bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overcoming challenges in teaching calculus remotely during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ng David C. , Mahmoud Seedahmed S. , Hald Eric S. , Fang Qiang
Published: July 2020

Purpose:This tutorial provides two specific examples to demonstrate how we tackled challenges in teaching Calculus remotely to first year undergraduate biomedical engineering students of XYZ University during a pandemic.Methods: Lessons and education materials were delivered remotely using XYZ University’s version of open-source Moodle learning management system and Tencent’s WeChat social media platform. We implemented transformative learning theory and active learning principles in our initiatives.Results: Students motivation and engagement improved through appropriate challenges and application of timely real-life examples in Calculus based-on positive feedback received anonymously from students via end-of-course surveys.Conclusion: Remote learning is an evolving paradigm which challenges instructors to use novel and creative ways to engage with students.
Differential Expression of Immune-Regulatory Protein C5AR1, NLRP3 and CLEC4A on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Sathitruangsak Chirawadee , Khunsri Siriporn , Pornpatrananrak Nopporn , Aporntewan Chatchawit , Chantranuwat Poonchavist , Sriuranp Virote , Mutirangura Apiwat , Vinayanuwattikun Chanida
Published: July 2020

Background: Previous studies from our group reported paracrine signal-induced peripheral mononuclear cell (PBMC) gene upregulation in various cancer types through epigenetic regulation. We speculated protein expression on circulating T- lymphocytes which might represent T-lymphocyte trafficking before infiltrating into tumor microenvironment. The possibility to use protein expression on circulating T-lymphocytes as a biomarker to discriminate early stage lung cancer has been explored.Methods: PBMC gene expression was explored, using 4 independent gene expression microarray datasets (GSE12771, GSE13255, GSE20189 and GSE3934). We selected 3 candidate proteins, C5AR1, NLRP3 and CLEC4A, based on their significant protein expression in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes but not in normal lymphoid tissue. A validation study using automated flow cytometry was conducted in 121 participants including 44 treatment-naïve early stage non-small cell lung cancer patients (NSCLC), 19 non-malignant pulmonary diseases and 62 healthy individuals. Results: The ratio of C5AR1, NLRP3 and CLEC4A specific antibody staining to CD3 positive was significantly higher in early stage NSCLC compared to healthy control. Median ratio of C5AR1, NLRP3 and CLEC4A expression in early stage NSCLC were 0.65 [range 0.27-0.96; 95% CI: 0.55-0.70], 0.83 [range 0.27-0.99; 95% CI: 0.73-0.86] and 0.75 [range 0.21-0.98; 95% CI: 0.65-0.81], respectively. While, median ratio of C5AR1, NLRP3 and CLEC4A expression in healthy control were 0.21 [range 0.05-0.81; 95% CI: 0.23-0.42, p-value <0.001], 0.32 [range 0.04-0.94; 95% CI: 0.28-0.46, p-value <0.001] and 0.22 [range 0.04-0.97; 95% CI: 0.27-0.48, p-value < 0.001], respectively. This led to 87.5-100% sensitivity, 50.9-64.7% specificity and 71.4-75% accuracy. However, those PBMC protein expressions could not discriminate early stage NSCLC from malignant-mimic inflammation and infection.Conclusions: Our proof-of-principle findings strengthen the hypothesis that malignancies generate distinctive protein expression fingerprints on circulating T-lymphocytes. Trial registration: This trial was registered with clinicaltrials.in.th, Number TCTR20190508003.
Identification of crucial genes in metastatic osteosarcoma and prognostic biomarker in osteosarcoma patients
Authors: Wang Weihao , Liu Zhaoyong , Lu Weiqing , Guo Huancheng , Zhou Chunbin , Lin Youbin , Wang Hu
Published: July 2020

Background Osteosarcoma is still a challenging cancer that poses a huge threat to human health worldwide, especially in young people. The aim of this study was to identify prognostic genes associated with neoplasm metastasis in osteosarcoma, and construct a prognostic nomogram to help the orthopedist to assess prognosis of osteosarcoma patients.Methods Gene expression and clinical information were extracted from the TARGET database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with osteosarcoma metastasis were identified and subjected to GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Survival and Cox analyses were used to identify prognostic genes.Results First, 214 DEGs were identified as crucial genes associated with osteosarcoma metastasis. Then functional enrichment analyses showed that DEGs were enriched in cell-cell signaling, inflammatory response, and immune response. Survival and Cox analyses identified five prognostic genes (MUC17, MYC, TAC4, HERC5, OR8G5) that were related to the prognosis of patients. This five-genes signature has a great diagnostic value for prognosis because it was not affected by age at diagnosis, gender, metastasis or relapse.Conclusions The present study identifies five target genes related to the metastasis of osteosarcoma. This five-genes signature can be used to predict the prognosis of osteosarcoma patients and may become new potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
Genetic Diversity of Landraces and Improved Varieties of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Taiwan
Authors: Hour Ai-ling , Hsieh Wei-hsun , Chang Su-huang , Wu Yong-pei , Chin Han-shiuan , Lin Yann-rong
Published: July 2020

