bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Natural Course of Hereditary Angioedema in a Chinese Cohort
Authors: Cao Yang , Liu Shuang , Zhi Yuxiang
Published: May 2020

Background
Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare disease with potential life-threatening risks. Until now, few studies have focused on the natural course of HAE, which is essential for practitioners and patients to predict disease progression and avoid possible risk factors.
Objectives
Describe the natural course of HAE and explore possible risk factors, providing new clues for guiding clinical prevention and treatment.
Methods
A web-based survey was conducted in 103 Chinese patients with type 1 HAE. Disease progression under therapy-free conditions was collected at different age stages. The demographic characteristics, lifestyles, disease severity and family history were also provided by each participant.
Results
Among 103 patients, 14 (13.6%) had their first HAE attack before ten years old and 51 (49.5%) between 10 and 19. The disease worsened in 83.3% of the patients in their twenties. The proportion of patients with symptoms alleviated increased after the age of 30 years old, but the disease maintained relatively severe in most cases before 50. The participants also reported 233 members shared similar symptoms of angioedema in their family and 30 had died of laryngeal edema with the median death age of 46 years old. The disease severity was not observed to be affected significantly by gender, BMI, alcohol or smoking.
Conclusions
We summarized HAE progression patterns in therapy-free conditions, showing the natural course of disease development along with aging. Long-term prophylaxis and symptomatic treatment are recommended for all HAE patients, especially young and middle-aged and might be adjusted depending on the disease progression.
Mutation screening and burden analysis of GLT8D1 in Chinese patients with ALS
Authors: Cao Bei , Gu Xiaojing , Wei Qianqian , Li Chunyu , Chen Yongping , Ou Ruwei , Hou Yanbing , Zhang Lingyu , Li Tao , Song Wei , Zhao Bi , Wu Ying , Chen Xueping , Shang Huifang
Published: May 2020

Objective Glycosyltransfersase 8 domain containing 1 ( GLT8D1 ) gene was identified to be an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) causative gene via pedigree co-segregation and burden analysis. However, validations based on large cohort of ALS among different ethnic population are essential. We aimed to systematically screen all exons of GLT8D1 in a large cohort of Chinese ALS patients, study the genotype-phenotype correlation and explore the role of rare variants of GLT8D1 in ALS.Methods A total of 977 sporadic ALS (sALS) and 47 familial ALS (fALS) cases underwent whole exome sequencing. Rare variants with MAF<0.1% in GLT8D1 were analyzed. Moreover, by using the controls from gnomAD database, rare variants were included in the burden analysis via 5 different algorithms.Results We identified 1 likely pathogenic variant in the exon 4 of GLT8D1 in a fALS case and validated within the pedigree. Moreover, 3 variant of uncertain significance (VUS) in 4 patients among the 977 sALS cases 1 VUS in 1 case among the 47 fALS cases were also identified. Furthermore, in the burden analysis, there were no significant enrichment of rare variants of GLT8D1 in the whole gene level or exon 4 exclusively among Chinese patients with sALS.Conclusion Cosegregation findings in our study further supported the pathogenic role of GLT8D1 in fALS. However, no pathogenic mutation was identified in the sALS patients, and rare variants were not enriched in the whole gene level or exon 4 of GLT8D1 among sALS patients, both of which suggested that the GLT8D1 may not play a role in Chinese patients with sALS.
Clinical presentation and visual outcome of broomstick ocular injury in 120 eyes of children at a tertiary eye care in India
Authors: Gupta Abhishek , Singh Prabhakar , Gupta Richa , Bhushan Vidya , Sinha Shivani , Sinha Bibhuti Prasann
Published: May 2020

Background

Eye injuries are a serious health problem globally. Ocular trauma accounts for 5% of blindness cases. In India broomstick injury is very common. But only few studies are published regarding the nature and outcome of broomstick ocular injuries. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency, mode of presentation, complications and surgical results with a view to offering solutions to reduce this trend.
Methods

This retrospective study was conducted at Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Patna. The records of all patients presenting to the Eye OPD and Emergency clinic with ocular trauma from broomstick injury between March2017 and April 2020 were reviewed. A total of 120 cases were identified. Patient’s age, gender, interval between injury and presentation to eye OPD, mechanism of injury, activity at time of injury, visual acuity at presentation, anterior and posterior segment findings, diagnosis, complications, treatments offered and follow-up events were documented. Data were analysed statistically.
Results

The mean age of presentation was 8.10 ± 4.93 years. All were children < 15 years old. 80% patients sustained trauma from broomstick shot as an arrow. 70% had presenting vision < Hand movement. 90% of the cases were open globe injuries. Most of them had multiple complications such as corneal perforation (80%), traumatic cataract (27%), endophthalmitis (68%), retinal detachment (12.5%), panophthalmitis 8 (7%) and orbital cellulitis (6%). Culture was positive in 20%. Pseudomonas aeuroginosa was the most common organism isolated. Therapeutic vitrectomy was performed in 67% eyes. Only 12% eyes gained ambulatory vision (VA > 3/60) after vitrectomy.
Conclusion

