bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative genomic analysis of Vibrios yields insights into genes associated with virulence towards C. gigas larvae
Authors: Kehlet-Delgado Hanna , Häse Claudia , Mueller Ryan S
Published: June 2020

Background: Vibriosis has been implicated in major losses of larvae at shellfish hatcheries. However, the species of Vibrio responsible for disease in aquaculture settings and their associated virulence genes are often variable or undefined. Knowledge of the specific nature of these factors is essential to developing a better understanding of the environmental and biological conditions that lead to larvae mortality events in hatcheries. We tested the virulence of 51 Vibrio strains towards Pacific Oyster (Crassostreae gigas) larvae and sequenced draft genomes of 42 hatchery-associated vibrios to determine groups of orthologous genes associated with virulence and to determine the phylogenetic relationships among pathogens and non-pathogens of C. gigas larvae.Results: V. coralliilyticus strains were the most prevalent pathogenic isolates. A phylogenetic logistic regression model identified over 500 protein-coding genes correlated with pathogenicity. Many of these genes had straightforward links to disease mechanisms, including predicted hemolysins, proteases, and multiple Type 3 Secretion System genes, while others appear to have possible indirect roles in pathogenesis and may be more important for general survival in the host environment. Multiple metabolism and nutrient acquisition genes were also identified to correlate with pathogenicity, highlighting specific features that may enable pathogen survival within C. gigas larvae. Conclusions: These findings have important implications on the range of pathogenic Vibrio spp. found in oyster-rearing environments and the genetic determinants of virulence in these populations.
Cumulative, high-stress calls impacting adverse events among law enforcement and the public
Authors: Jetelina Katelyn K , Beauchamp Alaina M , Gonzalez Jennifer Reingle , Molsberry Rebecca J , Bishopp Stephen A. , Lee Simon Craddock
Published: June 2020

Background: The unpredictable, and sometimes dangerous, nature of the occupation exposes officers to both acute and chronic stress over law enforcement officers’ tenure. The purpose of this study is two-fold: 1) Describe multi-level characteristics that define high-stress calls for service for LEO; and 2) Characterize factors that impact cumulative stress over the course of a LEO’s shift.Methods: Qualitative data were collected from 28 LEOs at three law enforcement agencies in the Dallas-Fort Worth areas from April 2019 to February 2020. Focus group data were iteratively coded by four coders using inductive and deductive thematic identification. Results: Five multi-level factors influenced officer stress: 1) officer characteristics (e.g. military experience; gender); 2) civilian behavior (e.g. resistance, displaying a weapon); 3) supervisor factors (micromanagement); 4) environmental factors (e.g. time of year); and, 5) situational factors (e.g. audience present; complexity of calls). Four themes that characterized cumulative stress: 1) cyclical risk; 2) accelerators; 3) decelerators; and 4) experience of an adverse event.Conclusions: LEOs become susceptible to adverse events (e.g. injury, excessive use of force) after repeated exposure to high-stress calls for service. Ongoing exposures to stress continue to occur throughout the shift. Our long-term goal is to interrupt this repetitive, cumulative process by restricting the number of consecutive high-risk, high-intensity calls an officer is permitted to respond to.Trial Registration: NA
Therapeutic effect of Zuojin Pill on chronic atrophic gastritis induced by Helicobacter pylori through JMJD2B/COX-2/VEGF
Authors: Wu Shihua , Bao Chunmei , Wang Ruilin , Zhang Xiaomei , Gao Sijia , Qin Weihan , Zhang Jianzhong , Zhang Juling , Li Ruisheng , Chen Xing , Wen Jianxia , Yang Tao , Wei Shizhang , Li Haotian , Wei Ying , Ren Sichen , Xia Houlin , Zhao Yanling
Published: June 2020

Background: Zuojin Pill (ZJP), a famous Chinese medicinal formula, is widely accepted for treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) in China. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of ZJP in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) - induced chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) in vivo and in vitro. Methods: CAG rat model was induced by H. pylori. ZJP (0.63, 1.26, and 2.52 g/kg, respectively) was administered orally for four weeks. Therapeutic effects of ZJP were identified by H&E staining and serum indices. In addition, cell viability, morphology and proliferation were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) and high-content screening assay (HCS), respectively. Moreover, relative mRNA expression and protein expression related to JMJD2B/COX-2/VEGF axis was detected to investigate the potential mechanisms of ZJP in CAG.Results: Results showed the symptoms (weight loss and gastric mucosa damage) of CAG were alleviated, and the contents of TNF-α in serum was markedly decreased after treating with ZJP. Moreover, cell viability, proliferation and morphology changes of GES-1 cells were ameliorated by ZJP intervention. In addition, proinflammatory genes and JMJD2B/COX-2/VEGF axis related genes were suppressed by ZJP administration in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot confirmed down-regulation of these genes by ZJP intervention. Conclusion: ZJP treatment can alleviate gastric mucosal damage induced by H. pylori via JMJD2B/COX-2/VEGF axis.
Predictive Value of the Surgical Apgar Score on Postoperative Complications in Advanced Gastric Cancer Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Radical Gastrectomy: A Single-center Retrospective Study
Authors: Hayashi Masato , Yoshikawa Takaki , Yura Masahiro , Otsuki Sho , Yamagata Yukinori , Morita Shinji , Katai Hitoshi , Nishida Toshirou
Published: June 2020

