bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An ionic control of metabolic-epigenetic reprogramming links inflammation to membrane potential-mediated nutrient acquisition
Authors: Wang Di , Yu Weiwei , Wang Zhen , Yu Xiafei , Chi Zhexu , Zhang Kailian , Chen Sheng , Xu Ting , Jiang Danlu , Guo Xingchen , Li Mobai , Zhang Jian , Fang Hui , Ye Qizhen , Yang Xuyan , Zhang Xue , Wu Yingliang , Yang Wei
Published: October 2020

Metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming play pivotal roles in driving inflammation, but the precise regulatory mechanisms remain minimally understood. Here we show an ionic control mediated by macrophage Kir2.1, an inwardly-rectifying K+ channel, promting lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. Kir2.1 blockade by the selective inhibitor ML133 or its specific deletion in macrophages suppressed the production of LPS-induced inflammatory factors, such as interleukin-1β, and protected mice from LPS-induced sepsis in vivo. Kir2.1 loss-of-function led to a nutrient starvation phenotype, with impaired glucose and serine-glycine-one-carbon metabolism, whose synergy promotes the generation of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). Accordingly, reduced SAM availability by Kir2.1 blockade decreased histone methylation at key inflammatory effector loci, such as Il1b. Although the immunomodulatory effect of Kir2.1 was independent of modulation by Ca2+ flux and general signaling pathways, its loss-of-function led to a depolarized membrane potential (Vm) which decreased the surface expression of nutrient transporters, including GLUT1 and CD98. We thus identify an ionic control of metabolic- epigenetic reprogramming that links inflammation to Vm-mediated nutrient acquisition and identifies potential new strategies for anti-inflammatory therapy.
24-h Urinary Sodium and Potassium and Their Association with Clinical Features of Migraine Headache
Authors: Arab Arman , Khorvash Fariborz , Heidari Zahra , Askari Gholamreza
Published: October 2020

Aim: There is a paucity of evidence regarding the association between sodium and potassium with migraine. To explore the possible relationship between 24-h urinary sodium and potassium with clinical features of migraine patients, we conducted a cross-sectional study using a sample of the Iranian population. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 262 participants aged 20-50 years, with a diagnosis of migraine were included. One 24-h urine sample was collected by each subject to estimate sodium and potassium intake. Clinical features of migraine including frequency, duration, severity, migraine headache index score (MHIS), and headache impact test (HIT) were assessed. The serum nitric oxide values were assessed using the Griess method. Multiple linear regression analysis was used and beta (β) and 95% corresponding confidence interval (CI) were reported. Results: The 24-h urinary sodium was significantly associated with frequency (Model 3: β=1.86, 95%CI (0.10, 3.62); P=0.038), duration (Model 2: β=0.38, 95%CI (0.11, 0.66); P=0.006) and MHIS (Model 3: β=0.19, 95%CI (0.01, 0.37); P=0.034). Also, there was a significant association between Na/K ratio and MHIS (Model 2: β=0.16, 95%CI (0.003, 0.33); P=0.045). There was no significant relationship between 24-h urinary potassium and any of the intended variables (all P values <0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that reducing sodium intake and increasing potassium intake could be used as a useful and novel approach to improve clinical findings of migraine and associated burden of disease. Additional studies are needed to replicate these findings and to discover mechanisms that mediate the association between sodium and potassium intake with migraine headache.
The fourth thoracic vertebra as a radiographic landmark for the depth of right internal jugular vein catheterisation in infants: A retrospective study
Authors: Liu Guoliang , Zhang Jianmin , Wang Fang , Liu Heqi
Published: October 2020

Backgroundː The carina is considered a reliable marker for the depth of right internal jugular vein catheterisation in infants. However, the carina is not always visible on chest radiographs, whereas vertebral bodies usually are. We performed a retrospective analysis of routine post-procedural chest radiographs of infants who had undergone congenital heart surgery and required central venous catheterisation. We evaluated the possibility of using vertebral bodies as radiographic landmarks for the identification of the depth of right internal jugular vein catheterisation.Methodsː In total, 108 infants (aged 1–12 months) who underwent congenital heart surgery from the 1st of January, 2019, to the 30th of June, 2019, were included. We analysed the post-operative chest radiographs of those who underwent right internal jugular vein catheterisation and assessed the visibility of the carina and vertebral bodies, as well as their positional relationship.Resultsː In total, 95 children were enrolled; in 61 (64%) cases, the carina was visible on the chest radiograph, whereas in 34 (36%) cases, it was not visible. In all 95 (100%) cases, the vertebral bodies were clearly visible. There was a significant difference between the rate of visibility of the carina and vertebral bodies (P=0.01 P<0.05). The carina was located at the third thoracic vertebra in one case (2%) and at the fourth thoracic vertebra in 60 cases (98%). There was a significant difference in the position of the carina (P=0.01, P<0.05).Conclusionsː Most fourth thoracic vertebrae were at the same level as the carina on chest radiographs. The fourth thoracic vertebra, therefore, has potential as a radiographic landmark for the depth of right internal jugular vein catheterisation in infants when the position of the carina is not visible on the chest radiograph.
Development of a Screening Method for Isolation of Microalgae Strains That Accumulate Lipids Under Nitrate-replete Conditions
Authors: Oyama Tomoki , Kato Yuichi , Satoh Katsuya , Oono Yutaka , Hasunuma Tomohisa , Kondo Akihiko
Published: October 2020