Broomstick shot as an arrow causes devastating and multiple complications resulting in rapid and immediate loss of vision. Overall prognosis is bad and early presentation to the hospital does not appear to improve the prognosis. Such injuries often affect younger, male children. Primary prevention is the only way to control blindness occurring from such injuries. Primary health education should be given in school to highlight these risk factors.
Alcohol Drinking as a Mediator of the Influence of Smoking Prevalence on Second-Hand Smoke Exposure in Workplaces: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: LIN Haoxiang , Chang Chun , LIU Zhao
Published: May 2020

Objective: Both alcohol drinking and second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure have shown a strong association with smoking behaviour. This study uses mediation analysis to clarify the process underlying the relationship between smoking prevalence and SHS exposure and the extent to which this relationship is mediated by alcohol use in the workplace.Method: A total of 14195 employees from 81 companies in China participated in this survey. Mediation analysis was used to establish the mediation effect of alcohol drinking. Structural equation modelling（SEM） was used to evaluate the role of alcohol drinking when a smoke-free (SF) workplace policy was imposed.Results: For males, approximately 6.3% of the effects on SHS exposure were mediated through the channel of alcohol use. For females, this channel mediated 14.1% of the total effects. SF policy was negatively associated with smoking prevalence and SHS exposure. The indirect effect of the SF policy on reducing SHS exposure by controlling smoking behaviour was significant. For smokers, worksite smoking bans were negatively associated with the smoking amount and drinking behaviour, and the indirect effect of this policy on promoting smokers’ intention to quit by reducing the smoking amount and controlling drinking behaviour was significant.Conclusion: This study confirmed that alcohol drinking is among the channels that mediate the association between smoking prevalence and SHS exposure in workplaces. Our results also find a spillover effect of SF workplace policy and call for effective interventions for alcohol use, which may influence the outcomes of SF policy implementation.
Activated microglia-induced neuroinflammatory cytokines lead to photoreceptor apoptosis in age-related macular degeneration-like mice model
Authors: Wu Jing , Gao Ge , Shi Fanjun , Zhang Chaoyang , Xie Hai , Yang Qian , Liu Dandan , Qu Sichang , Qin Haifeng , Xu Guo-Tong , Liu Fang , Zhang Jingfa
Published: May 2020

Background

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is mainly characterized by progressive deposits of drusen and photoreceptor apoptosis. Due to amyloid β (Aβ) is the main component of drusen, there is a great possibility that Aβ-induced activated microglia leads to inflammation, and plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of AMD. However, the relationship between activated microglia-mediated neuroinflammatory cytokines and photoreceptor apoptosis still remains unclarified.
Results

In this study, we demonstrated that subretinal injection of Aβ1−42 induced the microglia activation and increased inflammatory cytokines, gave rise to photoreceptor apoptosis in mice. Our results were verified in vitro by co-culture of Aβ1−42 activated primary microglia and photoreceptor cell line 661W, and we also performed that p38 MAPK signaling pathway was involved in Aβ1−42 induced microglia activation and inflammatory cytokines release.
Conclusions

Overall, our findings indicated that activated microglia-mediated neuroinflammatory cytokines contributed to photoreceptor apoptosis under the stimulation of Aβ1−42. Moreover, this study will provide a potential preventive and therapeutic approach for AMD treatment.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Paragonimus species isolated from freshwater crabs in Yunnan, China.
Authors: Shu Qiu-Hong , Li Shu-De , Tian Ming , Bai Wen-Wei , Meng Yong , He Shu-Mei-Qi , Su Hui , Wang Miao-Miao , Wang Wenlin
Published: May 2020

Background

Paragonimus species are highly prevalent in ethnic minority areas of Yunnan, China. The objective of the study is to isolate and identify Paragonimus from natural habitat and compare the phylogenetic diversity of Paragonimus in Yunnan province, China.
Methods

Metacercariae of Paragonimus was isolated from crabs and morphologic identification was performed by microscopy. Metacercariae were injected into experimental Paragonimus free Sprague Dawley rats. After 112 days, adult worms and eggs were isolated from multiple organs. Morphologic identification confirmed the initial identification. DNA was extracted from the adult worms and molecular characterization was performed by amplification and sequencing of CO1 and ITS2 regions followed by phylogenetic analysis.
Results

Out of 447 crabs captured, 186 crabs were found to be infected. A total of 5 occurrences of Paragonimus was observed from naturally infected crabs. Paragonimus microrchis (2), P,heterotremus (1), P.proliferus (1) and P.skrjabini (1) were isolated and identified. A total of 32 sequences downloaded from national center for biotechnology information and 5 sequences generated in the study was used for phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed robustness of the double loci method as against the single locus method with either CO1 or ITS2 alone. Considerable phylogenetic diversity depending on the geographic location was observed.
Conclusion

Paragonimus species isolated from Yunnan province, China were phylogenetically diverse and the analysis revealed the clustering of multiple species of Paragonimus isolated from different geographic locations.
Identification of grapevine(Vitis vinifera L.)cultivars by vine leaf image via deep learning and mobile devices
Authors: Liu Yixue , Su Jinya , Xu Guoqian , Fang Yulin , Liu Fei , Su Baofeng
Published: May 2020

