bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reservoir Rock Tortuosity Estimates Based on Geodesic Reconstruction and Fluid Velocity Field Techniques
Authors: Leite Roque Waldir , Nardelli Siebert Diogo
Published: June 2020

Tortuosity is a key parameter for fluid flow and mass transport in porous media. Geodesic reconstruction (GR) and fluid velocity field (FVF) are techniques that allow tortuosity estimation. Essentially, tortuosity is the ratio of the geodesic length by the Euclidian length of the pore inlet-outlet in the region of interest. However, its estimation is not trivial, especially for 3D porous medium samples, such as for reservoir rock core samples. Digital rock physics has made much progress recently, providing estimates of several quantities and improving the understanding of the pore-scale processes of reservoir rocks.

This paper briefly discusses the GR and FVF techniques and their computational implementions to estimate the directional tortuosity of a pore network. The GR estimates the geometric tortuosity while the FVF estimates the hydraulic tortuosity. An application of these techniques is done for four carbonate and twelve sandstones reservoir rock core samples, provided by the MicroCT Images and Networks of Imperial College London database.

The results show that the tortuosity estimates in the x, y and z -directions, for all but one direction, have the FVF values slightly higher than the GR values, with a mean relative error around 10%. When the specific directional tortuosities are compared, the mean relative error for τx, τy and τz are, 9.8%, 10.3% and 10.5%, respectively. The mean GR and FVF tortuosities for the carbonate and sandstone samples are <τC> = 1.6, <τS> = 1.4 and <τC> = 1.8, <τS> = 1.6, respectively. The mean porosity for the carbonate and sandstone samples are <φC> = 0.16 and <φS> = 0.22, respectively. From these results, it can be noticed that the FVF tortuosity estimates are higher than the GR estimates, which is expected to be as in general hydraulic tortuosity is larger than the geometric one. On the other hand, it is observed that high porosity correlates to low tortuosity, which is consistent with results in the literature. The two techniques have very high Pearson correlation ρ = 0.9, and by Bland-Altman analysis they are within the limits of agreement (LoA), which means that both techniques are essentially equivalent to estimate the tortuosity, even though neither technique is considered as a gold standard measure for tortuosity.
Drusen Characteristics of Type 2 Macular Neovascularization in Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Ahmed Daniel , Stattin Martin , Haas Anna-Maria , Graf Alexandra , Krepler Katharina , Ansari-Shahrezaei Siamak
Published: June 2020

Background: To assess the relationship between drusen characteristics and type 2 macular neovascularization (MNV) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD)Methods: Retrospective data analysis of eyes previously diagnosed with neovascular AMD in a tertiary eye care center (Medical Retina Unit, Rudolf Foundation Hospital, Vienna, Austria) between June 2008 and December 2017. Drusen subtypes, fibrosis, atrophy and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) of both eyes in patients with type 2 MNV lesions were categorized based on multimodal imaging.Results: Type 2 MNV was diagnosed in 27 (3.2%) of 835 eyes (749 patients). Drusen characteristics in type 2 MNV were observed as followed: drusen < 63 mm in 2 eyes (7.4%), drusen ≥ 63 mm in 10 eyes (37%), subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD) in 8 eyes (29.6%), cuticular drusen in 2 eye (7.4%) and no drusen were evident in 10 eyes (37%). Drusen distribution in 23 fellow eyes was detected as followed: drusen < 63 mm in 2 eyes (8.7%), drusen ≥ 63 mm in 9 eyes (39.1%), SDD in 5 eyes (21.7%), cuticular drusen in 1 eye (4.3%) and no drusen were evident in 9 eyes (39.1%). Mean SFCT was 140 ± 49 mm in affected eyes and 152 ± 41 mm in the fellow eyes. Patients with drusen or SDD were significantly younger (mean 70.88 ± 6.85, p=0.04) than patients without deposits (mean 77.40 ± 5.74). Conclusions: Type 2 MNV remains a rare entity in AMD. It was frequently seen in the absence ofdrusen, a hallmark of AMD. These findings contribute to the heterogeneity of phenotypes related to pure type 2 lesions.
Association of number of siblings, birth order, and thinness in 3- to 12-year-old children: a population-based cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Yu Tingting , Chen Chang , Jin Zhijuan , Yang You , Jiang Yanrui , Hong Li , Yu Xiaodan , Mei Hao , Jiang Fan , Liu Shijian , Huang Hong , Jin Xingming
Published: June 2020

