bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Herb-Drug interactions between Aidi injection and doxorubicin in rats with diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lu Yuan , Pan Jie , Zhang Shuai , Chunhua Liu , Sun Jia , Li Yueting , Chen Siying , Huang Jing , Cao Chuang , Wang Yonglin , Li Yongjun , Liu Ting
Published: June 2020

Background

Aidi Injection (ADI), a Chinese herbal preparation with anti-cancer activity, is used for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Several clinical studies have shown that co-administration of ADI with doxorubicin (DOX) is associated with reduced toxicity of chemotherapy, enhanced clinical efficacy and improved quality of life for patients. However, limited information is available about the herb-drug interactions between ADI and DOX. The study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic mechanism of herb-drug interactions between ADI and DOX in a rat model of HCC.
Methods

Experimental HCC was induced in rats by oral administration of diethylnitrosamine. The HCC rats were pretreated with ADI (10 mL/kg, intraperitoneal injection) for 14 consecutive days prior to administration of DOX (7 mg/kg, intravenous injection) to investigate pharmacokinetic interactions. Plasma concentrations of DOX and its major metabolite, doxorubicinol (DOXol), were determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS).
Results

Preadministration of ADI significantly altered the pharmacokinetics of DOX in HCC rats, leading to increased plasma concentrations of both DOX and DOXol. The plasma drug concentration-time curves (AUCs) of DOX and DOXol in rats pretreated with ADI were 3.79-fold and 2.92-fold higher, respectively, than those in control rats that did not receive ADI.
Conclusions

Increased levels of DOX were found in the plasma of HCC rats pretreated with ADI, which may lead to enhanced efficacy but also potential toxicity.
Role of tumor cell senescence in non-professional phagocytosis and cell-in-cell structure formation
Authors: Gottwald Dorian , Putz Florian , Hohmann Nora , Büttner-Herold Maike , Hecht Markus , Fietkau Rainer , Distel Luitpold
Published: June 2020

Non-professional phagocytosis is usually triggered by stimuli such as necrotic cell death. In tumor therapy, the tumors often disappear slowly and only long time after the end of therapy. Here, tumor therapy inactivates the cells by inducing senescence. Therefore, study focused whether senescence is a stimulus for non-professional phagocytosis or whether senescent cells themselves phagocytize non-professionally. Senescence was induced in cell lines by camptothecin and a phagocytosis assay was performed. In tissue of a cohort of 192 rectal cancer patients senescence and non-professional phagocytosis was studied by anti-histone H3K9me3 and anti-E-cadherin staining. Senescent fibroblasts and pancreas carcinoma cells phagocytize necrotic cells but are not phagocytized. In the tissue of rectal carcinoma, senescent cells can phagocytize and can be phagocytized. A high number of senescent cells and, at the same time, high numbers of non-professional phagocytizing cells in the rectal carcinoma tissue lead to an extremely unfavorable prognosis regarding overall survival. Senescent cells can be non-professionally phagocytized and at the same time they can non-professionally phagocytize in vivo. In vitro experiments indicate that it is unlikely that senescence is a strong trigger for non-professional phagocytosis. Combined high rates of non-professional phagocytosis and high rates of senescence are an extremely poor prognostic factor for overall survival.
Financial reimbursement - Irrelevant for GPs' readiness to implement brief intervention to reduce alcohol consumption? A cross-sectional vignette study
Authors: Fankhaenel Thomas , Schulz Katrin , Petersen Lars Eric , Klement Andreas , Frese Thomas
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND: General Practitioners' (GPs) readiness to implement screening and brief intervention (SBI) to treat patients with excessive alcohol consumption is low. Several studies identified crucial barriers such as insufficient financial reimbursement. In contrast to the barriers-account, we assume that low implementation readiness of GPs should rather not be attributed to barriers but rather to crucial inherent characteristics of SBI. To test our assumption, we conducted a vignette study assessing the GPs' readiness to implement SBI in comparison to a pharmacological intervention also designed for the treatment of excessive drinkers in relation to standard or above-standard financial reimbursement. According to our hypothesis GPs should be less ready to implement SBI regardless of financial reimbursement.METHODS: A convenience sample of GPs was recruited to answer the questionnaire. To assess the GPs' implementation readiness a 4-item 6-point Likert scale was developed and pretested. RESULTS: One hundred forty GPs completed the questionnaire. GPs were more ready to implement the pharmacological intervention than SBI, F(1,132)=27.58, p>.001 (main effect). We found no effect for financial reimbursement, F(1,132)=3.60, ns, and no interaction effect, F(1,132)=2.20, ns.CONCLUSIONS: Further research should investigate more thoroughly the crucial characteristics of SBI to initiate a modification process finally leading to more effective primary care dependency prevention.
Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Nurses Regarding Professionalism in Main Primary Health Care (PHC) Centers and Hospitals in Erbil City/Iraq
Authors: Aziz Kareem Fattah , Bahadin Yousif , kareem Moslih Saber
Published: June 2020