Background The surgical Apgar score (SAS) or modified SAS (mSAS) has been reported as a simple and easy risk assessment system for predicting postoperative complications in primary surgery for gastric cancer. However, few studies have described the SAS’s utility in gastric surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Methods One hundred and fifteen patients who received NAC and radical gastrectomy from 2008 and 2015 were included in this study. The SAS was determined by the estimated blood loss (EBL), lowest intraoperative mean arterial pressure, and lowest heart rate. The mSAS was determined by the EBL reassessed using the interquartile values. The predictive values of the SAS/mSAS for postoperative complications were assessed with univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. Results Among the 115 patients, 41 (35.7%) developed postoperative complications. According to analyses with receiver operating characteristic curves of the SAS and mSAS for predicting postoperative complications, the cut-off value of the mSAS was set at 8. The rates of anastomotic leakage, pancreatic fistula, and arrhythmia in patients with high mSAS (>8) values were higher than in those with low (0-3) and moderate (4-7) mSAS values. A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the operation time, body mass index, and diabetes mellitus were independent risk factors for postoperative complications. The mSAS was not a significant predictor. Conclusions The predictive value of SAS or mSAS for morbidity may be limited in patients who undergo gastric cancer surgery after NAC. Future prospective studies with a large sample size will be needed to confirm the present results.
Inhibiting MAPK14 showed anti-prolactinoma effect
Authors: Ding Qiaoyan , Zhang Yu , Ma Li , Chen Yong-gang , Wu Jin-hu , Zhang Hong-feng , Wang Xiong
Published: June 2020

Background The specific underlying pathogenesis of prolactinoma has not been clarified yet, to the best of our knowledge. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling including p38α MAPK (MAPK14), p38β (MAPK11), p38γ (MAPK12) and p38δ (MAPK13) is associated with the development and progression of several types of cancer.Methods Immunofluorescence analysis was performed on the prolactin (PRL) and MAPK14 expressions of pituitary gland in C57BL/6 mice and human prolactinoma specimen. In the present study, the role of MAPK14 in prolactinoma was determined using estradiol-induced mice and dopamine D2 receptor knockout (DRD2-/-) mice models in C57BL/6 wild-type (WT), MAPK14-/- and DRD2-/-MAPK14+/- mice. GH3 cells were transfected with different sets of MAPK14 small interfering RNA, which to study MAPK14 and PRL expression in GH3 cells.Results Immunofluorescence analysis showed that PRL and MAPK14 expression were colocalized and increased in the pituitary gland of mice and human prolactinoma specimen compared with the control specimen. It was shown that PRL and MAPK14 expression was colocalized and increased significantly in the pituitary gland of estradiol-injected prolactinoma mice compared with the control mice. Knockout of MAPK14 significantly inhibited tumor overgrowth, and PRL expression was decreased in estradiol-induced mice. Furthermore, MAPK14 knockout of DRD2-/-MAPK14+/- mice significantly reduced the overgrowth of pituitary gland and PRL production and secretion compared with DRD2-/- mice. MAPK14 knockout using siRNA inhibited PRL production in GH3 cells.Conclusion These results suggest that MAPK14 serves a promoting role in the formation of prolactinoma, and highlights the potential of MAPK14 as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of prolactinoma.
Differential diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 from community acquired - pneumonia by CT scan and follow-up
Authors: Liu Kai-Cai , Xu Ping , Lv Wei-Fu , Chen Lei , Qiu Xiao-hui , Yao Jin-Long , Gu Jin-Feng , Hu Bo , Wei Wei
Published: June 2020

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently the most serious infectious disease in the world . Accurate diagnosis of this disease in the clinic is very important. This study aims to improve the differential ability of of computed tomography (CT) for COVID-19 and other community-acquired pneumonias (CAPs) and to evaluate the short-term prognosis of these patients. Methods: The clinical and imaging data of 165 COVID-19 and 118 CAP patients diagnosed in seven hospitals in Anhui Province, China from January 21,2020 to February 28, 2020 were retrospectively analy s ed. The CT manifestations of the two groups were recorded and compared. Factors that w ere helpful in diagnosing the two groups of patients were identified based on specificity and sensitivity, 。 Results ： The sensitivity and specificity o f the combination of age, white blood cell count, and ground-glass opacity in the diagnosis of COVID-19 were 92.7% and 66.1%, respectively. Pulmonary consolidation, fibrous cords , and bronchial wall thickening were used as indicators to exclude COVID-19.The sensitivity and specificity of the combination of these findings were 78.0% and 63.6%, respectively. The follow-up results showed that 67.8% (112/165) of COVID- 19 patients had abnormal changes in their lung parameters , and the pulmonary sequelae of patients over 60 years of age became more severe with age. Conclusions ： The combination of CT combined with clinical conditions, lung lesion density , morphological characteristics and other associated signs, has a high accuracy for the early diagnosis of COVID-19 and the differential diagnosis from CAP. Patients aged over 60 years with COVID-19 have a poor prognosis. This result has certain guiding significance for the diagnosis and treatment of new coronavirus pneumonia.
Adsorption of Lead(II), Manganese(II), and Copper(II) onto biochar in landfill leachate: implication of non-linear regression analysis
Authors: Zand Ali Daryabeigi , Abyaneh Maryam Rabiee
Published: June 2020

