bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of exosome-like vesicles derived from Cysticercus pisiformis and their immunoregulatory role in macrophages
Authors: Wang Li-Qun , Liu Ting-Li , Liang Pan-Hong , Zhang Shao-Hua , Li Tao-Shan , Li Yan-Ping , Liu Guang-Xue , Mao Li , Luo Xue-Nong
Published: February 2020

Background: Taenia pisiformis is one of the most common intestinal parasites in canines, and leads to serious economic losses in the rabbit breeding industry. Exosome-like vesicles from parasites play crucial roles in host-parasite interactions by transferring cargo from parasites to host cells and by modulating host immunological response through inducing production of host-derived cytokines. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which exosome-like vesicles from Cysticercus pisiformis regulate macrophage immune response remains unknown.Methods: Using ultracentrifugation, we isolated exosome-like vesicles from excretory/secretory products (ESP) of C. pisiformis. The morphology and size of purified vesicles were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The components of proteins and miRNA within these vesicles were identified by proteomic analysis and high-throughput small RNA sequencing. The biological function of targets of exosomal miRNAs was predicted by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Moreover, the expression of Th1- and Th2-type immune response associated cytokines in RAW264.7 macrophages were evaluated by qRT-PCR and ELISA. We found that exosome-like vesicles were typical cup-shaped vesicles with diameters from 30 to 150 nm. A total of 87 proteins were identified by proteomic analysis, including proteins prominently associated with exosome-like vesicles biogenesis and vesicle trafficking. 41 known miRNAs and 18 novel miRNAs were identified in the exosome-like vesicles. 11 selected miRNAs, including 7 known miRNAs (miR-71-5p, miR-10a-5p, miR-let-7-5p, miR-745-3p, miR-219-5p, miR-124-3p, and miR-4989-3p) and 4 novel miRNAs (novel-mir-3, novel-mir-7, novel-mir-8, and novel-mir-11) were validated to exist in metacestiodes and exosome-like vesicles of C. pisiformis by qRT-PCR. The functions of most targets of exosomal miRNAs were mainly associated with signal transduction and the immune system. Additionally, C. pisiformis-derived vesicles induced the production of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13 and Arg-1, but downregulated the expression of IL-12, IFN-γ and iNOS in RAW264.7 macrophages.Conclusions: We demonstrated that proteins and miRNAs enclosed within exosome-like vesicles from C. pisiformis have immunomodulatory functions. Furthermore, exosome-like vesicles were shown to induce the macrophage Th2-type immune response in vitro. Our study suggests that exosome-like vesicles play an important role in the interaction between cysticerci and their hosts.
Barriers and facilitators of medicines reconciliation at transitions of care in Ireland – a qualitative study
Authors: Redmond Patrick , Munir Khalid , Alabi Oludare , Grimes Tamasine , Clyne Barbara , Hughes Carmel , Fahey Tom
Published: February 2020

Background Medication error at transitions of care is common. The implementation of medicines reconciliation processes to improve this issue has been recommended by many regulatory and safety organisations. Aim The aim of this study was to gain insight from healthcare professionals on the barriers and facilitators to the medicines reconciliation implementation process. Design Setting Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Ireland with a wide range of healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved with medicines reconciliation at transitions of care. Method Thematic analysis was undertaken using an existing theoretical framework previously applied to implementation of medicines reconciliation. Results and conclusion Thirty-five participants were interviewed, including eleven community pharmacists (CPs), eight hospital pharmacists (HPs), nine hospital consultants (HCs), five general practitioners (GPs), and two non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs). Themes were categorized into barriers and facilitators. Barriers included resistance from existing professional cultures, staff interest and training, poor communication and minimal information and communications technology (ICT) support. Solutions (facilitators) suggested included supporting effective multidisciplinary teams, greater involvement of pharmacists in medicines reconciliation, ICT solutions (linked prescribing databases, decision support systems) and increased funding to provide additional (e.g. admission and discharge reconciliation) and more advanced services (e.g. community pharmacist delivered medicines use review). Medicines reconciliation is advocated as a solution to the known problem of medication error at transitions of care. This study identifies the key challenges and potential solutions that policy makers, managers and HCPs should consider when reviewing the practices and processes of medicines reconciliation in their own organisations.
SV40T reprograms Schwann cells into stem-like cells that can re-differentiate into terminal nerve cells.
Authors: Li Rui-Fang , Nan Guo-Xing , Wang Dan , Gao Chang , Yang Juan , He Tong-Chuan , Zhang Zhong-lin
Published: February 2020