Background and objectives: The term 'professionalism' refers to the conduct, qualities, and goals that characterize a profession and usually describes behaviors that are expected of the members of the profession. Healthcare suppliers demonstrate expertise by attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors that reflect a multi-faceted approach to the regulations, principles, and standards underlying successful clinical practices . The objective of this study is to identify knowledge, practices and attitudes of nurses regarding professionalism and to identify association between variables and (knowledge, practices, attitudes) of nurses regarding professionalism. Methods: Research design: it is a descriptive cross sectional design. The study conducted in main primary health care centers and hospitals in Erbil city. The study was conducted from 1-6-2018 to 1-10-2018. Non- probability sampling technique was done for data collection, the estimated sample size included (100) nurses out of 400 nurses who work in health care centers and hospitals. Data were collected with interview technique with nurses, using the standardized questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of four main parts. The data was analyzed through the application of SPSS program version 23. (Statistical Package for social Science), Results: The results of this study revealed that majority of nurses have (44%) fair knowledge (50%) fair practices and (87%) fair attitudes regarding professionalism and also there was significant association between their level of education and professionalism about (knowledge, practices and attitudes) which represented (P-Value= 0.001) while there was not significant association between other variables and professionalism as for knowledge, practice and attitude (P-value <0.05). Conclusion: The outcomes of this study revealed that majority of nurses have fair knowledge, practices and attitudes regarding professionalism and also there was significant association between their level of education and professionalism while there was not significant association between other variables and professionalism.
Relationship of attitudes toward uncertainty and preventive health behaviors with breast cancer screening participation
Authors: Satoh Miho , Sato Naoko
Published: June 2020

Background
Early detection of breast cancer is effective for prolonging survival, but the participation rate in breast cancer screening among target Japanese women remains low. This study examined the relationships between tendencies in decision-making under uncertainty conditions, health behaviors, demographics, and breast cancer screening participation in Japanese women.
Methods
Data for women aged 40 years or older obtained in the 2017 Keio Household Panel Survey were analyzed. Participants answered questions about breast cancer screening attendance in the last year, risk aversion, time preference, health behaviors (e.g., smoking habit, alcohol consumption, and medical treatment received in the last year), and demographic variables. Responses were analyzed using chi-squared tests, t-tests, and logistic regression analysis. Variables were entered into the regression model if they were significantly associated with breast cancer screening participation in univariate analysis.
Results
A total of 2,729 of 2,945 households responded to the questionnaire. Data from 708 questionnaires were analyzed. Among the respondents, 28.8% had participated in breast cancer screening in the past year. Factors found to significantly contribute to breast cancer screening participation included higher risk aversity (odds ratio [OR], 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03–5.32; p = 0.043), medical treatment received in the last year (OR, 1.56; 95%CI = 1.06–2.30; p = 0.026), higher self-rated health (OR, 1.47; 95% CI = 1.18–1.83; p = 0.001), living above the poverty line (OR, 2.31; 95% CI = 1.13–4.72; p = 0.022), and having children (OR, 1.57; 95% CI = 1.02–2.42; p = 0.042). Factors not significantly associated with screening participation were smoker (OR, 0.20; 95% CI = 0.10–0.42; p < 0.000), alcohol drinker (OR, 0.56; 95% CI = 0.37–0.86; p = 0.007), self-employed (OR, 0.22; 95% CI = 0.10–0.46; p < 0.000), and unemployed (OR, 0.48; 95% CI = 0.26–0.90; p = 0.022). No significant relationship was observed between time preference and screening participation.
Conclusions
The results indicate that women who recognize the actual risk of developing breast cancer or have high awareness of breast cancer prevention tend to participate in breast cancer screening. Barriers to screening participation are not working for an enterprise that encourages screening and low income.
Anthropometric Changes in Children Under 7 Years old in Nanjing, China from 1995 to 2015
Authors: Chen Ling , Chen Ying , Dong Jing , Li Xi Ling , Yao Tian Hong , Li Yue , Tong Mei Ling , Zhang Min
Published: June 2020

Background: To date, there have been several reports about regional trends in physical growth in children of different races around the world. However, no studies on this trend have been reported in Nanjing, China. We decided to assess regional trends in body weight, length/height and head circumference in children (0-7 years old) in Nanjing over the past two decades from 1995 to 2015 and the relationship between socioeconomic development and the trend for increased physical growth.Methods: The results for body weight, length/height and head circumference in 0- to 7-year-old children were obtained from three repeated cross-sectional surveys that were performed using the same methods in the same urban and suburban areas of Nanjing in 1995, 2005 and 2015. The differences in mean values between urban and suburban boys and girls and the increases per decade were compared. Socioeconomic indicators were collected and analysed.Results: There was positive regional growth in height, weight and head circumference of children in Nanjing from 1995 to 2015. The trend for increased height and weight of urban children in the second decade was obviously slower, especially in urban areas. Before 2.5 years old, negative increases in weight and height in urban children were observed. The growth of head circumference from 2005 to 2015 underwent a visibly negative regional change.Conclusion: The increased growth due to rapid social and economic development gradually disappeared, and genetic potential might have been seen in developed areas.
Comparison of Bilateral Ilioinguinal-Ilioihypogastric Nerve Block Versus Transverses Abdominis Nerve Block for Post-Operative Pain Management for Parturient Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section in Dilla University Referral Hospital, Ethiopia, A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Abiy Sileshi , Ayalew Nugusu , Aweke Zemedu , Eshete Akine , Mergia Getachew , Mulgeta Hailemariam , Neme Derartu , Mola Simeneh
Published: June 2020

