bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electro-Acupuncture Accelerate Pressure Ulcer Healing by Increasing Asic3 Expression in Mouse Model
Authors: Xie Yu-Jie , Zhang Chi , Sun Fu-Hua , Jiang Wei , Guo Sheng-min , Yang Shibin , Qiu Huangling , Miyamoto Akira , Ou Xia , Wang Jian-xiong
Published: June 2020

Background: The efficiency of insert electro-acupuncture stimulation (EAS) on improving pressure ulcer (PU) healing was still unclear. This study explored the effects of insert EAS on PU and provided the regulation information of acid-sensing ion channel 3 (Asic3) during EAS intervention.Methods: A total of 32 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, EAS group, ESA + APETx2 (Asic3 inhibitor) group, each for eight mice. The ulcer tissues of all mice were havest at 14 days after modeling. HE stains and mmunohistochemical staining evaluated the pathologic change, Western blot, and RT-PCR evaluated Asic3 expression. Results: Compared with the model group, EAS group showed alleviated epithelial thickness, increased number of fibroblasts, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Thickened epithelium, decreased number of fibroblasts, and obvious inflammatory cell infiltration in the EAS+APETx2 group were no significant differences with the model group. Asic3 expression in PU tissues in the EAS group was elevated compared with the model group. In addition, Asic3 expression was decreased in EAS + APETx2 group than the EAS group. Conclusion: EAS can accelerate the PU healing process in mice, and EAS also could improve the expression of Asic3 in PU tissues.Trial-registration: Not applicaple.
Transcatheter closure for patent ductus arteriosus in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome: to do or not?
Authors: Xu Jing , Wang Liang , Shen Yunli , Geng Liang , Chen Fadong
Published: June 2020

Background Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) complicated by Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) remains to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Giving increasing evidence of benefit from targeted drug therapies, ES patients once thought to be inoperable may have increasing options for management. This study aims to explore whether the PDA in patients with ES can be treated with transcatheter closure (TCC).Methods Between August 2014 and July 2016, four out of fifteen PDA-ES patients whose Qp/Qs improved significantly and Qp/Qs > 1.5 after acute vasodilator testing with 100% oxygen were selected to receive TCC by diagnostic treatment and repair strategy. PAH-targeted drugs were prescribed before and after occlusion for all patients. Trial occlusion was performed before permanent closure.Results The first TCC failed after the initiation of PAH-targeted drugs for 6 months in four patients. After the medication was adjusted and extended to 12 months, TCC was performed for all without hemodynamic intolerances during perioperative period. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was significantly decreased (≥ 40%) immediately after TCC. During the follow-up period, there was a further decrease of PASP in two patients, the other two showed improved WHO functional class and six-minute walking distance although a worsening PASP.Conclusion Some selected PDA-ES patients with PVR < 15Wood U and Qp/Qs > 1.5 at baseline might benefit from TCC by diagnostic treatment and repair strategy and uninterrupted combination of PAH-targeted drugs pre- and post-occlusion play a crucial role.
Secondary Analysis of Microarray Data Reveals Immune-Related Key Genes and Pathways in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
Authors: su wenxing , Huang Biao , Guan Yi , Wang Juanjuan , Wei Yuqian , Zhao Ying , JI Jiang , Jiao Qingqing
Published: June 2020

Background: Lupus Nephritis (LN) in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is one of the most serious and prevalent manifestations. The procedure of renal biopsy is harmful and accompanied by potential hazards. Therefore, introducing reliable biomarkers to predict LN is exceedingly worthwhile. In the current study, we compared the diagnostic values of circulating autoantibodies against dsDNA, C1q, C3b, SSA, SSB, and Sm alone or in combination to predict LN.Methods: This study evaluated abovementioned autoantibodies in 40 healthy controls (HCs) and 95 SLE patients with different kidney involvements, including absent (n = 40), inactive (n = 20), and active (n= 35) LN using EIA method.Result: The frequency and odds ratio of anti-dsDNA (71.4%, OR=4.2), anti-C1q (62.9%, OR= 5.1), and the simultaneous existence of anti-C1q and anti-dsDNA (51.4%, OR=6) antibodies were significantly higher in the active LN group compared with both inactive and absent LN groups. Moreover, the levels of anti-C1q and anti-dsDNA antibodies positively correlated with disease activity in patients with SLE. The prevalence of these autoantibodies was associated with the severity of LN biopsies. Conclusion: These data suggest that anti-C1q and anti-dsDNA antibodies and also the simultaneous presence of them may be valuable diagnostic biomarkers for LN prediction in patients with SLE.
Infra-Tentorial Brain Tumors – Biological Behavior during First Post-Operative Year – SKIMS, Kashmir Experience
Authors: Bhat Abdul Rashid , Wani Mohammed Afzal , Kirmani Altaf Rehman
Published: June 2020

