Casual associations between blood metabolites and colon cancer

BACKGROUND Limited knowledge exists regarding the casual associations linking blood metabolites and the risk of developing colorectal cancer.AIM To investigate causal associations between blood metabolites and colon cancer.METHODS The study utilized a two-sample Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis to investigate the causal impact of 486 blood metabolites on colorectal cancer.The primary method of analysis used was the inverse variance weighted model.To further validate the results several sensitivity analyses were performed,including Cochran's Q test,MR-Egger intercept test,and MR robust adjusted profile score.These additional analyses were conducted to ensure the reliability and robustness of the findings.RESULTS After rigorous selection for genetic variation,486 blood metabolites were included in the MR analysis.We found Mannose[odds ratio(OR)=2.09(1.10-3.97),P=0.024],N-acetylglycine[OR=3.14(1.78-5.53),P=7.54×10^(-8)],X-11593-O-methylascorbate[OR=1.68(1.04-2.72),P=0.034],1-arachidonoylglycerophosphocholine[OR=4.23(2.51-7.12),P=6.35×10^(-8)]and 1-arachidonoylglycerophosphoethanolamine 4[OR=3.99(1.17-13.54),P=0.027]were positively causally associated with colorectal cancer,and we also found a negative causal relationship between Tyrosine[OR=0.08(0.01-0.63),P=0.014],Urate[OR=0.25(0.10-0.62),P=0.003],N-acetylglycine[0.73(0.54-0.98),P=0.033],X-12092[OR=0.89(0.81-0.99),P=0.028],Succinylcarnitine[OR=0.48(0.27-0.84),P=0.09]with colorectal cancer.A series of sensitivity analyses were performed to confirm the rigidity of the results.CONCLUSION This study showed a causal relationship between 10 blood metabolites and colorectal cancer,of which 5 blood metabolites were found to be causal for the development of colorectal cancer and were confirmed as risk factors.The other five blood metabolites are protective factors.

Reform of the Irrigation Sector and Creation of Functional and Sustainable Irrigation Water Users Associations (AUEI) in Niger: Capitalization of the Experience of the Konni AHA

During the 1980s, as part of a policy of liberalization, following budgetary cuts linked to the implementation of structural adjustment programs, management responsibilities for AHAs were transferred from ONAHA to cooperatives concerned. Due to lack of financial resources, but also because of poor management, everywhere in Niger we are witnessing an accelerated deterioration of the irrigation infrastructure of hydro-agricultural developments. Institutional studies carried out on this situation led the State of Niger to initiate a reform of the governance of hydro-agricultural developments, by streng-thening the status of ONAHA, by creating an Association of Irrigation Water Users (AUEI) and by restructuring the old cooperatives. Indeed, this research aims to analyze the creation of functional and sustainable Irrigation Water User Associations (AUEI) in Niger in a context of reform of the irrigation sector, and based on the experience of the Konni AHA. It is based on a methodological approach which takes into account documentary research and the collection of data from 115 farmers, selected by reasoned choice and directly concerned by the management of the irrigated area. The data collected was analyzed and the results were analyzed using the systemic approach and the diagnostic process. The results show that the main mission of the AUEI is to ensure better management of water, hydraulic equipment and infrastructure on the hydro-agricultural developments of Konni. The creation of the Konni AUEI was possible thanks to massive support from the populations and authorities in the implementation process. After its establishment, the AUEI experienced a certain lethargy for some time due to the rehabilitation work of the AHA but currently it is functional and operational in terms of associative life and governance. Thus, the constraints linked to the legal system, the delay in the completion of the work, the uncertainties of access to irrigation water but also the problems linked to the change in mentality of certain ONAHA agents constitute the challenges that must be resolved in the short term for the operationalization of the Konni AUEI.