Background: Pain is one of the most common compliant and cause of distress in the perioperative period. The postoperative pain after cesarean section is believed to be of mild to moderate intensity lasting for up to 72 hours. Apart from patient preferences, number of factors affect choices of analgesia in a resource limited setting like Ethiopia. Availability of resources, a trained man power and inter-individual variation in pain threshold were among a factor affecting analgesia choices. Thus, this study aims to compare TAP block versus II/IH block for post cesarean delivery analgesia in resource limited areas where ultrasound guided block is not practiced.Method: A randomized controlled trial study were conducted in Dilla University teaching and referral Hospital found in southern Ethiopia. A pregnant women scheduled for elective cesarean section was randomized to either TAP block (n = 36) or II/IH block (n = 36) for postoperative pain management. Sample size were calculated using a G-power version 3.1.9.2 getting a total of 72 participants. Pain severity, total tramadol consumption and time to first analgesia request were asses’ during the first 72 hour postoperatively. Many Whitney U-test and independent t-test were used based on distribution of data. A Kaplan Meier analysis was to asses’ proportion of patients who did not require analgesia for 48hour follow up period.Result: The cumulative median tramadol consumption over 48hour were 100 mg for TAP group and 150 mg for II/IH (p = 0.018). The median tramadol consumption at 24hr. and 36 hr. were also lower in TAP group compared to II-IH (P < 0.05). There is no statistically significant difference between groups regarding time to first analgesia request (p > 0.05). The median pain score at 36hr. and 48hr. were lower in TAP group (3 and 4) compared to II-IH group (4 and 6) respectively (p < 0.05). There is no statistically significant difference between groups regarding the postoperative side effects and complication.Conclusion: Both II-IH and TAP block has comparable analgesic efficacy during the first 24hr. TAP block has a longer analgesic effectiveness compared to II-IH with an effect lasting for 48hr.
Efficacy of a coordinated strategy for containment of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria carriage in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the context of an active surveillance program
Authors: Saporito Laura , Graziano Giorgio , Mescolo Federica , Insinga Vincenzo , Rinaudo Grazia , Aleo Aurora , Bonura Celestino , Vitaliti Marcello , Corsello Giovanni , Vitale Francesco , Maida Carmelo Massimo , Giuffrè Mario
Published: June 2020

Background: Antimicrobial resistance in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patients is a threat, due to the large use of antimicrobial treatment and invasive devices in fragile babies.Since 2014 an active surveillance program of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) carriage is in place in the five NICUs of Palermo, Italy. In 2017 an increase in the prevalence of MDR-GNB and in particular of extended-spectrum β-lactamases-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-KP) was observed in “Civico” hospital NICU. Aim: To estimate the impact of a coordinated intervention strategy in achieving long-lasting reduction of MDR-GNB prevalence in the NICU.Methods: Rectal swabs were obtained monthly and processed to detect MDR-GNB using standard methods. MDR-GNB were characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). From November 2017 the following intervention measures were applied: a) two-months strengthening of sample collection; b) stakeholders’ meetings; c) improvement of prevention measures and antimicrobial policy. Prevalence of MDR-GNB carriage observed in the 12 months before and in the 24 months after intervention were compared by chi-square test. Risk factors for MDR-GNB carriage in a subgroup of patients were identified by a multivariate logistic regression model. Findings: During the strengthened microbiological surveillance MDR-GNB and ESBL-KP were detected in rectal swabs (34.8%; 23.2%), nasal swabs (24.6%; 14.5%), oral swabs (14.5%; 5.4%), milk samples (32.1%; 17.9%), soother swabs (30.8%; 17.9%) and from a sub-intensive room surface. Thirteen ESBL-KP strains isolated from clinical and environmental samples showed identical PFGE patterns. ESBL-KP was detected no more until June 2018. No MDR-GNB isolate was detected for three months. Prevalence of MDR-GNB and ESBL-KP carriage after intervention significantly decreased compared to the previous year (20.6% vs 62.2 %; p<0.001 and 11.1% vs 57.8%; p<0.001). Multivariate analysis of principal exposure variables showed that admission in post-intervention period significantly reduced the risk of MDR-GNB carriage (OR=0.15, p=0.01). Conclusions: MDR-GNB broadly circulate in NICU setting and can colonize different body sites and spread by various vehicles. A coordinated strategy of multiple interventions with active cooperation between epidemiologists and clinicians in the NICU can effectively reduce their circulation and in particular the carriage of most dangerous ESBL-KP strains.
A prognostic model of newly diagnosed glioblastoma based on clinical characteristics
Authors: Fang Shengyu , Fan Xing , Wang Yinyan , Jiang Tao
Published: June 2020

Background

Using isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations to classify survival outcomes of patients with glioblastoma multiforme was recommended based on novel histopathological classification of brain tumors. Considering this novel classification, it is unclear whether the extent of tumor resection (EOR) is still important. The aim of this study was to investigate prognostic value of clinical factors (age, sex, EOR, status of IDH mutations, and adjuvant therapy) in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma.
Methods

