bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between lung infection severity and clinical laboratory indicators in patients with COVID-19: A cross-sectional study based on machine learning
Authors: Wang Xingrui , Che Qinglin , Ji Xiaoxiao , Meng Xinyi , Zhang Lang , Jia Rongrong , Lyu Hairong , Bai Weixian , Tan Lingjie , Gao Yanjun
Published: May 2020

Background: New coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused a global pandemic that has raised worldwide concern. This study aims to investigate the correlation between the extent of lung infection and relevant clinical laboratory testing indicators in COVID-19 and to analyse its underlying mechanism.Methods: Chest high-resolution computer tomography (CT) images and laboratory examination data of 31 patients with COVID-19 were extracted, and the lesion areas in CT images were quantitatively segmented and calculated using the deep learning (DL) system. A cross-sectional study method was used to explore the differences among the proportions of lung lobe infection and to correlate the percentage of infection (POI) of the whole lung in all patients with clinical laboratory examination values. Results: No significant difference in the proportion of infection was noted among various lung lobes (P > 0.05). The POI of total lung infection was negatively correlated with the peripheral blood lymphocyte percentage (L%) (r = -0.633, P < 0.0001) and lymphocyte count (LY) (r = -0.555, P = 0.001) but positively correlated with the neutrophil percentage (G%) (r = 0.565, P = 0.001). Otherwise, the POI was not significantly correlated with the peripheral blood leukocyte count (WBC), monocyte percentage (M%) or haemoglobin content (HGB). In some patients, the G% increased continuously and was accompanied by a progressive decrease in the L% and LY.Conclusions: No significant difference in infection propensity was noted among the lung lobes in COVID-19 patients. The peripheral blood lymphocyte and neutrophil levels are significantly correlated with the extent of lung lesions, and related indicator abnormalities serve as a warning, thus guiding the implications of clinical interventions in patients.
Not all dietary fibers alleviate type 2 diabetes
Authors: Nie Qixing , Gao He , Li Mingzhi , Sun Yonggan , Chen Haihong , Zuo Sheng , Fang Qingying , Huang Xiaojun , Yin Junyi , Hu Jielun , Nie Shaoping
Published: May 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to a need to make corrections.
Use of Aspergillus oryzae during sorghum malting to enhance yield and quality of gluten free lager beers
Authors: Rubio-Flores Mónica , García-Arellano Arnulfo Ricardo , Perez-Carrillo Esther , Serna-Saldivar Sergio Othón
Published: May 2020

Sorghum has been used for brewing European beers but its malt generally lower beer yields and alcohol contents. The aim of this research was to produce lager beers using worts from sorghum malted with and without Aspergillus oryzae inoculation. Worts adjusted to 15°Plato from the sorghum malt inoculated with 1% A. oryzae yielded 21.5% and 5% more volume compared to sorghum malt and barley malt worts, respectively. The main fermentable carbohydrate in all worts was maltose. Glucose was present in higher amounts in both sorghum worts compared to barley malt worts. Sorghum-A. oryzae beer had similar specific gravity and alcohol compared to the barley malt beer. Sorghum-A. oryzae beer contained lower amounts of hydrogen sulphide, methanethiol, butanedione, and pentadione compared to barley malt beer. Sorghum-A. oryzae lager beer had similar yield and alcohol content compared to the barley malt beer but differed in color, key volatiles and aromatic compounds.
Inhibitory Control Training Reveals a Common Neurofunctional Basis for Generic Executive Functions and Language Switching in Bilinguals
Authors: Wu Yan Jing , Chen Mo , Thierry Guillaume , Fu Yongben , Wu Junjie , Guo Taomei
Published: May 2020

Background: The neural networks underpinning language control and domain-general executive functions overlap in bilinguals, but existing evidence is mainly correlative. Here, we present the first neurofunctional evidence for a transfer effect between (domain-general) inhibitory control and language control through training. We trained Chinese-English bilinguals for 8 days using a Simon task taxing the inhibitory control system, whilst an active control group was trained with a color judgment task that does not tax the inhibitory control system. All participants performed a language-switching task before and after training.Results: The results showed a negative correlation between changes in activation levels in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and changes in the switch cost magnitude in the language-switching task in the training group but not in the control group, suggesting that the DLPFC plays a critical role in the transfer effect from domain-general executive functions to language control. However, there was no measurable effect in the anterior cingulate cortex or left caudate nucleus, suggesting that the inhibitory control training increased the neural efficiency for language production in bilinguals in terms of attention shifting and conflict resolution, but the training did not affect conflict detection and lexical selection.Conclusion: These findings showed how cognitive training evidence can help establish a causational link between the neural basis of domain-general executive functions and language control in bilinguals.
The Efficacy and Safety of Indocyanine green- hyaluronic acid mixture (LuminoMarkTM) for Localization in Patients with Non-palpable Breast Lesions: A Multi-center Open-label Parallel Phase-2 Clinical trial
Authors: Kim Isaac , Choi Hee Jun , Ryu Jai Min , Lee Se Kyung , Yu Jong Han , Lee Jeong Eon , Nam Seok Jin , Shin Hyuk Jai , Kim Seok Won
Published: May 2020

