bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased IGFBP7 Expression Correlates with Poor Prognosis and Immune Infiltration in Gastric Cancer: An Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Zhao Qiaoyun , Zhao Rulin , Song Conghua , Wang Huan , Rong Jianfang , Wang Fangfei , Yan Lili , Song Yanping , Xie Yong
Published: June 2020

Background Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7 (IGFBP7) contributes to multiple biological processes in various tumors. However, the role of IGFBP7 in gastric cancer (GC) is still undetermined. The study aims to explore the role of IGFBP7 in GC via an integrated bioinformatics analysis.Methods IGFBP7 expression levels in GC and its normal gastric tissues were analyzed using multiple databases, including the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER), Oncomine, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. The methylation analysis was conducted with MEXPRESS, UALCAN and Xena online tools. The survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier Plotter and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) databases. Coexpressed genes of IGFBP7 were selected with the cBioPortal tool and enrichment analysis was conducted with the clusterProfiler package in R software. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to explore the IGFBP7-related biological processes involved in GC. Correlations between IGFBP7 and immune cell infiltrates were analyzed using the TIMER database.Results IGFBP7 expression was significantly upregulated in GC and correlated with stage, grade, tumor status and Helicobacter pylori infection. High IGFBP7 expression and low IGFBP7 methylation levels were significantly associated with short survival of patients with GC. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that IGFBP7 was an independent risk factor for GC. The coexpressed genes LHFPL6, SEPTIN4, HSPB2, LAYN and GGT5 predicted unfavorable outcomes of GC. Enrichment analysis showed that the coexpressed genes were involved in extracellular matrix (ECM)-related processes. GSEA indicated that IGFBP7 was positively related to ECM and inflammation-related pathways. TIMER analysis indicated that the IGFBP7 expression level was strongly correlated with genes related to various infiltrating immune cells in GC, especially with gene markers of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs).Conclusions We demonstrate that increased IGFBP7 expression correlates with poor prognosis and immune cell infiltration in GC. IGFBP7 might be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and targeted therapy for GC.
Occurrence of multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in meat and swab samples of various contact surfaces at abattoir and butcher shops in Jimma town, Southwest district of Ethiopia
Authors: Abayneh Mengistu Sebsibe , Asfaw Eyob Tekalign
Published: June 2020

Background: Raw meat is one of commonly consumed traditional diets in Ethiopia. However, unhygienic processing and distribution practices were risky for contaminations of meat leads to human infection. This study was conducted to assess the presence of multi-drug resistant E. coli and E. coli O157:H7 in meats, ceacal content, and swabs samples of different contact surfaces at abattoir and butcher shops in Jimma town, Southwest Ethiopia. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from April to July, 2018. The isolation and identification processes passed through enrichment of samples with modified tryptone soy broth (mTSB), streaked onto MacConkey agar and Cefixime- tellurite sorbitol MacConkey agar, biochemical testing (indole and TSI), followed by latex agglutination test. Results: Out of 505 samples, 102(20.2%) and 27(5.4%) were positive for E. coli and E. coli O157:H7, respectively. Of these, 55(19.3%) and 47 (21.4%) of E. coli and 17 (6.0%) and 10 (4.5%) of E. coli O157:H7 were isolated from the abattoir and butcher shop samples, respectively. A significant difference in the occurrences was observed among sample sources. Antimicrobials susceptibility test result showed that, 92.2% to 96.1% of E. coli and 85.5% to 96.3% of E. coli O157:H7 were susceptible to third generation cephalosporin, ciprofloxacin, gentamycin, kanamycin, streptomycin and chloramphenicol. About 91.2% and 97.1% of E. coli and 88.9 % and 92.6% of E. coli 0157:H7 were resistant to ampicillin and erythromycin, respectively. A total of 98 (76.0%) E. coli and E. coli O157:H7 isolates were resistant to two or more classes of antibiotics. All abattoir and butcher shops workers were not have any formal education and training certificate on food safety and unhygienic practice were also observed.Conclusion: The presence of E. coli and E. coli O157:H7 including multi-drugs resistant isolates in raw meat highlights how the current meat processing and distribution practice was unhygienic. Therefore, strategies in the prevention and control of food borne infections that could be caused by multi-drug resistant strains will depends much on hygienic processing and distribution practices of meat.
Mapping the Process and the Resources that are Needed to Implement A Praziquantel Mass Drug Administration Program for Children Aged Five Years Old and Below in Resource Limited Settings.
Authors: Ncube Mhlengi Vella , Kabuyaya Muhubiri , Chimbari Moses John
Published: June 2020

Background

The early childhood development of millions of children in some low and medium income countries may be compromised by schistosomiasis infections contracted at the age of 5 years or below. Currently there are no standard guidelines for treating schistosomiasis in children that are five years and younger using praziquantel (PZQ), the only drug that the WHO recommends to treat schistosomiasis. This review is on processes and resources involved in the treatment of schistosomiasis in children aged five years and below.