Background: Sibship size and structure have a significant association with overweight and obesity in children, but the relationship with thinness has not been fully studied and understood, especially in Asia. This study evaluated the associations among number of siblings, birth order, and childhood thinness and investigated the association of number of younger or older siblings with childhood thinness.Methods: In this study, we performed a population-based cross-sectional study among 84,075 3- to 12-year-old children in Shanghai using multistage stratified cluster random sampling. We defined grades 1, 2, and 3 thinness according to the body mass index cutoff points set by the International Obesity Task Force and used multinomial logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).Results: Compared with only children, for boys, children with two or more siblings were more likely to suffer from grade 2 (OR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.02, 1.64) and grade 3 thinness (OR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.07, 2.40); and the youngest child faced a higher risk of grade 2 (OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.09, 1.90) and grade 3 thinness (OR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.01, 2.33). For girls, children with one sibling were more likely to suffer from grade 1 thinness (OR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.05, 1.42); the oldest child, middle child, and youngest child faced a higher risk of grade 1 (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.09, 1.84), grade 2 (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.03, 1.54), and grade 1 thinness (OR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.21, 2.88) respectively. There was no statistically significant relationship, however, between a larger number of younger or older siblings and childhood thinness.Conclusions: Regardless of sex, having either siblings or a higher birth order was positively associated with childhood thinness. The present study has suggested that future interventions to prevent childhood thinness should consider family background as an important factor, especially in multi-child-families.
Low serum albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, and body mass are risk factors for frailty in elderly people with diabetes–a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yanagita Ikumi , Fujihara Yuya , Iwaya Chikayo , Kitajima Yuichi , Tajima Misuzu , Honda Masanao , Teruya Yuji , Asakawa Hideko , Ito Tomoko , Eda Terumi , Yamaguchi Noriko , Kayashima Yumi , Yoshimoto Mihoko , Harada Mayumi , Yoshimoto Shoji , Aida Eiji , Yanase Toshihiko , Nawata Hajime , Muta Kazuo
Published: June 2020

Background: Frailty is broadly characterized by vulnerability and decline in physical, mental and social activities and is more common in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Frailty is closely associated with nutrition, muscle strength, inflammation, and hormones etc. In hormones, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and cortisol are suggested to be such candidates affecting frailty. Little investigation has been performed using a wider range of measures of frailty to clarify risk factors for frailty including the above two hormones. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study to investigate the risk factors for frailty in elderly T2DM patients (n=148; ≥65 years), using a broad assessment, the clinical frailty scale. We compared parameters between the non-frail and frail groups using the unpaired t and Mann-Whitney U tests. The Jonckheere-Therpstra test was used to identify relationships with the severity of frailty, and risk factors were identified using binary regression analysis.Results: Simple regression analysis identified a number of significant risk factors for frailty, including DHEAS <70 µg/dL and cortisol/DHEA-S ratio ≥0.2. Multiple regression analysis showed that low albumin (<4.0 g/dl) (odds ratio [OR]=5.79, p<0.001), low aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity (<25 IU/L) (OR=4.34, p=0.009), and low body mass (BM) (<53 kg) (OR=3.85, p=0.012) were independent risk factors for frailty. A significant decrease in DHEA-S and a significant increase in the cortisol/DHEA-S ratio occurred alongside increases in the severity of frailty. DHEA-S concentration positively correlated with both serum albumin and BM.Conclusions: Hypoalbuminemia, low AST, and low BM are independent risk factors for frailty in elderly T2DM patients, strongly implying relative malnutrition in these frail patients. DHEA-S may be important for the maintenance of liver function and BM. A decrease in DHEA-S and an increase in the cortisol/DHEAS ratio may be involved in the mechanism of the effect of malnutrition in elderly T2DM patients.
LncRNA MEG3 rs3087918 was associated with a decreased breast cancer risk in a Chinese population: a case-control study
Authors: Zheng Yi , Wang Meng , Wang Shuqian , Xu Peng , Deng Yujiao , Lin Shuai , Li Na , Liu Kang , Zhu Yuyao , Zhai Zhen , Wu Ying , Dai Zhi-Jun , Zhu Gaixia
Published: June 2020

Background: LncRNA MEG3 expressed abnormally in various cancers including breast cancer, but no studies reported the correlation between MEG3 SNPs and breast cancer susceptibility among Chinese women. Methods: This study is aimed to explore the association between three SNPs of MEG3 (rs3087918, rs7158663, rs11160608) and breast cancer. The study is a population-based case-control study including 434 breast cancer patients and 700 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using Sequenom MassArray technique. Function prediction of rs3087918 were based on RNAfold and lncRNASNP2 databases. Results: Pooled analysis indicated that rs3087918 was related to a decreased risk of breast cancer (GG vs. TT: OR(95%) = 0.67(0.45-0.99), P = 0.042; GG vs. TT + TG: OR(95%) = 0.69(0.48-0.99), P = 0.046), especially for women aged <=49 (GG vs. TT: OR(95%) = 0.40(0.22-0.73), P = 0.02). Comparison between case groups showed genotype GG and TG/GG of rs3087918 were correlated with her-2 receptor expression (GG vs. TT: OR(95%) = 2.37(1.24-4.63), P = 0.010; TG + GG vs. TT: OR(95%) = 1.50(1.01-2.24), P = 0.045). We didn’t find statistical significance for rs11160608, rs7158663 and breast cancer. Structure prediction based on RNAfold found rs3087918 may influence the secondary structure of MEG3. The results based on lncRNASNP2 indicated that rs3087918 may gain the targets of hsa-miR-1203 to MEG3, while loss the target of hsa-miR-139-3p and hsa-miR-5091 to MEG3. Conclusions: MEG3 rs3087918 was associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer. MEG3 haplotype TCG may increase the risk of breast cancer.
Metabolite AutoPlotter - an application to process and visualise metabolite data in the web-browser
Authors: Pietzke Matthias , Vazquez Alexei
Published: June 2020

