bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining The Potential Value Of Salivary Plasmodium Falciparum Hisditine-Rich Protein 2 And Lactate Dehydrogenase As A Non-Invasive Test For Malaria
Authors: AGYAPONG FRANCIS Opoku , Ansong Daniel , Owusu-Ofori Alex , Martin-Peprah Ruby , Opoku Millicent
Published: May 2020

Objective: Light microscopy which is a blood-based test is the Gold standard for malaria diagnosis in the clinical settings. The low sensitivity of Microscopy coupled with the challenges associated with blood sampling necessitates exploring alternative methods of identifying malaria cases. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of Plasmodium Lactate Dehydrogenase (pLDH) and Plasmodium falciparum Histidine-Rich Protein 2 (PfHRP2) in the saliva of suspected malaria patients and to compare the diagnostic accuracy of these saliva-borne biomarkers with the results of blood film microscopy using Nested PCR as the reference test. Results: Malaria prevalence rates of 51 (27.13%), 80(42.55%), 117 (62.23%) and 95 (50.53%) were detected by the Microscopy, saliva pLDH, saliva PfHRP2 and the PCR respectively. The sensitivity of the saliva PfHRP2 ELISA, 78.95% (95% CI, 69.38-86.64%) and saliva pLDH ELISA, 64.21% (95% CI 53.72 -73.79) was better than the blood film Microscopy and showed moderate agreement with results of the Nested PCR with Kappa co-efficient of 0.5 and 0.44 respectively.
The Relationship between Quality of Life, Bone Pain, Skin Pruritus and Depression among Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bi Ting , Feng Xiaodong , Zhang Wei , Cheng Guangming , Wang Chunhui , Tang Yufu , Bai Sijia , Guo Shuai
Published: May 2020

Background Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), a manifestation of chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD), is common in CKD patients and has significant morbidity and mortality. Quality of life (QOL) in SHPT patients is seriously affected by symptoms such as bone pain and skin pruritus. However, studies have focused on operative effects and hypocalcemia rather than the relationships between QOL, bone pain, skin pruritus and depression symptoms.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 2017 to December 2019 in a third-class hospital in China. The brief table of the QOL measurement scale (QOL-BREF), a self-designed bone pain and skin pruritus scale and the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to estimate QOL, bone pain and skin pruritus, and depression, respectively. Pearson’s correlation, multiple linear regression analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used for analysis.Results Overall, 320 questionnaires were considered valid (98.46% effective response rate). The prevalence of bone pain, skin pruritus and depression was 94.06%, 69.06%, and 77.81%, respectively. Bone pain, skin pruritus and depression were significantly associated with QOL. In SEM, QOL negatively correlated with bone pain (r=-0.509), skin pruritus (r=-0.517) and SDS (r=-0.465). Bone pain significantly (P < 0.01) and positively correlated with skin pruritus (r = 0.568) and SDS (r = 0.450). Skin pruritus significantly (P < 0.01) and positively correlated with SDS (r = 0.426). In addition, QOL partially mediated the association between bone pain or skin pruritus and depression (mediation proportion of 48.62% or 45.08%).Conclusions SHPT patients have high depression levels and poor QOL due to bone pain and skin pruritus. The effects on depression may be fully mediated by the impact of bone pain or skin pruritus on QOL. Thus, bone pain or skin pruritus could increase depression via the intermediary role of QOL.For clinical front-line medical staff,it can relieve bone pain and skin pruritus through timely operation and psychological intervention, so as to improve patients' quality of life and reduce anxiety.At the same time, we should also pay attention to the high-risk groups.
Does patellar denervation prevent anterior knee pain and improve patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing non-resurfaced total knee arthroplasty? an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Authors: Liu Hongzhi , Liu Zhaohui , Zhang Qidong , Guo Wanshou
Published: May 2020

