bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological Characteristics of Common Human Coronaviruses in Korea, 2015-2019
Authors: Choi Youn Young , Kim Ye Kyung , Kim Jeong-Min , Chung Yoon-Seok , Han Myung-Guk , Choi Eun Hwa
Published: January 2021

Background: Compared to influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus, common human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are relatively understudied due to the mild nature of HCoV infection. Given the lack of local epidemiology data on common HCoVs in Korea, we aimed to describe epidemiological characteristics of common HCoVs. Methods: Respiratory viral test results from more than 67,000 respiratory samples from the two data sources, Korea Influenza and Respiratory Viruses Surveillance System (KINRESS, N=58,253) and Seoul National University Children’s Hospital (SNUCH, N=9,589) were analyzed from January 2015 to December 2019. Viral detection was done by the multiplex RT-PCR. Demographics and clinical diagnosis were collected for previously healthy children tested positive for HCoVs in SNUCH. Results: Of the 67,842 samples tested, 1 or more respiratory viruses were detected from 35,459 (52.2%) samples and 2,854 (4.2%) samples were positive for HCoVs (OC43 2.1%, NL63 1.7%, 229E 0.4%). All 3 types were co-circulated during winter months (November to February) with some variation by type. HCoV-OC43 was most prevalent, peaking every winter. HCoV-NL63 circulated with alternate peaks occurring between January-March and November-February. Meanwhile, HCoV-229E had smaller peaks every other winter in 2015/2016 and 2017/2018. From the national surveillance data, HCoV infection was most prevalent among 0 to 1 year old children and older adults aged over 70 years. 18.2% of the HCoV-positive samples were co-detected with other respiratory viruses, with the highest co-detection rate (33.7%) in children 0 to 1 year of age and the lowest co-detection rate (3.6%) in adults ≥70 years old. Upper respiratory tract infection was the most common (60.0%) clinical diagnosis of the 135 previously healthy children. Croup accounted for 17.0% of NL63-positive childrenConclusion: This study described the epidemiological characteristics of 3 types of common HCoVs (OC43, NL63, 229E) in Korea; the highest prevalence of OC43, concurrent circulation during winter, and age difference in HCoV infection and co-detection rate with other respiratory virus. It may be informative to monitor any changes in the epidemiology of common HCoVs as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Immunological and Inflammatory Indicators of COVID-19 Patients With Returned-positive Nucleic Acid Tests During Hospitalization: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Yin , Chen Xiaobei , Zhang Yi , Chen Hongyan , Zhou Quan , Li Dong , Niu Zhili , Yu Huidan , Wang Xiaojun , Zhang Haijun , Liu Tingting , Zhang Bicheng , Yu Hui , Wang Xiaochuan , Jiang Yuan , Dou Yalan , Chen Xiaotian , Zhou Xiaoyang , Yan Weili
Published: January 2021

Background: COVID-19 cases with suspected returned-positive SRAS-CoV-2 tests following consecutive negative tests have been reported, but evidence-based explanations for this phenomenon is still lacking. We aimed to describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of returned-positive COVID-19 patients during treatment in comparison with other patients.Methods: From January 20 to April 10, 2020, all COVID-19 inpatient with at least three RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 tests in Renmin Hospital in Wuhan, China were enrolled. Patients with 2 consecutively negative RT-PCR results followed by a positive result were classified as returned-positive patients, and their characteristics and repeatedly measured laboratory results were compared with the rest of the patients. Linear mixed effects models were performed.Results: A total of 789 COVID-19 patients were included and 22.8% patients returned positive in RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 test. No significant differences were found for general characteristics between the returned-positive and the control groups. The trends of inflammatory and immune factors including the third component of complement (C3), C-reactive protein, procalcitonin (PCT), IL-4, IL-6, the counts of lymphocyte, CD3+, CD8+, white blood cell and immunoglobulin levels during hospitalization were significantly different between the two groups. During the returned-positive period, C3, PCT, serum IgM, anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG were significantly higher in the returned-positive patients at certain time points.Conclusions: Returned-positive COVID-19 patients appeared to be more sever at admission, and had periodically higher levels in C3, PCT, serum IgM and two specific antibodies during hospitalization. This suggests that positive return of SARS-COV-2 could not be completely explained by false-negative testing and longer observation of these patients is warranted.
miR-328a-3p stimulates endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis
Authors: Chen Sailing , zhang Yunsong , Cai Xiaodong , Yi Sheng , Wang Xinghui
Published: January 2021

Background

Endothelial cells play important biological roles after peripheral nerve injury by forming blood vessels within the nerve gap after peripheral nerve injury and guiding Schwann cell migration. microRNAs (miRNAs) affect cellular behavior and regulate a wide variety of physiological and pathological activities, including peripheral nerve regeneration. Emerging studies identified the essential roles of miRNAs on the phenotype modulation of Schwann cells while the effects of miRNAs on endothelial cells were not well investigated. miR-328a-3p was differentially expressed in peripheral nerve stumps after nerve injury. This study aimed to identify the biological effects of miR-328a-3p on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).
Methods

Here, the biological functions of miR-328a-3p on endothelial cells were determined by transfecting cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with miR-328a-3p mimic or inhibitor. Heatmaps of lncRNAs and mRNAs were generated using meV software according to previous obtained sequencing data of sciatic nerve stumps at 0, 1, 4, 7, and 14 days after nerve crush injury.
Results

