bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of telehealth during COVID-19 outbreak: A systematic review based on current evidence
Authors: Monaghesh Elham , Hajizadeh Alireza
Published: July 2020

Purpose: The outbreak of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a public health emergency of international concern. Telehealth is an effective option to fight the outbreak of COVID-19. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the role of telehealth services in preventing, diagnosing, treating, and controlling diseases during COVID-19 outbreak.Methods: This systematic review was conducted through searching five databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Science Direct. Inclusion criteria included studies clearly defining any use of telehealth services in all aspects of health care during COVID-19 outbreak, published from December 31, 2019, written in English language and published in peer reviewed journals. Two reviewers independently assessed search results, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the included studies. Quality assessment was based on the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklist. Narrative synthesis was undertaken to summarize and report the findings.Results: Eight studies met the inclusion out of the 142 search results. Currently, healthcare providers and patients who are self-isolating, telehealth is certainly appropriate in minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This solution has the potential to prevent any sort of direct physical contact, provide continuous care to the community, and finally reduce morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 outbreak.Conclusions: The use of telehealth improves the provision of health services. Therefore, telehealth should be an important tool in caring services while keeping patients and health providers safe during COVID-19 outbreak.
Impact of Pre-appointment contact and Short Message Service alerts in reducing ‘Did Not Attend’ (DNA) rate on rapid access new patient breast clinics: A DGH perspective
Authors: Kiruparan Pasupathy , Kiruparan Nanthesh , Debnath Debasish
Published: July 2020

Background: Failure to attend the clinic without prior intimation, known as “Did Not Attend” (DNA) is a significant global issue. There have been no published studies attempting to reduce DNA rates in breast clinics. We aimed to assess the impact of contacting patients prior to clinic attendance and Short Message Service (SMS) reminder on DNA rates in rapid access new patient breast clinics, evaluate ‘Could Not Attend’ (CNA) rate, and explore any correlation between age, sex, clinic days and sessions.Methods: Initially, DNAs at the rapid access new patient breast clinics between 01/04/2018 and 31/03/2019 at a district general hospital in the North-West of England was assessed (Cycle 1). Changes were introduced in terms of contacting patients prior to offering appointments, followed by SMS reminders nearer the clinic dates. Subsequently, DNA was reassessed between 01/10/2019 and 31/03/2020 (Cycle 2). Results: Following implementation of changes, DNA rate reduced from 8.2% to 4.1% (p<0.00001). CNA rates were 0.9% (Cycle 1) and 1.1% (Cycle 2) [p=0.36]. Evening clinics had the lowest DNA rates throughout. DNA patients in cycle 2 were significantly older than those in cycle 1 (p=0.002). Conclusions: Contacting patients prior to clinic appointments and sending SMS reminders helped reduce DNA rates significantly in rapid access new patient breast clinics. Scheduling clinic sessions with least DNA rates, such as evening clinics, should be contemplated. One should be cautious of mobile phone technology that conveys SMS, which can potentially disadvantage the older age group. This model could be considered across the board to improve DNA rates.
Characterization of a Monanema nematode in Ixodes scapularis
Authors: Tokarz Rafal , Tagliafierro Teresa , Lipkin W. Ian , Marques Adriana R
Published: July 2020

Background Metagenomic studies have revealed the presence of a filarial nematode in Ixodes scapularis. The phylogeny of this agent, and its potential for human infection, are unknown.Methods We used existing metagenomic data from I. scapularis to determine the phylogeny of this tick-associated nematode and employed quantitative PCR to determine if the presence of this agent had an effect on the burden of Borrelia burgdorferi. We also developed a Luciferase Immunoprecipitation System assay using the Av33 antigen as a target to investigate the presence of antibodies against this nematode in 128 serum specimens from patients with Lyme disease and babesiosis. To demonstrate assay utility, we used 15 sera from patients with onchocerciasis as controls.Results We show that this agent is a new species in the genus Monanema and its presence in vector ticks does not impact the burden of B. burgdorferi. We did not detect IgG antibodies to this agent in 127 of 128 sera from patients with Lyme disease or babesiosis. One sample had reactivity above the threshold, but at the low-level equivalent to the least reactive onchocerciasis sera. This low positive signal could be a result of cross-reacting antibodies, antibodies from a previous infection with a filarial nematode, or, less likely, a exposure to the Ixodes scapularis-associated nematode. Conclusions We found no evidence that this nematode contributes to the spectrum of human tick-borne infections.
A New Scoring System for Predicting Extent of Resection in Medial Sphenoid Wing Meningiomas Based on Three-dimensional Multimodality Fusion Imaging
Authors: Wang Zilan , Liang Xiaolong , Yang Yanbo , Gao Bixi , Wang Ling , You Wanchun , Chen Zhouqing , Wang Zhong
Published: July 2020

