Maternally and Paternally Silenced Imprinted Genes Differ in Their Intron Content

Imprinted genes exhibit silencing of one of the parental alleles during embryonic development. In a previous study imprinted genes were found to have reduced intron content relative to a non-imprinted control set (Hurstet al., 1996). However, due to the small sample size, it was not possible to analyse the source of this effect. Here, we re-investigate this observation using larger datasets of imprinted and control (non-imprinted) genes that allow us to consider mouse and human, and maternally and paternally silenced, imprinted genes separately. We find that, in the human and mouse, there is reduced intron content in the maternally silenced imprinted genes relative to a non-imprinted control set. Among imprinted genes, a strong bias is also observed in the distribution of intronless genes, which are found exclusively in the maternally silenced dataset. The paternally silenced dataset in the human is not different to the control set; however, the mouse paternally silenced dataset has more introns than the control group. A direct comparison of mouse maternally and paternally silenced imprinted gene datasets shows that they differ significantly with respect to a variety of intron-related parameters. We discuss a variety of possible explanations for our observations.

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Abstract 276: Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Is A Potential Risk Factor For Transient Ischemic Attack

Circulation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes ◽

10.1161/circoutcomes.7.suppl_1.276 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 7 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Yuanjin Zhang ◽

Daniel Laskowitz ◽

Dongsheng Fan

Keyword(s):

Growth Factor ◽

Transient Ischemic Attack ◽

Asymmetric Dimethylarginine ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Small Sample ◽

Control Group ◽

Acute Infarction ◽

Abcd2 Score ◽

Ischemic Attack ◽

And Control

Objective: Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase which has been shown to be involved in the pathogens of atherosclerosis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is apleiotropic growth factor involved in neurovascular remodeling in the cerebral ischemia disease. ADMA has been validated to be a risk marker of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). VEGF has been demonstrated associated with risk of stroke. This pilot study aimed to verify the correlation between serum ADMA, VEGF levels and ABCD2 score which has been validated to predict short term risk of stroke following transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods: TIA was defined as a transient episode of neurologic dysfunction caused by focal brain, spinal cord or retinal ischemia, without acute infarction even the focal transient neurologic symptoms last less than one hour. We enrolled 40 TIAs and 40 healthy controls in Peking University Third Hospital Neurology wards and clinics since May to July 2013. The TIA diagnosis and ABCD2 score evaluation is conducted by the same neurology physician. The mean age of TIAs and controls was 61.9±12.9yrs and 63.4±10.9yrs respectively (P=0.544). Blood samples were drawn within 24 hours after the TIA diagnosis clarified. ADMA and VEGF levels were measured by ELISA. Result: The ADMA levels in TIAs and control group are 0.52±0.06mmol/L and 0.23±0.04mmol/L (t=24.14, P<0.01). The VEGF levels in TIAs and control group are 272.01±26.36mmol/L and 148.87±21.05mmol/L (t=24.65, P<0.01). In the non-stroke history TIAs (23 cases) sub-group the spearman correlation coefficient between ADMA and ABCD2 score is 0.6(P=0.002). Conclusion: ADMA and VEGF are absolutely increased in TIAs. There is no correlation between ADMA, VEGF, age, sex, blood pressure, glucose and ABCD2 in this small sample size population. But ADMA is probably associated with risk of TIA with no-stroke history. Thus, these findings reveal a possibly new challenging potential of the ADMA and VEGF role in the pathogenesis of TIA.

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Effect of Expanded Hemodialysis with Theranova® in Patients with COVID-19

Blood Purification ◽

10.1159/000520891 ◽

2022 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

María Luisa Serrano Salazar ◽

Jose Portolés ◽

Maria de Valdenebro Recio ◽

Silvia Rosado Garcia ◽

Maria del Rosario Llópez Carratalá ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Small Sample Size ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Immunosuppressive Treatment ◽

