bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a lateral flow assay for rapid and simple detection of IFN-γ for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Authors: Kim Jeong-Ran , Kang Hae Yeong , Seong Su-Bin , Kim Nari , Shim Tae Sun , Chung Sooyeon
Published: April 2020

Background: Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) release assays (IGRAs) are useful for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Current IGRAs use either enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or enzyme-linked immunospot assay, which require complex procedures and techniques to determine IFN-γ secretion. We aimed to compare the usefulness of the easy-to-use lateral flow assay (LFA) with that of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) or QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-plus) ELISAs for detecting IFN-γ, produced by the blood T cells stimulated by tuberculosis (TB) antigen. Methods: Following informed consent, 176 participants, including health care workers such as TB laboratory workers and radiologists, were enrolled for the study from June 2017 to June 2018. Blood samples were collected and tested using QFT-GIT and QFT-plus. The secreted IFN-γ was quantified by LFA, which took approximately 15 min, and ELISA, which took approximately 3 h. Results: A total of 176 blood samples were screened. The positive rates of QFT-GIT and QFT-plus were 34.1% and 37.5%, respectively. Overall agreement between QFT-GIT and QFT-plus was 93.1% ( κ = 0.86). The positive rates of LFA with QFT-GIT tube and QFT-plus tube were 25.6% and 31.3%, respectively, overall agreement of LFA being 90.3% ( κ = 0.78) and 89.2% ( κ = 0.77), respectively, compared to the QFT-GIT and QFT-plus ELISA. Conclusion: The ability of LFA to measure IFN-γ was similar to that of ELISA. The current findings suggested that the new LFA could be more conveniently utilized for diagnosing TB infection.
Comparison of periodontal status between middle-aged human and the Macaca fascicularis
Authors: bingpeng Lin , Mei Zhong , Hongbin Gao , Zijun Zhou , Hooi-leng Ser , Lihong Wu , Learn-han Lee , Jianming Chen , Linhu Ge , Lijing Wang
Published: April 2020

Background

Having an adverse impact on systemic health, periodontitis is an inflammatory disease which is characterized by the loss of integrity in tooth-supporting tissues. Middle-aged human (MAH) have been reported to have a higher incidence of periodontitis and a greater extent of bone loss. Although middle-aged monkey (MAM) shares similar dental anatomy and physiology with humans, it is still unclear whether they both display same disease phenotype or not, given that literature comparing the periodontal status between MAH and MAM is limited. CBCT examination and histological analysis were performed to characterize the periodontal condition, while 16 s rRNA sequencing was carried out to evaluate the possible mechanism that may explain the difference between these two primates.
Results

The present study revealed a more severe disease phenotype in MAH than in MAM, along with significantly higher levels of alveolar bone loss accompanied with increased blood vessels and inflammatory cells infiltration. High-throughput gene sequencing based on 16S rRNA gene demonstrated that the diversity of salivary microorganisms in MAH was lower than that of MAM. In addition, at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in the MAH was higher than MAM, while Bacteroidetes showed a totally opposite trend. At the genus level, the relative abundances of Alloprevotell, Aggregatibacter, Haemophilus, Gemella and Porphyromonas in the MAH group were significantly less than that of the MAM group. One of the possible factor that may explains for this observation would be the dietary factors, affecting the oral microbial composition and diversity, and subsequently contributing to the alterations of periodontal status.
Conclusions

Altogether, these results demonstrated a potential link that may explain for the difference in inflammatory status in the oral cavity of MAH and MAM – the oral microbiota, prompting further investigation to explore specific roles of these bacterial population in the maintenance of oral health.
High insecticide resistances levels in Anopheles gambiaes s.l in northern Uganda and its relevance for future malaria control
Authors: Echodu Richard , Iga Julius , Oyet William Sam , Mireji Paul , Anena Juliet , Onanyang David , Iwiru Tereza , Lutwama Julius Julian , Opiyo Elizabeth Auma
Published: April 2020

Objective The aim of the study was to determine the level of insecticide resistance and diversity in Anopheles mosquitoes in northern Uganda. Standard WHO insecticide susceptibility test assays were used to test for susceptibility to 0.5% malathion, 0.1% bendiocarb, 0.05% deltamethrin and 0.75% permethrin on 3–5 day old generation one progeny. We also screened for species diversity and knockdown resistance using PCR assay.Results Anopheles gambiae s.s is the predominant malaria vector in northern Uganda followed by An. arabiensis. An. gambiae s.s. was susceptible to malathion and bendiocarb with the observed mortality rate of 100% and 98–100% observed respectively while very high resistance was observed with deltamethrin and permethrin. Minimal KDR-eastern variant homozygous forms of 8.3% in An. gambiae s.s were detected in Oyam district. In conclusion, this study confirms that An. gambiae s.s. females are susceptible to malathion and bendiocarb while high intensity of resistance was observed with deltamethrin and permethrin in the same area. Use of carbamate and organophosphate insecticides bendiocarb and malathion for indoor residual spraying activities in northern Uganda is highly recommended since high levels of pyrethroids resistance (deltamethrin & permethrin) was detected in the area.
Conspiracy beliefs are associated with lower knowledge and higher anxiety levels regarding COVID-19 among students at the University of Jordan
Authors: Sallam Malik , Dababseh Deema , Yaseen Alaa' , Al-Haidar Ayat , Ababneh Nidaa A. , Bakri Faris G. , Mahafzah Azmi
Published: April 2020

