpression of the gsdA gene had a negative effect on both total protein and glucoamylase production. Conclusions: This data suggests for the first time that increased NADPH availability can indeed underpin protein and especially GlaA production in strains where a strong pull towards GlaA biosynthesis exists. This data also indicates that the highest impact on GlaA production can be engineered on a genetic level by increasing the flux through the reverse TCA cycle ( maeA gene) followed by engineering the flux through the pentose phosphate pathway ( gndA gene). We thus propose that NADPH cofactor engineering is indeed a valid strategy for metabolic engineering of A. niger to improve GlaA production, a strategy which is certainly also applicable to the rational design of other microbial cell factories.
MiR-24-3p and various cancers: From a meta-analysis view
Authors: Wang He , Chen Chunyang , Zhang Weijie , Ding Keke , Hou Jianquan
Published: July 2020

Background: A growing number of researches suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) as oncogene or tumor suppressor genes play a fundamental role in various kinds of cancers. Among them, miR-24-3p, as a star molecule, is widely studied. However, the prognostic value of miR-24-3p is unclear and controversial. We conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of miR-24-3p in a variety of cancers by integrated existing articles from four databasesMethods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library (last update in March 2020) were searched for approach literature. Hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) were used to evaluate the association between miR-24-3p expression levels and prognostic value or clinicopathological characteristics, respectively.Results: A total of 15 studies from 14 literature were finally qualified and concluded in the present meta-analysis. A significantly worse overall survival was observed in higher expression of miR-24-3p cancer group for OS(Overall survival) of log rank tests and cox multivariate regression by fixed effects model. Also, we found a significant correlation between elevated miR-24-3p levels to RFS (Recurrence-free survival) and DFS(Disease free survival). In addition, the pooled odds ratios (ORs) showed that evaluated miR-24-3p was also associated with the larger tumor size (≥5cm) and advanced TNM stage (Ⅲ and Ⅳ).Conclusion: Built on the above findings, elevated expression levels of miR-24-3p may serve as a promising biomarker used to predict the worse prognosis of cancer patients.
The Diagnostic Value of LGALS1 in Esophageal Cancer and its Potential Molecular Pathways via Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Li Dan , Yang Heng , Lei Yue , Guo Qiang , Ji Yanmei , Guo Jialong
Published: July 2020

Background: Esophageal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors. The purpose of this study was to reveal the expression of LGALS1 in esophagus cancer (ESCA) and its clinical value, and to explore the mechanism of LGALS1 in the occurrence and development of ESCA.Methods: Oncomine, Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (Timer) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were used to analyze the expression of LGALS1 in ESCA and its value in the diagnosis of ESCA. The correlation between LGALS1 and the clinicopathological characteristics of ESCA patients was analyzed in the Ualcan database. In TCGA database, we performed Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to elucidate the potential mechanism underlying the role of LGALS1 in ESAC. LGALS1 co-expressed genes were imported into the String database to build a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The CytoHubba plug-in in Cytoscape was used to screen the hub gene and was verified in Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and TCGA database.Results: LGALS1 was highly expressed in ESCA tissues. Increasing the expression level of LGALS1 was related to age, ethnicity, clinical stage, tumor grade, and histological subtype of ESCA patients, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.8511 (P <0.001). There are 482 LGALS1 co-expressed genes. GO and KEGG show that LGALS1 co-expressed genes are mainly involved in endothelial cell differentiation, transforming growth factor receptor signaling pathway, epithelial cell proliferation, ECM receptor interactions, leukocyte migration, transcriptional disorders during cancer, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and other processes. GSEA showed that elevated LGALS1 was mainly enriched for ECM receptor interactions, cancer pathways, and TGF BETA signaling pathways. The Hub genes COL1A1, FN1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL5A1, COL5A2, COL4A2, COL18A1, and COL6A1 are higher expressed in ESCA tissues and have diagnostic significance in ESCA.Conclusion: LGALS1 expression is elevated in ESCA patients and may be a potential diagnostic marker for ESCA patients. PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, TGF BETA signaling pathway, cancer pathway, cytokine and cytokine interaction may be an important pathway for regulation in occurrence and development of ESCA.
A 4-gene Signature Predicts Prognosis of Uterine Serous Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Hui , Li Lingjun , Qin Ping , Xiong Hanzhen , Chen Ruichao , Zhang Minfen , Jiang Qingping
Published: July 2020

