bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family matters: Skin microbiome reflects the social group and spatial proximity in wild zebra finches
Authors: Engel Kathrin , Pankoke Helga , Jünemann Sebastian , Brandl Hanja B. , Sauer Jan , Griffith Simon C. , Kalinowski Jörn , Caspers Barbara A.
Published: September 2020

Background: So far, large numbers of studies investigating the microbiome have focused on gut microbiota and less have addressed the microbiome of the skin. Especially in avian taxa our understanding of the ecology and function of these bacteria remains incomplete. The involvement of skin bacteria in intra-specific communication has recently received attention, and has highlighted the need to understand what information is potentially being encoded in bacterial communities. Using next generation sequencing techniques, we characterised the skin microbiome of wild zebra finches, aiming to understand the impact of sex, age and group composition on skin bacteria communities. For this purpose, we sampled skin swabs from both sexes and two age classes (adults and nestlings) of 12 different zebra finch families and analysed the bacterial communities.Results: Using 16S rRNA sequencing we found no effect of age, sex and family on bacterial diversity (alpha diversity). However, when comparing the composition (beta diversity), we found that animals of social groups (families) harbour highly similar bacterial communities on their skin with respect to community composition. Within families, closely related individuals shared significantly more bacterial taxa than non-related animals. In addition, we found that age (adults vs. nestlings) affected bacterial composition. Finally, we found that spatial proximity of nest sites, and therefore individuals, correlated with the skin microbiome similarity. Conclusions: Birds harbour very diverse and complex bacterial assemblages on their skin. These bacterial communities are distinguishable and characteristic for intraspecific social groups. Our findings are indicative for a family-specific skin microbiome in wild zebra finches. Genetics and the (social) environment seem to be the influential factors shaping the complex bacterial communities. Bacterial communities associated with the skin have a potential to emit volatiles and therefore these communities may play a role in intraspecific social communication, e.g. via signalling social group membership.
Development of a double-recombinant antibody sandwich ELISA for quantitative detection of epsilon toxoid concentration in inactivated Clostridium perfringens vaccines
Authors: Alibeiki Maryam , Golchin Mehdi , Tabatabaei Mohammad
Published: September 2020

Background: Epsilon toxin (ETX) causes a commonly fatal enterotoxemia in domestic animals. Also, ETX causes serious economic losses to animal husbandry. In this study, we selected several clones against ETX using repertoires displayed on filamentous phage. Anti-ETX specific clones were enriched by binding to immobilized antigen, followed by elution and re-propagation of phage. After multiple rounds of binding selection, ELISA analysis showed that most isolated clones had high affinity and specificity for ETX.Results: Two recombinant monoclonal antibodies against ETX were isolated by phage display technology. B1 phage VH antibody isolated from DAb library and G2 soluble scFv antibody isolated from Tomlinson I+J libraries have been applied as the capture and detection antibodies for developing an ETX sandwich ELISA test, respectively. Conclusions: Designed ETX sandwich ELISA could be a valuable tool for quantitative detection of ETX in inactivated commercial vaccines against enterotoxemia.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacy and medical students regarding self-medication, a study in Zabol University of Medical Sciences; Sistan and Baluchestan province in south-east of Iran
Authors: Hashemzaei Mahmoud , Afshari Mahdi , Koohkan Zahra , Bazi Ali , Rezaee Ramin , Tabrizian Kaveh
Published: September 2020

Background: Self-medication is defined as using medicinal products to treat disorders or symptoms diagnosed by one-self. Although informed self-medication is one of the ways to reduce health care costs, inappropriate self-treatment can pose various risks including drug side effects, recurrence of symptoms, drug resistance, etc. The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacy and medical students toward self-medication.Methods: This study was conducted in Zabol University of Medical Sciences during 2018. A sample of 170 pharmacy and medical students was selected. A three-part researcher-made questionnaire was designed to address students’ knowledge, attitude, and practice. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS 25 software.Results: According to the results, 97 (57.1%) of the students had carried out self-medication within the past 6 months. Overall, the students used self-medication on average 4.2 ±2.9 times per year. Self-medication was more prevalent in male students (65.4%, P=0.043). Cough and cold were the most common symptoms treated with self-medication (93.2%), and antibiotics (74.4%) were the most commonly used drugs. The primary information source used by the students was their previous physician prescription (47.4%). Pharmacy students showed a higher level of drug information (P<0.001). There was a statistically significant association between the level of drug information and the rate of self-medication (P=0.005). Disease recurrence was the most common negative complication of self-medication.Conclusion: There is a need to educate pharmacy and medical students regarding self-medication and its side effects. The high prevalence of self-medication and the overuse of antibiotics can pose a significant risk of drug resistance.
Effect of board quality on the financial performance of conventional and Islamic banks in a stable financial context: Comparative study on the international evidence
Authors: HADDAD Achraf , AMMARI Anis EL , BOURI Abdelfattah
Published: September 2020

