bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial DNA copy number in cervical exfoliated cells and risk of cervical cancer among HPV-positive women
Authors: Sun Wei , Qin Xueyun , Zhou Jing , Xu Mingjing , Lyu Zhangyan , Li Xin , Zhang Kai , Dai Min , Li Ni , Hang Dong
Published: June 2020

Background: Although human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been recognized as the cause of cervical cancer in over 99% of cases, only a minority of HPV-infected women develop this malignancy. Emerging evidence suggests that alterations of mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtCN) may contribute to carcinogenesis. However, the relationship between mtCN and cervical cancer remains unknown.Methods: In this case-control study, we included 591 cervical cancer cases and 373 cancer-free controls, all of whom were infected with high-risk HPV. Relative mtCN in cervical cancer exfoliated cells was measured by qRT-PCR assays, and logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Interaction between mtCN and HPV types was assessed by using the Wald test in logistic regression models.Results: HPV16, 18, 52, and 58 were the most common types in both case and control groups. Median mtCN in cases was significantly higher than that in controls (1.63 vs. 1.23, P = 0.03). After adjustment for age and HPV types, the highest quartile of mtCN was associated with increased odds of having cervical cancer (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.19, 2.62; P < 0.01), as compared to the lowest quartile. A dose-response effect of mtCN on cervical cancer was also observed (Ptrend < 0.001). The interaction between mtCN and HPV types was statistically nonsignificant.Conclusions: In women who test HPV positive, the increase of mtCN in cervical exfoliated cells is associated with cervical cancer. This suggests a potential role of mtCN in cervical carcinogenesis.
Coping with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome: quality of life and psychosocial features of family carers
Authors: Berrocoso Sarah , Amayra Imanol , Lázaro Esther , Martínez Oscar , López-Paz Juan Francisco , García Maitane , Pérez Manuel , Al-Rashaida Mohammad , Rodríguez Alicia Aurora , Luna Paula Maria , Pérez-Núñez Paula , Blanco Raquel , Nevado Julián
Published: June 2020

Background: Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome (WHS) is a rare, congenital disease characterized by a distinctive facial phenotype, seizures, intellectual disability and developmental delay, and pre and postnatal growth requiring lifelong care. The psychosocial status of the family caregivers of children diagnosed with WHS is unknown. This study aims to characterize the sociodemographic and psychosocial profile of WHS caregivers and analyze how these variables impact their quality of life (QoL) and well-being.Results:The sociodemographic and clinical profile of 22 Spanish caregivers of children with WHS and the characteristics of those affected have been described. Significant relationships were found between sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics among caregivers. The impact on the parents' QoL and negative relationship with the symptomatology were assessed. The use of engagement strategies such as problem focused coping was associated with improved psychological QoL and social support.Conclusions:WHS caregivers share similarities in their profile and needs with caregivers of children with other rare diseases. Pychosocial support groups involving parents caring for children with the same disease could improve caregivers’ well-being and QoL by strengthening their social support network and using positive coping styles.
Expression of gallus epidermal growth factor (gEGF) with food-grade Lactococcus lactis expression system and its biological effects on broiler chickens
Authors: Zhou Yu , Chen Pinpin , Shi Shuai , Li Xiaowen , Shi Deshi , Zhou Zutao , Li Zili , Xiao Yuncai
Published: June 2020

Background Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a multifunctional polypeptide, which could be utilized to solve problems in the industry such as increasing growth performance of commercial broilers or enhancing resistance to diseases under adverse conditions. Thus far, very few studies have focused on the gallus epidermal growth factor (gEGF) despite the availability of a plethora of studies on mammalian EGF. The aim of this study was to express gallus epidermal growth factor (gEGF) using a food-grade Lactococcus lactis expression system and to investigate its biological effects on broiler chickens. Results A recombinant Lactococcus lactis, which produced the secretary form of bioactive gEGF at 2.67 μg/mL in culture supernatant, was generated. In vitro testing denoted that gEGF promoted the proliferation of UMNSAH/DF-1 cells. Sixty-three 5-day-old broiler chickens were divided into three groups and treated with either M17 medium (C, as control), supernatant of LL-pNZ8149 fermentation product (P-LL), or supernatant of LL-pNZ8149-gEGF fermentation product (gEGF-P-LL). Body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and the gain:feed ratio of the gEGF-P-LL group were significantly higher than those of the other groups during the two-week study. In addition, two weeks after therapy, the indices of spleen and thymus gland, levels of serum IgA, IgG and duodenum mucosal sIgA were all significantly higher in the gEGF-P-LL group than in the other groups. Moreover, the villus height of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum and crypt depth of the jejunum of the gEGF-P-LL group were significantly higher than those of the other groups, while the crypt depth of the duodenum showed the opposite pattern during the two-week study. Conclusions The bioactive gEGF could be expressed with Lactococcus lactis expression system. Furthermore, gEGF has the potential to enhance growth performance, immune function, and intestinal development in broiler chickens.
Patients with IVF complicated by moderate-to-critical OHSS experience increased thrombosis, GDM and neonatal NICU admission but slightly shorter gestation compared with matched IVF counterparts: A retrospective Chinese cohort study
Authors: Hu Linli , Xie Rui , Wang Mengying , Sun Yingpu
Published: June 2020

