bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, characterization, antidiabetic and antioxidative evaluation of a novel Zn(II)-gallic acid complex with multi-facet activity
Authors: Motloung Denice M , Mashele Samson S , Matowane Godfrey R , Swain Shasank S , Bonnet Susanna L , Noreljaleel Anwar E M , Oyedemi Sunday O , Chukwuma Chika I
Published: July 2020

Objectives

This study was done to synthesize a novel Zn(II)-gallic acid complex with improved antidiabetic and antioxidative properties.

Methods

The complex was synthesized and characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and 1H NMR. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using Chang liver cells and L6 myotubes. Radical scavenging and Fe3+-reducing, as well as α-glucosidase, α-amylase and glycation inhibitory properties were measured. Glucose uptake was measured in L6 myotubes, while the complex was docked against glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT-4) and protein kinase B (PKB).

Key findings

Analysis showed that complexation occurred through a Zn(O4) coordination; thus, the complex acquired two moieties of gallic acid, which suggests why complexation increased the DPPH (IC50 = 48.2 µm) and ABTS (IC50 = 12.7 µm) scavenging and α-glucosidase inhibitory (IC50 = 58.5 µm) properties of gallic acid by several folds (5.5, 3.6 and 2.7 folds; IC50 = 8.79, 3.51 and 21.5 µm, respectively). Zn(II) conferred a potent dose-dependent glucose uptake activity (EC50 = 9.17 µm) on gallic acid, without reducing the viability of L6 myotubes and hepatocytes. Docking analysis showed the complex had stronger interaction with insulin signalling proteins (GLUT-4 and PKB) than its precursor.

Conclusions

Data suggest that complexation of Zn(II) with gallic acid resulted in a complex with improved and multi-facet antioxidative and glycaemic control properties.
Stall‐side screening potential of a smartphone electrocardiogram recorded over both sides of the thorax in horses
Authors: Corradini Ignacio , Fernández‐Ruiz Alicia , Barba Marta , Engel‐Manchado Javier
Published: July 2020

Background

Comparisons between smartphone ECG (SpECG) recordings obtained from the right and left sides of the thorax have not been reported in animals.

Objectives

To evaluate the screening potential of a SpECG obtained from both sides of the thorax and to compare the degree of agreement between the SpECG and a reference ECG (rECG) for measurement of the duration of baseline electrical deflections recorded over both sides of the thorax.

Animals

Fifty horses admitted to the equine hospital, university‐owned horses, and horses from an endurance riding facility.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Simultaneous rECG and SpECG tracings were recorded on both sides of the thorax and evaluated by 2 experienced observers for interpretability, presence and classification of arrhythmias, and duration of deflections of the electrical baseline.

Results

Fifteen (15/50) horses had spontaneous arrhythmias. Excellent agreement was found between the 2 devices (κ = 0.91; P < .001; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79‐1.03) for the detection of arrhythmias. Significantly more P waves were of diagnostic quality from the right side (20 versus 5, P = .001) and significantly more QRS and QT intervals were of diagnostic quality from the left side (66 versus 38 and 62 versus 34, respectively, P < .001). Substantial agreement for the duration of deflections between devices only was observed for the QRS interval (SpECG left).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

It is important to obtain SpECG tracings from both sides of the thorax in horses. The SpECG is a useful stall‐sidearrhythmia‐screening tool for some common arrhythmias in horses.
Non‐invasive risk scores do not reliably identify future cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma in Type 2 diabetes: The Edinburgh type 2 diabetes study
Authors: Grecian Sheila M. , McLachlan Stela , Fallowfield Jonathan A. , Kearns Patrick K. A. , Hayes Peter C. , Guha Neil I. , Morling Joanne R. , Glancy Stephen , Williamson Rachel M. , Reynolds Rebecca M. , Frier Brian M. , Zammitt Nicola N. , Price Jackie F. , Strachan Mark W. J.
Published: July 2020

Background

The incidence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increased in Type 2 diabetes, primarily secondary to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). European guidelines recommend screening for NAFLD in Type 2 diabetes. American guidelines, while not advocating a screening protocol, suggest using non‐invasive markers of fibrosis for risk‐stratification and guiding onward referral.

Aims

To test the ability of individual fibrosis scores and the European screening algorithm to predict 11‐year incident cirrhosis/HCC in an asymptomatic community cohort of older people with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

The Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study investigated men and women with Type 2 diabetes (n = 1066, aged 60–75 at baseline). Liver markers were measured at baseline and year 1; steatosis and fibrosis markers were calculated according to independently published calculations. During 11 years of follow‐up, cases of cirrhosis and HCC were identified.

Results

Forty‐three out of 1059 participants with no baseline cirrhosis/HCC developed incident disease. All scores were significantly associated with incident liver disease by odds ratio (P < .05). The ability of the risk‐stratification tools to accurately identify those who developed incident cirrhosis/HCC was poor with low‐positive predictive values (5‐46%) and high false‐negative and ‐positive rates (up to 60% and 77%) respectively. When fibrosis risk scores were used in conjunction with the European algorithm, they performed modestly better than when applied in isolation.

