bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of the Dietary Patterns with the Risk of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease among Iranian Population: A case-control study
Authors: dehghanseresht narges , Jafarirad Sima , Alavinejad Seyed Pejman , Mansoori Anahita
Published: June 2020

Background: Diet-based recommendations can be developed for preventing and treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) after investigating the effects of whole diets on NAFLD. The aim of this study was to identify major dietary patterns and their association with the risk of NAFLD.Methods: A total of 244 individuals (122 NAFLD patients and 122 controls) participated in this case-control study. The NAFLD patients were diagnosed by a gastroenterologist. The participants' dietary intake data were collected using a 147-item semi-quantitive food frequency questionnaire and major dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis. Adherence to dietary patterns was divided into tertiles and its association with odds of NAFLD was investigated by multivariate logistic regression. Results: The results showed four major dietary patterns, among which adherence to the "ordinary pattern" was positively associated with NAFLD risk. After adjusting for all confounding factors, individuals in the highest tertile of "ordinary pattern" exhibited a significantly elevated risk of NAFLD compared to the lowest tertile (OR= 3.74, 95%CI= 1.23-11.42, P trend<0.001). As well as, Individuals in the second and third tertiles of the "traditional pattern" were associated with the risk of NAFLD compared to the lowest tertile (medium vs. lowest tertile OR= 2.37, 95%CI= 1.02-5.53; highest vs. lowest tertile OR=3.58, 95% CI= 1.48-8.68, P trend<0.001). The highest tertile of "vegetable and dairy pattern" compared to the lowest tertile was inversely associated with NAFLD risk (OR= 0.23, 95%CI= 0.09-0.58, P trend=0.02). No significant association was found between "fast food type pattern" and the risk of NAFLD.Conclusion: A significant association was observed between different dietary patterns and the risk of NAFLD. These results can potentially serve as a dietary strategy for preventing NAFLD in individuals who are at a high risk for progression of NAFLD.
Influence of malformation of right coronary artery originating from the left sinus on the hemodynamic environment
Authors: cong mengyang , Xu Xingming , Qiu Jianfeng , Dai Shun , Chen Chuanzhi , Qian Xiuqing , Zhang Hongbin , Qin Shengxue , Zhao Huihui
Published: June 2020

Background: The Anomalous origin of the Right Coronary Artery (RCA) from the Left Coronary artery sinus(AORL) is one of the abnormal origins of the coronary arteries. Most of these issues seldom have effects on human health, but some individuals may have symptoms such as myocardial ischaemia or even sudden death. Recently, researchers are studying AORL through clinical cases, but study based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is rarely seen. In this study, haemodynamic changes between normal origin of the RCA and AORL are compared according to numerical simulation results.Methods: Realistic three-dimensional models of 16 normal right coronary arteries and 26 abnormal origins of the right coronary arteries were reconstructed, respectively. The blood flow was numerically simulated using software ANSYS. This study involves one-way fluid-solid coupling finite element model in which the blood is assumed to be incompressible Newtonian fluid, and the vessel is assumed to be isotropic, linear elastic material. Results: The differences of the cross-sectional area at the inlet between the normal group and the abnormal group was significant (P<0.0001). There were significant differences in the volumetric flow (P=0.0001) and pressure (P=0.0002). There were positive correlations with the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the RCA to the inlet area of the ascending aorta (AAO) and the ratio of the inlet volumetric flow of the RCA to the volumetric flow of the AAO, in both the normal (P=0.0001, r=0.8178) and abnormal (P=0.0033, r=0.6107) group.Conclusion: This study shows that the cross-sectional area of the inlet of AORL may cause ischaemia symptoms, and the results may contribute to the further understanding of the clinical symptoms of AORL based on the haemodynamics.
Retrospective Investigation of Echinococcus canadensis Emergence in Translocated Elk (Cervus canadensis) in Tennessee (USA) and Examination of Canid Definitive Hosts
Authors: Dell BreeAnna Mary , Newman Shelley J. , Purple Kathryn , Miller Brad , Ramsay Edward , Donnell Robert , Gerhold Richard W.
Published: June 2020

Background: Few reports of Echinococcus spp. have been described in the Unites States; however, the geographical distribution of Echinococcus spp. in wild hosts is increasing consequent to human activities. In the early 2000’s, 253 elk (Cervus canadensis) originating from Alberta, Canada were released into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area in an effort to re-establish their historical range.Methods: We investigated the prevalence of Echinococcus spp. in re-established elk populations in the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via a retrospective analysis of banked elk tissues and helminth examinations on intestinal contents from coyotes (Canis latrans) from the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area. Results: Four elk were PCR and sequence positive for E. canadensis. Each sequence had 98% or greater coverage and identity to multiple E. canadensis genotypes in Genbank. Adult Echinococcus spp. were not detected in any of the coyotes examined in this study. Conclusions: Continued surveillance of this disease in susceptible species in these areas is warranted, and these data further underscore the risk of zoonotic pathogen introduction secondary to wildlife translocation.
Comparison of Bayesian and frequentist methods for prevalence estimation under misclassification
Authors: Flor Matthias , Weiβ Michael , Selhorst Thomas , Müller-Graf Christine , Greiner Matthias
Published: June 2020

