bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Positive Association Between Serum Levels of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Depression/Anxiety in Female, but Not Male, Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Yang Qian-Qian , Shao Di , Li Jie , Yang Chun-Ling , Fan Min-Hua , Cao Feng-Lin
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

Patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) have increased risk of depression and anxiety. Evidence suggests that a heightened inflammatory state may contribute to this association. Females experience more depression and higher inflammation levels than males. This study compared associations of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels with symptoms of depression and anxiety between men and women with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Method:

Cross-sectional data including demographic and disease characteristics, symptoms of depression and anxiety, clinical data, and laboratory values were collected from 392 patients with T2DM recruited from a general hospital in Shandong Province, China. We evaluated associations between serum hs-CRP level and symptoms of depression and anxiety in males and females separately using multiple linear regressions and χ2 tests for trend.

Results:

Sex moderated the association between serum hs-CRP level and symptoms of depression ( B = .112 [ SE = 0.049]; p = .022) and anxiety ( B = .137 [ SE = 0.053]; p = .011). Among females, hs-CRP level was positively associated with depression ( B = .034, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [.006, .061]; p = .016, false discovery rate [FDR]-adjusted p = .020) and anxiety ( B = .041, 95% CI [.011, .071], p = .007, FDR-adjusted p = .007). Positive trends indicated a higher prevalence of clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety in higher serum hs-CRP categories in females. No associations were found in males.

Conclusion:

Findings demonstrate that associations between serum hs-CRP level and symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with T2D are sex-specific, with only females demonstrating a significant positive association.
Simultaneous placement of leadless pacemaker and dialysis catheter in patient with exhausted vasculature
Authors: Bednarczyk Dawid , Kuliczkowski Wiktor , Letachowicz Krzysztof , Dzidowski Marcin , Witkowski Tomasz , Krajewska Magdalena , Kusztal Mariusz , Mysiak Andrzej , Ściborski Krzysztof , Mitkowski Przemysław
Published: December 2019

The problem with limited venous access may occur in patients receiving long-term hemodialysis treatment with no possibility of arteriovenous access or in patients with cardiac implantable electronic device–related infection leading to the removal of cardiac implantable electronic device. We present a case report where both situations occur simultaneously. Using recent development in cardiac pacing—leadless cardiac pacemaker—we manage to overcome the vascular access problem. The described case emphasizes the necessity of multispecialty collaboration and gains of new pacing technology in patients who need placement of vascular access for hemodialysis and cardiac implantable electronic device where vascular access is scarce.
Experimental and numerical study of the pre-tilted journal bearing
Authors: Mo Jintao , Luo Ying , Liu Jia , Yan Dapeng , Chen Xungang , Li Changxiang , Duan Chunhui , Zhu Zihao , Shen Yueyin , Du Hua
Published: December 2019

Hydrodynamic journal bearings are key components for supporting the rotating shafts in high-speed machinery. The shaft misalignment due to the heavy load, the thermal effects, and the manufacturing errors may introduce problems during running such as rub-impact. So the journal bearing with a pre-tilted angle has been introduced in this paper to solve the problem. The pre-tilted journal bearing is allowed to be adjusted to the proper attitude angle according to the tilt of the shaft under working condition. Thus ensuring the symmetric pressure distribution of the bearing and avoiding the rub-impact. A test rig has been designed and built to validate the working effect of the pre-tilted journal bearing. A design method for the pre-tilted journal bearing has also been introduced in this paper. In this method, a transient coupling model is adopted to precisely calculate the attitude angle of the bearing and a special dynamic mesh method is used to guarantee the mesh quality with arbitrary motion of the journal.
Inclusive Instruction for Students Receiving Special Education Services for Emotional Disturbance: A Survey Development Study
Authors: McKenna John William , Newton Xiaoxia , Bergman Emily R.
Published: December 2019

Although the majority of students receiving special education services for emotional disturbance (ED) receive a significant amount of instruction in general education classrooms, evidence-based practices for educating students with ED in these settings have yet to be identified. As a result, school-based practitioners must primarily rely on professional recommendations and values when planning and delivering inclusive instruction for this student population. This study investigated the internal consistency and factor structure of a survey measure designed to obtain information on practitioner knowledge, use, and perceived effectiveness of recommended classroom-based practices for the inclusive instruction of students with ED. Results indicate adequate internal consistency. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed a four-factor structure: Behavior Support, Classroom Management, Differentiation, and Instructional Practices. Study limitations include a low response rate for the electronic survey and reliance on responses from practitioners from one geographic area. Future investigations are necessary to refine the survey instrument and to obtain data from teachers from other geographic areas.
Improving adhesion of three-dimensional printed objects on textile fabrics by polymer coating
Authors: Meyer Pia , Döpke Christoph , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: December 2019