In total, 269 patients were retrospectively enrolled and randomly divided into training (n = 179) and validation (n = 90) cohorts. Clinical information and survival outcomes were acquired from inpatient records and follow-ups. After adjusting for risk coefficients, the independent prognostic factors were selected in a multivariable analysis to generate a model to evaluate survival outcomes. Additionally, a receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess accuracy for predicting survival outcomes at 12, 15, 18, and 24 months.
Results

Total resection of the contrast-enhanced region, age ≤ 60 years, received chemotherapy, and IDH mutations were favorable independent factors for overall survival. Area under the curve (AUC) for prediction of survival in the training cohort was 0.815, 0.851, 0.849, and 0.836 at 12, 15, 18, and 24 months, respectively. In the validation cohort, the AUC for prediction of survival was 0.780, 0.807, 0.836, and 0.849 at 12, 15, 18, and 24 months, respectively.
Conclusion

Total resection of the contrast-enhanced region is still crucial and recommended for patients with glioblastoma. Our prognostic model was able to predict survival outcomes, especially for long-term survival prediction.
A New Method to Determine the Humerus Height and Humeral Head Retroversion for Hemiarthroplasty
Authors: Wei Wanfu , Li Jian`an , Bu Guoyun , Yang Tao
Published: June 2020

Background Placement of shoulder prosthesis used for reconstruction of a complex proximal humerus fractures is critical because it is related to clinical outcomes after hemiarthroplasty. To achieve the anatomical placement of the prosthesis, we introduced a simple operative method to determine the humerus height and humeral head retroversion, and retrospectively investigated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of our procedure.Method 34 patients, treated by shoulder arthroplasty for 4-part or 3–part proximal humeral fracture during the period between June 2016 and December 2018, were enrolled in the study. Eventually 29 patients, 18 women and 11 men with an average age of 68.4 years (range 58–85 years), were followed up successfully. Of which 13 patients treated with classic method were matched to 19 of the 29 new method treated patients by operation time, blood loss, pain, range of motion, Constant-Murley score and radiographic features.Results There was a significant difference between the two treatment groups in operation time (p = 0.024), while there was no significant difference in blood loss (p = 0.078). No significant difference was found between the two treatment groups in Visual Analog scale (p = 0.225), Constant-Murley score (p = 0.930), and radiological outcomes (p = 0.504). There was linear regression and correlation between Constant-Murley score and age (p = 0.027), while there was no linear relationship between status of tuberosity and the function of the shoulder joint (p = 0.931).Conclusion We introduce a new operative technique to determine the humerus height and humeral head retroversion for shoulder arthroplasty operation. Based on the data, there is linear regression and correlation between Constant-Murley score and age, while there is no linear relationship between status of tuberosity and the function of the shoulder joint. Our present analyses reveal that our protocol is personalized, easy, effective and feasible.
Relationship between oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) index, body composition and blood biochemical markers in overweight /obese compared to normal weight subjects: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Madani Zahra , javardi Maryam sadat Mousavi , Djazayeri Seyyed abolghassem , Movahedi Ariyo , Karandish Majid
Published: June 2020

Backgroumd: Obesity is an important preventable disease, which promotes the development of chronic disorders by altering several factors including oxidative stress. Dietary antioxidants protect the body against oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential association of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) index with obesity and its associated features in adults.Methods: participants were divided in two groups of normal weight and overweight /obesity. General characteristics were registered and a 147-item food frequency questionnaire was completed. Thereafter, anthropometric measurements were conducted. Biochemical indices were obtained from science and Research branch of Islamic Azad University of Tehran, Iran. The amount of the dietary ORAC index was estimated using the data provided by the USDA Foods Table.Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the normal and overweight/obese groups in terms of body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (P=0.0001). Participants with normal weight consumed more fruits and vegetables than another group. Also, the dietary ORAC index in normal individuals was higher than the case group, but there was not significant difference (P=0.352). There was also a significant inverse correlation between dietary ORAC and BMI and WHR, whereas a significant positive correlation between dietary ORAC and plasma HDL was observed (P<0.05).Conclusion: Our findings suggest that dietary antioxidants is inversely associated with BMI, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, total Cholesterol and LDL in both groups. It seems that following a diet rich in antioxidants can counteract obesity and its associated comorbidities.
The Correlation and Appropriateness Between Affect Valence of Consumer and Design Feature: Preliminary Evidence from an Event-Related Potentials Investigation
Authors: Wang Ching-yi , Yang Chao-Yang , Pao Chang-Li
Published: June 2020

Background: Consumer requests in selecting products in recent years have been transformed from the functional practicability to affect request. The affect factors have a great influence on the decision-making process of consumers when purchasing products. This study takes the watch as the research example, discusses the effects and correlation of its design feature to the emotions; the results are supplemented by the objective reflection of measuring brain waves. Results: Brain wave readings of 16 interviewees with designing backgrounds are recorded, as well as the reflection brain zone and amplitude of the LPC component with the Event-related Potentials (ERPs). The research verified that the shape, percentage, patterns and colors will affect the emotional reactions of consumers’ brains. Conclusions: The research results can promote an ERP measurement tool to detect relevant consumer topics or design research. In addition, the combination and matching of different design elements can also serve as the designing parameters for the innovation of a digit model, as well as raise the systematic emotion design in accordance with the design factors that effectively affect consumers’ emotions.
Mechanism of Multi-loop Edgewise Archwire technique in correcting anterior open bites of Class II malocclusion patients with temporomandibular disorders - cephalometric assessment
Authors: Liu Huanye , Suh Heeyeon , Jung Young-Eun , Xu Kaiyuan , Zhang Dan , Oh Heesoo
Published: June 2020

