bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic-induced alterations and repopulation dynamics of yellowtail kingfish microbiota
Authors: Legrand Thibault Philippe Raymond Albert , Catalano Sarah R. , Wos-Oxley Melissa L. , Wynne James W. , Weyrich Laura S. , Oxley Andrew P.A.
Published: June 2020

Background The use of antibiotics in aquaculture is a common infection treatment and is increasing in some sectors and jurisdictions. While antibiotic treatment can negatively shift gut bacterial communities, recovery and examination of these communities in fish of commercial importance is not well documented. Examining the impacts of antibiotics on farmed fish microbiota is fundamental for improving our understanding and management of healthy farmed fish. This work assessed yellowtail kingfish ( Seriola lalandi ) skin and gut bacterial communities after an oral antibiotic combination therapy in poor performing fish that displayed signs of enteritis over an 18-day period. In an attempt to promote improved bacterial re-establishment after antibiotic treatment, faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was also administered via gavage or in the surrounding seawater, and its affect was evaluated over 15 days post-delivery. Results Antibiotic treatment greatly perturbed the global gut bacterial communities of poor-performing fish – an effect that lasted for up to 18 days post treatment. This perturbation was marked by a significant decrease in species diversity and evenness, as well as a concomitant increase in particular taxa like an uncultured Mycoplasmataceae sp., which persisted and dominated antibiotic-treated fish for the entire 18-day period. The skin-associated bacterial communities were also perturbed by the antibiotic treatment, notably within the first 3 days; however, this was unlike the gut, as skin microbiota appeared to shift towards a more ‘normal’ (though disparate) state after 5 days post antibiotic treatment. FMT was only able to modulate the impacts of antibiotics in some individuals for a short time period, as the magnitude of change varied substantially between individuals. Some fish maintained certain transplanted gut taxa (i.e. present in the FMT inoculum; namely various Aliivibrio related ASVs) at Day 2 post FMT, although these were lost by Day 8 post FMT. Conclusion As we observed notable, prolonged perturbations induced by antibiotics on the gut bacterial assemblages, further work is required to better understand the processes/dynamics of their re-establishment following antibiotic exposure. In this regard, procedures like FMT represent a novel approach for promoting improved microbial recovery, although their efficacy and the factors that support their success requires further investigation.
WITHDRAWN: Treatment for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Secondary to Ligamentum Flavum Hypertrophy Using Percutaneous Endoscopy through Interlaminar Approach: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Liu Yi , Qi Yingjie , Diaty Diarra Mohamed , Zheng Guanglei , Shen Xiaoqiang , Lin Shangben , Chen Jiaqi , Song Yongwei , Gu Xiaomin
Published: June 2020

Background: This paper is to describe percutaneous endoscopy in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis secondary to ligamentum flavum hypertrophy targeted. To investigate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous endoscopy in the treatment of this kind of lumbar spinal stenosis in elderly patients.Method: A retrospective analysis of 40 elderly patients with lumbar spinal stenosis secondary to ligamentum flavum hypertrophy admitted between January 2016 and January 2018 was performed. According to different surgical methods, they were divided into two groups: the control group and the endoscopy group (interlaminar approach), 20 people per group. There were 9 males and 11 females in the control group; the age of patients was 65.65±4.44years, and the average disease duration was 4.55±1.85 years. Besides, There were 10 males and 10 females in the endoscopy group; the age of patients was 67.30±4.23years, and the average disease duration was 4.95±2.04 years. Collect and count surgical-related indicators, preoperative and postoperative radiologic findings, incision visual analogue scale (VAS), lumbar and leg pain VAS, lumbar Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores of all patients.Result: A series of surgical indicators (including the operation time, the quantity of bleeding and postoperative hospital stay) in the endoscopy group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). The incision VAS score in the endoscopy group was also significantly lower than that in the control group at each time after surgery (p < 0.05). Besides, compared with the control group, in the endoscopy group, the leg pain VAS score and lumbar ODI score after surgery were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, in the endoscopy group, the lumbar JOA score was significantly higher (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Percutaneous endoscopic technique is a small trauma, quick recovery, safe and effective minimally invasive surgery for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis secondary to ligamentum flavum hypertrophy.
Berberine alters gut microbial function through modulation of bile acids
Authors: Wolf Patricia , Devendran Saravanan , Doden Heidi L. , Ly Lindsey K. , Moore Tyler , Takei Hajime , Nittono Hiroshi , Murai Tsuyoshi , Kurosawa Takao , Chlipala George E. , Green Stefan J. , Kakiyama Genta , Kashyap Purna , McCracken Vance J. , Gaskins H. Rex , Gillevet Patrick M. , Ridlon Jason M.
Published: June 2020