Background: Rice, the most important crop in Asia, has been cultivated in Taiwan for more than 5,000 years. The landraces preserved by indigenous peoples and brought by immigrants from China hundreds of years ago exhibit large variation in morphology, implying that they comprise rich genetic resources. Breeding goals according to the preferences of farmers, consumers and government policies also alter gene pools and genetic diversity of improved varieties. To unveil how genetic diversity is affected by natural, farmers’, and breeders’ selections is crucial for germplasm conservation and crop improvement.Results: A diversity panel of 148 rice accessions, including 47 cultivars and 59 landraces from Taiwan and 42 accessions from other countries, were genotyped by using 75 molecular markers that revealed an average of 12.7 alleles per locus with mean polymorphism information content of 0.72. These accessions could be grouped into five subpopulations corresponding to wild rice, japonica landraces, indica landraces, indica cultivars and japonica cultivars. The genetic diversity within subpopulations was: wild rices > landraces > cultivars; and indica rice > japonica rice. Despite having less variation among cultivars, japonica landraces had greater genetic variation than indica landraces because the majority of Taiwanese japonica landraces preserved by indigenous peoples were classified as tropical japonica. Two major clusters of indica landraces were formed by phylogenetic analysis, in accordance with immigration from two origins. Genetic erosion had occurred in later japonica varieties due to a narrow selection of germplasm being incorporated into breeding programs for premium grain quality. Genetic differentiation between early and late cultivars was significant in japonica (FST = 0.3751) but not in indica (FST = 0.0045), indicating effects of different breeding goals on modern germplasm. Indigenous landraces with unique intermediate and admixed genetic backgrounds were untapped, representing valuable resources for rice breeding.Conclusions: The genetic diversity of improved rice varieties has been substantially shaped by breeding goals, leading to differentiation between indica and japonica cultivars. Taiwanese landraces with different origins possess various and unique genetic backgrounds. Taiwanese rice germplasm provides diverse genetic variation for association mapping to unveil useful genes and is a precious genetic reservoir for rice improvement.
Progressive worsening of the respiratory and gut microbiome in children during the first two months of COVID-19
Authors: Xu Rong , Liu Pengcheng , Zhang Tao , Wu Qunfu , Zeng Mei , Ma Yingying , Jin Xia , Xu Jin , Zhang Zhigang , Zhang Chiyu
Published: July 2020

Background

Children are less susceptible to COVID-19 and manifests lower morbidity and mortality after infection, for which a multitude of mechanisms may be proposed. Whether the normal development of gut-airway microbiome is affected by COVID-19 has not been evaluated.
Results

We demonstrate that COVID-19 alters the respiratory and gut microbiome of children. Alteration of the microbiome was divergent between the respiratory tract and gut, albeit the dysbiosis was dominated by genus Pseudomonas and sustained for up to 25–58 days in different individuals. The respiratory microbiome distortion persisted in 7/8 children for at least 19–24 days after discharge from the hospital. The gut microbiota showed early dysbiosis towards later restoration in some children, but not others.
Conclusions

Disturbed development of both gut and respiratory microbiomes, and prolonged respiratory dysbiosis in children imply possible long-term complications after clinical recovery from COVID-19, such as predisposition to an increased health risk in the post-COVID-19 era.
Association Effects Of Comorbid Versus Uncomorbid Diabetes And Blood Glucose Concentrations On Short-term Outcomes In Patients With Critical Illness: A Real-World Study Based On Propensity Score Analyses
Authors: Lin Shan , Ge Shanhui , He Wanmei , Zeng Mian
Published: July 2020

Background: The effects of combined diabetes and glycemic control strategies on the short-term prognosis in patients with a critical illness are currently ambiguous. The objectives of our study were to determine whether comorbid diabetes affects short-term prognosis and the optimal range of glycemic control in critically ill patients.Methods: We performed this study with the critical care database. The primary outcomes were 28-day mortality in critically ill patients with comorbid diabetes and the optimal range of glycemic control. Association of comorbid diabetes with 28-day mortality was assessed by multivariable Cox regression model with inverse probability weighting. Smooth curves were applied to fit the association for glucose and 28-day mortality.Results: Of the 33,680 patients enrolled in the study, 8,701 (25.83%) had diabetic comorbidity. Cox model with inverse probability weighting showed that the 28-day mortality rate was reduced by 29% (HR=0.71, 95% CI 0.67-0.76) in the group with diabetes in comparison to the group without diabetes. The E value of 2.17 indicated robustness to unmeasured confounders. The effect of the association between comorbid diabetes and 28-day mortality was generally in line for all subgroup variables, significant interactions were observed for glucose on first day, admission type, and use of insulin or not (Interaction P <0.05). A V-shaped relationship was observed between glucose concentrations and 28-day mortality in patients without diabetes, with the lowest 28-day mortality corresponding to the glucose level was 101.75 mg/dl (95% CI 94.64-105.80 mg/dl); whereas in patients with comorbid diabetes, the effect of glucose concentration on 28-day mortality was structurally softer than in those with uncomorbid diabetes. Lastly, of all patients, hyperglycemia had the greatest deleterious effect on patients admitted to CSRU.Conclusions: Our study further confirmed the protective effect of comorbid diabetes on the short-term prognosis of critically ill patients, resulting in an approximately 29% reduction in 28-day mortality. Besides, we also demonstrated the personalized glycemic control strategy for critically ill patients. Lastly, clinicians should be aware of the occurrence and the prompt management of hyperglycemia in critically ill patients admitted to the CSRU.
Noninvasive Ventilatory Support As First-Line Treatment For COVID-19 Critically Ill Patients With Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure
Authors: Menga Luca Salvatore , Cese Luca Delle , Bongiovanni Filippo , Lombardi Gianmarco , Luciani Filippo , Cicetti Marta , Timpano Jacopo , Ferrante Maria Cristina , Cesarano Melania , Tanzarella Eloisa S. , Cutuli Salvatore Lucio , Pintaudi Gabriele , Pascale Gennaro De , Dell'Anna Antonio Maria , Bello Giuseppe , Maggiore Salvatore M. , Maviglia Riccardo , Grieco Domenico Luca , Antonelli Massimo
Published: July 2020