Conclusions

In a cohort with a moderately low incidence of cirrhosis/HCC, existing risk scores did not reliably identify participants at high risk. Better prediction models for cirrhosis/HCC in people with Type 2 diabetes are required.
Neighborhood sidewalk access and childhood obesity
Authors: Wei Junxiang , Wu Yang , Zheng Jinge , Nie Peng , Jia Peng , Wang Youfa
Published: July 2020

The lack of access to sidewalks is a barrier for physical activity (PA) and may be a risk factor for childhood obesity. However, previous studies reported mixed findings and the association between sidewalk accessibility and childhood obesity remains unclear. This study systematically examined the evidence on the association between sidewalk accessibility and childhood obesity. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for relevant articles (published before 1 January 2019) that reported on the association between neighborhood sidewalk access and weight‐related behaviors and outcomes in children. Seventeen studies conducted in five countries were included. Ten studies used objective measure of access to sidewalks, seven studies measured children's height and weight, and seven studies objectively measured the PA or sedentary behaviors. Ten studies reported on the association of better access to sidewalks with increased PA (β ranging from 0.032 to 2.159; p < 0.05), reduced sedentary behaviors (β ranging from −0.19 to −0.14; p < 0.05), lower body mass index (BMI) (β ranging from −0.261 to −0.144; p < 0.001), or obesity risks (OR ranging from 1.02 to 1.32; p < 0.05); while the remaining seven studies did not report a desirable obesity–sidewalk association. Our findings support the hypothesis that higher sidewalk accessibility is associated with higher PA levels, lower BMI, and obesity risks. Efforts in building healthy environments, including health‐promoting city planning, can help minimize the growing obesity epidemic and promote public health.
Effect of environmental tobacco smoke on COX‐2 and SHP‐2 expression in a periodontitis rat model
Authors: Li Xiangjun , Liang Xiangyang , Li Shujuan , Qi Xia , Du Ning , Yang Dongru
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To investigate the effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) on the inflammatory process of periodontitis by evaluating bone loss and the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and Src homology phosphotyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP‐2).

Materials and Methods

Eighty 6‐month‐old male SD rats were randomized into four groups (10 rats/group/per time point): (a) normal group, (b) ETS group, (c) ligature‐induced periodontitis group, and (d) ligature‐induced periodontitis + ETS group. After treatment with ligature and/or ETS for 8 and 12 weeks, the levels of alveolar bone resorption and the expressions of COX‐2 and SHP‐2 in periodontal tissue were analyzed using histology and immunohistochemistry.

Results

The ligature‐induced periodontitis group displayed increased bone resorption and elevated expression of COX‐2 and SHP‐2 in periodontal tissues compared to the normal and ETS groups at 8 and 12 weeks. Furthermore, bone resorption and COX‐2 and SHP‐2 levels in the ligature‐induced periodontitis + ETS group were significantly increased compared to those in the normal and ligature‐induced periodontitis groups at both 8 and 12 weeks.

Conclusion

Environmental tobacco smoke increased alveolar bone loss in periodontitis with enhanced expression of COX‐2 and SHP‐2 in periodontal tissues. Further investigation is needed to explore the role of COX‐2 and SHP‐2 in ETS‐associated periodontitis.
Dexamethasone Suppresses Radicular Pain Through Targeting the L‐PGDS/PI3K/Akt Pathway in Rats With Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Xu Weixing , Ding Weiguo , Sheng Hongfeng , Lu Di , Xu Xinwei , Xu Bin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a frequently occurring disease with unknown etiology, which makes treatment a challenge. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of dexamethasone on LDH and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

General Methods

An LDH rat model was established by nucleus pulposus implantation. The activity of the lipocalin type prostaglandin D synthase (L‐PGDS)/phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) axis was evaluated by Western blotting. Paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency were assessed by the Von Frey hairs method and the thermal dolorimeter of Hargreaves, respectively. The 21‐point Basso‐Beattie‐Bresnahan scale was used to assess the locomotor function of rats. Pathological changes in the affected region were analyzed by hematoxylin‐eosin staining. Immunofluorescence was used to measure the expression of microtubule‐associated protein (MAP‐2).

Findings

Lumbar disc herniation markedly increased thermo‐mechanical allodynia and induced dorsal root ganglion (DRG) degeneration by inactivating the L‐PGS/PI3K/Akt pathway. Dexamethasone restored the L‐PGDS/PI3K/Akt pathway and relieved LDH‐induced thermo‐mechanical allodynia. Furthermore, overexpression and knockdown of L‐PGDS respectively attenuated and worsened LDH‐triggered thermo‐mechanical allodynia and tissue degeneration by modulating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Pretreatment with dexamethasone partially abrogated the effect of L‐PGDS knockdown through PI3K/Akt activation.