Background : The effects of Simian virus 40 T antigen (SV40T) on various kinds of cells are different. Previous researchers failed to use SV40T immortalized nerve cells. However, they argued that SV40T caused nerve cell transformation. No one further study what is the specific effect of SV40T on nerve cells. We transfected Schwann cells (SCs) that did not have differentiation ability with MPH 86 plasmid containing SV40T in order to explore the effects of SV40T on Schwann cells. Methods: SCs were transfected with MPH 86 plasmid carrying the SV40T gene and cultured in different media, as well as co-cultured with neural stem cells (NSCs). In our study, SCs overexpressing SV40T were defined as SV40T-SCs. The proliferation of these cells was detected by WST-1, and the expression of different biomarkers was analyzed by qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Results: SV40T induced the characteristics of NSCs, such as the ability to grow in suspension, form spheroid colonies and proliferate rapidly, in the SCs, which were reversed by knocking out SV40T by the Flip-adenovirus . In addition, SV40T up-regulated the neurocrest markers Nestin, Pax3 and Slug, and down-regulated S100b as well as the late differentiation markers MBP, GFAP and Olig1/2. These cells also expressed NSC markers like Nestin, SOX2, CD133 and SSEA-1, as well as early development markers of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) like BMP4, C-myc, OCT4 and Gbx2. Co-culturing with NSCs induced differentiation of the SV40T-SCs into neuronal and glial cells. Conclusions: SV40T reprograms Schwann cells to stem-like cells at the stage of neural crest cells that can differentiate to terminal nerve cells. Background : The effects of Simian virus 40 T antigen (SV40T) on various kinds of cells are different. Previous researchers failed to use SV40T immortalized nerve cells. However, they argued that SV40T caused nerve cell transformation. No one further study what is the specific effect of SV40T on nerve cells.
Wound healing potential: Evaluation of molecular profiling and amplification of Lucilia sericata angiopoietin-1 mRNA mid-part
Authors: Alipour Hamzeh , Shahriari-Namadi Marziae , Ebrahimi Saeedeh , Moemenbellah-Fard Mohammad Djaefar
Published: February 2020

Objective: High prevalence of chronic ulcers and burden of disease necessitate the increasingly significant production of new recombinant proteins in the world. The angiopoietin-1 enzyme is a part of growth factors group which is secreted by Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae when they are exposed to wounds to ensure maggot therapy. It is one of the most potent proteins in wound healing. Given its essential role, angiopoietin-1 gene of L. sericata was characterized which provided some basic information on its identity. Results: The mid-part of angiopoietin-1 mRNA sequence was thus characterized based on the design of disparate primers such as exon-exon junction, conserved regions, and specific region primers via conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Its structural features was configured by in silico method. The sequence of mid-part (390 bp) of angiopoietin-1 was determined empirically, and BLAST analysis unravelled its high identity (85%) with the sequence of angiopoietin-1 mRNA of the larval housefly, Musca domestica . The homology of this enzyme also exhibited that its nucleic acid sequence was very similar to the domains of angiopoietin-1 in Lucilia cuprina . The current data are critical to evaluate the action of this enzyme in recombinant protein production in future molecular studies on wound healing.
Risk factors for bladder calculus in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a retrospective single-center study
Authors: Sun Xin , Yu Dexin , Cao Zhangjun , Xie Dongdong , Bi Liangkuan
Published: February 2020

Background: To explore the risk factors that lead to the formation of bladder calculus in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: Retrospective study was performed between June 2017 and October 2019, 103 patients with BPH who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) were included. Patients with BPH were divided into two groups: 32 patients with bladder calculus in group1 and 71 patients without bladder calculus in group2. Characteristics of both groups were compared and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the association between BPH with or without bladder calculus. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding age, duration of BPH, body mass index (BMI), total prostate volume (TPV), total prostate-specific antigen (TPSA), International prostate symptom score (IPSS), serum albumin, hemoglobin, uric acid, urinary tract infection, diabetes, and hypertension. The patients' serum creatinine and acute urinary retention (AUR) were significantly lower, while intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) was significantly higher in group 1 than group 2. Multivariate analyses revealed that IPP and AUR were significant risk factors for the formation of bladder calculus in patients with BPH. For IPP, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the cut-off value of the highest risk of the formation of bladder calculus was 11.5 mm. Conclusions: Our study indicated that IPP and AUR were independent risk factors that were closely linked with the incidence of bladder calculus in BPH patients.
Species diversity and spatial distribution of CL/VL vectors: Evidence for variation in gene expression of immunogenic SP15 and LeIF proteins due to bioclimatic characteristics and physiological status of sand flies, Iran
Authors: Bordbar Ali , Parvizi Parviz
Published: February 2020

