bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination of biomarker with clinical risk factors for prediction of severe acute kidney injury in critically ill patients
Authors: JIA LAN , Sheng Xiaohua , Zamperetti Anna , Xie Yun , Corradi Valentina , Chandel Shikha , De Cal Massimo , Montin Diego Pomarè , Caprara Carlotta , Ronco Claudio
Published: October 2020

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) occur commonly in the intensive care unit (ICU). Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), known as [TIMP-2] x [IGFBP7] (NephroCheck), have been identified as novel biomarkers for the prediction of AKI risk. However, disease biomarkers require appropriate clinical context to be used effectively. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to find risk factors and assess the performance of the combination of NephroCheck with risk factors would provide feasible information for AKI prediction.Methods: All patients who admitted in the ICU (June 2016 to July 2017) participated in the study. The primary outcome was severe AKI within the first 7 days of the ICU. The predictors were separated into 3 categories: chronic risk factors, acute risk factors and biochemical indicators. Results: The study included 577 patients. 96 patients developed to severe AKI (16.6%) within 7 days. In addition to NephroCheck (+) (OR=2.139, 95% CI (1.260-3.630), P =0.005), age >65 years (OR=1.961, 95% CI (1.153-3.336), P=0.013), CKD (OR=2.573, 95% CI (1.319-5.018), P=0.006) and PCT (+)(OR=3.223, 95% CI (1.643-6.321), P=0.001) were also the independent predictor of severe AKI within 7 days. Compared to NephroCheck (+) only (AUC=0.66, 95% CI:0.60-0.72), the combination of NephroCheck (+) and risk factors (age>65years, CKD and PCT positive) (AUC=0.75, 95% CI:0.70-0.81) led to a significant increase in the area under ROC curve for severe AKI prediction within 7 days.Conclusions: Although NephroCheck is an effective screening tool for recognizing patients at high risk, we found that combination with biomarker and risk factors (age>65years, CKD, procalcitonin positive) for risk assessment of AKI has the greatest significance for patients with uncertain disease trajectories.
The use of intravenous immunoglobulin gamma for the treatment of severe coronavirus disease 2019: A randomised placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial
Authors: Gharebaghi Naser , Nejadrahim Rahim , Mousavi Seyed Jalil , Sadat-Ebrahimi Seyyed-Reza , Hajizadeh Reza
Published: October 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected people in many countries worldwide. Discovering an effective treatment for this disease, particularly in severe cases, has become the subject of intense scientific investigation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in patients with severe COVID-19 infection.Methods: This study was conducted as a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial. Fifty-nine patients with severe COVID-19 infection who did not respond to initial treatments were randomly assigned into two groups. One group received IVIg (human)—four vials daily for three days (in addition to initial treatment), while the other group received a placebo. Patients’ demographic, clinical, and select laboratory test results, as well as the occurrence of in-hospital mortality, were recorded.Results: Among total study subjects, 30 patients received IVIg and 29 patients received a placebo. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and laboratory tests were not statistically different (P > 0.05) between the two groups. The in-hospital mortality rate was significantly lower in the IVIg group compared to the control group (6 [20.0%] vs. 14 [48.3%], respectively; P = 0.022). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that administration of IVIg did indeed have a significant impact on mortality rate (aOR = 0.003 [95% CI: 0.001–0.815]; P = 0.042).Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that the administration of IVIg in patients with severe COVID-19 infection who did not respond to initial treatment could improve their clinical outcome and significantly reduce mortality rate. Further multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are nonetheless required to confirm the appropriateness of this medication as a standard treatment.Trial registration: A study protocol was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.IRCT.ir), number IRCT20200501047259N1. It was registered retrospectively on May 17th, 2020.
Long noncoding RNA ARHGAP5-AS1 inhibits migration of breast cancer cell via stabilizes SMAD7 protein
Authors: Wang Chen-Long , Li Jing-Chi , Zhou Ci-Xiang , Ma Cheng-Ning , Wang Di-Fei , Wo Lu-Lu , He Ming , Chen Guo-Qiang , He Jian-Rong , Zhao Qian
Published: October 2020

Background: Tumor metastasis is the main cause of death from breast cancer patients and cell migration plays a critical role in metastasis. Recent studies have shown long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an essential role in the initiation and progression of cancer. In the present study, the role of a LncRNA, ARHGAP5-AS1 in breast cancer was investigated.Methods: Bioinformation was analyzed for the expression of ARHGAP5-AS1. qRT-PCR was conducted to verify the expression of ARHGAP5-AS1 in breast cancer specimens. Transwell migration assays and F-actin staining were utilized to estimate cell migration ability. RNA pulldown assays and RNA immunoprecipitation were used to prove the interaction between ARHGAP5-AS1 and SMAD7. Western blot and immunofluorescence imaging were used to examine the protein levels. Dual luciferase reporter assays were performed to evaluate the activation of TGF-β signaling.Results: Compared to MDA-MB-231 cells, the expression of LncRNA ARHGAP5-AS1(NR_027263) was significantly suppressed in its highly metastatic subtype MDA-MB-231-LM2 cells. Functional study showed ARHGAP5-AS1 could inhibit cell migration via suppression of stress fibers in breast cancer cell lines. Afterwards, SMAD7 was further identified to interact with ARHGAP5-AS1 by its PY motif and thus its ubiquitination and degradation was blocked due to reduced interaction with E3 ligase SMURF1 and SMURF2. Moreover, ARHGAP5-AS1 could inhibit TGF-β signaling pathway due to its inhibitory role on SMAD7.Conclusions: Overall, these findings demonstrate that ARHGAP5-AS1 inhibits breast cancer cell migration and could server as a novel biomarker for breast cancer metastasis and a potent target for the treatment in the future.
Effect of poor glycemic control in Cognitive Performance in the elderly with type 2 diabetes mellitus: The Mexican Health and Aging Study
Authors: Mimenza-Aguilar Alberto J , Jimenez-Castillo Gilberto A , Yeverino-Castro Sara G , Barragán-Berlanga Abel , Perez-Zepeda Mario U , Avila-Funes J Alberto , Aguilar-Navarro Sara
Published: October 2020