Mechanistic associations between dietary patterns and colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a common cancer with high morbidity and mortality rates.Its occurrence and development are determined by many factors,including genetics,the environment,lifestyle,and so on.The occurrence of CRC is often accompanied by changes in the intestinal microenvironment.Numerous studies have focused on the association between dietary patterns,dietary components,and CRC now.This article reviews five different dietary patterns:the Western diet,the Mediterranean diet,the ketogenic diet,the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet,and fasting,and themechanistic associations between their food components and CRC.The finding can provide a reference for further studies on the association between different dietary patterns and CRC and will help clinicians formulate reasonable and feasible dietary interventions.

Causal associations between inflammatory bowel disease and anxiety:A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND Anxiety is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),including those with ulcerative colitis(UC)and Crohn’s disease(CD);however,the causal relationship between IBD and anxiety remains unknown.AIM To investigate the causal relationship between IBD and anxiety by using bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis.METHODS Single nucleotide polymorphisms retrieved from genome-wide association studies(GWAS)of the European population were identified as genetic instrument variants.GWAS statistics for individuals with UC(6968 patients and 20464 controls;adults)and CD(5956 patients and 14927 controls;adults)were obtained from the International IBD Genetics Consortium.GWAS statistics for individuals with anxiety were obtained from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium(2565 patients and 14745 controls;adults)and FinnGen project(20992 patients and 197800 controls;adults),respectively.Inverse-variance weighted was applied to assess the causal relationship,and the results were strengthened by heterogeneity,pleiotropy and leave-one-out analyses.RESULTS Genetic susceptibility to UC was associated with an increased risk of anxiety[odds ratio:1.071(95%confidence interval:1.009-1.135),P=0.023],while genetic susceptibility to CD was not associated with anxiety.Genetic susceptibility to anxiety was not associated with UC or CD.No heterogeneity or pleiotropy was observed,and the leave-one-out analysis excluded the potential influence of a particular variant.CONCLUSION This study revealed that genetic susceptibility to UC was significantly associated with anxiety and highlighted the importance of early screening for anxiety in patients with UC.

Genome-wide associations, polygenic risk, and Mendelian randomization reveal limited interactions between John Henryism and cynicism

BACKGROUND John Henryism(JH)is a strategy for dealing with chronic psychological stress characterized by high levels of physical effort and work.Cynicism is a belief that people are motivated primarily by self-interest.High scores on the JH scale and cynicism measures correlate with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.High cynicism is also a hallmark of burnout syndrome,another known risk factor for heart disease.AIM To evaluate possible interactions between JH and cynicism hoping to clarify risk factors of burnout.METHODS We analyzed genetic and psychological data available from the Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes for genome-wide associations with these traits.We split the total available samples and used plink to perform the association studies on the discovery set(n=1852,80%)and tested for replication using the validation set(n=465).We used scikit-learn to perform supervised machine learning for developing genetic risk algorithms.RESULTS We identified 2,727,and 204 genetic associations for scores on the JH,cynicism and cynical distrust(CD)scales,respectively.We also found 173 associations with high cynicism,109 with high CD,but no associations with high JH.We also produced polygenic classifiers for high cynicism using machine learning with areas under the receiver operator characteristics curve greater than 0.7.CONCLUSION We found significant genetic components to these traits but no evidence of an interaction.Therefore,while there may be a genetic risk,JH is not likely a burnout risk factor.

Management of Associations in the IRBAC 2000 Model

Secure interaction and interoperability between two or more administrative domains is a major concern. The IRBAC 2000 model accomplishes secure interaction and interoperability by flexibly dynamic inter-domain role translations. Associations are the key element of the IRBAC 2000 model, which have a great impact on security and efficiency of dynamic role translations. Therefore, it is a crucial problem how to manage the associations in the IRBAC 2000 model. There are two cases under which some matters will emerge. One is where conflicting associations may result in a security hazard. Another is where redundant associations may reduce the efficiency of dynamic role translations and increase the difficulty of management of associations. The formal definitions on conflicting associations and redundant associations are given, and the methods are discusses to judge whether there are conflicting associations or redundant associations in IRBAC 2000 model. The protective mechanism is presented, which utilizes prerequisite conditions to prevent conflicting or redundant associations from appearing in IRBAC 2000 model.

