bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LncRNA MCM3AP-AS1 sponges miR-148a to cell invasion and migration in small cell lung cancer
Authors: Luo Hua , Zhang Yu Kun , Qin Guang Mei , Jiang Bing , Miao Li li
Published: August 2020

Background: MCM3AP-AS1 is a recently characterized lncRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and (GBM). We found that miR-148a may be able to bind MCM3AP-AS1. We explored the functions of lncRNA MCM3AP-AS1 in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Methods: Gene expression in SCLC patients was analyzed by qPCR. Transient transfections were performed to analyze gene interactions. Cell invasion and migration were analyzed by Transwell assays.Results: We found that MCM3AP-AS1 was upregulated in SCLC and high expression levels were accompanied by low survival rate. Bioinfromatics analysis showed that MCM3AP-AS1 may bind miR-148a, which can target ROCK1. In SCLC tissues, MCM3AP-AS1 was positively correlated with ROCK1. In SCLC cells, MCM3AP-AS1 overexpression mediated the upregulated ROCK1 expression and increased cell invasion and migration rates. However, MCM3AP-AS1 and miR-148a could not regulate each other. However, miR-148a overexpressed led to downregulated ROCK1 expression, decreased cell invasion and migration rates, and reduced effects of MCM3AP-AS1 overexpression. Conclusions: Therefore, MCM3AP-AS1 may sponge miR-148a to cell invasion and migration in SCLC through the upregulation of ROCK1.
The gaps in health-adjusted life years (HALE) by income and region in Korea: a national representative bigdata analysis
Authors: Kim Young-Eun , Ock Minsu , Park Hyesook , Kim Ki-beom , Go Dun-Sol , Jung Yoon-Sun , Yoon Seok-Jun
Published: August 2020

Background

This study aims to calculate the health-adjusted life years (HALE) by using years lived with disability from the national claims data and aims to identify the differences and inequalities in income level and region.

Methods

The study was carried out on total population receiving health insurance and medical benefits. We calculated incidence-based years lived with disability (YLD) for 260 disease groups, and this was used as the number of healthy years lost to calculate HALE. We adopted the insurance premium to calculate the income as a proxy indicator. For the region classification, we chose 250 administrative districts to cover the whole country.

Results

The primary outcome was HALE in the Korean population. The second outcome was the HALE’s gap in terms of income and region. HALE increased from 2008 to 2016. Results by gender suggest that HALE in males increases faster than in females. Results by income level show that HALE is higher in higher income level. In 2016, the gap in HALE between Q1 and Q2, the lower income group, was about 5.10 years. The gap in females by income level was smaller than that in males, which can be because males have greater inequality in terms of HALE by income level. Moreover, the gap in HALE by region was found to increase.

Conclusions

Results suggest that there is an inequality in years of living with disability in terms of income level in Korea. Therefore, we need intensive management for the low-income group to promote HALE at the national level.
Iranian senior dental students as future role models of good health behaviour – a ten year study
Authors: Khami Mohamad Reza , Mohebbi Simin Zahra , Dorostkar Zahra , Keshavarz Hooman , Bonabi Maedeh , Murtomaa Heikki , Virtanen Jorma I
Published: August 2020

Background: Dentists according to professional knowledge of the prevention, have a key role in providing a positive model for oral health-promoting behaviours. We aimed to investigate health behaviour of Iranian senior dental students in terms of oral self-care and tobacco use during a ten-year period to assess their preparedness to act as role models for health-promoting behaviours.Method: The study was performed in six dental schools selected through stratified cluster random sampling to have a representative sample of established (old) and new dental schools in Iran. Data were collected in four occasions in 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2015. Senior dental students (n=1185) were invited to voluntarily complete a self-administered anonymous questionnaire about their oral self-care and tobacco use. Recommended tooth-brushing habit (RTH) was defined as at least twice a day brushing with fluoridated toothpaste. Three separate questions about cigarette, pipe, and water-pipe use were applied to indicate the students’ tobacco use. Results: In 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2015, 22.5% (n=60), 26% (n=52), 28.5% (n=81), and 24.6% (n=51) of the students reported smoking, respectively. Women reported a better status in both tooth brushing twice daily and frequent use of fluoridate toothpaste than men did (p<0.001). Among male students, 42.2% (n=159) and among female students 14.9% (n=83) of the students reported current smoking. The trend of reported smoking had the least variation among female students. This was true also for male students regarding RTH.Conclusion: The status and trend of oral self-care and tobacco use among Iranian dental students calls for more emphasis on adopting health-promoting behaviours during dental education.
Similarities between Inferior-Center and Center-Center Lag Screw Positions in Femoral Intertrochanteric Fracture Surgeries
Authors: Yeh Yu-Cheng , Liu Chang-Heng , Chou Ying-Chao , Hsu Yung-Heng , Yu Yi-Hsun
Published: August 2020