Background: Berberine (BBR) is a plant-based nutraceutical that has been used for millennia to treat diarrheal infections and in contemporary medicine to improve patient lipid profiles. Reduction in lipids, particularly cholesterol, is achieved partly through up-regulation of bile acid synthesis and excretion into the Gastrointestinal tract. The efficacy of BBR is also thought to be dependent on structural and functional alterations of the gut microbiome. However, knowledge of the effects of BBR on gut microbiome communities is currently lacking. Distinguishing indirect effects of BBR on bacteria through altered bile acid profiles is particularly important in understanding how dietary nutraceuticals alter the microbiome. Results: Germfree mice were colonized with a defined minimal gut bacterial consortium capable of functional bile acid metabolism (Bacteroides vulgatus, Bacteroides uniformis, Parabacteroides distasonis, Bilophila wadsworthia, Clostridium hylemonae, Clostridium hiranonis, Blautia producta; B4PC2). Multi-omics (bile acid metabolomics, 16S rDNA sequencing, cecal metatranscriptomics) were performed in order to provide a simple in vivo model from which to identify network-based correlations between bile acids and bacterial transcripts in the presence and absence of dietary BBR. Significant alterations in network topology and connectedness in function were observed, despite similarity in gut microbial relative abundance between control and BBR treatment. BBR increased cecal bile acid concentrations and altered the taurocholic acid:tauro-β-muricholic acid ratio in the liver. Overall, analysis of correlation networks indicates both bacterial species-specific responses to BBR, as well as functional commonalities among species, such as up-regulation of Na+/H+ antiporter, cell wall synthesis/repair, carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism. Bile acid concentrations in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract increased significantly during berberine treatment and developed extensive correlation networks with expressed genes in the B4PC2 community. Conclusions: This work has important implications for interpreting the effects of berberine on structure and function of the complex gut microbiome, which may lead to targeted pharmaceutical interventions aimed to achieve the positive physiological effects previously observed with berberine supplementation.
Treatment response lowers tumor symptom burden in recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck cancer
Authors: Hecht Markus , Hahn Dennis , Wolber Philipp , Hautmann Matthias G. , Reichert Dietmar , Weniger Steffi , Belka Claus , Bergmann Tobias , Göhler Thomas , Welslau Manfred , Große-Thie Christina , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando , Gruen Jens von der , Balermpas Panagiotis , Orlowski Katrin , Messinger Diethelm , Stenzel Karsten G. , Fietkau Rainer
Published: June 2020

Background
Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) frequently causes severe symptoms that may be reduced, when the tumor is successfully treated. The SOCCER trial studied the association of treatment response with patient reported tumor symptom burden in first line treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic HNSCC.
Methods
In this prospective, multi-center, non-interventional trial patients were treated either with platinum-based chemotherapy and cetuximab or radiotherapy and cetuximab. Tumor symptom burden was assessed every four weeks with a questionnaire containing ten visual analogue scales (VAS, range 0-100), which were summarized to the overall VAS score.
Results
470 patients were registered in 97 German centers. A total of 315 patients with at least the baseline and one subsequent questionnaire were available for analysis. Changes in the VAS score were rated as absolute differences from baseline. Negative values indicate improvement of symptoms. The overall VAS score improved significantly at the first post-baseline assessment in responders (-2.13 vs. non-responders + 1.15, p = 0.048), and even more for the best post-baseline assessment (-7.82 vs. non-responders − 1.97, p = 0.0005). The VAS for pain (-16.37 vs. non-responders − 8.89, p = 0.001) and swallowing of solid food (-16.67 vs. non-responders − 5.06, p = 0.002) improved significantly more in responders (best post-baseline assessment). In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, worse overall VAS scores were associated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio for death 1.12 per 10 points increment on the overall VAS scale, 95% CI 1.05–1.20, p = 0.0009)
Conclusion
In unselected patients beyond randomized controlled trials, treatment response lowers tumor symptom burden in recurrent and/or metastatic HNSCC.
Novel Multi-Linear Quantitative Brain Volume Formula For Manual Radiological Evaluation Of Brain Atrophy
Authors: Sungura Richard Erasto , Mpolya Emmanuel Abraham , Spitsbergen JM , Onyambu Callen Kwamboka , Sauli Elingarami , John-Mary Vianney
Published: June 2020

Background
The brain is a dynamic organ that develops and involutes in volume. The process of volume loss known as brain atrophy commonly occurs in elderly. However, some conditions have been implicated to provoke this paradoxical process in childhood and making it important to have methods and techniques of quantifying brain volume. Automated quantitative methods are very important in brain atrophy assessment but these tools have limited availability in developing countries. The simplified linear radiological methods are poorly reproducible and hence there is a need to develop an alternative formula that is reproducible and applicable at all healthcare levels.
Methods
The multi-linear diagonal brain fraction formula (DBF) was designed from dimensions of brain relative to skull. To test a developed formula, a total of 347 subjects aged between 0 and 18 years who had brain CT scans performed at the health facilities in Northern Tanzania were recruited and subjected to a systematic measurement of their brains in a diagonal brain fashion.
Results
Out of 347 patients evaluated, 62 subjects (17.8%) were found to be cases of brain atrophy. The three radiological measurements which included sulcal width (SW), ventricular width (VW) and Evans Index (EI) were concurrently performed. SW and VW showed good age correlation while EI showed no significant correlation with age. Similar tests were extended to diagonal brain fraction (DBF) and skull vertical horizontal ratio (VHR) in which DBF showed significant correlation.
Conclusions
The DBF formula shows significant ability of differentiating changes of brain volume suggesting that it can be utilized as an alternative brain fraction quantification method bearing technical simplicity in assessing gross brain volume with the ability to classify degrees of brain atrophy into mild, moderate, severe and very severe stages.
Transnational Migration Aspirations, Educational Capabilities, Marriage Preferences, and Health Outcomes: A Mixed-Methods Study Among Pakistani youth
Authors: Jalil Aisha , Fischer Florian
Published: June 2020

