bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Particle Size and Surface Properties on the Sandbed Erosion with Water Flow in a Horizontal Pipe
Authors: Hirpa Mehmet Meric , Arnipally Sumanth Kumar , Bizhani Majid , Kuru Ergun , Gelves Genaro , Al-Rafia Ibrahim
Published: January 2020

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the transport of sand particles over the sand bed deposited in a horizontal conduit by using turbulent flow of water. The main objectives were to determine the near-wall turbulence characteristics at the onset of bed erosion (i.e., near-wall velocity profile, Reynolds shear stresses, and axial-turbulent intensity); to determine critical velocity required for particle removal from the bed deposits; and more specifically, to determine how the sand-particle size and surface characteristics would influence the critical velocity required for the onset of bed erosion and the near-wall turbulence characteristics.

A large-scale horizontal flow loop equipped with a nonintrusive laser-based particle-image velocimetry (PIV) system has been used for the experiments. The effect of sand-particle surface characteristics (i.e., wettability) on the critical velocity and the near-wall turbulence characteristics were investigated by using treated and untreated industrial sands of four different mesh sizes (i.e., 20/40, 30/50, 40/70, 100). The PIV technique was used to determine instantaneous local velocity distribution near the stationary sandbed fluid interface under subcritical and critical flow conditions. The near-wall velocity distribution measured directly at the sand bed/fluid interface together with the measured frictional pressure-loss values were then used for the evaluation of the Reynolds shear stresses and axial turbulent intensities acting at the bed/fluid interface.

The results indicated that critical velocity for the onset of particle removal from sand beds increased with the increasing particle size. When sands with special surface treatment were used, it was observed that the critical velocity required for the onset of the bed erosion was significantly lower than that of required for the untreated sands. The degree of reduction in critical velocity varied between 14 and 40% depending on the particle size.

In this study, by conducting experiments under controlled conditions, we provided much-needed fundamental data that can be used for the development of improved solid-transport design criteria and suitable mitigation technologies. In particular, we have shown the proof of concept that the surface-treated sand particles might have great potential for improving the transport efficiency of proppants used for hydraulic-fracturing operations.
A Molecular Dynamics Study of Soaking During Enhanced Oil Recovery in Shale Organic Pores
Authors: Perez Felipe , Devegowda Deepak
Published: January 2020

In this work we use molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the interactions during soaking time between an organic solvent (pure ethane) initially in a microfracture and a mixture of hydrocarbons representative of a volatile oil, and other reservoir fluids such as carbon dioxide and water, originally saturating an organic pore network with a predominant pore size of 2.5 nm. We present evidence of the in-situ fractionation in liquid-rich shales and its implications in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects. We also discuss the behavior of the larger and heavier molecules in the fluid mixture while the solvent interacts with them. Notably, prior to solvent invasion of the pores and further mixing with the reservoir fluids, the heavier hydrocarbons in the mixture are initially adsorbed onto the pore surface and pore throats surface, partially clogging them. We show that the porous structure of kerogen and the presence of adsorbed molecules of asphaltenes and resins in the pore throats act as a molecular sieve and may be one of the reasons for the fractionation of the reservoir fluids. The differing ability of the solvent to desorb and mix with different hydrocarbon species is another reason for the fractionation occurring during soaking. Our simulations show that the production of reservoir fluids occurs due to a countercurrent diffusive flow from the organic pore network to the microfracture driven by the concentration gradient between the two regions.
Oncologic outcomes after immediate breast reconstruction following mastectomy: Comparison of implant and flap using propensity score matching
Authors: Ha Jeong Hyun , Hong Ki Yong , Lee Han-Byoel , Moon Hyeong-Gon , Han Wonshik , Noh Dong-Young , Lim Joonho , Yoon Sehoon , Chang Hak , Jin Ung Sik
Published: January 2020

Background
Although immediate breast reconstruction has been reported to be oncologically safe, no affirmative study comparing the two reconstruction methods exists. We investigated breast cancer recurrence rates in two breast reconstruction types; implant reconstruction and autologous flap reconstruction.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was performed on propensity score-matched (for age, stage, estrogen receptor status) patients who underwent IBR after mastectomy at Seoul National University Hospital between 2010 - 2014. The main outcomes determined were locoregional recurrence-free interval (LRRFI) and disease-free interval (DFI).
Results
We analyzed 496 patients among 731 patients following propensity score matching (Median age 43, 247 implant reconstruction and 249 flap reconstruction). During median follow-up of 58.2 months, DFI was not different between the two groups at each tumor stage. However, flap reconstruction showed inferior DFI compared to implant reconstruction in patients with high histologic grade (p=0.012), and with high Ki-67 (p=0.028). Flap reconstruction was related to short DFI in multivariate analysis in aggressive tumor subsets. Short DFI after flap reconstruction in aggressive tumor cell phenotype was most evident in hormone positive/Her-2 negative cancer (p=0.008). LRRFI, on the other hand, did not show difference according to reconstruction method regardless of tumor cell aggressiveness.
Conclusion
Although there is no difference in cancer recurrence according to reconstruction method in general, flap-based reconstruction showed higher systemic recurrence associated with histologically aggressive tumors.
Treatment of simple bone cysts of the humerus by intramedullary nailing and steroid injection
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhu Naiqiang , Du Lilong , Zheng Jihui , Hu Sibin , Xu Baoshan
Published: January 2020

