bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macrophages in Tumor-Associated Adipose Microenvironment Accelerate Tumor Progression
Authors: Li Bei , Wu Qi , Yang Qian , Li Zhiyu , Li Juanjuan , Wu Juan , Zhu Shan , Wang Lijun , Liao Shichong , Sun Si , Xu Zhiliang , Sun Shengrong
Published: October 2020

BackgroundAdipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) particularly contribute to the progression of obesity-related tumor. However, the mechanisms that the tumor-adipocyte crosstalk may enable the properties and plasticity of macrophages remain still unclear. MethodsSurvival probabilities for recurrence-free survival (RFS) were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method based on immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence images. 3T3-L1 cells were co-cultivated with 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Then the co-cultivated media were used to treat THP-1/RAW264.7 cells. The ATMs markers were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Transwell migration assay, was conducted to determine the migration capability of ATMs. RT-PCR and ELISA were used to detect the expression and secretion level of chemokines, respectively. Immunofluorescence imaging and Western blot were used to investigate the role of SOCS6/STAT3 signaling pathway in the polarization of ATMs. microRNA mimic and inhibitor, and xenograft models were used to explore the role of miR-155 in the polarization of ATMs.ResultsWe demonstrate that CD163-positive macrophages aggregated to surround adipocytes in breast cancer tissues, which was associated with tumor relapse. Thereafter, the eliminated macrophages partially inhibited adipocytes-induced tumor proliferation. The expression of chemokines, CCL2 and CCL5, elevated in tumor-adipocyte microenvironment and contributed to macrophage recruit and M2-like polarization via phosphorylating STAT3. Consistently, inhibiting chemokines and their receptors or suppressing the phosphorylation of STAT3 significantly decreased tumor burden in vivo. In coculture of tumor cells and adipocytes, the level of exosomal miRNA-155 was high, then it promoted the generation and release of CCL2 and CCL5 from adipocytes through targeting SOCS6/STAT3 pathway. Inhibition of exosomal miRNA-155 in tumor cells reduced the CCL2 and CCL5 levels in tumor-adipocytes coculture, and further retarded tumor growth. Likewise, the exosomes stimulated autophagy in macrophages in TFE3-depending way. ConclusionThese results suggest a novel target of tumor-adipocyte-macrophage interconnect that could facilitate obesity-induced tumor progression.
Identification of two novel mutations of ABCD1 gene in pedigrees with X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Dong Bingzi , Lv Wenshan , Xu Lili , Zhao Yuhang , Sun Xiaofang , Cheng Bingfei , Wang Yangang
Published: October 2020

Background: X-linked adrenoleukodysrophy (ALD) is an inherited peroxisomal metabolism disorder, results from the loss-of-function mutation of ATP-binding cassette protein subfamily D1 (ABCD1) gene. The dysfunction of ALD protein, a peroxisomal ATP-binding cassette transporter, results in the excessive saturated very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) accumulation in organs including brain, spine and adrenal cortex. X-ALD is characterized as the childhood, adolescent, adult cerebral ALD, adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), adrenal insufficiency, and asymptomatic phenotypes, exhibiting a high variety of clinical neurological manifestations with or without adrenocortical insufficiency. Results: In this study, we reported two cases of X-ALD, which were firstly diagnosed as adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) and treated with adrenocortical supplement. However, both of the cases progressed as neurological symptoms and signs after decades. Elevated VLCFAs level, brain MRI scan and genetic analysis confirmed final diagnosis. In addition, we identified two novel mutations of ABCD1 gene, c.874_876delGAG (p.Glu292del) and c.96_97delCT (p.Tyr33Profs*161) in exon 1 of ABCD1 gene. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the proband’s mother of the first case was heterozygous carrying the same variant. Adrenal insufficiency-only type is very rare, however, it may be the starting performance of X-ALD. Conclusions: The early warning manifestations should be noticed, and the probability of X-ALD should be considered. This report could be beneficial for the early diagnosis and genetic counseling for patients with X-ALD.
Incidence and Multidimensional Predictors of Occasional and Recurrent Falls among Malaysian Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Ooi Theng Choon , Singh Devinder Kaur Ajit , Shahar Suzana , Rajab Nor Fadilah , Vanoh Divya , Sharif Razinah , Tan Maw Pin
Published: October 2020