Background: Uterine serous carcinoma (USC) is a rare, aggressive variant of endometrial cancer that accounts for more than 50% of endometrial cancer deaths, creating an urgent need for prognostic biomarkers. Methods: USC RNA-Seq data and corresponding patients’ clinical records were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype-Tissue Expression datasets. Univariate cox, Lasso, and Multivariate cox regression analyses were conducted to forge a prognostic signature. Multivariable and univariable cox regression analysis and ROC curve evaluated the prediction efficiency both in the training and testing sets. Results: We uncovered 1385 genes dysregulated in 110 cases of USC tissue relative to 113 cases of normal uterine tissue. Functional enrichment analysis of these genes revealed the involvement of various cancer-related pathways in USC. A novel 4‐gene signature (KRT23, CXCL1, SOX9 and ABCA10) of USC prognosis was finally forged by serial regression analyses. Overall patient survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were significantly lower in the high-risk group relative to the low-risk group in both the training and testing sets. The area under the ROC curve of the 4-gene signature was highest among clinicopathological features in predicting OS and RFS. The 4-gene signature was found to be an independent prognostic indicator in USC and was a superior predictor of OS in early stage of USC. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the potential of the 4-gene signature as a guide for personalized USC treatment.
Understanding COVID-19 nonlinear multi-scale dynamic spreading in Italy
Authors: Quaranta Giuseppe , Formica Giovanni , Machado J. Terneiro , Lacarbonara Walter , Masri Sami F.
Published: July 2020

The outbreak of COVID-19 in Italy took place in Lombardia, a densely populated and highly industrialized northern region, and spread across the northern and central part of Italy according to quite different temporal and spatial patterns. In this work, a multi-scale territorial analysis of the pandemic is carried out using various models and data-driven approaches. Specifically, a logistic regression is employed to capture the evolution of the total positive cases in each region and throughout Italy, and an enhanced version of an SIR-type model is tuned to fit the different territorial epidemic dynamics via a differential evolution algorithm. Hierarchical clustering and multidimensional analysis are further exploited to reveal the similarities/dissimilaritiesof the remarkably different geographical epidemic developments. The combination of parametric identifications and multi-scale data-driven analyses paves the way towards a closer understanding of the nonlinear, spatially nonuniform epidemic spreading in Italy.
Living with cancer in the COVID-19 pandemic: An Italian survey on self-isolation at home
Authors: Biagioli Valentina , Albanesi Beatrice , Belloni Silvia , Piredda Alessio , Caruso Rosario
Published: July 2020

Objective: To investigate the perception of self-isolation at home in patients with cancer during the lockdown period because of the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted through an online survey from March 29th to May 3rd, 2020. Perception of self-isolation was assessed in patients with cancer during quarantine at home using the ISOLA scale, after evaluation of its psychometric properties. Content analysis was used to analyse two open-ended questions.Results: Participants were 195 adult patients with cancer (female = 76%; mean age = 50.3 ± 11.2; haematological malignancy = 51.3%). They reported moderate isolation-related suffering (M = 2.64 ± 0.81), problems in the relationship with others (M = 3.31 ± 1.13), and difficulties in the relationship with oneself (M = 3.14 ± 1.06). Patients who experienced significantly more social problems were the older ones, with lower education, and living without minor children. Overall, four main categories emerged from the qualitative content analysis: 1) Lack of freedom and social life, 2) Uncertainty and worries, 3) Feeling supported, and 4) Dealing with isolation.Conclusion: Living with cancer in the COVID-19 pandemic was often perceived as an isolating experience, primarily in terms of detachment from loved ones.
In-hospital mortality from Coronavirus Disease 2019 in a northern Italian centre:results of a competing risk analysis from SMAtteo COvid19 REgistry (SMACORE)
Authors: Zuccaro Valentina , Celsa Ciro , Sambo Margherita , Battaglia Salvatore , Sacchi Paolo , Biscarini Simona , Valsecchi Pietro , Pieri Teresa Chiara , Gallazzi Ilaria , Colaneri Marta , Sachs Michele , Roda Silvia , Asperges Erika , Lupi Matteo , Filippo Alessandro Di , Seminari Elena , Matteo Angela Di , Novati Stefano , Maiocchi Laura , Enea Marco , Attanasio Massimo , Cammà Calogero , Bruno Raffaele
Published: July 2020