BackgroundCognitive impairment is twice more frequent in elderly with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). This study was conducted to determine the association between glycemic control and cognitive performance among community-dwelling elderly persons in Mexico.MethodsCross-sectional study conducted in individuals aged 60 years or elderly participating in the 2012 Mexican Health and Aging Study. Type 2 DM participants were classified in 3 groups according to their glycated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c): <7% (intensive control), 7-7.9% (standard control) or ≥ 8% (poor control), and cognitive performance: low (CCCE ≤44 points), intermediate (44.1-59.52 points), or high (≥59.53 points). Multinomial logistic regression models were constructed to determine this association.Results216 community-dwelling adults aged 60 and older with type 2 diabetes were selected. Subjects in the low cognitive performance group were older (69.7 ± 6.6 vs 65.86 ± 5.18 years, p <.001) and had a lower educational level (2.5 ± 2.6 vs 7.44 ± 4.15 years, p <.000) when compared to the high cognitive performance participants. HbA1c ≥8% was associated with having low (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.17, 95% CI 1.17-8.60, p=.024), and intermediate (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.27-8.20, p=.014) cognitive performance; this trend was not found for HbA1c 7.0-7.9% group.The multinomial regression analysis showed that the presence of HbA1c ≥8% (poor glycemic control) was associated with low (OR 3.17, 95% CI = 1.17-8.60, p=.024), and intermediate (OR 3.23, 95% CI = 1.27-8.20, p=.014) cognitive performance. After adjusting for confounding variables.ConclusionsGlycemic control with a HbA1c ≥ 8% was associated with worse cognitive performance.
Associations of dietary inflammatory index, serum levels of MCP-1 and body composition in Iranian overweight and obese women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghodoosi Nasim , Mirzababaei Atieh , Rashidbeygi Elahe , Badrooj Negin , Sajjadi Seyedeh Forough , Setayesh Leila , Yekaninejad Mir Saeed , Keshavarz Seyed Ali , Shiraseb Farideh , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: October 2020

Objective: Although, several studies have illustrated that there is a relation between the between dietary inflammatory index (DII) with obesity-related parameters, and inflammation, their results were controversial results. This study aimed to investigate this relationship among Iranian women.Results: Multivariable linear regression showed that fat mass was 0.14 kg lower in the anti-inflammatory diet group, with respect to the pro-inflammatory group, after adjusting covariates such as age, physical activity, economic and job status (β = -0.142, 95% CI -4.44, -1.71, P = 0.03). Fat-free mass (FFM) was 1.5 kg more in the anti-inflammatory diet group, compared to the pro-inflammatory diet group, after adjusting for potentials cofounders (β = 1.50, 95% CI 0, 3.01, p = 0.05). Furthermore, after adjusting for potentials cofounders, it was revealed that the subjects with lower DII had lower monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in serum (β = -18.81, 95% CI -35.84, -1.79, p = 0.03). These findings suggest an inverse and significant relationship between DII and FFM and also DII is directly related to Fat mass and the level of MCP-1. This finding can be used for developing interventions that aim to promote healthy eating to prevent inflammation and non-communicable disease development among obese female.
Molecular characterization and serodiagnostic potential of two serpin proteins in Psoroptes cuniculi
Authors: Gu Xiaobin , Chen Yuhang , Zhang Chongyang , Xie Yue , Shen Nengxing , Wang Ce , Zhou Xuan , Yang Guangyou , He Ran , Peng Xuerong , Yang Deying , He Zhi , Zhong Zhijun
Published: October 2020