Background: The center-center lag screw position has been widely accepted as the optimal lag screw/helical blade position in femoral intertrochanteric fracture surgery to achieve a tip-apex distance (TAD) less than 25 mm. Despite the inferior-center lag screw/helical blade position having some biomechanical advantages, and the emergence of calcar-referenced tip-apex distance (CalTAD), the clinical differences between the two commonly placed lag screw/helical blade positions remain unclear. This study aimed to (1) report radiological outcomes in managing geriatric femoral intertrochanteric fractures, (2) identify the influences of positions of lag screw/helical blade, and (3) identify the relationship between implants and the values of TAD and CalTAD.Methods: We retrospectively assessed the clinical and radiographic findings of geriatric patients (age ≥ 55 years) who underwent surgery for acute closed femoral intertrochanteric fractures during 1-year period and were followed up a minimum of 6 months. The radiographic parameters and incidences of fixation failure were compared between the different lag screw and helical blade positions (center-center vs. inferior-center). Subgroup analyses of different implant types (extramedullary and intramedullary) were also performed for comparisons for different lag screw positions, and TAD and CalTAD beyond the normal standard value of 25 mm.Results: A total of 206 patients were included during the study period, with a 7.8% fixation failure. There were no differences in incidences of fixation failure between the commonly inserted lag screw/helical blade positions (center-center vs. inferior-center), regardless of the implant types. Those with a TAD > 25 mm had significantly higher incidence of fixation failure than those with a TAD ≤ 25 mm in the extramedullary plate (17.0% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.001), but not in the intramedullary nails (16.1% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.08). There were no significant differences in incidences of fixation failure between CalTAD ≤ 25 mm and CalTAD > 25 mm in either extramedullary or intramedullary implants. Conclusion: Although TAD > 25 mm might increase the fixation failure rate in extramedullary plates, an inferior-center lag screw/helical blade position could achieve comparable radiographic results as a center-center position after osteosynthesis for geriatric femoral intertrochanteric fractures.
Linkage of sustainability to environmental impact assessment using ecosystem services concept; lessons from Thailand
Authors: Swangjang Kanokporn
Published: August 2020

Ecosystem Services (ES) could support Environmental Assessments (EAs) purpose towards sustainable approaches. This study systematically analyzed the ES contents of Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) to ascertain whether they addressed appropriate data that could be used as a tool for sustainable project implementation. Three levels of EISs including Environmental Health Impact Assessments (EHIA), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), and Initial Environmental Examinations (IEE) were analyzed. The results indicated that the quality of EISs which reflect the ES depended primarily on the project type. Relationships among ecological, social and economic components, based on land use consideration were crucial to consider the supply of resources and the demands made by the project. However, indirect effects, especially residual and cumulative impacts and alternative evaluations were lacking. Mitigation and monitoring specifications were satisfied, but could not guarantee the efficiency of project control due to lacking of mitigation hierarchy. The weakness of ecological impact analysis directly concerned biodiversity compensation, which links to net loss and net gain in ecosystem.The possibility of ES integration in EAs was reflected by the limitations and opportunities detailed in the content which was finally developed.
A Novel Approach to Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy Without the Use of a Uterine Manipulator; Kamran’s TLH.
Authors: Gendia Ahmed , Waseem Kamran M. , Donlon Noel E
Published: August 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Improving case detection of tuberculosis in hospitalised Kenyan children– employing the Behaviour Change Wheel to aid intervention design and implementation
Authors: Oliwa Jacquie Narotso , Nzinga Jacinta , Masini Enos , Hensbroek Michaël Boele van , Jones Caroline , English Mike , Hoog Anja van't
Published: August 2020

Background The true burden of tuberculosis in children remains unknown, but approximately 65% go undetected each year. Guidelines for tuberculosis clinical decision-making are in place in Kenya and the National Tuberculosis programme conducts several trainings on them yearly. By 2018, there were 183 Xpert® machines in Kenyan public hospitals. Despite these efforts, diagnostic tests are underused and there is observed under detection of tuberculosis in children. We describe the process of designing a contextually appropriate, theory-informed intervention to improve case detection of TB in children and implementation guided by the Behaviour Change Wheel.Methods We used an iterative process, going back and forth from quantitative and qualitative empiric data to reviewing literature, and applying the Behaviour Change Wheel guide. The key questions reflected on included: i) what is the problem we are trying to solve; ii) what behaviours are we trying to change and in what way; iii) what will it take to bring about desired change; iv) what types of interventions are likely to bring about desired change; v) what should be the specific intervention content and how should this be implemented?Results The following behaviour change intervention functions were identified: i) training: imparting practical skills; ii) modelling: providing an example for people to aspire/imitate; iii) persuasion: using communication to induce positive or negative feelings or stimulate action; iv) environmental restructuring: changing the physical or social context; and v) education: increasing knowledge or understanding. The process resulted in a multi-faceted intervention package composed of redesigning of child tuberculosis training; careful selection of champions; use of audit and feedback linked to group problem solving; and work flow restructuring with role specification.Conclusion The intervention components were selected for their effectiveness (from literature), affordability, acceptability and practicability and designed so that TB programme officers and hospital managers can be supported to implement them with relative ease, alongside their daily duties. This work contributes to the field of implementation science by utilising clear definitions and descriptions of underlying mechanisms of interventions that will guide others to do likewise in their settings for similar problems.
Identification and validation of autophagy-related lncRNA prognostic signature for breast cancer
Authors: Li Xiaoying , Jin Feng , Li Yang
Published: August 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Accelerated repurposing and drug development of pulmonary hypertension therapies for COVID-19 treatment using an AI-integrated biosimulation platform
Authors: Chakravarty Kaushik , Antontsev Victor , Jagarapu Aditya , Bundey Yogesh , Hou Hypatia , Maharao Neha , Varshney Jyotika
Published: August 2020