Returning to the literature of finance and banking governance, our article provides the first logical analysis that detailed the process of comparative analysis between the correlation of board determinants’ quality and the financial performance of conventional and Islamic banks. Previous research has always discussed the main role of the board as an internal mechanism of governance on the financial performance separately in each bank type. However, we have never encountered rewarding studies that compared these impacts. In our study, we distinguished between the impact of the board of directors on the financial performance in conventional and Islamic banks. Settings of the financial performance and board of directors of the conventional and Islamic banks are collected from 30 countries located in four continents: America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Two equal samples were collected that each of them is composed of 112 banks. By using the GLS method, data were used to explore the impact of the board of directors on the financial performance between both types of banks over the period 2010-2018, giving us 1008 bank-year observations in each sub-sample. On the whole, empirical results have shown that in conventional banks the board of directors has negatively affected the financial performance, while the impact of the board on the financial performance of Islamic banks is ambiguous. Nevertheless, the degree of the positive impact on financial performance is more significant in Islamic banks.
3D morphometric analysis of the colon applied to a laparoscopic surgical approach. Cadaver study
Authors: Fernando J , Escolar JD , Sánchez FM , García VE , Luesma MJ , Cantarero I , Fatás JA , Maestre J , López C , Usón J
Published: September 2020

Background: The anatomy of the colon can be studied using three-dimensional reconstructions obtained from radiological images. Laparoscopic surgery of the colon requires positional changes of the surgical table. The aim of this study is to define the changes that occurred in certain segments of the colons of cadavers after subjecting them to the conditions that are used in laparoscopic surgery of the colon. Methods: Three cadavers were submitted to abdominal computerized tomography, first with no external, and then after the application of 15 mm of Hg of pneumoperitoneum and 15 degrees Trendelenburg, right or left lateral decubitus.Results: Three-dimensional reconstruction of the images was performed for a morphological descriptive study of the pubic points, superior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric artery, hepatic flexure and splenic flexure. A total of 390 measurements were performed, 159 showed changes. The inferior mesenteric artery point modifications were the most strongly related to the other points. The transverse colon - pubic symphysis - descending colon angle depended on the pubic symphysis - descending colon distance, and the transverse colon - inferior mesenteric artery - descending colon angle depended on the inferior mesenteric artery - transverse colon distance. Conclusions: The positional changes of the points studied were related to their attachment to the peritoneum, to the proximity of the neighbouring viscera and to their location in the abdomen.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling reveals the effect of LED light quality on morphological traits, and phenylpropanoid-derived compounds accumulation in Sarcandra glabra seedlings
Authors: Xie Dejin , Chen Lingyan , Zhou Chengcheng , Tarin Muhammad Waqqas Khan , Yang Deming , Ren Ke , He Tianyou , Rong Jundong , Zheng Yushan
Published: September 2020

Background: Sarcandra glabra is an evergreen and traditional Chinese herb with anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. Light is one of the most influential factor affecting the growth and quality of herbs. In recent times, the introduction of Light Emission Diode (LED) technology has been widely used for plants in greenhouse. However, the impact of such lights on plant growth and the regulatory mechanism of phenylpropanoid-derived compounds in S. glabra remain unclear. Results: The red LED light (RL) substantially increased the plant height and decreased the stem diameter and leaf area relative to the white LED light (WL), while the blue LED light (BL) significantly reduced the height and leaf area of S. glabra. According to transcriptomic profiling, 861, 378, 47, 10,033, 7917, and 6379 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified among the groups of leaf tissue under BL (BY) vs. leaf tissue under RL (RY), BY vs. leaf tissue under WL (WY), RY vs. WY, root tissue under WL (WG) vs. WY, stem tissue under WL (WJ) vs. WG, and WJ vs. WY, respectively. We identified 46 genes encoding for almost all known enzymes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, e.g., phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), and flavonol synthase (FLS). We found 53 genes encoding R2R3-MYB proteins and bHLH proteins, respectively, where several were related to flavonoids biosynthesis. A total of 454 metabolites were identified based on metabolomic profiling, of which 44, 87, and 296 compounds were differentially produced in WY vs. RY, WY vs. BY, and WY vs. WG. In BY there was a substantial reduction in the production of esculetin, caffeic acid, isofraxidin, and fraxidin, while the yields of quercitrin and kaempferol were significantly up-regulated. In RY, the contents of cryptochlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, and kaempferol decreased significantly. Besides, in WG, the production of metabolites (e.g. chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and scopolin) declined, while their yields increased significantly (e.g. esculetin, fraxetin, isofraxidin, and fraxidin).Conclusion: These results provide further insight into the regulatory mechanism of accumulation patterns of phenylpropanoid-derived compounds in S. glabra under various light conditions, allowing optimum breeding conditions to be developed for this plant.
Nationwide population-based cohort study of adverse obstetric outcomes in pregnancies with myoma or following myomectomy: Retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lee Se Jin , Ko Hyun Sun , Na Sunghun , Bae Jin Young , Seong Won Joon , Kim Jong Woon , Shin Jaeeun , Cho Hae Joong , Choi Gyu Yeon , Kim Jinsil , Cho Geum Joon , Park In Yang
Published: September 2020