Background Traditional vine variety identification methods usually rely on destructive sampling of vine leaves followed by physical, physiological, biochemical and molecular measurement, which is destructive, time-consuming, labor-intensive and requires experienced grape phenotype analysts. To mitigate these problems, this study aims to develop an application (App) running on Android client to identify wine grape automatically and in real time, which can help the growers to quickly obtain the variety information. Results Experimental results show that all Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) classification algorithms can achieve an accuracy of over 94% for 21 categories on validation data, which proves the feasibility of using transfer learning to identify grape species in field environments. In particular, the classification model with the highest average accuracy is Googlenet (97.4%) with learning rate (0.001), mini-batch size (32) and maximum number of epochs (80). Testing results of the App on Android device also confirms these results. Conclusions An App running on Android client is developed to identify the wine grape in real time and field condition, which can help the growers to quickly obtain the variety information of wine grape. A total of 4200 leaf images were first collected in the field environment, which contain 21 types of typical grapes. Then both image complement preprocessing and data augmentation are adopted to enhance image features and augment the training dataset. On this basis, a number of typical CNN models (including VGG-16, DenseNet, ResNet101, ResNet18, and GoogLeNet) are compared in transfer learning training to identify the suitable one while with model parameter tuning. It is shown that GoogLeNet model outperformed other models in terms of accuracy, model complexity, and robustness with a fine-tuned accuracy of 99.91%. The effect of image complement preprocessing is also assessed by using Grad-CAM algorithm. The developed App is also shown to be feasible for real-life applications with a processing time of less than 1 second.
Health Related Quality of Life in Patients with Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture
Authors: Jeong Je Hoon , Jo Min-Woo , Chin Dong Kyu , Son Woo-Seung , Ock Minsu , Lee Jung-Kil
Published: May 2020

Background. This study aims to examine the validity of European quality of life-5 dimensions, 3-level version (EQ-5D-3L) on patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures and compare health related quality of life (QOL) of these patients with them of general population in Korea. Methods. Totally, 163 patients with osteoporotic fractures in any vertebrae from outpatient clinics of multiple hospitals. After informed consents, study participants administered general and clinical information including sex, age, fracture site, and fracture age. Then they filled up several questionnaires such as EQ-5D-3L, 12-item short form health survey version 2.0 (SF-12v2), Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RMQ) and Pain numeric rating scale (PAIN NRS). To examine the discriminant and convergent validity of EQ-5D-3L, Spearman's correlation analyses among the questionnaires were conducted. Also, PAIN NRS, physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) from SF-12v2 and RMQ scores were compared on problems reporting of each dimension of EQ-5D-3L. Finally, results in EQ-5D-3L from study participants were compared with those things from the comparison group of general populations which were match-sampled according to age and sex from the 2013 Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. Results. Spearman's correlation coefficients among EQ-5D-3L and PAIN NRS, SF-12v2, and RMQ were mostly statistically significant. The coefficients between the relevant dimensions such as mobility of EQ-5D-3L and physical functioning of SF-12v2were higher than coefficients between the irrelevant ones. Study participants reporting problems in each dimension of EQ-5D-3L showed lower scores on PAIN NRS, PCS and MCS from SF-12v2 and RMQ scores and those were statistically significant. For comparisons with the general populations, problems reporting in the patient group were statistically higher than those things from the general people. Conclusions. This study showed that EQ-5D-3L could be valid to measure a health related QOL of patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures in Korea.
Exposure to particulate matter and life loss from traveling by four different common commuting modes
Authors: Zheng Jinlong , Qiu Zhaowen
Published: May 2020

Objective

Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) has an adverse effect on commuters. The primary aim of this article was to make a comparison of PM exposure among four common transportation modes, analyze various influencing factors for specific modes, and evaluate public health effects caused by commuting exposure.
Method:

The experimental database was integrated for the four modes’ 336 trips and 13 volunteers’ heart-rate data. Basic descriptive statistics were used to compare PM exposure levels, and multivariable linear regression model and Spearman correlation analysis were adopted to explore major influences on pollution concentration among the different modes. In human health evaluations, the inhalation dose model and life table method were employed to obtain inhaled dose and years of life expectancy loss (YLE).
Results

The results indicated that higher PM exposure was found in cycling (average PM10, PM2.5 and PM1.0 of 114.35, 72.37 and 56.51 µg/m3, respectively), followed by bus (116.29, 67.60 and 51.12 µg/m3 for the same pollutants, respectively), and then taxi (97.61, 58.87 and 45.11 µg/m3), and the lowest concentrations appeared in subways (55.86, 46.20 and 40.20 µg/m3). Background pollution concentration and relative humidity were the staple determining factors on PM exposure according to the analysis outcomes. The greatest YLE loss was found for cycling, and could result in per capita 5.51–6.43 months of life expectancy loss for the 15–64 age group.
Conclusions

Given the higher average PM concentration for cycling, substituting other modes (like subway) for cycling could reduce adverse health effects during severely polluted periods, before the completion of local dedicated infrastructure projects that might reduce bicyclists’ exposure. PM2.5 levels in taxi cabins were decreased greatly when the vehicles were powered by CNG or methanol as compared to traditional fuels, indicating that implementing energy structure strategies such as vigorously promoting clean energy could effectively reduce pollution emissions and residents’ exposure.
Body Composition and Risk of Non- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; A Case Control Study
Authors: Pasdar Yahya , Moradinazar Mehdi , Moradi Shima , moradi sara , Moludi Jalal , Marzbani Behjat
Published: May 2020