Background: Although widely applied, noninvasive ventilatory support (NIVS) efficacy in COVID-19 disease is unknown. Early identification of treatment failure is warranted to avoid delays in endotracheal intubation and protective ventilation. We conducted a study to determine the rate of and factors associated to NIVS failure in critically ill patients with COVID-19 disease, and to compare NIVS failure rate in COVID-19 patients to that of a matched cohort with hypoxemic respiratory failure of other origins. Methods: All consecutive patients receiving first-line treatment NIVS for hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 in the ICU of a University Hospital in Italy up to April 20th, 2020, were studied: laboratory data were collected on arrival, 28-day outcome was recorded. After one-to-one propensity score matching based on simplified acute physiology (SAPS) II score, age, PaO2/FiO2 and PaCO2 at arrival, NIVS failure rate in COVID-19 patients was compared to a previously published cohort who received NIVS during hypoxemic respiratory failure from other causes. Results: Eighty-five patients received first-line treatment with NIVS, mainly with helmet noninvasive ventilation and high-flow nasal cannula. Fifty-two patients (61%) needed endotracheal intubation. Independent predictors of NIVS failure were SAPSII score (adjusted hazard ratio 1.039 [1.018-1.061], <0.001), and serum lactate de-hydrogenase at enrolment (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.002 [1.000-1.004], p=0.013): 88% of patients with SAPSII≥33 and serum lactate de-hydrogenase≥405 Units/Liter needed endotracheal intubation vs. 32% of patients with SAPS<33 and lactate de-hydrogenase<405 Units/Liter. In the propensity-matched cohorts (108 patients), COVID-19 patients showed higher risk of NIVS failure than other causes of hypoxemic respiratory failure (59% vs. 35%, p=0.02), with an adjusted hazard ratio of 2 (CI95% [1.1-3.6], p=0.01). Conclusions: COVID-19 patients receiving first-line NIVS are burdened by high risk of needing endotracheal intubation: this appears greater than that of patients affected by hypoxemic respiratory failure of other origins. In order to not delay endotracheal intubation, if logistically sustainable, NIVS use in the intensive care unit should be avoided in severe patients (SAPSII score≥33) with serum lactate de-hydrogenase≥405 Units/Liter.
Individualized Flow-Controlled Ventilation Compared To Best Clinical Practice Pressure-Controlled Ventilation: A Prospective Randomized Porcine Study.
Authors: Spraider Patrick , Martini Judith , Abram Julia , Putzer Gabriel , Glodny Bernhard , Hell Tobias , Barnes Tom , Enk Dietmar
Published: July 2020

Background: Flow-controlled ventilation is a novel ventilation method which allows to individualize ventilation according to dynamic lung mechanic limits based on direct tracheal pressure measurement at a stable constant gas flow during inspiration and expiration. The aim of this porcine study was to compare individualized flow-controlled ventilation (FCV) and current guideline-conform pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) in long-term ventilation.Methods: Anesthetized pigs were ventilated with either FCV or PCV over a period of ten hours with a fixed FiO2 of 0.3. FCV settings were individualized by compliance-guided positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and peak pressure (Ppeak) titration. Flow was adjusted to maintain normocapnia and the inspiration to expiration ratio (I:E ratio) was set at 1:1. PCV was performed with a PEEP of 5 cm H2O and Ppeak was set to achieve a tidal volume (VT) of 7 ml/kg. The respiratory rate was adjusted to maintain normocapnia and the I:E ratio was set at 1:1.5. Repeated measurements during observation period were assessed by linear mixed-effects model.Results: In FCV (n=6) respiratory minute volume was significantly reduced (6.0 vs 12.7, MD -6.8 (-8.2 to -5.4) l/min; p<0.001) as compared to PCV (n=6). Oxygenation was improved in the FCV group (paO2 119.8 vs 96.6, MD 23.2 (9.0 to 37.5) torr; 15.97 vs 12.87, MD 3.10 (1.19 to 5.00) kPa; p=0.010) and CO2 removal was more efficient (paCO2 40.1 vs 44.9, MD -4.7 (-7.4 to -2.0) torr; 5.35 vs 5.98, MD -0.63 (-0.99 to -0.27) kPa; p=0.006). Ppeak and driving pressure were comparable in both groups, whereas PEEP was significantly lower in FCV (p=0.002). Computed tomography revealed a significant reduction in non-aerated lung tissue in individualized FCV (p=0.026) and no significant difference in overdistended lung tissue, although a significantly higher VT was applied (8.2 vs 7.6, MD 0.7 (0.2 to 1.2) ml/kg; p=0.025).Conclusion: Our long-term ventilation study demonstrates the applicability of a compliance-guided individualization of FCV settings, which resulted in significantly improved gas exchange and lung tissue aeration without signs of overinflation as compared to best clinical practice PCV.
Multiple Medical Students on a Clerkship Team: Do They Affect Each Others’ Grades?
Authors: Sharma Krishan K. , Chang Yuchiao , Miloslavsky Eli Michael
Published: July 2020