Background: Our objective was to evaluate risks of adverse obstetric outcomes in pregnancies with myoma(s) or in pregnancies following myomectomy. Methods: We analyzed the national health insurance database, which covers almost the entire Korean population, between 2004 and 2015. The risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnancies with myoma(s) or in pregnancies following myomectomy, compared to those in women without a diagnosed myoma, were analyzed in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: During the study period, 38,402 women with diagnosed myoma(s), 9,890 women with a history of myomectomy, and 740,675 women without a diagnosed myoma gave birth. Women with a history of diagnosed myoma(s) and women with a history of myomectomy had significantly higher risks of cesarean section (aOR 1.13, 95% CI 1.1-1.16 and aOR 7.46, 95% CI 6.97-7.98, respectively) and placenta previa (aOR 1.41, 95% CI 1.29-1.54 and aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.35-1.83, respectively), compared to women without a diagnosed myoma. And the risk of uterine rupture was significantly higher in women with previous myomectomy (aOR 12.78, 95% CI 6.5-25.13), compared to women without a diagnosed myoma, which was much increased (aOR 41.35, 95% CI 16.18-105.69) in nulliparous women. The incidence of uterine rupture was the highest at delivery within one year after myomectomy and decreased over time after myomectomy. Conclusions: Women with a history of myomectomy had significantly higher risks of cesarean section and placenta previa compared to women without a diagnosed myoma.
Fast and low-cost detection of SARS-CoV-2 peptides by tandem mass spectrometry in clinical samples
Authors: Cardozo Karina Helena Morais , Lebkuchen Adriana , Okai Guilherme Goncalves , Schuch Rodrigo Andrade , Viana Luciana Godoy , Olive Aline Nogueira , Lazari Carolina dos Santos , Fraga Ana Maria , Granato Celso , Carvalho Valdemir Melechco
Published: September 2020

The current outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome associated with coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is pressing public health systems around the world, and large population testing is a key step to control this pandemic disease. Real-time reverse-transcription PCR (real-time RT-PCR) is the gold standard test for virus detection but the soaring demand for this test resulted in shortage of reagents and instruments, severely limiting its applicability to large-scale screening. To be used either as an alternative, or as a complement, to real-time RT-PCR testing, we developed a high-throughput targeted proteomics assay to detect SARS-CoV-2 proteins directly from clinical respiratory tract samples. Sample preparation was fully automated by using a modified magnetic particle-based proteomics approach implemented on a robotic liquid handler, enabling a fast processing of samples. The use of turbulent flow chromatography included four times multiplexed on-line sample cleanup and UPLC separation. MS/MS detection of three peptides from SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein and a 15N-labeled internal global standard was achieved within 2.5 min, enabling the analysis of more than 500 samples per day. The method was validated using 562 specimens previously analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and was able to detect over 83% of positive cases. No interference was found with samples from common respiratory viruses, including other coronaviruses (NL63, OC43, HKU1, and 229E). The strategy here presented has high sample stability and low cost and should be considered as an option to large population testing.
Prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and location in patients with EGFR mutant metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treated with TKIs
Authors: Xie Xueqi , Li Xiaolin , Tang Wenjie , Chen Jinlong , Yu Jinming , Xie Peng , Li Minghuan
Published: September 2020

Background: Targeted therapy with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has improved the field of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treatment. Higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and lower relative lymphocyte counts as inflammatory indicators and associated with worse overall survival and progression free survival (PFS) in several tumor types. Few studies focused on these inflammation markers in context of TKIs eras.Methods: Patients with advanced EGFR mutation NSCLC treated with TKIs were included. Pre-treatment NLR means neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio measured in peripheral blood within one week before treating with TKIs. The baseline clinical characteristics of each group were compared by chi-square and t tests. Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate prognostic value of peripheral blood parameters on progression free survival (PFS). All prognostic factors were explored with multivariable regression.Results: We retrospectively analyzed 221 patients with metastatic NSCLC harboring exon 19 deletion, 21 L858R or rare mutation and receiving TKIs. Finally, a total of 190 patients were analyzed. The optimal cutoff values for pretreatment absolute lymphocyte count (Lym), lymphocyte percentage (Lym%), absolute neutrophil count (Neu), the percentage of neutrophil granulocytes (Neu%) and NLR were 1.625 x 109/L, 18.8%, 3.675a x 109/L, 51.8% and 4.965, respectively. Patients with high neutrophil percent (18.8 months vs 13.0 months, P=0.003), absolute neutrophil counts (12.0 months vs 14.5 months, P=0.014) and NLR (7.0 months vs 15.2 months, P<0.001, one-year PFS Rate, 55.3%, respectively) had worse PFS. In contrast, patients with high absolute lymphocyte counts (16.5 months vs 13.0 months, P=0.012) and lymphocyte percent (15.3 months vs 8.8 months, P<0.001) had a better progression-free-survival. Besides, tumor location was also an important factor for prognosis (14.3 months vs 11.6 months, P=0.003). On multivariate analysis, NLR and primary tumor location were both identified as independent and significantly risk indicators for worse PFS.Conclusion: NLR and primary location are both independent prognostic factors for PFS in patients with metastatic EGFR mutated lung tumor. Whether or not NLR and primary location could be usefulmarkers in efficacy prediction of TKIs in advanced NSCLC calls for further investigation.
Age-related decline in the expression of GDF9 and BMP15 genes in follicle fluid and granulosa cells derived from poor ovarian responders
Authors: Gong Yan , Li-Ling Jesse , Xiong Dongsheng , Wei Jiajing , Zhong Taiqing , Tan Hao
Published: September 2020