Objectives An accurate prediction of the clinical outcomes of European patients requiring hospitalisation for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is lacking. The aim of the study is to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality and discharge in a cohort of Lombardy patients with COVID-19. MethodsAll consecutive hospitalised patients from February 21stto March 30th, 2020, with confirmed COVID-19 from the IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Lombardy, Italy, were included. In-hospital mortality and discharge were evaluated by competing risk analysis. The Fine and Gray model was fitted in order to estimate the effect of covariates on the cumulative incidence functions (CIFs) for in-hospital mortality and discharge.Results 426 adult patients (median age 68 (IQR, 56 to 77 years) were admitted with confirmed COVID-19 over a 5-week period; 292 (69%) were male. By 21 April 2020, 141 (33%) of these patients had died, 239 (56%) patients had been discharged and 46 (11%) were still hospitalised. Regression on the CIFs for in-hospital mortality showed that older age, male sex, number of comorbidities and hospital admission after March 4thwere independent risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality.Conclusions Olderage, male sex and number of comorbidities definitively predicted in-hospital mortality in hospitalised patients with COVID-19
Interferon regulatory factor 8 induces alveolar macrophage hypoxia/reoxygenation injury via the PINK1/Parkin mitophagy pathway
Authors: Zhang Lin , Hao Bo , He Ruyuan , Lu Zilong , Feng Haojie , Shen Xiaokang , Zhang Ziyao , Jiang Wenyang , Wang Wei , Fan Tao , Geng Qing
Published: July 2020

Background: Lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI) is a complex process and macrophages play a central role in it. Interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) is a transcription factor in the innate immune system, which, together with autophagy, are important components of the mechanisms of LIRI. We aimed to explore the regulatory role of IRF8 in hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR) injury and PINK1-mediated mitophagy.Methods: Cultured NR8383 macrophages were subjected to HR as an in vitro model of LIRI. Cell viability, cell damage and inflammation during HR were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, lactate dehydrogenase assessment and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Meanwhile, PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy was detected by quantitative real-time PCR, western blot, transmission electron microscopy and double immunofluorescence labeling method. The effects of IRF8 and PINK1 on cell injury, inflammatory response and autophagy during HR were assessed using IRF8 short-hairpin RNA plasmids and PINK1 overexpression plasmids , respectively. Results: IRF8 inhibition was able to alleviate cell injury, inflammatory response and autophagy while PINK1 overexpression could exacerbate them. Moreover, IRF8 downregulation could reduce the expression of PINK1 in HR injury and attenuate the effects of it. Conclusion: IRF8 was able to induce HR injury via the PINK1/Parkin mitophagy pathway. Inhibition of IRF8 and PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy might be a potential target for the treatment of LIRI.
Virtual patient simulation to improve nurses’ relational skills in a continuing education context: A convergent mixed methods study
Authors: Rouleau Geneviève , Gagnon Marie-Pierre , Côté José , Richard Lauralie , Chicoine Gabrielle , Pelletier Jérôme
Published: July 2020

Background Nurses must meet professional standards by attending continuing education activities. Despite the potential of virtual patient simulation in nursing education, it has rarely been used in nurses’ continuing education to address relational skills. We developed an automated virtual patient simulation informed by motivational interviewing to enhance nurses’ relational skills. The simulation features an HIV-positive man struggling to adhere to his medication. Quizzes and feedback loops embedded in the simulation allow learners to observe the consequences of their choices. This study aimed to assess nurses’ perception of simulation’s acceptability. Specific objectives were: to measure the simulation design elements, its role in supporting practice, its quality and technology acceptance, and the achievement of learning objectives; to explore nurses’ learning experience. Methods We performed a convergent mixed methods study by combining a quantitative pre-experimental, one-group post-test design and a qualitative exploratory study. We used convenience and snowball sampling approaches to select registered nurses (n=49) working in Quebec, Canada, who self-reported as having basic computer literacy skills. Participants completed an online sociodemographic questionnaire, consulted the simulation, and filled out an online post-test survey. Descriptive statistics (mean, SD, median, interquartile range) were used to present quantitative findings. From the 27 participants who completed the simulation and post-test survey, five participated in a focus group to explore their learning experience. The discussion transcript was subjected to thematic analysis. Results Nurses perceived the simulation to be highly acceptable. They rated the global system quality and the technology acceptance with high scores. They reported having enjoyed the simulation and recommended other providers use it. Four qualitative themes were identified: motivations to engage in the simulation-based research; learning in a realistic, immersive, and non-judgmental environment; perceived utility of the simulation; and perceived difficulty in engaging in the simulation-based research. Conclusions The simulation contributed to knowledge and skills development on motivational interviewing and enhanced nurses’ self-confidence in applying relational skills. Simulation holds the potential to change practice, as nurses become more self-reflective and aware of the impact of their relational skills on patient care. Relational skills are fundamental to high-quality nursing care.Trial registration:ISRCTN18243005, retrospectively registered on July 3 2020.
Objetividad de los juicios morales. Una revisión desde el pragmatismo lingüístico
Authors: Rodríguez Ortiz Angélica María
Published: July 2020