Background Metabolomics is gaining popularity as a standard tool for the investigation of biological systems. Yet, parsing metabolomics data in the absence of in-house computational scientists can be overwhelming and time consuming. As a consequence of manual data processing the results are often not analysed in full depth, so potential novel findings might get lost. Methods To tackle this problem, we developed Metabolite AutoPlotter, a tool to process and visualise quantified metabolite data. Other than with bulk data visualisations, such as heat maps, the aim of the tool is to generate single plots for each metabolite. For this purpose it reads as input pre-processed metabolite-intensity tables and accepts different experimental designs, with respect to number of metabolites, conditions and replicates. The code was written in the R-scripting language and wrapped into a shiny-application that can be run online in a web-browser on https://mpietzke.shinyapps.io/autoplotter. Results We demonstrate the main features and the ease of use with two different metabolite datasets, for quantitative experiments and for stable isotope tracing experiments. We show how the plots generated by the tool can be interactively modified with respect to plot type, colours, text labels and the shown statistics. We also demonstrate the application towards 13C-tracing experiments and the seamless integration of natural abundance correction, which facilitates the better interpretation of stable isotope tracing experiments. The output of the tool is a zip-file containing one single plot for each metabolite as well as restructured tables that can be used for further analysis.Conclusion With the help of Metabolite AutoPlotter it is now possible to simplify data processing and visualisation for a wide audience. High quality plots from complex data can be generated in a short time with pressing a few buttons. This offers dramatic improvements over manual analysis. It is significantly faster and allows researchers to spend more time interpreting the results or to perform follow-up experiments. Further this eliminates potential copy-and paste errors or tedious repetitions when things need to be changed. We are sure that this tool will help to improve and speed up scientific discoveries.
The association between pelvic asymmetry and non-specific chronic low back pain as assessed by the Global Postural System.
Authors: Yu Qiuhua , Huang Huanjie , Zhang Zhou , Hu Xiaoqian , Li Wenfeng , Li Le , Chen Min , Liang Zhenwen , Lo Wai Leung Ambrose , Wang Chuhuai
Published: June 2020

Background: Empirical evidence that demonstrates the relationship between pelvic asymmetry and non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP) is currently lacking. Objective: To establish the reliability of the Global Postural System (GPS) in assessing pelvic asymmetry and identify the association between pelvic asymmetry parameters and the occurrence of NCLBP in young adults.Design: A cross-sectional, regression study. Methods: People who aged between 18 and 30 and were diagnosed with NCLBP were recruited. Healthy individuals who were matched for age, gender, and education level were recruited as controls. Global Postural System (GPS) was employed to assess pelvic asymmetry. Prior to explore the association, the reliability of GPS was assessed by the ICC (2, k) for interrater reliability, ICC (3, k) for intra-rater reliability, standard error and minimal detectable difference. Bivariate correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to determine the relationship between pelvic asymmetry and the occurrence of NCLBP.Results: Twenty-eight healthy participants and 28 people with NCLBP were recruited. Moderate to excellent ICCs were observed for the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of most postural parameters. The bivariate correlation analysis indicated that age, body mass index and pelvic asymmetry parameters were related to the occurrence of NCLBP. Pelvic angle asymmetry (odd ratio=1.17), and asymmetry of the distance between the posterior superior iliac spine and the floor (odd ratio=1.21) were significant factors associated with NCLBP.Limitation: This study did not explore the causal relationship between pelvic asymmetry in the sagittal plane/pelvic asymmetry in the transverse plane and the occurrence of NCLBP. The interpretation of the results may not be generalized beyond the sample population.Conclusions: The GPS is a reliable method to assess pelvic asymmetry in a clinical setting. The pelvic asymmetry parameters obtained from the GPS are likely to assist in the early identification of the potential occurrence of NCLBP.
Anti-fibrotic effect of human fetal skin-derived stem cell secretomeon the liver fibrosis
Authors: Yao Xia , Wang Jing , Zhu Jiajing , Rong Xiaoli
Published: June 2020

Background: Liver fibrosis resulting from a chronic liver injury is one of the significant causes of mortality. Stem cells-secreted secretome has been evaluated for overcoming the limitations of cell-based therapy in hepatic disease while maintaining its advantages over the current therapies.Methods: In this study, we investigated the effect of human fetal skin-derived stem cells (hFSSCs) secretome in the treatment of liver fibrosis. To determine the therapeutic potential of the hFSSCs secretome in liver fibrosis, we established the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis rat model, and we administered hFSSCs secretome in vivo. Moreover, we investigated the anti-fibrotic mechanism of hFSSCs secretome in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Results: Our results showed that hFSSCs secretome effectively reduced collagen content in the liver, and improved the liver function and promoted liver regeneration. Interestingly, we also found that hFSSCs secretome reduced liver fibrosis through suppressing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. In addition, we found that hFSSC secretome inhibited the TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, and Collagen I expression, while we observed, increased Smad7 expression. Conclusions: In conclusion, our results suggest that hFSSCs secretome treatment could reduce CCl4-induced liver fibrosis via regulating the TGF-β/Smad signal pathway.
Effects of metabolic syndrome on the correlation between the most common groups of prescribed medications and the risk of fall in Brazilian elderly people
Authors: Souza Erlaine Silva , Silva Willerson , Vasconcelos Ana Tereza Ribeiro De
Published: June 2020