Background: Various methods exist for statistical inference about a prevalence that consider misclassifications due to an imperfect diagnostic test. However, traditional methods are known to suffer from truncation of the prevalence estimate and the confidence intervals constructed around the point estimate, as well as from under-performance of the confidence intervals' coverage. Methods : In this study, we used simulated data sets to validate a Bayesian prevalence estimation method and compare its performance to frequentist methods, i.e. the Rogan-Gladen estimate for prevalence, RGE, in combination with several methods of confidence interval construction. Our performance measures are (i) error distribution of the point estimate against the simulated true prevalence and (ii) coverage and length of the confidence interval, or credible interval in the case of the Bayesian method.Results: Across all data sets, the Bayesian point estimate and the RGE produced similar error distributions with slight advanteges of the former over the latter. In addition, the Bayesian estimate did not suffer from the RGE's truncation problem at zero or unity. With respect to coverage performance of the confidence and credible intervals, all of the traditional frequentist methods exhibited strong under-coverage, whereas the Bayesian credible interval as well as a newly developed frequentist method by Lang and Reiczigel performed as desired, with the Bayesian method having a very slight advantage in terms of interval length. Conclusion: The Bayesian prevalence estimation method should be prefered over traditional frequentist methods. An acceptable alternative is to combine the Rogan-Gladen point estimate with the Lang-Reiczigel confidence interval.
Robust widely linear beamforming using estimation of extended covariance matrix and steering vector
Authors: Meng Zhen , Zhou Weidong , Gazor Saeed
Published: June 2020

The distribution of the received signals in many array processing applications is noncircular. Although optimal widely linear beamformer (WLB) can provide the best performance for noncircular received signals, its performance degrades severely under model mismatches in practical applications. As a remedy, we propose a robust WLB by using precise reconstruction of extended interference-plus-noise covariance matrix (EINCM) and low-complexity estimation of extended desired signal steering vector (EDSSV). We propose to first determine the steering vectors, powers and noncircularity coefficients of all signals and the noise power. In contrast to the previous reconstruction methods using the integration over a wide angular sector, we reconstruct the interference-plus-noise covariance matrix (INCM) and the pseudo INCM accurately according to their definitions. By using INCM and pseudo INCM, we can precisely reconstruct the EINCM. We propose to estimate the EDSSV by intersecting two extended subspaces, which are respectively formed by eigendecomposing the extended sample covariance matrix and the extended desired signal covariance matrix. Unlike the convex optimization methods, the proposed EDSSV estimation does not require any optimization programming and yields a solution with closed expression in low computational complexity. Simulation results show that the proposed robust WLB provides near optimal performance under several model mismatch cases.
A panel of DNA methylation signature from peripheral blood may predict colorectal cancer susceptibility
Authors: Onwuka Justina Ucheojor , Li Dapeng , Liu Yupeng , Huang Hao , Xu Jing , Liu Ying , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhao Yashuang
Published: June 2020

Background: Differential DNA methylation panel derived from peripheral blood could serve as biomarkers of CRC susceptibility. However, most of the previous studies utilized post-diagnostic blood DNA which may be markers of disease rather than susceptibility. In addition, only few studies has evaluated the predictive potential of differential DNA methylation in CRC in a prospective cohort and on a genome-wide basis. The aim of this study was to identify potential panel of DNA methylation biomarkers in peripheral blood that are associated with CRC risk and therefore serve as epigenetic biomarkers of disease susceptibility.Methods: DNA methylation profile of a nested case-control study with 166 CRC and 424 healthy normal subjects were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially methylated markers were identified by moderated t-statistics. The DNA methylation panel were constructed by stepwise logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator in training dataset. A methylation risk score (MRS) model was constructed and the association between MRS and CRC risk assessed. Results: We identified 48 differentially methylated CpGs sites, of which 33 were hypomethylated. Of these, sixteen-CpG based MRS that was associated with CRC risk (OR = 2.68, 95% CI: 2.13, 3.38, P < 0.0001) was constructed. This association is confirmed in the testing dataset (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.48, 2.74, P < 0.0001) and persisted in both males and females, younger and older subjects, short and long time-to-diagnosis. The MRS also predicted CRC with AUC 0.82 (95% CI: 0.76, 0.88), indicating high accuracy. Conclusions: Our study has identified a novel DNA methylation panel that is associated with CRC and could, if validated be useful for the prediction of CRC risk in the future.
Factors affecting perioperative serum albumin variation and short-term complications in pediatric patients undergoing major gastroenterology surgery
Authors: Liu Qingshuang , Gao Kai , Sun Xiaomin , guo chunbao
Published: June 2020