Three-dimensional printing belongs to the emerging technologies of our time. Still being relatively time-consuming and suffering from low mechanical properties, three-dimensional printing can be combined with other production technologies to overcome these problems. Three-dimensional printing on textile fabrics, for example, allows for creating large areas with sufficient lateral mechanical properties in a reasonable time on which three-dimensional printed parts give additional functionalities or laterally selective mechanical rigidity and so on. To create three-dimensional printed personalized knee joint support bandages, however, the adhesion between textile fabric and polymeric parts needs to be further increased. Here, we report on the influence of a polymer coating on different textile fabrics on the adhesion of three-dimensional printed elements from hard and soft poly(lactic acid). Surprisingly, the coating increases the adhesion significantly for the hard poly(lactic acid), while the soft poly(lactic acid) sticks better on some materials without additional coating. Maximum separation forces are measured for linen which can be attributed to the relatively long linen fibers with uneven surface, increasing the fiber–fiber friction inside the fabric and the adhesion to the polymer.
Structural analysis of three-dimensional mesh fabric by Micro X-ray computed tomography
Authors: Lotz Kevin , Su Chengyu , Zhang Yuan , Liu Yanping
Published: December 2019

Three-dimensional mesh fabric is a special type of knitted spacer fabric with sandwich structure consisting of two separate meshed multifilament outer layers linked together with a layer of spacer monofilaments. It has found wide applications in home textiles and automotive industry due to its good energy-absorbing performance and ventilation property. This article presents a comprehensive structural analysis on a mesh spacer fabric of thickness 10.3 mm in order to place a solid foundation to enhance the understanding of the structural features and mechanical behavior. The real geometric structure was reconstructed by scanning the fabric via Micro X-ray computed tomography. The spacer monofilaments and meshed outer layers were analyzed quantitatively based on the Micro X-ray computed tomography reconstruction. It was found that the spacer monofilaments are different in length, curvature, and torsion. The spacer monofilament lengths can be ranging from 9.43 to 10.77 mm. Their curvatures varied from around 0.1 to 0.3 mm−1. The torsions of spacer monofilaments can be positive and negative with different directions of twisting and had a certain degree of symmetry between two adjacent wales. The monofilament loops in the outer layers also varied in height, width, and enclosed area. Three-dimensional mesh fabric is a periodic but highly inhomogeneous structure.
Contemporary utilization patterns and outcomes of thrombolytic administration for ischemic stroke among patients with cancer
Authors: Owusu-Guha Jocelyn , Guha Avirup , Miller P Elliott , Pawar Sumeet , Dey Amit K , Ahmad Tariq , Attar Hatim , Awan Farrukh T , Mitchell Darrion , Desai Nihar R , Addison Daniel
Published: December 2019

Background

Thrombolytic therapy significantly improves outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke. While cancer outcomes have dramatically improved, the utilization, safety, and mortality outcomes of patients with cancer who receive thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke are unknown.

Methods

Using a national database, we identified all hospitalizations for acute ischemic stroke requiring thrombolytic therapy between 2003 and 2015. Patients with contraindications to thrombolytic therapy were excluded. Following propensity score matching for comorbidity burden, trends in thrombolytic therapy use and its effect on in-hospital mortality, intracranial or all-cause bleeding, and the combined endpoint of mortality and all-cause bleeding, by presence/absence of cancer were evaluated. We also evaluated 30- and 90-day readmission rates post-thrombolytic therapy administration.

Results

We identified 237,687 acute ischemic stroke hospitalizations requiring thrombolytic therapy, of which 26,328 (11%) had an underlying cancer. Over the study period, thrombolytic therapy use increased across all acute ischemic stroke admissions, irrespective of cancer presence (12.4/1000 in 2003 to 81.1/1000 in 2015, P < 0.0001). However, thrombolytic therapy utilization differed by cancer presence (4.8% cancer vs.·5.1% non-cancer, P = 0.001). There was no difference in intracranial bleeding (9.6% vs. 9.7%), all-cause bleeding (13.2% vs. 13.2%), or in-hospital mortality (7.6% vs. 7.2%). While there was no difference in 30-day readmission rates by cancer presence (24% vs. 29%, P = 0.40), at 90-days, cancer patients saw higher readmission rates (17.2% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Contemporary thrombolytic therapy use for acute ischemic stroke has risen, irrespective of presence of cancer. Yet, patients with comorbid cancer appear to see lower rates of thrombolytic therapy use for acute ischemic stroke, despite no difference in the rate of intracranial bleeding or mortality after adjustment for comorbidities.
Systematic review and network meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate metered dose inhaler in comparison with other long-acting muscarinic antagonist/long-acting β2-agonist fixed-dose combinations in COPD
Authors: Siddiqui Mohd Kashif , Shukla Pragya , Jenkins Martin , Ouwens Mario , Guranlioglu Deniz , Darken Patrick , Biswas Mousumi
Published: December 2019

Background:

Dual bronchodilation with a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)/long-acting β2-agonist (LABA) fixed-dose combination (FDC) is an established treatment strategy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The relative efficacy and safety of glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate metered dose inhaler (GFF MDI 18/9.6 μg) in patients with moderate-to-very severe COPD, compared with other licensed LAMA/LABA FDCs, was investigated using an integrated Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA).