Background Main approaches of this investigation were climate regionalization to recognize the spatial distribution of cutaneous/visceral leishmaniasis (CL/VL) vectors as risk-maps using ArcGIS modeling system, evaluation of species biodiversity, assessing bio-climate (BC) effect on expression plasticity of genes possessing vaccine properties isolated from wild-collected sand flies. Methods The Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation method was used to obtain accurate geography map using ArcGIS10.3.1 in closely-related distances. Species diversity was calculated based on Shannon diversity index using Rv.3.5.3. Expression fold change of SP15 and LeIF genes was evaluated using cDNA synthesis and RT-qPCR analysis. Results Three BC zone were identified in northeast of Iran. Phlebotomus papatasi were abundantly captured in all BC regions and the frequency was more in plains areas of mountainous BC as hot spots of CL. VL vectors were more prevalent in spatial cluster of Mediterranean BC. Semi-arid BC was identified as a major contributing factor to up-regulate SP15 salivary gene expression ( P =0.0050, P <0.05), and Mediterranean BC had considerable effect on up-regulation of LeIF- Leishmania gene in gravid and semi-gravid P. papatasi population ( P =0.0109, P <0.05). Conclusions The diversity and spatial distribution of CL/VL vectors associated with BC regionalization obtained in our research provide epidemiological risk maps and establish more effectively control measures against leishmaniasis. Oscillations in gene expression indicate that each gene has its own features, which are profoundly affected by bioclimatic characteristics and physiological status of sand flies. It is essential to consider BC factors affecting regulatory regions of environmentally responsive loci for genes used in vaccine designing.
Dynamics of Health Technology Diffusion in Integrated Care System (DHTDICS): A Development and Validation Study
Authors: Deng Qingwen , Liu Wenbin
Published: February 2020

Background Limited diffusion and utilization of health technology has greatly halted the improvement of resource integration and healthcare outcomes. However, the dynamic mechanism of health technology diffusion in the context of integrated care system (ICS) remained largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the scale on Dynamics of Health Technology Diffusion in Integrated Care System (DHTDICS) for providing instruments to investigate the health technology diffusion in ICS.Methods The scale was initially designed on the basis of the proposed model developed from previous research. And it was validated in a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess domains in the questionnaire, and analyzed factorials, internal consistency and validity of the questionnaire. Results Reliability analysis revealed excellent internal consistency, as the value of Cronbach’s alpha all greater than 0.80 for four of the domains in this study. An acceptable validity was confirmed through tests of construct validity, convergent validity and discriminant validity. With respect to the potential domains and dimensions that DHTDICS contributes, the results highlight the existence of 4 domains: personal beliefs, technical drivers, organizational readiness and external environment.Conclusions The findings of this study will be capable to serve as a valid instrument to measure health technology diffusion, and be also helpful in developing future intervention strategies to promote the health technology diffusion in ICS.
Genome relationships and LTR-retrotransposon diversity in three cultivated Capsicum L. (Solanaceae) species
Authors: de Assis Rafael , Baba Viviane Yumi , Cintra Leonardo Adabo , Gonçalves Leandro Simões Azeredo , Rodrigues Rosana , Vanzela Andre Luís Laforga
Published: February 2020

Background: Plant genomes are rich in repetitive sequences, and transposable elements (TEs) are the most accumulated of them. This mobile fraction can be distinguished as Class I (retrotransposons) and Class II (transposons). Retrotransposons that are transposed using an intermediate RNA and that accumulate in a “copy-and-paste” manner have been screened in three completely sequenced genomes of peppers (Solanaceae family). The goal of this study was to understand the genome relationships among Capsicum annuum , C. chinense and C. baccatum , based on a comparative analysis of the function, diversity and the chromosome distribution of TE lineages in the Capsicum karyotypes. Due to the great commercial importance of pepper in natura , as a spice or as an ornamental plant, these genomes have been widely sequenced, and all of the assemblies are available in the SolGenomics group. These sequences have been used to compare all repetitive fractions from a cytogenomic point of view. Results: The qualification and quantification of LTR-retrotransposons (LTR-RT) families are contrasted with molecular cytogenetics data, and the results show a strong genome similarity between C. annuum and C. chinense as compared to C. baccatum . The Gypsy superfamily is more abundant than Copia , especially for Tekay/Del family members, including a high representation in C. annuum and C. chinense . On the other hand, C. baccatum accumulates more Athila/Tat sequences. The FISH results show retrotransposons differentially scattered along chromosomes, with the exception of CRM family sequences, which mainly have a proximal accumulation associated with heterochromatin bands. Conclusions: The results confirm a close genomic relationship between C. annuum and C. chinense in comparison to C. baccatum . Centromeric GC-rich bands appeared to be associated with the accumulation regions of CRM elements, whereas terminal and subterminal AT- and GC-rich bands do not correspond to the accumulation of the retrotransposons in the three Capsicum species tested here.
Complete genome of the barotolerant Listeria monocytogenes RO15 strain and comparison with other strains isolated from food and food processing environments
Authors: Duru Ilhan Cem , Andreevskaya Margarita , Laine Pia , Rode Tone Mari , Ylinen Anne , Løvdal Trond , Bar Nadav , Crauwels Peter , Riedel Christian , Bucur Florentina Ionela , Nicolau Anca Ioana , Auvinen Petri
Published: February 2020

Background

Consumption of Listeria monocytogenes contaminated food can cause infection with a high mortality rate in humans and animals. High pressure processing (HPP) is a non-thermal preservation technique adopted by the food industry to inactivate food pathogens, including L. monocytogenes. Strains of L. monocytogenes show different level of resistance to the high pressure. Some strains resist up to 500 MPa pressure. Here, we tested the pressure resistance of 10 different L. monocytogenes strains, including field isolates and widely used type strains, to 400 and 600 MPa pressure treatments. Genome sequencing, and genome comparison of the tested L. monocytogenes strains were performed to investigate the relation between genomic profile and pressure resistance.

