bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amorphous silica nanoparticles accelerated atherosclerotic lesion progression in ApoE-/- mice through endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated CD36 up-regulation in macrophage
Authors: Ma Ru , Qi Yi , Zhao Xinying , Li Xueyan , Sun Xuejing , Niu Piye , Li Yanbo , Guo Caixia , Chen Rui , Sun Zhiwei
Published: July 2020

Background: The biosafety concern of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) is rapidly expanding alongside with its mass production and extensive applications. The cardiovascular effects of SiNPs exposure have been confirmed. However, the interaction between SiNPs exposure and atherosclerosis, and the underlying mechanisms still remain unknown. Thereby, this study aimed to explore the effects of SiNPs on the progression of atherosclerosis, and to investigate related mechanisms. Results: We firstly investigated the in vivo effects of SiNPs exposure on atherosclerosis via intratracheal instillation of ApoE -/- mice fed a Western diet. Ultrasound microscopy showed a significant increase of pulse wave velocity (PWV) compared to the control group. Histopathological investigation reflected a greater plaque burden in the aortic root of SiNPs-exposed ApoE -/- mice. When compared to the control, serum levels of total triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were elevated after SiNPs exposure. Moreover, intensified macrophage infiltration and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was occurred in plaques after SiNPs exposure, as evidenced by the upregulated CD68 and CHOP expressions. Further in vitro , SiNPs was confirmed to activate ER stress and induce lipid accumulation in mouse macrophage, RAW264.7. Mechanistic analyses showed that 4-PBA (a classic ER stress inhibitor) pretreatment greatly alleviated SiNPs-induced macrophage lipid accumulation, and reversed the elevated CD36 expression by SiNPs. Conclusions: Our results firstly revealed the acceleratory effect of SiNPs on the progression of atherosclerosis in ApoE -/- mice, which was related to lipid accumulation caused by ER stress-mediated upregulation of CD36 expression in macrophage.
An observational study of initial HIV RNA decay following initiation of combination antiretroviral treatment during pregnancy
Authors: Alagaratnam Jasmini , Peters Helen , Francis Kate , Kay Natasha , Gilleece Yvonne , Finnerty Fionnuala P , Grimes Rosanna E , Parry Sarah , Portman Mags , Wait Brenton C , Shah Rimi , Roedling Sherie , Hawkins David A , Chitty Sarah , Sarner Liat , Marcus Rebecca , Hartley Anna , Nori Achyuta V , Rosenvinge Melanie , Taylor Graham P
Published: July 2020

Background In pregnancy, reduction of HIV plasma viral load (pVL) for the prevention of vertical transmission is time-constrained. The study primary objective is to investigate factors associated with faster initial HIV RNA half-life decay when combination antiretroviral treatment (cART) is initiated in pregnancy.Methods This was a multicentre, retrospective, observational study, conducted in south England, United Kingdom, between August 2001 and February 2018. Data were extracted from case notes of eligible women initiating cART during the index pregnancy. Anonymised data were collated and analysed centrally. Regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with faster HIV RNA half-life decay in the first 14 days after commencing cART (first-phase), and with achieving an undetectable maternal pVL by 36 weeks’ gestation. We then assessed whether HIV- and obstetric- related parameters differed by antiretroviral third agent class and whether the proportions of women with undetectable pVL at 36 weeks’ gestation and at delivery differed by antiretroviral third agent class.Results Baseline pVL was the only independent factor associated with faster first-phase HIV RNA half-life decay on commencing cART. Lower pVL on day 14 after starting cART was associated with an increased likelihood of achieving an undetectable pVL by 36 weeks’ gestation. Integrase inhibitor-based cART was associated with a faster first-phase HIV RNA half-life decay on commencing cART. Overall, 73% and 85% of women had an undetectable pVL at 36 weeks’ gestation and at delivery respectively, with no significant difference by antiretroviral third agent class. Conclusions Only high baseline pVL independently contributed to a faster rate of first-phase viral half-life decay. pVL at 14 days after initiating cART allows early identification of treatment failure. In the first 14 days after initiating cART in pregnancy, integrase inhibitor-based cART reduced maternal pVL faster than protease inhibitor- and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase-based cART. While our study findings support INSTI use when initiated in pregnancy especially when initiated at later gestations and in those with higher baseline pVL, other non-INSTI based cART with more data on safety in pregnancy also performed well.Trial registrationNot required.
Draft Genome Assembly of Passalora sequoiae a Needle Blight Pathogen on Leyland Cypress
Authors: Copes Warren , Caballero Jorge Ibarra , Babiker Ebrahiem , Stewart Jane , Orner Valerie , Windham Alan , Arias Renee
Published: July 2020

