•COVID -19 cases are now confirmed in multiple countries.•Assessed the prevalence of comorbidities in infected patients.•Comorbidities are risk factors for severe compared with non-severe ...patients.•Help the health sector guide vulnerable populations and assess the risk of deterioration.
An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurred in Wuhan, China; the epidemic is more widespread than initially estimated, with cases now confirmed in multiple countries.
The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the prevalence of comorbidities in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected patients and the risk of underlying diseases in severe patients compared to non-severe patients.
A literature search was conducted using the databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science through February 25, 2020. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using random-effects models.
Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis, including 1 576 infected patients. The results showed the most prevalent clinical symptom was fever (91.3%, 95% CI: 86–97%), followed by cough (67.7%, 95% CI: 59–76%), fatigue (51.0%, 95% CI: 34–68%) and dyspnea (30.4%, 95% CI: 21–40%). The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (21.1%, 95% CI: 13.0–27.2%) and diabetes (9.7%, 95% CI: 7.2–12.2%), followed by cardiovascular disease (8.4%, 95% CI: 3.8–13.8%) and respiratory system disease (1.5%, 95% CI: 0.9–2.1%). When compared between severe and non-severe patients, the pooled OR of hypertension, respiratory system disease, and cardiovascular disease were 2.36 (95% CI: 1.46–3.83), 2.46 (95% CI: 1.76–3.44) and 3.42 (95% CI: 1.88–6.22) respectively.
We assessed the prevalence of comorbidities in the COVID-19 patients and found that underlying disease, including hypertension, respiratory system disease and cardiovascular disease, may be risk factors for severe patients compared with non-severe patients.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) is a non-invasive method for diagnosing hepatic steatosis. Despite good diagnostic performance, clinical application of CAP is limited due to the influences of ...covariates. Here, a systematic review on the performance of CAP in the diagnosis and staging of hepatic steatosis in NAFLD patients was performed.
The sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and area under receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curves of the pooled data for CAP in diagnosing and staging the mild (Stage 1), moderate (Stage 2) and severe (Stage 3) steatosis in NAFLD patients were assessed. The clinical utility of CAP was evaluated by Fagan plot. Heterogeneity was explored using subgroup analysis.
Nine studies involving 1297 patients with liver biopsy-proven NAFLD were analyzed. The pooled sensitivity of CAP in detecting mild hepatic steatosis was 87% with a specificity of 91% and a DOR of 84.35. The pooled sensitivity of CAP in detecting moderate hepatic steatosis was 85% with a specificity of 74% and a DOR of 21.28. For severe steatosis, the pooled sensitivity was 76% with a specificity of 58% and a DOR of 4.70. The mean AUROC value for CAP in the diagnosis of mild, moderate, and severe steatosis was 0.96, 0.82 and 0.70, respectively. A subgroup analysis indicated that variation in the geographic regions, cutoffs, age and body mass index (BMI) could be the potential sources of heterogeneity in the diagnosis of moderate to severe steatosis.
CAP should be cautiously considered as a non-invasive substitute for liver biopsy in clinical practice.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Thermal stability of charged LiNixMnyCozO2 (NMC, with x + y + z = 1, x:y:z = 4:3:3 (NMC433), 5:3:2 (NMC532), 6:2:2 (NMC622), and 8:1:1 (NMC811)) cathode materials is systematically studied using ...combined in situ time-resolved X-ray diffraction and mass spectroscopy (TR-XRD/MS) techniques upon heating up to 600 °C. The TR-XRD/MS results indicate that the content of Ni, Co, and Mn significantly affects both the structural changes and the oxygen release features during heating: the more Ni and less Co and Mn, the lower the onset temperature of the phase transition (i.e., thermal decomposition) and the larger amount of oxygen release. Interestingly, the NMC532 seems to be the optimized composition to maintain a reasonably good thermal stability, comparable to the low-nickel-content materials (e.g., NMC333 and NMC433), while having a high capacity close to the high-nickel-content materials (e.g., NMC811 and NMC622). The origin of the thermal decomposition of NMC cathode materials was elucidated by the changes in the oxidation states of each transition metal (TM) cations (i.e., Ni, Co, and Mn) and their site preferences during thermal decomposition. It is revealed that Mn ions mainly occupy the 3a octahedral sites of a layered structure (R3̅m) but Co ions prefer to migrate to the 8a tetrahedral sites of a spinel structure (Fd3̅m) during the thermal decomposition. Such element-dependent cation migration plays a very important role in the thermal stability of NMC cathode materials. The reasonably good thermal stability and high capacity characteristics of the NMC532 composition is originated from the well-balanced ratio of nickel content to manganese and cobalt contents. This systematic study provides insight into the rational design of NMC-based cathode materials with a desired balance between thermal stability and high energy density.