Background: Simple bone cysts (SBCs) are common benign lytic bone lesions in children. This study focused on exploring a clinical treatment method, minimally invasive intramedullary decompression and drainage with elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) combined with intralesional injections of steroids, and evaluated its effectiveness, complications and morbidity through functional and radiographic outcomes. Methods: The postoperative recovery of 18 children who suffered from SBCs of humerus was evaluated (mean follow-up, 40 months) from January 2009 to December 2016. These patients (11 males, 7 females; 8 in the left, 10 in the right; mean age, 10.9 years old) were treated with minimally invasive intramedullary decompression and drainage with ESIN combined with intralesional injections of steroids. The diagnosis was based on not only pre-operative typical medical images (X-rays/CT/MRI) but also surgical findings and pathological diagnosis. Radiological and functional outcomes were evaluated according to Capanna and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. The interclass differences were analyzed by t-test. Results: According to Capanna and MSTS criteria, after treatment, 14 patients made full recoveries which was presented by all the cysts filled with bone tissue, and 4 patients made partially recoveries, which were presented by cystic spaces partially filled with low density bone. All the cysts responded to treatment method, and there was no cyst recurrence. All except 2 patients had good functional results. One of the two patients had irritation of the end of the nail and one patient had a valgus deformity. Conclusions: Treatment for SBCs of humerus by minimally invasive intramedullary decompression and drainage with ESIN combined with intralesional injections of steroids is safe, effective and convenient. The clinical effect is satisfactory and worth popularizing.
Relationship of lymphovascular invasion with lymph node metastasis and prognosis in superficial esophageal carcinoma: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Jinxin , Lu Zhouyi , Li Lintao , Li Yong , Tan Yulong , Zhang Dekang , Wang An
Published: January 2020

Background: The development of tumor cells inside the lymphatics or blood vessels is known as lymphovascular invasion (LVI). The correlation between LVI, lymph node metastasis (LNM), and the diagnosis of superficial esophageal carcinoma (SEC) remains unclear. Methods: We searched Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for prospective articles to better understand the relationship between LVI, LNM, and SEC diagnosis. Results: We included 28 articles containing data for 5041 patients (range: 29-498) in our meta-analysis. The hazard ratio between LVI and overall survival (OS) was 1.62 with 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.17-2.26; p = 0.004) and the odds ratio between LVI and LNM was 5.7 with 95% CI (4.43-7.33; p < 0.0001). LVI in patients diagnosed with SEC results in a poor OS rate and a higher rate of LNM. Conclusions: The results indicate that LVI plays a dominant role in the prognosis of LNM in SEC and in the prognostic prediction for SEC.Keywords: Lymphovascular invasion; lymph node metastasis; prognosis; superficial esophageal carcinoma
Diagnostic value of serum Aspergillus IgG antibody for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis in non-agranulocytic patients
Authors: Yu Qihong , He Jingdong , Xing Bin , Li Xin , Qian Hongyu , Zhang Hong , Xu Meilin , Peng Haiying
Published: January 2020

Background: At present, serum Aspergillus IgG and IgM antibody detection is mainly used in the diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), but its value in the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in non-agranulocytic patients is still unclear. IgG is a marker of long-term infection and is used to assist in the diagnosis of pre-existing or chronic infection-related diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the value of serum Aspergillus IgG and IgM antibody detection in the diagnosis of IPA and CPA in non-agranulocytic patients.
Methods: Fifty-eight cases of pulmonary aspergillosis (37 IPA and 21 CPA cases), 15 cases of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and 50 cases in the healthy control group were collected. The serum (1,3)-β-D-glucan test (G test) was performed with a chromogenic method, and the galactomannan test (GM test) and Aspergillus IgG and IgM antibody detection were performed by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in all patients. The sensitivity and specificity, cut-off value and area under the curve (AUC) of Aspergillus IgG and IgM antibodies were further obtained by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
Results: The positive rate of the G test, Aspergillus IgG antibody detection and the GM test also showed notable differences among the IPA, CPA, community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and healthy groups ( P = 0.006, P < 0.001 and P = 0.217, respectively). Only the positive rate of the GM test showed a significant difference between the IPA and CPA groups ( P = 0.04). ROC curves indicated that Aspergillus IgG antibody detection had a higher specificity in the IPA group than in the CPA group (0.952). The detection of Aspergillus IgG antibody can preferably distinguish IPA from community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and healthy controls (sensitivity = 0.923, specificity = 0.459, cut-off value = 134.46, AUC = 0.727). It can also distinguish CPA from community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and healthy controls (sensitivity = 0.952, specificity = 0.692, cut-off value = 75.46, AUC = 0.873).
Conclusions: Serum Aspergillus IgG antibody detection may have certain clinical value in the diagnosis of IPA and CPA in non-agranulocytic patients.
Statistical shape analysis of tap roots: a methodological case study on laser scanned sugar beets
Authors: Heeren Behrend , Paulus Stefan , Goldbach Heiner , Kuhlmann Heiner , Mahlein Anne-Katrin , Rumpf Martin , Wirth Benedikt
Published: January 2020