Background Anterior knee pain (AKP) is the most common complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). It is unclear which procedure of addressing AKP is preferable. Some data suggest patellar denervation (PD) provides effective AKP prevention. The purpose was to assess the effectiveness and safety of PD in primary TKA.Methods A meta-analysis was performed of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) from inception to March 26, 2020, using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. Study-specific RR and MD were aggregated using random or fixed effects models. The outcomes were incidences of AKP, PS (patellar scores), VAS (visual analogue scale), ROM (range of motion), KSS knee (American Knee Society knee scores), KSS function (American Knee Society function scores), incidence of complications and revisions.Results Ten RCTs involving 1196 knees were included. The meta-analysis showed no significant in PD group on the incidence of AKP (RR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.37, 1.11; p = 0.11) with moderate heterogeneity (P < 0.01, I2 = 84%). Our results indicated PD had a significantly better VAS (MD = − 0.25; 95% CI -0.41, -0.09; p < 0.01), ROM (MD = 7.68; 95% CI 0.34, 15.20; p = 0.04) and PS (MD = 0.91; 95% CI 0.36, 1.46; p < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference no matter in KSS knee, KSS function, complications or revisions.Conclusions This meta-analysis showed that no difference in AKP between PD and NPD in patients undergoing non-resurfaced TKA. PD could improve clinical outcome in VAS, post-operative ROM and PS.
Prospective-controlled assessment of stress hormones and pain in patients undergoing myomectomy as performed by laparoscopy against laparotomy
Authors: Pados George , Katrantsiotis Konstantinos , Tsolakidis Dimitris , Almaloglou Kostantinos , Gerou Spiros
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe objective of the study is to prospectively assess surgical stress and postoperative pain after myomectomy performed by laparoscopy versus laparotomyMethodsThis prospective, matched, multi-center observational study, took place in the Gynecological Department of the “Papageorgiou" University Hospital and the Centre for Gynecological Endoscopy, “Diavalkaniko” Hospital. Sixty women with symptomatic growth of known uterine leiomyomas or leiomyomas compromising the shape of the uterus participated in the study. Thirty women underwent laparoscopic myomectomy, and another thirty had removal of leiomyomas through laparotomy from November 2016 to February 2018. Three venous samples were obtained from each patient to determine stress hormones (one before surgery, the second at the end of the surgical procedure, and the third on the morning of the first postoperative day), and a questionnaire was administered on the first postoperative day, in which patients indicated the level of pain through a Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VASP).ResultsAdrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and noradrenalin were significantly lower in the laparoscopic group on the first postoperative day (12.68 ± 9.97 pg/ml vs 15.90 ± 9.02 pg/ml, p<0.025) and 20.7 ± 7.28 ng/ml vs 22.33 ± 5.82 ng/ml, p<0.027), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in cortisol levels on the first postoperative day (11.71 ± 5.82 μg/dl vs 11.81 ± 7.61 μg/dl, p>0.94) and also for β-endorphin levels (4.88 ± 1.57 vs 4.91 ± ng/ml, p>0.61). The postoperative pain was significantly lower in the laparoscopic group on the VASP scale (3.3 ± 1.05 vs 5.67 ± 1.15, p<0.001, respectively).ConclusionLaparoscopy is superior to laparotomy for the surgical removal of leiomyomas in terms of postoperative pain and surgical stress.
Enormous Cloud Cover on Venus observed by Akatsuki’s IR2 data recovered by Restoration-by-Deconvolution (RD) method
Authors: Vun Choon Wei , Satoh Takehiko , Sato Takao M. , Horinouchi Takeshi
Published: May 2020

We have developed a new method ‘Restoration by Deconvolution’ (RD) to restore nightside photometry in the Akatsuki/IR2 images contaminated by spread light from intense dayside crescent. With updated point spread function model for IR2 and incorporation of radiative transfer computations, our RD-method is able to improve the photometric accuracy of nightside emission data in both 2.26µm and 1.735µm filters. Exploiting the enhanced photometric quality, the ‘Enormous Cloud Cover’ (ECC) features observed in both 2016-08-18 and 2016-08-27 data have been investigated. Possible altitude variations in the ECC’s spatial variation measurements from z=52km up to z=60km were found. The observations were interpreted that ECC constituting of large sulfuric acid droplets (mean radius of 3.65µm and the optical thickness ~7-9) experience strong upwelling near the ECC front. This elevates the aerosols up to z=58-60km, then subjected upon by strong downwelling forces the particles to sink by a velocity ~-0.3m/s. The analyses of physical properties and evolutionary behavior of the ECC on both dates (08-18 and 08-27) suggest them to be recurring phenomena in the lower part of Venus’ clouds.
Pathways of nurses in Long-term care hospitals: Seeking work-life balance
Authors: Kim Samsook , Lee Ga Eon , Bowers Barbara , Jo Yeonjae
Published: May 2020

Background

This study explores the pathways of nurses in LTCHs and its underlying conditions in Korea. Nursing shortage in long-term care setting has been a worldwide concern. Although the factors of staying or leaving of nurses in long term care hospitals (LTCHs) have been reported, few studies have examined the trajectory and conditions of nurses staying in and leaving LTCHs.
Methods

A qualitative study design with a grounded theory approach was conducted. Data were collected in one to one interviews. Purposive and theoretical sampling led to the inclusion of 17 registered nurses with diverse characteristics from 14 LTCHs in a metropolitan city in South Korea. Individual, in-depth interviews were conducted. Data collection and analysis coincided. Data were analyzed using open and focused coding, constant comparison, theoretical sampling and memoing, and this enabled the construction of a substantive theory.
Results

Seeking work-life balance was the core category of nurses’ pathway. Consequences of nurses’ pathway were categorized into three groups: thriving, surviving, and leaving. Thriving nurses in LTCHs found meaning in their work, fostered good relationships, and saw opportunities for growth. Surviving nurses in LTCHs were enduring their jobs in LTCHs, having a work-life balance, and supportive nursing leader. Leaving group nurses wished to leave LTCHs due to lack of professional growth, unappealing work, continuing conflict, and social stigma. However, compensation, work system, and interpersonal relationships were the common moving conditions for all three groups.
Conclusions

This study provided the trajectory and conditions of nurses to enter, stay, move, or leave at LTCHs. Understanding the pathways for staying or leaving can be used as a strategy for successful retention of registered nurses in LTCHs.
The Nanomaterial-Induced Bystander Effects Reprogrammed Macrophage Immune Function
Authors: Yuan Peng , Ban Zhan , Hu Xiangang , Zhou Qixing
Published: May 2020

