bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Glioblastoma Promote Proliferation and Migration of Neural Progenitor Cells via PI3K-Akt Pathway
Authors: Pan Jiabin , Sheng Shiyang , Ye Ling , Ma Yizhao , Qiu Lisha , Fan Zhaohuan , Wang Yi , Xia Xiaohuan , Huang Yunlong , Zheng Jialin
Published: January 2021

BackgroundGlioblastomas are lethal brain tumors under the current combinatorial therapeutic strategy that includes surgery, chemo- and radio-therapies. Extensive changes in the tumor microenvironment is a key reason for resistance to chemo- or radio-therapy and frequent tumor recurrences. Understanding the tumor-nontumor cell interaction in TME is critical for developing new therapy. Glioblastomas are known to recruit normal cells in their environs to sustain growth and encroachment into other regions. Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) have been noted to migrate towards the site of glioblastomas, however, the detailed mechanisms underlying glioblastoma-mediated NPCs’ alteration remain unkown. MethodsWe utilized two classic glioblastoma cell lines, U87- and A172, and collected EVs in the culture medium of those two lines. Mouse NPCs (mNPCs) were co-cultured with U87- or A172-derived EVs. EVs-treated mNPCs’ prolifeartion and migration were examined. Proteomic analysis and western-blot were utilized to identify the underlying mechanisms of glioblastoma EVs-induced alterations in mNPCs.ResultsWe show that glioblastoma cell lines U87- and A172-derived EVs dramatically promoted NPCs proliferation and migration. Mechanistic studies identify that EVs achieve their functions via activating PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway in recipient cells. Inhibiting PI3K-Akt reversed the elevated prolfieration and migration of glioblastoma EVs-treated mNPCs. ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that EVs play a key role in intercellular communication in tumor microenvironment. Inhibition of the tumorgenic EVs-mediated PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway activation might be a novel strategy to shed light on glioblastoma therapy.
Effect Price on Expansion of Rice Production and Traditional Wetland Management in Fogera Wetlands, South Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Desta Mare , Zeleke Gete , Payne William A. , Kindu Mengistie
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThis study aims to investigate the impact of rice price on expansion of rice production and traditional wetland management in Fogera Wetlands, on the eastern shore of Lake Tana, northern Ethiopia. Although rice is becoming a major cash crop in the area, it has not been given due attention for sustainability of wetland which has been traditionally integrated with different indigenous agricultural activities such as, livestock rearing, cultivation different crops. The major instruments implemented in data collection were questionnaire, key informant interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) of sampled farmers as well as GIS and Remote Sensing. Survey questionnaire was administered to 385 rice-producing sampled farmers. ResultsThe result shows that 87% of the respondents confirm that increases in prices of rice encouraged them to shift from cultivation of conventional crops to rice farming. Subsequently, between the years 1973 and 2014, wetland areas has been reduced from 3114ha to 1060ha. Major activities being pursued in the wetlands of the study site do not consider their environmental impacts. Natural resource management and conservation policies and strategies implemented in the area didn't consider local people and their knowledge. It needs consideration to create sense of ownership of wetland resources to reduce abusive utilization of the wetland resources. Conclusion Therefore, the of policies, strategies and development activities implementation have to consider environmental issues togerther with rice production.
Association of Temporary Environmental Protection Agency Regulation Suspension With Industrial Economic Viability and Local Air Quality in California, United States
Authors: Chang Emily , Zhang Kenneth , Paczkowski Margaret , Kohler Sara , Ribeiro Marco
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThis study seeks to answer two questions about the impacts of the 2020 Environmental Protection Agency’s enforcement regulation rollbacks: is this suspension bolstering the economic viability of industries as oil and manufacturing executives claim they will and are these regulations upholding the agency’s mission of protecting the environment?ResultsTo answer the former question, we utilized employment levels as a method of gauging the economic health of agency-regulated industries. By implementing a machine learning model to predict employment values weekly and a t-test to indicate any significant changes in employment, we found that most industries, including oil, are economically worse off following California's state-issued stay-at-home order and the agency’s regulation suspension.To answer the latter question, we used PM2.5 levels as a metric for local air quality and isolated the impact of regulation rollbacks from the impacts of the state lockdown with treatment-control county pairs. Using the agency’s database to collect data and performing a t-test to determine whether treatment-control county pairs experienced a significant change in PM2.5 levels, we found that counties with oil refineries continued to experience the same air pollution levels as before, despite the statewide lockdown.ConclusionsFrom our findings, we can conclude that industries are not witnessing economic growth with these guidelines and state shutdown in place. Additionally, counties with oil refineries could be taking advantage of these rollbacks to continue emitting the same amount of PM2.5, in spite of state lockdowns. For these reasons, we ask international policymakers to reconsider the legislation of similar regulations as these policies do not fulfill their expectations.
SEC61G Overexpression and DNA Amplification Correlates With Prognosis and Immune Cell Infiltration in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lu Tianzhu , Chen Yiping , Gong Xiaochang , Guo Qiaojuan , Lin Canyang , Luo Qingfeng , Tu Ziwei , Li Jingao , Pan Jianji
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe SEC61 translocon gamma subunit (SEC61G) is a component of the SEC61 complex, which import protein into the endoplasmic reticulum. However, the correlation between SEC61G and disease prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. MethodsSEC61G expression was analyzed using publicly-available datasets. The association between SEC61G and disease prognosis was evaluated. SEC61G methylation and copy number variation were investigated and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and gene ontology (GO) analyses identified SEC61G-associated functions. We also investigated the correlation between SEC61G and immune cell infiltration. Finally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect SEC61G expression in oropharyngeal carcinoma. ResultsSEC61G was overexpressed in pan-cancers, including HNSCC, and negatively correlated with overall survival (p<0.001 for TCGA-HNSCC and p=0.019 for GSE65858). Moreover, SEC61G was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) in TCGA and GSE65858 [hazard ratio (HR)=1.80, 95% CI: 1.35-2.39, p<0.001; HR＝1.87, 95% CI: 1.14-3.07, p=0.013, respectively). SEC61G DNA amplification (9.66% of patients) was significantly associated with poor OS (p=0.034). SEC61G overexpression and DNA amplification negatively correlated with B cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, macrophage, neutrophil, and dendritic cell infiltration (all p<0.05). Among patients with metastatic urothelial cancer received atezolizumab, patients with high SEC61G expression had an inferior OS (p=0.006). Furthermore, SEC61G protein expression was also an independent prognostic factor of OS (HR=2.49, 95% CI: 1.15-5.30, p=0.020) and progression-free survival (HR=2.82, 95% CI: 1.36-5.84, p=0.005) for oropharyngeal cancer. ConclusionsSEC61G is overexpressed in HNSCC and is an independent prognostic factor for OS. SEC61G DNA amplification contributes to overexpression and poor outcome. Interestingly, SEC61G correlates with immune cell infiltration in HNSCC. These findings suggest that SEC61G is a potential broad-spectrum biomarker for prognosis in HNSCC.
LncRNA MONC suppresses the malignant phenotype of Endometrial Cancer Stem Cells and Endometrial Carcinoma Cells by regulating the MiR-636/GLCE axis
Authors: Li Yibing , Huo Jianing , He Junjian , Ma xiaoxin
Published: January 2021