Background: Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) genes play important roles in folliculogenesis. Altered expression of the two have been found among patients with poor ovarian response (POR). In this prospective cohort study, we have determined the expression of the GDF9 and BMP15 genes in follicle fluid (FF) and granulosa cells (GCs) derived from poor ovarian responders grouped by age, and explored its correlation with the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment.Methods: A total of 196 patients with POR were enrolled from a tertiary teaching hospital. The patients were diagnosed by the Bologna criteria and sub-divided into group A (< 35 year old), group B (35-40 year old), and group C (> 40 year old). A GnRH antagonist protocol was conducted for all patients, and FF and GCs were collected after oocyte retrieval. Expression of the GDF9 and BMP15 genes in the FF and GCs was determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting.Results: Compared with group C, groups A and B had significantly more two pronuclei (2PN) oocytes and transplantable embryos, in addition with higher rates of implantation and clinical pregnancy (P < 0.05). The expression level of GDF9 and BMP15 genes in the FF and GCs differed significantly among the three groups (P < 0.05), showing a trend of decline along with age. Conclusions: For poor ovarian responders, in particular those over 40, the expression of GDF9 and BMP15 is declined with increased age and in accompany with poorer oocyte quality and IVF outcome.
External fixator combined with three different fixation methods of fibula for treatment of extra-articular open fractures of distal tibia and fibula: a retrospective study
Authors: Sun DongDong , Lv Dan , Zhou Kun , Chen Jian , Gao Li-Lan , Sun Ming-Lin
Published: September 2020

Background To compare the efficacy of three different fixation methods of fibula combined with external fixation of tibia for the treatment of extra-articular open fractures of distal tibia and fibula. Methods From January 2017 to July 2019, 91 cases of open fractures of distal tibia and fibula were treated with external fixator, and the fibula was fixed with non-fixation (group A, n=35), plate-screw (group B, n=30) and Kirschner wire(group C, n=26).The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, surgical and implants costs, fracture healing time, postoperative complications, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle surgery (AOFAS) scores were compared among the groups. Results Four patients were lost to follow-up, and 87 patients were followed up for 5-35 months (average, 14.2 months). The operation time of group C(114.92±36.09min) was shorter than that of group A (142.27±47.05min) and group B(184.00±48.56min) (P<0.05). There was no difference in intraoperative blood loss among the three groups (P>0.05). The surgical and implants costs in group C (5.24±1.21, thousand dollars) is lower than that in group A (6.48±1.11, thousand dollars) and group B (9.37±2.16, thousand dollars) (P < 0.05).The fracture healing time of group C(5.67±1.42months) was significantly less than that of group A (6.90±1.33months) and group B(6.70±1.12months) (P<0.05). The postoperative complications such as fractures delayed union and nonunion in group C (2 cases, 8.00%) is less than that in group A (13 cases, 39.39%) and group B (11cases, 37.93%) (P<0.05). The wound infection and needle-tract infection did not differ among the three groups (P>0.05). The excellent or good rate of ankle function was 69.70% in group A, 72.41% in group B and 84.00% in group C, with no statistical difference among the three groups (P>0.05). conclusion Compared with simple external fixator fixation and external fixator combined with plate-screw osteosynthesis, external fixator combined with K-wire intramedullary fixation shortens the operative time and fracture healing time, reduced costs and complications of fracture healing, while the blood loss, infection complications and ankle function recovery showed no difference with the other two groups. External fixator combined with plate-screw osteosynthesis had no advantage in treating extra-articular open fractures of distal tibia and fibula when compared with simple external fixation.
Electroacupuncture reduces scopolamine-induced amnesia via mediating the miR-210/SIN3A and miR-183/SIN3A signaling pathway
Authors: Ye Fan , Tian Shiming , Hu Huimin , Yu Zhengwen
Published: September 2020

Background: The expression of SIN3A is closely correlated with electroacupuncture (EA) treatment efficacy of scopolamine-induced amnesia (SIA), but its underlying mechanisms remain to be further explored. Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to analyze the expression of candidate microRNAs (miRNAs) and SIN3A mRNA in a rat model of SIA. Western blot was carried out to evaluate the differential expression of SIN3A proteins under different circumstances. Luciferase assay was used to explore the inhibitory role of certain miRNAs in SIN3A expression. A novel object recognition (NOR) test was performed to assess the memory function of SIA rats undergoing EA treatment. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to evaluate the expression of SIN3A in the hippocampus of SIA rats. Results: Rno-miR-183-5p, rno-miR-34c-3p and rno-miR-210-3p were significantly up-regulated in SIA rats treated with EA. In addition, rno-miR-183-5p and rno-miR-210-3p exerted an inhibitory effect on SIN3A expression. EA treatment of SIA rats effectively restored the dysregulated expression of rno-miR-183-5p, rno-miR-210-3p and SIN3A. EA treatment also promoted the inhibited expression of neuronal IEGs including Arc, Egr1, Homer1 and Narp in the hippocampus of SIA rats. Accordingly, the NOR test also confirmed the effect of EA treatment on the improvement of memory in SIA rats. Conclusion: In summary, the findings of this study demonstrated that scopolamine-induced amnesia was associated with downregulated expression of miR-210/miR-183 and upregulated expression of SIN3A. Furthermore, treatment with EA alleviated scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats and was associated with upregulated expression of miR-210/miR-183 and downregulated expression of SIN3A.
Co-existing patterns of MRI lesions were differentially associated with knee pain at rest and on joint loading: a within-person knee-matched case-controls study
Authors: Liu Qiang , Lane Nancy E. , Hunter David , Xing Dan , Li Zhikun , Lin Jianhao , Zhang Yuqing
Published: September 2020