Background: The efficient and robust statistical analysis of the shape of plant organs of different cultivars is an important investigation issue in plant breeding and enables a robust cultivar description within the breeding progress. Laser scanning is a highly accurate and high resolution technique to acquire the 3D shape of plant surfaces. The computation of a shape based principal component analysis (PCA) built on concepts from continuum mechanics has proven to be an effective tool for a qualitative and quantitative shape examination. Results: The shape based PCA was used for a statistical analysis of 140 sugar beet roots of different cultivars. The calculation of the mean sugar beet root shape and the description of the main variations was possible. Furthermore, unknown and individual tap roots could be attributed to their cultivar by means of a robust classification tool based on the PCA results. % (classification), based on characteristic tap root shapes. Conclusion: The method demonstrates that it is possible to identify principal modes of root shape variations automatically and to quantify associated variances out of laser scanned 3D sugar beet tap root models. The introduced approach is not limited to the 3D shape description by laser scanning. A transfer to 3D MRI or radar data is also conceivable.
Fasting increases iron export by modulating ferroportin 1 expression through the Ghrelin/GHSR1α/MAPK pathway in the liver
Authors: Luo Qianqian , Hu Jianan , Yang Guang , Yuan Xiaoyu , Chen Zhongping , Wang Dan , Lu Yapeng , Zhu Li , Wang Guohua
Published: January 2020

Background: The liver is the metabolic organ considered to contribute the most to maintaining body iron homeostasis and is a regulator of body adaptation to fasting. Our previous studies implied a negative relationship between iron and ghrelin in both mice and humans and indicated that ghrelin was able to increase ferroportin 1 (Fpn1) expression in the spleen and macrophages through the GHSR/MAPK pathway. However, it remains to be explored whether fasting or ghrelin has a functional effect on iron homeostasis in the liver.Methods: In this study, we examined the roles of fasting and ghrelin in modulating the protein expression of Fpn1, transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), and ferritin light chain (Ft-L), as well as the mRNA expression of ghrelin, hepcidin, ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT) and growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1 alpha (GHSR1α) in mouse liver and cultured hepatocytes.Results: Our in vivo results suggested that fasting significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of ghrelin, GOAT and GHSR1α as well as the protein levels of ghrelin, Fpn1 and Ft-L, but not TfR1, in mouse liver. Meanwhile, in cultured hepatocytes, ghrelin significantly increased the protein expression of Fpn1 but not Ft-L and TfR1 and significantly enhanced ERK phosphorylation. Furthermore, the pretreatment of cultured hepatocytes with either a pERK inhibitor or a GHSR1α antagonist abolished the effects of ghrelin on Fpn1 expression and ERK phosphorylation.Conclusions: Our findings confirmed that fasting increases iron export in the liver by upregulating Fpn1 expression through the ghrelin/GHSR1α/MAPK signaling pathway.
Three Questions to Screen your Patients for Chemical, Food, and Drug Intolerances the Brief Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (BREESI)
Authors: Palmer Raymond F , Jaén Carlos Roberto , Perales Roger B. , Rincon Rodolfo , Viramontes Jacqueline , Miller Claudia S.
Published: January 2020

Background: The 50-item Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) is a validated questionnaire used worldwide to assess intolerances to chemicals, foods, and/or drugs and has become the gold standard for assessing chemical intolerance (CI). Despite a reported prevalence of 8-33%, CI often goes undiagnosed in epidemiological studies and routine primary care. To enhance the QEESI’s utility, we developed the Brief Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (BREESI) as a 3-item CI screening instrument. We tested the BREESI’s potential to predict whether an individual is likely to respond adversely to structurally unrelated chemicals, foods, and drugs. Methods: We recruited 286 adult participants from a university-based primary care clinic and through online participation. The positive and negative predictive values of the BREESI items were calculated against the full QEESI scores. Results: 90% of participants answering “yes” to all three items on the BREESI were classified as very suggestive of CI based upon the QEESI chemical intolerance and symptom scores both ≥ 40 (positive predictive value = 90%). For participants endorsing two items, 92% were classified as either very suggestive (39%) or Suggestive (53%) of CI (positive predictive value = 87%). Of those endorsing only one item, only 13% were found to be very suggestive of CI. However, 70% were classified as Suggestive. Of those answering “No” to all of the BREESI items, 99% were classified as not suggestive of CI (i.e., negative predictive value = 99%). Conclusions: The BREESI is a versatile screening tool for rapidly determining potential CI, with clinical and epidemiological applications. Together, the validated BREESI and QEESI provide much needed diagnostic tools that will help inform treatment protocols and teach health care professionals about Toxicant Induced Loss of Tolerance – the mechanism driving CI.
The genetic control of leaf and petal allometric variations in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Li Xin , Zhang Yaohua , Yang Suxin , Wu Chunxia , Shao Qun , Feng Xianzhong
Published: January 2020