Objective
Passalora sequoiae (family Mycosphaerellaceae) causes a twig blight on Leyland cypress that requires numerous fungicide applications annually to minimize economic losses for ornamental plant nursery and Christmas tree producers. The objective was to generate a high-quality draft assembly of the whole genome as a resource for primer development and to investigate genotype diversity.
Data description:
We report here the genome sequence of P. sequoiae 9LC2 that was isolated from Leyland cypress 'Leighton Green' in 2017 in southern Mississippi, USA. The draft genome was obtained using Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) SMRT and Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencing. Illumina reads were mapped to PacBio assembled contigs to determine base call consistency. Based on a total of 44 contigs with 722 kilobase (kb) average length (range 9.4 kb to 3.4 Mb), the whole genome size was estimated at 31,768,716 bp. Mapping of Illumina reads to PacBio contigs resulted in a 1000 x coverage and were used to confirm accuracy of the consensus sequences.
Association Between Sitting Time and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in South Korean Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Joo Jae Hong , Kim Hwi Jun , Park Eun-Cheol , Jang Sung-In
Published: July 2020

Background: To examine the association between sitting time and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among South Koreans aged ≥20 years. Methods: Data from the 2016–2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used for the analysis. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was diagnosed according to a hepatic steatosis index of >36. Sitting time was categorized into as < 5, 5 -7, 8 – 10, and > 10 hours. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between sitting time and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in South Korean population. Results: A total of 13,518 participants were enrolled. The odds for having NAFLD in 5 – 7, 8 – 10, and > 10 sitting hours were 1.04 (CI: 0.85-1.28), 1.23(CI: 1.01-1.51), and 1.33(CI: 1.10-1.62), respectively. The odds ratio increased in magnitude with longer hours of sitting time (test for trend: P-value = 0.0009). Conclusion: Advising physical exercises and discouraging sedentary activities may help to alleviate NAFLD among the South Korean population.
Development of the Houston-Apollo Model for the Older People Living in Remote Areas in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Kai Chieh , Hung Shou-Hung , Hsueh Sung-Ju , Chao Shiau-Fang , Huang Wei-Lieh , Chen Hsin-Shui , Jeng Yachung , Chen Hsiu-Hsi , Liou Horng-Huei
Published: July 2020

Background: Senior healthcare is challenging in remote areas, especially in an economically disadvantaged population with a high portion of elderly constituents. Guided by Andersen’s Behavior Model, this study examined whether a combined health care system (Houston-Apollo Model, HAM) will improve physical performance and foster medical care utilization of the local population. Methods: People aged ≥ 65 years who participated in congregate meal services (CMS) were recruited. Using concepts of telemedicine and community health records, participants received consultation from local clinics, which provided advices or arranged referral to National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch (NTUHYL). Physical parameters including blood pressure, body mass index, grip strength, walking speed, and five-time sit and stand test (FTSST) were recorded and timely transferred to NTUHYL, which in turn result in individualization of intervention strategies. Changes in physical parameters and utilization of healthcare facilities were measured in the beginning of recruitment and one year later to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan.Results: 470 people were recruited. In 1-year follow-up, the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) decreased from 137.4 to 133.3 (p = 0.019) and from 76.9 to 74.4 (p = 0.008), respectively. The mean time of FTSST (seconds) decreased from 11.3 to 10.4 (p = 0.011). The mean walking speed (m/s) increased from 0.71 to 0.74 (p = 0.039). The rate ratio (95%CI) of medical and dental outpatient clinic usage were 2 (1.1-3.64) and 1.14 (1.06-1.23), respectively. Conclusions: The HAM health care system could benefit the physical status of older adults, promote proactive and preventive health care utilization, and contribute to medical equality.
HPV 18 Variants in Women with Cervical Cancer in Northeast Brasil
Authors: Santos Gerusinete Rodrigues Bastos dos , Cunha Ana Paula Almeida , Batista Zulmira da Silva , Silva Rodrigo Lopes da , Costa Lucas Henrique de Lima , Castro Lailson Oliveira de , Silva Marcos Antonio Custódio Neto da , Figueiredo Fábio Vidal de , Santos Flávia Rodrigues Bastos dos , Moreira Miguel Ângelo Martins , Fraga Elmary da Costa , Barros Maria Claudene , Vidal Flávia Castello Branco , Brito Luciane Maria Oliveira , Nascimento Maria do Desterro Soares Brandão
Published: July 2020

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the main etiological factor for the development of cervical cancer. HPV 18 is the second most frequent, accounting for up to 65% of all cases. HPV intratypic variation may influence the potential for progression to invasive cancer.The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of human papillomavirus 18 intratypic variants in cervical cancer samples from women in the Northeast of Maranhão. Methods: The study was composed of 118 women over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of cervical cancer. Tumor fragments were collected and subjected to DNA extraction and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for HPV detection using the PGMY09/11 and GP+5/6 primers. Positive samples were submitted to automated sequencing for viral genotyping. To determine the HPV 18 lineages, positive samples were submitted to PCR, using specific primers to amplify the LCR and E6 regions of HPV 18 virus. Results: HPV was present in 88 women (73.3%), and HPV 16 was the most prevalent (48/54%), followed by HPV 18 (12/13.6%). Histologically, squamous cell carcinoma was predominant (79.1%). Among the HPV 18 variants identified, 10 (80%) belonged to lineage A, and sublineages A1, A2, A3, and A4. HPV 18 B variant (2/29%) was also detected, with the sublineages B1 and B2. In this study, the C variant was not found. There was no statistically significant association between the HPV 18 lineages found and sociodemographic and lifestyle variables (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Women with cervical cancer are associated with a higher frequency of HPV 16 and 18 in the Northeast region of Brazil, with a high prevalence of the lineage A among women with HPV 18.
Effects of Prenatal Mindfulness-Based Childbirth Education on Child-Bearers’ Trajectories of Distress: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Sbrilli Marissa Danielle , Duncan Larissa G. , Bardacke Nancy , Laurent Heidemarie K.
Published: July 2020

