bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative chloroplast genomes of the tea plants and the implications for the different origins of the two Assam teas
Authors: li LI , Hu Yunfei , He Min , Zhang Bo , Hong Yongcong , Wu Wei , Cai Pumo , Huo Da
Published: June 2020

Background
Tea plants belong to the genus Camellia, whose species are taxonomically complex due to frequent hybridization and polyploidy nature. The genetic genealogy of Camellia has always been a focus of botanical and ecological research, including a debate about whether Assam tea has two different domestication origins (Chinese Assam type and Indian Assam type). The chloroplast genome resources were able to provide useful data for the analysis of the plastome evolutionary relationship and species classification. Here, we determined the first chloroplast genome of the natural triploid tea plant (Camellia sinensis cv. Wuyi Narcissus) and conducted the genome comparison with Chinese type tea (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis), Chinese Assam type tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) and Indian Assam type tea (Camellia assamica) to improve our understanding of the evolutionary mechanism and the taxonomic classification of Camellia.
Results
This study presented detailed sequences and structural variations of chloroplast genomes of four tea plants. The chloroplast genome of the natural triploid tea showed no obvious sequence difference from that of other two types of Chinese teas, while that of Chinese tea and Indian tea was significant sequence difference. The natural selection probably dominated in shaping the codon bias of the chloroplast genome in tea plant, and the codon usage distribution of genome in Indian tea was obviously different from that in Chinese tea. The phylogenetic status of Chinese and Indian Assam teas was in the different branches of the tea plant. Phylogenetic tree clustering was not consistent with the current some taxonomy of Camellia.
Conclusions
The sequence variation of the chloroplast genome of tea plant was mainly ascribed to the expansion and contraction of the border regions (IR/ SC), which were mainly due to the sequence repeat and indel mutation events of the genome. The codon usage pattern and phylogenetic analysis supported Chinese Assam type and Indian Assam type tea might have different domestication origins and suggested the current some taxonomy of Camellia might need revision.
Mapping the architecture of regulatory variation provides insights into the evolution of complex traits
Authors: Lupo Offir , Krieger Gat , Jonas Felix , Barkai Naama
Published: June 2020

Background : Organisms evolve complex traits by recruiting existing programs to new contexts, referred as co-option. Within a species, single upstream regulators can trigger full differentiation programs. Distinguishing whether co-option of differentiation programs results from variation in single regulator, or in multiple genes, is key for understanding how complex traits evolve. As an experimentally accessible model for studying this question we turned to budding yeast, where a differentiation program (filamentous) is activated in S. cerevisiae only upon starvation, but used by the related species S. paradoxus also in rich conditions. Results : To define expression variations associated with species-specific activation of the filamentous program, we profiled the transcriptome of S. cerevisiae, S. paradoxus and their hybrid along two cell cycles at 5-minutes resolution. As expected in cases of co-option, expression of oscillating genes varies between the species in synchrony with their growth phenotypes and was dominated by upstream trans-variations. Focusing on regulators of filamentous growth, we identified gene-linked variations (cis) in multiple genes across regulatory layers, which propagated to affect expression of target genes, as well as binding specificities of downstream transcription factor. Unexpectedly, variations in regulators essential for S. cerevisiae filamentation were individually too weak to explain activation of this program in S. paradoxus . Conclusions : Our study reveals the complex architecture of regulatory variation associated with species-specific use of a differentiation program. Based on these results, we suggest a new model in which evolutionary co-option of complex traits is stabilized in a distributed manner through multiple weak-effect variations accumulating throughout the regulatory network.
A Dual-Targeting Ruthenium Nanodrug that Inhibits Primary Tumor Growth and Lung Metastasis by the PARP/ATM Pathway
Authors: Lu Yu , Zhu Di , Gui Lin , Li Yuanming , Wang Wenjing , Liu Jiawang , Wang Yuji
Published: June 2020

Many studies have found that ruthenium complexes have unique biochemical characteristics and thus inhibit tumor growth or metastasis. Our aim was to report a novel dual-targeting ruthenium candidate 2b with both antitumor and antimetastatic functions that could target tumor sites using both EPR effects and TF/TFR. It was composed of ruthenium-complexed carboline acid and four chloride ions. In vitro, 2b could trigger DNA cleavage and thus block the cell cycle and cause apoptosis by the PARP/ATM pathway. In vivo, 2b could inhibit not only LLC tumor growth but also lung metastasis. We found apoptosis and decrease in CD31 expression in tumor tissue. In addition, we also found that 2b could collect in tumor tissue. Thus, we concluded that 2b could target tumors, inhibit tumor growth and prevent lung metastasis.
Water Loss During the Handwashing During Covid-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh
Authors: Sayeed Abu , Ahmed Fahad , Tariq Mohammad Raihan , Rahman Faujhia , Joy Md. Tarikul Islam , Abid Mohammad Tazrian , Rahman Md Hafizur
Published: June 2020

