bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breast surgery on the post-operative well-being of women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ranieri Jessica , Fiasca Fabiana , Guerra Federica , Mattei Antonella , Giacomo Dina Di
Published: December 2020

Background. Mammoplasty is the most common surgery that is used for both breast augmentation in healthy women (aesthetic plastic) and breast reconstruction (disease-related plastic) in women who have been diagnosed with and surgically treated for regional breast cancer with radical mastectomy (MRM). When compared to breast reconstruction surgery, aesthetic breast surgery is perceived to result in more favourable aesthetic outcomes.. This study aimed to examine the long-term effects of mammoplasty on the psychological adaptation of women.Methods. A total of 44 30–50-year-old women participated in this study. They were divided into two groups based on the type of breast surgery that they had undergone (augmentation surgery [AS] vs. reconstruction surgery [RS]) and the time that had elapsed since their surgery (≤ 3 years vs. > 3 years). Results. Our findings suggest that the psychological well-being of women who undergo AS declines over time. The women who had undergone AS ≤ 3 and > 3 years earlier did not differ in any of the indicators of emotional functioning. The only exception was their level of satisfaction with their breasts.We examined the impact of mammoplasty on the satisfaction levels and well-being of women who had undergone RS (after MRM). As expected, they were less satisfied with their breasts than those who belonged to the AS group However, this was true only among those who had undergone their surgery ≤ 3 years earlier.Conclusions. In conclusion, our findings underscore the need to provide psychological support to those who have undergone AS and RS. To shorten the adaptation process and enhance their mental well-being, personalised psychological interventions should be provided.
The Use of 117mSn (Tin) Colloid for Treatment of Naturally Occurring Grade 3 Elbow Osteoarthritis in Client Dogs
Authors: Donecker John , Fabiani Michelle , Gaschen Lorrie , Aulakh Karanvir
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe pathology associated with elbow dysplasia is progressive and irreversible and long-term prognosis is poor. Evidence has revealed the important role synovitis plays in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis. The use of radiosynoviothesis has been proposed as an alternative in early therapeutic intervention to prevent, delay or limit joint disease progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect and duration of improvement following intra-articular injection of 117mSn colloid on naturally occurring Grade 3 elbow osteoarthritis in dogs. Dog elbows (15 dogs/27 elbows) were injected with 117mSn colloid and cohorts followed check point assessments on Days 90, 180, 270 and 365 post treatment. Effectiveness was evaluated using: 1) Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) assessed by the caretaker, and 2) clinician-assessed lameness. Complete blood count, chemistry panel, joint fluid analysis and urinalysis were assessed for safety.ResultsAt least half the dogs showed success at each study time check point (Days 90, 180, 270 and 365) compared with baseline, using the validated CBPI User Guide criteria. Day 270 provided the largest percentage (70%) of successes when compared with baseline. These CBPI findings were corroborated by statistical agreement with success of clinician-assessed lameness. The mean Pain Severity Score (PSS) improved significantly at Days 90, 270 and 365 compared to baseline, while the mean Pain Interference Score (PIS) improved significantly at Day 270 compared to baseline. Safety assessments did not reveal concerns for the study duration.ConclusionsDogs diagnosed with Grade 3 osteoarthritis in at least one elbow benefited by either not worsening or improving over 365 days after treatment with 117mSn colloid. No 117mSn colloid-related safety concerns were observed.
Identification of Potential Genes both Differentially Expressed and Regulated by Differential Methylation Regions in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Niu Yan , Sun Changsheng , Shan Qiusheng
Published: December 2020

Background: The aberrant methylation included hypermethylation and hypomethylation plays significant role in the progression of many kind of cancers but poorly investigated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods: GSE123781 and GSE87053 were used to identify the differential methylation regions (DMRs) by R software. the targeted genes regulated by DMRs were predicted by wANNOVAR. The biological process, cellular component, molecular function and cell pathways of common targeted genes between GSE123781 and GSE87053 were analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The hub genes in common targeted genes both associated with cancer biological process and cancer cell pathways were identified by protein to protein interaction network (PPI). Finally, the expression level of hub genes and correspondence relationship with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patient survival were confirmed by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Results: There are 372 common targeted genes regulated by DMRs between GSE123781 and GSE87053 and RUNX family transcript factor 1 (RUNX1), phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit gamma (PIK3CG), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit delta (PIK3CD), laminin subunit beta 1 (LAMB1), integrin subunit alpha M (ITGAM), interleukin 2 receptor subunit alpha (IL2RA), interleukin 10 (IL10), FYN proto-oncogene, Src family tyrosine kinase (FYN), cholinergic receptor muscarinic 1 (CHRM1) and C-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1) are hub genes in common targeted genes. Furthermore, RUNX1, PIK3R1, PIK3CD, LAMB1, ITGAM, IL2RA, IL10, FYN, CHRM1 and CCR1 differentially expressed in HNSCC tissues and the overexpressed genes PIK3CD, LAMB1 and IL10 could lead to the decrease of HNSCC patient survival. Conclusions: PIK3CD, LAMB1 and IL10 both differentially expressed and regulated by DMRs are quite associated with the progression of OSCC and the survival of HNSCC patients, which has much potential to be new biomarkers in targeted therapy of OSCC.
miR-130b Acts as an Oncogene and Prognostic Biomarker of Breast Cancer: A Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Chen Xinyue , Hao Lijun
Published: December 2020