Background: To observe the biological behavior like residual disease, progression, recurrence, disabilities, mortality, event free survival (EFS) etc., of histologically different infra-tentorial tumors of in the first postoperative year. Methods: The histopathological records of 410 infra-tentorial tumors out of 589 patients were compared with their clinical outcome up to first postoperative-year in a single-centre, amounting to regional epidemiological-value. In this observational study, retrospectively postoperative records of 589 infra-tentorial tumors of brain from Nov., 1990 to Dec., 2010 (20 years) were retrieved, scrutinized and compiled. The post-operative records of 410 patients with proved histopathological-examination results were included. Statistical law of Variance was applied where-ever necessary.Results: The 63.2% of 410 operated infra-tentorial tumors were males while females predominated in meningiomas and pineoblastomas. About 31.7% infra-tentorial or posterior fossa tumours were children (below-18yrs.). About 54.1% cases were histologically malignant. The residual-tumors comprised 40.2% and symptoms of disease-progression occurred in 10.9%. The tumor recurrence occurred in 14.3% while 6.0% patients developed severe-disability. The overall mortality was 11.4% up to first post-operative year with 18.9% in malignant patients. The first-one-year event-free-survival (EFS) for all the patients was 66.0%. While the patients with malignancies had first-one-year EFS of 47.7%, the histologically benign group had 87.7%. Conclusion: The first one-year postoperative biological behavior like EFS of histologically benign and some malignant infra-tentorial tumors both in children and adults like pilocytic astrocytomas, ependymomas and pineoblastomas was much better (87.7%) than other malignant infra-tentorial tumors.
Comparative study on lesions of reproductive disorders of cows and female dromedary camels slaughtered at Addis Ababa, Adama and Akaki abbatoirs with bacterial isolation and characterization
Authors: Mandefro Aynalem , Ayana Tilaye Demissie , Hunderra Gemechu Chala , Gebrezihar Tadesse Gidey , Boru Bulto Giro , Desta Natnael Teshager
Published: June 2020

Background
Reproduction is a basic prerequisite to efficient livestock production. The reproductive performance depends upon the normal structure and functions of genital organs.
Methods
A cross-sectional study design was conducted from November 2016 to May 2017 to identify and compare the frequency of reproductive organ pathological lesions and to isolates bacteria associated with uterine lesions in female dromedary camels and cows slaughtered at Addis Ababa and Adama municipal abattoirs and Akaki slaughter house. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect 280 reproductive tracts from cow and female dromedary camel. Following gross inspection tissue samples with lesion were collected for histopathological and bacteriological studies and were done according to standard protocols.
Result
Various pathological lesions with different degrees of severity were observed in 34.2% (n = 48) and 36.4% (n = 51) of dromedary camel and cow, respectively. Age, species and body conditions of animals were not statistically associated with most of disorders (P > 0.05). The lesions encountered in dromedary camels were 21.4%, 7.14%, 1.42%, 2.85% and 1.42% uterine, ovarian, oviductal, vaginal and cervical lesions, respectively. However, 16.4%, 14.2%, 3.57%, 1.42% and 1.42%, ovarian, uterine, oviductal, vaginal and cervical lesions were seen in examined cows, respectively. The result showed that the collected uterine tissue was positive for single and/or mixed bacterial infection. Bacterial isolated includes, Staphylococcus species 28.5%, Streptococci species 19.6%, Coynebacterium species 8.9%, Escherichia coli 26.78%, Salmonella species 10.7% and Klebsiella species 5.35% were isolated from cows uteri, while in the dromedary camels, Escherichia coli 35.5%, Staphylococcus species 26.6%, Streptococcus species 13.3%, Pseudomonas species 6.6%, Proteus species 4.4%, Salmonella species 8.8% and Klebsiella species 4.4%.were isolated. Histopathologically, endometrial glands degeneration, sloughing of epithelium, peri-glandular cuffing and infiltrations of inflammatory cell were some of characteristic changes observed in uterus.
Conclusions
Reproductive organ pathological lesions found to be an important problem in female dromedary camel and cow and it was observed that the bacteria isolated from camel’s uteri were similar to those in cows. The role of each reproductive lesions incriminated as causes of reproductive failures in this livestock species needs further investigation.
Shape accuracy of an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene canine tibia model fabricated using fused deposition modelling and the effects of hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilisation
Authors: Hsu Chi-Pin , Lin Chen-Si , Fan Chun-Hao , Chiang Nai-Yuan , Tsai Ching-Wen , Chang Chun-Ming , LIU I-LI
Published: June 2020

Background
Three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques have been used for anatomical models and surgical guiding instruments in orthopaedic surgery. The accuracy of these surgical guiding tools is important for obtaining good clinical outcomes. This study assessed the shape accuracy of an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) canine tibia model printed using fused deposition modelling (FDM) and evaluated its morphological change after hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) gas plasma sterilisation. The tibias of six canine cadavers underwent computed tomography for 3D reconstruction. Tibia models were fabricated from ABS on a 3D printer through FDM. Reverse-engineering technology was used to compare morphological errors (root mean square; RMS) between the 3D-FDM models and virtual models segmented from original tibia images (3D-CT) and between the models sterilised with H2O2 gas plasma (3D-GAS) and 3D-FDM models on tibia surface and in cross-sections at: 5%, 15%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 85%, and 95% of the tibia length.
Results
The RMS mean ± standard deviation and average positive and negative deviation values for all specimens in G1 (3D-FDM vs. 3D-CT) were significantly higher than those in G2 (3D-GAS vs. 3D-FDM; P < 0.0001). Mean RMS values for G1 at 5% bone length (proximal tibia) were significantly higher than those at the other six cross-sections (P < 0.0001). Mean RMS differences for G2 at all seven cross-sections were nonsignificant.
Conclusions
Our tibia model fabricated on an FDM printer had high shape accuracy with a low RMS value. The surface deviation in G1 indicated that larger errors occurred during manufacturing than during sterilisation. Therefore, the model may be clinically acceptable for bone surgery and surgical rehearsal.
Harmonization of medical products regulation: A key factor for improving regulatory capacity in the East African Community
Authors: Ndomondo-Sigonda Margareth , Miot Jacqueline , Naidoo Shan , Masota Nelson , Ng'andu Brian , Ngum Nancy , Kaale Eliangiringa
Published: June 2020