Background: While evidence has been highlight that obesity may be associated to the increased incidence of Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), these data have depended on defective measures of obesity such as body mass index (BMI), and usually have not clearly well-known relationship between body composition (including fat within the nonfat mass) with NAFLAD. Methods: In a case control study of people aged 20–75 years, we directly measured body composition (using bioelectrical impedance analysis), height, weight and waist and hip circumferences who referred to radiology clinics in Kermanshah, Iran. Dietary intake was assessed by the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Results: Among 231 people examined, 103 cases with NAFLD and 119 as control were established. The risk of NAFLD was positively associated with higher BMI and the components of the body composition. These associations were strengthened after adjusted for potential confounders including gender, age, marital status, education, smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity Conclusion: An increasing prevalence of obesity may be associated with the increasing incidence of NAFLD as observed in many populations. We observed an increased risk of NAFLD associated with increased BMI, central adiposity and the fat component of weight, but found no association with nonfat mass.
Effects of Electrokinetics on Arsenic Mobility and Accumulation in Mott Dwarf Napier Grass for Treatment of Mine Tailings
Authors: Wanitsawatwichai Kitsadee , Sampanpanish Pantawat
Published: May 2020

This research firstly aimed to study the potential of electrokinetics (EK) on arsenic (As) mobility in gelatin (agar) medium with different containers (spherical or rectangular), electrodes (graphite or stainless-steel grade 316L), and applied electric field (0, 1, and 2 V cm− 1) by dividing the area into nine parts to ascertain the As movement (horizontally and vertically) after 72 h. Secondly, utilizing the optimal conditions for As mobility from the first part, to ascertain the effect of EK with Mott Dwarf Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) for the co-treatment of mine tailings at an applied electric field of 0, 1, 2, and 4 V cm− 1 to examine the As accumulation in the plants and mine tailings after 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, and 120 d. The results showed that As had the highest mobility in agar in the spherical container using graphite electrodes with an applied electric field of 2 V cm− 1. The areas around the cathodes had lower As levels than that around the anode, with a net movement from cathode to anode areas both horizontally and vertically. For the co-treatment of mine tailings with EK and P. purpureum cv. Mott cultivation, the applied electric field provided better As treatment results than without an electric field, and the plants accumulated As in their roots to a greater extent than in the stem and leaves. The highest As absorption capability in the roots of P. purpureum cv. Mott (7.69 ± 0.16 mg kg− 1) was obtained after 90 d with an applied electric field of 1 V cm− 1.
Influence of respiratory movement during regional nodal irradiation after mastectomy for breast cancer: an experimental study
Authors: Jeon Hosang , Ki Yongkan , Kim Dong Woon , Kim Wontaek , Nam Jiho , Kim Donghyun , Park Dahl , Joo Ji Hyeon
Published: May 2020

Background This study aimed to evaluate the dosimetric consequences of respiratory movement in postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) including internal mammary nodes (IMNs) between volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT).Methods An anthropomorphic phantom was used to mimic the chest anatomy of a patient who had undergone mastectomy. Two types of absorbed dose measurements were adopted; a radiochromic film was inserted into a gap between phantom slices at the level of the second IMN and three glass rod dosimeters were placed at the first IMN (IM), chest wall (CW), and left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Respiratory movements with amplitudes of 5 mm (R05) and 10 mm (R10) were simulated using a dynamic platform combined with a motorized jack. To evaluate dose errors caused by respiratory movement, the measured data in the presence and absence of respiratory movement were compared.Results At IM, dose errors were − 2.8% (R05) and − 6.2% (R10) for 3D-CRT and − 4.9% (R05) and − 8.5% (R10) for VMAT. The dose errors in CW were − 0.5% (R05) and − 6.0% (R10) for 3D-CRT and − 1.9% (R05) and − 5.3% (R10) for VMAT. The LAD doses showed very small absolute values. According to film measurements, dose errors of IMN were similar between 3D-CRT and VMAT, but the dose error of the lung was higher in 3D-CRT. The gamma pass rates of VMAT (97% at R05; 88% at R10) were higher than those of 3D-CRT (74% at R05; 59% at R10).Conclusions If the patient maintained shallow to normal breathing, PMRT including IMNs could be implemented with acceptable accuracy. In particular, it was possible to maintain the advantages of VMAT, which enabled high-target coverage and normal organ protection.
Analysis of Prognostic Risk Factors for Operative Common Peroneal Nerve: A Nest Case-Control Study
Authors: Liu Zhenhui , Yushan Maimaiaili , Liu Yanshi , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang
Published: May 2020