Background: An anterior open bite is considered challenging to treat because of its multifactorial etiology. Condylar resorption, which is one of the temporomandibular disorders (TMD) symptoms, has been identified as an etiologic factor of anterior open bites. It is essential to find an effective and efficient method to correct open bites while reducing the risk of exacerbating TMD during orthodontic treatment.Objectives: To evaluate the effect of the multi-loop edgewise archwire (MEAW) technique in correcting anterior open bite in patients with TMD. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 20 patients with anterior open bites and TMD were included. 19 cephalometric measurements and 2 open bite indices were evaluated. A paired t-test was used to assess changes between pre- and post-treatments. Results: There were statistically significant changes after the treatment using the MEAW technique. The cephalometric measurements, including vertical positions of the incisors and molars, changed significantly. The maxillary and mandibular regional superimpositions for a subgroup of non-extraction patients showed slight intrusion of the upper molars (-0.6±1.0mm, p=0.04) and slight extrusion of the lower molars (1.0±1.1mm, p<0.01). Open bite correction was achieved predominantly through retraction and extrusion of the upper and lower incisors. Conclusions: The anterior open bite was successfully corrected by using the MEAW technique. However, the primary mechanism was the extrusion of the anterior teeth with a maintained vertical dimension. In the absence of apparent symptoms of joint discomfort, it is effective and relatively safe to use the MEAW technique to treat open bite patients with TMD.
Operative invasiveness does not affect the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Motono Nozomu , Iwai Shun , Iijima Yoshihito , Usuda katsuo , Uramoto Hidetaka
Published: June 2020

Background: The relationship between operative invasiveness and the prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who have undergone surgery has been controversial.Methods: Clinical data were analyzed for 463 NSCLC patients. Operative invasiveness was defined by wound length, operation time, and the postoperative C-reactive protein (postCRP) level. The operative approach was divided into video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and thoracotomy.Results: The wound length and operation time were significantly correlated with the postCRP level (correlation coefficient (CC) = 0.39, p<0.01; CC = 0.54, p<0.01, respectively). The postCRP level in the VATS group was significantly lower than that in the thoracotomy group (12.2 mg/dl vs 20.58 mg/dl, p<0.01). The relapse-free survival differed significantly based on wound length (p<0.01), operation time (p=0.01), CRP level (p<0.01), and operative approach (p<0.01). The carcinoembryonic antigen level (hazard ratio [HR], 1.58; p = 0.02), pathological stage (pStage) (HR, 2.57; p < 0.01), vascular invasion (HR, 1.95; p = 0.01), and preoperative CRP level (preCRP) (HR, 1.91; p < 0.01) were identified as significant prognostic factors for relapse-free survival in a multivariate analysis. Furthermore, the multivariate analysis showed that smoking history (HR, 2.36; p = 0.03), pStage (HR, 3.26; p < 0.01), and preCRP level were significant prognostic factors for overall survival.Conclusion: Although the VATS approach might be less invasive procedure for NSCLC patients, operative invasiveness does not affect the prognosis. Trial registration: The Institutional Review Boards of Kanazawa Medical University approved the protocol (approval number: I392), and written informed consent was obtained from all of the patients.
Are there common mechanisms of aneuploidy-related abortion and defects in fetus?
Authors: Xie Liangqun , Lu Chan , Huang Fang , Li Xun , Huang Jingrui , Dai Lei , Xie Mingkun , Li Jingzhi , Zhang Weishe
Published: June 2020

Background: Monosomies and trisomies, as the most common aneuploid abnormalities, are the leading causes of miscarriages and fetal defects in humans. Although there is evidence suggested that aneuploid may have some common aspects, their common mechanism still remains unclear. This studies objective was to explore the common mechanism of monosomies and trisomies, with a purpose to identify some critical biomarkers and pathway so as to early diagnosis and effective therapy.Methods: We obtained the mRNA expression profile of GSE114559 including 101 samples data from GEO database. These data include normal, every monosomic, and trisomic transcriptome. We conducted Limma analysis by using the adj. p<0.05 and |FC|>1 criteria to identify all monosomy-related, trisomy-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and also to found their overlapping DEGs through Venn diagram. We then performed Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analyses, protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis to find the functional, pathways and hub genes in these DEGs. We carried out weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) to further detect the candidate genes and pathways related to all DEGs and their overlappling DEGs. Finally, we further used qPCR to certify pathological change of specific genes. Results: We identified all monosomy-related, trisomy-related DEGs, and their overlapping DEGs which were enriched by spliceosome, thyroid hormone, infection-related genes and signalling pathways. We also found that epigenetic related pathways were significantly enriched in the DEGs of monosomies by GO, KEGG. We explode the hub gene and module in the DEGs of monosomies and the overlapping DEGs by PPI. Then, we found that spliceosome, thyroid hormone, infection-related genes and signalling pathways were enriched in all DEGs group and the overlapping DEGs group by weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). Finally, we certified some hub gene in the trisomy 21, 47, XYY samples from clinical patients by qPCR which were consistent with results of PPI analysis.Conclusion: Our study indicates the potential common mechanism underlining spliceosome, thyroid hormone and infection-related signalling pathways for both monosomies and trisomies, and the mechanism underling epigenetic for monosomies.
Impact of lockdown on Covid-19 Case Fatality Rate and Viral Mutations Spread.
Authors: Pachetti Maria , Marini Bruna , Giudici Fabiola , Benedetti Francesca , Angeletti Silvia , Ciccozzi Massimo , Masciovecchio Claudio , Ipprodrino Rudy , Zella Davide
Published: June 2020