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer among females globally. microRNAs (miRNAs) could regulate the expression levels of cancer-related genes through binding with target mRNAs. In various cancers, the abnormal expression of miR-130b has been detected. We aims to investigate the molecular mechanism and biological function of miR130b in breast cancer.Methods: We obtained two microRNA expression profiles from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, including GSE45666 and GSE26659. We identified differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) between BC tissue and normal breast tissue based on the GEO2R web tool. DE-miRNAs were filtered by significant prognostic value resulting from Kaplan–Meier plotter. We used the JASPAR database to explore upstream regulators of miR-130b. The potential molecular mechanisms of miR-130b correlation genes were revealed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis in WebGestalt. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of miR-130b target genes was constructed by STRING. Cytoscape software was used to visualize the PPI network and hub genes.Results: miR-130b was highly expressed in breast cancer tissues, which positively correlates with poor prognostic. JASPAR revealed THAP11 might be the upstream regulator of miR-130b. In addition, GO, and KEGG pathway revealed that miR-130b positively regulated PFKP, STAT1, SRC, and NOTCH2, participating in the Thyroid hormone signaling pathway. The PPI network further identified that AR, KIT, and ESR1 as hub genes in BC development.Conclusion: miR-130b, which is regulated by THAP11, acts as an oncogene and prognostic biomarker in BC by mediating the Thyroid hormone signaling pathway and potential target genes. miR-130b might be a novel therapeutic target for BC treatment.
Factors Affecting Prediction Error after Cataract Surgery with Implantation of Various Multifocal IOLs in Patients with Previous Refractive Laser Surgery
Authors: Yoo Young-Sik , Kang Min Chae , Park Jongyeop , Kwon Hyung-Goo , Chung Eui-Sang , Lim Dong Hui , Chung Tae-Young
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of implantation of various multifocal intraocular lenses (mIOLs) and the prediction accuracy of two intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas for eyes that underwent previous corneal refractive surgery. Four types of mIOLs (TECNIS Symfony (Group I), AcrySof IQ PanOptix (Group II), LENTIS Mplus (Group III), and TECNIS mIOL (Group IV)) were used and the IOL power was calculated with the two no-history methods, Shammas-PL and Barrett True-K. Visual acuity and refractive outcomes including manifest refraction, prediction error (PE), absolute error (AE), and median absolute error (MedAE) were evaluated at three months after the cataract surgery. For all groups the Barrett True-K formula produced a narrower range of PEs and lower MedAE than Shammas-PL. Eyes of lower predictive accuracy (group B, AE > 0.5D) showed weak uncorrected distance visual acuity resulting from myopic refractive error and target refraction when compared to that of higher predictive accuracy (group A, AE ≤ 0.5 D). Targeting emmetropia using the Barrett True-K is recommended in patients undergoing mIOL implantation with prior corneal refractive surgery. Additionally, history of prior large amount of laser ablation seems to be an important factor related to low predictive accuracy.
Visual Acuity, Contrast Sensitivity Function, and Twilight Vision of Soft and Rigid Gas-Permeable Contact Lens Wearers
Authors: Krolo Iva , Kasumović Aida , Radman Ivana , Sabol Ivan , Ravlić Maja Malenica , Vicković Ivanka Petric
Published: December 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Study of Extra-visual Resting-state Networks in Pituitary Adenoma Patients With Vision Restoration
Authors: Wang Fuyu , Wang Peng , Li Ze , Zhou Tao , Meng Xianghui , Jiang Jinli
Published: December 2020

Background: Pituitary adenoma(PA) may compress the optic apparatus and cause impaired vision. Some patients can get improved vision rapidly after surgery. During the early time after surgery, however, the change of neurofunction in extra-visual cortex and higher cognitive cortex is still yet to be explored so far. Objective: Our study is focused on the changes in the extra-visual resting-state networks in PA patients after vision restoration. Methods:We recruited 14 PA patients with visual improvement after surgery. The functional connectivity (FC) of 6 seeds (auditory cortex (A1), Broca's area, posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)for default mode network (DMN), right caudal anterior cingulate cortex for salience network(SN) and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for excecutive control network (ECN)) were evaluated. A paired t-test was conducted to identify the differences between two groups. Results: Compared with the preoperation counterparts, the PA patients with improved vision exhibited decreased FC with right A1 was identified in left insula lobule, right middle temporal gyrus and left postcentral gyrus, and increased FC in the right paracentral lobule; decreased FC with broca in left middle temporal gyrus, and increased FC in left Insula lobule and right thalamus; decreased FC with DMN in right declive, and right precuneus, and increased FC in right brodmann area 17, left cuneus and right posterior cingulate; decreased FC with ECN in right posterior cingulate, right angular and right precuneus; decreased FC with SN in right middle temporal gyrus, right hippocampus, and right precuneus, and increased FC in right fusiform gyrus, left lingual gyrus and right brodmann area 19.Conclusions: The vision restoration may cause the response of cross-modal plasticity and the multisensory system related to A1 and broca. The DMN and SN may involve in top-down control on the subareas within vision cortex. The precuneus may involve in DMN, ECN and SN simultaneously.
Growing Pains: Pediatric Trauma Epidemiology at the Puerto Rico Trauma Hospital from 2015 to 2019
Authors: Ruiz-Medina Pedro E. , Nieves-Plaza Mariely , Ramírez-Martínez Laura , Ruiz-Rodríguez Javier , Rivera-Delgado Adrianna , Ramos-Meléndez Ediel O. , Guerrios-Rivera Lourdes , Rodríguez-Ortiz Pablo
Published: December 2020