Background: Psoroptes cuniculi is a global common ectoparasite of wild and domestic rabbits and causes an economically devastating loss and serious welfare issues of commercial rabbit husbandry. Serine proteinase inhibitor (Serpin) is present in almost all organisms that are involved in host-pathogen interactions, inflammatory responses, and reproductive development, etc. However, the research on P. cuniculi serpins is still limited.Methods: In this study, two serpin genes of P. cuniculi (Pso c 27 and PsoSP2 cDNAs) were cloned, and the molecular characterization was analyzed. The transcriptional profiles and tissue localization of these two serpins in P. cuniculi were investigated by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The potential function of recombinant Pso c 27 and PsoSP2 (rPso c 27and rPsoSP2) in the serodiagnosis of P. cuniculi infestation in rabbits were evaluated by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Results: Both of the 523 residue Pso c 27 and the 240 residue PsoSP2 proteins contained typical serpin domains and signatures. Both Pso c 27and PsoSP2 cDNAs expressed throughout the life cycle, more specifically, significantly higher expression in female mites than the larva, nymph, and male mites (Pso c 27, F(3, 8) = 1935.953, p < 0.0001; PsoSP2, F(3, 8) = 660.669, p < 0.0001). The native Pso c 27 and PsoSP2 localized in ovary and mouthpart of adult female mites, respectively. Compared to rPsoSP2, the rPso c 27 displayed better diagnostic efficiency with higher values of sensitivity, specificity and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) (rPso c 27 - rPsoSP2: 96.0% - 90.0%; 90.91% - 78.18%; 0.988 - 0.964, respectively). Moreover, the rPso c 27 showed seropositive in 80% rabbits as early as the 2nd week post-infestation (p.i.), prior to visible clinical signs and microscopy-positive of skin scrapings. Conclusions: These results suggested that these two serpins may play essential roles in reproductive development, serum-feeding, and pathogenicity of P. cuniculi. Compared to PsoSP2, Pso c 27 appeared as a potential antigen for serodiagnosis of P. cuniculi infestation in rabbits, especially at the early stage of infestation.
Fighting the Bite during a Crisis: Capabilities of Florida Mosquito Control Districts during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Moise Imelda K , Ortiz-Whittingham Lola R. , Omachonu Vincent , Clark Marah , Xue Rui-De
Published: October 2020

Background: The national wide lockdown order imposed in early April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic complicated mosquito control activities across the United States (US), and Florida is no exception. Mosquito control programs are the first line of defense against mosquitoes-borne pathogens in the state of Florida. The purpose of this study was to examine the capabilities of Florida mosquito programs to implement key mosquito measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: In a self-administered online survey, we examined capabilities of all Florida mosquito control programs during the COVID-19 pandemic (both state-approved mosquito districts (N=63) and open programs (N=27). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize information about the characteristics of responding programs, as well as the implemented mosquito control and surveillance activities. We used bivariate analysis to compare the characteristics of these responding programs and the self-reported mosquito measures.Results: Of the recruited mosquito control programs, 77 completed the survey (85.6% response rate; 77/90). Of these, 57.5% (n=42) were Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) mosquito control programs, 21.9% (n=16) were independent tax district programs, 13.7% (n=10) were municipal mosquito control programs, and only 6.8% (n=5) were either health or emergency department mosquito control programs. Except for arbovirus surveillance, most programs either fully or partially performed larval (61.8%) and adult (78.9%) surveillance; and for Aedes aegypti (85.2%, n=54), Aedes albopictus (87.3%, n=55), Culex quinquefasciatus (92.1%, n=58), and Culex nigripalpus (91.9%, n=57).Conclusions: Findings underscore the importance of ongoing mosquito control activities and suggests that Florida mosquito control programs are vigilant and have significant capability to handle potential mosquito-borne disease threats, but arbovirus surveillance systems; laboratory testing of mosquito pools and testing of human and nonhuman specimens for arboviruses are needed during pandemics as well.
Transcriptome analysis of genes and pathways associated with metabolism in Scylla paramamosain under different light intensities during indoor overwintering
Authors: Li Na , Zhou Junming , Wang Huan , Mu Changkao , Shi Ce , Liu Lei , Wang Chunlin
Published: October 2020

Background: Scylla paramamosain is one of the commercially crucial marine crustaceans belonging to the genus Scylla , which is commonly distributed along the coasts of China, Vietnam, and Japan. Genomic and transcriptomic data are scarce for the mud crab. Light intensity is one of the ecological factors that affect S. paramamosain during indoor overwintering. To understand the energy metabolism mechanism adapted to light intensity, we analyzed the transcriptome of S. paramamosain hepatopancreas in response to different light intensities (0, 1.43, 40.31 μmol·m -2 ·s -1 ). Results: A total of 5052 differentially expressed genes were identified in low light group (LL group, 3104 genes were up-regulated and 1948 genes were down-regulated). A total of 7403 differentially expressed genes were identified in high light group (HL group, 5262 genes were up-regulated and 2141 genes were down-regulated). S. paramamosain adapts to different light intensity environments through the regulation of amino acids, fatty acids, carbon and energy metabolism. Different light intensities had a strong impact on the energy generation of S. paramamosain by influencing oxygen consumption rate, aerobic respiration, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway, the citrate cycle (TCA cycle) and fatty acid degradation. Conclusion: Low light is more conducive to the survival of S. paramamosain , which needs to produce and consume relatively less energy to sustain physiological activities. In contrast, S. paramamosain produced more energy to adapt to the pressure of high light intensities. The findings of the study add to the knowledge of regulatory mechanisms related to S. paramamosain metabolism under different light intensities.
Total and dissolved soil organic and inorganic carbon and their relationships in typical loess cropland of Fenggu Basin
Authors: Lu Tongping , Wang Xiujun , Zhang Wenxi
Published: October 2020