Background

Emerging evidence shows that abnormal expression of long non-coding RNA is involved in the occurrence and development of various tumors. LncRNA MONC is abnormally expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and acute megakaryocytic leukemia, but the biological function and potential regulatory mechanism of MONC in endometrial cancer stem cells (ECSCs) and endometrial cancer cells (ECCs) have not been studied.

Methods

We used qRT-PCR to detect the expression of MONC, miR-636 and GLCE in normal human endometrial tissues and endometrial carcinoma tissues. Luciferase assay was used to verify the binding sites between MONC and miR-636 and between miR-636 and GLCE. The double fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to locate MONC and miR-636 in cells. Endometrial cancer stem cells were obtained by Flow cytometry sorting assay. Sphere formation assay, CCK-8 assay, transwell invasion assay, cell cycle analysis and apoptosis assay were used to detect the effects of MONC/miR-636/GLCE axis on the malignant biological behavior of ECSCs and endometrial carcinoma cells (ECCs). The effect of MONC on the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process was detected using western blot. Finally, we conducted in vivo verification through Tumor xenografts in nude mice.

Results

In this study, we aimed to explore the tumor suppressive effect and mechanism of MONC in regulating ECSCs and ECCs. We found MONC is low expression in endometrial carcinoma (EC), MONC and miR-636 are relatively co-localized in the cytoplasm. MONC directly inhibits the malignant biological behavior of ECSCs and ECCs by directly inhibiting miR-636. Simultaneously, miR-636 may indirectly reduce the expression of MONC. Down-regulation of miR-636 may promote GLCE expression by targeting the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of the downstream gene GLCE, thereby inhibiting the progression of ECSCs. MONC combined with miR-636 inhibited tumor epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. In addition, we verified the tumor suppressive effect of MONC in nude mice, miR-636 can rescue the tumor suppressive effect of overexpressing MONC.

Conclusions

In conclusion, this study shows that MONC inhibits the malignant phenotypes of ECSCs and ECCs by regulating the miR-636/GLCE axis. The MONC/miR-636/GLCE axis may provide novel treatment avenues for human EC.
Screening of Tree Species For Fuelwood Production in The Mid-Altitudes of North Shewa, Ethiopia
Authors: Nigussie Melese Bekele , Habteyohannes Lemma Habteyohannes , Reta Getabalew Teshome , Wudinehe Damtew Ababu , Fenta Mesafint Minale , Tesideke Reta Eshetu , Tedila Abeje Tedila , Fisiha Hailemariam Fisiha , Wolie Haile Shiferaw
Published: January 2021

The source of energy at household level in Ethiopia mostly comes from wood biomass. The increasing population and shrinkage of natural forests resulted in shortage of wood supply for energy. Hence, looking for fast-growing with better fuel wood characteristics is required to access wood and for the supply of fuelwood consumption. This study aims to select tree species with better biomass and good fuel wood characteristics. Seven tree species: Acacia polyacantha, Acacia abyssinica, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Albizia lophantha, Acacia melanoxylon, Acacia decurrens, and Eucalyptus globulus were selected to study the growth performance, biomass and fuel wood characteristics. Six trees per species were randomly selected and harvested for fuel wood property (wood moisture, ash content and fiber content) analysis. Acacia abyssinica, Acacia polyacantha and Eucalyptus camaldunesis showed better survival rates than other species. The better height performance was recorded from Acacia .decurrens, Acacia polyacantha, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, and Eucalyptus globules. A. polyacantha and A.decurrens provided the highest biomass. A. decurrens showed the lowest wood moisture (31.1%) and wood density (0.76 g/cm3), and the lowest ash content (2.2%). Hence, A. decurrens and A. polyacantha are recommended for fuel wood due to high density, low moisture, and low ash content and good biomass production.
Antibodies to Histone in the Pediatric Population: A Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Justice Charles Matthew , Moore Terry L.
Published: January 2021