Background: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a common disease during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation treatment. However, the obstetrics and neonatal outcomes of these group of patients are barely known. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of late moderate-to-critical ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) on obstetric and neonatal outcomes.Methods: This prospective observational study included 17,537 patients who underwent IVF/ICSI-fresh embryo transfer (ET) between June 2012 and July 2016 and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, including 7064 eligible patients diagnosed with clinical pregnancy. Finally, 6356 patients were allocated to the control group, and 385 patients who were hospitalized and treated at the center for late moderate-to-critical OHSS were allocated to the OHSS group.Results: The duration of gestation in the matched control group was significantly higher than that in the OHSS group. The live birth delivery rate did not significantly differ between the OHSS and the matched control groups, and the incidence rates of the obstetric complications venous thrombosis (VT) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), neonatal complications and the numbers of neonates admitted to the NICU in the OHSS group were significantly higher than those in the matched control group. Conclusions: Late moderate-to-critical OHSS could reduce the gestational time and increase obstetric complications and neonatal complications. However, the live birth rate and incidence rates of premature delivery, miscarriage, early abortion, hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP), placenta previa (PP), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), average neonatal weight and LBW did not statistically significant differ between the two groups.
Efficacy of HIV interventions among factory workers in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Chen Dahui , Luo Ganfeng , Meng Xiaojun , Wang Zixin , Cao Bolin , Yuan Tanwei , Xie Yu , Hu Tian , Chen Yaqi , Ke Wujian , Wang Zhenyu , Sun Caijun , Deng Kai , Cai Yong , Zhang Kechun , Zou Huachun
Published: June 2020

Background: Factory workers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are vulnerable to HIV transmission. Interventions are needed to prevent HIV in this population. We systematically reviewed published literature on the efficacy of various HIV interventions in reducing stigma, risk behaviors and HIV transmission among factory workers.Methods: A systematic review was performed using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Four databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and EMBASE) were searched for relevant publications between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2018. Two independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality of studies.Results: Thirteen articles were included, with 2 randomized controlled trials and 11 cohort studies. Five interventions and their combinations were summarized. An educational intervention increased condom use and reduced the use of recreational drugs and alcohol before sex. A community intervention indicated that workers at high risk behaviors were more likely to go to HIV counselling and testing (HCT), and proactive provision of HCT could increase the detection rate of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A lottery intervention increased HCT uptake and decreased HIV public stigma. An education combined with a community intervention reduced the proportion of workers with casual sex and enhanced HIV knowledge. A peer education combined with a community intervention increased the proportion of workers who were willing to take their partners to HCT. A policy intervention combined with a peer education enhanced HIV knowledge, perceived condom accessibility and condom use with regular partners.Conclusions: Various interventions improved HIV knowledge, decreased HIV stigma and reduced HIV-related risk behaviors among factory workers in LMICs. The combination of multiple interventions tended to achieve better efficacy than a single intervention. Persistent combination interventions are essential to address HIV in this population.
Prevalence of potential drug- drug interactions and associated factors among outpatients and inpatients in Ethiopian Hospitals: a systematic review and Meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Ayenew Wondim , Asmamaw Getahun , Issa Arebu
Published: June 2020

Background: Drug-drug interaction is an emerging threat to the public health. In Ethiopia, there is high possibility of occurrence of drug-drug interactions in the hospitals. This is because of increased comorbid disease, increased polypharmacy, and increased hospitalization. Therefore, this study aims to summarize the prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions and associated factors in Ethiopian hospitals. Methods: Literature search was performed through accessing legitimate databases in PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar and Research Gate for English-language publications. Advanced search strategies were applied in Science Direct and HINARI to identify any additional papers and published reviews and to retrieve relevant findings closely related to prevalence of potential drug- drug interactions and associated factors with it. The search was conducted from August 3-25, 2019 and all published articles available online until the day of data collection were considered. The pooled estimate of the outcome measure were analyzed by Open Meta Analyst advanced software. By considering clinical heterogeneity among original studies, Der Simonian and Laird’s random effect model were used. I2 statistics were used to assess heterogeneity among each studies. The publication bias was assessed by CMA version-3 software and presented with funnel plot of standard error and precision with Logit event rate. Results: A total of 14 studies were included for systematic review and meta-analysis. From 14 studies, 5761 patients were included and a total of 8717 potential drug- drug interactions were found in 3259 of patients. The prevalence patients with potential drug- drug interactions in Ethiopian Hospitals were found to be 72.2% (95% confidence interval: 59.1%, 85.3%). Based on severity, the prevalence of potential drug- drug interactions were 25.1%, 52.8%, 16.9% and 1.27% for major, moderate, minor potential drug- drug interactions and contraindications respectively. The factors associated with potential drug- drug interactions were related to patient characteristics such as polypharmacy, age, comorbid disease and hospital stay. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of potential drug- drug interactions in Ethiopian Hospitals. Polypharmacy, age, comorbid disease and hospital stay were the risk factors associated with potential drug- drug interactions.
MRI Guided Procedure Planning and 3D Simulation for Partial Gland Cryoablation of the Prostate: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wake Nicole , Rosenkrantz Andrew B. , Sodickson Daniel K. , Chandarana Hersh , Wysock James S.
Published: June 2020