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) multimodality fusion imaging has been proved to be a promising neurosurgical tool for presurgical evaluation of tumor removal. We aim to develop a scoring system based on this new tool to predict the resection grade of medial sphenoid wing meningiomas (mSWM) intuitively.Methods: We included 46 patients treated for mSWM from 2014 to 2019 to evaluate their tumors’ location, volume, cavernous sinus involvement, vascular encasement and bone invasion by 3D multimodality fusion imaging. A scoring system based on the significant parameters detected by statistical analysis was created and evaluated.Results: The tumor volumes ranged from 0.8 cm3 to 171.9 cm3. A total of 39 (84.8%) patients had arterial involvement. Cavernous sinus (CS) involvement was observed in 23 patients (50.0%) and bone invasion was noted in 10 patients (21.7%). Simpson I resection was achieved in 10 patients (21.7%) and Simpson II resection was achieved in 17 patients (37.0%). Fifteen patients (32.6%) underwent Simpson III resection and 4 patients (8.7%) underwent Simpson IV resections. A scoring system was created. The score ranged from 1 to 10 and the mean score of our patients was 5.3 ± 2.8. Strong positive monotonic correlation existed between the score and resection grade (Rs = .772, P < .001). The scoring system had good predictive capacity with an accuracy of 69.60%.Conclusions: We described a scoring system that enabled neurosurgeons to predict extent of resection and outcomes for mSWM preoperatively with 3D multimodality fusion imaging.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.
Reverse transcriptase inhibition potentiates target therapy in BRAF-mutant melanomas: effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, DNA-damage, ROS induction and mitochondrial membrane depolarization
Authors: Fattore Luigi , Malpicci Debora , Milite Ciro , Castellano Sabrina , Sbardella Gianluca , Botti Gerardo , Ascierto Paolo Antonio , Mancini Rita , Ciliberto Gennaro
Published: July 2020

Target therapies based on BRAF and MEK inhibitors (MAPKi) have changed the therapeutic landscape for metastatic melanoma patients bearing mutations in the BRAF kinase. However, the emergence of drug resistance imposes the necessity to conceive novel therapeutic strategies capable to achieve a more durable disease control. In the last years, retrotransposons laying in human genome have been shown to undergo activation during tumorigenesis, where they contribute to genomic instability. Their activation can be efficiently controlled with reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) frequently used in the treatment of AIDS. These drugs have demonstrated anti-proliferative effects in several cancer models, including also metastatic melanoma. However, to our knowledge no previous study investigated the capability of RTIs to mitigate drug resistance to target therapy in BRAF-mutant melanomas. In this short report we show that the non-nucleoside RTI, SPV122 in combination with MAPKi strongly inhibits BRAF-mutant melanoma cell growth, induces apoptosis, and delays the emergence of resistance to target therapy in vitro. Mechanistically, this combination strongly induces DNA double-strand breaks, mitochondrial membrane depolarization and increased ROS levels. Our results shed further light on the molecular activity of RTI in melanoma and pave the way to their use as a novel therapeutic option to improve the efficacy of target therapy.
Reduced intensity of early intensification does not increase the risk of relapse in children with standard risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia - A multi-centric clinical study of GD-2008-ALL protocol
Authors: Li Xin-Yu , Li Jia-Qiang , Luo Xue-Qun , Wu Xue-Dong , Sun Xin , Xu Hong-Gui , Li Chang-Gang , Liu Ri-Yang , Sun Xiao-Fei , Chen Hui-Qin , Lin Yu-Deng , LI Chi-Kong , Fang Jian-Pei
Published: July 2020

Background The prognosis of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is optimistic with a 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rate of 70%-85%. However, the major causes of mortality are chemotherapy toxicity, infection and relapse. The Guangdong(GD)-2008-ALL collaborative protocol was carried out to study the effect of reduced intensity on treatment related mortality(TRM) based on Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (BFM) 2002 backbone treatment. The study was designed to elucidate weather the reduced intensity is effective and safe for children with ALL. Methods The clinical data was obtained from February 28, 2008 to June 30, 2016. A total of 1,765 childhood ALL cases from 9 medical centers were collected and data was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were stratified into 3 groups according to bone marrow morphology, prednisone response, age, genotype, and karyotype information: standard risk (SR), intermediate risk (IR) and high risk (HR). The dose of cyclophosphamide (CTX), Cytarabine (Ara-c) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) during CAM induction for the SR group was half that of the BFM 2002 and was reduced to 2 weeks.Results The 5-year and 8-year overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS) and cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) were 83.5±0.9% and 83.1±1.0%, 71.9±1.1% and 70.9±1.2%, and 19.5±1.0% and 20.5±1.1%, respectively. The 2-year treatment-related mortality (TRM) was 5.2±0.5%. The 5-year and 8-year OS were 90.7±1.4% and 89.6±1.6% in the SR group, while the 5-year and 8-year EFS were 81.5±1.8% and 80.0±2.0%. In the SR group, 74 (15.2 %) patients measured minimal residual disease (MRD) on Day 15 and Day 33 of induction therapy. Among them, 7 patients (9.46%) were MRD positive (≥ 0.01%) on Day 33. The incidence of relapse in the MRD Day33 positive group (n=7) was 28.6%, while in the MRD Day33 negative group (n=67) was 7.5% (p=0.129).Conclusions The results of GD-2008-ALL protocol are outstanding for reducing TRM in childhood ALL in China with excellent long term EFS. This protocol provided the evidence for further reducing intensity of induction therapy in the SR group according to the risk stratification. MRD levels on Day 15 and Day 33 are appropriate indexes for stratification.
Lipidomics Profiling of Skin Surface Lipids in Senile Pruritus
Authors: Ma xiaolei , Lu Lulu , Zhao Zheng , Cai Mingru , Gao Na , Han Gangwen
Published: July 2020