Background: Pakistani youths desire for international migration due to the more favourable socioeconomic circumstances in the country of destination. This may lead to migration marriages among partners of mismatching socio-economic statuses. This study aims to analyse the migration aspirations in relation with educational capabilities, marriage preferences, and health outcomes in the context of an anticipated transnational migration. Methods: A sequential mixed-methods study has been conducted. Nine case studies and a self-administered questionnaire survey among 496 students enrolled at University of Lahore, Pakistan, have been conducted. Qualitative data was analysed through thematic content analysis. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed for the quantitative data. The inductive themes in qualitative analysis, in addition to a literature review, were used to develop the structured questionnaire for the quantitative survey. Results: Significant associations of socio-demographic characteristics (gender, age, and education), migration aspirations, educational capabilities, marriage preferences, and health outcomes with the anticipated immigration status were observed. The potential migrants acquire skills and education that may support their migration plans. Conclusion: This study shows high intentions for transnational migration. Cautious policies need to be implemented for avoiding a brain drain, but also for allowing a high level of education and freedom to migrate.
Evaluation of molecular diversity analysis and relation with environmental factors in accessions of Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) in Iran, revealed by inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers and start codon targeted (SCoT) markers
Authors: Mohammadizadeh Mohammad Samer , Bahadori Farzaneh , Hakimi Leila , Dehshiri Abbas
Published: June 2020

Cuminum cyminum (as an aromatic herb) is the sources of cumin, which has been commonly used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases especially in tropical Asia. Thus, the current experiment was performed to accesses molecular genetic diversity among 22 collected accessions of cumin from different area of Iran, based on inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers and start codon targeted (SCoT) markers. Analysis of molecular variance revealed that a significant genetic difference between the studied accessions reach to 43%. Mantel test between genetic diversity and geographical distance indicated that an increase in geographical distance of collected accessions did not influence on genetic differentiation. Results about all agro-morphological traits showed a significant difference between the ecotypes except the number of branches. Canonical correspondence analysis ballot of genetic features and environmental factors included 5 geographic and climatic factors for seed origin’s habitat, which have been show that the mentioned parameters had no strong effect on the plant genotypes. However, difference in elevation and latitude of accession origins had effect on genetic clustering in two major groups. The consensus tree of both molecular and morphological data relieved that the accessions Chah-Dashi, Damghan, Ferdows and Nehbandan formed discreet clusters based on genetic and agro-morphological features. In conclusion, the results confirmed that both ISSR and SCoT markers were reliable and useful tools for analyzing the genetic diversity of cumin in Iran.
Clinical Characteristics and Associated factors of Trigeminal Neuralgia in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Experience from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Ayele Biniyam Alemayehu , Mengesha Abenet Tafesse , Zewde Yared Zenebe
Published: June 2020

Background: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is considered one of the most painful illnesses known to medical practice. Little is known about TN in Ethiopia. Our study aimed to assess clinical characteristics, treatment, and associated factors of TN.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 61 patients with confirmed Trigeminal neuralgia visiting outpatient neurology clinics of two government teaching Hospitals and two private health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia between June 2019 and March 2020.Results: Our participants' age range between 21 and 78 years with mean ± SD age of 50.7 ± 14.2 years. Males accounted for 50.8%. Twenty-five (41%) reported a prior history of one or more tooth extraction on the painful side. In the majority (68.9%) of the patient's right side of the face was affected. The mandibular nerve was the commonly involved branch (47.5%). Fifty-five (90.2%) of patients fulfilled criteria for classical TN and 9.8% had symptomatic TN. The majority of the participants reported mixed types of pain such as burning, lancinating, and electric shock-like. Well defined trigger zone was identified in one-third (36%) of cases. Carbamazepine was the most commonly prescribed drug with a median dose of 600mg (IQR: 400 – 1000mg). Two-third of the patients reported prominent satisfaction. The mean (± SD) dose of carbamazepine used to control the pain was significantly higher among those with dental extraction history as compared to those with no history of dental extraction (736 ± 478.6mg Vs 661.1 ± 360.4mg, respectively, T = -2.06, p = 0.04 95% CI:-213.41 to -2.98). A statistically significant number of patients who had single branch involvement reported prominent satisfaction with their treatment as compared to those who had more than one branch involvement. (95% CI: 1.3-3.8: p = 0.006). Conclusion: The majority of our patients had Classical TN in the mandibular nerve distribution on the right side of the face and well satisfied with carbamazepine only treatment. Furthermore, we observed a higher proportion of dental extraction among our patients, hinting at the scale of miss and delayed-diagnoses. Thus, we recommend conducting a well-designed prospective study to support our findings.
Effect of Advanced Chelate Technology Based Trace Minerals on Growth Performance, Mineral Digestibility, Tibia Characteristics, and Antioxidant Status in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Ghasemi Hossein Ali , Hajkhodadadi Iman , Hafizi Maryam , Taherpour Kamran , Nazaran Mohammad Hassan
Published: June 2020

