bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implication des mitochondries dans la biologie musculaire : un rôle clé au cours du développement, de la croissance et de la fonte musculaire
Authors: HERPIN P. , DAMON M. , HOCQUETTE J.F. , MÉDALE F. , MOSONI L. , STÉPIEN G. , WRUTNIAK-CABELLO C. , CABELLO G.
Published: May 2020

Cette synthèse concerne les recherches récemment effectuées à l’INRA sur le rôle des mitochondries dans la régulation du développement, de la croissance et des propriétés du muscle des animaux d’élevage et dans le déterminisme de la fonte musculaire au cours du vieillissement chez l’homme.
La relation entre activité mitochondriale et développement musculaire a été confirmée. Au-delà de la relation entre métabolisme oxydatif, densité mitochondriale et type contractile des fibres, nous montrons que les caractéristiques intrinsèques des organites diffèrent en fonction des isoformes de myosine présentes. Les mitochondries participent à la définition du type contractile et à la différenciation des myoblastes, via le dialogue mitochondries-noyau auquel participent trois gènes cibles majeurs de l’organite : c-Myc (répresseur), Calcineurine et myogénine (stimulateurs). L’importance de la voie d’action mitochondriale de la T3 pour la régulation de la itochondriogenèse et de l’activité de l’organite est confirmée à la fois in vitro et in vivo.
Aucune relation claire n’a été mise en évidence entre la quantité de lipides intramusculaires (LIM), un déterminant important de la qualité des viandes, et l’activité mitochondriale. La teneur en LIM semble davantage corrélée avec la différenciation des adipocytes intramusculaires et l’importance des flux de lipides dans le muscle qu’avec une voie métabolique particulière.
Les protéines découplantes, UCP2, UCP3 (chez le porc) et avUCP (chez le poulet) sont régulées différemment mais il reste difficile de conclure sur leur rôle physiologique. UCP3 et avUCPs sont des effecteurs importants de l’effet thermogénique de la T3 et pourraient jouer un rôle dans le contrôle du métabolisme basal, tandis qu’avUCP semble être un régulateur métabolique majeur chez le poulet.
Les travaux concernant l’activité mitochondriale en relation avec le vieillissement ont produit un certain nombre de résultats divergents par rapport à la littérature : absence d’accumulation de délétions de l’ADN mitochondrial et d’altération de l’expression de gènes mitochondriaux ou nucléaires avant un âge très avancé. Pourtant, la production mitochondriale d’H2O2 augmente avec l’âge et le vieillissement accroît la sensibilité de la respiration mitochondriale au calcium, deux phénomènes susceptibles de participer à l’induction «facilitée» d’une mort cellulaire.
En conclusion, que ce soit chez l’animal ou l’homme, les mitochondries musculaires participent à de nombreuses fonctions physiologiques en liaison avec leurs différentes activités biologiques.
L’activité mitochondriale est un régulateur majeur de la différenciation des myoblastes et de l’expression des isoformes de myosine
Authors: SEYER P. , GRANDEMANGE S. , PESSEMESSE L. , CASAS F. , CABELLO G. , WRUTNIAK-CABELLO C.
Published: May 2020

Parallèlement à son rôle dans le métabolisme énergétique, l’activité mitochondriale intervient également dans l’induction de l’apoptose, ainsi que dans la régulation de la prolifération et de la différenciation cellulaires. Il existe en particulier une véritable régulation de la différenciation des myoblastes par l’activité mitochondriale, indépendante de la production d’ATP. Elle implique notamment le contrôle de l’expression de myogénine et de l’activité des facteurs myogéniques.
Dans cette étude, nous démontrons que l’expression du proto-oncogène c-Myc est respectivement stimulée ou diminuée par une inhibition ou une stimulation de l’activité mitochondriale. Cette régulation s’effectue en grande partie au niveau de la stabilité du messager, et au niveau de la localisation cellulaire de la protéine dans les myoblastes aviaires. De plus, la surexpression de c-Myc reproduit très exactement les effets d’une inhibition de l’activité mitochondriale : i) abrogation de la différenciation terminale ; ii) inhibition de l’expression de Myogénine, sans altération de celle de MyoD ; iii) blocage de l’aptitude des facteurs myogéniques à induire la différenciation ; iv) inhibition de la sortie des myoblastes du cycle cellulaire. Ces résultats démontrent que c-Myc est une cible importante de l’activité mitochondriale, impliquée dans l’influence de l’organite sur la différenciation des myoblastes.
Nous avons également mis en évidence l’existence d’un autre gène cible de l’organite qui code la phosphatase calcium dépendante Calcineurine. Son expression est respectivement inhibée ou stimulée par l’inhibition ou la stimulation de l’activité mitochondriale. De plus, l’expression d’une forme constitutivement active de Calcineurine stimule la différenciation des myoblastes et l’expression de Myogénine, alors que ces deux événements sont bloqués par l’expression d’un ARN antisens Calcineurine. Enfin, la stimulation de l’activité mitochondriale, comme l’expression d’une forme constitutivement active de Calcineurine stimule spécifiquement l’expression de l’isoforme lente des chaînes lourdes de myosine.
Ces données démontrent donc que, notamment via l’expression de Calcineurine, l’activité mitochondriale régule non seulement la différenciation des myoblastes, mais détermine également le type contractile des fibres musculaires
Conséquences de la présence de filières fromagères bénéficiant d’une Indication Géographique sur l’activité agricole des zones considérées : l’exemple des Alpes du Nord
Authors: HAUWUY A. , DELATTRE F. , ROYBIN D. , COULON J.B.
Published: May 2020