Background Medical students are often paired together on clinical teams during their clerkships, but the effect of this practice on student performance is unknown. The primary objectives of this study were (1) to retrospectively assess whether students paired together on a medical team during their Internal Medicine sub-internship affected each other’s grade and (2) to survey medical students’ perceptions on the impact of pairing on their evaluations. Methods We examined clerkship grades of 186 student-pairs at 3 sub-internship hospital sites of Harvard Medical School from 2013-2017. To evaluate student perceptions we administered a survey to the graduating class of 2018. Results There was no significant deviation between the expected and observed distribution of student grades (p=0.39) among 186 student pairs, suggesting that pairing had no meaningful effect on the sub-internship grade. We also saw no effect when controlling for prior internal medicine clerkship performance (p=0.53). We then surveyed students in the 2018 graduating class assessing student perceptions on pairing. Of the 99 respondents (59% response rate), 90% and 87% of respondents felt that being paired affected their evaluations by resident and attending physicians, respectively. Conclusions Our analysis suggests that paired medical students do not meaningfully affect each others’ grades, despite the majority of surveyed students believing that being paired affects their evaluations. Awareness of student perceptions regarding pairing can inform clerkship structure and be utilized to address student concerns.
Collapsin response mediator protein 4 enhances radio-sensitivity through calcium-mediated cell signaling
Authors: Park Sang Yoon , Kim Jong-Tae , Park Eun Sun , Hwang Yo Sep , Yoon Hyang Ran , Baek Kyoung Eun , Jung Haiyoung , Yoon Suk Ran , Kim Bo Yeon , Cho Hee Jun , Lee Hee Gu
Published: July 2020

Background

Radiation therapy, an effective treatment modality against various types of cancer including colorectal cancer, reduces local recurrence rate despite damaging both normal and cancer cells. However, the presence of cancer cells resistant to radiation therapy remains a major therapeutic obstacle; thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying radiation resistance is an important step toward achieving successful outcomes in cancer treatment. Hence, in the present study, radioresistant cell lines were established and the radiation-induced genetic changes associated with radiation resistance were examined.
Methods

We generated radioresistant colorectal cancer cell lines and subjected them to RNA sequencing. To know the relationship between CRMP4 downregulation and radiation resistance, western blotting and flow cytometry were used.
Results

CRMP4 was identified as the candidate gene associated with radiation sensitivity. The intracellular Ca2+ concentrations increased when cells were exposed to radiation, which in turn, initiated apoptosis. Decreased CRMP4 expression enhanced resistance to radiation and Ca2+ ionophore A23187. Conversely, Ca2+ deficiency by BAPTA-AM caused higher cell death in CRMP4-depleted cells than in CRMP4-expressing cells.
Conclusion

Our results indicated that CRMP4 influences Ca2+ signaling pathways involved in apoptosis, and that CRMP4 is critical for radiation sensitivity in colorectal cancer as it can sensitize cancer cells to radiation therapy.
Swallowing function and the incidence of fever in older residents with special care needs: a one-year longitudinal prospective study
Authors: Izumi Maya , Sonoki Kazuo , Ohta Yuko , Fukuhara Masayo , Nagata Masaharu , Akifusa Sumio
Published: July 2020

Background

Infectious diseases including aspiration pneumonia are the most frequent causes of fever, common in older residents of nursing homes. We investigated whether swallowing dysfunction was related to fever in such residents.
Methods

Older residents aged ≥ 65 years from three nursing homes were included in this prospective study conducted from July 2017 to May 2019. The follow-up period was 13 months. The outcome was fever incidence in relation to swallowing function. Baseline data on the activities of daily living, cognitive function, swallowing function, respiratory function, tongue pressure, and comorbidity conditions were collected. Dates on which the body temperature of participants was more than 37.5 °C during the follow-up period were also recorded. For statistical analysis, swallowing function assessed by the modified water swallow test (MWST) scores were used to divide the participants into three groups; scores ≤ 3, 4, and 5.
Results

A total of 52 participants [median age, 89.5 (67–104)] were enrolled. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the average periods until onset of fever in participants with MWST scores of ≤ 3, 4, and 5 were 8.0 (6.0–11.0), 10.0 (7.0–12.0), and 12.0 (10.0–13.0) months, respectively. Cox’s proportional hazards regression model revealed that participants with an MWST score ≤ 3 were at a higher risk of fever compared to those with an MWST score of 5 (hazards ratio 13.0, 95% confidence interval 1.9–87.6), adjusted with possible confounders.
Conclusions

Swallowing dysfunction correlated with the risk of fever in older residents of nursing homes.
Spatiotemporal Distribution of Varicella in South Korea
Authors: Lee Young Hwa , Choe Young June , Hwang Seung-Sik , Cho Sung-Il
Published: July 2020