Background: In the case of most popularly engineered nanomaterials (e.g., transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMDCs) nanosheets), direct exposure toxicities are investigated extensively to understand the effect on specific cells and organs; however, there has been limited focus on their potential bystander effects. Bystander effects in biological systems are the responses shown by nontargeted neighboring cells or tissues, and critical to the bio-nano interface interactions. In addition to direct effects, bystander effects also determine the design, applications and safety of nanomaterials, although the related information of bystander effects remain largely unknown.Results: A coculture system of A549 and THP-1 was established to mimic the lung microenvironment to study the bystander effects of WS2 nanosheets (representative TMDCs nanosheets) on microenvironment macrophages during the inhalation exposure or the nanomaterial biomedical application in the lung. Lung cells exposed to WS2 nanosheet resulted in an increase in reactive oxygen species and the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential in neighboring macrophages. Bystander exposure also induced macrophage polarization toward the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, which is adverse to disease therapy. Metabolomics showed that WS2 nanosheets disturbed the energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism of macrophages, consistent with the metabolic characteristics of M2 macrophages. Nitric oxide-transforming growth factor-β1 played an important mediator in the bystander effects. Importantly, WS2 nanosheet bystander exposure affected macrophage phagocytosis and migration and altered the macrophage immune response to environmental endotoxin.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that WS2 exposed lung cells would elicit bystander effects on surrounding macrophage cells, which weaken the immune response of surrounding macrophage cells. This study improves the current understanding of bio-nano interactions and highlights the importance of bystander effects and neighboring cell responses, allowing us to use the maximum benefits of nanomaterials while limiting their adverse bystander effects.
Identification of key miRNA and hub genes in lung adenocarcinoma by bioinformatics and functional analysis
Authors: Zhu Jiayao , Zhang Yan , Lu Jingjing , Wang Le , Zhu Xiaoren , Lu Yimin , Chen Minbin
Published: May 2020

Background: lung adenocarcinoma is the main subtype of lung cancer and the most fatal malignant disease in the world. However, the pathogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma has not been fully elucidated.Methods: Three LUAD-associated datesets (GSE118370, GSE43767 and GSE74190) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datebase and the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and genes (DEGs) were screened by GEO2R. The prediction of target gene of differentially expressed miRNA were used miRWALK. Metascape was used to enrich the overlapped genes of DEGs and target genes. Then, the protein-protein interaction(PPI) and DEMs-DEGs regulatory network were created via String datebase and Cytoscape. Finally, overall survival analysis was established via the Kaplan–Meier curve and look for the possible prognostic biomarkers.Result: In this study, 433 differential genes were identified. There were 267 genes overlapped with the target gene of Dems, and eight hub genes (CDH1, CDH5, CAV1, MMP9, PECAM1, CD24, ENG, MME) were screened out. There were 85 different miRNAs in total, among which 16 miRNA target genes intersect with DEGs, 12 miRNAs with the highest interaction were screened out, and survival analysis of miRNA and hub genes was carried out.Conclusion: we found that miRNA-940, miRNA-125a-3p, miRNA-140-3p, miRNA-542-5p, CDH1, CDH5, CAV1, MMP9, PECAM1 may be related to the development of LUAD.
Apoptotic resistance,cell cycle dysregulation and autophagy activation contribute to arsenic carcinogenesis
Authors: Zhou Youyou , Wang Xiaolong , Lu Yonghong , Wang Yanfu , Zhong Weiming , Pei Guangde , Gao Mingyang
Published: May 2020

Background: Arsenic is a common environmental pollutant, chronic arsenic exposure causes multiple cancers including skin cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms of arsenic-driven skin carcinogenesis remains unclear. Methods: HaCaT cells were exposed to a low level of arsenic (100nM) for 28 weeks. Then, xenograft mouse model and H&E staining were used to test their ability of tumors formation. The effect of arsenic on apoptosis demonstrated by TUNEL assay. XIAP and cIAP1 were determined by immunocytochemistry. MMP9, p16, Cyclin D1, CDK4 and Rb were detected by Real-time PCR. The protein expression level of Cyclin D1 was detected by Western blot . The formation of autophagosome was examined by a transmission electron microscope. Results: After HaCaT cells were chronic exposed to arsenic for 28 weeks, malignant transformation occurred as evidenced by the formation of highly aggressive squamous cell carcinoma after inoculation into nude mice. In addition to increased secretion of MMP9, apoptotic resistance generalized and members of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP), including XIAP and cIAP1, were significantly elevated in arsenic-transformed cells (termed AS-TM). Furthermore, p16, Cyclin D1, CDK4, and Rb were significantly increased in AS-TM. The protein expression level of Cyclin D1 in AS-TM cells was significantly higher than that in control. More interesting, arsenic was found to induce autophagy after chronic arsenic exposure, heightened autophagosome release was observed in AS-TM. Conclusion: Apoptotic resistance, cell cycle dysregulation and activation of autophagy are the underlying mechanisms of arsenic-driven skin carcinogenesis, which provide new insight on the pathogenesis of arsenic-induced skin cancer.
Genetic variations within the CCR5 promoter region among elite and viremic controllers in Uganda
Authors: NYIRO BRIAN , Amanya Bright Sharon , Nabatanzi Rose , Bayiyana Alice , Kalazane Linda Igumba , Waswa Francis , Nabulime Eva , Karara Daniel , Kayongo Alex , Nankya Immaculate , Kabali Joel , Kateete David Patrick , Sande Obondo James
Published: May 2020