Purpose: This study reports on the development of a novel 3D procedure planning technique to provide pre-ablation treatment planning for partial gland prostate cryoablation (cPGA).Methods: Consecutive patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-visible (PI-RADS v2 score ³ 3) and biopsy confirmed prostate cancer undergoing partial gland cryoablation (cPGA) (n=20) were prospectively enrolled in an IRB approved study investigating advanced methods of data visualization for treatment planning. All patients enrolled in the study underwent image segmentation of the prostatic capsule, index lesion, urethra, rectum, and neurovascular bundles based upon multi-parametric MRI data. Segmented imaging data were viewed in 3D file format in computer-aided design (CAD) software, and virtual cryotherapy probes with -40°C isotherm volumes were created. Pre-treatment 3D prostate cancer models derived from MRI data were utilized to predict the number of and placement of cryotherapy probes to achieve confluent treatment volume. Treatment efficacy was measured with 6 month post-operative MRI, serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) at 3 and 6 months, and treatment zone biopsy results at 6 months were evaluated. Outcomes from 3D planning were compared to outcomes from a series of 20 patients undergoing cPGA using traditional 2D planning techniques.Results: The number of cryotherapy probes utilized matched the 3D plan in 16/20 (80%) of patients. 3D planning predicted a greater number of cryoprobes than 2D planning. Treatment zone biopsy was performed in 13/17 patients in the 3D cohort and was negative in 12 of these (92.9%). For the 3D group, 6 month biopsy was not performed in 4 (20%) due to undetectable PSA, negative MRI, and negative MRI Axumin PET. For the group with traditional 2D planning, treatment zone biopsy was positive in 3/14 (21.4%) of the patients, p = 0.056). Conclusions: 3D prostate cancer models derived from mpMRI data provide novel guidance for planning confluent treatment volumes for cPGA. This study prompts further investigation into the use of 3D treatment planning techniques.
Peripheral Anterior Chamber Depth and Screening Techniques for Primary Angle Closure Disease in Community Elderly Chinese
Authors: Luo Qin , Xue Wenwen , Yuan Yin , Fu Chaowei , He Jiangnan , Zou Haidong , Tong Xiaowei , Lee Richard K. , Ge Ling
Published: June 2020

Background: To investigate the distribution of peripheral anterior chamber depth (ACD) and the relationship between peripheral ACD and gonioscopy compared to other ocular parameters (peripheral ACD, spherical equivalent [SE], intraocular pressure [IOP]) for primary angle closure disease (PACD) screening in an elderly Chinese community.Methods: Cross-sectional study. Adults 50 and older were enrolled from a population-based study using cluster random sampling in Pudong New District, Shanghai. Remote ocular screening was performed with digital anterior eye structure photography. Van Herrick measurements were used to evaluate the peripheral ACD, the depth of the peripheral anterior chamber, and corneal thickness (CT), and the ACD to CT ratio was calculated. Subjects with peripheral ACD less than 0.5 CT were made follow-up appointments for clinical examination with gonioscopy. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were generated to show the performance of different tests in screening for primary angle closure disease (PACD). Results: 2528 adults participated in the study with 91 patients diagnosed with PACD. 2463 subjects had valid data in the right eye available for analysis. The mean peripheral ACD values for men and women were significantly different: 1.04±0.46 (range 0.11-2.93) CT and 0.87±0.41 (range 0.12-2.96) CT respectively (t=-4.18; P＜0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis reveals that peripheral ACD declined by 0.31 CT (P<0.0001) per diopter of SE and was 0.19 CT (P<0.0001) shallower in women than in men (r2=0.1304, P<0.0001). Peripheral ACD performed best in screening for PACD. Conclusions: Peripheral ACD measurement is recommended for PACD screening in community elderly Chinese.
Right sleeve pneumonectomy for local recurrent lung cancer following right sleeve upper lobectomy with bronchoplasty: A case report
Authors: Hanaoka Jun , Kawaguchi Yo , Okamoto Keigo , Kaku Ryosuke , Ohshio Yasuhiko
Published: June 2020

Background: Salvage surgery has been frequently performed, increasing the opportunity to actively perform surgery for recurrence after a function-preserving operation. However, re-operation after airway reconstruction surgery on the proximal side and the effect of prior treatment, such as radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, make the operation more difficult. In addition, cases of sleeve pneumonectomy after sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty are uncommon.Case presentation: A 71-year-old lung cancer patient underwent right upper sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty combined with perioperative chemotherapy in 2007. A new undiagnosed right hilar mass that appeared 9 years post-operation showed a temporary response to radiotherapy but progressed thereafter. Sleeve pneumonectomy was completed 14 months after radiotherapy by the following procedures: dividing the right pulmonary artery at the proximal site under median sternotomy and then reconstructing the bronchus by telescoping the left main bronchus into the distal trachea after pneumonectomy under posterolateral thoracotomy. Conclusions: Sleeve pneumonectomy for recurrent lung cancer could be safely performed under good vision using a two-stage approach as salvage surgery, even in high-risk patients who received various treatments and proximal airway reconstruction.
Using three statistical methods to analyze the association between exposure to 9 compounds and obesity in children and adolescents: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2010
Authors: Wu Bangsheng , Jiang Yi , Jin Xiaoqing , He Li
Published: June 2020