Background: Despite the high volume of admissions to the Puerto Rico Trauma Hospital (PRTH), the highest level trauma facility on the Island and the Caribbean, there is no evidence of recent trends related to pediatric trauma. In this study, we aim to describe and compare the epidemiology of pediatric trauma population in Puerto Rico according to age groups. Methods: An IRB-approved cross-sectional study of 853 pediatric admissions to the PRTH from January 2015 through June 2019. Comparison between age groups (children/adolescent vs. youth) was done using trends of proportions, chi-square for trends, and Pearson’s chi-square. Multivariate analysis of factors associated with the youth population was also performed. Results: The majority of patients were male (n=644, 75.5%). When stratified by age groups, motor vehicle accidents (MVA) were the prevalent mechanism of injury for all age categories but for subjects <5 years of age. The incidence of major trauma, Injury Severity Score >15, was higher in the age group 15-21 years old (40.8%). In trends analysis, the occurrence of trauma was considerably higher among young adults (>15-21 years). Conclusion: Pediatric and young adults patients were more likely to be male and suffer from a MVA. In addition, among factors associated with injuries among the youth population were penetrating injuries, major trauma, a longer length of stay, and ICU stay. Understanding the specific characteristics of the pediatric population we treat can help guide the treatment and help elucidate their needs in order to improve their outcomes.
Mercury Poisoning of a 4-Year-old Child by Indirect Contact to a Mercury Containing Facial Cream: Case Report
Authors: Rakete Stefan , Asenbauer Elisabeth , Böhm Susann , Leiz Steffen , Peters Jochen , Nowak Dennis , Bose-O'Reilly Stephan
Published: December 2020

A 4-yr old patient was admitted to the hospital with pain attacks in his extremities, tachycardia, hypertension, increased sweating, behavioral changes and weight loss. Extensive examinations eventually revealed an acute mercury poisoning. The mercury levels in blood and urine were 36.7 µg/l and 90 µg/g creatinine, respectively. A facial cream bought online, containing approximately 18 % mercury, was identified as the primary source of intoxication. The symptoms improved after disposal of the cream and chelation therapy. Biomonitoring of the mother and the brother, who remained asymptomatic, indicated an increased exposure to mercury, too. The mother, who had been using the cream for approximately three months, denied its application on her children. Further analyses, home visits and interviews suggested that the child was accidently intoxicated by skin-to-skin contact with the mother. Other mercury sources were excluded and mercury levels decreased considerably over time. The family will be closely monitored to exclude any long-term health issues. Lessons learnt from this case of an acute mercury intoxication is that even skin to skin contact with a mercury containing cream can have significant negative health effects for a child.
Malaria Temporal Variation and Modelling Using Time-Series in Sussundenga District, Mozambique
Authors: Ferrao Joao Luis , Earland Dominique , Novela Anisio , Mendes Roberto , Tungaza Alberto , Searle Kelly
Published: December 2020

Malaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Mozambique with the 5th highest prevalence in the world. Sussundenga district in Manica Province has documented high P. falciparum incidence at the local rural health center (RHC). Sussundenga is a rural district located along the Mozambique, Zimbabwe border. P. falciparum transmission in this area is unique as there are differing control policies on each side of the international border. The study objective was to analyze the P. falciparum temporal variation and model its pattern in Sussundenga district, Mozambique. Data from weekly epidemiological bulletins (BES) were collected from 2015 to 2019, which records confirmed P. falciparum cases from health facilities. These data categorize confirmed cases into two age groups: under 5 years and 5-years and older. P. falciparum incidence and temporal variation were calculated. Temporal clusters were identified using dendrograms. A time-series analysis was carried out. For temporal modeling a Box-Jenkins method was used applying an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA). Over the study period, 372,498 cases of P. falciparum were recorded in Sussundenga, 177,957 from under 5 years (47.5 %) and 194,541 (52.2 %) from 5 years and older. There were weekly and yearly variations in incidence overall (p < 0.001). There was a decreasing trend in cases for those under 5 years while there was a slight increase in those 5 and older. For those under 5, week 2 of the year had the highest number of cases (1170 Sd 34 ) while week 35 had the fewest (354 Sd 17.8). For those 5-years and older, cases also peak at week 2 (1295 Sd 245) with week 31 having the fewest cases (341 Sd 193.5). The findings indicate that cases are decreasing in those under 5 years and are increasing slightly in those 5 years and over. The P. falciparum case occurrence presents a weekly temporal pattern peaking during the wet season. Based on the temporal distribution and using ARIMA modelling, more efficient strategies that target this seasonality can be implemented to reduce the overall malaria burden in Sussundenga District, and regionally.
Comparison of the Composition of Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Non-relapse and Relapse Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Before, During Radiochemotherapy and in the Follow-up Period: a Multicenter Prospective Study of the German Cancer Consortium Radiation Oncology Group (DKTK-ROG)
Authors: Niu Minli , Combs Stephanie E. , Linge Annett , Krause Mechthild , Baumann Michael , Lohaus Fabian , Ebert Nadja , Tinhofer Ingeborg , Budach Volker , Grün Jens von der , Rödel Franz , Grosu Anca-Ligia , Multhoff Gabriele
Published: December 2020