Transfection with miR-328a-3p mimic led to slightly decreased HUVEC proliferation and robustly increased HUVEC migration and tubulogenesis while transfection with miR-328a-3p mimic led to opposite observations. Bioinformatic analysis further discovered potential regulators and effectors of miR-328a-3p and constructed a miR-328a-3p-centered competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network.
Conclusions

Collectively, our present study demonstrated that dysregulated miR-328a-3p after peripheral nerve injury might affect the migration and angiogenesis of endothelial cells and contribute to peripheral nerve regeneration.
Trial registration:

The rats were obtained from the Experimental Animal Center of Nantong University (Animal licenses No. SCXK [Su] 2014-0001 and SYXK [Su] 2012-0031).
Corneal Crosslinking With Genipin as a Novel Treatment for Bacterial Keratitis
Authors: Huertas-Bello Marcela , Rodriguez Cristian , Henao Sandra , Navarrete Myriam , Avila Marcel , Koudouna Elena
Published: January 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Ultrasound feature discordance in a bilateral juvenile ovarian granulosa cell tumor: A case report
Authors: Zhang Li , Cai Sheng , Wang Yahong , Wang Ying , Ge Zhitong , Zou Mi , Li Jianchu , Huang Huifang
Published: January 2021

BackgroundAs a rare ovarian stromal tumor, the juvenile ovarian granulosa cell tumor (JGCT) is mainly seen in premenstrual and young women. It associates with high malignancy and recurrence rate, and early diagnosis and treatment could improve prognosis. Most cases are unilateral solid-cystic or solid masses, while unilocular cystic masses are rarely seen. As cystic ovarian tumors are often misdiagnosed as benign cystic lesions or functional cysts, cystic JGCT should not be overlooked.Case presentationWe report this special case of a 10-year-old female patient. It’s the first reported JGCT with completely inconsistent bilateral imaging manifestations, including an extremely rare unilocular cystic JGCT. A large solid-cystic JGCT appeared in her left ovary, and left adnexal resection was performed. A unilocular cyst occurred in the right ovary two years later. It was with a regular shape and smooth inner wall, mimicking a benign cyst. Since the patient was young and had the desire to preserve the right ovary, follow-up was initially recommended. However, the cyst size increased rapidly and exploratory laparotomy was finally performed. Pathology showed a unilocular cystic JGCT.ConclusionsAs cystic masses in young patients are easily misdiagnosed as benign or physiologic lesions, this case emphasizes the importance of postoperative follow-up for JGCTs. Exploratory laparotomy of persistent cystic lesions should be considered when necessary.
Neutralization of N501Y mutant SARS-CoV-2 by BNT162b2 vaccine-elicited sera
Authors: Shi Pei-Yong , Xie Xuping , Zou Jing , Fontes-Garfias Camila , Xia Hongjie , Swanson Kena , Cutler Mark , Cooper David , Menachery Vineet , Weaver Scott , Dormitzer Philip
Published: January 2021

Rapidly spreading variants of SARS-CoV-2 that have arisen in the United Kingdom and South Africa share the spike N501Y substitution, which is of particular concern because it is located in the viral receptor binding site for cell entry and increases binding to the receptor. We generated isogenic N501 and Y501 SARS-CoV-2. Twenty human sera from the mRNA-based vaccine BNT162b2 trial exhibited equivalent neutralizing titers to the N501 and Y501 viruses.
Effects of Stand Density on Soil Respiration and Soil Labile Organic Carbon and Their Influence Mechanism in Larix Principis-Rupprechtii Plantations
Authors: Liu TaiRui , Peng Daoli , Tan Zhijie , Guo Jinping , Zhang Yunxiang
Published: January 2021

BackgroundForest soil carbon pool plays a vital role in the global carbon sequestration and carbon emission. Forest management can regulate the sequestration and output of forest soil carbon pool to a certain extent, but mechanism of forest density effects on soil carbon pool still needs to be further researched. MethodsWe established sample plots with density gradients in three-age stands of Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation and measured soil respiration (RS), soil organic carbon (SOC), soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC), light fraction organic carbon (LFOC), and easily oxidizeable organic carbon (ROC). Results and ConclusionsThe results showed that, among the forest stands of three ages, RS, heterotrophic respiration (RH), MBC, LFOC, ROC of different stand density levels were significantly different. Moderate density promotes RS rate and RH rate and the sequestration of MBC and LFOC and inhibits ROC sequestration. With the increase of forest stand density, RS, RH, LFOC, and MBC first increased and then decreased, and ROC first decreased and then increased, the quadratic function could fit these changing trends. The RS, RH, and autotrophic respiration (RA) rates of older forest stands were relatively fast, and contents of SOC, MBC, LFOC, DOC, and ROC were higher, and they were more sensitive to changes in stand density. SOC, LFOC, MBC, DOC, and ROC explained 56.05% variations of RS, Rh, and RA. MBC, LFOC, and ROC in soil labile organic carbon were closely related to RS and Rh, but not SOC. Among them, LFOC and MBC played the role of "warehouse" and "tool" and significantly correlated with RS and Rh. ROC, as "raw material," had a significant negative correlation with RS and RH. When the RS and RH rate were fast, ROC maintained a dynamic and stable state of low soil content. Stand density could regulate RH by affecting soil labile organic carbon, an essential path for stand density to regulate soil respiration. Given soil carbon pool significance in forest ecosystems, Continuous research on soil respiration and stand density is suggested to bridge the gaps in our comprehension of the Regulation of Forest Management on forest soil carbon pool.
Expression Profile of Exosome-associated MicroRNA Derived from Human Red Blood Cell Suspensions During Storage: Predicting microRNA-1246 and microRNA-150-3p Exert Essential Roles in Transfusion-related Immunomodulation
Authors: Kong Yujie , Tian Xue , He Rui , Li Chenyue , Xu Haixia , Tian Li , Liu Zhong
Published: January 2021