Genetic associations with adverse events from anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy in inflammatory bowel disease patients

AIM To study the type and frequency of adverse events associated with anti-tumor necrosis factor(TNF)therapy and evaluate for any serologic and genetic associations.METHODS This study was a retrospective review of patients attending the inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) centers at Cedars-Sinai IBD Center from 2005-2016. Adverse events were identified via chart review. IBD serologies were measured by ELISA. DNA samples were genotyped at Cedars-Sinai using Illumina Infinium Immunochipv1 array per manufacturer's protocol. SNPs underwent methodological review and were evaluated using several SNP statistic parameters to ensure optimal allele-calling. Standard and rigorous QC criteria were applied to the genetic data, which was generated using immunochip. Genetic association was assessed by logistic regression after correcting for population structure.RESULTS Altogether we identified 1258 IBD subjects exposed to anti-TNF agents in whom Immunochip data were available. 269/1258 patients(21%) were found to have adverse events to an anti-TNF-α agent that required the therapy to be discontinued. 25% of women compared to 17% of men experienced an adverse event. All adverse events resolved after discontinuing the antiTNF agent. In total: n = 66(5%) infusion reactions; n = 49(4%) allergic/serum sickness reactions; n = 19(1.5%) lupus-like reactions, n = 52(4%) rash, n = 18(1.4%) infections. In Crohn's disease, Ig A ASCA(P = 0.04) and Ig G-ASCA(P = 0.02) levels were also lower in patients with any adverse events, and anti-I2 level in ulcerative colitis was significantly associated with infusion reactions(P = 0.008). The logistic regression/human annotation and network analyses performed on the Immunochip data implicated the following five signaling pathways: JAK-STAT(Janus Kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription), measles, IBD, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and toxoplasmosis for any adverse event. CONCLUSION Our study shows 1 in 5 IBD patients experience an adverse event to anti-TNF therapy with novel serologic, genetic, and pathways associations.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis associated colitis: Characterization of clinical, histologic features, and their associations with liver transplantation

BACKGROUND Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)associated inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a unique form of IBD(PSC-IBD)with distinct clinical and histologic features from ulcerative colitis(UC)and Crohn disease(CD).In patients with PSC and IBD,the severity of the two disease processes may depend on each other.AIM To study the histologic and clinical features of PSC patients with and without IBD.METHODS We assessed specimens from patients with UC(n=28),CD(n=10),PSC and UC(PSC-UC;n=26);PSC and CD(PSC-CD;n=6);and PSC and no IBD(PSC-no IBD;n=4)between years 1999-2013.PSC-IBD patients were matched to IBD patients without PSC by age and colitis duration.Clinical data including age,gender,age at IBD and PSC diagnoses,IBD duration,treatment,follow-up,orthotopic liver transplantation(OLT)were noted.RESULTS PSC-UC patients had more isolated right-sided disease(P=0.03),and less active inflammation in left colon,rectum(P=0.03 and P=0.0006),and overall(P=0.0005)compared to UC.They required less steroids(P=0.01)and fewer colectomies(P=0.03)than UC patients.The PSC-CD patients had more ileitis and less rectal involvement compared to PSC-UC and CD.No PSC-CD patients required OLT compared to 38%of PSC-UC(P=0.1).PSC-IBD(PSC-UC and PSCCD)patients with OLT had severe disease in the left colon and rectum(P=0.04).CONCLUSION PSC-UC represents a distinct form of IBD.The different disease phenotype in PSC-IBD patients with OLT may support liver-gut axis interaction,however warrants clinical attention and further research.