Methods

An electronic search for peer-reviewed articles published in the period from 2008 to 2018 (August) was done in the Academic Search Complete, CINAHL with Full Text, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, and MEDLINE databases via EBSCOHost and Google Scholar databases. The search targeted journals that described the treatment of schistosomiasis in children five years and below using praziquantel.

Results

Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. The process of treating schistosomiasis in the children aged five years old and below included the following activities: enrolment of the children into the treatment program; clinical examination; diagnosis; taking anthropometric measurements; feeding the children, making the PZQ palatable to the children; administration of PZQ and monitoring of side effects. There was also a variation in the resources used to treat children aged five- and below for schistosomiasis.

Conclusions

A PZQ mass drug administration program for children aged five years old and below in endemic areas should exclude diagnosis of schistosomiasis before treatment. The resources required in the treatment process should be affordable, should not require skills and maintenance resources that are beyond those that are available at primary healthcare level.
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Intra-Articular Calcaneus Fractures: A 9-Year, Single-Center, Retrospective Study of A Standardized Technique Using A 2-Point Distractor
Authors: Rodemund Christian , Krenn Ronny , Kihm Carl , Leister Iris , Ortmaier Reinhold , Litzlbauer Werner , Schwarz Angelika , Mattiassich Georg
Published: June 2020

Background:
A fracture of the calcaneus can be a painful and disabling injury. Treatment modalities may be conservative or operative, as in open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) via different approaches, including a number of minimally invasive methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment options and post-treatment complication rates for intra-articular calcaneal fractures at the (xxx institution blinded xxx) over a 9-year period.
Methods:
All patients with calcaneal fractures treated at the (xxx institution blinded xxx) between 2007 and 2016 were included in this study. The patients’ protocols were retrospectively reviewed, and the data, including demographic parameters, cause of injury, and the time between the accident and the first operative treatment were analyzed. Secondary operative interventions due to soft-tissue complications, hardware removal, and the long-term arthrodesis rate were evaluated.
Results:
A minimally invasive 2-point-distractor method was used in 85.8% (n=182) of all operatively managed calcaneal fractures (n=236) in our department. The majority of the operations (88.7%) were performed within two days after the accident. The secondary operation rate resulting from wound complications was 2.7% in the 2-point distractor group and 16.7% in the ORIF group. A secondary arthrodesis was performed in 4.7% (n=9) of the subtalar joints in the entire study population.
Conclusions:
Our data supported the assumption that severe wound complications would be less likely to occur after minimally invasive treatment compared to ORIF treatment. Additionally, our arthrodesis rate was comparable to that in the literature.
Surgical Site Infection After Emergency Abdominal Surgery in China: A Multicenter Prospective Study
Authors: Li Ze , Li Hui , Lv Pin , Peng Xingang , Wu Changliang , Ren Jianan , Wang Peige
Published: June 2020

Background There is still a lack of relevant studies on surgical site infection (SSI) after emergency abdominal surgery (EAS) in China. This study aims to understand the status of SSI after EAS in China and discuss its risk factors. Materials and Methods All adult patients who underwent EAS in 47 hospitals in China from May 1 to 31, 2018, and from May 1 to June 7, 2019, were enrolled in this study. The basic information, perioperative data, and microbial culture results of infected incision were prospectively collected.The primary outcome measure was the incidence of SSI after EAS, and the secondary outcome variables were postoperative length of stay, ICU admission rate, ICU length of stay, 30-day postoperative mortality, and treatment costs. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors.Results A total of 953 patients (age 48.8 ± 17.9 years, male 51.9%) with EAS were included in this study: 71 patients (7.5%) developed SSI after surgery.The main pathogen of SSI was Escherichia coli (culture positive rate 29.6%). Patients with SSI had significantly longer overall hospital (p < 0.001) and ICU stays (p < 0.001), significantly higher ICU admissions (p < 0.001), and medical costs (p < 0.001) than patients without SSI.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male (P = 0.010), high blood glucose level (P < 0.001), colorectal surgery (P < 0.001), intestinal obstruction (P = 0.045) and surgical duration (P = 0.007) were risk factors for SSI, whereas laparoscopic surgery (P < 0.001 = 0.022) was a protective factor. Conclusion This study found a high incidence of SSI after EAS in China. The occurrence of SSI prolongs the patient's hospital stay and increases the medical burden. The study also revealed predictors of SSI after EAS and provides a basis for the development of norms for the prevention of surgical site infection after emergency abdominal surgery.
Diclofenac Administered After the Initiation of Luteinizing Hormone Surge Increases Live Births in Natural-Cycle IVF-ET: A Cohort Study
Authors: Teramoto Shokichi , Osada Hisao , Okubo Tsuyoshi , Ueno Tsuyoshi , Aono Fumihito , Shozu Makio
Published: June 2020

