bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms and Gene-Gene Interaction in AGER/IL6 Pathway are Associated with Diabetic Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Liu Kuo , Xie Yunyi , Zhao Qian , Peng Wenjuan , Guo Chunyue , Zhang Jie , Zhang Ling
Published: January 2021

Background: The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the association of AGER and IL6R gene polymorphisms with diabetic ischemic heart disease (IHD), and to investigate the effect of gene-gene interaction on disease risk. Methods: Our study included 204 ischemic heart disease cases who have previously been diagnosed as diabetes before the diagnoses of IHD, and 882 health controls. Polygenic risk score (PRS) was calculated by summing the number of risk alleles of all the candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Logistic regression was used to find the association of candidate SNPs and PRS with diabetic ischemic heart disease. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was used to illustrate gene-gene interaction. Haplotypes were identified and analyzed via Haploview and Plink software. Results: The rs184003 and rs2070600 in AGER gene were significantly associated with the risk of diabetic ischemic heart disease (Padditive=0.005; Padditive=0.025, respectively). For IL6R rs4845625, CT and TT genotype were associated with lower risk of the disease comparing with CC genotype (OR=0.692, P=0.045; OR=0.503, P=0.003, respectively). After adjustment for covariates, the association of rs4845625 with disease remained statistically significant. Haplotypes in AGER gene (rs184003-rs1035798-rs2070600-rs1800624) and IL6R gene (rs7529229-rs4845625-rs4129267-rs7514452-rs4072391) were both significantly associated with diabetic ischemic heart disease (P=0.008; P=0.007). PRS was associated with the disease (OR=1.106, P=0.020) after adjusting for covariates. The GMDR analysis suggested that rs184003 and rs4845625 was the best interaction model after permutation testing (P=0.001) with a cross-validation consistency of 10/10. Conclusions: SNPs and haplotypes in AGER and IL6R gene and the interaction of rs184003 in AGER with rs4845625 in IL6R were significantly associated with diabetic ischemic heart disease.
The Effectiveness of Simulation-based Ultrasound-guided Regional Anesthesia Training Programs for Anesthesia Residents: a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lin Zeng-Mao , Kong Hao , Zhang Feng , Li Xue , Huang Da , Li Yu-Ting , Zhang Hong
Published: January 2021

BackgroundOptimizing educational programs for obtaining and maintaining competency in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) is needed for anesthesia residents. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of simulation-based training programs on the UGRA skills of senior anesthesia residents.MethodsThis prospective assessor-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary hospital in November 2019. Twenty anesthesia residents who had been in a clinical rotation in anesthesiology for 3-5 years were randomly allocated to either the workshop group (WG) or the control group (CG) for pretechnical procedure training on UGRA. Following didactic lectures for both groups, simulation-based workshops were performed only for the WG. All participating trainees were assessed by written examination, ultrasound scanning and anatomy recognition in live human models and ultrasound-guided target injections in porcine meat models. The written examination score, sonographic proficiency scores, time taken to perform the injections and errors were recorded and analyzed.ResultsThe simulation-based training program significantly reduced the time taken for target injections performed by trainees in the WG (183.9±44.8 seconds) compared with those in the CG (239.6±64.2 seconds): mean difference -55.8 (-107.7, -3.7), P=0.037. The error score was also significantly lower in the WG than in the CG. The sonographic proficiency scores of the thoracic paravertebral structures, brachial plexus and femoral nerve scanning were significantly higher for trainees in the WG than for those in the CG, as were the total scores for the four stations on live human models.ConclusionsFor senior anesthesia residents, the simulation-based training program can improve UGRA skills and might enhance clinical competence.Trial RegistrationChinese clinical trial registry, ChiCTR-IPR-1900027585, Principal investigator: Hong Zhang, Date of registration: November 19, 2019 URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/
Distinct mutations and lineages of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent global expansion
Authors: Chen Yan , Li Shiyong , Wu Wei , Geng Shuaipeng , Mao Mao
Published: January 2021

A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has caused over 85 million cases and over 1.8 million deaths worldwide since it occurred twelve months ago in Wuhan, China. Here we conceptualized the time-series evolutionary and expansion dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 by taking a series of cross-sectional view of viral genomes from early outbreak in January in Wuhan to early phase of global ignition in early April, and finally to the subsequent global expansion by late December 2020. By scrutinizing cases from early outbreak, we found a viral genotype from the Seafood Market in Wuhan featured with two concurrent mutations has become the overwhelmingly dominant genotype (95.3%) of the pandemic. By analyzing 4,013 full-length SARS-CoV-2 genomes from different continents by early April, we were able to visualize the genomic diversity over a 14-week timespan since the outbreak in Wuhan. 2,954 unique nucleotide substitutions were identified with 31 of the 4,013 genomes remaining as ancestral type, and 952 (32.2%) mutations recurred in more than one genome. 11 major viral genotypes with unique geographic distributions were identified. As the pandemic has been unfolding for more than one year, we also used the same approach to analyze 261,323 full-length SARS-CoV-2 genomes from the world since the outbreak in Wuhan (i.e. including all the available viral genomes in the GISAID database as of 25 December 2020) in order to recapitulate our findings in a real-time fashion and to present a full catalogue of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. We demonstrated the viral genotypic dynamics from different geographic locations over one-year timespan reveal transmission routes and indicate subsequent expansion. This study, to our knowledge, is heretofore the largest and most comprehensive genomic study of SARS-CoV-2. It indicates the viral genotypes can be utilized as molecular barcodes in combination with epidemiologic data to monitor the spreading routes of the pandemic and evaluate the effectiveness of control measures. Moreover, the dynamics of viral mutational spectrum in the study may help the early identification of new strains in patients to reduce further spread of infection, and guide the development of molecular diagnosis and vaccines against COVID-19, and last but not the least help assess their accuracy and efficacy.
Bird’s-Eye View Provided in Real-time via Drone Improves Spatial Perception for Team Sports
Authors: Miura Satoshi , Nakagawa Kento , Hirooka Kazumasa , Matsumoto Yuya , Umesawa Yumi , Fujimoto Hiroshi , Kanosue Kazuyuki , Fujie Masakatsu
Published: January 2021