Background: To assess the association of co-existing MRI lesions with knee pain at rest or on joint loading.Methods: We included participants from Osteoarthritis Initiative whose pain score, measured by WOMAC sub-scales, differed by ≥1 point at rest (in bed at night, sitting/lying down) or on joint loading (walking, stairs) between two knees. Cartilage morphology, bone marrow lesions, meniscus extrusion, meniscus morphology, Hoffa’s synovitis and synovitis-effusion were assessed using the compartment-specific MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score. We performed latent class analyses to identify subgroups of co-existing MRI lesions and fitted a conditional logistic regression model to examine their associations with knee pain. Results: Among 130 eligible participants, we identified five subgroups of knees according to patterns of co-existing MRI lesions: I. minimal lesions; II. mild lesions; III. moderate morphological lesions; IV. moderate multiple reactive lesions; and V. severe lesions. Compared with subgroup I, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of greater pain in bed at night were 1.6 (0.3, 7.2), 2.2 (0.5, 9.5), 6.2 (1.3, 29.6) and 11.2 (2.1, 59.2) for subgroups II-V, respectively. A similar association was observed between aforementioned subgroups and pain with sitting/lying down. The ORs (95% CI) of greater pain with walking were 1.0 (reference), 1.7 (0.5, 6.1), 0.7 (0.2, 2.3), 5.0 (1.4, 18.6) and 7.9 (2.0, 31.5) for subgroup I-V, respectively. The corresponding analysis for pain on stairs showed similar results. Conclusions: Distinct patterns of co-existing MRI lesions have different implications for the pathogenesis of osteoarthritic knee pain occurring with/without joint loading.
Quantitative Performance Analysis of Respiratory Facemasks using Atmospheric and Laboratory generated Aerosols following with Gamma Sterilization
Authors: Kumar Amit , Sangeetha D.N. , Yuvaraj Ramani , Menaka M. , Subramanian V. , Venkatraman B.
Published: September 2020

The emergence of the recent Covid-19 pandemic has rendered mandatory wearing of respiratory masks by infected persons, frontline workers, security personnel and members of the public. This has caused a sudden shift of focus and significant demand on availability, effectiveness, reuse after sterilization and development of facemask. Toward this, three types of masks viz. N95, nonwoven fabric and double layer cotton cloth are being used by the majority of the population across the world as an essential inhalation protective measure for suppressing the entry of virus- laden respiratory droplets. The Filtering Efficiency (FE) of these masks are tested for atmospheric and laboratory generated aerosols of size 1.0 µm and 102.7 nm particles before and after sterilisation and for the two flow rate conditions corresponding to normal breath rate and during sneezing/coughing. Sterilisation is carried out using a gamma irradiator containing Co-60 source for the two-dose exposures viz. 15 kGy and 25 kGy. The FE of surgical and cloth masks is found to be in the range of 15.76±0.22 to 22.48±3.92%, 49.20±8.44 to 60±7.59% and 73.15±3.73 to 90.36±4.69% for aerosol sizes 0.3˗5.0, 1.0˗5.0 and 3.0˗5.0 µm atmospheric aerosols respectively. The FE of cloth and surgical masks ranges from 45.07±6.69% to 63.89±4.44% and 56.58±1.69% to 83.95±1.04% for 1.0 µm laboratory generated aerosol for two flow rate, control and irradiated conditions. The FE of N95 mask is found to be more than 95% for atmospheric aerosol and 1.0 µm laboratory generated aerosol. However, FE reduced to about 70% for most penetrating particle size after sterilisation. Further, FE reduced to 84% for the particle >0.3 µm and to 87% for the particle <0.3 µm after sterilisation. The reduction in FE for N95 mask after sterilization is associated with reduction of electrostatic interaction of filter medium with particles laden in the air stream. Instead of disposing of N95 masks after single use, they can be reused a few times as N70 mask during this pandemic crisis after sterilisation. The use of cotton cloth masks in the general public serves fit for the purpose than surgical masks.
A network approach to investigating the key microbes and stability of gut microbial communities in a mouse neuropathic pain model
Authors: Brandon-Mong Guo-Jie , Shaw Grace Tzun-Wen , Chen Wei-Hsin , Chen Chien-Chang , Wang Daryi
Published: September 2020