Background: Senile pruritus is common, yet its etiology remains unknown. Aging-associated skin barrier defects and skin surface lipid (SSL) alterations have been postulated to play important roles in its occurrence. In the present study, the lipidomic profiles of SSLs in elderly patients were examined to better understand the potential causes of senile pruritus. Methods: Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was evaluated to assess the skin barrier function. The Ameliorated Kawashima Itch Scale score was used to measure the pruritus severity. Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and multivariate data analysis were employed to investigate SSL alterations. Results: The results showed that senile pruritus patients had higher TEWL values than control subjects (13.13±4.28 versus 6.71±2.45, p<0.01). LC-MS/MS revealed significant differences in the lipidomic profiles and identified 81 species of SSLs that differed between the two groups. Compared with control subjects, senile pruritus patients had increased levels of ceramides (Cers), diacylglycerols, fatty acids, phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, phytosphingosines, sphingosines, diacylceryl-3-O-carboxyhydroxymethylcholine, diacylglyceryl trimethylhomoserine, and unsaturated free fatty acids, but decreased levels of triacylglycerol. Cer-EOS, Cer-NDS, and Cer-NS were positively correlated with TEWL value (p<0.05). Pruritus severity score was positively correlated with sphingomyelin, Cer-NP, Cer-AS, Cer-NDS, and Cer-NS, but negatively correlated with Cer-BS, Cer-EODS, Cer-EOS, and Cer-AP. Conclusions: The present study indicated that patients with senile pruritus have impaired skin barrier function and altered SSL composition. Certain SSL species identified in this study may be potential targets for future studies on the pathogenesis of senile pruritus.Trial registration: Peking University International Hospital (Number: YN2018QN04; date: January 2019).
Changes in Self-Reported Sleep Duration With Age - a 36-Year Longitudinal Study of Finnish Adults
Authors: Hublin Christer , Haasio Lassi , Kaprio Jaakko
Published: July 2020

Background

Sleep deprivation is often claimed to be increasingly common, but most studies show small changes in sleep duration over the last decades. Our aim was to analyze long-term patterns in self-reported sleep duration in a population-based cohort.

Methods

Members of the Older Finnish Twin Cohort have responded to questionnaires in 1975 (N = 30,915 individuals, response rate 89%, mean age 36 years), 1981 (24,506, 84%, 41 years), 1990 (12,502, 77%, 44 years), and 2011 (8510, 72%, 60 years). Weibull regression models were used to model the effects of follow-up time and age simultaneously.

Results

Sleep duration has decreased in all adult age groups and in both genders. The mean duration was in men 7.57 hours in 1975 and 7.39 in 2011, and in women 7.69 and 7.37, respectively. The decrease was about 0.5 minutes in men and 0.9 in women per year of follow-up. In the age-group 18-34 years, mean sleep length was 7.69 hours in 1975 and 7.53 in 1990. Among 35-54-year-old it was 7.57 hours in 1975 and 7.34 in 2011, and in the age group of 55+ year olds 7.52 and 7.38, correspondingly. The change was largest in middle-aged group: about 23 minutes or about 0.6 minutes per year of follow-up.

Conclusions

There has been a slight decrease in mean sleep duration during the 36-year follow-up. Although the sleep duration was longer in 1970s and 1980s, the probable main cause for the change in this study population is the effect of aging.
Novel Transplant of Combined Platelet-rich Fibrin Releasate and Bone Marrow Stem Cells Prevent Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Osteoporotic Mice
Authors: wong chin chean , Liao Jeng-Hao , Sheu Shi-Yuan , Lin Po-Yu , Chen Chih-Hwa , Kuo Tzong-Fu
Published: July 2020

Background: Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disorder characterized by deterioration in the quantity and quality of bone tissue, with a consequent increase susceptibility to fracture. Methods: In this study, we sought to determine the efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin releasates (PRFr) in augmenting the therapeutic effects of stem cell-based therapy in treating osteoporotic bone disorder. An osteoporosis mouse model was established through bilateral ovariectomy on 12-week-old female ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) mice. Eight weeks postoperatively, the ovariectomized (OVX) mice were left untreated (control) or injected with PRFr, bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs), or the combination of BMSCs and PRFr. Two different injection (single versus quadruple) dosages were tested to investigate the accumulative effects of BMSCS and PRFr on bone quality. Eight weeks after injection, the changes in tibial microstructural profiles included the percentage of bone volume versus total tissue volume (BV/TV, %), bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm3), trabecular number (Tb.N, number/mm), and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp, mm) and bony histology were analyzed. Results: Postmenopausal osteoporosis model was successfully established in OVX mice, evidenced by reduced BMD, decreased BV/TV, lower Tb.N but increased Tb.Sp. Eight weeks after injection, there was no significant change to BMD and bone trabeculae could be detected in mice that received single-injection regimen. In contrast, in mice which received 4 doses of combined PRFr and BMSCs, the BMD, BV/TV, and TB.N increased, and the TB.Sp decreased significantly compared to untreated OVX mice. Moreover, the histological analysis showed the trabecular spacing become narrower in OVX-mice treated with quadruple injection of BMSCs and combined PRFr and BMSCs than untreated control.Conclusion: The systemic administration of combined BMSCs and PRFr protected against OVX-induced bone mass loss in mice. Moreover, the improvement of bony profile scores in quadruple-injection group is better than the single-injection group, probably through the increase in effect size of cells and growth factors. Our data also revealed the combination therapy of BMSCs and PRFr has better effect in enhancing osteogenesis, which may provide insight for the development of a novel therapeutic strategy in osteoporosis treatment.
Awareness, Utilization and Influencing Factors of Social Support for Main Informal Caregivers of Schizophrenia Patients: A Cross-sectional Study In Primary Care Settings In Beijing, China
Authors: Wang Meirong , Jin Guanghui , Wei Yun , Wang Feiyue , Pan Zhaolu , Chen Lifen , Lu Xiaoqin
Published: July 2020