Background: Compared to the corresponding source of inorganic trace minerals (TM), chelated supplements arecharacterized by better physical heterogeneity and chemical stability and appear to be better absorbed in the gut due to possiblydecreased interaction with other feed components.Methods:This study was designedin broiler chickens to determine theeffects ofreplacing inorganic trace minerals (TM) with an advanced chelate technology based supplement(Bonzachicken) on growth performance, mineral digestibility, tibia bone quality, and antioxidant status. A total of 625 male 1-d-old broiler chickens were allocated to 25 pens and assigned to 5 dietary treatments in a completely randomized design.Chelated TM (CTM) supplement was compared at 3 levels to no TM(NTM) or inorganic TM. A corn–soy-based control diet was supplemented with inorganic TMat the commercially recommended levels (ITM), i.e., iron, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, iodine, and chromium at 80, 92, 100, 16, 0.3, 1.2, and 0.1 mg/kg, respectively, and varying concentration of CTM, i.e., match to 25, 50, and 100 % of the ITM (diets CTM25, CTM50, and CTM100, respectively).Results: All diets, except diet CTM25, increased average daily gain (ADG), European performance index (EPI), and serum total antioxidant capacity compared to the NTM diet (P < 0.05). Broilers fed the CTM100 diet had lowest overall FCR and highest BWG, EPI, tibia ash, zinc, and manganese contents (P < 0.05). The tibia phosphorus content and apparent ileal digestibilities of phosphorus, zinc, and manganese were lower in the ITM group compared with the CTM50 and CTM100 groups (P < 0.05). Broiler chickens fed any of the diets exhibited higher serum glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities and lower malondialdehyde level than those fed the NTM diet, where the best values were found for CTM100 treatment (P < 0.05).Conclusions: These results indicatethat while CTMsupplementation to 25 and 50% of the commercially recommended levels could support growth performance, a totally replacing ITM by equivalent levels of CTM could also improve growth performance, bone mineralization and antioxidant status of broiler chickens under the conditions of this study.
Validity of Anthropometric Cut-offs for Early Diagnosis of Dyslipidemia among Adults in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Kenate Sileshi , Tesfaye Temamen , Berhanu Solomon , Zawdie Belay , Tesfaye Yonas , Sena Lelisa , Tadesse Mulualem , Kebede Ayantu , Kebede Esayas , Tamiru Dessalegn
Published: June 2020

Background: Lack of regional and local based cut off points of lipid profile and/or anthropometric measurement remains one of the challenges in prevention, early detection and control of non-communicable diseases. This study was aimed to validate anthropometric based screening of lipid profile in order to prevent potential predictors of major non-communicable diseases.Methods: Community based cross sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 977 adults in Jimma Town, Ethiopia from July 20 to August 20, 2019. Data were collected using structured questionnaire, anthropometric and biochemical measurements. Data were analyzed using SPSS windows version 20 and Kappa statistic (K) was used to validate the agreement between anthropometric measurement and lipid profile of the study participants. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Body mass index (BMI) at ≥24.5 was used as screening of dyslipidemia (TG≥150mg/dl) with slight Kappa coefficient of 0.138 (P<0.001) among females while it was ≥22.2 among males with fair (0.275) Kappa coefficient (P<0.001). Waist circumference based screening of dyslipidemia (TG≥ 150mg/dl) at ≥78.0cm had negative (-0.005) Kappa coefficient (P<0.001) among females (sensitivity: 72.6% & specificity: 26.7%). Yet, waist circumference at ≥83.7cm had slight Kappa coefficient of 0.13(P<0.005) among males (sensitivity: 38% & specificity: 74.9%). Waist hip ratio based screening of dyslipidemia (TG≥150mg/dl) at ≥0.82 among females had negative (-0.001) Kappa coefficient (p=0.763) whereas among males at ≥0.88 there was a slight (0.105) Kappa coefficient of (p=0.002) (Sensitivity: 77.5% & Specificity: 36.8%). This study showed that anthropometric based of high-density lipoprotein measurement was not applicable. Conclusions: Findings of this study indicated that BMI-based screening of triglyceride was applicable for both sexes than other anthropometric measurements. Waist circumference and Waist to hip ratio-based screening of triglyceride was slightly applicable only for males. However, anthropometric based screening of high-density lipoprotein measurement was not applicable for both sexes. In conclusion, researchers and policy makers need to consider local cut off points to conduct screening nutritional status of the community.
A Prolonged Cholera Outbreak Caused by Drinking Contaminated Water from a Stream, Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, Hoima District, Western Uganda: February-May 2018
Authors: Monje Fred , Ario Alex Riolexus , Musewa Angella , Bainomugisha Kenneth , Mirembe Bernadette Basuta , Aliddeki Dativa Maria , Eurien Daniel , Nsereko Godfrey , Nanziri Carol , Kisaakye Esther , Ntono Vivian , Kweiga Benon , Kadobera Daniel , Bulage Lilian , Bwire Godfrey , Tusiime Patrick , Harris Julie , Zhu Bao-Ping
Published: June 2020