Kidney Injury ◽

Small Sample ◽

Control Group ◽

Β2 Microglobulin ◽

Cytokine Levels ◽

To Come ◽

And Control

Introduction: Cytokine storm control is the main target for improving severe COVID-19 by using immunosuppressive treatment. Effective renal replacement therapy (RRT) could give us an advantage removing cytokines in patients with RRT requirements superimposed on COVID-19. Methods: This is a prospective observational study in COVID-19 patients who required hemodialysis (HD). Patients were assigned to online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) and expanded HD (HDx) according to Brescia group recommendations. We measured several cytokines, β2 microglobulin and albumin levels pre/post-dialysis and on 1st–2nd week. We compared levels among both techniques and control group (HD without COVID-19). Results: We included 26 patients: 18 with COVID-19 on RRT (5 of them had acute kidney injury [AKI]) and 8 controls. We confirm higher cytokine levels in COVID-19 patients than controls and even higher in patients with AKI than in those with chronic kidney disease. Most cytokines raised during HD session, except IL-10 and TNFα. IL-10 was eliminated by any dialysis technique, while clearance of TNFα was higher in the HDx group. HDx achieved a deeper normalization of cytokines and β2 microglobulin reduction. Mortality was higher in the OL-HDF group than the HDx group. Discussion: Not all cytokines behave equally along HD session. The following characteristics should be taken into account, such as intrinsic kinetic profile during a HD session. HDx seems to get better performance, probably due to the combination of different factors; however, we did not reach statistical significance due to the small sample size, dropout, and reduction of AKI incidence during the 2nd pandemic wave. Conclusion: HDx appears to provide better clearance for TNFα and β2 microglobulin during HD session and associates lower mortality. We propose the HDx technique for COVID-19 patients with RRT requirements since it seems to be safe and more effective than OL-HDF. Further studies are still needed, but we hope that our preliminary data may help us in future pandemic waves of SARS-CoV-2 or other viruses still to come.

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Feedback based on health advice via tracing bracelet and smartphone in the management of Blood Pressure among hypertensive patients: A Community-based RCT Trial in Chongqing, China (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.22940 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yong Zhang ◽

Yang Tao ◽

Yun Zhong ◽

Jacqueline Thompson ◽

Jamal Rahmani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Control Group ◽

Community Settings ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Attrition Rates ◽

Hypertensive Patients ◽

Professional Health ◽

Group A ◽

And Control ◽

Study Intervention

UNSTRUCTURED Lifestyle interventions have been recognised as a line treatment of non-communicable diseases. The aimed of this study was to evaluate a bespoke mHealth approach to delivers personalised feedback to improve blood pressure and weight for hypertensive patients in community settings. A total of 307 participants, 50 from each community, were expected to be in the intervention or control group. A professional health facilitator was assigned for each of the 6 communities. The primary outcomes of the study are the reduction in blood pressure and weight at baseline and post-intervention. Of 307 recruited,192 (62.5%) participants completed the study (intervention: 104 and control: 88). There was no difference in attrition rates between the two groups (33.5%vs41.9%, p=0.291). After 6-months of intensive feedback intervention through mHealth approach, patients had better blood pressure, weight, and BMI compared with control. People who were adherent to the intervention demonstrated a clinical benefit with regards to weight and blood pressure.

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Longitudinal assessment of S100B serum levels and clinical factors in youth patients with mood disorders

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-91577-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Aleksandra Rajewska-Rager ◽

Monika Dmitrzak-Weglarz ◽

Pawel Kapelski ◽

Natalia Lepczynska ◽

Joanna Pawlak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mood Disorders ◽

Calcium Binding ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Small Sample ◽

Drop Out ◽

Control Group ◽

Longitudinal Assessment ◽

Depressed Group

AbstractMood disorders have been discussed as being in relation to glial pathology. S100B is a calcium-binding protein, and a marker of glial dysfunctions. Although alterations in the S100B expression may play a role in various central nervous system diseases, there are no studies on the potential role of S100B in mood disorders in adolescents and young adults . In a prospective two-year follow-up study, peripheral levels of S100B were investigated in 79 adolescent/young adult patients (aged 14–24 years), diagnosed with mood disorders and compared with 31 healthy control subjects. A comprehensive clinical interview was conducted which focused on clinical symptoms and diagnosis change. The diagnosis was established and verified at each control visit. Serum S100B concentrations were determined. We detected: lower S100B levels in medicated patients, compared with those who were drug-free, and healthy controls; higher S100B levels in a depressed group with a family history of affective disorder; correlations between age and medication status; sex-dependent differences in S100B levels; and lack a of correlation between the severity of depressive or hypo/manic symptoms. The results of our study indicate that S100B might be a trait-dependent rather than a state-dependent marker. Due to the lack of such studies in the youth population, further research should be performed. A relatively small sample size, a lack of exact age-matched control group, a high drop-out rate.