Results

In this study, we showed that none of the tested strains were resistant to 600 MPa, more than 5 log 10 reduction observed for all strains after 1 minute 600 MPa pressure treatment. However, L. monocytogenes strain RO15 showed no significant reduction in viable cell counts after 400 MPa for 1 minute and it was defined as barotolerant. Genome sequencing of so far unsequenced L. monocytogenes strain RO15, 2HF33, MB5, AB199, AB120, C7, and RO4 allowed us to compare their gene content. Genome comparison of 10 tested strains showed that the three most pressure tolerant strains had more than one CRISPR system with self-targeting spacers. Further, several anti-CRISPR genes were detected in these strains. Pan-genome wide analysis showed that 10 prophage genes were significantly associated with the three most barotolerant strains.

Conclusions

L. monocytogenes strain RO15 was the most pressure tolerant among the selected strains. Genome comparison suggests that there might be a relationship with prophages, CRISPR systems and pressure resistance in L. monocytogenes .
The Predictive value of serum NGAL for the diagnosis of Delayed Graft Function in kidney transplantation
Authors: Pourmand Gholamreza , Emamjomeh Behrouz , Gooran Shahram , Namdari Farshad , Mehrsay Abdolrasool , Dehghani Sanaz , Mashhadi Rahil , Aghaii Maryam , Bagherpour Farzaneh , Heidari Fariba , Ashtari Sara , Khatami Fatemeh , Aghamir Seyed Mohammad Kazem
Published: February 2020

Background and aims the role of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in predicting delayed graft function (DGF) after kidney transplantation is poorly defined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the serum NGAL expression in the early postoperative phase after kidney transplantation and compare it with serum creatinine (Cr). Methods We studied 32 patients who received kidney transplantation from deceased (n=24) and live (n=5) donors during October 2017 to December 2018 at the Urology Research Center, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Serum NGAL, Serum Cr and urine output were measured at 1 to 7 day after transplantation. The need for dialysis in one week after transplantation was evaluated. Results Among 29 recipients with serum biomarkers measurements, 8 (27.5%) developed DGF (need to hemodialysis within 1 week of transplantation). Resulted in areas under ROC curves (AUCs) for serum NGAL at early hours following transplantation was (0.839, 95% CI: 0.69-0.98, P =0.005) that could accurately predict DGF compared to urine output (0.747, 95% CI: 0.55-0.93, P =0.045) and serum Cr (0.607, 95% CI: 0.34-0.86, P =0.398) at 24 hours after transplantation. Multivariate analysis revealed that only serum NGAL was significant independent predictor of DGF (OR: 0.996, 95% CI: 0.993-1.000, P =0.039). Conclusion Serum NGAL at early hours of post-transplantation was valuable biomarker for early accurate predictor of DGF in kidney transplantation compare with tradition biomarkers such as serum Cr and urine output.
Development and Validation of a Comprehensive Multiparameter-based Scoring System to Assess Pulmonary Fibrosis Severity
Authors: Yin Chengsheng , Zhang Yuan , Su Yiliang , Zhang Feng , Shi Jingyun , Chen Yanan , Weng Dong , Chen Tao , Zhao Mengmeng , Zhou Ying , Jiang Xing , Zhang Aihong , Li Huiping
Published: February 2020

Background Survival time varies greatly in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). An assessment method that can accurately assess the severity and prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is currently lacking. This study aimed to develop a new method, which can be easily used to assess pulmonary fibrosis severity. Method 1. Development of a HRCT combined pulmonary function & physiological parameter (CTPF) assessment method: The method included two parts. 1) CT-based fibrosis staging: Four representative lung CT sections were selected and evenly divided into 100 small areas. The percentage of honeycomb lesion area in the four sections was determined fibrosis stage,2) PF-based severity grade: FVC%pred,DLco%pred,SpO2% age and gender were used to assess PF severity grade. 2. Validation of the new method: The method was used to assess 192 patients with IPF. Two radiologists used the CT-based fibrosis staging method to determine the fibrosis stage. Pulmonologist determined the PF severity grade. 3. Statistical analyses: Intra-group correlation coefficient to estimate the consistency between the CT scores from the two radiologists. Spearman correlation coefficient to evaluate the correlation between CT scores and lung function parameters. The competitive risk Fine–Gray model was used to analyze the relationship between CT-based stage/PF-based grade and prognosis. CT-based stage, PF-based grade, and GAP stage were used as predictors to predicted the death risk. Results 1. The intra-group correlation coefficient of the CT scores of the two radiologists was 0.95, P<0.05. 2. The CT scores negatively correlated with pulmonary function. 3. The CTPF comprehensive model, showed higher predictive accuracy. Conclusion Combined CT-based staging and PF-based grading methods CTPF can be adopted easily in clinical practice, and can assess IPF severity and predict death risk more accurately.
What have we learnt from measles outbreaks in 3 English cities? A qualitative exploration of factors influencing vaccination uptake in Romanian and Roma Romanian communities
Authors: Bell Sadie , Saliba Vanessa , Ramsay Mary , Mounier-Jack Sandra
Published: February 2020