Improve the China Youth Volunteer Associations with the Help of Comparative Research on EU Experience

As a volunteer organization,NGO plays an important role nowadays for its unique social functions.In recent years,Chinese Young Volunteers Associations have made great progress,but compared with the EU countries,there is still a significant gap.This paper in cludes the result of the comparative researches on two aspects: Volunteer associations;Training systems.From the result,a relatively compre hensive reference can be provided for the development of the Chinese Youth Volunteers Associations.

Comparison of structural diversity of tree-crop associations in Periph- eral and Buffer zones of Gachabari Sal forest area, Bangladesh

The original version of this article unfortunately contained three mistakes. （1） The spelling of the [A. Nishad＇] name was incorrect. The corrected spelling is given below.

A Search for Exoplanets in Open Clusters and Young Associations based on TESS Objects of Interest

We report the results of our search for planet candidates in open clusters and young stellar associations based on the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite(TESS) Objects of Interest Catalog.We find one confirmed planet,one promising candidate,one brown dwarf and three unverified planet candidates in a sample of 1229 open clusters from the second Gaia data release.We discuss individual planet-star systems based on their basic parameters,membership probability and the observation notes from the ExoFOP-TESS website.We also find ten planet candidates(P> 95%) in young stellar associations by using the BANYAN ∑ Multivariate Bayesian Algorithm.Among the ten candidates,five are known planetary systems.We estimate the rotation periods of the host stars using the TESS light curves and estimate their ages based on gyrochronology.Two candidates with periodic variations are likely to be young planets,but their exact memberships to young stellar associations remain unknown.

Commendation for Well-performed Family Planning Associations

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The Associations for Vaginal Point Doses of Vaginal Stenosis in Image-Guided Brachytherapy

Purpose: To evaluate the associations for vaginal dose points of vaginal stricture in image-guided brachytherapy. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six patients of locally advanced cervical cancer were treated with Image-Guided Brachytherapy (IGBT) with the dose at least 7 Gy per fraction to the D90 of High-Risk Clinical Target Volume (HR-CTV). The vaginal dose points of recommendations of the American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) were added into the plan and cumulative dose to these points was evaluated in Equivalent Dose of 2 Gy (EQD2) concepts. Results: The mean doses to right vaginal dose point (VR), left vaginal dose point (VL) and average dose of VR/VL ((VR + VL)/2) were 101.5 Gy, 98.2 Gy and 99.8 Gy in EQD2 concepts, respectively. Volume-based planning significantly reduced the cumulative dose in EQD2 concepts at vaginal points. At the median follow-up time of 22 months, grade-2 vaginal stricture was observed in two patients. The incidences of vaginal stricture were not differed between the cumulative dose to vaginal dose points in EQD2 concepts of ≤90 Gy versus >90 Gy (P = 1.000) and ≤100 Gy versus >100 Gy (P = 0.815). Conclusion: No association for cumulative vaginal doses and events of vaginal stricture was found.

The Influence of associations of hydrocarbon oxidizing microorganisms to the microbial cenosis and oil destruction in soil

Mesocosms experiments were used to study the influence of associations of hydrocarbon oxidizing microorganisms on the microbial cenosis and oil destruction in soil. The introduction of active oil oxidizing microorganisms associations into the soil purify of soil from oil to 59.8% - 63.8% after 2 months with 5% oil content and with 10% to 49.2% - 55.6%. As a result of oil destruction there was enlarging of the number of all investigated groups of microorganisms.

Human leukocyte antigen associations and c-reactive protein levels in lebanese patients with aggressive periodontitis—HLA and CRP in aggressive periodontitis