BackgroundSevere acute respiratory syndrome CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in China and has become a public health emergency of international concern. SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has been declared a pandemic by WHO on March 11th, 2020 and the same month several countries put in place different lockdown restrictions and testing strategies in order to contain the spread of the virus. MethodsThe calculation of the Case Fatality Rate of SARS-CoV-2 in the countries selected was made by using the data available at https://github.com/owid/covi-19-data/tree/master/public/data. Case fatality rate was calculated as the ratio between the death cases due to COVID-19, over the total number of SARS-CoV-2 reported cases 14 days before. Standard Case Fatality Rate values were normalized by the country-specific ρ factor, i.e. the number of PCR tests/1 million inhabitants over the number of reported cases/1 million inhabitants. Case-fatality rates between countries were compared using proportion test. Post-hoc analysis in the case of more than two groups was performed using pairwise comparison of proportions and p-value was adjusted using Holm method.We also analyzed 487 genomic sequences from the GISAID database derived from patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 from January 2020 to April 2020 in Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Sweden, UK and USA. SARS-CoV-2 reference genome was obtained from the GenBank database (NC_045512.2). Genomes alignment was performed using Muscle and Jalview software. We, then, calculated the Case Fatality Rate of SARS-CoV-2 in the countries selected ResultsIn this study we analyse how different lockdown strategies and PCR testing capability adopted by Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, UK and USA have influenced the Case Fatality Rate and the viral mutations spread. We calculated case fatality rates by dividing the death number of a specific day by the number of patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection observed 14 days before and normalized by a ρ factor which takes into account the diagnostic PCR testing capability of each country and the number of positive cases detected. We notice the stabilization of a clear pattern of mutations at sites nt241, nt3037, nt14408 and nt23403. A novel nonsynonymous SARS-CoV-2 mutation in the spike protein (nt24368) has been found in genomes sequenced in Sweden, which enacted a soft lockdown strategy.ConclusionsStrict lockdown strategies together with a wide diagnostic PCR testing of the population were correlated with a relevant decline of the case fatality rate in different countries. The emergence of specific patterns of mutations concomitant with the decline in case fatality rate needs further confirmation and their biological significance remains unclear.
The Safety of Ultrasound Guided Tenotomy for Upper and Lower Extremity Tendinopathies: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Fick Benjamin , Stover Daniel , Chimenti Ruth , Hall Mederic
Published: June 2020

Background:

Ultrasound guided tenotomy (USGT) is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with chronic tendinopathy who fail to benefit from conservative exercise interventions. The complication rate and effectiveness of USGT remain poorly defined in the literature.
Purpose:

This study aimed to evaluate the risks associated with USGT and outcomes across upper extremity and lower extremity tendinopathy/fasciopathy sites.
Methods

Patients who had USGT at the elbow, patellar, or Achilles tendons or along the plantar fascia were identified by retrospective review of charts. Screening for complications (infection, tendon rupture, and hypersensitivity) and satisfaction with the procedure were assessed at routine short-term follow-up visits and at long-term follow-up via phone/email. Outcomes (pain, quality of life) were assessed using the region specific pain scales and the Short Form-12, respectively, at baseline prior to the procedure, short-term follow up, and long term follow up.
Results:

A total of 262 patients were identified through chart review. There was a low complication rate of 0.7% including one superficial wound infection and one case of wound hypersensitivity. Prior to USGT, the majority of patients reported moderate/daily pain that decreased by short-term and long-term follow-up to mild/occasional pain (p < 0.05). Additionally, most patients reported abnormally low physical function prior to USGT that was within normal range of physical function by long-term follow-up (p < 0.05). The majority of responders (63% at the plantar fascia to 92% at the Achilles midportion) reported being either ‘very satisfied’ or ‘somewhat satisfied’ with the procedure at short-term follow-up.
Conclusions:

This study found that USGT is a safe procedure with a low complication rate in a heterogeneous sample. Study findings provide preliminary evidence on the utility of USGT to reduce pain and improve function with a high rate of patient satisfaction.
Calcium export from neurons and multi-kinase signaling cascades contribute to ouabain neuroprotection in hyperhomocysteinemia
Authors: Ivanova Maria A. , Kokorina Arina D. , Timofeeva Polina D. , Karelina Tatiana V. , Abushik Polina A. , Stepanenko Julia D. , Sibarov Dmitry A. , Antonov Sergei M
Published: June 2020