Background: Microalgae biofuels have attracted global attention as an alternative to fossil fuels as an energy resource. Microalgae generally accumulate lipids under nitrogen-depleted conditions, but cell growth is depressed under these conditions which causes decrease in lipid productivity. To realize one-step cultivation for biofuel production, microalgae that highly accumulate lipids even under nitrogen-replete conditions are needed. This study aimed to develop a screening method for microalgae mutants with high lipid content even in the presence of a nitrogen source.Results: Mutant cells were generated by irradiating the oleaginous green microalga Chlamydomonas sp. KOR1 with carbon ion beams, cultured under nitrate-replete conditions, and then subjected to FACS-based screening for lipid-rich cells. By repeatedly performing the sequential procedures of cultivation and selection, strains KAC1710 and KAC1801, which highly accumulate lipids under nitrate-replete conditions, were successfully obtained. These mutants formed significant lipid droplets in the cells even in the presence of abundant nitrate and achieved 1.5- and 2.1-fold greater lipid content compared to KOR1, respectively.Conclusion: This study developed a novel nitrogen-conditioned screening method for microalgae mutants that accumulate lipids in the presence of a nitrogen source. This method should contribute to microalgae biofuel production via one-step cultivation under nitrogen-replete conditions.
DNA Methylation in OPG/RANK/RANKL Pathway is Associated with Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Sun Menghu , Cao Yuju , Yang Xiaolong , An Feimeng , Wu Huiqiang , Wang Jianzhong
Published: October 2020

Background: The dysregulation of OPG/RANK/RANKL signaling pathway is a key step in the occurrence of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). This study aims to understand the degree of methylation of OPG, RANK and RANKL genes in steroid-related ONFH.Methods: A case-control study was designed, including 50 patients and 50 controls. The Agena MassARRAY platform is used to detect the methylation status of OPG, RANK and RANKL genes in the blood of subjects. The relationship between the methylation level of the CpG site of each gene and the steroid-related ONFH was analyzed.Results: In the CpG islands of the OPG, RANK and RANKL genes of steroid-related ONFH patients, a number of CpG sites with high methylation rate and high methylation level were found. Some hypermethylated CpG sites increase the risk of steroid-related ONFH. In addition, by constructing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, we also discovered a few hypermethylated CpG sites, which have predictive diagnostic value for steroid-related ONFH.Conclusion: Methylation in the OPG / RANK / RANKL signaling pathway increases the risk of steroid-related ONFH. Some hypermethylated CpG sites can be used as early prediction and diagnostic targets for steroid-related ONFH.
Communication Challenges Faced by Spanish-Speaking Caregivers of Children with Medical Complexity
Authors: Nageswaran Savithri , Ellis Margaret , Beveridge Mark Stockton
Published: October 2020

Background: Children with medical complexity (CMC) are at increased risk of fragmented care. Communication between caregivers and healthcare providers is important in the delivery of high-quality healthcare for children with medical complexity (CMC). Latino CMC face greater challenges in access to healthcare services. Hispanic children face greater challenges in access to healthcare services. Our objective was to describe the communication challenges faced by Spanish-speaking parents/caregivers of CMC. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 70 CMC enrolled in a complex care program of a tertiary care children’s hospital in western North Carolina. We reviewed the care coordination tasks from encounter logs maintained by the program’s two bilingual care coordinators for a median observation period of 45 months. Data were then validated by the care coordinators. Data containing care coordination tasks were entered into ATLAS.ti and coded. Qualitative data analysis was performed. Using thematic content analysis and an iterative process, we identified recurrent themes related to communication challenges of Spanish-speaking caregivers. Results: Median age of children was 5 years; 51% were girls; 97% had Medicaid; and 3% were uninsured. Seven children died during the observation period. Three major themes were identified: 1) Spanish-speaking caregivers faced many communication challenges primarily because of language barrier. 2) Multiple factors at caregiver-, provider-, and system-levels, in addition to language barrier, contributed to communication challenges. 3) Communication challenges had serious consequences for CMC. These consequences were lessened by bilingual care coordinators.Conclusion: Spanish-speaking caregivers of CMC face unique communication challenges resulting in negative impact on the healthcare of these children. Bilingual care coordinators can help improve communication between Spanish-speaking caregivers of CMC and their healthcare providers. Interventions to address communication challenges of Spanish-speaking caregivers are warranted.
Simulating Protein Structure to Support Clinical Decisions: Predicting the Ligand Specific Impact of Genomic Variation on Opioid Binding
Authors: Shivakumar Vikram , Reid Whitney , Madhavan Subha , McCoy Matthew D.
Published: October 2020