Conclusions

Dexamethasone relieves LDH‐mediated radicular pain by exerting anti‐inflammatory effects and reducing the suppression of L‐PGDS induced by LDH. Meanwhile, the activity of the PI3K/Akt pathway was decreased, possibly due to the attenuated inflammation induced by dexamethasone. Our results revealed the underlying mechanism of dexamethasone, which might be helpful in reducing the side effects of dexamethasone and provide more focused therapy in LDH.
Base editing with high efficiency in allotetraploid oilseed rape by A3A‐PBE system
Authors: Cheng Hongtao , Hao Mengyu , Ding Bingli , Mei Desheng , Wang Wenxiang , Wang Hui , Zhou Rijin , Liu Jia , Li Chao , Hu Qiong
Published: July 2020

CRISPR/Cas‐base editing is an emerging technology that could convert a nucleotide to another type at the target site. In this study, A3A‐PBE system consisting of human A3A cytidine deaminase fused with a Cas9 nickase and uracil glycosylase inhibitor was established and developed in allotetraploidBrassica napus. We designed three sgRNAs to targetALS,RGAandIAA7genes, respectively. Base‐editing efficiency was demonstrated to be more than 20% for all the three target genes. Target sequencing results revealed that the editing window ranged from C1 to C10 of the PAM sequence. Base‐edited plants ofALSconferred high herbicide resistance, while base‐edited plants ofRGAorIAA7exhibited decreased plant height. All the base editing could be genetically inherited from T0to T1generation. Several Indel mutations were confirmed at the target sites for all the three sgRNAs. Furthermore, though no C to T substitution was detected at the most potential off‐target sites, large‐scale SNP variations were determined through whole‐genome sequencing between some base‐edited and wild‐type plants. These results revealed that A3A‐PBE base‐editing system could effectively convert C to T substitution with high‐editing efficiency and broadened editing window in oilseed rape. Mutants forALS,IAA7andRGAgenes could be potentially applied to confer herbicide resistance for weed control or with better plant architecture suitable for mechanic harvesting.
Human herpesvirus 6B encephalitis in a liver transplant recipient: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Wang Yinfeng , Wang Di , Tao Xiaogen
Published: July 2020

Human herpesvirus 6B (HHV‐6B) encephalitis in a liver transplant recipient is rarely reported. In this report, we presented a case of HHV‐6B encephalitis in a liver transplant recipient and reviewed the relevant literature. A 56‐year‐old man was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with an acute headache and intermittent convulsion 17 days after liver transplantation. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed 30691 sequence reads of HHV‐6B and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (real‐time PCR) of the CSF detected HHV‐6B DNA at 12 000 copies/mL, so the patient was diagnosed with HHV‐6B encephalitis and received ganciclovir treatment promptly. The condition of the patient improved well and returned to the general ward with no neurologic deficits. This case indicated that adequate awareness, early diagnosis, and timely treatment are crucial to a good prognosis of HHV‐6B encephalitis after liver transplantation.
SARS‐CoV2 and immunosuppression: A double‐edged sword
Authors: Lai Quirino , Spoletini Gabriele , Bianco Giuseppe , Graceffa Dario , Agnes Salvatore , Rossi Massimo , Lerut Jan
Published: July 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐Cov2) outbreak has caused a pandemic rapidly impacting on the way of life of the entire world. This impact in the specific setting of transplantation and immunosuppression has been poorly explored to date. Discordant data exist on the impact of previous coronavirus outbreaks on immunosuppressed patients. Overall, only a very limited number of cases have been reported in literature, suggesting that transplanted patients not necessarily present an increased risk of severe SARS‐Cov2‐related disease compared to the general population. We conducted a literature review related to the impact of immunosuppression on coronavirus infections including case reports and series describing immunosuppression management in transplant recipients. The role of steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and mycophenolic acid has been explored more in detail. A point‐in‐time snapshot of the yet released literature and some considerations in relation to the use of immunosuppression in SARS‐Cov2 infected transplant recipients are provided here for the physicians dealing with immunocompromised patients.
On the Onset of Gravity Modulated Filtration Convection in Grade Fluids Via Mathieu Functions
Authors: Saravanan S. , Kousalya M.
Published: July 2020

The effect of gravity modulation in controlling the onset of convection in a porous medium saturated with a second-grade fluid of Rivlin–Ericksen type is studied. The Brinkman equation of flow through porous media is considered with effective viscosity different from fluid viscosity. Necessary conditions for the occurrence of instability due to infinitesimal perturbations are found using the method of normal modes. Following Floquet analysis, the thresholds corresponding to synchronous and subharmonic solutions and the transition between them are predicted using the Mathieu functions.
Practical guides for x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: Quantitative XPS
Authors: Shard Alexander G.
Published: July 2020

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is widely used to identify chemical species at a surface through the observation of peak positions and peak shapes. It is less widely recognized that intensities in XPS spectra can also be used to obtain information on the chemical composition of the surface of the sample and the depth distribution of chemical species. Transforming XPS data into meaningful information on the concentration and distribution of chemical species is the topic of this article. In principle, the process is straightforward, but there are a number of pitfalls that must be avoided to ensure that the information is representative and as accurate as possible. This paper sets out the things that should be considered to obtain reliable, meaningful, and useful information from quantitative XPS. This includes the necessity for reference data, instrument performance checks, and a consistent and methodical method for the separation of inelastic background from peaks. The paper contains relevant and simple equations along with guidance on their use, validity, and assumptions.
Acoustic inerter: Ultra-low frequency sound attenuation in a duct
Authors: Mi Yongzhen , Lu Zhenbo , Yu Xiang
Published: July 2020