Background: Limited capacity to regulate medical products is associated with circulation of products which do not meet standards of quality, safety and efficacy with negative public health and economic outcomes. This study focused on assessing the effect of the East African Community (EAC) medicines regulatory harmonization initiative on the capacity of national medicines regulatory agencies with focus on registration and inspection systems as part of the African Union medicines regulatory harmonization initiative. Methods: An exploratory mixed-method design using both qualitative and quantitative data, was employed. Data was collected from six national medicines regulatory authorities (NMRAs) and the EAC Secretariat through a combination of semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and checklists for the period 2011/12-2014/15 while 2010/11 data served as baseline. Interviews were conducted with heads of NMRAs; regulatory and monitoring and evaluation experts; and the EAC Secretariat Project Officer. A set of 29 indicators grouped into 9 categories were used to measure NMRAs performance. Results: policy and legal frameworks provide a foundation for effective regulation. Collaboration, harmonization, joint dossier reviews and inspections of manufacturing sites; reliance and cooperation are key factors for building trust and capacity among NMRAs. 83.3% of the EAC Partner States have comprehensive medicines laws with autonomous NMRAs. All the NMRAs have functional registration and good manufacturing practice inspection systems supported by regional harmonised guidelines for registration, inspection, quality management and information management systems with 80% attaining ISO 9001:2015 certification. Efficiency of registration processes improved by 66.6%. Conclusions: The EAC regulatory harmonization initiative has contributed to improved capacity to regulate medical products. The indicators generated from this research can be replicated for evaluation of similar initiatives across and beyond the African continent and contribute to public health policy.
OphthatomeTM: An integrated knowledgebase of ophthalmic diseases for translating vision research into the clinic
Authors: Raj Praveen , Tejwani Sushma , Sudha Dandayudhapani , B Muthu Narayanan , Thangapandi Chandrasekar , Das Sankar , J Somasekar , Mangalapudi Susmithasane , Kumar Durgesh , Pindipappanahalli Narendra , Shetty Rohit , Ghosh Arkashubra , Kumaramanickavel Govindasamy , Chaudhuri Amitabha , Nagaswamy Soumittra
Published: June 2020

Background
Medical big data analytics has revolutionized the human healthcare system by introducing processes that facilitate rationale clinical decision making, predictive or prognostic modelling of disease progression and management, disease surveillance, impact on public health and research. Although, the electronic medical records (EMR) system is the digital storehouse of rich medical data of a large patient cohort collected over many years, the data lack sufficient structure to be of any clinical value for applying deep learning methods and advanced analytics to improve disease management at an individual patient level or for the discipline in general. Ophthatome™ captures data contained in retrospective electronic medical records between September 2012 and January 2018 to facilitate translational vision research through a knowledgebase of eye diseases.
Methods
The electronic medical records data from Narayana Nethralaya recorded in the MS-SQL database was mapped and programmatically transferred to MySQL. The captured data was manually curated to preserve data integrity and accuracy. The data is stored in MySQL database management system for ease of visualization, advanced search functions and other knowledgebase applications.
Results
Ophthatome™ is a comprehensive and accurate knowledgebase of ophthalmic diseases containing curated clinical, treatment and imaging data of 581,466 ophthalmic cases from the Indian population, recorded between September 2012 and January 2018. Ophthatome™ provides filters and Boolean searches with operators and modifiers that allow selection of specific cohorts covering 524 distinct ophthalmic disease types and 1800 disease sub-types across 35 different anatomical regions of the eye. The availability of longitudinal data for about 300,000 subjects provides additional opportunity to perform clinical research on disease progression and management including drug response and treatment outcome. The knowledgebase captures eye diseases in a genetically diverse population providing opportunity to study genetic and environmental factors contributing to or influencing eye diseases.
Conclusion
Ophthatome™ will accelerate clinical, genomic, pharmacogenomic and advanced translational research on ophthalmic diseases.
Mortality in patients with diabetes by COVID 19 a systematic review.
Authors: Pôrto Elias Ferreira , Iamonti Vinicius Carlos , Castro Antonio Adolfo Mattos de , Souza Anselmo Cordeiro de , Leite José Renato de Oliveira , Filoni Eduardo , Rodrigo Adriano Conrado , Moderno Luiz Fernando de Oliveira
Published: June 2020