Background: Predicting the impact of missense protein variants on drug binding would have a widespread implications on the practice of genomic medicine, including matching a molecular therapy and dosage to an individual’s genome sequence. Genetic variation is widespread within G-protein-coupled receptors, which can affect overall structure and conformation of the receptors. These structural changes in turn impact ligand binding interactions, which may change the overall dosage requirements for target drugs. In this study, we used molecular docking simulations to explore the effect of missense variants on opioid drug binding affinity to the opioid receptor mu 1 (OPMR1). Methods: Using high-throughput, in silico docking simulations, the binding interactions of 27 opioid drugs to naturally occurring variants in opioid receptor mu 1 (OPRM1) were used to predict changes to ligand binding affinity. The binding energy of the small molecules to the wild-type receptor was compared to an experimentally derived inhibitory constant (Ki) for validation, and the variant-induced disruptions in variant:drug interactions used to predict the impact on the effective drug dosage. Results: The binding energies for each drug-variant receptor pair relative to the wildtype receptor and drug showed trends across drugs, with some variants showing enhancing (238I, 302I) or diminishing (235M, 235N) effects on binding affinity. The 153V variant showed increased binding affinity for certain drugs, and decreased affinity for others. The simulation results correlated well with experimentally derived inhibitory constants (R2 = 0.69), and an exponential regression model revealed how changes in relative binding energy between wildtype and variant structures predict changes to Ki.Conclusions: The simulation results illustrate the potential for integrating genetic variation into the process of development of small molecule therapies to support genomic-driven medicine. Depending on the drug and location, amino acid variation can either increase or decrease the strength of the molecular interactions and should be considered when determining drug dosage. The scale of variation and the cost of experimental characterization underscores the potential for accurate simulation based methods to inform clinical decisions.
HIV/AIDS-Related Knowledge and Behavior Among High School Students in A Less-Developed High-Risk Region: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mohamadian Alireza , Sharifi Hamid , Hassanzadeh Jafar , Mohebbi-Nodezh Mohsen , Mohebbi-Nodezh Mohammad , Vardanjani Hossein Molavi
Published: October 2020

Background: Some residents of the Persian Gulf Coastline (PGC) areas are circular migrants due to geo-commercial issues. They have a higher risk of HIV infection, lack of awareness, and non-disclosure of their HIV/AIDS status. These people who live with HIV (PLHIV) are considered as the bridge population for HIV transmission to general population, especially adolescents. This study sought to investigate the knowledge and behavior of adolescents about HIV/AIDS prevention and transmission in a less-developed high-risk area located along the PGC.Methods: In this cross-sectional study using multistage cluster random sampling, 1450 students were invited to complete a standardized questionnaire. The prevalence of adequate knowledge, condom use, and stigmatization of HIV/AIDS and their 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were estimated. Adjusted Odds Ratios (ORs) were estimated using ordinal logistic regression.Results: Totally, 17.09% (CI: 15.0- 19.3) of the students had adequate knowledge. Social networks and the internet were the most important sources of information (20.9%, CI: 18.6-23.3). Socioeconomic status (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.7-2.3), gender (0.6, CI: 0.5- 0.8), residential area (0.08, CI: 0.05-0.1), and using social networks and the internet as the main sources of information (1.5, CI: 1.1-1.9) were correlated to the level of knowledge. Furthermore, 29.8% (CI: 27.2-32.5) of the students respected the social rights of PLHIV, and 12.6% (CI: 10.7-14.6) reported condom use.Conclusion: HIV/AIDS-related educational programs are recommended in the PGC, especially for males, students from marginalized areas, and people with lower socioeconomic statuses. Social networks and the internet may be the most effective way to improve people's knowledge about HIV/AIDS.
Recent Surgical Outcomes of Ebstein’s Anomaly: A Focus on Changes in Outcomes Due to Cone Repair
Authors: Choi Eun-Young , Kim Eun Sun , Kim Jung Yoon , Kim Seong-Ho , Lim Jae Hong , Kim Eung Re , Lee Chang-Ha
Published: October 2020

Background: Ebstein’s anomaly exhibits a wide variety of clinical features, and therefore, proposing a standardized treatment for it is difficult. This study was conducted to determine whether Cone repair, which has been implemented in our hospital since 2008, is more effective than conventional repair.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical information of patients with Ebstein’s anomaly who were followed-up at the hospital from 2000 to 2019. A total of 61 patients who had undergone tricuspid valve repair after 2000 were divided into the conventional and Cone repair groups and their clinical outcomes were compared.Results: Of the 170 patients, 82 (48.2%) patients received surgical treatment for the tricuspid valve, whereas 75 patients received only medical treatment. The median follow-up duration was 5.89 years. After surgery, tricuspid valve regurgitation decreased and aortic stroke volume increased in both the Cone and conventional repair groups. In the Cone repair group, no mortality and postoperative complete atrioventricular block occurred and significantly fewer cases of moderate to severe tricuspid valve regurgitation were noted after surgery compared with the conventional repair group.Conclusions: Cone repair is thought to be a method with less mortality and less occurrence of complete atrioventricular block than conventional repair.
Association Between ACL Injury and Restricted Hip Range of Motion Among Athletes: A Case Control Study
Authors: Escudeiro Diego , Junior Aires Duarte , Guglielmetti Luiz Gabriel Betoni , Lima Marcos Vaz de , Jorge Pedro Baches , Santili Cláudio
Published: October 2020