Background: Albumin is considered a negative acute-phase protein because its concentration decreases during injury and sepsis. The decrease in serum albumin may be important for perioperative morbidity, even in patients with normal preoperative levels in the pediatric population. Here, we intend to determine the perioperative factors associated with the reduction in serum albumin within 2 postoperative days compared with the preoperative level (∆ALB) and its influence on perioperative outcome in a pediatric general surgical cohort.Methods: This single-center retrospective review included 939 patients who underwent Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy between August 2010 and August 2019. Based on the mean value of ∆ALB (14.6%), patients were separated into two groups, a high ∆ALB group (≥14.6%) and a low ∆ALB group (<14.6%). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the independent risk factors for a reduction in serum albumin. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for any potential selection bias for the two groups. In 366 matched patients, the influences of operating time on perioperative outcomes, including postoperative recovery, complications measurement, and length of hospital stay between the two groups were analyzed.Results: Among the 996 patients reviewed, 939 patient records were enrolled in the final analysis. Controlling for other factors, multivariable analysis showed that a high CRP on POD 3 or 4 (odds ratio [OR] =2.36 [95% CI, 1.51-3.86]; p =0.007), the presence of Charcot's triad (OR=1.73 [95% CI, 1.05-2.83]; p = 0.031), and a longer operating time (OR=1.18 [95% CI, 1.00 -1.53]; p=0.014) were factors that predicted a high ∆ALB level. A high ∆ALB level was associated with postoperative gastrointestinal functional recovery, reflected by the first defecation (p= 0.013) and first bowel movement (p=0.019) and the high occurrence of postoperative complications (16.1% vs 10.9%, OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.02-2.41, P=0.0026). The mean length of postoperative stay of patients in the high ∆ALB group was longer than that of patients in the ∆ALB < 14.0% group, although no statistically significant difference was observed (p=0.057). Conclusions: We showed that a change in albumin level was associated with postoperative outcome. The risk factors for ∆ALB could be addressed in the perioperative period to permit patients to obtain a safe recovery and discharge after a major abdominal operation.
Measuring spatial accessibility and within-province disparities in accessibility to county hospitals in Shaanxi Province of Western China based on web mapping navigation data
Authors: Shen Chi , Zhou Zhongliang , Lai Sha , Lu Li , Dong Wanyue , Su Min , Zhang Jian , Wang Xinyu , Deng Qiwei , Chen Yaru , Chen Xi
Published: June 2020

Background: The Chinese government proposed the "XIAO BING BU CHU CUN, DA BING BU CHU XIAN” initiative in 2016, which states the rate of health care service provided by county hospitals should reach 90% of overall health care service provision. The prerequisite for achieving this goal is that citizens should be able to access county hospitals’ services conveniently and impartially. However, little research has been done on the actual levels of the spatial accessibility of citizens to county hospitals in Western China. Therefore, we aimed to measure the spatial accessibility to county hospitals for county residents and to identify any regional disparities in Shaanxi Province in Western China.Methods: We implemented a novel method – involving utilizing navigation data from the AutoNavi web mapping system (knows as Gaode map in Chinese) – to assess the time and distance from villages and neighborhoods to the county hospitals. The navigation data were collected by request through an application-programming-interface using a web crawler (web data extraction tool) in Python. The shortest driving time and distance were extracted from the navigation data. The travel impedance to the nearest provider (TINP) indicator was used to measure spatial accessibility. Results: The results show that county residents in Western China's Shaanxi Province have poor spatial accessibility to county hospitals. Only 68.8% of villages and neighborhoods are within 60 minutes travel time (based on driving mode) to a county hospital, while 13.4% of such villages and neighborhoods are beyond 90 minutes travel time. Moreover, a significant within-province disparity exists, with residents in the central area enjoying the best accessibility to county hospitals, while the northern and southern areas still need improvements in accessibility.Conclusions: Focused health resource planning is required to improve the spatial accessibility to county hospitals and to eliminate regional disparities. Further studies are called for to integrate the navigation data of web mapping systems with GIS methods to the measure spatial accessibility of health facilities in more complex contexts.
Identification of Potential Crucial Genes in Atrial Fibrillation: A Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Zhang Junguo , Huang Xin , Wang Xiaojie , Gao Yanhui , Liu Li , Li Ziyi , Chen Xuejiao , Zeng Jie , Ye Zebing , Li Guowei
Published: June 2020

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is at least partially heritable, affecting 2-3% of the population in Europe and the USA. However, a substantial proportion of heritability is still lacking. In the present study, we aim to identify potential crucial genes associated with AF through bioinformatic analyses of public datasets.Methods Microarray data sets of GSE115574, GSE31821, GSE79768, GSE41177 and GSE14975 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were retrieved. After merging all microarray data and adjusting batch effect, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Functional enrichment analyses based on Gene Ontology (GO) resource, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) resource, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), Reactome Pathway Database and Disease Ontology (DO) were carried out. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database. Combined with aforementioned significant bioinformatics information, potential crucial genes were subsequently selected. The comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD) was used to explore the interaction between potential crucial genes and AF.Result We identified 27 of DEGs with gene expression fold change (FC) ≥ 1.5 or ≤ 2/3 (|log2 FC| ≥ 0.58) and 5 with FC ≥ 2 or ≤ 0.5 (|log2 FC| ≥ 1) of AF patients compared with sinus rhythm controls. The most significantly enriched pathway was regulation of insulin-like growth factor transport and uptake by insulin-like growth factor binding proteins. IGFBP2, C1orf105, FHL2, CHGB, ATP1B4, IGFBP3, SLC26A9, CXCR4 and HTR2B were considered the potential crucial genes. CTD showed CXCR4, IGFBP2, IGFBP3 and FHL2 had higher scores with AF.Conclusions The 9 potential crucial genes, especially CXCR4, IGFBP2, IGFBP3 and FHL2, may be associated with risk of AF. Our study provided new insights of AF into genetics, molecular pathogenesis and new therapeutic targets.
Effect of Deletion of Gene Cluster involved in Synthesis of Enterobacterial Common Antigen on Virulence and Immunogenicity of Live Attenuated Salmonella Vaccine when Delivering Heterologous Streptococcus pneumoniae Antigen PspA
Authors: Liu Qing , Shen Xuegang , Bian Xiaoping , Kong Qingke
Published: June 2020