Background: Transfusion-related immunomodulation (TRIM) can be caused by exosomes and microRNA (miRNA) is one of the critical functional components in exosomes. This study intends to investigate the differences in the expression of exosomal miRNAs in red blood cell (RBC) suspensions at different storage times, also the potential functions related to TRIM of the abundant miRNAs. Methods: Twenty-five bags of RBC suspensions were selected randomly, and exosomes were separated by ultracentrifugation at different storage times. Isolated exosomes were identified by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Western Blot (WB). Exosomal miRNA profiles were analyzed using genechip in 5 RBC suspension samples, and the miRNA expressions between different storage times were compared. For the statistically upregulated microRNAs, the bioinformation of their predicted target genes was analyzed. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to identify the miRNAs upregulated more than 10 folds at 5weeks storage time in 20 RBC suspension samples.Results: The detection of the gene chip showed most exosomal miRNAs were up-regulated as storage time increases. Compared to RBC suspensions stored for 1 week, that kept for 5 weeks had 539 differential miRNA expressions, among which 159 were significantly different (P<0.05) and 148 (93.08%) were up-regulated. For the bioinformatic analysis, significant immunoregulatory annotations related to thyroid hormone, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), focal adhesion, and ras signaling pathway were found. The top 17 miRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR, and the results showed miRNA-1246 and miRNA-150-3p were the most significantly enriched miRNAs (more than 150 folds during 5weeks storage).Conclusions: As storage time increased, various exosomal miRNAs in RBC suspensions accumulated and involved multiple immuno-signaling pathways. The predominantly accumulated miRNA-1246 and miRNA-150-3p were confirmed to participate in pro-inflammation responses and immune-regulation, which might exert essential roles in TRIM.
Risk Factors Associated with Disease Severity and Clinical Outcomes for COVID-19 in Wuhan, China
Authors: Liu Yun , Wu Hao , Zhu Bei , Yang Yi , Cheng Peng , Huang Chaolin , Wu Wenjuan , Zhao Weihong , Zhang Jinsong
Published: January 2021

Background: A new type of pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) appeared in Wuhan, China. However, the risk factors and characteristics related to the severity of the disease and its outcomes need to be further explored.Methods: In this retrospective study, we evaluated COVID-19 patients with severe disease and those who were critically ill, as diagnosed at Jinyintan Hospital (Wuhan, China). The demographic information, clinical characteristics, complications, and laboratory results for the patients were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression methods were used to analyze risk factors related to hospital deaths.Results: The 235 COVID-19 patients included were divided into a severe group of 183 (78%) and a critical group of 52 (22%). Of these patients, 185 (79%) were discharged, and 50 (21%) died during hospitalization. In multivariate logistic analyses, age (OR=1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.14, P=0.009), critical disease (OR=48.23, 95% CI 10.91-323.13, P<0.001), low lymphocyte counts (OR=15.48, 95% CI 1.98-176.49, P=0.015), elevated interleukin 6 (IL-6) (OR=9.11, 95% CI 1.69-67.75, P=0.017), and elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (OR=8.46, 95% CI 2.16-42.60, P=0.004) were independent risk factors for adverse outcomes.Conclusions: The results show that advanced age (> 64 years), critical illness, low lymphocyte levels, and elevated IL-6 and AST were factors for the risk of death for COVID-19 patients who had severe disease and those who were critically ill.
Central Administration of Sargahydroquinoic Acid Elevates Peripheral Thermogenic Signaling and Ameliorates High Fat Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Kim Doyeon , Kim Hyeung-Rak , Lee Yuna , Hwang Hongik , Rhim Hyewhon , Choi Chun Whan , Lee Bonggi , Kim Min Soo
Published: January 2021

Sargassum serratifolium (C.Agardh) C.Agardh, a marine brown alga, has been consumed as food and traditional medicine in Asia. A previous study showed that the meroterpenoid-rich fraction of an ethanolic extract of Sargassum serratifolium (MES) induced adipose tissue browning and suppressed diet-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome. Sargahydroquinoic acid (SHQA) is a major component in MES. However, it is unclear whether SHQA can regulate energy homeostasis through the central nervous system. To figure it out, SHQA was administrated through the third ventricle of the hypothalamus in high-fat diet-fed C57BL/6 mice and investigated its effects on energy homeostasis. Bath application of SHQA increases the intrinsic neuronal excitability of hypothalamic ARC neurons in acutely prepared brain slices. Thus, we further tested its effect on energy balance. Chronic administration of SHQA into the brain reduced bodyweight without a change in food intake and improved metabolic syndrome-related phenotypes. Cold experiments and biochemical analyses indicate that SHQA elevates thermogenic signaling pathways evidenced by an increase in body temperature and UCP1 signaling in white and brown adipose tissues. As partial mechanisms, SHQA significantly elevated mRNA levels of genes associated with sympathetic outflow and GABA signaling pathways. Our data indicate that hypothalamic injection of SHQA elevates peripheral thermogenic signaling and ameliorates diet-induced obesity.
Sijunzi Tang and gefitinib cooperate to inhibit Lung cancer progression by modulating the pre-metastatic niche
Authors: Zhang Mingyu , Chen Wei , Li Ruisheng , Li Xingjie , Li Chunyu , Li Guohui
Published: January 2021