El análisis de los juicios morales ha sido un asunto de debate en la filosofía a lo largo de la historia, retomado con mayor ahínco en el siglo XX con los planteamientos de Moore en su Principia Ethica y de Wittgenstein en su Conferencia de ética. Quizás ha sido este último autor el más influyente en las teorías que sustentan la imposibilidad de comparar los enunciados morales con los enunciados de la ciencia, pues no soportan un análisis veritativo, lo que lleva a algunos teóricos a asumir erróneamente que los juicios morales son relativos y están impregnados de subjetividad emotiva. Al hacer un análisis de esta postura, se puede evidenciar que estos planteamientos han llevado a que teóricos posteriores tomen como similares términos que no lo son. En parte de la literatura se evidencian como sinónimos “objetivo” y “absoluto”, así como “relativo” y “subjetivo”, incurriendo con ello en una confusión de orden conceptual que no solo aplica para el análisis de los juicios, sino que va más allá y oscila entre lo ontológico y epistemológico a la hora de hablar de moral. Este artículo pretende evidenciar problemas conceptuales con el fin de sustentar que, contrario a lo que Wittgenstein esbozó en su Conferencia de ética, es posible alcanzar la objetividad de los juicios morales sin llegar a afirmar su carácter de absolutos.
Ansiedad competitiva y autoeficacia en tenistas de alto rendimiento antes y después de una competencia
Authors: Mayorga Lascano Paúl Marlon , Jaramillo Álvaro , Moreta-Herrera Rodrigo
Published: July 2020

La investigación evalua la ansiedad competitiva y autoeficacia antes y después de las competencias deportivas y establece una comparación entre grupos relacionados. Es un estudio comparativo de desarrollo histórico y se realizó sobre una muestra 60 tenistas ecuatorianos de ranking nacional junior y abierto; seleccionados a través muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia. Se empleó el Cuestionario de Autoevaluación de Illinois (CSAI-2), en la versión actualizada de Cox, Martens y Russell (2003), que evalúa Ansiedad Cognitiva, Ansiedad Somática, y Autoconfianza; la Escala de Autoeficacia General (EAG) de Baessler y Schwarzer (1973), adaptada por Cid, Orellana y Barriga (2010), que valora pensamientos y sentimientos personales frente a una competencia; la Escala de Autoeficacia Motriz (EAM) adaptada al deporte para evaluar pensamientos, sentimientos y actuaciones frente al estrés de las competencias deportivas (Sanjuán, Pérez, & Bermúdez, 2000); y el Inventario Psicológico de Ejecución Deportiva (IPED) de Hernández (2006), adaptado por Hernández-Mendo, Morales-Sánchez y Peñalver (2014), que identifica fortalezas y debilidades en atletas durante la práctica deportiva. Los participantes alcanzaron mayores valores en la segunda evaluación del CSAI-2; patrón que se repite en el EAG; el EAM; y en el IPED, excepto en la dimensión Autoconfianza. El constructo Autoconfianza podría estudiarse de manera aislada, a fin de explicar su invariabilidad.
Tumor tracking using the Radixact system. Review of reports presented at the ESTRO 38 conference in Milan
Authors: Adamczyk Marta , Piotrowski Tomasz
Published: July 2020

Celem artykułu jest podkreślenie najważniejszych aspektów technik śledzenia nowotworów, ze szczególnym naciskiem na przedstawienie możliwości technicznych systemu Radixact w kontekście śledzenia zmian pozycji nowotworu. Opisane zagadnienia zostały przedstawione podczas konferencji ESTRO 38, która odbyła się w Mediolanie, we Włoszech, w dniach 26-30 kwietnia 2019 r.
An E-nose and Convolution Neural Network based Recognition Method for Processed Products of Crataegi Fructus
Authors: Wang Tianshu , Chao Yanpin , Yin Fangzhou , Yang Xichen , Hu Chenjun , Hu Kongfa
Published: July 2020

Background:

The manual identification of Fructus Crataegi processed products is
inefficient and unreliable. Therefore, efficient identification of the Fructus Crataegis’ processed
products is important.