Background:Antibodies to histone have been associated in the adult literature with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) and drug induced lupus(DILE). Little data is available regarding the spectrum of pathology that antibodies to histone encompass in the pediatric population. Prior studies suggest an association with SLE, juvenile idiopathic arthritis(JIA), uveitis and linear scleroderma.Methods:Patient charts were reviewed that contained positive anti-histone antibody testing during a consecutive three year period. Patient diagnosis along with the presence of: anti-histone antibody titer, ANA, and the presence of other autoantibodies to SSA, SSB, Sm, RNP, dsDNA and chromatin were obtained. The frequency of SLE, JIA and DILE was further investigated in specific subsets.Results:139 individual charts were reviewed containing 41 different diagnoses. The most common diagnosis was hypermobility arthralgia with 22 patients. The most frequent rheumatologic diagnosis was JIA(non-systemic) with 19. 13 patients in this study were diagnosed with SLE and 2 with DILE. 18 patients had other autoantibody production, of these, 11 had SLE or DILE. Only one of 62 patients with a weak anti-histone antibody titer(1.0-1.5) was diagnosed with SLE. When strong titers are present(>2.5), the anti-histone antibody test was associated with a greater than 50% incidence of an underlying rheumatologic disease and ten times higher incidence of SLE than a weak titer. In regards to the frequency of SLE, there was a statistically significant difference in weak and moderate(1.6-2.5) titers(p-value 0.0113) and weak and strong titers(p-value 0.0053). Conclusion:The presence of anti-histone antibody was observed in a variety of diagnoses in the pediatric population. Overall, the presence of anti-histone antibodies appears to have poor diagnostic utility for any specific condition. However, diagnostic utility for SLE does improve with higher titers, when combined with other autoantibody positivity. Strength of titer did not appear to be a factor for JIA, but was the most frequently observed rheumatologic disease in this study.
Circ_0038467 is Overexpressed in Osteoarthritis and it Promotes the Maturation of miR-203 to Increase the Apoptosis of Chondrocytes Induced by LPS
Authors: Gou Zhongkun , Wu Quanling , Jiang Changqing , Dong Wei
Published: January 2021

Introduction: LPS-induced inflammation contributes to osteoarthritis (OA). It is known that Circ_0038467 plays a critical role in LPS-mediated inflammation, suggesting the its involvement in OA. This study aimed to study the possible involvement of Circ_0038467 in OA.Materials and Methods: Circ_0038467, mature miR-203 and miR-203 precursor expression in controls and OA patients was determined by RT-qPCR. Circ_0038467 overexpression in chondrocytes and RT-qPCR was performed to analyze its effects on the expression of mature miR-203 and miR-203 precursor. The role of Circ_0038467 and miR-203 in cell apoptosis was analyzed by cell apoptosis assay.Results: Circ_0038467 was upregulated in OA and positively correlated with mature miR-203, but not miR-203 precursor. In chondrocytes, increased expression of both Circ_0038467 and miR-203 was observed after LPS treatment. In chondrocytes, Circ_0038467 overexpression increased the expression levels of mature miR-203, but not miR-203 precursor. Analysis of cell apoptosis showed that overexpression of Circ_0038467 and miR-203 increased cell apoptosis. In addition, miR-203 inhibitor reversed the effects of Circ_0038467 overexpression on cell apoptosis.Conclusions: Circ_0038467 is highly expressed in OA and may promote the production of mature miR-203 to increase the apoptosis of chondrocytes induced by LPS.
Risk Factors of Severe Adult-onset Asthma: A Multi-factor Approach
Authors: Toppila-Salmi Sanna , Lemmetyinen Riikka , Chanoine Sebastien , Karjalainen Jussi , Pekkanen Juha , Bousquet Jean , Siroux Valérie
Published: January 2021

Background: The aim was to identify risk factors of severe adult-onset asthma.Methods: We used data from 1350 population-based asthmatics (Adult Asthma in Finland) with adult-onset asthma (age range 31-93 years) from Finnish national registers. Severe asthma was defined as self-reported severe asthma AND asthma symptoms causing much harm AND regular impairment AND (≥1 oral corticosteroid course/year OR regular oral corticosteroids OR wake up in the night due to asthma symptoms/wheezing attach ≥ a few times/month). Sixteen covariates covering several domains (personal characteristics, education, life-style, early life factors, asthma characteristics and multimorbidities) were selected based on literature and were studied in association with severe asthma using logistic regressions. Results: The study population included 100 (7.4 %) individuals with severe asthma. In a univariate analysis, severe asthma was associated with male sex, age, low education, no professional training, ever smoking, ≥ 2 siblings, ≥ 1 chronic comorbidity and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) -exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) (p<0.05); and trends for association (p<0.2) were observed for severe childhood infection, presence of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and being the 1st child. The 10 variables (being 1st child was removed due to multicolinearity) were thus entered in a multivariate regression model and severe asthma was significantly associated with male sex (OR [CI95%] = 1.96 [1.16-3.30]), ever smoking (1.98 [1.11-3.52]), chronic comorbidities (2.68 [1.35-5.31]), NERD (3.29 [1.75-6.19]), and ≥ 2 siblings (2.51 [1.17-5.41]). There was a dose-response effect of the total sum of these five factors on severe asthma (OR [CI95%] = 2.30 [1.81-2.93] for each increase of one unit of the score). Conclusions: Male sex, smoking, NERD, comorbidity, age and number of siblings were independent risk factors for self-reported severe asthma. The effects of these factors seem to be additive; each additional risk factor gradually increase with the risk of severe asthma.
Ecology of Anopheles Mosquito Larvae in Different Ecological Zones in Ghana
Authors: Hinne Isaac Amankona , Attah Simon Kwaku , Mensah Benedicta Ayiedu , Forson Akua Obeng , Afrane Yaw Asare
Published: January 2021