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is the most common knee ligament injury worldwide, and it is considered as a public health problem because of its high incidence and both short- and long-term consequences. Recently, the scientific literature has shown a trend in the study of post-injury treatments and the possible risk factors associated with the causes of these injuries to facilitate the understanding of the mechanisms of this injury and assist in the elaboration of preventive measures, especially for athletes or practitioners of physical activities. This study compared the hip range of motion (ROM) measurements of athletes depending on the presence of ipsilateral ACL injury. Methods: Athletes diagnosed with previous ACL injury were selected for the case group, and those with other injuries were selected for the control group. Data regarding participants’ histories, ages, genders, and the sports practiced were collected. All participants underwent hip ROM measurements using a goniometer. Hip radiographs were taken to measure the Alpha (α) and Wiberg (w) angles. For the statistical analysis, the means and standard deviations were calculated for continuous variables, and frequencies (percentages) were calculated for dichotomous variables. A p-value less than 5% was defined as significant. Student's t-tests were used for continuous variables, and chi-square tests was used for categorical variables.Results: A total of 77 participants were included: 47 athletes with ACL injuries and 30 with other musculoskeletal injuries. The mean age was 24.7 years, and 46.7% were female. No between-group differences were found with regard to the baseline characteristics. Most of the athletes played futsal (50.6%) followed by soccer (29.8%). The cases presented with significant reductions in hip internal rotation (IR; 24.1° versus 32.50°, p < 0.0005) and the internal rotation associated with external rotation (IR + ER; 69.9° versus 78.5°, p = 0.005) ROMs as well as a significant increase in the w radiographic angle (38.7° versus 32.4°, p < 0.0005).Conclusion: ROM measurements of hip IR, IR + ER, IR values less than 30°, and the w radiographic angle might be associated with previous ipsilateral ACL injuries among athletes.Trial registration: Registered at Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBec) as RBR-6g87mn on 04 August 2020 (retrospectively registered). http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-6g87mn/
Variation of soil microbiome in licorice rhizosphere driven with inoculating dark septate endophytes under drought stress
Authors: He Chao , Wang Wenquan , Hou Junling , Li Xianen
Published: October 2020

BackgroundDark septate endophytes (DSE) are facultative biotrophic ascomycetes that colonize plant roots either alone or with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. DSE may provide nutrients to their plant hosts and help them adapt to various abiotic and biotic stresses. DSE inoculation under drought stress increased the biomass, root exudates, and AM fungi in the licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) rhizosphere. We conducted a pot experiment to establish whether the responses of licorice to DSE inoculation under drought stress are caused by changes in the rhizosphere microbiome. Each pot was inoculated with either Acrocalymma vagum or Paraboeremia putaminum. One set of pots was inoculated with a sterile culture medium. All three DSE-treated and uninoculated pots were subjected either to a well-watered (70% field water capacity, FWC) or drought stress (30% FWC) water regime. Rhizosphere microbiome compositions were measured by Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the 16S and ITS2 rRNA genes.ResultsIn total, 1,278 fungal and 1,583 bacterial operational taxonomic units (OUTs) were obtained at a 97% sequence similarity level. Ascomycota were the predominant fungi and Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi and Firmicutes were the predominant bacteria. DSE inoculation and water regime significantly influenced the rhizosphere microbiome composition. However, the effects of DSE on the fungal community were greater than those on the bacterial community. Paraboeremia putaminum exerted a stronger impact on the licorice rhizosphere microbiome than Acrocalymma vagum under drought stress. The observed changes in edaphic factors (water condition, soil organic matter, available N, available P, and available K) caused by DSE inoculation could be explained by the variations in rhizosphere microbiome composition. A network analysis indicated that DSE inoculation augmented the relative abundance of beneficial symbiotrophic fungi and growth-promoting bacteria but diminished the relative abundance of pathogens in the licorice rhizosphere.ConclusionsThe present study showed that the licorice rhizosphere microbial community differed between the DSE-inoculated and uninoculated plants. DSE had a stronger influence on the fungal than on the bacterial rhizosphere community under drought stress. These give us the guidance to develop biofertilizers with DSE consortia to enhance the cultivation of medicinal plants by shaping soil microbial community structure in dryland agriculture.
Detection of Kita-Kyushu Lung Cancer Antigen-1, a Cancer/testis Antigen, in the stomach closer to the cancerous condition.
Authors: Fukuyama Takashi , Otsuka Toshikazu , Futawatari Nobue , Tahara Kumiko , Watanabe Masaaki , Ichiki Yoshinobu , Nishi Yatsushi , Takahashi Yoshihito , Yamazaki Hitoshi , Kobayashi Noritada , Kida Mitsuhiro , Nonoguchi Hiroshi , Koizumi Wasaburo
Published: October 2020