Hand washing is an important measure of public health to prevent COVID-19 pandemic from speared. But the increase in hand washing causes tremendous pressure on overstretched water resources, as the loss of water during handwashing increases. As there is no previous study to evaluate water loss during hand washing, the study aimed to determine the water loss during the COVID-19 pandemic during hand washing. Sociodemographic data were collected using a web based survey tool and an experiment was conducted to estimate the amount of water wasted during hand washing. 77.9% of participants washed their hands regularly after returning home from outside. 4 of the 7 participants generally did not turn off their tap when washing their hands.A single participant, who kept their tap on throughout the hand washing process, wasted approximately 14.88 L of water per day. The loss of water during hand washing is an alarming but less attentional issue. Hand washing is necessary during the COVID-19 situation, but behavioral adjustments are required to shut down the faucet at times when water is not being used.
Localization of recurrent lesions ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease
Authors: Ikeuchi Hiroki , Uchino Motoi , Bando Toshihiro , Horio Yuki , Kuwahara Ryuichi , Minagawa Tomohiro , Goto Yoshiko , Kusunoki Kurando , Ikeda Masataka , Beppu Naohito , Takesue Yoshio
Published: June 2020

Background
Crohn’s disease (CD) recurrence can occur not only at the site of anastomosis but also elsewhere in the bowel following ileocolic resection (ICR). The aims of the present study were to assess long-term outcomes of a primary ICR procedure for CD in consecutive patients and examine the location of the reoperation causative lesion.
Methods
We examined cases of surgery with ICR initially performed at our institution. Those with a simultaneous multiple bowel resection or bowel resection with strictureplasty were excluded.
Results
A total of 169 patients who underwent ICR due to CD were enrolled. The median follow-up period was 12.6 years (range 4–27 years). A reoperation was needed in 45 (26.6%), of whom 14 had lesions causative of the reoperation at other than the anastomotic site. The most common causative lesion location was in the colon rather than the oral side of the small intestine. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between presence of residual lesions following the initial surgery and lesions causative of reoperation. In the group without residual disease (n = 31), 29.0% (n = 9) had non-anastomotic lesions involved in indications for reoperation, while that was 35.7% (n = 5) in the group with residual disease (n = 14).
Conclusions
Anastomotic site lesion is not the only causative factor for reoperation following ICR. Regular examinations and applicable treatment with awareness that the cause of reoperation is not limited to the site of anastomosis are important in these cases.
Pulmonary Epithelial–Myoepithelial Carcinoma Without AKT1, HRAS or PIK3CA Mutations: A case report
Authors: Yanagawa Naoki , Sato Ayaka , Nishiya Masao , Suzuki Masamichi , Sugimoto Ryo , Osakabe Mitsumasa , Uesugi Noriyuki , Saito Hajime , Sugai Tamotsu
Published: June 2020

Background: Pulmonary epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma is a rare subtype of lung cancer. Because of its rarity, the molecular information on this carcinoma is insufficient.Case presentation: We report a case of pulmonary epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma without AKT1, HRAS or PIK3CA mutations in a 76-year-old woman. Computed tomography revealed a tumor located in the left lower lung. Thoracoscopic left lower lobectomy was performed. Histopathologically, the tumor consisted of duct-like structures and polygonal-to-spindle-cell features. The duct-like structures were composed of two distinct cell layers. Immunohistochemically, the inner layer consisted of cuboidal cells that were positive for pan-cytokeratin and negative for p63, whereas the outer layer consisted of polygonal and spindle cells that were positive for p63 and weakly positive for pan-cytokeratin. We evaluated mutations in AKT1, BRAF, CTNNB1, HRAS, KRAS and PIK3CA but did not detect any mutations.Conclusion: Pulmonary epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma is a rare subtype of lung cancer, with only 56 previous cases reported in the English literature. The genetic alterations in pulmonary epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma are still unclear. To our knowledge, only one study described HRAS mutations in pulmonary epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma, detected in all three tumors evaluated. However, our case did not show any mutations in any of the above-examined genes.
Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of Rare Primary Cervical Cancer
Authors: Li Jiaoling , Gu Congmin , Zheng Haiqing , Liu Xiaofang , Geng Xiuping , Wu Haiying
Published: June 2020