Background: Falls incidence rate and comprehensive data on factors that predict occasional and repeated falls from large population-based studies are scarce. This study aimed to determine the incidence of falls and identify predictors of occasional and recurrent falls within the social, medical, physical, nutritional, biochemical, cognitive dimensions among community-dwelling older Malaysians. Methods: Data from 1,763 Malaysian community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years were obtained from the LRGS-TUA longitudinal study. Participants were categorized into three groups according to the presence of a single fall (occasional fallers), ≥two falls (recurrent fallers), or absence of falls (non-fallers) at an 18-month follow-up. Results: Three hundred and nine (17.5%) participants reported fall occurrence at 18-month follow-up, of whom 85 (27.5%) had two or more falls. The incidence rate for occasional falls and recurrent falls was 8.47 and 3.21 per 100 person-years, respectively. Following multifactorial adjustments, being single (OR: 5.310: 95% CI: 1.963-14.361), having higher depression score (OR: 1.123; 95% CI: 1.045-1.207), lower hemoglobin level (OR: 0.873; 95% CI: 0.797-0.956), and taking a longer time to complete the chair stand test (OR: 0.936; 95% CI: 0.881-0.995) remained independent predictors of occasional falls. While, having higher depression score (OR: 1.116; 95% CI: 1.010-1.233), being a stroke survivor (OR: 5.639; 95% CI: 1.502-21.129), having higher percentage of body fat (OR: 1.038; 95% CI: 1.010-1.067), lower hemoglobin level (OR: 0.853; 95% CI: 0.741-0.982), and taking longer time to complete the chair stand test (OR: 0.907; 95% CI: 0.824-0.998) appeared as recurrent falls predictors.Conclusions: Having depression, lower muscle strength and hemoglobin levels predict both occasional and recurrent falls among Malaysian community-dwelling older adults. This finding has implications for future research planning, which should aim to identify effective strategies for preventing falls among older adults by modifying these identified predictors.
Impact of Quality Healthcare Equipment And Physical Structure on Nhis-Hmo Outpatient Enrollees’ Perception In Lagos Hospitals
Authors: Mkperedem Abigail Affiong , Ogunlade Peter B , IGBOLEKWU Chisaa , Asamu Festus , Rasak Bamidele , ARISUKWU Ogadimma
Published: October 2020

This study assess enrollees’ perception of Health care facility’s (HCFs) physical structure and equipment quality across 9 accredited National health insurance/ Health maintenance organisation (NHIS-HMO) providing healthcare facilities within the 3 local government areas in Lagos, Nigeria. Anchored on the phenomenology of time consciousness and the filter theory of attention, the study methodology was triangulated using survey method and in-depth interview. A total of 252 questionnaires and 5 in-depth interviews (IDIs) were used to elicit data from selected respondents using simple random and convenient sampling technique. There were differences between the survey result and the in-depth interview (IDIs) responses in terms of structural awareness in contrast with access to treatment equipments. 61.1% of the respondents agreed that the physical environment of the HCF was conducive, 61.5% agreed to the presence of standard and functional medical equipments in the HCF. With regards to the quality rating, 55.1% perceived the quality of HCFs physical structure and equipment fairly positive while 30.6% of the respondents perceived it negatively. From the group comparisons, the Chi-Square results (P<0.01, χ2 (16) = 66.750) revealed significant correlations between quality of HCFs physical environment and equipment and enrollees perception. The Spearman’s correlation was also positive at .064. These findings indicate that the tangible aspects of healthcare service are significant in health outcomes and should be given priority to ensure consistency in quality health promotion.
Groundwater flow, heat flux, and permeability inferred from borehole temperature profile in Izu-Oshima volcano, Japan – Implications for subsurface hydrothermal system
Authors: Onizawa Shin'ya , Matsushima Nobuo
Published: October 2020

Groundwater flow velocity as well as conductive and convective heat fluxes were estimated using temperature profile data from a 1000 m–deep borehole in the central part of the Izu-Oshima volcano, Japan. Two depth intervals below groundwater level with upward groundwater flow patterns were examined assuming a one-dimensional vertical steady flow. The groundwater velocity and total heat flux were estimated to be 5.0–5.4×10-10 m/s and 0.54–0.59 W/m2, respectively, for the basement layer (Formation 4). For the shallower layer (Formation 2), both the upward velocity and heat flux were higher, indicating greater contributions of convective mass and heat transfer compared to those in the deeper layer. Furthermore, assuming that the upward flow was buoyancy-driven, vertical permeabilities of 2.8–5.1×10-15 and 1.7–3.1×10-16 m2 , respectively, were estimated for Formations 2 and 4. The temperature patterns of the lava-dominant region (Formation 3), sandwiched between Formations 2 and 4, suggested the occurrence of lateral cooler groundwater inflow in fractures. These results were used for understanding a hydrothermal system beneath the volcano. The total heat flux estimated for Formation 4 (0.54–0.59 W/m2) was nearly three times higher than the conductive heat flux in the northwestern coastal area, suggesting a higher heat supply below the central part of the volcano. A hydrothermal free convection system was inferred in Formations 2 and 3. In Formation 2, buoyancy-driven upward flow was enhanced because of the heat below and the higher permeability. Cooler groundwater was laterally supplied in lava fractures in Formation 3 to compensate for the mass loss by the upward flow at the bottom of Formation 2.
Multimorbidity and Leisure-Time Physical Activity Over The Life Course: A Population-Based Birth Cohort Study.
Authors: Feter Natan , Leite Jayne S , Umpierre Daniel , Caputo Eduardo L , Rombaldi Airton J
Published: October 2020