Background: Diabetes mellitus might be associated with severity and death in patients with COVID-19; but its mechanisms are still unknown.Objective: to carry out a systematic review of what has been published so far on mortality in patients with COVID-19 associated with diabetes comorbidity.Methods: A search was carried out in PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE and EMBASE Classic and Google Scholar databases; up to April 2020 using the search medical subheadings (MeSH) terms : "mortality from Coronavirus", "mortality from COVID-19" and "mortality in patients with diabetes by COVID-19". Enrolled studies were assessed independently by two blinded researchers. Studies quality was assessed using the Jedad scale. The articles score equal or greater than two points were considered highly methodological quality.Results: Initially, 65 articles were found and 46 were excluded for not meeting the eligibility criteria. Among the 10 remaining, 3 were excluded because had Jedad score lower than two points. Among the remaining seven, two were excluded because they were meta-analysis. Eventually, five articles remained for final analysis. For all, mortality among patients with diabetes was higher than without diabetes. The risk of global mortality among diabetes patients was 8.9 times higher (p<0.0001) than without diabetes The time of diagnosis could be more determining for mortality, meanwhile HB1Ac level was not determiningConclusion: Mortality risk observed by COVID-19 is higher among diabetes patients than healthy age matched peers. This result can be partially explained by hormonal signaling changes, such as blood clotting and abnormal pancreas functioning.
Efficacy and Safety of the Syrup "KalobaTUSS® " for the Treatment of Cough in Children: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Paglia Rita Rita La , Carnevali Ilaria , Pauletto Laura , Raso Floriana , Testa Marco , Mannucci Carmen , Sorbara Emanuela Elisa , Calapai Gioacchino
Published: June 2020

Background: Persistent cough in children often causes discomfort to children and parents reducing their quality of life. In spite of the extensive utilization of over the counter remedies against cough, for most of them efficacy in children has not been demonstrated. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial recruiting 106 children with persistent cough to evaluate the efficacy and safety of KalobaTUSS®, a pediatric cough syrup based on acacia honey and on moieties derived from Malva sylvestris extract, Inula helenium, Plantago major extract, Helichrysum stoechas. Results: Children were orally treated with KalobaTUSS® or placebo for eight days. Children receiving KalobaTUSS® showed an early significant reduction in night-time and day-time cough score measured through a specific scale and a shorter duration of cough in comparison to placebo. Conclusions: Results show that KalobaTUSS® is well tolerated and produces positive effects by reducing severity and shortening the duration of cough in children. (Clinicaltrials.gov n. NCT04073251).
Gastrointestinal Failure Score in Children with Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Zhou Ying , Lu Weifeng , Tang Weibing
Published: June 2020

PurposesTo review the value of the gastrointestinal failure (GIF) score in children with different degrees of traumatic brain injury (TBI) by analyzing the correlation between outcome and gastrointestinal function.MethodsA total of 165 children with TBI who were diagnosed and treated in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) for longer than 72 h between August 2017 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Admission parameters were sex, age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, body mass index (BMI), leukocyte count, C-reactive protein (CRP), hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct), blood glucose, lactic acid, procalcitonin (PCT), albumin, plasma osmotic pressure, prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). In order to predict outcome, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Pediatric Clinical Illness Score (PCIS) and mean GIF score for the first three days were also combined.ResultsThe percent of patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction on the first day was 78.8%. Food intolerance (FI) developed in 36.4% and intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) in 21.8% of patients. The GIF score and mean GIF score for the first three days in children with different degrees of TBI were significantly different (P<0.05); they were also significantly different between those who died and those who survived (P<0.05). The mean GIF score for the first three days was identified as an independent risk factor for mortality (odds ratio>1, 95% confidence interval=1.457 to 16.016, P<0.01), as was the PCIS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis suggested that the mean GIF score for the first three days had the same calibrating power as the PCIS in discriminating the risk of death of children.ConclusionThe incidence of gastrointestinal dysfunction in children with TBI is high. The GIF score has its ability to judge gastrointestinal system. The mean GIF score for the first three days has high prognostic value for ICU mortality in the SICU.
Limited access to family-based addiction prevention services for socio-economically deprived families in Switzerland: a grounded theory study
Authors: Pfister Andreas , Koschmieder Nikola , Wyss Sabrina
Published: June 2020

Background: Families living in poor socio-economic circumstances, already confronted with social and health inequalities, are often not reached by family-based addiction prevention services. Besides quantitative models and health literacy approaches, qualitative research is lacking that could shed light on the exact circumstances and processes that lead to hindered addiction prevention service uptake by these families. Drawing on the concept of candidacy, we therefore reconstructed how socio-economically deprived parents and their (pre)adolescent children in the German-speaking part of Switzerland (non-)identified their candidacy for family-based addiction prevention services.Methods: Following grounded theory, we collected and analysed data in an iterative-cyclical manner using theoretical sampling and theoretical coding techniques. Sixteen families with children aged 10–14 years were interviewed in depth (parent/s and child separately). All but one family lived below the at-risk-of-poverty threshold.Results: Socio-economically deprived families’ modes of recognizing and handling problems in everyday life were found to be core phenomena that structure the process towards (non)identification of candidacy for family-based addiction prevention services. Four modes anchored within socio-demographic resources were found: Families with mode A perceived their current life situation as existentially-threatening and focused daily coping on the main pressing problem. Others (mode B) perceived prevalent multiple problems as normal (now); problems were normalized, often not recognized as such. In mode C families, problems were pragmatically recognized at a low threshold and pragmatically dealt with, mostly within the family. In mode D families, problems were constantly produced and dealt with early by the worried and anxious parents monitoring their child. From modes D to A, vulnerability increased concerning non-identification of candidacy for family-based addiction prevention services. Further, thematic relevance of addiction prevention, past experience with offers, integration in systems of assistance, strategies to protect the family, and families’ search for information influenced whether identification of candidacy took place.Conclusions: Socio-economically deprived families differ in modes of problem construction and handling in everyday life; this differently opens up or closes routes to family-based addiction prevention. Addiction prevention practice should build on a bundle of diverse strategies for outreach to these families, stressing especially interventions on the structural and environmental level.
Effects of antioxidant supplementation on oxidative stress balance in young footballers: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Stankiewicz Błażej , Cieślicka Mirosława , Kujawski Sławomir , Piskorska Elżbieta , Kowalik Tomasz , Korycka Justyna , Stejnborn Anna Skarpańska -
Published: June 2020