The perinatal period is a time of immense change, which can be a period of stress and vulnerability for mental health difficulties. Mindfulness-based interventions have shown promise for reducing distress, but further research is needed to identify long-term effects and moderators of mindfulness training in the perinatal period. The current study used data from a pilot randomized control trial (RCT) comparing a condensed mindfulness-based childbirth preparation program—the Mind in Labor (MIL)—to treatment as usual (TAU) to examine whether prenatal mindfulness training results in lower distress across the perinatal period, and whether the degree of benefit depends on child-bearers’ initial levels of risk (i.e., depression and anxiety symptoms) and protective (i.e., mindfulness) characteristics. Child-bearers (N=30) in their third trimester were randomized to MIL or TAU and completed assessments of distress—perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms—at pre-intervention, post-intervention, six-weeks post-birth, and one-year postpartum. Multilevel modeling of distress trajectories revealed greater decreases from pre-intervention to 12 months postpartum for those in MIL compared to TAU, especially among child-bearers who were higher in anxiety and/or lower in dispositional mindfulness at baseline. The current study offers preliminary evidence for durable perinatal mental health benefits following a brief mindfulness-based program and suggests further investigation of these effects in larger samples is warranted.Trial registration: The ClinicalTrials.gov identifier for the study is: NCT02327559. The study was retrospectively registered on June 23, 2014. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02327559
Characteristics and Treatments for Pediatric Ordinary and Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia Based on Gender: 12-Year Experiences from a Single Center
Authors: Wang Kai , Tan Sarah Siyin , Xiao Yue , Wang Zengmeng , Peng Chunhui , Pang Wenbo , Wu Dongyang , Chen Yajun
Published: July 2020

Background: To describe the different characteristics of pediatric inguinal hernia in a large population for both genders based on our 12-year experience, and to accordingly recommend one of the two commonly used methods of hernia repair: the traditional open inguinal hernia repair (OIHR) and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR). An additional goal was to describe the characteristics of incarcerated inguinal hernia.Methods: Patients with unilateral or bilateral inguinal hernia who were admitted to our hospital and received OIHR or LIHR under general anesthesia were included. Medical records were retrospectively collected and analyzed.Results: A total of 12190 patients were included in this study. The ratio of male to female was 4.8:1. There was a total of 10646 unilateral hernias (87.3%) and 1544 bilateral hernias (12.7%), with a corresponding ratio of 6.9:1. 12444 hernia repair surgeries, 11083 (89.1%) OIHR and 1361 (10.9%) LIHR, were held. OIHR had a shorter operative time than LIHR for all unilateral and female bilateral repair, unlike for bilateral male repair. There was no difference between OIHR and LIHR for ipsilateral recurrent hernia in males. There was a difference between OIHR and LIHR for metachronous contralateral hernia.Incarcerated inguinal hernia was associated with longer operative time, hospital stay and higher hospital costs. Males and patients under 1 year were more likely to present with incarcerated hernia.Conclusions: OIHR should be considered for male patients, especially for unilateral and complete inguinal hernia. LIHR is highly recommended for female patients. For incarcerated hernia, attention should be paid to patients under 1 year old, as they can be 60 times more susceptible, and males. Surgeons should also be aware of ovary hernias in females.
Global, regional, and national burdens of bladder cancer in 2017: estimates from the 2017 Global Burden of Disease study
Authors: He Hairong , Xie Hongjun , Chen Yule , Li Chengzhuo , Han Didi , Xu Fengshuo , Lyu Jun
Published: July 2020

Background
The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence and mortality rates of bladder cancer (BCa) using data obtained in the Global Burden of Disease study performed in 2017 (GBD 2017).
Methods
Data on BCa for 2017, including prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), were obtained from GBD 2017 at the global, regional, and national levels. We also analyzed the association of BCa burden with the country development level.
Results
There were 2.63 million BCa cases estimated from the GBD 2017 data, with 200,000 persons dying of BCa, resulting in 3.60 million DALYs in 2017. The age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of BCa was 32.91/100,000 persons, and age-standardized death rate (ASDR) was 2.57/100,000 persons. The ASPR and ASDR of BCa were higher in males than in females, and higher in people older than 60 years. The ASPR and ASDR of BCa were higher in Western Europe and Central Europe than in South Asia, Andean Latin America, and Central Latin America, and higher in countries with a higher sociodemographic index (SDI). Correlation analysis identified that the ASPR and ASDR of BCa were positively correlated with the country SDI (P < 0.0001 and ρ = 0.68 for ASPR, and P = 0.0048 and ρ = 0.20 for ASDR). Smoking was the main risk factors attributable to the BCa burden.
Conclusion
The prevalence and mortality rates of BCa were very high in 2017, especially in high-SDI countries. Smoking-cessation strategies should be strengthened to control the burden associated with BCa.
Southern Ocean in-situ temperature trends over 25 years emerge from interannual variability
Authors: Auger Matthis , Morrow Rosemary , Kestenare Elodie , Sallée Jean-Baptiste
Published: July 2020