Background:Although targeted therapies usually trigger great initial responses in patients, the efficacy is transient due to tumor metastasis. The formation of pre-metastatic niche was proposed as the main cause for metastasis, of which the blocking way may be a potential method for inhibiting metastasis. Sijunzi Tang (SJZ), as a complementary drug for targeted therapy, can reduce the recurrence and metastasis of tumors and prolong the survival time of patients. However, how SJZ regulates the formation of pre-metastatic niche to improve the efficacy of targeted therapy remains unclear.Methods: Here, we investigated the anti-tumor activity and immunological mechanism of SJZ plus gefitinib based on pre-metastatic niche in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) incubated spontaneous metastatic mouse model, using histopathology and immunological methods.Results:The results showed that SJZ can improve the effect of gefitinib by inhibiting tumor cell growth, promoting tumor cell apoptosis and preventing metastasis in the lung. Besides, SJZ plus gefitinib could inhibit tumor cell aggregation and the expression of characteristic proteins of Mmp2 and Mmp9 in the lung areas of mice. We also confirmed that SJZ could downregulate the expression levels of c-kit and VEGFR2 on DCs, c-kit on neutrophils, c-kit, VEGFR2 on B lymphocyte in the blood, and c-kit and CXCR1 on monocytes in the lung; Gefitinib could decrease the expression levels of c-kit and VEGFR2 on DCs in the blood and c-kit and CXCR1 on monocytes in the lung, but increase the amount of c-kit+ monocytes in the blood. SJZ plus gefitinib decrease the proportion of c-kit+ and CXCR1+ monocytes in the lung. SJZ could regulate pro-metastatic inflammatory responses represented by down-regulating the expression of IL-23，RANTES, GRO-α against that of gefitinib. Moreover, there were significant rises in the expression level of IL-12p70 and IL-15，while declines in the expression level of IL-1β、IL-18、GRO-α in co-treatment group.Conclusions: This work identified the immune cells and cytokines in pre-metastatic niche associated with lung cancer affected by gefitinib and SJZ, and further revealed the immunological mechanism of SJZ improving the efficacy of gefitinib.
Bioremediation Potential of Duckweed (Lemna Gibba) in The Decolorization of C.I. Basic Green 4 and Chlorophyll a Fluorescence Analysis: Understanding Plant Performance
Authors: Singh Hanwant , Raj Shani , Kumar Deepak , Sharma Shubhangani , Bhatt Upma , Soni Vineet
Published: January 2021

In this research, the duckweed (Lemna gibba) potential has been investigated spectrophotometrically as an obvious bioagent for the biological decolorization of organic dye Basic Green 4 (BG4). Experiment result showed that L. gibba has a potent ability to extract BG4 from contaminated water. The study showed that for better results the temperature at 25-30 oC and pH 8.0 is considered to be optimum. A significant induction in SOD, GPOD and CAT activity was observed in L. gibba treated with 15 and 30 mg / l BG4, respectively, after 24 hours of biodecolorization process. It was observed during five repeated batch run that L. gibba showed comparable efficiency in dye decolorization. The chlorophyll fluorescence analysis also shows that photosynthetic apparatus of L. gibba is highly tolerant of BG4. The overall results of the observations here demonstrate the duckweed L. gibba can be used as a potent biodegrading organism for BG4.
Keywords-Driven and Weight-aware Paper Recommendation via Paper Correlation Pattern Mining
Authors: Liu Hanwen , Hou Jun , Li Qianmu , Jiang Jian
Published: January 2021

Currently, readers often prefer to search for their interested papers based on a set of typed query keywords. As the keywords of a paper is often limited, paper recommender systems often need to recommend a set of papers which collectively satisfy the readers’ keyword query. However, the topics of recommended papers are probably not correlated with each other, which fail to meet the readers’ requirements on in-depth and continuous academic research. Furthermore, although existing paper citation graphs can model the papers’ correlations, they often face the data sparse problem which blocks accurate paper recommendations. To address these issues, we propose a keywords-driven and weight-aware paper recommendation approach, named LP-PRk+w (link prediction-paper recommendation), based on a weighted paper correlation graph. Concretely, we firstly optimize the existing paper citation graph modes by introducing a weighted similarity, after which we obtain a weighted paper correlation graph. Then we recommend a set of correlated papers based on the weighted paper correlation graph and the query keywords from readers. At last, we conduct large-scale experiments on a real-world Hep-Th dataset. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposal can improve the paper recommendation performances considerably, compared to other related solutions.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy as a Transdiagnostic Treatment for Common Psychiatric Disorders: Study Protocol for a Systematic Review
Authors: Tan Michelle Yan Ling , McConnell Bridget , Barlas Joanna
Published: January 2021

BackgroundDialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is one of the most well-known interventions for treating Borderline Personality Disorder, but has been increasingly adapted for use with other psychiatric disorders. Standard DBT consists of four treatment modes, delivered over the course of a full year. Adaptations made to DBT to suit other patient populations include changes to modes of delivery, treatment length, and other components such as skills modules taught to patients. In some cases, interventions from other evidence-based therapies for specific presenting problems or clinical concerns are incorporated into the treatment. This study aims to synthesize the existing evidence on DBT as a treatment for various types of psychiatric conditions.MethodsA systematic review and planned meta-analysis will be conducted according to the procedures outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (Higgins et al., 2019). Outcomes will be reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (Moher et al., 2009). A search strategy was devised to combine domains of various clinical presentations and the treatment approach (i.e., DBT).DiscussionResults from this study will deepen understanding of the effectiveness of DBT in treating various psychiatric conditions, and the clinical populations with which it would be most appropriate for use.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO, CRD42020168550
Low-level Laser Therapy in the Acceleration of Fixed Orthodontic Tooth Movement: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Ziyuan , Zhou Lijuan , Feng Chong , Chang Xiao , Han Kaifang , Wang Xuan , Lv Shuxin , Zhang Jiaxi , Zhang Xizhong
Published: January 2021

Background: Orthodontic treatment is a long-term therapy with time-related adverse effects. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used in the clinic as an intervention to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and prevent adverse effects. Previous systematic reviews have evaluated the effectiveness of LLLT in the acceleration of OTM. However, it remains unclear which treatment parameters are appropriate for LLLT. This review will evaluate the efficacy of LLLT on the acceleration of fixed OTM and the prevention of adverse effects.Methods: Several electronic databases will be searched. Grey literature also will be retrieved. Parallel or clustered randomised controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of different LLLTs on the acceleration of fixed OTM will be included. Two researchers will independently screen all titles, abstracts, and full-text articles retrieval, as well as data extraction. The risk bias of each study will be appraised using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0). The primary outcome will be the efficacy of LLLT on the acceleration of fixed OTM (e.g., canine movement distance, orthodontic treatment duration). Secondary outcomes will be the effectiveness of LLLT to reduce orthodontic adverse effects such as pain and root resorption. The mean difference (MD) and relative risk (RR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) will be chosen as effective measures for continuous and binary outcomes, respectively. When feasible, both fixed and random-effects pairwise meta-analyses and frequentist network meta-analyses will be conducted.Discussion: This network meta-analysis will compare the efficacy of LLLT on the acceleration of fixed OTM as well as whether LLLT can prevent adverse effects of this orthodontic treatment. By integrating the current evidence from direct and indirect comparisons and ranking all included interventions, our findings have the potential to help clinicians achieve more effective treatment goals.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020175850
A New Scoring System for Predicting Short-term Outcomes in Critically-ill Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Mo Ran , Yu Li-tian , Tan Hui-qiong , Wang Yang , Yang Yan-min , Liang Yan , Zhu Jun
Published: January 2021

Background: Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) contributes millions of emergency department (ED) visits and it is associated with high in-hospital mortality. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a multiparametric score for critically-ill ADHF patients.Methods: In this single-center, retrospective study, a total of 1268 ADHF patients were enrolled and divided into derivation (n=1014) and validation (n=254) cohorts. The primary endpoint was any in-hospital death, cardiac arrest or utilization of mechanical support devices. Logistic regression model was preformed to identify risk factors and build the new scoring system. The assigning point of each parameter was determined according to its β coefficient. The discrimination was validated internally using C statistic and calibration was evaluated by the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. Results: We constructed a predictive score based on six significant risk factors [systolic blood pressure (SBP), white blood cell (WBC) count, hematocrit (HCT), total bilirubin (TBIL), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and NT-proBNP]. This new model was computed as (1×SBP<90mmHg)+(2×WBC>9.2×109/L)+(1×HCT≤0.407)+(2×TBIL>34.2μmol/L)+(2×eGFR<15ml/min/1.73m2)+(1×NTproBNP≥10728.9ng/ml). The C statistic for the new score was 0.758 (95%CI 0.667 to 0.838) higher than APACHE Ⅱ, AHEAD and ADHERE score. It also demonstrated good calibration for detecting high-risk patients in the validation cohort (χ2 =6.681, p=0.463).Conclusions: The new score including SBP, WBC, HCT, TBIL, eGFR and NT-proBNP might be used to predict short-term prognosis of critically-ill ADHF patients.
Effectiveness and Safety of Remdesivir in Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yao Hai-Bo , Peng Jie-Ru , Zheng Xue-Mei , Yang Zhuo , Yan Huang , Tang Xing-Ming , Liang Yun-Dan , Wu Meng-Jun , Duan Xiao-Dong
Published: January 2021