Background: Understanding the ecology of larval malaria mosquitoes is important in a changing environment is important in developing effective control tools or programmes. This study characterized the breeding habitats of Anopheles mosquitoes in rural communities in different ecological zones in Ghana during the dry and rainy seasons.Methods: The spatio-temporal distribution, species composition, and abundance of larval Anopheles mosquitoes in breeding habitats were studied in 3 ecological zones of Ghana. These were Anyakpor (Coastal Savanna area), Duase (Forest area), Libga, Pagazaa, and Kpalsogu (Sahel Savanna area). Larvae were collected using standard dippers and were raised in the insectary for identification. Results: Out of a total of 7,984 mosquito larvae collected, 2,152 (27.26%) were Anophelines and were more abundant in the rainy season (70.82%) than in the dry season (29.18 %). The Anophelines were made up of 2,128 (98.88%) An. gambiae s.l., 16 (0.74%) An. rufipees and 8 (0.37%) An. pharoensis. In Anyakpor and Duase, dug-out wells were the most productive habitat in the dry (1.59 larvae/dip and 1.47 larvae/dip) and rainy seasons (11.28 larvae/dip and 2.05 larvae/dip). The most productive habitats in Kpalsogu were natural ponds in the dry season (0.89 larvae/dip) and swamps in the rainy season (2.57 larvae/dip). In Libga, the most productive habitats were drainage ditches in the dry season (0.30 larvae/dip) and furrows in the rainy season (1.83 larvae/dip). The most productive habitats in Pagazaa were puddles (1.44 larvae/dip). Anopheles coluzii was the most abundant sibling species in all the ecological zones except Libga in the sahel savannah area where An. gambiae s.s was the most abundant. Anopheles melas and An. arabiensis were encountered only in the coastal savannah and the sahel savanna areas respectively. Larval habitat types influenced the presence of larvae as well as larval densities (p < 0.001). The land-use type affected the presence of Anopheles larvae (p = 0.001), while vegetation cover influenced larval densities (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study revealed that the abundance of Anopheles breeding habitats and hence Anopheles larvae are closely associated with anthropogenic activities. Regulating such activities will lead to a significant reduction in Anopheles breeding habitats.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Schistosoma Mansoni Infection Among Preschool-Aged Children From Panamasso Village, Burkina Faso
Authors: Cisse Mamoudou , Sangare Ibrahim , Djibougou Arthur D. , Tahita Marc C. , Gnissi Souleymane , Bassinga Jonathan K.W. , Konda Salifou , Diallo Abdoulaye H.
Published: January 2021

BackgroundSchistosomiasis remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. Although schistosomiasis is well documented in school-aged children in Burkina Faso, prevalence data among preschool-aged children (PSAC) are limited and outdated, and its risk factors in this group remain poorly documented. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with Schistosoma (S.) mansoni infection among PSAC from Panamasso village, western Burkina Faso.MethodologyA cross-sectional study was carried out among 228 children under 6 years old from Panamasso village. Sociodemographic and water contact data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration techniques were used to detect S. mansoni eggs in stool samples. Urine samples were subjected to a point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) cassette test and a centrifugation method to check for both S. mansoni and S. haematobium infection, respectively. Potential risk factors for S. mansoni infection were explored using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsThe mean age of children was 40.2 ± 15.0 months. The prevalence of S. mansoni infection as determined by Kato-Katz, formol-ether concentration, and POC-CCA was 42.1%, 39.5% and 80.7%, respectively. Based on the combined results of the three methods, the overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 81.1%. No case of S. haematobium infection was found. The geometric mean intensity of S. mansoni infection was 107.2 eggs per gram of faeces with 54.2%, 33.3%, and 12.5% of the children having light, moderate, and heavy infections, respectively. Girls (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.3-6.1), a household located within 500 m from the pond (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.0-8.6), or between 500 and 1000 m from the pond (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.2-7.2), and child’s history of going to the pond (AOR = 5.0, 95% CI: 1.7-14.3) were the variables significantly associated with S. mansoni infection. ConclusionS. mansoni was the sole species infecting a high proportion of PSAC in the study area. A mass drug administration program with praziquantel is therefore urgently required for those below 6 year-old. Other control strategies should include increased community-awareness and provision of safe water.
miR-383-5p Inhibits Human Malignant Melanoma via Targeting CENPF
Authors: Jin Wanwan , Liu Huazhen , Xu Qin , Lin Nan , Xu Haiting
Published: January 2021