There is evidence of connections between soil organic carbon (SOC) and inorganic carbon (SIC) in dryland of north China. However, fractions of SOC and SIC and the relationship are not well understood in the Loess Plateau that undergoes profound erosion and redeposition. A study was conducted in low-elevation cropland of Loess Plateau across two distinctive basins: Linfen basin (LFB) with lower soil pH (<8.4) and subject to erosion-redeposition, and Yuncheng basin (YCB) with higher soil pH (>8.6) and under the influence of the Yellow River. Soil samples were collected from 30 sites over 100 cm. We determined SOC, SIC, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and other properties. Above 100 cm, SOC stock is significantly higher in LFB (10.0±2.6 kg C m-2) than in YCB (6.9±1.5 kg C m-2), but SIC lower in LFB (14.0±2.5 kg C m-2) than in YCB (17.0±5.7 kg C m-2). We find a significantly negative correlation between SOC and SIC stocks in LFB, but no clear relationship in YCB. DOC:SOC ratio (an indicator for DOC desorption or SOC stability) is significantly higher below 40 cm in YCB (1.9%) than LFB (1.2%), indicating stronger DOC desorption in YCB that has stronger hydrological process due to the influence of the Yellow River. Overall, SOC has a negative correlation with SIC and soil pH, and DOC:SOC ratio has a significantly positive correlation with soil pH. Our analyses suggest that erosion/re-deposition of topsoil is partly responsible for the negative SIC-SOC relationship in LFB, and high soil pH and stronger hydrological processes are attributable to relatively lower levels of SOC in YCB. This study highlights that soil carbon fractions in the lowland of Loess Plateau are influenced by many drivers, which leads to complex relationships between major soil carbon pools.
Invasion of pterygoid plates; an indicator for regional lymph node failure in maxillary sinus cancer
Authors: Kosugi Yasuo , Kawamoto Terufumi , Oshima Masaki , Fujimaki Mitsuhisa , Ohba Shinichi , Matsumoto Fumihiko , Shikama Naoto , Sasai Keisuke
Published: October 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term treatment results of combined superselective intraarterial chemotherapy and radiation therapy for advanced maxillary sinus cancer (MSC) and the incidence of regional lymph node failure, and to reveal the clinical and anatomical predictive factors for metastasis. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 55 consecutive patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus who were treated with external radiotherapy and superselective intraarterial chemotherapy. Elective nodal irradiation (ENI) was performed only in the clinical node-positive (cN+) cases and not in the clinical node-negative (cN0) cases. Results: Thirty-eight patients were cN0, and 17 were cN+ at diagnosis. Regional lymph node metastases occurred in 7 of 38 patients with cN0, and 2 of 17 with cN+ during the median follow-up period of 36 months. There were more cases of high-grade (3 or 4) late adverse events in the ENI group than in the non-ENI group (13% vs. 41%, respectively; p = 0.03). In cN0 cases without ENI, invasion of the pterygoid plates (57% vs. 90%; p < 0.01) and oral cavity (35% vs. 92%; p = 0.02) was significantly correlated with a low 5-year regional recurrence-free rate. Conclusions: Patients with MCS and invasion of the pterygoid plates and oral cavity can be considered appropriate candidates for ENI.
Weighted gene coexpression network analysis-based identification of key modules and hub genes associated with drought sensitivity in rice
Authors: Yu Baiyang , Liu Jianbin , Wu Di , Liu Ying , Cen Weijian , Wang Shaokui , Li Rongbai , Luo Jijing
Published: October 2020

Background: Drought stress is an adverse factor with deleterious effects on several aspects of rice growth. However, the mechanism underlying drought resistance in rice remains unclear. To understand the molecular mechanism of the drought response in rice, drought-sensitive CSSL (Chromosome Single-substitution Segment Line) PY6 was used to map QTLs of sensitive phenotypes and to reveal the impact of the QTLs on transcriptional profiling.Results: The QTL dss-1 was mapped onto the short arm of chromosome 1 of rice. According to transcriptomic analysis, the identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) exhibited a downregulated pattern and were mainly enriched in photosynthesis-related GO terms, indicating that photosynthesis was greatly inhibited under drought. Further, according to weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), specific gene modules (designating a group of genes with a similar expression pattern) were strongly correlated with H2O2 (4 modules) and MDA (3 modules), respectively. Likewise, GO analysis revealed that the photosynthesis-related GO terms were consistently overrepresented in H2O2-correlated modules. Functional annotation of the differentially expressed hub genes (DEHGs) in the H2O2 and MDA-correlated modules revealed cross-talk between abiotic and biotic stress responses for these genes, which were annotated as encoding WRKYs and PR family proteins, were notably differentially expressed between PY6 and PR403.Conclusions: We speculated that drought-induced photosynthetic inhibition leads to H2O2 and MDA accumulation, which can then trigger the reprogramming of the rice transcriptome, including the hub genes involved in ROS scavenging, to prevent oxidative stress damage. Our results shed light on and provide deep insight into the drought resistance mechanism in rice.
A reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification for broad coverage detection of Asian and African Zika virus lineages
Authors: Teoh Boon-Teong , Chin Kim-Ling , Samsudin Nur-Izyan , Loong Shih-Keng , Sam Sing-Sin , Tan Kim-Kee , Khor Chee-Sieng , Abd-Jamil Juraina , Zainal Nurhafiza , Wilder-Smith Annelies , Zandi Keivan , AbuBakar Sazaly
Published: October 2020