Background: Main informal caregivers of people with schizophrenia in Beijing are increasingly called upon to provide home-based care for their patients due to the increasing number of schizophrenia patients. This study aims toinvestigate the further needs of social supportsin the perspective of the main informal caregivers and to analyze the influencing factors of awareness and utilization of social supports in Beijing. The results obtained from this study could potentially act as reference for health and clinical professionals to implement suitable and effective programs and interventions for main informal caregivers.Methods: A mixed-methods approach were used in this study. We performed individual in-depth interviews with 10main informal caregivers fromurban districts of Beijing to identify thecaregivers’ perspective on social supports and further needs.Meanwhile, the factors influencing the awareness and utilization of social supportsfor main informal caregiverswere assessed utilizing self-designed questionnairein 6 urban districts in Beijing.Results: Most caregiversin in-depth interviews expressed that they had negative experiences with respect to obtaining social support, and they emphasized that they would require more support. More financial support, respect, and rehabilitation institutions were needed by the caregivers.Quantitative results show that although the government provides multi-channel resources forschizophrenia patients and their families,the awareness and utilization rate of some resources such as rehabilitation, employment, and health services were relatively lower, the rate were less than 10.0% and 5.0% separately. Conclusions: The awareness and utilization rate of social support are lowforschizophrenia patients.More services and better public attitudes should be considered for schizophrenia patients and their caregivers.
QTL Mapping and Identification of Candidate Genes for Heat Tolerance at the Flowering Stage in Rice
Authors: Chen Lei , Wang Qiang , Zhang Xiaoli , Tang Maoyan , Pan Yinghua , Gao Guoqing , Lv Ronghua , Tao Wei , Jiang Ligeng , Liang Tianfeng
Published: July 2020

Background: High-temperature stress can cause serious abiotic damage that limits the yield and quality of rice. Heat tolerance during the flowering stage of rice is a key trait that can guarantee a high and stable yield under heat stress. Heat tolerance is a complex trait that is regulated by numerous quantitative trait loci (QTLs); of which, however, few underlying genes have been fine mapped and cloned.Results: In this study, the F2:3 population derived from a cross between Huanghuazhan (HHZ), a heat-tolerant indica cultivar, and 9311, a heat-sensitive indica rice variety, were used to map the QTLs for heat tolerance during the flowering stage of rice. The F2:3 lines were treated under 38 °C from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm continuously for 3 days in a phytotron, and spikelet fertility was assessed. A new major QTL, qHTT8, controlling heat tolerance was located on chromosome 8 using the bulked-segregant analysis (BSA)-seq method. The QTL qHTT8 was determined to be located in the 355500–4520000 bp region, with a size of 0.965 Mb. The candidate region of qHTT8 on chromosome 8 contained 65 predicted genes. Ten putative predicted genes were found to be associated with abiotic stress tolerance. In future studies, the backcross population will be constructed to fine map and validate the effect of qHTT8.Conclusion: The information obtained in this study is useful for the fine mapping and cloning of qHTT8 and breeding heat-tolerant varieties of rice using marker-assisted selection.
PvB3s: Genome-wide and Transcriptome-wide Identification and Analysis Reveals the B3 Family Regulate Auxin to Resist Salt Stress at the Sprout Stage in Common Bean(P. Vulgaris L. ) .
Authors: Zhang Qi , Li Wei-jia , Zhang Wen-jing , Yin Zhen-gong , Wang Yu-xin , Zhang Ming-yu , Zhang Shuo , Liu Yang-cheng , Zhao Hao-hao , Zhang Wen-hui , Du Ji-Dao
Published: July 2020

Background: B3 gene family is a transcription factor family unique to plants, which play an important role in plant growth and development by binding specific DNA sequences. However, data on the B3 genes in the common bean and participate in many abiotic stresses especially salt stress are limited. Result: A total of encoding 100 proteins were identified in common bean. Phylogenetic analysis showed that PvB3s were classified into 4 subgroups, and these clusters were supported by several group-specific features, including exon/intron structure, MEME motifs, and predicted binding site structure. Collinearity analysis showed the connection of PvB3s in the same species and different species. The genes expression pattern showed that PvB3s expressed with a tissue-specific manner during sprout stage. Through RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analysis, it was found that there were differences in expression in extreme materials under salt stress. The determination of auxin content and the analysis of PvB3s expression in the enriched pathway showed that PvB3s would respond to auxin to enhance salt tolerance in common bean sprouting stage. Conclusion: The results provided useful and rich resources of PvB3s for the functional characterization and understanding of B3 transcription factors (TFs) in common bean, which further provides insights that PvB3s may respond to auxin to enhance salt tolerance of common bean.
Influence of Saskatoon Berry and Cyanidin-3-Glucoside on Gut Microbiota and Relationship with Metabolism and Inflammation in High Fat-High Sucrose Diet-Induced Insulin Resistant Mice
Authors: Huang Fei , Zhao Ruozhi , Xia Mi , Shen Garry
Published: July 2020