Sports-assisting technologies have been developed; however, most are to improve performances in individual sports such as ski, batting, and swimming. Few studies focused on team sports which require not only motor ability of individual players but also perceptual abilities to grasp positions of their own and others. In the present study, we aim to validate the feasibility of a visual feedback system for the improvement of space perception in relation to other persons that is necessary. Herein, the visual feedback system is composed of a flying drone that transmits the image to the participant’s smart glasses. With and without the system, the participant was able to see his/her own relative position in real time though the glass. Nine participants tried to position themselves on the line between two experimenters 30 m away from each other, which simulated the situation of a baseball cutoff man. As a result, the error distance between the participants’ position and the line significantly decreased when using the system than that without the system. Furthermore, after participants practiced the task with the system the error decreased compared to that before the practice. In conclusion, the real-time feedback system from the bird’s-eye view would work for improving the accuracy of space perception.
An AXIN2 Mutation and Perinatal Risk Factors Contribute to Sagittal Craniosynostosis: Evidence From a Chinese Female Monochorionic Diamniotic Twin Family
Authors: Xu Jin , Yan Qing , Song Chengcheng , Liang Jingjia , Zhao Liang , Zhang Xin , Weng Zhenkun , Xu Cheng , Liu Qian , Xu Shuqin , Pang Lu , Zhang Liye , Wang Gang , Sun Yuan , Gu Aihua
Published: January 2021

Background: Craniosynostosis, defined as premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures, affects approximately 1 in every 2000-2500 live births. Sagittal craniosynostosis (CS), the most prevalent form of isolated craniosynostosis, is caused by interplay between genetic and perinatal environmental insults. However, the underlying details remain largely unknown. Methods: The proband (a female monochorionic twin diagnosed with CS), her healthy co-twin sister and parents were enrolled. Obstetric history was extracted from medical records. Genetic screening was performed by whole exome sequencing (WES) and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Functional annotation, conservation and structural analysis were predicted in public database. Phenotype data of AXIN2 knockout mice was downloaded from The International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC, http://www.mousephenotype.org).Results: Obstetric medical records showed that, except for the shared perinatal risk factors by the twins, the proband suffered additional persistent breech presentation and intrauterine growth restriction. We identified a heterozygous mutation of AXIN2 (c.1181G>A, p.R394H, rs200899695) in monochorionic twins and their father, but not in the mother. This mutation is not reported in Asian population and results in replacement of Arg at residue 394 by His (p.R394H). Arg 394 is located at the GSK3β binding domain of AXIN2 protein, which is highly conserved across species. The mutation was predicted to be potentially deleterious by in silico analysis. Incomplete penetrance of AXIN2 haploinsufficiency was found in female mice.Conclusions: AXIN2 (c.1181G>A, p.R394H, rs200899695) mutation confers susceptibility and perinatal risk factors trigger the occurrence of sagittal craniosynostosis. Our findings provide a new evidence for the gene-environment interplay in understanding pathogenesis of craniosynostosis in Chinese population.
Effect of Pathogenesis-Based Individualized Thrombectomy on Treatment Result and Prognosis of Acute Intracranial Large-Artery Occlusion Patients
Authors: Liu Yong-Chang , Zheng Ming-Ming , Li Yan , Xie Song-Wang , Liu Qing-Ran , Wang Jun-Yong
Published: January 2021