Background: Subnanomolar ouabain binding to the Na,K-ATPase triggers intracellular signaling, prevents an overload of neurons with Ca2+, and their apoptosis caused by glutamate receptor agonists. Elevated plasma homocysteine (HCY), known as hyperhomocysteinemia, represents a risk factor for stroke and can exacerbate many neuronal disorders. HCY acts as a persistent N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) agonist, which, in contrast to glutamate, desensitizes NMDARs containing GluN2B subunits. Mechanisms of HCY neurotoxicity remain not clearly understood since GluN2B-containing NMDARs provide a major contribution to excitotoxicity among glutamate receptors.Methods: Using fluorescent tools combined with the confocal microscopy, we compared 0.1 - 1 nM ouabain effects on the intracellular Ca2+ signaling, on the mitochondrial inner membrane voltage and the cell viability in primary cultures of rat cortical neurons in glutamate and HCY neurotoxic insults. We also studied an apoptosis-related protein expression and the involvement of some kinases in ouabain mediated effects.Results: In short insults HCY was less potent than glutamate as a neurotoxic agent. This amino acid induced the voltage loss (∆φmit) of 0.2 of the total mitochondrial inner membrane voltage (φmit) instead of ∆φmit = 0.7 for glutamate. We have found that subnanomolar ouabain exhibited rapid and postponed neuroprotective effects on neurons and (1) rapidly reduced the Ca2+ overload of neurons and the voltage loss of inner mitochondrial membranes evoked by glutamate and HCY, and (2) prevented neuronal apoptosis during 24 h treatments with glutamate or HCY. Using a set of specific kinase inhibitors such as PKA inhibitor, chelerythrine, and KN93, we demonstrated the role of multi-kinase signaling pathways involving PKC and PKA in neuronal survival caused by ouabain in hyperhomocysteinemia. Conclusions: Subnanomolar ouabain prevents neurodegeneration caused by glutamate and HCY. For both amino acids, ouabain evokes an acceleration of Ca2+ export by sodium-calcium exchangers from neurons preventing the voltage loss by mitochondrial inner membranes that rescue neurons in short insults. In prolonged insults, ouabain triggers intracellular neuroprotective cascades, including activation of PKA and PKC for HCY, but not for glutamate. This suggests that different appropriate pharmacology for hyperhomocysteinemia and glutamate excitotoxicity could be applied for clinical treatments.
High-Content Screening of Thai Medicinal Plants Reveals Boesenbergia rotunda Extract and its Component Panduratin A as Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Agents
Authors: Kanjanasirirat Phongthon , Suksatu Ampa , Manopwisedjaroen Suwimon , Munyoo Bamroong , Tuchinda Patoomratana , Jearawuttanakul Kedchin , Seemakhan Sawinee , Charoensutthivarakul Sitthivut , Wongtrakoongate Patompon , Rangkasenee Noppawan , Pitiporn Supaporn , Waranuch Neti , Chabang Napason , Khemawoot Phisit , Chutipongtanate Somchai , Hongeng Suradej , Borwornpinyo Suparerk , Thitithanyanont Arunee
Published: June 2020

Since December 2019, the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused severe pneumonia, a disease named COVID-19, that became pandemic and created an acute threat to public health. The effective therapeutics are in urgent need. Here, we developed a high-content screening for the antiviral candidates using fluorescence-based SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein detection in Vero E6 cells coupled with plaque reduction assay. Among 122 Thai natural products, we found that Boesenbergia rotunda extract and its phytochemical compound, panduratin A, exhibited the potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Treatment with B. rotunda extract and panduratin A after viral infection drastically suppressed SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in Vero E6 cells with IC50 of 3.62 μg/mL (CC50 = 28.06 µg/mL) and 0.81 μΜ (CC50=14.71 µM), respectively. Also, the treatment of panduratin A at the pre-entry phase inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection with IC50 of 5.30 µM (CC50=43.47 µM). Our study demonstrated, for the first time, that panduratin A exerts the inhibitory effect against SARS-CoV-2 infection at both pre-entry and post-infection phases. Since B. rotunda is a culinary herb generally grown in China and Southeast Asia, its extract and the purified panduratin A may serve as the promising candidates for therapeutic purposes with economic advantage during COVID-19 situation.
Spike protein up-regulates inflammatory axis of both thromboinflammation and leukotriene in severe COVID-19
Authors: Tang Xiaopeng , Fang Mingqian , Zhang Juan , Liao Zhiyi , Cheng Ruomei , Xu Kuanhong , Zhao Hongwen , Wang Jing , Tan Zhaoxia , Wang Gan , Kamau Peter M , Zhang Zhiye , Mwangi James , Lu Qiumin , Deng Guohong , Lai Ren
Published: June 2020

