bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Force Modulates Periodontal Ligament Stem Cell Characteristics During Bone Remodeling via TRPV4
Authors: Jin Shan-Shan , He Dan-Qing , Wang Yu , Zhang Ting , Yu Hua-Jie , Li Zi-Xin , Zhu Li-Sha , Zhou Yan-Heng , Liu Yan
Published: June 2020

Background: Mechanical force plays an important role in modulating stem cell fate and behaviors, thereby guiding tissue development, homeostasis, and regeneration. However, how periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) perceive the mechanical stimulus and transfer it into biological signals, and thereby promote alveolar bone remodeling, is unclear. Methods: An animal model of mechanical force-induced tooth movement and a compressive force stimulus in vitro were used in the present study. After force application for 3 and 7 days, the tooth movement distance, the number of mesenchymal stem cells and osteoclasts, and the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines were detected in periodontal tissues. Then, PDLSCs with or without force loading were isolated ex vivo and their stem cell characteristics including clonogenicity, proliferation, multipotent differentiation, and immunoregulatory properties were evaluated. Under the compressive force stimulus in vitro, the effects of the ERK signaling pathway on the PDLSC characteristics were evaluated by Western blotting.Results: Mechanical force in vivo induced PDLSC proliferation, which was accompanied with inflammatory cytokine accumulation, osteoclast differentiation and TRPV4 activation; mechanical force changed the stem cell characteristics of load-induced PDLSCs isolated ex vivo, showing greater clonogenicity and proliferation, reduced differentiation ability, improved induction of macrophage migration, osteoclast differentiation, and proinflammatory factor expression. The biological changes induced by mechanical force could be partially suppressed by a small-molecule antagonist of TRPV4. Mechanistically, the potential communication between mechanical force and biological response through the ERK signaling was activated by TRPV4. Conclusions: Taken together, we show here that the activation of TRPV4 in PDLSCs under mechanical force contributes to the changes in their stem cell characteristics including clonogenicity, proliferation, multipotent differentiation, and immunoregulation and modulates bone remodeling during tooth movement.
“A false sense of confidence” The perceived role of inflammatory point-of-care testing in managing urinary tract infections in Dutch nursing homes: a qualitative study
Authors: Kuil Sacha Danielle , Schneeberger Caroline , Leth Frank van , de Jong Menno , Harting Janneke
Published: June 2020

BackgroundDiagnosing urinary tract infections (UTI) in nursing home residents is complex, due to frequent non-specific symptomatology and asymptomatic bacteriuria. The objective of this study was to explore health care professionals’ perceptions of the proposed use of inflammatory marker Point-Of-Care Testing (POCT) in this respect.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative inquiry (2018 - 2019) alongside the multicenter PROGRESS study (NL6293), which assessed the sensitivity of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin POCT in UTI. We used semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The participants were physicians (n=12) and nurses (n=6) from 13 nursing homes in the Netherlands. Most respondents were not familiar with inflammatory marker POCT, while some used POCT for respiratory tract infections. Both the interview guide and the analysis of the interview transcripts were based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.Results All respondents acknowledged that sufficiently sensitive POCT could decrease diagnostic uncertainty to some extent in residents presenting with non-specific symptoms. They primarily thought that negative test results would rule out UTI and justify withholding antibiotic treatment. Secondly, they described how positive test results could rule in UTI and justify antimicrobial treatment. However, most respondents also expected new diagnostic uncertainties to arise. Firstly, in case of negative test results, they were not sure how to deal with residents’ persisting non-specific symptoms. Secondly, in case of positive test results, they feared overlooking infections other than UTI. These new uncertainties could lead to inappropriate antibiotics use. Therefore, POCT was thought to create a false sense of confidence. Conclusions Our study suggests that inflammatory marker POCT will only improve UTI management in nursing homes to some extent. To realize the expected added value, any implementation of POCT requires thorough guidance to ensure appropriate use. Developing UTI markers with high negative and positive predictive values may offer greater potential to improve UTI management in nursing homes.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Italy: Double reading of chest CT examination
Authors: Alfonso Reginelli , Roberto Grassi , Beatrice Feragalli , Paola Belfiore Maria , Alessandro Montanelli , Gianluigi Patelli , Michelearcangelo La Porta , Fabrizio Urraro , Fusco Roberta , Vincenza Granata , Antonella Petrillo , Giuliana Giacobbe , Maria Russo Gaetano , Palmino Sacco , Roberta Grassi , Salvatore Cappabianca
Published: June 2020

OBJECTIVETo assess the performance of the second reading of chest Compute Tomography (CT) examinations by expert radiologists in patients with discordance between the reverse transcription real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for COVID-19 viral pneumonia and the first CT report.MATERIALS AND METHODS.Three hundred seventy-heigth patients were included in this retrospective study (121 women and 257 men; 71 years of median age - range, 29–93 years) subjected to RT-PCR test for suspicious COVID-19 infection. All patients were subjected to CT examination in order to evaluate the pulmonary disease involvement by COVID-19. CT images were reviewed first by two radiologists who identified COVID-19 typical CT patterns and then reanalyzed by anoter two radiologists using a CT structured report for COVID-19 diagnosis.RESULTS.The median temporal window between RT-PCRs execution and CT scan was 0 days with a range of [-9, 11] days. RT-PCR test was resulted positive in 328/378 (86.8%). Discordance between RT-PCR and CT findings for viral pneumonia was revealed in 60 cases. The second reading changed the CT diagnosis in 16/60 (26.7%) cases contributing to increase the concordance with the RT-PCR. Among these 60 cases, 8 were false negative with positive RT-PCR, and 36 were false positive with negative RT-PCR. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of CT were respectively of 97.3%, 53.8%, 89.0%, and 88.4%.CONCLUSION.Double reading of CT could increase the diagnostic confidence of radiological interpretation in COVID-19 patients. Using expert second readers could reduce the rate of discrepant cases between RT-PCR results and CT diagnosis for COVID-19 viral pneumonia.
Active Vibration Isolation for A Parallel Wheel-legged Robot Based on Dynamic Model
Authors: Guo Fei , Wang Shoukun , Yue Binkai , Wang Junzheng
Published: June 2020