Background: Periodontal disease, which affects tooth- supporting structures, results from disequilibrium between the oral micro flora and host defense mecha- nisms. It has been classified into chronic (CP) or ag- gressive (AP) periodontitis according to disease onset, localization and progression. Because of their invol- vement in generating immune responses, Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) alleles are considered can- didate genetic risk markers for periodontitis. Addi- tionally, periodontitis appears to contribute to the severity of some systemic conditions such as cardio- vascular disease and adverse pregnancy outcome as indicated by elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). Aim: The aims of this study were to deter- mine if there is an HLA-AP association in Lebanese patients, and to determine CRP levels in patients and compare them to those in healthy controls. Materials and methods: The study groups included 26 patients with AP and 39 healthy controls. HLA profiles were determined by DNA typing and CRP levels by ELISA. Results: HLA-A*30 (P-value = 0.010), HLA- B*41 (P1 = 0.012 and P2 = 0.014), HLA-DRB1*13 (P1 = 0.031 and P2 = 0.063) alleles seemed to be associ- ated with protection against AP in Lebanese patients. No linkage disequilibrium existed between alleles as-sociated with AP. Ten of 26 AP patients (38.5%) and 10 of 39 (25.7%) controls had elevated CRP lev- els. Conclusion: In conclusion, protective, but no sus- ceptible HLA alleles were detected in AP. CRP levels were not elevated in the entire AP group, and were not significantly different from controls. No linkage disequilibrium existed between alleles.

Patterns in Stroke Occurrence on Warm Days in Winter by Associations Analysis

There is increasing interest in the effects of meteorological factors on stroke occurrence. A number of studies have found that cold exposure was a trigger to the onset of cerebral infarction in winter. It was believed that the case of stroke occurrence on warm days in winterwas just a coincidence and negligible. The main objective of this study was to offer the evidence against the above belief. We aimed to find typical patterns among stroke occurrences in case the weather became warmer in winter. Associations analysis was conducted using daily data of emergency transport at Nagoya City in Japan. Typical patterns were identified among risky stroke occurrences even for the case that the weather became warmer in winter. These findings will contribute to an accurate forecast of stroke occurrence in winter.

Prevalence and Associations of Hepatitis B Seropositivity in a Rural African Ophthalmic Surgical Population

Objective: Globally, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a public health issue. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. Working in a healthcare setting particularly in low resource area is a major risk factor for contracting HBV infection. Despite this, routine pre-operative screening for HBV infection has not yet practiced in many Nigerian hospitals. This study assessed the prevalence and associations of hepatitis B seropositivity in a rural south-eastern Nigerian population of ophthalmic surgical patients. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional survey of ophthalmic surgical patients at the Presbyterian Joint Hospital—a rural missionary eye care facility in south-eastern Nigeria, conducted between December 2012 and June 2013. Participant’s socio-demographic and clinical data and result of screening for hepatitis B surface antigen (HbSAg) were collected. Results: The participants (n = 100;males, 40;females, 50) were aged 52.9 SD ± 15.4 (range 1 - 88 years). They were predominantly farmers—45% and traders—26% who had cataract—58% and glaucoma—16% as their leading clinical diagnosis indicating ophthalmic surgical intervention. Of them only 2 (2.0%) were sero-positive for HbSAg. HBV seropositivity was not associated with age, gender or occupation. Conclusion: Though the prevalence of hepatitis B viral infection is low in this study, universal measures to prevent cross infection of the healthcare worker is indicated.

Diabetes and cancer: Associations, mechanisms, and implications for medical practice

Both diabetes mellitus and cancer are prevalent diseases worldwide. It is evident that there is a substantial increase in cancer incidence in diabetic patients. Epidemiologic studies have indicated that diabetic patients are at significantly higher risk of common cancers including pancreatic, liver, breast, colorectal, urinary tract, gastric and female reproductive cancers. Mortality due to cancer is moderately increased among patients with diabetes compared with those without. There is increasing evidence that some cancers are associated with diabetes, but the underlying mechanisms of this potential association have not been fully elucidated. Insulin is a potent growth factor that promotes cell proliferation and carcinogenesis directly and/or through insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1). Hyperinsulinemia leads to an increase in the bioactivity of IGF-1 by inhibiting IGF binding protein-1. Hyperglycemia serves as a subordinate plausible explanation of carcinogenesis. High glucose may exert direct and indirect effects upon cancer cells to promote proliferation. Also chronic inflammation is considered as a hallmark of carcinogenesis. The multiple drugs involved in the treatment of diabetes seem to modify the risk of cancer. Screening to detect cancer at an early stage and appropriate treatment of diabetic patients with cancer are important to improve their prognosis. This paper summarizes the associations between diabetes and common cancers, interprets possible mechanisms involved, and addresses implications for medical practice.