Background: Early detection of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during the viremia and viruria facilitates proper patient management and mosquito control measurement to prevent disease spread. Therefore, a cost-effective nucleic acid detection method for the diagnosis of ZIKV infection, especially in resource-deficient settings, is highly required.Methods: In the present study, a single-tube reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay was developed for the detection of both the Asian and African-lineage ZIKV. The detection limit, strain coverage and cross-reactivity of the ZIKV RT-LAMP assay was evaluated. The sensitivity and specificity of the RT-LAMP were also evaluated using a total of 24 simulated clinical samples. The ZIKV quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was used as the reference assay.Results: The detection limit of the RT-LAMP assay was 3.73 ZIKV RNA copies (probit analysis, P ≤ 0.05). The RT-LAMP assay detected the ZIKV genomes of both the Asian and African lineages without cross-reacting with other arthropod-borne viruses. The sensitivity and specificity of the RT-LAMP assay were 90% (95% CI = 59.6 – 98.2) and 100% (95% CI = 78.5 – 100.0), respectively. The RT-LAMP assay detected ZIKV genome in 9 of 24 (37.5%) of the simulated clinical samples compared to 10 of 24 (41.7%) by qRT-PCR assay with a high level of concordance (k = 0.913, P < 0.001).Conclusion: The RT-LAMP assay is applicable for the broad coverage detection of both the Asian and African ZIKV strains in resource-deficient settings.
Global Metabolomic and Lipidomic Analysis Reveals the Potential Mechanisms of Hemolysis Effect of Ophiopogonin D and Ophiopogonin D’ in vivo
Authors: Huan-Hua Xu , Jiang Zhen-Hong , Huang Cong-Shu , Sun Yu-Ting , Xu Long-Long , Tang Xiang-Ling , Tan Hong-Ling , Ma Zeng-Chun , Gao Yue
Published: October 2020

Background: OPD and OPD' are the two main active components of Ophiopogon japonicas in Shenmai injection (SMI). Being isomers of each other, they are supposed to have similar pharmacological activities, but the actual situation is complicated. The difference of hemolytic behavior between OPD and OPD' in vivo and in vitro was discovered and reported by our group for the first time. In vitro, only OPD' showed hemolysis reaction, while in vivo, both OPD and OPD' caused hemolysis. The primary cause of hemolysis in vitro has been confirmed to be related to the difference between physical and chemical properties of OPD and OPD', but the mechanism of hemolysis in vivo is still unclear, especially the existing research are still difficult to explain why OPD shows the inconsistent hemolysis behavior in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, the study of hemolysis of OPD and OPD' in vivo is of great practical significance in response to the increase of adverse events of SMI.Methods: Aiming at the hemolysis in vivo, this manuscript adopted untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics technology to preliminarily explore the changes of plasma metabolites and lipids of OPD- and OPD'-treated rats. Metabolomics and lipidomics analyses were performed on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) system tandem with different mass spectrometers (MS) and different columns respectively. Multivariate statistical approaches such as principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were applied to screen the differential metabolites and lipids.Results: Both OPD and OPD' groups experienced hemolysis, Changes in endogenous differential metabolites and differential lipids, enrichment of differential metabolic pathways, and correlation analysis of differential metabolites and lipids all indicated that the causes of hemolysis by OPD and OPD' were closely related to the interference of phospholipid metabolism.Conclusions: This study confirmed that interference of phospholipid metabolism was the main cause of hemolysis of OPD and OPD'. This study provided a comprehensive description of metabolome and lipidomic changes under the condition of hemolysis which caused by OPD and OPD'. It can also provide clues for research on the hemolysis mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine.
Tannic acid-modified silver nanoparticles enhance anti-Acanthamoeba activity without increasing cytotoxicity of three multipurpose contact lens solutions
Authors: Hendiger Edyta Beata , Padzik Marcin , Żochowska Agnieszka , Baltaza Wanda , Olędzka Gabriela , Zyskowska Diana , Bluszcz Julita , Jarzynka Sylwia , Chomicz Lidia , Grodzik Marta , Hendiger Jacek , Piñero Jose E. , Grobelny Jarosław , Ranoszek-Soliwoda Katarzyna , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob
Published: October 2020

Background: Free living amoebae of Acanthamoeba genus are cosmopolitan, widely distributed protozoans causing severe, vision-threatening corneal infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). Majority of the increasing number of AK cases are associated with contact lenses use. Due to lack of effective therapies against AK, proper eye hygiene and effective contact lenses disinfection are crucial in prevention of this infection. Currently available multipurpose contact lens disinfection systems are not fully effective against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts. There is an urgent need to increase the disinfecting activity of these systems to prevent Acanthamoeba keratitis infections. Synthesized nanoparticles have been recently studied and proposed as a new generation of anti-microbial agents. It is also known that plant metabolites, including tannins, present anti-parasitic activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-amoebic activity and cytotoxicity of the tannic acid-modified silver nanoparticles (AgTANPs) conjugated with the selected multipurpose contact lens solutions.Methods: The anti-amoebic activity of pure contact lens care solutions and nanoparticles conjugated with contact lens care solutions were examined in vitro by colorimetric assay, based on the oxido-reduction of AlamarBlue. The cytotoxicity assays were performed using a fibroblast HS-5 (ATCC CRL-11882) cell line. The results were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls tests using the p<0.05 level of a statistical significance.Results: The obtained results showed that nanoparticles enhanced anti-Acanthamoeba activity of the tested contact lens solutions without increasing their cytotoxicity profile. The activity is enhanced within minimal disinfection time recommended by the manufacturer.Conclusions: The conjugation of the selected contact lens solutions with AgTANPs might be a novel and promising approach as a part of preventive actions of Acanthamoeba keratitis infections among contact lens users.
A simplified method to isolate rice mitochondria
Authors: Xu Yanghong , Li Xiaoyi , Huang Jishuai , Peng Leilei , Luo Dinghui , Zhang Qiannan , Dan Zhiwu , Xiao Haijun , Yang Fang , Hu Jun
Published: October 2020