Dans les Alpes du Nord, une proportion importante de la production laitière est valorisée sous forme de fromages bénéficiant d’une Indication Géographique (AOP ou IGP). Le succès de cette valorisation se traduit de façon nette sur la valorisation du lait à la production, qui est une des plus élevées de France. Au-delà de cet effet net, et dans le cadre de l’évolution du contexte de l’agriculture tant au niveau national (réforme de la Pac) que local (forte urbanisation des Alpes du Nord), nous nous sommes interrogés sur les conséquences directes et indirectes de la présence de ces filières sur les caractéristiques et les évolutions de l’activité laitière et agricole des zones considérées. La présence des filières fromagères, si elle ne semble pas avoir eu d’effets notables sur la dynamique agricole globale, a engendré une très forte spécialisation laitière de l’activité agricole ainsi qu’un meilleur maintien de l’activité laitière dans les contextes à forte urbanisation. Ces effets sont discutés en fonction des modifications actuelles du contexte tant local que national.
Le jeune bœuf Charolais à l’herbe : une voie de développement de la production de viande finie en Bourgogne
Authors: DUMONT R. , AGABRIEL J. , BÉCHEREL F. , DURAND Y. , FARRIÉ J.P. , MICOL D. , PICHEREAU F. , PIERRET P. , RENON J. , ROUDIER J.
Published: May 2020

Les conditions de développement d’une production de bœufs Charolais de 26 mois à l’herbe en Bourgogne sont analysées à différents niveaux : l’étude des pratiques des éleveurs, le choix des itinéraires techniques avec mise en évidence de l’intérêt d’une castration précoce, une analyse de filière pour évaluer les attentes des entreprises régionales et enfin une simulation de l’intérêt économique pour l’exploitation.
Produire un bœuf jeune en valorisant au mieux les fourrages de l’exploitation est techniquement réalisable dans des conditions extrêmement variées comme les itinéraires techniques testés, de même que les observations réalisées en élevage, l’ont montré. Certains de ces itinéraires permettent de maximiser l’apport en herbe dans l’alimentation. La castration précoce peut aider à la réalisation de l’objectif, sans préjudice sur le produit et sans perturber l’animal. Au final, ces jeunes bœufs produisent des carcasses de 400 à 440 kg proches de celles des vaches de réforme (à l’exception d’une couleur parfois plus claire), suffisamment engraissées à la fois dans les conditions de plaine ou de montagne. La filière régionale se montre peu intéressée par ce type de produit sauf peut-être en complément des vaches, au printemps en «soudure» ou pour renforcer l’offre de bœufs croisés ou encore dans le cadre d’une marque régionale. Selon les simulations économiques, cette production apporte la même marge au niveau de l’exploitation que le jeune bovin ou le maigre repoussé. Toutefois, il est probable que, sans évolution notable de la conjoncture, les éleveurs ne souhaiteront pas modifier leurs choix actuels de production.
The Dilemmas Selection of Anti-Crisis Economic Strategy in Forestry and the Wood-Based Sector in the Perspective of a Long-Term Pandemic Threat – the Case of Poland
Authors: Wanat Leszek , Czarnecki Rafał , Kusiak Władysław , Mikołajczak Elżbieta , Sarniak Łukasz , Sikora Jan , Wieruszewski Marek
Published: May 2020

Forestry and the wood-based sector, including the wood industry, which is an important element of economic systems and a source of budget revenues for many countries in the world, found itself in the first quarter of 2020 in a situation of a serious threat of a prolonged crisis as a consequence of the pandemic. In this perspective, it is necessary to review existing sector strategies and look for new solutions to ensure first survival, then functioning and finally development of entities forming the wood market. In the scientific research, which is the subject of this work, an attempt was made to multi-criteria analysis of the selection of the optimal anti-crisis strategy for actors from forestry and the wood-based sector in the face of a pandemic. Preparatory studies were conducted on the example of Poland, where both forestry and the wood industry belong to the dominant sectors of the economy, conducting them at the turn of March and April 2020. The research was referred to the primary wood raw material market in Poland, which is the main link in the value chain, created first by the dominant owner: Państwowe Gospodarstwo Leśne "Lasy Państwowe" - the “State Forests” National Forest Holding (SFNFH), and then forest service entrepreneurs, to entities representing the wood industry. The work uses a concept modified for the purposes of the author's research scenario, based on the method of multi-criteria hierarchical analysis AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process). The best possible decision was to be searched that would allow the selection of the optimal anti-crisis strategy for enterprises - actors of the sector concerned. Based on the collected results and their expert discussion, recommendations for sectoral policy for forestry and the wood-based sector were then formulated. The proposed solutions are located against the background of a dispute between the concept of institutional intervention and a model taking into account the effects of market factors. The work is both cognitive (optimization and adaptation of the research method) and practical up-to-date. An accurate development strategy for forestry and the wood-based sector is urgently needed and necessary to implement as quickly as possible.
Process Optimisation of Low-caffeine Coffee Using Steam Treatment
Authors: Anggriawan Riyan , Maksum Ali , Wijaya Fransisca , Purbowati Ike Sitoresmi Mulyo
Published: May 2020