Backgrounds With increasing screening for breast cancer, non-palpable breast lesions are detected more frequently. A preoperative localization is very important for a minimal but accurate excision of a non-palpable breast lesion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of indocyanine green(ICG)-hyaluronic acid mixture injection as a novel material for localization. Methods We performed prospective clinical trial with female patients who underwent surgery for non-palpable breast lesion. 44 patients were sequentially assigned to the control group(localization with activated charcoal), test group 1(ICG-hyaluronic acid mixture 0.1ml), or test group 2(ICG-hyaluronic acid mixture 0.2ml) by 1:1:1 ratio. Results Most were over 40 years old, and there were no differences between three groups in age distribution. According to the pathologic results, fibroadenoma accounted for the largest share (38.6%, 17/44) and malignancy accounted for 11.4% (5/44). The marking rate on both breast lesions and excised specimens was over 86% in all groups, and there was no difference. However, skin pigmentation was only in the control group and the accuracy of resection (the greatest length in cm of the excised specimen divided by the greatest length in cm on the pre-operation ultrasound image, the value closer to 1 meant resection as much as the size on ultrasound image) was different significantly. The average was 3.7(range 1.2-13.3) in control group and 2.2 (1.0-4.2) in test 1 group and 2.1(1.0-4.2) in test 2 group. Conclusion ICG-hyaluronic acid mixture injection was superior to activated charcoal for localization in patients with non-palpable breast lesions.
High-Quality Genome Sequence Assembly of R.A73 Enterococcus faecium Isolated from Freshwater fish mucus Exhibiting high Probiotic Potential
Authors: Jeni Rim El , Ghedira Kais , Bour Monia El , Abdelhak Sonia , Kahla Alia Ben , Bouhaouala-Zahar Balkiss
Published: May 2020

Background: Whole-genome sequencing using high throughput technologies has revolutionized and speeded up the scientific investigation of bacterial genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Lactic acid bacteria (LABs) have been extensively used in fermentation and more recently as probiotics in food products that promote health. Genome sequencing and functional genomics investigations of LABs varieties provide rapid and important information about their diversity and their evolution, revealing a significant molecular basis.This study investigates the whole genome sequences of the Enterococcus faecium genome (HG937697), isolated from the mucus of freshwater fish in Tunisian dams. Genomic DNA was extracted using the Quick-GDNA kit (Zymoresearch) and sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq2500 system. Sequences quality assessment was performed using FastQC software. The complete genome annotation was carried out with the RAST web server then NCBI PGAAP. Results: The Enterococcus faecium R.A73 assembled in 28 contigs consisting of 2,935,283 bps. The genome annotation revealed 2,884 genes in total including 2,834 coding sequences and 50 RNAs containing 3 rRNAs (one rRNA 16s, one rRNA 23s and one rRNA 5s) and 47 tRNAs. Twenty-two genes implicated in bacteriocin production are identified within the Enterococcus faecium R.A73 genome.Conclusions: Data obtained provide insights to further investigate the effective strategy for testing this Enterococcus faecium R.A73 strain in the industrial manufacturing process. Studying their metabolism with bioinformatics tools represents the future challenge and contribution to improving the utilization of the multi-purpose bacteria in food.
Participation in Disease Management Programs and Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients After Acute Myocardial Infarction.
Authors: Fischer Christian , Höpner Jens , Hartwig Saskia , Noutsias Michel , Mikolajczyk Rafael
Published: May 2020

Background Cardiovascular diseases are still the main cause of death in the western world. However, diminishing mortality rates of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are motivating the need to investigate the process of stationary and ambulatory secondary prevention after AMI. Besides cardiac rehabilitation, disease management programs (DMPs) are an important component of outpatient care after AMI in Germany. This study aims to analyze outcomes after AMI among those who participated in DMPs and stationary cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in a region with overall increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Methods: On the basis of data from a regional myocardial infarction registry and a 2-years follow up period, we assessed the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in relation to participation in CR and DMP, risk factors for complications and individual health, and lifestyle characteristics. Multivariable Cox regression was performed to compare survival time until an adverse event occurred.Results Out of 1,094 observed patients AMI, 272 were enrolled in a DMP. A weak association between DMP participation and hazard rates for MACE compared to non-enrollees was found in the crude model (hazard ratio = 0.93; 95% confidence interval = 0.65–1.33). When adjusted for possible confounders, this difference disappeared (1.03; 0.72–1.48). Furthermore, smokers and obese patients showed a distinctly lower chance of DMP enrollment. In contrast, participants of CR showed a lower risk for MACE in crude (0.52; 0.41–0.65) and adjusted analysis (0.56; 0.44–0.71).Conclusions Participation in DMP was not associated with a lower risk of MACE, while CR showed beneficial effects. Adjustment only slightly changed effect estimates in both cases, still potential effects of confounding need to be considered.
Inequality, Chronic Undernutrition, Maternity, and Diabetes Mellitus as the Determinant of Anemia among Ever-Married Women in Bangladesh.
Authors: Islam GM
Published: May 2020