Despite playing a major role for the global ocean heat storage, the Southern Ocean remains the most sparsely measured region of the global ocean. Here, a unique 25-year temperature time-series of the upper 800 m, repeated several times a year across the Southern Ocean, allows us to document the long-term change within water-masses and how it compares to the interannual variability. Three regions stand out as having strong change that is radically different from the interannual variability: warming of the subantarctic waters (0.29±0.09°C per decade); cooling of the near-surface subpolar waters (-0.07±0.04°C per decade); and warming of the subsurface subpolar deep waters (0.04±0.01°C per decade). Our results highlight that this subsurface warming of subpolar deep waters is, counter-intuitively, the largest change of the section regarding interannual variability. This robust warming is associated with a large shallowing (39±11 m per decade), which has been significantly underestimated by a factor of 3 to 10 in past studies. We find temperature changes of comparable magnitude to those reported in West Antarctica, which calls for a reconsideration of current ocean changes with important consequences for our understanding of future Antarctic ice-sheet mass loss.
A genome-wide association study of colorectal cancer in Mexican mestizos suggest novel common tumor-risk variants
Authors: Rojas-Martinez AUGUSTO , Colistro Valentina , Cruz Raquel , Ruiz Clara , Quintela Inés , Carracedo Angel , Luna-Perez Pedro , Garcia-Gonzalez Irma S. , Martinez-Murillo Carlos , Ortiz-Lopez Rocio , Jaramillo-Rodriguez Yolanda , Ruiz-Flores Pablo , Castelan-Maldonado Edmundo , Gonzalez-Guerrero Juan F. , Cardenas-Cadena Sergio , Moncada-Saucedo Nidia K. , cruz Jorge Haro-Santa , Alvarado-Monroy Fatima M. , Sans Monica , Martínez Augusto Rojas
Published: July 2020

Background: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for colorectal cancer (CRC) have detected high-risk genetic variants associated with CRC in several ethnic groups, but Latin American communities are still underrepresented. The aim was to identify variants related to CRC in an admixed Latin American population. Methods: The study was performed in 831 cases and 881 controls from Mexico, who were genotyped for 1,006,703 autosomal SNPs. Logistic regression was carried out including covariants, such as sex, age and genetic ancestry. Lastly, we performed a sequence-kernel association test (SKAT) to consider the joint effect of several SNPs lying in genes.Results: Eight chromosomal regions reached genome-wide significance level ( p < 5×10 -8 ): 1p36.22, 1p31.1, 1q42.13, 6p22, 7p14.1, 12q24.32, 16q12.2 and 21q22.2 and 63 variants reached borderline statistical significance ( p < 1×10 − 6 ). SKAT analysis detected 13 loci associated with CRC, none of them previously associated with CRC. Conclusions: We found 8 SNPs and 13 loci associated with CRC. These signals may contribute to enrich the panoply of genes involved with CRC. Further analyses remain to be done to validate the associations in other Latin American populations. This study highlights the importance of conducting GWAS in poorly explored admixed populations.
Process and Resource Assessment in Trials Undertaken in Residential Care Homes: Experiences from the Australian MIDDEL Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial Research Team.
Authors: Baker Felicity Anne , Stretton-Smith Phoebe , Sousa Tanara Vieira , Clark Imogen , Cotton Alice , Gold Christian , Lee Young-Eun Claire
Published: July 2020

Background: The resources involved in delivering a clinical trial in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) are significant and the success of a trial is dependent upon adequate planning, including appropriate timelines for each component of the study and the required budget. The main aim of this paper is to describe process and resource assessment during recruitment, collection of outcome measures and intervention delivery and present learnings and considerations for conducting trials in RACFs with people living with dementia. Methods: We collected data across 24 clusters in 12 RACFs over 18 months during a cluster randomised controlled trial which was testing the effectiveness of music interventions in people living with dementia. Data were collected on resources required for recruitment and assessment of baseline data, as well as data on reasons for participant non-attendance at the interventions. Results: Results show that time between contacting next of kin and receiving formal consent often exceeded 45 days and the ratio of time between direct and indirect research activity is approximately 1:2. Participant intervention adherence is at risk from unplanned RACF lockdowns and reasons for non-attendance include those both related directly to the participant and to staff resources, scheduling or other practical considerations. Conclusions: Researchers planning studies within RACFs should focus on building relationships with RACF staff and resident families, factor in adequate time for recruitment in the study timeline and consider budgeting for backfill of RACF staff during data collection phases to expedite the process and ensure adherence to study protocol timelines. This study provides specific data on resource assessment and intervention adherence that could be beneficial for future researchers planning to conduct trials in RACFs with people with dementia. Trial registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ANZCTR12618000156280, 1/02/2018, http://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12618000156280
Continental-Scale Paddy Soil Bacterial Community Structure, Function and Biotic Interaction
Authors: Zhang Zhijian , Li Hong-Yi , Wang Hang , Tao Xing-Hua , Wang Xian-Zhe , Jin Wei-Zheng , Chen Hong , Gilbert Jack , Zhu Yong-Guan
Published: July 2020