Background
The world has been afflicted heavily by the burden of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that overwhelmed health care systems and caused severe economic and educational deficits, in addition to anxiety among the public. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the mutual effects of belief that the pandemic was the result of a global conspiracy on knowledge and anxiety levels among students at the University of Jordan (UJ).
Methods
An electronic-based survey was conducted between March 29th 2020 and March 31st 2020. The targeted population involved all undergraduate and postgraduate students from Health, Scientific and Humanities Schools at UJ. Survey sections included 26 items on: socio-demographic information, knowledge and sources of information about the disease, attitude towards the false notion that COVID-19 stemmed from a global conspiracy and items to assess the anxiety level among students during the quarantine period.
Results
The total number of participants was 1540 students. The majority of participants perceived the disease as moderately dangerous (n = 1079, 70.1%), with males, Jordanians and participants with lower income being more inclined to feel that the disease is very dangerous (p < 0.001, 0.020, and < 0.001, respectively). Lower level of knowledge and higher level of anxiety about COVID-19 were associated with the belief that the disease is part of a global conspiracy (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). Females and participants with lower income were more likely to believe that the disease is related to conspiracy (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Belief in global conspiracy regarding the origin of COVID-19 was associated with misinformation about the availability of vaccine and the therapeutic use of antibiotics for COVID-19 treatment (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Ministry of Health in Jordan was the most common source of information about COVID-19 reported by the participants (n = 1018).
Conclusions
The false belief that COVID-19 was the result of a global conspiracy could be the consequence of lower level of knowledge about the virus and could lead to higher level of anxiety, which should be considered in the awareness tools of various media platforms about the current pandemic.
Surgical Management and Prognostic Factors Based on 50 Tectal Plate Gliomas
Authors: Kang Jie , Li Chuzhong , Zhao Peng , Liu Chunhui , Cao Lei , Bai Jiwei , Wang Xinsheng , Gui Songbai
Published: April 2020

BackgroundThe management and prognostic factors of tectal glioma (TG) remain ambiguous, because it is an extremely rare neoplasm that occurs predominantly in the pediatric population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for progression-free survival (PFS) in TG patients after ETV operation, elucidate the radiological features of TG, and propose a treatment protocol.MethodsFrom 2002 to 2018, 50 patients that preoperative imaging manifestations were low-grade TGs were treated at our institute. Clinical features, treatments, radiologic findings, biopsies, and pertinent risk factors were evaluated.ResultsA total of 50 patients with a diagnosis of TG were identified. Twenty-six (52%) patients were males. The median age at diagnosis was 11.5 years (range 0.5–19 years). All patients had symptoms related to obstructive hydrocephalus and were treated with endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). After a median follow-up duration of 59 months (range 11.0–208.0 months), progression occurred in six patients (12%), with a median PFS time of 18.0 months (range 4.0–56.0 months). Twelve patients (24%) underwent a biopsy, one patient (8.3%) was diagnosed with anaplastic oligodendroglioma, one patient (8.3%) was diagnosed with astrocytoma (WHO grade II-III), five patients (41.7%) were diagnosed with pilocytic astrocytoma, and the type of tumor could not be confirmed in five patients (41.7%) due to the small amount of tumor sample, thus, these patients were diagnosed with gliosis. PFS rates at 1 and 5 years were 91.2% ± 4.2% and 84.9% ± 5.9%, respectively. A multivariate model demonstrated that a large tumor size and cystic changes are risk factors for progression.ConclusionETV has been uniformly successful in the management of hydrocephalus caused by TG. A large tumor size and cystic changes are risk factors for progression. Under the condition of safety, a biopsy should be performed. For patients with low-grade TG, ETV is often the only surgical procedure that most patients require.HighlightsTectal gliomas are generally low-grade gliomas with a favorable prognosis.The only surgical procedure that most patients with tectal glioma require is ETV.Under the condition of safety, neuroendoscopy for a pathological diagnosis should be performed.A large tumor size and cystic changes are risk factors for progression.
Predictors of poor outcome in cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients underwent anterior hybrid approach: focusing on change of local kyphosis
Authors: Cheng XingJian , Jin Lin , Wang Xin , Zhang Wen , Shen Yong
Published: April 2020