Background: Neuropathic pain is an abnormally increased sensitivity to pain, especially from mechanical or thermal stimuli. To date, the current pharmacological treatments for neuropathic pain are still unsatisfactory. The gut microbiota reportedly plays important roles in inducing neuropathic pain, so probiotics have also been used to treat it. However, the underlying questions around the interactions in and stability of the gut microbiota in a spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain model and the key microbes (i.e., the microbes that play critical roles) involved have not been answered. We collected 66 fecal samples over two weeks (three mice and 11 time points in spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain and Sham groups). The 16S rRNA gene was polymerase chain reaction amplified, sequenced on a MiSeq platform, and analyzed using a MOTHUR- UPARSE pipeline.Results: Here we show that spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain alters gut microbial diversity in mice. We successfully constructed reliable microbial interaction networks using the Metagenomic Microbial Interaction Simulator (MetaMIS) and analyzed these networks based on 177,147 simulations. Interestingly, at a higher resolution, our results showed that spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain altered both the stability of the microbial community and the key microbes in a gut micro-ecosystem. Oscillospira, which was classified as a low-abundance and core microbe, was identified as the key microbe in the Sham group, whereas Staphylococcus, classified as a rare and non-core microbe, was identified as the key microbe in the spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain group. Conclusions: In summary, our results provide novel experimental evidence that spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain reshapes gut microbial diversity, and alters the stability and key microbes in the gut.
Incidence and predictors of surgical site infection after distal femur fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation: a prospective single-center study
Authors: Zhang Junzhe , Li Junyong , Zhao Kuo , Meng Hongyu , Zhu Yanbin , Zhang Yingze
Published: September 2020

Background: There remain limited data on the epidemiological characteristics and related predictors of surgical site infection (SSI) after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for distal femur fractures (DFFs). We designed this single-centre prospective study to explore and forecast these clinical problems. Methods：From October 2014 to December 2018, 364 patients with DFFs were treated with ORIF and followed for complete data within one year. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, univariate Chi-square analyses, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to screen the adjusted predictors of SSI. Results: The incidence of SSI was 6.0% (22/364): 2.4% (9/364) for superficial SSIs and 3.6% (13/364) for deep SSIs. Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-resistant S. aureus in 2 cases) was the most common pathogenic bacteria (36.8%，7/19). In multivariate analysis, parameters independently associated with SSI were: Open fracture (OR: 7.3, p = 0.003), drain use (OR: 4.1, p = 0.037), and incision cleanliness (OR: 3.5, p = 0.002). An albumin/globulin (A/G) level ≥ 1.35 (OR: 0.2, p = 0.042) was an adjusted protective factor for SSI. Conclusions: The SSI after ORIF affected approximately one in 15 patients with DFFs. The open fracture, drain use, high grade of intraoperative incision cleanliness, and preoperative A/G levels lower than 1.35 were significantly related to increasing the risk of post-operative SSI after DFFs. We recommended that more attentions should be paid to these risk factors during hospitalization.
MCCMF: Collaborative matrix factorization based on matrix completion for predicting miRNA-disease associations
Authors: Wu Tian-Ru , Yin Meng-Meng , Jiao Cui-Na , Gao Ying-Lian , Kong Xiang-Zhen , Liu Jin-Xing
Published: September 2020

Background: MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) are non-coding RNAs with regulatory functions. Many studies have shown that miRNAs are closely associated with human diseases. Among the methods to explore the relationship between the miRNA and the disease, traditional methods are time-consuming and the accuracy needs to be improved. In view of the shortcoming of previous models, a collaborative matrix factorization based on matrix completion (MCCMF) is proposed to predict the unknown miRNA-disease associations.Results: The complete matrix of the miRNA and the disease is obtained by matrix completion. Moreover, Gaussian Interaction Profile (GIP) kernel is added to the miRNA functional similarity matrix and the disease semantic similarity matrix to form the GIP kernel similarity matrix. Then the Weight K Nearest Known Neighbors (WKNKN) method is used to pretreat the association matrix, so the model is close to the reality. Finally, collaborative matrix factorization (CMF) method is applied to obtain the prediction results. Therefore, the MCCMF obtains a satisfactory result in the five-fold cross-validation, with an AUC of 0.9569(0.0005). Conclusions: The AUC value of MCCMF is higher than other advanced methods in the 5-fold cross validation experiment. In order to comprehensively evaluate the performance of MCCMF, f-measure and other evaluation indexes are also added. The final experimental results demonstrate that MCCMF outperforms other methods in prediction miRNA-disease associations. In the end, the effectiveness and practicability of MCCMF are further verified by researching three specific diseases.
Bone mineral density reference values in Singaporean adults and comparisons for osteoporosis establishment – The Yishun Study
Authors: Chen Kexun , Wee Shiou-Liang , Pang Benedict Wei Jun , Lau Lay Khoon , Jabbar Khalid Abdul , Seah Wei Ting , Sriniva Sivasubramanian , Mallya Jagadish Ullal , Ng Tze Pin
Published: September 2020