Background: To summarize ultrasonographic features of rare primary and common cervical cancer and the association of these cancers with HPV infection so as to diagnose rare primary cervical cancer.METHODS: Sixty-five cases with cervical cancer suspected by ultrasonography and three cases with clinical symptoms treated at our department underwent cervical biopsy. Sixty-four diagnosed cases were retrospectively analyzed and divided into common-type (CTCC) and rare-type (RTCC) cervical cancers.RESULTS: Sixty-one cases were diagnosed, four misdiagnosed, three missed the diagnosis by ultrasonography, the sensitivity of which was 95.31% (61/64). The common-type cervical cancer had 43 cases of squamous cell carcinoma. The rare-type cervical cancer had 15 cases of adenocarcinoma, four of small-cell carcinoma, and two of adenosquamous carcinoma. The demographic characteristics of the two groups were not significantly different (P > 0.2). The tumor size in RTCC was smaller than those in CTCC (P < 0.05). Hypoechoic lesions in CTCC and isoechoic lesions in RTCC composed 74.42% (32/43) and 61.90% (13/21), respectively (P < 0.001). Exophytic in CTCC and endophytic in RTCC composed 67.44% (29/43) and 66.67% (14/21), respectively (P = 0.01). HPV infection composed 83.72% (36/43) in CTCC and 47.62% (10/21) in RTCC, respectively (P = 0.003). Color Doppler blood signals were found in all cases, as compared with normal cervical tissue. The consistency between ultrasonography and pathology staging diagnosis of RTCC was good (Weighted kappa (95%CI) = 0.87).CONCLUSION: Most of patients in RTCC have isoechoic lesions. There is a good consistency between ultrasonography and pathology staging diagnosis of RTCC.
Co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 with Chlamydia or Mycoplasma pneumoniae: a case series and review of the literature
Authors: Oliva Alessandra , Siccardi Guido , Migliarini Ambra , Cancelli Francesca , Carnevalini Martina , D'Andria Maria , Attilia Ilenia , Danese Vittoria Carmela , cecchetti Veronica , Romiti Roberto , Ceccarelli Giancarlo , Mastroianni Claudio M , Palange Paolo , Venditti M. , Venditti M.
Published: June 2020

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has spread all over the world causing a global pandemic and representing a great medical challenge. Nowadays, there is limited knowledge on the rate of co-infections with other respiratory pathogens, with viral co-infection being the most representative agents. Co-infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae has been described both in adults and pediatrics whereas only 2 cases of Chlamydia pneumoniae have been reported in a large US study so far. In the present report, we describe a series of 7 patients where co-infection with C. pneumoniae (n=5) or M. pneumoniae (n=2) and SARS-CoV-2 was detected in a large teaching hospital in Rome. An extensive review of the updated literature regarding the co-infection between SARS-CoV-2 and these atypical pathogens is also performed.
Awareness and Impact of Hydroxychloroquine / Chloroquine prophylaxis among the Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An observational study.
Authors: Dhamija Silky , Joshi Yayati , Nandhakumar Amar
Published: June 2020

Background Various modalities are under study for prevention and treatment of novel coronavirus. One such modality is use of Hydroxychloroquine/Choloroquine. The objective of survey was to understand the awareness and impact of HCQ/CQ prophylaxis among the health care workers (HCWs) including surgeons and anaesthetists.Methods A web-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted for HCWs globally. Participation was voluntary and confidentiality was maintained by making participants' information anonymous. The questionnaire consisted of 28 items. Data were tabulated in excel, and descriptive statistics were performed. Results Survey was taken by 344 HCWs from all over the world. 98% participants heard about the use of HCQ/CQ prophylaxis against COVID 19 infection. 301 HCWs knew about the side effects of HCQ/CQ. 54 1% participants agree there is not adequate research done. 122 participants took HCQ/CQ prophylaxis. Out of 29 5% participants who received the medicine from hospital under hospital protocol, 66 7% were given medication without baseline investigations and 30 5% HCWs were not even briefed about the drug and its side effects by the hospitals. 36 2% participants developed side effects. 8 7% HCWs were tested for COVID19 out of 344 participants.Conclusion The drug taken by HCWs was without adequate evidence, prior investigations, supervision and follow-up. Most of the participants self prescribed the drug. No separate guidelines were stated for people who had co-morbid conditions. Hospitals neither conducted baseline investigations and nor briefed HCWs about HCQ/CQ. These are some serious concerns we are looking into as who will be answerable in case of adverse events.
The quest for better machine learning models to forecast COVID-19-related infections: A case study in the state of Pará-Brazil
Authors: Torres Renato Hidaka , Soares Wilson Rogério , Ohashi Orlando Shigueo , Pessin Gustavo
Published: June 2020

COVID-19 disease has become an unprecedented public health crisis. Although a relatively small percentage of people require intensive care, due to the high degree of contagion of the disease, the public system quickly collapses. Due to the highly complex nature of this disease and variation in its behavior depending on the characteristics of each geographic region, in this work, we analyze data from the Amazon region in Brazil (Pará). We applied several machine learning models to forecast the contagious curve to up 10 days. The Linear SVM and Multilayer Perceptron presented the best overall performances. Until the discovery of a vaccine, every effort is needed to understand and anticipate this disease.
Detection of COVID-19 Cases In Chest X-ray Images Using Wavelets And Support Vector Machines
Authors: Sarhan Ahmad M
Published: June 2020