Background

Aging is an irreversible process of all living beings and one of the great challenges we have to face is learning how to live healthier. Several health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, depression, hypertension, metabolic disorders, and falls, are related to senescence and can directly affect quality of life around the world. In addition to these physiological disorders, the use of medications can directly affect the quality of life of the elderly, and some studies have already reported the correlation between metabolic syndrome, prescription medications, and injury caused by falling.
Methods

This study was conducted with a group of 102 adults over 60 years of age, including volunteers in the city of Viçosa - Minas Gerais, Brazil. The instruments of analysis were performed using three types of tests: The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the Functional Reach Test, and the Tandem Test. Two questionnaires were used - the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) and quality of life questionnaire (the Short Form [SF]-36) - in order to establish a connection between the intake of prescription of medication and the quality of life of this population. The statistical analysis was performed using R software version 3.2.2.
Results

The analysis of factors indicated that risk of fall was directly related to the amount of medications used by patients. The medicines associated with the risk of falls were grouped into nine categories: 28%, antihypertensive; 17%, anti-cholesterolemic; 8%, cardiovascular agents; 2%, musculoskeletal pain; 2%, hormones; 14%, central nervous system agents;6%, vitamins, 8%,anti-diabetic; and 15%, other target action medication. When the risk of fall was compared according to each category, the most significant difference in proportion was observed when related to central nervous system.
Conclusion

The data analysis showed that type of medications prescribed should be considered to better understand how some are related to the risk of fall in elderly people. The knowledge of how some prescribed medications can affect the way of life in the elderly community helps to guide some clinicians’ orientations to prevent possible injuries.
Impact of Surgeons’ Experience on Oncologic Outcomes in Women Undergoing Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer: A Comparison of the First 50 and last 50 Cases
Authors: Li Pengfei , Kang Shan , Guo Jianxin , Liang Shiqi , Yang Ying , Wang Shaoguang , Bin Xiaonong , Lang Jinghe , Liu Ping , Chen Chunlin
Published: June 2020

Objectives: To compare the oncological outcomes of the first 50 laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) surgeries with the last 50 LRH, performed by high volume surgeons, for cervical cancer patients.Design: A nationwide multicentre retrospective cohort study Setting: Clinical diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer patients in mainland China (Four C) database.Population: women with early cervical cancer undergone LRH. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the oncological outcomes of 1004 cervical cancer patients who underwent LRH performed by 19 surgeons. They were divided into two groups according to the sequence of operations, the first 50 and the last 50 patients with LRH. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank test, Cox proportional risk regression model and propensity score matching were used. Main Outcome Measures: 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates. Results: There were no significant differences in the 5-year OS and DFS between first 50 patients with LRH group (n=413) and last 50 patients with LRH group (n=591) (OS: p=0.388; DFS: p=0.226). The last 50 cases of LRH was not an independent risk factor for OS and DFS in early cervical cancer patients (p=0.830, p=0.300). After propensity score matching, similar outcomes were observed (n=364:364，OS:P = 0.764; DFS:P = 0.705). Conclusions: The oncological outcomes of the first 50 LRH surgeries were similar to those of the last 50 surgeries in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. Increase in the surgeons’ experience did not improve significantly with oncological outcomes of patients with early stage cervical cancer after LRH.
Genome-wide Identification of Powdery Mildew Resistance in Common Bean
Authors: Binagwa Papias Hongera , Traore Sy M. , Egnin Marceline , Bernard Gregory C. , Ritte Inocent , Mortley Desmond , Kamfwa Kelvin , He Guohao , Bonsi Conrad C.
Published: June 2020

Background

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) was utilized to detect genetic variations related to the powdery mildew (PM) resistance and several agronomic traits in common bean. However, its application in common bean and the PM interactions to identify genes and their location in the common bean genome has not been fully addressed.
Results

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) through marker-trait association are useful molecular tools for identification of disease resistance and other agronomic traits. SNP genotyping with a BeadChip containing 5398 SNPs was used to detect genetic variations related to resistance to PM disease in a panel of 206 genotypes grown under field conditions for two consecutive years. Significant SNPs identified on chromosome 4 and 10 were repeatable, confirming the reliability of the phenotypic data scored from the genotypes grown in two locations within two years. A cluster of resistance genes was revealed on the chromosome 4 of common bean genome among which CNL and TNL like resistance genes were identified. Furthermore, two resistance genes Phavu_010G1320001g and Phavu_010G136800g were also identified on pv10; further sequence analysis showed that these genes were homologs to the Arabidopsis disease resistance protein (RLM1A-like) and the putative disease resistance protein (At4g11170.1), respectively. Two LRR receptor-like kinases (RLK) were also identified on pv11 in samples collected in 2018 only. Many genes encoding auxin-responsive protein, TIFY10A protein, growth-regulating factor 5-like, ubiquitin-like protein, cell wall protein RBR3-like protein related to PM resistance were identified nearby significant SNPs. These results suggested that the resistance to PM pathogen involves a network of many genes constitutively co-expressed and may generate several layers of defense barriers or inducible reactions.
Conclusion