Background: While there have been studies in Singapore on the prevalence and economic burden of osteoporotic hip fracture, there is a severe lack of reference data on bone mineral density and prevalence of osteoporosis. The purpose of this study is to establish the reference values for BMD and compare prevalence of osteoporotic conditions using other available reference values so as to better understand the status of bone health in Singaporean adults.Methods: We carried out a population-based cross-sectional study using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (Hologic Discovery Wi) to measure the bone mineral density of Singaporean adults aged ³ 21 years. A total of 542 participants were recruited from the large north-eastern residential town of Yishun. We computed T- scores (denoted by TSG) for each individual in the study. Similar diagnoses were also done based on T-scores provided by the densitometer (TDXA), NHANES database (TNHANES), and China (TCHN), and the differences in prevalence compared. We then compared the concordance between TSG and TDXA in the classification of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis was defined according to criteria by the World Health Organization (WHO).Results: Peak lumbar spine BMD was 1.093±0.168g/cm2 in women, and 1.041±0.098g/cm2 for men. Peak whole-body BMD was 1.193±0.93g/cm2 in women at, and 1.224±0.112g/cm2 for men. Prevalence of osteoporosis based on lumbar spine was 9.3% in postmenopausal women, and 0.7% in men after 50 years of age. The percentage difference in prevalence range from 60.5 - 163.6%, when using reference values from TDXA, TNHANES, and TCHN. Comparing diagnosis using TDXA and TSG cut-off values, 28 versus 15 women were diagnosed as osteoporotic respectively. The kappa statistics was 0.81 for women and 0.85 for men. Conclusion: Our study shows that T-scores provided by DXA manufacturer over-diagnosed osteoporosis in Singaporeans, and the prevalence of osteoporotic conditions is not accurately represented. This over-diagnosis may result in unnecessary treatment in some individuals.
Sexual Function and Metabolic/Hormonal Changes in Women Using Long-Term Hormonal and Non-Hormonal Contraceptives: A pilot study.
Authors: Moreira Igor Fernando de aquino , Bianchini Maria Passos , Moreira Gabrielle Rodrigues Campos , Almeida Alessandra Maciel , Rezende Bruno Almeida
Published: September 2020

Background: Female sexual dysfunction is a common condition that negatively impacts the emotional health and quality of life of the affected individuals. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their effectiveness and convenience. LARCs can be hormonal (etonogestrel releasing implant—ENG and Levonorgestrel intrauterine system—LNG) or non-hormonal (copper intrauterine device—CuIUD and copper-silver intrauterine device—SIUD). There are very few studies that assess the influence on LARCS on sexual function are lacking. This study aimed to assess changes in sexual function as well as metabolic and hormonal parameters in women after implantation with LARCs.Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we assessed 80 women who visited the Military Police Hospital in Brazil for LARCs placement. The study participants were divided into 4 groups according to the type of LARC received: ENG n=17; LNG n=21, CuIUD n=18 and SIUD n=23. The four groups were evaluated twice (prior to LARC placement and approximately 3 months later) for sexual function, using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Quotient (QS-F) questionnaires. Metabolic and hormonal parameters were also assessed using blood tests. Results: ENG worsened sexual function according to FSFI and QS-F, across all domains. A decrease in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) between stages was observed for all groups. We observed an improvement in sexual function for non-hormonal LARCs, specially SIUD. However this improvement was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The use of non-hormonal LARCS improved sexual function. Etonogestrel implants, had a negative influence on sexual function, probably by blocking ovarian function, and thus reducing the production of androgens and estrogens.
Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Yuan Zhen , Zhang Ying , Cao Dongyan , Shen Keng , Li Qingshui , Zhang Guonan , Wu Xiaohua , Cui Manhua , Yue Ying , Cheng Wenjun , Wang Li , Qu Pengpeng , Tao Guangshi , Hou Jianqing , Sun Lixin , Meng Yuanguang , Li Guiling , Li Changzhong , Shi Huirong , Chen Yaqing
Published: September 2020

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PLD in treating of in patients who experience epithelial ovarian, fallopian tubal, and peritoneal cancer progression within 12 months after the first-line platinum-based therapy.Methods: This was an open-label, single-arm and multicenter clinical trial. The ORR was the interim primary objective, and the DCR, AEs and QOL were the secondary objectives. The impact of factors on efficacy outcomes, the change trend of CA125 and the artificial platinum-free interval were exploratory endpoints.Results: Totally, 115 patients were enrolled in this study and included in the ITT population. Moreover, 101 patients were included in the safety population. The median follow-up time was 4 months (IQR 2–6). In the ITT population, the confirmed ORR was 37.4% (95% CI, 28.4%-46.4%), and the DCR was 65.2% (95% CI, 56.4%-74.1%). The previous response status to platinum-based chemotherapy and baseline CA125 levels were significantly correlated with the ORR. The ORR was significantly higher in patients with a CA125 decrease after the first cycle than in the patients with a CA125 increase. The most common grade 3 or higher AE was hand-foot syndrome (3 [3.0%] of 101 patients). No statistically significant differences existed between the baseline and the postbaseline questionnaires.Conclusions: For patients who experience platinum-resistant and platinum-refractory relapse, the use of PLD may be acceptable because of the associated satisfactory efficacy, low frequency of AEs and high patient QOL. Moreover, a low CA125 level at baseline and a reduction in CA125 after the first cycle are predictive factors for satisfactory efficacy.
Application of ultrasound artificial intelligence in the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant breast lesions of BI-RADS 4A
Authors: Niu Sihua , Huang Jianhua , Li Jia , Liu Xueling , Wang Dan , Zhang Ruifang , Wang Yingyan , Shen Huiming , Qi Min , Xiao Yi , Guan Mengyao , Liu Haiyan , Li Diancheng , Liu Feifei , Wang Xiuming , Xiong Yu , Gao Siqi , Wang Xue , Zhu Jiaan
Published: September 2020