Background: Diclofenac inhibits follicle rupture and its use in natural-cycle in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) has been reported to increase oocyte retrieval chances but has not been reported to improve the therapeutic outcome (live birth). The question is whether the therapeutic utility of diclofenac is demonstrable when administered to a subgroup of women with an imminent LH surge, a higher risk group for premature ovulation.Methods: Infertile women indicated for the natural-cycle IVF-ET between September 2014 and February 2015 (n=183) were recruited in a private infertility clinic and diclofenac use (50 mg suppositories, thrice every 8 h before oocyte retrieval) was offered when their serum LH level was ≥14.0 IU/L on an LH-triggering day (n=137). Of the 137 women, 108 electively used diclofenac and 29 did not. Oocytes were retrieved from both dominant and subordinate nondominant follicles and were fertilized. The resulting blastocysts were frozen, thawed, and transferred one by one in the following spontaneous ovulatory or hormone replacement cycles. Results: Cumulative live birth rate (after the single oocyte retrieval) was calculated from the dominant and nondominant follicles. The live birth rate from dominant follicles was higher in the diclofenac group (21/108, 19%) than in the no diclofenac group (1/29, 3%) (P < .05). Conversely, the live birth rate from nondominant follicles, which had no potential for ovulation, was not different between the diclofenac group (13/108, 12%) and the no diclofenac group (3/29, 10%). Conclusion: Diclofenac improved the live birth rate from dominant follicles when it was administered to women with an imminent LH surge. However, diclofenac did not affect the live birth rate from non-dominant follicles which were not at risk of follicle rupture.
Effects of Ninjurin 2 Polymorphisms on Susceptibility of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Yan Yuping , Du Xiaoyan , liu Xiaoxi , Li Jingjie , Xiong Zichao , Wu Jiamin , Sun Yao , Tian Gang
Published: June 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of NINJ2 polymorphisms on susceptibility of coronary heart disease (CHD).Methods: We conducted a case-control study with 499 CHD cases and 505 age- and sex- matched controls. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in NINJ2 (rs118050317, rs75750647, rs7307242, rs10849390 and rs11610368) were genotyped by Agena MassARRAY platform. Odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression to assess the association of NINJ2 polymorphism and CHD risk adjusting for age and gender..Results: NINJ2 rs118050317 significantly increased CHD risk among people older than 60 years old (allele: P = 0.010; heterozygote: P = 0.016; dominant: P = 0.015; additive: P = 0.021) and women (allele: P = 0.026; heterozygote: P = 0.015; dominant: P = 0.018; additive: P = 0.030). Rs118050317 and rs7307242 had strong relationship with hypertension risk in CHD patients. Additionally, rs75750647 significantly increased diabetes risk in multiple models among cases (allele: P = 0.014; homozygote: P = 0.037; heterozygote: P = 0.044; dominant: P = 0.019; additive: P = 0.013), whereas rs10849390 could protect CHD patients from diabetes in allele (P = 0.035), homozygote (P = 0.047) and additive (P = 0.037) models. We also observed two block (block 1: rs118050317 and rs75750647; block 2: rs7307242, rs10849390 and rs11610368) in NINJ2.Conclusion: Our results suggest that NINJ2 polymorphisms are associated with CHD risk.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices on Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Infection Control in Nepal: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shrestha Sailesh Kumar , Bhattarai Ratna Bahadur , Joshi Lok Raj , Adhikari Nilaramba , Shrestha Suvesh Kumar , Basnet Rajendra , KC Kedar Narsingh
Published: June 2020

BackgroundHealthcare centers are important sites for tuberculosis transmission, particularly in low-income settings where the burden of tuberculosis is high and infection control practices are often inadequate. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR TB) infection control among the healthcare workers under the National Tuberculosis Program in Nepal.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we studied the healthcare workers from all the 11 functioning drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment centers across Nepal in March 2018. Trained data collectors conducted face-to-face interviews with a pre-tested questionnaire to collect data on the basic characteristics of healthcare workers, their self-reported knowledge, attitude, and practice on tuberculosis infection control. We entered the data in Microsoft Excel and analyzed in R statistical software. We assigned a score of one to the correct response and zero to the incorrect or no response and calculated a composite score in each of the knowledge, attitude, and practice domains. We ascertained the healthcare workers as having good knowledge, appropriate attitude, and optimal practices when the composite score was at least 50%. We summarized the numerical variables with median and interquartile range (IQR) and the categorical variables with proportions. We ran appropriate correlation tests to identify relationships between knowledge, attitude, and practice scores. We regarded a p-value of < 0.05 as significant.ResultsA total of 95 out of 102 healthcare workers from 11 drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment centers participated in the study. There were 46 male and 49 female respondents. The median age was 33 years (IQR 26-42). Most of them (53, 56%) were mid-level paramedics. The median work experience in drug-resistant tuberculosis was 2 years (IQR 1-5). We found 91 (96%) respondents had a good knowledge of tuberculosis infection control, 49 (52%) respondents had an appropriate attitude and 35 (37%) respondents had optimal practices. We found a statistically significant positive correlation between attitude and practice scores (ρ = 0.37, p = < 0.001).ConclusionThe healthcare workers at the DR TB treatment facilities in Nepal have high knowledge of TB infection control but it did not translate into the appropriate attitude or optimal practices.
Demographic and Geographic Patterns of Cetacean-based Food Product Consumption and Potential Mercury Exposure within a Caribbean Whaling Community
Authors: Fielding Russell , Kiszka Jeremy J , Macdonald Catherine , McCormack Meaghan A. , Dutton Jessica , Ollivierre Alison D. , Arnett Jay , Elkins Molly , Darby Niko A. , Garcia Hannah-Marie , Skinner Suzanne , Tucker Haley , Reid Vincent
Published: June 2020