Background: On 23 February 2018, the Uganda Ministry of Health (MOH) declared a cholera outbreak affecting more than 60 persons in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, Hoima District, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We investigated to determine the outbreak scope and risk factors for transmission, and recommend evidence-based control measures.Methods: We defined a suspected case as sudden onset of watery diarrhoea in a person aged ≥2 years in Hoima District, 1 February-9 May 2018. A confirmed case was a suspected case with V. cholerae cultured from a stool sample. We found cases by active community search and record reviews at Cholera Treatment Centres. We calculated case-fatality rates (CFR) and attack rates (AR) by sub-county and nationality. In a case-control study, we compared exposure factors among case- and control-households. We conducted an environmental assessment in the refugee settlement, including testing of water samples from stream water, tank water, and spring water for presence of fecal coliforms. We tested suspected cholera cases using cholera Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits followed by culture for confirmation. Results: We identified 2,122 case-patients and 44 deaths (CFR=2.1%). Case-patients originating from DRC were the most affected (AR=15/1000). The overall attack rate in Hoima District was 3.2/1,000, with Kyangwali sub-county being the most affected (AR=13/1,000). The outbreak lasted 4 months, which was a multiple point-source. Environmental assessment showed that a stream separating two villages in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement was a site of open defecation for refugees. Among three water sources tested, only stream water was fecally-contaminated, yielding >100 CFU/100ml. Of 130 stool samples tested, 124 (95%) yielded V. cholerae by culture. Stream water was most strongly associated with illness (OR=14.2; CI=1.5-133), although tank water also appeared to be independently associated with illness (OR=11.6; CI=1.4-94). Persons who drank tank and stream water had a 17-fold higher odds of illness compared with persons who drank from other sources (OR=17.3, CI=2.2-137). Conclusions: Drinking contaminated stream water was associated with cholera outbreak. We recommended boiling drinking water, increasing latrine coverage, and provision of safe water by the District and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Sappanone A inhibits oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in cigarette smoke-induced human bronchial epithelial cells through regulating Nrf2/HO-1 and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang Shanshan , Li Hongli , Xu Xia
Published: June 2020

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disease associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Sappanone A (SA) is a homoisoflavanone that has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. However, the role of SA in COPD remains unclear. Thus, the present study was aimed to evaluate the beneficial effect of SA on COPD in vitro. The human bronchial epithelial cells were exposed to 5% cigarette smoke extracts (CSE) to induce an in vitro model of COPD. Our results showed that SA treatment significantly attenuated the CSE-caused induction of ROS and reduction of SOD and GPx activities in 16HBE cells. In addition, SA inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in CSE-stimulated 16HBE cells. Moreover, the CSE-stimulated cell apoptosis of 16HBE cells were abrogated by SA. Furthermore, we observed that SA treatment greatly promoted the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, as well as inhibited the activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in CSE-stimulated 16HBE cells. Subsequent rescue assay revealed that the protective effects of SA on CSE-stimulated 16HBE cells were reversed by Nrf2 knockdown or TLR4 overexpression. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that SA inhibits oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in CSE-induced human bronchial epithelial cells through regulating Nrf2/HO-1 and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways.
COVID-19 Pandemic: management of patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 in Rome Covid Hospital 2 Trauma Center and safety of our surgical equipe 
Authors: Mauro Domenico De , MD  , Smimmo Alessandro , Meschini Cesare , Mocini Fabrizio , MD  , Falez Francesco , Liuzza Francesco , MD
Published: June 2020

Background. SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic left a deep mark in the Health Systems around the globe, leading to an important change in the way we intend the access to the healthcare and its fruition. Hospitals faced something unexpected and they underwent a deep change and so did the orthopedic activity.Materials and Methods. In “A. Gemelli” University hospital new protocols were adopted for the safe management of patients affected by SARS-CoV-2. Among these patients, six had to be treated also for orthopedic problems. The management of these patients, from the admission in the Emergency Room (E.R). to the operating room (O.R.), followed the protocols we predisposed for the Coronavirus crisis.Results. Four among the six patients underwent surgical treatments. Two of them showed a change of their clinical status, due to a worsening of the COVID-19 symptoms, so the surgical option was postponed. All of them were admitted to the Infectious Diseases Unit, rather than the Orthopedic and Traumatology Unit, in order to provide the best measures to prevent the spread of the contagion and to ensure the best treatment for the COVID-19. No O.R. staff was infected by SARS-CoV-2.Conclusions. More studies are needed to provide a higher statistical significance to the safety measures taken in order to contrast the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the Surgical Room. Orthopedic surgeons are more exposed to the contagion due to the particular tools set they use. A more sensible and specific quick test for novel Coronavirus is particularly needed, due to the lack of sensibility of the serological rapid test.
Development & Evaluation of Virtual Reality (VR) based Novel Vision System for the da Vinci Surgical Robot
Authors: Mun Gyeongbin , Kim Young Gyun , Kim Myungjoon , Jeon Byoungjun , Kong Seong-Ho , Jeong Chang Wook , Lee Kyu Eun , Kim Sungwan
Published: June 2020