The feasibility of using wood-derived biochar (BC) to remove Pb, Mn, and Cu from landfill leachate was investigated and modeled in this study. The effect of contact time, biochar dosage and particle size on adsorption of the heavy metals onto BC was examined. BC was used in two form i.e. pulverized (PWB) and crushed (CWB) to evaluate the effect of BC particle size on adsorption characteristics. Biochar was produced under the pyrolytic temperature of 740 °C. The kinetics of Pb, Mn, and Cu adsorption onto PWB and CWB were assessed using the pseudo second-order and Elovich models, where both applied models could well describe the adsorption kinetics. Removal rates of the heavy metals were raised by 1.2, 1.4, and 1.6 times, respectively, for Pb, Mn, and Cu, when PWB content of the leachate increased from 0.5 to 5 g L -1 . Equilibrium adsorption capacity of the heavy metals onto BC in leachate system was evaluated using the Langmuir, non-linearized Freundlich, linearized Freundlich, and Temkin isotherms and found to have the following order for PWB: Non-linearized Freundlich>Temkin>Langmuir>Linearized Freundlich. The Langmuir and linearized Freundlich models could not adequately represent adsorption of the heavy metals onto biochar, especially for CWB. The highest removal of 87.96% was obtained for Pb, while the greatest adsorption intensity was found to be 1.58 mg g -1 for Mn. Using the non-linearized Freundlich isotherm significantly reduced adsorption prediction error. The adsorption affinity of PWB for Pb, Mn, and Cu was greater than CWB in all treatments. Wood-derived biochar is suggested to be used for the removal of heavy metals from landfill leachate as an economical adsorbent.
Isolation, Serotyping and Molecular Detection of Bovine FMD Virus from Outbreak Cases in Aba'ala District of Afar Region
Authors: Tegegne Teshager Dubie , Mengiste Tsedale Amare
Published: June 2020

Background: Among the top listed economically important transboundary livestock diseases of cattle, foot and mouth disease (FMD) is the leading bottleneck in livestock production and productivity in Ethiopia. On the basis of FMDV active outbreak cases, a cross sectional study was undertaken to collect samples from January, 2019 to March, 2020 intended for isolation, serotyping and molecular detection of FMDV in the study district. Purposive sampling method was applied to select the study area for the reason that the presence of current active FMD outbreak case report during the study period. Totally, 27 FMD suspected clinical samples were collected from clinically affected study population during field outbreak. Out of 27 samples, 18 of them were inoculated on cultured Baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) monolayer cells and all 27 samples were tested using conventional RT-PCR and sets of specific universal primers. Finally, the PCR products were visualized with UV illumination and imaged with gel documentation system. Results: The current study result revealed that out of 18 clinical samples subjected to virus isolation, 72.2%(n=13) of these cultures exhibited FMDV induced cytopathic effect (CPE) and the identified serotype was SAT-2 FMD virus. Out of 27 clinical samples tested by conventional RT-PCR, only 12 FMDV samples were found to be FMDV positive by universal primers. Out of 27 clinical samples detected by conventional reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), only 12 FMDV samples were found to be FMDV positive by universal primers.Conclusions: Our study finding indicated FMDV is prevalent in the study area and FMDV serotype SAT-2 was the causality for the outbreaks of the disease in the study area. Hence, region wise regular FMD outbreaks investigation, further phylogenetic analysis and vaccine matching field isolates should be carried out to know in depth data about FMDV serotypes and topotypes involving in afar region of Ethiopia for effective vaccine development and control of the disease.
Partograph utilization as a decision making tool and associated factors among obstetric care providers in Ethiopia: A systematic review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Ayenew Asteray , Zewdu Biruk Ferede
Published: June 2020

Background: Globally, a total of 13.6 million women have died due to maternal causes from 1990 to 2015. Majority of these deaths occurred in resource-limited countries. Among the causes of these deaths obstructed and prolonged labour covers the highest percentage which could be prevented by cost-effective and affordable health interventions like partograph utilization. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the level of partograph utilization among obstetric care providers and its associated factors in Ethiopia. Method: For this study systematic review and meta-analysis guideline was followed. Different online databases were used for the review: PubMed, Google scholar, Cochrane Library, HINARI, and African Online Journals. Based on the adapted PICO principles different searching terms were applied to achieve and access all the essential articles. Microsoft Excel was used for data entrance and Stata 11 soft ware for data analysis.Result: Nineteen studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis with a total of 6237 obstetric care providers. The overall pooled prevalence of partograph utilization was 59.9% (95%CI:46.8,73). Being midwifery profession (AOR=4,95% CI:2.6,6), female health care providers (AOR=3.2,95%CI:2.2,4.7), Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care training (AOR =2.9,95%CI:2.2,3.8), Knowledge of partograph (AO =2.5,95%CI:1.6,3.9), short term training on partograph(AOR=5.7,95%CI:2.5,12.9), favorable attitude (AOR=2.3,95%CI:1.5,3), and working at health center(AOR=3.5,95%CI:2.5,4.9).Conclusion: The overall pooled prevalence of partograph utilization among obstetric care providers was lower than the World Health Organization recommendation. Midwifery profession, female obstetric care provider, Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care training, knowledge of partograph, short term training on partograph, favorable attitude towards partograph, and working at the health center were factors associated with partograph utilization. This finding is important to design strategic policies, to prevent obstetric complications, and maternal mortality resulted from preventable maternal deaths.
Regulator of cullins-1 (ROC1) negatively regulates the Gli2 regulator SUFU to activate the hedgehog pathway in bladder cancer
Authors: Wang Wei , Qiu Jianxin , Qu Pin , Chen Hui , Lan Jianyun , Chen Haitao , Li Lei , Gu Min
Published: June 2020