Background

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) has become one of most common and harmful chronic diseases worldwide. T2D is characterized as insulin resistant and is often associated with unhealthy dietary habits. The present study assessed the effects of freeze-dried Saskatoon berry powder (SBp) and cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G, an anthocyanin enriched in SBp) on metabolism, inflammatory markers and gut microbiota in high fat-high sucrose diet (HFHS) diet induced insulin resistant mice.
Results

Male C57 BL/6J mice received control, HFHS, HFHS + SBp (8.0 g/kg body weight/day) or HFHS + C3G (7.2 mg/kg/day, equal amount of C3G in 8.0 g/kg/day SBp) diet for 11 weeks. HFHS diet significantly increased the levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin resistance and inflammatory mediators in plasma. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that HFHS diet increased the ratio of Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes (B/F) phylum bacteria and an elevated abundance of Muriculaceae family bacteria in the feces of mice. SBp or C3G supplementation attenuated HFHS diet-induced disorders in metabolism and inflammatory markers, and increased B/F ratio and Muriculaceae abundance in mouse gut compared to HFHS diet alone. The abundance of Muriculaceae in the gut microbiota negatively correlated with body weight, glucose, lipids, insulin resistance and inflammatory mediators in mice. The results of functional predication analysis suggest that HFHS diet upregulated the genes of gut bacteria involved in inflammation-related cellular processes, and inhibited bacteria involved in metabolism. SBp and C3G partially neutralized the alterations induced by HFHS diet in gut microbiota implicated in metabolism or inflammation.
Conclusion

The findings of the present study suggest that SBp is a potential prebiotic food mitigating Western diet-induced disorders in metabolism, inflammation and gut dysbiosis, and C3G possibly contributes to the beneficial effects of SBp.
Brain HIV-1 latently-infected reservoirs targeted by the suicide gene strategy
Authors: Saeb Sepideh , Ravanshad Mehrdad , Pourkarim Mahmoud Reza , Daouad Fadoua , Baesi Kazem , Rohr Olivier , Wallet Clémentine , Schwartz Christian
Published: July 2020

Several strategies are currently investigated to reduce the pool of all HIV-1 reservoirs in infected patients in order to achieve functional cure. The most prominent HIV-1 cell reservoirs in the brain are microglial cells. Virus infection maybe lifelong. Infected microglial cells are believed to be the source of peripheral tissues reseeding and responsible for the emergence of drug resistance. Clearing infected cells from the brain is therefore crucial. However, many characteristics of microglial cells and the central nervous system prevent the eradication of brain reservoirs. Current trials, such as “shock and kill”, the “deep and lock” and the gene editing strategies do not respond to these difficulties. Therefore, new strategies have to be designed when considering brain reservoirs such as microglial cells. We set up an original gene suicide strategy using a latently infected microglial model. In this paper we provide proof of concept of this strategy. Our results demonstrate that this strategy enables the eradication of latently-infected microglial cells.
The Effects of Race/Ethnicity and Physician Recommendation for Physical Activity on Physical Activity Levels and Arthritis Symptoms Among Adults With Arthritis
Authors: Huckleby Jeremy , Williams Faustine , Ramos Rose , Napoles Anna
Published: July 2020

Background: Among U.S. adults with physician-diagnosed arthritis, we examined the effects of race/ethnicity and receiving physician exercise recommendation on meeting aerobic and strengthening physical activity guidelines, and arthritis symptoms, and whether race/ethnicity moderates the effects of physician recommendation on activity levels and symptoms.Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional study of National Health Interview Survey pooled data from 2002, 2006, 2009, and 2014. The study included 27,887 U.S. adults aged ≥18 years with arthritis. Outcomes were meeting aerobic (yes/no) and strengthening guidelines (yes/no), arthritis-associated activity limitations (yes/no) and arthritis-related pain (0-10; higher score=more pain). Predictors were race/ethnicity (White, African American, Latino, and Asian) and receipt of physician recommendation for exercise (yes/no). Covariates included demographic and health characteristics and U.S. region.Results: Controlling for covariates, physician exercise recommendation was independently associated with meeting aerobic (AOR=1.14; 95% CI 1.06, 1.24) and strengthening (AOR=1.17; 95% CI 1.06, 1.28) guidelines; effects did not differ by race/ethnicity. African Americans were more likely than Whites to meet strengthening guidelines (AOR=1.22; 95% CI 1.07, 1.40) and Asians were less likely to meet aerobic (AOR=0.80; 95% CI 0.65, 0.99) and strengthening (AOR=0.76; 95% CI 0.60, 0.96) guidelines. Compared to Whites, African Americans (B=0.51; 95% CI 0.26, 0.76) and Latinos (B=0.43; 95% CI 0.14, 0.72) reported more severe, while Asians reported less severe (B=-0.60; 95% CI -1.17, -0.04) joint painConclusions: Disparities in pain exist for African Americans and Latinos with arthritis. Physician exercise recommendation is critical among patients with arthritis to relieve symptom burden.
Demographic and clinical characteristics of foreign residents who visited hospitals for mental health problems in Japan: a multicenter study in a metropolitan area
Authors: Takubo Youji , Nemoto Takahiro , Iwai Momoko , Kashima Minako , Yamaguchi Eriko , Maruyama Akiko , Miura Sachio , Saito Hisaaki , Tsujino Naohisa , Mizuno Masafumi
Published: July 2020