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Parenting Stress and Need Assessment of Families with Disabled Children across Himachal Himalaya

International Journal of Social Science Research ◽

10.5296/ijssr.v3i2.7344 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 38 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Randhir S. Ranta ◽

Vijay Kumar Sharma ◽

Pankaj Gupta

Keyword(s):

Parenting Stress ◽

Assessment Scale ◽

Control Group ◽

Disabled Children ◽

Normal Children ◽

Need Assessment ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

And Control ◽

Experimental Group

The study pertains to the parenting stress, which is believed to be the resultant of child disability and further assesses the needs of the families across selected pockets of Himachal Himalaya. Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and Need Assessment Scale were used for the purpose. For assessing the stress level among the parents, PQS was administered among two hundred parents having disabled children, herein called experimental group and two hundred parents with normal children, herein called control group. A three point Need assessment scale was used to measure the needs of 200 families on five different parameters. The result of t-test shows the significant difference between experimental and control groups indicating that the parents of disabled children experience more stress than their control counterpart. The study indicates that people need proper guidance and information regarding a child’s disability, nutritional requirements of a child, vocational training and child management. There is a need for proper counselling for parents suffering from stress and creating consciousness among parents of children with disabilities and in the society.

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In-line filtration reduced phlebitis associated with peripheral venous cannulation: Focus on cost-effectiveness and patients’ perspectives

The Journal of Vascular Access ◽

10.1177/1129729819861187 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 154-160

Author(s):

Gianluca Villa ◽

Rosa Giua ◽

Timothy Amass ◽

Lorenzo Tofani ◽

Cosimo Chelazzi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Vascular Access ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Causative Factor ◽

Control Group ◽

Previous Trial ◽

Venous Cannulation ◽

Group A ◽

The Cost ◽

And Control

Background: In a previous trial, in-line filtration significantly prevented postoperative phlebitis associated with short peripheral venous cannulation. This study aims to describe the cost-effectiveness of in-line filtration in reducing phlebitis and examine patients’ perception of in-hospital vascular access management with and without in-line filtration. Methods: We analysed costs associated with in-line filtration: these data were prospectively recorded during the previous trial. Furthermore, we performed a follow-up for all the 268 patients enrolled in this trial. Among these, 213 patients responded and completed 6 months after hospital discharge questionnaires evaluating the perception of and satisfaction with the management of their vascular access. Results: In-line filtration group required 95.60€ more than the no-filtration group (a mean of € 0.71/patient). In terms of satisfaction with the perioperative management of their short peripheral venous cannulation, 110 (82%) and 103 (76.9%) patients, respectively, for in-line filtration and control group, completed this survey. Within in-line filtration group, 97.3% of patients were satisfied/strongly satisfied; if compared with previous experiences on short peripheral venous cannulation, 11% of them recognised in-line filtration as a relevant causative factor in determining their satisfaction. Among patients within the control group, 93.2% were satisfied/strongly satisfied, although up to 30% of them had experienced postoperative phlebitis. At the qualitative interview, they recognised no difference than previous experiences on short peripheral venous cannulation, and mentioned postoperative phlebitis as a common event that ‘normally occurs’ during a hospital stay. Conclusion: In-line filtration is cost-effective in preventing postoperative phlebitis, and it seems to contribute to increasing patient satisfaction and reducing short peripheral venous cannulation–related discomfort

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Antibody responses in buffalos immunized with Clostridium perfringens beta and epsilon toxoids

Veterinární Medicína ◽

10.17221/7886-vetmed ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 46 (No. 9–10) ◽

pp. 241-243 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

S. Rahman M ◽

K. Baek B ◽

T. Hong S ◽

H. Lee J

Keyword(s):

Antibody Titre ◽

Clostridium Perfringens ◽

Neutralizing Antibody ◽

Antibody Responses ◽

Control Group ◽

Humoral Immune ◽

Humoral Immune Responses ◽

Antibody Titres ◽

Group A ◽

And Control

The antibody responses to toxoids were measured to investigate whether Clostridium perfringens beta and epsilon toxoids induced protective humoral immune responses in buffalos. Total of 24 buffalos were divided into 4 groups (n = 6), beta toxoid, epsilon toxoid, combination and control groups. These buffalo groups were administered each of the designated toxoids. Immunizations in the beta and epsilon toxoid groups induced strong antibody responses. The neutralizing antibody titres from the beta and epsilon toxoid groups were equally log101.2 on day 21 after inoculation whereas there was no antibody titre detected from the control group. A statistically significant (P < 0.01) increase in antibody titre was observed from day 0 to day 14 and 21 after inoculation. The antibody production did not vary significantly due to day of inoculation and toxoid interactions.