Background

Varicella is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Given its tendency to cluster geographically, spatial analyses may provide better understanding of the pattern of varicella transmission. We investigated the spatial characteristics of varicella in Korea and the risk factors for varicella at a national level.
Methods

Using national surveillance and demographic data, we examined the spatial distribution of incidence rates and their spatial autocorrelation and calculated Moran’s index. Spatial regression analysis was used to identify sociodemographic predictors of varicella incidence at the district level.
Results

An increasing tendency in the annual incidence of varicella was observed over a 12-year period (2006–2017), with a surge in 2017. There was a clear positive spatial autocorrelation of the varicella incidence rate during the surveillance period. During 2006–2014, High-High (HH) clusters were mostly confined to the northeast region and neighboring districts. Population density and the number of hospitals per 1,000 persons had negative coefficients, and the former was significant. Childhood percentage, percentage of children under 12 years of age among total population, and vaccine coverage rate had positive coefficients, but only the former was significant.
Conclusion

There was a temporal uptrend in the incidence of varicella in Korea from 2006 to 2017 in the setting of positive spatial associations. The varicella incidence according to geographic region varied with population density, childhood percentage, suggesting the importance of the community-level surveillance and monitoring strategies.
Arthroscopic Reconstruction of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament With Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System and Hamstring Tendon Autograft :A Retrospective Study
Authors: Luo Yang , Wang Zhigang , Li Zhijiang , Wei Min
Published: July 2020

Background Both Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System(LARS) and hamstring tendon autograft can serve as grafts for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction but few studies compared their differences.This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic reconstruction of PCL with LARS and hamstring tendon autograft. Methods 36 patients who had received PCL reconstruction under arthroscopy were retrospectively analyzed. 15 patients received reconstruction using LARS (LARS group) and 21 using hamstring tendon autograft (HT group). The pre- and post-operative subjective scores and knee stability were evaluated. Results 36 patients were followed up for a period of 2 to 10.5 years (4.11±2.0 years on average). The last follow-up showed that functional scores and knee stability were all significantly improved in both groups (P<0.05). Six months after operation, Lysholm scores and IKDC subjective scores were higher in LARS group than in HT group (P<0.05). Nonetheless, the last follow-up showed no statistically significant differences in the functional scores and the posterior drawer test between the two groups (P>0.05). In LARS group and HT group, 12 and 9 patients, respectively had KT1000 values less than 3 mm, with the difference being statistically significant (P<0.05). In HT group, the diameter of the four-strand hamstring tendon was positively correlated with height (P<0.05),which was 7.37±0.52mm in males and 6.50±0.77 mm in females, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion Both LARS and hamstring tendon could achieve good clinical efficacy for PCL reconstruction ，but patients in LARS group had faster functional recovery and better knee stability. LARS is especially suitable for those who hope to resume activities as early as possible.
Succession of the Fungal Endophytic Microbiome in Wheat is Dependent on Tissue-Specific Interactions of Host Genotype and Environment
Authors: Latz Meike Anna Christine , Kerrn Mads Herbert , Sørensen Helle , Collinge David Brian , Jensen Birgit , Brown James K M , Madsen Anne Mette , Jørgensen Hans Jørgen Lyngs
Published: July 2020

Background: Fungi living inside seeds, leaves and roots of plants affect many aspects of plant health. Understanding the role of plant genotype, presence of fungal inoculum in the environment, abiotic environmental factors, and interaction of those factors in shaping the plant-associated fungal microbiome is of great relevance for modern agriculture. This knowledge can have direct implications in plant disease management, plant breeding, and development of microorganism-based biocontrol agents. These are important tools also in the context of increasing sustainability and adaption of crop production to a changing climate. In order to disentangle the effects of host genotype, environmental factors, and fungi present in seed stock, air and soil on endophytic fungal communities over one generation, we conducted a large-scale pot experiment with closely related cultivars of wheat over one growth-season. We studied fungi present inside the plants (endophytic fungi), in soil and air with metabarcoding, and monitored abiotic factors during the experimental period.Results: Abiotic environmental factors, wheat genotype, and wheat tissue type were all found to influence fungal communities significantly. While the effect of wheat genotype was limited, there was evidence for host genetic control of fungal communities in leaves and roots but not in seeds. The degree of relatedness between wheat cultivars and resistance levels to the leaf disease STB was not reflected in the microbiome. The effect of host genetic control on the fungal community did not differ between abiotic environments. For the phyllosphere, abiotic environmental factors largely explained differences in fungal community abundance, diversity, and presence of pathogens between the locations, whereas location-dependent differences affected the rhizosphere communities to an only small extent. We found indications that airborne fungi are the primary source of inoculum for above-ground fungal communities of wheat, since a large proportion of leaf-associated fungi were also present in the air but not in soil and seed stocks.Conclusions: Our study demonstrates how the factors genotype, environment, and presence of fungi in the environment shape the endophytic fungal community in wheat over one growing season.
The Extended Stability of Cervical Swabs in careHPV™ Collection Medium
Authors: Tan Cheng-Siang
Published: July 2020

Background:

The careHPV™ Test is a US FDA approved, CE mark, and WHO prequalified in vitro diagnostic test that is designed to screen for 14 HRHPV genotypes. The careHPV™ Test is the only commercial HPV tests validated to be used in the low resource settings, boasting the economy of processing a maximum of 90 samples per batch and a near point-of-care turnaround time of 3 hours. Cervical swabs stored in the careHPV™ Collection Medium are stable for 30 days when stored between 2–8 °C according to the manufacturer. However, we often had difficulty to consolidate enough samples for a full batch-test within 30 days, especially when screening women living in the low-density villages in the rural Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo.
Objectives:

The aim of this study is to determine the stability and repeatability of cervical swabs preserved in careHPV™ Collection Medium stored at 4 °C over the recommended 30 days using the careHPV™ Test.
Methods:

Two groups of confirmed HRHPV positive and HRHPV negative cervical swab samples in careHPV™ Collection Medium consisting of 4 samples each were maintained at 4 °C and tested using careHPV™ Test at day-38, -123, -131, -223 and − 395.
Results:

All cervical swabs in careHPV™ Collection Medium stored at 4 °C remained stable for testing and demonstrated 100% repeatability for at least 395 days from the day of collection.
Conclusion:

The careHPV™ Test can be successfully performed on cervical swabs preserved in the careHPV Collection Medium, which are stored at 4 °C for at least 395 days.
Assessment Of Lung Function And Its Correlation With Anthropometric Measurements In Selected Population In Manipal
Authors: Rao Guruprasad , Subramaniam Barathi Singaravel , Rajeswaran Sowmiya , Lixin Anne Tan , Atsaya Nurul , Pillai Pariksha , Chandran Kallaiarasi
Published: July 2020

Background: Lung function test is a useful indicator that measures the presence of mild abnormalities, if any. The present study aimed to compare the lung function in people from different occupations and to correlate with anthropometric measurements and blood pressure. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among students, faculty, gardeners, housekeeping, and support staff of Melaka Manipal Medical College (MMMC) and auto drivers of Manipal. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and vital capacity (VC) were recorded using a digital spirometer. Breath-holding time (BHT), and blood pressure (BP) were recorded. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) were measured. The data were analyzed using the Prism statistical package. Results: Forty-one males and Thirty-two females participated in this study. PEFR did not significantly differ among the different occupations but was negatively correlated with WHR in females. For VC, male students showed a significantly higher value than gardeners, whereas female students and faculty members had a considerably higher value than housekeepers. VC negatively correlated with age in males. In females, it showed a negative correlation with age, WHR, duration of indoor non-AC exposure, and systolic BP. BHT of male students and staff was significantly higher than auto drivers, and it showed a negative correlation with age, duration of outdoor exposure, and systolic BP. Lung function parameters did not correlate with indoor AC exposure in males and females. Systolic BP was significantly higher in auto drivers than students, and it increased with age in males. In females, systolic BP negatively correlated with outdoor exposure and positively correlated with indoor non-AC exposure. Among females, WHR was significantly higher in housekeepers and staff than students and faculty. Conclusion: The study results showed that vital capacity was lowest among male gardeners and female housekeepers who tend to have occupational exposure to chemicals. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and vital capacity were lower in females with a tendency towards abdominal obesity. More considerable time spent indoors was associated with lower vital capacity and higher systolic blood pressure in females.
Identification and Removal of Potential Contaminants in 16S rRNA Gene Sequence Datasets from Low Microbial Biomass Samples: An Example from the Mosquito Gut
Authors: Diaz Sebastián , Escobar Juan Sebastián , Avila Frank William
Published: July 2020

Background: The bacterial gut microbiota of the female mosquito influences numerous physiological processes, including vector competence. As a low-microbial-biomass ecosystem, mosquito gut tissue is prone to contamination from the laboratory environment and from reagents commonly used to dissect and/or isolate DNA from gut tissue. In this report, we analyze five 16S rRNA datasets, including new data obtained by us, to gain insight into the impact of potential contaminating sequences on the composition, diversity, and structure of the mosquito gut microbial community. Results: We present a clustering-free approach that, based on the relative abundance of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) in gut and negative control samples , allowed for the identification of candidate contaminating sequences. Some of these sequences belong to bacterial taxa previously identified as common contaminants in metagenomic studies; they have also been identified as part of the mosquito core gut microbiota, with putative physiological relevance for the host. By using different relative abundance cutoffs, we show that contaminating sequences have a significant impact on gut microbiota diversity and structure.Conclusions: The approach presented here allows the identification and removal of purported contaminating sequences in datasets obtained from low-microbial biomass samples. While it was exemplified with the analysis of gut microbiota from mosquitos, it can easily extend to other datasets dealing with similar technical artifacts.
Trachoma in Sudan: Case Series from Two Eye Care Hospitals and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Hassan Rawan Sharaf Eldein Elamein , Aabdeen Mohamed Abdulmonem Salih , Hassan Razan Sharaf Eldein Elamein , Mohamed Sagad Omer Obeid , Saad Fadwa Mohammed , Mohamed Haidar AbuAhmed
Published: July 2020

Background

Trachoma is a common infectious cause of blindness worldwide. Although it has largely now disappeared from developed countries, it is still endemic in many developing countries. We aimed to highlight clinical stages and common related socio-demographic and household characteristics among patients with trachoma in Sudan.
Methods