BackgroundTo explore the effect and prognosis of individualized thrombus removal methods based on different pathogenesis. Methods151 patients with acute cerebral infarction who were admitted to the hospital for intracranial artery interventional thrombus removal from January 2018 to November 2019 were selected as the research objects. Patients in the experimental group selected different thrombectomy methods based on medical history, pathogenesis, and cerebrovascular angiography results. Aspiration and embolization are the first choice for embolism, and stent embolization is the first choice for vascular stenosis. Compare the medical history, admission NHISS score, the time from the end of cerebral angiography to recanalization, the number of thrombus removal, MRS score at 3 months, complications, etc . ResultsThere was no statistical difference in the basic data of the three groups. The time from the end of angiography to recanalization in the control group was significantly longer than that in the experimental suction group. There was a statistical difference between the control group and the experimental stent group in one-time thrombus removal opening rate (P=0.048). The vascular recanalization rate was statistically different among the three groups (P=0.611). The good prognosis rates of the experimental stent group and the experimental suction group were higher than those of the control group. ConclusionThe first choice for patients with cerebral infarction caused by embolization can shorten the recanalization time. Stent removal is the first choice for patients with cerebral infarction caused by atherosclerosis, which can increase the opening rate of thrombus removal. Individualized selection of different thrombus removal methods based on the pathogenesis can improve the good prognosis rate of patients.
Antibiotic Allergy and Blood Eosinophils Percent Could Be Prognostic Indicators of Glioma
Authors: Cao Liming , Lv Zhanghua , Wang Weiliang , Li Xue , Shi Jing , Liang Hongsheng , Zhang Yiwei , Hu Fulan
Published: January 2021

Background: Antibiotic allergy and blood eosinophil percentage (EOS%) may play an important role in the prognosis of gliomas, but few studies reported the relationship between antibiotic allergy and glioma as well as EOS% and glioma. The aim of our study was to estimate the relationships between antibiotic allergy, blood eosinophil percentage (EOS%) and glioma prognosis and to conduct a nomogram model for glioma patients. Estimating the effect of antibiotic allergy and EOS% on glioma prognosis may conduce to finding low-cost and safe prognostic indicators of glioma.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study with 656 glioma patients to estimate the associations between antibiotic allergy, EOS% and glioma prognosis by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. Stratified analyses were performed according to tumor grade. We constructed a nomogram with age at diagnosis, gender, tumor grade, antibiotic allergy, EOS% to predict the survival probabilities of glioma. Results: During 12 months follow-up, a total of 227 patients were alive and 318 patients died. Antibiotic allergy and EOS% >1.65 conferred a survival advantage on glioma patients. In the stratified analysis by tumor grade, antibiotic allergy was significantly associated with the prognosis of the prognosis of low-grade gliomas (HR = 0.36, 95%CI: 0.13-0.97) and high-grade gliomas (HR = 0.58, 95%CI: 0.36-0.93) in the univariate Cox regression analysis. However, after adjusting for confounding factors in the multivariate Cox regression analysis, antibiotic allergy was only significantly associated with high-grade gliomas (HRadj = 0.50, 95%CI: 0.30-0.82); the relationship between EOS% and glioma prognosis was restricted to low-grade gliomas (HRadj = 0.50, 95%CI: 0.30-0.82). The C-index of nomogram was 0.74.Conclusions: Antibiotic allergy was a protective prognosis factor of high-grade gliomas, EOS% >1.65 was a protective prognosis factor of low-grade gliomas. The nomogram with antibiotic allergy and EOS% could effectively predict the survival probability of glioma.
Association of HSD17B13 rs72613567: TA Allelic Variant With Liver Disease: Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tang Shan , Zhang Jing , Mei Tingting , Zhang Wenyan , Zheng Sujun , Yu Haibin
Published: January 2021

AIM: To assess the association of HSD17B13 rs7261356:TA allelic variant with liver disease, we performed the current review and meta-analysis. METHODS: 5 studies were identified by a search of CNKI,CBM,MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases from inception to April 2020. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random effects model or fixed effects model based on the between-study heterogeneity.The Stata 12.0 software was employed for data analysis.RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that the HSD17B13 rs7261356:TA allelic variant was associated with HCC compared with CLD (TA vs T OR=0.766, 95% CI=0.682-0.860, P=0.000) or healthy controls(TA vs T OR=0.649, 95% CI=0.431-0.977, P=0.038). But the HSD17B13 rs7261356:TA allelic variant was not associated with NAFLD compared with non-NAFLD(TA vs T OR=0.749, 95% CI=0.517-1.804, P=0.126).Egger’s test revealed no significant publication bias. Conclusion: The present findings suggest HSD17B13 rs7261356:TA allelic variant was association with HCC risk in the entire population studied.
Modern Contraceptive Use Among Women in Need of Family Planning in India: an Analysis of the Inequalities Related to the Mix of Methods Used
Authors: Ewerling Fernanda , McDougal Lotus , Raj Anita , Ferreira Leonardo Z. , Blumenberg Cauane , Parmar Divya , Barros Aluisio J. D.
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate the type of contraceptives used by women in need of family planning in India and the inequalities associated with that use according to women's age, education, wealth, subnational region of residence and empowerment level.MethodsUsing data from the Indian National Family and Health Survey-4 (2015-16), we evaluated the proportion of partnered women aged 15-49 years with demand for family planning satisfied (DFPS) with modern contraceptive methods. We also explored the share of each type of contraception (short- [e.g., condom, pill] and long-acting [i.e., IUD] reversible contraceptives and permanent methods) and related inequalities.ResultsThe majority (71.8%; 95% CI: 71.4 - 72.2) of women in need of contraception were using a modern method, most (76.1%) in the form of female sterilization. Condom and contraceptive pill were the second and third most frequently used methods (11.8% and 8.5%, respectively); only 3.2% reported IUD. There was a nearly linear exchange from short-acting to permanent contraceptive methods as women aged. Women in the poorest wealth quintile had DFPS with modern methods at least 10 percentage points lower than other women. We observed wide geographic variation in DFPS with modern contraceptives, ranging from 23.6% (95% CI: 22.1 – 25.2) in Manipur to 93.6% (95% CI: 92.8 – 94.3) in Andhra Pradesh. Women with more accepting attitudes towards domestic violence and lower levels of social independence had higher DFPS with modern methods but also had higher reliance on permanent methods. Among sterilized women, 43.2% (95% CI: 42.7 – 43.7) were sterilized before age 25, 61.5% (95% CI: 61.0 – 62.1) received monetary compensation for sterilization, and 20.8% (95% CI: 20.3 – 21.3) were not informed that sterilization prevented future pregnancies.ConclusionIndian family planning policy should prioritize women-centered care, making reversible contraceptive methods widely available and promoted.
DEM Resolutions for Landslide Susceptibility Modeling
Authors: Wubalem Azemeraw
Published: January 2021