Background: Human malignant melanoma (MM) is one of the skin cancers with the highest mortality. In this study, we investigated the role of miR-383-5p on human MM cells. Methods: The expression of miR-383-5p was measured by quantitative real-time PCR assay. The cell proliferation, invasion and migration were detected by CCK8, clone formation and transwell assays. Flow cytometry assay was used to detect apoptosis. The binding of miR-383-5p and 3’UTR of CENPF mRNA was indicated by dual-luciferase assays.Results: We found that miR-383-5p inhibited the cells proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted apoptosis of M14 and A375 cells. Biochemical analysis revealed that the expression of miR-383-5p was negatively correlated with CENPF expression in human MM, and the doul-luciferase report showed that miR-383-5p could effectively bind to the 3’UTR of CENPF. CENPF expression was up-regulated and predicted the prognosis of MM. In addition, high expression of CENPF can effectively remedy the resistance of cell proliferation and vitality caused by miR-383-5p. Conclusion: In conclusion, miR-383-5p acts as a tumor suppressor in human MM by targeting CENPF, suggesting that CENPF may be a potential therapeutic target for human MM.
Canadian National Electrophysiology Ablation Registry Report 2011-2016
Authors: Kaoutskaia Anna , Shurrab Mohammed , Amit Guy , Parkash Ratika , Exner Derek , Toal Satish , Sterns Laurence , Sarrazin Jean-Francois , Chauhan Vijay , Sultan Omar , Nair Girish , Deyell Marc , Macle Laurent , Klassen Steve , Glover Benedict , Crystal Eugene
Published: January 2021

Background/Purpose: Interventional cardiac electrophysiology (EP) is a rapidly evolving field in Canada; a nationwide registry was established in 2011 to conduct a periodic review of resource allocation. Methods: The registry collects annual data on EP lab infrastructure, imaging, tools, human resources, procedural volumes, success rates, and wait times. Leading physicians from each EP lab were contacted electronically; participation was voluntary. Results: All Canadian EP centres were identified (n=30); 50% and 45% of active centres participated in the last 2 instalments of the registry. A mean of 508±270 standard and complex catheter ablation procedures were reported annually for 2015-2016 by all responding centres. The most frequently performed ablation targets atrial fibrillation (PVI) arrhythmia accounting for 36% of all procedures (mean=164±85). The number of full time physicians ranges between 1 and 7 per centre, (mean=4). The mean wait time to see an electrophysiologist for an initial non-urgent consult is 23 weeks. The wait time between an EP consult and ablation date is 17.8 weeks for simple ablation, and 30.1 weeks for AF ablation. On average centres have 2 (range: 1-4) rooms equipped for ablations; each centre uses the EP lab an average of 7 shifts per week. While diagnostic studies and radiofrequency ablations are performed in all centres, point-by-point cryoablation is available in 85% centres; 38% of the respondents use circular ablation techniques. Conclusion: This initiative provides contemporary data on invasive electrophysiology lab practices. The EP registry provides activity benchmarks on national trends and practices.
Comparison of Different Obesity Indices associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Among Different Sex and Age Groups in China
Authors: Ge Qiwei , Li Min , Xu Zhengcheng , Qi Zhigang , Zheng Huiyan , Cao Yuxin , Huang Hao , Duan Xiaoyang , Zhuang Xun
Published: January 2021

Background: Obesity is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but the obesity index most closely related to type 2 diabetes is still controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the associations of five anthropometric indices (body mass index (BMI), body adiposity index (BAI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR)) with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among Chinese adults divided into four groups according to sex and age.Methods: A total of 4,007 adult participants (1,669 males and 2,338 females) were included. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were used with binary logistic regression models to estimate the risk of T2DM for each obesity index. Furthermore, we compared the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of each obesity index for the criterion of hypertension under the influence of risk factors. Results: For the males, WC had the highest value of OR (3.211 and 1.452) and AUC (0.783 and 0.614) in both age groups. However, WHtR (OR=2.366, AUC=0.771) and BMI (OR=1.596, AUC=0.647) tended to be the best criteria for T2DM among females in the 18-59 and ≥60 years age groups, respectively.Conclusions: This study suggests that there is a positive association of obesity-related anthropometric indices with T2DM in different sex and age groups. For males, WC appears to be the best anthropometric index for predicting T2DM. For 18-59 and ≥60 age women, the best obesity indices related with T2DM are WHtR and BMI, respectively.
Antimicrobial activity of phenolic compounds isolated from Caesalpinia pulcherrima
Authors: Khan Fouzia Khan , javed saima , Hanif Asma , Faizi Shaheen , Yousuf Muhammad , Kazmi Shahana Urooj
Published: January 2021

IntroductionMultidrug resistance is an alarming issue worldwide. Herbal plants are being used as therapeutic agents since ages. One such plant is Caesalpinia pulcherrima, known for its beneficial effects. Therefore, this study was planned to isolate pure compounds and check its antimicrobial activity along with synergism.MethodologyAntimicrobial susceptibility pattern of MDR clinical bacterial strains against phenolic compounds was performed by Agar well diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by tube dilution and micro broth dilution methods. Synergistic combinations of Methyl gallate with antibiotics were assessed by checkerboard titration method. Scanning Electron Microscopy was conducted to analyse the changes in cell morphology of MDR E. coli and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus after treatment with Methyl gallateResultsMethyl gallate showed promising antimicrobial activity (250–500 µg/ml), whereas, Ethyl gallate, Syringic acid and Gallic acid trimethyl ether showed MIC (500–2500 µg/ml). Time kill kinetics assays of Methyl gallate showed bactericidal activity. Methyl gallate showed good synergistic combinations with Amoxycillin and Ciprofloxocin. Scanning electron microscopy of Methyl gallate depicted profound disruption in the cell wall, incomplete cell division and distorted structure of MDR bacteria.ConclusionsPhenolic compounds were found to be a potential source of therapeutic substances as compared to the conventional antibiotics. Further studies are required to explore their mechanism of action.
Circular RNA circCTNNA1 is downregulated in osteoarthritis and sponges miR-29a to suppress LPS-induced apoptosis of synoviocytes
Authors: Liu Wei , Yang Haolong , Feng Xingyu , Song Jing , Zhong Wei
Published: January 2021