Background: The importance of the C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) in HIV infection and disease progression was recognized with the discovery of the ∆32 allele. Individuals homozygous for this mutation lack functional CCR5, and are almost completely resistant to HIV infection while heterozygous individuals display decreased cell surface CCR5, which slows disease progression. However, this mutation is rare in Africa. Genetic variations within the CCR5 promoter region have been associated with regulation of CCR5 gene expression and could attempt to explain the different disease progression statues seen within Uganda. However, the distribution and impact of these variations are not known within this setting where this population exists. A study done in Rakai, reported a prevalence of LTNPs as 9.1% and another study done by Alex Kayondo in 2018, reported a prevalence of 0.26% of HIV controllers in an Urban HIV ambulatory center in Kampala, Uganda. Reasons for their intrinsic resistance to HIV are not fully understood. We hypothesized that variations in the CCR5 promoter gene could affect CCR5 expression thus impacting on the clinical course of HIV. In this study, we determined the median CCR5 expression by CD4 + T cells and the CCR5 promoter genetic variations that could be associated with delayed progression to HIV/AIDS seen among this study group.Results: There was significant reduction in CCR5 densities on CD4 + T cells among elite and viremic controllers compared to non-controllers. CCR5 Promoter polymorphism − 2459 G/G was highly prevalent among Elite and Viremic Controllers and it is associated with delayed progression to AIDS while − 2459 A/A and − 2132C/T were high prevalent among NCs and they are associated with rapid progression to AIDS.Conclusion: The reduction in CCR5 densities and percentage CCR5 + CD4 + T cells could explain the delayed progression to AIDS among these individuals. The reduction could be accounted for by the mutation 2459 G/G reported in the CCR5 promoter region.
Curcumin suppresses oxidative stress via regulation of ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway to protect retinal vascular endothelial cell in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Huang Jiang , Yi Quanyong , Chen Yao , Li Yi , Xu Guoxu , Zhang Ji , Niu Tongtong , You Yuhong , Zou Weijie , Qian Sicheng , Luo Weifeng
Published: May 2020

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most serious complications of diabetes mellitus and a leading blindness disease in the world. The retinal vascular endothelial cells can be damaged by oxidative stress even in the early stage of diabetic retinopathy. NF-κB is a key transcription factor in cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. Curcumin can relieve oxidative stress induced by high glucose. This study aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin on the rat retinal vascular endothelial cells (RRVECs) in DR and to deduce the possible molecular mechanism. Methods: The cultured RRVECs were identified by both of vWF and CD31 expression.The RRVECs were divided into four groups: the normal control group, the osmolarity control group, the high glucose group and the curcumin treatment group (High glucose +Curcumin). We observed the different morphological changes in the groups by transmission electron microscopy. Oxidative stress was detected by flow cytometry. The Activation of ROS/NF-κB signal pathway was detected by electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA), immunohistochemistry and western-blot; the apoptosis of RRVECs was tested by flow cytometry. Results: We found that curcumin reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and relieved the apoptosis in RRVECs exposed to the high glucose by flow cytometry. We detected that the increased activity of NF-κB and phosphorylated NF-κB in RRVECs induced by high glucose concentration was significantly suppressed by curcumin. Furthermore, based on the assay quantifying the level of apoptosis-related proteins, including bcl-2 and bax, we illustrated that curcumin could decrease the apoptosis of RRVECs induced by high glucose concentration. Conclusion: We concluded that ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway played an important role in the progress of DR and curcumin could suppress the oxidative stress via regulation of NF-κB signal to protect the RRVECs in DR.
Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio is Increased and Associated with Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Newly Diagnosed Essential Hypertension Children.
Authors: Hou Miao , Cao Lei , Ding Yueyue , Chen Ye , Wang Bo , Shen Jie , Zhou Wanping , Huang Jie , Xu Qiuqin , Lv Haitao , Sun Ling
Published: May 2020

Aim Hypertension is associated with cardiac structural and functional changes, including left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), LV systolic dysfunction, and diastolic dysfunction. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a novel inflammatory biomarker associated with cardiovascular diseases. The current study aimed to evaluate NLR in children with newly diagnosed essential hypertension and its relationship between blood pressure and cardiac changes. Methods and subjects 44 children with newly diagnosed essential hypertension and 43 healthy children were included. Clinical characteristics, blood cell counts and biochemical parameters were collected. LVH was assessed by calculation of LV mass index (LVMI), and LV systolic function was evaluated by measuring LV ejection fraction and fractional shortening. LV diastolic function was primarily assessed with E/E’ ratio by doppler and echocardiography. Results The hypertension children had significantly higher LVMI and E/E’ ratio compared to the controls, whereas there was no difference in LV systolic function between two groups. The NLR was significantly higher in the hypertension group than the control group. Moreover, NLR and it was positively correlated with SBP and DBP levels in the hypertension group. Additionally, a significantly positive correlation between NLR and E/E’ ratio was found in the hypertension group. However, NLR was not related to LVH and LV systolic function indicators in hypertension children.Conclusion The higher NLR may be a potential indicator of increased risk for the development of hypertension in children. Moreover, NLR may help to assess the presence of LV diastolic dysfunction in hypertension children.
Identification of a prognostic long non-coding RNA signature in breast cancer
Authors: Lan Gaochen , Yu Xiaoling , Zhao Yanna , Lan Jinjian , Li Wan , Gao Ruilan
Published: May 2020