Background Correlated variation in shape and size (allometry) is a major component of natural diversity. Although ample research has been conducted on organ shape and size, little of it has considered the correlated variation of these two traits and quantitatively measured the variation in a common framework. The genetic basis of allometry variation in a single organ or among different organs is also relatively unknown. Results We examined the genetic basis for leaf and petal allometry within multiparent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) populations of Arabidopsis thaliana. A principal component analysis of organ landmarks and outlines was conducted and used to quantitatively capture shape and size variation in leaves and petals. The genetic basis of leaf and petal allometry and the allometric covariation between leaves and petals was analyzed via QTL mapping. Five QTLs for the fourth leaf, 11 QTLs for the seventh leaf, and 12 QTLs for the petal size and shape were identified. Besides that, 12 QTLs were identified in association with the fourth leaf and petal allometry covariation, and eight QTLs were identified to associate with the seventh leaf and petal allometry covariation. In these confidence regions, many important candidate genes associated with cell proliferation, expansion, and differentiation contained alleles with maximum effects. Life-history traits, such as days to bolt, stem length, and rosette leaf number, were also measured and used to perform the QTL analysis within the MAGIC lines. The phenotype correlation and QTL overlap between leaf and petal allometry with life-history traits hinted at the genetic integration of organ allometry with the life-history traits and of the interaction of organ allometry with local adaptation. Conclusions Allometry describes the correlated variation in shape and size in one organ or related organs. Several QTLs were identified by using the MAGIC lines and the genes associated with cell proliferation and expansion may responsible for the leaf and petal allometry. Summarily, we explored the genetic basis of allometry variation of leaf and petal by using the MAGIC lines, and may provide important information for investigating the organ shape and size evolution in Arabidopsis.
Interleukin-4 gene polymorphism (C33T) and the risk of the asthma: A meta-analysis based on 24 studies
Authors: Imani Danyal , Eslami Mohammad Masoud , Sarab Gholamreza Anani , Aliyu Mansur , Razi Bahman , rezaei Ramazan
Published: January 2020

Background Previous studies evaluate an association of IL-4 C33T polymorphism and risk of bronchial asthma but failed to establish a consistent conclusive association between the two. In the present meta-analysis, we intend to define a more reliable estimate of the association in the presence of filling published literature.Methods An exhaustive search in web of science, Scopus, and PubMed databases was performed to identify all relevant publications before November 2019, and 24 studies with 6587 cases and 8408 controls were included in final analysis. The association between polymorphism and risk of asthma were measured by Odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Moreover, Cochran Q and the I2 statistics were used to evaluated the degree of heterogeneity between studiesResults In the overall study populations, the result illustrated that IL-4 C33T polymorphism was a risk factor in the pathogenesis of asthma. In the subgroup analysis by age, a significant association between IL-4 SNP (C33T) and risk of asthma in different age groups was identified in allelic model, which highlighted the predisposing role of the T allele for the asthma risk in all three age groups. In the Asian population, there was a significant association between IL-4 SNP (C33T) and risk of asthma under recessive and allelic models. Finally, there was a significant association between IL-4 SNP (C33T) and asthma risk in Caucasian under recessive model and allelic model.Conclusions This study suggests that IL-4 C33T single nucleotide polymorphism potentially acts as a risk factor for asthma in different ethnicities and age groups.
People with lived experience at the centre of Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations: A model for guideline developers
Authors: Lindsay Patrice , Gierman Natalie , Harris Jocelyn E. , Arthur Gavin , Teed Moira E. , Mountain Anita , Gubitz Gordon , Smith Eric E. , Dowlatshahi Dar , de Jong Andrea , Botly Leigh C.P.
Published: January 2020

Background Actively engaging people with lived experience (PWLE) in stroke-related clinical practice guideline development has not previously been implemented and evaluated despite international efforts to incorporate patient and public engagement. The purpose of this pilot project was to evaluate the feasibility, perceived value and effectiveness of a new model, the Community Consultation and Review Panel, to actively engage PWLE in the writing and review of Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations (CSBPR).Methods Members of the public with lived experience relevant to CSBPR module topics, including people with stroke, family members and caregivers, were recruited to participate in two CSBPR Community Consultation and Review Panels (CCRP). The CCRP ran in parallel to scientific writing groups updating two components of the CSBPR Rehabilitation, Recovery and Community Participation module – Rehabilitation and Recovery following Stroke and Transitions and Community Participation following Stroke . With the aid of an inter-group liaison, both the scientific writing group and CCRP reviewed the updated evidence and CCRP participants added insights and context based on their personal experiences. We utilized the Patient and Public Engagement Evaluation Tool (PPEET) to obtain CCRP participant feedback.Results This model was found to be feasible, requiring 3-4 hours of staff time per week. CCRP participants rated “strongly agree” or “agree” to 14 PPEET questions indicating that they perceived the CCRP to be a positive experience and effective process, and their participation had an impact. Responses to the open-ended questions revealed that CCRP participants felt that their input and recommendations on the CCSPR were acknowledged and would benefit stroke care in Canada.Conclusions The overall success of this pilot project established the feasibility and perceived benefit of employing a participatory and collaborative model to actively engage PWLE in stroke-related clinical practice guideline development. The values, experiences and recommendations of PWLE were able to be effectively incorporated into CSBPR content to enable lived experience specific context and considerations to augment the existing scientifically rigorous writing and review process. This model is now the standard practice for all future CSBPR module development and updates and could be adapted for guideline development across other disciplines.
Remarkable Superficial Siderosis and Microbleed Restricted in Cortex might be Responsible for Atrophy and Cognitive Decline in Sneddon’s Syndrome
Authors: YAO Ming , Zhao Jiuliang , Jiang Nan , Li Libo , Ni Jun
Published: January 2020