Background: Since 2016, large scale measles outbreaks have heavily affected countries across Europe. In England, laboratory confirmed measles cases increased almost four-fold between 2017 and 2018, from 259 to 966 cases. Several of the 2017-18 measles outbreaks in England particularly affected Romanian and Roma Romanian communities, with the first outbreaks in these communities occurring in Birmingham, Leeds and Liverpool. This study explored factors influencing vaccination behaviours amongst Romanian and Roma Romanian communities in these three cities. Methods: Across Birmingham, Leeds and Liverpool, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 33 key providers to explore their experience in delivering vaccinations and managing the outbreak response. We also interviewed 9 Romanian women in one of the cities to explore their vaccination attitudes and behaviours. To categorise factors affecting vaccination we applied the 5As Taxonomy for Determinants of Vaccine Uptake (Access, Affordability, Awareness, Acceptance and Activation) during data analysis. Findings: Factors related to access and acceptance, such as language and literacy, ease of registering with a general practice, and trust in health services, were reported as the main barriers to vaccination amongst the communities. Concerns around vaccination safety and importance were reported but these appeared to be less dominant contributing factors to vaccination uptake. The active decline of vaccinations amongst interviewed community members was linked to distrust in healthcare services, which were partly rooted in negative experiences of healthcare in Romania and the UK. Conclusion: Access and acceptance, dominant barriers to vaccination, can be improved through the building of trust with communities. To establish trust providers must find ways to connect with and develop a greater understanding of the communities they serve. To achieve this, cultural and linguistic barriers need to be addressed. Better provider-service user relationships are crucial to reducing vaccination inequalities and tackling broader disparities in health service access.
Effective Data Transmission Based on Path Prediction in Opportunistic Social Networks
Authors: ZHANG Xuan , WU Jia , YU Genghua
Published: February 2020

With the development of social media, social networks have become an important platform for people to share and communicate. In social network communication, each participant can only pass information correctly if we find the goal of our communication. In other words, when people carry mobile devices for data transmission, they need to find a definite transmission destination to ensure the normal conduct of information exchange activities. In social networks, this is manifested in the process of data transmission by nodes, which requires analysis and judgment of surrounding areas, and finds suitable nodes for effective data classification and transmission. However, the node cache space in social networks is limited, and the process of waiting for the target node will cause end-to-end transmission delay. In order to improve such a transmission environment, this paper proposes a node trajectory prediction method named EDPPM algorithm. This algorithm can guarantee that nodes with high probability are given priority to obtain data information, which realized an effective data transmission mechanism. Through experiments and comparison of opportunistic transmission algorithms in social networks, such as Epidemic algorithm, Spray and Wait algorithm, and PRoPHET algorithm, our algorithm can improve the cache utilization of nodes, reduce data transmission delay, and improve the overall network efficiency.
Immunization coverage in Ethiopia among 12-23 month children: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Authors: Nour Tahir Yousuf , Farah1 Alinoor Mohamed , Ali Omer Moeline , Abate Kalkidan Hassen
Published: February 2020

Background: Immunization is cost-effective public health interventions strategies of the decade which under go long and careful process to ensure vaccine safeness before it reaches to the target children, it averts nearly three million mortality annually and immunization coverage is very low comparing all plans at national and regional. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess pooled immunization coverage in Ethiopia.Method: systematic search was done from PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Hinari, SCOPUS, WHO’s Institutional Repository for Information Sharing (IRIS), African Journals Online databases, grey literature and reviewing reference lists of already identified articles. Checklist from the Joanna Briggs Institute was used to assess risk of bias of the included study while heterogeneity was assessed using I2. Funnel plot were used to assess publication bias. Meta-analysis using random effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of immunization among 12-23 month children using STATA 13 software.Result: twenty eight articles were included in the meta-analysis with, a total sample size of 20,048 12-23 months children. The pooled prevalence of immunization among 12-23 month children in Ethiopia was found 47 % (95%, CI: 46.0, 47.0). Subgroup analysis by region indicated the lowest proportion of immunized children in Afar region, 21% (95%, CI: 18.0, 24.0) and the highest in Amhara region, 89% (95%, CI: 85.0, 92.0).Conclusion: Nearly 50% of 12-23 month children were fully vaccinated for this systematic review and meta-analysis but coverage is still low with clear disparity among regions. Mobile and outreach immunization sites should be planned for hard to reach area of pastoral and semi-pastoral regions. Immunization service should be integrated to private for profit and not for profit health facilities which cover 11% of health service coverage in Ethiopia.
Core-binding factor beta is required for osteoblast differentiation during fibula fracture healing
Authors: Guo Tuanmao , Xing Yan-Li , Chen Zhongning , Wang Xianhong , Zhu Hai-Yun , Yang Lan , Yan Yong
Published: February 2020