This paper presents a novel technique for the detection of COVID-19 cases in chest X-ray scans. The proposed system uses the Wavelet transform (WT) to find discriminative features in the X-ray images and Support Vector Machines (SVM) to classify the extracted features. The WT is well-known for its energy compression capability. The proposed system preprocesses the chest X-ray image with WT which produces a set of approximation coefficients that include a limited number of high-magnitude coefficients. The proposed system introduces a novel threshold scanning technique that extracts only selected high-energy approximation coefficients. The thresholded coefficients are encoded using a modified version of the run-length encoding (RLE) scheme. The resulting code vector is used as the features representing the input image. These limited features are then presented to a SVM for classification (normal or COVID-19). The use of limited features in the proposed system significantly simplifies the work of the SVM classifier and increases its accuracy. Another advantage of diminishing the number of features is the reduction of the time complexity of the system. The proposed system produces a maximum accuracy of 94.5% when the decomposition level is 2 and the threshold level is 903.
Longitudinal Change of Circulating Tumor Cells During Chemoradiation Therapy and Its Correlation with Prognosis in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Liu Jun , Liu Yongping , Gu Cheng , Zhang Lei , Lu Xujing
Published: June 2020

Background: This study aimed to investigate the association of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) change during chemoradiation with the treatment response and survival profiles in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.Methods: 58 advanced NSCLC patients underwent concurrent chemoradiation were enrolled, then their peripheral blood samples were collected pre-chemoradiation and at 1 months post-chemoradiation to assess the CTCs using a CTC-Biopsy system. Moreover, CTCs were classified as CTCs positive and CTCs negative according to CTCs’ count, and CTCs’ change was calculated. Additionally, response of chemoradiation was evaluated at 1 months post-chemoradiation, then progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Results: Pre-chemoradiation CTCs positive was associated with increased TNM stage, but not correlated with other clinicopathologic characteristics. After chemoradiation, the CTCs’ number (1.0 (0.0-3.0) vs. 4.0 (2.0-10.0)) and the percentage of CTCs positive cases (37.9% vs. 77.6%) were both decreased compared with those prior to chemoradiation. Regarding treatment response, pre-chemoradiation CTCs positive was associated with lower partial response; post-chemoradiation CTCs positive was associated with reduced disease control rate; while CTCs’ change during chemoradiation was not associated with treatment response. Kaplan–Meier curves showed that post-chemoradiation CTCs positive and increased CTCs’ number during chemoradiation were associated with reduced PFS, then multivariate Cox’s regression analysis disclosed that they independently predicted decreased PFS. However, no correlation of CTCs status or CTCs’ change with OS was observed. Conclusions: Longitudinal monitoring of CTCs may provide important reflection for the prognosis in chemoradiation treated advanced NSCLC patients.
Characterizing the Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Stock Indices through Comparative Analysis
Authors: Balilla Jeffhraim
Published: June 2020

This paper shows the impact of COVID-19 on the global stock indices through the use of comparative analysis. Stock indices are presented by regions (Africa, Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania) and national stock indices are compared based on historical data. A 2:4 month ratio is used as a “window” for observing the changes in the movement of the price of indices from November – December 2019 and January – May 2020 respectively. COVID-19 infection count, recovery rate, and death rate are identified in each country from the first case recorded up to May 20, 2020. Based on analysis it appeared that there is no sufficient evidence to conclude that the changes in the value of indices is affected by the COVID-19 infection count (p-value = 0.9129). In Africa, only INDZI (Zimbabwe) showed a positive change of price in percentage points (1.39%) for January to May 2020 with 51 confirmed COVID-19 cases. In Asia, only SZSE (China) showed a positive mean change of price in percentage points (0.07%) in the same period with 82,971 confirmed cases. Similarly, in Europe, only OMXC20 (Denmark) showed the same with (0.09%) with 11,182 confirmed cases. In the Americas, NYSE Arca (US), Nasdaq100 (US), and MERVAL (Argentina) showed a positive mean change in price in percentage points (0.31%, 0.20%, and 0.89%) with 1,620,902 and 9,918 confirmed cases respectively. On the other hand, in Oceania, both NZX 50 (New Zealand) and S&P/ASX20 (Australia) showed a negative mean change in prices (-0.03 & -0.15) respectively. In general Asian and European indices suffered a 0.28% decrease in the mean change in daily prices as compared during November to December 2019. African indices on average stood to be the least affected with 0.11% mean change in daily prices as compared to -0.02% from November to December 2019.
A Novel Biomarker TLCD1 Correlates With Prognosis and Immune Infiltrates in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shen Hanyu , Huang Ailong , Zhu Dandan , Zhang Jiali , Ren Shiqi , Duan Lian , Sun Pingping , Wang Ziheng , Duan Yinong
Published: June 2020