Background: The classification of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System 4A (BI-RADS 4A) lesions is mostly based on the personal experience of doctors and lacks specific and clear classification standards. The development of artificial intelligence (AI) provides a new method for BI-RADS categorisation. We analysed the ultrasonic morphological and texture characteristics of BI-RADS 4A benign and malignant lesions using AI, and these ultrasonic characteristics of BI-RADS 4A benign and malignant lesions were compared to examine the value of AI in the differential diagnosis of BI-RADS 4A benign and malignant lesions.Methods: A total of 206 lesions of BI-RADS 4A examined using ultrasonography were analysed retrospectively, including 174 benign lesions and 32 malignant lesions. All of the lesions were contoured manually, and the ultrasonic morphological and texture features of the lesions, such as circularity, height-to-width ratio, margin spicules, margin coarseness, margin indistinctness, margin lobulation, energy, entropy, grey mean, internal calcification and angle between the long axis of the lesion and skin, were calculated using grey level gradient co-occurrence matrix analysis. Differences between benign and malignant lesions of BI-RADS 4A were analysed.Results: Significant differences in margin lobulation, entropy, internal calcification and ALS were noted between the benign group and malignant group (P=0.013, 0.045, 0.045, and 0.002, respectively). The malignant group had more margin lobulations and lower entropy compared with the benign group, and the benign group had more internal calcifications and a greater angle between the long axis of the lesion and skin compared with the malignant group. No significant differences in circularity, height-to-width ratio, margin spicules, margin coarseness, margin indistinctness, energy, and grey mean were noted between benign and malignant lesions.Conclusions: Compared with the naked eye, AI can reveal more subtle differences between benign and malignant BI-RADS 4A lesions. These results remind us carefully observation of the margin and the internal echo is of great significance. With the help of morphological and texture information provided by AI, doctors can make a more accurate judgment on such atypical benign and malignant lesions.
Selecting Suitable Reference Genes for qPCR Normalization: A Comprehensive Analysis in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Jain Nityanand , Nitisa Dina , Pirsko Valdis , Cakstina Inese
Published: September 2020

BackgroundMCF-7 breast cancer cell line is undoubtedly amongst the most extensively studied patient-derived research models, providing pivotal results that have over the decades translated to constantly improving patient care. Many research groups, have previously identified suitable reference genes for qPCR normalization in MCF-7 cell line. However, over the course of identification of suitable reference genes, a comparative analysis comprising these genes together in a single study have not been reported. Furthermore, the expression dynamics of these reference genes within sub-clones cultured over multiple passages (p) has attracted limited attention from research groups. Therefore, we investigated the expression dynamics of 12 previously suggested reference genes within two sub-clones (culture A1 and A2) cultured identically over multiple passages. Additionally, the effect of nutrient stress on reference gene expression was examined to devise an evidence-based recommendation of the least variable reference genes that could be employed in future gene expression studies.ResultsThe analysis revealed the presence of differential reference gene expression within the sub-clones of MCF-7. In culture A1, GAPDH-CCSER2 were identified as the least variable reference gene pair while for culture A2, GAPDH-RNA28S was identified. However, upon validation using genes of interest, both these pairs were found to be unsuitable control pairs. Normalization of AURKA and KRT19 with triplet pair GAPDH-PCBP1-CCSER2 yielded successful results. The triplet also proved its capability to handle variations arising from nutrient stress.ConclusionsThe variance in expression behavior amongst sub-clones highlights the potential need for exercising caution while selecting reference genes for MCF-7. GAPDH-PCBP1-CCSER2 triplet offers a reliable alternative to otherwise traditionally used internal controls for optimizing intra- and inter-assay gene expression differences. Furthermore, we suggest avoiding the use of ACTB, GAPDH and PGK1 as single internal controls.
Mechanistic modelling of coronavirus infections and the impact of confined neighbourhoods on a short time scale
Authors: Ahmed Danish Ali , Ansari Ali , Imran Mudassar , Dingle Kamal , Ahmed Naveed , Bonsall Michael
Published: September 2020

Background: To mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, some countries have adopted more stringent non-pharmaceutical interventions in contrast to those widely used (for e.g. the state of Kuwait). In addition to standard practices such as enforcing curfews, social distancing, and closure of non-essential service industries, other non-conventional policies such as the total confinement of highly populated areas has also been implemented.Methods: In this paper, we model the movement of a host population using a mechanistic approach based on random walks, which are either diffusive or super-diffusive. Infections are realised through a contact process, whereby a susceptible host may be infected if in close spatial proximity of the infectious host. Our focus is only on the short-time scale prior to the infectious period, so that no further transmission is assumed.Results: We find that the level of infection depends heavily on the population dynamics, and increases in the case of slow population diffusion, but remains stable for a high or superdiffusive population. Also, we find that the confinement of homogeneous or overcrowded sub-populations has minimal impact in the short term.Conclusion: Our results indicate that on a short time scale, confinement restrictions or complete lock down of whole residential areas may not be effective. Finally, we discuss the possible implications of our findings for total confinement in the context of the current situation in Kuwait.