Our results provide new insights into common bean and PM interactions, and revealed putative resistance genes as well as their location on common bean genome that could be used for marker-assisted selection, functional genomic study approaches to confirm the role of these putative genes; hence, developing common bean resistance lines to the PM disease.
Prevalence, associated factors, and outcomes for labor induction at a tertiary hospital in Northern Tanzania: A retrospective cohort study 2000 - 2015
Authors: Tarimo Clifford Silver , Wu Jian , Obure Joseph , Mahande Michael Johnson
Published: June 2020

Background

Labor induction (IOL) refers to an obstetric intervention which include artificial stimulation of uterine contraction aiming at vaginal delivery of a fetus before the onset of spontaneous labor. Despite undisputed importance of this intervention in improving pregnancy outcomes, data on its utilization and outcomes in Tanzania is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, associated factors and outcomes for labor induction among women who were attended at a tertiary hospital in north-Tanzania.
Methods

We designed a retrospective cohort study and analyzed 53338 deliveries at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) between the year 2000 to 2015. We enrolled singleton deliveries with vertex presentation and excluded observations with missing information on induction status. Relative risk and 95% Confidence Interval for risk factors and outcomes of labor induction were estimated using log-binomial regression models. Robust variance estimation was used to account for repeated deliveries from the same subject.
Results

53,338 deliveries were analyzed. Prevalence of labor induction was 21.63%. Independent risk factors for labor induction were; postdates (RR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.15–1.28), fetal macrosomia (RR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.18–1.36) and obesity (RR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.06–1.18). Labor induction was associated with an increased risk of uterine rapture (RR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.62–2.09) and low (< 7) Apgar score (RR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.17–1.37). Labor induction offered protective effect against cesarean delivery (RR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.53–0.58) and admission to neonatal intensive care unit (RR = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.89–0.99).
Conclusion

Efforts aimed at achieving the health-related sustainable development goals should focus on increasing access to effective interventions as well as improving quality of health care while being cautioned on likelihood of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
A comparison of two-dimensional and three-dimensional techniques for determining the kinematic patterns for hindlimb obstacle clearance during sheep locomotion.
Authors: Diogo Camila Cardoso , Fonseca Bárbara , Almeida Francisca S.M. , Costa Luís Maltez da , Pereira José Eduardo , Filipe Vitor , Couto Pedro Alexandre , Geuna Stefano , Armada-da-Silva Paulo A. , Maurício Ana Colette , Varejão Artur S.P.
Published: June 2020

Background: Analysis of locomotion is often used as a measure for impairment and recovery following experimental peripheral nerve injury. Compared to rodents, sheep offer several attractive features as an experimental model for studying peripheral nerve regeneration. There are no studies on locomotion outcomes after peripheral nerve injury and repair in the sheep model. In the present study, we performed and compared two-dimensional (2D) and, for the first time, three-dimensional (3D) hindlimb kinematics during obstacle avoidance in the ovine model. This study aimed to obtain kinematic data to serve as a template for an objective assessment of the ankle joint motion in future studies of common peroneal nerve (CP) injury and repair in the ovine model. Results: The strategy used by the sheep to bring the hindlimb over a moderately high obstacle, set to 10% of its hindlimb length, was the pronounced knee, ankle and metatarsophalangeal flexion when approaching and clearing the obstacle. Despite the overall time course kinematic patterns about the hip, knee, ankle, and metatarsophalangeal were identical, we found significant differences between values of the 2D and 3D joint angular motion. Conclusions: Our results show that the most apparent changes that occurred during the gait cycle were for the ankle and metatarsophalangeal joints, whereas the hip and knee joints were much less affected. Data and techniques described here are likely to be useful for an objective assessment of altered gait after CP injury and repair in an ovine model.
Chromosomal Abnormality in Fetuses with Isolated Antenatal Hydronephrosis: Update for Prenatal Diagnosis and Genetic Counseling
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyan , Wang Yan , Meng Lulu , Tan Jianxin , Qiao Fengchang , Hu Ping , Xu Zhengfeng
Published: June 2020

Background: The prenatal finding of fetuses with antenatal hydronephrosis (ANH) gives a significant dilemma for the clinicians. Which patients require invasive prenatal diagnosis? Though previous literatures have recommended the use of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA)for fetuses with CAKUT, the cutoff value for CMA have no current consensus on fetuses with ANH. In this article, we aimed to detect chromosomal abnormalities in fetuses with isolated severe ANH (anterior-posterior renal pelvic diameter (APRPD) ≥ 10mm) by CMA, summarized the literatures and proposed recommendations for the prenatal genetic diagnosis according to APRPD.Methods: Fetuses (n=84) with isolated severe ANH (APRPD ≥ 10mm) were evaluated by CMA. According to APRPD measurements at second trimester, we classified the cases into two groups: (1) Group A: cases with APRPD of 10–15 mm(N=57); (2) Group B: cases with APRPD ≥ 15 mm(N=27).The prenatal and postnatal outcomes were assessed by ultrasonic examination and telephone follow-up.Results: Overall, one case with 18 trisomy was identified. Clinically significant copy number variants (pathogenic or likely pathogenic CNVs) were identified in 11.9% (10/84) cases, including 3.5% (3/84) of pathogenic CNVs. The detection rates were 5.2% (3/57), 25.9% (7/27) for group A and group B, respectively. There was statistically significant differences in the frequency of clinic significant CNVs in the two groups (p＜0.05). Conclusion: CMA is valuable in prenatal genetic diagnosis of fetuses with severe ANH（APRPD ≥ 10mm）, regardless of whether other ultrasonic abnormalities were observed. This cohort should be followed up during the pregnancy.
Genome-wide analysis and expression characterization of zinc finger homeodomain (ZHD) family genes responsed to different abiotic stresses and hormonal treatments in grape (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Nai Guojie , Mao Juan , Lu Shixiong , Li Yanmei , Ma Zonghuan , Abdul khaliq , Chen Baihong
Published: June 2020