This letter investigates an acoustic metamaterial exhibiting a unique sound pressure amplification mechanism for ultra-low frequency sound attenuation. The system is constructed by integrating a flexible panel into the side-branch duct of a Herschel-Quincke (HQ) tube. A new peak emerges in the Sound Transmission Loss (STL) at a frequency far lower than the frequencies of the HQ tube-induced STL peaks. It cannot, after careful comparisons, be attributed to any local resonances, including structural resonances of the flexible panel or air resonances inside the side-branch cavities. To explain the underlying physics, several numerical simulations are performed. The results reveal that analog to a mechanical inerter, a “push–pull” force is created by the sound pressure difference between the sub-cavities in which a pressure amplification mechanism is generated at the interface of the embedded panel. This force is large enough to activate an out-of-plane motion of the flexible panel, trapping the incident sound power in a circular flow around the duct-branch loop. The unique phenomenon is successfully reproduced in experiment, where the flexible panel is made of carbon fiber. The proposed acoustic metamaterial can be used as silencing components for ultra-low frequency noise control in duct.
Habituation is not neutral or equal: Individual differences in tolerance suggest an overlooked personality trait
Authors: Allan Andrew T. L. , Bailey Annie L. , Hill Russell A.
Published: July 2020

Wild habituated baboons show individual differences in tolerance to researcher proximity that may undermine behavioral data.
Single-cell RNA-seq reveals ectopic and aberrant lung-resident cell populations in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Adams Taylor S. , Schupp Jonas C. , Poli Sergio , Ayaub Ehab A. , Neumark Nir , Ahangari Farida , Chu Sarah G. , Raby Benjamin A. , DeIuliis Giuseppe , Januszyk Michael , Duan Qiaonan , Arnett Heather A. , Siddiqui Asim , Washko George R. , Homer Robert , Yan Xiting , Rosas Ivan O. , Kaminski Naftali
Published: July 2020

Human lung single-cell atlas reveals the complexity and diversity of aberrant cellular populations in pulmonary fibrosis.
Seismic anisotropy reveals crustal flow driven by mantle vertical loading in the Pacific NW
Authors: Castellanos Jorge C. , Perry-Houts Jonathan , Clayton Robert W. , Kim YoungHee , Stanciu A. Christian , Niday Bart , Humphreys Eugene
Published: July 2020

Seismic anisotropy reveals that gravitational loads in the upper mantle drive crustal deformation in the Pacific NW.
Smart, soft contact lens for wireless immunosensing of cortisol
Authors: Ku Minjae , Kim Joohee , Won Jong-Eun , Kang Wonkyu , Park Young-Geun , Park Jihun , Lee Jae-Hyun , Cheon Jinwoo , Lee Hyun Ho , Park Jang-Ung
Published: July 2020

This study presents a smart, soft contact lens that provides real-time sensing for the wireless immunosensing of cortisol.
One-step vapor-phase synthesis of transparent high refractive index sulfur-containing polymers
Authors: Kim Do Heung , Jang Wontae , Choi Keonwoo , Choi Ji Sung , Pyun Jeffrey , Lim Jeewoo , Char Kookheon , Im Sung Gap
Published: July 2020

Colorless, transparent polymer thin films with
n
> 1.9 were prepared through vapor deposition polymerization of elemental sulfur.
Staphylococcus
Agr virulence is critical for epidermal colonization and associates with atopic dermatitis development
Authors: Nakamura Yuumi , Takahashi Hiroki , Takaya Akiko , Inoue Yuzaburo , Katayama Yuki , Kusuya Yoko , Shoji Tatsuma , Takada Sanami , Nakagawa Seitaro , Oguma Rena , Saito Nobuko , Ozawa Naoko , Nakano Taiji , Yamaide Fumiya , Dissanayake Eishika , Suzuki Shuichi , Villaruz Amer , Varadarajan Saranyaraajan , Matsumoto Masanori , Kobayashi Tomoko , Kono Michihiro , Sato Yasunori , Akiyama Masashi , Otto Michael , Matsue Hiroyuki , Núñez Gabriel , Shimojo Naoki
Published: July 2020

Skin colonization at 6 months of age by
S. aureus
with functional Agr quorum sensing associates with later atopic dermatitis development in infants.
VpsR Directly Activates Transcription of Multiple Biofilm Genes in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Hsieh Meng-Lun , Waters Christopher M. , Hinton Deborah M.
Published: July 2020

Vibrio cholerae
, the bacterial pathogen that is responsible for the disease cholera, uses biofilms to aid in survival, dissemination, and persistence. VpsR, which directly senses the second messenger c-di-GMP, is a major regulator of this process. Together with c-di-GMP, VpsR directly activates transcription by RNA polymerase containing σ
70
from the
vpsL
biofilm biogenesis promoter. Using biochemical methods, we demonstrate for the first time that VpsR/c-di-GMP directly activates σ
70
-RNA polymerase at the first genes of the
vps
and ribomatrix operons. In this regard, it functions as either a class I or class II activator. Our results broaden the mechanism of c-di-GMP-dependent transcription activation and the specific role of VpsR in biofilm formation.
Structural and Biochemical Analyses Reveal that Chlorogenic Acid Inhibits the Shikimate Pathway
Authors: Neetu Neetu , Katiki Madhusudhanarao , Dev Aditya , Gaur Stuti , Tomar Shailly , Kumar Pravindra
Published: July 2020