Methods:

A systematic literature review and subsequent screening process identified randomized controlled trials of ⩾10 weeks’ duration that enrolled patients aged ⩾40 years with moderate-to-very severe COPD and included at least one LAMA/LABA FDC or open LAMA + LABA treatment arm. NMAs were conducted for outcomes including change from baseline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and transition dyspnea index (TDI) parameters, annualized rate of exacerbations, use of rescue medication, adverse events, and all-cause withdrawals. Meta-regression and sensitivity analyses accounted for heterogeneity across studies.

Results:

In total, 29 studies including 34,617 patients contributed to the NMA for efficacy or safety outcomes at week 24 or exacerbations. For all LAMA/LABA FDCs with data available, significantly greater improvements in FEV1 [trough, peak, and area under the curve (AUC)0–4], SGRQ total score and TDI focal score at week 24, and annualized rate of moderate-to-severe exacerbations, were observed versus placebo. Where indirect comparisons were possible, differences between GFF MDI and other LAMA/LABA FDCs were small relative to established margins of clinical relevance, and not statistically significant. The safety and tolerability profile of GFF MDI was consistent with other LAMA/LABA FDCs and placebo. The results of the meta-regression were generally similar to the base case.

Conclusions:

GFF MDI demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety outcomes to other LAMA/LABA FDCs. Personalization of treatment choice within the class on the basis of other factors such as patient preference may be appropriate.
Chemical Diversity of β-Secretase Inhibitors From Natural Resources
Authors: Murata Kazuya
Published: December 2019

Reports on β-secretase inhibitors of natural origin are listed in order to reveal their chemical diversity. Various types of compounds were found to inhibit β-secretase, and natural resources included a wide spectrum of biological species. Among them, some triterpenes and moracin derivatives, which are nonpeptidic compounds, were determined to be competitive inhibitors. In addition, no peptide compounds were reported from natural resources. These points will be clarified in future studies.
CompSupport: A series of unfortunate events
Authors: Al Natour Sameh
Published: December 2019

CompSupport Inc. was a leader of online support services for personal computers and devices. After a brief period operating in a B2C channel, the company shifted and refined its focus to two primary customer segments: Internet service providers and corporate accounts. CompSupport’s key mandate was to improve their customer’s helpdesk operations through outsourcing in order to achieve two goals: cost reduction and improved customer service. In May 2017, the lack of liquidity meant that the company would be unable to make its next pay period without an additional injection of funds. The company arrived at a crossroads, and a decision had to be made. The alternatives consisted of two buyout options and a merger opportunity. This case study evaluates CompSupport’s state at the time of the decision, and highlights the events that took place prior to the decision period that may have contributed to the company’s problems.
Prognostic impact of baseline inflammatory markers in patients with acute coronary syndromes treated with ticagrelor and clopidogrel
Authors: Thomas Mark R , James Stefan K , Becker Richard C , Himmelmann Anders , Katus Hugo A , Cannon Christopher P , Steg Philippe Gabriel , Siegbahn Agneta , Lakic Tatevik , Storey Robert F , Wallentin Lars
Published: December 2019

Background

Inflammation plays a major role in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease. We aimed to determine whether baseline inflammatory markers were associated with clinical outcomes and the observed superiority of ticagrelor compared to clopidogrel in patients with acute coronary syndromes in the PLATO study.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 16,400 patients within 24 hours of the onset of acute coronary syndrome, at the time of random assignment to ticagrelor or clopidogrel in the PLATO study and prior to invasive procedures. The differential white blood cell count and plasma levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 were determined and their relationships with clinical outcomes were assessed according to quartiles and using continuous models. The substudy primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction.

Results

Compared to the lowest quartile, the risk of the primary endpoint was significantly elevated in patients in the highest quartile of white blood cell count (hazard ratio (HR) 1.30; P=0.01), neutrophil count (HR 1.33; P=0.007), monocyte count (HR 1.24; P=0.004), C-reactive protein (HR 1.93; P<0.001) and interleukin-6 (HR 2.29; P<0.001). This was predominantly driven by an association with cardiovascular death. Following adjustment for clinical characteristics, troponin, cystatin C and N-terminal pro-brain-type natriuretic peptide, only white blood cell count and neutrophil count maintained a significant association with the primary endpoint. Ticagrelor had a consistent relative cardiovascular benefit compared to clopidogrel in each quartile of each of the inflammatory markers.