Purpose: This study aims todelineate the association between household economic inequalities, along with other confounders, and anemia among ever married women in Bangladesh.Methods: A cross-sectional population sample comprising of 5920 ever-married women aged between 15–49 years were selected for this Analysis were performed through the application of proportional odds models.Results: The respondents from low and medium socioeconomic status (SES) households vs. richest households were 1.90 (95% CI, 1.65-2.17; p<.01) and 1.41 (95 % CI, 1.12-1.78; p<.01) times more likely to suffer from anemia. The likelihood of being anemic reduces for the lowand medium SES groups vs. high SES group when sociodemographic variables are added (OR,1.69, 95% CI, 1.43-1.99 and OR, 1.35, 95% CI, .07-1.70;p<0.01 respectively). After adding the variables of diabetes and maternity status, the association betweenhaving anemia belongingto low and medium SES vs. high SESbecomes weaker (OR,1.36, 95% CI,0.85-2.15 and OR,1.15, 95% CI, 0.6-2.19; p>.05 respectively). Moreover, the strength of the association between anemia and the subjects with pregnant and lactating vs. the subjectswithout these conditionswas reduced after factoring body mass index (BMI).Conclusions: BMI, pregnancy, and diabetes mellitus were observed to be significantly associated with anemia and the strength of the association was low with anemia and socioeconomic inequality.
Cyclosporin A promotes invasion and migration of extravillous trophoblast cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells and human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Wang Jiaxing , Long Ping , Tian Shengnan , Zu Weihua , Liu Jing , Wu Bangyong , Mao Jilong , Li Dan , Ma Yanlin , Huang Yuanhua
Published: May 2020

Background

Extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells play an essential role in the maternal-fetal interaction. Although abnormal development and function of EVT cells, including impaired migration and invasion capability, are believed to be etiologically linked to severe pregnancy disorders including pre-eclampsia (PE), the associated molecular mechanisms are not clear ascribed to the lack of an appropriate cell model in vitro. Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a macrolide immunosuppressant and is also used in clinic to improve pregnancy outcomes. However, whether CsA has any effects on the function of EVT cells has not been well investigated.
Methods

In this study, we induced differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into EVT cells (hiPSC-EVT and hESC-EVT cells, respectively) by Y27632, NRG1, A83-01 and matrigel, and collected these derived EVT cells by flow cytometry for sorting cells positive for double HLA-G and KRT7, which are EVT markers. We then investigated the effects of CsA on the invasion and migration of these derived EVT cells.
Results

We found that the hiPSC-EVT and hESC-EVT cells expressed high levels of the EVT markers such as KRT7, ITGA5 and HLA-G but low levels of OCT4, a stem cell marker, and that CsA significantly promoted the invasion and migration of hiPSC-EVT and hESC-EVT cells.
Conclusions

We successfully generated hiPSC/hESC-derived human EVT cells, which may be applicable for investigating the remodeling process of spiral arteries remodeling and the possible mechanisms of EVT-related diseases in vitro. Furthermore, our findings provide direct evidence that CsA regulates the function of EVT cells and molecular basis by which CsA may be used to treat pregnancy complications in clinic associated with deficient EVT function.
Healthy Protection Of Bergamot Is Linked To The Modulation Of Microbiota
Authors: Riva Antonella , Longo Valeria , Berlanda Davide , Allegrini Pietro , Masetti Giulia , Botti Sara , Petrangolini Giovanna
Published: May 2020

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a new food-grade bioavailable delivery system of bergamot on human gut microbiota, in order to demonstrate the potential correlation of microbiota modulation in cardiovascular health.The identification of human gut microbiota modification was performed after ex-vivo incubation with bergamot phytosome (Vazguard™) of individual faecal slurries from healthy women (45–53 years) as follows: after incubation at 37°C in anaerobic condition, DNA was extracted and a 16S Metagenomic Sequencing Analysis performed. Results: Twenty-five different phyla were identified, among which 4 were modulated: Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria. The decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and the increase of Proteobacteria were observed indicating a positive modulation of microbiota possibly linked to cardiovascular health. 418 different genera were also identified, among which several of them were mildly modulated.Conclusions: For the first time, a gut microbiome modulation was associated to the new delivery system of bergamot phytosome, supporting its clinical efficacy for cardiovascular health. New potential applications in weight control and gastrointestinal benefits were suggested.
First molecular insights into the infection process provoked by Neofusicoccum parvum in Liquidambar styraciflua and the identification of new cysteine rich proteins in both organisms
Authors: Vázquez-Avendaño Rebeca , Rodríguez-Haas José Benjamín , Velázquez-Delgado Hugo , Rosas-Saito Greta Hanako , Hernández-Domínguez Eric Edmundo , Sánchez-Rangel Diana
Published: May 2020