ObjectiveSneddon’s syndrome is a rare non-inflammatory arteriopathy affecting small and medium-sized arteries, characterized by a generalized livedo reticularis and recurrent ischemic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke was reported in limited cases, but microbleeds and superficial siderosis were rarely issued. We aimed to investigate the hemorrhagic imaging features of Sneddon’s syndrome and explore the possible mechanism and clinical relevance.MethodsClinical data and cerebral MR imaging including T2* sequence of 7 consecutive patients with Sneddon’s syndrome were reviewed.ResultsThe most common neurological manifestations were cognitive impairment and stroke attack(71.4%), followed by seizures and movement disorder(28.6%). Cerebral microbleeds were detected in six patients on T2* sequence，four of whom presented more than 5 microbleeds. The majority of the microbleeds were predominantly cortical restricted and especially located in the cortical watersheds. Multiple superficial siderosis were identified mainly involving cortical watersheds in five cases. Significant cerebral atrophy with prominent secondary white matter hyperintensities in bilateral cortical watersheds were also observed. Abnormal tortuous and multiple focal occlusion of bilateral distal MCA were shown in one patient by DSA. No stenosis of proximal segment of cerebral arteries was detected in all the patients.ConclusionsThis is the first report illustrating abundant cortical microbleeds and superficial siderosis mainly involved the anterior and posterior cortical watersheds in Sneddon’s syndrome. The surprisingly identical topographic distribution of hemorrhagic lesions and the obvious atrophy suggest cerebral atrophy might be secondary to the microangio﻿pathy related hemorrhagic lesions and further contribute to the neurological deficit, especially the early cognitive decline in Sneddon syndrome.
Impact of quadrivalent influenza vaccines in Brazil: a cost-effectiveness analysis using an influenza transmission model
Authors: Crepey Pascal , Boiron Louis , Araujo Rafael Rodrigo , Lopez Juan Guillermo , Petitjean Audrey , Luna Expedito José de Albuquerque
Published: January 2020

Background Influenza epidemics significantly weight on the Brazilian healthcare system and its society. Public health authorities have progressively expanded recommendations for vaccination against influenza, particularly to the pediatric population. However, the potential mismatch between the trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) strains and those circulating during the season remains an issue. Quadrivalent vaccines improves vaccines effectiveness by preventing any potential mismatch on influenza B lineages. Methods We evaluate the public health and economic benefits of the switch from TIV to QIV for the pediatric influenza recommendation (6mo-5yo) by using a dynamic epidemiological model able to consider the indirect impact of vaccination. Results of the epidemiological model are then imputed in a health-economic model adapted to the Brazilian context. We perform deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis to account for both epidemiological and economical sources of uncertainty.Results Our results show that switching from TIV to QIV in the Brazilian pediatric population would prevent 406.600 symptomatic cases, 11.300 hospitalizations and almost 400 deaths by influenza season. This strategy would save 3400 life-years yearly. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for the switch would be R$49.700 per life-year saved and R$26.800 per quality-adjusted life-year gained from a public payer perspective, and even more cost-effective from a societal perspective. Our results are qualitatively similar in our sensitivity analysis.Conclusions Our analysis shows that switching from TIV to QIV to protect children aged 6mo to 5yo in the Brazilian influenza epidemiological context could have a strong public health impact and represent a cost-effective strategy from a public payer perspective, and a highly cost-effective one from a societal perspective.
Uptake of Intermittent Preventive Treatment for Malaria during Pregnancy with Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) in Malawi after adoption of updated World Health Organization policy: An Analysis of Demographic and Health Survey 2015-2016
Authors: Azizi Steven Chifundo
Published: January 2020