Background: Enterobacterial common antigen (ECA) is a family-specific surface antigen shared by all members of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Previous studies showed that the loss of ECA results in Salmonella attenuation, indicating its usefulness as a vaccine candidate for Salmonella infection, but no studies have shown whether the mutation resulting from the deletion of the ECA operon in conjunction with other mutations could be used as an antigen vehicle for heterologous protein antigen delivery.Results: In this study, we introduced a nonpolar, defined ECA operon deletion into wild-type S. Typhimurium χ3761 and an attenuated vaccine strain χ9241, obtaining two isogenic ECA operon mutants, namely, χ12357 and χ12358, respectively. A number of in vitro and in vivo properties of the mutants were analyzed. We found that the loss of ECA did not affect the growth, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) production and motility of S. Typhimurium wild type strain χ3761 and its attenuated vaccine strain χ9241 but significantly affected the virulence when administered orally to BALB/c mice. Furthermore, the effects of the ECA mutation on the immunogenicity of a recombinant S. Typhimurium vaccine strain χ9241 when delivering the pneumococcal antigen PspA were determined. The result showed that the total anti-PspA IgG level of χ12358 (pYA4088) was slightly lower than that of χ9241 (pYA4088), but the protection rate was not compromised.Conclusions: ECA affects virulence and benefits the Th2 immunity of Salmonella Typhimurium, therefore, it is feasible to use a reversible ECA mutant mode to design future Salmonella vaccine strains for heterologous protective antigens.
Asymmetrical fatiguing of the gluteus maximus muscles in the elite short-track female skaters.
Authors: Konieczny Mariusz , Pakosz Paweł , Witkowski Mateusz
Published: June 2020

Background According to research, fast skating on short distances increases functional asymmetry of leg muscles. As has been proven in many sporting disciplines, this asymmetry can increase the risk of injury. The aim of the study was to analyze the level of right and left fatigue asymmetry of gluteus maximus muscle in elite skaters on a short track and to compare this phenomenon to a control group. The muscles were chosen deliberately, due to their influence in maintaining the right position during training on ice. Methods The experiment compared a group of eight members of the Polish Women’s National Team in short track with a group of eight non-training people. The subjects did the Biering-Sorensen test, in which sEMG (surface electromyography) signal frequency was measured in the gluteus maximus muscles during an isometric contraction. Fatigue slopes were analyzed with a ANOVA with repeated measures. In the skaters, the fatigue differed between the right and the left gluteus maximus muscles. All the skaters had higher fatigue in the right leg. This phenomenon was not observed in the non-training subjects, who on average had similar fatigue in both legs. Results Results showed that the right and the left muscles of the skaters in the experimental group differed in fatigue, but this difference was non-significant in the control group. The subjects from the two groups did not differ in the fatigue of the left muscle, they did in the fatigue of the right muscle. The elite speed-track skaters had higher fatigue in the right muscle than the non-training subjects. Conclusions Training should thus be planned in a way that minimizes the risk of causing muscle fatigue asymmetry in skaters despite the typically asymmetrical muscle work during training on ice and competition, thus new training protocols should be developed or considered to decrease that asymmetry. Trial registration The tests were previously approved by the Bioethical Commission of the Chamber of Physicians in Opole. (Resolution No. 235 of 13 December 2016).
Lactobacillus sakei suppresses collagen-induced arthritis and modulates the differentiation of T helper 17 cells and regulatory B cells
Authors: Jhun Jooyeon , Min Hong Ki , Ryu Jaeyoon , Lee Seon-Yeong , Ryu Jun-Geol , Choi Jeong Won , Na Hyun Sik , Lee Seung Yoon , Jung Yunju , Park Sang-Jun , Park Myeong Soo , Kwon Bin , Ji Geun Eog , Cho Mi-La , Park Sung-Hwan
Published: June 2020

Background: To evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of Lactobacillus sakei in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in human immune cells. Methods: We evaluated whether L. sakei reduced the severity of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and modulated interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-10 levels, as well as whether it affected the differentiation of CD4 + T cells and regulatory B cells. We evaluated osteoclastogenesis after culturing bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells with L. sakei. Results: The differentiation of T helper 17 cells and the serum level of IL-17 were suppressed by L. sakei in both human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and mouse splenocytes. The serum level of IL-10 was significantly increased in the L. sakei -treated group, whereas the regulatory T cell population was unchanged. The population of regulatory B cells significantly increased the in L. sakei -treated group. Oral administration of L. sakei reduced the arthritis incidence and score in mice with CIA. Finally, osteoclastogenesis and the mRNA levels of osteoclast-related genes were suppressed in the L. sakei -treated group. Conclusion: L. sakei exerted an anti-inflammatory effect in an animal model of RA, regulated Th17 and regulatory B cell differentiation, and suppressed osteoclastogenesis. Our findings suggest that L. sakei has therapeutic potential for RA.
Alkaline organosolv pretreatment of different sorghum stem parts for enhancing the total reducing sugar yields and p-coumaric acid release
Authors: Li Dandan , Long Liangkun , Ding shaojun
Published: June 2020