Background: Mitochondria play critical roles in plant growth, development and stress tolerance. Numerous researchers have carried out studies on the plant mitochondrial genome structure, mitochondrial metabolism and nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions. However, classical plant mitochondria extraction methods are time-consuming and consist of a complicated ultracentrifugation procedure with expensive reagents. To develop a more rapid and convenient method for the isolation of plant mitochondria, in this study, we established a simplified method to isolate rice mitochondria efficiently for subsequent studies.Results: To isolate rice mitochondria, the cell wall was first disrupted by enzymolysis to obtain the protoplast, which is similar to animal mitochondria. Rice mitochondria were then isolated with a modified method based on the animal mitochondria isolation protocol. The extracted mitochondria were next assessed according to DNA and protein levels to rule out contamination by the nucleus and chloroplasts. Furthermore, we examined the physiological status and characteristics of the isolated mitochondria, including the integrity of mitochondria, the mitochondrial membrane potential, and the activity of inner membrane complexes. Our results demonstrated that the extracted mitochondria remained intact for use in subsequent studies.Conclusion: The combination of plant protoplast isolation and animal mitochondria extraction methods facilitates the extraction of plant mitochondria without ultracentrifugation. Consequently, this improved method is cheap and time-saving with good operability and can be broadly applied in studies on plant mitochondria.
Clinical Characteristics and Surgical Treatment of Ureteral Endometriosis: Our Experience with 40 Cases
Authors: Yang Kunlin , Cheng Sida , Cai Yukun , Qiao Jiankun , Xu Yangyang , Li Xinfei , Xiong Shengwei , Lu Ye , Mei Aobing , Li Xuesong , Zhou Liqun
Published: October 2020

Background: To present the experience of surgical management of ureteral endometriosis (UE) in our single center.Methods: A retrospective analysis of 40 cases of UE who had intraoperative surgical findings of endometriosis involving the ureter and pathology-proven UE.Results: Forty patients (median age, 42.5 years) with histologic evidence of UE were included. Six (15%) patients had history of endometriosis. Twenty-one (52%) patients had urological symptoms and 19 (48%) patients were asymptomatic. All patients had hydronephrosis. The mean glomerular filtration rate of the affected-side kidney was significantly worse than the healthy-side one (23.4 vs 54.9 ml/min; P < 0.001). Twelve (30%) patients were treated with ureteroureterostomy (11 open approaches and 1 robotic approach). Twenty-two (55%) patients underwent ureteroneocystostomy (17 open approaches, 4 laparoscopic approaches and 1 robotic approach). Five patients underwent nephoureterectomy. One patient refused the aggressive surgery and received ureteroscopic biopsy and ureteral stent placement. Thirteen (33%) cases were required gynecological operations. Three (8%) patients in open group suffered from major surgical complications. Nine (24%) patients received postoperative endocrine therapy. Twenty-eight (70%) patients were followed up (median follow-up time, 71 months). The success rate was 25/28 (89%).Conclusions: Although UE is rare, early diagnosis and treatment of UE will help reduce the morbidity of this disease. Most of time, A multidisciplinary team is necessary. For the patients with severe UE, segmentally ureteral resection with UU or ureteroneocystostomy may be a good choice.
The Knack and Pitfall of the Retropancreatic Nerve Plexus Hanging Maneuver for Pancreatoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Head Carcinoma.
Authors: Chiba Naokazu , Ochiai Shigeto , Gunji Takahiro , Kobayashi Toshimichi , Hikita Kosuke , Sano Toru , Tomita Koichi , Kawachi Shigeyuki
Published: October 2020

Background The efficacy of the hanging maneuver for the retropancreatic nerve plexus (RNP) to enhance the confirmation of the margin status and to facilitate en-bloc resection for pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). In this report, we present the knack and pitfall of the hanging maneuver of the RNP. MethodsThe exit of the hanging maneuver of the RNP is the left part of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and the entry is the cranial part of the celiac axis. The entry of the hanging maneuver was connected to the dissection line on the right side of the celiac axis. Thereafter, the tape of the hanging maneuver was pulled to the right side, and the RNP was deployed widely. Finally, the RNP was easily dissected using a sealing device other than IPDA ResultsIt is important to clarify the entrance and exit of the hanging taping in this procedure. This permitted the wide spaces between the SMA, SMV, and the resected side, and it was easier to identify the IPDA. By traction of the hanging maneuver tape, a clear line may be drawn between the resection side and the remaining side. ConclusionsWith the correct implementation of the hanging maneuver, we believe that it would be possible to obtain reliable R0 resection as well as a reduction in blood loss and operation time.
Agent-based Modeling of Malaria Control Based on Aquatic Habitats Management in a Traditional Sub-sahara Grouping
Authors: Layie Paul , Kamla Vivient Corneille , Kamgang Jean Claude , Wono Yves Sebastien Emvudu
Published: October 2020