Background: Exposure to mercury (Hg) through the consumption of seafood is a major public health concern. The tissues of high trophic level marine organisms, such as cetaceans, often contain high concentrations of Hg compared to lower trophic level species. The archipelagic Caribbean nation of St. Vincent & the Grenadines supports two related whaling operations, which produce food from cetaceans for human consumption. A recent study reported that Hg concentrations in tissue samples from one of these whaling operations exceed recommended consumption limits. Our objective was to determine the role of cetacean-based food products in the diet of the Vincentian population as a proxy for exposure to MeHg. Methods: We conducted interviews with 921 members of the Vincentian public. We asked questions about the types of food consumed, frequency of consumption, and quantities consumed. Based upon provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) guidelines for methylmercury (MeHg) from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), we determined safe weekly consumption amounts for specific cetacean-based food products, based upon reported consumption patterns. Results: We found cetacean-based food products to be included in the diet of 77.4 percent of respondents. Respondents’ gender and geographical home region are the most predictive attributes for cetacean-based food product consumption, whereas socioeconomic status and age play a minor role and no role, respectively. Frequency and amount of consumption vary, but generally exceed calculated safe weekly consumption amounts. Conclusions: The consumption of cetacean-based food products by members of the Vincentian public may represent a public health risk, as data indicate that a large portion of the population may be exposed to concentrations of MeHg in excess of recommended limits. Any potential action to address this risk is likely to be most effective if targeted toward the specific high-consumption population segments identified by our study.
Regional estimation of net anthropogenic nitrogen inputs (NANI) and the relationship with socio-economic factors
Authors: Xu Haolin , Xing Weimin , Yang Peiling , Ao Chang
Published: June 2020

Background: The accurate evaluation of net anthropogenic nitrogen inputs (NANI) is very important for making countermeasures to control N pollution. The N inputs of Hubei has a crucial impact on the eco-environment of the downstream Yangtze Basin. Our objective was to estimate the NANI of Hubei province and access the relationships between the components of NANI and socio-economic indices for controlling N pollution in the Yangtze River basin. Methods: The spatiotemporal distribution and the main components of NANI at city scale in Hubei province from 2008-2018 were discussed by the NANI model with ArcGIS 10.6. The relationships between the components of NANI and 6 economic factors, including gross industrial output value per unit area (GIOV), gross agricultural output value per unit area (GAOV), grain yield per unit area (GY), fertilizer consumption density (FCD), population density(PD) and, cultivated land area per unit area(CLA), was estimated using a Pearson analysis. Results: NANI in Hubei tended to increase from 14782.62 kg/(km2∙a) in 2008 to 16700.32 kg/(km2∙a) in 2012, and then fell to 13630.40 kg/(km2∙a) in 2018. NANI was higher in center and east than in west and southeast of Hubei province. N fertilizer use (Nfer), which accounted for 61.27% of NANI, was the largest N input source, followed by net N import in food＆feed (Nim), atmospheric N deposition (Ndep), N fixation (Nfix), and seeding N (Nsee). Pearson correlation analysis showed that FCD was the primary factor responsible for NANI in Hubei province (r=0.956), followed by GAOV (r=0.606) and CLA (r=0.527). The most direct driving factors of Ndep, Nfer, Nsee and Nim were GIOV (r=0.466), FCD (r=0.979), CLA (r=0.813) and GAOV (r=0.745), respectively. All factors had a significant negative impact on Nfix. Conclusions: The NANI decline strategy is to control the fertilizer application amount, as well as improving agricultural construction. Also, it’s necessary to eliminate some backward technology as well as high pollution industries, and support the development of ecological industries, which is beneficial to reduce the risk of N pollution.Highlight:(1) The calculation method of N import in food was improved by distinguishing the diet structure of urban population and rural population.(2) NANI was higher in plain areas and smaller in the mountain areas. (3) NANI increased first and then decreased from 2008 to 2018 in Hubei.(4) N fertilizer use was the largest N input source and fertilizer consumption was the primary factor to NANI.
Implications of Oncoplastic Breast Surgery on Radiation Boost Delivery in Localized Breast Cancer
Authors: Gladwish Adam , Sauve Carly , Didiodato Giulio , Conway Jessica , Stevens Christiaan , Follwell Matthew , Tam Tiffany , Skliarenko Julia , Mclean Jesse , Hanrahan Renee
Published: June 2020