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignant disease among women. At present, more and more attention has been paid to long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the field of breast cancer research. We aimed to investigate the expression profiles of lncRNAs and construct a prognostic lncRNA for predicting the overall survival (OS) of breast cancer.Methods: The expression profiles of lncRNAs and clinical data with breast cancer were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Differentially expressed lncRNAs were screened out by R package (limma). The survival probability was estimated by the Kaplan‑Meier Test. The Cox Regression Model was performed for univariate and multivariate analysis. The risk score (RS) was established on the basis of the lncRNAs’ expression level (exp) multiplied regression coefficient (β) from the multivariate cox regression analysis with the following formula: RS=exp a1 * β a1 + exp a2 * β a2 +……+ exp an * β an. Functional enrichment analysis was performed by Metascape.Results: A total of 3404 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified. Among them, CYTOR, MIR4458HG and MAPT-AS1 were significantly associated with the survival of breast cancer. Finally, The RS could predict OS of breast cancer (RS=exp CYTOR * β CYTOR + exp MIR4458HG * β MIR4458HG + exp MAPT-AS1 * β MAPT-AS1). Moreover, it was confirmed that the three-lncRNA signature could be an independent prognostic biomarker for breast cancer (HR=3.040, P=0.000).Conclusions: This study established a three-lncRNA signature, which might be a novel prognostic biomarker for breast cancer.
Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 secreting functional interleukin 2 targets tumours and enhances the immune response to suppress tumours
Authors: Lu Binghua , Yang Huijun , Liu Fei , Sun Yunjun , He Haocheng , Ding Xuezhi , Hu Shengbiao , xia liqiu
Published: May 2020

Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) is non-pathogenic probiotic bacteria. Previous studies have indicated that EcN can accumulate and proliferate selectively in solid tumours in BALB/c mouse models. In this study, EcN was engineered to express human interleukin 2 (hIL-2), which is known to enhance immune responses to tumours by activating a variety of immune cells. IL-2 expressed by EcN was proven to activate PBMCs in vitro. Compared to control EcN, intraperitoneally injected EcN expressing hIL-2 (EcN(hIL-2)) was selectively distributed in the tumour microenvironment and inhibited the growth of CT26 tumours in a tumour-bearing mouse model. Antitumour activity was achieved without toxicity to key normal organs and tissues, such as liver, spleen and kidneys. The antitumour mechanism was associated with the infiltration of inflammatory cells, such as T cells, neutrophils and macrophages. These findings provide evidence that the combination of tumour-targeting EcN bacteria and delivery of the immunostimulatory factor IL-2 can be exploited as a promising tumour immunotherapy.
Inflammatory factors are associated with early neurological deterioration in acute ischemic stroke patients receiving endovascular therapy-The AISRNA study
Authors: Deng Qi-Wen , Huang Shi , Li Shuo , Zhai Qian , Zhang Qing , Wang Zhen-Jie , Chen Wen-Xia , Shi Hong-Chao , Zhou Feng , Sun Hui-Ling , Lu Min , Zhou Jun-Shan
Published: May 2020

Background: This study aimed to explore several peripheral blood-based markers related to inflammatory response in a total of 85 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large artery occlusion in the anterior circulation receiving endovascular therapy (EVT) from the AISRNA study regarding the association between inflammatory factors and early neurological deterioration (END), and investigated whether their time course correlated with END after EVT.Methods: We collected baseline characteristics of 85 AIS patients participating in an observational acute stroke cohort: the AISRNA study. The following inflammatory factors were measured in these participants: interleukin-2 [IL-2], IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], and interferon-γ [IFN-γ]. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score increase of ≥4 within 24 hours after EVT defined as END.Results: IL-6 and IL-10 were higher in patients with END compared to those with non-END (P<0.01), and they were also associated with risk factors of END after EVT. Furthermore, we found that the area under curves (AUCs) of IL-6 and IL-10 for predicting END were 0.791 (0.689-0.871), and 0.564 (0.452-0.671), respectively. Adjusting for age, sex, and atrial fibrillation, the odds ratios (ORs; 95% confidence interval) for incident END for IL-6 and IL-10 were 1.83 (1.08-6.36) and 1.15 (1.02-1.30), respectively. Additionally, we found significant changes over time in the expression levels of IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 in patients undergoing END compared with non-END (P<0.05).Conclusions: IL-6 and IL-10 levels on admission are significantly associated with END after EVT, and time course of IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 is correlated with stroke progression. Further study of molecular mechanisms on peripheral immunomodulation in AIS would be helpful.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04175691. Registered November 21, 2019.
A novel prognostic index model constructed with five autophagy-related genes may be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in liver hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Qingqing , Wang Jia , Liu Menghan , Zhang Qiujing , Shen Miaomiao , Xie Chao , Zhang Jianjun , Fu Shuai , Han Congcong , Song Bao , Wang Fuxia , Liu Zining , Liu Jie
Published: May 2020