Background
The intensive physical exercise in which athletes take part in competitive sports can negatively affect the pro-oxidative–antioxidant balance. The use of compounds with high antioxidant potential, which certainly should include chokeberry, can prevent these adverse changes.
Methods
The study was conducted on a group of football players aged 16–17 years, who underwent 7 weeks of supplementation with 200 ml chokeberry juice per day. Before and after supplementation, the participants performed an intensive physical exercise test (beep test). At rest, immediately after exercise and after 3 and 24 h of rest, venous blood was taken from the subjects, in which levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive products (TBARS), hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), iron (Fe), hepcidin, ferritin, myoglobin, albumin and morphological parameters were examined.
Results
There was a significant impact of the intervention in response to the physical exercise test in the studied groups on parameter dynamics: 8-OHdG (t = 3.56, p = 0.0005), albumin (t = 1.98, p = 0.049), TBARS (t = 4.33, p = 0.00003), hepcidin (t = 2.21, p = 0.03), and Mono level (t = 2.14, p = 0.04) and percentage (t = 2.27, p = 0.03). The post-hoc test showed no effect of chokeberry juice supply on any of the morphological, biochemical or performance parameters analysed.
Conclusions
The supplementation applied to footballers showed no effects under the influence of the applied exercise stress test. Such results may be the result of both the players’ adaptation to the applied exercise loads and the insufficient antioxidant capacity of the supplement used.
Supplement With Whey Protein Hydrolysate in Contrast to Carbohydrate Supports Mitochondrial Adaptations in Trained Runners
Authors: Hansen Mette , Oxfeldt Mikkel , Larsen Anne E. , Thomsen Lise S. , Torben Rokkedal-Lausch , Christensen Britt , Rittig Nikolaj , De Paoli Frank V. , Bangsbo Jens , Ørtenblad Niels , Madsen Klavs
Published: June 2020

Background: Protein supplementation has been suggested to augment endurance training adaptations by increasing mixed muscle and myofibrillar protein synthesis and lean body mass. However, a potential beneficial effect on mitochondrial adaptations is yet to be clarified.The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of consuming whey protein hydrolysate before and whey protein hydrolysate plus carbohydrate (PRO-CHO) after each exercise session during a six-week training period compared to similarly timed intake of isocaloric CHO supplements on biomarkers of mitochondrial biogenesis, VO2max and performance in trained runners.Methods: Twenty-four trained runners (VO2max 60.73.7 ml O2 kg-1 min1) completed a six-week block randomized controlled intervention period, consisting of progressive running training. Subjects were randomly assigned to either PRO-CHO or CHO and matched in pairs for gender, age, VO2max, training and performance status. The PRO-CHO group ingested a protein beverage (0.3g kg-1) before and protein-carbohydrate beverage (0.3g protein kg-1 and 1g carbohydrate kg-1) after each exercise session. The CHO group ingested an energy matched carbohydrate beverage. Resting muscle biopsies obtained pre and post intervention were analyzed for mitochondrial specific enzyme activity and mitochondrial protein content. Subjects completed a 6K time trial (6K TT) and a VO2max test pre, midway (only 6K TT) and post intervention. Results: Following six weeks of endurance training Cytochrome C (Cyt C) protein content was significantly higher in the PRO-CHO group compared to the CHO group (p<0.05), with several other mitochondrial proteins (Succinate dehydrogenase (SDHA), Cytochrome C oxidase (COX-IV), Voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), and Prohibitin (PHB1)) following a similar, but non-significant pattern (p=0.07-0.14). β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HAD) activity was significantly lower after training in the CHO group (p<0.01), but not in the PRO-CHO group (p=0.24). VO2max and 6K TT was significantly improved after training with no significant difference between groups.Conclusion: Intake of whey PRO hydrolysate before and whey PRO hydrolysate plus CHO after each exercise session during a six-week endurance training period may augment training effects on specific mitochondrial proteins compared to intake of iso-caloric CHO but does not alter VO2max or 6K TT performance.Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03561337. Registered 6 June 2018 – Retrospectively registered.
Frailty and Sarcopenia Assessment upon Hospital Admission to Internal Medicine Predict Worse Short-term Clinical Outcomes. 1-Year, Prospective Study of 980 patients.
Authors: Anani Sapir , Goldhaber Gal , Brom Adi , Lasman Nir , Turpashvili Natia , Shenhav-Saltzman Gilat , Avaky Chen , Negru Liat , Agbaria Mochamad , Ariam Sigalit , Portal Doron , Wasserstrum Yishay , Gad Gad
Published: June 2020