Background: Rice paddy soil-associated microbiota participate in biogeochemical processes that underpin rice yield and soil sustainability, yet continental-scale biogeographic patterns of paddy soil microbiota remain elusive. Here, the soil bacteria of four typical Chinese rice-growing regions were characterized over large-scale space and compared with adjacent non-paddy soils.Results: The geographic patterns of paddy soil bacteria were significantly different from non-paddy soils, with lower alpha diversity, unique taxonomic and functional composition, and distinct co-occurrence network topology. Both stochastic and deterministic processes shaped soil bacteria assembly, but paddy exhibited a stronger deterministic signature than non-paddy samples, especially due to the roles of climate determinants. The continental biogeographic variance in bacterial community structure was driven by the competition between two mutually-exclusive bacterial modules in the co-occurrence network, and suggested antagonistic species-to-species interactions as potential selective forces may greatly shape their community structures. Keystone taxa identified in network models, such as Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Proteobacteria, were demonstrated to be preferentially affected by environmental factors than other community members and showed high sensitivity to environmental changes, whereby the environmental factors greatly shaped the paddy soil bacterial communities by leveraging changes in keystones.Conclusions: The strong interplay between biotic/abiotic factors may greatly construct paddy soil microbial community and their uniqueness as compared with non-paddy soils. Microbial biogeographical analyses with novel insights into underlying determinants investigated on intensively-cultivated paddy field soils may aid in elucidating microbial changes subjected to land-use changes following the transformation between natural and agro-ecosystem, and also facilitate microbial community manipulation for better crop productivity and soil sustainability worldwide.
Functional and Radiological Outcomes After Treatment with Custom-Made Acetabular Components in Patients with Paprosky type 3 Acetabular Defects: Short-Term Results
Authors: Gruber Michael Stephan , Jesenko Michael , Burghuber Julia , Hochreiter Josef , Ritschl Peter , Ortmaier Reinhold
Published: July 2020

BackgroundSevere acetabular defects require special treatment with either impaction bone grafting, metal augmented cups or cup-cage constructs. Even these options are often not adequate, especially in hips with Paprosky type 3 defects with loss of anterior and posterior columns. This study investigates the clinical and radiological outcomes of custom-made acetabular components (© Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium) for Paprosky type 3 defects.MethodsSixteen patients were included in this trial, nine of whom completed one year of follow-up. The Harris hip score and the Oxford hip score were used to compare pre- and postoperative functional outcomes. Radiological follow-up comprised anteversion and inclination of the implanted cup and offset measurements in both hips (femoral, medial, ischial offset and center of rotation). Statistical analyses were performed with IBM SPSS Statistics.ResultsThe mean follow-up time of the nine patients was 13.6 months (± 5.6 SD). The Oxford hip score and Harris hip score improved from 19.8 and 50.1 to 29.4 and 68.8, respectively (p = 0.009 and 0.01). There were complications in three cases (33.3%), which led to one re-revision (11.1%). Radiologic follow-up showed no significant difference in offset measurements except for femoral offset (41.8 mm on the contralateral and 35.2 mm on the treated hip, p = 0.044).ConclusionsThe functional and radiological outcomes are promising. However, long-term outcomes still need to be examined.Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV.
Effect of Real-Time Ultrasound Imaging for Biofeedback on Trunk Muscle Contraction in Healthy Subjects: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Lin Shanshan , Zhu Bo , Zheng Yiyi , Huang Guozhi , Zeng Qing , Wang Chuhuai
Published: July 2020