A World Health Organization-declared pandemic, COVID-19, has affected more than 4 million people worldwide with over 100,000 deaths and growing in the United States. Due to the fast-spreading and multi-targeted nature of the virus, it is clear that drugs and/or vaccines need to be developed at an accelerated rate, and a combinatorial approach may stand to be more successful than a single drug therapy. Among several targets and pathways that are under investigation, the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and specifically Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), and Ca2+ -mediated SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry and replication are noteworthy. A combination of ACE inhibitors (e.g. benazepril) and calcium channel blockers (CCB, e.g. amlodipine), a critical line of therapy for pulmonary hypertension, has shown therapeutic relevance in COVID-19 when investigated independently. To that end, we conducted in silico modeling using BIOiSIM, an AI-integrated mechanistic modeling platform by utilizing known preclinical in vitro and in vivo datasets to accurately simulate systemic therapy disposition and site-of-action penetration of the CCB and ACEI compounds to tissues implicated in COVID-19 pathogenesis.
Impact of Anemia on the Outcomes of Endoscopic Intervention in High-Risk NUGIB Patients
Authors: Tan Jixue , Lan Tian , Bai Shuai , liu ling
Published: August 2020

Background: It is common for high-risk, non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NUGIB) patients coexisting anemia, but the role of anemia on the prognosis of endoscopic intervention is not clear. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of hemoglobin level on outcomes of endoscopic intervention in high-risk NUGIB patients. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on high-risk (Glasgow-Blatchford score ≥7) NUGIB patients who underwent endoscopic intervention within 24h of presentation. Patients were divided into three groups based on hemoglobin level before intervention: severe (<7g/dl), moderate (7g/dl ≤hemoglobin <9g/dl) and mild (≥9g/dl) group. Outcomes included mortality, length of ICU stay, re-bleeding rate, procedural adverse events, length of hospital stay, adverse events and transfusion requirement. Results: A total of 156 patients received endoscopic intervention were identified, 88 in the severe group, 45 in the moderate group, and 23 in the mild group. The total mortality rate in 45 days was 2%, and the re-bleeding rate was 21%. There was no significant difference in mortality, re-bleeding rate or length of ICU stay among the three groups. The average days of hospitalization in the severe group was significantly longer than that of the moderate group (13 vs 8, P < 0.05). No adverse events occurred. Low hemoglobin level was a predictor for more red-cell transfusion (OR=5.94, 2.69-13.11) and plasma transfusion (OR=2.34,1.21-4.51). Conclusions: Anemia does not affect the mortality and rebleeding of endoscopic intervention in high-risk NUGIB patients, but is associated with more transfusion and longer hospitalization.
Using Chiral Magnetic Surface Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Chiral Separation of Ofloxacin
Authors: CHEN ZHAO , Lu Wenzong , Yang Mengxiang
Published: August 2020

BackgroundOfloxacin is an important drug with anti-bacterial effects, and (–)-ofloxacin has been shown to have better anti-bacterial activity than racemic ofloxacin. But chiral resolution of compounds is a major challenge worldwide. Many methods do not show high specificity to target molecules, causing errors in the separation of these pharmaceutical molecules, thus affecting the purity of drugs.MethodThe paper mainly research on a method for quick resolution of ofloxacin using chiral magnetic surface molecular imprinting polymers (chiral MMIP). Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles coated with silica is acted as the substrate. Chiral reagent is N-octyl-D-glucosamine as monomer, with ofloxacin as the template molecules to prepare magnetic surface molecularly imprinted polymer. The chiral polymer can be combined with (+)-ofloxacin, eventually (-)-ofloxacin was isolated. ResultsFinally by using extermal magnetic field and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the character of magnetic surface molecularly imprinted polymer is tested, and The product was tested by ultraviolet spectrum and optical rotation tests and was confirmed to be (-)-ofloxacin. ConclusionA simple, rapid, and cost-effective method for separating chiral compounds was established.
Characterizing SARS-CoV-2 mutations in the United States
Authors: Wang Rui , Chen Jiahui , Gao Kaifu , Hozumi Yuta , Yin Changchuan , Wei Guowei
Published: August 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been mutating since it was first sequenced in early January 2020. The genetic variants have developed into a few distinct clusters with different properties. Since the United States (US) has the highest number of viral infected patients globally, it is essential to understand the US SARS-CoV-2. Using genotyping, sequence-alignment, time-evolution, k-means clustering, protein-folding stability, algebraic topology, and network theory, we reveal that the US SARS-CoV-2 has four substrains and five top US SARS-CoV-2 mutations were first detected in China (2 cases), Singapore (2 cases), and the United Kingdom (1 case). The next three top US SARS-CoV-2 mutations were first detected in the US. These eight top mutations belong to two disconnected groups. The first group consisting of 5 concurrent mutations is prevailing, while the other group with three concurrent mutations gradually fades out. We identify that one of the top mutations, 27964C>T-(S24L) on ORF8, has an unusually strong gender dependence. Based on the analysis of all mutations on the spike protein, we further uncover that three of four US SASR-CoV-2 substrains become more infectious. Our study calls for effective viral control and containing strategies in the US.
High thermoelectric performance of environmentally friendly sodium-doped Cu2ZnSnS4 single crystal: Evidence of valleytronics based strategy
Authors: Nagaoka Akira , Yoshino Kenji , Masuda Taizo , Sparks Taylor , Scarpulla Michael , Nishioka Kensuke
Published: August 2020