Background. Frailty and sarcopenia are associated with frequent hospitalizations and poor clinical outcomes in geriatric patients. Ascertaining this association for younger patients hospitalized to internal medicine departments could help better prognostication of patients in the realm of internal medicine. Methods. During 1-year prospective study in an internal medicine department, we evaluated patients upon admission for sarcopenia and frailty. We used the FRAIL questionnaire, blood Alanine-amino transferase (ALT) activity and Mid-Arm Muscle Circumference (MAMC) measurements. Results. We recruited Nine-hundred and eighty consecutive patients upon hospital admission (median age 72 years (IQR 65-79); 56.8% males). According to the FRAIL questionnaire 106 (10.8%) patients were robust, 368 (37.5%) pre-frail and 506 (51.7%) were frail. The Median ALT value was 19IU/L (IQR 14-28). The median MAMC value was 27.8 (IQR 25.7-30.2). Patients with low ALT activity level (< 17IU/L) were more frail according to their FRAIL score (3 (IQR 2-4) vs. 2 (IQR 1-3); p < 0.001). Higher MAMC values were associated with higher ALT activity, both representing robustness. The rate of 30-days readmission in the whole cohort was 17.4%. Frail patients according to the FRAIL score (FS) had a higher risk for 30-days readmission (for FS > 2, HR = 1.99; 95CI = 1.29-3.08; p = 0.002). Frail patients according to low ALT activity also had a significantly higher risk for 30-days readmission (HR = 2.22; 95CI = 1.26-3.91; p = 0.006). After excluding patients whose length of stay (LOS) was ≥ 10 days, 252 (27.5%) stayed in-hospital for 4 days or longer. Frail patients according to FS had a higher risk for LOS ≥ 4 days (for FS > 2, HR = 1.87; 95CI = 1.39-2.52; p < 0.001). Frail patients according to low ALT activity were also at higher risk for LOS ≥ 4 days (HR = 1.87; 95CI = 1.39-2.52; p < 0.001). MAMC values were not correlated with patients' LOS or risk for re-admission. Conclusion. Frailty and sarcopenia upon admission to internal medicine departments are associated with longer hospitalization and increased risk for re-admission.
High Acceptance of HIV Self-testing Among PrEP Recipients before COVID-19 Era: A Cross-sectional Analysis from PrEP Demonstration Project of MSM in China
Authors: Zhang Jing , Tang Wei-ming , Jin Xia , Wang Hong-yi , Chu Zhen-xing , Hu Qing-hai , Huang Xiao-jie , Chen Yao-kai , Wang Hui , He Xiao-qing , Li Yao , Zhang Lu-kun , Hu Zhi-li , Bao Ran-tong , Li Shang-cao , Li Hang , Ding Hai-bo , Jiang Yong-jun , Geng Wen-qing , Xu Jun-jie , Shang Hong
Published: June 2020

Background: Many Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users have difficulty attending the quarterly facility-based HIV testing, which leads to the potential risk of drug resistance in the context of breakthrough infection with low drug compliance. We explored the acceptance of HIV self-testing (HIVST) service among PrEP recipients. Methods: MSM were recruited for the PrEP demonstration in four major cities in China from December 2018 to September 2019, provided with regimens of both daily and on-demand PrEP. Facility-based HIV testing was provided quarterly at clinic visits. Previous HIV testing history and acceptance of free HIVST kits to use between each quarterly clinic visit was collected. Correlates of levels of acceptance were analysed using multivariable ordinal logistic regression. Results: We recruited 1,222 MSM. among which 48.5% preferred daily PrEP and 51.5% preferred on-demand PrEP. There was 26.8% (321/1222) had never been to any facility-based HIV testing previously, and the self-reported major reason was that they had already routinely used HIVST. A quarter of the participants (74.5%, 910/1222) had used HIVST previously. There were 1184 MSM (96.9%) accepted to use HIVST between each quarterly clinic visits during PrEP usage, composing 947 ( 77.5%) very willing to, 237（19.4%）willing to, 29 (2.4%) unwilling to, and 9 (0.7%) very unwilling to. Participants preferred daily PrEP (vs. on-demand PrEP, aOR=1.8, 95% CI:1.3-2.4) and had less than 2 times of facility-based HIV testing in the past year (vs. ³2, aOR=1.4,95% CI:1.1-1.9) were more likely to have higher level of acceptance of HIVST.Conclusions: MSM had high acceptance of HIVST, especially among those preferred daily PrEP and with less facility-based HIV testing in the previous year. Offering HIVST services PrEP recipients is feasible and necessary. Above result is of great significance for promoting HIVST among PrEP users during COVID-19, improving awareness of their HIV infection status and ensuring compliance with medication. Future study should exam the impact of HIVST on HIV testing frequency among PrEP users.Trial registration: ChiCTR1800020374 on 27th Dec 2018. http://www.chictr.org.cn/searchproj.aspx
A mHealth-Intervention to Support the Self-Management of Multimorbid Patients in General Practices in Germany (Telepracman) – Study Protocol of a Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Wiezorreck Lars , Litke Nicola , Freund Tobias , Miksch Antje , Wensing Michel , Szecsenyi Joachim , Weis Aline
Published: June 2020