Object: This study was a retrospective multivariable analysis for risk factors of poor outcome in patients underwent anterior hybrid approach, and discussed the causes of worsening of postoperative local alignment. Methods: A total of 86 patients with progressive spinal cord compression and local kyphosis underwent an anterior hybrid approach (ACDF + ACCF), between June 2011 and June 2017. We evaluated clinical outcome by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and recovery rate. Patients were divided into two groups according to worsening and improving of postoperative local alignment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were applied to the evaluation of risk factors. Mann–Whitney U-test, Independent t-test and Chi-squared test was performed for the comparison of local kyphosis between postoperative and last follow-up. Results: There were twenty patients who had a recovery rate of less than 50%. Advance age, longer duration of symptoms, bigger T1 slope angle and lower change of local kyphosis angle was significantly associated with a poor clinical outcome by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The ROC curve showed that the cutoff values of change of local angle between preoperative and last follow-up was 10.2 angle. The cause of worsening of postoperative local alignment had T1 slope, C2-7 SVA, adjacent segment degeneration (ASD), and implant subsidence. Conclusions: The change of local kyphosis was a predictor of clinical outcome after the hybrid approach. Furthermore, postoperative ASD, implant subsidence, T1 slope and C2-7 Cobb were associated with recurrence of postoperative cervical kyphosis.
Establishment of human esophageal cancer xenograft model in immunocompetent mice and explorations of related immunological changes
Authors: Hu Ruirui , Zhang Hongmei , Bi Yanzhen , Yao Xiaoying , Jin Guiyuan , Wang Quanyi , Wei Haixiang , Qin Yufen , Zhang Hairong , Hong Feng
Published: April 2020

[Background]To combine the primary cells of human esophageal cancer with a new type of three dimensional (3D) microcarrier 6, and then to inoculate the complex subcutaneously into immunocompetent mice. To establish a new animal xenograft tumor model of human esophageal cancer, and to explore the changes in the immune indicators of mice during tumor formation. [Methods] 1. Isolate and extract the primary cells of human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); mix them well with the 3D microcarriers and fully incubate them. Then, inoculate the complex into the armpits of immunocompetent mice, and record the tumor formation rate and the pathological characteristics of xenograft tumors. 2. Isolate cells in the blood, bone marrow, and spleen of the experimental mice and the control mice, and detect changes in CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and dendritic cells (DCs) by flow cytometry. [Results] The microcarrier 6-based model subcutaneously transplanted primary cells of human esophageal cancer, which further successfully grew into xenograft tumors in immunocompetent mice; the tumor formation rate was 80%. The hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) characteristics indicated consistencies with the human esophageal cancer cells. The flow cytometry analysis showed that CD3+ and CD4+ cells in the peripheral blood and bone marrow of the tumor-formed mice were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The cell counts of MDSCs and DCs in the blood, bone marrow, and spleen were elevated as compared with the control group, and with the MDSCs increased the most dramatically and statistically significant increase (P < 0.05). [Conclusion] The new type of 3D microcarriers were combined with human esophageal SCC cells; this model could be used to successfully construct an immunocompetent mouse xenograft model of human esophageal cancer. We further found that during tumor formation, the tumor cells may inhibit cellular immunity by regulating MDSCs, leading to tumor immunity escape and promoting tumor development.
Clinical characteristics of non-pneuminia COVID-19 infection adults in Shanghai, China
Authors: Li Tao , Gong Linjing , Hu Lijuan , Ji Haiying , Jiang Zhilong , Zhu Lei
Published: April 2020

Background Adult patients diagnosed as COVID-19 in Shanghai were accepted in Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center. We found around 4.91% of cases showed non-pneumonia on CT imaging when they were confirmed. Understanding the characteristics of non-pneumonia cases is of great significance to guide clinical treatment and improve prevention and control measures.Methods All dataset of demography, epidemiology, clinical manifestation, laboratory test, diagnosis, classification, condition change, treatment and outcome were obtained by retrospective investigation.Results 16 cases were confirmed COVID-19 with non-pneumonia with clear epidemiological history. The median age of patients was 37 years old and 81.25% were female. The median incubation period was 15.25 days. 75% patients were familial clusters. These patients were presented with mild clinical manifestations, such as bronchitis, common cold and asymptomatic infection with or without laboratory abnormalities. 4(25%)cases had underlying diseases. 3 of them had mild pneumonia on chest CT imaging during hospitalization. All of the cases were cured and discharged after support treatment.Conclusions A few of adult patients after COVID-19 infection had non-pneumonia, with mild clinical manifestations and long incubation time. It usually occurred in young women and history of family aggregation. The mild clinical symptom may be caused by the decreasing pathogenicity after multiple generation of virus replication. However, we should be on alert that the virus is still contagious to human. Therefore, an intensive attention should be paid to these patients to avoid misdiagnosis and overlook, because these patients are potential viral source in infection of other people.
The effect of sputum suction at different decubitus of low muscle strength patients with ventilators
Authors: Luo Yang , Wan Jia , Feng Lijuan , Li Sisi , He Jingting
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND
Sputum suction with ventilators is a method to save the life of respiratory failure patients. However, the effect of different decubitus in the process of sputum suction on low muscle strength patients is not understood.
METHODS
The low muscle strength patients received the sputum suction using orotracheal intubation were randomly divided into 0°decubitus group and 30°decubitus group. The clinical indicators and blood gas analysis were used to compare the advantages of the two groups. In addition, 11 main complications and incidents were selected to evaluate the safety of the 0°decubitus group and 30°decubitus group.
RESULTS
There was no significant difference between 0°decubitus group and 30°decubitus group in baseline characteristics and safety assessments. For clinical indicators, the 0°decubitus group displayed the earlier appearance of pulmonary infection control (PIC) window, shorter time of invasive ventilation and hospital stay, shorter total time of ventilation, lower reintubation rate and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) rate, and higher weaning success rate compared with the 30°decubitus group. In addition, the blood gas analysis showed that the concentrations of O2 (PaO2) and oxygen saturation (SaO2) were higher in 0°decubitus group than in 30°decubitus group, while the concentrations of CO2 (PaCO2) was lower in 0°decubitus group than that in 30°decubitus group.
CONCLUSIONS
The sputum suction at 0°decubitus had more advantages than at 30°decubitus for the low muscle strength patients with ventilators.
Neonatal Mortality in Jordan: Rate, Determinants, and Causes Using Jordan Stillbirth and Neonatal Surveillance System
Authors: Al-sheyab Nihaya A , Khader Yousef S. , Shattnawi Khulood K. , Alyahya Mohammad S. , Batieha Anwar
Published: April 2020