Background

The regulator of cullins-1 (ROC1) is an essential subunit in the Cullin-RING ligase (CRL) protein complex and was shown to be critical in bladder cancer cell survival and malignant progression. This study aimed to explore the regulatory mechanism of ROC1 in bladder cancer malignant progression.

Methods

This study explored the underlying mechanisms using both in vitro and in vivo experiments. The expression of the components of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway was determined by western blotting analysis. ROC1 expression in human tumours was evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

The data showed that ROC1 overexpression promoted growth of bladder cancer cells, whereas knockdown of ROC1 expression had an opposite effect in bladder cancer cells. Mechanistically, ROC1 was able to target SUFU for ubiquitin-dependent degradation, allowing the Gli2 release from the SUFU complex to activate SHH pathway. Furthermore, knockdown of SUFU expression partially rescue the ROC1 knockdown-suppressed SHH activity as well as cancer cell growth inhibition. At ex vivo, tissue microarray analysis of human bladder cancer specimens revealed an positive association of ROC1 expression with the SHH pathway activity.

Conclusion

The current study demonstrated the dysregulation of ROC1-SUFU-GLI2 axis played an important role in bladder cancer progression and targeting of ROC1 expression is warranted further investigation as a novel strategy for future control of bladder cancer.
Cost-Effectiveness of Paclitaxel, Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide and Trastuzumab Versus Docetaxel, Cisplatin and Trastuzumab in New Adjuvant Therapy of Breast Cancer in China.
Authors: XU Qiaoping , Yuanyuan LI , Jiejing ZHU , Jian Liu , Qingyu LI , Lingya Chen , Ying LUO , Changchen SHI , Yangling LI , Wei YAN
Published: June 2020

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in China. Amplification of the Human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) gene is present and overexpressed in 18–20% of breast cancers and historically has been associated with inferior disease-related outcomes. There has been increasing interest in de-escalation of therapy for low-risk disease. This study analyzes the cost-effectiveness of Doxorubicin/ Cyclophosphamide/ Paclitaxel/ Trastuzumab (AC-TH) and Docetaxel/Carboplatin/Trastuzumab(TCH) from payer perspective over a 5 year time horizon.Methods: A half-cycle corrected Markov model was built to simulate the process of breast cancer events and death occurred in both AC-TH and TCH armed patients. Cost data came from studies based on a Chinese hospital. One-way sensitivity analyses as well as second-order Monte Carlo and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.The transition probabilities and utilities were extracted from published literature, and deterministic sensitivity analyses were conducted.Results: We identified 41 breast cancer patients at Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, among whom 15(60%) had a partial response for AC-TH treatment and 13 (81.25%) had a partial response for TCH treatment.No cardiac toxicity was observed. Hematologic grade 3 or 4 toxicities were observed in 1 of 28 patients.Nonhematologic grade 3 or 4 toxicities with a reverse pattern were observed in 6 of 29 patients. The mean QALY gain per patient compared with TCH was 0.25 with AC-TH, while the incremental costs were $US13,142.The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of AC-TH versus TCH was $US 52,565 per QALY gained.Conclusions: This study concluded that TCH neoadjuvant chemotherapy was feasible and active in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer patients in terms of the pathological complete response, complete response, and partial response rates and manageable toxicities.
Identification of important genes and pathways leading to poor prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer using Integrated Bioinformatics
Authors: Cui Shengjin , Huang Feixia , Yu Fan , Jian Shihui , Zhang Lijun , Liu Xintong , Chen Siping , Zhou Yiwen , Xiao Lijia
Published: June 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Integrative Analysis of four miRNA prognostic signatures of prostate cancer
Authors: Chi Chen , Chen Xianwu , Yao Liping , Li Min , Xiang Lanting , Dong Xidan , Guo Xiaoling , Zhang Quanbo
Published: June 2020

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common urological cancer among men, having a poor prognosis, which is hard to accurately evaluate based on the present methods. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of internal non-coding small RNA, can involve in the regulation of tumor biological function. So far, many researchers have tried to explore the relationship of malignant progress of PCa with miRNA, while there are just limited studies conducting the comprehensive analysis of miRNA in PCa clinical significance.
Methods

