bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Body Mass Index in High and Low Velocity Trauma Causing Knee Injury Associated to Popliteal Artery Lesions.
Authors: Marchetti Andrea Ascoli , Naldi Valerio , Potenza Vito , Oddi Fabio Massimo , De Maio Ferdinando , Ciattaglia Riccardo , Farsetti Pasquale , Ippoliti Arnaldo
Published: July 2020

Background: Osteoarticular traumas are particularly dangerous among arterial traumas, those associated with the popliteal artery are associated with a high amputation rate. Despite representing a minority of arterial traumas, with an incidence that considerably varies by population and geographic location, traumatic lesions of the popliteal artery are a challenge. This study aimed to verify the impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on arterial trauma damage and outcome. Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from the emergency and operating rooms’ electronic medical reports at our Institution between 1 January 2005 and 1 May 2018 of all osteoarticular and vascular associated lesion. 41 pts presented with lower limb arterial trauma (43.2%), and popliteal artery lesions occurred in 11 (26.8%). 11 patients were eligible for inclusion in the study. In addition, the lesion mechanism was dislocation by high-velocity trauma in 9 cases and by low-velocity trauma in 3. All 7 males (63.6%) were affected by high-velocity trauma, and 2 of the 3 females by low-velocity trauma. Only one patient had an isolated popliteal artery lesion associated with fractures in the leg or in contralateral limb. Patients with low-velocity traumas were older than 54 years while those with high-velocity were aged from 22 to 71 years. Results: The lesion mechanism was dislocation due to high-velocity trauma in eight patients and due to low-velocity trauma in three. In 10/11 patients (90.9%). revascularization was performed after osteoarticular stabilization. after reduction of the dislocation or fracture. Intraoperative angiography was selectively used. Two patients required above-knee amputation after the procedure: one due to infection of the surgical access and the other due to severe soft tissue injury. One patient died during hospitalization due to trauma-related complications and comorbidities. Conclusions: High-velocity traumas, and low-velocity traumas with a body mass index >35kg/m2 with knee lesions are associated with popliteal artery lesion. Revascularization success is not associated with high or low velocity traumas.
French hepatitis C care cascade: substantial impact of direct-acting antivirals, but the road to elimination is still long
Authors: Brouard Cécile , Pillonel Josiane , Boussac Marjorie , de Lédinghen Victor , Rachas Antoine , Silvain Christine , Lydié Nathalie , Chevaliez Stéphane , Pioche Corinne , Durand Julien , Lot Florence , Delarocque-Astagneau Elisabeth
Published: July 2020

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination by 2030, as targeted by the World Health Organization (WHO), requires that 90% of people with chronic infection be diagnosed and 80% treated. We estimated the cascade of care (CoC) for chronic HCV infection in mainland France in 2011 and 2016, before and after the introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).Methods: The numbers of people (1) with chronic HCV infection, (2) aware of their infection, (3) receiving care for HCV and (4) on antiviral treatment, were estimated for 2011 and 2016. Estimates for 1) and 2) were based on modelling studies for 2011 and on a virological sub-study nested in a national cross-sectional survey among the general population for 2016. Estimates for 3) and 4) were made using the National Health Data System.Results: Between 2011 and 2016, the number of people with chronic HCV infection decreased by 31%, from 192,700 (95% Credibility interval: 150,900-246,100) to 133,500 (95% Confidence interval: 56,900-312,600). The proportion of people aware of their infection rose from 57.7% to 80.6%. The number of people receiving care for HCV increased by 22.5% (representing 25.7% of those infected in 2016), while the number of people on treatment increased by 24.6% (representing 12.1% of those infected in 2016).Conclusions: This study suggests that DAAs substantially impact CoC. However, access to care and treatment for infected people remained insufficient in 2016. Updating CoC estimates will help to assess the impact of new measures implemented since 2016 as part of the goal to eliminate HCV.
Fetal sex and maternal postpartum depressive symptoms: findings from two prospective pregnancy cohorts
Authors: Cowell Whitney , Colicino Elena , Askowitz Talia , Nenton Farida , Wright Rosalind
Published: July 2020

Background: Fetal sex is known to modify the course and complications of pregnancy, with recent evidence of sex-differential fetal influences on the maternal immune and endocrine systems. In turn, heightened inflammation and surges in reproductive hormone levels associated with pregnancy and parturition have been linked with the development of perinatal depression. Here, we examined whether there is an association between fetal sex and maternal depression assessed during the prenatal and postnatal periods.Methods: The study included two multi-ethnic, prospective pregnancy cohorts that enrolled women from prenatal clinics in the Northeastern United States between 2001 and 2018. Maternal depressive symptoms were measured during the prenatal and postnatal periods using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and newborn sex was reported by the mother following delivery. We used logistic regression to examine associations between fetal sex and maternal depressive symptoms (EPDS>10) during the prenatal period only, postnatal period only, or both periods versus no depressive symptoms during either period. We considered both unadjusted models and models adjusted for a core set of sociodemographic and lifestyle variables. Results: In adjusted models conducted using PRISM data (N=528), women pregnant with a male versus female fetus had significantly greater odds of depressive symptoms during the postnatal period compared to women without depressive symptoms during either period (odds ratio [OR] = 5.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.93, 14.21). The direction of results was consistent in the ACCESS cohort, although the findings did not reach statistical significance (OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 0.86, 4.93). Significant associations were not observed in either cohort among women with prenatal symptoms only or women with prenatal and postnatal symptoms. Conclusions: Male fetal sex was associated with the onset of depressive symptoms during the postnatal period.
An Observational Study of the Impact of COVID-19 and the Transition to Telehealth on Community Mental Health Center Providers
Authors: Sklar Marisa , Reeder Kendal , Carandang Kristine , Ehrhart Mark G , Aarons Gregory A
Published: July 2020