Background It has been estimated that 27.8 million neonates will die between 2018 and 2030 if no improvements in neonatal mortality take place. The aim was to determine the rate, determinants, and causes of neonatal mortality in Jordan.Methods In August 2019, an electronic stillbirths and neonatal deaths surveillance system (JSANDS) was established in in three large cities through five hospitals. Data on all births, neonatal mortality and their causes, and other characteristics in the period between August 2019 – January 2020 were exported from the JSANDS and analysed.Results A total of 10328 births were registered in the study period, with a rate of 14.1 deaths per 1000 LBs; 76% were early neonatal deaths and 24% were late deaths. 25%of all deaths occurred in the first day of life. Multivariable analysis showed that the odds of neonatal deaths was 20.8 (95% CI 2.8,153.1) in Ministry of Health hospitals compared to private hospitals, OR 31.8 (95% CI 18.8,53.8) for very low birth (< 1500gram) neonates, OR 13 (95% CI 7.8,21.6) in preterm births compared to full-term births, and OR 2.7 (95% Cl 1.2,6.0) among housewives compared to employed women. Main causes of neonatal deaths that occurred pre-discharge were respiratory and cardiovascular disorders (43%) and low birthweight and preterm (33%). The main maternal conditions that attributed to these deaths were complications of the placenta and cord, complications of pregnancy, and medical and surgical conditions. The main cause of neonatal deaths that occurred post-discharge were low birthweight and preterm (42%).Conclusions The rate of neonatal mortality have not decreased since 2012 and the majority of neonatal deaths occurred could have been prevented. Regular antenatal visits, in which any possible diseases or complications of pregnant women or foetal anomalies, need to be fully documented and monitored with appropriate and timely medical intervention to minimize such deaths.
A dynamic in-vitro model of the intestinal epithelium for the investigation of P-glycoprotein activity
Authors: Costa Joana , Almonti Vanessa , Cacopardo Ludovica , Poli Daniele , Rapposelli Simona , Ahluwalia Arti
Published: April 2020

Multidrug resistance is still an obstacle for chemotherapeutic treatments. One of the proteins involved in this phenomenon is the P-glycoprotein, P-gp, which is known to be responsible for the efflux of therapeutic substances from the cell cytoplasm. To date, the identification of a drug that can efficiently inhibit P-gp activity remains a challenge, nevertheless some studies have identified natural compounds suitable for that purpose. Amongst them, curcumin has shown an inhibitory effect on the protein in in vitro studies using Caco-2 cells. Aiming at understanding the role of physiological flow on the modulation of membrane protein activity, we studied the uptake of a P-gp substrate under static and dynamic conditions. Caco-2 cells were cultured in bioreactors and in Transwells and the basolateral transport of Rhodamine-123 assessed in the two systems as a function of P-gp activity. Experiments were performed with and without pre-treatment of the cells with an extract of curcumin or an arylmethyloxy-phenyl derivative to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the natural substance with respect to a synthetic compound. The results indicated that the P-gp activity of the cells cultured in the bioreactors was intrinsically lower, and that the effect of both natural and synthetic inhibitors was up modulated by the presence of flow. Our study underlies the fact that the use of more sophisticated and physiologically relevant in vitro models can bring new insights on the therapeutic effects of natural substances such as curcumin.
Modulatory effect of Vibrio cholerae toxin co-regulated pilus on mucins, toll-like receptors and NOD genes expression in co-culture model of Caco-2 and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC)
Authors: Ghasemi Maryam , Bakhshi Bita , Khashei Reza , Soudi Sara
Published: April 2020