Background: Kita-Kyushu lung cancer antigen-1 (KK-LC-1) is a cancer/testis antigen (CTA) and is an attractive target for immunotherapy. An earlier study from our group demonstrated frequent KK-LC-1 expression in gastric cancers (GC) and non-tumor sites of the stomach carrying a tumor. Additionally, there was a correlation to Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection. Currently it remains unclear whether KK-LC-1 is expressed in stomachs without gastric cancer.Methods: In the present study, we investigated differences in KK-LC-1 gene expression at non-tumor sites of stomachs with or without a tumor from 118 GC patients and 115 non-GC patients. Fisher’s exact test was used for the statistical analyses.Results: Our results show that KK-LC-1 gene expression was detected in 77% of non-tumor sites in stomachs with a tumor. Such findings were significantly higher than in stomachs without a tumor (7%, P <0.0001). All patients with KK-LC-1 expression at non-tumor sites of their stomachs without tumors carried Hp.Conclusions: KK-LC-1 appears to be detected in the stomach’s precancerous condition, but not in an atrophic stomach with Hp. KK-LC-1 may be a useful marker for gastric cancer prediction.
Exploring Infant Fall Events Using Online Parenting Discussion Forums
Authors: Cooray Nipuna , Sun Si , Adams Susan , Keay Lisa , Nassar Natasha , Brown Julie
Published: October 2020

Background: Falls are the most common mechanism of hospitalised injury in children under 12 months and commonly result in traumatic brain injuries. Epidemiological studies exploring infant falls demonstrate the burden but lack the contextual information vital to the development of preventive interventions. The objective of this study was to examine contextual information for falls involving children under 12 months.Methods: Online parenting forums provide an unobtrusive rich data source for collecting detailed information about fall events. Relevant discussions related to fall incidents were identified and downloaded using site-specific google search queries and a programming script. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to analyse the incidents and categorise contextual information into ‘pre-cursor events’ and ‘influencing factors’ for infant falls.Results: 461 infant fall incidents were identified. Common fall mechanisms included: falls from furniture; falls when being carried or supported by someone; falls from baby products and falls on the same level. Across the spectrum of fall mechanisms, common precursor events were: infant rolling off; being alone on furniture; product misuse; caretaker falling asleep while holding the infant; and caretaker tripping/slipping while carrying the infant. Common influencing factors included: infant’s rapid motor development; lapses in caretaker attention; and trip hazards.Conclusions: The findings define targets for intervention to prevent infant falls and suggest the most viable intervention approach may be to target parental behaviour change. Online forums have provided rich information critical for preventive interventions aimed at changing behaviour.
A Comparative Investigation of Cu (II), Ni (II) and Molasses Sucrose Effects on the Growth of Candida Yeasts and Metal Bioaccumulation
Authors: Mersin Gülşah , Açıkel Ünsal
Published: October 2020

In this study, microorganism growth and bioaccumulation of Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions by Candida yeasts was tested as a function of sucrose, and metal ion concentration in metal-free and metal media. The growth of the yeasts and bioaccumulation of heavy metals was studied under laboratory conditions in the batch system. The optimum pH value for maximum growth and Cu(II) and Ni(II) bioaccumulation was obtained as 4.0 for the yeasts at 10 g/L constant sucrose concentration. The maximum specific growth rate and microorganism concentration increased with increasing sucrose concentration up to 20 g/L for Candida yeasts. It was observed that the metal uptake capacity of yeasts was increased with increasing initial metal concentrations in the range of 25-250 mg/L for Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions. Although Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions caused an inhibition effect on the growth of the yeasts, Candida lipolytica showed the highest specific growth rate and metal uptake capacity among the other yeasts. It was found that the inhibition effect of the Ni(II) ion was higher than Cu(II) ion on all the yeast. Monod equation was used to study the inhibition kinetics of bioaccumulation of Cu(II) and Ni(II). It was observed that saturation constant (Ks) increased with increasing the initial Cu (II) and Ni (II) ion concentrations whereas maximum specific growth rates (µmax) decreased.
Experiences of Penetrating Neck Injuries in a Single Institution
Authors: Noh Dongsub , Choi Jin Ho
Published: October 2020

Background: The neck is a particularly critical region to sustain penetrating injuries, due to the close approximation of the trachea, esophagus, blood vessels, and the spinal cord. A penetrating neck injury has the potential for serious morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the assessment and management of penetrating neck injuries.Methods: In this retrospective study, penetrating neck injury patients who were admitted to Eulji University Hospital Trauma Center, between December 2015 and December 2017, were analyzed for epidemiology, mechanism of trauma, injured organ, complications, and mortality.Results: Thirty-two patients presented with a penetrating neck injury. All patients underwent computed tomographic angiography to evaluate their injuries once vital signs were stabilized.Among these patients, 27 required surgical treatment. The most commonly injured organ was the trachea. Overall mortality was five, and the main cause of death was bleeding. The mortality was associated with initial systolic blood pressure at the hospital, Glasgow coma scale, transfusion and the abbreviated injury scale of neck.Conclusion: Meticulous clinical examination as well as early volume resuscitation is essential for treating penetrating neck injury patients. Aggressive fluid therapy during transfer to the hospital will help the patient, even if the damage is severe.
Development of Sustainable Phycoremediation With the Help of Chlorella Pyrenoidosa for Textile Wastewater Analysis Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Mishra Shubhangi , Srivast Pradeep Kumar , Singh Virendra , Sharma Monika
Published: October 2020

