bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression and Function of Modulator of Apoptosis (MOAP-1) in Blood Cancers
Authors: Law Jennifer , Svystun Orysya , Flood Kayla , Fahlman Richard , Kerek Evan , Hubbard Basil , Narendran Aru , Baksh Shairaz
Published: December 2020

Background: The function of the Ras association domain family 1 (RASSF1)/modulator of apoptosis 1 (MOAP-1) molecular tumor suppressor pathway is often perturbed in many solid and blood cancers by epigenetic loss of RASSF1A via promoter specific methylation. However, a detailed analysis of expression and stability of MOAP-1 as well as effect on cellular proliferation and cell death in blood cancers has not been explored. Methods: Expression of MOAP-1 RASSF1A was performed by immunoblotting analysis, MOAP-1 effect on biology determined by cell proliferation, cell death and tumorigenicity assays. Lastly, proteomic analysis in MOAP-1 in form 1 and 2 expressing cells reveal new interacting partners to MOAP-1. Results: The expression of MOAP-1 appears to be quite varied and exists as two forms, a p39 and p46 form in blood cancers. The higher MOAP-1 p46 form was mainly observed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and some acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) patients and cell lines. Furthermore, MOAP-1 p46 form can be reduced to the p39 form upon calf intestinal or lambda phosphatase treatment, suggesting post-translational phosphorylation likely produces the slower migrating form. Blood cancer cell lines containing the p46 form of MOAP-1 appears to be more resistant to cell death signals and have increased growth. In addition, we document in vivo protection from tumorigenesis of cells containing MOAP-1 following tail vein injection of cancer cells. Lastly, proteomic analysis revealed several interesting components of the MOAP-1 interactome in blood cancer cells that we validated. Conclusions: MOAP-1 is a bona fide tumor suppressor in blood cancers with functions beyond apoptosis.
Laterality of Blood Perfusion in the Lower Extremities after Drinking Saline at Different Temperatures
Authors: Jia Shuyong , Wang Qizhen , Li Hongyan , Song Xiaojing , Wang Shuyou , Zhang Weibo , Wang Guangjun
Published: December 2020

Background: Skin blood flux (SkBF) changes caused by drinking cold water are generally associated with vagal tone and osmotic factors in the digestive system. However, the distribution and regulation of bilateral blood flow are not symmetrical but exhibit a certain laterality. The aim of this study was to analyze the laterality of SkBF after drinking saline (0.9%) at different temperatures by monitoring blood flux in the bilateral lower extremities.Methods: A total of 60 subjects were recruited for this study, and all subjects completed all measurements. Subjects were randomly divided into a 4 °C group, 10 °C group and 30 °C group. For every subject, skin blood perfusion of bilateral Zusanli acupoints (ST 36) was recorded simultaneously before and after drinking 500 ml of 0.9% saline using a PeriFlux System 5000. The electrogastrogram (EGG) was also monitored, and the dominant frequency of the EGG and heart rate variability were analyzed.Results: The results indicated that after drinking saline at different temperatures, the laterality index of SkBF at the lower extremities was different. Drinking 30 °C saline can increase the laterality index of the lower extremities. Stimulation at 4 °C and 10 °C resulted in a decrease in the DF of the EGG and an increased RMSSD of the RR interval. Although this laterality is mainly contributed to by frequency interval V, there was a weak negative correlation between the laterality index of frequency interval I or II and RMSSD.Conclusion: There was laterality of blood perfusion in the lower extremities after drinking saline at different temperatures.
Electrochemical activation of C–H by electron-deficient W2C nanocrystals for simultaneous alkoxylation and hydrogen evolution
Authors: Lin Xiu , Zhang Shi-Nan , Xu Dong , Zhang Jun-Jun , Lin Yun-Xiao , Zhai Guang-Yao , Su Hui , Xue Zhong-Hua , Liu Xi , Antonietti Markus , Chen Jie Sheng , Li Xin-Hao
Published: December 2020

Activation of C − H bonds is maybe the central challenge in organic chemistry and usually the key step for the retro-synthesis of functional natural products and medicines from abundant hydrocarbons due to the high chemical stability of C − H bonds. Electrochemical methods are now recognized as a powerful alternative for C − H activation, but this approach usually requires high overpotential and homogeneous mediators. Here, we designed electron-deficient W2C nanocrystal-based electrodes to boost the heterogeneous activation of C − H bonds under mild conditions via an additive-free, purely heterogeneous electrocatalytic strategy. The electron density of W2C nanocrystals was tuned by constructing Schottky heterojunctions with nitrogen-doped carbon support to facilitate the preadsorption and activation of benzylic C − H bonds of ethylbenzene on the W2C surface, enabling a high turnover frequency (18.8 h− 1) at a comparably low work potential (2 V versus SCE). The pronounced electron deficiency of the W2C nanocatalysts substantially facilitates the direct deprotonation process to ensure long-term electrode durability without self-oxidation. The efficient oxidation process also boosts the balancing hydrogen production from as-formed protons on the cathode by a factor of 10 compared to an inert reference electrode. The whole process meets the requirements of atomic economy and electric energy utilization in terms of sustainable chemical synthesis.
Anti-Gastric Cancer Effect of Purified Omphalia Lapidescens Protein via Regulating the JAK/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xu Wenjun , Lu Zhongxia , Cheung Man Hei , Xu Yuqin , Lin Meiai , Liang Chun , Lou Jianshu , Chen Yitao
Published: December 2020