Background Neofusicoccum parvum belongs to Botryosphaeriaceae family that groups endophytic and latent pathogens of woody plants responsible of diseases such as cankers, dieback and blight. Is a widespread pathogen in a broad host range including agricultural, horticultural and forestry plants, therefore is relevant to characterize molecular mechanisms involved in the disease. This work, report for first time a N. parvum as a pathogen of Liquidambar styraciflua. We established an in vitro pathosystem using foliar tissue in order to characterize the infection process through scanning electron microscopy. Because cysteine rich proteins (CysRPs) are well described for their important functions under plant-pathogen interaction, new CysRPs were identified for these organisms, and mRNAs expression of these proteins was analyzed at early times during the interaction.Results Since the first 24 hours post infection, the pathogen caused visible symptoms and the microscopic analysis at 16 days post infection revealed the presence of N. parvum pycnidium immersed in L. styraciflua leaf tissue. For both organisms, two databases with transcriptomic and genomic information were analyzed and new five CysRPs were identified for each organism, the amino acid length varied between 95 and 204 and in silico analysis revealed that all proteins are potentially secreted. The search of conserved domains and phylogenetic analyses bring to light that all proteins are novel including two of N. parvum that present the well-known CFEM domain. RT-qPCR analysis was conducted at 24- and 72-hours post infection and the results showed change levels of CysRPs mRNAs for both the plant and the fungus at early times during the interaction.ConclusionsIt is recognized for first time that N. parvum is a pathogen of L. styraciflua and this work represents an approach to begin to deeply understand the molecular mechanisms involved in this interaction highlighting the potential involvement of CysRPs of both organism during this biotic stress.
Outcomes in patients with lacrimal gland carcinoma treated with definitive radiotherapy or eye-sparing surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy
Authors: Lin Yun-Hsuan , Huang ShihMing , Yap Wing-Keen , Yang Ju-Wen , Yeung Ling , Tsan Din-Li , Chang Joseph Tung-Chieh , Chen Lung-Chien
Published: May 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to erroneous posting.
Flexible screen-printed temperature sensor based on Mn-Co-Ni metal oxide powder filled PVB polymer
Authors: Zhou Junyi , Chen Xuan , Zhang H.M. , Chang Aimin , Liu Ting
Published: May 2020

There has recently been renewed interest in wearable devices and electronic skin because of the demand in real-time monitoring of human body temperature. This work developed a flexible paper-based temperature sensor by screen printing technology. The sensing layer is composed of Mn-Co-Ni metal oxide powders filled with Polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The flexible temperature sensor shows extremely high sensitivity (3.14%° C− 1) at human body temperature (25 to 45° C). It also exhibits excellent durability (less than 0.25%) during the long-term aging tests, which indicates that the flexible temperature sensor has great potential in wearable devices and electronic skin.
Forest Fire Area Detection by Using Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 Satellite Images: A Case Study in Mugla, Turkey
Authors: Kurnaz Bahadir , Bayik Caglar , Abdikan Saygin
Published: May 2020

Background: Forests have an extremely important place in the ecosystem in terms of ensuring social and environmental balance. The biggest danger for forests that have this importance is forest fires due to various reasons. It is extremely important to estimate the formation and behavior characteristics of fires in terms of combating forest fires. Using the satellite images obtained with the developing technology for this purpose provides great convenience in the detection of the fire areas and the severity of the fire affected. In this study, forest fire that occurred in the Zeytinköy region of Muğla province was investigated using remotely sensed images. According to the reference data provided by the General Directorate of Forestry (GDF), 425 hectares of area was destroyed by fire. In this study, it is aimed to extract burn scar by applying seven vegetation indexes on Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 satellite images. Additionally, forest fire areas have been determined with the object-based classification technique. Results: As a result of the study, when the obtained results are compared with the values obtained from GDF, it is determined that object based analysis of Sentinel-2 provided the highest accuracy with 98.36% overall accuracy and 0.976 kappa statistics. Comparing the results of spectral indices of Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8, Sentinel-2 resulted better results in all indices. Among the indices RdNBR and dNDVI obtained better results than other indices with Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8, respectively. Conclusions: In general, it has been determined that Sentinel-2 data is more suitable than Landsat-8 satellite images for determining Turkish red pine forest fired areas. Red and near infrared based images can be used for rapid mapping of fired areas. The results also indicated that the indices provided by multi-temporal Sentinel-2 data can assist forest management for rapid monitoring of fire scars and also for evolution of reforestation after fire.
Time-varying gene expression network analysis for evolution of human prefrontal cortex
Authors: Cui Yuehua , Wang Huihui , Wu Yongqing , Sa Jian , Li Zhi , Cao Hongyan
Published: May 2020

Background : The prefrontal cortex (PFC) constitutes a large part of the human central nervous system and is essential for the normal social affection and executive function of humans and other primates. Despite ongoing research in this region, the evolution of interactions between PFC genes is still unknown, and there is a need to better understand changes in expression of age-related genes over the lifespan. To investigate the evolution of PFC gene interaction networks and further identify hub genes, we obtained time-series gene expression data of human PFC tissues from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A statistical model, loggle, was used to construct time-varying networks and explore the evolution of PFC gene networks over time. Several common network attributes were used to explore the evolution of PFC gene networks over time. The hub genes of different evolutionary stages were identified. At the same time, we explored several known KEGG pathways in PFC and the corresponding development patterns of central genes. Results : Network similarity analysis showed that the development of human PFC is divided into three stages, namely, fast development period, deceleration to stationary period, and destructive recession period. We identified some genes related to PFC evolution at these different stages, including genes involved in neuronal differentiation or synapse formation, genes involved in nerve impulse transmission, and genes involved in the development of myelin around neurons. Some of these genes are consistent with findings in previous reports. Pathway evolution analysis suggests that the axon guidance pathway has been most responsive during the evolution of PFC. Conclusions : This study clarified the evolutionary trajectory of the interaction between PFC genes, and proposed a set of candidate genes related to PFC development, which helps further study of human brain development at the genomic level supplemental to regular anatomical analyses. The analytical process used in this study, involving the loggle model, similarity analysis, and central analysis, provides a comprehensive strategy to gain novel insights into the evolution and development of brain networks in other organisms.
Prediction and Evolution of B Cell Epitopes of Surface Protein in SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Lon Jerome Rumdon , Bai Yunmeng , Zhong Bingxu , Cai Fuqaing , Du Hongli
Published: May 2020