Background: Various risk factors influence obesity differently, and environmental endocrine disruption may increase the occurrence of obesity. However, most of the previous studies have considered only a unitary exposure or a set of similar exposures instead of mixed exposures, which entail complicated interactions. We utilized three statistical models to evaluate the correlations between mixed chemicals to analyze the association between 9 different chemical exposures and obesity in children and adolescents.Methods: We fitted the generalized linear regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to analyze the association between the mixed exposures and obesity in the participants aged 6-19 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2010.Results: In the multivariable logistic regression model, 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP) (P < 0.001), monoethyl phthalate (MEP) (P = 0.008), and mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP) (P = 0.011) were found to be positively associated with obesity, while methylparaben (MeP) (P = 0.018) was negatively associated with obesity. In the multivariable linear regression, 2,5-DCP and MEP were found to be associated with the body mass index (BMI) z-score (P = 0.023 and P = 0.017). In the WQS regression model, the WQS index had a significant association (P = 0.002) with the outcome in the obesity model, in which 2,5-DCP (weighted 0.41), bisphenol A (BPA) (weighted 0.17) and MEP (weighted 0.14) all had relatively high weights. In the BKMR model, despite no statistically significant difference in the overall association between the chemical mixtures and the outcome (obesity or BMI z-score), there was nonetheless an increasing trend. 2,5-DCP and MEP were found to be positively associated with the outcome (obesity or BMI z-score), while fixing other chemicals at their median concentrations.Conclusion: Comparing the three statistical models, we found that 2,5-DCP and MEP may play an important role in obesity. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of the three statistical models, our study confirms the necessity to combine different statistical models on obesity when dealing with mixed exposures.
Vitrectomy for branch retinal vein occlusion with vitreous hemorrhage: proposal for a new grading system
Authors: Tong Gengmin , Hu Xuting , Zhu Chenlei , Gao Zhiqiang , Chen Xuhao , Guo Linning , Pan Qintuo
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To investigate the long-term surgical outcomes after treatment with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with photocoagulation in different severities of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) with vitreous hemorrhage (VH) in order to propose a new grading system.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 117 eyes of 117 patients who underwent PPV for VH associated with BRVO and who were followed up for at least 12 months. Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), surgical intervention, final BCVA, and central foveal thickness (CFT) were evaluated using optical coherence tomography. We proposed a system to grade BRVO with VH from Grade I to Grade III with increasing severity: Grade I,pure persistent VH; Grade II,VH with epiretinal membrane (EM) (Grade IIa,VH with EM without macular involvement; Grade IIb,VH with EM with macular involvement); and Grade III,VH with tractive retinal detachment. Different surgical methods were appliedaccording to the different retinal conditions.

Results

BCVA significantly improved at final follow-up in all groups. There was no significant difference among the four groups in terms of preoperative BCVA, final BCVA,CFT,or the number of patients whose macular edema recurred after surgery (p>0.05), but there was a significant difference in vision improvement(p<0.05). Vision improvement in the Grade IIb group was significantly worse than in the Grade I group(p=0.006) and in the Grade IIa group(p=0.046). The percentage of patients in the Grade I, Grade IIa, Grade IIb, and Grade III groups needing further laser treatment after surgery was 0%, 8.3%, 16.3%, and 23.5%, respectively (p<0.05).

Conclusion

We proposed a new grading system for BRVO treated with PPV. Vitrectomy is a safe and effective treatment for BRVO with VH. Visual acuity improvement was significantly worse when the EM had macular involvement (Grade IIb).
Sperm-seq wet lab protocol: sperm preparation and droplet-based sequencing library generation
Authors: Bell Avery Davis , Mello Curtis J. , McCarroll Steven A.
Published: June 2020

Sperm-seq is a high-throughput, droplet-based single-sperm sequencing technology capable of generating thousands of cell-barcoded single-sperm sequencing libraries at one time. This protocol describes Sperm-seq library generation, featuring a full protocol for sperm preparation and suggestions for droplet-based sequencing methods from 10X Genomics to employ. Sperm preparation can be completed in half a day and the full protocol can be completed in 2-3 days, with several wait times and break points.
The Effect of Plant Weight on Estimations of Stalk Flexural Stiffness and Stalk Lodging Resistance
Authors: Stubbs Christopher J , Oduntan Yusuf , Keep Tyrone , Noble Scott D , Robertson Daniel J
Published: June 2020