Background: Radiochemotherapy (RCT) has been shown to induce changes in immune cell homeostasis which might affect antitumor immune responses. In the present study, we aimed to compare the composition and kinetics of major lymphocyte subsets in the periphery of patients with non-locoregional recurrent (n=23) and locoregional recurrent (n=9) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) upon primary RCT.Methods: EDTA-blood of non-locoregional recurrent SCCHN patients was collected before (t0), after application of 20 to 30 Gy (t1), in the follow-up period 3 (t2) and 6 months (t3) after RCT. In patients with locoregional recurrence blood samples were taken at t0, t1, t2 and at the time of recurrence (t5). EDTA-blood of age-related, healthy volunteers (n=22) served as a control (Ctrl). Major lymphocyte subpopulations were phenotyped by multiparameter flow cytometry.Results: Patients with non-recurrent SCCHN had significantly lower proportions of CD19+ B cells compared to healthy individuals before start of any therapy (t0) that dropped further until 3 months after RCT (t2), but reached initial levels 6 months after RCT (t3). The proportion of CD3+ T and CD3+/CD4+ T helper cells continuously decreased between t0 and t3, whereas that of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CD3+/CD56+ NK-like T cells (NKT) gradually increased in the same period of time in non-recurrent patients. The percentage of CD4+/CD25+/FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) decreased directly after RCT, but increased above initial levels in the follow-up period 3 (t2) and 6 (t3) months after RCT. Patients with locoregional recurrence showed similar trends with respect to B, T cells and Tregs between t0 and t5. CD4+ T helper cells remained stably low between t0 and t5 in patients with locoregional recurrence compared to Ctrl. NKT/NK cell subsets (CD56+/CD69+, CD3-/CD56+, CD3-/CD94+, CD3-/NKG2D+, CD3-/NKp30+, CD3-/NKp46+) increased continuously up to 6 months after RCT (t0-t3) in patients without locoregional recurrence, whereas in patients with locoregional recurrence, these subsets remained stably low until time of recurrence (t5).Conclusion: Monitoring the kinetics of lymphocyte subpopulations especially activatory NK cells before and after RCT might provide a clue with respect to the development of an early locoregional recurrence in patients with SCCHN. However, studies with larger patient cohorts are needed.
Diagnostic Function of 3D Optical Coherence Tomography Multimode Images in Diagnosis of Acute Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Zhao Gui-ling , Li Rui-zhuang , Pang Yan-hua , Wang Xiu-qin , Wei Jin-fen , Zhou Zhou , Zhong Jing-xiang
Published: December 2020

Background: Spectral-Domain Optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) provides non-invasive, high speed, high resolution, three-dimensional cross-section imaging of macula. This study was aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of multimodal imaging technique of three-dimension (3D) optical coherence tomography (OCT) (3D-OCT) for diagnosis and characterizing of acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Methods: The 3D-OCT examinations of 82 cases of acute CSC were performed on the macular area, and the image characteristics were analyzed. Our study included a total of 87 eyes from 82 cases of CSC patients, 67 males and 15 females, aged 27 to 56 years, mean age 42.89±7.80 years old.Results: According to B-scan images, 87 (100%) eyes had ERD, 38 (44%) eyes had bulge of RPE, 36 (41%) eyes had PED, 8 (9%) eyes had membrane -like structure, 2 (2%) eyes had subretinal dot-like precipitates, 1 (1%) eyes had focal choroidal excavation (FCE), and 1 (1%) eye had fluctuation of internal limiting membrane (FI). In ILM-RPE thickness map, all eyes had a round or round like regular uniform domes. Total of 57 (66%) domes were limited in exam area and 30 (44%) domes beyond the scope of this examination and only part of the dome could be observed. In the Shadowgram image, all eyes had a round or round like black figure that correspond with domes In ILM-RPE thickness map. In RPE surface, 76(87%) eyes had a shallow plate depression, 71(82%) had small focal uplift and 1 (1%) eye had a focal concave.Conclusions: In OCT ILM-RPE thickness map, Shadowgram, and RPE surface, acute CSC had special images and can be helpful for diagnosis and difference diagnosis.Trial registration: Not applicable.
Trend Analysis of HIV/AIDS Burden in Iran: Results from the Global Burden of Disease 2017 Study
Authors: Hasankhani Mohammadreza Balooch , Zayeri Farid , Rasouli Mahboobeh , Salehi Masoud
Published: December 2020