Dairy Consumption and Associations with Nutritional Status of Chinese Children and Adolescents

Objective This study aimed to describe frequency and quantity of total dairy consumption of Chinese children and adolescents and explore the associations between dairy consumption and nutrition status, including stunting, wasting, overweight, and obesity. Methods Participants included 28,250 children and adolescents aged 6-17 years old. A food frequency questionnaire(FFQ) including 100 kinds of food was used to collect information about frequency and quantity of dairy consumption. Determination of stunting was with a height cutoff value for age and gender, and determination for wasting, overweight, and obesity was with BMI for age and gender. Results Of the total sample, 36.1% of children aged 6-17 reported consuming dairy food more than once per day(≥ 1/day). The average total dairy intake of all the participants was 126.7 g/day. For boys, dairy consumption had an inverse correlation with stunting and wasting after controlling for confounders. For girls, dairy consumption was negatively associated with stunting and obesity after controlling for confounders as above. Conclusion Dairy consumption in Chinese children and adolescents was relatively lower than that in developed countries, and was negatively associated with stunting and wasting for boys and with stunting and obesity for girls.

New insights into the associations among feed efficiency, metabolizable efficiency traits and related QTL regions in broiler chickens

Background: Improving the feed efficiency would increase profitability for producers while also reducing the environmental footprint of livestock production. This study was conducted to investigate the relationships among feed efficiency traits and metabolizable efficiency traits in 180 male broilers. Significant loci and genes affecting the metabolizable efficiency traits were explored with an imputation-based genome-wide association study. The traits measured or calculated comprised three growth traits, five feed efficiency related traits, and nine metabolizable efficiency traits.Results: The residual feed intake(RFI) showed moderate to high and positive phenotypic correlations with eight other traits measured, including average daily feed intake(ADFI), dry excreta weight(DEW), gross energy excretion(GEE), crude protein excretion(CPE), metabolizable dry matter(MDM), nitrogen corrected apparent metabolizable energy(AMEn), abdominal fat weight(Ab F), and percentage of abdominal fat(Ab P). Greater correlations were observed between growth traits and the feed conversion ratio(FCR) than RFI. In addition, the RFI, FCR, ADFI, DEW,GEE, CPE, MDM, AMEn, Ab F, and Ab P were lower in low-RFI birds than high-RFI birds(P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), whereas the coefficients of MDM and MCP of low-RFI birds were greater than those of high-RFI birds(P < 0.01). Five narrow QTLs for metabolizable efficiency traits were detected, including one 82.46-kb region for DEW and GEE on Gallus gallus chromosome(GGA) 26, one 120.13-kb region for MDM and AMEn on GGA1, one 691.25-kb region for the coefficients of MDM and AMEn on GGA5, one region for the coefficients of MDM and MCP on GGA2(103.45–103.53 Mb), and one 690.50-kb region for the coefficient of MCP on GGA14. Linkage disequilibrium(LD) analysis indicated that the five regions contained high LD blocks, as well as the genes chromosome 26 C6 orf106 homolog(C26 H6 orf106), LOC396098, SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 2(SHANK2), ETS homologous factor(EHF), and histamine receptor H3-like(HRH3 L), which are known to be involved in the regulation of neurodevelopment, cell proliferation and differentiation, and food intake.Conclusions: Selection for low RFI significantly decreased chicken feed intake, excreta output, and abdominal fat deposition, and increased nutrient digestibility without changing the weight gain. Five novel QTL regions involved in the control of metabolizable efficiency in chickens were identified. These results, combined through nutritional and genetic approaches, should facilitate novel insights into improving feed efficiency in poultry and other species.