Background: Real-time ultrasound imaging (RUSI) has been increasingly used in clinical medicine as a form of biofeedback when instructing and re-training muscle contraction. However, the effectiveness of the RUSI on a single sustained contraction of the lumbar multifidus (LM) and transversus abdominis (TrA) has rarely been reported. This preliminary study aimed to determine if the use of RUSI as visual biofeedback enhances the ability of activation and continuous contraction of the trunk muscles including LM and TrA.Methods: Forty healthy individuals were included and assigned to 2 groups. All subjects received clinical instruction in how to perform a preferential activation of the LM and TrA, while subjects in the experimental group also received visual feedback (watched the LM and TrA contraction) provided by RUSI. All subjects maintained the LM and TrA contraction for 30 seconds, and the thickness of LM and TrA at rest and during contraction (Tc-max, T15s, and T30s) were extracted and recorded.Results: Non-significant differences were found in the thickness of LM at rest (P > 0.999), Tc-max (P > 0.999), and T15s (P = 0.414) between groups. However, the ability to recruit LM muscle contraction differed between groups at T30s (P = 0.006), with subjects in the experimental group that received visual ultrasound biofeedback maintaining a relative maximum contraction. Besides, there were also no significant differences in the TrA muscle thickness at rest (P > 0.999) and Tc-max (P > 0.999) between groups. While, significant differences of contraction thickness were found at T15s (P = 0.031) and T30s (P = 0.010) between groups during the ADIM, with greater TrA muscle contraction thickness in the experimental group.Conclusions: RUSI can be used to provide visual biofeedback, which can promote continuous contraction efficiency, improve performance, and retention in the ability to activate the LM and TrA muscles in healthy subjects.
Identification of the Window Period Concurrent Infection with Syphilis and HIV: A Longitudinal Case Study
Authors: Wang Lilin , Shao Chaopeng , Hong Wenxu , Zhu Weigang , Lu Liang , Yang Zhengrong , Zhao Fang , Liu Heng , Zheng Xin , Wang Lunan , Zeng Jinfeng
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND: Due to the low incidence of concurrent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis infection identified during the window period, little is known about the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment efficacy at very early stages.METHODS: One longitudinal study was conducted in a 42-year-old blood donor who was concurrently infected with syphilis and HIV. This blood donor was treated with a penicillin-based regimen and early antiretroviral therapy (ART). Immunological and NAT methods were comparatively analyzed.RESULTS: A regular male donor who had two occasions of high-risk sexual behaviors 41 and 35 days before donation(DBD) donated whole blood at the Shenzhen Blood Center. Antiretroviral therapy was initiated at the 28th day after donation (DAD), and syphilis treatment was received at the 49th DAD. Microbiological analysis using a 4th generation anti-HIV ELISA and CLIA indicated a positive signal at the 6th DAD. All NAT tests for HIV RNA were reactive except the minipool (MP) NAT of six pooled samples at 117th DAD. The HIV viral load declined more than 4-log in copies per milliliter over 3 months, until reaching non-detectable levels at 246th DAD. Nevertheless, HIV-1 DNA was still detectable at 403rd DAD. Among all methods utilized, anti-TP ELISA detected syphilis infection at the earliest time. Toluidine red unheated serum test (TRUST) was negative around the 80th DAD.CONCLUSION: Concurrent infection with Syphilis and HIV during window period did not significantly change the sensitivity of reagents in detection nor alter the therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of both pathogens.
Embedded Internet of Things Applications of SQLite Based on WinCE Mobile Terminal
Authors: Yu Yuanhui
Published: July 2020

At present, embedded applications on the WinCE platform are extending towards microservices and miniaturization. More embedded device application data requires small, embedded database systems to organize, store, and manage. The embedded database SQLite has many advantages such as zero-configuration, lightweight, multiple interfaces, easy portability, readable source code, and open source. It is currently widely used in the WinCE embedded operating system. This article discusses the technical characteristics of the SQLite database in detail, SQLite data manipulation, SQLite transplantation under the WinCE platform, and finally implements SQLite data management on WinCE mobile terminal based on MFC programming.
Long Non-Coding RNA LINC00518 Induces Radioresistance by Regulating Glycolysis Through An miR-33a-3p/HIF-1α Negative Feedback Loop in Melanoma
Authors: Cao Ke , yan Liu , Dong He , Mengqin Xiao , Liang Xiang , Yuxing Zhu
Published: July 2020

Background: The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA),LINC00518, is highly expressed in many human cancers and is involved in cancer progression. However, the potential function and regulatory mechanism of LINC00518 in cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) remain unclear. Methods:Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to silence LINC00518 and HIF-1α, and real-time PCR was performed to determine mRNA expression. Then, cell proliferation, colony formation, flow cytometric, scratch, and transwell assays were to examine the influence of LINC00518 silencing on cellular radiosensitivity. Dual luciferase reporter system,CHIP and COIP was used to verify the target relationship between LINC00518,miR‐33a-5b and HIF-1α,.Glycolysis assays were conducted to exam cell glycolysis process. Western blotting was performed to explore the expression of HIF-1α and LDHA. Finally, animal experiments were performed to demonstrate the effect of LINC00518 silencing on the radiosensitivity of melanoma in vivo.Results: LINC00518 expression was significantly upregulated in CMM samples, and LINC00518 levels were associated with poor prognosis of patients with CMM. Knockdown of LINC00518 in CMM cells significantly inhibited cell invasion, migration, proliferation, and clonogenicity. LINC00518-mediated invasion, migration, proliferation, and clonogenicity were negatively regulated by the microRNA, miR-33a-3p, in vitro, which intensified sensitivity to radiotherapy via inhibition of the hypoxia-induced factor 1α (HIF-1α)/lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA)-glycolysis axis. Additionally, HIF-1α recognized the miR-33a-3p promoter region and recruited histone deacetylase2 (HDAC2), which decreased the expression of miR-33a-3p and formed an LINC00518/miR-33a-3p/HIF-1α negative feedback loop. Furthermore, signalling initially activated glycolysis and radioresistance in CMM cells was recovered by Santacruzamate A (a histone deacetylase inhibitor) and 2-deoxy-D-glucose (a glycolytic inhibitor). Lastly, knockdown of LINC00518 expression sensitized CMM cancer cells to radiotherapy in an in vivo subcutaneously implanted tumour model. Conclusion: LINC00518 was confirmed to be an oncogene in CMM, which induces radioresistance by regulating glycolysis through an miR-33a-3p/HIF-1α negative feedback loop. Our research may provide a potential strategy to improve the treatment outcome of radiotherapy in CMM.
Two Stepped Majority Voting for Efficient EEG Based Emotion Classification
Authors: Ismael Aras Masood , Alçin Ömer F. , Abdalla Karmand Hussein , Şengür Abdulkadir K
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a novel approach that is based on two-stepped majority voting is proposed for efficient EEG based emotion classification. Emotion recognition is important for human-machine interactions. Facial-features and body-gestures based approaches have been generally proposed for emotion recognition. Recently, EEG based approaches become more popular in emotion recognition. In the proposed approach, the raw EEG signals are initially low-pass filtered for noise removal and band-pass filters are used for rhythms extraction. For each rhythm, the best performed EEG channels are determined based on wavelet-based entropy features and fractal dimension based features. The k-nearest neighbor (KNN) classifier is used in classification. The best five EEG channels are used in majority voting for getting the final predictions for each EEG rhythm. In the second majority voting step, the predictions from all rhythms are used to get a final prediction. The DEAP dataset is used in experiments and classification accuracy, sensitivity and specificity are used for performance evaluation metrics. The experiments are carried out to classify the emotions into two binary classes such as high valence (HV) vs low valence (LV) and high arousal (HA) vs low arousal (LA). The experiments show that 86.3% HV vs LV discrimination accuracy and 85.0% HA vs LA discrimination accuracy is obtained. The obtained results are also compared with some of the existing methods. The comparisons show that the proposed method has potential in the use of EEG based emotion classification.
Screening of independent prognostic long non-coding RNA for gastric cancer in TCGA
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Chen Qiongyun , Lv Yinyin , Dong Xuan , Huang Xiaoqing , Yan Changsheng , Xu Hongzhi
Published: July 2020