Background: The HCC has seen a spike in the morbidity and the mortality rate in recent times. This calls for an urgent understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of the HCC and to speed up the quest for the search of the target molecules to ensure quick diagnosis and prognosis subsequently. TLCD1 is a gene only reported in membrane fluidity. The variations in the TLCD1 expression levels related to the infiltration of the immune cells in HCC and the prognosis shall be examined initially.Methods: The data received from TCGA shall provide the details of the gene expression, clinicopathology analysis and TME estimate, along with the enrichment analysis. Moreover, we performed additional analysis of the bioinformatics available. The immune responses of TLCD1 expression in HCC were analyzed using CIBERSORT and TIMER, while the statistical analysis was handled through R. HPA was used to validate the outcomes.Results: Higher TLCD1 expression is strongly correlated with a poor prognostic and worse overall survival. Specifically, the increase in TLCD1 expression positively correlated with Tregs cells and T cells CD4 memory resting. The pathways strongly associated with TLCD1 was fatty acid metabolism and PPAR signaling pathway.Conclusions: From the outcome of the study, it could be surmised that TLCD1 could be considered as a potential target for future treatment of HCC, as it was observed to be associated with the tumor-infiltrating immune cells in tumor microenvironment, establishing itself as a novel potential prognostic biomarker in HCC.
Impact of Sugarcane Irrigation on Malaria Vector Anopheles Mosquito Fauna, Abundance and Seasonality in Arjo-Didessa, Ethiopia
Authors: Shifera Assalif Demissew , Hawaria Dawit , Kibret Solomon , Animut Abebe , Tsegaye Arega , Lee Ming-Cheih , Yan Guiyun , Yewhalaw Delenasaw
Published: June 2020

Background: Although irrigation activities are increasing in Ethiopia, limited studies evaluated their impact on malaria vector mosquito composition, abundance and seasonality. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of sugarcane irrigation on species composition, abundance and seasonality of malaria vectors. Methods: Adult Anopheles mosquitoes were collected using CDC light traps from three irrigated and three non-irrigated clusters in and around Arjo-Didessa sugarcane irrigation scheme in southwestern Ethiopia. Mosquito collections were conducted in four seasons: two wet and two dry, in 2018 and 2019. Mosquito species composition, abundance and seasonality were compared between irrigated and non-irrigated clusters. Anopheles mosquitoes were identified to species using morphological keys and An. gambiae s.l to sibling species using PCR. Chi-square was used to analyze the association between Anopheles species occurrence and environmental and seasonal parameters. Results: Overall, 2,108 female Anopheles mosquitoes comprising of six species were collected. Of these, 92.7% (n=1954) were from irrigated clusters and 7.3% (n=154) from the non-irrigated. An. gambiae s.l was the most abundant (67.3%) followed by An. coustani complex (25.3 %) and An. pharoensis (5.7%). PCR based identification revealed that 74.7% (n=168) of the An. gambiae s.l were An. arabiensis and 22.7% (n=51) An. amharicus. Density of An. gambiae s.l. (both indoor and outdoor) was higher in irrigated than non-irrigated clusters. The overall anopheline mosquito abundance during the wet seasons (87.2%; n=1837) was higher than the dry seasons (12.8%; n=271). Conclusion: The ongoing sugarcane irrigation activities in Arjo-Didessa created conditions suitable for increased malaria transmitting Anopheles species diversity and abundance. This in turn could drive malaria transmission in Arjo-Didessa and its environs in both dry and wet seasons. Thus, currently practiced malaria vector interventions need to be strengthened and consider larval source management to reduce vector abundance in the irrigated areas.
Prognosis analysis of patients with resectable T4 colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen Wei , Ye Jun-Wen , Tan Xiao-ping , Zhang Yan , Liang Jing-Lin , Huang Meijin
Published: June 2020

Objective: To observe the factors related to survival and prognosis of patients with resectable stage T4 colorectal cancer. Methods : 148 patients with resectable stage T4 colorectal cancer who underwent surgery in the first Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between August, 1994 and December, 2005 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses of associations between clinicopathological variables and survival were analyzed using the Cox regression model. Results: At the end of December of 2010 or death, the 5-year and 10 years OS rates were 49.0% and 32.2% respectively, the median OS was 25 months. The disease free survival rates (DFS) at 5 and 10 years were 44.2% and 30.3% respectively. In univariate analysis, patients with postoperative pathology lymph node metastasis was associated with the prognosis of patients with OS (all P< 0.01), postoperative adjuvant therapy failed to improve OS and DFS (P>0.05). Postoperative pathology lymph node metastasis was associated with DFS too (all P< 0.01). In multivariate analysis, postoperative pathology lymph node metastasis was independent factor affected OS and DFS in colorectal cancer patients. Conclusion: Postoperative prognosis of T4 colorectal cancer patients is poor, postoperative pathology lymph node positive was an independent factor affect OS and DFS.
Pulmonary Adverse Event Data in Hypertension with Implications on COVID-19 Morbidity
Authors: Stafford Emma G. , Riviere Jim , Xu Xuan , Gedara Nuwan Indika Millagaha , Kawakami Jessica , Wyckoff Gerald J. , Jaberi-Douraki Majid
Published: June 2020