Background: We aimed to test which life course model best described the association between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and multimorbidity at age 55. We analyzed data from birth to age 55 using the database from the 1958 National Child Development Survey. Methods: Multimorbidity was considered as the presence of more than one chronic condition. LTPA was measured through questionnaires from 1965 (age 7) to 2013 (age 55), which were applied in eight different occasions. We compared the fit of a series of nested adjusted logistic regression models (representing either the critical, accumulation or sensitive period models) with a fully saturated model. Data were reported as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: From the initial sample of 17,415 cohort members, 9,134 were interviewed in the latest sweep (49.2%). Men were more physically active than women at ages 11, 16, and 23 (p<0.001). LTPA every day in the week was more frequent in women than men in ages 33, 42, and 50 (p<0.001). The sensitive analysis revealed that LTPA during adolescence (OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.92) and late adult life (OR: 0.71; 95%CI: 0.55, 0.91) have a stronger effect on the risk for multimorbidity at age 55 considering all other life stages in the model. Also, adolescence showed a critical independent effect on the risk for multimorbidity (OR: 0.74; 95%CI: 0.59, 0.92). No difference was found between those models. Conclusions: These data support the notion of a protective physical activity “legacy” at early ages of childhood against multimorbidity at older ages. We highlight the need for LTPA promotion through intervention tailored especially on schooling and older ages in order to reduce the burden of multimorbidity.
Cerebroplacental Ratio in The Prediction of Adverse Perinatlal Outcome in Postdte pregnancy - A prospective study
Authors: Ale Labake Victoria , Adewole Nathaniel David , Suleiman Bilal , Kolade-Yunusa Hadijat Oluseyi
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: Postdate pregnancies are associated with increased risk of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. The cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) is emerging as an important non-invasive tool to assess fetal wellbeing and predict adverse outcome in high risk pregnancies. The aim of this report was to evaluate the value of Doppler CPR in predicting adverse pregnancy outcome in the setting. METHOD: This was a prospective study of 97 pregnant women from 40 weeks of gestation. Fetal Doppler evaluation of the pulsatility index (PI) of the umbilical artery (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) were done and the CPR calculated as MCA-PI/UA-PI. The women were followed up until delivery the following data collected: the Apgar score, birth weight and information about SCBU admission.RESULT: The women were aged 19 – 41 years (mean 30.22±4.8years) and the pregnancies were at 40 – 41+3 weeks. The mean UA-PI, MCA-PI and CPR were 0.83 ±0.16, 1.15±0.19 and 1.42 ± 0.31, respectively. Abnormal UA-PI, MCA-PI and CPR were associated with an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome (relative risk of 4.72, 7.08 and 9.78 respectively). Abnormal UA-PI was associated with fetal distress, abnormal MCA-PI was associated with fetal distress, low Apgar score at 1minute and special care baby unit admission, and abnormal CPR was associated with fetal distress and low Apgar score at 1minute. CONCLUSION: CPR is a good predictor of adverse perinatal outcome in postdate pregnancy and is recommended as an adjunct in evaluation of fetal wellbeing in this setting and similar settings.
Giant Nodular Fasciitis Originating From The Humeral Periosteum: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Yu Shili , Li Jian , Jia Meng , Sun Ping-Li , Gao Hongwen
Published: October 2020

Background: Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a self-limiting, benign, fibroblastic, and myofibroblastic tumor that mostly occurs in the subcutaneous superficial fascia, although there are reports of NF occurrences at atypical sites, such as intraneural and intra-articular locations. However, NF originating from the appendicular periosteum is extremely rare, and NF lesions usually are smaller than 4 cm. A large NF lesion of periosteal origin can be misdiagnosed as a malignant bone tumor and may cause overtreatment.Case presentation: This case report presents a large NF that originated from the humeral periosteum in an adult and was initially diagnosed intraoperatively as low-grade sarcoma, but later diagnosed as NF after post-resection histopathological evaluation. Furthermore, fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed a USP6 gene rearrangement that confirmed the diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of NF in the humeral periosteum.Discussion and Conclusions: NF poses a diagnostic challenge especially occurrences at rare sites as it is often mistaken for a sarcoma. Postoperative histopathological examination of whole sectionscan be combined with immunohistochemical staining and, if necessary, the diagnosis can be confirmed by molecular detection, and thus help avoid overtreatment.
Expression Profile of Micrornas (106b-3p, 130b-3, 145-3p and 199a-5p) in Urine and Serum Samples From Patients With the Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Kutwin Piotr , Borkowska Edyta Marta , Bogucka Paulina , Jablonowski Zbigniew
Published: October 2020

Background MicroRNAs (miRNA) are short, single stranded, non-coding RNAs that play an important role in controlling gene expression at the post-transcriptional stage. There is no bladder cancer marker that has been approved as an alternative for diagnostic cystoscopy and urine cytology so far, thus research for alternative, more sensitive, and less invasive methods of bladder cancer detection are being made. The aim of the study was to compare the relative expression levels of miRNAs in patients with bladder cancer.Materials and methods Urine and serum samples were collected from patients with the diagnosis of bladder cancer (NMIBC 71%, MIBC 29%). We assessed expression of 4 miRNAs (106b-3p, 130b-3, 145-3p and 199a-5p) using real-time PCR and double delta (ΔΔCt) method. The analysis was performed with the Mann-Whitney U test. Results miRNA 145-3p was significantly underexpressed in urine (p=0,0111) comparing with control group, whereas in serum we did not find relevant differences between groups (p=0,0903). Overexpression was observed for miRNA 199a-5p tested in urine (p=0,0262) and for miRNA 106b-3p for both urine and serum (p=0,0262 and p=0,0149 respectively) . For miR-130b-3 we did not find statistically significant differences neither for urine (p=0,6335) nor serum (p=0,2443).Conclusions A correlation between the relative levels of expression for miRNA 106b-3p, 199a-5p and miRNA 145-3p was detected. We also observed differences between the results obtained for urine and serum. In the content of urinary cancers diagnosis urine seems to be more useful material than serum. We plan to continue our studies assessing expression levels of miRNA 106b-3.
Comparing health insurance data and health interview survey data for ascertaining chronic disease prevalence in Belgium
Authors: Berete Finaba , Demarest Stefaan , Charafeddine Rana , Bruyère Olivier , Heyden Johan Van der
Published: October 2020