Thermoelectrics (TEs) are an important class of technologies for harvesting electric power directly from heat sources. To design high performace TE materials, valleytronics has great theoretical potential to maximize a dimensionless figure of merit ZT but has not yet been demonstrated experimentally. Pseudocubic structure approach based on valleytronics paves a new path to manipulate valley degeneracy and anisotoropy with low thermal conductivity caused by short-range lattice distortion. Here, we report a record high ZT = 1.6 around 800 K, realized in totally enviromentally benign Na-doped Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) single crystal. The exceptional performance comes from a high power factor while maintaining intrinsically low thermal conductivity. The results demonstrate that valleytronics is a new strategy and direction in the TE field, which takes advantage of simple material nature tuning without complex techniques.
A Poorer Nutritional Status Impacts Quality of Life in a Sample Population of Elderly Cancer Patients
Authors: Rios Tatiane Correia , de Oliveira Lucivalda Pereira Magalhães , Costa Maria Lúcia Varjão da , Boulhosa Ramona Souza da Silva Baqueiro , Roriz Anna Karla Carneiro , Ramos Lilian Barbosa , Bueno Allain A
Published: August 2020

Rationale: Quality of Life (QoL) is impaired in cancer, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition. A diagnosis of cancer in elderly patients further exacerbate risks of negative health outcomes. Here we investigated associations between QoL and nutritional status in a sample population of mostly socially deprived elderly cancer patients.Method: 432 patients with diagnosed cancer were recruited for this cross-sectional study at point of admission to a tertiary referral charitable hospital for cancer treatment. Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) assessed nutritional status. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- General (FACT-G) quantified QoL. PG-SGA outcomes were compared against FACT-G scores employing Mann-Whitney test. Relationship between PG-SGA and QoL scores was assessed by Spearman correlation. Bivariate Linear Regression Model was employed to investigate the influence of sociodemographic, clinical and nutritional status upon QoL.Results: 37.5% of participants were malnourished or at risk. 39% were illiterate and 54.6% had a family income lower than minimum wage. Malnourished patients showed lower FACT-G scores (78.0 vs. 86.0; p=0.000). Poor nutritional diagnosis was inversely correlated with all QoL domains. Bivariate regression analysis showed that worsened PG-SGA scores (βo = -1.00; p = 0.000) contributed to FACT-G score deterioration; the male gender showed less pronounced effects in QoL, whereas literacy and family income did not show relationship.Conclusion: We found that poorer nutritional status was significantly associated with worsened physical, social, emotional and functional well-being domains of QoL in elderly cancer patients. Future policies aimed at this particularly vulnerable population may improve QoL and health outcomes.
One-Year Outcomes of Fixed-Dosing Aflibercept Therapy for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy: A Case Series
Authors: Choo Hun Gu , Lee Jin Hae , Oh Hyun Sub , You Yong Sung , Kim Soon Hyun , Kwon Oh Woong
Published: August 2020

Background: Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a type of age-related macular degeneration that can cause permanent vision loss. The purpose of this paper was to report the one-year outcomes of fixed-dosing aflibercept therapy for the treatment of PCV.Methods: This was a prospective, single-arm, interventional case series study of 25 PCV patients; 12 pre-treated and 13 treatment-naïve patients. The patients were treated and monitored for 12 months. Each patient was administered with an aflibercept (2.0 mg) injection every month for the first three months (the loading phase), and thereafter, once every two months. At every follow-up visit, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) test, fundus examination, and optical coherence tomography for measuring the central subfield macular thickness (CSMT) were performed. Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography were conducted at baseline and at 4 and 12 months.Results: After 12 months of aflibercept therapy, the mean BCVA of the patients significantly improved from 65.48 letters at baseline to 69.91 letters (p=0.001), and the CSMT significantly decreased from 406.92 um at baseline to 276.12 um (p<0.001). Additionally, ten patients (40%) showed complete polyp regression. The treatment-naïve patients showed a statistically significant improvement in BCVA from 66.58 letters at baseline to 76.36 letters at 12 months, and a significant decrease in CSMT, from 462 to 243 um. In the pre-treated group, there was no change in BCVA (64.46 letters), and the decrease in CSMT from 356.08 to 303.69 um was not statistically significant.Conclusions: The fixed-dosing aflibercept regimen is effective for treating patients with PCV and is more effective in treatment-naïve patients than in pre-treated patients.
Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery: Experimental Visualization and Quantification of Vitreous Contamination
Authors: Machida Yumiko , Nakashizuka Hiroyuki , Shoji Jun , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: August 2020