The data of miRNA and mRNA expressions in PCa were downloaded from TCGA database, and were performed the overall survival (OS) analysis using Survival package of R software to harvest the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The bioinformatics tools such as TargetScan, miRDB, and miRanda were also conducted to forecast the desired target genes related with prognostic DEMs. In addition, both GO and KEGG analyses were used to uncover the fundamental signaling pathways and cellular processes in PCa as well as the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed through STRING and Cytoscape software.
Results

Firstly, 4 DEMs (miR-19a-3p, miR-144-3p, miR-223-5p, and miR-483-3p) were found having significantly associated with overall survival in PCa. Based on the criteria with FDR < 0.05 and |log2FC| > 1, 33 genes were screened out as DEGs. Besides, the functional enrichment analysis revealed that these DEGs of 4 miRNAs may participate in cancer-related pathways like FoxO and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Lastly, the low expression of CD177 may be potentially associated with poor survival of patients in PCa.
Conclusion

This study systematically analyzed multiple PCa prognostic DEMs (miR-19a-3p, miR-144-3p, miR-223-5p, and miR-483-3p), and verified a novel DEG signature (CD177) that can be used to effectively assess the prognosis of PCa patients.
Triglycerides to total cholesterol ratio: an early screening tool for NAFLD in Chinese populations
Authors: Chen Jingyuan , Yang Yiping , Yang Qize , Wang Jiangang , Chen Zhiheng , Yuan Hong , Lu Yao
Published: June 2020

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) has a high prevalence in the general population worldwide. Both triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) are correlated with the prevalence of NAFLD. The study purpose is to determine whether TG/TC is an effective method to screen NAFLD in the general Chinese population.
Methods

93,449 subjects with average age of 43.7 ± 14.3 years were included in this cross-sectional study. Multiple logistic regressions and receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analyses were performed.
Results

Among these subjects, 16,138 (42.7%) men and 9,591 (17.2%) women were diagnosed with NAFLD. Subjects in the higher quartiles of TG/TC had a higher prevalence of NAFLD. After adjusting multiple confounding factors, the odds ratio (OR) for NAFLD in the highest compared with the lowest quartile was 4.08 (95%CI 3.64, 4.57) in men and 4.65 (95%CI 4.14, 5.21) in women. Moreover, ROC analyses suggested TG/TC showed high diagnostic ability for detecting NAFLD, and the areas under the curves (AUC) in men and women were 0.920 (95%CI 0.917, 0.923) and 0.863 (95%CI 0.859, 0.867), respectively. Furthermore, the diagnostic ability was significantly higher in younger age groups. The AUC in 18–34 and 35–44 years group were 0.943 (95%CI 0.939, 0.946) and 0.921 (95%CI 0.917, 0.925), respectively. Besides, the women and the young people had a greater negative predictive values (90.84% for women, 93.13% for aged 18–34).
Conclusion

TG/TC shows a high diagnostic accuracy for identifying NAFLD in young women, providing an important clue to establish a new tool to screen NAFLD particularly in Chinese young females.
Declined GDCA is Correlated With Adverse Clinical Outcome For Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zhu Bo , Ma Zhixin , Zhu Yuning , Fang Lei , Zhang Hong , Kong Hongwei , Dajing Xia
Published: June 2020

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is characterized by glycemia and insulin disorders. Bile acids (Bas) have emerged as vital signaling molecules in glucose metabolic regulation. Bas change in GDM are still unclear, it exerts great significance to illustrate the change of Bas in GDM.MethodsWe organized GDM patient (n = 67) and normal pregnant women (n = 48) around the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) screening period, fasting serums were collected for the measurement of Bas. Clinical data were collected and Bas metabolism profiles were analyzed in GDM and normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Delivery characteristics, delivery gestational age and infant birthweight were abstracted from medical record.ResultsGDM patients exert the distinctive features compared with NGT, including higher BMI, glucose, insulin (both fasting and OGTT) and HbA1c levels. GDM also gained higher insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and decreased β-cell compensation (DIo). Total bile acids (TBA) remained stable, but glycodeoxycholic acid (GDCA) and taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) declined significantly in GDM. GDCA was inversely correlated with HOMA-IR and positively correlated with DIo. There exists no obvious difference in clinical outcome between GDM and NGT. However, GDM patients with high HOMA-IR and low DIo are inclined to suffering higher cesarean delivery rate and earlier delivery gestational age.ConclusionsGDCA could be a valuable biomarker to evaluate insulin resistance and DIo, decreased GDCA predicts worse clinical outcome of GDM.
Predictive effect of the difference of brachial artery peak velocity during the valsalva maneuver in different positions on supine hypotension syndrome of parturient after spinal anesthesia
Authors: Qu Min , Liu Tianlin , Li Jing , Yu Lili
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND:The effectiveness of predicting the incidence of supine hypotension syndrome (SHS) after spinal anesthesia was measured by ultrasonic measurement of the variation of brachial artery peak velocity in different positions of parturient. METHODS: Parturient scheduled for elective cesarean section. ASAI or Ⅱ, were divided into SHS group and no SHS group (SBP in the upper extremity decreased by>30 mmHg or decreased to<80 mmHg) after spinal anesthesia. To record HR, SBP, DBP, MAP of supine position and left lateral position before anesthesia, and to measure brachial artery peak velocity during the Valsalva maneuver by Ultrasonic. Calculate the differences of the above indexs before and after the transformation position. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the predictive effect of each index on SHS after spinal anesthesia. RESULTS:Among the 84 patients, 41 cases (48.81%) developed SHS after spinal anesthesia. brachial artery peak velocity maximum (Vpmax), brachial artery peak velocity minimum (Vpmin) and brachial artery peak velocity variation (ΔVp) were different before and after the transformation position. The difference in SHS group is significantly greater than non SHS group (P<0.05). The areas under ROC curve (AUC) of ΔVpmin, ΔΔVp, ΔVpmax, were 0.859, 0.794，0.614, 95%CI were 0.776～0.941, 0.689～0.899, 0491～0.736, and the cut-off values were 10.55cm/s, 5.98%, 8.40cm/s. CONCLUSION:The difference of brachial artery peak velocity measured by ultrasonic in different positions of parturient during the Valsalva maneuver can effectively predict the occurrence of SHS, in which ΔVpmin≥10.55cm/s has better predictive effect.Trial registration: China Clinical Trial Register ChiCTR1900022704, prospective registered on 23. April 2019.
Systematical assessment of cancer stemness traits via one-class logistic regression (OCLR) algorithm and associations with tumor immune infiltrates in prostate cancer based on seven cohorts
Authors: Chen Hongxi , Xie Jinliang , Jin Peng
Published: June 2020