BackgroundHealth administrative data were increasingly used for chronic diseases (CDs) surveillance purposes. This cross sectional study explored the agreement between Belgian compulsory health insurance (BCHI) data and Belgian health interview survey (BHIS) data for asserting CDs.MethodsIndividual BHIS 2013 data were linked with BCHI data using the unique national register number. The study population included all participants of the BHIS 2013 aged 15 years and older. Linkage was possible for 93% of BHIS-participants, resulting in a study sample of 8474 individuals. For seven CDs disease status was available both through self-reported information from the BHIS and algorithms based on ATC-codes of disease-specific medication, developed on demand of the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (NIHDI). CD prevalence rates from both data sources were compared. Agreement was measured using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) assuming BHIS data as gold standard. Kappa statistic was also calculated. Participants’ sociodemographic and health status characteristics associated with agreement were tested using logistic regression for each CD.ResultsPrevalence from BCHI data was significantly higher for CVDs but significantly lower for COPD and asthma. No significant difference was found between the two data sources for the remaining CDs. Sensitivity was 83% for CVDs, 78% for diabetes and ranged from 27% to 67% for the other CDs. Specificity was excellent for all CDs (above 98%) except for CVDs. The highest PPV was found for Parkinson’s disease (83%) and ranged from 41% to 75% for the remaining CDs. Irrespective of the CDs, the NPV was excellent. Kappa statistic was good for diabetes, CVDs, Parkinson’s disease and thyroid disorders, moderate for epilepsy and fair for COPD and asthma. Agreement between BHIS and BCHI data is affected by individual sociodemographic characteristics and health status, although these effects varied across CDs.ConclusionsNHIDI’s CDs case definitions are an acceptable alternative to identify cases of diabetes, CVDs, Parkinson's disease and thyroid disorders but yield in a significant underestimated number of patients suffering from asthma and COPD. Further research is needed to refine the definitions of CDs from administrative data.
Flood Inundation Simulations based on GSMaP Satellite Rainfall Data in Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Priyambodoho Bambang Adhi , Kure Shuichi , Yagi Ryuusei , Januriyadi Nurul Fajar
Published: October 2020

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and is considered as one of the most vulnerable cities to climate-related disasters, including flooding, sea-level rise, and storm surge, in the world. Therefore, the development of a flood-forecasting system for Jakarta is crucial. However, the accurate prediction of flooding in Jakarta is challenging because of the rapid flood-concentration time in highly urbanized basins and the shortage of rainfall data in poorly gauged areas. The aim of this study is to simulate flood inundation that occurred in recent years using global satellite mapping of precipitation (GSMaP) products. The GSMaP products (NRT and Gauge V7) were evaluated and compared with the observation data obtained hourly from five ground stations in the Ciliwung River Basin. In addition, a rainfall-runoff and flood inundation model were applied to the target basin. The results of the analysis showed that the GSMaP Gauge data were more accurate than the GSMaP NRT data. However, the GSMaP Gauge could not be used to provide real-time rainfall data and is, therefore, inadequate for real-time flood forecasting. We conclude that the GSMaP Gauge is suitable for replicating past flood events, but it is challenging to use the GSMaP NRT for real-time flood forecasting in Jakarta.
Clinical findings and molecular cytogenetic characterization of 19q13.42 microduplication: three cases report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Yue Fagui , Shi Qingyang , Jiang Yuting , He Jing , Li Leilei , Liu Ruizhi
Published: October 2020

BackgroundTrisomy 19q is a recognizable syndrome and associated with a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes in clinic. The purpose of this study was to explore the prenatal phenotypes of 19q13.42 duplication, which was rarely reported in clinic. Case presentationThree pregnant women presenting diverse indications for prenatal diagnosis accepted amniocentesis: increased nuchal translucency (case 2) and high risk of trisomy 21 (case 1 and case 3). Case 1 and case 2 shared similar duplicated locus in the region of 19q13.42, encompassing part NLRP12 gene. Case 2 inherited the chromosomal duplication from the mother with normal phenotypes. Case 3 carried a 1.445Mb duplication in the 19q13.42q13.43 region. It was proposed that evolutionary duplication of NLRP12 gene could have a causative role in autoinflammatory diseases development. The genotype-phenotype correlation depends mainly on the duplicated size and functional genes involved, which is still yet to be determined. All pregnant women chose to continue the pregnancy and delivered healthy children with no apparent abnormalities.ConclusionsThe 19q13.42 microduplications in our study are the smallest fragments compared to previous literature. We delineated 19q duplication cases without structural ultrasound anomalies for the first time, which enriched the prenatal phenotypes of this chromosomal aberration. It was proposed that long term follow up analysis should be guaranteed till adulthood to determine whether there will be other emerging clinical symptoms and developmental-behavioral disorders for such carriers.
Pyramiding approach for development of blast and bacterial leaf blight resistant, and drought tolerant rice variety through marker-assisted selection
Authors: Akos Ibrahim Silas , Yusop Mohd Rafii , Ismail Mohd Razi , Ramlee Shairul Izan , Shamsudin Noraziyah Abd Aziz , Ramli Asfaliza Binti , Yusuff Oladosu , Muhammad Isma’ila
Published: October 2020