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ECT rekindles pharmacological response in schizophrenia

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2009.04.005 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 24 (8) ◽

pp. 521-525 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

H. Hustig ◽

R. Onilov

Keyword(s):

Small Sample Size ◽

Antipsychotic Agents ◽

Pharmacological Therapy ◽

Small Sample ◽

Clinical Population ◽

Control Group ◽

Clinical Notes ◽

Symptom Profiles ◽

Pharmacological Response ◽

Maintenance Ect

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of our naturalistic-observational study was to determine the efficacy and utility of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in clinical population of individuals with schizophrenia where pharmacological response was suboptimal.MethodsThe cohort comprised 27 patients suffering from schizophrenia with refractoriness to antipsychotic agents and with severe, disabling symptoms. They only interventional assessing tool was clinical global impression (CGI-S) performed at the baseline and at the end of the treatment.ResultsThe administration of ECT resulted in overall clinical improvement reflected in CGI scales and descriptions in clinical notes. On 12 months follow-up period, 10 patients (37.1%) maintained improvement and were able to continue with pharmacological therapy only, suggesting its rekindling effect, especially with Clozapine. Conversely, 17 patients (62.9%) deteriorated and required an additional course of ECT to maintain improvement. In some cases, maintenance ECT treatment was required. The group who engaged in self-harming behaviour at baseline demonstrated they were more likely to relapse into psychosis at the end of the first course of ECT, their self-harming behaviour abated, especially when maintenance ECT was undertaken.ConclusionsAlthough limited by lack of control group, small sample size, heterogeneous symptom profiles and various concurrent neuroleptic agents, the ECT proved as valuable and safe augmentative procedure when unsatisfactory response to pharmacological interventions had been demonstrated prior to interventions. This effect was evident despite the chronicity of the illness.

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Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Acetaminophen-Related Liver Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Experimental Studies in Vivo

Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy ◽

10.2174/1574888x16666211007092055 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 ◽

Author(s):

Li Wang ◽

Yiwen Zhang ◽

Jiajun Zhong ◽

Yuan Zhang ◽

Shuisheng Zhou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Stem Cell ◽

Liver Injury ◽

Mesenchymal Stem Cell ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Small Sample ◽

Control Group

Objective: The efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in acetaminophen-induced liver injury has been investigated in animal experiments, but individual studies with a small sample size cannot be used to draw a clear conclusion. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies to explore the potential of using MSCs in acetaminophen-induced liver injury. Methods: Eight databases were searched for studies reporting the effects of MSCs on acetaminophen hepatoxicity. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool for animal studies was applied to assess the methodological quality. A meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.4 and STATA/SE 16.0 software. Results: Eleven studies involving 159 animals were included according to PRISMA statement guidelines. Significant associations were found for MSCs with the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) (standardized mean difference (SMD) − 2.58, p < 0.0001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (SMD − 1.75, p = 0.001), glutathione (GSH) (SMD 3.7, p < 0.0001), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (SMD 1.86, p = 0.022), interleukin 10 (IL-10) (SMD 5.14, p = 0.0002) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (SMD − 4.48, p = 0.011) compared with those in the control group. The subgroup analysis showed that the tissue source of MSCs significantly affected the therapeutic efficacy (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis results demonstrate that MSCs could be a potential treatment for acetaminophen-related liver injury.

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Resorbable Collagen Barrier Impeding the Extrusion of Obturating Material in Primary Molars Undergoing Resorption – A Randomized Clinical Trial

Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry ◽

10.17796/1053-4625-45.5.4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 45 (5) ◽

pp. 312-316

Author(s):

Mishra Neha Sanjeev ◽

Harsimran Kaur ◽

Sandeep Singh Mayall ◽

Rishika ◽

Ramakrishna Yeluri

Keyword(s):

Test Group ◽

Primary Molars ◽

Control Group ◽

Chi Square ◽

Significance Level ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

And Control

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of placing a resorbable collagen barrier in impeding the extrusion of obturation material in primary molars undergoing resorption. Study design: All the 94 canals in 47 mandibular molars were allocated to 2 groups- Group ‘A’- 47 canals with collagen barrier (Test group) and Group ‘B’- 47 canals without collagen barrier (Control group) based on randomization protocol. Pulpectomy was performed and obturation of both test and control canals were radiographically assessed. Pearson’s chi – square test was applied to analyze the results. The significance level was predetermined at p < 0.05. Results: Among the test group, 93.6% of the canals showed no extrusion while, 6.4% showed visible extrusion of the material outside the apex. In the control group, 83% showed no extrusion whereas 17% of the canals showed visible extrusion outside the apex. But no significant difference was noted (p>0.05). Conclusion: The placement of resorbable collagen barrier in the apical third of the canal prevented the extrusion of obturating material beyond the apex in resorbing primary molars.

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