Background Malawi adopted the 2012 updated Word Health Organization (WHO) Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria during pregnancy with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) policy in 2013. This study aimed to estimate the proportion of and identify factors associated with the uptake of at least three doses of IPTp-SP among pregnant women in Malawi after the adoption of updated WHO IPTp-SP policy.Methods The 2015-16 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey dataset was used. Of 1,219 women aged 15-49 years who had live births and the children were born after date of July 2015, 1,069 women were included in the analysis. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression were used in data analysis. The statistical analysis took into account complex survey sample design.Results Of the 1,069 women, 447 (42%, 95% CI: 38.1-45.6) received three (optimal) or more doses of IPTp-SP. Less than half (47%) managed to attend at least four antenatal care (ANC) clinics. Only 52% received optimal SP doses among those who made at least four ANC visits. Only the number of ANC visits was associated with the optimal uptake of SP. Women who attended ANC three times only and those who visited ANC once or twice only were less likely to receive at least three doses of SP than those who managed to attend ANC at least four times during pregnancy (AOR=0.71, 95% CI 0.49-1.02) and (AOR=0.12, 95% CI 0.06-0.21) respectively.Conclusions To achieve effective malaria prevention in pregnancy, IPTP-SP is used alongside other interventions. However, there is low uptake of optimal SP doses in Malawi, and this seems to be associated with the number of ANC visits. There is limited effectiveness of increased number of ANC visits on the uptake of optimal SP doses. Further research should be done to explore health systems factors affecting uptake of optimal IPTp-SP doses during pregnancy.
Prevalence and associated factors of stunting, underweight and wasting among children aged 6-23 months in Dalit and Non-Dalit: A cross sectional comparative study of Dhanusha district, Nepal
Authors: Sah Anil Kumar , Paudel Rajan , Devkota Madhu Dixit , Sigdel Ramesh
Published: January 2020

Background Nutrition asserts to be a fundamental for child growth and development. Undernutrition increases the risk of child morbidity and mortality becomes a major public health challenges in developing countries. The aim of study was to assess prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight among children aged 6-23 months in Dalit and Non-Dalit and associated factors.Method A cross sectional comparative study was conducted among mothers with their children aged 6-23months in Dhanusha district. Overall, 599 respondents were taken through multistage simple random sampling of which 300 from Non-Dalit and 299 from Dalit. Anthropometry measurement and interview were used for data collection technique and structure questionnaire was applied as a tool. Using Statistical Package for the Social Science, descriptive and inferential analysis were done.Results Prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting were 49.9%, 34.8% and 13.4% in Dalit and 39.0%, 25.0% and 8.7% in Non-Dalit respectively. Stunting was significantly associated with family type (AOR=1.93, 95% CI: 1.11-3.34) among Dalit while age of child (AOR=0.24, 95% CI: 0.10-0.57), ante natal care visit (AOR=3.20, 95% CI: 1.15-8.90) and media exposure (AOR=3.10, 95% CI: 1.11-8.64 in Non-Dalit. The underweight were significantly associated with age of child(AOR=0.50; 95% of CI: 0.27-0.93), knowledge on child feeding (AOR=2.00; 95% of CI: 1.13-3.54) and media exposure (AOR=1.78; 95% of CI: 1.01-3.14) in Dalit while media exposure (AOR=2.45; 95% of CI: 1.23-4.89) and duration of food sufficiency (AOR=2.51; 95% of CI: 1.10-5.71) in Non-Dalit. The wasting were significantly associated with minimum meal frequency (AOR=2.48; 95% of CI: 1.04-5.93) in Dalit while birth interval (AOR=0.27; 95% of CI: 0.08-0.92) in Non-Dalit.Conclusion Prevalence of undernutrition got high in both groups. Family type in Dalit and age of child, knowledge on child feeding and media exposure in Non-Dalit were key factors of stunting. Age of child, knowledge on child feeding and media exposure in Dalit while media exposure and duration of food sufficiency were important factors of underweight. Minimum meal frequency in Dalit whereas birth interval in Non-Dalit were the major factors of wasting. Community based nutrition education, food security and health service utilization programme should help in reduction of undernutrition.
Comparison of Bacterial Communities in Soil Samples with and without Tomato Bacterial Wilt Caused by Ralstonia solanacearum Species Complex
Authors: Zhang Ying , Hu Anna , Zhou Jianuan , Zhang Wenfei , Li Peng
Published: January 2020

BackgroundRalstonia solanacearum is one of the most notorious soil-born phytopathogen that causes a severe wilt disease with deadly effects on many economically important crops. The microbial community structure and interactions are commonly changed between bacterial wilt susceptible soil and healthy soil. Here, the bacterial community structure, correlation analysis with soil chemical properties, interaction network of healthy soil (HS, nearly no disease happened at recent three years) and diseased soil (DS, suffered heavy bacterial wilt disease) were analyzed.ResultsCompared to DS, a higher bacterial community diversity index was found in HS, and the relative abundance of main genera Bacillus, Gaiellales, Roseiflexus, Gemmatimonadaceae, Nocardioides and Anaerolineacear reached significant level. Redundancy analysis on genus level indicated that rapid available phosphate played key role on bacterial community distribution difference, and showed negative correlation with the other four chemical properties. Interaction network analysis further demonstrated that the higher genus community diversity and more extensive interactions were existed in HS network and formed stable network, and the genera Mycobacterium, Cyanobacteria and Rhodobiaceae should be the key components that sustain the network stably. Seven clusters of orthologous groups reached significant level difference between HS and DS. Moreover, 55 bacterial strains with distinct antagonistic activities to R. solancearum were isolated and identified. ConclusionsIn summary, our findings indicate that the bacterial diversity and interaction network changed between the HS and DS samples, which are also provide a good research basis for future biological control to the bacterial wilt.
Diagnostic Performance of APRI and FIB-4 for Confirming Cirrhosis in Indonesian HIV/HCV Co-infected Patients
Authors: Yunihastuti Evy , Wicaksana Bramantya , Wiraguna Adrian , Hidayah Ainum Jhariah , Amelia Fhadilla , Natali Veritea , Widhani Alvina , Sulaiman Andri Sanityoso , Kurniawan Juferdy
Published: January 2020