Background: Gastric cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The aim of present study was to investigate the anti-tumor effect of purified Omphalia lapidescens protein (pPeOp) in gastric cancer.Methods: Microarray analysis was performed to find out differentially expressed genes in pPeOp-treated MC-4 gastric cancer cells. The Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 signaling pathway was most likely to be altered after bioinformatics analysis. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and NSC74859 were used as the agonist and inhibitor of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway, respectively. Flow cytometry and MTS assay were used for cell proliferation and viability analysis in pPeOp-treated gastric cell lines with IL-6 or NSC74859.Results: The anti-tumor effect was increased when pPeOp were co-treated with IL-6, while decreased in inhibitor treatment. The expression of the crucial members in the pathway of MC-4 cells, including glycoprotein 130 (GP130), JAK1, JAK2, STAT3, p-STAT3, suppressor of cytokine signaling SOCS1 and SOCS3, was investigated by western blotting.Conclusion: pPeOp exhibited promising anticancer effect in the xenograft nude mice model, established by STAT3 knock down gastric cancer cells. Thus, JAK/STAT3 inhibition partially contributed to the anticancer effect of pPeOp, which may serve as a novel strategy for gastric cancer.
Transcription Factor VAX1 Regulates the Regional Specification of the Subpallium through Repressing Gsx2
Authors: Wen Yan , Su Zihao , Wang Ziwu , Yang Lin , Liu Guoping , Shang Zicong , Duan Yangyang , Du Heng , Li Zhenmeiyu , You Yan , Li Xiaosu , Yang Zhengang , Zhang Zhuangzhi
Published: December 2020

Specification of the progenitors’ regional identity is a pivotal step during development of the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia. The molecular mechanisms underlying progenitor regionalization, however, are poorly understood. Here we showed that the transcription factors Vax1 was highly expressed in the developing subpallium. In its absence, the RNA-Seq analysis, in situ RNA hybridization, and immunofluorescence staining results showed that the cell proliferation was increased in the subpallium, but the neuronal differentiation was blocked. Moreover, the dLGE region severely expanded ventrally at the expense of the vLGE, MGE, and septum. Finally, overexpressed VAX1 in the LGE progenitors strongly inhibits Gsx2 expression. Taken together, our findings show that Vax1 is crucial for subpallium regionalization by repressing Gsx2.
Ensemble Bootstrap Methodology for Forecasting Dynamic Growth Processes Using Differential Equations: Application to Epidemic Outbreaks
Authors: Chowell Gerardo , Luo Ruiyan
Published: December 2020

Background: Ensemble modeling aims to boost the forecasting performance by systematically integrating the predictive accuracy across individual models. Here we introduce a simple-yet-powerful ensemble methodology for forecasting the trajectory of dynamic growth processes, such as the spread of infectious diseases, that are defined by a system of non-linear differential equations. Methods: We propose and assess the performance of two ensemble modeling schemes with different parametric bootstrapping procedures for trajectory forecasting and uncertainty quantification. Specifically, we conduct sequential probabilistic forecasts to evaluate their forecasting performance using simple dynamical growth models with good track records including the Richards model, the generalized-logistic growth model, and the Gompertz model. We first demonstrate the functionality of the method using simulated data from phenomenological models and a mechanistic transmission model. Next, the performance of the method is demonstrated using a diversity of epidemic datasets including scenario outbreak data of the Ebola Forecasting Challenge and real-world epidemic data outbreaks of including influenza, plague, Zika, and COVID-19. Results: We found that the ensemble method that randomly selects a model from the set of individual models for each time point of the trajectory of the epidemic frequently outcompetes the individual models as well as an alternative ensemble method based on the weighted combination of the individual models and yields broader and more realistic uncertainty bounds for the trajectory envelope and achieves not only better coverage rate of the 95% prediction interval but also improved mean interval scores across a diversity of epidemic datasets.Conclusion: We introduced new methodology for ensemble forecasting that outcompetes component models and an alternative ensemble model that differ in how the variance is evaluated for the generation of the prediction intervals of the forecasts.
The Impact of Body Concerns and Body Mass on Subjective Health and Self-Esteem in Early Adolescence. A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Meland Eivind , Breidablik Hans , Thuen Frode , Samdal Gro
Published: December 2020