Background:
International immigration to Japan, where homogeneous ethnicity is a population characteristic, has been growing. Although immigration is recognized as a risk factor for multiple mental-health related issues, there are few regional reports on foreign residents who visit a hospital for mental health problems in Japan. We aimed to examine such patients’ characteristics.
Methods:
A multicenter retrospective study using medical records was conducted. The subjects were foreign patients who presented at the psychiatry departments in three core regional hospitals in the Keihin region, which faces Tokyo Bay and is well known to include the largest traditional industrial zone in Japan, over a period of three years. We investigated the patients’ demographic and clinical information including nationality/region, spoken language, use of a medical interpreter, pathway to hospitals, and outcome.
Results:
The percentage of foreign individuals among all patients was 1.4% (205/14511). The mean age of the foreign patients was 45.8 years, and the sex ratio was 1:1.9 (men: women). China (35.1%) was the most common nationality, followed by the Philippines (18.5%), Korea (16.1%), and Brazil (4.9%). About one-fourth of the subjects could not speak Japanese; therefore, interpretation was required by family members/friends (17.1%) or a professional interpreter (5.4%). Neurotic disorder (ICD code: F4) was the most common diagnosis (24.4%).
Conclusions:
The percentage of foreign patients seeking psychiatric treatment (1.4%) was relatively low, compared with the percentage of foreign residents living in the Keihin region (4.4%). The age distribution of foreign residents who visited psychiatric department was dissociated from the age distribution of foreign residents in Japan. This suggests that young foreign residents with a relatively high risk for mental illness are not accessing appropriate services. The development of a community-based integrated care system accessible to foreign residents seems to be indispensable.
CT Blend Signs are not Associated with Poor Outcome in Patients with ICH Following a Stereotactic Minimally Invasive Surgery
Authors: Yang Xu , Zhang Linshan , Wang Likun , Mao Yuanhong , Li Yinghui , Luo Jingbiao , Wu Guofeng
Published: July 2020

Backgrounds: The initial CT blend sign has been used as an imaging maker to predict haematoma expansion and poor outcome in patients with small volume intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). However, the relationship between the blend sign and the outcome of patients remains elusive. The present study aimed to retrospectively observe the impact of initial CT blend signs on the short-term outcome of patients with hypertensive ICH underwent a stereotatic minimally invasive surgery (sMIS). Methods: Two hundreds and forty-two patients with spontaneous ICH were enrolled. Based on the initial CT features, the patients were assigned to a blend sign group (including 91 patients) or a non-blend sign group (control group, including 151 patients). The NIHSS, GCS and the mRS were used to observe the efficacy of the sMIS. The rates of severe pulmonary infection, cardiac complications were also compared between the two groups. Results: No significant differences in NIHSS and GCS in one week or two weeks after surgery were observed between the two groups. The proportion of patients with good outcome during follow-up did not show any difference between the two groups. However, both the two groups displayed good functional outcome over admission. The rate of rehaemorrhage increased in the blend sign group. No significant differences in severe pulmonary infections and cardiac complications were noted between the two groups. Conclusions：The initial CT blend sign are not associated with poor outcome of patients with hypertensive ICH underwent sMIS. ICH patients with CT blend sign should be also treated by performing sMIS if they are candidates for surgery.
Adapting evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Saudi Arabia: process and outputs of a national initiative
Authors: Bashiri Fahad A. , Albatti Turki H. , Hamad Muddathir H. , Al-Joudi Haya F. , Daghash Hadeel F. , Al-Salehi Saleh M. , Varnham Jeremy L. , Alhaider Fatimah , Almodayfer Omar , Alhossein Abdulkarim , Aldhalaan Hesham , Aldabbagh Yasser A. , Backer Nouf Al , Altwaijri Waleed , Alburikan Khalid , Buraik Maysaa , Ghaziuddin Mohammad , Nester Michael J. , Wahabi Hayfaa , Alhabib Samia , Jamal Amr A. , Amer Yasser Sami
Published: July 2020

Background: We recently adapted the published National institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis and management guideline to the Saudi Arabian context. It has been postulated that adaptation of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to the local healthcare context rather than de-novo development will improve their adoption and implementation without imposing a significant burden on resources. The objective of this paper is to describe the adaptation process methodology utilized for the generation of the first national guideline for management of people with ADHD in Saudi Arabia.Methods: We used the KSU-Modified-ADAPTE methodology for the guideline adaptation process. We describe the full process in detail including the three phases of set-up, adaptation, and finalization. The process was conducted by a multidisciplinary guideline adaptation group in addition to an external review for the clinical content and methodology.Results: The group adapted ten main categories of recommendations from one source CPG (NICE). The recommendations include; (i) service organisation and training, (ii) recognition, identification and referral, (iii) diagnosis, (iv) support, (v) managing ADHD, (vi) dietary advice, (vii) medication, (viii) maintenance and monitoring, (ix) adherence to treatment, and (x) review of medication and discontinuation. Several implementation tools were compiled and developed to enhance implementability including a clinical algorithm, quality measures, coding system, medication tables, translations, patient information, and online resources.Conclusions: The finalized clinical practice guideline provides healthcare providers with applicable evidence-based guidance for the management of people with ADHD in Saudi Arabia. The project also demonstrated the effectiveness of KSU-Modified-ADAPTE, and emphasized the value of a collaborative clinical and methodological expert group for adaptation of national guidelines.
Tephra Deposit Inversion by Coupling TEPHRA2 With the Metropolis-Hastings Algorithm and Its Implications
Authors: Yang Qingyuan , Pitman E Bruce , Bursik Marcus , Jenkins Susanna F
Published: July 2020