The shikimate pathway is an attractive target for the development of herbicides and antimicrobial agents, as it is essential in plants, bacteria, and apicomplexan parasites but absent in humans. The enzymes of shikimate pathway are conserved among bacteria. Thus, the inhibitors of the shikimate pathway act on wide range of pathogens. We have identified that chlorogenic acid targets the enzymes of the shikimate pathway. The crystal structure of dehydroquinate synthase, the second enzyme of the pathway, in complex with chlorogenic acid and enzymatic inhibition studies explains the mechanism of inhibition of chlorogenic acid. These results suggest that chlorogenic acid has a good chemical scaffold and have important implications for its further development as a potent inhibitor of shikimate pathway enzymes.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Pseudomonas
sp. Strain CES, Containing the Entire Alkylxanthine Gene Cluster for Caffeine Breakdown
Authors: Summers Ryan M. , Shao Jonathan , Mock Meredith B. , Yu Chi Li , Vega Fernando E.
Published: July 2020

Pseudomonas
strain CES was isolated from
c
affeine-
e
nriched
s
oil and found to possess the
N
-demethylation pathway for caffeine breakdown. We report the nucleotide sequence of the draft genome with 5,827,822 bp, 62.6% G+C content, and 5,427 protein-coding regions.
Coding-Complete Genome Sequence of SARS-CoV-2 Isolate from Bangladesh by Sanger Sequencing
Authors: Moniruzzaman M. , Hossain Mohammad Uzzal , Islam M. Nazrul , Rahman M. Hadisur , Ahmed Irfan , Rahman Tahia Anan , Bhattacharjee Arittra , Amin M. Ruhul , Rashed Asif , Keya Chaman Ara , Das Keshob Chandra , Salimullah M.
Published: July 2020

A coding-complete genome sequence of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) isolate was revealed. The sample for the virus was isolated from a female patient from Dhaka, Bangladesh, suffering from coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).
Aflatoxin B1exposure and liver cirrhosis in Guatemala: a case–control study
Authors: Alvarez Christian S , Hernández Elisa , Escobar Kira , Villagrán Carmen I , Kroker-Lobos María F , Rivera-Andrade Alvaro , Smith Joshua W , Egner Patricia A , Lazo Mariana , Freedman Neal D , Guallar Eliseo , Dean Michael , Graubard Barry I , Groopman John D , Ramírez-Zea Manuel , McGlynn Katherine A
Published: July 2020

Objective

In Guatemala, cirrhosis is among the 10 leading causes of death, and mortality rates have increased lately. The reasons for this heavy burden of disease are not clear as the prevalence of prominent risk factors, such as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and heavy alcohol consumption, appears to be low. Aflatoxin B1(AFB1) exposure, however, appears to be high, and thus could be associated with the high burden of cirrhosis. Whether AFB1increases the risk of cirrhosis in the absence of viral infection, however, is not clear.

Design

Cirrhosis cases (n=100) from two major referral hospitals in Guatemala City were compared with controls (n=200) from a cross-sectional study. Logistic regression was used to estimate the ORs and 95% CIs of cirrhosis and quintiles of AFB1in crude and adjusted models. A sex-stratified analysis was also conducted.

Results

The median AFB1level was significantly higher among the cases (11.4 pg/mg) than controls (5.11 pg/mg). In logistic regression analyses, higher levels of AFB1was associated with cirrhosis (quintile 5 vs quintile 1, OR: 11.55; 95% CI 4.05 to 32.89). No attenuation was observed with adjustment by sex, ethnicity, hepatitis B virus status, and heavy alcohol consumption. A significantly increasing trend in association was observed in both models (p trend <0.01). Additionally, the cirrhosis–AFB1association was more prominent among men.

Conclusions

The current study found a significant positive association between AFB1exposure and cirrhosis. Mitigation of AFB1exposure and a better understanding of additional risk factors may be important to reduce the burden of cirrhosis in Guatemala.
Functionality and acceptability of a novel non-invasive neonatal heart rate monitoring device: a qualitative study of healthcare professionals
Authors: Anton Oana , Fernandez Ramon , Rendon-Morales Elizabeth , Aviles-Espinosa Rodrigo , Jones Christina J , Rabe Heike
Published: July 2020

Background

Detecting neonatal heart rate rapidly and accurately at birth is essential if resuscitation is required. The Neo-Sense prototype provides a quick, non-invasive method to measure neonatal heart rate at birth based on electric potential sensing technology. The study aimed to inform the prototype design process by exploring the required features and usability of this novel device among healthcare professionals.

Methods

Face-to-face, semistructured interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals involved in the immediate care of babies at birth: paediatricians, midwives and neonatal nurses. Interviews were audio-recorded and subsequently transcribed verbatim. Two independent researchers coded and extracted the emerging categories and performed a thematic content analysis.

Results

In total, 21 participants were interviewed, 7 from each professional group. Participants expressed a positive attitude towards the novel prototype. The three main themes extracted were anticipated limitations, advantages and suggestions for development and usage. Participants preferred a device that is easy to use and attach, one which is positioned in a mattress or pad, maintaining also the option of being mobile. Education was considered to have a key role in addressing staff anxiety. The ideal features most frequently mentioned were speed of assessment, reliability and accuracy.