Background:Oncoplastic partial mastectomy (OPM) is a technique utilized to improve aesthetic and survivorship outcomesin patients with localized breast cancer. This technique leads to breast tissue rearrangement, which can have an impact on target definition for boost radiotherapy (BRT). The aim of this study was to determine if the choice of surgical technique independently affected the decision to deliver a radiation boost.Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients treated between January 2017 and December 2018. We selected consecutive patients based on surgical procedure; 50 undergoing standard breast conserving surgery and 50 having had an OPM. The primary outcome was average treatment effect (ATE) of surgery type on reception of BRT, accounting for patient age, tumor grade, lymphovascular space invasion, margin status and ER status as potential confounding variables. Secondary outcomes included ATE of surgery type on the time to reception of radiotherapy and incidence of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR). The ratio of boost seroma volume to pathologic tumor size was also compared between the two groups. Treatment effects regression adjustment and inverse-probability weighted analysis was used to estimate ATEs for both primary and secondary outcomes.Results: Median age was 64 years (range 37 – 88). The median tumor size was 1.5 cm (range 0.1 – 6.5). The majority of patients were ≤ stage IIA (78%), invasive ductal subtype (80%), LVSI negative (78%), margin negative (90%) and ER/PR +ve (69%). Overall, surgical technique was not associated with differences in the proportion of patients receiving BRT (ATE 6.0% (95% CI -4.5, 16.0)). There were no differences in delays to radiation treatment between the two groups (ATE 32.8 days (95% CI -22.1, 87.7)). With a median follow-up time of 419 days (range 30 – 793), there were only 5 recurrences, with 1 case of IBTR in each group. There was no difference in the ratio of seroma volume to tumor size between the two groups (p=0.38).Conclusions: OPM did not affect the decision to offer localized BRT following standard whole breast radiotherapy, or significantly affect treatment times or radiation volumes. The decision to offer OPM should include a multi-disciplinary approach.
Assessment of the relationship between gametocyte density, multiplicity of infection and mosquito infectivity in Plasmodium falciparum infections
Authors: Touray Abdoulie , Mobegi Victor Atunga , Wamunyokoli Fred , Butungi Hellen , Herren Jeremy K.
Published: June 2020

Background: Malaria is a major public health threat in sub-Saharan Africa. Asymptomatic P. falciparum gametocyte carriers are potential infectious reservoirs for sustaining transmission in many malaria endemic regions. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of gametocyte carriage and some of its associated risk factors among asymptomatic schoolchildren (age 5-15 years) in Mbita, western Kenya and further analyse the association between gametocyte density, multiplicity of infection (MOI) and mosquito infectivity. Methods: Rapid diagnostic test (RDT) was used to screen for P. falciparum parasite infection among asymptomatic schoolchildren (5-15 years old) residing in Mbita, Western Kenya and the results were further verified using microscopy. Participants positive for P. falciparum infection were further screened for gametocyte carriage and those positive were used to feed laboratory reared An. gambiae s.s. mosquitoes using membrane feeding method. Genomic DNA was extracted from dry blood spots (DBS) samples and P. falciparum populations were genotyped using 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers. Assessment of the association between MOI and gametocyte density and mosquito infection rates was conducted. Results: The prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection among the study population was 29.1%. A significantly higher P. falciparum infection was found among the male gender (n=764, p -value < 0.05) compared to the females (n=657). Gametocyte prevalence among the study population was 2%. Children (5-9 years) have a higher risk of gametocyte carriage (Odd Ratios = 2.1 [95% CI = 1.3–3.4], P = 0.002). Our results indicate a significant and positive combined effect of gametocyte density and MOI on mosquito infection rate (R = 0.825, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The study reports a relatively stable year-round gametocyte carriage among the study population. This pattern of gametocyte carriage signals the role of schoolchildren in maintaining malaria transmission in the study area. A strong positive correlation was found between gametocyte density, multiplicity of infection and mosquito infectivity.
Efficacy of daily hygiene routine using cleansing wipes in the reduction of eyelid bacterial load.
Authors: Gómez-Gómez Clara , Méndez Javier , Muniesa Maite
Published: June 2020

Background- This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of using a cleansing eyelid wipe to reduce microbial load in healthy subjects. Methods- A single-center, prospective study was conducted. Twenty healthy subjects were assigned to wipe their periocular area (eyelid, eyelashes and lid margin) twice a day with a commercial sterile wipe for 5 consecutive days. Bacterial load (total aerobic bacteria and Staphylococcus genus) was recovered from the same wipes and was measured on day 1, 3 and 5, with day 1 serving as an internal control. Both eyes were assessed independently, resulting in a total of 40 samples. Microbial evaluation was performed by culture on Tryptone Soy Agar (TSA) and Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) plates. Results- Positive and negative controls rendered expected results thus validating this innovative extraction procedure. Microbial growth on both media revealed that the great majority of microorganisms detected belong to the genus Staphylococcus. Bacterial load reduction was significant (Mann-Whitney test p < 0.05) for both microorganisms between days 1 to 3, days 3 to 5 and days 1 to 5. Measurements at day 3 revealed a reduction on bacterial load of total aerobes and Staphylococcus spp. by 58.7% and 56.5% respectively. Moreover, on day 5, bacterial load showed a mean reduction of 80.8% and 82.7% on total aerobes and Staphylococcus spp. respectively. Furthermore, on day 5, 42.5% of the eyes showed ≥ 90% reduction in total aerobes and 42.5% for Staphylococcus spp. On the third day 25% of the volunteers showed ≥ 90% reduction of aerobes microbial load at least in one eye and the percentage was 15% for Staphylococcus spp. On the fifth day those values arise to 50% for total aerobes and 65% for Staphylococcus spp.Conclusions- The study demonstrates the efficacy of the eyelid hygiene with commercial cleansing wipes in significantly reducing (p < 0.05) bacterial load in the periocular area after 3 days of use, with further reduction on the fifth day. Therefore, these wipes could be recommended in situations in which adequate of palpebral hygiene is needed.
Study on Pure Oxygen Exhaust Gas Combustion: Key Technology of CO2 Capture for High Temperature Fuel Cell With Coal Syngas
Authors: Wang Hanlin , Lei Qilong , Li Pingping , Liu Changlei , Xue Yunpeng , Zhang Xuewei , Li Chufu , Yang Zhibin
Published: June 2020