Objective:

In order to efficiently identify Fructus Crataegis processed products with different odor
characteristics, a new method based on an electronic nose and convolutional neural network is proposed.

Methods:

First, the original smell of Fructus Crataegis processed products is obtained by using the
electronic nose and then preprocessed. Next, feature extraction is carried out on the preprocessed
data through convolution pooling layer LCP1, convolution pooling layer LCP2 and a full connection
layer LFC. Thus, the feature vector of the processed products can be obtained. Then, the recognition
model for Fructus Grataegis processed products is constructed, and the model is trained to obtain
the optimized parameters: filters F1 and F2, bias vectors B1, B2, B3, and B4, matrices M1 and M2.
Finally, the features of the target processed products are extracted through the trained parameters
to achieve accurate prediction.

Results:

The experimental results show that the proposed method has higher accuracy for the
identification of Fructus Crataegis processed products, and is competitive with other machine
learning based methods.

Conclusion:

The method proposed in this paper is effective for the identification of Fructus
Crataegi processed products.
Supplementation of Psidium Guajava Leaves Powder Prevents Hepatotoxicity and Inflammation in Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)-Administered Rats
Authors: Debnath Nitol , Rafique Farzana B. , Akhter Nasrin , Ulla Anayt , Yasmin Tahmina , Islam Md Nurul , Alam Md A.
Published: July 2020

Aims and Objective:

Various studies revealed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties of Psidium guajava leaves. This present study reported the anti-inflammatory and protective
effects of Psidium guajava leaves on Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced rat liver.

Methods:

In this study, Long Evans female rats (150-180 g) were divided into four groups. CCl4 in
olive oil was given orally by gavage at a dose of 1 mL/kg and Psidium guajava leave powder was
provided as 2.5% w/w of food. Liver marker enzyme activity was monitored by evaluating the alanine
Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline Phosphatases
(ALP) in plasma. The plasma and liver tissue concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
(TBARS), Nitric Oxide (NO), advanced protein oxidation product (APOP), glutathione
(GSH, in reduced form) and activity of catalase were measured as an oxidative stress marker.

Results:

The results of this study suggested the serum transferase activities were increased in CCl4
administered rat, which was normalized by Psidium guajava leaves supplementation. Moreover,
oxidative stress markers were significantly reduced and antioxidant enzyme activity was significantly
improved by Psidium guajava leaves supplementation in CCl4 administered rat. Hematoxylin
and Eosin and Picrosirius Red staining of liver section revealed reduced inflammatory cell
infiltration and fibrosis, respectively by Psidium guajava leaves supplementation in CCl4 administered
rats.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Psidium guajava leaves may prevent liver damage and inflammation in
CCl4-administered rats, which indicated strong antioxidant capacity. Thus, Psidium guajava leaves
could be a source of natural antioxidants. Further study is required for using Psidium guajava
leaves in the clinical case of liver dysfunction.
Enterovirus D-68 Molecular Virology, Epidemiology, and Treatment: an Update and Way Forward
Authors: Ebada Mahmoud Ahmed , Fayed Notila , Alkanj Souad , Allah Ahmed Wadaa
Published: July 2020

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus, and it is one
of the family members of Picornaviridae. Except for EV-D68, the entire family Picornaviridae has
been illustrated in literature. EV-D68 was first discovered and isolated in California, USA, in 1962.
EV-D68 has resulted in respiratory disorders’ outbreaks among children worldwide, and it has
been detected in cases of various neurological diseases such as acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). A recent
study documented a higher number of EV-D68 cases associated with AFM in Europe in 2016
compared to the 2014 outbreak. EV-D68 is mainly diagnosed by quantitative PCR, and there is an
affirmative strategy for EV-D68 detection by using pan-EV PCR on the untranslated region and/or
the VP1 or VP2, followed by sequencing of the PCR products. Serological tests are limited due to
cross-reactivity of the antigens between the different serotypes. Many antiviral drugs for EV-D68
have been evaluated and showed promising results. In our review, we discuss the current knowledge
about EV-D68 and its role in the development of AFM.
Comparison of Q-Coverage P-Connectivity Sensor Node Scheduling Heuristic Between Battery Powered WSN & Energy Harvesting WSN
Authors: Gupta Sunita , Gupta Sakar , Goyal Dinesh
Published: July 2020