Background: Stalk lodging (breaking of agricultural plant stalks prior to harvest) is a multi-billion dollar a year problem. Stalk lodging occurs when bending moments induced by a combination of external loading (e.g. wind) and self-loading (e.g. the plant’s own weight) exceed the bending strength of plant stems. Previous studies have investigated external loading and self-loading of plants as separate and independent phenomena. However, these two types of loading are highly interconnected and mutually dependent. The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to investigate the combined effect of external loads and plant weight on the flexural response of plant stems, and (2) to provide a generalized framework for accounting for self-weight during mechanical phenotyping experiments used to predict stalk lodging resistance. Results: A method of properly accounting for the interconnected relationship between self-loading and external loading of plants stems is presented. The interconnected set of equations are used to produce user-friendly applications by presenting (1) simplified self-loading correction factors for a number of common external loading configurations of plants, and (2) a generalized Microsoft Excel framework that calculates the influence of self-loading on crop stems. The effect of self-loading on the bending strength measurements of wheat is examined in detail. A survey of several other plants is conducted and the influence of self-loading on their structural response is also presented. Conclusions: The self-loading of plants plays a potentially critical role in determining the structural response of plant stems. Equations and tools provided herein enable researchers to account for the plant’s weight during mechanical phenotyping experiments used to determine the flexural rigidity and bending strength of plant stems. Results demonstrated that ignoring the self-loading of some plants can result in errors of 25% for flexural stiffness and 20% for bending strength.
Locally implemented prevention programs may reverse weight trajectories in half of children with overweight/obesity amid low child-staff ratios: Results from a quasi-experimental study in France
Authors: Constant Aymery , Boulic Gaëlle , Lommez Agnes , Chaillou Raphaëlle , Guy-Grand Bernard , Raffin Sandrine
Published: June 2020

Background: The aims of the present study were to assess changes in weight status between the first and last year of primary education among children with overweight/obesity in response to locally implemented school-based prevention programs, and to assess the influence of process indicators, expressed as child-staff ratios (CSRs), on these changes.Methods: To meet the study objectives, a quasi-experimental design was used. Four municipalities that systematically monitored the weight status of schoolchildren and participated in the “Vivons en Forme” program agreed to provide the data available in their school medical service records. The local implementers involved in training sessions were mainly municipal staff in charge of serving midday school meals, which is compulsory in France, and those in charge of designing and facilitating creative, interactive activities at school between and after classes. CSRs were determined by occupation (school catering service/facilitator of extracurricular activities) and training session (healthy eating/physical activity) in each municipality program, and classified as low (1-5 children per adult) or moderate. Results: During the 4 years of primary education, weight status improved in half of the children with overweight/obesity, and worsened in 6.6% of children with overweight/normal weight. In children who remained overweight, the BMI z-score diminished over time. Estimates of the positive 4-year weight changes were related to low CSRs in locally implemented variations of the program. Estimates increased with age and were significantly higher in low-to-moderate CSR multicomponent interventions than moderate CSR single-component intervention (reference). The moderate CSR multicomponent intervention had a similar effect as the reference. The estimated negative weight change decreased with age.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that training ancillary school staff in experiential-focused interventions for healthy eating and physical activity in locally implemented school-based programs contributed positively to reducing childhood obesity during the four years of primary education without interfering with educational activities. The results also provide preliminary evidence that low CSRs could be pivotal for optimal outcomes, especially in deprived areas.
Demonstration of improved plant growth and biomass production by At1g 73160 promoter-controlled root-preferential expression of AtGA20ox gene
Authors: Ly Linh Khanh , Bui Thao Phuong , Do Phat Tien , Le Anh Van Thi , Nguyen Phong Van , Pham Ngoc Bich , Zhang Zhanyuan J. , Chu Ha Hoang
Published: June 2020

Background: Overexpression of GA20 oxidase gene has been a recent trend for improving plant growth and biomass. Constitutive expression of GA20ox has successfully improved plant growth and biomass in several plant species. However, the constitutive expression of this gene causes side-effects, such as reduced leaf size and stem diameters, etc. To avoid these effects, different tissue-specific promoters had been identified and employed for GA20ox overexpression. In this study, we demonstrate the potential of At1g, a root-preferential promoter, for GA20ox expression to enhance plant biomass in tobacco and Melia azedarach.Results: We examined the utility of At1g promoter to drive the expression of GUS (β-1,4-glucuronidase) reporter and GA20ox genes in tobacco and Melia azedarach. Histochemical GUS assays in tobacco showed that At1g was a root-preferential promoter whose expression was particularly strong in root tips. The ectopic expression of AtGA20ox gene under the control of At1g promoter showed the improved plant growth and biomass of both tobacco and M. azedarach transgenic plants compared to wild-type (WT) control plants. Stem length as well as stem and root fresh weights increased by up to 1.5-3 folds in transgenic tobacco and 2 folds in transgenic M. azedarach. Both tobacco and M. azedarach transgenic plants showed increases in the root xylem width, xylem over phloem ratio by 50%-100% as compared to WT plants. Importantly, no significant difference in the leaf shape and size was observed between At1g::AtGA20ox transgenic and WT plants. Moreover, transgenic M. azedarach showed a 135% increase in stem diameter even though no change was found in transgenic tobacco.Conclusions: These results demonstrate the great utility of At1g promoter, when driving AtGA20ox gene, for growth and biomass improvements in woody plants and potentially some other plant species.
Overall reduced lymphocyte subsets worsening disease severity and prognosis in COVID-19 severe cases with diabetes mellitus in Chengdu, China
Authors: Liu Dafeng , Wang Yong , Lan Lijuan , Liu Yaling , Zhao Bennan , Bao Lei , Chen Hong , Yang Min , Li Qingfeng , Zeng Yilan
Published: June 2020