Conclusions

The study enabled a better understanding of the perceived barriers and facilitators to developing a new heart rate monitoring device. The development of a quick and accurate device would have immense implications for clinical practice and the potential to improve neonatal mortality and morbidity.
Connectivity guided theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation versus repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment-resistant moderate to severe depression: study protocol for a randomised double-blind controlled trial (BRIGhTMIND)
Authors: Morriss Richard , Webster Lucy , Abdelghani Mohamed , Auer Dorothee P , Barber Shaun , Bates Peter , Blamire Andrew , Briley Paul M , Brookes Cassandra , Iwabuchi Sarina , James Marilyn , Kaylor-Hughes Catherine , Lankappa Sudheer , Liddle Peter , McAllister-Williams Hamish , O'Neill-Kerr Alex , Pszczolkowski Parraguez Stefan , Suazo Di Paola Ana , Thomson Louise , Walters Yvette
Published: July 2020

Introduction

The BRIGhTMIND study aims to determine the clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and mechanism of action of connectivity guided intermittent theta burst stimulation (cgiTBS) versus standard repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in adults with moderate to severe treatment resistant depression.

Methods and analysis

The study is a randomised double-blind controlled trial with 1:1 allocation to either 20 sessions of (1) cgiTBS or (2) neuronavigated rTMS not using connectivity guidance. A total of 368 eligible participants with a diagnosis of current unipolar major depressive disorder that is both treatment resistant (defined as scoring 2 or more on the Massachusetts General Hospital Staging Score) and moderate to severe (scoring >16 on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17)), will be recruited from primary and secondary care settings at four treatment centres in the UK. The primary outcome is depression response at 16 weeks (50% or greater reduction in HDRS-17 score from baseline). Secondary outcomes include assessments of self-rated depression, anxiety, psychosocial functioning, cognition and quality of life at 8, 16 and 26 weeks postrandomisation. Cost-effectiveness, patient acceptability, safety, mechanism of action and predictors of response will also be examined.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was granted by East Midlands Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee (ref: 18/EM/0232) on 30 August 2018. The results of the study will be published in relevant peer-reviewed journals, and then through professional and public conferences and media. Further publications will explore patient experience, moderators and mediators of outcome and mechanism of action.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN19674644
Prevalence of acute liver injury and hypertransaminemia in patients with COVID-19: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Li Gang , Xu Yongxing , Yang Yi Tian , Liu Peng Fei
Published: July 2020

Introduction

COVID-19 has spread rapidly in China and around the world. Published studies have revealed that some patients with COVID-19 had abnormal liver function in laboratory tests. However, the results were inconsistent and the analysis of epidemiological data stratified by the severity of COVID-19 was not available in previous meta-analyses. Furthermore, these meta-analyses were suspected of overestimating the incidence of liver injury in patients with COVID-19 because some studies considered transaminase elevation as liver injury, which might partially result from cardiac and muscle injury. This systematic review aims to enrol published literatures related to COVID-19 without language restriction, analyse the data based on the severity of the COVID-19 and explore the impact of varied definitions of liver injury on the incidence of liver injury.

Methods and analysis

We have conducted a preliminary search on PubMed and Excerpta Medica Database on 13 April 2020, for the studies published after December 2019 on the prevalence of acute liver injury and hypertransaminemia in patients with COVID-19. Two reviewers will independently screen studies, extract data and assess the risk of bias. We will estimate the pooled incidence of hypertransaminemia and acute liver injury in patients with COVID-19 by using the random-effects model. The I² test will be used to identify the extent of heterogeneity. Publication bias will be assessed by funnel plot and performing the Begg’s and Egger’s test if adequate studies are available. We will perform a risk of bias assessment using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s critical appraisal checklist.

Ethics and dissemination

Since this study will be based on the published data, it does not require ethical approval. The final results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020179462.
Differences in SARS-CoV-2 recommendations from major ophthalmology societies worldwide
Authors: Nguyen Anne X , Gervasio Kalla A , Wu Albert Y
Published: July 2020

Objective

Since the WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a public health emergency, medical societies around the world published COVID-19 recommendations to physicians to ensure patient care and physician safety. During this pandemic, ophthalmologists around the world adapted their clinical and surgical practice following such guidelines. This original research examines all publicly available COVID-19 recommendations from twelve major ophthalmology societies around the world.

Methods and analysis

Twelve ophthalmology societies recognised by the International Council of Ophthalmology were included in this study. One society per each WHO region was included: the society selected was the one who had the highest number of national COVID-19 confirmed cases on 11 May 2020. In addition to these countries, the major ophthalmology society in each G7 country was included.

Results

Ten out of 12 major international ophthalmology societies from countries covering all six WHO regions have given recommendations regarding urgent patient care, social distancing, telemedicine and personal protective equipment when caring for ophthalmic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. While all guidelines emphasise the importance of postponing non-urgent care and taking necessary safety measures, specific recommendations differ between countries.