Serving Stewart plat as wheel-legged construction, the most outstanding superiority of proposed wheel-legged hybrid robot (WLHR) is active vibration isolation during rolling on rugged terrain. This paper presents a force-driven control approach based on model predictive control (MPC) to design optimal control input for Stewart parallel wheel-leg that locomotes using swing foot trajectory. Adding adaptive impedance control in outermost loop, controlling framework prevents robot body horizontal and from vibration over rolling motion. Through dynamic model of Stewart mechanism, controller first creates predictive model by combining Newton-Euler equation, Newton-Raphson iteration of forward kinematic solving for current configuration, inverse kinematic calculation of Stewart obtaining desired joint position, and Gain/Integration module determining reference torque. With minimizing control deviation and input as objective function, a novel control optimization formulation generates optimum input for each control duration. These actuating force naturally enables each strut stretching and retracting used to realize six degree-of-freedom (6DOF) motion for Stewart wheel-leg. We exploit the variable-adapting method to reasonably adjust environmental impedance parameters by current position, velocity, force feedback of wheel-leg. This allow us to adequately acknowledge the desired support force tracking, isolating robot from isolation that is generated from unknown terrain. We demonstrate the validation of our control methodology on physical prototype by tracking a Bezier curve and active vibration isolation while the robot is rolling on decelerate strip. Respectively given PI controller and a sort of traditional impedance controller as comparison, a better performance of proposed algorithm was operated and evaluated through displacement and force sensors internally-installed in each cylinder, as well as IMU mounted on robot body.
Optimization Of Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction For Detection Of Dengue Virus
Authors: Azizi Kaunara Ally , Ndaro Arnold J , Maro Athanasia , Saro Adonira T , Kavishe Reginald
Published: June 2020

Objective Rapid and accurate laboratory confirmatory is very essential for control measures of dengue virus infections. However, many cases of dengue virus infections in most of the hospitals remain undiagnosed due to presence of other febrile illnesses with overlapping symptoms and lack of specificity in most of laboratory diagnostic methods. This study was set to optimize conditions for real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detection of dengue virus by using rapid and simple nucleic acid extraction method.Results The real time RT-PCR technique was successfully optimized using simple and rapid method for purification of nucleic acid, ‘boom method’. The technique works better when performed in a two-step procedure and can works well with all range of real time PCR machines. The optimized real time RT-PCR used in the present study is a valuable and reliable technique for routine diagnosis of dengue. Further investigation on the cost effectiveness in adopting this technique for routine screening and monitoring of the dengue infection should be done.
Frequency Ratio Density, Logistic Regression and Weights of Evidence Modelling for Landslide Susceptibility Assessment and Mapping in Yanase and Naka Catchments of Southeast Shikoku, Japan
Authors: Meten Matebie , Bhandary Netra Prakash
Published: June 2020

Landslide susceptibility mapping is an important tool for disaster management and development activities such as planning of transportation infrastructure, settlement and agriculture. Shikoku Island, which is found in the southwest of Japan, is one of the most landslide prone areas because of heavy typhoon rainfall, complex geology and the presence of mountainous areas and low topographic features (valleys).Yanase and Naka Catchments of Shikoku Island in Japan were chosen as a study area. Frequency Ratio Densisty (FRD), Logistic Regression (LR) and Weights of Evidence (WoE) models were applied in a GIS environment to prepare the landslide susceptibility maps of this area. Data layers including slope, aspect, profile curvature, plan curvature, lithology, land use, distance from river, distance from fault and annual rainfall were used in this study. In FR method, two models were attempted but the FRD model was found slightly better in its performance. In case of LR method, two models, one with equal proportion and the other with unequal proportion of landslide and non-landslide points were carried out and the one with equal proportions was chosen based on its highest performance. A total of five landslide susceptibility maps(LSMs) were produced using FR, LR and WoE models with two, two and one were attempted respectively. However, one best model was chosen from the FR and LR methods based on the highest area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. This reduced the total number of landslide susceptibility maps to three with the success rates of 86.7%, 86.8% and 80.7% from FRD, LR and WoE models respectively. For validation purpose, all landslides were overlaid over the three landslide susceptibility maps and the percentage of landslides in each susceptibility class was calculated. The percentages of landslides that fall in the high and very high susceptibility classes of FRD, LR and WoE models showed 82%, 84% and 78% respectively. This showed that the LR model with equal proportions of landslides and non-landslide points is slightly better than FRD and WoE models in predicting the future probability of landslide occurrence.
Is high-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma the key to disease prognosis in cases of coexisting leiomyosarcoma? A case report
Authors: Ling Feng , Ruan Sibei , Xiong XiaoMing , Li Na , Zhao DongMei , Zhang Cuiwei
Published: June 2020