Background Common peroneal nerve (CPN) injury is one of the most common nerve injuries in the lower extremities and the motor functional recovery of injured common peroneal nerve (CPN) was often unsatisfactory, the mechanism of which is still controversial. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the factors associated with the neural recovery of injured CPN in patients undergoing surgical exploration of CPN.Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent neural exploration for injured CPN from 2009 to 2019. A total of 387 patients with postoperative follow-up more than 12 months were included in the final analysis. We used univariate logistics regression analyses to assess which explanatory variables are associated with recovery of neurological function. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine variables incorporated into clinical prediction model, developed a nomogram by the selected variables, and then assessed discrimination of the model by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results There were 67 patients divided into case group and 320 patients divided into control group. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found that city area (OR = 3.35), labor occupation (OR = 4.39), diabetes (OR = 11.68), cardiovascular disease (OR = 51.35), knee joint dislocation (OR = 14.91), proximal fibula fracture (OR = 3.32), tibial plateau fracture (OR = 9.21), vascular injury (OR = 5.37) and hip arthroplasty (OR = 75.96) injury increased the risk of poor motor functional recovery of injured CPN, while high preoperative muscle strength (OR = 0.18) and postoperative knee joint immobilization (OR = 0.11) decreased this risk of injured CPN. AUC of the nomogram was 0.904 and 95% CI was 0.863–0.946.Conclusions City area, labor occupation, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, knee joint dislocation, proximal fibula fracture, tibial plateau fracture, vascular injury and hip arthroplasty injury are independent risk factors of motor functional recovery of injured CPN, while high preoperative muscle strength and postoperative knee joint immobilization are protective factor of motor functional recovery of injured CPN. The prediction nomogram can be used to predict the prognosis of injured CPN.
Association of Oral Microbiota with Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Consumption and Oral Health Problems in School-Aged Children
Authors: Chen Xin , Hu Xiaoyan , Fang Jiao , Sun Xiaoyu , Zhu Fangfang , Sun Ying , Wang Yuanyin
Published: May 2020

Consumption of beverages is prevalent among children and adolescents, of which the most popular beverages were sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). There is evidence that common beverage consumption, like coffee and tea, is associated with oral ecosystem. However, little is known about the effect of SSBs on the composition and functional potential of childhood oral microbiota.To examine the associations between SSBs consumption with oral microbiota diversity among school-aged children.Data came from the fourth wave follow-up of an ongoing child growth and development cohort established in 2016. Oral microbiota in buccal cheek swab samples were collected from 180 children (78 boys and 112 girls, aged 11.33±0.55 years old) using 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Students’ questionnaire was used to collect SSB consumption. Oral health problems, such as dental caries, gingivitis, was examined by a professional dentist. Higher SSBs consumption (≥ 1 serving/week) was associated with lower oral microbiota richness and diversity. Children with higher SSBs consumption showed altered abundance of several oral microbiota at genus level, including increases in Streptococcus, Gemella, Neisseria,Capnocytophaga and Lautropia (and decreases in Fusobacterium, Lachnoanaerobaculum, Soonwooa, Tannerella and Moraxella (p< 0.05). Functional analysis illustrated that oral microbiota was more conducive to the pathway activated of lysine biosynthesis (p=0.045), protein export (p=0.020), D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism (p=0.013), as well as pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis (p=0.004) in children with higher SSBs intake. Our finding suggests that higher SSBs consumption may disturb oral microecology and reduce diversity and abundance of oral microbiota during childhood.
Exenatide Improves Endometrial Glands in PCOS Rats through AMPKα-SIRT1
Authors: He Junxian , Cai Lisi , Li Jing , Li Yunhui , Tao Xin , Zhang Yu
Published: May 2020

Exenatide can contribute to the therapeutic effect for PCOS patients in restoring menstrual cycles. To exploring endometrial tissue change in PCOS rats and the effects of exenatide on endometrial tissue, we carried out in vivo study of PCOS rat models. Method: PCOS rat models were obtained after DHEA treatment, and the corresponding parameters were measured to confirm the establishment of PCOS models. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was performed to observe endometrium morphological change, and western blot and RT-PCR were performed to identify the alteration AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPKα) and SIRT1 proteins and the relative expression of SIRT1 mRNA in endometrial cellular after the intervention of exenatide (EX). Results: The endometrium of PCOS rats appeared to not only the gland number increased but also the gland size enlarged. When the PCOS rats underwent EX treatment, the gland number decreased and the gland size narrowed, the expression of AMPKα and SIRT1 protein increased, and the expression of SIRT1 mRNA level augmented. Conclusion: EX could decrease gland number and narrow gland size in PCOS rat endometrium which may be partly via AMPKα-SIRT1 pathway.
Chromosomal Microarray Analysis of Fetuses with Nasal Bone Anomaly
Authors: Xie Xiaorui , Wu Xiaoqing , Su Linjuan , Cai Meiying , Li Ying , Huang Hailong , Xu Liangpu
Published: May 2020

Objective: To explore the significance and value of fetal nasal bone anomaly (absence or hypoplasia) as indications of prenatal diagnosis.Methods: A total of 102 fetuses diagnosed with nasal bone absence or hypoplasia by ultrasonography underwent chorionic, amniotic, or umbilical cord blood puncture. Single nucleotide polymorphism microarray (SNP-array) was used to analyze fetal chromosomes.Results: Of the 102 fetuses with nasal bone absence or hypoplasia, 25 (24.5%) had chromosomal abnormalities, including 15 cases of trisomy 21, one trisomy 18 case, and 9 cases of other copy number variations. Among the 52 cases with isolated nasal bone absence or hypoplasia, 7(13.5%) had chromosomal abnormalities. In 50 cases, abnormal nasal bone with additional soft markers or structural abnormalities was observed, while 18 cases (36.0%) had chromosomal abnormalities, which were significantly higher than that among the fetuses with isolated nasal bone abnormality.Conclusion: Fetal nasal bone absence or hypoplasia can be used as an indication for prenatal diagnosis. The detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities increases with additional soft markers or structural abnormalities. This study demonstrates that fetal nasal bone absence or hypoplasia is associated with micro-deletions or micro-duplications of chromosomes. Application of single nucleotide polymorphism microarray (SNP-array) technology can reduce the rate of missed prenatal diagnoses.
Spectrum of microarchitectural bone disease in inborn errors of metabolism: a cross-sectional, observational study
Authors: Sidhu Karamjot , Ali Bilal , Burt Lauren A , Boyd Steven K , Khan Aneal
Published: May 2020