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has swiftly and remarkably altered community mental health service delivery and evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation. This study reports provider perspectives on the impact that COVID-19 had on their work and EBP implementation. Methods: Providers (n = 93) completed online surveys with quantitative measures and open-ended items targeting their responses and/or reactions to COVID-19, and to the transition to providing services via telehealth.Results: Perceptions of personal risk and rumination around COVID-19 were low, while telehealth was viewed positively by providers. Three major themes emerged regarding the major impacts of COVID-19 on work: 1) the altered nature of interactions between patient/client and provider, 2) changes in provider expectations regarding productivity, and 3) challenges maintaining work-life balance. In regard to the major impacts of COVID-19 on EBP implementation, three themes emerged: 1) increased difficulty delivering certain therapies via telehealth, 2) potential limitations to session confidentiality, and 3) challenge of engaging children in telehealth. Conclusions: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, community mental health providers continued to engage with clients and implement EBPs while navigating a number of changes related to the transition to telehealth. This study highlights the need for further work on what supports providers need to effectively engage with clients and deliver EBPs via telehealth and has implications for how telehealth is sustained or de-implemented in response to COVID-19.
Improved performances of lithium disilicate glass-ceramics by seeds induced crystallization
Authors: Zhao Ting , Lian Mei-Mei , Qin Yi , Zhu Jian-Feng , Kong Xin-Gang , Yang Jian-Feng
Published: July 2020

Self-reinforced lithium disilicate (Li 2 Si 2 O 5 ) glass-ceramics were hot pressing sintered by introducing 5 wt% Li 2 Si 2 O 5 crystal seeds into two different glass systems. The results show that the seeds play an important role in the crystallization inducement, microstructural and properties improvement of the glass, especially for the glass powder without the nucleating agent of P 2 O 5 . The microstructure features a wider bimodal grain size distribution with large rod-like crystals epitaxially grown along the seeds and small crystals nucleated from the glass powder itself, contributes to the improvement of the performance especially the fracture toughness. The 4C5S specimen exhibited the best comprehensive properties with a good flexural strength (396 ± 7 MPa), improved fracture toughness (3.31 ± 0.19 MPa·m 1/2 ) and comparable translucency as IPS e.max. This research will provide a new idea and method for the perfect matching of the fracture toughness and the aesthetic appearance of lithium disilicate glass-ceramics, and lay the foundation for its clinical applications.
The Asymptomatic Infection of COVID-19 Risen in Imported Population in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Chen Mu-Xin , Ai Lin , Huang Da-Na , Feng Tie-Jian , Chen Jia-Xu , Mei Shu-Jiang , Huang Ya-Lan , Sun Ying , Meng Jun , Yang Gai-Ge , Xiong Ling-Hong , Zhang Xiao-Min , Peng Bo , Fang Shi-Song , Zhang Shun-Xian , Zhang Ren-Li
Published: July 2020

Background

As of July 24 2020, the global reported number of COVID-19 cases was > 15.4 millions, with over 640,000 deaths. The present study aimed to carry out an epidemiological analysis of confirmed cases and asymptomatic infections in Shenzhen City to provide scientific reference for the prevention and control of COVID-19.
Methods

The epidemiological information of the 462 confirmed cases and 45 asymptomatic infections from January 19th to June 30th was collected in Shenzhen City, Southern China, and a descriptive analysis was performed.
Results

A total of 462 confirmed COVID-19 cases from January 19 to April 30, 2020 were reported in Shenzhen City, including 423 domestic cases (91.56%) and 39 imported cases (8.44%) who came back from other countries. Among domestic cases, the majority were cases imported from Hubei Province (n = 312, 67.53%), followed by local ones (n = 69, 14.94%). During the same period, a total of 45 asymptomatic infections were reported in Shenzhen City, including 31 local ones (68.89%) and 14 imported from abroad (31.11%). The proportion of asymptomatic infections in Shenzhen City was increasing over time (Z = 13.1888, P < 0.0001). The total number of local asymptomatic infections in Shenzhen City exceeded as the same pattern as that in other provinces (χ2 = 118.830, P < 0.0001). The proportion of asymptomatic infections among cases imported from abroad was higher than that of the same in domestic cases (χ2 = 22.5121, P < 0.0001, OR = 4.8983, 95%: 2.4052, 9.9756). No statistical significance was noted in the proportions of asymptomatic infections among imported cases from different countries (χ2 = 7.7202, P = 0.6561).
Conclusions