Rice ( Oryza sativa L) is an important cereal crop and staple food crop of the world, whose yield could be influenced by biotic and abiotic conditions, resulting in 1-100% yield losses depending on the incidences of diseases or severity of stress condition. The research was basically to identify the polymorphic markers at the target region (parental survey) and screened for selection of improved lines with multiple traits of resistance/tolerance to two or three of blast, bacterial leaf blight and drought tolerance. Three varieties were used; two high yielding varieties of Putra-1 and MR219-PL-137 resistant to blast and tolerant to drought respectively, and an IRBB60 bacterial leaf blight resistance variety. They were crossed to a common recipient parent (Putra-1) to produce two categories of F 1 hybrid as baseline for development of improved lines in three crossing methods which produced five populations (PB, PD, PBD, PDB, DPB) through marker-assisted pedigree selection. The populations were screened by genotyping using SSR markers to select lines polymorphic to parental cultivars and carrying the linked markers/QTLs for diseases resistance and drought tolerance: Blast resistance (RM6836 and RM8225), IRBB60 (RM224, RG136, RM122, RM21), MR219-PL-137 drought tolerance QTLs (RM236, RM520, RM511, RM1261). The results of gel electrophoresis agreed with the phenotyping results of the improved lines F 4 , F 3 (2), F 3 for single, double and three-way (and reciprocal) crosses respectively and also susceptible parent cultivars.
Phytochemical Evaluation of Hibiscus Sabdariffa Powder, Jam and Yoghurt
Authors: Hamwenye Karlin , Shindaadhi Helena , Sivhute Elizabeth , Hal Penny Hiwilepo-van , Samundengu Chinemba
Published: October 2020

BackgroundHibiscus sabdariffa is popularly known as food and herbal drink with numerous health benefits. The phytochemical compounds present in Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces are important in developing nutraceutical foods. In this study hibiscus jam and yoghurt were produced from dried hibiscus calyces’ powder.MethodsThe phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of these products were then analysed in terms of Total phenolic content (TPC), Total flavonoid content (TFC), Condensed tannins (CT) and DPPH Scavenging activity.ResultsThe results showed the presence of all phytochemical compounds (TPC, TFC, CT) and antioxidant activity in all Hibiscus sabdariffa products. The hibiscus calyces powder showed the highest phytochemical contents of 35.24 mg GAE. g -1 , 0.91 mg QE. g -1 , 2.85 mg CAE. g -1 and 48.2 % inhibition for TPC, TFC, CT and DPPH Scavenging activity, respectively. Hibiscus jam and Hibiscus yoghurt had phytochemical contents of 6.44 and 4.81 mg GAE. g -1 , 0.19 & 0.24 mg QE. g -1 , 1.40 & 0.66 mg CAE. g -1 and 26.2 & 39.3 % inhibition for TPC, TFC, TC and DPPH Scavenging activity, respectively.ConclusionsThe results of the current study showed that there is potential in using Hibiscus sabdariffa to develop functional foods.
Rapidly immobilization of simulated An3+ radioactive contaminated soil as glass-ceramics by microwave sintering
Authors: Luo Fen , Tan Haojie , Shu Xiaoyan , Miao Yulong , Chen Shunzhang , Yuan Beilong , Wang Lan , Xie Yi , Lu Xirui
Published: October 2020

The development of nuclear technology leads to the generation of radionuclide contaminated soils, which require efficient and rapid disposal methods. In this study, with microwave sintering method, the simulated radionuclides contaminated soils were successfully immobilized as glass-ceramics at 1200 °C with 30 min. The temperature effect, phase evolution, morphology, element distribution of simulated radioactive contaminated soil were investigated. The XRD results showed that Nd 3+ were immobilized into glass-ceramic phases with Nd 2 O 3 content increased up to 25 wt %. In addition, molecular dynamics simulation (MD) results showed the simulated radioactive contaminated soils were composed of [SiO 4 ] tetrahedron, and Si-O-Si bonds had an important effects on the glass structure forming.
Machine Learning and Integrative Analysis Reveals Stemness Index-associated Signature in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Xu Qiang , Zhou Hao , Cao Dedong , Fang Bin , Yan Siqi , Li Ziping , Hu Yu , Guo Tao
Published: October 2020