Conclusions

Acute coronary syndrome patients with elevated levels of baseline inflammatory markers are at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events, particularly cardiovascular death. The consistent cardiovascular benefit of ticagrelor compared to clopidogrel tended to confer a greater absolute risk reduction in patients with the highest levels of inflammatory markers, as they were at highest risk.
The political system’s organizational structure and staff reduction process in Vietnam at present
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Minh
Published: December 2019

The political system of Vietnam follows the former Soviet style, which includes the following elements from central to local level: Party, State, Fatherland Front and mass organizations. This type of organizational structure has shown increasing limitations in the current context of an open economy and global integration. These need to be reformed and improved. While there are enormous challenges in this reform process, there are encouraging changes. Therefore, it is essential to renovate fundamental understanding on political system structure and induce the strong political will of the whole political system, particularly within the ruling Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). Based on the theoretical model of political will developed by Post et al. (2010), this study aims to test the assumption that the political system organizational restructuring and staff reduction process will be successful with strong political will and public support. The findings show that the on-going political system organizational process and staff reduction in Vietnam seems to be in line with the assumption. There are impressive initial achievements. These include: (i) elimination of three steering committees, seven directorates etc.; around 200 bureaus, departments etc., and 65 provincial departments; (ii) reduction of 50 directorate-level leading positions, more than 300 bureau and department-level leading positions, about 200 provincial department-level leading positions and about 10,000 division/office-level managers. Challenges are inertia within the system, hesitation and conflicts of interest among decision makers. Therefore, strong political will from the top level, common understanding and effort from all Party members and support from people, as well as effective solutions in the coming years, are all required.
Some Reflections on Science Popularization and Science Culture in China
Authors: Tang Shukun
Published: December 2019

China's social development strategy has evidently shifted from a focus on economic growth and material sustenance to balanced development and the enrichment of cultural and spiritual resources. In other words, Chinese society has transformed from a phase seeking rapid development to one seeking steady and all-round development. China's science popularization since the founding of the People's Republic of China has been focusing on the immediacy and timeliness of science communication but, in its current efforts to build a new science culture, it is more concerned with the cultivation of scientific values and the quality of persistence. In this era that upholds science culture, the mission of both science popularization and science culture is to make science go beyond the scientific community and to develop values and practice paths that support the public's pursuit of a better life. For that purpose, this paper proposes five projects based on the action network of science culture construction: fostering scientific spirit; disseminating science culture; institutionalizing science culture; science culture infrastructure for public benefits; and public engagement with science.
Exploring the Influence of Consumer Demographics on Online Purchase Benefits
Authors: Bhat Suhail Ahmad , Darzi Mushtaq Ahmad
Published: December 2019

The purpose of the study is to explore the influence of sociodemographic variables (gender & age) on consumers’ perception towards online shopping. The article specifically focuses on purchase benefit that has been categorized into three dimensions such as convenience, interactivity and enjoyment, which are associated with demand management of an Indian consumer. The study has adopted survey by questionnaire method for data collection from online shoppers. Quota sampling technique was used for data collection from 660 e-consumers. Data analysis and hypotheses testing were performed through descriptive (mean, percentage and standard deviation) and comparative statistics (Z-test and one-way ANOVA). Analysis revealed that gender does not have any influence on the purchase benefit variables; however, the significant mean difference was observed between ‘Below 20’ and ‘21–30’ years age groups for convenience and interactivity only. The findings of the current study will be helpful to web store executives in building marketing capabilities and demand management strategies for different age groups. The study has a unique contribution of filling the knowledge gaps in the existing literature by statistically evaluating the role of less-studied sociodemographic variables, that is, age and gender on the consumers’ intention towards purchase benefits associated with online shopping.
Donor and host coexpressing KIR ligands promote NK education after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Zhao Xiang-Yu , Yu Xing-Xing , Xu Zheng-Li , Cao Xun-Hong , Huo Ming-Rui , Zhao Xiao-Su , Chang Ying-Jun , Wang Yu , Zhang Xiao-Hui , Xu Lan-Ping , Liu Kai-Yan , Huang Xiao-Jun
Published: December 2019