Background

Zinc finger homeodomain (ZHD) proteins transcription factors (TFs) family occupy a crucial role in regulating plant growth and development. The ZHD TFs family had been studied in diverse organisms such as humans, Drosophila, nematode worms and plants. Especially in plants there is an extensive exploration involved in photosynthesis, defense mechanisms and responses to stress. In this further research, we will provide a better understanding of the ZHD gene family in grape.
Results

In this study, a total of 12 VvZHD genes were identified from the Grape Genome. The exploration of detailed bioinformatics found that the full length of VvZHD genes ranges from 150 bp (base pair) to 26706 bp, isoelectric points (pIs) were 6.25–9.68, molecular weights (MWs) ranged from 10.28 kilodaltons (KDa) to 97.93 kDa. Also, analysis of phylogenetic evolution showed there existed a common ancestor between Arabidopsis and grape. Ka (Nonsynonymous) / Ks (Synonymous) was lower than 1 and strong collinearity showed there were tandem duplications of genes between Arabidopsis and grape. Codon bias levels of ZHD gene family were relatively higher overall. Gene chip data analysis of cabernet sauvignon seedlings showed VvZHD genes had different expression under different time of different treatments, and with the prolongation of treatment time, most of VvZHD genes were slightly downregulated. The qRT-PCR was carried out under different hormones and stresses to verify expression profiles in grape roots and leaves. Results revealed that most VvZHD genes had higher expressions in roots but lower expressions in leaves. Also, most of the VvZHD gene members were responsed with high expressions after the treatment of ABA, IAA and MeJA in roots. However, VvZHD9, VvZHD11 and VvZHD12 were highly expressed by inducing of PEG in leaves.
Conclusions

Through genome-wide analysis and expression characterization of ZHD family genes, results showed 12 members had the diversity of function, structure and unique expression characterization under various abiotic stress and hormone treatments. This study will provide us with a newer insight on ZHD gene family of grape and promote to explore the biological functions of ZHD genes in other plants.
Identification of a novel circRNA, hsa_circ_0065898, that regulates tumor growth in cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Ni , Liu Jie , Deng Xiaohui
Published: June 2020

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to play an important role in regulating tumor pathogenesis and progression. The molecular mechanism of circRNAs in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) remains poorly understood. We aimed to identify the circRNAs differentially expressed, and to investigate the role of a novel circRNA, hsa_circ_0065898, in regulating proliferation, migration, and invasion in CSCC.Methods: The online Kaplan-Meier Plotter was used to analyze the relationship between miRNA expression and overall survival. Bioinformatics tools, such as R, Cytoscape, and Perl, were used to analyze the Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and regulatory network. The expression level of hsa_circ_0065898 in CSCC cell lines was evaluated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction in vitro. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell assays were used to assess cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Results: circRNA expression data (GSE102686) was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and this included data from 5 CSCC patients and 5 normal tissues. Thirteen differentially expressed circRNAs were identified, which included 9 upregulated circRNAs and 4 downregulated circRNAs. GO enrichment analysis showed that the target genes of miRNAs associated with hsa_circ_0065898 were enriched in ubiquitin-protein transferase activity, ubiquitin-like protein transferase activity, core promoter sequence-specific DNA binding, mRNA 3′-UTR AU-rich region binding, core promoter binding, AU-rich element binding, ubiquitin-like protein ligase activity, and transcription corepressor activity. KEGG results showed that the Hippo and p53 signaling pathways played significant role in the pathway network. Hsa_circ_0065898 was significantly overexpressed in the CSCC cell lines. Hsa_circ_0065898 facilitated cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in CSCC.Conclusions: This study identified differentially expressed circRNAs and constructed the regulatory network of hsa_circ_0065898 targeting microRNAs and mRNAs. We demonstrated that hsa_circ_0065898 promoted CSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Hence, hsa_circ_0065898 might be useful as a biomarker for CSCC diagnosis and targeted therapy.
Molecular Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 Clusters Caused by Asymptomatic Cases in Anhui Province, China
Authors: yuan yuan , He Jun , Gong Lei , Li Weiwei , Jiang Liangliang , Liu Jiang , Chen Qingqing , Yu Junling , Hou Sai , Shi Yonglin , Lu Siqi , Zhang Zhuhui , Ge Yinglu , Sa Nan , He Lan , Wu Jiabing , Sun Yong , Liu Zhirong
Published: June 2020