The majority of COVID-19 cases in Shenzhen City were imported cases who came back from Hubei Province in the early stage (before 1st March, 2020) and from abroad in the later stage (after 1st April, 2020). Scientific and effective prevention and control measures have resulted in only a few local infections in Shenzhen City. Asymptomatic infections accounted for an increasing proportion among cases imported from abroad, indicating that the prevention measures carried out in Shenzhen City did avoid the import of infected cases. Improving the detection capability to identify asymptomatic infections as early as possible will be of significance for the control outbreak of COVID-19.
Effects Of Orally Administered Recombinant Lactobacillus Casei Expressing HN Protein On Early Growth Performance, Intestinal Health And Protection Against NDV Challenge In Chickens
Authors: Ju Anqi , Duan Aoyi , Zhang Yingnan , Qin Yanjun , Xue Ligang , Ma Xin , Luan Weimin , Yang Shubao
Published: July 2020

Backgroud: Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is considered one of the most important diseases among chickens. In this study, we generated recombinant surface-displayed Lactobacillus casei (L.casei) expressing the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) of NDV and a live vector pPG alone (named Lc-pPG-HN and Lc-pPG), and evaluated their effects on early growth development, intestinal health and protection against NDV challenge in chickens. 270 chickens were randomly divided into three groups: Lc-pPG-HN, Lc-pPG and physiological saline (control) group, and chickens from each group were respectively immunized with Lc-pPG-HN, Lc-pPG and physiological saline on 1 and 10 days. Results: Recombinant L.casei expressing the HN protein of NDV (Lc-pPG-HN) was successfully constructed. Orally immunized with Lc-pPG-HN could significantly increase body weight (BW) and immune organs index. Moreover, Lc-pPG-HN improved secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in jejunum, the relative abundance of flora in cecum, histomorphological development of small intestine. In addition, the similar enhancement effects were also observed with hemaggluti-nation inhibition (HI) antibody titer and the expression of cytokines in the serum. The oral administration of Lc-pPG-HN also provided effective protection and alleviated the symptoms of NDV challenge.Conclusions: Thus, a recombinant L.casei vaccine expressing HN may be a potential therapeutic candidate against NDV and improve chickens growth and development.
Hydrogen Sulfide Ameliorates High Glucose-induced Inflammation Through SIRT1-mTOR/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in HT-22 cells
Authors: Li Xinrui , Yu Yinghua , Yu Peiquan , Xu Ting , Liu Jiao , Cheng Yuan , Yang Xia , Cui Xiaoying , Yin Cui , Liu Yi
Published: July 2020

Background: Hyperglycemia-induced neuroinflammation promotes the progression of diabetic encephalopathy (DE). Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) exerts anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities against neurodegenerative diseases. However, its role in hyperglycemia-induced neuronal inflammation has not been investigated. Herein, we examined the effects and its related signaling pathway of H2S on inflammatory response in high glucose-treated HT-22 cells.Methods: A hippocampal neuronal cell line, HT-22, was used as an in vitro model to explore the function of H2S on inflammatory response triggered by high glucose. A dicyanoisophorone-based near-infrared fluorescent probe (NIR-NP) was synthesized to detect H2S levels in HT-22 cells. Western blotting, immunofluorescence and real time-qPCR were carried out to study the mechanism of action for H2S.Results: We found that high glucose (85 mM) decreased the level of endogenous H2S and the expression of cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) which is the main enzyme for H2S production in the brain. Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, a H2S donor) or S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe, an allosteric activator of CBS) administration restored high glucose-induced downregulation of CBS and H2S levels. Importantly, high glucose upregulated the level of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) in HT-22 cells. Treatment with NaHS or SAMe alleviated this enhanced transcription of these pro-inflammatory factors, suggesting that H2S might ameliorate high glucose-induced inflammation in HT-22 cells. We also found that high glucose reduced SIRT1 protein levels. SIRT1 reduction elevated the level of p-mTOR, p-NF-κB and pro-inflammatory factors, which were restored by resveratrol (a SIRT1 agonist). These results suggested that SIRT1 might be an upstream mediator of mTOR/NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, NaHS or SAMe treatment reversed the expression of SIRT1, mTOR and NF-κB under high glucose conditions.Conclusions: Our study revealed that high glucose decreased CBS to reduce the production of H2S, which in turn decreased the expression of SIRT1. The reduction of SIRT1 activated mTOR/NF-κB signaling to promote inflammation. Given that promoting H2S production using NaHS or SAMe can reverse high glucose-induced inflammatory response, our study might shed light on the prophylactic treatment of DE.
Extraction And Quality Evaluation of Exosomes From Joint Effusion
Authors: Ruan Anmin , Yin Yueshan , Chen Pu , Zhou Jun , Zhang Xiaozhe , Ma Yufeng , Wang Qingfu
Published: July 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the quality and efficiency of exosomes extracted from knee joint effusion by different methods, laying a foundation for further research on exosomes from knee joint effusion. Methods: Separate and extract joint exosomes by 8% polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation method, ultracentrifugation method (UC) and ultrafiltration with exclusion chromatography (SECF). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracing technology (NTA) were used to detect particle morphology and particle size, and Western Blot (WB) was used to detect granule protein surface marker proteins (CD9, CD63, Flotillin-1 and calnexin).Results: All three methods successfully separated vesicle-like round particles from joint effusion. TEM results show that the particles obtained by the three extraction methods are round or oval vesicles, the plasma membrane is intact, the size is different, and the diameter is distributed between 30 and 150 nm. Compared with SECF group, PEG group had more background particle impurities. and the broken vesicle fragments can be seen in the UC group; NTA results show that the main peaks of the three groups of particles are between 100-120nm, and the particle concentration is greater than 1×1010/ml; WB results show that the expressions of CD9, CD63 and Flotillin-1 protein in the suspension extracted by the three methods were all higher, the expression of calnexin protein was higher in the PEG group than the UC group and SECF group.Conclusion: The three extraction methods can successfully extract the exosomes of joint effusion. The quality of exosomes obtained by the SECF method is relatively high, while the PEG precipitation method contains a small amount of impurity particles. UC method does not guarantee the integrity of exosomes. In summary, when further studying the role of exosomes in the pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis, we recommend the SECF method to extract and isolate joint exudates.
Increased number of pulmonary megakaryocytes in COVID-19 patients with diffuse alveolar damage. An autopsy study with clinical correlation and review of the literature.
Authors: Valdivia-Mazeyra Mariel F. , Salas Clara , Nieves-Alonso Jesús M. , Martín-Fragueiro Luz , Bárcena Carmen , Muñoz-Hernández Patricia , Villar-Zarra Karen , Martín-López Javier , Ramasco-Rueda Fernando , Fraga Javier , Jiménez-Heffernan José A.
Published: July 2020