Background: Growing evidence has implicated core-binding factor beta (Cbfb) as a contributor to the osteoblast differentiation, which plays a key role in fracture healing. Here, we conducted the present study with the main objective to assess whether Cbfb affects osteoblast differentiation after fibula fracture. Methods: Initially, Cbfb conditional knockout mouse model was established. Immunohistochemical staining was carried out to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Collagen II in the fracture end. Then osteoblasts were isolated from specific Cbfb conditional knockout mice and cultured. BrdU method, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and Von Kossa staining were followed to detect osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and mineralization, respectively. Western blot analysis and RT-qPCR were used to detect the expression of osteoblast differentiation-related genes. Cbfb conditional knockout mouse model was successfully constructed. Results: The mice treated with Cbfb knockout were shown to exhibit significantly decreased expression of PCNA and Collagen II, ALP activity and mineralization, as well as inhibited expression of Runx2, ALP, BglaPl, SPPl, Osteocalcin, Atf4 and Osterix. Further, Cbfb knockout showed no effects on osteoblast differentiation. Conclusion: Overall, these results demonstrated that the Cbfb could potentially promote fibula fracture healing and osteoblast differentiation and thus could comprise a potential means of impeding the progression of fibula fracture.
Determinants of delayed diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in high-burden countries: a mixed-methods systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Teo Alvin Kuo Jing , Singh Shweta R , Prem Kiesha , Hsu Li Yang , Yi Siyan
Published: February 2020

Background: Globally, 30 countries with the highest tuberculosis (TB) burden bears 87% of the world’s TB cases. Delayed diagnosis and treatment are detrimental to TB prognosis and sustain TB transmission in the community, making TB elimination a great challenge, especially in these countries. Our objective was to elucidate the determinants and duration of delayed diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary TB in high TB burden countries. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative and qualitative studies by searching four databases for literature published between 2008 and 2018 following PRISMA guidelines. For quantitative studies, we performed narrative synthesis of the covariates that were significantly associated with patient, health system, treatment, and total delays. The pooled median duration of delay and effect sizes of covariates were estimated using random-effects meta-analyses. We identified key qualitative themes using thematic analysis. Results: We included 124 articles from 14 low-and lower-middle-income countries (LIC and LMIC) and five upper-middle-income countries (UMIC) in this review. The pooled median duration of patient, health system, and treatment delay were 28 days (95%CI 20–30), 11.5 days (95%CI 3.9–24.7), and six days (95%CI 1–28.4), respectively. We found that the duration of delays was consistently shorter among UMIC compared to LIC and LMIC. There was consistent evidence that being female and rural residence was associated with longer patient delay. Furthermore, patient delay was also associated with other individual, interpersonal, and community risk factors such as poor TB knowledge, long chains of care-seeking through private/multiple providers, perceived stigma, financial insecurities, and poor access to healthcare. Health system and treatment delay were mediated by organizational and policy factors. These factors included the lack of resources and complex administrative procedures and systems at the health facilities. We identified data gaps in 11 high burden countries. Conclusions: This review detailed the determinants of delayed TB diagnosis and treatment in high burden countries. The gaps identified at different socio-ecological levels could be addressed through tailored approaches, education, and at a higher level, through health system strengthening and provision of universal health coverage to reduce delays and improve access to TB diagnosis and care.
Tumor size measured by multidetector CT in resectable colon cancer: Correlation with regional lymph node metastasis
Authors: Mou Anna , Li Hang , Chen Xiaoli , Fan Fanghua , Pu Hong
Published: February 2020