Background: In their behavior, Africans generally pour dirty water around their homes. This dirty water becomes stagnant at a given moment, which hence constitutes aquatic habitats (AH). These AH are sought after by mosquitoes for egg-laying and larval development. Recent studies have shown the eﬀectiveness of destroying AH around host habitats (humans and animals) in reducing the incidence of malaria. In this paper, an agent-based model (ABM) is proposed for controlling the incidence of malaria through population sensitizing campaigns on the harmful eﬀects of aquatic habitats around houses.Methods: The environment is constituted of houses, AH, mosquitoes, humans, and a hospital that will allow humans to heal themselves when they have malaria. The dynamics of malaria’s spread is linked to the dynamics of individuals (humans and mosquitoes) populations. The dynamic of the mosquito is represented by two phases: egg-laying and a phase of seeking blood. The dynamic of human is animated by the presence in the health center and houses. Their dynamic also results in hitting the mosquito when a human is bitten by it. Initially, the same number of houses and AH have been considered. Thereafter, houses are ﬁxed and the AH are destroyed each time by 10% of the number of starting Aquatics habitats. The number of infected humans varied also from 0 to 90 which led to a total of 1001 simulations.Results: The results show that when the number of houses and AH is equal, we ﬁnd approximately the same results as the ﬁeld data. At each reduction of AH, the incidence and prevalence tend more and more towards 0. On the other hand, when there is no AH and infected humans in the environment, the prevalence and incidence are at 0.Conclusions: The study shows that every time we destroy the AH, it increasingly inhibits the growth of mosquitoes and malaria. But when there is no AH site, even if there are infected people in the environment, the disease disappears completely. Therefore the global destruction of the AH in an environment is to be recommended. Using many parameters in the same model is also recommended.
Comparative Studies on The Diagnostic Validity of Widal And Evaluation of Interferon Gamma Response In Patients Investigated For Typhoid Fever
Authors: Sani Mujahid Nura , Mohammed Yusuf , Ibrahim Yusuf , Sani Nura Muhammad , Abdulkadir Bashir , Wada Mudassir
Published: October 2020

Background: Typhoid fever remains a public health challenge in developing countries. In Nigeria, patients usually come with complains of fever and other symptoms typical of febrile illnesses where resource limitation in healthcare facilities necessitates the use of screening tests for diagnosis. Widal test is widely used due to its simplicity. However, the specificity of this test has been debated. The present study compared the diagnostic validity of Widal to blood culture and evaluated interferon gamma response among the study participants. Methods: A total of 90 patients with complain of fever and other symptoms suggestive of typhoid fever were recruited for the study. Widal serology, automated blood culture and interferon gamma concentration were conducted using rapid antibody detection kit, BACTEC and sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) respectively. Results were subjected to Fisher’s exact test using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22 where a p- value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of the 90 samples tested, 63 (70.0%) were positive for anti Typhi O antigen while 42 (46.7%) were positive for anti- Typhi H antigen. Similarly, 18 (20%) of the patients had non-S. Typhi culture positivity while 72 (80%) had no bacteria isolated. Overall, 0 (0%) of the cases had S. Typhi positive culture. Fisher’s exact test suggests a significant difference between blood culture status and prevalence of anti-S. Typhi H antigen. Interferon gamma concentration was found to be significantly associated with blood culture status as plasma interferon gamma levels increased with bacteraemia. Fisher’s exact test showed a strong statistical relationship between interferon gamma concentration and blood culture (p=0.003). Conclusions: Interferon gamma has a direct proportionality with bacteraemia and as such, could be a good marker for the development of an alternative screening test, possibly an interferon gamma based detection system for typhoid fever. However, further research is required to implement that.
1H-NMR Metabolomics Analysis of The Intervention Effects of Ruangan Xiaoji Decoction on CCl4 Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats
Authors: Zhu Weiliang , Wu Guoqing , Zhu Wenrui , Zhao Tianwen , Zhang Hong-Jiang , Xu Hongfeng
Published: October 2020

Background: Liver fibrosis is a common consequence of chronic liver diseases resulting from multiple etiologies. Early clinical application shows that Ruangan Xiaoji Decoction (RGXJD) has a very obvious effect on the treatment of liver fibrosis. However, the mechanism of RGXJD cures liver fibrosis requires further elucidation.Methods: In this work, the therapeutic effect of RGXJD on CCl4-induced liver fibroses serum and liver tissue metabolite changes in rat was analyzed by 1H-NMR metabolomics. Meanwhile, histopathology examinations and serum clinical chemistry analysis verified the experimental results of metabolomics.Results: RGXJD treatment could reverse the increase in ALT and AST induced by CCl4 and attenuate the pathological changes in liver tissue. In the 1H-NMR metabolomic analysis, PLS-DA score plots demonstrated that the serum and liver tissue metabolic profiles in rats of the RGXJD groups were similar those of the control group, yet remarkably apart from the CCl4 group. The mechanism may be related to the endogenous metabolites including energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, TCA cycle and purine metabolism in rats. Correlation analysis were then performed to further confirm the metabolites involved in Isoleucine, Tyrosine, UDP-Glucose, Glutathione and Leucine, etc.Conclusions: These findings may provided new insights into the mechanism of the hepatoprotection of RGXJD.
Sambiloto (Andrographis Paniculata) Increases Glucagon–Like Peptide 1 Concentration in Prediabetes: A Double–Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Tarigan Tri Juli Edi , Purwaningsih Erni Hernawati , Yusra Yusra , Abdullah Murdani , Nafrialdi Nafrialdi , Prihartono Joedo , Saraswati Made Ratna , Subekti Imam
Published: October 2020