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IJS, KILJ, NUK, PNG, UL, UM
The high‐energy‐density, Li‐rich layered materials, i.e., xLiMO2(1‐x)Li2MnO3, are promising candidate cathode materials for electric energy storage in plug‐in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and ...electric vehicles (EVs). The relatively low rate capability is one of the major problems that need to be resolved for these materials. To gain insight into the key factors that limit the rate capability, in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies of the cathode material, Li1.2Ni0.15Co0.1Mn0.55O2 0.5Li(Ni0.375Co0.25 Mn0.375)O2·0.5Li2MnO3, are carried out. The partial capacity contributed by different structural components and transition metal elements is elucidated and correlated with local structure changes. The characteristic reaction kinetics for each element are identified using a novel time‐resolved XAS technique. Direct experimental evidence is obtained showing that Mn sites have much poorer reaction kinetics both before and after the initial activation of Li2MnO3, compared to Ni and Co. These results indicate that Li2MnO3 may be the key component that limits the rate capability of Li‐rich layered materials and provide guidance for designing Li‐rich layered materials with the desired balance of energy density and rate capability for different applications.
In the cathode material Li1.2Ni0.15Co0.1Mn0.55O2 0.5Li(Ni0.375Co0.25Mn0.375)O2·0.5Li2MnO3 the capacity contributed from different components and elements is elucidated and correlated with the local structure changes. The reaction kinetic characteristics for each element are been identified and differentiated. It is observed that Li2MnO3 may be the key component determining the rate capability of the Li‐rich layered materials.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
The impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on constipation, as mediated through gastrointestinal absorption and perturbations to the intestinal microecology, remains poorly understood.
...This study seeks to explain the relationship between PFAS and constipation.
A total of 2945 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2010 were included in this study. Constipation was defined using the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) based on stool consistency. The relationship between PFAS and constipation was evaluated using weighted logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis, while adjusting for confounding variables.
The weighted median concentration of total PFAS (ΣPFAS) was significantly lower in individuals with constipation (19.01 μg/L) compared to those without constipation (23.30 μg/L) (p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis revealed that the cumulative effect of PFAS was more pronounced in the elderly, men, individuals with obesity, high school education or equivalent, and high-income individuals (p < 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, multivariable analysis demonstrated an inverse association between PFOA OR (95% CI), 0.666(0.486,0.914) and PFHxS OR (95% CI), 0.699(0.482,1.015), and constipation. None of the personal and lifestyle factors showed a significant correlation with this negative association, as confirmed by subgroup analysis and interaction testing (p for interaction > 0.05). The RCS analysis demonstrated a linear inverse relationship between PFAS levels and constipation.
The findings of this study provide evidence of a significant inverse correlation between serum concentrations of PFAS, particularly PFOA and PFHxS, and constipation.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Aldehyde dehydrogenases 1 family member A1(ALDH1A1) gene codes a cytoplasmic enzyme and shows vital physiological and pathophysiological functions in many areas. ALDH1A1 plays important roles in ...various diseases, especially in cancers. We reviewed and summarized representative correlative studies and found that ALDH1A1 could induce cancers
via
the maintenance of cancer stem cell properties, modification of metabolism, promotion of DNA repair. ALDH1A1 expression is regulated by several epigenetic processes. ALDH1A1 also acted as a tumor suppressor in certain cancers. The detoxification of ALDH1A1 often causes chemotherapy failure. Currently, ALDH1A1-targeted therapy is widely used in cancer treatment, but the mechanism by which ALDH1A1 regulates cancer development is not fully understood. This review will provide insight into the status of ALDH1A1 research and new viewpoint for cancer therapy.
Abstract
Background
Dietary carotenoids have been proven to improve intestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer, yet little is known about the link between dietary ...carotenoids and constipation. This study aims to examine the relationship between dietary carotenoids intake and constipation, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2010.
Methods
A total of 11,722 participants were enrolled. Chronic constipation was defined as type 1 (separate hard lumps, like nuts) and type 2 (sausage-like, but lumpy) in the Bristol stool form scale (BSFS). Carotenoids intake was obtained from the average of two 24-hour dietary recall questionnaires (if only one 24-hour was available, we used it) and divided into quartiles (Q). The prevalence of constipation was calculated across men and women individuals. The relationship between dietary carotenoids intake and constipation in men and women was assessed with weighted logistic regression and smoothed curve fitting after adjusting confounders, with results displayed as weighted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The model was further stratified by age, race, and HEI 2015 scores (with median as cutoff) among men and women.