In addition to being a source of freshener, coffee has an enormous possibility to be developed as a source of antioxidants for functional beverages. However, efforts to increase the value added of coffee as a health functional drink are still hindered by the presence of high level of caffeine, which is thought to have adverse effects on health, especially for coffee lovers who are vulnerable to caffeine. This study aims to optimise the steaming duration to produce low caffeine coffee while maintaining the sensory attributes and antioxidant compounds contained in it. Indonesian Arabica (Leksana variety) green coffee beans were steamed with multi-level steaming durations (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 min) followed by roasting (medium-dark roast degree), grinding, and brewing (espresso method). The results indicate that caffeine content in the coffee was inversely proportional to the steaming duration. The lowest caffeine content was obtained from the treatment of 80 min steaming with a decrease of caffeine level up to 28.73%. However, the longer process of steaming caused a significant decrease in polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. The hedonic test shows that the steaming treatment of coffee can increase preferences of panellists. There were two driving attributes that influence the overall liking of coffee, namely: bitterness and aftertaste. Coffee obtained from the treatment of 60 min steaming was most preferred by panellists. The results of APLSR biplot mapping show that there was a big change in almost all attributes in the coffee samples after 40 min steaming.
Condições de vida de famílias brasileiras: estimativa da insegurança alimentar
Authors: De Araújo Melissa , Rodrigues Nascimento Diana , Souza Lopes Mariana , Mendes dos Passos Camila , Cristine Souza Lopes Aline
Published: May 2020

O artigo objetiva estudar a associação entre condições de vida das famílias brasileiras e a estimativa da insegurança alimentar (IA). Para tanto, foi realizado estudo transversal conduzido com dados da Pesquisa de Orçamento Familiar (2008-2009), do IBGE, nas áreas rurais e urbanas. A estimativa da IA foi obtida a partir da pergunta: “das afirmativas a seguir, qual aquela que melhor descreve a quantidade de alimento consumido por sua família?”, quando a resposta foi “normalmente não é suficiente” ou “às vezes não é suficiente”. As condições de vida foram analisadas por variáveis econômicas, do domicílio e seu entorno. Modelos de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta, ajustados, foram construídos. Os resultados mostram que, dos 55.406 domicílios investigados, 39,4% foram classificados em IA, sendo que, na maioria deles, foi identificada dificuldade (93,9%) para levar a vida até o fim do mês com a renda disponível. Os valores de razão de prevalência, ajustados por renda mensal per capita, região e área, indicam que todos os aspectos econômicos e condições de vida insatisfatórias, bem como os problemas no domicílio e do entorno foram significativamente associados à IA. Conclui-se que é elevada a prevalência da estimativa da IA, sendo associada às condições de vida insatisfatórias das famílias. Portanto, revela-se a necessidade de implementar políticas públicas intersetoriais efetivas visando reduzir as desigualdades.
Assessment of landslide susceptibility for civil protection purposes by means of GIS and statistical analysis: lessons from the Province of Modena, Italy
Authors: Elena LIBERATOSCIOLI , Cees J. VAN WESTEN , Mauro SOLDATI
Published: May 2020

This paper is focused on the analysis of landslide susceptibility for civil protection purposes. A methodology was developed and applied to support measures aiming at landslide risk mitigation. It is based on GIS and the Weight of Evidence (WofE) method, which was preferred among several other statistical approaches because it is suitable for large areas, easy to interpret and simple to program. The latter feature is important for implementing a GIS tool aimed to facilitate Civil Protection in the updating of susceptibility maps. An application of the methodology was performed in a mountainous and hilly area of the Northern Apennines (Italy) located in the Province of Modena where landslides are a critical issue in terms of civil protection due to the recurrent damages to buildings, roads and infrastructures. According to the Region Emilia-Romagna Landslide Inventory Map (RER LIM), shallow slides and earth flows are by far the most widespread mass movement types. Hence, the susceptibility assessment concerned these two types of movements. The choice of the training set, based on active landslides, took into account possible limitations of the input data. The predisposing factors were lithology, slope, curvature, Slope Position Index, aspect, land use, distance from roads. The validation was conducted through the PRC and SRC curves, and direct checking (comparison with past occurrences, multi-temporal orthophotos and field surveys). The resulting models predicted the location of landslides in an acceptable manner. One map for each type of landslides was produced and afterwards they were combined in a single document to improve their intelligibility in a civil protection framework.
Landslides and human interference in Darjiling Himalayas, India
Authors: DE Sunil Kumar
Published: May 2020