Background Early diagnosis and effective treatment of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) are keys to improving the prognosis of patients. Increasing evidences clarify that autophagy-related genes (ARGs) make great differences to the generation and progression of LIHC, and may serve as prognostic biomarkers for LIHC. Methods We randomly divided the LIHC patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) into the training and testing group. Next, use the training group to perform univariate Cox, LASSO and multivariate Cox analysis to construct our prognostic index (PI) model for LIHC; use the testing group and the whole TCGA set to make internal validations; use the International Cancer Genome Consortium to make external validations; and use the whole TCGA, GSE14520 and Oncomine to exam the expression patterns of the five ARGs. Then, we performed the ROC curve as well as univariate and multivariate analysis to evaluate the independent prognostic prediction power of the PI model, and made nomograms to estimate 1,3,5-year survival rate of LIHC patients. Besides, we conducted functional enrichment analyses of differentially expressed ARGs with GO, KEGG and GSEA, and made drug sensitivity analysis for the PI model via the GDSC database. Results A novel PI model which was composed of five key ARGs ( ATG9A , EIF2S1 , GRID1 , SAR1A and SQSTM1 ) succeeded to be constructed. All the internal and external validations testified that the PI model could well distinguish high-risk patients from low-risk ones, with AUC values > 0.60. Further comparison analysis showed that the PI model was no less than some common prognostic factors. People can estimate the 1,3,5-year survival rate of individual LIHC patient with the nomograms. Additionally, we obtained 62 differentially expressed ARGs and studied the potential mechanisms or pathways. Furthermore, we also found some potential targeted drugs associated to the five ARGs for LIHC patients. Conclusions The novel five-ARGs PI model has great potential to serve as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in LIHC, which may guide future clinical applications to some extent and improve the outcome of LIHC patients.
Time-Discrete Parameter Identification Algorithms for Two Deterministic Epidemiological Models applied to the Spread of COVID-19
Authors: Wacker Benjamin , Schlüter Jan
Published: May 2020

The pandemic outbreak of COVID-19 threatens people worldwide. Politicians around the globe have to balance different interests. Accordingly, they make decisions which heavily impact our daily life or even curtail fundamental rights. They consequently base their judgements on advices from scientists. For these reasons, many epidemiological models have appeared and have been famous since the beginning of the twentieth century. However, scientists depend on rich data to evaluate them and their assumptions. As this pandemic outbreak has lead to large data collections by the John Hopkins University since its beginning, we take advantage of this situation and compare two deterministic epidemiological models heavily used - the Susceptible-Infectious-Recovered model (SIR model) and the Susceptible-Infectious-Recovered-Dead model (SIRD model). In contrast to other works which concentrate on future predictions, we aim to investigate the validity of assumptions with respect to available data. For that purpose, instead of using these models forward in time, we propose modified time-discrete versions of the continuous models with relaxing all transfer rates to be time-varying and develop algorithms to predict these coefficients based on the principle of “divide-and-conquer” for the inverse problems. Since Asia, Europe and North America are especially affected by this pandemic, we choose countries from these continents to illustrate our results. In the main part of this article, we escepially discuss our results for Hubei (China). As supplementary material, we illustrate our findings for the aforementioned choice of countries. We finally draw some conclusions for future applications of these models and data acquisition.
In silico drug designing for COVID-19: an approach of highthroughput virtual screening, molecular and essential dynamics simulations
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Rahul , Tanwar Pranay
Published: May 2020

SARS-CoV2, a new coronavirus has emerged in Wuhan city of China, December last year causing pneumonia named COVID-19 which has now spread to entire world. By April 2020, number of confirmed cumulative cases crossed ~2.4 million worldwide, according to WHO. Till date, no effective treatment or drug is available for this virus. Availability of X-ray structures of SARS-CoV2 main protease (Mpro) provided the potential opportunity for structure based drug designing. Here, we have made an attempt to do computational drug design by targeting main protease of SARS-CoV2. Highthroughput virtual screening of million molecules and natural compounds databases was performed followed by docking. Six ligands showed better binding affinities which were further optimized by MD simulation and rescoring of binding energy was calculated through MM/PBSA method. In addition, conformational effect of various ligands on protein was examined through essential dynamics simulation. Three compounds namely ZINC14732869, ZINC19774413 and ZINC19774479 were finally filtered that displayed high binding free energies than N3 inhibitor and form conformationally stable complex. Hence, current study features the discovery of novel inhibitors for main protease of CoV2 which will provide effective therapeutic candidates against COVID19.
Lehramtsstudierende: Ihre Meinungen zur Digitalisierung im Bildungssystem und zu den Unterrichtsfächern Programmieren und Unternehmertum
Authors: König Lars
Published: May 2020

In aktuellen Bildungsdebatten wird häufig über die Digitalisierung im Bildungssystem und die potenziellen Unterrichtsfächer Programmieren und Unternehmertum diskutiert. Wenngleich diverse Positionen in den Debatten vertreten werden, ist wenig über die Meinung von derzeitigen Lehramtsstudierenden zu diesen Themenkomplexen bekannt. Die vorliegende Arbeit präsentiert die Ergebnisse einer explorativen Befragung von Lehramtsstudierenden zu den Themen Digitalisierung im Bildungssystem sowie den Unterrichtsfächern Programmieren und Unternehmertum. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Mehrheit der befragten Lehramtsstudierenden den Unterrichtfächern Unternehmertum und Programmieren negativ gegenübersteht: Das Erlernen unternehmerischer Fertigkeiten als auch das Erlernen einer Programmiersprache sollten laut der Mehrheit keine Kernaufgaben schulischer Bildung sein. Zudem sollten beide Fächer weder den Charakter eines Hauptfaches haben noch Pflichtfächer in der Primarstufe, Sekundarstufe 1 und Sekundarstufe 2 sein. Zur Digitalisierung gibt die Mehrheit an, dass sie die Qualität des Bildungssystems zwar verbessern, jedoch nicht für mehr Chancengleichheit sorgen wird. Die Mehrheit gibt an, sich weder im Studium noch in der Freizeit ausreichend mit den Auswirkungen der Digitalisierung auf das Bildungssystem zu beschäftigen. Zudem wird mehrheitlich angegeben, dass man weder ausreichend informiert noch vorbereitet auf die Auswirkungen der Digitalisierung auf das Bildungssystem sei.
Rootstock Evaluation for Grafted Cucumbers Grown in High Tunnels: Yield and Plant Growth
Authors: Guan Wenjing , Haseman Dean , Nowaskie Dennis
Published: May 2020