Purpose: To visualize and quantify vitreous contamination following microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) using an experimental vitreous contamination model (EVCM). Methods: Enucleated porcine eyes with fluoresbrite carboxylate microspheres applied to the conjunctival surface were used as a type 1 EVCM. Twenty-five- or 27-gauge (G) trocar cannulas were inserted through the conjunctiva and sclera, followed by the placing and opening of an infusion cannula. These procedures were monitored by an intraocular fiber catheter. Secondly, condensed microspheres were applied to an excised sheet of porcine sclera to serve as type 2 EVCM. Twenty-five- or 27-G trocar cannulas were inserted perpendicularly through the top of the sclera where the condensed microspheres were applied, an infusion cannula was inserted, 0.1 mL of saline solution injected through the infusion cannula, and samples collected. The fluorescence strength of samples was then measured using fluorophotometry. Results: We visually detected fluorescent microspheres in 10/10 eyes with 25-G and 10/10 with 27-G MIVS. In the experimental quantification study, each MIVS gauge value was significantly higher than the control (P<0.01). However, there was no significant difference between 25-G and 27-G MIVS. Conclusions: MIVS carries the risk of introducing contamination directly into the eyes when the trocar cannula is inserted and infusion cannula is opened, even when a 27-G MIVS is used. Our study has shown it is essential that the surgeon be aware of the possibility of introducing contamination from the conjunctiva at all times during MIVS.
A hybrid procedure for the closure of a large muscular ventricular septal defect in a 6-month-old infant
Authors: Popevski Dijana , Milev Ivan , Despotovska Simona , Rosalia Rodney Alexander , Bibevski Steven , Mitrev Zan
Published: August 2020

Background: Transthoracic device closure (TTDC), also known as a Hybrid procedure, has been proposed as an alternative, less invasive approach compared to open-heart surgery for the treatment of ventricular septal defect (VSD). Case Presentation: We present our first national case of TTDC in a 6-month-old female baby with a muscular 8mm ventricular septal defect, 3 mm atrial defect, enlarged right and left ventricle and a dilated pulmonary artery complicated by severe pulmonary hypertension.Treatment consisted of two pulmonary artery banding attempts at the age of 2 months to control pulmonary hypertension – the interventions were combined with diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzymes inhibitors. Yet, the initial approach was suboptimal as we noticed a failure to thrive continuous sweating and tachypnea. Because of the worsening condition at the age of 6 months, and a weight of 6.6 kg, we performed TTDC. After median sternotomy, a 10mm muscular VSD occluder was implanted under trans-oesophagal echocardiography guidance on the beating heart. The procedure lasted 90 min and was performed without incident; the hemodynamics were stable with only a minor residual VSD. The child was extubated after 2 hours and discharged after five days from the hospital.Conclusions: Transthoracic device closure (TTDC) is a promising treatment modality for large muscular VSD in small infants with low weight. TTDC is feasible in cases with heavy myocardial right ventricle trabeculae and who previously underwent open-heart surgery.
Association of Circulating Leptin and Adiponectin with Risk and Prognosis of Hepatocellular carcinoma: A Combination of Traditional, Survival and Dose-response Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Lilong , Yuan Qihang , Li Man , Chai Dongqi , Wang Wei-Xing
Published: August 2020

Background: The association between leptin, adiponectin levels and the risk and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma has been investigated by a growing number of studies, but the results were controversial. Methods: We performed the meta-analysis to assess the relationships between leptin, adiponectin levels and the risk and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (CRD42020195882). Through June 14, 2020, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase databases, Clinicaltrials, and Opengrey was searhed, including references of qualifying articles. Titles, abstracts, and articles were reviewed by at least 2 independent readers. Stata 16.0 was used to calculate statistical data. Results: Thirty studies were included in this meta-analysis and results showed that hepatocellular carcinoma group has significantly higher leptin levels than the cancer-free control group (SMD = 1.83, 95% CI (1.09, 2.58), P = 0.000) , the healthy control group (SMD = 4.32, 95% CI (2.41, 6.24), P = 0.000) and the cirrhosis group (SMD = 1.85, 95% CI (0.70, 3.01), P = 0.002). Hepatocellular carcinoma group has significantly higher adiponectin levels than the the healthy control group (SMD = 1.57, 95% CI (0.37, 2.76), P = 0.010), but no statistical difference compared with the cancer-free control group (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI (-0.35, 0.82), P = 0.430) and the cirrhosis group (SMD = -0.51, 95% CI (-1.30, 0.29), P= 0.213). The leptin rs7799039 polymorphism was associated with an increased the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (G vs A: OR = 1.28, 95% CI (1.10, 1.48), P = 0.002). There were linear relationships between adiponectin levels and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (OR = 1.066, 95% CI (1.03, 1.11), P = 0.001). In addition, the results showed that high/positive expression of adiponectin was significantly related to lower overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients (HR = 1.70, 95% CI (1.22, 2.37), P = 0.002); however, there was no significantly association between the leptin levels and overall survival (HR = 0.92, 95% CI (0.53, 1.59), P = 0.766). Conclusion: The study shows that high leptin levels were associated with a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Adiponectin levels were proportional to hepatocellular carcinoma risk, and were related to the poor prognosis.
Choroidal Vessel Density in Unilateral Hyperopic Amblyopia Using en-Face Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Araki Syunsuke , Miki Atsushi , Goto Katsutoshi , Yamashita Tsutomu , Yoneda Tsuyoshi , Fujiwara Atsushi , Haruishi Kazuko , Ieki Yoshiaki , Kiryu Junichi , Maehara Goro , Yaoeda Kiyoshi
Published: August 2020