In landslide susceptibility mapping, the digital elevation model (DEM) is one of the most essential data sets, which is frequently used. Therefore, evaluate the effects of the spatial resolution of DEM on the landslide susceptibility model is very important. Hence, this paper is analyzed only the effects of the spatial resolution of DEM, Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission, and Reflection (ASTER) was used for DEM data source. The ASTER DEM was resampled to 45, 60, 75, and 90 m spatial resolutions. A set of geodatabases were built using Geographic Information System (GIS), which contains landslide governing factors and landslide inventory. Frequency ratio (FR) and certainty factor (CF) statistical methods were employed to generate a landslide susceptibility map. Landslide density and area under the curve (AUC) were applied to evaluate the model's performance for each DEM resolution. The results of the predictive rate curve value of AUC showed a coarser DEM resolution (90 m) produced the best performance and prediction accuracy. This indicated that a coarser DEM resolution produced higher predictive accuracy than fine resolution. Concerning the statistical models, the frequency ratio model produced very good accuracy at the coarser DEM resolutions (75 and 90 m). The predictive rate curve value of AUC ranges from 86–92% for the FR model and 81–89% for the CF model which indicating very good accuracy of the models to predict future landslide incidence in the study area. Therefore, it is possible to endorse statistical methods (frequency ratio, and certainty factor) respect with to DEM resolution, is satisfactory to landslide susceptibility mapping.
Freezing Resistance Evaluation of Rose Stems During Frost Dehardening Using Electrical Impedance Tomography
Authors: Qian Ji , Zhou Juan , Gong Juan Rui , Liu Yang , Zhang Gang
Published: January 2021

BackgroundElectrical impedance tomography (EIT) has rarely been applied in plant science, particularly to study plant resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this study, we evaluated the freezing resistance of floribunda roses (Rosa Floribunda) during frost dehardening using the EIT technique to identify a new method for rapid and non-destructive measurement of plant freezing resistance.ResultsThe current was the excitation source, the boundary voltage value was measured, and then the boundary voltage reconstructed value was formed. Using an imaging algorithm, the two-dimensional (2D) distribution of impedance or impedance variation was reconstructed. The EIT reconstructed values decreased obviously with the decline in freezing temperatures. The EIT reconstructed values of stems had the best fit to the logistic equation, and subsequently, the semi-lethal temperatures were calculated. The freezing resistance results evaluated using EIT reconstructed values were linearly correlated with the results of the traditional electrolyte leakage (EL) method (r=0.93, P<0.01).ConclusionsIn conclusion, after freezing tests, the reconstructed values of EIT images could be used to quantitatively evaluate the freezing resistance of floribunda rose stems. The present study provides a reference for the further application of the EIT technique for non-destructive and rapid detection of plant freezing resistance.
The effect of NLRP3 on tumors based on pan-cancer research
Authors: Tang Desheng , Li Wei , Xu Zhengjie , Jiang Suxiao , Fang Kun
Published: January 2021

NLRP3 is a multi-protein complex in cells, which can directly or indirectly affect the tumor microenvironment and participate in tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. Tumor and normal tissue gene sequencing was downloaded, clinical and mutation-related data was obtained from the TCGA website, and Kaplan-Meier and cox regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between NLRP3 and overall survival (OS) as well as Hazard ratio (HR). The correlation between NLRP3 and tumor microenvironment score, immune cell invasion, and immune resistance indicators (tumor mutation burden and microsatellite instability) was performed. Finally, the function of NLRP3 in tumors was analyzed by GSEA.Inflammation is one of the important factors that cause cancer.
Anxiety is associated with undesirable eating behaviors in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Coakley Kathryn E , Le Huyen , Silva Spirit Rae , Wilks Aspen
Published: January 2021

Background

COVID-19 has impacted mental health globally, however, relationships between anxiety and eating behaviors during the pandemic have not been explored. This study evaluated anxiety, eating attitudes and behaviors, and associations between anxiety and eating behaviors in students at a large public University in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods

Current undergraduate and graduate/professional students completed a cross-sectional survey in fall 2020. Demographic information, indicators of anxiety in the past two weeks assessed by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7), and eating behaviors assessed by the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ) were evaluated. A score ≥ 10 on the GAD-7 indicated anxiety (≥ 15 indicated severe anxiety). Eating behaviors were reported via Likert scale and combined into eight AEBQ subscales; subscale mean and standard deviation were reported. Differences in mean AEBQ subscale scores were examined between participants with and without anxiety via Mann-Whitney U tests. Multivariate linear regression was utilized to examine associations between GAD-7 score and individual AEBQ subscale scores, adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and student status.
Results

The final sample included 1243 students (57% undergraduates). In the full sample, 51.9% experienced anxiety in the past two weeks; 24.6% had severe anxiety. Subgroups with the highest prevalence of anxiety included non-cisgender participants (73.6%), the youngest age group [18–20 years of age (62%)], undergraduate students (60.7%), and Hispanic/Latino participants (57.5%). Participants with anxiety had significantly lower AEBQ scores for enjoyment of food and significantly higher scores for emotional over and under-eating, food fussiness, food and satiety responsiveness, and hunger than those with no anxiety (p < 0.01). In adjusted analyses, GAD-7 score was significantly and positively associated with hunger, food responsiveness, emotional over-eating, satiety responsiveness, and food fussiness and negatively associated with enjoyment of food.
Conclusions

The prevalence of anxiety is overwhelming in undergraduate and graduate/professional students amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Eating behaviors differ significantly in those with anxiety; increasing anxiety severity was associated with undesirable eating behaviors including hunger and emotional over-eating. Universities and health professionals must consider strategies to address anxiety, particularly in younger students, non-cis-gender students, and across race/ethnicities keeping in mind associations between anxiety and eating behaviors.
Comparing the Effectiveness of Risperidone with Aripiprazole as a Combination Therapy in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Authors: Yousefi Fayegh , Gheshlagh Reza Ghanei , Moghadam Abbas Saremi , Mohammadzadeh Soleiman , Rezaei Farzin , Hassanzadeh Kambiz , Tahazade Somayeh
Published: January 2021

Background: This study intends to compare the effectiveness of Risperidone with Aripiprazole as a combination therapy in Attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) children with oppositional defiant disorder, treated with Methylphenidate. Methods: This is a double-blind clinical experiment. The sample size was determined as 60 (40 for the intervention group and 20 for the control group) by random sampling. The data collecting instrument was Parent's ADHD Rating Scale, Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S), demographic information checklist, and drug's side-effects checklist for this study. Repeated measurement multivariate analysis was used as a statistical method to compare the quantitative variables in both intervention and control groups using SPSS18 software. Results: The results of this study indicated that there is a substantial difference between scores in ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) groups after 8 weeks (F=2.34, p>0.03). Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, Aripiprazole in combination with Methylphenidate have a higher effect on reducing ADHD and ODD symptom.Trial registration: IRCT20160530028182N5; Registered 6 February 2018, https://en.irct.ir/trial/22916
Prevalence and Risk Factors For Retinopathy of Prematurity Among Infants in Minilk-II Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study, 2020.
Authors: Woldemariam Emebet Berhane , Aliyou Hana Endale , Redi Yosef Tsige
Published: January 2021

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is defined as a vaso-proliferative retinal disorder that leads to childhood blindness; and persists as the main cause of preventable childhood blindness. The impact of ROP in developing countries is heavier as term infants can develop ROP because of inadequate awareness of the disease development and the risk factors. Hence, the aim of the study is assessing the prevalence and risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity in the specific study area.Methodology: An institutional based cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted on 301 samples of the pediatrics out-patient eye clinic medical records, at Minilik II referral hospital, from March to April 2020. Study subjects were selected using systematic random sampling method. Data was collected from medical records of all infants visiting the hospital for eye problems from January 2018 to December 2019, using a structured check list. The collected data was entered and cleaned using Epi data 6.4.2.0 and then exported & analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was computed to distinguish the statistically significant factors. Result: The prevalence of ROP among infants in this study showed 39(13%). Of these, more than half (56.4%) were Zone II + Stage 1, followed by Zone II + stage-2, and Stage-5; 12.8% and 10.2% respectively. Birth weight, oxygen therapy and sepsis were the factors significantly associated with ROP [AOR= 39.28; 95% CI: 3.204- 481.658], [AOR= 5.317; 95% CI:1.009- 28.019] and [AOR=9.805; 95% CI:1.592- 60.388] respectively. Conclusions: the prevalence of ROP in the current study is (13%). Birth weight, oxygen therapy and sepsis were the determinant risk factors for development of ROP. Regular ANC, and maternal education may be important to reduce the risk of low-birth weight, and sepsis that results in long-term oxygen therapy leading to childhood blindness.
The Efficacy of Mootral Supplementation on Methane Production and Rumen Fermentation Characteristics in Ruminants Fed Different Styles
Authors: Ahmed Eslam , Fukuma Naoki , Hanada Masaaki , Nishida Takehiro
Published: January 2021