Grafting technology is increasingly being accepted in the United States, particularly for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production under protected structures. There is a great potential to expand this technology to other high tunnel crops. Using grafting technology in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) production is widely adopted in Asia to enhance cucumbers’ tolerance to low temperatures. But this technique is rarely used in the United States mainly because of the lack of information on the performance of the grafted plants under local production systems. Figleaf gourd (Cucurbita ficifolia), Cucurbita moschata, and squash interspecific hybrid (Cucurbita maxima × C. moschata) are the most used cucumber rootstocks worldwide. But their comparative performance was largely unknown for cucumber production in high tunnels in the Midwest United States. This study was therefore designed to compare the major types of cucumber rootstocks with the goal of identifying a rootstock with the maximized benefits for high tunnel cucumber production in the area. Nongrafted ‘Socrates’ and ‘Socrates’ grafted with Cucurbita moschata, squash interspecific hybrid, and figleaf gourd rootstocks were evaluated in high tunnels from March to June or July in 2016–19 at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center in Vincennes, IN. Transplant establishment, vine growth, and yield in early- and main-crop seasons were investigated. Grafted plants regardless of rootstocks ensured transplant survival even when the soil temperatures were dropped below 10 °C. Suboptimal soil conditions were encountered in the first month after transplanting. Grafted cucumbers with squash interspecific hybrid rootstock significantly increased vine growth from March to April and increased early-season yields (yield before 15 May) by 1.8 to 18.2 times compared with the early-season yields of the nongrafted cucumbers. The benefits provided by using grafting technology dismissed around middle May. Only squash interspecific hybrid rootstock improved cucumber yields in the entire production seasons. Cucumbers grafted with figleaf gourd rootstock had the lowest yield and the least plant growth after mid-May, indicating figleaf gourd rootstock may not be suitable for cucumber production under the current production system. Overall, squash interspecific hybrid was the most promising rootstock for early-season high tunnel cucumber production in the Midwest United States.
Grafted Coffee Increases Yield and Survivability
Authors: Myers Roxana , Kawabata Andrea , Cho Alyssa , Nakamoto Stuart T.
Published: May 2020

Kona coffee root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne konaensis) cause severe declines in ‘Kona Typica’ arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) trees in Hawaii. Defoliation and destruction of the root system result in significant yield losses and can kill the host. Grafting with other coffee (Coffea) species that exhibit tolerance to kona coffee root-knot nematodes is a viable solution for mitigating damage in the field. An infested field was established in 2006 with ‘Kona Typica’ scions grafted on seven accessions of promising rootstock and nongrafted ‘Kona Typica’ as the control. Four grafted trees of each accession were planted per plot with four repetitions. Yield data were assessed for the 2016–17, 2017–18, and 2018–19 seasons. Three liberica coffee (Coffea liberica) accessions [‘Arnoldiana’ (‘Arnoldiana’ 1 and ‘Arnoldiana’ 2), ‘Dewevrei’, and ‘Fukunaga’ 1], demonstrated higher yields of coffee cherry compared with nongrafted ‘Kona Typica’ in the 2016–17 season. In the 2017–18 and 2018–19 seasons, five accessions of liberica and ‘Nemaya’ robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) exhibited higher cherry yields than ‘Kona Typica’. Plant vigor was greater in trees grafted on ‘Arnoldiana’ and ‘Fukunaga’ compared with other accessions and nongrafted ‘Kona Typica’, with taller trees, higher vertical branches, thicker trunk circumferences, and overall better health. After 13 years in the field, nongrafted ‘Kona Typica’ showed the highest mortality, with 81% of trees lost. Liberica rootstocks performed consistently well in the presence of kona coffee root-knot nematodes, with the healthiest trees, highest yields, and least mortality of the coffee species evaluated.
Análisis de los Efectos Productivos de la Inversión Extranjera Directa de Japón sobre la Industria Electrónica de México
Authors: Orobio Auz Elizabeth , Guzmán Anaya Leo
Published: May 2020