Background: The sorghum stem can be divided into the pith and rind parts with obvious differences in cell type and chemical composition, thus arising the different recalcitrance to enzyme hydrolysis and demand for different pretreatment conditions. The introduction of organic solvents in the pretreatment can reduce over-degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose, but significance of organic solvent addition in pretreatment of different parts of sorghum stem is still unclear. Valorization of each component is critical for economy of sorghum biorefinery. Therefore, in this study, NaOH-ethanol pretreatment condition for different parts of the sorghum stem was optimized in order to maximize p-coumaric acid release and total reducing sugar recovery. Result: Ethanol addition improved p-coumaric acid release and delignification efficiency, but significantly reduced hemicellulose deconstruction in NaOH-ethanol pretreatment. Optimization using the response surface methodology revealed that the pith, rind and whole stem require different NaOH-ethanol pretreatment conditions for maximal p-coumaric acid release and xylan preservation. By respective optimal NaOH-ethanol pretreatment, the p-coumaric acid release yields reached 94.07%, 97.24% and 95.05% from pith, rind and whole stem, which increased by 8.16%, 8.38% and 8.39% compared to those of NaOH pretreated samples. The xylan recoveries of pith, rind and whole stem reached 76.80%, 88.46% and 85.01%, respectively, which increased by 47.75%, 15.11% and 35.97% compared to NaOH pretreatment. Adding xylanase significantly enhanced the enzymatic saccharification of pretreated residues. The total reducing sugar yields after respective optimal NaOH-ethanol pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis reached 84.06%, 82.29% and 84.09% for pith, rind and whole stem, respectively, which increased by 29.56%, 23.67% and 25.56% compared to those of NaOH pretreated samples. Considering the separation cost of the different stem parts, whole sorghum stem can be directly used as feedstock in industrial biorefinery. Conclusion: These results indicated that NaOH-ethanol is effective for the efficient fractionation and pretreatment of sorghum biomass. This work will help to understand the differences of different parts of sorghum stem under NaOH-ethanol pretreatment, thereby improving the full-component utilization of sorghum stem.
Studies of internal stress induced by solidification of menthol melt as temporary consolidant in archaeological excavations using resistance strain gauge method
Authors: Chen Xiuxiu , Xu Yang , Chen Ming , Huang Xiao , Luo Hongjie , Song Yicheng
Published: June 2020

Volatile organic solids, such as cyclododecane or menthol, have been employed as temporary reinforcement material during archaeological excavations. They are usually applied as melts and reinforcement is achieved once the melts solidify. Such solidification process can induce internal stress on the artifacts, which can be a big concern, especially to those very precious and fragile ones. However, information about such stress is still extremely limited at present. This paper proposes an experimental method based on resistance strain gauge technique to monitor the deformation induced by solidification of menthol melt. Bending tests are performed on very thin glass slides. The solidification process of menthol melt is well characterized by the development of mechanical strains. Then, menthol melts are applied to three kinds of simulated samples, i.e. glass, sandstone and rice paper, to investigate the mechanical response of preserved bodies upon solidification. It is found that menthol melt will generate certain amount expansion or contraction of the objects upon solidification. The stresses induced, evaluated according to obtained strains, are generally quite small, indicating that application of menthol as reinforcement material is safe in mechanics for cultural relics.
Intense and unpredictable perturbations during gait training improve dynamic balance abilities in chronic hemiparetic individuals: a randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Esmaeili Vahid , Juneau Andréanne , Dyer Joseph-Omer , Lamontagne Anouk , Kairy Dahlia , Bouyer Laurent , Duclos Cyril
Published: June 2020

Background: Previous studies have assessed the effects of perturbation training on balance after stroke. However, the perturbations were either applied while standing or were small in amplitude during gait, which is not representative of the most common fall conditions. The perturbations were also combined with other challenges such as progressive increases in treadmill speed. Objective: To determine the benefit of treadmill training with intense and unpredictable perturbations compared to treadmill walking-only training for dynamic balance and gait post-stroke. Methods: Twenty-one individuals post-stroke with reduced dynamic balance abilities, with or without a history of fall and ability to walk on a treadmill without external support or a walking aid for at least 1 minute were allocated to either an unpredictable gait perturbation (Perturb) group or a walking-only (NonPerturb) group through covariate adaptive randomization. Nine training sessions were conducted over three weeks. NonPerturb participants only walked on the treadmill but were offered perturbation training after the control intervention. Pre- and post-training evaluations included balance and gait abilities, maximal knee strength, balance confidence and community integration. Six-week phone follow-ups were conducted for balance confidence and community integration. Satisfaction with perturbation training was also assessed. Results: With no baseline differences between groups (p>0.075), perturbation training yielded large improvements in most variables in the Perturb (p<0.05, Effect Size: ES>.46) group (n=10) and the NonPerturb (p≤.089, ES>.45) group (n=7 post-crossing), except for maximal strength (p>.23) in the NonPerturb group. Walking-only training in the NonPerturb group (n=8, pre-crossing) mostly had no effect (p>.292, ES<.26), except on balance confidence (p=.063, ES=.46). The effects of the gait training were still present on balance confidence and community integration at follow-up. Satisfaction with the training program was high. Conclusion: Intense and unpredictable gait perturbations have the potential to be an efficient component of training to improve balance abilities and community integration in individuals with chronic stroke. Retrospective registration: ClinicalTrials.gov. March 18th, 2020. Identifier: NCT04314830 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04314830?term=NCT04314830&draw=2&rank=1).
Identification of key biomarkers associated with cell adhesion in multiple myeloma by integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Peng Yue , Wu Dong , Li Fangmei , Zhang Peihua , Feng Yuandong , He Aili
Published: June 2020