Background : The extract of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Wall. Ex. Nees. (sambiloto) (穿心蓮 chuān xīn lián) has been reported to have antidiabetic effect on mice models and has been used traditionally in the community. The exact mechanism of sambiloto extract in decreasing plasma glucose is unclear, so we investigated the role of sambiloto extract in incretin pathway in healthy and prediabetes subjects.Methods: This study was a double-blind, cross-over, randomized placebo-controlled trial. It was conducted to 38 healthy and 35 prediabetes subjects. All subjects were exposed to both intervention sambiloto extract and placebo alternately. All subjects were randomly assigned to receive first intervention for 14 days. There was wash out period between subsequent intervention. Primary outcome was glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) concentration and secondary outcomes were fasting insulin, 2-hour postprandial insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), and glycated albumin before and after intervention.Result: After the intervention, GLP-1 concentration significantly increased in prediabetes by 19.6% compared to the placebo (p = 0.043). There were no significant differences in the changes of fasting insulin, 2-hour postprandial insulin, HOMA-IR, fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose, DPP-4, and glycated albumin levels after intervention. Sambiloto extract did not inhibit DPP-4 enzyme in healthy and prediabetes subjects. Conclusion: Sambiloto extract increased GLP-1 concentration without inhibiting DPP-4 enzyme in prediabetes subjects.Trial Registration : Clinical Trials.gov ID : NCT03455049. Registered 6 March 2018 – Retrospectevly Registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03455049.
3D Pointing Gestures as Target Selection Tools for Monocular UAVs
Authors: Medeiros Anna C S , Ratsamee Photchara , Orlosky Jason , Uranishi Yuki , Higashida Manabu , Takemura Haruo
Published: October 2020

Firefighters need to gain information from both inside and outside of buildings in first response emergency scenarios. For this purpose, drones are beneficial. This paper presents an elicitation study that showed the firefighters' desire to collaborate with autonomous drones. We developed a Human-Drone Interaction (HDI) method for indicating a target to a drone using 3D pointing gestures estimated solely from a monocular camera. The participant first points to a window without using any wearable or body-attached device. Through the drone's front-facing camera, the drone detects the gesture and computes the target window. This work includes a description of the process for choosing the gesture, detecting and localizing objects, and carrying out the transformations between coordinate systems. Our proposed 3D pointing gesture improves a 2D pointing gesture interface by integrating depth information with SLAM, solving multiple objects aligned on the same plane ambiguity, in a large-scale outdoor environment. Experimental results showed that our 3D pointing gesture interface obtained a 0.85 and 0.73 F1-Score on average in simulation and real-world experiments and 0.58 F1-Score at the maximum distance of 25 meters between drone and building.
Precision follicular self-measurement using a pocket-sized transabdominal ultrasound device
Authors: Fujita Hiroaki , Kikuchi Iwaho , Enomoto Satoshi , Nakagawa Ryo , Kitayama Reiko , Tanaka Yudai
Published: October 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the comparability of follicle diameters measured using a pocket-size transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) device that produces images for self-assessment versus those measured using a conventional transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) device. The pocket-sized device is fitted with a probe that can be connected to an electronic tablet for patient use and outputs follicle images for patient review.Methods: A prospective study was performed in 25 women (50 follicles) who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection between November 2019 and March 2020 to treat infertility. Patients were first provided with guidance from a doctor; then, they used the probe attached to the pocket-sized TAUS device to acquire the follicle images. The doctor then measured the follicle diameter using a TVUS device and compared the measurements with those obtained by viewing the images taken by the patient. The transverse cross-sectional follicle diameter measured on transabdominal images was defined as the abdominal transverse (AT) diameter. The sagittal and coronal cross-sectional follicle diameters measured on transvaginal images were defined as the vaginal sagittal (VS) and vaginal coronal (VC) diameters, respectively. The mean values of each parameter and the variance ratio of the difference between the TAUS and TVUS measurements were evaluated.Results: The results showed that the difference between AT-VS in the two imaging types was -0.382 mm (95% CI: -1.097-0.333 mm, P=0.288), whereas the difference between AT-VC was 0.342 mm (95% CI: -0.345-1.029 mm, P=0.322), and that between VS-VC was 0.724 mm (95% CI: 0.152-1.296 mm, P=0.014). The variance ratios for the differences between the TAUS and TVUS measurements and for the differences between the two TVUS cross-sectional measurements were σAT-VS2/σVS-VC2=1.56 and σAT-VC2/σVS-VC2=1.44, respectively.Conclusion(s): Despite the presence of some differences in precision due to differences in the method of imaging when patients performed follicular self-measurement using pocket-sized devices, there was little scattering. Therefore, this method can be used to measure follicle diameter at a precision that presents no issues at the clinical level.Clinical Trial Registration Number: 2019001