A hospital-based case series descriptive study was conducted at Makah Eye Complex and Abdalfadeel-Almaz hospital in Khartoum, Sudan. We included all Trachoma patients from all age groups attending the two eye care hospitals in the period from 1st to 31st March 2015. Data was collected through clinical examination, hospital records, and face to face interview using a structured questionnaire, Also, we conducted a review of the literature to highlights the epidemiological aspect of trachoma in Sudan, using the databases of MEDLINE (PubMed) and Google Scholar.
Results

In this case series, we identified 125 patients with trachoma in the study period. Most of them were aged more than 50 years old (78.4%). Half of the participants (56%) were positive for active trachoma, 40.8% of them were having Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT), and 56% of them have Trachoma Follicles (TF). Majority of the patients have low socioeconomic status and poor personal and environmental hygiene (88%), (44%) and (74.4%), respectively.
Conclusion

Low socioeconomic status and poor personal and environmental hygiene are common socio-demographic and household characteristics among patients with trachoma. Despite the progress that has been made towards disease elimination, trachoma is still a public health problem in Sudan. Our review highlights the magnitude of trachoma and the progress towards its elimination in Sudan.
Worries and concerns about COVID-19 lockdown aggravate stress reactions among pregnant women
Authors: Suda Tetsufumi , Miura Yumiko , Katayama Motoko , Senba Hiroshi , Takahata Mioko , Nakano Sayumi
Published: July 2020

Purpose: Since the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a huge impact worldwide, numerous governments have declared lockdowns to prevent further transmission of the virus. However, both the lockdown and the outbreak itself, have influenced pregnant women’s daily lives. This study’s aim was to assess the extent to which COVID-19 lockdown had psychologically impacted pregnant women and suggest the necessary measures for reassuring them.Methods: An anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted for collecting socio-demographic and COVID-19 related information. The COVID-19 lockdown-related psychological impact and mental health status were assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the short form of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), respectively. The associations between socio-demographics and COVID-19 related information, and psychometrics were assessed by conducting univariate analyses. Subsequently, multiple regression analyses were conducted to ascertain which variables were significantly associated with scores of IES-R and DASS-21 stress subscales.Results: Of the 142 participants who completed the questionnaire, 6 were excluded because they were being treated for psychiatric disorders. The presence of depression, anxiety, and stress were identified in 17.7%, 12.5%, and 12.5% of the participants, respectively. While concerns about household finance due to the COVID-19 outbreak independently contributed to the psychological impact; the presence of nasal discharge and concerns about social support were independently associated with perceived stress.Conclusions: In pandemic situations, concerns about household finances and social support due to lockdown could become targets for interventions among pregnant women.
Development and Validation of Nomograms to Predict Lung Metastases in Patients with Ovarian Cancer: A Large Cohort Study
Authors: Yuan Yufei , Guo Fanfan , Wang Ruoran , Zhang Yidan , Bai GuiQin
Published: July 2020

Background Lung metastasis, an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer, is associated with poor survival. We tried to develop and validate a nomogram to predict the risk of lung metastases in newly diagnosed patients with ovarian cancer.Methods Patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer from the surveillance, epidemiology and final results (SEER) database between 2010 and 2015 were retrospectively collected. The model nomogram was built based on logistic regression. The consistency index (C-index) was used to evaluate the discernment of the lung metastasis nomogram. Calibration plots was drawn to analyze the consistency between the observed probability and predicted probability of lung metastases in patients with ovarian cancer. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the overall survival rate, and the influencing factors were included in the multivariate Cox regression (P<0.05) to analyze the independent prognostic factors of lung metastases.Results A total of 16,059 eligible patients were randomly divided into training (n = 11242) and validation cohort (n = 4817). AJCC T, N stage, bone metastases, brain metastases and liver metastases were evaluated as predictors of lung metastases. Finally, a nomogram was constructed. The nomogram based on independent predictors was well calibrated and showed good discriminative ability. The C index is 0.761 (0.736-0.787) for the training cohort and 0.757（0.718-0.795）for the validation cohort. The overall survival rate of ovarian cancer patients with lung metastases was reduced. Mixed histological types, chemotherapy and primary site surgery were factors that affect the overall survival of ovarian cancer patients with lung metastases.Conclusion: The clinical prediction model had high accuracy and can be used to predict the lung metastasis risk of newly diagnosed patients with ovarian cancer, which can guide the treatment of patients with lung metastases.
MCL-1 plays an oncogenic role in breast cancer by modulating chemoresistance and stemness properties by activating Wnt/β-catenin
Authors: Zhang Yuzhu , Zhu Ling , Zhang Yanmei , Lu Hai , Wei Xiaoqing , Xu Rui , Ren Liping , Chen Qianjun
Published: July 2020