Megakaryocytes are normally present in the lung where they play a role in platelet homeostasis. The latter are well known to participate in the pathogenesis of lung damage, particularly in acute lung injury. Although megakaryocytes are usually not mentioned as a characteristic histopathologic finding associated to acute pulmonary injury, a few studies point out that their number is increased in the lungs of patients with diffuse alveolar damage. In this autopsy study we have observed a relevant number of pulmonary megakaryocytes in COVID-19 patients dying with acute respiratory distress syndrome. We have studied pulmonary tissue samples of 18 patients most of which died after prolonged disease and use of mechanical ventilation. Most samples showed fibroproliferative or fibrotic diffuse alveolar damage and an increased number of megakaryocytes. In six, thrombi of the pulmonary microcirculation were seen. We compare our findings with previous published autopsy reports, mainly focusing on the description of megakaryocytes. Our patients showed abnormal coagulation parameters with high levels of fibrinogen, D-dimers and variable thrombocytopenia. Since the lung is considered an active site of megakariopoiesis, a prothrombotic status leading to platelet activation, aggregation and consumption may trigger a compensatory pulmonary response. An increased number of pulmonary megakaryocytes suggests and supports a relation with the thrombotic events so often seen in COVID-19. Regardless of its etiology, future studies of patients dying with acute pulmonary injury should include pulmonary megakaryocytes as a histologic variable of interest.
Mental Health Impacts for International Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic in China
Authors: Wang Xiaoping , Hujjaree Khamlesh , Wang Fanglan
Published: July 2020

The outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has led to the quarantine of many residents in their homes worldwide. Some of these people might develop mental health problems, and many solutions have been put in place to address the mental health issues of patients and health professionals affected by the disease. However, not much attention has been given to international students studying in China. The present study aims to conduct an online survey to investigate the mental health status of international students from Changsha city, China.Materials and Methods: A WeChat-based survey program comprised of questions on demographic information gender, grade year, duration and status of quarantine, duration of sleep, worries about graduation, being able to go to school and presence or absence of a sense of security; as well as questions from the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory(STAI).Results: The prevalence of depression was 59.4% and the prevalence of anxiety was 37.8%. The STAI-Y1 STATE scores had a mean value (mean) of 41.42, standard deviation (S.D) of 10.89 and STAI-Y2 TRAIT scores had a mean value (mean) of 41.85, standard deviation (S.D) of 11.13. The risk factors of anxiety or depression were Sleep duration, worrying about graduation in varying degrees, School time, and feeling secure in varying degrees. Higher the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score and higher Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 score and higher STAI-Y1 STATE scores were associated with higher STAI-Y2 TRAIT scores.Conclusion: The present study implies that the university needs to consider planning for acute and long-term psychological help services for international students.
Complete Response Associated With Combination Treatment Regorafenib and Sintilimab in a Sorafenib-refractory Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patient
Authors: Zhang Erlei , Zhang Zunyi , Zhang Lei , Xiang Shuai , Chen Xiaoping , Huang Zhiyong
Published: July 2020

Background

Most of patients diagnosed with Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have advanced diseases and many are not eligible for curative therapies. There is a growing evidence suggesting that combination treatment of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) becomes a prospective trend for advanced HCC. For those HCC patients with sorafenib resistance, the efficacy of regorafenib combined with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors remains unclear.
Case presentation:

Herein, we represent a case of HCC with lung metastasis in the setting of HBV-induced liver cirrhosis responding dramatically to the combination treatment of sorafenib-regorafenib sequential and PD-1 inhibitor after initial liver resection. A 56-year-old man diagnosed with AFP-negative HCC underwent liver resection in September 2015, and was found to have solitary liver recurrence and lung metastases in March 2017. He received microwave coagulation therapy and trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for liver tumor and treatment was started with sorafenib 400 mg twice daily for controlling lung metastases. In December 2018, abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scan showed two new lesions in liver. In March 2019, disease progression of lung metastases was measured and he received 160 mg regorafenib once daily. After a short period of partial response, he started treatment with regorafenib 160 mg in combination with sintilimab (200 mg, 3 weeks as a cycle) in December 2019 due to disease progression. Surprisingly, after 5 cycles of sintilimab injection, it showed complete response in target lesions. There is no clinical evidence of disease progression and the side effects were mild and well tolerated. The current overall survival is 57 months.
Conclusion

Data from this clinical case report suggests that combination therapy of regorafenib and PD-1 inhibitor is a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of advanced HCC. This is the first article reporting the complete response to regorafenib combination therapy with PD-1inhibitor for sorafenib-regractory HCC.
Prevalence and Genotypic Characterization of Hbv In Hiv- Infected Patients From Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Modise Lorato Mosetsanagape
Published: July 2020

Introduction: The co-infection of HIV with HBV is very common due to shared mode of transmission. HBV/HIV co-infection impact on low HBeAg expression, high HBV replication, causes progressive liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer and high mortality. Co-infection may lead to cross-resistance of HBV and HIV drugs due to drug-related immune therapeutic pressure or hepatotoxicity. These challenges necessitate continuous surveillance for HBV among HIV infected individuals to aid patient treatment management. Hence we conducted this study to characterise HBV among HIV infected patients in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal of South Africa. Methods: Serum was screened for HBsAg using ELISA, followed by DNA extraction from all samples. Genotyping of HBV was done through PCR amplification, Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Of the 50 samples in this study 100% (n = 50/50) were HBsAg positive. HBV/HIV co-infection was 82% (n = 41/50) based on PCR amplification of the HBV partial surface gene and 63% (n = 26/41) of the amplicons were successfully sequenced. Phylogenetic and sequence analyses identified patients nucleotide sequence as genotype A. Mutations prevalence in the HBsAg region was 43% (n = 18/26); including mutations associated with diagnostic failure (K122R and T143S) and 7 vaccines escape mutations (P127T, G145R, S207N, Y200T, E164D, Y206H and L209V). Mutations were determined within the polymerase region of HBV and the amino acid substitutions were identified at 54% (14/26) in different positions within the reverse transcriptase (RT) region The prevalence of mutations associated with drug resistance was 43% (n = 6/14) within the RT region. Drug resistance mutations was 67% (n = 4/6) for both lamivudine (LMV) and telbivudine (LdT) resistance, 17% (n = 1/6) for entecavir (ETV) and 33% (n = 2/6) for adefovir (ADV) resistance. Mutations causing resistance to lamivudine and telbivudine were M204V, L180M, V163I, and S202K; with S202K also causing resistance to entecavir and adefovir resistance mutation were I253Y and M250I. Multiple drug resistance mutations within a single sample contained L180M, M204V, S202K and M250I mutations. Conclusion: This study shows the predominance of HBV genotype A in HIV-infected patients and the HBV mutations present in HBV/HIV co-infected individuals. HBV mutations associated with drug resistance suggest the need for continuous HBV screening and use of tenofovir ART regimen among HBV/HIV co-infected individuals.
Engaging Patients and Family Members to Design and Implement Patient-Centered Kidney Disease Research
Authors: Browne Teri , Swoboda Amy , Ephraim Patti L. , Lang-Lindsey Katina , Green Jamie A. , Hill-Briggs Felicia , Jackson George L. , Ruff Suzanne , Schmidt Lana , Woods Peter , Danielson Patty , Bolden Shakur , Bankes Brian , Hauer Chelsie , Strigo Tara , Boulware L. Ebony
Published: July 2020

Background: This article describes a method for successful engagement of patients and family members in a 5-year comparative effectiveness research trial to improve transitions of care for patients from chronic kidney disease to end-stage kidney disease.Methods: This project utilized the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute's conceptual model for engagement with patients and family members. We conducted a qualitative analysis of grant planning meetings to determine our patient and family member Co-Investigators' priorities for research and to include these engagement efforts in the research design. Patient and family member Co-Investigators partnered in writing this paper.Results: Patients and family members were successfully engaged in remote and in-person meetings to contribute actively to research planning and implementation stages. Three patient-centered themes emerged from our data related to engagement that informed our research plan: kidney disease treatment decision-making, care transitions from chronic to end-stage kidney disease, and patient-centered outcomes. Conclusions: The model we have employed represents a new paradigm for kidney disease research in the United States, with patients and family members engaged as full research partners. As a result, the study tests an intervention that directly responds to their needs, and it prioritizes the collection of outcomes data most relevant to patient and family member Co-Investigators.Trial registration: Clinical Trials.gov, NCT02722382. Registered 30 March 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02722382?term=NCT02722382&draw=2&rank=1
Mechanical Loading Prevents Obesity-Associated Bone Loss by Maintaining the Balance between Adipocytes and Osteoblasts
Authors: Li Xinle , Li Jie , Liu Daquan , Wang Keyu , Yokota Hiroki , Zhang Ping
Published: July 2020