Background: Remdesivir, a nucleoside analogue antiviral drug developed for Ebola, is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of COVID-19. However, the findings of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies vary regarding the effectiveness of remdesivir. We aimed to comprehensively review the available evidence identify the effectiveness and safety of remdesivir in patients with COVID-19.Methods: Seven databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Wanfang database, SinoMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and Chinese Science Journal Database) were searched for literatures published until November 2020.Following the PRISMA flow diagram, we included RCTs and prospective observational studies that reported the effectiveness and safety of remdesivir in patients with COVID-19. With extracting study details, as well as patient characteristics and outcomes, data were meta-analyzed by using Review Manager software version 5.4.1. Meta-analyses were conducted with fixed-effect model or random-effect model to calculate risk ratio (RR).Results: Four studies involving 2,279 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with placebo, 10-day remdesivir was associated with significant increased clinical improvement on days 14 and 28 with RR 1.19 (95%CI 1.09-1.30) and RR 1.09 (95%CI 1.03-1.16). The clinical improvement of 5-day remdesivir was better than 10-day remdesivir on days 7 with RR 1.20 (95%CI 1.02-1.41), but the efficacy advantage of 5-day remdesivir disappeared on days 14 (RR 1.08; 95%CI 0.90-1.29). Remdesivir was associated with lower serious adverse events rates and grade 3 or 4 adverse events rates as compared with placebo with RR 0.75(95%CI 0.63-0.89) and RR 0.89(95%CI 0.80-0.99). Compared with 10-day remdesivir, 5-day remdesivir for patients with COVID-19 decreased the risk of serious adverse events rates and grade 3 or 4 adverse events rates with RR 0.65(95%CI 0.47-0.88) and RR 0.74 (95%CI 0.58-0.95). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggested that remdesivir would increase clinical improvement conditions and decrease serious adverse events on patients with COVID-19. 5-day remdesivir had the similar clinical effectiveness and mortality with 10-day remdesivir, and had lower serious adverse events rate. Comprehensive considering the cost and benefit, 5-day remdesivir may be a better therapeutic option if available medical resources are limited.
Pillar[5]arene-Derived endo-Functionalized Molecular Tube for Mimicking Protein-Ligand Interactions
Authors: Wen Ke , Wang Zhuo , Chen Tao , Liu Hua , Liu Yahu , Zhao Xiao-Li , Hu Wei-Bo , Yang Hui
Published: January 2021

Artificial tubular molecular pockets bearing polar functionalities on their inner surface are useful model systems for understanding the mechanisms of protein-ligand interactions in living systems. We herein report a pillar[5]arene-derived molecular tube, [P4-(OH)BPO], whose endo conformational isomer endo-[P4-(OH)BPO] possesses an inwardly pointing hydrogen-bond (H-bond) donor (OH) in its deep cavity, a strong H-bond acceptor (C=O) on the predominantly hydrophobic inner surface, rendering it a perfect protein binding pocket mimetic. By measuring the binding affinity of this pocket-mimetic tube, we screened a library of various shape-complementary organic guests (1–38) resembling the fragment ligands in fragment-based drug design (FBDD). On the basis of the data for “fragment-pocket” complexes (1–38)⊂endo-[P4-(OH)BPO], two rationally designed “lead molecules” (39 and 40) were identified to be able to enhance binding affinity significantly by forming H-bonds with both the donor and acceptor of endo-[P4-(OH)BPO]. The described work opens new avenues for developing pillar[n]arene-derived protein binding pocket-mimetic systems for studies on protein-ligand interactions and mechanisms of enzymatic reactions.
The characteristics of airflow obstruction and its association with treatment response in the real world in different GOLD groups of COPD patients
Authors: Song Qing , Zhao Yi-Yang , Zeng Yu-Qin , Liu Cong , Cheng Wei , Deng Min-Hua , Li Xin , Ma Li-Bing , Chen Yan , Cai Shan , Chen Ping
Published: January 2021

Background: The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2017 separated spirometry from combined assessment to guide treatment. We aimed to analyze the characteristics of airflow obstruction and its association with treatment response in the real world in different GOLD groups of COPD patients. Methods: For this prospective observational study, stable COPD outpatients were enrolled and divided into Groups A, B, C and D based on GOLD 2017, and followed-up for 18 months. Data on patient demographics, pulmonary function, COPD assessment test (CAT), Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), exacerbations, mortality and treatments were collected to analyze the airflow obstruction and its association with treatment response. Results: A total of 993 subjects were classified into Groups A (n = 170, 17.1%), B (n = 360, 36.3%), C (n = 122, 12.3%), and D (n = 341, 34.3%). There were significant differences in mMRC, CAT, CCQ, exacerbations and hospitalizations among different groups (P < 0.001). Groups B and D had more airflow obstruction and ventilatory disorder than Groups A and C (P < 0.05). In the same groups with different GOLD grades, the differences were mainly observed in BMI, CAT, CCQ and treatment with long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and LAMA + long-acting β2-agonist (LABA) + inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (P < 0.05). After 18 months of follow-up, the number of exacerbations and hospitalizations were significantly different among different groups, with Group D having the highest values. Also, there were more frequent exacerbators and a higher mortality rate in Group D. However, in the same groups with different GOLD grades, the mortality rates and number of exacerbations, hospitalizations and frequent exacerbators showed no differences. Conclusion: There were significant differences in pulmonary function in different groups. However, different GOLD grades had no impact on future exacerbations and mortality rate in the same groups.
Analysis of Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in 372 Old Adult Inpatients
Authors: Zhang Xian , WANG Xiao-juan , TIAN Jing-jing , ZHU Xi-ling
Published: January 2021