IGFC based on high temperature SOFC coupled with CO2 capture process provides a new technology route of high efficiency and nearly zero CO2 emission power system. Flame burning is an ideal method for tail gas treatment. In this paper, an oxy-combustor for a 10kW IGFC system anode exhaust gas is experimentally and numerically studied. Simulation method is verified by experiments. Key performances of the combustor are studied under different system process design conditions. 315K might be an ideal condensation temperature before burning for flame stability. CO could be almost fully converted under flame burning condition.CO2 concentration after burning is over 0.958 when excess O2 is less than 5%. Overall,5% excess O2 could be recommended for environment consideration. An optimal tangential angle exists around 25°for liner temperature controlling.Systems with anode cycling might release less CO pollutant in theory for no addition of extra H2O. Total fuel utilization percent had better be high enough to make oxygen flame temperature of anode exhaust gas lower than 1800K to make systems environment friendly.The results would be of great value to IGFC and CO2 capture combined system designing.
Typical Cases of Groundwater Pollution and Control Strategies for Closed Coal Mine in China
Authors: Feng Qiyan , Zhou Lai , Liang Yongping , Zhou Jianwei , Ren Hujun , Lu Ping
Published: June 2020

Due to the coal resource depletion, complicated geological conditions, and policy adjustment of China coal mine industry, a large number of coal mines have been closed and abandoned. The rebound of groundwater level will cause flooding of goaf and roadways after mine closure. The hydrogeological conditions change significantly as well. The pollutants will leach out, transform and transport which lead to pollution and increase risk to the groundwater system in the mining area. This research investigated closed coal mining area in Xuzhou, Zibo, Fengfeng, Kaili, Yangquan, Doulishan, Huaibei, Jiaozuo, Jingxing, Mile, etc., to present typical cases for analyzing the featured pollutants in mine water. Eight groundwater pollution pathways were summarized in closed coal mines, including pollution infiltration from surface mining fissures; submerged water infiltration pollution; leaching pollution of surface solid waste; cross strata pollution from the diversion fissure zone in the mining roof; cross strata pollution through the mining fissures in the mining floor; cross strata pollution through the water-conducting wells; cross strata pollution of faults or collapse columns; water overflow from goaf. Three typical cases on cross strata pollution in the closed/abandoned coal mine were analyzed emphatically. Aiming at the prevention and control of groundwater pollution risk in coal mine, the technical ideas of reducing quantity and pollutant of mine water, channel blocking, extraction control, purification and utilization are put forward. Based on this idea, the main pollution prevention and control technologies are recommended, and the countermeasures for the environmental protection of groundwater in closed mine are proposed.
Pancreatic Metastasis from Prostate Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Zhou Zhengyu , Zhang Yimu , Hong Yazhen , Bai Jiyan , Zhao Pengcheng , Yang Dong , He Chaohong
Published: June 2020

Background: The most common site of prostate cancer metastasesis the bone, followed by the lung, bladder, liver, and adrenal gland. Metastasis from other primary tumours to the pancreas is relatively rare. Here, we report a case of pancreatic metastasis from the prostate.Case presentation:A 52-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with pain in his upper abdomen that had persisted for 20 days. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography examination revealed malignant lesions in the head and tail of the pancreas and a possibility of prostate cancer. Biopsy of the prostate and pancreas were performed,the resultsof which indicated pancreatic metastasis of prostate cancer. After undergoing androgen deprivation therapy and docetaxel chemotherapy for 6 cycles, re-examination revealed that the pancreatic metastases had disappeared. Conclusion:Pancreatic metastatic cancer usually has a poor prognosis, while prostate cancer generally has better outcomes.In this case, the pancreatic metastases disappeared completely following endocrine therapy and chemotherapy. We hope this case will provide a reference for the treatment of similar cases in the future.
From the Sea to the Land: Dynamic of the Sargassum Tide Holobiont in the Caribbean Islands
Authors: Lopez Pascal Jean , Hervé Vincent , Lambourdière Josie , René-Trouillefou Malika , Devault Damien
Published: June 2020