BackgroundAfter successful of antiretroviral therapy, highly effective direct acting antiviral (DAA) make HCV elimination reasonable in HIV/HCV co-infected patients. However, in achieving this target, there are still barriers to start DAA treatment, particularly in the area of liver fibrosis assessment that determine the duration of therapy. We aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of APRI and FIB-4 for diagnosing cirrhosis in HIV/HCV co-infected patients using hepatic transient elastography (TE) as gold standard.MethodThis is an retrospective study on HIV/HCV co-infected patients who concomitantly performed hepatic TE measurement, APRI, and FIB-4 evaluation before HCV treatment initiation at a tertiary hospital in Jakarta from 2014 to 2019. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of indirect biomarkers for liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≥ 12.5 kPa was determined by receiver operator characteristics curves. Results233 HIV/HCV co-infected patients on stable antiretroviral therapy were included, of whom 91.5% were male with mean age of 37 (SD 5) years. Only 28.7% of patients were classified as cirrhosis (F4). Using TE as gold standard (≥12.5 kPa), the low threshold of APRI (1) had specificity 95%, sensitivity 48.4%, correctly classified 81.6% of patients, with moderate performance, AUROC at 0.72 (95% CI 0.63-0.80). The optimal cut-off of FIB-4 was 1.66 [specificity 92.5%, sensitivity 53.1%, AUROC at 0.73 (95% CI 0.65-0.81)] and correctly classified 81.1% of the patients.ConclusionAPRI score > 1 and FIB-4 score > 1.66 had moderate performance with high specificity in diagnosing cirrhosis. These biochemical markers could be used while TE is not available.
The effect of different estradiol levels on carotid artery distensibility during a long agonist IVF protocol
Authors: Leppänen Jonna , Randell Kaisa , Schwab Ursula , Pihlajamäki Jussi , Keski-Nisula Leea , Laitinen Tomi , Heinonen Seppo
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND:This study was made to figure out, does low and high estradiol levels during in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles have a different effect on carotid artery distensibility (Cdis), carotid artery diameter (Cdia), blood pressure and metabolic factors? Can the stimulation protocol be considered safe to women’s vasculature? METHODS: We studied 28 women having a long agonist protocol IVF-treatment in Kuopio University Hospital during the years 2011-2016. Patients were examined at three time points: in the beginning of their own period (low estradiol), during the gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue downregulation (low estradiol) and during the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation (high estradiol). Women served as their own controls and their menstrual phase (2- to 5-day period after the beginning of menstruation with low estrogen) was used as the reference. Cdis and Cdia were assessed using ultrasound. Blood pressure, weight, estradiol levels and lipids were monitored. RESULTS : Cdis, Cdia, systolic and diastolic blood pressures peaked during the GnRH-analogue treatment with the lowest estradiol levels. Cdis, Cdia and systolic blood pressures declined by 11% (P=0.002) , 3,8% (P<0.001) and 2,5 % (P=0.026) during the FSH-stimulation when the estradiol levels were high. Cdis correlated significantly (P<0.05) with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and triglycerides in high estrogenic environment and with diastolic blood pressure (P<0.05) when estrogen profiles were low. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid artery stiffens during the high estradiol levels compared to low levels and this was not explained by the higher diameter of the carotid artery, hyperlipidemia or blood pressure profiles. All the changes in Cdis and Cdia are variations of normal, and if there is no history of cardiovascular problems, it can be considered, that the stimulation protocol is not hazardous to vasculature.
The toxicity of lithium to human cardiomyocytes
Authors: Shen Junwei , Li Xin , Shi Xiujuan , Wang Wei , Zhou Hua , Wu Jiawen , Wang Xin , Li Jue
Published: January 2020

Background: Lithium is widely used in the electronic consumer market and electric vehicles and has a great contribution in the world economy, resulting in large quantities of lithium waste in the environment. Yangtze River basin is one of the most developed areas in China. However, the environment influence of lithium in the Yangtze River basin and its roles in cardiomyocytes has not yet been clarified.Results: Here we found that the concentration of lithium in the water environment is very high in Shanghai, as well as in tap water, which might be cause by the pollution of lithium batteries. Lithium inhibits not only cell viability of human cardiomyocytes, but also cell proliferation. Moreover, lithium promotes cell apoptosis of cardiomyocytes significantly. And we found that lithium controls cardiomyocytes' functions through regulating Gsk3β signaling.Conclusions: This study reveals that the water environment of Shanghai might be polluted by the lithium batteries; and the enrichment of lithium may cause damage to human cardiomyocytes; and it is imperative to detect lithium concentration in the water environments (such as tap water and irrigation water) and effectively recycle lithium batteries in the future.
Does Mindfulness Reduce Maternal Stress and Promote Mother-Infant Bonding in NICU?
Authors: Khoramirad Ashraf , Ansarishahidi Mojtaba , Jamaloei Hasan Rezaei , Moghadam Parvaneh Sadeghi
Published: January 2020