Background
Patients diagnosed with inborn errors of metabolism (IBEM) often present with compromised bone health leading to low bone density, bone pain, fractures, and short stature. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the current gold standard for clinical assessment of bone in the general population and has been adopted for monitoring bone density in IBEM patients. However, IBEM patients are at greater risk for scoliosis, short stature and often have orthopedic hardware at standard DXA scan sites, limiting its use in these patients. Furthermore, DXA is limited to measuring areal bone mineral density (BMD), and does not provide information on microarchitecture.
Methods
In this study, microarchitecture was investigated in IBEM patients (n = 101) using a new three-dimensional imaging technology high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) which scans at the distal radius and distal tibia. Volumetric BMD and bone microarchitecture were computed and compared amongst the different IBEMs. For IBEM patients over 16 years-old (n = 67), HR-pQCT reference data was available and Z-scores were calculated.
Results
Cortical bone density was significantly lower in IBEMs associated with decreased bone mass when compared to lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) with no primary skeletal pathology at both the radius and tibia. Cortical thickness was also significantly lower in these disorders when compared to LSD with no primary skeletal pathology at the radius. Cortical porosity was significantly greater in hypophosphatasia when compared to all other IBEM subtypes.
Conclusion
We demonstrated compromised bone microarchitecture in IBEMs where there is primary involvement of the skeleton, as well as IBEMs where skeletal complications are a secondary outcome. In conclusion, our findings suggest HR-pQCT may serve as a valuable tool to monitor skeletal disease in the IBEM population, and provides insight to the greatly varying bone phenotype for this cohort that can be used for clinical monitoring and the assessment of response to therapeutic interventions.
Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Improve Cell Survival Rate and Reduce Oxidative Injury in Cryopreservation of Agapanthus Praecox Embryogenic Callus
Authors: Ren Li , Deng Shan , Chu Yunxia , Zhang Yiying , Zhao Hong , Chen Hairong , Zhang Di
Published: May 2020

Background: Cryopreservation is the best way for long-term preservation of plant germplasm resources. The preliminary studies found that ROS-induced oxidative stress and ice-induced membrane damage are the fundamental causes of cell death in cryopreserved samples. How to improve plant cryopreservation survival rate is an important scientific issue in the cryobiology field.Results: This study found that the survival rate was significantly improved by adding single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to plant vitrification solution (PVS) in cryopreservation of Agapanthus praecox embryogenic callus (EC), and analyzed the oxidative response of cells during the control and SWCNTs-added cryopreservation protocol. The SWCNTs entered EC at the step of dehydration, and mainly located around the cell wall and in the vesicles, and most of SWCNTs moved out of EC during dilution step. Combined with the physiological and quantitative gene expression results, SWCNTs affect ROS signal transduction and the antioxidant system in plant cryopreservation. The EC treated with SWCNTs exhibited higher antioxidant levels, including POD, CAT and GSH than the control group EC. EC mainly depended on AsA-GSH and GPX cycle to scavenge H2O2 in the control cryopreservation, but depended on CAT in the SWCNTs-added cryopreservation which lead to low levels of H2O2 and MDA. Elevated antioxidant status in dehydration by addition of SWCNTs enhanced cells resistance to cryoinjury. The ROS signals of EC were balanced and stable in the SWCNTs-added cryopreservation.Conclusions: SWCNTs regulated the oxidative stress response of EC during cryopreservation, and controlled cell oxidative damage via the maintenance of ROS homeostasis to achieve high survival rate after cryopreservation. This study is the first time to systematically describe the role of carbon nanomaterials in the regulation of plant oxidative stress response, and provided a novel insight into cell stress response mechanisms in cryopreservation.
Multispectral and X-ray Images for Characterization of Jatropha Curcas L. Seed Quality
Authors: Bianchini Vitor J , Mascarin Gabriel M , Silva Lúcia CAS , Arthur Valter , Carstensen Jean M , Boelt Birte , Silva Clíssia Barboza da
Published: May 2020