Background: Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, as a Gram-negative pathogen tend to colonize the small intestine. The intestinal mucus layer forms mucin physical barrier, consisted from high molecular weight proteins. Regarding the role of toxin–coregulated pilus (TCP) as one of the most important colonization factors of V. cholerae, this experimental study was designed to determine the role of TcpA in induction of mucin production and its regulatory effect on innate immunity molecules including TLRs and NODs using Caco2- PBMC cocultures as an interactive model.Materials and methods: The rTcp protein was expressed in pET-28a-tcpA construct and purified using Ni-column chromatography. The identity of rTcp was confirmed by western immunoblotting analysis using anti-poly-histidine antibody. Nontoxic doses of rTcpA was determined on Caco-2 cell lines. The effects of different concentrations of rTcpA (1, 5, 10 and 50 µg/mL) on the expression of mucin 1,3, 4, toll-like receptors (TLR1, 4), and Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing proteins (NOD1, 2) genes were evaluated in a co-culture model of human colon carcinoma cell line (Caco-2) and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear cells (PBMCs).Results:The rTcpA protein of V. choleraewas expressed in BL21 E. coli and confirmed by western blotting. The rTcpA showed a statistically significant effect on the expression of muc genes (MUC3 and MUC4) in a dose-dependent manner.This finding is supposed to facilitate physical adhesion and colonization of V. cholerae in intestinal lumen. The rTcpA moderately stimulated the expression of tlr4 and overexpressed tlr1, both of which are supposed to induce a mucosal protective response against bacterial infection and would help a promising protection in prophylaxis applications. No change in NOD2 expression might be attributed to the non-invasive nature of V. cholerae as an intestinal pathogen.Conclusion: In conclusion, the rTcpA protein of V. cholerae showed a statistically significant modulatory effect on the human gut epithelium gene expression which would help promising protection in prophylaxis applications.
Method to determine the standard deviation of SUV parameters
Authors: Luca Giulia Maria Rita De , Habraken Jan B.A.
Published: April 2020

Some of the parameters used for the quantification of PET images are the Standardized Uptake Value (SUV)Max, SUVMean and SUVPeak. In order to assess the significance of an increasing or decreasing of these parameters for diagnostic purpose it is relevant to determine their standard deviation. In this study we present a method to determine the standard deviation of the SUV. Our method is based on dividing an original dataset into subsets of shorter time length. The variation between the SUV parameters of the subsets is used to estimate the standard deviation of the of the original acquisition. This method was tested on images of a NEMA quality phantom with acquisition time of 150 s per bed position and foreground to background activity ratio of 10:1. This original dataset has been reconstructed with different reconstruction lengths, generating new data subsets. The SUVMax, Mean and Peak were calculated for each image in the subsets. Their standard deviation has been calculated per subset for the different spheres included in the phantom. The variation of each subset has then been used to estimate the expected variation between images at 150 s reconstruction length. We report the largest standard deviation of the SUV parameters for the smallest sphere, and the smallest variation for the largest sphere. The expected variation at 150 s reconstruction length does not exceed 6% for the smallest sphere and 2% for the largest sphere. We also report a larger variation in SUVMax then in SUVMean and SUVPeak. This is in line with expectations that the standard deviation of the SUV Mean or SUVPeak parameter is lower, since the value of more voxels is included in the calculation, as opposed to the SUVMax, where a single voxel is decisive. With the presented method we are able to determine the standard deviation of SUV parameters and to evaluate the effect of parameter selection and lesion size on the standard deviation, and therefore to evaluate its relevance on the total variation of the SUV value between studies.
Family matters: Skin microbiome reflects the social group and spatial proximity in wild zebra finches
Authors: Engel Kathrin , Pankoke Helga , Jünemann Sebastian , Brandl Hanja B. , Sauer Jan , Griffith Simon C. , Kalinowski Jörn , Caspers Barbara A.
Published: April 2020

Background: An animal’s skin is densely populated with a physiological community of bacteria that represents the first barrier to its environment. Investigations on the physiological skin flora have emerged in recent years, but especially in avian taxa our understanding of the ecology and function of these bacteria remains incomplete. The involvement of skin bacteria in intra-specific communication has received attention, and has highlighted the need to understand what information is potentially being encoded in bacterial communities. Using next generation sequencing techniques, we characterized the skin microbiome of wild zebra finches, aiming to understand the impact of sex, age, group composition, spatial distribution among families, and environment on skin bacteria communities. For this purpose, we sampled skin swabs from both sexes and two age classes (adults and nestlings) of 12 different zebra finch families and analysed the bacterial communities. Results: Using 16S rRNA sequencing we found that animals of social groups (families) harbour highly similar bacterial communities on their skin with respect to community composition. Closely related individuals shared significantly more bacterial taxa than non-related animals. While we did not find any effect of sex and age on bacterial diversity, we found that spatial proximity of nest sites, and therefore individuals, correlated with the skin microbiome. Conclusions: Birds harbour very diverse and complex bacterial assemblages on their skin. These bacterial communities are distinguishable and characteristic for intraspecific social groups. Our findings are indicative for a family-specific skin microbiome in wild zebra finches. Genetics and the (social) environment are influential factors shaping the complex bacterial communities. Bacterial communities associated with the skin have a potential to emit volatiles and therefore these communities may play a role in intraspecific social communication, e.g. via signalling social group membership.
Using the strength coefficient(SC) to evaluate the most number of publications in research affiliations involving COVID-19 till April 14, 2020: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Kan Wei-Chih , Yeh Yu-Tsen , Lin Jui-Chung John , Chien Tsair-Wei
Published: April 2020