Background: Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignant disease whose underlying molecular mechanism has not yet fully understood. Generally, cell adhesion plays an important role in MM progression. In our work, we intended to identify key genes involved in cell adhesion in MM. Methods: First, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the mRNA expression profiles of GSE6477 dataset using GEO2R with cut-off criterion of p < 0.05 and [logFC] ≥ 1. Then, GO and KEGG analysis were performed to explore the main function of DEGs. Moreover, we screened hub genes from the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and evaluated their prognostic and diagnostic values by the PrognoScan database and ROC curves. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis including clinical correlation analysis, GSEA and transcription factor (TF) prediction, pan-cancer analysis of candidate genes was performed using both clinical data and mRNA expression data. Results: First of all, 1383 DEGs were identified. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis suggested that many DEGs were enriched in cell adhesion. 180 overlapped genes were screened out between the DEGs and genes in GO terms of cell adhesion. Furthermore, 12 genes were identified as hub genes based on a PPI network analysis. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that ITGAM, ITGB2, ITGA5, ITGB5, CDH1, IL4, ITGA9, and LAMB1 were valuable biomarkers for the diagnosis of MM. Further study demonstrated that ITGA9 and LAMB1 revealed prognostic values and clinical correlation in MM patients. GSEA and transcription factor (TF) prediction suggested that MYC may bind to ITGA9 and repress its expression and HIF-1 may bind to LAMB1 to promote its expression in MM. Additionally, pan-cancer analysis showed abnormal expression and clinical outcome associations of LAMB1 and ITGA9 in multiple cancers. Conclusion: In conclusion, ITGA9 and LAMB1 were identified as potent biomarkers associated with cell adhesion in MM.
DNA methylation-based classification and identification of bladder cancer prognosis-associated subgroups
Authors: Tian Zijian , Meng lingfeng , Long Xingbo , Diao Tongxiang , Hu Maolin , Wang Miao , Liu Ming , Wang Jianye
Published: June 2020

Background: Bladder cancer (BCA) is the most common urinary tumor, but its pathogenesis is unclear, and the associated treatment strategy has rarely been updated. In recent years, a deeper understanding of tumor epigenetics has been gained, providing new opportunities for cancer detection and treatment.Methods: We identified prognostic methylation sites based on DNA methylation profiles of BCA in the TCGA database and constructed a specific prognostic subgroup. Results: Based on the consistent clustering of 402 CpGs, we identified seven subgroups that had a significant association with survival. The difference in DNA methylation levels was related to T stage, N stage, M stage, grade, sex, age, stage and prognosis. Finally, the prediction model was constructed using a Cox regression model and verified using the test dataset; the prognosis was consistent with that of the training set. Conclusions: The classification based on DNA methylation is closely related to the clinicopathological characteristics of BCA and determines the prognostic value of each epigenetic subtype. Therefore, our findings provide a basis for the development of DNA methylation subtype-specific therapeutic strategies for human bladder cancer.
Validation of Igbo Version of the Modified Fall Efficacy Scale Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Validation Study
Authors: Okoye Emmanuel Chiebuka , Akosile Christopher Olusanjo , Maruf Fatai Adesina , Onwuakagba Ifeoma Uchenna , Urama Sunday Tobias
Published: June 2020

Background: Fear of falling (FOF) is a very pervasive problem among older adults. Consequently, many scales have been developed for its assessment. The Modified Fall Efficacy Scale (MFES) is one of the most popular FOF scales. The MFES was originally developed for use in developed countries, and thus may not be entirely suitable for use in developing countries due to cultural and environmental differences between the two country categories. This study was therefore designed to cross-culturally adapt and validate the MFES to Igbo culture and environment among community-dwelling older adults in Nnewi community using established guidelines. Methods: The original English version of the MFES (E-MFES) was translated, synthesized, back-translated, subjected to expert panel review, and pretested before producing the final Igbo version of the MFES (I-MFES). The E-MFES, the I-MFES and the Short Falls Efficacy International were randomly administered to consecutively recruited 109 consenting older adult residents of Nnewi (43.1% males; mean age=74.45±8.78 years). Concurrent, convergent and structural validities and internal consistency of the I-MFES were assessed at 0.05 level of significance. Results: All the 14 items on the E-MFES were retained on the I-MFES. The I-MFES exhibited the same structure as the E-MFES. The correlations between the corresponding scores on the I-MFES and the M-FES were all excellent (r=0.97-1.00) indicating evidence of concurrent validity of the I-MFES. The correlation between the total scores on the I-MFES and the Short Falls Efficacy International was excellent (r=9.3) indicating evidence of convergent validity. The Cronbach’s alpha value of the I-MFES is 0.97 showing evidence of excellent internal consistency. Conclusion: This study provides evidence of some aspects of validity and reliability of the I-MFES.
Changes in D-Dimer after initiation of antiretroviral therapy in adults living with HIV in Kenya
Authors: Teasdale Chloe A , Hernandez Cecilia , Zerbe Allison , Chege Duncan , Hawken Mark , El-Sadr Wafaa M
Published: June 2020