Background The discovery of epitopes is helpful to the development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.Methods The sequences of the surface protein of SARS-CoV-2 and its proximal sequences were obtained by BLAST, the sequences of the whole genome of SARS-CoV-2 were obtained from the GenBank. Based on the NCBI Reference Sequence: NC_045512.2, the conformational and linear B cell epitopes of the surface protein were predicted separately by various prediction methods. Furthermore, the conservation of the epitopes, the adaptability and other evolutionary characteristics were also analyzed.Results 7 epitopes were predicted, including 5 linear epitopes and 2 conformational epitopes, one of the linear and one of the conformational were coincide. The epitope D mutated easily, but the other epitopes were very conservative and the epitope C was the most conservative. It is worth mentioning that all of the 6 dominated epitopes were absolutely conservative in nearly 1000 SARS-CoV-2 genomes, and they deserved further study.Conclusion The findings would facilitate the vaccine development, had the potential to be directly applied on the treatment in this disease, but also have the potential to prevent the possible threats caused by other types of coronavirus.
A novel prophylactic parachute ankle brace CPAB
Authors: Zhou Xi , Wu Di , Li Zhengyao , Wu Xiangdong , Yan Bin , Liang Leilei , He Yu , Liu Yong
Published: May 2020

Background: Comparing the effects of a self-designed and self-manufactured novel prophylactic ankle brace (Chinese parachute ankle brace, CPAB) and two ordinary ankle braces on the ankle joint during a half-squat parachute landing via biomechanical assessment.Methods: Twenty elite paratroopers were in four different conditions: no brace, elastic brace, semi-rigid brace, and CPAB. Each participant was instructed to jump off a platform with three different heights, 40 cm, 80 cm, and 120 cm, and land on the AMTI force plate in a half-squat posture. The vertical ground reaction forces (vGRF), joint angles, moments, powers, and works were calculated. After the experiment, every participant completed the questionnaires designed for this study.Result: Increasing the dropping height increased all of the parameters significantly (P<0.01), except for time to peak vGRF (T-PvGRF). Applying three braces can all slightly increase vGRF (P=0.237) and reduce T-PvGRF by 6-10 ms, as well as decrease the joint angles, velocities, and moments on the sagittal and coronal planes. Wearing CPAB and a semi-rigid brace more efficiently restricted dorsiflexion and inversion (P<0.05), and they both significantly reduced ankle work (t=5.107, P<0.01; t=3.331, P<0.01) and peak power (t=7.237, P<0.01; t=6.711, P<0.01) at 120 cm. The total scores from low-to-high were semi-rigid brace (19.20±2.99), elastic brace (21.91±3.25), and CPAB (23.37±3.08).Conclusion: The CPAB was more effective at restricting ankle joint motion on the coronal and sagittal planes than the other two prophylactic ankle braces. Therefore, the CPAB had the advantages of a novel appearance, high efficiency, and superior comfort, providing a reliable choice for parachute jumping and training in China.
Influence of graded levels of baobab oil seed cake on growth performance and enteric methane emissions in Savannah × Boer crossbreed yearling goats.
Authors: Saho Samkelo , Ikusika Olusegun O , Mpendulo Conference Thando , Mupangwa John , Moyo Davison
Published: May 2020

Background: The recent concern on the emission of methane from ruminant livestock that contributes to climate change has called for a search of feed ingredient that will mitigate the emission of this gas at the same time increase the growth performance of the animal. One of such feed ingredients could be baobab oil seed cake. This study therefore, investigate the effects of feeding graded levels of baobab oil seed cake (BOSC) on growth performance and enteric methane emissions of Savannah × Boer goats at yearling age.Methods: A total of 24 goats weighing 16.63 ± 3.639 kg were used in a completely randomized block design. The study was conducted for a period of 70 days, with an adaptation period of 14 days. The baobab oil seed cake was included in the diets at 0% (control diet), 15%, 30% and 45 % on a mass basis. The experimental diets were iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric. The parameters measured include the average daily feed intake (ADFI), body weight gain (BWG), and average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and enteric methane emissions using Laser methane detector (LMD).Results The inclusion of baobab oil seed cake (15%, 30%, and 45% BOSC) in goats’ diets significantly increased (P<0.05) (ADFI). Females in the current study gained more weight than males. It was observed that goats fed diets with 0% baobab oil cake emitted higher methane output (P<0.05). Methane emission decreased as the baobab inclusion levels in the diet increase (P<0.05). Female Savannah ´ Boer goat emitted more methane than male (P<0.05). Both sex and baobab oil cake inclusion levels contributed significantly to methane emissions individually and interactively. Conclusion: Inclusion of baobab oil seed cake in the diet improved growth performance and could also be used to mitigate methane production in Savannah × Boer crossbreed goats at a range of 15 to 45 % inclusion levels without causing any detrimental effects on the goats.’
Transcatheter Arterial Embolization with N-butyl-2 Cyanoacrylate Glubrans 2 for the Treatment of Acute Renal Hemorrhage Under Coagulopathic Condition
Authors: Gong Maofeng , He Xu , Zhao Boxiang , Kong Jie , Wang Tao , Gu Jianping , Su Haobo
Published: May 2020