Background: When the COVID-19 outbreak spreads to the world, many articles related to it have been published in academics. Since the largest quantity of confirmed cases was reported in China till April 14, 2020, whether the number of Chinese articles of research associated with the COVID-19 topped globally is required to be examined. Thus, an objective measure determining the dominant role in a group should be defined. This study aims to propose an index (strength coefficient, SC) to evaluate the most influential research affiliations in publications of COVID-19. Methods: We simulated data to verify the separation index that can be viable in use for determining the dominant one that has the absolute advantage in a group. We selected 4,369 articles as of April 14, 2020, with abstracts from the Pubmed Central (PMC) based on the keywords COVID-19 or 2019-nCOV. An author-weighted scheme (AWS) was applied to quantify coauthor credits in the article byline. Social network analysis incorporated with SC(from 0 to 1.0 and cutoff=0/70) was applied to display the influential (1) article types, (2)countries, (3)medical subject headings(MeSH terms), and (4) research affiliations. Visual dashboards were created for displaying the results on Google Maps. Results: We observed that the top one(SC) in each topic consists of (1) journal article(0.81), (2) China(0.61),(3) Acad Radol, (4) betacoronavirus (0.66), and (5) Hazhong University of Science and Technology(0.77) in article types, countries, journals, MeSH terms, and research affiliations, respectively. Conclusion: We applied the SC to identify the strength of the top one over the next two. The SC was useful and viable in verifying the dominant role in a group. The implementation and application are worthy of further studies in the future.
Determining sample size for progression criteria for pragmatic pilot RCTs: The Hypothesis test Strikes Back!
Authors: Lewis Martyn , Bromley Kieran , Sutton Christopher J , McCray Gareth , Myers Helen Lucy , Lancaster Gillian A
Published: April 2020

Background The current CONSORT guidelines for reporting pilot trials do not recommend hypothesis testing of clinical outcomes on the basis that a pilot trial is under-powered to detect such differences and this is the aim of the main trial. It states that primary evaluation should focus on descriptive analysis of feasibility/process outcomes (e.g. recruitment, adherence, treatment fidelity). Whilst the argument for not testing clinical outcomes is justifiable, the same does not necessarily apply to feasibility/process outcomes, where differences may be large and detectable with small samples. Moreover, there remains much ambiguity around sample size for pilot trials. Methods Many pilot trials adopt a ‘traffic light’ system for evaluating progression to the main trial determined by a set of criteria set up a priori. We construct a hypothesis-testing approach focused around this system that tests against being in the RED zone (unacceptable outcome) based on an expectation of being in the GREEN zone (acceptable outcome) and choose the sample size to give high power to reject being in the RED zone if the GREEN zone holds true. Pilot point estimates falling in the RED zone will be statistically non-significant and in the GREEN zone will be significant; the AMBER zone designates potentially acceptable outcome and statistical tests may be significant or non-significant.Results For example, in relation to treatment fidelity, if we assume the upper boundary of the RED zone is 50% and the lower boundary of the GREEN zone is 75% (designating unacceptable and acceptable treatment fidelity, respectively), the sample size required for analysis given 90% power and one-sided 5% alpha would be around n=30 (intervention group alone). Observed treatment fidelity in the range of 0-15 participants (0-50%) will fall into the RED zone and be statistically non-significant; 16-22 (51-74%) fall into AMBER and may or may not be significant; 23-30 (75-100%) fall into GREEN and will be significant indicating acceptable fidelity.Discussion In general, several key process outcomes are assessed for progression to a main trial; a composite approach would require appraising the rules of progression across all these outcomes. This methodology provides a formal framework for hypothesis-testing and sample size indication around process outcome evaluation for pilot RCTs.
IL-37 Gene Modification Enhances the Protective Effects of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells on Intestinal Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Kong Dejun , Hu Yonghao , Li Xiang , Yu Dingding , Li Hongyue , Zhao Yiming , Qin Yafei , Jin Wang , Zhang Baoren , Wang Bo , Wang Hongda , Li Guangming , Wang Hao
Published: April 2020