Background: Previously we developed a structured case management for multimorbid chronically ill patients in primary care (called ‘PraCMan’), delivered by Health Care Assistants in General Practice (VERAHs). The ‘TelePraCMan’ project aims to develop a supplementary web-based application to ‘PraCMan’, including a digital symptom diary in which patients can enter individual data via smartphone/tablet. This application is targeted at patients suffering from diabetes mellitus type 2, COPD, hypertension and/or chronic heart failure. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate this mHealth-intervention for patients with chronic diseases, focused on patients’ quality of life and self-management capabilities.Methods: A two-arm patient-randomized pilot trial is planned, involving 200 multimorbid patients in 20 GP-practices that use ‘PraCMan’ regularly. Participants are randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either standard ‘PracMan’ treatment or standard ‘PracMan’ treatment complemented with the mHealth-intervention (TelePraCMan). As primary outcome, the health-related quality of life is measured by the German version of the Short Form Health Questionnaire (SF-12). Secondary outcomes include self-management capabilities, technical affinity, and user experience of patient and practice staff. Outcomes are measured at baseline (T0) and at follow-up after 6 months (T1). For assessment of the implementation process, GPs, VERAHs and patients will be invited to participate in interviews afterwards.The outcomes will be compared between study arms, using multilevel regression analysis. Qualitative interviews will be transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Discussion: ‘TelePraCMan’ is one of the first mHealth-Interventions addressing multimorbid patients in primary care in the research literature.Trial registration: DRKS, DRKS00017320, Registered 18 June 2019, http://www.drks.de/DRKS00017320
Development of Sheet Palletizing Manipulator Based on Multi-link Mechanism
Authors: CHEN zhihua , Wang Shoukun , Liu Quan , Wang Junzheng
Published: June 2020

In view of the disadvantages of Traditional tandem joint type thin-plate palletizing robots using push-down adsorption sorting, such as moving path complexity, large occupied space, joint error stack and low end control precision, a novel multi-link mechanism thin-plate palletizing robot is developed. The kinematics analysis is carried out based on the analysis of the overall structure for the manipulator, a genetic algorithm based on the stroke speed ratio K, the transmission angle γ and the four-bar size is proposed to realize the optimal design of the four-link rocker arm mechanism. Secondly, a finite element based overall structure analysis method is proposed, which obtains the most affected part of the vibration process of a manipulator and performs load verification to prevent early warning and reference of faults caused by mechanical resonance. To solve the control problem of nonlinear strongly coupled dynamic systems, an iterative learning fuzzy adaptive control algorithm is proposed to achieve the smooth running of the manipulator and the high-precision tracking of the end centroid trajectory. The experimental results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed multi-link controllable thin-plate palletizing manipulator's overall structural design and iterative learning control method, which is well applied in practical engineering.
A Combination of Herbal Compound (SPTC) Along with Exercise or Metformin more Efficiently Alleviated Diabetic Complications Through Down-Regulation of Stress Oxidative Pathway upon Activating Nrf2-Keap1 axis in AGEs Rich Diet-Induced type 2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Rahimi Golbarg , Heydari Salime , Rahimi Bahare , Abedpoor Navid , Nicktab Iman , Safaeinejad Zahra , Peymani Maryam , Forootan Farzad Seyed , Derakhshan Zahra , Esfahani Mohammad Hossein Nasr , Ghaedi Kamran
Published: June 2020

Background: SPTC is a mix of four herbal components (Salvia officinalis, Panax ginseng, Trigonella foenum-graeceum, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum) which may prevent the development of AGEs rich diet-induced diabetic complication and liver injury via activating the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related-factor-2 (Nrf2) pathway. Nrf2, as a master regulator of antioxidant response elements by activating cytoprotective genes expression, decreases oxidative stress associated with hyperglycemia and increases insulin sensitivity. We hypothesized that the combined effect of SPTC along with exercise could efficiently moderate oxidative stress with more favorable effects in the treatment of diabetes.Methods: We induced diabetes in C57BL/6 mice by AGEs using a diet supplementation and limitation of physical activity. After 16 weeks of intervention, AGEs fed mice were compared to control mice. Diabetic mice were assigned into seven experimental groups (n=5): diabetic mice, diabetic mice treated with SPTC (130 mg/kg), diabetic mice treated with Salvia Officinalis (60 mg/kg), diabetic mice treated with metformin (300 mg/kg), diabetic mice with endurance exercise training, diabetic mice treated with SPTC+metformin (the same as mentioned), diabetic mice treated with SPTC+exercise trainingResults: SPTC+exercise and SPTC+metformin reduced diabetic complications like gain weight, water, and calorie intake, blood glucose, insulin, and GLUT4 content more efficiently than each treatmen. These combinations improved oxidative stress hemostasis by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway and attenuating keap1 protein more significantly.Conclusions: Eventually, combined treatment of SPTC with exercise and metformin as a novel approach had more beneficial effects to prevent the development of diabetes and oxidative stress associated with hyperglycemia.
Potential of Betanin Natural Dye for Solar Cells Application
Authors: Hamadi Naoufel Ben
Published: June 2020