Background Impaired self-rated health (SRH) and self-esteem (SE) in adolescents are associated with increased body mass index (BMI). These associations are often studied using cross-sectional designs. The relations studied in longitudinal designed studies seem complex.Methods A longitudinal cohort study of 1225 Norwegian high school students, with SRH, SE and BMI as primary outcomes. We reported the results from temporal causal and residual change analyses separately, with odds ratios (ORs) and standardized regression coefficients (b) and 95% confidence limits.Results Body and weight concerns had unfavourable effects on SRH and SE, which both had favourable effects on each other. Increased BMI had unfavourable effects on SRH, but less so on SE. Body and weight concerns impacted SE change only among girls. Paradoxically, the intention of becoming thinner was associated with an increase in BMI, and the intention of becoming fatter predicted a decrease in BMI during the two years. SE and SRH were associated with a leaner body after two years.Conclusions This study confirms that BMI, SE, SRH, body shape and body weight concerns were reciprocally associated with complex inter-relations. Health promotion strategies built on body acceptance should be increasingly emphasized both in clinical and in public health practice.
The Role of Social Capital on Covid-19 Deaths
Authors: Arachchi Janaki Imbulana , Managi Shunsuke
Published: December 2020

Background: Covid-19 pandemic shows a continuously increasing trend with a huge variation in the number of Covid-19 deaths across countries. In response, many countries have implemented non-pharmaceutical methods of intervention such as social distancing and lockdowns. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the four dimensions of social capital (community attachment, social trust, family bond, and security) with several control variables of Covid-19 deaths. Methods: We retrieved data from open access databases and our survey data. Covid-19 deaths related data were collected from the website “Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University”. Social capital related data was collected from a large-scale survey of 100,956 respondents across 37 countries that including web-based and face-to-face surveys covering all regions/provinces/states of 37 countries in 2017. Data regarding population density, hospital beds numbers, and population age 65 or older, was retrieved from the World Development Indicators (WDI). Data on country lockdown was obtained from the website “National responses to the 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic”. Linear regressions were applied to identify the relationship between social capital and Covid-19 deaths. Results: We found that Covid-19 deaths are associated with social capital both positively and negatively. Community attachment and social trust were associated with more Covid-19 deaths and family bond and security were associated with less deaths. Covid-19 deaths were positively associated with population density, aging population, and interactions between four dimensions of social capital related factors and aging population. Furthermore, number of hospital beds and early lockdown policy were negatively associated with Covid-19 deaths. Conclusions: The results indicate that the role of social capital on dynamically evolving threats such as the current Covid-19 pandemic does not always negatively or positively. Therefore, countries require changes of behavior of people to response Covid-19 threat.
Designing Crystallization to Tune the Performance of Phase-Change Memory: Rules of Hierarchical Melt and Coordinate Bond
Authors: Zhao Jin , Song Wenxiong , Xin Tianjiao , Song Zhitang
Published: December 2020

While alloy design has practically shown an efficient strategy to mediate two seemingly conflicted performances of writing speed and data retention in phase-change memory, the detailed kinetic pathway of alloy-tuned crystallization is still unclear. Here, we propose hierarchical melt and coordinate bond strategies to solve them, where the former stabilizes a medium-range crystal-like region and the latter provides a rule to stabilize amorphous. The Er0.52Sb2Te3 compound we designed achieves writing speed of 3.2ns and ten-year data retention of 161°C. We provide a direct atomic-level evidence that two neighbor Er atoms stabilize a medium-range crystal-like region, acting as a precursor to accelerate crystallization; meanwhile, the essential reason of stabilization originates from the formation of coordinate bonds by sharing lone-pair electrons of chalcogenide atoms with the empty d orbitals of Er atoms. The two rules pave the way for the development of storage-class memory with excellent comprehensive performance to achieve next revolutionary technology node.
Patient Perceptions, Opinions and Satisfaction of Telehealth With Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring Postpartum
Authors: Thomas Nicole , Drewry Anna , Passmore Susan , Assad Nadia , Hoppe Kara
Published: December 2020

Background: We conducted a post participation process evaluation of participant experiences with in-home remote patient monitoring via telehealth for blood pressure monitoring of women with postpartum hypertension. In collaboration with expert opinion, we developed a self-administered questionnaire to investigate patient factors we hypothesized to be relevant influencing participant perceptions. Factors included type of hypertension, medication, maternal demographics, and infant discharge rates. Methods: This analysis was a planned secondary analysis of a non-randomized controlled trial of telehealth with remote blood pressure patient monitoring for postpartum hypertension compared to standard outpatient monitoring in women with a hypertension-related diagnosis during pregnancy. In collaboration with survey experts, we developed a 41-item web-based survey to assess 1) perception of quality of care received, 2) ease of use/ease to learn the telehealth program, 3) effective orientation of equipment, 4) level of perceived security/privacy utilizing telehealth and 5) problems encountered. The survey included multiple question formats including Likert scale responses, dichotomous Yes/No responses, and free text. We performed a descriptive analysis on all responses and then performed regression analysis on a subset of questions most relevant to the domains of interest. The qualitative data collected through open ended responses was analyzed to determine relevant categories. Study participants received the survey at the 6-week study endpoint. Results: 60% of participants completed the survey. The majority of women found the technology fit easily into their lifestyle. Privacy concerns were minimal and factors that influenced this included age, BMI, marital status, and readmissions. 95% of women preferred remote care for postpartum follow-up, in which hypertensive type, medication use and ethnicity were found to be significant factors in influencing location of follow-up. Most women were satisfied with the devices, but rates varied by hypertensive type, infant discharge rates and BMI. Conclusions: Postpartum women perceived the telehealth remote intervention was a safe, easy to use method that represented an acceptable burden of care and an overall satisfying method for postpartum blood pressure monitoring. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identification number: NCT03111095, Date of registration: April 12, 2017.
KAUST Metagenomic Analysis Platform (KMAP), Enabling Access to Massive Analytics of Re-Annotated Metagenomic Data.
Authors: Alam Intikhab , Kamau Allan , Gugi David , Gojobori Takashi , Duarte Carlos , Bajic Vladimir
Published: December 2020