Background: Using natural feed supplements to mitigate methane emissions from ruminants is a promising strategy. Many antimethanogenic compounds have been used to alter rumen fermentation, yet their potential to reduce methane production effectively is not consistent across different kinds of feeding styles (forage:concentrate ratios). Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the impacts of Mootral (MT), a natural combination of garlic powder and bitter orange extract, on methane production, rumen fermentation, and digestibility in different feeding models commonly used for ruminants. The dietary treatments were 1000 g grass/kg ration (10 GRS), 8 GRS + 200 g concentrate/kg ration (2CON), 6GRS + 4CON, 4GRS + 6CON, and 2GRS + 8CON. MT was supplemented at 200 g/kg of the feed. Each group consisted of 6 replicates. The experiment was performed as a batch culture for 24 h at 39 °C. This procedure was repeated in 3 consecutive runs. Results: The results of this experiment showed that supplementation with MT strongly reduced methane production in all kinds of feeding models (P<0.001). Its efficacy in reducing methane/digestible dry matter was 44% in the 10GRS diet, and this reductive power increased with the inclusion of CON up to a 69.5% reduction with the 2GRS + 8CON diet. MT application significantly increased gas and carbon dioxide production and the concentration of ammonia-nitrogen, but decreased the pH (P<0.001). In contrast, it did not interfere with organic matter and fiber digestibility. Supplementation with MT was effective in altering rumen fermentation toward less acetate and more propionate and butyrate. Additionally, it improved the production of total volatile fatty acids in all feeding models (P<0.001). Conclusions: The MT combination showed effective methane reduction by improving rumen fermentation characteristics without exhibiting adverse effects on fiber digestibility. Thus, MT could be used with all kinds of feeding models to effectively mitigate methane emissions from ruminants.
A Genetic Variation-Based Map of MicroRNAs Among Five Cattle Breeds for Complex Traits
Authors: Hao Dan , Wang Xiao , Chen Hong , Thomsen Bo , Holm Lars-Erik
Published: January 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Identification of Key Genes Affecting Porcine Fat Deposition Based on Co-Expression Network Analysis of Weighted Genes
Authors: Xing Kai , Liu Huatao , Zhang Fengxia , Liu Yibing , Shi Yong , Ding Xiangdong , Wang Chuduan
Published: January 2021

Background: Fat deposition is an important economic consideration for pig production. The amount of fat deposition in pigs seriously affects production efficiency, quality, and reproductive performance, while also affecting consumers' choice of pork. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) has been shown to be effective in pig genetic studies. Therefore, this study aimed to identify modules that co-express genes associated with fat deposition in pigs (Songliao black and Landrace breeds) with extreme levels of backfat (high and low), and to identify the central genes in each of these modules. Results: We used RNA-seq of different pig tissues to construct a gene expression matrix consisting of 12 862 genes from 36 samples. Eleven co-expression modules were identified using WGCNA; the number of genes in these modules ranged from 39 to 3363. We found four co-expression modules were significantly correlated with backfat thickness. A total of 14 genes ( RAD9A , IGF2R , SCAP , TCAP , DGAT1 , GPS2 , IGF1 , MAPK8 , FABP , FABP5 , LEPR , UCP3 , APOF , and FASN ) were found to be related to fat deposition. Conclusions: RAD9A , TCAP , GPS2 , and APOF were found to be the key genes in the four modules according to the degree of gene connectivity. Combining the results of differential gene analysis, APOF was proposed as a strong candidate gene for body size traits. This study explores the key genes that regulate porcine fat deposition and lays the foundation for further research into the molecular regulatory mechanisms behind porcine fat deposition.
A dynamic basal complex modulates mammalian sperm movement
Authors: Khanal Sushil , Leung Miguel , Royfman Abigail , Fishman Emily , Saltzman Barbara , Bloomfield-Gadêlha Hermes , Mordehai Tzvya Zeev Ben , Avidor-Reiss Tomer
Published: January 2021

Reproductive success depends on efficient sperm movement driven by dynein-mediated microtubule sliding in the axoneme 1-3. Models predict sliding at the base of the tail – the centriole – but such sliding has never been observed 4,5. Centrioles are evolutionarily-ancient organelles with a conserved architecture 6-8, and their rigidity is thought to restrict microtubule sliding 1. Here, we show that, in mammalian sperm, the atypical distal centriole (DC) and its surrounding atypical pericentriolar matrix 9,10 form a dynamic basal complex (DBC) that facilitates a cascade of internal sliding deformations, coupling tail beating with asymmetric head kinking. During asymmetric tail beating, the DC’s right side and its surroundings slide ~300 nm rostrally relative to the left side. This deformation is transmitted through the DBC to the head-tail junction; as a result, the head tilts to the left, generating a kinking motion. These findings suggest that the DBC evolved to act as a mechanotransducer, coupling sperm head and tail into a single self-coordinated system. The DBC may act as a morphological computer 11, regulating tail beating from external feedback imparted to the head during sperm navigation. We anticipate our findings will enable studies of coordinated motion in sperm and cilia in many contexts.
Management of Traumatic Lumbar Meningo-radicular Injury Caused by Foreign Body Penetration using Sling Technique
Authors: Chen Ko-Ting , Chen Ying-Yun , Wu Chieh-Tsai , Chang Ting-Wei
Published: January 2021