Background: Jatropha curcas is an oilseed plant with great potential for biodiesel production. In agricultural industry, the seed quality is still estimated by manual inspection, using destructive, time-consuming and subjective tests that depend on the seed analyst experience. Recent advances in machine vision combined with artificial intelligence algorithms can provide spatial and spectral information for characterization of biological images, reducing subjectivity and optimizing the analysis process.Results: We present a new method for automatic characterization of jatropha seed quality, based on multispectral imaging (MSI) combined with X-ray imaging. We propose an approach along with X-ray images in order to investigate internal problems such as damages in the embryonic axis and endosperm, considering the fact that seed surface profiles can be negatively affected, but without reaching important internal regions of the seeds. Our studies included the application of a normalized canonical discriminant analyses (nCDA) algorithm as a supervised transformation building method to classify spatial and spectral patters according to the classes of seed quality. Spectral reflectance signatures in a range of 780 to 970 nm and the X-ray images can efficiently predict quality traits such as normal seedlings, abnormal seedlings and dead seeds.Conclusions: MSI and X-ray images have a strong relationship with physiological performance of Jatropha curcas L. These techniques can be alternative methods for rapid, efficient, sustainable and non-destructive characterization of jatropha seed quality in the future, overcoming the intrinsic subjectivity of the conventional seed quality analysis.
Genetic Basis of Relationship Between Yield and its Component Traits in Rice Revealed by Genome-Wide Association and Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Su Jing , Xu Kai , Wu Chao , Li Zirong , Hu Zhongli , Zheng Xingfei , Song Sufeng , Tang Wenbang , Tang Zhonghai , Li Lanzhi
Published: May 2020

BackgroundRice yield has a complex genetic architecture, which mainly determined by its three component traits: the number of grains per panicle (GPP), kilo-grain weight (KGW) and tillers per plant (TP). Exploring ideotype breeding based on selection for genetically less complex component traits is an alternative route for further improving rice production. Thus, it is important that studying the genetic basis of relationship between rice yield and component traits and clarifying the effects of each component trait on yield. Main textIn this study, we carried out meta-analyses of genome-wide association study (Meta-GWAS) with two population (575 + 1495 F1) in different environment for yield and its three component traits in rice. Totally, 3589 significant loci for three components traits were detected, while only 3 significant loci for yield were detected. It indicated that rice yield is mainly controlled by minor-effect loci and hardly to be identified. Selecting quantitative trait locus (QTL)/gene affected component traits to further enhance yield is recommended. A Mendelian randomization (MR) design was adopted to further estimate the causal relationship between rice yield and its component traits. Both GPP (Beta=0.086, 95% CI: 0.030~0.141, P=0.003) and TP (Beta=1.865, 95% CI: 1.035~2.694, P<0.0001) has a positive causal relationship with yield, but no significant relationship between KGW and yield (Beta=0.456, 95% CI: -0.119~1.031, P=0.120) was observed. Additionally, TP (Beta=1.865) has a greater effect on yield than GPP (Beta=0.086). Four significant loci for TP and GPP with indirect effect on yield were identified. Pyramiding superior alleles of the four loci revealed improved yield. A combination of direct and indirect effects may better contribute to the yield potential of rice.ConclusionsOur results suggested rice production would improve by ideotype breeding based on selection for GPP and TP. By studying the nature and strength of the relationship between yield and its components, provide genetic insights for further improving rice yield potential.
Comparison of pre-operative ultrasonography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography with intra-operative surgical findings among patients suspicious to choledocholithiasis.
Authors: Samanta Pulak Kumar , Bakshi Sabyasachi
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND: Choledocholithiasis with cholelithiasis is a common problem in the middle and older age group people . Aim of this study is to assess the usefulness of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis in resource poor set up.METHODS: After matching the inclusion and exclusion criteria, all cases of diagnosed Choledocholithiasis were taken for this prospective, single center, observational study.RESULTS: Out of total 130 subjects, 41 were male and 89 were female. Increased incidence of choledocholithiasis was found in females (M: F= 1: 2.08). The mean age of presentation was 49.27 ± 10.60 years. Ultrasonography was able to diagnose CBD stones in 57patients (43.84%) and ductal dilatation in 89(68.46%). Whereas, MRCP detected CBD stones in 112 (86.15%).Cholelithiasis was associated with choledocholithiasis in 108 patients (83.07%). CONCLUSIONS: In the evaluation of choledocholithiasis, in our study particularly trans-abdominal USG seemed to have a lower yield than expected for accuracy in determining choledocholithiasis when compared to MRCP and Intra-operative findings. So a negative USG in a particular may not exclude choledocholithiasis. So,MRCP is the ‘investigation of choice’ among the suspicious patients for CBD stone disease. That is why prior to cholecystectomy in symptomatic patients with deranged LFT, MRCP always to be done, to detect the missed stone in CBD.
A model for survival rate projection of Covid19 patients
Authors: Madalli Devika P. , Gajbe Sagar Bhimrao , Gopalji  , Kumar Akhilesh Ajith
Published: May 2020

The novel coronavirus has been declared a worldwide pandemic. The pandemic has unleashed health as well as economic devastation across the world. In view of this, various governments, researchers and agencies are trying to work towards solutions to control the spread of the virus. There are many studies that have been initiated that consider the various parameters that contribute to the spread of the virus. We present a model to predict the survival rate of Covid19 infected patients. The study takes into consideration death rate (normal) and Covid infection death rate in India. Other factors considered are the number of infections and active infection numbers. We also incorporate a ‘learning module’ to learn from the observed error rate. We compute the moving average of error which is then deployed to minimise projection error in the model. The factor obtained from the learning is deployed into the survival rate computation to achieve best results.
The COVID-19 Gene and Drug Set Library
Authors: Kuleshov Maxim V. , Clarke Daniel J.B. , Kropiwnicki Eryk , Jagodnik Kathleen M. , Bartal Alon , Evangelista John E. , Zhou Abigail , Ferguson Laura B. , Lachmann Alexander , Ma'ayan Avi
Published: May 2020