In this work we couple the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm with the volcanic ash transport model TEPHRA2, and present the coupled algorithm as a new method to estimate the Eruption Source Parameters of volcanic eruptions based on mass per unit area or thickness measurements of tephra fall deposits. Basic elements in the algorithm and how to implement it are introduced. Experiments are done with synthetic datasets. These experiments are designed to demonstrate that the algorithm works, and to show how inputs affect its performance. Results are presented as sample posterior distribution estimates for variables of interest. Advantages of the algorithm are that it has the ability to i) incorporate prior knowledge; ii) quantify the uncertainty; and iii) capture correlations between variables of interest in the estimated Eruption Source Parameters. A limitation is that some of the inputs need to be specifed subjectively. How and why such inputs affect the performance of the algorithm and how to specify them properly are explained and listed. Correlation between variables of interest are well-explained by the physics of tephra transport. We point out that in tephra deposit inversion, caution is needed in attempting to estimate Eruption Source Parameters, and wind direction and speed at each elevation level, as this increases the number of variables to be estimated. The algorithm is applied to a mass per unit area dataset of the tephra deposit from the 2011 Kirishima-Shinmoedake eruption. Simulation results from TEPHRA2 using posterior means from the algorithm are consistent with field observations, suggesting that this approach reliably reconstructs Eruption Source Parameters and wind conditions from the deposit.
In silico Discovery of anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents via docking screening and ADMET properties
Authors: Hadni Hanine , Elhallaoui Menana
Published: July 2020

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative factor in the COVID-19 pandemic that infected more than 3 million people and the number of deaths continues to rise. There are currently no drugs or vaccines available to treat this disease, which is a serious global health problem. In this study, we performed molecular docking of heterocyclic molecules based on Quinoline, Triazine and Azaaurone, and to increase their inhibitory efficacy, we have used hybrid molecules linking two pharmacophores such as quinoline-oxalamide, quinoline-triazine and azaaurone-triazine. In order to accelerate the drug discovery process against this new SARS-CoV-2. Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin drugs showed anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, which is why we have considered these drugs as a reference for other molecules. Most compounds showed high inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2, and promising results in ADMET properties and drug likeness. Thus, these compounds present excellent drug candidates. These results would be of great help in leading discovery and optimization for new drug against novel coronavirus.
In silico screening of Moroccan medicinal plants with the ability to directly inhibit the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Mrid Reda Ben , Bouchmaa Najat , Kabach Imad , Sobeh Mansour , Zyad Abdelmajid , Nhiri Mohamed , Yasri Abdelaziz
Published: July 2020

In the present study, we investigated natural compounds contained in Moroccan medicinal plants and that might be used as natural inhibitors of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We first performed a literature search for natural inhibitors of SARS or MERS coronaviruses. We then selected natural compounds that have been biologically tested and confirmed to possess anti-coronavirus activity. Subsequently, we used a molecular docking to determine whether the selected molecules could interact with the virus proteins. The compounds selected from virtual screening were then subjected to an in-silico analysis of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) properties to select only natural compounds that could be orally bioavailable. Thereafter, a second search has been launched to select Moroccan medicinal plants that contain at least 3 molecules from those natural compounds. As results, among 41 natural inhibitors of SARS or MERS coronaviruses, only 13 have been successfully passed the ADME filtering. These molecules, showed abilities to interact with the novel coronavirus as it was predicted. Using these molecules and based on the data extracted from literature, 29 Moroccan medicinal plants have been found to contain at least 3 of these coronavirus inhibitors. Therefore, the medicinal plants selected in this study might contain direct anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Childhood Obesity Research From China Indexed in Web of Science
Authors: Kawuki Joseph , Ghimire Upama , Papabathini Shireen Salome , Obore Nathan , Musa Taha Hussein
Published: July 2020

Background: Childhood obesity (CHO) is a serious global health threat, whose prevalence in China has gradually increased in the past two decades. The study aimed to quantify and map the scientific output of research concerning CHO published from China though a Bibliometric perspective. Methods: CHO-related publications were retrieved from the Web of Science database by using the keywords ‘childhood obesity’, and ‘childhood overweight’. HistCite and Biblioshiny software were used to categorise and evaluate authors’, institutions’ and journals’ contribution. VOSviewer was used for network-visualisation. Results: A total of 230 CHO-related documents were identified from China (1900-2020), which was 3.8% of the global output of CHO research. The majority (74.8%) of the papers were research articles, and the average citations per document were 18.4. The results show a gradual increase in publication trend over the last 20 years. The leading institutions in CHO research were Peking University (n=22), Chinese CDC (19) and Chinese University of Hong Kong (18), while “Endocrinology Metabolism” (50) was the most decisive research field. The most contributing authors included Wang YF (17), Xue H (11), and Ma GS (10), while “Obesity Reviews” (15) was the most-crucial journal. The most cited article was from Olds T et al. published in 2011. Conclusion: This analysis provides a historical perspective of progress in CHO research from China and has highlighted the leading role played by various stakeholders in addressing CHO. Besides, it highlights a need for more focus on CHO research as well as targeted interventions for effective prevention and control.
Evolution and Current State of Global Research on Paediatric Resuscitation: A Systematic Scientometric Analysis
Authors: Scholz Sean S. , Borgstedt Rainer , Menzel Leoni C. , Rehberg Sebastian , Jansen Gerrit
Published: July 2020