BackgroundStructural changes of the choroid, such as choroidal thickening, have been indicated in amblyopic eyes with hyperopic anisometropia as compared to fellow or healthy eyes. The purpose of the present study was to investigate choroidal vascular density (CVD) in children with unilateral hyperopic amblyopia.MethodsThis study included 88 eyes of 44 patients with unilateral amblyopia due to hyperopic anisometropia with or without strabismus and 29 eyes of 29 age-matched normal controls. The CVD of Haller's layer was quantified from en-face images constructed by 3-dimensional swept-source optical coherence tomography images flattened relative to Bruch's membrane. The analysis area was a 3×3-mm square of macula after magnification correction. Relationships between CVD and other parameters [best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refractive error, axial length and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT)] were investigated, and CVDs were compared between amblyopic, fellow, and normal control eyes.ResultsMean CVD was 59.1±0.7% in amblyopic eyes, 59.2±0.8% in fellow eyes, and 59.3±0.7% in normal control eyes. CVD showed a significant positive relationship with SFCT (p=0.005), but no relationships with other parameters. No significant differences in CVD were evident among amblyopic, fellow, and normal control eyes after adjusting for SFCT (p=0.502).ConclusionsCVD was unrelated to BCVA, and CVD did not differ significantly among amblyopic, fellow and normal control eyes. These results suggest that the local CVD of Haller's layer is unaffected in unilateral hyperopic amblyopic eyes.
Measurement and determinants of catastrophic health expenditures among the elderly in China using longitudinal data from the CHARLS
Authors: Liu Shiai , Coyte Peter Christopher , Fu Mingqi , Zhang Qilin
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) among Chinese elderly is an issue worthy of attention. However, the incidence, intensity and determinants of CHE have not been fully investigated by previous studies. This study explores the incidence, intensity and determinants of CHE among elderly Chinese citizens, i.e. those aged 60 years or older.Methods: Data were obtained from three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS): 2011, 2013 and 2015. Cutoff points used in this study for catastrophic health expenditures were 10% of the total expenditures and 40% of non-food expenditures. Under the guidance of the Andersen model of health services utilization, this study used the logistic regression analysis to explore the determinants of catastrophic health expenditures.Results: The incidence of catastrophic health expenditures rose over the study period, 2011-2015, from 20.86% (95% CI: 19.35% to 22.37%) to 31.00% (95% CI: 29.28% to 32.72%) with 40% non-food expenditure. The intensity of CHE had also increased. The Overshoot(O) rose from from 3.12% (95% CI: 2.71% to 3.53%) to 8.75% (95% CI: 8.14% to 9.36%) with 40% non-food expenditure, while the mean positive overshoot (MPO) rose from 14.96% (95% CI: 12.99% to 16.92%) to 28.23% (95% CI: 26.26% to 30.19%), which means that the problem of catastrophic health expenditures was even more serious in 2015 than in 2011. Logistic regression revealed that households were more likely to face CHE if they: had a spouse as a household member, reported an inpatient event in the last year, reported an outpatient visit in the last month, are disabled; are members of a poor expenditure quartile, are located in the middle and western zones and reside in an Urban area. In contrast, catastrophic health expenditures were not significantly affected by age above 75 years, household size, having a chronic health condition or insurance type.Conclusion: Key policy recommendations include efforts to gradually improve medical assistance and to expand the use of health insurance to reduce household liability exposure for health expenditures.
Broad Spectrum Epidemiological Contribution of Cannabis, Tobacco and Alcohol to the Teratological Profile of Northern New South Wales: Geospatial and Causal Inference Analysis
Authors: Reece Albert Stuart , Hulse Gary Kenneth
Published: August 2020