The uncontrolled utilization for the textile products is increasing year by year resulting with the elevating wastewater generated from the textile industries, which makes it among the prevalent sources of critical environmental deteoration issue globally. Products obtained from the dyes used are the primary toxic product for aquatic life, they cause aesthetic pollution, eutrophication, perturbation and increase in BOD and COD in aquatic life. Three types of textile wastewaters (Acid Yellow dye, Acid orange dye and Basic pink dye) has been used for wastewater treatment and microalgal (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) biomass production. Nitrogen content in textile wastewaters is very less, hence urea is used as nitrogen source in wastewater. Optimal growth condition (Urea-0.4g/L, wastewater- 40%(v/v)) is developed through Response surface methodology (RSM). The biomass productivity for chlorella sp. is 1.2-1.5 g/L/day in textile wastewaters. The reduction efficiency of COD, Nitrate-N Ammonia-N, Phosphate-P, and Dye(color) removal for Chlorella is 90-95%, 75-85%, 90-98%, 65-74% and 40-65%.After harvesting the Biomass by flocculation method it can be used for biofuel production by in-situ transesterification.
Mental Health, Potential Minority Stressors And Resilience: Evidence From A Cross-Sectional Survey Of Gay, Bisexual And Other Men Who Have Sex With Men Within The Celtic Nations
Authors: McGarty Arlene , McDaid Lisa , Flowers Paul , Riddell Julie , Pachankis John , Frankis Jamie
Published: October 2020

Background: Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are at a greater risk of mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, than heterosexual adults. Numerous factors and stressors have been reported to impact men’s mental health, although it has been suggested that resilience could have a protective effect. The aim of this study is to explore mental health, minority stressors, and resilience among a large online cross-sectional survey of GBMSM in the Celtic nations. Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study were collected from the Social Media, GBMSM and Sexual and Holistic Health (SMMASH2) self-report online survey. Participants (n=3077) were recruited via gay sociosexual media in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors that increased the odds of moderate-to-severe anxiety and depression. Potentially relevant variables (p<0.05) were carried forward in hierarchal logistic regression analyses. Results: The prevalence of moderate-to-severe anxiety and depression was 19.9% and 14.4%, respectively. Having a disability (OR = 1.73) and having financial worries sometimes/all of the time (OR = 1.93) increased the odds of having moderate-to-severe depression and anxiety, respectively. No minority stressors were associated with depression, whereas experiencing any form of relationship abuse in the last 12 months significantly increased the odds of anxiety (OR = 1.50). Resilience, namely a sense of coherence, had a protective effect and significantly reduced the odds of moderate-to-severe depression (OR = 0.85) and anxiety (OR = 0.89). Discussion: Disability and financial worries were associated with increased depression and anxiety, respectively, while resilience had a protective effect for GBMSM in the SMMASH2 study. Future research is needed to better understand the role of resilience and the challenges and stresses of everyday life and intersecting health problems. Future research is also needed that incorporates the perspectives of those most affected by mental ill-health to co-develop effective solutions that respond to their contextual surroundings.
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on Fetal Malformation During Pregnancy: A Case Report of Fetal Autopsy
Authors: Guo Yuping , Ren Jiacai , Yuan Jingping , Lei Di , . Nawsherwan , Yu Ying , Fan Cuifang , Wang Suqing
Published: October 2020

Background: Little is known about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on fetal anomalies. Case presentation: We described a case report of fetal anomalies during second-trimester (25+3 weeks) pregnancy. The fetal autopsy was found with abnormal heart anatomy (including ventricular septal defect, oval hole valve missing, and pericardial effusion), polycystic kidney, and acute chorioamnionitis. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection in second-trimester pregnancy not the direct factor resulted in congenital defects, and multiple risk factors contribute to these changes.
Comparison of changes in 2015 to 2019 for socioeconomic inequalities and inequities in health services utilization among patients with hypertension in Pearl River Delta Region of China
Authors: Liu Yan , Cheng Mengjiao , Peng Xin , Huang Junxuan , Liu Nan , Ma Jinxiang , Wang Peixi
Published: October 2020