A serious problem in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is to attain high-energy efficiency
as battery powers a node, which has limited stored energy. They can not be suitably replaced
or recharged. The appearance of renewable energy harvesting techniques and their combination
with sensors give Energy Harvesting Wireless Sensor Networks (EH-WSNs). Therefore,
the area shifts from energy preservation to the reliability of the network. For reliability, Coverage
and Connectivity are important Quality of Service (QoS) parameters. Many sensor node scheduling
heuristics have been developed in the past. Some of them focus on more than a single order of
Coverage and Connectivity. If reliability is the main concern for a WSN, then there definitely is a
need to incorporate Q-Coverage and P-Connectivity in WSN. The lifetime of a WSN decreases
while considering Q-Coverage and P-Connectivity. After some time network dies and it is of no
use. Therefore, there is a trade-off between the reliability and lifetime of a WSN. If EH-WSN is
used, the lifetime of a WSN increases, as well as Q-Coverage and P-Connectivity QoS parameters
can be used for achieving reliability. This paper proposes a sensor node scheduling heuristic for
EH-WSN, considering Q-Coverage and P-Connectivity. A comparison of a Q-Coverage and PConnectivity
sensor node scheduling heuristic, when used between battery powered WSN and
EH-WSN, is done. The comparison shows that lifetime using EH-WSN is much greater as compared
to battery powered WSN. This research is beneficial for real-time WSN applications where
EH-WSN provides power regularly without any intervention.
A visão de professores sobre o projeto escola sem partido: conceitos, tensões e práticas
Authors: Vasconcelos Cristiane Regina Dourado , Araujo Jomária Alessandra Queiroz de Cerqueira , Leal Ione Oliveira Jatobá
Published: July 2020

Este artigo apresenta resultados de uma pesquisa cujo objetivo foi investigar a percepção de professores de escolas das redes públicas e privadas de Salvador/BA, acerca do Projeto Escola sem Partido, bem como as possíveis implicações deste projeto para os movimentos de participação social e de liberdade de expressão do processo democrático brasileiro. Nesta perspectiva, a abordagem investigativa adotada foi o estudo de caso, na perspectiva de entender a questão relativa à percepção do referido projeto e de suas implicações para o cotidiano escolar. Para a coleta de dados e validação da pesquisa utilizou-se de fontes múltiplas de evidências, revisão de literatura, análise documental e aplicação de questionários. Com base na análise de dados inferimos que a maioria dos professores percebe o projeto como uma ameaça ao processo democrático, já que, limita o diálogo, cerceia a liberdade de expressão e lança dúvidas sobre o direito à diversidade.
Effectiveness of Social Cognitive Theory–Based Interventions for Glycemic Control in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Smith Yvonne , Garcia-Torres Rosalia , Coughlin Steven S , Ling Jiying , Marin Terri , Su Shaoyong , Young Lufei
Published: July 2020

Background

For those living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), failing to engage in self-management behaviors leads to poor glycemic control. Social cognitive theory (SCT) has been shown to improve health behaviors by altering cognitive processes and increasing an individual’s belief in their ability to accomplish a task.

Objective

We aim to present a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis to systematically identify, evaluate, and analyze the effect of SCT-based interventions to improve glycemic control in adults with T2DM.

Methods

This protocol follows the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Data sources will include PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsychINFO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, and data will be reviewed with the use of customized text mining software. Studies examining SCT-based behavioral interventions for adults diagnosed with T2DM in randomized controlled trials located in the outpatient setting will be included. Intervention effectiveness will be compared with routine care. Screening and data collection will be performed in multiple stages with three reviewers as follows: (1) an independent review of titles/abstracts, (2) a full review, and (3) data collection with alternating teams of two reviewers for disputes to be resolved by a third reviewer. Study quality and risk of bias will be assessed by three reviewers using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Standardized mean differences will be used to describe the intervention effect sizes with regard to self-efficacy and diabetes knowledge. The raw mean difference of HbA1c will be provided in a random effects model and presented in a forest plot. The expected limitations of this study are incomplete data, the need to contact authors, and analysis of various types of glycemic control measures accurately within the same data set.

Results

This protocol was granted institutional review board exemption on October 7, 2019. PROSPERO registration (ID: CRD42020147105) was received on April 28, 2020. The review began on April 29, 2020. The results of the review will be disseminated through conference presentations, peer-reviewed journals, and meetings.

Conclusions

This systematic review will appraise the effectiveness of SCT-based interventions for adults diagnosed with T2DM and provide the most effective interventions for improving health behaviors in these patients.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD42020147105; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=147105

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/17148