Background:The uterine leiomyosarcoma combined high-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) is quite rare.Case presentation: We reported such a case in which high-grade ESS with BCOR gene alterations and leiomyosarcoma coexist in a patient. And, most impressively, high-grade ESS with BCOR gene alterations caused ovarian and pelvic metastases, although its volume was less than 1% of leiomyosarcoma.Conclusions: We suggested that when both high-grade ESS BCOR gene alterations and leiomyosarcoma are present in a patient, the high-grade ESS needs to be noted in the pathological report even if it accounts for less than 1% of the tumour mass.
Integrative transcriptome analyses empower the anti-COVID-19 drug arsenal
Authors: El-Hachem Nehme , Eid Edward , Nemer Georges , Dbaibo Ghassan , Rubeiz Nelly , Zeineldine Salah , Matar Ghassan M. , Bikorimana Jean-Pierre , Shammaa Riam , Haibe-Kains Benjamin , Kurban Mazen , Rafei Moutih
Published: June 2020

The beginning of the twenty-first century has been marked by three distinct waves of zoonotic coronavirus outbreaks into the human population. The current pandemic COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). With a rapid infection rate, it is a global threat endangering the livelihoods of millions worldwide. Currently, and despite the collaborative efforts of governments, researchers, and the pharmaceutical industries, there are no substantially significant treatment protocols for the disease. To address the need for such an immediate call of action, we leveraged the largest dataset of drug-induced transcriptomic perturbations, public SARS-CoV-2 transcriptomic datasets, and expression profiles from normal lung transcriptomes. Our unbiased systems biology approach not only shed light on previously unexplored molecular details of SARS-CoV-2 infection (e.g., interferon signaling, inflammation and ACE2 co-expression hallmarks in normal and infected lungs) but most importantly prioritized more than 50 repurposable drug candidates (e.g., Corticosteroids, Janus kinase and Bruton kinase inhibitors). Further clinical investigation of these FDA approved candidates as monotherapy or in combination with an antiviral regimen (e.g., Remdesivir) could be promising treatment options against COVID-19.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown on invasive meningococcal disease
Authors: Taha Muhamed-Kheir , Deghmane Ala-Eddine
Published: June 2020

Objective: Few data are available on the association between SARS-CoV-2 and secondary bacterial infections. Such an association was described for flu and invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). We aimed exploring such a correlation between COVID-19and IMD.Results: We compared IMD cases received at the French National Reference Centre for meningococci and Haemophilus influenzae that are sent as part of the mandatory reporting of IMD. We compared these data during the period 01 January-15 May 2020 to those from the same period in 2019. IMD cases that were associated with respiratory presentations significantly increased in 2020, involved elderly and were due to unusual isolates. However, usual IMD cases due to highly transmissible isolates decreased during the lockdown. Enhancing IMD surveillance and anti-meningococcal vaccination in elderly should to be addressed.
Long Noncoding RNA LPP-AS2 Promotes Glioma Tumorigenesis via miR-7-5p/EGFR/PI3K/AKT/c-MYC Feedback Loop
Authors: Zhang Xiaoming , Niu Wanxiang , Mu Maolin , Hu Shanshan , Niu Chaoshi
Published: June 2020

Background: Glioma is the most common primary malignant intracranial tumor with poorly clinical prognosis in adults. Accumulating evidences indicate that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have served as important regulators in cancer progression, including glioma. Here, we identified a new lncRNA LPP antisense RNA-2 (LPP-AS2) and investigated its function and mechanism in the occurrence and development of glioma.Methods: High-throughput RNA sequencing was performed to discriminate the differentially expression lncRNAs and mRNAs between glioma tissues and normal brain tissues. The expression of LPP-AS2, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and miR-7-5p in glioma tissues and cell lines were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The functions of lncRNA LPP-AS2 in glioma were measured by in vivo and in vitro assays. Insights of the underlying mechanism of competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) were originated from bioinformatic analysis, dual luciferase reporter assays, RNA pulldown assays, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and rescue experiments. Results: The results of high-throughput RNA-seq indicated that lncRNA LPP-AS2 was upregulated in glioma tissues and further confirmed by RT-qPCR. Higher LPP-AS2 expression was related to poor prognosis of glioma patients. Functional studies illustrated that LPP-AS2 depletion inhibited glioma cell proliferation, invasion and promoted apoptosis in vitro and restrained tumor growth in vivo, whereas overexpression of LPP-AS2 resulted in opposite effects. In addition, LPP-AS2 and EGFR were observed of co-expression networks, and LPP-AS2 functioned as a ceRNA to regulate EGFR expression by sponging miR-7-5p in glioma cells. Result of chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay validated that c-MYC was directly bind with promoter region of LPP-AS2. As a downstream protein of EGFR, c-MYC was modulated by LPP-AS2 and in turn increased LPP-AS2 expression. Thus, lncRNA LPP-AS2 promoted glioma tumorigenesis via a miR-7-5p/EGFR/PI3K/AKT/c-MYC feedback loop. Conclusions: Our study elucidated that LPP-AS2 acted as an oncogene through a novel molecular pathway in glioma and might be a potential therapeutic approach for glioma diagnosis, therapy and prognosis.
Adverse Effects of Total Hip Arthroplasty on The Hip Abductor and Adductor Muscle Lengths and Moment Arms During Gait
Authors: Hu Xiangjun , Zheng Nan , Hsu Wei-Chun , Zhang Jingwei , Li Huiwu , Chen Yunsu , Dai Kerong , Tsai Tsung-Yuan
Published: June 2020