Background: The rapidly growing research in leukemia has provided unequivocal proof that cancer stem cells exist in acute myeloid leukemia. However, the mechanisms of the growth and self-renewal of acute myeloid leukemia stem cells (LSCs), which play an important role in the development of AML, were still elusive. Methods: We first used a trained stemness index model based on a recently described machine learning method one-class logistic regression (OCLR) to score AML samples. We then obtained the mRNA expression based-index (mRNAsi), DNA methylation based-index (mDNAsi), and epigenetic regulation based-index (EREG-mRNAsi). With the acquired three stemness indices, we investigated the relationship between the stemness index and the tumor immune microenvironment/somatic mutation, clinical characteristics of AML patients. Furthermore, a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were performed to obtain key genes associated with the stemness index. Bedsides, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis was performed to explore the biological functions. Finally, we validated the key genes by applying it to the Oncomine and GEO datasets.Result: The results suggested that EREG-mRNAsi might accurately predict overall survival (OS) in AML patients from TCGA, while the mRNAsi and mDNAsi was not significantly statistically associated with the OS. Furthermore, the mRNAsi was significantly correlated with the clinical characteristics of the FAB category, age, gender, immune score, WT1, and CEBPA mutation. Additionally, the EREG-mRNAsi was significantly associated with the cytogenetics risk category, TP53 mutation. The mDNAsi was significantly associated with the FAB-category, NPM1, IDH1, IDH2, and DNMT3A mutation. Several key genes related to the stemness index of AML were indicated to be possible and promising therapeutic targets for inhibiting LSCs in AML.Conclusions: Our research based on machine learning and WGCNA analysis revealed a set of key genes contributed to the stemness index of AML. These genes may become therapeutic targets to inhibit the LSCs of AML in the future.
Identification of Prognostic Genes Associated with Expression Differentiation During Metabolism Process in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
Authors: Yang Xin , Cao Chuang-jie , Dou Cheng-Yun , Tang Hai-Bo , Liu Qiong , Zou Juan , Li Yu-kun , Zeng Tian , Xie Xia
Published: October 2020

Background: Metabolic disorders have attracted more and more attention from scientists in the research of various tumors, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this study is to assess the prognostic significance of metabolism in HCC.Methods: The expression profile of metabolism-related gene (MRGs) were extracted from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database of 349 HCC-surviving patients. Subsequently, A series of biomedical computational algorithms were used to identify seven-MRGs signature as a prognostic model. GSEA analysis indicated the function and pathway enrichment of these MRGs. Then, drug sensitivity analysis found the hub gene, which tested by IHC staining.Results: 420 differential MRGs and 116 differential transcription factor (TFs) expression were extracted from HCC patients based on TCGA database. Metabolic disturbance might be involved in the development of HCC by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. LASSO regression analysis constructed seven-MRGs signature (DHDH, ENO1, G6PD, LPCAT1, PDE6D, PIGU and PPAT), which were used to predict the prognosis of HCC patients. Further GSEA analysis found the function and pathway enrichment of these seven MRGs. Then, drug sensitivity analysis indicated G6PD might play a key role in the prognosis of HCC by chemoresistance. Finally, we used IHC staining to demonstrate the relationship of G6PD expression and clinical parameter in HCC patients.Conclusion: This study provides a potential clue for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients and further studies on HCC metabolism.
Investigation of ancestral alleles in the Bovinae subfamily
Authors: Naji Maulana M , Utsunomiya Yuri T , Solkner Johann , Rosen Benjamin D. , Meszaros Gabor
Published: October 2020

Background: In evolutionary theory, divergence and speciation can arise from long periods of reproductive isolation, genetic mutation, selection and environmental adaptation. After divergence, alleles can either persist in their initial state (ancestral allele - AA), co-exist or be replaced by a mutated state (derived alleles -DA). In this study, we aligned whole genome sequences of individuals from the Bovinae subfamily to the cattle reference genome (ARS.UCD-1.2) for defining ancestral alleles necessary for selection signatures study.Results: Accommodating independent divergent of each lineage from the initial ancestral state, AA were defined based on fixed alleles on at least two groups of yak, bison and gayal-gaur-banteng resulting in ~32.4 million variants. Using non-overlapping scanning windows of 10 Kb, we counted the AA observed within taurine and zebu cattle. We focused on the extreme points, regions with top 0. 1% (high count) and regions without any occurrence of AA (null count). High count regions preserved gene functions from ancestral states that are still beneficial in the current condition, while null counts regions were linked to mutated ones. For both cattle, high count regions were associated with basal lipid metabolism, essential for survival of various environmental pressures. Mutated regions were associated to productive traits in taurine, i.e. higher metabolism, cell development and behaviors and in immune response domain for zebu.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that retaining and losing AA in some regions are varied and made it species-specific with possibility of overlapping as it depends on the selective pressure they had to experience.
Community-Driven Citizen Science Approach to Explore Cardiovascular Disease Risk Perception, and Develop Prevention Advocacy Strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Programme Protocol
Authors: Okop Kufre , Murphy Kathy , Lambert Estelle Victoria , Kedir Kiya , Getachew Hailemichael , Howe Rawleigh , Berchmans Jean , Ntawuyirushintege Selemani , Bavuma Charlotte , Rulisa Stephen , Kasenda Stephen , Chipeta Effie , Bunn Christopher , Crampin Amelia C. , King Abby C. , Chapotera Gertrude , Banchoff Ann , Winter Sandra J. , Levitt Naomi S
Published: October 2020