Background: Globally increasing obesity is closely linked to bone homeostasis. Maintaining the balance between differentiate of adipocytes and osteoblasts from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is important for bone homeostasis. While mechanical loading has been shown to improve bone remodeling by promoting osteoblast differentiation, little is known about its effects on obesity-associated bone loss. Methods: Using obese mice induced by high-fat diet and ovariectomy (OVX), the effects of mechanical loading in a form of knee loading (1 N, 5 Hz, 6 min/day) was applied with for 4 weeks. The mice were sorted into five groups: standard diet control (SC), high-fat diet control (HF), HF and loading (HFL), HF and ovariectomy (HO), and HO and loading (HOL). Femurs were harvested for histomorphometry analysis. Bone marrow-derived cells were isolated to examine the banlance between differentiation of adipocytes and osteoblasts. Immunohistochemical analyses and Western blotting analyses were performed to evaluate markers for adipocytes, osteoblasts, and Wnt signaling.Results: High-fat diet presented higher body weight, body fat, and body mass index (BMI), as well as bone loss than standard diet, and the detrimental changes in OVX mice were even higher. The daily application of knee loading significantly decreased BMI, the numbers and perimeter of adipocytes, and the differentiation of adipocytes. The expression of C/EBPα and PPARγ were suppressed by knee loading. The loaded group also presented a significant increase in bone mineral density and contents, and the circumference of trabecular bone. Regarding osteoblasts, knee loading enhanced the number of osteoblasts on bone surface, differentiation of osteoblasts, and the level of Runx2 and ALP. Furthermore, Wnt signaling involved in the effect of knee loading on attenuating obesity-induced bone loss. Conclusions: This study supported evidence that knee loading offers a new therapeutic option to prevent obesity-related bone loss by altering the balance between adipocytes and osteoblasts in the bone marrow, and the effect is associated with Wnt signaling.
Impaired Skeletal Muscle Regeneration Induced by Macrophage Depletion could not be Improved by IGF-1 Injection
Authors: Zeng Zhigang , Liu Xiaoguang , Zhao Linlin , Zheng Lifang , Zhou Yongzhan , Chen Peijie , Xiao Weihua
Published: July 2020

Background: Our previous study found that the depletion of macrophages led to the downregulation of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and impaired muscle regeneration after contusion. It was speculated that IGF-1 injection might improve the muscle repair impairment induced by macrophage depletion. Therefore, we explored whether injected IGF-1 plays an important role in improving impaired muscle repair. Methods: Animal models of muscle contusion and macrophage depletion with and without IGF-1 injection were established with gastrocnemius muscles in mice. Comprehensive histomorphological and genetic analyses were performed on the contused muscles after macrophage depletion and IGF-1 injection. Results: IGF-1 injection could promote the partial recovery of macrophage subpopulations (CD206) and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin -1 (Angpt-1) after macrophage depletion. However, after IGF-1 injection, the levels of regenerative myofibers and fibrosis, as well as the levels of proinflammatory macrophages (CD68) and the expression of muscle differentiation factor (MyoD), myogenin, VEGF and Angpt-1 still did not return to the levels found after simple muscle contusion in the late stage of repair. Conclusions: These results suggest that IGF-1 injection did not improve the impaired regeneration and repair of contused muscles induced by macrophage depletion.
Effect of Warm-Needling Acupuncture in Overweight and Obese Adults: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: YAO Junpeng , Chen Liping , Zheng Hui , Zhang Lin , Li Ying
Published: July 2020

Background: Overweight and obesity are chronic metabolic diseases characterized by abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. Warm-needling acupuncture (WNA), which combines the characteristics of acupuncture and moxibustion, has been commonly used to manage obesity with reasonable weight control in recent years. Therefore, our objective is to systematically appraise the efficacy and safety of WNA for overweight and obesity.Methods: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (via PubMed), Excerpt Medica Database (EMBASE), ALT HealthWatch, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Wanfang Data, and grey literature (trial registries, conference proceedings and academic degree dissertations) will be searched for the identification of articles. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving WNA independently or as an adjunct to other active therapies, compared with the same therapies alone, will be included. The principal outcome will be the difference in BMI from baseline to the end of studies. Secondary outcomes include the change of weight, waist circumference, percentage of body fat, serum lipid before and after treatment. The severity and incidence of adverse events will be measured as the safety assessment. Study selection, data extraction, and assessment of risk of bias will be performed independently by two reviewers. A third reviewer will resolve and determine disagreements. The Review Manager software (V.5.3.5) and Stata software (V.14.0) will be used for data synthesis. Furthermore, the quality of the evidence for the results will be described according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system (GRADE) with GRADEprofiler software (V.3.6.1).Discussion: This is the first systematic review to evaluate the effect of WNA in the management of obesity. This program will provide a high-quality synthesis of the current evidence to identify whether WNA is an effective therapeutic approach for overweight and obesity.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42019146380.
Characterization and Outcomes of ARDS secondary to pneumonia in patients with and without SARS-CoV-2: A single center experience
Authors: Mahida Rahul Y. , Chotalia Minesh , Alderman Joseph , Patel Chhaya , Hayden Amber , Desai Ruchi , Beesley Emily , Crowley Louise E. , Bangash Mansoor N. , Parekh Dhruv , Patel Jaimin M. , Thickett David R.
Published: July 2020