Hypertension is a recognized comorbidity for COVID-19. The contribution of medications to COVID-19 morbidity in hypertensive patients is unknown; however, ACE2, responsible for SARS-CoV-2 cell entry, is upregulated in patients taking ACEI and ARB antihypertensive drugs. Here, we evaluated prevalence of pulmonary adverse drug events (ADEs) in hypertensive patients receiving ACEIs/ARBs to help elucidate how these medications may affect clinical outcomes in acute respiratory illnesses. ADEs reported to the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System for hypertensive patients taking ACEI or ARB drugs show a cluster of pulmonary symptoms potentially exacerbating symptoms in COVID-19 patients. We found that retrospective analysis of 13 predominant pulmonary ADEs showed significant differences in ADEs associated with Quinapril and Trandolapril, compared to all other ACEIs and all ARBs. This study suggests that specific members of the ACEI hypertensive class (Quinapril and Trandolapril) have a cluster of pulmonary ADEs which could impact the management of COVID-19 patients.
Incidence, Severity, and Burden of Ankle Sprain in Male Collegiate Rugby Union
Authors: Ogaki Ryo , Nariai Miki , Otake Gento , Ogura Ayane , Murakami Taiki , Takemura Masahiro
Published: June 2020

Background: Rugby is a high risk of injury to the ankle, but epidemiological data on ankle injury is limited to specific competition levels and generations. This study aimed to clarify the epidemiological characteristics of ankle sprain by longitudinally investigating the incidence, severity and burden of ankle sprains in men's collegiate rugby players. Methods: The study recorded ankle sprains in rugby matches and training across three seasons from 2017 to 2019, investigating 128 male collegiate rugby players.Results: The incidence of ankle sprain was 1.21 injuries/1000 Player-hours (1000 PHs), and the risk of occurrence during matches (18.18 injuries/1000 PHs) was 25.6 times higher than during training (0.71 injuries/1000 PHs). Thus, it was thought that reducing the incidence of ankle sprains during matches would contribute greatly to reducing the loss of competition time due to injury of team members. The results suggested that the main injury mechanism was related to contact play and steps, and that contact skills and physical fitness characteristics were also involved in the risk of sprains. The incidence of ankle sprains in collegiate rugby players was higher than that reported in a previous study on professional-level players, and the rate of initial sprains was high in this study. Conclusions: This suggests that prevention of ankle sprains is important in university age rugby players.
Elucidating the cellular response of silver nanoparticles as a potential combinatorial agent for cisplatin chemotherapy
Authors: Miranda Renata Rank , Fonseca Micaella Pereira da , Korzeniowska Barbara , Skytte Lilian , Rasmussen Kaare Lund , Kjeldsen Frank
Published: June 2020

Background

Combination chemotherapy uses drugs that target different cancer hallmarks, resulting in synergistic or additive toxicity. This strategy enhances therapeutic efficacy as well as minimizes drug resistance and side effects. In this study, we investigated whether silver nanoparticles act as a combinatorial partner to cisplatin. In so doing, we compared post-treatment biological endpoints, intracellular drug accumulation, and changes in the proteome profile of tumoral and normal cell lines.

Results

Combinatorial treatment corresponded to cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in both cell lines, yet was substantially more effective against tumoral cells. Proteome analysis revealed that proteins related to energy metabolism pathways were upregulated in both cell lines, suggesting that combinatorial treatment corresponded to energetic modulation. However, proteins and upstream regulators involved in the cell cycle were downregulated, indicating reduced cell proliferation. The response to oxidative stress was markedly different in both cell lines; downregulation of antioxidant proteins in tumoral cells, yet upregulation of the antioxidant defense system in normal cells. These outcomes may have prevented further cell damage and avoided higher cell death rates in normal cells.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results indicate that combining silver nanoparticles with cisplatin increases the therapeutic efficacy of the latter, and the combination warrants further exploration for future therapies.
In silico immune infiltration profiling reveals the role of naïve B cells in lung tissues of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Chiu Yi-Lin , Wu Yi-Ying , Wang Sheng-Huei , Wu Chih-Hsien , Yen Li-Chen , Lai Hsing-Fan , Ho Chin-Liang
Published: June 2020

COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has rapidly spread to more than 160 countries worldwide since 2020. Despite the tremendous efforts and resources spent around the world trying to explore antiviral drugs, there is still no effective clinical treatment for COVID-19. Approximately 15% of COVID-19 cases progress to pneumonia, patients with severe pneumonia may die from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In addition, further pulmonary fibrosis from SARS-CoV-2 infection causes ARDS that often leads to irreversible impairment of lung function. If the mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 infection primarily cause immune responses or immune cell infiltration can be identified, it is possible to alleviate or prevent severe lung damage by modulating the infiltration and activation of specific immune cells to mitigate excessive immunity response.The extent to which subsets of immune cells are significantly altered in the lung tissue of COVID-19 patients remains unclear. This study applied the CIBERSORT method to comprehensively evaluate the immune infiltration landscape in lung tissues of COVID-19 patients, and further compared with the one from lung tissue of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We found several immune cell subtypes; particularly naïve B cells are highly infiltrated in COVID-19 group. A comparison of functional gene set analysis revealed that non-differentiated naïve B cells may be the main cause of the overactive humoral immune response. We further compared several specific COVID-19 cases receiving therapies targeting B cells and found that appropriate suppression of naïve B cells might be a new strategy to alleviate severe symptoms of COVID-19.
Pregnancy-related anxiety during COVID-19: A nationwide survey of 2,740 pregnant women
Authors: Moyer Cheryl A , Compton Sarah D , Kaselitz Elizabeth , Muzik Maria
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women’s anxiety and identify factors most strongly associated with greater changes in anxiety.Methods: An anonymous, online, survey of pregnant women (distributed April 3 - 24, 2020) included a modified Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale (PRAS) reflecting respondents’ perception of pregnancy anxiety before COVID-19 and a current assessment of pregnancy-related anxiety. The difference between these scores was used as the outcome variable. Data were analysed using bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. Results: 2,740 pregnant women from 47 states completed the survey. 25.8% (N=706) stopped in-person visits, 15.2% used video visits (N=415), and 31.8% (N=817) used phone visits for prenatal care as a result of COVID-19. Those planning a hospital birth dropped from 2641 (96.4%) to 2400 (87.7%) following COVID-19. More than half of women reported increased stress about food running out (59.2%, N=1622), losing a job or household income (63.7%, N=1745), or loss of childcare (56.3%, N=1543). More than a third reported increasing stress about conflict between household members (37.5%, N=1028), and 93% (N=2556) reported increased stress about getting infected with COVID-19. Slightly less than half of respondents (either selves or family members) were healthcare workers (41.4%, N=1133) or worked in essential services (45.5%, N=1246). In multivariate analysis, those reporting higher agreement with COVID-19-related stressors had greater changes in pre- to post-COVID-19 pregnancy-related anxiety.Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic is profoundly affecting pregnant women’s mental health, and factors independent of pregnancy appear to be driving changes in pregnancy-specific anxiety.
Neural Responses to Novel and Existing Words in Children with Autism Spectrum and Developmental Language Disorders
Authors: Knowland Victoria Catherine Penrose , Baker Daniel H , Gaskell Gareth , Rijn Elaine van , Walker Sarah A , Norbury Courtenay , Henderson Lisa-Marie
Published: June 2020

Background The formation of new phonological representations is key to establishing items in the mental lexicon. Phonological forms become more stable with repetition, time and sleep. This study measured changes in ERP responses to novel and known words within and between two sessions 24 hours apart. We hypothesised that modulation of the auditory N400 would mark changes in lexical processing in children with and without communication difficulties, as novel forms were encoded and consolidated.Method Children listened passively to known and novel words on two consecutive days, while ERPs were recorded using dry electrodes. Data were analysed from 20 typically developing children, 18 children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 13 children with developmental language disorder (DLD). Results We saw reduced activity overall in our DLD group, reflecting activation in a sparse lexical network, and reduced activity across groups on the second day indicating lexical pre-activation. The DLD group showed the smallest inter-day difference, perhaps signalling reduced overnight maintenance of task-based knowledge. Finally, an effect of lexicality (increased amplitude response to nonwords relative to words) was seen only in the ASD group.Conclusion Data support the dynamic nature of the lexical system, in which neural responses to words and nonwords cause lasting effects on brains' ability to predict incoming stimuli over a 24-hour period, but with these dynamics varying in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
COVID-19 Related Deaths in an Urban Academic Medical Center in Brooklyn – A Descriptive Case Series
Authors: McCracken James Andrew , Nakeshbandi Mohamed , Arace Jeffrey , Riley Wayne J , Sharma Roopali
Published: June 2020

Background Available studies are lacking in analysis of baseline demographics and hospital presentation of patients at risk of expiring due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), particularly Black American patients. We conducted a retrospective chart review to determine similarities in demographics and hospital presentation among patients who expired due to COVID-19 at an academic medical center in Brooklyn, New York.Study design and methods This is a retrospective observational study of 200 patients who expired due to complications of COVID-19. Patients were included in this study if they had laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and expired during their admission. Data were collected on patients who expired between March 17 and April 16, 2020. Results A vast majority of patients were Black Americans (89%) with no history of international travel who had more than one comorbidity (81%), with the most common comorbidities being hypertension (84·5%), diabetes mellitus (57·5%), and obesity (41·5%). Fifty-five percent of our patient population had three or more comorbidities. Among patients with available data, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and ferritin values were elevated above normal limits at admission. Dyspnea was the most common presenting symptom (92·5%). Most (90·5%) presented within the first week of symptoms, with a median time of symptoms prior to expiration being 8·42 days (IQR 5·57 – 12·72). Interpretation Socioeconomic status and healthcare inequalities have greatly affected the Black population of Brooklyn, New York, and these disparities become even more apparent in COVID-19 infection. Patients presenting with numerous comorbidities and elevated inflammatory markers represent a population at high risk of in-hospital mortality.
Objective Evaluation Method of Vehicle Ride Comfort Based on Small-Sample Statistics
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Fu Wenkui
Published: June 2020