Background: Precise evaluation the hip abductor and adductor muscles function in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients during gait could help prevent postoperative complications and optimize the rehabilitation training program. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of THA on the hip abductor and adductor muscle lengths and moment arms of in vivo patients during gait.Methods: Ten unilateral THA patients received CT scan and dual fluoroscopic imaging for the hip kinematics during gait. The hip abductor and adductor muscle insertions were digitized on the 3D hip model for the determination of their dynamic lines of action and moment arms. Changes in the hip abductor and adductor muscle lengths and moment arms of THA patients between the implanted and non-implanted sides were quantified during gait.Results: The adductor longus, adductor brevis, and pectineus of the implanted hips had significantly (P<0.05) less elongation than that of the non-implanted side during the stance phase. The gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and piriformis moment arms of the implanted side were significantly shorter. The piriformis muscle moment arm was significantly larger. In the double support phase, the adductor magnus and adductor longus moment arms of the implanted sides were significantly decreased. Conclusions: Results suggested that the adverse effects of THA on hip stability. Development of a rehabilitation program considering the effects of THA is essential. Accurate surgical techniques may reduce the impact of THA on the peripheral muscles.
The Agonist of JWA Gene JAC1 Suppresses Proliferation of Breast Cancer Through the JWA/p38/SMURF1/HER2 Signaling
Authors: Ren Yanlin , Chen Dongyin , Chen Junjie , Zhai Zurong , Li Aiping , Liang Yan , Zhou Jianwei
Published: June 2020

Background

The overexpression of HER2 is associated with malignant proliferation and invasiveness in breast cancer. Although HER2-targeting drugs have been clinically applied for cancer treatment, none of them could reduce overexpressed HER2. In this study, we reported that JAC1 could suppress proliferation of breast cancer cells via degrading HER2.
Methods

JWA-HER2 association was analyzed by IHC in 90 paired cases of breast cancer and adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Regulatory effect of JAC1, the agonist of JWA gene, on HER2-positive breast cancer cells was studied using colony formation assay. The effect of JAC1 on the localization of HER2 was detected by immunofluorescence microscopy assay. Western blotting, RT-PCR and immunoprecipitation assay were utilized to investigate the mechanisms of JWA on regulating HER2. Finally, xenograft mouse models were established in nude mice using BT474 cells to confirm the effect of JAC1 in vivo.
Results

JAC1, a small molecule agonist of JWA gene, dose-dependently suppressed proliferation in HER2-positive breast cancer in vitro and in vivo through degrading HER2. The mechanistic evidences showed that JAC1 increased the ubiquitination of HER2 at the K716 through the E3 ubiquitin ligase SMURF1. Furthermore, SMURF1 was activated due to reduced expression of NEDD4, an E3 ubiquitin ligase for SMURF1 through the JWA-p38-GATA-1-NEDD4 axis.
Conclusions

JAC1 suppresses the proliferation in HER2-positive breast cancer through the JWA/p38/GATA-1/NEDD4/SMURF1/HER2 signaling. JAC1 may serve as a novel therapeutic agent to breast cancer.
Inhibition of Carnitine Palmitoyl Transferase 1A-induced Fatty Acid Oxidation Suppresses Cell Progression in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wang Liqiang , Li Changfeng , Song Yumei , Yan ZhenKun
Published: June 2020

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) has a high rate of metastasis which thereason leading to death. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (CPT1A) has been reported to play a critical obstacle to various types of cancer progression, which is an attractive focus in anti-cancer therapy. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of CPT1A involved in GC have not been clarified unclear.Methods: To determine the expression of CPT1A in human GC tissues and cells and illustrate whether it is correlated with the clinical pathologic characteristics and prognosis in GC patients. Its roles and potential mechanisms in regulating tumor growth and invasion were evaluated by CPT1A knockdown/overexpression of GC cells in vitro.Results: Marked upregulation of CPT1A protein expression was observed in GC cells and tissues, which was associated with grade, pathological stage, lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in patients with GC. CPT1A overexpression also promoted the proliferation, invasion, EMT process of GC cells. In addition, CPT1A upregulation activated GC cell FAO via increasing NADP+/NADPH ratio, whereasinhibiting of FAO abolished the effects of CPT1A on GC cell proliferation and migration.Conclusion: Our results examine that CPT1A-mediated FAO activation increases GC cell proliferation and migration, supporting that CPT1A is a useful prognostic biomarker and an attractive focus for GC.
Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo Antiplasmodial Activity of the Leaf Latex of Aloe Weloensis (Aloaceae)
Authors: Amare Gedefaw Getnet , Awgichew Tadesse , Ahmed Solomon , Kifle Zemene Demelash
Published: June 2020