Background

The global incidence of gastric cancer (GC) ranks the fourth among cancers and its 5-year survival is less than 25%. LncRNAs are vital regulators involved in pathological processes of cancer. It is urgent to screen the prognostic lncRNA in GC.

Method

Expression file and clinical data of GC were downloaded from TCGA. Differentially expressed lncRNAs were calculated by edger R package, followed by the prognosis analysis. COX analysis was conducted to compute the independent factor of GC. Potential signaling pathways that the screened lncRNAs enriched in were evaluated by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). At last, Pearson analysis was conducted to predict the possible mechanism of lncRNA in GC process.

Result

ENSG00000224363 was an unfavorable prognostic factor to OS (overall survival) and DFS (disease-free survival) of GC as COX regression analyzed. GSEA analysis indicated that ENSG00000224363 may regulate cell cycle, apoptosis and autophagy of GC cells.

Conclusion

LncRNA ENSG00000224363 is overexpressed in GC, serving as an independent unfavorable prognostic factor.
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Posture, Movement Planning, and Execution During Standing Voluntary Reach Following Stroke
Authors: Yang Chieh-ling , Gad Alon , Creath Robert A. , Magder Laurence , Rogers Mark W. , Waller Sandy McCombe
Published: July 2020

Background: Impaired movement preparation of both anticipatory postural adjustments and goal directed movement as shown by a marked reduction in the incidence of StartReact responses during a standing reaching task was reported in individuals with stroke. We tested how transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the region of premotor areas (PMAs) and primary motor area (M1) affect movement planning and preparation of a standing reaching task in individuals with stroke. Methods: Each subject performed two sessions of tDCS over the lesioned hemisphere on two different days: cathodal tDCS over PMAs and anodal tDCS over M1. Movement planning and preparation of anticipatory postural adjustment-reach sequence was examined by startReact responses elicited by a loud acoustic stimulus of 123 dB. Kinetic, kinematic, and electromyography data were recorded to characterize anticipatory postural adjustment-reach movement response. Results: Anodal tDCS over M1 led to significant increase of startReact responses incidence at loud acoustic stimulus time point – 500 ms. Increased trunk involvement during movement execution was found after anodal M1 stimulation compared to PMAs stimulation. Conclusions: The findings provide novel evidence that impairments in movement planning and preparation as measured by startReact responses for a standing reaching task can be mitigated in individuals with stroke by the application of anodal tDCS over lesioned M1 but not cathodal tDCS over PMAs. This is the first study to show that stroke-related deficits in movement planning and preparation can be improved by application of anodal tDCS over lesioned M1.Trial registration: ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT04308629, Registered 16 March 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04308629.
Investigating knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to COVID-19 outbreak among Bangladeshi young adults: A web-based cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Banik Rajon , Rahman Mahmudur , Sikder Tajuddin , Rahman Quazi Maksudur , Pranta Mamun Ur Rashid
Published: July 2020