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), which experiences a disproportionately high cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden, population-based screening and prevention measures are hampered by low levels of knowledge about CVD and associated risk factors, and inaccurate perceptions of severity of risk. Methods: This protocol describes the planned processes for implementing community-driven participatory research, using a citizen science method to explore CVD risk perceptions and to develop community-specific advocacy and prevention strategies in rural and urban SSA settings. Research teams in four selected African countries will engage with and train community members living in rural and urban communities as citizen scientists to facilitate conceptualization, co-designing of research, data gathering, and co-creation of knowledge that can lead to a shared agenda to support collaborative participation in community-engaged science. The emphasis is on robust community engagement, using mobile technology to support data gathering, participatory learning, and co-creation of knowledge and disease prevention advocacy. Discussion: Contextual processes applied and lessons learned in specific settings will support redefining or disassembling boundaries in participatory science to foster effective implementation of sustainable prevention intervention programmes in Low- and Middle-income countries.
Composition and Risk Assessment of Perioperative Patient Safety Incidents Reported by Anesthesiologists from 2009 to 2019, a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Xue , Ma Shuang , Sun Xueqin , Zhang Yuelun , Chen Weiyun , Chang Qing , Pan Hui , Zhang Xiuhua , Shen Le , Huang Yuguang
Published: October 2020

Background: Patient safety incident reporting has been an important means of improving patient safety and enhancing organizational quality control. Reports of anesthesia-related incidents are of great value for analysis to improve perioperative patient safety. However, the utilization of incident data is far from sufficient, especially in developing countries such as China.Methods: All patient safety incidents reported by anesthesiologists in a Chinese academic hospital between September 2009 and August 2019 were collected from the incident reporting system. We reviewed the freeform text reports, supplemented them with information from the patient medical record system. Composition analysis and risk assessment were performed.Results: In total, 847 patient safety incidents were voluntarily reported by anesthesiologists during the study period among 452,974 anesthetic procedures, with a reported incidence of 0.17%, much less than the incidence reported by some developed countries. Patients with worse ASA physical status were more vulnerable to suffering from PSIs. The most common type of incident was related to the airway (N=208, 27%), followed by cardio-cerebrovascular (N=99, 13%) and pharmacological incidents (N=79, 10%). Those preventable incidents with extreme or high risk were found out through risk assessment, to provide reference for the department to implement more standard operation procedures.Conclusions: This study describes characteristics of 847 patient safety incidents voluntarily reported by anesthesiologists within eleven years in a Chinese academic hospital. Airway incidents constitute the majority of incidents reported by anesthesiologists. Under-reporting is severe in China, and the importance of summarizing and utilizing anesthesia incident data should be scrutinized.
Which One of the Human Immune Genes are more Involved in Against HTLV-1 Infection?
Authors: Keikha Masoud , Ali-Hassanzadeh Mohammad , Bagheri Ramin , Karbalaei Mohsen
Published: October 2020

Background: Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a main member of type C retrovirus. This virus was first isolated from cutaneous T-cell lymphoma cases. Among all infected individuals, only 5% of cases progress to acute form, and 4% of them to chronic form. Nevertheless, about 90% of patients remain asymptomatic. Adult T cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) are accounted as acute and chronic forms of disease respectively.Methods: The gene expression profile of CD4+ T cells in four groups, healthy donors, asymptomatic HTLV-1 carriers (ACs), HAM/TSP (HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis), and ATLL (Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma) based on GPL9686 platform was evaluated. Results: According to Gene enrichment analysis, it was determined that hub genes in present study are able effect on various pathways such as apoptosis, proliferation and T cell activation, Ras signaling pathway, integrin signaling pathway, P53 signaling pathway, CCKR, TLR, FGF, DNA Damage, MAPK signaling, integrated cancer, Caspase, NF-κB, BCL-2 family, survival complex, breast cancer, Pancreatic cancer.Conclusions: Overall, based on scientific results in the present study, it seems the immune system via stimulation of biological processes such as cell survival, proliferation, CTLs exhaustion, and apoptosis concomitant, caused immortalization of HTLV-1 infected CD4+ T cells.
A hSCARB2-transgenic mouse model for Coxsackievirus A16 pathogenesis
Authors: Chen Yanli , Li Heng , Yang Jinxi , Zheng Huiwen , Guo Lei , Li Weiyu , Yang Zening , Song Jie , Liu Longding
Published: October 2020

Background: Coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) is one of the neurotropic pathogen that has been associated with severe neurological forms of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), but its pathogenesis is not yet clear. The limited species tropism of CA16 make the establishment of a suitable animal model that can recapitulate the neurological pathology observed in human HFMD more difficult. Because the human scavenger receptor class B, member 2 (hSCARB2) is a cellular receptor for CA16, we used transgenic mice bearing human SCARB2 and nasally infected them with CA16 to study the pathogenicity of the virus.Methods: Coxsackievirus A16 was administered by intranasal instillation to groups of hSCARB2 transgenic mice and clinical signs were observed. Sampled at different time-points to document and characterize the mode of viral dissemination, pathological change and immune response of CA16 infection. Results: Weight loss and virus replication in lung and brain were observed in hSCARB2 mice infected with CA16, indicating that these animals could model the neural infection process. Viral antigens were observed in the alveolar epithelia and brainstem cells. The typical histopathology was interstitial pneumonia with infiltration of significant lymphocytes into the alveolar interstitial in lung and diffuse punctate hemorrhages in the capillaries of the brainstem. In addition, we detected the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and detected high levels of interleukin IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and IFN-γ in nasal mucosa, lungs and brain tissues. Conclusions: The hSCARB2-transgenic mice can be productively infected with CA16 via respiratory route and exhibited a clear tropism to lung and brain tissues, which can serve as a model to investigate the pathogenesis of CA16 associated respiratory and neurological disease.
A Contribution to the Phylogeny and Taxonomy of Phlebiopsis (Polyporales, Basidiomycota)
Authors: Zhao Ya-Nan , Nakasone Karen K. , Chen Che-Chi , Liu Shi-Liang , Cao Yi-Feng , He Shuang-Hui
Published: October 2020