Landslides are among the nature's primarily ways of adjustment to slope stability. In Darjiling Himalayas the process has been intensified by human interference mainly through rapid deforestation, incorrect construction procedure and unplanned tapping of natural resources. The present paper aims at investigating the occurrence of landslides mainly due to human intervention. For analyzing the acuteness of the problem, important events of landslides over time, landslide susceptibility map using traditional check-list and investigation of the nature of human intervention for landslide occurrences have been carried out. From the study it is found that extreme rainfall events of consecutive days accumulating an amount of 1000 to 1200 mm, coupled with deep weathering in susceptible structure could trigger to 5 to 10 m-thick landslides. Being saturated with percolating rainwater, such slopes even with a rainfall 50 of mm/h would cause disastrous landsllides. Common occurrence of landslides is found along the springs, where thick debris is removed along the slope, ontop of the bedrock.. Generally deforested urbanized tracts, illegal coal mining sites, tea gardens, artillery roads connecting hills with the plains are the most susceptible areas to sliding.
Tratamento do HIV/AIDS no Brasil: impacto da adesão sobre a utilização de recursos e custos
Authors: Fernandes Roberta , Ribeiro-Pereira Ana Carolina , Decimoni Tassia , Ferrarezzo Franciele , Zillmer Vinicius , Aquino Joyce
Published: May 2020

Objetivo: Determinar o impacto da adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral sobre a utilização de recursos e custos relacionados ao manejo do HIV/AIDS no Brasil. Métodos: Uma revisão sistemática da literatura foi conduzida em dezembro/2019. Foram incluídos estudos com pacientes adultos, brasileiros, com diagnóstico de HIV/AIDS, que apresentassem dados de adesão terapêutica, utilização de recursos e custos associados ao tratamento. Resultados: Foram localizadas 964 referências, três delas elegíveis para inclusão. O custo total foi estimado em 227.362,00 BRL em seis meses (N = 100 – custos diretos e indiretos) e em 579.264,80 BRL por ano (N = 157 – custos diretos) em indivíduos aderentes ao tratamento. Já em 40 pacientes não aderentes, o custo total estimado, considerando apenas os custos diretos, foi de 136.023,25 BRL por ano. Ao padronizar essas estimativas pelo período de análise e tamanho amostral, pacientes não aderentes demonstram um menor custo total quando comparados àqueles aderentes ao tratamento [170.029,06 BRL (custos diretos) versus 184.479,24 BRL (custos diretos) e 227.362,00 BRL (custos diretos e indiretos)]. No entanto, o grupo de pacientes não aderentes ao tratamento demonstrou maior custo, com diferença estatisticamente significativa para consultas e necessidade de internação hospitalar. A razão de custo-efetividade incremental para indivíduos aderentes à terapia antirretroviral (7.622 BRL por resposta clínica) foi menor quando comparada ao grupo de indivíduos não aderentes (9.716 BRL por resposta clínica). Conclusões: Apesar da escassez de estudos que avaliem a relação entre a adesão ao tratamento e os custos com o manejo do HIV/AIDS no Brasil, os achados corroboram a hipótese de que a não adesão ao tratamento pode gerar um maior custo.
Sensor-based Characterization of Daily Walking: A New Paradigm in Pre-frailty/Frailty Assessment
Authors: Kumar Danya Pradeep , Toosizadeh Nima , Mohler Jane , Ehsani Hossein , Mannier Cassidy , Laksari Kaveh
Published: May 2020

Background: Frailty is a highly recognized geriatric syndrome resulting in decline in reserve across multiple physiological systems. Impaired physical function is one of the major indicators of frailty. The goal of this study was to evaluate an algorithm that discriminates between frailty groups (non-frail and pre-frail/frail) based on gait performance parameters derived from unsupervised daily physical activity (DPA). Methods: DPA was acquired for 48 hours from older adults (≥65 years) using a tri-axial accelerometer motion-sensor. Continuous bouts of walking for 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s without pauses were identified from acceleration data. These were then used to extract qualitative measures (gait variability, gait asymmetry, and gait irregularity) and quantitative measures (total continuous walking duration and maximum number of continuous steps) to characterize gait performance. Association between frailty and gait performance parameters was assessed using multinomial logistic models with frailty as the dependent variable, and gait performance parameters along with demographic parameters as independent variables. Results: 126 older adults (44 non-frail, 60 pre-frail, and 22 frail, based on the Fried index) were recruited. Step- and stride-times, frequency domain gait variability, and continuous walking quantitative measures were significantly different between non-frail and pre-frail/frail groups (p<0.05). Among the five different durations (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s), gait performance parameters extracted from 60s continuous walks provided the best frailty assessment results. Using the 60s gait performance parameters in the logistic model, pre-frail/frail group (vs. non-frail) was identified with 76.8% sensitivity and 80% specificity. Discussion: Everyday walking characteristics were found to be associated with frailty. Along with quantitative measures of physical activity, qualitative measures are critical elements representing the early stages of frailty. In-home gait assessment offers an opportunity to screen for and monitor frailty.Trial registration: The clinical trial was retrospectively registered on June 18th, 2013 with ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT01880229.
Meeting Psychosocial Needs to Improve Health: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Snowden Austyn , Young Jenny , Savinc Jan
Published: May 2020