Background: Nature has gifted a variety of plants having potential effect against plasmodium parasites. The present study was aimed to determine in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activity of the leaf latex of Aloe weloensis.Methods: In vitro antimalarial activity of the leaf latex of A. weloensis was determined against 3D7 strain of P. falciparum. Antimalarial activity of the three doses the latex was evaluated in 4 day-suppressive and curative models against P. berghei infected mice. Antioxidant activity of the leaf latex of A. weloensis was assessed in 2,2- diphenyl 1- picrylhydrazine assay model. Results: Antioxidant activity of the latex was concentration dependent; the strongest inhibition was measured at 400 μg/mL (73.54%). The leaf latex of A. weloensis was demonstrated inhibitory activity against 3D7 malarial strain (IC50 = 9.14 μg/ml). Suppressive and curative effect of the latex was found to be dose dependent. Parasitemia reduction was significant (200 mg/kg, p<0.01, 400 and ,600 mg/kg, p<0.001) in 4-day suppressive test compared to vehicle control. Parasitemia level of the mice treated with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg doses of the latex significantly (p<0.001) reduced with suppression of 36%, 58% and 64% respectively in curative test. Administration of the leaf latex of A. weloensis significantly (p<0.01) improved mean survival time, pack cell volume, rectal temperature and body weight of P. berghei infected mice. Conclusion: The finding showed that the leaf latex of Aloe weloensis endowed prominent antimalarial and antioxidant activities. The result can serve as a step towards the development of safe and effective herbal therapy against plasmodium parasites.
Risk Prediction and Treatment of Hemorrhagic Chronic Radiation Intestinal Injury Patients With LE-DVT
Authors: Huang Xiaoyan , Kuang Yingyi , Yuan Zixu , Zhu Miaomiao , He Yanjiong , Wang Huaiming , Zhong Qinghua , Guan Qi , Wang Hui , Ma Tenghui
Published: June 2020

Background: After pelvic malignancy radiation, chronic radiation intestinal injury (CRII) is an unavoidable complication, and bleeding is one of the most common symptoms of CRII. Lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LE-DVT) is another severe complication.Once hemorrhagic CRII patients suffer from LE-DVT, hemostasis and anticoagulation therapy will be adopted simultaneously, which is a therapeutic paradox, extremely intractable and serious. This study was aimed to investigate prevalence and risk factors for LE-DVT in CRII patients, and explore treatment for hemorrhagic CRII patients with LE-DVTMethods: This is a retrospective study,a total of 608 CRII hospitalized patients from November 2011 to October 2018 after pelvic malignancy radiation in our hospital were included.Univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted to investigate the associated risk factors for LE-DVT in CRII patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to investigate the independent risk factors and determine their clinically valid cut-off points. Furthermore, treatment of hemorrhagic CRII patients with LE-DVT was explored.Results: Of the 608 included CRE patients, there were 94 (15.5%) CRII patients with suspicious symptoms of LE-DVT in the lower limbs, and 32 (5.3%) patients were diagnosed with LE-DVT. Among the CRII patients with LE-DVT, 65.6% (21/32) patients were with bleeding simultaneously, 29 (90.6%) patients were anemic, with 17 (53.1%) patients having moderate anemia and 7 (21.9%) having severe anemia. Multivariate analysis showed recent surgical history (≤6 Months) (OR=0.480, 95% CI: 1.430~9.377, p=0.007) and hemoglobin (Hb) (OR=0.965, 95% CI: 0.945~0.986, p=0.001) significantly associated with development of LE-DVT. ROC curve analysis showed optimal cut-off values of Hb were 82.5 g/L (AUC=0.756, 95% CI: 0.688~0.824, sensitivity=71.9%, specificity=75.5%). After colostomy, obvious bleeding remission was found in 84.6% of hemorrhagic CRII patients with LE-DVT rapidly. And LE-DVT of the patients was obvious improved or disappeared following anticoagulation therapy or with vena cava filter or stent placement.Conclusions: Prevalence of LE-DVT in hospitalized CRII patients was 5.3%. Recent surgical history and lower Hb were independently associated with LE-DVT developing in CRII patients. And colostomy could be a good choice for intractable hemorrhagic CRII patients with LE-DVT.
Synthesis of 7, 8 –dihydroxyflavone functionalized gold nanoparticles and its mechanism of action against Leishmania donovani
Authors: Prasanna Pragya , Kumar Prakash , Mandal Saptarshi , Payal Tanvi , Kumar Saurabh , Das Prolay , Ravichandiran V , mandal debabrata
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background – The synthesis of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) using drugs, synthetic and natural compounds, proteins, nucleic acids have become beneficial due to improved biological activity coupled with reduced cytotoxicity. In this regard, green synthesis of GNPs using plant extract enriched with flavonoids has shown increased attention due to improved antimicrobial efficacy, greater solubility, and better bioavailability of the flavonoid conjugated with GNPs. We have used 7, 8 dihydroxyflavone (DHF), a flavonoid that is enriched in plants and known for neurotropic and antioxidant activities, for the synthesis of GNP. In this report, we have investigated synthesis, characterization, and biological activity of DHF synthesized GNP against parasite Leishmania donovani .
Results – Synthesized DHF functionalized GNPs (DHF-GNPs) are ~35 nm in size with zeta potential values of -34.1 mV, as observed from DLS studies. UV-Visible spectroscopy and FT-IR analysis confirms successful conjugation of DHF over GNP. TEM imaging shows uniform size and spherical distribution of NPs. Against L. donovani promastigotes IC 50 for DHF and DHF-GNP is ~140 µM and ~40 µM respectively. In ex vivo amastigote model, IC 50 for DHF and DHF-GNP is ~40 µM and ~22 µM respectively. Even with 1000 µM of DHF-GNP, cytotoxicity is only ~30% on THP1 cells indicating its high biocompatibility. In DHF-GNP treated parasites, activity of arginase decreases in a dose-dependent manner as evident from gene expression and enzyme-based studies. Supplementation of treated cells with ornithine, metabolite of arginase, shows the highest recovery from death. This indicates inhibition of arginase as the main reason for parasite death. Induction of IFN-γ and reduction IL-12 cytokine response shows a possible T h 1/T h 2-mediated cell death. Also, DHF and DHF-GNP are equally effective against sensitive and drug-resistant strains of L. donovani .
Conclusion – Low cytotoxicity and high biological activity may provide an alternative but improved delivery of DHF whose solubility increases due to conjugation with GNP. Further efficacy against drug-resistant strains could be beneficial instead of conventional chemotherapy for leishmaniasis.