Exponential rise of metagenomics sequencing is delivering massive functional environmental genomics data. However, this also generates a procedural bottleneck for on-going re-analysis as reference databases grow and methods improve, and analyses need be updated for consistency, which require acceess to increasingly demanding bioinformatic and computational resources. Here, we present the KAUST Metagenomic Analysis Platform (KMAP), a new integrated open web-based tool for the comprehensive exploration of shotgun metagenomic data. We illustrate the capacities KMAP provides through the re-assembly of ~27,000 public metagenomic samples captured in ~450 studies sampled across ~77 diverse habitats, resulting in 36 new habitat-specific gene catalogs, all based on full-length (complete) genes. Extensive taxonomic and gene annotations are stored in Gene Information Tables (GITs), a simple tractable data integration format useful for analysis through command line or for database management. KMAP facilitates the exploration and comparison of microbial GITs across different habitats with over 275 million genes.
Tracking the Formation and Degradation of Fatty-Acid-Accumulated Mitochondria Using Label-Free Chemical Imaging
Authors: Zhang Chi , Boppart Stephen
Published: December 2020

The mitochondrion is one of the key organelles for maintaining cellular homeostasis. External environmental stimuli and internal regulatory processes alter the metabolism and functions of mitochondria. To understand these activities of mitochondria, it is critical to probe the key metabolic molecules inside these organelles. In this study, we used label-free chemical imaging modalities including coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering and multiphoton-excited autofluorescence to study the mitochondrial activities in living cancer cells. We found that hypothermia exposure tends to induce fatty-acid (FA) accumulation in some mitochondria of MIAPaCa-2 cells. Autofluorescence images show that the FA-accumulated mitochondria also have abnormal NADH and FAD metabolism, likely induced by the dysfunction of the electron transport chain. We also found that when the cells were re-warmed to physiological temperature after a period of hypothermia, the FA-accumulated mitochondria changed their structural features, likely caused by the mitophagy process. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that FA accumulation in mitochondria was observed in live cells. Our research also demonstrates that multimodal label-free chemical imaging is an attractive tool to discover abnormal functions of mitochondria at the single-organelle level and can be used to quantify the dynamic changes of this organelle under perturbative conditions.
Response of the Carbon Budget of Global Forest Ecosystems to Future Climate Change
Authors: Xie Hongfei , ZHAO JUNFANG , Ma Jianyong , Yan Weixiong
Published: December 2020

Background At present, global warming is an indisputable fact, and more and more attention has been paid to the impacts of climate warming on global ecological environments. Forests play increasing significant roles in regulating global carbon balance and mitigating climate change. Therefore, to understand the response mechanisms of the carbon budget of global forest ecosystems to future climate change, an improved version of the FORest ecosystem Carbon budget model for CHiNa (FORCCHN) and future Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenario RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 were applied in this study.Results The global forest ecosystems will play a major role in the carbon sink under the future two climate change scenarios. In particular, the average carbon budget (namely the Net Ecosystem Productivity, NEP) of global forest ecosystems under RCP4.5 scenario was estimated to be 0.017 kg(C)·m− 2·yr− 1 from 2006 to 2100. The future carbon sink areas of global forest ecosystems will increase significantly. Under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate scenarios, the carbon sink areas of global forest ecosystems during 2026–2100 would be significantly higher than those in 2006–2025, with increases of 83.16–87.26% and 23.53–29.70%, respectively. The impacts of future climate change on NEP of global forest ecosystems will significantly vary between different regions. The NEP of forests will be enhanced in the northern hemisphere and significantly weakened in the southern hemisphere under the future two climate change scenarios. The carbon sink regions of global forests will be mainly distributed in the middle and high latitudes of the northern hemisphere. In particular, the forests'NEP in northeastern and central Asia, northern Europe and western North America will increase by 40%~80%. However, the NEP of forests will decrease by 20%~40% in the most regions of the southern hemisphere. In northern South America and central Africa, the forests' NEP will be reduced by more than 40%.Conclusions The global forest ecosystems will play a major role in the carbon sink under the future two climate change scenarios. However, the NEP of forests will be enhanced in the northern hemisphere and significantly weakened in the southern hemisphere. In the future, in some areas of southern hemisphere, where the forests' NEP was predicted to be reduced, some measures for improving forest carbon sink, such as strengthening forest tending, enforcing prohibiting deforestation laws and scientific forest management, and so on, should be implemented to ensure immediate mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
Stripe Skyrmions and Skyrmion Crystals
Authors: Wang X. R. , Hu X. C. , Wu H. T.
Published: December 2020