Aim: This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 among young adults in Bangladesh. Subject and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 5th May to 25th May 2020. Young adults aged between 18-35 years were approached via social media to complete an online questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic characteristics and KAP towards COVID-19. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple logistic regressions were conducted. Results: Of the 707 survey participants, the majority were male (57.1%), with a mean age of 25.03 (SD: 4.26) years, 60.3% were students, 57% had a bachelor's degree, and 64.4% urban residents. Participants gather information on COVID-19 mostly through Social media (70.4%). Overall, 61.2% had adequate knowledge with 78.9% having a positive attitude towards COVID-19 and only 51.6% had good practices. Most (86.8%) of the participants were confident that COVID-19 will be successfully controlled and Bangladesh was handling the COVID-19 health crisis well (84.20%). Only 75.2% of participants always washed hands with soap or hand-sanitizer and 70.6% wore a mask when going outside the home in recent days. Factors associated with adequate knowledge were being female, having a master's degree and above, and living in an urban area (𝑝 < 0.05). Participants having adequate knowledge of COVID-19 had higher likelihood of positive attitudes (OR: 6.41, 95% CI = 2.34-25.56, 𝑝 = 0.000) and good practices (OR: 8.93, 95% CI = 3.92-38.42, 𝑝 = 0.000). Conclusion: Introducing effective COVID-19 Health campaigns incorporating factors to influence KAP is urgently needed.
Profiling B cell immune responses to identify neutralizing antibodies from convalescent COVID-19 patients
Authors: Huang Lisu , Shen Bingqing , Guo Yu , Shen Shu , Huang Heyu , Xie Qiuling , Chen Mingjie , Zeng Xinxin , Wang Shanshan , Huang Dakun , Huang Mengshi , Qiu Yushu , Han Xiaochen , Jing Qingqing , Lu Minmin , Pi Chunjiang , Wu Jia , Feng Minfang , Li Ouyang , Lu Yun-Yueh , Zhou He , Cui Cheryl , He Jeff , Pan Shuming , Chen Da , Zhou Xingdong , Wang Yuan , Tian Yujie , Wang Wei , Zhang Wanju , Deng Fei , Schweizer Liang , Zhang Hongkai , Sun Kun
Published: July 2020

The pandemic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes noticeable morbidity and mortality worldwide. In addition to vaccine and antiviral drug therapy, the use of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) neutralizing antibodies for treatment purposes is a viable alternative. In this study, we aimed to profile the humoral responses and identify neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using high-throughput single-cell sequencing that tailored to B cell receptor sequencing. From two convalescent patients with high serum titer against SARS-COV-2, we identified seven antibodies specifically binding to SARS-CoV-2. Among these, the most potent antibody, P4A1 was demonstrated to block the binding of spike protein to its receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and prevent the viral infection in neutralization assays with pseudovirus as well as live virus at nM to sub-nM range. Moreover, antibody P4A1 can also bind strongly to spike protein with N354D/D364Y, R408I, W436R, V367F or D614G mutations respectively, suggesting that the antibody alone or in combination with other antibodies that recognize different variations of SARS-CoV-2, may provide a broad spectrum therapeutic option for COVID-19 patients.
Quantitative longitudinal predictions of Alzheimer's disease by multi-modal predictive learning
Authors: Prakash Mithilesh , Abdelaziz Mahmoud , Zhang Linda , Strange Bryan A , Tohka Jussi
Published: July 2020

Background: Quantitatively predicting the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in an individual on a continuous scale, such as AD assessment scale-cognitive (ADAS-cog) scores, is informative for a personalized approach as opposed to qualitatively classifying the individual into a broad disease category. We hypothesize that multi-modal data and predictive learning models can be employed for longitudinally predicting ADAS-cog scores.Methods: Multivariate regression techniques were employed to model baseline multi-modal data (demographics, neuroimaging, and cerebrospinal ﬂuid based markers, and genetic factors) and future ADAS-cog scores. Prediction models were subjected to repeated cross-validation and the resulting mean absolute error and cross-validated correlation of the model assessed.Results: Prediction models on multi-modal data outperformed single modal data up to 36 months. Incorporating baseline ADAS-cog scores to prediction models marginally improved predictive performance.Conclusions: Future ADAS-cog scores were successfully estimated via predictive learning aiding clinicians in identifying those at greater risk of decline and apply interventions at an earlier disease stage and inform likely future disease progression in individuals enrolled in AD clinical trials.
Joint salvage and biological repair of massive-cavity bone defects after extensive curettage of giant cell tumor around the knee with vascularized fibular autograft and cancellous allograft
Authors: Yang Yun-Fa , Gao Xiao-Sheng , Wang Jian-Wei , Xu Zhong-He
Published: July 2020

Background: Treatment of giant cell tumor (GCT) around knee remains challenging because GCT is prone to recurrence and metastasis. Herein, we reported on our clinical experience with knee joint salvage and biological repair of massive-cavity bone defects after extensive curettage of GCT around the knee with vascularized fibular autograft and cancellous allograft in 12 patients.Methods: All the patients underwent clinical evaluation, plain radiography and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee right after admission. Their joint function was preserved, and the massive-cavity bone defects were repaired by vascularized fibular autografts and cancellous allograft after extensive curettage of GCT around the knee. All the patients were evaluated through clinical examinations, plain radiography of the knee and chest, and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores of the lower extremity in the follow-ups.Results: The follow-up duration ranged from 1.5 years to 12.0 years (mean 4.2 years). There were no local recurrences or lung metastasis in any of the 12 patients at the last follow-up. Ten patients had no pain or experienced occasional pain, and nine were able to resume their previous work. The mean range-of-motion of knee flexion was 117°, and the extension was -6°. The mean MSTS score was 24.7, and a total of 10 patients had excellent or good MSTS scores. Conclusion: Knee joint salvage and biological repair of massive-cavity bone defects could be achieved after extensive curettage with vascularized fibular autograft and cancellous allograft in patients with GCT around the knee.