Background The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is widespread throughout China and the world. Methods Demographic, clinical data of 95 confirmed cases with COVID-19 on admission at the Public and Health Clinic Centre of Chengdu from January 16 to March 16, 2020, were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Of them 76, 19 cases were enrolled in non-DM group (without DM), DM group (with DM), respectively; according to the disease severity 57, 19, 8, 11 cases were further divided into non-severe non-DM subgroup (light and common type and without DM), severe non-DM subgroup (severe and critical illness type and without DM), non-severe DM subgroup (light and common type and with DM), severe DM subgroup (severe and critical illness type and with DM), respectively. The severe rate and the prognosis was compared between two groups. The data of peripheral lymphocyte and subsets, age, glucose metabolism parameters were compared between four subgroups, and its relationship to the disease severity, the viral negative conversion time, and the prognosis were analyzed.Results In this COVID-19 cohort the proportion of DM was 20%. Patients with DM had significantly higher severe rate and worse prognosis than those without DM, the difference was significant (severe rate ,cured, unhealed and death in DM and non-DM groups:61.11%vs.25.00%,26.32%,68.42%;5.26%vs.71.05%,26.32%,2.68%,х2=2.940, 3.394,P=0.003,0.001,respectively),simultaneously the proportion of DM in severe cases was higher than that in non-severe cases, the obvious difference was found (36.67% vs.12.31%,х2=2.744,P=0.006).Severe cases with DM tended to have the lowest lymphocytes count levels and percentage values, as well as the lowest T cells count levels and percentage values, helper T cells count levels and percentage values, suppressor T cells count levels, B cells count levels and percentage values compared with those severe cases without DM and non-severe cases with or without DM. The important influencing factors were that age, DM, lymphocyte percentage values and helper T cells percentage values for the disease severity, lymphocyte percentage values and B cell percentage values for the viral negative conversion time, and age, the disease severity and the viral negative conversion time for the prognosis.Conclusions The COVID-19 severe cases with DM had the lowest lymphocytes count level and percentage value, especially T and B lymphocytes count levels and percentage value. Overall decreased lymphocytes subsets and DM maybe worsen prognosis by worsening the disease severity and prolonging the viral negative conversion time. Combination immunomodulatory therapy based on comprehensive treatment might improve prognosis of the COVID-19 severe cases with DM.
Design of a GFP reporter for splicing analysis in mammalian cells
Authors: Menezes Arthur T. , Nagasse Helder Y. , Coltri Patricia Pereira
Published: June 2020

Objective: The great majority of eukaryotic genes are formed by exons and introns. Pre-RNA transcripts are extensively processed in the nucleus, with the addition of a cap group at the 5′ end, intron removal and exon ligation (splicing) followed by addition of a poly-A tail at 3′ end. Splicing is performed by specialized macromolecular machinery named spliceosome, composed of five small ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs) and several proteins. The activity of this complex is highly accurate due to coordinated activity of its components. Altered splicing has already been related to the development of several diseases as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and different types of cancer. Detailed understanding of splicing regulation in eukaryotic cells can be achieved using splicing reporter systems. Results: We designed a new splicing reporter plasmid suitable for analysis in mammalian cells. Our reporter is based on splicing of the GFP sequence. The greatest advantages of this system are the ease of visualization of the splicing outcome, by using a fluorescence microscope to confirm GFP expression from the reporter. Also, quantification of splicing efficiency using real-time PCR is possible. The use of this system allows rapid and easy detection of the splicing results in cultured cells.
Usefulness of Tissue Doppler-derived Atrial Electromechanical Delay for Identifying Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Akamatsu Kanako , Ito Takahide , Miyamura Masatoshi , Kanzaki Yumiko , Sohmiya Koichi , Hoshiga Masaaki
Published: June 2020

Background: Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI)-derived atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) has been reported to be useful for detecting paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). However, its usefulness remains unknown when analyzed along with patients seemingly at high-risk for AF as controls. From this standpoint, we investigated whether AEMD would be of use for identifying patients with PAF. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed TDI recordings to obtain AEMD in 63 PAF patients. Thirty-three patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors (MRFs) but without history of AF and 50 healthy individuals served as disease and healthy controls, respectively. AEMD was defined as the time-interval between the electrocardiogram P-wave and the beginning of the spectral TDI-derived A’ for the septal (septal EMD) and lateral (lateral EMD) sides of the mitral annulus. Results: There was no significant difference in the left atrial volume index between PAF patients and disease controls (28 ± 9 mL/m 2 vs. 27 ± 5 mL/m 2 ). PAF patients had longer AEMD, particularly for the lateral EMD (75 ± 23 ms), compared with disease (62 ± 22 ms, P = 0.009) and healthy (54 ± 24 ms, P <0.001) controls. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the lateral EMD (OR 1.25, 95%CI 1.03 – 1.52, P = 0.023), along with the left atrial volume index (OR 2.25, 95%CI 1.44 – 3.51, P <0.001), was one of the significant independent associates of identifying PAF patients. Conclusions: This cross-sectional study indicates that even analyzed together with MRFs patients, AEMD remains useful for identifying patients at risk for AF. Our results need to be confirmed by a large-scale prospective study.
Risk Factors for Sub–therapeutic Serum Concentrations of Magnesium Sulfate in Severe Preeclampsia of Chinese Patients
Authors: Li Jingjing , Tang Lian , Tang Ruiheng , Peng Lan , Chai Liqiang , Zhu Liping , Yu Yanxia
Published: June 2020