Skyrmions are important in topological quantum field theory for being soliton solutions of nonlinear sigma model and magnetics for their attractive applications in information technology. Either isolated skyrmions or skyrmion crystals may exist in a given chiral magnet, but not both at the same time. When skyrmion crystals, in which skyrmions often arrange themselves into triangular lattices, can be observed in a chiral magnet, stripy spin textures in various forms appear also and even mix with skyrmion crystals. People believe that skyrmions are circular objects and stripy spin textures have zero skyrmion number. Those stripy spin textures are called anything such as spiral, helical, and cycloid spin orders, but not skyrmions. Here we present convincing evidences showing that those stripy spin textures are skyrmions, ``siblings" of circular skyrmions in skyrmion crystals and ``cousins" of isolated circular skyrmions. Specifically, isolated skyrmions are excitations of chiral magnetic films whose ground states are ferromagnetic and skyrmion formation energy is positive. When the skyrmion formation energy is negative (relative to the single domain state), condensed skyrmions are the ground states and stripe skyrmions appear spontaneously. The density of skyrmion number determines the morphology of condensed skyrmion states. At the extreme of one skyrmion in the whole sample, the skyrmion has a ramified stripe structure that maximizes the skyrmion wall length in order to lower system energy. As the skyrmion number density increases, individual skyrmion shapes gradually change from ramified stripes to rectangular stripes, and eventually to disk-like objects due to the competition between negative formation energy and stripe-stripe or skyrmion-skyrmion repulsion. At a low skyrmion number density, the natural width of stripes is proportional to the ratio between the exchange stiffness constant and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction coefficient. At a high skyrmion number density, skyrmion crystals are the preferred states. Our findings reveal the nature and properties of stripy spin texture, and open a new avenue for manipulating skyrmions, especially condensed skyrmions such as skyrmion crystals.
A Prospective Study on the Pathogenesis of Catheter-associated Bacteriuria in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Aumeran Claire , Mottet-Auselo Benoit , Forestier Christiane , Nana Paul-Alain , Hennequin Claire , Robin Frédéric , Souweine Bertrand , Traoré Ousmane , Lautrette Alexandre
Published: December 2020

Background Updating the pathogenesis of catheter-associated bacteriuria (CA-bacteriuria) in intensive care unit (ICU) is needed to adapt prevention strategies. Our aim was to determine the main pathway, endoluminal or exoluminal, of CA-Bacteriuria in ICU patients.In a prospective study, quantitative urine cultures were sampled from days 1 to 15 after catheterization, from catheter sampling sites, collection bags and catheter outer surface near the meatus. Endoluminal pathway was CA-bacteriuria (defined as 102 CFU/mL) first in collection bag then in catheter. Exoluminal pathway was CA-bacteriuria first in catheter, on day 1 in early cases and after day 1 in late cases. Results Of 64 included patients, 20 had CA-bacteriuria. Mean of catheterization days and incidence density were 6.81 days and 55.2/1000 catheter-days. Of 26 microorganisms identified, 12 (46.2%) were Gram positive cocci, 8 (30.8%) Gram negative bacilli and 6 yeasts. Three (11.5%) CA-bacteriuria were endoluminal and 23 (88.5%) exoluminal, of which 10 (38.5%) were early and 13 (50%) late. Molecular comparison confirmed culture findings. Quality audit showed good compliance with guidelines.ConclusionExoluminal pathway of CA-bacteriuria in ICU patients predominated and surprisingly occurred early despite good implementation of guidelines. This finding should be considered in guidelines for prevention of CA-bacteriuria.
Prognostic Value of the Preoperative Lymphocyte-to-monocyte Ratio for Survival After Lung Cancer Surgery
Authors: Ramos Ricard , Macía Iván , Navarro-Martín Arturo , Déniz Carlos , Rivas Francisco , Ureña Anna , Masuet Cristina , Moreno Camilo , Nadal Ernest , Escobar Ignacio
Published: December 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with lung cancer treated with radical surgery on overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS).Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients with lung cancer who prospectively underwent radical resection between 2004 and 2012. Prior to surgery, blood samples were taken as part of preoperative workup. The inflammatory markers studied were absolute values of lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils and platelets, with subsequent calculation of the ratios. Median follow-up was 52 months. Results: 268 patients underwent surgery, of whom 218 (81.3%) were men. Mean age was 62.9 ± 8.7 years. A lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio ≥ 2.5 was independently associated with longer disease-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.476 (0.307–0.738), p=0.001) and longer overall survival (HR, 0.546; 95% CI: 0.352-0.846; p=0.007), in models adjusted by age, sex, stage, and type of resection. No other systemic inflammatory marker showed a significant association. Conclusion: Preoperative lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio is an independent prognostic factor in terms of overall survival and recurrence-free survival in patients with surgically resected early stage lung cancer.
Overactive Bladder Syndrome is Associated With Detrusor Overactivity and Abnormal Voiding Pattern in Nulliparous Women
Authors: Fang Jessica , Wu Ming-Ping , Yen Yu-Chun , Wu Jeng-Cheng , Chin Hung-Yen
Published: December 2020