BackgroundNon-missile penetrating spinal injuries (NMPSI) can cause delayed neural injury, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and spinal cord herniation, related to dural defects. To repair ventral dural defect (VDD) is particularly challenging in trauma patients and, in a meanwhile, there has been a well-established method: sling technique, used for patients with idiopathic spinal cord herniation (ISCH) in whom VDD being the primary pathology to deal with.Case presentationThis 51-year-old man fell down from an altitude of six meters and landed on a plier. The neurological examination revealed decreased muscle strength (grade 3/3) in bilateral lower extremities. Computed tomography showed a pair of pliers penetrating L4 lamina, spinal canal through vertebral body, psoas muscle into retroperitoneal cavity with inferior vena cava (IVC) indentation. Emergent laparotomy revealed intact IVC with no major organ damage, and the plier was removed from back under direct visualization of IVC. Immediate posterior approach showed a through-and-through VDD. Sling technique with COOK® dura substitute was applied to cover the VDD and fixed with 7-0 prolene after neurolysis. There was no CSF leakage or nerve tissue herniation afterward. He regained working ability with full muscle strength except for a minor sequal of paresthesia of right toe.ConclusionsIn patients with NMPSI with VDD, indirect duraplasty using sling technique originally developed for treating patients with ISCH is suitable and effective in preventing CSF leakage and delayed neural injury. We further propose an algorithm emphasizing key decision makings for repairing dural defect while preventing delayed neural injury.
Epidemiology of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries in Colombia
Authors: Giraldo Yalisma Andrea , Castro José Luis , Tovar-Sanchez Maria Ana , Kumar Annora A. , Pacichana-Quinayaz Sara G. , Bonilla-Escobar Francisco J.
Published: January 2021

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.Objectives: To determine the incidence and characteristics of newly injured individuals admitted to a traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) referral center during a 4-year period.Setting: University Hospital of Valle, Cali, Colombia.Methods: Individuals were identified, and their data was recorded based on the International Spinal Cord Injury Core Data Set. The outcome of interest was the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade at last follow-up.Results: There were 491 individuals admitted in the 4-year period. The mean annual incidence of TSCI was 56.27 per million inhabitants. Considering TSCI in individuals exclusively from Cali, the mean annual incidence was 27.78 per million. The leading cause of TSCI was interpersonal violence (47.25%) and falls (33.60%). There was a 96.52% (p<0.0001) correlation between AIS grade at admission and last follow-up. The most common AIS grade at last follow-up was E (34.01%) caused mostly by falls (57.48%), followed by A (31.16%) caused mostly by interpersonal violence (76.27%). The reported employment rate dropped from 75.56% to 18.94% before and after TSCI (p<0.05). AIS grade A was associated with more post-injury complications (p<0.05).Conclusions: This is the first cohort study in Colombia describing the incidence and AIS grades of individuals with TSCI from a trauma referral center. Interpersonal violence was overrepresented in this population. Future research should include the evaluation of prevention strategies, as well as research on interventions towards quality improvement in patient care and post discharge services especially for individuals with AIS grade A.
Clinical Features and Death Risk Factors in COVID-19 Patients with Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhou Yi , Yang Qiao , Ye Jun , Wu Xiaocheng , Hou Xianhua , Feng Yimei , Luo Bangyu , Li Jixi , Yang Guangrong , Li Lingchen , Yang Xiu , Wang Bin , Zhao Songtao , Li Li , Li Qi , Xu Zi , Wu Hao , Sun Jianguo
Published: January 2021

Purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread around the world. This retrospective study aims to analyze the clinical features of COVID-19 patients with cancer and identify death outcome related risk factors.Methods: From February 10th to April 15th, 2020, 103 COVID-19 patients with cancer were enrolled. Difference analyses were performed between severe and non-severe patients. A propensity score matching analysis, including 103 COVID-19 patients with cancer and 206 matched non-cancer COVID-19 patients were performed. Next, we identified death related risk factors and developed a nomogram for predicting the probability.Results: In 103 COVID-19 patients with cancer, the main cancer categories were breast cancer, lung cancer and bladder cancer. Compared to non-severe patients, severe patients had a higher median age, and a higher proportion of smokers, diabetes, heart disease and dyspnea. In addition, most of the laboratory results between two groups were significant different. PSM analysis found that the proportion of dyspnea was much higher in COVID-19 patients with cancer. The severity incidence in two groups were similar, while a much higher mortality was found in COVID-19 patients with cancer compared to that in COVID-19 patients without cancer (11.7% vs. 4.4%, P = 0.028). Furthermore, we found that neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were related to death outcome. And a nomogram based on the factors was developed.Conclusion: In COVID-19 patients with cancer, the clinical features and laboratory results between severe group and non-severe group were significant different. NLR and CRP were the risk factors that could predict death outcome.
COVID-19 risk stratification tools should incorporate multi-ethnic age structures, multimorbidity and deprivation metrics for air pollution, household overcrowding, housing quality and adult skills 
Authors: Soltan Marina A. , Varney Justin , Sutton Benjamin , Melville Colin R. , Lugg Sebastian T. , Parekh Dhruv , Carroll Will , Dosanjh Davinder , Thickett David R.
Published: January 2021