Background: COVID-19 is a newly emerging disease caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which spread globally in early 2020. Asymptomatic carriers of the virus contribute to the propagation of this disease, and the existence of asymptomatic infection has caused widespread fear and concern in the control of this pandemic. Methods: In this study, we investigated the origin and transmission route of SARS-CoV-2 in Anhui’s two clusters, analyzed the role and infectiousness of asymptomatic patients in disease transmission, and characterized the complete spike gene sequences in the Anhui strains. Results: We conducted an epidemiological investigation of two clusters caused by asymptomatic infections sequenced the spike gene of viruses isolated from 12 patients. All cases of the two clusters we investigated had clear contact histories, both from Wuhan, Hubei province. The viruses isolated from two outbreaks in Anhui were found to show a genetically close link to the virus from Wuhan. In addition, new single nucleotide variations were discovered in the spike gene. Conclusions: Both clusters may have resulted from close contact and droplet-spreading and asymptomatic infections were identified as the initial cause. We also analyzed the infectiousness of asymptomatic cases and the challenges to the current epidemic to provided information for the development of control strategies.
Lumbosacral fusion terminated to S1 for adult degenerative scoliosis: Technical innovation and finite element analysis
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Hu Huiqiang , Guo Jianwei , Dai Kun , Wang Chaoying , Du Yukun , Li Jianyi , Xi Yongming
Published: June 2020

Background: To evaluated the practicability and reliability of CBT+TT in the treatment of ADS by finite element analysis and the comparison of clinical effects.Methods: 18 cases were enrolled from patients who were admitted to the department of Spine Surgery in Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University with a strict standard which qualify for the surgical indications of L5-S1 long segment fusion. Based on different spinal-pelvic fusion techniques, those cases were divided into three groups including the groups of IS , S2AI and CBT+TT, 3, 4 and 11 cases recpectively. Clinical data of CBT+TT group such as VAS, ODI, coronal Codd angle, C7PL-CSVL and SVA were acquired preoperatively and compared with those measured at the end of follow-up. DICOM data of CT scan (1mm) of all postoperative patients in those 3 groups were used to created 3D models. The models were imported into software for the finite element analysis under different conditions such as flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation, to obtain the stress distribution properties of three fusion techniques.Results: In CBT+TT group, the VAS score was 7.00±0.89 preoperatively and 0.91±0.70 at the end of follow-up. The ODI was 51.09±7.83% and 5.45±1.13%. There was a significant difference between the preoperative data and that at the end of follow-up (P<0.001). The Cobb angle was 49.10±11.51° and 12.33±3.96°. C7PL-CSVL was 27.27±17.61 mm and 12.20±8.04 mm. SVA was 25.33±18.21 mm and 8.60±5.31 mm. The results of the finite element analysis of simulated conditions, such as flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation, showed that in the IS group, the average extreme pressure value was 366.1 MPa, 183.1 MPa, 398.4 MPa, and 573.6 MPa; in the S2AI group, the values were 518.4 MPa, 259.2 MPa, 608.2 MPa, and 545.7 MPa; and in the CBT+TT group, the values were 390.0 MPa, 195.0 MPa, 353.7 MPa, and 476.8 MPa. Conclusion: This innovative technique (CBT+TT, terminating at S1) has been proven to be reliable and practical in the treatment of degenerative scoliosis.
Similar outcomes with first-line observation versus metastasectomy for bone giant cell tumor lung metastases
Authors: Tsukamoto Shinji , Ciani Giovanni , Mavrogenis Andreas F. , Ferrari Cristina , Akahane Manabu , Tanaka Yasuhito , Rocca Michele , Longhi Alessandra , Donati Davide Maria , Errani Costantino
Published: June 2020

Background: The outcome of lung metastases in patients with giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) varies from spontaneous regression to uncontrolled growth. To investigate whether observation is an appropriate first-line management for patients with lung metastases from GCTB, we compared the outcomes of patients initially treated with observation with those treated with metastasectomy.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 29 patients with lung metastases from histologically confirmed GCTB. The median follow-up period was 114 months. We evaluated progression-free survival, which was defined as the time from the date of occurrence of lung metastases to the date of disease progression in the observation or incomplete metastasectomy group, disease recurrence in the complete metastasectomy group, or the last follow-up.Results: Disease progression or recurrence occurred in 14 patients (48.3%). Progression-free survival did not vary significantly between the observation and metastasectomy groups (p=0.373). The number of metastasectomies was significantly higher in the initial metastasectomy group than in the observation group (p=0.017).Conclusions: Observation can be used safely as first-line management for patients with lung metastases from GCTB with an outcome similar to that of metastasectomy.
Patients and relatives as auditors of safe practices
Authors: Rodrigo-Rincon Maria Isabel , Aristorena Isabel Irigoyen , Tirapu-Leon Belén , Barcala Nicolas Zaballos , Carricas Maite Sarobe , Lobo-Palanco Joaquin , Caamaño Maria Luisa Antelo , Martin-Vizcaino Marta , Burnett Susan
Published: June 2020