Pregnancy and childbirth are frequently associated with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). However, the role of parous effects in OAB among nulliparous (NP) women remains controversial. This study investigated abnormal voiding patterns and DO among NP woman with OAB in comparison with parous women. From August 2011 to December 2018, 906 patients met the inclusion criteria for participation and were divided into three groups: 221 patients in the NP group, 571 patients in the normal spontaneous delivery (NSD) group, and 114 patients in the cesarean section (CS) group. Urodynamic study (UDS) examinations were performed, and the presence of DO, abnormal voiding patterns, and maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) were recorded. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, χ2 tests, and independent t tests. Compared with parous women in the NSD and CS groups, patients in the NP group had a significantly higher prevalence of abnormal voiding patterns, DO and MUCP. Furthermore, abnormal voiding patterns were significantly associated with DO and MUCP respectively, especially in the NP group. We hypothesized that hypertonicity or poor relaxation of the pelvic muscle in NP women may cause functional BOO, which is related to their OAB.
Use of The Bromocresol Purple Index (BCPI) in Measuring The Efficiency of Soybean Heat Treatment
Authors: Szmigielski Marek , Sobczak Paweł , Zawiślak Kazimierz , Andrejko Dariusz , Bielecka Grażyna , Rubaj Jolanta , Mazur Jacek
Published: December 2020

A number of the most common methods used in assessing the efficiency of soybean heat treatment were compared in this study. All the methods proved to be useful in assessing the efficiency of heating soybean seeds and soybean products. However, considering the sensitivity, precision, time consumed, and the effectiveness of determination of the characteristics of the samples, the use of purple bromocresol index (BCPI) appears to be justified. The BCPI method turned out to be universal, allowing distinguishing unheated (BCPIBSM <70 mg.g -1), under-heated (70 mg.g -1 <BCPI BSM <130 mg.g -1), properly heated (BCPI BSM = 130-140 mg.g -1), and over-heated samples (BCPI BSM > 140 mg.g-1).
How Intralymphatic Immunotherapy Can Affect Quality of Life and Symptoms in Patients With Permanent Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, a Quasi-Experimental Design
Authors: Khoshkhui Maryam , Jabbari Farahzad , Zargar Fateme Shafiee , Haghi Nasrin Sadat Motevalli , Ariaee Nazila
Published: December 2020

BackgroundAllergen-specific immunotherapy is known as the only disease-modifying treatment for IgE-mediated allergic disorders. Intra lymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) is a safe, effective, and time-saving alternative to subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). This study aimed to evaluate the effects and safety of ILIT in patients with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis. MethodsIn this clinical trial, fifteen patients with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis between 18-65 years old received monthly intralymphatic inguinal injections of an active allergen (1000 SQ-U Salsola kali pollen). Clinical effects were assessed before and 4 weeks after treatment and at two consecutive pollination seasons and following non-pollination season in April.ResultsNo moderate or severe reactions were recorded following the ILIT treatment. Lymph node enlargement, local itching/erythema were seen in 6.7%, 13.3% of total respectively one day after injection. Patients who received ILIT experienced a significant clinical improvement in self-recorded seasonal allergic symptoms after treatment, as compared to themselves before ILIT. Quality of life significantly got better based on the Mini RQLQ questionnaire.ConclusionAlthough this study is based on a limited number of patients, ILIT with Salsola-pollen extract appears to decrease symptoms of allergic rhinitis without causing any crucial complications.This clinical trial study was recorded in the Iran Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20161206031256N2).
Pentavalent Vaccination in Rural Kenya: Coverage and Geographical Accessibility to Health Facilities Using Data from a Community Demographic and Health Surveillance System in Kilifi County.
Authors: Ogero Morris , Orwa James , Odhiambo Rachael , Agoi Felix , Lusambili Adelaide , Obure Jerim , Temmerman Marleen , Luchters Stanley , Ngugi Anthony
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThere is substantial evidence that immunization is one of the most significant and cost-effective pillars of preventive and promotive health interventions. Effective childhood immunization coverage is thus essential in stemming persistent childhood illnesses. The main indicator of performance of the immunisation programme is the third dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3) vaccine for children because it mirrors the completeness of a child’s immunisation schedule. Spatial access to a health facility, especially in SSA countries, is a significant determinant of DTP3 vaccination coverage, as the vaccine is mainly administered during routine immunisation schedules at health facilities. Rural areas and densely populated informal settlements are most affected by poor access to healthcare services. We therefore sought to determine vaccination coverage of DTP3, estimate the travel time to health facilities offering immunisation services, and explore its effect on immunisation coverage in one of the predominantly rural counties on the coast of Kenya.MethodsCoordinates of health facilities, information on land cover, digital elevation models, and road networks were used to compute spatial accessibility to immunizing health facilities for eligible children within the Kaloleni-Rabai Community Health Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS). To explore the effect of travel time on DTP3 coverage, we fitted a hierarchical multivariable model adjusting for other a priori identified confounding factors.ResultsSpatial access to health facilities that offer immunization services significantly affected DTP3 coverage, with travel times of more than one hour to a health facility significantly associated with reduced odds of receiving DTP3 vaccine (AOR= 0.84 (95% CI 0.74 – 0.94).ConclusionIncreased travel time is a significant barrier to the uptake of facility-delivered immunizations in this rural community. To improve immunisation coverage, local health authorities and policy makers in remote settings can use high-resolution maps to identify areas where distance and travel time may impede the achievement of high immunization coverage and identify appropriate interventions. These could include improving the road network, establishing new health centres and/or stepping up health outreach activities that include vaccinations in hard-to-reach areas within the county.
Associations of Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain with Intelligence in Offspring: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Simeng , He Yichen , Zhang Chen , Wu Yanting , Huang Hefeng
Published: December 2020