Background:The efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) using the N-butyl-2 cyanoacrylate (NBCA) Glubran2 in the treatment of acute renal hemorrhage (RH) under coagulopathic conditionsarestill no consensus.Methods: Between February 2014 and June 2019, 8 patients underwent TAE with the NBCA Glubran2 for acute RH under coagulopathic conditions. Coagulopathy was defined as abnormal values of prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time and/or a reduced platelet count.Angiograms and medical records were retrospectively reviewed to determine technical/clinical success, complications and recurrent hemorrhage after TAE, and follow-up outcomes were assessed.Results: Of note, one patient presented with severe coagulopathy, and three presented with severe RH and hemodynamic instability. The NBCA Glubran2 was employed as a sole embolic material in sixpatients. In the remaining two patients, it was employed for secondary embolization.Under coagulopathic conditions, due to the use of the NBCA Glubran2, both technical success and clinical success for acute RH were achieved in all patients. Duringa mean follow-up time of 30.1 months (range, 3-84 months), neither persistent nor recurrent active hemorrhage required repeat endovascular or surgical treatment for hemostasis. No Glubran2related complications occurred mid-TAE pro-cedure. In addition, renal function information was available for all patients, and there was no significant difference between the serum creatinine levels [(83.8 ± 15.5) vs (85.8 ± 32.2) μmol/L] before and one week after Glubran2 embolization (p=0.89; CI, -34.5 to 30.5).Conclusions: The present findings suggest that TAE with the NBCA Glubran2 may be a safe alternative treatment for the management of RH under coagulopathic conditions. In particular, this method appears to be a potentially attractive alternative when con-ventional embolic materials fail in patients with ongoing hemodynamic instability or even under severe coagulopathic conditions.
Correlation between quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI parameters and molecular typing and related immune proteins in gastric cancer
Authors: Yan Liangliang , Gao Jianbo , Qu Jinrong , Zhang Hongkai , Lu Yanan , Zhang He , Xia Qingxin
Published: May 2020

Background

To analyze the correlation between quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) parameters and molecular typing and related immune proteins in gastric cancer.
Methods

Forty-three patients confirmed as gastric adenocarcinoma by histopathology were enrolled in this prospective study. DCE-MRI were performed before surgery, and quantitative DCE parameters (Ktrans, Kep, Ve) were measured. The specimens were stained with biomarkers EBER-ISH, MLH1, PMS2, E-Cadherin, P53 and HER-2. According to the different dyeing results, they were divided into five molecular types and four HER-2 expression grades. The quantitative DCE parameters among five molecular types was compared using the ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test, and pairwise comparison was performed using the LSD test. The quantitative DCE parameters between positive and negative expressions of related immune proteins were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. The correlations between quantitative DCE parameters and HER-2 expression grades were evaluated using Spearman rank correlation test.
Results

Among 43 cases, 3 cases were EBV-positive groups, 9 cases were MSI groups, 2 cases were aberrant E-Cadherin groups, 23 cases were aberrant P53 groups, and 6 cases were normal P53 groups. There were significant differences of quantitative DCE parameters in Ktrans and Kep among five molecular types (P < 0.05). The Ktrans value of Aberrant P53 group was lower than that of EBV-positive group, MSI group and Normal P53 group, the Kep value of E-Cadherin group was lower than that of EBV-positive group, and the Kep value of Aberrant P53 group was lower than that of EBV-positive group and MSI group, and all differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Aberrant E-Cadherin group has the lowest Ktrans value (0.28/min) and Kep value (0.26/min) in five groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in quantitative DCE parameters between positive and negative expressions of all related immune proteins (all P > 0.05). There were no significant correlation between HER-2 expression grades and Ktrans, Kep, Ve values (r=-0.08, -0.03, -0.16, P = 0.63, 0.84, 0.31, respectively).
Conclusion

Quantitative DCE-MRI parameters can assess some molecular types of gastric cancer in a certain extent, and not assess related immune protein expressions, and not related to HER-2 expression grades.
Strategies to Overcome Vaccine Hesitancy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Singh Prem , Dhalaria Pritu , Ghosh Shreeparna , Mohapatra Mrinal Kar , Kashyap Satabdi , Soni Gopal Krishna , Nandi Partha
Published: May 2020