Background Optimal cancer care has moved away from a disease-centric focus to a more holistic approach in order to proactively support people with their individual needs and concerns. While international policy clearly advocates this agenda, implementation into routine care is limited. Therefore, relevant interventions that measurably improve patient outcomes are essential to understand if this ideal is to become routine multidisciplinary practice. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of a proactive, holistic, community-based intervention on health-related quality of life in a cohort of people diagnosed with cancer. Secondary aim was to explore the relationship between changes in health status and: cancer type, cancer stage, number of concerns expressed and change in severity of concerns pre and post intervention. Method Prospective observational cohort study. A convenience sample of 437 individuals were referred to the service ‘Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ) in the UK. Each completed the Euroqol EQ-5D-3L and visual analogue scale (VAS) and a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) during initial visit to the service and again at follow-up review, median 84 days later. Change between scores was tested with paired t-tests and relationships between variables with multiple regression models with heteroscedasticity-consistent standard errors. Results Participants were White British with median age between 50-64 years. Cancer type and stage were varied. EQ-5D utility scores improved at follow-up by 0.121 [0.0891-0.153], p<.001, and VAS scores improved by 7.81 [5.88-9.74], p<.001. The strongest predictor of change was a decrease in severity of concerns. Cancer stage ‘palliative care’ contributed to a reduction in health status. Conclusion This study is the first to show that a holistic community intervention dedicated to supporting the individual concerns of participants had both a statistically significant and clinically meaningful impact on participants’ health-related quality of life. The mean change in EQ-5D scores was more than the ‘minimally important clinical difference’ described in the literature. This is important because while quality of life has multiple determinants, this study has shown for the first time that it is possible to capture a clinically meaningful improvement as a function of reducing someone’s personally identified concerns
Insecticide resistance in Anopheles stephensi in Somali Region, eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Yared Solomon , Gebressielasie Araya , Damodaran Lambodhar , Bonnell Victoria , Lopez Karen , Janies Daniel , Carter Tamar
Published: May 2020

Background The movement of malaria vectors into new areas is a growing concern in the efforts to control malaria. The recent report of Anopheles stephensi in eastern Ethiopia has raised the necessity to understand the insecticide resistance status of the vector in the region to better inform vector-based interventions. The aim of this study was to evaluate insecticide resistance in An. stephensi in eastern Ethiopia using two approaches: 1) World Health Organization (WHO) bioassay tests in An. stephensi; and 2) genetic analysis of insecticide resistance genes in An. stephensi in eastern Ethiopia. Methods Mosquito larvae and pupae were collected from Kebri Dehar. Insecticide susceptibility of An. stephensi was tested withmalathion 5%, bendiocarb 0.1%, propoxur 0.1%, deltamethrin 0.05%, permethrin 0.75%, Pirimiphos-methyl 0.25% and DDT 4%, according to WHO standard protocols. In this study, the knockdown resistance locus (kdr) in the voltage gated sodium channel (vgsc) and ace1R locus in the acetylcholinesterase gene (ace-1) were analysed in An. stephensi. Results All An. stephensi samples were resistant to carbamates, with mortality rates of 23% and 21% for bendiocarb and propoxur, respectively. Adult An. stephensi was also resistant to pyrethroid insecticides with mortality rates 67% for deltamethrin and 53% for permethrin. Resistance to DDT and malathion was detected in An. stephensi with mortality rates of 32% as well as An. stephensi was resistance to pirimiphos-methyl with mortality rates 14%. Analysis of the insecticide resistance loci revealed the absence of kdr L1014F and L1014S mutations and the ace1R G119S mutation. Conclusion Overall, these findings support that An. stephensi is resistant to several classes of insecticides, most notably pyrethroids. However, the absence of the kdr L1014 gene may suggest non-target site resistance mechanisms. Continuous insecticide resistance monitoring should be carried out in the region to confirm the documented resistance and exploring mechanisms conferring resistance in An. stephensi in Ethiopia.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a Driven Factor of Human Papilloma Virus among Women: Evidence from a Cross-sectional Analysis in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: SOSSO Samuel Martin , Tchouaket Michel Carlos Tommo , Fokam Joseph , Simo Rachel Kamgaing , Torimiro Judith , Tiga Aline , Lobe Elise Elong , Ambada Georgia , Nange Achille , Semengue Ezechiel Ngoufack Jagni , Nka Alex Durand , Tala Valère , Chenwi Collins , Abba Aissatou , Ka'e Aude Christelle , Yagai Bouba , Colizzi Vittorio , Ndjolo Alexis
Published: May 2020