Despite global efforts, HIV/AIDS is still one of the major public health problems in the entire world. In this context, assessing the burden of this disease in different parts of the world is of great importance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the trends of HIV/AIDS incidence and mortality in Iran in the period 1990- 2017.The HIV/AIDS burden data including age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and mortality rate (ASMR) was extracted from the Global Burden of Diseases 2017 study for total Iranian population and by gender from 1990 to 2017. The trend analyses was performed using joinpoint regression modeling approach. The obtained results showed that in year 2017 the HIV/AIDS ASIR and ASMR were, respectively, more than 12 and 10 times of these rates in year 1990. Also, the estimated average annual percent change (AAPC) was 9.8% and 8.7%, respectively for ASIR and ASMR. In this period of time, women have experienced sharper slope of ASIR and ASMR trends compared to Iranian men. The increasing trend of HIV/AIDS burden is a serious alarm for the Iranian health policy makers. To achieve the UNAIDS goals, there is an urgent need for an efficient national action plan which breaks the HIV/AIDS taboo in the society, promote access to HIV testing and prevention facilities especially among the key populations and provides care and treatments for all infected people.
Acute Cardiac Complications and Subclinical Myocardial Injuries Associated with Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
Authors: Dai Yunlang , Zhou Jing , Xuan He , Miu Yunxiang , Hu Junting
Published: December 2020

Background: Catecholamine excess arising from pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) can cause a wide spectrum of cardiac manifestations, including acute cardiac complications (ACCs) and subclinical myocardial injuries (SMIs). Hence, we aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of ACCs and SMIs in a large cohort of PPGLs.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of consecutive patients with PPGLs admitted between January 2013 and July 2020 (n = 189). The prevalence and presentation of ACCs and SMIs were investigated, and comparisons were conducted between cases with and without ACCs. Results: Fourteen patients (7.4%) fulfilled the criteria for ACCs, consisting of nine cases (4.8%) with Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy, three cases (1.6%) with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and the remaining one (0.5%) with catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy. Compared to those without ACCs (n = 175), patients with ACCs had higher prevalence of epinephrine-producing PPGLs (81.8% vs 33.9%. P = 0.006), and were more likely to show invasive behavior (61.5% vs 27.3%, P = 0.022) and hemorrhage/necrosis (53.9% vs 17.4%, P = 0.005) at histology. Among patients suffered Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy, an apical sparing pattern (5/7, 71.4%) dominated in the impaired patterns of longitudinal strain (LS). In the end, a fairly high percent (21/77, 27.2%) of patients (excluding 14 cases with ACCs) who underwent screening troponin, natriuretic peptide, and echocardiography had SMIs.Conclusions: One in every fourteen PPGLs patients presented with ACCs; and, in the cases with Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy, an apical sparing pattern was the primary pattern in LS. Furthermore, nearly one-third of patients without symptoms had SMIs. The diagnosis of PPGLs should be considered in patients with acute reversible cardiomyopathy, especially with an apical sparing pattern in LS.
Myricetin Ameliorates Ox-LDL-induced HUVECs Apoptosis and Inﬂammation via lncRNA GAS5 Upregulating the Expression of miR-29a-3p
Authors: Bai Yunpeng , Chen Qingliang , Jiang Nan , guo zhigang
Published: December 2020

BackgroundOxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced an endothelial cell dysfunction is a significant event in the progression of atherosclerosis[1]. Even myricetin (Myr) has been exhibited strong antioxidant potency, the effect on atherosclerosis is still elusive. MethodsHUVECs were subjected to ox-LDL, before which cells were preconditioned with Myr. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were carried out to assess the impacts of ox-LDL and Myr on HUVECs. The expression of EndMT markers was determined by Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. In addition, the relationship of GAS5 and miR-29a-3p was evaluated by RNA Fluorescent in Situ Hybridization (FISH) and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. ResultsMyr preconditioning prevented ox-LDL-induced apoptosis, inflammatory response, and EndMT. GAS5 was upregulated in response to ox-LDL while it was down-regulated by Myr preconditioning. GAS5 over-expression attenuates Myr protective effects against ox-LDL–mediated HUVEC injury. Besides, miR-29a-3p is a target of GAS5 and down-regulated miR-29a-3p could further resuced the effects of GAS5 in ox-LDL–mediated HUVEC. Furthermore, Myr inactivated the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in ox-LDL-treated HUVEC by down-regulating GAS5 or upregulating miR-26a-5p. ConclusionMyr possessed an anti-inflammatory and anti-EndMT function against ox-LDL-induced HUVEC injury by regulating the GAS5/miR-29a-3p, indicating that Myr may have an important therapeutic function for atherosclerosis.
Potential New Biomarkers Discovery of Early Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Human by Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hu Cheng , Wang Tao , Zhang Jiaqi , Jiang Yuanye , Cao Qin
Published: December 2020