Results
The total weighted prevalence of chronic constipation in this study was 8.08%, 11.11% in women and 5.18% in men. After multivariable adjustment, compared with the lowest intake, participants with the highest dietary lycopene intake (OR
Q4 vs. Q1=
0.55, 95% CI: 0.36–0.84, p for trend = 0.01) and total lycopene intake (OR
Q4 vs. Q1
= 0.52, 95% CI: 0.34–0.80, p for trend = 0.01) were negatively associated with the risk of chronic constipation in men, whereas increased dietary α-carotene intake reduced the risk of chronic constipation in women (OR
Q4 vs. Q1
= 0.69, 95% CI: 0.48–0.98, p for trend = 0.04). Smoothing curve fitting further supported these results and provided evidence of dose-response effects. No association was found between other types of carotenoids and chronic constipation in men and women.
Conclusions
Increasing lycopene intake may improve bowel function in men while increased α-carotene intake may reduce the risk of chronic constipation in women. Further studies are essential to explore the role that the intake of carotenoids plays in chronic constipation.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Interleukin-33 (IL-33) has a variety of biological activities in different pathological models. However, the underlying effects of IL-33 on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been fully ...elucidated. Therefore, we focused on investigating the biological effects of IL-33 on HCC stemness expansion.
IL-33 expression in clinical tissue specimens were evaluated using immunohistochemical technology. Western blotting, flow cytometry, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to detect protein expressions in HCC cell lines. ST2 expression was downregulated by utilizing the synthetic siRNA sequence that specifically targets ST2. The transfection of ST2 siRNAs and control siRNAs into HCC cells was performed with Lipofectamine RNAi MAX (Life Technologies) according to the manufacturer's protocol.
Our results demonstrated that IL-33 is expressed both in cancer cells and stromal cells of the HCC microenvironment, and that IL-33 expression in cancer cells, but not in stromal cells, was negatively associated with survival of HCC patients. IL-33 promotes HCC stemness expansion, including upregulating core stem cell gene expression, inducing cell sphere formation and preventing chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in vitro. Mechanistically, IL-33 binds to its receptor ST2 and induces phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation (JNK), which leads to HCC stemness expansion.
IL-33/ST2 signaling might be potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for HCC patients.
Using a combination of time-resolved X-ray diffraction (XRD), in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and first principles calculations, we explore the structural origin of the overcharge ...induced thermal instability of two cathode materials, LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 and LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2, which exhibit significant difference in thermal stabilities. Detailed TEM analysis reveals, for the first time, a complex core–shell-surface structure of the particles in both materials that was not previously detected by XRD. Structural comparison indicates that the overcharged Li x Ni0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (x < 0.15) particles consist of a rhombohedral core, a spinel shell, and a rock-salt structure at the surface, while the overcharged Li x Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 consists of a similar core–shell-surface structure but a very different CdI2-type surface structure. The thermal instability of Li x Ni0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 can be attributed to the release of oxygen because of the rapid growth of the rock-salt-type structure on the surface during heating. In contrast, the CdI2-type surface structure of the overcharged Li x Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 particles delays the oxygen-release reaction to a much higher temperature resulting in better stability. These results gave deep insight into the relationship between the local structural changes and the thermal stability of cathode materials, which is vital to the development of new cathode materials for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries.
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IJS, KILJ, NUK, PNG, UL, UM
Autophagy plays a vital role in cancer initiation, malignant progression, and resistance to treatment. However, autophagy-related genes (ARGs) have rarely been analyzed in gastric cancer (GC). The ...purpose of this study was to analyze ARGs in GC using bioinformatic analysis and to identify new biomarkers for predicting the overall survival (OS) of patients with GC.
The gene expression profiles and clinical data of patients with GC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, and ARGs were obtained from two other datasets (the Human Autophagy Database and Molecular Signatures Database). Lasso, univariate, and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify the OS-related ARGs. Finally, a six-ARG model was identified as a prognostic indicator using the risk-score model, and survival and prognostic performance were analyzed based on the Kaplan-Meier test and ROC curve. Estimate calculations were used to assess the immune status of this model, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were employed for investigating the functions and terms associated with the model-related genes in GC.
The six ARGs,
,
,
,
,
, and
, were identified using Lasso and Cox regression analyses. Survival analysis revealed that the OS of GC patients in the high-risk group was significantly lower than that of the low-risk group (
< 0.05). The ROC curves revealed that the risk score model exhibited better prognostic performance with respect to OS. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the model was an independent predictor of OS and was not affected by most of the clinical traits (
< 0.05). The model-related genes were associated with immune suppression and several biological process terms, such as extracellular structure organization and matrix organization. Moreover, the genes were associated with the P13K-Akt signaling pathway, focal adhesion, and MAPK signaling pathway.
This study presents potential prognostic biomarkers for GC patients that would aid in determining the best patient-specific course of treatment.
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