The coronavirus (CoV) severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has received rapid response by the research community to offer suggestions for repurposing of approved drugs as well as to improve our understanding of the COVID-19 viral life cycle molecular mechanisms. In a short period, tens of thousands of research preprints and other publications have emerged including those that report lists of experimentally validated drugs and compounds as potential COVID-19 therapies. In addition, gene sets from interacting COVID-19 virus-host proteins and differentially expressed genes when comparing infected to uninfected cells are being published at a fast rate. To organize this rapidly accumulating knowledge, we developed the COVID-19 Gene and Drug Set Library (https://amp.pharm.mssm.edu/covid19/), a collection of gene and drug sets related to COVID-19 research from multiple sources. The COVID-19 Gene and Drug Set Library is delivered as a web-based interface that enables users to view, download, analyze, visualize, and contribute gene and drug sets related to COVID-19 research. To evaluate the content of the library, we performed several analyses including comparing the results from 6 in-vitro drug screens for COVID-19 repurposing candidates. Surprisingly, we observe little overlap across these initial screens. The most common and unique hit across these screen is mefloquine, a malaria drug that should receive more attention as a potential therapeutic for COVID-19. Overall, the library of gene and drug sets can be used to identify community consensus, make researchers and clinicians aware of the development of new potential therapies, as well as allow the research community to work together towards a cure for COVID-19.
3D-Printed PCL Composite Scaffolds Incorporating IGF-1 Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles for Cartilage Tissue Engineering
Authors: Wei Peiran , Xu Yan , Gu Yue , Yao Qingqiang , Li Jiayi , Wang Liming
Published: May 2020

Objective: To fabricate and test a 3D-printed PCL scaffold incorporating IGF-1 loaded PLGA nanoparticles for cartilage tissue engineering.Methods: IGF-1 loaded PLGA nanoparticles were produced by the double-emulsion method, and were incorporated onto 3D printed PCL scaffolds via PDA. Particle size, loading effciency (LE) and encapsulation effciency (EE) of the nanoparticles were examined. SEM, pore size, porosity, compression testing, contact angle, IGF-1 release kinetics of the composite scaffolds were also determined. For cell culture studies, CCK-8, Live/dead, MTT, GAG content and expression level of chondrocytes specific genes and HIF-1α were also tested.Results: There was no difference of the nanoparticle size. And the LE and EE of IGF-1 in PLGA nanoparticles was about 5.53%±0.12% and 61.26%±2.71%, respectively. There was a slower, sustained release for all drug-loaded nanoparticles PLGA/PDA/PCL scaffolds. There was no difference of pore size, porosity, compressive strength of each scaffold. The contact angles PCL scaffolds were significant decreased when coated with PDA and PLGA nanoparticales. (P < 0.05) Live/dead staining showed more cells attached to the IGF-1 PLGA/PDA/PCL scaffolds. The CCK-8 and MTT assay showed higher cell proliferation and better biocompatibility of the IGF-1 PLGA/PDA/PCL scaffolds. (P < 0.05) GAG content, chondrogenic gene expression level of SOX-9, COL-II, N-cadh, ACAN, and HIF pathway related gene(HIF-1α) were significantly higher in IGF-1 PLGA/PDA/PCL scaffolds on days 7 and 14 compared to other groups. (P < 0.05)Conclusions: IGF-1 PLGA/PDA/PCL scaffolds may be a better method for sustained IGF-1 administration and a promising scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering.
Nalbuphine Attenuates Microglial Activation and Inhibits Morphine-Induced Scratching via Regulation of PKCδ and p38 Signaling in Mice
Authors: Tang Yang , Li Nan Qi , Huang Si Ting , Peng Zhe , Wan Li
Published: May 2020

Morphine-induced scratching (MIS) is a common issue in patients receiving clinical postoperative morphine intrathecal injections. The kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist nalbuphine is known to prevent and reduce MIS, but the underlying mechanism has remained unclear. Here, we found that protein kinase C (PKCβ) in the spinal cord dorsal horn was co-expressed with ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) and increased after morphine intrathecal (i.t.) injections in mice. Although knockdown PKCβ inhibited microglial activation and attenuated MIS, but nalbuphine can blocked MIS by promoting PKCδ expression rather than PKCβ expression, suggesting that antipruritic effect of nalbuphine is due to activation of the KOR/PKCδ pathway and that MIS is both PKCβ-dependent and closely related to microglial activation. Moreover, we also found that PKCδ could retroegulation microglial activation, thereby reversing nalbuphine’s inhibition of MIS and resulting in increased itching behaviors. Notably, microglial activation is required for p-p38 signaling in MIS. These data together suggest that nalbuphine activates KOR, so as to inducing the activation of PKCδ, which may in turn retroegulation microglial function and decrease phosphorylate p38, ultimately inhibiting MIS. Our research therefore indicates that a previously unknown KOR-PKCδ-microglia-p38 pathway in the spinal cord may underlie nalbuphine’s antipruritic effect.