Background: Assessing inequities in health services utilization contributes to build effective strategies for promotion of health equity. This study aimed to evaluate the socioeconomic inequalities and inequities in health services utilization among hypertensive patients and explore the changes between 2015 and 2019 in Pearl River Delta region of China.Methods: The cross-sectional surveys were conducted using the questionnaire. In total, 830 and 1166 hypertensive patients in 2015 and 2019 were interviewed, respectively. The concentration index (CI) and the horizontal inequity (HI) were used to access the socioeconomic inequalities and inequities in health services use. The contribution of influential factors to the overall unfairness was estimated via the concentration index decomposition. Oaxaca-type decomposition technique was utilized to measure the changes in socioeconomic inequalities between the observation periods.Results: From 2015 to 2019, the CIs for outpatient and inpatient utilization decreased from 0.1498 to 0.1198, 0.1982 to 0.1648, respectively, and the HIs for outpatient and inpatient utilization decreased from 0.1478 to 0.1078, 0.1956 to 0.1390, respectively, i.e. obvious pro-rich inequities in utilization of health services by hypertensive patients existed in Pearl River Delta Region even after controlling different needs, but they decreased over time. The inequities in inpatient utilization were higher compared with that in outpatient utilization. Economic status contributed the maximum ratio of the socioeconomic inequalities in the use of health services in these two years (107.54% in 2015, 106.92% in 2019). Oaxaca decomposition revealed that factors such as residential location, registration, health insurance and time to the nearest health facilities, employment status and educational level, etc. made positive contributions to decline the inequalities. While factors pushed the equalities toward deterioration included health needs, economic status and household size.Conclusion: There were certain decline in the socioeconomic inequalities and inequities in health services utilization by hypertensive patients in Pearl River Delta Region of China by comparison of 2015 and 2019. Although the pro-rich inequities persists, it does suggest that government policies have improved health equity over time.
Iridoid Glycosides From Morinda Officinalis F. C. How Alleviate Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Associated Bone Deterioration and Protect Against Methotrexate-induced Toxicity in Collagen-induced Arthritic Rats
Authors: Shen Yi , He Yu-qiong , Zhang Qi , Zhang Jian-hua , Liu Meng-qin , Sun Yi-qi , Sun Peng , Liu Kao-hua , Zhang Quan-long , Qin Lu-ping , Zhang Qiaoyan
Published: October 2020

Background: Morinda officinalis F.C.How (MO), also known as “Ba-Ji-Tian” in Chinese, has long been used to treat osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China, knowing that iridoid glycosides (IG) isolated from this plant possess anti-inflammatory, anti-osteoporotic and analgesic activities. The study was to evaluate the ameliorating effect of MOIG on joint swelling and bone destruction and the protective effect against MTX toxicities.Methods: The anti-arthritic activity of MOIG was investigated by clinical arthritis scoring, paw swelling inspection, as well as histological analysis in CIA rats. The anti-bone loss activity of MOIG was evaluated by bone mineral density (BMD) and bone morphometric analysis assessed by Micro-CT and biochemical parameters in serum related with bone metabolism. The serum metabolomics and NF-κB signaling pathway were used to explore and clarify the action mechanism.Results: The results showed that MOIG was able to alleviate the paw swelling and arthritic severity, and reduce the synovial tissue proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration in the CIA rats. In addition, MOIG decreased bone loss and improved the micro-structure of the bone trabecular in CIA rats through regulating bone formation and bone resorption. MOIG could also reduce effectively protect against MTX-induced damage to the liver, lung and stomach. The result of metabolomics analysis showed that MOIG was involved in the regulation of D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, and alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism. Furthermore, MOIG inhibited OC formation and differentiation through participating in LPS-induced NF-κB signaling. Conclusion: MOIG could attenuate the paw swelling and bone loss through regulation of amino acid metabolism, reduce the side effects caused by MTX, and may serve as a novel therapeutic for the management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Anlotinib Inhibits the Growth of Breast Cancer Cells by Promoting Autophagy and Apoptosis via the Akt/GSK-3α Signalling Pathway
Authors: Chen Shuyi , Zhu Ping , Wang Xue , Jin Youping , Zhi Xiuling , Yang Huanjun , Zhou Ping
Published: October 2020

Background: Anlotinib, a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has already been indicated to have significant anticancer effects on lung cancer, colon cancer and ovarian cancer in a phase II clinical trial, but its effect on breast cancer (BC) has not been adequately investigated. Methods: The proliferation activity of BC cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 with the treatment of anlotinib was tested by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and immunocytochemistry (ICC) staining. We investigated the alteration of cell cycle and apoptosis and autophagy level and the underlying mechanism in the cell lines by quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blots, ICC and TUNEL staining and flow cytometry. Further, AT-3 cells were subcutaneously injected into C57BL/6 mice, followed by anlotinib intragastrically. The extracted tumours were assessed by qRT-PCR, Western blots and immunohistochemistry.Results: We found that anlotinib suppressed the cell viability and proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines and tumour growth in BC xenografts in mice, likely due to abnormal cell cycle arrest and induction of autophagy and apoptosis. Then, we further examined the underlying mechanism of anlotinib, and the results indicated that anlotinib induced apoptosis by promoting autophagy in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells by regulating the Akt/GSK-3α pathway. The analysis of data from patients with BC collected in TCGA revealed that increased VEGFA expression was related to BC.Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that anlotinib inhibited the growth of BC cells via promoting apoptosis through autophagy mediated by Akt/GSK-3α signalling and may be an effective new drug for BC treatment.
Prediction Scores for Acute Kidney Injury following Adult Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Tian Yu , Zhao Wei , Wang Yuefu , Wang Chunrong , Diao Xiaolin , Wang Weiwei , Gao Yuchen , Wang Sudena
Published: October 2020