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancers, causing 270.000 deaths annually worldwide of which 85% occur in developing countries with an increasing risk associated to HIV infection. This study aimed at comparing HPV’s positivity and genotype distribution in women according to their HIV status and determinants. Methods: A comparative study was carried out in 2012 at the Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre (CIRCB) among 278 women enrolled consecutively at the General Hospital and the Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital of the City of Yaoundé. HPV genotyping was performed by real-time PCR, HIV serological screening by serial algorithm, CD4 T cell phenotyping by flow cytometry and HIV viral load by Abbott m2000RT. Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel 2016 and Graph Pad version 6.0 software; with P<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Globally, mean age was 37 ±3 years; median CD4-count for HIV+ was 414 cells/mm 3 [IQR: 264.75-588] and median viremia was 50 RNA copies/mL [IQR: <40-8288]. Overall HPV rate was 38.49% (107/278); 58.88% for single women vs. others (28.97% married, 2.80% divorced, 9.34% for widows), OR: 2.164; p=0.0319. Following HIV status, HPV rate was 43.48% (80/184) among HIV+ vs. 28.72% (27/94) among HIV- (OR: 1.937; p<0.0142); HPV genotypes among HIV+ vs. HIV- were respectively distributed as follows: genotype 16 (3.75% vs. 0.00%, p=0.57), genotype 18 (3.75% vs. 3.70%, p=1.00), co-infection 16 and others (8.75% vs. 7.40%, p=1.00), co-infection 18 and others (8.75% vs. 11.11%, p=0.71), co-infection 16, 18 and others (2.50% vs. 0.00%, p=1.00) and other genotypes (72.50% vs. 77.78%, p=0.80). Among HIV+ participants, HPV rate following CD4 was 62.88% (61/97) for CD4<500 vs. 35.71% (20/56) for CD4≥500 (OR: 3.05; p=0.0012) while HPV rate following HIV viremia was 42.71% (41/96) with <1000 RNA copies/ml vs. 66.00% (33/50) with >1000 RNA copies/ml (OR= 0.384; p =0.009). Conclusion: In Yaoundé, HPV rate appear to be very high, with higher rates of genotypes other than 16 and 18. In the event of HIV infection, the risk of HPV positivity is two times higher, favoured essentially by immunodeficiency. Thus, HIV-infected women should be closely monitored to prevent the emergence of cervical cancer.
Dihydrolipoic acid protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced behavioral deficits and neuroinflammation via regulation of Nrf2/HO-1/ NLRP3 signaling in rat
Authors: Bian Hetao , Wang Gaohua , Huang Junjie , Liang Liang , Zheng Yage , Wei Yanyan , Wang Hui , Xiao Ling , Wang Huiling
Published: May 2020

Background: Recently, depression has been identified as prevalent and severe mental disorder. However, the mechanisms underlying the depression risk remain elusive. The neuroinflammation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation are known to be involved in the pathology of depression. Dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) has been reported as a strong antioxidant and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in various diseases, albeit the direct relevance between DHLA and depression is yet unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the preventive effect and potential mechanism of DHLA in the Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sickness behavior in rats. Methods: Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were utilized. LPS and DHLA were injected intraperitoneally every 2 days and daily, respectively. Fluoxetine (Flu) was injected intraperitoneally daily. PD98059, an inhibitor of ERK, was injected intraperitoneally one hour before DHLA injection daily. Small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) for nuclear factor erythroid 2-like (Nrf2) was injected into the bilateral hippocampus 14 days before the DHLA injection. Depression-like behavior tests were performed. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining detected the ERK/Nrf2/HO-1/ROS/NLRP3 pathway-related proteins.Results: The DHLA and fluoxetine treatment exerted preventive effects in LPS-induced sickness behavior rats. The DHLA treatment increased the expression of ERK, Nrf2, and HO-1 but decreased the ROS generation levels and reduced the expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1b in LPS-induced sickness behavior rats. PD98059 abolished the effects of DHLA on preventive effect as well as the levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins. Similarly, Nrf2 siRNA reversed the preventive effect of DHLA administration via the decreased expression of HO-1.Conclusions: These findings suggested that DHLA exerted a preventive effect via ERK/Nrf2/HO-1/ROS/NLRP3 pathway in LPS-induced sickness behavior rats. Thus, DHLA may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for depression.
IgG anti-hinge antibodies against IgG4 F(ab’)2 fragments generated using pepsin are useful diagnostic markers for rheumatoid arthritis: implications of the possible roles of metalloproteinases and IgG subclasses in generating of immunogenic hinge epitopes.
Authors: Ota Toshiyuki , Ota Shun-ichiro , Uchino Ayumi , Nagano Shuji
Published: May 2020