Keywords : Functionalized gold nanoparticle, DHF, DHF-GNP, arginase inhibition, drug-resistant
Parasite, iNOS activation
Days away from Work Injury and Associated Factors among Waste Collectors in Mekelle City, Northern Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Abrha Mesele Bahre , Messelle Yisak Arbise , Asgedom Akeza Awealom , Meressa Beyene
Published: June 2020

Background: In its nature, solid waste management is a labour intensive industry, which exposes workers to numerous occupational hazards. This study was aimed to investigate the magnitude of days away from work injuries and associated factors among organized waste collectors in Mekelle city, Northern Ethiopia. Method: A questionnaire and observation checklist based cross-sectional study design was employed from June 1 to 30, 2017. Data was analysed using SPSS for windows 20.0. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression methods were used to describe the study population and assess the association between dependent and independent variables, respectively. Result: From the total of 279 waste collectors involved as a study participant, ten percent(10%) of them reported at least one day away from work injuries during the last twelve months. Female were 96% less likely to be injured as compared to male (AOR = 0.04, 95%CI: 0.008 -0.204). Being married is 87% less likely to be injured as compared to being a single (AOR = 0.130 95% CI: 0.027-0.621). The odds of injury were 4.5 times higher among those who do not use personal protective equipment as compared to their counterparts (AOR = 4.514 95%CI: 1.684-12.095). Waste collectors, who had less than 1000 Birr income, were 3 times more likely to be injured than waste collectors who had greater than 1001 Birr per month income (AOR = 3.008 95%CI: 1.081 - 8.371.Conclusion: Days away from work injury among waste collectors is a public health problem and has an impact on the economic and social well-being of workers. Therefore, strengthening the provision of personal protective devices and insuring its utilization is highly recommended.
Metabolic Healthy Obesity is associated with higher incidence of mild decrease estimate glomerular rate in rural Northeast Chinese
Authors: Yu Shasha , Guo Xiaofan , Li GuangXiao , Yang Hongmei , Zheng Liqiang , Sun Yingxian
Published: June 2020

Background
Metabolic healthy obesity (MHO), as one phenotype of obesity, seems associate with lower risk of cardiovascular disease. However, MHO has close relationship with higher incidence of metabolic syndrome and diabetes. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of MHO at baseline, changes of obese metabolic phenotype at follow-up and its relationship with incidence of mildly reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in rural Northeast Chinese.
Methods
The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology (CKD-EPI) equation was used to calculate eGFR. 4903 participants aged ≥ 35 years with eGFR > 90 ml/min/1.73 m2 at baseline were enrolled and successfully followed up. All participants completed the questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and blood test during baseline and follow-up. Mild renal dysfunction defined as mildly reduced eGFR between 60–90 ml/min/1.73 m2.
Results
The prevalence of MHO was 20.04% in baseline (18.97% for women and 21.11% for men) which was secondary to metabolic abnormal obesity (MAO) (24.4%, 27.2% for women and 21.5% for men). 38.4% of women and 38.90% of men experienced phenotype changes during follow-up. The cumulative incidence of mildly reduced eGFR in MHO was 20.1% (17.7% for women and 22.3% for men) which was also secondary to MAO (20.8%, 18.6% for women and 23.5% for men). After adjusted possible confounders, MHO was associated with higher incidence of mildly reduced eGFR among women [OR (95%CI) = 1.64 (1.18, 2.25)] and men [OR (95%CI) = 1.62 (1.24, 2.11)] whereas MAO was related with higher incidence of mildly reduced eGFR among men only [OR (95%CI) = 1.74 (1.32, 2.29)].
Conclusion
MHO was associated with higher incidence of mildly reduced eGFR in both gender; however, there was a specific relationship between MAO and mildly reduced eGFR in men only. Therefore, it is necessary to monitoring kidney function among both MHO and MAO subjects.
Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Are Major Predictors of Mental Wellbeing During COVID-19 Pandemic Confinement: A Study on Adult Arabs in Higher Educational Institutions
Authors: Kilani hashem A. , Bataineh  , Al-Nawayseh Ali , Atyat Khaled , Obeid Omar , Abu-Hilal Maher M. , Mansi Taiysir , AlKilani Maher , Al-Kitani Mahfooda , Jaber Ruba M. , Sweidan Ahmad , Himsi Mawaheb , Yousef Iyad , Alzeer Faten , Nasrallah Monther , Dhaheri Ayesha S Al , Al-Za’abi Abdulsalam , Allala Osama , Al-Kilani Laila , El-Saleh Majed , Alhasan Asma M , Ghieda Mohamed , Najah Yasir , Alsheekhly Saad , Alhaifi Ahmad , Shukri Raghda , Adwani Jamal Al , Waly Mostafa , Kilani Laila H. , Kilani Leen H , Shareef Ahmad S Al , Kilani Areej H.
Published: June 2020