BackgroundOver the last decade, intensity and frequency of Sargassum blooms in the Caribbean Sea and central Atlantic Ocean have dramatically increased, causing growing ecological, social and economic concern throughout the entire Caribbean region. These golden-brown tides form an ecosystem that maintains life for a large number of associated species, and their circulation across the Atlantic Ocean support the displacement and maybe the settlement of various species, especially microorganisms. To comprehensively identify the micro- and meiofauna associated to Sargassum, one hundred samples were collected during the 2018 tide events that were the largest ever recorded.ResultsWe investigated the composition and the existence of specific species in three compartments, namely, Sargassum at tide sites, in the surrounding seawater, and in inland seaweed storage sites. Metabarcoding data revealed shifts between compartments in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities, and large differences for eukaryotes especially bryozoans, nematodes and ciliates. Among the most abundant nematodes, we identified various bacterivores in all compartments, suggesting trophic interactions in Sargassum tides. We also found a number of species of interest, including methanogenic archaea, sulfate- and nitrate-reducing bacteria as well as putative pathogens.ConclusionsHere we present novel information on the diversity and trophic interactions of the micro- and meiofauna that are associated with Sargassum at tide and storage sites. Such information may help to better understand the ecological consequences of the Sargassum crises, and to develop proper analyses of the Sargassum associated biodiversity that could be important for application purposes such as biogas or fertilizers production, and to local authority for risks assessment.
Hepatitis C Core Antigen Testing to Diagnose Active Hepatitis C Infection Among Haemodialysis Patients
Authors: Wong Xue Zheng , Gan Chye Chung , Mohamed Rosmawati , Yahya Rosnawati , Ganapathy Shubash , Tan Seok Siam , Lim Soo Kun
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects more than 185 million people worldwide and chronic HCV infection increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and failure. Haemodialysis (HD) is one of the renal replacement therapies with risk of HCV transmission. Anti-HCV antibodies had been the serological screening test for HCV infection that does not detect active phase of infection. Majority HCV infected HD patients in Malaysia do not have further HCV RNA performed due to high cost and subsequently less HCV treatment offered. HCV Core Antigen (HCV Ag) can potentially be used to diagnose active HCV infection in HD population in replace of HCV RNA, which costs lesser.
METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the correlation between HCV Ag and HCV RNA and to identify the prevalence of active HCV infection among HCV seropositive HD patients from dialysis centres across West Malaysia from July 2019 to May 2020. Pre-dialysis blood was taken and tested for both HCV Ag and HCV RNA tests. HCV Ag was tested with Abbott ARCHITECT HCV Ag test.
RESULTS
We recruited 112 seropositive HD patients from 17 centres with mean age of 54.04±11.62 years, HD vintage of 14.1±9.7 years, and male constitute 59.8% (67) of the study population. HCV Ag correlates well with HCV RNA (Spearman test coefficient 0.833, p < 0.001). The sensitivity was 90.7%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value (PPV) 100%, negative predictive value (NPV) 76.5%, and accuracy 92.9%. For HCV RNA level > 3000 IU/mL, HCV Ag had a higher sensitivity of 95.1% and greater correlation (Spearman test coefficient 0.897, p < 0.001). The prevalence of active HCV infection was 76.8% among HCV seropositive HD patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Although HCV Ag is less sensitive, it shows an excellent correlation with HCV RNA and has 100% PPV. HCV Ag can be considered as an alternative diagnostic tool for acute or chronic active HCV infection among HD cohort, who can then be considered for HCV treatment.
Economic, Mental Health, HIV Prevention and HIV Treatment Impacts of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 response on a Global Sample of Cisgender Gay Men and Other Men who have sex with Men
Authors: Santos Glenn-Milo , Ackerman Benjamin , Rao Amrita , Wallach Sara , Ayala George , Lamontage Erik , Garner Alex , Holloway Ian , Arreola Sonya , Silenzio Vince , Ström Susanne , Yu Louis , Strong Carol , Adamson Tyler , Yakusik Anna , Doan Tran , Huang Poyao , Cerasuolo Damiano , Bishop Amie , Noori Teymur , Pharris Anastasia , Aung Max , Dara Masoud , Chung Ssu Yu , Hanley Marguerite , Baral Stefan , Beyrer Chris , Howell Sean
Published: June 2020

There is an urgent need to measure the impacts of COVID-19 among gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM). We conducted a cross-sectional survey with a global sample of gay men and other MSM (n= 2732) from April 16, 2020 to May 4, 2020, through a social networking app. We characterized the economic, mental health, HIV prevention and HIV treatment impacts of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 response, and examined whether subgroups of our study population are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Many men not only reported economic and mental health consequences, but also interruptions to HIV prevention and testing, and HIV care and treatment services. Consequences were significantly greater among people living with HIV, racial/ethnic minorities, immigrants, sex workers, and socio-economically disadvantaged groups. Findings underscore the crucial need to mitigate the multifaceted impacts of COVID-19 among gay men and other MSM, especially for those with intersecting vulnerabilities.
Low Reported COVID-19 Cases in South Asian Countries: A Luck of Nature or A Ticking Time Bomb
Authors: Moheet Imran Alam , Khan Soban Qadir , Farooqi Faraz Ahmed , Alhareky Muhanad , Alonaizan Faisal
Published: June 2020