The rate and extent of natural killer (NK)–cell education after hematopoietic cell transplantation correlates with leukemia control. To study the effect of donor and host HLA on NK-cell reconstitution, single killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)+ NK cells (exhibiting KIR2DL1, KIR2DL2/KIR2DL3, or KIR3DL1 as their sole receptor) were grouped into 4 groups based on the interaction between donor/host HLA and donor inhibitory KIR in 2 cohorts (n = 114 and n = 276, respectively). On days 90 to 180 after transplantation, the absolute number and responsiveness against K562 cells (CD107a or interferon-γ expression) of single-KIR+ NK cells were higher in pairs where donor and host HLA both expressed ligands for donor inhibitory KIRs than in pairs where 1 or both of the donor and recipient HLA lacked at least 1 KIR ligand. NK-cell responsiveness was tuned commensurate with the number of inhibitory receptors from the donor. When both donor and host expressed the 3 major KIR ligands (HLA-C1, HLA-C2, and HLA-Bw4), NK cells expressing 3 inhibitory receptors (KIR2DL1/2DL3/3DL1) reached the maximum responsiveness against K562 cells compared with those NK cells expressing only 1 or 2 inhibitory receptors. When donor and host HLA both expressed all ligands for donor inhibitory KIRs, patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) showed the lowest recurrence rate after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that when both donors and hosts present all the KIR ligands for donor KIRs, reconstituted NK cells achieve better functional education and contribute to least relapse among patients. This observation study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02978274.
Allo-HSCT in transplant-naïve patients with Hodgkin lymphoma: a single-arm, multicenter study
Authors: Das-Gupta Emma , Thomson Kirsty J. , Bloor Adrian J. C. , Clark Andrew D. , Mackinnon Stephen , Kayani Irfan , Clifton-Hadley Laura , Patrick Pip , El-Mehidi Nadjet , Lawrie Anthony , Kirkwood Amy A. , Russell Nigel H. , Linch David C. , Peggs Karl S.
Published: December 2019

We evaluated the role of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in transplant-naïve patients with relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) who failed to attain metabolic complete response (mCR) to 1 to 2 lines of salvage chemotherapyThose with residual but nonprogressive disease assessed by positron emission tomography/computed tomography scanning were eligible. An additional 1 to 2 cycles of salvage therapy were permissible in those with progressive disease or when required to bridge to allo-HSCT, with additional imaging at baseline before transplantation. Conditioning consisted of carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan, and alemtuzumab. Donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) were administered for mixed chimerism or residual or relapsed disease. Eleven patients had sibling donors, 13 had HLA-matched unrelated donors, and 7 had HLA-mismatched unrelated donors. There were no graft failures, and no episodes of grade 4 acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD); only 19.4% of patients had grade 2 to 3 GVHD, and 22.2% had extensive chronic GVHD. The non-relapse mortality rate was 16.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.1%-34.5%). Relapse incidence was 18.7% (95% CI, 8.2%-39.2%). The study met its primary objective, with a 3-year progression-free survival of 67.7% (95% CI, 48.4%-81.2%). Survival outcomes were equivalent in those with residual metabolically active disease immediately before transplantation (n = 24 [70.8%; 95% CI, 17.2%-83.7%]). Two of the 5 patients who relapsed received DLI and remained in mCR at latest follow-up, with a 3-year overall survival of 80.7% (95% CI, 61.9%-90.8%). We demonstrate encouraging results that establish a potential role for allo-HSCT in selected high-risk patients with HL. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00908180.
Thoracic ultrasound competence for ultrasound-guided pleural procedures
Authors: McCracken David J. , Laursen Christian B. , Barker Graham , Gleeson Fergus V. , Cullen Kathy M. , Rahman Najib M.
Published: December 2019

Focused thoracic ultrasound has become essential in the guidance and direction of pleural interventions to reduce unwanted complications and as a result now forms a crucial component of physician training. Current training standards along with assessment methods vary widely, and are often not robust enough to ensure adequate competence.

This review assesses the current state of training and assessment of thoracic ultrasound competence in various settings, allowing comparison with alternative competency based programmes. Future directions for training and assessment of thoracic ultrasound competence are discussed.
SOX30, a target gene of miR-653-5p, represses the proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cells through inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Fu Qiang , Sun Zhenye , Yang Fan , Mao Tianci , Gao Yanyao , Wang He
Published: December 2019

Background

Sex-determining region Y-box containing gene 30 (SOX30) is a newly identified tumor-associated gene in several types of cancer. However, whether SOX30 is involved in the development and progression of prostate cancer remains unknown. This study investigated the potential role of SOX30 in prostate cancer.

Methods

Prostate cancer cell lines and a normal prostate epithelial cell line were used for the experiments. The expression of SOX30 was determined using quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis. The malignant cellular behaviors of prostate cancer were assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation and Matrigel invasion assays. The miRNA–mRNA interaction was validated using the dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

SOX30 expression was lower in cells of prostate cancer lines than in cells of the normal prostate epithelial line. Its overexpression repressed the proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cells. SOX30 was identified as a target gene of microRNA-653-5p (miR-653-5p), which is upregulated in prostate cancer tissues. MiR-653-5p overexpression decreased SOX30 expression, while its inhibition increased SOX30 expression in prostate cancer cells. MiR-653-5p inhibition also markedly restricted prostate cancer cell proliferation and invasion. SOX30 overexpression or miR-653-5p inhibition significantly reduced β-catenin expression and downregulated the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. SOX30 knockdown significantly reversed the miR-653-5p inhibition-mediated inhibitory effect on the proliferation, invasion and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in prostate cancer cells.