Background
In previous times, infectious diseases affected the quality of human life during home confinement. This study investigated the influence of home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak on lifestyle, mental wellbeing, nutritional status, and sleeping pattern.
Method:
An online multicategory questionnaire was distributed to collect Demographical information and combined the following tools: Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), WHO-5 wellbeing score, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A snowball none-discriminate sampling procedure was followed to collect data from people attending or working at higher institution had covering the period between Mar/00/2020 and Apr/24/2020. A total of 1723 completed responses (917 Males 37.4 ± 13.4 yrs. old and (806 Females 32.2 ± 11.5 yrs. old) were collected.
Results
Female participants had significantly lower mental health scores as compared to males (53.9% vs 46.1%). on Mental wellbeing score was better among participants with medium and high Physical Activity Levels (p < 0.00). Additionally, mental wellbeing score was significantly improved by dietary quality and sleeping score (p < 0.001). However, physical activity was by far the major determinants of mental health score.
Conclusion
Factors such as PA, Diet, sleeping patterns were associated with mental wellbeing during COVID-19 confinement among Arab participants.
Accuracy of the chest x-ray in screening for tuberculosis in Uganda: A cross-sectional study.
Authors: Nalunjogi Joanitah , Mugabe Frank , Najjingo Irene , Lusiba Pastan , Olweny Francis , Mubiru Joseph , Kayongo Edward , Sekibira Rogers , Katamba Achilles , Kirenga Bruce
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The WHO END TB strategy requires ≥90% case detection to combat tuberculosis (TB). Increased TB case detection requires a more sensitive and specific screening tool. Currently, the symptoms recommended for screening TB have been found to be sub-optimal. CXR as a screening tool for pulmonary TB was evaluated in this study, as well as factors related to its false positive results.

METHODS: A cross sectional study of 4441 records of consented/assented participants ≥15 years. Participants with a cough ≥2 weeks and/or any abnormality in the lung on CXR were included in the study. Löwenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture was used as the gold standard. The CXR were categorised as Abnormal meaning presence of any CXR abnormality suggestive of active tuberculosis. Symptoms were categorised as abnormal meaning presence of any of cough ≥ 2 weeks, fever, weightloss or night sweats.

RESULTS: The CXR had sensitivity 93%, specificity 65% compared to culture results while symptoms had sensitivity 76% and specificity 31%. The adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) of a false positive CXR result increased with age categories (years); 45 - 54, APR 1.18 (1.08, 1.29), 55 – 64 APR 1.18 (1.09, 1.29), 65+years APR 1.2 (1.10, 1.30).The APR was 0.93 (0.90, 0.96) among males and 0.86 (0.79, 0.93) among HIV positive individuals.

CONCLUSIONS: The CXR is a fair tuberculosis screening tool and performed better than symptoms in Uganda.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Chiropractic Profession: A Cross-Sectional Survey on opinions, professional changes, and personal hardships of U.S. Chiropractors
Authors: Neff Shawn M , Deyo Rebecca L. , Auley Annabelle L. Mac , Lawrence Dana J.
Published: June 2020

Background : Currently, there are few studies analyzing how COVID-19 has impacted the chiropractic profession. A recent paper, however, analyzed changes made to chiropractic practice by comparing the 7 different international regions represented by the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC). In overall healthcare, there is limited research on specialty-based stress levels both before and during COVID-19. Our survey was conducted to collect self-reported data on how COVID-19 has affected U.S. doctors of chiropractic.
Methods : An electronic survey was sent to U.S. chiropractors nationwide via social media, email, and through Facebook groups. The survey collected personal and practice demographic information, practice protocols and changes made during COVID-19, chiropractic profession opinions/stances, information related to stress, and personal beliefs/opinions. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results : 750 U.S. chiropractors responded. Just over half of respondents reported moderate levels of stress, and just over 30% reported severe levels due to a variety of reasons related to both personal and professional circumstances. The primary stressors were financial and business concerns. The highest stress levels were among employers responsible for others. A majority reported beliefs that the chiropractic profession should not advertise that spinal manipulation provides any immune system benefit. 13% of the respondents did believe chiropractors should be marketing immune benefits during this time. A shift toward telehealth was reported, with 18% adding it to their services.
Conclusion : Stress levels were high across the population. A range of opinions existed regarding spinal manipulation and immunity benefits. The majority reported there was not sufficient evidence to support such a belief; however, 13% of respondents believe that chiropractors should be marketing immune-enhancing benefits to the population. A logical next step would be to study why such beliefs persist. This information may be useful in better understanding how chiropractors have experienced the global effects of COVID-19 across the United States.
Key Words : Chiropractic; COVID-19; Stress; Practice Characteristics; Immune System
Antimicrobial resistance and epidemiology of ESBLs-producing Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae isolates from the intensive care unit in an affiliated hospital of University, China
Authors: Chen Kun , Yang Guoliang , Li Wenping , Li Mingcheng
Published: June 2020