Background : The aim of our study was to determine whether tumor size measured by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) could be used to evaluate lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with resectable colon cancer. Methods: This retrospective study consisted of 106 consecutive patients with colon cancer who underwent radical surgery within 1 week after contrast enhanced-CT scan. Tumor size including tumor length (Tlen), tumor maximum diameter (Tdia), t umor maximum cross-sectional area (Tare) and tumor volume (Tvol) were measured on contrast enhanced-CT images and correlated with pathologic LNM and N stages using univariate analysis, logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: The inter - (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]=0.94, 0.81, 0.97, 0.99) and intraobserver (ICC=0.95, 0.93, 0.91 and 0.99) reproducibility of Tlen, Tdia, Tare and Tvol parameters measurement is excellent. Univariate analysis showed Tlen, Tdia, Tare, and Tvol could predict LNM (all P <0.05), whereas Tvol was an independent risk factor for LNM (odds ratio =1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.17; P =0.017) by logistic regression analysis. Tlen, Tdia, Tare and Tvol could distinguish between N0 and N1, N0 and N2, N0 and N1-2, and N0-1 and N2 disease (all P < 0.05). The area under the ROC (AUC) was higher for Tvol than for Tlen, Tdia and Tare in identifying LNM (AUC =0.83, 0.82, 0.69, 0.79, respectively) and distinguishing N0 from N1 (AUC =0.79, 0.78, 0.63, 0.74, respectively), N0 from N2 (AUC =0.92, 0.89, 0.80, 0.89, respectively), and N0-1 from N2 (AUC =0.84, 0.79, 0.76, 0.83, respectively). Conclusion: Tlen , Tdia, Tare and Tvol measured with MDCT correlated with regional LNM in resectable colon cancer. In particular, Tvol showed the most potential for noninvasive preoperative evaluation of regional LNM.
Long-term follow-up of intrahepatic biliary cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma following hepatectomy
Authors: Chen Jiangming , Geng Wei , Zhao Yijun , Xie Kun , Wang Guobin , Liu Fubao , Geng Xiaoping
Published: February 2020

Backgroud: We present our experiences, particularly long term followup, of 20 patients who underwent operations for BCA or BCAC over the last 15 years in an effort to formulate more effective management strategies Methods: Clinical data on patients with pathologically confirmed BCA or BCAC between June 2002 and May 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Twenty patients were pathologically diagnosed with intrahepatic BCA (12) or BCAC (8); the mean ages for these 2 groups were 46.3 years and 62.0 years, respectively (P = 0.000). The main imaging feature for most BCA patients (83.3%) was cystic mass with septations. The main imaging features for BCAC were unilocular or unilocular cysts with papillary projections or solid portions. All BCAC patients received surgical treatment. No BCA patients developed recurrent cystadenoma after complete excision. Five (62.5 per cent) of the 8 BCAC patients died during a median follow-up time of 61.8 months. Three deaths were due to metastasis. The median follow-up of BCAC patients without a recurrence was 90.7months (range 31–152). Conclusions: Factors associated with a higher likelihood of BCA or BCAC include being a middle-aged or older woman, having elevated serum CA19-9 levels, showing high-risk features on imaging, and having recurrent liver cyst(s). Radical excision is recommended to obtain long-term tumor-free survival.
Frequency-dependent gating of feedforward inhibition in thalamofrontal synapses
Authors: Lee Jungmin , Choi Joonho , Rah Jong Cheol
Published: February 2020

Thalamic recruitment of feedforward inhibition is known to enhance the fidelity of the receptive field by limiting the temporal window during which cortical neurons integrate excitatory inputs. Feedforward inhibition driven by the mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus (MD) has been observed, but its physiological function and regulation remain unknown. Accumulating evidence suggests that elevated neuronal activity in the prefrontal cortex is required for short-term storage of information. Furthermore, the elevated neuronal activity is supported by the reciprocal connectivity between the MD and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Therefore, detailed knowledge about the synaptic connections during high-frequency activity is critical for understanding the mechanism of short-term memory. In this study, we examined how feedforward inhibition of thalamofrontal connectivity is modulated by activity frequency. We observed greater short-term synaptic depression during disynaptic inhibition than in thalamic excitatory synapses during high-frequency activity. The strength of feedforward inhibition became weaker as the stimulation continued, which, in turn, enhanced the range of firing jitter in a frequency-dependent manner. We postulated that this phenomenon was primarily due to the increased failure rate of evoking action potentials in parvalbumin-expressing inhibitory neurons. These findings suggest that the MD-mPFC pathway is dynamically regulated by an excitatory-inhibitory balance in an activity-dependent manner. During low-frequency activity, excessive excitation is inhibited, and firing is restricted to a limited temporal range by the strong feedforward inhibition. However, during high-frequency activity, such as during short-term memory, the activity can be transferred in a broader temporal range due to the decreased feedforward inhibition.
Neurofilament degradation is involved in laparotomy-induced cognitive dysfunction in aged rats
Authors: Cao Yiyun , Liu Taotao , Li Zhengqian , Yang Jiao , Ma Lijun , Qi Aihua , Zou Feng , Guo Xiangyang , Wang Aizhong
Published: February 2020