Background-Black Asian and Minority Ethnicity (BAME) patients account for 34% of critically ill COVID-19 patients despite constituting 14% of the UK population. Internationally, researchers have called for studies to understand the risk factors among ethnic subgroups. We explored the extent to which social determinants for health including individual Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) sub-indices are risk factors for presentation with multilobar pneumonia, Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) admission and hospitalised outcomes disaggregated by BAME subgroup.Methods-Multi-centre cohort study of hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Results-BAME patients with pneumonia and low CURB65 scores (0-1) had higher mortality than Caucasians (22.6% vs.9.4%; p<0.001); Africans were at highest risk (38.5%; p=0.006), followed by Caribbean (26.7%; p=0.008), Indian (23.1%; p=0.007) and Pakistani (21.2%; p=0.004). Age, sex, cirrhosis, obesity, Charlson Comorbidity (CCI) scores, presentation with multi-lobar pneumonia and ITU admission were independent mortality risk factors. BAME subgroups were more likely to be admitted with higher CCI scores than age, sex and deprivation matched controls and from the highest IMD sub-indices of at least one deprivation form: Indoor Living Environment (LE), Outdoor LE, Adult Skills and Wider Barriers to Housing and Services. Admission from the highest sub-indices of these deprivation forms was associated with multilobar pneumonia on presentation and ITU admission.Conclusions-BAME subgroups exhibit younger age structures resulting in CURB65 underscoring and disproportionate exposure to unscored risk factors:sex, obesity, multimorbidity and deprivation. Household overcrowding deprivation, air pollution deprivation, housing quality deprivation and adult skills deprivation are associated with multi-lobar pneumonia on presentation and ITU admission. Risk tools need to reflect risk factors predominantly affecting BAME subgroups.
COVID-19- Related Stigma in COVID-19 Survivors in Kampala, Uganda: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Amir Kabunga
Published: January 2021

Background: COVID-19-related stigma is gradually becoming a global problem among COVID-19 survivors with far-reaching implications. However, this social problem has received little attention in research and policy. This study aimed at exploring the COVID-19-related stigma survivors in Kampala, UgandaMethods: A cross-sectional exploratory research design was used. COVID-19 survivors in Kampala district part of the study. In-depth interviews were used to collect data and analysis was done using thematic approach. Results: The results from the data showed that COVID-19-related stigma is prevalent and the common form of stigma was social rejection. Conclusions: The majority of the respondent in the sample endorsed COVID-19-related stigma and such behaviors were high in the community. The COVID-19 pandemic survivors indicated that they faced social rejection and community ostracism. Thus reducing COVID-19-related stigma is vital to control the spread of the virus. An all-inclusive effort is needed to address COVID-19-related stigma and its debilitating consequences by health workers and policy makers.
A Human Factors Intervention in a Hospital - Evaluating the Outcome of a TeamSTEPPS Program in a Surgical Ward
Authors: Aaberg Oddveig Reiersdal , Hall-Lord Marie Louise , Husebø Sissel Iren Eikeland , Ballangrud Randi
Published: January 2021

Background: Patient safety in hospitals is being jeopardized, since too many patients experience adverse events. Most of these adverse events arise from human factors, such as inefficient teamwork and communication failures, and the incidence of adverse events is greatest in the surgical area. Previous research has shown the effect of team training on patient safety culture and on different areas of teamwork. Limited research has investigated teamwork in surgical wards. The aim of this study was to evaluate the professional and organizational outcomes of a team training intervention among healthcare professionals in a surgical ward after 6 and 12 months. Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety 2.0 was used as a conceptual framework for the study. Methods: This study had a pre-post design with measurements at baseline and after 6 months and 12 months of intervention. The intervention was conducted in a urology and gastrointestinal surgery ward in Norway, and the study site was selected based on convenience and the leaders’ willingness to participate in the project. Survey data from healthcare professionals were used to evaluate the intervention. The organizational outcomes were measured by the unit-based sections of the Hospital Survey of Patient Safety Culture Questionnaire, and professional outcomes were measured by the TeamSTEPPS Teamwork Perceptions Questionnaire and the Collaboration and Satisfaction about Care Decisions in Teams Questionnaire. A paired t-test, a Wilcoxon signed-rank test, a generalized linear mixed model and linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: After six months, improvements were found in organizational outcomes in two patient safety dimensions. After 12 months, improvements were found in both organizational and professional outcomes, and these improvements occurred in three patient safety culture dimensions and in three teamwork dimensions. Furthermore, the results showed that one of the significant improved teamwork dimensions “Mutual Support” was associated with the Patient Safety Grade, after 12 months of intervention.Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the team training program had effect after 12 months of intervention. Future studies with larger sample sizes and stronger study designs are necessary to examine the causal effect of a team training intervention in this context.