Conclusions

As there is no clear consensus on ophthalmology guidelines across countries, this paper highlights the differences in international ophthalmic care recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowledge of the differences in ophthalmic management plans will allow ophthalmologists and all eye care providers to consider the variety of international approaches and apply best practices following evidence-based recommendations during pandemics.
Association between right ventricle dysfunction and poor outcome in patients with septic shock
Authors: Kim June-sung , Kim Youn-Jung , Kim Muyeol , Ryoo Seung Mok , Kim Won Young
Published: July 2020

Objective

Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) can involve both the left and right ventricles. However, the characteristics and outcomes across various manifestations of SIMD remain unknown.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using a prospective registry of septic shock from January 2011 and April 2017. Patients with clinically presumed cardiac dysfunction underwent echocardiography within 72 hours after admission and were enrolled (n=778). SIMD was classified as left ventricle (LV) systolic/diastolic and right ventricle (RV) dysfunction, which were defined based on the American Society of Echocardiography criteria. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality.

Results

Of the 778 septic shock patients who underwent echocardiography, 270 (34.7%) showed SIMD. The median age was 67.0 years old, and the male was predominant (57.3%). Among them, 67.3% had LV systolic dysfunction, 40.7% had RV dysfunction and 39.3% had LV diastolic dysfunction. Although serum lactate level and sequential organ failure assessment score were not significantly different between groups, SIMD group showed higher troponin I (0.1 vs 0.1 ng/mL; p=0.02) and poor clinical outcomes, including higher 28-day mortality (35.9 vs 26.8%; p<0.01), longer intensive care unit length of stay (5 vs 2 days; p<0.01) and prolonged mechanical ventilation (9 vs 4 days; p<0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that isolated RV dysfunction was an independent risk factor of 28-day mortality (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.04 to 4.91).

Conclusions

One-third of patients with septic shock showed various myocardial dysfunctions. LV systolic dysfunction was common; however, only RV dysfunction was associated with short-term mortality.
Tandem stents thrombectomy as a rescue treatment for refractory large vessel occlusions
Authors: Xu Haowen , Peng Shanling , Quan Tao , Yuan Yongjie , Wang Zibo , Fu Xiaojie , Han Kaihao , Liu Guo , Guan Sheng , Li Panxing
Published: July 2020

Background

Mechanical thrombectomy with a stent retriever (SR) and/or aspiration is the "gold standard" for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, sometimes clots may not be retrievable with a single SR alone or combined with aspiration.

Objective

To assess the safety and efficacy of a novel tandem stents thrombectomy (TST) technique as a rescue treatment for acute LVO that is refractory to conventional attempts.

Methods

All patients treated with the TST technique as rescue treatment after failure of conventional attempts were retrospectively reviewed. The postprocedural angiographic and clinical outcome, including modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral infarction (mTICI) grade, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, was assessed.

Results

Nine patients (mean age, 65.2 years; median NIHSS score 18) with middle cerebral artery M1 segment (n=6) and terminal internal carotid artery (n=3) occlusions were included in the study. The TST technique was performed as a rescue treatment after unsuccessful stent thrombectomy alone (four cases) and stent thrombectomy plus aspiration (five cases). Successful recanalization (mTICI 2b/3) was achieved in all patients. No procedure-related complications occurred except reversible vasospasms were observed in three patients and one patient developed hemorrhage transformation after the procedure, but was asymptomatic. Three patients had good clinical outcome (mRS score 0–2 at 90 days). Two patients (22.2%) died.

Conclusions

The TST technique seems to be a safe and effective rescue treatment for acute LVO that is refractory to conventional attempts.
Increased primary care use for musculoskeletal symptoms, infections and comorbidities in the years before the diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Beers-Tas Marian van , Nielen Markus MJ , Twisk Jos W R , Korevaar Joke , van Schaardenburg D
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Little is known about relevant events in the at-risk phase of rheumatoid arthritis before the development of clinically apparent inflammatory arthritis (IA). The present study assessed musculoskeletal symptoms, infections and comorbidity in future IA patients.

Methods

In a nested case–control study using electronic health records of general practitioners, the frequency and timing of 192 symptoms or diseases were evaluated before a diagnosis of IA, using the International Classification of Primary Care coding system. Cases were 2314 adults with a new diagnosis IA between 2012 and 2016; controls were matched 1:2. The frequency of primary care visits was compared using logistic regression.

Results

The frequency of visits for musculoskeletal symptoms (mostly of shoulders, wrists, fingers and knees) and carpal tunnel syndrome was significantly higher in IA patients vs controls within the final 1.5 years before diagnosis, with ORs of 3.2 (95% CI 2.8 to 3.5), 2.8 (95% CI 2.5 to 3.1) and 2.5 (95% CI 2.2 to 2.8) at 6, 12 and 18 months before diagnosis, respectively. Also, infections (notably of the genital and urinary tracts), IA-comorbidities and chronic diseases were more prevalent in cases than controls, but more evenly spread out over the whole 6-year period before IA. A decision tree was created including all symptoms and diseases.