Introduction: CircRNA circCTNNA1 has been characterized as a critical player in cancer biology, while its role in other human diseases is unknown. This study was carried out to study the role of circCTNNA1 in osteoarthritis (OA). Materials and Methods: OA patients (n = 62) were subjected to extraction of synovial fluid, followed by performing RT-qPCRs to determine the expression of circCTNNA1 and miR-29a. The interaction between circCTNNA1 and miR-29a was predicted by IntaRNA 2.0 and confirmed by RNA pull-down assay. In synoviocytes, overexpression of circCTNNA1 and miR-29a was achieved, followed by performing RT-qPCRs to analyze the crosstalk between them. The role of circCTNNA1 and miR-29a in regulating the apoptosis of synoviocytes was explored by cell apoptosis assay. Results: CircCTNNA1 was downregulated in OA, while miR-29a was overexpressed in OA. CircCTNNA1 and miR-29a were not significantly correlated. RNA pull-down assay illustrated the direct interaction between circCTNNA1 and miR-29a. In synoviocytes, overexpression of circCTNNA1 and miR-29a failed to regulate the expression of each other. CircCTNNA1 overexpression suppressed the enhancing effects of miR-29a overexpression on cell apoptosis induced by LPS. Conclusion: Therefore, circCTNNA1 is downregulates in OA and its overexpression suppresses the apoptosis of synoviocytes by sponging miR-29a.
Comparison of triglyceride/HDL-C ratio and triglyceride glucose index in identifying NAFLD in Chinese population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gao Fei , Li Hui , Wang Xinfeng , Zheng Yingmei , Yang Xuan , Ren Jinyan
Published: January 2021

Background

Triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio and triglyceride glucose index (TyG) have been recommended as surrogate markers for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In the present study, we aimed to compare the ability of TG/HDL-C, TyG and TyG-HDL-C, a new indicator deriving from TyG and HDL-C, in identifying NAFLD in Chinese population.
Methods

A total of 11,524 subjects who participated in a health checkup program were included. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasonography.
Results

The prevalence rates of NAFLD progressively increased across the quartiles of TG/HDL-C, TyG and TyG-HDL-C (P for tend < 0.0001). After adjustment for confounding factors, the three indicators were all independently associated with the risk of NAFLD. The odds ratios (ORs) for NAFLD of the second to fourth TyG-HDL-C quartiles compared to the first quartile were 2.24 (1.92–2.62), 4.24 (3.64–4.94) and 8.96 (7.64–10.50), respectively. There was no difference in areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) of the three indicators in men, regardless of body weight. AUCs of TyG were significantly higher than thats of TG/HDL-C in overweight and obese women (P < 0.0001), with the optimal cut-off point of 8.56 (sensitivity = 74.4 %, specificity = 60.9 %). In normal or low body weight women, TyG-HDL-C, with a AUC of 0.827 (0.810–0.843), was better than the other two indictors, with AUCs of 0.813 (0.796–0.830), 0.815 (0.797–0.831), respectively (P = 0.0015). The optimal cut-off point of TyG-HDL-C in normal or low body weight women was 6.8 (sensitivity = 78.1%, specificity = 72.1 %).
Conclusions

TG/HDL-C is as effective as TyG in predicting NAFLD in Chinese men. TyG is superior to TG/HDL-C in identifying NFAFLD in Chinese overweight and obese women. While in Chinese normal and low weight women, TyG-HDL-C is a better predictor for NAFLD.
Inequalities in child immunization coverage in Togo: an analysis of Decomposition
Authors: TOSSOU Yaovi
Published: January 2021

Background

Child vaccination is recognised as a mechanism to improve child survival and health by reducing child deaths. However, there are significant inequalities in the coverage of different childhood vaccinations in both urban and rural areas. In this article, we examine the inequalities between rural and urban areas in the vaccination of children in Togo.
Methods

Using data from the 2017 MICS6 Survey, we examine the probability that a child aged 12–59 months will receive the required vaccinations and break down the sources of inequalities in immunisation coverage between rural and urban areas. This is done using the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition technique, which identifies the sources and factors that explain differences in outcomes between groups.
Results

Analysis of the results shows that the characteristics of the child, the mother and the household influence the immunization status of the child. For example, children in rural areas are more likely to complete the required vaccinations. We find that a pro urban advantage in characteristics is observed.
Conclusion

There is also a need to specifically target vulnerable children in urban areas, in order to maintain the focus on women's empowerment and to pay special attention to children from poor households.
LncRNA SLC7A11-AS1 is Upregulated in Colorectal Cancer and Promotes the Proliferation of Cancer Cells by Suppressing the Maturation of miR-34a
Authors: Chang Peijiang , Wang Maosheng
Published: January 2021