Background：Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor and the leading cause of death in women. Chemotherapy is one of the most important treatments for breast cancer. However, the development of chemotherapy resistance is the main cause of 20-30% of breast cancer patients developing metastasis, leading to death. MCL-1, an anti-apoptotic protein, has not been found to contribute to chemotherapy resistance in breast cancer. Methods：We used large gene panels to detect pathological sections of tumors in drug-resistant and sensitive patients. We validated protein profiling by IHC in a larger cohort of samples. We performed the function of MCL-1 by knockdown and overexpression in vitro and in vivo. Luciferase assay and CHIP assay were used to prove the regulatory network between MCL-1 and LRP6.Result:We found that MCL-1 is more highly expressed in drug-resistant breast cancer tissues than it is in sensitive breast cancer tissues. Functional studies have revealed that MCL-1 plays an important role in drug resistance by regulating apoptosis in breast cancer cells. We found that overexpression of MCL-1 enhances the chemoresistance and stemness of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, while silencing has the opposite effect. Mechanistically, by downregulating and upregulating MCL-1, we show that MCL-1 regulates LRP6 and activates the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in breast cancer cells. Finally, we found that a high level of MCL-1 expression predicts a poor prognosis in breast cancer. Conclusion:Our work highlights the role of MCL-1 in chemoresistance and stemness. The MCL-1-WNT/β-catenin axis might be used as a new clinical target for breast cancer therapy.
Introducing an Efficient System for Assessing Solutions for Damage Reduction From Dam Construction on Semi-Arid Forest Areas
Authors: Safaei Hossein , Motlagh Mohadeseh Ghanbari , Khorshidian Mahmoudreza , Malmasi Saeed
Published: July 2020

Background: Today, the environmental damages of dams are enormous and undeniable, and it is very difficult to reduce these losses. However, environmental damages from dam construction projects may be reduced in intensity and scope through remedial proceedings in the realm of engineering and management operations. The aim of this study was to provide a framework for reducing the destructive effects of dam construction in western Iran in the heart of the Oak forests of the Zagros. Methods: To explore policymaking options and provide technical solutions to reduce damages from the dams and restoration the forests in the region, the scenario examination approach was used in a dynamic model due to the complexity of human-forest relationship interaction and the presence of many actors in this realm. In order to conduct this study, the value of forest ecosystem services in the dam reservoir area in the current situation was estimated. The model of forest growth in the region was prepared in the form of a dynamic system model. Then, the proposed scenarios of reducing the damage caused by the construction of the dam and repairing the damaged vegetation were preparedResults and Conclusion: The dynamic model prepared by variations of forest growth over time and the evaluation of the value of forest ecosystem services made it possible to implement predefined scenarios in forest management. Four different scenarios were designed to develop policies for reducing damages caused by the dam construction. According to estimations, the largest share of Oak forest ecosystem services has been in wood and soil production. The value of damage to forest resources due to the Dam reservoir was estimated at $ 16237819.4 and Finally, the appropriate scenario (S4) is one in which conservation, restoration and reduction of pressure on forest resources in the region is proposed as the final solution to reduce the damages to forest resources caused by dam construction and restoration of vegetation. Also, the afforestation in the area is not a suitable option for remediation of vegetation in this area.
La educación social en España: claves, definiciones y componentes contemporáneos
Authors: Pérez de Guzmán Victoria , Trujillo Herrera Juan Francisco , Bas Peña Encarna
Published: July 2020

El desarrollo epistemológico, disciplinario y profesional de la educación social ha traído consigo la evolución del concepto. Los objetivos de este artículo son: determinar cuáles son las claves actuales para una reinterpretación y lectura de la educación social e identificar los componentes contemporáneos que deben tenerse en cuenta para definir su concepto. La metodología de investigación que se utilizó fue la del estado del arte, una investigación cualitativa-documental de carácter crítico-interpretativa, que ha permitido formular la comprensión del objeto analizado desde los referentes más inmediatos, permitiendo enlazar la descripción, explicación y construcción teórica. Se han seguido unos criterios para la elección, clasificación e identificación de los conceptos: a) Derecho, legislación y políticas públicas; b) Profesión social-educativa, acción profesional, trabajo y empleo; c) Las agencias-agentes, privados-públicos y d) Titulación universitaria y habilitación profesional. Los resultados contemplan las claves actuales para una reinterpretación y lectura de las definiciones sobre Educación Social en España, su clasificación y los componentes a tener en cuenta para realizar una definición de la misma, de acuerdo con las definiciones aportadas desde 1983 hasta 2015. Como conclusión es importante señalar que, para entender la educación social, se deben tener en cuenta los elementos y componentes atendiendo a un criterio geo-social, desde la visión del conjunto de las microhistorias de la educación social.
Evaluación de necesidades de apoyo en universitarios con diversidad funcional de origen físico: un estudio de caso
Authors: Domínguez Quiroz Katherine Paola , Alvis Orozco Yina Paola , Sahagún Navarro Marta
Published: July 2020

Objetivo. Este estudio evaluó las necesidades de apoyo de estudiantes universitarios con diversidad funcional de origen físico en una Institución Educativa Superior. Se analizó, además, la percepción del docente y, en su conjunto, la correspondencia con las políticas de inclusión, tanto institucionales como de la nación. Método. Bajo el estudio de caso, se trabajó el enfoque cualitativo, con un diseño de teoría crítica. Se usó la entrevista en profundidad, el grupo focal y el análisis documental para la triangulación de la información. La muestra fue de casos-tipo y se definió por saturación de categorías. Se recurrió al criterio deductivoinductivo para el análisis de la información con el apoyo del software Atlas.ti. Resultados. Los participantes manifestaron presencia de barreras arquitectónicas, poca participación social en los diferentes escenarios  que se organizan y necesidades de apoyo de tipo psicológico. Asimismo, deseos de formarse como profesionales. Conclusiones. Se reconoce la importancia que tiene para las instituciones de educación superior ser inclusivas para favorecer la mitigación de las necesidades que se presentan.