An in-depth study of the phylogeny and taxonomy of the corticioid genus Phlebiopsis (Phanerochaetaceae) was conducted. Phylogenetic analyses of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and nrLSU sequences demonstrated that Phlebiopsis is a strongly supported clade that is distinct from its sister clade that includes Phaeophlebiopsis, Hapalopilus and Rhizochaete. Two genera, Australohydnum and Hjortstamia, are reduced to synonyms under Phlebiopsis because generic type species A. griseofuscescens and H. friesii, respectively, are embedded in the Phlebiopsis clade. Twenty-four lineages are resolved in the ITS phylogenetic tree of Phlebiopsis, including six new taxa from Sri Lanka and China — P. albescens, P. brunnea, P. cylindrospora, P. magnicystidiata, P. membranacea and P. sinensis. Five new combinations are proposed — Phaeophlebiopsis mussooriensis, Phlebiopsis bambusicola, P. dregeana, P. griseofuscescens and P. novae-granatae. Phlebiopsis crassa is a morphological species complex with three distinct lineages. Phlebiopsis lamprocystidiata is determined to be a later synonym of P. darjeelingensis. The new taxa are described, illustrated, and compared and contrasted to morphologically similar species. An emended description of Phlebiopsis is provided along with an identification key to 27 accepted species.
Illnesses Associated With Increased Length of Stay for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalizations.
Authors: Ghosh Sumantra Monty , Sikdar Khokan , Koleade Adetola , Farris Peter , Ross Jordan , Tanguay Robert , Lang Eddy S. , Messier Geoffrey , Tang Karen
Published: October 2020

Background: Individuals experiencing homelessness (IEH) tend to have increased length of stay (LOS) in acute care settings, which negatively impacts health care costs and resource utilization. It is unclear however, what specific factors account for this increased LOS. This study attempts to define which diagnoses most impact LOS for IEH and if there are differences based on their demographics. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted looking at ICD-10 diagnosis codes and LOS for patients identified as IEH seen in Emergency Departments (ED) and also for those admitted to. Data were stratified based on diagnosis, gender and age. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine which ICD-10 diagnoses were significantly associated with increased ED and inpatient LOS for IEH compared to housed individuals.Results: Homelessness admissions were associated with increased LOS regardless of gender or age group. The absolute mean difference of LOS between IEH and housed individuals was 1.62 hours [95% CI 1.49 – 1.75] in the ED and 3.02 days [95% CI 2.42-3.62] for inpatients. Males age 18-24 years spent on average 7.12 more days in hospital, and females aged 25-34 spent 7.32 more days in hospital compared to their housed counterparts. Thirty-one diagnoses were associated with increased LOS in EDs for IEH compared to their housed counterparts; maternity concerns and coronary artery disease were associated with significantly increased inpatient LOS. Conclusion: Homelessness significantly increases the LOS of individuals within both ED and inpatient settings. We have identified numerous diagnoses that are associated with increased LOS in IE; these inform the prioritization and development of targeted interventions to improve the health of IEH.
Evaluation of Serum Immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM, IgA) in Oral Cancer Patients – A Case Control Study
Authors: M. Tarsariya Vivek , Raval Nilesh , Mehta Dhaval , Asrani Mukesh , Asrani Vijay , Barot Kaushik
Published: October 2020

Background: Very few studies have been done to evaluate level of serum immunoglobulins (IgG,IgM,IgA) in patients with Oral cancer as tumour markers.Aims and Objectives: To estimate the serum immunoglobulins level (IgG, IgM, IgA) in oral cancer patients and its comparison with control groups and weather these values can be used to predict severity of disease or not.Materials and Methods: 30 patients with different clinical stages oral cancer and 30 healthy controls were selected at random and subjected for analysis of serum IgG, IgA, IgM. Statistical methods employed were the mean, standard deviation and t-test.Results: Significant elevated levels of all the immunoglobulins in oral cancer patients observed when compared with the control group and levels were increasing with clinical stages. (p<0.05).Conclusions: All these immunoglobulins are indicative of tumour burden or transformation of malignancy in higher stage and might be employed as prognostic indicators in oral cancer.
Identification and integrated analysis of neuropathic pain-related circular RNA signature
Authors: Wang Kun , Zhou Zhimin , Bao Junping , Liu Dong , Hu Yuanbin , Wu Xiaotao
Published: October 2020

Background: More and more evidences show that non-coding RNAs are involved in neuropathic pain, however, there are few reports on the regulatory mechanism of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in neuropathic pain. The purpose of this study is to explore the possible molecular mechanisms of neuropathic pain. Methods: We collected neuropathic pain-related microarray datasets providing expression profile of circular RNAs (circRNAs) and mRNAs from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and then performed bioinformatics analysis on them. Results: The present study has identified that up-regulated circRNAs primarily regulate the activity of focal adhesion-associated biological processes and down-regulated primarily regulate the activity of metabolic-associated biological processes by means of ceRNAs. Conclusions: Our data suggest that circRNAs may be candidates for pathogenesis in neuropathic pain and may be considered as promising therapeutic targets in the future.