Background: LncRNA SLC7A11-AS1 is recently characterized critical player in cancer biology. We analyzed TCGA dataset and observed the upregulation of SLC7A11-AS1 in colorectal cancer (CRC). We therefore analyzed the role of SLC7A11-AS1 in CRC. Methods: Paired CRC and non-tumor tissues were collected from 60 CRC patients and expression of SLC7A11-AS1 in tissues was determined by RT-qPCR. The 60 CRC patients were followed up for 5 years to analyze the prognostic value of SLC7A11-AS1 for CRC. Correlations were analyzed by linear regression. The effects of SLC7A11-AS1 overexpression on the expression of miR-34a precursor and mature miR-34a were analyzed by RT-qPCR. Cell proliferation was analyzed by CCK-8 assay.Result: SLC7A11-AS1 was upregulated in CRC and predicted poor survival. SLC7A11-AS1 and mature miR-34a were inversely correlated, while SLC7A11-AS1 was not significantly correlated with the precursor of miR-34a. In CRC cells, SLC7A11-AS1 overexpression resulted in the reduced level of mature miR-34a, but not miR-34a precursor. Moreover, SLC7A11-AS1 overexpression reduced the inhibitory effects of miR-34a overexpression on cell proliferation. Conclusion: SLC7A11-AS1 may promote the proliferation of cancer cells in CRC by suppressing the maturation of miR-34a.
Influence of bone conduction transducer type and placement on ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials
Authors: Fröhlich Laura , Wilke Maira , Plontke Stefan K. , Rahne Torsten
Published: January 2021

Purpose: Evaluating the effectiveness of different bone conduction (BC) transducers with controlled coupling force to elicit cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs, oVEMPs) in healthy subjects by comparing response rates, amplitudes, latencies, thresholds and asymmetry ratios.Methods: Prospective experimental study including healthy participants. VEMPs were measured to different stimulation modes; the BC transducer coupling force was controlled to 5.4 (±0.5) Newton. cVEMPs: to bone conducted vibration (BCV) with the B81 transducer on the mastoid; oVEMPs: to BCV with the B81 on the mastoid, BCV with the B81 on the forehead, and BCV with the Mini-Shaker 4810 on the forehead. Air conducted sound (ACS) with insert earphones was used as reference.Results: Data of 24 normal subjects (mean age 25.3 (± 3.0) years) were analyzed. ACS and BCV with the B81on the mastoid evoked cVEMPs in 100% of ears. The highest oVEMP response rates were obtained with the B81 on the mastoid (83 – 92%), the lowest with the B81 on the forehead (17 – 22%). The Mini-Shaker elicited lower response rates (65%) compared to results from the literature without coupling force control and compared to ACS (78 – 87%). Amplitudes were higher for BCV than ACS. ACS and BCV on the mastoid caused higher asymmetry compared to BCV forehead stimulation.Conclusion: The B81 was feasible to elicit VEMPs with mastoid placement and can be used as an approved medical device to measure BCV VEMPs in a clinical set-up. Normative asymmetry values have to be established due to higher variability for mastoid stimulation.
Predictors of School Students’ Leisure-Time Physical Activity: An Extended Trans-Contextual Model Using Bayesian Path Analysis
Authors: Polet Juho J. , Schneider Jekaterina , Hassandra Mary , Lintunen Taru , Laukkanen Arto , Hankonen Nelli , Hirvensalo Mirja , Tammelin Tuija H. , Hamilton Kyra , Hagger Martin S.
Published: January 2021

The present study aimed to examine effects of motivational and social cognition constructs on children’s leisure-time physical activity participation alongside constructs representing implicit processes using an extended trans-contextual model. The study adopted a correlational prospective design. Secondary-school students (N = 502) completed self-report measures of perceived autonomy support from physical education (PE) teachers, autonomous motivation in PE and leisure-time contexts, and social cognition constructs (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control), intentions, trait self-control, habits, and past behavior in a leisure-time physical activity context. Five weeks later, students (N = 298) self-reported their leisure-time physical activity participation. Bayesian path analyses supported two key premises of the model: perceived autonomy support predicted autonomous motivation in PE, and autonomous motivation in PE predicted autonomous motivation in leisure time. Both forms of autonomous motivation predicted social cognition constructs and intentions, but did not predict leisure-time physical activity participation. Self-control, attitudes, and past behavior were direct predictors of intentions and leisure-time physical activity participation. Specifying informative priors for key model relations using Bayesian analysis yielded greater precision for some model effects. Findings raise some questions on the predictive validity of the original trans-contextual model, but highlight the value of extending the model to incorporate additional constructs representing non-conscious processes.
Evaluation of Right Myocardial Performance Index of In Vitro Fertilization Fetuses and Spontaneous Pregnancy Fetuses:A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chen Shaoqi , Zhuang Zemin , Chen Qingzi , Du Xiya , Li Weiping , Tan Xuerui
Published: January 2021

Background Whether the in vitro fertilization (IVF) has an effect on the cardiac function of the fetus is very important to evaluate the safety of the technique. The aim of this paper is to establish normal reference range for the fetal right myocardial performance index (RMPI), and compare the reference range between IVF fetuses and spontaneous pregnancy (SP) fetuses by automatic measurement of the RMPI.Methods 371 spontaneous singleton pregnancies (the control group) and 39 singleton pregnancies conceived by IVF (the experimental group) were enrolled into the current study. An automatic measurement system was used to acquire the RMPI. The cardiac function of the two groups was compared by t-test. Results There was no significant difference in normal reference range of RMPI between IVF fetuses and SP fetuses (RMPI 0.42 ±0.05 vs 0.43±0.05). No strong correlation was also noted between RMPI with gestational age and heart rate.Conclusions Normal reference ranges of RMPI of IVF fetuses and SP fetuses were established, and no significant difference between IVF fetuses and SP fetuses in RMPI was found. Thus, these findings may suggest that IVF has little impact on cardiac function of the fetus.
Performance of the recommended ESC/EASD cardiovascular risk stratification model in comparison to SCORE and NT-proBNP as a single biomarker for risk prediction in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Prausmüller Suriya , Resl Michael , Arfsten Henrike , Spinka Georg , Wurm Raphael , Neuhold Stephanie , Bartko Philipp , Goliasch Georg , Strunk Guido , Pavo Noemi , Clodi Martin , Hülsmann Martin
Published: January 2021