Conclusions

These results reveal a tumor suppressive function for SOX30 in prostate cancer and confirmed the gene as a target of miR-653-5p. SOX30 upregulation due to miR-653-5p inhibition restricted the proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cells, and this was associated with Wnt/β-catenin signaling suppression. These findings highlight the importance of the miR-653-5p–SOX30–Wnt/β-catenin signaling axis in prostate cancer progression.
Optical coherence tomography angiography in uveitis
Authors: Tranos Paris , Karasavvidou Evdoxia-Maria , Gkorou Olga , Pavesio Carlos
Published: December 2019

Before the introduction of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in the early 2000s, dye-based angiography was considered the “gold standard” for the diagnosis and monitoring of ocular inflammation. OCTA is a novel technique, which demonstrates capillary networks based on the amount of light returned from moving blood cells, providing further information on pathophysiological changes in uveitis.

The aim of this review is to describe the basic principles of OCTA and its application to ocular inflammatory disorders. It particularly emphasizes on its contribution not only in the diagnosis and management of the disease but also in the identification of possible complications, comparing it with fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Although the advent of OCTA has remarkably enhanced the assessment of uveitic entities, we highlight the need for further investigation in order to better understand its application to these conditions.
A 2018 workshop: vaccine and drug ontology studies (VDOS 2018)
Authors: Hur Junguk , Tao Cui , He Yongqun
Published: December 2019

This Editorial first introduces the background of the vaccine and drug relations and how biomedical terminologies and ontologies have been used to support their studies. The history of the seven workshops, initially named VDOSME, and then named VDOS, is also summarized and introduced. Then the 7th International Workshop on Vaccine and Drug Ontology Studies (VDOS 2018), held on August 10th, 2018, Corvallis, Oregon, USA, is introduced in detail. These VDOS workshops have greatly supported the development, applications, and discussion of vaccine- and drug-related terminology and drug studies.
Enhancing the drug ontology with semantically-rich representations of National Drug Codes and RxNorm unique concept identifiers
Authors: Bona Jonathan P. , Brochhausen Mathias , Hogan William R.
Published: December 2019

Background

The Drug Ontology (DrOn) is a modular, extensible ontology of drug products, their ingredients, and their biological activity created to enable comparative effectiveness and health services researchers to query National Drug Codes (NDCs) that represent products by ingredient, by molecular disposition, by therapeutic disposition, and by physiological effect (e.g., diuretic). It is based on the RxNorm drug terminology maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, and on the Chemical Entities of Biological Interest ontology. Both national drug codes (NDCs) and RxNorm unique concept identifiers (RXCUIS) can undergo changes over time that can obfuscate their meaning when these identifiers occur in historic data. We present a new approach to modeling these entities within DrOn that will allow users of DrOn working with historic prescription data to more easily and correctly interpret that data.

Results

We have implemented a full accounting of national drug codes and RxNorm unique concept identifiers as information content entities, and of the processes involved in managing their creation and changes. This includes an OWL file that implements and defines the classes necessary to model these entities. A separate file contains an instance-level prototype in OWL that demonstrates the feasibility of this approach to representing NDCs and RXCUIs and the processes of managing them by retrieving and representing several individual NDCs, both active and inactive, and the RXCUIs to which they are connected. We also demonstrate how historic information about these identifiers in DrOn can be easily retrieved using a simple SPARQL query.

Conclusions

An accurate model of how these identifiers operate in reality is a valuable addition to DrOn that enhances its usefulness as a knowledge management resource for working with historic data.
Conceiving an application ontology to model patient human papillomavirus vaccine counseling for dialogue management
Authors: Amith Muhammad , Roberts Kirk , Tao Cui
Published: December 2019

Background

In the United States and parts of the world, the human papillomavirus vaccine uptake is below the prescribed coverage rate for the population. Some research have noted that dialogue that communicates the risks and benefits, as well as patient concerns, can improve the uptake levels. In this paper, we introduce an application ontology for health information dialogue called Patient Health Information Dialogue Ontology for patient-level human papillomavirus vaccine counseling and potentially for any health-related counseling.

Results

The ontology’s class level hierarchy is segmented into 4 basic levels -Discussion,Goal,Utterance, andSpeech Task. The ontology also defines core low-level utterance interaction for communicating human papillomavirus health information. We discuss the design of the ontology and the execution of the utterance interaction.

Conclusion

With an ontology that represents patient-centric dialogue to communicate health information, we have an application-driven model that formalizes the structure for the communication of health information, and a reusable scaffold that can be integrated for software agents. Our next step will to be develop the software engine that will utilize the ontology and automate the dialogue interaction of a software agent.
VIO: ontology classification and study of vaccine responses given various experimental and analytical conditions
Authors: Ong Edison , Sun Peter , Berke Kimberly , Zheng Jie , Wu Guanming , He Yongqun
Published: December 2019

Background

Different human responses to the same vaccine were frequently observed. For example, independent studies identified overlapping but different transcriptomic gene expression profiles in Yellow Fever vaccine 17D (YF-17D) immunized human subjects. Different experimental and analysis conditions were likely contributed to the observed differences. To investigate this issue, we developed a Vaccine Investigation Ontology (VIO), and applied VIO to classify the different variables and relations among these variables systematically. We then evaluated whether the ontological VIO modeling and VIO-based statistical analysis would contribute to the enhanced vaccine investigation studies and a better understanding of vaccine response mechanisms.