Background: A photovoltaic cell, or solar cell, is an electronic component which, exposed to light, produces electricity thanks to the photovoltaic effect. Organic photovoltaic cells are photovoltaic cells of which at least the active layer consists of organic molecules. It has a yield of at least 15%. The future prospects of the research for solar cells application has required for the development in the field.Main body: Dye-sensitized solar cells are considered to be promising candidates for low-cost solar energy harvesting using sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. In general, solar cells sensitized to dyes consist of three parts: TiO2 sensitized to the photoanode dye with porous film on a transparent conductive glass, an electrolyte solution penetrating through the TiO2 anode film, and the conductive oxide transparent platinum glass as counter electrode.Conclusion: In this work, betanin dye was extracted from mature red fruits of Opuntia ficus indica and purified with fractional crystallization protocol using an 8:2 (v/v) ratio of ethyl acetate/ethanol. TiO2_films with different thickness values have been prepared CV and US sensitization of TiO2_films using betanin dye prove an enhancement on the uniformity distribution of the dye on the film in case of US method. Emission spectra of Dye_TiO2 films have been measured and show a hyperchromic shift of the emission intensity with the increase of the thickness due to the augmentation of betanin content. A comparison between the photovoltaic properties of prepared betanin_DSSC and N719 dye_DSSC reveals that betanin dye could be successfully proposed as a sensitizing dye in solar cell applications.
Development and evaluation of a monoclonal antibody-based competitive ELISA for the detection of antibodies against H7 avian influenza virus
Authors: Li Yuan , Ye Hongliu , Liu Meng , Song Suquan , Chen Jin , Cheng Wangkun , Yan Liping
Published: June 2020

Background
Since 2013, avian influenza outbreaks in poultry especially the H7 subtype have been causing a major concern for poultry industry and public health in China. The conventional serological subtype-specific diagnostics is implemented by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay despite lengthy operation time. An efficient, rapid and high-throughput competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) was developed for detection of antibodies against H7 avian influenza virus (AIV) based on a novel monoclonal antibody specific to the hemagglutinin (HA) protein of H7 AIV.
Results
The reaction parameters of antigen coating concentration, monoclonal antibody concentration and serum dilution ratio were optimized for detection of H7 antibodies in chicken, ducks and peacocks sera. The specificity of the cELISA was tested using antisera against H1 ~ H9, H11 ~ H14 AIVs and other avian viruses. The selected cut-off values of inhibition rates for chicken, duck and peacock sera were 30.11%, 26.85% and 45.66% by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, respectively. With the HI test as a reference method, the minimum detection limits for chicken, duck and peacock positive serum reached 20, 21 and 2− 1 HI titer, respectively. Compared to the HI test, the diagnostic accuracy reached 100%, 98.6%, and 99.3% for chicken, duck and peacock by testing a total of 400 clinical serum samples, respectively.
Conclusions
In summary, the cELISA immunoassay for rapid detection of H7 antibody in sera from different avian species was highly specific, extremely sensitive and might be exploited for the large-scale serological diagnosis of H7 AIVs.
The Shirom-Melamed Vigor Measure for students and how vigor relates to academic performance, mental health and satisfaction with life: Factorial analysis and construct validity in Spanish undergraduate university students
Authors: Pulido-Martos Manuel , Cortés-Denia Daniel , Rosa-Blanca Juan José de la , Lopez-Zafra Esther
Published: June 2020

Background

Students suffer from a decrease in physical activity during their education period. This lower level of activity could affect, through various paths, their academic performance, mental health and satisfaction with life. In this study, we assume that vigor, a positive affect variable, would act as a mediating variable in the above relationship, and thus, we propose an instrument for evaluating vigor in academic contexts. To attain this aim, the factorial validity and reliability of the proposed vigor scale for students is tested (Study 1), along with its construct validity (Study 2).
Methods

In Study 1, 707 undergraduates (59.7% women) responded to the vigor scale adapted for students to test factorial validation (through confirmatory factor analysis) and obtain reliability indicators. In Study 2, 309 undergraduates (55.3% women) completed a questionnaire measuring physical activity, mental health, satisfaction with life, vigor and academic performance to test a structural model of the relationships between the variables to obtain construct validity.
Results

A measurement model with three related factors, each representing one dimension of vigor, optimally fit the data (S-Bχ2 = 231.54; df = 50; CFI = 0.95; NNFI = 0.93; SRMR = 0.07; RMSEA = 0.07 [0.06–0.08]), and the reliability indices were adequate (Study 1). In Study 2, the mediational model confirmed a complete influence of physical activity on satisfaction with life, academic performance and mental health levels through the levels of vigor of the students, with optimal adjusting values (S-Bχ2 = 108.82; df = 62; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.92; NNFI = 0.90; SRMR = 0.05; RMSEA = 0.05 [0.03–0.06]).
Conclusions

Proposing an instrument such as the Shirom-Melamed Vigor Measure for students allows the opening of a research venue that is focused on the study of positive affects in academic contexts, as well as the testing of the physical activity pathways of action in obtaining positive results.