Background: Prostate cancer stemness (PCS) cells have been reported to drive tumor progression, recurrence and drug resistance. However, there is lacking systematical assessment of stemness traits and associations with immunological properties in prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD). Methods We collected 7 PRAD cohorts with 1465 men and calculated the stemness indices for each sample using the innovative one-class logistic regression (OCLR) machine learning algorithm. We selected the mRNAsi to quantify the stemness traits that correlated significantly with prognosis and accordingly identified 21 PCS-related CpG loci and 13 pivotal signature. Meanwhile, we conducted consensus clustering and classified the total cohorts into 5 PCS clusters with distinct outcomes based on the 13-gene panel. Additionally, we implemented the CIBERSORT algorithm to infer the differential abundance across 5 PCS clusters. Lastly, we used the Connectivity Map (CMap) resource to screen potential compounds for targeting PRAD stemness. Results: The 13-gene based PCS model possessed high predictive significance for progression-free survival (PFS) that was trained and validated in 7 independent cohorts. We found that PCScluster5 possessed the highest stemness fractions and suffered from the worst prognosis. Immune infiltration analysis shows that the activated immune cells (CD8+ T cell and dendritic cells) infiltrated significantly less in PCScluster5 than other clusters, especially PCScluster1, supporting the negative regulations between stemness and anticancer immunity. High mRNAsi was also found to be associated with up-regulation of immunosuppressive checkpoints, like PDL1. Finally, several potential compounds, including the top hits of cell cycle inhibitor and FOXM1 inhibitor, were identified for targeting PRAD stemness. Conclusion: Our study comprehensively evaluated the PRAD stemness traits based on large cohorts and established a 13-gene based classifier for predicting prognosis or potential strategies for stemness treatment.
The Rna-binding Protein GRSF1 Promote shepatocarcinogenesis via competitively Binding Toyy1 mRNA with mIR-30e-5p
Authors: Han Lili , Wang Xiaofei , Wu Fei , Huang Chen , Zhang Shuqun , Wang Lumin
Published: June 2020

Background:Numerous studies have highlighted that dysregulation of RNA binding protein (RBP) expression is causally linked with human cancer tumorigenesis. The detailed biological effect and underlying mechanisms of RBP GRSF1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear.Methods:GRSF1 expression in HCC tissues and cells was measured by western blotting and qRT-PCR assays. HCC cells with stable knockdown of GRSF1 were established using two sh-RNA encoding lentiviruses. Then the functions of GRSF1 in HCC were explored using MTT, colony formation, flow cytometry, Transwell assays and xenograft model. Transcriptometric sequencing in GRSF1-deficient MHCC-97H cells were carried out to identify the downstream effector of GSRF1. The regulatory mechanisms among GRSF1, YY1 and miR-30e-5p were investigated by RNA immunoprecipitation, luciferase assay, RNA pull down and ChIP assay.Results:GRSF1was frequently increased in HCC tissue and cells with a worse clinical outcomes in HCC. GRSF1 worked as a novel oncogenic RBP in vitro and in vivo via post-regulating the stability of YY1 mRNA. And the GUUU motifs on YY1 3`UTR 2663-2847 was the specific binding motifs for GRSF1. More interesting, YY1 feedback promoted GRSF1 expression by binding to GRSF1 promoters. In addition, YY1 was a critical target of miR-30e-5p, which was confirmed by our data that inhibited HCC hepatocarcinogenesis. Further investigation showed GRSF1 and miR-30e-5p competitively regulated YY1 via binding to its YY1 3`UTR 2663-2847 region. At last, we identified that 3-amino-6-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)-N-phenylpyrazine-2-carboxamide (VE821) blocked HCC progression by inhibiting the GRSF1/YY1 pathway.Conclusions:GRSF1 promoted hepatocarcinogenesis via competitively binding to YY1 3`UTR 2663-2847 with miR-30e-5p.The interaction network among GRSF1, YY1 and miR-30e-5p provided a new insight for the HCC pathogenesis, and VE821 may serve as a novel agent with potential for HCC treatment via inhibiting GRSF1/YY1 axis.
Efficacy and Outcomes of a Novel Telephone-based Gout Disease Management Program
Authors: Harash Abdalhamid Al , Sharma Tarun , Laginya Gina , Wasko Mary Chester M , Ayoub William T
Published: June 2020