Background:Paediatric resuscitation is rare but potentially associated with maximallifetime reduction. Notably, there are still today high infant mortality rates in several nations. To improve clinical outcomes and promote research detailed analyses on evolution and current state of research on paediatric resuscitation are necessary.Methods:Research on paediatric resuscitation published in-between 1900-2019 weresearched using Web of Science. Metadata were extracted and resolved based on the science performance evaluation (SciPE) protocol. Research performance was evaluated regarding quality and quantity over time, including comparisons to adult resuscitation. National research performance was related to population, financial capacities, infant mortality rate, collaborations, and authors gender.Results:Similar to adult resuscitation research performance on paediatric resuscitationgrew exponentially with most original articles being published during the last decade (1,106/1,896). The absolute number, however, is only 14% compared to adults. The United States dominate global research by contributing the highest number of articles (777), Hirsch-Index (70), and citations (18,863). The most productive collaboration was between the United States and Canada (52). When considering nation’s population and gross domestic product (GDP) rate, Norway is leading regarding population per article (62,467), per Hirsch-Index (223,841), per citation (2,226), and per GDP (2.3E- 04). Regarding publications per infant mortality rate, efforts of India and Brazil are remarkable. Out of the 100 most frequently publishing researchers, 25% were female.Conclusion: Research efforts on paediatric resuscitation have increased but remainunderrepresented. Specifically, nations with high infant mortality rates should be integrated by collaborations. Additional efforts are required to overcome gender disparities.
A combination of cytokeratin 5/6, P63, P40 and MUC5AC are useful for distinguishing squamous cell carcinoma from adenocarcinoma of the cervix
Authors: Li Hailing , Jing Xiaotong , Yu Jie , Liu Jiannan , Zhang Tingguo , Chen Shiming , Zhang Xiaofang
Published: July 2020

Purpose
Squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas are the most common types of cervical cancer. Compared to squamous cell carcinomas, adenocarcinomas are more common in younger women and have a poorer prognosis. Yet, so far, no useful biomarkers have been developed for these two types of cancer. In the following study, we examined the combination of cytokeratin 5/6, P63, P40 and MUC5AC for distinguishing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) from adenocarcinoma of the cervix (AEC).
Materials and Methods
A total of 101 SCC and 108 AEC were collected. Immunohistochemical analyses were conducted to determine the expression of CK5/6, P63, P40, CK7 and MUC5AC. One pathologist who was blinded to the patient’s clinical and pathological data interpreted the staining results.
Results
MUC5AC and CK7 were detected in 81.48% and 82.41% of AEC cases compared to 9.9% and 49.50% of SCC cases (P < 0.05); the specificity of MUC5AC was higher than that of CK7 in AEC (P < 0.05). The sensitivity of MUC5AC combined with P40 or P63 was similar to that of CK7, but the specificity was slightly higher than that of CK7 in AEC. Moreover, the expression of MUC5AC was correlated with the degree of tumor differentiation in adenocarcinomas (P = 0.036) and was not related to the prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma and subtypes.
Conclusions
MUC5AC may be useful as a biomarker for differential diagnoses between squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the cervix.
Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentration in Ujjani Reservoir Water and Sediment, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Shinde Dnyaneshwar , Mahajan Dnyanesh M. , Chakane Sanjay D.
Published: July 2020

The study was conducted to investigate heavy metal contents namely, Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), and Manganese (Mn) from surface sediment and water samples collected from the Ujjani Reservoir. The concentrations (mg kg− 1) of Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn in sediment detected were 4455.0, 184.05, 97.4, 1090.5 respectively, while in water metal contents (mg l− 1) Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn were 3.05, 0.5, 0.82, and 2.56 correspondingly. The contents of metals in the studied samples showed a descending order such as Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu. It was observed that the mean concentrations of Fe, Cu, and Mn were more in sediment and water, whereas, Zn contents were detected lesser than the standard levels proposed by USEPA 2004. The sediment pollution analysis was achieved using a Pollution load index (PLI), Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and Potential ecological risk index (RI). Similarly, risk of metals in water was evaluated using Average absorption dose (ADD), Hazardous quotient (HQ), and Hazardous index (HI). In our study, the ADD, HQ and HI values for metals were lower than 1, indicating that there is no health risk associated with studied heavy metals present in surface water. Also sediment quality assessment shows that there is minor ecological risk of studied heavy metals. Even though, the Ujjani Reservoir has a lower ecological risk, its water and sediment quality is declining day by day. Therefore, there is a need to make a policy for ecological restoration to avoid further damage to the ecosystem and human beings.