Background: Vaccination, albeit a necessity in the prevention of infectious diseases, requires appropriate strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy at an individual and community level. However, there remains a glaring scarcity of available literature in that regard. Therefore, this review aims to scrutinize globally tested interventions to increase the vaccination uptake by addressing vaccine hesitancy at various stages of these interventions across the globe and help policy makers in implementing appropriate strategies to address the issue.Methods: A systematic review of descriptive and analytic studies was conducted using specific key word searches to identify literature containing information about interventions directed at vaccine hesitancy. The search was done using PubMed, Global Health, and Science Direct databases. Data extraction was based on study characteristics such as author details; study design; and type, duration, and outcome of an intervention.Results: A total of 105 studies were identified of which 33 studies were included in the final review. Community-based interventions, monetary incentives, and technology-based health literacy demonstrated significant improvement in the utilization of immunization services. On the other hand, media-based intervention studies did not bring about a desired change in overcoming vaccine hesitancy.Conclusion: This study indicates that the strategies should be based on the need and reasons for vaccine hesitancy for the targeted population. A multidimensional approach involving community members, families, and individuals is required to address this challenging issue.
Role of mitochondrial dynamics in microglial activation and metabolic switch
Authors: Montilla Alejandro , Ruiz Asier , Matute Carlos , Domercq Maria
Published: May 2020

Background
Microglia are the endogenous immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS) and act as sensors of injury in the brain, favouring its homeostasis. Their activation and polarization towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype are associated to injury and disease. These processes are linked to a metabolic reprogramming of the cells, characterized by high rates of glycolytic function and suppressed levels of oxidative phosphorylation. This metabolic switch can be reproduced in vitro by stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus Interferon-γ (IFNγ). In an attempt to understand the mechanisms regulating mitochondrial respiration abolishment, we examined potential alterations in mitochondrial features during the metabolic switch. In addition, we studied the possible implication of mitochondrial dynamics in the metabolic switch using the mitochondrial division inhibitor-1 (Mdivi-1), which blocks Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission.
Methods
Cultured microglia was treated with LPS + IFNγ to reproduce the metabolic switch under pro-inflammatory stimuli in the absence or in the presence of Mdivi-1 to block mitochondrial fission. Mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial calcium were measured with living cell imaging, and microglial polarization was assessed by immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR. The metabolic profile of the cells was measured using the Seahorse XFe96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer.
Results
Under conditions of mitochondrial respiration abolishment, microglia did not show any change in mitochondria morphology, nor in mitochondrial membrane potential, indicative of a limited impact in its viability. We provided evidence that reverse operation of F0F1-ATP synthase contributes to mitochondrial membrane potential. On the other hand. mitochondrial fission blockage significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory markers in LPS + IFNγ-treated microglia, such as the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). However, this inhibition did not lead to a recovery of the oxidative phosphorylation ablation by LPS + IFNγ or to a microglia repolarization.
Conclusions
Altogether, these results suggest that Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission, although potentially involved in microglial activation, does not play an essential role in metabolic reprogramming and repolarization of microglia.
Air Pollution as a Contributor to the Inflammatory Activity of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Cortese Andrea , Lova Luca , Comoli Patrizia , Volpe Elisabetta , Villa Silvia , Mallucci Giulia , Salvia Sabrina La , Romani Alfredo , Franciotta Diego , Bollati Valentina , Basso Sabrina , Guido Ilaria , Quartuccio Giuseppe , Battistini Luca , Cereda Cristina , Bergamaschi Roberto
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVE
Air pollution has been recently identified as a risk factor for multiple sclerosis. Aim of this study was to investigate the immunological mechanism underlying the clinical association between air pollution, namely exposure to particulate matter 10 (PM10), and inflammatory activity of multiple sclerosis (MS)
METHODS
Daily recording of PM10 was obtained by monitors depending on the residence of subjects. Expression of molecules involved in activation, adhesion and migration of T lymphocytes were tested by flow-cytometry in 57 MS patients. We next assessed in vitro the effect of PM10 on expression of C-C chemokine receptors 6 (CCR6) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), on cytokine production by monocyte-derived dendritic cells (mdDC) and on T cell polarization in PBMC/mdDC mixed cultures.
RESULTS
We identified a significant correlation between mean PM10 levels and expression of CCR6 CD4 + T circulating cells in MS patients. This was paralleled by the observation in vitro of a higher level of CCR6 expression on PBMC following treatment with increased doses of particulate matter. Moreover, in mdDC cultures particulate matter induced the secretion by mdDC of Th17 polarizing IL1 beta, IL6 and IL23 and, in mdDC/PBMC mixed cultures, enhanced generation of IL17-producing T cells.
CONCLUSIONS
Ex vivo and in vitro studies support the pro-inflammatory role of PM in MS, by upregulating expression of CCR6 on circulating CD4 + T cells and inducing in innate immune cells the production of Th17 polarizing cytokines. Therefore, we speculate that in MS respiratory exposure to PM10 may induce the production in the lung of autoreactive Th17 lymphocytes and boost their migratory properties through the blood-brain barrier.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Profile of Uropathogens Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Edna Adan Hospital, Hargeisa, Somaliland
Authors: Mohamoud Hussien , Tadesse Senait , Derbie Awoke
Published: May 2020