Background Pepsin agglutinators, discovered over 50 years ago, have been recently referred to as anti-hinge antibodies (AHAs) because of their reaction with the IgG hinge epitope. AHAs have different reactivity for each hinge epitope generated by each protease that cleaves the hinge region at different sites. Moreover, AHAs have different reactivity against different hinge epitopes derived from each IgG subclass even when the same protease is used. Since the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) is enhanced in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), AHA production could also be increased. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the levels of AHAs against IgG hinge epitopes produced by MMP-3 are elevated in RA. Methods The serum levels of IgG or IgA AHAs against the IgG1/IgG4 F(ab’) 2 fragments, generated by either MMP-3 or pepsin, was measured using ELISA in 111 patients with RA and 81 healthy controls (HC). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used for obtaining optimal cutoff values and cutoff values indicating high specificity (>95%) of the AHA. The targeted epitope of a specific AHA was investigated through inhibition ELISA. Results Seven AHAs were statistically higher in RA patients than HC, except IgG AHA against IgG1 F(ab’) 2 , which was generated by MMP-3 proteolytic cleavage. The areas under the ROC curve were of 0.66--0.80, although the sensitivities at high specificity were low (5.4--24.3%). The cumulative number of positive AHAs in each individual was statistically higher in RA patients than HC, suggesting the extreme extent of AHA repertoires in RA. Inhibition studies revealed that IgG AHAs against IgG4 F(ab’) 2 fragments generated by pepsin cross-reacted with IgG1 F(ab’) 2 fragments generated by pepsin. Although the development of IgA AHAs in RA seems to be remarkable and specific, multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the IgG AHA against IgG4 F(ab’) 2 fragments generated by pepsin as an independent variable for RA diagnosis, even in RA patients who were negative for both RF and ACPA (odds ratio 1.18, 95% CI: 1.06−1.32; P =0.003).Conclusion In RA patients, we observed diversification and amplification of AHA repertoires and diagnostic utility of the specific AHA against IgG4 F(ab’) 2 fragments generated by pepsin but not MMP-3.
Health and Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Homeless Youth
Authors: Barnes Andrew J. , Gower Amy L. , Sajady Mollika , Lingras Katherine A.
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives Homelessness is associated with health problems and with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The risk of chronic health conditions for homeless compared to housed youth, and how this risk interacts with ACEs remains unclear. This study investigated the relationship between ACEs, housing, and child health, and whether: 1) ACEs and health vary by housing context; 2) ACEs and homelessness confer independent health risks; and 3) ACEs interact with housing with regard to adolescent health.Methods Using data from 119,254 8th-11th graders, we tested independent and joint effects of ACEs and past-year housing status (housed, family homelessness, unaccompanied homelessness) on overall health and chronic health conditions, controlling for sociodemographic covariates.Results The prevalence of ACEs varied by housing status, with 34.1% of housed youth experiencing ≥1 ACE vs. 56.3% of family-homeless and 85.5% of unaccompanied-homeless youth. Health status varied similarly. Homelessness and ACEs were independently associated with low overall health and chronic health conditions, after adjusting for covariates. Compared to housed youth, both family-homeless youth and unaccompanied-homeless youth had increased odds of low overall health and chronic physical and/or mental health conditions. All ACE x housing-status interactions were significant (all p<0.001), such that ACE-related health risks were moderated by housing status.Conclusions ACEs and housing status independently predict health status during adolescence beyond other sociodemographic risks. Being homeless unaccompanied is also riskier than being homeless with family, and every additional ACE increases this risk. Clinicians and health systems should advocate for policies that include stable housing as a protective factor.
Outcomes of a 12-month patient-centred medical home model in improving patient activation and self-management behaviours among primary care patients presenting with chronic diseases in Sydney, Australia: A before-and-after study.
Authors: John James , Tannous Kathy , Jones Amanda
Published: May 2020

Background: Studies report that increased patient activation is associated with increased patient engagement with the health care system, better adherence to treatment protocols, and improved health outcomes. This study aims to evaluate outcomes based on a 12-month Patient-Centred Medical Home (PCMH) model called ‘WellNet’ on activation levels of patients with one or more chronic diseases in general practices across Sydney, Australia.Methods: A total of 636 patients aged 40 years and above with one or more chronic conditions consented to participate in the WellNet program delivered across six general practices in Northern Sydney, Australia. The WellNet treatment includes a team-based care with general physicians and trained chronic disease management care coordinators collaborating with patients in designing a patient-tailored care plan with improved self-management support and care navigation according to the level of risk and health care needs. Level of patient activation was measured using the validated PAM 13-item scale at baseline and follow-up. A before and after case-series design was employed to determine adjusted differences between baseline and 12-months using repeated measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Multiple imputation was used to compute missing follow-up scores using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm known as fully conditional specification (FCS). Additionally, backward stepwise multivariate regression models were employed to identify significant predictors of activation at follow-up.Results: Of the 626 patients, 420 reported their PAM scores at follow-up. The mean (SD) baseline PAM score was 57.9 (13.0). The adjusted model showed significant mean difference in PAM scores of 6.5 (95% CI 5.0-8.1; p-value<0.001) after controlling for baseline covariates. Multivariate regression models showed that older age (B = -0.14; 95% CI -0.28, -0.01), baseline activation score (B = 0.48; 95% CI 0.37, 0.59), and private insurance (uninsured patients) (B = -3.41; 95% CI -6.50, -0.32) were significant predictors of patient activation at follow-up.Conclusion: The WellNet study is the first of its kind in Australia to report on changes in the patient activation levels among patients with one or more chronic diseases. PCMH has the potential to improve patient activation and engagement which can lead to long-term health benefits and sustained self-management behaviours.
RNA-sequencing reveals positional memory of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells from oral and maxillofacial tissue transcriptomes
Authors: Onizuka Satoru , Yamazaki Yasuharu , Park Sung-Joon , Sugimoto Takayuki , Sone Yumiko , Sjöqvist Sebastian , Usui Michihiko , Takeda Akira , Nakai Kenta , Nakashima Keisuke , Iwata Takanori
Published: May 2020