Background : Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is the major cause of intestinal damage in clinic. Although either mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) or interleukin 37 (IL-37) showed some beneficial roles to ameliorate IRI, their effects are limited. In this study, the protective effects of IL-37 gene-modified MSCs (IL-37-MSCs) for better prevention of intestinal IRI are investigated. Methods: Intestinal IRI model was established by occluding the superior mesenteric artery for 30min and then reperfusing for 72 hours in rats. Forty adult male SD rats were randomly divided into sham control, IL-37-MSC-treated, MSC-treated, recombinant IL-37 (rIL-37)-treated and untreated groups. Intestinal damage was assessed by H&E staining. The levels of gut barrier function factors (diamine oxidase and D-Lactate) and inflammation reactivity cytokine IL-1β were assayed by ELISA. The expressions of tissue damage-related NLRP3 inflammasome and relative proteins including clevead caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 were detected by western blot. As downstream of IL-1β and IL-18, the mRNA levels of proinflammatory mediators IL-6 and TNF-α were determined by qPCR. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance among groups. Results : IL-37-MSCs were able to migrate to the damaged tissue and significantly inhibit intestinal IRI. As compared with MSCs or rIL-37 monotherapy group, IL-37-MSC treatment not only improved gut barrier function but also decreased local and systemic inflammation reactivity cytokine IL-1β level in IRI rats. In addition, tissue damage-related NLRP3 and relative proteins (cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18) were significantly decreased in IRI rats treated with IL-37-MSCs. Furthermore, IL-1β and IL-18 related proinflammatory mediators IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions were markedly decreased following IL-37-MSC treatment. Conclusion : The results suggest that IL-37 gene modification significantly enhance the protective effects of MSCs against intestinal IRI. In addition, NLRP3-related signaling pathways could be associated with IL-37-MSC mediated protection.
Unpack the Salt: An Assessment of the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership’s Media Advocacy Activities to Highlight the Salt Content of Different Foods
Authors: Rosewarne Emalie , Trieu Kathy , Farrand Clare , Reimers Jenny , Potter Jane , Davidson Chelsea , Darrigan Natasha , Joldeski Elizabeth , Armstrong Sian , Webster Jacqui
Published: April 2020

BackgroundAustralians are consuming almost double the recommended maximum salt intake. The Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership was established to coordinate efforts to reduce salt intake in the state of Victoria. As part of an intervention strategy, media and advocacy strategies were used to raise public awareness and stimulate industry and government action on salt reduction. This study aimed to assess the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership’s media advocacy activities by collating the key findings of product category reports, identifying characteristics of press statements and assessing the media coverage and industry engagement.MethodsKey findings, including means and ranges of sodium levels, were extracted from product category reports, and one-way ANOVAs were used to determine trends in sodium levels over time. Themes from press statements were identified through inductive qualitative analysis. Indicators of media coverage (media items, cumulative audience reach, advertising space rate) and food industry engagement (number of meetings, number and type of follow up actions) were tracked.Results8460 products were analysed from six product category reports (bread, cooking sauces, ready meals, dips and crackers, processed meats and Asian-style sauces). Qualitative analysis of the press statements revealed three main themes: general information on salt and health, salt levels in foods, and calls to action. 759 media items (print and online news, radio and TV) were generated (range: 36–274 items), and an average cumulative audience reach of over 5.6 million was achieved (range: 2.3–7.5 million). One to three food manufacturers were met with per media release.ConclusionsDisseminating sodium-monitoring data through media releases can be used as a tool to reach consumers with salt reduction messages and to engage food manufacturers in discussions about salt reduction. Characteristics of advocacy strategies can influence media and industry engagement. When planning future nutrition interventions that include advocacy strategies, external factors outside the of control of the program implementers, should be considered.
Aneuploid circulating tumor endothelial cells (CTECs) affect the detection of CTC, but they are fundamentally different
Authors: Lei Yuanyuan , Zhang Guochao , Liu Chengming , Lu Zhiliang , Huang Jianbing , Zhang Chaoqi , Zang Ruochuan , Che Yun , Mao Shuangshuang , Fang Lingling , Wang Xinfeng , Zheng Sufei , Sun Nan , He Jie
Published: April 2020

Background

Aneuploidy is an important criterion for tumor cell identification. Like CTCs (circulating tumor cells), many CTECs (circulating tumor endothelial cells) have chromosomal aneuploidy. Affected by tumor microenvironment and detection method, the only identification index CD31 may not be comprehensive enough, which greatly affects the accuracy of CTCs detection.
Methods

Here, we explored the number distribution, expression of surface tumor markers and chromosome ploidy differences of aneuploid CTECs and CTCs in a total of 98 peripheral blood from normal volunteers, benign nodules and lung cancer patients, trying to find the differences between the two and the clinical significance of CTEC.
Results