Background The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among uropathogens is increasing, especially in resource limited settings due to a number of reasons. The emergence of drug resistance and particularly the production of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) by some strains of E. coli and methicillin resistance of Staphylococcus species, limits the choice of antimicrobials in the treatment of urinary tract infection (UTI). However, little is known about the bacteriology of UTI among pregnant women in Hargeisa, SomalilandMethods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the period of 1 Feb to 30 May 2019 among pregnant women at Edna Adan Hospital (EAH), Hargeisa. Following the standard procedure, clean-catch mid-stream urine samples were collected and processed for bacteriological culture. A urine sample was considered positive for significant bacteriuria (SBU) when a single organism was cultured at a concentration of ≥ 105 Colony Forming Units/ml. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing (AST) was done using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. Ceftazidime (30 µg) and Cefotaxime (30 µg) disks were used for ESBL screening as per CLSI guideline and each ESBL screening positive isolate were phenotypically confirmed by a combination disk test.Results Among 376 study participants, 79 (21.0%) had SBU. Majority at 58(73.4%) of the isolates were Gram-negative. The most predominant isolate was E.coli at 36(45.6%) followed by K. pneumonea 16(20.3%) and S. aureus at 9(11.4%). The proportion of ESBL producing isolates was at 25(32.9%). Gram-negative bacteria showed high level resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin, cefotaxime, and cephalexin at 87%, 85%, 57%, and 52%, respectively. Previous history of UTI, monthly income, educational status and having dysuria were significantly associated with SBU (p < 0.05).Conclusions Most of the isolates were found resistant to the commonly prescribed antimicrobial drugs. Therefore, actions to minimize AMR should be in place to reduce the impact of urinary tract infections among pregnant women. Future large scale study is warranted to find out bacteriological and other factors associated with ESBL producing uropathogenes.
Multiple circulating alkaloids and saponins from intravenous Kang-Ai injection inhibit human cytochromes P450 and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase isozymes: potential drug-drug interactions
Authors: Qin Zifei , Jia Mengmeng , Yang Jing , Xing Hang , Yin Zhao , Yao Zhihong , Zhang Xiaojian , Yao Xinsheng
Published: May 2020

Background
Kang-Ai injection is widely used as an adjuvant therapy drug for many cancers, leukopenia and chronic hepatitis B. Circulating alkaloids and saponins are believed to be responsible for therapeutic effects. However, their pharmacokinetics and excretion in vivo and the risk of drug-drug interactions (DDI) through inhibiting human cytochrome P450 (CYP) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes remain unclear.
Methods
Pharmacokinetics and excretion of circulating compounds were investigated in rats using a validated ultra high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) method. Further, the inhibitory effects of nine major compounds against eleven CYP and UGT isozymes were assayed using well-accepted specific substrate for each enzyme.
Results
After dosing, 9 alkaloids were found with Cmax and t1/2 values of 0.17–422.70 µmol/L and 1.78–4.33 h, respectively. Additionally, 28 saponins exhibited considerable systemic exposure with t1/2 values of 0.63–7.22 h, whereas other trace saponins could be negligible or undetected. Besides, over 90% of alkaloids were excreted through hepatobiliary and renal excretion. Likewise, astragalosides and PPT-type ginsenosides also involved in hepatobiliary and/or renal excretion. PPD-type ginsenosides were mainly excreted to urine. Furthermore, PPD-type ginsenosides were extensively bound (fu−plasma approximately 1%), whereas astragalosides and PPT-type ginsenosides displayed fu−plasma values of 12.35% and 60.23–87.36%, respectively. Moreover, matrine and oxymatrine both exhibited weak inhibition against CYP3A4 with IC50 values of 387.40 and 604.60 µM. Similar results were observed for astragaloside IV towards CYP2C9, ginsenoside Rg1 against UGT1A1, ginsenoside Re against CYP2C8, ginsenoside Rd against CYP2B6and CYP3A4, and ginsenoside Rc against UGT1A9 with IC50 values between 20.19 and 92.21 µM. Ginsenoside Rb1 showed moderate inhibitory effect against CYP2C9 (IC50 = 8.81 µM). Through kinetic modeling, their inhibition mechanisms towards those CYP and UGT isozymes were explored with obtained Ki values. In vitro-in vivo extrapolation ([I]/Ki = 1.15 for oxymatrine) showed the inhibition of systemic clearance for CYP3A4 substrates seemed more possible, while other major circulating compounds displayed negligible DDI risk due to [I]/Ki no more than 0.1.
Conclusions
These facts lead to better understanding of chemical basis responsible for therapeutic action of Kang-Ai injection, and facilitate to pay more attention on the DDI for informing its rational clinical use.
Research methodology and characteristics of journal articles with original data, preprint articles and registered clinical trial protocols about COVID-19
Authors: Fidahic Mahir , Nujic Danijela , Runjic Renata , Civljak Marta , Markotic Filipa , Makaric Zvjezdana Lovric , Puljak Livia
Published: May 2020

Background The research community reacted rapidly to the emergence of COVID-19. We aimed to assess characteristics of journal articles, preprint articles, and registered trial protocols about COVID-19 and its causal agent SARS-CoV-2.Methods We analyzed characteristics of journal articles with original data indexed by March 19, 2020, in World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 collection, articles published on preprint servers medRxiv and bioRxiv by April 3, 2010. Additionally, we assessed characteristics of clinical trials indexed in the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) by April 7, 2020.Results Among the first 2118 articles on COVID-19 published in scholarly journals, 533 (25%) contained original data. The majority was published by authors from China (75%) and funded by Chinese sponsors (75%); a quarter was published in the Chinese language. Among 312 articles that self-reported study design, the most frequent were retrospective studies (N = 88; 28%) and case reports (N = 86; 28%), analyzing patients’ characteristics (38%). Median Journal Impact Factor of journals where articles were published was 5.099.