Background: As a growing health problem, maternal obesity may have an adverse effect on offspring neurodevelopment. The effects of maternal overweight and obesity and excessive gestational weight gain on offspring intelligence remains unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the influence of prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain on children’s intelligence.Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Ovid Medline from their inception through July 2020. Studies assessing the association between prepregnancy BMI or gestational weight gain and children’s intelligence (from 3 years to 10 years) were screened manually before final inclusion. We included prospective and retrospective cohorts that analysed the association between prepregnancy BMI or gestational weight gain and intelligence of offspring. We used the Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effects method to compute the weight mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of each study.Results: Twelve articles were included in the systematic review, and six of them were included in the meta-analysis. There was a significant full-scale IQ reduction in children of overweight and obese women, with WMDs of -3.25 (95% CI: -3.05, -2.42) and -4.85 (95% CI: -5.93, -3.76), respectively. Compared with that in the control group, the WMDs for performance IQ were -2.40 (95% CI: -3.45, -1.34) and -5.28 (95% CI: -7.22, -3.34) in the overweight and obesity groups, respectively, and the WMDs for verbal IQ were -3.47 (95% CI: -4.38, -2.56) and -5.71 (95% CI: -7.13, -4.29), respectively. However, there was no significant reduction in children’s full-scale intelligence scores due to excessive weight gain; the WMD was -0.14 (95% CI: -0.92, 0.65).Conclusions: Prepregnancy overweight and obesity might have disadvantageous consequences on children’s intelligence; however, we observed no significant difference between excessive and normal gestational weight gain. Therefore, weight control before pregnancy is more important than that during pregnancy in terms of children’s intelligence.Trial registration: This systematic review and meta-analysis have been registered in PROSPERO (Number: CRD42020199215).
A Novel Clinical Model for Predicting Malignancy of Solitary Pulmonary Nodules: A Multicenter Study in Chinese Population
Authors: He Xia , Xue Ning , Liu Xiaohua , Tang Xuemiao , Peng Songguo , Qu Yuanye , Jiang Lina , Xu Qingxia , Liu Wanli , Chen Shulin
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThis study aimed to establish and validate a novel clinical model to differentiate between benign and malignant solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs). MethodsRecords from 406 patients with SPNs in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were retrospectively reviewed. The data was randomly divided into training cohort and internal validation cohort. Other 190 SPNs patients in Henan Tumor Hospital were used for external validation. The novel prediction model was established using LASSO logistic regression analysis by integrating clinical features, radiologic characteristics and laboratory test data, the calibration of model was analyzed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (HL test). Subsequently, the model was compared with PKUPH and Mayo models using receiver-operating characteristics curve (ROC), decision curve analysis (DCA), net reclassification improvement index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement index (IDI) with the same data. ResultsA total of 15 variables were screened out and then aggregated to generate new prediction model. The model showed good calibration with the HL test (P = 0.221). The AUC for our model was 0.799, which was higher than other two reported models. DCA also showed our model was superior to the other two reported models. In our model, sensitivity = 70.06%, specificity = 77.08%. Compared with the PKUPH and Mayo models, the NRI of our model increased by 0.301 and 0.469 respectively, and the IDI improved 0.011 and 0.123, respectively. Furthermore, the model was significant positive correlation with PKUPH and Mayo models. Conclusions﻿The novel model in our study had a high clinical value in diagnose of MSPNs.
Loading and Release of Anti -Cancer Drugs Using Simultaneous pH and Temperature Responsive Nanohybrid
Authors: Maleki Reza , Dahri Mohammad , Akbarialiabad Hossein
Published: December 2020