Objective: Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis in the United States. Despite published guidelines, management remains suboptimal, leading to unnecessary morbidity and increased cost of care. We have designed the gout disease management program (GDMP) to improve outcomes, increase patient satisfaction and decrease healthcare utilization.Methods: Gout patients were seen at their usual rheumatology clinical visit and offered participation in the GDMP. Data were collected between April 2017 and May 2019. Serum uric acid (SUA) levels were measured at initial outpatient encounter, at entrance to GDMP and every 4 weeks until SUA was at goal of ≤6 mg/dl. During telephone encounters, gout-related recent hospitalizations and ER or urgent care visits since last encounter were ascertained. Self-reported gout medication usage and adherence were also determined. Patient satisfaction with GDMP was surveyed using a 5-point Likert scale.Results: A total of 158 patients were enrolled, of which 112 had ≥ 1 telephone encounter and were included in our analyses. During the telephone phase, 79 patients (70%) achieved SUA goal of ≤6.0 mg/dl, while90 patients (80%) achieved an acceptable SUA of ≤6.5 mg/dl. Only 3 patients (2.6%) required hospitalization or visits to an ER or urgent care center due to gout flare, and 98% rated their encounter as a 5 on the 5-point Likert scale.Conclusion: Our telephone-based management program for gout led to improved clinical outcomes as defined by the ACR guidelines, decreased healthcare visits, and had high patient satisfaction.
Application of Intelligent Orienteering Based on Internet of Things
Authors: Zhang Donghui , Liu Ruijie
Published: June 2020

Orienteering has gradually changed from a professional sport to a civilian sport. Especially in recent years, orienteering has been widely popularized. Many colleges and universities in China have also set up this course. With the improvement of people's living conditions, orienteering has really become a leisure sport in modern people's life. The reduced difficulty of sports enables more people to participate, but it also exposes a series of problems. As the existing positioning technology is relatively backward, the progress in personnel tracking, emergency services and other aspects is slow. To solve these problems, a new intelligent Orienteering application system is developed based on the Internet of things. ZigBee network architecture is adopted in the system. ZigBee is the mainstream scheme in the current wireless sensor network technology, which has many advantages such as convenient carrying, low power consumption, and signal stability. Due to the complex communication environment in mobile signal, the collected information is processed by signal amplification and signal anti-interference technology. By adding anti-interference devices, video isolators and other devices, the signal is guaranteed to the maximum extent. In order to verify the actual effect of this system, through a number of experimental studies including the relationship between error and traffic radius and the relationship between coverage and the number of anchor nodes, the data shows that the scheme studied in this paper has a greater improvement in comprehensive performance than the traditional scheme, significantly improving the accuracy and coverage. Especially the coverage is close to 100% in the simulation experiment. This research has achieved good results and can be widely used in Orienteering Training and competition.
Characterisation of Defluorination Reaction and Solid Electrolyte Interphase in Fluoride-Shuttle Battery Anode MgF2
Authors: Kobayashi Shunsuke , Nakamoto Hirofumi , Yokoe Daisaku , Kuwabara Akihide , Abe Takeshi , Ikuhara Yuichi
Published: June 2020

Fluoride-shuttle batteries using fluoride ion transfer have been extensively investigated for producing post-lithium-ion batteries. One of the key issues hampering the development is the low capacity utilisation rate in anodes, causing a significant reduction in battery performance. To improve the utilisation rate, it is necessary to clarify the unexplained parts regarding the (de)fluorination behaviour to optimise the electrode design. Here, we demonstrated the characterisation of Mg metal formations and the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) in defluorinated MgF2 anode. Mg was mainly formed in the region with electron and F ion conductivities, implying that these conductivity paths must be efficiently increased to further improve the utilisation rate. Nanosized Mg metals were formed even in the region with poor electron conductivity, implying that an efficient (de)fluorination process could be achieved by designing the electrode configuration or/and elemental composition. The influence of SEI in battery performance have currently been neglected because the problems of low utilisation rate are more serious. However, as research progresses, the control of the SEI composition and its properties should be an important investigation to further improve fluoride-shuttle battery performances.
Stable Helicene Radicals: Synthesis, Structure, Physical Properties, and Photocatalysis
Authors: Shaikh Aslam , Hossain Md Mubarak , Moutet Jules , Veleta Jose , Bloch Jan , Astashkin Andrei , Gianetti Thomas
Published: June 2020