Introducción: La Inversión Extranjera Directa (IED) se considera una fuente para aumentar la productividad de industrias manufactureras en países en desarrollo. México, desde su proceso de apertura comercial ha facilitado la llegada de empresas extranjeras esperando beneficios económicos en forma de derrames. El caso de análisis de la IED de Japón en México resalta ya que, desde la entrada en vigor del Acuerdo de Asociación Económica en 2005 entre estos dos países, los flujos de IED se han incrementado de manera considerable sobre todo con presencia en la industria electrónica. Estudios previos han demostrado que debido a las características intrínsecas de la IED japonesa, se encuentran impactos positivos y relevantes para la productividad de diferentes industrias manufactureras en diferentes contextos. El objetivo de este estudio es el análisis de los efectos productivos de la Inversión Extranjera Directa (IED) de Japón sobre el crecimiento en producción de la industria electrónica de México durante el periodo de 2000 al 2016.Método: Se utilizó la metodología KLEMS como base para el modelo econométrico. Se presentan dos modelos de regresión de series de tiempo donde, a nivel agregado, se relacionan factores de producción (capital nacional, capital extranjero o IED, mano de obra, energía, materiales y servicios) como variables independientes para observar sus efectos en la variable dependiente: producción de la industria electrónica. La hipótesis general de trabajo es: la IED de Japón tiene un efecto positivo y representativo en la producción de cada una de las ramas de la industria electrónica de México. Ambos modelos son estimados en términos logarítmicos desde 2000 al 2016, el primero analizando la industria en su totalidad y el segundo dividido por ramas específicas de la industria. A su vez, los resultados se contrastan con un tercer modelo que sigue una función de producción tipo Cobb-Douglas, con dos factores (capital y trabajo) para comparar y corroborar los resultados encontrados.Resultados: Los resultados señalan efectos positivos y significativos para tres de las seis ramas analizadas de la industria electrónica.Discusión o Conclusión: De los resultados obtenidos se concluye que la IED Japonesa tiene efectos productivos positivos en las ramas electrónicas de computadores y equipo periférico y en la de audio y video. Bajo ciertas especificaciones se encuentran efectos adicionales en la rama de equipos magnéticos y ópticos. El análisis sugiere que los efectos de la IED deben ser analizados por rama y/o clase económica industrial dentro del país receptor. Así mismo, bajo la metodología KLEMS, se encuentra una fuerte relación entre los consumos intermedios de los factores de producción, principalmente materiales, con el crecimiento de la producción de esta industria.
Clasificación de regiones para la producción en invernaderos utilizando análisis multivariado
Authors: Garza Alonso Carlos Alberto , Olivares Sáenz Emilio , Vázquez Alvarado Rigoberto Eustacio , García Treviño Nora Estela
Published: May 2020

Introducción: La producción de cultivos en invernadero ha crecido considerablemente en los últimos años. La temperatura es un factor importante que debe considerarse cuando se pretende incursionar en la agricultura protegida. Las altas y bajas temperaturas influyen en el desarrollo de los cultivos, por lo que es la principal variable climática que debe ser considerada para seleccionar la zona más adecuada para la instalación de invernaderos.Método: La clasificación de regiones se llevó a cabo con datos de 22 localidades del Estado de Nuevo León, utilizando dos metodologías: una considera las temperaturas medias mensuales externas al invernadero, y otra mediante análisis de conglomerados. El criterio de clasificación de las temperaturas externas fue el siguiente: cuando las temperaturas medias mensuales externas eran inferiores a 15 °C se clasificó como “mes frío”; en temperaturas en el rango de 15 a 22 °C se clasificó como “óptimo”; en temperaturas en el rango de 22 a 27 °C se clasificó como “caliente”; y temperaturas mayores a 27 °C se clasificó como “muy caliente”. También se realizó una estratificación de las localidades utilizando un análisis multivariado de análisis de conglomerados con el método de las k-medias, considerando como variables la altura sobre el nivel del mar y la temperatura media anual. Además, se realizaron análisis de correlación entre las variables altura sobre el nivel del mar (asnm) y temperatura media mensual.Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que la metodología utilizada permite clasificar distintas regiones en función de la temperatura media. En cuanto al análisis de clasificación utilizando estadística multivariada, el análisis de k-medias para k=4 identificó cuatro grupos, de los cuales el uno y el dos pertenecen a las localidades con asnm mayores a 1700 m; y los grupos tres y cuatro a las localidades con asnm menores a 600 m.Considerando ambos métodos de clasificación se concluyó que la región alta presenta mejores condiciones para instalar invernaderos, y dentro de esta región, las localidades de menor asnm. Dentro de la región baja son preferibles las localidades de mayor asnm. Considerando los análisis de correlación de Pearson y Sperman, se encontró que la asnm puede ser un indicador para definir regiones adecuadas para producir en invernadero.Conclusión: El análisis multivariado de k-medias para clasificar conjuntos de datos de acuerdo con un predeterminado número de grupos resultó una estrategia adecuada para clasificar regiones para instalar invernaderos, aunado a otras metodologías como la basada en temperaturas medias mensuales, la cual se describe en la presente publicación.
Recent Progress in Microwave-assisted Modification of Vegetable Oils or Their Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Jinshuai , Hu Yun , Zhang Fei , Lu Jianyu , Huang Jia , Liu Chengguo , Jia Puyou , Hu Lihong , An Rongrong , Zhou Yonghong
Published: May 2020

Vegetable oils have been widely used in food, surfactants, lubricants, biodiesel,
coatings, and other fields due to their advantages such as renewable, abundant, suitable for
further processing, and biodegradable. On the other hand, microwave technology has attracted
extensive attention in organic and polymeric chemistry because the technology can
greatly shorten the reaction time, improve the yield of products, reduce side reactions, etc.
This paper summarized recent advances on the microwave-assisted modification of vegetable
oils or their derivatives, such as esterification of free fatty acids, transesterification
of triglycerides, epoxidation, and polymerization.