Background When there is a gap in professionals’ adherence to safe practices during cancer treatment, the consequences can be serious. Identifying these gaps in order to enable improvements in patient safety can be a challenge. This study aimed to assess if cancer patients and their relatives can be given the skills to audit four safe practices reliably, and to explore whether they are willing to play this new role.Methods We recruited 136 participants in 2018, from the oncology and haematology day hospital of a tertiary hospital in Spain.The study comprised two parts: an interventional educational program and a cross-sectional design to collect data on the participants’ skills and perceptions about their willingness to be auditors.Results 63 participants (46.3%) were classified as good auditors after the training. A logistic regression model identified age, educational level, previous experience of an adverse event and perception of hospital safety as predictor variables. Additionally, 106 (77.9%) participants said that they would like to anonymously audit the professionals’ compliance of at least three of four safe practices. The willingness to audit safe practices was differed depending on the safe practice but these differences did not reach statistical significance.Conclusion The data gathered by patients and relatives acting as auditors can provide healthcare organizations with valuable information about safety and quality of care that is not accessible otherwise. This new role provides an innovative way to engage patients and their families (P&Fs) in healthcare safety where other methods have not had success. The paper sets out the methods that healthcare organizations need to undertake to enrol and train patients and relatives in an auditor role.
Prevalence of khat chewing during pregnancy in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bifftu Berhanu Boru
Published: June 2020

Background

Khat (Catha edulis) is a flowering green plant mainly chewed for recreational. Khat chewing is becoming on rising at alarming rate and adversely affects the socio-economic, psycho-social, and physical health including the health of the fetus. Thus, this study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of khat chewing during pregnancy and its associated factors.
Methods

Databases: PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, SCOPUS and AJOL were searched. Weighted inverse variance random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of depression. Heterogeneity across the studies was assessed by Cochrane chi-square and quantified by I2 statistics test. Funnel plots and Egger’s test were used to determine publication bias. Sensitivity test and subgroup analysis were also performed.
Results

In this study, a total of 9,915 study participants were included from 22 studies. The pooled prevalence of khat chewing was found to be 20% (95% CI; 14%-27%). Tests of heterogeneity demonstrated evidence of heterogeneity (I2 = 98.46%, p < 0.001). However, the analysis of sensitivity tests and publication bias showed absence of influential study and publication bias [Egger’s test (P = 0.02)]. Factors such as: being Muslim, lower educational status, family history of mental illness, and partner previous history of khat chewing were associated with khat chewing.
Conclusion

One in five pregnant women has history of khat chewing. Thus, authors’ suggest the need of screening for khat chewing as an integrated part of Antenatal care.
Omics multi-layers networks and identification of genes involved in fat storage and metabolism in poultry using interactomics approach
Authors: bahrami abolfazl , Ghafouri Farzad , Sadeghi Mostafa , Miraei-Ashtiani Seyed Reza
Published: June 2020

Background

Fatty acid metabolism in animals has a major impact on production and disease resistance traits. According to the high rate of interactions between lipid metabolism and its regulating properties, a holistic approach is necessary.
Methods

To study multi-omics layers of adipose tissue and identification of genes involved in fat metabolism, storage and endocrine signaling pathways in two groups of broiler chickens with high and low abdominal fat, high-throughput screening (HTS) techniques were used. The Gene-miRNA interacting bipartite and metabolic-signaling networks were reconstructed using their interactions.
Results

In the analysis of microarray and RNA-Seq data, 1835 genes were detected by comparing the identified genes with significant expression differences. Then, by comparing, 34 genes and 19 miRNAs were detected as common and main nodes. The literature mining approach was used and 7 genes were identified and added to the common gene set. Module finding revealed three important and functional modules. The detected modules 1, 2, and 3 were involved in the PPAR signaling pathway, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and Alzheimer's disease metabolic pathway, adipocytokine, insulin, PI3K-Akt, mTOR and AMPK signaling pathway.
Conclusions

This approach revealed a new insight for a better understanding of the biological processes associated with adipose tissue.
The acute effect of cold pack applied for different periods on the biomechanical properties of the rectus femoris muscle of healthy individuals: a randomized experimental study
Authors: ALACA Nuray , Kablan Nilüfer
Published: June 2020

Background

Cold packs are silica gel packs that are the most commonly used modalities in spots clinics. In the present study, we investigated the acute effect of different periods of cold pack application, on the biomechanical properties of the rectus femoris muscle of healthy individuals.
Methods

This study is a randomized experimental study. Sixty individuals (18–23 age) were randomly divided into four groups. The cold packs were applied for 10 minutes (Group 1), 12 minutes (Group 2), 15 minutes (Group 3), and 20 minutes (Group 4). The temperature of the skin (thermal camera) and the biomechanical properties evaluations of the muscle (Myoton Pro) were measured (before and immediately after, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 minutes after the application).
Results

After the application, while Group 1 and 2 showed an increase in muscle tone and stiffness and a decrease in elasticity (p < 0.05), they began to approach their pre-application state by the fifth and fifteenth minutes, respectively (p > 0.05). In Group 3 and 4, the muscle stiffness was increased at all time points (p < 0.05).
Conclusions

The results of this study show that the rectus femoris muscle of healthy people becomes stiffer and less elastic as a result of cooling with a cold pack applied for different time periods. The duration that affects the biomechanical properties of the muscle least and provides optimum cooling is the 10-minute cold pack application.
Trial registration:

Ethical approval The Research Ethics Committee of Acıbadem University and Acıbadem Healthcare Group has approved the study (reference no. ATADEK-2019/17/19) and retrospectively registered clinical trial number (NCT04277481, February 20, 2020). All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration. Verbal and written consent was obtained from all participants.