Background: Magnesium sulfate (MgSO 4 ) is the standard drug for eclampsia prophylaxis and treatment. In China, the effective therapeutic serum magnesium level is 1.8–3.0 mmol/L. There is little information on how to achieve and maintain effective therapeutic concentrations. This study aimed to investigate risk factors for sub-therapeutic serum concentrations of MgSO 4 in patients with severe preeclampsia. Methods: Patients with severe preeclampsia who received MgSO 4 intravenous infusion were retrospectively reviewed. The maternal demographic characteristics, regimens for the administration of MgSO 4 , and lab test results of patients were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were conducted for the risk factors influencing the serum magnesium concentration. Results: A total of 93 patients with severe preeclampsia were included in the study. 52 (55.91%) patients did not attain therapeutic serum magnesium levels. A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified creatinine clearance (Ccr), whether the loading dose was given, and measurement time of serum magnesium concentration (referring to the time interval from measurement of blood magnesium concentration to the beginning of maintenance dose administration) as independent risk factors for sub - therapeutic serum magnesium concentration (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated that the continuous variable Ccr had a significant predictive value for the serum magnesium concentration, which resulted in a cutoff point of 132.82 mL/min; while measurement time had limited predictive value, with cutoff point of 2.375 h. Conclusions: Ccr, whether the loading dose was given, and measurement time were independent risk factors for sub - therapeutic serum magnesium concentration. A loading dose of MgSO 4 everytime before the maintenance dose, as well as an infusion time of more than 2.375 hours for MgSO 4 maintenance dose are recommended for all the patients with severe PE. Routine evaluation of serum magnesium levels is a recommended practice for women with severe PE whose Ccr is ≥ 132.82 mL/min.
Bipolar Affective Disorders and Psychotic Disorders in War Torn Area Eastern of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Vivalya Mutume , Vagheni Martial Mumbere , Adelard Kalima Nzanzu , Rock Kasereka Masuka , Kitoko Manzekele Bin , Mugizi Wilson , Ashaba Scholastic
Published: June 2020

The authors have removed this preprint from Research Square.
Influence of Tumor Location on Short- and Long-Term Outcomes After Laparoscopic Surgery for Rectal Cancer: A Propensity Score Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Hong , Yao Zhendan , Cui Ming , Xing Jiadi , Zhang Chenghai , Zhang Nan , Liu Maoxing , Xu Kai , Tan Fei , Su Xiangqian
Published: June 2020

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes after laparoscopic resection for low rectal cancer (LRC) compared with mid/high rectal cancer (M/HRC). Methods: Patients with rectal cancer undergoing laparoscopic resection with curative intent were retrospectively reviewed between 2009 and 2015. After matched 1:1 by using propensity score analysis, perioperative and oncological outcomes were compared between LRC and M/HRC groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent factors of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: Of 373 patients who met the criteria for inclusion, 260 patients were matched for the analysis. Laparoscopic surgery for LRC required longer operative time (P＜0.001) and more blood loss volume (P＜0.001) compared with M/HRC, and the LRC group tended to have a higher incidence of postoperative complications (18.5% vs. 10.0%, P=0.051). There was no significant difference in local recurrence between the two groups (6.2% vs. 2.3%, P=0.216), whereas distant metastasis was more frequent in LRC patients compared with M/HRC (19.2% vs. 9.2%, P=0.021). The LRC group showed significantly inferior 5-year OS (78.1% vs. 88.8%, P=0.008) and DFS (76.2% vs. 89.0%, P=0.004) compared with the M/HRC group. Multivariate analysis indicated that tumor location was an independent predictor of OS (HR=2.095, 95% CI 1.142-3.843, P=0.017) and DFS (HR=2.320, 95% CI 1.251-4.303, P=0.008). Conclusion: Tumor location of the rectal cancer significantly affected the clinical and oncological outcomes after laparoscopic surgery, and it was an independent predictor of OS and DFS.
A Novel Chalcone derivative suppresses Melanoma cell growth through targeting Fyn/Stat3 pathway
Authors: Tang Ling , Long Jing , Li Keke , Zhang Xu , Chen Xiang , Peng Cong
Published: June 2020