Background: Robot surgery has become prevalent because of its various advantages as a progressive method based on empirical researches of conventional open surgery and minimally invasive surgery. However, the da Vinci surgical robot system, the most widely used and researched surgical robot, still requires an ergonomic improvement because of the uncomfortable posture in which it has to be operated. The stereo viewer—the current vision system of the da Vinci surgical robot—requires a user to maintain a posture wherein the user is looking down, which causes discomfort and results in musculoskeletal disorders. To overcome this limitation, a virtual reality (VR) head-mounted display (HMD) is proposed by previous researchers as an appropriate option to replace the stereo viewer, as it enables surgeons to move freely during surgery instead of having to look down on the stereo viewer. Presently, there is no direct comparison between the stereo viewer and a VR HMD by surgeons. Comparative evaluations were performed using peg transfer tasks, a questionnaire, and a NASA-Task Load Index (TLX). These were planned and performed by surgeons and novices to determine if the stereo viewer can be replaced by the VR HMD and to investigate whether the VR HMD has ergonomic.Results: Based on the results of peg transfer tasks, completion times when using VR HMD were shorter than those when using the stereo viewer. In these tasks, the participants performed more executions using the VR HMD compared to the stereo viewer. Based on the questionnaire, the participants favored the VR HMD compared to the stereo viewer, with respect to its visual and ergonomic performance. The modified NASA-TLX showed positive perceptions for the VR HMD.Conclusions: This comparative evaluation confirmed that the VR HMD can be employed as a potential alternative for the stereo viewer in a surgical robot system to achieve ergonomic improvements. The VR HMD improved the task performance of the surgical robot system, and it provided an ergonomic operation environment.
A Novel Glycolysis-Related Gene Signature that can Predict the Prognosis of Glioblastoma Patients
Authors: Zhang Chaocai , Wang Minjie , Ji Fenghu , Peng Yizhong , Zhao Jiannong , Wu Jiandong
Published: June 2020

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most common primary intracranial malignancies, with limited treatment options and poor overall survival (OS). Metabolic changes in GBM have attracted wide attention in recent years, and one of the main metabolic features of cancer cells is the high level of glycolysis. Therefore, it is necessary to identify novel biomarkers associated with glycolysis in GBM. Methods: In this study, we performed gene set enrichment analysis and profiled four glycolysis-related gene sets, which revealed 327 genes associated with biological processes. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify genes for constructing a risk signature, and we identified ten mRNAs (B4GALT7, CHST12, G6PC2, GALE, IL13RA1, LDHB, SPAG4, STC1, TGFBI and TPBG) in the Cox proportional hazards regression model for GBM. Results: Based on this gene signature, we divided patients into high-risk (with poor outcomes) and low-risk (with better outcomes) subgroups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the prognostic power of this ten-gene signature is independent of clinical variables. Furthermore, we validated this model in two other GBM databases (Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and REMBRANDT). In the functional analysis, the risk signature was associated with almost every step of cancer progression, such as adhesion, proliferation, angiogenesis, drug resistance and even an immune-suppressed microenvironment. Conclusion: The 10 glycolysis-related gene risk signature could serve as an independent prognostic factor for GBM patients and might be valuable for the clinical management of GBM patients.
Preoperative AICS (lung) abnormalities predict postoperative recurrence in patients undergoing curative resection for non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Higashiyama Masahiko , Miyazaki Ryohei , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Anayama Takashi , Kikuchi Shinya , Hirohashi Kentaro , Okami Jiro , Maniwa Tomohiro , Kimura Toru , Orihashi Kazumasa , Imamura Fumio
Published: June 2020

[Background] AminoIndexTM Cancer Screening (AICS (lung)) was developed as a screening test for lung cancer using a multivariate analysis of plasma-free amino acid (PFAA) profiles. According to the developed index composed of PFAA, the probability of lung cancer was categorized into AICS (lung) ranks A, B, and C in order of increasing risk. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the preoperative AICS (lung) rank and surgical outcomes in patients who underwent curative resection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).[Methods] Preoperative blood samples were collected from 297 patients who underwent curative resection for NSCLC between 2006 and 2015. PFAA concentrations were measured. The relationship between the preoperative AICS (lung) rank and clinicopathological factors was examined. The effects of the preoperative AICS (lung) rank on postoperative outcomes were also analyzed.[Results] The AICS (lung) rank was A in 93 patients (31.3%), B in 82 (27.6%), and C in 122 (41.1%). The AICS (lung) rank did not correlate with any clinicopathological factors, except for age. Based on follow-up data (median follow-up period of 6 years), postoperative recurrence was observed in 22 rank A patients (23.7%), 15 rank B (18.3%) and 49 rank C (40.2%). In the univariate analysis, preoperative AICS (lung) rank C was a worse factor of recurrence-free survival (p=0.0002). The multivariate analysis identified preoperative AICS (lung) rank C (HR: 2.17, p=0.0005) as a significant predictor of postoperative recurrence, particularly in patients with early-stage disease or adenocarcinoma. [Conclusion] Preoperative AICS (lung) abnormalities are a high-risk predictor of postoperative recurrence in NSCLC patients undergoing curative resection.
Development of Competency Model for Family Physicians Against the Background of 'Internet Plus Healthcare' in China: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Ni Ziling , Wang Xiaohe , Zhou Siyu , Zhang Tao
Published: June 2020