Hypercytokinemia is a critically fatal factor in COVID-19. However, underlying pathogenic mechanisms are unknown. Here we show that fibrinogen and leukotriene-A4 hydrolase (LTA4H), two of the most potent inflammatory contributors, are elevated by 67.7 and astonishing 227.7% in the plasma of patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 and admitted to intensive care unit in comparison with healthy control, respectively. Conversely, transferrin identified as a fibrinogen immobilizer in our recent work and Spink6 are down-regulated by 40.3 and 25.9%, respectively. Furthermore, we identify Spink6 as the first endogenous inhibitor of LTA4H, a pro-inflammatory enzyme catalyzing final and rating limited step in biosynthesis of leukotriene-B4 that is an extremely inflammatory mediator and a target to design superior anti-inflammatory drugs. Additionally, virus Spike protein is found to evoke LTA4H and fibrinogen expression in vivo. Collectively, these findings identify the imbalance between inflammatory drivers and antagonists, which likely contributes to hypercytokinemia in COVID-19. Spink6 may have superior anti-inflammatory function because it specifically targets epoxide hydrolase of LTA4H to inhibit leukotriene-B4 biosynthesis without effecting LTA4H’s aminopeptidase activity.
INVESTIGATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE ROSEMARY EXTRACT ON THE OXIDIZING STABILITY OF FATS OF SEMI-SMOKED SAUSAGES WITH PEKING DUCK MEAT
Authors: Bozhko Nataliia , Pasichnyi Vasyl , Marynin Andriy , Tischenko Vasyl , Strashynskyi Igor , Kyselov Oleksandr
Published: June 2020

The work is devoted to studying the fatty-acid composition and biological efficiency of a developed meat-containing semi-smoked sausage, based on duck meat with the balanced fatty-acid composition, investigating the effectiveness of using a rosemary extract in a technology of sausages with a high content of unsaturated fatty acids. It is confirmed, that the fatty-acid composition of meat-containing semi-smoked sausage of Peking duck is characterized by the optimal ratio of PUFA and SFA that is 0.33, at standard 0.2–0.4. The ratio between FA families w-3/ w-6 in the developed products is from 1:11 at recommended physiological norms of the ideal composition of lipids in a meat product as 1:10.

Introduction of the rosemary extract in amount 0.02–0.06 % of the forcemeat mass decelerates hydrolytic oxidation of forcemeat lipids, favors deceleration of peroxide oxidation of lipids in a meat-containing semi-smoked sausage, decreasing the amount of peroxides in practically five times. The positive influence of the introduced antioxidant on accumulation of secondary oxidation products is noticed. Their summary amount was the least at the end of the storage term of ready products with the rosemary extract as 0.38–0.80 mg of МА/kg of the product that is 2.54–3.94 times lower than in a control sample. The most stabilizing effect on the process of lipids oxidation is obtained at introducing the rosemary extract in amount 0.06 % that allows to decrease the speed of oxidation processes in the product almost twice
INFLUENCE OF ACTIVATED CARBON ON PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL INDICATORS OF CHEDDAR CHEESE
Authors: Samilyk Marina , Helikh Anna , Bolgova Natalia , Yaremenko Iryna
Published: June 2020

The aim of this research is to substantiate the possibility of using crushed activated carbon (hereinafter referred to as activated carbon) as a food additive in the production of Cheddar cheese in order to expand the range of this type of cheese on the market.

The studied samples of Cheddar cheese, produced in accordance with the technological instructions approved in the prescribed manner, in compliance with the state sanitary regulations for dairy enterprises in accordance with GSP 4.4.4.011.

According to the research results, all physicochemical, microbiological and toxicological indicators comply with the requirements of DSTU 6003:2008.

It is proved that the introduction of activated carbon helps to reduce the amount of moisture without increasing the level of acidity in the finished product. Thus, ensuring the compliance of physico-chemical and microbiological indicators with the requirements of the standard.

In the process of laboratory studies, the presence of carbohydrates in the control and experimental samples is revealed, which indicates the incomplete ripening of cheese in the process of cheddarization. It is established that the introduction of activated carbon during the ripening of cheese helps to reduce the amount of carbohydrates by 2.8%.

The introduction of activated carbon helps to reduce the moisture content by 0.4%, in comparison with the sample without its use. The influence of activated carbon on the indicators of active and triturated acidity, which affect the safety indicators of cheddar cheese during storage for 30 days, is analyzed. As a result of the study, lower pH values of a sample of cheddar cheese with activated carbon are obtained, which helps to suppress the growth of conditionally pathogenic microflora of cheese and stabilizes microbiological parameters during storage of Cheddar cheese with activated carbon.

It is proved that cheddar cheese with activated carbon maintains high quality indicators throughout the entire storage period
Микроразмерные источники энергии для имплантируемых и носимых медицинских устройств
Authors: Плеханова Ю. В. , Тарасов С. Е. , Сомов А. С. , Большин Д. С. , Вишневская М. В. , Готовцев П. М. , Решетилов А. Н.
Published: June 2020

Важным направлением в области медицинской техники является создание имплантируемых устройств, поддерживающих функционирование организма. Многие из таких устройств требуют энергоснабжения, причем желательно, чтобы такие источники работали весь период имплантации, даже если речь идет о пожизненной установке импланта. Представлен обзор литературных данных по источникам энергии для питания имплантируемых и носимых медицинских устройств. Приведена сравнительная оценка характеристик биотопливных элементов как наиболее проработанного варианта имплантируемого источника энергии с другими возобновляемыми источниками электрической энергии на основе термо-, пьезо-, электростатических, магнито- и фотопреобразователей. Особое внимание уделено применению имплантируемых устройств, которые могут служить источником энергии для маломощных потребителей – микропомп, кардиостимуляторов, нейроимплантов и т.д.