Background: In 2017, China published the "Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medications use for the old adults in China". There is no medical institution in Huainan that has conducted investigations on PIMs for the old adults until now. The survey investigated the PIMs for the old adults in our hospital, and also tested the applicability and practicability of the 72 drugs included in the "Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medications use for the old adults in China".Methods: According to the Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medications use for the old adults in China (2017 Edition), a retrospective analysis of the medications in 372 old adult inpatients aged 65 years and above was performed to evaluate the occurrence of their PIMs use. Results: The average age of the 372 inpatients was (74.67±6.95) years old, the average Inpatient days was (11.96±8.5) days, and the average number of illnesses per person was (4.92±2.55). Of 372 inpatients, 62.63% (233) inpatients had PIMs in the China-PIM list for the old adults , and 17.20% (64) inpatients had PIMs related to their diseases. Conclusion: The proportion of PIMs among old adult inpatients in our hospital is relatively high. The hospital should pay attention to it and actively take measures to reduce the risk of PIMs for the old adults and ensure rational drug use in clinical medicine.
Responsiveness of Inpatient Services at the Public General Hospitals in Gaza
Authors: Shaqura Iyad Ibrahim , Jaafaripooyan Ebrahim , Hosseini Mostafa , Shagora Abed El Raheem , Akbarisari Ali
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThis study aimed at measuring the responsiveness level of inpatient services according to patients’ perspectives, and identifying the factors affecting its performance at the Gazan public general hospitals, particularly in internal medicine and surgical departments, in 2020.MethodsIt was a cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted in 5 public general hospitals in Gaza. Data were collected between October 2019 and June 2020 in a survey included 675 inpatients using an interviewed questionnaire. Data were analyzed using software SPSS 22.0 and by applying descriptive statistics, independent t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA), and post hoc Scheffé test. ResultsThe overall responsiveness was “above moderate”, 80.15% and 80.9%, for both internal medicine and surgical departments, respectively. Access to social support, confidentiality and dignity were the highest-performing domains, while, choice of provider and quality of basic amenities were the lowest. Dignity and confidentiality were the most important domains based on patients’ viewpoints. Hospital type, medical department, and hospital stay in addition to the educational level, marital status, employment status, income, and insurance status were the most influential factors on the level of responsiveness and its domains. ConclusionThe assessment of the responsiveness of inpatient services at public hospitals is useful in integrating the health system goals. Inpatient care responsiveness was satisfactory in the Gazan public hospitals, however, there is a room for further improvements. Reform strategies should be directed toward the domains of weak performance and the important ones as well. Attention should be given to the supply-side such as hospital characteristics as they significantly affect the level of responsiveness and its domains. Further research is required to carry out mixed-method studies, moreover, the non-public hospitals need to be covered.
A novel synonymous ABCA3 variant identified in a Chinese family with lethal neonatal respiratory failure
Authors: Zhang Weifeng , Liu Zhiyong , Lin Yiming , Wang Ruiquan , Xu Jinglin , He Ying , Zhang Fengfeng , Wu Lianqiang , Chen Dongmei
Published: January 2021

Background: Lethal respiratory failure is mostly caused by pulmonary surfactant (PS) deficiency and is the main cause of neonatal death. PS metabolism dysfunction caused by mutations in the ABCA3 gene is a rare disease with very poor prognosis. However, the underlying mechanism of genetic mutations causing PS metabolism dysfunction has not been fully elucidated yet. This study aimed to identify the genetic features in a family with lethal respiratory failure.Methods: We studied members of a two-generation Chinese family including a female proband, her parents, her identical twin sister, and her older sister. Whole exome sequencing (WES), Sanger sequencing, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （PCR） were used to identify and validate the ABCA3 mutation. The potential pathogenicity of the identified synonymous variant was predicted using splice site algorithms (dbscSNV11_AdaBoost, dbscSNV11_RandomForest, and HSF).Results: All patients showed severe respiratory distress, which could not be relieved by mechanical ventilation, supplementation of surfactants, or steroid therapy, and died at an early age. Molecular genetic analysis revealed that the patients had compound heterozygous ABCA3 variants, including a novel synonymous variant c.G873A (p.Lys291Lys) in exon 8 derived from the mother and a heterozygous deletion of exons 4-7 derived from the father. The synonymous variant was consistently predicted to be a cryptic splice donor site that may lead to aberrant splicing of the pre-mRNA by three different splice site algorithms. The deletion of exons 4-7 of the ABCA3 gene was determined to be a loss-of-function pathogenic variant.Conclusions: We identified a novel synonymous variant and a deletion in the ABCA3 gene that may be responsible for the pathogenesis in patients in this family. These results enrich the known mutational spectrum of the ABCA3 gene. Moreover, the study of ABCA3 mutations is helpful for the realization of patient-specific therapies.
Association between Liver Enzymes and Dyslipidemia in Yemeni Patients with Type Two Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Dahman Lotfi S. Bin , Humam Mariam A. , Barahim Omer H. , Barahman Omer M. , Balfas Mohamed A.
Published: January 2021