We found that CTCs were mainly dominated by triploid and hyperploid (pentaploid or above), The former was mainly small CTCs, and the latter was mainly large CTCs. While the aneuploid CTECs were mostly large tetraploid cells. Combined detection of total CTC and CTEC numbers helped identify benign and malignant nodules. Furthermore, tetraploid CTC and CTEC had more obvious advantages than other ploids in identifying benign and malignant nodules.
Conclusions

Our findings indicated that the traditional method of distinguishing tumor and non-tumor cells by aneuploidy was not accurate. The presence of aneuploidy CTECs greatly interfered with the detection of CTCs, but they were different form CTC in cell size, chromosome ploidy distribution and had certain clinical significance. Combining CTC and CTEC had better diagnostic advantages
Extracellular vesicles from human mesenchymal stem cells expedite chondrogenesis in 3D human degenerative disc cell cultures
Authors: Hingert Daphne , Ekström Karin , Aldridge Jonathan , Crescitelli Rosella , Brisby Helena
Published: April 2020

Background
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are known to be mediators of intercellular communication and has been suggested as possible therapeutic agents in many diseases. Their potential use in intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration associated with low back pain (LBP) is yet to be explored. Since LBP affects more than 85% of the western population resulting in high socioeconomic consequences there is a demand for exploring new and possibly mini-invasive treatment alternatives. In this study, the effect of hMSCs derived small EVs (sEVs) on degenerated disc cells (DCs) isolated from patients with degenerative discs and chronic LBP was investigated in a 3D in vitro model.
Methods
hMSCs were isolated from bone marrow aspirate and EVs were isolated from conditioned media of the hMSCs by differential centrifugation and filtration. 3D pellet cultures of DCs were stimulated with the EVs at 5 × 1010 vesicles/mL concentration for 28 days and compared to control. The pellets were harvested at day 7, 14, and 28 and evaluated for cell proliferation, viability, ECM production, apoptotic activity, chondrogenesis and cytokine secretions.
Results
The findings demonstrated that treatment with sEVs from hMSCs resulted in more than 50% increase in cell proliferation and decrease in cellular apoptosis in degenerated DCs from this patient group. ECM production was also observed as early as in day 7 and was more than three times higher in the sEVs treated DC pellets compared to control cultures. Further, sEVs treatment suppressed secretion of MMP-1 in the DCs.
Conclusion
hMSC derived sEVs improved cell viability and expedited chondrogenesis in DCs from degenerated IVDs. These findings open up for new tissue regeneration treatment strategies to be developed for degenerative disorders of the spine.
The burden of Shigella and Salmonella, Antibiotics Susceptibility Pattern and Associated Risk Factors among Diarrheic Children visited Alamura Health Center Southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Eyamo Manamo , Alemayehu Tsegaye , Tadesse Bereket , Mitiku Enkosilassie , Bedawi Zufan
Published: April 2020

Background: Salmonella and Shigella is a major health problem worldwide, in developing countries like Ethiopia, it is responsible for high morbidity and mortality of children. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella infection, their antibiotic susceptibility pattern and associated risk factor among the diarrheic paediatrics patients that visited Alamura Health Center in southern Ethiopia. Method: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Alamura Health Center from April 2018 – July 2019. The study was performed on paediatrics below the age of 14 years in which consecutive children with diarrhoea were included for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and clinical data after assent and consent obtained from parents or caretaker. The stool sample cultured as per the standard operating procedure (SOP) of the microbiology laboratory. Antibiogram was performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and was interpreted based on the Clinical and laboratory standard institute guideline (CLSI) version 2018. Results: Out of 263 children enrolled in the study, 50.5 % were females. The overall, 21/263 (8 %) 95% CI, (4.6 - 11.4%) Shigella and Salmonella was isolated. Shigella dysenteriae was dominantly isolated 11 (4.2%) followed by 9(3.42%) Shigella spp, and 1(0.38%) Salmonella typhi. Highly resistance to ampicillin (71.4%), augmentin and tetracycline (61.9%) each, whereas highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin (95.2%), ceftriaxone & ceftazidime (85.9%) each, gentamycin (81%), chloramphenicol (76.2%), cefuroxime (66.7%) and cotrimoxazole (52.4%) identified. Those with habit of washing the hands of children after toilet sometimes (AOR = 235.1, 95% CI, 20.9 - 2643.3, P = .000) and store cooked food in open container for later use (AOR = 36.44, 95% CI, 5.82 - 228.06, P = .000) showed statistically significant association. Conclusion: High level of Shigella spp and one Salmonella was isolated from diarrheic children at Alamura Health Center. Shigella dysenteriae was the most dominantly isolated. Ampicillin, augmentin and tetracycline are with high resistance and ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, gentamycin, chloramphenicol, cefuroxime and cotrimoxazole relatively sensitive. Those practised hands wash for their child after defecation for sometimes was 235.1-fold at risk of infection. Similarly, those store foods for later use in an open container was 36.44 times at risk of infection. Therefore, to alleviate this infection the concerned body should focus on giving health education for hand wash after defecation and storing food in a closed container later use is mandatory.
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: April 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.