Background. Whilst cannabis commercialization is occurring rapidly guided by highly individualistic public narratives, evidence that all congenital anomalies (CA) increase alongside cannabis use in Canada, a link with 21 CA’s in Hawaii, and rising CA’s in Colorado indicate that transgenerational effects can be significant and impact public health. It was therefore important to study Northern New South Wales (NNSW) where cannabis use is high.Methods. Design: Cohort. 2008–2015. Setting: NNSW and Queensland (QLD), Australia. Participants. Whole populations. Exposures. Tobacco, alcohol, cannabis. Source: National Drug Strategy Household Surveys 2010, 2013. Main Outcomes. CA Rates. NNSW-QLD comparisons. Geospatial and causal regression.Results. Cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal anomalies rose with falling tobacco and alcohol but rising cannabis use rates across Queensland. Maternal age NNSW-QLD was not different (2008–2015: 4,265/22,084 v. 96,473/490,514 > 35 years, Chi.Sq.=1.687, P = 0.194). A higher rate of NNSW cannabis-related than cannabis-unrelated defects occurred (prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.13, 95%C.I. 1.80–2.52, P = 3.24 × 10− 19). CA’s rose more potently with rising cannabis than with rising tobacco or alcohol use. Exomphalos and gastroschisis had the highest NNSW:QLD PR (6.29(2.94–13.48) and 5.85(3.54–9.67)) and attributable fraction in the exposed (84.11%(65.95–92.58%) and 82.91%(71.75–89.66%), P = 2.83 × 10− 8 and P = 5.62 × 10− 15). In multivariable geospatial models cannabis was significantly linked with cardiovascular (atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot, patent ductus arteriosus), genetic (chromosomal defects, Downs syndrome), gastrointestinal (small intestinal atresia), body wall (gastroschisis, diaphragmatic hernia) and other (hypospadias) (AVTPCDSGDH) CA’s. In linear modelling cannabis use was significantly linked with anal stenosis, congenital hydrocephalus and Turner syndrome (ACT) and was significantly linked in borderline significant models (model P < 0.1) with microtia, microphthalmia, and transposition of the great vessels. At robust and mixed effects inverse probability weighted multivariable regression cannabis was related to 18 defects. E-Values in spatial models were generally > 1.3 ranging up to 3.8 × 1030 making uncontrolled confounding unlikely.Conclusions. These results suggest that population level CA’s react more strongly to small rises in cannabis use than tobacco or alcohol; cardiovascular, chromosomal, body wall and gastrointestinal CA’s rise significantly with small increases in cannabis use; that cannabis is a bivariate correlate of AVTPCDSGDH and ACT anomalies, is robust to adjustment for other substances; and is causal.
CircSOD2 Induced Epigenetic Alteration Drives Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression Through Activating JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhao Zhongwei , Song Jingjing , Zhang Dengke , Wu Fazong , Tu Jianfei , Xu Min , Ji Jiansong
Published: August 2020

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that circular RNAs play critical roles in disease development especially in cancers. Previous genome-wide RNA-seq found a circular RNA derived from SOD2 gene was highly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, the role of circSOD2 in HCC remains largely unknown. Methods: The expression profiling of circSOD2 and microRNA in HCC patients were assessed by Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). SiRNA or CRISPR-CAS9 were used to silence gene expression. The biological function of circSOD2 in HCC was investigated using in vitro and in vivo studies including, trans-well cell migration, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, CCK8, siRNA interference, western blots, and xenograft mouse model. The underlying molecular mechanism was determined by Chromatin Immunoprecipitation quantitative real time PCR (ChIP-qPCR), bioinformatic analysis, biotin-pull down, RNA immunoprecipitation, 5-mc DNA pulldown and luciferase assays. Results: In accordance with previous sequencing results, here, we demonstrated that circSOD2 was highly expressed in HCC tumor tissues compared with normal liver tissues. Mechanically, we showed that histone writer EP300 and WDR5 bind to circSOD2 promoter and promote its promoter H3K27ac and H3K4me3 modification, respectively, which further activates circSOD2 expression. SiRNA mediated circSOD2 suppression impaired liver cancer cell growth, cell migration, prohibited cell cycle progression and in vivo tumor growth. By acting as a sponge, circSOD2 inhibits miR-502-5p expression and rescues miR-502-5p target gene DNMT3a expression. As a DNA methyltransferase, upregulated DNMA3a suppresses SOCS3 expression by increasing SOCS3 promoter DNA methylation. This event further accelerates SOCS3 downstream JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway activation. In addition, we also found that activated STAT3 regulates circSOD2 expression in a feedback way. Conclusion: The novel signaling axis circSOD2/miR-502-5p/DNMT3a/JAK2/STAT3/circSOD2 provides a better understanding of HCC tumorigenesis. The molecular mechanism underlying this signaling axis offers new prevention and treatment of HCC.
CD4+ T Cell Depletion Does Not Affect the Level of Viremia in Chronically SHIVSF162P3N-Infected Chinese Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: Liu Hang , Liu Jin-Biao , Meng Feng-Zhen , Xu Xi-Qiu , Wang Yong , Xian Qiao-Yang , Zhou Run-Hong , Xiao Qian-Hao , Huang Zhi-Xiang , Zhou Li , Li Jie-Liang , Li Xiang-Dong , Wang Xu , Ho Wen-Zhe , Zhuang Ke
Published: August 2020

Background: Peripheral blood CD4+ T cell counts are a clinical marker for assessing disease progression in HIV-infected patients as well as in SIV-/SHIV–infected macaques. However, it is clinically debatable about whether this marker is a sole indicator for assessing HIV disease progression and need for ART in HIV-infected individuals. Studies with SIV-or SHIV-infected Indian rhesus macaques and sooty mangabeys have generated the conflicting data regarding the association of CD4+ T cell depletion with viral loads and disease progression. Results: In the present study, we used cynomolgus monkeys, a suitable non-human primate model for chronic HIV infection studies, to determine the effects of the antibody-mediated acute CD4+ cell depletion on viral load as well as on the immunological factors associated with disease progression. We found that as compared with the control animals, CD4+ T cell-depleted animals with chronic SHIV infection showed (i) little alteration in plasma viral load over the period of 22 weeks after the depletion; (ii) increased CD4+ T cell proliferation and turnover of macrophages at the early phase of the depletion, but subsequent decline to the basal levels; and (iii) little impact on the expression of the inflammatory cytokines and CC chemokines associated with disease progression. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the antibody-mediated acute CD4+ T cell depletion had minimal impact on plasma viral load and disease progression in chronically SHIVSF162P3N-infected cynomolgus monkeys. Future investigations are necessary to identify novel and more reliable clinical markers correlated with viremia and disease progression in HIV-infected individuals.
Discovery of a dual Ras and ARF6 inhibitor from a GPCR endocytosis screen
Authors: Giubilaro Jenna , Schuetz Doris , Namkung Yoon , Khoury Etienne , Marquez Monica , Campbell Shirley , Beautrait Alexandre , Armando Sylvain , Radresa Olivier , Duchaine Jean , Lamarche-Vane Nathalie , Claing Audrey , Bouvier Michel , Marinier Anne , Laporte Stéphane
Published: August 2020