Conclusion

There was an increased frequency of primary care visits for musculoskeletal symptoms, infections and comorbidities prior to the diagnosis of IA. This diverging trend is present for 4–6 years, but becomes statistically significant 1.5 years before the diagnosis. Validation of these results is warranted.
Potential impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the thymus
Authors: Lins Marvin Paulo , Smaniotto Salete
Published: July 2020

Understanding the pathogenesis of certain viral agents is essential for developing new treatments and obtaining a clinical cure. With the onset of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in the beginning of 2020, a rush to conduct studies and develop drugs has led to the publication of articles that seek to address knowledge gaps and contribute to the global scientific research community. There are still no reports on the infectivity or repercussions of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the central lymphoid organ, the thymus, nor on thymocytes or thymic epithelial cells. In this brief review, we present a hypothesis about lymphopenia observed in SARS patients and the probable pathological changes that the thymus may undergo due to this new virus.
Characterization of a plant-growth-promoting non-nodulating endophytic bacterium (Stenotrophomonas maltophilia) from the root nodules of Mucuna utilis var. capitata L. (Safed Kaunch)
Authors: Aeron Abhinav , Dubey Ramesh Chandra , Maheshwari Dinesh Kumar
Published: July 2020

Nonrhizobial root nodule endophytic bacteria are known to have beneficial effects on host plants and are also considered contaminants or opportunists. They grow either individually or as a co-occupant of the root nodules of legumes. In this study, a nonrhizobial endophytic bacterial strain was isolated from the root nodules of the medicinal legume Mucuna utilis var. capitata L.; phenotypic, genotypic, and agricultural characterization was performed using a HiMedia kit and 16S rRNA sequencing. This strain showed tremendous seedling growth potential (30%), compared with the control, as well as a strong antagonistic nature against the plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium udum when plant growth parameters were analyzed. The strain, identified by 16S rRNA as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, showed a multitude of plant-growth-promoting attributes both direct (IAA, phosphate solubilization) and indirect (ACC deaminase, siderophore) and enhanced the growth of host plant in field trials. This is the first report of the plant-growth-promoting potential of this endophytic bacterium from the nodules of M. utilis var. capitata L.; hence, it has potential for use in various biotechnological applications in various industries.
Revisiting the stability of quadratic Poincaré gauge gravity
Authors: Jiménez Jose Beltrán , Torralba Francisco José Maldonado
Published: July 2020

Poincaré gauge theories provide an approach to gravity based on the gauging of the Poincaré group, whose homogeneous part generates curvature while the translational sector gives rise to torsion. In this note we revisit the stability of the widely studied quadratic theories within this framework. We analyse the presence of ghosts without fixing any background by obtaining the relevant interactions in an exact post-Riemannian expansion. We find that the axial sector of the theory exhibits ghostly couplings to the graviton sector that render the theory unstable. Remarkably, imposing the absence of these pathological couplings results in a theory where either the axial sector or the torsion trace becomes a ghost. We conclude that imposing ghost-freedom generically leads to a non-dynamical torsion. We analyse however two special choices of parameters that allow a dynamical scalar in the torsion and obtain the corresponding effective action where the dynamics of the scalar is apparent. These special cases are shown to be equivalent to a generalised Brans–Dicke theory and a Holst Lagrangian with a dynamical Barbero–Immirzi pseudoscalar field respectively. The two sectors can co-exist giving a bi-scalar theory. Finally, we discuss how the ghost nature of the vector sector can be avoided by including additional dimension four operators.
Modified THDRK methods for the numerical integration of the Schrödinger equation
Authors: Fang Yonglei , Yang Yanping , You Xiong , Ma Lei
Published: July 2020

Modified three-derivative Runge–Kutta (MTHDRK) methods for the numerical solution of the resonant state for the Schrödinger equation are investigated. Order conditions are presented and oscillation-fitting conditions are derived. Two practical fifth-order explicit MTHDRK methods are constructed and the error analysis is carried out for large energy. The numerical results are presented for the numerical solution of the Schrödinger equation to show the robustness of our new methods.
Hypergeometric expression for a three-loop vacuum integral
Authors: Gu Zhi-Hua , Zhang Hai-Bin , Feng Tai-Fu
Published: July 2020

Using the corresponding Mellin–Barnes representation, we derive holonomic hypergeometric system of linear partial differential equations (PDEs) satisfied by Feynman integral of a three-loop vacuum with five propagators. Through the multidimensional residue theorem in dimensional regularization, the scalar integral can be written as the summation of multiple hypergeometric functions, whose convergent regions can be obtained by the Horn’s convergent theory. The numerical continuation of the scalar integral from convergent regions to whole kinematic regions can be accomplished with the finite element methods, when the system of PDEs can be treated as the stationary conditions of a functional under the restrictions.
Asymptotically tracking control for discrete time-varying link system to structural balance via determined external stimulations
Authors: Peng Yi , Wang Yinhe , Liu Lizhi
Published: July 2020

This paper is concerned with the structural balance problem for complex dynamical network with the help of coupling effect related to the external stimulations. Consider a network with time-varying and value-weighted links, which can be regarded as a dynamic system. The link dynamic system is modeled as a Riccati matrix difference equation with the coupling matrix related to the external stimulations. By using the Kronecker product as an effective tool, a linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach is developed to derive a simple criterion for ensuring that the discrete link system asymptotically achieves structural balance, meanwhile, the external stimulations track a corresponding vector signal as well. Simulation examples are given to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed control scheme in this paper.