Background. Recently, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and European Association for the Society of Diabetes (EASD) introduced a new cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk stratification model to aid further treatment decisions in individuals with diabetes. Our study aimed to investigate the prognostic performance of the ESC/EASD risk model in comparison to the Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) risk model and NT-proBNP in an unselected cohort of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods & Results. A total of 1690 T2DM patients with a 10-year follow up for fatal CVD and all-cause death and a 5-year follow up for CVD and all-cause hospitalizations were analyzed. According to ESC/EASD risk criteria 25 (1.5%) patients were classified as moderate, 252 (14.9%) high, 1125 (66.6%) very high risk and 288 (17.0%) were not classifiable. Both, NT-proBNP and SCORE risk model were associated with 10-year CVD and all-cause death and 5-year CVD and all-cause hospitalizations while the ESC/EASD model was only associated with 10-year all-cause death and 5-year all-cause hospitalizations. NT-proBNP and SCORE showed significantly higher C-indices than the ESC/EASD risk model for CVD death [0.80 vs 0.53, p<0.001; 0.64 vs 0.53, p=0.001] and all-cause death [0.73, 0.66 vs 0.52, p<0.001 for both].The performance of SCORE improved in a subgroup without CVD aged 40-64 years compared to the unselected cohort, while NT-proBNP performance was robust across all groups.Conclusion. The new introduced ESC/EASD risk stratification model performed limited compared to SCORE and single NT-proBNP assessment for predicting 10-year CVD and all-cause fatal events in individuals with T2DM.
Selenium levels and glutathione peroxidase activity in patients with ataxia-telangiectasia: association with oxidative stress and lipid status biomarkers
Authors: Andrade Itana Gomes Alves , Suano-Souza Fabiola Isabel , Fonseca Fernando Luiz , Lago Carolina Sanchez Aranda , Sarni Roseli Oselka Saccardo
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T) is a multi-system disorder that may be associated with endocrine changes, oxidative stress in addition to inflammation. Studies suggest that selenium is a trace element related to protection against damage caused by oxidative stress. Objective: To describe the plasma levels of selenium and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity in A-T patients and to relate them to oxidative stress and lipid status biomarkers. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and controlled study evaluating 22 A-T patients (age median, 12.2 years old) matched by gender and age with 18 healthy controls. We evaluated: nutritional status, food intake, plasma selenium levels, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity, lipid status, inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers. Results: Adequate levels of selenium were observed in 24/36 (66.7%) in this evaluated population. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in selenium levels [47.6 ug/L (43.2-57.0) vs 54.6 (45.2-62.6) ug/dL, p=0.242]. Nine of A-T patients (41%) had selenium levels below the reference value. The A-T group presented higher levels of LDL-c, non-HDL-c, oxidized LDL, Apo B, Apo-B/Apo-A-I, LDL-c/HDL-c ratio, malondialdehyde [3.8 µg/L vs 2.8 µg/L, p=0.029] and lower Apo-A-I/HDL-c and glutathione peroxidase activity [7300 U/L vs 8686 U/L, p=0.005]. Selenium levels were influenced, in both groups, independently, by the concentrations of oxidized LDL, malonaldehyde and non-HDL-c. The oxidized LDL (AUC=0.849) and ALT (AUC=0.854) were the variables that showed the greatest discriminatory power between groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, we observed the presence of selenium below the reference value in nearly 40% and low GPx activity in A-T patients. There was a significant, inverse and independent association between selenium concentrations and oxidative stress biomarkers. Those data reinforce the importance of assessing the nutritional status of selenium in those patients.
A social media-based study on the psychological impact of COVID-19 infections in recovered and recovering patients
Authors: Kumar Vikesh , Varshney Mohit , Singh Harmandeep , Singh Amandeep , Baker Julien S.
Published: January 2021

Background and Objective: The WHO has stressed to regularly monitor the mental health of populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we conducted this study to examine anxiety and depression among recovered and recovering COVID-19 patients. Methods: An online survey was conducted using a social media platform from 31/05/2020 to 24/06/2020. The study participants were COVID-19 infected individuals who had recovered or still were in the recovery phase from COVID-19. We collected information on demographics, clinical characteristics and physical complications of COVID-19. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed using previously validated tools. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied to analyze the data. Results: 53.4% of respondents reported that they had a fear of getting COVID-19 again. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were present in 71.7% and 97.6% of respondents respectively. Both disorders were present in 71.3% of respondents. The respondents with shorter durations of physical symptoms (< 2 weeks) demonstrated less anxiety (OR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.05 - 0.67) and depression (OR = 0.03; 95% CI: 0.01 - 0.37). Conclusion: Anxiety and depression appear as common psychological complications in COVID-19 recovering and recovered patients. Longer durations of COVID-19 related physical symptoms were associated with an increased likelihood of anxiety and depression.