Background Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can be isolated from numerous tissues and are attractive candidates for therapeutic clinical applications due to their immunomodulatory and pro-regenerative capacity. Although the minimum criteria for defining MSCs have been defined, their characteristics are known to vary depending on their tissue of origin.Results We isolated and characterized human MSCs from three different bones (ilium (I-MSCs), maxilla (Mx-MSCs) and mandibular (Md-MSCs)) and proceeded with next generation RNA-sequencing. Furthermore, to investigate the gene expression profiles among other cell types, we obtained RNA-seq data of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and several types of MSCs (periodontal ligament-derived MSCs, bone marrow-derived MSCs, and ESCs-derived MSCs) from the Sequence Reads Archive and analyze the transcriptome profile. We found that MSCs derived from tissues of the maxillofacial region, such as the jaw bone and periodontal ligament, were HOX-negative, while those derived from other tissues were HOX-positive. We also identified that MSX1, LHX8, and BARX1 , an essential regulator of craniofacial development, were strongly expressed in maxillofacial tissue-derived MSCs. Although MSCs may be divided into two distinct groups, the cells originated from over the neck or not, on the basis of differences in gene expression profile, the expression patterns of all CD antigen genes were similar among different type of MSCs, except for ESCs.Conclusions Our findings suggest that MSCs from different anatomical locations, despite meeting general characterization criteria, have remarkable differences in gene expression and positional memory. Although stromal cells from different anatomical sources are generally categorized as MSCs, their differentiation potential and biological functions vary. We suggested that MSCs may retain an original tissue memory about the developmental process, including gene expression profiles. This could have an important impact when choosing an appropriate cell source for regenerative therapy using MSCs.
Processing of human IVF/IVM oocytes for single cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Olsen Kristina W. , Gruhn Jennifer R. , Hoffmann Eva R. , Grøndahl Marie Louise
Published: May 2020

The protocol describes the step-by-step procedure of isolating and preparing human oocytes 1) oocytes donated in connection with IVF/ICSI treatment and 2) in vitro matured (IVM) oocytes from small antral follicles donated in connection to fertility preservation. It details how cumulus cells and the zona pellucida are enzymatically removed to ensure that only the oocyte is analyzed. We have successfully used this protocol in connection with SMART-Seq2 (Takara).This oocyte preparation has recently been used in Sankar et al. 2020 (Sankar et al. 2020).
Effectiveness, Safety, and Major Adverse Limb Events in Atrial Fibrillation Patients with Concomitant Diabetes Mellitus Treated with Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Chan Yi-Hsin , Lee Hsin-Fu , Li Pei-Ru , Liu Jia-Rou , Chao Tze-Fan , Wu Lung-Sheng , Chang Shang-Hung , Yeh Yung-Hsin , Kuo Chi-Tai , See Lai-Chu , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: May 2020

Background: Evidence of adverse clinical outcomes for non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOACs) and warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and diabetes mellitus are limited. We investigated the effectiveness, safety, and major adverse limb events for NOACs versus warfarin among diabetic AF patients.Methods: In this nationwide retrospective cohort study collected from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified a total of 20,967 and 5,812 consecutive AF patients with diabetes taking NOACs and warfarin from June 1, 2012, to December 31, 2017, respectively. We used propensity-score stabilized weighting to balance covariates across study groups.Results: NOAC was associated with a lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR):0.88; [95% confidential interval (CI):0.78-0.99]; P=0.0283), major adverse limb events (MALE) (aHR:0.72;[95%CI:0.57-0.92]; P=0.0083), and major bleeding (aHR:0.67;[95%CI:0.59-0.76];P<.0001) compared to warfarin. NOACs decreased MACE in patients of 75 but not in those aged <75 years (P interaction=0.01), and in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) compared to those without IHD (P interaction<0.01). For major adverse limb events, the advantage of risk reduction for NOAC over warfarin persisted in high risk subgroups including age 75 years, chronic kidney disease, IHD, peripheral artery disease, or use of concomitant antiplatelet drugs. Conclusion: Among diabetic AF patients, NOACs were associated with a lower risk of thromboembolism, major bleeding, and major adverse limb events than warfarin. Thromboprophylaxis with NOACs should be considered in the diabetic AF population with a high atherosclerotic burden.
Identifying barriers, facilitators, and implementation strategies for a faith-based physical activity program
Authors: Haughton Jessica , Takemoto Michelle L. , Schneider Jennifer , Hooker Steven P. , Rabin Borsika , Brownson Ross C. , Arredondo Elva M.
Published: May 2020

Background: Community engagement is critical to the acceleration of evidence-based interventions into community settings. Harnessing the knowledge and opinions of community leaders increases the likelihood of successful implementation, scale up, and sustainment of evidence-based interventions. Faith in Action (Fe en Acción) is an evidence-based promotora-led physical activity program designed to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among churchgoing Latina women.Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) at various Catholic and Protestant churches with large Latino membership in San Diego County, California to explore barriers and facilitators to implementation of Faith in Action and identify promising implementation strategies for program scale-up and dissemination. We interviewed 22 pastors and church staff and analyzed transcripts using an iterative-deductive team approach. Results: Pastors and church staff described barriers and facilitators to implementation within three domains of CFIR: characteristics of individuals (lack of self-efficacy for and knowledge of physical activity; influence on churchgoers’ behaviors), inner setting (church culture and norms, alignment with mission and values, competing priorities, lack of resources), and outer setting (need for buy-in from senior leadership). From the interviews, we identified four promising implementation strategies for the scale-up of faith-based health promotion programs: 1) health behavior change training for pastors and staff; 2) tailored messaging; 3) developing community collaborations; and 4) gaining denominational support.Conclusions: While churches can serve as valuable partners in health promotion, specific barriers and facilitators to implementation must be recognized and understood. Addressing these barriers through targeted implementation strategies at the adopter and organizational level can facilitate improved program implementation and lead the way for scale-up and dissemination.