BackgroundTodays, drug nanocarrier development and improving its biophysical properties is one of the updated and intended of nano-biopharmaceutical science researches. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), as a typical carbon structure based nanocarrier, but have some obstacles in drug delivery mechanisms. In that current study, the penetration, loading, and release of Doxorubicin and Paclitaxel, as two anticancer agents, were investigated using a novel modified and functionalized SWCNT.ResultsThis study was carried out using molecular dynamics simulation based on a dual-responsive smart biomaterial. At the in-silico study, Interaction energies between drugs and carriers, numbers of hydrogen bonds, diffusion coefficient, and gyration radius were investigated. The kinetic analysis of drug adsorption and release revealed that, fascinatingly, drug loading and drug release are selective at physiological and cancerous acidic pH, respectively. Interaction of Dimethyl acryl amid-trimethyl chitosan, as a biodegradable and biocompatible hydrogel, with SWCNT indicated that degradation reaction in acidic condition destructs the polymer, which leads to a smart release in cancerous tissue at specific pH. Moreover, it resolves hydrophilicity, optimum nanoparticle size, cell membrane penetration, and cell toxicity concerns.ConclusionsThe simulation results indicated a marvelous role of dimethyl acryl amide-trimethyl chitosan in the adsorption and release of anticancer drugs in normal and neoplastic tissue. The interaction of trimethyl chitosan also improves biocompatibility as well as biodegradability of the carrier. Overall, that novel drug carrier can be a virtuous nanoparticle for loading, transporting, and releasing the anticancer drugs.
Single-cell Differential Splicing Analysis Reveals High Heterogeneity of Liver Tumor-infiltrating T Cells
Authors: Liu Shang , Zhou Biaofeng , Wu Liang , Sun Yan , Chen Jie , Liu Shiping
Published: December 2020

Recent advances in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) have improved our understanding of the association between tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TILs) heterogeneity and cancer initiation and progression. However, studies investigating alternative splicing (AS) as an important regulatory factor of heterogeneity remain limited. Here, we developed a new computational tool, DESJ-detection, which accurately detects differentially expressed splicing junctions (DESJs) between cell groups at the single-cell level. We analyzed 5,063 T cells of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and identified 1,176 DESJs across 11 T cell subtypes. Interestingly, DESJs were enriched in UTRs, and have putative effects on heterogeneity. Cell subtypes with a similar function closely clustered together at the AS level. Meanwhile, we identified two novel cell states, pre-exhaustion and pre-activation with the isoform markers CD103-201 and ARHGAP15-205. In summary, we present a comprehensive investigation of alternative splicing differences, which provided novel insights into T cell heterogeneity and can be applied to other full-length scRNA-seq datasets.
Somatic Symptom Disorders and Utilization of Health Services among Palestinian Primary Health Care Attendees: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Nazzal Zaher , Maraqa Beesan , Zant Marah Abu , Qaddoumi Layali , Abdallah Rana
Published: December 2020

Background: Many primary health care (PHC) clients come in with medically unexplained complaints, leading to frequent consultations and high usage of services and healthcare costs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) among PHC attendees and explore its relation to other mental conditions and risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to interview 400 attendees. Men and women aged over 18 years old without a psychiatric diagnosis were invited to participate. The Somatization scale of the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire was used to assess somatic symptom disorders. It is a valid tool to be used in a PHC setting. We used the Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression to explore determinant variables.Results: Prevalence of SSD was 32.5% (95%CI= 27.9%-37.1%). The most common symptoms were painful muscles (61.5%) followed by back pain (52.3%). Female gender [adjusted OR = 2.2 (95% CI= 1.3-4)], chronic diseases [adjusted OR = 2 (95%CI=1.1-3.6)], depression [adjusted OR = 3.2 (95%CI= 2.0-5.3)], and anxiety [adjusted OR = 3.0 (95%CI= 1.6-5.5)] were all associated with SSD. In addition, frequent primary health care attendance was found to be associated with SSD [adjusted OR = 2.2 (95%CI= 1.3-4.0)]Conclusions: SSD significantly higher among females, patients with chronic diseases, clients with anxiety and depressive disorders, and patients with frequent doctors' visits. Painful muscles and back pain are the most common symptom presented by patients, and this could be used initially by PHC physicians as a signal to consider for screening.
Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Para-aortic Lymph Node Biopsy in Advanced Cervical Cancer with Pelvic Lymph Node Metastases: A Single-centre Prospective Study
Authors: Yoshida Kenta , Kondo Eiji , Matsumoto Tsuyoshi , Maki Shintaro , Kaneda Michiko , Nii Masafumi , Hirata Toru , Ikeda Tomoaki
Published: December 2020

Backgroud: Extended-field concurrent chemoradiation therapy (Ex-CCRT) is widely used for para-aortic lymph node (PAN) metastasis confirmed by radiographic assessment without surgical assessment. The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the clinical value of laparoscopic retroperitoneal PAN biopsy in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) with pelvic lymph node metastases.Methods: From May 2017 to March 2020, patients with stage IIB-IIIB cervical cancer, who were diagnosed with pelvic node metastasis using positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) with SUVmax ≥ 2.0, underwent laparoscopic retroperitoneal PAN biopsy. The radiation fields were extended to the PAN area with pathological metastases.Results: Fourteen patients were diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix at FIGO stage IIB (n=7) and IIIB (n=7). The median operating time was 138 (range, 104–184) minutes. The median number of harvested PANs was 19 (range, 6–36). Three patients were diagnosed as positive for PAN metastasis by histological analysis. In this study, the sensitivity and specificity of PET-CT were 66.7% and 90.9%, respectively.Conclisions: The results of this study revealed that laparoscopic retroperitoneal PAN should be the standard treatment method worldwide because it is not appropriate to determine the radiation field of PAN by image examination without performing a histological assessment.