ARDS is the major cause of mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. We report a single-centre study comparing the characteristics of ARDS patients with and without SARS-CoV-2. A greater proportion of SARS-CoV-2 patients were from an Asian ethnic group (p=0.002). SARS-CoV-2 patients had lower circulating leukocytes, neutrophils and monocytes (p<0.0001), but higher CRP (p=0.016) on ICU admission. SARS-CoV-2 patients required a longer duration of mechanical ventilation (p=0.01), but had lower vasopressor requirements (p=0.016). While the clinical syndromes of SARS-CoV-2 and CAP-ARDS are similar, the dysregulated inflammation observed in SARS-CoV-2 may contribute to the increased duration of respiratory failure.
Community Health Workers for Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Rawal Lal , Jubayer Shamim , Choudhury Shohel R , Islam Sheikh Mohammad Shariful , Abdullah Abu
Published: July 2020

Objective: To examine the barriers and facilitators to engaging Community Health Workers (CHWs) for Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) prevention and control in Bangladesh.Design: We used multipronged approaches, including a. Situation analyses using a literature review, key personnel and stakeholders’ meetings, and exploratory studies. A grounded theory approach was used for qualitative data collection, and data were analysed thematically.Setting: Data were collected from health facilities across three districts in Bangladesh, and two stakeholder consultative meetings were conducted at the central level.Participants: We conducted in-depth interviews with CHWs (Health Inspector; Community Health Care Provider; Health Assistant and Health Supervisor) (n=4); key informant interviews with central level health policymakers/ managers (n=15) and focus group discussions with CHWs (4 FGDs; total n=29). Participants in a stakeholder consultative meeting included members from the government (n=4), non-government organisations (n=2), private sector (n=1) and universities (n=2).Results: The CHWs in Bangladesh deliver a wide range of public health programs. They also provide several NCDs specific services, including screening, provisional diagnosis, and health education and counselling for common NCDs, dispatching of basic medications, and referral to relevant health facilities. These services are being delivered from the sub-district health facility, community clinics and urban health clinics. The participants identified key challenges and barriers, which include lack of NCD specific guidelines, inadequate training, excessive workload, inadequate systems-level support, and lack of logistics supplies and drugs. The facilitating factors to engage CHWs included government commitment and program priority, development of NCD related policies and strategies, the establishment of NCD corners, community support systems, social recognition and staff motivation.Conclusion: Engaging CHWs has been a key driver to NCDs services delivery in Bangladesh. However, there is a need for capacity building of CHWs, systems-level support and maximizing CHWs engagement to prevention and control of NCDs in Bangladesh.
Estimating the reproduction number and forecasting the impact of COVID-19 in Kuwait using a modified compartmental epidemiological model
Authors: AlHamli Mohammad
Published: July 2020

A modified compartmental epidemic model was developed to simulate the state of Kuwait protocol in fighting COVID-19 pandemic. The next generation matrix method was used to drive an expression for the basic reproduction number, R0. Basic and effective reproduction numbers were calculated using data from the intrinsic growth rate of the confirmed COVID-19 cases. R0 was found to be 2.18. Three scenarios that varied by effective reproduction number were used to estimate the future course of the disease: a high value of R = 1.98, a middle value of R = 1.62, and a low value of R = 1.2. The maximum number of beds required in general hospitals in each scenario were estimated at 141 184, 85 341, and 16 412, respectively. For intensive care units, the estimated numbers of beds required were 16 461, 9 645, and 1788. Maximum deaths also varied and were estimated to be 29 202, 23 973, and 11 565. For the maximum value of R, it is estimated to peak on August 27, 2020. For the middle value of R, it is estimated to peak on September 20, 2020. For the minimum value of R, it is estimated to peak on December 21, 2020.
MMP1 and MMP11 expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells upon their interaction with Breast Cancer Cells and Fibroblasts
Authors: Eiro Noemi , Cid Sandra , Aguado Nuria , Fraile María , Cabrera Jorge Rubén , Fernández Berta , Domínguez Francisco , González Luis O , Vizoso Francisco J
Published: July 2020