Background An excessive neuroinflammatory response involved in the pathogenesis of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), which increases morbidity and mortality. However, the precise mechanism remains unclear. Trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, has been shown to be anti-inflammatory. Therefore, we aimed to explore whether TSA can inhibit the surgery-induced neuroinflammation and improve POCD and further reveal the complex neuropathogenesis underlying POCD. Methods To explore the molecular mechanisms by which surgery-induced POCD in aged rats, TSA (1 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected, and hippocampal microglial activation and neuroinflammation were observed. We investigated changes in the protein profile of the hippocampus using a proteomics approach [isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) combined with nano liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry] at the peak of surgery-induced neuroinflammation, and significant alterations of proteins were verified using western blotting and immunofluorescence. Then, proteins associated with signaling pathways in the surgery + TSA and surgery groups were analyzed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Results After laparotomy, aged rats had prolonged escape latencies on days 4 and 5 postsurgery, spent less time in the target quadrant than control rats (p < 0.05), and exhibited excessive hippocampal microglia activation and IL-1β and TNF-α release. iTRAQ and bioinformatics analyses at 6 h after surgery showed that neurofilaments (NFs), including the NEFH, NEFM and NEFL proteins, were significantly upregulated, and TSA pretreatment could mitigate these changes. Subsequently, KEGG analysis revealed that nine pathways were enriched in the surgery + TSA group vs. the surgery group (p < 0.05). Among them, two signaling pathways, “focal adhesion” and “ECM-receptor interaction”, were associated with significant upregulation of collagen and downregulation of NF proteins, indicating these as possibly important pathways involved in NF degradation in the hippocampus of aged brains after surgery-induced POCD. Conclusion Surgery-induced neuroinflammation upregulated NFs, resulting NF degradation and aggregation in the hippocampus of aged rats, which might lead to hippocampus-independent learning and memory impairment, contributing to POCD. Additionally, TSA diminished surgery-induced neuroinflammatory responses and modulated the NF-associated changes in cognitive dysfunction in aged brains, which might be related to activation of the “focal adhesion” and “ECM-receptor interaction” pathways.
Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes stimulates cutaneous wound healing thourgh TGF-β/Smad signaling
Authors: Jiang Tiechao , Wang Zhongyu , Sun Ji
Published: February 2020

Background: Cutaneous wound healing represents a morphogenetic response to injury, and it designed to restore anatomic and physiological function. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes (hBM-MSCs-Ex) is a promising source for cell-free therapy and skin regeneration. Methods: In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanism of hBM-MSCs-Ex on cutaneous wound healing in rats. We assessment of the role of hBM-MSCs-Ex in the two type of skin cell: human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). proliferation in vitro . Furthermore, we used a full-thickness skin wounds to evaluate the effects of hBM-MSCs-Ex on cutaneous wound healing in vivo. Results: Our results demonstrated that hBM-MSCs-Ex promote both two type of skin cell growth effectively and accelerate the cutaneous wound healing ( p <0.01). Then, we found that hBM-MSCs-Ex significantly down-regulated TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 expression, while up-regulated TGF-β3 and Smad7 expression ( p <0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings indicated that hBM-MSCs-Ex effectively promote the cutaneous wound healing through inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad signal pathway, providing a new sight for the therapeutic strategy of hBM-MSCs-Ex for the treatment of cutaneous wounds.
Marital status and survival analysis of patients with pure mucinous breast carcinoma: A SEER Population-Based Retrospective study
Authors: Tang Fan , Wei Xiaoqing , Dian Liping , Xu Rui , Ren Liping , Zhou Quzhi , Chen Qianjun , Zhang Yuzhu
Published: February 2020

Background The present study was conducted to investigate the influence of marital status on survival of pure mucinous breast carcinoma based on surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) databases.Methods Data were extracted from the SEER database on eligible patients diagnosed with pure mucinous breast carcinoma between 1998 and 2015. Patients were divided into married groups and the not married groups. Survival curves were generated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and survival differences were estimated by using the Log-Rank test. Multivariate Cox Proportional Hazards Models was used to assess independent risk factors for survival.Results A total of 14972 eligible pure mucinous breast carcinoma patients were enrolled from the SEER database, including 7462 (49.84%) married and 7510 (50.16%) not married patients. The OS and CSS were significantly greater in married patients than not married patients (79.27 vs 62.49% for OS and 96.07 vs 93.34% for CSS, both P= 0.000). Among patients older than 75, there were significantly more unmarried patients than married patients (21.5% vs. 44.1%). Compared to the not married patients, cancer stage were even lower (stage I) (69.6% vs. 62.6%), (stage II) (28.6% vs. 33.9%), (stage III) (0.6% vs. 0.9%), (stage IV) (1.3% vs. 2.5%), and more patients received breast conserving surgery (67.4% vs. 62.9%), chemotherapy (15.3% vs. 11.0%) and radiation therapy (54.3% vs. 43.1%). Compared with the not married group, the proportion of non-recurrent lymph node metastasis was (82.8% vs. 74.6%) (All P= 0.000). The Multivariate Cox Proportional Hazards Models showed that marriage is an independent protective factor for OS (HR =1.356, 95% CI: 1.271-1.446, P= 0.000) and CSS (HR =1.942, 95% CI: 1.681–2.644, P= 0.000).Conclusion Marital status was an independent prognostic indicator in pure mucinous breast carcinoma patients. Research data showed that married pure mucinous breast carcinoma patients can obtain better OS and CSS than the not married patients.