Background In the development of scoring systems for acute kidney injury (AKI) following cardiac surgery, previous investigations have primarily and solely attached importance to preoperative associated risk factors without any consideration for surgery-derived physiopathology. We sought to internally derive and then validate risk score systems using pre- and intraoperative variables to predict the occurrence of any-stage (stage 1-3) and stage-3 AKI within 7 days.Methods Patients undergoing cardiac surgery from Jan 1, 2012, to Jan 1, 2019, were enrolled in our retrospective study. The clinical data were divided into a derivation cohort (n= 43799) and a validation cohort (n= 14600). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to develop the prediction models.Results The overall prevalence of any-stage and stage-3 AKI after cardiac surgery was 34.3% and 1.7%, respectively. Any-stage AKI prediction-model discrimination measured by the area under the curve (AUC) was acceptable (AUC = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.69), and the prediction model calibration measured by the Hosmer-Lemshow test was good (P = 0.95). The stage-3 AKI prediction model had an AUC of 0.84 (95% CI 0.83, 0.85) and good calibration according to the Hosmer-Lemshow test (P = 0.73).Conclusions Using pre- and intraoperative data, we developed two scoring systems for any-stage AKI and stage-3 AKI in a cardiac surgery population. These scoring systems can potentially be adopted clinically in the field of AKI recognition and therapeutic intervention.
Placental maternal vascular malperfusion affecting late fetuses development and multi-organ infection caused by SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Behling J.A.K. , Zanirati G. , Rodrigues F.V.F. , Grahl M.V.C. , Krimberg F.D. , Pinzetta G. , Borém L.V.B. , Savi D. , Machado D.C. , Costa J.C. Da , Marinowic D.R.
Published: October 2020

Background: Pregnant women are susceptible to the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and the consequences on the fetus are still uncertain. Here, we present a case of a pregnant woman with subclinical hypothyroidism and PAI-1 4G/5G mutation who was infected with SARS-CoV-2 at the end of the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: nested PCR were performed to detect the virus, followed by ssDNA sequencing. Results: transplacental transmission of SARS-CoV-2 can cause placental inflammation, ischemia and neonatal viremia, with complications such as preterm labor and damage to the placental barrier in patients with PAI-1 4G/5G mutation. Conclusion: we show the possibility of transplacental transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the last weeks of pregnancy.
Technical and Economic Efficiency of Rice Production in Smallholder Farmers: The Case of Fogera District, Amhara Region, Northwestern Ethiopia.
Authors: Takele Astewel , Tesfaye Ermias , Abelieneh Assefa
Published: October 2020

In Ethiopia, rice is a recently introduced crop which is considered as the “Millennium crop” expected to hugely contribute food security. This paper seeks to measure the technical, allocative, and economic efficiency of rain-fed rice production and identify the factors that affect the efficiency of farmers in Fogera Districts of the Amhara Region. For the study, cross-sectional data were collected from a survey of 230 smallholder rice producers. The study used stochastic frontier production(SFA) and cost function to investigate the variations in the efficiency level of rice producers. The result indicated that the TE was higher as compared with the EE and AE. The average TE ranges between 24% and 93% with a mean of 70%. However, the mean of EE was 24.40 % and the AE 37.30%. Therefore, reduction of cost of production (such as improved input supply systems), warehouse facilities to keep produce and prevent the immediate sale of a product, introducing of a contract marketing system would improve the economic efficiency of the rice farming. Intervention on education and training on female-headed households, reducing family dependency, training of older farmers’ were vital to increase the EE of rice production.Similarly, improving the farmer’s education level to boost knowledge about new rice technology applications, and frequent training of farmers would enhance the TE of farmers in the study area.
Comparative Analysis of Main Clinical Features and Survival in Patients with Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma with and without Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Authors: Strahil Strashilov , Simeonova Joana Ivanova , Konsoulova Assia Andrianova , Vasileva-Slaveva Mariela Borisova , Yordanov Angel Dancev
Published: October 2020

Background Sentinel lymph node biopsy is fundamental in the treatment and prognosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma. The aim of this study is to identify differences in baseline clinical characteristics and survival of patients with melanoma with and without sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) performed. Methods In 2018, a retrospective study of 151 patients with malignant melanoma (MM) was conducted. The patients were hospitalized at the Second Clinic of University Hospital – Pleven, for the period 2012 to 2017. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A included 58 (38.4%) patients with SLNB performed; Group B included 93 (61.6%) patients who did not undergo SLNB. A double-detection method was used while performing SLNB. Results The incidence of achromatic malignant melanoma is significantly higher in patients without SLNB performed (12 or 12.9%), than in patients with SLNB performed (2 or 3.4%) – χ2 = 3.796, df = 1, p = 0.051. Of all 151 patients in the study, 46 died, representing 30.5 per 100 patients with melanoma. Mortality rate is higher in patients without SLNB (32.3% versus 27.6% in Group A). However, the differences in the two groups are not statistically significant. Conclusions Patients with achromatic melanoma have significantly fewer SLN biopsies performed because of a late diagnosis. Most of our patients are diagnosed at a later stage when lymphatic metastases are already present which leads to a significant increase in lymph node dissections performed. There is no significant difference in mortality and survival in the SLNB and non-SLNB groups.