Background: Identification of the service competences of family physicians are central to ensuring high-quality primary care and improving patient outcomes. However, little is known about how to assess the family physicians’ service competences in primary care settings. It is necessary to develop and validate a general model of core competences of the family physician under the stage of construction of family doctor system and implementation of ‘Internet Plus Healthcare’ service model in China.Methods: The literature review, behavioral event interviews, expert consultation and questionnaire survey were performed. The scale’s 35 questions were measured by response rate, highest score, lowest score, and average score for each. Delphi method was used to assess content validity, Cronbach’s α to estimate reliability, and factor analysis to test structural validity. Respondents were randomly divided into two groups; data for one group were used for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to explore possible model structure. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was then performed.Results: Effective response rate was 93.56%. Cronbach’s α coefficient of the scale was 0.977. Factor analysis showed KMO of 0.988. Bartlett’s test showed χ2 of 22917.515 (df=630), p<.001. Overall authority grade of expert consultation was 0.80, and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance W was 0.194. By EFA, the five-factor model was retained after thorough consideration, and four items with factor loading less than 0.4 were proposed to obtain a five-dimension, 32-item scale. CFA was performed on the new structure, showing high goodness-of-fit test (NFI=0.98, TLI=0.91, SRMSR=0.05, RMSEA=0.04). Overall Cronbach’s α coefficients of the scale and each sub-item were greater than 0.9.Conclusions: The scale has good reliability, validity, and credibility, and can therefore serve as an effective tool for assessment of Chinese family physicians’ service competences.
Underwater-treadmill training attenuates blood-spinal cord barrier disruption by promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting MMP-2/9 expression following spinal cord injury
Authors: Ying Xinwang , Xie Qingfeng , Li Shengcun , Yu Xiaolan , Zhou Kecheng , Yue Jingjing , Chen Xiaolong , Tu Wenzhan , Yang Guanhu , Jiang Songhe
Published: June 2020

Background
The blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) can be seriously damaged after SCI and is considered to be a therapeutic target. Exercise training is a recognized method for the treatment of SCI. The destruction of the BSCB mediated by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) leads to inflammation, neurotoxin production, and apoptosis of neurons. The failure of effective regeneration of new blood vessels is also an important reason for the difficulty of recovery after SCI. We introduced underwater-treadmill training (TT) for the first time, which can help SCI rats successfully exercise, and we explored the role of TT in promoting the ability to exercise after SCI and its possible mechanism.
Methods
SCI models were established and randomly divided into three groups. Rats underwent TT after SCI. The degree of neurological deficit, water content, BSCB permeability, protein expression and ultrastructure of vascular endothelial cells were assessed by the BBB motor rating scale, haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Evans blue (EB) staining, Western blot (WB) experiments, and immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Results
Our experiments show that TT reduces the permeability of BSCB and decreased tissue structure damage and improved functional recovery after SCI; TT prevent the loss of TJ and AJ protein; TT promotes angiogenesis and inhibits the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 after SCI.
Conclusions
In this study, the results indicate that TT promotes functional recovery partly for the following reasons: (1) TT protects residual BSCB structure from further damage; (2) it promotes vascular regeneration; and (3) it inhibits the expression of MMP-2/9 to mitigate BSCB damage.
Defining Malaria Risks Among Forest Workers in Aceh, Indonesia: A Formative Assessment
Authors: Ekawati Lenny Lia , Johnson Kelly C. , Jacobson Jerry O. , Cueto Carmen A. , Zarlinda Iska , Elyazar Iqbal RF , Fatah Abdul , Sumiwi Maria E. , Noviyanti Rintis , Cotter Chris , Smith Jennifer L. , Coutrier Farah N. , Bennett Adam
Published: June 2020