Internalization and intracellular trafficking of hormone receptors, like receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), play pivotal roles in cell responsiveness homeostasis. Dysregulation in receptor trafficking can lead to aberrant signaling and cell behavior, prevalent in cancer. Here, using an endosomal BRET-based assay in a high-throughput screen with the prototypical GPCR angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R), we sought to identify inhibitors of receptor trafficking from a library of ~115,000 small molecules. We identified a novel dual Ras and ARF6 inhibitor that blocks agonist-mediated internalization of AT1R and other GPCRs, which we named Rasarfin. Rasarfin also potently inhibited agonist-induced ERK1/2 signaling by GPCRs, and MAPK and Akt signaling by EGFR, as well as prevented cancer cell proliferation. In silico modeling and in vitro studies revealed a unique binding modality of Rasarfin within the SOS-binding domain of Ras. Our findings unveil a new class of dual small G protein inhibitors for receptor trafficking and signaling, useful for the inhibition of oncogenic cellular responses.
Analysis of Social Aspects Associated with Osteoarthritis in the Brazilian Population: A Cross-sectional Study Based on the National Health Survey in Brazil (PNS 2013).
Authors: Souza Clécio Gabriel , Souza Marcelo Cardoso , Silva Hugo Jario , Assis Sanderson , Dantas Diego Sousa
Published: August 2020

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is considered the third most prevalent chronic non-communicable disease in the Brazilian population, being responsible for a high rate of physical disability and reduced quality of life. Little has been discussed about the social factors associated with this health condition. This study aimed to analyze the social factors associated with OA in the Brazilian population. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study based on data from the 2013 National Health Survey in Brazil with OA as its main outcome. Gender, age, body weight, usual activities, physical activity, self-perceived health and diagnosis of depression were analyzed as independent variables. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Poisson multiple regression was performed, and the prevalence ratio (PR) and confidence interval (CI) of 95% were calculated using a significance level of 5% (p≤0.05). Results: A total of 60,202 individuals of both genders took part in this study and the OA prevalence was 6.4%. The individual factors associated with a higher prevalence of OA were female gender (PR = 2.09; CI = 1.95-2.25), age over 35 years (PR = 2.88; CI = 2.57-3.24) and excess body weight (PR = 1.61; CI = 1.25-2.07). The presence of OA showed an association with lower performance of usual activities (PR = 1.61; CI = 1.50-1.73) and self-perceived health as very poor (PR = 3.96; CI = 3.31-4.72). In addition, it was associated with a higher prevalence of mental illnesses such as depression (PR = 1.77; CI = 1.64-1.90). Conclusion: Social and modifiable factors which are associated with a higher prevalence of osteoarthritis can be controlled through incentive measures such as social participation and physical activity.
Associations of perceived daily walking duration with residential food outlets in small Chinese cities: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sun Ziwen , Scott Iain , Bell Simon , Zhang Xiaomeng , Wang Lan
Published: August 2020

Background: The impact of food outlets (particularly those trading in fast food) on weight gain has been evidenced by numerous studies, but the potential health benefits of these amenities have received less attention. This study aims to examine the associations between residential food environments and perceived daily walking duration (DailyWalk) in small Chinese cities. Methods: The study draws upon two interviewer-administered questionnaire surveys (n=354) conducted in Yuncheng and Suihua between 2017-2018. Logistic regression models were used to examine the associations of DailyWalk (i.e. >60 minutes and ≤60 minutes per day) with seven different typologies of food outlet (i.e. market, fruit/vegetable street vending, snack/breakfast street vending, grocery store, supermarket, restaurant and café/tea house) at three levels of walking distance (i.e. 1–5 minutes, 6–10 minutes and over 10 minutes). The associations were further explored through two different age groups (i.e. 18–35 and 36–59) and by food environment diversity.Results: With the exception of café/tea house, the other six food amenities were positively associated with DailyWalk. After adjusting for socio-economic variables, the associations of grocery store and supermarket weakened. Higher levels of food environment diversity were associated with a longer DailyWalk. Among the two age groups studied, food outlets were more associated with older adults’ DailyWalk.Conclusions: Our study provides the first quantitative investigation of the walking benefits of food outlets including informal street vendors in small Chinese cities. These findings can help urban designers and policy makers to increase physical activity and create a healthy living environment.