Type two diabetes mellitus is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and is associated with dyslipidemia and liver function disorders. This study was conducted to assess the association between liver enzymes and elevated lipids profile in a sample of Yemeni patients with T2DM. A case- control study comprising 142 T2D patients and 142 healthy control subjects was carried out at outpatient clinics of aIbn-Sina Hospital in Mukalla during the period from January to May 2020. Serum fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, ALT, AST, and GGTwere analyzed using the Cobas Integra Plus 400 autoanalyzer. Also, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken from each participant. T2D patients had significantly higher FBG, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and GET, while HDL-C was significantly lower in T2D patients. In correlation analysis, serum GGT was positively associated with FBG, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL-C. Also, serum ALT was positively associated with FBG and triglyceride. In conclusion, higher levels of ALT and GGT could be used as the predictive biomarkers for NAFLD in T2D patients with hyperglycemia. Thus, routine screening of liver enzymes and lipid profile in T2D patients is recommended for the early detection of liver abnormalities and diminish diabetes complications.
Integrity, Use and Care of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets in Kirinyaga County, Kenya
Authors: Nyangi Mary Wanjiku , Kigondu Elizabeth Mumbi , Irungu Beatrice , Nganga Margaret , Gachanja Anthony , Kinyanjui Martin , Nyangacha Ruth , Muniu Erastus , Kamau Luna , Gathirwa Jeremiah
Published: January 2021

Background: Vector control is an essential component in prevention and control of malaria in malaria endemic areas. Insecticide treated nets is one of the standard tools recommended for malaria vector control. The objective of the study was to determine physical integrity and insecticidal potency of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) used in control of malaria vector in Kirinyaga County, Kenya.Method: The study targeted households in an area which had received LLINs during mass net distribution in 2016 from Ministry of Health. A total of 420 households were sampled using systematic sampling method, where the household heads consented to participate in the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to assess care and use while physical examination was used to determine integrity. Chemical concentration was determined by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19. Results: After eighteen months of use, 96.9% (95% CI: 95.2% – 98.6%) of the distributed nets were still available. Regarding net utilization, 94.1% of household heads reported sleeping under an LLIN the previous night. After physical examination, 49.9% (95% CI: 43% - 52.8%) of the bed nets had at least one hole. The median number of holes of any size was 2[interquartile range (IQR) 1-4], and most holes were located on the lower part of the nets, [median 3 (IQR 2-5)]. Only 15% of the nets with holes had been repaired. The median concentration for alpha-cypermethrin was 7.15mg/m2 (IQR 4.25-15.31) and 0.00mg/g (IQR 0.00-1.99) for permethrin. Based on pHI, Chi-square test varied significantly with the manufacturer (X (6, N=389) = 29.14, p = 0.04). There was no significant difference between nets with different number of washes (X2(2) = 4.55, p = 0.103).Conclusion: More than three-quarters of the nets supplied had survived and insecticidal potency was adequate in vector control. Standard procedure for field evaluation of surface insecticidal content available to a mosquito after landing on a net to rest is recommended.
Structural and dynamical analysis of integrated human/SARS-CoV-2 metabolic models present novel treatment strategies against COVID-19
Authors: Bannerman Bridget P. , Julvez Jorge , Oarga Alexandru , Moreno Pablo , Blundell Tom L , Floto R. Andres
Published: January 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is currently responsible for over 500 thousand deaths in 216 countries across the world and is affecting over 10 million people. The absence of FDA approved drugs against the new SARS-CoV-2 virus has highlighted an urgent need to design new drugs. We developed an integrated model of the human cell and the SARS-CoV-2 virus to provide insight into the pathogenetic mechanism of the virus and to support current therapeutic strategies. We show the biochemical reactions required for the growth and general maintenance of the human cell, first of all, in its healthy state. We then demonstrate how the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into the human cell causes biochemical and structural changes, leading to a change of cell functions or cell death. We have completed a comparative analysis of our model and other previously generated cell type models and highlight 48 pathways and over 800 reactions hijacked by the virus for its replication and survival. We designed a new tool which predicts 15 unique reactions as drug targets from our models (the integrated human macrophage, human airway epithelial cells and the SARS-CoV-2 virus) and provide a platform for future studies on viral entry inhibition and drug optimisation strategies.
Controle da sensibilidade dentária associada ao clareamento dental: relato de caso
Authors: Almeida Fernanda Silva de Oliveira , Fachiano Raquel Belmont , Theobaldo Jéssica Dias , Ramos-Tonello Carla Müller , Aguiar Flávio Henrique Baggio , Lima Débora Alves Nunes Leite , Vieira-Junior Waldemir Francisco
Published: January 2021

O clareamento dental está entre os procedimentos estéticos mais procurados nos consultórios odontológicos devido a sua efetividade e segurança. Apesar de o clareamento dental ser considerado minimamente invasivo, a sensibilidade dentária é um efeito adverso comum associado ao tratamento clareador. Este relato de caso tem como objetivo descrever técnicas para o controle da sensibilidade dentária oriunda da terapia clareadora. Paciente do gênero feminino foi submetida ao clareamento dental pela técnica combinada. O controle da sensibilidade foi realizado associando um correto diagnóstico, perícia na realização da técnica e utilização de produtos contendo nitrato de potássio (gel dessensibilizante de uso no consultório e um dentifrício comercial). A efetividade do clareamento foi avaliada pela comparação da cor utilizando escalas profissionais de cor e fotografias. O tratamento clareador foi efetivo e não foi relatada sensibilidade dentária pela paciente.