Background. Following a dramatic decline of malaria cases in Aceh province, geographically-based reactive case detection (RACD) was recently evaluated as a tool to improve surveillance with the goal of malaria elimination. While RACD detected few cases in households surrounding index cases, engaging in forest work was identified as a risk factor for malaria and infections from Plasmodium knowlesi—a primate malaria parasite—were more common than expected. This qualitative formative assessment was conducted to improve understanding of malaria risk from forest work and identify strategies for targeted surveillance among forest workers. Methods. Between June and August, 2016, five focus groups and 18 in-depth interviews with forest workers and key informants were conducted in each of four subdistricts in Aceh Besar and Aceh Jaya districts. Themes included: types of forest activities, mobility of workers, interactions with non-human primates, malaria prevention and treatment-seeking behaviors, and willingness to participate in malaria surveys at forest work sites and using peer-referral. Results. Reported forest activities included mining, logging, and agriculture in the deep forest and along the forest fringe. Forest workers, particularly miners and loggers, described often spending weeks to months at work sites in makeshift housing, rarely utilizing mosquito prevention and, upon fever, self-medicating and seeking care from traditional healers or pharmacies rather than health facilities. Non-human primates are frequently observed near work sites, and most forest work locations are within a day’s journey of health clinics. Employers and workers expressed interest in undertaking malaria testing and in participating in survey recruitment by peer-referral and at work sites. Conclusions. Diverse groups of forest workers in Aceh are potentially exposed to malaria through forest work. Passive surveillance and household-based screening may under-estimate malaria burden due to extended stays in the forest and health-seeking behaviors. Active surveillance specifically targeting forest workers through work-site screening and/or peer-referral appears promising for addressing undetected infections.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for Liver Oligometastases: outcomes and safety
Authors: Cazic Dejan , Marosevic Goran
Published: June 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate adverse effects, progression free survival (PFS), one-year local control (LC) and one-year overall survival (OS) of patients with liver oligometastases treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), and whether there is a significant difference in these parameters in patients with primary colorectal cancer compared to other tumor localizations.Methods: Patients were simulated using four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT). Using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) technique, SBRT was performed on 16 patients with <3 liver metastases. The prescribed dose was 60 Gy in 8 fractions (BED 105 Gy). Cone beam CT (CBCT) was used for image guidance before each fraction with online correction.Results: There were no adverse effects. Mean PFS for all patients, patients with primary colorectal cancer, and patients with primary non-colorectal cancer was 12.2 months (SD 8.3), 16.3 months (SD 7.9), 8.1 months (SD 6.8), respectively. There was a significant difference in the mean PFS for these two observed groups (p = 0.023). The one-year LC was 62.5%. Patients with primary colorectal cancer had the one-year LC of 87.5%, while the group of patients with primary non-colorectal cancer had the one-year LC of 37.5% (p = 0.014). The total one-year OS was 87.5%. In the group of patients with primary colorectal cancer, the one-year OS was 100%, while in the group of patients with primary non-colorectal cancer, the one-year OS was 75% (p = 0.147).Conclusion: SBRT is a safe and effective method of treating liver oligometastases.
Potential transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 through medical wastewater in COVID-19 outbreak cities
Authors: Zhou Jun-Bo , Kong Wen-Hua , Wang Sheng , Long Yi-Bing , Dong Lian-Hua , He Zhen-Yu , Liu Man-Qing
Published: June 2020

COVID-19 outbreak first reported in Wuhan has been officially declared as a global pandemic. Considering the fecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 has been proven by the viral strains isolated from COVID-19 patient’s stool specimens, it proposed the possibility that contaminated wastewater and fomites might involve in the disease transmission in outbreak cities. In this study, we collected the wastewater samples collected from COVID-19 designated hospitals, Fangcang shelter hospitals, quarantine spots and wastewater treatment plants in Wuhan, China, and performed RT-qPCR and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Although high concentration of residual chlorine for disinfection of SARS-CoV-2 is persisted, low level SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected by qPCR and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in the wastewater samples during the COVID-19 outbreak. This preliminary data firstly described in China implies the potential transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 through medical wastewater in the cities during the COVID-19 outbreak, which calls particular attention for the surveillance and efficient disinfection of wastewater from COVID-19 related facilities.
Katı Atık Toplama ve Taşıma Sisteminden Kaynaklanan Hava Kirleticileri Emisyonlarının Mekansal Analiz Teknikleri ile Farklı Araç Kapasiteleri için Hesaplanması: İzmir Çiğli Örneği
Authors: YALÇINKAYA Sedat
Published: June 2020

Bu çalışmada evsel katı atık toplama ve taşıma sisteminden kaynaklanan önemli hava kirleticileri (CO, NMVOC, NOx, PM, N2O, NH3, SO2 ve CO2) emisyonlarının hesaplanması ve toplama aracı kapasitesinin (8+1 m3 ve 13+1.5 m3) kirletici emisyonlarına etkisinin incelenmesi için Coğrafi Bilgi Sistemleri (CBS) tabanlı bir yöntem geliştirilmiş ve İzmir’in Çiğli ilçesi için uygulanmıştır. CBS tabanlı Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) yöntemi ile optimum güzergahların tayini, toplam kat edilen mesafelerin ve toplam araç çalışma sürelerinin tespiti gerçekleştirilmiştir. Akabinde araç ve yakıt türüne bağlı emisyon faktörleri ve CBS analizleri sonucu elde edilen yakıt tüketiminin çarpımına dayalı hesaplama yöntemi ile emisyonlar hesaplanmıştır. Bulgular büyük araç ile toplama yapılması halinde ihtiyaç duyulan işçi ve araç sayısı azalırken toplam yakıt tüketiminin arttığını göstermektedir. Büyük araçla toplama yapılması halinde çalışma kapsamında değerlendirilen hava kirleticilerinin tamamının emisyonlarında küçük araca göre %17 artış hesaplanmıştır. Bu çalışma temel CBS bilgisi olan katı atık yönetimi planlayıcılarına optimum toplama güzergahlarının planlanması ve emisyonların hesaplanması için az veri ile uygulanabilir, basit ve hızlı bir modelleme yöntemi sunmaktadır.