Results

Our VIO modeling identified many variables related to data processing and analysis such as normalization method, cut-off criteria, software settings including software version. The datasets from two previous studies on human responses to YF-17D vaccine, reported by Gaucher et al. (2008) and Querec et al. (2009), were re-analyzed. We first applied the same LIMMA statistical method to re-analyze the Gaucher data set and identified a big difference in terms of significantly differentiated gene lists compared to the original study. The different results were likely due to the LIMMA version and software package differences. Our second study re-analyzed both Gaucher and Querec data sets but with the same data processing and analysis pipeline. Significant differences in differential gene lists were also identified. In both studies, we found that Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment results had more overlapping than the gene lists and enriched pathway lists. The visualization of the identified GO hierarchical structures among the enriched GO terms and their associated ancestor terms using GOfox allowed us to find more associations among enriched but often different GO terms, demonstrating the usage of GO hierarchical relations enhance data analysis.

Conclusions

The ontology-based analysis framework supports standardized representation, integration, and analysis of heterogeneous data of host responses to vaccines. Our study also showed that differences in specific variables might explain different results drawn from similar studies.
Root system traits impact early fire blight susceptibility in apple (Malus × domestica)
Authors: Singh Jugpreet , Fabrizio Jack , Desnoues Elsa , Silva Julliany Pereira , Busch Wolfgang , Khan Awais
Published: December 2019

Background

Although it is known that resistant rootstocks facilitate management of fire blight disease, incited byErwinia amylovora,the role of rootstock root traits in providing systemic defense againstE. amylovorais unclear. In this study, the hypothesis that rootstocks of higher root vigor provide higher tolerance to fire blight infection in apples is tested. Several apple scion genotypes grafted onto a single rootstock genotype and non-grafted ‘M.7’ rootstocks of varying root vigor are used to assess phenotypic and molecular relationships between root traits of rootstocks and fire blight susceptibility of apple scion cultivars.

Results

It is observed that different root traits display significant (p < 0.05) negative correlations with fire blight susceptibility. In fact, root surface area partially dictates differential levels of fire blight susceptibility of ‘M.7’ rootstocks. Furthermore, contrasting changes in gene expression patterns of diverse molecular pathways accompany observed differences in levels of root-driven fire blight susceptibility. It is noted that a singular co-expression gene network consisting of genes from defense, carbohydrate metabolism, protein kinase activity, oxidation-reduction, and stress response pathways modulates root-dependent fire blight susceptibility in apple. In particular, WRKY75 and UDP-glycotransferase are singled-out as hub genes deserving of further detailed analysis.

Conclusions

It is proposed that low root mass may incite resource-limiting conditions to activate carbohydrate metabolic pathways, which reciprocally interact with plant immune system genes to elicit differential levels of fire blight susceptibility.
Integrative genomic analysis identified common regulatory networks underlying the correlation between coronary artery disease and plasma lipid levels
Authors: Chen Liuying , Yao Yinghao , Jin Chaolun , Wu Shen , Liu Qiang , Li Jingjing , Ma Yunlong , Xu Yizhou , Zhong Yigang
Published: December 2019

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and plasma lipid levels are highly correlated, indicating the presence of common pathways between them. Nevertheless, the molecular pathways underlying the pathogenic comorbidities for both traits remain poorly studied. We sought to identify common pathways and key driver genes by performing a comprehensive integrative analysis based on multi-omic datasets.

Methods

By performing a pathway-based analysis of GWAS summary data, we identified that lipoprotein metabolism process-related pathways were significantly associated with CAD risk. Based on LD score regression analysis of CAD-related SNPs, significant heritability enrichments were observed in the cardiovascular and digestive system, as well as in liver and gastrointestinal tissues, which are the main regulators for lipid level.

Results

We found there existed significant genetic correlation between CAD and other lipid metabolism related traits (the smallest P value < 1 × 10− 16). A total of 13 genes (e.g., LPA, APOC1, APOE and SLC22A3) was found to be overlapped between CAD and plasma lipid levels. By using the data-driven approach that integrated transcriptome information, we discovered co-expression modules associated prominently with both CAD and plasma lipids. With the detailed topology information on gene-gene regulatory relationship, we illustrated that the identified hub genes played important roles in the pathogenesis of CAD and plasma lipid turbulence.