Background：Concerns are increasing over the importance of the hospital intensive care units (ICU) for the transmission of extended spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBLs) -producing Enterobacteriaceae. We reported the clinical characteristics and epidemiology of ESBLs isolates collected from a tertiary care hospital in China. Methods：Escherichia coli（E. coli）and Enterobacter cloacae （E. cloacae）isolates from ICU infection samples were isolated and identified. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and production of ESBLs were determined by using the disk diffusion method and the broth microdilution method. Clonality of isolates was determined by ERIC-PCR techniques. Results：From the included the 223 strains isolated from hospitalized patients with nosocomial infections in ICU during 2016 to 2018, the majority of isolates belonged to Gram-negative Enerobacteriaceae including E. coli (46.6% of all strains), and E. cloacae (46.2% of all strains). 63.25% of samples were separated from sputum or tracheal secretions. All of 207 isolates, ESBL-screen positive E. coli was 45.2% (47/104), and 44.7% (46/103) for E. cloacae. Resistance rates of ESBLs-producing E. coli and E. cloacae isolates were 95.5%-91.3% for ampicillin, 80.6%-76.1% for ampicillin/azobactam, 88.1%-28.3% for ciprofloxacin, 89.6%-15.2% for levofloxacin, 34.3%-45.7% for netilmicin, 82.1%-41.3% for compound sulfamethoxazole, 20.9%-43.5% for amikacin, 58.2%-37.0% for gentamicin, 20.9%-69.6% for piperacillin/tazobactam. All of ESBLs-producer isolates resistant to cefazolin, cefuroxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefepime in additon to aztreonam were 100%, whereas the susceptibilities of isolates to imipenem and meropenem were 100%. Results of ERIC-PCR in all of ESBLs-producing E. coli isolates exhibited 11 distinct patterns using a similarity coefficient of 0.8. And one distinct ERIC profiles were observed amongst 46 strains of ESBLs-producing E. cloacae. ERIC profiles demonstrated an outbreak of nosocomial infection and ESBLs-producing E. coli and E. cloacae prevalent in the ICU of this hospital.Conclusions：Our data indicate that the ESBLs-producing E. coli and E. cloacae clones are circulating in the ICU and constitute a major source for further disseminating in this hospital. It is necessary to increase surveillance and development of adequate prevention strategies.
Fatality rate and predictors of mortality in a large Italian cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Authors: Team COVID-UPO Clinical , Sainaghi Pier Paolo
Published: June 2020

Substantial discrepancies are evident in the clinical features and natural history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), among different countries, so we aimed to evaluate the fatality rate and to identify predictors of mortality in a cohort of hospitalized patients. We performed a retrospective multicenter cohort study on medical records of patients admitted between 1st March and 28th April 2020, involving three hospitals in Northern Italy. We included 1697 patients older than 18 years of age and with a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). During the study period we observed 504 deaths, with a CFR of 29.7%. We further looked for predictors of mortality in a subset of 486 patients (239 males, 59%); the median age of the study population was 71 [58-80] years. Among demographic and clinical variables considered, age, a diagnosis of cancer, obesity and current smoking independently predicted mortality. When laboratory data were added to the model, age, the diagnosis of cancer, and the baseline PaO2/FiO2 ratio were independent predictors of mortality. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the CFR of hospitalized patients in Northern Italy was high, approaching 30%. The identification of mortality predictors might contribute to better stratification of individual patient risk.
ANONİM ŞİRKET GENEL KURUL KARARININ İPTALİNDE DAVA DİLEKÇESİNİN ISLAHI
Authors: YARDIMCI Taner Emre
Published: June 2020

Genel kurul tarafından verilmiş bir kararın kanuna ve esas sözleşmeye aykırı olduğu ge-rekçe gösterilerek iptaline karar verilmesi istenebilir. Genel kurul tarafından verilmiş bu şekildeki bir kararın hükümsüz olduğuna karar verilebilmesi için pay sahipleri, yönetim kurulu ve yönetim kurulu üyeleri tarafından iptal davası ikame edilebilir. Şirketin temsil edilmesi kural olarak yöne-tim kurulu tarafından gerçekleştirilir ve yönetim kurulunun dava açması hâlinde ise şirketi kay-yımın temsil etmesi söz konusu olur. Bu dava, genel kurul kararının kanuna veya esas sözleş-meye aykırılık teşkil ettiği gerekçesiyle açılır. İptal davasının kararın verilmesinden itibaren üç ay içinde açılması gerekir. İptal davasına yönelik dilekçe, davacı tarafından dava görülmekte iken genişletilmek ve/veya değiştirilmek istenebilecek iki temel unsura dayanmaktadır. Bunlardan birisi, hakkında hükümsüzlüğe karar verilmesi istenen genel kurul kararını ifade eden dava ko-nusudur. Diğeri ise vakıalardan ibaret olan davanın sebebini teşkil etmektedir. Davacının dava konusu ve/veya dava sebebi yönünden genişletme ve/veya değiştirme talebi, Hukuk Muhakeme-leri Kanunu’na göre ıslah kurumu ile gerçekleşmektedir.
Proposals on the improvement of the regulation of the natural mineral water based on the indicators of radiation safety
Authors: Kormanovskaya T. A. , Romanovich I. K.
Published: June 2020

In 2019 Technical regulations of the Eurasian economical Union “On the safety of the bottled water, including natural mineral water” TR EAES 044/201 entered into force. These regulations established strict requirements to the indicators of the radiation safety for the bottled water, including natural mineral water. Application of these requirements in practice of the sanitary service led to the ban of the use of the bottled medical-table natural mineral water from the Zheleznovodsk site (Stavropolskiy krai), exploited from the well 69-bis by the criteria of the radiation safety. This study proposes possible solutions to the problem of the regulation of the natural mineral water by the radiation factor, complying to the existing requirements on the radiation safety as well as the proposals of the Institute of Radiation Hygiene on the changes in the Technical regulation TR EAES 044/201 and introduction of the requirements on the radiation safety of the natural mineral water in the legislation of the Russian Federation.