BackgroundNAFLD is a common metabolic disorders disease which influenced 20~30% people. NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis, liver fibrosis and even liver cancer. Liver puncture is the gold standard. However, due to its trauma and possible complications, its clinical use is currently limited. Therefore, it is of great clinical significance and value to find a noninvasive biochemical index that can diagnose NAFLD early.ObjectiveOur aim was to identify the potential biomarkers in NAFLD people in early stage via untargeted metabolomics study.MethodsIn our research, From January to October 2019, 224 patients aged 18-55 were selected from the outpatient department and ward of gastroenterology department of Putuo Hospital in Shanghai.According to the NAFLD diagnostic criteria of the guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (2018) formulated by the National workship on Fatty liver and alcoholic liver disease and Chinese Society on Hepatology, they were divided into the healthy control group and the experimental group.Besides,on the same day, the height, weight, waist, BMI, blood pressure and heart rate of patients were measured, and fasting blood was taken to obtain blood glucose,ALT, AST, TB, DB, TP, ALB, Che, ALP, γ - GT, TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and other serum data.Serum samples were analyzed using LC/MS and data was processed by SIEVE software and simca-P to validate the potential biomarkers. The altered metabolites were identified by variable importance in projection value (VIP > 1) and ANOVA (p<0.01). The pathway analysis was performed by using MetaboAnalyst 4.0. In addition, our project has passed the review of ethics committee of Putuo Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of traditional Chinese medicine, and its ethics approval number is ptec-a-2018-49-1.ResultsThe serum biochemical indicators of early NAFLD patients showed no significant difference with NC (p>0.05). While there was significant difference of blood lipids indicators between NAFLD and NC (p<0.001). Finally, 55 metabolites were identified and the AUC of ROC curve results showed that new identified biomarkers owned high predictability and reliability. Conclusion﻿It is found that 15 metabolites in serum were of great diagnostic value in early NAFLD patients. AUC of these biomarkers (>0.9) were much higher than clinical indicators (0.770). This may be worth further research in the clinic.
The Mimetic Peptide Ac2-26 of Annexin A1 Attenuates Inflammation and Apoptosis in Sepsis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Zheng Yanlei , Hu Ronghua , Zhang Li
Published: December 2020

BackgroundInflammation and apoptosis contribute to the development of sepsis-induced acute kidney injury. Annexin A1 (ANXA1) is the calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding protein known to play an important role in a variety of cellular functions, including inflammation, apoptosis, migration and proliferation. However, the effect of ANXA1 on sepsis-induced acute injury has not been reported. Herein, we investigated the role and underlying mechanism of the mimetic peptide Ac2-26 of annexin A1 in sepsis-induce acute kidney injury in vivo and in vitro.MethodsIn vivo, a mouse model was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and the Ac2-26 peptide of ANXA1 (1 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered 2 hours before CLP. In vitro, A model of HK-2 cells was established by treatment with 10 μg/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the Ac2-26 peptide of ANXA1 (0.5 μmol/L) was administered 2 hours before LPS. The kidney function of mice detected by Elisa. The kidney tissue was examined by HE and TEM. The inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic molecules were measured by PCR, Elisa, Western blotting and Immunohistochemistry. The apoptosis was detected by TUNEL and flow cytometry.ResultsThe studies demonstrated that ANXA1 markedly improved kidney function and kidney tissue injury and enhanced 7-day survival in CLP-induced septic mice, which was accompanied by a significant decrease the inflammatory molecules. ANXA1 obviously downregulated the apoptosis-associated proteins and inhibited apoptosis in kidney tissue in vivo. In vitro studies showed that ANXA1 increased the viability of HK-2 cells, reduced the levels of the inflammatory molecules, downregulated the apoptosis-associated proteins Bax, upregulated the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 and inhibited the apoptosis of HK-2 cells.ConclusionsThe mimetic peptide Ac2-26 of annexin A1 protects against sepsis-induced inflammation, apoptosis, and kidney dysfunction via regulating the LXA4/PI3K/IKK-β/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Using Topographic Attributes to Predict the Understorey Structure of a Wet Eucalypt Forest
Authors: Yadav Bechu Kumar Vinwar , Lucieer Arko , Jordan Gregory J. , Baker Susan C.
Published: December 2020

Background: Forest understorey structure is an important component of forest ecosystems that affects forest-dwelling species, nutrient cycling, fire behaviour, biodiversity, and regeneration capacity. Mapping the structure of forest understorey vegetation with field surveys or high-resolution LiDAR data is costly. We tested whether landscape topography and underlying geology could predict the understorey structure of a 19 km2 area of wet eucalypt primary forest located at the Warra Long Term Ecological Research Supersite, Tasmania, Australia. In this study, we used random forest regressions based on twelve topographic attributes derived from digital terrain models (DTMs) at various resolutions and a geology variable to predict the densities of three understorey layers compared to density estimates from a high resolution (28.66 points/m2) LiDAR survey. Results: We predicted the vegetation density of three canopy strata with a high degree of accuracy (validation root mean square error ranged from 8.97% to 13.69%). 30 m resolution DTMs provided greater predictive accuracy than DTMs with higher spatial resolution. Variable importance depended on spatial resolutions and canopy strata layers, but among the predictor variables, geology generally produced the highest predictive importance followed by solar radiation. Topographic position index, aspect, and SAGA wetness index had moderate importance. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that geological and topographic attributes can provide useful predictions of understorey vegetation structure in a primary forest. Given the good performance of 30 m resolution, the predictive power of the models could be tested on a larger geographical area using lower density LiDAR point clouds. This study should help in assessing fuel loads, carbon stores, biomass, and biological diversity, and could be useful for foresters and ecologists contributing to the planning of sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation.
Canopy Gaps Improve Landscape Aesthetic Service by Promoting Autumn Colour-Leaved Tree Species Diversity and Colour-Leaved Patch Properties in Subalpine Forests of Southwestern China
Authors: Li Qiaoyu , Du Yu , Liu Yuan , Chen Juan , Zhang Xiaojing , Liu Jinchun , Tao Jianping
Published: December 2020