Objective Purpose of the current study was to find the trend in progression of COVID-19 among South Asian countries as compared to more developed western countries. Method COVID-19 data of South Asian countries was taken for this observational study. Data was taken up to 21 st April since the outbreak of the virus. There were 4 out of 7 countries which passed through the inclusion criteria and included for analysis. Results Increase in average weekly reported cases after 5 th week since first case reported was exponential. Correlation between reported cases and tests performed was found strong and significant (r=0.90, p-value=0.037). However, on average 315.25 tests per million population was performed which was at least 12 times lower than the tests performed in the countries having large number of COVID-19 cases. Conclusion At present, number of reported cases from South Asia was found extrememly lower than western countries. However, it could be due to a smaller number of tests performed. Hence, increase in strength of performing diagnostic tests is highly recommended. Strict measures are required to be taken to make the people of these countries to follow the instructions of social distancing and comply with preventive measures.
Expression of in vivo biotinylated recombinant antigens SAG1 and SAG2A from Toxoplasma gondii for improved seroepidemiological bead-based multiplex assays
Authors: Klein Sandra , Stern Daniel , Seeber Frank
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND Few bead-based multiplex assays for large-scale seroepidemiological surveys aimed at detecting antibodies against the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii have been described, coming in different flavors and each with specific limitations. Moreover, none is commercially available, requiring its establishment by interested groups from individual components. RESULTS Here we report the bacterial expression and use of N-terminal fusion-free, soluble and in vivo biotinylated recombinant surface antigens SAG1 and SAG2A for the detection of anti- T. gondii IgG antibodies. C-terminal biotinylation allowed oriented, reproducible coupling to magnetic Luminex beads, requiring only minute amounts of protein per determination. We could show that an N-terminal fusion partner (maltose-binding protein) negatively influenced antibody binding and developed a successful mitigation strategy. We validated our bead-based multiplex assay with human sera previously tested with commercial diagnostic assays and found concordance of 98-100% regarding both, sensitivity and specificity, even when only biotinylated SAG1 was used as antigen. CONCLUSIONS Our recombinant T. gondii antigens offer distinct advantages compared to previously described test proteins used in multiplex serological assays for T. gondii . They offer a cheap, specific and sensitive alternative to either parasite lysates or eukaryotic-cell expressed SAG1/SAG2A for BBMA and other formats. The described general expression strategy can also be used for other antigens where oriented immobilization is key for sensitive recognition by antibodies.
Pooling Strategy Optimization for Accelerating Asymptomatic COVID-19 Screening
Authors: Li Keqin
Published: June 2020

Testing has been a major factor that limits our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The method of sample pooling and group test has recently been introduced. However, it is still not clearly known how to determine the appropriate group size. In this paper, we develop an analytical method and a numerical algorithm to determine the optimal group size, which minimizes the total number of tests, maximizes the speedup of the pooling strategy, and minimizes both time and cost of testing. The optimal group size is determined by the fraction of infected people and independent of the size of the population. Furthermore, both the optimal pooling size and the achieved speedup grow exponentially with the reciprocal of the fraction of infected people, a quite impressive and nontrivial result. Our method is effective in supporting faster and cheaper asymptomatic COVID-19 screening. Our research has important social implications and financial impacts. For example, if the percentage of infected people is 0.001, we can achieve speedup of almost 16, which means that months of testing time can be reduced to days, and over 93% of the testing cost can be saved. Such a result has not been available in the known literature, and is a significant progress and great advance in pooling strategy optimization for accelerating asymptomatic COVID-19 screening.
A method for estimating the associations of neighborhood type with availability of sit-down restaurants and supermarkets
Authors: Peng Ke , Rodriguez Daniel A. , Hirsch Jana A. , Gordon-Larsen Penny
Published: June 2020

Background: Although neighborhood-level access to food differs by sociodemographic factors, almost all research on neighborhoods and food access has used a single construct of neighborhood context, such as income or race. Neighborhoods possess many interrelated built environment and sociodemographic characteristics, a condition that obscures relationships between neighborhood factors and food access.Methods: To account for the effects of many interrelated aspects of neighborhoods in food access, we developed a generally applicable method that used multiple measures (e.g., population density, mix of land use, and sociodemographic factors) that are easy to obtain to define six neighborhood types in 1993 in the Twin Cities Region, Minnesota. We then used mixed effects regression models to estimate differences in the relative availability of sit-down restaurants and supermarkets in 1993, 2001, and 2011 across the six neighborhood types.Results: We observed a higher relative availability of sit-down restaurants in inner city neighborhoods than in urban, aging suburbs, high-income suburbs, or suburban edge neighborhoods for 2011; we did not observe these same patterns for 1993 or 2001. Using nuanced classification of neighborhood type, we found a complex and increasingly varied distribution of restaurants and food stores.Conclusions: The temporal increase in sit-down restaurants in inner cities may be associated with a higher proportion of residents who eat-away-from-home, which is associated with higher calorie and fat intake.