Although ride comfort has been researched for many years, there is still no definite objective evaluation method which can match the subjective assessment feeling well. The mainly presented approaches are mostly based on ISO 2631, but the consistency and correlation between subjective evaluation and objective evaluation are inadequate in these studies. Taking the motion control as the study content, which is primary ride comfort. Different type components of vehicle have been combined in a tuning car to achieve various ride performance, such as springs, dampers, jounce bumpers and tires. Then corresponding subjective evaluation results and acceleration measurement data have been collected when driving the tuning car on a sine wave road. With correlation and clustering analysis, the most representative features of measurement data for subjective assessment were extracted. Based on the small-sample statics theory, a new objective evaluation method for ride motion control has been established using the features by the LASSO model. The cross validation and comparison results indicate that the new objective evaluation method has a good estimation for ride motion control and the method can be a complement for ISO 2631.
Small Intestinal Mucosal Injury not Associated with Acute Gastrointestinal bleeding Induced by Aspirin: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Gui Qian , Liang Xiao , Ge Zhi Zheng , Xiong Hua , Zhu Qi , Lu Hong
Published: June 2020

Background

To investigate the characteristics of small intestinal injuries and its association with upper gastrointestinal ulcers and Helicobacter pylori infection in aspirin induced acute gastrointestinal bleeding patients.
Methods

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and capsule endoscopy were used to examine the gastrointestinal injuries. Serum antibody was used to test the history of Helicobacter pylori infection. Clinical history, underlying diseases, the duration of aspirin use, and proton pump inhibitors use were recorded.
Results

A total of 72 patients were involved with 58 cases (80.6%) of active upper gastrointestinal peptic ulcers and 9 cases (12.5%) with small intestinal injuries (erosive/ulcerative lesions). Fifty percent of patients (36 cases) was reported Helicobacter pylori infection.
Conclusions

It was upper gastrointestinal ulcers that accounting for most of aspirin-induced acute gastrointestinal bleeding instead of the intestinal mucosal injuries.
Sex difference in the incidence of cardia and non-cardia gastric cancer in the United States, 1992-2014
Authors: Yao Qiang , Qi Xiaona , Xie Shao-Hua
Published: June 2020

Background Gastric cancer is more common in men than in women, but underlying reasons have not been completely understood.

Methods Using data from 13 cancer registries in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, we analyzed the age-specific sex difference in the incidence of gastric cancer in the United States during 1992-2014. We assessed the temporal trends in the sex differences in the incidence of gastric cancer during the study period.

Results The male-to-female incidence ratio of cardia cancer increased with age until peaking at ages 55-69 years and decreased thereafter, while the ratio for non-cardia gastric cancer increased with age before ages <60 years and remained stable onwards. The age-specific patterns in the sex difference of gastric cancer incidence varied between intestinal and diffuse histological types. The sex difference in the incidence of cardia cancer remained relatively stable except for that the absolute difference between the sexes in whites decreased on average by 0.8% per year from 1992 to 2014. The absolute incidence difference between the sexes in non-cardia gastric cancer decreased over time in whites, blacks, and Asian and Pacific islanders by approximately 4% per year. The male-to-female incidence ratio of non-cardia gastric cancer decreased over time in whites and blacks, but remained relatively stable in Asian and Pacific islanders.

Conclusions Both extrinsic and intrinsic factors may have contributed to the sex difference in gastric cancer. Sex hormones may play a role in the development of cardia cancer and intestinal type of gastric cancer.
Assessment of Novice Learners in a Novel High-fidelity Simulation-Based Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Education Program
Authors: TONG Li , HU Wen-jie , ZHU Yan-ping , CAO Lu , LI Ying-hui , ZHANG Ning , CAI Chang-jie , KUANG Ming
Published: June 2020

Background: This study aimed to design a suitable integrated extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) curriculum and assessed the impact of this a high-fidelity simulation-based education module on novice learners.
Methods: An ECMO training curriculum was developed by well-trained and experienced ECMO experts that incorporated simulation modules to train multidisciplinary health care professionals. Pre- and post-participation questionnaires were used to determine the effects on the knowledge, ability, and confidence level of the participants. A five-point Likert scale was used to assess the participants regarding the ECMO practical test.
Results: The study enrolled 37 participants (10 doctors, 27nurses). 67.6% (25/37) of trainees didn’t have ECMO experience. All two questionnaires were completed by 37 participants. A five-point Likert scale on practical test was finished by 4 ECMO experts. All participants passed the written and practical tests. All the responding participants thought the curriculum was useful in improving their perception of their overall knowledge and their ability to perform the required critical performance criteria on simulated ECMO. 91.9% (34/37) trainees thought that they invested more in active learning during the whole course; 60% (22/37) of them achieved a good level of technical evaluation. On the other hand, 67.6% (25/37) of the trainees have shown a good self-confidence in the priming course; however, 43.2% (16/27) trainees still needed to strengthen their overall competence in ECMO management.
Conclusions: The integration of traditional teaching and high-fidelity simulation teaching can effectively improve the ECMO monitoring level and management skills of novice learners, but whether this training mode can be successfully transferred to the clinical field needs further research and confirmation.