BackgroundLandscape aesthetic service is a crucial ecosystem service in subalpine forests of the mountain and ravine regions of the Tibetan Plateau; it can provide important ecological and economic value, improving the livelihood of the local people. Canopy gap is recognized as the key mechanism in the maintenance of species diversity and forest stability and is known to further affect ecosystem service functioning. However, the mechanisms and interactions of forest stability maintained by gap formations and forest aesthetic service functioning via gap dynamics are not fully understood. We used very high-resolution images to quantify gap characteristics and examined the effects of canopy gaps on autumn colour-leaved tree species diversity, colour-leaved patch structure characteristics, and landscape aesthetic service in 21 subalpine autumn colour-leaved forest plots in southwestern China. We then used path analysis to determine the relationships between these factors.ResultsThe number of gaps and total gap area were the key gap characteristics affecting landscape aesthetic service; particularly, medium canopy gaps (51–100 m2) played a more important role. The path model showed that increasing the total gap area along with the number of medium canopy gaps had direct positive effects on autumn colour-leaved tree species diversity, colour-leaved patch diversity, and total colour-leaved patch area, thus improving the landscape aesthetic service.ConclusionCanopy gaps indirectly improve landscape aesthetic service by significantly affecting colour-leaved species diversity, colour-leaved patch diversity, and colour-leaved patch area. Our results suggest that forest managers may be able to manipulate the numbers and proportion of medium canopy gaps to protect and preserve autumn colour-leaved tree species diversity and colour-leaved landscapes, promoting the landscape aesthetic service of subalpine autumn colour-leaved forests and, in turn, ensuring the coordinated development of economic, social, and ecological benefits for the underdeveloped rural montane areas of southwestern China.
Clinical and Sociodemographic Variables as Risk Factors For Suicidal Behavior In Borderline Personality Disorder: A Restrospective Study
Authors: Alberdi-Paramo Iñigo , Montero-Hernández Germán , Sáiz-González María Dolores , Díaz-Marsá Marina , Carrasco-Perera José Luis
Published: December 2020

Background:Suicidal behavior (SB) is nuclear in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It is considered a symptom clinically relevant and with an important prognostic value. The literature describes different variables related to SB in BPD such as impulsivity, aggressiveness or hopelessness. There are not hardly any studies focused on the role of sociodemographic variables and their specific relationship with SB in BPD. The objective of this work is to identify which clinical and sociodemographic parameters could act as markers of suicide risk in BPD.Methods:A cross-sectional, observational, and retrospective study was conducted of a sample of 134 patients diagnosed with BPD. The analysis of the association between variables was carried out with a multivariate negative binomial logistic regression model.Results:SB is related to the number of siblings with statistical significance. Likewise, a greater number of suicide attempts is significantly associated with female gender, parenthood, permanent work, sick leaves and the number of previous hospital admissions. Both the presence of SB and a greater number of suicide attempts are significantly related to history of trauma in childhood and to the score in Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale.Conclusions: These parameters could act as risk factors for SB in BPD. The role of these variables could be the subject of further research projects in order to identify them in clinical practice.
The neuroprotection of hyperbaric oxygen therapy against traumatic brain injury via NF-κB/MAPKs-CXCL1 signaling pathway
Authors: Xia Anqi , Huang Huan , You Wenjun , Liu Ying , Wu Hongqin , Liu Su
Published: December 2020

Background
It is well known that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy achieves neuroprotective effects by suppressing or relieving neuroinflammatory responses. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. Based on our previous studies, we further investigated whether HBO therapy exerts neuroprotective effects in vivo by regulating the NF-κB/ MAPKs-CXCL1 inflammatory pathway.
Methods
A rat model of traumatic brain injury (TBI) was established by controlled cortical impact (CCI). The cellular distribution of CXCL1 and CXCR2 was observed by double immunofluorescence labeling. The neurological function of TBI rats was assessed by modified neurological severity scores and Morris water maze methods. TUNEL staining was performed to observe apoptosis of neuronal cells in the injured cortical area. The changes in neural function, neuronal apoptosis, and expression of CXCL1, CXCR2, NF-κB, and MAPKs (ERK and JNK) were observed in TBI rats treated with CXCR2 antagonist, ERK, JNK, and NF-κB inhibitor or HBO therapy.
Results
The expression of CXCL1 and CXCR2 increased after TBI, and cell localization analysis revealed that CXCL1 was mainly expressed in astrocytes, while CXCR2 was mainly expressed in neurons. Increased apoptosis of cortical neurons in the injury area was also found after TBI. Reduced neuronal apoptosis with improved neurological function was observed after application of a CXCR2 antagonist. The expression of p-ERK, p-JNK and p-NF-κB increased after TBI, and application of ERK, JNK and NF-κB inhibitors decreased expression of CXCL1 and CXCR2 in rats. We further found that HBO therapy down-regulated the expression of p-ERK, p-JNK, p-NF-κB, CXCL1, and CXCR2, and reduced neuronal apoptosis, improved the neurological function of TBI rats, and ultimately alleviated the secondary injury.
Conclusions
CXCL1- CXCR2 mediates the interaction of activated astrocytes and neurons, exacerbating secondary injury after TBI. HBO therapy exerts neuroprotective effects by regulating the NF-κB/ MAPKs (JNK and ERK)- CXCL1 inflammatory pathway to control neuroinflammation after TBI, which provides the theoretical and experimental basis for the clinical application of HBO therapy in the treatment of TBI.
NLRP3 ablation enhances heat tolerance in endotoxemic mice by inhibiting IL-1β-mediated neuroinflammation
Authors: Zhang Zi-Teng , Gu Xiao-Lei , Zhao Xin , Zhang Yiming , Song Yanzhou , Su Yinan , Chen Ji-Kuai , Zhu Jiang-Bo , Li Zhiwei , Li Guobao
Published: December 2020