Background: Fyn has been documented to have oncogenic features in multiple tumors, which might be a potential therapeutic target, however, few studies on the function role of Fyn and its specific inhibitors in melanoma. Methods: We investigated the impacts of Fyn and its inhibitor Lj-1-60 on melanoma through bioinformatics analysis, western blot, cell viability, cell cycle and apoptosis and xenograft tumor model as well as immunohistochemical staining. Pull-down and in vitro kinase assay were used to demonstrate Lj-1-60 targeting Fyn. Transcriptome sequencing and RT-PCR were adopted to confirm the potential mechanisms of Lj-1-60 in melanoma. Results: Our findings showed that Fyn was overexpressed in melanoma cells and knocked down of Fyn suppressed the proliferation of melanoma cells. To identify the potential inhibitors of Fyn, our in-house library including total of 111277 chemicals was conducted to vitro screening, among those compounds, 83 inhibitors were further detected to explore the effect on melanoma cells growth and discovered a novel chalcone derivative Lj-1-60 that exhibited low cellular toxicity and high anti-tumor efficacy. Lj-1-60 directly was associated with Fyn and inhibited the Fyn kinase activity with Stat3 as substrate. What’s more, Lj-1-60 suppressed the proliferation of melanoma in vitro and in vivo through inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, the activation of Stat3 had also been abrogated both in Lj-1-60 treated melanoma cells or Fyn knocked down cells. Conclusion: Our study revealed a novel Fyn inhibitor that could significantly suppress melanoma growth, which is a promising potential inhibitor for melanoma treatment.
Procalcitonin levels in children with bloodstream infections caused by different species: a cohort study
Authors: Bejarano José Iván Castillo , Ranero Agustín De Colsa , Rivera Oscar Tamez , Lozoya Andrés Guillen , Saldaña Napoleón González , Anaya Alfonso Huante , Benavente Ismael Herrera , Santos Abiel Mascareñas de los
Published: June 2020

Background: Timely diagnosis and accurate identification of the causative microorganism in sepsis is crucial in order to offer targeted treatment and increase survival rates. Previous studies have aimed to identify biomarkers that could potentially predict blood culture positivity in patients with bacteremia; however, most of the research has been performed in adult populations. The aims of this study were to analyze procalcitonin (PCT) levels in confirmed bloodstream infections by species in children and assess their utility in immunocompromised patients.Methods: Medical records of children younger than 18 years admitted from 2011 to 2018 were reviewed. Subjects who met the diagnostic criteria for sepsis, with PCT levels collected within a 72-hour period prior to obtaining a blood culture were included. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare differences among groups. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate PCT cut-offs. Results: A total of 120 patients were included. Mean age was 55 months. Mean PCT levels in immunosuppressed patients was 26.68 mcg/L, compared to 8.78 in the immunocompetent group. Subjects with bacteremia by Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) had the highest mean PCT levels (18.2 ± 34.2) (p < 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity were 78% and 53% for Gram-positive cocci (GPC), 60.9% and 33.3% for GNB, and 75% and 25% for yeasts, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed 87.5% sensitivity and 16.7% specificity of PCT for predicting documented GNB bacteremia in immunodeficient children. Conclusions: PCT may be considered as a surrogate biomarker in immunocompromised children, and a viable tool to differentiate etiology by species.
FSTL1 aggravates Cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation and airway remodeling by regulating autophagy
Authors: Liu Ying , Xu Jiawei , Liu Tian , Wu Jinxiang , Zhao Jiping , Wang Junfei , Zou Minfang , Cao Lili , Liu Xiaofei , Pan Yun , Huang Siyuan , Dong Liang
Published: June 2020

Background
Cigarette smoke (CS) is a major risk factor for COPD. Follistatin-like protein 1(FSTL1), a critical factor during embryogenesis particularly in respiratory lung development, is a novel mediator related to inflammation and tissue remodeling. We tried to investigate the role of FSTL1 in CS-induced autophagy dysregulaton, airway inflammation and remodeling.
Methods
Serum and lung specimens were obtained from COPD patients and controls. Adult female wild-type (WT) mice, FSTL1+/- mice and FSTL1flox/+ mice were exposed to room air or chronic CS. Additionally, 3-methyladenine (3-MA) ,an inhibitor of autophagy, were applied in CS exposed WT mice. The lung tissue and serum from patients and murine models were tested for FSTL1 and autophagy associated protein expression by ELISA, western blotting and immunohistochemical. Autophagosome were observed by Electron Microscope Technology(EMT). LTB4, IL-8 and TNF-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice were examined by ELISA. Airway remodeling and lung function were also assessed.
Results
Both FSTL1 and autophagy biomarkers increased in COPD patients and CS exposed WT mice. Autophagy activation was upregulated in CS exposed mice accompanied by airway remodeling and airway inflammation. FSTL1+/- mice showed a lower level of CS-induced autophagy compared with control mice. FSTL1+/- mice can also resist CS-induced inflammatory response, airway remodeling and impaired lung function. CS exposed WT mice with 3-MA pretreatment have a similar manifestation with CS exposed FSTL1+/- mice.
Conclusions
FSTL1 promotes CS-induced COPD by modulating autophagy, therefore targeting FSTL1 and autophagy may shed light on treating cigarette smoke induced COPD.