Purpose Having an infant in the neonatal intensive care unit(NICU) is highly stressful and it implicated in mother infant bonding. This study investigated the relationship between mothers’ dispositional mindfulness and level of stress and quality of bonding.Methods Self-report measures of Dispositional Mindfulness, Parental Stressor Scale, and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire were administered to 120 mothers with newborns admitted in the NICUs in three hospitals in Qom city in Iran. The data analysis was carried out by using a hierarchical multiple regression.Results Mean score of stress, bonding and mindfulness were 114.29±27.33, 67.77±5.38, and 126.27±22.39 respectively. There was a significant inverse relationship between total mindfulness score and mother’s parental stress. Also, high scores of stress were associated with greater impairment in bonding. Observing and acting with awareness led to better mother to infant bonding.Conclusions Improvements in mindfulness could help mothers to reduce stress and better bonding whit their infants.
Mining hub genes correlated with immune infiltrating level across multiple tumors microenvironment
Authors: Zhao Ning , Wu Liang , Zhou Zili , Zhang Xudan , Han Shengbo , Bao Haijun , Shu Xiaogang
Published: January 2020

Background Previous studies revealed that cancer-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in an independent cancer type are rarely related to the tumorigenesis and metastasis, while the common DEGs across multiple types of cancer may be proved as potential oncogenes or tumor suppressors and extend our understanding. Although tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) have been reported to be associated with prognosis in multiple types of cancer, the hub genes regulating immune cells function in different cancer types remain unclear.Methods To screen for the hub genes regulating immune infiltrating level across multiple tumors microenvironment, the raw data containing RNA sequencing and clinical information from TCGA database and immune scores from ESTIMATE website across 25 cancer types were obtained.Results Based on the immune scores, all cases were categorized into high-score and low-score groups. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated that a strong correlation was found in six cancer types. The functional enrichment analysis of common DEGs revealed that infection and immune response are the most prominent biological characteristics. Subsequently, the twelve common DEGs with prognostic value were identified as candidate hub genes and were adopted to construct the PPI network. Because of highly interconnected with other hub genes, protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 6 (PTPN6) was selected as the real hub gene across the six immune-specific tumors.Conclusion Due to the significant correlation between PTPN6 with tumor-infiltrating immune cells in multiple cancers, PTPN6 may well play a vital role in regulating immune response for tumor development.
Molecular radiosensitization of soft tissue sarcoma by oncolytic virus-mediated MCL1 ablation
Authors: Omori Toshinori , Tazawa Hiroshi , Yamakawa Yasuaki , Osaki Shuhei , Hasei Joe , Sugiu Kazuhisa , Komatsubara Tadashi , Fujiwara Tomohiro , Yoshida Aki , Kunisada Toshiyuki , Urata Yasuo , Kagawa Shunsuke , Ozaki Toshifumi , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi
Published: January 2020

Background: Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a rare cancer that develops from soft tissues in any part of the body. Despite major advances in the treatment of STS, patients are often refractory to conventional radiotherapy, leading to poor prognosis. Enhancement of sensitivity to radiotherapy would therefore improve the clinical outcome of STS patients. We recently revealed that the tumor-specific, replication-competent oncolytic adenovirus OBP-301 kills human sarcoma cells. In this study, we investigated the radiosensitizing effect of OBP-301 in human STS cells. Methods: The in vitro antitumor effect of OBP-301 and ionizing radiation in monotherapy or combination therapy was assessed using radiosensitive (RD-ES and SK-ES-1) and radioresistant (HT1080 and NMS-2) STS cell lines. The expression of markers for apoptosis and DNA damage were evaluated in STS cells after treatment. The therapeutic potential of combination therapy was further analyzed using SK-ES-1 and HT1080 cells in subcutaneous xenograft tumor models. Results: The combination of OBP-301 and ionizing radiation showed a synergistic antitumor effect in all human STS cell lines tested, including those that were radioresistant. OBP-301 was found to enhance irradiation-induced apoptosis and DNA damage via suppression of anti-apoptotic myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1), which was expressed at higher levels in radioresistant cell lines. The combination of OBP-301 and ionizing radiation showed a more profound antitumor effect compared to monotherapy in SK-ES-1 (radiosensitive) and HT1080 (radioresistant) subcutaneous xenograft tumors. Conclusions: OBP-301 is a promising antitumor reagent to improve the therapeutic potential of radiotherapy by suppressing MCL1 expression in STS.