Background: Patients with pre-existing illness are more vulnerable to heat stroke-induced injury, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Recent studies suggested that NLRP3 inflammasome played an important role in the pathophysiology of heat stroke. Methods: In this study, we exposed primary murine peritoneal macrophages to different temperature and time length combinations with and without lipopolysaccharide (LPS: 20ng/mL). Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and pro-inflammatory cytokine were measured. We also established heat stroke mice model with preexisting endotoxemia (LPS: 1 mg/kg). Mice survival analysis curve and core temperature (TC) elevation curve were produced. In vitro, NLRP3 inflammasome activation was measured in vitro by using Real-time PCR and Western blot. In vivo, mice hypothalamus was dissected and NLRP3 inflammasome activation was also explored. To further demonstrate the participation of NLRP3 inflammasome, Nlrp3 knock out mice were used. In addition, IL-1β neutralizing antibody was injected to test whether its effect on heat stroke induce injury. Results: LPS administration was found to exacerbate macrophage damage and heat stroke-induced injury in mice. LPS administration also intensively activated NLRP3 inflammasome and increased the production of IL-1β and Caspase-1 p10 in heat stroke group both in vitro and in vivo. Nlrp3 knockout protected peritoneal macrophage from LPS/heat treatment and reduced IL-1β release in primary mice macrophages in vitro. The use of Nlrp3 knock out mice further enhanced heat tolerance and alleviated heat stroke-induced death by reducing mice hypothalamus IL-1β production in given heat stroke condition. Furthermore, IL-1β neutralizing antibody injection significantly extended endotoxemic mice survival under heat stroke. Conclusions: Based on the above results, we concluded that the NLRP3 inflammasome mediates the exacerbation of heat stroke-induced injury in preexisting endotoxemia, and antagonizing NLRP3 inflammasome activity might be a potential strategy for the treatment of heat stroke in vulnerable population.
Biorefinery of Rubber Seed Kernels for Comprehensive Utilisation
Authors: Yang Miao , Zhu Wenlei , Cao Hui
Published: December 2020

Rubber seeds are a by-product of rubber production that is rich in oil and protein. Upgrading of rubber seeds to produce proteins, oils and feedstock can generate additional revenue for rubber production and reduce waste. The present study investigates the effects of different pre-treatments and extraction methods to determine the optimal methods to produce oil and protein from rubber seed kernels. Mechanical expulsion using a screw press and solvent extraction using n-hexane were employed for oil separation. The highest oil recovery efficiency of 95% was obtained using rubber seed meal that was pre-dried at 105 ℃. The sequential water-alkaline treatment was ideal for achieving high protein recovery while reducing the protein denaturation that can result from high operating temperatures and organic solvent contact. Over 90% of the total protein from rubber seed kernels could be recovered. Separating oil from kernels using hexane followed by protein extraction from the meals by enzymatic treatment provides a suitable method for comprehensive utilization of rubber seeds.
The TBAg/PHA Ratio in T-SPOT.TB Assay Has High Prospective Value in the Diagnosis of Active Tuberculosis: A Multicenter Study in China.
Authors: yidian liu , Lan Yao , Feng Wang , Ziyong Sun , Yaoju Tan , sha wei
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe positive rate of pathogenic examination about tuberculosis is low. It is still difficult to achieve early diagnosis for some TB patients. The value of Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) in the diagnosis of active tuberculosis remains controversial. The purpose of this multicenter prospective study was to verify and validate the role of TBAg/PHA ratio (TB-specific antigen to phytohaemagglutinin) of T-SPOT.TB assay in diagnosing ATB.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 2390 suspected pulmonary tuberculosis patients with positive T-SPOT assay results from three tertiary hospitals. ResultsA total of 1549 ATB(active tuberculosis) patients (including 1091 confirmed and 458 probable ATB) and 724 non-tuberculosis (non-TB) patients with positive T-SPOT results were included. The results of this study showed that ESAT-6 and CFP-10 in the T-SPOT.TB assay were significantly higher in the ATB group compared with the non-TB group, while PHA was lower in the ATB group. Results of ESAT-6 , CFP-10 and PHA show a certain diagnostic performance, but moderate sensitivity and specificity. The TBAg/PHA ratio, a further calculation of ESAT-6 , CFP-10 and PHA in T-SPOT.TB assay showed improved performance in the diagnosis of active Tuberculosis. If using the threshold value of 0.2004, the specificity and sensitivity of TBAg/PHA ratio in distinguishing ATB from non-TB were 92.3% and74.4%, PPV was 95.4, PLR was 9.6.ConclusionBy recalculating the results of T-SPOT.TB Assay , the TBAg/PHA ratio shows high prospect value in the diagnosis of active tuberculosis in high prediction areas.