Background: Increased coagulation biomarkers are associated with poor outcomes among people living with HIV(PLHIV). There are few data available from African cohorts demonstrating the effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on coagulation biomarkers. Methods: From March 2014 to October 2014, ART-naïve PLHIV initiating non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based ART were recruited from seven clinics in western Kenya and followed for up to 12 months. Demographics, clinical history and blood specimens were collected. Logistic regression models adjusted for intrasite clustering examined associations between viral load and D-Dimer at baseline. Mixed linear effects models were used to estimate mean change from baseline to six months overall, and by baseline viral load, sex and TB status at enrollment. Mean change in D-dimer at six months is reported on the log10 scale and as percentage change from baseline. Results: Among 611 PLHIV enrolled, 66% were female, median age was 34 years (interquartile range (IQR) 29-43 years), 31 (5%) participants had tuberculosis and median viral load was 113,500 copies/mL (IQR: 23,600-399,000). At baseline, 311 (50.9%) PLHIV had elevated D-dimer (>500 ng/mL) and median D-dimer was 516.4 ng/mL (IQR: 302.7-926.6) (log baseline D-dimer: 2.7, IQR: 2.5-3.0). Higher baseline D-dimer was significantly associated with higher viral load (p<0.0001), female sex (p=0.02) and tuberculosis (p=-0.02). After six months on ART, 518 (84.8%) PLHIV had achieved viral load <1,000 copies/mL and median D-dimer was 390.0 (IQR: 236.6-656.9) (log D-dimer: 2.6, IQR: 2.4-2.8). Mean change in log D-dimer from baseline to six months was -0.12 (95%CI -0.15, - 0.09) (p<0.0001) indicating at 31.3% decline (95%CI -40.0, -23.0) in D-dimer levels over the first six months on ART. D-dimer decline after ART initiation was significantly greater among PLHIV with tuberculosis at treatment initiation (-172.1%, 95%CI -259.0, -106.3; p<0.0001) and those with log viral load >6.0 copies/mL (-91.1%, 95%CI -136.7, -54.2; p<0.01). Conclusions: In this large Kenyan cohort of PLHIV, women, those with tuberculosis and higher viral load had elevated baseline D-dimer. ART initiation and viral load suppression among ART-naïve PLHIV in Kenya were associated with significant decrease in D-dimer at six months in this large African cohort.
The value of the atherogenic index of plasma in non-obese people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a secondary analysis based on a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dong Buyuan , Mao Yuqing , Li Zhengyang , Yu Fujun
Published: June 2020

Background and objectives: The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is elevated in fatty liver disease, but its value in non-obese people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between AIP and NAFLD as well as to determine whether AIP might be used as an indicator of NAFLD in non-obese individuals. Methods : The present study involved non-obese Chinese and Japanese participants. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine risk factors. The performance of risk factors was compared according to the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results : In the unadjusted model, the odds ratio (OR) for every 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in AIP was 52.30. In adjusted models I and II, the OR for every 1 SD increase in AIP was 36.57 and 50.84, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for AIP was 0.803 and 0.802 in the development and validation groups, respectively. The best cut-off value of AIP for discrimination between NAFLD and non-NAFLD was 0.005 in the Chinese group and -0.220 in the Japanese group. Conclusions : AIP and NAFLD are positively correlated in Chinese and Japanese populations. Therefore, AIP can be used as a new screening indicator for non-obese people with NAFLD in different nations.
A study on the protective mechanism of mTOR inhibitor Everolimus on brain injury after epilepsy
Authors: Huang Xiang-yi , Hu Qing-peng , Zheng Ya-yu , Hu Rong-rong
Published: June 2020

Background: Epilepsy is a common acute and severe disease in infants and children. Recurrent seizures or status epilepticus can cause irreversible brain damage. While the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway regulates various physiological processes of neurons and glia, it may also lead to abnormal neuronal signal transduction under pathological conditions, including that of epilepsy. Everolimus (Eve) is an mammalian target of repamycin (mTOR) inhibitor that may affect neuronal excitability and have a therapeutic effect on epilepsy. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Everolimus on post-epileptic brain injury and the regulation mechanism of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and NF-kB/IL-6 signaling pathway. Intraperitoneal administration of kanic acid (KA) 15mg/kg was used to induce epilepsy in the developing rat and Everolimus (1, 2, 5mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 2 hours before KA injection. Cerebral cortex tissue was sampled at 24 hours post-epilepsy.Results: The protein and mRNA levels of PI3K、AKt、mTOR、NF-kB and IL-6 as well as microglia activation significantly increased after KA-induced epilepsy, however these effects were inhibited by Everolimus treatment. Furthermore, pretreatment with Everolimus decreased seizure scores and increased seizure latency. This study demonstrates that mTOR inhibitor.Conclusions: Everolimus can decrease the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and NF-kB/IL-6 signaling pathway, reduce microglia activation, and attenuate seizure susceptibility and intensity, thus having a protective effect on post-epileptic brain damage.
The characteristics of video capsule endoscopy in pediatric Henoch–Schönlein purpura with gastrointestinal symptoms
Authors: Fang Youhong , Peng Kerong , Zhao Hong , Chen Jie
Published: June 2020