Stable organic radicals have gained considerable attention in the fields of catalysis and material sciences. In particular, helical molecules are of great interest in the development and application of novel organic radicals in optoelectronic and spintronic materials. Here we report the syntheses of highly stable neutral quinolinoacridine radicals by chemical reduction of their quinolinoacridinium cation analogs. The crystal structures of these [4]helicene radicals were determined by X-ray diffraction. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements, supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, indicate that the unpaired electron is mostly localized, showing more than 40% of spin density located at the central carbon of the [4]helicene radicals. Quantitative conversion from neutral radical to cation is observed upon exposure to air, monitored via UV-vis spectroscopy. The successful photoreductive dehalogenation of aryl halides occurs in the presence of 10 mol% of [4]helicene radical under blue light.
Differences in the Microbial Composition of Hemodialysis Patients Treated With and Without β-Blockers
Authors: Lin Yi-Ting , Lin Ting-Yun , Hung Szu-Chun , Liu Po-Yu , Hung Wei-Chun , Tsai Wei-Chung , Tsai Yi-Chun , Delicano Rachel Ann , Chuang Yun-Shiuan , Wu Ping-Hsun , Kuo Mei-Chuan , Chiu Yi-Wen
Published: June 2020

Background:

β-blockers are commonly prescribed medications to treat cardiovascular disease and prevent sudden cardiac death during hemodialysis. Beyond the medication effects on the host, no study has investigated the impact of β-blocker on the gut microbiota in hemodialysis patients.
Results:

The β-blocker users had a higher proportion of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, and concurrent medications than non-users. After propensity score (PS) matching, there were no differences in comorbidities and concomitant medications. The α-diversity (Simpson index) increased in β-blocker users with a distinct β-diversity (Bray-Curtis Index) compared to non-users in the full cohort and PS-matched cohort. In the linear discriminative analysis effect size analysis and zero-inflated Gaussian fit model, there was a significant enrichment in the genus Flavonifractor in β-blocker users compared to non-users in the full cohort and PS-matched cohort; this was confirmed by random forest analysis.
Conclusions:

Hemodialysis patients using β-blocker used had a different gut microbiota composition compared to non-users, in particular, the Flavonifractor genus was significantly increased with β-blocker treatment. These findings highlight the significant impact of β-blockers on the gut microbiome in hemodialysis patients. Further research is warranted regarding the mechanisms and their clinical consequences.
Triple Therapy With Budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol Fumarate Used in Asthmatic Coexisting With Covid-19
Authors: Liang Yingjian , Chen Meizhu , Tan Cuiyan , Tu Changli , Huang Jin , Zheng Xiaobin , Liu Jing
Published: June 2020

Background: Awareness of the association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and airway diseases can effectively help in the treatment during the coronavirus pandemic. Case presentation: Herein, we present a COVID-19 case who confirmed to coexist with asthma. BGF was used as sequential medicine to systemic glucocorticoidsfor his persisted symptoms related to bronchospasms.Conclusion: Our case suggests patients with long-term airway diseases like asthma probably attribute to COVID-19 instead of primary diseases, which make it more difficult in the treatment.BGF is able to be an effective and convenient choiceas sequential medicine to systemic glucocorticoidsin some refractoryasthmatic patients complicated with COVID-19.
Regional inequality in the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) coverage in India: A Geo-spatial Analysis
Authors: Mishra Prem Shankar , Kumar Pradeep , SRIVAST SHOBHIT
Published: June 2020

IntroductionAlthough India has made significant progress in Iinstitutional delivery after the implementation of National Rural Health Mission under which the Janani SurakshaYojna (JSY) is a sub-programme which played a vital role in the increase of institutional delivery in public facilties. However, a huge gap still, persists in terms of coverage and utilization of the JSY scheme, not only across socio-economic groups but also at district level in India. Therefore, this paper aims to provide an understanding of the JSY coverage at the district level in India. further, it tries to carve out the factors responsible for regional disparity of JSY coverage at district levels. MehtodsThe study used the fourth round of National Family Health Survey data and restricts sample size (n=148,145) to the women aged 15-49 years who gave recent birth in the institution during five years preceding the survey. Bivariate and multivariate regression analysis wasused to fulfill the study objectives. Additionally, Moran’s I statistics and bivariate Local Indicator for Spatial Association (LISA) maps were used to understand spatial dependence and clustering of JSY coverage. Ordianry least square, spatial lag and spatial error models were used to examine the correlates of JSY utilization.ResultsThe value of spatial-autocorrelation for JSY was 0.71 which depicts high dependence of the JSY coverage over districts of India. The overall coverage of JSY in India is 36.4% and it highly varied across different regions, districts, and even socioeconomic groups. The spatial error model depicts that if in a district the women with no schooling status increase by 10% than the benefits of JSY get increased by 2.3%. Similarly, if in a district the women from poor wealth quintile increases by 10% the benefits of JSY also increased by 4.6%. However coverage of JSY made greater imperative to understand it due to its clustering among distrcits of specific states only.ConclusionIt is well reflected in the EAGs states in terms of spatial-inequality in service coverage. There is aneed to universalize the JSY programme at a very individual level. And, it is required to revisit the policy strategy and the implementation plans at regional or district levels.