Conclusion

Together, we identified the shared molecular mechanisms underlying the correlation between CAD and plasma lipid levels.
Clinical outcomes of over-the-scope-clip system for the treatment of acute upper non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhong Chunyu , Tan Shali , Ren Yutang , Lü Muhan , Peng Yan , Fu Xiangsheng , Tang Xiaowei
Published: December 2019

Background

Conventional endoscopic treatments can’t control bleeding in as many as 20% of patients with non-variceal gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Recent studies have shown that over-the-scope-clip (OTSC) system allowed for effective hemostasis for refractory GI bleeding lesions. So we aimed to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the OTSC system for management of acute non-variceal upper GI bleeding.

Method

A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library covering the period from January 2007 to May 2019. The literature was selected independently by two reviewers according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The statistical analysis was carried out using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software version 3.0.

Results

A total of 16 studies including 769 patients with 778 GI bleeding lesions were identified. Pooled technical success was achieved in 761 lesions [95.7%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 93.5–97.2%], and the pooled clinical success was achieved in 666 lesions (84.2, 95% CI, 77.4–89.2%). The incidence of re-bleeding was reported in 81 patients and the post-procedure mortality was 10.9% (n = 84). Only 2 (0.3%) patients occurred complications after OTSC system procedure.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that the OTSC system was a technically feasible modality and highly efficacious in achieving hemostasis in acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
A qualitative study of older adults’ perspectives on initiating exercise and mindfulness practice
Authors: Parra Diana C. , Wetherell Julie Loebach , Van Zandt Alexandria , Brownson Ross C. , Abhishek Janardan , Lenze Eric J.
Published: December 2019

Background

Mindfulness practice and exercise are ways by which older adults can improve and maintain their physical, emotional and cognitive health.

Methods

This single-site qualitative study gathered insights of older adults’ perceptions about initiating and maintaining mindfulness and exercise practices. We carried out focus groups with 41 adults aged 65–85 who had recently initiated Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), structured exercise, or their combination as part of participation in a clinical trial. We used a semi-structured interview to ask them open-ended questions regarding the benefits, barriers and facilitators of participating in mindfulness and/or exercise interventions. The interview also included questions regarding translation of these practices into community settings as well as the long-term maintenance potential of these practices.

Results

Older adults indicated that the mindfulness training increased their awareness and self-reflection and fostered a more self-accepting attitude. Furthermore, they improved their self-care habits and reported having better familial and social relationships. The main barrier for both the exercise and Mindfulness group was time management. The social benefits and sense of community were some of the primary motivators for older adults in the exercise and/or MBSR interventions. However, the research on how to motivate older adults to initiate healthy behavioral changes also needs to be answered. The benefits of exercise and MBSR are a motivation in and of themselves, as indicated by some of the participants.

Conclusions

This study indicates that mindfulness training and exercise can serve as tools to cultivate important health lifestyle qualities among older adults, who are in the midst of mental, social, emotional and physical change. If it were not for the purpose of the research or the incentives provided by the research team, these older adults may have never started the healthy behavioral changes. From the responses, this may indicate that older adults may need more incentives to begin and maintain behavioral changes other than for their own health benefit.
Measuring fidelity of delivery of the Community Occupational Therapy in Dementia-UK intervention
Authors: Walton Holly , Tombor Ildiko , Burgess Jane , Groarke Hilary , Swinson Tom , Wenborn Jennifer , Spector Aimee , Orrell Martin , Mountain Gail , Michie Susan
Published: December 2019

Background

Interpreting data about intervention effectiveness requires an understanding of which intervention components were delivered and whether they were delivered as planned (fidelity of delivery). These studies aimed to develop a reliable measure for assessing fidelity of delivery of the Community Occupational Therapy in Dementia-UK intervention (COTiD-UK) (Study 1) and measure fidelity of delivery of COTiD-UK across sessions, sites and occupational therapists (Study 2).

Methods

The studies used a longitudinal observational design nested within a multi-site randomised controlled trial. Where practicable, all intervention sessions were audio-recorded. Fidelity checklists and coding guidelines were developed, piloted and refined until good agreement was achieved between two coders. Ten percent of sessions were purposively sampled from 12 sites and 31 occupational therapists. Transcripts were coded using checklists developed in Study 1; 10% of sets of intervention session transcripts were double coded to ensure that agreement was maintained. Percentages of components that were delivered were calculated for each session, site and occupational therapist.

Results

A reliable measure of fidelity of delivery for COTiD-UK was developed after several rounds of piloting and amendments. COTiD-UK was delivered with moderate fidelity across all six sessions (range: 52.4–75.5%). The mean range of fidelity varied across sites (26.7–91.2%) and occupational therapists (26.7–94.1%).

Conclusions

A reliable, systematic method for measuring fidelity of delivery of COTiD-UK was developed and applied, and can be adapted for use in similar interventions. As COTiD-UK was delivered with moderate fidelity, there is a reasonable degree of confidence that intervention effects were attributable to COTiD-UK.