Background Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic small-vessel vasculitis that commonly affects gastrointestinal tract. The video capsule endoscopy (VCE) characteristics of pediatric HSP patients were rarely investigated. Methods Patients diagnosed with HSP by VCE examination at our hospital from February 2010 to January 2019 are analyzed. The clinical features, laboratory findings, and the characteristics of VCE findings are studied. Results There are 30 patients enrolled in this investigation from February 2010 to January 2020. The mean age of these patients is 96.9±35.8 months, and the most frequent finding of VCE is mucosal erosion, which account for 69 % of the patients, and followed by mucosal erythema or petechia accounted for 79.3 % of the patients. Regarding to the disease location detected by endoscopy, jejunum is the most common involved part of the gastrointestinal tract in pediatric HSP patients. All the patients had jejunum involved except in one patient the VCE did not pass through the pylorus. One third of the patients involved the descent part of duodenum. No side effects are observed in this study. Conclusions VCE is safe and effective in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal involved HSP patients with or without typical skin purpura. Jejunum is the most common involve location in gastrointestinal.
The protective effect of 3% diquafosol on meibomian gland morphology in glaucoma patients treated with prostaglandin analogs: a 12-month follow-up study
Authors: Guo Yue , Ha Jun Young , Piao Helong , Sung Mi Sun , Park Sang Woo
Published: June 2020

Background
To determine if 3% diquafosol (DQS) can preserve the meibomian gland morphology in glaucoma patients treated with prostaglandin analogs (PGA) for a 12-month follow-up period.
Methods
This study included 84 eyes of 46 normal tension glaucoma (NTG) patients who were treated with either preservative-containing PGA (PC-PGA; 16 patients, 28 eyes), preservative-free PGA (PF-PGA; 21 patients, 39 eyes), or a combination of PC-PGA and 3% DQS (PC-PGA + DQS; 9 patients, 17 eyes). The meibography of the upper eyelid was acquired using Keratograph® 5M at baseline and at each follow-up (1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months). Meibomian gland loss (MGL) was quantitatively analyzed by using ImageJ software.
Results
In the PC-PGA group, MGL increased significantly from baseline to month 9 and month 12, whereas no significant changes were observed in the PF-PGA and PC-PGA + DQS groups during the entire 12 months. All groups showed similar MGL at each follow-up time from baseline to six months. However, MGL in the PC-PGA group was significantly higher than those in the PF-PGA and PC-PGA + DQS groups at the 9 and 12 months.
Conclusions
Combining 3% DQS with PC-PGA was as effective as PF-PGA in preserving the meibomian gland morphology for at least 12 months. Our results suggest that 3% DQS may be a promising strategy for managing glaucoma patients with a high risk of developing meibomian gland dysfunction due to preservative-containing topical medications.
Prevalence, predictors and outcome of carotid stenosis. A sub study in the Preventive Antibiotics in Stroke Study (PASS)
Authors: Velzen Twan van , Kuhrij Laurien , Westendorp Willeke , de Beek Diederik van , Nederkoorn Paul
Published: June 2020

Background:The prevalence of carotid artery stenosis (CAS) in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients is historically reported at 15-20%, but an up-to-date estimate is lacking. We hypothesise it is lower than historically reported, due to better risk management to date. The study aims to study prevalence, predictors and survival of CAS in AIS patients. Methods:We included patients with AIS from the Preventive Antibiotics in Stroke Study (PASS), a large Dutch randomized, multicentre, open-label phase III trial that included 2538 patients with acute stroke and randomised between standard care or preventive ceftriaxone. Patients with stroke in the anterior circulation that underwent diagnostic testing of the internal carotid artery (ICA) were eligible for this sub study and used in these secondary analyses. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors for CAS ≥50%. Additionally, an ordinal regression was performed to assess the association between presence of CAS at baseline and functional outcome at three months on the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Results:1480 patients with AIS were included; 277 had CAS (18.7%; 95%CI:17.7-19.7). Age, hypertension, smoking and male gender were found as best-fit predictors for presence of CAS. Significant shift in mRS score after 90 days for CAS ≥50% towards a higher mRS score with an OR of 1.66 (95% CI 1.30-2.10) was found.Conclusions:Current prevalence of CAS is 18.7%, which is higher than we expected. Gender, smoking and hypertension are important factors associated with CAS. Patients with CAS had a significantly higher mRs score after 90 days. Clinical Trial Registration-URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN66140176 Unique identifier: ISRCTN66140176