Background: Tumor-infiltrating immune cells phenotype is associated with tumor progression. However, little is known about the phenotype of the Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) from breast cancer patients. Here, we investigated the expression of MMP1 and MMP11 in PBMC from breast cancer patients and we analyzed gene expression changes upon their interaction with cancer cells and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAF). Finally, we measured the impact of PBMC in proinflammatory genes expression in normal fibroblast and CAF.Results: Gene expression of MMP1 and MMP11 in PBMC from breast cancer patients (n=54) and control (n=28), and expression of IL1A, IL6, IL17, IFNβ and NFB in breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231), CAF and in Normal Fibroblasts (NF) were analyzed by qRT-PCR before and after co-culture. Our results show the existence of a group of breast cancer patients (25.9%) with very high levels of MMP11 gene expression in PBMC. Also, we present evidence of increased gene expression of MMP1 and MMP11 in PBMC after co-culture with breast cancer cell lines, NF or CAF. Finally, we show a differential expression profile of inflammatory genes in NF and CAF when co-cultured with control or breast cancer PBMC.Conclusions: We have observed that MMPs expression in PBMC is regulated by the microenvironment, while the expression of inflammatory genes in NF or CAF is differentially regulated by control or breast cancer PBMC. These findings confirm the importance of the interaction and communication between stromal cells and suggest that PBMC would play a role to promote an aggressive tumor behavior.
Selection of watermelon accessions for resistance to some important potyvirus species based on serological evaluation
Authors: Silva Gerffeson Thiago Mota de Almeida , Lima José Albérsio de Araújo , Barbosa Graziela da Silva , Souza Ênio Gomes Flôr , Oliveira Giordanio Bruno Silva , Queiróz Manoel Abilio de , Silveira Lindomar Maria da , Nascimento Aline Kelly Queiróz do , Júnior Aurélio Paes Barros
Published: July 2020

We used 19 genotypes (plus controls) of watermelon from the collection of Cucurbitaceas germplasm of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid to select watermelon plants resistant to Papaya ringspot virus “type Watermelon” (PRSV-W), Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV). Twenty individual plants were tested for each genotype/accession. Three controls were also used (3 genotypes). Evaluations were performed under greenhouse in a completely randomized design with five replications. The first inoculation was performed on the seedlings before the appearance of the first definitive leaf. From each accession (genotype) 20 different individual plants were inoculated with the three viruses. The inoculum was prepared by infected leaf tissue. The viral suspension and gauze soaked in extract were wiped on the surface of the leaves. Ten days later, the symptom assessment was performed. Subsequently, the plants were individually tested against the specific viruses using indirect ELISA. ELISA negative plants were submitted to a second inoculation under greenhouse, as described for the first inoculation. Ten days after new inoculation, new symptomatological evaluations and serological tests were performed to confirm the resistance of the plants. Plants that were negative by ELISA were tested by RT-PCR for confirmation of resistance. Resistance to the three viruses was verified individually in several tested genotypes. We found resistance to the three viruses tested, but in different plant individuals, where 16 individual plants were WMV-resistant, 26 PRSV-W resistant and 30 ZYMV-resistant. These plants can be used to develop homozygous lines for resistance to the virus studied.
Micrometeorological methods to estimate sugarcane evapotranspiration in coastal northeastern region of Brazil
Authors: Rocha Adolpho Emanuel Quintela da , Souza José Leonaldo de , Lyra Guilherme Bastos , Junior Ricardo Araújo Ferreira , Lyra Gustavo Bastos , Endres Laurício , Santos Marshall Victor Chagas
Published: July 2020

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the performance of Bowen ratio-energy balance method, as well as the energy balance closure by Eddy covariance technique for a sugarcane crop in Brazilian northeastern region. Micrometeorological measurements were carried out between June 7th and November 17th, 2013. Latent and sensible heat fluxes were determined through Eddy covariance technique (EC) and by the Bowen ratio-energy balance method (BREB), considering two approaches. The first, estimated the air temperature and water vapour pressure gradient in two levels above the canopy. The second method measured the air temperature and water vapour pressure at the first level and the surface temperature from radiometric measurements. Latent heat flux was also estimated as energy balance residue from determinations of the sensible heat flux by Eddy covariance. The degree of energy balance closure was dependent on the time of the day considered. Bowen ratio - energy balance estimated from the first approach, showed the best agreement with the eddy covariance measurements to estimate latent heat flux, while in the second case, when the Bowen ratio was estimated using the surface temperature, the linear relationship was the most discrepant. Therefore, the Bowen ratio conventional method is more suitable for estimating latent heat flux in sugarcane.
Spatial-temporal dynamics of biome Cerrado using different vegetation indexes
Authors: José Jefferson Vieira , Oliveira Niclene Ponce Rodrigues de , Silva Tonny Jose de Araújo da , Silva Edna Maria Bonfim , Costa Jéfferson de Oliveira , Sousa Helon Hébano de Freitas
Published: July 2020

The Cerrado ranks among the major biomes in Brazil and its vegetation can now be monitored through remote sensing, although environmental factors can affect the use of this technique. Thus, the possibility of conducting a study in a region with negligible anthropogenic intrusion may become a potential reference work in controlling the spatio-temporal alterations occurring in the Cerrado biome. This study aimed at assessing the spatio-temporal dynamics of the Brazilian Cerrado biome at different seasons of the year (wet and dry), employing various vegetation indices (NDVI, SAVI, EVI and LAI) drawn from the LANDSAT satellite images 8. The study itself was conducted in the Tadarimana Indigenous reserve situated in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Extending across an area of 9952 hectares, the predominant vegetation cover in this reserve include the Savanna-Seasonal Contact (84.78%) and Savanna (15.22%). The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the best characterization of the vegetation was identified in the regions where higher variability was observed in the responses of the vegetation indices. The LAI revealed the best performance when the spatio-temporal dynamics of the Brazilian Cerrado biome was assessed. The wet season displayed the highest values among the different vegetation indices, despite the variances.